Changes in Human Erythrocyte Membrane Exposed to Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from Uncaria tomentosa

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC is a woody climber species originating from South and Central America that has been used in the therapy of asthma, rheumatism, hypertension, and blood purification. Our previous study showed that U. tomentosa extracts altered human erythrocyte shape, which could be due to incorporation of the compounds contained in extracts into the erythrocyte membrane. The aim of the present study was to determine how the compounds contained in U. tomentosa extracts incorporate into the human erythrocyte membrane. The study has assessed the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from leaves and bark of U. tomentosa on the osmotic resistance of the human erythrocyte, the viscosity of erythrocyte interior, and the fluidity of erythrocyte plasma membrane. Human erythrocytes were incubated with the studied extracts in the concentrations of 100, 250, and 500 µg/mL for 2, 5, and 24 h. All extracts tested caused a decrease in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and increased erythrocyte osmotic sensitivity. The ethanolic extracts from the bark and leaves increased viscosity of the erythrocytes. The largest changes in the studied parameters were observed in the cells incubated with bark ethanolic extract. We consider that the compounds from U. tomentosa extracts mainly build into the outer, hydrophilic monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane, thus protecting the erythrocytes against the adverse effects of oxidative stress.     

Chemical Characteristics of Ethanol and Water Extracts of Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) Acorns and Their Antibacterial,Anti-Fungal and Antitumor Properties

The aim of this study was to identify polyphenolic compounds contained in ethanol and water extracts of black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) acorns and evaluate their anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects. The significant anti-cancer potential on the human skin epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 and the human epithelial cell line A549 derived from lung carcinoma tissue was observed. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of alder acorns inhibited the growth of mainly Gram-positive microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans) and yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata), as well as Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains. The identification of polyphenols was carried out using an ACQUITY UPLC-PDA-MS system. The extracts were composed of 29 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, flavonols, ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives. Ellagitannins were identified as the predominant phenolics in ethanol and aqueous extract (2171.90 and 1593.13 mg/100 g DM, respectively) The results may explain the use of A. glutinosa extracts in folk medicine.     

In vitro biological activities and preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts from Achillea sintenisii Hub- Mor

This study was designed to investigate in vitro biological activities and phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Achillea sintenisii Hub- Mor. (AS). To determine the chemical composition of AS extracts, phytochemical analyses were performed by using HPLC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS-MS. Afterwards, both extracts were investigated in terms of their effect on fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and hydrogen peroxide-induced damage. In addition to cell culture analysis, antibacterial, antioxidant, hyaluronidase inhibitory activities and total phenolic contents of the extracts were analyzed in cell-free systems. Our results demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts did not show cytotoxic activity on fibroblasts, on the contrary, promoted fibroblast proliferation. Both AS extracts potently inhibited hyaluronidase activity and the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract was comparable with the positive control, especially at high concentrations. The aqueous extract was the potent stimulator of collagen synthesis at 200 µg/mL concentration. Although the ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against all gram-positive bacteria, the aqueous extract was only effective against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis. The ability of AS extracts, which have a rich phenolic compound content (≥50 mg GAE/g), to scavenge free radicals and protect fibroblasts against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage can be considered as a result of their antioxidant potential. Our findings scientifically support the widespread use of this plant, by demonstrating the pharmacological properties of the extracts.     

Molecular Action Mechanism of Coixol from Soft-Shelled Adlay on Tyrosinase: The Future of Cosmetics

Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen L. Gramineae is widely cultivated in Taiwan. Literature regarding the molecular action mechanism of coixol on tyrosinase and the application of coicis seed extracts to the processing of facial masks is still lacking. Solvent extractability analysis revealed that most of the polyphenolics in coicis seeds were water soluble (3.17 ± 0.12 to 3.63 ± 0.07 μg/mLGAE). In contrast, the methanolic extract contained the most flavonoids (0.06 ± 0.00~0.26 ± 0.03 μg/mL QE) and coixol (11.43 ± 0.13~12.83 ± 0.14 μg/mL), showing potent antioxidant capability. Additionally, the contents of coixenolide (176.77 ± 5.91 to 238.60 ± 0.21 μg/g), phytosterol (52.45 ± 2.05 to 58.23 ± 1.14 mg/g), and polysaccharides (3.42 ± 0.10 to 4.41 ± 0.10 mg/g) were rather high. The aqueous extract (10 μg/mL) and the ethanolic extract (1 mg/mL) showed no cytotoxicity to B16F10 melanocytes. More attractively, the ethanolic extract at 1 mg/mL caused 48.4% inhibition of tyrosinase activity in B16F10 melanocytes, and 50.7% on human tyrosinase (hTyr) fragment 369–377. Conclusively, the coicis seed extracts containing abundant nutraceuticals with promising anti-hTyr activity and moisturizing capability can serve as good ingredients for facial mask processing.     

Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Composition of Crocus sativus Leaf Extracts

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been traditionally used as a food coloring or flavoring agent, but recent research has shown its potent pharmacological activity to tackle several health-related conditions. Crocus sp. leaves, and petals are the by-products of saffron production and are not usually used in the medicine or food industries. The present study was designed to determine the chemical composition of the water and ethanolic extracts of C. sativus leaves and test their cytotoxic activity against melanoma (IGR39) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines by MTT assay. We also determined their anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities. HPLC fingerprint analysis showed the presence of 16 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, which could contribute to the extracts’ biological activities. For the first time, compounds such as tectoridin, iristectorigenin B, nigricin, and irigenin were identified in Crocus leaf extracts. The results showed that mangiferin (up to 2 mg/g dry weight) and isoorientin (8.5 mg/g dry weight) were the major active ingredients in the leaf extracts. The ethanolic extract reduced the viability of IGR39 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with EC₅₀ = 410 ± 100 and 330 ± 40 µg/mL, respectively. It was more active than the aqueous extract. Kaempferol and quercetin were identified as the most active compounds. Our results showed that Crocus leaves contain secondary metabolites with potent cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.     

Jaspines A and B: two new cytotoxic sphingosine derivatives from the marine sponge Jaspis sp.

The ethanolic extract of the sponge Jaspis sp. collected in Vanuatu showed cytotoxicity against KB tumour cells (IC₉₅=10 μg/ml). A bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two new cytotoxic sphingosine derivatives, jaspine A and jaspine B. Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and absolute configuration by chemical derivatisation. The cytotoxicity of jaspine B hydrochloride was evaluated against the A549 lung tumour cell line (IC₅₀=3.4×10⁻⁷ M).     

Preservative Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Macroalga Bifurcaria bifurcata on the Quality of Chilled Hake (Merluccius merluccius)

This work addressed the preservative behaviour of different icing media containing extracts from the alga Bifurcaria bifurcata. A comparative study of the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of this macroalga was carried out. Whole hake (Merluccius merluccius) pieces were stored in ice containing either kind of extract and analysed for quality changes throughout a 13-day storage period. A progressive loss of microbial and biochemical quality was detected in all batches as chilling time increased. A significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on microbial activity could be observed as a result of including the aqueous (lowering of psychrotrophic and lipolytic counts and pH value) and ethanolic (lowering of psychrotrophic and lipolytic counts) extracts. Additionally, both kinds of extract led to a substantial inhibition (p < 0.05) in the lipid hydrolysis rate (formation of free fatty acids), greater in the case of the batch containing ethanolic extract. Concerning lipid oxidation, a similar inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on the formation of secondary compounds (thiobarbituric acid substances) was noticed in fish specimens corresponding to both alga extracts; however, more (p < 0.05) peroxide formation was detected in fish corresponding to the ethanolic extract batch. A preservative effect can be concluded for both kinds of extract; this effect agrees with previous studies reporting the presence of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds in B. bifurcata.     

Cytotoxicity Effect of Constituents of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata Twigs on B16-F10 Melanoma Cells

Pinus taiwanensis Hayata (Pinaceae) is an endemic plant in Taiwan. According to the Chinese Materia Medica Grand Dictionary, the Pinus species is mainly used to relieve pain, and eliminate pus and toxicity. In this study, nineteen compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate layer of the ethanolic extract of P. taiwanensis Hayata twigs using bioassay-guided fractionation, and their anti-melanoma effects were investigated through a B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell model. The structures of the purified compounds were identified by 2D-NMR, MS, and IR, including 1 triterpenoid, 9 diterpenoids, 2 lignans, 4 phenolics, 1 phenylpropanoid, 1 flavonoid, and 1 steroid. Among them, compound 3 was found to be a new diterpene. Some of the compounds (2, 5, 6, 17, 18) showed moderate cytotoxicity effects. On the other hand, the anti-melanoma effect was no better than that from the original ethyl acetate layer. We presumed it resulted from the synergistic effect, although further experimentation needs to be performed.     

