A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of an Anthocyanin-Rich Functional Ingredient on Cognitive Function and Eye Dryness in Late Adulthood Volunteers: Roles of Epigenetic and Gut Microbiome Modulations.

Due to the rising demand for supplements targeting cognitive enhancement and dry eye together with the health benefits of anthocyanins, we have developed a functional soup containing an anthocyanin-rich functional ingredient, or "Anthaplex," and assessed the effects on cognitive function and eye dryness together with the possible mechanisms. A total of 69 male and female health volunteers were randomized and divided into placebo, D2, and D4 groups. All subjects consumed 120 mL of placebo or functional soup containing "Anthaplex" either at 2 or 4 g per serving per day within 5 min in the morning for eight weeks. The cognitive function, working memory, dry eye, AChE, MAO, MAO-A, MAO-B, and GABA-T activities, BDNF, HAC, HDAC, and DNMT activities, pH, and amount of lactic acid-producing bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in feces, were determined before intervention and after eight weeks of consumption. Subjects who consumed the "Anthaplex" soup had improved cognitive function, working memory, eye dryness, histone acetylation, ACh E suppression, and BDNF with increased Bifidobacterium spp. but decreased pH in feces. These data suggest that "Anthaplex" improves cognitive function and eye dryness via the modulations of the histone acetylation process, gut microbiome, and cholinergic function.

The Polyherbal Functional Ingredient Containing Ginger, Chinese Date, and Wood Ear Mushroom Protects against Dementia following Metabolic Syndrome.

The anti-dementia effect following ischemic stroke with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of the polyherbal functional ingredient comprising ginger, Chinese date, and wood ear mushroom (GCJ) was hypothesized due to its neuroprotective effect against stroke. This study was performed to test this hypothesis and to explore the underlying mechanism. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF) feeding. The rats with MetS characteristics were orally administered GCJ at various doses (GCJ100, GCJ200, and GCJ300 mg kg-1 BW) 21 days pre-induction and 21 days post-induction of reperfusion injury (I/R) at the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Memory was evaluated every 7 days during the study period. At the end of the study, neuron density, AChE activity, and the expressions of eNOS, BDNF, and pERK/ERK in the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were also determined. MetS rats with GCJ treatment improved memory impairment, enhanced neuron density, and increased the expressions of eNOS, BDNF, and pERK/ERK but suppressed AChE in both areas. Therefore, the anti-dementia effect following ischemic stroke with metabolic syndrome of GCJ may involve the improvement of AChE, eNOS, BDNF, pERK/ERK, and neural plasticity. However, this required confirmation by clinical study.

Cardiovascular complications are resolved by tuna protein hydrolysate supplementation in rats fed with a high-fat diet.

This study is aimed to investigate whether tuna protein hydrolysate (TPH) supplementation could alleviate cardiovascular complications induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. Rats were fed a HFD for 16 weeks and given TPH (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, or 500 mg/kg) or metformin (100 mg/kg) (n = 8) for the last four weeks. TPH had the following effects: resolved their impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension (p < 0.05); alleviated left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy (p < 0.05), and vascular dysfunction and hypertrophy (p < 0.05); adipocyte hypertrophy; increases in circulating leptin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were mitigated (p < 0.05); increased renin-angiotensin system (RAS), oxidative stress, and decreased nitric oxide metabolites were modulated (p < 0.05). TPH restored the expression of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R)/NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ)/the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein in cardiovascular tissue (p < 0.05). In metabolic syndrome (MS) rats, metformin and TPH had comparable effects. In conclusion, TPH alleviated cardiovascular complications related to MS. It suppressed RAS, oxidative stress, and inflammation that were associated with modulation of AT1R/NOX2, eNOS, Nrf2/HO-1, and PPARγ/NF-κB expression.

Corrigendum to "Zingiber officinale Mitigates Brain Damage and Improves Memory Impairment in Focal Cerebral Ischemic Rat".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2011/429505.].

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined. RESULTS: T-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups. CONCLUSIONS: T-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.

