Photoprotective effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts on UVB-induced photoaging: A study on skin barrier protection.

AIM: Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata exhibit promising potential as cosmetic additives for mitigating skin barrier impairment induced by photoaging. Despite their potential, the precise mechanisms underlying their protective and ameliorative effects remain elusive. This study sought to assess the reparative properties of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts (LP) on UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and explore the therapeutic potential of LP as a skin barrier protection agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant activities were gauged through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. The expression levels of skin barrier-related markers, encompassing metalloproteinases (MMPs) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) were scrutinized using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, and Western blotting, with a particular focus on the involvement of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß/Smad and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. RESULTS: The study revealed that LP effectively scavenges free radicals, diminishes ROS production in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly attenuates UVB-induced expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 through modulation of the hyaluronan synthase (HAS)2/HYAL1 signaling axis in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Additionally, LP demonstrated enhanced TGF-ß signaling activation, fostering procollagen type I synthesis, and concurrently exhibited mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/NF-κB signaling inactivation, thereby mitigating pro-inflammatory cytokine release and alleviating UVB-induced cellular damage. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the observed protective effects of LP on skin cellular constituents highlight its substantial biological potential for shielding against UVB-induced skin photoaging, positioning it as a promising candidate for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Application of Plant Proteases in Meat Tenderization: Recent Trends and Future Prospects.

Papain, bromelain, and ficin are commonly used plant proteases used for meat tenderization. Other plant proteases explored for meat tenderization are actinidin, zingibain, and cucumin. The application of plant crude extracts or powders containing higher levels of compounds exerting tenderizing effects is also gaining popularity due to lower cost, improved sensory attributes of meat, and the presence of bioactive compounds exerting additional benefits in addition to tenderization, such as antioxidants and antimicrobial effects. The uncontrolled plant protease action could cause excessive tenderization (mushy texture) and poor quality due to an indiscriminate breakdown of proteins. The higher cost of separation and the purification of enzymes, unstable structure, and poor stability of these enzymes due to autolysis are some major challenges faced by the food industry. The meat industry is targeting the recycling of enzymes and improving their stability and shelf-life by immobilization, encapsulation, protein engineering, medium engineering, and stabilization during tenderization. The present review critically analyzed recent trends and the prospects of the application of plant proteases in meat tenderization.

Development of selective bispecific Wnt mimetics for bone loss and repair.

The Wnt signaling pathway is intricately connected with bone mass regulation in humans and rodent models. We designed an antibody-based platform that generates potent and selective Wnt mimetics. Using this platform, we engineer bi-specific Wnt mimetics that target Frizzled and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins and evaluate their effects on bone accrual in murine models. These synthetic Wnt agonists induce rapid and robust bone building effects, and correct bone mass deficiency and bone defects in various disease models, including osteoporosis, aging, and long bone fracture. Furthermore, when these Wnt agonists are combined with antiresorptive bisphosphonates or anti-sclerostin antibody therapies, additional bone accrual/maintenance effects are observed compared to monotherapy, which could benefit individuals with severe and/or acute bone-building deficiencies. Our data support the continued development of Wnt mimetics for the treatment of diseases of low bone mineral density, including osteoporosis.

Fermentation of Chestnut (Catanea crenata Sieb) Inner Shell Enhances Anti-Obesity Effects in 3T3-L1 and C3H10T1/2 Adipocytes.

Chestnut inner shell (CIS) is rich in phenols and flavonoids such as gallic acid and ellagic acid, which are known to exhibit effective antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. Fermentation using lactic acid bacteria can enhance the physiological activity by increasing the contents of such functional ingredients. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of a CIS extract subjected to a fermentation process (fermented CIS [FCIS]). Treatment with CIS and FCIS extracts (125, 250, and 500 µg/mL) increased cell viability and did not induce apoptosis, indicating no toxicity. The extract suppressed the gene expression of adipogenic factors, peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) alpha, and C/EBP beta (by 7.75% and 67.59%, 21.41% and 66.27% in 500 µg/mL, respectively), and consequently suppressed the expression of downstream lipogenic factors such as fatty acid synthase, stearoyl CoA desaturase-1, citrate synthase, and ATP citrate lyase. The expression of factors involved in fat catabolism and ß-oxidation increased in a dose-dependent manner, thereby preventing fat accumulation. This observation was consistent with the significant decrease in the staining intensity for lipid droplets, which indicated that lipid accumulation was decreased by 15.46% and 29.44% in 3T3L-1 and 27.01% and 46.68% in C3H10T1/2. Together, these results demonstrate the higher anti-obesity effects of FCIS extract than that of CIS extract, indicating the potential applicability of FCIS as an effective natural raw material to curb obesity.

