Research

Summary

This study presents a dual-precision liposomal platform (denoted Tot-Lip) rationally engineered for acne vulgaris treatment by synergistically integrating hyaluronic acid (HA)-CD44 targeting and Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) lipase-responsive release. Unlike conventional lipase-responsive systems with insufficient site specificity, our formulation features a soybean phosphatidylcholine/glycerol monostearate lipid bilayer decorated with HA to realize two core functions: (1) targeted accumulation at inflamed acne lesions via binding to CD44 receptors overexpressed on inflammatory cells, and (2) spatiotemporally controlled on-demand drug release triggered by C. acnes-secreted lipase. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization validated a well-defined nanostructure (67.2 nm, PDI 0.16) and favorable stimuli-responsive release profiles. In vitro assays verified strong antibiofilm activity against C. acnes, and HA surface modification markedly improved lesion-specific accumulation. Mechanistic studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) ultrastructural observation identified bacterial membrane disruption as the dominant bactericidal mechanism. Furthermore, Tot-Lip exerts prominent anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. This delivery system boosts therapeutic efficacy by simultaneously improving aqueous solubility, sustaining drug release, and enabling pathogen-specific activation. Collectively, this multifunctional design offers a promising approach for treating biofilm-associated skin infections through lipase-triggered precise antimicrobial delivery.

Summary

Adjuvant skincare formulations possessing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can alleviate treatment-related side effects and enhance patient adherence in acne management. Paeonol (PAE), totarol (TOT), and ergothioneine (ERG) demonstrate promising anti-acne activity. However, their clinical translation is hindered by poor solubility, limited stability, and insufficient skin permeation. To address these limitations, we co-encapsulated PAE, TOT, and ERG into hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified nanoliposomes (NLPs). Compared to the NLPs modified with HA with high-molecular-weight, those formulated with miniHA (3–10 kDa) exhibited superior skin penetration capability and cellular uptake efficiency. The miniHA modified NLPs co-encapsulated PAE, TOT, and ERG (PTE-NLPs) exhibited excellent biocompatibility in both in vitro cytotoxicity and chicken embryo chorionic allantoic membrane irritation assays. Compared to free functional ingredients, PTE-NLPs demonstrated significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial efficacy in cellular assays. Furthermore, in 3D skin models, PTE-NLPs suppressed Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression, indicating a potential mechanism for attenuating neuronal hyperreactivity. The anti-inflammatory activity was subsequently validated in vivo. These findings collectively demonstrate that miniHA-modified NLPs provide a safe and efficient platform for co-delivering synergistic anti-acne actives, highlighting their strong potential as an adjuvant therapy for acne management.

Summary

The current study reports the design and synthesis of novel totarol-based 1,3-thiazole derivatives DBT2-9 and evaluates their anticancer potential. The synthesis involved the reaction of totarol derivatives with thiosemicarbazone derivatives under optimized conditions. Structural characterization of the synthesized compounds was accomplished using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, confirming their chemical identities and purity. The antitumor activity of these compounds was evaluated using the in vitro MTT and apoptosis assays. The compounds demonstrated selective anti-proliferative effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and compound DBT9 had an IC50 value comparable to those of reference anticancer drugs. By activating caspases 4 and 8, which mediate the stress-mediated and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, compound DBT9 caused MCF-7 cell death. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) was carried out to study the electronic properties and the chemical reactivity of the synthesized compounds. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that DBT9 displayed the highest binding affinity toward multiple cancer-associated target proteins, including EGFR, VEGFR-2, and FGFR1. These findings indicate that DBT9 showed the best cytotoxic activity through the induction of apoptosis via caspase 4 and 8 pathways, indicating its potential as a promising bioactive compound.

Summary

The Japanese journal of veterinary research investigated the susceptibility of totarol in 20 staphylococci strains, consisting of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 10) and S. coagulans (n = 10), from dogs and cats with skin infections. Each species contained 5 methicillin-resistant and 5 methicillin-susceptible strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of totarol were determined by microbroth dilution method. As a result, all strains had the MIC of 4 µg/mL, except for one methicillin-susceptible S. coagulans strain, which had the MIC of 40 µg/mL. These MICs were extremely lower than the totarol concentration in commercially-available topical products. The present findings would support the use of totarol-containing topical products as one of the treatment options for canine and feline skin infections with both methicillin-susceptible and-resistant staphylococci.

