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1.
Biol Pharm Bull ; 43(8): 1202-1209, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32741940

ABSTRACT

The effective antigen (Ag) uptake by microfold cells (M-cells) is important for the induction of an efficient mucosal immune responses. Here, we show that 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDAA) from royal jelly (RJ) potentially supports M-cell differentiation and induces effective antigen-specific mucosal immune responses in cynomolgus macaques. 10-HDAA increases the expression level of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) (RANK) in Caco-2 cells, which suggests that 10-HDAA potentially prompts the differentiation of Caco-2 cells into M-cells and increased transcytosis efficiency. This idea is supported by the following observations. Intranasal administration of 10-HDAA increased the number of M-cells in the epithelium overlying nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in macaques. Oral administration of 10-HDAA increased the number of M-cells in the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) covering Peyer's patches (PPs) and significantly increased the antigen-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) level in macaques. These findings suggest that the exogenous honeybee-derived medium-chain fatty acid 10-HDAA may effectively enhance antigen-specific immune responses.


Subject(s)
Decanoic Acids/pharmacology , Immunity, Mucosal/drug effects , Immunoglobulin A/biosynthesis , Animals , Antigens/immunology , Caco-2 Cells , Cell Differentiation , Epithelial Cells/drug effects , Epithelial Cells/immunology , Humans , Intestinal Mucosa/immunology , Macaca fascicularis , Male , RANK Ligand/genetics
2.
RSC Adv ; 9(27): 15392-15401, 2019 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35548266

ABSTRACT

The unique fatty acids in royal jelly (RJ), 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid are expected to be associated with many health benefits, but little is known on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism. The aim of this study is to confirm the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of RJ fatty acids in humans. Twelve volunteers received RJ capsules or enzyme treated RJ (ETRJ) capsules (800 mg). The other group received two doses of ETRJ tablets (800 mg and 1600 mg). Plasma samples were collected up to 12 h after the RJ intake and urine samples were collected within 24 h after ETRJ tablet consumption. The samples were analyzed by LC/MS/MS. A multivariate analysis of the RJ dose plasma samples detected 2-decenedioic acid (2-DA), sebacic acid (SA), and 3-hydroxysebacic acid (3-HSA) with significantly different intensities (P < 0.05) before and after RJ intake. The area under the concentration (AUC) of 2-DA, SA, and 3-HSA was 2500.05 ± 569.58, 322.57 ± 137.36, and 242.98 ± 58.36 ng h mL-1, respectively. By enzyme treatment, the AUC of 2-DA, SA, and 3-HSA was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The values of AUC and urinary excretion of these metabolites were dose-dependent. The major RJ fatty acids were metabolized to dicarboxylate, absorbed into the circulation and their absorption increased by enzyme treatment. This study provides useful information that will support studies aimed at clarifying the identity of bioactive RJ constituents and their biological effect, and further the development of RJ.

3.
Nutrients ; 10(9)2018 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30200401

ABSTRACT

Aging is associated with motor disorders that decrease the quality of life (QOL). Royal jelly (RJ), used as a dietary supplement, has shown various health benefits and, therefore, it has the potential to improve the QOL during aging. We have previously developed protease enzyme-treated RJ to avoid the anaphylactic response induced by RJ supplementation. However, the effects of a lifelong treatment with RJ on normal aging have not been fully clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of enzyme-untreated RJ (NRJ) and enzyme-treated RJ (ERJ) on the aging process focusing on motor functions, by using a genetically heterogeneous (HET) mouse model experimentally endowed with genetic diversity. We performed four different physical performance tests (grip strength, wire hang, horizontal bar, and rotarod). We showed that the age-related impairment of the motor functions was significantly delayed in RJ-treated mice. Both NRJ and ERJ were similarly effective against these types of aging-associated declines. Histological analyses revealed that the RJ treatment affected the muscle fiber size at an advanced age. We also demonstrated that age-related changes in muscle satellite cell markers and catabolic genes were affected in RJ-treated mice. These results suggest that non-protein components of RJ improved the motor function in aging mice. These findings indicate that RJ has the potential to change the QOL during aging by regulating the motor function.


