Positive effects of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk on mental health problems in the working population: an open-label study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems. Anthocyanins from berries might have an inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes and alleviate various mood and anxiety symptoms. This study examined the effects of a daily supplement of an anthocyanin-rich product on mental health problems. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis from a randomized, 6-week, open-label trial in 300 healthy participants aged 18-60 years who consumed 1 or 2 servings of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk daily. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to monitor mental health problems. In addition, the saliva activity levels of MAO-A, MAO-B, and cortisol were examined at the baseline and after 6 weeks. RESULTS: The total scores of the GHQ-28 and HADS and all their subscales decreased in both groups (all P < 0.05). The cortisol, MAO-A, and MAO-B activities decreased significantly (all P <0.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups (all P > 0.05). Significant correlations were noted between the decreased activity level of MAO-A enzyme and decreased scores from the GHQ-28 somatic subscale and the HADS depression subscale (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk possibly improves mental health problems by reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in the working population. The suppression of MAO-A activity is a possible underlying mechanism. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registration: #TCTR20201031002.

A Functional Drink Containing Kaempferia parviflora Extract Increases Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Flexibility in Adult Volunteers.

Owing to the reputation of Kaempferia parviflora and the crucial role of oxidative stress on the disturbance of physical fitness, the effect of a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract (KP) on the physical fitness of healthy adult volunteers was assessed. Healthy male and female volunteers (19-60 years old) were randomly divided into placebo, KP90, and KP180 groups. All the subjects in KP90 and KP180 were directed to consume a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract at doses of 90 and 180 mg per serving per 80 mL, respectively. Parameters of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, together with changes in lactate, creatinine kinase, and oxidative stress markers were assessed before the intervention, and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. The oxidative stress markers, creatine kinase, and lactate were also measured. Subjects who consumed the developed drink had increased VO2 max and improved performance in a timed shuttle run test and 5 min distance run, and exhibited decreased oxidative stress and lactate; therefore, K. parviflora extract can be successfully used for developing a KP drink to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance by improving oxidative stress and lactate.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of an Anthocyanin-Rich Functional Ingredient on Cognitive Function and Eye Dryness in Late Adulthood Volunteers: Roles of Epigenetic and Gut Microbiome Modulations.

Due to the rising demand for supplements targeting cognitive enhancement and dry eye together with the health benefits of anthocyanins, we have developed a functional soup containing an anthocyanin-rich functional ingredient, or "Anthaplex," and assessed the effects on cognitive function and eye dryness together with the possible mechanisms. A total of 69 male and female health volunteers were randomized and divided into placebo, D2, and D4 groups. All subjects consumed 120 mL of placebo or functional soup containing "Anthaplex" either at 2 or 4 g per serving per day within 5 min in the morning for eight weeks. The cognitive function, working memory, dry eye, AChE, MAO, MAO-A, MAO-B, and GABA-T activities, BDNF, HAC, HDAC, and DNMT activities, pH, and amount of lactic acid-producing bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in feces, were determined before intervention and after eight weeks of consumption. Subjects who consumed the "Anthaplex" soup had improved cognitive function, working memory, eye dryness, histone acetylation, ACh E suppression, and BDNF with increased Bifidobacterium spp. but decreased pH in feces. These data suggest that "Anthaplex" improves cognitive function and eye dryness via the modulations of the histone acetylation process, gut microbiome, and cholinergic function.

The Polyherbal Functional Ingredient Containing Ginger, Chinese Date, and Wood Ear Mushroom Protects against Dementia following Metabolic Syndrome.

The anti-dementia effect following ischemic stroke with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of the polyherbal functional ingredient comprising ginger, Chinese date, and wood ear mushroom (GCJ) was hypothesized due to its neuroprotective effect against stroke. This study was performed to test this hypothesis and to explore the underlying mechanism. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF) feeding. The rats with MetS characteristics were orally administered GCJ at various doses (GCJ100, GCJ200, and GCJ300 mg kg-1 BW) 21 days pre-induction and 21 days post-induction of reperfusion injury (I/R) at the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Memory was evaluated every 7 days during the study period. At the end of the study, neuron density, AChE activity, and the expressions of eNOS, BDNF, and pERK/ERK in the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were also determined. MetS rats with GCJ treatment improved memory impairment, enhanced neuron density, and increased the expressions of eNOS, BDNF, and pERK/ERK but suppressed AChE in both areas. Therefore, the anti-dementia effect following ischemic stroke with metabolic syndrome of GCJ may involve the improvement of AChE, eNOS, BDNF, pERK/ERK, and neural plasticity. However, this required confirmation by clinical study.

