Multistep Approach Points to Compounds Responsible for the Biological Activity and Safety of Hydrolates from Nine Lamiaceae Medicinal Plants on Human Skin Fibroblasts.

As byproducts of essential oil distillation, hydrolates are used in natural cosmetics/biomedicine due to their beneficial skin effects. However, data on their safety with relevant biological targets, such as human skin cells, are scarce. Therefore, we have tested nine hydrolates from the Lamiaceae family with skin fibroblasts that are responsible for extracellular collagenous matrix builds. Thyme, oregano, and winter savoury hydrolates showed several times higher total phenolics, which correlated strongly with their radical scavenging and antioxidative capacity; there was no correlation between their viability profiles and the reducing sugar levels. No proteins/peptides were detected. All hydrolates appeared safe for prolonged skin exposure except for 10-fold diluted lavender, which showed cytotoxicity (~20%), as well as rosemary and lavandin (~10%) using viability, DNA synthesis, and cell count testing. Clary sage, oregano, lemon balm, and thyme hydrolates (10-fold diluted) increased fibroblast viability and/or proliferation by 10-30% compared with the control, while their viability remained unaffected by Mentha and winter savoury. In line with the STITCH database, increased viability could be attributed to thymol presence in oregano and thyme hydrolates in lemon balm, which is most likely attributable to neral and geranial. The proliferative effect of clary sage could be supported by alpha-terpineol, not linalool. The major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts were borneol, 1,8-cineole, and terpinene-4-ol. Further research with pure compounds is warranted to confirm the roles of VOCs in the observed effects that are relevant to cosmetic and wound healing aspects.

Screening of Volatile Compounds, Traditional and Modern Phytotherapy Approaches of Selected Non-Aromatic Medicinal Plants (Lamiaceae, Lamioideae) from Rtanj Mountain, Eastern Serbia.

Ironwort (Sideritis montana L.), mountain germander (Teucrium montanum L.), wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.), and horehound (Marrubium peregrinum L.) are species widely distributed across Europe and are also found in North Africa and West Asia. Because of their wide distribution they express significant chemical diversity. For generations, these plants have been used as medical herbs for treating different aliments. The aim of this paper is to analyze volatile compounds of four selected species that belong to the subfamily Lamioideae, family Lamiaceae, and inspect scientifically proven biological activities and potential uses in modern phytotherapy in relation to traditional medicine. Therefore, in this research, we analyze the volatile compounds from this plants, obtained in laboratory by a Clevenger-type apparatus, followed by liquid-liquid extraction with hexane as the solvent. The identification of volatile compounds is conducted by GC-FID and GC-MS. Although these plants are poor in essential oil, the most abundant class of volatile components are mainly sesquiterpenes: germacrene D (22.6%) in ironwort, 7-epi-trans-sesquisabinene hydrate (15.8%) in mountain germander, germacrene D (31.8%) and trans-caryophyllene (19.7%) in wall germander, and trans-caryophyllene (32.4%) and trans-thujone (25.1%) in horehound. Furthermore, many studies show that, in addition to the essential oil, these plants contain phenols, flavonoids, diterpenes and diterpenoids, iridoids and their glycosides, coumarins, terpenes, and sterols, among other active compounds, which affect biological activities. The other goal of this study is to review the literature that describes the traditional use of these plants in folk medicine in regions where they grow spontaneously and compare them with scientifically confirmed activities. Therefore, a bibliographic search is conducted on Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar to gather information related to the topic and recommend potential applications in modern phytotherapy. In conclusion, we can say that selected plants could be used as natural agents for promoting health, as a source of raw material in the food industry, and as supplements, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry for developing plant-based remedies for prevention and treatment of many diseases, especially cancer.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Melissa officinalis Extracts: A Comparative Study.

