The effect of Myrtus communis L. extract on nephrolithiasis model in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Nephrolithiasis is a common urological disease that can lead to renal failure. Oxidative stress has been shown to be a contributing factor for nephrolithiasis and many agents have been studied to prevent and treat oxidative stress-related nephrolithiasis and renal damage. Myrtus communis (MC) extract has been shown to be an important antioxidant in different animal models. In this study, MC extract was administered preventively or therapeutically to rats with kidney stones, and its effectiveness was investigated. METHODS: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n=8); control (C), ethylene glycol (EG), EG+preventive MC, and EG+curative MC groups. The nephrolithiasis model was created by adding 0.75% EG to drinking water for 8 weeks. Ultimately, 24-hour urine was collected to measure calcium, citrate, and creatinine levels. After decapitation, kidney tissues were harvested for histological analyses, measurement of osteopontin and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase (NAG), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 activities. RESULTS: In 24-hour urine samples, calcium, citrate and creatinine levels were decreased in the EG group, while oxalate levels were increased and in treatment groups these parameters returned to control levels. MPO, 8-OHdG, caspase-3 and NAG activity were significantly increased in tissue and these changes were reversed in both MC groups. Histological findings also supported the biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: MC can reduce oxidative stress and histopathological changes in kidney tissues in rat nephrolithiasis model when used as either a preventive or therapeutic agent. If supported with further clinical trials, MC might have clinical implications in preventing oxidative renal cell injury and ultimately kidney stone formation.

Histological and biochemical effects of an ethanolic extract of Myrtus communis leaf on the pancreases of rats fed high fat diets.

We investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) leaves on the pancreases of rats fed with a high fat diet (HFD). Wistar albino rats were fed either with standard lab chow (Control group) or with a 45% fat diet (HFD and HFD+MC groups) for 4 months, with the MC extract (100 mg/kg) being administered by orogastric gavage to rats in the HFD+MC group during the last month. Blood and pancreas samples were collected from all experimental groups at the end of the study. Insulin and leptin levels, and the lipid profile, were analyzed in the blood serum. Pancreatic injury was assessed histologically. Insulin, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemistry. In addition, oxidant/antioxidant activity was analyzed by biochemical methods. Increased body weight, serum insulin and leptin levels, blood glucose level and pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and decreased tissue glutathione (GSH) level were observed in the HFD group compared to the Control group, in addition to dyslipidemia. An increased histopathological damage score, pancreatic islet area, insulin, TUNEL, NF-κB and α-SMA immunoreactivity were seen in animals from the HFD group compared to the Control group. However, such pathological changes were reduced in the HFD+MC group. Our data indicate further investigation of MC extract as a therapeutic adjuvant for HFD-induced pancreatic injury, acting via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, is worth carrying out.

Ameliorative effects of Myrtus communis L. extract involving the inhibition of oxidative stress on high fat diet-induced testis damage in rats.

The possible protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract on a high fat diet (HFD)-induced testicular injury in a rat model were investigated using histological and biochemical methods. Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: a standard diet control group; a HFD group; and an HFD+MC group. The HFD and HFD+MC groups were fed with a HFD for 16 weeks. MC extract (100 mg/kg) was given orally five days a week to the rats in the HFD+MC group during the last four weeks of the experiment. Leptin, triglyceride, high-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, estrogen, testosterone, LH and FSH were analyzed in blood serum. Sperm parameters were evaluated from the epididymis. Testicular morphology, proliferative, apoptotic and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2)-positive cells were evaluated histologically. Testicular oxidative stress parameters were analyzed biochemically. In the HFD group, lipid and hormone profiles were changed, abnormal spermatozoa, degenerated seminiferous tubules with apoptotic and NOX2-positive cells were increased in number, and sperm motility and germinal proliferative cells decreased compared to the control group. Moreover, testicular malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase levels increased, whereas glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels decreased in the HFD group compared to the control group. All these histological and biochemical features were ameliorated by MC treatment of HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, HFD caused alterations in sperm parameters and testicular morphology by increasing oxidative damage and apoptosis. MC extract may have potential protective effects by inhibiting oxidative damage.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats by Regulation of Inflammatory Mediators.