MiodesinTM Positively Modulates the Immune Response in Endometrial and Vaginal Cells

Endometriosis presents high prevalence and its physiopathology involves hyperactivation of endometrial and vaginal cells, especially by bacteria. The disease has no cure and therapies aiming to inhibit its development are highly desirable. Therefore, this study investigated whether Miodesin^TM (10 µg/mL = IC₈₀; 200 µg/mL = IC₅₀), a natural compound constituted by Uncaria tomentosa, Endopleura uchi, and astaxanthin, could exert anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects against Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation in endometrial and Candida albicans vaginal cell lines. VK2 E6/E7 (vaginal) and KLE (epithelial) cell lines were stimulated with Candida albicans (1 × 10⁷ to 5 × 10⁷/mL) and LPS (1 μg/mL), respectively. Miodesin^TM inhibited mRNA expression for Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), ciclo-oxigenase 1 (COX-1), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), beyond the C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3, and CCL5 in VK2 E6/E7 cells (p < 0.05). In addition, the inhibitory effects of both doses of Miodesin^TM (10 µg/mL and 200 µg/mL) resulted in reduced secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) and CCL2, CCL3, and CLL5 (p < 0.05) by VK2 E6/E7 cells. In the same way, COX-1 Miodesin^TM inhibited LPS-induced hyperactivation of KLE cells, as demonstrated by reduced secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) and CCL2, CCL3, and CLL5 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Miodesin^TM also inhibited mRNA expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are key regulators of invasion of endometrial cells. Thus, the study concludes that Miodesin^TM presents beneficial effects in the context of endometriosis, positively affecting the inflammatory and proliferative response.     

Assessment on in vitro medicinal properties and chemical composition analysis of Solanum virginianum dried fruits

The study was aimed to screen the presence of phytoconstituents and determine distinct in vitro medicinal traits of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Solanum virginianum dried fruits. Aqueous and ethanolic extract showed total phenolic content of 207.5 ± 0.16 and 268.4 ± 0.42 GAE/mg, respectively. Likewise, total flavonoid content of 50.12 ± 0.39 and 192.88 ± 0.27 QE/mg was estimated for the aqueous and ethanolic extract, respectively. In vitro antibacterial, antioxidant, α-amylase inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer attributes of extracts were assessed using standard protocols. The antibacterial traits of both the extracts were assessed against certain pathogenic bacteria which exhibited maximum zone of inhibition of 22.3 ± 0.6 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant tests showed not only significant scavenging of DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and ABTS^●+ radicals but also estimated ferric reducing power and phosphomolybdenum reduction activities of extracts in a concentration dependent manner. The aqueous extract (54.12 ± 0.44–86.80 ± 0.27%) depicted higher rate of α-amylase inhibition than ethanolic extract (23.07 ± 0.47–81.61 ± 0.43%) at distinct concentrations. Similarly, the aqueous extract protected the haemolysis (46.19 ± 0.14–66.21 ± 0.17%) effectively as compared to the ethanolic extract (12.67 ± 0.19–38.03 ± 0.41%). The aqueous and ethanolic extract showed cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines in the range of 32.23 ± 0.34–54.82 ± 0.26% and 49.25 ± 0.38–73.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. Additionally, the GC–MS analysis confirmed the availability of total 15 predominant bioactive constituents in both extracts. Findings of this context indicated pronounced applications of S. virginianum fruits as future therapeutic.     

