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Since ancient times, plants have been used as green bioresources to ensure a healthier life by recovering from different diseases. Kattosh (Lasia spinosa L. Thwaites) is a local plant with various traditional uses, especially for arthritis, constipation and coughs. This research investigated the effect of Kattosh stem extract (LSES) on streptozotocin-induced damage to the pancreas, kidney, and liver using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods. In vitro phytochemical, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of LSES were accomplished by established methods followed by antidiabetic actions in in vivo randomized controlled intervention in STZ-induced animal models for four weeks. In an in silico study, LSES phytocompounds interacted with antidiabetic receptors of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR, PDB ID: 3G9E), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, PDB ID: 4CFH) and α-amylase enzyme (PDB ID: 1PPI) to verify the in vivo results. In addition, LSES showed promising in vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, it showed a decrease in weekly blood glucose level, normalized lipid profile, ameliorated liver and cardiac markers, managed serum AST and ALT levels, and increased glucose tolerance ability in the animal model study. Restoration of pancreatic and kidney damage was reflected by improving histopathological images. In ligand-receptor interaction, ethyl α-d-glucopyranoside of Kattosh showed the highest affinity for the α-amylase enzyme, PPAR, and AMPK receptors. Results demonstrate that the affinity of Kattosh phytocompounds potentially attenuates pancreatic and kidney lesions and could be approached as an alternative antidiabetic source with further clarification.

Background and objective This research investigated the functional food potential of L. spinosa through nutritional and phytochemical evaluation. Material and methods Different solvent-extracts of L. spinosa extracts were GC–MS- analyzed, evaluated for antioxidative and nutritional status especially carbohydrates, polysaccharides, fat, protein, beta carotene, and lycopene contents. Minerals (Fe, Cu, Ca, Cr), and heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb, Cr) contents were also measured followed by acute toxicity in animal model. Results GC–MS characterized compounds greatly differed based on seven different solvent-extracts. Promising antioxidative effects and nutritional values were recorded for at least five solvent-extracts. Worthy contents of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, β-carotene, lycopene, fat, protein and minerals were detected in the L. spinosa. Heavy metals contents (As, Cd, Pb, Cr) in L. spinosa extract was lower than detection limit. Conclusion Data demonstrate that L. spinosa stem and leaf could be potential source of functional food accredited with well-balanced nutrients and antioxidant properties.

The health professionals require scientific knowledge to advise their patients on complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Previously, several studies were conducted regarding the CAM perception, attitude and use on health care professionals only; in contrast, our study encompasses both students of health care professionals and other disciplines. The aim of this study was to compare the attitudes and perception about CAM practices between students of biological sciences (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Botany) and health care professionals (Pharmacy and medical students) in public and private universities located in the southeastern region in Bangladesh. The questionnaire-based study conducted on 332 systematically sampled students (four private and one public universities) located in the southeastern region in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July, 2018. All students showed a positive attitude towards CAM use. Herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional supplements followed by hypnosis, massage, spiritual healing, and meditation were the most commonly known and used CAM modalities. Most of the students (40.7%) believed that the integration of CAM and conventional medicine should be essential in health care setting. The major obstacles for CAM use are patient interest (48.2%) and lack of physician interest (43.4%). In addition, 36.7% students believed that CAM practices should be included in their school’s curriculum. Moreover, 39.5% students assumed that CAM knowledge is important to their daily life. Biological sciences and healthcare professional students of Bangladesh showed positive perception on CAM uses. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 24(2): 159-167, 2021

Blumea lacera is an edible plant with imperative medicinal values. However, the anxiolytic and antidepressant roles of B. lacera have not been well‐explained. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the impending bioactive metabolites and roles of B. lacera methanol leaf extract (Me‐BLL) in attenuating anxiety and depression through several experimental and computer‐aided approaches. The chemical characterization of Me‐BLL was performed through standard phytochemical and GC‐MS analyses. To explore the neuropharmacological insights, Swiss albino mice were treated with Me‐BLL at doses of 200–400 mg/kg, p.o. The anxiolytic effects were observed employing elevated plus maze (EPM), light–dark box (LDB), and hole‐board (HBT) tests, while antidepressant effects were evaluated using forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine HCl (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as the reference standard. The phytochemical analyses revealed several bioactive metabolites, including higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated an increased time spent in open arms and light box, and the HBT showed an increased number of head dipping, indicating the anxiolytic effects of Me‐BLL. The TST and FST revealed a decrease in immobility time, meaning the persuasive antidepressant effects. The antioxidative effects of Me‐BLL have also been observed prominently. Correspondingly, the computer‐aided investigation confirmed several bioactive lead molecules. Specifically, thymol and cuminol revealed potential anxiolytic and antioxidant effects, while stigmast‐5‐en‐3.beta.‐ol and gamma‐sitosterol possessed promising antidepressant effects. Taken these results as a base, the plant has imperative potentials in managing anxiety and depression‐like disorders., Chemical analysis revealed wide range of bioactive metabolites including phenolics and flavonoids in Me‐BLL. Me‐BLL produced promising anxiolytic effects in EPM, LDB, and HBT in experimental rodents. Me‐BLL revealed significant reduction of immobility time in FST and TST. Lead molecules like cuminol, thymol, and γ‐sitosterol revealed potentials in computer‐aided model.

