Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Food in 2006"
TL;DR: It is indicated that allyl disulfide, alliin, allicin, and allyl cysteine exhibit different patterns of antioxidant activities as protective compounds against free radical damage.
Abstract: Garlic and garlic extracts, through their antioxidant activities, have been reported to provide protection against free radical damage in the body. This study investigated antioxidant properties of garlic compounds representing the four main chemical classes, alliin, allyl cysteine, allyl disulfide, and allicin, prepared by chemical synthesis or purification. Alliin scavenged superoxide, while allyl cysteine and allyl disulfide did not react with superoxide. Allicin suppressed the formation of superoxide by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, probably via a thiol exchange mechanism. Alliin, allyl cysteine, and allyl disulfide all scavenged hydroxyl radicals; the rate constants calculated based on deoxyribose competitive assay were 1.4-1.7 x 10(10), 2.1-2.2 x 10(9), and 0.7-1.5 x 10(10) M (1) second(1), respectively. Contrary to previous reports, allicin did not exhibit hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in this study. Alliin, allicin, and allyl cysteine did not prevent induced microsomal lipid peroxidation, but both alliin and allyl cysteine were hydroxyl scavengers, and allyl disulfide was a lipid peroxidation terminator. In summary, our findings indicated that allyl disulfide, alliin, allicin, and allyl cysteine exhibit different patterns of antioxidant activities as protective compounds against free radical damage.
303 citations
TL;DR: Results show that UMB at 30 mg/kg of body weight possesses a promising antihyperglycemic effect that is comparable with glibenclamide.
Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of Umbelliferone (UMB) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male albino rats of the Wistar strain, weighing 180-200 g, by administration of STZ (40 mg/kg of body weight) intraperitoneally. Diabetic rats showed an increase in levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) and activities of gluconeogenic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and a decrease in levels of plasma insulin, hemoglobin (Hb), and liver glycogen and activities of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Intraperitoneal administration of UMB (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg of body weight) and glibenclamide (600 micro g/kg of body weight) in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide dissolved in water, for 45 days, produced significantly decreased levels of blood glucose and HbA(1c) and activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, while elevating levels of plasma insulin, Hb, and liver glycogen and activities of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase to near normal levels in STZ-diabetic rats when compared with normal control rats. Normal rats treated with UMB (30 mg/kg of body weight) also showed a significant effect on glycemic control. Thus, our results show that UMB at 30 mg/kg of body weight possesses a promising antihyperglycemic effect that is comparable with glibenclamide.
158 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study suggest that V. amygdalina elicits hepatoprotectivity through antioxidant activity on acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in mice through oxidative stress by the extract.
Abstract: Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Family Compositae) is used in Nigerian folk medicine as a tonic and remedy against constipation, fever, high blood pressure, and many infectious diseases. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of an aqueous extract of V. amygdalina leaves against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice in vivo. Activities of liver marker enzymes in serum (glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase) and bilirubin levels were determined colorimetrically, while catalase activity, lipid peroxidation products, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), iron, and total protein concentrations were measured in liver homogenate. Acetaminophen challenge (300 mg/kg, i.p) for 7 days caused significant (P < .01) increases in the levels of bilirubin, liver enzymes, TBARS, and iron, while catalase activity and total protein level were reduced significantly (P < .01). Preadministration of V. amygdalina resulted in a dose-dependent (50-100 mg/kg) reversal of acetaminophen-induced alterations of all the liver function parameters by 51.9-84.9%. Suppression of acetaminophen-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress by the extract was also dose-dependent (50-100 mg/kg). The results of this study suggest that V. amygdalina elicits hepatoprotectivity through antioxidant activity on acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in mice.
129 citations
TL;DR: Fennel oils exhibited different degrees of fungistatic activity depending on the doses, and exerted varying levels of antifungal effects on the experimental mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani.
Abstract: The chemical composition of the flower and unripe and ripe fruits from fennel (bitter) (Foeniculum vulgare ssp. piperitum) has been examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main identified components of the flower and unripe and ripe fruit oils were estragole (53.08%, 56.11%, and 61.08%), fenchone (13.53%, 19.18%, and 23.46%), and alpha-phellandrene (5.77%, 3.30%, and 0.72%), respectively. Minor qualitative and major quantitative variations for some compounds of essential oils were determined with respect to the different parts of F. vulgare. The oils exerted varying levels of antifungal effects on the experimental mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The 40 ppm concentrations of fennel oils showed inhibitory effect against mycelial growth of A. alternaria, whereas 10 ppm levels were ineffective. The analyses show that fennel oils exhibited different degrees of fungistatic activity depending on the doses.
