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Saffron Crocus sativus L. ( C. sativus ) is a flower from the iridaceous family. Crocin, saffron’s major constituent, and saffron have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In this work, the neuroprotective effects of saffron and crocin are being investigated in a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) mouse model. A weight drop model setup was employed to induce mild brain injury in male albino BABL/c mice weighing 30–40 g. Saffron (50 mg/kg) and crocin (30 mg/kg) were administrated intraperitoneally 30 min before mTBI induction. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess behavioral deficits including the modified neurological severity score (NSS), Morris water maze (MWM), pole climb test, rotarod test, and adhesive test. The levels of TNF alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. Histological analysis of different brain parts was performed. Both saffron and crocin demonstrated marked improved neurological, cognitive, motor, and sensorimotor functions. Besides, both compounds significantly reduced the oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. No abnormal histological features were observed in any of the injured groups. Saffron extract and crocin provide a neuroprotective effect in a mouse model of rmTBI by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and behavioral deficits.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major cause of morbidity and disability worldwide and a healthcare burden. TBI is an important risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases hallmarked by exacerbated neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation in the cerebral cortex plays a critical role in secondary injury progression following TBI. The NOD-like receptors (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key player in initiating the inflammatory response in various central nervous system disorders entailing TBI. This current study aims to investigate the role of NLRP3 in repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) and identify the potential neuroprotective effect of saffron extract in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. 24 hours following the final injury, rmTBI causes an upregulation in mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1Beta (IL-1β), interleukin 18 (IL-18), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1). Protein levels of NLRP3, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), and neuronal nuclei (Neu N) also increased after rmTBI. Administration of saffron alleviated the degree of TBI, as evidenced by reducing the neuronal damage, astrocyte, and microglial activation. Pretreatment with saffron inhibited the activation of NLRP3, caspase-1, and ASC concurrent to reduced production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Additionally, saffron extract enhanced SIRT1 expression, NRF2, and HMOX1 upregulation. These results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the subsequent inflammatory response in the mice cortex are involved in the process of rmTBI. Saffron blocked the inflammatory response and relieved TBI by activating detoxifying genes and inhibiting NLRP3 activation. The effect of saffron on the NLRP3 inflammasome may be SIRT1 and NF-κB dependent in the rmTBI model. Thus, brain injury biomarkers will help in identifying a potential therapeutic target in treating TBI-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

Throughout history, Matricaria chamomilla L. ( M. chamomilla ) has had countless applications in traditional medicine. Its extracts, oils and teas have been used for treating diverse ailments, including wounds, rheumatic pain, menstrual cramps, eye and ear infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory illnesses. These traditional applications guided modern research into its medicinal effects through increasingly detailed in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials. A plethora of preclinical studies have assessed the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic, wound healing, and anticancer properties of M. chamomilla. These pharmacological properties of M. chamomilla are attributed to its rich reservoir of phytochemical constituents, primarily its flavonoids, such as luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, as well as its sesquiterpenes, mainly chamazulene and (−)-α-bisabolol. Remarkably, preclinical studies have paved the way for progress towards controlled human clinical trials. M. chamomilla has been clinically evaluated for its effects against anxiety, sleep-deficiency, depression, as well as oral, women-related, inflammatory, metabolic, dermatological, gastrointestinal disorders, and children-related conditions. In this sense, this review elucidates and discusses the recent findings for M. chamomilla development as a therapeutic agent that possesses health-promoting, disease-preventing and even treatment properties. The traditional medicinal uses and evidence-based research studies, which were performed in cell culture, animal models and human subjects to assess the pharmacological activities of M. chamomilla, are extensively highlighted. Particular emphasis is given to some phytochemical constituents of M. chamomilla , which demonstrate great potential in treating various conditions.