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Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the primary cause of dementia, escalating worldwide, has no proper diagnosis or effective treatment. Neuronal cell death and impairment of cognitive abilities, possibly triggered by several brain mechanisms, are the most significant characteristic of this disorder. Methods: A multitude of pharmacological targets have been identified for potential drug design against AD. Although many advances in treatment strategies have been made to correct various abnormalities, these often exhibit limited clinical significance because this disease aggressively progresses into different regions of the brain, causing severe deterioration. Results: These biomarkers can be game-changers for early detection and timely monitoring of such disorders. Conclusion: This review covers clinically significant biomarkers of AD for precise and early monitoring of risk factors and stages of this disease, the potential site of action and novel targets for drugs, and pharmacological approaches to clinical management.

Background: Traditionally, Portulaca oleracea Linn. is used for treating abscesses, dysentery and liver diseases. In addition, recent studies have reported its efficacy as an analgesic, as neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and anticancer agent, besides antioxidant, wound healing and other important pharmacological actions. Aim and Objective: For curing liver diseases, Chinese use juice from the fresh leaves of Portulaca oleracea Linn. Hence, to prove this claim, an in-vivo hepatoprotective study of extracts from Portulaca oleracea Linn. against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxic rats was carried out. Methods: The in-vitro antioxidant activity by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and hepatoprotective activity of extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn. was assessed against the carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity rat model. Results: The extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn produced concentration-dependent percentage inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and most significantly, by methanol extract. Among the extracts, methanol extract showed a significant decrease in Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and a significant increase in total protein (TP) levels against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity Conclusion: From the results obtained, it was concluded that methanol extract of Portulaca oleracea Linn. possesses significant DPPH free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective potential.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease (MND) that typically causes death within 3-5 years after diagnosis. Regardless of the substantial scientific knowledge accrued from more than a century ago, truly effective therapeutic strategies remain distant. Various conventional drugs are being used but are having several adverse effects. Objective/Aim: The current study aims to thoroughly review plant-derived compounds with well-defined ALS activities and their structure-activity relationships. Moreover, the review also focuses on complex genetics, clinical trials, and the use of natural products that might decrypt the future and novel therapeutics in ALS. Methods: The collection of data for the compilation of this review work was searched in PubMed Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Results: Results showed that phytochemicals like-Ginkgolides, Protopanaxatriol, Genistein, epigallocatechingallate, resveratrol, cassoside, and others possess Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) activity by various mechanisms. Conclusion: These plant-derived compounds may be considered as supplements to conventional (ALS). Moreover, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to understand the structure-activity relationships, metabolism, absorption, and mechanisms of plant-derived natural agents.

Background: Inflammation involves a dynamic network that is highly regulated by signals that initiate the inflammation process as well as signals that downregulate it. However, an imbalance between the two leads to tissue damage. Throughout the world, inflammatory disease becomes common in the aging society. The drugs which are used clinically have serious side effects. Natural products or compounds derived from natural products show diversity in structure and play an important role in drug discovery and development. Objective: Oreganum Vulgare is used in traditional medicine for various ailments including respiratory and rheumatic disorders, severe cold, suppression of tumors. The current study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating various in vitro parameters. Methods: Inflammation-induced in macrophages via LPS is the most accepted model for evaluating the antiinflammatory activity of various plant extracts and lead compounds. Results: The extracts (OVEE, OVEAF) as well as the isolated compound(OVRA)of Oreganum Vulgare inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and NO without affecting cell viability. Conclusion: Our study established that the leaf extracts of Oreganum vulgare L. exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and thus confirm its importance in traditional medicine.

A staggering 80% of the population in developing countries relies on herbal medicine for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Among them, Achillea millifolium from Asteraceae family is one medicinally important plant called as “yarrow” and reported as being used in folklore medicine for ailments such as skin inflammations, spasmodic and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as hepatobiliary complaints. Therefore, a plethora of scientific studies have been conducted to give substance to its ethnomedicinal claims, and in addition to that, even more, biological functions such as its hypotensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, vasoprotective, antiulcer and antis-permatogenic activities, scientifically established. Our review comprehensively collects recent phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Achillea millifolium and should, therefore, act a suitable reference for future research into the plant’s phytochemical profiling and overall pharmacological evaluation.