In traditional medicine, many medicinal plants are used in the treatment of various diseases caused by inflammation. The objective of the present study is to elucidate for the first time the effects of Cotinus coggygria (CC) ethanol extract (CCE) on colonic structure and inflammation of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Colonic damage was assessed using disease activity index score, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Also, in vitro antioxidant activity of CCE was investigated by ABTS methods. Total phytochemical content of CCE was measured spectroscopically. Acetic acid caused colonic damage according to disease activity index and macroscopic scoring. CCE significantly reversed these damages. While the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TGF-1beta increased in tissue with UC, IL-10 level decreased. CCE increased inflammatory cytokine levels to values close to the sham group. At the same time, while markers indicating disease severity such as VEGF, COX-2, PGE2, and 8-OHdG indicated the disease in the colitis group, these values returned to normal with CCE. Histological research results support biochemical analysis. CCE exhibited significant antioxidant against ABTS radical. Also, CCE was found to have a high content of total polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide evidence that CCE might be benefit as a promising novel therapy in the treatment of UC in humans due to high polyphenol content and justify the use of CC in folkloric medicine for treatment of inflamed diseases.

Protective effects of Rubus tereticaulis leaves ethanol extract on rats with ulcerative colitis and bio-guided isolation of its active compounds: A combined in silico, in vitro and in vivo study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of active ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Rubus tereticaulis (RTME) against colitis, and to purify major compounds from this extract by bioassay-directed isolation. Rats with colitis induced via intra-rectal acetic acid administration (5%, v/v) received RTME or sulfasalazine for three consecutive days. On day four, all rats were decapitated, and the colonic tissue samples were collected for macroscopic score, colon weight, reduced glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. The active compounds and chemical composition of RTME were determined by bio-guided isolation and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Compared to the colitis group, the rats treated with RTME displayed significantly lowered macroscopic scores and colon wet weights (p < 0.001). These effects were confirmed biochemically by a decrease in colonic MPO activity (p < 0.001), MDA levels (p < 0.001), and an increase in GSH levels (p < 0.001). Kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide (RT1) and quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide (RT2) were found to be the major compounds of RTME, as evidenced by in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity-guided isolation. Their anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities were also predicted by docking simulations. Additionally, quinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin pentoside, quercetin glucoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide, and kaempferol rutinoside were identified in RTME via using LC-MS/MS. RT2, along with other compounds, may be responsible for the observed protective action of RTME against colitis. This study represents the first report on the beneficial effects of RTME in an experimental model of colitis and highlights the potential future use of RTME as a natural alternative to alleviate colitis.

A new eudesmanolide from Tanacetum balsamita L. and biological activities of extracts.

The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from aerial parts of Tanacetum balsamita yielded a new derivative of 1-acetyl-erivanin, namely 1-acetyl-3-epi-erivanin (17), some known compounds, namely seventeen sesquiterpene lactones, five flavonoids, four coumarins, and a steroid. All extracts displayed antibacterial activity against test microorganisms except for Escherichia coli. The methanol (TBM) extract with an IC50 value of 0.180 mg/mL exhibited good antioxidant activity against DPPH radical while all extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity against lipoxygenase enzyme. The ethyl acetate (TBEA) extract presented moderate activity against α-glucosidase enzyme with an IC50 of 0.808 mg/mL. The highest total phenol content with 91.050 mg GAE/g extract was found in TBM. It is the first study on the isolation of secondary metabolites as well as 5-lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of T. balsamita growing in Turkey.

