Arslan Muhammad Ali Khan

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite having the capacity of infecting almost all warm-blooded animals, like humans and other agricultural livestock (Negesa and Asefa Ke...

Quercetin and curcumin are strong natural antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. However, their topical use is restricted due to their low stability, poor solubility, and insufficient skin penetration. The purpose of this study was to develop nanoethosomes loaded with curcumin and quercetin and assess their antibacterial efficacy, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical characteristics for topical administration. The ethanolic injection method was used to create the nanoethosomes, which were then characterized for entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI). The DPPH assay was used to measure antioxidant activity, while zone of inhibition, MIC, and MBC studies were used to measure antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The findings indicated that the nanoethosomes loaded with quercetin had particle size of 128.7 ± 16.4 nm, PDI of 0.545 ± 0.05, and zeta potential of −34.8 ± 0.6 mV, whereas those loaded with curcumin measured 155.3 ± 1.2 nm, PDI 0.186 ± 0.07, and zeta potential −42.2 ± 0.3 mV. Curcumin's entrapment efficiency was 92.1 ± 2.1%, whereas quercetin's was 84.6 ± 1.8%. The curcumin-loaded nanoethosomes exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli, with inhibition zones of 21.5 ± 1.1, 20.1 ± 0.9, and 22.3 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Similarly, at 50 µg/mL, both formulations showed 65 and 54% inhibition of BSA protein denaturation, respectively. These results demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, high stability, excellent drug loading, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, underscoring their promise as secure and efficient topical delivery methods for natural medicines.

The gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus is a major economic and pathogenic challenge to livestock productivity worldwide. Extensive use of synthetic drugs like albendazole and ivermectin, the mainstays for controlling these infections, has resulted in the emergence and spread of anthelmintic resistance in gut nematodes. Hence, there is growing interest in plant-based alternatives that utilize secondary metabolites to disrupt parasite physiology. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of an acetone extract of Coriandrum sativum L. seeds against different developmental stages of H. contortus. The extract was characterized for chemical composition using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of the extract on adult worms, larvae, and eggs at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. Adult worm motility and mortality, larval migration and mortality, and egg hatchability were determined and compared with albendazole as positive control and distilled water as negative control. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and related metabolites in the extract with quercetin identified at the highest concentration of 38.89 mg/g. The extract showed a significant dose- and time-dependent anthelmintic activity in all the parameters studied. The motility of adult worms at highest concentration (4%) was reduced to 6.33% after 12 hours and mortality was 100% within 48 hours. Similarly, larval migration was inhibited by 93.33% and larval mortality was 96.33% after 48 hours. Furthermore, egg hatchability was completely inhibited (0%) after 72 h of exposure to the 4% concentration. The effect of the extract at 4% was almost comparable to the commercial drug albendazole. The acetone seed extract of C. sativum displayed a potent natural anthelmintic activity against different developmental stages of H. contortus. These inhibitory effects may be related to the phenolic compounds identified in the extract. These findings suggest that further investigations should be conducted on the economic feasibility, sustainability, and scalability of C. sativum seed extract as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for parasite management in livestock.

The dynamics of the fisheries and aquaculture industry have evolved rapidly in recent decades, with a marked increase in production capacity, trade, business, and consumption, which has led to additional pressure on aquaculture feed resources. Despite fishmeal being a vital source of high- quality protein in farmed fish, its application in fish feed has been challenged on several fronts, including its scarcity, shortage, and environmental degradation. Plant-based protein ingredients are considered potentially useful alternatives to animal-based protein sources because they are readily available, less expensive, and less reliant on aquatic resources. This review critically summarizes the existing literature on the use of plant-based proteins in fish feed and their processing to enhance their suitability. Major sources of plant-based proteins, including soybean meal, pea protein, rapeseed meal, and corn gluten, are discussed in terms of their protein content, amino acid composition, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which can limit the digestion and absorption of other nutrients. This review also suggests that the application of advanced processing technologies, including fermentation, heat processing, enzyme addition, and extrusion, can be utilized to reduce ANFs and improve the bioavailability of nutrients. The economic and environmental impact of utilizing plant proteins is also explained in the context of reducing feed costs and making fish farming more sustainable. Finally, the research areas for the future were determined, including the development of feeds, the adoption of new processing methods, and the combination of plant proteins with other sustainable foods to meet the increased global demand. This synthesis provides valuable insights for feed manufacturers, aquaculture producers, and researchers interested in adequate sustainability and efficiency of aquaculture by innovative plant-based feeding strategies.

The necessity for more agricultural production can be fulfilled by increasing crop productivity because the cultivated area is constrained. The main source of food and nutrients for domestic animals and humans comes directly or indirectly from agriculture. However, along with climate change, plant diseases, pests, poor soil health, weeds, natural disasters, and reduced nutrient availability, all contribute to a large loss of worldwide crop production under current farming practices. According to the latest studies, insects account for almost 20-40% of all yield losses in agriculture each year, with acute infestations causing even more harm in some areas. One of the main concerns for international food security is the financial burden of controlling these pests, both in terms of direct output losses and the expenses related to pest control procedures. Application of pesticides on the farm poses a variety of challenges for farmers, who must decide which pesticides to use for a given pest as well as when and how to apply them. Nanotechnology has been widely used in agriculture to boost the production of crops through a variety of methods, including control of pests, seed treatment, enhancement of the germination process, nutrient balance, and improved fertilizer delivery. In this review, the role of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) against hazardous insects (pests) in their control and the mechanism of actions of MNPs have been summarized.

