The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously increased the production and sales of disinfectants. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the efficacy and safety of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant. The literature relating to the use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant was systematically reviewed in January 2021 using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies that investigated the use of chlorine dioxide to assess the efficacy, safety, and impact of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant. Out of the 33 included studies, 14 studies focused on the disinfectant efficacy of chlorine dioxide, 8 studies expounded on the safety and toxicity in humans and animals, and 15 studies discussed the impact, such as water treatment disinfection using chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is a safe and effective disinfectant, even at concentrations as low as 20 to 30 mg/L. Moreover, the efficacy of chlorine dioxide is mostly independent of pH. Chlorine dioxide can be effectively used to disinfect drinking water without much alteration of palatability and can also be used to destroy pathogenic microbes, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi from vegetables and fruits. Our review confirms that chlorine dioxide is effective against the resistant Mycobacterium, H1N1, and other influenza viruses. Studies generally support the use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant. The concentration deemed safe for usage still needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Cancer is a condition marked by abnormal cell proliferation that has the potential to invade or indicate other health issues. Human beings are affected by more than 100 different types of cancer. Some cancer promotes rapid cell proliferation, whereas others cause cells to divide and develop more slowly. Some cancers, such as leukemia, produce visible tumors, while others, such as breast cancer, do not. In this work, in silico investigations were carried out to investigate the binding mechanisms of four major analogs, which are marine sesquiterpene, sesquiterpene lactone, heteroaromatic chalcones, and benzothiophene against the target estrogen receptor-α for targeting breast cancer using Schrödinger suite 2021-4. The Glide module handled the molecular docking experiments, the QikProp module handled the ADMET screening, and the Prime MM-GB/SA module determined the binding energy of the ligands. The benzothiophene analog BT_ER_15f (G-score −15.922 Kcal/mol) showed the best binding activity against the target protein estrogen receptor-α when compared with the standard drug tamoxifen which has a docking score of −13.560 Kcal/mol. TRP383 (tryptophan) has the highest interaction time with the ligand, and hence it could act for a long time. Based on in silico investigations, the benzothiophene analog BT_ER_15f significantly binds with the active site of the target protein estrogen receptor-α. Similar to the outcomes of molecular docking, the target and ligand complex interaction motif established a high affinity of lead candidates in a dynamic system. This study shows that estrogen receptor-α targets inhibitors with better potential and low toxicity when compared to the existing market drugs, which can be made from a benzothiophene derivative. It may result in considerable activity and be applied to more research on breast cancer.

Emesis, a multifaceted physiological response, presents significant challenges in clinical scenarios such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Novel antiemetic interventions are imperative to enhance patient care and well-being. This study investigated the antiemetic potential of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract using a comprehensive approach involving phytochemical analysis and animal models of emesis. Using chick model of emesis, male chicks aged 4 days were assigned to groups receiving different treatments, including copper sulfate, clove extract and metoclopramide. The effectiveness of treatments were assessed by monitoring retching frequency and changes in feed intake. Similarly, albino Wistar rats were used modelling emesis in rat and were categorized into groups receiving cisplatin, clove extract and metoclopramide as a standard control. Emetic responses were evaluated through pica behaviour assessment. In the chick model, a single dose of the following drugs was administered, either orally (p.o) or intra-peritoneally (i.p) as following: Copper sulfate at 50mg/kg p.o., Clove extract at 50mg/kg p.o, and Metoclopramide at 100mg/kg i.p. For the rat animal model, a once-daily dosage of cisplatin at 3 mg/kg i.p, metoclopramide at 2.5 mg/kg i.p., and clove extract at 100 mg/kg p.o. for three consecutive days were administered. Phytochemical analysis unveiled the intricate composition of clove extract, with eugenol standing out as a prominent constituent (71.56%). In the chick model, clove extract reduced copper sulfate-induced retching, displaying an impressive 84.63% inhibition rate. Similarly, in the rat model, the extract significantly alleviated cisplatin-induced pica behavior, with a statistically significant reduction in retching instances (P < 0.05). Clove extract's multifaceted antiemetic effects, attributed to eugenol and other bioactive components, provide promising insights for managing emesis. The study's findings hold translational significance, suggesting clove extract's potential as a complementary antiemetic therapy alongside conventional treatments. The identification of eugenol as a key contributor warrants further investigation into molecular mechanisms, offering hope for effectively managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

One of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare today is the rise of biofilm infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which demand entirely new therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotic reliance. A biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, which confers resistance to host immune defenses and antimicrobial agents. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that plant-derived secondary metabolites—including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids—exert potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities through diverse mechanisms of action. These natural compounds inhibit biofilm formation by disrupting bacterial adhesion, suppressing quorum sensing, degrading the EPS matrix, and impairing bacterial motility. Beyond independent bioactivity, phytochemicals demonstrate significant synergistic potential when combined with conventional antibiotics, revitalizing antimicrobial efficacy against drug-resistant pathogens. Nanoformulation and biogenic carrier technologies further enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic potency of these compounds. Despite these advances, critical challenges persist, including poor bioavailability, physicochemical instability, dose-dependent toxicity, and the risk of resistance development. This review presents a critical and integrative analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of plant secondary metabolites, with particular emphasis on their role in combating biofilm-associated infections and antibiotic resistance, and discusses translational opportunities including structure–activity relationship (SAR)-guided optimization, high-throughput screening platforms, and advanced drug delivery systems. Collectively, plant secondary metabolites represent a scientifically compelling and clinically relevant pipeline for the development of next-generation antimicrobial and antibiofilm therapeutics.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with a rising global prevalence and impact on quality of life. Conventional therapeutics such as corticoste