Analysis of anti-rotavirus activity of extract from Stevia rebaudiana

In Vitro Anti-Rotaviral Activity of Bavachin Isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae)

Rotavirus is the main causative agent of viral gastroenteritis among young animals worldwide. Currently, no clinically approved or effective antiviral drugs are available to combat rotavirus infections. Herein, we evaluated the anti-rotaviral activities of extracts and bavachin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae) (P. corylifolia) against the bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and porcine rotavirus G5P[7] in vitro. Two assay strategies were performed: (1) a virucidal assay to reduce viral infectivity by virus neutralization and (2) a post-treatment assay to assess viral replication suppression. The results from the virucidal assay showed that the extracts and bavachin did not exert anti-rotaviral activities. In the follow-up analysis after treatment, bavachin exhibited robust antiviral efficacy, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 10.6 μM (selectivity index [SI] = 2.38) against bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and 13.0 μM (SI = 1.94) against porcine rotavirus G5P[7]. Bavachin strongly suppressed viral RNA synthesis in the early (6 h) and late stages (18 h) after rotaviral infection. These findings strongly suggest that bavachin may have hindered the virions by effectively inhibiting the early stages of the virus replication cycle after rotaviral infection. Furthermore, confocal imaging showed that bavachin suppressed viral protein synthesis, notably that of the rotaviral protein (VP6). These results suggest that bavachin has strong antiviral activity against rotaviruses, inhibits viral replication, and is a candidate natural therapeutic drug targeting rotaviral infection. The utilization of bavachin isolated from P. corylifolia may contribute to decreased mortality rates, lower medication expenses, and enhanced economic viability in domestic farms.

Biological activity and structural modification of isosteviol over the past 15 years

Isosteviol is a tetracyclic diterpenoid obtained by hydrolysis of stevioside. Due to its unique molecular skeleton and extensive pharmacological activities, isosteviol has attracted more and more attention from researchers. This review summarized the structural modification, pharmacological activity and microbial transformation of isosteviol from 04/2008 to 10/2023. In addition, the research history, structural characterization, and pharmacokinetics of isosteviol were also briefly reviewed. This review aims to provide useful literature resources and inspirations for the exploration of diterpenoid drugs.

Stevioside reduces inflammation in periodontitis by changing the oral bacterial composition and inhibiting P. gingivalis in mice

BACKGROUND

Excessive sugar intake has become a major challenge in modern societies. Stevioside is a promising non-calorie sweetener with anti-inflammatory effects; however, its effects on the oral environment and periodontitis remain unclear. Therefore, this study explores the effect of stevioside on periodontitis in mice.

METHODS

Mice were divided into four groups, namely, control, treated with water, and periodontitis models, established using 5 - 0 silk sutures ligation around the second molar then infected the oral cavity with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) viscous suspension, divided into three groups treated with 0.1% stevioside (P + S), 10% glucose (P + G), or water (P). Micro-CT scanning was used to assess alveolar bone resorption, while RT-PCR was used to evaluate the inflammatory factors expression and P. gingivalis invasion in the gingiva. The composition of the oral bacteria was analysed using 16 S rRNA sequence in the saliva. In addition, P. gingivalis was co-cultured with stevioside at different concentrations in vitro, and bacterial activity was detected via optical density values and live/dead staining. The virulence was detected using RT-PCR, while biofilm formation was detected using scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Compared with 10% glucose, treatment with 0.1% stevioside reduced alveolar bone absorption and osteoclasts while decreasing IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and P. gingivalis in the gingiva of periodontitis mice. The CEJ-ABC distance in the P + S group was significantly lower than that in the P and P + G groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the composition of the oral bacteria in the P + S group was similar to that of the control. In vitro stevioside treatment also reduced the bacterial activity and toxicity of P. gingivalis in a dose-dependent manner and affected its biofilm composition.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that, compared with 10% glucose, 0.1% stevioside intake can reduce alveolar bone resorption and inflammation in periodontal tissues in mice; the bacterial composition following 0.1% stevioside intake was similar to that of a healthy environment. In vitro, high concentrations of stevioside reduced P. gingivalis activity, biofilm formation, and virulence expression. Therefore, stevioside is a potential alternative to glucose for patients with periodontitis.

Advances in the development of antivirals for rotavirus infection

Rotavirus (RV) causes 200,000 deaths per year and imposes a serious burden to public health and livestock farming worldwide. Currently, rehydration (oral and intravenous) remains the main strategy for the treatment of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE), and no specific drugs are available. This review discusses the viral replication cycle in detail and outlines possible therapeutic approaches including immunotherapy, probiotic-assisted therapy, anti-enteric secretory drugs, Chinese medicine, and natural compounds. We present the latest advances in the field of rotavirus antivirals and highlights the potential use of Chinese medicine and natural compounds as therapeutic agents. This review provides an important reference for rotavirus prevention and treatment.

