Implication of mating on oocyte development in red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii (Fabricius, 1775) (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae)

The ovaries of Dysdercus koenigii are consisted of meroistic telotrophic ovarioles. Each ovariole can be differentiated into tropharium and vitellarium. The tropharium contains stem line oogonia, newly formed oocytes, trophocytes, prefollicular cells and follicular cells. The vitellarium possesses 10-12 developing oocytes. The developing oocytes are connected to the trophocytes, present in the tropharium, by nutritive cords. During premating period, the ovarioles change, resulting in increase the number of oocytes in the vitellarium. The developing oocytes in the initial stage of development are surrounded by columnar follicular cells, which are subsequently changed to cuboidal and squamous cells in a sequence. The process of vitellogenesis was initiated after 48 h of adult development with the appearance of perioocytic space. There was deposition of yolk material at the periphery of oocytes in the ovarioles of 72 h old females. The further development of oocytes and vitellogenesis remained suspended up to 12-14 days in the virgin females. On the other hand, mating stimulates the oocyte development and process of vitellogenesis. There were distinct morphometric and histological changes in the ovarioles as a consequence of mating; dimensions of vitellarium and oocytes of the mated female increased drastically. However, the size of tropharium and number of oocytes present in the vitellarium largely remained unchanged. The process of vitellogenesis also resumed followed by mating stimulus. Therefore, the oocytes were laden with yolk material; at this stage, the surrounded follicular layer is replaced by chorion

Herbal and traditional medicines pharmacovigilance for holistic treatment

13-21Compared to allopathic medicines or chemically synthesized drugs, there is a growing use of natural compounds and supplements in herbal medicine to treat various diseases as they are safe and devoid of side effects. Though, this is not completely true as many cases of the detrimental impact of herbal or traditional medicine have been reported. Herbal medicines contain unpurified plant portions or extracts which may have these side effects. How effective are the drug molecules derived from natural products, or how destructive are the undesirable compounds that must be investigated? Natural extracts are mixtures of various components, and there is uncertainty about the mechanism of action of certain herbal medicines. There may be a lot of factors involved like placebo effects, and other molecules without which medicine may not work in isolation. In this study, we have reviewed the effects of herbal medicines, possible causes for their benefits like epigenetic changes, adverse drug reactions, and the provision to control these issues. We have also explored the measures being taken at the national and international levels. There have been efforts to minimize the issues related to side effects based on reporting from the population using remedies monitored by pharmacovigilance

Conserved Candidate Antigens and Nanoparticles to Develop Vaccine against <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>

Giardia intestinalis (Giardia lambia, Giardia duodenalis) infections in humans may be asymptomatic or symptomatic and associated with diarrhea (without blood), abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, and weight loss. The protozoan Giardia is the third most common cause of diarrhea and death in children under five, preceded only by rotavirus and by Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis infections. Antimicrobial drugs, particularly 5-nitroimidazole (5-NIs), are used to treat giardiasis in humans. Immunologically naive or immunocompromised host are more vulnerable to Giardia infection, whereas a degree of resistance to this protozoan is present in humans living in endemic areas. This suggests that vaccination may be a potential and appropriate means to control this parasitic disease outbreak and protect the human population. This review discusses Giardia antigens related to vaccine development. Additionally, based on the latest development of nanoparticle technology, a combination of methods for future research and development is proposed for the design of the next generation of powerful immunogens and an effective vaccine against Giardia

Precision and Advanced Nano-Phytopharmaceuticals for Therapeutic Applications

Phytopharmaceuticals have been widely used globally since ancient times and acknowledged by healthcare professionals and patients for their superior therapeutic value and fewer side-effects compared to modern medicines. However, phytopharmaceuticals need a scientific and methodical approach to deliver their components and thereby improve patient compliance and treatment adherence. Dose reduction, improved bioavailability, receptor selective binding, and targeted delivery of phytopharmaceuticals can be likely achieved by molding them into specific nano-formulations. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based phytopharmaceuticals have emerged as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of various communicable and non-communicable diseases. Nanotechnology combined with phytopharmaceuticals broadens the therapeutic perspective and overcomes problems associated with plant medicine. The current review highlights the therapeutic application of various nano-phytopharmaceuticals in neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastro-intestinal disorders. We conclude that nano-phytopharmaceuticals emerge as promising therapeutics for many pathological conditions with good compliance and higher acceptance