PMID: 

Pharm Res. 2019 May 17 ;36(7):104. Epub 2019 May 17. PMID: 31101988

Abstract Title: 

The Natural Product Eugenol Is an Inhibitor of the Ebola Virus In Vitro.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: Since the 2014 Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa there has been considerable effort towards developing drugs to treat Ebola virus disease and yet to date there is no FDA approved treatment. This is important as at the time of writing this manuscript there is an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which has killed over 1000.METHODS: We have evaluated a small number of natural products, some of which had shown antiviral activity against other pathogens. This is exemplified with eugenol, which is found in high concentrations in multiple essential oils, and has shown antiviral activity against feline calicivirus, tomato yellow leaf curl virus, Influenza A virus, Herpes Simplex virus type 1 and 2, and four airborne phages.RESULTS: Four compounds possessed ECvalues less than or equal to 11 μM. Of these, eugenol, had an ECof 1.3 μM against EBOV and is present in several plants including clove, cinnamon, basil and bay. Eugenol is much smaller and structurally unlike any compound that has been previously identified as an inhibitor of EBOV, therefore it may provide new mechanistic insights.CONCLUSION: This compound is readily accessible in bulk quantities, is inexpensive, and has a long history of human consumption, which endorses the idea for further assessment as an antiviral therapeutic. This work also suggests that a more exhaustive assessment of natural product libraries against EBOV and other viruses is warranted to improve our ability to identify compounds that are so distinct from FDA approved drugs.

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PMID: 

J Trop Pediatr. 2019 Jun 29. Epub 2019 Jun 29. PMID: 31257430

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Application on the Skin of Preterm Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Preterm constitutes a major part of neonatal mortality, particularly in India. Due to dermal immaturity, preterm neonates are susceptible to various complications like infection, hypothermia, etc. Emollient application is a traditional practice in our subcontinent.AIMS: To find out the efficacy of coconut oil application for skin maturity, prevention of sepsis, hypothermia and apnea, its effect on long-term neurodevelopment and adverse effect of it, if any.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Burdwan Medical College from March 2014 to August 2018. Preterm born in the study period was divided into Group A (received virgin coconut oil application) and Group B (received body massage without any application). Neonatal skin condition was assessed on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of life. Neurodevelopmental status was assessed on 3rd, 6th and 12th months.RESULTS: A total of 2294 preterm were included in the study. Groups A and B consisted of 1146 and 1148 preterm infants, consecutively. Mean gestational age of the study population was 31.9 ± 3.4 weeks and 50.4% were male. Mean weight loss in first few days was less in group A but mean weight gain per day was higher in group B. Lesser incidences of hypothermia and apnea, and better skin maturity and neurodevelopmental outcome were noted in group A. No significant adverse effectwas noted with coconut oil application.CONCLUSION: Use of coconut oil helps in dermal maturity and better neurodevelopmental outcome. Further studies are warranted for universal recommendation.

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PMID: 

J Complement Integr Med. 2019 Sep 18. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31536034

Abstract Title: 

Virgin coconut oil supplementation in diet modulates immunity mediated through survival signaling pathways in rats.

Abstract: 

Background Virgin coconut oil (VCO), a cold processed form of coconut oil, is traditionally consumed in Asian countries owing to its nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the health benefits of VCO involve alterations in immune responses that are regulated by intracellular signaling molecules in the spleens of rats. Methods Young male Wistar rats were fed with three doses of VCO in diet for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, spleens were isolated and in vitro effects on immune responses (Concanavalin A [Con A]-induced lymphoproliferation and cytokine production), and direct effects of VCO treatment on intracellular signaling molecules and antioxidant status were examined. Serum was collected to measure glucose, lipid levels, and leptin. Results VCO supplementation in diet enhanced Con A-induced splenocyte proliferation and Th1 cytokine production while it suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine production. VCO increased the expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin(p-mTOR), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), liver kinase B1 (p-LKB1) p-ERK, and p-CREB in spleen. Similarly, VCO increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes while it suppressed lipid peroxidation in the spleen. VCO diet had hypolipidemic effects on the rats: an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels while lowering triacylglycerol (TAG) levels. Conclusion The health benefits of VCO may be mediated through enhanced Th1 immunity through the upregulation of survival signaling pathways and inhibition of free radical generation in the spleen besides its capacity to induce hypolipidemia.

