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Pine seeds are considered as nonwood forest products (NWFP) with regularly increasing market’s demand. They can be eaten in various ways such as roasted or raw. In addition, they are included in various traditional dishes like in cookies, sauces, candies, cakes, breads, and other bakery items and, moreover, for medicinal purposes. GC-MS study is performed to analyze the phytochemical compounds present in the seed extracts of Pinus roxburghii (Chir) and Pinus gerardiana (Chilgoza). In total, 25 compounds were identified each in Chir and Chilgoza. In Chir seeds, abundantly present compounds were 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (16.6%), followed by ç-Terpinene (9.9%) and cyclohexanol, 4-ethenyl-4-methyl-3-(1-methylethenyl)-, (1à,3à,4á) (9.8%), whereas in Chilgoza seeds, the maximum amount of compound was 1-hexyl-1-nitrocyclohexane (17.3%), followed by phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) (15.4%), and heptadecane, 2-methyl (8.4%). The total phenolic content of Chir seed sample was 1536 ± 4.35 (mg GAE/100 g), whereas in the Chilgoza seed extract was 642.66 ± 2.08 (mg GAE/100 g). The application of RP-HPLC-DAD system revealed that Chir and Chilgoza seeds have maximum quantity of catechin ( 15.77 ± 0.16 μg/mg and 17.49 ± 0.32 μg/mg, respectively). Both Chir and Chilgoza seed extracts exhibited significant antioxidant (radical scavenging) potential, through H2O2 ( 618.94 ± 21.45 μg/mL and 575.16 ± 19.88 μg/mL) and DPPH ( 552.60 ± 13.03 μg/mL and 429.15 ± 3.80 μg/mL) assays, respectively. Additionally, a well-known antibacterial potential was also found in both plants’ dichloromethane extracts, with 64 to 256 μg/mL of minimum inhibitory concentrations. As a whole, result shows the importance of both plants as a naturally occurring phytochemical source with significant antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

Aim: Azelaic acid (AzA), a comedolytic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory anti-melanogenic agent, prescribed against acne vulgaris is safe on skin. Its combination with another widely used anti-acne agent, tea tree oil (EO) whose delivery is limited by volatility, instability and lipophilicity constraints was attempted. Method: Solvent injection was used to prepare AzA-EO integrated ethosomes. Result: Ethosomes were transformed into carbopol hydrogel, which exhibited pseudo-plastic properties with appreciable firmness, work of shear, stickiness and work of adhesion. The hydrogel showed better permeation and retention characteristics vis-a-vis commercial formulation (AzidermTM), when evaluated in Wistar rat skin. Further, ethosome hydrogel composite was better tolerated with no side effects. Conclusion: The findings suggests that the aforementioned strategy could be a potential treatment used for acne management.

Azelaic acid (AzA) is a USFDA bioactive prescribed against acne vulgaris. It possesses delivery challenges like poor aqueous solubility, low skin-penetrability, and dose-dependent side effects, which could be overcome by its synergistic combination with tea tree oil (TTO) as a microemulsion (ME)-based hydrogel composite. AzA-TTO ME was prepared to employ pseudo-ternary phase diagram construction. The best AzA-TTO ME was of uniform size (polydispersity index 90%), and negative zeta potential (−1.42 ± 0.25% mV) values. ME hydrogel composite with optimum rheological and textural attributes showed better permeation, retention, and skin-compliant characteristics, vis-a-vis marketed formulation (Aziderm™) when evaluated in Wistar rat skin. In vitro antibacterial efficacy in bacterial strains, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acne, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, was evaluated employing agar well plate diffusion and broth dilution assay. ME hydrogel has shown an increase in zone of inhibition by two folds and a decrease in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by eightfold against P. acnes vis-a-vis AzA. Finally, ME hydrogel composite exhibited a better reduction in the papule density (93.75 ± 1.64%) in comparison to Aziderm™ 72.69 ± 4.67%) on acne as developed in rats by inducing testosterone. Thus, the developed AzA-TTO ME hydrogel composite promises an efficacious and comparatively safer drug delivery system for the topical therapy of acne vulgaris. Graphical abstract