Evaluation of Some Benzo[g]Quinazoline Derivatives as Antiviral Agents against Human Rotavirus Wa Strain: Biological Screening and Docking Study

Globally, rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and toddlers; however, there are currently no agents available that are tailored to treat rotavirus infection in particular. Improved and widespread immunization programs are being implemented worldwide to reduce rotavirus morbidity and mortality. Despite certain immunizations, there are no licensed antivirals that can attack rotavirus in hosts. Benzoquinazolines, chemical components synthesized in our laboratory, were developed as antiviral agents, and showed good activity against herpes simplex, coxsackievirus B4 and hepatitis A and C. In this research project, an in vitro investigation of the effectiveness of benzoquinazoline derivatives 1–16 against human rotavirus Wa strains was carried out. All compounds exhibited antiviral activity, however compounds 1–3, 9 and 16 showed the greatest activity (reduction percentages ranged from 50 to 66%). In-silico molecular docking of highly active compounds, which were selected after studying the biological activity of all investigated of benzo[g]quinazolines compounds, was implemented into the protein’s putative binding site to establish an optimal orientation for binding. As a result, compounds 1, 3, 9, and 16 are promising anti-rotavirus Wa strains that lead with Outer Capsid protein VP4 inhibition.

Ammi-visnaga extract; a novel phyto-antiviral agent against bovine rotavirus

The spread of bovine rotavirus has a great impact on animal productivity, milk products, and human public health. Thus, this study aimed to develop a novel, effective and accessible Phyto-antiviral treatment made from methanolic Ammi-visnaga seed extract against rotavirus infection. Rotaviruses were isolated from raw milk and cottage cheese samples randomly collected from Cairo and Qalubia governorates. They were all identified serologically, however, only three of them were both biologically and molecularly confirmed. The methanolic extract derived from Khella seeds (MKSE) was chemically analyzed with mass chromatography. The cellular toxicity of MKSE was tested on Caco-2 cells and its antiviral activity against one of the isolated bovine rotaviruses (BRVM1) was tested by both the cytopathic inhibition assay and the plaque reduction assay. Our results showed that 17.3% of the total collected 150 dairy samples were bovine rotavirus antigen positive. Three representatives of them were phylogenetically identified to be included in group A based on a 379 bp coat protein gene. Visnagin, Benzopyran, Khellin, and Benzenepropanoic acid were the major active components found in the MKSE. The maximum non-toxic concentration of MKSE was 5 µg/mL and the CC50 value was 417 µg/mL. The MKSE exhibited in-vitro antiviral activity against BRVM1 indicated by inhibition of the viral cytopathic effect (SI = 204.5, IP = 98%), causing a 1.5 log decrease in BVRM1 TCID50 and reducing the viral plaques count by the percentage of 93.14% at MNTC (5 ug/ml). In conclusion, our study showed that bovine rotavirus represents a severe health problem that needs attention in Egypt, and it supports using MKSE as a potential natural anti-rotavirus agent.

Steviol Glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana: An Updated Overview of Their Sweetening Activity, Pharmacological Properties, and Safety Aspects

This literature-based review synthesizes the available scientific information about steviol glycosides as natural sweeteners and molecules with therapeutic potential. In addition, it discusses the safety concerns regarding human consumption. Steviol glycosides exhibit a superior sweetener proficiency to that of sucrose and are noncaloric, noncariogenic, and nonfermentative. Scientific evidence encourages stevioside and rebaudioside A as sweetener alternatives to sucrose and supports their use based on their absences of harmful effects on human health. Moreover, these active compounds isolated from Stevia rebaudiana possess interesting medicinal activities, including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiarrheal activity. The described bioactivities of steviol glycosides deserve special attention based on their dose dependence and specific pathological situations. Further clinical research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms of action, therapeutic indexes, and pharmacological applications.

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Rotaviral Activity and Intestinal Toxicity of a Phytotherapeutic Prototype of Achyrocline bogotensis (Kunth) DC

Viruses represent the primary etiologic agents (70-80%) of acute diarrheal disease (ADD), and rotavirus (RV) is the most relevant one. Currently, four rotavirus vaccines are available. However, these vaccines do not protect against emerging viral strains or are not available in low-income countries. To date, there are no approved drugs available against rotavirus infection. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro anti-rotaviral activity and intestinal toxicity of a phytotherapeutic prototype obtained from Achyrocline bogotensis (Kunth) DC. (PPAb); medicinal plant that contains compounds that inhibit the rotavirus replication cycle. Virucidal and viral yield reduction effects exerted by the PPAb were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the toxic impact of the PPAb was evaluated in polarized human intestinal epithelial C2BBe1 cells in terms of cytotoxicity, loss of cytoplasmic membrane asymmetry, and DNA fragmentation by MTT and fluorometry. PPAb concentrations under 0.49 mg/mL exerted significant virucidal and viral yield reduction activities, and concentrations under 16 mg/mL neither reduced cell viability, produced DNA fragmentation, nor compromised the C2BBe1cell membrane stability after 24-h incubation. Based on these results, the evaluated phytotherapeutic prototype of Achyrocline bogotensis might be considered as a promising alternative to treat ADD caused by rotavirus.

The Effects of Stevia Consumption on Gut Bacteria: Friend or Foe?