Crystal structure and electronic properties of the new compounds, U6Fe16Si7 and its interstitial carbide U6Fe16Si7C

The new compounds U6Fe16Si7 and U6Fe16Si7C were prepared by arc-melting and subsequent annealing at 1500 °C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction showed that they crystallize in the cubic space group (No. 225), with unit-cell parameters at room temperature a=11.7206(5) Å for U6Fe16Si7 and a=11.7814(2) Å for U6Fe16Si7C. Their crystal structures correspond to ordered variants of the Th6Mn23 type. U6Fe16Si7 adopts the Mg6Cu16Si7 structure type, whereas U6Fe16Si7C crystallizes with a novel “filled” quaternary variant. The inserted carbon is located in octahedral cages formed by six U atoms, with U-U interatomic distances of 3.509(1) Å. Insertion of carbon in the structure of U6Fe16Si7 has a direct influence on the U-Fe and Fe-Fe interatomic distances. The electronic properties of both compounds were investigated by means of DC susceptibility, electrical resistivity and thermopower. U6Fe16Si7 is a Pauli paramagnet. Its electrical resistivity and thermopower point out that it cannot be classified as a simple metal. The magnetic susceptibility of U₆Fe₁₆Si₇C is best described over the temperature range 100-300 K by using a modified Curie-Weiss law with an effective magnetic moment of 2.3(2) μ_B/U, a paramagnetic Weiss temperature, θ_p=57(2) K and a temperature-independent term χ₀=0.057(1) emu/mol. Both the electrical resistivity and thermopower reveal metallic behavior.     

Natural product extracts of the Canadian prairie plant,Thermopsis rhombifolia,have anti-cancer activity in phenotypic cell-based assays

Many plant species within the terrestrial ecological zones of Canada have not yet been investigated for anti-cancer activity. We examined the scientific literature describing the endemic flora from the prairie ecological zone and selected the species, Thermopsis rhombifolia, locally known as the buffalo bean, for investigation of its anti-cancer potential. We tested it in cell-based assays using phenotypic screens that feature some of the hallmarks of cancer. An ethanolic extract prepared from T. rhombifolia was cytotoxic to HT-29 (colon) and SH-SY5Y (brain) cancer cell lines, and showed little cytotoxicity to a normal human cell line (WI-38). In phenotypic assays, we identified activities in the extracts that target cell death, cell cycle and cell adhesion. These data highlight the anti-cancer potential of previously untested plants found in northern ecological zones and the feasibility of using pertinent phenotypic assays to examine the anti-cancer potential of natural product extracts.     

Polyphenolic Compounds of Crataegus Berry,Leaf, and Flower Extracts Affect Viability and Invasive Potential of Human Glioblastoma Cells

Crataegus contains numerous health-promoting compounds that are also proposed to have anti-cancer properties. Herein, we aimed at a contemporaneous evaluation of the effects of polyphenol-rich extracts of berries, leaves, and flowers of six Crataegus species on the viability and invasive potential on the highly aggressive human glioblastoma U87MG cell line. The treatment with the extracts evoked cytotoxic effects, with the strongest in the berry extracts. All extracts not only promoted the apoptosis-related cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) but also substantially inhibited the activity of pro-survival kinases, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and protein kinase B (PKB; also known as Akt), thus indicating the suppression of proliferative and invasive potentials of the examined glioblastoma cells. The qualitative and quantitative characterization of the extracts’ content was also performed and revealed that amongst 37 polyphenolic compounds identified in the examined Crataegus extracts, the majority (29) was detected in berries; the leaf and flower extracts, exerting milder cytotoxic effects, contained only 14 and 13 compounds, respectively. The highest polyphenol content was found in the berries of C. laevigata x rhipidophylla x monogyna, in which flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids predominated. Our results demonstrated that a high content of polyphenolic compounds correlated with the extract cytotoxicity, and especially berries were a valuable source of compounds with anti-cancer potential. This might be a promising option for the development of an effective therapeutic strategy against highly malignant glioblastomas in the future.     

Chalcone dihalides—VIII: Synthesis and cyclization of the stereoisomers of 2′,6′-disubstituted α-bromochalcones

2′-Acetoxy-6′-methoxychalcone dibromides reacted with ethanolic potassium acetate to form the cis and trans isomers of the corresponding 2′-acetoxy-α-bromochalcones. 2′-Hydroxychalcone dibromides reacted similarly but, in two cases, some ring closure also occurred. The stereoisomers of the α-bromo-2′-hydroxy-6′-methoxychalcones were cyclized with aqueous ethanolic potassium hydroxide. In keeping with their proposed intermediacy in the Emilewicz-von Kostanecki reaction, they yielded both flavone and aurone and aurone formation was related to the hydroxide concentration. The trans isomers more readily formed aurones.     

