EVALUATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVTY OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTS OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANS HOUTT: IN VITRO AND IN SILICO STUDIES

Objective: This study is aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of sequentially extracted (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) Myristica fragrans houtt (mace) through in vitro and in silico studies.Methods: The in vitro anti-diabetic effect of the sequentially extracted plant were evaluated for its alpha-amylase inhibitory activity and the potential binding was studied by in silico studies using Schrödinger Maestro.Results: All extracts showed dose dependent alpha-amylase inhibitory effect. At concentration 500 µg/ml, all the extracts showed more than 60% inhibition of the alpha-amylase enzyme and the highest inhibition (81.30%) at 500 µg/ml was observed in DCM extract of mace. Potential compounds were identified by in silico molecular docking studies of alpha-amylase with phytocomponents from DCM extract. Among the top three compounds from virtual screening, induced fit docking studies revealed 2,5-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyloxolane possessed better binding affinity when compared with the drug metformin.Conclusion: The obtained in vitro and in silico results suggest that all extracts of Myristica fragrans can be used successfully for the management of diabetes mellitus.Keywords: Myristica fragrans, Mace, Sequential extraction, Alpha-amylase, Molecular docking

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF NIGELLA SATIVA SILVER NANOPARTICLES: BIOCHEMICAL STUDY

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Nigella sativa silver nanoparticles (NS AgNPs). Methods: Fourier transform infrared analysis was used to characterize the NS AgNPs and the extract. 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl assay was done to test the antioxidant potency of NS AgNP. Furthermore, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract and the NS AgNP was determined by red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilization assay, protein inhibition assay, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta assay. Results: The NS AgNP exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant property. At the concentration 0.01 mg/ml 80% of radical was scavenged by NS AgNP. Inhibition of protein denaturation assay also suggests that NS AgNP shows the highest activity (70%) when compared with the standard drug aspirin (65%). RBC assay suggests that NS AgNP stabilizes the RBC membrane and prevents leaking. In the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method the NS AgNP showed better IL-1 beta inhibition activity when compared to aqueous extract. Conclusion: From the study, it was inferred that NS AgNPs are more effective when compared to the extract. These results suggest that NS AgNP can be used to treat inflammatory disorders

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

A protein is a large biomolecule which consists of one or more chains of amino acid residues. Proteins exhibit a biological phenomenon in which, they are misfolded as aggregates (i.e., accumulate and clump together) either intra- or extracellularly. This process plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) - 2 and common for many degenerative diseases. In this case, the histopathological consequences of protein misfolding such as sensile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in AD and lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease occur. 8–10% of adult population shares risk factors with AD. Amyloid fibrils which build up in tissue as an abnormal protein form Amyloidosis. Conformational change in three-dimensional structure forms amyloid fibrils. Type 2 DM is characterized by the deposition of islet amyloid polypeptide within beta cells of the pancreas which leads to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion that result in degeneration of neuroglial cells

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM SILVER NANOPARTICLES: IN VITRO AND IN SILICO STUDY

  Objective: In the present study, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) silver nanoparticles (clove AgNP's) was evaluated.Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique was used to identify the compounds present in the aqueous extract of clove. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis was done to characterize the clove silver AgNP's. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was performed to evaluate the antioxidant property of nanoparticles (0.05 and 0.25 mg/ml) and aqueous extracts (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 mg/ml) of clove. The anti-inflammatory property of the clove AgNP's was determined by inhibition of protein denaturation and downregulation of interleukin-1 beta. In silico molecular docking studies was performed using Schrodinger Maestro software.Results: Eugenol was found to be highest with 16.27%. The AgNP's exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant property. AgNP's scavenged 80% of radical at the concentration of 0.25 mg/ml. The scavenging activity of AgNP's markedly increased when compared to aqueous extract at the same concentration. Inhibition of protein denaturation assay also revealed AgNP's showing the highest activity (66%) when compared with drug aspirin (55%) and aqueous extract (56%). In the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, AgNP's showed better inhibition (80%) when compared to aqueous extract (60%). Among 15 compounds, two compounds (eugenol and methyl 14-methylpentadecanoate) showed good glide energy, docking score, and hydrogen-bonded active site interactions with the protein interleukin-1 beta.Conclusion: As AgNP's were more active than the aqueous extract, it may be considered for pharmacological activity against inflammatory disorders

Physicochemical Characterization of Star Anise Silver Nanoparticles Incorporated Chitosan Biomaterial for Absorb Water and Cure Wounds

Chronic wounds threaten the geriatric society worldwide irrespective of their social status. The current treatment approach to cure chronic ailments is associated with its demerits. A novel treatment approach that is coordinated is required to adsorb water from wounds and cure chronic wounds. Star anise condiment used in the Indian kitchen is shown to have the potency to cure various ailments. In this study, silver nanoparticles were prepared using the star anise extract. The biological potency of star anise extract was confirmed through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy, antioxidant assay, and anti-inflammatory study. From the DPPH assay result, it was inferred that star anise extract was able to scavenge the free radicals at the concentration of 10 μg/ml using the aqueous extract silver nanoparticles were prepared. The prepared particles were characterized by UV-visible, scanning electron microscopy, and their biological efficacy was determined for their potency against bacteria and prevention of protein aggregation. The anti-inflammatory assay suggests that nanoparticles prevent the aggregation of proteins in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 was found to be 20 μg/ml. The synthesized nanoparticle was incorporated into the chitosan biomaterial and characterized by various physicochemical parameters such as differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, and thermogravimetric analysis. According to the findings, silver nanoparticles incorporated in chitosan biomaterials can be used to adsorb water from wounds and wound healing materials