Separation and evaluation of free radical-scavenging activity of phenol components ofEmblica officinalis extract by using an HPTLC–DPPH• method

Emblica officinalis mitigates intestinal toxicity of mice by modulating gut microbiota in lead exposure

Lead (Pb) contamination has been affecting public health for decades. As a plant-derived medicine, the safety and effectiveness of Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) fruit extract has been emphasized. The current study focused on mitigating the adverse effects of lead (Pb) exposure in reducing its toxicity worldwide. According to our findings, E. officinalis significantly improved weight loss and colon length shortening (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The data of colon histopathology and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines indicated a positive impact to the colonic tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed the expression level improvement of tight junction proteins (TJPs), including ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin. Furthermore, we found that the abundance of some commensal species necessary for maintaining homeostasis and other beneficial function decreased in Pb exposure model, while a remarkable reversion impact was noticed on the intestinal microbiome composition in the treatment group. These findings were consistent with our speculations that E. officinalis could mitigate the adverse effects caused by Pb in alleviating intestinal tissue damage, intestinal barrier disruption, and inflammation. Meanwhile, the variations in gut microbiota might drive the fulfilling current impact. Hence, the present study could provide the theoretical basis for mitigating intestinal toxicity induced by Pb exposure with the help of E. officinalis.

Insight about the biochemical composition, postharvest processing, therapeutic potential of Indian gooseberry (amla), and its utilization in development of functional foods-A comprehensive review

Indian gooseberry/Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthus emblica L) has an amazing nutritional profile and is a reservoir of biologically active compounds which have potential health benefits and are regarded as a remedy for lethal diseases. The unique features of amla, conferred by their bioactive components, have extended future prospects about their usage for useful effects on human nutrition and health globally. With the rapidly growing popularity of this unique therapeutic fruit, it is important to have comprehensive knowledge of this fruit. The current review article presents the nutritional profile, bioactive components, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and postharvest processing of amla fruit. Moreover, studies related to therapeutic properties of amla and its utilization in development of functional foods have been presented in this review. E. officinalis is a promising source of bioactive compounds which showed varied potential in the management of a number of human ailments which has been proven through various studies. Therefore, amla should be taken in the regular diet, thereby utilizing its potential health benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Amla (Indian gooseberry), as source of natural bioactive compounds, has a great potential application in improving the status of human nutrition and health. The utilization of amla extract has various biological effects, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, radioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effect, owing to its bioactive components. The use of amla extract has recently increased in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products to replace synthetic antioxidants which have inherent harmful health effects. The review report will provide information on bioactive components, therapeutic properties, utilization of amla in the development of future functional foods, and postharvest processing of amla, which will provide critical information to researchers all over the world.

Traditional uses, bioactive composition, pharmacology, and toxicology of Phyllanthus emblica fruits: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The fruits of Phyllanthus emblica Linn or Emblica officinalis Gaertn (Phyllanthaceae), (FPE) commonly known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, gained immense importance in indigenous traditional medicinal systems, including Ayurveda, for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. It is used to cure several diseases such as common cold, fever, cough, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cephalalgia, ophthalmopathy, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, erysipelas, skin diseases, leprosy, hematogenesis, inflammation, anemia, emaciation, hepatopathy, jaundice, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhages, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, cardiac disorders, and premature greying of hair.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present review, we presented a comprehensive analysis of the ethnopharmacology, bioactive composition, and toxicity of P. emblica to identify the gap between research and the current applications and to help explore the trends and perspectives for future studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected the literature published before April 2021 on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of FPE. Literature in English from scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar, books. These reports were analyzed and summarized to prepare this review. The plant taxonomy was verified by "The Plant List" database (http://www.theplantlist.org).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

s: FPE have been used as a rich source of vitamin C, minerals, and amino acids. Several bioactive molecules were isolated and identified from FPE such as tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, ascorbic acid etc. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on FPE revealed its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, radioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, anti-venom, wound healing, HIV-reverse transcriptase effect. Toxicological studies on fruits indicated the absence of any adverse effect even at a high dose after oral administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Although FPE showed remarkable therapeutic activities against several diseases such as diabetes, cancer, inflammation, hepatitis B virus, and malaria, there were several drawbacks in some previous reports including the lack of information on the drug dose, standards, controls, and mechanism of action of the extract. Further in-depth studies are required to explain the mechanism of action of the extracts to reveal the role of the bioactive compounds in the reported activities.

