Bioactivity and Plant Growth Stimulation Studies using Mangifera indica L. Gum

The potential of plant gum as a bioactive agent and plant growth enhancer has not been exploited well and plant gums are suitable for such purposes as they are non-toxic and biodegradable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the potential of Mangifera indica (MI) gum as a bioactive agent and plant growth enhancer. Plant gum was collected from the bark of MI and polysaccharides were extracted, purified and characterized with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC) analyses. Crude and purified polysaccharides were tested for their antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The crude gum was subjected to plant growth stimulation study like germination percentage, shoot length, root length and wet weight of chilli (Capsicum frutescens). The effect of MI gum on soil porosity and water holding capacity (WHC) was also tested. UV-Vis and GC analyses of gum polysaccharide showed the presence of several types of monosaccharides in MI gum. The plant gum did not show any antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus, but was found to exhibit low antioxidant activity. The gum was found to enhance the seed germination and seedling growth in-vitro and in-vivo.

Bioactive Agent-Loaded Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Accelerating Healing Process: A Review

Despite the advances that have been achieved in developing wound dressings to date, wound healing still remains a challenge in the healthcare system. None of the wound dressings currently used clinically can mimic all the properties of normal and healthy skin. Electrospinning has gained remarkable attention in wound healing applications because of its excellent ability to form nanostructures similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Electrospun dressing accelerates the wound healing process by transferring drugs or active agents to the wound site sooner. This review provides a concise overview of the recent developments in bioactive electrospun dressings, which are effective in treating acute and chronic wounds and can successfully heal the wound. We also discuss bioactive agents used to incorporate electrospun wound dressings to improve their therapeutic potential in wound healing. In addition, here we present commercial dressings loaded with bioactive agents with a comparison between their features and capabilities. Furthermore, we discuss challenges and promises and offer suggestions for future research on bioactive agent-loaded nanofiber membranes to guide future researchers in designing more effective dressing for wound healing and skin regeneration.

Role of Curcumin in the Management of Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review

Nutraceutical agents and food supplements are commonly used as treatment adjuncts in neuropsychiatric disorders. Curcumin, a bioactive agent obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has gained much research attention in the last few decades. In this narrative review, we intend to summarize the evidence available for curcumin as an add-on agent in the management of schizophrenia. We searched PubMed/EBSCO for both human and animal trials utilizing curcumin in the management of schizophrenia. We obtained ten articles (five preclinical and five clinical) from the focused literature search. Clinical research utilizing curcumin in schizophrenia is limited to negative and cognitive symptoms. Available preclinical studies suggest curcumin’s utility in ameliorating extrapyramidal and metabolic side effects when given as an adjunct with antipsychotics. Curcumin, as an add-on agent, appears promising to improve the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Notably, curcumin was tolerable and safe in all the randomized human clinical trials. The poor oral bioavailability is, however, a limiting factor in its widespread use.

Emulgels Containing Propolis and Curcumin: The Effect of Type of Vegetable Oil, Poly(Acrylic Acid) and Bioactive Agent on Physicochemical Stability, Mechanical and Rheological Properties

Emulgels are obtained by the entrapment of an organic phase within a three-dimensional network built by hydrophilic molecules. Polymers based on cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) have been utilized as gel matrices, improving adhesiveness, rheological and mechanical performance. Propolis (PRP) produced by Apis mellifera L. bees displays a wide range of biological activities. Together with curcumin (CUR), they may show synergic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial action on skin disorders. This work investigated the effect of vegetable oils (sweet almond, andiroba, and passion fruit) with regard to the physicochemical properties of emulgels composed of Carbopol 934P®, Carbopol 974P®, or polycarbophil aiming the CUR and PRP delivery. Physicochemical stability enabled the selection of systems containing passion fruit or andiroba oil. Mechanical and rheological characteristics provided rational comprehension of how vegetable oils and bioactive agents affect the structure of emulsion gels. All formulations exhibited high physiochemical stability and properties dependent on the polymer type, oil, and bioactive agent. Formulations displayed pseudoplastic, thixotropic and viscoelastic properties. Emulgels containing andiroba oil were the most stable systems. Carbopol 934P® or polycarbophil presence resulted in formulations with improved smoothness and mechanical properties. Systems containing andiroba oil and one of these two polymers are promising for further investigations as topical delivery systems of CUR and/or PRP on the skin and mucous membranes.

Property-Tuneable Microgels Fabricated by Using Flow-Focusing Microfluidic Geometry for Bioactive Agent Delivery

Gelatine methacryloyl (GM) shows high biocompatibility and is extensively used in tissue engineering; however, few works have explored the use of GM in bioactive agent delivery. This study adopts a microfluidic approach involving the use of flow-focusing microfluidic geometry for microgel fabrication. This approach generates highly monodisperse microgels whose size can be tuned by altering various fabrication conditions (including the concentration of the gel-forming solution and the flow rates of different phases). By using tetracycline hydrochloride as a model agent, the fabricated microgels enable prolonged agent release, with the encapsulation efficiency being around 30–40% depending on the concentration of the gel-forming solution. Along with their negligible cytotoxicity, our microgels show the potential to serve as carriers of bioactive agents for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Xanthohumol for Human Malignancies: Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Targets

Xanthohumol (XH) is an important prenylated flavonoid that is found within the inflorescence of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop plant). XH is an important ingredient in beer and is considered a significant bioactive agent due to its diverse medicinal applications, which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, antigenotoxic, antiangiogenic, and antimalarial effects as well as strong anticancer activity towards various types of cancer cells. XH acts as a wide ranging chemopreventive and anticancer agent, and its isomer, 8-prenylnaringenin, is a phytoestrogen with strong estrogenic activity. The present review focuses on the bioactivity of XH on various types of cancers and its pharmacokinetics. In this paper, we first highlight, in brief, the history and use of hops and then the chemistry and structure–activity relationship of XH. Lastly, we focus on its prominent effects and mechanisms of action on various cancers and its possible use in cancer prevention and treatment. Considering the limited number of available reviews on this subject, our goal is to provide a complete and detailed understanding of the anticancer effects of XH against different cancers.