The Positive Modulation Effect of a 6-Week Consumption of an Anthocyanin-Rich Mulberry Milk on Working Memory, Cholinergic, and Monoaminergic Functions in Healthy Working-Age Adults.

Due to the increase of stress-related memory impairment accompanying with the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis, the prevention of cognitive decline induced by stress has gained much attention. Based on the evidence that an anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk demonstrated the cognitive enhancing effect, we hypothesized that it should be able to enhance memory in working-age volunteers who are exposed to working stress. This study is an open-label, two-arm randomized study. Both men and women volunteers at age between 18 and 60 years old were randomly assigned to consume the tested product either 1 or 2 servings daily for 6 weeks. All subjects were assessed for cortisol, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), and monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) in saliva, and their working memory was determined both at baseline and at a 6-week period. The results showed that the working memory of subjects in both groups was enhanced at the end of the study period together with the reduction of saliva cortisol. The suppression of AChE, MAO, and MAO-A was also observed in subjects who consumed the tested product 2 servings daily. Therefore, we suggest the memory enhancing effect of an anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk. The possible mechanism may occur primarily via the suppression of cortisol. In addition, the high dose of mulberry milk also suppresses AChE, MAO, and MAO-A.

Integrated molecular network and HPLC-UV-FLD analysis to explore antioxidant ingredients in camellia nitidissima Chi.

At present, screening of active ingredients from natural products for pharmacological and clinical research is mostly time-consuming and costly. In this study, a molecular network (MN) guided high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-fluorescence detector (HPLC-UV-FLD) method was carried out to profile the global antioxidant activity compounds, including the trace amount ingredients in Camellia nitidissima Chi (CNC). Firstly, HPLC-UV-FLD postcolumn derivatization system was utilized to screen the antioxidants. Then the MN of CNC was established via mass spectrometry (MS) data for getting the connection between ingredient structures. As a result, HPLC-UV-FLD indicated three antioxidant ingredients: gallic acid (126.3 mg/g), catechin (564.8 mg/g), and salicylic acid (24.3 mg/g). Combined with the MN, the actives' precise location and connection relationship were clarified based on the structural similarities. A new antioxidant ingredient, okicamelliaside, was suggested and evaluated at free radical scavenging and enzymatic protection. The novel method of activity and structural correlation analysis based on MN could provide a useful guide for screening trace active ingredients in natural products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Three main ingredients were screened out from Camellia nitidissima Chi by HPLC-UV-FLD postcolumn derivatization system. Integrated molecular network and HPLC-UV-FLD analysis, a new type of antioxidant okicamelliaside was selected. The novel method of activity and structural correlation analysis based on molecular network could provide a useful guide for screening trace active ingredients in natural products.

Phytosome Loading the Combined Extract of Mulberry Fruit and Ginger Protects against Cerebral Ischemia in Metabolic Syndrome Rats.

The prevalence of ischemic stroke in metabolic syndrome (MetS) is continually increasing and produces a great impact on both qualities of life and annual healthcare budget. Due to the efficiency limitation of the current therapeutic strategy, the poor availability of polyphenol substances induced by the first pass effect and the beneficial effects of mulberry fruit and ginger on brain and MetS-related diseases together with the synergistic concept, the neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke in MetS condition of phytosome containing the combined extract of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) has been considered. To explore the neuroprotective effect and possible underlying mechanism of PMG on brain damage in cerebral ischemic rat with MetS, male Wistar rats were induced MetS by high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF) for 16 weeks and subjected to the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) at the right middle cerebral artery (Rt. MCAO). PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were orally fed with for 21 days, and they were assessed brain damage, neurological deficit score, and the changes of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, PPARγ expression, and epigenetic modification via DNMT-1 were performed. All doses of PMG significantly improved brain infarction, brain edema, and neurological deficit score. In addition, the reduction in DNMT-1, MDA level, NF-κB, TNFα, and C-reactive protein together with the increase in SOD, CAT, and GPH-Px activities, and PPARγ expression in the lesion brain were also observed. The current data clearly revealed the neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia with MetS condition. The possible underlying mechanism might occur partly via the suppression of DNMT-1 giving rise to the improvement of signal transduction via PPARγ resulting in the decreasing of inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, PMG is the potential neuroprotectant candidate against ischemic stroke in the MetS condition. However, the clinical trial is still essential.

