Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Food in 2007"
TL;DR: In this study antidiabetic- and antihypertension-relevant potentials of phenolic phytochemicals were confirmed in select important traditional plant foods of indigenous communities using in vitro enzyme assays for -glucosidase, alpha-amylase, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities.
Abstract: Levels of obesity-linked non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and hypertension are highest among indigenous communities in North America. This is linked to changes in dietary pattern towards high calorie foods such as sugar, refined grain flour, and sweetened beverages. Therefore, a return to traditional dietary patterns may help to reduce these disease problems because of better balance of calories and beneficial nutrients. Further protective non-nutrient phenolic phytochemicals against NIDDM and hypertension are potentially high in these foods but less understood. In this study antidiabetic- and antihypertension-relevant potentials of phenolic phytochemicals were confirmed in select important traditional plant foods of indigenous communities such as pumpkin, beans, and maize using in vitro enzyme assays for -glucosidase, α-amylase, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. In vitro inhibitory activities of these enzymes provide a strong biochemical rationale for further...
298 citations
TL;DR: It can be concluded that an intake of 2 heaping tablespoons daily would be likely to have important antioxidant activity in humans -- assuming that humans and rodents digest and absorb Spirulina-bound PCB in a comparable manner.
Abstract: Recent research reveals that free bilirubin functions physiologically as a potent inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity. The chromophore phycocyanobilin (PCB), found in blue-green algae and cyanobacteria such as Spirulina, also has been found to be a potent inhibitor of this enzyme complex, likely because in mammalian cells it is rapidly reduced to phy- cocyanorubin, a close homolog of bilirubin. In light of the protean roles of NADPH oxidase activation in pathology, it thus appears likely that PCB supplementation may have versatile potential in prevention and therapy—particularly in light of ro- dent studies demonstrating that orally administered Spirulina or phycocyanin (the Spirulina holoprotein that contains PCB) can exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects. Until PCB-enriched Spirulina extracts or synthetically produced PCB are commercially available, the most feasible and least expensive way to administer PCB is by ingestion of whole Spirulina. A heaping tablespoon (about 15 g) of Spirulina can be expected to provide about 100 mg of PCB. By extrapolating from rodent studies, it can be concluded that an intake of 2 heaping tablespoons daily would be likely to have important antioxidant ac- tivity in humans—assuming that humans and rodents digest and absorb Spirulina-bound PCB in a comparable manner. An intake of this magnitude can be clinically feasible if Spirulina is incorporated into "smoothies" featuring such ingredients as soy milk, fruit juices, and whole fruits. Such a regimen should be evaluated in clinical syndromes characterized and in part mediated by NADPH oxidase overactivity in affected tissues.
184 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that this natural, flavonoid mixture acts via "dual inhibition" of COX and LOX enzymes to reduce production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and attenuate edema in an in vivo model of inflammation.
Abstract: A mixed extract containing two naturally occurring flavonoids, baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis and catechin from Acacia catechu, was tested for cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition via enzyme, cellular, and in vivo models. The 50% inhibitory concentration for inhibition of both ovine COX-1 and COX-2 peroxidase enzyme activities was 15 μg/mL, while the mixed extract showed a value for potato 5-LOX enzyme activity of 25 μg/mL. Prostaglandin E2 generation was inhibited by the mixed extract in human osteosarcoma cells expressing COX-2, while leukotriene production was inhibited in both human cell lines, immortalized THP-1 monocyte and HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma. In an arachidonic acid-induced mouse ear swelling model, the extract decreased edema in a dose-dependent manner. When arachidonic acid was injected directly into the intra-articular space of mouse ankle joints, the mixed extract abated the swelling and restored function in a rotary drum walking model. These results sug...
163 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that the anthocyanins in black soybean seed coats have an anti-obesity effect, which can reverse the effects of HFD on body weight, adipose tissue weight, and serum lipid contents.