Cardiovascular complications are resolved by tuna protein hydrolysate supplementation in rats fed with a high-fat diet.

This study is aimed to investigate whether tuna protein hydrolysate (TPH) supplementation could alleviate cardiovascular complications induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. Rats were fed a HFD for 16 weeks and given TPH (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, or 500 mg/kg) or metformin (100 mg/kg) (n = 8) for the last four weeks. TPH had the following effects: resolved their impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension (p < 0.05); alleviated left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy (p < 0.05), and vascular dysfunction and hypertrophy (p < 0.05); adipocyte hypertrophy; increases in circulating leptin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were mitigated (p < 0.05); increased renin-angiotensin system (RAS), oxidative stress, and decreased nitric oxide metabolites were modulated (p < 0.05). TPH restored the expression of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R)/NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ)/the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein in cardiovascular tissue (p < 0.05). In metabolic syndrome (MS) rats, metformin and TPH had comparable effects. In conclusion, TPH alleviated cardiovascular complications related to MS. It suppressed RAS, oxidative stress, and inflammation that were associated with modulation of AT1R/NOX2, eNOS, Nrf2/HO-1, and PPARγ/NF-κB expression.

Anxiety, Insomnia, and Memory Impairment in Metabolic Syndrome Rats Are Alleviated by the Novel Functional Ingredients from Anacardium occidentale.

Despite an increase in the coexistence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychological disorders, together with their great impact on socio-economic burdens, no protective strategies that focus on these situations are available. Due to the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychological disorders, we hypothesized that substances possessing antioxidant activity such as the novel functional ingredients from Anacardium occidentale (AO) could mitigate common psychological disorders in MetS rats. Male Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, were induced with MetS through a 12-week high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFHC). Then, they were given AO orally via a gastric gavage needle at doses of 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg BW for 14 days. Spatial memory, anxiety, depression, and sleep behaviors, together with changes in oxidative stress status and neurotransmitters, were assessed. All doses of AO significantly improved memory, anxiety, and sleep, together with the suppression of oxidative stress, AChE, and GABA-T in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These results suggest the protective effect of AO against anxiety, insomnia, and memory impairment that coexist with the MetS condition via an improvement in oxidative stress and the functions of the cholinergic and GABAergic systems. However, this benefit requires clinical confirmation.

Memory-Enhancing Effect of 8-Week Consumption of the Quercetin-Enriched Culinary Herbs-Derived Functional Ingredients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Due to great demand for memory enhancers, the memory-enhancing effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of the functional ingredients derived from the combined extract of Polygonum odoratum and Morus alba were investigated. A total of 45 participants randomly received either a placebo or the developed herbal supplement at a dose of 50 or 1500 mg/day. The consumption was done once daily for 8 weeks. Working memory was assessed via both an event-related potential and computerized battery tests at baseline and at the end of the 8-week study period. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase type A and type B (MAO-A, MAO-B) levels were also measured at the end of the study. The subjects who consumed the supplement containing a developed functional ingredient at a dose of 1500 mg/day showed reduced latencies but increased amplitudes of N100 and P300. An improvement in working memory and the suppression of AChE, MAO-A, and MAO-B activities were also observed. Therefore, this study clearly demonstrates the cognitive enhancing effect of the developed herbal congee, which may be associated with the suppressions of AChE and both types of MAO.

The Positive Modulation Effect of a 6-Week Consumption of an Anthocyanin-Rich Mulberry Milk on Working Memory, Cholinergic, and Monoaminergic Functions in Healthy Working-Age Adults.

