Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Food in 2008"
TL;DR: The data suggest that rosemary essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity.
Abstract: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Family Lamiaceae), popularly named rosemary, is a common household plant grown in many parts of the world, including Brazil. Rosemary leaves are used for food flavoring and have been used in folk medicine for many conditions; they have antispasmodic, analgesic, antirheumatic, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, and antiepileptic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of rosemary essential oil (REO) on experimental models of nociception and inflammation in animals. The anti-inflammatory effect of REO was evaluated by inflammatory exudate volume and leukocyte migration in carrageenan-induced pleurisy and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests in rats. Antinociception was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice. REO (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the volume of pleural exudate and slightly decreased the number of cells that had migrated compared with the control animals. At doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg, REO significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced edema 1-4 hours after injection of the phlogistic agent. In the hot plate test, REO administration (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) showed unremarkable effects on response latency, whereas control injection of meperidine induced significant antinociceptive effects. REO at doses of 70, 125, and 250 mg/kg had a significant antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test compared with control animals. These data suggest that REO possesses anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity.
163 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that ellagitannin metabolites, delivered from pomegranate fruits, as PJ, POMxl, and POMxp, reach equivalent levels with a delay in time of maximum concentration of POMexp compared to PJ and Pomxl.
Abstract: Pomegranate juice (PJ), a rich source of polyphenols including ellagitannins, has attracted much attention due to its reported health benefits. This has resulted in the consumption of liquid and powder pomegranate extracts as alternatives to PJ. Therefore establishing the bioavailability of polyphenols from these extract preparations is necessary. Sixteen healthy volunteers sequentially consumed, with a 1-week washout period between treatments, PJ (8 ounces, Wonderful fruit variety), a pomegranate polyphenol liquid extract (POMxl, 8 ounces), and a pomegranate polyphenol powder extract (POMxp, 1,000 mg). The three interventions provided 857, 776, and 755 mg of polyphenols as gallic acid equivalents, respectively. Plasma bioavailability, judged based on ellagic acid levels over a 6-hour period, did not show statistical differences in area under the curve for the three interventions: 0.14 ± 0.05, 0.11 ± 0.03, and 0.11 ± 0.04 μmol · hour/L for PJ, POMxl, and POMxp, respectively. The time of maximum concentration was delayed for POMxp (2.58 ± 0.42 hours) compared to PJ (0.65 ± 0.23 hours) and POMxl (0.94 ± 0.06 hours). Urolithin-A glucuronide, a urinary metabolite of ellagic acid, was not significantly different with the three interventions, reaching levels of approximately 1,000 ng/mL. This study demonstrates that ellagitannin metabolites, delivered from pomegranate fruits, as PJ, POMxl, and POMxp, reach equivalent levels with a delay in time of maximum concentration of POMxp compared to PJ and POMxl.
150 citations
TL;DR: Results show that lower concentrations of combined treatments with several natural compounds may be useful for treatments for obesity through the suppression of adipogenesis and enhanced adipocyte apoptosis.
Abstract: The natural compounds genistein (G), quercetin (Q), and resveratrol (R) have been reported to each exhibit anti-adipogenic activities in adipocytes and antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in several cell types. We studied the combined effects of G, Q, and R on adipogenesis and apoptosis in primary human adipocytes (HAs) and 3T3-L1 murine adipocyte (MAs). Combined treatment with 6.25 μM G, 12.5 μM Q, and 12.5 μM R during the 14-day differentiation period caused an enhanced inhibition of lipid accumulation in maturing HAs that was greater than the responses to individual compounds and to the calculated additive response. Glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, a marker of late adipocyte differentiation, was decreased markedly in HAs treated with the combination of G+Q+R. In addition, combined treatment with 50 μM G, 100 μM Q, and 100 μM R for 3 days decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in early- and mid- phase maturing and lipid-filled mature HAs. In contrast, no compound ...
149 citations
TL;DR: Tart cherries may represent a whole food research model of the health effects of anthocyanin-rich foods and may possess nutraceutical value against risk factors for metabolic syndrome and its clinical sequelae.
