Search Results (462)

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

Polyphenols are structurally diverse plant metabolites that have attracted significant interest. Their compositions are versatile, depending on their structures, including the number of rings in the polyphenol composition. Based on these attributes, polyphenols can be classified as flavanols, anthocyanins, flavones, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. Polyphenols mainly possess inhibition of viral replication, interference with viral protein synthesis, and modulation of immune responses, providing significant antiviral effects against several viruses, including herpes simplex virus, hepatitis C virus, and influenza. They are crucial for medical compounds in diverse, versatile treatments, namely in diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative problems. Plants are the primary source of bioactive molecules, which are valued for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities. Especially, polyphenols are extracted as the most abundant bioactive compounds of plants. Moreover, viral infections are one of the major factors in illnesses and diseases, along with bacteria and fungi. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies report antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, Mayaro virus, dengue virus, herpesvirus, and influenza A virus, though clinical validation remains limited. Additionally, inhibition of viral entry, interference with viral replication, modulation of host immune response, and direct virucidal effects were examined. Full article

Background/Objectives: The integration of natural compounds in cancer research marked a crucial shift in the modern medical landscape, through a growing acknowledgment of their potential as efficient, less toxic, and cost-effective alternatives to contemporary chemotherapeutics. Liquiritigenin (LIQ) is a compound obtained from different plants, the most important being the Glycyrrhiza species, commonly known as licorice. Methods: This review compiles findings from previously published preclinical studies and experimental research articles focusing on LIQ’s pharmacological effects, with particular attention to its anticancer potential. The relevant literature was identified using established scientific databases and selected based on relevance to cancer biology and LIQ-associated signaling pathways. Results: LIQ demonstrates anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. It exerts its potential anticancer activities by inducing apoptosis, preventing cell proliferation, and modulating various signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and so on. Conclusions: LIQ represents a promising natural agent for cancer therapy, with evidence supporting its multifunctional role in targeting tumor growth and survival mechanisms. By providing a detailed analysis of LIQ, this review aims to highlight its therapeutic efficacy across various cancer types and emphasize its importance as a promising compound in cancer research. In addition, this review seeks to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and modern pharmacology and paves the way for LIQ’s clinical application in cancer therapy. Full article

Molecular crosstalk between the gut microbiome and human diet represent a potential therapeutic avenue requiring further investigation as it can be applied to human health management and treatment. Colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer mortality, is often linked to the gut microbiome. In vitro and in vivo studies and metagenomic research have revealed alterations in gut microbial flora among diseased individuals. The human diet is connected to these changes in microbial inhabitants related to the pathophysiology underlying colorectal cancer (CRC). Polyphenols are well-studied, naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anticancer activities of these compounds are increasingly reported, offering insights into the administration of these natural molecules for managing various types of cancer and developing novel medications from them. Recent investigations have highlighted the prebiotic-like effects of these compounds on gut microbial dysbiosis and their metabolism concerning colorectal cancer, influencing colon cancer by interfering with multiple signaling pathways. This review will focus on the existing literature regarding the prebiotic potential of dietary polyphenols, and further research in this area would be valuable, as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can enable analysis of the connections between unique gut microbiome profiles and other dependent factors such as physiological and genetic variables, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies in gut microbiome-based health management and precision medicine. Full article