In the present study, the aerial parts of Achyranthes ferruginea underwent investigation of their in vitro antioxidant and free radical‐scavenging activities in cell‐free conditions, their phytoconstituents using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and their cytotoxic activity in HeLa cells. A. ferruginea was extracted with 80% methanol and successively fractionated with solvents to yield petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AQF) fractions. GC‐MS analysis revealed that CHF contained ten phytoconstituents, including different forms of octadecanoic acid methyl esters. The total antioxidant and ferric‐reducing antioxidant capacities of the extracts and the standard catechin (CA) were as follows: CA >CHF >PEF >CME (crude methanolic extract) >EAF >AQF, and CA >CHF >EAF >PEF >AQF >CME, respectively. CHF showed the highest DPPH‐free radical‐scavenging activity, with a median inhibitory concentration of 10.5 ± 0.28 µg/ml, which was slightly higher than that of the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (12.0 ± 0.09 µg/ml). In the hydroxyl radical‐scavenging assay, CHF showed identical scavenging activity (9.25 ± 0.73 µg/ml) when compared to CA (10.50 ± 1.06 µg/ml). Moreover, CHF showed strong cytotoxic activity (19.95 ± 1.18 µg/ml) in HeLa cells, which was alike to that of the standards vincristine sulfate and 5‐fluorouracil (15.84 ± 1.64 µg/ml and 12.59 ± 1.75 µg/ml, respectively). The in silico study revealed that identified compounds were significantly linked to the targets of various cancer cells and oxidative enzymes. However, online prediction by SwissADME, admetSAR, and PASS showed that it has drug‐like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological actions., In this study, we found that the CHF of A. ferruginea has strong antioxidant and cytotoxic properties in different cell lines. GC‐MS quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that CHF contains 10 compounds which has known cytotoxic activity. Therefore, the obtained biological activity of A. ferruginea supports its use as a traditional medicine against different illnesses, and the plant can be considered a potential candidate for treating cancer.

The Water-Soluble Extract (WSE) is a crude bioactive phytoconstituent of Nigella sativa (L.) seeds discovered recently. The current findings report about the thrombolytic and cytotoxic effects of WSE using human blood clot lysis and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay. The thrombolytic effect of WSE (1,666.67 µg/mL) was determined via the clot and lysate weight measurements compared to streptokinase (STK) of 30,000 IU/mL and normal saline (NS) while the cytotoxicity of WSE (44.14-2,000 µg/mL) against vincristine sulfate (VCS;3.125-100 µg/mL). WSE has shown extremely statistically significant (p

Objective This study investigated how a chemical-induced analgesia and inflammation could be managed by hot methanol extract of Leea macrophylla (Roxb.) root (LM). Methods Nature of secondary metabolites and the phytochemicals was studied by the established qualitative tests and GC-MS analysis. The analgesic potential was tested by acetic acid-induced writhing model, formalin test and tail immersion model. In contrast, carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema models were applied to estimate the impact on inflammatogenic agents in Wistar albino rats. Results The LM was found to contain cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and triterpenoids. A list of about thirty compounds from the GC-MS study of LM has been recorded. The LM significantly (p Conclusion Results demonstrated that L. macrophylla (Roxb.) root extract could be very potential source of therapeutic formulation in pain and inflammation with further clarification.

Background Curculigo recurvata (C. recurvata) is an enthnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the in vivo and in silico anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal effects of a C. recurvate rhizome methanol extract (Me‐RCR). Methods The analgesic effects of Me‐RCR were assessed using acetic acid‐induced writhing and the formalin‐induced flicking test. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally (IP) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw). Anti‐diarrheal activity was evaluated by assessing intestinal motility, hypersecretion, and fecal score in mice at oral doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw. Computer facilitated analyses for anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal activities of three isolated compounds from C. recurvata were undertaken to identify the best‐fit phytoconstituents. Results The Me‐RCR showed significant (P

Medicinally important plant-foods offer a balanced immune function, which is essential for protecting the body against antigenic invasion, mainly by microorganisms. Immunomodulators play pivotal roles in supporting immune function either suppressing or stimulating the immune system's response to invading pathogens. Among different immunomodulators, plant-based secondary metabolites have emerged as high potential not only for immune defense but also for cellular immunoresponsiveness. These natural immunomodulators can be developed into safer alternatives to the clinically used immunosuppressants and immunostimulant cytotoxic drugs which possess serious side effects. Many plants of different species have been reported to possess strong immunomodulating properties. The immunomodulatory effects of plant extracts and their bioactive metabolites have been suggested due to their diverse mechanisms of modulation of the complex immune system and their multifarious molecular targets. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and polyphenols have been reported as responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of several medicinal plants. This review illustrates the potent immunomodulatory effects of 65 plant secondary metabolites, including dietary compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action on cellular and humoral immune functions in in vitro and in vivo studies. The clinical potential of some of the compounds to be used for various immune-related disorders is highlighted.