Introduction: Capsella bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic is a traditional herb of the genus Capsella with long-standing Pakistan, India, Iraq, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran, Azarbayjan, Europe, Saudi Arabia, China and many other regions of Asian countries ethnomedical records. Preliminary studies from the animal model have provided valuable scientific evidence for its use, also the novel bioactive compounds. Aim: This review aims to summarize the ethnopharmacology, selected scientific evidence on the pharmacological properties and phytochemistry of C. bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic over the past 38 years while identifying potential areas of further development of this herb as an economical adjunct. Methods: The review covers literature pertaining to the evidence based on ethnopharmacology, therapeutic potential, and phytochemistry of C. bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic spanning from 1980 to 2018 available on Non-English journals and English/Non-English- MS worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Springer, Web of Science, Wiley online library) and Ph.D. thesis databases (e.g., CKNI-China, JAIRO-Japan, Shodhganga-India, Myto-Malaysia, etc.) Result: Evidence suggests that the extracts and some compounds from. bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic possessantimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle contraction, infertility, antioxidant, cardiovascular, sedative, hepatoprotective and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor properties. C. bursa-pastoris, besides having pharmacological profile has an acceptable nutritional value also due to its novel bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, phenolics, flavonoids, fatty acids, organic acids, peptides and amino acids. Conclusion: Scientific evidence suggests that there is a strong pharmacological potential in developing C. bursa-pastoris (L.) According to the Medic, it is a drug which is used in the treatment of various disorders from antimicrobial to anticancer therapy. C. bursa-pastoris can be a rich source for the advancement of novel drugs to treat many human diseases due to the wide range of chemical constituents present in the plant. Various ethnomedical uses and phytochemicals responsible for these uses have not been evaluated yet to their fullest.

Background: Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations. Objective: The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Genus Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis. Conclusion: A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory both in vitro & in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.

Abstract: The application of nanoparticles in medication delivery has revolutionized the field of therapeutic biology. To improve medical efficacy, currently, drug nanocarriers are employed to control the release and stability, expand its circulation time, or protect it from cell clearance or premature breakdown. A crosslinked polymeric framework is used to crosslink the hydrogel nanoparticle dispersions for safer and stable delivery on target sites. Nanogels have developed in the last two decades as potential biomaterials with a wide variety of applications. Later attributes of nanogels are mainly due to large surface areas, retention of molecules, size flexibility, and water-based formulations that have made them popular as drug delivery vehicles, as seen by several in vivo uses. The gel matrix containing the nanoparticle drug demonstrated a considerable increase in drug penetration in transdermal drug and topical delivery methods. This review aims to understand why and how nanogels are considered so innovative as a drug delivery method. It also examines their preparation methods and applications in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields and discusses the benefits of nanogels, including swelling capacity and stimulus stimuli sensitivity. Nanogels, on the other hand, have recently been investigated for applications outside the field of biomedicine. Since there are many possible uses for nanogels, we have comprehensively reviewed the current state of the art for all feasible nanogel applications and manufacturing methods.

Background: Origanum vulgare is a perennial shrub that grows in the mountains of the Mediterranean and Euro/Iran-Siberian regions. Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the major constituents of the ethanolic extract of Origanum vulgare by Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis. Methods: The leaves of Origanum vulgare were powdered and the powdered sample of plant material was then subjected to extraction by maceration process for 72 h. The extract obtained was filtered through Whatman filter paper and concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary vacuum evaporator. Results: The extract contained monoterpene hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, the major ones being Chlorogenic acid, p-cymene and phytol. Conclusion: Taken together, these results reinforce the importance of this millennial species and open new perspectives for the research and design of new herbal medicines, obtained from indigenous vegetal material.

