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Tong T, Xu A, Tan S, Jiang H, Liu L, Deng S, Wang H. Biological Effects and Biomedical Applications of Areca Nut and Its Extract. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:228. [PMID: 38399443 PMCID: PMC10893415 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The dried, mature fruit of the palm tree species Areca catechu L. is known as the areca nut (AN) or betel nut. It is widely cultivated in the tropical regions. In many nations, AN is utilized for traditional herbal treatments or social activities. AN has historically been used to address various health issues, such as diarrhea, arthritis, dyspepsia, malaria, and so on. In this review, we have conducted a comprehensive summary of the biological effects and biomedical applications of AN and its extracts. Initially, we provided an overview of the constituents in AN extract. Subsequently, we summarized the biological effects of AN and its extracts on the digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory system. And we elucidated the contributions of AN and its extracts in antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications. Finally, we have discussed the challenges and future perspectives regarding the utilization of AN and its extracts as emerging pharmaceuticals or valuable adjuncts within the pharmaceutical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tong
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Aiqing Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Shuhua Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Hengzhi Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Senwen Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Haihua Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan Binglang Science Institute, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
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Konda PY, Chennupati V, Dasari S, Sharma N, Muthulingam M, Ramakrishnan R, Sade A, Jagadheeshkumar V, Natesan V, Jaiswal KK. Ethno-pharmacological insulin signaling induction of aqueous extract of Syzygium paniculatum fruits in a high-fat diet induced hepatic insulin resistance. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113576. [PMID: 33171270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The ethnopharmacological significance of the fruits of Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn (Magenta Cherry) is widely recognized in the Indian traditional medicine system to treat various disorders, such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems. AIM OF THE STUDY This research work investigated the supplementation of the aqueous extract of S. paniculatum fruit (AESPF) on liver function; the molecular effects on the expression of the protein of insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) in high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance in the rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-fat diet was used to induce obesity in albino Wistar for 120 days. Biochemical, enzymatic, and histopathological analysis, as well as analysis of hepatic insulin resistance proteins and expression of IRS-1, were performed. RESULTS The supplementation of AESPF with a dose of 100 mg/kg bw significantly reduced bodyweight, blood sugar, insulin, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes. Hepatic insulin resistance was improved with a reduced level of IR and IRS-1 to protein levels. HFD alters the sensitivity of hepatocytes to insulin due to the down-regulation of insulin receptor proteins. CONCLUSIONS The fruits of S. paniculatum possess biological activities to alleviate all risky effects by regulating hepatic lipogenesis activity that can be used in the progress of medication for HFD-induced hepatic insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vidyasagar Chennupati
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517 502, India
| | - Sreenivasulu Dasari
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517 502, India
| | - Nishesh Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248 007, India
| | - Muthukumaran Muthulingam
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605 014, India
| | - Ranjani Ramakrishnan
- Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517 502, India
| | - Ankanna Sade
- Department of Botany, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517 502, India
| | | | - Vijayakumar Natesan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, 608 002, India.
| | - Krishna Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Chemistry, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248 007, India.
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Xu J, Huang Y, Chen XX, Zheng SC, Chen P, Mo MH. The Mechanisms of Pharmacological Activities of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Fungi. Phytother Res 2016; 30:1572-1583. [PMID: 27373780 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly known as Cordyceps sinensis, has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of many illnesses. In recent years its usage has increased dramatically because of the improvement of people's living standard and the emphasis on health. Such demands have resulted in over-harvesting of this fungus in the wild. Fortunately, scientists have demonstrated that artificially cultured and fermented mycelial products of O. sinensis have similar pharmacological activities to wild O. sinensis. The availability of laboratory cultures will likely to further expand its usage for the treatment of various illnesses. In this review, we summarize recent results on the pharmacological activities of the components of O. sinensis and their putative mechanisms of actions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xu
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bioresources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bioresources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Xiang-Xiang Chen
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bioresources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Shuai-Chao Zheng
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bioresources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Ming-He Mo
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bioresources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
