Rice Bran: From Waste to Nutritious Food Ingredients.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a principal food for more than half of the world's people. Rice is predominantly consumed as white rice, a refined grain that is produced during the rice milling process which removes the bran and germ and leaves the starchy endosperm. Rice bran is a by-product produced from the rice milling process, which contains many bioactive compounds, for instance, phenolic compounds, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and γ-oryzanol. These bioactive compounds are thought to protect against cancer, vascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Extraction of rice bran oil also generates various by-products including rice bran wax, defatted rice bran, filtered cake, and rice acid oil, and some of them exert bioactive substances that could be utilized as functional food ingredients. However, rice bran is often utilized as animal feed or discarded as waste. Therefore, this review aimed to discuss the role of rice bran in metabolic ailments. The bioactive constituents and food product application of rice bran were also highlighted in this study. Collectively, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism and the role of these bioactive compounds exerted in the rice bran would provide a useful approach for the food industry and prevent metabolic ailments.

In Vitro Investigation of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Phenolic-Rich Extract from Stingless Bee Honey (Heterotrigona itama)

@#Introduction: The increase of Type 2 diabetes mellitus has prompted numerous research toward finding an alternative to manage the disease through the oxidant-antioxidant balance, mainly through bioactive compounds in natural products. This study explored the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of phenolic-rich extract (PRE) from Stingless bee honey (SBH) (Heterotrigona itama) as therapeutic agent to restore the redox balance. Methods: The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant assays of PRE and SBH, were determined to provide preliminary insight into the sample’s antioxidant properties, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of PRE. The antidiabetic potential of PRE and SBH were determined based on their inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The cytotoxicity analysis of PRE was conducted on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 muscle cells before the glucose uptake and cellular antioxidant analyses were performed on both cell lines, respectively. Results: PRE yielded higher TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities than SBH. The phytochemical profile of PRE comprises gallic acid, myricetin, kaempferol, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, syringic acid, and cinnamic acid. The results from carbohydrate enzymatic inhibitory assays collectively suggested that PRE exhibited more robust antidiabetic activities than SBH. PRE showed good glucose uptake stimulating and reactive oxygen species scavenging effects in those cell lines. Conclusion: Overall, PRE from SBH showed higher carbohydrate enzymatic inhibition, glucose uptake, and protection against intracellular oxidative stress, primarily due to its high antioxidant content and may serve as an alternative therapeutic agent for managing T2DM.

Quantification of Selected Bioactive Compounds in Instant Coffee and Their Effect on Gastric Release using HGT-1 Cells

@#Introduction: This study was carried out to quantify the selected bioactive compounds (i.e., chlorogenic acids, caffeine, and N-methylpyridinium) in instant coffee and to analyze its correlation with the gastric release effect of the HGT-1 cell line. Methods: Selected bioactive compounds in regular (REG), low sugar (LS), low fat (LF), white coffee (WC), white coffee low acid (WCA), decaffeinated (DC), and instant black coffee (BC) were quantified using HPLCDAD (high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detection) system and flow cytometry analysis for its gastric release effect when treated with HGT-1 cell. Results: The HPLC data showed the content of caffeine (60,212 ± 212 µg/ml) and chlorogenic acid (35,779 ± 3027 µg/ml) were significantly high in BC while the lowest caffeine value was found in DC coffee. Chlorogenic acid in other instant coffee samples showed insignificant content distinctions. As for N-methylpyridinium (NMP), the highest content was found in BC (565 µg/ml) and the lowest value was detected in WC (52 µg/ml) coffee. Gastric release activity by HGT-1 cells was significantly higher in DC and REG coffee treatment. Pearson correlation showed no significant correlation between the quantitative data and gastric release activity by HGT-1 cells. Conclusion: The selected bioactive compounds contained in instant coffees were unable to stimulate gastric release.

Oxidative Stress, Diet and Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer has become the second leading cancer in men worldwide. Androgen plays an important role in normal functioning, development, and differentiation of the prostate, and thus is considered to be the most powerful candidate that mediates reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance in the prostate. The elevation of ROS has been associated with the progression and development of this disease. Conventional therapy has shown a high cure rate in patients with localized prostate cancer. Despite the patients respond favorably initially, this therapy fails to response in the advanced stage of the diseases even in the absence of androgens. Indeed, the onset and progression of prostate cancer could be prevented by changing dietary habits. Much information indicates that oxidative stress and prostate cancer can be modulated by dietary components rich in antioxidants. While there is substantial evidence to suggest an association between prostate cancer risk and ROS-mediated oxidative stress; therefore, the interactions and mechanisms of this phenomenon are worth to discuss further. This review aimed to discuss the mechanisms of action of oxidative stress involved in the progression of prostate cancer. We also highlighted how some of the vital dietary components dampen or exacerbate inflammation, oxidative stress, and prostate cancer. Overall, the reported information would provide a useful approach to the prevention of prostate cancer.

