Pharmacological and therapeutic applications of scorpion venom peptides: A Review

Introduction: In recent years, scorpion venom and its peptide compounds have attracted growing scientific interest. A remarkable biological diversity and strong therapeutic potential characterize these compounds. Aims:  to provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic properties of scorpion venoms. Methods: This analysis is based on a collection of 53 studies published between 2020 and 2025, all of which have strict inclusion criteria and are drawn from reliable sources, including specialized platforms such as PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The studies reviewed focus on the pharmacological effects of scorpion venom and chemical components. Results: The collected data highlight the increased interest in scorpion-derived peptides as pharmacological tools in biomedical research, attributed to their diverse biological actions, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, analgesic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective. Among the described mechanisms of action are the induction of apoptosis, disruption of cell membranes, modulation of intracellular signalling pathways, and inhibition of ion channels. Most studies on the subject demonstrate significant efficacy, with low toxicity observed in both in vitro cell cultures and in vivo murine models. Conclusions: This review confirms the promising potential of scorpion venom peptides for developing novel therapeutic and biotechnological applications. However, it also emphasizes the necessity of further clinical research and standardized experimental protocols to fully harness their benefits

Nutritional and Medicinal Potentials of Polyalthia longifolia Leaf Extracts in Animal Production

The clamour for organic agriculture necessitated the use of phytogenics in animal production. This study evaluates the nutritional and medicinal properties of P. longifolia leaf extracts, focusing on proximate composition, amino acid profile, mineral content, vitamin composition, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity. The proximate analysis revealed a high carbohydrate content (66.47%), along with notable levels of crude fiber (10.01%), crude fat (7.61%), and crude protein (5.24%). Amino acid profiling identified glutamic acid as the most abundant amino acid (23.98 mg/100g), with essential amino acids such as leucine, phenylalanine, and valine present in significant quantities. Mineral analysis highlighted the presence of essential elements including iron (87.52 mg/100g), zinc (50.62 mg/100g), potassium (40.9 mg/100g), and phosphorus (44.92 mg/100g). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, which are known for their therapeutic properties. The antioxidant assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in radical scavenging activity, with the highest inhibition observed at 100 µg/ml. Antimicrobial tests showed significant inhibition of bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting the potential of P. longifolia as a natural antimicrobial agent. These findings indicate that P. longifolia leaf extracts possess valuable nutritional and medicinal properties that could be harnessed for applications in animal production, particularly in enhancing growth performance and disease resistance

Phytochemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Silico Evaluation of Azadirachta indica Stem Bark Extracts against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

Introduction: Medicinal plants are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study aimed to profile the bioactive compounds in the stem bark of Azadirachta indica, evaluate the antimicrobial activity of its crude and fractionated extracts, and explore molecular interactions with key bacterial enzymes. Methods: Crude stem bark extracts were obtained via maceration and fractionated using n-hexane and ethanol. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against multidrug-resistant pathogens using standard microbiological assays. Phytochemical composition was analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while molecular docking, ADME predictions, drug-likeness, and toxicity assessments were performed in silico. Results: The crude extract displayed broad antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 10–20 mm at 100 mg/mL, showing strongest activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. Fractionated extracts exhibited moderate activity (6–12 mm). MIC values ranged from 50–100 mg/mL for the crude extract and ≥100 mg/mL for fractions. HPLC identified key compounds including quercetin, rutin hydrate, kaempferol, gallic acid and sinapic acid. Docking studies showed rutin hydrate, quercetin, nicotiflorin, and astragalin had high binding affinities for E. coli DNA gyrase B and A. baumannii topoisomerase IV. ADME predictions indicated good gastrointestinal absorption for most compounds, with minimal toxicity and generally favorable drug-likeness profiles, except for rutin hydrate and nicotiflorin

REVISITING THE STRUCTURE OF STRYCHNINE AND RELATED COMPOUNDS: AN “INADEQUATE” APPROACH TO WOODWARD AND ROBINSON’S WORK.