Abstract: Elevated plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, and fatty liver are among components of metabolic syndrome, a phenotypic pattern that typically precedes the development of Type 2 diabetes. Animal studies show that intake of anthocyanins reduces hyperlipidemia, obesity, and atherosclerosis and that anthocyanin-rich extracts may exert these effects in association with altered activity of tissue peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). However, studies are lacking to test this correlation using physiologically relevant, whole food sources of anthocyanins. Tart cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins, and whole cherry fruit intake may also affect hyperlipidemia and/or affect tissue PPARs. This hypothesis was tested in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive rat having insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. For 90 days, Dahl rats were pair-fed AIN-76a-based diets supplemented with either 1% (wt:wt) freeze-dried whole tart cherry or with 0.85% additional carbohydrate to match macronutrient and calorie provisi...
139 citations
TL;DR: In general, spice extracts inhibited glycation more than herb extracts, but inhibition was correlated with total phenolic content, and extracts of powdered ginger and bay leaf were less effective than expected, and black pepper was more effective.
Abstract: We tested whether polyphenolic substances in extracts of commercial culinary herbs and spices would inhibit fructose-mediated protein glycation. Extracts of 24 herbs and spices from a local supermarket were tested for the ability to inhibit glycation of albumin. Dry samples were ground and extracted with 10 volumes of 50% ethanol, and total phenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) were measured. Aliquots were incubated in triplicate at pH 7.4 with 0.25 M fructose and 10 mg/mL fatty acid-free bovine albumin. Fluorescence at 370 nm/440 nm was used as an index of albumin glycation. In general, spice extracts inhibited glycation more than herb extracts, but inhibition was correlated with total phenolic content (R(2) = 0.89). The most potent inhibitors included extracts of cloves, ground Jamaican allspice, and cinnamon. Potent herbs tested included sage, marjoram, tarragon, and rosemary. Total phenolics were highly correlated with FRAP values (R(2) = 0.93). The concentration of phenolics that inhibited glycation by 50% was typically 4-12 microg/mL. Relative to total phenolic concentration, extracts of powdered ginger and bay leaf were less effective than expected, and black pepper was more effective. Prevention of protein glycation is an example of the antidiabetic potential for bioactive compounds in culinary herbs and spices.
139 citations
TL;DR: Data of this study suggest that ginger and garlic are insulinotropic rather than hypoglycemic while overall anti-diabetic effects of ginger are better than those of garlic, at least in this experimental condition.
Abstract: To compare the anti-diabetic effects of dietary ginger and garlic, 5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat (HF) diet (22% fat) for 2 weeks and then randomly divided into six groups of eight animals: Normal Control (NC), Diabetic Control (DBC), Ginger Low (GNL), Ginger High (GNH), Garlic Low (GRL), and Garlic High (GRH) groups “Low” and “High” indicate addition of 05% and 20% freeze-dried ginger or garlic powder in their respective diets Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg of body weight) in all groups except the NC group After 4 weeks of feeding of experimental diets, food intake was significantly (P < 05) higher in the GRL group compared to the GRH group Serum insulin concentrations were significantly higher in the NC and GNH groups compared to the DBC, GNL, and GRL groups, while no significant difference was observed for the GRH group Better glucose tolerance was observed in the GNH group compared to the DBC and all other ging
137 citations
TL;DR: Besides antiperoxidative activity, C. sinensis extract has antithyroidal, hypoglycemic, and insulin stimulatory properties, which suggest its potential to ameliorate both hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus.
Abstract: Peel extracts from Citrus sinensis, Punica granatum, and Musa paradisiaca were investigated for their effects on tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) and on the concentration of thyroid hormone...
129 citations
TL;DR: The traditional analytical parameters were similar to those previously reported for neotropical stingless bee honey and confirm that honeys produced by Meliponini bees possess several physicochemical properties that are distinctly different from Apis mellifera honey.
Abstract: Stingless bees (Tribe Meliponini) are a diverse group of highly eusocial bees distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics. Trigona carbonaria honey, from Australia, was characterized...