Due to the increase of stress-related memory impairment accompanying with the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis, the prevention of cognitive decline induced by stress has gained much attention. Based on the evidence that an anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk demonstrated the cognitive enhancing effect, we hypothesized that it should be able to enhance memory in working-age volunteers who are exposed to working stress. This study is an open-label, two-arm randomized study. Both men and women volunteers at age between 18 and 60 years old were randomly assigned to consume the tested product either 1 or 2 servings daily for 6 weeks. All subjects were assessed for cortisol, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), and monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) in saliva, and their working memory was determined both at baseline and at a 6-week period. The results showed that the working memory of subjects in both groups was enhanced at the end of the study period together with the reduction of saliva cortisol. The suppression of AChE, MAO, and MAO-A was also observed in subjects who consumed the tested product 2 servings daily. Therefore, we suggest the memory enhancing effect of an anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk. The possible mechanism may occur primarily via the suppression of cortisol. In addition, the high dose of mulberry milk also suppresses AChE, MAO, and MAO-A.

Memory-Enhancing Effect of a Phytosome Containing the Combined Extract of Mulberry Fruit and Ginger in an Animal Model of Ischemic Stroke with Metabolic Syndrome.

The prevalence of dementia following cerebral ischemia in metabolic syndrome (MetS) condition is increasing, and most of the cases are often severe. Unfortunately, no effective strategy for treating this condition is available. Based on the positive modulation effect of a polyphenol-rich substance on dementia and the improvement in bioavailability and stability of polyphenols induced by the phytosome technique together with the use of the synergistic concept, we hypothesized that a phytosome containing the combined extract of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) should mitigate dementia and memory impairment following ischemic stroke in MetS. MetS was induced in male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g by exposure to a 16-week feeding period of high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg-1 BW 21 days before and 21 days after the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (Rt. MCAO). Then, their spatial memory was determined and the possible underlying mechanisms explored via the alterations of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neuron density, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and signal transduction via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in both the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. It was found that PMG significantly enhanced memory. It also decreased AChE, IL-6, and MDA but increased SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, neuron density, and phosphorylation of ERK. These data suggested the cognitive enhancing effect of PMG. The possible underlying mechanisms might occur partly via the improvement of cholinergic function via the ERK pathway together with the decrease in neurodegeneration induced by the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, a subchronic toxicity study is also required to assure the safety of PMG consumption before moving forward to a clinical trial study.

Phytosome Loading the Combined Extract of Mulberry Fruit and Ginger Protects against Cerebral Ischemia in Metabolic Syndrome Rats.

The prevalence of ischemic stroke in metabolic syndrome (MetS) is continually increasing and produces a great impact on both qualities of life and annual healthcare budget. Due to the efficiency limitation of the current therapeutic strategy, the poor availability of polyphenol substances induced by the first pass effect and the beneficial effects of mulberry fruit and ginger on brain and MetS-related diseases together with the synergistic concept, the neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke in MetS condition of phytosome containing the combined extract of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) has been considered. To explore the neuroprotective effect and possible underlying mechanism of PMG on brain damage in cerebral ischemic rat with MetS, male Wistar rats were induced MetS by high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF) for 16 weeks and subjected to the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) at the right middle cerebral artery (Rt. MCAO). PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were orally fed with for 21 days, and they were assessed brain damage, neurological deficit score, and the changes of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, PPARγ expression, and epigenetic modification via DNMT-1 were performed. All doses of PMG significantly improved brain infarction, brain edema, and neurological deficit score. In addition, the reduction in DNMT-1, MDA level, NF-κB, TNFα, and C-reactive protein together with the increase in SOD, CAT, and GPH-Px activities, and PPARγ expression in the lesion brain were also observed. The current data clearly revealed the neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia with MetS condition. The possible underlying mechanism might occur partly via the suppression of DNMT-1 giving rise to the improvement of signal transduction via PPARγ resulting in the decreasing of inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, PMG is the potential neuroprotectant candidate against ischemic stroke in the MetS condition. However, the clinical trial is still essential.

Effect of Single Administration of Mulberry Milk on the Cognitive Function of 6-12-Year-Old Children: Results from a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.

