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Abstract Background Eurycomanone is a cytotoxic compound found in Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Previous studies had noted the cytotoxic effect against various cancer cell lines. The aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxicity against human hepato carcinoma cell in vitro and the mode of action. The cytotoxicity of eurycomanone was evaluated using MTT assay and the mode of cell death was detected by Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and flow cytometry with Annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining. The protein expression Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and cytochrome C were studied by flow cytometry using a spesific antibody conjugated fluorescent dye to confirm the up-regulation of p53 and Bax in cancer cells. Results The findings suggested that eurycomanone was cytotoxic on cancerous liver cell, HepG2 and less toxic on normal cells Chang's liver and WLR-68. Furthermore, various methods proved that apoptosis was the mode of death in eurycomanone-treated HepG2 cells. The characteristics of apoptosis including chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic bodies were found following eurycomanone treatment. This study also found that apoptotic process triggered by eurycomanone involved the up-regulation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. The up-regulation of p53 was followed by the increasing of pro-apoptotic Bax and decreasing of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. The increased of cytochrome C levels in cytosol also results in induction of apoptosis. Conclusion The data suggest that eurycomanone was cytotoxic on HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis through the up-regulation of p53 and Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Current cancer treatment comes with side effects. Clinacanthus nutans has been known traditionally to treat cancer. This study was aimed to characterize C. nutans standardized fraction (SF1) and to investigate its anticancer mechanism against SiHa cells. Materials and Methods: SF1 was produced by optimized methodology for bioassay-guided fractionation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were carried out to characterize the SF1. SF1 was screened for cytotoxicity activity toward HeLa, SiHa, and normal cells (NIH) cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The anticancer mechanism of SF1 was evaluated toward SiHa cells, which showed highest cytotoxicity toward SF1 treatment. The mechanism includes cell cycle progression and protein expression, which was detected using specific antibody-conjugated fluorescent dye, p53-FITC, by flow cytometry. Results: Major constituents of SF1 were alkaloids with amines as functional group. SF1 showed highest cytotoxic activity against SiHa (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] < 10 µg/mL) compared to HeLa cells. Cytoselectivity of SF1 was observed with no IC50 detected on normal NIH cells. On flow cytometry analysis, SF1 was able to induce apoptosis on SiHa cells by arresting cell cycle at G1/S and upregulation of p53 protein. Conclusion: SF1 showed anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis through arrested G1/S cell cycle checkpoint-mediated mitochondrial pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Application of nano-engineered fingerprint dusting powders has been a recent trend to achieve latent fingermark development with superior ridge clarity. As such, efforts have been made to utilise natural resources to increase the sustainability of these emerging nano-engineered powders. Lithium-doped zinc oxide, primarily used as white pigments, have been previously applied to latent fingermarks with success. In the current study, nanostructured zinc oxide, synthesised using neem extract as the reducing agent, was evaluated for fingermark development on non-porous surfaces. Methods: The reduction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate was facilitated by neem extract, prepared by boiling neem leaves in distilled water. The thick yellow paste recovered was calcined in the furnace to produce a light yellow powder. Physicochemical composition of the powder was determined using microscopic and spectroscopic instruments. The effectiveness of the powder was tested on natural fingermark deposited on several non-porous surfaces. Results: Nanostructured zinc oxide with particle size ranging in between 1 to 3 μm consisting of highly aggregated spherical particle with less than 100 nm dimensions were synthesised. Developed fingermarks revealed excellent ridge details and contrast on dark coloured surfaces. Studying the fingermark closely under scanning electron microscope displayed selective distribution of particle on the ridges of the fingermark residue and very minimal deposition on the fingermark valleys. Conclusion: Nanostructured zinc oxide fabricated using green chemistry approach can be applied for the development of fingermark. Nevertheless, future works can be undertaken to enhance particle dispersity and to confer strong photoluminescence to the zinc oxide nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rice husk has portrayed great potential in becoming a sustainable biomass source in producing silica, cellulose and carbon materials, which garnered widespread interest among researchers. The objective of the current study is to determine the morphological and compositional changes in rice husk due to the synergistic effects of thermochemical treatment. Methods: Washed and dried rice husk was blended into a fine powder and then subjected to step-wise heat treatment and acid digestion to produce white ash. The intermittent products, as well as the original rice husk and the final ash product, were characterised using analytical instruments to document the morphological and chemical composition changes. Results: This report highlights the production of pure rice husk ash using a step-wise treatment using a combination of thermochemical treatment and carbonisation. The results showed that a partial breakdown of the lignocellulose components was achieved using directed thermal treatment at low temperature. The ionic impurities were leached out in subsequent heated acid treatment. Thereafter, the carbonaceous organic matter was completely converted to carbon during the carbonisation of the sample and the remaining carbon residue was removed during calcination. High purity ash contained agglomerated and nanostructured silica in the dimensions of 20 to 50 nm in the amorphous form. Conclusion: The step-wise treatment allowed systematic removal of each compound while maintaining the amorphous mineral phase of silica and avoiding carbon fixation. Understanding the effect of each treatment offers insight to produce purer silica from rice husk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most common method to emerge latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces is powdering by applying commercial fingerprint powders. However, the chemical composition of the powder is often toxic and poses health hazards to humans. This study was endeavoured to explore the effectiveness and potential use of natural resources for the enhancement of latent fingermarks. Methods: Eggshells and clamshells were prepared in fine powder form, and