Lignin/Carbohydrate Complex Isolated from Posidonia oceanica Sea Balls (Egagropili): Characterization and Antioxidant Reinforcement of Protein-Based Films.

A lignin fraction (LF) was extracted from the sea balls of Posidonia oceanica (egagropili) and extensively dialyzed and characterized by FT-IR and NMR analyses. LF resulted water soluble and exhibited a brownish-to-black color with the highest absorbance in the range of 250-400 nm, attributed to the chromophore functional groups present in the phenylpropane-based polymer. LF high-performance size exclusion chromatography analysis showed a highly represented (98.77%) species of 34.75 kDa molecular weight with a polydispersity index of 1.10 and an intrinsic viscosity of 0.15. Quantitative analysis of carbohydrates indicated that they represented 28.3% of the dry weight of the untreated egagropili fibers and 72.5% of that of LF. In particular, eight different monosaccharides were detected (fucose, arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, xylose, glucosamine and glucuronic acid), glucuronic acid (46.6%) and rhamnose (29.6%) being the most present monosaccharides in the LF. Almost all the phenol content of LF (113.85 ± 5.87 mg gallic acid eq/g of extract) was water soluble, whereas around 22% of it consisted of flavonoids and only 10% of the flavonoids consisted of anthocyanins. Therefore, LF isolated from egagropili lignocellulosic material could be defined as a water-soluble lignin/carbohydrate complex (LCC) formed by a phenol polymeric chain covalently bound to hemicellulose fragments. LCC exhibited a remarkable antioxidant activity that remained quite stable during 6 months and could be easily incorporated into a protein-based film and released from the latter overtime. These findings suggest egagropili LCC as a suitable candidate as an antioxidant additive for the reinforcement of packaging of foods with high susceptibility to be deteriorated in aerobic conditions.

Halodule pinifolia (Seagrass) attenuated lipopolysaccharide-, carrageenan-, and crystal-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines: mechanism and chemistry.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect, underlying mechanism, and chemistry of Halodule pinifolia extract. METHODS: The ethyl acetate (EHP) and methanol (MHP) extracts of Halodule pinifolia were screened for pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibition effect under various in vitro (LPSand crystal-induced inflammation) and in vivo models (LPS-induced endotoxaemia model, carrageenan-induced paw oedema model, and oxalate-induced renal nephropathy model of inflammation). The effect of EHP on the expression of inflammatory markers using western blot analysis (in vitro) was investigated. Chemical constituents of bioactive EHP were isolated through chromatography and characterised using NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, EHP was standardised for rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, and ethyl protocatechuate using HPLC. Also, total phytosterols, phenolic, and flavonoid content of EHP were determined by UV spectroscopy. KEY FINDINGS: EHP was comparatively more effective than MHP in inhibiting cytokines secretions under LPS-induced in vitro models. Furthermore, EHP was screened under endotoxaemia in vivo model, EHP (250 mg/kg) reduced plasma IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels by 88.3%, 78.2%, and 74.5%, respectively. In the carrageenan-induced oedema model, EHP (200 mg/kg) reduced paw volume and release of TNF-α (69.3%) and IL-1ß (43.1%). EHP (200 mg/kg) further controlled renal nephropathy by inhibiting plasma IL-1ß and BUN levels. Also, a significant reduction of mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß and KIM-1 in renal tissues was observed. Through western blot, EHP was identified to regulate the expression of pro-form as well as mature-form of IL-1ß and caspase-1. EHP constituted rosmarinic acid (RA), vanillic acid (VA), ethyl protocatechuate (EP), sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and dihydrobrassicasterol. It was determined that 4.6 mg/g of RA, 2.92 mg/g of VA, 0.76 mg/g of EP, 21.7 mg/g of total phenolics, 29.8 mg/g of total flavonoids, and 48.2 mg/g of total phytosterols were present in dry EHP. The presence of anti-inflammatory constituents such as RA, VA, and PE in EHP corroborated the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of EHP. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory property of EHP and its action through attenuation of pan-cytokines suggest that it can be developed into an oral pharmaceutical drug.

Alisol A is potentially therapeutic in human breast cancer cells.

