International Conference and Exhibition on Marine Drugs and Natural Products July 25-27, 2016 Melbourne, Australia

Biography:

Rongshi Li is Professor of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Li spent 14 years in industry advanced from Scientist to Senior Vice President after his postdoctoral training at University of California San Francisco. He began his academic career in 2008 at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida. In 2013, he was recruited to University of Nebraska Medical Center. Since 2008, Dr. Li has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles, filed and published 30 US and PCT patents, edited one book, and delivered over 30 invited talks.

Abstract:

Natural products and their derivatives account for about half of the New Chemical Entities (NCEs) for drug discovery to treat human diseases. For example, 78 of the 118 small-molecule NCEs identified for antibacterial agents were from either natural products or their derivatives during 30 years between 1981 and 2010. For anticancer drug discoveries, 85 of the 175 small molecules, for 70-year span from 1940 to 2010, were from natural products, their derivatives, metabolites and mimics [Newman, DJ and Cragg, GM. J. Nat. Prod. 2012, 75, 311]. To date, natural products have provided the most successful supply of drug leads (Li, R. Med. Res. Rev. 2016, 36, 169]. In this talk, a case study of marinopyrrole and its novel derivatives as potential antibiotic and anticancer agents will be presented. The design, synthesis and optimization of these novel derivatives to achieve improved physicochemical and drug-like properties, and potent biological activities and high selectivity with low toxicity will be discussed.

Biography:

Dilip Ghosh has received his PhD in Biomedical Science from University of Calcutta, India. Previously, he held positions in Organon (India) Ltd.; HortResearch, New Zealand; USDA-ARS, HNRCA at Tufts University, Boston; The Smart Foods Centre, & Neptune Bio-Innovation Pty Ltd, Australia. He is a most sought after international speaker, facilitator and author. He is a fellow of American College of Nutrition, Professional member, AIFST, and also he is the Editorial Board Member of several journals. He has published more than 70 papers in peer reviewed journals, numerous articles in food and nutrition magazines and 4 books under CRC Press, USA.

Abstract:

Standardized extracts are processed products, where some specific and known components, recognized to contribute more than others to the therapeutic activity, are adjusted to a given amount, within the acceptable tolerance. Standardization is achieved by adjustment of natural substance/herbal preparation with excipients or by blending batches of natural substance/herbal preparations. All the other components are still present in the extract, because the action of the plant may result from the synergistic activity of several constituents. According to the concept of phytoequivalence, a chemical profile, such as a chromatographic fingerprint, for a natural product should be constructed and compare with the profile of a clinically proven reference product. Plants are highly variable by nature and it is a common experience that batches of medicinal plants with similar specifications, as species and part of plant, may have quite different chemical compositions. From many reasons, it is clear that the “generic” concept which is valid for conventional medicines is mainly invalid for “Specifically Clinically Proven” natural medicines. Increasing the quantity and quality of clinical and scientific information on herbal medicinal products will reduce uncertainty in assessment and greatly contribute to decision making related to hazard and risk.

Biography:

Shin-ichi Kayano has graduated from Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Osaka City University, Japan, in 1985 and he has worked as a Senior Researcher at Research Institute, Miki Corporation, Japan, until 2004. He was awarded a PhD in Science in 2004 from Osaka City University, Japan, under the supervision of Professor Nobuji Nakatani. The same year, he has changed his job in Kio University and his current position is Professor from 2009.

Abstract:

The chemical structures of 9 compounds isolated from the dried fruits of Prunus domestica L., were elucidated on the basis of NMR and MS analyses. Each isolated compound was determined to be scopolin (1), (3-O-cis-p-coumaroyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl)-(2→1)-α-D-glucopyranoside (2), 1S-(4-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2R-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]-1,3-propanediol (3), β-D-glucopyranosyl 9-carboxy-8-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-2E,4E-nonadienate (4), β-D-glucopyranosyl 7-carboxy-2-methyl-2E,4E-octadienate (5), 8-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-2E,4E-decadienedioic acid 1-β-D-glucopyranyl ester 10-methyl ester (6), (3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl)-(2→1)-α-D-glucopyranoside (7), β-D-glucopyranosyl cinnamate (8), and 2,7-dimethyl-2E,4E-octadienedioic acid (9), respectively. Compounds 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 were isolated from Prunus domestica L., for the first time and compounds 4, 5 and 6 were novel glucosyl terpenates. On the basis of the chemical structures of some isolated compounds from Prunus domestica L., a possible biosynthesis pathway of them was also proposed.

Biography:

Heru Chen has completed his PhD from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with Prof. Richard K Haynes as supervisor. He got Post-doctoral training with Prof. Dr. Peter W. Schiller in the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Canada. Then he worked as a visiting scholar in Wuppertal University, Germany. Since March 2008, he has been a full-time Professor and research director in the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China. He has published more than 80 papers in reputed journals and serving as Editorial Board Members of several reputed journals.

Abstract:

Aquilaria sinensis is the famous traditional Chinese medicinal plant in Guangdong, south China. The well-known medicinal part is the resin from Aquilaria sinensis, which is the response of the plant against external impairment. Therefore, the formation of resin is an incidental and lengthy process. This makes the resin very scarce and cherish. However, Aquilaria sinensis leaves are abundant and reproducible. The current report focused on the isolation of flavones and flavonoids, the in vitro bioactivities, and in vivo regulation against external impairment of the plant. By applying means of solvent partition and various kinds of column chromatography including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, C-18 reverse phase HPLC, and HSCCC, on the basis of physical properties and spectra evidences, 12 flavones and flavonoids have been identified. The scavenging effects on nitrite of these compounds were determined. Compound Y1 (mangiferin) and Y2 (2-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-4, 6, 4'-trihydroxybenzo-phenone) were identified as the two most active compounds with scavenging rate 29.43%±0.74% and 24.56%±0.77% at the conditions of pH 3, 37℃, and 30 min duration, respectively. Furthermore, the in vitro cancer cell growth inhibition activities of 12 compounds were evaluated by MTT method, respectively. 7 of them were demonstrated good inhibitory activity against DU145, PC-3, and HepG2 cancer cell lines, respectively. It was indicated preliminarily that these compounds may be used as the candidates for developing anti-cancer drug. Most interestingly, as one secondary metabolite, injection of genkwanin with moderate concentration (0.5mM) exhibited significant protective effect against external mechanical and chemical injuries to Aquilaria sinensis plants. Five differential expressed proteins including Armadillo repeat-containing kinesin-like protein-1 (PT/ST promoter) and Tetrathionate response regulatory protein TtrR (TC/MG promoter) were identified using differential proteomics analysis method, and the regulation mechanism of genkwanin against the external impairments of Aquilaria sinensis plants has been demonstrated preliminarily. It is suggested that genkwanin play an important role in defense of external plant impairment.

Biography:

Prof. Dr. Jun Wu has completed his PhD from Peking University in 2001 and win the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2011. He is the director of Marine Drugs Research Center, Jinan University. His research interests focus around bioactive natural products from mangrove plants, mangrove endophytic fungi, and marine dinoflagellates. His group has identified more than 100 new limonoids from mangrove plants of the genus Xylocarpus collected in India and Thailand. Some limonoids exhibited antifeedant, insecticidal, anti-tumor, and anti-infective activities. He has published more than 120 papers which have been cited over 900 times.

Abstract:

Mangrove plants are a large group of different salt tolerant plants growing in tropical and subtropical intertidal estuarine zones. Limonoids, which have been found mainly in plants of the families Meliaceae, Rutaceae, and Simaroubaceae, are modified triterpene derivatives originating from a precursor with a 4,4,8-trimethyl-17-furanylsteroid skeleton displaying four – usually highly oxidized – rings (designated as A, B, C, and D) in the intact triterpene backbone. The mangroves of the genus Xylocarpus are known to produce a variety of antifeedant limonoids, especially mexicanolides and phragmalins. During the recent ten years, my team has identified more than 150 new limonoids from mangrove plants of the genus Xylocarpus collected in south China, India, and Thailand. More than 30 limonoids, such as xylogranatins F-R (1-13), andhraxylocarpins A-E (14- 18), and thaixylomolins A-C (19-21) (Fig. 1), are compounds with new skeletons. These limonoids exhibited plentiful chemical diversity. It is suggested that environmental factors might play the leading role in the generation of structural diversity of limonoids from those mangroves. The study also demonstrates that mangroves of the genus Xylocarpus are a rich source for the production of limonoids with novel carbon frameworks.

Biography:

Lei Wang has completed his PhD from China Pharmaceutical University and Postdoctoral studies from Jinan University. He has published more than 52 papers in reputed journals and has applied 5 patents.

Abstract:

The toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor is distributed in most regions of China. The dried skin of B. bufo gargarizans has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (‘Chan-Pi’ in Chinese) for the treatment of tumor, carbuncle, scrofula and heart failure. Cinobufacini (Hua-Chan-Su) injection, prepared from the skins of B.bufo gargarizans, has been widely used in clinical cancer therapy in China for a long time. Pharmacological studies revealed that this injection has antitumor and anti-hepatitis B virus activities. The bioactive constituents of cinobufacini injection were considered to be bufadienolides. Bufadienolides are typically C-24 steroid with a characteristic α-pyrone ring at C-17 position, which attracted much attention of pharmacologists due to their significant antitumor activities. Recent research on the action mechanism revealed that bufalin could activate ClC-3 Cl− channel and induce apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Although about forty bufadienolides had been isolated from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans, further investigation to exploit other bioactive compounds and trace constituents of this commercial toad skin are necessary. As a part of our work to discover new potential anti-tumor agents, twelve new bufadienolides (1-12) and fourteen known ones (13-26) were isolated from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans. Among them, compound 1 was an unusual bufadienolide with 3,19-epoxy moiety. Compounds 2-3 and 4 were rare bufadienolides possessing 10-H atom and 10-carboxyl unit, respectively. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of the isolated compounds against HepG2, A549 and HeLa cell lines were evaluated. Six new compounds (2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12) displayed significant anti-proliferative activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.049 to 1.856 μM. Arenobufagin (24) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity with IC50 value 0.011 μM.

Biography:

Lei Wang has completed his PhD from China Pharmaceutical University and Postdoctoral studies from Jinan University. He has published more than 52 papers in reputed journals and has applied 5 patents.

Abstract:

The toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor is distributed in most regions of China. The dried skin of B. bufo gargarizans has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (‘Chan-Pi’ in Chinese) for the treatment of tumor, carbuncle, scrofula and heart failure. Cinobufacini (Hua-Chan-Su) injection, prepared from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans, has been widely used in clinical cancer therapy in China for a long time. Pharmacological studies revealed that this injection has antitumor and anti-hepatitis B virus activities. The bioactive constituents of cinobufacini injection were considered to be bufadienolides. Bufadienolides are typically C-24 steroid with a characteristic α-pyrone ring at C-17 position, which attracted much attention of pharmacologists due to their significant antitumor activities. Recent research on the action mechanism revealed that bufalin could activate ClC-3 Cl− channel and induce apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Although about forty bufadienolides had been isolated from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans, further investigation to exploit other bioactive compounds and trace constituents of this commercial toad skin are necessary. As a part of our work to discover new potential anti-tumor agents, twelve new bufadienolides (1-12) and fourteen known ones (13-26) were isolated from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans. Among them, compound 1 was an unusual bufadienolide with 3,19-epoxy moiety. Compounds 2-3 and 4 were rare bufadienolides possessing 10-H atom and 10-carboxyl unit, respectively. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of the isolated compounds against HepG2, A549 and HeLa cell lines were evaluated. Six new compounds (2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12) displayed significant anti-proliferative activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.049 to 1.856 μM. Arenobufagin (24) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity with IC50 value 0.011 μM.

Biography:

Dr. Xin Liu received his Ph.D. in Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, China in 2010. He serves as an associated professor in the same institute currently. The research interest of Dr. Liu lies mainly on investigating therapeutic intervention of sepsis by means of natural products. Dr. Xin Liu co-operated with his fellow researchers to screen more than 140 traditional Chinese herbs and identify a couple of novel anti-sepsis compounds. The most recent finding of kukoamine B, an alkaloid compound isolated from Cortex Lycii, has been translated into a new drug development study which is now in phaseâ… study in China.

Abstract:

Kukoamine B (KB) is a alkaloid compound isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Cortex Lycii. KB has been identified as a novel dual antagonist for LPS and CpG DNA, two major pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) for triggering sepsis. However, its inhibitory effects against LPS and CpG DNA in vivo and the potential therapeutic implications in treating sepsis needs to be well elucidated. In this study, the impact of KB on survivals of different rodent sepsis models was analyzed. Organ distribution and clearance of LPS and CpG DNA in the presence of KB were detected. The antagonistic effects of KB against LPS and CpG DNA, including inflammatory associated cytokines production, coagulation parameters, major organ functions were evaluated in rats CLP model. We found that KB could bind bacterial LPS from different bacterial origins and inhibit the induced release of pro inflammatory cytokines. KB attenuates the activity of LPS and CpG DNA in vivo, accelerates their circulatory clearance and increases liver uptake. KB effectively improves the survival of different murine sepsis models. KB also ameliorates the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and serum biomarkers of sepsis in CLP rats. KB is efficacy in reversing their acidosis state, suppressing DIC and organ dysfunctions and limiting acute lung injuries secondary to sepsis. Overall, KB is effective in simultaneously blockade of LPS and CpG DNA in vivo and improves the outcomes in rodent sepsis models. KB may become a promising candidate drug for the treatment of sepsis.

Biography:

Dr. Ning wang received her Ph.D. in Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, China in 2013. She serves as a supervising technician in the same institute currently. The research interest of Dr. Wang lies mainly on biosensor based screening and isolation of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese herbs. She also focus on developing experimental animal models for sepsis. Dr. Wang also assists Dr. Xin Liu in the finding of kukoamine B, an alkaloid compound isolated from Cortex Lycii, which is currently in phaseâ… study in China.

Abstract:

Sepsis is a major medical problem for critical ill population. Treating sepsis remains challenging at present. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacterial DNA/CpG DNA are important pathogenic molecules and drug targets for sepsis. It is thus a promising strategy to treat sepsis by discovering agents that neutralize LPS and CpG DNA simultaneously. In this study, we present evidences of the biosensor based screening and isolation of active anti sepsis fractions and monomers from traditional Chinese herbs using dual targets (LPS and CpG DNA) guided drug discovery strategy. Firstly, LPS or CpG DNA was immobilized on surfaces of cuvettes in the biosensor to establish a screening platform. Then, extracts of 114 kinds of traditional Chinese herbs were screened for the binding affinity with LPS and CpG DNA. In subsequent experiments, chromatography was utilized and coupled with the biosensor to purify fractions from those herbal extracts with a higher affinity for LPS and CpG DNA. In line with affinity assay, these fractions were shown to neutralize LPS and CpG DNA and inhibit their activity in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, a contributing monomer Kukoamine B (KB) was purified. KB neutralized LPS and CpG DNA in vitro. It inhibited TLR4, TLR9 and MyD88 mRNA expressions up regulated by LPS and CpG DNA and also attenuated the LPS and CpG DNA elicited nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 protein in RAW 264.7 cells. It also protected mice from lethal challenge of heat killed E. coli, a mixture of LPS and CpG DNA. In conclusion, we presented a dual target guided discovery of a novel anti sepsis agent KB from traditional Chinese herbs via combination of biosensor technology and chromatography methods.

