Summary: In this study, the copper nanoparticles were synthesized using various concentrations (5%, 6 %, 8%, and 10%) ofNigella sativaseed extracts, and their antibacterial and antiobesity effect was evaluated. The optimum particle size (98.23 nm) of nanoparticles was obtained at an extract concentration of 8%. FTIR results confirmed the functional groups responsible for copper ion reduction, The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosaandEscherichia colihaving inhibition zone of 25 mm and 24 mm, respectively. Significantly (P< 0.005) percent lipase and amylase inhibition assay of copper nanoparticles confirmed their antiobesity activities.

Obesity is arising as a global pandemic throughout the world. Over the past few decades, obesity has tripled worldwide, creating an alarming situation. The majority of people nowadays are suffering from obesity and overweight. It affects health of people of all age groups, ethnicity, gender, and sex, and is linked to a sedentary lifestyle of people, poor eating habits, and disturbed sleeping patterns. It causes several diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, gallstones, and colon cancer. Many synthetic anti-obesity drugs such as orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine, bupropion, and liraglutide are already available on the market. However, these drugs have side effects, including dry mouth and sleeping disorders, dizziness, blood pressure, heart rate elevation, constipation, and headache. Humans have a long and ancient history of dependency on traditional medicinal plants and their major bioactive antioxidant components, such as quercetin, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, for treating such diseases and disorders. This review discusses the herbal approach, bioactive compounds, and their mechanism for treating obesity.

This review study highlights the importance of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) in terms of its nutritional, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical value. The entire plant, including its seeds, leaves, flowers, fruits, and peel, contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, triterpenic acids, and organic acids. These compounds exhibit a wide range of beneficial properties such as fighting cancer, reducing inflammation, managing diabetes, combating viruses, preventing mutations, inhibiting nitrosamine formation, killing harmful microorganisms, lowering blood sugar levels, inducing cell death, and protecting the liver. The extraction and separation of such compounds will greatly enhance and expand its potential. Furthermore, the waste generated from the seeds and peel can be effectively used for submerged and solid state biomass production.

Ash gourd [Benincasa hispida (Thunb.)] is a vegetable used in many countries. More frequently vegetables are being sought to be more than just a source of nourishment; consumers are looking for functional and nutritionally active foods. Normally the entire ash gourd plant, including fruit peel, flower, seed, and leaves are used. Biochemical activity of the fruit includes anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, detoxificant, and curvative effects in treating various ailments. The essential minerals Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se are present. The review examines the use of ash gourd as a food and for medicinal uses.