Recent developments in breast cancer therapy have significantly improved patient survival rate; however, recurrence remains a major problem. Systemic treatment of breast cancer with available therapies is not curative. Natural products can be potentially used for treating cancer. Recently, a wide range of pharmacological activities has been reported for Alismatis Rhizoma, a popular traditional Chinese medicine. However, the mechanisms via which its compounds act on breast cancer remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of natural therapeutic agents from Alismatis Rhizoma for treating breast cancer. Human breast cancer MDA­MB­231 cells were treated with four main protostane triterpenes from Alismatis Rhizoma, including alisol A, alisol A 24­acetate, alisol B and alisol B 23­acetate. Among these, alisol A significantly inhibited cell viability. Alisol A induced cell apoptosis, G1 phase cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in MDA­MB­231 cells. The number of APE1­/γH2AX­/LC3­II positive cells was also significantly higher compared with that of negative control cells. All these results were dose­dependent. Cleaved caspase­3, cleaved caspase 9, Bcl­2, and p­p38 expression indicated cell apoptosis after alisol A treatment. The changes in cyclin A and cyclin D1 expression was associated with cell cycle arrest upon alisol A treatment. Furthermore, LC3­II expression upon alisol A treatment was indicative of autophagy. Alisol A treatment can induce autophagy­dependent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells via induction of ROS and DNA damage. Thus, Alisol A might serve as a new therapeutic agent against breast cancer.

In vitro anti-glycation activity of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is traditionally used by villagers of the west coast of Anatolia as a remedy for diabetes and hypertension. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to explore the role of the P. oceanica hydroalcoholic leaves extract (POE) against human serum albumin glycation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were obtained with the albumin-glucose in vitro assay. The AGEs intrinsic fluorescence intensity and the electrophoretic migration under native conditions allowed us to verify the effective glycation of albumin. The presence of POE during glycation process was intended to evaluate its anti-glycation role. RESULTS: POE exhibited a strong in vitro anti-glycation ability which occurred independently from its known antioxidant property. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-glycation properties of POE could be exploited as an effective tool against diabetes and related complications.

Anti-inflammatory properties of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is an endemic seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea whose use has been documented as a traditional herbal remedy for diabetes and hypertension. Our recently described Posidonia oceanica leaves extract is a phytocomplex endowed with interesting bioactivities, including the inibitory property on human cancer cell migration. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of P. oceanica extract underlying its mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored the anti-inflammatory effects of P. oceanica extract on RAW264.7 murine macrophages activated by LPS. We investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Then, we examined P. oceanica extract role on the regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway. RESULTS: P. oceanica phytocomplex exhibited a strong ability to inhibit oxidative stress by affecting the production of both ROS and NO and to reduce iNOS and COX-2 levels. In addition, it was evidenced its anti-inflammatory role via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway through modulation of ERK1/2 and Akt intracellular cascades. CONCLUSIONS: Our results recognize an anti-inflammatory role of P. oceanica phytocomplex particularly emphasizing its cell safe mechanism of action. In conclusion, the marine plant P. oceanica may be of great interest for scientific research as a source of promising molecules for designing alternative strategies to the conventional treatment of inflammatory diseases.

[Determination of seven ingredients of different grades Alismatis Rhizoma by QAMS method].

The present study is to establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for determining contents of seven compositions in Alismatis Rhizoma, alismoxide, alisol C 23-acetate, alisol A, alismol, alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate and 11-deoxy-alisol B. Six relative correction factors(RCFs) of alismoxide, alisol C 23-acetate, alisol A, alismol, alisol B and 11-deoxy-alisol B were established in the UPLC method with alisol B 23-acetate as the internal standard, which was to calculate the mass fraction of each. The mass fraction of seven effective constituents in Alismatis Rhizoma was calculated by the external standard method(ESM) at the same time. Compared with the content results determined by the ESM and QAMS, the feasibility and accuracy of QAMS method were verified. Within the linear range, the RCFs of alismoxide, alisol C 23-acetate, alisol A, alismol, alisol B, 11-deoxy-alisol B were 0.946, 4.183, 0.915, 1.039, 0.923 and 1.244, respectively, with good repeatability in different experimental conditions. There was no significant difference between the QAMS method and ESM method. Then, QAMS method was applied to determination of the different degree Alismatis Rhizoma from different areas. As a result, the concentrations of 7 components have differences in different areas, but no significant differences in different grades. The QAMS method is feasible and accurate for the determination of the seven chemical compositions, and which can be used for quality control of Alismatis Rhizoma.

