Search Results (18)

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important oilseeds crops worldwide. Through symbiosis with the bacterium Bradyrhizobium sp., peanuts can assimilate atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. However, this nitrogen fixation process is highly sensitive to environmental factors that can inhibit the early stages of symbiotic interaction. In this study, we propose the encapsulation of Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 and the flavonoid naringin (Nar) in alginate beads to improve flavonoid stability and promote nodulation kinetics in peanuts. Three types of beads were synthesized: A (control, SEMIA6144 only); B (SEMIA6144 induced with 10 µM Nar); and C (SEMIA6144 co-entrapped with 1 mM Nar). Although Nar increased cell mortality (2-fold compared to control) and reduced metabolic activity—particularly at 1 mM—cells in beads B and C responded by altering their membrane fatty acid profile (30% and 55.5% of 18:1, respectively) leading to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (5.8% and 13.1% for 16:0 and 18:0 in B; 11.8% and 21.2% in C). Bacterial release kinetics followed a primarily Fickian diffusion model, with minor matrix–bacteria interactions in Nar-treated beads. Notably, bacterial release in peanut root exudates was 6%, 10%, and 11% higher for beads A, B, and C, respectively, compared to release in physiological solutions. Nar-beads enhanced the formation of curved root hairs, promoted bacterial colonization in root hair zones, and stimulated the appearance of rosette-like structures associated with nodule initiation. In conclusion, encapsulating Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 with Nar in beads represents a promising strategy to improve symbiotic nitrogen fixation in peanuts. Full article

Background: Regeneration dentistry demonstrates significant challenges due to the complexity of different dental structures. This study aimed to investigate osteogenic differentiation of human pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) cultured on a 3D-printed poly lactic acid (PLA) scaffold coated with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and naringin (NAR) as a model for a dental regenerative. Methods: PLA scaffolds were 3D printed into circular discs (10 × 1 mm) and coated with nHA, NAR, or both. Scaffolds were cultured with hDPTCs to identify cellular morphological changes and adhesion over incubation periods of 3, 7, and 21 days using SEM. Then, the osteogenic potential of PLA, PLA/nHA/NAR, or PLA scaffolds coated with MTA elutes (PLA/MTA scaffolds) were evaluated by measuring mineralized tissue deposition using calcium concentration assays and alizarin red staining (ARS). Also, immunofluorescence labelling of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) within cultured cells were evaluated. Results: The highest cellular attachment was identified on the PLA/nHA/NAR scaffold, with morphological changes reflecting cellular differentiation. The highest calcium deposition and ARS were recognized in the PLA/nHA/NAR culture, with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to PLA/MTA. Also, ALP and DSPP markers showed statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) immunoreactivity in cells cultured within PLA/nHA/NAR compared to PLA/MTA. Conclusions: The results confirm the osteogenic potential of PLA scaffolds coated with nHA/NAR for future animal and human investigations. Full article

Dairy cows face metabolic challenges around the time of calving, leading to a negative energy balance and various postpartum health issues. Adipose tissue is crucial for cows during this period, as it regulates energy metabolism and supports immune function. Naringin, one of the main flavonoids in citrus fruit and their byproducts, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoconstituent. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplemental naringin on performance, systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and adipose tissue metabolic status. A total of 36 multiparous Holstein cows (from ~21 d prepartum through 35 d postpartum) were provided a basal control (CON) diet or a CON diet containing naringin (NAR) at 30 g/d per cow. Supplemental NAR increased the yield of raw milk and milk protein, without affecting dry matter intake. Cows fed NAR showed significantly lower levels (p < 0.05) of serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, malonaldehyde, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, but increased (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activity relative to those fed CON. Supplemental NAR increased (p < 0.05) adipose tissue adiponectin abundance, decreased inflammatory responses, and reduced oxidative stress. Lipidomic analysis showed that cows fed NAR had lower concentrations of ceramide species (p < 0.05) in the serum and adipose tissue than did the CON-fed cows. Adipose tissue proteomics showed that proteins related to lipolysis, ceramide biosynthesis, inflammation, and heat stress were downregulated (p < 0.05), while those related to glycerophospholipid biosynthesis and the extracellular matrix were upregulated (p < 0.05). Feeding NAR to cows may reduce the accumulation of ceramide by lowering serum levels of NEFA and LPS and increasing adiponectin expression, thereby decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in adipose tissue, ultimately improving their systemic metabolic status. Including NAR in periparturient cows’ diets improves lactational performance, reduces excessive lipolysis in adipose tissue, and decreases systemic and adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Integrating lipidomic and proteomic data revealed that reduced ceramide and increased glycerophospholipids may alleviate metabolic dysregulations in adipose tissue, which in turn benefits systemic metabolic status. Full article

