New Trends to Treat Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review of Epicatechin.

Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature showing the molecular mechanism and clinical protocol of epicatechin in muscle atrophy in humans, animals, and myoblast cell-line. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that there is a commonness of epicatechin inhibitory action in myostatin expression and atrogenes MAFbx, FOXO, and MuRF1. Epicatechin showed positive effects on follistatin and on the stimulation of factors related to the myogenic actions (MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin). Furthermore, the literature also showed that epicatechin can interfere with mitochondrias' biosynthesis in muscle fibers, stimulation of the signaling pathways of AKT/mTOR protein production, and amelioration of skeletal musculature performance, particularly when combined with physical exercise. Epicatechin can, for these reasons, exhibit clinical applicability due to the beneficial results under conditions that negatively affect the skeletal musculature. However, there is no protocol standardization or enough clinical evidence to draw more specific conclusions on its therapeutic implementation.

Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term "microbiota" pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular emphasis on the colon. When there is an imbalance or disruption in the composition of the gut microbiota, it is referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can trigger inflammation in the intestinal cells and disrupt the innate immune system, leading to oxidative stress, redox signaling, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. The Nod-like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator found in immunological and epithelial cells, is crucial in inducing inflammatory diseases, promoting immune responses to the gut microbiota, and regulating the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Its downstream effectors include caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1ß. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of 13 medicinal plants, such as Litsea cubeba, Artemisia anomala, Piper nigrum, Morus macroura, and Agrimonia pilosa, and 29 phytocompounds such as artemisitene, morroniside, protopine, ferulic acid, quercetin, picroside II, and hydroxytyrosol on in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on their effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The observed effects of these treatments included reductions in IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and caspase levels, and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, IL-4, and IL-10, as well as regulation of gut microbiota. These effects could potentially provide substantial advantages in treating IBD with few or no adverse effects as caused by synthetic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulated drugs. However, additional research is necessary to validate these findings clinically and to develop effective treatments that can benefit individuals who suffer from these diseases.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review.

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing qualities to regions outside its origin has rapidly expanded global demand for açaí berry. The health-promoting and disease-preventing properties of this plant are attributed to numerous bioactive phenolic compounds present in the leaf, pulp, fruit, skin, and seeds. The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of the health benefits of açaí and its phytochemicals with a special focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, renoprotective, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic activities. Moreover, clinical trials have suggested that açaí can protect against metabolic stress induced by oxidation, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and physical exertion. Due to its medicinal properties and the absence of undesirable effects, açaí shows a promising future in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to a vast economic potential in the food and cosmetic industries.

Effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in Nrf2 Pathways during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Related Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) dysregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies using phytocompounds as modulators of the Nrf2 signaling in IBD have already been published. However, no existing review emphasizes the whole scenario for the potential of plants and phytocompounds as regulators of Nrf2 in IBD models and colitis-associated colorectal carcinogenesis. For these reasons, this study aimed to build a review that could fill this void. The PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The literature review showed that medicinal plants and phytochemicals regulated the Nrf2 on IBD and IBD-associated colorectal cancer by amplifying the expression of the Nrf2-mediated phase II detoxifying enzymes and diminishing NF-κB-related inflammation. These effects improve the bowel environment, mucosal barrier, colon, and crypt disruption, reduce ulceration and microbial translocation, and consequently, reduce the disease activity index (DAI). Moreover, the modulation of Nrf2 can regulate various genes involved in cellular redox, protein degradation, DNA repair, xenobiotic metabolism, and apoptosis, contributing to the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Phytochemicals and Regulation of NF-kB in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: An Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Effects.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic relapsing idiopathic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. They are mainly represented by two forms, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBD can be associated with the activation of nuclear factors, such as nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), leading to increased transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators that result in diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, and many extra-intestinal manifestations. Phytochemicals can interfere with many inflammation targets, including NF-kB pathways. Thus, this review aimed to investigate the effects of different phytochemicals in the NF-kB pathways in vitro and in vivo models of IBD. Fifty-six phytochemicals were included in this study, such as curcumin, resveratrol, kaempferol, sesamol, pinocembrin, astragalin, oxyberberine, berberine hydrochloride, botulin, taxifolin, naringin, thymol, isobavachalcone, lancemaside A, aesculin, tetrandrine, Ginsenoside Rk3, mangiferin, diosgenin, theanine, tryptanthrin, lycopene, gyngerol, alantolactone, mangostin, ophiopogonin D, fisetin, sinomenine, piperine, oxymatrine, euphol, artesunate, galangin, and nobiletin. The main observed effects related to NF-kB pathways were reductions in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and augmented occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1, and IL-10 expression levels. Moreover, phytochemicals can improve weight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding in IBD. Therefore, phytochemicals can constitute a powerful treatment option for IBD in humans.

