Environmental contamination by heavy metals like nickel (Ni) adversely affects plant growth by interfering with essential cellular processes. The present study examines nickel's cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on Pisum sativum L., an important leguminous crop. Germinating seeds of Pisum sativum were treated with varying concentrations of nickel chloride (75 ppm, 100 ppm, and 125 ppm). Root tips were subjected to cytological analysis using standard squash techniques to assess the mitotic index and chromosomal behaviour. Nickel treatment significantly reduced the mitotic index and induced a range of chromosomal abnormalities, including stickiness, bridges, laggards, and disturbed metaphases and anaphases. These effects were more pronounced at higher concentrations. The study demonstrates that nickel toxicity disrupts normal mitotic processes and induces chromosomal aberrations in Pisum sativum, suggesting potential risks to crop development and genetic stability in nickel-contaminated soils.
Diospyros mespiliformis, commonly known as African ebony, is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents, isolate bioactive compounds, and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanol leaf extract of Diospyros mespiliformis. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were employed to isolate and characterize a compound, identified as a triterpenoid mixture consisting of α-amyrin and β-amyrin. The antioxidant activity of the crude extract and the isolated compound was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The isolated compound exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 8.5 µg/mL, compared to the crude extract (IC50 = 10.5 µg/mL) and ascorbic acid (IC50 = 4.25 µg/mL). These findings suggest that Diospyros mespiliformis is a rich source of bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant properties, supporting its traditional use in managing oxidative stress-related diseases.
Oral fungal infections represent a significant global health concern, with Candida albicans being the predominant causative agent. Natural antimicrobial agents, particularly from traditional medicinal plants, offer promising alternatives to conventional antifungal therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Salvadora persica (miswak) extracts against selected pathogenic microorganisms. The chemical composition of S. persica stem extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity was assessed through agar well diffusion assays against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined using broth microdilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. GC-MS analysis revealed 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) as the major component (44.8%), followed by α-caryophyllene (12.37%), β-pinene (6.1%), and caryophyllene oxide (6.34%). The alcoholic extract demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous extract, with inhibition zones of 19±1.5 mm against E. coli, 15±1.2 mm against S. aureus, and 30±5.1 mm against C. albicans. MIC values ranged from 2.5-10 mg/mL depending on the organism and extract type. The alcoholic extract showed particularly strong antifungal activity against C. albicans (MIC = 2.5 mg/mL). Molecular docking studies showed strong binding affinities (≤-217.5 kJ/mol) between bioactive compounds and β-1,3-glucan. Clinical studies demonstrated significant reduction in microbial colonies, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (from 5±0.1 to 1±0.05), Candida albicans (from 23±2.1 to 12±1.3), and Enterococcus faecalis (from 33±3.2 to 22±1.6) after three weeks of miswak use. Salvadora persica extracts demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against C. albicans. These findings support the traditional use of miswak as an effective oral hygiene tool and suggest potential for developing standardized plant-based oral care products.
Globally incidences of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality are still increasing. Despite tremendous innovations in the development of many chemically developed anti-cancer drugs the unsatisfactory prognosis of the disease still remains a major challenge. The most widespread negative aspects of conventional cancer treatments are the formation of drug resistance eventually leading to the termination of chemotherapy. Moreover, most patients in developing countries are unable to afford the high cost of sophisticated target-specific therapies like stem cells and immunotherapy. Therefore, to supplement the present cancer therapy treatments, new and less costly therapeutic strategies need to be developed. The use of natural products in cancer management has gained significant attention due to their diverse mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced naturally by plants and have great potential in human health and disease. Natural Products have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative properties. Phytochemicals are highly beneficial in managing a variety of diseases, including cancer, immunological disorders, and cardiovascular disease. They reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), stop cancer from spreading, alter the immune system, and cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis or autophagy. Investigating natural products is an effective way to find compounds that are biologically active and have unique structures and modes of action. Natural products represent a rich source for the discovery and development of cancer preventive and anticancer drugs. This comprehensive review explores the role of natural products in various aspects of cancer management and the development of anticancer drugs.
Medicinal and aromatic plants are now gaining popularity with growing demand for natural products in the herbal, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and health care industries. The genus Angelica is reputed for its medicinal and aromatic species, which have been used in folklore remedies for treating various ailments. A. glauca is an important member of the Apiaceae family. It is found in the western Himalayas and is popular as a spice or flavoured agent. People of many indigenous communities and local people have been using this plant for edible purposes and the cure of a variety of ailments such as indigestion, constipation, vomiting, cold, fever, headaches, low appetite, postpartum fatigue, etc. Many phytochemicals are present in A. glauca, which shows different pharmacological activities. The roots of this herb are important commercially because of their rich essential oil content and medicinal properties. Indigenous people use these plants traditionally to prepare different decoctions and oils to treat various ailments. Some of their products can nowadays also be found in the markets. Accordingly, the major purpose of this study is to investigate the commercial market products of Angelica species and their therapeutic effects.
