İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi
IYYU Journal of PhytoPharmacy

Musca domestica L. is a significant pest threatening human and animal health by transmitting pathogens and causing substantial economic losses. Widespread resistance to traditional insecticides necessitates the discovery of novel molecular targets for vector control. The Cation ATPase gene family, essential for fundamental physiological processes such as cellular homeostasis, nerve impulse transmission, and osmoregulation, represents a promising target. This study presents a comprehensive genome-wide analysis identifying 36 Cation ATPase genes across the genomes of M. domestica, Aedes albopictus, and Drosophila melanogaster. Gene structures, conserved motifs, and physicochemical properties were thoroughly characterized. The 13 M. domestica Cation ATPase proteins exhibited amino acid lengths ranging from 927 to 1602 residues and molecular weights ranging from 102.4 to 179.8 kDa. Their theoretical isoelectric points ranged from 5.30 to 6.11, while their aliphatic index values (84.72–101.78) revealed high aliphatic content. Comparative phylogenetic analyses elucidated their evolutionary history and structural divergence. Furthermore, 3D modeling, proteinprotein interaction networks, and Gene Ontology analyses evaluated functional properties. In silico annotations indicate critical roles in calcium and metal ion homeostasis, alongside the transmembrane transport of inorganic cations. Domain analyses confirmed the presence of P-type ATPase domains, indicating active participation in cytosolic calcium regulation. Providing the first comprehensive analysis of the Cation ATPase family in M. domestica, this research establishes a baseline framework for developing innovative vector control strategies.

Peppers are the fruits of plants belonging to the genus Capsicum within the family Solanaceae. Although more than thirty species of the genus Capsicum have been reported in the literature, only five species are commonly cultivated and widely consumed. Among these, Capsicum frutescens is known for its high pungency, whereas Capsicum annuum, which has moderate to low pungency, is the most frequently consumed species. Similar to global trends, Capsicum annuum is also the most widely cultivated Capsicum species in Türkiye. In this study, the pharmacological effects of capsaicin, the main active compound responsible for the pungent sensation of peppers, were examined. These effects include analgesic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities. In addition, capsaicin has been reported to have carminative properties, stimulate the central nervous system, enhance metabolic activity, increase body temperature, facilitate digestion, support energy production, and contribute to the protection of the digestive system. Based on these effects, commercially available capsaicin-containing products, creams, topical plasters, tablet formulations were evaluated. Furthermore, the capsaicin content of commercially available crushed red pepper was compared with that of homemade crushed red pepper produced in the Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa province in the Southeastern Anatolia of Türkiye. The capsaicin content was determined using UV–VIS spectrophotometry. The amount of capsaicin determined from the experimental results was found to be 64.48 mg/L in the composition of homemade red pepper flakes and 59.44 mg/L in the composition of commercially obtained samples.