Epigallocatechin gallate improves the quality of diabetic oocytes

Exploring Four Atraphaxis Species: Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities

Atraphaxis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae, with approximately 60 species. Species of Atraphaxis are much-branched woody plants, forming shrubs or shrubby tufts, primarily inhabiting arid zones across the temperate steppe and desert regions of Central Asia, America, and Australia. Atraphaxis species have been used by diverse groups of people all over the world for the treatment of various diseases. However, their biologically active compounds with therapeutic properties have not been investigated well. Studying the biologically active components of Atraphaxis laetevirens, Atraphaxis frutescens, Atraphaxis spinosa L., and Atraphaxis pyrifolia is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can unveil the therapeutic potential of these plants, aiding in the development of novel medicines or natural remedies for various health conditions. Understanding their bioactive compounds enables scientists to explore their pharmacological properties, potentially leading to the discovery of new drugs or treatments. Additionally, investigating these components contributes to preserving traditional knowledge and validating the historical uses of these plants in ethnomedicine, thus supporting their conservation and sustainable utilization. These herbs have been used as an anti-inflammatory and hypertension remedies since the dawn of time. Moreover, they have been used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and problems related to skin in traditional Kazakh medicine. Hence, the genus Atraphaxis can be considered as a potential medicinal plant source that is very rich in biologically active compounds that may exhibit great pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiulcer, hypoglycemic, wound healing, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and so on. This study aims to provide a collection of publications on the species of Atraphaxis, along with a critical review of the literature data. This review will constitute support for further investigations on the pharmacological activity of these medicinal plant species.

Biological Potential and Mechanisms of Tea's Bioactive Compounds in Tea: An Updated Review

BACKGROUND

Tea (Camellia sinensis) has a rich history and is widely consumed across many countries, and is categorized into green tea, white tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, black tea, and dark tea based on the level of fermentation. Based on a review of previous literature, the commonly recognized bioactive substances in tea include tea polyphenols, amino acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, terpenoids, macro minerals, trace elements, and vitamins, which have been known to have various potential health benefits, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, and anti-obesity properties, cardiovascular protection, immune regulation, and control of the intestinal microbiota. Most studies have only pointed out the characteristics of tea's bioactivities, so a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological characteristics and mechanisms of tea's bioactivities and their use risks are vital.

AIM

of Review The aim of this paper is to summarize the bioactive substances of tea and their pharmacological characteristics and mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for the application of bioactive substances in tea and outlining future research directions for the study of bioactive substances in tea. Key Scientific Concepts of Review This review summarizes the main biologically active substances, pharmacological effects, and mechanisms and discusses the potential risks. It may help researchers to grasp more comprehensive progress in the study of tea bioactive substances to further promote the application of tea as a natural bioactive substance in the medical field.

Effects of dietary polyphenols on maternal and fetal outcomes in maternal diabetes

The incidences of short-term or long-term adverse maternal and fetal outcomes caused by maternal diabetes are increasing. Due to toxicity or side effects, economic pressures, and other problems associated with injections or oral hypoglycemic drugs, many researchers have investigated natural treatment methods. Polyphenols can protect against chronic pathologies by regulating numerous physiological processes and provide many health benefits. Moreover, polyphenols have anti-diabetic properties and can be used to treat diabetic complications. Diets rich in polyphenols are beneficial to pregnant women with diabetes. Here, we review the epidemiological and experimental evidence on the impact of dietary polyphenols on maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with diabetes, and the effects of polyphenols on biological changes and possible mechanisms. Previous data (mainly from in vitro and animal experiments) showed that polyphenols can alleviate gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetic embryopathy by reducing maternal hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating related signaling pathways. Although polyphenols have shown many health benefits, further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between polyphenols and maternal diabetes.

The Role of Lifestyle and Dietary Factors in the Development of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition that arises from dysfunction or early depletion of the ovarian follicle pool accompanied by an earlier-than-normal loss of fertility in young women. Oxidative stress has been suggested as an important factor in the decline of fertility in women and POI. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of oxidative stress implicated in ovarian ageing and dysfunction in relation to POI, in particular mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and inflammation. Genetic defects, autoimmunity and chemotherapy, are some of the reviewed hallmarks of POI that can lead to increased oxidative stress. Additionally, we highlight lifestyle factors, including diet, low energy availability and BMI, that can increase the risk of POI. The final section of this review discusses dietary factors associated with POI, including consumption of oily fish, mitochondria nutrient therapy, melatonin, dairy and vitamins that can be targeted as potential interventions, especially for at-risk women and in combination with personalised nutrition. Understanding the impact of lifestyle and its implications for POI and oxidative stress holds great promise in reducing the burden of this condition.