Stevia, a zero-calorie sugar substitute, is recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In vitro and in vivo studies showed that stevia has antiglycemic action and antioxidant effects in adipose tissue and the vascular wall, reduces blood pressure levels and hepatic steatosis, stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque, and ameliorates liver and kidney damage. The metabolism of steviol glycosides is dependent upon gut microbiota, which breaks down glycosides into steviol that can be absorbed by the host. In this review, we elucidated the effects of stevia’s consumption on the host’s gut microbiota. Due to the lack of randomized clinical trials in humans, we included in vitro using certain microbial strains and in vivo in laboratory animal studies. Results indicated that stevia consumption has a potential benefit on the microbiome’s alpha diversity. Alterations in the colonic microenvironment may depend on the amount and frequency of stevia intake, as well as on the simultaneous consumption of other dietary components. The anti-inflammatory properties of stevioside were confirmed in vitro by decreasing TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 synthesis and inhibiting of NF-κB transcription factor, and in vivo by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK in laboratory animals.

An insight on the future therapeutic application potential of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a native plant to Paraguay. The extracts have been used as a famous sweetening agent, and the bioactive components derived from stevia possess a broad spectrum of therapeutical potential for various illnesses. Among its medicinal benefits are anti-hypertensive, anti-tumorigenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemia. Statins (3-hydro-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor) are a class of drugs used to treat atherosclerosis. Statins are explicitly targeting the HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the rate-limiting step of cholesterol biosynthesis. Despite being widely used in regulating plasma cholesterol levels, the adverse effects of the drug are a significant concern among clinicians and patients. Hence, steviol glycosides derived from stevia have been proposed as an alternative in replacing statins. Diterpene glycosides from stevia, such as stevioside and rebaudioside A have been evaluated for their efficacy in alleviating cholesterol levels. These glycosides are a potential candidate in treating and preventing atherosclerosis provoked by circulating lipid retention in the sub-endothelial lining of the artery. The present review is an effort to integrate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, involvement of lipid droplets biogenesis and its associated proteins in atherogenesis, current approaches to treat atherosclerosis, and pharmacological potential of stevia in treating the disease.

Medicinal plants: Treasure for antiviral drug discovery

The pandemic of viral diseases like novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) prompted the scientific world to examine antiviral bioactive compounds rather than nucleic acid analogous, protease inhibitors, or other toxic synthetic molecules. The emerging viral infections significantly associated with 2019-nCoV have challenged humanity's survival. Further, there is a constant emergence of new resistant viral strains that demand novel antiviral agents with fewer side effects and cell toxicity. Despite significant progress made in immunization and regenerative medicine, numerous viruses still lack prophylactic vaccines and specific antiviral treatments that are so often influenced by the generation of viral escape mutants. Of importance, medicinal herbs offer a wide variety of therapeutic antiviral chemotypes that can inhibit viral replication by preventing viral adsorption, adhering to cell receptors, inhibiting virus penetration in the host cell, and competing for pathways of activation of intracellular signals. The present review will comprehensively summarize the promising antiviral activities of medicinal plants and their bioactive molecules. Furthermore, it will elucidate their mechanism of action and possible implications in the treatment/prevention of viral diseases even when their mechanism of action is not fully understood, which could serve as the base for the future development of novel or complementary antiviral treatments.

Antiviral activities of resveratrol against rotavirus in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Rotavirus (RV) is the primary causative agent for viral gastroenteritis among infants and young children worldwide. Currently, no clinically approved and effective antiviral drug for the treatment of RV infection is available.

PURPOSE

We investigated the potential anti-RV activity of resveratrol and underlying mechanisms by which resveratrol acted against RV.

METHODS

The anti-RV activity of resveratrol in vitro was evaluated using plaque reduction assays. The effects of resveratrol on yield of virion progeny, viral polyprotein expression and genomic RNA synthesis were respectively investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, western blotting and qRT-PCR assays. Further, we also measured the antiviral effect of resveratrol by evaluation of antigen clearance and assessment of changes in proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in RV-infected neonatal mouse model.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that 20 μM of resveratrol significantly inhibited RV replication in Caco-2 cell line by suppressing RV RNA synthesis, protein expression, viroplasm plaque formation, progeny virion production, and RV-induced cytopathy independent of the different strains and cell lines of RV that we used. Analysis of the effect of time post-addition of resveratrol indicated that its application inhibited early processes in the RV replication cycle. Further study of the underlying mechanism of anti-RV activity indicated that resveratrol inhibited RV replication by suppressing expression of heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) mRNA and protein, and that the effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of HSP90 was found to have attenuated the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on RV replication. Interestingly, the application of resveratrol were found to down-regulate the level of inhibition of RV-mediated MEK1/2 and ERK phosphorylation. Using a RV-infected suckling mice model, we found that application of resveratrol significantly lessened the severity of diarrhea, decreased viral titers, and relieved associated symptoms. Levels of mRNA expression of interleukin-2, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, macrophage inflammatory protein 1, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were all found to have been sharply reduced in intestinal tissue from mice which had been treated with resveratrol (10 or 20 mg/kg) after RV infection (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings implied that resveratrol exhibits antiviral activity and could be a promising treatment for rotavirus infection.

