Defence Life Science Journal

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Yogesh Modi — 2024-05-20

Anticancer Activity of Hedychium Coronarium Rhizome Solvent Extracts on Colon Cancer Cells

P. Vishnu Mohan Reddy — 2024-05-17

Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig. is a rhizomatous herb of family Zingiberaceae. It is well known as white ginger lilly or butterfly lilly. The rhizome has been used to treat rheumatism, as a tonic and to avoid bad breath. The present study aim is to evaluate the anticancer, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of petroleum ether (HCPE) and ethanol (HCAE) extracts of Hedychium coronarium rhizome using in vitro methods. Anticancer activity of the extracts was assessed against human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116). Antioxidant capacity of the HCPE and HCAE was assessed using phosphomolybdenum, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods. In results, both HCPE and HCAE extracts have a good amount of total phenolics and flavonoids content. Ethanol extract showed a higher total antioxidant capacity than petroleum ether extract. Petroleum ether extract strongly reduced DPPH purple color, while ethanol extract significantly inhibited hydroxyl radicals. Cytotoxic study results revealed that, the extracts strongly suppressed HCT-116 cell lines in concentration dependent fashion. ELISA and TUNEL assay results showed that petroleum ether extracts enhanced caspase-3 mediated DNA fragmentation in HCT – 116 cell lines. In conclusion, H. coronarium could be used as a source of plant based antibacterial/antioxidant and anticancer components. Further molecular studies are required to isolate and characterize active principle and to validate its pharmacological properties in in vivo models.

Detection and Classification of Tumor Type From Brain MRI Images Using Transfer Learning

Anjali Jain — 2024-05-17

Histopathological analysis of the extracted biological specimen has been one of the most trusted techniques to detect brain tumors in medical diagnostics. However, this analytical approach is invasive, time–intensive, and requires manual intervention; therefore, the probability of manual or human error is high. These practical limitations lay the foundation for identifying a non-invasive and automatic approach to brain tumor detection. Various effective modalities like MRI and CT scans have been discovered. These advancements have aided in gathering preliminary information in case of any suspicions of tumor manifestation. However, a diagnostic conclusion is reached by the subjective evaluation of the medical experts based on the medical images. This again raises the probability of misdiagnosis and, thus, requires an automated diagnostic system that may pitch in a ‘second opinion’ to reduce human error significantly. Deep learning algorithms tend to provide a solution by aiding in the designing of such computer-aided diagnostic systems. Taking this cue, brain tumor detection and classification through EfficientNet-B2 architecture, along with transfer learning, has been presented in the proposed work. Performance analysis of the model has been done by applying transfer learning through ImageNet and Noisy-student and different optimizers on two publicly available datasets. Preliminary results show that an accuracy of 97% is achieved when EfficientNet-B2 is used for tumor classification, which is higher than other models, such as EfficientNetV2B1 (89.17%) and EfficientNetB0 (91%). Also, it is suggestive that noisy student can prove to be an alternative for ImageNet in transfer learning mainly when binary data is being processed.

The Genetic Variability Studies on Induced Mutants in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)Analysis of Component Characters for Better Yield

Meghna Garg — 2024-05-17

The study aimed to develop elite mutants of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) with improved seed yield by studying the correlarion of various morphological characters with seed yield. Low erucic acid varieties of Indian Mustard (PM21 and PM30) were irradiated with different doses of gamma rays (1000 Gy, 1200 Gy & 1500 Gy) and also treated in combination with different concentration of chemical mutagen EMS (0.25 %, 0.50 % & 0.75 %) to induce the genetic variability. The stable true breeding lines were evaluated for the heritability, genetic variability, genetic advance & correlation studies for 8 different parameters. The ANOVA confirms the existence of significant amount of genetic diversity in mutant genotypes. The primary, secondary & tertiary branches, total siliqua and seed yield of the selected superior mutants possessed higher values of GCV while the phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be moderate for all of the characters. A significant positive correlation exists between primary, secondary & tertiary branches & total siliqua of a plant. The value of heritability ranged between 0-0.6 (h2) for various parameters; seed number per silique being the most genetically variant among the traits studied. Seed yield is positively correlated with seed number per siliqua, primary & secondary branches which indicates that selection of these traits could improve seed yield. Mutation breeding is used to broaden the genetic variability in the germplasm. Novel mutants with high seed yield were isolated. The identification of component characters which have positive or negative association with seed yield has helped in designing of a breeding program to produce stable true breeding lines in Indian Mustard with high seed yield

In vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential of Annona reticulata L. Leaves

