Abstract Natural resources emerge as an essential and alternative tool for controlling parasitic agents. The present study was carried out to evaluate in vitro and in vivo effect of Persea americana fruit extract (PAFE) on helminthiasis and coccidiosis. In vitro, anthelmintic activity was performed using PAFE against Allolobophora caliginose. PAFE elicited significant anthelmintic activity comparable to mebendazole with the lesser time taken to paralysis and death for 200 mg/mL. In vitro anticoccidial activity of PAFE, amprolium, phenol, DettolTM, and formalin were studied after incubation with unsporulated oocysts. PAFE was able to significantly inhibit oocyst sporulation in a dose-dependent manner. A total 35 male mice were divided into seven groups. At day 0, all groups except first and second groups were infected with 1×103 E. papillata. Group 1 served as control. Group 2 served as uninfected-treated one. Group 3 was considered an infected-untreated group. After 60 min of infection, groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with PAFE. Group 7 was treated with amprolium. However, not at par with amprolium, PAFE showed a good anticoccidial activity adjudged based on a significant change in body weight gain, feed intake, oocysts output, and content of carbohydrates and protein. Therefore, PAFE exhibits powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial effects.

Abstract Coccidiosis and helminthiasis are two parasitic diseases that harm both health and the economy. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts (AILE) as an anti-parasitic modulator during murine coccidiosis as well as helminthic infection. Phytochemical analysis using FT-IR showed the presence of eleven compounds. A dose-dependent efficacy was observed in all experiments. At the highest concentration (200 mg/mL), time consumed to induce paralysis and death for worms was recorded at 9.329 ± 2.183 and 10.024 ± 1.542 min, respectively. Histological study revealed conspicuous deformity of surface architecture in all treated worms. SEM also revealed cuticular shrinkage of the body surface in all treated worms. In vitro study showed that incubation with AILE (100 mg/mL) for 96 hr inhibited sporulation by approximately 60%. AILE (50 and 25 mg/mL), amprolium, DettolTM, phenol, and formalin-induced variable inhibition levels at 96 hr of 28%, 44%, 37.33%, 81.33%, 89.33%, and 0% respectively. In addition, IC50 of AILE was obtained at 66.214 µg/mL with a percentage of antioxidant activity to be 74.76 ± 2.23. Our results indicate that AILE exhibits powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial activities and it could be exploited further for the development of a novel therapeutic agent.

Abstract We studied the effect of the calyx of cape gooseberry nanoparticles manufactured by a novel technique. There are several methods, such as jet mill, spray freezing, supercritical anti-solvent technique (SAS), and high-pressure homogenization, available for the production of drug micro/nanoparticles to improve drug solubility. Anti-solvent precipitation is also used to prepare micro- and nanosized particles to explain their effects on different foodborne pathogens, contaminated bacteria, and some fungi. Results indicated that nanoparticles of the cape gooseberry calyx contained higher antioxidant activity than that found in the normal calyx, seed, and juice. While studying the effect of cape gooseberry calyx nanoparticles on microorganisms, it was found that the zone of inhibition was highly positive against Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella typhimurium compared to that of the normal cape gooseberry calyx. All species of molds, including Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp., and yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula glutinis were affected by nanoparticles of the cape gooseberry calyx compared to those of the normal calyx.

Abstract The antimicrobial activities of certain spices and herbs are well-documented. Herbs and spices are often exposed to bacterial contamination, spore-forming bacteria in particular. The spores introduced during the production process result in a contamination that causes food alteration during storage. The aim of this study was to isolate spore-forming bacteria from commercially available spices and herbs, such as ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, curcumin, saffron, and clove. The API 50 CHB/E medium was used to identify different genera of spore-forming bacteria isolated from samples. We found that these belonged to the genus Bacillus, such as Bacillus cereus, which was isolated from cinnamon, and Bacillus subtilis, and isolated from curcumin and black pepper. The third species belonged to the genus Brevibacillus, Brevibacillus laterosporus, which was isolated from ginger. The D-values (decimal reduction) of each bacterium were determined at 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 °C. The Z-value was determined for each bacterium. The whole-cell protein profiles of the identified bacteria were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Since spore-forming bacterial contamination of herbs and spices can occur during their harvest, exsiccation, or through cross-contamination during packaging, we propose different methods for spore elimination.