Melissa officinalis L. (MO), traditionally referred to as lemon balm, is one of the lemon-scent aromatic herbs widely used in traditional medicine due to its calming, sedative, and anti-arrhythmic effects. Furthermore, several studies have linked its therapeutic potential with its antioxidant properties. Here, we aimed to evaluate and compare the content of active components, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of three different MO extracts (MOEs), ethanolic macerate (E1), aqueous (E2), and ethanolic (E3), obtained under reflux and their effects on systemic redox status after acute per os administration in vivo post-carrageenan application. The HPLC analysis revealed that the most abundant constituent in all the three extracts was rosmarinic acid (RA), with higher content in E1 and E3 than in E2 (P < 0.05). The highest flavonoid content was found in the aqueous extract, especially quercetin (P < 0.05). For the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, dark agouti rats were used and divided into the groups: Control, indomethacin, E1, E2, and E3 subgrouped according to applied doses: 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Ethanolic macerate (E1200) and aqueous (E2100) MOE were shown to be anti-inflammatory agents in the carrageenan paw edema model, with the most prominent edema inhibition in the sixth hour post-carrageenan (63.89% and 69.44%, respectively, vs. 76.67% in the indomethacin group). All the three extracts reduced the production of pro-oxidants H2O2 and TBARS post-carrageenan and increased GSH levels compared to control (P < 0.05). These data imply the possible future usage of MOEs to prevent inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Activity of Different Extracts of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla Lichen from Stara Planina, Serbia.

The aim of this study was to identify some of the secondary metabolites present in acetonic, methanolic, and hexanic extracts of lichen Xanthoparmelia stenophylla and to examine their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. Compounds of the depsid structure of lecanoric acid, obtusic acid, and atranorin as well as usnic acid with a dibenzofuran structure were identified in the extracts by HPLC. The acetone extract was shown to have the highest total phenolic (167.03 ± 1.12 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (178.84 ± 0.93 mg QE/g) as well as the best antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 81.22 ± 0.54). However, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm tests showed the best activity of hexanic extract, especially against strains of B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus (MIC < 0.08, and 0.3125 mg/mL, respectively). Additionally, by using the MTT method, the acetonic extract was reported to exhibit a strong cytotoxic effect on the HeLa and HCT-116 cell lines, especially after 72 h (IC50 = 21.17 ± 1.85 and IC50 = 21.48 ± 3.55, respectively). The promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla extracts shown in the current study should be further investigated in vivo and under clinical conditions.

The Evaluation of Healing Properties of Galium verum-Based Oral Gel in Aphthous Stomatitis in Rats.

Although oral ulcers represent one of the most frequent oral mucosal diseases, the available treatment is not sufficient to provide complete ulcer recovery without side-effects. Therefore, the aim of our study was to prepare a mucoadhesive oral gel based on Galium verum ethanol extract (GVL gel) and reveal its healing effects in the model of aphthous stomatitis in rats. Rats with oral ulcers were divided into the following groups: control (untreated), gel base (ulcer was treated with the gel base, three times per day for 10 days), and GVL gel group (the ulcer was treated with GVL gel in the same way as the gel base). Animals from each group were sacrificed on days 0, 3, 6, and 10 for collecting blood and ulcer tissue samples. Healing properties of oral gel were determined by clinical evaluation, as well as biochemical and histopathological examinations. Our findings suggest a significant decrease in the ulcer size in GVL gel group, with healing effects achieved through the alleviation of oxidative stress, reduction in COX-2 immunopositivity, and increase in collagen content in buccal tissue. Significant ulcer repairing potential of GVL gel highlights this oral mucoadhesive gel as a promising tool for prevention and treatment of RAS.

Guanidinoacetic acid provides superior cardioprotection to its combined use with betaine and (or) creatine in HIIT-trained rats.

This study aimed to determine how guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) or its combined administration with betaine (B) or creatine (C) influences the cardiac function, morphometric parameters, and redox status of rats subjected to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This research was conducted on male Wistar albino rats exposed to HIIT for 4 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: HIIT, HIIT + GAA, HIIT + GAA + C, HIIT + GAA + B, and HIIT + GAA + C + B. After completing the training protocol, GAA (300 mg/kg), C (280 mg/kg), and B (300 mg/kg) were applied daily per os for 4 weeks. GAA supplementation in combination with HIIT significantly decreased the level of both systemic and cardiac prooxidants ( O 2 - , H2O2, NO 2 - , and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) compared with nontreated HIIT (p < 0.05). Also, GAA treatment led to an increase in glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. None of the treatment regimens altered cardiac function. A larger degree of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in the HIIT + GAA group, which was reflected through an increase of the cross-sectional area of 27% (p < 0.05) and that of the left ventricle wall thickness of 27% (p < 0.05). Since we showed that GAA in combination with HIIT may ameliorate oxidative stress and does not alter cardiac function, the present study is a basis for future research exploring the mechanisms of cardioprotection induced by this supplement in an HIIT scenario.

