Anti-inflammatory Effects of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) in Experimental Rodent Rheumatoid Arthritis

Optimization of hypobaric and ultrasonic processing of persimmon rhamnogalacturonan-I to enhance drug-digestion interactions

The biological activity of polysaccharides used for nutraceuticals/drug excipients has been a neglected area of study. This work deals with the preparation, optimization, characterization, and evaluation of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fruit by-products and the study of the resultant dietary fiber (DF) interaction with other compounds, using acetaminophen as a model. Processing conditions for persimmon by-products were optimized to enhance antioxidant activity, with hypobaric, ultrasonic, and drying conditions tested at three levels of time and pH. The optimized DF was evaluated through in-vitro and ex-vivo release and permeation studies. Optimal conditions included three cycles of vacuum instantaneous expansion coupled with ultrasound waves (USEX), 42 min of ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE), and a pH of 1.5. After treatments, the antioxidant capacity (AC) increased six-fold, and zeta potential (ζ) analysis indicated polysaccharide aggregation at the optimized pH. The optimized polysaccharides, mainly formed by rhamnogalacturonan-I, displayed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent activity. In-vitro drug-DF interaction studies showed higher acetaminophen release during digestion. Permeation kinetics adhered to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model in both ex-vivo and in-vitro models, suggesting complex permeation mechanisms. Results suggest that the optimized DF enhances the bioavailability and controlled release of acetaminophen, indicating its potential for use in drug delivery systems and nutraceutical applications.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves accelerates skin tissue regeneration in excisional wound model: possible molecular mechanisms

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves are a traditional medicinal herb used for treating many infectious and inflammatory-related conditions, including wound healing. To validate its traditional use, our study evaluates the acute toxicity and wound-healing effects of methanolic extracts of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves (MEPL) on excisional neck injury in rats. A uniform dorsal neck injury was created for twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats, which were randomly aligned into 4 groups and treated topically twice daily with 0.2 ml of the following: group A, rats treated with 1% CMC; group B, rats received intrasite gel; groups C and D, rats treated with MEPL (0.2 ml of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). The toxicity results showed a lack of physiologic alteration or mortality in rats ingested with an oral dosage of up to 5 g/kg of MEPL. Histological screening of regenerated skin tissues revealed higher deposition of collagen, fibroblast cells, and reduced inflammatory cells in MEPL-treated rats. The topical application of MEPL led to positive modulation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (angiogenetic factor) in wound tissues, indicating increased tissue regeneration and faster wound contraction. MEPL treatment caused a significant elevation of tissue antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and hydroxyproline (collagen) contents while reducing malondialdehyde contents. The inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-6) were lower, and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10) were higher in MEPL-treated rats than in the vehicle group. The study outcomes back up the traditional use of MEPL for wound healing, which could be linked with its phytochemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) that require further isolation and molecular identification.

Diospyros kaki fruit extract produces antiarthritic and antinociceptive effects in rats with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis

Current treatments for rheumatoid arthritis produce untoward effects; thus, considerable effort has been made to recognize effective herbal medicines against the condition. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of Diospyros kaki fruit hydroalcoholic extract (DFHE) on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats was investigated. The extract was characterized using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESIMS). Male Wistar rats were grouped as follows (eight rats in each): control, CFA, CFA + indomethacin (5 mg/kg), CFA + DFHE (50 mg/kg), and CFA + DFHE (100 mg/kg). Paw volume, mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and arthritis score were evaluated. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol groups, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated. Carotenoids were found to be the major components of DFHE. Administration of DFHE (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased arthritis score, paw volume, and thermal hyperalgesia, and improved mechanical allodynia. MDA and TNF-α levels were decreased while thiol levels and SOD and GPx activities were increased in DFHE-treated groups compared to the CFA group. These results suggest that D. kaki extract caused an improvement in clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms possibly through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract individual/combined with famotidine mitigates peptic ulcer induced by alcohol in rats

