Protective effect of Jasonia montana against ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis in rats

The Genus Chiliadenus: A Comprehensive Review of Taxonomic Aspects, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities

The genus Chiliadenus (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used in Mediterranean medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, scientific research on this genus remains limited, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacological characteristics. This review compiles existing knowledge on Chiliadenus species, focusing on their secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils, as well as associated biological activities. The findings show that the traditional therapeutic properties of Chiliadenus are well supported by reported pharmacological activities in previous studies, emphasizing the potential of this genus for the development of new therapeutic agents. However, the lack of comparative studies among Chiliadenus species and the scarcity of in vivo studies and clinical trials hinder the full realization of its therapeutic potential. Specifically, comparative studies could be key to identifying species with unique chemical profiles and understanding how variations in secondary metabolite composition may influence their pharmacological activities. This work highlights the urgent need to expand research in these areas to validate the pharmacological properties of Chiliadenus species for their application in modern medicine.

In Vitro Cultures and Volatile Organic Compound Production in Chiliadenus montanus (Vhal.) Brullo

Callus and microshoot cultures were established for Chiliadenus montanus (Vhal.) Brullo. (Asteraceae), a medicinal plant known for producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Callus induction was achieved successfully by culturing leaf explants on full-strength Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 2.2 µM 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 6.9 µM kinetin (Kin). Successful direct shoot regeneration was achieved using nodal explants cultured onto half-strength MS media supplemented with 1.4 μM Gibberellic Acid (GA₃) and 4.4 μM 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Indirect microshoots were successfully regenerated using callus cultured on MS media supplemented with 8.8 μM BAP, 2.2 μM Zeatin, and 1.4 μM GA₃ followed by culturing on MS media supplemented with 8.8 μM BAP and 0.5 μM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Using wild plant aerial parts, callus and microshoots samples, VOCs were extracted successfully using Headspace Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In wild plant extracts, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were found to be predominant with the following principal components: Alloaromadendrene (11.92%), trans-Cadina-1(6),4-diene (7.54%), and α-caryophyllene (6.77%). The analysis of in vitro microshoots revealed high levels of oxygenated monoterpenes with cis-Myrtanol (16.62%), and β-Cyclocitral (14.3%) as the main components. Callus extract was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons and the main compounds identified were (Z)-β-Ocimene (22.27%), p-Cymene (15.13%), and α-pinene (13.78%). In conclusion, an efficient in vitro production system of VOCs in C. montanus was established that can be used in the future for boosting their production without endangering wild plants.

Astaxanthin Attenuates D-Galactosamine-Induced Pancreatic Injury by Activating Antioxidant Enzymes and Inhibiting VEGF-C Gene Expression

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β-β-carotene-4,4'-dione) is a carotenoid, commonly found in marine environments has been reported to possess versatile biological properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In this study, the pancreatic protective effect of astaxanthin was investigated in D-Galactosamine-induced pancreas injury in rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In this experimental study, MTT assay was used to determine cytotoxic effects of the Astaxanthin on pnc1 cells. A total of 30 adult albino rats divided into 5 groups, six rats in each. Group I was given an equal amount of distilled water, group II was received 400 mg kg<sup>1</sup> b.wt. D-galactosamine on 15th day, groups III-V were treated with astaxanthin (50 and 100 mg kg<sup>1</sup>) and/or silymarin (50 mg kg<sup>1</sup>) for 14 days + 400 mg kg<sup>1</sup> b.wt. D-galactosamine on the 15th day, respectively. <b>Results:</b> IC<sub>50 </sub>of Astaxanthin against the pnc1 cell line was 92.9 μg mL<sup>1</sup>. The daily oral administration of astaxanthin (50 and 100 mg kg<sup>1</sup>) as well as silymarin (50 mg kg<sup>1</sup>) for 14 days to rats treated with D-galactosamine resulted in a significant improvement in plasma AST, ALT, ALP as well as pancreatic TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, NO and VEGF-C gene expression. On the other hand, inducible oral administration of astaxanthin increased the activity of pancreatic GSH, SOD, GPx, GR, CAT and the level of TBARs in D-galactosamine-treated pancreatic of rats. Furthermore, Astaxanthin almost normalized these effects in pancreatic tissue histoarchitecture and MRI examination. <b>Conclusion:</b> The obtained results showed that Astaxanthin protected experimental animals against D-galactosamine-induced pancreatic injury through activation of antioxidant enzymes and IL-10 and inhibition of VEGF-C activation.

Effects of purslane supplementation on C-reactive protein levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress as marks for metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) are known in preclinical studies but further examination is needed to expand their potential into the clinical scenario. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were performed to elucidate the effects of purslane supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome, its related complications, and other diseases. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Embase were the databases searched. Heterogeneity was examined using the I-squared (I² ) statistic, in which the source of heterogeneity was determined if the I² -value was >50%. After all the screening processes, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed. Following purslane supplementation, CRP levels decreased significantly (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.33 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.66, -0.004, p = .047) but with significant heterogeneity (I²  = 87.4%, p = .001). Purslane supplementation did not significantly change serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: -0.353 μm/L; 95% CI: -0.920, 0.213; I²  = 50.7%), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 0.090 mm/L, 95% CI: -0.081, 0.262; I²  = 47.1%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (WMD: 6.54 U/ml, 95% CI: -22.150, 35.236; I²  = 70.7%). Thus, this meta-analysis showed a positive effect of purslane supplementation as a tool to decrease CRP levels, but not to MDA, TAC, and SOD levels.

