The uncontrolled hyperglycemia that characterizes diabetes mellitus (DM) causes several complications in the organism. DM is among the major causes of deaths, and the limited efficacy of current treatments push the search for novel drug candidates, also among natural compounds. We focused our attention on caffeoylmalic acid, a phenolic derivative extracted from Urtica dioica, a plant investigated for its potential against type 2 DM. This compound was tested for its antidiabetic activity in vitro through a glucose uptake assay, in vivo in a mouse DM model and through molecular docking towards α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The effects on glucose blood level, liver enzymes, insulin and creatinine levels as well as on lipid and blood parameters, considered biochemical markers of diabetes, were also evaluated. The results showed an antidiabetic activity in vitro and in vivo, as the compound stimulates glucose absorbtion and reduces blood glucose levels. Moreover, it ameliorates lipid profile, liver and blood parameters, with moderate effect on insulin secretion. Taken together, these findings pave the way for the compounds from this class of caffeoylmalic acid as potential antidiabetic compounds.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) poses significant challenges due to its aggressiveness and resistance to standard therapies, necessitating novel treatments. This study evaluates the anticancer potential of flavonoids isolated from Pistacia chinensis against the glioblastoma U87 cell line. Two flavonoids, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (Compound 1) and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (Compound 2), were isolated using column chromatography and analyzed through in silico techniques, including molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and pharmacokinetic profiling. In vitro studies revealed dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, with Compound 1 demonstrating higher activity, reducing U87 cell viability by up to 70.11% after 48 h at 75 μg/mL. Molecular docking demonstrated its strong binding affinity to mTOR (−10.391 kcal/mol), while DFT confirmed its structural stability. Both compounds displayed favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles, supporting their potential as therapeutic candidates. These findings underscore the significant anti-GBM activity of flavonoids, particularly Compound 1, warranting further in vivo studies to explore their clinical potential as effective GBM treatments.

Cancer is one of the most demanding domains for innovative, effective, safe, and affordable therapeutically active chemicals. The main aim of this study is to research new phytochemicals with anticancer activity. The current experiment identified and analyzed six compounds for anti-cancer potential supported by molecular simulation studies. The defatted methanolic extract underwent column chromatography, resulting in the isolation of six flavonoids. These include 3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxy-flavanone ( 1 ), naringenin ( 2 ), 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-flavanone ( 3 ), sakuranetin ( 4 ), spinacetin ( 5 ), and patuletin ( 6 ). The isolated compounds ( 1–6 ) were assessed for in vitro anti-cancer activity against various cell lines such as HepG2 (hepatoma G2), A498 (kidney), NCI-H226 (lungs), and MDR2780AD (human ovarian). The maximum antiproliferative effect was against HepG2 and MDR2780AD. When compounds 6 , 5 , and 1 were compared to a standard anti-cancer medicine (paclitaxel) with an IC ₅₀ of 7.32, it was shown that compounds 6 , 5 , and 1 exhibited significant activity against HepG2 with IC ₅₀ values of 14.65, 20.87, and 27.09 µM, respectively. All tested compounds showed an IC ₅₀ of less than 1 µM and had notable effects against MDR2780 AD cell lines. Compound 6 exhibited notable potency against the HepG2, A498, and MDR2780AD cell lines, among the six compounds that were evaluated. In contrast, compound 3 demonstrated the most pronounced impact on the NCI-H226 cell line. Docking investigations were performed using tubulin as the specific target concerning PDB ID 4O2B. The six compounds under investigation interact hydrophobically and hydrophilically with tubulin-binding site amino acid residues.