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Gururaja GM, Mundkinajeddu D, Dethe SM, Sangli GK, Abhilash K, Agarwal A. Cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity of bioactives from leaves of Mangifera indica L. Pharmacognosy Res 2015; 7:355-62. [PMID: 26692750 PMCID: PMC4660515 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.159578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the earlier studies, methanolic extract of Mangifera indica L leaf was exhibited hypocholesterol activity. However, the bioactive compounds responsible for the same are not reported so far. Objective: To isolate the bioactive compounds with hypocholesterol activity from the leaf extract using cholesterol esterase inhibition assay which can be used for the standardization of extract. Materials and Methods: The leaf methanolic extract of M. indica (Sindoora variety) was partitioned with ethyl acetate and chromatographed on silica gel to yield twelve fractions and the activity was monitored by using cholesterol esterase inhibition assay. Active fractions were re-chromatographed to yield individual compounds. Results and Discussion: A major compound mangiferin present in the extract was screened along with other varieties of mango leaves for cholesterol esterase inhibition assay. However, the result indicates that compounds other than mangiferin may be active in the extract. Invitro pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibition assay was used for bioactivity guided fractionation (BAGF) to yield bioactive compound for standardization of extract. Bioactivity guided fractionation afford the active fraction containing 3b-taraxerol with an IC50 value of 0.86μg/ml. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that M. indica methanol extract of leaf have significant hypocholesterol activity which is standardized with 3b-taraxerol, a standardized extract for hypocholesterol activity resulted in development of dietary supplement from leaves of Mangifera indica.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Gururaja
- Research Scholar, Manipal University, Manipal, India ; R & D Centre, Natural Remedies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | | | - K Abhilash
- R & D Centre, Natural Remedies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, India
| | - Amit Agarwal
- R & D Centre, Natural Remedies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, India
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Peng W, Liu YJ, Wu N, Sun T, He XY, Gao YX, Wu CJ. Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 164:340-356. [PMID: 25681543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae), widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia, is a popular traditional herbal medicine that can be chewed for the purpose of dispersing accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity and killing worms. The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review on the traditional uses and advances in the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant. Furthermore, the possible trends and a perspective for future research of this plant are also discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was performed on A. catechu based on classic books of herbal medicine, PhD. and MSc. dissertations, government reports, the state and local drug standards, scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Various types of information regarding this plant are discussed in corresponding parts of this paper. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies of A. catechu are discussed. RESULTS The seeds of A. catechu (areca nut) have been widely used in clinical practice in China, India and other South and Southeast Asian Countries. Currently, over 59 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. catechu, including alkaloids, tannins, flavones, triterpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. The extracts and compounds isolated from A. catechu have many pharmacological activities. These include antiparasitic effects, anti-depressive effects, anti-fatigue effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-allergic effects, the promotion of digestive functions, suppression of platelet aggregation, regulatory effects on blood glucose and lipids, etc. Although arecoline is the primary active constituent of A. catechu, it is also the primary toxic compound. The main toxicities of arecoline are the promotion of oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and cytotoxic effects on normal human cells, which involve inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSION As an important herbal medicine, A. catechu has potential for the treatment of many diseases, especially parasitic diseases, digestive function disorders, and depression. Many traditional uses of A. catechu have now been validated by current investigations. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs, and pharmacokinetics and to establish criteria for quality control for A. catechu-derived medications. In addition, it will be interesting to investigate the active macromolecular compounds and active constituents other than alkaloids in both raw and processed products of A. catechu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Yu-Jie Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Na Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China
| | - Yong-Xiang Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China.
| | - Chun-Jie Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, PR China.
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Jeon SM, Kim HJ, Woo MN, Lee MK, Shin YC, Park YB, Choi MS. Fucoxanthin-rich seaweed extract suppresses body weight gain and improves lipid metabolism in high-fat-fed C57BL/6J mice. Biotechnol J 2010; 5:961-9. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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McGlacken GP, Fairlamb IJS. 2-Pyrone natural products and mimetics: isolation, characterisation and biological activity. Nat Prod Rep 2005; 22:369-85. [PMID: 16010346 DOI: 10.1039/b416651p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The review summarises natural products containing the 2-pyrone moiety. An emphasis has been placed upon the biological activity associated with 2-pyrones, particularly with respect to potential therapeutic or anti-microbial agents. Where appropriate, non-natural 2-pyrone analogues are discussed, particularly those derived from natural product lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard P McGlacken
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, UK YO10 5DD
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Heidrich JE, Contos LM, Hunsaker LA, Deck LM, Vander Jagt DL. Inhibition of pancreatic cholesterol esterase reduces cholesterol absorption in the hamster. BMC Pharmacol 2004; 4:5. [PMID: 15096274 PMCID: PMC406500 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-4-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2003] [Accepted: 04/19/2004] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cholesterol esterase has three proposed functions in the intestine: 1) to control the bioavailability of cholesterol from dietary cholesterol esters; 2) to contribute to incorporation of cholesterol into mixed micelles; and 3) to aid in transport of free cholesterol to the enterocyte. Inhibitors of cholesterol esterase are anticipated to limit the absorption of dietary cholesterol. RESULTS The selective and potent cholesterol esterase inhibitor 6-chloro-3-(1-ethyl-2-cyclohexyl)-2-pyrone (figure 1, structure 1) was administered to hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet supplemented with radiolabeled cholesterol ester. Hamsters were gavage fed 3H-labeled cholesteryl oleate along with inhibitor 1, 0-200 micromoles. Twenty-four hours later, hepatic and serum radioactive cholesterol levels were determined. The ED50 of inhibitor 1 for prevention of the uptake of labeled cholesterol derived from hydrolysis of labeled cholesteryl oleate was 100 micromoles. The toxicity of inhibitor 1 was investigated in a 30 day feeding trial. Inhibitor 1, 100 micromoles or 200 micromoles per day, was added to chow supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. Clinical chemistry urinalysis and tissue histopathology were obtained. No toxicity differences were noted between control and inhibitor supplemented groups. CONCLUSIONS Inhibitors of cholesterol esterase may be useful therapeutics for limiting cholesterol absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Heidrich