126 citations
TL;DR: P pumpkin seed oil can inhibit testosterone-inducedhyperplasia of the prostate and therefore may be beneficial in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Abstract: The oil from the pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seed is claimed to be useful in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. This investigation seeks to examine the effect of pumpkin seed oil on testosterone-induced hyperplasia of the prostate of rats. Hyperplasia was induced by subcutaneous administration of testosterone (0.3 mg/100 g of body weight) for 20 days. Simultaneous oral administration of either pumpkin seed oil (2.0 and 4.0 mg/100 g of body weight) or corn oil (vehicle) was also given for 20 days. The weights of the rats were recorded weekly, and the influence of testosterone and pumpkin seed oil on the weight gain of the rats was examined. On day 21, rats were sacrificed, and the prostate was removed, cleaned, and weighed. The prostate size ratio (prostate weight/rat body weight) was then calculated. Neither testosterone nor pumpkin seed oil had any significant influence on the weight gain of the rats. Testosterone significantly increased prostate size ratio (P < .05), and this induced increase was inhibited in rats fed with pumpkin seed oil at 2.0 mg/100 g of body weight. The protective effect of pumpkin seed oil was significant at the higher pumpkin seed oil dose (P < .02). We conclude pumpkin seed oil can inhibit testosterone-induced hyperplasia of the prostate and therefore may be beneficial in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
126 citations
TL;DR: It would appear reasonable to include grapefruit in a weight reduction diet after a significant weight loss was seen in the grapefruit, grapefruit capsule, and grapefruit juice groups compared with placebo.
Abstract: To study the effects of grapefruit and grapefruit products on body weight and metabolic syndrome, 91 obese patients were randomized to either placebo capsules and 7 ounces (207 mL) of apple juice, grapefruit capsules with 7 ounces (207 mL) of apple juice, 8 ounces (237 mL) of grapefruit juice with placebo capsule, or half of a fresh grapefruit with a placebo capsule three times a day before each meal. Metabolic syndrome parameters were measured at the beginning and end of 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the fresh grapefruit group had lost 1.6 kg, the grapefruit juice group had lost 1.5 kg, the grapefruit capsule group had lost 1.1 kg, and the placebo group had lost 0.3 kg. The fresh grapefruit group lost significantly more weight than the placebo group (P < .05). A secondary analysis of those with the metabolic syndrome in the four treatment groups demonstrated a significantly greater weight loss in the grapefruit, grapefruit capsule, and grapefruit juice groups compared with placebo (P < .02). There was also a significant reduction in 2-hour post-glucose insulin level in the grapefruit group compared with placebo. Half of a fresh grapefruit eaten before meals was associated with significant weight loss. In metabolic syndrome patients the effect was also seen with grapefruit products. Insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruit. Although the mechanism of this weight loss is unknown it would appear reasonable to include grapefruit in a weight reduction diet.
125 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of the potential of N. jatmansi as a memory enhancer found it to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly persons and the underlying mechanism of action can be attributed to its antioxidant property.
Abstract: Cure of cognitive disorders such as amnesia, attention deficit, and Alzheimer's disease is still far from being realized in the field of medicine. Nootropic agents such as piracetam, aniracetam, and choline esterase inhibitors like donepezil are being used for improving memory, mood, and behavior, but the resulting side effects associated with these agents have made their applicability limited. In Ayurveda, the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi have been clinically employed for their anti-ischemic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective activities. The present study was undertaken to assess the potential of N. jatmansi as a memory enhancer. The elevated plus maze and the passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Three doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) of an ethanolic extract of N. jatamansi were administered for 8 successive days to both young and aged mice. The 200 mg/kg dose of N. jatmansi ethanolic extract significantly improved learning and memory in young mice and also reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, it also reversed aging-induced amnesia due to natural aging of mice. As scopolamine-induced amnesia was reversed, it is possible that the memory improvement may be because of facilitation of cholinergic transmission in the brain. Hence, N. jatmansi might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly persons. The underlying mechanism of action can be attributed to its antioxidant property.
