Natural Bioactives

Background: Probiotics and their products are increasingly used in skincare in recent years. Postbiotics are defined as any substance derived through the metabolic activity of a probiotic microorganism, which exerts a direct or indirect beneficial effect on the host. The extracellular metabolites of probiotic bacteria have antimicrobial activities, protect against acne, and improve skin condition. We studied skin protective activities of the extracellular metabolite (LactoSporin) of a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 in vitro. Methods: LactoSporin was evaluated for antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging activity and reactive oxygen quenching activity in human dermal fibroblast cells. Protection of fibroblasts from UV-induced apoptosis and cell death was studied by flow cytometry and neutral red uptake assays. Enzyme inhibition assays were carried out for collagenase, Elastase, and Hyaluronidase. Gene expression studies were carried out using polymerase c...

In the present study, aqueous extracts from eight Chlorella strains were evaluated towards selected cosmeceutical properties such as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, glutathione content, inhibition potency towards skin regulatory enzymes, and cytotoxic effect on human cell lines. The results showed that the Chlorella strains display wide catalytic diversity with different strains exhibiting quite varied antioxidant enzymatic activities. The enzymes glutathione reductase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were found in all strains, whereas only Chlorella minutissima displays glutathione transferase activity. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurements, using the FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays, indicated significant differences among strains suggesting a large chemical diversity of antioxidants in Chlorella species. Chlorella minutissima extract showed high inhibitory potency with IC 50 23.3 ± 2.5 and 29.2±2.7 μg towards tyrosinase and elastase, respectively, suggesting a potential activity in controlling skin aging, inflammatory process, and pigmentation. Furthermore, the effect of C. minutissima extract on a human hepatoma cell line (Huh-7) was evaluated using cell proliferation assay and qRT-PCR to analyze the expression of marker genes (SOD1, GPx1, GPx2) involved in oxidative stress response. The results established the absence of cytotoxic effects of the aqueous extracts. SOD1, GPx1, and GPx4 expression levels showed a specific profile and appear to be slightly upregulated, downregulated, and remained unaffected, respectively. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Chlorella species can provide promising extracts rich in antioxidants, antiaging, and skin-whitening ingredients with the potential for use as raw material in cosmetics industry.

Objective: At low concentrations copper is an essential micronutrient for algal growth wherein it plays a vital role as an enzyme cofactor for photosynthetic processes but at high concentrations it functions as a toxic heavy metal. Copper exposure to microalga increases the activity of antioxidative enzymes-catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase along with the induction of chlorosis at higher concentrations. The objective of the present study is to determine the effect of suboptimal concentration of copper on the generation time as well as the antioxidant potential of a novel strain-Chlorella emersonii KJ725233. Methods: The growth of the microalga at the different copper concentrations was monitored by measuring the absorbance at 684 nm. Once the suboptimum copper concentration for the growth of the microalga was determined, the methanolic extracts were evaluated for Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Contents as well as the antioxidant potential by employing standard methods such as phospho-molybdenum method for Total Antioxidant Capacity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential. Results: Results indicated that 0.1 µmol of copper stimulated the growth of Chlorella emersonii KJ725233, which was evident from the reduced generation time of the microalga as compared to that of the control and other copper concentrations. The study also proved a 45.69% increase in the antioxidant activity of the microalga on exposure to 0.1 µmol of copper. Conclusion: The present study indicated copper at 0.1 µmol concentration not only acts as a micronutrient but also levies stress resulting in increased antioxidant activity of this novel isolate Chlorella emersonii KJ725233.

A new analytical approach and validation study were developed to assess the quantity of ximenynic acid (XMA) in Santalum album Linn. extract. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in reverse phase is the technique that is used in this procedure. The anti-aging properties of the medicine were tested using enzymes that inhibit hyaluronidase and elastase, respectively, in order to gather information and findings. Methanol and water were used as the mobile phase for the analysis, which was carried out using a ZORBAX SB-C18 column with a size 5 µ (4.6 x 250 mm) column size. During the course of this HPLC method validation, a number of different tests that were pertinent to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness were carried out. The technique was tested to see whether or not it would be able to fulfill the prerequisites set out by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Research conducted on anti-aging found that XMA was much more efficient than catechin at decreasing the activities of elastase and hyaluronidase. Because of its use, speed and reliability, the HPLC method that was described has the potential to be effectively utilized in industry for the standardization of herbs and phytomedicines. Because XMA has the potential to be a breakthrough anti-aging treatment, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries may benefit from its development.