Background Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees. Propolis extracts have been used for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The use of propolis dietary supplements has been increasing in the United States and the rest of the world. Objective A simple, economic, and valid analytical method is needed for quality assessment of dietary supplements and extracts claiming to contain propolis. Methods A ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) quadropole time-of-flight-MS method was used to characterize the chemical composition of northern Indian propolis. Fourteen major phenolic compounds were quantified using a UHPLC-DAD method. An HPTLC method was used to develop chemical fingerprinting profiles for propolis extracts and dietary supplements. The seven propolis extracts and 14 dietary supplements purchased in the U.S. were analyzed using the UHPLC-DAD-QToF method. Results Fifty-seven compounds belonging to phenolic, coumarin, fatty acid, and terpene classes were identified in propolis extracts. Based on quantification results, the content of 14 phenolic compounds in propolis extracts varied from 19–32% in dietary supplements, a significant variation to the recommended daily intake (0.2–94 mg/day). Conclusions/Highlights The developed analytical methods can be used for quality assessment of propolis extracts and dietary supplements.

Background: Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as self-heal, has been extensively used in the traditional system of medicines. The plant has been found to contain a number of bioactive molecules including those having radical scavenging property which indicates its potential for the treatment of those diseases which are induced by free radical damage like drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Objective: The current study was undertaken to investigate the flavonoid and total phenolic content and evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of various extracts obtained from floral spikes of P. vulgaris. Material and methods: Flavonoid and otal phenolic contents were obtained from the standard curves of Gallic acid as per the reported methods. The extent of hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (500 mg/kg b.w, p.o daily for 14 days), hepatoprotective potential of extracts (200 mg/kg b.w/day, orally) and standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg b.w/day, orally) were evaluated by analyzing various biochemical parameters like Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Proteins, Total and Direct Bilirubin and detailed histopathology of rat livers. Results: Methanolic extract showed higher quantity of flavonoids and total phenolic content followed by ethanolic, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts. Treatment of rats with extracts showed a highly significant reduction in the enzyme activities of Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, Alkaline Phosphatase, and serum levels of Total, Direct Bilirubin (P

Around 3000 species of Saussurea are known, however Saussurea lappa Clarke which is perennial herb and has been traditionally used as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, medicine without many adverse effects. Phytochemistry of Saussurea lappa after thorough literature survey revealed various varied and copious metabolites such as sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, phytosterols, lignans, terpenes. Many of these compounds have been found to possess a wide range of biological activity such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-viral, etc. Among sesquiterpenes particularly Dehydrocostuslactone, dihydrocostunolide, costunolide Lappadilactone, have been isolated as the main chemical constituents. This review aims to cover published work from public databases (e.g. PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate) and Non-English, Ph.D./MS thesis databases (e.g. CKNIChina, Jairo-Japan, Myto-Malaysia, Shodhganga-India) with a particular focus on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of different fractions as well as isolated compounds from Saussurea lappa.

Silk fibroin (SF), an organic material obtained from the cocoons of a silkworm Bombyx mori, is used in several applications and has a proven track record in biomedicine owing to its superior compatibility with the human body, superb mechanical characteristics, and its controllable propensity to decay. Due to its robust biocompatibility, less immunogenic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable properties, it has been widely used in biological and biomedical fields, including wound healing. The key strategies for building diverse SF-based drug delivery systems are discussed in this review, as well as the most recent ways for developing functionalized SF for controlled or redirected medicines, gene therapy, and wound healing. Understanding the features of SF and the various ways to manipulate its physicochemical and mechanical properties enables the development of more effective drug delivery devices. Drugs are encapsulated in SF-based drug delivery systems to extend their shelf life and control their release, allowing them to travel further across the bloodstream and thus extend their range of operation. Furthermore, due to their tunable properties, SF-based drug delivery systems open up new possibilities for drug delivery, gene therapy, and wound healing.