Currently, cognitive enhancers are considered necessary because they play a critical role in daily and social behaviors. The cognitive-enhancing effect of mulberry milk has gained attention due to the cognitive-enhancing effect of this anthocyanin-rich substance and the cognitive-enhancing effect of mulberry fruit in animal models. However, the effect of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk in clinical trials especially in children is still unknown. This study was a randomized double-blind crossover intervention. A total of forty-six healthy, normal, cognitive subjects aged 6-12 years old were provided mulberry milk (containing mulberry 10 g) or placebo milk (50 mL). Attention and cognitive function were assessed using the auditory odd ball paradigm of event-related potential, whereas working memory was assessed using a computerized battery test. The assessment was performed at baseline and then at 1.5 and 3 hours postdosing. At the end of study period, the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) together with that of saliva cortisol were determined. Following mulberry milk intervention, the decreased N100 latency and the increased P300 amplitude were increased both at 1.5 and 3 hours after dosing. The decreased response time of digit updating was observed both at 1.5 and 3 hours after dosing, whereas the decreased response time of picture updating was observed at 3 hours after dosing. In addition, the reduction of saliva cortisol was also observed at both periods. The improvement of attention and cognitive processing capabilities together with the working memory suggests the cognitive-enhancing potential of mulberry milk for school-age children. The possible underlying mechanism may be associated partly with the reduction of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Antimetabolic Syndrome Effect of Phytosome Containing the Combined Extracts of Mulberry and Ginger in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Due to the antimetabolic syndrome effect of mulberry and ginger together with the advantages of the synergistic effect and phytosome encapsulation technique, we hypothesized that phytosome containing the combined extracts of mulberry and ginger (PMG) should be able to manage MetS. PMG was developed and assessed the phenolic content and biological activities associated with the pathophysiology of MetS. The antimetabolic syndrome effect and the possible underlying mechanisms in the animal model of MetS were also assessed. Male Wistar rats induced MetS by subjecting to a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 21 days. They were determined metabolic parameter changes in serum, histomorphology changes of adipose tissue, the inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, oxidative stress status, PPAR-γ, and HDAC3 in adipose tissue. Our in vitro data showed that PMG increased phenolic contents and biological activities. PMG significantly improved MetS parameters including body weight gain, lipid profiles, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and ACE. In addition, the density and size of adipocyte, adiposity index, and weights of adipose tissues were also improved. Moreover, the decrease in TNF-α and IL-6, oxidative stress status, and HDAC3 expression together with the increase in PPAR-γ expression in adipose tissue was also observed. These data suggest that PMG exhibit antimetabolic syndrome and the possible underlying mechanism may be associated partly with the modulation effect on HDAC3, PPAR-γ, and adipose tissue. In addition, PMG also improves oxidative stress and inflammation in MetS. Therefore, PMG can be served as the potential supplement to manage MetS. However, a clinical trial study is essential to confirm this health benefit.

Encapsulated Mulberry Fruit Extract Alleviates Changes in an Animal Model of Menopause with Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the therapeutic strategy against metabolic syndrome and its complications is required due to the increasing prevalence and its impact. Due to the benefits of both mulberry fruit extract and encapsulation technology, we hypothesized that encapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could improve metabolic parameters and its complication risk in postmenopausal metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. Then, they were orally given MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg BW for 8 weeks and the parameters, such as percentage of body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, atherogenic index, fasting blood glucose, plasma glucose area under the curve, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), oxidative stress status, histology, and protein expression of PPAR-γ, TNF-α, and NF-κB in adipose tissues were determined. MME improved body weight gain, adiposity index, glucose intolerance, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, ACE, oxidative stress status, and protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. Moreover, MME attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced PPAR-γ expression. Taken altogether, MME decreased metabolic syndrome and its complication via the increased PPAR-γ expression. Therefore, MME is the potential candidate for improving metabolic syndrome and its related complications. However, further research in clinical trial is still necessary.

The Combined Extract of Black Sticky Rice and Dill Improves Poststroke Cognitive Impairment in Metabolic Syndrome Condition.

Despite the increase in cognitive deficit following stroke in metabolic syndrome (MetS) condition, the therapeutic strategy is still limited. Since oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play the crucial roles on the pathophysiology of aforementioned conditions, the cognitive enhancing effect of the combined extract of Oryza sativa and Anethum graveolens was considered based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotective effects together with the synergistic effect concept. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were induced metabolic syndrome-like condition by using a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF diet). Then, reperfusion injury following cerebral ischemia was induced by the occlusion of right middle cerebral artery and treated with the combined extract of O. sativa and A. graveolens (OA extract) at doses of 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg BW once daily for 21 days. Spatial memory was assessed every 7 days throughout the experimental period. At the end of the study, neuron and glial fibrillary acidic protein- (GFAP-) positive cell densities, the oxidative stress status, AChE, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) in the hippocampus were determined. The results showed that OA extract at all doses used in this study significantly improved memory together with the reductions of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, AChE, and density of GFAP-positive cell but increased neuron density in the hippocampus. Taken together, OA is the potential cognitive enhancer in memory impairment following stroke in MetS condition. The possible underlying mechanism may occur partly via the reductions of oxidative stress status, GFAP-positive cell density, and neuroinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 together with the suppression of AChE activity in the hippocampus. This study suggests that OA is the potential functional ingredient to improve the cognitive enhancer. However, further clinical research is required.

