Betel quid (BQ), a prevalent social habit in Asia, is often used without awareness of its harmful effects. This study explored the impact of BQ chewing on hyperglycemia among diabetic patients in northeastern Bangladesh. Specifically, this study focused on the role of areca nut, a key addictive component in BQ, in influencing hyperglycemia. Random blood glucose (RBG) tests were conducted on 961 diabetic patients, alongside lifestyle data, from August 2018 to February 2019 at Sylhet Diabetic Hospital, Bangladesh. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Analysis of the variance (ANOVA), Fishers exact test, and Multivariate regression, were employed to assess RBG status in BQ chewer vs. non-chewer. BQ chewers had higher RBG levels than non-chewers (263.3 ± 4.768 vs. 251.0 ± 5.915). Notably, raw areca nut users in the BQ group had significantly higher RBG levels than dry nut users (278.0 ± 8.790 vs. 252.1 ± 6.835 mg/dl), with up to 50 times more hyperglycemic effect. BQ chewing was associated with elevated RBG levels across different demographic and lifestyle groups. Lack of awareness was also prevalent among BQ chewers while individuals with desk jobs showed higher RBG levels. In conclusion, diabetic BQ chewers experience elevated hyperglycemia levels, highlighting the. urgent need to discourage BQ use for effective diabetes management.

Edema is a reliable parameter to evaluate the anti-inflammatory process. Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit has been shown to decrease inflammation. However, studies on the impact of noni juice on gastric mucosal injury are still limited. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the effect of noni fruit juice as an anti-inflammatory agent in rat paw edema and gastric mucosal injury. The rats were divided into five groups such as control, carrageenan only, carrageenan and diclofenac sodium, carrageenan and 90% noni, and carrageenan + 100% noni. Paw edema was measured, and histopathological examination of the gastric tissues was performed. The administration of noni juice significantly reduced paw edema in the carrageenan + 90% noni and carrageenan + 100% noni groups of rats. Compared to the carrageenan + diclofenac sodium group, the carrageenan + 90% noni and carrageenan + 100% noni groups were not significantly different in reducing paw edema. It suggests that the administration of noni juice can reduce paw edema with the same potential as diclofenac sodium. Gastric mucosal injury in the carrageenan + diclofenac sodium group (scores 2 to 3) was higher than in the carrageenan + 90% noni and carrageenan + 100% noni groups (scores 1 to 2), both of them had significant differences (p<0.05). In conclusion, noni juice can reduce paw edema and protect against gastric mucosal injury.

Weaning is stressful for goat kids, often leading to stunted growth, weight loss, and mortality, with varied weaning times reducing overall productivity and profitability. The aim of this research was to determine the optimal age for weaning of Black Bengal goat (BBG) kids and evaluate the impact of weaning stress on their post-weaning performances. A trial was conducted comprising 4 groups (8 kids/group), accompanied by 4 lactating does, weaned at intervals of 45, 60, 75, and 90 days (designated as A, B, C, and D, respectively), and reared up to six months of age. Heart rate measurements and blood samplings were done three days before (-3), during (0), and three days after (+3) individual weaning schedules. Furthermore, dry matter intake, daily weight gain, weaning weight, 06 months weight, disease incidence, and kid mortality were also recorded. The serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) hormone declined significantly (p<0.05) at +3 days after weaning than -3 days before weaning in groups A, B, and C while an increase was observed in group D. The average cortisol level was significantly (p< 0.05) lower in group D than in other groups. Post-weaning performances, including weaning weight, 06 months weight, daily weight gain, and kid mortality also differ significantly (p<0.05). Group D demonstrated superior performance compared to groups A, B, and C. The findings revealed that kids weaned at 75 to 90 days experienced less stress, performed better, and had fewer health issues.