Subject(s)
Aging/drug effects , Dietary Supplements , Fatty Acids/pharmacology , Genetic Heterogeneity , Motor Activity/drug effects , Motor Skills/drug effects , Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects , Age Factors , Aging/genetics , Aging/metabolism , Aging/pathology , Animals , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Longevity/drug effects , Male , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C3H , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Motor Activity/genetics , Muscle Strength/drug effects , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology , Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology , Muscular Atrophy/drug therapy , Muscular Atrophy/metabolism , Muscular Atrophy/pathology , Muscular Atrophy/physiopathology , Sex Factors
4.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29853955

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Royal Jelly (RJ) at a dose of 800 mg/day on menopausal symptoms in healthy Japanese postmenopausal women with placebo-controlled design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 42 healthy Japanese postmenopausal women have been recruited for this study. The subjects were randomized to oral treatment with either 800 mg of protease-digested lyophilized powder of RJ (enzyme-treated RJ) or placebo (800 mg of dextrin) daily for 12 weeks. The level of menopausal symptoms has been evaluated every 4 weeks, using menopausal symptoms questionnaire of Japanese women. Independent t-test was used to evaluate statistical significance of the treatment effects between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All of the 42 women have completed the trial. There were significant differences related to the anxiety score (P = 0.046) and backache and low back pain score (P = 0.040) between 800 mg/day enzyme-treated RJ and placebo-treated groups after 12 weeks of administration, and no significant differences were found between the two groups in 4 weeks after intervention. No side effects were observed in either group. This study demonstrates that enzyme-treated RJ supplementation with doses of 800 mg/day is effective in relieving menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, backache, and low back pain in Japanese postmenopausal women.

5.
Sci Rep ; 7(1): 11416, 2017 09 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28900247

ABSTRACT

Although we have found that protease-treated royal jelly (pRJ) benefit for the skeletal muscle mass and strength in the aged animals, the potential beneficial effects have not been evaluated in humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether pRJ intake had beneficial effects on muscle strength in elderly nursing home residents. One hundred and ninety-four subjects enrolled into this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received either placebo(Group 1), pRJ 1.2 g/d(Group 2), or 4.8 g/d(Group 3). Data through 1 year are reported for 163 subjects. The primary outcome measure is handgrip strength. Secondary outcomes include several physical performance tests (six-minute walk test, timed up and go test, and standing on one leg with eyes closed). The dropout rate was 16.0%. The means (95% confidence interval) of change in handgrip strength for placebo, low-dose, and high-dose groups are -0.98(-2.04,0.08), 0.50(-0.65,1.65) and 1.03(-0.37,2.44) kg (P = 0.06, P for trend = 0.02), respectively. No significant effects of the interventions were observed for physical performances. These findings suggest that pRJ treatment might not improve, but rather attenuate the progression of decrease in muscle strength in elderly people. In addition, we have not found that pRJ intervention can achieve improvement or attenuating the decrease in physical performance.


Subject(s)
Dietary Supplements , Fatty Acids , Muscle Strength , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Peptide Hydrolases/pharmacology , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Exercise , Female , Geriatric Assessment , Hand Strength , Humans , Male , Nursing Homes , Peptide Hydrolases/administration & dosage , Peptide Hydrolases/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome
6.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28243545