Genipin inhibits rotavirus-induced diarrhea by suppressing viral replication and regulating inflammatory responses

Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among young children worldwide. However, agents specifically designed to treat rotavirus infection have not been developed yet. In this study, the anti-rotavirus and anti-inflammatory effects of genipin, a chemical compound found in the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, were evaluated. Genipin had an antiviral effect against the human rotavirus Wa and SA-11 strains in vitro, and it inhibited two distinct stages of the viral replication cycle: attachment and penetration (early stage) in pre-treatment and assembly and release (late stage) in post-treatment. Additionally, genipin downregulated nitric oxide synthase and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and rotavirus-infected Caco-2 cells. Oral administration of genipin before and after viral infection with the murine rotavirus epidemic diarrhea of infant mice strain led to a reduced duration of diarrhea and faecal viral shedding and to decreased destruction of the enteric epithelium. Genipin could have potential as a natural compound with preventive and therapeutic effects against infection and colitis caused by rotavirus.

Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Effects of Low-Calorie and Non-Calorie Sweeteners

Since excessive sugar consumption has been related to the development of chronic metabolic diseases prevalent in the western world, the use of sweeteners has gradually increased worldwide over the last few years. Although low- and non-calorie sweeteners may represent a valuable tool to reduce calorie intake and prevent weight gain, studies investigating the safety and efficacy of these compounds in the short- and long-term period are scarce and controversial. Therefore, future studies will need to elucidate the potential beneficial and/or detrimental effects of different types of sweeteners on metabolic health (energy balance, appetite, body weight, cardiometabolic risk factors) in healthy subjects and patients with diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. In this regard, the impact of different sweeteners on central nervous system, gut hormones and gut microbiota is important, given the strong implications that changes in such systems may have for human health. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence for the neuroendocrine and metabolic effects of sweeteners, as well as their impact on gut microbiota. Finally, we briefly discuss the advantages of the use of sweeteners in the context of very-low calorie ketogenic diets.

Membrane separation processes for the extraction and purification of steviol glycosides: an overview

Steviol glycosides (SGs), as natural sweeteners from Stevia rebaudiana, are currently employed for replacing sugar and its derivatives in several food products and formulations. Such compounds play an essential role in human health. Their usage provides a positive effect on preventing diseases related to sugar consumption, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, and lipid metabolism disorders. The traditional extraction of SGs is performed by means of solvent extraction, which limits their application since the removal of residual solvents is a challenging task requiring further downstream purification steps. In addition, the presence of residual solvents negatively affects the quality of such compounds. Today, food technicians are looking for innovative and improved techniques for the extraction, recovery and purification of SGs. Membrane-based technologies, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration, have long been proven to be a valid alternative for efficient extraction and purification of several high added-value molecules from natural sources. Such processes and their possible coupling in integrated membrane systems have been successfully involved in recovery protocols of several compounds, such as metabolites, polyphenols, anthocyanins, natural pigments, proteins, from different sources (e.g., agro-food wastes, plant extracts, fruits, fermentation broths, among others). Herein, we aim to review the current progresses and developments about the extraction of SGs with membrane operations. Our attention has been paid to the latest insights in the field. Furthermore, key process parameters influencing the extraction and purification of SGs are also discussed in detail.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni bioactive effects: From in vivo to clinical trials towards future therapeutic approaches

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a plant from South America and indigenous of Paraguay, has shown several biological effects and healthy properties, although it is especially used in South America and some Asiatic regions. In addition, it is a natural sweetener, almost 300 times sweeter than sucrose, being attributed to its phytoconstituents prominent antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic (antihyperglycemic, insulinotropic, and glucagonostatic), antiplatelet, anticariogenic, and antitumor effects. In this sense, this work aims to provide an extensive overview on the historical practices of stevia and its effects in human health based on its chemical composition and applications for both food and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of Dietary Stevioside Supplementation on Feed Intake, Digestion, Ruminal Fermentation, and Blood Metabolites of Goats

Simple Summary

This study evaluated the effects of stevioside, a natural sweetener that is an extract of Stevia, on feed intake and feeding behavior of goats. The results demonstrated that the consumption of forage was improved after supplementation with stevioside. Supplementation of stevioside resulted in improved total diet consumption of goats. These results are useful for ruminant producers to use natural sweeteners to regulate the intakes of animals.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of stevioside on feed intake, feeding behavior, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and serum biochemical parameters in goats. Nine male Xiangdong black goats (21.8 ± 1.5 kg of body weight) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. All goats were fed a basal diet including concentrate and forage (chopped rice straw). The three treatments were 0, 400, or 800 mg stevioside per kg chopped rice straw on a dry matter (DM) basis. Dry matter intake of forage and total diet linearly increased (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04) with increasing stevioside in the diet. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of stevioside inclusion in the diets on eating time, rumination time, or total mastication time for the goats. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in the rumen responded quadratically (p < 0.01), decreasing from 0 to 400 mg/kg stevioside inclusion and increasing thereafter. The inclusion of steviosid in the diets promoted a quadratic increase in the apparent total tract digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.02) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.01). Based on the results of this experiment, it could be concluded that supplementing goat diets with stevioside at 400 mg/kg to 800 mg/kg forage (about 270 to 541 mg/kg diet) resulted in increased dry intake of forage and total diet, suggesting that stevioside has positive potential as a feed additive to improve feed intake.

