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The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via green synthesis approach using Euporbia serpens Kunth aqueous extract. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and Furrier Transformer Infra-Red spectroscopy to justify the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs from its precursors. AgNPs characteristic absorption peak was observed at 420 nm in the UV-visible spectrum. The SEM and TEM analysis demonstrated the spherical shape of the synthesized nanoparticles with particle sizes ranging from 30 nm to 80 nm. FTIR transmission bands at 2920 cm -1 , 1639 cm -1 , 1410 cm -1 , 3290 cm -1 , and 1085 cm -1 were attributed to C-H, C=O, C-C, N-H, and C-N functional groups, respectively. XRD peaks could be attributed to (111), (200), (220), and (311) crystalline plane of the faced-centered cube (FCC) crystalline structure of the metallic silver nanoparticles. The AgNPs showed good antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria at each concentration. The particles were found to be more active against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) with 20 ± 06 mm and Salmonella typhi ( S. typhi ) with 18 ± 0.5 mm zone of inhibition in reference to standard antibiotic amoxicillin with 23 ± 0.3 mm and 20 ± 0.4 mm zone of inhibition, respectively. Moderate antifungal activities were observed against Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) and Alternaria alternata ( A. alternata ) with zone of inhibitions 16.5 mm and 15 mm, respectively, compared to the standard with 23 mm of inhibition. Insignificant antifungal inhibition of 7.5 mm was observed against Fusarium gramium ( F. gramium ). All the tested concentrations of AgNPs showed comparable % RSA with the standard reference ascorbic acid in the range sixty percent to seventy five percent. The percent motility at 3 hours postincubation showed quick response and most Tetramorium caespitum were found deceased or paralyzed. Similarly, the percent mortality showed a linear response at concentration and time. It was observed that 1  μ g/mL to 2  μ g/mL concentration of AgNPs displayed a significant cytotoxic activity against Artemia salina with LD 50 of 5.37 and 5.82, respectively., Competing Interests: The authors have declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Nisar Ahmad et al.)

Withania frutescens ( W. frutescens ) is a medicinal plant widely used to treat several diseases. This work aims to study phytochemical composition as well as acute and subacute toxicity of W. frutescens hydroethanolic extract in mice. The phytochemical composition of W. frutescens extract was performed using gas chromatographic analysis. Acute toxicity was studied in vivo with oral administration of single doses 400 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg for 14 days. Subacute toxicity was studied with the administration of repeated doses of 400 mg/kg/day and 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Phytochemical analysis of W. frutescens hydro-ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of interesting chemical compounds. Acute toxicity results showed no toxic symptoms in mice treated with an increasing dose up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg. Alongside acute toxicity, subacute data showed no clinical symptoms nor biochemical or histological alteration in mice treated with an increasing dose up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). This study shows no toxic effects in animals treated with W. frutescens extract, and, therefore, this plant can be considered safe in animals up to 2000 mg/kg under both acute and subacute toxicity conditions.

Background: Withania frutescens. L ( W. frutescens ) is a perennial woody medicinal plant belonging to family Solanaceae largely used by the indigenous population to Morocco for the treatment of disease., Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, acute, and subacute toxicity of W . frutescens extract in mice., Materials and Methods: The phytochemical composition of W . frutescens extract was determined using a gas chromatograph (GC/MS). Acute toxicity study was carried out in mice through oral administration of single doses 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg for 14 days. Subacute toxicity was performed with oral administration of repeated doses 500 and 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine), as well as histopathological changes potentially occurred in organs, (liver, kidney, and spleen) were evaluated., Results: The results of chromatographic analysis showed the richness of W . frutescens extract in interesting phytochemical compounds majorly constituted of bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylene-(C10H16). Regarding acute toxicity study, the results showed no clinical symptoms occurred in treated mice compared to the control group and no histological changes detected in analyzed organs of treated mice with dose put to 2000 mg/kg nor adverse effect on biochemical parameters., Conclusion: The outcome of this work showed no toxic effect of W . frutescens in mice up to dose 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. Therefore, this study could scientifically validate further traditional use with safety in the range of tested doses., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Abdelfattah EL Moussaoui et al.)

