@article {1453, title = {Fabrication of Snail Mucin-Silk Fibroin Hydrogel Scaffold for Guided Tissue Regeneration: A Zebrafish Fin Model Study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {927-933}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {927}, abstract = {

Background: Scaffolds play a pivotal role in guiding tissue regeneration by providing a suitable environment for cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Among various materials, biopolymers such as silk fibroin and snail mucin have garnered attention due to their biocompatibility, natural origin, and potential to promote cellular activities. Objectives: In this study, we explore the fabrication of a novel Snail Mucin-Silk Fibroin hydrogel scaffold designed to enhance tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: The hydrogel scaffold has been prepared by mixing 28\% w/v gelatin, 21\% w/v PVA in distilled water and 10\% HPMC, and heated to 40{\textordmasculine}C followed by addition of a snail mucin and silk fibroin at a lower temperature and freeze dried at 4{\textordmasculine}C for 12 hr. Results: The characterization tests showed the scaffold{\textquoteright}s favourable biological properties and morphology, such as biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, ability to retain moisture, and promotion of cellular activities essential for tissue repair. Histopathological analysis showed that the snail mucin-silk fibroin hydrogel scaffold significantly enhanced fin regeneration compared to the control groups. Conclusion: Thus, the snail mucin hydrogel used in this study showed better soft tissue regeneration potential and hence be used for various applications in regenerative medicine.

}, keywords = {Hydrogel, Regeneration, Silk Fibroin, Snail Mucin, Zebra Fish}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252176}, author = {Sofia Sebastian and Bargavi Purushothaman and Pratibha Ramani} } @article {1484, title = {Green Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Vitex negundo Linn-An in vitro study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {August 2025}, pages = {1235-1240}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1235}, abstract = {

Background: Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches for biomedical applications, including antimicrobial agent development. Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) exhibit strong antibacterial properties, but conventional synthesis methods rely on toxic chemicals and high energy consumption, raising environmental concerns. This study explores the green synthesis of CuO NPs using Vitex negundo Linn., a medicinal plant, as an eco-friendly alternative. Objectives: To synthesize and characterize CuO NPs using Vitex negundo Linn. leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods: Vitex negundo leaf extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for CuO NP synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against E. coli and S. aureus. Results: The synthesis of CuO NPs was confirmed by a UV-vis absorption peak at 277 nm. FTIR analysis indicated functional groups responsible for stabilization, and SEM imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 50-100 nm. Antibacterial testing demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with the largest zones of inhibition observed at 100 μL CuO NP concentration. Conclusion: Green synthesis of CuO NPs using Vitex negundo Linn is a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional methods. The nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity, highlighting their potential for biomedical applications. Further research should explore scalability, mechanisms of action, and in vivo efficacy.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial activity, Copper oxide nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Nanotechnology, Sustainable Synthesis, Vitex negundo Linn}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252186}, author = {Pravallika Kakada and Abilasha R and Pratibha Ramani} } @article {1375, title = {Preliminary Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Taraxacum officinale Leaf Extract: An in vitro Study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {277-282}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {277}, abstract = {

Background: Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is known for its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Oral inflammatory lesions, such as oral lichen planus and aphthous stomatitis, are associated with microbial imbalance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study evaluates the potential of T. officinale leaf extract as a natural alternative for treating these lesions. Objectives: To assess the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of T. officinale leaf extract, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent for oral inflammatory lesions. Materials and Methods: Ethanol was used to extract bioactive compounds from dried T. officinale leaves. Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using agar diffusion. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring protein denaturation inhibition. Cytotoxicity was tested using zebrafish embryos, with survival rates and developmental changes monitored. Results: The leaf extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, inhibiting both S. aureus and E. coli, especially at higher concentrations. Antioxidant activity was notable, with near-complete free radical scavenging at higher doses. Anti-inflammatory effects were concentration-dependent, with maximum inhibition of protein denaturation at 100 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity studies revealed dose-dependent toxicity, with reduced survival in zebrafish embryos at 40 μL/mL and higher concentrations. Conclusion: T. officinale leaf extract demonstrates strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting its potential as a treatment for oral inflammatory lesions. However, its dose-dependent toxicity highlights the need for further research to determine safe and effective therapeutic doses.

}, keywords = {anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, Dandelion, Natural therapeutics, Oral inflammatory lesions, Taraxacum officinale}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252021}, author = {Namira Fateen and Abilasha Ramasubramanian and Pratibha Ramani} }