Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Chondroprotective Activities of Siraitia grosvenorii Residual Extract.

Inflammation is crucial to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate Siraitia grosvenorii residue extract (NHGRE) obtained by extracting S. grosvenorii fruits with water as a potential food supplement for treating arthritis based on its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective effects and the remaining residue with 70% ethanol. We observed the analgesic activity of NHGRE based on the acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice, examined its anti-inflammatory efficacy against carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice, and investigated its effect on inflammatory cytokine expression in interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced SW1353 cells. Furthermore, we determined its effects on cartilage protection in interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-treated SW1353 cells. NHGRE at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the acetic acid-induced writhing response and prevented oedema formation in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. In IL-1ß-induced SW1353 cells, NHGRE at 400 µg/mL reduced the expression of inflammation mediators such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (55.3%), IL-6 (35.4%), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (36.9%) and down-regulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (38.6%), MMP-3 (29.3%), and MMP-13 (44.8%). Additionally, it restored degraded collagen II levels in chondrocytes. NHGRE plays a protective role in chondrocytes by regulating Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Overall, NHGRE may be a useful therapeutic agent for OA by controlling pain, oedema formation, and inflammation-related mechanisms.

Protective Effects of Glycine soja Leaf and Stem Extract against Chondrocyte Inflammation and Osteoarthritis.

Wild soybean, also known as Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. (GS), has long been known for its various health benefits. Although various pharmacological effects of G. soja have been studied, the effects of GS leaf and stem (GSLS) on osteoarthritis (OA) have not been evaluated. Here, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of GSLS in interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-stimulated SW1353 human chondrocytes. GSLS inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases and ameliorated the degradation of collagen type II in IL-1ß-stimulated chondrocytes. Furthermore, GSLS played a protective role in chondrocytes by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB. In addition, our in vivo study demonstrated that GSLS ameliorated pain and reversed cartilage degeneration in joints by inhibiting inflammatory responses in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model. GSLS remarkably reduced the MIA-induced OA symptoms, such as joint pain, and decreased the serum levels of proinflammatory mediators, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Our findings show that GSLS exerts anti-osteoarthritic effects and reduces pain and cartilage degeneration by downregulating inflammation, suggesting that it is a useful therapeutic candidate for OA.

Toxicity and Biodistribution of Fragmented Polypropylene Microplastics in ICR Mice.

Currently, polypropylene (PP) is used in various products, thus leading to high daily exposure in humans. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the toxicological effects, biodistribution, and accumulation of PP microplastics in the human body. In this study, administration of two particle sizes of PP microplastics (approximately 5 and 10-50 µm) did not lead to any significant changes in several toxicological evaluation parameters, including body weight and pathological examination, compared with the control group in ICR mice. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level of PP microplastics in ICR mice were established as ≥2000 mg/kg. Furthermore, we manufactured cyanine 5.5 carboxylic acid (Cy5.5-COOH)-labeled fragmented PP microplastics to monitor real-time in vivo biodistribution. After oral administration of the Cy5.5-COOH-labeled microplastics to the mice, most of the PP microplastics were detected in the gastrointestinal tract and observed to be out of the body after 24 h in IVIS Spectrum CT. Therefore, this study provides a new insight into the short-term toxicity, distribution, and accumulation of PP microplastics in mammals.

Photoprotective Effects of Processed Ginseng Leaf Administration against UVB-Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice.

Although ginseng leaves contain a larger amount of ginsenosides than the roots, studies on the protective effect of oral administration of ginseng leaves against photoaging are lacking. Processed ginseng leaves (PGL) prepared by acid reaction to increase effective ginsenoside content showed higher levels of Rg3 (29.35 mg/g) and Rk1 (35.16 mg/g) than ginseng leaves (Rg3 (2.14 mg/g) and Rk1 (ND)), and ginsenosides Rg3 and Rk1 were evaluated as active ingredients that protected human keratinocytes against UVB-induced cell damage by increasing cell proliferation and decreasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and 9 secretion. Herein, the effect of oral PGL administration (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, daily) against photoaging in HR-1 hairless mice was assessed by measuring wrinkle depth, epidermal thickness, and trans-epidermal water loss for 16 weeks. The PGL treatment group showed reduced skin wrinkles, inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, and decreased IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 levels. These data suggest that oral PGL administration inhibits photoaging by inhibiting the expression of MMPs, which degrade collagen, and inhibiting cytokines, which induce inflammatory responses. These results reveal that ginseng leaves processed by acid reaction may serve as potential functional materials with anti-photoaging activities.