Amulya Kumari — 2024-05-17

Annona reticulata L. leaf decoction has ethnopharmacological relevance as it is administered orally with cow’s milk to treat diabetes in west Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The prime objective of the study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant capacity of Annona reticulata L. leaf extract in various solvents. Ethanol, methanol, acetone, DMSO, and aqueous extract were prepared by cold extraction method. Antidiabetic and antioxidant activity was evaluated by invitro glucose uptake activity by yeast cells, alpha-amylase inhibition assay, alpha-glucosidase inhibition assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and CUPRAC antioxidant activity. In the yeast glucose uptake assay, the glucose uptake % ranges from 57.52±0.11(15 mM glucose) to 71.74±0.11 (5 mM glucose). The glucose uptake percent increased with increasing extract concentration (1-5 mg/ml), whereas it decreased with increasing glucose concentration (5 mM, 10 mM, and 15 mM). The ethanol extract demonstrated the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity, as indicated by the IC50 value of 41.64±1.43 μg/ml, and methanol extract exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 18.26±0.03 μg/ml. In the DPPH antioxidant assay, the acetone extract has displayed the highest level of free radical scavenging activity at 20 μg/ml (64.12%) with an IC50 value of 16.58±0.07 μg/ml. Annona reticulata L. leaf extract possesses significant antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristic as evidenced by in vitro antidiabetic assay, DPPH, and CUPRAC antioxidant assay. The results of the study support the ethnopharmacological use of the plant for the treatment of diabetes.

In vitro Antioxidant Anti inflammatory and Anti Bacterial Studies of Nagkesar An Uncommon but Potential Indian Spice

Renu Tiwari — 2024-05-17

The present study evaluates the pharmacological activities of water and alcoholic extracts of Nagkesar enriched with valuable phytochemicals. Nagkesar or Nagchampa (Mesua ferrea) is a prominent Indian herbal spice with therapeutic potential in preventing various diseases. There are only a few reports available to date on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Nagkesar spice. There is a need to further investigate and elaborate on the pharmaceutical properties of this spice for its role in health and disease. Phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography of extracts were performed for the identification of phytoconstituents. The extracts were further quantified for phenolics, and flavonoids, and their antioxidant potential was assessed by Total antioxidant capacity and Ferric reducing activity assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the inhibition of HRBC membrane stabilisation whereas the antibacterial susceptibility was determined by employing the well diffusion assay. Findings revealed that the spice possesses phytoconstituents like phenols, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and other related compounds. The Nagkesar spice extracted in ethanol exhibited significant pharmacological and antibacterial efficacies due to the existence of various phytochemicals. Phenolic phytochemical content was found to be 3.5±0.168 mgGAE/gm extract and flavonoid presence was 0.589±0.211 mgQE/gm extract. The extract exhibited good TAC, (2.71±0.153 mg AAE/gm extract) very high hemolytic inhibition (75.86±0.367 %), and effective inhibition against bacterial growth. This research shows that Nagkesar spice might be a potential future candidate for drug development against various challenging and emerging diseases.

Toxicity Assessment of Sesbania sesban var. bicolor a Traditionally used Anthelmintic Medicinal Plant, in Rodent Models

Amar Deep Soren — 2024-05-17

Sesbania sesban var. bicolor, a tropical shrub,is a medicinal plant in India. This assessment reports the toxic potentials of its leaf extract. Acute oral toxicity was executed in mice whereas sub-acute toxicity was carried out using rodent models. The study showed that the median lethal dose was over than 5000 mg/kg. Toxicity assessments displayed a mild increase in neutrophils and a mild decrease in eosinophil and monocyte counts in rats. Also, the SGOT and SGPT levels were found to be raised, indicating evidence of hepatotoxicity. The mitochondria of kidney and liver tissues studied by transmission electron microscopy revealed damage in the cristae and membrane. Together, it may be concluded that S. sesban var. bicolor extract possesses mild toxicity in experimental animals. Therefore, despite its efficacy in traditional medicine, the long-term use of this plant should be controlled.