A new analytical approach and validation study were developed to assess the quantity of ximenynic acid (XMA) in Santalum album Linn. extract. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in reverse phase is the technique that is used in this procedure. The anti-aging properties of the medicine were tested using enzymes that inhibit hyaluronidase and elastase, respectively, in order to gather information and findings. Methanol and water were used as the mobile phase for the analysis, which was carried out using a ZORBAX SB-C18 column with a size 5 µ (4.6 x 250 mm) column size. During the course of this HPLC method validation, a number of different tests that were pertinent to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness were carried out. The technique was tested to see whether or not it would be able to fulfill the prerequisites set out by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Research conducted on anti-aging found that XMA was much more efficient than c...

A new analytical approach and validation study were developed to assess the quantity of ximenynic acid (XMA) in Santalum album Linn. extract. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in reverse phase is the technique that is used in this procedure. The anti-aging properties of the medicine were tested using enzymes that inhibit hyaluronidase and elastase, respectively, in order to gather information and findings. Methanol and water were used as the mobile phase for the analysis, which was carried out using a ZORBAX SB-C18 column with a size 5 µ (4.6 x 250 mm) column size. During the course of this HPLC method validation, a number of different tests that were pertinent to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness were carried out. The technique was tested to see whether or not it would be able to fulfill the prerequisites set out by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Research conducted on anti-aging found that XMA was much more efficient than c...

Objective: Gamma radiation induces free radicals with a corresponding alteration in the cell's antioxidant defense system. The present study thus aimed at determining the role of gamma irradiation in improving the cosmeceutical potential of CEK in terms of antioxidants. Methods: C. emersonii KJ725233 (CEK) was subjected to low (100 Gy) and high (1000 Gy) doses of gamma irradiation. The effect of such gamma radiation doses on the chlorophyll content was evaluated. The quantitative alterations in the antioxidant content of CEK were evaluated by phosphomolybdenum assay (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2, 2-Dipheny-1-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH), total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Also, the corresponding qualitative alterations in the bioactives of CEK were determined by GC-HRMS analysis. Results: A 179.57±2.55% increase in the total chlorophyll content along with a 71.76±2.96%, 32.08±2.16%, 11.67±0.89%, 42.85±8.0% and 31.37±3.18% increase was observed in the TAC, FRAP, DPPH radical scavenging, TPC and TFC respectively in CEK irradiated at 1000 Gy. GC-HRMS analysis revealed the induction of Vitamin E on irradiation at both the doses with a corresponding decrease in the phytol content, whereas 100 Gy stimulated the induction of phytosterols. Conclusion: The potent intrinsic antioxidant activity of cosmeceuticals significant CEK can be elevated with the induction of the most sought after antioxidant in cosmetology-Vitamin E as a response to irradiation.

The objective of this article is to review the phytochemicals that serve as anti-aging materials by developing in vitro activity screening test methods. The method used is a literature study from national and international journals, including the original article, research article, etc., with a total of over 40 journals. Secondary metabolite compounds from natural ingredients such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes have antioxidant activity and have the potential to be anti-aging substances for the skin. The initial stage of searching for natural ingredients that have anti-aging activity can be done by developing in vitro activity screening test methods, such as inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase enzymes. This enzyme plays an important role as one of the causes of premature aging of the skin. From the literature search, it was found that many plant extracts to active compounds and cosmetic preparations from the extracts can inhibit these enzymes. The group of compounds that are known to have acted as enzyme inhibitors is polyphenolic compounds, especially those with multimer properties, flavonoids, especially those with ortho-OH groups, triterpenes (especially pentacyclic), essential oils, and others. This shows that natural ingredients are one source of potential compounds as raw materials in the formulation of anti-aging cosmetic preparations.

