Clinacanthus nutans L Extracts Reduce the Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Malondialdehyde, and Interleukin-6 Levels and Improve the Langerhans Islet Area in Diabetic Rat Models.

Background: Diabetes mellitus-induced hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production, which play a significant role in the damage and apoptosis of pancreatic ß cells. Therefore, the administration of medications that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation plays an important role in diabetes treatment. Objective: To probe the Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and the Langerhans islet area in diabetic rat models. Design: An experimental laboratory in the animal model. Methods: Twenty-five diabetic rat models were randomly assigned into 5 clusters. Clusters 1, 2, and 3 were administered with C. nutans leaf extract in aqueous suspension with vehicle 1% Na-CMC at 75 mg/kg body weight (BW), 150 mg/kg BW, and 300 mg/kg BW, respectively. Cluster 4 was diabetic control rats administered with metformin at a 21 mg/rat dose. Cluster 5 was a control diabetic rat only administered with 1% Na-CMC suspension. Treatment was administered orally for 14 days. On the 15th day, the rats were sacrificed to obtain blood samples and pancreatic tissues. Serum interleukin (IL)-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Histopathological examination was performed by counting the Langerhans islet areas. Results: The average IL-6, MDA, and TNF-α levels declined in the cluster receiving C. nutans extract and were significantly different from the untreated cluster (P < .05). Histopathological examination revealed a significant upsurge in the Langerhans islets area in diabetic rats receiving C. nutans extract at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg (P < .05). Conclusion: C. nutans leaf extract reduced the serum MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and increased the Langerhans islets area in a diabetic rat model.

Dietary Supplement Consumption and Mental Health in Indonesian Adults During Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: This study aimed to measure supplement consumption behavior and mental health status among Indonesian adults during the second year of COVID-19. Participants and Methods: Online questionnaire regarding supplement consumption, and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) was distributed from March to June 2021 and obtained 1006 valid and completed questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to determine the frequency and predictor factors of the respondents' supplement consumption behavior and mental health status. Results: Respondents were divided into two groups, vulnerable and non-vulnerable individuals. The finding showed that 34.5% respondents were vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with comorbid disease(s). The vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups exhibited a high prevalence of supplement consumption, with the vulnerable group demonstrating a greater tendency for regular use. The incidence of mental health problems in both groups did not significantly differ (23-38%), where anxiety was higher than depression and stress. Supplement consumption was associated with mental health status. Several positive predicting factors for supplement consumption behavior included older age, higher economic status, and higher education. While the younger age and unmarried respondents were more likely to develop mental health problems. Conclusion: Taken together, given dietary supplement consumption increased during the pandemic and the potential associations between supplement consumption and mental health, controlling the correct information and regulation regarding supplements, especially their risks and benefits, was important. Additionally, support for mental health issues was necessary, since it might affect self-medication behavior.

The Effect of Green Tea with EGCG Active Compound in Enhancing the Expression of M2 Microglia Marker (CD206).

Background: Stroke is a neurological deficit due to vascular disorders. Microglia are the first line of defense against brain injury. Anti-inflammatory cytokines activate M2 microglia, which upregulate CD206. EGCG is abundant in green tea, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Objective: To know the effect of green tea with its active compound EGCG on CD206 expression. Settings and Design: True experimental trial design. Material and Methods: Rattus Novergicus were divided into six groups: a negative control group (Sham), a positive control group (P0), MCAO mice given 10 mg/kg BW EGCG (P1), 20 mg/kg BW EGCG (P2), 30 mg/kg BW EGCG (P3), and 30 mg/kg BW standardized green tea extract (P4). CD206 expression was measured using immunohistochemistry and scored according to the Allred scoring guidelines. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive test, Levine test, Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test, Independent sample t test, Pearson correlation test. Results: We discovered that there is a significant difference in CD206 expression between the Sham and P0 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there are significant differences in expression between the sham group and the other two groups (P1 and P2) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, when we compared the P0 group with each treatment group, we found that CD206 expression between P0-P2, P0-P3, P0-P4 are significantly different. There is a significant correlation between green tea with its active compound EGCG and CD206 expression enhancement. The correlation is positive. Conclusions: Green tea with EGCG active compound increases CD206 expression as an M2 marker in the Rattus norvegicus with MCAO model.

The self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of Petiveria alliacea extract reduced the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance value, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α level in diabetic rat models.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Metaflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis, development, and complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). This inflammation is associated with insulin resistance. Therefore, the inflammatory pathways have been targeted for pharmacological treatment. Petiveria alliacea can decrease blood glucose levels and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, there are still insufficient data regarding its efficacy for the treatment of DM. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of P. alliacea leaf extract on the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance (IR) value and interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five diabetic rat models were randomly divided into five groups. The first group received the SNEDDS of P. alliacea leaf extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW), the second group received it at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW, the third group received it at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW, the fourth group received 18 mg of metformin, and the fifth group only received the SNEDDS formula. The treatment was administered once a day, orally, for 14 days. On the 15th day after treatment, the rats were sacrificed to obtain blood samples for cardiac examination. The IL-6, TNF-α, and insulin levels in the serum were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The HOMA-IR value was calculated using a formula. RESULTS: The mean IL-6 and TNF-α levels were low in the group that received the SNEDDS of P. alliacea leaf extract. There was no significant difference in the insulin level in all treatment and control groups. However, a significant difference in the HOMA-IR value was noted between the group that received the SNEDDS of P. alliacea leaf extract and metformin and the group that did not receive treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SNEDDS of P. alliacea leaf extract reduced the HOMA-IR value and suppressed the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the STZ-induced diabetic rat model.