ABSTRACT

Influenza is one of the important respiratory tract infections that require special attention for maintaining health and hygiene. The removal of influenza virus (IFV) by secretory IgA produced by the respiratory epithelium has been reported to be a critical host defense mechanism. Therefore, we isolated Lactobacillus kunkeei YB38 (YB38), the promoter of the salivary IgA secretion in humans, from honeybee pollen and studied the effect of heat-killed YB38 treatment for preventing IFV infection in a mouse model. Female BALB/c mice received YB38 orally for 21 consecutive days and were then inoculated nasally with IFV. The YB38-treated group with a daily dose of 100 mg/kg showed an increased survival rate after IFV infection relative to the control. IgA secretion in the respiratory epithelium in the YB38-treated group (100 mg/kg) was significantly increased after 6 days of infection, while IL-6 production in the same respiratory site and the number of cells infiltrating into alveoli were significantly decreased. Moreover, lung tissue damage that appeared after IFV infection was reduced. These results suggested that the YB38 dose induced early and local IgA secretion at the infection site, inhibited persistent IFV infection, and prevented the infiltration of inflammatory immune cells or production of excessive IL-6, resulting in less damage to lung tissues.

7.
Nat Prod Commun ; 12(4): 499-502, 2017 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30520581

ABSTRACT

Chrysin suppresses the TNFα-induced increase in the secretion of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAl-1), a risk factor for thrombotic diseases, from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The present study aimed to determine the association between the location of the hydroxyl groups in chrysin.to levels of-PAI-1. in the medium of HUVEC stimulated with TNFα. We cultured HUVEC for 3 h in medium containing chrysin or various flavonoids and then stimulated them with TNFα (10 ng/mL) for 12 h. Levels of PAI-1 antigen measured using ELISA showed that chrysin significantly inhibited the PAl- I increase with an IC50 of 15.6 µM. The flavones, galangin, baicalein, 5-hydroxyflavone, 6-hydroxyflavone, 7-hydroxyflavone and quercetin did not significantly inhibit the PAI- increase. Apigenin and luteolin were cytotoxic and thus their ability to inhibit PAI production could not be evaluated. Chrysin also inhibited PAI- mRNA expression whereas the other compounds did not. Hydroxyl groups located in the A-5 and A-7 positions were essential for the inhibitoryactivity, which along with cytotoxicity, was significantly influenced by adding a third hydroxyl group.


Subject(s)
Flavonoids/chemistry , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Humans , Molecular Structure , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
8.
J Intercult Ethnopharmacol ; 5(4): 439-443, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27757277

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Brazilian propolis has many biological activities including the ability to help prevent thrombotic diseases, but this particular effect has not been proven. Plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, increase under inflammatory conditions such as infection, obesity and atherosclerosis and such elevated levels predispose individuals to a risk of developing thrombotic diseases. AIM: This study aimed to determine the effects of a diet containing Brazilian propolis on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increases in plasma PAI-1 levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were fed with a diet containing 0.5% (w/w) Brazilian propolis for 8 weeks. Thereafter, the mice were subcutaneously injected with saline containing 0.015 mg/kg of LPS and sacrificed 4 h later. RESULTS: Orally administered Brazilian propolis significantly suppressed the LPS-induced increase in PAI-1 antigen and its activity in mouse plasma. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that Brazilian propolis contains natural products that can decrease thrombotic tendencies in mice.

9.
J Atheroscler Thromb ; 23(9): 1099-110, 2016 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26947597

ABSTRACT

AIM: Resveratrol is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements. Some patients concomitantly use dietary supplements and medicines in Japan. In the present study, we determined whether trans-resveratrol and melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract (MSE), which contains resveratrol dimers, interacted with drugs using a mouse model. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed experimental diets containing 0.005%, 0.05%, or 0.5% (w/w) trans-resveratrol or MSE for 1 or 12 weeks. The expression of liver cytochrome P-450 (CYP) mRNA and activity of liver microsomal CYP were measured. To determine the influence of resveratrol or MSE on drug efficacy, the anticoagulant activity of warfarin was examined in mice that were fed diets containing trans-resveratrol or MSE for 12 weeks. RESULTS: When the mice were fed experimental diets for 1 week, none of the doses of trans-resveratrol and MSE affected body weight, liver weight, or plasma AST and ALT levels. Trans-resveratrol also did not affect CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C, or CYP3A activities. In contrast, 0.5% MSE slightly increased CYP1A1 activity. When the mice were fed experimental diets for 12 weeks, 0.05% trans-resveratrol increased CYP1A1, CYP2C, and CYP3A activities, whereas 0.5% MSE suppressed CYP3A activity. Under these conditions, 0.5% trans-resveratrol enhanced the anticoagulant activity of warfarin, although CYP2C activity increased. However, MSE did not affect the anticoagulant activity of warfarin. CONCLUSION: The 0.05% trans-resveratrol did not interact with warfarin in a mouse model, whereas 0.5% trans-resveratrol may have enhanced the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.


