Green Synthesis of Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles using Green Tea Extract: The Role of Concentration and pH

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been proven effective against many microbial strains with their superior antibacterial  properties, due to their nano size and large surface area that can interact directly with the bacterial structure. Green synthesis  for silver nanoparticles is the process of reducing Ag+ ions to Ag0 using plant bioactive compounds. Green synthesis is safer,  environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) containing polyphenols that can be used as a  bioreductant in the formation of silver nanoparticles. This study aims to determine the effect of various concentration of AgNO3,  green tea extract, and pH on the physical characteristics and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles. The AgNPs were  evaluated by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The result demonstrated that the optimal AgNP was obtained from the AgNO3 concentration of 1.5 mM with 0.003% green tea extract at pH 10 which showed the highest absorbance value of 4.420 at λ  435.3 nm, with a particle size of 47.1 nm and a PDI of 0.243. The AgNPs showed growth inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus and  Escherichia coli and the antibacterial activity enhance compare to AgNO3.Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been proven effective against many microbial strains with their superior antibacterial  properties, due to their nano size and large surface area that can interact directly with the bacterial structure. Green synthesis  for silver nanoparticles is the process of reducing Ag+ ions to Ag0 using plant bioactive compounds. Green synthesis is safer,  environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) containing polyphenols that can be used as a  bioreductant in the formation of silver nanoparticles. This study aims to determine the effect of various concentration of AgNO3,  green tea extract, and pH on the physical characteristics and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles. The AgNPs were  evaluated by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The result demonstrated that the optimal AgNP was obtained from the AgNO3 concentration of 1.5 mM with 0.003% green tea extract at pH 10 which showed the highest absorbance value of 4.420 at λ  435.3 nm, with a particle size of 47.1 nm and a PDI of 0.243. The AgNPs showed growth inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus and  Escherichia coli and the antibacterial activity enhance compare to AgNO3

Phytochemical Constituents and Evaluation of Lipoxygenase Activity of Tetracera macrophylla Twigs Wall.ex Hook.f. & Thoms

Lipoxygenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of leukotriene, which is involved in various diseases  such as asthma, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Inhibition of this enzyme can overcome inflammatory diseases. Tetracera  macrophylla Wall.ex Hook. f.& Thoms plant has shown various biological activities, especially as an anti-inflammatory. This study  aims to analyze phytochemical constituents and evaluate the lipoxygenase activity of Tetracera macrophylla twig extract. The  sample was gradually macerated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried  out using the LC-MS/MS method. Lipoxygenase assay was performed in vitro using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells induced with  lipopolysaccharide using spectrofluorometry. As a comparison, zileuton, which has been established as a 5-LOX inhibitor and  quercetin, which has the potential as a 5-LOX inhibitor. The results showed that methanol extract of Tetracera macrophylla twigs (RM3) had lower specific LOX activity (0.350 mU/mL) than standard zileuton (7.927 mU/mL) and quercetin (12.837 mU/mL).  Decreased LOX activity can lessen the generation of leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. The study showed that methanol extract of Tetracera macrophylla twigs contains active compounds that can be developed as lipoxygenase inhibitorsLipoxygenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of leukotriene, which is involved in various diseases  such as asthma, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Inhibition of this enzyme can overcome inflammatory diseases. Tetracera  macrophylla Wall.ex Hook. f.& Thoms plant has shown various biological activities, especially as an anti-inflammatory. This study  aims to analyze phytochemical constituents and evaluate the lipoxygenase activity of Tetracera macrophylla twig extract. The  sample was gradually macerated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried  out using the LC-MS/MS method. Lipoxygenase assay was performed in vitro using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells induced with  lipopolysaccharide using spectrofluorometry. As a comparison, zileuton, which has been established as a 5-LOX inhibitor and  quercetin, which has the potential as a 5-LOX inhibitor. The results showed that methanol extract of Tetracera macrophylla twigs (RM3) had lower specific LOX activity (0.350 mU/mL) than standard zileuton (7.927 mU/mL) and quercetin (12.837 mU/mL).  Decreased LOX activity can lessen the generation of leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. The study showed that methanol extract of Tetracera macrophylla twigs contains active compounds that can be developed as lipoxygenase inhibitor

Investigating the Impact of Surfactant and Cosolvent on the Polyphenolic Content in Arumanis Mango Leaf Extract (Mangifera indica L.)