Antiviral Evaluation of Herbal Drugs

The viral infection and resistance to the existing antiviral drugs are alarming, which is a serious public health concern. Medicinal plants are valuable resources for treatment of viral infections and can be used for the management of infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, etc. The antiviral screening of plant extracts should be highly selective, specific, and sensitive for bioactivity guided isolation of the active compounds from the plant extracts. The antiviral screening system should be validated for accuracy, reproducibility, simplicity, and cost effectiveness. This chapter highlights on various aspects for screening and evaluation of antiviral natural components including factors affecting antiviral in vivo studies, host cells, organisms, and culture media followed by different virus-specific assays for antiviral screening of natural products.

Study of gene expression and steviol glycosides accumulation in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni under various mannitol concentrations

Stevia rebaudiana produces sweet steviol glycosides that are 300 times sweeter than sugar and have the beneficial effects on human health including anti-hyperglycaemic. Tissue culture is the best method with high efficacy to propagate stevia. Abiotic stress has an impact on steviol glycoside contents in stevia. Therefore, we investigated the effect of mannitol on the expression of four genes involved in the biosynthesis of stevia including UGT74G1, UGT76G1, kaurene oxidase and kaurene synthase genes and steviol glycosides accumulation in stevia under in vitro conditions. The highest expression of UGT76G1 gene occurred in the plants grown under 20 g/l mannitol. While for the kaurene synthase gene, the highest amount of gene expression was observed at 40 g/l mannitol. The results were different about kaurene oxidase gene. As the highest and lowest gene expression were seen in 50 and 30 g/l mannitol conditions respectively. There were the same results for UGT74G1 that means the most appropriate and also the most inopportune treatment for the gene expression were same as the condition for the kaurene oxidase gene. Compared with control, adding mannitol to media in all concentrations increases the expression of UGT76G1 gene. Estimation of steviol glycosides contents under different treatments of mannitol carried out by HPLC. According to the results, the highest amount of stevioside was produced under 20 g/l mannitol treatment. However, rebaudioside A was accumulated in its maximum amounts under 30 g/l mannitol. It can be concluded that adding mannitol to media in the certain concentration increases steviol glycoside contents in the stevia.

Comparison between Two Solid-Liquid Extraction Methods for the Recovery of Steviol Glycosides from Dried Stevia Leaves Applying a Numerical Approach

Abstract: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family. The leaves contain a mixture of steviol glycosides with extraordinary sweetening properties, among which the most important are stevioside and rebaudioside A. These components have a high sweetening power, which is about 300 times that of sucrose, and a negligible calorie content. However, their extraction and purification are not easy. In this paper, the extraction technique under cyclic pressure, known as rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE), was compared using a Naviglio extractor (NE) with conventional maceration. The aim was to identify an efficient and economically viable method for obtaining high amounts of steviol glycosides in a short time. Furthermore, a numerical model was set up for the solid-liquid extraction process of value-added compounds from natural sources. Several parameters must be evaluated in relation to the characteristics of the parts of the plant subjected to extraction. Therefore, since diffusion and osmosis are highly dependent on temperature, it is necessary to control the temperature of the extraction system. On the other hand, the final aim of this work was to provide a scientific and quantitative basis for RSLDE. Therefore, the results obtained from stevia extracts using the corresponding mathematical model allowed hypothesizing the application of this model to the extraction processes of other vegetable matrices.

Medicinal plants and natural molecules with in vitro and in vivo activity against rotavirus: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Rotaviruses can cause life-threatening health disorders, such as severe dehydrating gastroenteritis and diarrhea in children. Vaccination is the main preventive strategy to reduce rotavirus diarrhea and the severity of episodes, but vaccines are not fully effective and new episodes may occur, even in vaccinated children. The WHO recommends oral rehydration therapy and zinc supplementation for rotavirus-induced diarrhea management. There is little preclinical evidence to support the use of phytotherapeutics in the management of rotaviral infections.

PURPOSE

We aim to review the use of medicinal plants and natural molecules in the management of rotavirus infections in experimental studies.

METHODS

Articles, published in the English language between 1991 and 2016, were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using relevant keywords. The scientific literature mainly focusing on plant natural products with therapeutic efficacies against experimental models of rotavirus, were identified and tabulated. In addition, an assessment of the reliability of animal experiments was determined under ``Risk of Bias'' criteria.

CHAPTERS

After an initial search and a revision of the inclusion criteria, 41 reports satisfied the objectives of the study. 36 articles were found concerning the anti-rotaviral potential in rotavirus infected cell lines. Among the active secondary metabolites screened for rotavirus inhibition, the polyphenols of flavonoid structure had acquired the highest number of studies in our survey, compared to phenolic acids, stilbenoids, tannins, pectins, terpenoids and flavonoid glycosides. Also, many phytochemicals reduced the efficacy of viral capsid proteins foremost to their elimination and improved the tendency of host-cell inhibiting virus absorption or by prevention of viral replication. Furthermore, five in vivo studies reported that herbs, as well its components, reduced the duration and severity of diarrhea in mice and piglets. The anti-rotavirus efficacy were highlighted based on improvements in reduction on liquid stool, fecal virus shedding, small intestinal histology, levels of inflammation related cytokines and signaling receptors. However, the quality of the experiments in animal studies contained certain types of bias in terms of how they were conducted and reported.