Background: Prunella vulgaris, family Lamiaceae also known as self-heal, has been traditionally used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-rheumatic. Due to widespread distribution of the plant, Vulgaris is also called ‘vulgar’ in Latin adjective meaning common. Objective: The objective of this review was to describe the relevant aspects of phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of different fractions as well as isolated compounds from Prunella vulgaris. An attempt was also made to enumerate the possible leads e.g. betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin, luteolin, homoorientin, Rosmarinic acid and cinaroside for further development. Method: For peer-reviewed research literature, we undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases using a focused review question. Scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used Results: Phytochemistry of Prunella vulgaris (PV) after a thorough literature survey revealed varied and copious metabolites, such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils. Many of these compounds have been found to possess wide range of biological activity per se, including anti-microbial, immunosuppressive, anti-cancer, cardio-protective, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory. Conclusion: Prunella vulgaris is a medicinal plant of immense medicinal importance having a variety of compounds such as such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils and diversity in pharmacological spectrum. The plant could be further exploited, to isolate the various biologically active constituents responsible for its activity.

Background Poorly water-soluble medicaments continue to be a challenging, however, significant class of herbal drugs for the management of an extensive range of ailments. Solid dispersion (SD) has emerged as one of the most effective formulation approaches to enhance the dissolution of poorly water-soluble herbal drugs. Formulation of solid dispersion is one of the most effective methods to enhance the aqueous solubility of highly lipophilic drugs which belong to BCS class II and IV. An amorphous form of the drug is more unstable and highly soluble in water and is attained by formulating solid dispersion. Purpose This review explains various physicochemical properties, criteria for carrier selection, and causes of instability of solid dispersion to improve the therapeutic potential of poorly water-soluble herbal drugs. Methodology To classify and explain some newer techniques used nowadays along with solid dispersion which could prevent recrystallization and precipitation of drug. Some herbal drugs with high therapeutic value and poor aqueous solubility were also enlisted which could be formulated in the form of solid dispersion to have better oral bioavailability. Results The solid dispersions studies have revealed better performance for the dissolution which might be due to its alteration from crystalline to amorphous form in addition to the adherence of hydrophilic carriers to the surface of poorly water-soluble herbal drugs. These techniques will assist in the formation of a more stable solid dispersion. Conclusion The application of solid dispersion technique in enhancing the aqueous solubility of poorly aqueous soluble herbal drugs should direct to the constant and enhanced bioavailability, leading to an enhanced therapeutic potential.

At a global level, the COVID-19 disease outbreak has had a major impact on health services and has induced disruption in routine care of health institutions, exposing cancer patients to severe risks. To provide uninterrupted tumor treatment throughout a pandemic lockdown is a major obstacle. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, stance considerable challenges for the management of oncology patients. COVID-19 presents particularly severe respiratory and systemic infection in aging and immunosuppressed individuals, including patients with cancer.In the present review, we focused on emergent evidence from cancer sufferers that have been contaminated with COVID-19 and cancer patients who were at higher risk of severe COVID-19, and indicates that anticancer treatment may either rise COVID-19 susceptibility or have a duple therapeutic impact on cancer as well as COVID-19; moreover, how SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts cancer cells. Also, to assess the global effect of the COVID-19 disease outbreak on cancer and its treatment.A literature survey was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIral Protein domain DataBase (VIP DB) between Dec 1, 2019 and Sep 23, 2021, for studies on anticancer treatments in patients with COVID-19. The characteristics of the patients, treatment types, mortality, and other additional outcomes were extracted and pooled for synthesis.This disease has a huge effect on sufferers who have cancer(s). Sufferers of COVID-19 have a greater percentage of tumor diagnoses than the rest of the population. Likewise, cancer and highest proportion is lung cancer sufferers are more susceptible to COVID-19 constriction than the rest of the population.Sufferers who have both COVID-19 and tumor have a considerably elevated death risk than single COVID-19 positive patients overall. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in the screening of cancer and detection, and also deferral of routine therapies, which may contribute to an increase in cancer mortality there in future.

