Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Food in 2005"
TL;DR: The characterization of the pharmacological properties of ginger entered a new phase with the discovery that a ginger extract derived from Zingiber officinale and Alpina galanga inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the inflammatory response.
Abstract: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been known and valued for centuries. During the past 25 years, many laboratories have provided scientific support for the long-held belief that ginger contains constituents with antiinflammatory properties. The original discovery of ginger's inhibitory effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis in the early 1970s has been repeatedly confirmed. This discovery identified ginger as an herbal medicinal product that shares pharmacological properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ginger suppresses prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase- 1 and cyclooxygenase-2. An important extension of this early work was the observation that ginger also suppresses leukotriene biosynthesis by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase. This pharmacological property distinguishes ginger from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This discovery preceded the observation that dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase may have a better therapeutic profile and h...
654 citations
TL;DR: The totality of the available evidence on these flavonoids suggests a role in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and further research is warranted, particularly in controlled clinical trials.
Abstract: Polyphenolic flavonoids are among a wide variety of phytochemicals present in the human diet. Basic research, animal model, and human studies suggest flavonoid intake may reduce the risk of several age-related chronic diseases. The vast number of flavonoids and mixtures of their subclasses, including flavonols, flavones, and flavanones, and the variety of agricultural practices that affect their concentration in foods have presented a challenge to the development of adequate food composition databases for these compounds. Nonetheless, dietary assessments have been applied to cohort and case-control epidemiological studies, and several reveal an inverse association with risk of some forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. Those observational studies that have examined these relationships with regard to flavonols, flavones, and flavanones are reviewed. The requirement for caution in interpreting these studies is discussed with regard to the limited information available on the bioavailability and biotransformation of these flavonoids. As the totality of the available evidence on these flavonoids suggests a role in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease, further research is warranted, particularly in controlled clinical trials.
485 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that berberine may have antimicrobial activity and the potential to restore the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics against MRSA, and inhibit the MRSA adhesion and intracellular invasion in HGFs.
Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria have been responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality in hospitals because they usually have multidrug resistance. Some natural products are candidates as new antibiotic substances. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of berberine, the main antibacterial substance of Coptidis rhizoma (Coptis chinensis Franch) and Phellodendri cortex (Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht), against clinical isolates of MRSA, and the effects of berberine on the adhesion to MRSA and intracellular invasion into human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Berberine showed antimicrobial activity against all tested strains of MRSA. Minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of berberine against MRSA ranged from 32 to 128 µg/mL. Ninety percent inhibition of MRSA was obtained with 64 µg/mL or less of berberine. In the checkerboard dilution test, berberine markedly lowered the MICs of ampicillin and oxacillin against MRSA. An additive effect was found b...
274 citations
TL;DR: The effects of heat, oxygen, light, and the presence of oil on the stability of lycopene are uniform in much of the literature; however, controversy still exists on some details, such as the conditions causing the occurrence of isomerization, the optimal moisture, and temperature for storage.
Abstract: With an increasing understanding of the health benefit of lycopene, how to preserve lycopene during food processing and storage has caused much attention. Lycopene belongs to the carotenoid family and mostly exists in nature as the all-trans form. Heat, light, oxygen, and different food matrices are factors that have an effect on lycopene isomerization and autooxidation. Lycopene may isomerize to mono- or poly-cis forms with the presence of heat or oil or during dehydration. Reisomerization takes place during storage. After oxidation, the lycopene molecule split, which causes loss of color and offflavor. The effects of heat, oxygen, light, and the presence of oil on the stability of lycopene are uniform in much of the literature; however, controversy still exists on some details, such as the conditions causing the occurrence of isomerization, the optimal moisture, and temperature for storage.
238 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that Spirulina can modulate the Th profile in patients with allergic rhinitis by suppressing the differentiation of Th2 cells mediated, in part, by inhibiting the production of IL-4.