Mushrooms are incredibly valuable macro fungi that are an important and integral part of the ecosystem. In addition to being used as cuisine, mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. This research applied a process for recovering β-glucan (BG) from the antler-type fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum as well as tested the biological activities related to cosmeceutical applications. The characterization of complex structure was performed by fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (MNR) spectroscopies. The obtained extract contained 40.57% BG and 7.47% protein, with the detectable bioactivities of anti-tyrosinase and antioxidation. Consequently, it showed the activity that can be used to whiten the skin by reducing or inhibiting the process of skin pigmentation. The BG also showed moderate activities of anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase. The test by the HET-CAM confirmed no skin irritation of the complex extract. ...

Most in vitro efficacy studies of creams are based on estimation of active constituents as solubility is the limiting factor. Our aim was to establish a method for efficacy testing of both anti-elastase and antioxidant activity in final formulations and to compare the same with the activity of the active ingredients to ascertain whether the native activity remains unaffected, enhanced or is compromised in any way. The actives evaluated in the antiaging formulations included the crude extracts of Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia chebula, either alone or in combination on the activity of porcine pancreatic elastase and to reduce 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results showed that the T. arjuna formulation had higher inhibitory activity of elastase (IC50 6.6 mg/ml) while T. chebula formulation depicted better antioxidant activity (IC50 0.032 mg/ml). The combination cream had excellent antielastase (IC50 2.8 mg/ml) and antioxidant properties (IC50 0.14 mg/ml). Further the cyt...

The objective of this article is to review the phytochemicals that serve as anti-aging materials by developing in vitro activity screening test methods. The method used is a literature study from national and international journals, including the original article, research article, etc., with a total of over 40 journals. Secondary metabolite compounds from natural ingredients such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes have antioxidant activity and have the potential to be anti-aging substances for the skin. The initial stage of searching for natural ingredients that have anti-aging activity can be done by developing in vitro activity screening test methods, such as inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase enzymes. This enzyme plays an important role as one of the causes of premature aging of the skin. From the literature search, it was found that many plant extracts to active compounds and cosmetic preparations from the extracts can inhibit th...

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Β-carotene, flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in methanol extracts of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit have high antioxidant activity so that they can be used for antiaging. The concentration of solvent is a factor that will affect the levels of active ingredients in methanol extract. This study aims to determine the effect of the concentration of the methanol solvent derived from the extraction of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit on the inhibitory activity of the elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Knowing the best extracts of methanol 50, 70, and 96% of Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) and papaya fruit (Carica papaya) as antiaging agents through inhibition of elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes. METHODOLOGY: In this study variations in the concentration of methanol 50%, 70%, and 96% were used for the extraction of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit. The extract was obtained by maceration method which was then tested for the inhibition of t...

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Β-carotene, flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in methanol extracts of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit have high antioxidant activity so that they can be used for antiaging. The concentration of solvent is a factor that will affect the levels of active ingredients in methanol extract. This study aims to determine the effect of the concentration of the methanol solvent derived from the extraction of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit on the inhibitory activity of the elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Knowing the best extracts of methanol 50, 70, and 96% of Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) and papaya fruit (Carica papaya) as antiaging agents through inhibition of elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes. METHODOLOGY: In this study variations in the concentration of methanol 50%, 70%, and 96% were used for the extraction of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit. The extract was obtained by maceration method which was then tested for the inhibition of t...

Helminth infection is regarded as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although the disease is common in rural areas, information on the pharmacology of South African medicinal plants used against this disease is limited. We investigated the efficacy of ten South African medicinal plants against Caenorhabditis elegans. Because of the increased susceptibility of a host to microbial infections and other inflammatory responses associated with helminth infections, the antimicrobial and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activities of the plants were also investigated. Phenolics including flavonoids, condensed tannins and gallotannins have been linked to many pharmacological activities. Thus, the phenolic content of the plant extracts were quantitatively evaluated. In the three bioassays, organic solvent extracts from Cyathea dregei (roots and leaves), Felicia erigeroides (leaves and stems), Hypoxis colchicifolia (leaves) and Senna petersiana (leaves) exhibited noteworthy pharmacological activities while Acokanthera oppositifolia (leaves) had good COX inhibitory activity. The concentration of phenolics ranged from 56.7 to 1.7 mg GAE/g dry matter in Ocimum basilicum and Cotyledon orbiculata var. dactylopsis, respectively. Flavonoids, condensed tannin and gallotannin content also varied greatly among the plant extracts investigated.