Background and Objectives: Elevated oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of stress and memory-related complications. Mukia madrespatana ( M. madrespatana ) has been reported to have various biological and antioxidant properties. We intended to evaluate the effect of M. madrespatana peel on single immobilization stress-induced behavioral deficits and memory changes in rats. Materials and Methods: M. madrespatana peel (2000 mg/kg/day, orally) was administered to control and immobilize stressed animals for 4 weeks. Anxiolytic, antidepressant, and memory-enhancing effects of M. madrespatana were observed in both unstressed and stressed animals. Results: Lipid peroxidation was decreased while antioxidant enzymes were increased in both unstressed and stressed animals. Acetylcholine level was increased while acetylcholinesterase activity was decreased in both M. madrespatana treated unstressed and stressed rats. There was also an improvement in memory function. Serotonin neurotransmission was also regulated in M. madrespatana treated rats following immobilization stress with anxiolytic and anti-depressive effects. Conclusion: Based on the current study, it is suggested that M. madrespatana has strong antioxidant properties and may be beneficial as dietary supplementation in stress and memory-related conditions., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Background: Diabetes is a leading health disorder and is responsible for high mortality rates across the globe. Multiple treatment protocols are being applied to overcome this morbidity and mortality including plant-based traditional medicines. This study was designed to investigate the ethnomedicinal status of plant species used to treat diabetes in District Karak, Pakistan. Materials and methods: A semi-structured survey was created to collect data about traditionally used medicinal plants for diabetes and other ailments. The convenience sampling method was applied for the selection of informants. The collected data was evaluated through quantitative tools like frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV). Results: A total of 346 local informants were selected for this research. Out of them, 135 participants were men and 211 participants were women. Overall 38 plant species belonging to 29 plant families were used to treat diabetes. The most dominant plant family was Oleaceae having 11 species. Powder form (19%) was the most recommended mode of preparation for plant-based ethnomedicines. Leaves (68%) were the most frequently used parts followed by fruit (47%). The highest RFC was recorded for Apteranthes tuberculata (0.147). The maximum FL was reported for Apteranthes tuberculata (94.4) and Zygophyllum indicum (94.11) for diabetes, skin, and wounds. Similarly, the highest UV of (1) each was found for Brassica rapa, Melia azedarach, and Calotropis procera. Based on documented data, the reported ailments were grouped into 7 categories. The ICF values range between 0.89 (diabetes) to 0.33 (Cardiovascular disorders). Conclusion: The study includes a variety of antidiabetic medicinal plants, which are used by the locals in various herbal preparations. The species Apteranthes tuberculata has been reported to be the most frequently used medicinal plant against diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that such plants be further investigated in-vitro and in-vivo to determine their anti-diabetic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral bacterial infections are difficult to treat due to emergence of resistance against antibiotic therapy. Essential oils are considered emerging alternate therapy against bacterial infections and biofilms. We investigated Citrus bergemia flower essential oil against oral pathogens. Methods: The essential oil was analsyed using Gas Chromatography(GC–MS), in silico investigations, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing assays. Results: Gas Chromatography analysis confirmed presence of 17 compounds including 1,6-Octadien-3-ol,3,7-dimethyl, 48.17%), l-limonene (22.03%) and p-menth-1-ol, 8-ol (7.31%) as major components. In silico analysis showed compliance of all tested major components with Lipinski's rule, Bioavailability and antimicrobial activity using PASS (prediction of activity spectrum of substances). Molecular docking with transcriptional regulators 3QP5, 5OE3, 4B2O and 3Q3D revealed strong interaction of all tested compounds except 1,6-Octadien-3-ol,3,7-dimethyl. All tested compounds presented significant inhibition of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (IC50 0.65 mg/mL), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) (63.5%) and high FRAP (ferrous reducing antioxidant power) value (239.01 µg). In antimicrobial screening a significant activity (MIC 0.125 mg/mL) against Bacillus paramycoides and Bacillus chungangensis was observed. Likewise a strong antibiofilm (52.1 – 69.5%) and anti-QS (quorum sensing) (4–16 mm) activity was recorded in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that C. bergemia essential oil posess strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against tested oral pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nanotechnology finds broad applications in the field of nanomedicine, an emerging new field used for diagnosis, treatment, prevention of diseases, and improvement of health. Objectives. To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Withania somnifera and Fagonia indica and to carry out their antimicrobial, insecticidal, and phytotoxic activities, a step toward the new range of nanomedicines. Methods. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from Withania somnifera and Fagonia indica by chemical reduction method, and further biological activities of these nanoparticles were compared with crude methanolic extract, prepared through cold maceration process, at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. Results. Among all tested bacterial pathogens, crude extract of W. somnifera showed a statistically high significant inhibition zone in millimeter against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21; p < 0.01). AgNPs showed highly significant result against Streptococcus pneumonia (14; p < 0.01). In comparison with crude extracts, AgNPs showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) results against S. pneumonia (AgNPs, 14; crude, 8.33 mm). Crude extract showed significant inhibition zone against two bacterial strains, P. aeruginosa (crude, 21; AgNPs, 11.67 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (crude, 11.33; AgNPs, 8 mm). Crude extracts of F. indica showed the significant activity against Vibrio cholera (p < 0.01 ; 11.33 mm). Silver nanoparticles of F. indica exhibited the highest significant activity against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum while AgNPs of W. somnifera were active only against A. flavus. Extracts of W. somnifera and F. indica showed increasing phytotoxic activity with increasing concentrations. The highest significant inhibition was obtained for crude extract (46.7) and AgNPs (45.7) of F. indica at 1000 μg/ml. Insecticidal activity of crude and AgNPs of both plants showed significant inhibition against all tested insects with increasing time intervals, and the highest significant result was obtained at 72 hours with a value of p < 0.01 except T. castaneum. Conclusions. Both crude and AgNPs showed potent activity; however, in comparison, silver nanoparticles showed slightly enhanced activity. Crude and AgNPs of both plants showed good phytotoxic and insecticidal inhibition. Antimicrobial studies of AgNPs on diseases causing pathogens open a door for new antimicrobial agents and could be the answer to antibiotic resistance after further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared using ZnCl2.2H2O as a precursor, via green route using leaf extract of Rhazya stricta as capping and reducing agent. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles were examined using UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-Vis absorption spectrum at 355 nm showed an absorption peak, which indicates the formation of ZnO NPs. The FT-IR spectra analysis was performed to identify the potential biomolecule of the as-prepared ZnO NPs. The FT-IR spectra showed peaks at 3455, 1438, 883, and 671 cm−1 in the region of 4000–500 cm−1, which indicates –OH, NH, C-H, and M-O groups, respectively. The SEM images showed aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 70–90 nm. The XRD study indicated that the ZnO NPs were crystalline in nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure and broad peaks were observed at 2 theta positions 31.8°, 34.44°, 36.29°, 47.57°, 56.61°, 67.96°, and 69.07°. The synthesized ZnO NPs were found to be good antiplasmodial with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.41 μg/mL. It is concluded from the current study that the ZnO NPs exhibited noble antiplasmodial activity, and for the improvement of antiplasmodial medications, it might be used after further in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent survey has demonstrated that traditional healers and herbalists frequently use Nelumbo nucifera plant to treat diabetes. The plant investigated here has been previously reported as natural folk medicine, but until now no scientific investigation of potential antidiabetic effects have been reported. Plant leaves of Nelumbo nucifera were screened out for quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, in-vitro anti-diabetic activity (Alpha-amylase inhibitory assay) and In-vivo anti-diabetic assay of animals (rabbits). Quantitative analysis indicates that different phytochemicals were present in plant leaves extract/fractions. In-vitro antidiabetic analysis results poses that butanol fraction is significantly more active than other fractions or extract in antihyperglycemic activity with minimum IC50 value of 8.56μg/ml. For In-vivo anti-diabetic assay, animals (rabbits) were examined and animals were divided into 10 groups and except blank group all were treated with standard and plant extracts/fractions doses (25mg and 50mg per Kg body weight) as an aqueous suspension. Their blood sugar level was thoroughly recorded with a glucometer before the administration of sample and standard drug. Alloxan Monohydrate was administrated orally (as an ice-cold water solution) at dose rate 150mg/kg body weight for one week to make animals hyperglycemic. In-vivo analysis indicates that butanol fraction is the most active fraction in antihyperglycemic activity. So Leaves of N. nucifera can be used as antidiabetic remedy. So, it is strongly recommended that N. nucifera leaves should be elucidated further for isolation of active phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Caralluma europaea (C. europaea) is a medicinal plant used in Moroccan popular medicine. Objective of the Study. The present work was aimed at identifying the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of hydroethanolic and bioactive compound classes of C. europaea. Materials and Methods. The chemical composition was analyzed using HPLC. The antioxidant power was determined using both DPPH and FRAP assays. The antiproliferative activity was effectuated against cancerous cells using WST-1. Results. The chemical analysis showed the presence of bioactive constituents such as quercetin, myricetin, and hesperetin. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents were estimated at 51.42 mg GA/g and 20.06 mg EQ/g, respectively. The EC50 values of FRAP assay of hydroethanolic, flavonoid, saponin, and mucilage extracts were 5.196 mg/ml, 4.537 mg/ml, 3.05 mg/ml, and 6.02 mg/ml, respectively. The obtained IC50 values with the DPPH test were 1.628 mg/ml, 1.05 mg/ml, 1.94 mg/ml, and 9.674 mg/ml, respectively. Regarding MDA-MB-231, saponins were highly effective even with the lowest concentration (15.62 μg/ml). The flavonoids decreased the cell viability with IC50 values of 43.62 ± 0.06 μg/ml, whereas the hydroethanolic extract and mucilages were ineffective. Saponins were also effective against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 4.195 ± 0.025 μg/ml. Conclusion. The present results suggest that C. europaea may have considerable potential for the development of effective natural anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing an aqueous plant extract has emerged as a viable eco-friendly method. The aim of the study was to synthesize AgNPs by using plant extract of Sanvitalia procumbens (creeping zinnia) in which the phytochemicals present in plant extract act as a stabilizing and reducing agent. For the stability of the synthesized AgNPs, different parameters like AgNO3 concentration, volume ratios of AgNO3, temperature, pH, and contact time were studied. Further, AgNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer) analysis. FT-IR analysis showed that the plant extract contained essential functional groups like O–H stretching of carboxylic acid, N–H stretching of secondary amides, and C–N stretching of aromatic amines, and C–O indicates the vibration of alcohol, ester, and carboxylic acid that facilitated in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The crystalline nature of synthesized AgNPs was confirmed by XRD, while the elemental composition of AgNPs was detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). SEM studies showed the mean particle diameter of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs were used for photocatalytic degradation of Orange G and Direct blue-15 (OG and DB-15), which were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Maximum degradation percentage of OG and DB-15 azo dyes was observed, without any significant silver leaching, thereby signifying notable photocatalytic properties of AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]