Abstract: The effect of anthocyanins extracted from black soybean (Glycine max L.) seed coats on body weight, adipose tissue weight, and serum lipids was evaluated in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). Rats were raised on a normal diet (ND) (based on the AIN-93M diet), HFD (ND supplemented with 16% lard oil), HFD containing 10% black soybean, and HFD containing 0.037% black soybean anthocyanins (equivalent to that in the 10% black soybean diet). Weight gain was significantly lowered in the rats fed HFD plus black soybean anthocyanins compared with the rats fed HFD alone (P < .05) and reversed to the level of the rats fed ND. The black soybean diet also decreased body weight gain compared with the HFD (P < .05). The black soybean anthocyanins-added diet suppressed the HFD-induced weight gain in liver intermediately and tended to decrease the weights of epididymal and perirenal fat pads. The black soybean anthocyanins were also effective in improving the lipid profile. They significantly reduced the levels of serum trig...
149 citations
TL;DR: The extract exhibited high reduction capability and powerful free radical scavenging, especially against DPPH and superoxide anions as well as a moderate effect on NO.
Abstract: Cyperus rotundus (Family Cyperaceae) is used both as a functional food and as a drug In this study, the antioxidative potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of C rotundus (CRE) was evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method, total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion systems, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging We further evaluated the reducing potential of the extract as well as Fe(2+)/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate These various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene, tocopherol, L-ascorbic acid, and catechin Total phenolic and flavonoid content of CRE was also determined by a colorimetric method The extract exhibited high reduction capability and powerful free radical scavenging, especially against DPPH and superoxide anions as well as a moderate effect on NO CRE also showed inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate induced by Fe(2+)/ascorbate and prevented deoxyribose degradation in both non-site-specific and site-specific assays showing the hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal chelating activity of the hydroalcoholic extract Moreover, the peroxidation inhibiting activity of CRE was demonstrated in the linoleic acid emulsion system These results clearly established the antioxidative potency of C rotundus, which may account for some of the medical claims attributed to this plant
137 citations
TL;DR: Findings demonstrated that Echinacea is a wide-spectrum immunomodulator that modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses, in particular, E. angustifolia or E. pallida may have more anti-inflammatory potential.
Abstract: Echinacea preparations are commonly used as nonspecific immunomodulatory agents. Alcohol extracts from three widely used Echinacea species, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea, were investigated for immunomodulating properties. The three Echinacea species demonstrated a broad difference in concentrations of individual lipophilic amides and hydrophilic caffeic acid derivatives. Mice were gavaged once a day (for 7 days) with one of the Echinacea extracts (130 mg/kg) or vehicle and immunized with sheep red blood cells (sRBC) 4 days prior to collection of immune cells for multiple immunological assays. The three herb extracts induced similar, but differential, changes in the percentage of immune cell populations and their biological functions, including increased percentages of CD49+ and CD19+ lymphocytes in spleen and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Antibody response to sRBC was significantly increased equally by extracts of all three Echinacea species. Concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes from E. angustifolia- and E. pallida-treated mice demonstrated significantly higher T cell proliferation. In addition, the Echinacea treatment significantly altered the cytokine production by mitogen-stimulated splenic cells. The three herbal extracts significantly increased interferon-alpha production, but inhibited the release of tumor necrosis factor-gamma and interleukin (IL)-1beta. Only E. angustifolia- and E. pallida-treated mice demonstrated significantly higher production of IL-4 and increased IL-10 production. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that Echinacea is a wide-spectrum immunomodulator that modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. In particular, E. angustifolia or E. pallida may have more anti-inflammatory potential.
135 citations
TL;DR: It is noteworthy that coconut oil was active against species of Candida at 100% concentration compared to fluconazole, and coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.