The present study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic impact of Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract (DKFAE) on ethanol induced peptic ulcer. The phytochemical studies of DKFAE were investigated using colorometric analysis. Gastric ulcer was induced by one dose of ethanol (5 ml/Kg, b.w) on 24 h empty stomach. Then, the plant extract (200, 400 mg/kg) was orally administrated for 2 weeks. Famotidine (FAM: 40 mg/kg, b.w.): a reference drug was also tested. The effect of mixture dose between the fruit extract and FAM (DKFAE, 50 mg/kg PC, p.o. + FAM, 50 mg/kg PC, p.o.) was also evaluated. One hour after induction of ulcer blood samples were collected, stomach acidity and volume, as well as lesion counts were measured, then stomach and intestine of scarified rats were subjected to biochemical, macroscopic and microscopic studies. Results showed that DKFAE exhibited an important antioxidant potential. In vivo, the results showed that alcohol induced gastric damage, improving oxidative stress markers level such as MDA and H2O2, gastric and intestinal calcium and free iron. The intoxication by ethanol also produce an inflammation occurred by high level of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in plasma. In contrast, DKFAE and the mixture dose significantly protect against macroscopic and histological injuries, the secretory profile disturbances, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities and non enzymatic antioxidant level decrease induced by ethanol administration. More impressively, the mixture dose exerted the more excellent effect than DKFAE and famotidine each alone showing is possible synergism.

Plant-Based Approaches for Rheumatoid Arthritis Regulation: Mechanistic Insights on Pathogenesis, Molecular Pathways, and Delivery Systems

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder, associated with a varied range of immunological changes, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage destructions, as well as bone erosion. The infiltration of immune-modulatory cells and excessive release of proinflammatory chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors into the inflamed regions are key molecules involved in the progression of RA. Even though many conventional drugs are suggested by a medical practitioner such as DMARDs, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, etc., to treat RA, but have allied with various side effects. Thus, alternative therapeutics in the form of herbal therapy or phytomedicine has been increasingly explored for this inflammatory disorder of joints. Herbal interventions contribute substantial therapeutic benefits including accessibility, less or no toxicity and affordability. But the major challenge with these natural actives is the need of a tailored approach for treating inflamed tissues by delivering these bioactive agentsat an appropriate dose within the treatment regimen for an extended periodof time. Drug incorporated with wide range of delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and other nano-vehicles have been developed to achieve this goal. Thus, inclinations of modern treatment are persuaded on the way to herbal therapy or phytomedicines in combination with novel carriers is an alternative approach with less adverse effects. The present review further summarizes the significanceof use of phytocompounds, their target molecules/pathways and, toxicity and challenges associated with phytomolecule-based nanoformulations.

Unveiling major ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Diospyros in context to its chemical diversity: A comprehensive overview

Diospyros species (DS), "Ebenaceae," were known for their therapeutic uses in folk medicine since days of yore. Thereafter, scientific evidence related their health benefits to a myriad of chemical classes, for instance, naphthoquinones, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, norbergenin derivatives, sterols, secoiridoids, sesquiterpenes, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carotenoids. The available literature showed that more than 200 compounds were isolated and identified via spectroscopic techniques. Many pharmacological activities of DS have been previously described, such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and cosmeceutical, investigated, and confirmed through versatile in vitro and in vivo assays. Previous studies proved that genus Diospyros is a rich reservoir of valuable bioactive compounds. However, further comparative studies among its different species are recommended for more precise natural source-based drug discovery and clinical application. Accordingly, this review is to recall the chemical abundance and diversity among different members of genus Diospyros and their ethnopharmacological and pharmacological uses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Practically, providing sufficient background on both secondary metabolites divergence and pharmacological properties of genus Diospyros has many fruitful aspects. As demonstrated below, extracts and many isolated compounds have significant curative properties, which can lead to the discovery of pharmaceutically relevant alternative substitutes to conventional medicine. Consequently, molecular docking on various receptors can be applied. On the grounds, Naoxinqing tablets, a standardized herbal product containing D. kaki leaves extract, have been patented and recorded in Chinese Pharmacopeia as an approved Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cerebro- and cardiovascular diseases, although the underlying mechanism remains under advisement. Moreover, the antimicrobial applications of DS are of considerable concern; since the widespread use of antibiotics resulted in different forms of bacterial resistance, hence, limiting and compromising effective treatment. In addition, as a result of contemporary rampant memory disorders, neuroprotective activities of different extracts of DS became of great emphasis.