Psoriasis between Autoimmunity and Oxidative Stress: Changes Induced by Different Therapeutic Approaches.

Psoriasis is defined as chronic, immune-mediated disease. Regardless of the development of new therapeutic approaches, the precise etiology of psoriasis remains unknown and speculative. The aim of this review was to systematize the results of previous research on the role of oxidative stress and aberrant immune response in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as well as the impact of certain therapeutic modalities on the oxidative status in patients with psoriasis. Complex immune pathways of both the innate and adaptive immune systems appear to be major pathomechanisms in the development of psoriasis. Oxidative stress represents another important contributor to the pathophysiology of disease, and the redox imbalance in psoriasis has been reported in skin cells and, systemically, in plasma and blood cells, and more recently, also in saliva. Current immune model of psoriasis begins with activation of immune system in susceptible person by some environmental factor and loss of immune tolerance to psoriasis autoantigens. Increased production of IL-17 appears to be the most prominent role in psoriasis pathogenesis, while IL-23 is recognized as master regulator in psoriasis having a specific role in cross bridging the production of IL-17 by innate and acquired immunity. Other proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-22, IL-26, IL-29, or IL-36, have also been reported to play important roles in the development of psoriasis. Oxidative stress can promote inflammation through several signaling pathways. The most noticeable and most powerful antioxidative effects exert various biologics compared to more convenient therapeutic modalities, such as methotrexate or phototherapy. The complex interaction of redox, immune, and inflammatory signaling pathways should be focused on further researches tackling the pathophysiology of psoriasis, while antioxidative supplementation could be the solution in some refractory cases of the disease.

Comparative Study of the Essential Oil and Hydrosol Composition of Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) from Serbia.

The most abundant volatile compounds of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) essential oil were artemisia ketone (25.4 %) and trans-caryophyllene (10.2 %), followed by 1,8-cineole, camphor, germacrene D and ß-selinene. The major volatile compounds in the hydrosol were camphor (25.1 %), 1,8-cineole (20.5 %) and artemisia ketone (10.7 %), followed by trans-pinocarveol and yomogi alcohol. Tested essential oil was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, while the former were identified as the major class of volatile compounds in the hydrosol, due to higher water solubility. Classification of all sweet wormwood chemotypes, according to essential oil composition, in available literature (17 studies and 61 accessions) could be done according to four chemotypes: artemisia ketone+artemisia alcohol (most abundant), artemisia ketone, camphor and nonspecific chemotype. According to this classification, essential oil of sweet wormwood from this study belongs to artemisia ketone (content varied between 22.1 and 55.8 %). Bearing in mind that hydrosols are a by-product of industrial production of essential oils, and the fact that sweet wormwood hydrosol has high contents of camphor, 1,8-cineole and artemisia ketone, there is a great potential for the use of this aromatic plant primary processing waste product as a water replacement in cosmetic industry, beverages flavoring, for food preservation, as well as in post-harvest pre-storage treatments in organic agriculture.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract regulates redox status in patients receiving hemodialysis with anemia.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of one-month consumption of polyphenol-rich standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) on redox status in anemic hemodialysis patients. The study included 30 patients (Hb < 110 g/l, hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration > 3 months; > 3 times week). Patients were treated with commercially available SAE in a dose of 30 ml/day, for 30 days. After finishing the treatment blood samples were taken to evaluate the effects of SAE on redox status. Several parameters of anemia and inflammation were also followed. After the completion of the treatment, the levels of superoxide anion radical and nitrites significantly dropped, while the antioxidant capacity improved via elevation of catalase and reduced glutathione. Proven antioxidant effect was followed by beneficial effects on anemia parameters (increased hemoglobin and haptoglobin concentration, decreased ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase concentration), but SAE consumption didn't improve inflammatory status, except for minor decrease in C-reactive protein. The consumption of SAE regulates redox status (reduce the productions of pro-oxidative molecules and increase antioxidant defense) and has beneficial effects on anemia parameters. SAE could be considered as supportive therapy in patients receiving hemodialysis which are prone to oxidative stress caused by both chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis procedure. Additionally, it could potentially be a good choice for supplementation of anemic hemodialysis patients. TRN: NCT04208451 December 23, 2019 "retrospectively registered".