117 citations
TL;DR: Beneficial effects of resveratrol on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, including regulation of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor production, inhibition of oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species generation, anti-inflammation, and its abilities to impede progression and modulate complications of Atherosclerosis are discussed.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis, a progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the arteries, is a most important contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytopolyphenol compound and shows the ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, beneficial effects of resveratrol on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, including regulation of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor production, inhibition of oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species generation, anti-inflammation, inhibition of modification of low-density lipoproteins, anti-platelet aggregation, and its abilities to impede progression and modulate complications of atherosclerosis, are discussed.
100 citations
TL;DR: Purified antioxidant peptide from bigeye tuna dark muscle (APTDM) was investigated for its antioxidant activities using both free radical scavenging effects and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) peroxidation inhibitory activity, and showed that APTDM significantly scavenged cellular radicals and enhanced the viability of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity.
Abstract: To produce bioactive peptides from by-products of fish processing, bigeye tuna dark muscle was hydrolyzed using various enzymes (alcalase, α-chymotrypsin, neutrase, papain, pepsin, and try...
96 citations
TL;DR: The present study demonstrated the high phenolic content and radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of extracts of M. officinalis L. originating from Serbia.
Abstract: The aromatic herb Melissa officinalis L. can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants and as a possible food supplement and as a phytochemical. Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water extracts of M. officinalis L. extracts were investigated. The results of antioxidative activity, obtained by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, confirmed that investigated extracts suppressed the formation of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and lipid peroxyl radicals in all investigated systems in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities (SA(DPPH) = SA(OH) = 100%) were achieved in the presence of n-butanol extract at concentrations of 0.4 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. The highest lipid peroxyl scavenging activity (93.20%) was observed at a higher concentration (5 mg/mL) of n-butanol extract in the lipid peroxidation system. The most effective antibacterial activities were expressed by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts on Sarcina lutea. Chloroform extract showed the strongest antiproliferative effect with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 0.09 mg/mL and 0.10 mg/mL for HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. The present study demonstrated the high phenolic content and radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of extracts of M. officinalis L. originating from Serbia.
TL;DR: Data show the ethanolic extract from leaves of J. regia has a dramatic antidiabetic effect on diabetes-induced rats, and effects of administering glibenclamide or extract of Juglans regia on all parameters showed no difference.
Abstract: Walnut is one of the medicinal plants used in traditional Iranian medicine as a treatment for diabetes, but little scientific documentation supports its antidiabetic action. This study is designed to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of ethanolic walnut leaf extract. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: nondiabetic rats, alloxan-induced diabetic rats with no treatment, alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extracts of Juglans regia (200 mg/kg), and alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg). Fasting blood sugar decreased meaningfully in diabetic rats treated with J. regia and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide. Insulin level increased and glycosylated hemoglobin decreased significantly in diabetic groups receiving either glibenclamide or J. regia compared with the diabetic group with no treatment. The histological study revealed that the size of islets of Langerhans enlarged consequentially as compared with diabetic rats with no treatment. Effects of administering glibenclamide or extract of J. regia on all parameters discussed above showed no difference, and both tended to bring the values to near normal. Our data show the ethanolic extract from leaves of J. regia has a dramatic antidiabetic effect on diabetes-induced rats.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the consumption of a low-calorie CBJ rich in previously uncharacterized trimer and heptamer proanthocyanidins is associated with a favorable glycemic response and may be beneficial for persons with impaired glucose tolerance.
