A standardized extract from Sesbania agati leaves (SESAL) was developed by Zenherb labs Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, and is one of its kind plant-based biotin supplements.  The current work aimed at characterization of SESAL using chromatographic techniques (like HPLC & HPTLC) and DNA authentication. Additionally, an in-silico approach (docking) was also adopted to predict the molecular interactions and probable mechanisms involved in potential role of SESAL in hair care products range.  Drug likeliness was assessed on the basis of ADMET properties and Lipinski’s Rule of 5. DNA fingerprinting followed by HPTLC confirmed the identification and authentication. The biotin content in SesZenBio was estimated to be 0.5% by validated HPLC method. Mechanistically, biotin along with 2 other cofactors in SesZenBioTM is predicted to stimulate the hair follicle growth and differentiation, thus improving hair health. SesZenBioTM might hold 2x potential as against synthetic biotin in hair care applications.

Background: According to CDC, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is responsible for infertility in women with 6-12% incidences all over the world. The current treatment options available have several side effects such as amenorrhea and obesity amongst others. Dietary interventions such as non-estrogenic and androgen-suppressing foods along with nutraceutical products is considered for treating PCOS with minimum side effects. One such product of Zenherbs lab called FertiZen-R™ is a combination of three phytochemicals from three plants viz., Foeniculum vulgare, Linum Usitatissimum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, hibiscus extract and is developed as a product to treat and control PCOS. Methods: The FertiZen-R™ was quantified for the presence of phytochemicals such as glycyrrhizic acid, polyphenols, and saponins. It was further tested for estrogenic/anti-estrogenic potential on estrogen-positive breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using an E-Screen assay. Results: The FertiZen-R™ showed presence of 5% glycyrrhizinic acid, 5% saponins, and 2-3% polyphenols. It exhibited a strong anti-estrogenic potential with 40-50% inhibition from concentrations as low as 0.156 mg/ml like tamoxifen (IC50 at 0.156 mg/ml), while inositol, a natural growth promoter, showed no effect on the cell viability. Conclusions: FertiZen-R™ showed anti-estrogenic potential when tested in-vitro and can be used to treat PCOS in women even with ER-positive breast cancer cells. However, clinical studies to determine the dosage are required to warrant the potential of FertiZen-R™.

Protein breakdown by endogenous enzymes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract results in generation of peptides and amino acids that act as building blocks in essential biological functions. Exogenous proteases possess immense potential as digestive enzyme supplements that can assist protein digestion in the GI system. Plant proteases, in addition to their promising activity, are considered to be safe in nature. The present study evaluated the potential application of a plant protease based proprietary formulation - MDZenPro in digesting raw whey protein, whey protein isolate and plant protein under INFOGEST simulated GI conditions. The gastric and GI digested protein products were analyzed for determining the degree of hydrolysis. The protein profiles were evaluated using SDS-PAGE. The results of the degree of hydrolysis study revealed that MDZenPro facilitated gastric and GI digestion of proteins. This increase in degree of hydrolysis was noted to be higher than that observed in proteins that were not treated with MDZenPro. The SDS-PAGE profile further supported these findings wherein, the MDZenPro treated protein samples displayed low molecular weight fragmented peptides in contrast to the profile of undigested proteins. The present study thus highlights the promising application of ‘MDZenPro’ as an effective supplement for protein digestion.