Nimbolide, one of the main ingredients constituent of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, has... more Nimbolide, one of the main ingredients constituent of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, has garnered attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its efficacy against various cancers and chemopreventive action has been demonstrated through numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. This updated review aims to comprehensively explore the chemopreventive and anticancer properties of nimbolide, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications in oncology. The review synthesizes evidence from various studies that examine nimbolide’s roles in apoptosis induction, anti-proliferation, cell death, metastasis inhibition, angiogenesis suppression, and modulation of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes. Nimbolide exhibits multifaceted anticancer activities, including the modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways related to inflammation, invasion, survival, growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, its pharmacological development is still in the early stages, mainly due to limited pharmacokinetic and comprehensive long-term toxicological studies. Nimbolide shows promising anticancer and chemopreventive properties, but there is need for systematic preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicological research. Such studies are essential for establishing safe dosage ranges for first-in-human clinical trials and further advancing nimbolide's development as a therapeutic agent against various cancers. The review highlights the potential of nimbolide in cancer treatment and underscores the importance of rigorous preclinical evaluation to realize its full therapeutic potential.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology, Apr 23, 2024
Arnicolide D, a potent sesquiterpene lactone from Centipeda minima, has emerged as a promising an... more Arnicolide D, a potent sesquiterpene lactone from Centipeda minima, has emerged as a promising anticancer candidate, demonstrating significant efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing metastasis across various cancer models. This comprehensive study delves into the molecular underpinnings of Arnicolide D’s anticancer actions, emphasizing its impact on key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, and its role in modulating cell cycle and survival mechanisms. Quantitative data from preclinical studies reveal Arnicolide D’s dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and human colon carcinoma, showcasing its broad-spectrum anticancer potential. Given its multifaceted mechanisms and preclinical efficacy, Arnicolide D warrants further investigation in clinical settings to validate its therapeutic utility against cancer. The evidence presented underscores the need for rigorous pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies to establish safe dosing parameters for future clinical trials.
Purpose of Review This review delves into the complex interplay between obesity-induced gut micro... more Purpose of Review This review delves into the complex interplay between obesity-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highlighting the potential of natural products in mitigating these effects. By integrating recent epidemiological data, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of how obesity exacerbates T2DM through gut flora alterations. Recent Findings Advances in research have underscored the significance of bioactive ingredients in natural foods, capable of restoring gut microbiota balance, thus offering a promising approach to manage diabetes in the context of obesity. These findings build upon the traditional use of medicinal plants in diabetes treatment, suggesting a deeper exploration of their mechanisms of action. Summary This comprehensive manuscript underscores the critical role of targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis in obesity-related T2DM management and by bridging traditional knowledge with current scientific evidence; we highlighted the need for continued research into natural products as a complementary strategy for comprehensive diabetes care.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3′ poly-A tails and 5′ ... more Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3′ poly-A tails and 5′ end caps. These single-stranded circRNAs, found in the cytoplasm, are synthesized via back-splicing mechanisms, merging introns, exons, or both, resulting in covalently closed circular loops. They are profusely expressed across the eukaryotic transcriptome and offer heightened stability against exonuclease RNase R compared to linear RNA counterparts. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of circRNAs’ characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, aimed to shed light on the potential of circRNAs as significant biomarkers in various cancer types. It has been performed an exhaustive literature review, drawing on recent studies and findings related to circRNA characteristics, synthesis, function, evaluation techniques, and their associations with oncogenesis. CircRNAs are intricately associated with tumor progression and development. Their multifaceted roles encompass gene regulation through the sponging of proteins and microRNAs, controlling transcription and splicing, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and facilitating gene translation. Due to these varied roles, circRNAs have become a focal point in tumor pathology investigations, given their promising potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. CircRNAs, due to their unique biogenesis and multifunctionality, hold immense promise in the realm of oncology. Their stability, widespread expression, and intricate involvement in gene regulation underscore their prospective utility as reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. As our understanding of circRNAs deepens, advanced techniques for their detection, evaluation, and manipulation will likely emerge. These advancements might catalyze the translation of circRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics into clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing cancer care and prognosis.
Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in it... more Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in its pharmaceutical application from a male contraceptive to a candidate for cancer therapy. This shift is supported by its recognized antitumor properties, which have prompted its investigation in the treatment of various cancers and related inflammatory conditions. This review synthesizes the current understanding of gossypol as an anticancer agent, focusing on its pharmacological mechanisms, strategies to enhance its clinical efficacy, and the status of ongoing clinical evaluations. The methodological approach to this review involved a systematic search across several scientific databases including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Scopus, and TRIP. Studies were meticulously chosen to cover various aspects of gossypol, from its chemical structure and natural sources to its pharmacokinetics and confirmed anticancer efficacy. Specific MeSH terms and keywords related to gossypol’s antineoplastic applications guided the search strategy. Results from selected pharmacological studies indicate that gossypol inhibits the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. Clinical trials, particularly phase I and II, reveal gossypol’s promise as an anticancer agent, demonstrating efficacy and manageable toxicity profiles. The review identifies the development of gossypol derivatives and novel carriers as avenues to enhance therapeutic outcomes and mitigate adverse effects. Conclusively, gossypol represents a promising anticancer agent with considerable therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to refine gossypol-based therapies, explore combination treatments, and verify their effectiveness across cancer types. The ongoing clinical trials continue to support its potential, suggesting a future where gossypol could play a significant role in cancer treatment protocols.
Research and development of nanocomposites have become a scientific field of interest in the last... more Research and development of nanocomposites have become a scientific field of interest in the last decade. These are formed from mixtures of polymers and inorganic solids that combine to form a heterogeneous/hybrid material. They are a type of matrix added to nanoparticles to enhance mechanical properties and additional properties such as electrical, physical and optical properties, followed by size repositioning. These matrices are added in a concentration of about 0.5–2% in the nanocomposite structure. Minor changes in structure, composition, interfacial interactions and components or any exclusive properties may instigate the product. Regarding the method of preparation, the biopolymer and inorganic matrix are grown and polymerized in situ to create a nanocomposite material. The use of nanocomposites has increased its share of interest in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, as they can be used as a medicinal carrier due to their morphological properties, such as their surface and rheological properties. This comprehensive review aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nanocomposites, their method of preparation, their types and the utility of nanocomposites as a controlled and targeted delivery system, their use to deliver anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cardiovascular drugs, including their prospects.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, Aug 31, 2023
This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological properties of mangiferin,... more This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological properties of mangiferin, focusing primarily on its bioavailability and mechanisms of action, and its potential therapeutic applications, especially in the context of chronic diseases. We conducted a comprehensive examination of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials involving mangiferin or plant extracts containing mangiferin. The primary source of mangiferin is Mangifera indica, but it’s also found in other plant species from the families Anacardiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Iridaceae. Mangiferin has exhibited a myriad of therapeutic properties, presenting itself as a promising candidate for treating various chronic conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, renal and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite the promising results showcased in many in vitro studies and certain animal studies, the application of mangiferin has been limited due to its poor solubility, absorption, and overall bioavailability. Mangiferin offers significant therapeutic potential in treating a spectrum of chronic diseases, as evidenced by both in vitro and clinical trials. However, the challenges concerning its bioavailability necessitate further research, particularly in optimizing its delivery and absorption, to harness its full medicinal potential. This review serves as a comprehensive update on the health-promoting and therapeutic activities of mangiferin.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, Aug 23, 2023
The main objective of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of allicin, a defense... more The main objective of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of allicin, a defense molecule in garlic known for its diverse health benefits, and address the key challenges of its bioavailability and stability. The research further aims to evaluate various formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems that can resolve these issues and improve allicin’s clinical efficacy, especially in cancer therapy. We conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature and previous studies, focusing on the therapeutic properties of allicin, its bioavailability, stability issues, and novel formulation strategies. We assessed the mechanism of action of allicin in cancer, including its effects on signaling pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor development. We also evaluated the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo studies on different types of cancers, such as breast, cervical, colon, lung, and gastric cancer. Despite allicin’s significant therapeutic benefits, including cardiovascular, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and immune-modulatory activity, its clinical utility is limited due to poor stability and unpredictable bioavailability. Allicin’s bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract is dependent on the activity of the enzyme alliinase, and its stability can be affected by various conditions like gastric acid and intestinal enzyme proteases. Recent advances in formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems show promise in addressing these challenges, potentially improving allicin’s solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Allicin offers substantial potential for cancer therapy, yet its application is hindered by its instability and poor bioavailability. Novel formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems can significantly overcome these limitations, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of allicin. Future research should focus on refining these formulation strategies and delivery systems, ensuring the safety and efficacy of these new allicin formulations. Clinical trials and long-term studies should be carried out to determine the optimal dosage, assess potential side effects, and evaluate their real-world applicability. The comparative analysis of different drug delivery approaches and the development of targeted delivery systems can also provide further insight into enhancing the therapeutic potential of allicin.
