Effect of Cichorium intybus L. on the expression of hepatic NF-κB and IKKβ and serum TNF-α in STZ- and STZ+ niacinamide-induced diabetes in rats

Sourdough bread as nutritional intervention tool for improvement of cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The current research targeted to study the impact of nutritional intervention by two sourdough breads in improvement of cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Type-2 diabetes was induced in rats by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide (STZ-NC). Diabetic rats were fed on balanced diet or balanced diet containing 20% of sourdough bread I or II for a month. Lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and cognitive functions were assessed in all rats. Gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF-2) were assessed in hippocampal tissue, while expression of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK), and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) genes were evaluated in hepatic tissue. Chemical composition and fatty acids profile were evaluated in the prepared sourdough bread.

RESULTS

Sourdough bread II showed higher content of phenolic compounds, fat, fiber and carbohydrates. Fatty acids profile revealed that sourdough bread I was higher in saturated fatty acids (16.08%), while sourdough bread sample II was higher in unsaturated fatty acids (79.33%). Sourdough bread I or II feeding rats' showed significant improvement in hyperglycemia, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions in association with improvement in cognitive function. Gene expression of BDNF and NRF2 in hippocampal tissue were increased significantly, while hepatic GLUT2 and PEPCK gene expression were down-regulated in diabetic given sourdough bread I or II.

CONCLUSION

Sourdough bread II was superior in all the studied parameters. The anti-diabetic effect and protection from cognitive dysfunction of sourdough bread samples may be ascribed to the occurrence of dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Long-term aspirin administration suppresses inflammation in diabetic cystopathy

Diabetic cystopathy (DCP) is one of the most common and troublesome urologic complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic low-grade inflammatory response. However, the correlation between inflammation and disease progression remains ambiguous and effective drugs interventions remain deficient. Herein, during 12-week study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (NC), NC treated with aspirin (NC+Aspirin), DCP, and DCP treated with aspirin (DCP+Aspirin). Type 1 diabetes mellitus was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). After 2 weeks modeling, the rats in treatment groups received daily oral aspirin (100 mg/kg/d). After 10 weeks of treatment, aspirin ameliorated pathological weight loss and bladder weight increase in diabetic rats, accompanied by a 16.5% decrease in blood glucose concentrations. H&E, Masson, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy revealed that a dilated bladder with thickened detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) layer, inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis and ultrastructural damage were observed in diabetic rats, which were obviously ameliorated by aspirin. The dynamic investigations at 4, 7 and 10 weeks revealed inflammation gradually increased as the disease progresses. After 10 weeks of treatment, the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB has been decreased to 78%, 39.7%, 44.1%, 33.3% at mRNA level and 67.6%, 76.7%, 71.4%, 67.1% at protein level, respectively (DCP+Aspirin vs. DCP, p < 0.01). Aspirin partially restored the increased expression of inflammatory mediators in bladder DSM of diabetic rats. The study provided insight into long-term medication therapies, indicating that aspirin might serve as a potential strategy for DCP treatment.

Inhibitory effects of Ficus carica and Olea europaea on pro-inflammatory cytokines: A review

Objectives

Ficus carica (fig) and Olea europaea (olive) are valuable nutritional plants that are widely used in diet and traditional medicine. Different parts of the plants such as fruit and leaves contain beneficial compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, among which anti-inflammatory activities are remarkable. The purpose of this review is to discuss the anti-inflammatory effects of F. carica and O. europaea with emphasis on their impact on pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α.

Materials and Methods

To prepare the present review, the sites utilized included Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar and studied relevant articles from 2000 until 2021.

Results

As a result, we observed that most of the compounds in fig and olive including polyphenols, flavonoids, etc., exert their anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting or decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, some natural antioxidants are common between these two plants.

Conclusion

We suggest that consuming figs and olives simultaneously or alone can be useful in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases.

A comprehensive mechanistic and therapeutic insight into the effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus) supplementation in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Cichorium intybus is a rich source of terpenoids and phenolic compounds, one of the effective methods in managing and reducing the complications of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence obtained from animal and human studies on the effects of chicory on metabolic indicators (such as inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar and dyslipidaemia) of diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic search was performed in ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Science Direct databases and on articles published until August 2021. All of the animal studies and clinical trials included in this systematic review that assessed the effect of chicory on metabolic risk markers in diabetes were published in English language journals.

