The effect of Froriepia subpinnata on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system, microbial population, intestinal morphology, and breast meat fatty acid content of broiler chickens

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of F. subpinnata powder (FSP) on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system, microbial population, intestinal morphology, and percentage of fatty acids in the breast meat of broiler chickens. A total of 300 day-old male chickens from the ROSS 308 strain were used in the form of a completely random design with four treatments of five replicates (15 birds each). The experimental treatments were, respectively, (1) control with base diet (without additives), (2) base diet + 1% FSP, (3) base diet + 2% FSP, and (4) base diet + 3% FSP. The results showed that the feed intake and weight gain increased in the treatments containing 2% and 3% FSP when compared to the control (P < 0.05). Cholesterol and ALT levels in the treatment containing 3% FSP were lower that the control (P < 0.05), while the concentration of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in the treatment containing 3% FSP significantly increased (P < 0.05). Thymus weight and antibodies produced against AIV in all three levels of FSP increased significantly compared to the control (P < 0.05). The population of lactobacilli and coliforms in the treatments containing FSP increased and decreased significantly compared to the control (P < 0.05). The length and width of the intestinal villi of the chickens that were fed with 3% of FSP had a significant increase compared to the control (P < 0.05). The percentage of saturated fatty acids in the breast decreased significantly with the consumption of all three levels of FSP (P < 0.001). In general, the results showed that the use of 3% FSP in the broiler diet increased the efficiency of growth performance and enzyme activity, while strengthening the immune system, favorably altering the intestinal microbial population, and reducing the fat in breast meat.

Future Directions for the Discovery of Natural Product-Derived Immunomodulating Drugs

Drug discovery from natural sources is going through a renaissance, having spent many decades in the shadow of synthetic molecule drug discovery, despite the fact that natural product-derived compounds occupy a much greater chemical space than those created through synthetic chemistry methods. With this new era comes new possibilities, not least the novel targets that have emerged in recent times and the development of state-of-the-art technologies that can be applied to drug discovery from natural sources. Although progress has been made with some immunomodulating drugs, there remains a pressing need for new agents that can be used to treat the wide variety of conditions that arise from disruption, or over-activation, of the immune system; natural products may therefore be key in filling this gap. Recognising that, at present, there is no authoritative article that details the current state-of-the-art of the immunomodulatory activity of natural products, this in-depth review has arisen from a joint effort between the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Natural Products and Immunopharmacology, with contributions from a Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation number of world-leading researchers in the field of natural product drug discovery, to provide a "position statement" on what natural products has to offer in the search for new immunomodulatory argents. To this end, we provide a historical look at previous discoveries of naturally occurring immunomodulators, present a picture of the current status of the field and provide insight into the future opportunities and challenges for the discovery of new drugs to treat immune-related diseases.

Comparison of flagellin and an oil-emulsion adjuvant in inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine in stimulation of immunogenic parameters

The present study was designed to investigate the potential application of native (N) and recombinant (truncated modified [tmFliC] and full-length [flFliC]) flagellin proteins along with inactivated Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Fifty six SPF chickens were immunized twice with PBS (control), inactivated NDV (Ag), inactivated NDV/flFliC (AgF), inactivated NDV/tmFliC (AgT), inactivated NDV/N (AgN), commercial vaccine containing Montanide (Vac) and Vac/N (VacN), with a two-week interval. Blood was collected weekly and spleens were harvested after chickens were sacrificed. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by Real-Time PCR. Antibody response was assessed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI). Cellular activity was quantified by MTT assay. Results showed that the most IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression was observed in AgF group (P < 0.01). The lowest gene expression among vaccinated groups was observed in Ag group for IL-6 and Ag and Vac group for TNF-α. The highest HI titer was observed in Vac, VacN, AgF and AgT groups. The AgF group showed the highest cellular activity (P < 0.01). In conclusion, flagellin-adjuvanted groups showed a pro-inflammatory effect and acted similarly to or better than the Vac group. Hence, flagellin can be proposed as a potential adjuvant for ND vaccine.

