Introduction: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolic, detoxification, and endocrine functions. Hepatic wellness imbalances are driven by acute factors like hepatitis and drug allergy, and chronic ones like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In NAFLD, steatosis drives hepatic fibrogenesis to augment liver injury cum inflammation. Liver fibrosis is a challenging quest in hepatology in the search for safer and specific therapeutics. This study investigates the hepato-protective effect of Phyllanthus niruri compounds against liver fibrosis targets like LOXL2, HSP-47, BRD4, and IKKB, and compares their anti-hepatic fibrosis activity against known inhibitors.

Methodology: Phytochemicals from P.niruri were selected from the literature, and potential compounds which satisfy the acceptable thresholds of Mol.wt, Lipinski rule, and bioavailability were explored for in silico virtual screening. Liver fibrosis targets that influence HSC activation (BRD4), collagen stability (LOXL-2 & HSP-47), and fibrotic inflammation (IKKB) with the PDB Ids 6C7Q, 5ZE3, 3ZHA, and 3RZF, respectively, were investigated using Auto dock Vina docking software and further analysed for reliable ADMET parameters.

Results: The virtual screening reveals that compounds like β-sitosterol, cianidanol, ellagic acid, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, hinokinin, methyl brevifolincarboxylate, niruriflavone, phyllnirurin, 4-sinapoyl quinic acid, and quercetin showed more promising interaction with the liver fibrosis targets BRD4, LOXL-2, HSP-47, and IKKβ, in comparison to the known inhibitors like CE277, levoleucovorin, HSP47 inhibitor III, and K 252a, respectively. P.niruri compounds also qualified the permissible thresholds of ADMET.

Conclusion: Our in silico results suggest that Phyllanthus niruri compounds have the potential to be developed as an effective drug candidate towards the management of hepatic Fibrosis.

Background and Aim: The aim was to assess the risks to manganese (Mn) present in wild edible mushrooms Agaricus bitorquis collected in Leicester city, England.

Methods: Twenty-two mushrooms were collected from an open green area close to St Augustine Road, a high-traffic area within Leicester. Species identification was confirmed by DNA barcoding using internal transcribed spacer 1/4 primers after extracting DNA from 100 mg of frozen homogenised ground mushroom material using a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit®. Mn was monitored by ICP-MS in cleaned/dried/homogenised mushrooms [LoD=0.529 mg/kg dry weight (dw)], and in 36 topsoil composite samples collected across the city.

Results: Mn was detected in all the samples; median and range in mg/kg dw were 10.541 (6.877-14.158). The distribution of Mn in mushroom tissues did not show statistical differences (p-value=0.1), although slightly higher levels were found in caps versus stipes (data provided as median and ranges in mg/kg dw: 10.541 (6.877-14.158) vs. 9.617 (3.665-17.154). These results agree with the literature reporting a higher accumulation of metals in the caps of wild edible mushrooms. Thus, a translocation factor of 1.096 was determined for Mn in the monitored mushrooms. Although the content of Mn in mushrooms would be minimally affected by its presence in topsoils (bioconcentration factor was lower than the unit), the levels monitored in composite topsoil samples [411.012 (253.066-730.977 mg/kg)] were studied. Non-carcinogenic risks quantified for the levels of Mn in topsoils were lower than the threshold, suggesting minimal risks to the population.

Conclusions: The levels of Mn were much higher than those detected in Agaricus bisporus species collected in a natural forest in eastern Poland (5.91 mg/kg dw), suggesting a potential contamination by Mn in the inner city of Leicester, which would be in agreement with other toxic metals monitored in these samples, such as cadmium and lead.

Honey is a natural high-quality food product consumed worldwide due to its diverse nutritional profile and beneficial medical properties. These factors, along with honey’s unique sweet taste and odour, make it one of the most popular products for a healthy diet. Nevertheless, food fraud is an increasing problem with various impacts on the economy, health, and in the environment, as honey prices are established based on its botanical origin and nutritional composition. In the European Union, honey is one of the most adulterated products found in the market. Mislabeling of a honey’s geographic origin and unethical mixing with low-grade honeys, sugars, and other substances are some of the common fraudulent practices. Hence, it is imperative to develop analytical tools to quickly, cheaply, and successfully identify fraudulent products. In this work, an electrochemical genosensor for the detection of two different plant species, Calluna vulgaris (the heather flower) and Castanea sativa (the chestnut tree), was developed and optimized. Analyzing public database platforms, a 98 base pair DNA target probe for Calluna vulgaris and a 103 base pair DNA target probe for Castanea sativa were selected and designed. The developed genosensor resulted from a linear self-assembled monolayer of the DNA capture probe of each respective species immobilized onto screen-printed gold electrodes and mercaptohexanol. To improve the genosensor’s selectivity and avoid strong secondary structures, a sandwich format for both DNA target probes was designed using a complementary fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled DNA signaling probe. Chronoamperometry measurements were performed in a 0.13 to 2.00 nM range for both species. The developed genosensor was able to detect the hybridization reaction between the synthetic strands of each plant. Therefore, electrochemical genosensors offer a promising and cost-effective analytical tool to authenticate the botanical origin of honey, guaranteeing honey safety, quality control, and authenticity for both industries and consumers and showing potential for application in combatting fraud.