123 citations
TL;DR: The antioxidative activity of tea-derived catechins has been extensively studied as discussed by the authors, and it has been shown that green tea extract intake is associated with increased weight loss due to diet-induced thermogenesis, which is generally attributed to the catechin epigallocatechin gallate.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown that intake of tea catechins is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The antioxidative activity of tea-derived catechins has been extensively studied. Reports have shown that green tea extract intake is associated with increased weight loss due to diet-induced thermogenesis, which is generally attributed to the catechin epigallocatechin gallate. That catechin-polyphenols are known to be capable of inhibiting catechol-O-methyltransferase (the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine) is a possible explanation for why the green tea extract is effective in stimulating thermogenesis by epigallocatechin gallate to augment and prolong sympathetic stimulation of thermogenesis. Knowledge about thermogenesis-induced weight loss produced by green tea's epigallocatechin gallate and its ability to inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase is important for health benefits and for prolonging the action of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft.
112 citations
TL;DR: It was showed that vitamin C supplementation in infertile men might improve sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology and might have a place as an additional supplement to improve the semen quality towards conception.
Abstract: This study was carried out to monitor the effect of oral supplementation of vitamin C on various semen parameters in oligospermic, infertile, otherwise healthy individuals. Various semen parameters, including sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm morphology, were studied before and after the vitamin C treatment. A total of 13 infertile patients were included. Their ages ranged between 25 and 35 years. They had no genital infection or varicocele. Physical examination and other routine laboratory investigations were normal. General semen analysis revealed oligozoospermia (mean sperm count was 14.3 +/- 7.38 x 10(6) sperms/mL, mean sperm with normal morphology was 43 +/- 7.87%, and mean sperm motility was 31.2 +/- 9.61%). Testicular biopsy was not done. These patients received in an open trial of 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for a maximum of 2 months. Results showed that the mean sperm count was increased to 32.8 +/- 10.3 x 10(6) sperms/mL (P < .001) after 2 months of vitamin C intake. The mean sperm motility was increased significantly to 60.1 +/- 8.47% (P < .001), and mean sperms with normal morphology increased significantly to 66.7 +/- 4.77% (P < .001). This study showed that vitamin C supplementation in infertile men might improve sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology and might have a place as an additional supplement to improve the semen quality towards conception.
101 citations
TL;DR: All the constituents isolated from nutmeg exhibited good antibacterial activity, which shows the potential of natural compounds in replacement of synthetic preservatives.
Abstract: Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is used in food preparations for its aromatic flavor. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial activity of constituents of M. fragrans seeds. Seeds of M. fragrans were powdered and extracted with chloroform to obtain trimyristin, which on saponification yielded myristic acid. The mother liquor remaining after separation of trimyristin was concentrated and column-chromatographed with petroleum ether to separate myristicin. Antibacterial activity of these isolated constituents was evaluated by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. All the constituents isolated from nutmeg exhibited good antibacterial activity. This study shows the potential of natural compounds in replacement of synthetic preservatives.
95 citations
TL;DR: The present results may suggest the effectiveness of CS in focal ischemia most probably by virtue of its antioxidant property.
Abstract: The modifying effects of Crocus sativus (CS) stigma extract on neurobehavioral activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities, and glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) content were examined in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (MCAO) model of acute cerebral ischemia in rats. The right MCA of male Wistar rats was occluded for 2 hours using intraluminal 4-0 monofilament, and reperfusion was allowed for 22 hours. MCAO caused significant depletion in the contents of GSH and its dependent enzymes while significant elevation of MDA, Glu, and Asp. The activities of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, SOD, and CAT were decreased significantly by MCAO. The neurobehavioral activities (grip strength, spontaneous motor activity, and motor coordination) were also decreased significantly in the MCAO group. All the alterations induced by ischemia were significantly attenuated by pretreatment of CS (100 mg/kg of body weight, p.o.) 7 days before the induction of MCAO and correlated well with histopathology by decreasing the neuronal cell death following MCAO and reperfusion. The present results may suggest the effectiveness of CS in focal ischemia most probably by virtue of its antioxidant property.
