Plant-based extracellular vesicles (PBEVs) have been recognized for their wide range of applications in drug delivery however, the extent of their medicinal applicability depends on how well they are preserved and stored. Assessing their physicochemical properties, such as size, particle concentration, shape, and the activity of their cargo, forms the foundation for determining their stability during storage. Moreover, the evaluation of PBEVs is essential to ensure both safety and efficacy, which are critical for advancing their clinical development. Maintaining the biological activity of EVs during storage is a challenging task, similar to the preservation of cells and other cell-derived products like proteins. However, despite limited studies, it is expected that storing drug-loaded EVs may present fewer challenges compared to cell-based therapies, although some limitations are inevitable. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on PBEVs preservation and storage methods, particularly focusing on their role as drug carriers. PBEVs hold promise as potential candidates for oral drug administration due to their effective intestinal absorption and ability to withstand both basic and acidic environments. However, maintaining their preservation and stability during storage is critical. Moreover, this review centers on the isolation, characterization, and storage of PBEVs, exploring the potential advantages they offer. Furthermore, it highlights key areas that require further research to overcome existing challenges and enhance the development of effective preservation and storage methods for therapeutic EVs.

Herbal treatments are nowadays considered dietary supplements and nutraceuticals for health maintenance and alternative/complementary therapy. A large range of herbal medications worldwide can easily be accessible in the local market. The polyherbal formulation (Stress WIN) containing Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa Hook. F.), and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC.) root has been used empirically in the management of hypertension. However, toxicity data for the StressWIN is not available yet. The present study aims to evaluate the StressWIN’s safety profile by 28 days of repeated dose oral toxicity in Wistar rats. Rats received different doses (500 mg/kg/day, 1000 mg/kg/day, and 2000 mg/kg/day) of StressWIN, for 28 days. The study was conducted in compliance with the OECD guideline 423. No significant differences were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters as compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Histopathological studies revealed no significant alterations in the macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen of the StressWIN treated groups in comparison to the control group (p > 0.05). Findings from the present study suggest that StressWIN supplementation has not shown any side effects in terms of sub-acute toxicity in both male and female rats. These findings indicated no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of StressWIN was higher than 2000 mg/kg/day.

Gas Chromatography-mass Spectroscopic Investigation of Petroleum Ether Concentrates of Desert Date/Ingudi ( Balanites aegyptiaca Linn . Delile) w. s. r. Wound Mending

Hypertension is a multifactorial disorder and one of the most important risk factors and a leading cause of stroke, heart disease, and end-organ damage. Hypertension leads to the production of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cholesterol, which increase thrombogenesis and fibrosis, ultimately resulting in chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation causes endothelial dysfunction by producing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) through pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukine-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Further, the high level of nitric oxide (NO) and malonaldehyde (MDA) increases the oxidative stress, which worsens the liver's production of SGOT and SGPT and glomerular filtration of the kidney. In this study, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation (StressWIN) was shown to be a potent therapeutic drug for the treatment of deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertension in Wistar rats. This study showed that administration of Stress-WIN significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and also reduced the level of ROS, NO, MDA, SGOT, and SGPT in the serum of DOCA-salt-induced hypertension in Wistar rats. Furthermore, Stress-WIN treatment exhibited reduced cholesterol levels and glutathione concentration. Histological analysis showed that infiltration of immune cells was reversed by Stress-WIN A treatment (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg). Furthermore, Stress-WIN A (2000 mg/kg) administration attenuated DOCA-salt-mediated morphological changes in the kidney and the heart of the Wistar rat. These promising outcomes underscore the potential of Stress-WIN as a viable alternative or adjunct therapy for hypertension, warranting further clinical investigations.