Background and Aims: Fatty liver disease is highly prevalent, resulting in overarching wellbeing ... more Background and Aims: Fatty liver disease is highly prevalent, resulting in overarching wellbeing and economic costs. Addressing it requires comprehensive and coordinated multisectoral action. We developed a fatty liver disease Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) country score to provide insights into country-level preparedness to address fatty liver disease through a whole-of-society lens. Approach and Results: We developed 2 fatty liver disease–SDG score sets. The first included 6 indicators (child wasting, child overweight, noncommunicable disease mortality, a universal health coverage service coverage index, health worker density, and education attainment), covering 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2017. The second included the aforementioned indicators plus an urban green space indicator, covering 60 countries and territories for which 2017 data were available. To develop the fatty liver disease–SDG score, indicators were categorized as “positive” or “negative” and ...
Foods as medicine have been utilized from ancient civilizations and shared from generation to gen... more Foods as medicine have been utilized from ancient civilizations and shared from generation to generation as dietary health practices. It provides therapeutic assistance along with nutrition and health benefits. Presently, food products, diet, and individual health are receiving a lot of attention and are in high demand. In this context, jaggery is an important part of food and diet in the rural areas of many regions/countries. It is made up of sugarcane juice and is recognized as a natural source of nutraceuticals due to the presence of different types of essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant potential along with other biological applications. In this updated review article, we discussed the newest research and information on traditional uses, nutraceutical profiling, chemical composition, and biological applications of jaggery. The published data were collected from different scientific search engines including PubMed, Springer Link, Web of Science, Google Scho...
ABSTRACT: Introduction. Klebsiella infections are common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and surgica... more ABSTRACT: Introduction. Klebsiella infections are common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and surgical wards. In order to establish the prophylaxis protocols, we must know the prevalence of infections and the antibiotic resistance profiles. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included isolates from patients in County Clinical Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Romania: 1254 isolates from the ICU and 1040 isolates from surgical wards. We used an automated method (Phoenix analyzer, Becton-Dickinson, USA) with antimicrobial testing according to CLSI 2014. We tested by disc diffusion the ESBL and carbapenemases production, using kits ESBL Confirm ID and KPC/Metallo-beta-lactamase/OXA-48 Confirm (ROSCO Diagnostica, Denmark). The patients in ICU were also screened at admission for carbapenemase producting strains by PCR (GeneXpert® II, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for the carbapenemases: KPC, IMP-1, VIM-1, NDM, OXA-48. Results. Klebsiella strains were more prevalent in ICU (20.8...
The Cucurbita genus, a member of Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits, is native to the ... more The Cucurbita genus, a member of Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits, is native to the Americas. Genus members, like Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima, have been used for centuries in folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases and intestinal parasites. These pharmacological effects are mainly attributed to their phytochemical composition. Indeed, Cucurbita species are a natural source of carotenoids, tocopherols, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, fatty acids, functional carbohydrates, and polysaccharides, that beyond exerting remarkable biological effects, have also been increasingly exploited for biotechnological applications. In this article, we specifically cover the habitat, cultivation, phytochemical composition, and food preservative abilities of Cucurbita plants.