Carissa, a genus of the Apocynaceae family, consists of evergreen species, such as shrubs as well as small trees that are native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania’s subtropical and tropical regions. Most of the Carissa species are traditionally used to treat various diseases, such as chest pain, headaches, gonorrhoea, rheumatism, syphilis, oedema, rabies, stomach pain, hepatitis, cardiac diseases, and asthma. The pharmacological studies on Carissa species revealed its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, antipyretic, analgesic, wound healing, anticonvulsant, antiarthritic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities, thus validating its use in indigenous medicine systems. The review article summarised the comprehensive literature available, including morphology, indigenous uses, bioactive composition, nutraceutical, and pharmacological activities of Carissa species. A total of 155 research papers were cited in this review article. The Carissa fruits are rich in dietary fibre, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, and macro- and micro-elements. A total of 121 compounds (35 polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids), 30 lignans, 41 terpenoids, 7 steroids, 2 coumarins, and 6 cardiac glycosides) have been extracted from C. spinarum, C. carandas, and C. macrocarpa. Among all chemical constituents, lupeol, carissol, naringin, carisssone, scopoletin, carissaeduloside A, D, J, carandinol, sarhamnoloside, carissanol, olivil, carinol, 3β-hydroxyolean-11-en-28,13β-oilde, ursolic acid, and carissone are the key bioactive constituents responsible for pharmacological activities of genus Carissa. The gathered ethnopharmacological information in the review will help to understand the therapeutic relevance of Carissa as well as paving a way for further exploration in the discovery of novel plant-based drugs.

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers’ phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.

Thymoquinone (TQ), a potent bioactive of Nigella sativa plant, is highly hydrophobic molecule and thus associated with poor oral bioavailability. The present work proposes the phospholipid-nanoparticles (PLN) based delivery of TQ to enhance the low oral bioavailability and anti-inflammatory activity. TQ-loaded nanoparticles were prepared via micro-emulsification technique employing different phospholipid concentrations and extensively characterized for particle size, surface charge, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, and drug release kinetics. Further, the nanoparticles were assessed for oral bioavailability, and anti-inflammatory activity employing rat paw edema model. The optimized nanoparticle composition (F1) was nanosized ( 70%), controlled drug release pattern, and negatively charged surface (zeta potential of −0.57 mV). After oral administration of a single dose of F1 formulation, showed approx. 226.6% relative bioavailability vis-a-vis plain TQ suspension. While, substantially higher reduction in the percent inhibition in paw edema in comparison to the pure drug suspension and diclofenac sodium, was observed in the inflammation model. The present work indicate that PLN could be an efficient nanodevices for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and promising carrier system to augment TQ oral bioavailability.

Simple Summary Colistin is a last resort drug for the treatment of infection caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Different studies have uncovered the negative impact of colistin consumption in animals. Therefore, it has become essential to monitor the dosing regimens of colistin and assess their negative effects. The current review intends to provide brief information of colistin usage and its associated negative impact and discuss available techniques to detect colistin in animal-based food so that effective preventive measures can be taken to minimize the health risks in both animals and humans. Abstract Progress in the medical profession is determined by the achievements and effectiveness of new antibiotics in the treatment of microbial infections. However, the development of multiple-drug resistance in numerous bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria, has limited the treatment options. Due to this resistance, the resurgence of cyclic polypeptide drugs like colistin remains the only option. The drug, colistin, is a well-known growth inhibitor of Gram-negative bacteria like Acinetobacter baumanni, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Technological advancements have uncovered the role of the mcr-1(mobilized colistin resistance) gene, which is responsible for the development of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, which make them distinct from other bacteria without this gene. Additionally, food animals have been determined to be the reservoir for colistin resistance microbes, from which they spread to other hosts. Due to the adverse effects of colistin, many developed countries have prohibited its usage in animal foods, but developing countries are still using colistin in animal food production, thereby imposing a major risk to the public health. Therefore, there is a need for implementation of sustainable measures in livestock farms to prevent microbial infection. This review highlights the negative effects (increased resistance) of colistin consumption and emphasizes the different approaches used for detecting colistin in animal-based foods as well as the challenges associated with its detection.

Aims: The study aimed at developing and characterizing Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) of Quetiapine Fumarate (QF) by Design of Experiment (DoE) for the enhancement of bioavailability. Background: QF, an anti-psychotic drug, has an oral bioavailability of 9% due to hepatic first- pass metabolism necessitating the use of high doses. Its side effects are dose -related and enhancement in bioavailability would result in minimization of side effects. Objective: The objective of the study was the enhancement of bioavailability of the NLC of QF by preferential lymphatic uptake. Methods: Hot emulsification-ultrasonication was the method of formulation using PrecirolATO5 and Oleic acid as solid and liquid lipids respectively. Poloxamer188 and Phospholipon90G were used as surfactant and stabilizer respectively. Solid:liquid lipid ratio and Phospholipon90G amount were independent variables and percent Entrapment Efficiency (%EE), Particle Size (PS) dependent variables during optimization by Central Composite Design. Results: The optimized formulation showed a %EE of 77.21%, PS of 140.2 nm and surface charge of - 19.9mV. Higuchi kinetic model was followed during the in-vitro release. TEM revealed spherical, smooth nanoparticles. A pharmacokinetic study in rats showed AUC0-∞ of QF-NLC to be 3.93 times that of QF in suspension, suggesting significant enhancement in bioavailability. An increase in AUC0-∞ in cycloheximide untreated rats’ group of QF-NLC by 2.43 times as compared to cycloheximide treated group, confirmed lymphatic absorption of QF- NLC. Conclusion: The results validated DoE as an appropriate tool for developing QF loaded NLC and proved NLC to be a promising delivery system for the enhancement of oral bioavailability of QF.