In-Depth Characterization of Bioactive Extracts from Posidonia oceanica Waste Biomass.

Posidonia oceanica waste biomass has been valorised to produce extracts by means of different methodologies and their bioactive properties have been evaluated. Water-based extracts were produced using ultrasound-assisted and hot water methods and classified according to their ethanol-affinity (E1: ethanol soluble; E2: non-soluble). Moreover, a conventional protocol with organic solvents was applied, yielding E3 extracts. Compositional and structural characterization confirmed that while E1 and E3 extracts were mainly composed of minerals and lipids, respectively, E2 extracts were a mixture of minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. All the extracts showed remarkably high antioxidant capacity, which was not only related to phenolic compounds but also to the presence of proteins and polysaccharides. All E2 and E3 extracts inhibited the growth of several foodborne fungi, while only E3 extracts decreased substantially the infectivity of feline calicivirus and murine norovirus. These results show the potential of P. oceanica waste biomass for the production of bioactive extracts.

A natural anticancer pigment,Pheophytin a,from a seagrass acts as a high affinity human mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) ligand, in silico, to reduce mitochondrial membrane Potential (∆ψmit) in adenocarcinomic A549 cells.

BACKGROUND: The present investigation looks at the most likely possibilities of usage of a naturally occurring photosynthetic pigment, Pheophytin a, from the seagrass, Syringodium isoetifolium, for plausible use as human TSPO ligand. METHODS: Pheophytin a isolated in our laboratory previously was administered to A549 cell lines in vitro to examine its effects on cell migrations, DNA, cell cycle, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and gene expressions. In silico tools were used to predict the nature of the compound and target binding. RESULTS: Pheophytin a hadIC50 values of 22.9 ±â€¯5.8 µM for cancerous A549 cell lines, whilst not targeting non-cancerous vero cells [IC50: 183.6 ±â€¯1.92 µM]. Pheophytin a hindered cellular migration, fragmented DNA, arrested cell cycle precisely at S phase, reduced ∆ψmit and directed mRNA expressions toward apoptosis. In silico tools indicate that the compound binds to TSPO with high effectiveness to collapse ∆ψmit(which is proved using wet lab experiments) to promote mitophagy. CONCLUSION: Hence Pheophytin a could be seen as a possible TSPO ligand for targeting metastatic alveolar cancers like A549 via intrinsic apoptotic pathway. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Given the inherent non-toxic nature of the compound and easy extractability from almost all autotrophic eukaryotes, one could be confident to testing in animal models.

Cytotoxicity screening of supercritical fluid extracted seaweeds and phenylpropanoids.

Detached leaves of Posidonia oceanica and Zostera marina creating nuisance at the shores were extracted by means of supercritical CO2 enriched with a co-solvent, compared with that of soxhlet extraction. The extracts and their active compounds which are phenylpropanoids (chicoric, p-coumaric, rosmarinic, benzoic, ferulic and caffeic acids) were screened for cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines including human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3), Mus musculus neuroblastoma (Neuro 2A) cell lines and African green monkey kidney (VERO) as healthy cell line. Supercritical CO2 extracts proved to be more active than soxhlet counterparts. Particularly, Zostera marina extract obtained by supercritical CO2 at 250 bar, 80 °C, 20% co-solvent and a total flow rate of 15 g/min revealed the best IC50 values of 25, 20, 8 µg/ml in neuroblastoma, colon and cervix cancer cell lines. Among the major compounds tested, p-coumaric acid exhibited the highest cytotoxic against colon and cervix cell lines by with IC50 values of 25, 11 µg/ml. As for the effects on healthy cells, the extract was not cytotoxic indicating a selective cytotoxicity. Obtained supercritical CO2 extracts can be utilized as a supplement for preventive purposes.

Duckweed (Lemna minor) is a novel natural inducer of cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei.