A Mixture Containing Fermented Achyranthes japonica Nakai Ameliorates Osteoarthritis in Knee Joints of Monoiodoacetate-Injected Rats.

We demonstrated the effect of a mixture containing fermented Achyranthes japonica Nakai (FS) in the context of a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis animal model. The mineralization, anabolic and catabolic factors, and the amount of cytokines within the articular cartilage of rats were measured after administration of MIA. We found that dietary supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane (positive control) and FS (FS 100 mg/kg body weight [b.w.] and FS 300 mg/kg b.w.) effectively suppressed pathological changes in the knee joint and inhibited changes in the architectural and mineralization parameters. In addition, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and catabolic factors, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-7 in articular cartilage, were decreased by dietary supplementation with FS in MIA-induced osteoarthritis. Based on these findings, we suggest that FS can be used for the development of potential therapies for osteoarthritis.

Development of an Improved Menopausal Symptom-Alleviating Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) by Biotransformation Using Monascus albidulus.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) contains several compounds that have been reported to alleviate menopausal symptoms via interacting with estrogen receptors (ERs). The compounds exist mainly in the form of glycosides, which exhibit low bioavailability and function. To bioconvert liquiritin and isoliquiritin, the major estrogenic compounds, to the corresponding deglycosylated liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin, respectively, licorice was fermented with Monascus, which has been demonstrated to deglycosylate other substances. The contents of liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin in Monascus-fermented licorice increased by 10.46-fold (from 38.03 µM to 379.75 µM) and 12.50-fold (from 5.53 µM to 69.14 µM), respectively, compared with their contents in non-fermented licorice. Monascus-fermented licorice exhibited 82.5% of the ERß binding activity of that observed in the positive control (17 ß-estradiol), whereas the non-fermented licorice exhibited 54.1% of the binding activity in an in vivo ER binding assay. The increase in the ERß binding activity was associated with increases in liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin contents. Liquiritigenin acts as a selective ligand for ERß, which alleviates menopausal symptoms with fewer side effects, such as heart disease and hypertension, compared with a ligand for ERα. In addition, Monascus-fermented licorice contained 731 mg/kg of monacolin K, one of the metabolites produced by Monascus that reduces serum cholesterol. Therefore, Monascus-fermented licorice is a promising material for the prevention and treatment of menopausal syndrome with fewer side effects.

Fermented Castanea crenata Inner Shell Extract Increases Fat Metabolism and Decreases Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

The anti-obesity effects of fermented Castanea crenata inner shell extract (FCCE) were investigated using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. In the FCCE intake groups, body weight gain and adipocyte area were significantly reduced, especially body weight gain in the 250 mg/kg FCCE group (G4) decreased by 37%, respectively, compared with negative control group (G2, HFD group). After oral administration of the FCCE, the increase of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol induced by HFD was suppressed significantly, as well as the level of aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, which are markers of hepatitis induced by obesity. Serum leptin in G4 group was significantly decreased to less than that of G2 group. Also, in G4 and 500 mg/kg FCCE group (G5), enzymes-related lipogenesis, citrate synthase, and ATP citrate lyase were decreased, whereas the level of enoyl-CoA hydratase used for ß-oxidation was significantly increased in comparison with normal diet group. Furthermore, the FCCE stimulated the expression of lipolytic regulators, especially AMP-activated protein kinase. In conclusion, we suggest that the FCCE may ameliorate in diet-induced obesity by regulating lipid metabolism.

Characterization of Soybean Germinated Embryo Extract as an Estrogen Receptor Subtype-Selective and Tissue-Specific Modulator.