Background: The structural elucidation of strychnine and brucine by Woodward and Robinson is a landmark in natural products chemistry. At the time it was done by classic degradation techniques. Aims: This research was taken place to confirm and advance the findings of original work by innovative scientists such as Woodward and Robinson via modern analysis. As well as investigating older structure elucidation techniques to determine which method has the largest impact on degrading complex alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, we will apply these compounds to modern NMR experiments such as INADEQUATE. Methods: a range of degradation techniques such as base hydrolysis, amination, dehydrogenation and oxidation reactions were reproduced and monitored with modern instruments such as EI-LC MS and NMR to deduce structural insights surrounding strychnine’s degradant products. The modern equipment was also used to further current data surrounding strychnine via running elaborate 2D NMR procedures such as 13C-13C INADEQUATE. Results: dehydrogenation via bromination and sulfonation had the greatest influence on degrading strychnine. NMR experiments revealed molecular relationships between the carbons to be able to piece together the skeletal backbone of the compound.  Conclusion: Overall, the development in modern analysis has been a key turning point in structure determination, further degradations would be running paired with more extensive 2D NMR processes and older methods are effective but are much more beneficial when hybridised with new technology

Bacterial Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Microorganisms Isolated from Hospital Fomites: Implications for Infection Control and Antibiotic Stewardship.

Hospital fomites are potential reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms and play a significant role in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study investigated the bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance patterns of microorganisms isolated from various hospital fomites. Ten different hospital surfaces, including beds, desks, benches, and diagnostic equipment, were sampled and analyzed for microbial contamination. Surface swab samples were collected aseptically and cultured using standard microbiological techniques, followed by biochemical identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing using disc diffusion technique. A wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were isolated, with the highest microbial diversity observed on patient beds and benches. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance levels, especially to Ofloxacin (92.5%) and Ceftriaxone (87.5%), while Gentamicin showed the highest susceptibility rate (47.5%). The findings highlight the critical role of fomites in nosocomial pathogen persistence and the pressing need for improved disinfection protocols and antibiotic stewardship

Crude pineapple extract inhibits WHO priority groups bacteria that are causing skin and soft tissue infections: A cost-effective alternative in the fight against AMR

Background: The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has rendered many frontline antibiotics ineffective, particularly against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria such as carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CarbR), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). With limited new antibiotics entering the pipeline and high costs of drug development, there is growing interest in affordable, eco-friendly alternatives from plant-derived compounds. Pineapple (Ananas comosus), particularly its bromelain-rich peel and crown, contains bioactive phytochemicals with reported antibacterial properties. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of crude pineapple extracts against MDR pathogens associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).Methodology: This laboratory-based experimental study (May–July 2025) utilized 15 archived clinical isolates of CarbR P. aeruginosa (5), ESBL E. coli (5), and MRSA (5) from the Bugando Medical Centre. Isolates were revived, re-characterized, and tested for susceptibility following CLSI guidelines. Crude bromelain extracts were prepared from pineapple fruit, peel, and crown using ethanol maceration followed by rotary evaporation, and finally drying. Extracts were tested for antibacterial activity via broth micro-dilution assays to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), with experiments performed in triplicate.Results: Peel extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity with MICs of 12.5% for CarbR P. aeruginosa and 25% for both ESBL E. coli and MRSA. While crown extract showed MICs of 12.5%, 25%, and 50% against the same pathogens, while fruit extract demonstrated weaker activity, requiring 100% concentration against ESBL E. coli and MRSA.Conclusion: Crude pineapple peel and crown extracts demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against WHO-priority MDR pathogens. Further work should isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from crude pineapple peel and crown extracts for clinical translation

