Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Antioxidant Activities in C57BL/6 Obese Mice and Palmitic-Oleic Acid-Induced Steatosis in HepG2 Cells.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of liver disease. Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq, a traditional plant in South Asia, has previously been shown to attenuate obesity and hyperglycaemic conditions. Eight weeks of feeding C57BL/6 mice with the standardized O. aristatus extract (400 mg/kg) inhibited the progression of NAFLD. Liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were significantly reduced in treated mice by 74.2% ± 7.69 and 52.8% ± 7.83, respectively. Furthermore, the treated mice showed a reduction in serum levels of glucose (50% ± 5.71), insulin (70.2% ± 12.09), total cholesterol (27.5% ± 15.93), triglycerides (63.2% ± 16.5), low-density lipoprotein (62.5% ± 4.93) and atherogenic risk index relative to the negative control. Histologically, O. aristatus reversed hepatic fat accumulation and reduced NAFLD severity. Notably, our results showed the antioxidant activity of O. aristatus via increased superoxide dismutase activity and a reduction of hepatic malondialdehyde levels. In addition, the levels of serum pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNFα) decreased, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. The aqueous, hydroethanolic and ethanolic fractions of O. aristatus extract significantly reduced intracellular fat accumulation in HepG2 cells that were treated with palmitic-oleic acid. Together, these findings suggest that antioxidant activities are the primary mechanism of action of O. aristatus underlying the anti-NAFLD effects.

Mechanism of action of Orthosiphon stamineus against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Insights from systems pharmacology and molecular docking approaches.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common complications of a metabolic syndrome caused by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. Orthosiphon stamineus also known as Orthosiphon aristatus is a medicinal plant with possible potential beneficial effects on various metabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of O. stamineus on hepatic fat accumulation and to further use the computational systems pharmacology approach to identify the pharmacokinetic properties of the bioactive compounds of O. stamineus and to predict their molecular mechanisms against NAFLD. METHODS: The effects of an ethanolic extract of O. stamineus leaves on cytotoxicity, fat accumulation and antioxidant activity were assessed using HepG2 cells. The bioactive compounds of O. stamineus were identified using LC/MS and two bioinformatics databases, namely the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID) and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for the Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the predicted targets of the bioactive compounds to provide a systematic overview of the molecular mechanism of action, while molecular docking was used to validate the predicted targets. RESULTS: A total of 27 bioactive compounds corresponding to 50 potential NAFLD-related targets were identified. O. stamineus exerts its anti-NAFLD effects by modulating a variety of cellular processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial ß-oxidation, inflammatory signalling pathways, insulin signalling, and fatty acid homeostasis pathways. O. stamineus is significantly targeting many oxidative stress regulators, including JNK, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), NFKB1, PPAR, and AKT1. Molecular docking analysis confirmed the expected high affinity for the potential targets, while the in vitro assay indicates the ability of O. stamineus to inhibit hepatic fat accumulation. CONCLUSION: Using the computational systems pharmacology approach, the potentially beneficial effect of O. stamineus in NAFLD was indicated through the combination of multiple compounds, multiple targets, and multicellular components.

Medicinal plants' proposed nanocomposites for the management of endocrine disorders.

Extensive attention has been focused on herbal medicine for the treatment of different endocrine disorders. In fact, compelling scientific evidence indicates that natural compounds might act as endocrine modulators by mimicking, stimulating, or inhibiting the actions of different hormones, such as thyroid, sex, steroidal, and glucose regulating hormones. These potentials might be effectively employed for therapeutic purposes related to the endocrine system as novel complementary choices. Nevertheless, despite the remarkable therapeutic effects, inadequate targeting efficiency and low aqueous solubility of the bioactive components are still essential challenges in their clinical accreditation. On the other hand, nanotechnology has pushed the wheels of combining inorganic nanoparticles with biological structures of medicinal bioactive compounds as one of the utmost exciting fields of research. Nanoparticle conjugations create an inclusive array of applications that provide greater compliance, higher bioavailability, and lower dosage. This can safeguard the global availability of these wealthy natural sources, regardless of their biological occurrence. This review inspects future challenges of medicinal plants in various endocrine disorders for safe and alternative treatments with examples of their nanoparticle formulations.

Correction to Therapeutic Potential of Standardized Extract of Melilotus indicus (L.) All. and Its Phytochemicals against Skin Cancer in Animal Model: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03053.].