Subject(s)
Anticoagulants/pharmacology , Blood Coagulation/drug effects , Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Drug Synergism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Stilbenes/pharmacology , Warfarin/pharmacology , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics , Drug Combinations , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic/drug effects , Gnetum/chemistry , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Microsomes, Liver/drug effects , Microsomes, Liver/enzymology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Resveratrol , Seeds/chemistry
10.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem ; 79(12): 2044-9, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26103448

ABSTRACT

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extracts (MSEs) are rich in resveratrol dimers (gnemonoside A, C, D, gnetin C), trans-resveratrol, and other resveratrol derivatives. trans-Resveratrol is a widely studied caloric restriction mimetic. In mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), trans-resveratrol protects against obesity, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. Here, treatment of HFD-fed mice with 2.0% MSE significantly reduced body weight gain (p < 0.001), blood insulin (p < 0.01), and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) after 8 weeks compared with untreated HFD-fed mice. Additionally, 0.2% MSE treatment of HFD-fed mice significantly improved physiological activity (p < 0.05) at 18 months of age and reduced risk of death due to HFD by 25% (hazard ratio = 0.75, p = 0.036). These data show that MSE can improve several aspects of metabolic syndrome and survival in mice and may have health benefits as a dietary supplement.


Subject(s)
Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Gnetum/chemistry , Obesity/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Seeds/chemistry , Stilbenes/chemistry , Animals , Insulin/blood , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Motor Activity/drug effects , Obesity/blood , Obesity/chemically induced , Obesity/physiopathology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Resveratrol , Survival Analysis
11.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 67: 230-5, 2014 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24602829

ABSTRACT

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia. Its fruit and seeds are common ingredients in Indonesian foods. The seeds are very rich in resveratrol dimers such as gnetin C and its glucosides, gnemonoside A and gnemonoside D, and also contain trans-resveratrol and its glucoside, trans-piceid. The safety of melinjo seeds is assured, since people in Southeast Asia have consumed them for a long time; however, their safety has not been scientifically verified. In this study, the safety of melinjo seed extract (MSE) powder was assessed in an acute oral toxicity study, a 4-week repeated dose toxicity study, and in a micronucleus test in rats. In the acute and subchronic toxicity studies, the group administered the powder did not show any toxicologically significant MSE-related changes, compared with the control group. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was determined as 1000 mg/kg/day. A genotoxicity test (rat bone marrow micronucleus test) was negative for MSE powder at levels up to 4000 mg/kg/day. These results might provide supportive evidence of safety of melinjo seeds, which has been used as food ingredients for a long time.


Subject(s)
Gnetum/chemistry , Plant Extracts/toxicity , Seeds/chemistry , Animals , Female , Gnetum/embryology , Male , Micronucleus Tests , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Toxicity Tests, Acute , Toxicity Tests, Subchronic
12.
J Agric Food Chem ; 62(8): 1999-2007, 2014 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24495149

ABSTRACT

Fruits and seeds of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) are resveratrol derivative-rich materials. Pharmacokinetics of resveratrol derivatives in healthy volunteers after oral administration of 1000 mg of melinjo seed extract (MSE) powder were assessed and compared with those after oral dosing of trans-resveratrol (tRV) powder containing 4.8 mg of tRV only, equivalent to the content in 1000 mg MSE powder. Plasma tRV concentrations with enzymatic hydrolysis were maintained over 24 h, with a tmax of 12 h and a mean residence time (MRT) of 14 h, 5 and 2 times higher than those for tRV powder intake, respectively. Gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer, with hydrolysis was maintained in plasma for >96 h with a 36 h MRT. With repeated doses once daily for 28 days, plasma tRV and gnetin C concentrations with hydrolysis were in good agreement with the theoretical curves. MSE powder was well tolerated up to the oral dosing of 5000 mg with no serious adverse events.