Toxicity Evaluation of Anacardium occidentale, the Potential Aphrodisiac Herb.

Anacardium occidentale L. leaf demonstrates sexual enhancement effect. Therefore, it can be used as the potential supplement and functional ingredient. However, the ethanolic leaf extract of this plant is a modified form of traditional application and the toxicity evaluation is required. To assess cytotoxicity of the extract, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with A. occidentale leaf extract in the concentration range between 0.625 and 10 mg/mL. Our results showed that the extract showed more than 90% cell viability at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL after 24-hour exposure. To assure the consumption safety, the acute and subchronic toxicity must be studied. Acute toxicity showed that the extract is safe even at the highest dose of 2 g/kg in both sexes of Wistar rats. No changes in behavior, physiology, gross pathology, and histology were observed. To determine the subchronic toxicity of extract, both sexes of Wistar rats were orally given the extract at doses of 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg once daily for 90 days. No changes in body weight, food, and water intake, motor coordination, behavior, and mental alertness were observed. The significant reduction of white blood cell, platelet, and cholesterol together with increase in MCHC was observed in male rats. The reductions of white blood cell and platelet together with the elevations of hemoglobin and hematocrit were also observed in female rats. However, all changes were in normal range. The current results revealed that an ethanolic extract of A. occidentale leaf was well tolerated via oral consumption up to dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 90 days and did not produce any toxicity. Our in vitro cytotoxicity test also confirmed this safety.

Sexual Enhancing Effect of Anacardium occidentale in Stress-Exposed Rats by Improving Dopaminergic and Testicular Functions.

In this study, we aimed to assess the effect and possible underlying mechanism of Anacardium occidentale leaves extract on male sexual behaviors in stress-exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were orally given A. occidentale extract at doses of 25, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW before 12-hour-immobilization exposure for 14 days. Sexual behaviors, serum testosterone and corticosterone levels, TH-positive cells density in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), MAO-B activity in NAc and medial preoptic area (MPOA), testis histology together with phosphodiesterase type-5 ( PDE-5) activity, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in penis were evaluated after treatment. All doses of extract improved male sexual behaviors, suppressed MAO-B in NAc, enhanced TH-positive cells density in NAc, suppressed PDE-5 in penis, and enhanced interstitial cell of Leydig. The increase of serum testosterone, TH-positive cells density in VTA, eNOS expression in penis, and the decreased serum corticosterone were observed at some doses. Therefore, the sexual enhancing effect of extract occurred mainly via the improved dopaminergic and testicular functions. PDE-5 suppression in penis also played the role especially in the increased intromission behavior. Therefore, A. occidentale leaves extract is the potential protective agent against sexual dysfunction. However, further researches are necessary.

Yellow Laser Stimulation at GV2 Acupoint Mitigates Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Motor Deficit in Spinal Cord Injury Rats.

Currently, the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation is considered as the treatment targets of spinal cord injury due to their roles on the hindrance of recovery process. Since laser acupuncture decreased oxidative stress and enhanced the survival of neurons from oxidative stress damage and GV2 stimulation was selected as one stimulated acupoint in order to enhance the recovery of spinal cord injury, we hypothesized that laser acupuncture at GV2 should enhance the recovery of spinal cord injury. To test this hypothesis, male Wistar rats were induced spinal cord injury at T10 level and they were exposed to a 10 minute-stimulation at GV2 by yellow laser. Laser acupuncture was performed at 0.25 and 1, 2, 6, and 12 hours after spinal cord injury. Then, the stimulation was performed once daily for 7 days. Locomotor assessment was carried out on days 3 and 7 after injury. At the end of study period, the densities of polymorphonuclear of leukocyte, Bax, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and BDNF positive stained cells in ventral horn of spinal cord were determined. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress status was also assessed. The results showed that laser acupuncture at GV2 increased BBB score, gross motor score, and densities of Bcl-2 and BDNF positive stained cells but decreased density with polymorphonuclear leukocyte, the densities of Bax and Caspase-3 positive stained cells, COX-2 level, and oxidative stress status in ventral horn of the lesion spinal cord. The reduction of serum COX-2 was also decreased. Therefore, GV2 stimulation by yellow laser might enhance the recovery of spinal cord via the increase in BDNF and the decrease in inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress status in the lesion spinal cord.