Background: The poor biopharmaceutical properties of thymoquinone (TQ) obstruct its development as a hepatoprotective agent. To surmount the delivery challenges of TQ, phospholipid nanoconstructs (PNCs) were constructed. Method: PNCs were constructed employing microemulsification technique and systematic optimization by three-factor three level Box-Behnken design. Result: Optimized PNC composition exhibited nano size (90%), controlled drug release pattern, and neutral surface charge (zeta potential of −0.65 mV). After oral administration of a single dose of PNC, it showed a relative bioavailability of 386.03% vis-à-vis plain TQ suspension. Further, TQ-loaded PNC demonstrated significant enhanced hepato-protective effect vis-à-vis pure TQ suspension and silymarin, as evidenced by reduction in the ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin level and ratified by histopathological analysis. Conclusion: TQ-loaded PNCs can be efficient nano-platforms for the management of hepatic disorders and promising drug delivery systems to enhance oral bioavailability of this hydrophobic molecule.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Rheum emodi Wall., is an important medicinal plant extensively used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of traditional medicine. It is known to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, wound healing and immune enhancing activities. Aim of the study The aim of the current study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity and synergistic potential of different solvent fractions and phytocompounds of Rheum emodi rhizome against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Material and methods The antimicrobial and synergistic potential of the crude methanolic extract, different solvent fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and residual aqueous) and isolated phytocompounds of the rhizome of Rheum emodi were assayed by broth microdilution method. The bioactive phytocompounds were isolated through silica TLC and quantified using HPTLC and HPLC. The bioactive phytocompounds were identified by LC-MS analysis. Results Phytochemical analysis of the sub-fractions showed that the TPC (417.94 ± 1.2 mg g-1 GAE) and TFC (187.40 ± 0.5 mg g-1 RE) were highest in residual aqueous extracts. The chloroform sub-fraction possessed the highest antimicrobial activity against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungal strains (Candida albicans MTCC 277 and ATCC 90028). The MIC of chloroform sub-fraction against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, C. albicans was 1.95, 3.91, 15.62 and 62.5 μg ml-1, respectively. TLC and LC-MS analysis of chloroform sub-fraction identified phytocompounds namely emodin D4 (m/z 274.262), rhein13c6 (m/z 290.176), chrysophanol dimethyl ether (m/z 282.291), and resveratrol (m/z 340.456). Quantification of emodin content showed that the chloroform sub-fraction (101.4543 μg mg-1, 194.8037 μg mg-1 measured through HPTLC and HPLC, respectively), and its TLC fraction (II) (75.18 μg mg-1, 232.384 μg mg-1 measured through HPTLC and HPLC, respectively) are rich in emodin. Furthermore, chloroform sub-fraction, its TLC fractions and emodin showed profound synergistic activity in combination with antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics and lowered the dosage of antibiotics by 4–257 folds. Conclusions The bioassay guided fractionation of R. emodi rhizome methanolic extract identified phytocompounds (emodin, rhein13c6, chrysophanol dimethyl ether and resveratrol) that act as bioavailability enhancers of antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, hence revealing their potential in treating multidrug resistance.

To eradicate Zn deficiency, milk was fortified with 22.5 ppm Zn as Zn acetate based on sensory and physicochemical evaluation. The pH, acidity, viscosity, rennet coagulation time and alcohol stability of milk were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) upon fortification with Zn. The fortification decreased the milk current flow and increased the impedance significantly. FTIR analysis showed that Zn fortification decreased transmittance between 3500 and 3000 cm−1 indicating decreased hydrogen bonding. The peaks that disappeared suggested that Zn hindered C-H and C=O stretching. Zn affected the milk system; however these changes were on the micro level and did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the stability of the milk system.

Seeds of Ocimum species find use in soft drinks, as beverages, and in control blood sugar and cholesterol. The effect of solvent extraction on the chemistry and biological potential of seeds from Ocimum sanctum and O. basilicum growing in the North-Western Himalaya was compared in this study. Seed extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum were prepared using four solvent systems (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol) based on increasing polarity and analyzed for phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The two most active extracts were further subjected to GC–MS analysis for chemicals profiling. The results demonstrated that seed extracts from both Ocimum species have different chemical profiles and biological activity. Tannins, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides were abundant in seeds of both species. Among all seeds extracts of both Ocimum species, maximum phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity were found in the methanolic extract (ME) and chloroform extract (CE). In the chloroform seed extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum, GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 19 and 11 phytocompounds, respectively. On the other hand, 11 and 4 phytocompounds were found in the methanol extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum, respectively. Seeds of O. basilicum revealed a higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity as compared with O. sanctum. Because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial action, the seeds of O. basilicum as well as their bioactive compounds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a source of novel antibiotics or alternative natural preservatives in food matrices.