Carry forward advantages of traditional medicines in prevention and control of outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the China-ASEAN Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Traditional Medicine Research used the video conference platform to exchange and discuss the advantages of traditional medicine through the form of score exchange and report, and research and develop the amount and issues of the therapeutic COVID-19 products of concern. This paper mainly reviews the achievements of the implementation of the epidemic prevention and control plan, advances of scientific basic studies on SARS-CoV-2, analysis and screening of potential targets and pathways of antiviral compounds based on network pharmacology and development of antiviral food dual-use products. The authors believe that the declaration of the (10 + 3) special meeting of national leaders on epidemic prevention and control should raise the medical and pharmaceutical issues of common concern. It is the responsibility of our joint laboratory members to accelerate the development of traditional medicine research and industry. Also the authors believe that this exchange will certainly promote the development of the cause of cooperation.

Antimetabolic Syndrome Effect of Phytosome Containing the Combined Extracts of Mulberry and Ginger in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Due to the antimetabolic syndrome effect of mulberry and ginger together with the advantages of the synergistic effect and phytosome encapsulation technique, we hypothesized that phytosome containing the combined extracts of mulberry and ginger (PMG) should be able to manage MetS. PMG was developed and assessed the phenolic content and biological activities associated with the pathophysiology of MetS. The antimetabolic syndrome effect and the possible underlying mechanisms in the animal model of MetS were also assessed. Male Wistar rats induced MetS by subjecting to a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 21 days. They were determined metabolic parameter changes in serum, histomorphology changes of adipose tissue, the inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, oxidative stress status, PPAR-γ, and HDAC3 in adipose tissue. Our in vitro data showed that PMG increased phenolic contents and biological activities. PMG significantly improved MetS parameters including body weight gain, lipid profiles, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and ACE. In addition, the density and size of adipocyte, adiposity index, and weights of adipose tissues were also improved. Moreover, the decrease in TNF-α and IL-6, oxidative stress status, and HDAC3 expression together with the increase in PPAR-γ expression in adipose tissue was also observed. These data suggest that PMG exhibit antimetabolic syndrome and the possible underlying mechanism may be associated partly with the modulation effect on HDAC3, PPAR-γ, and adipose tissue. In addition, PMG also improves oxidative stress and inflammation in MetS. Therefore, PMG can be served as the potential supplement to manage MetS. However, a clinical trial study is essential to confirm this health benefit.

Cerebroprotective Effect against Cerebral Ischemia of the Combined Extract of Oryza sativa and Anethum graveolens in Metabolic Syndrome Rats.

The novel strategy against ischemic stroke in metabolic syndrome (MetS) targeting at oxidative stress and inflammation has gained attention due to the limitation of the current therapy. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammation of the combined extract of Oryza sativa and Anethum graveolens, the cerebroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia in MetS condition has been focused. Since no data were available, this study was set up to determine the effects of the combined extract of Oryza sativa L. and Anethum graveolens Linn. against ischemic stroke in the animal model of metabolic syndrome. The possible underlying mechanism was also further investigated. Male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF diet) to induce metabolic syndrome-like condition. Then, MetS rats were subjected to reperfusion injury at the right middle cerebral artery. The combined extract of O. sativa and A. graveolens (OA extract) at doses of 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg BW was fed once daily for 21 days. Neurological assessment was performed every 7 days throughout the experimental period. At the end of study, brain infarction volume, neuron and glial fibrillary acidic protein- (GFAP-) positive cell density, the oxidative stress status, the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-6), and eNOS in the cortical area together with the expression of VCAM-1 and the histological changes of common carotid artery were determined. It was found that OA extract decreased brain infarction, neurological score, oxidative stress status, and inflammatory mediators but increased eNOS expression in the cortical area; the increased VCAM-1 and intima-media thickness together with the reduction of lumen diameter of common carotid artery of MetS eats with MCAO were also mitigated by OA extract. These data suggest the cerebroprotective effect of OA, and the underlying mechanism may occur partly via the improvement of oxidative stress status, inflammation, and brain blood supply.

