Using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for identification, three strains of Aspergillus terreus were identified and designated AUMC 15760, AUMC 15762, and AUMC 15763 for the Assiut University Mycological Centre culture collection. The ability of the three strains to manufacture lovastatin in solid-state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran was assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The most potent strain was strain AUMC 15760, which was chosen to ferment nine types of lignocellulosic waste (barley bran, bean hay, date palm leaves, flax seeds, orange peels, rice straw, soy bean, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat bran), with sugarcane bagasse turning out to be the best substrate. After 10 days at pH 6.0 at 25 °C using sodium nitrate as the nitrogen source and a moisture content of 70%, the lovastatin output reached its maximum quantity (18.2 mg/g substrate). The medication was produced in lactone form as a white powder in its purest form using column chromatography. In-depth spectroscopy examination, including ¹H, ¹³C-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, optical density, and LC-MS/MS analysis, as well as a comparison of the physical and spectroscopic data with published data, were used to identify the medication. At an IC₅₀ of 69.536 ± 5.73 µM, the purified lovastatin displayed DPPH activity. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis had MICs of 1.25 mg/mL, whereas Candida albicans and Candida glabrata had MICs of 2.5 mg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively, against pure lovastatin. As a component of sustainable development, this study offers a green (environmentally friendly) method for using sugarcane bagasse waste to produce valuable chemicals and value-added commodities.

One of the most common tumors to cause death worldwide is colon cancer. This study aims to investigate the antitumor potency of Litophyton sp. methanolic extract (LME) against DMH-induced colon cancer in adult male rats. Group (1) normal rats served as the control, group (2) normal rats were ip-injected with LME at a dose of 100 μg/kg/day, group (3) DMH-induced colon cancer animals, and group (4) colon cancer-modeled animals were treated with LME (100 μg/kg/day) for six weeks. The results revealed that injection of LME markedly regenerated the colon cancer pathophysiological disorders; this was monitored from the significant reduction in the values of serum biomarkers (CEA, CA19.9, AFP), cytokines (TNF-α and IL1β), and biochemical measurements (ALAT, ASAT, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglycerides) matched significant increase of apoptotic biomarkers (CD4+); similarly, colon DNA fragmentation, MDA, and NO levels were down-regulated. In contrast, a remarkable upregulation in colon SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels was noted. Moreover, the colon histopathological architecture showed obvious regenerations. Chromatography of LME resulted in the purification of two polyhydroxylated steroids (1 and 2) with potential cytotoxic activities. LME performed therapeutic potential colon tumorigenesis; therefore, LME may have a promising chemo-preventive feature against colon cancer, probably via enhancement of the apoptosis pathway, improvement of the immune response, reduction of inflammation, or/and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress.

Chemical investigation of the total extract of the Egyptian soft coral Heteroxenia fuscescens, led to the isolation of eight compounds, including two new metabolites, sesquiterpene fusceterpene A (1) and a sterol fuscesterol A (4), along with six known compounds. The structures of 1–8 were elucidated via intensive studies of their 1D, 2D-NMR, and HR-MS analyses, as well as a comparison of their spectral data with those mentioned in the literature. Subsequent comprehensive in-silico-based investigations against almost all viral proteins, including those of the new variants, e.g., Omicron, revealed the most probable target for these isolated compounds, which was found to be M^pro. Additionally, the dynamic modes of interaction of the putatively active compounds were highlighted, depending on 50-ns-long MDS. In conclusion, the structural information provided in the current investigation highlights the antiviral potential of H. fuscescens metabolites with 3β,5α,6β-trihydroxy steroids with different nuclei against SARS-CoV-2, including newly widespread variants.

Background: The growing concern of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains worldwide has prompted the need for alternative methods to combat microbial resistance. Biofilm formation poses a significant challenge to antibiotic efficiency due to the difficulty of penetrating antibiotics through the sticky microbial aggregates. Drug repurposing is an innovative technique that aims to expand the use of non-antibiotic medications to address this issue. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Diltiazem HCl, a 1,5-benzothiazepine Ca₂⁺ channel blocker commonly used as an antihypertensive agent, against four pathogenic bacteria and three pathogenic yeasts, as well as its antiviral activity against the Coxsackie B4 virus (CoxB4). Methods: To assess the antifungal and antibacterial activities of Diltiazem HCl, the well diffusion method was employed, while crystal violet staining was used to determine the anti-biofilm activity. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay was utilized to evaluate the antiviral activity of Diltiazem HCl against the CoxB4 virus. Results: This study revealed that Diltiazem HCl exhibited noticeable antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, demonstrating the highest inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. It effectively reduced the formation of biofilms by 95.1% and 90.7% for S. epidermidis, and S. aureus, respectively. Additionally, the antiviral activity of Diltiazem HCl was found to be potent against the CoxB4 virus, with an IC₅₀ of 35.8 ± 0.54 μg mL⁻¹ compared to the reference antiviral Acyclovir (IC₅₀ 42.71 ± 0.43 μg mL⁻¹). Conclusion: This study suggests that Diltiazem HCl, in addition to its antihypertensive effect, may also be a potential treatment option for infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria and the CoxB4 viruses, providing an additional off-target effect for Diltiazem HCl.

Context: First-line therapy using artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and chloroquine in cases of malaria infection has developed resistance worldwide. Aims: To synthesize functionalized dibenzylideneacetones that are similar to curcumin and to perform the in silico evaluations on Plasmodium falciparum enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (PfENR) and through human dihydrofolate reductase (hDHFR) as targets for antimalarial agents. Methods: The functionalized dibenzylideneacetones were synthesized through a reaction of acetone with benzaldehydes in a base or acid catalyst. The resulting solids were purified by recrystallization to conduct UV/Vis, FTIR, and NMR tests. The confirmed products underwent an in silico molecular docking test on PfENR (PDB ID: 1NHG) and hDHFR (PDB ID: 1MVT). The products were obtained in good yields. Results: The confirmed products underwent in silico molecular docking test on PfENR (PDB ID: 1NHG) and hDHFR (PDB ID: 1MVT). The products were obtained with good yields. Based on in silico results, the dibenzylideneacetone was predicted to have a strong potential to inhibit the growth of malaria parasites through inhibit malaria growth through the PfENR pathway more than through the hDHFR pathway because its moldock score was lower than its native ligand. Conclusions: This study showed a promising pathway to obtain antimalarial agents for further application in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive and chronic systemic autoimmune disease. However, currently treatment is often carried out using NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Although it reduces symptoms, this treatment has a high rate of side effects. This study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory property of Curcuma heyneana so that it can be used as an alternative treatment for RA. Based on author knowledge, this study on C. heyneana from the Indonesian region for the treatment of RA is still limited. C. heyneana’s rhizome was extracted by maceration with ethanol followed by fractionation process using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The anti-inflammatory invitro activities were determined by heat-induced hemolysis, effect on protein denaturation, and cyclooxygenases (COX) inhibition assay. Molecular docking of major predictive compounds was performed by AutoDock Vina. The results showed that some fractions of C. heyneana contained terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, which was attributed to the presence of curcuminoids. Molecular docking studies further confirmed the potential of demethoxycurcumin, a curcuminoid identified in the ethyl acetate fraction, to inhibit COX-2. These findings suggest that C. heyneana, particularly its previously unreported curcuminoid-rich fractions, holds promise as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of this plant in the management of RA and other inflammatory disorders.