Therapeutic Versus Preventative Use of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice.

The main bioactive constituents in the standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb 761) are the terpene lactones and flavonoid glycosides. EGb 761's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have previously been demonstrated. Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers have a multifactorial etiology and represent a major restriction to its therapeutic utility. The underlying ulcerogenic process involves oxidative and inflammatory biomolecular insults. This study was performed to explore the curative and preventative benefits of EGb 761 in experimentally-induced ulcers. To develop gastric ulcers in mice, indomethacin (40 mg/kg) was administered orally. EGb 761 (200 mg/kg) was given by gavage for 7 days before (preventative) and after (therapeutic) indomethacin administration. The histological alterations and macroscopic mucosal lesions were assessed. In gastric tissue homogenates, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory cytokines were measured. The expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), cytokines, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the stomach mucosa were also investigated. The ulcer index, histological alterations, gastric oxidants, and inflammatory biomarkers were all significantly increased by indomethacin. In stomach specimens, it increased COX-2 and PCNA expression. EGb 761 treatments, both prophylactic and therapeutic, resulted in significant reductions in ulcer lesions, nitrosative and oxidative damage, and inflammatory markers, along with the lowering of COX-2 and PCNA expressions. Furthermore, in the fight against stomach ulcers, EGb 761 treatment was found to be more efficient than prevention.

Lactoferrin improves the immune response and resistance of silver carp, a hematological, light (histochemical and immunohistochemical), fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopic study.

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein that has roles in iron metabolism, cell generation and differentiation, and antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Two diet regimes, a basic diet and a 600-mg/kg bovine lactoferrin-supplemented diet were used. The fish were fed for 30 successive days. We included 270 apparently healthy silver carp (H. Molitrix) with an average body weight of 10 ± 2 g/fish. Addition of lactoferrin to the diet led to an increase in the activity of non-specific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen. The lactoferrin-supplemented diet significantly increased survival and disease resistance following V. vulnificus challenge, which seemed to correspond to an enhancement of non-specific immune functions in H. molitrix. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study evaluates the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Lactoferrin increases the activity of nonspecific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen.

Aloe vera and wound healing: a brief review

Abstract Aloe vera possesses a great therapeutic importance in traditional medicine. It has attracted the attention of modern medical fields due to its wide pharmacological applications. The bioactive substances in Aloe vera proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Taken into our consideration the long history of clinical applications of Aloe vera in traditional medicine, especially for promoting the healing of cutaneous wounds with rare adverse effects, it provides a cheap alternative to many expensive synthetic drugs. Recent techniques in tissue engineering created novel scaffolds based on Aloe gel extracts for wound healing applications. Nonetheless, further guided researche is required to foster the development of Aloe vera based scaffolds for the benefit of worldwide populations. Here, I systemically summarize the main events following wounding and the mechanism of action of Aloe vera in promoting the healing process. I hope to provide a solid piece of information that might be helpful for designing new research studies into this topic.