Abstract: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance, coupled with the availability of fewer antifungal agents with fungicidal actions, prompted this present study to characterize Candida species in our environment and determine the effectiveness of virgin coconut oil as an antifungal agent on these species. In 2004, 52 recent isolates of Candida species were obtained from clinical specimens sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Their susceptibilities to virgin coconut oil and fluconazole were studied by using the agar-well diffusion technique. Candida albicans was the most common isolate from clinical specimens (17); others were Candida glabrata (nine), Candida tropicalis (seven), Candida parapsilosis (seven), Candida stellatoidea (six), and Candida krusei (six). C. albicans had the highest susceptibility to coconut oil (100%), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25% (1:4 dilution), while fluconazole had 100% susceptibility at an MIC of 64 μ...
132 citations
TL;DR: The intent of this manuscript is to review the literature that describes anti-inflammatory bioactivities in plant extracts of different plant genera and evaluate indigenous folk remedies used by folk doctors to treat inflammatory ailments in this region of the world.
Abstract: The medical ethnobotanical knowledge propagated over generations in the coastal regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, including Lebanon, is one that has built on several ancient cultures and civilizations of these regions. Recent interest in medical ethnobotany and the use of medicinal herbs in treating or preventing ailments has rejuvenated interest in folk medicine practices, especially those transcendent across generations. According to Eastern Mediterranean folk medicine practices, herbal remedies that treat many inflammation-related ailments were typically based on plant bioactive water extracts or decoctions. Studies have shown that active anti-inflammatory ingredients in water extracts include many natural chemicals such as phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, and carbohydrates. The intent of this manuscript is twofold: first, to review the literature that describes anti-inflammatory bioactivities in plant extracts of different plant genera; and second, to evaluate indigenous folk remedies used by folk ...
126 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that Hull blackberry extract (HBE) has potent antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities and that HBE-formulated products may have the potential for the treatment and/ or prevention of cancer and/or other inflammatory diseases.
Abstract: Blackberries are rich in polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Polyphenols are hypothesized to have biological activities that may impact positively on human health. In these studies, an anthocyanin-rich extract from Hull blackberries grown in Kentucky was obtained and fully characterized in terms of total anthocyanin and phenolic content, polymeric color, anthocyanin composition, and total antioxidant capacity. In vitro cell culture studies showed that the blackberry extract inhibited HT-29 colon tumor cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner with 49.2 μg of total anthocyanins/mL inhibiting HT-29 cell growth up to 66% at 72 hours. Likewise, in a concentration-dependent manner, total anthocyanin concentrations in the range of 0–40 μg/mL suppressed both high-dose (10 μg/mL) and low-dose (0.1 μg/mL) lipid A-induced interleukin-12 release from mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. These results suggest that Hull blackberry extract (HBE) has potent antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammat...
122 citations
TL;DR: The ethanol extract of S. siliquastrum has potential as a natural antioxidant and the reducing power was found to be the highest in the ethanol extract at 10 mg/mL, showing an effect similar to ascorbic acid.
Abstract: Antioxidant properties of brown seaweed (Sargassum siliquastrum) extracts were evaluated using various antioxidant measurements, i.e., inhibitory effect on thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelating effect, reducing power effect, and total phenolic compounds. When the extraction solvents n-hexane, chloroform, ethanol, and water were compared, the water extract showed the highest yield in extracted mass. Total phenolic compounds were the highest in the ethanol extract, with 127.4 mg/g. The TBARS inhibition of chloroform and ethanol extracts at 10 mg/mL was 90.9% and 80.9%, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging capacity was more than 90% in all extracts at 1 mg/mL. The chloroform extract exhibited the highest metal ion chelating ability of 69.6% at 10 mg/mL. The reducing power was found to be the highest in the ethanol extract at 10 mg/mL, showing an effect similar to ascorbic acid. Thus, the ethanol extract of S. siliquastrum ha...
110 citations
TL;DR: Air-dried C. papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects and offers a cheap, natural, harmless, readily available monotherapy and preventive strategy against intestinal parasitosis, especially in tropical communities.