An inducer is crucial for cellulase production. In this study, duckweed was used as an inducer of cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei RUT C30. In a reaction induced by 50 g/L duckweed in shake flasks, the filter-paper activity (FPA) reached 6.5 FPU/mL, a value comparable to that induced by avicel. The enzyme-hydrolysis rate induced by steam-exploded corn stalk was 54.2%, representing a 28% improvement over that induced by avicel. The duckweed starch was hydrolyzed to glucose, which was subsequently used for biomass accumulation during the fermentation process. Furthermore, to optimize the control of the fermentation process, a combined substrate of avicel and duckweed was used to induce cellulase production by T. reesei RUT C30. The cellulase production and hydrolysis rates of the combined substrate, compared with avicel alone, were 39.6% and 36.7% higher, respectively. The results of this study suggest that duckweed is a good inducer of cellulase production in T. reesei, and it might aid in decreasing the cost of lignocellulosic materials hydrolysis.

Spirodela polyrhiza and its Chemical Constituent Vitexin Exert Anti-Allergic Effect via ORAI1 Channel Inhibition.

Intracellular calcium signaling cascades are integral to early and late allergic responses involving mast cell degranulation and type 2 helper T cell activation, respectively. Both the responses are accompanied by the movement of calcium through the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel, encoded by the ORAI1 gene. Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid (SP) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, but its effect on calcium signaling has not been reported. This study investigated whether a 30% ethanolic SP extract (SPEtOH) and its constituents can reduce CRAC currents ([Formula: see text]), and thus inhibit mast cell degranulation and T cell activation. In Jurkat T lymphocytes, we found that 3[Formula: see text]mg/mL SPEtOH inhibited the [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]%, whereas one of its constituents vitexin (100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M) inhibited the [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]%. Furthermore, in the RBL-2H3 mast cell, the [Formula: see text] was inhibited by 3[Formula: see text]mg/mL SPEtOH ([Formula: see text]%) and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M vitexin ([Formula: see text]%). Investigation of human primary T cell proliferation induced by co-stimulation with antibodies to cluster of differentiation 3 and 28, and of RBL-2H3 mast cell degranulation following IgE-antigen complex stimulation revealed that 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M vitexin inhibited both T-cell proliferation (by [Formula: see text]%) and mast cell degranulation (by [Formula: see text]%). These effects were concentration-dependent, and no cytotoxicity was observed. Our findings suggest that vitexin is a promising candidate compound for the development of therapeutic agents to prevent and treat allergic diseases.

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Ethanolic Extract Modulates Cell Activities with Skin Health Applications.

Seagrasses are high plants sharing adaptive metabolic features with both terrestrial plants and marine algae, resulting in a phytocomplex possibly endowed with interesting biological properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro activities on skin cells of an ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, family Potamogetonaceae, herein named Posidonia ethanolic extract (PEE). PEE showed high radical scavenging activity, high phenolic content, and resulted rich in chicoric acid, as determined through HPLC-MS analysis. The use of MTT assay on fibroblasts showed a PEE cytotoxicity threshold (IC05) of 50 µg/mL at 48 h, while a sub-toxic dose of 20 µg/mL induced a significant increase of fibroblast growth rate after 10 days. In addition, an ELISA assay revealed that PEE doses of 5 and 10 µg/mL induced collagen production in fibroblasts. PEE induced dose-dependent mushroom tyrosinase inhibition, up to about 45% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL, while 50% reduction of melanin was observed in melanoma cells exposed to 50 µg/mL PEE. Finally, PEE lipolytic activity was assessed by measuring glycerol release from adipocytes following triglyceride degradation. In conclusion, we have collected new data about the biological activities of the phytocomplex of P. oceanica seagrass on skin cells. Our findings indicate that PEE could be profitably used in the development of products for skin aging, undesired hyperpigmentation, and cellulite.

Seagrass leaf element content: A global overview.

Knowledge on the role of seagrass leaf elements and in particular micronutrients and their ranges is limited. We present a global database, consisting of 1126 unique leaf values for ten elements, obtained from literature and unpublished data, spanning 25 different seagrass species from 28 countries. The overall order of average element values in seagrass leaves was Na>K>Ca>Mg>S>Fe>Al>Si>Mn>Zn. Although we observed differences in leaf element content between seagrass families, high intraspecific variation indicated that leaf element content was more strongly determined by environmental factors than by evolutionary history. Early successional species had high leaf Al and Fe content. In addition, seagrass leaf element content also showed correlations with macronutrients (N and P), indicating that productivity also depends on other elements. Expected genomes of additional seagrass species in combination with experiments manipulating (micro)nutrients and environmental drivers might enable us to unravel the importance of various elements to sustain productive and flourishing meadows.

