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Renoprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Cucurbita maxima Seed Extract against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Tarig Bilal
,Nuraddeen Jaafar
,Nada Suliman
,Anil Shivappa
,Ahmed Hashim
,Sanusi Bello
Cisplatin and other chemotherapy agents are critical for cancer treatment but pose a significant ecotoxicological risk following excretion into the environment. This study investigated the potential of Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) seed extract, a natural source of antioxidants, to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an albino rat model. Forty rats were divided into four groups: a negative control, a positive control (cisplatin only), and two treatment groups receiving cisplatin alongside pumpkin seed extract at 300 mg/kg or 600 mg/kg body weight. Nephrotoxicity was assessed via serum biomarkers (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, electrolytes) and histopathological examination. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other antioxidants, with the extract demonstrating high (92%) DPPH radical scavenging activity. Cisplatin administration significantly (p<0.05) elevated urea and creatinine levels and induced severe tubular necrosis and leukocytic infiltration. Co-treatment with the pumpkin seed extract, particularly at 600 mg/kg, markedly attenuated these effects, significantly restoring renal function markers and preserving histological architecture. The findings demonstrate that Cucurbita maxima seed extract possesses significant renoprotective properties, primarily attributed to its potent antioxidant constituents. This research highlights the value of plant-derived bioactive compounds as potential natural adjuvants to reduce the toxic side effects of pharmaceutical contaminants, offering insights relevant to both biomedical science and environmental toxicology.
Cisplatin and other chemotherapy agents are critical for cancer treatment but pose a significant ecotoxicological risk following excretion into the environment. This study investigated the potential of Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) seed extract, a natural source of antioxidants, to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an albino rat model. Forty rats were divided into four groups: a negative control, a positive control (cisplatin only), and two treatment groups receiving cisplatin alongside pumpkin seed extract at 300 mg/kg or 600 mg/kg body weight. Nephrotoxicity was assessed via serum biomarkers (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, electrolytes) and histopathological examination. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other antioxidants, with the extract demonstrating high (92%) DPPH radical scavenging activity. Cisplatin administration significantly (p<0.05) elevated urea and creatinine levels and induced severe tubular necrosis and leukocytic infiltration. Co-treatment with the pumpkin seed extract, particularly at 600 mg/kg, markedly attenuated these effects, significantly restoring renal function markers and preserving histological architecture. The findings demonstrate that Cucurbita maxima seed extract possesses significant renoprotective properties, primarily attributed to its potent antioxidant constituents. This research highlights the value of plant-derived bioactive compounds as potential natural adjuvants to reduce the toxic side effects of pharmaceutical contaminants, offering insights relevant to both biomedical science and environmental toxicology.
Posted: 31 December 2025
The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Oncogenesis: Friend or Foe?
Michele Acanfora
,Maurizio Episodio
,Massimo Bonucci
Posted: 15 December 2025
Viniferin-Rich Phytocomplex from Vitis vinifera L. Plant Cell Culture Mitigates Neuroinflammation in BV2 Microglia Cells
Giacomina Videtta
,Chiara Sasia
,Sofia Quadrino
,Oriana Bertaiola
,Chiara Guarnerio
,Elisa Bianchi
,Giacomo Biagiotti
,Barbara Richichi
,Stefano Cicchi
,Giovanna Pressi
+1 authors
Activation of microglia and resulting neuroinflammation are central processes that significantly contribute to neurodegenerative disease progression. Treatments capable of attenuating neuroinflammation are therefore an urgent medical need. Vitis vinifera L., cultivated since ancient times for its fruits, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, polyphenols, the main bioactive molecules in V. vinifera extracts, vary considerably due to numerous hard-to-control factors, making it difficult to obtain standardized extracts with consistent biological activity. To address this issue, plant cell culture biotechnology was used to produce a highly standardized V. vinifera phytocomplex (VP), and its anti-neuroinflammatory profile was investigated in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, an in vitro model of neuroinflammation. VP reduced the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype, improved cell viability and cell number, attenuated NF-κB activation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and increased SIRT1 levels. To overcome VP’s poor water solubility, water-soluble, nanocellulose-based formulations containing cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were developed and tested. VP-CNC formulations markedly reduced the BV2 pro-inflammatory phenotype and increased cell viability under both basal and LPS-stimulated conditions. The nanoformulations also decreased pERK1/2 levels and increased SIRT1 expression, exhibiting biological activities comparable to VP alone. V. vinifera phytocomplex derived from plant cell cultures represents an innovative and standardized product with promising antineuroinflammatory properties.
