Antiinflammatory effects of a red orange extract in human keratinocytes treated with interferon-gamma and histamine

Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation Containing Red Orange and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts on UVB-Induced Skin Responses: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: Oral photoprotection is gaining attention as a complementary approach to conventional sun protection. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week dietary intervention with a syrup supplement containing Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), Red Orange Extract (ROE), and vitamins A, C, D, and E on minimal erythema dose (MED), UVB-induced erythema (Δa*), and pigmentation changes (ΔMI). Methods: In total, 54 fair-skinned participants (phototypes I-III) were randomized into either the intervention (IP) or placebo group (n = 27 per group). MED, Δa*, and ΔMI were assessed at baseline after 2 and 8 weeks of supplementation. Results: Throughout the intervention, MED gradually increased, while Δa* decreased in the IP group. While these changes were not statistically significant after 2 weeks, they reached significance after 8 weeks of intervention. By the end of the study, the IP group exhibited a significant 23.8% increase in MED (from 0.447 ± 0.096 to 0.553 ± 0.142 J/cm2; p < 0.05) and a 46.2% reduction in erythema intensity (from 2.40 ± 0.94 to 1.29 ± 1.04 au; p < 0.0001). In contrast, ΔMI in the IP group (from 0.67 ± 0.81 to 0.82 ± 0.96 au) were comparable to those observed in the placebo group, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that supplementation with PLE, ROE, and vitamins A, C, D, and E provides systemic photoprotection by enhancing UV tolerance and reducing erythema without affecting tanning response. This study supports oral supplementation as an adjunct to topical photoprotection, with prolonged use potentially yielding cumulative benefits.

Effects of oral intake fruit or fruit extract on skin aging in healthy adults: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

In recent years, oral various fruits or supplements of fruits natural extracts have been reported to have significant anti-aging effects on the skin (1, 2), However, despite many studies on this topic, there is often no clear evidence to support their efficacy and safety. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review and Meta-analysis of the evidence for the safety and efficacy of oral fruits and fruits extracts in improving skin aging.

Methods

Four databases, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), were searched for relevant literature from 2000-01 to 2023-03. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of fruit intake or fruit extracts associated with anti-skin aging were screened for Meta-analysis.

Results

Compared to placebo, oral intake of fruit or fruit extracts showed significant statistical differences in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), with a significant improvement in skin hydration and a significant decrease in TEWL. No significant statistical difference was observed in minimal erythema dose (MED), overall skin elasticity (R2), or wrinkle depth, and no evidence of significant improvement in skin condition was observed.

Conclusion

Meta-analysis results suggest that consume administration of fruits or fruit extracts significantly enhances skin hydration and reduces transcutaneous water loss, but there is insufficient evidence to support other outcome recommendations, including minimal erythema dose (MED), overall skin elasticity(R2), and wrinkle depth.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (york.ac.uk), identifier CRD42023410382.

Distribution, Antioxidant Capacity, Bioavailability and Biological Properties of Anthocyanin Pigments in Blood Oranges and Other Citrus Species

Anthocyanins are natural pigments that give a red, purple, and blue color to many plant, flower, fruit, and vegetable species. Their presence within the genus Citrus was first reported in 1916, and it is well-known that the red color of the flesh and rind of blood (red or pigmented) oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) is due to the presence of anthocyanins. They are also present in the young shoots, flowers, and peel of lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.), citron (Citrus medica L.), and other citrus species. Since then, the scientific community has expressed increasing interest in studying their profile and distribution, with many published studies focused on the quali-quantitative pattern in the different vegetative tissues belonging to the genus Citrus. Moreover, with the discovery of their relevant antioxidant activity, owing to their ability to capture free radicals, much research has been performed in the last two decades on their radical scavenging power, in vitro and in vivo biological properties, and anticarcinogenic capacity, also focusing attention on their bioavailability for humans. The present work is intended as a comprehensive review of the advances in scientific research on anthocyanin pigments naturally occurring within the genus Citrus, including their natural distribution, antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and biological value and properties. The scientific evidence herein reported can be used to further increase the knowledge of this class of compounds and represents a valuable and comprehensive contribution to promoting anthocyanin-rich citrus fruit consumption as a healthy dietary habit.