Therapeutic Potential of Standardized Extract of Melilotus indicus (L.) All. and Its Phytochemicals against Skin Cancer in Animal Model: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

Melilotus indicus (L.) All. is known to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The present study explored the in vivo skin carcinogenesis attenuating potential of ethanolic extract of M. indicus (L.) All. (Miet) in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer model. The ethanolic extract of the plant was prepared by a maceration method. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of quercetin in abundance and also various other phytoconstituents. DPPH radical scavenging assay results showed moderate antioxidant potential (IC50 = 93.55 ± 5.59 µg/mL). A topical acute skin irritation study showed the nonirritant nature of Miet. Data for the skin carcinogenic model showed marked improvement in skin architecture in Miet and its primary phytochemicals (quercetin and coumarin) treated groups. Miet 50% showed comparable effects with 5-fluorouracil. Significant (p < 0.05) anticancerous effects were seen in coumarin-quercetin combination-treated animals than in single agent (coumarin and quercetin alone)-treated animals. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay results showed the antiangiogenic potential of Miet. Treatment with Miet significantly down-regulated the serum levels of CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α). Data for the docking study indicated the binding potential of quercetin and coumarin with TNF-α, EGFR, VEGF, and BCL2 proteins. Thus, it is concluded that Miet has skin cancer attenuating potential that is proposed to be due to the synergistic actions of its bioactive molecules. Further studies to explore the effects of Miet and its bioactive molecules as an adjuvant therapy with low dose anticancer drugs are warranted, which may lead to a new area of research.

The role of protein kinases as key drivers of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease progression: New insights and future directions.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), proposed in 2020 is a novel term for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which was coined for the first time in 1980. It is a leading cause of the most chronic liver disease and hepatic failure all over the world, and unfortunately, with no licensed drugs for treatment yet. The progress of the disease is driven by the triggered inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in many pathways, starting with simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Protein kinases (PKs), such as MAPK, ErbB, PKC, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR, govern most of the pathological pathways by acting on various downstream key points in MAFLD and regulating both hepatic gluco- lipo-neogenesis and inflammation. Therefore, modulating the function of those potential protein kinases that are effectively involved in MAFLD might be a promising therapeutic approach for tackling this disease. In the current review, we have discussed the key role of protein kinases in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and performed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network among the main proteins of each kinase pathway with MAFLD-related proteins to predict the most likely targets of the PKs in MAFLD. Moreover, we have reported the experimental, pre-clinical, and clinical data for the most recent investigated molecules that are activating p38-MAPK and AMPK proteins and inhibiting the other PKs to improve MAFLD condition by regulating oxidation and inflammation signalling.

A Comparison of the Gene Expression Profiles of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease between Animal Models of a High-Fat Diet and Methionine-Choline-Deficient Diet.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) embraces several forms of liver disorders involving fat disposition in hepatocytes ranging from simple steatosis to the severe stage, namely, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recently, several experimental in vivo animal models for NAFLD/NASH have been established. However, no reproducible experimental animal model displays the full spectrum of pathophysiological, histological, molecular, and clinical features associated with human NAFLD/NASH progression. Although methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet and high-fat diet (HFD) models can mimic histological and metabolic abnormalities of human disease, respectively, the molecular signaling pathways are extremely important for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. This review aimed to assess the differences in gene expression patterns and NAFLD/NASH progression pathways among the most common dietary animal models, i.e., HFD- and MCD diet-fed animals. Studies showed that the HFD and MCD diet could induce either up- or downregulation of the expression of genes and proteins that are involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrogenesis pathways. Interestingly, the MCD diet model could spontaneously develop liver fibrosis within two to four weeks and has significant effects on the expression of genes that encode proteins and enzymes involved in the liver fibrogenesis pathway. However, such effects in the HFD model were found to occur after 24 weeks with insulin resistance but appear to cause less severe fibrosis. In conclusion, assessing the abnormal gene expression patterns caused by different diet types provides valuable information regarding the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD/NASH and predicts the clinical progression of the disease. However, expression profiling studies concerning genetic variants involved in the development and progression of NAFLD/NASH should be conducted.

Anticlastogenic, antimutagenic, and cytoprotective properties of Orthosiphon stamineus ethanolic leaves extract.

