The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats

In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug “Cytolcentella^® cream”. Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent.     

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cytotoxicity,antioxidant, antibacterial,antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties of gold nanoparticles produced via a green chemistry synthesis using Gundelia tournefortii L. as a capping and reducing agent

The exploitation of various plant materials for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is considered a green technology because it does not involve any harmful chemicals. The aim of the experiment was chemical characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing activities of gold nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Gundelia tournefortii L. leaves (AuNPs@GT). These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–visible spectroscopy. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant properties, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for AuNPs@GT and butylated hydroxytoluene. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. AuNPs@GT indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, AuNPs@GT inhibited the growth of all bacteria and fungi and removed them at 2‐4 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% HAuCl₄ ointment, treatment with 0.2% G. tournefortii ointment, and treatment with 0.2% AuNPs@GT ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3 cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of AuNPs@GT ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. The synthesized AuNPs@GT had great cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the plant on HUVEC cell line) and revealed this method was nontoxic. The results showed that the leave aqueous extract of G. tournefortii is very good bioreductant in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for treatment of bacterial, fungal, and skin diseases.     

Analysis of the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine in topical pharmaceutical preparations by high-performance liquid chromatography

Mechlorethamine in topical pharmaceutical formulations was derivatized with benzenethiol to form the disubstitution product and analyzed by normal-phase HPLC on silica gel using dibutyl phthalate as an internal standard. The derivatization reaction, purification, and isolation were conveniently performed in a single test tube. Analyses were successfully performed on three types of ointment formulations: anhydrous hydrophobic petrolatum-based ointments, anhydrous hydrophilic ointments, and hydrous hydrophilic ointments. Precision for the analysis of mechlorethamine standard or mechlorethamine in ointments ranged from 0.08 to 0.52% RSD (n = 6). Recoveries from ointments spiked with 0.02% mechlorethamine hydrochloride were 98.4-100.4%. The chromatograms were clean, showing minimal or no interference from ointment excipients or reagents.     

Formulation and characterization of a novel cutaneous wound healing ointment by silver nanoparticles containing Citrus lemon leaf: A chemobiological study

IntroductionFormulating new wound-healing ointments by natural compounds is the first research priority in the developing and developed countries. This study was intended to provide green formulation of Ag-NP ointment containing Citrus lemon leaf aqueous extract and examine its capability of healing cutaneous wounds and its antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities under in vitro and in vivo conditions.Materials and methodsDifferent techniques, including UV–Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, were used to characterize Ag-NPs. MTT assay was used to investigate cytotoxicity property of Ag-NPs. Antioxidant activity of Ag-NPs were examined by DPPH in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene as positive control. Parameters of cutaneous wound healing were measured both histopathologically and biochemically.ResultsClear peak at 429 nm shown by UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated formation of Ag-NPs. In FT-IR spectroscopy, presence of many antioxidant compounds provided an excellent condition to reduce silver in Ag-NPs. FE-SEM and TEM images showed spherical Ag-NPs with an average size of 25.1 nm. The synthesized silver nanoparticles had excellent cell viability on the HUVECs line and indicated this method was nontoxic. Application of Ag-NP ointment improved wound healing parameters significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Ag-NPs reduced wound areas, total cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes significantly (P ≤ 0.01) and increased wound contracture, vessels, hexosamines, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, fibrocytes, fibroblasts and fibrocyte/ fibroblast ratios significantly (P ≤ 0.01).ConclusionsOnce our results are verified by clinically experimental studies, Ag-NP ointment can be used as a modern one to treat several types of wounds, especially cutaneous ones, in humans.     