Skin aging is a natural phenomenon witnessed by humans. However various intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to early skin aging. There have been a variety of approaches to combat skin aging one approach uses antioxidants that are known to fight oxidative stress as well as combat problems of aging. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-skin aging properties of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from fresh water microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) are evaluated. Sulfated polysaccharides were isolated by hot water extraction method and purified by anion-exchange chromatography. The biochemical composition of the extract showed carbohydrate content of 785.07 mg/g, 324.26 mg/g of sulphate and 393.32 mg/g of uronic acid. These extracts which are enriched with SPs were further used for checking antioxidant and anti-skin aging properties. Cr-SPs showed Superoxide anion scavenging activity of 38-92% at 0.1-2 mg/mL, 51-89% of nitric oxide scavenging ability at 0.2-2 mg/mL, 10-58% of hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability at 1-10 mg/mL, and 28-68% of ferric ion reducing potential at 0.5-5 mg/mL respectively. Furthermore, Cr-SPs showed 90% anti-elastase enzyme activity at 1 mg/mL, 83% and 89% anti-collagenase and antihyaluronidase activities at 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. These promising antioxidant and antiskin aging properties of Cr-SPs pave way to explore the potential of Cr-SPs in cosmeceutic and pharmaceutical formulations as anti-skin aging agents in a cost-effective manner.

The RFS extract solution and pancreatic elastase (PPE) were mixed in Trizma®-HCl buffer (pH 8.0), then pre-incubated at 25 o C for 5 min. Substrate N-Succinyl-Ala-Ala-Ala-p-nitroanilide (SANA) was added to the mixture and incubated at 25 o C for 20 min in 96-well microplate (Nunc). The optical density due to the formation of p-nitroaniline was ABSTRACT Introduction: Some Rubus were reported had anti-skin aging activity. Rubus fraxinifolius was one of Rubus genus which lives in Indonesian highland. Objective: This study was to examine elastase, tyrosinase, and oxidant inhibitory activity of R. fraxinifolius stem (RFS) extract. Methods: Extraction was done by a Soxhlet apparatus using methanol as solvent. Elastase inhibition activity was determined, which based on the formation of p-nitroaniline. Tyrosinase inhibition activity evaluated based on inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase by the sample with L-DOPA as substrate. The activity of antioxidant was determined using the DPPH radical scavenger method. LC-MS was used for prediction of naturally occurring phytochemicals. Results: The RFS extract yield was 9.03 %. The RFS extract revealed inhibition activity against elastase and tyrosinase with IC 50 128.85 ppm, and 155.19 ppm, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity gave IC 50 63.04 ppm. Total phenolic content of the extract was 387.99+3.21 mg GAE/g extract. The LC-MS analysis showed the presence of at least 13 different organic compounds in RFS extract, which might contribute to the bioactivity. Conclusion: Therefore, this experiment further proved that RFS extract might be useful as a natural product ingredient of anti-photoaging skincare products because of its ability to inhibit elastase, tyrosinase, and as an antioxidant.

Skin aging is a natural phenomenon witnessed by humans. However various intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to early skin aging. There have been a variety of approaches to combat skin aging one approach uses antioxidants that are known to fight oxidative stress as well as combat problems of aging. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-skin aging properties of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from fresh water microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) are evaluated. Sulfated polysaccharides were isolated by hot water extraction method and purified by anion-exchange chromatography. The biochemical composition of the extract showed carbohydrate content of 785.07 mg/g, 324.26 mg/g of sulphate and 393.32 mg/g of uronic acid. These extracts which are enriched with SPs were further used for checking antioxidant and anti-skin aging properties. Cr-SPs showed Superoxide anion scavenging activity of 38-92% at 0.1-2 mg/mL, 51-89% of nitric oxide scavenging ability at 0.2-2 mg/mL, 10-58% of hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability at 1-10 mg/mL, and 28-68% of ferric ion reducing potential at 0.5-5 mg/mL respectively. Furthermore, Cr-SPs showed 90% anti-elastase enzyme activity at 1 mg/mL, 83% and 89% anti-collagenase and antihyaluronidase activities at 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. These promising antioxidant and antiskin aging properties of Cr-SPs pave way to explore the potential of Cr-SPs in cosmeceutic and pharmaceutical formulations as anti-skin aging agents in a cost-effective manner.

