BACKGROUND: The leaves of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (K. pinnata), a succulent plant native to tropical regions, are used as a medicinal alternative against cancer in several countries worldwide; however, its therapeutic potential to fight cancer has been little addressed. In this study, we analyzed the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and selectivity of K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract against different human cancer cell lines in vitro.
METHODS: This study subjected the ethanolic extract to enzymatic assays to quantify the phytochemical content (phenolics, flavonoids, and anthraquinones) and its radical scavenging and iron-reducing capacities. Also, the phytoconstituents and major phenolic compounds present in the extract\'s subfractions were identified by GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR. Human cancer (MCF-7, PC-3, HT-29) and normal colon (CoN) cell lines were treated with different concentrations of K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract, and the changes in cell proliferation (sulforhodamine B assay), caspases activity (FITC-VAD-FMK reporter), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, rhodamine 123 assay), chromatin condensation/fragmentation (Hoechst 33342 stain), and ROS generation (DCFH2 probe assay) were assessed.
RESULTS: The results showed that the K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract is rich in phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential, including phenols (quercetin and kaempferol), flavonoids, fatty acid esters (34.6% of the total composition), 1- triacontanol and sterols (ergosterol and stigmasterol, 15.4% of the total composition); however, it presents a poor content of antioxidant molecules (IC50 = 27.6 mg/mL for H2O2 scavenging activity vs. 2.86 mg/mL in the case of Trolox). Notably, the extract inhibited cell proliferation and reduced MMP in all human cell lines tested but showed selectivity for HT-29 colon cancer cells compared to CoN normal cells (SI = 8.4). Furthermore, ROS generation, caspase activity, and chromatin condensation/fragmentation were augmented significantly in cancer-derived cell lines, indicating a selective cytotoxic effect.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that the K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract contains several bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential, capable of displaying selective cytotoxicity in different human cancer cell lines.

Due to the rich ethnobotanical and growing evidence-based medicine records, the Alchemillae herba, i.e., the upper parts of the Lady\'s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), was used for the assessment of antimelanoma activity. The ethanolic extract of A. vulgaris strongly suppressed the viability of B16F1, B16F10, 518A2, and Fem-X cell lines. In contrast to the in vitro study, where the B16F1 cells were more sensitive to the treatment than the more aggressive counterpart B16F10, the results obtained in vivo using the corresponding syngeneic murine model were quite the opposite. The higher sensitivity of B16F10 tumors in vivo may be attributed to a more complex response to the extract compared to one triggered in vitro. In addition, the strong immunosuppressive microenvironment in the B16F1 model is impaired by the treatment, as evidenced by enhanced antigen-presenting potential of dendritic cells, influx and activity of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes, decreased presence of T regulatory lymphocytes, and attenuation of anti-inflammatory cytokine production. All these effects are supported by the absence of systemic toxicity. A. vulgaris extract treatment results in a sustained and enhanced ability to reduce melanoma growth, followed by the restoration of innate and adopted antitumor immunity without affecting the overall physiology of the host.

UNASSIGNED: This study presents the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta leaf extract.
UNASSIGNED: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was performed by in vitro assay. Our research employs a comprehensive approach combining experimental assays and computational simulations to assess the extract\'s potential bioactive components and their interactions with key biomolecules.
UNASSIGNED: The study\'s results demonstrated a progressive rise in the percentage of inhibition, which was dependent on the dosage, in both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This trend was observed for both the extract and the standard, encompassing concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 μg/ml.
UNASSIGNED: The results showed that Euphorbia hirta\'s possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and this may contribute to a traditional medicinal. The discoveries of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of Euphorbia hirta\'s medicinal properties and its potential as a source of natural therapeutic agents.