Fractionation-Guided Evaluation of Justicia secunda and Kalanchoe pinnata as Inhibitors of DNA Gyrase and Penicillin-Binding Proteins in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background: The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens necessitates alternative antimicrobial agents; thus, this study combined fractionation-guided in vitro evaluation with in silico target-based analysis to assess the antibacterial potential and possible mechanisms of action of Justicia secunda and Kalanchoe pinnata against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Methods: Crude extracts of J. secunda and K. pinnata were prepared by maceration and subsequently fractionated. Phytochemical profiling was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antibacterial activity against MDR A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae was evaluated using agar well diffusion, while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth dilution. Molecular docking with MM/GBSA refinement assessed interactions of identified compounds with DNA gyrase (A. baumannii) and penicillin-binding protein (K. pneumoniae). ADMET and drug-likeness properties were predicted in silico. Results: HPLC analysis revealed diverse phenolic acids and flavonoids in both plants, with abundant compounds including naringin, myricetin, baicalin, apigenin, catechin, and mangiferin. Fractionation enhanced antibacterial activity relative to crude extracts. In J. secunda, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest activity (zones up to 27.33 mm; MIC 3.125 mg/mL). In K. pinnata, n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions produced inhibition zones up to 27.00 mm, while the aqueous fraction exhibited the lowest MIC (3.125 mg/mL). Docking studies identified several phytochemicals with higher predicted binding affinities than standard antibiotics, alongside favorable ADMET profiles and Lipinski compliance. Conclusion: Justicia secunda and Kalanchoe pinnata contain bioactive phytochemicals with significant antibacterial activity against MDR pathogens, supporting their potential as sources of novel antimicrobial leads

Phytochemical profiling, in-vitro Antibacterial and Synergistic Assessment of Harrisonia abyssinica (Radlk.) Exell and Dichrostachys cinerea (L) Wight&Arn. Root Extracts

Introduction: The increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the exploration of medicinal plants as alternative sources of novel antibacterial agents. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro antibacterial activity of Harrisonia abyssinica (Radlk.) Exell and Dichrostachys cinerea (L) Wight&Arn., two medicinal plants traditionally used in the management of infectious diseases. Materials and Methods: Crude extracts were subjected to Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis to identify bioactive constituents, while antibacterial activity was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against selected pathogenic bacteria. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, including alcohols, fatty acid derivatives, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, with notable constituents such as 2,3,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol and other oxygenated hydrocarbons detected in Dichrostachys cinerea. Results: Both plant extracts demonstrated measurable antibacterial activity, with MIC values indicating moderate to strong inhibition against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Comparative analysis showed that Harrisonia abyssinica exhibited relatively stronger antibacterial effects, which may be attributed to the higher abundance and diversity of antimicrobial phytochemicals. Conclusion: The observed antibacterial activity and their phytochemical constituents reveal the ethnomedicinal use of Harrisonia abyssinica and Dichrostachys cinerea as promising sources of antibacterial agents for further isolation, characterization, and pre-clinical evaluation of their active compounds

Anti-mycobacterial and phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants used in Magu district, Tanzania.

Introduction: Tuberculosis remains a global health threat, further complicated by the rise of multi-drug-resistant of the available antimycobacterial drugs. Some secondary metabolites of plants have demonstrated potential antimycobacterial activity against different mycobacterium stains. This study aimed at investigating antimycobacterial activities and secondary metabolites of medicinal plants claimed to manage tuberculosis in Magu District, Mwanza – Tanzania.  Materials and methods: Medicinal plant were selected from the community. Both 80% ethanol and water extracts (prepared according to traditional methods) were tested against two non-pathogenic mycobacterial strains: Mycobacterium indicus pranii and Mycobacterium madagascariense, using the broth microdilution method. The Phytochemical screening of the most active extracts was conducted using standard chemical tests. Results: Among the 17 plants, 11 (64.7%) 80% ethanolic extracts showed antimycobacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 19 μg/mL to 1250 μg/mL. Notably, the 80% ethanolic extract of Zanha africana (Radlk.) Exell (stem bark and roots) showed the strongest activity, with MICs of 19 μg/mL and 39 μg/mL against M. indicus pranii and M. madagascariense, respectively. The Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. extracts also displayed good activity with MICs of 39 μg/mL. Lanna fulva (Engl.) Engl, and Dichrostachys cinerea (L) Wight&Arn. showed average activity at 78 μg/mL. In contrast, decoction extracts prepared using traditional methods showed little to no activity, except for Z. africana   stem bark, which had weak activity (417±147 μg/mL). Conclusion: The presence of secondary metabolites in the selected medicinal plants support the reliability of traditional knowledge. This suggests isolation of active antimycobacterial compounds of Z. africana, H. abyssinica, L. fulva, and D. cinerea warrant

6th annual CNPD Conference 2025

6th annual CNPD Conference 202