Abstract: Spirulina represents a blue-green alga that is widely produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement for modulating immune functions, as well as ameliorating a variety of diseases. We have previously shown that the in vitro culture of Spirulina with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) modulated the production of cytokines. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement (Earthrise Nutritionals, Inc., Irvine, CA) on patients with allergic rhinitis by assessing the production of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-2] critical in regulating immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy. In a randomized double-blinded crossover study versus placebo, allergic individuals were fed daily with either placebo or Spirulina, at 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg, for 12 weeks. PBMCs isolated before and after the Spirulina feeding were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) prior to determining the levels of cytokine from cell culture supernatants. Although Spirulina seemed to be ineffective at modulating the secretion of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2), we discovered that Spirulina, administered at 2,000 mg/day, significantly reduced IL-4 levels by 32% from PHA-stimulated cells. These results indicate that Spirulina can modulate the Th profile in patients with allergic rhinitis by suppressing the differentiation of Th2 cells mediated, in part, by inhibiting the production of IL-4. To our knowledge, this is the first human feeding study that demonstrates the protective effects of Spirulina towards allergic rhinitis.
170 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that selection for one bioactive component (Se) may decrease the content of other bioactive components such as phenolics and glucosinolates in broccoli, and that not all broccoli may contain all health-promotingBioactive components.
Abstract: Broccoli is a food often consumed for its potential health-promoting properties. The health benefits of broccoli are partly associated with secondary plant compounds that have bioactivity; glucosinolates and phenolic acids are two of the most abundant and important in broccoli. In an effort to determine how variety, stress, and production conditions affect the production of these bioactive components broccoli was grown in the greenhouse with and without selenium (Se) fertilization, and in the field under conventional or organic farming procedures and with or without water stress. High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify 12 primary phenolic compounds. Variety had a major effect: There was a preponderance of flavonoids in the Majestic variety, but hydroxycinnamic esters were relatively more abundant in the Legacy variety. Organic farming and water stress decreased the overall production of phenolics. Se fertilization increased glucosinolates in general, and sulforaphane in particular, up to a point; above that Se fertilization decreased glucosinolate production. Organic farming and water stress also decreased glucosinolate production. These data show environmental and genetic variation in phenolics and glucosinolates in broccoli, and warn that not all broccoli may contain all health-promoting bioactive components. They further show that selection for one bioactive component (Se) may decrease the content of other bioactive components such as phenolics and glucosinolates.
170 citations
TL;DR: The lack of analgesic effect of NSP in the light tail flick test and the failure of naloxone to reverse the analgesia in the formalin test reveal that mechanisms other than stimulation of opioid receptors are involved.
Abstract: Extracts obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa are used as a spice or remedy for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of its polyphenols. N. sativa seed polyphenols were prepared, and analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were studied in mice and rats using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, light tail flick, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and croton oil-induced ear edema tests. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, oral administration of N. sativa polyphenols (NSP) decreased the number of abdominal constrictions. Both oral and intraperitoneal administration of NSP significantly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner the nociceptive response in the early and late phases of the formalin test, and the effect on the late phase was more pronounced. Pretreatment with naloxone failed to reverse the analgesic activity of NSP in this test. NSP did not produce a significant analgesia in the light tail flick test in mice. Oral administration of NSP did not produce a significant reduction in carrageenan-induced paw edema. However, when injected intraperitoneally, NSP inhibited paw edema in a dosedependent manner. NSP when applied topically failed to reduce croton oil-induced ear edema. These results suggest that NSP have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The lack of analgesic effect of NSP in the light tail flick test and also the failure of naloxone to reverse the analgesia in the formalin test reveal that mechanisms other than stimulation of opioid receptors are involved.
160 citations
TL;DR: The data suggest that AG and FU are activators of lymphocytes and macrophages, which may contribute to their effectiveness in the immunoprevention of cancer.
Abstract: Many polysaccharides obtained from natural sources are considered to be biological response modifiers and have been shown to enhance various immune responses. Here, we investigated the immunomodulating effects of arabinogalactan (AG) and fucoidan (FU) in vitro. Mouse spleen lymphocytes became cytotoxic to tumor cells after culture with AG and FU at concentrations of 10-100 microg/mL. Also, AG and FU were mitogenic in spleen lymphocytes and peripheral macrophages. Macrophages treated with AG and FU (10-100 microg/mL) exhibited induced tumoricidal activity and increased phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme activity, and production of nitrite, H2O2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-6. However, AG and FU had little effect on the level of IL-1beta. Thus, the tumoricidal effect of AG- and FU-activated macrophages appeared to be mainly mediated by production of free radicals (NO and H2O2) and cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6). These data suggest that AG and FU are activators of lymphocytes and macrophages. This property may contribute to their effectiveness in the immunoprevention of cancer.
