Protective effect of Parthenium hysterophorus against carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits

Purpose: To investigate the possible hepatoprotective potential of Parthenium hysterophorus crude extract (Ph.Cr) against carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)- and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits.Methods: Twenty rabbits were divided into five groups of four rabbits each. Group 1 served as normal control and received normal saline (5 mL/kg). Group 2 received normal saline followed by CCL4 (0.75 mL/kg p.o dose) after 1 h. Groups 3 and 4 received Ph.Cr at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg po, respectively, for 7 days followed by one dose of CCL4, 2 h after the last extract dose (0.75 mL/kg, sc). Group 5 received silymarin as reference standard at a dose of 100 mg/kg orally for 7 days followed by one dose of CCL4 (0.75 mL/kg, sc), 2 h after the last drug dose. The effect of the extract on potassium (K+)- induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejenum was also evaluated. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and their liver architecture examined microscopically.Results: Pre-treatment of rabbits with Ph.Cr reduced ALT, ALP and TB levels (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) dose dependently. Hepatoprotective data indicate that Ph.Cr markedly reduced CCL4- and paracetamol-induced toxicity by preserving the histological architecture of the liver tissue at near normal. In isolated rabbit jejunum tissue, Ph.Cr relaxed high K+ (80 Mm)-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent (0.03 - 10 mg/mL) manner like that caused by silymarin.Conclusion: In the light of the results obtained, Parthenium hysterophorous  possesses hepatoprotective activity against CCL4- and paracetamol-induced  hepatic damage, possibly mediated via its antioxidant and Ca++ antagonist mechanisms.Keywords: Parthenium hysterophorus, Toxins, Hepatoprotection, Ca++ antagonist, Silymari

Ficus benghalensis as Potential Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase for Hair Growth Promotion: In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Evaluation

The screening of hair follicles, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes through in vitro, in vivo, and histology has previously been reported to combat alopecia. Ficus benghalensis has been used conventionally to cure skin and hair disorders, although its effect on 5α-reductase II is still unknown. Currently, we aim to analyze the phytotherapeutic impact of F. benghalensis leaf extracts (FBLEs) for promoting hair growth in rabbits along with in vitro inhibition of the steroid isozyme 5α-reductase II. The inhibition of 5α-reductase II by FBLEs was assessed by RP-HPLC, using the NADPH cofactor as the reaction initiator and Minoxin (5%) as a positive control. In silico studies were performed using AutoDock Vina to visualize the interaction between 5α-reductase II and the reported phytoconstituents present in FBLEs. Hair growth in female albino rabbits was investigated by applying an oral dose of the FBLE formulation and control drug to the skin once a day. The skin tissues were examined by histology to see hair follicles. Further, FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidants were performed to check the trace elements and secondary metabolites in the FBLEs. The results of RP-HPLC and the binding energies showed that FBLEs reduced the catalytic activity of 5α-reductase II and improved cell proliferation in rabbits. The statistical analysis (p 70%) suggested that hydroalcoholic FBLE has more potential in increasing hair growth by elongating hair follicle’s anagen phase. FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidant experiments revealed sufficient concentrations of Zn, Cu, K, and Fe, together with the presence of polyphenols and scavenging activity in FBLE. Overall, we found that FBLEs are potent in stimulating hair follicle maturation by reducing the 5α-reductase II action, so they may serve as a principal choice in de novo drug designing to treat hair loss

MILK: carrier of heavy metals from crops through ruminant body to human beings

Exposure of heavy metals to humans is higher today than ever before in modern history due to continuously increasing industrialization around the globe. Industrial wastes are rich in heavy metals and these wastes are discharged near agricultural fields or mixed with soil, from where these metals are taken up by the crops and are finally transported to humans. Due to this increasing threat of heavy metals contamination in food, it is necessary to analyze the food before consumption. Content of selected metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) in cow milk is determined in this study. To investigate the possible pathways of these metals to reach in milk; fodder supplied to these cows was analyzed besides analysis of soil samples on which this fodder was grown. Pearson correlation among metal contents in soil-forage and forage-milk was also determined to check the route of transfer of these metals from soil to forage and from forage to milk. It was found that a strong correlation (p < 0.5) exists for Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn. This shows that these metals are mainly transferred through soil. However, a weak correlation was found for Pb, which shows that Pb is introduced into forage through some other source (automobile exhaust etc.). A comparison of present study is also done with previously reported work from other countries on metal contents in milk and findings of both the studies were in good agreement mutually

