Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Properties of Rubia cordifolia L. Extracts Prepared with Improved Extraction Conditions

none11sìRubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae) is an important plant in Indian and Chinese medical systems. Extracts prepared from the root, stem and leaf have been used traditionally for the management of various diseases. Some of the known effects are anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, anti-proliferation, immunomodulation and anti-tumor. A comparative account of the extracts derived from different organs that lead to the identification of the most suitable solvent is lacking. We explored the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and anti-proliferative properties of a variety of solvent-based extracts of root, and methanol extracts of stem and leaf of R. cordifolia L. The antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and total antioxidant assays. The anti-proliferative nature was evaluated by MTT assay on HeLa, ME-180 and HepG2 cells. The composition of the extracts was determined by UPLC-UV-MS. We found that the root extracts had the presence of higher amounts of antioxidants over the stem and leaf extracts. The root extracts prepared in methanol exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The main compounds identified through UPLC-UV-MS of the methanol extract give credibility to the previous results. Our comprehensive study corroborates the preference given to the root over the stem and leaf for extract preparation. In conclusion, we identified the methanol extract of the root to be the most suited to have bioactivity with anti-cancer potential.Humbare, Ravikiran B; Sarkar, Joyita; Kulkarni, Anjali A; Juwale, Mugdha G; Deshmukh, Sushil H; Amalnerkar, Dinesh; Chaskar, Manohar; Albertini, Maria C; Rocchi, Marco B L; Kamble, Swapnil C; Ramakrishna, SeeramHumbare, Ravikiran B; Sarkar, Joyita; Kulkarni, Anjali A; Juwale, Mugdha G; Deshmukh, Sushil H; Amalnerkar, Dinesh; Chaskar, Manohar; Albertini, Maria C; Rocchi, Marco B L; Kamble, Swapnil C; Ramakrishna, Seera

Empowering Elderpreneurs sCommerce for GenX Consignment Store Owners in West Virginia

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, this research explores Generation X (GenX) consignment store owners in West Virginia and the transformative power of Social commerce (sCommerce). Despite the ubiquity of Social media platforms, little attention has been given to the impact of sCommerce on the consignment store industry. Drawing from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT), this study examines the factors influencing sCommerce adoption decisions for GenX consignment store owners. Through qualitative research, this study uncovers untold stories within this entrepreneurial landscape. Purposeful sampling of 11 women and 20-60 minutes of in-depth interviews reveal the potential of sCommerce for GenX entrepreneurs, offering a pathway to success in a competitive marketplace. In a surprising discovery, all GenX participants in this study were women without formal business education, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to learn through experience, challenging the idea that formal education is essential for success. The study identifies three motivational factors - organizational, environmental, and technological - explaining the constructs of sCommerce adoption intention by these participants. The thematic analysis underscores the importance of relationship-building, positive recommendations, and unforgettable in-store experiences. The findings reveal the cautious yet determined mindset of GenX entrepreneurs, carefully considering factors such as advantage, compatibility, complexity, security, trialability, and observability before embracing the digital realm. This research fills a void in existing literature and carries implications for scholars, microbusiness owners, and government organizations. Empowering GenX consignment store owners to embrace sCommerce can unlock their entrepreneurial potential, fostering economic growth. From West Virginia\u27s consignment stores emerges a narrative intertwining human connection, technological innovation, and sustainable practices. This research invites exploration, offering insights that shape the future of the consignment store industry and beyond. Understanding the motivational factors behind sCommerce adoption enables innovation, economic growth, and community development

Polymeric Bioinks for 3D Hepatic Printing

Three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have revolutionized the field of tissue engineering. This is especially favorable to construct intricate tissues such as liver, as 3D printing allows for the precise delivery of biomaterials, cells and bioactive molecules in complex geometries. Bioinks made of polymers, of both natural and synthetic origin, have been very beneficial to printing soft tissues such as liver. Using polymeric bioinks, 3D hepatic structures are printed with or without cells and biomolecules, and have been used for different tissue engineering applications. In this review, with the introduction to basic 3D printing techniques, we discuss different natural and synthetic polymers including decellularized matrices that have been employed for the 3D bioprinting of hepatic structures. Finally, we focus on recent advances in polymeric bioinks for 3D hepatic printing and their applications. The studies indicate that much work has been devoted to improvising the design, stability and longevity of the printed structures. Others focus on the printing of tissue engineered hepatic structures for applications in drug screening, regenerative medicine and disease models. More attention must now be diverted to developing personalized structures and stem cell differentiation to hepatic lineage

Assessment of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Properties of Root Extracts of Rubia cordifolia L. in Different Solvent Systems

Rubia cordifolia L. is an important plant used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicinal systems of India for treatment of blood disorders. Of all the plant parts, roots of R. cordifolia are the most suitable source of effective secondary metabolites. The present work investigated phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of R. cordifolia root powder extracted in different solvents. Total polyphenols and flavonoids content were estimated. High antioxidant activity was corroborated with DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, reducing power and total antioxidant assays. Obtained results showed that ethanol extracts were most potent over methanol, aqueous, and PBS extracts for DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and reducing power assays. In contrast, methanol and aqueous extracts had higher potency in nitric oxide and total antioxidant assays. Encouraging results were obtained for antioxidant activity even upon PVPP treatment that removed the polyphenols from the extracts. The results suggest a potential of ethanol and methanol extracts for cancer cytotoxicity