The protective effects of some herbs on mitigating HFD-induced obesity via enhancing biochemical indicators and fertility in female rats.

The potential of plant-based diets and drugs to prevent and control obesity has been attributed to the presence of several biologically active phytochemicals. The study aimed to assess herb consumption's impact on alleviating the risks and hazards associated with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the promotion of fertility. Eighty rats were allocated into four distinct groups. Group 1 (G1) was provided with a basal diet and acted as the control group. Group 2 (G2) was provided with an HFD. Group 3 (G3) was provided with HFD supplemented with chia seeds and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. The fourth group of subjects was provided with HFD supplemented with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander). The feeding session was sustained for 10 weeks, and the biochemical parameters were evaluated. The administration of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) (G4) resulted in a more significant reduction in all biochemical parameters compared to G3, which received a diet consisting of chia seeds and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Additionally, the average number of embryonic lobes and the average number of offspring after birth were found to be considerably more significant in the normal control group (G1) and group (G4) compared to the HFD group (G2) and group (G3) (P < 0.01). Group 4 (G4) was administered a diet enriched with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander), which demonstrated superior outcomes in many biochemical indicators and the promotion of fertility in obese female rats.

Dietary antioxidant for disease prevention corroborated by the Nrf2 pathway.

Dietary antioxidants are widely distributed in various types of our food. They are strongly associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's diseases. They include vitamins such as vitamins A, E, C, and carotenoids. Also, some minerals like; zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and selenium are essential for the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, dietary polyphenols and flavonoids are considered as potent antioxidant compounds. Vegetables, fruits, and edible herbs are the richest sources of such antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, either directly by reducing reactive species or indirectly by enhancing the body antioxidant defense mechanisms in different ways. These may include upregulating gene expression of some antioxidant enzymes via a nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor2 pathway. Administration of a mixture of antioxidants is beneficial since they act synergistically in various phases. The aims of this review are to summarize the different antioxidants from dietary sources and their role in the prevention of different diseases.

Potential Renoprotective Effects of Rosemary and Thyme Against Gentamicin Toxicity in Rats.

Gentamicin (GM) is a drug used commonly against gram-negative bacteria. Its therapeutic use is mainly limited by its nephrotoxicity. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the nephroprotective effects of rosemary (RM; Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (TV; Thymus vulgaris) against GM toxicity. Rats were divided into four groups. Normal control group was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with saline; positive control group was administered GM 60 mg/kg/day i.p.; RM group was co-administered 8% RM aqueous extract, 10 mL/kg/day, orally with GM; and TV group was co-administered 8% TV aqueous extract orally, 10 mL/kg/day with GM. Both RM and TV groups extracted significantly ameliorated plasma kidney function biomarkers, and reduced malondialdhyde and glucose levels. Meanwhile, RM extract significantly modulated the electrolyte concentration and increased plasma insulin levels as compared with the GM group. However, the aqueous extract of RM showed more pronounced effects than TV extract. Our data were confirmed by histopathological examination and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation analysis. Deleterious histopathological changes and increased DNA fragmentation induced by GM treatment were markedly controlled by the co-administration of RM and TV. Such renoprotective influence of RM and TV suggests their concurrent supplementation with GM therapy to limit GM toxicity.

Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and ameliorative effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and vitamin E in acetaminophen treated rats.

Ginger is a remedy known to possess a number of pharmacological properties. This study investigated efficacy of ginger pretreatment in alleviating acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into six groups; negative control, acetaminophen (APAP) (600 mg/kg single intraperitoneal injection); vitamin E (75 mg/kg), ginger (100 mg/kg), vitamin E + APAP, and ginger + APAP. Administration of APAP elicited significant liver injury that was manifested by remarkable increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), arginase activities, and total bilirubin concentration. Meanwhile, APAP significantly decreased plasma total proteins and albumin levels. APAP administration resulted in substantial increase in each of plasma triacylglycerols (TAGs), malondialdhyde (MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). However, ginger or vitamin E treatment prior to APAP showed significant hepatoprotective effect by lowering the hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and arginase) and total bilirubin in plasma. In addition, they remarkably ameliorated the APAP-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (MDA). Pretreatment by ginger or vitamin E significantly restored TAGs, and total protein levels. Histopathological examination of APAP treated rats showed alterations in normal hepatic histoarchitecture, with necrosis and vacuolization of cells. These alterations were substantially decreased by ginger or vitamin E. Our results demonstrated that ginger can prevent hepatic injuries, alleviating oxidative stress in a manner comparable to that of vitamin E. Combination therapy of ginger and APAP is recommended especially in cases with hepatic disorders or when high doses of APAP are required.