AuNPs with Cynara scolymus leaf extracts rescue arsenic-induced neurobehavioral deficits and hippocampal tissue toxicity in Balb/c mice through D1R and D2R activation.

The present study was designed to evaluate whether AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) synthesized with the Cynara scolymus (CS) leaf exert protective and/or alleviative effects on arsenic (As)-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in mice. Neurotoxicity in mice was developed by orally treating 10 mg/kg/day sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) for 21 days. 10 µg/g AuNPs, 1.6 g/kg CS, and 10 µg/g CS-AuNPs were administered orally simultaneously with 10 mg/kg As. CS and CS-AuNPs treatments showed down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1ß levels. CS and CS-AuNPs also ameliorated apoptosis and reduced the alterations in the expression levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors induced by As. Simultaneous treatment with CS and CS-AuNPs improved As-induced learning, memory deficits, and motor coordination in mice assessed by water maze and locomotor tests, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that CS-AuNPs demonstrated neuroprotective roles with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as improving D1 and D2 signaling, and eventually reversed neurobehavioral impairments.

Assessment of antimicrobial activity and In Vitro wound healing potential of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized with Capparis spinosa extract.

Agents that will accelerate wound healing maintain their clinical importance in all aspects. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) ZnO nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis from Capparis spinosa L. extract and their effect on in vitro wound healing. ZnO NPs were synthesized and characterized using Capparis spinosa L. extract. ZnO NPs were tested against nine ATCC-coded pathogen strains to determine antimicrobial activity. The effects of different doses (0.0390625-20 µg/mL) of NPs on cell viability were determined by MTT assay. The effect of ZnO NPs doses (0.0390625 µg/mL, 0.078125 µg/mL, 0.15625 µg/mL, 0.3125 µg/mL, 0.625 µg/mL, 1.25 µg/mL) that increase proliferation and migration on wound healing was investigated in an in vitro wound experiment. Cell culture medium obtained from the in vitro wound assay was used for biochemical analysis, and plate alcohol-fixed cells were used for immunohistochemical staining. It was determined that NPs formed an inhibition zone against the tested Gram-positive bacteria. The ZnO NPs doses determined in the MTT test provided faster wound closure in in-vitro conditions compared to the DMSO group. Biochemical analyses showed that inflammation and oxidative status decreased, while antioxidant levels increased in ZnO NPs groups. Immunohistochemical analyses showed increased expression levels of Bek/FGFR2, IGF, and TGF-ß associated with wound healing. The findings reveal the antimicrobial effect of ZnO nanoparticles obtained using Capparis spinosa L. extract in vitro and their potential applications in wound healing.

Parthenolide as a potential analgesic in the treatment of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain: the rat modeling.

In this study, we determined the therapeutic effect of parthenolide (PTL), the active component of Tanacetum parthenium, on neuropathic pain caused by paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapeutic drug frequently used in cancer treatment, at the gene and protein levels. To this end, 6 groups were formed: control, PTX, sham, 1 mg/PTL, 2 mg/kg PTL, and 4 mg/kg PTL. Pain formation was tested by Randall-Selitto analgesiometry and locomotor activity behavioral analysis. Then, PTL treatment was performed for 14 days. After the last dose of PTL was taken, Hcn2, Trpa1, Scn9a, and Kcns1 gene expressions were measured in rat brain (cerebral cortex/CTX) tissues. In addition, changes in the levels of SCN9A and KCNS1 proteins were determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Histopathological hematoxylin-eosin staining was also performed to investigate the effect of PTL in treating tissue damage on neuropathic pain caused by PTX treatment. When the obtained data were analyzed, pain threshold and locomotor activity decreased in PTX and sham groups and increased with PTL treatment. In addition, it was observed that the expression of the Hcn2, Trpa1, and Scn9a genes decreased while the Kcns1 gene expression increased. When protein levels were examined, it was determined that SCN9A protein expression decreased and the KCNS1 protein level increased. It was determined that PTL treatment also improved PTX-induced tissue damage. The results of this study demonstrate that non-opioid PTL is an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, especially when used at a dose of 4 mg/kg acting on sodium and potassium channels.

