A 28-day oral toxicology study of an aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®)

The effect of Fernblock® in preventing blue-light-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells is associated with NRF2 induction

Blue light exposure of the ocular apparatus is currently rising. This has motivated a growing concern about potential deleterious effects on different eye structures. To address this, ARPE-19 cells were used as a model of the retinal pigment epithelium and subjected to cumulative expositions of blue light. The most relevant cellular events previously associated with blue-light-induced damage were assessed, including alterations in cell morphology, viability, cell proliferation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the induction of DNA repair cellular mechanisms. Consistent with previous reports, our results provide evidence of cellular alterations resulting from repeated exposure to blue light irradiation. In this context, we explored the potential protective properties of the vegetal extract from Polypodium leucotomos, Fernblock® (FB), using the widely known treatment with lutein as a reference for comparison. The only changes observed as a result of the sole treatment with either FB or lutein were a slight but significant increase in γH2AX+ cells and the raise in the nuclear levels of NRF2. Overall, our findings indicate that the treatment with FB (similarly to lutein) prior to blue light irradiation can alleviate blue-light-induced deleterious effects in RPE cells, specifically preventing the drop in both cell viability and percentage of EdU+ cells, as well as the increase in ROS generation, percentage of γH2AX+ nuclei (more efficiently with FB), and TNF-α secretion (the latter restored only by FB to similar levels to those of the control). On the contrary, the induction in the P21 expression upon blue light irradiation was not prevented neither by FB nor by lutein. Notably, the nuclear translocation of NRF2 induced by blue light was similar to that observed in cells pre-treated with FB, while lutein pre-treatment resulted in nuclear NRF2 levels similar to control cells, suggesting key differences in the mechanism of cellular protection exerted by these compounds. These results may represent the foundation ground for the use of FB as a new ingredient in the development of alternative prophylactic strategies for blue-light-associated diseases, a currently rising medical interest.

Exploration of photoprotective and antibiotic activity of wild Polypodiaceae ferns from Costa Rica

Skin disorders affect millions of people all over the world. There are limited options to treat dermal illnesses such as vitiligo, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Central American ferns are a potential source of bioactive metabolites against those diseases. Currently, Polypodium leucotomos Poir. is the only one being commercially utilized for this purpose. In this work, we evaluated the concentration of the skin bioactive compounds: quinic and chlorogenic acid, in the extract of 20 wild ferns from Costa Rica. We also evaluated the antimicrobial capabilities of the crude extracts of wild ferns and the sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts. We found 19 out of 20 have either an important concentration of the compounds mentioned above or antimicrobial properties. Also, most samples result in higher SPF than P. aureum's rhizome. We also have studied the fern acclimatization, at different shading conditions, finding a significant influence of the culturing conditions on metabolite production. After acclimatization. So far, we demonstrate that various ferns included in this study are a potential source of treatments for skin conditions.

Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract promotes weight loss and improves depressive-like behaviors in male and female Swiss mice

Metabolic and mood-related disturbances can increase the risks of developing adverse mental health problems. The medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, is utilized in indigenous medicine to improve quality of life, promote health, and boost vitality. This study investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract (EEGL) on feeding behavioral parameters, depressive-like symptoms, and motor activity in Swiss mice. We hypothesized that EEGL would have beneficial effect on metabolic and behavioral outcomes in a dose-related manner. The mushroom was identified and authenticated via techniques of molecular biology. Forty Swiss mice (n = 10/group) of either sex were given distilled water (10 mL/kg) and graded doses of EEGL (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) orally for 30 days, during which feed and water intake, body weight, neurobehavioral, and safety data were documented. The animals experienced a significant decrease in body weight gain and feed intake while water intake increased in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, EEGL significantly diminished immobility time in forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). At the 100 and 200 mg/kg, EEGL did not cause significant alteration in motor activity in the open field test (OFT). Meanwhile, an increase in motor activity in male mice without remarkable difference in female mice was observed at the highest dose (400 mg/kg). Eighty percent of mice treated with 400 mg/kg survived till day 30. These findings suggest that EEGL at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduces the amount of weight gained and elicits antidepressant-like effects. Thus, EEGL might be useful for the management of obesity and depressive-like symptoms.