Iron Chelation Properties of Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Colorectal Cancer Cells: Analysis on Tfr/Fth Regulations and Molecular Docking.

In many studies, green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has already shown its therapeutic effects in colorectal cancer cells (CRC). However, its mechanism of actions in CRC is poorly elucidated. Hence, this study attempts to elucidate the mechanism of actions of green tea ECGG via iron chelation activity in CRC. In order to investigate this property, HT-29 cell lines (CRC) were treated with EGCG for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. From western blot analysis, EGCG had upregulated transferrin receptor (TfR) protein and downregulated Ferritin-H (FtH) protein indicating that iron chelation activity has occurred in CRC. Meanwhile, the molecular docking study demonstrated that EGCG is able to strongly interact the ferritin protein with a high binding affinity (-7.3 kcal/mol) via strong hydrogen bindings to glutamic acid 64 and lysine 71; two moderate hydrogen bindings to asparagine 74 and a hydrophobic interaction to the hydrophobic pocket of lysine 71. The strong interaction predicted between EGCG to ferritin may lead to inhibition of ferritin by EGCG, thus supporting the downregulation of FtH observed in in vitro studies. Molecular docking study of TfR to EGCG cannot be modulated based on the in vitro results. In conclusion, EGCG possesses iron chelator property in CRC and this potential could be further exploited for CRC treatment.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen: Potential Source of Natural Antioxidants

@#Introduction: Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen or sapodilla is a fruit-bearing tree that has been cultivated mainly in tropical areas including Mexico and South East Asia. The fruits and the other parts of M. zapota plant have been used since ages ago for various medicinal purposes. However, the data on the antioxidant properties of various parts of M. zapota is limited. Therefore, we aimed to measure the content and capacity of antioxidants in various M. zapota plant parts and also to screen the phytoconstituents present in the part with the highest antioxidant content and capacity. Methods: The in vitro antioxidant evaluation including the content of total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) as well as β-carotene bleaching and 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability of the leaves, seeds, flesh, and peels of M. zapota extracted by aqueous and ethanol were determined. The plant part that exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity was selected for phytoconstituents identification using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: M. zapota leaves aqueous extract exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacities and therefore selected for phytoconstituents identification. Our study provide additional data in which a total of 39 phytoconstituents have been identified in the M. zapota leaves including m-coumaric acid, quinic acid, robinetinidol-4alpha-ol, isoorientin 6’’-O-caffeate, apocynin A, and C16 Sphinganine. Conclusion: Thus, our study revealed that M. zapota leaves aqueous extract has potential as a promising naturally-occurring antioxidant candidate which could be useful for medicinal and nutritional functions.

Optimized Aqueous Extraction Conditions for Maximal Phenolics, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Capacity from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) Leaves by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

@#Introduction: There are numerous studies on the therapeutic properties of Artocarpus heterophyllus. However, studies on the aqueous extraction of A. heterophyllus leaves are limited. This present study was conducted to optimize the extraction conditions of A. heterophyllus leaves to yield the highest phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant contents. Methods: Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to obtain a higher phenolic extraction parameter(s) of A. heterophyllus leaves using Central Composite Design (CCD). The antioxidant activity was then determined via ABTS (2,29-azinobis (3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and analysis of the individual phenolics was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The optimum extraction conditions with higher phenolics content and antioxidant activity was achieved at 81°C, 100 min and 40 mL/g sample with a good desirability value of 0.87. Under these optimized parameters, total phenolics and flavonoids were 174.48 ± 4.05 mg GAE/g sample and 21.44 ± 0.05 mg RE/g sample, respectively. Meanwhile, antioxidant activity via ABTS and DPPH assays were 90.88% ± 0.09 and 87.22% ± 0.62, respectively. Finally, under optimal extraction conditions revealed 4 compounds identified as chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin and kaempferol. Conclusion: The optimisation are promising to improve phenolic yield and antioxidant activity in A. heterophyllus leaves. It also proved that A. heterophyllus leaves can be used as an alternative natural antioxidant especially in medicinal applications since all identified compound possess significant biological activities for human health.

