Volume 21, Issue 1

Objectives Markhamia lutea ( M. lutea , Bignoniaceae) is mainly found in tropical/neotropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. The plant’s leaves, stems or roots are used to treat anaemia, bloody diarrhoea, parasitic and microbial infections. This study evaluates anti-inflammatory properties ( in vitro ) of Markhamia lutea and their curative effects on paclitaxel-induced intestinal toxicity ( in vivo ). Methods The anti-inflammatory potential of Markhamia lutea was tested over cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes (cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase). While in vivo , intestinal toxicity was induced for 10 days by oral administration of paclitaxel (3 mg/kg, 0.05 mL). Animals in each group were further treated with aqueous (300 mg/kg) and ethanolic (300 mg/kg) leaves extracts of Markhamia lutea during 7 days and clinical symptoms were recorded, hematological, biochemical and histological analysis were subsequently performed. Results In vitro , aqueous (250 μg/mL) and ethanolic (250 μg/mL) extracts of Markhamia lutea inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 1 (56.67 % and 69.38 %), cyclooxygenase 2 (50.67 % and 62.81 %) and 5-lipoxygenase (77.33 % and 86.00 %). These extracts inhibited the production of intracellular ROS, extracellular ROS and cell proliferation with maximum IC 50 of 30.83 μg/mL, 38.67 μg/mL and 19.05 μg/mL respectively for the aqueous extract, then 25.46 μg/mL, 27.64 μg/mL and 7.34 μg/mL respectively for the ethanolic extract. The extracts also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) and stimulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). In vivo , after administration of paclitaxel, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea significantly reduced the weight loss, the diarrheal stools and the mass/length intestines ratio of the treated animals compared to the animals of the negative control group. Biochemically, the extracts lead to a significant drop in serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels, followed by a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase. In addition to bringing the haematological parameters back to normal values after disturbance by paclitaxel, the extracts caused tissue regeneration in the treated animals. Conclusions In vitro , aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea showed anti-inflammatory properties (inhibition of COX1, COX2, 5-LOX activities, inhibition of ROS production and cell proliferation); in vivo , the same extracts showed curative properties against intestinal toxicity caused by paclitaxel.

Background Hydrotherapy is a commonly used treatment modality to manage various conditions including diabetes in the Naturopathy system of medicine. The objective of the current scoping review is to find the effectiveness of hydrotherapy on plasma blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Content Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework was adopted for this scoping review. The studies which used hydrotherapy intervention for the management of diabetes or the effect of hydrotherapy on plasma glucose levels were considered eligible. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google scholar were searched for English- language published articles till December 20, 2022. The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keyword search terms were used (“diabetes” OR “type 2 diabetes” OR “diabetes mellitus” OR “plasma glucose level”) AND (“hydrotherapy” OR “water therapy” OR “balneotherapy”). Two investigators independently assessed the studies for inclusion. Review articles, abstracts, and articles including the aquatic exercises as interventions were excluded. Summary In total, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Out of six, two studies used hot therapies, two studies cold therapy, and the remaining two used both hot and cold as interventions. The study results showed that hydrotherapy can be used as an effective intervention tool for blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Outlook Integrating hydrotherapy treatments alongside conventional management can reduce blood glucose levels and thus reduce diabetes-related complications.

Background Sir Archibald Cochrane and Sir Austin Bradford Hill requested 80 years ago answers to three questions (Can it work? Does it work? Is it worth it?) before a new intervention is implemented in day-to-day healthcare. A critical analysis of currently accepted answers identified a terminology conflict that inherits the risk of misleading interpretations and inappropriate decisions. Content For detection of the terminology problem and the development of the solutions was possible through three recommendations (the “Ulm heritage”): (1) Albert Einstein (*1879 in Ulm/Germany) predicted, “A problem cannot be solved with the way of thinking that caused it”; (2) The “hochschule für gestaltung ulm (Academy of Design, 1953–1968)” disseminated the rules of American designers and architects e.g., “Form Follows Function”; and (3) requested to “design not only individual but universally valid solutions with socio-political relevance”. Summary Our data confirms the power of the FFF rule, the pros and cons of value judgments, the complexity of healthcare decisions, the difference between scientific statements and political decisions, and the effects of interprofessional collaboration. Outlook “Efficacy” offers promising “Proofs of Principle (PoP)” while “effectiveness” describes “Real-World Effectiveness (RWE)”. That is why the results obtained are always more important than hypotheses.

