Goutam Rath

Breast cancer, which involves the uncontrollable growth of breast tissue, remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally [1]. Although considerable progress in diag...

Cervical cancer (CC), being a global concern, is a significant contributor to the number of cancer-related deaths in females [1]. A worldwide statistical report displayed 604,000 fresh cases in 202...

Introduction and Aim: The study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (MECP) using the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model in HepGⁿ cells. Methods: The MECP was analysed by GC-MS to identify its major components. In silico studies were performed using pro-inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and TNF-α. Pre-treated HepG2 cells (6.25-100 μg/mL) were exposed to paracetamol (40 mM, 12 h) after 24 hours. LDH, oxidative markers (SOD, GPx, GSH, MDA) were quantified, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) were measured after MECP treatment. Cellular morphology was analysed by fluorescence microscopy to assess the effect of MECP on cell growth. Results: GC-MS spectra showed the presence of 167 compounds in the MECP extract. An insilico study identified thymol and catechol as potent molecules with promising binding to IL-6 and TNF-α, supporting the traditional claim that C. pulcherrima is an anti-inflammatory compound effective in liver disorders. Paracetamol exposure significantly elevated LDH release, MDA levels, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, while markedly reducing antioxidant defences, SOD, GPx, and GSH. Discussion: Pre-treatment with MECP showed restoration of the levels of these parameters toward normal in a dose-dependent manner. The 100 μg/mL MECP showed significant reductions in LDH, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6. Microscopic characteristics confirmed cellular regeneration comparable to the control group. Thymol and catechol exhibited strong binding with IL-6 and TNF-α, suggesting their involvement in MECP’s hepatoprotective effect. Conclusion: These results support its traditional use in liver disorders and highlight its potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses photosensitizers (PSs), light, and oxygen to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Natural product‐derived PSs, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, curcuminoids, perylenequinones, phycocyanin, and anthraquinones, offer advantages such as biocompatibility and low toxicity but are limited by poor solubility, stability, and targeting. Nanotherapeutic systems such as organic, inorganic, and carbon‐based nanoparticles, nanogels, hydrogels, lipid carriers, and nanoemulsions address these limitations by enhancing stability, tumor accumulation, and controlled release. These platforms also enable multifunctional approaches, including imaging‐guided PDT, combination therapies, and stimuli‐responsive activation. This review highlights mechanisms, recent advances, and translational challenges of natural PS‐based nanotherapeutics across multiple cancers, emphasizing strategies to improve delivery, selectivity, and therapeutic outcomes for next‐generation PDT.

Introduction: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the gender disparity in COVID-19 prevalence and the potential protective impact of female sex hormones against the virus. Methods: A literature review was conducted to correlate previously reported molecular mechanisms of estrogen and their possible implications for minimizing risks associated with new coronaviruses. Discussion: Estrogen may contribute to improved immune regulation and reduced viral pathogenesis, helping explain sex-based differences in COVID-19 outcomes. Conclusion: Both natural and synthesised oestrogen have immune-modulatory properties that may help prevent viral pathogenesis and provide a solid basis for future COVID-19 antiviral treatments.