153 citations
TL;DR: Both pomegranate extracts and genistein inhibit the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through induction of apoptosis, with combination treatment being more efficacious than single treatments.
Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated the anticarcinogenic activity of pomegranate extracts and genistein in a series of human cancer cells. In the present study, the potential anticancer effects of pomegranate extracts and genistein on inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer cells was investigated. Human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were cultured as monolayers in complete RPMI 1640 medium. The cells were cultured for 48 hours to allow growth and achieve about 80% confluence in 48-well culture plates, and then exposed to the agents for 24 hours in single and combination treatments. Post-treatment growth rate and apoptosis induction were assessed by the use of a series of bioassays—lactate dehydrogenase and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (inner salt) for viability and cytotoxicity; acridine orange-ethidium bromide and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays for induction...
148 citations
TL;DR: Different dietary fiber sources are more readily fermented by fecal microflora, which most likely affects the physiological differences seen among dietary Fiber sources.
Abstract: The fermentation of dietary fiber in the large intestine and the by-products of this fermentation are thought to protect against colonic diseases. As it is difficult to measure the fermentation of dietary fiber in an intact animal, in vitro techniques have been developed to compare the fermentability of various dietary fibers. The objective of this project was to compare short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production with different fibers in an in vitro fermentation model. A wide range of commercially available dietary fiber sources was compared for SCFA production. Fibers were fermented with a fecal innoculum for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. SCFAs were measured by gas chromatography. SCFA production varied among the fiber sources. Hydrolyzed guar gum and galactomannan produced the greatest amounts of total SCFAs. Butyrate production was higher with the fiber sources than the glucose control. Acetate production was less for psyllium than the other fibers. Thus, different dietary fiber sources are more readily ...
112 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that several honeys, in addition to commercial antibacterial honeys that can inhibit E. coli and P. aeruginosa and may have potential as therapeutic honeys.
Abstract: In this study the activity of 13 honeys, including three commercial antibacterial honeys, against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined. Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using standard well diffusion methods. All honeys, and an artificial honey, were tested at four concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, and 1% wt/vol) against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and zones of inhibition were measured. All honeys tested had an inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with one honey still having activity against E. coli and three having activity against P. aeruginosa at 2.5%. No honey was active at 1% concentrations. E. coli was more susceptible to inhibition by the honeys used in this study than was P. aeruginosa. In this study we have demonstrated that several honeys, in addition to commercial antibacterial honeys, can inhibit E. coli and P. aeruginosa and may have potential as therapeutic honeys.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory properties of the stem of A. quinata can be attributed to the sapogenins oleanolic acid and hederagenin, and the latter was more active than the former.
Abstract: The stem of Akebia quinata Decasisne (Lardizabalaceae) has been used to treat urinary tract inflammatory disease. It has been reported that saponins in medicinal plants may act as bioactive components after biodegradation to sapogenins in the gastrointestinal tract. To find the active components, we obtained the methanol (MeOH) extract from A. quinata stems and fractionated this extract into CHCl(3), butanol (BuOH), and H(2)O fractions. A saponin-containing BuOH fraction was refluxed in an acidic solution to yield the hydrolyzed fraction. Silica gel column chromatography separated kalopanaxsaponin A (1) from the BuOH fraction, and oleanolic acid (2) and hederagenin (3) were obtained from the hydrolyzed fraction. The antinociceptive effect was tested by hot plate-writhing and tail-flicks methods using mice, and the anti-inflammatory effect was assayed using carrageenan-induced rat edema against the following samples: the MeOH extract of A. quinata stems, its fractions, the isolated saponin, kalopanaxsaponin A, and the sapogenins hederagenin and oleanolic acid. The MeOH extract exhibited antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory effects by oral administration of 100 and 250 mg/kg doses, indicating that the MeOH extract has an antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory activity. The BuOH fraction (crude saponin) also significantly exhibited those bioactivities. Treatments with 10 and 30 mg/kg perorally of these two sapogenins produced significant antinociceptive/ anti-inflammatory effects in the rat, suggesting that the sapogenins may act as resultant active compounds. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibited dye leakage into the peritoneal cavity induced by acetic acid, and the latter was more active than the former. The anti-inflammtory effects were further supported by the reduction of carrageenan-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroxy radical content in serum. These results suggest that the antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory properties of the stem of A. quinata can be attributed to the sapogenins oleanolic acid and hederagenin.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the consumption of fruits or fruit juices may reduce damage from oxidative stress, and that this effect may be a consequence of the antioxidant activity of fruits in scavenging the reactive oxygen species generated in human plasma.