Protective impact of lycopene on ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis in rats

Protection against cholestasis and its consequences are considered an essential issue to improve the quality of a patient's life and reduce the number of death every year from liver diseases. Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has antioxidant scavenger capacity and inhibits inflammation in many experimental models. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effects of lycopene, in comparison to silymarin, in a rat model of cholestatic liver. Animals were daily injected with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE; 5 mg/kg) for 18 successive days. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) and lycopene (10 mg/kg) were orally administered once per day through the experimental period. Lycopene significantly decreased the EE-induced rise in the serum levels of total bile acid and total bilirubin as well as the activities of alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transaminase. Moreover, lycopene reduced the hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and tumor necrosis factor-α as well as the hepatic activity of myeloperoxidase that were markedly elevated by EE. Lycopene increased the hepatic levels of total protein and albumin and reduced glutathione. In addition, lycopene improved the hepatic histopathological changes induced by EE. These protective effects of lycopene were comparable to that of silymarin. In conclusion, lycopene was effective in protecting against estrogen-induced cholestatic liver injury through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, lycopene might be a potentially effective drug for protection against cholestasis in susceptible women during pregnancy, administration of oral contraceptives, or postmenopausal replacement therapy.

Anti-inflammatory effect of methoxyflavonoids from Chiliadenus montanus (Jasonia Montana) growing in Egypt

Chiliadenus montanus is a medicinal plant that grows in Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Phytochemical investigation of C. montanus methanolic extract led to the isolation of five methoxy flavonoids; Chrysosplenol-D (1), 5,7,4'-trihydroxy- 3,3'-dimethoxy flavone (2), 5,7-dihydroxy -3,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone (3), Bonanzin (4), 3,5,6,7,4'-pentamethoxy flavone (5), a sesquiterpene, Cryptomeridiol (6) and stigmast-5,22-dien-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7). The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 2 and 5 was assessed in vitro on CaCo2 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both compounds downregulated LPS-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL1β), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), cyclooxygenase 1 (Cox1), cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5Lox). In vivo, both compounds significantly decreased paw edema thickness in rats relative to carrageenan, showing better anti-inflammatory activity than celecoxib (36.98%) after 1 h (46.60% and 48.11%, respectively). An in silico study was performed, where both compounds were docked into the active site of the crystal structure of the human Cox2 enzyme.

The bioaccumulation and biotransformation of synthetic estrogen quinestrol in crucian carp

The occurrence and fate of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in aquatic species have attracted close attention during the last decades. In this study, the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of synthetic estrogen quinestrol, one of the typical EDCs, in the plasma and liver of crucian carp, were investigated by a newly developed and validated reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection method. Crucian carp were exposed to quinestrol in concentration of 2, 10, 50, 100 μg/L (5.49, 27.43, 137.17, 274.34 nmol/L) for 60 days. After 60 days' exposure, the concentrations of quinestrol found in liver and plasma were in the range of 0.25-0.69 mg/kg and 0.19-0.30 mg/L respectively, positively correlated with the exposure concentrations ranged 2-100 μg/L (5.49-274.34 nmol/L). There was a negative correlation between the bio-accumulation ratios and the exposure concentrations of quinestrol. 17α-Ethinylestradiol was also found in liver and plasma, and the concentrations were 0.02-0.19 mg/kg and 0.37-0.96 mg/L, respectively. The results indicated that quinestrol can be accumulated and transformed to 17α-ethinylestradiol in crucian carp. Moreover, exposure to quinestrol caused oxidative damages to crucian carp and the content of malondialdehyde increased in all treatment concentrations.

Acute and subacute oral toxicity study on the flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed in albino rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed on the haematology, histopathology and liver profile of Wistar albino rats.

METHODS

Toxicity study was investigated on the flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia in rats administered different concentrations orally for 28 d using standard laboratory procedures.

RESULTS

The LD50 of the flavonoid rich fraction was found to be above 5 000 mg/kg body weight in mice observed for 48 h. After the Day 14, biochemical markers of liver injury such as serum alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly (P<0.05 at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight and P<0.01 at 400 mg/kg) while serum alkaline phosphatase increased non-significantly (P>0.05). There was non-significant (P>0.05) effect observed across the groups in the levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine. The result of histological examination showed various degrees of peribiliary hepatitis after the Day 14 which fizzled out after the Day 28.

CONCLUSIONS

The result therefore suggests that the seed extract is potentially safe.

Effects of three different fibrates on intrahepatic cholestasis experimentally induced in rats

Background. Activation of PPAR α modulates cholesterol metabolism and suppresses bile acid synthesis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PPAR α agonists, fenofibrate, bezafibrate, and gemfibrozil, on acute cholestasis induced by ethinylestradiol (EE) plus chlorpromazine (CPZ) in rats. Method. 100 male albino rats (150-200 gm) were divided randomly into 10 equal groups. Control group received 1% methylcellulose vehicle; disease group received CPZ plus EE for 5 consecutive days; four groups received either ursodeoxycholic acid, fenofibrate, bezafibrate, or gemfibrozil for 7 days; 2 days before EE + CPZ, three other groups received one of the three fibrates after GW6471, a selective PPAR α antagonist in addition to EE + CPZ. The final group received GW6471 alone. Results. The three fibrates showed marked reduction (P < 0.05) in serum levels of ALP, GGT, ALT, AST, total bile acids, bilirubin, TNF α , and IL-1 β and in hepatic malondialdehyde level as well as a significant increase in bile flow rate (P < 0.05) in addition to improvements in histopathological parameters compared to diseased group. In groups which received GW6471, these effects were completely abolished with fenofibrate and partially blocked with bezafibrate and gemfibrozil. Conclusion. Short-term administration of fibrates to EE/CPZ-induced intrahepatic cholestatic rats exerted beneficial effects on hepatocellular damage and apoptosis. Fenofibrate anticholestatic effect was solely PPAR α dependent while other mechanisms played part in bezafibrate and gemfibrozil actions.