Using Traditional Chinese Medicine to Alleviate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease with high incidence in the world. Its main feature is that the lungs are affected by airflow obstruction. The disease can lead to impaired lung function in adults and cannot be completely cured. This paper expounds the pathogenesis of COPD, which can be alleviated by chemical methods and TCM methods. TCM treatment of COPD has the advantage of overall regulation, which can improve airway remodeling and alleviate the development of the disease. According to their structure, TCM therapeutic drugs can be divided into flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and alkaloids. On this basis, the article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of common Chinese medicine administration methods, aiming to provide some reference and help when alleviating the disease.

Urea-Straw-Starch Fertilizer with Tunable Water- and Nutrient-Retaining Properties Assisted by High-Energy Electron-Beam Irradiation.

A novel type of water- and nutrient-retaining fertilizer (WNRF) was prepared by mixing, melting, and extruding high-energy electron-beam (HEEB)-irradiated corn straw, urea, and starch. HEEB irradiation technique effectively killed pathogenic microorganisms in straw and further improved the adsorption and binding capacity of straw to urea and water. Compared to nonirradiated HEEB samples, the optimal WNRF improved the water retention rate by 25.63%, the migrate-to-surface loss control rate by 60.2%, and the leaching loss control rate by 34.71%, respectively. Thus, it effectively facilitated the growth of pak choi with a 24% increase in the dry matter weight of the shoot. This work provides a promising approach to improve water and nutrient availability in arid and semi-arid regions and to promote the efficient utilization of straw resources.

Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide Hydrolysate Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Regulating the Gut Microbiota.

(1) Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease caused by noninfectious chronic inflammation characterized by varying degrees of inflammation affecting the colon or its entire mucosal surface. Current therapeutic strategies rely on the suppression of the immune response, which is effective, but can have detrimental effects. Recently, different plant polysaccharides and their degradation products have received increasing attention due to their prominent biological activities. The aim of this research was to evaluate the mitigation of inflammation exhibited by tamarind seed polysaccharide hydrolysate (TSPH) ingestion in colitis mice. (2) Methods: TSPH was obtained from the hydrolysis of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The structure and physical properties of TSPH were characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MS) analysis. Then, the alleviative effects of the action of TSPH on 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice were investigated. (3) Results: TSPH restored pathological lesions in the colon and inhibited the over-secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in UC mice. The relative expression level of mRNA for colonic tight junction proteins was increased. These findings suggested that TSPH could reduce inflammation in the colon. Additionally, the structure of the gut microbiota was also altered, with beneficial bacteria, including Prevotella and Blautia, significantly enriched by TSPH. Moreover, the richness of Blautia was positively correlated with acetic acid. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, TSPH suppressed colonic inflammation, alleviated imbalances in the intestinal flora and regulated bacterial metabolites. Thus, this also implies that TSPH has the potential to be a functional food against colitis.

Evaluation of the Effects of e-Cigarette Aerosol Extracts and Tobacco Cigarette Smoke Extracts on RAW264.7 Cells.

With the advancement of society, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity among a growing number of individuals. While numerous toxicological studies have suggested that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, there is also a body of literature presenting contrasting findings. This in vitro study aimed to compare the effects of e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes (t-cigarettes) on RAW264.7 cells by using four e-cigarette aerosol extracts (ECA) and cigarette smoking extracts (CS) containing different nicotine concentrations. The results revealed that low concentration of nicotine in CS as well as in ECA with grape, watermelon, and cola flavors could promote cell viability. Conversely, high nicotine concentration in CS and ECA with four flavors decreased cell viability. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that CS significantly reduced the phagocytic capability of RAW264.7 cells and increased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to ECA. Overall, our findings indicate all four e-cigarettes induced less cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells and might be safer than t-cigarettes.

Evaluation of the effects of e-cigarette aerosol extracts and tobacco cigarette smoke extracts on human gingival epithelial cells.