Circulatory GSK-3β: Blood-Based Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the progressive brain disorder which degenerates brain cells connection and causes memory loss. Although AD is irreversible, it is not impossible to arrest or slow down the progression of the disease. However, this would only be possible if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, and early diagnosis requires clear understanding of the pathogenesis at molecular level. Overactivity of GSK-3β and p53 accounts for tau hyperphosphorylation and the formation of amyloid-β plaques.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we explored GSK-3β and p53 as blood-based biomarkers for early detection of AD.

METHODS

The levels of GSK-3β, p53, and their phosphorylated states were measured using surface plasmon resonance and verified using western blot in serum from AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and geriatric-control (GC) subjects. The neurotoxic SH-SY5Y cell line was treated with antioxidant Emblica Officinalis (EO) for rescue effect.

RESULTS

GSK-3β, p53, and their phosphorylated states were significantly over expressed (p >  0.001) in AD and MCI compared to GC and can differentiate AD and MCI from GC. The expression level of GSK-3β and p53 proteins were found to be downregulated in a dose-dependent manner after the treatment with EO in amyloid-b-induced neurotoxic cells.

CONCLUSION

These proteins can serve as potential blood markers for the diagnosis of AD and EO can suppress their level. This work has translational value and clinical utility in the future.

High-throughput enzyme inhibition screening of 44 Iranian medicinal plants via piezoelectric spraying of planar cholinesterase assays

A rapid and straightforward approach was developed for screening the acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity of 44 Iranian medicinal plant extracts at laboratory scale. After a fast ChE inhibitory pre-testing of samples applied as band pattern, 40 out of the 44 Iranian medicinal plant extracts were selected. These were adjusted in the application volume depending on their inhibition activity, applied on both plate sides and simultaneously developed in a horizontal developing chamber. Different mobile phases were studied to achieve maximum separation of ChE inhibitors and minimum co-elution with matrix. Contrary to immersion, the piezoelectric spraying reduced the consumption of assay solutions, prevented zone tailing, zone shift and cross-contamination, and homogeneously covered the entire plate surface with the assay solutions. The ChE inhibitors of the six most bioactive plant extracts were tentatively assigned by high-resolution mass spectrometry in combination with the spectral and chromatographic information obtained.

Multielemental Analysis and In Vitro Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Natural Phytopigments by ICP-OES and HPTLC

The phytopigments derived from ethnomedicinal plants employed as traditional medicines appear to be the simplest alternative for artificial radical colorants. This can be because of persistent use of synthetic dyes and their harmful impacts linked to human lives as well as to the ecosystem. The literature evidences clearly reveal the complications from growing demands of radical colorants from artificial origin. The planned analysis work hence focuses on screening of the fundamental composition of phytopigments, obtained from plant sources by subtle technique of ICP-OES, with axial plasma combined with nebulizer motor–assisted gas flow approach, utilizing microwave digester for complete digestion of phytopigments, thereby establishing the pigments being safe for consumption. Additionally, the observations from free radical scavenging activity using DPPH by HPTLC concluded that the natural pigments obtained from plant sources are rich in flavonoids with potent antioxidant property. Thus, an effort has been made through the developed ICP-OES methodology, to beat the distinct imprecise practice of food labeling, once natural pigments are utilized in a variety of additives, as food colorants with amounts of components detected as arsenic, lead, and metal, within specified limits of FSSAI, demonstrate and establish safety of natural foodstuff agents, as compared over hazardous synthetic azo dyes.