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is on the rise and projections indicate that an alarming portion of the population will be affected by this disease in the coming decades. In T2DM, chronic hyperglycemia affects the metabolism of the human body. Previous studies on how diabetes impacts metabolism have yielded contradictory results. Therefore, to gain a deeper comprehension of the pathophysiology and progression of diabetes, it is crucial to pinpoint the dysregulated metabolism caused by the disease. In this study, we investigated the alterations in global metabolism in diabetic patients, as well as the effect of Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting (RDIF) on metabolism. The levels of metabolites that are significantly different in diabetic individuals are components of five pathways: purine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism. In diabetic individuals, RDIF significantly altered metabolite levels, affecting three pathways in particular: the pentose phosphate pathway, the tyrosine metabolism, and the D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism. These pathways share genes previously linked to glycemic control and diabetes. Altogether, this study provides more insight into the beneficial effects of diurnal fasting in controlling diabetes.

Duck production is often considered advantageous compared to other poultry species due to its lower management requirements. However, intensive duck farming necessitates balanced nutrition and additional feed supplements to maximize profitability. Moringa leaves, rich in high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds, have been proven to enhance the production and reproduction performance of poultry. The present study was conducted to elucidate the beneficial effect of Moringa leaf powder (MLP) on the productive and reproductive parameters of Pekin ducks. The experiment involved supplementing the basal ration of Pekin ducks with different percentages of MLP (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). The results indicated that 4% MLP supplementation improved production and reproduction parameters most effectively. This supplementation increased mature body weight and live weight gain by lowering the feed conversion ratio (FCR), enhancing the dressing percentage, and reducing triglycerides and cholesterol levels in blood lipids without adversely affecting other blood parameters. Notably, the ducks fed with 4% MLP-supplemented diet reached sexual maturity 7-10 days earlier than other MLP-treated or control groups. Additionally, MLP supplementation improved the fertility and hatchability of ducks. Remarkably, drakes fed with 4% MLP-supplemented diet showed increased semen volume and better sperm quality parameters, including total motility, progressive motility, viability, and concentration, with reduced sperm abnormalities compared to other MLP-treated and control groups. Therefore, it is suggested that 4% MLP can be supplemented in duck rations to enhance the productive and reproductive profiles.

The alarmingly high global prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has made novel treatment strategies imperative. One major contributing factor to the onset of T2DM is mitochondrial dysfunction, which deteriorates cellular health, interferes with energy metabolism, and reduces insulin sensitivity. Targeting mitochondrial pathways can enhance outcomes in T2DM. Promising therapeutic benefits can be derived from strategies that target and improve mitochondrial function, biogenesis, efficient turnover, and oxidative stress reduction. Through increased mitochondrial efficiency and improved insulin action, these treatments seek to address the complex problems associated with T2DM. The complexities of mitochondrial dynamics, such as their role in energy production, appropriate regulation of cell death, and creation of reactive oxygen species, highlight the necessity of comprehensive approaches in the development of medicines that target mitochondria. This strategy represents a step forward in the management of T2DM and highlights a promising area of cutting-edge research in the hunt for potent treatments that might stop or reverse the diseases development, improving patient outcomes and care.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are considered one of the most widespread categories of environmental pollutants. This study was conducted to discover the effect of PAH from the oil fields pollution in Basra on liver function. The relationship between PAH in air compared to blood serum and its effect on liver function parameters were studied. 120 blood samples were collected from male workers aged between 25-40 years from 3 different regions. Group 1 was from the Rumella field, while group 2 was from the West Qurna field, and group 3 was from an uncontaminated area far from the oil fields in the city center (control). Higher levels of PAH were found in group 1 and group 2 in the blood serum as compared to control in both air and serum. In control, significantly higher levels of PAH were found in air as compared to serum levels. As for PAH levels in the air, a higher level was detected in group 1 compared to group 2, while a lower level was detected in control. As for liver function tests, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin were the higher level in group 1 and 2 compared to control. In contrast, the levels of albumin and total protein were lower in the group 1 and 2 compared to the control. In conclusion, it is suggested that environmental pollutants such as PAH may cause liver diseases by reducing the function of liver in human.