Humulus japonicus Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis Through the PPARα-Mediated Suppression of Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Humulus japonicus has been used to treat obesity, hypertension, and nonalcoholic fatty liver and to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of H. japonicus ethanol extracts (HE) and luteolin 7-O-ß-d-glucoside (LU), which is identified as a major active component of H. japonicus, on ethanol-induced oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes. Mouse primary hepatocytes were treated with HE and stimulated with ethanol. The MTT test was used to determine cell viability. By using Western blotting, the effects of HE on the expression of different proteins were investigated. Experimental mice were given a 5% alcohol liquid Lieber-DeCarli diet to induce alcoholic fatty liver. We found that both HE and LU individually attenuated ethanol-induced lipid accumulation, lipogenic protein expression, and cellular oxidative stress in hepatocytes. Treatment with HE or LU increased PPARα and SOD1 expression and catalase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Small interfering RNA of PPARα reduced the effects of HE on oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and levels of antioxidants. We also observed that orally administered HE treatment alleviated hepatic steatosis in a diet containing ethanol-fed mice. This study suggests HE as a functional food that can improve hepatic steatosis, thereby preventing hepatic injury caused by alcohol consumption.

A combination of omega-3 and exercise reduces experimental Achilles tendinopathy induced with a type-1 collagenase in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation with exercise in a collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy (AT) rat model. Experimental groups (healthy control (HC), AT, exercise (Ex), omega-3 (W), and Ex+W) were randomly allocated. After a week of adaptation, oral omega-3 was initiated for 8 weeks (5 days/week). The exercise groups performed treadmill running for 30 min/day (5 days/week, 20 m/min, 8 weeks) following one week of adaptation (10 m/min, 15 min/day). Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and total antioxidant-oxidant status (TAS) levels were determined in serum samples. Tendon samples were obtained for biomechanical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessments. Ultimate tensile force, yield force, stiffness values, collagen type-I alpha 1 expression, and serum TAS significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in AT vs. HC. These values and expression significantly increased in the Ex+W group vs. AT. Serum MMP-13, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels decreased in all treatment groups vs. AT. The most significant decrease was found in the Ex+W group (P < 0.01). Histopathologically, the improvement in degeneration was statistically significant in the Ex+W group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, MMP-13, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and nitric oxide synthase-2 expression was decreased in all treatment groups vs. AT. In conclusion, omega-3 and exercise might be recommended in AT patients.

Bromelain protects against cisplatin-induced ocular toxicity through mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular, biochemical, and histopathological effects of bromelain, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against cisplatin-induced ocular toxicity. The groups were designed as (1) Control, (2) Cisplatin (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), (3) Cisplatin + Bromelain (50 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days), (4) Cisplatin + Bromelain (100 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days). The activity of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-10, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and 8-OHdG were measured in ocular tissue. The mRNA expression of NF-κB and Caspase-3 was also evaluated. Also, ocular sections were evaluated histopathologically. Bromelain demonstrated a dose-dependent protective effect in cisplatin-induced toxicity by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage. Our results suggested that bromelain may be a potential adjuvant that can protect the eye from cisplatin-induced toxicity.

Evaluation the Effects of Helichrysum plicatum Subsp. pseudoplicatum on an In-Vitro Wound Model Using Human Dermal Fibroblast Cells.

Wound is tissue damage that occurs in the skin. Helichrysum species (Altinotu) are rich in phenolic compounds used in traditional medicine for wound healing. The main component in their flower head (capitulum) is phenolic compounds. The present study investigates the proliferative, oxidative stress, and wound healing properties of the methanolic extract of Helichrysum plicatum subsp. pseudoplicatum capitulum on a human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell line in this study. H plicatum subsp. pseudoplicatum capitulums were collected in Erzurum, Turkey (altitude 1950 m), dried, pulverized, and extracted with methanol. Firstly, total phenolic contents were determined and secondly, the proliferative effect, oxidative stress activities, and wound healing effects on HDF cells were evaluated by the cell proliferation kit (XTT) test, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) commercial kits, and the scratch experiment by taking microscopic images of the cells at 0, 12, 18, and 24 h, respectively. Total phenolic content was found to be 142.00 ± 0.73 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g) extract. The capitulum extract has a proliferative effect at 0.5 to 10 µg/mL concentrations according to the XTT test results. It was observed that TAS levels significantly increased in the plant extract at the concentration ranges 1 to 10 µg/mL (P < .01). About 1 to 5 µg/mL plant extract started to increase cell migration at the 12 h and significantly closed the wound area at the 24 h. At the doses between 1 to 5 µg/mL, it has the most substantial effect on both cell viability and antioxidant effect, and wound healing was found to be in this concentration range. These findings suggested that the H plicatum subsp. pseudoplicatum capitulum is a valuable source of phenolic content with important antioxidant activity at wound healing and it was concluded that the capitulum extract accelerates wound healing by increasing cell migration in low doses.

Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus) Methanolic Leaf Extract Alleviates Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Toxicity in BALB/c Mouse Brain: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotically Related Klotho/PPARγ Signaling.

(1) Background: Various epidemiological studies suggest that oxidative stress and disrupted neuronal function are mechanistically linked to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). DNA damage, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and eventually, cell death such as NDs can be induced by nitrosamine-related compounds, leading to neurodegeneration. A limited number of studies have reported that exposure to diethylnitrosamine (DEN), which is commonly found in processed/preserved foods, causes biochemical abnormalities in the brain. Artichoke leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a beneficial source of bioactive components such as hydroxycinnamic acids, cynarine, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin). The aim of this study is to investigate the favorable effects of exogenous artichoke (Cynara scolymus) methanolic leaf extract supplementation in ameliorating DEN-induced deleterious effects in BALB/c mouse brains. (2) Methods: This study was designed to evaluate DEN (toxicity induction by 100 mg/kg) and artichoke (protective effects of 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg treatment) for 14 days. All groups underwent a locomotor activity test to evaluate motor activity. In brain tissue, oxidative stress indicators (TAC, TOS, and MDA), Klotho and PPARγ levels, and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were measured. Brain slices were also examined histopathologically. (3) Results: Artichoke effectively ameliorated DEN-induced toxicity with increasing artichoke dose. Impaired motor function and elevated oxidative stress markers (decreasing MDA and TOS levels and increasing TAC level) induced by DEN intoxication were markedly restored by high-dose artichoke treatment. Artichoke significantly improved the levels of Klotho and PPARγ, which are neuroprotective factors, in mouse brain tissue exposed to DEN. In addition, caspase-3 and Bax levels were reduced, whereas the Bcl-2 level was elevated with artichoke treatment. Furthermore, recovery was confirmed by histopathological analysis. (4) Conclusions: Artichoke exerted neuroprotective effects against DEN-induced brain toxicity by mitigating oxidant parameters and exerting antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. Further research is needed to fully identify the favorable impact of artichoke supplementation on all aspects of DEN brain intoxication.

In Vitro and In Vivo Neuroprotective Effects of Sarcosine.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioral and psychological symptoms in addition to cognitive impairment and loss of memory. The exact pathogenesis and genetic background of AD are unclear and there remains no effective treatment option. Sarcosine, an n-methyl derivative of glycine, showed a promising therapeutic strategy for some cognitive disorders. To our knowledge, the impacts of sarcosine supplementation against AD have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to determine the neuroprotective potential of sarcosine in in vitro and in vivo AD model. In vitro studies have demonstrated that sarcosine increased the percentage of viable cells against aluminum induced neurotoxicity. In AlCl3-induced rat model of AD, the level of antioxidant capacity was significantly decreased and expression levels of APP, BACE1, TNF-α, APH1A, and PSENEN genes were elevated compared to the control group. Additionally, histopathological examinations of the hippocampus of AlCl3-induced rat brains showed the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). However, the administration of sarcosine produced marked improvement and protection of AD-associated pathologies induced by AlCl3 in experimental rats. Therefore, this investigation may contribute to design novel therapeutic strategies using sarcosine for the management of AD pathologies.