Biography:

Dr. Dawood Ahmed has completed his PhD from Arid Agriculture University Rawal Pindi Pakistan. He worked as medical lab technologist in multiple organizations. He is working as a assistant professor in Medical Lab Department, University of Haripur . He has published multiple papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and protective effects of Taraxacum officinale against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley male rats. Whole plant powder was used for proximate analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant extract were carried out according to standard procedures for the presence of different bioactive compounds (Phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids). All fractions were evaluated for in vitro biological assays. Exposure of rats to CCl4 revealed marked injuries including pulmonary fibrosis, alveolar breakage, blood capillaries congestion of lungs; in liver fatty changes, cellular hypertrophy, necrosis, inflammatory cells infiltrations, degeneration of the lobular shape, formation of septa and dilation of central blood vessel were observed; in kidney interstitial fibrosis, tubular degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were observed; in adrenal glands accumulation of fatty droplets and hyperplasia were observed; in testis degeneration of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells and interruption in meiosis were seen. All above changes caused by CCl4 were significantly repaired by the administration of extract of Taraxacum officinale .It also markedly increases the level of TBARS and nitrites along with corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes , i.e., catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Supplementation of Taraxacum officinale (100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight orally) once a week for 16 weeks results in decrease of TBARS and nitrite, while increase in antioxidant enzymes; catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, GSH-Px and GSH contents. The results obtained in this study suggested that extract of Taraxacumofficinale possess antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anticancer effects which might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds; flavonoids, tannins,saponins and alkaloids .Further studies are required to isolate the majorbioactive constituents and to verify both in vitro and in vivo assays.

Biography:

Dr. Dawood Ahmed has completed his PhD from Arid Agriculture University Rawal Pindi Pakistan. He worked as medical lab technologist in multiple organizations. He is working as a assistant professor in Medical Lab Department, University of Haripur . He has published multiple papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and protective effects of Taraxacum officinale against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley male rats. Whole plant powder was used for proximate analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant extract were carried out according to standard procedures for the presence of different bioactive compounds (Phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids). All fractions were evaluated for in vitro biological assays. Exposure of rats to CCl4 revealed marked injuries including pulmonary fibrosis, alveolar breakage, blood capillaries congestion of lungs; in liver fatty changes, cellular hypertrophy, necrosis, inflammatory cells infiltrations, degeneration of the lobular shape, formation of septa and dilation of central blood vessel were observed; in kidney interstitial fibrosis, tubular degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were observed; in adrenal glands accumulation of fatty droplets and hyperplasia were observed; in testis degeneration of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells and interruption in meiosis were seen. All above changes caused by CCl4 were significantly repaired by the administration of extract of Taraxacum officinale .It also markedly increases the level of TBARS and nitrites along with corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes , i.e., catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Supplementation of Taraxacum officinale (100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight orally) once a week for 16 weeks results in decrease of TBARS and nitrite, while increase in antioxidant enzymes; catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, GSH-Px and GSH contents. The results obtained in this study suggested that extract of Taraxacumofficinale possess antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anticancer effects which might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds; flavonoids, tannins,saponins and alkaloids .Further studies are required to isolate the majorbioactive constituents and to verify both in vitro and in vivo assays.

Biography:

Anjum Perveen has completed her PhD in Botany: Plant Taxonomy: Palynology: from University of Karachi-Pakistan, and Post-doctoral studies from Stockholm University-Sweden, on Swedish Scholarship in 2002. She is the Professor and Director of Centre for plant Conservation (Botanic Garden and Herbarium) University of Karachi, She has completed many research projects funded by Pakistan Science Foundation and Higher Education Commission”. Her ongoing project is on “Seed preservation of wild plants of Pakistan and pharmacogonostic studies of seeds of medicinally important plants. She has attended and presented papers in many international and national conferences, 8th Scandinavian Research conference on GIS, Norway (2001), 24th TWAS-International workshop on development of medicine, 13th International Palynological Congress 10th International Organization of Palaeobotany Conference held in 2012 Tokyo, Japan, World Biodiversity Congress (WBC-2014) held in November, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Shakoori Gold Medal was awarded to her on research work on Biological field. She has published more than 125 research papers in reputed journals

Abstract:

Ethnopharmacology is the systematic study of substances in plants used to cure common diseases and their relationship with the ethnic/local people. Antioxidant potential of the pollen of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn using Ferric Reducing Power, Metal Chelating Activity and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assays has been carried out in the current research work. The antioxidant components were initially extracted from the pollen in methanol and were further fractionated in solvents of different polarity such as n-Hexane, Chloroform, Ethyl Acetate and Water. The extract was then employed for ABTS.+ assay to determine free radical scavenging ability, FRAP assay to identify ferric reducing ability and metal chelating ability for its chelating potential. Moreover, to correlate antioxidant ability with its phytochemical composition, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. TEAC values ranged from 6.0-9.1 mM of trolox equivalents. Total Phenolic Content values ranged from 5410-8150 mg/l of Gallic Acid. Ferric reducing antioxidant power values for different fractions varied from 49.6-87.5 of FeSO4. Methanol extract which was found to have high reducing power and total phenolic contents has considerable prospective to utilize as a natural antioxidant and be capable to link with the total phenolic contents of plant.

Biography:

Shawky Mohamed Aboelhadid has completed his PhD from Cairo University. He was the Director of Project Funding Unit in Beni Suef University for 2 years. Also he was the former Head of Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni Suef University. He has published more than 30 papers in regional and international journals. He is also a Reviewer of some reputed journals.

Abstract:

The toxicity effect of lemon oil (Citrus limon) on Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The mite samples were collected from naturally infected rabbits. The lemon oil was prepared in six concentrations by dilution with distilled water or 70% ethyl alcohol (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50 & 100%). In vitro application was done in 5 replicates for each concentration. The readings of treatment were recorded at 1, 12 and 24 hours post application (PA). Field trial was done by using 20% lemon oil. Twenty four naturally infected rabbits were divided into 3 groups 8 in each; lemon oil 20% and deltamethrin treated and untreated control groups. The infected parts of rabbits were treated topically once a week for 4 successive weeks. In vitro applications showed that lemon oil 10% & 20% diluted in water caused toxicity to 99.80% and 100.00% after 24 hours PA respectively. Oxidative stress profile in treated mites revealed that treated mite by lemon 20% had significantly (P<0.05) highest hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in compared with mite treated by deltamethrin or distilled water. Otherwise, glutathione peroxidase was significantly (P<0.05) different between treated groups. In vivo application of 20% lemon oil showed complete recovery from clinical signs, absence of mite from microscopic examination from the second week of treatment. In addition, productive performance in lemon treated group was significantly better than infected untreated groups. Also, the treated tissue showed stoppage of scales formation and hair growth faster than deltamethrin treated rabbits. Consequently, lemon oil has remarkable miticidal effect in vitro and in vivo applications.

Biography:

Shamsun Nahar Khan has recently completed her Post-doctoral studies from Harvard University, USA in 2013 on the Structure of 7SK snRNA by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). She completed her PhD in 2008 from H E J Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan. She is the Chairperson and Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Bangladesh. She is holding 7 US patents and published more than 40 research papers in the International journals. She is young affiliated fellow of World Academy of Sciences as well as member of RSC (Royal Society of Chemical Sciences). She is also a member of Global Young Academy of Sciences (GYA).

Abstract:

α-Glucosidase is a membrane bound enzyme at the epithelium of the small intestine that catalyzes the cleavage of glucose from disaccharide. α-Glucosidase enzyme inhibitors act by suppressing the digestion process of dietary carbohydrates. α-Glucosidase enzyme inhibitors (AGIs) are one of the approaches to control the blood sugar levels for type-2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is occurred due to the deficiency in production of insulin by the pancreas. AGIs are given with meals and they function by slowing the breakdown of the complex sugars into glucose. This cause a delay in glucose absorption and lower blood sugar levels, following meals. The AGIs may be used alone or in combination with other medications for diabetes. Inhibition of α-glucosidases causes abnormal functionality of glycoproteins because of incomplete modification of glycans. Suppressions of this process are involved expected for antiviral activity and decreasing of growth rate of the tumor. We have recently focused our efforts on the discovery of potent α-glucosidase inhibitors due to its important role in different clinical and pathological condition. As an outcome of this study, several classes of new alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from natural sources such as terpenoids, flavonoids, iridoids, phloroglucinols, anthranols, physalins and acridone alkaloids were identified. 3-dimensional structure activity relationship studies and enzymatic mechanistic studies of these new inhibitors will be discussed in detail in the presentation.

Biography:

Rama Swamy Nanna has completed his PhD from Kakatiya University, Warangal- Telangana State, India and Postdoctoral Studies from Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He is Coordinator, UGC-SAP-DRS-Phase-II, Dept. of Biotechnology, Kakatiya University. He has published 126 research publications in National and International reputed journals. He has been serving as Editorial Board Member and Reviewer of reputed Journals and he has authored/edited fifteen Textbooks and Research monographs. He visited Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Sri Lanka, Brazil and USA on various Research Fellowship Programs and also to deliver plenary lectures in international conferences.

Abstract:

The species Senna alata L. Roxb (Fabaceae), commonly known as Ringworm Senna or Candle Brush Tree or Seven Golden Candle Sticks is an important medicinal and ornamental plant. The plant parts are used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, ringworm, scabies, eczema, tinea infections, itches, insect bites, and herpes. A set of pharmacological parameters of aqueous leaf extracts of the species were determined. Acute toxicity studies were conducted till a dose of 5000 mg/Kg which found to be safe without causing any side effects or change in the behavioural patterns of the animals. However, a dose of 200 mg/Kg body weight was selected for the present study. In the present investigation, antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of S. alata also has been carried out in alloxan induced diabetes in rats. The decrease in both the parameters i.e., fasting and post treatment glucose level the blood glucose levels were comparable to that of the standard drug Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). The antihyperglycemic effect of S. alata on post treated blood glucose levels in the diabetic rats was assessed on 1st, 7th and 15th day. There was also a decrease in the hyper lipedimic profile associated with diabetes i.e., total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels in the test group on the 15th day in alloxan induced diabetic rats. From this it was experimentally proved that the plant can be used as a potent drug preparation for treatment of diabetes in experimental rats and the use of this plant in Human diabetes will be discussed.

Biography:

Aman Dekebo attended his elementary and junior education in Schools in Arsi region. After Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination, he joined Addis Ababa University and received BSc in Chemistry (July 1990). He was then recruited at Gondar College of Medical Sciences. Then, he joined department of Chemistry, Addis University and received his MSc degree in 1997 and pursued his PhD in the same University. In August 2007, he did his PhD in Bio-Organic Chemistry, Ehime University, Japan. Then he joined Ambo University as and then transferred to Adama Science and Technology University (November 9, 2012-present). He participated in several national and international conferences and presented his works. So far, he has published his works in more than 25 papers in reputable journal.

Abstract:

Ethiopia is well known since ancient times as the original source of a variety of natural products such as civet, coffee, myrrh, frankincense, etc. Six known compounds were identified in myrrh, the resin of Commiphora myrrha. However, several other compounds were also reported in the literature to occur in myrrh when in fact these compounds are constituents of adulterants of myrrh. In the course of our work, we have clarified the adulterants responsible for the reported compounds. C. sphaerocarpa afforded a new furanosesquiterpene (1E)-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one together with the known compounds. Two new octanordammarane triterpenes, 15-hydroxymansumbinone and 28-acetoxy-15-hydroxymansumbinone, and the known compounds mansumbinone, mansumbinol, (16S, 20R)-dihydroxydammar-24-en-3-one and T-cadinol were isolated from C. kua. Four novel lignans, erlangerin A, erlangerin B, erlangerin C and erlangerin D were isolated from the resin of C. erlangeriana. The toxicity of Erlangerins was studied by measuring the viability of two human (HeLa and EAhy926) and two murine (L929 and RAW 264.7) cell lines. As assessed by the MTT assay, the effect of Erlangerin C and D closely follow the activity profile of podophyllotoxin and they induced a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in the murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) and a cytostatic effect in HeLa, EAhy926 and L929 cells. In contrast, Erlangerins A and B suppressed cell viability at relatively higher concentrations [EC(50) values higher than 3 μM as compared with nM concentration range for Erlangerins C and D and podophyllotoxin] and their activity appears to be consistent with a cytotoxic mode of action in all cell lines studied.

Biography:

Vijai K Agnihotri has received his PhD from CSIR-III Medicine, Jammu, India/Kanpur University. After completing his PhD, he moved to NCNPR, University of Mississippi, USA for Postdoctoral studies. He has then joined CCRAS (AYUSH) as a Consultant in India. Presently he is working as Scientist at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, India. He is a Member of several Editorial Boards of international journals, national and international societies and Reviewer of several international repute journals. His interest in chemical, toxicological and pharmacological research resulted in more than thirty high impact publications, patents and books.

Abstract:

Saussurea lappa (Asteraceae) is one of the best known species within the genus Saussurea, commonly known as costus and kuth. Costus roots have usage in oriental medicinal systems for curing of disorders such as asthma, diarrhea, vomit, colic, cholecystitis, cancer, arthritis, cough, indigestion, viral diseases and hepatitis. Phytochemical investigation of S. lappa roots extract resulted in the isolation of isoalantolactone, β-cyclocostunolide, α-cyclocostunolide, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamyl-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, alantolactone, sucrose and proceraursenyl acetate. The root extract, fractions and isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against A549 (human lung carcinoma) and C-6 (rat glioma) cell lines using the Sulphorhodamine B assay. Isoalantolactone and alantolactone exhibited higher cytotoxicity against these both cell lines. Beside this, S. lappa roots extract, fractions and other isolated compounds demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity hence, the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), UPLC/MS/MS (ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) and GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) based metabolic study on its roots and upper parts have been carried as any possible insight into the range of secondary metabolites present is highly desirable. This metabolic study resulted in identification of 82 major and minor metabolites from the upper parts and roots respectively. Higher level of biologically active sesquiterpene lactones such as alantolactone (121.7±1.5 mg g-1 dry extract) and isoalantolactone (111.7±0.6 mg g-1 dry extract) were observed in roots. Chromatographic method has been also developed for separation of active sesquiterpene lactones (isoalantolactone and alantolactone) for quality control using UPLC/MS. NMR based quantification of thirty nine components was also carried out.

Biography:

Ajanaku Christiana Oluwatoyin, is an Assistant Lecturer, Covenant University, she completed her Bachelor’s degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), from University of Ibadan (1992, 2004) and M.Sc from Covenant University in 2012. She is a member for Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, (STAN) and member of Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), she taught in different public and private secondary schools and at different capacities. She is in organic/natural product chemistry and also in food chemistry research cluster. Her career plan is to complete A Ph.D programme in the area of Organic Chemistry (Natural Product) as well as nurture, learn and grow in a formidable research cluster.

Abstract:

Activities of crude extract of Crateva Adansoniileaves, stem and roots were evaluated. Crude methanol extracts of Crateva Adansonii leaves, stem and roots were obtained by cold maceration. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were carried out against six bacteria i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhii, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis and two fungi which includes Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans using agar dilution method. The phytochemical screening was carried out according to phytochemical analysis of plant extract thin layer chromatography and preliminary screening method of phytoconstitute by Sofowara, Trease and evans and Harbone was followed. The plant extract contains alkaloids like morphine and boldine. Extract also contains tannins, saponin, terpenoid and steroid. The present study provides evidence that solvent extract of Crateva Adansonii contains medicinally important bioactive compounds and this justifies the use of plant species as traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases.

Biography:

Aderanti Oluwaseun Hefsiba completed her Bachelor of Forest Resources Management with Second Class Upper Division from University of Ibadan in the year 2015. She was the Ex-chequer of the Forest Resources Management Student Association. She equally holds Diploma Certificates in Community health, Occupational health and Family planning from School of Hygiene, Ibadan. She is currently a National Youth Service Corp member.

