Pro- and anti-inflammatory actions of ricinoleic acid: similarities and differences with capsaicin

Effect of 4 hydroxy fatty acids on lipid accumulation in the 3T3-L1 cells: a comparative study

Notwithstanding the several investigations of the hydroxy fatty acids (hFAs)' physiological functions, studies focusing on their anti-obesity effects are limited. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of 4 hFAs-10-hydroxy stearic acid (10-hSA), 12-hydroxy stearic acid (12-hSA), 9,12-hydroxy stearic acid (9,12-dhSA), and 12-hydroxy oleic acid (12-hOA)-on the 3T3-L1 cells. All hFAs suppressed lipid accumulation, with 10-hSA and 12-hOA exhibiting the strongest suppression, followed by 12-hSA and 9,12-hSA. This trend was similar to that observed for the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity level. Contrastingly, only 9,12-dhSA suppressed cell viability. The mRNA levels of HK1 and Aldoa were markedly suppressed by 10-hSA and 12-hSA compared to the control. Additionally, mRNA expression of Gyk was considerably suppressed by 12-hSA. Thus, all hFAs suppressed lipid accumulation by suppressing GPDH activity, although their molecular mechanisms were different. These findings will aid the application of hFAs in the food and medical industries.

Neuroprotective Effects of Water Extract from Brown Algae Petalonia binghamiae in an Experimental Model of Focal Cerebral Ischemia In Vitro and In Vivo

Focal cerebral ischemia (fCI) can result in brain injury and sensorimotor deficits. Brown algae are currently garnering scientific attention as potential therapeutic candidates for fCI. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of the hot water extract of Petalonia binghamiae (wPB), a brown alga, in in vitro and in vivo models of fCI. The neuroprotective efficacy of wPB was evaluated in an in vitro excitotoxicity model established using HT-22 cells challenged with glutamate. Afterward, C57/BL6 mice were administered wPB for 7 days (10 or 100 mg/kg, intragastric) and subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) operation, which was used as an in vivo fCI model. wPB co-incubation significantly inhibited cell death, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as stimulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, and the nuclear translocation of its upstream regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in HT-22 cells challenged with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Pretreatment with either dose of wPB significantly attenuated infarction volume, neuronal death, and sensorimotor deficits in an in vivo fCI model. Furthermore, the attenuation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the ischemic lesion accompanied the wPB-associated protection. This study suggests that wPB can counteract fCI via an antioxidative effect, upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

The Genus Alternanthera: Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) comprises 139 species including 14 species used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments such as hypertension, pain, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, microbial and mental disorders.

Aim of the review: To search research gaps through critical assessment of pharmacological activities not performed to validate traditional claims of various species of Alternanthera. This review will aid natural product researchers in identifying Alternanthera species with therapeutic potential for future investigation.

Materials and methods: Scattered raw data on ethnopharmacological, morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of various species of the genus Alternanthera have been compiled utilizing search engines like SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Open J-Gate for 100 years up to April 2021.

Results: Few species of Alternanthera genus have been exhaustively investigated phytochemically, and about 129 chemical constituents related to different classes such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds have been isolated from 9 species. Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, CNS depressive, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator effects have been explored in the twelve species of the genus. A toxicity study has been conducted on 3 species and a clinical study on 2 species.

Conclusions: The available literature on pharmacological studies of Alternanthera species reveals that few species have been selected based on ethnobotanical surveys for scientific validation of their traditional claims. But most of these studies have been conducted on uncharacterized and non-standardized crude extracts. A roadmap of research needs to be developed for the isolation of new bioactive compounds from Alternanthera species, which can emerge out as clinically potential medicines.