Phytoestrogens possess beneficial effects in the management of menopausal symptoms with few side effects. Soybeans are major natural sources of isoflavones, with high estrogen receptor (ER)-ß selectivity. The objective of this study therefore was to develop a solvent-mediated extraction method for soybean germinated embryos (SGEs) and to investigate the biological activities of the extract. Ethanolic extraction yielded the SGE extract (SGEE), which had a unique composition of biologically active aglycones and soyasaponins. SGEE showed a proliferative effect in MCF7 cells and ERß-selective transcriptional activities in human embryonic kidney cells. In addition, oral administration of SGEE to ovariectomized rats resulted in the induction of ERß and estrogen-responsive genes in the uterus and a decrease in tail skin temperature and uterus weight. Our data suggest that germination and ethanolic extraction are effective measures for producing isoflavone-rich food supplements, which may be useful as alternative menopausal hormone therapy.

Effects of dietary Allium hookeri root on growth performance and antioxidant activity in young broiler chickens.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Allium hookeri (AH) root in two forms, powdered AH root and fermented powdered AH root, to demonstrate its value as an antibiotic alternative feed additive for broiler chickens. A total of 125 male Ross-708 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 25 birds/group) and fed standard diets supplemented with root or fermented root of AH at two different levels (1% or 5%). Control birds were provided with non-supplemented basal diets. Body weights was measured at days 14 and 21 of age. To monitor antioxidant activities, heme oxygenase (HMOX), aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase (AFAR), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and catalase (CAT) enzyme levels were quantified by real-time PCR in the jejunums 21-day-old birds. Also, serum levels of SOD, CAT, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using commercial kits. The results showed greater body weight gains at day 14 in chickens fed diets supplemented with 1% AH root, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Up-regulated transcript levels of AFAR, HMOX1, and CAT were observed in the jejunum of chickens fed diets supplemented with AH. The serum levels SOD and CAT were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in groups treated with AH, whereas MDA levels were decreased in groups fed diets supplemented with AH, as compared to the control group. These results indicated that an optimum level of dietary AH supplementation to young broiler chickens influences growth and improves antioxidant activities.

The Inhibitory Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Extracts on Adipogenesis and Inflammatory Response.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) has been established globally as a nutritionally important food item, particularly owing to high levels of bioactive compounds such as rutin. This study investigated the effect of tartary buckwheat extracts (TBEs) on adipogenesis and inflammatory response in 3T3-L1 cells. TBEs inhibited lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3 L1 cells. The mRNA levels of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (CEBP-α), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoylcoenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD-1), were suppressed by TBEs. They also reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, TBEs were decreased nitric oxide (NO) production. These results suggest that TBEs may inhibit adipogenesis and inflammatory response; therefore, they seem to be beneficial as a food ingredient to prevent obesity-associated inflammation.

Dietary Allium hookeri reduces inflammatory response and increases expression of intestinal tight junction proteins in LPS-induced young broiler chicken.

We undertook a study to assess the effects of Allium hookeri (AH) root and fermented root on inflammation and intestinal integrity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. Birds were assigned to six groups (n = 25 birds/treatment) and fed with basal diets (CON) or basal diets supplemented with AH root or fermented root at two concentrations (1 or 5%). At 7 d of age, five groups (n= 125) in each dietary treatment were injected with LPS (1 mg/kg body weight), and the remaining 25 birds were injected with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a negative control. LPS challenge significantly reduced average body weight gain at 24 h post-injection compared with PBS control. Fermented root supplementation increased average body weight gain by 1% compared with the LPS-challenged control. Serum α- 1-AGP levels, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15), and LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor (LITAF) transcript levels were significantly higher in the small intestine in LPS-injected chickens. However α-1-AGP levels were reduced by AH root or fermented root (1 and 5%) supplementation and IL-1ß, IL-8, and LITAF were also down-regulated by root and fermented root (1 and 5%) supplementation. The reduced expression of tight junction proteins (junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) and occludin) and intestinal mucin 2 (MUC2) by LPS challenge was reversed by root or fermented root (1 and 5%) supplementation. These findings demonstrate that dietary AH root and fermented root influence antiinflammatory activity and tight junction protein expression in LPS-induced chickens.