Ethanolic extract of cotinuscoggygria leaves attenuates crystalluria and kidney damage in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Nephrolithiasis is a common cause of kidney insufficiency. Nephrolithiasis is proven to be the result of various biochemical and inflammatory processes that result in crystal formation and subsequent aggregation. Cotinuscoggygria L. (CCog) is a plant extract which has been used as a Turkish remedy for kidney stones. With this study, we planned to evaluate the effects of CCog extract in ethylene glycol (EG)-induced nephrolithiasis model in rats. METHODS: The study group comprised 32 Wistar albino rats which were divided into Control (C), EG, CCog Prophylaxis (CC+EG+CC), and CCog Treatment (EG+CC) groups. Stone formation was induced by adding EG (0.75%) into rat's drinking water. Normal drinking water was given to Control group for 8 weeks. Throughout the study period of 8 weeks, EG group was given only EG (0.75%) and CC+EG+CC group was given both EG and CCog. In EG+CC group, EG (0.75%) was given for 8 weeks whereas CCog was given for the past 4 weeks. After the 8th week, 24-h urine samples were collected. Rats were then sacrificed and kidney tissue samples were harvested. RESULTS: Metabolites (calcium, citrate) and creatinine in 24 h urine samples were decreased in CC+EG+CC and EG+CC groups. While hyperoxaluria was observed in the EG group, oxalate levels were similar to control levels in the P-CCog and C-CCog groups. The N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase and myeloperoxidase activities were both increased in EG group and these parameters were significantly decreased on CCog treatment. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that C. coggygria extract can have beneficial effect on lowering concentration of stone-forming metabolites in urine and consequently protect renal tissues from damage due to nephrolithiasis. C. coggygria extract can be considered as a potential prophylactic and therapeutic option in high-risk stone formers. Furthermore, our data confirm ethnobotanical use of CC against nephrolithiasis.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet effects of Ribes rubrum L. fruit extract in the diabetic rats.

The prothrombotic and inflammatory state plays a significant role in the occurrence of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet potentials of the extracts obtained from Ribes rubrum were investigated. The antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the ethanol and water extracts of R. rubrum were evaluated by in vitro methods. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. The experimental diabetes model in rats was induced with streptozotocin (STZ). After hyperglycemia occurred, the ethanol extracts of R. rubrum (RRE, at 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses) were administered to the treatment groups for 14 days. Blood glucose, lipid profile, plasma, and pancreas tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were determined and compared at the end of the experiments. P-selectin levels and mitochondrial membrane polarization (MMP) of platelets were also measured. In vitro study, the RRE showed potent anti-inflammatory activity. Administration of RRE (at 100 mg/kg doses) to diabetic rats lowered blood glucose level insignificantly. The results showed that there was an increment in levels of TNF-α in plasma and pancreas tissue of the diabetic group compared to the control group. R. rubrum extract regulated and normalized their levels in plasma and pancreatic tissue. RRE at both doses significantly decreased platelet P-selectin levels and prevented STZ-induced loss of MMP in platelets. The results of current research indicate that RRE extract has potent anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects and may be beneficial in preventing diabetic complications. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hyperglycemia causes dyslipidemia, advanced oxidative stress, platelet activation, and inflammation in diabetes mellitus. Plants with various medicinal properties are of worldwide interest for the treatment of diseases due to their biological activities. In this study, the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of extracts of Ribes rubrum (%100 ethanol, 50% ethanol, water) were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. The diabetes model was induced with streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into control, diabetic control, R. rubrum-100 mg/kg, and R. rubrum-500 mg/kg doses groups. Blood glucose levels, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), platelet P-selectin levels, mitochondrial membrane polarization of platelets were examined. The present study has shown that R. rubrum has anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activity. R. rubrum may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of DM complications due to its anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects.

Effects of Myrtus communis L. Extract and Apocynin on Lens Oxidative Damage and Boron Levels in Rats with a High Fat-Diet.