Ocimum basilicum L. Methanol Extract Enhances Mitochondrial Efficiency and Decreases Adipokine Levels in Maturing Adipocytes Which Regulate Macrophage Systemic Inflammation

Excessive storage of lipids in visceral or ectopic sites stimulates adipokine production, which attracts macrophages. This process determines the pro- and anti-inflammatory response regulation in adipose tissue during obesity-associated systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to identify the composition of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) seed extract and to determine its bio-efficacy on adipocyte thermogenesis or fatty acid oxidation and inhibition of lipid accumulation and adipokine secretion. Ocimum basilicum L. seed methanol extract (BSME) was utilized to analyze the cytotoxicity vs. control; lipid accumulation assay (oil red O and Nile red staining), adipogenesis and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-related gene expression vs. vehicle control were analyzed by PCR assay. In addition, vehicle control and BSME-treated adipocytes condition media were collected and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage to identify the macrophage polarization. The results shown that the active components present in BSME did not produce significant cytotoxicity in preadipocytes or macrophages in the MTT assay. Furthermore, oil red O and Nile red staining assay confirmed that 80 and 160 μg/dL concentrations of BSME effectively arrested lipid accumulation and inhibited adipocyte maturation, when compared with tea polyphenols. Gene expression level of adipocyte hyperplasia (CEBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenesis (LPL)-related genes have been significantly (p ≤ 0.05) downregulated, and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-associated genes (PPARγc1α, UCP-1, prdm16) have been significantly (p ≤ 0.001) upregulated. The BSME-treated, maturing, adipocyte-secreted proteins were detected with a decreased protein level of leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and STAT-6, which are associated with insulin resistance and macrophage recruitment. The “LPS-stimulated macrophage” treated with “BSME-treated adipocytes condition media”, shown with significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in metabolic-inflammation-related proteins—such as PGE-2, MCP-1, TNF-α and NF-κB—were majorly associated with the development of foam cell formation and progression of atherosclerotic lesion. The present findings concluded that the availability of active principles in basil seed effectively inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage polarization, and the inflammation associated with insulin resistance and thrombosis development. Ocimum basilicum L. seed may be useful as a dietary supplement to enhance fatty acid oxidation, which aids in overcoming metabolic complications.

Evaluation of Biosafety, Antiobesity, and Endothelial Cells Proliferation Potential of Basil Seed Extract Loaded Organic Solid Lipid Nanoparticle

The present study aimed to synthesize solid lipid nanoparticles to enhance liposome-assisted intracellular uptake of basil seed active components in adipocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells to attain increased bioavailability. To obtain solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNp), the water phase containing basil seed extract (BSE) was encapsulated with lipid matrix containing chia seed phospholipids using homogenization and cold ultra-sonication method. The physicochemical characterization of BSE loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (BSE-SLNp) has been analyzed using Zetasizer, FT-IR, and TEM. The BSE-SLNp showed an average diameter of 20-110 nm on the day of preparation and it remains the same after 60 days of storage. The cytotoxicity assay confirmed that the BSE-SLNp did not produce toxicity in hMSCs, preadipocytes, or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) until the tested higher dose up to 64 μg/ml. During effective dose determination, 4 μg/ml of BSE-SLNp confirmed non-toxic and enhanced metabolic function in hMSCs, preadipocytes, and HUVECs. Biosafety assay confirmed normal nuclear morphology in PI staining and high mitochondrial membrane potential in JC-1 assay within 48 h in hMSCs. The maturing adipocyte treated with 4 μg/ml of BSE-SLNp significantly increased the mitochondrial efficiency and fatty acid beta-oxidation (PPARγC1α, UCP-1, and PRDM-16) related gene expression levels. Oxidative stress induced HUVECs treated with 4 μg/ml of BSE-SLNp potentially enhanced antioxidant capacity, cell growth, and microtubule development within 48 h H₂O₂ induced oxidative stressed HUVECs have shown 39.8% viable cells, but treatment with BSE-SLNp has shown 99% of viable cells within 48 h confirmed by Annexin-V assay. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m) increased to 89.4% confirmed by JC-1 assay. The observed DNA integrity, cell viability was confirmed by increased antioxidant and tumor suppressor-related gene expression levels. VEGF expression has been significantly increased and pro-inflammation-related mRNA levels were decreased in BSE-SLNp treated cells. In conclusion, enhanced adipocyte fatty acid oxidation is directly associated with decreased adipocytokine secretion which arrests obesity-associated comorbidities. In addition, suppressing vascular cell oxidative stress and metabolic inflammation supports vascular cell proliferation and arrests ageing-related vascular diseases.