Title: Anti-Inflammatory and Hypolipidemic Properties of Cyperus rotundus: Phytocompound Interaction and Molecular Mechanisms**

This study explores the anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties of Cyperus rotundus through an in-depth analysis of its phytocompounds and their molecular interactions. Using in silico docking studies, the active phytocompounds of Cyperus rotundus were found to interact effectively with key inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). These interactions suggest a potential mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects observed.

Further analysis demonstrated that these phytocompounds significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in both adipose and inflamed tissues. COX-2 is a crucial enzyme involved in the inflammatory pathway, and its suppression indicates a strong anti-inflammatory response.

Histopathological examinations provided additional evidence supporting the hypolipidemic effect of Cyperus rotundus. The histological analysis of liver tissue revealed a marked reduction in the size of adipose cells, indicating a decrease in adipose tissue mass.

The findings of this study suggest that Cyperus rotundus exerts significant anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects. The phytocompounds interact with TNF-α and IFN-γ, leading to downregulation of COX-2 mRNA expression and reduction in adipose tissue size. These results highlight the potential of Cyperus rotundus as a therapeutic agent for managing inflammation and obesity-related conditions.

The current atmospheric changes affect biodiversity and the geographical distribution of natural species, including plants and animals. Plant species can convert, adapt to, or associate with the climatic conditions to adjust to a particular environment, as seen, e.g., at higher altitudes or in Eastern and Western regions. These changes are observed worldwide; therefore, provincial and territorial research is necessary to establish a legitimate management approach that precisely minimizes negative aesthetic, health-related, and financial consequences. A traditional medicinal plant found in tropical deciduous forests in India is Moringa concanensis Nimmo (Moringaceae). In the present research study, different specimens of Moringa concanensis from three different geographical sources in India were studied for their pharmacognostic, nutritional, and phytochemical aspects. The pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical analysis of leaves of Moringa concanensis, including their macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical parameters, was conducted as per WHO guidelines. Moringa concanensis leaves were successively extracted using five different solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) with varying polarity. Each extract was then subjected to a phytochemical screening. The analysis of phytochemicals revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, tannins, and phenolics. The changes observed according to regional ecological conditions were recorded. Nutritionally and phytochemically, all three species show similarities with the major identified constituents.

Introduction: Curry leaves, scientifically known as Murraya keonigii (L.) Spreng, are well known for their strong fragrance, their role in Asian cooking, and their many therapeutic benefits, which include their anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aim: This research study examines the antibacterial activities of curry leaf extracts against different bacterial strains in a laboratory setting utilizing ethanol and aqueous solvents.

Methodology: The curry leaves were dried using air, ground into a powder, and soaked in ethanol and water to produce extracts. The antibacterial activity of these extracts was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Candida albicans. The extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify bioactive chemicals.

Results: The findings indicated substantial antibacterial activity, with ethanol extracts demonstrating higher effectiveness. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were measured to assess the efficacy of the ethanol extract, particularly against Bacillus sp. and Candida albicans. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of important chemicals, including hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, cyclotetrasiloxane, and octamethyl, in the extracts. These compounds are likely responsible for the extracts' antibacterial activities. Statistical analysis validated the significance of the data (p<0.05).

Conclusions: This work emphasizes the potential of Murraya keonigii extracts as natural antibacterial agents, supporting the need for future investigation of their pharmaceutical applications.

Shrew African bush mango (Ujiri Nkakwu), a neglected and unexploited oil seed plant, was examined for its nutritional profiles, as well as its oil compositions. The pulverized seeds were subjected to proximate analysis, and standard methods were employed to determine the fatty acid, phytosterol, and tocopherol profiles, whereas the amino acid profile was ascertained from the de-fatted cake. Proximate composition showed that it is very rich in fat, followed by protein and then fiber, while the least was moisture; it also has a very high calorific value of 2364.39±10.30/kcal. Among the six essential amino acids, L-leucine was the most prevalent, whereas glycine was the most prevalent non-essential amino acid (n = 5). According to the fatty acid profile, stearic acid was the main saturated fatty acid found in the oil, while oleic acid was the main polyunsaturated fatty acid present in the sample, followed by linoleic acid at 15.1204 µg/ml. Betulin, campesterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, cuperol, and avenasterol are the sterols identified, with avenasterol being the major phytosterol present in the oil. According to these findings, Shrew African Bush Mango seeds might make great sources of oil. Consequently, Shrew African Bush Mango contains a high content of essential amino acids and protein for food or feed.