Background:Great Mullein; Verbascum thapsus has been traditionally used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, spasmolytic, astringent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant piles, bruises and frostbites in Greece, Western United States, Rome, India, Turkey, Italy, and Pakistan.Objective:The aim of the present review is to summarize ethnopharmacology and past/recent studies on phytochemistry, plant profile, botany and pharmacological profile of V. thapsus. The review also updates related information regarding the potential therapeutic targets and new metabolites isolated from V. thapsus.Methods:All the information was supplied by the library database and electronic search (Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, ResearchGate, etc.). In addition, all the synonyms of V. thapsus were searched in Non-English journals and English/Non-English- MS and PhD thesis databases (e.g., CKNI-China, JAIRO-Japan, Shodhganga-India, Myto-Malaysia, etc.). Thorough literature survey on V. thapsus revealed compounds like glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids that have previously been reported and new compounds under these chemical classes and other classes have also been reported.Conclusion:Based on the literature survey, many of these isolated compounds or different extracts of V. thapsus possess a wide range of biological activity including but not limited to, antioxidant, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, cytotoxic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-germination, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity.

The study was intended to investigate the presence of phytoconstituents in the bulbs of Narcicuss tazetta, flowers of the plant Nymphaea mexicana, and roots of Indigofera heterantha. The present study provides evidence that methanolic extracts of Narcicuss tazetta, Nymphaea mexicana and Indigofera heterantha contain important compounds with marked bioactivity. Maximum phenolic content was observed in Nymphaea mexicana and maximum flavonoid content was observed in extract of Indigofera heterantha. Keywords: Phytoconstituents, Antioxidant, Nymphaea mexicana, Narcicuss tazetta, Indigofera heterantha

Liver diseases pose a serious threat to human health and the conventional drugs available for the treatment of this life threatening condition often causes inadequate results. Propolis has been use...

Reyaz Hassan Mir,1 Goutami Godavari,2 Nasir Ali Siddiqui,3 Bilal Ahmad,4 Ramzi A Mothana,3 Riaz Ullah,3 Omer M Almarfadi,3 Sanjay M Jachak,2 Mubashir Hussain Masoodi1 1Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India; 2Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, India; 3Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South KoreaCorrespondence: Mubashir Hussain MasoodiPharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir, 190006, IndiaTel +919419076525Email mubashir@kashmiruniversity.ac.inIntroduction: Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenic acid, is widely distributed in medicinal plants and is the most commonly studied triterpene for various biological activities, including anti-allergic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory.Methods: The present study was carried out to synthesize arylidene derivatives of oleanolic acid at the C-2 position by Claisen Schmidt condensation to develop more effective anti-inflammatory agents. The derivatives were screened for anti-inflammatory activity by scrutinizing NO production inhibition in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS and their cytotoxicity. The potential candidates were further screened for inhibition of LPS-induced interleukin (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production in RAW 264.7 cells.Results: The results of in vitro studies revealed that derivatives 3d, 3e, 3L, and 3o are comparable to that of the oleanolic acid on the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 release. However, derivative 3L was identified as the most potent inhibitor of IL-6 (77.2%) and TNF-α (75.4%) when compared to parent compound, and compounds 3a (77.18%), 3d (71.5%), and 3e (68.8%) showed potent inhibition of NO than oleanolic acid (65.22%) at 10μM. Besides, from docking score and Cyscore analysis analogs (3e, 3L, 3n) showed greater affinity towards TNF-α and IL-1β than dexamethasone.Conclusion: Herein, we report a series of 15 new arylidene derivatives of oleanolic acid by Claisen Schmidt condensation reaction. All the compounds synthesized were screened for their anti-inflammatory activity against NO, TNF-α and IL-6. From the data, it was evident that most of the compounds exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity.Keywords: LPS, natural products, IL-1β, IL-6, inflammation, RAW 264.7 cells