BACKGROUND: Red clover, a perennial herbaceous plant, has been demonstrated to possess blood-purifying, expectorant, and calming properties. This research endeavors to create and evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant characteristics, and cytotoxic effects of the ethanolic extract derived from red clover.
METHODS: A water-based solution of red clover was formulated and subjected to centrifugation. Various concentrations of the extract were applied to the wells of agar plates inoculated with E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans and then left to incubate. The inhibition zones for each concentration were subsequently measured. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while the cytotoxicity of the extract was assessed through the brine shrimp lethality assay.
RESULTS: Initially, the extract was tested with a volume of 10 μL, which was subsequently incremented to 20 μL, 30 μL, 40 μL, and 50 μL. According to the DPPH assay, as the concentration of the extract solution increased incrementally by 10 μL, its antioxidant activity also exhibited a corresponding rise. The cytotoxicity assay indicated that the mouthwash formulated with red clover had minimal cytotoxic effects within the range of 5-20 µL. Antibacterial analysis revealed a similar zone of inhibition between the test and control groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The ethanolic extract obtained from red clover was identified as a powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and biocompatible substance. Hence, it can be a potential candidate for application as a mouthwash.

BACKGROUND: Lepidium sativum (LS) seed extract has various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. However, the translation of L. sativum seed extract to the clinical phase is still tedious due to its bioavailability and stability issues. This problem can be solved by encapsulating it in a nanodelivery system to improve its therapeutic potency.
METHODS: In this study, we have determined and compared the in vivo toxicity of ethanolic extracts of L. sativum seeds (EELS) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). To conduct toxicity (acute and subacute toxicity) assessments, EELS and SLNs were orally administered to Swiss albino mice. Animal survival, body weight, the weight of vital organs in relation to body weight, haematological profile, biochemistry profile, and histopathological alterations were examined.
RESULTS: Animals administered with 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg in an acute toxicity study exhibited no toxicological symptoms regarding behaviour, gross pathology, and body weight. As per a study on acute toxicity, the LD50 (lethal dose) for SLNs and EELS was over 400 mg/kg and over 5000 mg/kg, respectively. When animals were given SLNs (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) and EELS (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days, subacute toxicity study did not exhibit any clinical changes. There were no differences in weight gain, haematological parameters, or biochemical parameters compared to the control groups (p > 0.05). The organs of the treated animals showed no abnormalities in the histological analysis (liver, heart, kidney, and spleen).
CONCLUSIONS: The result confirms ethanolic extracts of L. sativum seeds and their SLNs to not have harmful effects following acute and subacute administration to mice. For further studies, patents available on Lepidium may be referred for its preclinical and clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: Allium cepa, or onion, boosts numerous health benefits, including anti-diabetic effects. Its rich array of antioxidants and sulfur compounds not only aids heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure but also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Onion\'s antibacterial and antiviral properties help combat infections, while its compounds like quercetin show promise in cancer prevention. Additionally, Allium cepa supports respiratory health by relieving coughs and colds and aids digestion with its prebiotic properties. Incorporating onions into a balanced diet can enhance overall well-being, including managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine if the ethanolic extract from the dried peel of Allium cepa holds potential as an anti-diabetic agent, with a focus on its ability to manage diabetes and reduce blood sugar levels.
METHODS: To prepare the ethanolic extract from dried onion peel, the peel was finely ground and soaked in ethanol. The mixture was then agitated and filtered to separate the liquid extract. Finally, the filtrate was concentrated using methods such as rotary evaporation or vacuum distillation to obtain a concentrated extract for further analysis like alpha-amylase inhibition assay and alpha-glucosidase inhibition assay.
RESULTS: The ethanolic extracts derived from dried onion peel demonstrate inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, leading to reduced blood glucose levels. Additionally, this inhibition prompts an increase in insulin production.
CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores that the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of dried onion peel increases with concentration. It highlights the presence of beneficial compounds like total phenolics, flavonoids, quercetin, and its derivatives in onion peel, known for their therapeutic roles in cardiovascular health, weight management, diabetes control, cancer prevention, and antimicrobial activity. These findings affirm the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic properties of Allium cepa\'s ethanolic leaf extract.

Aim The study aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of ethanolic extracts from Clitoria ternatea and Camellia sinensis against pathogens causing UTI, wound pathogens, and other clinical bacterial infections and their cytotoxic effects using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). Methods Ethanolic extracts of C. ternatea and C. sinensis were prepared, and their antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis using the well diffusion method. The cytotoxicity was assessed through the BSLA, determining the LC50 values for each extract. Results The formulation of both plant extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity against UTI pathogens, and wound pathogen bacteria showed higher efficacy compared to other studies. The BSLA revealed a dose-dependent increase in toxicity, with C. ternatea extracts demonstrating higher cytotoxicity than C. sinensis. Conclusion The ethanolic extracts of C. ternatea and C. sinensis possess antibacterial properties against UTI-causing bacteria and show cytotoxic effects in a brine shrimp model. These findings suggest the potential of these plants for developing alternative treatments for UTI. However, further research is necessary to fully understand their safety and efficacy in human subjects.

