Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.

The journal retracts the review article titled “Neuroinflammatory Markers: Key Indicators in the Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases”

Withania coagulans is a well-known medicinal plant reported to possess numerous biological activities. However, the plant remains underutilized compared to other medicinal plants due to lack of clinical and analytical studies. In the present study, in vitro biological activities of oil extracted from seeds of W. coagulans were studied along with synthesis and characterization of catalyst from residue obtained post oil extraction. The extracted oil exhibited DPPH-radical scavenging activity, protein denaturation activity and in vitro -? amylase inhibitory activity. These activities were comparable to the corresponding activities of standard compounds indicating diverse medicinal potential of the oil. The residue obtained post oil extraction was utilized for synthesis of catalyst. The synthesized catalyst was characterized to identify the nature of the catalyst. Catalyst synthesized from residue was found to be silica-based catalyst, crystalline in nature and EDX mapping revealed catalyst to comprise of C, O, Na, Si, P and Ca. Interpretation of results obtained depict potential utilization of W. coagulans for diversified traditional as well as industrial application.

Background: Havan has been a common thing to do in India for a long time. Havan samagri is made with mango samidha and other important medicinal herbs that are used in havan. It cleans the air by cutting down on the number of germs in the air. Aim: This study examined the utilisation of 31 botanical components, including guggal, giloya, amla, bahera, til, bach, nagkesar, and harad, in the formulation of havan samagri and its potential efficacy against airborne microorganisms. Methods: Four air-isolated bacteria, Priestia endophytica, Bacillus subtilis, Deinococcus ficus, and Staphylococcus caprae, were evaluated against the ethanolic and aqueous fume extracts of havan samagri and GC-MS analysis was done of ethanolic extract of havan fume and molecular docking was examined. Results: The ethanolic and aqueous fume extracts of havansamagri were the most effective against Deinococcus ficus and Staphylococcus caprae, respectively. After 5 h, the CFU count had dropped by 62.50% and 59.29%, respectively, on the plates that had been exposed to havan and those that had not, inside and outside of Yagyashala. The GC-MS test of the ethanolic extract showed 20 chemical constituent peaks. Acetic acid (39.63%) was the highest, followed by asarone (15.29%). The molecular docking of the asarone compound revealed its greatest efficacy against the bacterial isolates Deinococcus sp. and Bacillus subtilis. Asarone had a binding energy of 6.1 kcal/mol against Bacillus subtilis and 5.9 kcal/mol against Deinococcus sp. Conclusion: Everyone can use scientific inhalation treatment to treat respiratory illnesses with daily havan performances. Further research is needed to produce new products from existing conventional residential air purifiers in order to better benefit the general public and rural poor people. Major Findings: The main chemical compounds found in havan samagri were asarone and acetic acid, according to GC-MS analysis of the ethanolic fume extract of havan. The ligand asarone molecule exhibited the highest action against bacterial isolates, specifically Bacillus subtilis and Deinococcus sp., according to molecular docking. According to a molecular docking investigation, the pathogenic proteins of Deinococcus sp. and Bacillus subtilis had a binding affinity of 5.9 kcal/mol and 6.1 kcal/mol, respectively, with the asarone molecule.

Bacterial meningitis poses a significant threat to public health, especially among children under five, and can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated. It is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, potentially causing severe neurological damage. While the incidence is relatively low in developed countries, it remains a substantial burden in developing regions, with an annual occurrence rate of 5-10% per 100,000 individuals. The primary causative agents vary by age but commonly include Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Prompt recognition of symptoms such as headaches, high fever, and neck stiffness is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis involves a complex interplay of mechanisms, including blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, and dysregulated immune responses within the central nervous system. Research has identified key pathways in disease progression, enabling the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Intravenous antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment, aiming to eliminate the pathogens and reduce inflammation. By investigating the antimicrobial properties of these natural compounds, researchers can identify promising candidates for further study. Techniques such as extraction, purification, and formulation are essential for incorporating these bioactive chemicals into therapeutic agents for clinical use. Ongoing research into the inhibitory effects of plant-derived compounds against meningitis-causing bacteria holds promise for novel treatment strategies. Utilizing the therapeutic potential of natural compounds may enhance antibiotic efficacy and address antimicrobial resistance.