Subject(s)
Gnetum/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacokinetics , Seeds/chemistry , Stilbenes/pharmacokinetics , Administration, Oral , Adult , Female , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Male , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts/adverse effects , Powders/administration & dosage , Powders/adverse effects , Powders/pharmacokinetics , Resveratrol , Stilbenes/administration & dosage , Stilbenes/adverse effects , Young Adult
13.
J Nat Prod ; 76(7): 1242-7, 2013 Jul 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23859249

ABSTRACT

Gnetum gnemon is an arboreal dioecious plant that is cultivated in Indonesia. The seeds of this species mainly contain dimeric stilbenoid compounds [gnetin C (1), gnemonoside A (2), and gnemonoside D (3)] along with trans-resveratrol (4). trans-Resveratrol has been reported to have antiaging, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects, as well as being a calorie restriction mimetic. SIRT1 exerts a protective effect against vascular senescence. In this study, the effects of these four main stilbenoid derivatives of a G. gnemon seed endosperm ethanolic extract on endothelial senescence were investigated. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, administration of the G. gnemon ethanolic extract increased SIRT1 and decreased endothelial senescence. The concentration of 1 in blood plasma was 6-fold higher than 4 in these mice. Next, the in vitro effects of the four main stilbenoid derivatives of G. gnemon seeds were investigated. Senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells were induced by hydrogen peroxide. Endothelial senescence was inhibited by 4, which increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and SIRT1, whereas 1-3 had no effect. These results indicated that the ethanolic extract of G. gnemon seeds inhibits endothelial senescence, suggesting that 4 plays a critical role in the prevention of endothelial senescence.


Subject(s)
Benzofurans/isolation & purification , Gnetum/chemistry , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Stilbenes/isolation & purification , Stilbenes/pharmacology , Adult , Animals , Benzofurans/analysis , Benzofurans/chemistry , Cellular Senescence/drug effects , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Humans , Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology , Indonesia , Mice , Molecular Structure , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism , Resveratrol , Seeds/metabolism , Sirtuin 1/drug effects , Stereoisomerism , Stilbenes/analysis , Stilbenes/chemistry , Umbilical Veins/cytology
14.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem ; 77(4): 789-95, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23563566

ABSTRACT

Royal jelly (RJ), the exclusive food for queen bees, is taken as a dietary supplement because it is highly rich in nutrients. However, RJ is known to induce an anaphylactic response in some individuals. We evaluated in the present study the hypoallergenicity of alkaline protease-treated RJ in vitro and in vivo. We first confirmed that this treated RJ contained the same levels of vitamins, minerals and specific fatty acid as in untreated RJ. We then showed that the IgE-binding capacity of the treated RJ was very significantly reduced by conducting in vitro assays of the blood from RJ-sensitive patients. An in vivo skin-prick test on the RJ-sensitive patients also showed that, in the majority of the patients (3 out of 4 tested), the treated RJ did not evoke any allergenic response. It is thus advantageous to prepare hypoallergenic RJ by a protease enzyme treatment for its safe consumption.