The declining ability of tissues to repair or replace themselves and maintain their structure and normal function is called aging. Aging is caused by free radical that can induce the activation of elastase and collagenase. Ageratum conyzoides (L.) or known as Babadotan is a medicinal plant that has been reported to be a good source of antioxidants that also inhibit aging process. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the antioxidant and antiaging properties of Babadotan Ethanolic Extract (BEE). Franswoth method was used to determine the phytochemical assay of BEE. Measurement of 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenger was used for antioxidant assay, and inhibitory of elastase and collagenase activities was used for antiaging assay. The analysis of phytochemical compounds exhibited the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, steroids and triterpenoids, monoterpenoids and terpenoids, and the absence of saponin. BEE has lower activity on DPPH scavenging activity (IC 50 = 80.7 µg/mL) than quercetin (IC 50 = 3.25 µg/mL). BEE exhibited lower elastase and collagenase inhibitory activity (IC 50 = 45.35 ± 2.2 µg/mL and 55.07 ± 1.1 µg/mL, respectively) compared to quercetin (IC 50 = 11.64 ± 0.67 µg/mL and 19.91 ± 0.46 µg/mL). Overall, BEE possesses antioxidant and antiaging activities, although the activities are lower than quercetin.

Most in vitro efficacy studies of creams are based on estimation of active constituents as solubility is the limiting factor. Our aim was to establish a method for efficacy testing of both anti-elastase and antioxidant activity in final formulations and to compare the same with the activity of the active ingredients to ascertain whether the native activity remains unaffected, enhanced or is compromised in any way. The actives evaluated in the antiaging formulations included the crude extracts of Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia chebula, either alone or in combination on the activity of porcine pancreatic elastase and to reduce 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results showed that the T. arjuna formulation had higher inhibitory activity of elastase (IC50 6.6 mg/ml) while T. chebula formulation depicted better antioxidant activity (IC50 0.032 mg/ml). The combination cream had excellent antielastase (IC50 2.8 mg/ml) and antioxidant properties (IC50 0.14 mg/ml). Further the cyt...

Skin aging is a natural phenomenon witnessed by humans. However various intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to early skin aging. There have been a variety of approaches to combat skin aging one approach uses antioxidants that are known to fight oxidative stress as well as combat problems of aging. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-skin aging properties of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from fresh water microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) are evaluated. Sulfated polysaccharides were isolated by hot water extraction method and purified by anion-exchange chromatography. The biochemical composition of the extract showed carbohydrate content of 785.07 mg/g, 324.26 mg/g of sulphate and 393.32 mg/g of uronic acid. These extracts which are enriched with SPs were further used for checking antioxidant and anti-skin aging properties. Cr-SPs showed Superoxide anion scavenging activity of 38-92% at 0.1-2 mg/mL, 51-89% of nitric oxide scavenging ability at 0.2-2 mg/mL, 10-58% of hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability at 1-10 mg/mL, and 28-68% of ferric ion reducing potential at 0.5-5 mg/mL respectively. Furthermore, Cr-SPs showed 90% anti-elastase enzyme activity at 1 mg/mL, 83% and 89% anti-collagenase and antihyaluronidase activities at 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. These promising antioxidant and antiskin aging properties of Cr-SPs pave way to explore the potential of Cr-SPs in cosmeceutic and pharmaceutical formulations as anti-skin aging agents in a cost-effective manner.

A rich diversity of medicinal plants is found in Southern Africa and approximately 80% of the population still relies on medicinal plants to fulfil its primary health care needs. Many of these medicinal plants are used to treat ailments such as burns, sores, urinary tract infections, colds, flu, rheumatism, gout, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An example of such a plant is Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Fisch & CA Mey), formerly known as Hypoxis rooperi and popularly known as the African potato, from the Hypoxidaceae family. This plant is found across five of the South African provinces and corm extracts are reported to contain bioactive compounds that account for the plant’s medicinal and therapeutic properties. This study was conducted to investigate the anti-oesophageal cancer and antimicrobial potential of H. hemerocallidea. In cancer patients, the currently used cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and ...

