Structural and functional validation of a cloned parasporin from Bacillus thuringiensis isolate KAU 41 native to Western Ghats of India.

Parasporins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) exhibit specific toxicity to cancer cells. PCR based mining has identified apoptosis inducing parasporin in KAU41 Bt isolate from the Western Ghats of India. The study aimed to clone and overexpress the parasporin of native KAU41 Bt isolate for determining structural and functional characteristics of the protein.

Cardioprotective effect of on doxorubicin induced toxicity in mice.

Burm.f, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, is widely used for various ailments traditionally. Antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancerous, properties of the plant have been widely reported.

Antioxidant activity of erlotinib and gefitinib: theoretical and experimental insights.

Erlotinib and gefitinib are quinazoline derivatives with antineoplastic properties. Usually, intake of antineoplastic agents results in much a greater degree of oxidative stress, i.e.

Theoretical insights into the radical scavenging activity of glipizide: DFT and molecular docking studies.

Glipizide is an -sulfonylurea compound used in the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the present study, DFT-based computational methods and molecular docking studies have been performed to systematically evaluate the radical scavenger behavior of the title molecule. Structural characteristics such as molecular descriptors, frontier molecular orbitals, molecular potential mapping, and Mulliken charge population have been investigated.

Amelioration of sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress by Bedd in mice.

Objectives: , endemic to Western Ghats of India is pharmacologically similar to and occasionally used as substitute in a well-known Ayurvedic uterine tonic . possess various biological properties, but there are no reports on The present study evaluated the pharmacological properties of and its efficacy in attenuating the sodium fluoride (NaF) induced oxidative stress in mice.

Methods: Antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of .

Virgin coconut oil complements with its polyphenol components mitigate sodium fluoride toxicity and .

Virgin coconut oil (VCO), prepared from fresh coconut kernel without any chemical refining, is an emerging functional food. The pharmacological benefits of VCO are believed to be due to the natural combination of phenolics. Although cell culture studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activity of VCO under different oxidative stress conditions, a valid demonstration of the antioxidant activity of VCO is yet to come.

Chronic exposure of industrial grade calcium carbide and ethylene glycol exert genotoxic effect in Wistar albino rats.

Objectives: Calcium carbide (CaC) and ethylene glycol (EG) are the two commonly used fruit ripening agents. The toxic effects of these chemicals on internal organs were reported in experimental animals. Even though the adverse effects of these compounds have been investigated for many years, there are no sufficient data available with regard to genotoxic effects.

Chronic exposure of industrial grade calcium carbide and ethylene glycol alter histological architecture of systemic organs by disrupting redox balance in rat.

Objectives: The threat to human health or the surroundings by the use of artificial fruit ripening agents has become a global concern. Calcium carbide (CaC) and ethylene glycol (EG) are the two widely using ripening agents. The present study evaluates the toxic effect of chronic exposures of CaC and EG in rats.

, a non-fermented traditional drink from coconut spadix restores the redox status in sodium fluoride intoxicated mice.

Objectives: , non-fermented coconut inflorescence sap (NFCIS) and its fermented form, toddy (FCIS) are the two well-known traditional drinks in South India. Both the saps show high rejuvenation effect and NFCIS is used for the curing of bronchial suffocation, anemia, tuberculosis and piles in traditional medicine. But, a few scientific studies have been reported on their health benefits so far.

Ameliorative effect of Neera, nonfermented coconut inflorescence sap, on cisplatin-induced renal toxicity by abating oxidative stress.

Objectives Neera, nonfermented coconut inflorescence sap (NFCIS) from unopened spadix of Cocos nucifera L., is a well-known traditional beverage. But, scientific reports on its health benefits are limited.

Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of calcium carbide and ethylene glycol in Wistar albino rats.

Background Naturally ripened fruits play a vital role in human nutrition. Under certain conditions, synthetic chemicals like calcium carbide (CaC2) and ethylene glycol (EG) are being freely used illegally in India and other countries for fruit ripening without serious concern on its toxic effects. This preclinical study evaluated the toxicity on different organs after the exposure of industrial-grade CaC2 and EG to the rats.

A parasporin from Bacillus thuringiensis native to Peninsular India induces apoptosis in cancer cells through intrinsic pathway.