Introduction: Bread is a staple food in Kosovo. Understanding consumer preferences for bread made from locally sourced whole wheat versus endosperm (white) flour can provide valuable insights into dietary choices and nutrient intake. This study investigated the consumer evaluation of bread prepared from commercially available whole wheat and endosperm flours typical of the Kosovar market.

Methodology: A sensory evaluation was conducted with 50 consumers who assessed key attributes of bread samples prepared from both white and integral flour types. These attributes included color, shape, texture, and overall acceptability. Evaluation was based on a 5-point scale where 1 indicated "strongly dislike" and 5 indicated "strongly like". Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results: The sensory evaluation revealed a general consumer preference for white bread (76%) over whole-wheat bread (24%). This inclination might be attributable to several factors, such as the lighter color and perceived softer texture of endosperm bread. Additionally, a lack of awareness regarding the health benefits of whole wheat compared to endosperm flour could be a contributing factor.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest a stronger consumer preference for endosperm bread in Kosovo compared to whole-wheat bread made from locally sourced flours. Further research is warranted to delve deeper into the reasons behind this preference, including potential knowledge gaps regarding the importance of whole grains for health. Exploring strategies to educate consumers about the nutritional advantages of whole-wheat bread could be valuable in promoting healthier dietary choices among Kosovar consumers.

Introduction

Many native Australian plants, including Syzygium spp., have been used as traditional medicines by indigenous Australians; however, they have been underutilised in modern medicine due to a lack of scientific studies. The berries of Syzygium smithii, commonly known as lilly pilly, are considered to be a protective food and have not been investigated previously. This is a preliminary study of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the berries and leaves of Syzygium smithii.

Method

Syzygium smithii berries and leaves were extracted using an in-house cold extraction method in ethanol and water. Their antimicrobial properties were investigated using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica) bacteria. Their antioxidant capacity was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays.

Results

During the disc diffusion assay, the ethanolic berry and leaf extracts showed inhibitory potential against all Gram-positive bacteria, except for S. aureus for the berry extract. The MIC of the ethanolic leaf extract was found to be 25 mg/ml against all bacteria excluding S. enterica, and that of the aqueous leaf extract was between 12.5 and 25 mg/ml against all bacteria excluding K. pneumoniae and S. enterica. TPC and TFC were found to be 663.44 µg gallic acid/mg and 489.80 µg quercetin/mg, respectively, and the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous berry extract had an IC₅₀ of 38.79 µg/ml against DPPH.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Syzygium smithii has the potential to be utilised by modern medicine as a potential antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. Further studies are needed to confirm these biological activities of Syzygium smithii.

The renal diet has historically posed significant challenges in medical nutrition therapy, particularly in its conveyance, comprehension, and practical application. Hemodialysis patients often face restrictive dietary recommendations to limit phosphorus, potassium, and fluid intake, leading to frustration, a sense of diminished autonomy, and perceived dietary limitations. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for updating medical needs, ensuring dietary adherence, and preventing malnutrition and inadequate dialysis. This study explores the potential of integrating traditional dietary principles, including a plant-based diet, into the nutritional management of dialysis patients, proposing a holistic and personalized approach grounded in ancient wisdom.

This paper addresses these challenges through a comprehensive review of scientific publications on renal diets compared to the data of the nutritional profiles of food items suggested in the traditional dietary literature for renal disorders. This analysis aims to identify synergistic benefits and innovative dietary interventions. Traditional nutrition emphasizes individualized diets, considering the unique needs of each patient. Integrating macronutrient considerations, fluid control, and core principles from traditional dietetics with contemporary scientific insights can enhance patient outcomes.

Innovative gut modulatory interventions, such as specific cooking techniques, spice formulations, and a variety of plant-based foods, are highlighted as key components of this integrated approach. These modalities enhance the palatability and nutritional value of the diet and also support gut health. Cooking techniques for nutrient integrity, the use of spices with anti-inflammatory prebiotic effects, probiotics, and diverse plant-based foods contribute to a holistic dietary strategy.

This paper explores the emerging trends and innovative approaches advocating for the integration of traditional dietary concepts and plant-based nutrition into renal diet management to improve patient adherence, satisfaction, and health outcomes.