The substantial genetic enhancement of broiler chickens, coupled with the use of growth-promoting additives in feed, has led to accelerated growth rates, and elevated fat deposition in broiler. Clove and Tulsi, well-known medicinal plants, have been shown to improve both the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Clove and Tulsi supplementation on the composition and cellular makeup in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots of broiler chickens. Sixty Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups to receive different supplemental treatments via drinking water. The groups included S0 (control), receiving no additional supplements; S1, receiving 0.5% Clove and 2% Tulsi; S2, receiving 1% Clove and 3% Tulsi; and S3, receiving 1.5% Clove and 4% Tulsi from day 8 to 28. On days 14 and 28, five broilers from each group were euthanized, and their visceral and subcutaneous fat depots were collected, weighed, and subjected to histological analysis to assess adipocyte histomorphology and histomorphometry. The S1 and S2 groups exhibited higher relative percentages of visceral fat depot, larger adipocyte size, and a greater percentage of larger adipocytes compared to the control, while adipocyte density was lower. Conversely, the S3 group showed minimal deviation from the control. Notably, no significant histomorphological differences were observed among the experimental groups. These findings suggest that Clove and Tulsi supplementation may modulate adipose tissue dynamics and cellularity depending on the concentration of supplementation.

Moringa oleifera L. is renowned for its rich phytochemical content and significant biological activity. The influence of geographic location and agroclimatic conditions on phytochemical content and bioactivity of plants remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of geographical and agroclimatic location on the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial potential of M. oleifera leaves. Phytochemical content was measured qualitatively and quantitatively, as well as bioactivity analysis was carried out by testing antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Interestingly, three dominant compounds were identified in both samples using the molecular docking tool. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites in both samples, which were collected from two different locations. The identified metabolites were alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids, quinones, and glycosides. The accumulation of phenols, flavonoid, and antioxidants in sample M1 was higher compared to sample M2. The results further suggest the confirmation of OH, C=O, CO, aliphatic, and aromatic carbons functional groups in samples. The most dominant compound 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid (Z, Z, Z) found in sample M2. Molecular docking analysis suggests that the detected compounds have promising antioxidant and antibacterial activity, but their potential may vary due to divergence of geographical location and agroclimatic conditions. In addition, geographical location and agroclimatic conditions influenced the potential of other phytochemical and bioactivity in M. oleifera leaves. In conclusion, the overall findings can be effective for screening environmental factors-based regulation of potential compounds in M. oleifera and their pharmacological interest.

Cyclophosphamide is one of the most invasive chemotherapeutic drugs, which is commonly used despite its adverse effects and toxicities. Scutellarin is an herbal flavonoid with multiple pharmacological activities and clinical applications. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether scutellarin protected the gonads of male rats exposed to a single dose of cyclophosphamide. In the experiment, 21 male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups (n=7/group). Control group; received normal saline for 12 days by mouth; Induction group; received normal saline for 12 days by mouth and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 6; and Scutellarin group; received intragastric scutellarin (100mg/kg) for 12 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 6. At the end of treatment, the samples were collected, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated, sperm parameters, serum testosterone, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured, and histopathological alternation was evaluated. The results showed that GSI, sperm parameters, testosterone, and GPx levels were notably declined, while the level of MDA was significantly higher in the induction group compared to the control group. Interestingly, these measures markedly improved in scutellarin treated group. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed a substantial change in the testicular tissue structure and a decrease in Jonson’s score in the induction group, although scutellarin co-treatment considerably attenuated and even reversed these changes. In conclusion, the outcomes demonstrated that scutellarin may act as a protective agent that alleviates rats’ testicular toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide therapy. Further, the proposed process may be attributed to its potent antioxidant properties.

