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Nanocomposite films have been prepared from chitosan, cinnamaldehyde, Nigella sativa or blackseed oil, and silver nanoparticles (NPs) biosynthesized in Azadirachta indica or neem leaves’ extract. The methodology involved simple blending of components through “green chemistry” route. The films obtained were soft and foldable. The morphology by scanning electron microscopy confirmed the inclusion of NPs in the films. Microbial penetration study demonstrated that the films offered good resistance to secondary bacterial infection. The antibacterial study against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and E. coli (ATCC 25922) indicated moderate antibacterial behavior of the films. The swelling behavior in water, phosphate buffer saline, and simulated wound fluid was found to be appropriate for use as wound dressings. The films were biodegradable in soil and showed good thermal stability up to 200°C.

AbstractThe study aimed to assess the toxic effect of cadmium (Cd) on the exocrine and endocrine functions of pancreas, the changes in pancreatic tissue after Cd withdrawal, and the protective effects of vitamin C (VC) and Nigella sativa (NS) against Cd-induced damage. Rats were assigned to: control, Cd-treated (0.5 mg/kg/d intraperitoneal [IP] injection), VC and Cd-treated (receiving 100 mg/kg/d VC orally and Cd concomitantly), NS and Cd-treated (receiving 20 mg/kg/d NS and Cd, simultaneously), and Cd withdrawal (receiving Cd for 30 d then living free for recovery for other 30 d). Blood samples were collected and post-sacrifice pancreatic specimens were processed for light and electron microscope study. Quantitative analyses of pancreatic collagen area%, pancreatic islet parameters, β cell density, and insulin immunoexpression were done. Fasting blood glucose was significantly increased in Cd-treated and Cd-withdrawal groups, while co-treatment with VC and NS caused significant reductions (p < 0.05). Cd-induced extensive degenerative changes in pancreatic acini and islets at light and ultrastructure levels. Obvious fibrosis and congestion of blood vessels were noticed. Significant reductions in pancreatic islet number, volume, and surface area and diminished beta cell count and insulin immunoexpression were observed. After withdrawal of Cd, the whole pancreatic tissue still showed a serious impact. Concomitant treatment with VC or NS obviously reduced these degenerative changes and significantly improved pancreatic islet parameters and insulin immunoexpression. VC showed a better amendment than NS, but this difference was statistically insignificant. Therefore, VC and NS could be used as prophylactic agents that lessen Cd consequences on the pancreas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga Iva, renowned in ethnomedicine, possesses various pharmacological properties, attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile. Despite its therapeutic potential, little research has examined the efficacy of Ajuga Iva in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, a prevalent inflammatory disorder that affects a significant number of adult women around the world, This study aims to explore the anti‐inflammatory properties of Ajuga Iva in the context of treating dysmenorrhea through a combined in vitro and in silico drug repurposing approach. In vitro assays evaluated the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of the plant extracts, revealing significant activity in inhibiting protein denaturation and heat‐induced haemolysis. Molecular docking studies identified potential bioactive phytochemicals, including Apigenin, Luteolin, Naringenin, and Quercetin, interacting with COX‐2 and PGES‐1, key enzymes in dysmenorrhea‐associated inflammatory pathways. Molecular dynamics simulations supported these interactions. Ajuga Iva methanolic extract exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory activity, as shown by its ability to inhibit protein denaturation by 80.68% at 1000 (μg/m) and heat induced haemolysis by 83.41% at 2000 (μg/m). Ajuga Iva bioactive phytochemicals showed promising interactions with COX‐2 and PGES‐1, suggesting their role in the plant's anti‐inflammatory mechanism. This research underscores the promising anti‐inflammatory activities of Ajuga Iva by inhibiting COX‐2 and PGE2S‐1, offering valuable insights for future therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants synthesize large amount of useful and complex products which have no obvious metabolic and growth functions. These complex materials are said to be as secondary metabolites—phytochemicals which are plants active compounds possessing the potential to inhibit diseases. The purpose of the recent study was to investigate the pharmaceutical values of the flowers of Taraxacum officinale, for antimicrobial, anti-pellicle and anti-biofilm properties. Metanolic extracts with chloroform and n-hexane fractions against selected different bacterial (E.coli, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus, S.typhi) and fungal (F.oxysporum, A.niger, A.alternata, A.Terreus) strains were tested and GC-MS, FTIR and HPLC techniques, for detection of various secondary metabolites which are responsible for these activities, were performed. In antimicrobial assay, the result of the methanolic extract and fractions of the flowers was found to be effective against the tested bacterial and fungal strains. The GC-MS and FTIR analysis of chloroform fractions of T. officinale flowers reported the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals and secondery metabolites liable for the biological activities that can be purified in future for the synthesis of noval improved and valuable pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]