Objectives Nigeria ranks second in the global prevalence of diarrhoea with most cases concentrated in the Northern-region of the country. This research explored the antidiarrhoeal efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves (HEPTL), locally used to manage diarrhoeal conditions in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Methods P. thonningii leaves were screened for their secondary metabolites and mineral constituents. Using 3 standard-diarrhoea models, female Wistar rats completely-randomised into six-groups of six animals each were utilised for probing the antidiarrhoeal activity of HEPTL. Animals in groups I and II served as the negative and positive controls, whereas the rats in groups III, IV and V respectively received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight-(bw) of HEPTL. Results Six secondary metabolites and eight minerals were found in the extract, with flavonoids and calcium being the most abundant while steroids and zinc were the least prevalent, respectively. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 bioactive substances. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-related reduction in diarrhoea onset, water content, and wet faeces count. Similarly, the amount of intestinal fluid and average distance traversed by the charcoal-meal were decreased dose-dependently by the HEPTL with a commensurate rise in the suppression of intestinal fluid accrual and peristalsis. Acetylcholinesterase, Na + /K + -ATPase, reduced glutathione, intestinal-alkaline phosphatase and protein levels increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas superoxide-dismutase, catalase, intestinal-nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels all fell significantly (p<0.05). However, the level of intestinal glucose was not significantly altered. Conclusions Overall, the HEPTL exhibited a profound effect in the alleviation of the severity of diarrhoea, notably at 200 mg/kg bw.

Objectives Preclinical evidence is needed to assess drug-metabolite behaviour in compromised liver function for developing the best antitubercular treatment (ATT) re-introduction regimen in drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The pharmacokinetic behavior of rifampicin (RMP) and its active metabolite des-acetyl-rifampicin (DARP) in DILI’s presence is unknown. To study the pharmacokinetic behavior of RMP and DARP in the presence of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) plus ATT-DILI in rats. Methods Thirty rats used in the experiment were divided equally into six groups. We administered a single 0.5 mL/kg CCl 4 intraperitoneal injection in all rats. Groups II, III, IV, and V were started on daily oral RMP alone, RMP plus isoniazid (INH), RMP plus pyrazinamide (PZA), and the three drugs INH, RMP, and PZA together, respectively, for 21-days subsequently. Pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling was performed at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post-dosing on day 20. We monitored LFT at baseline on days-1, 7, and 21 and sacrificed the rats on the last day of the experiment. Results ATT treatment sustained the CCl 4 -induced liver injury changes. A significant rise in mean total bilirubin levels was observed in groups administered rifampicin. The triple drug combination group demonstrated 1.43- and 1.84-times higher area-under-the-curve values of RMP (234.56±30.66 vs. 163.55±36.14 µg h/mL) and DARP (16.15±4.50 vs. 8.75±2.79 µg h/mL) compared to RMP alone group. Histological and oxidative stress changes supported underlying liver injury and PK alterations. Conclusions RMP metabolism inhibition by PZA, more than isoniazid, was well preserved in the presence of underlying liver injury.

Objectives In Unani medicine, a comprehensive treatment plan has been delineated to deal with febrile illnesses using herbal drugs along with modified dietetics, which stands as a promising area of research. The present study was aimed at evaluating the antipyretic activity of the HAE of Artemisia absinthium L. whole plant as a standalone and as an adjuvant with barley water in an animal model of pyrexia to validate the age-old Unani principle of the treatment. Methods The pyrexia was induced in all the groups except the plain control using Brewer’s yeast. Group II did not receive any treatment, while group III received crocin, group IV received HAE of A. absinthium , group V administered Ma al-Sha’ir , and group VI was treated with the HAE of A. absinthium along with Ma al-Sha’ir by oral route. The rectal temperature of each rat was recorded at ‘0’ h, 30 min, 60 min, and 180 min. Results The mean rectal temperature of group III went down from 101.82±0.20 °F to 100.4±0.57 °F over the period of (0–180) minutes, whereas the mean temperature in group IV went down from 102.45±0.60 °F to 100.14±0.57 °F. The mean rectal temperature of group V decreased from 100.62±0.11 °F to 99.55±0.51 °F, while the mean rectal temperature of group VI went down from 101.95±0.1 °F to 97.7±0.11 °F. Conclusions It is concluded that the HAE of A. absinthium L. as a standalone and along with Ma al Sha’ir showed excellent antipyretic activity as compared to the standard drug in an animal model.

