Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Afrah E. Mohammed, Zainab H. Abdul-Hameed, Modhi O. Alotaibi, Nahed O. Bawakid, Tariq R. Sobahi, Ahmed Abdel-Lateff, Walied M. Alarif
Summary: Interest in natural compounds as drug sources declined by the end of the twentieth century, but has recently regained importance. Indole-containing compounds, such as vinblastine and vincristine, are widely used in clinical settings for various medical conditions. Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids (MIAs) are attracting attention due to their chemical diversity and biological activities, with potential as future sources of drug leads.
Article
Plant Sciences
Talent Chipiti, Alvaro M. Viljoen, Maria L. Cordero-Maldonado, Clinton G. L. Veale, Fanie R. Van Heerden, Maxleene Sandasi, Weiyang Chen, Alexander D. Crawford, Gill M. Enslin
Summary: This study screened 20 medicinal plants traditionally used in South Africa for epilepsy treatment, and identified compounds from Rauvolfia caffra Sond. that showed potential anti-epileptic activity in a zebrafish larvae model. The findings suggest the possibility of developing new anti-seizure therapeutic compounds from these natural sources.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Saranya Surendran, Ramasubbu Raju, Priya Prasannan, Anjana Surendran
Summary: Rauvolfia, commonly known as devil peppers, is believed to have medicinal value, but there is limited exploration on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology; the plant's members exhibit various pharmacological activities, including antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, insecticidal, antipsychotic, cardioprotective, and antiparasitic properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Akshay Singhal, Deepika Malwal, Shankar Thiyagarajan, Indranil Lahiri
Summary: The development of antibacterial and antibiofilm composites using graphene nanoplatelets offers an effective solution to prevent biofilm formation and reduce the risk of biofilm-associated infections. This innovative strategy combines the hydrophobicity of graphene, tannic acid, silver, and epoxy to enhance the antibiofilm efficiency of coatings on surfaces, demonstrating promising potential in combating biofilm-related issues.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ge Hong, Weitian Li, Lina Mao, Jiawen Wang, Tianjun Liu
Summary: A series of small-molecule fluoroquinolones were synthesized and screened for their antibacterial activity. Compound 2-e showed potent anti-MRSA activity, low toxicity towards normal cells, and the ability to disrupt MRSA cell membrane and wall. It also possessed good drug-like properties. These findings suggest that compound 2-e is highly promising for further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Gabriela Ribeiro dos Santos, Victoria Soares Soeiro, Carolina Fernanda Talarico, Janaina Artem Ataide, Andre Moreni Lopes, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Thais Jardim Oliveira, Jose Martins Oliveira Junior, Denise Grotto, Angela F. Jozala
Summary: This study investigates the loading of nisin into bacterial cellulose (N-BC) and evaluates its morphological characteristics, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, and stability. The results show that bacterial cellulose enhances the antimicrobial activity of nisin and acts as a barrier for other compounds, protecting the stability of nisin. Therefore, the N-BC system could be useful for pharmaceutical and food applications.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Himani Bhoi, Sudeep Tiwari, Ganesh Lal, Komal K. Jani, Shrey K. Modi, Papori Seal, Vinod Saharan, Kunal B. Modi, J. P. Borah, Khushboo Punia, Sudhish Kumar
Summary: In this study, 7% Na doped MgO nanoparticles (Mg0.93Na0.07O NPs) were successfully synthesized using a green self-combustion route with fresh lemon juice as a capping and reducing agent. The nanoparticles exhibited high crystallinity, optical and magnetic properties, and showed potential applications in mild hyperthermia cancer therapy, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. However, they also demonstrated toxic effects on normal cells at higher concentrations.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Pengpeng Lu, Xinping Zhang, Feng Li, Ke-Fei Xu, Yan-Hong Li, Xiaoyang Liu, Jing Yang, Baofeng Zhu, Fu-Gen Wu
Summary: In this study, a series of cationic liposomes with different DODAC contents were prepared. It was found that cationic liposomes with high DODAC content can effectively kill bacteria but have negligible cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. These findings have important implications for the clinical application of cationic liposomes.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Suvi T. Hakkinen, Marina Sokovic, Liisa Nohynek, Ana Ciric, Marija Ivanov, Dejan Stojkovic, Irina Tsitko, Melanie Matos, Joao P. Baixinho, Viktoriya Ivasiv, Naiara Fernandez, Claudia Nunes dos Santos, Kirsi-Marja Oksman-Caldentey