Supplemental Effects of Functional Oils on the Modulation of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota, Intestinal Health, and Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional oils on modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Forty newly weaned pigs (20 barrows and 20 gilts) with 7.0 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW) were housed individually and randomly allotted in a randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks. The dietary treatments were a basal diet with increasing levels (0.00, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.50 g/kg feed) of functional oils (a blend of castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid; Oligo Basics USA LLC, Cary, NC) fed to pigs for 34 days divided in two phases (P1 for 13 days and P2 for 21 days). Growth performance was analyzed weekly. On day 34, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa for analyzing the mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal health, and ileal digesta for analyzing apparent ileal digestibility. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. Supplementation of functional oils did not affect the overall growth performance. Increasing supplementation of functional oils reduced (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Helicobacteraceae, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) Lactobacillus kitasatonis. Supplementation of functional oils tended (p = 0.064) to decrease protein carbonyl and increase the villus height (p = 0.098) and crypt depth (p = 0.070). In conclusion, supplementation of functional oils enhanced intestinal health of nursery pigs by increasing beneficial and reducing harmful bacteria, potentially reducing oxidative stress and enhancing intestinal morphology, without affecting overall growth performance of pigs. Supplementation of functional oils at 0.75-1.50 g/kg feed was the most beneficial to the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal integrity of nursery pigs.

Effects of functional oils on the growth, carcass and meat characteristics, and intestinal morphology of commercial turkey toms

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of functional oils containing cashew nutshell and castor oil on turkey performance and intestinal morphology. In experiment 1, 585 hatchlings were randomly placed in 15 replicate floor pens, (13 poults/pen) with recycled litter and provided feed and water ad libitum. Birds were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments from 1 to 12 wk: nonmedicated control, 0.15% functional oils, and 66-ppm monensin. From wk 13 to 20, each initial treatment group was further divided into 3 treatments—control (no additive), 0.15% of functional oils, or 20 ppm of virginiamycin to produce 9 different treatments, 5 replicate pens per treatment. Data on feed weights were collected weekly, and body weight bi-weekly. At termination (20 wk), birds were euthanized, and their meat was processed to determine mass of carcass sections and meat quality, while intestinal samples were collected for histology. In experiment 1, toms fed monensin or functional oils were 10.5 and 4.5% heavier (P < 0.05), respectively, than the controls at 12 wk. Birds fed monensin had a 4% improvement (P < 0.05) in feed conversion as compared to the other treatments. Neither virginiamycin nor the functional oils affected bird performance when fed from 13 to 20 wk. The jejunum villi surface area at 3 wk was most enhanced (P < 0.05) for the poults fed monensin. Supplementation with functional oils significantly reduced leg yield and thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances of white meat after 7 D of storage (P < 0.05). There were no effects on performance or carcass characteristics in experiment 2. While additional confirmatory studies are needed, functional oils in the diet of turkey toms may be a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promotants.

Effects of functional oils on performance and carcass characteristics of broilers under two different temperature environments

