Faculty Publications

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Scholarly Publications by Integral Academia

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    GC-MS Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Musa paradisiaca L. Peels Fractions
    (Book Rivers, 2026) Azeem Fatima, Mohd Arsh Khan, Shahzadi Bano, Abdul Rahman Khan, Jamal Akhtar Ansari
    This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Musa paradisiaca L. (banana) peel extracts. Using GC-MS profiling, various chemical compounds within the peels were identified, including multiple phytochemicals with potential medicinal properties. Extraction and fractionation were performed with solvents of varying polarities, and antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH radical scavenging assays. The findings reveal a significant presence of compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and reducing sugars, with high antioxidant potential observed particularly in chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. This study highlights the potential of Musa paradisiaca peels as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, suggesting further research on their therapeutic benefits.
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    Effects of Metal-Based Nanoparticles (Au, Ag, Zn, and Cu) on Aromatic Plants
    (Springer, Singapore, 2026) Ayeesha Khatoon, Sazia Siddiqui, Aisha Kamal
    Aromatic and medicinal plants are rich reservoirs of essential oils and bioactive phytochemicals with wide applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Recent advances in nanotechnology highlight the potential of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) particularly Au, Ag, Zn, and Cu to modulate growth, stress tolerance, and secondary metabolite production in these species. Their nanoscale size, high surface reactivity, and tunable physicochemical properties enable unique interactions with plant tissues, influencing nutrient uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant defenses, and phytochemical biosynthesis. At optimal concentrations, NPs act as bio-stimulants, enhancing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activity, improving essential oil yield, and enriching compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, thereby elevating both therapeutic and commercial value. However, their effects are strongly dose- and species dependent. While low to moderate NP levels stimulate plant defense mechanisms and metabolic pathways, excessive accumulation can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, impaired photosynthesis, and growth inhibition, underscoring the importance of defining threshold concentrations. This chapter synthesizes current evidence on the uptake, transport, and mechanistic actions of Au, Ag, Zn, and Cu NPs in aromatic plants, highlighting their dual role as stimulants or stressors. It emphasizes the need for optimized application strategies and biosafety assessments to harness nanotechnology for sustainable cultivation and enhanced medicinal value of aromatic crops.
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    Natural Bioactives for Skin Therapeutics: Cydonia oblonga and Cyanobacteria-Based Approaches
    (Book Rivers, 2026) Anjeeta Singh, Kaiser Younis
    Scytonemin, a lipid-soluble indole-alkaloid pigment synthesized by certain cyanobacteria, has emerged as a potent natural UVscreening compound with strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Its unique chemical structure enables absorption across a broad UV spectrum, particularly in the UVA range, making it highly effective in preventing oxidative damage and photoaging. This chapter explores the mechanisms of UV protection offered by scytonemin and the various strategies for its integration into topical skin formulations. Special emphasis is placed on nanoemulsion-based delivery systems, which improve solubility, enhance dermal penetration, and ensure stability. By combining natural photoprotective efficacy with advanced formulation technologies, scytonemin offers a promising alternative to conventional synthetic sunscreens, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable, biocompatible skincare solutions. The chapter also addresses formulation parameters, safety profiles, and regulatory considerations, paving the way for the development of next-generation cosmeceuticals rooted in nature and supported by science.