Protein Expression Level of Skin Wrinkle-Related Factors in Hairless Mice Fed Hyaluronic Acid.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the wrinkle improving effect of hyaluronic acid intakes. Wrinkles were induced by exposing the skin of hairless mice to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation for 14 weeks. Hyaluronic acid was administered to the mice for 14 weeks including 4 weeks before experiments. Skin tissue was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine protein expression of wrinkle-related markers. The group supplemented with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid appeared significantly better than control group for collagen, matrix metalloproteinase 1, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 assay. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS-2) were not shown to be significantly different. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid administration regulated expression levels of proteins associated with skin integrity, and improved the wrinkle level in skin subjected to UVB irradiation.

Antiobesity Effect of Garlic Extract Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum BL2 in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity is viewed as a serious public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the antiobesity effects of fermented garlic extract by lactic acid bacteria (LAFGE) on obesity. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. The HFD-induced obese mice were orally administrated with 250 or 500 mg/kg LAFGE for 8 weeks. Feeding HFD-fed mice with 250 or 500 mg/kg LAFGE reduced body weight by 14% and 18%, respectively, compared to HFD. HFD-fed mice with 500 mg/kg LAFGE administration had lower epididymal, retroperitoneal, and mesenteric adipose tissue mass by 36%, 44%, and 63%, respectively, compared to HFD. The concentration of plasma triacylglyceride and total cholesterol was significantly lower in the HFD-fed mice with LAFGE administration. Moreover, LAFGE supplementation suppressed adipogenesis by downregulation in mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and lipogenic proteins, including SREBP-1c, FAS, and SCD-1. Based on these findings, LAFGE may ameliorate diet-induced obesity by inhibiting adipose tissue hypertrophy by suppressing adipogenesis.

Solanum tuberosum L. cv Jayoung Epidermis Extract Inhibits Mite Antigen-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice by Regulating the Th1/Th2 Balance and Expression of Filaggrin.

Solanum tuberosum L. cv Jayoung (JY) is a potato with dark purple flesh and contains substantial amounts of polyphenols. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of S. tuberosum L. cv JY in a mouse model of Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). The ethanol extract of the peel of JY (EPJ) ameliorated Dfb-induced dermatitis severity, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine. Histological analysis of the skin also revealed that EPJ treatment significantly decreased mast cell infiltration. The suppression of dermatitis by EPJ treatment was accompanied by a decrease in the skin levels of type 2 helper T-cell cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. The induction of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, which leads to a systemic Th2 response, was also decreased in the skin by EPJ. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 was decreased by EPJ in Dfb-induced NC/Nga mice. The protein expression of filaggrin in the AD-like skin lesions was restored by EPJ treatment. These results suggested that EPJ may be a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of AD.

Evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of Euphorbia hirta ethanolic extract.

This study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of a Euphorbia hirta L. extract. The antioxidant activities of whole E. hirta ethanol extract were determined by electron spin resonance spectrophotometric analysis of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and alkyl radical levels and by using an online high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. The E. hirta ethanol extract (0.5 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH-scavenging activity of 61.19% ± 0.22%, while the positive control (0.5 mg/mL ascorbic acid) had 100% ± 0.22% activity. The concentration of the extract required to trap 50% of DPPH (IC50) was 0.205 mg/mL. Online HPLC analysis of the extract also showed strong antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of the E. hirta extract was assessed in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory activity was highest in the presence of 200 µg/mL E. hirta extract, and nitric oxide production was decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The extract also showed selective anticancer activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL (p < 0.05). These results indicated that E. hirta may warrant further investigation for the development of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer herbal medications.

Mangosteen xanthones suppress hepatitis C virus genome replication.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic single-stranded RNA virus. HCV infection is causally linked with development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Enhanced production of reactive oxygen species by HCV has been implicated to play an important role in HCV-induced pathogenesis. Mangosteen has been widely used as a traditional medicine as well as a dietary supplement ,thanks to its powerful anti-oxidant effect. In the present study, we demonstrated that the ethanol extract from mangosteen fruit peels (MG-EtOH) is able to block HCV genome replication using HCV genotype 1b Bart79I subgenomic (EC50 5.1 µg/mL) and genotype 2a J6/JFH-1 infectious replicon systems (EC50 3.8 µg/mL). We found that inhibition of HCV replication by MG-EtOH led to subsequent down-regulation of expression of HCV proteins. Interestingly, MG-EtOH exhibited a modest inhibitory effect on in vitro RNA polymerase activity of NS5B. Among a number of xanthones compounds identified within this MG-EtOH, we discovered α-MG (EC50 6.3 µM) and γ-MG (EC50 2.7 µM) as two major single molecules responsible for suppression of HCV replication. This finding will provide a valuable molecular basis to further develop mangosteen as an important dietary supplement to combat HCV-induced liver diseases.