Antioxidant Efficacy of a Standardized Red Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) Extract in Elderly Subjects: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Study

The world population is rapidly aging. This should cause us to reflect on the need to develop a new nutritional approach to mitigate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. A randomized, double blind, controlled study was carried out on 60 elderly male and female subjects. Product efficacy was measured before and after 2 and 8 weeks of product intake. The reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione concentrations in the erythrocytes and the reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) hematic concentration were measured to assess the antioxidant efficacy. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the serum were measured to assess the anti-inflammatory effectiveness. The wellbeing was assessed by Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire (male) and by Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) (female). Blood, urine analysis and electrocardiography (ECG) were carried out to assess the product's safety. The results showed that GSH/GSSG ratio increased by 22.4% and 89.0% after 2 and 8 weeks of product intake. Serum TNF-α levels decreased by 2.5% after 8 weeks of product intake. The SF-36 QoL and the MRS questionnaire outputs indicate, preliminarily, a positive effect of the extract intake in ameliorating the wellbeing of both male and female subjects. The product was well-tolerated. Our findings suggest that the test product has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy and has a positive effect on the wellbeing of elderly female and male subjects.

Photoprotective and Antiaging Effects of a Standardized Red Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) Extract in Asian and Caucasian Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study

The increase in solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that reaches the Earth’s surface should make us reflect on the need to develop new approaches in protecting the skin from UVR exposure. The present study aims to evaluate the photoprotective and antiaging efficacy of a red orange extract (100 mg/day) in both Asian and Caucasian subjects. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was carried out in 110 Asian and Caucasian subjects. Product efficacy was measured as follows: (1) the photoprotective effect was measured by the minimal erythema dose (MED) assessment; (2) the efficacy in decreasing the UVA+B-induced skin redness was measured by colorimetry; (3) the antioxidant efficacy was measured by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) assay; and (4) skin moisturization, skin elasticity, skin radiance, the intensity of melanin staining, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and wrinkles were measured to assess the antiaging efficacy. The intake of the product for 56 days was effective in improving the skin reaction to UV exposure; in increasing the skin antioxidant capacity as well as in decreasing UVA-induced lipid peroxidation; in increasing the skin moisturization, skin elasticity, and skin radiance; and in decreasing TEWL, the intensity of melanin staining inside dark spots, and wrinkle depth. Our results suggest that the test product is effective in counteracting both the harmful effects of UVR exposure and aging signs.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil provides anti-inflammatory activity and facilitates wound healing in a human keratinocytes cell model

Skin acts as a protective barrier between the body and the external environment. Skin wounds are a common inflammatory disorder for the solution of which plants and essential oils have been applied as a medical option for centuries. Origanum vulgare essential oil (OEO) is largely used in folk medicine, but its molecular mechanisms of action are not fully known. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activity as well as wound healing capacity of a well-characterized OEO on human keratinocytes NCTC 2544 treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and histamine (H) or subjected to a scratch test. The expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were verified. The DNA damage was shown by the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and activation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Moreover, the abnormal modification of extracellular matrix components (ECM) was examined by determining matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and -12. Compared to untreated control, OEO showed efficacy in supporting and enhancing the cell motility. In IFN-γ and H treated cells, OEO displayed a significant reduction of ROS, ICAM-1, iNOS, COX-2, 8-OHdG, MMP-1, and MMP-12. OEO proved useful to treat inflammation and support cell motility during wound healing.