Subject(s)
Allergens/immunology , Allergens/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Bees/chemistry , Endopeptidases/metabolism , Fatty Acids/immunology , Fatty Acids/metabolism , Adult , Allergens/chemistry , Animals , Basophils/immunology , Basophils/metabolism , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated/analysis , Female , Histamine Release/immunology , Humans , Hydrolysis , Mast Cells/immunology , Mast Cells/metabolism , Minerals/analysis , Proteolysis , Skin/immunology , Vitamins/analysis
15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24454499

ABSTRACT

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract (MSE) containing trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) and other derivatives exerts various beneficial effects. However, its mechanism of action in humans remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate beneficial effects of MSE in healthy adult males. In this double-blind, randomized controlled study, 30 males aged 35-70 years with ≤10% flow-mediated dilatation received placebo or 750 mg MSE powder for 8 weeks, and twenty-nine males (45.1 ± 8.8 years old) completed the trial. There was a significant difference in the melinjo and placebo groups. Compared with the placebo control, MSE significantly reduced serum uric acid at 4 weeks and 8 weeks (n = 14 and 15, resp.). HDL cholesterol was significantly increased in the melinjo group. To clarify the mechanism of MSE for reducing uric acid, we investigated xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor binding inhibition rate, and agonistic activities for PPAR α and PPAR γ . MSE, trans-resveratrol, and a resveratrol dimer, gnetin C (GC), significantly inhibit AT1 receptor binding and exhibit mild agonistic activities for PPAR α and PPAR γ . In conclusion, MSE may decrease serum uric acid regardless of insulin resistance and may improve lipid metabolism by increasing HDL cholesterol.

16.
Food Sci Nutr ; 1(3): 222-227, 2013 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29387350

ABSTRACT

The effective uptake of antigens (Ags) by specialized M cells of gut-associated lymphoid tissues is an important step in inducing an efficient intestinal mucosal immune response. In this study, royal jelly (RJ) was found to stimulate the differentiation of M-like cells from human Caco-2 cells in an in vitro M cell model. Furthermore, RJ and protease-treated royal jelly (pRJ) efficiently enhanced transcytosis of FluoSpheres® carboxylate-modified microspheres from the apical side to the basolateral side in the model. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of pRJ to induce efficient mucosal immune responses in an in vivo nonhuman primate. Continuous oral administration of commercially available pRJ resulted in a significant enhacement of the antigen-specific IgA response in stool sample. Interestingly, Caco-2 monolayer assay demonstrated that ether extracts from pRJ efficiently increased the expression level of a universal M cell marker, glycoprotein 2 (gp2). These findings suggest that pRJ exhibits mucosal immunomodulatory properties via stimulation of effective uptake of Ags through M cells.

17.
Biol Pharm Bull ; 35(6): 993-6, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22687546

ABSTRACT

Tyrosinase is the key enzyme involved in melanogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer isolated from melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) seeds, on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in murine B16 cells. The inhibitory activities of gnetin C and resveratrol were shown to be almost equal against tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis in the cells. The IC(50) values of gnetin C activity against tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis were 7.0 and 7.6 µM, respectively, whereas resveratrol demonstrated IC(50) values of 7.2 and 7.3 µM, respectively. These results indicated that gnetin C inhibited melanogenesis, in a manner similar to that of resveratrol, by inhibiting tyrosinase and may therefore function as a new skin-whitening agent. However, the direct effects of gnetin C and resveratrol on murine tyrosinase activities were not equal. The IC(50) value of resveratrol was 10.1 µM, while gnetin C only exhibited a 25.2% enzyme inhibition at 16 µM. The IC(25) values for gnetin C and resveratrol were 15.5 and 4.0 µM, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that the effects of gnetin C may be due to mechanisms other than the direct inhibition of tyrosinase activity.


Subject(s)
Benzofurans/pharmacology , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Gnetum , Melanins/antagonists & inhibitors , Monophenol Monooxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors , Stilbenes/pharmacology , Animals , Cell Survival/drug effects , Melanins/metabolism , Melanoma, Experimental , Mice , Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism , Resveratrol , Tumor Cells, Cultured
18.
Mol Nutr Food Res ; 55(11): 1730-4, 2011 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21936049