Objectives Kidney diseases are one of the common diseases, which are one of the main causes of death in society and impose costs on the health system of the society. A growing body of evidence has well documented that inflammatory responses and oxidative damage play a significant role in the progress of various kidney diseases. Methods This study examined whether selenium (Sel) could prevent the detrimental influences of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. Four groups of Wistar rats were considered: control, LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p., for 14 days), LPS–Sel 1 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p., for 14 days), and LPS–Sel 2 (0.2 mg/kg, i.p., for 14 days). Results Sel treatment markedly attenuated oxidative stress damage in the kidney tissue in LPS-induced renal toxicity. Generally, the administration of Sel resulted in improved antioxidant indicators such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, or total thiol content, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney tissue. It also decreased interleukin-6 in kidney homogenates. Furthermore, Se treatment significantly inhibited the elevation of serum biochemical markers of kidney function including serum, BUN, and creatinine. Conclusions Based on the findings of the current study, it seems that the administration of Sel to LPS-treated rats improves renal function by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in kidney tissue. However, more research is needed to reveal the accurate mechanisms for the effect of Sel on renal outcomes of LPS in human subjects.

Objectives The invasive screening methods and the late stage diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are contributing for the devastative prognosis. The gradual shift of the disease pattern among younger generations requires the implementation of phytochemicals and traditional medicines. Arkeshwara rasa (AR) is a herb–mineral combination of Tamra bhasma /incinerated copper ashes and Dwigun Kajjali /mercury sulphide levigated with Calotropis procera leaf juice, Plumbago zeylanica root decoction and the decoction of three myrobalans ( Terminalia chebula , Terminalia bellerica , Emblica Officinalis decoction)/ Triphala decoction. Methods The SW-480 cell line was checked for the cytotoxicity and the cell viability criteria with MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. The acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) assay revealed the depth of apoptosis affected cells in the fluorescent images. The FTIR analysis exhibited the graphical spectrum of functional groups within the compound AR. Results The IC 50 from the 10 −7 to 10 −3 concentrations against SW-480 cells was 40.4 μg/mL. The staining of AO/EtBr was performed to visualize live and dead cells and it is evident from the result that number of apoptotic cells increases at increasing concentration of AR. The single bond with stretch vibrations of O–H and N–H are more concentrated in the 2,500–3,200 cm −1 and 3,700–4,000 cm −1 of the spectra whereas, the finger print region carries the O–H and S=O type peaks. Conclusions The AR shows strong cyto-toxicity against the SW-480 cells by inducing apoptosis. It also modulates cellular metabolism with the involvement of functional groups which antagonizes the strong acids. Moreover, these effects need to be analyzed further based in the in vivo and various in vitro models.

Objectives Excessive skin exposure to UVB radiation can induce photoaging caused by an imbalance in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, damaging the skin’s structure and surface layer. A previous study revealed that collagen hydrolisate extracted from the skin of mackarel scads ( Decapterus macarellus ) had antiaging properties that were tested in vitro , which serves as a foundation for a subsequent study of its use in vivo . This study aimed at investigating the repair effect of the mackerel scad’s skin collagen hydrolysate (MSS-CH) in photoaging conditions in a mouse model. Methods MSS-CH was given orally in mice model of skin photoaging under chronic exposure to UVB irradiation for 12 weeks. Morphological and histological changes on the skin were evaluated using SEM and HE staining, along with the measurement of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1) and cytokine pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) using ELISA. Results MSS-CH inhibits the occurrence of epidermal thickening and damage to the dermal layer of the skin. As a result, it restores the epidermis’ barrier function and reduces surface damage caused by photoaging. The skin of the MSS-CH treated group exhibited improved physical appearance with reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and enhanced smoothness. Additionally, administering MSS-CH to the mice groups reduced the expression of MMP-1 and IL-6 in UVB-exposed skin. Conclusions Altogether, this in vivo study demonstrates the photoaging-protective properties of CH-MSS, aligning with previous in vitro data. Thus, MSS-CH emerges as a strong candidate for use as an ingredient in nutraceuticals and biocosmetics.