Cancer, a multifactorial disease, is recognized as one of the primary reasons of mortality around the globe. In 2019 1,762,450 cancer cases with death rates of 606,880 were reported only in the United States. Despite the various advancements in the field of modern medicine, cancer treatment remains a challenging task. Treatment of cancer usually involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, out of which the most common method is chemotherapy. Cancer chemoprevention by definition means making use of bioactive or chemically synthesized compounds for inhibition and prevention of the cancer relapse. The synthetic drugs used as cancer therapeutics have number of side effects and are costly, which increase the socioeconomic burden. The traditional system of medicines involves the use of compounds of natural origin. The rationale for the use of phytometabolites over synthetic drugs is their safety profile, ease of availability, and nontoxic nature. These metabolites are also known as “phytochemicals,” which has got its origin from the Greek word “phyto,” which refers to plant. Thus these are the active plant constituents found usually in fruits, cereals, herbs, and legumes. These are usually secondary metabolites produced by an organism as defense against predators or as an adaptive measure to various stressful conditions. These are not generally essential for the survival of the plant. On the basis of the chemical nature, phytometabolites are divided into polyphenolic compounds, terpenes, and thiols. The polyphenol group consists of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other nonflavonoid polyphenols such as tannin, curcumin, and lignans. Among these the phenolic compounds have proved their worth as potent antioxidant, antineoplastic, antimicrobic, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective agent. Phytochemicals inhibit carcinogenesis by various underlying mechanisms such as disruption in the cancer signaling pathways, antiproliferative effect, prevention of angiogenesis, and additive effect with various chemotherapeutics. These bioactive constituents have played a vital role in the treatment of infections and various cancer types. With the advancements in high-throughput screening and combinatorial chemistry, there was an increase in the screening of natural compounds as molecular leads for drug developmental processes and in the synthesis of new chemical entities. The use of the natural products and their semisynthetic derivatives as cancer chemotherapeutics started from the late 1930s to early 1940s. In the recent era, about 7000 medicinal plants are used in the modern medicine based on the use in the folklore medicine. These are used as such or provide templates for development of analogues and prodrugs. Taxol, an anticancer drug originally isolated from Taxus brevifolia (western yew) that was approved for clinical use by FDA in the year 1992, has gained utmost importance in breast cancer treatment.

Depression, a well-known mental disorder, has global prevalence, affecting nearly 17% of the population. Due to various limitations of the currently available drugs, people have been adopting traditional herbal medicines to alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is notable to mention that natural products, their derivatives, and their analogs are the main sources for new drug candidates of depression. The mechanisms include interplay with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, serotonergic, dopaminergic noradrenergic systems, and elevation of BDNF levels. The focus of this article is to review the role of signalling molecules in depression and highlight the use of plant-derived natural compounds to counter CNS depression.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by memory impairment, dementia, and oxidative stress in elderly people. Currently, only a few drugs are available in the market with various adverse effects. Therefore, to develop new drugs with protective action against the disease, research is turning to the identification of plant products as a remedy. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity could be good candidates for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals, including Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Huperzine-A, Rosmarinic acid, genistein, obovatol, and Oxyresvertarol, were reported molecules for the treatment of AD. Several alkaloids, such as galantamine, oridonin, glaucocalyxin B, tetrandrine, berberine and anatabine, have been shown anti-inflammatory effects in AD models in vitro as well as in-vivo. In conclusion, natural products from plants represent interesting candidates for the treatment of AD. This review highlights the potential of specific compounds from natural products along with their synthetic derivatives to counteract AD in the CNS.