latent fingermarks were developed using each powder. Five non-porous substrates were selected for fingermarks deposition; glass, aluminium can, plastic book cover, painted wood, and compact disc. Results: Both natural powders have successfully developed high-quality finger marks with high clarity of ridge characteristics in comparison to commercial fingerprint powder (positive control) and untreated fingermark (negative control) on most of the tested surfaces tested. The sebaceous fingermarks have shown the best quality fingermarks when developed with both powders. In the ageing study, it was found that most non-porous substrates bearing latent fingermarks exposed to the destructive conditions can be successfully visualised in the early period of exposure. Conclusion: Eggshell and clamshell powders are as effective as commercial white powder but preferrable to be applied because of the low cost, abundant and non-hazardous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cervical cancer continue to be a leading cause of cancer-related death for women. The current anticancer drugs remain inefficient due to the lack of specificity to inhibit the cancer cells growth. Plant-based drugs with potent anticancer should add to the efforts in finding drugs with lesser side effects but great potential to increase survival. Hence, this study sought to determine the tumour growth inhibition of standardized fraction (SF1) from Clinacanthus nutans as a potential alternative treatment for cervical cancer. Methods: SF1 was isolated from a series of bioassay-guided fractionation of C.nutans leaves. Female nude mice were xenografted with human cervical cancer cell line, SiHa, subcutaneously. When the tumour volume reached 100mm3, SF1 was intraperitoneally injected once daily for 28 days. Body weight and tumour volume were recorded every 3 days. Tumour and liver were fixed for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry using caspase-3 antibody. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for assessment of liver enzymes level, AST and ALT. Results: SF1 has a great tumour inhibition with more than 50% inhibition rate compared to the negative control group (DMSO). ALT and AST levels in SF1-treated mice were maintained in normal ranges compared to the positive control group, cisplatin indicating no sign of toxicities. SF1-treated group revealed no indication of liver toxicity. The number of tumour mitosis was reduced and caspase-3, a critical mediator of apoptosis was overexpressed in SF1-treated group. Conclusion: SF1 demonstrated potent anticancer activity by inhibiting the tumour growth with less toxic effects, suggesting a promising candidate for preventing cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace odour is one of the trace material evidence that has significant value in forensic analysis. The recovery of relevant trace odour components from clothing has the potential to be a form of trace evidence that can be used to assess the likelihood of a contact between individuals in sexual and violent cases. They have the same potential as other trace evidence and can narrow down the suspect in the investigation. Studies conducted previously related to trace odour have succeeded in proving that this trace odour is unique, has its signature profile and can distinguish it from other sources such as fingerprints and DNA. This review highlights these trace odours and their persistence after being transferred, which contribute to a complete picture of the dynamics and potential application in the forensic reconstruction process. The literature was sourced from electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley On?line Library and Science Direct. Keywords such "odour", "trace odour", "scent", "volatile organic compound", "forensic identification" were utilised. Further studies on various forms of trace odour are needed to strengthen their evidential values and be admissible to the court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance in common antimalarial drugs, including artemisinin-based combination therapies, has necessitated the discovery of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action. In the present study, the in vitro antimalarial and toxicological activities of acetone, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) galls were investigated. Methods: The extracts were assessed for the antimalarial potential using a malarial SYBR Green I fluorescence-based (MSF) assay, while the toxicity was screened by using brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT), haemolytic assay, and cytotoxicity assay against normal embryo fibroblast cell line (NIH/3T3) and normal kidney epithelial cell line (Vero). Results: The acetone extract showed the highest antimalarial activity (50% inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 5.85 ± 1.64 μg/mL), followed by the methanol extract (IC50 = 10.31 ± 1.90 μg/mL). Meanwhile, the ethanol and aqueous extracts displayed low antimalarial activity with IC50 values of 20.00 ± 1.57 and 30.95 μg/mL ± 1.27 μg/mL, respectively. The significant antimalarial activity was demonstrated in all extracts and artemisinin (P < 0.05). All extracts were non-toxic to brine shrimps (50% lethality concentration, LC50 > 1000 ppm). Furthermore, no occurrence of haemolysis (< 5%) was observed in normal erythrocytes when treated with all extracts compared to Triton X-100 that caused 100% haemolysis (P < 0.05). The acetone and methanol extracts were non-toxic to the normal cell lines and statistically significant to artemisinin (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taken together with satisfactory selectivity index (SI) values, the acetone and methanol extracts of Q. infectoria galls could serve as an alternative, promising and safe antimalarial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Current cancer treatment comes with side effects. Clinacanthus nutans has been known traditionally to treat cancer. This study was aimed to characterize C. nutans standardized fraction (SF1) and to investigate its anticancer mechanism against SiHa cells., Materials and Methods: SF1 was produced by optimized methodology for bioassay-guided fractionation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were carried out to characterize the SF1. SF1 was screened for cytotoxicity activity toward HeLa, SiHa, and normal cells (NIH) cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The anticancer mechanism of SF1 was evaluated toward SiHa cells, which showed highest cytotoxicity toward SF1 treatment. The mechanism includes cell cycle progression and protein expression, which was detected using specific antibody-conjugated fluorescent dye, p53-FITC, by flow cytometry., Results: Major constituents of SF1 were alkaloids with amines as functional group. SF1 showed highest cytotoxic activity against SiHa (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC 50 ] < 10 µg/mL) compared to HeLa cells. Cytoselectivity of SF1 was observed with no IC 50 detected on normal NIH cells. On flow cytometry analysis, SF1 was able to induce apoptosis on SiHa cells by arresting cell cycle at G1/S and upregulation of p53 protein., Conclusion: SF1 showed anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis through arrested G1/S cell cycle checkpoint-mediated mitochondrial pathway., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)