Objectives This research work studied the phenolic composition of Pentaclethra macrophylla (PM), the inclusion of dietary supplementation of PM leaves on sexual functions and its connection to inhibit enzymes (arginase and phosphodiesterase-5) and nitric oxide level, linked to type 2 diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction in rats. Methods Gallic acid, chlorogenic and ellagic acids, Kaempferol, and epicatechin etc. was spotted with High performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector from PM extract. Twenty-five (25) rats were used for the study. Five rats were placed with basal diet; diets not supplemented with PM leaves (normal rat group) while twenty rats were made diabetic by feeding them with high fat diet for two weeks, prior to single injection with 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). After checking with glucometer, experimental animals with blood glucose level >250 mg/dL were accepted as diabetic. The diabetic rats were subsequently divided into four groups of five rats each (n=5). The diabetic rats were placed on basal diet, or diets supplemented with PM leaves (10 % or 5 % inclusion) or sildenafil citrate (SC) Results The result revealed that PM supplemented diets caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose level, and augmented erectile function by inhibiting arginase and PDE5 activities as well as enhancing nitric oxide level. Conclusions In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PM leaves could serve as a potent nutraceutical source in hyperglycemia induced erectile dysfunction management.

Objectives Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle and Globimetula braunii (Engler.) Van Tiegh are African mistletoe traditionally used in cancers treatment. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the anti-melanoma potential of the methanol extract of Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle (PCMe-OH) and Globimetula braunii (Engler.) (GBMe-OH) Van Tiegh . Methods Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP and hydroxyl assays. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents was also determined. MTT assay was used to estimate the effects on cell viability using SK-MLE28 and B16-F10 cell lines. Colony formation and wound healing were also assessed. Fluorometry methods were used for qualitative analysis of apoptosis and estimate ROS production. Western blot analysis was used for protein expression. Results Phragmenthera capitata (PCMe-OH) showed the highest antioxidant activity and possess the highest phenolic contents (1,490.80 ± 55 mgGAE/g extract) in comparison with G. braunii (GBMe-OH) and (1,071.40 ± 45 mgGAE/g extract). Flavonoid content was similar in both extracts (11.63 ± 5.51 mg CATE/g of extract and 12.46 ± 2.58 mg CATE/g of extract respectively). PC-MeOH showed the highest cytotoxicity effect (IC 50 of 55.35 ± 1.17 μg/mL) and exhibited anti-migrative potential on B16-F10 cells. Furthermore, PC-MeOH at 55.35 and 110.7 μg/mL; promoted apoptosis-induced cell death in B16-F10 cells by increasing intracellular ROS levels and reducing Bcl-2 expression level at 110.7 μg/mL. Significant upregulation of P-PTEN expression was recorded with PC-MeOH at 110.7 μg/mL; inhibiting therefore PI3K/AKT/m-Tor signaling pathway. Moreover, at 55.37 μg/mL significant reduction of c-myc and cyclin D1 was observed; dysregulating the MAPK kinase signaling pathway and cell cycle progression. Conclusions Phragmenthera capitata may be developed into selective chemotherapy to fight against melanoma.