Activation of microglia and resulting neuroinflammation are central processes that significantly contribute to neurodegenerative disease progression. Treatments capable of attenuating neuroinflammation are therefore an urgent medical need. Vitis vinifera L., cultivated since ancient times for its fruits, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, polyphenols, the main bioactive molecules in V. vinifera extracts, vary considerably due to numerous hard-to-control factors, making it difficult to obtain standardized extracts with consistent biological activity. To address this issue, plant cell culture biotechnology was used to produce a highly standardized V. vinifera phytocomplex (VP), and its anti-neuroinflammatory profile was investigated in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, an in vitro model of neuroinflammation. VP reduced the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype, improved cell viability and cell number, attenuated NF-κB activation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and increased SIRT1 levels. To overcome VP’s poor water solubility, water-soluble, nanocellulose-based formulations containing cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were developed and tested. VP-CNC formulations markedly reduced the BV2 pro-inflammatory phenotype and increased cell viability under both basal and LPS-stimulated conditions. The nanoformulations also decreased pERK1/2 levels and increased SIRT1 expression, exhibiting biological activities comparable to VP alone. V. vinifera phytocomplex derived from plant cell cultures represents an innovative and standardized product with promising antineuroinflammatory properties.
Posted: 02 December 2025
Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Effects of Xanthium strumarium L. and Identification of Catechol, 2,1, 3-Benzothiadiazole, and Hydroquinone as Putative Bioactive Constituents
Abdul Wahab Akram
,Ga Hee Lee Lee
,Su-Min Baek
,Jinsu Kang
,Yoonhoi Koo
,Ye-In Oh
,Min-Soo Seo
,Evelyn Saba
,Dong-Ha Lee
,Man Hee Rhee
Posted: 27 November 2025
Muscle PTSD, Predictive Processing, and Reinforcement Learning: Reimagining and Treating Non-Specific Musculoskeletal Disorders as Mind/Body Conditions
Robert K. Weissfeld
Posted: 24 November 2025
Observational Study on the Effectiveness of L‐Arginine Plus Vitamin C in the Management of Cancer‐Related Fatigue
Vittorio Gebbia
,Roberto Valenza
,Dario Aiello
,Pietro Delia
,Martina Greco
,Antonino Daidone
,Giuseppa Scandurra
,Daniela Sambataro
,Alessio Ciminna
,Maria Rosaria Valerio
Posted: 17 November 2025
Tensegrity-Based Needling: An Integrative Rehabilitative Treatment for Post Covid-19 Widespread Musculoskeletal Pain
Shiloh Plaut
Posted: 06 November 2025
Synergistic System for Three-Dimensional Evaluation and Triple-Component Formulation of Animal-Derived Ingredients: Practice and Rule Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diet Therapy
Guanfeng Yang
Posted: 30 October 2025
The Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma: A Review of Systematics, Phylogeny, and Metabolomic Insights
Gideon Adotey
,Abraham Quarcoo
,Mohammed Ahmed Gedel
,Paul Yerenkyi
,Phyllis Otu
,Abraham K. Anang
,Laud K.N. Okine
,Winfred S.K. Gbewonyo
,John C. Holliday
,Vincent C. Lombardi
Ganoderma is a genus of fungi that has been utilized in traditional Eastern medicine and has gained global interest in recent years. Current research has focused on the molecular underpinnings of Ganoderma taxonomy, phylogenetic diversity, and biochemical composition. In this review, we examine the current methods for the molecular identification and classification of the various Ganoderma species, with an emphasis on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing as well as other molecular barcoding techniques. These methods have improved species delineation, overcoming the limitations traditionally imposed by methods that are morphological in nature. This review also highlights advancements in metabolomics, especially in the identification and quantification of pharmacologically relevant compounds such as triterpenes and polysaccharides. Next, take a closer look at how tools like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are being used to profile analytes and support quality control efforts. To build a more holistic picture, we draw on insights from systematics, phylogenetics, and metabolomics, bringing together multiple disciplines to propose a more consistent approach for classifying and evaluating the pharmacological potential of Ganoderma. Notably, we highlight regions that have received less research attention, especially parts of Africa, where the full extent of species diversity is still largely unknown.