Cashew apple juice supplementation enhances leukocyte count by reducing oxidative stress after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men.

BACKGROUND: Cashew apple juice (CAJ) was shown to improve immunological mechanisms by regulating a balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant concentrations. However, no study exploring the effects of the CAJ and training status on the immune system and oxidative stress induced by exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CAJ supplementation primarily on leukocyte counts and secondary on oxidative stress and cortisol changes after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men. METHODS: Ten moderately (endurance) trained (Age = 21.5 ± 0.97 yr., VO2max = 45.6 ± 4.12 mL/kgBM/min) and ten sedentary men (Age = 20.4 ± 2.72 yr., VO2peak = 32.2 ± 7.26 mL/kgBM/min) were randomized to ingest either daily CAJ or a placebo at 3.5 mL/kgBM/day for 4 weeks, with a four-week washout period. Before and after each period, they performed 20-min, high-intensity cycling (85% VO2max), with blood samples collected immediately preceding and the following exercise. Samples were analyzed to determine leukocyte counts, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, and cortisol concentrations. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of supplement and training status over time with an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: There was no interaction between supplement and training status on those variables before and after exercise. However, CAJ raised resting neutrophil counts and exercise-induced leukocyte counts in the trained group (all p < 0.05). Besides, CAJ significantly reduced plasma malondialdehyde concentrations at rest and after exercise and reduced the post-exercise plasma 8-isoprostane concentration in both groups of subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAJ reduced plasma cortisol after exercise in the untrained subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that 4-week CAJ supplementation can enhance exercise-induced leukocyte and resting neutrophil counts in trained men. The possible mechanism is a reduction in oxidative stress. However, the supplementation did not change the immune responses of untrained men, but it did reduce stress hormone concentrations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: TCTR20181127002 Registered 26 November 2018 "retrospectively registered".

Encapsulated Mulberry Fruit Extract Alleviates Changes in an Animal Model of Menopause with Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the therapeutic strategy against metabolic syndrome and its complications is required due to the increasing prevalence and its impact. Due to the benefits of both mulberry fruit extract and encapsulation technology, we hypothesized that encapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could improve metabolic parameters and its complication risk in postmenopausal metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. Then, they were orally given MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg BW for 8 weeks and the parameters, such as percentage of body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, atherogenic index, fasting blood glucose, plasma glucose area under the curve, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), oxidative stress status, histology, and protein expression of PPAR-γ, TNF-α, and NF-κB in adipose tissues were determined. MME improved body weight gain, adiposity index, glucose intolerance, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, ACE, oxidative stress status, and protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. Moreover, MME attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced PPAR-γ expression. Taken altogether, MME decreased metabolic syndrome and its complication via the increased PPAR-γ expression. Therefore, MME is the potential candidate for improving metabolic syndrome and its related complications. However, further research in clinical trial is still necessary.

Toxicity Evaluation of Anacardium occidentale, the Potential Aphrodisiac Herb.

Anacardium occidentale L. leaf demonstrates sexual enhancement effect. Therefore, it can be used as the potential supplement and functional ingredient. However, the ethanolic leaf extract of this plant is a modified form of traditional application and the toxicity evaluation is required. To assess cytotoxicity of the extract, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with A. occidentale leaf extract in the concentration range between 0.625 and 10 mg/mL. Our results showed that the extract showed more than 90% cell viability at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL after 24-hour exposure. To assure the consumption safety, the acute and subchronic toxicity must be studied. Acute toxicity showed that the extract is safe even at the highest dose of 2 g/kg in both sexes of Wistar rats. No changes in behavior, physiology, gross pathology, and histology were observed. To determine the subchronic toxicity of extract, both sexes of Wistar rats were orally given the extract at doses of 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg once daily for 90 days. No changes in body weight, food, and water intake, motor coordination, behavior, and mental alertness were observed. The significant reduction of white blood cell, platelet, and cholesterol together with increase in MCHC was observed in male rats. The reductions of white blood cell and platelet together with the elevations of hemoglobin and hematocrit were also observed in female rats. However, all changes were in normal range. The current results revealed that an ethanolic extract of A. occidentale leaf was well tolerated via oral consumption up to dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 90 days and did not produce any toxicity. Our in vitro cytotoxicity test also confirmed this safety.