The Extraction Solvent Influences the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Jakyakgamcho-Tang in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages and Mice with Gouty Arthritis.

Jakyakgamcho-Tang (JGT) is a traditional medicine used to treat muscular tension, spasm, and pain. Several studies have reported its clinical use as an anti-inflammatory and in gynaecological treatment. This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of JGT according to extraction solvent, water (JGTW) and 30% EtOH (JGTE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and in mice with monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis. We evaluated the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines and the expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW 264.7 cells. We also examined oedema, pain, and inflammation in MSU-induced mice by measuring affected hind paw swelling, weight-bearing, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, JGTW and JGTE significantly decreased prostaglandin (PG) E2(PGE2) production via suppressing COX-2 expression and cytokines interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6. Only JGTE reduced the production of NO and cytokines and the mRNA levels of iNOS and cytokines. In MSU-induced mice, JGTE and JGTW efficiently decreased paw swelling and attenuated joint pain. JGTE (200 and 300 mg/kg) effectively suppressed inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6) and MPO activity, which were only slightly reduced by JGTW. Our data demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of JGT in macrophage and gouty arthritis animal models and show that JGTE is more effective than JGTW at lower concentrations.

Phloroglucinol Derivatives from Dryopteris crassirhizoma as Potent Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors.

Dryopteris crassirhizoma rhizomes are used as a traditional medicine in Asia. The EtOAc extract of these roots has shown potent xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. However, the main phloroglucinols in D. crassirhizoma rhizomes have not been analyzed. Thus, we investigated the major constituents responsible for this effect. Bioassay-guided purification isolated four compounds: flavaspidic acid AP (1), flavaspidic acid AB (2), flavaspidic acid PB (3), and flavaspidic acid BB (4). Among these, 1 showed the most potent inhibitory activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 6.3 µM, similar to that of allopurinol (IC50 = 5.7 µM) and better than that of oxypurinol (IC50 = 43.1 µM), which are XO inhibitors. A comparative activity screen indicated that the acetyl group at C3 and C3' is crucial for XO inhibition. For example, 1 showed nearly 4-fold higher efficacy than 4 (IC50 = 20.9 µM). Representative inhibitors (1-4) in the rhizomes of D. crassirhizoma showed reversible and noncompetitive inhibition toward XO. Furthermore, the potent inhibitors were shown to be present in high quantities in the rhizomes by a UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis. Therefore, the rhizomes of D. crassirhizoma could be used to develop nutraceuticals and medicines for the treatment of gout.

Treatment with Peanut Sprout Root Extract Alleviates Inflammation in a Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Mouse Macrophage Cell Line by Inhibiting the MAPK Signaling Pathway.

Inflammation is a key response of the immune system to infection but aberrant inflammatory activity can lead to tissue damage and inflammatory diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that peanut sprout root extract (PSRE) has anti-inflammatory activity, and the aim of this study is therefore to investigate the effects of PSRE on the inflammatory response and the molecular mechanisms underpinning this effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Using a combination of cell viability, ELISA, and nitric oxide (NO) assays, together with Western blotting, we showed that PSRE effectively inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated cells and significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1ß, and PGE2, at a dose of 200 µg/mL of PSRE, whereas TNF-α expression tended to decrease under PSRE treatment. We also confirmed a dose-dependent and significant inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. In addition, PSRE treatment induced anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) and NF-κB activation. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties of PSRE may result from inhibition of the MAPK pathways, which are known promoters of cytokine secretion.

Comparison among Activities and Isoflavonoids from Pueraria thunbergiana Aerial Parts and Root.