In Vitro and In Vivo Digestion of Persimmon and Derived Products: A Review

The link between nutrition and health has focused on the strategy of diet-based programs to deal with various physiological threats, such as cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress, and diabetes. Therefore, the consumption of fruits and vegetables as a safeguard for human health is increasingly important. Among fruits, the intake of persimmon is of great interest because several studies have associated its consumption with health benefits due to its high content of bioactive compounds, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. However, during digestion, some changes take place in persimmon nutritional compounds that condition their subsequent use by the human body. In vitro studies indicate different rates of recovery and bioaccessibility depending on the bioactive compound and the matrix in which they are found. In vivo studies show that the pharmacological application of persimmon or its functional components, such as proanthocyanidins, can help to prevent hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Thus, persimmon and persimmon derived products have the potential to be a fruit recommended for diet therapy. This review aims to compile an updated review of the benefits of persimmon and its derived products, focusing on the in vitro and in vivo digestibility of the main nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott Flower Extract Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Factors in the Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model

Introduction

This research was to evaluate the beneficial effects of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott flower extract (SJF) on the adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model.

Methods

Arthritis was evoked by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the hind paw. SJF (150 or 300 mg/kg/day) or Celecoxib (5 mg/kg/day) were administered intragastrically from the 0th day to the 28th day. The arthritis symptoms (paw edema, arthritic scores, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia), inflammation biomarkers (RT and CRP), related enzymes (MMP1 and MMP13), oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD, GPx, and MDA), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) of SJF-treated CFA rats were evaluated.

Results

CFA rats exhibited severe arthritis symptoms, increased oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, SJF treatment relieving arthritis symptoms and restored body weight gain compared with those in the CFA group. SJF treatment decreased the levels of CRP, RF, MMP1, and MMP13 in the CFA group. Besides, SJF treatment increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased the MDA content and inflammatory cytokines compared with those in the CFA group. Moreover, SJF could increase the mRNA expression of GPx-1 and CAT and inhibit the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the ankle tissue of CFA rats.

From Diospyros kaki L. (Persimmon) Phytochemical Profile and Health Impact to New Product Perspectives and Waste Valorization

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) fruit's phytochemical profile includes carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, and gallic acid among other phenolic compounds and vitamins. A huge antioxidant potential is present given this richness in antioxidant compounds. These bioactive compounds impact on health benefits. The intersection of nutrition and sustainability, the key idea behind the EAT-Lancet Commission, which could improve human health and decrease the global impact of food-related health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, bring the discussion regarding persimmon beyond the health effects from its consumption, but also on the valorization of a very perishable food that spoils quickly. A broad option of edible products with better storage stability or solutions that apply persimmon and its byproducts in the reinvention of old products or even creating new products, or with new and better packaging for the preservation of food products with postharvest technologies to preserve and extend the shelf-life of persimmon food products. Facing a global food crisis and the climate emergency, new and better day-to-day solutions are needed right now. Therefore, the use of persimmon waste has also been discussed as a good solution to produce biofuel, eco-friendly alternative reductants for fabric dyes, green plant growth regulator, biodegradable and edible films for vegetable packaging, antimicrobial activity against foodborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus found in retail pork, anti-Helicobacter pylori agents from pedicel extracts, and persimmon pectin-based emulsifiers to prevent lipid peroxidation, among other solutions presented in the revised literature. It has become clear that the uses for persimmon go far beyond the kitchen table and the health impact consumption demonstrated over the years. The desired sustainable transition is already in progress, however, mechanistic studies and clinical trials are essential and scaling-up is fundamental to the future.

