Fatma Alzahraa Mokhtar

Dodonaea viscosa is a shrub of the flowering plant species of family Sapindaceae that has a wide distribution in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, southern Asia, the Ameri...

Natural products remain an invaluable source of anticancer agents, with flavonoids and phenolic compounds being particularly recognized for their ability to modulate tumour suppressor pathways. Carissa macrocarpa (C. macrocarpa) is an edible plant rich in secondary metabolites. This study sought to identify the secondary metabolites of C. macrocarpa leaves using LC-MS/MS, evaluate their cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects in colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and LS174T), and elucidate potential molecular interactions with p53 through in silico docking, thereby uncovering mechanistic insights into its anticancer activity. LC-MS/MS revealed abundant flavonoid glycosides, particularly derivatives of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Biological assays demonstrated potent cytotoxicity of the extracts, with the total extract showing the strongest effect against LS174T cells (IC₅₀ = 0.5 µg/mL). Extracts induced apoptosis, caused G1/S/G2 cell cycle arrest, and upregulated p53 expression. Docking confirmed strong binding affinities (-7.87 to -9.28 kcal/mol) for glycosylated flavonoids such as kaempferol-3-O-robinoside-7-O-rhamnoside, hesperidin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. Also, 100 ns molecular dynamics studies confirmed the stable binding of both kaempferol-3-O-robinoside-7-O-rhamnoside and hesperidin against the p53 pocket. In conclusion, this integrative study demonstrates that C. macrocarpa exerts anticancer effects in colorectal cancer cells by modulating p53 and provides a mechanistic rationale for its therapeutic potential.

Honey production has been an integral part of the UAE’s heritage. Vachellia tortilis and Ziziphus spina-christi pollen and nectar are essential components of high-quality UAE honey. These plants are integral to Emirati culture, showcasing a legacy of ecological balance and medicinal uses. In addition to their cultural significance, V. tortilis and Z. spina-christi offer substantial pharmacological and ecological value. This review explores the role of V. tortilis and Z. spina-christi in producing honey rich in bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their therapeutic potential in addressing infectious and chronic diseases. Furthermore, the diversity of phytochemicals in the honey from these plants supports their use in pharmaceutical advancements, including cancer and antibacterial treatments. Their apicultural importance is also emphasized, particularly in supporting sustainable honey production systems adapted to arid environments. The eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles from Z. spina-christi demonstrates their versatility for health and agriculture. By exploring views on honey authenticity, advanced extraction methods, and the medicinal benefits of honeybee products, this study promotes these species’ conservation and sustainable use. The study emphasizes the contributions of V. tortilis and Z. spina-christi to ecological stability, public health, and economic growth. It presents a compelling case for leveraging their potential to advance sustainable apiculture and ecosystem management in arid regions.

This review evaluates the cytotoxic potential of the Sesbania genus, with a focus on Sesbania sesban, Sesbania grandiflora, and Sesbania cannabina. These species, known for their diverse phytochemical compositions, exhibit notable cytotoxic effects that suggest their utility in natural cancer treatments. Compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, and sesbagrandiforian A and B have been highlighted for their strong antioxidant and antiproliferative effects, further emphasizing their therapeutic potential. The genus Sesbania exhibits a wide range of in vitro and in vivo bioactivities. Extensive research on S. grandiflora has uncovered mechanisms such as the activation of caspase cascades and the induction of apoptosis, attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and alkaloids. Notably, sesbanimides derived from S. grandiflora seeds have demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects by disrupting mitochondrial function. While S. sesban and S. cannabina have been less extensively studied, early findings highlight their potential through the inhibition of key cancer pathways and the identification of bioactive compounds such as galactomannan derivatives and 2-arylbenzofurans. Notably, the galactomannan derivatives from S. sesban exhibit significant immune-modulating properties. Additionally, nanoparticles synthesized from Sesbania species, including Cadmium oxide and PEGylated silver nanoparticles, have demonstrated promising cytotoxic activity by disrupting mitosis and enhancing immune responses. While further research is warranted, the Sesbania genus offers a promising basis for the development of innovative anticancer therapies.