With conservatively estimated millions of illnesses and deaths each year, most of which are caused by food contamination, Salmonella is now a threat and economic cost to the world. Traditional control measures become challenging because of the extensive variety of serovars of the Salmonella bacterium, coupled with increased antimicrobial resistance. With special focus on animal reservoir immunization strategies and new antibiotic regimens, the review critically assesses current and potential future control measures against Salmonella infection. Live-attenuated, inactivated, subunit, and novel DNA/mRNA platforms are some of the vaccines that attenuate pathogen shedding and zoonotic transmission in animals to a considerable degree. Maintaining the integrity of the gut microbiome, or host immune system activation through adjunct mechanisms like probiotics, bacteriophages, organic acids, essential oils, phytobiotics, and immunomodulators, present non-antibiotic options. Successful control of Salmonella requires a combination of strong biosecurity, farm management, and "One Health" strategy together with intersectoral coordination and improved surveillance. To become more acceptable and contribute towards the long-term influence on public health, both legal obstacles and financial barriers will have to be overcome. This article presents these key points concerning the transmission of the infection and pathogenesis of Salmonella. The vaccine and alternative measures utilized for control of the transmission are also highlighted.

Hormonal derangements, abnormal menstrual patterns, and metabolic impairment are the characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a frequent endocrine disease among both women and certain small animals. PCOS is associated with oxidative stress, obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism, all of which contribute to the complex pathogenesis of the syndrome. Due to the complex procedures of traditional treatment for PCOS by using pharmacologic treatment, surgery like bariatric surgery, and lifestyle modifications, scientists have diverted their attention towards alternatives. An easily available spice, cinnamon has been found to have promising findings in preclinical and clinical trials. Cinnamon extracts have been found to decrease blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, alter hormone levels, and reduce oxidative stress in small animals. Several mechanisms, including AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activation, modulation of the insulin signaling pathway, and regulation of key transcription factors are responsible for these effects. Supplementation with cinnamon has been determined through clinical trials to assist patients with their weight control, regulation of their menstrual cycle, and improving insulin sensitivity. This review examines the potential therapeutic application of cinnamon in the treatment of PCOS, examining its effects both in humans and laboratory animals. The present analysis captures cinnamon's role as a treatment supplemental agent through the integration of all data on its multiple benefits in treating the various aspects of PCOS. To fully comprehend the action mechanisms and optimize its therapeutic application to PCOS management, further research is required.

As known from the history of the pandemic, the Avian Influenza virus can potentially be one of the deadliest viruses of poultry. The various strains of the Avian Influenza virus also affect different animal species, including humans. Due to its continually changing genome, this virus has become more resistant to current antiviral medications and vaccinations. The development of new treatments and therapies is therefore desperately needed. The ideal cure has yet to be discovered, even if a new generation of universal vaccinations or anti-influenza medications are being produced. As a result, new control methods must be created. In veterinary medicine, nanoparticle research has gained a lot of interest in the past 20 years as a viable platform that has shown great effectiveness in substituting antiviral medications and conventional techniques. Their peculiar and unique physiochemical properties, including size, shape, charge, and surface area, enable the nanoparticles to interact and penetrate the viral capsid and host cells. Various nanoparticles such as silver, copper, gold, and zinc have demonstrated potential antiviral activity by disrupting viral coats, inhibiting viral replication, and modulate immune response. So, this review article highlights the important methods to synthesize nanoparticles and their specific antiviral mode of action against the Avian Influenza virus.

All animal species are infected with parasitic nematodes, which are extremely widespread and diverse. Their significance in natural ecosystems is becoming increasingly clear. Host movement has long been known to have a significant role in deciding the genetic makeup of parasitic nematode populations. More recently, studies have emphasized the significance of nematode life histories, environmental factors, and other host ecological components. Parasitic infections by nematodes continue to be a major global health concern, particularly in developing nations, despite advancements in contemporary human and veterinary treatment. Research on alternative treatments for nematode infections has increased due to mounting evidence of these nematodes' multidrug resistance and the adverse effects of currently available synthetic pharmaceuticals. In this situation, investigating possible botanical antiparasitics which are widely available and priced might be a practical substitute. In this review the prevalence of nematodes is summarized and how the infection of nematodes can be treated through plant-based drugs instead of conventional approaches.

Cancer or malignant tumors are major global health concerns and limited treatment regimens are hazardous threats to people. Mostly malignant tumors are caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Various chemical agents have been used over the years to treat and limit this disease but due to unsatisfactory and insufficient results, researchers have diverted their attention towards alternatives. Nanoparticles (NPs) have a major role in improving treatment facilities. Nanoparticles have peculiar characteristics due to their size, shape, charge, and surface area. Their unique properties allow improved drug delivery to the target site at the cellular level by active or passive targeting. Different NPs are being modified for cancer therapy like polymeric NPs, liposomes, extracellular vesicles, nano-emulsions, carbon NPs, quantum dots, magnetic NPs, and silica NPs. They hold a promising future for diagnosis, treatment, and lowering the risk of these lethal diseases including breast and brain cancer due to their various beneficial mechanisms of overcoming drug resistance mechanisms.