Chemical Characterization, Antilipidemic Effect and Anti-Obesity Activity of Ludwigia octovalvis in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven is widely used in traditional medicine for different illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension. However, its impact on lipotoxicity and metabolic syndrome in vivo has not been addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this plant on the metabolic syndrome parameters in a C57BL6J mouse hypercaloric diet model. L. octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction (25 mg/kg/day) were used for sub-chronic assessment (10 weeks). Additionally, four subfractions (25 mg/kg) were evaluated in the postprandial triglyceridemia test in healthy C57BL6J mice. The hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased body weight gain (-6.9 g and -1.5 g), fasting glycemia (-46.1 and -31.2 mg/dL), systolic (-26.0 and -22.5 mmHg) and diastolic (-8.1 and 16.2 mmHg) blood pressure, free fatty acid concentration (-13.8 and -8.0 µg/mL) and insulin-resistance (measured by TyG index, -0.207 and -0.18), compared to the negative control. A postprandial triglyceridemia test showed that the effects in the sub-chronic model are due, at least in part, to improvement in this parameter. L. octovalvis treatments, particularly the hydroalcoholic extract, improve MS alterations and decrease free fatty acid concentration. These effects are possibly due to high contents of corilagin and ellagic acid.

Inhibitory effect of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) extracts on digestive enzymes in vitro, and beneficial impact on carbohydrates and lipids absorption in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Although Mexican oregano inhibits digestive enzymes in vitro its effect on the absorption of carbohydrates and lipids in vivo has not been addressed. AIM OF THE STUDY: Assess the effect of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) on carbohydrates and lipids absorption in vivo. The antioxidant activity also was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enzymatic inhibitory action of lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase was evaluated in vitro. Oral lipid (OLTT) and starch tolerance tests (OSTT) were conducted with L. graveolens acetone (O-A) and ethanol (O-E) extracts (at 102 mg/kg body weight equivalent to a 1 g human doses) in male Wistar rats. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through inhibition of lipid peroxidation and scavenging radical. RESULTS: Both extracts exhibited higher inhibitory median concentration (IC50) of lipase activity (1.9 µg/µL for O-E and 1.8 µg/µL for O-A) than the positive control (Orlistat) (0.07 µg/µL). The IC50 of α-amylase was higher (41.8 µg/µL for O-E and 25.2 µg/µL for O-A) than the Acarbose (2.5 µg/µL); while α-glucosidase results showed not statistically differences between groups (∼1.7 µg/µL). The OLTT results showed that both extracts significantly reduced serum triglycerides (∼147 mg/dL for O-E and ∼155 mg/dL for O-A) as compared with negative control group (only lipid load). In the OSTT, glucose levels showed a significant decrease (∼31 mg/dL for O-E and ∼17 mg/dL for O-A) than the negative control group (only starch load). About in vitro antioxidant evaluation, not statistically differences between extracts and positive control (Trolox) were observed for scavenged free radicals (∼2.0 µg/µL); whereas O-A inhibited lipid peroxidation similar to the Trolox (∼0.8 µg/µL IC50). The main chemical composition of both extracts was coumaric acid, luteolin, rutinoside, naringenin, and carvacrol. CONCLUSIONS: Both extracts reduce lipid absorption; whereas O-E decreases carbohydrate absorption in vivo. Both extracts inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals in vitro.

Beneficial Effects of Plant-Derived Natural Products on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming in one of the most prevalent liver diseases that leads to liver transplantation. This health problem is a multisystem disease with a complex pathogenesis that involves liver, adipose tissue, gut, and muscle. Although several pharmacological agents have been investigated to prevent or treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, currently there is no effective treatment for the management of this chronic liver disease. Nonetheless, the use of natural products has emerged as a alternative therapeutic for the treatment of hepatic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, insulin-sensitizing, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the present review, we have discussed the evidence from experimental and clinical studies regarding the potential beneficial effects of plant-derived natural products (quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, pomegranate, curcumin, cinnamon, green tea, coffee, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and gingko biloba) for the treatment or prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Rethinking Strategies and Programs to Improve Physical and Emotional Well-being Among Healthcare Professionals: Facing the New Normalcy.