The genus

Orchids are basically ornamental, and biological functions are seldom evaluated. This research investigated the effects of Acampe ochracea methanol extract (AOME) in ameliorating the paracetamol (PCM) induced liver injury in Wistar albino rats, evaluating its phytochemical status through UPLC-qTOF-MS analysis. With molecular docking and network pharmacology, virtual screening verified the inevitable interactions between the UPLC-qTOF-MS-characterized compounds and hepatoprotective drug receptors. The AOME has explicit a dose-dependent decrease of liver enzymes acid phosphatase (ACP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin, as well as an increase of serum total protein and antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH) with a virtual normalization (p

Palm grass (Curculigo recurvata) is an ethnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of a methanol extract of C. recurvata rhizome (Me-RCR) through different approaches. The antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of Me-RCR were assessed by using elevated plus maze (EPM), hole-board (HBT), tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming (FST) tests in Swiss Albino mice. The in-depth antioxidative potential of Me-RCR was also evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing power capacity, total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and antioxidant content analysis. Computational investigations were performed using computer-aided methods for screening the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidative activities of the selected lead molecules. Treatment with Me-RCR (200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.) notably increased the number of open arm entries and the time spent in the EPM test. In the HBT, Me-RCR exhibited significant anxiolytic activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg, whereas similar activity was observed at 400 mg/kg in the EPM test. Me-RCR significantly decreased the immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in both TST and FST. The IC50 for DPPH and reducing power capacity assay were found to be 18.56 and 193 μg/mL, respectively. Promising outcomes were noted for the determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and antioxidant capacity. In the case of computer-aided studies, nyasicoside showed promising binding energy for antidepressant and anxiolytic activities, whereas isocurculigine demonstrated promising effects as an antioxidant. Overall, these findings suggest that Me-RCR could be a favourable therapeutic candidate for the treatment of mental and psychiatric disorders, as well as a good source of antioxidants., Graphical abstract Image 1, Curculigo recurvata; Nyasicoside; Antidepressant; Anxiolytic; Antioxidant.

Aim/Objectives: Oxidative stress (OS) caused by the accumulation of free radicals in the body triggers many life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Plants are the rich source of safe and effective medicinal compounds like antioxidants that can prevent OS by scavenging free radicals. The aim of this study was to explore the chemical compositions of the methanolic extract of Leea aequata L. leaves possessed the highest antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.Methods and Materials: The Leea aequata leaves (LAL) was extracted with 80% methanol and the crude methanolic extract of LAL (CME) was successively fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and finally with water to get petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous (AQF) fraction, respectively. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the in vitro standard spectrophotometric methods. The MTT colorimetric method was used to measure cytotoxic activity. Apoptosis was measured using fluorescein annexin V-FITC/PI staining method. GC-MS was used to investigate phytochemical compositions.Results: Among the fractions, the highest phenolic and flavonoid-rich fraction was EAF, which contained 267.05± 8.53 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 152.98±1.96 mg of catechin equivalent (CAE)/gm of dried extract, respectively. The EAF was found to be the highest antioxidant and reducing power activities. Also, EAF had the strongest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 5.11, 36.54 and 38.96 µg/mL for DPPH, hydroxyl and lipid peroxide free radicals, respectively. Moreover, EAF significantly reduced the HeLa cell proliferation and it was due to the induction of apoptosis of HeLa cells. Furthermore, GC-MS data revealed that EAF contained 17 compounds. Methyl esters of long chain fatty acid were the major chemical constituents. Interestingly, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (Z, Z) and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) are known to be antioxidant and cytotoxic. Antioxidant and anti-cancer activity were significantly correlated with the total content of phenolics and flavonoids, suggest that the fractions could be the good source of antioxidant and anti-cancer agents.Conclusion: The EAF of Leea aequata has strong polyphenolic content compared to the other fractions. The cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of Leea aequata were due to the presence of different bioactive compounds.

The methanolic extract of Duabanga grandiflora (Roxb. ex DC.) Walpers leaves was investigated to explore in-vitro anti-arthritic, thrombolytic and antioxidant potential and subsequent detection of preliminary phytochemicals. It is used for treating various diseases by folk practitioners and rural people. Initially, BSA protein denaturation method was employed to evaluate in-vitro anti-arthritic potency, where the extract exhibited potent anti-arthritic activity with 73.52±1.01% inhibition of BSA denaturation at a dose of 1000 μg/ml compared to the standard dichlofenac sodium (83.66±1.03% inhibition at 1000 μg/ml dose). In-vitro thrombolytic efficacy was determined using streptokinase (positive control) and water (negative control), and the average lysis of blood clot was found to be 31.12±1.09%, which is indicative towards the thrombolytic effect of the extract. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH radical scavenging method followed by the total phenolic and flavonoid content determination. The crude methanolic extract revealed the IC50 value of 129.31μg/ml and 204.89μg/ml against DPPH and standard ascorbic acid, respectively. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the plant leaves were observed to be 52.81±1.74μg/ml and 25.77±1.01μg/ml, respectively. The results indicate that the leaves of D. grandiflora possess favorable anti-arthritic activity, moderate thrombolytic and excellent antioxidant activity, which is demonstrating the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and many other biologically important phyto-constituents that needs further exploration. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 23(1): 54-60, 2020

Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. is traditionally used to treat several diseases, including leprosy, wound healing, gonorrhea, rheumatism, anemia, diarrhea and ulcer. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanolic extract of Xylia xylocarpa leaves (MEXX) via in vitro, in vivo as well as in silico models. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined by human red blood cell membrane stabilization study and protein denaturation while in vivo anti-nociceptive activity was examined by the acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAWT) and formalin-induced paw licking test (FIPLT). Additionally, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid was an identified compound of MEXX which was subjected to molecular docking analysis followed by ADME/T and toxicity analysis. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that MEXX was enriched with carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, tannins and showed significant total phenolic (1222.66 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g dried extract) and flavonoids contents (325.33 ± 1.76 mg QE/g dried extract) in quantitative phytochemical screening. Inflammatory studies unveiled that; MEXX significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the hemolysis of membrane and protein at different concentrations (31.25 - 1000 μg/mL). The extract also displayed statistically significant analgesic responses in the acetic acid and formalin-induced test at several doses (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w). In AAWT, the extract exhibited 13.67 and 51.37 % inhibition of writhing at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. In formalin-induced paw licking test, the early phase pain inhibition was 54.64 % at the concentration of 400 mg/kg while during the latter phase at 400 mg/kg, the inhibition of pain was 43.82 %. According to molecular docking analysis, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid demonstrated a promising docking score against PDE4, COX-1, and COX-2 along with satisfied pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Finally, from the results it could be concluded that MEXX has potential anti-inflammatory and an-nociceptive effects that should require further investigation. HIGHLIGHTS Xylia xylocarpa minimizes the inflamation and pain Xylia xylocarpa showed significant analgesic activity Xylia xylocarpa revealed polyphenolic compounds including phenol, and flavonoid In in silico, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid possessed significant analgesic activity against COX-1 and COX-2 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Tabebuia pallida (Lindl.) Miers (T. pallida) is a well-known native Caribbean medicinal plant. The leaves and barks of T. pallida are used as traditional medicine in the form of herbal or medicinal tea to manage cancer, fever, and pain. Moreover, extracts from the leaves of T. pallida showed anticancer activity. However, the chemical profile and mechanism of anticancer activity of T. pallida leaves (TPL), stem bark (TPSB), root bark (TPRB) and flowers (TPF) remain unexplored. Aim of the study: The present study was designed to explore the regulation of apoptosis by T. pallida using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cultured cells and an EAC mouse model. LC-ESI-MS/MS was used for compositional analysis of T. pallida extracts. Materials and methods: Dried and powdered TPL, TPSB, TPRB and TPF were extracted with 80% methanol. Using cultured EAC cells and EAC-bearing mice with and without these extracts, anticancer activities were studied by assessing cytotoxicity and tumor cell growth inhibition, changes in life span of mice, and hematological and biochemical parameters. Apoptosis was analyzed by microscopy and expression of selected apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NFκ-B, PARP-1, p53, Bax, caspase-3 and -8) using RT-PCR. LC-ESI-MS analysis was performed to identify the major compounds from active extracts. Computer aided analyses was undertaken to sort out the best-fit phytoconstituent of total ten isolated compounds of this plant for antioxidant and anticancer activity. Results: In EAC mice compared with untreated controls, the TPL extract exhibited the highest cancer cell toxicity with significant tumor cell growth inhibition (p < 0.001), reduced ascites by body weight (p < 0.01), increased the life span (p < 0.001), normalized blood parameters (RBC/WBC counts), and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. TPL-treated EAC cells showed increased apoptotic characteristics of membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, and caspase-3 activation, compared with untreated EAC cells. Moreover, annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide signals were greatly enhanced in response to TPL treatment, indicating apoptosis induction. Pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling after TPL treatment demonstrated up-regulated p53, Bax and PARP-1, and down-regulated NFκ-B, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression, suggesting that TPL shifts the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes towards cell death. LC-ESI-MS data of TPL showed a mixture of glycosides, lapachol, and quercetin antioxidant and its derivatives that were significantly linked to cancer cell targets. The compound, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside was found to be most effective in computer aided models. Conclusions: In conclusion, the TPL extract of T. pallida possesses significant anticancer activity. The tumor suppressive mechanism is due to apoptosis induced by activation of antioxidant enzymes and caspases and mediated by a change in the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that promotes cell death.

The use of conventional drugs to treat metabolic disorders and the pathological consequences of diabetes further increases the complications because of the side effects, and is sometimes burdensome due to relatively higher costs and occasionally painful route of administration of these drugs. Therefore, shifting to herbal medicine may be more effective, economical, have fewer side effects and might have minimal toxicity. The present review amasses a list of ethnomedicinal plants of 143 species belonging to 61 families, from distinctive domestic survey literature, reported to have been used to treat diabetes by the ethnic and local people of Bangladesh. Leaves of the medicinal plants were found leading in terms of their use, followed by fruits, whole plants, roots, seeds, bark, stems, flowers, and rhizomes. This review provides starting information leading to the search for and use of indigenous botanical resources to discover bioactive compounds for novel hypoglycemic drug development.

Targeting apoptosis is a promising approach to inhibit the abnormal cell proliferation of cancer progression. Existing anti-apoptotic drugs, many derived from chemical substances, have often failed to combat cancer development and progression. Therefore, identification of apoptosis-inducing anticancer agents from plant-derived sources has become a key aim in cancer research. The present study was designed to explore the regulation of apoptosis by Tabebuia pallida (T. pallida) using an Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) mouse model and compositional analysis by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Dried and powdered T. pallida leaves (TPL), stem bark (TPSB), root bark (TPRB) and flowers (TPF) were extracted with 80% methanol. Using cultured EAC cells and EAC-bearing mice with and without these extracts, anticancer activities were studied by assessing cytotoxicity and tumor cell growth inhibition, changes in life span of mice, and hematological and biochemical parameters. Apoptosis was analyzed by microscopy and expression of selected apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NFκ-B, PARP-1, p53, Bax, caspase-3 and -8) using RT-PCR. LC-ESI-MS analysis was performed to identify the major compounds from the most active extracts. In EAC mice compared with untreated controls, the TPL extract exhibited the highest cytotoxicity with significant tumor cell growth inhibition (p< 0.001), reduced ascites by body weight (p< 0.01), increased the life span (pT. pallida possesses significant anticancer activity. The tumor suppressive mechanism is due to apoptosis induced by activation of antioxidant enzymes and caspases and mediated by a change in the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that promotes cell death.Graphical Abstract