Abstract Human campylobacteriosis can be transmitted from animals to human either directly or through contaminated food. So, food safety plays a critical role in preventing the prevalence of food-borne diseases. Probiotics microorganisms are considered one of the most promising new strategies in controlling gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infection. In this study, two probiotic strains Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM 20080 and Bifidobacterium bifidum were investigated as anti-Campylobacter agent both in vitro and in vivo. Where they showed elevated antibacterial activity when used as mixed culture with a significant downregulation in the mice intestinal gene expression of IL-1β mRNA and TNF-α mRNA induced by Campylobacter jejuni. Besides, the histopathological investigation of mice intestinal tissue showed great morphological changes in the infected groups with C. jejuni compared with Probiotics treated group that showed healthy intestinal sections with well-defined and enhanced villi. Generally, our findings demonstrate that probiotics have a beneficial and significant effect in the reduction and treatment of destructive effect of C. jejuni on mice gut.

Abstract A novel method to create nanoparticles from freeze- and air-dried mangosteen was developed to study the effects of these particles on the growth and protein formation of various gram-positive bacteria that act as foodborne pathogens. This new method produces freeze- and air-dried mangosteen peel nanoparticles that are prepared by a process based on a wet-milling technique, and these particles were tested on various gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. Our results indicated that the nanoparticles derived from freeze dried mangosteen contained higher antioxidant activity than nanoparticles derived from air-dried peels. The total phenol content in the freeze-dried nanoparticle extract was 1112.646 ± 1.842 (mg gallic acid /g sample), whereas that in the air-dried extract was 479.744 ± 2.564 (mg gallic acid/g sample). The total flavonoids in the mangosteen freeze-dried nanoparticle extract were 14.154 ± 0.119 (mg catechin/g sample), whereas levels in the air-dried extract were 4.711 ± 0.207 (mg catechin/g sample). The levels of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were 95.707 ± 0.070 and 94.303 ± 0.074% for freeze- and air-dried mangosteen nanoparticle extracts, respectively. Similar levels were obtained for 2,4,6-tri (2-pyridyl)-s-triazine (ABTS), and these were 42.753 ± 0.200 and 16.069 ± 0.424 (g trolox/g sample) for freeze- and air-dried mangosteen nanoparticle extracts, respectively. Levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were 17.806 ± 0.056 and 6.696 ± 0.085 (g trolox/g sample) for freeze- and air-dried mangosteen nanoparticle extracts, respectively. Whole protein bands from various bacteria disappeared on SDS-polyacrylamide gels when bacteria were cultured in medium containing both freeze- and air-dried mangosteen nanoparticles.

