Abeer A. Altamimi

The escalating global challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cancer necessitate innovative therapeutic solutions from natural sources. This study investigated the multifaceted therapeutic potential of pigment-enriched plant extracts. We screened diverse plant extracts for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. Hibiscus sabdariffa emerged as the most promising, demonstrating potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial and significant antibiofilm activity. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of H. sabdariffa robustly downregulated essential bacterial virulence genes and suppressed aflatoxin gene expression. Comprehensive chemical profiling via HPLC identified major anthocyanin glucosides, while GC-MS revealed diverse non-pigment bioactive compounds, including fatty acids and alcohols. Molecular docking suggested favorable interactions of key identified compounds (Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and 1-Deoxy-d-arabitol) with E. coli outer membrane protein A (OmpA), indicating potential antiadhesive and antimicrobial mechanisms. Furthermore, H. sabdariffa exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These findings establish H. sabdariffa pigment-enriched extract as a highly promising, multi-functional source of novel therapeutics, highlighting its potential for simultaneously addressing drug resistance and cancer challenges through an integrated chemical, biological, and computational approach.

The goal of the research was to develop a hydrophobic octanoate salt of chitosan (CS–OA) and use the salt as a nanoparticle platform for the delivery of curcumin (CUR) into prostate cancer cells. The nanoprecipitation technique was used to prepare the nanoparticles, which were measured for particle size and encapsulation efficacy relative to CUR–CS nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of CUR–OA–CS nanoparticles was evaluated in prostate cancerous cells (PC3 and DU145) in comparison with the corresponding blank nanoparticles and hydroalcoholic CUR solution. PXRD, SEM, and TEM were also used to examine the CUR–CS–OA nanoparticles. The average diameters of the CUR–CS–OA and CUR–CS nanoparticles were 268.90 ± 3.77 nm and 221.90 ± 2.79 nm, respectively, with encapsulation efficiencies of 61.37 ± 1.70% and 60.20 ± 3.17%. PXRD and SEM suggested CUR amorphization in the CS–OA nanoparticles. The void nanoparticles exhibited concentration-dependent antiproliferative action, which was attributed to the cellular uptake of CS. CUR loading into these nanoparticles increased their cytotoxicity even more. The potential of CS–OA nanoparticles as a special delivery system for additional cytotoxic drugs into different malignant cells can be further explored.

This study was designed to investigate the level and associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and dietary habits among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 12 fitness centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 460 participants answered a two-part survey self-administered questionnaire, which included information about the demographic characteristics and lifestyle. The analysis found significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, weight, BMI, and combined prevalence of being overweight and obese. Compared with less active females, high active females showed significantly more favorable dietary habits (p < 0.05). Significantly higher values were observed for the total physical activity energy expenditure in METs-min/week (p = 0.028). Moreover, females with high screen time (>3 h per day) were younger, less active, slept longer, and had higher intakes of fast foods and chocolates/candy intake (p = 0.001). Overall, the participants were highly active, exceeding the recommended physical activity needed to enhance health. The analysis also showed sufficient sleep duration (>7 h/night) was significantly associated with the diet and nutrition of the participants. Health education programs are needed to reduce the risks of sedentary behavior, sleep problems, and dietary habits.