Centella asiatica extract protects against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to clarify the underlying mechanism by biochemical, molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological analyses. Rats were pre-treated with two doses of CA (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Then, on the 15th day, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single cisplatin injection (10 mg/kg i.p.). On the 18th day, the rats were euthanized. CA effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced hepatic injury via reduction in AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes and a decrease in oxidative stress (decreased MDA and ROS, and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH). CA also mitigated the inflammatory damage by the inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κB. The liver expression of caspase-3 and Bax was downregulated, while Bcl-2 was upregulated. Moreover, immunohistochemical results confirmed the recovery with CA by downregulation of iNOS and 8-OHdG expression. These results showed that with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, CA could help alleviate the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin chemotherapy.

Literature analysis on asparagus roots and review of its functional characterizations.

Asparagus root (AR) is utilized globally as a traditional herbal medicine because it contains various bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and minerals. The composition profiles of AR are strongly affected by its botanical and geographical origins. Although minerals and heavy metals are minor constituents of AR, they play a crucial role in determining its quality and efficacy. A comprehensive classification of AR, its phytochemistry, and its pharmacology were reviewed and interpreted herein. Potentially eligible articles (in English) were identified through an electronic search of the Web of Science database (2010-2022) and Google (2001-2022). We used the primary search term "Asparagus roots" combined with the words "pharmacology," "bioactive compounds," "physicochemical properties," and "health benefits" to find the relevant literature. We screened the titles, keywords, and abstracts of the publications obtained from the database. A full copy of the article was obtained for further assessment if deemed appropriate. Different asparagus species might potentially be used as herbal medicines and functional foods. Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds as valuable secondary metabolites. The dominant class of bioactive compounds in AR is flavonoids. Furthermore, AR displayed significant pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects, as shown in animal and human studies. This review provides a valuable resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of Asparagus root as a functional ingredient for the pharmaceutical and food industries. In addition, it is anticipated that this review will provide information to healthcare professionals seeking alternative sources of critical bioactive compounds.

Neuroprotective effect of bromelain in 6-hydroxydopamine induced in vitro model of Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of bromelain, which is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against the neurotoxicity (induced by 6-OHDA) in SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: To establish Parkinson's Disease (PD) model in cell culture conditions, SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to 200 µM 6-OHDA for 1 day. Prior to 6-OHDA treatment, SH-SY5Y cells had been pre-treated with bromelain (25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 75 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL). After 1 day, cell viability was determined with the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Oxidative stress was assessed with total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione reductase (GR) and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. The effect of the bromelain in SH-SY5Ycells was also examined by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. We found that 6-OHDA increased LDH leakage, and cellular apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. 6-OHDA aggravated oxidative stress by increasing TOS, MDA and GR and eventually promoted apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, while pretreatment with bromelain attenuated these toxic effects of 6-OHDA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that bromelain, with its neuroprotective features can be useful for neuroprotection in PD.

Effects of Achillea millefolium on cisplatin induced ocular toxicity: an experimental study.

Aim: Cisplatin is a widely used and highly effective anti-cancer agent and one of the limiting side effects of cisplatin is ocular toxicity. Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, is a plant that has been used for many years to treat various health problems including chemotherapy-related toxicities. Methods: The present investigation was designed to evaluate the biochemical, molecular and histopathological effects of Achillea Millefolium on cisplatin-induced oxidative and inflammatory ocular damage in rats. Twenty-four adult male rats were assigned randomly to four groups (n = 6) as (1) control, (2) cisplatin (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), (3) Cisplatin + Achillea millefolium (200 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days), (4) Cisplatin + Achillea millefolium (400 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days). Levels of total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status, SOD, MDA, IL-1ß, and IL-10 were measured in ocular tissue. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B and Caspase-3 were evaluated. Also, ocular sections were evaluated histopathologically.Results: Achillea Millefolium upregulated ocular antioxidant enzymes and downregulated inflammation. The SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity increased whereas total oxidant status and MDA levels decreased significantly at high dose group. High dose Achillea millefolium treatment reduced the IL-1ß concentrations, whereas IL-10 levels increased significantly in that group. Moreover, we observed that Achillea millefolium restored ocular histopathological structure and significantly suppressed apoptosis by reducing the expression of Caspase-3.Conclusion: Collectively, our results suggest that Achillea millefolium have protective effects against cisplatin-induced ocular toxicity and is a promising adjuvant therapy with the potential to prevent cisplatin related ocular toxicity.