Abstract: Oxidative stress in humans is associated with damage to DNA, proteins, and biological membranes. Oxidative stress, which often arises as a result of an imbalance in the human antioxidant status, has been implicated in aging and a number of human diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that the consumption of fruit juices may improve antioxidant status in human plasma. Ten healthy men 25–26 years old were recruited for the study. After overnight fasting, study subjects were fed 150 mL of fruit juice, and blood was collected at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consumption. After a 1-day wash-out period, subjects were fed with the next sample of fruit juice until all nine juices (pear, apple, orange, grape, peach, plum, kiwi, melon, and watermelon) had been evaluated. All juices were prepared from pure fruits ground in a home-style mixer. Dietary food records and anthropometric measurements were used to evaluate the nutritional s...
TL;DR: The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of the diabetic Rats.
Abstract: The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes were examined in rats. Amla in the form of either the commercial enzymatic extract SunAmla (Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) (20 or 40 mg/kg of body weight/day) or a polyphenol-rich fraction of ethyl acetate extract (10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight/day) was given orally for 20 days to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Amla extracts showed strong free radical scavenging activity. Amla also showed strong inhibition of the production of advanced glycosylated end products. The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of the diabetic rats. The elevated serum levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which is a glycosylated protein that is an indicator of oxidative stress, were significantly reduced dose-dependently in the diabetic rats fed amla. Similarly, the serum level of creatinine, yet another oxidative stress parameter, was also reduced. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were significantly reduced with amla, indicating a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In addition, the decreased albumin levels in the diabetic rats were significantly improved with amla. Amla also significantly improved the serum adiponectin levels. These results form the scientific basis supporting the efficacy of amla for relieving the oxidative stress and improving glucose metabolism in diabetes.
TL;DR: Results indicated that resveratrol could increase epiphysis BMD and inhibit the decrease of femur BCC in OVX rats, suggesting that it could play a role in protecting against bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency.
Abstract: trans-Resveratrol (resveratrol) has been shown in several studies to significantly modulate biomarkers of bone metabolism But, there is no direct evidence supporting its inhibitory effect towards bone loss In the present study, effects of resveratrol on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone calcium content (BCC) were examined in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: SHAM group (sham-operated), OVX group (OVX control), OVX + ALD group (OVX and treated with 10 mg/kg of body weight of alendronate sodium), and OVX + RES group (OVX and treated with 07 mg/kg of body weight of resveratrol) Tested materials were given by gavage for 12 weeks after ovariectomy Results showed that rats in the OVX, OVX + ALD, and OVX + RES groups had significantly higher body weights and feed efficiency than those in the SHAM group (P < 01) The OVX group had significantly lower femoral epiphysis BMD than the SHAM group, and epiphysis BMD in the OVX + ALD and OVX + RES groups was significantly greater than that in the OVX group (P < 05) However, the femoral midpoint BMD was not significantly different among the four groups Additionally, animals in the OVX group had significantly lower BCC compared with the SHAM group, while the BCC of the OVX + ALD and OVX + RES groups was significantly higher than that of the OVX group (P < 05) These results indicated that resveratrol could increase epiphysis BMD and inhibit the decrease of femur BCC in OVX rats, suggesting that it could play a role in protecting against bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency
TL;DR: Results indicated correlation between the antioxidant properties and the hemagglutination values of these plant extracts; however, the membrane stabilizing capacity of the extracts supports the plants' antioxidant activity.
Abstract: Antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of boiled, cold, and methanolic extracts of nine edible vegetables in Southwest Nigeria were evaluated in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical as...
TL;DR: A review of recent findings on omega-3 fatty acids' influence on autoimmune diseases, mental health, and gene expression highlights the importance of these fatty acids during human brain development.
Abstract: Omega-3 fatty acids from marine and plant sources provide a wide range of benefits in several human health conditions. In vivo studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids influence the course of several human diseases, including those that involve abnormal immune function, mental disorders, and genetic abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids are taken up by virtually all body cells and affect membrane composition, eicosanoid biosynthesis, cell signaling cascades, and gene expression. These fatty acids are especially important during human brain development; maternal deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may lead to several neurological disorders. The review highlights recent findings on omega-3 fatty acids' influence on autoimmune diseases, mental health, and gene expression.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the casein hydrolysate, prepared with Aspergillus oryzae protease, produced a significant reduction in blood pressure in a population of subjects with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension without an adverse event.