Background Dietary supplements (DS) are products that improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and reduce the risk of disease. Evidence indicates a rising prevalence of the use of these products worldwide especially among the age group 18–23 years. Aim The study investigates the tendencies and attitudes of Bangladeshi undergraduate female students towards dietary supplements (DS). Methods A three-month (March 2018-May 2018) cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted in undergraduate female students in Chittagong, Bangladesh using a pre-validated dietary supplement questionnaire. The study was carried among the four private and three public university students of different disciplines in Chittagong to record their prevalent opinions and attitudes toward using DS. The results were documented and analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Results Ninety two percent (N = 925, 92.0%) of the respondents answered the survey questions. The prevalence of DS use was high in undergraduate female students. The respondents cited general health and well-being (n = 102, 11.0%) and physician recommendation (n = 101, 10.9%) as a reason for DS use. Majority of the students (n = 817, 88.3%) used DS cost monthly between USD 0.12 and USD 5.90. Most of the students (n = 749, 81.0%) agreed on the beneficial effect of DS and a significant portion (n = 493, 53.3%) recommended for a regular use of DS. Highly prevalent use of dietary supplements appeared in Chittagonian undergraduate female students. They were tremendously positive in using DS. The results demonstrate an increasing trend of using DS by the undergraduate females for both nutritional improvement and amelioration from diseases. Conclusion Dietary supplements prevalence was so much higher in students of private universities as compared to students of public universities. Likewise, maximal prevalence is indicated in pharmacy department compared to other departments. Students preferred brand products, had positive opinions and attitudes towards dietary supplements.

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified from China in December 2019 and spread rapidly through human-to-human transmission, affecting so many people worldwide. Until now, there has been no specific treatment against the disease and repurposing of the drug. Our investigation aimed to screen potential inhibitors against coronavirus for the repurposing of drugs. Our study analyzed sequence comparison among SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV to determine the identity matrix using discovery studio. SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was targeted to generate an E-pharmacophore hypothesis to screen drugs from the DrugBank database having similar features. Promising drugs were used for docking-based virtual screening at several precisions. Best hits from virtual screening were subjected to MM/GBSA analysis to evaluate binding free energy, followed by the analysis of binding interactions. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics simulation approaches were carried out to assess the docked complex&rsquo, s conformational stability. A total of 33 drug classes were found from virtual screening based on their docking scores. Among them, seven potential drugs with several anticancer, antibiotic, and immunometabolic categories were screened and showed promising MM/GBSA scores. During interaction analysis, these drugs exhibited different types of hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions with amino acid residue. Besides, 17 experimental drugs selected from virtual screening might be crucial for drug discovery against COVID-19. The RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Rg, and MM/PBSA descriptors from molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the complex&rsquo, s firm nature. Seven promising drugs for repurposing against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), namely sapanisertib, ornidazole, napabucasin, lenalidomide, daniquidone, indoximod, and salicylamide, could be vital for the treatment of COVID-19. However, extensive in vivo and in vitro studies are required to evaluate the mentioned drug&rsquo, s activity.

In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of the Pleurotus highking mushroom on the human triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937 and attempted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The antiproliferative effects of P. highking purified fraction-III (PEF-III) were investigated using colony formation and MTS assays. The antimigratory effects of PEF-III were determined by wound healing, transwell migration, and matrigel cell invasion assays. The protein expression levels were evaluated using Western blot analysis. The effect of PEF-III on tumor-sphere formation was examined in a 3D sphere-forming medium, and the mRNA expressions of proliferation- and migration-related genes in the cells from the tumor spheres were determined using RT-qPCR. PEF-III treatment caused a potent and concentration-dependent decrease in the numbers of colonies and viable cells. It also remarkably suppressed the migratory ability of the cells. Mechanistically, PEF-III treatment reduced the expression of pAkt, matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), and vimentin. Furthermore, PEF-III reduced the number and size of the tumor spheres in the 3D culture system. It also significantly reduced the mRNA expression of Ki-67, MMP-9, and vimentin in the PEF-III-treated tumor-sphere cells. PEF-III exerted promising antiproliferative and antimigratory effects in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines by suppressing Akt signaling. Therefore, P. highking mushrooms may be considered a potential source for the development of potent anticancer drug(s) for the treatment of breast cancer.

Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC. is described as a valuable medicinal plant in various popular systems of medicine. The aim of the experiment reports the in vivo antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Blumea lacera (MEBLL) and in silico studies of bioactive constituents of MEBLL. In this study, fasted Long-Evans rat treated with 80 % ethanol (0.5 mL) to induce gastric ulcer, were pretreated orally with MEBLL at different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o., b.w) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o.) and distilled water were used as a reference drug and normal control respectively. In silico activity against gastric H+-K+ATPase enzyme was also studied. The findings demonstrated that the treatment with MEBLL attenuated markedly ulcer and protected the integrity of the gastric mucosa by preventing the mucosal ulceration altered biochemical parameters of gastric juice such total carbohydrate, total protein and pepsin activity. Additionally, the experimental groups significantly (p

BackgroundAlbizia richardianabelongs Fabaceae family which different parts like fruits, flowers, barks, and roots are used medicinally. The study reports the in vitro anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract ofA. richardianastem and its different fractions.MethodThe methanolic extract ofA. richardianastem (MEAR) extracted with n-hexane (HXFAR), carbon tetrachloride (CTFAR), chloroform (CFAR), and aqueous (AQFAR) and subjected for DPPH scavenging activity and total phenol content (TPC). The cytotoxic activity evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay, while the disk diffusion method used for the antimicrobial study. The anti-inflammatory and thrombolytic activities of the extracts evaluated by the hypotonic solution induced hemolysis, heat-induced hemolysis and human blood clot lysis, respectively.ResultsAll the extracts exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in the DPPH scavenging assay and maximum total phenol content observed by HXFAR. Secondly, the extract showed a moderate LC50value in brine shrimp lethality bioassay, where the CTFAR extract exhibited potential antimicrobial activities against sixteen different microorganisms. In anti-inflammatory, all the extract exhibited a significant (P P ConclusionAll the fractions revealed the significant free radical scavenging activity. Moreover, CTFAR showed wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Thus, the results of the present study provided scientific evidence for the use ofAlbizia richardianaas traditional medicine.

Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham. is commonly used in folk medicine against various disorders. The present study investigated the antidepressant and cytotoxicity activity of methanol extract of C. pectinata (MECP) along with quantitative phytochemical analysis by GC-MS method. Here, the GC-MS study of MECP presented 41 compounds, among which most were fatty acids, esters, terpenoids and oximes. The antidepressant activity was assessed by the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) models. In contrast, MECP (200 and 400 mg/kg) exhibited a significant and dose-dependent manner reduction in immobility comparable with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and phenelzine (20 mg/kg). MECP showed a weak toxicity level in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay (ED50: 358.65 &micro, g/mL) comparable to the standard drug vincristine sulfate (ED50: 2.39 &micro, g/mL). Three compounds from the GC-MS study were subjected to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, where only cyclopentadecanone oxime showed positive and negative active binding sites. Cyclopentadecanone oxime also showed a good binding interaction in suppressing depression disorders by blocking monoamine oxidase and serotonin receptors with better pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Overall, the MECP exhibited a significant antidepressant activity with moderate toxicity, which required further advance studies to identify the mechanism.

The present study explores the neuropharmacological, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, thrombolytic and cytotoxic activity of methanol extract of Psychotria calocarpa leaves (MEPC). In anxiolytic activity testing of MEPC by elevated plus maze test, hole&ndash, board test and light&ndash, dark test, the extract exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of anxiety while the open field test observed a decreased locomotion. The administration of MEPC revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction of depressant behavior in forced swimming and tail suspension test. Additionally, the antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activity exposed a significant reduction of nociception and diarrheal behavior at the highest dose. In addition, a strong antioxidant activity was observed in DPPH-free radical-scavenging assay (IC50 = 461.05 &mu, g/mL), total phenol content (118.31 &plusmn, 1.12 mg) and total flavonoid content (100.85 &plusmn, 0.97 mg). The significant clot&ndash, lysis activity was also observed with moderate toxicity (LC50 = 247.92 &mu, g/mL) level in the lethality assay of brine shrimp. Moreover, in silico molecular docking study showed that the compound Psychotriasine could offer promising active site interactions for binding proteins. Furthermore, ADME/T and toxicological properties of the compound satisfied the Lipinski&rsquo, s rule of five and Veber rules for drug-like potential and toxicity level. Overall, MEPC had a potential neuropharmacological, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activity that warranted further investigation.

The present study explores the neuropharmacological, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, thrombolytic and cytotoxic activity of methanol extract of Psychotria calocarpa leaves (MEPC). In anxiolytic activity testing of MEPC by elevated plus maze test, hole–board test and light–dark test, the extract exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of anxiety while the open field test observed a decreased locomotion. The administration of MEPC revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction of depressant behavior in forced swimming and tail suspension test. Additionally, the antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activity exposed a significant reduction of nociception and diarrheal behavior at the highest dose. In addition, a strong antioxidant activity was observed in DPPH-free radical-scavenging assay (IC50 = 461.05 μg/mL), total phenol content (118.31 ± 1.12 mg) and total flavonoid content (100.85 ± 0.97 mg). The significant clot–lysis activity was also observed with moderate toxicity (LC50 = 247.92 μg/mL) level in the lethality assay of brine shrimp. Moreover, in silico molecular docking study showed that the compound Psychotriasine could offer promising active site interactions for binding proteins. Furthermore, ADME/T and toxicological properties of the compound satisfied the Lipinski’s rule of five and Veber rules for drug-like potential and toxicity level. Overall, MEPC had a potential neuropharmacological, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activity that warranted further investigation.