Improving Oxidative Stability of Cosmetic Emulsions with Plant Extracts: Current Status and Potential.

There are increasing demands for cosmetic emulsions with natural active components such as plant extracts because of their myriad benefits. Quality of cosmetic emulsions may be affected by distribution and storage processes, which can lead to peroxidation of lipid components. Lipid peroxidation results in undesirable alterations in efficacy, texture, and appearance of the cosmetic product, thus indicating a need to find a safe and potent compound to be added in products to postpone oxidation processes. In that sense, the current article gives an overview of parameters influencing oxidative stability of emulsions, as well as methods for assessing the oxidative stability. Emphasis is given to the usage of plant extracts rich in phenolics for improving oxidative stability of cosmetic emulsions. Application of plant extracts in cosmetic emulsion is promising because of their significant antioxidant properties which may delay lipid peroxidation during storage. Plant species are a valuable source of biologically active compounds that might be exploited in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

Flaxseed and evening primrose oil slightly affect systolic and diastolic function of isolated heart in male but not in female rats.

Considering that sex related differences in cardiac response to flaxseed (FSO) and evening primrose oil (EPO) are insufficiently known present investigation assessed the effect of these two oils, on the cardiac function of isolated rat hearts and the possible role of sex in this. The present study was carried out on 60 adult male Wistar albino rats randomly divided into 6 groups: male rats treated with EPO, dose of 10 mg/kg/day; female rats treated with EPO, dose of 10 mg/kg/day; male rats treated with FSO, dose of 300 mg/kg/day; female rats treated with FSO, dose of 300 mg/kg/day; control group of female rats treated with regular laboratory diet for animals; control group of male rats treated with regular laboratory diet for animals. Using the Langendorff technique, markers of the heart function were evaluated: the maximum and minimum rates of pressure development in the left ventricle (LV; dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin), systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP, DLVP, respectively), heart rate (HR) and coronary flow (CF). Male rats treated with EPO had significantly higher (p = 0.016) mean values of dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, SLVP and DLVP (average increase for all CPPs 20%, 25%, 30% and 110%, respectively), compared to the group of male rats treated with FSO (p = 0.914). Our study results indicate that both types of PUFA oils only slightly changed the function of the isolated rat heart in male but not in female rats. Nevertheless, the difference between oil treatments was found in male rats who had stronger cardiac response after supplementation with EPO.

The influences of chokeberry extract supplementation on redox status and body composition in handball players during competition phase.

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of 12 weeks of consumption of chokeberry extract on redox status, body composition, lipid profile, and biochemical parameters in active handball players. The study included 16 handball players aged 16-24 years (20.26 ± 2.86 years). Every morning before training, players received 30 mL of liquid chokeberry extract for 12 weeks during the regular competition season. The research consisted of morphofunctional and biochemical testing, which was performed at three points (at the beginning of the study and at 6 and 12 weeks after extract consumption). After the chokeberry extract treatment, we observed significant changes in three main aspects. The 12 week supplementation with chokeberry extract decreased the levels of prooxidants (TBARS and nitrites) and increased catalase activity. Analyzing the dynamic of body composition showed a decrease in body fat (9.4 ± 0.5 vs. 7.3 ± 0.6 kg) as well as its percent in a body (11.4 ± 0.4% vs. 8.8 ± 0.4%). On the other hand, the analysis showed an increase of high-density lipoprotein (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L) and hemoglobin (144.4 ± 11.7 vs. 151.7 ± 9.9 g/L) after 6 weeks of treatment. At the same time, a decrease in leukocytes (7.2 × 109 ± 2.8 vs. 6.5 ± 1.2 × 109/L) and an increase in red blood cells count (4.9 ± 0.4 × 109 vs. 5.5 ± 0.5 × 109/L) were observed. Overall, these results emphatically show that the use of chokeberry extract dietary supplement induced a wide range of beneficial effects in the examined group of athletes.