Abstract:

Muraya paniculata is grown in Nigeria for aesthetics whereas, the medicinal value of the plant is yet to be exploited. It has been shown that the plant possess many medicinal uses. This study was designed to determine the bioactive properties of M. paniculata plant. Leaves bark and roots were collected from a single home grown tree at University of Ibadan. Samples were washed, air dried for 60days and ground into powdery form. From each component part, 100g of the powdered sample was extracted in 500mL of ethanol for 24 hours and allowed to stand at room temperature. Supernatant was carefully decanted, filtered and evaporated over water bath at 60ºC. Solid extract obtained was used for yield determination of bioactive substances, phyto-chemical analysis and FT-IR. Inhibitory zones of ethanolic extract and ampicillin was compared using clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Experimental design used was CRD. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α.05. Yield of bioactive compounds significantly differ from each other with leaves having 62.2%, bark 74.6% and root 67.6%, respectively. Tannin (0.050±0.001%) and cardiac glycosides (0.2103±0.001%) occurred only in the bark. Extracts from bark (27±0.58%), leaves (22.33±0.67%) and root (17±1.15%) significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli compared to that of Ampicillin (17±0.58%), (16±0.58%) and (16.33±0.33%). Chemical groups in the plant parts among others were alcohol, alkene, carboxylic acid and in different wavelengths. Bioactive substances were more in the bark and more effective in inhibiting the growth of tested bacteria.

Biography:

Shih-Yu Lee has completed his PhD in Taiwan and did Postdoctoral studies in Imperial College London for six months. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine in the National Defense Medical Center. He has published more than 3 papers about Rhodiola crenulata in reputed journals and still working on it.

Abstract:

Background: Metabolic syndrome may lead to many complications, such as non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A natural and effective therapeutic agent for patients with NAFLD is urgently needed. In a previous study, we showed that Rhodiola crenulata root extract (RCE) regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis through activation of AMPK signaling. However, the manner in which RCE regulates hepatic lipid and glycogen metabolism remains unclear. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of RCE on hepatic glycogen and lipid metabolism, as well as the mechanisms underlying such effects. Methods: Human hepatoma HepG2 cells were treated with RCE for 6 hours under high glucose conditions, after which glycogen synthesis, lipogenesis and relative gene expression were examined. In addition, lipogenesis related genes were investigated in vivo. Results: RCE significantly increased glycogen synthesis and inhibited lipogenesis, while regulating genes related to these processes, including glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), glycogen synthase (GS), fatty acid synthase (FAS), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). However, the effects caused by RCE were neutralized by compound C, an AMPK antagonist. Further studies showed that expression levels of lipogenic genes decreased at the protein and mRNA levels in the rat liver. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that RCE regulates hepatic glycogen and lipid metabolism through the AMPK signaling pathway. These results suggest that RCE is a potential intervention for patients with NAFLD.

Biography:

Taiwo Olayemi Elufioye has completed her PhD in Pharmacognosy from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She is an award winning Natural Product Researcher with particular interest in medicinal plants and memory enhancing. She is the current Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan and has published several papers in reputable journals

Abstract:

Strategies and relative mechanisms that protect the central nervous system from neuronal degeneration are called neuroprotection. The degeneration of neurons especially those of the CNS, often lead to an irreversible deterioration of the cognitive and intellectual faculties. These conditions known as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, Lewy body dementia and are characterized by gradual onset of progressive symptoms like language deficit, difficulty in learning and memory loss. Ageing is closely associated with NDs and is a major risk factor among other etiological factors such as genetic, environmental, infection etc. Aggregations of proteins, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and loss of neurotransmitters have also been reported to be common to the pathology of ND. Symptoms of ND especially loss of memory have been adequately managed by traditional medical practitioners all over the world. With the associated side effects of clinically available drugs such as amantadine, mementine, donepezil, selegitine, galantamine and rivastigmine, as well as their high cost of purchase and inconvenience of dosing, there has been a focus on herbs and other natural products used in ethnomedicine for age related CNS disorders. This is in addition to the need to develop newer drugs for better efficacy of treatment. Some natural neuroprotective agents from Nigeria ethnomedicine as well as their relevance in the management of certain neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed.

Biography:

Jeanine B Downie MD, MA is a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of image Dermatology in Montclair, NJ. She has published 37 articles in peer-reviewed journals and lectures nationally and internationally on cosmetic dermatology. She consults for the top-tier pharmaceutical companies and does cutting edge clinical trials for them as well. She is a medical television contributor that frequently appears on The Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Good Morning America and The View among other shows. She has been honored repeatedly by Castle Connolly as one of New York Metropolitan’s Top Doctors. Her first book, Beautiful Skin of Color is a comprehensive skin care guide for Asian, Olive and Dark Skin (2004).

Abstract:

Marine compounds are currently used in antibiotics derived from fungi. These include compounds from a sponge that have been found to be useful in treating cancer. One specific neurotoxin from a sea snail has been determined to be as strong and effective as morphine. They are ubiquitous as unicellular organisms make up more than 95% of the living organisms in the ocean. These microorganisms grow where no other life forms can, very deep in the ocean. Logically, if they can survive in the ocean depths, they may be helpful in protecting our skin from environmental stressors. Ocean organisms can be sun burned and it appears that they have adapted and developed compounds/mechanisms that help repair damage from the environment. Preserving algae is the best way to keep the potency of the seaweed. This is done by cold extraction or freeze-drying. We will discuss promising marine compounds for cosmeceutical use and the new hyaluronic acid moisturizer, HA 5 which has marine micro-organism polysaccharide peptide complex in it.

Biography:

Laurent Lebrun has completed his PhD in Physicochemistry in 1993 from Rouen University. He is currently an Assistant Professor. He has published 60 peer-reviewed publications and is Co-Inventor of one patent and two standards. His main research interest is concerned with polymers (synthesis and characterization), membranes, barrier materials and the use of polymers for the improvement of the environment. His application fields are packaging materials, gas separation and wastewater treatments and biocomposites

Abstract:

During viral epidemics such as influenza, Ebola or SARS many states are unable to afford effective but expensive filtering facepiece respirators (FFP3 or N95 type). Unefficient alternative respiratory protective equipments such as cotton fabrics and medical masks are often used. Several methods have been recently developed for producing low-cost virucidal filters suitable for respiratory protective masks. The use of natural biocide molecules could make a contribution to introduce antimicrobial properties inside cellulose filters. Surface cleaning represents also an essential disinfection procedure for virus elimination from contaminated surfaces. The cleaning by modified wipes containing antiviral compounds is also of major interest. The present work reports the preparation of new antiviral cleaning wipes and filters using seaweeds extracts as antiviral agents. 30 seaweeds extracts containing ulvans, fucoidans, alginates, pectins or polyphenols were tested. The antiviral experiments were first performed on suspensions of T4D bacteriophage of Escherichia coli. Only polyphenols revealed antiviral activity. All polyphenol-grafted cellulose layers exhibited a large improvement in the reduction of the viral concentration (5-log after 20 min). Hence, these materials could be used as virucidal wipes for the virus elimination from contaminated surfaces. Virus filtration experiments were performed by spraying a suspension of bacteriophage through modified layers. The virus reduction was improved 10-fold for monolayer and 4-fold for bi-layers. Finally, two layers were placed inside a commercial medical mask in place of its cellulose layer. The virus reduction was improved 12-fold compared with the original mask. Based on these results, a significant improvement over conventional commercial medical masks was obtained.

Biography:

Gan Sook Yee has completed her PhD in Algal Biotechnology in 2005 from University Malaya, Malaysia. Currently, she is the Head of Life Sciences Department under the School of Pharmacy at the International Medical University. Her main research interest is in the area of algal biotechnology (genetic engineering, algal transcriptomics and bioactives). She is also trained in molecular biology and has involved in gene expression studies and miRNA research in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. She is presently involved in the study of algal bioactives for neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract:

Fucosterol, pheophytin A and pheophytin A isomer isolated from brown seaweeds such as Padina ornata and Sargassum polycystum as well as caulerpin isolated from the green seaweed, Caulerpa racemosa were assayed for their cholinesterase inhibitory activities and their neuroprotective effects on amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42) / glutamate induced SH-SY5Y cells. Their anti-neuroinflammatory effects were also determined by measuring the levels of cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated C8-B4 microglia cells. All four algal compounds exhibited inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in a dose dependent manner. They significantly increased the viability of Aβ1-42 / glutamate induced SH-SY5Y cells but suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NO and PGE2 in LPS-stimulated C8-B4 cells. The four algal compounds showed dual cholinesterase inhibition and neuroprotective effects against Aβ1-42/ glutamate/ LPS suggesting possible applications for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Biography:

AP Dr Shar Mariam Mohamed is currently the Head of Human Biology Department under the School of Medicine. She is one of the pioneer team members who develop the Medical Biotechnology Program me dated back in 2005-2006. She has been extensively involved in curriculum design and review for the program me. She has introduced and developed the Enterprise Management module which has now become the unique feature of IMU’s Medical Biotechnology Program. Her involvement and contribution in Medical, Pharmacy and other Health Sciences programs has been intensely focused not only teaching but also coordinating various modules, system courses and semesters. Her area of expertise includes cell and human physiology.

Abstract:

Photo protection against ultraviolet radiation is a major concern worldwide and the best protection agent has yet to be found. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide extracted from the red seaweed mostly of the genera Chondrus, Eucheuma, Gigartina and Iridae is used as a gelling and thickening agent in the food industry, medicines and as an excipient in cosmetics. Considerably, carrageenan is believed to have prospective photo protective properties. In the current study the cytotoxicity, photo protection and Rat Sarcoma (RAS)-Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma (RAF) gene mutation of iota, kappa carrageenan and their synergism with vitamin E was evaluated against UVB induced immortalized normal human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. MTT results for cytotoxicity and photo protection indicated that carrageenan was not toxic to cells if used in concentration lower that 200 µg/ml with CD50 values of 80 and 90 µg/ml for iota and its synergism with vitamin E and 132 and 155 µg/ml for kappa and its combination with vitamin E respectively. Cells pre-treated with carrageenan exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher cell viability compared to the cells without treatment by 3.53-27.73% after 100 mJ/cm² and 11.08-45.17% after 300 mJ/cm² UVB fluence. The incident of RAS mutation using the RAS-RAF pathway somatic mutation assay was lower in cells treated with carrageenan compared to those without. Collectively results suggest the potential use of carrageenan as a photo protective agent. An added value of carrageenan rather than being only an excipient could be deduced from this study which is worthwhile for further exploration on its other mechanisms that promises photo protection.

Biography:

Noer Kasanah has completed her PhD from School of Pharmacy the University of Mississippi (2008) and postdoctoral studies from College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University (2010). She is an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of Marine Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta since 2011.

Abstract:

Seaweeds and their extracts have been studied for decades as novel sources a variety of compounds and some of them have been reported to possess biological activity of potential medicinal value. Seaweeds are great potential producer of secondary metabolites that responsible for bioactivities which have commercial application in pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and agricultural industries. In order to fully explore and exploit the value and potential of local seaweed we initiated research project on Indonesian seaweeds since 2012. The objectives of research program were (1) to explore indigenous various seaweed collected from part of Indonesia mainly in Yogyakarta Coastal regian and East Nusa Tenggara, (2) to study and determine chemical constituent and screen for the potential as edible seaweed (sea vegetables), anti oxidant , antibacterial agents and sulfated polysaccharide. More than 100 seaweeds were collected and screened for antibacterial, antioxidant, sulfated polisaccharides and toxicity. We followed bioassay guided isolation to determine bioactive compounds. Our results showed that potential of Indonesian seaweeds are very promising. We are going to discuss in details apesies, chemical diversity and bioactivity in the presentation.

Biography:

Dr. Zetty Norhana is currently a senior lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia. She started her position as a senior lecturer in 2012 after completing her PhD in Plant Sciences at University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Her PhD thesis is entitled ‘Regulation of thiamine (vitamin B1) biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In Cambridge, she matriculated at Magdalene College. In 2007, Dr. Zetty pursued her Master of Science in Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia. She was the recipient of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)-University Graduate Research Collaboration Fund and her thesis was entitled ‘Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Oil Palms (Elaeis guineensis) Related to Infections by Ganoderma boninense’. Prior to that, she gained her Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Microbiology also at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia. Her current research interests are thiamine (vitamin B1) biosynthesis pathway in plants, specifically in oil palm (Elaies guineensis) and macro- and microalgae, the effect of thiamine towards the immune system of plants, the potential of seaweeds, cyanobacteria and microalgae as a source of bioactive compounds, and also the hunt for riboswitches in plants. She is currently leading 3 projects from 3 major Malaysian research grants worth RM437,000.00 and supervising 3 Master of Science students. Apart from that, she was also the recipient of the 2015 Australia-APEC Women in Research Fellowship where she carried out a short research attachment at South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Australia working on a project entitled ‘The potentials of selected marine seaweeds collected from the South Australian coastline as a source of useful bioactive compounds’.

Abstract:

Oil palm (Elaies guineensis) is a major contributor of the world’s edible vegetable oil and also a potential source of biodiesel in Malaysia. However, it is confronted with a serious disease caused by fungi. Ganoderma boninense, a plant pathogenic fungus was recognized as the main factor that causes a disease which will affect the production of oil palm products and also causes death in palms. To date, there is no efficient strategy for early detection or control of this disease just yet. Fungicide and chemicals have been utilised as the main control but they are harmful for the environment and human health. Alternative disease control utilizing organic sources such as microbes and plants have been postulated to be having high potential. Seaweeds, or also known as macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae have been known to possess various natural compounds with antifungal activities. Seaweeds are abundant in Malaysia and most of their potential and advantages are under-explored. The utilization of seaweeds will be a more natural way of controlling the disease without harmful effects to the environment as well as human. This project aimed at discovering potential local seaweeds which possess useful antifungal characteristics and also at elucidating their bioactive compounds with inhibitory activity against oil palm disease-causing fungus, G. boninense. Crude extracts were recovered from selected seaweeds of Malaysia and tested for their antifungal activities. Phytochemical analyses were carried out to identify the potential bioactive compounds for antifungal activities. This project is hoped to be the solution for the never ending hunt for the best disease-control mechanism of diseases caused by fungus in oil palm.

Biography:

Jamal Ouazzani completed his PhD in Applied Microbiology in 1988 from Paris XI University, France and obtained a permanent research position at the Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in 1989. Since 2002, he has acted as Research Director at the CNRS Institut de Chimie Des Substances Naturelles (ICSN) and has headed the ICSN Pilot Unit. He has engaged in diverse consulting activities since 1996, for environmental, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a leading expert in the field of bioremediation. He has published more than 59 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has obtained nine patents and has benefited from European Commission grants in the context of four collaborative projects, including coordinating the project TASCMAR.

Abstract:

TASCMAR is a European Commission funded project aspiring to develop new tools and strategies to overcome existing bottlenecks in the discovery and industrial exploitation of marine-derived bio-molecules (secondary metabolites and enzymes) with applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Exploitation of neglected and underutilized marine invertebrates and symbionts from the mesophotic zone will be combined with innovative approaches for the cultivation and extraction of marine organisms, from lab to pilot-scale, including the construction of new biotechnological equipment. This approach will ensure the sustainable supply of biomass while promoting the production of high added value bioactive marine compounds. State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and in-house databases will be employed for the de-replication and characterization of valuable compounds and a focused panel of in-vitro, cell-based, in-ovo and in-vivo bioassays, for discovering metabolites with anti-ageing and/or angiogenesis modulating activity, will guide the project’s workflow to reveal the lead compounds. In addition, the catalytic potential of mesophotic symbionts and deriving enzyme candidates will be evaluated in the fine chemicals and bioremediation industries. TASCMAR will be continuously evaluated for its socioeconomic and environmental impact in order to balance industrial development and sustainable growth. The project also aims to develop higher standards for bio-prospecting in areas of rich marine biodiversity.

Biography:

Hamada Haba has completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry in 2008 from Batna University (Algeria) and Reims University (France). He is the head of chemistry department at Batna University. He supervised 10 MSc, 2 Magister and 4 PhD theses. He is full Professor for natural product chemistry (Extraction, isolation, structural elucidation, NMR, MS) since 2015. He was the coordinator of the 4th International Conference on Chemistry CIC-4, 2014. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals, attended more than 100 conferences and served as a reviewer for many articles in the field of chemistry of natural products.