Background: With the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a different perspective on the future of humanity has emerged that emphasizes the importance of building the capacities of healthcare providers in order to assist them with the heavy burden that these changes have placed on them both now and in the future. A reduction in the quality of life and the presence of prolonged fatigue are some of the most imminent problems that emerge among these professionals. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a holistic intervention (workshop) for health science students aimed at developing skills that will enable them to obtain a better self-assessment of their quality of life, and prolonged fatigue. Methods: Pre- and post-measures of quality of life, and prolonged fatigue were obtained from 130 health science students, including a group of 96 attendees (cases) of a 4-h wellness workshop and 34 students who did not attend (controls). Results: Paired t tests indicated a significant improvement in nearly all dimensions related to quality of life, and prolonged fatigue in the case group who attended the workshop. Conclusions: A comprehensive wellness strategy that utilizes a holistic approach can play an important role in improving and promoting essential skills to improve healthcare provider's self-assessment about the quality of life and reduce their prolonged fatigue. The critical importance of these needs has long been recognized, and this will also be crucial for addressing new challenges and emerging realities.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) calyxes' extracts.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant potential of green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) calyxes' extracts. Three methods were used to obtain the extracts: maceration (M), ultrasound-assisted (US), and infusion. Regarding in vitro hypoglycemic evaluation, glucose diffusion assay and enzymatic inhibitory action of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were performed. Whereas, for in vivo assessment an oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) was tested with aqueous extracts [infusion (40 mg/kg b. wt.), maceration (M) water (98 mg/kg b. wt.), and US water (82.24 mg/kg b. wt.)] on male Wistar rats. Additionally, in vitro antioxidant activity of P. ixocarpa calyxes' was evaluated through inhibition of scavenging radical assay and lipid peroxidation. Extracts decreased the glucose diffusion in a range of 18%-56% compared with the negative control. Additionally, extracts inhibited α-amylase (above 80%) and α-glucosidase enzymes (above 90%). All groups treated with P. ixocarpa calyxes' significantly reduced the glucose levels at 120 min (infusion = 13.3%, M Water = 12.7%, and US Water = 19.4%) in comparison with the negative control, and similar levels to acarbose at 120 min (13.1%). Finally, extracts showed IC50 values in a range of 2.5-6.6 µg/µl for radical scavenging, and 118-199 µg/µl for lipid oxidation. Our results show that P. ixocarpa calyxes' extracts induce hypoglycemia and antioxidant effects in vitro and in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The green tomato is usually consumed in Mexico, the United States, and Central America. This fruit grows inside a calyx, which is considered an agro-food waste. However, some regions of Latin America have a traditional medicine purpose for diabetes affections. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published data that supports its hypoglycemic action. The information provided will be useful to nutraceutical applications that allow value-added products and sustainable green tomato production.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties of konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) in vitro and in vivo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant potential of konjac in vitro and in vivo. Glucose diffusion and enzymatic starch digestion of konjac were assayed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) were performed at dose of 102 mg/Kg of body weight (equivalent to 1 g/meal in humans). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of konjac was evaluated through inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The konjac decreased glucose diffusion by 36% and 19% compared with the negative and positive controls, respectively. Additionally, konjac inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities by 14% and 90%, respectively. After OSTT, group treated with konjac showed significant lower glucose levels compared with control group (p = .03). Finally, konjac reduced lipid peroxidation in human plasma (93%) compared with the negative control. Our results suggest that konjac exhibits hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Because the use of herbal products have emerged as an attractive therapeutic option for chronic diseases, konjac administration may be an adjuvant for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of five commercial turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplements.

We evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of five commercial turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplements: (1) bulk samples, (2) turmeric root from India, (3) curcuma turmeric Pronat® , (4) turmeric & black pepper Swanson® , and (5) C3 complex® turmeric curcumin. Glucose diffusion and enzymatic starch digestion assays, using α-amylase and α-glucosidase, were performed. The antioxidant activity of turmeric supplements was measured through lipid peroxidation inhibition and the scavenging radical assay. A starch dose of 102 mg/Kg of body weight (equivalent to 1 g/day in humans) was used to perform the oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) in Wistar male rats. All turmeric supplements decreased glucose diffusion and α-glucosidase enzyme activity, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. The rats that received bulk samples and CT showed significantly lower glucose levels than rats receiving acarbose and those of negative control group. Our results show that biological activities of turmeric supplements vary according to the commercial presentation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study results suggest that the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of five commercial turmeric supplements vary among them. The information provided would be useful to physicians and individuals using these supplements.

