Search Results (2)

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD), a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, continues to challenge modern medicine. Bombyx mori (Abresham), a traditional ingredient in Unani medicine, has shown promise in cardiovascular health, but its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: To explore the therapeutic potential of Bombyx mori for IHD, an integrative molecular simulation approach was applied. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the most favorable target receptor for the disease. Molecular docking simulations evaluated the binding affinities of chemical and protein-based compounds from Bombyx mori to the selected receptor. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions under physiological conditions. Pharmacophore modeling identified key structural features critical for bioactivity, while in silico toxicity assessments evaluated the safety profiles of the compounds. Results: Key bioactive compounds from Bombyx mori, including Menaquinone-7, Quercetin, and Behenic acid, showed strong interactions with the target receptor, ACE2. The MD-based MM/PBSA calculations revealed the binding free energy values of Menaquinone-7 (−35.12 kcal/mol), Quercetin (−29.38 kcal/mol), and Behenic acid (−27.76 kcal/mol), confirming their strong binding affinity. Protein-based compounds, such as Chorion class high-cysteine HCB protein 13 (−212.43 kcal/mol), Bombyxin A-5 (−209.36 kcal/mol), and FMRFamide-related peptides (−198.93 kcal/mol), also displayed promising binding affinities. In silico toxicity assessments revealed favorable safety profiles for most compounds. Conclusions: This study positions Bombyx mori as a promising source of therapeutic agents for IHD. Future work should focus on experimental validation of these computational findings through in vitro and in vivo studies. Full article

Wound healing is a multifaceted process necessitating the collaboration of numerous elements to mend damaged tissue. Plant and animal-derived natural compounds have been utilized for wound treatment over the centuries, with many scientific investigations examining these compounds. Those with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties are particularly noteworthy, as they target various wound-healing stages to expedite recovery. Thymoquinone, derived from Nigella sativa (N. sativa)—a medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, and Greco-Arabic and Islamic medicine—has demonstrated a range of therapeutic properties. Thymoquinone exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities, positioning it as a potential remedy for skin pathologies. This review examines recent research on how thymoquinone accelerates wound healing and the mechanisms behind its effectiveness. We carried out a comprehensive review of literature and electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus. Our aim was to gather relevant papers published between 2015 and August 2023. The main criteria for inclusion were that the articles had to be peer reviewed, original, written in English, and discuss the wound-healing parameters of thymoquinone in wound repair. Our review focused on the effects of thymoquinone on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing. We also examined the role of cytokines, signal transduction cascades, and clinical trials. We found sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of thymoquinone in promoting wound healing. However, there is no consensus on the most effective concentrations of these substances. It is therefore essential to determine the optimal treatment doses and the best route of administration. Further research is also needed to investigate potential side effects and the performance of thymoquinone in clinical trials. Full article