A novel pH-responsive hydrogel system based on Prunus armeniaca gum and acrylic acid: Preparation and evaluation as a potential candidate for controlled drug delivery

pH-responsive hydrogels have become effective and attractive materials for the controlled release of drugs at pre-determined destinations. In the present study, a novel hydrogel system based on Prunus armeniaca gum (PAG) and acrylic acid (AA) was prepared by a free radical mechanism using N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as cross-linker and potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. A series of hydrogels varying PAG, AA, and MBA concentration was developed to determine the impact of these components. Formulated hydrogels were characterized for pH-responsive swelling, drug release, gel content, and porosity. Structural analysis was performed by FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis. TGA study was applied to assess thermal stability. Oral acute toxicity and in vivo drug release were performed in rabbits. Hydrogels exhibited pH-dependent swelling and drug release. Swelling, drug loading and release, and porosity increased by increasing PAG and AA concentration while decreased by increasing MBA. The gel content of formulations was increased by increasing all three components. FTIR studies confirmed the development of copolymeric networks and the loading of drug. XRD studies revealed that hydrogels were amorphous, and the crystalline drug was changed into an amorphous form during loading. TGA results indicated that hydrogels were stable up to 600 °C. Acute oral toxicity results confirm that hydrogels were nontoxic up to a dose of 2 g/kg body weight in rabbits. The pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed that hydrogels prolonged the availability of the drug and the peak plasma concentration of the drug was obtained in 6 h as compared to the oral solution of the drug. Tramadol hydrochloride (THC) was used as a model drug. Hence, pH-responsive swelling and release, nontoxic nature and improved pharmacokinetics support that PAG-based hydrogels may be considered as potential controlled-release polymeric carriers

Evaluation of mitigating effects of salicylic acid against various levels of salinity in onion (Allium cepa)

Background: Onion (Allium cepa) is a vital vegetable as well as medicinal crop grown all over the world. A considerable area in Pakistan is under salinity stress which markedly reduce the average yield of many crops. Salicylic acid is an important growth regulator and has mitigating effects against saline adversities.Methods: A study was conducted in complete randomized design (CRD) using two onion varieties, Phulkaara and Desi Red, under Faisalabad, Punjab conditions. The level of salinity was kept 50 mM NaCl and 100 mM NaCl while 400 ppm of salicylic acid was applied weekly. The data was analyzed through Statix 8.1 to compute analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: All the growth and physiological parameter of onion seedlings were decreased significantly with the increasing level of salinity while increased with the application of salicylic acid except total soluble protein. Salicylic acid (@400ppm) mitigated the adverse effects of salinity by enhancing photosynthetic activities. The total soluble protein was increased in leaves with increasing salinity stress whereas the application of SA has non-significant effects. The performance of both varieties remained significantly same for the parameters dry shoot weight, plant height, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents. The variety Desi Red performed better for shoot length while Phulkaara was better in fresh shoot/root weight, length of root, dry root weight and total soluble protein.Conclusion: The application of foliar spray of salicylic acid is potential growth regulator to increase the growth parameters of onion under saline stress conditions.Keywords: Onion; Salinity; Salicylic Acid; Mitigating Effects; Growth Parameters

Prunus armeniaca Gum-Alginate Polymeric Microspheres to Enhance the Bioavailability of Tramadol Hydrochloride: Formulation and Evaluation

International audienceCombinations of polymers can improve the functional properties of microspheres to achieve desired therapeutic goals. Hence, the present study aimed to formulate Prunus armeniaca gum (PAG) and sodium alginate microsphere for sustained drug release. Blended and coated microspheres were prepared using the ionotropic gelation technique. The effect of polymer concentration variation was studied on the structural and functional properties of formulated microspheres. FTIR, XRD, and thermal analysis were performed to characterize the microspheres. All the formulations were well-formed spherical beads having an average diameter from 579.23 +/- 07.09 to 657.67 +/- 08.74 mu m. Microspheres entrapped drugs within the range 65.86 +/- 0.26-83.74 +/- 0.79%. The pH-dependent swelling index of coated formulations was higher than blended. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic peaks of entrapped Tramadol hydrochloride showing no drug-polymer interaction. In vitro drug release profile showed sustained release following the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model with an R-2 value of 0.9803-0.9966. An acute toxicology study employing the oral route in Swiss albino mice showed no signs of toxicity. It can be inferred from these results that blending PAG with sodium alginate can enhance the stability of alginate microspheres and improve its drug release profile by prolonging the release time