Smoking increases the risk of a number of diseases, including cardiovascular, oral and lung diseases. E-cigarettes are gaining popularity among young people as an alternative to cigarettes, but there is debate over whether they are less harmful to the mouth than e-cigarettes. In this study, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were treated with four commercially available e-cigarette aerosol condensates (ECAC) or commercially available generic cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) with different nicotine concentrations. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by acridine orange (AO) and Hoechst33258 staining. The levels of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1, MMP-3), cyclooxygenase 2 and inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. Finally, ROS levels were analyzed by ROS staining. The different effects of CSC and ECAC on HGECs were compared. The results showed that higher nicotine concentration of CS significantly reduced the activity of HGECs. By contrast, all ECAC had no significant effect. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase, COX-2, and inflammatory factors were higher in HGECs treated with CSC than those treated with ECAC. In contrast, the level of type I collagen was higher in HGECs treated with ECAC than those treated with CSC. In conclusion, all four flavors of e-cigarettes were less toxic to HGE cells than tobacco, but further clinical studies are needed to determine whether e-cigarettes are less harmful to oral health than conventional cigarettes.

Evaluation of the Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol Extracts and Tobacco Cigarette Smoke Extracts on Human Gingival Epithelial Cells.

Smoking increases the risk of a number of diseases, including cardiovascular, oral, and lung diseases. E-cigarettes are gaining popularity among young people as an alternative to cigarettes, but there is debate over whether they are less harmful to the mouth than e-cigarettes. In this study, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were treated with four commercially available e-cigarette aerosol condensates (ECAC) or commercially available generic cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) with different nicotine concentrations. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by acridine orange (AO) and Hoechst33258 staining. The levels of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1, MMP-3), cyclooxygenase 2, and inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. Finally, ROS levels were analyzed by ROS staining. The different effects of CSC and ECAC on HGECs were compared. The results showed that higher nicotine concentration of CS significantly reduced the activity of HGECs. By contrast, all ECAC had no significant effect. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase, COX-2, and inflammatory factors were higher in HGECs treated with CSC than those treated with ECAC. In contrast, the level of type I collagen was higher in HGECs treated with ECAC than those treated with CSC. In conclusion, all four flavors of e-cigarettes were less toxic to HGE cells than tobacco, but further clinical studies are needed to determine whether e-cigarettes are less harmful to oral health than conventional cigarettes.

Bioengineering of a Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strain enhances nisin production and bioactivity.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis is a food bacterium that has been utilized for decades in food fermentation and the development of high-value industrial goods. Among these, nisin, which is produced by several strains of L. lactis subsp. lactis, plays a crucial role as a food bio-preservative. The gene expression for nisin synthesis was evaluated using qPCR analysis. Additionally, a series of re-transformations of the strain introducing multiple copies of the nisA and nisRK genes related to nisin production were developed. The simultaneous expression of nisA and nisZ genes was used to potentiate the effective inhibition of foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, qPCR analysis indicated that the nisA and nisRK genes were expressed at low levels in wild-type L. lactis subsp. lactis. After several re-transformations of the strain with the nisA and nisRK genes, a high expression of these genes was obtained, contributing to improved nisin production. Also, co-expression of the nisA and nisZ genes resulted in extremely effective antibacterial action. Hence, this study would provide an approach to enhancing nisin production during industrial processes and antimicrobial activity.

New native Bacillus thuringiensis strains induce high insecticidal action against Culex pipiens pallens larvae and adults.

Mosquitoes of many species are key disease vectors, killing millions of people each year. Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticide formulations are largely recognized as among the most effective, ecologically safe, and long-lasting methods of managing insect pests. New B. thuringiensis strains with high mosquito control effectiveness were isolated, identified, genetically defined, and physiologically characterized. Eight B. thuringiensis strains were identified and shown to carry endotoxin-producing genes. Using a scanning electron microscope, results revealed typical crystal forms of various shapes in B. thuringiensis strains. Fourteen cry and cyt genes were found in the strains examined. Although the genome of the B. thuringiensis A4 strain had twelve cry and cyt genes, not all of them were expressed, and only a few protein profiles were observed. The larvicidal activity of the eight B. thuringiensis strains was found to be positive (LC50: 1.4-28.5 g/ml and LC95: 15.3-130.3 g/ml). Bioassays in a laboratory environment demonstrated that preparations containing B. thuringiensis spores and crystals were particularly active to mosquito larvae and adults. These new findings show that the novel preparation containing B. thuringiensis A4 spores and crystals mixture might be used to control larval and adult mosquitoes in a sustainable and ecologically friendly manner.