Abstract: The tropical fruit Carica papaya and its seeds have proven antihelminthic and anti-amoebic activities. To determine the effectiveness of air-dried C. papaya seeds on human intestinal parasitosis, 60 asymptomatic Nigerian children with stool microscopic evidence of intestinal parasites received immediate doses (20 mL) of either an elixir composed with air-dried C. papaya seeds and honey (CPH) or honey alone (placebo) in two randomized treatment groups. Repeat stool microscopic examinations were conducted 7 days postintervention for intestinal parasites. Significantly more subjects given CPH elixir than those given honey had their stools cleared of parasites [23 of 30 (76.7%) vs. five of 30 (16.7%); z = 4.40, P = .0000109]. There were no harmful effects. The stool clearance rate for the various types of parasites encountered was between 71.4% and 100% following CPH elixir treatment compared with 0-15.4% with honey. Thus, air-dried C. papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects. Their consumption offers a cheap, natural, harmless, readily available monotherapy and preventive strategy against intestinal parasitosis, especially in tropical communities. Further and large-scale intervention studies to compare C. papaya with standard antiparasitic preparation are desirous.
TL;DR: Pomegranate fractions and their active compounds hold potential and are worthy of further investigations as safe and effective medical treatments for diabetes mellitus and its pathological consequences.
Abstract: The current diabetes epidemic is a global concern with readily available effective therapies or preventative measures in demand. One natural product with such potential is the pomegranate (Punica granatum), with hypoglycemic activity noted from its flowers, seeds, and juice in canons of the traditional folk medicines of India. The mechanisms for such effects are largely unknown, though recent research suggests pomegranate flowers and juice may prevent diabetic sequelae via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ binding and nitric oxide production. Pomegranate compounds associated with antidiabetic effects include oleanolic, ursolic, and gallic acids. Pomegranate fractions and their active compounds hold potential and are worthy of further investigations as safe and effective medical treatments for diabetes mellitus and its pathological consequences.
TL;DR: Data suggest that CGE and a component grape anthocyanin have breast cancer chemopreventive potential due in part to their capacity to block carcinogen-DNA adduct formation, modulate activities of carcinogens-metabolizing enzymes, and suppress ROS in these noncancerous human breast cells.
Abstract: Anthocyanins, belonging to the flavonoid family of phytochemicals, have received attention as agents that may have potential in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. In the present study, an anthocyanin-rich extract from Concord grapes [referred to as Concord grape extract (CGE)] and the anthocyanin delphinidin were evaluated for their capacity to inhibit DNA adduct formation due to the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in MCF-10F cells, a noncancerous, immortalized human breast epithelial cell line. CGE at 10 and 20 microg/mL and delphinidin at 0.6 microM concentrations significantly inhibited BP-DNA adduct formation. This was associated with a significant increase in activities of the phase II detoxification enzymes glutathione S-transferase and NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 1. In addition, these grape components also suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, but did not induce antioxidant response element-dependent transcription. Taken together, these data suggest that CGE and a component grape anthocyanin have breast cancer chemopreventive potential due in part to their capacity to block carcinogen-DNA adduct formation, modulate activities of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, and suppress ROS in these noncancerous human breast cells.
TL;DR: Current data are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the use of isoflavones as an alternative to estrogen for hormone replacement in postmenopausal women, and large, long-term intervention studies examining adverse effects and disease outcomes are needed.
Abstract: In recent years, isoflavones have increased in popularity as an alternative to estrogen therapy, particularly after the Women's Health Initiative demonstrated an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attacks in response to estrogen and progesterone intervention. Isoflavones are heterocyclic phenols with structural similarity to estradiol-17beta and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Actions at the cellular level depend on the target tissue, receptor status of the tissue, and the level of endogenous estrogen. Clinical studies of soy-based diets evaluating the relation between soy consumption and serum lipid concentrations revealed that soy consumption significantly decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Epidemiological studies suggest a protective effect of soy protein on breast tissue as evidenced by the lower rates of breast cancer in East Asian countries where soy is a predominant part of the diet. Soy products also alleviate menopaus...