Characterization of Polyphenolic Content in the Aquatic Plants Ruppia cirrhosa and Ruppia maritima -A Source of Nutritional Natural Products.

Herein, the polyphenolic content in extracts of Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande and Ruppia maritima L.was fully characterized for the first time. High amounts of the main compound chicoric acid (CA) (≤30.2 ± 4.3 mg/g) were found in both Ruppia species. In addition, eight flavonoids, namely the 3-O-glucopyranosides and 3-O-galactopyranosides, as well as malonylated 3-O-glycosides of quercetin and isorhamnetin, were isolated and identified. The antioxidant activity of Ruppia cirrhosa extracts and isolated compounds was investigated spectrophotometrically by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) radical scavenging assay. IC50 values were 31.8-175.7 µg/mL for Ruppia cirrhosa extracts and 12.1-88.4 µg/mL for isolated flavonoids. Both individual and total phenolic and flavonoid content were quantified in crude extracts using analytical HPLC. The relative high amount of total flavonoids ranged from 5.9 to 14.7 mg/g in both species, with concentrations of individual flavonoids ranging from 0.4 to 2.9 mg/g dry weight. The content of chicoric acid was twofold more in Ruppia maritima than in Ruppia cirrhosa. Seasonal variation of the quantitative content in Ruppia cirrhosa was examined. Total flavonoid content ranged from 8.4 mg/g in October to 14.7 mg/g in August, whereas the highest concentration of chicoric acid was observed in March (29.2 mg/g).

In vitro biological properties and health benefits of a novel sulfated polysaccharide isolated from Cymodocea nodosa.

BACKGROUND: During the last few decades, there has been a growing interest in the search for novel bioactive compounds from marine origins. METHODS: The present study is the first to determine the molecular characterization which it was deposited in the genebank database, to investigate and evaluate the biological properties of sulfated polysaccharide from Cymodocea nodosa (CNSP) seagrass. RESULTS: The results revealed that CNSP had high activity in total antioxidant assay (59.03 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g extract), reducing power (OD = 0.3), DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 1.22 mg/ml) and ABTS radical scavenging (IC50 = 1.14 mg/ml). It was also noted to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, with important inhibition zones. The results revealed that CNSP was able to inhibit the proliferation of Hela cell lines with a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results presented in this study demonstrate that CNSP has several attractive antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties with potential benefits towards health.

Evaluation of nutritional value, characteristics, functional properties of Cymodocea nodosa and its benefits on health diseases.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional fact study has prime importance to make the species edible and commercially viable to the food consumers. This is the first report that indicates the chemical characterization, functional, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of Cymodocea nodosa to evaluate its nutritional status. METHODS: Physico-chemical determination was determined by colorimetric and spectroscopic analysis. The functional and texture properties were evaluated since a desirable texture should be retained. Bioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS2 analysis. Health benefit of this plant was highlighting by the antioxidant and antihypertensive potentials. RESULTS: Results showed that the seagrass powder was characterized by a high content of fibers (56.4%), the fatty acids profile was dominated by the oleic acid, which represents about 62.0% of the total fatty acids and the functional properties proved important values of swelling capacity (6.71 ± 0.2) and water holding capacity (12.26 ± 0.25), that were comparable to those of some foodstuffs. Finally, the physico-chemical analysis shows the wealth in phenolic compounds, that could be explained by the high antioxidant and antihypertensive ability which was concentration dependent. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggested that this marine plant could be utilized as a healthy food item for human consumption.

Biomonitoring of coastal pollution in the Gulf of Gabes (SE, Tunisia): use of Posidonia oceanica seagrass as a bioindicator and its mat as an archive of coastal metallic contamination.

