Rice bran arabinoxylan compound as a natural product for cancer treatment - an evidence-based assessment of the effects and mechanisms.

CONTEXT: Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is a natural immunomodulator with anticancer properties. OBJECTIVE: This study critically evaluates the available evidence on the biological pathways of RBAC and its effects on cancer treatment. METHODS: This secondary analysis of a scoping review includes studies evaluating the mechanisms of RBAC on healthy or malignant cells, animal models, or humans for cancer prevention or treatment. Data from randomized controlled trials on survival and quality of life outcomes were subjectd to meta analysis. RESULTS: The evidence synthesis was based on 38 articles. RBAC exhibited antitumor properties by promoting apoptosis and restoring immune function in cancer patients to enhance inflammatory and cytotoxic responses to block tumorigenesis. RBAC works synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents by upregulating drug transport. In a clinical trial, combining RBAC with chemoembolization in treating liver cancer showed improved response, reduced recurrence rates, and prolonged survival. RBAC also augments the endogenous antioxidant system to prevent oxidative stress and protect against radiation side effects. In addition, RBAC has chemoprotective effects. Animals and humans have exhibited reduced toxicity and side effects from chemotherapy. Meta analysis indicates that RBAC treatment increases the survival odds by 4.02-times (95% CI: 1.67, 9.69) in the first year and 2.89-times (95% CI: 1.56, 5.35) in the second year. CONCLUSION: RBAC is a natural product with immense potential in cancer treatment. Additional research is needed to characterize, quantify, and standardize the active ingredients in RBAC responsible for the anticancer effects. More well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are required to substantiate the treatment efficacies further.

Editorial: A Feasible Approach for Natural Products to Treatment of Diseases.

The potential of natural products from both plant and animal sources to treat diseases remains enormous, as our understating forms just the tip of the iceberg [...].

Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan by Lentinus edodes Mycelial Enzyme as an Immunoceutical for Health and Aging-A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran enzymatically treated with Lentinus edodes mycelium. This review explores biologically active compounds and mechanisms of action that support RBAC as an immunomodulating nutraceutical in generally healthy and/or aging individuals. Thirty-seven (n = 37) primary research articles fulfilled the selection criteria for review. Most research is based on Biobran MGN-3, which consists of complex heteropolysaccharides with arabinoxylan as its primary structure while also containing galactan and glucan. RBAC was found to invoke immunological activities through direct absorption via the digestive tract and interaction with immune cells at the Peyer's patches. RBAC was shown to promote innate defence by upregulating macrophage phagocytosis and enhancing natural killer cell activity while lowering oxidative stress. Through induction of dendritic cell maturation, RBAC also augments adaptive immunity by promoting T and B lymphocyte proliferation. RBAC acts as an immunomodulator by inhibiting mast cell degranulation during allergic reactions, attenuating inflammation, and downregulating angiogenesis by modulating cytokines and growth factors. RBAC has been shown to be a safe and effective nutraceutical for improving immune health, notably in aging individuals with reduced immune function. Human clinical trials with geriatric participants have demonstrated RBAC to have prophylactic benefits against viral infection and may improve their quality of life. Further research should explore RBAC's bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the complex heteropolysaccharides within. Translational research to assess RBAC as a nutraceutical for the aging population is still required, particularly in human studies with larger sample sizes and cohort studies with long follow-up periods.

Changes in the Human Gut Microbiome during Dietary Supplementation with Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound.

This study investigated the effects of a modified rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) as a dietary supplement on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. Ten volunteers supplemented their diet with 1 g of RBAC for six weeks and 3 g of RBAC for another six weeks, with a three-week washout period. Faecal samples were collected every 3 weeks over 21 weeks. Microbiota from faecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Assessment of alpha and beta microbiota diversity was performed using the QIIME2 platform. The results revealed that alpha and beta diversity were not associated with the experimental phase, interventional period, RBAC dosage, or time. However, the statistical significance of the participant was detected in alpha (p < 0.002) and beta (weighted unifrac, p = 0.001) diversity. Explanatory factors, including diet and lifestyle, were significantly associated with alpha (p < 0.05) and beta (p < 0.01) diversity. The individual beta diversity of six participants significantly changed (p < 0.05) during the interventional period. Seven participants showed statistically significant taxonomic changes (ANCOM W ≥ 5). These results classified four participants as responders to RBAC supplementation, with a further two participants as likely responders. In conclusion, the gut microbiome is highly individualised and modulated by RBAC as a dietary supplement, dependent on lifestyle and dietary intake.