Abstract Breast cancer is the greatest common malignancy in females. This syndrome represents a serious public health problem that needs additional study to define its prediction and specific treatment. MCF-7 is a usually used breast cancer cell line that has been spread for many years by multiple groups. It shows to be a suitable model cell line for breast cancer studies worldwide, including those concerning anticancer. Anticancer and anti-inflammatory influences are important to treat the threats of chronic inflammation related with chronic diseases. Natural products have made and are remaining to make vital influences to the search for new anticancer agents. The use of natural foodstuffs in relationship with green nanoparticles has drawn attention because of its easy and eco-friendly protocol. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the antiproliferative activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by mangosteen peel extract (MPE) on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. In the present study serial concentrations (5, 10, 15, 50, 70, µg/mL) of cells biosynthesized silver nanoparticles by (MPE) was tested against MCF-7 cell lines showed a cytotoxic effects, morphological degeneration, damaging and has more effectiveness against breast cancer cells. The results showed a substantial a high reducing power, a sensible antiproliferative role and antioxidant activity. The results showed that silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by mangosteen peel extract (MPE) can be regarded as a suitable candidate for designing anticancer pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract This study discusses the efecfts of heavy metal contamination in aquaculture ponds on Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia fish). The effects of sub-lethal exposure to cadmium chloride and lead acetate on oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation product) and antioxidant biomarkers (reduced glutathione) were investigated in O. niloticus. The determination of GSH was dependent on the precipitation of protein using a tungstate. Sulfuric acid solution and the formation of yellow color after reaction with 5, 5` dithiobis- 25-nitrobenzoic acid (DNTB) was measured at wave length 412 nm. There was a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) after exposure to different doses of cadmium chloride and lead acetate and a significant increase in lipid peroxidation product (LPO) after exposure to different doses of cadmium chloride and lead acetate. The investigation indicates that the cadmium chloride and lead acetate are elevating the level of lipid peroxidation which are toxic in Tilapia fish.

Abstract Vitamin D can be harmful if taken for a long time, or taken in large acute dose, cause many problems including hypercalcemia. Here, we examined the protective effects of Eugenia Caryophyllata against vitamin D toxicity induced renal inflammation in rats. This study employed four experimental groups (n = 10) that underwent two months of treatment as follows: control group animal received saline (0.9% NaCl), vitamin D group that was received (100 mg/kg) of vitamin D, Eugenol group that was received Eugenol (100 mg/kg), vitamin D + eugenol group that was received vitamin D (100 mg/kg) then will be orally given Eugenol (100 mg/kg). The current study showed that a significant upregulation in the IL-2, TNF- α and iNOS gene expression levels caused by vitamin D compared to the control group. Eugenol treatment caused a significant decreased IL-2, TNF-α and iNOS activity and also upregulated gene expression levels. Histological features investigated showed that administered with vitamin D intoxication showed distinct alterations from that of the untreated control groups, such Shrinkage of glomeruli, hypercellularity of the glomeruli and necrosis. However, retreatment with Eugenol showed improvement in the histological features in by slight infiltration, fibrosis, minimal pleomorphism and less disarrangement and compared with that of Vitamin D treated rats. In conclusion, the Eugenol exhibited renoprotective effects against vitamin D-induced nephrotoxicity. These renoprotective effects could be achieved by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the Eugenol. Thus, for vitamin D-induced nephrotoxicity, the use of Eugenol could be beneficial.

Abstract Prodigiosin is a red pigment produced by Serratia marcescens strain. Bacterial prodigiosin and its synthetic derivatives are efficacious antioxidants and proapoptotic agents. This study illustrates a new approach for use of prodigiosin conjugated silver nanoparticles (PG-AgNP2) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2) induced neurotoxicity in rats. Rats were (ip) injected with Cd (6.5 mg/kg) for 7 days with or without PG-AgNP2 (3 mg/kg). The concentration of Cd, DA, NE, 5-HT, amino acids, NO, MDA, SOD, GSH, catalase, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Bcl2 and Caspase-3. The Cd-intoxicated group showed a significant increase in Cd concentration in brain tissue, in addition, to an increase in MDA and NO and a decrease in the content of neurotransmitters (DA, NE, and 5-HT), inhibitory amino acids, and level of all studied antioxidant enzymes. PG-AgNP2 treatment, significantly reduced Cd-induced brain tissue injury as indicated by increased antioxidant molecules, neurotransmitters (DA, NE, and 5-HT), and inhibitory amino acids accompanied by lower oxidative stress indices (MDA and NO) and excitatory amino acids in brain tissue. PG-AgNP2 decreased inflammatory mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevented the development of apoptosis in the brain tissue. Our findings suggest that PG-AgNP2 can act as a therapeutic agent against neuronal impairments associated with Cd exposure.