TL;DR: It is suggested that bee pollen could promote the early development of the digestive system and therefore is a potentially beneficial food supplement for certain conditions, such as short bowel syndrome.
Abstract: In this study, the effects of bee pollen on the development of digestive organs were evaluated in broiler chickens. A total of 144 1-day-old AA broiler chickens were randomly and equally divided into two groups, assigned as the control group and the pollen group, respectively. The control group was fed with a basic diet, while the pollen group was fed with a basic diet supplemented with 1.5% bee pollen over a period of 6 weeks. At the end of each week, the digestive organs were obtained for comparison from 12 broilers randomly selected from each group. The results demonstrated that compared to the control group, the small intestine villi from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were longer and thicker in the pollen group. This difference was more significant during early development, especially through the first 2 weeks. Bee pollen increased the length of the villi by 37.1% and 29.4% in the duodenum, 28.1% and 33.7% in the jejunum, and 18.6% and 16.2% in the ileum in week 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, the small intestinal glands were developed at a higher density in the pollen group, and the depth of the glands was significantly increased by bee pollen in the first 2 weeks. These findings suggest that bee pollen could promote the early development of the digestive system and therefore is a potentially beneficial food supplement for certain conditions, such as short bowel syndrome.
TL;DR: The results suggest that R. coreanus extract, and none of the other herbs, has antifatigue effects in mice, as demonstrated by the increased forced swimming capacity and decreased plasma ammonia accumulation.
Abstract: The antifatigue properties of six Korean medicinal herb extracts were studied by evaluating forced swimming capacity and biochemical parameters in ICR mice. The treatment groups were orally administered 30% ethanolic extracts (500 mg/kg/day) of Rubus coreanus Miquel, Cyperus rotundus Linn., Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Saururus chinensis Baili, Epimedium koreanumNakai, or Houttuynia cordata Thunb. for 4 weeks. Swimming time to exhaustion was found to be longer for the group fed R. coreanus than for the control group (P < .05). No significant differences were found in the plasma levels of either glucose or lactate between the control group and the group fed R. coreanus, which swam longer than the control. The plasma ammonia levels were significantly lower in the groups fed R. coreanus and A. sessiliflorus, when compared to the control group (P < .05). No significant differences were found in gastrocnemius muscle or liver glycogen content between the control group and any treatment group. These results suggest that R. coreanus extract, and none of the other herbs, has antifatigue effects in mice, as demonstrated by the increased forced swimming capacity and decreased plasma ammonia accumulation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of resveratrol on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated C6 microglia was investigated.
Abstract: Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic antioxidant found in red wine and grapes, has been reported to exert a variety of important pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and cancer chemopreventive properties. In the present study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated C6 microglia. Exposure of cultured rat C6 astroglioma cells to LPS increased their release of NO and PGE2 and their inducible expression of NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, all of which were significantly inhibited by resveratrol pretreatment. Further studies revealed that resveratrol suppressed LPS-induced nuclear translocation and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). These results demonstrate a potent suppressive effect of resveratrol on pro-inflammatory responses of microglia by modulation of NF-κB activity, suggesting a therapeutic potential for this compound in neurodegenerative diseases accompani...
TL;DR: When RBEP directly contacts immune cells, the anticancer activity is higher than by indirectly inducing an immune response through oral administration, and it is suggested that the administration of RBEP may be effective for preventing and/or treating cancer through NK cell activation.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and anticancer effects of exo-biopolymer from rice bran cultured with Lentinus edodes [rice bran exo-biopolymer (RBEP)]. Oral administration of RBEP induced the activation of NK cells in a dose-dependent manner. RBEP also prolonged the life spans of mice transplanted with Sarcoma-180 cells and inhibited growing Sarcoma-180 cells in intraperitoneum. Solid tumor growth was also suppressed by oral administration of RBEP in C57/Bl6 mice transplanted with B16/Bl6 melanoma. Intraperitoneal injection of RBEP was more effective than oral administration at the same dosage in mice with transplanted tumor cells. According to this result, when RBEP directly contacts immune cells, the anticancer activity is higher than by indirectly inducing an immune response through oral administration. Therefore, we suggest that the administration of RBEP may be effective for preventing and/or treating cancer through NK cell activation. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the possible mechanisms of the anticancer activity and to investigate the other beneficial effects of RBEP for the development of a new biological response modifier.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of silymarin in improving long-term and post-prandial glycemic and weight control in type 2 diabetic patients treated with glibenclamide were evaluated.