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) regulates skeletal and soft tissue mineralization by hydrolyzing nucleotide triphosphates and cyclic nucleotides, and is involved in the modulation of immune system. In fact, ENPP1 degrades 2′,3′-cyclic GMP-AMP dinucleotide (2′,3′-cGAMP), which is an agonist of surface receptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING), thus downregulating immune response. Consequently, ENPP1 inhibitors are being studied as adjuvant agents in infections and cancer. Pistacia chinensis is a medicinal plant endowed with several biological activities and traditional uses. In the current study, we report the isolation of transilitin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxychromen-4-one) from the methanolic extract of P. chinensis barks and the investigation of its activity as ENPP1 inhibitor. The compound was tested in vitro against snake venom phosphodiesterase, which is structurally related to ENPP1, and dose-dependently inhibited the enzyme. Moreover, molecular modeling studies were employed to assess the binding motif of the transilitin with the macromolecular target. Our findings support the traditional medical application of P. chinensis and its extracts by shedding new light on the mechanisms underlying their biological action.

Background: Pistacia chinensis is extensively employed in traditional medicine. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate the therapeutic effects of 3’4’78-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone from P. chinensis crude extract. Materials and Methods: The study utilized column chromatography for isolation. The plant extract and its isolated compound were assessed for in vivo analgesic (hot plate model), anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema), sedative (open field model), and muscle relaxing properties (inclined plane and traction test). Results: In the thermal-induced analgesic model, a significant analgesic effect was observed for the extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and the isolated compound (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) at higher doses. The extract (100 mg/kg) significantly prolonged latency time (21.98 seconds) after 120 minutes of administration. The isolated compound elevated the latency time (20.03 seconds) after 30 minutes, remaining significant up to 120 minutes with a latency time of 24.11 seconds. The anti-inflammatory effect showed a reduction in inflammatory reactions by 50.23% (extract) and 67.09% (compound) after the fifth hour of treatment. Both samples demonstrated significant sedative effects, with the extract hindering movement by 54.11 lines crossed compared to the negative control (180.99 lines). The isolated compound reduced the number of lines crossed to 15.23±SEM compared to the negative control. Both samples were also significant muscle relaxants. Docking studies indicated that the compound’s therapeutic effect is due to inhibiting COX and nociceptive pathways. Conclusion: The isolated compound from Pistacia chinensis exhibits significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and muscle relaxing properties, with potential therapeutic applications by inhibiting COX and nociceptive pathways.

Background: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn till sunset. This extended fasting period may affect the management of diabetes in diabetic people. This study aimed to compare the number of visitors to the diabetic Emergency Room (ER) of a private tertiary care hospital in FB Area, Karachi, Pakistan, throughout Ramadan and other lunar months, with diabetes emergencies. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an electronic medical record review of patients with diabetes emergency who visited the ER of a tertiary care hospital between the ninth and eleventh lunar months during the previous two years. Patients with diabetes who visited the ER and were more than 18 years old were included. It established the frequency of ER visits, sociodemographic parameters, and clinical features. The relationships between variables were evaluated using the SPSS Software. Results: During the selected study period, the ER reported a total of 32,134 admissions. There were just 0.61 % of diabetes emergency visits. According to the inclusion criteria, 123 participants were included in the study (64.2% men and 35.7% women). The majority (51.2%) took oral hypoglycemic agents, and more than half (60.97%) had type 2 diabetes. There was a substantial variation in the prevalence of diabetes emergency visits between Shaban, Ramadan, and Shawal, 0.55, 0.32, and 0.27 %, respectively. However, the peak incidence did not occur during Ramadan. Despite identifying specific associations, the study showed no significant differences between the frequency of ER visits during Ramadan and the prior and subsequent lunar months regarding demographic and clinical variables and diabetes profile. Practical Implication: The following investigation will help in designing a plan with suitable diet and antidiabetic agents that will help in balancing the blood sugar levels as well as the glycemic index. Conclusion: In contrast to earlier studies, a decreasing prevalence trend was observed from Shaban to Ramadan to Shawal. This demonstrated that fasting throughout Ramadan has no negative effect on the occurrence of diabetes emergencies compared to other months. During the three-month study period, type 2 diabetes and insulin-treated patients with hyperglycemia were the leading cause of diabetic emergency room visits, with no significant variations across the months. These findings underscore the necessity for primary care physicians to thoroughly evaluate type 2 and insulin-treated individuals and provide comprehensive health education and counseling. Keywords: Ramadan, Diabetes, Fasting, Emergency visit, Antidiabetic agents, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Hypoglycemia