Biosorbents have demonstrated considerable potential for the remediation of metals in aqueous environments. An aqueous extract of Enteromorpha intestinalis L. (EiE) and its extract-coated silver nanoparticles have been prepared and employed for the removal of iron. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and zeta potential were employed to characterize the prepared biosorbents. The adsorption properties of the biosorbents were investigated in batch experiments, with a range of factors taken into account, including pH, contact time, initial ion concentrations, biosorbent dosage, and temperature. A minimum-run resolution IV design (MRR-IV) was developed with the objective of optimizing the removal efficiency. The mechanisms of adsorption were investigated using both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Kinetic studies were conducted using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. A variety of active constituents, including organic acids, lipids, alcohols, and terpenes, were identified through the use of GC-MS, with the findings supported by FTIR spectra. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the nanoparticle size ranged from 5 to 44 nm, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated a high degree of crystallinity. A screening study employing the MRR-IV methodology, facilitated by the Design-Experiment, Ver 13., indicates that three factors exert a considerable influence on the biosorption process. The study demonstrated that the biosorption mechanism is pH-dependent, with an optimal pH of 5. The adsorption performance was found to follow Freundlich isothermal models and pseudo-first-order kinetics.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified as one of the top ten public health threats facing humanity. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an antimicrobial stewardship educational intervention on family caregivers’ knowledge and practices in primary healthcare settings in Egypt. Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design involving a sample of 300 family caregivers attending family health centers. The data were collected using questionnaires that assessed caregiver knowledge and self-reported practices regarding AMR before and after the intervention (primary outcomes). The intervention combined tailored knowledge and practice components that carefully evaluated participants’ knowledge regarding AMR, health risk, antibiotic usage, and prevention of infection. Furthermore, their practice of using antibiotics, including previous antibiotic exposure, their antibiotic use during the past year, reasons for taking antibiotics, ways of obtaining antibiotics, and reasons for discontinuing of antibiotic therapy were also recorded. Results: The pre-intervention assessment revealed poor knowledge and practice regarding antibiotic use. Post-intervention, mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 18.36 to 23.28 (t = 19.5, p < 0.0001), while mean practice scores improved from 9.83 to 12.37 (t = 6.4, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The intervention successfully improved caregivers’ knowledge and practices regarding AMR. However, there are some limitations that could affect the generalization, and the impact of the results such as the relatively small sample size recruited from a single center, lack of a control group, reliance on self-reported data, and lack of long-term follow-up. Future studies should aim to address these constraints in order to assess the intervention’s effectiveness.

Lens culinaris L., has been widely recognized for its medical applications. LC-ESI-TOF-MS identified 22 secondary metabolites including phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanidin glycosides among its total extract (LCTE). The study aimed to apply LCTE as a biogenic material for reducing and capping the silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs). The ynthesized LC-AgNPs were characterized using different techniques. The UV absorption was observed at lambda max 379 nm. LC-AgNPs were spherical, with 19.22 nm average size. The face cubic centre nature was demonstrated by HR-TEM and XRD. The LC-AgNPs were then evaluated for their anticancer and antimicrobial potentials. LC-AgNPs showed an extremely potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, HCT-116 and HepG2 cell lines (IC50= 0.37, 0.35 and 0.1 mu g/mL, respectively). LC-AgNPs induced significant apoptotic effects in the three examined cancer cell lines. LC-AgNPs resulted in sequestration of cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle in both MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells, meanwhile it trapped cells at the G2 phase in HepG2 cells. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of LC-AgNPs was highly confirmed against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. Molecular docking study designated Kaempferol-3-O-robinoside-7-O-rhamnoside and Quercetin-3-D-xyloside as the topmost LCTE active constituents that caused inhibition of both Bcl-2 and IspC cancer targets in combination with the produced silver nanoparticles.

Many researchers are focusing on screening the biological activities of plants owing to their safety and possible pharmacological actions. Consequently, we aimed to explore the antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties of Cycas media methanolic extract on HepG2 cell lines. Moreover, we also explore the antitumor action against the experimentally induced solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) model and investigate the possible involved molecular mechanisms. Also, the antibacterial action of the extract was elucidated. Different concentrations of the extract were incubated with HepG2 to determine cytotoxicity, followed by cell cycle analysis. The in vivo experiment was accomplished by grouping the animals into four different groups (n = 10); normal control, SEC, C. media 100, and C. media 200. The extract was administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg. Tumor volume, tumor inhibition rate, toxicity profile, and antioxidant biomarkers were determined. Moreover, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was investigated as a possible underlying antitumor mechanism. The tumor control group showed a remarkable upregulation for PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR, along with downregulation for the antioxidant SOD and GPX4, as well as decreased levels of GSH and MDA. C. media extract reversed these parameters to a significant level and the higher dose showed a superior antitumor effect. C. media extract showed antiproliferative effects against HepG2 cells, along with a suppressive action on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and an antioxidant effect. Additionally, C. media had antibacterial consequences against S. aureus isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations from 32 to 128 µg/mL. It also caused a noteworthy growth delay as well as a notable reduction in the membrane integrity of S. aureus isolates. These beneficial outcomes suggest C. media to have potential antitumor and antibacterial activities.

This study uses the aerial parts of Panicum maximum total extract (PMTE) to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an environmentally friendly manner. TEM, SEM, FTIR, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, UV, and FTIR were used to characterize the green silver nanoparticles (PM-AgNPs). PM-AgNPs were evaluated as anticancer agents compared to (PMTE) against breast (MCF-7), lung (A549), and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human tumour cells. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The PM-AgNPs had an absorbance of 418 nm, particle size of 15.18 nm, and zeta potential of -22.4 mV, ensuring the nanosilver's stability. XRD evaluated the crystallography nature of the formed PM-AgNPs. The cytotoxic properties of PM-AgNPs on MCF-7 and SKOV 3 were the strongest, with IC50s of 0.13 ± 0.015 and 3.5 ± 0.5 g/ml, respectively, as compared to A549 (13 ± 3.2 µg/mL). The increase in the apoptotic cells was 97.79 ± 1.61 and 96.6 ± 1.91% for MCF-7 and SKOV3 cell lines, respectively. PM-AgNPs were found to affect the membrane integrity and membrane permeability of 50 and 43.75% of the tested isolates, respectively. Also, PM-AgNPs have recorded a reduction in the biofilm formation of S. aurues. These results suggest using PM-AgNPs to treat breast and ovarian cancers.