Honey has been and is being used for medical, pharmaceutical, and domestic needs. Besides, it is used as a conventional medicine and has various pharmacological properties. A variety of polyphenolic compounds are stated in honey and among them important polyphenols are Caffeic acid (CA), Quercetin (QU), Chrysin (CR), Kaempferol (KF), Apigenin (AP), Galangin (GA), Acacetin (AC), Caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), Pinocembrin (PC), and Pinobanksin (PB) that have evolved as potential pharmacokinetic agents in the cure of cancer. Caffeic acid, a naturally occurring phenolic compound commonly found in honey, is being comprehensively studied for its therapeutic use and is being described as a cancer-causing agent in preliminary studies, but the same compound in combination with other antioxidants has been revealed to repress colon tumors in rats. CAPE was similarly proposed to have anticarcinogenic, antimitogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. In a related progressive study, influence of CA against UVB (280–320 nm) irradiation-induced IL10 appearance and stimulation of MAPKs (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) in skin of mouse was observed. The findings strongly propose that chrysin exercises growth inhibitory properties either by prompting p38 MAPK leading to buildup of p21Waf1/Cip-1 protein or by arbitrating the repression of proteosome action. It is also a well-established fact that chrysin prompts cell death in association with stimulation of caspase-3 and Akt signal corridor, which plays a vital role in chrysin-incited cell death in U937 cells. Galangin and its antiproliferative outcome on HL-60 cells was expressed in a manner that is dependent on dose, and it also prompted DNA breakage without any loss of integrity of cell membrane. Similarly, quercetin was also shown in an in vitro study to impede HL-60 cell propagation in association with repression of cytosolic PKC (Protein Kinase C) and TPK (tyrosine protein kinase) membrane bound. Acacetin, another important flavonoid, was revealed to impede the propagation of A549 cells, prompt apoptosis, and block cell cycle promotion at G1 cell cycle phase and also heightened the appearance of p53 protein and Fas ligands. Besides was also depicted to impede HepG2 cell propagation and incite cell death by boosting p53 protein and Fas ligands as in case of A-549 cells. Kaempferol-mediated cell death in H-460 cells was complemented by substantial DNA coiling/condensation and amassing ATP content. Besides, it altered the levels of Caspase-3 and AIF (Apoptosis-Inducing Factor). Pinocembrin has been shown to induce loss of MMP (mitochondrial membrane potential) with further release of cytochrome c and processing of caspase 3 and 9 in colon HCT116 cancer cells. Apigenin has been shown to exert antiproliferative influence against colon, breast, neuroblastoma, cervical, and liver cancer cell lines. The chapter has clearly put forth certain honey-based compounds that have been tested in laboratory setups and have been revealed to be hopeful pharmacological agent for hindering cancer propagation.

Herbal medicines have been used around the globe since times immemorial. Nanophytomedicine is an emerging domain of medicine which helps to encapsulate the active phytoconstituents from medicinal plants and treat various diseases such as cancer and diabetes. So it is very crucial to identify the potential active phytoconstituents and encapsulate them to treat diseases without any major side effects. Nanophytomedicine has led to increment in the bioavailability of water and therapeutic compounds which are insoluble by utilizing drug formulations of various combinatorial. Increasing evidence has suggested that phyto-bioactive compounds show enhanced benefits in curing various diseases. Curcumin, resveratrol, ginsenosides, quercetin, and catechin are phyto-derived bioactive compounds with important roles in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. However, in vivo studies suggest that their concentrations are very low to cross blood–brain barrier thereby it limits bioavailability, stability, and dissolution at target sites in the brain. To overcome these problems, nanophytomedicine with the controlled size of 1–100 nm is used to maximize efficiency. Nanosizing of phyto-bioactive compounds enhances the permeability into the brain with maximized efficiency and stability. Several nano-delivery techniques, including solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoliposomes, and nanoniosomes can be used for controlled delivery of nano-bioactive compounds to brain. Nanocompounds, such as ginsenosides (19.9 nm) synthesized using a nanoemulsion technique, showed enhanced bioavailability in the rat brain.

Neurodegenerative disorders are commonly erratic influenced by various factors including lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. In recent observations, it has been hypothesized that exposure to various environmental factors enhances the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The exact etiology of Alzheimer's disease is still unclear; however, the contribution of environmental factors in the pathology of AD is widely acknowledged. Based on the available literature, the review aims to culminate in the prospective correlation between the various environmental factors and AD. The prolonged exposure to the various well-known environmental factors including heavy metals, air pollutants (particulate matter), pesticides, nanoparticles containing metals, industrial chemicals results in accelerating the progression of AD. Common mechanisms have been documented in the field of environmental contaminants for enhancing amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide along with tau phosphorylation, resulting in the initiation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which results in the death of neurons. This review offers a compilation of available data to support the long-suspected correlation between environmental risk factors and AD pathology. Graphical abstract .