Pharmacological Benefits of Triphala: A Perspective for Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered a major nasal condition impacting a large number of people around the world, and it is now becoming a global health problem. Because the underlying mechanisms of AR are complex, the development of single-drug treatment might not be enough to treat a wide spectrum of the disease. Although the standard guidelines classify and provide suitable diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with AR are still without any means of controlling it. Moreover, the benefits of AR drugs are sometimes accompanied by undesirable side effects. Thus, it is becoming a significant challenge to find effective therapies with limited undesirable side effects for a majority of patients suffering from uncontrolled AR. Aller-7/NR-A2, a polyherbal formulation, has revealed promising results in patients by reducing nasal symptoms and eosinophil counts without serious adverse effects. Interestingly, three out of seven of the herbals in the Aller-7/NR-A2 formulation are also found in an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation known as “Triphala,” which is a potential candidate for the treatment of AR. However, there are no current studies that have examined the effects of Triphala on the disease. This review aims to describe the complexity of AR pathophysiology, currently available treatments, and the effects of Triphala on AR in order to help develop it as a promising alternative treatment in the future.

Bergenia Genus: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Bergenia (Saxifragaceae) genus is native to central Asia and encompasses 32 known species. Among these, nine are of pharmacological relevance. In the Indian system of traditional medicine (Ayurveda), "Pashanabheda" (stone breaker) is an elite drug formulation obtained from the rhizomes of B. ligulata. Bergenia species also possess several other biological activities like diuretic, antidiabetic, antitussive, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-bradykinin, antiviral, antibacterial, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, anticancer, antioxidant, antiobesity, and adaptogenic. This review provides explicit information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological significance of the genus Bergenia. The extant literature concerned was systematically collected from various databases, weblinks, blogs, books, and theses to select 174 references for detailed analysis. To date, 152 chemical constituents have been identified and characterized from the genus Bergenia that belong to the chemical classes of polyphenols, phenolic-glycosides, lactones, quinones, sterols, tannins, terpenes, and others. B. crassifolia alone possesses 104 bioactive compounds. Meticulous pharmacological and phytochemical studies on Bergenia species and its conservation could yield more reliable compounds and products of pharmacological significance for better healthcare.

Muscadine or amla extracts standardized to ellagic acid content ameliorate glucolipotoxicity associated β-cell dysfunction via inhibition of IL-1β and improved insulin secretion

Glucolipotocixity induces IL-1 β secretion which impairs pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion. Ellagic acid and urolithin A have strong anti-inflammatory effect on cells. Muscadine and amla are very good sources of ellagic acid. The present study examined the effect of ellagic acid, ellagic acid-rich muscadine or amla extract, or urolothin A on inflammation in β cells under glucolipotoxic conditions. Rat NIT-1 β cells were incubated in glucolipotoxic conditions (33.3 mM glucose, 250 μM palmitic acid or 33.3 mM glucose + 250 μM palmitic acid with or without ellagic acid, ellagic acid-rich muscadine or amla extracts standardized to its ellagic acid content, or urolithin A). Inflammatory status was evidenced by ELISA analysis of insulin and IL-1β secretion. Ellagic acid-rich muscadine or amla extracts dose-dependently stimulated insulin secretion and down-regulated IL-1β better than pure ellagic acid, or urolithin A. Urolithin A did not statistically stimulate insulin secretion and did not inhibit IL-1β.

Coupling Ultrasound with Heat-Reflux to Improve the Extraction of Quercetin, Kaempferol, Ginkgetin and Sciadopitysin from Mairei Yew Leaves

The coupling of ultrasound and heat–reflux extraction (UHRE) was developed for separation for quercetin (QU), kaempferol (KA), ginkgetin (GI) and sciadopitysin (SC) from Mairei Yew leaves. The Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the UHRE conditions for obtaining the maximum yield of flavonoids. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: boiling 80% methanol (V/V) for extraction solvent, 20 min for the extraction time, 200 W for the ultrasonic power and 26 mL/g for the liquid–solid ratio. By UHRE, the yields of QU, KA, GI and SC were, respectively, 0.109, 0.406, 0.031 and 0.355 mg/g, and total yield of four flavonoids was 0.901 mg/g, which were, respectively, 1.25-fold and 1.23-fold higher than those by using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and heating reflux extraction (HRE). Moreover, the extraction time for the equilibrium yields of flavonoids using UHRE was 83.3% and 27.8%, respectively, less than the corresponding time using UAE and HRE. Compared with HRE and UAE, UHRE showed the increase of cell disruption degree as observed by scanning electron microscopy, which may be the reason for high yield and rapid extraction of target compounds.