Achillea millefolium alleviates testicular damage in paclitaxel-intoxicated rats via attenuation of testicular oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptotic responses.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Achillea millefolium extract in paclitaxel-induced testicular toxicity in rats. The groups were designed as (1) control, (2) paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), (3) paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) + Achillea millefolium (200 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days) and (4) paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) + Achillea millefolium (400 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days). Serum levels of testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status were measured one day after receiving the last dose of Achillea millefolium extract. Testicular superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1ß levels, the expressions of nuclear factor kappa B and caspase-3 were evaluated. In addition, testicular sections were evaluated histopathologically and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was detected immunohistochemically. Achillea millefolium improved the levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone, upregulated testicular antioxidant enzymes and downregulated inflammation. Furthermore, we observed that Achillea millefolium restored testicular histopathological structure and significantly suppressed oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis by reducing the expression of caspase-3. Taken together, our results suggest that Achillea millefolium has protective effects against paclitaxel-induced testicular toxicity and is a promising natural product with the potential to improve male fertility.

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for the selective extraction of salidroside from Rhodiola crenulata.

Salidroside is one of the bio-active compounds found in Rhodiola crenulata. To find an easy, time saving and efficient way to extract, purify and enrich salidroside from Rhodiola and other natural plants, we prepared a highly selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for extraction and preconcentration of salidroside using salidroside (SD) as a template, acrylamide (AM) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as a crosslinking monomer, and dimethyl formamide (DMF) as a porogen. The performance of the MIPs was evaluated through selective recognition capacity and adsorption isotherms and kinetics. The results showed that MIPs possessed excellent specific recognition toward SD and could effectively discriminate its structural analogue. The application of the developed MIPs as a selective sorbent for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of SD was also investigated. Under the optimum conditions, a rapid, economical, and efficient method based upon MIP-SPE coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for the determination of SD in Rhodiola crenulata. The method showed satisfactory recoveries (from spiked real samples at 3 fortification levels of 0.5, 1 and 10 mg L-1) of 88.74%- 97.64% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 2.05%-3.54%. Furthermore, MIP-SPE was successfully used to separate and purify SD from different parts in Rhodiola crenulata and it should be available for determination of salidroside in others herbs.

Humulus japonicus stimulates thermogenesis and ameliorates oxidative stress in mouse adipocytes.

An aqueous extract of Humulus japonicus (AH) has been documented to ameliorate hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of AH on thermogenesis and palmitate-induced oxidative stress in adipocytes. To verify the effect of AH on browning, we measured the expression levels of specific markers in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. To assess the role of oxidative stress, cells were stained with DCFDA and observed by fluorescence microscopy. AH increased the expression of brown adipose tissue-specific markers. Additionally, it induced fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis and suppressed both lipogenic markers and lipid accumulation. Furthermore, AH ameliorated hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Enhanced expression of these markers contributed to fat browning, fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) signaling pathways. Moreover, AMPK and PPARδ resulting in protective effects of AH against oxidative stress. In sum, AH could promote the browning, lipolysis and thermogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and would suppress the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and lipogenesis during differentiation. We therefore suggest that AH could be used as a potential candidate for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

LC-MS/MS profiling of polyphenol-enriched leaf, stem and root extracts of Korean Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc and determination of their antioxidant effects.

Polyphenols from ethyl acetate extracts from the leaves, stems and roots of Korean Humulus japonicus were comprehensively profiled using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 36 polyphenols were detected, of which 26 were structurally characterized based on their [M - H]- peak, tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern, UV-vis absorption and published data. Validation data provided satisfactory results for the evaluated parameters. The determination coefficients were ≥0.9812. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.017-0.573 and 0.056-1.834 mg/L, respectively, indicating good performance limits. The accuracy (expressed as percentage recovery) at 50 and 100 mg/L was 71.4-99.7 and 75.1-105.1%, with precisions (expressed as relative standard deviation) of 1.5-7.3 and 0.8-4.1%, respectively, indicating acceptable accuracy and precision values. The leaves were rich in total polyphenols (3089.9 ± 6.4 mg/kg of fresh sample) followed by the stems (1313.9 ± 6.4 mg/kg of fresh sample) and roots (655.2 ± 2.7 mg/kg of fresh sample). Antioxidant activity, determined by α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, revealed the lowest EC50 value for the leaf extracts, indicating a higher scavenging activity in this tissue followed by the roots and stems. Overall, the results indicated that H. japonicus is rich in polyphenols and could be a potential alternative to Humulus lupulus (hop plant) in the brewery industry.