OBJECTIVES: Nutritional obesity causes oxidant damage in the body and cataract formation in the lenses by increasing the formation of free radicals. Myrtus communis leaf extracts (Myr) have antioxidant properties, and apocynin (Apo) is an effective NADPH-oxidase inhibitor. The data on tissue boron levels are quite lacking. The aim of this novel study was to investigate the effects of Myr and Apo treatment on boron levels and oxidative lens damage in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, HFD group, HFD + Myr group, and HFD + Apo group. Body weight and blood lipids were determined before and after the experiment. After decapitating the rats, the lenses were removed and homogenized. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and boron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the lens homogenates were determined. RESULTS: The HFD increased serum triglyceride (p<0.05), total cholesterol level (p<0.001), body weight (p<0.001), and lens MDA levels (p<0.01) and decreased lens GSH (p<0.05) and boron level (p<0.01), SOD (p<0.001), and CAT activity (p<0.001). However, Myr and Apo treatment reduced the rats' body weight (p<0.001), serum triglyceride (p<0.05), and total cholesterol level (p<0.001) and increased lens boron (p<0.01; p<0.001), GSH levels (p<0.05; p<0.01), and CAT activity (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both Myr and Apo may be able to reduce oxidative stress in the lenses of obese rats caused by HFD by increasing boron levels.

Investigation of possible neuroprotective effects of some plant extracts on brain in bile duct ligated rats.

This study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of bitter melon (BM), chard, and parsley extracts on oxidative damage that may occur in the brain of rats with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced biliary cirrhosis. It was observed that lipid peroxidation (LPO), sialic acid (SA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels increased; glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) activity, and tissue factor (TF) activity decreased significantly in the BDL group. However, in groups with BDL given BM, chard, and parsley extracts LPO, SA, NO levels decreased; GSH levels and CAT activities increased significantly. No significant differences were observed between groups in total protein, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and boron. Histological findings were supported by the biochemical results. BM, chard, and parsley extracts were effective in the regression of oxidant damage caused by cirrhosis in the brain tissues. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bitter melon (BM), chard, and parsley have antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds which are involved in scavenging free radicals, suppressing their production, and stimulating the production of endogenous antioxidant compounds. Since BM, chard, and parsley extracts were found to be effective in the regression of oxidant damage caused by cirrhosis in the brain tissues, these plant extracts may be an alternative in the development of different treatment approaches against brain damage in cirrhosis. At the same time, these species have been used as food by the people for many years. Therefore, they can be used safely as neuroprotective agents in treatment.

Evaluation of the patients with flank pain in the emergency department by modified STONE score.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Computed tomography (CT) is generally used for ureteral stone diagnosis. Unnecessary imaging use should be reduced to prevent increased radiation exposure and lower costs. For this reason, scoring systems that evaluate the risk of ureteral stones have been developed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the modified STONE score (MSS) and its ability to predict ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was conducted as a multi-center, prospective and observational study. Patients aged 18 and over who presented to EDs with complaints of flank pain and who received a CT were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of stones, and the categories of the MSS were determined. The ability of the MSS to predict the ureteral stone and its diagnostic accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: The median age (min/max) of the 367 study patients was 37 (18/91), and 244 (66.5%) were male. A ureteral stone was present in 228 (73.0%) patients. Male gender, previous stone history, duration of pain less than 6 h, presence of hematuria, and CRP value below 0.5 mg/dL were significantly more common in the group with stones. The prevalence of ureter stones in the MSS high-risk group was 96.0%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity of the MSS was 0.903 and 0.81, respectively. CONCLUSION: The modified STONE score has high diagnostic performance in suspected urinary stone cases. This scoring system can assist clinicians with radiation reducing decision-making.

Assessment of Cota altissima (L.) J. Gay for phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities.