: Kudzu (Pueraria thunbergiana Benth.) has long been used as a food and medicine for many centuries. The root is the most commonly used portion of the plant, but the aerial parts are occasionally used as well. In this study, we investigated the constituent compounds and biological activities of the aerial parts, leaves, stems, and sprouts, and compared their constituents and activities with those of roots. Leaf extract showed a significantly higher TPC level at 59 ± 1.6 mg/g and lower free radical scavenging (FRS) values under 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and NO inhibition at 437 ± 11, 121 ± 6.6 µg/mL and 107 ± 4.9 µg/mL, respectively, than those of sprout, stem, and root extract. Leaf extract also significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The main components of leaf extract were found to be genistin and daidzin. This study suggests that the leaves of kudzu are a good source of biological activities and isoflavones that can be used in functional or medicinal foods and cosmetics for the prevention or treatment of diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis effect of Mollugo pentaphylla extract.

CONTEXT: Mollugo pentaphylla L. (Molluginaceae) extract (MPE) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effect on MSU-induced gouty arthritis in a mouse model. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the anti-inflammatory activities of an MPE in vitro and anti-osteoarthritis effects on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dried whole plants of M. pentaphylla were extracted with 70% ethanol under reflux. The anti-inflammatory effect of MPE was evaluated in vitro in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. The anti-osteoarthritic effect of MPE was investigated in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of MIA-induced OA. Each seven male rats were orally administered MPE (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg) or the positive control drug indomethacin (1 mg/kg) 3 days before MIA injection and once daily for 11 days thereafter. After the treatment with MPE, no evidence of systemic adverse effects was observed in any study group. RESULTS: MPE exhibited anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of the production of NO (57.8%), PGE2 (97.1%) and IL-6 (93.2%) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells at 200 µg/mL. In addition, MPE suppressed IL-1ß (60.9%), TNF-α (37.9%) and IL- 6 (40.9%) production and suppressed the synthesis of MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2 in the MIA-induced OA rat model. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that MPE exerts potent anti-inflammatory activities and protects cartilage in an OA rat model. This might be a potential candidate for therapeutic OA treatment.

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of welsh onion, Allium fistulosum, attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity.

BACKGROUND: Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion) is a traditional medicinal plant used for the treatment of colds, influenza, abdominal pain, headache, and heart disease. This study evaluated the effects of A. fistulosum ethanolic extract (AFE) and aqueous extract (AFW) on body weight and other obesity-related parameters. METHODS: Male 8-week-old C57BL/6 J mice were fed either a standard chow diet (normal control) or a high-fat diet (HFD) either alone (HFD-control) or in combination with G. cambogia extract containing hydroxycitric acid (HCA, an herbal weight-loss supplement), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, a weight-loss supplement), orlistat (a clinically available anti-obesity drug), AFW, or AFE (n = 6 mice per group) for 6 weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, several body weight and obesity-related parameters were examined, including: liver and adipose weight, adipocyte size, serum lipid profiles, liver expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and adipose tissue expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). RESULTS: High-performance liquid chromatography showed that both AFE and AFW contain ferulic acid and quercetin. Oral administration of AFW and AFE to HFD-fed mice decreased body weight as well as liver and adipose tissue weight and adipocyte size. Serum lipid profiles and adiponectin levels were improved in HFD-fed mice treated with AFE but not AFW. However, both AFW and AFE significantly attenuated HFD-induced changes in serum leptin and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, liver expression of AMPK, and adipose tissue expression of UCP2. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that A. fistulosum extracts have potential as functional food materials for weight control in obesity.

Effects of Toona sinensis Leaf Extract and Its Chemical Constituents on Xanthine Oxidase Activity and Serum Uric Acid Levels in Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats.

Toona sinensis leaf is used as a seasonal vegetable in Korea. A 70% ethanol extract of these leaves exhibited potent xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 78.4 µM. To investigate the compounds responsible for this effect, bioassay-guided purification led to the isolation of five constituents, identified as quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucopyranose (compound 3), quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside. Compound 3 showed the most potent inhibition of XO, with an IC50 of 2.8 µM. This was similar to that of allopurinol (IC50 = 2.3 µM), which is used clinically to treat hyperuricemia. Kinetic analyses found that compound 3 was a reversible noncompetitive XO inhibitor. In vivo, the T. sinensis leaf extract (300 mg/kg), or compound 3 (40 mg/kg), significantly decreased serum uric acid levels in rats with potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia. Furthermore, ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified a high level of compound 3 in the leaf extract. These findings suggest that T. sinensis leaves could be developed to produce nutraceutical preparations.