The application of Neurospora sp., a fungus that commonly thrives on complex agricultural and plant wastes, has proven successful in utilizing citrus peel waste as a source of naringin. A UV-Vis spectrophotometric method proved the biotransformation of naringin, with an absorption maximum (λ_max) observed at 310 nm for the biotransformed product, naringenin (NAR). Further verification of the conversion of naringin was provided through thin layer chromatography (TLC). The Neurospora crassa mediated biotransformation of naringin to NAR was utilized for the rapid (within 5 min) synthesis of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoconjugates using sunlight to accelerate the reaction. The synthesized NAR-nano Ag and NAR-nano Au conjugates exhibited monodispersed spherical and spherical as well as polygonal shaped particles, respectively. Both of the nanoconjugates showed average particle sizes of less than 90 nm from TEM analysis. The NAR-Ag and NAR-Au nanoconjugates displayed potential enhancement of the antimicrobial activities, including antibacterial and nematicidal properties over either standalone NAR or Ag or Au NPs. This study reveals the potential of naringinase-producing Neurospora sp. for transforming naringin into NAR. Additionally, the resulting NAR-Ag and NAR-Au nanoconjugates showed promise as sustainable antibiotics and biochemical nematicides. Full article

Abundant in citrus fruits, naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid that has a wide spectrum of beneficial health effects, including its anti-inflammatory activity. However, its use in the clinic is limited due to extensive phase I and II first-pass metabolism, which limits its bioavailability. Thus, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were used to protect and concentrate NAR in inflamed issues, to enhance its anti-inflammatory effects. To target LNPs to the CD44 receptor, overexpressed in activated macrophages, functionalization with hyaluronic acid (HA) was performed. The formulation with NAR and HA on the surface (NAR@NPs_HA) has a size below 200 nm, a polydispersity around 0.245, a loading capacity of nearly 10%, and a zeta potential of about 10 mV. In vitro studies show the controlled release of NAR along the gastrointestinal tract, high cytocompatibility (L929 and THP-1 cell lines), and low hemolytic activity. It was also shown that the developed LNPs can regulate inflammatory mediators. In fact, NAR@NPs_HA were able to decrease TNF-α and CCL-3 markers expression by 80 and 90% and manage to inhibit the effects of LPS by around 66% for IL-1β and around 45% for IL-6. Overall, the developed LNPs may represent an efficient drug delivery system with an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect. Full article

Cytokine storm and ROS overproduction in the lung always lead to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a very short time. Effectively controlling cytokine storm release syndrome (CRS) and scavenging ROS are key to the prevention and treatment of ALI/ARDS. In this work, the naringin nanoparticles (Nar-NPs) were prepared by the emulsification and evaporation method; then, the mesenchymal stem cell membranes (CMs) were extracted and coated onto the surface of the Nar-NPs through the hand extrusion method to obtain the biomimetic CM@Nar-NPs. In vitro, the CM@Nar-NPs showed good dispersity, excellent biocompatibility, and biosafety. At the cellular level, the CM@Nar-NPs had excellent abilities to target inflamed macrophages and the capacity to scavenge ROS. In vivo imaging demonstrated that the CM@Nar-NPs could target and accumulate in the inflammatory lungs. In an ALI mouse model, intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of the CM@Nar-NPs significantly decreased the ROS level, inhibited the proinflammatory cytokines, and remarkably promoted the survival rate. Additionally, the CM@Nar-NPs increased the expression of M2 marker (CD206), and decreased the expression of M1 marker (F4/80) in septic mice, suggesting that the Nar-modulated macrophages polarized towards the M2 subtype. Collectively, this work proves that a mesenchymal stem cell membrane-based biomimetic nanoparticle delivery system could efficiently target lung inflammation via i.t. administration; the released payload inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines and ROS, and the Nar-modulated macrophages polarized towards the M2 phenotype which might contribute to their anti-inflammation effects. This nano-system provides an excellent pneumonia-treated platform with satisfactory biosafety and has great potential to effectively deliver herbal medicine. Full article