Abstract: Casein hydrolysate, prepared with Aspergillus oryzae protease, contains angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides, such as Val-Pro-Pro and Ile-Pro-Pro. We conducted a randomized, double-b...
TL;DR: The essential oil components of Laurusnobilis gathered from seven different locations of Turkey were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the 1,8-cineole content of these oils was significantly higher than those of other constituents of L. nobilis.
Abstract: The essential oil components of Laurus nobilis gathered from seven different locations of Turkey were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The oil yields on a dry weight basis ranged between 1.4% to 2.6%. The major component was 1,8-cineole (51.73–68.48%); other predominant components were α-terpinyl acetate (4.04–9.87%), sabinene (4.44–7.75%), α-pinene (2.93–4.89%), β-pinene (2.58–3.91%), terpinene-4-ol (1.33–3.24%), and α-terpineol (0.95–3.05%). Minor qualitative and major quantitative variations of some compounds were determined with respect to localities of collection. As a result, the 1,8-cineole content of these oils was significantly higher than those of other constituents of L. nobilis. Laurel is usually considered as the natural source of this compound, used in the flavor and fragrance industry.
TL;DR: The results suggested that the antioxidative capacity of L. plantarum KCTC 3099 is apparently caused by chelating metal ions rather than by SOD activation, suggesting that it has resistance to superoxide anions.
Abstract: The antioxidative capacity of two lactic acid bacteria isolated from Kimchi, a Korean fermented food, was evaluated by measuring the resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and compared with that of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a positive control. Both intact cells and cell-free extracts of Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC 3099 exhibited higher antioxidative activity in inhibiting lipid peroxidation among the strains evaluated with an inhibitory level of 38.6% and 48.5%, respectively. To evaluate the resistance of the two lactic acid bacteria to ROS, we tested their survival in the presence of 1 mM hydrogen peroxide, 0.4 mM hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anions induced by 10 mM paraquat. L. plantarum KCTC 3099 was viable even after 8 hours in the presence of both 1 mM hydrogen peroxide and 0.4 mM hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, the survival of L. plantarum KCTC 3099 was not affected by superoxide anions generated by using paraquat, indicating that it has resistance to superoxide anions. To define the antioxidative mechanism, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and metal ion chelating activities were determined. L. plantarum KCTC 3099 presented little SOD activity, but had the higher level of chelating activity for both Fe2+ and Cu2+ metal ions at 13.6 ppm and 23.9 ppm, respectively. These results suggested that the antioxidative capacity of L. plantarum KCTC 3099 is apparently caused by chelating metal ions rather than by SOD activation.
TL;DR: It could be inferred that both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. occidentalis leaf have hepatoprotective properties, although the aQueous extract is more effective than the ethanol extract, which could be attributed to the higher antioxidant activity of the aqueously extract than the Ethanolic extract.
Abstract: Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaf is a darkish-green leafy vegetable popularly used in soup and in herbal preparations for the management of many diseases in Nigeria. In this study, the hepatoprotective property of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T. occidentalis leaf (earlier confirmed to have a high level of antioxidant activity) against garlic induced-oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes was investigated. Oxidative stress was induced in Wistar strain albino rats by overdosing them with raw garlic (4%) for 14 days, and this caused a significant increase (P .05) in serum bilirubin, albumin, globulin, and total proteins. However, intubation of some of the rats fed raw garlic with 5 mg or 10 mg/0.5 mL of T. occidentalis leaf extract (ethanolic or aqueous) caused a significant decrease (P < .05) in serum ALP, GOT, and GPT when compared with rats fed raw garlic without intubation with the T. occidentalis leaf extract. Moreover, 10 mg/0.5 mL of extract was more effective than 5 mg/0.5 mL of extract, while the aqueous extracts appeared to be more effective than the ethanolic extracts in protecting hepatocytes. It could be inferred that both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. occidentalis leaf have hepatoprotective properties, although the aqueous extract is more effective than the ethanolic extract, which could be attributed to the higher antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract than the ethanolic extracts of T. occidentalis leaves.