The leaf of Mangifera indica L. contains flavonoids and mangiferin which showed positive effects on wound healing of diabetic ulcer. The used of suitable surfactant and co-solvent is required to ensure the high solubility of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), thereby optimizing the efficacy. This study aims to determine the ideal surfactant and cosolvent for a thermosensitive hydrogel formula of Mangifera indica leaf ethanol extract. The leaf was fextracted by maceration using 70% ethanol then determined for moisture content.  The extract was prepared for solubility tests of flavonoid and mangiferin on surfactants (Kolliphor® EL, Tween® 20, Tween® 80, Miranol® C2M) and co-solvents (Glycerin, PEG 400, and transcutol). Methods for total flavonoids content were Spectrophotometry UV-Vis and mangiferin with RP-HPLC method. The moisture content in the extract is 8.590 ± 0.754%. The surfactant demonstrating the highest capability in flavonoid dissolution is Tween 20 (1863.750 ± 0.838 µgQE/g extract), followed by Tween 80, Kolliphor EL, and Miranol C2M. In the context of co-solvents, PEG 400 (1309.583 ± 0.292 µgQE/g extract) show superior flavonoid dissolution capability, with glycerin and Transcutol following in descending order. Tween 20 and Tween 80 exhibite comparable efficacy in mangiferin dissolution, followed by Miranol C2M and Kolliphor EL. Among co-solvents, Transcutol demonstrate the highest aptitude for mangiferin dissolution, succeeded by PEG 400 and glycerin. This study indicates Tween 20 is a preferable surfactant and PEG 400 was considered as co-solvent to be further used in a thermosensitive gel formula for diabetic ulcer.Â

Development of Oil Vehicle Screening Method for Bromo Acid Dye-Based Color-Changing Cosmetic Formulation

Bromo acid dye (Red 21) recently gained attention in the production of color-changing cosmetics. The critical aspect in the development of cosmetic products using this dye group is the compatibility of its oil vehicles. The compatibility of bromo acid dyes with oil vehicles is determined by several parameters such as the dye solubility in the oils, clarity of the mixture, and the ability to change color when the pH of the solution is adjusted to match the skin’s pH. Therefore, this study conducted the compatibility study by examining the ability of 27 oil samples to dissolve Red 21. The ability of a vehicle to dissolve a compound is influenced by the polarity of the vehicle. Hence, a correlation was established between the relative polarity of oils and their ability to dissolve Red 21. The results showed that the water-oil interfacial tension was negatively correlated (r = -0.64) with Red 21 solubility in the oil. From this research, the water-oil interfacial tension represented the relative polarity of the oil and was considered sufficient to predict the compatibility of the oil with Red 21. In addition, hydrocarbon and silicone oils are not compatible with Red 21

Total Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Properties of Different Extraction Methods of Red Spinach Leaf (Amaranthus tricolor L.)

Red spinach leaf (Amaranthus tricolor L.) has been well-proven to contain flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant activities. In this study, a comparison between maceration and ultrasonic methods has been carried out to evaluate the effect of these two methods on the level of red spinach leaf flavonoid. In this study, for maceration 1, 2, and 3 days while for the ultrasonic method 10-, 20-, and 30-minutes time duration have been used. The ratios of material and solvent were 1:5 and 1:10. The flavonoid content was determined with the help of a spectrophotometer at a maximum wavelength of 436.80 nm. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH method to obtain the IC50. The result of the study revealed that the highest flavonoid content of 4.27 mgQE/g and antioxidant activity (IC50) of 110.47 ppm were obtained by an ultrasonic under conditions of 1:10 ratio and 30-minute extraction time. Results of the study suggested a significant difference (p<0,05) in the isolation of total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities in the maceration and ultrasonic. In these two methods, ultrasonic was found to be more efficient than maceration because of minimum time, the highest flavonoid content and antioxidant activity could be obtained

Integrating Computational Methods into Antibacterial Drug Discovery and Development from Natural Products

Natural products have long been pivotal in sustaining civilizations due to their medicinal properties and have served as a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there is an urgent need for new antibacterial agents. Natural products, with their diverse chemical structures, provide a promising reservoir for identifying new lead compounds. Historically, the discovery of bioactive natural products often relied on serendipity, but modern advancements in computational approaches, particularly computer-aided drug design (CADD), have revolutionized this process. In the modern era, vast data from advanced technologies can provide valuable insights through computational methods. These approaches enable the structural analysis of molecules and the prediction of their biological activities, accelerating drug discovery. Advances in molecular sciences have identified more antibacterial targets, further facilitating this process. Integrating computational drug design with the study of natural products allows for the efficient identification and optimization of potential antibacterial agents. Moreover, many medicinal plants harbor mechanisms of action that remain unexplored by conventional methods. By employing computational techniques, researchers can uncover these mechanisms and develop novel antibacterial drugs. This combined approach not only enhances our understanding of natural products but also addresses the critical need for new treatments in the fight against bacterial infections

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Acetylcysteine and Ambroxol in Post Acute Exacerbation of COPD Patients