A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial Evaluating the Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Herbal Congee on Bone Turnover Markers of the Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women.

Based on the benefit of polyphenolic compounds on osteoporosis, we hypothesized that the polyphenol-rich herbal congee containing the combined extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum leaves should improve bone turnover markers in menopausal women. To test this hypothesis, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 45 menopausal participants were recruited in this study. They were randomly divided into placebo, D1, and D2 groups, respectively. The subjects in D1 and D2 groups must consume the congee containing the combined extract of M. alba and P. odoratum leaves at doses of 50 and 1500 mg/day, respectively. At the end of an 8-week consumption period, all subjects were determined serum bone markers including calcium, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and beta CTX. In addition, the hematological and blood clinical chemistry changes, and total phenolic content in the serum were also determined. The results showed that the menopausal women in D2 group increased serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and total phenolic compounds content but decreased CTX level. Clinical safety assessment failed to show toxicity and adverse effects. Therefore, herbal congee containing the combined extract of M. alba and P. odoratum leaves is the potential functional food that can decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

Sexual Enhancing Effect of Anacardium occidentale in Stress-Exposed Rats by Improving Dopaminergic and Testicular Functions.

In this study, we aimed to assess the effect and possible underlying mechanism of Anacardium occidentale leaves extract on male sexual behaviors in stress-exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were orally given A. occidentale extract at doses of 25, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW before 12-hour-immobilization exposure for 14 days. Sexual behaviors, serum testosterone and corticosterone levels, TH-positive cells density in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), MAO-B activity in NAc and medial preoptic area (MPOA), testis histology together with phosphodiesterase type-5 ( PDE-5) activity, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in penis were evaluated after treatment. All doses of extract improved male sexual behaviors, suppressed MAO-B in NAc, enhanced TH-positive cells density in NAc, suppressed PDE-5 in penis, and enhanced interstitial cell of Leydig. The increase of serum testosterone, TH-positive cells density in VTA, eNOS expression in penis, and the decreased serum corticosterone were observed at some doses. Therefore, the sexual enhancing effect of extract occurred mainly via the improved dopaminergic and testicular functions. PDE-5 suppression in penis also played the role especially in the increased intromission behavior. Therefore, A. occidentale leaves extract is the potential protective agent against sexual dysfunction. However, further researches are necessary.

Yellow Laser Stimulation at GV2 Acupoint Mitigates Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Motor Deficit in Spinal Cord Injury Rats.

Currently, the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation is considered as the treatment targets of spinal cord injury due to their roles on the hindrance of recovery process. Since laser acupuncture decreased oxidative stress and enhanced the survival of neurons from oxidative stress damage and GV2 stimulation was selected as one stimulated acupoint in order to enhance the recovery of spinal cord injury, we hypothesized that laser acupuncture at GV2 should enhance the recovery of spinal cord injury. To test this hypothesis, male Wistar rats were induced spinal cord injury at T10 level and they were exposed to a 10 minute-stimulation at GV2 by yellow laser. Laser acupuncture was performed at 0.25 and 1, 2, 6, and 12 hours after spinal cord injury. Then, the stimulation was performed once daily for 7 days. Locomotor assessment was carried out on days 3 and 7 after injury. At the end of study period, the densities of polymorphonuclear of leukocyte, Bax, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and BDNF positive stained cells in ventral horn of spinal cord were determined. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress status was also assessed. The results showed that laser acupuncture at GV2 increased BBB score, gross motor score, and densities of Bcl-2 and BDNF positive stained cells but decreased density with polymorphonuclear leukocyte, the densities of Bax and Caspase-3 positive stained cells, COX-2 level, and oxidative stress status in ventral horn of the lesion spinal cord. The reduction of serum COX-2 was also decreased. Therefore, GV2 stimulation by yellow laser might enhance the recovery of spinal cord via the increase in BDNF and the decrease in inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress status in the lesion spinal cord.

