Graphical abstract

Cordia dichotoma Forst. (F. Boraginaceae) has been traditionally used for the management of a variety of human ailments. In our earlier work, the antidiabetic activity of methanolic bark extract of C. dichotoma (MECD) has been reported. In this paper, two flavonoid molecules were isolated (by column chromatography) and identified (by IR, NMR and mass spectroscopy/spectrometry) from the MECD with an aim to investigate their antidiabetic effectiveness. Molecular docking and ADMET studies were carried out using AutoDock Vina software and Swiss ADME online tool, respectively. The isolated flavonoids were identified as 3,5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxyflavone-3-O-L-rhamnopyranoside and 5,7,3′-trihydroxy-4-methoxyflavone-7-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (quercitrin). Docking and ADMET studies revealed the promising binding affinity of flavonoid molecules for human lysosomal α-glucosidase and human pancreatic α-amylase with acceptable ADMET properties. Based on computational studies, our study reports the antidiabetic potential of the isolated flavonoids with predictive pharmacokinetics profile.

Eco-friendly synthesis of metal nanoparticles has accrued utmost interest by researchers in the last decade for their distinct properties making them applicable in different fields of science and technology. With regard to its low cost, low environmental effect, zero contamination and higher reducing potential, their synthesis by green chemistry procedure is an emerging area in nanobiotechnology. Plant-based nanoparticles produced are more stable, with high rate of synthesis and are suitable for large scale biosynthesis as compared to the use of microorganisms which require stringent control on cell cultures. Plant-based nanoparticles have advantages over other methods due to presence of biomolecules acting both as capping and reducing agents by increasing the rate of reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. Furthermore, secondary metabolites present in plants are used for reducing metal ions in single step reaction. In this review paper, we have cited 265 research articles and have outlined 106 plant extract assisted gold and silver nanoparticles. The present review highlights the achievements of metal nanoparticle synthesis, especially silver and gold nanoparticles from plant extracts, along with factors liable for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. It also focuses on the dye degrading properties and various biological activities of metal nanoparticles, their antimicrobial mechanism of action and the physicochemical properties that influence the biological effects of metallic nanoparticles. Biological activities of metal nanoparticles were also described, including the effect of physicochemical properties of metal nanoparticles on biological activities.

Cigarette smoking has been responsible for causing many life-threatening diseases such as pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases as well as lung cancer. One of the prominent health implications of cigarette smoking is the oxidative damage of cellular constituents, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. The oxidative damage is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS, oxidants) present in the aqueous extract of cigarette smoke (CS). In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the potential health benefits of dietary polyphenols as natural antioxidant molecules. Epidemiological studies strongly suggest that long-term consumption of diets (fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee) rich in polyphenols offer protective effects against the development of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, green tea has chemopreventive effects against CI-induced lung cancer. Tea might prevent CS-induced oxidative damages in diseases because tea polyphenols, such as catechin, EGCG, etc., have strong antioxidant properties. Moreover, apple polyphenols, including catechin and quercetin, provide protection against CS-induced acute lung injury such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In CS-induced health problems, the antioxidant action is often accompanied by the anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenols. In this narrative review, the CS-induced oxidative damages and the associated health implications/pathological conditions (or diseases) and the role of diets rich in polyphenols and/or dietary polyphenolic compounds against various serious/chronic conditions of human health have been delineated.

With increasing amount of waste materials around the globe, the conversion of wastes or secondary by‐products to value‐added products for various applications has gained lot of interest. Herein, two novel...