Phytochemical profiles of essential oil (EO), fatty acids, and n-hexane (CAH), diethyl ether (CAD), ethyl acetate (CAE) and methanol extracts (CAM) of Cota altissima L. J. Gay (syn. Anthemis altissima L.) were investigated as well as their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activites. The essential oil was characterized by the content of acetophenone (35.8%) and ß-caryophyllene (10.3%) by GC-MS/FID. Linoleic and oleic acid were found as main fatty acids. The major constituents of the extracts were found to be 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, isorhamnetin glucoside, quercetin and quercetin glucoside by LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by scavenging of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Also, the inhibitory effects on lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase enzymes were determined. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and yeast pathogens. CAM showed the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values of 126.60 and 144.40 µg/mL, respectively. In the anti-inflammatory activity, CAE demonstrated the highest antilipoxygenase activity with an IC50 value of 105.40 µg/mL, whereas, CAD showed the best inhibition of α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 396.40 µg/mL in the antidiabetic activity. CAH was effective against Staphylococcus aureus at MIC = 312.5 µg/mL. This is the first report on antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of different extracts of C. altissima.

Characterization of hydrochar and process water from the hydrothermal carbonization of Refuse Derived Fuel.

In this study, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was used as a thermochemical conversion process to upgrade Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). The effect of process temperature (250 °C, 275 °C and 300 °C), residence time (30 min and 120 min), and RDF-to-water ratio (1:15 and 1:5) on the main characteristics of the produced hydrochars and process waters was assessed. The HTC process yielded hydrochars with enhanced fuel properties when compared to the original feedstock, namely higher carbon content and heating value. The hydrochars also presented reduced oxygen and ash contents. The hydrochar produced at 300 °C for 120 min presented the lowest ash content (3.3 wt%, db) whereas the highest heating value was found for the hydrochar obtained at 275 °C for 120 min (28.1 MJ/kg, db). The HTC process was also responsible for a significant reduction in chlorine concentration, showing dechlorination efficiencies between 69.2 and 77.9%. However, the HTC process generated acidic process waters with high COD values (maximum 27.2 gO2/L), which need to be further managed or valorized. Energy calculations were also performed, revealing that lower water amounts, lower temperatures, and longer residence times, represent optimal conditions for higher hydrochar yields and consequently good process efficiencies.

The effect of Myrtus communis L. ethanol extract on the small intestine and lungs in experimental thermal burn injury.

Thermal trauma can damage organs away from the skin burn site and lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Following thermal injury, all tissues are exposed to ischemia, and as a result, resuscitation and reperfusion occur during the burning shock. Burn damage starts systemic inflammatory reactions that produce toxins and reactive oxygen radicals that lead to peroxidation. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the possible antioxidant effects of Myrtus communis ethanol extract on burn-induced oxidative distant organ injury orally. The thermal trauma was generated under ether anesthesia by exposing the dorsum of rats to 90 °C water bath for 10 s. 100 mg/kg/day Mrytus communis ethanol extract was applied orally for two days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, glutatinone-S-transferase (GST), superoxidedismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined to detect the possible antioxidant effects of myrtle on small intestine and lung tissues. Burn damage significantly increased MDA levels in lung and small intestine tissues, and significantly decreased GSH levels, CAT and GST activities in the small intestine and lung tissues compared to control group. Mrytus communis ethanol extract decreased MDA level and increased GSH level, SOD, CAT and GST activities significantly in either small intestine or lung tissues. Mrytus communis extract may be an ideal candidate to be used as an antioxidant adjunct to improve oxidative distant organ damage to limit the systemic inflammatory response and decreasing the recovery time after thermal injury.

Evaluation of biochemical parameters in Rubus tereticaulis treated rats and its implications in wound healing.