Qualitative,Quantitative, Cytotoxic,Free Radical Scavenging,and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Hypericum lanuginosum from Palestine

Hypericum lanuginosum is one of the traditional medicinal plants that grows in the arid area of the Al-Naqab desert in Palestine and is used by Bedouins to heal various communicable and non-communicable illnesses. The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of aqueous, methanol, acetone, and hexane H. lanuginosum extracts and evaluate their cytotoxic, anti-oxidative, and antimicrobial properties. Qualitative phytochemical tests were used to identify the major phytochemical classes in H. lanuginosum extracts, while total phenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, and vanillin assays, respectively. Moreover, a microdilution test was employed to estimate the antimicrobial activity of H. lanuginosum extracts against several microbial species. At the same time, the cytotoxic and free radical scavenging effects were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assays, respectively. Quantitative examinations showed that the highest amounts of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins were noticed in the H. lanuginosum aqueous extract. Moreover, H. lanuginosum aqueous extract showed potent activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus even more than Amoxicillin and Ofloxacin antibiotics, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of 0.78 ± 0.01, 0, and 1.56 ± 0.03 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the aqueous extract exhibited the highest activity against Candida albicans and Epidermatophyton floccosum pathogens, with MIC values of 0.78 ± 0.01 µg/mL. Actually, the aqueous extract showed more potent antimold activity than Ketoconazole against E. floccosum with MICs of 0.78 ± 0.01 and 1.56 ± 0.02 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, all H. lanuginosum extracts showed potential cytotoxic effects against breast cancer (MCF-7), hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep 3B and Hep G2), and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) tumor cell lines. In addition, the highest free radical scavenging activity was demonstrated by H. lanuginosum aqueous extract compared with Trolox with IC₅₀ doses of 6.16 ± 0.75 and 2.23 ± 0.57 µg/mL, respectively. Studying H. lanuginosum aqueous extract could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as antibiotic-resistant microbes and cancer, as well as for oxidative stress-related disorders such as oxidative stress. H. lanuginosum aqueous extract may help in the design of novel natural preservatives and therapeutic agents.     

Chemical Profile,Cytotoxic Activity and Oxidative Stress Reduction of Different Syringa vulgaris L. Extracts

Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental species, but also a promising not comprehensively studied source of bioactive compounds with important therapeutic potential. Our study was designed to characterize the chemical composition and to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of ethanolic extracts obtained from S. vulgaris L. flowers, leaves, bark, and fruit. The chemical profile of the ethanolic extracts was investigated using chromatographic (HPLC-DAD-ESI⁺, GC-MS) and spectral (UV-Vis, FT-IR) methods, while the protective effect against free radicals was evaluated in vitro by different chemical assays (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC). The cytotoxic activity was tested on two tumoral cell lines, HeLa, B16F10, using the MTT assay. Significant amounts of free or glycosylated chemical components belonging to various therapeutically important structural classes, such as phenyl-propanoids (syringin, acteoside, echinacoside), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol derivatives) and secoiridoids (secologanoside, oleuropein, 10-hydroxy oleuropein, demethyloleuropein, syringalactone A, nuzhenide, lingstroside) were obtained for the flowers, leaves and bark extracts, respectively. Furthermore, MTT tests pointed out a significant cytotoxic potential expressed in a non-dose-dependent manner toward the tumoral lines. The performed methods underlined that S. vulgaris extracts, in particular belonging to flowers and leaves, represent valuable sources of compounds with antioxidant and antitumoral potential.     