Within the framework of a study on the extent and history of marine pollution in the central area of Gabes Gulf, the concentrations of four trace metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were assessed in three different tissues of the seagrass species, Posidonia oceanica (leaves, rhizomes, and roots), in the mat of P. oceanica meadows at different depths from the sea floor (- 30 to - 150 cm) and in sediments. The results showed that P. oceanica leaves accumulate more Cd, Cu, and Zn, whereas Pb was found to be more concentrated in roots. The analysis of P. oceanica mat highlighted a clear decreasing gradient of trace metal concentrations from lower (- 30 cm) to higher (- 150 cm) depths. Considering that P. oceanica mat continuously rises above the initial level, with a rate of 1 m per century (~1 cm year-1; Molinier and Picard Ann Inst Océanogr Fr 27:157-234, 1952), the latter observation suggested that the pollution level in Gabes Gulf increased continuously during the last few decades. The results of the P. oceanica mapping in the study area showed a continuous regression of its meadows as well as its local disappearance from various areas in the central part of Gabes Gulf. The current status of P. oceanica is most likely due to the cumulative effects of the discharges from the coastal industrial complex of Gabes-Ghannouche represented mainly by the phosphogypsum discharges. This study confirms the usefulness of P. oceanica not only as a bioindicator of the "health status" of coastal ecosystems but also as a record register tracing back the history and temporal evolution of coastal contamination level.

[Development of a cell-based peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) screening model and its application for evaluation of triterpenoids isolate from Alismatis Rhizoma].

Peroxisome proliferators activated receptors (PPARs) are closely related to human chronic disease, such as diabetes mellitus and the other metabolic diseases. In this study, a cell-based PPARs (PPAR α/ß/γ) model was developed for the screening of PPARs agonists from Alismatis Rhizoma (AR). Firstly, 293T cells were transfected with the reconstructed plasmid pBind-PPAR (α, ß, or γ)-LBD and reporter gene pGL4.35, and the known PPARs agonists were used as the positive control (fenofibrate for PPARα, L165041 for PPARß, and rosiglitazone for PPARγ). The ability of activation for PPARs was evaluated by analyzing the expression value of luciferase. Afterward, the 14 pure triterpenoids isolate from AR were analyzed on the developed PPARα, PPARß and PPARγ screening assay method. The results showed that the compounds 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 from AR have the ability of activation for PPARα. The compounds 5 and 7 from AR have the ability of activation for PPARß. The compounds 6, 7, 8 and 12 from RA have the ability of activation for PPARγ.In this study, the compound 12 from AR were found to display significant activation on PPARγ for the first time. AR triterpenoids extracts had the ability of activation for PPARα, PPARß and PPARγ. The results suggested that triterpenoids extracts from AR were PPARα, PPARß and PPARγ agonists. The results will help to provide reference for clinical application of AR, and establish a model for PPARs on 293T cell, which can be used to screen and evaluate PPARs natural agonists.

Inhibitory effects of Cymodocea nodosa sulphated polysaccharide on α-amylase activity, liver-kidney toxicities and lipid profile disorders in diabetic rats.

This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the effects of Cymodocea nodosa sulphated polysaccharide (CNSP) on the α-amylase activity, hyperglycaemia, liver-kidney functions, and pancreatic architecture of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Animals were allocated into four groups of seven rats each, the body weight and blood glucose levels were estimated periodically for 2 months of treatment by gastric gavages route. The CNSP effect was confirmed by biochemical procedures and histological study. The inhibition of α-amylase activity and protection of pancreatic ß-cells induced a decrease in the blood glucose levels and regulated the lipid profile in the plasma of the treated diabetic rats, which helped to maintain the homeostasis of blood lipid. Moreover, CNSP administration induced a significant decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation in the pancreas, liver and kidney of diabetic rats and protects their functions attested by a decrease in the levels of toxicity parameters in blood.

Anti-obesity and lipid lowering effects of Cymodocea nodosa sulphated polysaccharide on high cholesterol-fed-rats.

This study aims to evaluate for the first time the effects of Cymodocea nodosa sulphated polysaccharide (CNSP) on lipase activity in vitro and in vivo to high fat diet (HFD)-rats on body weight, lipid profile and liver-kidney functions. The administration of CNSP decreases the body weight and inhibits lipase activity of obese rats in serum and intestine as compared with untreated HDF-rats. This decrease in lipase activity leads to lipid regulation shown by the decrease of total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in HFD-rats. Additionally, CNSP administration to HFD-rats induces anti-oxidant activity observed by the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and the decrease in Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and protects liver-kidney functions proven by a decrease in the levels of toxicity parameters in blood.