Ginkgo biloba in the Aging Process: A Narrative Review.

Neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, insulin resistance, cancer, and other degenerative processes commonly appear with aging. Ginkgo biloba (GB) is associated with several health benefits, including memory and cognitive improvement, in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and cancer. Its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions have effects on cognition and other conditions associated with aging-related processes, such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. The aim of this study was to perform a narrative review of the effects of GB in some age-related conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, CVD, and cancer. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched, and the PRISMA guidelines were applied. Fourteen clinical trials were selected; the studies showed that GB can improve memory, cognition, memory scores, psychopathology, and the quality of life of patients. Moreover, it can improve cerebral blood flow supply, executive function, attention/concentration, non-verbal memory, and mood, and decrease stress, fasting serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin levels, body mass index, waist circumference, biomarkers of oxidative stress, the stability and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, and inflammation. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the use of GB can provide benefits in the prevention and treatment of aging-related conditions.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Advancing age is one of the risk factors for developing many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative alterations, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies have indicated that supplementation with resveratrol (RSV) might improve cerebrovascular function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of RSV on MCI and AD. MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were used to perform the search, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Five studies met the eligible criteria; three with AD and two with MCI. In AD patients, the use of RSV reduces Aß levels, improves brain volume, reduces the Mini-mental status score, and improves AD scores. In patients with MCI, this polyphenol prevents decline in Standard Volumes of Interest and increases the Resting-state Functional Connectivity score. RSV can activate the human silent information regulator 2/sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) and can inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase, and nuclear factor-κB, resulting in the reduction of the proinflammation pathways. It is also associated with the increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and reduction of interferon-γ and IL-17. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can be related to preventing neurodegenerative diseases, doing maintenance, and enabling the recovery of these conditions directly related to inflammation and oxidative stress. We suggest that the use of RSV can bring beneficial effects to patients with MCI or AD.

Relationship of Inflammatory Markers and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women.

The increased deposition of visceral fat in the postmenopause period increases the production of inflammatory cytokines and the release of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and decrease in IL-10. This study investigated the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic syndrome (MS) in postmenopausal women considering different diagnostic criteria. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study based on STROBE. Data were collected regarding the diagnostic criteria for MS (International Diabetes Federation; NCEP (International Diabetes Federation (IDF), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III), and Harmonized criteria), body composition, comorbidities, time without menstruation, values of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Levene tests, ROC, and odds ratio were performed to analyze the data. The results showed no significant difference between the methods and no interaction between the method and the presence of MS. However, for the values of WC, body fat percentage, TNF-α, and IL-10/TNF-α ratio, a significant effect of MS was observed. In subjects with MS, lower values of body fat percentage and TNF-α and higher values of the IL-10/TNF-α ratio were also observed. The higher IL-10/TNF-α ratio in the MS group is related to the greater anti-inflationary action of IL-10. The IL-10/TNF-α ratio showed significant accuracy to discriminate patients with MS according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria.

Effects of the Use of Curcumin on Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe chronic inflammatory disorders related to a substantial reduction in the quality of life of patients. Some patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are refractory to conventional therapies, and Curcuma longa derivatives have been considered as adjuvants. Owing to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, some clinical trials used this plant in the therapeutic approach of IBD, and some meta-analyses evaluated the outcomes found in these studies. Owing to controversial findings, our systematic review aimed to evaluate these studies to show whether C. longa compounds can still be considered in the therapeutic approach of patients with CD and UC. MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched, and Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. The results of the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed promising results with the use of curcumin in the therapeutic approach of both UC and CD patients. Some meta-analyses show controversial results, possibly due to the presence of bias in the included studies. The actions of curcumin are achieved by several mechanisms, such as reducing the expression of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, it reduces the levels of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anions and malondialdehyde. The results of using curcumin in CD and UC patients are challenging to be evaluated because RCTs are variable in the dose and the formulations of curcumin, in the time of treatment, and the route of administration. The number of patients in the samples is also usually small.