ABSTRACT

Angiogenesis is a promising target for cancer prevention and treatment. This study aimed to determine the antiangiogenic effects of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract and its resveratrol derivative components, such as gnetin C (GC), gnetin L (GL), gnemonoside A (GMA), gnemonoside C (GMC), and gnemonoside D (GMD). An ethanol extract of melinjo seeds (EEMS) and the two gnetins markedly inhibited the proliferation and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. The inhibitory effects of GC and GL were much stronger than those of resveratrol. GMC and GMD inhibited only proliferation, whereas GMA had almost no effect on the two endothelial cell functions. The EEMS and GC also reduced the cell viability of tube-forming HUVEC, with accompanying ERK1/2 inactivation, and suppressed the migration of HUVEC. Furthermore, dietary intake of EEMS significantly inhibited tumor angiogenesis in a mouse dorsal air sac assay. In conclusion, we found that the EEMS and its resveratrol derivatives, particularly GC, suppress multiple angiogenesis-related endothelial cell functions and/or tumor angiogenesis, indicating that the melinjo seeds and the natural resveratrol derivatives may be useful for cancer prevention and treatment.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Drug Discovery , Gnetum/chemistry , Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Stilbenes/pharmacology , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/chemistry , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry , Biological Assay , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Female , Glucosides/chemistry , Glucosides/pharmacology , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/physiology , Humans , Mice , Mice, Inbred ICR , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Resveratrol , Seeds/chemistry , Stilbenes/chemistry
19.
Bioorg Med Chem ; 18(1): 151-7, 2010 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19942440

ABSTRACT

The effects of Brazilian green propolis ethanol extract on Cry j1-induced cys-leukotrienes and histamine release from peripheral leukocytes of patients with allergic rhinitis were investigated. One of the key mechanisms for the anti-allergic properties of the extract was revealed to be the suppression of cys-LTs release. Furthermore, a series of propolis components and their phenethyl esters were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of cys-LTs release. Artepillin C, baccharin, and kaempferide were the major active components of the ethanol extract. The inhibitory activity of artepillin C phenethyl ester was comparable to that of existing LT synthesis inhibitors.


Subject(s)
Anti-Allergic Agents/chemistry , Anti-Allergic Agents/pharmacology , Cysteine/immunology , Leukotrienes/immunology , Propolis/chemistry , Propolis/pharmacology , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/drug therapy , Animals , Bees/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Histamine/immunology , Humans , Leukocytes/drug effects , Leukocytes/immunology
20.
Phytother Res ; 23(3): 423-7, 2009 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19003952

ABSTRACT

There are mainly three types of propolis whose major anticancer ingredients are entirely different: (1) CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)-based propolis in Europe, Far East and New Zealand, (2) artepillin C (ARC)-based Brazilian green propolis and (3) Brazilian red propolis. It was shown previously that NF (neurofibromatosis)-associated tumors require the kinase PAK1 for their growth, and CAPE-based propolis extracts such as Bio 30 suppress completely the growth of NF tumors in vivo by blocking PAK1 signaling. Also it was demonstrated that ARC suppresses angiogenesis, suggesting the possibility that ARC also blocks oncogenic PAK1 signaling. Here it is shown for the first time that both ARC and green propolis extract (GPE) indeed block the PAK1 signaling selectively, without affecting another kinase known as AKT. Furthermore, it was confirmed that ARC as well as GPE suppress almost completely the growth of human NF tumor xenografts in mice, as does Bio 30. These results suggest that both CAPE-based and ARC-based propolis extracts are natural anti-PAK1 remedies and could be among the first effective NF therapeutics available on the market. Since more than 70% of human cancers such as breast and prostate cancers require the kinase PAK1 for their growth, it is quite possible that GPE could be potentially useful for the treatment of these cancers, as is Bio 30.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy , Phenylpropionates/pharmacology , Propolis/pharmacology , p21-Activated Kinases/metabolism , Animals , Caffeic Acids/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Female , Mice , Mice, Nude , Neurofibromatoses/drug therapy , Phenylethyl Alcohol/analogs & derivatives , Phenylethyl Alcohol/pharmacology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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