Abstract: Oxidative stress is increased postprandially and during long-term hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients who present with poor response to glibenclamide This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the antioxidant flavonoid silymarin in improving long-term and postprandial glycemic and weight control in type 2 diabetic patients treated with glibenclamide Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 59 type 2 diabetic patients, previously maintained on 10 mg/day glibenclamide and diet control, with poor glycemic control, were randomized into three groups: the first two groups were treated with either 200 mg/day silymarin or placebo as adjuncts to glibenclamide, and the third group was maintained on glibenclamide alone for 120 days Fasting and 4-hour postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at baseline and after 120 days Compared with placebo, silymarin treatment significantly reduced both fasting and postprandial plasma glucose excursions, in addition to significantly reducing HbA(1c) levels and BMI after 120 days No significantly different effects were observed for placebo compared to glibenclamide alone In conclusion, adjunct use of silymarin with glibenclamide improves the glycemic control targeted by glibenclamide, during both fasting and postprandially, an effect that may be related to increased insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
TL;DR: Results suggest that aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of P. americana lower plasma glucose and influence lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic rats with consequent lowering of T-CHOL and LDL-CH OL and a restoration of HDL-CHol levels, which could represent a protective mechanism against the development of atherosclerosis.
Abstract: The effect of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Persea americana on plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CHOL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CHOL) in rats was investigated. Albino rats were fed a diet containing 20% groundnut oil, 0.5% cholesterol, and 0.25% cholic acid to induce hypercholesterolemia. They were then treated daily with aqueous or methanolic extract of P. americana leaf (10 mg/kg of body weight) for 8 weeks. There were no significant (P > .05) differences in the overall body weight gain of the hypercholesterolemic rats compared to normal control. Liver to body weight ratio, plasma glucose, total cholesterol (T-CHOL), and LDL-CHOL levels were significantly (P < .05) elevated in rats fed hypercholesterolemic diet compared to normal controls. The administration of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of P. americana induced reductions in plasma glucose (16% and 11%,respectively), T-CHOL (8% and 5%, respectively), and LDL-CHOL (19% and 20%, respectively) in the treated rats compared to the hypercholesterolemic controls. Also, plasma HDL-CHOL concentrations increased by 85% and 68%, respectively, in the aqueous and methanolic extract-treated rats compared to the hypercholesterolemic controls. These results suggest that aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of P. americana lower plasma glucose and influence lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic rats with consequent lowering of T-CHOL and LDL-CHOL and a restoration of HDL-CHOL levels. This could represent a protective mechanism against the development of atherosclerosis.
TL;DR: This research suggests that the REC-1001 fraction of H. rhamnoides extract is a safe and effective antioxidant nutraceutical product.
Abstract: Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free radical-mediated oxidative stress. In the present study, initially two fractions designated REC-1001 (flavonoid-rich fraction) and REC-1002 (flavonoid-poor fraction) of Hippophae rhamnoides were screened on the basis of their reducing power in the aqueous phase. REC-1001 was selected for further study, since it exhibited 27.38 times higher antioxidant activity than REC-1002. REC-1001 also showed significant (P < .05) membrane protection potential at 50 microg/mL, which was attributed to its ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals (64.82 +/- 1.25% scavenging within 1,440 min). A significant (P < .05) difference of 67.02% in free radical scavenging activity at 1,000 ng/mL between REC-1001 and vitamin E demonstrated the extract fraction's worth in radiation protection. Such activities were attributed to the presence of quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol in this fraction. Further, REC-1001 was found to be nontoxic up to 200 mg/kg of body weight. This research suggests that the REC-1001 fraction of H. rhamnoides extract is a safe and effective antioxidant nutraceutical product.