Preparation,characterization, and evaluation of cytotoxicity,antioxidant, cutaneous wound healing,antibacterial, and antifungal effects of gold nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris leaves

The new age drugs are nanoparticles of metals, which can combat conditions like wounds and fight human pathogens like bacteria. The aim of the experiment was preparation, characterization, and assessment of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, cutaneous wound healing, antibacterial, and antifungal potentials of gold nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris leaves (AuNPs@F. vulgaris) under in vitro and in vivo condition. These nanoparticles were characterized by FT‐IR, UV, XRD, FE‐SEM, TEM, and AFM. The synthesized AuNPs@F. vulgaris had great cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the nanoparticles on HUVEC cell line) and indicated these nanoparticles were nontoxic. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to evaluate the antioxidant potentials, which showed similar antioxidant potentials for AuNPs@F. vulgaris and butylated hydroxytoluene. In part of cutaneous wound healing effect of F. vulgaris, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% HAuCl₄ × H₂O ointment, treatment with 0.2% F. vulgaris ointment, and treatment with 0.2% AuNPs@F. vulgaris ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. Use of AuNPs@F. vulgaris ointment in the treatment groups substantially decreased (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. In antimicrobial part, MIC, MBC, and MFC were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. AuNPs@F. vulgaris revealed higher antibacterial and antifungal properties than many standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, AuNPs@F. vulgaris prevented the growth of all bacteria at 2‐8 mg/ml concentrations and removed them at 2‐16 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In case of antifungal potentials of AuNPs@F. vulgaris, they inhibited the growth of all fungi at 2‐4 mg/ml concentrations and destroyed them at 2‐8 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, synthesized AuNPs@F. vulgaris revealed non‐cytotoxicity, antioxidant, cutaneous wound healing, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.     

Impact of Altitudinal Variation on the Phytochemical Profile,Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Pinus Species

Active components from natural sources are the current focus in most pharmacological research to provide new therapeutic agents for clinical use. Essential oils from the Pinus species have been traditionally used in medicine. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of two Pinus species, Pinus halepensis L. and Pinus pinea Mill, from different altitudes in Libya and study the effect of environmental conditions on the biological activities of essential oils. A clevenger apparatus was used to prepare the essential oils by hydrodistillation. Analyses were done using GC/MS. Anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities were tested against the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. Different chemical profiles were observed among all tested essential oils, and terpenes were the most dominant class. All studied essential oils from the Pinus species exhibited a remarkable anthelmintic activity compared to the standard piperazine citrate drug. Pinus halepensis from both altitudes showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms, while Pinus pinea was effective against only Escherichia coli. From these findings, one can conclude that there are variations between studied species. The essential oil compositions are affected by environmental factors, which consequently affect the anthelmintic and antimicrobial activity.     

Comparison of the Phenolic Compound Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Achillea atrata L. and Achillea millefolium L.

In the present study, Achillea atrata L. and A. millefolium L. were compared for the first time with regard to their phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity by applying the 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical assay. For this purpose, aerial plant parts were consecutively extracted with solvents of increasing polarity (dichloromethane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate), revealing that the A. atrata ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 12.2 ± 0.29 µg/mL compared to 17.0 ± 0.26 µg/mL for A. millefolium. Both species revealed the presence of luteolin, apigenin, centaureidin, and nevadensin exclusively in this most polar fraction, which are known as effective 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical scavengers. The antioxidant capacity of the aforementioned fractions strikingly correlated with their total phenolic contents, which was highest in the ethyl acetate fraction of A. atrata. Characterization of the metabolite profiles of both Achillea species showed only marginal differences in the presence of key compounds, whereas the concentrations of individual compounds appeared to be species-specific. Our results suggest that A. atrata, based on its compound pattern and bioactivity characteristics, has similar qualities for phytotherapy as A. millefolium.     

Green synthesis and chemical characterization of copper nanoparticles using Allium saralicum leaves and assessment of their cytotoxicity,antioxidant, antimicrobial,and cutaneous wound healing properties

In recent decades, nanotechnology is growing rapidly owing to its widespread application in science and industry. The aim of the experiment was the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch aqueous extract and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects under in vitro and in vivo conditions. These nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant properties, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for CuNPs@Allium and butylated hydroxytoluene. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. CuNPs@Allium indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, CuNPs@Allium inhibited the growth of all bacteria at 1–8 mg/ml concentrations and removed them at 2–8 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In the case of antifungal properties of CuNPs@Allium, they prevented the growth of all fungi at 1–4 mg/ml concentrations and destroyed them at 2–8 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% CuSO₄ ointment, treatment with 0.2% A. saralicum ointment, and treatment with 0.2% CuNPs@Allium ointment. Use of CuNPs@Allium ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. The synthesized CuNPs@Allium had high cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the plant on HUVEC cell line) and revealed this method was nontoxic. The results revealed the useful non‐cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects of CuNPs@Allium.     