Abstract: This cross-sectional study determined the phenolic composition of an over-the-counter cranberry juice (CBJ) with high-performance liquid chromatography and examined the effects of low- and normal-calorie CBJ formulations on the postprandial glycemic response in healthy humans. The CBJ used in this study contained seven phenolic acids, with 3- and 5-caffeoylquinic acid being the primary components, and 15 flavonol glycosides, with myricetin-3-galactoside and quercetin-3-galactoside being the most prevalent. CBJ proanthocyanidins consisted of three different tetramers and a heptamer, which were confirmed with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry analysis. Participants received one of the following six treatments: nothing (no water/beverage), water (480 mL), unsweetened low-calorie CBJ (38 Cal/480 mL), normal-calorie CBJ (280 Cal/480 mL), isocaloric normal calorie (high fructose corn syrup [HFCS]), or isocaloric low-calorie beverages. No significant differences in postprandial blood glucose or insulin were observed in the groups receiving nothing, water, or low-calorie treatments. In contrast, the ingestion of normal-calorie CBJ and normal-calorie control beverage resulted in significantly higher blood glucose concentrations 30 minutes postprandially, although the differences were no longer significant after 180 minutes. Plasma insulin of normal-calorie CBJ and control (HFCS) recipients was significantly higher 60 minutes postprandially, but not significantly different 120 minutes postprandially. CBJ ingestion did not affect heart rate or blood pressure. This study suggests that the consumption of a low-calorie CBJ rich in previously uncharacterized trimer and heptamer proanthocyanidins is associated with a favorable glycemic response and may be beneficial for persons with impaired glucose tolerance.
TL;DR: The amounts of the biogenic monoamines CS, FS, CT, and FT in commonly consumed vegetables using high-performance liquid chromatography were determined and serotonin, tryptamine, and tyramine were detected in all vegetables tested.
Abstract: Biogenic monoamines such as serotonin, tryptamine, and tyramine function as neurotransmitters and mitogenic factors in animals and are involved in flowering, morphogenesis, and protection from and adaptation to environmental changes in plants. In plants, serotonin and tyramine are conjugated to form phenolic compounds via thioester linkages during the synthesis of hydroxycinnamic acid amides, including p-coumaroylserotonin (CS), feruloylserotonin (FS), p-coumaroyltyramine (CT), and feruloyltyramine (FT). In this study, we determined the amounts of the biogenic monoamines CS, FS, CT, and FT in commonly consumed vegetables using high-performance liquid chromatography. Serotonin, tryptamine, and tyramine were detected in all vegetables tested. The serotonin levels ranged from 1.8 to 294 μg/g of dry weight, the tryptamine levels ranged from 0.8 to 372 μg/g of dry weight, and the tyramine levels ranged from 1.4 to 286 μg/g of dry weight. The highest serotonin and tryptamine contents were found in toma...
TL;DR: It is suggested that, distinct from diazepam, the aqueous extract of both species of Passiflora induced anxiolytic-like effects in rats without disrupting memory process.
Abstract: Several species of Passiflora have been employed widely as a folk medicine because of sedative and tranquillizer activities. In this study, we evaluate the effects on anxiety and memory process of two popularly used Passiflora species. To this aim, male Wistar rats (weighing 250-300 g) were intraperitoneally injected with the aqueous extract of Passiflora alata or Passiflora edulis (25, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg; single injection) 30 minutes prior to the elevated plus-maze test, inhibitory avoidance test, or habituation to an open-field apparatus. The effects of both species of Passiflora were compared with that of diazepam (1 mg/kg), a standard anxiolytic drug. Our findings revealed that, similar to diazepam, the treatment with P. alata (100 and 150 mg/kg) and P. edulis (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) induced anxiolytic-like effects in rats. Memory was not affected by the treatment with any dose of P. alata or P. edulis, but diazepam disrupted memory process in rats. Phytochemical analysis showed that the content of flavonoids of the aqueous extract of P. edulis is almost twice that of P. alata. These differences in contents of flavonoids could explain the lower active doses of the aqueous extract of P. edulis in inducing anxiolytic-like effects compared to P. alata. In conclusion, our findings suggest that, distinct from diazepam, the aqueous extract of both species of Passiflora induced anxiolytic-like effects in rats without disrupting memory process.
TL;DR: It would appear from the results of the present study that natural wild honey may exert its cardioprotective and therapeutic effects against epinephrine-induced cardiac disorders and vasomotor dysfunction directly, via its very pronounced total AOC and its great wealth of both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants involved in cardiovascular defense mechanisms.
