Effect of Phoenix dactylifera seeds (dates) extract in triton WR-1339 and high fat diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats: A comparison with simvastatin

Effect of dates on blood glucose and lipid profile among patients with type 2 diabetes

Poor fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the 10 major risk factors for mortality. There is a misconception regarding the consumption of dates among patients with diabetes. This manuscript assessed the effects of date consumption on fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, and microbial markers. Four literature databases were searched for relevant articles. Of the 595 studies retrieved, 24 assessed the effects of dates on glycemic control and lipids. Overall, the evidence suggests that dates have a lowering effect on blood glucose. Dates reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein levels. Dates also promote the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota. Therefore, patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia can consume dates to reduce their blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Date (Phoenix dactylifera L. Mill) fruit enhances sexual performance via modulation of oxido-inflammatory mediators and purinergic signaling in hypertensive male rats

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of dietary supplementation of Phoenix dactylifera, an important component of aphrodisiac supplements, on sexual performance, oxido-inflammatory mediators and purinergic signaling system in hypertensive rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Hypertension was induced via oral administration of 40 mg/kg L-NAME. Thereafter, the sexual performance of the experimental animals was determined and the hypertensive rats with impaired sexual activities were placed on P. dactylifera-supplemented diet for 21 days, and the effects of the treatment on the overall sexual behavior, antioxidant status, oxido-inflammatory biomarkers, and enzyme activity of the purinergic system were assessed.

RESULTS

Hypertensive rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sexual performance, elevated level of oxido-inflammatory mediators, and altered purinergic enzymes activity when compared with the control. However, sub-chronic feeding with P. dactylifera-supplemented diet improved sexual performance, significantly lowered oxido-inflammatory biomarkers, and enhanced the activity of purinergic enzymes in hypertensive rats.

CONCLUSION

Findings presented in this study suggest that dietary inclusion of P. dactylifera could be useful in managing erectile dysfunction (ED) commonly observed in subjects with hypertension. Findings highlighted in this study thus provide the scientific basis supporting the folkloric use of P. dactylifera as a key ingredient in aphrodisiac supplements.

Valorization of non-edible fruit seeds into valuable products: A sustainable approach towards circular bioeconomy

Global imperatives have recently shown a paradigm shift in the prevailing resource utilization model from a linear approach to a circular bioeconomy. The primary goal of the circular bioeconomy model is to minimize waste by effective re-usage of organic waste and efficient nutrient recycling. In essence, circular bioeconomy integrates the fundamental concept of circular economy, which strives to offer sustainable goods and services by leveraging biological resources and processes. Notably, the circular bioeconomy differs from conventional waste recycling by prioritizing the safeguarding and restoration of production ecosystems, focusing on harnessing renewable biological resources and their associated waste streams to produce value-added products like food, animal feed, and bioenergy. Amidst these sustainability efforts, fruit seeds are getting considerable attention, which were previously overlooked and commonly discarded but were known to comprise diverse chemicals with significant industrial applications, not limited to cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. While, polyphenols in these seeds offer extensive health benefits, the inadequate conversion of fruit waste into valuable products poses substantial environmental challenges and resource wastage. This review aims to comprehend the known information about the application of non-edible fruit seeds for synthesising metallic nanoparticles, carbon dots, biochar, biosorbent, and biodiesel. Further, this review sheds light on the potential use of these seeds as functional foods and feed ingredients; it also comprehends the safety aspects associated with their utilization. Overall, this review aims to provide a roadmap for harnessing the potential of non-edible fruit seeds by adhering to the principles of a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Inhibitory effect of trans-tiliroside on very low-density lipoprotein secretion in HepG2 cells and mouse liver

An acylated flavonol glycoside, trans-tiliroside (1), is found in certain parts of different herbs, including the seeds of Rosa canina (Rosaceae). Previous studies on compound 1 have focused on triglyceride (TG) metabolism, including its anti-obesity and intracellular TG reduction effects. In the present study, the effects of compound 1 on cholesterol (CHO) metabolism were investigated using human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived HepG2 cells and mice. Compound 1 decreased CHO secretion in HepG2 cells, which was enhanced by mevalonate in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased the secretion of apoprotein B (apoB)-100, a marker of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Compound 1 also inhibited the activity of microsomal triglyceride transfer proteins, which mediate VLDL formation from cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver. In vivo, compound 1 inhibited the accumulation of Triton WR-1339-induced TG in the blood of fasted mice and maintained low levels of apoB-100. These results suggest that compound 1 inhibits the secretion of CHO as VLDL from the liver and has the potential for use for the prevention of dyslipidemia.