Aim: Rhizophora apiculata pyroligneous acid is a crude condensate produced from the distillation of smoke generated in the process of charcoal making has the potential to be used as antibacterial agent to treat bacterial infections. In this study, pyroligneous acid (PA), concentrated pyroligneous acid (CPA), Dichloromethane extract of CPA namely DCM A and B were tested against eight Gram positive and eight Gram negative pathogenic bacteria. Methodology and Results: The antimicrobial activities were studied by using disc diffusion method and broth dilution method. The effect of the extract on the growth profile of the bacteria was examined via time-kill assay. Moreover, microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done to determine the major alterations of Bacillus subtilis cells after treated with extract. The results exhibited significant inhibition zones within the range of 13.0-19.0 mm for PA, 19.0-23.0 mm for CPA, 15.0-17.0 mm for DCM A and 14.0-16.0 mm for DCM B. The results also revealed that extract DCM B of CPA was the most potential to be used as antibacterial agent with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 1.56-3.12 mg/mL. Scanning electron micrographs of DCM B treated Bacillus subtilis confirmed the damaged cells caused by the extract. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Data from this investigation revealed that Rhizophora apiculata pyroligneous acid may be a broad antimicrobial agent against pathogenic bacteria.

The DEK proto-oncogene has been associated with human carcinogenesis-either as a fusion with the CAN nucleoporin protein or when transcriptionally upregulated. DEK is frequently upregulated in aggressive human tumors such as glioblastoma, melanoma and bladder carcinoma. A molecular docking of nine plants derived bioactive compounds with the oncoprotein DEK was performed using ArgusLab 4.0.1 and the differences in their binding modes were investigated. QSAR toxicity analysis has been performed for a series of plant derived nine bioactive compounds using FAF Drugs ADME/tox filtering server. Considering the molecular properties of the ligands, higher inhibitory activity is associated with reduced molecular flexibility, as measured by lower polar surface area (TPSA), LogP, lower hydrogen bond counts, confirming the capability of the bioactive compounds for binding at the active site of the receptor.

Consumers pay more and more attention not just to the safety and health aspects of ingredients entering their cosmetics' formulations, but also to their potency, origin, processing, ethical value and environmental footprint. Sustainability of the supply chain, preservation of biodiversity, as well as greener extraction techniques are hence very popular with consumers. Consumers are primarily concerned by the efficacy of the cosmetic products they use and continuously scrutinize product labels, so marketing arguments need to be based on rigorous testing and reliable results to support claims (anti-age, anti-pollution, etc.) displayed on the product's packaging. As a result, the increasing demand for natural ingredients with assessed bioactivities has profoundly modified the strategies adopted by cosmetic professionals to innovate in terms of actives. Sourcing and developing new natural cosmetic actives is a long-term procedure that is thoroughly described in the present paper, via the example of the design of both liquid and solid ingredients based on Quercus pubescens Willd. leaves extract, for which anti-age properties were assessed by a combination of in vitro assays.

Adonidia merrilli (Becc.) Becc. and Archontophoenix tuckeri are palms primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes due to their exotic appearance. A number of ornamental palms have been used in traditional medicine and scientifically explored to ascertain their medicinal value. Methanol extracts of A. merrilii and A. tuckeri pericarps were screened for phytochemicals, and tested for cytotoxicity against various human carcinoma cell lines, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity using standard protocols. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, deoxy sugars, cardiac glycosides and saponins. Total phenolics, flavonoids and tannin content were 52.05, 20.68, 2.58 mg/g and 40.58, 32.73, 3.09 mg/g for A. merrilli and A. tuckeri respectively. A. merrilli and A. tuckeri extracts demonstrated notable anti-proliferative activity against cervical (HeLa), lung (H460), breast (MCF-7) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells at 30 µg/mL; A. merilli (52.90-66.51% kill;

Background: Probiotics and their products are increasingly used in skincare in recent years. Postbiotics are defined as any substance derived through the metabolic activity of a probiotic microorganism, which exerts a direct or indirect beneficial effect on the host. The extracellular metabolites of probiotic bacteria have antimicrobial activities, protect against acne, and improve skin condition. We studied skin protective activities of the extracellular metabolite (LactoSporin) of a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 in vitro. Methods: LactoSporin was evaluated for antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging activity and reactive oxygen quenching activity in human dermal fibroblast cells. Protection of fibroblasts from UV-induced apoptosis and cell death was studied by flow cytometry and neutral red uptake assays. Enzyme inhibition assays were carried out for collagenase, Elastase, and Hyaluronidase. Gene expression studies were carried out using polymerase c...