Summary

This investigated the potential of Thuja orientalis extracts to act as a natural larvicide against the mosquito species Culex pipiens. The study found the extracts, which contain several bioactive compounds including totarol, disrupted the normal physiological functions of the mosquito larvae, leading to their death. Totarol, a natural diterpenoid compound found in Thuja orientalis and other plant species, has been shown to possess several biological activities, including larvicidal activity against mosquitoes. Overall, the study suggests that natural plant extracts, such as those derived from Thuja orientalis, may have potential as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling mosquito populations.

Summary

This research paper explored the potential of natural compounds, specifically phenolic diterpenoids, as anti-influenza A virus agents using computational modeling techniques. The study found totarol had the highest binding affinity to the active site of the influenza A virus polymerase protein, suggesting its potential as an anti-influenza A virus agent. The study provides insight into the potential of natural compounds as anti-influenza A virus agents and highlights the importance of further research into the therapeutic potential of totarol.

Summary

This study shows totarol has anti-inflammatory activities in Buddleja perfoliata, a plant that belongs to the same family as podocarpus totara. The study showed totarol lowered the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in human-derived monocytic THP-1 cells1.

Some parts of the plant can kill or stop the growth of some bacteria and fungi that cause infections or diseases. Some parts of the plant can reduce inflammation which causes swelling, pain and damage in the body when it fights infections or injuries.

Summary

The use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoplatforms as drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of microbial biofilm-related infections is discussed. Microbial biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that can cause persistent infections that are difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics.

The authors review several studies that demonstrate the potential of PLGA-based nanoplatforms as effective drug delivery systems for the treatment of biofilm infections. PLGA is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has been extensively studied for drug delivery applications. By encapsulating drugs within PLGA nanoparticles, the drugs can be delivered directly to the site of infection, providing sustained release and improved bioavailability.

The article also discusses the various approaches that have been used to enhance the efficacy of PLGA-based nanoplatforms against biofilm infections, including the use of combination therapies, targeting strategies, and antimicrobial peptides. The authors highlight the potential of totarol as an antimicrobial agent that can be incorporated into PLGA-based nanoplatforms for the treatment of biofilm infections.

The article demonstrates the potential of PLGA-based nanoplatforms as effective drug delivery systems for the treatment of biofilm-related infections. The incorporation of totarol into PLGA nanoparticles has the potential to enhance the efficacy of these systems and provide a new approach for the treatment of biofilm infections.

Summary

The article discusses a new type of molecule that was made by chemists from totarol. The new molecules were made by changing the structure of totarol. The chemists tested the new molecules to see if they could kill cancer cells. They found some of the new molecules were good at killing cancer cells in a lab dish. The study suggests the new molecules could be developed into drugs to treat cancer.

The totarol derived compounds showed significant antiproliferative action against a range of human cancer cell lines.

The authors evaluated the anticancer activity of synthesized totarol compounds against three different human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast cancer), A549 (lung cancer), and HCT-116 (colorectal cancer). The results of the study showed several of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant anticancer activity against the tested cell lines.

The study says totarol has been reported to exhibit important pharmacological activities including antifungal activities, antimalarial, antibacterial and antiplasmodial activity.

The work provides “some important hints for further structural modification of totarol towards developing novel and highly effective anticancer drugs respectively."

Summary

This paper investigated the effectiveness of totarol against 27 different strains of staphylococcus aureus bacteria that cause infections in dairy cows. The researchers found a totarol formulation was able to inhibit the growth and kill the bacteria at very low concentrations. It suggests totarol could be a potential alternative treatment for staphylococcus aureus infections in dairy cows.

Summary

The study investigated the potential use of totarol as an antimicrobial agent in whey protein-based tissue adhesive. It aimed to develop a natural adhesive that could reduce the risk of infection during medical procedures.

The results showed totarol was effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria commonly found in wound infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, totarol was found to have antioxidant properties that helped to maintain the stability of the adhesive during storage.

The research suggests totarol has potential as a natural antimicrobial agent in tissue adhesive. Its use could potentially reduce the risk of infection during medical procedures.

Summary

This study investigates the presence of totarol in the embankments of a Neolithic site in North Sweden.

The study focused on the organic matter found in the embankments, which were made up of charcoal and ash from fires, animal bones, and plant remains. The researchers used a variety of techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, to identify and analyse the organic compounds present in the embankments.