Screening and Isolation of Natural Antioxidants from Acer Ginnala Max by TLC-MS/MS Guided Bioautographic Method

A rapid and simple method has been developed for the screening and identification of natural antioxidants from the leaves of Acer ginnala Maxim (AG). The process is that upon reaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the white yellow spots of compounds with potential antioxidant effects will be significantly observed on the thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and possible structures will be presumed by the ESI/MS technique. Using the improved approach, 6 compounds in the AG extract were found to possess a potential antioxidant activity. They were speculated as quercetin-3-O-α-L-(3"-galloyl)-rhamnoside (1), quercetin-3-O-α-L-(2"-galloyl)-rhamnoside (2), quercetin-3-O-α-L-(2"-galloyl)-arabinopyranoside (3), acertannin (4), gallic acid (5), and methyl gallate (6). In addition, we were still found that compounds 2, 3, and 5 had favorable antioxidant activity from the scannogram of the DPPH reaction plate. As a result, the isolated 6 compounds structures were in accordance with the presumed structures. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging capacities of the available identified compounds were also investigated. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 showed significant DPPH.Scavenging capacities, with IC50 values of 2.83 μg/mL, 2.34 μg/mL, and 1.86μg/mL, respectively. The results indicated that this newly improved method could be widely applied for rapid screening and identification of natural antioxidants from Chinese herbal medicines.

Antioxidants of Phyllanthus emblica L. Bark Extract Provide Hepatoprotection against Ethanol-Induced Hepatic Damage: A Comparison with Silymarin

Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) has been used in Ayurveda as a potent rasayan for treatment of hepatic disorders. Most of the pharmacological studies, however, are largely focused on PE fruit, while the rest of the parts of PE, particularly, bark, remain underinvestigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyllanthus emblica bark (PEE) in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content and in vitro antioxidant activities were determined by using H₂O₂ scavenging and ABTS decolorization assays. Our results showed that PEE was rich in total phenols (99.523 ± 1.91 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (389.33 ± 1.25 mg quercetin hydrate/g), and total tannins (310 ± 0.21 mg catechin/g), which clearly support its strong antioxidant potential. HPTLC-based quantitative analysis revealed the presence of the potent antioxidants gallic acid (25.05 mg/g) and ellagic acid (13.31 mg/g). Moreover, one-month PEE treatment (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) followed by 30-day 70% ethanol (10 mL/kg) administration showed hepatoprotection as evidenced by significant restoration of ALT (p < 0.01), AST (p < 0.001), ALP (p < 0.05), and TP (p < 0.001) and further confirmed by liver histopathology. PEE-mediated hepatoprotection could be due to its free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity that may be ascribed to its antioxidant components, namely, ellagic acid and gallic acid. Thus, the results of the present study support the therapeutic claims made in Ayurveda about Phyllanthus emblica.

Benefits of antioxidant supplements for knee osteoarthritis: rationale and reality

Arthritis causes disability due to pain and inflammation in joints. There are many forms of arthritis, one of which is osteoarthritis whose prevalence increases with age. It occurs in various joints including hip, knee and hand with knee osteoarthritis being more prevalent. There is no cure for it. The management strategies include exercise, glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate and NSAIDs. In vitro and animal studies provide a rationale for the use of antioxidant supplements for its management. This review assesses the reality of the benefits of antioxidant supplements in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Several difficulties were encountered in examining this issue: poorly conducted studies, a lack of uniformity in disease definition and diagnosis, and muddling of conclusions from attempts to isolate the efficacious molecules. The antioxidant supplements with most evidence for benefit for pain relief and function in knee osteoarthritis were based on curcumin and avocado-soya bean unsaponifiables. Boswellia and some herbs used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine may also be useful. The benefits of cuisines with the appropriate antioxidants should be assessed because they may be more economical and easier to incorporate into the lifestyle.