Literature studies show that the use of acetylcysteine or ambroxol can accelerate improvement of clinical outcomes of post acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of acetylcysteine and ambroxol administration in post AECOPD patients. The study was cohort design, prospective, to comparison of clinical outcomes of acetylcysteine and ambroxol with post AECOPD outpatients coming for clinical chekups in August 2023 at Respira Lung Hospital Yogyakarta. Clinical outcomes parameters were observed on day zero and thirty for CAT score and day zero and four for cough score. The patients were categorized into two groups: acetylcysteine group (n=30) and ambroxol group (n=30). There was no significant difference between two groups to change of CAT score and cough score (p>0.05) post AECOPD. The acetylcysteine group compared to ambroxol, there was a mean decrease in morning cough score -1.10±1.11 vs -0.87±1.12 (p=0.228), night cough score -1.53±1.43 vs -1.13±1.31 (p=0.438), and CAT score -2.43±5.45 vs -2.90±3.41 (p=0.391). Providing additional therapy of acetylcysteine or ambroxol in this study did not significantly reduce cough scores and CAT scores in post AECOPD patients.Literature studies show that the use of acetylcysteine or ambroxol can accelerate improvement of clinical outcomes of post acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of acetylcysteine and ambroxol administration in post AECOPD patients. The study was cohort design, prospective, to comparison of clinical outcomes of acetylcysteine and ambroxol with post AECOPD outpatients coming for clinical chekups in August 2023 at Respira Lung Hospital Yogyakarta. Clinical outcomes parameters were observed on day zero and thirty for CAT score and day zero and four for cough score. The patients were categorized into two groups: acetylcysteine group (n=30) and ambroxol group (n=30). There was no significant difference between two groups to change of CAT score and cough score (p>0.05) post AECOPD. The acetylcysteine group compared to ambroxol, there was a mean decrease in morning cough score -1.10±1.11 vs -0.87±1.12 (p=0.228), night cough score -1.53±1.43 vs -1.13±1.31 (p=0.438), and CAT score -2.43±5.45 vs -2.90±3.41 (p=0.391). Providing additional therapy of acetylcysteine or ambroxol in this study did not significantly reduce cough scores and CAT scores in post AECOPD patients

Amlodipine-Candesartan Combination: A Cost-Effective Strategy for Successful Therapy of Hypertension

Introduction: The combination of amlodipine and candesartan can have a better effect, although the cost-effectiveness analysis was not yet determined. This research aimed to establish the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) value among outpatients with hypertension who used amlodipine-candesartan. Method: This research is a descriptive study that retrospectively gathered data from medical records. It focused on information for hypertensive patients at Universitas Andalas Hospital in 2021. This study compared the standard treatment involving amlodipine-candesartan and sole amlodipine, next to calculate the ICER using cost-effectiveness analysis. Results: Out of the total population of 284, as many as 73 patients were involved in this study. Among these, 21 patients (28.77%) were treated with amlodipine alone, while 52 (71.23%) received an amlodipine-candesartan combination. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for reducing systolic blood pressure was IDR 74,738.10 per one mmHg decrease in the northeast quadrant of the cost-effectiveness chart. The ICER for lowering diastolic blood pressure was IDR 205,918.24 per one mmHg decrease in the northeast quadrant on the cost-effectiveness chart. Conclusion: The cost of the amlodipine-candesartan combination yields superior effects; however, warranting a probabilistic sensitivity analysis to determine its ICER robustness is essential for its effective implementatio

Formulation and Activity of Sunscreen Cream from Ethanol Extract of Calendula officinalis L Flowers

Sunscreen made of natural ingredients is an alternative to protect the skin from excess UV radiation and a substitute for chemical products that have side effects. It was reported that Calendula officinalis L. has flavonoid and saponin metabolite compounds which function as photoprotective agents. This research aims to formulate sunscreen cream and examine the effect of variations in Calendula officinalis L flower extract (5%;7%;10% w/v) on physicochemical properties, stability, and values of the Sun Protecting Factor (SPF) in vitro using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and in vivo using wistar line rat test animals to see the time of formation of Minimum Erythema Dose (MED). It has been proven that variations in the concentration of Calendula officinalis L. extract affected the physicochemical properties, such as pH value, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion strength. However, the overall results of the physicochemical properties still met the requirements. Variations in extract concentration affected the SPF value. In vitro SPF test showed the minimum protection category for F1, extra protection for F2, maximum protection for F3, and no protection for F0. Meanwhile, the in vivo SPF test showed the minimal protection category for F1, medium protection for F2, extra protection for F3, and no protection for F0

Pharmacological Activity of Plant Extracts in Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Dosage Form: Narrative Review

The utilization of medicinal plants as therapeutic agents has obstacles to achieving the target action due to their low solubility. Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) is a method developed to increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble substances, such as medicinal plant extracts. This review aims to present a narrative overview of the potential utilization of SNEDDS in enhancing the pharmacological activity of plant extracts. Article searches were conducted on several websites, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Literature studies showed that the use of SNEDDS formulations in several medicinal plants such as dayak onion, soursop leaf, papaya leaf, bay leaf, kale, sidaguri, black cumin, mangosteen peel, harendong, pineapple peel, and cocoa is more effective than the administration of extracts alone because it can increase the solubility and bioavailability of a compound. Pharmacologically, SNEDDS shows its success in enhancing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic, antimalarial, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, anticancer, wound healing, and hepatoprotective activities in various plant extracts. The utilization of SNEDDS formulations in plant-based drugs has a positive impact on the advancement of drug therapy, especially for compounds that have low solubility