Morinda citrifolia L. Leaf Extract Protects against Cerebral Ischemia and Osteoporosis in an In Vivo Experimental Model of Menopause.

We aimed to determine the protective effects against cerebral ischemia and osteoporosis of Morinda citrifolia extract in experimental menopause. The neuroprotective effect was assessed by giving M. citrifolia leaf extract at doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg BW to the bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 7 days. Then, they were occluded in the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 90 minutes. The neurological score, brain infarction volume, oxidative stress status, and ERK1/2 and eNOS activities were assessed 24 hours later. M. citrifolia improved neurological score, brain infarction, and brain oxidative stress status in the cortex of OVX rats plus the MCAO. No changes in ERK 1/2 signal pathway and NOS expression were observed in this area. Our data suggested that the neuroprotective effect of the extract might occur partly via the improvement of oxidative stress status in the cortex. The antiosteoporotic effect in OVX rats was also assessed after an 84-day intervention of M. citrifolia. The serum levels of calcium, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase and osteoblast density in the tibia were increased, but the density of osteoclast was decreased in OVX rats which received the extract. Therefore, the current data suggested that the extract possessed antiosteoporotic effect by increasing bone formation but decreasing bone resorption.

Functional Drink Containing the Extracts of Purple Corn Cob and Pandan Leaves, the Novel Cognitive Enhancer, Increases Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Neuron Density Through the Improvement of Extracellular Signal Regulated Protein Kinase Expression, Cholinergic Function, and Oxidative Status in Ovariectomized Rats.

Due to requirement of novel memory enhancer for menopausal women, this study aimed to determine safety and effect of the functional drink containing the extracts of purple corn cob and pandan leaves (PCP) on memory and brain changes in experimental menopause induced by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Acute toxicity of PCP was carried out in female Wistar rats. The results showed that LD50 was more than 2000 mg/kg BW. To determine the cognitive enhancing effect of PCP, OVX rats were orally treated with PCP at the doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg BW for 28 days. The spatial memory was assessed every 7 days throughout the study period. At the end of the study, oxidative stress status, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, neuronal density, and extracellular signal regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling in hippocampus were measured. The improved spatial memory, ERK1/2 expression, and neuron density in dentate gyrus of hippocampus were observed in PCP-treated rats. In addition, a reduction of AChE activity was also observed. Unfortunately, no improved oxidative stress status was observed. Taken altogether, PCP exerts the memory-enhancing effect partly through the suppression of AChE and the increase in ERK signaling in the hippocampus.

Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Microencapsulation of Mulberry Fruit Extract in Animal Model of Menopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the neuroprotectant and memory-enhancing agent for menopausal women with metabolic syndrome is required. Based on the advantages of polyphenolics on numerous changes observed in menopause with metabolic syndrome and the encapsulation method, we hypothesized that microencapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could protect brain damage and improve memory impairment in an animal model of menopause with metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg was given to female Wistar rats which were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet for 8 weeks. Spatial memory together with neuron density, oxidative stress status, acetylcholinesterase, and phosphorylation of Erk in the hippocampus was assessed at the end of the study. It was found that MME decreased memory impairment, oxidative stress status, and AChE activity but increased neuron density and Erk phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Therefore, the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of MME might partly involve the enhanced cholinergic function and Erk phosphorylation but decreased oxidative stress status in hippocampus. Therefore, MME is the potential novel neuroprotectant and memory-enhancing agent for menopause with metabolic syndrome. However, further research especially clinical trial is still necessary.