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L): Chemical Composition,Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory,and Wound Healing Properties

Background: Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum) is a wild species belonging to the family Asteraceae, which is used in traditional medicines. Aim of the study: This work was undertaken to study the chemical composition, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of different parts (roots, seeds, leaves, and capitula) of A. pyrethrum. Material and Methods: The phytochemical analysis of the studied extracts was conducted by GC-MS. The analgesic activity was evaluated in mice using acetic acid and formaldehyde methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested using the inhibitory method of edema induced in rats. The healing activity of the hydroethanolic extracts was explored by excision and incision wound healing models in rats. Results: The phytochemical analysis of the studied plant extracts affirmed the presence of interesting compounds, including some newly detected elements, such as sarcosine, N-(trifluoroacetyl)-butyl ester, levulinic acid, malonic acid, palmitic acid, morphinan-6-One, 4,5.alpha.-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methyl, 2,4-undecadiene-8,10-diyne-N-tyramide, and isovaleric acid. The extracts of different parts (roots, seeds, leaves, and capitula) exhibited promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound healing effects, with percentages of inhibition up to 98%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: This study might contribute towards the well-being of society as it provides evidence on the potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties of A. pyrethrum.     

Preparation,characterization, and assessment of cytotoxicity,antioxidant, antibacterial,antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties of titanium nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves

In recent decades, nanotechnology is growing rapidly owing to its widespread application in science and industry. The aim of the experiment was chemical characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing activities of titanium nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves (TiNPs@Ziziphora). These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The synthesized TiNPs@Ziziphora had great cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the plant on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cell line) and revealed this method was nontoxic. Then, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant properties, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for TiNPs@Ziziphora and butylated hydroxytoluene. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software (Duncan post‐hoc test). TiNPs@Ziziphora indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, TiNPs@Ziziphora inhibited the growth of all bacteria at 2‐16 mg/ml concentrations and removed them at 2‐32 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In case of antifungal properties of TiNPs@Ziziphora, they prevented the growth of all fungi at 2‐8 mg/ml concentrations and destroyed them at 2‐16 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% TiO₂ ointment, treatment with 0.2% Z. clinopodioides ointment, and treatment with 0.2% TiNPs@Ziziphora ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3 cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of TiNPs@Ziziphora ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. In conclusion, the results revealed the useful non‐cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects of TiNPs@Ziziphora.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Stachys lavandulifolia flower,and their cytotoxicity,antioxidant, antibacterial and cutaneous wound‐healing properties

In a biological process where the herbal tea (Stachys lavandulifolia) aqueous extract was applied as a capping and reducing agent, nanoparticles (NPs) of silver (Ag) were synthesized. These AgNPs were characterized using Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The synthesized AgNPs had great cell viability dose‐dependently [investigating the effect of the plant on human umbilical vein endothelial cell line] and indicated this method was non‐toxic. In this study, the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging test was carried out to examine antioxidant properties, which revealed similar antioxidant properties for AgNPs and butylated hydroxytoluene. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial characteristics. The macro‐broth tube test was run to determine minimum inhibitory concentration. All data of antibacterial and cutaneous wound‐healing examinations were analyzed by SPSS 21 software (Duncan post hoc test). AgNPs showed higher antibacterial property than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, AgNPs prevented the growth of all bacteria at 2–8 mg/ml concentrations and destroyed them at 2–16 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). For the in vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control; treatment with Eucerin basal ointment; treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment; treatment with 0.2% AgNO₃ ointment; treatment with 0.2% S. lavandulifolia ointment; and treatment with 0.2% AgNPs ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3‐cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of AgNPs ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, macrophage and lymphocyte, and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared with other groups. Seemingly, AgNPs can be used as a medical supplement owing to their non‐cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial and cutaneous wound‐healing properties.     