Ellagic acid in Emblica officinalis exerts anti-diabetic activity through the action on β-cells of pancreas

PURPOSE

The present study was undertaken to explore the possible anti-diabetic mechanism(s) of Emblica officinalis (EO) and its active constituent, ellagic acid (EA), in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

Neonatal streptozotocin-induced non-obese type 2 diabetic rats were treated with a methanolic extract of EO (250 or 500 mg/kg) for 28 days, and blood glucose, serum insulin, and plasma antioxidant status were measured. Insulin and glucagon immunostaining and morphometry were performed in pancreatic section, and liver TBARS and GSH levels were measured. Additionally, EA was tested for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

Treatment with EO extract resulted in a significant decrease in the fasting blood glucose in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the diabetic rats. It significantly increased serum insulin in the diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Insulin-to-glucose ratio was also increased by EO treatment. Immunostaining of pancreas showed that EO₂₅₀ increased β-cell size, but EO₅₀₀ increased β-cells number in diabetic rats. EO significantly increased plasma total antioxidants and liver GSH and decreased liver TBARS. EA stimulated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets and decreased glucose intolerance in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

Ellagic acid in EO exerts anti-diabetic activity through the action on β-cells of pancreas that stimulates insulin secretion and decreases glucose intolerance.

Toxicological Evaluation of Emblica officinalis Fruit Extract and its Anti-inflammatory and Free Radical Scavenging Properties

BACKGROUND

Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae), popularly known as Indian gooseberry or "Amla" in India, is used in Ayurveda as "rejuvenating herb" since ancient times.

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to estimate toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities of the methanolic extract of Emblica officinalis fruit (MEO) in an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antioxidative property of MEO was assessed by in vitro assays such as phosphomolybdenum assay (total antioxidant capacity), free radical scavenging assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis and 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (DPPH and ABTS method) and lipid peroxidation assay (LPO). The anti-inflammatory property was evaluated by carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats by measuring rat paw volume at different time intervals and toxicological analysis using mice.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

High performance liquid chromatography studies revealed the presence of gallic acid (2.10%), mucic acid (4.90%), ellagic acid (2.10%), quercetin (28.00%), rutin (3.89%), and β-glucogallin (1.46%). MEO showed highest antioxidant activities by using DPPH (17.33-89.00%), ABTS (23.03-94.16%), nitric oxide scavenging activity (12.94-70.16%), LPO (56.54%), and phosphomolybdenum assay (142 ± 6.09 μg/ml). The LD50 was found to be approximately 1125 mg/kg (p.o). High dose of MEO showed significant reduction (72.71%) in the inflammation after 4 h of treatment, which was comparable to diclofenac (10 mg/kg) (61.57%) treated group. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) markers were also observed (57.25% and 35.41%, respectively) in serum of MEO treated animals as compared to control.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, phenolic compounds of MEO may serve as a potential herbal drug for amelioration of acute inflammation due to their modulatory action on free radicals.

SUMMARY

The methanolic extract of Emblica officinalis fruit (MEO) has potent antioxidant activity as assessed by DPPH, ABTS and LPO assaysMEO has potent anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw edema modelThe phenolic compounds of MEO might be a potential herbal drug for amelioration of acute inflammation. Abbreviations used: ROS, reactive oxygen species; RNS, reactive nitrogen species, LPO, lipid peroxidation, NO, nitric oxide, IL, interleukin; TNF α tumor necrosis factor alpha; NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs; AA, ascorbic acid; MEO, methanolic extract of Emblica officinalis fruit; ABTS+; 2,2' azino bis 3 ethylbenzthiazoline 6 sulphonic acid; DPPH, 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; MDA, malondialdehyde; DMSO, dimethyl sulphoxide; ELISA, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Uniaxially aligned electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers for thin layer chromatographic screening of hydroquinone and retinoic acid adulterated in cosmetics