Micromeria biflora (M.B) Benth has proven anti-inflammatory efficacy, thereby, the goal of the current investigation was to assess the anti-arthritic potential of M.B ethanolic extract and fractions as well as to investigate the likely mechanism of action. The effectiveness of M.B against acute arthritic manifestations was assessed using an arthritic model prompted by formaldehyde, whereas a chronic model was developed using an adjuvant called Complete Freund\'s in Sprague-Dawley rats. Weekly evaluations were conducted for parameters involving paw volume, body weight, and arthritic score; at the completion of the CFA model, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters as well as the level of various mediators (PGE2, IL-1β, TNFα, IL6, MMP2, 3, 9, VEGF, NF-ĸB, IL-10, and IL-4) were evaluated. The results demonstrated the plant\'s ability to treat arthritis by showing a significant decrease in paw volume, arthritic score, and histological characteristics. The levels of NF-ĸB, MMP2, 3, 9, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF were all significantly reduced after treatment with plant extract and fractions. Plant extract and its fractions substantially preserved body weight loss, oxidative stress markers and levels of IL-4 and 1L-10. PGE2 levels were also shown to be reduced in the treatment groups, supporting the M.B immunomodulatory ability. Hematological and biochemical indicators were also normalized after M.B administration. Outcomes of the study validated the anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory attributes of M.B probably through modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

Toxocara canis can produce the \"larva migrans\" syndrome in humans, and in puppies, it can cause severe digestive disorders. The most used treatments are based on anthelmintics, although there are reports of anthelmintic (AH) resistance. The Yucatan Peninsula has a great variety of plant species whose AH properties are still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro AH activity of ethanolic (EE), methanolic (ME) and aqueous (AE) extracts from the leaves of five native plant species of the Yucatan Peninsula on T. canis eggs of dogs from Merida, Yucatan. As part of a screening, the EE of the plants Alseis yucatanensis, Calea jamaicensis, Cameraria latifolia, Macrocepis diademata, and Parathesis cubana were evaluated at doses of 2400 and 3600 μg/ml. The EE and AE of A. yucatanensis and M. diademata presented high percentages (≥ 91.3%) of inhibition of the larval development of T. canis after six days of exposure. The lowest LC50 and LC99 was presented by the ME from A. yucatanensis (255.5 and 629.06 µg/ml, respectively) and the ME from M. diademata (222.4 and 636.5 µg/ml, respectively), and the AE from A. yucatanenesis (LC50 of 535.9 µg/ml). Chemical profiling of the most potent AH extract (Alseis yucatanensis) was carried out by LC-UV-HRMS. Data from the ME and AE from this plant indicated the presence of the known glucosylngoumiensine, kaempferol 3,7-diglucosyde, uvaol, linoleic acid and linolenic acid together with unknown alkaloids. The EE, ME and AE from leaves of M. diademata and A. yucatanensis could be developed as natural alternatives to control T. canis.

Background This study investigates Merremia emarginata\'s curative effectiveness against colon cancer cells. M. emarginata, often known as Elika jemudu, is a Convolvulaceae family plant. The inhibitory ability of anticancer herbal extracts against cancer cell growth and mediators is tested.  Aim This study aims to evaluate the potent anticancer activity of M. emarginata against colon cancer cell line (HT-29). Materials and methods M. emarginata leaves were gathered and processed using solvent extraction. Anticancer activity on colon cancer cells was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (caspase 3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) mRNA expressions. The data was reported as the mean ± SD of three separate experiments done in triplicate. The statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a p-value less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results The cell viability test showed a gradual decrease in cell growth and proliferation as the concentration increased. The ethanolic extract of M. emarginata was found to be cytotoxic against colon caller cell lines. The extract was able to induce apoptosis of cancer as revealed by Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and caspase-3 (p<0.05 and p<0.001) signaling pathways. Conclusion M. emarginata extracts showed good anticancer activity against colon cancer cell lines. Further work is required to establish and identify the chemical constituent responsible for its anticancer activity.