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PMID: 

J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2019 Aug 30 ;38(1):382. Epub 2019 Aug 30. PMID: 31470883

Abstract Title: 

Sequential combination of cisplatin with eugenol targets ovarian cancer stem cells through the Notch-Hes1 signalling pathway.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Ovarian carcinomas are the deadliest gynecological malignancies owing to their high rate of recurrence and high resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Recent studies have shown platinum-dependent enrichment of ovarian tumors with side population as well as cancer stem cells, which are highly resistant to the treatment. To overcome this treatment-limiting factor, we sought to combine cisplatin with eugenol, a natural substance known to have anti-cancer effects.METHODS: The efficiency of combining cisplatin with eugenol was first tested in vitro on two ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and OV2774 using the WST1 and the flow cytometry techniques. The effect of this combination on ovarian cancer stem cells was determined by the tumorsphere formation assay, while the implication of the Notch pathway was evaluated post-ectopic expression of the Hes1 gene. The resulting changes in the expression of several markers was assessed by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence as well as quantitative RT-PCR. Cell sorting was also used to isolate specific ovarian cancer sub-population of cells. Furthermore, tumor-bearing mouse models were utilized to prove the potential therapeutic value of the cisplatin/eugenol combination treatment in vivo.RESULTS: We have shown that adding eugenol to cisplatin-treated ovarian cancer cells synergistically inhibited their growth and survival through induction of apoptosis. Importantly, this sequential inhibition strongly reduced the proportion of side population cells and suppressed cisplatin-dependent enrichment in ovarian cancer stem cells. Additionally, while increase in the level of Hes1 promoted stemness and enhanced resistance to cisplatin, cisplatin/eugenol cotreatment inhibited the Notch-Hes1 pathway and strongly downregulated the drug resistance ABC transporter genes. These findings were confirmed in vivo by showing that cisplatin/eugenol cotherapy inhibited tumor growth in animals, reduced the proportion and self-renewal capacities of cancer stem cells and significantly improved disease-free survival of tumor-bearing animals compared with either therapy alone.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that cisplatin/eugenol sequential combination could be of great therapeutic value for ovarian cancer patients through targeting the Notch-Hes1 pathway and the consequent elimination of the resistant cancer stem cells.

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PMID: 

Saudi Pharm J. 2019 Sep ;27(6):778-790. Epub 2019 Apr 29. PMID: 31516320

Abstract Title: 

A novel Nanoformulation Development of Eugenol and their treatment in inflammation and periodontitis.

Abstract: 

Objective: To prepare a novel nanoemulsion- Carbopol® 934 gel for Eugenol, in order to prevent the periodontitis.Material and methods: Spontaneous emulsification method was used for the preparation of nanoemulsion in which it contain Eugenol (oil phase), Tween-80 (surfactant), and PEG (co-surfactant). To the development of best nanoemulsion, three-factor three-level central composite design was used in which %oil; %Sand % water were optimized as independent variables. An optimized-nanoemulsion were converted to nanoemulsion-Carbopol® 934 gel.Results: 5.5% oil, 35.5% Sand 59.0% water were optimized as independent and dependent variables. Finally dependent variables optimized as a particle size (nm), PDI and %transmittance were observed 79.92 ± 6.33 nm, 0.229 ± 0.019, and 98.88 ± 1.31% respectively. The values of final results for dependent variables like particle size (nm), PDI and % transmittance were evaluated as 79.92 ± 6.33 nm, 0.229 ± 0.019, and 98.88 ± 1.31%, respectively. TEM and SEM showed a spherical shape of developed nanoemulsion with refractive index (1.63 ± 0.038), zeta potential (-19.16 ± 0.11), pH (7.4 ± 0.06), viscosity (34.28 ± 6 cp), and drug content of 98.8 ± 0.09%. After that a final optimized EUG-NE-Gel was assessed on the basis of their pH measurement, drug content, syringeability, and mucoadhesion on the goat buccal mucosa. Optimized EUG-NE-Gel (Tween-80 and Carbopol® 934 used) showed the results, to improve the periodontal drug delivery of EUG in future.Conclusion: EUG-NE-Gel showed a significant role in anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic, and anesthetic, antibacterial, and treatment of periodontal disease.