Enhancement of Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity via Heat Assisted Extraction From Moringa oleifera Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Potential Bioactive Constituents

@#Introduction: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a miracle tree that has been widely utilised in folklore medicine due to its immense amount of phenolic constituents that could treat various ailments. Different techniques have been implemented to extract the phenolic but the parameters may not be optimised to further enhance the amount of phenolic extracted. Thus, the work aimed to enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera through RSM methodology, which is rapid and convenience. Methods: At first, antioxidant activity of different parts of M. oleifera (leaves, stem, pod and seed) were investigated. The plant part with the highest antioxidant activity was selected for the optimisation of extraction condition using RSM. In RSM, temperature (XA), extraction time (XB) and solid-liquid ratio (XC) were employed to study the effects on yield, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Then, the optimum extraction condition obtained via RSM was utilised in LC-MS and HPLC analysis to determine the potential bioactive constituents. Results: The leaves of M. oleifera displayed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other plant parts. The optimum extraction condition obtained for the leaves extract was: temperature (XA): 82°C, extraction time (XB): 48 min and solid-liquid ratio (XC): 1:30 g/mL (w/v). Meanwhile, LC-MS revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and 3-O-glucoside kaempferol. HPLC analysis detected six compounds; gallic acid, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. Conclusion: The optimisation are promising to improve yield and antioxidant activity in M. oleifera as compared to non-conventional extractions.

Effect of High-Fat Diets on Oxidative Stress, Cellular Inflammatory Response and Cognitive Function.

Cognitive dysfunction is linked to chronic low-grade inflammatory stress that contributes to cell-mediated immunity in creating an oxidative environment. Food is a vitally important energy source; it affects brain function and provides direct energy. Several studies have indicated that high-fat consumption causes overproduction of circulating free fatty acids and systemic inflammation. Immune cells, free fatty acids, and circulating cytokines reach the hypothalamus and initiate local inflammation through processes such as microglial proliferation. Therefore, the role of high-fat diet (HFD) in promoting oxidative stress and neurodegeneration is worthy of further discussion. Of particular interest in this article, we highlight the associations and molecular mechanisms of HFD in the modulation of inflammation and cognitive deficits. Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in cognitive impairment following HFD consumption would provide a useful approach for the prevention of cognitive dysfunction.

Curcumin Combination Chemotherapy: The Implication and Efficacy in Cancer.

Many chemotherapeutic drugs have been used for the treatment of cancer, for instance, doxorubicin, irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. However, the effectiveness of chemotherapy is limited in cancer therapy due to drug resistance, therapeutic selectivity, and undesirable side effects. The combination of therapies with natural compounds is likely to increase the effectiveness of drug treatment as well as reduce the adverse outcomes. Curcumin, a polyphenolic isolated from Curcuma longa, belongs to the rhizome of Zingiberaceae plants. Studies from in vitro and in vivo revealed that curcumin exerts many pharmacological activities with less toxic effects. The biological mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of co-treatment curcumin and chemotherapy are complex and worth to discuss further. Therefore, this review aimed to address the molecular mechanisms of combined curcumin and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. The anticancer activity of combined nanoformulation of curcumin and chemotherapy was also discussed in this study. Taken together, a better understanding of the implication and underlying mechanisms of action of combined curcumin and chemotherapy may provide a useful approach to combat cancer diseases.

Carotenoids: How Effective Are They to Prevent Age-Related Diseases?

Despite an increase in life expectancy that indicates positive human development, a new challenge is arising. Aging is positively associated with biological and cognitive degeneration, for instance cognitive decline, psychological impairment, and physical frailty. The elderly population is prone to oxidative stress due to the inefficiency of their endogenous antioxidant systems. As many studies showed an inverse relationship between carotenoids and age-related diseases (ARD) by reducing oxidative stress through interrupting the propagation of free radicals, carotenoid has been foreseen as a potential intervention for age-associated pathologies. Therefore, the role of carotenoids that counteract oxidative stress and promote healthy aging is worthy of further discussion. In this review, we discussed the underlying mechanisms of carotenoids involved in the prevention of ARD. Collectively, understanding the role of carotenoids in ARD would provide insights into a potential intervention that may affect the aging process, and subsequently promote healthy longevity.

Mini Review: Wound healing potential of edible plants.