RESULTS

Finally, amongst 686 articles, only 23 articles met the needed criteria for further analysis. Out of 23 articles, 3 studies on humans and 20 studies on animals have been carried out. Fifteen of the 19 studies that evaluated the effect of chicory on the glycaemic index showed that Cichorium intybus improved blood glucose index (it had no effect in two human studies and three animal studies). Ten of the 13 studies evaluating the effect of Cichorium intybus on lipid profiles showed that it improved dyslipidaemia. Also, all 12 studies showed that chicory significantly reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

According to the available evidence, Cichorium intybus might improve the glycaemic status, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further studies are recommended for a comprehensive conclusion about the exact mechanism of chicory in diabetic patients.

Differential expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in early- and late-stage diabetes: the effect of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Seed extract on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in Wistar-Albino rats model

Background

The medicinal plant Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (C. colocynthis) may benefit patients at different phases of diabetes by attuning to contrasting situations. Our primary objective was to find the mechanism(s) behind the antidiabetic/anti-hyperlipidemic effects of C.colocynthis seed aqueous extract (CCAE) in two different stages of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats.

Methods

Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, body weights, and the degree of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were measured in healthy nondiabetic control rats (Con), as well as rats with early and late stages of T2D, denoted as ET2D and LT2D, respectively. CCAE was intraperitoneally (IP) injected for 28 days. In the end, the hepatic mRNA expression levels of the following genes were determined by RT-PCR: glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), insulin-dependent sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1). The liver was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil-Red O staining. CCAE was partially analyzed by HPLC-DAD.

Results

ET2D and LT2D were characterized by differentially elevated FBS, deteriorated bodyweight, and significant IGT compared to Con. Hepatosteatoses of varying morphologies and higher hepatic expression of G6Pase than PRPCK in ET2D versus the opposite in LT2D further confirmed the divergent nature of metabolic aberrations. At the end of 28 days, the high levels of FBS, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), urea, hepatic protein carbonyl content (PCC), and alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (AST and ALT, respectively) persisted in untreated LT2D. CCAE ameliorated oxidative stress and upregulated PPARα expression in diabetic groups and Con; it downregulated CPT1 expression in the LT2D group. CCAE’s ability to lower FBS and serum and hepatic TG in both ET2D and LT2D indicated its ability to act via different mechanisms. Ferulic acid (Fer A) and rutin hydrate (RH) were detected in CCAE.

Conclusion

CCAE lowered the FBS in ET2D via inhibiting the hepatic G6Pase expression (glycogenolysis). In LT2D, CCAE abated sugar levels by diverting PEPCK activity, preferably towards glyceroneogenesis than gluconeogenesis. The preserved triglyceride/fatty acid (TG/FA) cycle, the upregulated PPARα, and the downregulated CPT1 gene expressions reduced serum and hepatic TG.

Gentianella acuta mitigates cardiovascular damage and inflammation in diet-induced hypercholesterolaemic rats

Gentianella acuta (G. acuta) has been widely used as a traditional medicine by Chinese Mongolian populations for the treatment of heart diseases and has also been tested in modern pharmacological experiments. However, the effects of G. acuta on cardiovascular damage and inflammation under conditions of hypercholesterolaemia remain unclear. The present study investigated the effects and mechanisms of the water extract of G. acuta on cardiovascular damage and inflammation caused by a high-cholesterol diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks to establish the hypercholesterolaemia rat model, and they were administered physiological saline or 1.2 g/kg of G. acuta by gavage starting from the 15th day. After the last administration, the blood, heart and thoracic aorta samples were collected and examined. It was revealed that G. acuta treatment could ameliorate cardiomyocyte disorder and thoracic aortic vessel wall damage, reduce serum lipid levels and inflammatory factors and improve heart function. Compared with the Model group, the serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and tumour necrosis factor-α were decreased, and the high-density lipoprotein and interleukin-10 levels were increased in the Model-G group. Moreover, in both the heart and thoracic aorta, G. acuta reduced the expression and phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase β (IKKβ), inhibitor of NF-κB-α (IκBα) and p-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Therefore, G. acuta may exert an inhibitory effect on the IKK/IκB/NF-κB signalling pathway to protect the heart and thoracic aorta in hypercholesterolaemic rats.

Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts on diabetes

With the improvement of people's living standards and changes in the environment, the incidence of diabetes has increased rapidly. It has gradually become one of the main diseases threatening the health and life of modern people, bringing a great burden to the society. Although the existing treatment methods can effectively control the symptoms of diabetes and delay its progression, they have not brought satisfactory improvement in the quality of life and treatment of patients. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts combine thousands of years of experience and the scientific basis provided by modern experimental research, which is expected to bring a qualitative leap in the clinical management of diabetes. Therefore, this article systematically reviews studies on the effects of Chinese herbal medicine and its extracts on diabetes and its complications, and aims to bring new ideas and options for the clinical treatment of diabetes.

Ethnopharmacological Knowledge for Management of Oral Mucositis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Objectives

Oral mucositis is among the complications of cancer therapy that affects quality of life and imposes remarkable financial costs for patients with cancer. This study aimed to explore, preserve, and scientifically investigate the ethnomedicinal knowledge of traditional healers for treatment of oral mucositis in Zahedan, Iran.

Materials and Methods

Field surveys were performed from September 2018 to October 2018 in Zahedan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire in Persian. All species recorded for the treatment of oral mucositis were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and a voucher specimen of them was deposited in the Herbarium Center of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Kerman, Iran. Information, such as scientific name, family, local name, parts used, and preparation method, were also provided. Literature review on available data on effect of the addressed plant species on mucositis and other relative pharmacological actions, such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, was performed.

Results

A total of 29 informants (attars) were interviewed and 18 medicaments were recommended, of which three samples were of synthesis or mineral origin and 15 samples were of herbal origin. Drugs were administered both topically and orally. According to recent studies, two herbs were evaluated for their direct effect on mucositis. Some pharmacological properties related to mucositis treatment by the other 11 samples have been confirmed.

Conclusion

This study provides information on the characteristics of medicinal plants from Zahedan, Iran based on their ethnopharmacological knowledge and pharmacological properties for mucositis treatment.

The Common Cichory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a Source of Extracts with Health-Promoting Properties-A Review

Natural products are gaining more interest recently, much of which focuses on those derived from medicinal plants. The common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), of the Astraceae family, is a prime example of this trend. It has been proven to be a feasible source of biologically relevant elements (K, Fe, Ca), vitamins (A, B1, B2, C) as well as bioactive compounds (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarin derivatives, cichoric acid, phenolic acids), which exert potent pro-health effects on the human organism. It displays choleretic and digestion-promoting, as well as appetite-increasing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, all owing to its varied phytochemical composition. Hence, chicory is used most often to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Chicory was among the plants with potential against SARS-CoV-2, too. To this and other ends, roots, herb, flowers and leaves are used. Apart from its phytochemical applications, chicory is also used in gastronomy as a coffee substitute, food or drink additive. The aim of this paper is to present, in the light of the recent literature, the chemical composition and properties of chicory.

An Evidence-Based Research on Botanical Sources for Oral Mucositis Treatment in Traditional Persian Medicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases associated with heavy complications in treatment. Mucotoxic cancer therapies such as head and neck radiotherapy and some of the chemotherapy agents may lead to oral mucositis. In addition to its economic consequences, mucositis also affects patients' quality of life. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) manuscripts, several medicaments have been suggested for the treatment of mucositis.

OBJECTIVE

Considering the public welcome for herbal medicine, the current evidence-based review study is conducted to investigate the herbal remedies which have been proposed for oral mucositis in TPM.

METHODS

At first, a comprehensive survey was done on Qanon fi al-Teb, which is the most important textbook of TPM; then the scientific name of the herbs was authenticated according to the botanical textbooks. At last, data banks including Scopus, Pubmed, Web of science and Science direct were investigated for possible relevant properties of each medicinal plant in the literature.

RESULTS

In total, 30 herbs are introduced in this study. According to the registered documents, 18 herbs are reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-nociceptive and wound healing properties of which the therapeutic effect of only a few herbs including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Malva sylvestris, Morus nigra, Punica granatum, and Solanum nigrum were directly evaluated against oral mucositis on the literature.

