scholarly journals Efficacy of the combination of crude extracts of Solanum nigrum and Plumbago capensis on Leishmania major

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1556
Author(s):  
Christine N. Mutoro ◽  
Johnson Kinyua ◽  
Joseph Ng'ang'a ◽  
Daniel Kariuki ◽  
Johnson M. Ingonga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Solanum Nigrum ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Crude Extracts ◽  
Phlebotomine Sandflies ◽  
Combined Test ◽  
Herbal Plants ◽  
The Individual

Background:Leishmaniasis is an endemic tropical disease caused byLeishmaniaparasites, transmitted mainly by phlebotomine sandflies, impacting both health and socioeconomic wellbeing.  Currently there are inadequate therapeutic measures to manage the disease thus indicating the need for the development of affordable and effective therapeutic interventions from herbal plants as alternative medicine. This study investigated theinvitroantileishmanial effects of blends of crude extracts ofSolanum nigrumandPlumbago capensisagainstLeishmania major.Methods:The promastigote parasites ofLeishmania majorwere cultured and grown for 3 days in different concentrations of the individual extracts to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Thein vitroantileishmanial efficacy was determined by exposing promastigotes and macrophages infected withL. majorto the blends of extracts in ratios of 2000:250, 1000:500, 500:1000 and 250:2000. Finally, nitric oxide released byL. majorinfected macrophages that were treated with the plant extracts at ratio of 125:125 was quantified using a standard nitrite curve.Results:The individual methanol extracts were most effective in inhibiting the growth of promastigotes with MIC values between 0.25 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml as compared to aqueous extracts. The most active ratios for the blends were 250:2000 and 2000:250 for methanolic and aqueous blends respectively. The infection rates and multiplication indices associated with all the combined extracts were significantly different (P< 0.05) from those of pentostam and amphotericin B at all the concentrations studied. The OD for the combined test extracts ranged between 0.034 and 0.041 and these corresponded to < 5 µM of NO.Conclusion:Findings from this study demonstrate that combination therapy usingS. nigrumandP. capensisextracts is effective in treatingLeishmania major infection. Based on our findings we recommendin vivostudies to be conducted to determine the efficacy of these combined therapies againstLeishmaniamajor.

scholarly journals In vitro study of the efficacy of Solanum nigrum against Leishmania major

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine N. Mutoro ◽  
Johnson K. Kinyua ◽  
Joseph K. Ng'ang'a ◽  
Daniel W. Kariuki ◽  
Johnstone M. Ingonga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Major ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Vero Cells ◽  
Solanum Nigrum ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Phlebotomine Sandflies ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Antileishmanial Activities

Leishmania parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) are obligate intracellular parasites of macrophages that causes visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases. Currently, there is inadequate therapeutic interventions to manage this endemic tropical disease, transmitted mainly by phlebotomine sandflies hence there is need to develop affordable and effective therapeutic measures. This study determined the in vitro efficacy of Solanum nigrum methanolic and aqueous plant extracts on Leishmania major parasites.  Cytotoxic effects of the extracts were determined using vero cells and reported as percentage viability of the cells. The promastigote parasites of Leishmania major were cultured and grown for 3 days in different concentrations of extracts to determine the MIC and IC50 values. The in vitro antileishmanial efficacy was done on macrophages infected with L. major amastigote parasites and then treated with extracts in varying concentrations. The study revealed that all the test extracts had lower toxicity than control drugs, pentostam (IC50= 0.0 92 mg/ml) and amphotericin B (IC50=0.049 mg/ml).  The extracts tended to show a dose dependent cytotoxic effect which corresponded to high vero cells viability as their concentration increased.  Methanolic extract of S. nigrum from Kisii seemed to be more efficacious in vitro since it knocked out the promastigotes at a lower MIC level (0.5 mg/ml) when compared to all other extracts whose effective MIC level was ≥ 1 mg/ml. High concentrations of the test extracts and control drugs resulted to low infectivity and multiplication of L. major amastigotes. Findings from this study demonstrate that S. nigrum extracts have potential antileishmanial activities however; further investigation needs to be done on pure compound isolation, in vivo assays and clinical trials so as to use the promising compounds as effective antileishmanial agents.

Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Potential of Helenalin

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-142
Author(s):  
Priyanka Kriplani ◽  
Kumar Guarve
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Active Constituent ◽  
Scientific Impact ◽  
Isolation Techniques ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Prevention Of Cancer ◽  
Synthetic Derivatives

Background: Arnica montana, containing helenalin as its principal active constituent, is the most widely used plant to treat various ailments. Recent studies indicate that Arnica and helenalin provide significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and most important, anti-cancer properties. Objective: The objective of the present study is to overview the recent patents of Arnica and its principal constituent helenalin, including new methods of isolation, and their use in the prevention of cancer and other ailments. Methods: Current prose and patents emphasizing the anti-cancer potential of helenalin and Arnica, incorporated as anti-inflammary agents in anti-cancer preparations, have been identified and reviewed with particular emphasis on their scientific impact and novelty. Results: Helenalin has shown its anti-cancer potential to treat multiple types of tumors, both in vitro and in vivo. It has also portrayed synergistic effects when given in combination with other anti- cancer drugs or natural compounds. New purification/isolation techniques are also developing with novel helenalin formulations and its synthetic derivatives have been developed to increase its solubility and bioavailability. Conclusion: The promising anti-cancer potential of helenalin in various preclinical studies may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus clinical trials validating its tumor suppressing and chemopreventive activities, particularly in conjunction with standard therapies, are immediately required.

scholarly journals Preclinical Testing of Radiopharmaceuticals for the Detection and Characterization of Osteomyelitis: Experiences from a Porcine Model

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4221
Author(s):  
Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup ◽  
Svend Borup Jensen ◽  
Ole Lerberg Nielsen ◽  
Lars Jødal ◽  
Pia Afzelius
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Porcine Model ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Radioactive Tracers ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Selection Of

The development of new and better radioactive tracers capable of detecting and characterizing osteomyelitis is an ongoing process, mainly because available tracers lack selectivity towards osteomyelitis. An integrated part of developing new tracers is the performance of in vivo tests using appropriate animal models. The available animal models for osteomyelitis are also far from ideal. Therefore, developing improved animal osteomyelitis models is as important as developing new radioactive tracers. We recently published a review on radioactive tracers. In this review, we only present and discuss osteomyelitis models. Three ethical aspects (3R) are essential when exposing experimental animals to infections. Thus, we should perform experiments in vitro rather than in vivo (Replacement), use as few animals as possible (Reduction), and impose as little pain on the animal as possible (Refinement). The gain for humans should by far exceed the disadvantages for the individual experimental animal. To this end, the translational value of animal experiments is crucial. We therefore need a robust and well-characterized animal model to evaluate new osteomyelitis tracers to be sure that unpredicted variation in the animal model does not lead to a misinterpretation of the tracer behavior. In this review, we focus on how the development of radioactive tracers relies heavily on the selection of a reliable animal model, and we base the discussions on our own experience with a porcine model.

scholarly journals Graphene and Reproduction: A Love-Hate Relationship

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 547
Author(s):  
Marina Ramal-Sanchez ◽  
Antonella Fontana ◽  
Luca Valbonetti ◽  
Alessandra Ordinelli ◽  
Nicola Bernabò ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Scientometric Analysis ◽  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Good Tool ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
The Individual

Since its discovery, graphene and its multiple derivatives have been extensively used in many fields and with different applications, even in biomedicine. Numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the potential toxicity derived from their use, giving rise to an adequate number of publications with varied results. On this basis, the study of the reproductive function constitutes a good tool to evaluate not only the toxic effects derived from the use of these materials directly on the individual, but also the potential toxicity passed on to the offspring. By providing a detailed scientometric analysis, the present review provides an updated overview gathering all the research studies focused on the use of graphene and graphene-based materials in the reproductive field, highlighting the consequences and effects reported to date from experiments performed in vivo and in vitro and in different animal species (from Archea to mammals). Special attention is given to the oxidized form of graphene, graphene oxide, which has been recently investigated for its ability to increase the in vitro fertilization outcomes. Thus, the potential use of graphene oxide against infertility is hypothesized here, probably by engineering the spermatozoa and thus manipulating them in a safer and more efficient way.