Antidiarrheal, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Tunisian Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Fruits

Medicinal plants were used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders owing, in part, to their antioxidant capacity. The protective effects of Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract (DKFAE) against castor oil (CO)-induced diarrhea was studied. The in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated using colorimetric and biochemical analyses. In vivo, 60 male rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 animals each (n = 10): control (C), CO, CO+various doses of DKFAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.).The DKFAE was rich in tannins and showed interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis resulted in the identification of 16 phenolic compounds, among which quinic acid was the main one. The in vivo study showed that diarrhea was accompanied by an oxidative stress status as measured by an increase of lipid peroxidation, a decrease of glutathione and thiol group levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activity depletion, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The DKFAE administration significantly decreased the gastrointestinal transit in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, DKFAE protected against CO-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Interestingly, DKFAE pretreatment counteracted all the oxidative stress status deregulation induced by CO intoxication. D. kaki fruit could be suggested for its strong protective effect against CO-induced acute diarrhea, which could be explained, in part, to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Phenolic Compounds Impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Microbiota Modulation

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are nowadays the principal cause of death, especially in most industrialized nations. These illnesses have increased exponentially with the consumption of diets very high in fat and sugar, not to mention stress and physical inactivity among other factors. The potential impact of suboptimal diets on NCDs’ morbidity and mortality rates brings to the forefront the necessity for a new way of improving dietary habits. The literature provides extensive scientific work that presents evidence that phenolic compounds from diets have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities that impact human health. Gut microbiota modulation by some phenolic compounds leads to favorable changes in abundance, diversity, and in the immune system. However, polyphenol’s limited bioavailability needs to be overcome, highlighting their application in new delivery systems and providing their health benefits in well-established ways such as health maintenance, treatment or adjuvant to conventional pharmacological treatments. In this context, novel dietary approaches, including new food supplements, have emerged to prevent diseases and preserve health.

Further Evidence of Possible Therapeutic Uses of Sambucus nigra L. Extracts by the Assessment of the In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Its PLGA and PCL-Based Nanoformulations

Sambucus nigra L. is widely used in traditional medicine with different applications. However, confirmative studies are strongly required. This study aimed to assess the biological activities of the S. nigra flower's extract encapsulated into two different types of nanoparticles for optimizing its properties and producing further evidence of its potential therapeutic uses. Different nanoparticles (poly(lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA) and poly-Ɛ-caprolactone (PCL), both with oleic acid, were prepared by emulsification/solvent diffusion and solvent-displacement methods, respectively. Oleic acid was used as a capping agent. After the nanoparticles' preparation, they were characterized and the biological activities were studied in terms of collagenase, in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, and in vitro cell viability. Rutin and naringenin were found to be the major phenolic compounds in the studied extract. The encapsulation efficiency was higher than 76% and revealed to have an impact on the release of the extract, mainly for the PLGA. Moreover, biochemical and histopathological analyses confirmed that the extract-loaded PLGA-based nanoparticles displayed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. In addition to supporting the previously reported evidence of potential therapeutic uses of S. nigra, these results could draw the pharmaceutical industry's interest to the novelty of the nanoproducts.

Diospyros kaki leaves inhibit HGF/Met signaling-mediated EMT and stemness features in hepatocellular carcinoma

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.) trees are widely cultivated for their edible fruits in Asia. D. kaki leaves are abundant in phytochemicals that have numerous medicinal properties. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor Met lead to poor prognosis via the promotion of metastasis and chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, inhibitors targeting the HGF/Met pathway are regarded as promising drugs against HCC. Here, we investigated the effects of D. kaki leaves on HGF-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness traits in HCC. The ethanol extract of D. kaki leaves (EEDK) markedly suppressed HGF-mediated cell migration and invasion through upregulation of CDH1 and downregulation of SNAI1, VIM, MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9. Moreover, EEDK increased the cytotoxicity of sorafenib, which was reduced by HGF, and decreased the expression of the stemness markers KRT19 and CD44. Additionally, we found a clear correlation between stemness and EMT markers in HCC patients. Importantly, EEDK reduced Met activity and attenuated HGF-mediated activation of JNK/c-Jun. Our findings provide new evidence that EEDK can ameliorate HCC with poor prognosis and aggressive phenotype by blocking HGF/Met signaling.