DFT study on the isomerization in vitamin B6

Isomerization and tautomerism reactions of the active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal phosphate, are studied at B3LYP level of theory using 6-311++G(2df,p) basis set in gas and aqueous phases. Twenty-three transition state (TS) structures for vitamin B6 isomerization are optimized, including 13 TS structures for O–H and C–C rotations, 8 TS structures for imine–enamine tautomerism, and 2 TS structures for keto–enol tautomerism. Activation energy (E _a), imaginary frequency (υ), and Gibbs free energy of activation (ΔG ^#) for the isomerization reactions are calculated. The activation energies of the imine–enamine tautomerism are in the range of 190–280 kJ/mol and of O–H and C–C rotations are mainly less than 60 kJ/mol. Also, our calculation shows that the imine forms of B6 are mainly more stable than the enamine forms. Effect of microhydration on the TS structures and activation energies is also investigated. It is found that the presence of water molecules catalyzes only the imine–enamine tautomerism.     

MRI-guided neutron capture therapy by use of a dual gadolinium/boron agent targeted at tumour cells through upregulated low-density lipoprotein transporters

The upregulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transporters in tumour cells has been exploited to deliver a sufficient amount of gadolinium/boron/ligand (Gd/B/L) probes for neutron capture therapy, a binary chemio-radiotherapy for cancer treatment. The Gd/B/L probe consists of a carborane unit (ten B atoms) bearing an aliphatic chain on one side (to bind LDL particles), and a Gd(III)/1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane monoamide complex on the other (for detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Up to 190 Gd/B/L probes were loaded per LDL particle. The uptake from tumour cells was initially assessed on cell cultures of human hepatoma (HepG2), murine melanoma (B16), and human glioblastoma (U87). The MRI assessment of the amount of Gd/B/L taken up by tumour cells was validated by inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometric measurements of the Gd and B content. Measurements were undertaken in vivo on mice bearing tumours in which B16 tumour cells were inoculated at the base of the neck. From the acquisition of magnetic resonance images, it was established that after 4-6 hours from the administration of the Gd/B/L-LDL particles (0.1 and 1 mmol kg(-1) of Gd and (10)B, respectively) the amount of boron taken up in the tumour region is above the threshold required for successful NCT treatment. After neutron irradiation, tumour growth was followed for 20 days by MRI. The group of treated mice showed markedly lower tumour growth with respect to the control group.     

Synthesis,molecular characterisation,and in vivo study of platinum(IV) coordination compounds against B16 mouse melanoma tumours

A novel platinum(IV) coordination compound with 6-mercaptopurine (6-Hmp) has been synthesised and characterised by IR and NMR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic parameters indicate the presence of two chelate (S-6, N-7) monodeprotonated ligands and two chloride ions in the coordination sphere of [PtCl₂(6-mp)₂] · H₂O (I). Two Pt(IV) coordination compounds, [PtCl₂(6-mp)₂] · H₂O (I) and [PtCl₄(dbtp)₂] (II), were used in the in vivo test against B16 mouse melanoma tumours. Cytotoxic activity of compound II against the tumour cells was found to be high (LC₁₀ = 2.6 μM, LC₅₀ = 17.0 μM, LC₉₀ = 58.0 μM) compared to that of cisplatin.     

Evaluation of Nutritional Substances and Investigation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Boerhavia diffusa with in Silico Molecular Docking

Boerhavia diffusa L. Nyctanginaceae (B. diffusa) is a medicinal herb commonly considered as a weed. The exploration of phytochemicals in different parts of B. diffusa with different solvents will create awareness, along with the suitable solvent and method for extraction of pharmaceutical compounds. Hence, the present study focuses on phytochemical analysis of B. diffusa leaves, stems, and roots in various solvents with hot and cold extraction. The decoctions performed well in most of the qualitative and quantitative tests, along with the DPPH assay. The aqueous extract showed a good result in the FRAP assay and ABTS assay. In the antimicrobial test, the B. diffusa root ethanol extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with zones of inhibition of about 8 mm and 20 mm at 200 µg concentration, respectively. Using a molecular docking approach, the top four ranked molecules from the crude extract of B. diffusa profiled from GC–MS spectroscopy in terms of growth inhibition of the pathogenic bacterium P. aeruginosa were selected; among them, 2-(1,2 dihydroxyethyl)-5-[[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-yl]oxy]oxolane-3,4-diol exhibited the minimum binding score, revealing high affinity in complex. B. diffusa is highly nutritious, and the maceration and decoction extracts were similar except for the chloroform extract that was found to be weak.