LC-MS/MS characterization, anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant activities of polyphenols from different tissues of Korean Petasites japonicus (Meowi).

The Korean Petasites japonicus is a perennial plant used in folk medicine as a remedy for many diseases and popularly consumed as spring greens. Ten polyphenols were characterized from the leaves, stems and roots of this plant via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Individual polyphenols were quantified for the first time using calibration curves of six structurally related external standards. Validation data indicated that coefficients of determinations (R2 ) were ≥0.9702 for all standards. Recoveries measured at 50 and 100 mg/L were 80.0-91.9 and 80.3-105.3%, respectively. Precisions at these two concentration levels were 0.7-6.1 and 1.1-5.5%, respectively. The total number of identified components was largest for the leaves and smallest for the stems. The leaf and root polyphenolic extracts showed anti-inflammatory effects by inducing LPS-activated COX-2 and iNOS protein levels in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The antioxidant capacity of the polyphenols, when evaluated for DPPH (α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl)ˑ , ABTS+ [2-2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] and superoxide radical scavenging activities, and in ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays, was highest in the leaf and lowest in the stem. This trend suggests that the antioxidant capacities depend primarily on polyphenol concentration in each tissue. The current findings suggest that polyphenols derived from P. japonicas tissues could have potential as functional health foods.

Flavone polyphenols dominate in Thymus schimperi Ronniger: LC-ESI-MS/MS characterization and study of anti-proliferative effects of plant extract on AGS and HepG2 cancer cells.

Thymus schimperi is a highly localized and a rare plant endemic to Ethiopia. An optimized and validated high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was applied to characterize 23 polyphenolic compounds found in ethyl acetate extracts of the plant. From those, flavones dominated and luteolin was the major component contributing 21.83% of the total composition (or 46.05±0.59g/kg of fresh sample weight). Validation data showed a determination coefficient (R2)≥0.997. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.03-0.97 and 0.11-3.23mg/L, while recovery values spiked at 5 and 50mg/L were between 70.89-115.39 and 67.65-120.19%, respectively. Except for caffeic acid and epicatechin gallate, the relative standard deviations (%RSDs) were far below 15%, showing acceptable precision values. The plant extracts inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cancer cells. This is the first report of polyphenolic components from T. schimperi being characterized using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Being components of many edible vegetables, fruits, and spices, the identified polyphenols suggest that T. schimperi could be a potential food with promising health benefits.

Boric acid as a protector against paclitaxel genotoxicity.

Paclitaxel (PAC) is an anticancer drug used for treatments of breast, ovarian and lung cancers. However, little data is available in the literature on its potential genotoxicity on healthy human cells. On the other hand, boron deficiency and supplementation exert important biological effects in human and animal tissues. The biological effects of dietary boron are defined, but its interaction with PAC is not known for therapeutic uses. The aim of the present study was to determine whether boric acid (BA) confer a protection against PAC genotoxicity. After the application of PAC (10 or 20 microg/l) and BA (2.5 or 5 mg/l), the genotoxic effects were assessed by sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) tests in human blood cultures. We also analyzed nuclear division index (NDI) in peripheral lymphocytes. Our results showed that PAC significantly (P<0.05) increased the frequencies of SCEs and the formations of MNs in peripheral lymphocytes as compared to controls. PAC decreased the nuclear division index in lymphocyte cultures. Boric acid did not show cytotoxic or genotoxic effects at the concentrations tested. Furthermore, the PAC-induced increases in the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity indices were diminished by the addition of BA. The present study suggests for the first time that BA can prevent the genotoxicity of PAC on human lymphocytes.