The study found totarol was present in the organic matter from the embankments, suggesting it may have been used by the Neolithic inhabitants of the site. The researchers suggested totarol may have been used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties to preserve meat, as well as for its ability to repel insects.

The presence of totarol in the organic matter of the embankments provides insight into the way that the Neolithic inhabitants of the site may have used natural compounds for preservation and protection purposes. The study also highlights the potential value of natural compounds like totarol in modern applications, such as the development of natural antimicrobial agents for use in food preservation or medical treatments.

The study sheds light on the use of natural compounds in ancient times and their potential applications in modern times. Further research on totarol may lead to the discovery of new uses and benefits.

Summary

Totarol coatings on dental implant and abutment surfaces showed great potential for the reduction or prevention of bacterial caused peri-implantitis. The study found totarol coating showed promising bactericidal effects towards the early oral coloniser S. gordonii and the multispecies oral bacterial culture. It simultaneously significantly inhibits their biofilm growth. This could allow the undisturbed formation of a tight seal and prevent bacterial infiltration.

Summary

This study investigated the chemicals in the leaves of ash trees, some of which were resistant to a destructive insect called the Emerald ash borer. The researchers found totarol was present in higher levels in the resistant trees than in the susceptible trees, suggesting that it may contribute to the trees' resistance to the insect. The study provides insights into the chemical defenses of plants and could inform the development of new strategies for pest control.

Summary

The effectiveness of totarol against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in carrot juice is studied. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen that can cause foodborne illness and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains has increased the need for alternative treatments. The study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity and mode of action of totarol against Staphylococcus aureus in carrot juice.

The researchers found totarol was able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in carrot juice at concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 0.2%. They also found totarol disrupted the cell membrane of the bacteria, leading to cell death. Additionally, the researchers found totarol was able to reduce the production of biofilm, a layer of bacteria that adheres to surfaces and contributes to the development of infections. This suggests totarol could be used to prevent formation of biofilms in food processing and storage environments.

Totarol could be a potential alternative treatment for staphylococcus aureus in food products, particularly in carrot juice. The findings highlight the importance of exploring natural products as alternative treatments for bacterial infections and the need for further research in this area.

This paper provides insights into the potential of natural products as an alternative to antibiotics in food safety, which could help reduce the use of antibiotics in food production and decrease the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Summary

This article investigated the use of a natural, biodegradable antibacterial coating on surgical sutures to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). The coating was composed of chitosan, a natural polymer, and totarol. The study found the chitosan-totarol coating was effective in reducing bacterial growth on surgical sutures in vitro, and also demonstrated efficacy in a mouse model of surgical site infection. The coated sutures significantly reduced bacterial colonisation and infection rates compared to uncoated sutures.

The authors suggest the chitosan-totarol coating could be a promising alternative to traditional antimicrobial agents for preventing SSIs as it is biodegradable and made from natural materials, so therefore less likely to contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. The use of totarol as an antibacterial agent also has potential advantages over synthetic antibiotics, as it is a natural compound and may have a broader spectrum of activity against different types of bacteria.

The study's findings suggest totarol, in combination with chitosan, has potential as a natural and sustainable antibacterial agent for preventing SSIs in surgical patients.

Summary

The study found ultrasound treatment could improve the physiochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles. Whey protein was used as a carrier for totarol nanoparticles as it has good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Nanoparticles can be absorbed by humans through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

The findings suggest ultrasound treatment could improve the physiochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles. The research could be used to create more effective antimicrobial agents.

Summary

This study investigated whether totarol has the ability to protect neurons from damage and injury caused by various stressors, as well as to reduce the severity of brain ischemic stroke in animal models.

The study found totarol can protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. It also found totarol can reduce the severity of brain ischemic stroke in animal models by activating a protein called Akt and inducing the expression of an enzyme called HO-1, which are both involved in protecting neurons and promoting their survival.

The study suggests totarol has the potential to be used as a natural treatment to protect against neurological disorders such as stroke.

Summary

Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped bacterium that produces endospores that allow the survival of extreme environmental conditions including heat and desiccation. It is ubiquitous in many environments and can be considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning the organism only causes disease when a person’s immune system is already impaired.

The study found totarol treatment leads to metabolic shutdown by repressing the major central metabolic dehydrogenases in Bacillus subtilis. This means that totarol can stop the metabolism of Bacillus subtilis by reducing the activity of certain enzymes called dehydrogenases. Totarol causes the filamentation of the bacteria - a process where bacterial cells grow longer and wider without dividing into daughter cells.

