Highlights Six azo imidazole derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical tools. Inhibitory potential against main protease (6LU7) have been investigated using computational techniques. Binding energy of the ligands has found in the range −6.7 Kcal/mole to −8.1 Kcal/mole. The order of the ligands towards the protein 6LU7 are L5> L4≈L6>L1>L2>L3.

Highlights Four Azo imidazole derivatives (L1-L4) have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic and analytical tools. The inhibitory potential of the derivatives (L1-L4) against main protease (M pro , 6LU7) have been investigated using computational techniques. Molecular docking results showed that the derivatives (L1-L4) could act as potential inhibitor against the protein 6LU7 of SARS-CoV-2. Binding energy (ΔG) values of the ligands (L1-L4) against the protein 6LU7 have found to be −7.7 Kcal/mole (L1), −7.0 Kcal/mole (L2), −7.9 Kcal/mole (L3) and 7.9 Kcal/mole (L4). Pharmacokinetic properties of the derivatives (L1-L4) have also been investigated using SWISSADME program.

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Background: Isaria tenuipes is one of the potent species in the members of the genus Isaria, which is well reported to possess multiple bioactive substances of therapeutic importance. Therefore, an in vitro experimental study was carried to evaluate the bioactivities of the crude methanolic extract from the mycelium of this fungus. Methods: The fungus was authenticated through morphological characters and the species discrepancy was resolved using the nuclear rDNA ITS sequence. The methanolic extract was fingerprinted by FTIR. The antioxidant components in terms of total phenols and flavonoids were determined as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents respectively. Antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract was assessed using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2 /-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS 0+), Fe 2+ chelating activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Cytotoxicity of the extract was determined by [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay on three cancer cell lines: HeLa, HepG2, and PC3. Apoptosis was further studied by propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin-V/PI staining flow cytometric analysis. Anti-proliferation capacity was studied by colony-forming assay.

Introduction: Paris polyphylla Smith is a high value medicinal plant available in Sikkim Himalaya which is well known in local traditional medicine system. Scientific study to ascertain its claimed biological activity is lacking. The objective of this work was to determine the antioxidant and anticancer activity of Paris polyphylla rhizomes. Methods: Phytochemical analysis were carried out by standard methods. Antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was carried out by DPPH, ABTS, OH-radical and Fe 2+ chelating activity assays. Cytotoxicity of the extract was determined by MTT assay on three cancer cell lines: HeLa, HepG2 and PC3. Results: Of the P. polyphylla from two altitudinal zones, P. polyphylla from Tholung (PPT), the one from the higher altitude showed higher total phenolic contents in methanolic extracts of rhizomes as compraed to that from the lower altitude i.e., P. polyphylla from Uttaray (PPU). PPT also showed a higher content of total falvonoid and total flavonols. Both types of plant were excellent scavenger of DPPH and ABTS radical and Fe 2+ chelator. A trend of a relatively greater antioxidant activity of PPT was established through these assay methods. In MTT assay, both the extract showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of HeLa cell growth after 72 hrs of treatment, while the extract had a moderately positive effect on the inhibition of PC3 and HepG2 cells growth. Conclusion: The study suggested a strong antioxidant activity and appreciable cytotoxic activity of P. polyphylla from Sikkim Himalaya. Of the two varieties, PPT was more pronounced in both type of activities.