Morinda citrifolia L. Leaf Extract Protects against Cerebral Ischemia and Osteoporosis in an In Vivo Experimental Model of Menopause.

We aimed to determine the protective effects against cerebral ischemia and osteoporosis of Morinda citrifolia extract in experimental menopause. The neuroprotective effect was assessed by giving M. citrifolia leaf extract at doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg BW to the bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 7 days. Then, they were occluded in the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 90 minutes. The neurological score, brain infarction volume, oxidative stress status, and ERK1/2 and eNOS activities were assessed 24 hours later. M. citrifolia improved neurological score, brain infarction, and brain oxidative stress status in the cortex of OVX rats plus the MCAO. No changes in ERK 1/2 signal pathway and NOS expression were observed in this area. Our data suggested that the neuroprotective effect of the extract might occur partly via the improvement of oxidative stress status in the cortex. The antiosteoporotic effect in OVX rats was also assessed after an 84-day intervention of M. citrifolia. The serum levels of calcium, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase and osteoblast density in the tibia were increased, but the density of osteoclast was decreased in OVX rats which received the extract. Therefore, the current data suggested that the extract possessed antiosteoporotic effect by increasing bone formation but decreasing bone resorption.

Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Microencapsulation of Mulberry Fruit Extract in Animal Model of Menopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the neuroprotectant and memory-enhancing agent for menopausal women with metabolic syndrome is required. Based on the advantages of polyphenolics on numerous changes observed in menopause with metabolic syndrome and the encapsulation method, we hypothesized that microencapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could protect brain damage and improve memory impairment in an animal model of menopause with metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg was given to female Wistar rats which were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet for 8 weeks. Spatial memory together with neuron density, oxidative stress status, acetylcholinesterase, and phosphorylation of Erk in the hippocampus was assessed at the end of the study. It was found that MME decreased memory impairment, oxidative stress status, and AChE activity but increased neuron density and Erk phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Therefore, the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of MME might partly involve the enhanced cholinergic function and Erk phosphorylation but decreased oxidative stress status in hippocampus. Therefore, MME is the potential novel neuroprotectant and memory-enhancing agent for menopause with metabolic syndrome. However, further research especially clinical trial is still necessary.

Anticataractogenesis and Antiretinopathy Effects of the Novel Protective Agent Containing the Combined Extract of Mango and Vietnamese Coriander in STZ-Diabetic Rats.

The novel protectant against diabetic cataract and diabetic retinopathy is currently required due to the increased prevalence and therapeutic limitation. Based on the advantage of polyphenol on diabetic eye complications, we hypothesized that the combined extract of mango seed Vietnamese coriander (MPO), a polyphenol-rich substance, should possess anticataractogenesis and antiretinopathy in streptozotocin- (STZ-) diabetic rats. MPO at doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg·BW were orally given to STZ-diabetic rats for 10 weeks. Lens opacity was evaluated every week throughout a study period whereas the evaluation of cataract severity and histological changes of both rat lens epithelium and retina together with the biochemical assays of oxidative stress status, aldose reductase, p38MAPK, ERK1/2, and VEGF were performed at the end of experiment. Our data showed that MPO improved cataract and retinopathy in STZ-diabetic rats. The improved oxidative stress status and the decreased p38MAPK, ERK1/2, and VEGF were also observed. Therefore, anticataractogenesis and antiretinopathy of MPO might occur partly via the decreased oxidative stress status and the suppression of aldose reductase, p38MAPK, ERK1/2, and VEGF. This study points out that MPO is the potential candidate protectant against diabetic cataract and diabetic retinopathy. However, the exploration for possible active ingredient (S) still requires further researches.