Garlic Derived Diallyl Trisulfide in Experimental Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Cardioprotective Role.

This study aimed to examine the effects of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the most potent polysulfide derived from garlic, on metabolic syndrome and myocardial function in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). For that purpose, we used 36 male Wistar albino rats divided into control rats, rats with MetS and MetS rats treated with 40 mg/kg of DATS every second day for 3 weeks. In the first part, we studied the impact of DATS on MetS control and found that DATS significantly raised H2S, decreased homocysteine and glucose levels and enhanced lipid and antioxidative, while reducing prooxidative parameters. Additionally, this polysulfide improved cardiac function. In the second part, we investigated the impact of DATS on ex vivo induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) heart injury and found that DATS consumption significantly improved cardiodynamic parameters and prevented oxidative and histo-architectural variation in the heart. In addition, DATS significantly increased relative gene expression of eNOS, SOD-1 and -2, Bcl-2 and decreased relative gene expression of NF-κB, IL-17A, Bax, and caspases-3 and -9. Taken together, the data show that DATS can effectively mitigate MetS and have protective effects against ex vivo induced myocardial I/R injury in MetS rat.

Chemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of Medicinal Plants from Eastern Serbia.

The objective of this study was to evaluate wild growing Satureja kitaibelii, Thymus serpyllum, Origanum vulgare, Achillea millefolium and Achillea clypeolata with respect to their essential oil (EO) content, composition and antimicrobial activity. The five species were collected at Mt. Rtanj and the village of Sesalac, Eastern Serbia. The main EO constituents of Lamiaceae plants were p-cymene (24.4%), geraniol (63.4%) and germacrene D (21.5%) in Satureja kitaibelii, Thymus serpyllum and Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare, respectively. A. millefolium EO had multiple constituents with major ones being camphor (9.8%), caryophyllene oxide (6.5%), terpinen-4-ol (6.3%) and 1,8-cineole (5.6%), while the main EO constituents of A. clypeolata were 1,8-cineole (45.1%) and camphor (18.2%). Antimicrobial testing of the EO showed that Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) was more sensitive to all of the tested EOs than Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). S. kitaibelii EO showed the highest antimicrobial activity against both tested bacterial strains. This is the first study to characterize the EO composition and antimicrobial activity of these five medicinal species from Eastern Serbia in comparison with comprehensive literature data. The results can be utilized by the perfumery, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries, but also for healing purposes in self-medication.

Cardioprotective effects of Galium verum L. extract against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The aim of our study was to determine a chemical composition of methanol extract of Galium verum as well as to assess its effects on functional recovery and redox status of isolated rat heart after ischemia. Rats were divided into control and G. verum group, which included animals treated with 500 mg/kg of methanol extract of G. verum for 28 days. Parameters of heart function and oxidative stress markers were estimated. Cell morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Our results demonstrated for the first time that G. verum extract preserved cardiac contractility, systolic, and diastolic function as wells as structural damage of the heart after ischemia. Furthermore, G. verum extract modulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes and alleviated the production of pro-oxidants.

Preconditioning with hyperbaric oxygen and calcium and potassium channel modulators in the rat heart.

