Curcumin Nanoemulsion: Unveiling Cardioprotective Effects via ACE Inhibition and Antioxidant Properties in Hypertensive Rats.

Background and Objectives: Curcumin, derived from Curcuma longa, is a well-known traditional medicinal compound recognized for its therapeutic attributes. Nevertheless, its efficacy is hampered by limited bioavailability, prompting researchers to explore the application of nanoemulsion as a potential alternative. Materials and Methods: This study delves into the antihypertensive effects of curcumin nanoemulsion (SNEC) by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and oxidative stress in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive rats. To gauge the cardio-protective impact of SNEC in DOCA salt-induced hypertension, molecular docking was undertaken, uncovering curcumin's high affinity and adept binding capabilities to the active site of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Additionally, the investigation employed uninephrectomized rats to assess hemodynamic parameters via an AD instrument. Serum ACE, angiotensin II, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels were quantified using ELISA kits, while antioxidant parameters were evaluated through chemical assays. Result: The outcomes of the molecular docking analysis revealed robust binding of curcumin to the ACE active site. Furthermore, oral administration of SNEC significantly mitigated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in contrast to the DOCA-induced hypertensive group. SNEC administration also led to a reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and an elevation in the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise (LV (dP/dt) max). Moreover, SNEC administration distinctly lowered serum levels of ACE and angiotensin II compared to the hypertensive DOCA group. Renal markers, including serum creatinine and BUN, displayed a shift toward normalized levels with SNEC treatment. Additionally, SNEC showcased potent antioxidant characteristics by elevating reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels, while decreasing the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings underscore that curcumin nanoemulsion exerts noteworthy cardio-protective effects through ACE activity inhibition and remarkable antioxidant properties.

Trigonelline Demonstrated Ameliorative Effects in Dexamethasone Induced Osteoporotic Rats.

AIM: Trigonelline is a potent phytochemical present in fenugreek, which has strong anti-oxidant and phytoestrogenic activities. This study was carried out to investigate this estrogenic activity as a possible mechanisms involved in preventing the symptoms of osteoporosis in dexamethasone induced osteoporosis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups, six animals in each group. Osteoporosis was induced using dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg subcutaneously in rats for three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks and treatment with drugs up to 12 weeks as per the treatment schedule described. After 12 weeks, rats were sacrificed; blood samples were collected from each rat and the clear, non hemolysed supernatant sera was used for biochemical examinations. Femurs were used for Bone Mineral Density (BMD), microcomputed tomography (Micro CT), histology and biochemical examinations. RESULTS: BMD, bone micro structure, serum calcium, phosphorus level and serum estradiol levels were decreased while serum PTH levels, SAP and acid phosphatase (ACP) were elevated in dexamethasone treated rats as compared to control (p<0.01). Dexmethasone treated animals showed loss of marrow at multifocal area, cartilage and trabeculae and thinning of trabeculae (bone resorption), zone of cartilage was poorly seen and fat cells in marrow. Trigonelline showed significant improvement and prevent the progression of osteoporosis by enhancing the BMD, restoring bone physiology. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the estrogenic activity of triogonelline, which is responsible for its effects; still, it needs further evaluation in other animal models to provide a more conclusive view for its therapeutic usefulness in osteoporosis.