TL;DR: Seaweed ingestion increased I/C concentrations and serum TSH and soy supplementation did not affect thyroid end points, but seven weeks of 5 g/day seaweed supplementation was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in TSH.
Abstract: Seaweeds and soy are two commonly eaten foods in Asia. Both have been reported to affect thyroid function, seaweed because of its iodine content and soy because of its goitrogenic effect. Twenty-five healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 58 years) completed a double-blinded randomized crossover study. Ten capsules (5 g/day) of placebo or seaweed (Alaria esculenta), providing 475 microg of iodine/day, were consumed daily for 7 weeks. A powdered soy protein isolate (Solae Co., St. Louis, MO), providing 2 mg of isoflavones/kg of body weight, was given daily during the last week of each treatment arm. On average, this provided 141.3 mg of isoflavones/day and 67.5 g of protein/day. Blood samples and 48-hour urine samples were collected before and after each intervention period, and urinary I/C (microg of iodine/g of creatinine) and serum thyroxine, free thyroxine index, total triiodothyronine, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured. Seaweed ingestion increased I/C concentrations (P < .0001) and serum TSH (P < .0001) (1.69 +/- 0.22 vs. 2.19 +/- 0.22 microU/mL, mean +/- SE). Soy supplementation did not affect thyroid end points. Seven weeks of 5 g/day seaweed supplementation was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in TSH. Soy protein isolate supplementation was not associated with changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations.
TL;DR: TheBioavailability of CoQ(10) increased fivefold after administration of the NanoSolve formulation, and the bioavailability of vitamin E was enhanced 10-fold both compared to the pure substances.
Abstract: Commercial coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) formulations often show poor intestinal absorption. Delivery of CoQ10 and vitamin E was enhanced when used with a new formulation, NanoS...
TL;DR: Results of the present study suggest that THC showed antioxidant effects in addition to its antidiabetic effect in type 2 diabetic rats, suggesting efficacy for protection against lipid peroxidation-induced membrane damage.
Abstract: Oxidative damage has been suggested to be a contributory factor in the development and complication of diabetes. To investigate the effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) on the occurrence of oxidative stress in the brain of rats during diabetes, we investigated the extent of oxidative damage as well as the status of the antioxidant defense system. Oral administration of THC at 80 mg/kg of body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and significant increase in plasma insulin levels. In addition, THC caused significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and reduced glutathione in the brains of diabetic rats with significant decrease in the lipid peroxidative markers thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hydroperoxides in brain, suggesting efficacy for protection against lipid peroxidation-induced membrane damage. The effect of THC was greater than that of curcumin. Results of the present study suggest that THC showed antioxidant effects in addition to its antidiabetic effect in type 2 diabetic rats.
TL;DR: The relatively high bioaccessibility of beta-carotene and lutein from drumstick leaves ingested with oil supports the potential use of this plant food for improving vitamin A nutrition and perhaps delaying the onset of some degenerative diseases such as cataracts.
Abstract: The leaves and pods of the drumstick tree are used as food and medicine in some Asian and African countries. Although relatively high concentrations of beta-carotene and lutein have been reported in the leaves, the bioavailability of these carotenoids from this source is unknown. We have analyzed the digestive stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in fresh and lyophilized drumstick leaves using the coupled in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model. Beta-carotene and lutein were stable during simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion. The efficiency of micellarization of lutein during the small intestinal phase of digestion exceeded that of beta-carotene. Addition of peanut oil (5% vol/wt) to the test food increased micellarization of both carotenoids, and particularly beta-carotene. Caco-2 cells accumulated beta-carotene and lutein from micelles generated during digestion of drumstick leaves in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The relatively high bioaccessibility of beta-carotene and lutein from drumstick leaves ingested with oil supports the potential use of this plant food for improving vitamin A nutrition and perhaps delaying the onset of some degenerative diseases such as cataracts.