Holigarna caustica (Dennst.), a popular plant used in folk medicine in Bangladesh, is often used by the local folk practitioner to treat a variety of chronic diseases. The present research is an attempt to find out an innovative therapeutic prospect for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders. The methanol extract of H. caustica leaves (MEHC) were utilized on various behavioral tests for assessing anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The antioxidant potentials and quantitative phytochemicals were evaluated through spectrophotometric methods. Results revealed that treatment of MEHC (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced anxiety like behaviors in mice, particularly, 400 mg/kg efficiently improved % of entries and time spent (p &lt, 0.05) in the open arms in elevated plus maze test, whereas, superior head dipping tendency (p &lt, 0.05) was observed in hole-board test. In contrast, mice treated with 200 mg/kg revealed better anxiolytic effect in both open field and hole-cross tests. During antidepressant evaluation, mice administrated with MEHC exhibited active behaviors (swimming and struggling) in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. In parallel, MEHC manifested a noteworthy (p &lt, 0.001) suppression of inflammatory response induced by histamine. The MEHC also showed strong antioxidant activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) (IC50: 57.64 &mu, g/mL) scavenging, H2O2 (IC50: 51.60 &mu, g/mL) scavenging, and ferric reducing power assay. The levels of total phenol, flavonoid, flavonol, condensed tannin, and antioxidant were estimated as higher in MEHC. Moreover, 11 compounds were documented as bioactive, displayed good binding affinities to potassium channel receptor, human serotonin receptor, cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and 2), and xanthine oxidoreductase enzyme targets in molecular docking experiments. Furthermore, ADME/T and Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) analyses exposed their drug-likeness, nontoxic upon consumption, and likely pharmacological actions. Overall, the H. caustica is potentially bioactive as evident by in vivo, in vitro, and computational analysis. Our findings support the folkloric value of this plant, which may provide a potential source towards developing drug leads.

Supplemental material, 3._Supplementary_Figures_and_Tables_R2_EDITS for Pleurotus highking mushrooms potentiate antiproliferative and antimigratory activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells by suppressing Akt signaling by Md. Anwarul Haque, A. S. M. Ali Reza, Mst. Samima Nasrin and Md. Atiar Rahman in Integrative Cancer Therapies

Syzygium fruticosum (SF), a valuable Bangladeshi fruit, is considered an alternative therapeutic agent. Mainly, seeds are used as nutritional phytotherapy to ease physical and mental status by preventing chronic diseases. Here, we scrutinized theS. fruticosum seed’s fundamental importance in traditional medicine by following an integrated approach combining in vivo, in vitro,and in silico studies. The SF was fractionated with different solvents, and the ethyl acetate fraction of SF (EaF-SF) was further studied. Mice treated with EaF-SF (200 and 400 mg/kg) manifested anxiolysis evidenced by higher exploration in elevated plus maze and hole board tests. Similarly, a dose-dependent drop of immobility time in a forced swimming test ensured significant anti-depressant activity. Moreover, higher dose treatment exposed reduced exploratory behaviour resembling decreased movement and prolonged sleeping latency with a quick onset of sleepduring the open field and thiopental-induced sleeping tests, respectively. Inparallel, EaF-SF significantly (p &lt, 0.001) and dose-dependently suppressed aceticacid and formalin-induced pain in mice. Also, a noteworthy anti-inflammatoryactivity and a substantial (p &lt, 0.01) clot lysis activity (thrombolytic) was observed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis resulted in 49 bioactive compounds. Among them, 12 bioactive compounds with Lipinski’s rule and safety confirmation showed strong bindingaffinity (molecular docking) against the receptors of each model used. Toconclude, the S. fruticosum seed isa prospective source of health-promotingeffects that can be an excellent candidate for preventing degenerative diseases.

The current study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the phytochemical components of Cycas pectinata methanol extract (MECP), along with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, locomotor, anxiolytic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and the total phenol and total flavonoid contents, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by a protein denaturation assay. The in vivo locomotor effects were examined using the open field test and hole-cross test. The anxiolytic effect was examined using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, hole-board test (HBT), and light–dark test (LDT), while the analgesic activity was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing test. The antidiarrheal effect was evaluated by castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility. Ten bioactive compounds were selected on the basis of their biological activities and further investigated using in silico molecular docking simulation to correlate with the identified pharmacological properties. Additionally, the ADME properties of the compounds were evaluated according to their drug-likeness profile. MECP had a maximum total phenol content of 209.85 ± 3.40 gallic acid equivalents/g extract and a total flavonoid content of 105.17 ± 3.45 quercetin equivalents/g extract, with an IC50 value of 631.44 μg/mL. MECP (62.5–500 μg/mL) elicited 20.96–38.12% decreased protein denaturation compared to diclofenac sodium (65.40–83.50%), while a 35.72% (P < 0.001) clot lysis activity was observed for the 10 mg/mL concentration. MECP induced a dose-dependent reduction in locomotor activity, with a significant anxiolytic effect. In the analgesic test, MECP (200, 400 mg/kg) showed a 45.12% and 58.82% inhibition in analgesia, and the 400 mg/kg dose elicited a 27.5% inhibition in intestinal motility. These findings suggest that MECP might be effective in treating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological defects, but this requires further study., Cycas pectinata; Antioxidant; Anxiolytic; Analgesic; Anti-inflammatory; Plant biology; Bioinformatics; Pharmaceutical science; Alternative medicine; Evidence-based medicine