Nimbolide, one of the main ingredients constituent of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, has... more Nimbolide, one of the main ingredients constituent of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, has garnered attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its efficacy against various cancers and chemopreventive action has been demonstrated through numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. This updated review aims to comprehensively explore the chemopreventive and anticancer properties of nimbolide, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications in oncology. The review synthesizes evidence from various studies that examine nimbolide’s roles in apoptosis induction, anti-proliferation, cell death, metastasis inhibition, angiogenesis suppression, and modulation of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes. Nimbolide exhibits multifaceted anticancer activities, including the modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways related to inflammation, invasion, survival, growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, its pharmacological development is still in the early stages, mainly due to limited pharmacokinetic and comprehensive long-term toxicological studies. Nimbolide shows promising anticancer and chemopreventive properties, but there is need for systematic preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicological research. Such studies are essential for establishing safe dosage ranges for first-in-human clinical trials and further advancing nimbolide's development as a therapeutic agent against various cancers. The review highlights the potential of nimbolide in cancer treatment and underscores the importance of rigorous preclinical evaluation to realize its full therapeutic potential.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology, Apr 23, 2024
Arnicolide D, a potent sesquiterpene lactone from Centipeda minima, has emerged as a promising an... more Arnicolide D, a potent sesquiterpene lactone from Centipeda minima, has emerged as a promising anticancer candidate, demonstrating significant efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing metastasis across various cancer models. This comprehensive study delves into the molecular underpinnings of Arnicolide D’s anticancer actions, emphasizing its impact on key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, and its role in modulating cell cycle and survival mechanisms. Quantitative data from preclinical studies reveal Arnicolide D’s dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and human colon carcinoma, showcasing its broad-spectrum anticancer potential. Given its multifaceted mechanisms and preclinical efficacy, Arnicolide D warrants further investigation in clinical settings to validate its therapeutic utility against cancer. The evidence presented underscores the need for rigorous pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies to establish safe dosing parameters for future clinical trials.
Purpose of Review This review delves into the complex interplay between obesity-induced gut micro... more Purpose of Review This review delves into the complex interplay between obesity-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highlighting the potential of natural products in mitigating these effects. By integrating recent epidemiological data, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of how obesity exacerbates T2DM through gut flora alterations. Recent Findings Advances in research have underscored the significance of bioactive ingredients in natural foods, capable of restoring gut microbiota balance, thus offering a promising approach to manage diabetes in the context of obesity. These findings build upon the traditional use of medicinal plants in diabetes treatment, suggesting a deeper exploration of their mechanisms of action. Summary This comprehensive manuscript underscores the critical role of targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis in obesity-related T2DM management and by bridging traditional knowledge with current scientific evidence; we highlighted the need for continued research into natural products as a complementary strategy for comprehensive diabetes care.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3′ poly-A tails and 5′ ... more Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3′ poly-A tails and 5′ end caps. These single-stranded circRNAs, found in the cytoplasm, are synthesized via back-splicing mechanisms, merging introns, exons, or both, resulting in covalently closed circular loops. They are profusely expressed across the eukaryotic transcriptome and offer heightened stability against exonuclease RNase R compared to linear RNA counterparts. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of circRNAs’ characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, aimed to shed light on the potential of circRNAs as significant biomarkers in various cancer types. It has been performed an exhaustive literature review, drawing on recent studies and findings related to circRNA characteristics, synthesis, function, evaluation techniques, and their associations with oncogenesis. CircRNAs are intricately associated with tumor progression and development. Their multifaceted roles encompass gene regulation through the sponging of proteins and microRNAs, controlling transcription and splicing, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and facilitating gene translation. Due to these varied roles, circRNAs have become a focal point in tumor pathology investigations, given their promising potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. CircRNAs, due to their unique biogenesis and multifunctionality, hold immense promise in the realm of oncology. Their stability, widespread expression, and intricate involvement in gene regulation underscore their prospective utility as reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. As our understanding of circRNAs deepens, advanced techniques for their detection, evaluation, and manipulation will likely emerge. These advancements might catalyze the translation of circRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics into clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing cancer care and prognosis.
Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in it... more Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in its pharmaceutical application from a male contraceptive to a candidate for cancer therapy. This shift is supported by its recognized antitumor properties, which have prompted its investigation in the treatment of various cancers and related inflammatory conditions. This review synthesizes the current understanding of gossypol as an anticancer agent, focusing on its pharmacological mechanisms, strategies to enhance its clinical efficacy, and the status of ongoing clinical evaluations. The methodological approach to this review involved a systematic search across several scientific databases including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Scopus, and TRIP. Studies were meticulously chosen to cover various aspects of gossypol, from its chemical structure and natural sources to its pharmacokinetics and confirmed anticancer efficacy. Specific MeSH terms and keywords related to gossypol’s antineoplastic applications guided the search strategy. Results from selected pharmacological studies indicate that gossypol inhibits the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. Clinical trials, particularly phase I and II, reveal gossypol’s promise as an anticancer agent, demonstrating efficacy and manageable toxicity profiles. The review identifies the development of gossypol derivatives and novel carriers as avenues to enhance therapeutic outcomes and mitigate adverse effects. Conclusively, gossypol represents a promising anticancer agent with considerable therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to refine gossypol-based therapies, explore combination treatments, and verify their effectiveness across cancer types. The ongoing clinical trials continue to support its potential, suggesting a future where gossypol could play a significant role in cancer treatment protocols.
Research and development of nanocomposites have become a scientific field of interest in the last... more Research and development of nanocomposites have become a scientific field of interest in the last decade. These are formed from mixtures of polymers and inorganic solids that combine to form a heterogeneous/hybrid material. They are a type of matrix added to nanoparticles to enhance mechanical properties and additional properties such as electrical, physical and optical properties, followed by size repositioning. These matrices are added in a concentration of about 0.5–2% in the nanocomposite structure. Minor changes in structure, composition, interfacial interactions and components or any exclusive properties may instigate the product. Regarding the method of preparation, the biopolymer and inorganic matrix are grown and polymerized in situ to create a nanocomposite material. The use of nanocomposites has increased its share of interest in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, as they can be used as a medicinal carrier due to their morphological properties, such as their surface and rheological properties. This comprehensive review aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nanocomposites, their method of preparation, their types and the utility of nanocomposites as a controlled and targeted delivery system, their use to deliver anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cardiovascular drugs, including their prospects.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, Aug 31, 2023
This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological properties of mangiferin,... more This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological properties of mangiferin, focusing primarily on its bioavailability and mechanisms of action, and its potential therapeutic applications, especially in the context of chronic diseases. We conducted a comprehensive examination of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials involving mangiferin or plant extracts containing mangiferin. The primary source of mangiferin is Mangifera indica, but it’s also found in other plant species from the families Anacardiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Iridaceae. Mangiferin has exhibited a myriad of therapeutic properties, presenting itself as a promising candidate for treating various chronic conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, renal and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite the promising results showcased in many in vitro studies and certain animal studies, the application of mangiferin has been limited due to its poor solubility, absorption, and overall bioavailability. Mangiferin offers significant therapeutic potential in treating a spectrum of chronic diseases, as evidenced by both in vitro and clinical trials. However, the challenges concerning its bioavailability necessitate further research, particularly in optimizing its delivery and absorption, to harness its full medicinal potential. This review serves as a comprehensive update on the health-promoting and therapeutic activities of mangiferin.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, Aug 23, 2023
The main objective of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of allicin, a defense... more The main objective of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of allicin, a defense molecule in garlic known for its diverse health benefits, and address the key challenges of its bioavailability and stability. The research further aims to evaluate various formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems that can resolve these issues and improve allicin’s clinical efficacy, especially in cancer therapy. We conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature and previous studies, focusing on the therapeutic properties of allicin, its bioavailability, stability issues, and novel formulation strategies. We assessed the mechanism of action of allicin in cancer, including its effects on signaling pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor development. We also evaluated the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo studies on different types of cancers, such as breast, cervical, colon, lung, and gastric cancer. Despite allicin’s significant therapeutic benefits, including cardiovascular, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and immune-modulatory activity, its clinical utility is limited due to poor stability and unpredictable bioavailability. Allicin’s bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract is dependent on the activity of the enzyme alliinase, and its stability can be affected by various conditions like gastric acid and intestinal enzyme proteases. Recent advances in formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems show promise in addressing these challenges, potentially improving allicin’s solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Allicin offers substantial potential for cancer therapy, yet its application is hindered by its instability and poor bioavailability. Novel formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems can significantly overcome these limitations, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of allicin. Future research should focus on refining these formulation strategies and delivery systems, ensuring the safety and efficacy of these new allicin formulations. Clinical trials and long-term studies should be carried out to determine the optimal dosage, assess potential side effects, and evaluate their real-world applicability. The comparative analysis of different drug delivery approaches and the development of targeted delivery systems can also provide further insight into enhancing the therapeutic potential of allicin.