Optimization of the proportions of advantageous components in the hypolipidemic "bioequivalent substance system" of Jiang-Zhi-Ning and its mechanism of action

CONTEXT

Jiang-Zhi-Ning (JZN), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is used to treat hyperlipidemia in clinics.

OBJECTIVE

To screen the hypolipidemic "bioequivalent substance system (BSS)" of JZN and elucidate the potential hypolipidemic mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro, the TG content in HepG2 cells was determined after the intervention of the combination of advantageous components (CAC) by uniform design. In vivo, hyperlipidemia models were established by Triton WR-1339 (400 mg/kg; i.p.) in male ICR mice, and corresponding treatments were administered via oral administration once. The mice were divided into 12 groups (n = 5): control, hyperlipidemic model, simvastatin (positive control, 20 mg/kg), gradient doses of JZN granules (2, 4 and 8 g/kg) and the hypolipidemic effective extraction (HEE) of JZN (120, 240 and 480 mg/kg) and CAC groups (20, 40 and 160 mg/kg). Serum TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were performed after 24 h. Transcriptomics and qRT-PCR technology were used to explore the mechanism of the "BSS" of JZN.

RESULTS

In vitro, the ratio of CAC was determined. CAC could reduce the TG content in HepG2 cells (77.21%). Compared with the model group, the high dose of CAC could markedly decrease the levels of TC (61.86%), TG (105.54%) and LDL-C (39.38%) and increase the level of HDL-C (232.67%). CAC was proved to be the "BSS". Transcriptomics and qRT-PCR analysis revealed CAC regulated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, bile secretion, PPAR and adipocytokine signalling pathway.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings provided new feasible ideas and methods for the elucidation of the pharmacodynamic material basis.

Non-edible fruit seeds: nutritional profile, clinical aspects, and enrichment in functional foods and feeds

Nowadays, fruits are gaining high demand due to their promising advantages on human health. Astonishingly, their by-products, that is, seeds and peels, account for 10-35% of fruit weight and are usually thrown as waste after consumption or processing. But it is neglected that fruit seeds also have functional properties and nutritional value, and thus could be utilized for dietary and therapeutic purposes, ultimately reducing the waste burden on the environment. Owing to these benefits, researchers have started to assess the nutritional value of different fruits seeds, in addition to the chemical composition in various bioactive constituents, like carotenoids (lycopene), flavonoids, proteins (bioactive peptides), vitamins, etc., that have substantial health benefits and can be used in formulating different types of food products with noteworthy functional and nutraceutical potential. The current review aims to comprehend the known information of nutritional and phytochemical profiling of non-edible fruits seeds, viz. apple, apricot, avocado, cherry, date, jamun, litchi, longan, mango, and papaya. Additionally, clinical studies conducted on these selected non-edible fruit seed extracts, their safety issues and their enrichment in food products as well as animal feed has also been discussed. This review aims to highlight the potential applications of the non-edible fruit seeds in developing new food products and also provide a viable alternative to reduce the waste disposal issue faced by agro-based industries.

Assessment of hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties of walnut (Juglans regia) seed coat extract and modulates some metabolic enzymes activity in triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rat kidney, liver, and heart

Atherosclerosis and cognitive impairment are both influenced by hyperlipidemia. Due to their high margin of safety and low cost, natural chemicals have recently attracted particular attention in the context of the treatment of disease. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible amendatory impact of ethanol extract walnut (Juglans regia) seed coat (E-WSC) on some metabolic enzymes (glutathione reductase (GR), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), aldose reductase (AR), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)) activity in the liver, kidney, and heart of rats with Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia. Rats were divided into five groups: control group, HL-Control group (Triton WR-1339 400 mg/kg, i.p administered group), E- WSC + 150 (150 mg/kg,o.d given group), E- WSC + 300 (E- WSC 300 mg/kg, o.d given group) and HL+ E-WSC + 300 (Group receiving E- WSC 300 mg/kg, o.d 30 min prior to administration of Triton WR-1339 400 mg/kg, i.p). In HL-Control, AR, SDH, and BChE enzyme activity was significantly increased in all tissues compared to the control, while the activity of other studied enzymes was significantly decreased. The effects of hyperlipidemia on balance were improved and alterations in the activity of the investigated metabolic enzymes were prevented by E-WSC. As a result, promising natural compounds that can be used as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cognitive disorders and hyperlipidemia may be found in E-WSC powder.

Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seeds: A Review

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential agricultural crop in most Middle Eastern countries, and its fruit, known as dates, is consumed by millions of people. Date seeds, a by-product of the date fruit processing industry, are a waste product used as food for domestic farm animals. Date seeds contain abundant sources of carbohydrates, oil, dietary fiber, and protein; they also contain bioactive phenolic compounds that may possess potential biological properties. In addition, its rich chemical composition makes date seeds suitable for use in food product formulation, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements. This review aims to provide a discourse on the nutritional value of date seeds. The latest data on the cytotoxicity of date seed compounds against cancer cell lines, its ability to combat diabetes, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial effect, and anti-inflammatory activity will be provided, considering its potential to be a nutritional therapeutic agent for chronic diseases. Application of date seeds in the form of powder and oil will also be discussed.

The current status of old traditional medicine introduced from Persia to China

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes over ten thousand herbal medicines, some of which were introduced from outside countries and territories. The Silk Road enabled the exchange of merchandise such as teas, silks, carpets, and medicines between the East and West of the Eurasia continent. During this time, the ‘Compendium of Materia Medica’ (CMM) was composed by a traditional medicine practitioner, Shizhen Li (1,518–1,593) of the Ming Dynasty. This epoch-making masterpiece collected knowledge of traditional medical materials and treatments in China from the 16th century and before in utmost detail, including the origin where a material was obtained. Of 1892 medical materials from the CMM, 46 came from Persia (now Iran). In this study, the basic information of these 46 materials, including the time of introduction, the medicinal value in TCM theory, together with the current status of these medicines in China and Iran, are summarized. It is found that 20 herbs and four stones out of the 46 materials are registered as medicinal materials in the latest China Pharmacopoeia. Now most of these herbs and stones are distributed in China or replacements are available but saffron, ferula, myrrh, and olibanum are still highly dependent on imports. This study may contribute to the further development, exchange, and internationalization of traditional medicine of various backgrounds in the world, given the barriers of transportation and language are largely eased in nowadays.

Lycopene Effects on Metabolic Syndrome and Kidney Injury in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet: An Experimental Study

The frequency of overweight and obesity is rising globally. These disorders are prevalent health problems. It has a substantial correlation with a number of health issues, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and diabetes mellitus disorders. Lycopene (Lyc) is an acyclic structural isomer of β-carotene and has powerful antioxidant properties with various promising therapeutic effects. In this study, rats fed a high-fat diet were examined to determine how lycopene affected metabolic syndrome and kidney damage. After being acclimated, rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8/group) as follows: the first group served as the control and was fed on a normal pelleted diet (4.25% fat) until the end of the experiment. The second group (high-fat diet; HFD) was fed on a high-fat diet (45.5 kcal% fat) composed of 24% fat, 24% protein, and 41% carbohydrate. The third and fourth groups were fed on HFD and administered lycopene at 25 and 50 mg/kg bodyweight orally every day. The fifth group (standard drug group) received HFD and simvastatin (SVS; 10 mg/kg bodyweight orally daily) for 3 months. Tissue samples from the kidney were taken for determination of the biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiol group, antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), in addition to renal mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), renal levels of inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)], and apoptotic markers (BCL2 Associated X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio). When compared to the control group, the HFD group's food consumption, body weight, serum levels of glucose, uric acid, creatinine, LPO, PC, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio all increased significantly. In the kidney sample of HFD-fed rats, there was a downregulation of Nrf2 mRNA expression along with a significant reduction in the enzymatic activity of SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx. Lyc treatment was able to successfully reverse HFD-mediated changes as compared to the HFD group. Consuming lyc helps to prevent fat and renal damage in a positive way.