Agro-Industrial By-Products and Their Bioactive Compounds—An Ally against Oxidative Stress and Skin Aging

The increased consumer awareness towards hazards related with sun exposure has given a boost in the cosmetics industry and particularly the sun care market. Human skin is continually being threatened by the UV irradiation present in sunlight and acute UV exposure leads to skin photoaging. Cosmetic and/or dermatological applications include several bioactive compounds that contribute to the regulation of epidermal homeostasis by providing protection against solar radiation and improving the antioxidant activity of epidermis. Plant extracts are sources of active ingredients with intense therapeutic properties, and the topical application or oral intake of these compounds could ameliorate skin condition. Nowadays, there is a growing demand for the application of the bioactive agents contained in agro-industrial byproducts in sun care products, since many of them have shown promising properties as skin photoprotectants. However, well-conducted clinical studies are required to prove their safety and efficacy before they could be regularly used. Environmentally friendly extraction and sustainable techniques are therefore under examination for recovering such compounds from agro-industrial byproducts and converting them into innovative high-value natural ingredients used in cosmetic formulations.

Improvement of the Color Stability of Cyanidin-3-glucoside by Fatty Acid Enzymatic Acylation

Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments with limited application in lipophilic matrices such as lipid-based foods and cosmetic formulations. In this work, the liposolubility improvement of cyanidin-3-glucoside (cy3glc) was performed by enzymatic esterification with saturated fatty acids with variable chain lengths, and their thermostabilities were evaluated at different pH values in a lipophilic medium (an aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate solution) by means of UV-vis spectroscopy. Overall, lipophilic cy3glc derivatives showed improved color stability and lowered sensitivity to thermal degradation than nonmodified cy3glc in an SDS micellar solution between pH 3 and 7.

Protective effect of red orange extract supplementation against UV-induced skin damages: photoaging and solar lentigines

BACKGROUND

Exposure of the skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiations causes important oxidative damages that result in clinical and hystopathological changes, contributing to premature skin aging. Hyperpigmented lesions, also known as age spots, are one of the most visible alterations in skin photoaging. Skin is naturally equipped with antioxidant systems against UV-induced ROS generation; however, these antioxidant defenses are not completely efficient during exposure to sunlight. Oral antioxidants are able to counteract the harmful effects of UV radiation and to strengthen the physiological skin antioxidant defenses.

AIMS

The present study was performed to evaluate the in vivo skin photo-protecting and anti-aging effects of a red orange (Citrus sinensis varieties Moro, Tarocco and Sanguinello) extract supplementation. Previous studies showed that red orange extracts possess strong in vitro free radical scavenging/antioxidant activity and photo-protective effects on human skin.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The photo-protective effects of red orange extract intake against UV-induced skin erythema and melanin production in solar lentigo was evaluated on healthy volunteers by an objective instrumental method (reflectance spectrophotometry).

RESULTS

Data obtained from in vivo studies showed that supplementation of red orange extract (100 mg/daily) for 15 days brought a significant reduction in the UV-induced skin erythema degree. Moreover, skin age spots pigmentation (melanin content) decreased from 27% to 7% when subjects were exposed to solar lamp during red orange extract supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Red orange extract intake can strengthen physiological antioxidant skin defenses, protecting skin from the damaging processes involved in photo-aging and leading to an improvement in skin appearance and pigmentation.

Active ingredients against human epidermal aging

The decisive role of the epidermis in maintaining body homeostasis prompted studies to evaluate the changes in epidermal structure and functionality over the lifetime. This development, along with the identification of molecular mechanisms of epidermal signaling, maintenance, and differentiation, points to a need for new therapeutic alternatives to treat and prevent skin aging. In addition to recovering age- and sun-compromised functions, proper treatment of the epidermis has important esthetic implications. This study reviews active ingredients capable of counteracting symptoms of epidermal aging, organized according to the regulation of specific age-affected epidermal functions: (1) several compounds, other than retinoids and derivatives, act on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, supporting the protective barrier against mechanical and chemical insults; (2) natural lipidic compounds, as well as glycerol and urea, are described as agents for maintaining water-ion balance; (3) regulation of immunological pathogen defense can be reinforced by natural extracts and compounds, such as resveratrol; and (4) antioxidant exogenous sources enriched with flavonoids and vitamin C, for example, improve solar radiation protection and epidermal antioxidant activity. The main objective is to provide a functional classification of active ingredients as regulatory elements of epidermal homeostasis, with potential cosmetic and/or dermatological applications.