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity and Oxidative Stress Reduction of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Shoots Tincture in Rats with Experimentally Induced Hepatotoxicity

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a widely known species for its medicinal uses, that is also used as raw material for the food and cosmetic industry. The aim of the present study was to offer a novel perspective on the medicinal product originating from this species and to test its hepatoprotective activity. The tested sample consisted in a tincture obtained from the fresh young shoots. Compounds that are evaluated for this activity are polyphenols and terpenoids, that are identified and quantified by HPLC–UV–MS and GC–MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro, using the DPPH, FRAP and SO assays. Hepatoprotective activity was tested in rats with experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity. In the chemical composition of the tincture, phenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmanol, rosmadial) and rosmarinic acid were found to be the majority compounds, alongside with 1,8-cineole, camphene, linalool, borneol and terpineol among monoterpenes. In vitro, the tested tincture proved significant antioxidant capacity. Results of the in vivo experiment showed that hepatoprotective activity is based on an antioxidant mechanism. In this way, the present study offers a novel perspective on the medicinal uses of the species, proving significant amounts of polyphenols and terpenes in the composition of the fresh young shoots tincture, that has proved hepatoprotective activity through an antioxidant mechanism.     

Designing New Antibacterial Wound Dressings: Development of a Dual Layer Cotton Material Coated with Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)_Chitosan Nanofibers Incorporating Agrimonia eupatoria L. Extract

Wounds display particular vulnerability to microbial invasion and infections by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, to reduce the risk of wound infections, researchers have expended considerable energy on developing advanced therapeutic dressings, such as electrospun membranes containing antimicrobial agents. Among the most used antimicrobial agents, medicinal plant extracts demonstrate considerable potential for clinical use, due primarily to their efficacy allied to relatively low incidence of adverse side-effects. In this context, the present work aimed to develop a unique dual-layer composite material with enhanced antibacterial activity derived from a coating layer of Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Chitosan (CS) containing Agrimonia eupatoria L. (AG). This novel material has properties that facilitate it being electrospun above a conventional cotton gauze bandage pre-treated with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy free radical (TEMPO). The produced dual-layer composite material demonstrated features attractive in production of wound dressings, specifically, wettability, porosity, and swelling capacity. Moreover, antibacterial assays showed that AG-incorporated into PVA_CS’s coating layer could effectively inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) growth. Equally important, the cytotoxic profile of the dual-layer material in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells demonstrated biocompatibility. In summary, these data provide initial confidence that the TEMPO-oxidized cotton/PVA_CS dressing material containing AG extract demonstrates adequate mechanical attributes for use as a wound dressing and represents a promising approach to prevention of bacterial wound contamination.     

Human Nails Permeation of an Antifungal Candidate Hydroalcoholic Extract from the Plant Sapindus saponaria L. Rich in Saponins

We evaluated a hydroalcoholic extract of Sapindus saponaria L. pericarps (ETHOSS), as a candidate to a topical antifungal medicine for onychomycosis. ETHOSS was produced by extracting the crushed fruits in ethanol. The saponin contents were identified and characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We measured the in vitro antifungal activity against three dermatophyte fungi, isolated from onychomycosis: Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and T. interdigitale, using broth microdilution tests. The minimum fungicide concentration of ETHOSS ranged from 195.31 to 781.25 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity of the crude extract was tested on the HeLa cell line, and its ability to permeate into healthy human nails by photoacoustic spectroscopy and Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FTIR) spectroscopy by attenuated total reflection. Besides its strong antifungal activity, ETHOSS showed low cytotoxicity in human cells. It was able to permeate and reach the full thickness of the nail in one hour, without the aid of facilitating vehicles, and remained there for at least 24 h. These results suggest that ETHOSS has great potential for treating onychomycosis.     