Health-Promoting Properties of Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Compounds for the COVID-19 Era-An Appraisal: Do the Pro-Health Claims Measure Up?

Many mushroom species are consumed as food, while significant numbers are also utilised medicinally. Mushrooms are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. A growing body of in vitro, in vivo, and human research has revealed their therapeutic potentials, which include such properties as anti-pathogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, gut microbiota enhancement, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 specificity. The uses of medicinal mushrooms (MMs) as extracts in nutraceuticals and other functional food and health products are burgeoning. COVID-19 presents an opportunity to consider how, and if, specific MM compounds might be utilised therapeutically to mitigate associated risk factors, reduce disease severity, and support recovery. As vaccines become a mainstay, MMs may have the potential as an adjunct therapy to enhance immunity. In the context of COVID-19, this review explores current research about MMs to identify the key properties claimed to confer health benefits. Considered also are barriers or limitations that may impact general recommendations on MMs as therapy. It is contended that the extraction method used to isolate bioactive compounds must be a primary consideration for efficacious targeting of physiological endpoints. Mushrooms commonly available for culinary use and obtainable as a dietary supplement for medicinal purposes are included in this review. Specific properties related to these mushrooms have been considered due to their potential protective and mediating effects on human exposure to the SARS CoV-2 virus and the ensuing COVID-19 disease processes.

Polyphenol-Rich Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Other Clinical Entities Associated with Altered Iron Metabolism.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is rich in natural polyphenols and may potentially complement oral iron therapy in treating and preventing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This narrative review explores the benefits of ginger for IDA and other clinical entities associated with altered iron metabolism. Through in vivo, in vitro, and limited human studies, ginger supplementation was shown to enhance iron absorption and thus increase oral iron therapy's efficacy. It also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and thus protects against excess free iron. Ginger's bioactive polyphenols are prebiotics to the gut microbiota, promoting gut health and reducing the unwanted side effects of iron tablets. Moreover, ginger polyphenols can enhance the effectiveness of erythropoiesis. In the case of iron overload due to comorbidities from chronic inflammatory disorders, ginger can potentially reverse the adverse impacts and restore iron balance. Ginger can also be used to synthesise nanoparticles sustainably to develop newer and more effective oral iron products and functional ingredients for IDA treatment and prevention. Further research is still needed to explore the applications of ginger polyphenols in iron balance and anaemic conditions. Specifically, long-term, well-designed, controlled trials are required to validate the effectiveness of ginger as an adjuvant treatment for IDA.

Nutraceuticals in Immune Function.

Nutraceutical, a term derived from 'nutrition' and 'pharmaceutical', refers to any product isolated from herbs, nutrients, specific diets, processed foods, and beverages used not only for nutritional but also for medicinal purposes [...].

What Is the Mechanism Driving the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events from Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists?-A Mini Review.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are considered the standard of care for type 2 diabetes in many countries worldwide. These molecules have profound anti-hyperglycaemic actions with a favourable safety profile. They are now being considered for their robust cardiovascular (CV) protective qualities in diabetic patients. Most recent CV outcome trials have reported that GLP-1 RAs reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Furthermore, the GLP-1 RAs seem to target the atherosclerotic CV disease processes preferentially. GLP-1 RAs also improve a wide range of routinely measured surrogate markers associated with CV risk. However, mediation analysis suggests these modest improvements may contribute indirectly to the overall anti-atherogenic profile of the molecules but fall short in accounting for the significant reduction in MACE. This review explores the body of literature to understand the possible mechanisms that contribute to the CV protective profile of GLP-1 RAs.