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is responsible for causing Porcine pleuropneumonia (PCP) in pigs. However, using vaccines and antibiotics to prevent and control this disease has become more difficult due to increased bacterial resistance and weak cross-immunity between different APP types. Naringin (NAR), a dihydroflavonoid found in citrus fruit peels, has been recognized as having significant therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. In this study, we investigated the effects of NAR on the inflammatory response caused by APP through both in vivo and in vitro models. The results showed that NAR reduced the number of neutrophils (NEs) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and decreased lung injury and the expression of proteins related to the NLRP3 inflammasome after exposure to APP. In addition, NAR inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) P65 in porcine alveolar macrophage (PAMs), reduced protein expression of NLRP3 and Caspase-1, and reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by APP. Furthermore, NAR prevented the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex by reducing protein interaction between NLRP3, Caspase-1, and ASC. NAR also inhibited the potassium (K⁺) efflux induced by APP. Overall, these findings suggest that NAR can effectively reduce the lung inflammation caused by APP by inhibiting the over-activated NF-κB/NLRP3 signalling pathway, providing a basis for further exploration of NAR as a potential natural product for preventing and treating APP. Full article

Critically ill patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) often develop secondary bacterial infections that pose a significant threat to patient life safety, making the development of drugs to prevent bacterial infections in the lungs critical to clinical care. Naringin (NAR) is one of the significant natural flavonoids rich in Pummelo Peel (Hua Ju Hong), with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, and is commonly used in treating respiratory tract infectious diseases. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo findings revealed that, after Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) infection, NAR inhibited overactivation of the nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) signaling pathway in alveolar macrophages of mice, reduced neutrophil (NEs) recruitment, and lowered the induced production of proinflammatory markers, such as Interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α). Thus, it suppressed excessive immune responses in the lungs, as well as attenuated the induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates. These results suggest that NAR has a preventive effect against Kpn in mice. In addition, the study evaluated NAR’s potential toxicity, demonstrating that NAR is safe at effective doses. These results suggested that NAR effectively reduces excessive inflammatory damage in the lungs induced by Kpn and enhances the body’s ability to clear bacteria. Therefore, NAR may be an effective and safe healthcare drug for preventing and caring for bacterial pneumonia. Full article

Nanotechnology has proven advantageous in numerous scientific applications, one being to enhance the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. This present study aims to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive action of naringin–dextrin nanocomposites (Nar-Dx-NCs) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF)-induced lung carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. DEN was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by the oral administration of 2AAF (20 mg/kg) four times a week for three weeks. Rats receiving DEN/2AAF were concurrently treated with naringin or Nar-Dx-NCs orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg every other day for 24 weeks. Naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs treatments prevented the formation of tumorigenic cells within the alveoli of rats exposed to DEN/2AAF. These findings were associated with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, upregulation of antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) activity, and enhanced glutathione and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 expression in the lungs. Naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs exerted anti-inflammatory actions manifested by a decrease in lung protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and mRNA expression of interleukin-6, interferon-γ, nuclear factor-κB, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, with a concurrent increase in interleukin-10 expression. The anti-inflammatory effect of Nar-Dx-NCs was more potent than naringin. Regarding the effect on apoptosis, both naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs significantly reduced Bcl-2 and increased Bax and P53 expressions. Moreover, naringin or Nar-Dx-NCs induced a significant decrease in the expression of the proliferator marker, Ki-67, and the effect of Nar-Dx-NCs was more marked. In conclusion, Nar-Dx-NCs improved naringin’s preventive action against DEN/2AAF-induced lung cancer and exerted anticarcinogenic effects by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving apoptotic signal induction and propagation. Full article

Naringin (Nar) is a dihydroflavonoid compound, widely found in citrus fruit and used in Chinese herbal medicine. As a phytochemical, it acts as a dietary supplement that can delay aging and prevent aging-related disease, such as obesity and diabetes. However, its exact mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the high-glucose-induced (HGI) Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to evaluate the anti-aging and anti-obesity effects of Nar. The mean lifespan and fast movement span of HGI worms were extended roughly 24% and 11%, respectively, by Nar treatment. Oil red O staining revealed a significant reduction in fat accumulation and dFP::LGG-labeled worms showed the promotion of autophagy. Additionally, whole transcriptome sequencing and gene set variation analysis suggested that Nar upregulated the lipid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways, as well as the TGF-β, Wnt and longevity signaling pathways. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified hub genes in these pathways for further analysis. Mutant worms and RNA interference were used to study mechanisms; the suppression of hlh-30, lgg-1, unc-51, pha-4, skn-1 and yap-1 disabled the fat-lowering, lifespan-prolonging, and health-promoting properties of Nar. Collectively, our findings indicate that Nar plays an important role in alleviating HGI-aging and anti-obesity effects by reducing fat accumulation and promoting autophagy. Full article

