Traditional medicinal literature and previous studies have reported the possible role of Cissus 43 quadrangularis (CQ) as an anti-osteoporotic agent. This study examines the effectiveness of CQ in 44 promoting osteoblast differentiation of the murine pre-osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1. Ethanolic 45 extract of CQ (CQ-E) was found to affect growth kinetics of MC3T3-E1 cells in a dosage dependent 46 manner. High concentrations of CQ-E (more than 10 µg / ml) have particularly adverse effects, while 47 lower concentrations of 0.1 and 1 µg / ml were non-toxic and did not affect cell viability. Notably, cell 48 proliferation was significantly increased at the lower concentrations of CQ-E. CQ-E treatment also 49 augmented osteoblast differentiation, as reflected by a substantial increase in expression of the early 50 osteoblast marker ALP activity, and at later stage, by mineralization of extracellular matrix compared 51 to the control group. These findings suggest dose-dependent effect of CQ-E with lower concentrations 52 exhibiting anabolic and osteogenic properties.

In a sequel to investigate osteogenic potential of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), the present study reports the osteoblast differentiation and mineralization potential of ethyl acetate (CQ‐EA) and butanol (CQ‐B) extracts of CQ on mouse pre‐osteoblast cell line MC3T3‐E1 (sub‐clone 4) with an objective to isolate an antiosteoporotic compound. Growth curve, proliferation, and viability assays showed that both the extracts were nontoxic to the cells even at high concentration (100 µg/ml). The cell proliferation was enhanced at low concentrations (0.1 µg/ml and 1 µg/ml) of both the extracts. They also upregulated the osteoblast differentiation and mineralization processes in MC3T3‐E1 cells as reflected by expression profile of osteoblast marker genes such as RUNX2, Osterix, Collagen (COL1A1), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Integrin‐related Bone Sialoprotein (IBSP), Osteopontin (OPN), and Osteocalcin (OCN). CQ‐EA treatment resulted in early differentiation and mineralization as compared with the CQ‐B treatment. These findings suggest that low concentrations of CQ‐EA and CQ‐B have proliferative and osteogenic properties. CQ‐EA, however, is more potent osteogenic than CQ‐B.

No abstract

Mosquitoes act as vectors for the transmission of various infectious pathogens. The associated diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and can be prevented by effective vector control and management. Natural compounds have become a potential alternative to synthetic repellents that are unsafe and harmful to the environment. The repellent activity of trans‐anethole and tea tree [Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & E. Betche) Cheel, Myrtaceae] oils was tested against the vector Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) by performing a modified arm‐in‐cage and cloth‐patch repellent assay. Tea tree oil [EC50 = 0.002 mg ml−1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.001–0.003] was found to be a more potent repellent than trans‐anethole (EC50 = 0.003 mg ml−1, 95% CI = 0.001–0.007). Tea tree oil was determined to have a complete protection time of 60 min, which was less than N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET), which was used as a control (480 min). The binding affinity of trans‐anethole and terpinen‐4‐ol (a major component of tea tree oil) for the protein target AaegOBP1, a component of the olfactory system of Ae. aegypti, was determined using blind and targeted molecular docking. The results of molecular docking were in accordance with the findings of the repellent assay. OBP1 was found to have a better binding affinity for terpinen‐4‐ol (ΔG = −7.1 kcal per mol) than trans‐anethole (ΔG = −6.9 kcal per mol). In addition, a hydrogen bond of 0.1997 nm (1.997 Å) long was formed between PHE123 of OBP1 and terpinen‐4‐ol as established with Mcule. Further detailed analysis and experimentation of natural products as repellents is required as they may replace currently used synthetic repellents – natural repellents generally have less side effects and lower toxicity while being cost‐effective and easily available.