Summary: Chicory contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibiofilm activities. Supercritical fluid extracts showed the highest bioactivity, inhibiting drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. There is potential for the development of novel antibacterial and antifungal preparations from chicory extracts.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Liping Wang, Wenbin Zhong, Bo Liu, Dicky Pranantyo, Mary B. Chan-Park
Summary: Recent studies have shown that carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) possess antibacterial properties by delivering carbon monoxide (CO) molecules. In this study, a new CO delivery system was developed by conjugating CORMs onto a carrier, resulting in polymers with improved solubility, prolonged release duration, and enhanced antimicrobial ability. These polymers demonstrated inhibitory effects on various bacteria and fungi, as well as preventing and dispersing biofilm formation. These findings suggest the promising potential of CO-releasing polymers as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents in biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thaissa S. Beck, Mara de Mattos, Carlos R. T. Jortieke, Jean C. B. Vieira, Camila M. Verdi, Roberto C. V. Santos, Michele R. Sagrillo, Aline Rossato, Larissa da Silva Silveira, Clarissa P. Frizzo
Summary: Amino acid-based ionic liquids exhibit specific properties in thermal stability, heat capacity, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. It was found in the study that amino acid-based anions can reduce the thermal stability of mono and dicationic AAILs, and AAILs with more carbon chains have lower glass transition temperature.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Palkowski, Maciej Karolak, Andrzej Skrzypczak, Marta Wojcieszak, Filip Walkiewicz, Jonasz Podemski, Karol Jaroch, Barbara Bojko, Katarzyna Materna, Jerzy Krysinski
Summary: This study synthesized a series of novel quaternary imidazolium derivatives with ionic liquid properties, and tested their antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and surface properties. The results showed that all synthesized compounds exhibited antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity, making them potential candidates for new antimicrobial agents or surfactants.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Hazem S. Elshafie
Summary: This article summarizes the chemical composition and biological-pharmaceutical activities of plant essential oils (PEOs), and discusses their possible modes of action and influencing factors. It provides valuable insights into the application of PEOs.
Article
Polymer Science
Rana A. A. Alharbi, Fahad M. M. Alminderej, Nouf F. F. Al-Harby, Noura Y. Y. Elmehbad, Nadia A. A. Mohamed
Summary: A new series of hydrogels were prepared by incorporating substituted bisuracil linkages between chitosan Schiff's base chains and between chitosan chains. The structure of the hydrogels was confirmed through various techniques. The inhibitory effects of the hydrogels against different microbes were studied, with ZnO nanoparticle composites showing the highest inhibition potency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. M. Lopez-Badillo, M. Hernandez-Gonzalez, F. Hernandez-Centeno, I. Olivas-Armendariz, C. A. Rodriguez-Gonzalez, E. M. Muzquiz-Ramos, J. Lopez-Cuevas, H. Y. Lopez-De la Pena
Summary: CaO nanoparticles doped with different concentrations of Ag were synthesized by the sol-gel method to enhance their antimicrobial activity. The cytotoxicity study showed a cell viability percentage above 70%, indicating the nanoparticles could be used in medical and food applications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lu Liu, Ming-Jun Xie, Wen-Bing Zhou, Jin-Tang Wang, Jia-Yi Wang, Afsar Khan, Ya-Ping Liu, Jian-Xin Cao, Gui-Guang Cheng, Wen-Yuan Mao
Summary: Phytochemical investigation of Melodinus fusiformis led to the discovery of a new aspidosperma-aspidosperma bisindole alkaloid, along with three known BIAs. The compounds exhibited various cytotoxic, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory activities, with BIA 2 showing particularly strong effects on MCF-7 cell lines.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Raduis Melong, Pierre Carolle Tamokoue Kengne, Jean Paul Dzoyem, Angelbert Awantu Fusi, Eric Allemann, Florence Delie, Christian G. Bochet, Uwe Beifuss, Gilbert Deccaux Wabo Fotso Kapche
Summary: The phytochemical study of Carapa procera DC's stem bark extract led to the isolation of a new natural limonoid, along with seven known compounds. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 and Raw 264.7 mouse macrophage cell lines, with obacunone showing the most potent effect against both cell lines. These results suggest that limonoid derivatives could be promising sources of natural bioactive metabolites against cancer.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dario Bragagnolo, Christian G. Bochet
Summary: In this article, we present a reliable synthetic method for the preparation of symmetrical tetramethoxybenzoin derivatives, and investigate their photochemical behavior and chromatic orthogonality with respect to nitroveratryl esters.
PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Henzi, Kim-Long Diep, Anne Oberson, Valerie Salicio, Christian G. Bochet, Beat Schwaller
Summary: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer derived from mesothelial cells, often caused by asbestos exposure. The current treatment options are limited in effectiveness, hence the search for novel therapies. Recent research has identified septins as a potential target for treatment. Some FCF analogs have been found to inhibit the growth of MM cells in vitro, but at concentrations too high for clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dieu Ne Dort Nganteng, Raduis Melong, Timoleon Maffo, Roland T. Tchuenguem, Aurelien Crochet, Jean Paul Dzoyem, Pascal Wafo, Christian G. Bochet, Bonaventure Tchaleu Ngadjui
Summary: Chemical investigation of the MeOH extract of Scyphocephalium mannii leaves led to the isolation and characterization of a new metabolite, along with five known compounds. The structure of the new metabolite was elucidated, and it showed moderate antifungal activity.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Hong Li, Feng Huang, Bin-Ruo Zhang, Wen-Hong Tan, Afsar Khan, Zhou Zhi-Hong, Lu Liu, Zhu-Ya Yang
Summary: In this study, a pair of new 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene enantiomers and an enantiomeric analog were isolated from Shuteria involucrata. Their structures were determined by various methods. Both compounds showed significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, suggesting their potential as active components of S. involucrata and their ability to block inflammation in the early stage.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sehrish Sarfaraz, Afsar Khan, Fareeha Hameed, Aysha Arshad, Zeeshan Mutahir, Rabia Zeeshan, Kashif Ijaz, Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, Hamad Khalid, Ihteshamur Rehman, Ather Farooq Khan
Summary: Among common facial fractures, orbital floor fractures are frequently encountered. This study focuses on tissue engineering and the development of composite scaffolds for craniofacial defect reconstruction. The composite scaffolds, composed of silk fibroin, hydroxyapatite, and Ce-doped ZnO nanoparticles, exhibit favorable biocompatibility and attachment, making them promising candidates for bone repair and growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yongpeng Wang, Zhifeng Fan, Meilian Yang, Yudan Wang, Jianxin Cao, Afsar Khan, Yaping Liu, Guiguang Cheng
Summary: The study found that E Se tea extracts protected against AFLD by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and improving lipid metabolism imbalance.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Angelique Nicolas Messi, Susan Lucia Bonnet, Brice Ayissi Owona, Anke Wilhelm, Eutrophe Le Doux Kamto, Joseph Thierry Ndongo, Xavier Siwe-Noundou, Madan Poka, Patrick H. Demana, Rui W. M. Krause, Josephine Ngo Mbing, Dieudonne Emmanuel Pegnyemb, Christian G. Bochet
Summary: This study identified bioactive compounds from Ochna rhizomatosa with potential inhibitory effects against HIV and Plasmodium falciparum. Compound 1 showed significant inhibition against HIV-1 integrase, while compound 2 exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Molecular docking analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 2 had high binding scores with the receptors. These compounds have the potential to be developed as candidates for HIV and malaria treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ping -Xing Qi, Shuang-Shuang Liu, Peng Zhang, Yan-Qing Xie, Zhu-Ya Yang, Afsar Khan, Lu Liu
Summary: Gentiana scabra, used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating hepatitis, was found to lack its key component gentiopicroside in the decoction, indicating a need for quality control. Further investigation revealed two new compounds derived from gentiopicroside, which exhibited hepatoprotective activity similar to gentiopicroside.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rui Xia, Qian Zhou, Qi-Xiu Zhou, Yan-Qing Xie, Afsar Khan, Zhi-Hong Zhou, Xiao-Man Lv, Lu Liu
Summary: Two new benzophenanthridine alkaloids enantiomers (+/-)-zanthonitidumines A (1) and B (2), along with seven known analogues (3-9), were isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidium. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic techniques and ECD data. Compound 2 showed the most significant inhibition of IL-6 generation and TNF-alpha release, indicating its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhengxuan Wang, Pengzhen Sun, Tianrui Zhao, Jianxin Cao, Yaping Liu, Afsar Khan, Wenbing Zhou, Guiguang Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the chemical constituents and anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of E Se tea (ES) extract. The results showed that ES extract contained flavonoids and could alleviate liver fibrosis by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities and reducing collagen deposition.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yong-Peng Wang, Yu-Dan Wang, Ya-Ping Liu, Jian-Xin Cao, Mei-Lian Yang, Yi-Fen Wang, Afsar Khan, Tian-Rui Zhao, Gui-Guang Cheng
Summary: The study found that 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin (CA) in Que Zui tea has a hepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen-induced liver damage through regulating the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2 signaling pathways. This research contributes to a better understanding of the pharmacological effects of Que Zui tea.
