Background: Silver nanoparticles play a significant role in bioavailability and refining the compatibility of natural drugs in the treatment of various chronic diseases including different types of cancer.Objective: Green synthesis of silver nanocomposites of Nigella sativa seeds extract to evaluate the anticancer effects against hepatocellular carcinoma using HepG2 cell lines.Methods: The AgNCs were developed by treating aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds treated with silver nitrate (1mM) solution and were used to test its efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma using HepG2 cell lines.Results and Discussion: The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of prepared AgNCs showed a peak at 432 nm via UV spectroscopy. The selected N. sativa AgNCs were characterized for polydispersity, surface charge and size and the results showed 0.215±0.093 polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential 18.8±0.372 mV and size range 10-20 nm, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also showed various peak of functional groups that are possibly involved in the reduction of silver ion and synthesized the N. sativa silver nanocomposites, respectively. N. sativa AgNCs showed 89.954% drug release while in the case of extract release, it was only 33.821% in 24 hrs. Further, in vitro studies of N. sativa AgNCs against hepatocellular carcinoma showed good cytotoxic effect p<0.05 with 7.16 µg/ml IC50 value.Conclusion: Thus, the present results revealed that green synthesis of N. sativa AgNCs can be an alternative tool for clinical application in cancer therapy; however, there is a need to find the mechanism and role of AgNCs inside the individual.

Introduction: Stress disorders have multidimensional effects. How we respond to these situations is different, depending on our individual differences and gender. Reports suggest that females are more susceptible to stress disorders compared to males in the same age group. The serotonin receptor system is an important mechanism involved in the ...

Introduction: Ovarian cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal gynecological malignancies globally, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Baicalein, a naturally occurring flavonoid, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has recently gained attention for its anticancer potential. This study aimed to elucidate the anticancer efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms of baicalein in human ovarian carcinoma PA-1 cells through comprehensive in vitro and in silico approaches. Methods: PA-1 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of baicalein, and cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. Apoptotic induction was evaluated by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and nuclear morphological changes using DAPI, Hoechst/PI, and AO/EB staining. Cell cycle checkpoints were analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, Puma, Noxa, and Bcl-2) expression was quantified using qRT-PCR. In silico molecular docking was performed using PyRx to predict interactions with key apoptotic proteins, while SwissADME was employed to assess pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness. Results: Baicalein significantly reduced PA-1 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and induced pronounced morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis. Treatment resulted in elevated ROS production, loss of MMP, nuclear condensation, and S-phase cell cycle arrest. Gene expression analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of pro-apoptotic markers (p53, Bax, Puma, and Noxa) alongside decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding affinities of baicalein with apoptosis-regulating proteins, and SwissADME analysis confirmed acceptable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic profiles. Discussion: These findings showed that baicalein induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer PA-1 cells via a ROSmediated, mitochondria-dependent pathway. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of baicalein as a promising lead compound for the development of anticancer therapeutics.

Background: Aflatoxin contamination is a global concern that imperils food security and aquaculture. This study was focused on evaluating the toxicological impact of Aflatoxin B1 on fish growth, hematological parameters, and oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidneys, and gill tissues of Channa punctata . Additionally, a superficial examination of the gill tissue was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 2 weeks of acclimatization, following LD ₅₀ estimation (6.5 mg/kg), the sublethal dosages (1/10, 1/20, and 1/40 of LD ₅₀ ) were calculated. The fish specimens (70 ± 4 g) were then subjected to three sublethal doses of Aflatoxin B1 (11.4 µg, 22.8 µg, 45.5 µg), with one group serving as a control. The toxin was first dissolved in a medium of 0.04% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) to create a stock solution; each dose had a final volume of 0.5 mL (toxin and DMSO), ready to be administered via the intraperitoneal route . Result: After 28 days of exposure, significant depletion was observed in the erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and derived erythrocytic indices. Moreover, dose-dependent increases in lipid peroxidation alongside significant reductions in antioxidant enzyme (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH) levels in liver, kidney, and gill tissues. SEM revealed gill surface deformities as the toxin concentration was increased; severe alteration was observed in high Aflatoxin B1 concentration(45.5 µg). Conclusion: The observed deviations of these parameters from optimum were evident; depletion in hematological indices indicates hematotoxicity, a decrease in antioxidants suggests oxidative stress, and also the surface erosion in gills indicates histopathology induced by Aflatoxin B1. Collectively, it was concluded that AFB1 contamination is a serious matter of concern, as it affects the sustainability of aquaculture and also raises food safety concerns for humans who consume these fish. It emphasizes the critical necessity for strategies to prevent or mitigate the aflatoxin effects.