Background and Aims: Fatty liver disease is highly prevalent, resulting in overarching wellbeing ... more Background and Aims: Fatty liver disease is highly prevalent, resulting in overarching wellbeing and economic costs. Addressing it requires comprehensive and coordinated multisectoral action. We developed a fatty liver disease Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) country score to provide insights into country-level preparedness to address fatty liver disease through a whole-of-society lens. Approach and Results: We developed 2 fatty liver disease–SDG score sets. The first included 6 indicators (child wasting, child overweight, noncommunicable disease mortality, a universal health coverage service coverage index, health worker density, and education attainment), covering 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2017. The second included the aforementioned indicators plus an urban green space indicator, covering 60 countries and territories for which 2017 data were available. To develop the fatty liver disease–SDG score, indicators were categorized as “positive” or “negative” and ...
Foods as medicine have been utilized from ancient civilizations and shared from generation to gen... more Foods as medicine have been utilized from ancient civilizations and shared from generation to generation as dietary health practices. It provides therapeutic assistance along with nutrition and health benefits. Presently, food products, diet, and individual health are receiving a lot of attention and are in high demand. In this context, jaggery is an important part of food and diet in the rural areas of many regions/countries. It is made up of sugarcane juice and is recognized as a natural source of nutraceuticals due to the presence of different types of essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant potential along with other biological applications. In this updated review article, we discussed the newest research and information on traditional uses, nutraceutical profiling, chemical composition, and biological applications of jaggery. The published data were collected from different scientific search engines including PubMed, Springer Link, Web of Science, Google Scho...
ABSTRACT: Introduction. Klebsiella infections are common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and surgica... more ABSTRACT: Introduction. Klebsiella infections are common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and surgical wards. In order to establish the prophylaxis protocols, we must know the prevalence of infections and the antibiotic resistance profiles. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included isolates from patients in County Clinical Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Romania: 1254 isolates from the ICU and 1040 isolates from surgical wards. We used an automated method (Phoenix analyzer, Becton-Dickinson, USA) with antimicrobial testing according to CLSI 2014. We tested by disc diffusion the ESBL and carbapenemases production, using kits ESBL Confirm ID and KPC/Metallo-beta-lactamase/OXA-48 Confirm (ROSCO Diagnostica, Denmark). The patients in ICU were also screened at admission for carbapenemase producting strains by PCR (GeneXpert® II, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for the carbapenemases: KPC, IMP-1, VIM-1, NDM, OXA-48. Results. Klebsiella strains were more prevalent in ICU (20.8...
The Cucurbita genus, a member of Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits, is native to the ... more The Cucurbita genus, a member of Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits, is native to the Americas. Genus members, like Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima, have been used for centuries in folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases and intestinal parasites. These pharmacological effects are mainly attributed to their phytochemical composition. Indeed, Cucurbita species are a natural source of carotenoids, tocopherols, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, fatty acids, functional carbohydrates, and polysaccharides, that beyond exerting remarkable biological effects, have also been increasingly exploited for biotechnological applications. In this article, we specifically cover the habitat, cultivation, phytochemical composition, and food preservative abilities of Cucurbita plants.
Uploads