The WSE is a highly polar, gummy and mucilaginous bioactive content of the Nigella sativa (L.) seeds. This study reports the anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of WSE investigated using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Hole-Board Test (HBT) in adult mice and human RBCs haemolysis inhibition and protein denaturation respectively. The oral WSE treatment (100 & 200 mg/kg b.w/day) for 72 hours has exhibited slightly better anxiolytic effect (p < 0.05) through the time span (92.33 & 93.33 s) spent in the opened arms of EPM vs. diazepam (1 mg/kg b.w i.p/day; 69.33 s). In HBT, only WSE (200 mg/kg b.w/day) has shown a promising number of mean head pokes (13.27 times/min) vs. diazepam (12.87 times/min). The WSE (62.5-500 mg/mL) exposure has exhibited 40.14-72.18% protection against lysis of RBCs vs. aspirin (57.04-71.48%) whilst 62.67-67.66% inhibition of protein denaturation vs. diclofenac sodium (43.11-80.64%). The current findings suggested WSE has promising anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Background: The study was designed to investigate the phytochemical, analgesic, anti-arthritic, thrombolytic and cytotoxic evaluation of the Begonia roxburghii (Miq.) DC leaves extract (nHBR) using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: The acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin induced pain test was used to perform anti-nociceptive activity on mice. In vitro anti-arthritic activity was assessed using protein denaturation method. The clot lysis activity was considered to evaluate thrombolytic potentials of the plant extract. The cytotoxic study was performed using brine shrimp larvae. Results: The phytochemical study has shown the abundance of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins and reducing sugars in the plant extract. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract at different doses (100-400 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing by 26.42 ± 1.13, 43.64 ± 2.50 and 55.42 ± 1.83 % respectively. The nHBR inhibited the licking response in both the early phase (56.52 ± 2.55 %) and the late phase (62.52 ± 2.57 %) in the formalin induced pain test. Moreover, the results revealed concentration dependent anti-arthritic effect in protein denaturation method with maximum inhibition 69.61 ± 2.15 % at doses 1000 μg/ml. The nHBR also showed (47.77 ± 1.80 %) clot lytic activity and cytotoxicity with LC50 67.61 μg/ml in the brine shrimp larvae bioassay. Conclusion: The study demonstrated phytochemical, anti-nociceptive, anti-arthritic, clot lysis and cytotoxic activities of the Begonia roxburghii (Miq.) DC.

Oroxylum indicum is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Bignoniaceae and have many medicinal properties which prompted us to evaluate its possible thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities. A quick and rapid methodology was applied to find out the thrombolytic effect of the methanol extract of leaves of O. indicum . Streptokinase and water were employed as a positive and negative control, respectively. Thrombolytic effect was expressed as percentage of clot lysis. O. indicum , streptokinase and water demonstrated 23.69 ± 6.97%, 78.41 ± 0.366% and 5.19 ± 0.241% clot lysis, respectively. Cytotoxic property was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the result was expressed as LC 50 . In this study, DMSO was used as solvent and vincristine sulphate as positive control. The extract showed cytotoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii and the calculated LC 50 of O. indicum and vincristine sulphate were 251.2 μg/ml and 5.2 μg/ml, respectively. Due to the cytotoxic and thrombolytic activities, O. indicum may be regarded as a promising candidate for natural anticancer agent and should be subjected to purification processes for useful therapeutic drugs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22319 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17 (1): 70-74, 2014

Anisomeles indica (L.) kuntze is widely used in folk medicine against various disorders including allergy, sores, inflammation, and fever. This research investigated the antinociceptive, anxiolytic and sedative effects of A. indica methanol extract. The antinociceptive activity was assessed with the acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced flicking test while sedative effects with open field and hole cross tests and anxiolytic effects with elevated plus maze (EPM) and thiopental-induced sleeping time tests were assayed. Computer aided (pass prediction, docking) analyses were undertaken to find out the best-fit phytoconstituent of total 14 isolated compounds of this plant for aforesaid effects. Acetic acid treated mice taking different concentrations of extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) displayed reduced the writhing number. In the formalin-induced test, extract minimized the paw licking time of mice during the first phase and the second phase significantly. The open field and hole-cross tests were noticed with a dose-dependent reduction of locomotor activity. The EPM test demonstrated an increase of time spent percentage in open arms. Methanol extract potentiated the effect of thiopental-induced hypnosis in lesser extent comparing with Diazepam. The results may account for the use of A. indica as an alternative treatment of antinociception and neuropharmacological abnormalities with further intensive studies. The compound, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was found to be most effective in computer aided models.

Background: The present study was planned to investigate the phytochemical, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticoagulant and cytotoxic activities of the Jacquemontia tamnifolia (L.) Griseb leaf methanol extract (MExJT) in the laboratory using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: Phytochemical values, namely, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect and FeCl3 reducing power effects, were studied by established methods. In vivo antinociceptive activity was performed by acidic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced pain test on Swiss albino mice at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. The clot lysis and brine shrimp lethality bioassay in vitro were used to evaluate the thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities of the plant extract, respectively. Results: Phytochemical screening illustrates the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, gums and carbohydrates, steroids, alkaloids and reducing sugars in the extract. The results showed the total phenolic content (146.33 g gallic acid equivalents/100 g extract) and total flavonoid content (133.33 g quercetin/100 g). Significant (p50 values compared to respective standards were recorded in DPPH radical scavenging (289.5 μg/mL) and FeCl3 reduction (245.2 μg/mL). The antinociceptive effect was evaluated in the acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced pain models in Swiss albino mice with doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Significant (p50 value of 31.70 μg/mL in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Conclusions: The plant is a potential source of antioxidants and might have one or more secondary metabolite(s) with central and peripheral analgesic activity. The results also demonstrate that MExJT has moderate thrombolytic and lower cytotoxic properties that may warrant further exploration.