Parasporins, a class of non-insecticidal crystal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are being explored as promising anticancer agents due to their specific toxicity to cancer cells. The present study has identified 25 Bt isolates harbouring parasporin genes from Western Ghats region, the hotspot of biodiversity in India. Among these, the isolate, KAU 41 (Kerala Agricultural University isolate 41) contained non-hemolytic homogenous crystals showing specific cytotoxicity towards cancer cells.

Non-enzymatic conversion of primary oxidation products of Docosahexaenoic acid into less toxic acid molecules.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is long chain omega-3 fatty acid with known health benefits and clinical significance. However, 4-hydroxy hexenal (HHE), an enzymatic oxidation product of DHA has recently been reported to have health-damaging effects. This conflict raises major concern on the long-term clinical use of these fatty acids.

, a pharmacologically effective alternative for in an Ayurvedic preparation, .

(Fabaceae) is a prime ingredient in , a well-known Ayurvedic preparation for gynecological ailments. Due to scarcity, adulteration or substitution of related raw drugs is a common practice in its preparation. The bark of (Roxb.

EGFR gene regulation in colorectal cancer cells by garlic phytocompounds with special emphasis on S-Allyl-L-Cysteine Sulfoxide.

Colorectal cancer is one among the most common cancers in the world and a major cause of cancer related deaths. Similar to other cancers, colorectal carcinogenesis is often associated with over expression of genes related to cell growth and proliferation, especially Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). There is an increasing attention towards the plant derived compounds in prevention of colorectal carcinogenesis by downregulating EGFR.

Plant Phenolics Ferulic Acid and P-Coumaric Acid Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation through EGFR Down-Regulation.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) or bowel cancer is one of the most important cancer diseases, needing serious attention. The cell surface receptor gene human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may have an important role in provoking CRC. In this pharmaceutical era, it is always attempted to identify plant-based drugs for cancer, which will have less side effects for human body, unlike the chemically synthesized marketed drugs having serious side effects.

Garlic Phytocompounds Possess Anticancer Activity by Specifically Targeting Breast Cancer Biomarkers - an in Silico Study.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a serious lifestyle disease. There are several prognostic biomarkers like nuclear receptors whose over-expression is associated with BC characteristics. These biomarkers can be blocked by compounds with anti-cancer potential but selection must be made on the basis of no adverse side effects.

Ameliorative effect of Apodytes dimidiata on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Context Nutraceuticals possessing antioxidant potential have been used to alleviate side effects exerted by many chemotherapeutics, including cisplatin. Since Apodytes dimidiata E. Mey.

Attenuation of DMBA/croton oil induced mouse skin papilloma by Apodytes dimidiata mediated by its antioxidant and antimutagenic potential.

Context Considering the role of cellular oxidative stress in mutations and subsequent transformation, phytochemicals with antioxidant potential has become a primary choice as chemopreventives. Apodytes dimidiata E. Mey.

Deep fried edible oils disturb hepatic redox equilibrium and heightens lipotoxicity and hepatosteatosis in male Wistar rats.

Hepatosteatosis is a complex disorder, in which insulin resistance and associated dyslipidemic and inflammatory conditions are fundamental. Dietary habit, especially regular consumption of fat and sugar-rich diet, is an important risk factor. Coconut and mustard oils (CO and MO) are medium-chain saturated and monounsaturated fats that are common dietary ingredients among the Indian populations.

Protective effect of Scutellaria species on AAPH-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocyte.

Background: Scutellaria baicalensis is a well-known plant in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, several Scutellaria species with therapeutic potential have been recognized worldwide. Scutellaria colebrookiana and Scutellaria violacea, native to the Western Ghats of India, are reported to possess free radical scavenging efficacy.

Effect of Saraca asoca (Asoka) on estradiol-induced keratinizing metaplasia in rat uterus.

Background: Estrogen-mediated uterus endometrium instability is considered as one of the etiological factors in dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and uterine cancer. Saraca asoca (Family: Fabaceae) and its fermented preparation, Asokarishta, are extensively used as uterine tonic to treat gynecological disorders in Ayurveda. The present study evaluated the effect of S.

Cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of selected Scutellaria species from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India.

Context: Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), commonly known as 'Skullcaps', has been extensively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recently, much emphasis has been given to this genus due to the rich source of bioflavonoids that contribute to its biological properties. Therefore, different species of Scutellaria are being explored worldwide.