Lung cancer is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with high incidence worldwide. It is the most frequently occurring cancer in men and the second most common in women. Due to its frequent diagnosis and variable response to treatment, lung cancer was reported as the top cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020. Many aberrant signaling cascades are implicated in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, including those involved in apoptosis (B cell lymphoma protein, Bcl-2-associated X protein, first apoptosis signal ligand), growth inhibition (tumor suppressor protein or gene and serine/threonine kinase 11), and growth promotion (epidermal growth factor receptor/proto-oncogenes/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase). Accordingly, these pathways and their signaling molecules have become promising targets for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Recent research provides compelling evidence for the use of plant-based compounds, known collectively as phytochemicals, as anticancer agents. This review discusses major contributing signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of lung cancer, as well as currently available treatments and prospective drug candidates. The anticancer potential of naturally occurring bioactive compounds in the context of lung cancer is also discussed, with critical analysis of their mechanistic actions presented by preclinical and clinical studies.

Context: Urolithiasis is a polygenic disorder with complex etiology and even complicated treatment outcomes. Daucus carota is a widely cultivated crop with traditional claims for its antiurolithiatic potential. Aim: Present study was an attempt to investigate the antilithic potential of D. carota root extract (DCRE) against calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis by employing in vitro methods. Methods: Nucleation, growth and aggregation assay of CaOx crystallization were used. FT-IR analysis was used for characterizing CaOx crystals. Results: DCRE exhibited significant inhibition of nucleation, growth and aggregation of CaOx crystals. It produced a favorable morphological transformation of CaOx crystals from calcium oxalate monohydrate to calcium oxalate dihydrate. FT-IR analysis confirmed formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals to be utilized for growth and aggregation assays. Conclusion: DCRE possesses significant antiurolithiatic activity against CaOx urolithiasis in vitro which could be attributed to its saponins, tannins, flavonoids and polyphenolic content.

Urolithiasis is a burgeoning disease that results from pathological biomineralization. Daucus carota L. is a widely consumed food crop with reported nephroprotective and diuretic activity. Its potential for Ashmari bhedan (destruction of stone/calculi) or treatment of urinary calculi has been explored traditionally. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove its antiurolithiatic efficacy. Moreover, establishing the antiurolithiatic effects of D. carota, an extensively consumed commodity with numerous health benefits, would provide a beneficial dietary measure for the prevention and cure of urolithiasis. The study aimed at investigating in vivo antiurolithiatic potential of hydroethanolic extract of D. carota roots against calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced hyperoxaluria model of urolithiasis in male Wistar rats was used for the study. Urine and serum parameters and, kidney histopathology was used to determine the antilithic efficacy of D. carota root extract. D. carota extract significantly ameliorated abnormal urinary levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphate, magnesium, citrate, protein and uric acid in lithogenic rats. Serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid levels; and calcium, phosphate and oxalate deposition in kidney tissue were also rendered normal following D. carota treatment. D. carota extract also prevented oxidative stress mediated renal tissue degeneration both prophylactically and curatively. This study suggests antiurolithiatic effect of D. carota roots, which can be attributed to its anticrystallization property, ability to ameliorate urine and serum biochemistry and renal cellularity.

Background: This paper aims at establishing pharmacognostic parameters and anatomical descriptors of Ficus palmata Forssk. (Bedu) for the first time by utilizing more sophisticated modalities like HPTLC fingerprinting and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in addition to the conventional analytical techniques. Ficus palmata Forssk. is a well known, yet minimally explored plant of western Himalaya despite its tremendous traditional value. Hence, no monograph stating its standardization or rather its pharmacognostic standardization is so far available. Objective: To establish the pharmacognostic standardization parameters of Ficus palmata Forssk. and to perform its anatomical and analytical evaluation by means of scanning electron microscopy and HPTLC fingerprinting, respectively. Method: Pharmacognostical evaluation including microscopy and SEM analysis of the leaves and fruits of Ficus palmata collected from the western Himalayan region of India was done along with preliminary phytochemical screening, fluorescence analysis, and HPTLC fingerprinting studies of fruits of the plant. Results: Presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, lipids and phenols was confirmed in Ficus palmata through phytochemical screening. The physicochemical analysis provided standard ranges for parameters like moisture content, ash values and extractive values. Characteristic anatomical structures such as abundant trichomes, paracytic stomata, lignified fibres, cortex, sclerenchyma, pith with hexagonal cells were observed and stomatal index, vein islet number, and palisade ratio were established. HPTLC fingerprinting revealed the presence of the complex bioactive chemical composition of the extract. Conclusion: The study is an attempt to establish the quality control parameters pertaining to phytochemical, microscopical and anatomical characteristics of F. palmata. The results of the study provide a useful application of the pharmacognostic studies, scanning electron microscopy and HPTLC for quality control of the leaves and fruits of F. palmata.