Study of Isothermal, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Parameters for Adsorption of Cadmium: An Overview of Linear and Nonlinear Approach and Error Analysis

Reports about presence and toxicity of Cd2+ in different chemical industrial effluents prompted the researchers to explore some economical, rapid, sensitive, and accurate methods for its determination and removal from aqueous systems. In continuation of series of investigations, adsorption of Cd2+ onto the stem of Saccharum arundinaceum is proposed in the present work. Optimization of parameters affecting sorption potential of Cd2+ including pH, contact time, temperature, sorbent dose, and concentration of sorbate was carried out to determine best suited conditions for maximum removal of sorbate. To understand the nature of sorption process, linear and nonlinear forms of five sorption isotherms including Freundlich and Langmuir models were employed. Feasibility and viability of sorption process were evaluated by calculating kinetics and thermodynamics of the process, while error analysis suggested best fitted sorption model on sorption data. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated exothermic nature of reaction, while kinetic studies suggested pseudo-second order of reaction

Comparative study of heavy metals content in cosmetic products of different countries marketed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The study was undertaken in order to determine heavy metal content in fifteen (n = 15) cosmetics products both imported and locally manufactured by unauthorized company marketed at district Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. An analytical test was performed for eight metals in cosmetics products using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The overall mean (n = 15) concentration for each heavy metal was analyzed i.e. Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn were 141.6 ± 0.016, 0.238 ± 0.001, 26.62 ± 0.012, 0.527 ± 0.002, 860.8 ± 0.061, 0.074 ± 0.002, 0.674 ± 0.002 and 268.6 ± 0.086 μg/g, respectively. The results of our study revealed that the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Pb and Cu in the samples within each class under investigation were higher. It also emphasize that the spurious nature of these products cannot be ignored because most of the developing and under developed countries are facing the problems to manufacture good cosmetics products. Hence, are selling these products under the brand name of well reputed national and international companies. Since no safe limit relating to cosmetic products is available in Pakistan, it is therefore difficult to ascertain if the values of metals obtained in this study are too high or low. Prolonged use of such products containing these elements may pose threat to human health and could curb the beauty of the environment

Alginate-Based Sustainable Green Composites of Polymer and Reusable Birm for Mitigation of Malachite Green Dye: Characterization and Application for Water Decontamination

Environmental sustainability appraisal of adsorption for exclusion of the malachite green toxic dye was the center of attention in this work. The influenced goals were to analyze the consequences of novel composites fabricated by sodium alginate with guar gum and birm (SA@GG@B composites) by ion gelation. This work not only explains the feasibility of the sorbent and its application for the removal of dye stuff but also proclaimed various effects of different parameters affecting the removal efficiency. Adsorption processes were carried out in the batch process. The composite was characterized by SEM, which revealed that the irregular surface of composites has pores present for high adsorption, FTIR (for functional groups detection) reveals the presence of –OH group which provides attachment sites for dye, and BET (surface analysis) with a surface area of 5.01 m2/g shows that it has a wide surface area for greater adsorption process. Adsorption was performed on synthetic composites by varying different parameters like contact time, the concentration of sorbent and sorbate, and pH. Maximum adsorption was achieved (92.7%) at 100 ppm initial concentration, 120 min interaction time, and pH 9. Adsorption isotherms (Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubnin, and Elvoich isotherm) were applied in this work and evaluated the adsorption phenomenon and nature of adsorption. Freundlich adsorption capacity KF (9.45) reveals effective adsorption of dye by the proposed adsorbent. The kinetics models show that it was better with the pseudo-second-order reaction. Effective removal of malachite green by synthesized composites reveals their importance for the industrial water purification from hazardous dyes