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Background: SARS-COVID-2 has recently been one of the most life-threatening problems which urgently needs new therapeutic antiviral agents, especially those of herbal origin. Purpose: The study aimed to load acaciin (ACA) into the new self-assembled nanofibers (NFs) followed by investigating their possible antiviral effect against bovine coronavirus (BCV) as a surrogate model for SARS-COV-2. Methods: ACA was identified using 1H-NMR and DEPT-Q 13C-NMR spectroscopy, the molecular docking study was performed using Autodock 4 and a modification of the traditional solvent injection method was applied for the synthesis of the biodegradable NFs. Different characterization techniques were used to inspect the formation of the NFs, which is followed by antiviral investigation against BCV as well as MTT assay using MDBK cells. Results: Core/shell NFs, ranging between 80– 330 nm with tiny thorn-like branches, were formed which attained an enhanced encapsulation efficiency (97.5 ± 0.53%, P< 0.05) and a dual controlled release (a burst release of 65% at 1 h and a sustained release up to > 24 h). The antiviral investigation of the formed NFs revealed a significant inhibition of 98.88 ± 0.16% (P< 0.05) with IC50 of 12.6 μM against BCV cells. Conclusion: The results introduced a new, time/cost-saving strategy for the synthesis of biodegradable NFs without the need for electric current or hazardous cross-linking agents. Moreover, it provided an innovative avenue for the discovery of drugs of herbal origin for the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Malaria is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. The causative of the most severe forms of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, has developed resistances against all the available antimalarial drugs. In the present study, the phytochemical investigation of the green seaweed Halimeda macroloba has afforded two new compounds 1–2, along with 4 known ones 3–6. The structures of the compounds had been confirmed using 1& 2D-NMR and HRESIMS analyses. Extensive machine-learning-supported virtual-screening suggested cytochrome-C enzyme as a potential target for compound 2. Docking, absolute-binding-free-energy (ΔGbinding) and molecular-dynamics-simulation (MDS) of compound 2 revealed the strong binding interaction of this compound with cytochrome-C. In vitro testing for crude extract and isolated compounds revealed the potential in vitro inhibitory activity of both extract and compound 2 against P. falciparum. The crude extract was able to inhibit the parasite growth with an IC50 value of 1.8 ± 0.35 µg/mL. Compound 2 also showed good inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.2 ± 0.23 µg/mL. Meanwhile, compound 6 showed moderate inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 19.3 ± 0.51 µg/mL. Accordingly, the scaffold of compound 2 can be considered as a good lead compound for the future development of new antimalarial agents.

Actinobacterial natural products showed a critical basis for the discovery of new antibiotics as well as other lead secondary metabolites. Varied environmental and physiological signals touch the antibiotic machinery that faced a serious decline in the last decades. The reason was exposed by genomic sequencing data, which revealed that Actinomycetes harbor a large portion of silent biosynthetic gene clusters in their genomes that encrypt for secondary metabolites. These gene clusters are linked with a great reservoir of yet unknown molecules, and arranging them is considered a major challenge for biotechnology approaches. In the present paper, we discuss the recent strategies that have been taken to augment the yield of secondary metabolites via awakening these cryptic genes in Actinomycetes with emphasis on chemical signaling molecules used to induce the antibiotics biosynthesis. The rationale, types, applications and mechanisms are discussed in detail, to reveal the productive path for the unearthing of new metabolites, covering the literature until the end of 2020.

Wound healing, one of the most intricate and dynamic processes of the body, maintains skin integrity following trauma. One of the main issues that still exists is impaired wound healing, particularly for immunosuppressed patients. Recently, natural products from marine environments have been employed in wound-repairing activities. This work investigates the mesenchymal stem cells in the combined capacity of the bone marrow (BMMSC) for wound healing and Cystoseira sp. Algae extract in immunosuppressed rats. High-resolution liquid chromatography / MS investigation of Cystoseira extract revealed the prevalence of fatty acids that have wound-soothing potential. From constructed PPI network for wound healing and further analysis through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation experiments suggested that cystalgerone metabolite may be responsible for the wound healing-promoting effect of Cystoseira extract. According to the CD marker characterization of the BMMSC, 98.21% of them expressed CD90, and 97.1% expressed CD105. Sixteen d after immunity suppression (by 40 mg/kg hydrocortisone daily), an incision was made in the dorsal skin of the rat. The treatments were applied for 16 d and samples were taken from the tested groups on the 8 th , 14 th , and 16 th days. The BMMSCs / Cystoseira group showed significantly improved wound closure, thickness, density of new layers, and skin elasticity than the control group (p < 0.001). The BMMSCs / Cystoseira combination significantly reduced the oxidative indicators, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune markers, according to the RT-PCR gene expression study. In order to delve deeper into the complex interconnections among wound healing-related biological targets and pinpoint key factors in this complex process, we engaged in network pharmacology and computational research. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive computational analysis, including reverse docking, free energy (ΔG) computation, and molecular dynamics simulations, on the molecular structures of the annotated compounds. The purpose of this investigation was to identify potential new targets for these chemicals as well as any potential interactions they may have with different signaling pathways related to the wound healing process. Our research indicates that the primary compounds of Cystoseira holds potential wound healing therapeutic activity. Although more safety testing and clinical studies are required, the combination has great potential for regenerative medicine and could be a revolutionary advance in the healing of the wounds of immunosuppressed patients.