As antioxidants such as some functional oils are good candidates to mitigate heat stress, a commercial blend of functional oils (Essential, Oligo Basics USA LLC, Cary, NC; active ingredients: cashew nut shell oil and castor oil) was used to study the effects of two ambient temperatures (moderate and high) on broiler chicken performance and carcass parameters. A total of 2,240 straight-run one-day-old chickens were sorted by weight, randomized among 28 floor pens with 80 chickens per pen and 7 replicates for each treatment. Birds were assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two temperature environments (moderate and high) and without or with Essential supplementation (1.5 kg/ton). Variances for the average temperature, relative humidity, and dew point for the two environments were different (P < 0.001), showing that the high-temperature environment reached higher temperatures and dew points. Essential supplementation increased body weight gain at 42 D of age (2.548 vs. 2.508 kg; P < 0.01) and tended to improve feed conversion (1.621 vs. 1.644; P = 0.09) independent of temperature environment. The high-temperature environment increased mortality (7.5 vs. 12.4%; P = 0.03) and carcass yields (77.5 vs. 76.2%; P < 0.01). Breast yields were affected by an environment by Essential interaction (P < 0.01). Whereas the high-temperature environment decreased breast yield in control birds, it did not decrease breast yield in birds supplemented with Essential. Finally, breast yields were increased by Essential supplementation (23.6 vs. 22.9%; P < 0.01) regardless of the ambient temperature. In conclusion, Essential supplementation improved weight gains and carcass characteristics, and high-temperature environments decreased breast yields when Essential was not supplemented.

Comparison between a commercial blend of functional oils and monensin on the performance and microbiota of coccidiosis-challenged broilers

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a cashew nut shell oil and commercial castor oil blend (CNSL-Castor oil) on the performance and microbiota of broiler chickens with and without coccidiosis challenge. A total of 864 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb) were randomly distributed to receive 6 treatments (8 pens/treatment; 18 chicks/pen) in a 3 × 2 factorial, with 3 additives (control [non-additives], 100 ppm sodium monensin, or 0.15% CNSL-Castor oil blend), and 2 levels of coccidiosis challenge at 14 D of age (unchallenged or inoculated by gavage with 1 mL of solution containing oocysts sporulated with Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, and Eimeria maxima). No differences in productive performance were observed among treatments in the pre-challenge period and in unchallenged birds (P > 0.05). Seven-days post-challenge, birds receiving monensin performed better than birds in the positive control group (non-additive and challenge) or in the CNSL-Castor oil group (P > 0.05). However, 14 D post-challenge, birds supplemented with CNSL-Castor oil presented higher weight gain and better feed conversion (P > 0.05), without any change in feed intake (P > 0.05). During the accumulated period (1 to 42 D of age), the live weight, weight gain, and feed intake did not differ between the CNSL-Castor oil and monensin groups, both of which presented higher values than the positive control. Lactobacillus spp. and Clostridium perfringens numbers were increased in the challenged birds (P < 0.05). CNSL-Castor oil supplementation reduced Clostridium cluster XIV, C. perfringens, and S. aureus, compared with the monensin and control groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the CNSL-Castor oil group presented the highest number of Lactobacillus spp. copies, followed by the monensin and positive control groups (P > 0.05). Thus, monensin and CNSL-Castor oil effectively minimized the impact of coccidiosis at different times. While monensin acts as an antimicrobial, CNSL-Castor oil modulates the intestinal microbiota with antimicrobial action against gram-positive bacteria, mainly C. perfringens and S. aureus.

Inhibition of Calcineurin and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β by Ricinoleic Acid Derived from Castor Oil

Ricinoleic acid (RA) is the main fatty acid component of castor oil and was found to inhibit Ca²⁺ -signal transduction pathway-mediated cell cycle regulation in a yeast-based drug screening assay. RA is expected to have antidiabetic, antiallergy, and/or anticancer properties but its target molecule is unknown. To identify a novel pharmacological effect of RA, we investigated its target molecule in the Ca²⁺ -signal transduction pathway. RA inhibition of calcineurin (CN) was examined in a yeast-based CN inhibitor screening assay using the rsp5^A401E mutant and in a phosphatase assay using recombinant human CN. RA showed growth-restoration activity at 5 μg/spot in the CN inhibitor screening assay with the rsp5^A401E yeast strain. Furthermore, it directly inhibited CN without immunophilins at K_i = 33.7 μM in a substrate-competitive manner. The effects of RA on CN in mammalian cells were further evaluated by measuring β-hexosaminidase (β-HEX) release in RBL-2H3 cells. RA at 50 μM suppressed the release of β-HEX from RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, this compound was found to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), as determined by a kinase assay using recombinant human GSK-3β. RA inhibited GSK-3β at K_i = 1.43 μM in a peptide substrate-competitive manner. The inhibition of GSK-3β by this molecule was further assessed in mammalian cells by measuring the inhibition of glucose production in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. RA at 25 μM suppressed glucose production in these cells. These findings indicate that RA and/or castor oil could be a useful functional fatty acid to treat allergy or type 2 diabetes.