TL;DR: Results suggest that once royal jelly is hydrolyzed using enzyme, the hydrolysate possesses much higher antioxidative activity and scavenging activity against active oxygen species.
Abstract: Enzymatic hydrolysates were prepared from royal jelly using three enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, and papain), and their antioxidative properties were evaluated. The yield of these hydrolysates was very high, about 20-26% on a raw weight basis. In comparison with the antioxidative activities of water extract and alkaline extract of royal jelly, the antioxidative activities and scavenging activities against active oxygen species such as superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical of each hydrolysate were high in the sample with a low protein concentration. These results suggest that once royal jelly is hydrolyzed using enzyme, the hydrolysate possesses much higher antioxidative activity and scavenging activity against active oxygen species. Royal jelly will act as a medicinal food in the human body.
TL;DR: Soybean-derived pinitol, purified from soybean, may be useful in controlling postprandial increases in blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Abstract: The effect of 3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol (D-pinitol), purified from soybean, on the postprandial blood glucose response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was examined. Fifteen Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (seven men, eight women; 60.3 ± 3.1 years old) ingested cooked white rice containing 50 g of available carbohydrate with or without prior ingestion of soy pinitol. Pinitol was given either as a 1.2 g dose at 0, 60, 120, or 180 minutes prior to rice ingestion, or as a 0.6 g dose at 60 minutes prior to rice ingestion. Capillary blood glucose levels were monitored for 4 hours after rice consumption. The ingestion of 1.2 g of pinitol 60 minutes prior to rice consumption controlled postprandial capillary blood glucose most effectively, significantly diminishing the postprandial increase in plasma glucose levels measured at 90 and 120 minutes after rice consumption (P < .05). The incremental area under the plasma glucose response curve for subjects who consumed both pinitol and rice w...
TL;DR: Results indicate that substitution of sesame oil as the sole edible oil has an additive effect in further lowering BP and plasma glucose in hypertensive diabetics.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil in hypertensive diabetics medicated with atenolol (β-blocker) and glibenclamide (sulfonylurea). This open label trial with two intervention periods comprised 22 male and 18 female patients, 45–65 years old, with mild to moderate hypertension and diabetes. Sesame oil (Idhayam Gingelly™ oil, V.V.V. & Sons, Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu, India) was supplied to the patients, who were instructed to use it in place of other cooking oils for 45 days. Blood pressure (BP), anthropometric measurements, plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles [total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG)], lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)], electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), and enzymic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) and nonenzymic (vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, and reduced glutathione...
TL;DR: The study suggests that genistein with carnitine exerts anti-obesity effects, probably by modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-associated genes, however, further work is needed to elucidate the possible mechanisms by whichgenistein and carnitines intervene.
Abstract: Soy products are mainly composed of proteins, phytochemicals such as isoflavones, soy lipids, and carbohydrates. It is unclear whether an individual component alone or a combined effect of multiple bioactive compounds contributes to the beneficial properties of soy. We investigated the effect of dietary genistein (the principal soy isoflavone) alone and combined with L-carnitine to evaluate possible synergistic effects on the intentionally induced prediabetic state characterized by insulin resistance and obesity in C57Bl/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HD). In the HD-alone group, abdominal and back fat relative to total body weight were significantly higher compared with other groups including those fed normal diet (ND). Among the HD groups, final weight gains of the HD plus genistein (HD+G) and HD plus genistein plus L-carnitine (HD+G+C) groups were lower compared with that of the control (HD-alone). Especially in liver, the results showed that genistein with carnitine transcriptionally up-regulated expressions of acyl-coenzyme A synthetase (ACS) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) by approximately 50% and 40%, respectively, compared with genistein alone. However, the up-regulation of CPT-I did not directly reflect the enzyme activity of CPT-I. On the other hand, the effects of genistein and genistein with carnitine on the expressions of ACS and CPT-I in muscle were not significant. Our study suggests that genistein with carnitine exerts anti-obesity effects, probably by modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-associated genes. However, further work is needed to elucidate the possible mechanisms by which genistein and carnitine intervene.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the antioxidant activity of Du-zhong extract is potentially beneficial for the prevention and management of complications of type 2 diabetes.
Abstract: Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (Du-zhong) leaf extract was investigated for its antioxidant effects in type 2 diabetic animals, C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Du-zhong extract equivalent to 1% dried whole Du-zhon...