TL;DR: Treatment with Ganopoly did not significantly alter the mean mitogenic reactivity to phytohemagglutinin, mean counts of CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56, mean plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, or NK activity in the patients, but the results were significantly variable; however, some cancer patients demonstrated markedly modulated immune functions.
Abstract: Preclinical studies have established that the polysaccharide fractions of Ganoderma lucidum have potential antitumor activity. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that G. lucidum polysaccharides enhance host immune functions [e.g., enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity] in patients with advanced solid tumors, although an objective response was not observed. This open-label study aimed to evaluate the effects of water-soluble G. lucidum polysaccharides (Ganopoly®, Encore International Corp., Auckland, New Zealand) on immune functions in patients with advanced lung cancer. Thirty-six patients were enrolled and treated with 5.4 g/day Ganopoly for 12 weeks. In the 30 cancer patients who completed the trial, treatment with Ganopoly did not significantly alter the mean mitogenic reactivity to phytohemagglutinin, mean counts of CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56, mean plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ, or NK activity in the patients, but the results were significantly vari...
TL;DR: Results suggest that inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis by genistein are mediated, at least in part, by its ability to inhibit IGF-IR signaling and the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Abstract: Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has attracted much attention for its chemopreventive properties Overexpression and constitutive activation of receptor tyrosine kinases are frequent events in human cancer Because genistein has previously been reported to decrease HT-29 cell growth, the present study compared the effects of genistein with daidzein on the protein levels of the members of the ErbB receptor family and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR) HT-29 cells were cultured in serum-free medium, with 0, 25, 50, or 100 µmol/L genistein, daidzein, and/or 10 nmol/L IGF-I DNA synthesis was estimated by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation Apoptotic cells were analyzed by annexin-V staining followed by flow cytometry Genistein inhibited viable HT-29 cell numbers, in a dose-dependent manner, whereas daidzein had no effect on cell growth The decrease in cell growth caused by genistein was due to decreased DNA synthesis and apoptosis induction Immunoblot analysis showed that neither genis
TL;DR: This study established sea buckthorn berries as a good source of biochemical and mineral elements and the high variation between different populations shows the potential of selecting and breeding of the raw material for various defined purposes.
Abstract: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica) is a very important medicinal plant in northern areas of Pakistan. The fruit of sea buckthorn is rich in nutrients and medicinal compounds such as vitamins, carotene, flavonoids, essential oil, carbohydrates, organic acids, amino acids, and minerals. In order to compare various populations of sea buckthorn for chemical composition, eight populations from different areas of northern Pakistan were compared using fruit characteristics. Phytochemical analysis of berries showed vitamin C (250–333 mg/100 g), seed oil (7.69–13.7%), oil in softer pulp (19.2–29.1%), phytosterol content of seed oil (3.3–5.5%), and anthocyanin (0.5–25 mg/L), while the mineral element composition analysis revealed high contents of potassium (140–360 ppm), sodium (20–80 ppm), calcium (70–98 ppm), magnesium (150–240 ppm), iron (40–150 ppm), and phosphorus (110–133 ppm). This study established sea buckthorn berries as a good source of biochemical and mineral elements. The high varia...
TL;DR: The role of cranberry juice anthocyanin- and proanthocyanidin-rich fractions upon bacterial viability is discussed and there was no clear correlation between Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterial susceptibility to cranberry Juice.
Abstract: The effect of anthocyanin- and proanthocyanidin-rich fractions isolated from cranberry juice was studied for their antibacterial activity against nine bacterial strains. Activity was assessed by the agar diffusion assay. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 was the only strain to exhibit some susceptibility to four out of 10 anthocyanin-rich fractions tested. A variable susceptibility of S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 10541, and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 to proanthocyanidin- rich fractions was also observed. Streptococcus mutans strains as well as Escherichia coli ATCC 10538 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were not susceptible to any of the cranberry juice samples or fractions at the tested concentrations. There was no clear correlation between Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterial susceptibility to cranberry juice. In this work, the role of cranberry juice anthocyanic and proanthocyanic fractions upon bacterial viability is discussed.