Marine organisms and their associated microbes are rich in diverse chemical leads. With the development of marine biotechnology, a considerable number of research activities are focused on marine bacteria and fungi-derived bioactive compounds. Marine bacteria and fungi are ranked on the top of the hierarchy of all organisms, as they are responsible for producing a wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites with possible pharmaceutical applications. Thus, they have the potential to provide future drugs against challenging diseases, such as cancer, a range of viral diseases, malaria, and inflammation. This review aims at describing the literature on secondary metabolites that have been obtained from Scleractinian-associated organisms including bacteria, fungi, and zooxanthellae, with full coverage of the period from 1982 to 2020, as well as illustrating their biological activities and structure activity relationship (SAR). Moreover, all these compounds were filtered based on ADME analysis to determine their physicochemical properties, and 15 compounds were selected. The selected compounds were virtually investigated for potential inhibition for SARS-CoV-2 targets using molecular docking studies. Promising potential results against SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and methyltransferase (nsp16) are presented.

Background: Nephrolepis exaltata (sword fern) possesses a considerable amount of phytochemicals and different biological activities. The current study investigates the anti-biofilm potential of greenly synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles of Nephrolepis exaltata leaf methanol extract (NEME-MnO2-MgO BNPs). Methods: The NEME was subjected to UPLC/MS analysis, followed by characterization of its NPs by size, zeta potential, FTIR, entrapment efficiency, and release. Then, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm assays were employed, followed by in silico studies. Results: The UPLC/MS analysis of NEME led to the tentative identification of 27 metabolites, mostly phenolics. The MnO2-MgO BNPs presented a uniform size and distribution and exhibited IC50 values of 350 and 215.6 μg/mL, in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Moreover, the NPs exhibited antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC-9633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-6538), Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and C. albicans, with MIC values of 250–500 μg/mL. The MnO2-MgO BNPs inhibited Candida albicans biofilms with a % inhibition of 66.83 ± 2.45% at 1/2 MIC. The network pharmacology highlighted epigallocatechin and hyperoside to be the major compounds responsible for the anti-biofilm potential. The ASKCOS facilitated the prediction of the redox transformations that occurred in the green synthesis, while the docking analysis revealed enhanced binding affinities of the oxidized forms of both compounds towards the outer membrane porin OprD of P. aeruginosa, with binding scores of −4.6547 and −5.7701 kcal/mol., respectively. Conclusions: The greenly synthesized Nephrolepis exaltata bimetallic nanoparticles may provide a promising, eco-friendly, and sustainable source for antimicrobial agents of natural origin with potential biofilm inhibition.

Impaired skin wound healing is still a major challenge, especially with immunocompromised patients who express delayed healing and are susceptible to infections. Injection of rat-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) via the tail vein accelerates cutaneous wound healing via their paracrine activity. The present work aimed to investigate the combined wound-healing potential of BMMSCs and Halimeda macroloba algae extract in immunocompromised rats. High-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LC-MS) investigation of the extract revealed the presence of variant phytochemicals, mostly phenolics, and terpenoids, known for their angiogenic, collagen-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The BMMSCs were isolated and characterized for CD markers, where they showed a positive expression of CD90 by 98.21% and CD105 by 97.1%. Twelve days after inducing immunocompromise (40 mg/kg hydrocortisone daily), a circular excision was created in the dorsal skin of rats and the treatments were continued for 16 days. The studied groups were sampled on days 4, 8, 12, and 16 after wounding. The gross/histopathological results revealed that the wound closure (99%), thickness, density of new epidermis and dermis, and skin elasticity in the healed wounds were considerably higher in the BMMSCs/Halimeda group than the control group (p < 0.05). RT-PCR gene expression analysis revealed that the BMMSCs/Halimeda extract combination had perfectly attenuated oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, and NF-KB activation at day 16 of wounding. The combination holds promise for regenerative medicine, representing a revolutionary step in the wound healing of immunocompromised patients, with still a need for safety assessments and further clinical trials.