CONCLUSION

We identified and summarized studies on medicinal plants and natural molecules having anti-rotavirus activity in order to further future developments of cures for rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Is Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni a Non Cariogenic Sweetener? A Review

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a small perennial shrub of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family that is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay, where it is known as "stevia" or "honey leaf" for its powerful sweetness. Several studies have suggested that in addition to their sweetness, steviosides and their related compounds, including rebaudioside A and isosteviol, may offer additional therapeutic benefits. These benefits include anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and immunomodulatory actions. Additionally, critical analysis of the literature supports the anti-bacterial role of steviosides on oral bacteria flora. The aim of this review is to show the emerging results regarding the anti-cariogenic properties of S. rebaudiana Bertoni. Data shown in the present paper provide evidence that stevioside extracts from S. rebaudiana are not cariogenic. Future research should be focused on in vivo studies to evaluate the effects on dental caries of regular consumption of S. rebaudiana extract-based products.

In vitro antiviral activity against rotavirus and astrovirus infection exerted by substances obtained from Achyrocline bogotensis (Kunth) DC. (Compositae)

BACKGROUND

Achyrocline bogotensis has been traditionally used to treat infections of skin, respiratory, tract urinary and other infections, but not to treat viral gastrointestinal disease. In this study, this Colombian native medicinal plant was investigated by its in vitro anti-rotavirus and anti-astrovirus activity.

METHODS

Several extracts and fractions phytochemically obtained from A. bogotensis were evaluated initially for their cell toxicity on MA104 and Caco2 cells and then for their anti-rotavirus (RRV) and anti-astrovirus (Yuc8) activity following three strategies: pre-treatment of cells (blocking effect), direct viral activity (virucidal effect) and post-treatment of infected cells (reduction of viral yield post-infection). In addition qualitative chemical studies were developed for the active compounds.

RESULTS

Non-toxic concentrations of a fraction obtained exhibited antiviral activity against both viruses characterized by a virucidal effect and by the reduction of the infectious particles produced post-infection. Steroids, sterols, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and sesquiterpenlactones were identified qualitatively in the active fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

A. bogotensis contains substances with in vitro antiviral activity against rotavirus and astrovirus. This study confirms their anti-microbial properties and describes by the first time its antiviral activity in vitro.

Inhibitory Effects of Hot Water Extract of the Stevia Stem on the Contractile Response of the Smooth Muscle of the Guinea Pig Ileum

The effects of a hot water extract of the stem of Stevia rebaudiana on the smooth muscle of isolated guinea pig ileum were investigated. The butyl alcohol layer of the extract antagonized the contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum induced by histamine (1 x 10(-5) M) and acetylcholine (1 x 10(-5) M) in a concentration-dependent manner. The butyl alcohol layer of the extract also showed inhibition of CaCl(2) (1 x 10(-3)-3.8 x 10(-1) M)-induced contractions. The antagonism of the extract was considered to be non-specific, but this action might be related to an influx of extracellular Ca(2+). With column chromatography preparation, the active component was assumed to be as stevioside. The antagonistic effects exerted by the stem extract of Stevia rebaudiana contributed to the gastroprotective activity of the extract in animals fed dietary histamine.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity Guided Essential Oil Composition of Flowering Twigs of Stevia rebaudiana

The essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the flowering twigs of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae) was fractioned by chromatography. Forty-three constituents were characterized with the help of GC, GC-MS and other spectroscopic techniques. The essential oil was found to be a complex mixture of mono- and sesqui-terpenes. The cytotoxicity of the essential oil and its fractions was evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) based assay against two cancer cell types viz. C-6 (rat glioma cells) and CHOK1 (Chinese hamster ovary cells). The essential oil and its fractions showed promising cytotoxicity against both cell lines. The highest activity (95.6±0.6%) was show by the essential oil on the C-6 cell line at a concentration of 400 μg/mL, which was comparable with that of the standard drug vinblastin.

Anti-rotavirus effects by combination therapy of stevioside and Sophora flavescens extract

Anti-rotaviral activities of Sophora flavescens extract (SFE) and stevioside (SV) from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni either singly or in various combinations were examined in vitro and in vivo using a porcine rotavirus G5[P7] strain. Combination of SFE and SV inhibited in vitro virus replication more efficiently than each single treatment. In the piglet model, SV had no effect on rotavirus enteritis, whereas SFE improved but did not completely cure rotaviral enteritis. Interestingly, combination therapy of SFE and SV alleviated diarrhea, and markedly improved small intestinal lesion score and fecal virus shedding. Acute toxicity tests including the piglet lethal dose 50, and body weight, organ weight and pathological changes for the combination therapy did not show any adverse effect on the piglets. These preliminary data suggest that the combination therapy of SV and SFE is a potential curative medication for rotaviral diarrhea in pigs. Determination of the efficacy of this combination therapy in other species including humans needs to be addressed in the future.

In Vitro Anti-rotaviral Activity of Achillea kellalensis

Background

Achillea kellalensis, which is frequently used by Chaharmahal va Bakhtiarians residing in, Southwest of Iran, as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of acute diarrhea, has been selected to examine its antiviral activities against bovine rotavirus and cell toxicity activity in MA-104 cells.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic and anti-rotavirus properties of crude extracts of A. kellalensis.