Introduction: A number of plants of Kashmir valley are unexplored and Eremurus himalaicus is one amongst them. Eremurus himalaicus is an edible herb of North Western Himalayas which is yet to be evaluated for possession of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Method: The antioxidant potential of the plant extracts (Ethyl acetate, EHE; Methanol, EHM and Aqueous, EHA) was assessed by determining the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, ferrous metal ion chelating activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay and total reduction capability assay. The plant was further investigated for antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion method. Results: EHM showed highest total phenolic content followed by EHA and EHE with 270 mg GAE/g, 240 mg GAE/g and 110 mg GAE/g respectively. The flavonoid content was found to be highest in EHA with 85 µg QE/g followed by EHM with 65 µg QE/g and least in ethyl acetate extract with only 20 µg QE/g. Ferrous metal ion chelating potential was also highest for EHA with IC 50 value of 200.336. For DPPH assay and H2O2 scavenging assay the activity was highest for EHM with IC50 value of 148.1788 and 182.3371 respectively. In total reduction capability assay again EHM showed highest reducing power. Besides, antibacterial activity was also screened on some human pathogenic bacterial strains where again the highest activity was shown by EHM. Conclusion: In conclusion, EHM and EHA showed highest antioxidant potential and EHE showed the least. Similarly the antimicrobial potential was highest for EHM showing Eremurus himalaicus as a promising new herb for various human diseases.

Introduction: Propolis from Kashmir has not been explored as far as its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities are concerned. This piece of work is the first approach to explore it for various activities. Methods: Total phenolics, flavonoids contents and in vitro antioxidant assay such DPPH, H2O2 scavenging assay, ferrous metal ion chelating activity and total reduction capability assay were performed. Investigation for antimicrobial activity of different extracts (Ethanolic, hydro- ethanolic and aqueous) was also carried out. Results: The results showed highest total phenolics and flavonoids content in ethanolic extract (260 ± 10.00 mg GAE/g and 105 ± 5.00 mg QE/g respectively). All the extracts showed free radical scavenging potential but ethanolic extract exhibited significant scavenging potential having an IC50 value of 65.49 ± 7.01 μg/mL for DPPH, 74.94 ± 5.51 μg/mL for ferrous metal ion chelating activity and 109.93 ± 3.24 μg/mL for H2O2 scavenging assay. In total reduction capability assay ethanolic extract showed highest reducing power. In addition, ethanolic extract showed greater antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus having zone of inhibition diameter 25.63 ± 0.63 mm. Conclusion: The presence of flavonoids in extracts maximum in ethanolic extract which could be responsible for antioxidant, antibacterial activities and can be used in the management of the human pathosis originated due to oxidative stress and in the treatment of microbial infections.

Diabetes is considered as the most common metabolic disease affecting millions of people all around the world. Use of natural herbal medicines can be effective in treating diabetes. Zingerone (4-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl) butan-2-one) a polyphenolic alkanone extracted from ginger has a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties and thus can be used as a promising candidate against various ailments. In the current study we aimed at demonstrating the protective effect of zingerone against diabetes mellitus and elucidating its possible mechanism. Five groups of animals (I-V) were made with ten animals each. Group I (control) was given normal saline orally. Group II (diabetic positive control) was given alloxan at the dose rate of 100 mg/kg bwt once. Group III and IV was given alloxan once at the dose rate of 100 mg/kg bwt. and received oral treatment of zingerone at a dose rate of 50 and 100 mg/kg bwt respectively daily for 21 days. Group V was given alloxan at the dose of 100 mg/kg bwt. and was treated with standard drug glibenclamide at the dose rate of 4.5 mg/kg bwt. daily for 21 days. According to our findings we confirmed that zingerone restrained the alloxan induced oxidative stress by increasing the activity of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reducing the peroxidative damage. We also confirmed that zingerone suppressed the level of redox sensitive transcription factor NFκB and downregulated other downstream inflammatory cytokines like interleukins (IL1-β IL-2, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Moreover, the experimental findings suggested that zingerone improved the insulin levels. Taken together our results indicated that zingerone effectively ameliorated the diabetes induced complications which provide a strong theoretical basis for zingerone to be used clinically for treatment of diabetes. Keywords: Alloxan, Diabetes, NFκB, Cytokines, Zingerone