CONCLUSION

Despite the lack of human studies on mucositis for the other discussed herbs, their related pharmacological properties can be considered for new natural drug discovery supported by medieval and traditional experiments.

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Different Cichorium Species (Asteraceae): A Review

Cichorium species have been used widely in traditional medicine universally. It is reported as a treatment for various respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as diabetes and rheumatism. A range of constituents including phenolic and poly phenolic compounds, fatty and organic acids and essential oils comprise the chemical composition of Cichorium species. Furthermore, modern investigations on these species has shown different pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects which are associated with divers molecular pathways and mechanisms. In this chapter, we have summarized comprehensive information regarding traditional and ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical analysis and pharmacological aspects of Cichorium species.

Cichorium intybus attenuates Streptozotocin-induced pancreatic β-cell damage by inhibiting NF-κB activation and oxidative stress

The aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus (CIE) leaves have shown the properties of protecting against pancreatic β-cell damage by streptozotocin (STZ), but the molecular mechanisms of its protection are not completely elucidated yet. Our current study focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of these preventive effects of CIE in MIN6 cells and an in-vivo model of Wistar rats. CIE offers protection against STZ in MIN6 cells by reducing the pro-oxidants and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. In vitro results also indicated that CIE inhibited cytotoxicity, reduced Reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintained glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and reduced NF-κB p65 translocation into the nucleus. The group administered with a 250 mg/kg dose of CIE in vivo has shown an ability to maintain blood glucose level and also to preserve the number and morphology of pancreatic islets when compared to the diabetic group treated with STZ. Probably, active compounds like quercetin, rutin, and catechin present in CIE, preserve the integrity of pancreatic islets thereby protecting β-cells from the adverse effects of STZ.

In vitro differentiation induction of embryonal carcinoma stem cells into insulin-producing cells by Cichorium intybus L. leaf extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal herb Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes. One of the promising therapeutic options to treat diabetes is replacing the degenerative pancreatic β cells by stem cell-derived IPCs (insulin-producing cells).

AIM OF THE STUDY

By the combination of cell therapy as a modern approach and traditional medicine, the current study was designed to evaluate the effects of chicory leaf extract (LE) on the differentiation potential of P19 EC cells (an embryonal carcinoma stem cell line) into IPCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plant (voucher no. 4567) were collected and deposited in the herbarium of Shahrekord University. In vitro experiments were designed to compare the effects of various concentrations of LE on the differentiation potential of P19 EC cells.

RESULTS

The differentiated cells showed morphological characteristics of pancreatic β cells. They could also synthesized and secreted insulin when exposed to glucose. Moreover, the cells expressed specific proteins and genes of mature pancreatic β cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, LE as a natural herbal extract was efficiently able to induce the differentiation of P19 EC cells into the clusters similar to pancreatic islets with the molecular, cellular and functional characteristics of mature β cells.

Potential role of medicinal plants and their constituents in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2: identifying related therapeutic targets using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, there has been no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for treatment of the infection where supportive care and prevention of complications is the current management strategy. In this work, the potential use of medicinal plants and more than 16 500 of their constituents was investigated within two suggested therapeutic strategies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 including prevention of SARS-CoV-2 RNA synthesis and replication, through targeting vital proteins and enzymes as well as modulation of the host's immunity through production of virulence factors. Molecular docking studies on the viral enzymes 3Clpro, PLpro and RdRp suggested rocymosin B, verbascoside, rutin, caftaric acid, luteolin 7-rutinoside, fenugreekine and cyanidin 3-(6′′-malonylglucoside) as promising molecules for further drug development. Meanwhile, the medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Cichorium intybus, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Nigella sativa, Anastatica hierochuntica, Euphorbia species, Psidium guajava and Epilobium hirsutum were enriched in compounds with the multi-targets PTGS2, IL2, IL1b, VCAM1 and TNF such as quercetin, ursolic acid, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin, glycerrhizin and apigenin. Enriched pathways of the molecular targets included cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway which are all closely related to inflammatory, innate and adaptive immune responses. The present study identified natural compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 for further in vitro and in vivo studies and emphasizes the potential role of medicinal plants in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2.