Materials and Methods

The dried and powdered flowers of Achillea kellalensis were extracted with hot water and ethanol 50% (v/v). The cell viability and toxicity of the extracts were evaluated on MA-104 cells using four methods; trypan blue dye, NR, crystal violet and MTT assay. The in vitro anti-rotavirus properties were determined via four different assays, in order to evaluate the direct inhibition and/or the inhibition of viral replication.

Results

Cytotoxicity of two A. kellalensis extracts showed different concentrations. Hydro-alcoholic extract had low CC₅₀ at 600 µg/mL by the NR assay while the aqueous extract had high CC₅₀ at 1000µg/mL by the crystal violet method. In the simultaneous treatment assay and post treatment assay, the extracts were able to prevent viral replication and inhibit the viral CPE on MA-104 cells at 10 TCID₅₀, but the extracts did not exhibit direct antiviral activity on rotavirus adsorption. The effective concentration (EC₅₀) of both extracts was observed to be 100 µg/mL.

Conclusions

These results indicate that A. kellalensis extracts exert potent anti-rotaviral activity only after viral adsorption. The two extracts from A. kellalensis showed a good selectivity index. Also these results suggest that extracts prepared from the flowers of A. kellalensis may be potential anti-rotaviral agents in vivo and be useful in veterinary medicine.

Antioxidant, anti-diabetic and renal protective properties of Stevia rebaudiana

BACKGROUND

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has been used for the treatment of diabetes in, for example, Brazil, although a positive effect on antidiabetic and its complications has not been unequivocally demonstrated. This herb also has numerous therapeutic properties which have been proven safe and effective over hundreds of years. Streptozotocin is a potential source of oxidative stress that induces genotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the effects of stevia leaves and its extracted polyphenols and fiber on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. We hypothesize that supplementation of polyphenols extract from stevia to the diet causes a reduction in diabetes and its complications.

DESIGN/METHODS

Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups; a standard control diet was supplemented with either stevia whole leaves powder (4.0%) or polyphenols or fiber extracted from stevia separately and fed for one month. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight, i.p) was injected to the diabetic groups on the 31st day. Several indices were analyzed to assess the modulation of the streptozotocin induced oxidative stress, toxicity and blood glucose levels by stevia.

RESULTS

The results showed a reduction of blood glucose, ALT and AST, and increment of insulin level in the stevia whole leaves powder and extracted polyphenols fed rats compared to control diabetic group. Its feeding also reduced the MDA concentration in liver and improved its antioxidant status through antioxidant enzymes. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were improved by their feeding. Streptozotocin was also found to induce kidney damage as evidenced by decreased glomerular filtration rate; this change was however alleviated in the stevia leaves and extracted polyphenol fed groups.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that stevia leaves do have a significant role in alleviating liver and kidney damage in the STZ-diabetic rats besides its hypoglycemic effect. It might be adequate to conclude that stevia leaves could protect rats against streptozotocin induced diabetes, reduce the risk of oxidative stress and ameliorate liver and kidney damage.

Anti-rotaviral effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract in piglets with rotavirus diarrhea

Background

Since rotavirus is one of the leading pathogens that cause severe gastroenteritis and represents a serious threat to human and animal health, researchers have been searching for cheap, safe, and effective anti-rotaviral drugs. There is a widespread of interest in using natural products as antiviral agents, and among them, licorice derived from Glycyrrhiza spp. has exerted antiviral properties against several viruses. In this study, anti-rotaviral efficacy of Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract (GUE) as an effective and cheaper remedy without side-effects was evaluated in colostrums-deprived piglets after induction of rotavirus diarrhea.

Methods

Colostrums-deprived piglets were inoculated with porcine rotavirus K85 (G5P[7]) strain. On the onset of diarrhea, piglets were treated with different concentration of GUE. To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of GUE, fecal consistency score, fecal virus shedding and histological changes of the small intestine, mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines (IL8, IL10, IFN-β, IFN-γ and TNF-α), signaling molecules (p38 and JNK), and transcription factor (NFκB) in the small intestine and spleen were determined.

Results

Among the dosages (100-400 mg/ml) administrated to animals, 400 mg/ml of GUE cured diarrhea, and markedly improved small intestinal lesion score and fecal virus shedding. mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines (IL8, IL10, IFN-β, IFN-γ and TNF-α), signaling molecules (p38 and JNK), and transcription factor (NFκB) in the small intestine and spleen were markedly increased in animals with RVA-induced diarrhea, but dose- dependently decreased in GUE treated animals after RVA-induced diarrhea.

Conclusions

GUE cures rotaviral enteritis by coordinating antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Therapy of this herbal medicine can be a viable medication for curing rotaviral enteritis in animals and humans.