Antioxidant Activity and Molecular Docking Study of Volatile Constituents from Different Aromatic Lamiaceous Plants Cultivated in Madinah Monawara,Saudi Arabia

A comparative study of volatile constituents, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking was conducted between essential oils from Mentha longifolia L., Mentha spicata L., and Origanum majorana L., widely cultivated in Madinah. The investigation of volatile oils extracted by hydrodistillation was performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total number of 29, 42, and 29 components were identified in M. longifolia, M. spicata, and O. majorana representing, respectively, 95.91, 94.62, and 98.42, of the total oils. Pulegone (38.42%), 1,8-cineole (15.60%), menthone (13.20%), and isopulegone (9.81%) were the dominant compounds in M. longifolia oil; carvone (35.14%), limonene (27.11%), germacrene D (4.73%), and β-caryophyllene (3.02%) were dominant in M. spicata oil; terpin-4-ol (42.47%), trans-sabinene hydrate (8.52%), γ-terpinene (7.90%), α-terpineol (7.38%), linalool (6.35%), α-terpinene (5.42%), and cis-sabinene hydrate (3.14%) were dominant in O. majorana oil. The antioxidant activity, assessed using DPPH free radical–scavenging and ABTS assays, was found to be the highest in O. majorana volatile oil, followed by M. spicata and M. longifolia, which is consistent with the differences in total phenolic content and volatile constituents identified in investigated oils. In the same context, molecular docking of the main identified volatiles on NADPH oxidase showed a higher binding affinity for cis-verbenyl acetate, followed by β-elemene and linalool, compared to the control (dextromethorphan). These results prove significant antioxidant abilities of the investigated oils, which may be considered for further analyses concerning the control of oxidative stress, as well as for their use as possible antioxidant agents in the pharmaceutical industry.     

Perspectives on composite films of chitosan-based natural products (Ginger,Curcumin, and Cinnamon) as biomaterials for wound dressing

Natural materials are gaining popularity in wound healing and food applications, and they have the potential to alleviate the major environmental problems generated via traditional materials. Biomaterials based on Chitosan incorporated with natural products (Ginger, Curcumin, and Cinnamon) have been fabricated by solvent casting method. The antimicrobial characterization of the prepared samples were also investigated using in vitro antimicrobial studies using Gram-positive microorganism [Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis], Gram-negative microorganism [Pseudomonas aeruginosa], and pathogenic [Candida albicans]. XRD patterns confirmed the complexation between chitosan and other natural products and this indicate the change in structural of chitosan. The shifting and disappearing of bands in FTIR-ATR and changing in fingerprints in FTIR spectra indicate the homogeneity and interaction between chitosan and the other. Optical properties such as absorption, absorption coefficient, Urbach tail and band gap calculation confirmed that Ginger, Curcumin and Cinnamon interact with chitosan and induces localized state between valence and conduction band. The mechanical properties also studied and revealed that Chitosan/Ginger has the best mechanical characteristic compared the other samples. In addition, the shifting toward higher wavelength for chitosan/Ginger may be utilized to generate electron–hole pairs, which is important for antimicrobial activities, and this confirmed from antimicrobial analysis that Chitosan/Ginger give high antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive microorganism and suggest it for wound dressing application.     

Pongamia pinnata seed extract‐mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Preparation,formulation and evaluation of bactericidal and wound healing potential

Pongamia pinnata – a plant used since olden times in Ayurvedic treatment – is reported to have diverse functions including antibacterial, antidiabetic, antineurodegenerative, antiepileptic, antiulcer, etc. In this study, our objective was to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by green synthesis mediated by methanolic seed extract of P. pinnata and to determine their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential and wound healing activity. AgNPs were characterized for particle size and shape and for antioxidant potential. Further, the AgNPs were incorporated in a gel. The wound healing activity was investigated using an excision wound healing model in Wistar rats. The AgNP‐loaded gel was applied topically to the wounded rats daily for 30 days. The wound contraction was calculated and histopathological studies of the healed tissues were conducted. Karanjin content of the extract was found to be 349 ± 2.16 mg g^?1. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed using transmission and scanning electron microscopies and X‐ray diffraction. AgNPs showed good antioxidant potential and were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Significant wound healing activity (p < 0.05) was shown by the AgNP gel as compared to 5% Betadine ointment. Thus, the prepared AgNPs have antimicrobial and wound healing effects that may be useful in treatment of topical infections especially in wounds.     