Nephroprotective plant species used in traditional Mayan Medicine for renal-associated diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence of kidney disease has increased rapidly in recent years and has emerged as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Natural products have been suggested as valuable nephroprotective agents due to their multi-target and synergistic effects on modulating important proteins involved in kidney injury. There is a large number of plant species that have been used traditionally for kidney-related conditions in Mesoamerican medicine by different cultural groups that could provide a valuable source of nephroprotective therapeutic candidates and could lead to potential drug discovery.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide an overview of the currently known efficacy of plant species used traditionally in Mesoamerica by Mayan groups to treat kidney-related conditions and to analyze the phytochemical, pharmacological, molecular, toxicological, and clinical evidence to contribute to public health efforts and for directing future research.

METHODS

Primary sources of plant use reports for traditional kidney-related disorders in Mesoamerica were searched systematically from library catalogs, theses, and scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar; and Science Direct), and were filtered according to usage frequency in Mayan groups and plant endemism. The database of traditional plants was further analyzed based on associations with published reports of the phytochemical, pharmacological, molecular, toxicological, and clinical evidence.

RESULTS

The most reported kidney-related conditions used traditionally in Mayan medicine involve reducing renal damage (a cultural interpretation that considers an inflammatory or infectious condition), cleaning or purifying the blood and kidney, reducing kidney pain, and eliminating kidney stones. A total of 208 plants used for kidney-related problems by 10 Mayan groups were found, representing 143 native species, where only 42 have reported pharmacological activity against kidney damage, mainly approached by in vitro and in vivo models of chemical- or drug-induced nephrotoxicity, diabetes nephropathy, and renal injury produced by hypertension. Nephroprotective effects are mainly mediated by reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, fibrosis mechanisms, and apoptosis in the kidney. The most common nephroprotective compounds associated with traditional Mayan medicine were flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. The most widely studied traditional plants in terms of pharmacological evidence, bioactive compounds, and mechanisms of action, are Annona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Lantana camara L., Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw., Tagetes erecta L., and Zea mays L. Most of the plant species with reported pharmacological activity against kidney damage were considered safe in toxicological studies.

CONCLUSION

Available pharmacological reports suggest that several herbs used in traditional Mayan medicine for renal-associated diseases may have nephroprotective effects and consistent pharmacological evidence, nephroprotective compounds, and mechanisms of action in different models of kidney injury. However, more research is required to fully understand the potential of traditional Mayan medicine in drug discovery given the limited ethnobotanical studies and data available for most species with regards to identification on bioactive components, pharmacological mechanisms, and the scarce number of clinical studies.

N-acetyl cysteine co-treatment abates perfluorooctanoic acid-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl-persistent in the environment and toxic to humans. N-acetylcysteine is a pro-drug of both amino acid l-cysteine and glutathione-a non-enzymatic antioxidant. N-acetylcysteine serves as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning and alleviates cellular oxidative and inflammatory stressors. We investigated N-acetylcysteine role against reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats (weight: 140-220 g; 10 weeks old) posed by perfluorooctanoic acid exposure. Randomised rat cohorts were dosed both with perfluorooctanoic acid (5 mg/kg; p.o) or co-dosed with N-acetylcysteine (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o) for 28 days. Sperm physiognomies, biomarkers of testicular function and reproductive hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Co-treatment with N-acetylcysteine significantly (p < .05) reversed perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated decreases in reproductive enzyme activities, and adverse effect on testosterone, luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. N-acetylcysteine treatment alone, improved sperm motility, count and viability, and reduced total sperm abnormalities. Co-treatment with N-acetylcysteine mitigated perfluorooctanoic acid-induced alterations in sperm function parameters. N-acetylcysteine abated (p < .05) perfluorooctanoic acid-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats testes and epididymis, and generally improved antioxidant enzyme activities and cellular thiol levels. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine suppressed inflammatory responses and remedied perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated histological injuries in rat. Cooperatively, N-acetylcysteine enhanced reproductive function in perfluorooctanoic acid dosed rats, by lessening oxidative and nitrative stressors and mitigated inflammatory responses in the examined organ.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential of Fiddleheads from European Ferns