The growing prevalence of bacterial infections and the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have driven the need for innovative antimicrobial coatings for medical implants and biomaterials. However, implant surface properties, such as roughness, chemistry, and reactivity, critically influence biological interactions and must be engineered to ensure biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and sustained antibacterial activity. This review evaluates three principal categories of antimicrobial agents utilized in surface functionalization: metal/metaloxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemical compounds. Metal/metaloxide-based coatings, especially those incorporating silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO), offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy through mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and bacterial membrane disruption, with a reduced risk of resistance development. Antibiotic-based coatings enable localized drug delivery but often face limitations related to burst release, cytotoxicity, and diminishing effectiveness against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. In contrast, phytochemical-derived coatings—using bioactive plant compounds such as curcumin, eugenol, and quercetin—present a promising, biocompatible, and sustainable alternative. These agents not only exhibit antimicrobial properties but also provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteogenic benefits, making them multifunctional tools for implant surface modification. The integration of these antimicrobial strategies aims to reduce bacterial adhesion, inhibit biofilm formation, and enhance tissue regeneration. By leveraging the synergistic effects of metal/metaloxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemicals, next-generation implant coatings hold the potential to significantly improve infection control and clinical outcomes in implant-based therapies. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increasing attention in recent years as a valuable focus of scientific investigation, owing to their potential therapeutic properties and wide-ranging uses in medicine. EVs are a heterogeneous population of membrane-enclosed vesicles with lipid bilayers, released by cells from both animal and plant origins. These widespread vesicles play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication and serve as carriers for a variety of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The most common method of classifying EVs is based on their biogenesis pathway, distinguishing exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies as the major types. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in PDEs, as they offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to exosomes sourced from mammals. Mounting data from both laboratory-based and animal model experiments indicate that PDEs have natural therapeutic properties that modulate biological activities within cells, demonstrating properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects that may aid in treating diseases and enhancing human well-being. Moreover, PDEs hold promise as reliable and biologically compatible carriers for drug delivery. Although studies conducted before clinical trials have yielded encouraging results, numerous unresolved issues and gaps in understanding remain, which must be resolved to facilitate the effective advancement of PDEs toward medical use in human patients. A key concern is the absence of unified procedures for processing materials and for obtaining PDEs from different botanical sources. This article provides a comprehensive summary of existing findings on PDEs, critically examining the hurdles they face, and highlighting their substantial promise as a novel class of therapeutic tools for a range of illnesses. Full article

The once mysterious “dark matter of nutrition”, comprising countless plant-derived secondary compounds, also known as phytochemicals, is now understood to have significant and wide-ranging effects on consumers, including myriad health benefits in humans and livestock. The selective consumption of phytochemically rich and diverse plants, in appropriate doses, by ruminants represents an adaptive means of therapeutic and prophylactic self-medication. Due to their chemical structure, phytochemicals have long been recognized as antioxidants. However, the mechanisms that underlie numerous additional phytochemical-based health benefits are generally less understood. These effects (i.e., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticarcinogenic effects) are likely related to epigenetic processes. Evidence in humans and rodent models, as well as emerging ruminant data, has shown that phytochemicals can modulate gene expression by inhibiting or enhancing the activity of chromatin modifiers. The implication of adaptations with epigenetic mechanisms is significant as they are potentially heritable. We argue that heritable epigenetic changes, including “fetal programming”, are commonplace in ruminants under nutritional interventions. We also argue that these phenomena are significant for an industry that relies upon the efficient breeding and growth of offspring. We highlight emerging yet limited evidence and offer direction for future research. We explore interactions between the fields of plant secondary chemistry, ruminant nutrition, and molecular (epi)genetics and aim to familiarize researchers with the scope and foundational concepts of these emerging interactions. Full article