Abstract: Induction of hyperadrenergic activity was experimentally achieved in urethane-anesthetized rats using epinephrine (adrenaline). Acute administration of epinephrine (100 μg/kg) for 2 hours induced several cardiac disorders and vasomotor dysfunction. Pretreatment with natural wild honey (5 g/kg) for 1 hour prior to the injection with epinephrine (100 μg/kg) protected the anesthetized normal rats from the incidence of epinephrine-induced cardiac disorders and vasomotor dysfunction. Moreover, posttreatment with natural wild honey (5 g/kg) following the injection with epinephrine (100 μg/kg) for 1 hour showed several ameliorative outcomes to the electrocardiographic parameters and vasomotor dysfunction of anesthetized stressed rats. Furthermore, natural wild honey preserved the positive inotropic effect of epinephrine in both cases. Also, the total antioxidant capacity (AOC) of natural wild honey was found to be very pronounced. Levels of both reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) were con...
TL;DR: Propolis and laurel were ineffective against E. coli and S. typhimurium at the concentrations tested and the results showed that the antimicrobial activity were concentration dependent.
Abstract: The antimicrobial activities of propolis extract, pollen extract, and essential oil of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) at concentrations from 0.02% to 2.5% (vol/vol) were investigated on bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonlla typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes), yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida rugosa), and molds (Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae). Pollen has no antimicrobial effects on the bacteria and fungi tested in the concentrations used. Propolis showed a bactericidal effect at 0.02% on B. cereus and B. subtilis, at 1.0% on S. aureus and E. faecalis, and at 0.2% on L. monocytogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration of propolis for fungi was 2.5%. Propolis and laurel were ineffective against E. coli and S. typhimurium at the concentrations tested. The results showed that the antimicrobial activity were concentration dependent. Propolis and essential oil of laurel may...
TL;DR: Traditional use of V. amygdalina as an alternative therapy for malaria and the symptomatic relief of pain usually associated with malaria is supported, suggesting that the extract may have peripheral and central analgesic properties.
Abstract: Vernonia amygdalina possesses several bioactive compounds and is used in traditional medicines of southwestern Uganda, along with other regions. Its analgesic potential has not been investigated thus far. The present study examines the antinociceptive potential of the aqueous leaf extract (50–200 mg/kg) using three models of nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin test, and tail-flick test), antiplasmodial activity, and toxicology of the extract. The results show the extract significantly inhibits acetic acid-induced writhing and the formalin test in mice but did not give a potent effect in the tail-flick test, suggesting that the extract may have peripheral and central analgesic properties. The extract also exhibited significant antiplasmodial activity in mice against Plasmodium berghei with 73% inhibition in the group that received a dose of 200 mg/kg i.p. daily for 4 days. Toxicology results show no clinical signs of toxicity or adverse toxicological effects in the treated groups, ...
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that both grape juices have potent antioxidant properties and these activities could be at least attributed to the high phenolic content present in these juices.
Abstract: The antioxidant properties of purple grape juice, organic and conventional, in brain tissues are not well known. In this study our objective was to evaluate the antioxidant activity in substantia nigra and striatum of rats chronically treated with organic or conventional purple grape juice and to correlate the results obtained with the polyphenol content (total polyphenolic content, resveratrol, and anthocyanins [malvidin, delphinidin, peonidin, and cyanidin]). We observed that CCl4 damage decreased significantly in the grape juice-treated groups when compared with the control group. In the grape juice-treated groups we further observed a decrease of lipid (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay) and protein (carbonyl) peroxidation, as well as a significant antioxidant protection through the increase of enzyme activity. Antioxidant activities were significantly correlated with polyphenol content. These findings demonstrated that both grape juices have potent antioxidant properties and thes...
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a on hepatic lipids and antioxidant status in rats with CCl(4)-induced liver injury were investigated.