Lentinan improves intestinal inflammation and gut dysbiosis in antibiotics-induced mice.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is already a global problem after antibiotic overuse. This study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of lentinan and the mechanism of recovery of intestinal inflammation on broad-spectrum antibiotic-driven gut microbial dysbiosis in mice. Gut microbiota was elucidated by the Illumina MiSeq platform. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to investigate short-chain fatty acid content. Colon histology, expression of tight-junction associated proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were evaluated. The results showed that the gut microbiota of diversity and richness were reduced and various taxonomic levels of the gut microbiota were perturbed after antibiotics gavage. The abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes shifted to Proteobacteria and increased the relative abundance of harmful microbiota (Parabacteroides and Klebsiella) post-antibiotics, whereas lentinan administration reversed the dysbiosis and increased beneficial microbiota, including S24-7, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus and Allobaculum. The concentrations of propionic acid and butyric acid were significantly increased by treatment with lentinan. And lentinan improved colon tissue morphology and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines via altering NF-κB signaling pathway in antibiotic-driven gut microbial dysbiosis mice. Taken together, the results proved that lentinan can be used as a prebiotic and the result provided a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of broad-spectrum antibiotics side effects.

Structural characteristics of locust bean gum hydrolysate and its alleviating effect on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory lesion of the colon from various causes. As current therapeutic drugs have adverse effects on patients with UC, there is a growing demand for alternative medicines from natural and functional foods. Locust bean gum, as a dietary fiber, has a variety of physiological effects. Methods: In the present study, locust bean gum hydrolysate (LBGH) was obtained from the acid hydrolysis of locust bean gum. The structure of LBGH was characterized by thin-layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis. And we investigated the therapeutic effect of LBGH on a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Results: It was observed that the LBGH consisted of a mixture of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization (DP) 2-7. LBGH treatment dramatically alleviated colonic pathological damage, suppressed the overproduction of pro-inflammatory factors and the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), increased the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, and increased the abundance of probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut. Conclusion: There is a correlation between these mitigating effects on inflammation and the treatment of LBGH. Therefore, LBGH has tremendous potential in the treatment of colitis.

The Metabolites of Lactobacillus fermentum F-B9-1 Relieved Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Experimental Ulcerative Colitis in Mice.

Because of the increased incidence and prevalence, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global health issue in the world. Current therapies for UC are not totally effective which result in persistent and recurrent symptom of many patients. Lactobacillus with anti-inflammatory effects might be beneficial to the prevention or treatment for UC. Here, we examined the ameliorative effects of the metabolites of Lactobacillus fermentum F-B9-1 (MLF) in Caco-2 cells and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC model mice. MLF displayed intestinal barrier-protective activities in Caco-2 cells by increasing the expression of Occludin and ZO-1. They also showed anti-inflammatory potential in interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6. In order to further examine the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of MLF, the MLF was gavaged in the DSS-induced UC model mice. The intragastric administration of MLF effectively alleviated colitis symptoms of weight loss, diarrhea, colon shortening, and histopathological scores, protected intestinal barrier function by increasing Occludin and ZO-1, and attenuated colonic and systemic inflammation by suppressing production of IL-1ß and IL-6. Finally, the use of MLF remodeled the diversity of the gut microbiota and increased the number of beneficial microorganisms. Overall, the results demonstrated that MLF relieved DSS-induced UC in mice. And MLF might be an effective therapy method to UC in the clinic in the future.

A comparative assessment of e-cigarette aerosol extracts and tobacco cigarette smoke extracts on in vitro endothelial cell inflammation response.

With the development of the times, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are being received by more and more people. We compared the different effects of e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with the typical e-cigarette aerosol extracts (ECA) and cigarette smoking extracts (CS) sourced from commercial retail stores. HUVECs were treated with different kinds of ECA or CS with different nicotinic concentrations (0.03125, 0.125, 0.5, 2, 8, or 32 µg/mL). Cell viability was examined by the MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was investigated by acridine orange (AO) and Hoechst 33258 staining. The RT-PCR and western blot assays were used to analyze the adhesion molecules and inflammation cytokines released by HUVECs. Furthermore, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Our data showed that the CS (nicotine concentration at 0.125 µg/mL could decrease the viability of HUVECs by 71%, but not the four kinds of ECA. The apoptotic ratio was about 32.5% in the CS group. No matter the levels of adhesion molecules, inflammation cytokines or ROS, they were higher in CS groups than in ECA groups. Overall, the four kinds of e-cigarettes induced significantly less cytotoxicity than the commercially available tobacco cigarettes in HUVECs. The CS showed the most severe impact on HUVECs. ECA might provide a harm reduction measure, especially in cardiovascular risk, after people switch from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes.