Effect of fresh orange juice intake on physiological characteristics in healthy volunteers

Background. Impaired endothelial function is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Orange juice (OJ) is rich in dietary flavonoids and could inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. We examined the effects of commercial (COJ) and fresh orange juice (FOJ) on endothelial function and physiological characteristics in healthy humans. Materials and Methods. Twenty-two healthy volunteers years were enrolled in a single blind randomized crossover controlled trial. The two groups consumed either COJ for the first 4 weeks and then FOJ (CFOJ, 4 weeks), or FOJ for the first 4 weeks and then COJ (FCOJ, 4 weeks). We assessed endothelial function by measuring flow-mediated dilation, serum concentrations of lipids, apolipoproteins A and B (apo A-1 and apo B), and inflammatory markers such as vascular endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6. Results. Consumption of both juices decreased VCAM, hs-CRP, and E-selectin but increased apo A-1. A decline in LDL occurred in the FOJ group. There were no differences between the characteristics of two groups, with the exception of apo A-1 levels that were increased with both forms of OJ. The largest variations occurred with hs-CRP, VCAM in both groups. Conclusion. Consumption of COJ and FOJ produced beneficial effects on the physiological characteristics of healthy volunteers. Although these results could encourage the consumption of OJ, intervention studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these types of OJ on metabolic and cardiovascular endpoints.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new benzo-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one sulphonamide thio-derivatives as potential selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of eleven (5-15) new synthesized derivatives of benzo-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine on two cell models, namely human keratinocytes NCTC 2544 and mouse monocyte-macrophages J774. For the synthesis of test compounds an efficient approach was developed: the key isothiocyanate was prepared through a simple and ecological method using di-2-pyridyl thionocarbonate (DPT) in substitution of thiophosgene, a highly toxic agent, and the cyclization reaction of benzo-thiosemicarbazide derivates was performed through Wamhoff methods. This procedure can be a new alternative method economically and environmentally advantageous by the simplicity of procedure, reduction of isolation and purification steps, time, costs, and waste production. The potential anti-inflammatory activity of 5-15 was evaluated by determining the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and the release of prostaglandins (PG)E[Formula: see text] and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Our results demonstrate that the compounds 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15 act as a potent inhibitor of COX-2, iNOS, ICAM-1 expression while also suppressing the production of PGE[Formula: see text] and IL-8 in human keratinocytes NCTC 2544 exposed to interferon-gamma (IFN-[Formula: see text]) and histamine and monocyte-macrophages J774 cells treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In conclusion, some derivatives of benzo-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine could be developed as a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents.

Age-related changes in cellular protection, purification, and inflammation-related gene expression: role of dietary phytonutrients

Oxidative injury and inflammation are intimately involved in the aging process and the development of age-related diseases. To date, most nutritional antiaging strategies have focused solely on the delivery of exogenous antioxidants to combat the negative effects of aging. A promising new strategy is to identify nutrients and phytochemicals that can directly target intrinsic cytoprotective mechanisms, including modulation of the expression of (1) genes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, (2) genes involved in the synthesis and regulation of intrinsic antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes, (3) genes involved in the regulation of inflammation, and (4) vitagenes. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the age-related changes in gene expression related to oxidative stress, detoxification, and inflammatory processes, and to discuss natural compounds with the potential to oppose age-related changes in gene expression related to these processes, which therefore may be suitable for use in human antiaging research.

Effects of red orange juice intake on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in adult subjects with increased cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Oxidative and inflammatory stresses are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with improved health and reduced cardiovascular risk. Red oranges have a high content of antioxidant and antiinflammatory substances, but there is a paucity of data concerning their effects on cardiovascular biomarkers in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of red orange juice intake on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and markers of inflammation in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk.