Evaluation of rohitukine-enriched fraction of Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook.f. (leaves) as anti-arthritic phytopharmaceutical candidate: Chemical standardization, in-vivo validation, formulation development and oral pharmacokinetics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of joints. Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook.f (Family: Meliaceae) is a Indian medicinal plant which is traditionally being used to heal inflammation of joints.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work was aimed to carry out chemical standardization, in-vitro/in-vivo validation, oral pharmacokinetics and formulation development of anti-arthritic botanical lead, the rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum was standardized using four chemical markers and was checked for microbial load, heavy metal content, aflatoxins and pesticides. Its in-vitro inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was studied in THP-1 cells. The in-vivo anti-arthritic activity was investigated in collagen-induced arthritis model in DBA/1J mice. The sustained release capsule formulation was developed and characterized for physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.

RESULTS

Rohitukine and schumaniofioside A were found to be major chemical constituents of the botanical lead. The rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum significantly reduced the production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (>50% inhibition at 3.12 μg/mL) in THP-1 cells. In LPS-treated wild-type mice model, the rohitukine-enriched fraction at 200 mg/kg (PO, QD) completely reduced serum TNF-α levels. In transgenic mice model (collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice), rohitukine-enriched fraction at 100 mg/kg (PO, QD) dose has resulted in >75% reduction of TNF-α/IL-6 serum levels, 68% reduction in anti-mouse type II collagen IgG1 antibody levels, decreased joint proteoglycan loss and reduced paw edema in DBA/1J mice. The sustained release capsule formulation of rohitukine-enriched fraction showed sustained-release of rohitukine over the period of 24 h, and resulted in an improved plasma-exposure of rohitukine in SD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented herein demonstrated anti-arthritic potential of rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum and this study will serve as the benchmark for further research on this botanical lead and developed sustained release capsule formulation.

Wogonin ameliorate complete Freund's adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis via targeting NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and accelerated autoimmune illness with proliferative and damaging synovitis, resulting in joint death and cartilage and bone erosion. This study focused on the potential therapeutic effect of wogonin on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced RA in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Arthritis was experimentally caused in rats by subcutaneously injecting 0.1 mL of CFA into the subplantar area of the left hind paw under moderate anesthesia on day zero. The regular oral doses of indomethacin/wogonin began on day zero and proceeded after injection to day 35. Wogonin reduced arthritic score considerably, enhanced body weight, and reduced paw thickness. Wogonin also boosted red blood cell considerably along with hemoglobin and reduced white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Wogonin substantially improved an altered level of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent way. Wogonin inhibited p38 phosphorylation triggered by CFA and p65 nuclear translocation.

Dietary Compounds for Targeting Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the burden of the disease is increased. Although several chemotherapies have been used, concerns about the side effects have been raised, and development of alternative therapy is inevitable. The purpose of this study is to prove the efficacy of dietary substances as a source of anti-tumor drugs by identifying their carcinostatic activities in specific pathological mechanisms. According to numerous studies, dietary substances were effective through following five mechanisms; apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis, microRNA (miRNA) regulation, and anti-multi-drug-resistance (MDR). About seventy dietary substances showed the anti-prostate cancer activities. Most of the substances induced the apoptosis, especially acting on the mechanism of caspase and poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These findings support that dietary compounds have potential to be used as anticancer agents as both food supplements and direct clinical drugs.