TL;DR: The NT-GA at all concentrations was well tolerated, but was ineffective in causing weight loss or in suppressing food intake, and Pharmacokinetics suggested that GA plasma levels were limited by oral absorption, and may be the reason for lack of efficacy.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of NT, a dietary herbal supplement made from rhubarb, ginger, astragulus, red sage, and turmeric, combined with gallic acid (GA) to reduce food intake and cause weight loss. A total of 105 healthy subjects, 18-60 years old with a body mass index of 25-35 kg/m(2) and on no chronic medication, were randomized to a 300 mg/1.2 g NT-GA combination, a 600 mg/2.4 g NT-GA combination, or placebo in three divided doses daily for 24 weeks. Food intake was measured at baseline and 2 weeks, and safety parameters were followed regularly. Pharmacokinetic studies of a 200 mg/800 g NT-GA combination and 800 mg GA alone were performed with and without food. There was no dose-related weight loss or reduction in food intake at the 8-week analysis, and the study was terminated early. Pharmacokinetic studies showed plasma levels of GA did not increase above 10 microM and were not dose-related. The NT-GA at all concentrations was well tolerated, but was ineffective in causing weight loss or in suppressing food intake. Pharmacokinetics suggested that GA plasma levels were limited by oral absorption, and may be the reason for lack of efficacy.
TL;DR: This study demonstrates that T. occidentalis may be a useful therapy for hypercholesterolemia through reducing oxidative stress and cholesterol levels and Questran, a hypolipidemic drug, to attenuate hypercholesterololemia.
Abstract: Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) is one of the commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Nigeria. In order to justify its inclusion in herbal preparations in African traditional medicine, the possible hypolipidemic effect of this vegetable was investigated in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. The ability of Questran, a hypolipidemic drug, to attenuate hypercholesterolemia was also examined. Rats were fed with either a basal diet containing cholic acid (0.2%) or a supplemented diet with T. occidentalis at the 3% and 6% levels. Oral administration of cholesterol for 9 consecutive weeks resulted in a significant increase (P .05) in plasma and PMF triglyceride levels of rats fed on supplemented diets when compared with cholesterol-fed rats. There were significant decreases (P < .05) in lipid peroxidation levels in rats fed on the supplemented diets. Specifically, 3% and 6% T. occidentalis-supplemented diets decreased plasma and PMF lipid peroxidation by 24% and 20% and by 42% and 21%, respectively. This study demonstrates that T. occidentalis may be a useful therapy for hypercholesterolemia through reducing oxidative stress and cholesterol levels.
TL;DR: The results demonstrated that IOE70 inhibition of LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein is mediated by Akt and JNK, and might have useful clinical applications in the management of inflammatory diseases and may also be useful as a medicinal food.
Abstract: Inonotus obliquus (Pers.:Fr.) Pil. is a white rot fungus that belongs to the family Hymenochaetaceae of Basidiomycetes. Extracts and fractions of this fungus have been known to have biological acti...
TL;DR: The results showed that P. pinnata possessed strong scavenging activity and moderate reducing power, and the total phenol, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents of the extracts were very close to those reported for most medicinal plants and showed good correlation with its antioxidant activities.
Abstract: Paullinia pinnata is an African woody vine widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria. In order to throw more light into its mechanisms of pharmacological actions, the in vitr...
TL;DR: Results strongly indicate that DHA and EPA exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions by reducing the cellular levels of RS, pro-inflammatory mediators, and nitrite levels and by maintaining higher GSH levels and antioxidative enzyme activities.
Abstract: Oxidative stress due to excessive reactive species (RS) and weakened antioxidant defenses is causally associated with inflammation and inflammatory mediators. To investigate the effects of the majo...