Novel Strategies to Mitigate Mycotoxin Contamination in Raw Medicinal Plant Materials

Mansi Dwivedi — 2024-05-17

Present article elucidates the published literature regarding microbial contamination of raw medicinal plant materials and decontamination/detoxification strategies of mycotoxins due to their harmful impacts on human health. Mycotoxins extant a great concern to raw medicinal plants due to their inimical health and socio-economic collision. To overcome the fiscal losses and health issues associated with mycotoxin contagion of raw medicinal plants, several novel innovative techniques have been used to remove the mycotoxin without affecting the people health, product quality and their nutritional potential. Thus, mitigation of mycotoxins can be attained by several physical, chemical and biological approaches, using Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus and other lactic acid bacteria, Actinomycetes, yeasts, molds and other relevant methods including the use of enzymes and phytochemicals. A wide range of phytochemicals accompanied with plant essential oils have been found effective against several mycotoxigenic fungi in contaminated raw medicinal plants. These green preservatives are safe, bio-degradable and eco-friendly in nature. Now a days, detoxification by nanoparticles is one of the promising approaches has been adopted due to its high disinfection effects, and these perspectives are influential against mycotoxin contamination via an irreversible process. The aim of this review is to systematically understand the problem of mycological assessment, mycotoxin contamination and their mitigation in raw medicinal plants by using effective botanicals.

Genetic Enhancement of Plant Secondary Metabolites Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

Ananya Das Ghosh — 2024-05-17

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are convenient intrinsic products synthesized through secondary metabolism in plants influenced by other environmental stressors and bio-geo-chemical factors. Various biotechnological techniques such as hairy root culture, ploidy engineering, genome editing, RNA interference, etc. are available for increased production of diverse secondary metabolites in plants having hitherto known medicinal properties. Plant tissue culture is useful for conservation, micro-propagation, and overproduction of medicinal plants. It also provides the primary platform for biotechnology-based breeding methods (BBBMs). Targeted genome editing has become a promising BBBM that can produce custom-tailored medicinal plants with desirable secondary metabolites. Here, we discuss the recent developments of BBBMs to increase the concentration of desired metabolites in important medicinal crops and the prospects of various genetic enhancement techniques. We also shed light on the recent progress in the genetic enhancement methods, their execution, industrial aspects, and international and national regulations for genetic manipulation to develop high-value crops for overall economic growth and sustainable utilization of hitherto explored bioresources. We pointed out the pitfalls and challenges in genetic modification of crops, success stories of genetic enhancement of PSMs, and future perspectives. Several techniques like endogenous target mimics (eTMs), CRISPR/Cas, PTC-based methods, NGS, and bioinformatics-based methods were tested for increased production rate and quality of various PSMs. Utilization of these techniques in combination may provide higher efficiency to develop genetically improved crops and enhance the production of PSMs for industrial scale and human health promotion.

An Overview on Types, Production and Therapeutic Potential of Vinegar

Arushi Bisht — 2024-05-17

A well-known natural food item, vinegar is produced by fermenting meals high in carbohydrates with alcohol first, then with acetic acid. It consists of about 5-20% of acetic acid, prepared by fermentation of alcohol with the help of Acetobacter species. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is present in water in a concentration of close to 5% in vinegar. It is thought to be an excellent source of several bioactive substances, including as tryptophol, ligustrazine, organic acids, melanoidins and polyphenols. The array of mechanisations used in the manufacturing of vinegar includes the use of wooden carks, the traditional Orlean process, and the generator technique for submerged fermentation. These bioactive compounds in vinegar are thought to be the cause of its pharmacological and metabolic advantages. The primary ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid, which has a strong, sour flavour and aroma and is somewhat volatile. There are numerous varieties of vinegar available worldwide. There are several varieties of vinegar available around the world, including black, rice, grain, balsamic and fruit vinegar. Vinegar has traditionally been used in applications for food preservation. Furthermore, it is extensively utilised in the food sector as a spice and food preservative, as well as in the United States for pickling fruits and vegetables and as a component of condiments like mayonnaise and salad dressings. In the past, people have used vinegar as a medicine to treat oedema disorders, burns, wounds, and stomach aches. It is among the most well-known traditional remedies for treating infections. According to a number of studies, vinegar may help treat microbiological infections, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.Also, it is used to treat injuries and acts as an antioxidant as well. This review aims to highlight the health advantages of vinegar consumption for a person’s physiological well-being.

Bioactive Endophytic Fungi from Forest Trees A Review

Debajani Samantaray — 2024-05-17

The microscopic creatures known as endophytic fungi live inside the plant without contaminating it or harming it in any way. These may have an impact on the host plants’ distribution, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry. Several scientists studied about the endophytic fungi, their sources, categorisation, biological properties, industrial importance, & therapeutic value. Endophytic fungi are considered as “gold mine” for bioactive compounds having antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, and many more medical, industrial & biotechnological applications. They are well studied for their synthesis of secondary metabolites from different sources, these are not only useful for agriculture instead used in the food industry and many of them have therapeutic potential.