- Albuquerque Avian, Exotic, and Small Animal Clinic, 8414 Fourth Street, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, USA
| | - Linda M Contos
- Albuquerque Avian, Exotic, and Small Animal Clinic, 8414 Fourth Street, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, USA
| | - Lucy A Hunsaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 78131, USA
| | - Lorraine M Deck
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - David L Vander Jagt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 78131, USA
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Stoddard Hatch M, Brown WM, Deck JA, Hunsaker LA, Deck LM, Vander Jagt DL. Inhibition of yeast lipase (CRL1) and cholesterol esterase (CRL3) by 6-chloro-2-pyrones: comparison with porcine cholesterol esterase. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2002; 1596:381-91. [PMID: 12007617 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4838(01)00304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previously, it was demonstrated that pancreatic cholesterol esterase is selectively inhibited by 6-chloro-2-pyrones with cyclic aliphatic substituents in the 3-position. Inhibition is reversible and is competitive with substrate. Pancreatic cholesterol esterase is a potential target for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In the present study, yeast cholesterol esterase from Candida cylindracea (also called C. rugosa CRL3) was compared to porcine pancreatic cholesterol esterase for inhibition by a series of 3-alkyl- or 5-alkyl-6-chloro-2-pyrones. In addition, CRL3 was compared with the related yeast lipase CRL1. Inhibition of CRL3 by substituted 6-chloro-2-pyrones was competitive with binding of the substrate p-nitrophenyl butyrate. Inhibition constants ranged from 0.2 microM to >90 microM. Small changes in the alkyl group had profound effects on binding. The pattern of inhibition of CRL3 is quite distinct from that observed with porcine cholesterol esterase. Molecular modeling studies suggest that the orientation of binding of these inhibitors at the active site of CRL3 can vary but that the pyrone ring consistently occupies a position close to the active site serine. CRL1 is highly homologous to CRL3. Nevertheless, patterns of inhibition of CRL1 by substituted 6-chloro-2-pyrones differ markedly from patterns observed with CRL3. The substituted 6-chloro-2-pyrones are slowly hydrolyzed in the presence of CRL1 and are pseudosubstrates of CRL3, but are simple reversible inhibitors of pancreatic cholesterol esterase
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Stoddard Hatch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Park YB, Jeon SM, Byun SJ, Kim HS, Choi MS. Absorption of intestinal free cholesterol is lowered by supplementation of Areca catechu L. extract in rats. Life Sci 2002; 70:1849-59. [PMID: 12005171 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(02)01485-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Areca extracts exhibiting a strong inhibitory activity against pancreatic cholesterol esterase (pCEase) in vitro were previously found to lower the absorption of dietary cholesteryl ester. Therefore, to determine whether a combined Areca extract also affects the absorption of intestinal free cholesterol, male rats were fed a diet containing free cholesterol (1%, w/w) either with or without an Areca nut extract supplement (0.5%, w/w). The Areca extract supplement significantly lowered the plasma cholesterol concentration by 25% without any change in the plasma triglyceride concentration, when compared to the control group. The supplement also significantly lowered the small intestinal pCEase activity by 39.1% compared to that of the control group. As regards the hepatic and intestinal ACAT activities, only the intestinal enzyme activity was significantly lowered by the supplement, when compared to the control group. The absorbed cholesterol that appeared in the blood after an oral dose of [1,2(n)-3H] free cholesterol was significantly lower in the rats supplemented with the Areca nut extract, compared with the control group. These results suggest that the inhibition of intestinal ACAT and possibly pCEase may facilitate the metabolic efficiency of the Areca nut extract as regards the absorption of intestinal free cholesterol. The structure and chemical properties of the active compound in the water-soluble Areca extract remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Bok Park
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, South Korea
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Byun SJ, Kim HS, Jeon SM, Park YB, Choi MS. Supplementation of Areca catechu L. extract alters triglyceride absorption and cholesterol metabolism in rats. ANNALS OF NUTRITION & METABOLISM 2002; 45:279-84. [PMID: 11786651 DOI: 10.1159/000046739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Areca extracts have already been found to exhibit a strong inhibitory activity on cholesterol absorption in high-cholesterol-fed rats. Accordingly, this study was performed to determine whether Areca extracts also exert an inhibitory activity on triglyceride absorption in triglyceride-fed rats. Male rats were fed a diet containing corn oil (10%, w/w) with or without an Areca nut extract supplement (0.5%, w/w). The supplementation of the Areca extract significantly lowered the absorption of triglyceride and the plasma lipid concentration. The absorbed triglyceride that appeared in the blood after an oral dose of [9,10(n)-(3)H] triglyceride was significantly lower in the rats supplemented with the Areca nut extract, compared with the control group. The supplementation also significantly lowered the small intestinal pCEase (pancreatic cholesterol esterase) activity by 22.5% compared to the control group. The hepatic and intestinal ACAT (acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase) activities were significantly decreased in the Areca group compared with the control group. Hence, further studies are needed to elucidate the structure and chemical properties of the active compound in the water-soluble Areca extract that lowers cholesterol absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Byun
- Catholic Medical School, Taegu, Korea
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