Cyclophosphamide is one of the most invasive chemotherapeutic drugs, which is commonly used despite its adverse effects and toxicities. Scutellarin is an herbal flavonoid with multiple pharmacological activities and clinical applications. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether scutellarin protected the gonads of male rats exposed to a single dose of cyclophosphamide. In the experiment, 21 male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups (n=7/group). Control group; received normal saline for 12 days by mouth; Induction group; received normal saline for 12 days by mouth and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 6; and Scutellarin group; received intragastric scutellarin (100mg/kg) for 12 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 6. At the end of treatment, the samples were collected, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated, sperm parameters, serum testosterone, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured, and histopathological alternation was evaluated. The results showed that GSI, sperm parameters, testosterone, and GPx levels were notably declined, while the level of MDA was significantly higher in the induction group compared to the control group. Interestingly, these measures markedly improved in scutellarin treated group. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed a substantial change in the testicular tissue structure and a decrease in Jonson’s score in the induction group, although scutellarin co-treatment considerably attenuated and even reversed these changes. In conclusion, the outcomes demonstrated that scutellarin may act as a protective agent that alleviates rats’ testicular toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide therapy. Further, the proposed process may be attributed to its potent antioxidant properties.

Diabetes is a chronic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and insufficient insulin action, or both. Synthetic antidiabetic drugs available on the market are associated with severe effects, necessitating the need for alternative antidiabetic drugs. This investigation aimed to determine the antidiabetic potential and phytochemical profiles of aqueous and ethanol seed extracts of Cucurbita maxima. The seeds of C. maxima were airdried, milled, and extracted using distilled water and ethanol. The antidiabetic effect of the extracts was performed using Wistar rats weighing 160-180 g. Thirty-five rats were assigned to 7 groups: non-diabetic (control), diabetic, glibenclamide-treated, and aqueous or ethanol extract-treated (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight). Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce experimental diabetes. The treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Blood glucose levels and histopathological analysis were performed. The phytochemical screening was conducted utilizing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In diabetic rats, the effects of the two extracts revealed a substantial reduction in levels of fasting blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting an antidiabetic effect. The histopathological analysis revealed the restoration of pancreatic ß-cells by the extracts. The LC-MS analysis identified phytocompounds in the extracts belonging to classes of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids that are associated with antidiabetic effects. Interestingly, the ethanol extract had a better antidiabetic effect compared to the aqueous extract. In conclusion, the aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. maxima seed possess phytocompounds that can be used to develop novel antidiabetic agents with less severe effects.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver pathologies. Molecular mechanisms of NAFLD pathogenesis are complex and still require further clarification. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of lipoic acid (LA), widely used as an antioxidant, on the development of different links of NAFLD, including de novo lipogenesis, antioxidant and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes by gene expression analysis. The experiment was carried out on three groups of male Wistar rats received control diet, hypercaloric choline-deficient diet (HCCD) or HCCD with LA (HCCD+LA). In the liver of rats the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (Acaca), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (Scd) and transcriptional regulators sterol-regulatory element-binding protein SREBP (Srebf1), carbohydrate response element-binding protein ChREBP (Mlxipl), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha PPARa (Ppara), heme oxygenase-1 HO-1 (Hmox1) and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 Nrf2 (Nrf2), cytochrome P450 1A1 CYP1A1 (CYP1A1) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor AhR (AhR), cytochrome P450 2E1 CYP2E1 (CYP2E1) genes were evaluated. Supplementation of HCCD with LA led to an even greater than in HCCD group decrease in Scd gene expression by 88% (p<0.05), as well as a marked suppression of Ppara and Mlxipl by 37% (p<0.05) and 27% (p<0.05), to an 80% (p<0.05) elevation of Hmox1 gene expression relative to the HCCD group, had no pronounced effect on CYP1A1 and AhR gene expression but resulted in a 38% (p<0.05) suppression of CYP2E1 expression compared with that slightly elevated by HCCD. In conclusion, the current study showed that LA reduces lipogenesis de novo, restores the expression of Hmox1 gene of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1, diminished by the HCCD diet, and decreases HCCD-induced level of the expression of CYP2E1 gene of CYP2E1 enzyme, a potential source of free radicals.

