Nanosizing Cynomorium: Thumbs up for Potential Antifungal Applications

Abstract

Cynomorium coccineum L., the desert thumb, is a rather exotic, parasitic plant unable to engage in photosynthesis, yet rich in a variety of unique compounds with a wide spectrum of biological applications. Whilst extraction, separation and isolation of such compounds is time consuming, the particular properties of the plant, such as dryness, hardness and lack of chlorophyll, render it a prime target for possible nanosizing. The entire plant, the external layer (coat) as well as its peel, are readily milled and high pressure homogenized to yield small, mostly uniform spherical particles with diameters in the range of 300 to 600 nm. The best quality of particles is obtained for the processed entire plant. Based on initial screens for biological activity, it seems that these particles are particularly active against the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, whilst no activity could be observed against the model nematode Steinernema feltiae. This activity is particularly pronounced in the case of the external layer, whilst the peeled part does not seem to inhibit growth of C. albicans. Thanks to the ease of sample preparation, the good quality of the nanosuspension obtained, and the interesting activity of this natural product, nanosized coats of Cynomorium may well provide a lead for future development and applications as "green" materials in the field of medicine, but also environmentally, for instance in agriculture.

Milling the Mistletoe: Nanotechnological Conversion of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Intoantimicrobial Materials

“…The remarkable activity of the nanosized samples of the leaves and stems against E. coli and S. carnosus by far exceeds the activities previously observed for similar nanosized materials derived from other plants, such as tomato stem and Maltese Mushroom [ 7 , 8 , 12 ]. Since KuntaMedizinmannwilli also traditionally employs mistletoe to treat the very same, the activity of the nanosuspensions against C. albicans and, as another model organism, non-pathogenic S. cerevisiae , were investigated.…”

“…Compared to other medically interesting plants and herbs which are also amenable to nanosizing yet cannot be harvested sustainably in large quantities, such as the Maltese Mushroom ( Cynamoriumcoccinium ), the African mistletoe is a ubiquitous weed which can be accessed locally, easily, in large quantities, and without causing any damage to diversity or the environment [ 12 ]. As a consequence, a large(r) scale application of this material is possible, for instance, in the fields of eco-friendly Agriculture.…”

Loranthus micranthusnanoparticles abates streptozotocin‐instigated testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats: Involvement of glucose metabolism enzymes, oxido‐inflammatory stress, steroidogenic enzymes/protein and Nrf2 pathway

“…The issue with durability/shelf-life and the advantages of lyophilisation of nano-sized material is seen in the similar resultant activities of resuspended solid form of the nano-sized materials when compared with original nanosuspensions (Griffin et al, 2018). Recent studies show beneficial results in the utilisation of nano-sized plant materials from Solanum incanum L., Pterocarpus erinaceus, Cynomorium and Locranthus micranthus against common pathogens (Griffin et al, 2016(Griffin et al, , 2017Sarfraz et al, 2018). These serve as a springboard in their further applications in combating health issues formerly addressed with extract formulations of these plants with a view to optimising their biological benefits and better packaging in the nano-sized form in capsules or caplets.…”

Natural Nanoparticles: A Particular Matter Inspired by Nature

“…Specific protocols with several steps may be required, from drying and freeze-drying to defatting and pre-milling. Still, some plants, such as the Maltese mushroom Cynomorium coccinem L., a parasitic plant devoid of any chlorophyll, can be obtained, freeze-dried, milled and homogenized to fairly stable, low polydispersity and uniform particles with average diameters of around 400 nm without encountering any unsurmountable problems [ 138 ]. Some of these milled down plant materials have been evaluated already as potential food supplements and even as natural medicines and antimicrobial agents [ 130 ].…”