Mango 'criollo' by-products as a source of polyphenols with antioxidant capacity. Ultrasound assisted extraction evaluated by response surface methodology and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS characterization

Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated as a green procedure for the recovery of phenolic compounds with antioxidant capacity from underutilized mango 'criollo' (peel, pulp and seed). Magnetic stirred was performed as conventional extraction. Response surface methodology using a three-factor (% ethanol, amplitude and time) central composite design was used to maximize the extraction for total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. The operational conditions to maximize extraction were: peel, 46% ethanol/amplitude 60% (36 µm)/6.5 min; pulp, 25% ethanol/amplitude 75% (45 µm)/30 min; seed 49% ethanol/100% (60 µm) amplitude/20 min. The phenolic composition of the optimized extracts was characterized by HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and 45 compounds were tentatively identified as xanthones (mangiferin), flavonoids (quercetin), ellagic acid, benzophenones (maclurin), gallate derivatives and gallotannins. UAE increased TPC extraction (33%); interestingly mangiferin extraction increased 53% in peel, similarly, ellagic acid increased up to 2.5 and 4.4 times in peel and seed extracts.

Mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.): A review of its potential influences in mechanisms of action on metabolic diseases

The leaves of Morus alba L. (called Sangye in Chinese, ML), which belong to the genus Morus., are highly valuable edible plants in nutrients and nutraceuticals. In Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea, ML are widely used as functional foods including beverages, noodles and herbal tea because of its biological and nutritional value. Meanwhile, ML-derived products in the form of powders, extracts and capsules are widely consumed as dietary supplements for controlling blood glucose and sugar. Clinical studies showed that ML play an important role in the treatment of metabolic diseases including the diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, atherosclerosis and hypertension. People broadly use ML due to their nutritiousness, deliciousness, safety, and abundant active benefits. However, the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of ML on metabolic diseases have not been fully revealed. Therefore, in order to fully utilize and scale relevant products about ML, this review summarizes the up-to-date information about the ML and its constituents effecting on metabolic disease.

An update on the health benefits promoted by edible flowers and involved mechanisms

The aim of this review is to provide new findings on health effects of edible flowers since 2015. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have been reviewed, and the effective concentrations of flower extracts have been summarized. Among all the health benefits mentioned, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have rarely been mentioned before 2015. Some health benefits mechanisms of edible flowers were discussed frequently after 2015. Some newly found phytochemicals such as polysaccharides were shown to be beneficial to human health. Species of Rosa, Chrysanthemum, and Osmanthus have been reported to exert different health effects on human. For the toxicity studies, the safe level of flower extracts in cell and animal models were at hundreds of parts per million (ppm) level. In consideration of health promoting effects and toxicities of edible flowers, they could serve as potential natural health products for different health benefits.

Antidiabetic effects of Olea europaea L. leaves in diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. It has broad occurrence worldwide, affecting millions of people, and can cause serious complications. The olive (Olea europaea L.) has important pharmacological functions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic activities. Olive leaves are used in traditional medicine for diabetes and hypertension.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effect of the ethanolic extract of olive leaves (EEOL) on the metabolism of rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were either given normal feed or a high-fat diet (70% standard laboratory feed, 15% sucrose, 10% lard and 5% yolk powder) for four weeks, followed by administration of STZ (35 mg/kg, via ip). Animals with fasting glucose levels above 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Animals were divided into 5 groups, which received ethanol (10 mL/kg), metformin (250 mg/kg), or EEOL at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg during 10 weeks by oral gavage. Blood samples were used to measure hematological and biochemical parameters, and kidneys were removed for posterior analysis. Body weight was recorded weekly.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in body weight was observed among diabetic animals treated with ethanol and EEOL compared to the control group. Moreover, animals treated with EEOL showed an improvement in glucose levels and in levels of inflammatory and metabolic markers when compared to diabetic animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a potential anti-diabetic activity of olive leaves, however more studies are needed to validate clinical effects.

Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Dolichandra unguis-cati L. leaves in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dolichandra unguis-cati L. is a native climbing plant of Brazil, popularly known as "unha de gato". It has been traditionally used mainly as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent, yet little toxicological information is found in the literature.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify the chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Dolichandra uniguis-cati and to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity in male and female rats, in order to assess the safety profile of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the acute study, a single dose (2000mg/kg) of the extract was orally administered to male and female rats. In the subacute study, the extract was orally administered to male and female rats at doses 100, 200 and 400mg/kg for 28 days. Behavioral changes, catalase and tbars evaluations, biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis were determined. The extract' chemical composition was accessed through UHPLC/MS.