The Health-Promoting Properties and Clinical Applications of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Modified with Shiitake Mushroom Enzyme-A Narrative Review.

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran hydrolyzed with Lentinus edodes mycelial enzyme. It has been marketed as a functional food and a nutraceutical with health-promoting properties. Some research has demonstrated this rice bran derivative to be a potent immunomodulator, which also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties. To date, research on RBAC has predominantly focused on its immunomodulatory action and application as a complementary therapy for cancer. Nonetheless, the clinical applications of RBAC can extend beyond cancer therapy. This article is a narrative review of the research on the potential benefits of RBAC for cancer and other health conditions based on the available literature. RBAC research has shown it to be useful as a complementary treatment for cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection. It can positively modulate serum glucose, lipid and protein metabolism in diabetic patients. Additionally, RBAC has been shown to ameliorate irritable bowel syndrome and protect against liver injury caused by hepatitis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It can potentially ease symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome and prevent the common cold. RBAC is safe to consume and has no known side effects at the typical dosage of 2-3 g/day. Nevertheless, further research in both basic studies and human clinical trials are required to investigate the clinical applications, mechanisms, and effects of RBAC.

Decursin induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells, but not in glial cells via a mitochondria-related caspase pathway.

Decursin is a major biological active component of Angelica gigas Nakai and is known to induce apoptosis of metastatic prostatic cancer cells. Recently, other reports have been commissioned to examine the anticancer activities of this plant. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activity and related mechanism of action of decursin against glioblastoma cell line. Decursin demonstrated cytotoxic effects on U87 and C6 glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner but not in primary glial cells. Additionally, decursin increased apoptotic bodies and phosphorylated JNK and p38 in U87 cells. Decursin also down-regulated Bcl-2 as well as cell cycle dependent proteins, CDK-4 and cyclin D1. Furthermore, decursin-induced apoptosis was dependent on the caspase activation in U87 cells. Taken together, our data provide the evidence that decursin induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells, making it a potential candidate as a chemotherapeutic drug against brain tumor.

Emulsion-Based Intradermal Delivery of Melittin in Rats.

Bee venom (BV) has long been used as a traditional medicine. The aim of the present study was to formulate a BV emulsion with good rheological properties for dermal application and investigate the effect of formulation on the permeation of melittin through dermatomed rat skin. A formulated emulsion containing 1% (w/v) BV was prepared. The emulsion was compared with distilled water (DW) and 25% (w/v) N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in DW. Permeation of melittin from aqueous solution through the dermatomed murine skin was evaluated using the Franz diffusion cells. Samples of receptor cells withdrawn at pre-determined time intervals were measured for melittin amount. After the permeation study, the same skin was used for melittin extraction. In addition, a known amount of melittin (5 µg/mL) was added to stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of the rat skin, and the amount of melittin was measured at pre-determined time points. The measurement of melittin from all samples was done with HPLC-MS/MS. No melittin was detected in the receptor phase at all time points in emulsion, DW, or NMP groups. When the amount of melittin was further analyzed in stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis from the permeation study, melittin was still not detected. In an additional experiment, the amount of melittin added to all skin matrices was corrected against the amount of melittin recovered. While the total amount of melittin was retained in the stratum corneum, less than 10% of melittin remained in epidermis and dermis within 15 and 30 min, respectively. Skin microporation with BV emulsion facilitates the penetration of melittin across the stratum corneum into epidermis and dermis, where emulsified melittin could have been metabolized by locally-occurring enzymes.

MPTP-induced vulnerability of dopamine neurons in A53T α-synuclein overexpressed mice with the potential involvement of DJ-1 downregulation.