Sarcoptic mange , commonly known as scabies, is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei (Astigmata: Sarcoptinae). This parasitic disease significantly impacts livestock and human health, particularly in underserved regions. Current treatments rely on synthetic acaricides like permethrin and ivermectin, which suffer from limitations such as toxicity, resistance development, and environmental contamination. Essential oils from Apiaceae plants represent a promising natural alternative. This study reviewed 122 volatile constituents from Apiaceae plants and conducted comprehensive in silico analyses to identify potential antiparasitic agents. Geraniol emerged as a potent acaricidal candidate due to its strong binding affinity to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (docking score: − 7.85 kcal/mol). In vitro testing revealed geraniol achieved a 100% mite mortality rate at concentrations as low as 6.25% within 15 min (LT 50  = 9.5 min). In vivo studies using scabies-infected rabbits demonstrated that geraniol-treated animals exhibited complete clinical recovery by two weeks post-treatment, with disappearance of crusts, itching, and skin thickening. Histopathological examination showed near-complete skin regeneration with minimal inflammatory infiltrates, in contrast to control groups which exhibited severe lesions and active mite presence. Furthermore, geraniol-treated rabbits displayed new hair growth and improved general condition, with no observed adverse effects. These findings highlight geraniol’s potential as a safe, effective, and eco-friendly treatment for scabies, offering a 100% improvement in clinical and histological recovery within two weeks. Further research should focus on optimizing delivery systems and evaluating its efficacy in human clinical trials.

The current study investigated the scabicidal potential of Egyptian mandarin peel oil ( Citrus reticulata Blanco, F. Rutaceae) against sarcoptic mange-in-rabbits. Analysis of the oil's GC–MS identified a total of 20 compounds, accounting for 98.91% of all compounds found. Mandarin peel oil topical application improved all signs of infection, causing a scabicidal effect three days later, whereas in vitro application caused complete mite mortality one day later. In comparison to ivermectin, histopathological analysis showed that the epidermis' inflammatory-infiltration/hyperkeratosis-had disappeared. In addition to TIMP-1, the results of the mRNA gene expression analysis showed upregulation of I-CAM-1-and-KGF and downregulation of ILs-1, 6, 10, VEGF, MMP-9, and MCP-1. The scabies network was constructed and subjected to a comprehensive bioinformatic evaluation. TNF-, IL-1B, and IL-6, the top three hub protein-coding genes, have been identified as key therapeutic targets for scabies. From molecular docking data, compounds 15 and 16 acquired sufficient affinity towards the three screened proteins, particularly both possessing higher affinity towards the IL-6 receptor. Interestingly, it achieved a higher binding energy score than the ligand of the docked protein rather than displaying proper binding interactions like those of the ligand. Meanwhile, geraniol ( 15) showed the highest affinity towards the GST protein, suggesting its contribution to the acaricidal effect of the extract. The subsequent, MD simulations revealed that geraniol can achieve stable binding inside the binding site of both GST and IL-6. Our findings collectively revealed the scabicidal ability of mandarin peel extract for the first time, paving the way for an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly herbal alternative for treating rabbits with Sarcoptes mange .

This study explored the in vivo wound healing potential of Vitis vinifera seed extract using an excision wound model with focus on wound healing molecular targets including TGFBR1, VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The wound healing results revealed that V. vinifera seed extract enhanced wound closure rates (p < 0.001), elevated TGF-β and VEGF levels, and significantly downregulated TNF-α and IL-1β levels in comparison to the Mebo®-treated group. The phenotypical results were supported by biochemical and histopathological findings. Phytochemical investigation yielded a total of 36 compounds including twenty-seven compounds (1–27) identified from seed oil using GC-MS analysis, along with nine isolated compounds. Among the isolated compounds, one new benzofuran dimer (28) along with eight known ones (29–36) were identified. The structure of new compound was elucidated utilizing 1D/2D NMR, with HRESIMS analyses. Moreover, molecular docking experiments were performed to elucidate the molecular targets (TNF-α, TGFBR1, and IL-1β) of the observed wound healing activity. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activity of V. vinifera seed extract along with two isolated compounds (ursolic acid 34, and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucopyranoside 36) were explored. Our study highlights the potential of V. vinifera seed extract in wound repair uncovering the most probable mechanisms of action using in silico analysis.