Protective effect of fustin against adjuvant-induced arthritis through the restoration of proinflammatory response and oxidative stress

Rheumatoid arthritis causes irreparable damage to joints. The present research sought to check fustin's anti-arthritic efficacy against the complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis paradigm in animals by altering the inflammatory response. In the rats, complete Freund's adjuvant was used to trigger arthritis and they received fustin at 50 and 100 mg/kg for 21 days. At regular intervals, the hind paw volume and arthritic score were assessed. After the trial period, hematological, antioxidant, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and other biochemical parameters were estimated. Fustin-treated rats showed the down-regulation of hind paw volume, arthritic score, and altered hematological parameters (TLC, DLC (neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil)). Furthermore, fustin significantly mitigates proinflammatory cytokine (reduced interleukin, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β), oxidative stress (attenuated malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), attenuated production of prostaglandin E2 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and improved nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) action. Fustin led to the benefit in arthritis-prone animals elicited by complete Freund's adjuvant via pro-inflammatory cytokine.

Fustin ameliorates hyperglycemia in streptozotocin induced type-2 diabetes via modulating glutathione/Superoxide dismutase/Catalase expressions, suppress lipid peroxidation and regulates histopathological changes

Streptozotocin (STZ) 60 mg/kg, i.p.-induced diabetes in rat’s results into hyperglycemia, impaired oxidative stress, lipid profile, insulin levels and changes in body weight. Treatment with antihyperglycemics and antioxidants are accounted to produce favorable effect in this paradigm. Fustin, a flavonoid derived from Rhus verniciflua, extract of Rhus verniciflua reported to exhibit anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic effects, anti-obesity effects, antiplatelet effects and anti-cancer effects. However, no evidence is existing on effect of fustin on STZ-induction diabetes. Thus, we evaluated its effects against diabetes in STZ-induced rodents. Blood glucose, Insulin, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and lipid profile levels was assessed. After 30 days diabetes induction rodents showed a severe increased blood sugar level, MDA, high density lipid and decreased cholestrol, triglyceride, GSH, SOD, CAT, respectively.

Oppositely, treatment with fustin (50–100 mg/kg/p.o., two times daily, 30 days) enhanced blood glucose, lipid profile levels Insulin. Meanwhile, reduced MDA and enhanced GSH, SOD, and CAT in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide 5 mg/kg/p.o. also enhanced diabetes-induced complications and decreased oxidative stress. Further histopathology of pancreas confirms the protective effect fustin in STZ-induction diabetes in animals. In conclusion, the study revealed treatments with fustin avoid the changes in body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile and oxidative stress. As a results of these finding may lead to the growth of a choice of medicine for hyperglycemic in the future.

Comparison of the main components and bioactivity of Rhus verniciflua Stokes extracts by different detoxification processing methods

BACKGROUND

Rhus verniciflua Stokes is an Asian tree species that is used as a food supplement and traditional medicine in Korea. However, its use is restricted by its potential to cause allergy. Thus, allergen-free R. verniciflua extracts are currently being marketed as a functional health food in Korea. In the present study, three different allergen-free R. verniciflua extracts (DRVE, FRVE, and FFRVE) were produced by detoxification of R. verniciflua, and their properties and constituents were compared.

METHODS

The main components and properties (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatic lipogenesis inhibitory effects) of the three allergen-free extracts were compared. Moreover, the major phenolic constituents of R. verniciflua, including gallic acid, fustin, fisetin, and quercetin, were analyzed in the three extracts.

RESULTS

DRVE was superior to the two other extracts with regard to antioxidant activity, while FRVE was superior with regard to antimicrobial activity and suppression of hepatic lipogenesis. FRVE exhibited lipid-lowering effects by lowering sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and triglyceride levels, and promoting the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase in an in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings demonstrate various differences among the three extracts. This suggests that functional and bioactive compounds present in R. verniciflua could be altered by the detoxification process, and this property could be considered in the development of functional health foods in the future.