Wound healing is a natural intricate cascade process involving cellular, biochemical and molecular mechanism to restore the injured or wounded tissue. Malaysia's multi-ethnic social fabric is reflected in its different traditional folk cuisines with different nutritional important ingredients. Despite these differences, there are some commonly used pantry ingredients among Malaysians and these ingredients may possess some healing power for acute and chronic wounds. These essential nutritional ingredients are included Amla (Ribes uva-crispa), Cinnamon (Cinnamomun venum), Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Garlic (Allium indica), Onion (Allium cepa) and Tamarind (Tamarindus indica). This article provides a review of the remedies with confirmed wound healing activities from previous experiments conducted by various researchers. Most of the researchers have focused only on the preliminary studies through appropriate model; hence detailed investigations which including pharmacological and pre-clinical studies are needed to discover its molecular mechanisms. In this review article, we have discussed about the wound healing potential of few commonly used edible plants and their known mechanism.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen leaf water extract triggered apoptosis and activated caspase-dependent pathway in HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell line.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen (Family: Sapotaceae), commonly called as sapodilla, has been applied as traditional folk medicine for diarrhea and pulmonary infections. Conventional therapy in colorectal cancer is not likely effective due to undesirable outcomes. The anti-colon cancer properties of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract have yet to be investigated thus far. Therefore, our present study aimed to evaluate the ability to induce apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract against human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cells. The cytotoxicity of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract was screened in different cancer cell lines using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analyses. The morphological changes in HT-29 cell lines after exposure to Manilkara zapota leaf water extract were viewed under fluorescence and inverted light microscope. The apoptotic cell was measured by Annexin V-propidium iodide staining. The caspase-3 and -8 activities were assessed by colorimetric assay. Overall analyses revealed that treatment with Manilkara zapota leaf water extract for 72 h can inhibit the viability of HT-29 cells. Incubation with Manilkara zapota leaf water extract for 24, 48, and 72 h significantly increased (p < 0.05) the total apoptotic cells compared to the control. Treatment with 21, 42, and 84 µg/mL of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract for 72 h triggered both caspase-3 and -8 activities in a concentration-dependent pattern. We also found that the catalase level in the two treatment groups (21 and 42 µg/mL) was significantly elevated after 24 h incubation. Incubation with Manilkara zapota leaf water extract for 72 h triggered the transcriptional elevation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß), AXIN1, and casein kinase 1 (CK1). The ß-catenin mRNA levels were reduced accordingly when the concentration of the Manilkara zapota leaf water extract was increased. Our results suggested that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract offer great potential against colorectal cancer through modulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, caspase-dependent pathway, and antioxidant enzyme.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen Leaf Water Extract Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells via ERK1/2/Akt1/JNK1 Signaling Pathways.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, called sapodilla, or locally known as ciku, belongs to the family Sapotaceae. We found that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract has cytotoxic effect against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line in our earlier study. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the anticancer properties of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract in HepG2 cells. We also aimed to unravel yet undiscovered mechanisms and identified several expressed genes whose functions in cytotoxicity activity of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract in HepG2 cells have not been well-studied. The apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) activities were analyzed using Annexin V-propidium iodide staining and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, respectively, by NovoCyte Flow Cytometer. Bax and Bcl-2 expression were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The associated molecular pathways were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Overall analyses revealed that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract can increase percentage of early apoptotic cells, induce the formation of ROS, upregulate c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and reduce Akt1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) transcriptional activities. Our data suggest that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract can suppress the growth of HepG2 cells via modulation of ERK1/2/Akt1/JNK1 transcriptional expression.

Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress: A Mutual Interplay in Age-Related Diseases.

Aging is the progressive loss of organ and tissue function over time. Growing older is positively linked to cognitive and biological degeneration such as physical frailty, psychological impairment, and cognitive decline. Oxidative stress is considered as an imbalance between pro- and antioxidant species, which results in molecular and cellular damage. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases. Emerging research evidence has suggested that antioxidant can control the autoxidation by interrupting the propagation of free radicals or by inhibiting the formation of free radicals and subsequently reduce oxidative stress, improve immune function, and increase healthy longevity. Indeed, oxidation damage is highly dependent on the inherited or acquired defects in enzymes involved in the redox-mediated signaling pathways. Therefore, the role of molecules with antioxidant activity that promote healthy aging and counteract oxidative stress is worth to discuss further. Of particular interest in this article, we highlighted the molecular mechanisms of antioxidants involved in the prevention of age-related diseases. Taken together, a better understanding of the role of antioxidants involved in redox modulation of inflammation would provide a useful approach for potential interventions, and subsequently promoting healthy longevity.

An Intrinsic Mitochondrial Pathway Is Required for Phytic Acid-Chitosan-Iron Oxide Nanocomposite (Phy-CS-MNP) to Induce G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in the Human Colorectal Cancer (HT-29) Cell Line.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are among the most useful metal nanoparticles in biomedical applications. A previous study had confirmed that phytic acid-chitosan-iron oxide nanocomposite (Phy-CS-MNP) exhibited antiproliferative activity towards human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cells. Hence, in this work, we explored the in vitro cytotoxicity activity and mechanistic action of Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite in modulating gene and protein expression profiles in HT-29 cell lines. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were evaluated by NovoCyte Flow Cytometer. The mRNA changes (cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)) and protein expression (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cytochrome c) were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The data from our study demonstrated that treatment with Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite triggered apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The transcriptional activity of JNK1 and iNOS was upregulated after treatment with 90 µg/mL Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite. Our results suggested that Phy-CS-MNP nanocomposite induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway through modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol.

ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway is Required for Manilkara Zapota (L.) P. Royen Leaf Methanol Extract Inducing Apoptosis in the Modulation of Caspase Activation and EGFR/NF-κB Activities of HeLa Human Cervical Cancer Cells.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen (family: Sapotaceae) is commonly called sapodilla, or locally known as ciku. The detailed mechanisms underlying Manilkara zapota leaf methanol extract against HeLa human cervical cancer cells have yet to be investigated. Therefore, our present study is designed to investigate the ability to induce apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms of Manilkara zapota leaf methanol extract inducing cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. The apoptotic cell death was assessed using Annexin V-propidium iodide staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential activities were measured using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and MitoLite Orange, respectively, by NovoCyte Flow Cytometer. Bax and Bcl-2 expression were evaluated using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Caspase-3 activity was determined using a colorimetric assay. The associated biological interaction pathways were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Our data showed that HeLa cells were relatively more sensitive to Manilkara zapota leaf methanol extract than other cancer cell lines studied. Overall analyses revealed that Manilkara zapota leaf methanol extract can inhibit the viability of HeLa cells, induce mitochondrial ROS generation, and inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transcriptional activities. Our results suggested that Manilkara zapota leaf methanol extract might represent a potential anticervical cancer agent.

Nutrients and Oxidative Stress: Friend or Foe?

There are different types of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress sources that trigger inflammation. Much information indicates that high intakes of macronutrients can promote oxidative stress and subsequently contribute to inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) mediated cell signaling pathways. Dietary carbohydrates, animal-based proteins, and fats are important to highlight here because they may contribute to the long-term consequences of nutritionally mediated inflammation. Oxidative stress is a central player of metabolic ailments associated with high-carbohydrate and animal-based protein diets and excessive fat consumption. Obesity has become an epidemic and represents the major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress are complex and poorly understood. Therefore, this review aimed to explore how dietary choices exacerbate or dampen the oxidative stress and inflammation. We also discussed the implications of oxidative stress in the adipocyte and glucose metabolism and obesity-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in obesity and the development of obesity-related NCDs would provide a useful approach. This is because oxidative stress can be mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, hence providing a plausible means for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Therapeutic Properties of Stingless Bee Honey in Comparison with European Bee Honey.

Both honeybees (Apis spp.) and stingless bees (Trigona spp.) produce honeys with high nutritional and therapeutics value. Until recently, the information regarding potential health benefits of stingless bee honey (SBH) in medical databases is still scarce as compared to the common European bee honey (EBH) which is well known for their properties as therapeutic agents. Although there have been very few reports on SBH, empirically these products would have similar therapeutic quality as the EBH. In addition, due to the structure of the nest, few studies reported that the antimicrobial activity of SBH is a little bit stronger than EBH. Therefore, the composition of both the types of honey as well as the traditional uses and clinical applications were compared. The results of various studies on EBH and SBH from tissue culture research to randomised control clinical trials were collated in this review. Interestingly, there are many therapeutic properties that are unique to SBH. Therefore, SBH has a great potential to be developed for modern medicinal uses.

Anticancer potential of Alternanthera sessilis extract on HT-29 human colon cancer cells

Objective: To identify the bioactive extracts from Alternanthera sessilis and investigate its cytotoxicity potential against colon cancer cells, HT-29. Methods: This study examined the effects of three parts (aerial, leaf, stem) of whole plant on HT-29 colon cancer cell lines. Three different extracts from the plant parts were prepared by maceration technique using 80% ethanol. The anticancer activities were determined using MTT, clonogenic, cell motility and AOPI assay. The chemical composition profiling was analyzed by GC-MS. Results: Among three plant part extracts, leaf extract greatly suppressed the growth of colon cancer cells in time and dosage-dependent manner, followed by aerial and stem. The cytotoxicity results were rationalized with clonogenic, cell motility and AO/PI assay, where extract showed the most active activity compared to aerial and stem extracts. GC-MS analysis of leaf extract showed there were various recognized anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Conclusions: Amid the screened extracts, the leaf extract exhibits the credible cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity and hence, our findings call for additional research to conclude the active compounds and their mechanisms determining the apoptotic activity.