Cardiotoxicity induced by Cochinchina momordica seed extract in zebrafish

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng is an indigenous South Asian edible fruit, and seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis have been used therapeutically in traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have shown that M. cochinchinensis seed (Momordicae Semen) has various pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant and anti-ulcer effects as well as contains secondary metabolites with potential anticancer activities such as triterpenoids and saponins. Recent studies reported that water extract and ethanol extract of M. cochinchinensi seed were tested on mammals using an acute toxic classic method as OECD guidelines 420. No matter injected intravenously or intramuscularly, animals died within several days. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to various doses of Cochinchina momordica seed extract (CMSE) from 2 dpf (days post fertilization, dpf) to 3 dpf. CMSE-induced cardiotoxicity such as pericardial edema, cardiac apoptosis, increased ROS production, cardiac neutrophil infiltration, decreased blood flow velocity, and reduced expression of three marker genes of cardiac functions were found in zebrafish roughly in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that CMSE may induce cardiotoxicity through pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Enhancement in humoral response against inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine in broiler chickens administered orally with plant-derived soyasaponin

The present study aimed to evaluate the immunopotentiating effect of plant-derived soyasaponin and its immunogenicity in chickens challenged with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Soyasaponin was extracted from soybean seeds and detected using the phytochemical tests, followed by quantification through the dry-weight method. One-day-old broiler chicks (n = 90) were divided into 3 groups, named as A, B, and C. Group A birds were orally administrated with soyasaponin (5 mg/kg), followed by immunization with inactivated ND vaccine intramuscularly (IM), whereas group B birds were vaccinated with inactivated ND vaccine alone. Group C birds were kept unvaccinated. A booster dose on day 21 was also administered IM to group A and B birds. At day 35, all 3 groups were challenged with NDV. To determine the immunogenicity potential of soyasaponin, antibody titer was measured using the hemagglutination inhibition test before and after the NDV challenge. Histochemical examination was performed to determine the pathological changes associated with NDV infection. Foam formation and hemolytic activity confirmed the presence of saponin in soya bean extract. Group A birds showed a higher antibody response compared with group B and C birds. The disease challenge study showed that soyasaponin-adjuvanted NDV vaccine provided complete protection to group A birds against ND. Moreover, no side effects of soyasaponin were observed on the growth performance of birds during the experiment. Therefore, we can conclude that soyasaponin is a potential immunogenic agent and therefore could be a promising candidate to launch a protective humoral response against ND in chickens.

A Potential Anti-Tumor Herb Bred in a Tropical Fruit: Insight into the Chemical Components and Pharmacological Effects of Momordicae Semen

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) is a popular tropical fruit in southeast Asia. What is amazing is that its seeds (Momordicae Semen) and arils are traditional herbs with anti-tumor activity, and have protected human health for more than 1000 years. In recent years, its anti-tumor activity has received extensive attention and research. This manuscript summarized the chemical composition of saponins, fatty acids, volatile constituents, proteins, peptides, and other components from Momordicae Semen (MSE). The effect and mechanism of MSE and its extract on breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, esophagus cancer, melanomas, and human cervical epithelial carcinoma were discussed. In addition, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects were also analyzed. We hope that this review will provide new ideas for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, and become a reference for the further research into complementary and alternative medicine.

Behind the Myth of the Fruit of Heaven, a Critical Review on Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Contribution to Nutrition

Gac, Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is more considered as a super fruit. The demand for this plant is growing in countries where its reputation is high, including traditional countries of gac culture and countries fond of super fruits and food supplements. In these latter countries, the industrial strategy aims at producing high added value in food supplements or nutritional rich preparations. However, when marketing is not the driving force and claims have to be related to scientific data, the situation of gac is less "heavenly", mainly because its most remarkable properties are in the field of micronutrients. These latter components are indeed very important for health but their supplementation on healthy populations brings no significant advantage. This paper proposes to review aspects important for the nutritional reputation of this plant: where it comes from, how it is cultured to have an optimal nutritional composition, what is its composition and how it can impact health of consumers, in which products it is used and what are the regulations to use it in different markets. One important goal of this review is to give a critical and scientific approach to confirm data on this fruit, which has been promoted by marketing departments injecting so many wrong and unverified information. Missing data will be highlighted and potential positive applications are proposed all along the text.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, Toxicity and Clinical Application of Momordica cochinchinensis

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng (M. cochinchinensis) is a deciduous vine that grows in Southeast Asia. It is known as gac in Vietnam and as Red Melon in English. Gac is reputed to be extremely benificial for health and has been widely used as food and folk medicine in Southeast Asia. In China, the seed of M. cochinchinensis (Chinese name: Mu biezi) is used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various diseases. More than 60 chemical constituents have been isolated from M. cochinchinensis. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice demonstrate that some chemical constituents of M. cochinchinensis possess wide pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, etc. This paper reviews the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and clinical application of M. cochinchinensis, aiming to bring new insights into further research and application of this ancient herb.