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Microemulsion of Dexamethasone and Tobramycin for Topical Ocular Administration

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel dexamethasone- and tobramycin-loaded microemulsion for its potential for treating anterior segment eye infections.

METHODS

The microemulsion was evaluated for pH, particle size, zeta potential, light transmittance, morphology, and in vitro drug release. Sterility of the microemulsion was evaluated by direct as well as plate inoculation methods. Anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone, bactericidal activity of tobramycin, and cytotoxicity of the microemulsion were assessed and compared to that of the marketed eye drop suspension (Tobradex^®). Histological evaluation was performed in bovine corneas to assess the safety of microemulsion in comparison to Tobradex suspension. In addition, the stability of the microemulsion was studied at 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C.

RESULTS

The pH of the microemulsion was close to the pH of tear fluid. The microemulsion displayed an average globule size under 20 nm, with light transmittance around 95%-100%. The aseptically prepared microemulsion remained sterile for up to 14 days. The cytotoxicity of the microemulsion in bovine corneal endothelial cells was comparable to that of the Tobradex suspension. The anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone and the antibacterial activity of tobramycin from the microemulsion were significantly higher than those of the Tobradex suspension (P < 0.05). Histological evaluation showed an intact corneal epithelium without any signs of toxicity, and the developed microemulsion was found to be stable at 4°C and 25°C for 3 months.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the developed microemulsion could be explored as a suitable alternative to the marketed suspension for treating anterior segment eye infections.

Castor oil for induction of labor in post-date pregnancies: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Castor oil is a substance used for labor induction in an inpatient setting. However, its efficacy as an agent for the induction of labor, for post-date pregnancies in an outpatient setup is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Efficacy of castor oil as an agent for the induction of labor, for post-date pregnancies in outpatient settings.

METHODS

Eighty-one women with a low-risk post-date singleton pregnancy with a Bishop score≤7, without effective uterine contractions were randomized to the intervention, 60ml of castor oil, or the control, 60ml of sun-flower oil. The primary outcome was proportion of women entering the active phase of labor 24, 36, 48h after ingestion. Secondary outcomes included meconium stained amniotic fluid, abnormal fetal heart rate tracing, cesarean section rate, instrumental deliveries, birth weight, 5min Apgar score, chorioamnionitis, hypertensive complications, retained placenta, and post-partum hemorrhage.

FINDINGS

Intervention and control groups included 38 and 43 women, respectively. No differences in baseline characteristics, except for age were noted. The observed interaction between castor oil and parity was significant (p_interaction=0.02). Multiparous women in the intervention group exhibited a significant beneficial effect on entering active labor within 24, 36 and 48h after castor oil consumption compared with the placebo (Hazard Ratio=2.93, p=0.048; Hazard Ratio=3.29, p=0.026; Hazard Ratio=2.78, p=0.042 respectively). This effect was not noted among primiparous women. No differences in rate of obstetric complications or adverse neonatal outcomes were noted.

CONCLUSION

Castor oil is effective for labor induction, in post-date multiparous women in outpatient settings.

Regulation of thermoTRPs by lipids

The family of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels is constituted by 7 subfamilies among which are those that respond to temperature, the thermoTRPs. These channels are versatile molecules of a polymodal nature that have been shown to be modulated in various fashions by molecules of a lipidic nature. Some of these molecules interact directly with the channels on specific regions of their structures and some of these promote changes in membrane fluidity or modify their gating properties in response to their agonists. Here, we have discussed how some of these lipids regulate the activity of thermoTRPs and included some of the available evidence for the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects on these channels.

Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community of district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tharu community is the largest primitive indigenous community of the Uttarakhand, India. In this article we have scientifically enumerated medicinal plants and herbal preparations used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases, and discussed dermatological properties of these plants in the light of previous ethnomedicinal, microbiological, pharmacological, toxicological, phytochemical and clinical studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in different villages of Tharu community located in district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Ethnomedicinal information on plants used to treat various skin diseases was collected from 122 individuals (93 males and 29 females), including 35 experienced herbal practitioners and 87 local villagers. For each of the recorded plant species the use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL) was calculated. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was also calculated to find out the homogeneity in the information given by the informants.

RESULTS

A total of 90 plant species belonging to 86 genera and 48 families were used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases viz., wounds (38 spp.), boils (32 spp.), cuts (18 spp.), leprosy (11 spp.), eczema (10 spp.), itching (7 spp.), ringworm (5 spp.), burns (4 spp.), leucoderma (4 spp.), cracked heels (2 spp.), dandruff (3 spp.), body infection (2 spp.), chilblains (2 spp.), hair fall (2 spp.) and toes infection (2 spp.). Information on botanical name, family, vernacular name, ailments treated, mode and dose of herbal preparations, UV and FL values are provided for each of the recorded species. According to UV value most preferred plant species used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community was Ricinus communis L. followed by Tridax procumbens (L.) L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Ageratum conyzoides and Allium cepa L.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has revealed significant information on various medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community. Literature review has confirmed most of the claims made by the Tharu community regarding treatment of various skin diseases by the reported plants. The literature review has also revealed that products from very few of the reported plants are available in market, while most of the reported plants are still under preclinical or clinical trials. There are various known phytochemicals, and antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents present in these plants which may be synthesized or transformed to make pharmaceuticals. Some of the reported plants have shown promising results in preclinical trails and there is a need of clinical trials to see their safety and efficacy in treating various skin diseases. These plants may be targeted for development of new medicines, ointments or drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. However further toxicological, preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate claims about little worked out plant species reported in the present study viz., Sida cordata (Burm. F.) Borss. Waalk., Millettia extensa (Benth.) Baker, Caesulia axillaris Roxb., Ehretia laevis Roxb., Vanda tessellate (Roxb.) Hook. Ex G.Don. and Eualaliopsis binata (Retz.) C.E. Hubb. Further studies on these plants are recommended to assess their potential in development of new skin care products.

Effects of functional oils on coccidiosis and apparent metabolizable energy in broiler chickens

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a mixture of functional oils (Essential, Oligo Basics Agroind. Ltda) on performance response of chickens challenged with coccidiosis and the determination of apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), the coefficients of protein and ether extract digestibility and intestinal morphology of broilers fed with diets containing Essential. In Exp. 1, a completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with one control diet without Essential inclusion with coccidiosis (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella) challenged birds and two different inclusion rates of Essential (1.5 kg/ton and 2 kg/ton) with coccidiosis-challenged and non-challenged birds for each inclusion rate, using 10 replicates and 50 birds per experimental unit. After 7 d of coccidiosis challenge, the livability was approximately 10% lower (p<0.05) for the control group. Intestinal lesion scores were lower (p<0.05) in the anterior intestine and the cecum for the chickens supplemented. Feed efficiency and growth rate were improved in birds supplemented with Essential (p<0.05) before the coccidiosis challenge and during the first 7 d post infection. In Exp. 2, a CRD was used, with one control diet without Essential inclusion and one diet with inclusion of Essential (1.5 kg/ton), using nine replications and 33 chicks per pen. The diets with Essential yielded approximately 4% higher AME (p = 0.003) and AMEn (p = 0.001). Essential supplementation increased villus height in the jejunum on d 14 (p<0.05). Villus height:crypt depth ratio for the supplemented birds was larger (p<0.05) in the jejunum on d 7, larger (p<0.05) in the jejunum and ileum on d 14. In conclusion, these functional oils improved the energy utilization and the livability and decreased lesions caused by coccidiosis in supplemented birds.