Abstract:

There are more than 10000 species in the Euphorbiaceae family. The Euphorbia species is the largest one with diterpenoids and triterpenoids as characteristic secondary metabolites. Euphorbia plants possess a number of interesting biological properties against cancer development such as antitumor, antiproliferative, antioxidant and cytotoxic, and modulation of multidrug resistance. Their antitumor activity was mainly attributed to the presence of abietane diterpene derivatives, tigliane and jatrophane-type diterpenes. This genus containing toxic and skin-irritant milky latex has been used in traditional medicine throughout the world to treat skin, ophthalmologic, migraines, intestinal parasites, warts and snakebites. Here, we were interested in the phytochemical investigation of many Euphorbia species growing in Algeria (North Africa) such as E. guyoniana, E. retusa, E. bupleuroides, E. pterococca, etc. These species are used in Algerian folk medicine to extirpate thorns and to treat warts. Furthermore, it is well known that the decoction of roots of E. bupleuroides is used in Algeria with anti-inflammatory purposes. The latex of E. retusa is used particularly against trichiasis and venomous bites. The present paper describes the isolation and structural elucidation of new diterpenoids and triterpenoids, in addition to known compounds including terpenoids and phenolic compounds from E. guyoniana, E. retusa, E. bupleuroides, E. pterococca and E. atlatica. The structures of all isolated compounds 1–80 were established by extensive analysis of the 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and optical rotation data, as well as comparison with reported literature data. The biological activities (antibacterial, antioxidant etc.) on crude extracts and some isolated products were evaluated.

Biography:

Preetham Elumalai is working as Assistant Professor in the department of Biochemistry at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi. He obtained his PhD from Regensburg University, Germany with research experience in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. He did his Post-doctoral research at the Institute for Immunology, Germany. During his thesis, he has worked on projects to establish collaborations with Japan, Denmark and USA. He has peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals. He was awarded the prestigious Bayerische Forschungsstiftung fellowship for pursuing Doctoral (2008-2011) thesis at Regensburg University, Germany. He has received the DFG Grant (2015-2018), international Cooperation with Institute of Tropical Medicine, Tuebingen, Germany. He also received the Research Assistant Fellowship (2007-2008) German Science Foundation (DFG) for graduate assistantship. He is awarded with the early career research scientist award for the year 2016. He is Life time member of the European Immunological Society, Germany, Complement society and Life-time member of the Society of Biological Sciences, India. He is also member in the Editorial board for International Journal of Basic and Life sciences and Journal of Research in Biochemistry and Reviewer of International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological diseases and International Journal of Food Science.

Abstract:

Neurodegenerative diseases gained attention as the second most common cause of death among the aged population. Marine environment has proven to be one of the richest sources of chemical structures with numerous beneficial health effects. Recent research has investigated the bio-potential of natural and synthetic neuroprotective agents applied in the amelioration of dementia. Given the increasing prevalence of different forms of dementia, we are in focus for the discovery and development of novel neutraceuticals from marine sources for potential application in neuroprotection. Our project is to search, identify and characterise marine natural products that exert potent biological activities against neurodegenerative diseases. We want to apply our bio-prospecting platform using a multiple screening strategy based on an automated system, and search for producers of small molecules, active as neurotrophic agents. The present study aims to treat dementia using small molecule correctors and inhibitors to cure the disease and to investigate its exerting neuroprotective effects through different pathways could present viable approaches in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanism for correcting the folding after treatment is also investigated. We are interested to assess the diversity and distribution of commercially important Lichens of the Kerala coast. Our selection included compounds with very different core structures such as terpenes, alkaloids or heterocyclic structures, poly-phenols and so on. We try to perform the synthesis of the aforementioned and their selected analogues. The compounds will be evaluated for neuritogenic activity in developing hippocampal neurons and for promising neurite-outgrowth-promoting activity. Dose-dependent studies will show neurons protection from naturally occurring death in normal culture condition as a proof to demonstrate that Lichens can promote neuronal maturation and synaptogenesis and support neuronal survival. Their functional studies and neurotrophic activity like antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, cholinesterase inhibitory activity and inhibition of neuronal death is screened against neuro A2 cells, glial cultures as well as in human brain tissue specimens to gain information regarding structure, activity and molecular interactions which will be used to design more potent derivatives. Specific compounds obtained from several nutrients have displayed beneficial roles in preserving and protecting neurons from degeneration and can have potential therapeutic efficacy in dementia. Taken together, these results from molecular, cellular and pharmacological studies would accelerate further studies with these compounds in larger preclinical and clinical settings.

Biography:

R Saravanan has completed his PhD in Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences in Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor in Marine Pharmacology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences in Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chennai, India. He has published 28 articles in peer reviewed international and national journals, authored and co-authored 6 book chapters in renowned international publications and he is also an Editor and Reviewer of few international, indexed journals. He has deposited a gene sequence in PubMed, filed an Indian patent and also participated in a cruise expedition “Sagar Sampada”. Presently his research lab focuses on isolation of bioactive macromolecules from marine sources and screen them for their therapeutic effects against cancer, neurological and cardiovascular diseases in vitro and in vivo in mice, rat and zebrafish model.

Abstract:

Our research streams towards the exploration of novel polysaccharides, polyphenols and glycoproteins from mollusks, seaweeds and mangroves. These biologically active principle compounds are screened for their protective and therapeutic applications towards cardiovascular, neurological diseases and cancer. The marine polysaccharides, low molecular weight heparan sulfate (LMW-HS) from the marine scallop Amussium pleuronectus, low molecular weight sulfated chitosan (LMW-SC) from cuttlebone of Sepia pharaonis and a low molecular weight glycopeptide (LMW-GP) from the posterior salivary gland of S. pharaonis are structurally characterized partially sequenced by using MALDI-TOF/MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy respectively. Further, the secondary structure of the LMW-GP is studied using IR and CD spectroscopy. Phloroglucinol, a phenolic derivative, isolated and purified from selected brown seaweeds are characterized using MALDI-TOF/MS and NMR spectroscopy. The LMW-HS has been shown to exhibit substantial cardioprotective effects (in vivo) on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats. The LMW-SC exhibited significant in vitro anticoagulant, cytotoxic and antiviral activities. The LMW-GP demonstrated considerable inhibitory activity against human bacterial pathogens and in vitro cytotoxicity against breast and oral cancer cell lines. The purified phloroglucinol showed substantial antioxidant, cytotoxic and anticoagulant activities. The LMW-HS and LMW-SC does not exhibited significant (P<0.05) teratogenic effects, whereas the LMW-GP and phloroglucinol exhibited mild to moderate developmental toxicity in Zebrafish larva. Thus, these bioactive compounds from marine environment, unique in form, structure and function exhibits numerous favorable biomedical activities with potential for clinical applications in future.

Biography:

AP Dr Shar Mariam Mohamed is currently the Head of Human Biology Department under the School of Medicine. She is one of the pioneer team members who develop the Medical Biotechnology Program me dated back in 2005-2006. She has been extensively involved in curriculum design and review for the program me. She has introduced and developed the Enterprise Management module which has now become the unique feature of IMU’s Medical Biotechnology Program. Her involvement and contribution in Medical, Pharmacy and other Health Sciences programs has been intensely focused not only teaching but also coordinating various modules, system courses and semesters. Her area of expertise includes cell and human physiology.

Abstract:

Photo protection against ultraviolet radiation is a major concern worldwide and the best protection agent has yet to be found. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide extracted from the red seaweed mostly of the genera Chondrus, Eucheuma, Gigartina and Iridae is used as a gelling and thickening agent in the food industry, medicines and as an excipient in cosmetics. Considerably, carrageenan is believed to have prospective photo protective properties. In the current study the cytotoxicity, photo protection and Rat Sarcoma (RAS)-Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma (RAF) gene mutation of iota, kappa carrageenan and their synergism with vitamin E was evaluated against UVB induced immortalized normal human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. MTT results for cytotoxicity and photo protection indicated that carrageenan was not toxic to cells if used in concentration lower that 200 µg/ml with CD50 values of 80 and 90 µg/ml for iota and its synergism with vitamin E and 132 and 155 µg/ml for kappa and its combination with vitamin E respectively. Cells pre-treated with carrageenan exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher cell viability compared to the cells without treatment by 3.53-27.73% after 100 mJ/cm² and 11.08-45.17% after 300 mJ/cm² UVB fluence. The incident of RAS mutation using the RAS-RAF pathway somatic mutation assay was lower in cells treated with carrageenan compared to those without. Collectively results suggest the potential use of carrageenan as a photo protective agent. An added value of carrageenan rather than being only an excipient could be deduced from this study which is worthwhile for further exploration on its other mechanisms that promises photo protection.

Biography:

Dr. Liang Xu did post-doc training at Stanford University and started his own lab at University of Michigan working on cancer drug discovery. He is a co-inventor of the first natural product Bcl-2 inhibitor that entered into clinical trials. He has >25 patents with four INDs in advanced clinical trials. He is a Professor of Cancer Biology at University of Kansas and has been funded by NIH, DOD and Komen Foundation. He is now working on cancer drug discovery targeting the so far undruggable oncoproteins such as RNA-binding proteins.

Abstract:

Musashi-1 (MSI1) is an RNA-binding protein that acts as a translation activator or repressor of target mRNAs. The best-characterized MSI1 target is NUMB mRNA, whose encoded protein negatively regulates Notch signaling. Additional MSI1 targets include the mRNAs for the tumor suppressor protein APC that regulates Wnt signaling and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21WAF-1. We hypothesized that increased expression of NUMB, P21 and APC, through inhibition of MSI1 RNA-binding activity might be an effective way to simultaneously downregulate Wnt and Notch signaling, thus blocking the growth of a broad range of cancer cells. We used a fluorescence polarization assay to screen for small molecules that disrupt the binding of MSI1 to its consensus RNA binding site. One of the top hits was (–)-gossypol (Ki = 476 ± 273 nM), a natural product from cottonseed, known to have potent anti-tumor activity and which has recently completed Phase IIb clinical trials for prostate cancer. Surface plasmon resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance studies demonstrate a direct interaction of (–)-gossypol with the RNA binding pocket of MSI1. We further showed that (–)-gossypol reduces Notch/Wnt signaling in several colon cancer cell lines having high levels of MSI1, with reduced SURVIVIN expression and increased apoptosis/autophagy. Finally, we showed that orally administered (–)-gossypol inhibits colon cancer growth in a mouse xenograft model. Our study identified (–)-gossypol as a potential small molecule inhibitor of MSI1-RNA interaction, and suggests that inhibition of MSI1’s RNA binding activity may be an effective anti-cancer strategy.

Biography:

So-Young Park has completed her PhD from Chungbuk National University during 1999-2002 in Korea and Postdoctoral studies from University of British Columbia, Canada. She is the Associate Professor of Department of Horticultural Science in Chungbuk National University. She has published more than 80 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Journals such as Journal of Plant Biotechnology.

Abstract:

Plants have been an important source of pharmacologically active substances for thousands of years. It is estimated that approximately one quarter of all prescribed drugs contain plant extracts or active ingredients obtained from modeled on plant substances. Recently, increased emphasis is on the research of bioactive products from plants with potential pharmacological activity. Plant cell and tissue culture technology has been considered as a powerful tool for the biomass and bioactive compound production from those medicinal plants. In the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in this area and its importance has rapidly increased because of increased need for medicinal plant substances as sources of medicine and health food ingredients. Bioreactor culture system was applied for biomass and secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants. This system has been also refined to enhance the efficiency in terms of productivity and for cost reduction. For an efficient large-scale bioreactor culture, a perpetual explant source that is stable and fast growing is important. Majority of studies have been conducted on the cell and root cultures for biomass and secondary metabolite production for commercial purposes. Herein I would like to present an updated and comprehensive overview of in vitro biomass production system in various medicinal plants. Future perspectives of biomass and bioactive compound production have been also discussed.

Biography:

Jae-Ha Ryu has completed his PhD at the College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Korea in 1989 and Post-doctoral studies from National Institute of Health, Maryland, USA. He got academic postion in 1992 at College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul Korea. He is the Director of Research Center for Cell Fate Control (Medical Research Center). His main research interest is to suggest leading compounds from medicinal plants for drug development, especially for the treatment of cancer and various metabolic diseases. He has published 150 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a primary role in the differentiation, proliferation, and function of many cells but disruption of the pathway is involved in cancer development including colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in males and the second most common cancer in females, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer-related deaths. Inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway can be a good strategy for chemoprevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. While screening for Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors from medicinal plants, we found that (E)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one (compound 1), among six diarylheptanoids from lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum), most potently suppressed Wnt3a-induced β-catenin/Tcell factor activity. Moreover, compound 1 suppressed proliferation of colon cancer cells by inhibiting β-catenin translocation to the nucleus by disrupting the β-catenin/galectin-3 complex. Furthermore, a structure–activity realtionship study implicated that the enone group in the linker is critical and the hydroxy substituent on the aromatic ring is generally preferred for activity. Our findings suggest that diarylheptanoids from lesser galangal exerts anticolon cancer activity by down regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Bioactive diarylheptanoids and the basic understanding of their structure–activity relationship could be utilized to develop potential candidates for β-catenin-targeted cancer treatment.

Biography:

Victor V. Semenov is working as the Head of Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory from N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences. He is the Author of 25 patents and 280 scientific articles. His research projects are Application of nitrogen heterocycles and nitrocompounds in drug design. Synthesis of analogs of natural antimitotics using allylpolyalkoxybenzenes from dill and parsley seed essential oils. Biological evaluation of compounds as tubulin modulators in the original sea urchin embryo assay. Development of chemical library for screening for anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal activities in cooperation with National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, USA) and the University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia).

Abstract:

Analogs of antimitotic natural products combretastatin A-4 (CA4), podophyllotoxin (PT) and flavanoids were synthesized using allylpolyalkoxybenzenes from Dill and Parsley seed essential oils. The targeted molecules were evaluated in vivo in a phenotypic sea urchin embryo assay for antimitotic and microtubule destabilizing activity. Structure activity relationship studies identified mostly active molecules with polymethoxyphenyl rings as potent antiproliferative agents. The effective threshold concentrations (EC) resulting in mitotic abnormalities in the sea urchin embryos were 0.25-1 nM. These molecules displayed high cytotoxicity against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines including multi drug resistant cells. Cytotoxic effect of tested compounds was attributed to microtubule destabilization resulted in cell cycle arrest followed by apoptotic cell death. Considering encouraging data from phenotypic and mechanistic studies, some compounds may prove to be lead candidates for further in vivo studies to assess its potential as anti-tumor agents.

Biography:

Abdul Aziz has completed his PhD from University of Durham in 1985. He is a professor of Botany, published over 100 research papers and served as a Chief Editor, Bangladesh J. Botany. He has developed large-scale Azolla pinnata (used as poultry and fish feed) production system in ponds round the year; bio-indicator of arsenic pollution and measuring arsenic in groundwater using Azolla filiculoides; discovered new phenomena of cyanobacterial morphogenesis like differentiation of a hormogonium or a hair depending on availability of PO4-P in the environment from a single cell; sorted out taxonomic confusions on stigonematalean members and Lyngbya notarisii.

Abstract:

Mature filament of Lyngbya notarisii (Menegh.) Wille, is characterized by having 10-12 layered sheath around a trichome with reddish-brown pigment called ‘scytonemin’. The filament attained about 3 cm long and 42 µm wide when grown in Chu 10D medium for 15 days under a continuous light flux of 50 µE m-2 s-1 and at a temperature of about 25º C. The ‘scytonemin’ produced by cells is diffused into a few innermost sheath layers. A filament when placed on a glass slide with Chu 10D medium and exposed to direct sunlight for two days, huge quantity of reddish-brown water-soluble ‘scytonemin’ oozes out through open end of the filament. The released ‘scytonemin’ after drying formed black flakes. The ‘scytonemin’ is known to protect cells from near UV radiation. Therefore, it may be used as a protecting agent of human skin from UV radiation and in other therapeutics. The filaments having large amount of sheath material may be processed for industrial uses.