In Boran 2018, the mechanism of aging and its possibly treatment was introduced. It is known that the extracellular matrix (ECM) is the most prominent component of the skin, which supports its structure and flexibility (Boran 2018). The ECM is consist of different kinds of proteins and chemicals. Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are all primary components of skin matrix. In healthy skin, the skin cells can maintain a balance between synthesis and degradation of them. Therefore, breakdown and disorganization of collagen,

Micro Algae are rich sources of biologically active metabolites. Pharmaceutical industries nowadays are focusing on isolation and extraction of primary and secondary metabolites of medicinal importance produced by these organisms. The present investigation is to evaluate phenolic and flavonoid content in methanolic extracts of freshwater algal biomass isolated from Unkal Lake, Dharwad district, Karnataka, India, followed by evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities. Determination of total phenol and flavonoid content was followed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals scavenging, phosphomolybdate and reducing power assay for evaluating antioxidant potency. Among two microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris AS-13 had efficiently high amount of total phenol and flavonoid content. At 1000 µg/ml concentration of extract, Chlorella vulgaris AS-13 and Chlorella pyrenoidosa AS-6 exhibited 105 and 88 % diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity and 78 and 61% total antioxidant potency respectively. The cytotoxicity of Methanol extract of Chlorella vulgaris AS-13 showed 50% inhibition (IC50) of cells with 92 µg/ml after 72 hours period incubation for MCF7 when compared to HepG2 cell lines. Whereas there was a positive effect of methanolic extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa AS-6 on MCF7 at 72 hour period of with 87 µg/mL. Thus, both of the microalgae in dietary supplements will be effective mediators in scavenging free radicals and act as antiapoptotic peptides for tumor cells.

Cancer accounts for 12% of the death worldwide. Most of the existing treatments for cancer have not revealed much successful results. Therefore, there is a requirement for a novel therapeutic approach. Cucurbitacins and ellagic acid are the two utmost important compounds present in Elaeocarpus ganitrus. Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids and it is found to exhibit anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective properties. Ellagic acid is found to be a polyphenol compound and it exhibits anticarcinogenic, antioxidant and antifibrosis properties. Present study, focuses on the inhibitory potential of cucurbitacins and ellagic acid against various cancers by computer aided virtual screening. 19 receptors were selected based on the literature study, depending on its functionality in various cancers. iGEMDOCK was used to carry out molecular docking and to study the interactions between cucurbitacins and ellagic acid against the selected target receptors. The docking studies revealed the anticancer properties of the ligands through the effective interaction pattern with cancer receptors. All the three ligands cucurbitacin D, cucurbitacin F and ellagic acid showed the best interaction with nitric acid synthase (NOS2) receptor with binding energy -153.27 kcal/mol, -154.09 kcal/mol and -134.22 kcal/mol respectively. This study would promote the development of novel drug candidates against various types of cancer when present therapies are not found to be very helpful.

Background: Microalgae due to an array of its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory bioactives have been changing the cosmeceutical market. One such bioactive power pack is Chlorella emersonii KJ725233, a novel, non-fastidious freshwater microalga with an inherently higher anti-oxidant potential. Objective: The present study evaluates its potential use as a cosmeceutical ingredient with arrays of biochemical assays, toxicity studies and GC-HRMS profiling. Materials and Methods: In vitro protein-ase inhibition activity of the methanolic extract of C.emersonii KJ725233 was evaluated using SAAANA, sodium hyaluronate and bovine collagen as substrates respectively. The radical scavenging potential was determined by DPPH assay and was correlated to the total flavonoid content evaluated by aluminium trichloride method. The bioactive composition was evaluated by GC – HRMS analysis. Eye irritation potential and sulforhodamine B assay were carried out using 3T3 fibroblasts cells to ascertain its non-toxic nature. Results: The methanolic extract of C.emersonii KJ725233 exhibited a potent elastase inhibition of 92.04±2.27% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. This was qualitatively established by the presence of phytol, its