Tocotrienols and Cancer: From the State of the Art to Promising Novel Patents

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Fontana ◽  
Michela Raimondi ◽  
Monica Marzagalli ◽  
Roberta M. Moretti ◽  
Marina Montagnani Marelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
The State ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Multiple Tumor ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Important Health

Background: Tocotrienols (TTs) are vitamin E derivatives naturally occurring in several plants and vegetable oils. Like Tocopherols (TPs), they comprise four isoforms, α, β, γ and δ, but unlike TPs, they present an unsaturated isoprenoid chain. Recent studies indicate that TTs provide important health benefits, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, cholesterol lowering and immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, they have been found to possess unique anti-cancer properties.Objective:The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the state of the art of TTs role in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as to describe recent patents proposing new methods for TTs isolation, chemical modification and use in cancer prevention and/or therapy.Methods:Recent literature and patents focusing on TTs anti-cancer applications have been identified and reviewed, with special regard to their scientific impact and novelty.Results:TTs have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in multiple tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, they have shown synergistic effects when given in combination with standard anti-cancer agents or other anti-tumor natural compounds. Finally, new purification processes and transgenic sources have been designed in order to improve TTs production, and novel TTs formulations and synthetic derivatives have been developed to enhance their solubility and bioavailability.Conclusion:The promising anti-cancer effects shown by TTs in several preclinical studies may open new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus, clinical trials aimed at confirming TTs chemopreventive and tumor-suppressing activity, particularly in combination with standard therapies, are urgently needed.

scholarly journals ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF CURCUMIN AND CAPSAICIN AUGMENTED IN COMBINATION

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Thriveni Vasanth Kumar ◽  
Manjunatha H. ◽  
Rajesh Kp
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Vascular Permeability ◽  
Diclofenac Sodium ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
The Individual

Objective: Dietary curcumin and capsaicin are well known for their health beneficial potencies. The current study was done to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin, capsaicin and their combination by employing in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: We investigated the protective effect of curcumin, capsaicin and their combination using in vitro heat induced human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation, in vivo 3% agar induced leukocyte mobilisation and acetic acid induced vascular permeability assay.Results: Curcumin, capsaicin and their combination exhibited concentration dependent protective effect against heat-induced HRBC membrane destabilisation, while combined curcumin and capsaicin restored 87.0±0.64 % membrane stability and it is found to be better than curcumin, capsaicin and diclofenac sodium (75.0±0.25. 72±0.9 and 80.0±0.31 %) protective effect. In agar suspension induced leukocyte mobilization assay, the combined curcumin and capsaicin had shown 39.5±1.58 % of inhibition compared to individual curcumin and capsaicin, which showed moderate inhibition of 16.0±3.14 and 21.6±2.17 % respectively. Besides, the combined curcumin and capsaicin had shown highly significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in rats (62.0±3.14 %), whereas individual curcumin and capsaicin showed moderate inhibition of vascular permeability with 36.0±2.41 and 43.0±1.92 % respectively.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the significant anti-inflammatory property of combined curcumin and capsaicin at half of the individual concentration of curcumin and capsaicin.