Cistanche promotes the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Cistanche deserticola Ma (cistanche) is a traditional herb with a wide range of therapeutic properties. However, no evidence of cistanche's effect on adipogenesis has been found. The effect of cistanche that promotes the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was proved by using MTT spectrophotometry, Nile Red staining, Oil Red O staining and transcriptome sequencing technology. The mRNA level of key transcription factors for adipogenesis such as PPAR, AP2 and LPL were examined by RT-PCR. The results showed that the intracellular lipid content in cistanche treated cells were notably increased when compared with the non-treated cells. Between the differentiation and cistanche treated groups, the expression of adipogenesis related genes such as grow hormone releasing hormone (Ghrp), BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) and Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (Gipr) were significantly increased. Our findings also verified that cistanche promoted adipogenesis, which was accompanied by up-regulated level of Bnip3 and PPAR. This study could uncover new signaling pathways involved in adipogenesis regulation.

Effects of brassinosteroids on cancer cells: A review.

Brassinolide is a new type of steroidal hormone with strong activities, which is well known as an efficient and low-toxicity plant growth regulator for a long time. Because steroidal hormones have a wide application prospect, brassinosteroids have been gradually explored in pharmacology and animal cells in recent decades. Brassinolide could effectively reverse the resistance of human T lymphoblastoid cell line CCRF-VCR 1000 by inhibiting the effusion of drug transported by P-glycoprotein. Brassinosteroids could also accelerate wound healing by positively eliminating inflammation and stimulating reepithelialization of the reparation stage. The occurrence of cancer is a multistep process mediated by a variety of factors. Until now, cancer has always been one group of the major diseases that threaten human health. Many studies have found that brassinosteroids have attracted a great deal of potential as an anticancer agent in the treatment of cancer cells, and most of them exert anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. There are few articles on the relationship between brassinosteroids and cancer so far. Accordingly, in this article, we summarized current research about the brassinosteroids and cancers. Through the review, researchers could know more about brassinosteroids which might become a new tool for the treatment of cancer in the future, and not only a plant hormone.

Treatment and high value utilization of glutamic acid wastewater.

Glutamate wastewater has a high yield in the world and is difficult to be treated due to its high acidity, high COD (chemical oxygen demand, reflecting the pollution degree of reduced substances in the water) and high ammonia nitrogen characteristics. In this study, Bacillus licheniformis M 2020051 was used to treat organic wastewater to ferment polyglutamic acid, which reduced the pollution of industrial wastewater and produced polyglutamic acid at a low cost. Firstly, a strain with high salt tolerance and high polyglutamic acid production was isolated from saline soil, and the mechanism of salt tolerance and polyglutamic acid production were also analyzed. Then Single-factor experiment and Response surface methodology (RSM) were used to determine the appropriate fermentation conditions to achieve maximum γ-polyglutamic acid production. After optimization, the yield of polyglutamic acid was increased to 6.91 g·L-1 by shaking fermentation, an increase of 7.13%. Finally, the agronomic experiments were carried out, and the results showed that γ-polyglutamic acid could significantly increase the germination rate of corn seeds and the growth of rapeseed. These studies will lay the foundation for reducing industrial wastewater pollution and exploring the production model of γ-polyglutamic acid.

Weilan gum oligosaccharide ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium­induced experimental ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a global disease, characterized by periods of relapse that seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Oligosaccharides are considered to be a prospective strategy to alleviate the symptoms of UC. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of weilan gum oligosaccharide (WLGO) on a mouse UC model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). WLGO structural physical properties were characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry and fourier tansform infrared spectroscopy. MTT assays were performed to evaluate the non­toxic concentration of WLGO. RT­qPCR and ELISAs were conducted to determine the levels of inflammatory factors. The clinical symptoms and mucosal integrity of the DSS­induced UC model were assessed by DAI and histological assessment. LPS­induced Caco­2 cells and DSS­induced UC mice were used to explore the effects of WLGO on UC. Treatment of the mice with 4.48 g/kg/day WLGO via gavage for 7 days significantly relieved the symptoms of DSS­induced UC model mice, whereas significant effects were not observed for all symptoms of DSS­induced UC in the WLGO­low group. The disease activity index score was decreased and the loss of body weight was reduced in DSS­induced UC model mice treated with WLGO. Moreover, colonic damage and abnormally short colon length shortenings were relieved following WLGO treatment. WLGO treatment also reduced the concentration and mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin­1ß, interleukin­6 and tumor necrosis factor α, in DSS­induced UC model mice and lipopolysaccharide­treated Caco­2 cells. These results indicated that WLGO may be an effective strategy for UC treatment.