TRP modulation by natural compounds

The use of medicinal plants or other naturally derived products to relieve illness can be traced back over several millennia, and these natural products are still extensively used nowadays. Studies on natural products have, over the years, enormously contributed to the development of therapeutic drugs used in modern medicine. By means of the use of these substances as selective agonists, antagonists, enzyme inhibitors or activators, it has been possible to understand the complex function of many relevant targets. For instance, in an attempt to understand how pepper species evoke hot and painful actions, the pungent and active constituent capsaicin (from Capsicum sp.) was isolated in 1846 and the receptor for the biological actions of capsaicin was cloned in 1997, which is now known as TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1). Thus, TRPV1 agonists and antagonists have currently been tested in order to find new drug classes to treat different disorders. Indeed, the transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are targets for several natural compounds, and antagonists of TRPs have been synthesised based on the knowledge of naturally derived products. In this context, this chapter focuses on naturally derived compounds (from plants and animals) that are reported to be able to modulate TRP channels. To clarify and make the understanding of the modulatory effects of natural compounds on TRPs easier, this chapter is divided into groups according to TRP subfamilies: TRPV (TRP vanilloid), TRPA (TRP ankyrin), TRPM (TRP melastatin), TRPC (TRP canonical) and TRPP (TRP polycystin). A general overview on the naturally derived compounds that modulate TRPs is depicted in Table 1.

Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss.: gastric and duodenal anti-ulcer, antimicrobial and antidiarrheal effects in experimental rodent models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An ethnopharmacological survey indicated that the leaves of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae), a medicinal species commonly found in the Brazilian Cerrado, can be used against gastroduodenal disorders, such as gastric ulcers and diarrhea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a methanolic extract of Byrsonima intermedia (MBI) leaves on gastric and duodenal ulcers and to assess the antimicrobial and antidiarrheal effects of this extract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The anti-ulcerogenic effect of MBI was investigated with different ulcerogenic agents in rodents (mice and rats), including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), HCl/ethanol, pyloric ligature, absolute ethanol, cysteamine and ischemia-reperfusion. The gastroprotective effect of MBI was assessed by analysing the volume of gastric juice, pH, total acidity, mucus, NO, sulfhydryl compound, vanilloid receptor, glutathione (GSH) levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. The gastric and duodenal healing effects of MBI were also evaluated during 7 or 14 days of treatment. The antidiarrheal action (measured by intestinal motility and diarrhea induced by castor oil) and anti-bacterial action of MBI against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori were also evaluated by microdilution methods.

RESULTS

The phytochemical profile from MBI indicated the presence of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids. MBI (500mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited totally gastric and duodenal lesions (69%) and healed gastric (49% on 14 days) and duodenal lesions (45% on 7 and 14 days). The MBI exert gastroprotective action by participation of endogenous sulfhydryl compounds, vanilloid receptors and increase in GSH level to effective gastric and duodenal protection. MBI also displayed curative (42%) and preventive (49%) antidiarrheal effects by involvement of opiate receptors and also antimicrobial effects in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Byrsonima intermedia leaves present gastroprotective, healing and antidiarrheal activities, supporting previous claims that its traditional use can treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Natural product ligands of TRP channels

Natural product ligands have contributed significantly to the deorphanisation of TRP ion channels. Furthermore, natural product ligands continue to provide valuable leads for the identification of ligands acting at "orphan" TRP channels. Additional naturally occurring modulators at TRP channels can be expected to be discovered in future, aiding in our understanding of not only their pharmacology and physiology, but also the therapeutic potential of this fascinating family of ion channels.