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Fruits

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (Z. lotus) is a medicinal plant species that is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. Moroccans traditionally use it to treat many illnesses thanks to its beneficial medicinal properties. The purpose of this study is to assess the anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of a flavonoid-rich aqueous extract of Z. lotus fruits (ZLF). The 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and the β-carotene bleaching test were used to determine the antioxidant activity of ZLF. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the aqueous extract of ZLF (200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated in albino mice exposed to the chronic high-fat diet, based on lipid profile, blood sugar, and changes in growth performance. The results showed that the aqueous extract of ZLF rich in flavonoids (2242.89 ± 25 µg QE (quercitin equivalent)/mg), and has a considerable antioxidant power against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 116 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and β-carotene oxidation. The aqueous extract of ZLF also showed a significant anti-hyperlipidemic effect by improving abnormal changes in lipid profile and blood glucose levels in albino mice exposed to a chronic high-fat diet. Our findings suggest that the anti-hyperlipidemic activities of ZLF aqueous extract are correlated with its flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aqueous extract of ZLF could be an essential therapeutic candidate for hyperlipidemia patients, thanks to its richness in bioactive molecules.

Protective Effect of Phoenix dactylifera L. Seeds against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: A Comparison with Vitamin C

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) seeds have been mentioned in the Moroccan pharmacopoeia as efficient remedies against a wide range of diseases including hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders and countless infections. The current work was performed to assess the phenolic profile and hepatoprotective potential of two date seed varieties, locally known as Jihl and Majhoul, aqueous extracts against paracetamol- (PCM-) driven liver toxicity in 42 Wistar rats. The polyphenol profile was built by means of an HPLC analysis. Hepatic damage was provoked by exposing rats to PCM at a dose of 1.5 g/kg once a week. Besides PCM, Jihl and Majhoul date seed extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered orally in a day-to-day routine. Our findings showed that among the examined polyphenol compounds, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, and rutin were the most abundant phytochemicals. Date pits significantly (p < 0.001) stabilized the PCM-driven alterations in liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total protein, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin). Moreover, Phoenix dactylifera pits enhanced considerably (p < 0.001) the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) as well as the level of reduced glutathione (GSH). The established hepatoprotective effect may be due to the date seeds antioxidant effect and their ability to trap free radicals. The main outcomes of the present study could validate the traditional use of these date seeds to manage various health conditions.

Lycopene corrects metabolic syndrome and liver injury induced by high fat diet in obese rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic pathways

Obesity is a global epidemic disease that is closely associated with various health problems as Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. Lycopene (LYC), a red-colored carotenoid, has demonstrated various promising therapeutic effects. Hence, the potential of LYC was studied against high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic disturbances in rats. Animals fed on HFD and orally supplemented with LYC (25 and 50 mg/kg) or simvastatin (10 mg/kg) every day for 3 months. The results revealed that long-term consumption of HFD significantly increased weight gain, liver weight, cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, as well as decreasing the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. Moreover, high blood glucose and insulin levels accompanied by low peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) were recorded in HFD group. Further, HFD rats displayed lower levels of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GSH), in addition to higher levels of MDA, NO and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, and MPO). Marked increases were observed in atherogenic index, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase together with fibrosis markers (TGF-β1 and α-SMA) in rats fed on HFD. Comparing to model group, LYC was able to effectively reverse HFD-mediated alterations at dose dependent manner. Altogether, dietary supplementation of LYC successfully reversed HFD-induced alterations through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. Hence, LYC displayed a therapeutic potential to manage obesity and its associated pathologies.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant, Antiperoxidative, and Antihemolytic Properties Investigation of Three Apiaceae Species Grown in the Southeast of Morocco

For a long time, Apiaceae species have been widely employed in the southeast of Morocco for culinary and folk healing purposes. In the current study, we investigated three Apiaceae herbs known as coriander (Coriandrum sativum), celery (Apium graveolens), and parsley (Petroselinum crispum) for their antioxidant, antiperoxidative, and antihemolytic properties. The HPLC-DAD has been used to classify and measure phenolic compounds. The major phenolic compounds studied were p-coumaric, chlorogenic, caffeic acids, luteolin, and quercetin. The polyphenol level was also estimated via Folin-Ciocalteu's method, aluminium chloride, and acidified vanillin. Parsley showed the highest polyphenol level and, thus, showed potential antioxidant activities demonstrated by DPPH, ABTS scavenging tests, and reducing power (FRAP), as well as TBARS assays. Very strong correlations were depicted among phenol levels and antioxidant assays (R ² ≥ 0.910) and among antihemolytic activity and flavonoids (R ² ≥ 0.927), indicating the implication of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, in the antiradical properties. These finding may prove the traditional use of these Apiaceae species in the management of numerous disorders cited within the Moroccan pharmacopoeia.