Background: Lithium is an essential commodity; however, its mining and processing can expose miners to airborne contaminants such as inhalable dust, respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica. These exposures may adversely affect respiratory health. To protect the health of miners, exposure assessment and control activities are required, followed by respiratory health monitoring to assess the effect of exposure on respiratory health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between workgroup exposure to airborne contaminants and respiratory health. To determine group exposure levels, exposure data was collected at the group level, which limits individual-level inference, followed by health monitoring. Methods: Industry health monitoring data were collected from miners in three surface lithium mines in Western Australia for the period between October 2023 and October 2024. Miners from Management Administration & Technical, Crusher/Dry/Wet Plant, and Laboratory Operations participated in a pulmonary function test, completed a health and exposure questionnaire and underwent a low dose high-resolution computed tomography. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with lung function and respiratory symptoms. Results: Older age, smoking and pre-existing respiratory conditions were correlated with poor respiratory airflow. The odds of having a respiratory obstruction or restriction were significantly higher by 3.942 and 2.165 times respectively, for miners who were 40 years old or above, and those who had existing diagnosed respiratory medical conditions. The risk of coughing among current smokers was more than four times higher compared to non-smokers. In addition, working in Crushing and Processing was significantly associated with the risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms compared to working in Management Administration & Technical and Laboratory Operations. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that respiratory health was influenced by non-work-related risk factors. Based on these results, it is recommended that health promotion programs be developed and implemented to empower miners to cease smoking and to manage non-work-related respiratory conditions. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a dioecious species known to produce over 1600 chemical constituents, including more than 180 cannabinoids classified into 11 structural groups. These bioactive compounds are predominantly synthesised in the glandular trichomes of female inflorescences. However, sex determination in C. sativa is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, often leading to the development of male flowers on female plants. This unintended fertilisation reduces cannabinoid yield and increases genetic heterogeneity and challenges in medical cannabis production. Haploid and doubled haploid (DH) technologies offer a promising solution by rapidly generating homozygous lines from gametophytic (e.g., unpollinated ovaries and ovules) or sporophytic tissues (e.g., anthers and microspores) via in vitro culture or chromosome reduction during hybridisation. In land plants, the life cycle alternates between a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte generation, both capable of mitotic division to form multicellular bodies. A single genome regulates this phase transition and encodes the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms that precisely control the developmental processes unique to each generation. While the application of haploid technology in C. sativa remains limited, through recent progress in haploid induction (HI) and CRISPR-based genome editing, the direct modification of haploid gametes or embryos enables the creation of null homozygous lines following chromosome doubling, improving genetic uniformity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous chromosome doubling may further facilitate the development of elite cannabis genotypes. Ultimately, enhancing the efficiency of DH production and optimising genome editing approaches could significantly increase the speed of genetic improvement and cultivar development in Cannabis sativa. Full article

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vital biological network essential for maintaining homeostasis and supporting various physiological functions. It comprises cannabinoid receptors, endogenous lipid-based ligands, known as endocannabinoids, as well as metabolic enzymes and associated proteins responsible for regulating their levels within tissues. The ECS plays a central role in modulating processes involving the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies have highlighted its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, particularly phytocannabinoids derived from plants, has attracted significant attention in medical and pharmaceutical research. This interest has grown in parallel with the increasing availability of cannabinoid-based food supplements on the pharmaceutical market. Given the complexity of the ECS and its broad range of interactions, the discovery of this system has spurred extensive investigations into the use of cannabinoids for various health conditions. In this review, we examine recent preclinical evidence supporting the use of phytocannabinoids in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Targeting the ECS through phytocannabinoid-based pharmacological modulation offers a promising therapeutic strategy for these neurological disorders. Among these compounds, cannabidiol has emerged as a key focus of research due to its multifaceted effects and favorable safety profile. Nonetheless, continued investigation is necessary to clarify its mechanisms of action, and to develop effective, evidence-based clinical applications. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the most common and difficult-to-treat cancers affecting women globally. Long-term treatment success is still limited by problems like drug resistance, toxicity, and recurrence, even with advancements in conventional therapies. The application of substances derived from plants for medical purposes, or phytotherapy, has become a viable adjunctive approach to the treatment of breast cancer. An integrative approach to phytotherapy is examined in this review, focusing on how it can alter important molecular pathways implicated in the development, progression, and metastasis of breast cancer. By focusing on important signaling cascades like TGF-β, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, IL-6, Integrins, VEGF, HER2, EGFR, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, and estrogen receptor pathways, a variety of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, demonstrate strong anticancer effects. This review also discusses how they affect immune modulation, angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Moreover, it also emphasizes the challenges with these natural compounds’ bioavailability, standardization, and clinical translation while highlighting preclinical and clinical research that supports their therapeutic potential. This review attempts to give a thorough grasp of how plant-based compounds can support efficient and focused breast cancer treatments by fusing molecular insights with phytotherapeutic approaches. Full article