Abstract: Curcumin and saikosaponin a, the bioactive phytochemicals of turmeric and Bupleurum, act as antioxidants. This study investigated the effects of supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a on hepatic lipids and antioxidant status in rats with CCl(4)-induced liver injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, CCl(4), CCl(4) + curcumin (0.005%; CU), CCl(4) + saikosaponin a (0.004%; SS), and CCl(4) + curcumin + saikosaponin a (0.005% + 0.004%; CU+SS) groups. CCl(4) (40% in olive oil) was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.75 mL/kg once a week. Curcumin and/or saikosaponin a was administered orally 1 week before CCl(4) injection for 8 weeks. The pathological results showed that liver fibrosis was ameliorated in the SS and CU+SS groups. After 8 weeks, supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a significantly decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as plasma and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The CU+SS group showed reversal of the impaired hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and an increase in total glutathione level. Supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a significantly improved hepatic antioxidant status and suppressed malondialdehyde formation. Therefore, supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin a protects against CCl(4)-induced liver injury by attenuating hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defense. Curcumin and saikosaponin a had no additive effects on hepatoprotection except for greater improvement in the total glutathione level and antioxidant status.
TL;DR: Evaluation of polyphenols, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid showed considerable levels of these compounds in frozen fruits, even after freezing, which suggest that frozen fruits contribute to the prevention of biological damages.
Abstract: Many studies have focused on the effect of fresh fruits on the risk of developing cancer and other diseases involved with reactive species and free radicals. The intake of frozen fruits has spread widely in the last years, but, until now, their biological activity is not completely known. In this study, 23 samples of frozen fruits were analyzed for their nutritional composition, total polyphenols, total carotenoids, and vitamin C content. Antioxidant, mutagenic, and antimutagenic effects were also evaluated. Antioxidant assays included 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH.) scavenging activity and determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD)- and catalase (CAT)-like activities. Mutagenic and antimutagenic evaluations were performed in eukaryotic cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Most samples (74%) showed antioxidant activity similar to vitamin C in the DPPH. assay, and this activity was positively correlated (r = 0.366; P ≤ .01) with carotenoid contents. All samples showed CAT-like a...
TL;DR: The results suggest that the supplementation of high-dose GPE (0.01%) in the diet lowers the blood glucose level by altering the hepatic glucose metabolic enzyme activities.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of an extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino, containing standardized concentrations of gypenosides, in C57BL/KSJ-db/db mice. For 5 weeks, animals were provided a standard AIN-76 diet (normal control) with rosiglitazone (0.005%, wt/wt) or two different doses of G. pentaphyllum ethanol extract (GPE) of the plant leaves (0.0025% and 0.01%, wt/wt). After the experimental period, the blood glucose levels of the high-dose GPE- and rosiglitazone-supplemented groups were significantly lower than that of the control group. The plasma insulin concentrations of the GPE-supplemented mice were significantly elevated compared to the control group. The GPE and rosiglitazone treatments profoundly affected the intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test compared to the control group, but not the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. In the evaluation of effects on hepatic glucose metabolism, the ratios of glucokinase/glucose-6-phosphatase activities in the high-dose GPE- and rosiglitazone-supplemented groups were prominently higher than that of the control group. The histology of the pancreatic islets revealed that the insulin-positive beta-cell numbers were higher in the high-dose GPE- and rosiglitazone-supplemented groups than in the control group. These results suggest that the supplementation of high-dose GPE (0.01%) in the diet lowers the blood glucose level by altering the hepatic glucose metabolic enzyme activities.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the intake of purple grape juice, especially of organic juice, induces a better antioxidant capacity when compared to conventional juice and that this may be an important issue for further investigations in the area of biochemical functional foods.
Abstract: Grape juice is a source of polyphenols, as catechin, anthocyanidins, resveratrol, and others. Some health benefits have been attributed to these compounds (e.g., antioxidant and antitumorigenic properties). In this study, we investigated the possible antioxidant activity of two different grape juices: organic purple grape juice and conventional purple grape juice. The antioxidant activity of both grape juices was evaluated by an animal model of three groups: control and organic and conventional juices. After 30 days, all animals were sacrificed, and blood and liver were collected to evaluate lipid peroxidation level (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS] assay), protein oxidative level (carbonyl assay), and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The group treated with organic grape juice showed the highest SOD and CAT activities in both plasma and liver when compared with the conventional and control groups (P < .05). In plasma, we observed a positive correlation among SOD and CAT activities, resveratrol, and all anthocyanin contents, suggesting that these polyphenols may be, at least in part, responsible for this increased antioxidant defense. The grape juices were capable of reducing carbonyl and lipid peroxidation levels in plasma and liver. However, in plasma, the organic group showed lower carbonyl and TBARS levels when compared to the conventional grape juice group (P < .05). Our findings suggest that the intake of purple grape juice, especially of organic juice, induces a better antioxidant capacity when compared to conventional juice and that this may be an important issue for further investigations in the area of biochemical functional foods.