Ganoderma is a genus of fungi that has been utilized in traditional Eastern medicine and has gained global interest in recent years. Current research has focused on the molecular underpinnings of Ganoderma taxonomy, phylogenetic diversity, and biochemical composition. In this review, we examine the current methods for the molecular identification and classification of the various Ganoderma species, with an emphasis on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing as well as other molecular barcoding techniques. These methods have improved species delineation, overcoming the limitations traditionally imposed by methods that are morphological in nature. This review also highlights advancements in metabolomics, especially in the identification and quantification of pharmacologically relevant compounds such as triterpenes and polysaccharides. Next, take a closer look at how tools like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are being used to profile analytes and support quality control efforts. To build a more holistic picture, we draw on insights from systematics, phylogenetics, and metabolomics, bringing together multiple disciplines to propose a more consistent approach for classifying and evaluating the pharmacological potential of Ganoderma. Notably, we highlight regions that have received less research attention, especially parts of Africa, where the full extent of species diversity is still largely unknown.
Posted: 29 October 2025
Localized Delivery of Nanoemulsified Curcumin Ameliorates Joint Edema, Cartilage Fibrillation and Synovial Inflammation in the Osteoarthritis Model, and Macrophage Recruitment in Stimulated Chondrocytes
Kota Sri Naga Hridayanka
,Shibsekhar Roy
,Saikanth Varma Varma
,Navya Sree Boga
,Archana Molangiri
,Pradeep B Patil
,Myadara Srinivas
,Asim Duttaroy
,Sanjay Basak
Posted: 10 October 2025
Therapist-Guided Versus Self-Guided Forest Immersion: Comparative Efficacy on Short-Term Mental Health and Economic Value
Rosa Rivieccio
,Francesco Meneguzzo
,Giovanni Margheritini
,Tania Re
,Ubaldo Riccucci
,Federica Zabini
Posted: 07 October 2025
Integrated Injectable Therapies in the Modulation of Chronic Inflammation in Obesity, Cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes
Sodré Neto
Posted: 30 September 2025
A Lecithin-Based Delivery form of Quercetin Promotes Stress Resistance and Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Margherita Romeo
,Maria Monica Barzago
,Claudia Fracasso
,Manuel Nettis
,Antonella Riva
,Marco Gobbi
,Serena Tongiani
,Luisa Diomede
Posted: 25 September 2025
Efficacy of Nasal Spray, Mouth Spray, and Mouthwash Containing Limonene, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, and Monolaurin in COVID-19 Management: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Juthaporn Ponphaiboon
,Sontaya Limmatvapirat
,Wantanwa Krongrawa
,Witoon Auparigtatipong
,Manachai Ingsurarak
,Sukannika Tubtimsri
,Akanitt Jittmittraphap
,Pornsawan Leaungwutiwong
,Chulabhorn Mahidol
,Somsak Ruchirawat
+2 authors
Posted: 19 September 2025
Retrospective Evaluation of Intravenous Oxyhydrogen Nanobubble Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease
Olly Indrajani
,Christyanita Putri Ekasari
,Aditya Tri Hernowo
Posted: 18 September 2025
Hydrogen-Oxygen Nanobubble Therapy as a Complementary Approach in a Female Patient with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): A Case Report
Gatot Sudarwanto
,Athiyah Layla
Posted: 11 September 2025
Insects and Lentil as Sustainable Protein Sources: Effects on Gut Microbiota, Lipid Metabolism, and Antioxidant Activity
Mariana Villegas-Romero
,Mónica Sánchez-Tapia
,Julieta Hernández-Acosta
,Omar Granados-Portillo
,Israel Garcia-Cano
,Natalia Vázquez-Manjarrez
,Diana Coitiño-Hernández
,María Antonia Hernández-Aguirre
,Armando R Tovar
,Nimbe Torres
Posted: 11 September 2025
Multidrug Treatment Using Kampo Medicine for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome
Masashi Ohe
Posted: 09 September 2025
Evaluation of Antioxidant-Rich Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) Infusion and Carvacrol: Impact on Metabolic Activity and Cytotoxicity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Brian Enrique Rojo-Ruvalcaba
,Montserrat Maldonado-González
,Gabriela Cálix-Rodríguez
,Elia Valdés-Miramontes
,Juan Gómez-Leyva
,Teresa García-Cobián
,Pedro Ernesto Sánchez-Hernández
,Andrea Machado-Sulbaran
,Rocío López-Roa
,Iván Balderas-León
+1 authors
Posted: 03 September 2025
Drug Repurposing with Tetracycline and Kampo Medicine (Sho-Sai-Koto and Saiko-Keishi-to) for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: Predicting Efficacy Through In Silico Studies
Masashi Ohe
Posted: 03 September 2025
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