Selective Encaging of N2O in N2O-N2 Binary Gas Hydrates via Hydrate-Based Gas Separation.

The crystal structure and guest inclusion behaviors of nitrous oxide-nitrogen (N2O-N2) binary gas hydrates formed from N2O/N2 gas mixtures are determined through spectroscopic analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction results indicate that the crystal structure of all the N2O-N2 binary gas hydrates is identified as the structure I (sI) hydrate. Raman spectra for the N2O-N2 binary gas hydrate formed from N2O/N2 (80/20, 60/40, 40/60 mol %) gas mixtures reveal that N2O molecules occupy both large and small cages of the sI hydrate. In contrast, there is a single Raman band of N2O molecules for the N2O-N2 binary gas hydrate formed from the N2O/N2 (20/80 mol %) gas mixture, indicating that N2O molecules are trapped in only large cages of the sI hydrate. From temperature-dependent Raman spectra and the Predictive Soave-Redlich-Kwong (PSRK) model calculation, we confirm the self-preservation of N2O-N2 binary gas hydrates in the temperature range of 210-270 K. Both the experimental measurements and the PSRK model calculations demonstrate the preferential occupation of N2O molecules rather than N2 molecules in the hydrate cages, leading to a possible process for separating N2O from gas mixtures via hydrate formation. The phase equilibrium conditions, pseudo-pressure-composition (P-x) diagram, and gas storage capacity of N2O-N2 binary gas hydrates are discussed in detail.

Illicium verum Extract and Trans-Anethole Attenuate Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Inflammation via Enhancement of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and Inhibition of Th2 Cytokines in Mice.

Illicium verum is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. The study investigates the effects of IVE and its component, trans-anethole (AET), on airway inflammation in ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced asthmatic mice. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by systemic sensitization to OVA, followed by intratracheal, intraperitoneal, and aerosol allergen challenges. IVE and AET were orally administered for four weeks. We investigated the effects of treatment on airway hyperresponsiveness, IgE production, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production in bronchoalveolar lavage, Th1/Th2 cytokine production in splenocytes, forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) expression, and lung histology. IVE and AET ameliorated OVA-driven airway hyperresponsiveness (p < 0.01), pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration (p < 0.05), mucus hypersecretion (p < 0.01), and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and CCR3 production (p < 0.05), as well as IgE levels (p < 0.01). IVE and AET increased Foxp3 expression in lungs (p < 0.05). IVE and AET reduced IL-4 and increased IFN-γ production in the supernatant of splenocyte cultures (p < 0.05). Histological studies showed that IVE and AET inhibited eosinophilia and lymphocyte infiltration in lungs (p < 0.01). These results indicate that IVE and AET exert antiasthmatic effects through upregulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and inhibition of Th2 cytokines, suggesting that IVE may be a potential therapeutic agent for allergic lung inflammation.

Anti-obesity activity, acute toxicity, and chemical constituents of aqueous and ethanol Viola mandshurica extracts.

BACKGROUND: Viola mandshurica has traditionally been used as an expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory drug. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that low doses of two different V. mandshurica extracts have anti-obesity effects. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of ethanol extract (VME) and aqueous extract (VMA) from V. mandshurica on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice as well as the acute oral toxicities and chemical compositions of both extracts. RESULTS: Oral administration of VME or VMA (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) decreased body weight gain, liver and adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and serum lipid levels. Both extracts increased adiponectin serum concentrations and mRNA expression in epididymal adipose tissue. VME and VMA also reversed the HFD-induced mRNA expression of lipogenic genes such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, C/EBPß, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and leptin in adipose tissue, whereas they increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). VME and VMA increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-coA carboxylase with a concomitant decrease in fat accumulation in the liver. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that both VME and VMA contained esculetin (0.566% for VME, 0.231% for VMA) and schaftoside (0.147% for VME, 0.126% for VMA). In a 2-week acute toxicity study, administration of a single oral dose of VME or VMA (5000 mg/kg) caused no signs of toxicity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that both VM extracts exert anti-obesity effects in HFD-induced obese mice by suppressing lipogenesis and activating AMPK in the liver and adipose tissue. Our findings suggest that VM extracts could be a safe and effective treatment for obesity.