1. Diabetic chronic wounds, mainly foot ulcers, constitute one of the most common complications of poorly managed diabetes mellitus. The most typical reasons are insufficient glycemic management, latent neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and neglected foot care. In addition, it is a common cause of foot osteomyelitis and amputation of the lower extremities. Patients are admitted in larger numbers attributable to chronic wounds compared to any other diabetic disease. In the United States, diabetes is currently the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations. Approximately five percent of diabetics develop foot ulcers, and one percent require amputation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify sources of lead with wound-healing properties. Redox imbalance due to excessive oxidative stress is one of the causes for the development of diabetic wounds. Antioxidants have been shown to decrease the progression of diabetic neuropathy by scavenging ROS, regenerating endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, and reversing redox imbalance. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play vital roles in numerous phases of the wound healing process. Antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activity of Marantodes pumilum (MP) crude extract has previously been reported. Through their antioxidant, epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast migration activities, the authors hypothesise that naringin, eicosane and octacosane identified in the MP extract may have wound-healing properties. 2. The present study aims to identify the bioactive components present in the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of M. pumilum and evaluate their antioxidant and wound healing activity. Bioactive components were identified using LCMS, HPTLC and GCMS. Excision wound on STZ-induced diabetic rat model, human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell line and colorimetric antioxidant assays were used to evaluate wound healing and antioxidant activities, respectively. Molecular docking and pkCMS software would be utilised to predict binding energy and affinity, as well as ADME parameters. 3. Naringin (NAR), eicosane (EIC), and octacosane (OCT) present in MP displayed antioxidant action and wound excision closure. Histological examination HDF cell line demonstrates epithelialization, collagen production, fibroblast migration, polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration (PNML), and fibroblast movement. The results of molecular docking indicate a substantial attraction and contact between MMPs. pkCMS prediction indicates inadequate blood-brain barrier permeability, low toxicity, and absence of hepatotoxicity. 4. Wound healing properties of (NEO) naringin, eicosane and octacosane may be the result of their antioxidant properties and possible interactions with MMP. Full article

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents the most alarming hematological disease for adults. Several genetic modifications are known to be pivotal in AML; however, SIRT2 over-expression has attracted the scientific community’s attention as an unfavorable prognostic marker. The plant kingdom is a treasure trove of bioactive principles, with flavonoids standing out among the others. On this line, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-leukemic properties of the main flavanones of Citrus spp., exploring the potential implication of SIRT2. Naringenin (NAR), hesperetin (HSP), naringin (NRG), and neohesperidin (NHP) inhibited SIRT2 activity in the isolated recombinant enzyme, and more, the combination between NAR and HSP. In monocytic leukemic THP-1 cells, only NAR and HSP induced antiproliferative effects, altering the cell cycle. These effects may be ascribed to SIRT2 inhibition since these flavonoids reduced its gene expression and hampered the deacetylation of p53, known sirtuin substrate, and contextually modulated the expression of the downstream cell cycle regulators p21 and cyclin E1. Additionally, these two flavanones proved to interact with the SIRT2 inhibitory site, as shown by docking simulations. Our results suggest that both NAR and HSP may act as anti-leukemic agents, alone and in combination, via targeting the SIRT2/p53/p21/cyclin E1 pathway, thus encouraging deeper investigations. Full article

Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris are opportunistic protists, responsible for fatal central nervous system infections such as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) with mortality rates higher than 90%. Threatening a rise in cases is the increase in temperature due to global warming. No effective treatment is currently available. Herein, nanotechnology was used to conjugate Zinc oxide with Ampicillin, Ceftrixon, Naringin, Amphotericin B, and Quericitin, and the amoebicidal activity and host cell cytotoxicity of these resulting compounds were investigated. The compounds ZnO-CD-AMPi, ZnO-CD-CFT, ZnO-CD-Nar, ZnO-CD-AMB, and ZnO-CD-QT were found to reduce N. fowleri viability to 35.5%, 39.6%, 52.0%, 50.8%, 35.9%, and 69.9%, respectively, and B. mandrillaris viability to 40.9%, 48.2%, 51.6%, 43.8%, and 62.4%, respectively, when compared with their corresponding controls. Furthermore, the compounds reduced N. fowleri-mediated and B. mandrillaris-mediated host cell death significantly. Additionally, the compounds showed limited cytotoxicity against human cells; cell toxicity was 35.5%, 36.4%, 30.9%, 36.6%, and 35.6%, respectively, for the compounds ZnO-CD-AMPi, ZnO-CD-CFT, ZnO-CD-Nar, ZnO-CD-AMB, and ZnO-CD-QT. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentrations to inhibit amoeba growth by 50% were determined for N. fowleri and B. mandrillaris. The MIC₅₀ for N. fowleri were determined to be 69.52 µg/mL, 82.05 µg/mL, 88.16 µg/mL, 95.61 µg/mL, and 85.69 µg/mL, respectively; the MIC₅₀ of the compounds for B. mandrillaris were determined to be 113.9 µg/mL, 102.3 µg/mL, 106.9 µg/mL, 146.4 µg/mL, and 129.6 µg/mL, respectively. Translational research to further develop therapies based on these compounds is urgently warranted, given the lack of effective therapies currently available against these devastating infections. Full article

A novel ethanolic two-phase system (ETPS) composed of Pluronic^®L-64 (PL 64) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was constructed for the separation of two similar flavonoids of naringin (Nar) and neohesperidin (Neo) from the pomelo peel. The selectivity (S) data showed that DES prepared from tetrabutylammonium bromide (N₄₄₄₄Br) and glycerol (Gly) had the optimal distribution efficiency for Nar and Neo standards. A binodal curve of N₄₄₄₄Br-Gly/PL 64/ethanol system fitted to the nonlinear Merchuk relationship showed that the biphasic region was narrow for ETPS. The influences of the mass ratio of DESs and PL 64, DES concentration, PL 64 concentration, molar ratio of DESs, temperature, phosphate buffer solution, and ethanolic pH were studied in single-factor experiments. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum extraction efficiency (E_Nar = 68.32%, E_Neo = 86.09%), partition coefficient (K_Nar = 6.66, K_Neo = 19.13), and S (2.88) were obtained in the DESs-rich (bottom) phase. N₄₄₄₄Br-Gly, Nar, and Neo with recovery yields of 78.12%, 66.61%, and 68.03%, respectively, had been recovered using D101 macroporous resin. This proposed ETPS is efficient and environmentally friendly and is expected to avail meaningful references for the separation of natural products with similar structures. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) 10 refers to fine dust with a diameter of less than 10 µm and induces apoptosis and inflammatory responses through oxidative stress. Citrus junos Tanaka is a citrus fruit and contains bioactive flavonoids including naringin. In the present study, we aimed to identify the preventive effect of Citrus junos Tanaka peel extract (CPE) against PM₁₀-induced lung injury. As a proof of concept, NCI-H460 cells were treated with CPE (800 μg/mL, 12 h) in conjunction with PM₁₀ to examine intracellular antioxidative capacity in the pulmonary system. In an in vivo model, male BALB/c mice (n = 8/group) were randomly assigned into five groups: NEG (saline-treated), POS (PM₁₀ only), NAR (PM₁₀ + naringin, 100 mg/kg), CPL (PM₁₀ + CPE low, 100 mg/kg), and CPH (PM₁₀ + CPE high, 400 mg/kg). Intervention groups received dietary supplementations for 7 days followed by PM₁₀ exposure (100 mg/kg, intranasal instillation). Compared to the NEG, the CPE decreased to 22% of the ROS generation and significantly increased cell viability in vitro. The histological assessments confirmed that pulmonary damages were alleviated in the PM₁₀ + CPL group compared to the POS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB/apoptosis signaling-related markers were decreased in the PM₁₀ + CPL group compared to the POS. These results indicated that CPE showed promising efficacy in preventing pulmonary injuries in vivo. Such protection can be explained by the anti-oxidative capacity of CPE, likely due to its bioactives, including naringin (7.74 mg/g CPE). Follow-up human intervention, as well as population-level studies, will further shed light on the preventive efficacy of CPE against pulmonary damage in humans. Full article