TL;DR: The results strongly support the proposal that antioxidative activity of T. polium occurs by quenching the extent of lipid and protein oxidation in pancreatic tissue in STZ-induced oxidative stress due to its high antioxidative potential.
Abstract: Increased oxidative stress is a widely accepted factor in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidative potential of Teucrium polium (Family Lamiaceae) aqueous extract for protecting rat pancreatic tissue against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced oxidative stress. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injections of at a single dose of STZ at 40 mg/kg. The crude extract (equivalent to 0.5 g of plant powder/kg of body weight) was administered orally (intragastrically) to a group of STZ diabetic rats for 30 consecutive days. Changes in antioxidant status were evaluated by determining catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in pancreatic tissue. In addition, serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration, pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) (an index of lipid peroxidation) level, and reliable markers of protein oxidation such as protein carbonyl content (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were also determined. Under diabetic conditions, blood glucose level, serum NO concentration, and pancreatic MDA, PCO, and AOPP levels were all increased. The diabetic rats also exhibited pancreatic GSH depletion along with significant reductions in activities of CAT and SOD. Rats treated with T. polium extract had significantly higher GSH levels along with enhanced CAT and SOD activities in pancreatic tissue. In addition to suppressed blood glucose levels, serum NO, pancreatic MDA, PCO, and AOPP levels were all lower than in the diabetic group. Our results strongly support the proposal that antioxidative activity of T. polium occurs by quenching the extent of lipid and protein oxidation. Based on these observations, it is concluded that T. polium may have protective effect(s) on pancreatic tissue in STZ-induced oxidative stress due to its high antioxidative potential.
TL;DR: All the essential oils used in this study were very effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which included multiple resistant strains, except Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and PseUDomonas fluorescens MU 87.
Abstract: In the present study, four separate samples of Origanum onites L., three separate samples of Satureja thymbra L., Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart, and Thymus cilicicus Boiss. & Bal. were collected from various regions of Mugla, Turkey. The essential oils of these plants were obtained by the hydrodistillation method. Antimicrobial activities of the essential oils against microorganisms, including multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria, were investigated using the disc diffusion method. Different antibiotic discs were used for comparison to the inhibition zones. All the essential oils used in this study were very effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which included multiple resistant strains, except Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Pseudomonas fluorescens MU 87. The essential oils of the O. onites, O. vulgare ssp. hirtum, and S. thymbra were especially very effective against the resistant strains such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MU 64, S. maltophilia ...
TL;DR: It is shown that yeast-derived Betamune (Biorigin, São Paulo, Brazil) caused significant stimulation of phagocytic activity as well as potentiation of synthesis and release of interleukin (IL) and young animals showed different sensitivity to glucan action.
Abstract: Glucans have a long history as nonspecific biological modulators. We compared the effects of three different glucans on immune reactions. Using two different administrations (intraperitoneal and oral) and two different animal models, we showed that yeast-derived Betamune™ (Biorigin, Sao Paulo, Brazil) caused significant stimulation of phagocytic activity as well as potentiation of synthesis and release of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, Betamune inhibited growth of tumor cells in vivo and affected expression of several important genes in breast cancer cells. Compared to adult mice, young animals showed different sensitivity to glucan action.