Effect of grape seed extract on human norovirus GII.4 and murine norovirus 1 in viral suspensions, on stainless steel discs, and in lettuce wash water

The anti-norovirus (anti-NoV) effect of grape seed extract (GSE) was examined by plaque assay for murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), cell-binding reverse transcription-PCR for human NoV GII.4, and saliva-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human NoV GII.4 P particles, with or without the presence of interfering substances (dried milk and lettuce extract). GSE at 0.2 and 2 mg/ml was shown to reduce the infectivity of MNV-1 (>3-log PFU/ml) and the specific binding ability of NoV GII.4 to Caco-2 cells (>1-log genomic copies/ml), as well as of its P particles to salivary human histo-blood group antigen receptors (optical density at 450 nm of >0.8). These effects were decreased as increasing concentrations of dried milk (0.02 and 0.2%) or lettuce extract were added. Under an electron microscope, human NoV GII.4 virus-like particles showed inflation and deformation after treatment with GSE. Under conditions that simulated applications in the food industry, the anti-NoV effect of GSE using MNV-1 as a target organism was shown to be limited in surface disinfection (<1-log PFU/ml, analyzed in accordance with EN 13697:2001). However, a 1.5- to 2-log PFU/ml reduction in MNV-1 infectivity was noted when 2 mg of GSE/ml was used to sanitize water in the washing bath of fresh-cut lettuce, and this occurred regardless of the chemical oxygen demand (0 to 1,500 mg/ml) of the processing water.

An evaluation of the inhibitory effects against rotavirus infection of edible plant extracts

Background

Rotaviruses are the single most important cause of severe diarrhea in young children worldwide. The developments of specific, potent and accessible antiviral treatments that restrain rotavirus infection remain important to control rotavirus disease.

Methods

150 plant extracts with nutritional applications were screened in vitro on MA-104 cells for their antiviral activity against rhesus rotavirus (RRV). One extract (Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren) was also tested for its effect on the loss of transepithelial resistance (TER) of Caco-2 cells caused by simian rotavirus (SA-11) infection.

Results

Aqueous extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. fruit, Urtica dioica L. root, Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren leaves, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root and Olea europaea L. leaves were found to have strong significant antiviral activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) < 300 μg/ml. The pure compound 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra was found to have the strongest antiviral activity (IC50 46 μM), followed by luteolin and vitexin from Aspalathus linearis (IC50 respectively 116 μM and 129 μM) and apigenin-7-O-glucoside from Melissa officinalis (IC50 150 μM). A combination of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. + Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. and Urtica dioica L. + Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. showed synergy in their anti-viral activities. Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren showed no positive effect on the maintenance of the TER.

Conclusions

These results indicate that nutritional intervention with extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren, Urtica dioica L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Olea europaea L. might be useful in the treatment of diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, source of a high-potency natural sweetener: A comprehensive review on the biochemical, nutritional and functional aspects

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, an ancient perennial shrub of South America, produces diterpene glycosides that are low calorie sweeteners, about 300 times sweeter than saccharose. Stevia extracts, besides having therapeutic properties, contain a high level of sweetening compounds, known as steviol glycosides, which are thought to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Stevioside and rebaudioside A are the main sweetening compounds of interest. They are thermostable even at temperatures of up to 200°C, making them suitable for use in cooked foods. S. rebaudiana has a great potential as a new agricultural crop since consumer demand for herbal foods is increasing and proximate analysis has shown that Stevia also contains folic acid, vitamin C and all of the indispensable amino acids with the exception of tryptophan. Stevia cultivation and production would further help those who have to restrict carbohydrate intake in their diet; to enjoy the sweet taste with minimal calories.

Antiviral activity of the Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano) essential oil and its main compound carvacrol against human and animal viruses

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a plant found in Mexico and Central America that is traditionally used as a medicinal herb. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral activity of the essential oil of Mexican oregano and its major component, carvacrol, against different human and animal viruses. The MTT test (3–4,5-dimethythiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) was conducted to determine the selectivity index (SI) of the essential oil, which was equal to 13.1, 7.4, 10.8, 9.7, and 7.2 for acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 (ACVR-HHV-1), acyclovir-sensitive HHV-1, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), bovine herpesvirus type 2 (BoHV-2), and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), respectively. The human rotavirus (RV) and BoHV-1 and 5 were not inhibited by the essential oil. Carvacrol alone exhibited high antiviral activity against RV with a SI of 33, but it was less efficient than the oil for the other viruses. Thus, Mexican oregano oil and its main component, carvacrol, are able to inhibit different human and animal viruses in vitro. Specifically, the antiviral effects of Mexican oregano oil on ACVR-HHV-1 and HRSV and of carvacrol on RV justify more detailed studies.

Optimisation of novel method for the extraction of steviosides from Stevia rebaudiana leaves

Stevioside, a diterpene glycoside, is well known for its intense sweetness and is used as a non-caloric sweetener. Its potential widespread use requires an easy and effective extraction method. Enzymatic extraction of stevioside from Stevia rebaudiana leaves with cellulase, pectinase and hemicellulase, using various parameters, such as concentration of enzyme, incubation time and temperature, was optimised. Hemicellulase was observed to give the highest stevioside yield (369.23±0.11μg) in 1h in comparison to cellulase (359±0.30μg) and pectinases (333±0.55μg). Extraction from leaves under optimised conditions showed a remarkable increase in the yield (35 times) compared with a control experiment. The extraction conditions were further optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was used for experimental design and analysis of the results to obtain optimal extraction conditions. Based on RSM analysis, temperature of 51-54°C, time of 36-45min and the cocktail of pectinase, cellulase and hemicellulase, set at 2% each, gave the best results. Under the optimised conditions, the experimental values were in close agreement with the prediction model and resulted in a three times yield enhancement of stevioside. The isolated stevioside was characterised through ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, by comparison with a stevioside standard.