A novel corneal adhesive based on functionally coupled PEG-lysozyme hydrogel for wound closure after surgical eye surgery

Corneal wound closure for surgical eye surgeries or accidents is typically performed to prevent pathogens from the sterile intraocular environment and avoid potential postoperative complications. Tissue adhesives are increasingly employed for corneal wound closure with superior treatment efficiency and less adverse effects. In this study, we successfully develop a novel corneal adhesive based on functionally coupled PEG-lysozyme (PEG-LZ) hydrogels for wound closure after surgical eye surgeries. PEG-LZ hydrogels have plenty of micropores and gradually decreased pore size with increasing concentration from 10%, 15% to 20% (w/v), in which PEG-LZ (15%) represents the suitable pH value, gelation time and elastic modulus. PEG-LZ hydrogels have no in vitro cytotoxicity and excellent ex vivo wound closure effectiveness in porcine eyes. The in vivo wound sealant in rabbit eyes by PEG-LZ hydrogels presents a superior therapeutic effect compared with the conventional methods of stromal hydration and suture, in terms of the wound closure percent, mean corneal thickness, percent of wound gaping, and the Descemet membrane detachment. PEG-LZ hydrogels do not induce obvious histological pathology changes. The PEG-LZ corneal adhesive is considered as a tissue adhesive alternative for wound closure after surgical eye surgeries.     

Rosa spp. Extracts as a Factor That Limits the Growth of Staphylococcus spp. Bacteria,a Food Contaminant

Due to their richness of bioactive substances, rose hips are a valuable raw material for obtaining extracts with potential antimicrobial activity. The aim of the study was to determine the antagonistic potential of whole pseudo-fruit and flesh extracts of three Rosa sp. varieties against Staphylococcus spp. bacteria isolated as food contaminants. The biological material in this study consisted of seven strains of bacteria from the genus Staphylococcus. Two strains—Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus epidermidis DSMZ 3270—were used as reference strains. The other five strains were food-derived isolates—S. epidermidis A5, S. xylosus M5, S. haemolyticus M6, S. capitis KR6, and S. warneri KR2A. The material was the pseudo-fruits of Rosa canina, Rosa pomifera Karpatia, and Rosa rugosa. The polyphenols were extracted from the fleshy part and the whole pseudo-fruit for all rose varieties. The tested preparations differed significantly in their polyphenol composition. The sum of polyphenols ranged from 28 862 to 35 358 mg/100 g of lyophilisate. The main groups of polyphenols found in the preparations were flavanols and ellagitannins. All of the tested extracts inhibited the growth of staphylococci at a concentration of 500 mg/mL. Rosa rugosa fruit extract showed the strongest antimicrobial properties among the studied extracts. For all the strains, the growth inhibition had a diameter of 20.3–29.0 mm. Moreover, six out of the seven tested strains showed the highest inhibition with the use of this extract. The MIC of rose extracts was in the range of 3.125–500 mg/mL and was strictly dependent on the bacterial species, the species of the rose, and the part of the fruit from which the extract was obtained. Correlations were assessed between the main groups of polyphenols in the extracts and their inhibition of bacterial growth. In the case of pseudo-fruit extracts, the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth positively correlated with the content of ellagitannins, and this effect was observed for almost all the tested strains. The results presented herein follow the current trend of minimising the use of chemical preservatives in food; from this point of view, rose extracts are very promising.     

Assessment of antioxidant,cytotoxicity, antibacterial,antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing activities of green synthesized manganese nanoparticles using Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves under in vitro and in vivo condition

In recent decades, nanotechnology is growing rapidly owing to its widespread application in medical science. The aim of the experiment was the evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing activities of green synthesized manganese nanoparticles using Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves (MnNPs@ZC). The synthesized MnNPs@ZC were characterized using different techniques including UV–Vis., FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). According to the XRD analysis, 48.10 nm was measured for the crystal size of nanoparticles. SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and size in the range of 47.58 to 70.26 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. MnNPs@ZC revealed excellent non-cytotoxicity effect against human umbilical vein endothelial cells, antioxidant activity against DPPH, antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli O157:H7) and Gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis), and antifungal potentials against Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida krusei. Also, use of MnNPs@ZC ointment decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte and raised significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups in experimental animals. In conclusion, synthesized MnNPs@ZC indicated antibacterial, antifungal, non-cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and cutaneous wound healing effects in a dose-depended manner. After confirming in the clinical trials, these nanoparticles can be used in human for the treatment of cutaneous and infectious diseases.