Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
Ricinus communis Linn, commonly known as the castor plant, is a versatile and widely distributed species that holds significant importance in both traditional and modern medicine. This plant, native to tropical Africa, has been utilized for centuries due to its extensive medicinal properties, which include antimicrobial, antihistaminic, antinociceptive, antifertility, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antidiabetic activities. Various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, roots, and seeds, are employed in the treatment of diverse ailments, including eye infections, liver diseases, and sexually transmitted infections. The therapeutic potential of Ricinus communis is attributed to the presence of key bioactive phytochemicals, including saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and glucosides. Specific compounds like camphor, β-caryophyllene, gallic acid, quercetin, and indole-3-acetic acid are among the notable bioactive constituents found in the plant. Furthermore, studies on castor oil have revealed the presence of several beneficial fatty acids, including ricinoleic and linoleic acids, which contribute to the plant’s health-promoting effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the medicinal properties, health benefits, and...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
This study is aimed at investigating/elucidating the molecular structure and the biochemical mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of an isolated but yet unknown bioactive compound CA1 from Crateva adansonii stem bark extract. Qualitative phytochemical tests on the isolated bioactive anti-inflammatory compound gave positive reaction to terpenoid only, while the structural elucidation indicates that CA1 is (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol, a pentacyclic triterpene with molecular weight of 426.70 g, and molecular formular of C30H50O. The molecular structure of this pentacyclic triterpene was established using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultra-violet/visible spectrophotometer, infra-red, gas and mass spectrophotometers. The (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol was subjected to in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity study using egg-albumin induced rat hind paw edema method. However, (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-olwas investigated for its selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities. An in-vitro model of inflammation using a colourimetric COX (ovine) inhibitor screening assay method was used as a model to investigate the effect of CA1 on PGE2 production. (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol at the tested concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) and selectively inhibited the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, but exhibited no inhibitory...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most studied medicinal plants, and its bioactive compounds, especially alkaloids, have been demonstrated to possess intense pharmacological activities. We aimed to identify and quantify the major alkaloids present in ginger rhizomes, using phytochemical screening, spectrophotometric analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The authenticated fresh ginger rhizomes were processed by methanol extraction, which produced 0.704% (w/w) crude extract. In qualitative tests (Mayer’s, Wagner’s, and Dragendorff’s reagents) alkaloids were confirmed; and in spectrophotometric tests, total alkaloid content was determined (18.45 ± 1.27 mg of atropine equivalents/g of extract). In addition, we also analyzed constituents of ginger and found four principal alkaloids of HPLC as follows: 6-gingerol (10.73 ± 0.85 mg/g), 6-shogaol (10.42 ± 0.47 mg/g), 8-gingerol (3.81 ± 0.32 mg/g) and 10-gingerol (3.45 ± 0.43 mg/g). The calibration curves (r²>0.95) for these compounds were excellent, indicating reliability of the method. The high contents of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol are associated with their well-known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, whereas those of 8- and 10-gingerol add to those are presented...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
Herbal medicine has been an integral component of traditional healing systems worldwide, particularly in enhancing immune function. This review explores the historical significance of herbal remedies in immune modulation across various traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and indigenous healing practices. It further examines the scientific advancements that validate the immunomodulatory effects of these herbal formulations. The mechanisms of action of key herbal immunomodulators, along with their clinical efficacy, are discussed in detail. Additionally, the review highlights recent innovations in immune enhancement, including messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines, immunomodulatory therapies, and the role of the gut microbiome in regulating immune responses. The potential of bioengineered immune cells and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in immunity research are also explored, offering novel strategies for immunoregulation and the treatment of immune-related disorders. Finally, the paper addresses the challenges associated with standardizing herbal formulations and examines emerging trends and future directions in their development. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements, this review provides valuable...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
Keratinases of microbial origin are a group of protease enzymes with specific characteristic feature of proteolytic cleavage of keratin resulting in the generation of soluble peptides and free amino acids. They play important roles in conversion of world richest proteinous solid-waste‘’ keratinaceous waste’’ into value-added products. This current research work aimed at isolation, purification, characterization and optimization of keratinase isolate from Aspergillus niger Strain (ND44) obtained from human hair macerated in salt medium, for its enzymatic properties in the degradation of trichocytic α-keratin(a fibrous structural protein that resist most proteases degradation based on its stabilized intra-molecular disulphide and hydrogen bonding), while gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree gave expanded details on the structural identity of the isolated Aspergillus niger Strain (ND44). High keratinolytic activity exhibited by this microbial keratinase at high temperature up to 90⁰C confirms it as a hyperthermophilic enzyme, with non-optimums pH peaks at 5.5 and 9.00that spread across both acidic and alkaline regions. The optimum pH, temperature and best co-factors for this human hair keratinase activities obtained...
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