Inhibitory effect of 2-arylbenzofurans from the Mori Cortex Radicis (Moraceae) on oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell death of SH-SY5Y cells.

Three known 2-arylbenzofurans, moracin P (1), moracin O (2) and mulberrofuran Q (3) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the Mori Cortex Radicis. These compounds 1-3 enhanced cell viability in dose-dependent manner against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell death in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which was measured by MTT reduction assay. (EC(50) values of 10.4, 12.6, and 15.9 µM, respectively). In addition, the compounds 1-3 were examined for their inhibitory effect on OGD-induced ROS production by FACS analysis. We observed these compounds reduced ROS production in OGD-induced cell death (IC(50) values of 1.9, 0.3 and 12.1 µM, respectively). Consequently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were overexpressed in OGD-induced cells and all three compounds reduced ROS induced by OGD in dosedependent manner. Taken together, compounds 1-3 might protect neuronal cell death against the oxidative stress induced by OGD, though further studies in vitro and in vivo models are necessary.

Inhibitory effects of costunolide isolated from Laurus nobilis on IgE-induced degranulation of mast cell-like RBL-2H3 cells and the growth of Y16 pro-B cells.

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of costunolide isolated from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) on basophil-mediated allergic reactions and interleukin (IL)-5-mediated B cell growth. The effects of costunolide on ß-hexosaminidase (a key parameter of degranulation) release and IL-4 expression in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were determined by measuring ß-hexosaminidase activity and by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. The effects of costunolide on Y16 pro-B cell viability and growth were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Costunolide was found significantly to inhibit ß-hexosaminidase activity (p < 0.01) and IL-4 transcription in RBL-2H3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) was 34 µM, while that of the positive control, ketotifen, was 24 µM (IL-4 mRNA transcription). Moreover, costunolide dose-dependently suppressed pro-B cell growth in IL-5-stimulated Y16 cells. These results provide evidence that costunolide stabilizes mast cells by inhibiting IgE-mediated degranulation and inhibits IL-5-stimulated B cell growth.

Neuroprotective effects of 3α-acetoxyeudesma-1,4(15),11(13)-trien-12,6α-olide against dopamine-induced apoptosis in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.

Dopamine (DA), as a neurotoxin, can elicit severe Parkinson's disease-like syndrome by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptotic activity. We examined the inhibitory effects of 3α-acetoxyeudesma-1,4(15),11(13)-trien-12,6α-olide (AETO), purified from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L., on DA-induced apoptosis and α-synuclein (α-syn) formation in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. AETO decreased the active form of caspase-3 and the levels of p53, which were accompanied by increased levels of Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric and Western blot analysis showed that AETO significantly inhibited DA-induced apoptosis along with suppression of intracellular tyrosinase activity, ROS generation, quinoprotein, and α-syn formation (P < 0.01). These results indicate that AETO inhibited DA-induced apoptosis, which is closely related to the suppression of intracellular tyrosinase activity and the formation of α-syn, ROS, and quinoprotein in SH-SY5Y cells.

Spirafolide from bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) prevents dopamine-induced apoptosis by decreasing reactive oxygen species production in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators in many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This study tested the neuroprotective effects of spirafolide, a compound purified from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), against dopamine (DA)-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Following a 24-h exposure of cells to DA (final conc., 0.6 mM), we observed a marked increase in apoptosis, increased generation of ROS and decreased cell viability. Pretreatment of the cells for 24 h with spirafolide (0.4, 2, and 10 µM) before exposure to DA notably increased cell survival (p < 0.01) and lowered intracellular ROS levels (p < 0.01). These results indicate that spirafolide has neuroprotective effects against DA toxicity. These effects may contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.