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of combined therapy with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy and verapamil, amlodipine or nicorandil on functional recovery and oxidative stress markers after ischemia in the isolated rat heart. The study included 48 rats (Wistar albino, male gender, eight weeks old, body weight 200±50g). All animals were exposed to HBO2 treatment over 14 days. Isolated heart rats were perfused by the Langendorff retrograde method at a constant coronary pressure of 70 cm H2O. After stabilization period the hearts were divided into the following groups: HBO2 group (animals exposed to only HBO2 preconditioning); HBO2 + verapamil; HBO2 + amlodipine; andHBO2 + nicorandil (animals pretreated with HBO2 and appropriate pharmacological agent). Afterward, the hearts in all groups were subjected to 20-minute global ischemia and 30-minute reperfusion. Parameters of heart function were registered, including maximum and minimum rate of pressure development, systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure, heart rate and coronary flow. Levels of pro-oxidants such as index of lipid peroxidation, measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrites, levels of superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide were determined in coronary venous effluent. Changes in cardiac tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Obtained results clearly indicate that blockage of calcium channel or the activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) in combination with HBO2 prevented ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac deleterious effects, thus contributing to improvement of functional recovery of the heart. However, future studies are certainly necessary for better understanding the mechanisms through which combination of these two maneuvers of preconditioning triggers cardioprotection.

The cardioprotective effects of diallyl trisulfide on diabetic rats with ex vivo induced ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is distinguished as the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of oral administration of DATS on healthy and diabetic rats, with special attention on heart function. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: CTRL (healthy rats), DATS (healthy rats treated with DATS), DM (diabetic rats), DM + DATS (diabetic rats treated with DATS). DATS (40 mg/kg of body weight) was administered every other day for 3 weeks, at the end of which rats underwent echocardiography, glycemic measurement and redox status assessment. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min global ischemia and 60 min reperfusion, after which heart tissue was counterstain with hematoxylin and eosin and cardiac Troponin T staining (cTnT), while expression of Bax, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, caspase-9 and superoxide dismutase-2 were examined in the left ventricle. DATS treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels of diabetic rats, and improved cardiac function recovery, diminished oxidation status, attenuated cardiac remodeling and inhibited myocardial apoptosis in healthy and diabetic rats. DATS treatment causes promising cardioprotective effects on ex vivo-induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic and healthy rat heart probably mediated by inhibited myocardial apoptosis. Moreover, appropriate DATS consumption may provide potential co-therapy or prevention of hyperglycemia and various cardiac complications in rats with DM.

Effects of different dietary regimes alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation on lipid and fatty acids profiles in rats.

This study investigated different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd), or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE), as a polyphenol-rich diet, and their effects on lipids and fatty acids (FA) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and rats with MetS, and then depending on dietary patterns on six groups: healthy rats fed with Sd, healthy rats fed with Sd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with HFd, rats with MetS fed with HFd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with Sd, and rats with MetS fed with Sd and SAE. 4 weeks later, after an overnight fast (12-14 h), blood for determination of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS), and FA was collected. Increased FA and lipid concentration found in MetS rats were reduced when changing dietary habits from HFd to Sd with or without SAE consumption. Consumption of SAE slightly affects the FA profiles, mostly palmitoleic acid in healthy rats and PUFA in MetS + HFd rats. Nevertheless, in a high-fat diet, SAE supplementation significantly decreases n-6/n-3 ratio, thereby decreasing systemic inflammation. Further researches are warranted to confirm these effects in humans.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa Extract as Novel Supplement against Metabolic Syndrome: A Rat Model.

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd) or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized oral supplementation (0.45 mL/kg/day) of Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). SAE is an official product of pharmaceutical company Pharmanova (Belgrade, Serbia); however, the procedure for extraction was done by EU-Chem company (Belgrade, Serbia). Rats were divided randomly into six groups: control with Sd, control with Sd and SAE, MetS with HFd, MetS with HFd and SAE, MetS with Sd and MetS with Sd and SAE during 4 weeks. At the end of the 4-week protocol, cardiac function and liver morphology were assessed, while in the blood samples glucose, insulin, iron levels and systemic redox state were determined. Our results demonstrated that SAE had the ability to lower blood pressure and exert benefits on in vivo and ex vivo heart function. Moreover, SAE improved glucose tolerance, attenuated pathological liver alterations and oxidative stress present in MetS. Obtained beneficial effects of SAE were more prominent in combination with changing dietary habits. Promising potential of SAE supplementation alone or in combination with different dietary protocols in triggering cardioprotection should be further examined in future.