Biography:

Fatma Ü Afifi-Yazar is a Prof. of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. She obtained Doctor of Natural Sciences from ETH Zurich (Switzerland) in 1977. Since 1982 she works at University of Jordan (UJ), School of Pharmacy where she teaches and supervises MSc and PhD students and hold administrative positions (Dept. Head, Dean). She has published more than 125 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of reputed journals. Her research projects were granted institutionally, governmentally and internationally. She received the "Distinguished Researcher Award" from the UJ for three successive years; 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Abstract:

In the recent decades complementary/alternative/integrative medicine flourished and lead to the renaissance of nutritional, clinical and scientific interest in plants' potential as preventive/therapeutic agents in the management/treatment of chronic diseases. Worldwide and in Jordan, the prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity has reached alarming proportions. In the Jordanian traditional medicine, Crataegus aronia L. and Adiantum capillus-veneris L. are two of the edible/medicinal plants used for the treatment of T2DM. The present study gives an overview of anti-diabesity plants of Jordan and discusses the LC-MS evaluation of the crude extract and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of different biological activities of A. capillus-veneris to evidence its claimed pharmacological potential. HPLC-MS analyses revealed the presence of ellagic acid (5.48 mg/g), rutin (4.77 mg/g), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (3.96 mg/g), ferulic acid (3.88 mg/g), gallic acid (3.44 mg/g), caffeic acid (1.55 mg/g), epicatechine (1.34 mg/g) and quercetine (0.43 mg/g). Hypocholesterolemic efficacy was evaluated in 10-weeks high-cholesterol-diet (HCD) fed rats and compared to atorvastatin. A. capillus veneris aqueous extract (500mg/kg body weight) decreased highly significantly the total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) in HCD-fed rats. Additionally, atherogenic index parameter of TC/HDL was normalized in A. capillus veneris-treated rats. Moreover, the plant extracts’ and some of the identified constituents’ role in modulating gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption were demonstrated. The results indicate that A. capillus-veneris can be considered a potential candidate for the management of hypercholesterolemia, obesity and diabetes.

Biography:

Ekenna Elikee is a graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka and the MD Ekenna Natures Limited has devoted more than ten years after graduation in understanding the science of phytochemistry and using such knowledge in cure of so many intractable diseases including cancers, kidney/liver diseases and cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract:

Recent global statistics shows that cancers claim more than 8 million lives, while kidney diseases register up to one million cases annually, with most cases defying even the conventional orthodox medications. Hence, there is always need to explore alternative approaches to effective cures. Some cases of cancer and kidney failure that have been established in teaching hospitals or licensed diagnostic laboratories were subjected to our extemporaneous herbal preparations from already researched plants with established phytochemical properties. Histories of patients’ diets were taken, and the toxicological properties of the food additives noted as possible risk factors in the disease conditions. Following our treatment protocol, patients with cancers of the liver, cervix, bone, lungs including cirrhosis, fatty liver and severe kidney diseaseshave recovered and are now stable. Laboratory evidences from CT scans, X-ray images, and Bence Jones protein clearance tests were obtained. The first-line drug in these treatments is Detogen-B. This herbal formulation has passed through sub-acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests conducted by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, in conjunction with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Animal organ tests showed a graphical increase in the mean weights of the liver, pancreas and lungs showing its activity in the regeneration of tissues. Reduction of LDL and triglycerides levels showed its detoxification and cardiovascular effects. The Haematological profile shows increase in the levels of WBC, MCH, MCHC and platelets without changes in the levels of RBC and procalcitonin. All these are indications of the effects of Detogen-B in the treatment of lesions, cancers, haemangioma and very degenerative disease conditions with immunostimulatory effects.

Biography:

A V Sirotkin, PhD, Dr. Sc is working as Professor at the Constantine the Philosopher University, as a Research Scientist at Research Institute of Animal Production in Nitra and as a Visiting Professor at the King Saud University in Riyadh. He has more than 600 publications including 120 full papers in the international journals. He is a member of editorial boards of 4 international journals and a recipient of more than 10 national and international awards.

Abstract:

The aim of our in vitro and in vivo studies was to examine the potential influence of some medical and food plants and their constituents on ovarian functions. For this purpose, we have study the influence of green tea, rooibos, ginkgo, flaxseed, yukka extracts, as well as of plant molecules resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, daidzein, diosgenin on proliferation, apoptosis, release of hormones and response to gonadotropins of porcine and rabbit ovarian cells as well as on rabbit fecundity. It was observed, that green tea, rooibos, ginkgo, flaxseed, extracts, as well as of resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, daidzein, diosgenin are able to suppress proliferation, promote apoptosis, to alter the release of steroid hormones and to inhibit the response of cultured ovarian cells to hormonal stimulators FSH and IGF-I. Yukka extract expressed an opposite effect. Furthermore, feeding of rabbits with yukka increased their fecundity. These observations suggest potential direct inhibitory influence of food and medical plants green tea, rooibos, ginkgo, flaxseed on ovarian functions. The similarity in plant and plant constituent effects suggest that the observed plant effects can be due to presence of curcumin, quercetin, daidzein and diosgenin. The potential anti-reproductive effect of these plants should be taken into account by their consummation. On the other hand, yukka can be used as a natural stimulator of reproduction and fecundity.

Biography:

Ping Zhou has completed her BS degree study from Fudan University, China and PhD degree and Postdoctoral studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was appointed as a Staff Member at Fudan University and promoted to full Professor in 2005. She has focused on the Research of Biomedicine Materials and developed new drugs from natural herbs for diabetes treatment. She has published more than 100 scientific papers and got Science and Technology Award (Natural Science), Ministry of Education of China (2004), Wang Tianjuan Award for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in China (2006) and Shanghai Natural Science Award (2011).

Abstract:

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity has been considered as a promising therapy approach to treat type-2 diabetes. In this work, a novel PTP1B activity inhibitor, named FYGL (Fudan-Yueyang-G. lucidum), was screened from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and showed an efficient PTP1B inhibitory potency with IC50=5.12±0.05 μg/mL. The type-2 diabetic animals treated orally by FYGL showed an obvious decrease in the plasma glucose level and comparable with those treated by metformin, a clinic drug. The toxicity of FYGL is very low. FYGL is a water soluble hyperbranched proteoglycan with molecular weight (Mη) of 105. In addition, it was also found that FYGL could protect kidney against the renal functional and morphologic injuries by increasing the activities of antioxidants and inhibiting the accumulation of oxidation. The results indicate that FYGL may serve as a drug candidate or a health care food for the diabetic therapy and renal functional protection.

Biography:

Professor Daniel Motlhanka has completed his PhD in Pharmacognosy from King’s College, University of London in United Kingdom in 2005. He is currently the only Professor of Pharmacognosy in Botswana. He is the leading expert in ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies including isolation and identification of compounds from indigenous useful plants of Botswana. Professor Motlhanka is Head of Department of Basic Sciences at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has published tremendously on Bioactivity profiles of medicinal and food plants of Botswana. Prof Motlhanka who is also a herbalist is an expert in plant based extracts used to treat many ailments. He has made presentations in international conferences in Atlanta (USA), South Carolina (USA), North Carolina(USA), Alabama(USA), Florida(USA), Manchester (UK), London(UK), Harrogate(UK), Kent(UK), Malaysia, India, Italy, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mauritius, Kenya, Pretoria (RSA), Durban(RSA), Capetown(RSA), Zambia and many seminars in Waterloo (London),London Bridge( London), St Thomas (London), Kew Gardens (London) as well as a chain of local presentations in Botswana. Professor Motlhanka is member of many associations including the Society of Economic Botany. Prof Motlhanka is passionate about environmental conservation and cultivation of endangered plants germplasm.

Abstract:

As they say “several cups of tea a day keeps the doctor away!”but is this true or merely shear fiction? And is one type of tea any better than the other? There is strong evidence from the literature that herbal tea plants have health improving properties. One of the reasons for reputed properties of teas is related to the levels of antioxidants they contain. In this work, the antioxidant profiles of four herbal tea plants indigenous in Botswana (Artemisia afra, Lippia javanica, Lippia scabberima and Combretum hereroense were compared with commercial teas (Chinese Green tea, Rooibos and Five Roses). Free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of the teas was evaluated spectrophotometrically as maximum fading power of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) at 525nm. The total phenolic content of methanolic extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. At all tested concentrations, the scavenging power of C.hereroense(90%) fruit extract was higher than of all the other indigenous herbal teas and comparable to both Chinese Green Tea(90%) and control quercetin (91%). Between 100 and 200µg/ml, all tested extracts had scavenging potencies (≥90%) comparable to qurcetin and Chinese Green tea. The total phenolic content of C.hereroense (10680mg/L GAE) was tenfold greater than that of commercial teas. The other three tested indigenous herbal teas showed total phenolic contents (1000 to 2000mg/L GAE) comparable to the commercial teas including Chinese Green tea. These results support the long history of use of these traditional teas as health improving remedies and support their use in combating diseases associated with oxidative damage.

Biography:

Dr. Makky is an Associate professor of Microbiology at University Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia. His broad research interests are in the areas of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. His main contributions have been in the areas of (i) Microbiology (Medical Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Microbial ecology. (ii) Nanotechnology: Microbial production of Nanoparticles. (iii) Biotechnology: Bioremediation, Microbial Enzymes Biotechnology, Enzymes Purification, Water Microbiology, Microbial Fermentation, Microbial Physiology, Industrial Microbiology. (iv) Waste Management.

Abstract:

Objectives: The aim of this study to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of combined toothpaste with medicinal plants and the relations between the commercial toothpaste to its price and the patient age as well. Materials & Methods: Oral isolates of different patients aged 3 to 60 years were obtained, purified, and tested against four different ethno-medicinal plant extracts for antimicrobial activity. A total of 10 different commercial toothpastes (different brands and prices) were collected from the market, and the combined action of the medicinal plants and toothpastewas studied. Results: We found a higher bacterial population in the age group of 3–40 years than the group of 40–60 years, with approximately 44% and 32%, respectively. The combined action of ethanolic extract (alone) against oral isolates showed a synergistic effect, with 32.20, 30.50, and 25.42% for combinations A (Ci/Ca) , B (Ci/Ca/P) and C (Ci/Ca/P/N), respectively. By contrast, the combined action of ethno-medicinal plants with 10 different toothpastes improved the antimicrobial sensitivity by 60, 100 and 0% for combinations A, B and C respectively. Clinical relevance: The ethanolic extract of only combinations A and B with commercial toothpaste showed high antibacterial activity against oral isolates and the effectiveness of toothpaste is not related to the price.

Biography:

Abstract:

Although there is an enormous history of use of Chinese medicines (TCM) a better understanding of these preparations and formulae within the scientific and international community is needed. There is an urgent need to improve and promote this scientific inquiry in order to secure global acceptance. The aim of this paper is to present an improved quality roadmap for investigating TCM preparations and b) present several successful outcomes (case studies) on select botanicals and natural products to provide scientific data that substantiate the health claims. One example is the inhibition of ENOX2 (tNOX), a new molecular target to examine anticancer activity of green tea catechins. When the tNOX of cells is inhibited, the cells fail to enlarge after division, cease to divide and after a few days undergo apoptosis. In the area of bone healing there is new evidence on the natural chemicals from Sambucus williamsii and their benefits as a TCM drug. Other examples of well-known botanical medicines, (eg., cordyceps, red yeast rice, reishii), which are described in Chinese folklore will be presented.

Biography:

Azza El Medany has completed her PhD from Alexandria University and Post-doctoral studies from Alexandria University College of Medicine. She is a Prof. of Pharmacology & vice Head of Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, KSU. She published more than 40 papers in the areas of GIT, CVS, Natural products & toxicological researches in reputed journals and serving as a membership of a number of professional bodies, was a speaker in a number of international conferences, the last ones in Singapore, Japan, Brazil & USA. She is a recipient of special awards in scientific research & teaching.

Abstract:

Green tea is a beverage that is popular worldwide. Polyphenols in green tea have been receiving attention for the maintenance of human health. The contribution of antioxidant activity in preventing diseases caused by oxidative stress has been focused upon. Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study we investigated the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Hhcy was induced by daily intake of methionine (1gkg-1body weight) in the drinking water for 4 weeks. MI was then produced by a single subcutaneous injection of ISO (300 mgkg-1). Electrographic parameters, heart rate, ST interval, blood pressure and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) & SGOT & lipid peroxidation (MDA&GSH) were measured in heart tissue as indices of oxidative stress. Hhcy resulted in significant blood pressure reduction, ST segment elevation and increase in heart rate, serum CK & LDH levels. Cardiac MDA was significantly increased, while GSH was decreased as compared to normal control group. All the previously mentioned parameters were significantly exaggerated in Hhcy rats treated with ISO as compared to Hhcy group. Administration of GTE during the induction of Hhcy showed a considerable reduction in serum markers of cardiotoxicity, heart rate, elevated ST segment & significant improve in the reduced blood pressure. Cardiac MDA was decreased while cardiac GSH was elevated. Hhcy+ISO caused disorganization of myocardial tissue which was restored in animals treated with GTE along with Hhcy+ISO. It can be concluded that GTE possesses an antioxidant activity and by virtue of this action it can protect the heart from Hhcy alone or Hhcy+ISO induced MI.

Biography:

Russell Paterson has completed his PhD from Manchester University, UK and Postdoctoral studies at Cornell University, USA. He is an Associate Director of a spin-off company in Portugal. He has published more than 200 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. He has written various highly cited reviews on medicinal mushrooms. He has held a Professorial Chair on Ganoderma disease of oil palm in Malaysia: Ganoderma is also a medicinal mushroom. He was the Phytochemistry Special Issue Guest Editor on Ganoderma Phytochemistry in 2015.

Abstract:

Certain mushrooms have been used as medicines for over 2000 years. They are revered as being capable of curing numerous diseases particularly in the orient. Increasingly, they are being considered as sources of novel drugs worldwide. The activities ascribed to certain mushrooms cover the gamut of diseases from infections, diabetes, anti-inflammatory disease, to cancer. There is huge concern currently about resistance in pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and mushroom may provide a source of much needed novel antibiotics. Much more information is being obtained on the activities of pure natural products from mushrooms and does the new information confirm the activities ascribed to the ancient remedies? There has not been enough use of valid scientific trials on humans in most cases and the use of crude extracts or whole mushrooms has obscured the source of activity. The activities ascribed to mushroom products will be described, as well the problems that require overcoming, based on recent papers by the author.

Biography:

Yohanes Buang has completed his PhD from Saga University, Japan, and Post-doctoral studies from Institute Polytechnic de Grenoble, France. He is a Researcher and Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science and Engineering Nusa Cendana University, Kupang Indonesia. He has published more than 15 papers in various reputed journals and has been serving as a consultant reviewer of reputed journal, such as Journal of Biochemical Pharmacology.

Abstract:

Increasingly interested of society in use and creation of herbal medicines has encouraged scientists/researchers to establish an ideal method to produce the best quality and quantity of pharmaceutical extracts. To have highest the antioxidative extracts, the method used must be at optimum conditions. Hence, the best method is not only able to provide highest quantity and quality of the isolated pharmaceutical extracts but also it has to be easy to do, simple, fast, and cheap. The characterization of solvents in maceration technique, in present study, involved various variables influencing quantity and quality of the pharmaceutical extracts, such as solvent’s optimum acidity-alkalinity (pH), temperature, concentration, and contact time. The shifting polarity of the solvent by combinations of water with ethanol (70:30) and (50:50) were also performed to completely record the best solvent system in application of maceration technology. Among those three solvents threated within Myrmecodia pendens, as a model of natural product, the results showed that water solvent system with conditions of alkalinity pH, optimum temperature, concentration, and contact time is the best system to perform the maceration in order to have the highest isolated antioxidative activated extracts. The optimum conditions of the water solvent are at the alkalinity pH 9 up, 30 mg/mL of concentration, 40 min of contact time, 100°C of temperature, and no ethanol used to replace parts of the water solvent. The present study strongly recommended the best conditions of solvent system to isolate the pharmaceutical extracts of natural products in application of the maceration technology.