Efficacy of biogenic selenium nanoparticles against Leishmania major: In vitro and in vivo studies

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasibeh Beheshti ◽  
Saied Soflaei ◽  
Mojtaba Shakibaie ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Yazdi ◽  
Fatemeh Ghaffarifar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Selenium Nanoparticles ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles

scholarly journals Characterization and selective inhibition of myristoyl-CoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase from Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major

2006 ◽  
Vol 396 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrysoula Panethymitaki ◽  
Paul W. Bowyer ◽  
Helen P. Price ◽  
Robin J. Leatherbarrow ◽  
Katherine A. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Selective Inhibition ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Ic50 Values

The eukaryotic enzyme NMT (myristoyl-CoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase) has been characterized in a range of species from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Homo sapiens. NMT is essential for viability in a number of human pathogens, including the fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and the parasitic protozoa Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei. We have purified the Leishmania and T. brucei NMTs as active recombinant proteins and carried out kinetic analyses with their essential fatty acid donor, myristoyl-CoA and specific peptide substrates. A number of inhibitory compounds that target NMT in fungal species have been tested against the parasite enzymes in vitro and against live parasites in vivo. Two of these compounds inhibit TbNMT with IC50 values of <1 μM and are also active against mammalian parasite stages, with ED50 (the effective dose that allows 50% cell growth) values of 16–66 μM and low toxicity to murine macrophages. These results suggest that targeting NMT could be a valid approach for the development of chemotherapeutic agents against infectious diseases including African sleeping sickness and Nagana.

In-silico Molecular Docking of Coumarin and Naphthalene Derivatives from Pyrenacantha volubilis with the Pathological Mediators of Rheumatoid Arthritis

2021 ◽  
pp. 5121-5125
Author(s):  
Anjali P ◽  
Vimalavathini R
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Symptomatic Relief ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Herbal Plants ◽  
In Silico Molecular Docking ◽  
Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease which mainly targets synovial membrane during its disease pathogenesis. Available therapeutic drugs for the treatment of RA provide only symptomatic relief and are associated with severe side effects. Herbal plants comprise many active biological compounds that cure the disease with minimal adverse effects. Pyrenacantha volubilis is a climber and member of Icacinaceae family. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of ethanolic extracts of leaves of Pyrenacantha volubilis (EEPV) reveals the presence of 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 3-(1-(4- chlorophenyl)-3-oxobutyl)-coumarin-4-yl carbonate and 1-naphthalenepropanol, alpha-ethyldecahydro-5- (hydroxymethyl)-alpha,5,8A-trimethyl-2-methyl phytoconstitutents. Hence these compounds were docked with various pathological mediators of RA using Autodock 4.2. The docking results unveils that these compounds had better binding energy against inflammatory, oxidative stress and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) mediators that plays a pivotal role in the progression of RA. However, this study warrants further in- vitro and in-vivo studies to be carried out to establish the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of selected phytoconstitutents.

Synthetic Riboswitches for the Analysis of tRNA Processing by eukaryotic RNase P Enzymes

RNA ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. rna.078814.121
Author(s):  
Anna Ender ◽  
Nadine Grafl ◽  
Tim Kolberg ◽  
Sven Findeiss ◽  
Peter F. Stadler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Rnase P ◽  
Single Stranded Region ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Individual Enzyme ◽  
Trna Precursor

Removal of the 5' leader region is an essential step in the maturation of tRNA molecules in all domains of life. This reaction is catalyzed by various RNase P activities, ranging from ribonucleoproteins with ribozyme activity to protein-only forms. In Escherichia coli, the efficiency of RNase P mediated cleavage can be controlled by computationally designed riboswitch elements in a ligand-dependent way, where the 5' leader sequence of a tRNA precursor is either sequestered in a hairpin structure or presented as a single-stranded region accessible for maturation. In the presented work, the regulatory potential of such artificial constructs is tested on different forms of eukaryotic RNase P enzymes – two protein-only RNase P enzymes (PRORP1 and PRORP2) from Arabidopsis thaliana and the ribonucleoprotein of Homo sapiens. The PRORP enzymes were analyzed in vitro as well as in vivo in a bacterial RNase P complementation system. We also tested in HEK293T cells whether the riboswitches remain functional with human nuclear RNase P. While the regulatory principle of the synthetic riboswitches applies for all tested RNase P enzymes, the results also show differences in the substrate requirements of the individual enzyme versions. Hence, such designed RNase P riboswitches represent a novel tool to investigate the impact of the structural composition of the 5'-leader on substrate recognition by different types of RNase P enzymes.

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