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PMID: 

J Thorac Dis. 2019 Jul ;11(7):3030-3038. PMID: 31463132

Abstract Title: 

Magnolol inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in esophagus cancer KYSE-150 cell lines via the MAP kinase pathway.

Abstract: 

Background: Magnolol has shown anti-cancer activity against a variety of cancers, such as liver, breast, lung and colon cancer. However, the role of magnolol in esophagus cancer cells is unknown.Methods: In this study, esophagus cancer cell lines including TE-1, Eca-109 and KYSE-150 were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of magnolol on cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration.Results: We found that magnolol inhibits cellular proliferation of all three cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner; 20µM magnolol markedly inhibited the migration ability of KYSE-150 cell which was accompanied with a decreased expression of MMP-2. Treatment with 100 µM magnolol significantly increased KYSE-150 cell apoptosis. We found that cleaved caspase-3, cleaved capsese-9 and Bax protein expression was increased and Bcl-2 protein expression was decreased after magnolol treatment. In addition, Magnolol had no effect on JNK but induced the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of these kinases in the initiation of the apoptosis process. Finally,magnolol treatment significantly suppressed KYSE-150 tumor cell growth in nude mouse xenograft models.Conclusions: The results of this study provide a basis for the understanding and development of magnolol as a potential novel drug for esophagus cancer.

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PMID: 

Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2019 Dec ;47(1):3101-3109. PMID: 31343369

Abstract Title: 

Gold nano particles synthesized fromand anticancer activity in A549 lung cancer cells.

Abstract: 

Nanotechnology is creating a bang in each and every field of life science. Scientists are mounting their interest of research towards gold nanoparticles as they are capable with bigger and advanced properties.Traditionally nanoparticles have been manufactured by various chemical and physical methods but have negative impact on the environment and are also highly toxic. Synthesis of nanoparticles by using plant extracts is substituting the conventional methods and it is eco-friendly too. In the current study, we prepared gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Magnolia officinalis, which is identified as an eco-friendly and less toxic method. Incorporation of AuNPs was renowned by UV-absorbance and it shows peak values. Nanoparticle sizes are recognized by dynamic light scattering scrutiny and it shows a value of 128 nm. Besides, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) incorrigibly define the shape of the AuNPs which are present in the complex materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) findings display that the active molecules are positioned in the plane of the AuNPs. Similarly, anticancer efficacy of AuNPs have been assessed in A549 cells. our study show that AuNPs effectively provoke cytotoxicity, and apoptosis by inflecting apoptotic gene expressions in A549 cells.

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PMID: 

J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2019 Aug 8. Epub 2019 Aug 8. PMID: 31402135

Abstract Title: 

The Effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy on Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: Although the therapeutic effects of horticulture on older adults have been widely investigated, a recent and comprehensive synthesis of available evidence on outcomes is lacking. We systematically reviewed evidence for the therapeutic effects of horticulture on older adults.DESIGN: A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Sage Journals, ProQuest, Science Direct, and CINAHL was conducted. Articles were selected if they were quantitative studies published in English from 2008 to 2018.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Articles were selected if they included participants aged 60 years and older and used horticulture as the main intervention.MEASURES: Experimental studies were appraised using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale.RESULTS: The systematic search yielded 20 articles. Significant pre-post improvement was reported in quality of life, anxiety, depression, social relations, physical effects, and cognitive effects. However, between-group results were lacking or nonsignificant.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There is evidence for benefits of horticulture among older adults, particularly in long-term care facilities. Nonetheless, as the robustness of evidence is lacking, more rigorous randomized controlled trials and between-group effects need to be investigated.

