Assessment of alizarin, purpurin and genetic fidelity of Rubia cordifolia L. from Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India

Rubia cordifolia L. is a widely used medicinal plant belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The evaluation of the alizarin, purpurin and genetic fidelity of Rubia cordifolia L. is crucial for the identification of this economically and ecologically valuable climber. In this study, we quantify the phytochemicals (alizarin and purpurin) using RP-HPLC analysis and Genetic fidelity studies carried out using RAPD markers. Phytochemical studies showed gradual variation among the samples. The maximum amount of alizarin and purpurin was found in the plant samples of Kalrayan hills (GBR3-32.4 and 33.4) followed by Kolli Hills (GBR1-27.0 and 16.5), Pachamalai (GBR6-23.8 and 20.7), Shervaroy hills (GBR2 16.6 and 9.4), Jawadhu hills (GBR5-13.4 and 11.7), Chitteri hills (GBR4-12.9 and 0.59) and Yelagiri hills (GBR7 8.7 and 0.87) respectively. 15 RAPD primers were used to distinguish the genetic fidelity among Rubia cordifolia L. collected from Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. 15 RAPD primers amplified 246 polymorphic bands. Each primer classified the species under investigation into clear, completely separated clusters, although maximum conformity was achieved with respect to species relationships when the RAPD method was employed. Overall, results indicated that RP-HPLC represents an effective tool for phytochemical studies and RAPD represents an efficient molecular marker system for the assessment of genetic fidelity and diversity

The Role of the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) Pathway in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

COVID-19 is a global health threat caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. The present review discusses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and its potential therapeutical role in treating COVID-19. COVID-19 pathogenesis, the major NF-κB pathways, and the involvement of NF-κB in SARS-CoV-2 have been detailed. Specifically, NF-κB activation and its impact on managing COVID-19 has been discussed. As a central player in the immune and inflammatory responses, modulating NF-κB activation could offer a strategic avenue for managing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the NF-κB pathway’s role could aid in developing treatments against SARS-CoV-2. Further investigations into the intricacies of NF-κB activation are required to reveal effective therapeutic strategies for managing and combating the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19

Recent advances in green synthesized nanoparticles for bactericidal and wound healing applications

Nanotechnology has become an exciting area of research in diverse fields, such as: healthcare, food, agriculture, cosmetics, paints, lubricants, fuel additives and other fields. This review is a novel effort to update the practioneers about the most current developments in the widespread use of green synthesized nanoparticles in medicine. Biosynthesis is widely preferred among different modes of nanoparticle synthesis since they do not require toxic chemical usage and they are environment-friendly. In the green bioprocess, plant, algal, fungal and cyanobacterial extract solutions have been utilized as nucleation/capping agents to develop effective nanomaterials for advanced medical applications. Several metal salts, such as silver, zinc, titanium and other inorganic salts, were utilized to fabricate innovative nanoparticles for healthcare applications. Irrespective of the type of wound, infection in the wound area is a widespread problem. Micro-organisms, the prime reason for wound complications, are gradually gaining resistance against the commonly used antimicrobial drugs. This necessitates the need to generate nanoparticles with efficient antimicrobial potential to keep the pathogenic microbes under control. These nanoparticles can be topically applied as an ointment and also be used by incorporating them into hydrogels, sponges or electrospun nanofibers. The main aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances in the Ag, ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles with possible wound healing applications, coupled with the bactericidal ability of a green synthesis process