We evaluated the effects of Rubus tereticaulis in healing process by determining the total carbonyl content, collagen synthesis, and total protein level on rat wounded tissues. Wounds were performed in the back of 54 Wistar rats, using a biopsy punch instrument with 0.6 mm in diameter. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (i) un-treatment wounds group served as "controls", (ii) Madecassol® used as "positive control" group, and (iii) the application of topical cream of R. tereticaulis served as "treatment" group of wound healing. The animals were killed at the end of experiment under anesthesia with ketamine, and tissue samples were collected for the evaluation at three times intervals (3rd, 7th, and 14th day). The wounded areas were analyzed for total carbonyl content, collagen, and total protein levels by HPLC, ELISA, and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Total carbonyl content in the treatment group was significantly lower in comparison with control group on 3rd day (2.839 ± 0.438 vs. 3.216 ± 0.216 nmol carbonyl/mol protein; p < 0.5) and 14th days (4.222 ± 0.128 vs. 4.784 ± 0.077 nmol carbonyl/mol protein; p < 0.05), respectively. New collagen formation on the wound sites after the initial injury was noted in the treated and positive control groups (5.310 ± 0.331 vs. 5.164 ± 0.377 mg collagen/g wet tissue) at the 3rd day than control group (2.180 ± 0.718 mg collagen/g wet tissue, p < 0.01), and in treated and positive control groups at 7th day (9.654 ± 0.201, 9.053 ± 1.062 mg collagen/g wet tissue, p < 0.01); and in treated and positive control groups at 14th day (8.469 ± 0.236, 5.631 ± 0.531 mg collagen/g wet tissue, respectively; p < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. Total protein level of samples did not change significantly between the groups. Thus, application of R. tereticaulis ameliorated the wound healing process in rats as it facilitated collagen formation through healing of the wound. Evaluating total carbonyl content by HPLC could be useful as an advance procedure for quantification of healing.

Myrtus communis subsp. communis improved cognitive functions in ovariectomized diabetic rats.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) on cognitive impairment in ovariectomized diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups consisting of 15 rats each; Control (C), Diabetes (D), Ovariectomy and diabetes (OVX + D), Ovariectomy, diabetes and donepezil (OVX + D + Don), Ovariectomy, diabetes and Myrtus communis subsp. communis (OVX + D + MC). Blood glucose measurements were made at the beginning and end of the experiments. The animals underwent the novel object recognition test (NORT) and their performance was evaluated. In hippocampal tissues; amyloid beta (Aß) and neprilysin levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities, polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), α7 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expressions were examined. RESULTS: Animals with ovariectomy and diabetes showed increased levels of blood glucose, AChE activity and Aß levels, and decreased neprilysin levels, ChAT activity, α7-nAChR, PSA-NCAM and BDNF gene expressions in parallel with a decrease in NORT performance score. On the other hand, in the MC-treated OVX + D group, there was a significant decrease observed in blood glucose levels and AChE activities while there was improvement in NORT performances and an increase in hippocampal ChAT activity, neprilysin levels, α7-nAChR, PSA-NCAM and BDNF expressions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MC extract could improve cognitive and neuronal functions with its anticholinesterase and antihyperglycemic properties.

Myrtus communis leaf extract protects against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

In this study, the aim was to examine the potential protective effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis leaf ethanol extract (MC) treatment against acute pancreatitis (AP) in rats. Thirty-two rats were grouped as the saline-pretreated control (C), MC-pretreated control (MC), saline-pretreated AP (AP), and MC-pretreated AP (MC + AP) groups. To induce AP, cerulein was administered (50 µg/kg) two times. The rats were given MC for 14 days before cerulein injection. Six hours after the final cerulein injection, the rats were sacrificed. Pancreatic damage was associated with an increase in the serum activity of lipase and amylase, the pancreatic activity of myeloperoxidase, and the pancreatic level of malondialdehyde, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6. AP also led to a decrease in the pancreatic level of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and glutathione. Pretreatment with MC before the induction of AP significantly reduced the pancreatic damage observed during the histological examination as well as reversed the biochemical changes evoked by AP. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Acute pancreatitis is characterized by high mortality (average about 5%; severe cases may reach about 30%). The current treatment for acute pancreatitis is mainly symptomatic. The introduction of herbal drugs may lead to the development of a new strategy in the treatment of this disease. This study revealed that MC reduced pancreatic injury by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. To the authors' knowledge, this research is the first report showing that MC inhibits the development of AP. This observation suggests that MC may be useful in the prevention and the treatment of AP in clinical settings.

