@article {1441, title = {Green Synthesis and in vitro Insights of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nutmeg and Flaxseed Extracts}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {816-822}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {816}, abstract = {

Background: Among various nanomaterials, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties. Traditional methods for synthesizing ZnO NPs often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental and health concerns. In response to these issues, green synthesis methods have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative. Nutmeg and flaxseed are 2 plant sources known for their rich phytochemical content. This study aims to assess the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs synthesized with nutmeg and flaxseed. Materials and Methods: 5 mg of nutmeg and flaxseed powder were dissolved in 0.1 L of distilled water. This mixture was boiled at 60{\textordmasculine}C for 10 min and then filtered. 0.1 g of ZnO was added to 100 mL of filtered extract. After centrifugation, the concentrated nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs were reduced to 100 mL. Various extract concentrations (25 μL, 50 μL and 100 μL) were then subjected to cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. Results: Nauplii lethality was assessed over 2 days. At 25 μL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality increased by 10\% at both 50 μL and 100 μL extract concentrations. The antimicrobial action of nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs against S. aureus, S. mutans and E. faecalis increased with concentrations from 25 μL to 100 μL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the NPs also increased with higher concentrations, from 25 μL to 100 μL. Conclusion: The synthesized nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs exhibited significant bioactivity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and were non-cytotoxic.

}, keywords = {Green synthesis, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Phytotherapy, Plant extracts}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252068}, author = {Mohamed Thaha and Johnisha Harris John Manohar and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1372, title = {Herbal Mouthwash Post-Implant Surgery: A Natural Shield against Plaque and Gingivitis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {251-254}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {251}, abstract = {

Background: The key aspect of preventing gingivitis and associated problems is effective plaque reduction. There are several chemical agents on the market that prevent plaque formation. Herbal remedies have been utilized in dentistry recently to counteract the adverse effects associated with chemical agents. This study compares the antiplaque and antigingivitis properties of herbal and chemical mouthwash following implant surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted among 50 patients who had undergone dental implant surgery. 50 individuals, among 20 to 50 years of age, were divided into two groups: Group A (Herbal mouthwash) and Group B (Chemical mouthwash). Silness and Loe Plaque Index (PI) and Loe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 month. Paired and independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant improvement in PI and GI was observed in both the groups on intragroup comparison (p\<0.05). Nevertheless, the results of the intergroup comparison showed that there was no statistically significant difference in PI and GI scores (p\>0.05). Conclusion: Following implant surgery, herbal mouthwash was equally effective to chemical mouthwash in preventing plaque formation and gingivitis.

}, keywords = {Bacterial plaque, Chemical plaque control, Gingivitis, Mouthwash, Phytotherapy}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252038}, author = {Nivedha Nedumaran and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1504, title = {Perioperative Administration of Oral Melatonin for Hemodynamic and Analgesic Control during Dental Implant Placement: A Clinical Study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {1293-1297}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1293}, abstract = {

Background: Despite melatonin{\textquoteright}s established pharmacologic profile as an anxiolytic and antioxidant agent, its perioperative use in implant dentistry remains underexplored. As patient anxiety and hemodynamic fluctuations during oral surgical procedures can impact outcomes, investigating safe and effective premedication strategies is of clinical relevance. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of oral melatonin in maintaining hemodynamic stability, and minimizing postoperative pain in patients undergoing implant placement. Materials and Methods: This clinical study included 80 systemically healthy participants aged 25-60 years, scheduled for single-tooth implant placement in the molar region. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 6 mg oral melatonin or a placebo 30 min prior to surgery. Hemodynamic parameters-Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), and Heart Rate (HR)- were recorded at baseline (T0), 20 min into surgery (T1), and immediately postoperatively (T2). Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis included independent t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA (p\<0.05 considered significant). Results: Melatonin significantly reduced postoperative pain (VAS: 3.54{\textpm}0.19) compared to placebo (VAS: 6.89{\textpm}0.25; p=0.000). Significant reductions in SBP, DBP, and HR were observed in the melatonin group across all time points (p\<0.05), with significant intergroup differences at T1 and T2. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Oral melatonin is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated premedication that stabilizes hemodynamic responses, and alleviates postoperative pain in implant patients.

}, keywords = {Hemodynamic Stability, Implant Dentistry, Melatonin, Premedication}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252345}, author = {Pavithran Janagarathinam and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1461, title = {Phytochemical-Infused Chitosan Biocomposites: Cytotoxic, Antidiabetic, and Anticoagulant Potential of Vaccinium and Zingiber Extracts}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {983-988}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {983}, abstract = {

Background: The integration of plant-derived bioactives with natural polymers offers a sustainable approach to therapeutic biomaterials. Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus (blueberry) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) are known for their antidiabetic and anticoagulant properties, while chitosan serves as a biodegradable, biocompatible carrier. Aim: To develop a chitosan-based biocomposite loaded with V. cyanococcus and Z. officinale extracts and evaluate its in vitro antidiabetic, anticoagulant, and cytotoxic activities. Materials and Methods: Biocomposites were prepared by incorporating aqueous extracts of V. cyanococcus and Z. officinale into a chitosan matrix. Antidiabetic activity was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Anticoagulant activity was evaluated using clotting time analysis. Biocompatibility was tested via the brine shrimp lethality assay. Data were analyzed statistically, with significance set at p\<0.05. Results: The biocomposite showed significant, dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylase (48.03-85.09\%) and α-glucosidase (47.03-84.04\%) activities, comparable to the standard drug acarbose (p\>0.05). Clotting time in the treated group (8.40{\textpm}0.10 min) showed a mild, non-significant decrease compared to control (8.60{\textpm}0.10 min). Cytotoxicity was minimal at lower concentrations, with nauplii viability remaining above 60\% even at the highest dose after 48 hr. Conclusion: The chitosan-based biocomposite enriched with V. cyanococcus and Z. officinale exhibits promising antidiabetic and mild anticoagulant activity with acceptable biocompatibility. These findings support its potential use in managing metabolic and thrombotic conditions.

}, keywords = {Biocomposite, Enzymatic inhibition, Glycemic modulation, Herbal bioactives, Natural polysaccharides, Plant-derived compounds, Therapeutic biomaterials}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252284}, author = {Maria Sharon Velraj and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1368, title = {Synthesis and Characterization of Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Infused Microspheres: An in vitro Exploration of their Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Virtues}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {244-250}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {244}, abstract = {

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids are vital polyunsaturated fats that are fundamental to maintaining overall health and well-being. Objectives: This research focused on the preparation of omega-3 fatty acid microspheres and evaluated their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Materials and Methods: Omega-3 fatty acid microspheres were developed using the water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion method. The resulting microspheres were analyzed for their surface characteristics using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Various concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) were subjected for characterization. Cytotoxicity of the synthesized microspheres was assessed using brine shrimp lethality assay. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were assessed through protein denaturation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. Results: Particle size analysis showed that over 90\% of the produced microspheres ranged from 32 to 55 μm. Nauplii lethality was assessed over two days. At 25 μg/mL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality was 20\% at both 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL concentrations. Additionally, protein denaturation and DPPH assays indicated a significant increase in inhibition percentages as the concentration of omega-3 fatty acid microspheres increased. Conclusion: The omega-3 fatty acid microspheres developed in this study was non-cytotoxic and exhibited outstanding anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, making them an ideal candidate for local drug delivery applications.

}, keywords = {Antioxidant, Fatty acid, Free radical, Inflammation}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252014}, author = {Johnisha Harris John Manohar and Arvina Rajasekar} }