A comprehensive scientific overview of Blepharispermum subsessile DC. (Asteraceae), a conservation concern medicinal plant with promising pharmaceutical potential

Blepharispermum subsessile DC., belonging to family Asteraceae, is known for its uses in the treatment of arthritis and related joint pain in folkloric medicine in different states of India. Additionally, ethnomedicinal uses of this plant include treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, various ophthalmic problems, common cold, rhinitis, skin diseases, scabies, wound and gynaecological disorders. Most importantly, traditional use of B. subsessile to treat arthritis has been recently supported by scientific pharmacological studies including a clinical trial. However, overexploitation, unregulated trade and habitat destruction has put the B. subsessile under severe threat in their natural habitats of India in general and Odisha state of India in particular. To conserve the gene pool of this plant species along with other medicinal plants in their wild habitat (in situ) a medicinal plant conservation area (MPCA) has already been established in Odisha. Recently, attempt has also been made for development of tissue culture - mediated plant regeneration protocols aiming at its conservation by rehabilitation and ex situ means. In the present review, comprehensive and updated information on the distribution, botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of B. subsessile has been summarized and focus has been given to the attempts made for conservation of this traditional medicinal plant species through conventional means as well as biotechnological intervention. Future research required for B. subsessile conservation and pharmaceutical utilization in fullest but in best sustainable manner has also been discussed

A comprehensive scientific overview of Blepharispermum subsessile DC. (Asteraceae), a conservation concern medicinal plant with promising pharmaceutical potential

208-217Blepharispermum subsessile DC., belonging to family Asteraceae, is known for its uses in the treatment of arthritis and related joint pain in folkloric medicine in different states of India. Additionally, ethnomedicinal uses of this plant include treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, various ophthalmic problems, common cold, rhinitis, skin diseases, scabies, wound and gynaecological disorders. Most importantly, traditional use of B. subsessile to treat arthritis has been recently supported by scientific pharmacological studies including a clinical trial. However, overexploitation, unregulated trade and habitat destruction has put the B. subsessile under severe threat in their natural habitats of India in general and Odisha state of India in particular. To conserve the gene pool of this plant species along with other medicinal plants in their wild habitat (in situ) a medicinal plant conservation area (MPCA) has already been established in Odisha. Recently, attempt has also been made for development of tissue culture - mediated plant regeneration protocols aiming at its conservation by rehabilitation and ex situ means. In the present review, comprehensive and updated information on the distribution, botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of B. subsessile has been summarized and focus has been given to the attempts made for conservation of this traditional medicinal plant species through conventional means as well as biotechnological intervention. Future research required for B. subsessile conservation and pharmaceutical utilization in fullest but in best sustainable manner has also been discussed

A comparative study of fatty acids profile of two Indian major carps (Gibelion catla, Hamilton, 1822 and Cirrhinus mrigala, Hamilton, 1822) using value added fish feed

Freshwater fishes are not only a major source of protein but they also possess nutritionally valuable lipids in the form of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which play a crucial role in the normal growth, disease prevention, development, cardiovascular health and reproduction of human. The present study was performed to determine the incorporation rate of fatty acids profile and their composition in two common freshwater carps as Gibelion catla and Cirrhinus mrigala (in situ trial and experimental) in the different experimental time period (0 days, i.e. initial, 90 days and 180 days) by using of value added feed like flaxseed (?-linolenic acids, 51.26% – 54.94%) and soybean oil (?-linolenic acids, 7.95%-9.01%) as omega-3 supplements. To determine the specific growth pattern Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) are analyzed where it showed positive allometric growth (b=3.20 in 90 days, b=3.11 in 180 days for Catla and b=3.18 in 90 days, b=3.1 in 180 days for Mrigala fish). The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) method also confirmed that the percentages of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) increased significantly (P< 0.05) in experimental (0.096a±0.41, initial; 5.16a±0.27, 90 days; 6.21b±0.36, 180 days Catla fish species and 0.019a±0.96 initial; 3.74b±0.37, 90 days; 3.50a±0.46 180 days for Mrigal fish species) fishes rather than controls (4.28a±0.27, 90 days; 4.36b±0.36, 180 days for Catla species and 2.24b±0.31 90 days; 2.50a±0.11 180 days for Mrigal species). Therefore, it was clearly indicated that formulated diet performed significantly to maintain the positive allometric growth as well as successive enrichment of PUFAs in experimental specimens, which is beneficial for human health as high source of protein and PUFAs as well

Endophytes: A Treasure House of Bioactive Compounds of Medicinal Importance

Endophytes are an endosymbiotic group of microorganisms that colonize in plants and microbes that can be readily isolated from any microbial or plant growth medium. They act as reservoirs of novel bioactive secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, phenolic acids, quinones, steroids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids that serve as a potential candidate for antimicrobial, anti-insect, anticancer and many more properties. While plant sources are being extensively explored for new chemical entities for therapeutic purposes, endophytic microbes also constitute an important source for drug discovery. This review aims to comprehend the contribution and uses of endophytes as an impending source of drugs against various forms of diseases and other possible medicinal use