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, there has been no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for treatment of the infection where supportive care and prevention of complications is the current management strategy.

Effects of garlic extract on TNF-α expression and oxidative stress status in the kidneys of rats with STZ + nicotinamide-induced diabetes

CONTEXT

Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) (garlic) is a medicinal plant that is widely used in herbal medicine. Nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that is induced by long-term hyperglycaemia.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of aqueous extract of garlic (AGE) on the expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and oxidative stress status were studied in the kidneys of rats with streptozotocin (STZ) + nicotinamide-induced diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control rats, rats with STZ + nicotinamide-induced diabetes that received a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, diabetic rats that were treated with garlic (2 g/kg/d, gavage), and normal rats that received garlic (2 g/kg/d, gavage). The glucose level was determined in the start of study, 7 d after induction of diabetes and 33 d after treatment with garlic. At the end of the treatment period, urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were estimated in sera. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO) levels and TNF-α gene and protein expression were measured in the renal tissues of the rats.

RESULTS

The glucose, uric acid, and urea levels increased in the serum of diabetic rats compared with control rats, and decreased in garlic-treated diabetic rats compared with diabetic rats (p < 0.05). MDA, TOS and NO increased (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared with the control group, and decreased in garlic-treated diabetic rats compared with diabetic rats (p < 0.01). The level of TNF-α mRNA did not differ between groups but the TNF-α protein level in diabetic rats was higher than in the control rats (p < 0.01), whereas after treatment with garlic, it was close to the normal level (p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results indicate that garlic extract has hypoglycaemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it can be useful for the alleviation of diabetic complications.

Effect of Cichorium intybus L. seed extract on renal parameters in experimentally induced early and late diabetes type 2 in rats

Blood and urine biochemistry screening tests are important for initial detection of diabetes, determination of severity of its complications, and monitoring of therapy. We evaluated the effects of aqueous chicory seed extract (CSE), on renal biochemical parameters, histology, and Na+/glucose cotansporters, SGLT1 and SGLT2 expression levels using metformin, and aspirin as controls. Late stage type 2 diabetes (LT2D; FBS, >300 mg/dl) and early stage type 2 diabetes (ET2D; FBS, 140-220 mg/dl) were induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ group) and a combination of STZ and niacinamide (NIA/STZ group), respectively. A non-diabetic group was included as control. Treatment included daily intraperitoneal injections of either CSE (125 mg/kg b.w.) or metformin (100 mg/kg b.w.) and oral aspirin (120 mg/kg b.w.) for 21 days. At the end, blood and 24 h urine samples were collected; and kidneys were saved at -80 ˚C. CSE reduced urinary α1-microgobulin excretion in ET2D (p = .043), and serum uric acid (p = .045), and glomerular diameter (p < .01) in LT2D. Metformin appeared to be more effective in LT2D with respect to serum uric acid, urea, and BUN (< .05). Both CSE and metformin improved histology. Aspirin improved several blood and urine variables, but appeared to aggravate morphological damages to the kidney tissue. The absolute values of albumin, α1-microglobulin or total protein in urine rather than their creatinine ratios seemed more useful in the detection of early kidney damage; CSE was able to repair the kidney damage and α1-microglobulin was sensitive enough to allow monitoring of the improvements caused by the treatment.

Hepatoprotective effect of methanolic Tanacetum parthenium extract on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tanacetum Parthenium Extract (TPE) on Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, biochemical factors, and liver enzymes in the rats damaged by Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4). 54 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups each consisting of 6 rats. Two of the groups were control groups (normal and damage control groups), 4 of them were exposure groups which were respectively administered with 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg of TPE and silymarin for 14 days before being damaged by CCl4, and the other 3 groups were post-treatment groups which received 80 and 120 mg/kg of TPE and silymarin 2, 6, 24, and 48 h after being injected with CCl4. At the end of the study, biochemical factors, serum liver enzymes, malondialdehyde level, antioxidant enzymes, and liver morphology were assayed. Pre- and post-treatment with TPE could significantly decrease ALT, AST, ALP, TG, LDL, TC, and glucose levels and increase HDL, and albumin levels and catalase, SOD, and GPx activities compared to the CCl4-damaged control group. The results of this study are indicative of the antioxidant activity of TPE, its potential hepatoprotective effects, and its probable therapeutic properties for laboratory animals damaged by CCl4.

