Anticancer effect of Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells and Its Antimicrobial Properties

Breast cancer treatment presents significant challenges, with various therapeutic modalities often associated with side effects. Natural plant-derived compounds offer promising alternatives. Vitex negundo is a medicinal plant often used in ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, some of which have been scientifically validated. Vitex negundo offers a potential natural alternative to conventional breast cancer treatments. In this context, Vitex negundo ethanolic extract has demonstrated to have potent activity against the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Vitex negundo extracts expressed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against MCF-7, with increasing extract concentrations correlating to decreased cell viability. Notably, the extract selectively suppressed MCF-7 cell growth, with an inhibitory concentration of about 1000 μg/mL. Importantly, the extract appears to selectively target cancer cells, sparing normal, healthy cells. This selectivity is crucial for minimizing side effects often associated with conventional cancer treatments. Vitex negundo serves as a potential indigenous antimicrobial agent that has been evaluated by the paper disc method to identify microorganisms susceptible to the ethanolic extract. The results based on the well-diffusion method confirmed the extracts of antimicrobial activity against sensitive microorganisms

Synthesis and Characterization of Transparent Biodegradable Chitosan: Exopolysaccharide Composite Films Plasticized by Bio-Derived 1,3-Propanediol

In this study, chitosan-based composite films blended with a dextran like exopolysaccharide derived from lactic acid bacteria were prepared using the solvent casting method. Later, these composite films were plasticized with 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) produced biologically using biodiesel derived crude glycerol. Further, their physical properties, such as tensile strength, water vapor barrier, thermal behavior, and antioxidant properties, were tested. In comparison to the control chitosan-exopolysaccharide films, 1,3-PDO plasticized films increased tensile strengths (20.08 vs. 43.33 MPa) with an elongation percentage (%E) of 20.73, which was two times more than the control films. As a polymer composite, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum displayed the characteristic peaks at 1000 cm−1, 1500 cm−1, and 3000–3500 cm−1 to describe the functional groups related to chitosan, exopolysaccharide, and 1,3-PDOThe thermogravimetric analysis displayed a significant three-step degradation at 100–105 °C, 250–400 °C, and 600 °C, where 100% of the films were degraded. The plasticized films were observed to have enhanced water solubility (51%) and rate of moisture absorption (193%). The plasticized films displayed enhanced physico-chemical properties, anti-oxidant properties, and were100% biodegradable.</jats:p

Accessing Polycyclic Terpenoids from Zerumbone via Lewis Acid Catalyzed Synthetic Strategies

We herein disclose an effective strategy for the synthesis of [5.3.0] and [6.3.0] fused polycyclic terpenoids, which are important structural elements of natural products and biologically active compounds. The method comprises of Lewis acid catalyzed interrupted Nazarov cyclization of zerumbone derivatives such as zerumbone epoxide, triazole-appended zerumbone, zerumbal, and zerumbenone with a wide substrate scope with different indoles. Zerumbone epoxide furnished [5.3.0] and [6.3.0] fused structurally diverse sesquiterpenoids and all other zerumbone derivatives furnished the [6.3.0] fused motifs.</jats:p

Anthocyanins as Immunomodulatory Dietary Supplements: A Nutraceutical Perspective and Micro-/Nano-Strategies for Enhanced Bioavailability

Anthocyanins (ACNs) have attracted considerable attention for their potential to modulate the immune system. Research has revealed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which play a crucial role in immune regulation by influencing key immune cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Moreover, ACNs contribute towards maintaining a balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus promoting immune health. Beyond their direct effects on immune cells, ACNs significantly impact gut health and the microbiota, essential factors in immune regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that they positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome, enhancing their immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, these compounds synergize with other bioactive substances, such as vitamins and minerals, further enhancing their potential as immune-supporting dietary supplements. However, detailed clinical studies must fully validate these findings and determine safe dosages across varied populations. Incorporating these natural compounds into functional foods or supplements could revolutionize the management of immune-related conditions. Personalized nutrition and healthcare strategies may be developed to enhance overall well-being and immune resilience by fully understanding the mechanisms underlying the actions of their components. Recent advancements in delivery methods have focused on improving the bioavailability and effectiveness of ACNs, providing promising avenues for future applications