Biography:

C Nirmala is a Professor in the Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh. A Post-doc from the Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Hannover, Germany, she has worked on various aspects of bamboo like taxonomy, tissue culture, micropropagation and food and nutrition. The main focus of her research work is on the nutritive value and phytochemicals in bamboo shoots. She was the Chair, Technical Committee of World Bamboo Congress, 2015 (September 17-22, 2015) which was held in Damyang, Korea. She has more than 60 papers to her credit. Presently, she is a World Bamboo Ambassador and her aim is to promote bamboo as Wood and Food for the 21st century.

Abstract:

Bamboo is a fast growing, sustainable and environment friendly resource used not only as a building material, but also as food and medicine. Bamboo shoot, the young expanding tender culm is popularly consumed in East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, Korea, Thailand and some parts of India. Fresh shoots have a crisp, crunchy taste and sweet flavor, imparting a unique taste. Consumption of shoots once restricted to countries like China and India since long as traditional cuisine, is now gaining popularity worldwide due to its nutritive value and health benefits. The young shoots are delicious and rich in nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. In addition, they have several bioactive compounds that have health enhancing properties and provide protection against many diseases. Since the last decade, people have become very health conscious and prefer to eat foods that not only provide essential nutrients but also improve health thereby increasing the demand for natural foods especially healthy and organic. Due to the fact that synthetically produced compounds such as antioxidants are currently used in the food and pharmaceutical industries in order to prolong product shelf life, which may be harmful for health, there is a strong emphasis on the usage of natural resources to replace the synthetic ones. Bamboo shoot is a natural organic functional food rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and beneficial for health. Hence, bamboo in general and shoots in particular have come in the forefront in development of modern functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Biography:

Mohamed Hammad Adam Suleiman has completed his PhD in the year 2009 from Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan. He has published more than 5 papers in reputed journals and has supervised more than 10 MSc theses. Presently he is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, KSA.

Abstract:

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The present study provides significant ethnopharmacological information on plant species used in North Kordofan region, western Sudan. The study was undertaken with an aim to document the medicinal uses of the species known to some Northern Kordofan communities. Material & Methods: The study was conducted between 2012 and 2013. The plants were identified and voucher specimens prepared. Information was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with 258 informants (195 men and 63 women). In addition, the use value (UV) of the species was determined and the informant consensus factor (ICF) was calculated for the medicinal plants researched in the study. Further analysis was carried out to compare results with previous studies from the study area and other regions of Sudan. Results: A total of 44 plant species representing 24 families were found to be commonly used in the treatment of 73 different human health problems. The families most represented were Leguminosae (18%), Caesalpiniaceae (9%), Malvaceae (9%), Asclepiadaceae (6.8%) and Combretaceae (6.8%). The highest number of plant species are used against digestive system disorders (23 species) followed by microbial infections (21 species) and dermatology (19 species). Among all the plant parts leaves (20%), roots (19%), fruits and bark (14% each) were the most preferred plant parts used by the informants. There was strong agreement among the informants as to the usages of the plants (informant consensus factor 0.63-0.93). The most important plants on the basis of use value were Acacia nilotica, Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Cassia occidentalis, Cassia senna, Guiera senegalensis and Tamarindus indica. Conclusion: This study has helped to document information that may otherwise be lost to future generations. This is the first ethnobotanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are carried out by means of the ICF and UV methods in the study area. Plants with high ICF and UV values should be subjected for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.

Biography:

Lei Wang has completed his PhD from China Pharmaceutical University and Postdoctoral studies from Jinan University. He has published more than 52 papers in reputed journals and has applied 5 patents.

Abstract:

The toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor is distributed in most regions of China. The dried skin of B. bufo gargarizans has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (‘Chan-Pi’ in Chinese) for the treatment of tumor, carbuncle, scrofula and heart failure. Cinobufacini (Hua-Chan-Su) injection, prepared from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans, has been widely used in clinical cancer therapy in China for a long time. Pharmacological studies revealed that this injection has antitumor and anti-hepatitis B virus activities. The bioactive constituents of cinobufacini injection were considered to be bufadienolides. Bufadienolides are typically C-24 steroid with a characteristic α-pyrone ring at C-17 position, which attracted much attention of pharmacologists due to their significant antitumor activities. Recent research on the action mechanism revealed that bufalin could activate ClC-3 Cl− channel and induce apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Although about forty bufadienolides had been isolated from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans, further investigation to exploit other bioactive compounds and trace constituents of this commercial toad skin are necessary. As a part of our work to discover new potential anti-tumor agents, twelve new bufadienolides (1-12) and fourteen known ones (13-26) were isolated from the skins of B. bufo gargarizans. Among them, compound 1 was an unusual bufadienolide with 3,19-epoxy moiety. Compounds 2-3 and 4 were rare bufadienolides possessing 10-H atom and 10-carboxyl unit, respectively. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of the isolated compounds against HepG2, A549 and HeLa cell lines were evaluated. Six new compounds (2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12) displayed significant anti-proliferative activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.049 to 1.856 μM. Arenobufagin (24) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity with IC50 value 0.011 μM.

Biography:

Y Alamgeer has completed his PhD from Universityof Sargodha. He has completed much of his research work in Faculty of Pharmacy University of Strasbourge France. He is the Head of Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

This study was aimed to evaluate the vasoactive properties of Berberis orthobotrys root extract and its fractions. An aqueous methanolic extract of Berberis orthobotrys roots was prepared and submitted to a multi-step liquid-liquid fractionation with solvents of increasing polarity. Vascular reactivity of the different fractions was assessed using porcine coronary artery rings with and without endothelium. The ability of Berberis orthobotrys extracts to affect phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity was evaluated using a radioenzymatic method and purified phosphodiesterases. The aqueous methanol extract induced similar relaxations in coronary artery rings with and without endothelium, and, amongst all three derived preparations, the butanol fraction (BFBO) was slightly but significantly more effective. BFBO significantly potentiated the relaxations induced by cyclic GMP- and cyclic AMP-dependent relaxing agonists, and inhibited contractions to KCl, CaCl2, and U46619 in endothelium denuded rings. BFBO concentration-dependently inhibited the cyclic GMP-.hydrolyzing activity of basal PDE1, calmodulin-activated PDE1 and PDE5, and of cyclic AMP-hydrolyzing activity of PDE3 and PDE4 with IC50 values ranging from 40 to 130 μg/ml. Analysis of the butanol fraction (BFBO) by LC-MS indicated the presence of four major isoquinoline alkaloids including berbamine and berberine. In conclusion, the butanol fraction of the aqueous methanol extract from Berberis orthobotrys roots induced pronounced endothelium-independent relaxations and inhibited contractile responses by acting directly at the vascular smooth muscle in the coronary artery. Moreover, BFBO potentiated relaxations induced by both cyclic GMP- and cyclic AMP-dependent vasodilators most likely due to its ability to inhibit several vascular PDEs, and in particular PDE4 and PDE5.

Biography:

Dr RS Bhakuni is Professor in CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, a premier Natural Products Institute. He did his PhD degree from Kumaun University, Nainital (1987), worked as Research Associate on anticancer drug taxol in University of Florida (1993 –95). He has wide experience in basic and applied research of several medicinal plants, developed processing / pharmacopoeal monographs of artemisinin antimalarials. Received FICCI (2005), First Nina Saxena Excellence Technology (2007) and CSIR Technology (2012) awards for development and commercialization of Artemisia annua technology package. He has 73 research publications in reputed journals, 27 patents and supervised / trained 18 Ph D / post graduate students.

Abstract:

A series of new artemisinin derivatives have been prepared and assessed in vitro against chloroquine sensitive NF-54 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. In general the incorporation of nitro functionality enhances the activity relative to artemisinin. Three most potent derivatives 12α-dihydroartemisinyl-4’-nitrobenzoate, 12α-dihydroartemisinyl-5’-nitrobenzoate and 12α-artepiperonyloylester possessed several folds more activity than artemisinin against Pf. Molecular docking and ADMET studies were performed to explore the possible mode of action of active compounds into the binding site of target enzyme plasmepsin-II and evaluated compliance with oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics parameters. Expressing high metabolism activity (66.5%) by fungi Rhizopus stolonifer, artemisinin afforded two novel sesquiterpenoids, 1α-hydroxyartemisinin and 10β-hydroxyartemisinin. The major compound 10β-hydroxyartemisinin was chemically converted to five new derivatives. Under in vitro anti-malarial testing 10β-hydroxy-12β-arteether, IC50, 18.29 nM was found to be 10 times better active than the precursor (184.56 nM) and equipotent antimalarial with artemisinin. Therefore, the major biotransformation product can be exploited for further modification into new clinically potent molecules. The results show the versatility of microbial-catalyzed biotransformations leading to the introduction of a hydroxyl group at tertiary position in artemisinin (1α-hydroxyartemisinin). Artemisinin, artemethers and precursor artemisinic acid were also transformed by cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus (L.) / Lavandula officinalis( L) /.Glycyrrhiza glabra (Linn.)/ Panax quinquefolium and fungus Trichothecium roseumCIMAPN1 into novel derivatives. The detailed results of the studies will be discussed in the conference.

Biography:

Ian E Cock has completed his PhD from Griffith University in 1994 and undertook Postdoctoral studies at the University of Queensland. He currently leads a Research team in the Environmental Futures Research Institute at Griffith University with research interests involving bioactivity, phytochemical, metabolomic and mechanistic studies into the medicinal potential of Australian and international medicinal plants, resulting in approximately 100 scientific publications in a variety of peer reviewed journals. He is also a Member of the Editorial Boards of 10 scientific journals, including being the Editor-in-Chief and Foundation Editor of the journal Pharmacognosy Communications.

Abstract:

In a recent study, we reported potent inhibition of Giardia duodenalis proliferation by extracts prepared from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit. That study also utilized a non-targeted metabolomics comparison approach to narrow the focus of compounds, highlighting 17 compounds as likely to contribute to that anti-proliferative activity. Notably, the majority of these compounds have previously been reported to have bioactivities consistent with anti protozoal activities. The current study extends these earlier findings by testing pure compounds, both individually and in combination, for the ability to block Giardia proliferation. Interestingly, all of the pure compounds were either ineffective or of only low efficacy when tested alone in the anti proliferative assay. In contrast, several combinations of these compounds displayed potent inhibition of giardial growth. Further examination of the anti proliferative activity using the sum of fractional inhibitory concentration analysis (ΣFIC) indicated both synergistic and additive interactions for different compound combinations. Furthermore, the addition of ascorbic acid greatly enhanced the anti proliferative efficacy of some of these combinations. All individual compounds and combinations were non-toxic/of low toxicity in the Artemia nauplii toxicity assay. The low toxicity of the Terminalia ferdinandiana component combinations and their low toxicity indicate their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of giardiasis.

Biography:

Maheswari Chinnathurai is working as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, RVS College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India from 2007 to till date. She has completed her Ph.D at the age of 32 in the area of Pharmacology under TN Dr MGR Medical University, Chennai. Having 9 years of teaching and research experience in the area of Phytopharmacology, she have published more than 15 National and International papers in indexed journals and presented more than 20 posters in various National and International Conferences and delivered a talk in National conference and she has guided more than 20 projects for B.Pharm, M.Pharm and Pharm.D Students.

Abstract:

Interstitial fibrosis is characterized by destruction of renal tubules and interstitial capillaries as well as by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. The severity of tubulointerstitial fibrosis has long been considered as a crucial determinant of progressive renal injury in both human and experimental glomerulonephritis. One of the major adverse effects of long term cyclosporine-A (CyA) administration is chronic nephrotoxicity. Cyclosporine-A (CyA)-induced chronic nephrotoxicity is characterized by renal dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis. Early and progressive renal macrophage influx, correlating with latter interstitial fibrotic areas, has been associated with CyA treatment. Nephrotoxicity is induced by 7.5 mg/kg per day of cyclosporine is injected for 21 days causes Renal Interstitial Fibrosis. Administration of Coccinia grandis (CG) and Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) methanolic leaf extracts protected renal tissues from nephrotoxic effects of Cyclosporine A as evidenced from reduced level of kidney biochemical parameters. Nephrotoxic effect of Cyclosporine A was decreased in the animals treated with methanol extracts of OS and CG (100mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and lowest concentration fractions of OS and CG (10mg/kg) by reducing the levels of the kidney biochemical parameters. Lowest concentration (100 mg/kg) tested was the least effective whereas at highest concentration tested dose 200mg/kg the drug effectively inhibited Cyclosporine-A induced interstitial fibrosis. Fractions of highest concentrations of OS ( 20mg/kg ) and CG ( 20mg/kg ) produced significant activity against Cyclosporine-A induced interstitial fibrosis. Combined activity of methanol extracts of OS and CG and its combined fractions of highest concentrations produced excellent activity against Cyclosporine A induced interstitial fibrosis.

Biography:

Saraswathi Jaggali obtained M.Sc. (Biotechnology) from Osmania University, and Ph.D. Scholar in (Life Science) Department of Genetics and Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Abstract:

Medicinal plants are main source for phytochemicals that offer traditional medicinal for the treatment of various ailments and one of the medicinal plants is Pelargonium graveolens which was known for “Geranium essential oil” and well established in the medicinal background and our studies carried out and grown in Hyderabad province. The preliminary screening of aerial parts showing best results the presence of phytochemical like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, sterol and lignin in the polar solvents Methanolic and Ethyl acetate extracts. However both Chloroform and Water extract revealed the absence of alkaloids and sterols, flavonoids, phenol, sterol and lignin respectively. The best resulted polar extracts from preliminary screening test were subjected to Antimicrobial studies on gram positive Ethyl acetate extract were showing the zone of inhibition (S.aurea 7mm and B.subitilus 9mm) and Methanolic extract (S.aurea 8mm and 10mm B.subitilus) Whereas, gram negative strains were tested by plant extracts, Ethyl acetate extract showing the positive inhibition on (K.pneumonia 8mm and E.coli 5mm). Methanolic extract was active suppression on Gram negative bacterial (E.coli 9mm and K.pneumonia 10mm). Investigation in comparison with the standard antibiotic Ampicillin.The current research work showing the best organic solvent for extraction of active non -volatile compounds and its anti-microbial activity which is required in the medicinal plant research for drug development.

Biography:

Sreeja Lakshmi is a Research Associate at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India. She pursued her PhD from University of Regensburg with research experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology. She was awarded with prestigious Bayerische Forschungsstiftung fellowship by the Govt. of Bavaria, Germany, for persuing PhD (2009-2011). She has peer reviewed publications in International journals. She has been an active participant in international conferences (with poster presentations), workshops and summer schools. She hold memberships in Society of Biological Chemists, India and in the International Complement Society, Europe. She own Editorial Board Memberships of International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, International Journal of Future Biotechnology and Journal of Research in Biochemistry. She has guided MSc students on different methodologies of Biochemistry and Molecular biology.

Abstract:

Aging is amenable to the incidence and onset of a plethora of chronic human diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Oxidative stresses followed by inflammatory responses are promising partners in major cases of the aforementioned diseases. Owing to the extreme cost of health care systems to treat these disorders, recent strategies divert the treatment practices towards natural resources where marine bioactive reservoirs play a pivotal role. Mollusks, Seaweeds, Sponges, Ascidians, etc are those among the marine organisms representing untapped resources for medicinally important compounds, with high demand both in scientific research as well as therapeutic applications owing to their novel pharmacological properties which effectively treat or may cure human pathophysiological disorders and thereby promoting health on the flip side. The present study is an attempt to reveal the role of bioactive compounds from gastropods (Babylonia/Murex species) in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, which will add to the pharmacological applications apart from their commercial demand. It will be interesting to gain informations regarding how the bioactive molecules from gastropods reduce the risk of inflammatory responses for it is a potent contributor for aging as well. The study comprises the extraction and bioassay-guided purification of bioactive leads with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties from screened Babylonia/Murex species. Structural characterization of purified compounds will be done using contemporary spectroscopic techniques like Mass spectrometry. Evaluation of bioactive compounds with respect to anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties will be performed using in vitro, in vivo animal models and human cell lines. Further development of functional food product for use against the target diseases will also be a key part of the study. Despite, various medical practices, cancer still reigns as major dread claiming precious human lives. The cost of the treatment procedures and side effects of medications necessitates today´s situation to seek natural remedies like plants and marine biota as therapeutical sources. Conjointly, the study will be an additive in making gastropods to ramp-up with their bioactive potential particularly against inflammation and cancer.