Familial Parkinson's disease (PD) has been linked to point mutations and duplication of the α-synuclein (α-syn) gene. Mutant α-syn expression increases the vulnerability of neurons to exogenous insults. In this study, we developed a new PD model in the transgenic mice expressing mutant hemizygous (hemi) or homozygous (homo) A53T α-synuclein (α-syn Tg) and their wildtype (WT) littermates by treatment with sub-toxic (10 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 5 days) or toxic (30 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 5 days) dose of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Tyrosine hydroxylase and Bcl-2 levels were reduced in the α-syn Tg but not WT mice by sub-toxic MPTP injection. In the adhesive removal test, time to remove paper was significantly increased only in the homo α-syn Tg mice. In the challenging beam test, the hemi and homo α-syn Tg mice spent significantly longer time to traverse as compared to that of WT group. In order to find out responsible proteins related with vulnerability of mutant α-syn expressed neurons, DJ-1 and ubiquitin enzyme expressions were examined. In the SN, DJ-1 and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, UBE2N, levels were significantly decreased in the α-syn Tg mice. Moreover, A53T α-syn overexpression decreased DJ-1 expression in SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that the vulnerability to oxidative injury such as MPTP of A53T α-syn mice can be explained by downregulation of DJ-1.

Antibacterial Activity and Antibiotic-Enhancing Effects of Honeybee Venom against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), along with other antibiotic resistant bacteria, has become a significant social and clinical problem. There is thus an urgent need to develop naturally bioactive compounds as alternatives to the few antibiotics that remain effective. Here we assessed the in vitro activities of bee venom (BV), alone or in combination with ampicillin, penicillin, gentamicin or vancomycin, on growth of MRSA strains. The antimicrobial activity of BV against MRSA strains was investigated using minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and a time-kill assay. Expression of atl which encodes murein hydrolase, a peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme involved in cell separation, was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The MICs of BV were 0.085 µg/mL and 0.11 µg/mL against MRSA CCARM 3366 and MRSA CCARM 3708, respectively. The MBC of BV against MRSA 3366 was 0.106 µg/mL and that against MRSA 3708 was 0.14 µg/mL. The bactericidal activity of BV corresponded to a decrease of at least 3 log CFU/g cells. The combination of BV with ampicillin or penicillin yielded an inhibitory concentration index ranging from 0.631 to 1.002, indicating a partial and indifferent synergistic effect. Compared to ampicillin or penicillin, both MRSA strains were more susceptible to the combination of BV with gentamicin or vancomycin. The expression of atl gene was increased in MRSA 3366 treated with BV. These results suggest that BV exhibited antibacterial activity and antibiotic-enhancing effects against MRSA strains. The atl gene was increased in MRSA exposed to BV, suggesting that cell division was interrupted. BV warrants further investigation as a natural antimicrobial agent and synergist of antibiotic activity.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Astaxanthin on Histamine Induced Lesions in the Gizzard and Proventriculus of Broiler Chicks.

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a xanthophyll pigment isolated from crustaceans and salmonids. Owing to its powerful antioxidant activity, ASX has been reported to have the potential to protect against gastric ulcers and a variety of other illnesses. Histamine (His) is a dietary factor that causes gastric erosion and ulceration in young chicks. In this study, we examined whether ASX had protective effects on dietary histamine-induced lesions in the gizzard and proventriculus of broiler chickens. Four experimental treatment groups were planned: basal diet (BD), BD+His, BD+ASX, and BD+ASX+His, with four chicks (5 days old) in each group and three replications (i.e., a total of 12 chicks per group). The BD was supplemented with either 0.4% His or 100 ppm ASX. The birds were fed ad libitum for 3 weeks, and diets contained no antimicrobial compounds. Supplementing the diet with His significantly decreased body weight gain, but increased the weights of the gizzard and proventriculus of the chicks as compared with those of chicks in the BD group (p<0.05). ASX did not affect His-dependent changes in chick body weight or weights of the gizzard and proventriculus. The loss of gastric glands in the proventriculus, which was observed in His-treated chicks, was not prevented by ASX administration. The frequency of proventricular ulceration, however, was lowered by treatment with ASX, without significant differences between the two supplementation levels. In conclusion, our data showed that ASX might be helpful for alleviating structural damage to the digestive system in poultry under certain stressful conditions.