TL;DR: S&S PWH can be considered as an anti-obesity functional formula that is effective for suppressing body weight gain and enhancing lipid profile in rats fed with a high-fat diet.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of S&S PWH, a proprietary herb and fiber combination (Bionutrigen Inc., Daejon, Republic of Korea), on body weight and lipid metabolism in rats fed with a high-fat diet. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed different diets for a 6-week period: normal control diet containing 5% (wt/wt) corn oil (NC group), high-fat diet containing 10% (wt/wt) lard plus 5% (wt/wt) corn oil (HF group), and high-fat diet supplemented with powdered 5% (wt/wt) S&S PWH (S&S PWH group). The body weights and relative weights of the epididymal and perirenal white adipose tissue were significantly lower in the S&S PWH group than in the HF group. S&S PWH supplementation significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, whereas it elevated the ratio of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol/total-cholesterol and improved the atherogenic index. The accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets and the epididymal white adipocyte size were less in the S&S PWH group than in the HF group. Hepatic hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activities were significantly lower, while adipocyte lipoprotein lipase activity was significantly higher, in the S&S PWH group than in the HF group. These beneficial effects may be due to the combined properties of the phenolic compounds present in high concentrations (1.89 g/100 g) in the S&S PWH. In conclusion, these results suggest that S&S PWH can be considered as an anti-obesity functional formula that is effective for suppressing body weight gain and enhancing lipid profile.
TL;DR: The effects of a rose-flower extract, Rosa damascena, on the mortality rate of Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated and the observed anti-aging effects were not associated with common confounds ofAnti-aging properties, such as a decrease in fecundity or metabolic rate.
Abstract: The effects of a rose-flower extract, Rosa damascena, on the mortality rate of Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated in this study. R. damascena is a potent antioxidant that has many therapeutic uses in addition to its perfuming effects. Supplementing Drosophila with this rose extract resulted in a statistically significant decrease in mortality rate in male and female flies. Moreover, the observed anti-aging effects were not associated with common confounds of anti-aging properties, such as a decrease in fecundity or metabolic rate.
TL;DR: Since hyaluronidase activity is important in conditions such as osteoarthritis and skin aging, these sorghum varieties deserve consideration for functional foods and beverages, and for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical ingredients.
Abstract: Hyaluronidase hydrolyzes glycosaminoglycans, including hyaluronan, in the extracellular matrix during tissue remodeling. Hyaluronidase activity increases in chronic inflammatory conditions, e.g., inflammatory joint disease. In this study, we tested the ability of ethanolic extracts (1:9 [wt/vol] of 50% ethanol) of bran from six cultivated varieties of Sorghum bicolor to inhibit hyaluronidase activity in vitro in comparison to extracts of wheat and rice bran. Each extract inhibited hyaluronidase activity with this order of potency: Sumac > Shanqui Red > Black > Mycogen > Fontanelle > White sorghum. Extracts of wheat and rice bran had weak inhibitory activities relative to the high phenolic sorghum brans. Hyaluronidase inhibition correlated positively with total phenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant power values for each bran extract. Inhibition was not only due to condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) because the Black sorghum cultivar lacks condensed tannins but has abundant anthocyani...
TL;DR: Dietary flaxseed lignan extract appreciably improves LUTS in BPH subjects, and the therapeutic efficacy appeared comparable to that of commonly used intervention agents of alpha1A-adrenoceptor blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors.
Abstract: A flaxseed lignan extract containing 33% secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) was evaluated for its ability to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in 87 subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with repeated measurements was conducted over a 4-month period using treatment dosages of 0 (placebo), 300, or 600 mg/day SDG. After 4 months of treatment, 78 of the 87 subjects completed the study. For the 0, 300, and 600 mg/day SDG groups, respectively, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) decreased −3.67 ± 1.56, −7.33 ± 1.18, and −6.88 ± 1.43 (mean ± SE, P = .100, < .001, and < .001 compared to baseline), the Quality of Life score (QOL score) improved by −0.71 ± 0.23, −1.48 ± 0.24, and −1.75 ± 0.25 (mean ± SE, P = .163 and .012 compared to placebo and P = .103, < .001, and < .001 compared to baseline), and the number of subjects whose LUTS grade changed from “moderate/severe” to “mild” increased by three, six, ...