TL;DR: Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, M. fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity as compared with their respective vehicle-treated control groups.
Abstract: The central cholinergic pathways play a prominent role in the learning and memory processes. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine. The present study was undertaken to estimate the acetylcholinesterase- inhibiting activity of extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Myristica fragrans seeds, and ascorbic acid and compare these values with a standard acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting drug, metrifonate. Aqueous extract of G. glabra (150 mg/kg p.o. for 7 successive days), n-hexane extract of M. fragrans seeds (5 mg/kg p.o. for 3 successive days), ascorbic acid (60 mg/kg i.p. for 3 successive days), and metrifonate (50 mg/kg i.p.) were administered to young male Swiss albino mice. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme was estimated in brains of mice. G. glabra, M. fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity as compared with their respective vehicle-treated control groups.
TL;DR: The results of the present study indicate that the overall cardioprotective effect of squalene is probably related to an inhibition of lipid accumulation by its hypolipidemic properties and/or its antioxidant properties.
Abstract: We studied the cardioprotective effect of squalene on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in male albino rats with respect to changes in the levels of lipid components in plasma and heart tissue. Prior administration of 2% squalene in feed for 45 days significantly reduced the isoprenaline-induced elevation in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in plasma and heart tissue of rats following myocardial infarction. It exerted an antilipidemic effect by reducing the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with a parallel rise in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma of experimental rats. A tendency to prevent the isoprenaline-induced depletion of phospholipids in the myocardium of experimental rats was also observed. In the present study, the pretreatment with squalene significantly counteracted the isoprenaline-induced lipid peroxidation and maintained the rats at near normal status. The results of the present study indicate that the overall cardioprotective effect of squalene is probably related to an inhibition of lipid accumulation by its hypolipidemic properties and/or its antioxidant properties.
TL;DR: It was found that this honey has the capacity to decrease significantly the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, produced during the lipid peroxidation process, in a comparable way with other widely studied antioxidants such as melatonin and vitamin E.
Abstract: The antioxidant effect of several polyphenolic compounds is well known. However, little is known about the antioxidant capacity of Venezuelan honey, which has a high content of polyphenolic compounds. In this work, the antioxidant capacity of a genuine honey produced in Merida, Venezuela was studied using the ferrous iron oxidation with xylenol orange method, the thiobarbituric acid method, and the determination of antioxidant activity. We found that this honey has the capacity to decrease significantly the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, produced during the lipid peroxidation process, in a comparable way with other widely studied antioxidants such as melatonin and vitamin E. It was found that the antioxidant activity in the 50% honey dilution, the highest concentration we tested, was equivalent to a concentration of uric acid of 0.62 mM.
TL;DR: Interventions favoring the scavenging and/or depuration of ROS (dietary and pharmacological antioxidants) should attenuate or prevent the oxidative stress, thereby mitigating against the subsequent renal damage.
Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathophysiological processes of renal diseases. The cellular damage is mediated by an alteration in the antioxidant status, which increases the concentration of ROS in the stationary state (oxidative stress). Oxidative stress mediates a wide range of renal impairments, from acute renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, obstructive nephropathy, hyperlipidemia, and glomerular damage to chronic renal failure and hemodialysis. Therefore, interventions favoring the scavenging and/or depuration of ROS (dietary and pharmacological antioxidants) should attenuate or prevent the oxidative stress, thereby mitigating against the subsequent renal damage.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of extract of Myristica fragrans seeds on depression in mice by using the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST) was investigated.
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of an n-hexane extract of Myristica fragrans seeds on depression in mice by using the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). M. fragrans extract (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was administered orally for 3 successive days to different groups of Swiss male young albino mice. M. fragrans extract significantly decreased immobility periods of mice in both the FST and the TST. The 10 mg/kg dose was found to be most potent, as indicated by the greatest decrease in the immobility period compared with the control. Furthermore, this dose of the extract was found to have comparable potency to imipramine (15 mg/kg i.p.) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg i.p.). The extract did not have a significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. Prazosin (62.5 microg/kg i.p.; an alpha (1)-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (50 mg/kg i.p.; a selective D(2) receptor antagonist), and p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg i.p.; an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis) significantly attenuated the M. fragrans extract-induced antidepressant-like effect in the TST. Thus, extract of M. fragrans elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice, when assessed in both the TST and the FST. The antidepressant-like effect of the extract seems to be mediated by interaction with the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems.