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PMID: 

J Diet Suppl. 2019 ;16(4):417-430. Epub 2018 Jun 28. PMID: 29953299

Abstract Title: 

Ameliorates Testicular Toxicity Induced by Combination of First-Line Tuberculosis Drugs (Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide) in Normal Wistar Rats.

Abstract: 

First-line antituberculosis drugs, namely, isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), and pyrazinamide (PZA), contribute to diverse pathological complications. Testicular toxicity is one such complication.DC is an herb with potentially curative characteristics. The aim of this study was to test whether extract ofDC (Berberidaceae) has curing potential against testicular toxicity. Characterization of extract was done using ultra-performance liquid chromatography along with acute toxicity testing. Antioxidant activity of extract was checked by DPPH inhibition assay and HOscavenging assay. Rats were dosed once daily for 28 days in groups: control group (saline), toxicant group (30.85 mg/kg body weight INH + 61.7 mg/kg body weight RIF + 132.65 mg/kg body weight PZA), treatment groups (TB drugs + 150/300 mg/kg body weight extract) and standard group (TB drugs +100 mg/kg body weight silymarin). Spectrophotometricevaluations of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT) content in testes were done using standard protocols. DNA fragmentation and histopathological studies were performed to check the damage at the cellularlevel. Acute toxicity studies revealed LD>5 g/Kg body weight ofextract. ICfor DPPH free-radical scavenging activity and HOscavenging assay were 44.78 µg/mL and 85.28 µg/mL, respectively. Results revealed significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, decrease in glutathione and different antioxidants levels, DNA fragmentation pattern, and changes in histology in toxicant group. All the changes were absent in high-dose (300 mg/kg body weight) extract treatment group. This work proved thatextract has protective efficacy against testicular damage caused by anti-TB drugs.

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PMID: 

AMB Express. 2019 Sep 11 ;9(1):143. Epub 2019 Sep 11. PMID: 31512002

Abstract Title: 

Scientific validation of the antimicrobial and antiproliferative potential of Berberis aristata DC root bark, its phytoconstituents and their biosafety.

Abstract: 

Berberis aristata is an important part of traditional healing system from more than 2500 years. The aqueous extract of Berberis aristata root bark displayed broad spectrum activity against 13 test pathogens, ranging from 12 to 25 mm. In classical optimization, 15% concentration prepared at 40 °C for 40 min was optimal and thermostable. Statistical optimization enhanced the activity by 1.13-1.30-folds. Ethyl acetate was the best organic solvent to elute out the potential compound responsible for antimicrobial activity. Diterpenes were the most abundant phytoconstituent (15.3%) and showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity ranging from 16.66 to 42.66 mm. Ethyl acetate extract displayed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.05-1 mg/mL), followed by diterpenes (0.05-5 mg/mL) and flavonoids (0.05-10 mg/mL). The test extracts were microbicidal in nature and showed a prolonged post antibiotic effect ranging from 2 to 8 h. They were found to be biosafe as perAmes and MTT assay. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of diterpenes against L20B, RD and Hep 2 cell lines revealed its ICranging from 245 to 473 µg/mL. Acute oral toxicity of diterpenes on Swiss albino mice did not show any changes in behavioral pattern, body weight, biochemical parameters as well as organs' architecture. The study thus indicates B. aristata could be a potential candidate for development of potent drug owing to its antimicrobial potential and biosafe profile.

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