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are two conditions with increasing prevalence and severe systemic complications and consequences. This research examines the combined neuroprotective and nephroprotective properties of three medicinal plants, Mucuna pruriens (Muc), Moringa oleifera (Mor), and Silybum marianum (SM), in a murine model of PD, AKI, and their comorbid state (PD–AKI), highlighting the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways. The mice were grouped as PD, AKI, or PD-AKI, and with or without the herbal pre-treatment, along with their respective controls. Motor impairments were assessed using the rotarod and pole climb assays. Biochemical indicators of renal function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines were quantified in kidney and brain tissues. Assessment of Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR expression levels was performed using qRT-PCR. The AKI groups had significant renal impairment (4-fold increase in creatinine and 7.5-fold increase in BUN), oxidative stress (~5.5-fold increase), and increased cytokine levels (~1.5-fold increase), with downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (~2-fold decrease) and Nrf2 signaling pathways (~1.8-fold decrease), alongside upregulation of NF-κB (~2.5-fold increase). The PD and PD-AKI groups exhibited significant neuroinflammation (~1.5-fold increase) and redox imbalance (~6-fold increase) in brain tissue, accompanied by motor impairments (1.6 to 4.6-fold decrease). Pre-treatment with Muc, Mor, and SM significantly ameliorated renal impairments (3.5-fold decrease in creatinine and ~5-fold decrease in BUN) and neurological deficits. These findings establish Muc, Mor, and SM extracts as potent, multi-target interventions capable of disrupting the feed–forward cycle of neuro-renal damage.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid and often reversible decline in renal excretory function. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes AKI. APAP nephrotoxicity is mostly due to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As no effective treatment for AKI is available, researchers are looking for natural and safe alternatives using plants. In this study, they aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Moringa oleifera (Mor), Mucuna pruriens (Muc), or milk thistle (MT) at the biochemical and molecular levels in an APAP-induced AKI mouse model. Methods: AKI was induced in mice with a single intraperitoneal dose of APAP (1,000 mg/kg). The aqueous extracts of the three plants were given orally at 350 mg/kg daily for 21 days pre-AKI induction. Creatinine and BUN levels were measured in serum to assess kidney function. The oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators SOD, CAT, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α were determined using colorimetric and ELISA kits, respectively. SIRT1 protein levels were determined by Western blot. Results: Pretreatment with the three plant extracts significantly decreased the kidney biomarkers. SOD and CAT activities were enhanced with a decrease in MDA levels. IL-6 and TNF-α were also significantly lowered. A significant increase in SIRT1 expression was observed. Conclusion: Pretreatment with Mor, Muc, and MT has a nephroprotective effect against APAP-induced kidney injury, regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Antibiotic contamination in polluted rivers is well recognized as an environmental and public health challenge. In this study, the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of three commonly used antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin) were assessed in the Litani River, the most important and highly polluted river in Lebanon. Physicochemical and microbiological water quality parameters including the antibiotic-resistant ones were in parallel determined in the same sites. Water samples from five sites stretching across the river upper basin were analyzed for the antibiotics under study using high-performance liquid chromatography, with both fluorometric and UV detectors post-extraction using a solid-phase method with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance cartridges. The disc diffusion method and standardized water quality methods were used for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and water quality assessment, respectively. Amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin were found at concentrations of 250 ng/L and 107.2 ng/L, while azithromycin was not detected in any of the sites under study. Varying levels of antibiotic resistance were detected with the isolated Escher ichia coli ( E. coli ) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) while the total coliforms showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. COD, TP, PO43-, TN, NO3-, NH4 + , E. coli , total coliform, P. aeruginosa , and Cd levels surpassed permissible levels. Correlation analysis with water quality parameters (COD, total phosphate, phosphate, total nitrogen, and cadmium) showed a significant positive correlation with ciprofloxacin (r > 0.5, p value < 0.05). Also, the resistant P. aeruginosa showed a significant positive correlation with cadmium ( r  > 0.5, p value < 0.05) while the resistant E. coli was positively correlated with total nitrogen, nitrate, and lead levels ( r  > 0.5, p value < 0.05). The ecological risk assessment revealed that all the tested antibiotics pose low risks (ecological risk quotient RQ < 0.1) except ciprofloxacin, which could pose a medium risk (0.1 < RQ < 1). Future research concerning the long-term assessment of antibiotics’ residues and the identification of resistance genes in the river is recommended.

Infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are a major concern for clinicians due to its multidrug resistance profile. This has led them to revert to traditional treatment methods. This study is aimed at assessing the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of Rhus coriaria . Whole‐genome sequencing of CRAB isolates was carried out. The extract was screened for its antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activities were detected by determining the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC), and the time‐dependent growth inhibition assay for the assessment of the extract′s time and dose dependency. The antibiofilm inhibition and destruction activities were also tested using the crystal violet assay, and the ability of the extract to induce hemolysis of erythrocytes through the hemolytic assay. This study proved that R . coriaria aqueous extract has antioxidant activity reaching 90.69% at a concentration of 3 mg/mL. Moreover, this extract has no toxicity effect on human red blood cells, with a hemolytic activity of 1.3% at this concentration. Additionally, good antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of R. coriaria were also detected against all CRAB isolates, with MIC and MBC values of 0.75 mg/mL, and biofilm inhibition reaching 95.22% at 2× MIC. A time‐ and concentration‐dependent effect of the extract was also determined, with a significant rapid decline in growth observed at 6 h of treatment at 2× MIC, then 1× MIC. This study suggests R. coriaria extract as an effective adjuvant to antimicrobials for treating multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections.

Dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a powerful inducer of colorectal cancer (CRC) in animal models, is known for its hepatotoxic effect through the generation of reactive oxygen species upon its metabolic processing. Chenopodium quinoa is a well-documented medicinal herb known for its powerful antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed at investigating the protective role of aqueous quinoa extract on DMH-induced hepatic oxidative stress and modulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway during colon carcinogenesis in male Balb/c mice. Mice were randomly divided into eight experimental groups of 6 mice each. CRC was induced with DMH (20mg/kg). Mice were either pretreated or post-treated with quinoa aqueous extract orally by gavage at a dose of 250mg/kg for 12 or 8weeks (5days/week). Assessments included histopathological liver examination, molecular quantification of mRNA levels of some key players of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (platelet-derived growth factor-BB [PDGF-BB], platelet-derived growth factor receptor Beta [PDGFR-β ], mTOR) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), biochemical measure of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a blood test measuring the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) level. All statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel, with results expressed as mean±standard deviation. One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences between groups, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Graphs were generated with GraphPad Prism. In conclusion, quinoa aqueous extract demonstrated hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects by reducing oxidative stress and modulating key molecular pathways associated with CRC development, supporting its potential as a natural dietary chemopreventive agent.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally and presents a significant challenge owing to its high mortality rate and the limitations of traditional treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While these treatments are foundational, they are often poorly effective owing to tumor resistance. Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking alternative that has recently emerged and offers new hope for success by exploiting the body’s own immune system. This article aims to provide an extensive review of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of various immunotherapies, including CRC vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss combining CRC vaccines with monoclonal antibodies, delve into preclinical studies of novel cancer vaccines, and assess the impact of these treatment methods on patient outcomes. This review seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the current state of CRC treatment by evaluating innovative treatments and their potential to redefine the prognosis of patients with CRC.

Safe, accessible, and good water quality are essential characteristics for reducing various waterborne diseases. Since domestic water is the water most consumed by Lebanese people, cleaning household water tanks is important to prevent their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Generally, all the stages of the value chain of the Lebanese water sector are still imperfect. Thus, the domestic water should be regularly tested, especially in the impoverished landmarks where water quality is the worst. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and microbiological quality of the water in the storage tanks of homes in Sidon, Lebanon. Fifty water samples were collected aseptically from domestic water storage tanks. The microbiological assessment was performed using basic plating techniques. Identification of isolated bacteria was performed using MALDI-TOF-MS. Physicochemical parameters were assessed using titration, pH, and conductivity measurements. Antibiotic-susceptibility testing was performed using antibiotic disks. Screening for virulence genes in bacteria was carried out via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most of the physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) varied between the water samples. The total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contaminate was 54%, 20%, and 16% in each of the samples, respectively. Other bacteria isolated from household water included intestinal Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (68%), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (68%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (22%). Other predominant isolates recovered from the samples were also identified. The bacterial isolates showed a prevalence of resistance and intermediate resistance against the tested antibiotic agents. Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 21% of the collected S. aureus, using cefoxitin agent and mecA gene detection. A prevalence of virulence genes in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was also noticed. Our data show that Sidon domestic water is not suitable for either drinking or home applications.