Cannabis and Canabidinoids on the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Going Beyond Misuse.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal condition, including mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Cannabis sativa (CS) is widely used for medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes. The most studied compound of CS is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Besides many relevant therapeutic roles such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there is still much controversy about the consumption of this plant since the misuse can lead to serious health problems. Because of these reasons, the aim of this review is to investigate the effects of CS on the treatment of UC and CD. The literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, PMC, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The use of CS leads to the improvement of UC and CD scores and quality of life. The medical use of CS is on the rise. Although the literature shows relevant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could improve UC and CD scores, it is still not possible to establish a treatment criterion since the studies have no standardization regarding the variety and part of the plant that is used, route of administration and doses. Therefore, we suggest caution in the use of CS in the therapeutic approach of IBD until clinical trials with standardization and a relevant number of patients are performed.

Grape juice or wine: which is the best option?

Grapes used in the wine or juice production are mainly Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca and possess high amounts of polyphenolic compounds. These compounds are associated with the reduction of the inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and protection against cardiovascular diseases. The industrial processes used for juice and wine production may interfere with the antioxidant composition of these products and the effects on human health. The aim of this review is to compare the effects of the consumption of wine or grape juice on cardiovascular risk factors. We used PRISMA guidelines and Medline/PUBMED and EMBASE to perform our search. The main effects of red wine and grape juice in humans were a reduction of body mass index, waist circumference, glycemia, plasma lipid peroxidation, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, blood pressure, and homocysteine levels. Both wine and grape juice possess numerous bioactive compounds that are potentially responsible for many beneficial effects on human health. Nevertheless, there is a need for more double-blind, randomized controlled studies comparing the effects of juice and wine consumption without the biases that occur when comparisons are made with different populations, ages, doses, and different types of wine or juice.

Effects of Green Wheat (Triticum turgidum) and Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on the Metabolic Profile of Wistar Rats.

Studies have shown that the consumption of a diet containing whole grains may improve metabolic homeostasis and is related to the reduction of risk factors for the development of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided into G1 (control group), G2 (T. turgidum), and G3 (T. aestivum). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated after 45 days of treatment with both types of wheat. Our results showed that the use of the common or green wheat improved body weight percentage, visceral fat, glycemia, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and atherogenic indices such as atherogenic index, CCR1, and CCR2. Furthermore, wheat may also improve high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The health-promoting properties of wheat occur probably due to the content of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fibers. We suggest that the intake of T. aestivum and T. turgidum may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The Potential Role of Medicinal Plants in Bone Regeneration.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: Natural healing of bone lesions once incomplete or delayed bone regeneration represents an important clinical issue and plants possess compounds that may enhance bone healing, and avoid bone losses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to evaluate the potential role of medicinal plants in the bone regenaration. METHODS/DESIGN: This review has included relevant studies available in MEDLINE-PubMed in the last three years that associated the role of plants in the bone regeneration. The descriptors used were "bone regeneration and plants" and "bone regeneration and medicinal plants". RESULTS: We selected 59 articles, but only 15 studies dovetailed the study objectives of this review. These studies showed that plants have potential in increasing in the osseointegration once their components may downregulate biomarkers such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Metalloproteinase 2, and 3. They may also upregulate mediators such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Transforming-Growing Factor-ß1, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and type 1 collagen. The control in the production of these cytokines may help bone regeneration. Plant components such as curcumol, caffeic acid, resveratrol, luteolin, and many others may also be useful in bone health once may interfere in Nuclear Factor-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases, and may modulate Ca2+ signaling, inflammatory mediator genes, and inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. CONCLUSION: Many plants possess components that are effective in promoting bone regeneration and new pharmaceutical technology and pharmacological researchers should be performed in order to establish the dose and the appropriate delivery vehicle of administration of the plant or its compounds.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia and Annona muricata on Erhlich Tumor Cells in Swiss Albino Mice and In Vitro Fibroblast Cells.

Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Annona muricata (AM) are popularly used for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of the juice of the MC fruit, and the ethanolic extract of AM leaves on Erhlich tumor cells, in mice and in vitro fibroblastic cells. The animals were divided into G1 and G2: controls; G3: treated with AM, and G4 juice: treated with MC. The animals were subjected to intraperitoneal inoculation of 103 tumor cells and then treated with the plants. G1 and G2 received a saline solution. Cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, and maintained at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere. After growth, the cells were trypsinized and incubated again. Subsequently, serial dilution of extracts and juice was performed and incubated again for 48 h. We evaluated the ascites growth, the survival rate, and cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells. AM and MC did not interfere in the ascites pattern. MC, but not AM showed significance in the survival rate. Both AM and MC produced cytotoxicity activity in T3T cells. Despite advances in medicine, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in the world and traditional medications are not always effective. The use of MC may bring beneficial effects to patients since they interfere with different mechanisms of action during carcinogenesis. However, we suggest that further investigations should be performed.

Reflections about Osteoarthritis and Curcuma longa.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory degenerative process that affects joints such as the hands, hips, shoulders, feet, spine, and especially knees in millions of people worldwide. Some authors have shown that Curcuma longa components may exhibit benefic effects in the treatment of degenerative diseases as OA. This plant belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and it is popularly known as turmeric or saffron. This review intended to perform a retrospective search to identify studies involving humans and animal models. This review was based on articles linking OA and C. longa. Databases as Medline, Science Direct, and Lilacs were consulted and a retrospective search was carried out in order to identify studies involving humans and animal models. The curcuminoids from C. longa exhibit actions at different locations in the pathogenesis of OA once it may play an important role as anti-inflammatory, down-regulating enzymes as phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2, and lipoxygenases, and reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha-and interleukins such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and IL-8. They also act as inducer of apoptosis in synoviocytes, decreasing the inflammation process and may also reduce the synthesis of reactive oxygen species. For these reasons, new pharmaceutical technology and pharmacological studies should be proposed to determine the dose, the best delivery vehicle, pharmaceutical formulation and route of administration of this plant so its use as an adjunct in the treatment of OA may become a reality in clinical practice.

Efeitos do uso de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L) no perfil bioquímico de ratos Wistar / Effects of the use of basil (Ocimum basilicum L) in biochemical profile of Wistar rats

Objetivo - O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) é uma planta comumente utilizada na culinária e tem sido apontado pelas suas propriedades benéficas à saúde, possuindo importantes efeitos antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórios e hepato-protetores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) no perfil bioquímico de ratos. Método - Trinta ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram utilizados. Os ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 10 animais e receberam tratamentos ad libitum por um período de trinta dias. O primeiro grupo (G1) recebeu água ad libitum, o segundo e terceiro grupos (G2 e G3) receberam infusão de manjericão nas concentrações de 20g/L e 40g/L, respectivamente. Foram feitas análises de glicemia, colesterol total, HDL-c, triglicerídeos, proteína C reativa (PCR), creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). Resultados - A utilização do Ocimum basilicum L. promoveu redução de 37,44% no índice de colesterol total e de 34,55% nos níveis de triglicerídeos, e aumento de 39% nos níveis de HDL-c em relação ao grupo controle. Considerando a glicemia houve redução de 11,40% e 19,36% utilizando concentrações de 20 g/L e 40 g/L do manjericão, respectivamente. Não houve alteração significativa nos níveis de creatinina, PCR e enzimas hepáticas. Conclusão - Os resultados sobre as variáveis bioquímicas são promissores, visto que as alterações podem beneficiar indivíduos em condições de hipercolesterolemia e hiperglicemia, auxiliando na prevenção e tratamento de distúrbios crônico-degenerativos. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados, como a análise de toxicidade da infusão de manjericão em ratos Wistar e determinação dos constituintes químicos da infusão.

Objective - Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a plant commonly used in culinary and it has been indicated for their beneficial health properties, such as significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by oral administration in the biochemical profile of rats. Method - Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided in three groups of 10 animals, and were fed ad libitum for 30 days. The first group (G1) received water ad libitum, the second and third groups (G2 and G3) received an infusion of basil at concentrations of 20 g/L and 40 g/L, respectively. Levels of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed. Results - The use of O. basilicum L. decreased 37.44% in cholesterol levels and 34.55% in triglyceride levels, and increased 39.00% in HDL-c levels. Whereas the blood glycemic decreased 11.40% and 19.36% using concentrations of 20g/L and 40g/L of basil, respectively. There was no significant modification in creatinine levels, CRP and liver enzymes. Conclusion - The results show that O. basilicum L. can be helpful to prevent hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias but further studies should be done, such as the toxic analysis of basil infusion in male Wistar rats and the determination of the chemical constituents of the infusion.