Essential Oil Content, Antioxidative Characteristics and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Sideritis akmanii Aytaç, Ekici & Dönmez

Objectives: Our research measures the essential oil analysis mineral substance profiles, total phenolic substance content, free radical scavenger properties, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibitory activity of Sideritis akmanii Aytaç, Ekici & Dönmez, 1996. Materials and Methods: A mixture of S. akmanii plant roots and stems were used. Essential fatty acid components of S. akmanii were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and bioelement concentrations by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of extracts was screened by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, total phenolic content, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) analysis. Cholinesterase (ChE), α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity was determined. Results: The results demonstrated that the phenolic substance content was higher in methanol extract (144.08±2.01 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract). DPPH scavenging effect of S. akmanii methanol extract (73.2%) was higher than acetone extract (60.1%). TAS values of extract methanol and acetone were 2.32±0.4 and 2.38±0.2 µmol trolox Eq /g, TOS values were 4.88±0.6 and 5.04±0.5 µmol H2O2 Eq/g, and oxidative stress index values were 2.1±0.3 and 2.11±0.24 arbitrary units, respectively. Hexadecanoic acid (17.9%) was found as the main component in the plant essential oil. S. akmanii species was prominent with high Mg and Al concentrations. Anti-ChE activity was determined that acetone extract (42.95%±0.90; 217.37±0.81 mg galantamine equivalents [(GALAEs)/g] exhibited higher than methanol (33.33%±1.81; 208.76±1.62 mg GALAE/g). α-Amylase inhibition was high in methanol extract [53.62±1.85 mmol angiotensin converting enzymes (ACEs)/g extract] compared to acetone (47.73±0.92 mmol ACEs/g extract). The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of S. akmanii was determined very low inhibition of the reference compound. Conclusion: It has been determined that S. akmanii Aytaç, Ekici & Dönmez extracts have antioxidant properties and can inhibit acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, α-amylase enzymes. This study is informative on future studies on S. akmanii a highly bioavailable species and very extensive studies should be carried out.

Evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial effects and mineral levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham.

The present study aimed to determine the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic activities and element levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham. The free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant capacity levels were analyzed as the antioxidant parameters. Seven bacteria and one yeast strains were used to determine the antimicrobial activity. The cytotoxic effects of plant extracts were determined using A549, MCF-7, HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines. The findings demonstrated that the antioxidant activity increased with an increase in the phenolic content of extracts. This species is rich in bio-elements such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mg. Different concentrations of extracts could have antibacterial activity. This plant had an apparent cytotoxic effect only in the A549 cell line and increased the proliferation in other cell lines. The findings demonstrated that plant could be used alone or as a supplement to the current treatment protocols in diseases due to their antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. However, it is recommended that Verbascum L. species intended for use in therapy should be procured from areas where there is no soil pollution or organic farming is preferred.

Does Sciaena umbra (Linnaeus 1758) otolith protect tissues against nephropathy, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by ethylene glycol?

Sciaena umbra is a species of fish with large otoliths. These otoliths are used for treatment of kidney stone disease with high morbidity among the public. In present study, the first group was determined as a control. Group 2 was applied to rats by adding 1% ethylene glycol to drinking water. Group 3 rats were given 50 mg/kg otolith by gavage daily. Group 4 rats were administered by adding ethylene glycol and otolith was given. Group 5 rats were added ethylene glycol for the first 30 days. Then next 15 days, the rats were given only otolith. the Serum CREA and BUN levels and urine calcium, phosphate and pH levels were determined to be damaged by ethylene glycol. Free radicals and oxidative damage caused by ethylene glycol were determined from oxidative/antioxidative parameters. Ethylene glycol has also been shown to be inflammatory. There is no positive effect on oxidative stress. From the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in renal tissue, SUO has shown the triggering effect of inflammation. All data indicate that otolith is not an agent that can be used in nephropathy in the kidney. It is thought that caution should be exercised regarding its use.

Assessment of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Safranal on CCI4-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats.

The present study aimed to determine the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of safranal on damage induced by CCl4. Experimental animals were divided into five groups. The first group was determined as the control group and no treatment was conducted. Second group rats were administered 1 mL/kg-day CCI4 during the experiment. Rats in Groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered 1 mL/kg-day CCI4 and 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg; 100 mg/kg safranal, respectively via gavage. Oxidative-antioxidant parameters, liver function enzymes and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined in liver samples obtained from the rats. Data analysis demonstrated that oxidative stress and inflammation markers were significantly higher in CCI4 administered groups (p<0.05). Antioxidant parameters in high-dose safranal administered groups were not different when compared to the control group. Safranal had ameliorating effects on the increased liver function enzymes activities in CCI4 administered groups. In conclusion, it was observed that CCI4 administration led to hepatic damage and increased oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine levels. It was observed that particularly high-dose administration of safranal promoted the antioxidant system. Safranal administration was not effective on IL-1ß levels. However, high-dose (100 mg/kg) safranal was found to be inflammatory against TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines. In conclusion, it can be said that safranal has an anti-inflammatory potential and has a strong antioxidative effect.

Effects of crocin on experimental obesity and type-2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study is to scrutinize the effects of crocin on obesity and type-2 diabetes, with an approach that takes oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters into account. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental obesity model was created by utilizing a 10-week-long high-fat diet (HFD). An experimental type-2 diabetes model was created by injecting multiple low-dose streptozocin (STZ) injections into rats that were fed with the HFD. The treatment groups were administered a daily crocin dose of 150 mg/kg for 6 weeks via gavage. RESULTS: Findings of the study demonstrated that crocin could be effective in relieving the symptoms of obesity and diabetes (hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance, and weight gain). It was determined that crocin lowered the plasma TNF-α and IL-1ß levels and the pancreas tissue TNF-α and IFN-γ levels, which were increased due to diabetes, and reduced the inflammation in diabetic rats. Similarly, it was found that oxidative stress, which increased due to the progress of diabetes, was reduced in crocin treatment group. CONCLUSION: Crocin could contribute to the development of phytotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and diabesity (obesity-induced diabetes), which is promising as the abovementioned incidences have increased considerably in today's world.

Anti-inflammatory effects of royal jelly on ethylene glycol induced renal inflammation in rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of Royal Jelly were investigated by inducing renal inflammation in rats with the use of ethylene glycol. For this purpose, the calcium oxalate urolithiasis model was obtained by feeding rats with ethylene glycol in drinking water. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided in five study groups. The 1st group was determined as the control group. The rats in the 2nd group received ethylene glycol (1%) in drinking water. The rats in the 3rd group were daily fed with Royal Jelly by using oral gavage. The 4th group was determined as the preventive group and the rats were fed with ethylene glycol (1%) in drinking water while receiving Royal Jelly via oral gavage. The 5th group was determined as the therapeutic group and received ethylene glycol in drinking water during the first 2 weeks of the study and Royal Jelly via oral gavage during the last 2 weeks of the study. RESULTS: At the end of the study, proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a, IL-1ß and IL-18 levels in blood and renal tissue samples from the rats used in the application were measured. CONCLUSION: The results have shown that ethylene glycol does induce inflammation and renal damage. This can cause the formation of reactive oxygen species. Royal Jelly is also considered to have anti-inflammatory effects due to its possible antiradical and antioxidative effects. It can have positive effects on both the prevention of urolithiasis and possible inflammation during the existing urolithiasis and support the medical treatment.

Anti-inflammatory effects of royal jelly on ethylene glycol induced renal inflammation in rats

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of Royal Jelly were investigated by inducing renal inflammation in rats with the use of ethylene glycol. For this purpose, the calcium oxalate urolithiasis model was obtained by feeding rats with ethylene glycol in drinking water. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided in five study groups. The 1st group was determined as the control group. The rats in the 2nd group received ethylene glycol (1%) in drinking water. The rats in the 3rd group were daily fed with Royal Jelly by using oral gavage. The 4th group was determined as the preventive group and the rats were fed with ethylene glycol (1%) in drinking water while receiving Royal Jelly via oral gavage. The 5th group was determined as the therapeutic group and received ethylene glycol in drinking water during the first 2 weeks of the study and Royal Jelly via oral gavage during the last 2 weeks of the study. Results: At the end of the study, proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 levels in blood and renal tissue samples from the rats used in the application were measured. Conclusion: The results have shown that ethylene glycol does induce inflammation and renal damage. This can cause the formation of reactive oxygen species. Royal Jelly is also considered to have anti-inflammatory effects due to its possible antiradical and antioxidative effects. It can have positive effects on both the prevention of urolithiasis and possible inflammation during the existing urolithiasis and support the medical treatment.

Evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant status in oral toxicity of fish oil methyl esters and diesel fuel in male rats.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of oral toxicity induced by fish oil biodiesel and diesel fuel. Diesel and fish oil biodiesel were administered by oral gavage to rats. For this purpose, 35 rats were divided into five groups. Sunflower oil of 250 mg kg(-1) was administered to the rats in the control group by oral gavage. The rats in the D250 and D500 groups were administered by oral gavage 250 mg kg(-1) and 500 mg kg(-1) of diesel fuel dissolved in equal amounts of sunflower oil, respectively. The rats in the F250 and F500 groups were administered by oral gavage 250 mg kg(-1) and 500 mg kg(-1) of fish oil biodiesel dissolved in equal amounts of sunflower oil, respectively. At the end of the study, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the whole blood; catalase (CAT) activity level was measured in erythrocytes; and nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3) levels were measured in the serum. It was observed that the whole blood MDA levels of the diesel groups were considerably different from those in the control and fish oil biodiesel groups (p < 0.001). GSH levels in the control group were observed to be considerably different from those in all other groups (p < 0.001). Serum NO3 concentrations in the diesel groups were found to be considerably different from those in the control and biodiesel groups. Serum NO2 concentrations in one of the diesel groups were significantly different from those in the control and biodiesel groups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The CAT activity of the control group was observed to be different from that in the other groups. According to these results, both fish oil biodiesel and diesel fuel are thought to cause lipid peroxidation. It was observed that fish oil biodiesel does not induce as much oxidative damage as does the diesel fuel. It is suggested that fish oil biodiesel should be preferred as an alternative to the diesel.

Trace and major element levels in rats after oral administration of diesel and biodiesel derived from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) seeds.

The study investigated the toxic effects of diesel and biodiesel derived from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) oil seeds on the trace and major elements in kidney, lung, liver, and serum of rats. By the end of 21 days, trace and major element concentrations in kidney, lung, and liver tissues and the serum were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. We observed that trace and major element levels in kidney, lung, and liver tissues and the serum changed. Especially, important differences were detected in trace and major element concentrations in kidney and lung tissues. In kidney tissue, the concentration differences of calcium, sodium, and zinc (Zn) were found between diesel and biodiesel groups. In lung tissue, the concentration differences of cadmium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, and Zn were found between diesel and biodiesel groups. Among the significant findings, Zn concentration in serum and liver tissue of diesel and biodiesel were different from control (p < 0.05). However, the metal levels of biodiesel group were similar to control group. Due to lesser toxicity of biodiesel, it could be considered as an alternate fuel.

Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status of endemic Thermopsis turcica.

Thermopsis turcica, endemic to Turkey, is in danger of extinction. Studies on this species are very few due to the fact that it was only discovered in 1983 and grows in a small circumscribed area in Turkey. In this study, free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) of methanol (TTM) and acetone (TTA) extracts of T. turcica were measured spectroscopically. Free radical scavenging activity was determined according to the elimination of DPPH radicals and total phenol content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reaction. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured with commercially available kits. Methanol and acetone extracts of T. turcica were found to have a specific radical scavenging effect. This effect was found to be related to the total phenolic content of the extracts. Since the TTA had a higher phenolic content than the methanol extract, it had a stronger radical scavenging effect. In addition, the total antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract was observed to be higher than that of its acetone counterpart. As a result, due to its antioxidative properties, T. turcica is thought to be a natural source of antioxidants.

Bioelement status with oral administration of fish oil methyl ester and diesel fuel in male rats.

This paper is a study on the effects on the amounts of trace elements in case of possible repeat accidental or environmental exposure with fish oil biodiesel. For this purpose, 35 male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into five groups. The first group was determined as the control group. The rats in this group were gavaged orally with 250 mg/kg sunflower oil. The rats in the second and third groups were administered by oral gavage of 250 mg/kg (D1) and 500 mg/kg (D2) diesel fuel mixed with equal amounts of sunflower oil, respectively. The rats in the fourth group were administered by oral gavage of 250 mg/kg fish oil biodiesel (F1) and the rats in the fifth group were administered by oral gavage of 500 mg/kg fish oil biodiesel (F2), both mixed with equal amounts of sunflower oil. At the end of the study, bioelement concentrations in the serum and the kidney, lung, and liver tissues were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. It was observed that serum Ca, Mg, and Sr concentrations were significantly (p<0.001) higher and Cu concentration was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the control group than in the biodiesel groups. Kidney Mg concentration was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the control group than in the diesel groups. Kidney Mg concentration was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the D2 group than in the F2 group. Kidney Mg concentration was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the control group than in the diesel groups. Lung Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Na, and Zn concentrations were different significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups. Liver Al concentration was different significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups. Liver Ca concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the control group than in the biodiesel groups. Serum and lung tissue bioelements concentrations were lower in diesel and biodiesel groups than in control group. Due to consumption for biochemical reaction of these elements, bioelements concentration could be low in diesel and biodiesel groups. Some trace elements concentrations in the kidney and liver were very high in the diesel groups. High concentration of these elements in the diesel groups might cause toxic effects. Fish oil biodiesel could be chosen as an alternative fuel instead of diesel fuel.