Biography:

Abstract:

Artemisia vulgaris is a plant commonly found in the Philippines that is folklorically used for different ailments. Pharmacological studies have revealed that the methanolic extract of the plant exhibit significant antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, which may contribute to wound healing property. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacologic use of Artemisia vulgaris as a wound healing agent. The powdered leaves of the plant were percolated in 80% methanol and the crude methanolic extract was subjected to fractionation using chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol as solvents. The presence of tannins in the crude, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions was confirmed using the ferric chloride test. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the different fractions were measured using gallic acid and quercetin as standards, respectively. Results showed that ethyl acetate fraction yielded the highest phenol (418.556 mg GAE/g sample) and flavonoid (441.135 mg quercetin equivalent/g sample) content while chloroform had the lowest phenol content and crude methanolic extract has the lowest flavonoid content. The ethyl acetate fraction was used in the in vivo testing and prepared into 25% w/v (Group C) and 50% w/v (Group D) of suspensions using Tween-80 as suspending agent. Wound healing capacity of the plant was assessed in the excision wound model and incision wound mode against 2% Mupirocin ointment (Group B) as standard drug and distilled water (Group A) as the negative control. In the excision model, percent wound contraction which yielded a statistical difference within the group (p=0.011) but no significant statistical difference between groups (p=0.254). In the incision model, mean wound breaking strength of Group A (263.133 ± 10.90434), Group B (393.45±11.79477), Group C (311.0333±7.375947) and Group D (300.3333±5.703332). Statistically significant difference on the wound breaking strength was observed among groups (p<0.001). The wound breaking strength of Group A was statistically significant with Group B (p>0.001), Group C (p=0.025) and Group D (p=0.004). Group B did not exhibit significant difference between Group C (p=0.101) and Group D (p=0.453). Group C did not show statistically significant difference with Group D (p=0.795). The wound breaking strength of the experimental groups is more likely similar to the positive control rather than the negative control. Histopathological examination was also performed in the incision models. The fibroblast proliferation (p=0.410), formation of new capillaries (p=0.384), collagen maturation (p=0.950) and granuloma tissue formation (p=0.396) data between groups did not exhibit statistical difference. Tensile strength and fibroblast proliferation exhibits a strong correlation (r=0.9137). There is no sufficient scientific evidence to prove the wound healing activity of Artemisia vulgaris based on the parameters observes.

Biography:

Abstract:

Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae) is locally called as Enab el Deib. Generally, in Sudan has been known to be used as folkloric medicine for cancer treatment. In the present work, we have aimed to investigate in vitro anticancer activity of eighty percent methanol and chloroform extracts of leaves and stems of Solanum nigrum using PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines and Hela cervical cancer cells by MTT assay. All extracts in concentration 100 µg/ml showed anticancer activity in PC-3 and Hela and the highest percentage of growth inhibition obtained from stems methanol extracts on Hela 91.11% followed by leaves and stems methanol extracts (74.28 and 80.49 respectively) on PC-3. Leaves and stems of methanol extracts showed high growth inhibition percentages of cancer cell. These extracts were fractionated by using three solvent; Acetyl acetate, n- Butanol and Aqueous. Fractions were tested for their anticancer activity on PC3 prostate cancer cell line and Hela cervical cancer cell line using different fraction concentrations i.e. 50, 25 and 5µg/ml by MTT assay. The results obtained revealed that the most active fraction was the leaves n-Butanol fraction that inhibited both type of cancer cells with growth inhibition percentage of 99.81±0.49 on PC3 and 98.59±0.21 on Hela cell line with inhibition concentration for 50 percent of cells growth IC50 5.92±0.46 µg/ml and 1.6±0.17 µg/ml respectively. This result supports the traditional use of Solanum nigrum for the treatment of cancer in different regions of the Sudan.

Biography:

Hafiz Ahmed is founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of GlycoMantra Inc., Baltimore, USA. After receiving his PhD from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (Kolkata, India), he worked as a Post-doc fellow at the Max Planck Institute (Gottingen, Germany), as a Research Associate at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo, USA) and then as a faculty at the University of Maryland (Baltimore, USA). He has extensive expertise in glyco-biology and protein chemistry and over 25 years of research experience in structure-function studies of lectins, particularly on galectins. He published over 100 research articles in peer-reviewed journals including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Biomaterials, Journal of Immunology; Journal of Biological Chemistry, Breast Cancer Research Treatment, and Glycobiology. He authored a book on protein chemistry (CRC Press), co-edited a book on animal lectins (Taylor & Francis) and edited a special issue “Glycobiology of Cancer” for the Frontiers in Bioscience. He secured several federal and state grants funding of over 4 Million dollars. He is a lead inventor of 5 US patents (awarded and pending). He is a reviewer of many reputed journals, editor of 4 journals and currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of Glycobiology Insights.

Abstract:

Galectin-3, a beta-galactoside-binding lectin, is involved in the progression of many cancers. In our recent publication in PNAS (PMC3612646), we have shown that in prostate cancer galectin-3 promotes tumor angiogenesis, tumor-endothelial cell adhesion, and metastasis; and also evades immune surveillance through killing of infiltrating T cells. To block galectin-3-mediated interactions, we purified a TFD-containing glyco-peptide from cod fish (designated GM1) that specifically binds galectin-3 with picomolar affinity. GM1 blocks galectin-3-mediated angiogenesis, tumor-endothelial cells interactions and metastasis of prostate cancer cells in mice. Moreover, apoptosis of activated T cells induced by either recombinant galectin-3 or prostate cancer patient serum-associated galectin-3 was inhibited at nano-molar concentration of GM1. As the galectin-3-TFD interaction is a key factor driving metastasis in most epithelial cancers, this high affinity galectin-3 antagonist (GM1) should be a promising anti-metastatic agent for the treatment of various cancers, including prostate adenocarcinoma.

Biography:

Haseeb Ahsan is serving as Research Assistant in Laboratory of Natural Products in Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan. He has published more than 5 papers in well-known international journals.

Abstract:

The aqueous methanolic extract of stem part of Berberis calliobotrys were evaluated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in albino mice. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using carrageenan and albumin induced paw oedema, while the analgesic effect was assessed by using formalin-induced paw licking and acetic acid induced abdominal writhing in mice. The brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia model was used for antipyretic investigation. Ibuprofen (40 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug in all the three models. The crude extract at both (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) doses, showed highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction in paw oedema induced by carrageenan and albumin. Moreover, the extract also highly significantly (p<0.001) reduced (87%) the formalin-induced paw licking at 500mg/kg. The highly significant (p<0.001) reductions (24.48 % and 37.9 %) was also observed in the number of writhes. Furthermore, extract also demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) antipyretic activity against yeast induced pyrexia. The maximum effect was observed in all the three parameters at 500 mg/kg dose. The results suggest a potential benefit of the aqueous methanolic extract of Berberis calliobotrys in treating conditions associated with inflammation, pain and fever.

Biography:

Azza El Medany has completed her PhD from Alexandria University and Post-doctoral studies from Alexandria University College of Medicine. She is a Prof. of Pharmacology & vice Head of Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, KSU. She published more than 40 papers in the areas of GIT, CVS, Natural products & toxicological researches in reputed journals and serving as a membership of a number of professional bodies, was a speaker in a number of international conferences, the last ones in Singapore, Japan, Brazil & USA. She is a recipient of special awards in scientific research & teaching.

Abstract:

In search for drugs that can target cancer cell microenvironment in as much as being able to halt malignant cellular transformation, the natural dietary phytochemical curcumin was currently assessed in DMH-induced colorectal cancer rat model. The study enrolled 50 animals divided into a control group (n=10) and DMH-induced colorectal cancer control group (n=20) (20 mg/kg.-body weight for 28 weeks) versus curcumin-treated group (n=20) (160 mg/kg suspension daily oral for further 8 weeks). Treatment by curcumin succeeded to significantly decrease the percent of ACF and tended to normalize back the histological changes retrieved in adenomatous and stromal cells induced by DMH. The drug also significantly elevated GSH and significantly reduced most of the accompanying biochemical elevations (namely MDA, TNF-α, TGF-β & COX2) observed in colonic carcinomatous tissue, induced by DMH, thus succeeding to revert that of MDA, COX2& TGF-β back to near normal as justified by being non-significantly altered as compared to normal controls. The only exception was PAF that was insignificantly altered by the drug. When taken together, it could be concluded that curcumin possess the potentiality to halt some of the orchestrated cross-talk between cancerous transformation and its microenvironmental niche that contributes to cancer initiation, progression and metastasis in this experimental cancer colon model. Envisioning these merits to a drug with already known safety preferentiality, awaits final results of current ongoing clinical trials, before curcumin can be added to the new therapeutic armamentarium of anticancer therapy.

Biography:

Abstract:

To progress, cancers require a source of nutrition and oxygen. Tumours that lack angiogenesis remain dormant, rapid logarithmic growth follows the acquisition of a blood supply, tumour angiogenesis triggers this activation. Neoplasm are able to synthesize or induce certain polypeptides, VEGF is one of the most critical factors that induce angiogenesis and being targeted for anti-angiogenesis treatment. However, most of current anti-VEGF agents’ cause side effects when given chronically need of naturally occurring VEGF inhibitors are highly evident. In present study, a phenolic fraction of ethanolic extract of mulberry fruit was subjected to study in vitro anti kinase activity and chick aortic ring assay. ELISA assay kit was used to determine the ability of MBE (mulberry extract) to inhibit VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity. A strong inhibition of VEGFR kinase activity with an IC50 of about 10 ng per ml was exhibited. In aortic ring assay, chick aortic rings were embedded in the matrigel and fed with medium containing different concentrations of MBE, rings were then stimulated with VEGF or ECGS and sprout formation was observed microscopically, a dose dependent decrease in capillary sprouting was observed with MBE treatments, the growing sprouts were shorter and fewer cells migrated into the matrix indicating that MBE could inhibit VEGF and ECGS induced microvessel sprouting. This study warrants the potential usefulness of MBE as a safe, natural VEGF inhibitor.

Biography:

Hong Ngoc Thuy Pham graduated with a BSc in Food Technology from Nha Trang University, Vietnam in 2004 and then completed her Master’s degree in Post-harvest Technology from Nha Trang University, Vietnam in 2009. She is currently a lecturer of Nha Trang University, Vietnam and a PhD student at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She has published 7 papers in domestic and international journals. She is now working on the research project: “Extraction of anticancer compounds from selected medicinal plants as novel agents against pancreatic cancer cells” at the University of Newcastle.

Abstract:

Helicteres hirsuta Lour. (H. hirsuta L.) is wildly distributed in Southeast Asian countries and has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as malaria and diabetes. This study aimed to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions for retaining maximum yield of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity from H. hirsuta L. Response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) was employed to design experiments for assessing the effect of ultrasonic temperature (40 – 60 ºC), ultrasonic time (15 – 35 min), ultrasonic power (60 – 100% or 150 – 250W), sample-to-solvent ratio (1 – 6 g/100 mL) and methanol concentration (0 – 50 %) on the yields of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of H. hirsuta L. extract. The results showed that ultrasonic temperature, sample-to-solvent ratio and methanol concentration had a significant influence on the extraction efficiency of phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. The optimal extraction conditions were ultrasonic temperature of 60 ºC, ultrasonic time of 25 min, ultrasonic power of 150W, sample-to-solvent ratio of 3:100 g/mL, with the solvent being 40% (v/v) methanol. The actual values obtained under these conditions were 15.97 mg GAE/g of phenolics, 16.42 mg CE/g of flavonoids, and 13.34 g/100 g of extractable solids. The highest values of the antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) were also observed under these conditions, with the exception of CUPRAC (obtaining 87% maximum value). These optimal extraction conditions can be applied to produce powdered crude extract for further isolation and purification of individual bioactive compounds for their potential use in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Biography:

Haema Thevanayagam has completed her A-Levels in Inti International College and her Tertiary Education in Management and Science University in Bachelor of Biomedical Science. She was then completed her Master of Science Degree (MSc Medical and Health Sciences) in International Medical University and graduated in 2013. She is currently pursuing PhD in the same field concentrating on marine derivatives, photo aging and skin cancer.

Abstract:

The use of marine resources for photoprotection is heightened at present. Carrageenan, the polysaccharide from red algae which is used in food and medicine is also a widely used excipient in cosmetics and skincare products. Carrageenan has shown to have prospective photoprotective effect against UVB irradiation on immortalized normal human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells in vitro by preventing excessive cell death, exhibiting antioxidant and free radical scavenging effect while stimulating the skin’s natural antioxidant enzymes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of iota (ι), kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) carrageenan and the favor of apoptotic cell death over necrotic cell death after UVB exposure in HaCaT cells. Results indicated that carrageenan pretreated cells had significantly (p<0.05) reduced levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) by 41.67-100% in comparison to the cells without treatment where IL-1α increased 22.84-61.46% after irradiation. Successively, carrageenan pretreated cells had lower occurrence of cell death and the nature of cell death in these cells showed a higher percentage (6.16-29.06%) of apoptotic cell death rather than necrotic. At 100 mJ per cm² an increase of 21.79% of necrotic cell death was observed in the untreated cells. This signifies the potential use of carrageenan as an anti-inflammatory agent along with its promising antioxidant property and its ability to reduce necrotic cell death thus preventing excessive inflammatory reactions. The combination of these properties and the additional value of carrageenan deduced from this study would enhance the performance of skin care regimes and the prospective role in photoprotection.

Biography:

Irma Antasionasti has completed her undergraduate program from Chemistry Education at Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia. She is currently doing her MSc Program in Faculty of Pharmacy Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. She receives scholarship from The Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education, Ministry of the Finance Republic of Indonesia. She is working on antioxidant activity and identification of active compounds from natural products.

Abstract:

A research had been conducted to test antioxidant activity and to identify the active compounds of antioxidant in avocado peel. The research aims to determine antioxidant activity of the extract, fractions, and isolates from avocado peel using in vitro method based on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, reducing power of iron (III), total phenolic and flavonoid content. To identify the structure of the active compound of antioxidants in avocado peel, FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS are used. Among extract and fractions evaluated, methanol extract has the antioxidant activity with IC50 values of DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and reducing power of 9.467±0.045mg/mL, 1.122±0.008mg/mL and 742.863±3.487 mg of ascorbic acid/gram of extract, respectively. Further sub-fractionation revealed that fraction 8 of methanol extract has the most active antioxidant with IC50 values using DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and reducing power of 4.221±0.137mg/mL, 0.855±0.013mg/mL and 723.067±18.849 mg ascorbic acid/gram fraction, respectively. The relationship between antioxidant activity with the content of total phenolic revealed that the contributions of phenolics contents toward antioxidant activity using methods DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging and reducing power are 37%, 40.78% and 47.45%, respectively. Meanwhile, flavonoid contents contribute to DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging and reducing by 26.71%, 19.25% and 34.62%, respectively. Isolation of the methanol extract (fraction 8) indicated the presence of compound mixture of 1, 2, 4-trihidroksiheptadek-12, 16-diyne and isolation of the ethyl acetate extract obtain 1, 2, 4-trihidroksiheptadek-16-yne-18-ene.