Solanum villosum is an indigenous vegetable and ethno-medicine source in Africa. Scientific validation of their medicinal potential is required. The current study aimed to assess the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of S. villosum leaf methanol extracts (SVE) against acetaminophen-induced mouse model. The SVE antioxidant activities were evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities in vitro. Hepatoprotective activities were assessed by automated hematological analysis, chemical analysis and specific biochemical assays of liver homogenates. Mice were orally administered with SVE at 30, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Hepatotoxicity was induced by acetaminophen 300 mg/kg bw intraperitoneally while silymarin 25 mg/kg bw orally was a positive control. The SVE exhibited a clear concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. Subsequently, SVE treatment significantly (P=0.05) lowered granulocyte count, while there was a significant increase in lymphocyte count in acetaminophen-treated mice. Further, SVE significantly lowered the activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, but significantly increased ?-glutamyl-transferase activity in treated mice compared to the controls. However, SVE led to insignificant change in total proteins. Additionally, SVE treatment led to a significant rise in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities but, an insignificant change in catalase activity. In conclusion, SVE confers liver protection by oxidative stress prevention, antioxidant enzyme activation, immuno-modulation and hepatic tissue preservation. The results also support indigenous use of S. villosum to protect patients against drug-induced liver damage and enhance immunity. Further, dietary supplements of S. villosum could be an adjunct therapy in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Aluminum (Al) constitutes approximately 8% of the Earths surface. Al is extensively used in various industrial applications, including medicines, food additives, cosmetics and farming practices. However, Al poses a risk to human health when it enters the body, potentially leading to various pathological conditions. Nigella sativa, known for its active compound thymoquinone (TQ), has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. TQ is recognized for its potential in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. This study aimed to explore the effect of N. sativa extract (NSE) in preventing the elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the blood serum of rats subjected to aluminum-induced oxidative stress. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Groups K1 and K2 were fed a standard diet, while groups K3 and K4 received NSE at doses 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively, administrated through oral gavage. After two weeks of NSE pretreatment, groups K2, K3, and K4 were exposed to AlCl3 (34 mg/kg, oral gavage) for an additional three weeks. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in body weight or hemoglobin levels among the groups. Interestingly, a significant reduction in MDA level (P < 0.05) was observed among groups. Notably, MDA levels were lower in the NSE-treated and control groups compared to the AlCl3-exposed group. In conclusion, NSE may have a positive effect against oxidative stress induced by Al exposure.

Although the conventional usage of Sphaeranthus indicus flowers in medicine exists, there is a lack of research on the precise pharmacological characteristics and comprehensive phytochemical composition of its flowers, resulting in a knowledge gap on their whole therapeutic capabilities. The aim of this work is to identify and describe the phytochemicals found in the flowers of Sphaeranthus indicus and assess specific pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, antidepressant, and antidiarrheal characteristics. The investigation revealed that the MESIF (methanol extract of S. indicus flowers) showed substantial antioxidant performance (IC50 = 26.33) accompanied by a moderate phenolic content (93.33 ± 1.76). At 250 and 500 µg/ml, the extract exhibited modest to moderate antibacterial sensitivity against many tested pathogens and significantly reduced inflammation by protein denaturation (41.63 ± 0.11 and 70.52 ± 0.20). Furthermore, MESIF exhibited remarkable thrombolytic activity with a statistically significant (***P<0.001) lysis of clots. The extract showed substantial reduction in immobility in both the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (***p<0.001). It also a showed significant potent antidiarrheal activity (**p<0.01 at 200 mg/kg and ***p<0.001 at 400 mg/kg), effectively reducing diarrheal episodes in the test models. These findings suggest that the MESIF holds potential for developing treatments with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, antidepressant, and antidiarrheal effects. Further research is recommended to isolate specific bioactive compounds and elucidate the mechanisms underlying these pharmacological actions.