DESIGN

Nineteen nondiabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk (aged 27-56 y) were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover study and compared with 12 healthy, nonobese control subjects. In 2 periods of 7 d each with a 3-d interval, each participant alternatively received 500 mL red orange juice/d and 500 mL placebo/d in a random sequence. All measurements were performed in the morning after overnight fasting.

RESULTS

Endothelial function, which was measured as flow-mediated dilation, significantly improved and was normalized (5.7% compared with 7.9%; P < 0.005) after 1 wk of red orange juice consumption. Similarly, concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, and TNF-α significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Red orange juice had no significant effect on nitric oxide plasma concentrations.

CONCLUSION

A 7-d consumption of red orange juice ameliorates endothelial function and reduces inflammation in nondiabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. This trial was registered at biomedcentral.com as ISRCTN39987296.

Response of rice advance line PB-95 to potassium application in saline-sodic soil

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of rice crop to potassium fertilization in saline-sodic soil during 2005. Soil samples were collected before transplanting of rice crop and analysed for physical and chemical properties of the soil. In this experiment five rates of K2O (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha(-1)) were applied in the presence of basal doses of N and P2O5 i.e., 110 and 90 kg ha(-1), respectively. Whole of P, K and 1/2 of N were applied at the time of rice transplanting. Twelve and halfkg ha(-1) ZnSO4 was also applied 15 days after rice transplanting. The remaining half of N was applied 30 days after rice transplanting. The system of layout was Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The net plot size was 6x4 m. Fertilizer sources of NPK were urea, TSP and SOP, respectively. Rice salt tolerant line PB-95 was used as test crops. The data of growth parameters and yield was recorded and samples of paddy and straw were collected treatment-wise and analysed for N, P and K contents. Soil samples after harvesting the crop were also collected, processed and analysed for the changes in the extractable soil K. The results showed that increasing rates of potassium fertilizer increased the number of tillers m(-2), plant height (cm), 1000-paddy weight and paddy as well as straw yield significantly. Maximum paddy (3.24 t ha(-1)) and straw (3.92 t ha(-1)) yields were obtained in T5 (100 kg K2O ha(-1)) which was at par with T4 (75 kg K2O ha(-1)). With increasing rates of potassium fertilizer, concentration of potassium in paddy and straw increased significantly. After harvesting the crop, the extractable potassium contents of soil increased from that of the original soil. It was concluded from the results that there was an increase of 30.65% in paddy over control by applying potassium (100 kg K2O ha(-1)) in saline-sodic soil.

Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on germination, growth and chlorophyll amounts of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds

Germination activities, various growth parameters (primary root length, hypocotyl length, primary leaf length, plant length and increase in fresh weight) and chlorophyll (a+b) amounts of cucumber seeds exposed to 0, 10(-5), 10(-4), 10(-3) and 0.5x 10(-2) M aqueous solutions of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for 48 h were established. While 0.5x 10(-2) M ASA significantly prevented germination activity of the seeds, other concentrations did not produce any effect, either positive or negative. Meanwhile, 0.5x 10(-2) M ASA inhibited radicle growth of the germinated seeds, while 10(-5) M ASA increased radicle growth. Other concentrations of ASA did not affect radicle growth. The following findings were obtained from the one-week seedlings exposed to ASA for 48 h: 0.5x10(-2) M ASA prevented growth (lengthening) of root, hypocotyl, leaf and plant and increased chlorophyll (a+b) amount with an increase in fresh weight. Contrary to 0.5x 10(-2) M ASA application, these features of the seedlings (except for the leaf length) were encouraged by 10(-5) M ASA. 10(-3)) M ASA only prevented root growth and reduced chlorophyll (a+b) amount. Other concentrations of ASA did not bring about any positive or negative effect on the features studied.