Antiplatelet mechanism of an herbal mixture prepared from the extracts of Phyllostachys pubescens leaves and Prunus mume fruits.

BACKGROUND: Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) leaves and Japanese apricot (Mume fructus) fruit are traditionally recognized to be safe herbs broadly used for food and medicinal purposes in Southeast Asia. Our group previously explored their antiplatelet effects. This study was designed to confirm inhibition effects of PM21 (a 2:1 mixture of bamboo leaf extract and Japanese apricot fruit extract) on platelet aggregation and evaluate its potency to use as an herbal remedy to prevent and/or treat the diseases caused by platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. METHODS: Washed platelets were prepared and platelet aggregation was induced by adding 5 µg/mL collagen. Anti-platelet effects of PM21 (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg for ex vivo and in vivo assays, and 50, 100, 200 µg/mL for in vitro assays) were evaluated. In ex vivo assays, PM21 was orally administered to rats daily after overnight fasting for 3 days and blood was collected 1 h after the final treatment. In vivo antithrombotic effect of PM21 was observed from a carrageenan induced mouse tail thrombosis model. RESULTS: In ex vivo assay, PM21 inhibited platelet aggregation significantly. PM21 showed a strong antithrombotic effect by reducing significantly the length of mouse tail thrombus. PM21 increased intracellular cAMP level and reduced the release of ATP, TXA2, and serotonin. PM21 also reduced intracellular concentration of calcium ion, fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbß3, and phosphorylation of ERK2, p38, PLCγ2, and PI3 K. CONCLUSIONS: PM21 showed remarkable inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Its inhibitory function seems to influence on GPVI binding to its ligand and subsequent initiation of a signaling cascade that involves activation of effector proteins and secretion of effector molecules, such as ATP, TXA2, serotonin, and Ca2+. PM21 also appears to exert its anti-platelet effect by deactivation of ERKs activation pathway as well as inhibition of fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbß3.

Effects of Mollugo pentaphylla extract on monosodium urate crystal-induced gouty arthritis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Gout is an inflammatory condition induced by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints and soft tissues, and it can lead to acute or chronic arthritis. MSU are pro-inflammatory stimuli that can initiate, amplify and sustain an intense inflammatory response. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of an extract of Mollugo pentaphylla (MPE) on MSU-induced gouty arthritis in a mouse model. METHOD: An MSU crystal suspension (4 mg/50 µL) was injected intradermally into the right paw. The mice were orally administered MPE (150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg) or the positive control drug colchicine (1 mg/kg) 1 h before the MSU crystals were injected and then once daily for 3 days. The effects of MPE included inflammatory paw edema and pain upon weight-bearing activity, and we evaluated the inflammatory cytokine expression and paw tissue inflammation-related gene expression. RESULTS: MPE suppressed inflammatory paw edema and pain in the MSU-induced mice. MPE showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MPE has potent anti-inflammatory activities and may be useful as a therapeutic agent against gouty arthritis.

Dohaekseunggi-tang extract inhibits obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