TL;DR: The results suggest that oral administration of aqueous GPE may be useful for prevention and treatment of hypertension through increasing NO production in blood vessels.
Abstract: Aqueous extracts of Gynura procumbens (Lour) Merr were orally administered to spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats for 4 weeks, and antihypertensive effects were determined Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of G procumbens (Lour) Merr extract (GPE) resulted in significantly lower blood pressure in SHR rats compared with SHR rats not given GPE (P < 05) Furthermore, GPE-administered rats had significantly lower serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphate kinase, and increased nitric oxide (NO), a known vasodilator, compared with the non–GPE-administered SHR group (P < 05) These results suggest that oral administration of aqueous GPE may be useful for prevention and treatment of hypertension through increasing NO production in blood vessels
TL;DR: European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and wild S. canadensis fruits demonstrated significant chemopreventive potential through strong induction of quinone reductase and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, which is indicative of anti-initiation and antipromotion properties, respectively.
Abstract: European elderberry (Sambucus nigra), recognized in Europe for its health-promoting properties for many generations, is known to contain a range of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other polyphenolics that contribute to the high antioxidant capacity of its berries. American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), on the other hand, has not been cultivated, bred, and promoted as a medicinal plant like its better-characterized European counterpart. In this study, aqueous acetone extracts of the berries from these two species were fractionated and tested in a range of assays that gauge anticarcinogenic potential. Both cultivated S. nigra and wild S. canadensis fruits demonstrated significant chemopreventive potential through strong induction of quinone reductase and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, which is indicative of anti-initiation and antipromotion properties, respectively. In addition, fractions of S. canadensis extract showed inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme marker related to the promotion stage of carcinogenesis. Analysis of active fractions using mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed, in addition to flavonoids, the presence of more lipophilic compounds such as sesquiterpenes, iridoid monoterpene glycosides, and phytosterols.
TL;DR: Results clearly indicate the prophylactic action of linseed oil against cyclophosphamide- induced oxidative stress and the increased activity of acid phosphatase and oxidized glutathione was significantly inhibited by lin Seed oil.
Abstract: The present study is a pilot study that explores the antioxidative properties of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil in its prophylactic action against oxidative stress induced by a radiomimetic drug, cyclophosphamide. Oral administration of linseed oil (0.1 mL/kg of body weight/day) for 20 days prior to an acute dose of cyclophosphamide (75 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the augmented level of malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, and hydroperoxides in the mouse brain. The cyclophosphamide- induced decline in the levels of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and alkaline phosphatase was also significantly prevented by linseed oil in mouse blood. Similarly, the increased activity of acid phosphatase and oxidized glutathione was significantly inhibited by linseed oil. Results clearly indicate the prophylactic action of linseed oil against cyclophosphamide- induced oxidative stress.
TL;DR: F. vulgare extract increased step-down latency and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mice significantly and can be employed in treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. Dementia is one of the age-related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Nootropic agents are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of Foeniculum vulgare Linn. extract as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Methanolic extract of the whole plant of F. vulgare Linn. administered for eight successive days ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging- induced memory deficits in mice. The passive avoidance paradigm served as the exteroceptive behavioral model for assessing memory. F. vulgare extract increased step-down latency and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mice significantly. Hence, F. vulgare can be employed in treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
TL;DR: Naringin can, however, be beneficial for lowering hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and levels of plasma lipids when supplemented for 6 weeks in this animal model.
Abstract: The flavonoid naringin was investigated for its differential effects on hepatic cholesterol regulation when supplemented for 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet with or without 0.02% naringin supplement for 3 or 6 weeks. Supplementation with naringin resulted in a significant decrease in the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the 6-week trial. Although high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was not altered in either trial, the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio (in percent) was significantly higher, and the atherogenic index was significantly lower in the naringin-supplemented groups in the 6-week trial. The hepatic cholesterol content was also lowered by naringin supplementation only in the 6-week trial. The hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity was lower in the rats supplemented with naringin for 6 weeks, while the hepatic acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activity was lower in both the 3-week and 6-week trials. Results indicate that supplementation with naringin for 3 weeks did not exhibit a hypolipidemic effect when given with a HFHC diet. Naringin can, however, be beneficial for lowering hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and levels of plasma lipids when supplemented for 6 weeks in this animal model.