Ameliorative Effects of Allium sativum Extract on iNOS Gene Expression and NO Production in Liver of Streptozotocin + Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, which is strongly associated with liver dysfunction. Hyperglycemia, through an oxidative stress pathway, damages various tissues. Herbal medicine is a good candidate to ameliorate hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. In this study, the effects of aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract (AGE) on gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and production of nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated in the liver tissue of diabetic rats. Four groups of rats contained normal control rats, garlic control rats (AGE), Streptozotocin (STZ) + nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats (DM), and diabetic rats treated with garlic (DM + AGE). Glucose levels and liver enzymes activities were determined by colorimetric assay in the serum. Gene expression of iNOS by real-time PCR, NO levels by Griess method, oxidative stress parameters by spectrophotometric method and histopathological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining method were evaluated in the liver tissues. Glucose levels, activities of liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, iNOS gene expression, and NO production increased significantly in diabetic rats in comparison with control rats, whereas after oral administration of garlic, these parameters decreased significantly, close to the normal levels. Hence, the beneficial effects of garlic on the liver injury of diabetes could be included in the hypoglycaemic and antioxidant properties of garlic via a decrease in gene expression of iNOS and subsequent NO production.

Symplocos cochinchinensis enhances insulin sensitivity via the down regulation of lipogenesis and insulin resistance in high energy diet rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This plant has been utilized in Indian system of medicine for treatment of diabetes. This is clearly evident from the composition of Ayurvedic preparation for diabetes 'Nisakathakadi Kashayam' where this is one of the main ingredients of this preparation AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the insulin sensitizing effects of Symplocos cochinchinensis ethanol extract (SCE) using a high fructose and saturated fat (HFS) fed insulin resistant rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental groups consisted of normal diet (ND), ND+SCE 500mg/kg bwd, HFS+vehicle, HFS+metformin 100mg/kg bwd, HFS+SCE 250/500mg/kg bwd. Initially the animals were kept under HFS diet for 8 weeks, and at the end of 8 week period, animals were found to develop insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Post-administration of SCE, metformin or vehicle were carried out for 3 weeks. Gene and protein expressions relevant to insulin signalling pathway were analysed.

RESULTS

HFS significantly altered the normal physiology of animals via proteins and genes relevant to metabolism like stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), protein tyrosine phosphatse 1B (PTP1B), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and glucokinase. SCE administration attenuates the insulin resistance in HFS rat by the down regulation of SCD1 gene expression that modulates SREBP-1c dependent and independent hepatic lipid accumulation.

CONCLUSION

SCE enhances insulin sensitivity via the down regulation of lipogenesis and insulin resistance in HFS rat model.

Beneficial Effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Status in the Kidneys of Type 1 Diabetic Rats

One of the most important complications of diabetes is nephropathy. This study investigates the effects of aqueous garlic extract on inflammation and oxidative stress status in the kidneys of diabetic rats. Male rats were divided into four groups- control rats, diabetic rats, garlic extract-treated diabetic rats, garlic extract-treated normal rats. The glucose, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels were measured in sera using colorimetric methods. To determine the oxidative stress condition in the kidney tissues, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured using colorimetric methods. Inflammation status was evaluated by the determination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene and protein expression using qRT-PCR and ELISA respectively, while nitric oxide (NO) level in these tissues was measured using the Griess method. Histological examination of Kidneys was carried out by H&E staining. The levels of glucose, urea, and uric acid were found to increase in the serum of diabetic rats and decrease in that of diabetic rats after treatment with garlic. Measurement of MDA, TOS, and TAC revealed oxidative stress in diabetic rats, which improved after receiving the extract. The NO and TNF-α protein levels in diabetic rats were higher than those in control rats. After treatment with garlic, the levels of TNF-α protein and NO became close to the normal levels. Histological results confirmed certain other data as well. Garlic has antioxidant properties; therefore, it can reduce oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Reduction in oxidative stress has beneficial effects on inflammation because it leads to a decrease in the level of TNF-α.