Glibenclamide, sulfonylurea receptor inhibitor, is reported to be neuroprotective in ischemic stroke by reducing cytotoxic edema, which is the primary cause of morbidity. As neurological worsening in stroke occurs from 3 to 10 days post-injury, there is a need to develop a system that would provide the release of glibenclamide for 10–15 days in a sustained manner in order to y improve the neurological functions effectively. In situ forming microparticles (ISFM) of glibenclamide was developed using PLGA 50:50 as a biodegradable polymer and by applying RSM I-Optimal design. In vitro evaluation studies were carried out for optimized formulation. In vivo pharmacological assessments and pharmacokinetics studies were performed in the Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion model (BCCAO) in Wistar rats. In vitro drug release studies showed a minimum burst release at 12 h and maximum release on 15th day. In vivo results showed a significant improvement in neurological functions, reduction in the infarct area, and hemispheric swelling in glibenclamide ISFM treated animals as compared to diseased animals. From in vitro and in vivo animal studies, it was concluded that long-acting ISFM of glibenclamide was successfully developed, which showed drug release pattern in a sustained manner for up to 15 days for preventing the neurological worsening in stroke.

The PANI/Ag2O/Cu2O (PAC) direct dual-Z-scheme heterojunction was synthesized by ultrasonic-assisted wet impregnation method. The heterojunction utilizes broad spectrum form UV, visible to NIR region. The structural characterization and chemical composition was explored by series of instrumental techniques. A significant photodegradation rate of 275 × 10−4 min−1 against methylene blue (MB) were observed on addition of H2O2 at pH 8. H2O2 addition intensify the •OH radicals generation that photodegraded nearly 98% of MB in 40 min. Further, trapping experiment and ESR technique validate the active role of •OH, •O2− radicals and holes during photocatalytic process. Several critical factors governing the rate of photodegradation such as pH, concentration H2O2, MB and photocatalyst were also analysed. The degradation mechanism and the intermediate formed were established by performing HPLC and LCMS analysis. Lastly, the direction of charge migration, slower rate of recombination, and effective separation of charge carrier were explicit by XPS analysis and electrochemical study. Based on the obtained results, work function of independent photocatalysts and the alignment of energy bands, a plausible direct dual-Z-scheme charge migration were proposed.

Background Bombax ceiba is used traditionally to treat bone disorders, rheumatism, and joint pain. The aim of the study is to carry out osteogenic activity in-vitro and anti-osteoporotic activity in-vivo of stem bark of B. ceiba in surgical ovariectomy model in female rats. Methods Plant drug: B. ceiba stem bark was extracted with solvents petroleum ether and methanol using Soxhlet extraction. In-vitro osteoblastic proliferation study was performed using UMR-106 cell lines. Both the extracts were undergone to acute toxicity study as per OECD423 guidelines. Female Wistar albino rats 180-240 g were used (n = 6). Surgical ovariectomy was performed under anesthesia to induce bone porosity and loss in all animals except normal control and sham control. Each extract was administered at two dose level: 100 and 200 mg/kg and the standard Raloxifene was given at 1 mg/kg orally for 28 days. The phytochemical study of both the extracts was performed using HPLC and HPTLC. Results A significant osteoblast cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity were observed with B. ceiba extracts in UMR-106 cell lines. Surgical removal of ovaries produced significant (p

Objective: To observe gender specific seasonal variation of two phenolic glycosides (PG’s) (populin and salicin) in Populus ciliata male and female trees.Methods: Plant material (bark) was collected from male and female trees throughout the year. The content of salicin and populin was measured using HPLC. Because of the lack of populin in the market, the standard compound was synthesized in the laboratory from salicin following standard procedure. Confirmation and characterization of synthesized populin were done using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. TLC and LC-MS of methanolic extract were performed to observe the presence of populin and salicin in the plant bark.Results: TLC showed the presence of populin and salicin in crude plant extract at Rf value 0.84 and 0.52, respectively. The results of monthly variation showed a consistent pattern of two PG’s for both the sexes. However, salicin content was observed highest compared to populin content. Whereas female trees were observed with low content of PG’s compared to male trees. The maximum content of salicin and populin was observed in the flowering season. LC-MS of bark methanolic extract confirmed the presence of a significantly larger peak, which was identified as a cinnamoyl-salicin peak at 463.Conclusion: The study confirms the highest content of PG’s in the flowering season. Additionally, LC-MS study concluded a new compound cinnamoyl-salicin (M+at 463) which is reported first time to the best of author’s knowledge. It seems that it could be the denaturation product of 2'-O-cinnamoyl salicortin and can be further explored for biological applications.