Dermatotoxicity of Cutting Fluid Mixtures:In VitroandIn VivoStudies

Cutting fluids are widely used in the metal-machining industry to lubricate and reduce heat generation when metals are cut by a metal-cutting tool. These cutting fluids have caused occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD), and many of the additives used in these cutting fluid mixtures are thought to be responsible for OICD in workers. The purpose of this study was to assess single or various combinations of these additives in initiating the OICD response following an acute 8-hour exposure in porcine skin in vivo and in vitro using the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Pigs (n = 4) were exposed to 5% mineral oil (MO) or 5% polyethylene glycol (PEG) aqueous mixtures containing various combinations of 2% triazine (TRI), 5% triethanolamine (TEA), 5% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), or 5% sulfurized ricinoleic acid (SRA). Erythema and edema were evaluated and skin biopsies for histopathology were obtained at 4 and 8 hours. IPPSFs (n = 4) were exposed to control MO or PEG mixtures and complete MO or PEG mixtures, and perfusate samples were collected hourly to determine interleukin- (IL-) 8 release. The only significant (p < 0.05) mixture effects observed in IPPSFs were with SRA + MO that caused an increase in IL-8 release after 1 or 2 hours' exposure. In vivo exposure to TRI alone appeared to increase erythema, edema, and dermal inflammation compared to the other additives, while SRA alone was least likely to initiate a dermal inflammatory response. In 2-component mixture exposures, the presence of TRI appeared to increase the dermal inflammatory response at 4 and 8 hours especially with the PEG mixtures. In the 3- and 4-component mixtures, MO mixtures are more likely to incite an inflammatory response than PEG mixtures. TRI exhibited the highest toxicity toward HEK, which correlates well to the in vivo irritation and morphology results. In summary, these preliminary studies suggest that the biocide, TRI, is the more potent of the 4 performance additives in causing dermal irritation, and this may vary depending on whether the worker is exposed to a synthetic (PEG)- or MO-based fluid. These findings will however require further clinical studies to validate these acute dermal effects as well as human cumulative irritation following exposure to similar cutting fluid formulations in the workplace.

Mixture additives inhibit the dermal permeation of the fatty acid, ricinoleic acid

Ricinoleic acid (RA) like many of the ingredients in machine cutting fluids and other industrial formulations are potential dermal irritants, yet very little is known about its permeability in skin. 3H-ricinoleic acid mixtures were formulated with three commonly used cutting fluid additives; namely, triazine (TRI), linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), and triethanolamine (TEA) and topically applied to inert silastic membranes and porcine skin in vitro as aqueous mineral oil (MO) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixtures. These additives significantly decreased ricinoleic acid partitioning from the formulation into the stratum corneum (SC) in PEG-based mixtures. Except for LAS, all other additives produced a more basic formulation (pH = 9.3-10.3). In silastic membranes and porcine skin, individual additives or combination of additives significantly reduced ricinoleic permeability. This trend in ricinoleic acid disposition in both membranes suggests that the mixture interaction is more physicochemical in nature and probably not related to the chemical-induced changes in the biological membrane as may be assumed with topical exposures to potentially irritant formulations.

Actions of ricinoleic acid and structurally related fatty acids on the gastrointestinal tract. II. Effects on water and electrolyte absorption in vitro

Ricinoleic acid, the active component of castor oil, and related fatty acids were studied to determine their relative inhibitory effects on water and electrolyte absorption using everted hamster jejunal and ileal segments. Differences were found between hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated congeners as well as between cis and trans geometric isomers. At a mucosal concentration of 2.0 mM, the unsaturated fatty acids had the following rank order of potency on inhibition of water absorption: ricionoleate greater than or equal to ricinelaidate- greater than equal to linoleate greater than oleate greater than linelaidate greater than elaidate. Ricinoleyl alcohol was effective at 2.0 mM but the methyl ester of ricinoleic acid was ineffective at this concentration. Among a series of saturated fatty acids including palmitate, stearate, a mixture of 9- and 10-hydroxystearate, and 12-hydroxystearate, only the last compound had any inhibitory effect on water absorption. The results define those portions of the ricinoleic acid molecule required for its effect on water and electrolyte absorption and suggest that classification of this cathartic as an "irritant" or "stimulant" should be re-evlauated.