Greater efficacy of the ECMS-oil adjuvant over other formulations on immune responses against Bordetella bronchiseptica in rabbits and the underlying mechanism

In this study, the adjuvant effects of the extract of Cochinchina momordica seed ECMS+oil, oil alone, ECMS alone, conventional alum adjuvant on inactivated Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) vaccine or control using antigen alone without adjuvant were evaluated along with the underlying mechanism. The results in experiment A demonstrated that antibody levels in Bb whole cell protein in the ECMS800μg+oil group were significantly higher than in the other adjuvant groups (p<0.05) on day 21. The agglutination antibody titer was also higher than the other groups (p<0.05) on day 37. The ECMS800μg+oil group improved cellular immune responses compared to other adjuvant groups, including control using antigen alone without adjuvant and the PBS group (p<0.05). After Bb challenge, the ECMS800μg+oil group showed the highest protection rate, which was significantly higher than ECMS alone or control using antigen alone without adjuvant and the PBS group (p<0.05 and p<0.01). IgA cells in the ECMS800μg+oil group differed significantly from the IgA cells of other groups in the lungs (p<0.01). The results of cell recruitment showed that the number of lymphocytes in the ECMS400μg+oil were higher than the number of cells for other groups except the ECMS(100μg/800μg)+oil groups (p<0.05). Intermediate cells in the ECMS(100μg/400μg)+oil groups were higher than the number of cells for other groups, including the control using antigen alone group (p<0.05). Neutrophils in the ECMS(100μg/400μg/800μg)+oil groups were significantly higher than the ECMS 800μg and control using antigen alone groups (p<0.05). White blood cells in the ECMS100μg+oil group were significantly higher than the oil, ECMS800μg and control using antigen alone groups (p<0.05). IL-2 expression in the ECMS800μg+oil group was significantly higher than other groups, except for the ECMS400μg+oil group (p<0.05). IL-4 expression in the ECMS800μg+oil group was significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). GATA3 in the ECMS800μg+oil groups was significantly higher than the oil, ECMS800μg and control using antigen alone group (p<0.05). ECMS-oil adjuvant mixture could most effectively protect B. bronchiseptica immunized rabbits and, therefore, could be an alternative way of improving B. bronchiseptica vaccination in rabbits.

Cochinchina momordica seed extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer cells via PARP and p53 signal pathways

Cochinchina momordica seed is the dried ripe seed of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng, which is a kind of fruit and consumed for dietary as well as medicinal uses. In this study, using the human SGC7901 and MKN-28 gastric cancer cell lines, we explored the anticancer activity of the extract from cochinchina momordica seed (ECMS). ECMS inhibited significantly the survival rates of SGC7901 and MKN-28 cells in concentration- and time-dependent manners by MTT assay. The typical apoptotic morphological changes were observed by Hoechst 33258 dye assay after SGC7901 and MKN-28 cells were treated with ECMS for 48 h. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that ECMS-treatment blocked the cells at the S phase of cell cycle. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Bcl-2 were downregulated notably by ECMS-treatment, whereas those of Fas/Fas-associated death domain, p53, and Bax were upregulated in SGC7901 cells. ECMS dramatically enhanced the enzymatic activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 whilst slightly increased caspase-8 activity. Taken together, this study demonstrated that ECMS exerted cytotoxic activities via PARP and p53 signal pathways in the human gastric cancer cells.

Enhancement of humoral immune responses to inactivated Newcastle disease and avian influenza vaccines by oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins in chickens

Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are common in the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLS) on the humoral immune responses of chickens to inactivated ND and AI vaccines. In experiment 1, oral administration of GSLS at a dose of 5 mg/kg of BW for 7 d on the immune response in chickens intramuscularly injected with inactivated ND vaccine was evaluated. Results showed that GSLS significantly increased the antibody level against ND in the serum of chickens. In experiment 2, the same regimen of GSLS was administered to chickens inoculated with inactivated AI vaccines, and an enhanced serum antibody response to AI vaccination was also observed. Considering the safety of GSLS, because no adverse effect was found throughout the experiments, GSLS may be a promising oral adjuvant to improve immunization in poultry.