American ginseng tea protects cellular DNA within 2 h from consumption: results of a pilot study in healthy human volunteers.

The acute genoprotective effect of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) has been investigated. The experiment was carried out to explore the DNA protective effect after a single dose of American ginseng tea bag infusion. Fourteen subjects (6 males and 8 females) were recruited in this study. Seven of them (3 males and 4 females) were asked to drink a cup of freshly prepared American ginseng infusions. Water was taken by the remaining subjects as the control group. Blood samples of both groups were taken before and 2 h post-ingestion. The blood samples were challenged with ultraviolet B irradiation followed by using comet assay. Completed slides were stained with Giemsa stain and DNA damage was assessed. Results showed a significant decrease in comet score after American ginseng supplementation and no change in the control group. The current study demonstrated a cup of American ginseng infusion could protect cellular DNA from oxidative stress at least within 2 h.

Apamin inhibits hepatic fibrosis through suppression of transforming growth factor ß1-induced hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Apamin is an integral part of bee venom, as a peptide component. It has long been known as a highly selective block Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. However, the cellular mechanism and anti-fibrotic effect of apamin in TGF-ß1-induced hepatocytes have not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the anti-fibrosis or anti-EMT mechanism by examining the effect of apamin on TGF-ß1-induced hepatocytes. AML12 cells were seeded at ∼60% confluence in complete growth medium. Twenty-four hours later, the cells were changed to serum free medium containing the indicated concentrations of apamin. After 30 min, the cells were treated with 2 ng/ml of TGF-ß1 and co-cultured for 48 h. Also, we investigated the effects of apamin on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis animal model. Treatment of AML12 cells with 2 ng/ml of TGF-ß1 resulted in loss of E-cadherin protein at the cell-cell junctions and concomitant increased expression of vimentin. In addition, phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, Akt, Smad2/3 and Smad4 were increased by TGF-ß1 stimulation. However, cells treated concurrently with TGF-ß1 and apamin retained high levels of localized expression of E-cadherin and showed no increase in vimentin. Specifically, treatment with 2 µg/ml of apamin almost completely blocked the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, Smad2/3 and Smad4 in AML12 cells. In addition, apamin exhibited prevention of pathological changes in the CCl4-injected animal models. These results demonstrate the potential of apamin for the prevention of EMT progression induced by TGF-ß1 in vitro and CCl4-injected in vivo.

Neuroprotective effects of melittin on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

BACKGROUND: Free radicals are involved in neuronal cell death in human neurodegenerative diseases. Since ancient times, honeybee venom has been used in a complementary medicine to treat various diseases and neurologic disorders. Melittin, the main component of honeybee venom, has various biologic effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities. METHODS: We investigated the neuroprotective effects of melittin against H2O2-induced apoptosis in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. The neuroprotective effects of melittin on H2O2-induced apoptosis were investigated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylterazolium bromide assay, caspase 3 activity, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, Western blots, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The H2O2-treated cells had decreased cell viability with apoptotic features and increased production of caspase-3. On the other hand, melittin treatment increased cell viability and decreased apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Melittin attenuated the H2O2-induced decrease in mRNA and protein production of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. In addition, melittin inhibited both the H2O2-induced mRNA and protein expression of Bax-associated pro-apoptotic factor and caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that melittin has potential therapeutic effects as an agent for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound and Quality of Life (RBAC-QoL) of Cancer Patients: An Interim Analysis of the RBAC-QoL Study.