Hypolipidemic Effects of Fermented Seaweed Extracts by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

The fermentation of food materials with suitable probiotic strains is an effective way to improve biological activities. In this study, seaweed extracts were fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and the hypolipidemic effects of the fermentation products were investigated. In vitro experiments suggested that fermented seaweed extracts have a high capacity for bile acid-binding. Additionally, a significant inhibitory effect against pancreatic lipase was observed. Furthermore, effects in hyperlipidemic mice were determined. Fermented seaweed extracts can alleviate lipid metabolism disorder. The administration of fermented seaweed extracts to mice showed decreased total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Combined, these results suggest that fermented seaweed extracts perform a potent hypolipidemic action, thus providing an effective method for the preparation of functional foods to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of nitrogen levels on gene expression and amino acid metabolism in Welsh onion.

BACKGROUND: Welsh onion constitutes an important crop due to its benefits in traditional medicine. Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plant growth and yield; however, little is known about its influence on the mechanisms of Welsh onion regulation genes. In this study, we introduced a gene expression and amino acid analysis of Welsh onion treated with different concentrations of nitrogen (N0, N1, and N2 at 0 kg/ha, 130 kg/ha, and 260 kg/ha, respectively). RESULTS: Approximately 1,665 genes were differentially regulated with different concentrations of nitrogen. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the genes involved in metabolic processes, protein biosynthesis, and transportation of amino acids were highly represented. KEGG analysis indicated that the pathways were related to amino acid metabolism, cysteine, beta-alanine, arginine, proline, and glutathione. Differential gene expression in response to varying nitrogen concentrations resulted in different amino acid content. A close relationship between gene expression and the content of amino acids was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This work examined the effects of nitrogen on gene expression and amino acid synthesis and provides important evidence on the efficient use of nitrogen in Welsh onion.

Fermentation products of Danshen relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in mice.

With the increased incidence and recognition, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global public health problem in the world. Although many immunosuppressant and biological drugs have been used for UC treatment, the cure rate is still very low. It is necessary to find some safe and long-term used medicine for UC cure. Recently, the Chinese traditional herb Danshen has been investigated in the treatment of UC. However, it is a limitation of Danshen that many of the active components in Danshen are not easily absorbed by the human body. Probiotics could convert macromolecules into smaller molecules to facilitate absorption. Thus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (F-B4-1) and Bacillus subtillis Natto (F-A7-1) were screened to ferment Danshen in this study. The fermented Danshen products were gavaged in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model mice. Danshen had better results to attenuate symptoms of DSS-induced UC after fermented with F-B4-1 and F-A7-1. Loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) were reduced. The abnormally short colon lengths and colonic damage were recovered. And fermented Danshen had the better inhibitory effect than Danshen itself on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during DSS-induced UC. The results indicated that compared with Danshen, fermented Danshen relieved DSS-induced UC in mice more effectively. Danshen fermented by probiotics might be an effective treatment to UC in clinic stage in the future.

Effects of nitrogen application on phytochemical component levels and anticancer and antioxidant activities of Allium fistulosum.

BACKGROUND: Allium fistulosum L. has good nutritional value and is cultivated worldwide as an efficacious traditional medicinal plant. Its biological activities are attributable to its phytochemicals. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development; however, the effect of nitrogen levels on the level of active components in this species is not well understood. METHODS: In this study, using urea fertilizer, we investigated the effects of different nitrogen levels (N0, N1, and N2 at 0, 130, and 260 kg/ha, respectively) on the phytochemical constituents , and antioxidant and anticancer properties of A. fistulosum. RESULTS: The results suggested that nitrogen fertilizers have a significant effect on the level of total phenols and flavonoids. The analysis of the antioxidant capacity revealed that the lowest IC50 values corresponded to plants treated with the highest nitrogen concentration. Anticancer activity was investigated against cancer cell lines (HeLa and HepG2), and the extracts of A. fistulosum treated with a high nitrogen level showed the highest antiproliferative effect. Collectively, our results suggest that nitrogen fertilizer application enhanced the quality of A. fistulosum, particularly its health benefits.