Oral Magnesium Supplementation and Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral magnesium supplementation in the improvement of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. This is a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that enrolled 198 individuals with MetS and hypomagnesemia who were randomly allocated to receive either 30 mL of magnesium chloride 5% solution, equivalent to 382 mg of elemental magnesium (n = 100), or placebo solution (n = 98), daily for 16 weeks. Serum magnesium levels <1.8 mg/dL defined hypomagnesemia. At final conditions, a total of 48 (48%) and 76 (77.5%) individuals had MetS in the magnesium and placebo groups (P = 0.01), respectively. At baseline, percent of individuals with 3, 4, and 5 criteria of MetS in the magnesium group were 60.0%, 37.0%, and 3.0%, respectively, and in the control group 55.1%, 35.7%, and 9.2%, respectively. Between basal and final conditions, changes in the components of MetS were significantly higher in the magnesium than placebo groups: -3.6 ± 3.3 mmHg, P = 0.001 for systolic blood pressure; -5.5 ± 1.7 mmHg, P = 0.005 for diastolic blood pressure; -12.4 ± 3.6 mg/dL, P < 0.005 for fasting glucose; -61.2 ± 24 mg/dL, P = 0.003 for triglycerides; and 0.9 ± 0.4 mg/dL, P = 0.06 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Magnesium supplementation improves MetS by reducing blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of Oak leaves (Quercus convallata and Quercus arizonica) infusions and fermented beverages.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages from Quercus convallata and Q. arizonica in vitro and in vivo. Female C57BL/6 mice fed with high saturated fat and fructose diet-induced obesity were treated with oak leaves beverages (200 µL/per day equivalent to 15mg of lyophilized sample/Kg of body weight for infusions and 31mg of lyophilized sample/Kg of body weight for fermented beverages) for 3months and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Blood plasma was obtained for determination of glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (ABTS, nitric oxide, and ORAC assays). Insulin resistance was estimated using the product of triglycerides and glucose (TyG). Oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages exhibited exerted inhibition of α-amylase (8-15% and 5-9%, respectively) and α-glucosidase (98% and 99%, respectively) enzymes. After OGTT, the groups treated with either oak leaves infusions or fermented beverages showed lower glucose levels compared with the obesity control group (18%) and a similar glucose tolerance to healthy control group. On long-term evaluation, intervention groups showed a significant reduction in fasting glucose concentrations (41-50% for oak leaves infusions and 52-66% for fermented beverages) and TyG index (4.2-4.6% for oak leaves infusions and 5.9-7.5% for fermented beverages) compared with the obese control group. Oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages had antioxidant potential in vitro and scavenging activity for radicals such as peroxyl and peroxynitrite anions. Our results suggest anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of beverages prepared with leaves of Quercus species in vitro and in vivo.

Spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Agastache mexicana ssp. mexicana and A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana methanolic extracts on the guinea pig ileum.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Agastache mexicana has been used in traditional medicine for relief of abdominal pain and treatment of other diseases. Two subspecies have been identified: A. mexicana ssp. mexicana (AMM) and A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana (AMX) and both are used traditionally without distinction or in combination. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect of methanol extracts of A. mexicana ssp. mexicana and A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana on gut motility and their possible mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of AMM and AMX methanol extracts were tested on the spontaneous activity in the isolated guinea pig ileum and on tissues pre-contracted with KCl, electrical field stimulation (EFS) or ACh. In addition, the possible mechanism of action of each subspecies on gut motility was analyzed in the presence of hexametonium, indomethacin, L-NAME, verapamil, atropine or pyrylamine. A comparative chromatographic profile of these extracts was also done to indicate the most abundant flavonoids presents in methanol extracts of both subspecies. RESULTS: AMM, but not AMX, induced a contractile effect in the guinea pig ileum. This spasmogenic effect was partially inhibited by atropine, antagonist of muscarinic receptors; and pyrilamine, antagonist of H1 receptors. In contrast, AMX, but not AMM, diminished the contractions induced by KCl, EFS or ACh. The spasmolytic activity of AMX was partially inhibited by hexamethonium, ganglionic blocker; and indomethacin, inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins; but not by L-NAME, inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. In addition, AMX diminished the maximal contraction induced by CaCl2 in a calcium-free medium. Chromatographic analyses of these methanol extracts showed the presence of acacetin and tilanin in both. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in folk medicine only AMX should be used as spasmolytic, and not in combination with AMM as traditionally occurs, due to the spasmogenic effects of the latter. In addition, activation of nicotinic receptors, prostaglandins and calcium channels, but not nitric oxide mechanisms, could be responsible for the spasmolytic activity of AMX. On the other hand, release of ACh and histamine could be involved in the spasmogenic effect induced by AMM. Acacetin and tilanin are present in methanol extracts of both subspecies and both flavonoids were more abundant in AMX than AMM. Our findings contribute to the validation of the traditional use of Agastache mexicana in relieving gastrointestinal disorders, but indicate that the subspecie that should be used for this effect is A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana.

Neuroprotective effects of Tilia americana var. mexicana on damage induced by cerebral ischaemia in mice.

Tilia americana var. mexicana (T. americana) is a plant widely used in Mexico for its medicinal properties on the central nervous system. In the present study, we designed a protocol to investigate the neuroprotective effects of non-polar and polar extracts of T. americana on damage induced by cerebral ischaemia in mice. Vehicle or extracts were administered immediately after ischaemia. Functional neurological deficit, survival percentage and infarct area were determined in each experimental group. Results showed that groups treated with non-polar or polar extracts of T. americana had increased survival rate, improved neurological deficits and diminished the infarct area in relation to the ischaemic group. In conclusion, this study confirms the neuroprotective activity of T. americana, suggests a possible synergism between non-polar and polar constituents and supports its potential as a useful aid in the clinical management of stroke.

Consumption of Ocimum sanctum L. and Citrus paradisi infusions modulates lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obese rats.

A high saturated fat and fructose diet leads to metabolic disorders through dysregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Consumption of plant infusions reduces these obesity alterations, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of Ocimum sanctum L. (OS) and Citrus paradisi (CP) infusions in diet-induced obese rats. CP and OS infusions suppressed hepatic tissue fat accumulation, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of two hepatic lipogenesis genes: sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) compared with the obese control. Treatment with these infusions up-regulated the hepatic expression of mRNA related to mitochondrial fatty acid uptake: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and the expression of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1a (CPT1a). Both infusions improved insulin resistance, with OS showing the major effect. Consumption of these infusions reduces the damage caused by free radicals, protecting hepatic lipids and proteins. Additionally, plant infusions increase activity of hepatic enzymes: glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT). Our results suggest that the effects of CP and OS infusions on lipid metabolism are related to the down-regulation of genes involved in lipogenesis, particularly for OS, and to the increase in lipid ß-oxidation, especially for CP infusion. In conclusion, the consumption of these plant infusions is a feasible adjuvant therapy for metabolic changes induced by obesity.

Spasmolytic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. involves calcium channels in the guinea pig ileum.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a plant used around the world for its properties to cure pain in several conditions, such as arthritic and abdominal pain or as an antispasmodic; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating its spasmolytic activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract from Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts and the possible mechanism involved by using rings from the isolated guinea pig ileum (IGPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IGPI rings were pre-contracted with potassium chloride (KCl; 60 mM), acetylcholine (ACh; 1 × 10(-9) to 1 × 10(-5)M) or electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.3 Hz of frequency, 3.0 ms of duration and 14 V intensity) and tested in the presence of the Rosmarinus officinalis ethanol extract (150, 300, 600 and 1 200 µg/mL) or a referenced smooth muscle relaxant (papaverine, 30 µM). In addition, the possible mechanism of action was analyzed in the presence of hexametonium (a ganglionic blocker), indomethacine (an inhibitor of prostaglandins), l-NAME (a selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase) and nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker). RESULTS: Rosmarinus officinalis ethanol extract exhibited a significant and concentration-dependent spasmolytic activity on the contractions induced by KCl (CI(50) = 661.06 ± 155.91 µg/mL); ACh (CI(50) = 464.05 ± 16.85 µg/mL) and EFS (CI(50) = 513.72 ± 34.13 µg/mL). Spasmolytic response of Rosmarinus officinalis (600 µg/mL) was reverted in the presence of nifedipine 1 µM, but not in the presence of hexamethonium 0.5mM, indomethacine 1 µM or L-NAME 100 µM. CONCLUSION: The present results reinforce the use of Rosmarinus officinalis as antispasmodic in folk medicine. Moreover, it is demonstrated the involvement of calcium channels in this activity, but not the participation of nicotinic receptors, prostaglandins or nitric oxide.

Keloid skin scars: the influence of hyperbaric oxygenation on fibroblast growth and on the expression of messenger RNA for insulin like growth factor and for transforming growth factor.

Wound healing can result in the development of keloid scars that contain atypical fibroblasts and an overabundance of extracellular matrix components. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) refers to exposure to pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure and is recognized as a valuable supplementary method of treatment for problematic wounds. The effect of HBO in the expression of insulin-like growth factor type 1 (ILGF-1) and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) messenger RNAs was determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR in fibroblasts obtained from keloid scars and nonwound involved skin fibroblast from the same patient. ILGF-1 and TGF-ß are the principal mitogens during wound regeneration. We found a decrease in the growth of fibroblasts and in the expression of ILGF-1 and TGF-ß messengers in keloid and nonkeloid fibroblast after chronic exposition to hyperbaric oxygenation compared with normal oxygen partial pressure.

Dehydroepiandrosterone delays LDL oxidation in vitro and attenuates several oxLDL-induced inflammatory responses in endothelial cells.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a protective role against atherosclerosis, most likely mediating an anti-inflammatory action. In order to understand the mechanisms involved in this protection, we evaluated the effects of DHEA on several molecules involved in the inflammatory response. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of adhesion molecules, activation of the NF-kappaB/IkappaB-alpha pathway and of the AP-1 transcription factor were evaluated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) and DHEA. We also determined if DHEA affected LDL oxidation in vitro. 100 microM DHEA-treatment inhibited the oxLDL-induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM-1, ROS production, and U937 cells adhesion to HUVECs. DHEA also delayed the kinetics of LDL oxidation in vitro. While DHEA did not affect the translocation of NF-kappaB neither the degradation IkappaB-alpha, it led to an increased translocation of AP-1. Our results suggest that DHEA inhibits the expression of molecules involved in the inflammatory process in endothelial cells activated with oxLDL, therefore its potential anti-inflammatory properties should be evaluated for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Efecto de la utilización de un suplemento nutricional hidratado en pollos de engorde recién nacidos / Effect of use of an hydrated nutritional supplement in neonatal broiler chickens

El objetivo de este experimento fue evaluar el efecto de un suplemento nutricional hidratado (SNH) sobre el desarrollo de los órganos de oferta y demanda en pollos de engorde sometidos a diferentes tiempos (20, 24 y 48 horas) de privación del acceso al alimento comercial, inmediatamente después del nacimiento. El grupo control no recibió el SNH y tuvo acceso al alimento 20 horas después de nacido. Las constantes de crecimiento alométrico (CA) de los órganos de oferta mostraron que estos crecieron rápidamente durante los primeros ocho días de vida, siendo fundamentales para soportar el crecimiento posterior. El grupo control evidenció un retardo en desarrollo del sistemadigestivo, como lo indica la menor constante de CA y la menor densidad (mg/cm) al día 21 de edad (P<0.05), limitando la capacidad para utilizar nutrientes dietarios y resultando en una reducción del peso corporal al final del experimento. Los datos indican que la utilización de un SNH favorece la utilización de los nutrientes del saco vitelino acelerando su reabsorción.