The study provides insights into how totarol affects bacterial cells and could be used as a starting point for further research into developing new antibacterial agents.

Summary

The study "The Antifungal Compound Totarol of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai Seeds Selects for Fungi on Seedling Root Surfaces," investigated the antifungal properties of totarol extracted from the seeds of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai.

The researchers found that totarol had potent antifungal activity against several plant pathogenic fungi, including Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Phytophthora nicotianae. Further experiments revealed totarol was able to selectively inhibit the growth of these fungi on the root surfaces of seedlings, without affecting the growth of beneficial fungi.

The study suggests totarol has potential as a natural antifungal agent for the protection of plant roots against pathogenic fungi. Totarol is highlighted as a natural antifungal compound with selective activity against plant pathogenic fungi. Further research in this area could lead to the development of new, eco-friendly plant protection strategies that reduce reliance on synthetic fungicides.

Summary

This study investigated the effects of totarol on the bacterial cytokinesis process by targeting FtsZ assembly dynamics.

FtsZ is a key protein involved in bacterial cell division, as it forms the cytoskeletal structure called the Z-ring that initiates the division process. The study showed totarol inhibited the assembly of FtsZ and disrupted the formation of the Z-ring, which resulted in the inhibition of bacterial cytokinesis and growth.

The authors used a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to demonstrate the effects of totarol on FtsZ assembly. They used fluorescence microscopy to observe the localisation of FtsZ in live cells and found totarol treatment caused FtsZ to form helical structures instead of the typical Z-ring. The authors also performed in vitro assays with purified FtsZ protein and demonstrated that totarol inhibited the polymerization of FtsZ into the Z-ring structure.

The research provides evidence that totarol can disrupt bacterial cytokinesis by inhibiting FtsZ assembly dynamics. The findings suggest totarol has the potential to be developed as a natural antimicrobial agent against bacterial infections.

"The results suggest that totarol inhibits bacterial proliferation by targeting FtsZ and it may be useful as a lead compound to develop an effective antitubercular drug."

Summary

This article reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of totarol and its derivatives against plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The article describes the structure-activity relationship of totarol and its derivatives and their mode of action on the parasite. The article concludes totarol is a potent antimalarial agent that acts by inhibiting the parasite’s mitochondrial electron transport chain and that some of its derivatives have improved solubility and stability.

Summary

Totarol has been found on the posterior tibia of Frieseomelitta silvestrii languida, a species of stingless bees from Brazil. Frieseomelitta silvestrii languida collect resin to create a protective barrier around the opening of their nest to ward off insects from settling near the nest’s entrance.

The presence of totarol can aid in the determination of this bee species.

Summary

Totarol was extracted from the bark of a tree called Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, a species of coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The study found totarol is effective against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Totarol works by disrupting the cell membrane of the bacteria, leading to their death. This study highlights totarol as a source of drugs to treat tuberculosis.

Summary

This article reports the larvicidal activity of totarol against Culex pipiens, the vector of dengue fever, and found that it had an LC50 value of 0.25 ppm for second-instar larvae and 0.37 ppm for fourth-instar larvae after 24 hours of exposure. The article also describes the structure of totarol and its isolation from Podocarpus totara root bark. The article concludes that totarol could be a potential natural insecticide for mosquito control.

Summary

In this study, researchers made changes to totarol to try and make it work better as an antibacterial agent. They changed a part of the molecule called ring-C in different ways, and found that some changes made the molecule work better against bacteria. They also made "pro-drugs" of totarol, which are molecules that can turn into the active form of totarol in the body. They found that these pro-drugs worked better than totarol itself at stopping the growth of bacteria. This research shows totarol and its modified forms could be useful in fighting bacterial infections.

Summary

This article investigated the potential use of totarol as an antibacterial agent. The study tested the ability of totarol to kill bacteria, particularly staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes, known to cause infections in humans.

The researchers found totarol was effective at killing these bacteria. They also tested if it could enhance effects of other antibiotics. They found totarol could improve the effectiveness of some antibiotics, meaning it could potentially be used in combination with these drugs to treat infections.

This study was significant because it demonstrated the potential of totarol as an antibacterial agent that could be used in the development of new treatments for bacterial infections. The study was one of the first to show totarol can work together with other antibiotics to enhance their effects.