TL;DR: The effects of beta-lapachone on the growth of the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 were investigated and indicated that beta- Lapachone may have potential as a chemopreventive agent for liver cancer.
Abstract: The DNA topoisomerase inhibitor beta-lapachone is a quinone obtained from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) in South America. It has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, and is a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. In this study, the effects of beta-lapachone on the growth of the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 were investigated. The results showed that beta-lapachone inhibits the viability of HepG2 by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting results indicated that treatments of cells with beta-lapachone resulted in down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax expression. beta-Lapachone-induced apoptosis was associated with a proteolytic activation of caspase-3 and -9 and degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein. However, beta-lapachone treatment did not affect the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins family and the Fas/FasL system. Taken together, our study indicated that beta-lapachone may have potential as a chemopreventive agent for liver cancer.
TL;DR: In vitro bioassays determined the inhibitory activity of parthenolide and golden feverfew extract against two human breast cancer cell lines (Hs605T and MCF-7) and one human cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) and revealed that apigenin and luteolin might have moderate to weak synergistic effects with parthenlide on the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Abstract: The medicinal herb feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium (L) Schultz-Bip] has long been used as a folk remedy for the treatment of migraine and arthritis Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, is considered to be the primary bioactive compound in feverfew having anti-migraine, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties In this study we determined, through in vitro bioassays, the inhibitory activity of parthenolide and golden feverfew extract against two human breast cancer cell lines (Hs605T and MCF-7) and one human cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) Feverfew ethanolic extract inhibited the growth of all three types of cancer cells with a half-effective concentration (EC50) of 15 mg/mL against Hs605T, 21 mg/mL against MCF-7, and 06 mg/mL against SiHa Among the tested constituents of feverfew (ie, parthenolide, camphor, luteolin, and apigenin), parthenolide showed the highest inhibitory effect with an EC50 against Hs605T, MCF-7, and SiHa of 26 microg/mL, 28 microg/mL, and 27 microg/mL, respectively Interactions between parthenolide and flavonoids (apigenin and luteolin) in feverfew extract also were investigated to elucidate possible synergistic or antagonistic effects The results revealed that apigenin and luteolin might have moderate to weak synergistic effects with parthenolide on the inhibition of cancer cell growth of Hs605T, MCF-7, and SiHa
TL;DR: It is concluded that dietary mulberry fruit extracts elicited protection against carrageenan-induced inflammation.
Abstract: Mulberry fruit (Morus Lhou Koidz.), a rich source of the major anthocyanin, cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), has traditionally been used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions including rheumatic arthritis. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of orally administrated methanolic mulberry fruit extract (ME) in carrageenan-induced arthritic rats, based on previously observed in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. A significant attenuation of hind paw inflammation characterized by fluid accumulation, uric acid production, and rheumatoid factors induced by carrageenan was observed following the intake of both ME (50 mg/kg of body weight) and C3G (10 mg/kg of body weight). Moreover, alterations in hematological parameters such as serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and atherogenic index following carrageenan administration were partially reversed by the administration of ME. It is concluded that dietary mulberry fruit extracts elicited protection against carrageenan-induced inflammation.
TL;DR: It is shown that chilli supplementation promotes colon carcinogenesis, whereas cumin or black pepper suppresses colon carcinogensis in the presence of the procarcinogen DMH.
Abstract: Colon cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women worldwide. We investigated the effect of red chilli (Capsicum annum L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) on colon cancer induced in rats by a colon-specific carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Colon cancer was induced by subcutaneous injection of DMH at a dosage of 20 mg/kg of body weight (15 doses, at 1-week intervals). The rats were continued with the standard pellet diet and supplemented red chilli [C. annum L., 0.015% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet], cumin seeds [C. cyminum L., 1.25% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet], and black pepper (P. nigrum L., 0.5% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet] throughout the experimental period. After the total experimental period of 32 weeks (including 2 weeks of acclimatization) the incidence and number of tumors in the colon were observed to be significantly higher in the rats administered DMH and/or red chillis, as compared with the cumin + DMH and black pepper + DMH groups. No tumo...