Plant Molecular Farming (PMF) capitalizes on the unique properties of plants as bioreactors to efficiently produce valuable proteins, pharmaceuticals, and enzymes. This review emphasizes the critical role of transient expression systems, particularly in Nicotiana benthamiana, due to its susceptibility to various pathogens. Viral vector-based transient expression has proven essential during health emergencies like COVID-19, enabling rapid recombinant protein production. The review also evaluates different transient expression platforms and highlights their applications in biopharmaceutical production, education, synthetic biology, and gene editing. Advances in viral vector modification, hydroponics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) are presented as transformative innovations enhancing scalability and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, glycoengineering advancements broaden the range of producible biopharmaceuticals, improving global medication access. By exploring these advancements, this review underscores the vast potential of transient expression systems to meet dynamic scientific and market demands, positioning PMF as a vital component in modern biotechnology. Full article

Forest ecosystems represent a natural repository of biodiversity, bioenergy, food, timber, water, medicine, wildlife shelter, and pollution control. In many countries, forests offer great potential to provide biogenic resources that could be utilized for large-scale biotechnological synthesis and products. The evolving nanotechnology could be an excellent platform for the transformation of forest products into value-added nanoparticles (NPs). It also serves as a tool for commercial production, placing the forest at the heart of conservation and sustainable management strategies. NPs are groups of atoms with a size ranging from 1 to 100 nm. This review analyzes the scholarly articles published over the last 25 years on the forest and woody plant-based green synthesis of NPs, highlighting the plant parts and applications discussed. The biosynthesis of nanomaterials from plant extracts provides inexpensiveness, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental nontoxicity to the resultant NPs. The leaf is the most critical organ in woody plants, and it is widely used in NP biosynthesis, perhaps due to its central functions of bioactive metabolite production and storage. Most biosynthesized NPs from tree species have been used and tested for medical applications. For sustainable advancements in forest-based nanotechnology, broader species coverage, expanded applications, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. Full article

Microplastics (MPs), particularly fibrous MPs, have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their pervasive presence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The textile industry is a significant contributor to MP pollution, particularly through the production of synthetic fibers and natural/synthetic blends, which release substantial amounts of fibrous MPs. Among the various types of MPs, fibrous MPs account for approximately 49–70% of the total MP load found in wastewater globally, primarily originating from textile manufacturing processes and the domestic laundering of synthetic fabrics. MP shedding poses a significant challenge for environmental management, requiring a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms and strategies for the mitigation involved. To address the existing knowledge gaps regarding MP shedding during the textile production processes, this brief review examines the current state of MP shedding during textile production, covering both dry and wet processes, and identifies the sources and pathways of MPs from industrial wastewater treatment plants to the environment. It further provides a critical evaluation of the existing recycling and upcycling technologies applicable to MPs, highlighting their current limitations and exploring their potential for future applications. Additionally, it explores the potential for integrating sustainable practices and developing regulatory frameworks to facilitate the transition towards a circular economy within the textile industry. Given the expanding application of textiles across various sectors, including medical, agricultural, and environmental fields, the scope of microplastic pollution extends beyond conventional uses, necessitating urgent attention to the impact of fibrous MP release from both synthetic and bio-based textiles. This brief review consolidates the current knowledge and outlines the critical research gaps to support stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers in formulating effective, science-based strategies for reducing textile-derived microplastic pollution and advancing environmental sustainability. Full article

Microalgae offer a sustainable and versatile source of bioactive compounds. Their rapid growth, efficient CO₂ utilization, and adaptability make them a promising alternative to traditional production methods. Key compounds, such as proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polyphenols, phytosterols, pigments, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), hold significant commercial value and are widely utilized in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, driving innovation across multiple industries. Their antiviral and enzyme-producing capabilities further enhance industrial and medical applications. Additionally, microalgae-based biostimulants and plant elicitor peptides (PEPs) contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing plant growth and resilience to environmental stressors. The GRAS status of several species facilitates market integration, but challenges in scaling and cost reduction remain. Advances in biotechnology and metabolic engineering will optimize production, driving growth in the global microalgae industry. With increasing consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly products, microalgae will play a vital role in health, food security, and environmental sustainability. Full article