Protea simplex bark is used traditionally for the treatment of gastro-intestinal problems in South Africa. Bark and leaf petro-leum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), 70% ethanol (EtOH) and water extracts of P. simplex were tested using microdilution assays against Gram–positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococ-cus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria as well as Candida albicans. Anti-in-flammatory activity of the extracts was also determined against cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and -2) enzymes. A com-parative phytochemical test for the presence or quantity of some plant secondary metabolites was also carried out. The PE and DCM leaf extracts showed broad spectrum antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging between 0.098 and 0.585 mg/ml against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria com-pared with weak and selective antibacterial activity which was showed by bark extracts against Gram-positive bacteria. Leaf PE and DCM extracts exhibited good anti-candidal activity with MIC and MFC values of 0.014 and 0.390 mg/ml while poor anti-candidal activity was shown by all bark extracts. COX-1 and -2 percentage inhibition of 74.4% and 56.9% was exhibited by the leaf PE extract at a concentration of 62.5 mg/ml. No COX inhibition was exhibited by bark extracts at the same concentration. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the leaves tested negatively to saponins while the bark tested positively to saponins, and contained larger amounts of condensed tannins and phenolic compounds than the leaves. These results suggest that the bioactivity exhibited by P. simplex leaves could prob-ably be due to certain bioactive principle(s) that are contained in the leaves. We encourage further investigation of the active principles in question.

Petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethanol (70%) and water extracts of 12 South African plants were screened using microdilution assays against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans. No antimicrobial activity was observed in water extracts. The ethanol extracts of Becium obovatum leaves showed the best antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 0.074 mg/ml against B. subtilis. The petroleum ether extract of leaves of Cucumis hirsutus, Haworthia limifolia and Protea simplex showed good antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging between 0.098 and 0.780 mg/ml against all the test bacteria. The petroleum ether extract of P. simplex leaves showed the best anti-candidal activity with a minimum fungicidal concentration value of 0.014 mg/ml. The ethanol extracts of Agapanthus campanulatus (leaves and root), Dissotis princeps and Gladiolus dalenii as well as the dichloromethane extract of P. simplex leaves showed good anti-candidal activity with minimum fungicidal concentration values ranging between 0.037 and 0.39 mg/ml. Mutagenicity tests conducted on extracts that showed good antimicrobial activity suggest the plants are probably safe for consumption. The results obtained in this study show that some of the traditional plants may indeed be effective for the treatment of ailments related to gastro-intestinal disorders that may be due to the test pathogens.

Helminth infection is regarded as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although the disease is common in rural areas, information on the pharmacology of South African medicinal plants used against this disease is limited. We investigated the efficacy of ten South African medicinal plants against Caenorhabditis elegans. Because of the increased susceptibility of a host to microbial infections and other inflammatory responses associated with helminth infections, the antimicrobial and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activities of the plants were also investigated. Phenolics including flavonoids, condensed tannins and gallotannins have been linked to many pharmacological activities. Thus, the phenolic content of the plant extracts were quantitatively evaluated. In the three bioassays, organic solvent extracts from Cyathea dregei (roots and leaves), Felicia erigeroides (leaves and stems), Hypoxis colchicifolia (leaves) and Senna petersiana (leaves) exhibited noteworthy pharmacological activities while Acokanthera oppositifolia (leaves) had good COX inhibitory activity. The concentration of phenolics ranged from 56.7 to 1.7 mg GAE/g dry matter in Ocimum basilicum and Cotyledon orbiculata var. dactylopsis, respectively. Flavonoids, condensed tannin and gallotannin content also varied greatly among the plant extracts investigated.

Epigenetic events are due to altered gene expression without any changes in the genetic
material and characteristic of heritability via cell division. The impact of epigenetic
control over cancer is one among the thrust area of research in cancer biology. The
present study deals about the virtual screening of plant derived natural bioactives directed
against the key molecular regulators of the epigenetic events viz. DNA methyltransferases
(DNMT1, DNMT2 and DNMT3B), Histone acetyltransferase (HAT), Histone
deacetylase 8 (HDAC8), Histone H3 lysine 27 methyl transferase (H3K27MT) and
Histone H3 specific lysine 4 demethylase (H3K4DM). This computational screening
identified the most efficient binders with respect to individual targets in terms of ligand
binding energy. We hope that structure optimization of the best scored docked
conformations will reveal new insights and development of natural bioactives to combat
cancer.
Keywords: Epigenetics, Virtual screening, Natural bioactives, Ligand binding energy