BACKGROUND: Dohaekseunggi-tang (DHSGT) is a traditional plant-based medicine prescribed to promote blood circulation and to treat obesity and hypertension. The present study aimed to identify potential anti-obesity activities of DHSGT extract. METHODS: Anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-hypertensive effects of orally-administered DHSGT extract were evaluated in high-fat diet- (HFD)-induced obese mice. Serum biochemistry profiles and expression of diverse metabolic regulatory gene mRNAs in mouse visceral fat were assessed by RT-PCR. The effects of DHSGT on angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) and pancreatic lipase activities were determined using in vitro inhibition assays. RESULTS: Oral DHSGT treatment reduced obese HFD C57BL/6 J mouse body weight, liver and adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and blood pressure versus untreated HFD mice. DHSGT also decreased serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and leptin concentrations, and increased HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels in HFD mice. Furthermore, DHSGT markedly increased mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma, uncoupling protein-2, and adiponectin in visceral adipose tissue of HFD mice. In vitro tests revealed that DHSGT effectively inhibited porcine pancreatic lipase and ACE activities, with IC50 values of 7.58 mg/ml and 0.56 mg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results validate traditional knowledge and suggest that DHSGT may be potentially useful for managing hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and obesity.

Speech Emotion Recognition in People at High Risk of Dementia.

Background and Purpose: The emotions of people at various stages of dementia need to be effectively utilized for prevention, early intervention, and care planning. With technology available for understanding and addressing the emotional needs of people, this study aims to develop speech emotion recognition (SER) technology to classify emotions for people at high risk of dementia. Methods: Speech samples from people at high risk of dementia were categorized into distinct emotions via human auditory assessment, the outcomes of which were annotated for guided deep-learning method. The architecture incorporated convolutional neural network, long short-term memory, attention layers, and Wav2Vec2, a novel feature extractor to develop automated speech-emotion recognition. Results: Twenty-seven kinds of Emotions were found in the speech of the participants. These emotions were grouped into 6 detailed emotions: happiness, interest, sadness, frustration, anger, and neutrality, and further into 3 basic emotions: positive, negative, and neutral. To improve algorithmic performance, multiple learning approaches were applied using different data sources-voice and text-and varying the number of emotions. Ultimately, a 2-stage algorithm-initial text-based classification followed by voice-based analysis-achieved the highest accuracy, reaching 70%. Conclusions: The diverse emotions identified in this study were attributed to the characteristics of the participants and the method of data collection. The speech of people at high risk of dementia to companion robots also explains the relatively low performance of the SER algorithm. Accordingly, this study suggests the systematic and comprehensive construction of a dataset from people with dementia.

Simultaneous Analysis of Thirteen Compounds in Yeokwisan Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detection and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Their Antioxidant Effects.

Yeokwisan (YWS) is an herbal medicine prescription consisting of six oriental herbal medicines, developed to treat reflux esophagitis. We focused on developing an analytical method capable of simultaneously quantifying 13 compounds in YWS samples using high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and exploring their antioxidant effects. All compounds examined in both analytical systems were chromatographically separated on a SunFireTM C18 (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) column and an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 µm) column using gradient elution of a water-acetonitrile mobile phase. Antioxidant effects were evaluated based on radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS tests) and ferrous ion chelating activity. In two analytical methods, the coefficient of determination of the regression equation was ≥0.9965, the recovery range was 81.11-108.21% (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 9.33%), and the precision was RSD ≤ 11.10%. Application of the optimized analysis conditions gave quantitative analysis results for YWS samples of 0.02-100.36 mg/g. Evaluation of the antioxidant effects revealed that baicalein and baicalin exhibit significant antioxidant activity, suggesting that they play an important role in the antioxidant effects of YWS.

Identification, Characterization, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Five Endophytic Fungi from Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg., an Amazon Plant.

Endophytic fungi, residing within plants without causing disease, are known for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites with diverse properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities, while also influencing plant defense mechanisms. In this study, five novel endophytic fungi species were isolated from the leaves of Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg., a plant from the Rubiaceae family, collected in the tropical Amazon region of Bolivia. The endophytic fungi were identified as a Neopestalotiopsis sp., three Penicillium sp., and an Aspergillus sp. through 18S ribosomal RNA sequencing and NCBI-BLAST analysis. Chemical profiling revealed that their extracts obtained by ethyl acetate contained terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. In a bioautography study, the terpenes showed high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Notably, extracts from the three Penicillium species exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 62.5 to 2000 µg/mL against all three pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). These findings highlight the potential of these endophytic fungi, especially Penicillium species as valuable sources of secondary metabolites with significant antibacterial activities, suggesting promising applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental technologies.