Biography:

Chloe Goldsmith graduated with a B. Food Science & Human Nutrition (Honours I) from the University of Newcastle in 2012 and is now in her 3rd year of her PhD in The School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Australia. Her project is entitled “Olive waste products as a source of phenolic compounds with anti-pancreatic cancer activity”. She has contributed to over 14 journal articles in the field of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry and has received numerous awards for her international conferences presentations.

Abstract:

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. The heterogeneity of the disease, resistance to conventional treatment options and toxicity of current chemotherapy agents makes PC an important target for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Individual compounds isolated from olive products have been investigated for their anti-cancer activity; however, there is limited research into their effects against PC. This study aimed to assess the anti-pancreatic cancer potential of individual olive phenolic compounds. Methods: PC (BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, MiaPaCa-2), and normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells were treated with oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, myricetin, luteolin and apigenin. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 viability assay. The induction of apoptosis was assessed by way of caspase 3/7 activation and cell cycle analysis was performed using a MUSE flow cell analyser. Results: IC50 values for luteolin and apigenin were 10 and 12μM, respectively, against BxPC-3 and 22 and 25 μM, respectively, for CFPAC-1 cells. Apigenin induced G2-phase arrest in both CFPAC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. MiaPaCa-2 PC cells treated with oleuropein (200 μM) resulted in cell viability of 4%, while no effect was observed for HPDE cells. Treatment of MiaPaCa-2 cells with oleuropein (150μM) significantly induced apoptosis, via increased activation of caspase 3/7 (17% to 79%). Conclusions: Olive phenolic compounds demonstrate selective toxicity towards different PC cell lines, with oleuropein displaying no toxicity to normal pancreatic cells. Therefore, further investigation is warranted into their mechanisms of action and development into potential anti-pancreatic cancer compounds.

Biography:

Chloe Goldsmith graduated with a B. Food Science & Human Nutrition (Honours I) from the University of Newcastle in 2012 and is now in her 3rd year of her PhD in The School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Australia. Her project is entitled “Olive waste products as a source of phenolic compounds with anti-pancreatic cancer activity”. She has contributed to over 14 journal articles in the field of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry and has received numerous awards for her international conferences presentations.

Abstract:

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. The heterogeneity of the disease, resistance to conventional treatment options and toxicity of current chemotherapy agents makes PC an important target for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Individual compounds isolated from olive products have been investigated for their anti-cancer activity; however, there is limited research into their effects against PC. This study aimed to assess the anti-pancreatic cancer potential of individual olive phenolic compounds. Methods: PC (BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, MiaPaCa-2), and normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells were treated with oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, myricetin, luteolin and apigenin. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 viability assay. The induction of apoptosis was assessed by way of caspase 3/7 activation and cell cycle analysis was performed using a MUSE flow cell analyser. Results: IC50 values for luteolin and apigenin were 10 and 12μM, respectively, against BxPC-3 and 22 and 25 μM, respectively, for CFPAC-1 cells. Apigenin induced G2-phase arrest in both CFPAC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. MiaPaCa-2 PC cells treated with oleuropein (200 μM) resulted in cell viability of 4%, while no effect was observed for HPDE cells. Treatment of MiaPaCa-2 cells with oleuropein (150μM) significantly induced apoptosis, via increased activation of caspase 3/7 (17% to 79%). Conclusions: Olive phenolic compounds demonstrate selective toxicity towards different PC cell lines, with oleuropein displaying no toxicity to normal pancreatic cells. Therefore, further investigation is warranted into their mechanisms of action and development into potential anti-pancreatic cancer compounds.

Biography:

Archana G is a research scholar at Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India. She did her Graduation in Biotechnology and Post-graduation in Marine Science. She is currently working on design and development of vegetable capsule film materials from biopolymers of natural origin such as plant hydrocolloids (vegetable waste and seaweeds) and designing of hydrogel scaffolds for wound healing purposes. She has published more than 10 papers in peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Capsule is one of the most versatile routes of dosage forms in drug delivery. Gelatin was used to prepare capsule films since ancient times. Gelatin capsules had certain disadvantages like sensitivity to moisture, religious restrictions, special packaging which had led to the establishment of synthetic polymers and/or plant-derived hydrocolloids for preparation of capsule materials. The main objective of this study is to prepare and characterize polysaccharide based empty vegetable capsule film materials from mucilage polysaccharides of A. esculentus and carageenan. Mucilage polysaccharides were extracted from A. esculentus (upper crown head-biowaste) and red seaweeds by solvent extraction method at 85°C at 275 rpm/sec and purified. Capsule films were prepared by solvent casting method using A. esculentus and Carageenan mucilage polysaccharides dispersions. Empty capsule films were evaluated for surface morphology, mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the film material were studied using an Instron Universal Testing Machine which indicated that the A. esculentus/carageenan polysaccharide blend films at the ratio of 0.5/0.5 had the highest tensile strength (TS) 6.8 Mpa and optimum % elongation 23 % which was higher than the gelatin (control) film (p≤0.05). The in-vitro disintegration and dissolution time of empty capsule films from A. esculentus as well carageenan measured at different temperatures (25-45o C) and pH (4-8) was greater and desirable for both compared to that of gelatin capsule films. Therefore the above polysaccharides could act as potential agent in the development of various pharmaceutical ingredients such as empty capsule shell material, coating material with enhanced release rates, better patient compliance and effective therapy

Biography:

Abstract:

Introduction: In 2014, 9% of adults 18 years and older had diabetes (a WHO report, 2015). In 2012, diabetes was the straight reason of 1.5 million deaths worldwide with 80% of diabetes deaths in low/middle revenue countries. World Health Organization (WHO) projecting diabetes will be the 7th prominent cause of death in 2030. Objective: Aim of the present research work was to examine the anti-diabetic activity of hydroalcoholic stem bark extract of Acacia leucophloea (HAALE) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-2 induced diabetes model. Method: In streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats model were treated by administering oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) of HAALE and standard glicazide (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. Blood glucose levels were measured using glucometer on different time duration i.e., day 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. Other biochemical parameters (LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides, Urea, HDL, and total cholesterol) were determined in normal and streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats after oral administration of extract for 21 days. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat’s organs (pancreas, liver and kidney) were observed under the microscope after extract treatment. Result: Daily oral administration of HAALE (250 and 500 mg/kg) and glicazide (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in blood glucose level as well as improving kidney, liver functions and hyperlipidemia due to diabetes in control rat. Furthermore, the extract has encouraging effects on the histopathological changes in pancreas, liver and kidney in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetes. Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract (500 mg/kg) of Acacia leucophloea was found to have potential anti-diabetic activity in comparison with 250 mg/kg with well improved parameters such as LDL, VLDL, Triglycrides, Urea, HDL and total cholesterol. HAALE has also favorable effect to inhibit the histopathological changes of the pancreas and kidney in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetes model.

Biography:

Karl Charlene D. Calderon is a Faculty of Pharmacy student of University of Santo Tomas. She is a consistent Dean‘s Lister in her course, BS Clinical Pharmacy. She graduated from her high school alma mater, St. Joseph Catholic School as class valedictorian. She recently completed her pharmacy internship at MetroDrug Inc. In the field of research, she attended the UST Laboratory Animal Handling Seminar, the 5th Philippine Pharmaceutical Research Congress and the UST Research Expo Forum 2015. She recently participated as a poster presenter in the 20th Annual Convention of the Natural Products Society of the Philippines

Abstract:

Durio zibethinus L. (Malvaceae) known as “Durian” in the Philippines is an evergreen tropical tree found vastly in the regions of Mindanao and Sulu. One-fourth of the fruit's mass is the seeds, which is usually discarded. This study aimed to determine the binding efficacy of extracted Puyat variety of Durian seed gum in Paracetamol tablet formulation. Durian seed gum was extracted and characterized in terms of its physicochemical properties. An acute oral toxicity study was done. Differential Scanning Calorimeter was used to test the compatibility of Durian seed gum with Paracetamol and tablet excipients. Different batches of Paracetamol tablet was formulated using Durian seed gum, PVP K-30, Acacia, and Corn starch as binder. Physical evaluation was done on Paracetamol granules and comparative analysis showing the effectiveness of Durian seed gum in contrast with standard binders was evaluated through quality control tests like hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution test. The result of the study showed that Durian seed gum possesses good physicochemical properties. It is non-toxic and compatible with Paracetamol and its excipient. The formulation containing 9% w/w of unheated Durian seed gum as binder showed good binding efficacy with a friability of 0.74%. It displayed the highest dissolution rate (101.3%). The results suggest that it can be used as binder in immediate released tablets. Whereas, 9% w/w heated Durian seed gum exhibited highest binding efficacy with a friability of 0.15% and a hardness of 184.87N. The result shows that it can be used as a binder for sustained released tablets.

Biography:

Aderanti Oluwaseun Hefsiba completed her Bachelor of Forest Resources Management with Second Class Upper Division from University of Ibadan in the year 2015. She was the Ex-chequer of the Forest Resources Management Student Association. She equally holds Diploma Certificates in Community health, Occupational health and Family planning from School of Hygiene, Ibadan. She is currently a National Youth Service Corp member.

Abstract:

Muraya paniculata is grown in Nigeria for aesthetics whereas, the medicinal value of the plant is yet to be exploited. It has been shown that the plant possess many medicinal uses. This study was designed to determine the bioactive properties of M. paniculata plant. Leaves bark and roots were collected from a single home grown tree at University of Ibadan. Samples were washed, air dried for 60days and ground into powdery form. From each component part, 100g of the powdered sample was extracted in 500mL of ethanol for 24 hours and allowed to stand at room temperature. Supernatant was carefully decanted, filtered and evaporated over water bath at 60ºC. Solid extract obtained was used for yield determination of bioactive substances, phyto-chemical analysis and FT-IR. Inhibitory zones of ethanolic extract and ampicillin was compared using clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Experimental design used was CRD. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α.05. Yield of bioactive compounds significantly differ from each other with leaves having 62.2%, bark 74.6% and root 67.6%, respectively. Tannin (0.050±0.001%) and cardiac glycosides (0.2103±0.001%) occurred only in the bark. Extracts from bark (27±0.58%), leaves (22.33±0.67%) and root (17±1.15%) significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli compared to that of Ampicillin (17±0.58%), (16±0.58%) and (16.33±0.33%). Chemical groups in the plant parts among others were alcohol, alkene, carboxylic acid and in different wavelengths. Bioactive substances were more in the bark and more effective in inhibiting the growth of tested bacteria.

Biography:

Vanderlan da Silva Bolzani has completed her PhD in Organic Chemistry and she is a full Professor at São Paulo State University, Brazil. She is a Fellow of the RSC (UK), Member of the Brazilian Academy of Science and she has received several awards, most recent: 2014 CAPES-Elsevier Award, Distinguished Woman in Science Chemistry from ACS & IUPAC (2011); Simão Mathias Medal, the highest honor conferred by Brazilian Chemical Society (2011). She has completed her Post doctorate training at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPISU-USA) with Professor David Kingston (1993-1995), and in 2011, she was a Visiting Professor at Paris VI, UPMC. Currently she is a Member of the L’Oreal-SAB and TWAS. Her research field is plant science, focused on isolation, bioactivity, metabolomics of secondary metabolites and peptides from plants. She has 203 articles published, 1 book, 5 book chapters and 4 patents issued to her credit. She is also a Member of Biota-FAPESP biodiversity program.

Abstract:

The huge Brazilian biodiversity holds a tremendous resource of natural products. However, this fantastic chemical diversity still has been completely unexplored, representing vast and complex structural diversity of unknown peptides (orbitides and cyclotides), which are inspirations for advanced research of tropical and equatorial plant species and also are the sources of raw material for the discovery of new molecular targets that constitute valuable set of leads useful for further medicinal chemistry research. Our recent investigations on species of Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae); Hybanthus and Noisettia (Violaceae) have resulted in several biologically active orbitides and cyclotides, respectively, some of these presented potent cell migration inhibitions. These compounds are interesting classes of metabolites due to their structural features and pharmacological properties. This work deals with the isolation, synthesis and structure elucidation of new orbitides from J. ribifolia, J. molissima and J. curcas. Additionally, from Hybanthus calceolaria (roots) and Noisettia orchidiflora (stems, leaves and roots) several novel cyclotides were isolated and its inhibition of migration cell was evaluated by wound healing test. Additionally, some studies on the function of these compounds in these species are being performed using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) and will be presented.

Biography:

Meherzia Mokni obtained her Bachelors from High School Echabbi Tunis in 1995 and DEUS Natural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences Tunis in 1997. She received Master of Natural Sciences, from Faculty of Science Tunis in 1999 and in 2001; she received DEA in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. In 2007, she received PhD in Biological Sciences and the work was performed in the laboratory of Physiology of Nutrition under the direction of Professor Mohamed AMRI. In 2013, she received HDR in Biological Sciences, work performed in El-Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia. Until 2015, she has more than 25 published articles.

Abstract:

Stroke is one of the most leading death causes in the 21st century. However, until now, any effective treatment has been found. Grape seed extract is a natural product which exerts many benefic effects on cardiovascular diseases. The determination of Grape seed extract (GSE) compositions reveals a variety of molecules from different classes. In this study we aimed to determine the effect of GSE-pretreatment on ischemic stroke in rat. Our results showed a massive sodium and calcium influx into the brain [respectively 46.5 vs. 84.5 mg/mg protein (for Na) and 34.4 vs. 59.9 mg/mg protein (for Ca)], after Ischemia reperfusion. These facts have been associated with potassium depletion. Ischemia induced also the increase of brain water contain (71% vs. 82%) and calpains activity (1575 vs. 4003 cps). Simultaneously, after ischemia, carbohydrate catabolic processes have been deregulated as it was justified by increased brain lactate (0.55 vs. 0.78mM/mg protein) and plasmatic glucose (0.96 vs. 2.42 g/l) and decreased glucose-6 phosphatase activity (1.11 vs. 0.82 10-3U/mg protein) and complex-I activity (0.022 vs. 0.014nmoles/min/mg protein). Interestingly, GSE pretreatment prevented all these disturbances leading to the maintenance of brain homeostasis and consequently preventing major ischemia/reperfusion induced-problems.

Biography:

Stephen S Nyandoroc is a Senior Lecturer in the Chemistry Department, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) where he also serves as a Group Leader of Natural Products Research. His interests lie in the natural products research for bioactive constituents from plants, algae, fungi, etc. He has obtained his BSc in 2000, MSc in 2003 and PhD in 2010 from the UDSM. He has completed his Postdoctoral Research at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (2015). He has published thirteen articles in the peer reviewed journals and one in conference proceedings.

Abstract:

Tanzania is among the group of African countries with the highest levels of biodiversity, with an estimated 11,000 species of vascular plants, which is approximately 37% of the plant species of tropical Africa. The Tanzanian floral diversity is concentrated in its biodiversity hotspots comprising of the Coastal and Eastern Arc Mountain Forests, an ecological region globally ranked tenth for its biodiversity importance. The region is not only known for its high level of species richness, but also as a center of floral endemism with approximately 1,200 higher plant species so far reported to occur exclusively in Tanzania. Although numerous plant species are traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments and for other health care needs, such endemic and rare plant species growing in Tanzania may not be utilized as herbal remedies due to their non-conspicuousness. Thus, many of them have not been phytochemically investigated for bioactive metabolites. However, some of the rare plant species that have been studied have revealed a number of uncommon compounds, several of which also possess potent biomedical activities. Such plants include Toussaintia orientalis, Cleistochlamys kirkii, Sphaerocoryne gracillis ssp. gracillis, Lettowianthus stellatus, some Artabotrys and Uvaria species, which are among the rare plant species from the family Annonaceae, Stuhlmania moavi and Tessmannia species from the family Caesalpiniaceae that were recently included in the phytochemical investigations carried out in the Chemistry Department, University of Dares Salaam in order to unravel their bio-medically active and other constituents. The outcome of these investigations will be presented.