RESULTS

Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillinic acid, p-coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, luteolin, apigenin, quercitrin and quercetin were identified in the extract. In the acute treatment, the extract was classified as safe (category 5), according to the OECD guide. In relation to the subacute study, females showed a reduction in AST (100, 200 and 400mg/kg), ALT (200mg/kg) and BUN (100 and 200mg/kg) levels, while male rats 400mg/kg presented an increase in AST levels. The Chol dosage significantly decreased in female rats in a dose-dependent manner, whereas for male rats this parameter showed no statistically significant reductions. No behavioral and histopathological changes were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the hydroethanolic extract of Dolichandra unguis-cati leaves did not present relevant toxic effects when administered orally to male and female rats. The extract also showed a potential hypocholesterolemic activity.

Genetic toxicity of Epimedium koreanum Nakai

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Eastern Asia, E. koreanum Nakai (EKN) has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac herbal medicine. However, there was no available information for its genotoxicity. This study was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic potentials of EKN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemicals of EKN were identified using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Three standard battery of genotoxicity assay for bacterial reverse mutation, mammalian chromosomal aberration and in vivo micronuclei formation was employed.

RESULTS

The LC/MS/MS analysis revealed four hydroxybenzoic acids, three lignans, and ten flavonoid glycosides in EKN. The bacterial reverse mutation assay revealed no mutagenic effects of EKN. Moreover, EKN did not show any clastogenic effects in the in vivo and in vitro assays.

CONCLUSION

EKN water extract was shown to be a non-genotoxic herbal medicine under the conditions tested in this study.

Variety-based research on the phenolic content in the aerial parts of organically and conventionally grown buckwheat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different farming types-organic and conventional-on phenolic content in buckwheat varieties grown in Lithuania. Rutin was identified as the dominant phenolic compound in contrast to both phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids) and other flavonoids (quercetin and quercitrin). It was determined that variety had the highest impact (p<0.05) on the phenolic content of various aerial parts of buckwheat. In most cases, farming practice significantly (p<0.05) affected the accumulation of phenolics in buckwheat. Organically grown plants usually contained higher amounts of phenolics than those grown under conventional farming conditions. According to a cluster analysis, varieties Panda, Zaleika, and VB Nojai were found to accumulate the highest amounts of phenolics.

You-Gui pills promote nerve regeneration by regulating netrin1, DCC and Rho family GTPases RhoA, Racl, Cdc42 in C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

You-Gui pills (YGPs) are an effective traditional Chinese formula being used clinically for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous studies demonstrated that YGPs exerted the potent neuroprotective effects in murine models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is an equivalent animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanism of YGPs functions remained unclear.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of YGPs in MOG35-55-induced EAE mice and to further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, including the non-treated EAE model, prednisone acetate- and 1.2, 2.4 or 4.8g/kg YGPs-treated EAE groups, and a normal control group. The EAE model was established by injecting the mice subcutaneously with MOG35-55 antigen. The body weights were measured and the neurological functions were scored in each group. The pathology and morphology of the brain and spinal cord was examined. The expression of MAP-2 was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The levels of netrin1, DCC, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 were assayed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot on day 40 post-immunization (PI).

RESULTS

YGPs treatments significantly reduced neurological function scores in EAE mice, where the inflammatory infiltration was reduced and the axon and myelin damage in both brain and spinal cord was alleviated. In the brain and spinal cord tissues, YGPs increased the expression of neuronal factors MAP-2, netrin1 and DCC. The expression of Rac1 and Cdc42 were increased, while RhoA was reduced following YGPs treatments.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that YGPs exhibited a neuroprotective effect on promoting nerve regeneration at the brain and spinal cord in EAE mice induced by MOG35-55. Netrin1, DCC and the Rho family GTPases of RhoA, Racl, Cdc42 were involved in mediating the effects of YGPs on nerve regeneration.

Aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco leaves, in lower doses, prevent fat gain in obese high-fat fed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Due to the rise in obesity, the necessity for resources and treatments that could reduce the morbidity and mortality associated to this pandemia has emerged. The development of new anti-obesity drugs through herbal sources has been increasing in the past decades which are being used not only as medicine but also as food supplements. Previous studies with the aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco L (AECI) have demonstrated activity on lowering blood glucose levels and body weight.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigate C. icaco effects in overall adiposity and glycemic homeostasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to standard chow (SC) or high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with AECI in 0.35mg/mL or 0.7mg/mL concentrations ad libitum. Food intake, feed efficiency, metabolic efficiency, body, fat pads and gastrocnemius weight, adiposity index, serum lipids, fecal lipid excretion, locomotor activity in the open field test and insulin and glucose tolerance tests were analyzed and compared. The major components of the extract were demonstrated through HPLC and its antioxidant activity analyzed through DPPH and lipid peroxidation.