Rapid immunochromatographic test: An evolving tool for diagnosis of scrub typhus

Background: Scrub typhus is prevalent in many districts of South Bengal throughout the year where an average temperature of 20–35°C, which contributes to the spread of Leptotrombidium deliense. However, its diagnosis remains complicated by the lack of readily available and validated assays, the non-specificity of clinical symptoms on admission, and even non-availability of the pathognomonic eschar in most of the cases. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the rapid immunochromatographic test (RICT) for early detection of scrub typhus for using it as an early diagnostic tool at the field level. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study in which 181 serum samples from clinically suspected cases (after excluding dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid fever) collected over 13 months were processed for the detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies for scrub typhus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rapid test. Results: Considering IgM ELISA for scrub typhus as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for RICT were found to be 100%, 86.87%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: RICT is a simple, rapid, and reliable assay for diagnosis of scrub typhus, capable of providing accurate results quickly and is highly suitable for field deployment in remote areas with limited medical support

Cardiovascular protective effect of cinnamon and its major bioactive constituents: An update

Cinnamon from the bark of Cinnamomum species is one of the most important spices used worldwide in food and as a traditional medicine for centuries. It has substantial benefits for human health including its protective role on cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an overview of the cardiovascular protective effects of cinna-mon and its major bioactive constituents. Reviewed literature showed sufficient evidence that cinnamon can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac ischemia, cardiac hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, cinnamon exhibited beneficial effects on cardiovascular-related comorbidities like diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, and showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cinnamon contains several bioactive compounds such as phenolics and volatile compounds. Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid are among the main cinnamon compounds with protective effects on cardiovascular diseases through different molecular mechanisms. Although the protective effects of cinnamon and its main compounds have been extensively reported, more preclinical and clinical studies are still required before its use as a biopharmaceutical agent.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cactus: chemical, nutraceutical composition and potential bio-pharmacological properties

Cactus species are plants that grow in the arid and semiarid regions of the world. They have long fascinated the attention of the scientific community due to their unusual biology. Cactus species are used for a variety of purposes, such as food, fodder, ornamental, and as medicinal plants. In the last regard, they have been used in traditional medicine for eras by the ancient people to cure several diseases. Recent scientific investigations suggest that cactus materials may be used as a source of naturally-occurring products, such as mucilage, fiber, pigments, and antioxidants. For this reason, numerous species under this family are becoming endangered and extinct. This review provides an overview of the habitat, classification, phytochemistry, chemical constituents, extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds, nutritional and pharmacological potential with pre-clinical and clinical studies of different Cactus species. Furthermore, conservation strategies for the ornamental and endangered species have also been discussed.National Research Foundation of KoreaNational Research Foundation of Korea [2020R1G1A1004667]UMNG [IMP-CIAS-2942]FCT Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology European Commission [DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0022]FCT -Foundation for Science and TechnologyPortuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [UIDB/05183/2020]Dongguk University, Republic of KoreaINTERREG -MD.NET: When Brand Meets Peopleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Korean traditional foods as antiviral and respiratory disease prevention and treatments: a detailed review

Background: Korean traditional food (KTF), originated from ancestral agriculture and the nomadic traditions of the Korean peninsula and southern Manchuria, is based on healthy food that balances disease prevention and treatment. Fermented foods that include grains, herbs, fruits, and mushrooms are also an important practice in KTF, providing high levels of Lactobacilli, which confer relevant health benefits, including antiviral properties. Some of these probiotics may also protect against the Influenza virus through the modulation of innate immunity. Scope and approach: The emerging of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other diseases of viral origin, and the problems associated with other respiratory disorders, highlight how essential is a healthy eating pattern to strengthen our immune system. Key Findings and Conclusions: The present review covers the information available on edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, and preparations used in KTF to outline their multiple medicinal effects (e.g., antidiabetic, che- mopreventive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), emphasizing their role and effects on the immune system with an emphasis on modulating properties of the gut microbiota that further support strong respiratory immunity. Potential functional foods commonly used in Korean cuisine such as Kimchi (a mixture of fermented vegetables), Meju, Doenjang, Jeotgal, and Mekgeolli and fermented sauces, among others, are highlighted for their great potential to improve gut-lung immunity. The traditional Korean diet and dietary mechanisms that may target viruses ACE-2 receptors or affect any step of a virus infection pathway that can determine a patient’s prognosis are also highlighted. The regular oral intake of bioactive ingredients used in Korean foods can offer protection for some viral diseases, through protective and immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced in pre- clinical and clinical studies.publishe

Plant species of Sub-Family Valerianaceae—A review on its effect on the Central Nervous System

Valerianaceae, the sub-family of Caprifoliaceae, contains more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbs, worldwide distributed. Several species are used for their biological properties while some are used as food. Species from the genus Valeriana have been used for their antispasmodic, relaxing, and sedative properties, which have been mainly attributed to the presence of valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid. Among this genus, the most common and employed species is Valerianaofficinalis. Although valerian has been traditionally used as a mild sedative, research results are still controversial regarding the role of the different active compounds, the herbal preparations, and the dosage used. The present review is designed to summarize and critically describe the current knowledge on the different plant species belonging to Valerianaceae, their phytochemicals, their uses in the treatment of different diseases with particular emphasis on the effects on the central nervous system. The available information on this sub-family was collected from scientific databases up until year 2020. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, NCBI, and Google Scholar. The search terms used for this review included Valerianaceae, Valeriana, Centranthus, Fedia, Patrinia, Nardostachys, Plectritis, and Valerianella, phytochemical composition, in vivo studies, Central Nervous System, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anxiety, preclinical and clinical studies.UIDB/05183/2020, DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0022, UIDB/00313/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio