Sonchus oleraceus L.: ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects.

Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) is a cosmopolitan species native to Europe commonly known as lettuce, sowthistle, chicory, or fake dandelion, considered a weed. However, for many years in various cultures around the world, it has been used as food and medicinal plant. The aim of this integrative review is to document the ethnomedical, phytochemical, and pharmacological information of this species. Forty-one papers document the use of S. oleraceus to heal of a wide variety of diseases. However, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, inflammation, infections, hepatitis, wounds, and to consume it as food are the most common uses. On the other hand, only 11 items highlight that the main groups of secondary metabolites in this species are flavonoids and terpene lactones. Finally, 45 items reveal that antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and cytotoxic were the most studied pharmacological activities. In vitro and in vivo studies of extracts and components isolated from different parts of S. oleraceus have provided a concrete overview of the pharmacological properties of this species that supports its ethnomedical uses in cultures from different parts of the world. The reports of this species have focused solely on the study of the complete plant, leaves, and aerial parts, so it is necessary to study other parts of this species to search for bioactive compounds. No clinical studies were found, which creates an opportunity to expand scientific knowledge of this species.

Metabolomics Profiling of Tunisian Sonchus oleraceus L. Extracts and Their Antioxidant Activities.

Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L. (Asteraceae) is an edible wild plant, known for its uses in traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to explore the phytochemical composition of the aerial parts (AP) and roots (R) of aqueous extracts of Sonchus oleraceus L. growing in Tunisia, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC/MS/MS), and determine the content of polyphenols and antioxidant activities. Results showed that aqueous extracts of AP and R contained, respectively, 195.25±33 µg/g and 118.66±14 µg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE), and 52.58±7 µg/g and 3.2±0.3µg/g quercetin equivalent. AP and R extracts also contained tannins, 581.78±33 µg/g and 948.44±19 µg/g GAE. The AP extract in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activities, hydroxyl radical scavenging (OH-) and in cupric reducing antioxidant activity (CUPRAC) assays were respectively 0.325±0.036 mg/mL, 0.053±0.018 mg/mL, 0.696±0.031 mg/mL and 60.94±0.004 µMTE/g, while the R extract using the same assays showed, 0.209±0.052 mg/mL, 0.034±0.002 mg/mL, 0.444±0.014 mg/mL and 50.63±0.006 µM Trolox equivalent/g, respectively. A total of 68 compounds were tentatively identified by LC/MS/MS in both extracts in which quinic acid, pyrogallol, osthrutin, piperine, gentisic acid, fisetin, luteolin, caffeic acid, gingerol, were the most abundant in the LC/MS/MS spectrum. Many of these metabolites were found for the first time in Tunisian Sonchus oleraceus L. which may take account for the antioxidant activities exhibited by the plant.

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of leaf extracts from Sonchus arvensis L.

BACKGROUND: Malaria continues to be a global problem due to the limited efficacy of current drugs and the natural products are a potential source for discovering new antimalarial agents. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate phytochemical properties, cytotoxic effect, antioxidant, and antiplasmodial activities of Sonchus arvensis L. leaf extracts both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The extracts from S. arvensis L. leaf were prepared by successive maceration with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol, and then subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis using standard methods. The antimalarial activities of crude extracts were tested in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain while the Peter's 4-day suppressive test model with P. berghei-infected mice was used to evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. The cytotoxic tests were also carried out using human hepatic cell lines in [3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. RESULT: The n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanolic extracts of S. arvensis L. leaf exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values 5.119 ± 3.27, 2.916 ± 2.34, and 8.026 ± 1.23 µg/mL, respectively. Each of the extracts also exhibited high antioxidant with low cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extract showed in vivo antiplasmodial activity with ED50 = 46.31 ± 9.36 mg/kg body weight, as well as hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities in mice infected with P. berghei. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the antiplasmodial activities of S. arvensis L. leaf ethyl acetate extract against P. falciparum and P. berghei as well as the antioxidant, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activities with low toxicity. These results indicate the potential of Sonchus arvensis L. to be developed into a new antimalarial drug candidate. However, the compounds and transmission-blocking strategies for malaria control of S. arvensis L. extracts are essential for further study.

Sesquiterpene Lactones with Anti-Inflammatory Activity from the Halophyte Sonchus brachyotus DC.

There were five sesquiterpene lactones, belonging to the eudesmanolide class, isolated from the halophyte Sonchus brachyotus DC. The structures of the compounds were determined using spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra, MS data, and optical rotation values. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized by the position of p-hydroxyphenylacetyl group in the sugar moiety. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages, compound 1, 5α,6ßH-eudesma-3,11(13)-dien-12,6α-olide, potently suppressed the expression of iNOS and COS-2, as well as the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Treatment of 1 regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Plantas alimentícias não convencionais: revisão / Non-conventional food plants: review / Plantas alimenticias no convencionales: revisión

As plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs) são hortaliças nativas, normalmente encontradas em calçadas ou terrenos abandonados, sempre fizeram parte do cardápio dos antepassados. No entanto, com a modernização da agricultura e do êxodo rural, seu consumo foi esquecido de ser repassado para as gerações futuras. O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre as plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs), sua importância na alimentação e farmacológica. A metodologia consistiu na realização de levantamento bibliográfico, com as principais plantas utilizadas como alimento pelos antepassados sendo as plantas Pereskia aculeata Miller, Basella alba, Sonchus oleraceus, Stachys byzantina, Taraxacum Officinale, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Dioscorea bulbifera, Physalis angulata, Acmella oleracea, Tropaeolum majus. Através deste estudo pode-se constatar que estas plantas são úteis, pois além de apresentar valor nutricional e a sua utilização na alimentação, também são utilizadas como como plantas medicinais, devido à presença de compostos ativos responsáveis pela ação biológica.

Unconventional food plants (PANCs) are native vegetables, usually found on sidewalks or abandoned land, have always been part of the ancestors' menu. Nonetheless, with the modernization of agriculture and the rural exodus, its consumption was forgotten to be passed on to future generations. The objective of this study was to carry out a bibliographic survey on unconventional food plants (PANCs), their importance in food and pharmacology. The methodology consisted of carrying out a bibliographic survey, with the main plants used as food by the ancestors being the plants Pereskia aculeata Miller, Basella alba, Sonchus oleraceus, Stachys byzantina, Taraxacum Officinale, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Dioscorea bulbifera, Physalis angulata, Acmella oleracea, Tropaeolum majus. Through this study it can be seen that these plants are useful, because in addition to presenting nutritional value and their use in food, they are also used as medicinal plants, due to the presence of active compounds responsible for biological action.

Las plantas alimenticias no convencionales (PANC, por sus siglas en inglés) son vegetales nativos, que generalmente se encuentran en las aceras o en terrenos abandonados, y siempre han sido parte del menú de los antepasados. Sin embargo, con la modernización de la agricultura y el éxodo rural, su consumo quedó en el olvido para pasar a las generaciones futuras. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un levantamiento bibliográfico sobre las plantas alimenticias no convencionales (PANCs), su importancia en la alimentación y farmacología. La metodología consistió en realizar un levantamiento bibliográfico, siendo las principales plantas utilizadas como alimento por los ancestros las plantas Pereskia aculeata Miller, Basella alba, Sonchus oleraceus, Stachys byzantina, Taraxacum Officinale, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Dioscorea bulbifera, Physalis angulata, Acmella oleracea , Tropaeolum mayor. A través de este estudio se puede apreciar que estas plantas son útiles, pues además de presentar valor nutritivo y su uso en la alimentación, también son utilizadas como plantas medicinales, debido a la presencia de compuestos activos responsables de la acción biológica.

Quality consistency evaluation on three species of North Patrininae herba by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry and network pharmacology approaches.

North Patrininae herba, a perennial herbaceous plant, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat appendicitis, enteritis, and dysentery. Sonchus arvensis L., Sonchus oleraceus L., and Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai are used as substitutes for North Patrininae in different regions, but the consistency of chemical composition and efficacy of these three species is still unknown. In this study, a detailed chemical analysis was carried out of the extract obtained from Sonchus arvensis L., Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai and Sonchus oleraceus L. and a chemical component not previously reported in Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai was found-Luteolin-7-O-(6''-malonylglucoside). The mechanism of action of the extract against inflammation and type II diabetes was investigated using network pharmacology and analysis of blood-absorbed components following oral dosing of rats. Finally, a highly accurate and reliable method was established for quality control purposes. The results showed that Sonchus arvensis L. and Sonchus oleraceus L. may be considered potential resources of a medicinal compound, whereas Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai requires further evaluation.

Two new sesquiterpenes from Sonchus oleraceus and inhibitory mechanism on murine haemangioendothelioma (EOMA) cell lines.

Sonchus oleraceus is a kind of medicinal and edible plant which is widely distributed. In this study, two new sesquiterpenes 1 and 2 along with three known compounds 3-5 were isolated from Sonchus oleraceus by the methods of column chromatography. The structures of the two novel compounds were constructed on the basis of HR-MS and NMR spectra. Cytotoxicities of 1 and 2 were assayed on EOMA cell lines and 1 exhibited no inhibitory effect while 2 elicited moderate inhibitory effect on EOMA cells with IC50 value of 26.5 µM. Western Blot assay indicated that 2 could suppress EOMA cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis through Bax/caspase-3 pathway.

Growth, secondary metabolite production, and in vitro antiplasmodial activity of Sonchus arvensis L. callus under dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] treatment.

Malaria is still a global health problem. Plasmodium is a single-cell protozoan parasite that causes malaria and is transmitted to humans through the female Anopheles mosquito. The previous study showed that Sonchus arvensis L. callus has antiplasmodial activity. Several treatments are needed for callus quality improvement for antimalarial compound production. This study aimed to examine the effect of dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] on growth (morpho-anatomical structure and biomass), secondary metabolite production, and in vitro antiplasmodial activity of S. arvensis L. callus. In this study, leaf explants were grown in Murashige and Skoog medium with a combination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, one mg/L) and 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP, 0.5 mg/L) with dolomite (50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 mg/L). The 21 days callus ethanolic and methanolic extract were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The antiplasmodial test was performed on a blood culture infected with Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 using the Rieckmann method. The results showed that dolomite significantly affected callus growth, metabolite profile, and in vitro antiplasmodial activity. Dolomite (150 mg/L) showed the highest biomass (0.590 ± 0.136 g fresh weight and 0.074 ± 0.008 g dry weight). GC-MS analysis detected four compounds from callus ethanolic extract. Pelargonic acid, decanoic acid, and hexadecanoic acid were major compounds. One new terpenoid compound is based on TLC analysis. S. arvensis L. callus has antiplasmodial activity with the IC50 value of 5.037 µg/mL. It was three times lower than leaf methanolic extract and five times lower than leaf ethanolic extract.

Novel browning alleviation technology for fresh-cut products: Preservation effect of the combination of Sonchus oleraceus L. extract and ultrasound in fresh-cut potatoes.

Enzymatic browning is considered a critical factor that adversely decreases the quality of fresh-cut products. Although many individual physical or chemical methods have been explored to control browning, there are few approaches combining these technologies. In the present study, Sonchus oleraceus L. extract (SOLE) and ultrasound treatment efficiently controlled the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, lipoxygenase, soluble quinones, and intermediate and advanced products, and a lower malondialdehyde content and higher antioxidant capacity were observed in fresh-cut potato slices. More than 50 phenolics and flavonoids were identified in SOLE by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In conclusion, the combined SOLE and ultrasound treatment could serve as a promising method for attenuating enzymatic browning.

A self-emulsifying formulation of Sonchus oleraceus Linn for an improved anti-diabetic effect in vivo.

The aim of the present study was to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing the extract of S oleraceus Linn (SOL) with improved intestinal stability in order to increase oral bio-potency. SOL was effectively incorporated into emulsions, which showed resistance to in vitro digestion without any destruction of its phenolic acids, glycosides and aglycone. SEDDS and SOL were also prepared for the comparison of in vivo anti-diabetic effects. Four weeks of daily treatments of SEDDS dramatically improved the quality of life for diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) caused body weight reduction, which was reversed by SEDDS at a low dose (100 mg kg-1), and it was more effective than SOL at a high dose (200 mg kg-1). SEDDS also improved the response to glucose tolerance, which was significantly higher than that of SOL. On the basis of these findings, the SEDDS approach might be an efficacious dosage option to enhance the nutraceutical properties of SOL.

Cytotoxic Sesquiterpenes from Sonchus oleraceus.

BACKGROUND: Sonchus oleraceus is a large and widespread plant in the world. It is edible to humans as a leaf vegetable and is also used as a folklore medicinal herb in the treatment of infections and inflammatory disease, but limited research on its chemical constituents has been done. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and identify the bioactive ingredients from S. oleraceus. METHODS: 20kg of S. oleraceus was extracted twice with 75% alcohol. The concentrated extract was suspended in H2O and partitioned with petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. The ethyl acetate phase was subjected to repeated normal chromatography on a silica gel column chromatography and eluted with a gradient of CH2Cl2-MeOH to give 12 crude fractions. Fraction 6 was subjected to ODS silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 and HPLC to yield 1 and 2. Cell viability of 1 and 2 on A549, H292 and Caco2 cell lines were assayed by MTT method. Apoptosis analysis and apoptosis related proteins were detected subsequently. RESULTS: Two new sesquiterpenes were isolated from S. oleraceus and identified by NMR spectra and HR-ESIMS. 1 selectively suppressed the viability of A549 and H292 cells with IC50 values of 14.2, and 19.5µM respectively, while possessing no cytotoxicity against Caco2 cells (IC50 > 100µM). 2 did not exhibit cytotoxicity against A549, H292 and Caco2 cells (IC50 > 100µM). 1 significantly decreased the density of live cells and could cause cell apoptosis at 10 and 20µM in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment of 1 for 24h, the level of cleaved caspase-3 was increased accompanied by the reduction in procaspase-3 expression, and the downregulation of Bcl-2 was associated with the enhancement of Bax expression. 1 could lead to the up-regulation of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-9. CONCLUSION: 1 and 2 are new sesquiterpenes from S. oleraceus. 1 could induce apoptosis in A549 and H292 cells through Bax/caspase-9 pathway.

Sonchus oleraceus Linn extract enhanced glucose homeostasis through the AMPK/Akt/ GSK-3ß signaling pathway in diabetic liver and HepG2 cell culture.

The extracts of S. oleraceus Linn (SOL) and its main phenolic compounds have shown anti-diabetic effects, but their underlying mechanisms for glucose homeostasis remain unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic mechanism of SOL by using the streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. When diabetic rats were fed with SOL at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks, the concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were reduced by 43%, 22%, and 16%, respectively. Meanwhile, it was also found that daily feeding of SOL to diabetic rats led to a decrease in plasma glucose level by approximately 23%. Positive effects were observed on glucose homeostasis due to the down-regulation of AMPK/Akt/GSK-3ß pathway, as indicated by the suppressions of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase (Akt) phosphorylation, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3ß), and the hepatic insulin resistance. In HepG2 cells, AMPK, Akt and GSK-3ß showed a consistent transcript regulation. SOL at dose of 400 mg/kg/day feeding for 6 weeks showed a positive effect comparable to metformin.

Anti-inflammatory effect of self-emulsifying delivery system containing Sonchus oleraceus Linn extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Edible Sonchus oleraceus Linn is a medicinal plant with many bioactivities such as anti-diabetic activity and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the main bioactive components such as polyphenols in S. oleraceus Linn are poorly absorbed in gastrointestinal tract and rapidly metabolized. Thereby, a self-emulsifying delivery system containing S. oleraceus Linn extracts (SSEDDS) was introduced to evade these problems. Herein, the anti-inflammatory effect of SSEDDS on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. The plasma glucose level was increased and plasma insulin level was decreased in diabetic rats. The levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the liver were significantly improved in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Conversely, daily fed diabetic rats with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of SSEDS and 1 mg/kg/day metformin for 4 weeks, significantly (p < 0.05) restored all the above mentioned parameters to near normal levels. The immuno-histochemical studies confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of SSEDDS.

Stabilization of Black Rice (Oryza Sativa, L. Indica) Anthocyanins Using Plant Extracts for Copigmentation and Maltodextrin for Encapsulation.

Black rice (Oryza sativa L. indica) is one of the cereal commodities considered to be a source of anthocyanin. One of the obstacles of using anthocyanins as natural food colorants is their low stability. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of natural plants extracts on anthocyanin copigmentation and to study the stability of the encapsulated copigmented anthocyanin during storage under different temperatures and light exposure. Dried bilimbi leaves (BL) and sow thistle leaves (STL) were extracted using ethanol to obtain the crude flavonoid extract that was subsequently purified using solid phase extraction. Both crude (CBL, CSTL) and purified (PBL, PSTL) extract were used as copigment agents with the molar ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:10 at pH 1 and pH 3. The copigmentation effect was evaluated by measuring the wavelength and absorbance shifts at wavelengths of 500 to 600 nm. The stability of the dried anthocyanin powder was evaluated under different temperatures and light exposure for up to 4 weeks. Anthocyanin was successfully copigmented with BL and STL extracts showing a wavelength shift and absorbance increase at pH 1 and pH 3. Purification of BL enhanced the hyperchromic effect more than that of the crude form, in contrast to the STL. Meanwhile, the retention of absorbance (%) for encapsulated copigmented anthocyanin samples was within 74% to 83% at the end of the storage period. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Natural food pigment such as anthocyanin obtained from plant extract usually shows very limited stability under various processing conditions. This study shows that color stability of anthocyanin extracted from black rice can be improved by copigmentation with flavonoids extracted from particular plants. Encapsulation of the copigmented anthocyanin could further enhance its color stability. The availability of encapsulated and copigmented anthocyanins with improved color stability is expected to provide more alternatives for especially the beverage industry to choose suitable natural colorant for their products.

Inhibitory effect of the extract from Sonchus olearleu on the formation of carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines during the pork cooking.

The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects of Sonchus olearleu extract on the generation of heterocyclic amines in roasted pork patties cooked by pan-frying. All samples were cooked for two different durations (45 min and 105 min) under 200 °C and 230 °C. 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-ami- no-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinox-aline (4,8-DiMeIQx), harman, and norharman were detected and quantified. In patties cooked at 230 °C for 105 min, S. olearleu extract (0.5%) significantly inhibited the formation of IQ, harman, and norharman by 39%, 67%, and 63%, respectively. In contrast to IQ, the levels of harman and norharman were significantly reduced by the extracts tested. However, no such effects were observed for MeIQx and 4, 8-DiMeIQx. Notably, the inhibitory effect on heterocyclic amines is significantly correlated with the antioxidant potential and total phenolic content of S. olearleu extract.

Anti-Fatigue Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Sonchus arvensis L. in Exercise Trained Mice.

Sonchus arvensis L. is a nutritious vegetable and herbal medicine that is consumed worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects and underlying effects of aqueous extract of Sonchus arvensis L. (SA). Male C57BL/6 mice from four groups designated vehicle, exercise, exercise with low dose (250 mg/kg) or high dose of SA (500 mg/kg), were trained by swimming exercise and orally administrated with SA every other day for 28 days. The anti-fatigue activity was determined by exhaustive swimming test, as well as the muscle structure, levels of blood hemoglobin, and metabolites including lactate and urea nitrogen. SA alleviated mice fatigue behaviors by eliminating metabolites, while improving muscle structure and hemoglobin levels. Moreover, SA enhanced glycogen synthesis of liver but not muscle via increasing GCK and PEPCK gene expressions. Importantly, SA improved antioxidant enzymes expression and activities in both liver and muscle, which was possibly related to its primary components polysaccharides and the antioxidant components including chlorogenic acid, luteolin, and chicoric acid. Taken together, the anti-fatigue effects of SA could be partly explained by its antioxidant activity and mediating effects on glycogen synthesis and metabolites elimination. Therefore, SA could be a potential nutraceutical for improving exercise performance and alleviating physical fatigue.

Sonchus oleraceus Linn protects against LPS-induced sepsis and inhibits inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sonchus oleraceus Linn (SOL) belongs to family of Asteraceae, is a traditional medicinal plant, which has been used to treat tumor, inflammatory diseases, infection and so on in Chinese folk culture. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work investigated the influence of aqueous ethanol extract of whole plant of SOL and contribution of its main components on inflammation METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of SOL (10 mg/kg) to mice reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, in the LPS-induced sepsis mouse model. Major phenolics in SOL were isolated and determined by HPLC. Results indicate that SOL at the concentration range from 25 to 100 µg/mL and its main components, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid (25-100 µM) significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, attenuated iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated Macrophages. In addition, western blot analysis showed SOL suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). CONCLUSION: The underlying mechanism of anti-inflammation might be in according with the inhibition of MAPKs activation as well as down regulation of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

Nephroprotective Effect of Sonchus oleraceus Extract against Kidney Injury Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion in Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main cause of delayed graft function in solid organ transplantation. Sonchus oleraceus is a plant with well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its effects on renal I/R are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether S. oleraceus extract (S.O.e.) has nephroprotective activity in an I/R model in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animal groups (n = 6): sham, I/R (45 min/15 h), S.O.e (300 mg/kg p.o.), and S.O.e + I/R (300 mg/kg, p.o.; 45 min/15 h). Renal function, proinflammatory cytokines, alanine aminotransferase, markers of oxidative stress, and histology were evaluated. RESULTS: None of the mediators evaluated differed significantly between the S.O.e and sham groups. Levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), and proinflammatory cytokines were higher, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was lower in the I/R group than in the sham group. Histology showed tubular epithelial necrosis in the medulla and cortex in the I/R group. In the S.O.e + I/R group, S.O.e pretreatment attenuated the I/R-induced increases in BUN, creatinine, MDA, and proinflammatory cytokines induced, SOD was maintained, and histology showed discontinuous necrosis in the medulla but no necrosis in the cortex. CONCLUSIONS: S.O.e was neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic. S.O.e. pretreatment showed a nephroprotective effect against I/R.

Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Hypolipidemic Potential of Sonchus asper Hill.

Context • The recently growing occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the world is of immense concern. Sonchus asper Hill (SA) is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes and urinary disorders in Pakistan. Objective • The present study intended to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of a Sonchus asper methanol extract (SAME) in rats. Design • Thirty male, Sprague-Dawley rats, from 180 to 190 g each, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and received the following treatments: (1) group 1 (untreated control group) administered distilled water only; (2) group 2 administered 200 mg/kg of SAME only; (3) group 3 (diabetic control group) administered 55 mg/kg body weight (BW) of streptozotocin (STZ) in distilled water to induce diabetes; (4) group 4 administered 55 mg/kg BW of STZ in distilled water to induce diabetes and given 100 mg/kg of SAME; and (5) group 5 administered 55 mg/kg BW of STZ to induce diabetes and administered 200 mg/kg of SAME. Setting • The study was conducted in the Department of Biotechnology Bannu (Bannu, Pakistan). Outcome Measures • The research team performed (1) a serum analysis for glucose, lipase, and insulin; (2) a measurement of the protein concentration of the supernatant from pancreatic tissue; (3) an assay of catalase activity; (4) an assay of superoxide activity; (5) an assessment of lipid peroxidation enzymes; (6) an assay of glutathione-S-transferase activity; (7) an assay of glutathione reductase activity; (8) an assay of glutathione-peroxidase activity; and (9) an assay of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) activity. Results • The administration of STZ caused significant alterations in the blood glucose levels, the lipase activity, insulin secretions, cholesterol profiles, serum marker enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, and contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the rats (P < .01). On oral administration, the SAME showed statistically significant effects by improving the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, TBARS contents, and cholesterol profile of the diabetic rats (P < .01). In treatment, the glucose and insulin levels of the SAME rats were significantly lower than the diabetic rats on day 21 (P < .01). Conclusions • The findings suggest that the significant antidiabetic potential of the SAME in ameliorating the diabetic conditions in diabetic rats might be due to the presence of the bioactive constituents in the extract.

The anti-inflammatory effect of Sonchus oleraceus aqueous extract on lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and mice.

CONTEXT: Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) (SO) is a dietary and traditional medicinal plant in China. However, its underlying mechanism of action as an anti-inflammatory agent is not known. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of SO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract of SO was used to treat RAW 264.7 cells (in the working concentrations of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.3 and 15.6 µg/mL) for 24 h. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators produced in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were assessed. Meanwhile, the expression level of TLR-4, COX-2, pSTATs and NF-κB was tested. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract in vivo was assessed using xylene-induced mouse ear oedema model and the anti-inflammatory compounds in the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-MS. RESULTS: SO extract significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators at gene and protein levels with the concentration of 31.3 µg/mL, and suppressed the expression of TLR-4, COX-2, NF-κB and pSTAT in RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of SO in vivo has significant anti-inflammatory effects with the concentration of 250 and 125 mg/kg, and less side effect on the weights of the mice at the concentration of 250 mg/kg. Moreover, HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory compounds in the extract were identified as villosol, ferulaic acid, ß-sitosterol, ursolic acid and rutin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study indicated that SO extract has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, which will be further developed as novel pharmacological strategies in order to defeat inflammatory diseases.