Background The effect of rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), a plant-based immunomodulator, on the quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients and underlying physiological pathways remains unclear. Trial design The RBAC-QoL study, a double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot feasibility study, aimed to determine RBAC's effects on QoL and the associated action mechanisms. Primary outcomes were the EORTC QLQ-C30 functional, symptom, and global QoL scores with inflammatory, nutritional, and cytokine parameters as secondary and exploratory outcomes. Methods Participants were adults diagnosed with solid organ tumours (≥ stage II) undergoing active treatment in several outpatient centres in New South Wales, Australia. Interventions were RBAC or matched placebo at 3g/day for 24 weeks allocated through stratified randomisation with participants, oncologists, and data collectors blinded. Data was collected from five study visits six weeks apart. The trial remained ongoing as of December 2023. An interim intention-to-treat analysis was performed using repeated measure ANOVA with pairwise comparisons where statistical significance was observed and adjusted with covariates. Results Global QoL scores from currently available data (n = 16; RBAC = 7, placebo = 9) were statistically different between groups (F1,8 = 8.6, p = 0.019, eta2[g] = 0.267). Pairwise comparisons found significant differences at Week 6 (p = 0.032, Cohen's d = 1.454) and marginally at Week 12 (p = 0.069, d = 1.427). Age-adjusted analysis showed a continuous upward trend in QoL improvement over time with RBAC, while the placebo group did not deviate from baseline QoL. Significant elevations of serum white blood cell count (Week 18) and total protein (Weeks 12 and 18) were detected in the RBAC group compared to placebo. The total protein levels correlated highly with white blood cell count (Pearson's r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and moderately with the global QoL scores (r = 0.338, p = 0.01). No intervention-related adverse events were reported in both groups.  Conclusions RBAC improves QoL beyond placebo during active cancer treatment, possibly through the immuno-nutritional pathway - these findings, though preliminary, are valuable for future research. Funding and registration: Daiwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Japan; BioMedica Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd., Australia. ANZCTR Reg No: ACTRN12619000562178p.

Skin sensitization study of bee venom (Apis mellifera L.) in guinea pigs and rats.

BACKGROUND: Bee venom (Apis mellifera L., BV) possessing a rich source of pharmacologically active substances has the potential to be used as a cosmetic ingredient for antiaging, antiinflammatory and antibacterial functions. The aim of this study was to assess the skin sensitization of BV on experimental animals using the Buehler test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Guinea pigs were randomly allocated into three groups of BV-sensitization, positive control-sensitization, and ethyl alcohol-sensitization group for induction and challenge. On the other hand, two groups of rats were administered with BV at doses of 0 and 1500 mg/kg. Clinical signs, mortality and body weight changes were continually monitored during the study period. RESULTS: No treatment-related clinical signs or body weight changes were observed in both animal models. The average skin reaction evaluated by erythema and edema on the challenge sites, and sensitization rate in the BV-sensitization group of guinea pigs were substantially low compared with those in positive control group, representing a negligible sensitizing potential of BV. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that BV was well tolerated and exhibited no dermal irritation potential in guinea pigs and rats. Our findings may provide a developmental basis of BV for a cosmetic ingredient or external application for topical uses.

Direct human DNA protection by Coriolus versicolor (Yunzhi) extract.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Scientific evidence has shown Coriolus versicolor (L. ex Fr.) Quel (also known as Yunzhi) has the role of immunomodulator in therapeutic effect. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the antioxidative effect of Yunzhi and to explore the mechanisms behind its DNA protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercial Yunzhi extract was dissolved in water and diluted in five concentrations (10(1)-10(5) µg/L) with appropriate buffers. Lymphocytes harvested from three healthy subjects were incubated with Yunzhi extract for 30 min. Cells were then subjected to 5 min oxidant challenge by 45 µM hydrogen peroxide. The standard alkaline comet (SAC) assay and lysed cell comet (LCC) assay were performed in parallel. DNA damage of each treatment was scored under a fluorescence microscope and compared with the cells without Yunzhi pretreatment. RESULTS: U-shaped dose-response was seen in both versions of the comet assay. Yunzhi at 10(4) µg/L demonstrated a genoprotective effect against oxidative damage in the SAC assay (25% decrease in comet score). In the LCC assay, a trend of protection in lymphocytes was observed but it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: A direct antioxidant effect of Yunzhi against oxidant challenge on the DNA of lymphocytes was evidenced. The active component in Yunzhi was likely to be membrane permeable.