Uniaxially aligned cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning and applied to use as stationary phase for thin layer chromatography. The control of alignment was achieved by using a drum collector rotating at a high speed of 6000 rpm. Spin time of 6h was used to produce the fiber thickness of about 10 μm which was adequate for good separation. Without any chemical modification after the electrospinning process, CA nanofibers could be readily devised for screening hydroquinone (HQ) and retinoic acid (RA) adulterated in cosmetics using the mobile phase consisting of 65:35:2.5 methanol/water/acetic acid. It was found that the separation run on the aligned nanofibers over a distance of 5 cm took less than 15 min which was two to three times faster than that on the non-aligned ones. On the aligned nanofibers, the masses of HQ and RA which could be visualized were 10 and 25 ng, respectively, which were two times lower than those on the non-aligned CA fibers and five times lower than those on conventional silica plates due to the appearance of darker and sharper of spots on the aligned nanofibers. Furthermore, the proposed method efficiently resolved HQ from RA and ingredients commonly found in cosmetic creams. Due to the satisfactory analytical performance, facile and inexpensive production process, uniaxially aligned electrospun CA nanofibers are promising alternative media for planar chromatography.

Prenatal effects of maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods in late pregnancy upon fetal ductus arteriosus

Fetal circulation has characteristic features, being morphologically and functionally different from extrauterine circulation. The ductus arteriosus plays a fundamental role in directing the blood flow to fetal inferior body parts. Basically, the ductus arteriosus directs 80-85% of the right ventricular output arising from the superior vena cava, coronary sinus, and a small part from the inferior vena cava to descending aorta. Its histological structure is made up predominantly by a thick muscular layer, differently from the aorta and the pulmonary artery, which increases with gestational age. The fibers have a circumferential orientation, especially at the external layers, facilitating and making effective ductal constriction. These factors may generate lumen alterations which may cause fetal and neonatal complications, such as heart failure, hydrops, neonatal pulmonary hypertension, and even death. Classically, maternal administration of indomethacin and/or other antiinflammatory drugs interfere in prostaglandins metabolism, causing ductal constriction. However, many cases of fetal ductal constriction, as well as of persistent neonatal pulmonary artery hypertension, remain without an established etiology, being referred as "idiopathic." In recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that herbs, fruits, nuts, and a wide diversity of substances commonly used in daily diets have definitive effects upon the metabolic pathway of inflammation, with consequent inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis. This antiinflammatory action, especially of polyphenols, when ingested during the third trimester of pregnancy, may influence the dynamics of fetal ductus arteriosus flow. The goal of this review is to present these new observations and findings, which may influence dietary orientation during pregnancy.

Composition and biological activities of hydrolyzable tannins of fruits of Phyllanthus emblica

Fruits of emblic leafflower have been used as food and traditional medicine in Asia. A wide range of biological activities have been shown in modern research suggesting potential of the fruits as healthy food and raw material for bioactive ingredients of food. Hydrolyzable tannins are among the major bioactive components of the fruits. Mucic acid gallate, mucic acid lactone gallate, monogalloylglucose, gallic acid, digalloylglucose, putranjivain A, galloyl-HHDP-glucose, elaeocarpusin, and chebulagic acid are the most abundant hydrolyzable tannins. The compositional profiles of tannins in the fruits vary depending on the cultivars as well as ripening stages. Fruits and tannin-rich extracts of fruits have shown antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating activities in vitro and in animal studies. The fruits and fruit extracts have manifested protective effects on organs/tissues from damages induced by chemicals, stresses, and aging in animal models. The fruits and fruit extracts have potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing DNA damage induced by chemicals and radiation. Antioxidative activities are likely among the mechanisms of the biological activities and physiological effects. Human intervention/clinical studies are needed to investigate the bioavailability and metabolism of the tannins and to substantiate the health benefits in humans. Emblic leafflower may be a potential raw material for natural food preservatives.