TL;DR: Sesame oil consumption influences beneficially the blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant levels in diabetic rats.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess the influence of sesame oil on blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, and status of antioxidants in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult female albino Wistar rats weighing 180–200 g by administration of STZ (40 mg/kg of body weight) intraperitonially. Both normal and diabetic rats were fed with a commercial diet containing 2% oil supplemented with 6% sesame oil for 42 days. Diabetic rats had elevated levels of blood glucose (322.61 ± 9.49 mg/dL), glycosylated hemoglobin, vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and lipid hydroperoxides and decreased levels of hemoglobin, vitamin C, and reduced glutathione (GSH). An increase in glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities and a decrease in hexokinase activity were observed in liver and kidney tissues. When diabetic rats fed with sesame oil were compared with diabetic rats, a significant reduction in levels of blood glucose (222.02 ± 8.27 m...
TL;DR: A flax fiber supplement provides the benefits of soluble and insoluble fiber in healthy subjects and the effect of flax bread versus control white bread on glycemic response was studied.
Abstract: We investigated whether a flax supplement taken orally or baked in a bakery product would effect the physiological responses characteristic of soluble and insoluble fiber, i.e., laxation and glycemic response, respectively. In Study 1, 26 healthy young adults consumed up to 15 g of fiber from a proprietary flax fiber supplement or as a psyllium supplement for 2 weeks once usual fecal weights were established. Changes in dietary fiber intake and acceptability of both products were evaluated. An increase in fecal weight was found with both fiber treatments. Supplemental fiber at intakes of 9.0 g/day (flax) and 10.4 g/day (psyllium) gave fecal bulking capacity of about 2.9 and 4.8 g of fecal weight/g of fiber, respectively. In Study 2, the effect of flax bread versus control white bread on glycemic response was studied. Eleven fasting subjects completed four test periods (duplicate trials of each bread) under standardized glycemic testing conditions. Paired t tests were used to analyze test compared with con...
TL;DR: It is indicated for the first time that wild blueberries incorporated into the diet affect the vascular smooth muscle contractile machinery by suppressing the alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonist-mediated contraction while having no effect on membrane sensitivity of the endothelial or vascular smooth Muscle cell layer.
Abstract: Weanling male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly fed a control diet (AIN-93) (C) or a blueberry diet (B) for 13 weeks, or a reverse diet (R) (C diet for 13 weeks, switched to the B diet for 8 weeks)...
TL;DR: Thyme contains bifunctional inducers (i.e., substances capable of inducing both phase I and phase II enzymes) and that thymol and carvacrol may account for the effects of thyme.
Abstract: The effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) leaves and its phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacrol, on the activities of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, i.e., phase I enzymes such as 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) and phase II enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and quinone reductase (QR), were investigated. Mice were fed with a diet containing thyme (0.5% or 2.0%) or treated orally with thymol (50-200 mg/kg) or carvacrol (50-200 mg/kg) once a day for 7 successive days, and then the enzyme activities in the livers were analyzed. Dietary administration of 2% thyme caused slightly but significantly higher ECOD, GST, and QR activities by 1.1-1.4-fold. Thymol (200 mg/kg) treatment resulted in significantly higher ECOD, GST, and QR activities by 1.3-1.9-fold, and carvacrol (200 mg/kg) treatment caused significantly higher ECOD, GST, and QR activities by 1.3-1.7-fold. Thymol-treated animals had significantly higher protein levels of GST alpha and GST micro, and carvacrol-treated animals had significantly higher levels of GST micro. These results imply that thyme contains bifunctional inducers (i.e., substances capable of inducing both phase I and phase II enzymes) and that thymol and carvacrol may account for the effects of thyme.
TL;DR: It was concluded that 2 g of a powdered mixture of traditional medicinal plants in either raw or cooked form can be successfully used for lowering blood glucose in diabetics.
Abstract: The effect of supplementation of a powdered mixture of three traditional medicinal plants—bittergourd, jamun seeds, and fenugreek seeds—in raw and cooked form on blood glucose was studied in 60 non–insulin-dependent male diabetics. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 each. The patients of group I were given the raw powdered mixture in the form of capsules; the patients of group II were given this mixture in the form of salty biscuits. Daily supplementation of 1 g of this powered mixture for a 1.5-month period and then a further increase to 2 g for another 1.5 months significantly reduced the fasting as well as the postprandial glucose level of the diabetic patients. A significant decrease in oral hypoglycemic drug intake and decline in percentage of the subjects who were on hypoglycemic drugs were found after the 3-month feeding trial. It was concluded that 2 g of a powdered mixture of traditional medicinal plants in either raw or cooked form can be successfully used for lowering blood glucose...