Objectives Lauric acid has been investigated for its effects on various human cancer cell types, although limited research has been dedicated to its impact on oral cancer. In light of this, the objective of our study was to comprehensively assess the anticancer properties of lauric acid specifically in the context of oral cancer. This evaluation was achieved through an in-silico approach, leveraging network analysis techniques. By employing this methodology, we aimed to gain valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of lauric acid for treating oral cancer. Methods The in-silico analysis involved determination of drug-likeness prediction, prediction of common targets between oral cancer and LA, protein–protein interactions (PPI), hub genes, top 10 associated pathways by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, molecular docking experiments. Results Our study pinpointed 23 common genes involved in critical cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis regulation, PI3K AKT cascade, and cell cycle control. Among them, CXCL8, MMP9, PPARA, MAPK1, and AR stood out in the top 10 pathways, particularly in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This highlights the potential role of lauric acid in oral cancer treatment through the PI3K/AKT pathway and calls for further exploration of this mechanism. Conclusions Our study highlights lauric acid’s promising anticancer properties through computational analysis, offering a foundation for future research in cancer treatment development. This approach combines molecular insights with in-silico methods, paving the way for identifying therapeutic compounds and understanding their mechanisms. Lauric acid holds potential as a chemotherapeutic agent, opening up new avenues for cancer therapy exploration.

Objectives Desmodium triquetrum DC (Fabaceae) is a plant commonly used in Indian traditional medicine to treat allergies. Asthma is a severe condition, with an estimated 300 million deaths annually, which could increase to 400 million by 2025. Flavonoids, a class of compounds found in many plants, have been found to have beneficial effects in treating asthma. In this study, researchers focused on three flavonoids, Baicalein, Naringin, and Neohesperidin, derived from Desmodium triquetrum DC, to investigate their potential as a treatment for asthma. Methods The study used an aerosolized ovalbumin-induced asthma model to evaluate the effects of the flavonoids on various substances in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, including total differential leukocyte, nitrite, nitrate, TNF, IL-4, and IL-13. The researchers also measured the levels of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde in the lungs. Results The results showed that ovalbumin-induced airway hyper-responsiveness led to a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. However, the flavonoids significantly decreased the severity of airway inflammation. Histopathology results also supported the effectiveness of the flavonoids. These findings suggest that these flavonoids could be a supplementary and alternative treatment for asthma by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory pathway. Conclusions The findings suggest that the isolated compounds have the potential to act cumulatively to decrease the levels of the tested cytokines, normalize eosinophil and activated lymphocyte counts, and significantly reduce MPO and MDA. This indicates a possible respiratory mechanism of action for the drugs.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of rosiglitazone (ROG) and pioglitazone (POG) on oxidative damage and dysfunction of hepatic tissue in hypothyroid rats. Methods The male rats were classified into six groups: (1) Control; (2) Hypothyroid, (3) Hypothyroid-POG 10, (4) Hypothyroid-POG 20, (5) Hypothyroid-ROG 2, and (6) Hypothyroid-ROG 4. To induction hypothyroidism in rats, propylthiouracil (PTU) (0.05 %w/v) was added to drinking water. In groups 2–6, besides PTU, the rats were also intraperitoneal administrated with 10 or 20 mg/kg POG or 2 or 4 mg/kg ROG for six weeks. Finally, after deep anesthesia, the blood was collected to measure the serum biochemical markers and hepatic tissue was separated for biochemical oxidative stress markers. Results Administration of PTU significantly reduced serum thyroxin concentration, total thiol levels, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. Additionally, our results showed that prescription of POG or ROG for six weeks to hypothyroid rats resulted in an improvement in liver dysfunction (decrease in serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALK-P) through reducing oxidative damage in hepatic tissue (increase in CAT, SOD, or total thiols and decrease in MDA levels). Conclusions The findings of the present study presented that the IP administration of POG and ROG for six weeks improves liver dysfunction induced by hypothyroidism in juvenile rats by reducing oxidative damage.

Objectives We examine how well ozone/oxygen gas therapy treats chronic hepatitis C patients with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. Also to study the effect of giving multiple anti-oxidants with the ozone/oxygen gas mixture, to see if this addition would have any additive or synergistic effect. Methods Two hundred and twenty three patients with chronic hepatitis C. Liver biopsies were carried out at after 12 weeks of administering an ozone/oxygen gas mixture. Results The mean stage of fibrosis decreased from 1.98 to 1.41 and the mean grade of inflammation decreased from 10.08 to 7.94, both with a p value less than 0.001. After 12 weeks of treatment, mean PCR values increased. No single significant complication was recorded in a total of >9,000 settings of ozone therapy. Conclusions Ozone oxygen gas mixture is safe and effective in treatment of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic viral hepatitis C.