Analysis of hydrolyzable tannins and other phenolic compounds in emblic leafflower (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruits by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Phenolic compounds were extracted from dried emblic leafflower (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruits with methanol and separated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The raw extracts and fractions were analyzed with HPLC coupled with diode array UV spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and tandem mass spectrometry. Mucic acid gallate, mucic acid lactone gallate, monogalloylglucose, gallic acid, digalloylglucose, putranjivain A, galloyl-HHDP-glucose, elaeocarpusin, and chebulagic acid were suggested to be the most abundant compounds in the crude methanol extracts of the fruits. In addition, 144 peaks were detected, of which 67 were tentatively identified mostly as ellagitannins, flavonoids, and simple gallic acid derivatives in the fractions. The results indicated the presence of neochebulagic acid, isomers of neochebuloyl galloylglucose, chebuloyl neochebuloyl galloylglucose, ellagic acid glycosides, quercetin glycosides, and eriodictyol coumaroyl glycosides in the fruits. The study provides a systematic report of the retention data and characteristics of UV, MS, and MS/MS spectra of the phenolic compounds in the fruits of emblic leafflower. The fruits of two varieties (Ping Dan No 1 and Fruity) from Guangxi Province differed from those of wild Tian Chuan emblic leafflower from Fujian Province in the content and profile of phenolic compounds.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Emblica officinalis protects against kainic acid-induced status epilepticus in rats: evidence for an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective intervention

CONTEXT

Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as amla, is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the effect of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of E. officinalis fruit (HAEEO), an Indian medicinal plant with potent antioxidant activity, was studied against kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures, cognitive deficits and on markers of oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were administered KA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and observed for behavioral changes, incidence, and latency of convulsions over 4 h. The rats were thereafter sacrificed for estimation of oxidative stress parameters: thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH). The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was also determined in the rat brain.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with HAEEO (500 and 700 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.001) increased the latency of seizures as compared with the vehicle-treated KA group. HAEEO significantly prevented the increase in TBARS levels and ameliorated the fall in GSH. Furthermore, HAEEO dose-dependently attenuated the KA-induced increase in the TNF-α level in the brain. HAEEO also significantly improved the cognitive deficit induced by KA, as evidenced by increased latency in passive avoidance task.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

HAEEO at the dose of 700 mg/kg, i.p., was most effective in suppressing KA-induced seizures, cognitive decline, and oxidative stress in the brain. These neuroprotective effects may be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of HAEEO.

Protective effect of Emblica officinalis (amla) on isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Emblica officinalis, commonly known as amla, is an important medicinal plant reputed for its dietary and therapeutic uses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of E. officinalis against isoproterenol (ISP)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats and elucidate the possible mechanism involved. Rats were administered E. officinalis (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (normal saline) for 30 days, with concurrent subcutaneous injections of ISP (85 mg/kg, at 24 h interval) on 29th and 30th day. ISP-induced cardiac dysfunction as evidenced by decreased mean arterial pressure, heart rate, contractility (+LVdP/dt) and relaxation (-LVdP/dt) along with increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure. ISP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and myocyte-injury-specific marker enzymes, creatine phosphokinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase in heart. A significant (p < 0.05) depletion of reduced glutathione and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances along with histopathological alteration has further indicated the oxidative damage of myocardium. However, pretreatment with E. officinalis exhibited restoration of hemodynamic and left ventricular function along with significant preservation of antioxidants, myocytes-injury-specific marker enzymes and significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, histopathological salvage of myocardium reconfirmed the protective effects of E. officinalis. Results of the present study demonstrate cardioprotective potential of E. officinalis attributed to its potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by favorable improvement in hemodynamic, contractile function and tissue antioxidant status.

Genesis and development of DPPH method of antioxidant assay

α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method offers the first approach for evaluating the antioxidant potential of a compound, an extract or other biological sources. This is the simplest method, wherein the prospective compound or extract is mixed with DPPH solution and absorbance is recorded after a defined period. However, with the advancement and sophistication in instrumental techniques, the method has undergone various modifications to suit the requirements, even though the basic approach remains same in all of them. This article presents a critical review on various developments to the DPPH method.