Ferns are part of the diet and traditional medicine in East Asia, North America, and Oceania, however, their importance has been forgotten in Europe. Here, the nutritional and antioxidant potential of young fern fronds (fiddleheads) of eight families were studied. Most of the tested fern species excelled in high antioxidant capacity when compared to the reference leafy vegetables spinach and rocket. On average, the total phenol content reached 220 mg·g-1 of extract dry weight for all fiddleheads, and 15 out of 24 tested species exceeded 1 g Trolox equivalent per gram of extract dry weight in Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. On the other hand, fiddleheads contained a comparable amount of carotenoids and ascorbic acid with the reference vegetables. In the case of fatty acid composition, fiddleheads contained especially high amounts of essential omega-3 (n3) and omega-6 (n6) polyunsaturated fatty acids with a beneficial n6/n3 ratio. The n6/n3 ratio in all tested species was between 2 and 6.4, whereas the ratio in the reference vegetables was below 0.4. All in all, fiddleheads from European ferns are a rich source of valuable antioxidants and essential fatty acids with a desirable n-6/n-3 ratio and may thus form an alternative source of these compounds, especially for those people not consuming fish and fish products.

The role of the aqueous extract Polypodium leucotomos in photoprotection

Solar radiation in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and infrared (IR) ranges produces different biological effects in humans. Most of these, particularly those derived from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are harmful to the skin, and include cutaneous aging and increased risk of cutaneous diseases, particularly skin cancer. Pharmacological photoprotection is mostly topical, but it can also be systemic. Oral photoprotectives constitute a new generation of drugs to combat the deleterious effects of solar radiation. Among these, an extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PL/Fernblock®, IFC Group, Spain) contains a high content of phenolic compounds that endow it with antioxidant activity. PL can administered orally or topically and is completely safe. PL complements and enhances endogenous antioxidant systems by neutralizing superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, and lipoperoxides. In addition to its antioxidant activity, PL also improves DNA repair and modulates immune and inflammatory responses. These activities are likely due to its ability to inhibit the generation and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by UVR, VIS, and IR radiation. PL also prevents direct DNA damage by accelerating the removal of induced photoproducts and decreasing UV-induced mutations. Oral PL increases the expression of active p53, decreases cell proliferation, and inhibits UV-induced COX-2 enzyme levels. PL has been used to treat skin diseases such as photodermatoses and pigmentary disorders and recently as a complement of photodynamic phototherapy in actinic keratoses. The photoprotective capability of PL has been proven in a multitude of in vitro and in vivo studies, which include animal models and clinical trials with human subjects. Based on this evidence, PL is a new generation photoprotector with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that also protects DNA integrity and enhances the immune response.

Evaluation of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity effects of acute and sub-acute oral administration of unripe ackee (Blighia sapida) fruit extract

•

Acute oral dose of 2000 mg/kg of unripe B. sapida fruit extract (BSE) was toxic to mice.

•

Repeated treatment with BSE impaired locomotor function, memory performance and shortened seizure latency in mice.

•

Repeated treatment with BSE significantly up-regulate acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in mice.

•

Repeated treatment with BSE elevates oxidative stress in the brain and liver of mice.

•

Repeated treatment with BSE showed histopathological evidences of toxicity in mice brain and liver.

Ackee (Blighia sapida) is a commonly eaten fruit that is indigenous to West Africa and Jamaica. Ackee poisoning in young children have been reported in parts of Nigeria due to consumption of the unripe fruits. This study was designed to identify potential mechanisms of acute and sub-acute toxicity of unripe B. sapida fruit extract (BSE).

Acute toxic effect was investigated in mice of either sex administered BSE 2000 mg/kg. The sub-acute toxicity effects were investigated in mice of either sex that received 28 days repeated administration of BSE (100 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.). Locomotor activity and memory performance were measured as well as seizure vulnerability in PTZ-induced model. Liver enzymes were assessed in the serum. Acetylcholinesterase, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes were assessed in the brain and liver tissues.

Signs and symptoms of toxicity such as urination, tremor, depressed locomotion and death were observed in acute toxicity test. Sub-acute dosing caused significant impairment in locomotor activity and memory performance in mice. Seizure threshold was shortened in BSE-treated compared to control mice. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly increased. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly elevated in mice that received BSE (500 mg/kg). Furthermore, BSE caused significant increase in oxidative stress expressed in nitrite, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and catalase in the brain and liver tissues. Histological staining revealed neuronal damage of brain hippocampus and hepatocellular swelling and necrosis.

Blighia sapida unripe fruit extract increased susceptibility to seizure and impaired locomotor and memory function. The biochemical and histopathological findings revealed potential toxicity mechanisms related to neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.