Protective effect of Myrtle (Myrtus communis) on burn induced skin injury.

Thermal skin burns cause local injury as well as triggers acute systemic inflammation response where the imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative system occurs. As an alternative treatment, various medicinal herbs are used to treat burn injuries in many countries. In this study, the possible protective role of oral or topical Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) treatment against burn-induced damage was investigated. The dorsum of the Wistar Albino rats was shaved and exposed to 90 °C water bath in burn group or 25 °C water bath in control group for 10 s under ether anesthesia. Myrtle extract was applied 100 mg/kg/day for 2 days either orally or topically. In skin samples; malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide and tissue factor activities were determined. Skin tissues were also examined by light microscopy. Severe thermal skin burn injury caused a significant decrease in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, catalase and tissue factor activities as well as nitric oxide level, which was accompanied with significant increases in skin malondialdehyde level. Myrtle treatment reversed all these biochemical indices except topical Myrtle treated group's nitric oxide level, as well as histopathological alterations, which were induced by thermal trauma. Both oral and topical Myrtle extract treatment was found to have protective role in the burn induced oxidative injury, which may be attributed to the potential antioxidant effect of Myrtle. As a conclusion, Myrtle significantly diminishes burn-induced damage in skin.

Effect of Horse-chestnut seed extract on matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9 during diabetic wound healing.

The effects of aqueous-ethanol extract of Horse chestnut (HCE) on MMP-1 and MMP-9 expressions during cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats were investigated in this study. The expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-9, wound closure, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in wound tissue were measured. Quercetin glucuronide in HCE was identified as main compound using a LC-MS/MS. The hydroxyproline level was significantly increased in the treated group versus control after the 3rd and 7th days (p < 0.05). The MDA level and MPO activity were significantly lower in the treatment group (p < 0.05). MMP-1 gene expression level in treated rats was increased in the 7th day while it was reduced in 14th day. MMP-9 gene expression level in treated rats was decreased in 7th, and 14th days compared to control (p < 0.05). These results show that HCE accelerated the cutaneous wound-healing process in diabetic rats via MMP-1 and MMP-9 regulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The main function of MMPs is to degrade and deposite the various components of the extracellular matrix. Also, they participate physiological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Horse chestnut seeds (HC) are known to be rich in saponins and flavonoids. HC are used for the treatment of abdominal pain, stomach ache, cold, hemorrhoids, arterial stiffness, rheumatism, oedema, diarrhea, chronic venous insufficiency and also as an antihemorrhagic and antipyretic in traditional medicine. It has been shown that HC has anti-inflammatory, antioedema, vessel protective, and free radical scavenging properties. This study indicates that HCE could be an effective agent for wound healing in diabetic wound model via its ability to suppress the MMP-9 gene expression and regulates MMP-1 gene expression besides its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory effects.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Myrtus communis in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer model through cholinergic receptors.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing common health problem with increasing age. Evidences show that the key symptoms of AD are mainly caused by cholinergic system dysfunction which has a role in cognitive disorders. Cholinergic pathways especially muscarinic receptors like M1 subtype also have a major role in learning, memory, cognitive functions and emotional state. There is no available permanent treatment currently to cure AD or to change its progression. This study was designed to investigate the factors that play important role in pathogenesis of AD and to compare the effects of Galantamine treatment with effects of Myrtus communis treatment. The expression level of M1, ACh, BDNF; AChE activity, GSH level, MDA and MPO activity and AChE gene expression were investigated in scopolamine-induced rat model. Results showed that, administration of MC significantly improves the SCOP-induced reduction of latency and object recognition time; increasing BDNF, M1 and ACh receptor expression levels in the different brain regions. Additionally, MC showed an increased in AChE by enhancing GSH activity and reducing MDA level and MPO activity. In conclusion MC considered as a possible novel therapeutic approach that can be a valuable alternative way in the prevention and treatment of AD.