Orthosiphon stamineus (O.S) is widely consumed for its medidcinal value including anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and diuretic properties. The present study evaluates the cytoprotective, anti-mutagenic, and anticlastogenic efficacies of standardized extract of Orthosiphon stamineus. Normal liver cell line (WRL68) exposed to hydrogen peroxide and serum-deprived media as insults to evaluate cytoprotective and glutathione activation activities of (Et. O. s). Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 exposed to different concentrations of (Et. O. s). The influence of Et. O. s on mitotic, replicative indices as well as chromosomal aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induced in human peripheral blood lymphocytes by mitomycin C (MMC). The Et. O.s proved to be a potent scavenger for hydrogen peroxide and other free radicals in serum-depraved media, which showed to stimulate glutathione production in liver cells line. Moreover, it did not induce mutations in S. typhimurium subspecies TA98 and TA100. The standardized extract exhibited powerful antimutagenic activities as verified against both 2-nitrofluorene and sodium azide in S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 cells, respectively. Cytogenetic tests showed high concentrations of Et. O. s to reduce the values of mitotic and replicative indices without any accompanying side effects, such as chromosomal abnormalities or SCE. To ameliorate MMC effects, pretreatment with the extract proofed to be efficient protocol. These data suggests that O. stamineus extract could be useful as cytoprotective, antimutagenic, and anticlastogenic efficacies, which owes to its potent chemoprevention, antioxidant, and glutathione activation properties.

COVID-19 and therapy with essential oils having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. Unfortunately, there are very limited approved drugs available with established efficacy against the SARs-CoV-2 virus and its inflammatory complications. Vaccine development is actively being researched, but it may take over a year to become available to general public. Certain medications, for example, dexamethasone, antimalarials (chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine), antiviral (remdesivir), and IL-6 receptor blocking monoclonal antibodies (tocilizumab), are used in various combinations as off-label medications to treat COVID-19. Essential oils (EOs) have long been known to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, bronchodilatory, and antiviral properties and are being proposed to have activity against SARC-CoV-2 virus. Owing to their lipophilic nature, EOs are advocated to penetrate viral membranes easily leading to membrane disruption. Moreover, EOs contain multiple active phytochemicals that can act synergistically on multiple stages of viral replication and also induce positive effects on host respiratory system including bronchodilation and mucus lysis. At present, only computer-aided docking and few in vitro studies are available which show anti-SARC-CoV-2 activities of EOs. In this review, role of EOs in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 is discussed. A discussion on possible side effects associated with EOs as well as anti-corona virus claims made by EOs manufacturers are also highlighted. Based on the current knowledge a chemo-herbal (EOs) combination of the drugs could be a more feasible and effective approach to combat this viral pandemic.

50% Ethanol extract of Orthosiphon stamineus modulates genotoxicity and clastogenicity induced by mitomycin C.

Herbal products contain a variety of compounds which may be useful in protecting against cellular damage caused by mutagens. Orthosiphon stamineus (O.s) also known as Cat whiskers. The herb has been shown anti-oxidative properties and can modulate key cellular proteins that have cytoprotective effect. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1) of 50% ethanol extract of O.s (Et. O.s) on micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE), Polychromatic to normachromatic erythrocytes ratio (PCE/NCE), Mitotic index (MI), and Chromosomal aberration (CA) in Bab/c mice. Moreover, these parameters were used to evaluate the anti-genotoxic and clastogenic potencies of (Et. O.s) against mitomycin c (MMC) that interact with biological molecules and induce genotoxic and clastogenic disorders in non-tumor cells. MMC (4 mg kg-1) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to the mice before and after treatment with three different doses of (Et. O.s). The results indicated that the extract at different doses did not show significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences in (MNPCE), (PCE/NCE) ratios, and (CA) values. The higher doses sowed high (MI) values compared with untreated control group. MMC showed significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in (MNPCE), (CA) and reduce (PCE/NCE) and (MI) values compared with untreated control group. Treatment with (Et. O.s) at different doses before and after MMC injection showed to modulate MNPCE, PCE/NCE ratios, CA and MI values in mice bone marrow cells suggesting genoprotective potential of this plant extract.

Phyllanthus Niruri Standardized Extract Alleviates the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Decreases Atherosclerotic Risk in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major global health issues, strongly correlated with insulin resistance, obesity and oxidative stress. The current study aimed to evaluate anti-NAFLD effects of three different extracts of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri). NAFLD was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a special high-fat diet (HFD). A 50% methanolic extract (50% ME) exhibited the highest inhibitory effect against NAFLD progression. It significantly reduced hepatomegaly (16%) and visceral fat weight (22%), decreased NAFLD score, prevented fibrosis, and reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) (48%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (65%), free fatty acids (FFAs) (25%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (45%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (38%), insulin concentration (67%), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (73%), serum atherogenic ratios TC/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (29%), LDL/HDL (66%) and (TC-HDL)/HDL (64%), hepatic content of cholesterol (43%), triglyceride (29%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (40%) compared to a non-treated HFD group. In vitro, 50% ME of P. niruri inhibited α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase enzymes and cholesterol micellization. It also had higher total phenolic and total flavonoid contents compared to other extracts. Ellagic acid and phyllanthin were identified as major compounds. These results suggest that P. niruri could be further developed as a novel natural hepatoprotective agent against NAFLD and atherosclerosis.