Free radical scavenging activity and characterization of sesquiterpenoids in four species of Curcuma using a TLC bioautography assay and GC-MS analysis

The sesquiterpenoids are one of major groups of antioxidants in Curcuma besides curcuminoids. However, the real substances contributing to the antioxidant activity are still unknown. In this paper, the antioxidant activity of sesquiterpenoids in four species and two essential oils from Curcuma genus was determined and compared based on TLC separation and DPPH bioautography assay. Their antioxidant capacities were quantitatively evaluated using densitometry with detection at 530 nm (λ_reference = 800 nm) using vitamin C as reference. The results showed that Curcuma longa rhizomes had the highest antioxidant capacity while C. phaeocaulis presented the lowest one among the four species of Curcuma. Moreover, essential oil of C. wenyujin showed higher antioxidant potential than that of C. longa. The main TLC bands with antioxidant activity of the four species of Curcuma were collected and characterized using GC-MS, and thus curzerene, furanodiene, α-turmerone, β-turmerone and β-sesquiphellandrene were determined as major sesquiterpenoids with antioxidant activity in Curcuma.

Protective Effect of Emblica officinalis Against Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Injury by Ameliorating Oxidative Stress in Rats

The effect of Emblica officinalis fruit extract (EFE) against alcohol-induced hepatic damage in rats was investigated in the present study. In vitro studies showed that EFE possesses antioxidant as well nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity. In vivo administration of alcohol (5 g/kg b.wt/day) for 60 days resulted increased liver lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls, nitrite plus nitrate levels. Alcohol administration also significantly lowers the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and reduced glutathione as compared with control rats. Administration of EFE (250 mg/kg body weight) to alcoholic rats significantly brought the plasma enzymes towards near normal level and also significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and restored the enzymic and non-enzymatic antioxidants level. This observation was supplemented by histopathological examination in liver. Our data indicate that the tannoid, flavonoid and NO scavenging compounds present in EFE may offer protection against free radical mediated oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes of animals with alcohol-induced liver injury.

Rapid and simple method for screening of natural antioxidants from Chinese herb Flos Lonicerae Japonicae by DPPH-HPLC-DAD-TOF/MS

A rapid and simple method has been developed for the screening and identification of natural antioxidants of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ), derived from the flower buds of Lonicera japonica. The hypothesis is that upon reaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the peak areas (PAs) of compounds with potential antioxidant effects in the HPLC chromatograms will be significantly reduced or disappeared, and the identity confirmation could be achieved by HPLC-DAD-TOF/MS hyphenated technique. Using the proposed approach, about 14 compounds in the FLJ extract were found to possess a potential antioxidant activity. They were identified as chlorogenic acid (1), 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1-O-CQA, 2), caffeic acid (4), 4-O-CQA (5), rutin (7), isoquercitrin (8), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (9), lonicerin (10), 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-O-diCQA, 11), 3,5-O-diCQA (12), 1,3-O-diCQA (13), 3,4-O-diCQA (14), 1,4-O-diCQA (16), and luteolin (17). In addition, the free radical scavenging capacities of the available identified compounds were also investigated by HPLC assay. The results indicated that the compounds with PAs significantly decreasing were natural antioxidants, whereas those with PAs not changing presented no activities, which accordingly indicated that this newly proposed method could be widely applied for rapid screening and identification of natural antioxidants from complex matrices including Chinese herbal medicines.

Ascorbic acid and tannins from Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Fruits--a revisit

The fruits of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Euphorbiaceae), also known as amla in Ayurveda, are considered to be a rich source of ascorbic acid. However, the antioxidant activities exhibited by E. officinalis extract are superior to those of ascorbic acid itself. Low molecular hydrolyzable tannins emblicanins A and B have been suggested in the earlier literature to be the contributory antioxidant molecules in the extract. This work finds no evidence for the presence of emblicanins A and B in the extract. In addition, the high content of ascorbic acid is also questionable due to previous nonidentification of coeluting mucic acid gallates. This paper reports a new HPLC method to detect even trace amounts of ascorbic acid in E. officinalis fruit juice or extract.