RESULTS

The AECI in the 0.35mg/mL concentration did not affect food intake or body weight. However, it promoted lower adipose tissue gain, TG levels, and fecal lipid excretion, increased locomotor activity and lean mass weight, and normalized insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Moreover, AECI showed the presence of myricetin 3-O-glucuronide, rutin, quercitrin and myricitrin and demonstrated high-antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSIONS

AECI in lower concentrations can prevent fat storage or enhance fat utilization through the increase of locomotor activity. Also, this reinforces its ability to maintain glucose homeostasis through the normalization of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance despite the high-fat diet intake. These activities could be associated to the extract's polyphenol content.

Gastroprotective activity of the hydroethanolic extract and isolated compounds from the leaves of Solanum cernuum Vell

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Solanum cernuum Vell. (Solanaceae) is a Brazilian medicinal plant, traditionally known as "panaceia". Its folk name is probably due to its wide range of applications in traditional medicine including the treatment of ulcers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the gastroprotective activities of the hydroethanolic extract (ESC) of S. cernuum and its major isolated compounds using in vivo gastric ulcer models.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The ESC extract was obtained by maceration followed by percolation of the dried and powdered leaves of S. cernuum in ethanol:water (7:3). The major compounds in the extract were isolated by applying various preparative chromatographic techniques. The gastroprotective activity was evaluated in mice using different gastric ulcer-induced models. The anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was performed using the agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

RESULTS

The ESC extract showed gastroprotective effects in the assay of acute gastric ulcer-induced by HCl/EtOH, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer protocols. The results also demonstrated that the gastroprotection induced by ESC extract is related to the activity of nitric oxide and endogenous sulfhydryls, which are important gastroprotective factors. The ESC extract and the alkaloid cernumidine did not show activity against H. pylori in the concentrations tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the crude extract of S. cernuum possessed gastroprotective activity which corroborating the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of gastric ulcers. The isolated flavonoids, quercitrin and afzelin as well as the phenylpropanoid, isoferulic acid are suggested to be the compounds responsible for the gastroprotective activity of S. cernuum extract.

Interactions of pharmacokinetic profile of different parts from Ginkgo biloba extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Extracts from Ginkgo biloba L. leaves confer their therapeutic effects through the synergistic actions of flavonoid and terpenoid components, but some non-flavonoid and non-terpenoid components also exist in this extract. In the study of this paper, an investigation was carried out to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of fourteen compounds to clarify the influences of non-flavonoid and non-terpenoid fraction (WEF) on the pharmacokinetics profile of the flavonoid fraction (FF) and the terpene lactone fraction (TLF) from Ginkgo biloba extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A selective and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method was established to determine the plasma concentrations of the fourteen compounds to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters after orally administration of FF, TLF, FF-WEF, FF-TLF, TLF-WEF and FF-TLF-WEF with approximately the same dose. At different time points, the concentration of rutin (1), isoquercitrin (2), quercetin 3-O-[4-O-(-β-D-glucosyl)-α-L-rhamnoside] (3), ginkgolide C (4), bilobalide (5), quercitrin (6), ginkgolide B (7), ginkgolide A (8), luteolin (9), quercetin (10), apigenin (11), kaempferol (12), isorhamnetin (13), genkwanin (14) in rat plasma were determined and main pharmacokinetic parameters including T1/2, Tmax, Cmax and AUC were calculated using the DAS 3.2 software package. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student׳s t-test with P<0.05 as the level of significance.

RESULTS

FF and WEF had no effect on the pharmacokinetic behaviors and parameters of the four terpene lactones, but the pharmacokinetic profiles and parameters of flavonoids changed while co-administered with non-flavonoid components. It was found that Cmax and AUC of six flavonoid aglycones in group FF-WEF, FF-TLF and FF-TLF-WEF had varying degrees of reduction in comparison with group FF, especially in group FF-TLF-WEF. On the contrary, the values of Cmax, Tmax and AUC of four flavonoid glycosides in group FF-TLF-WEF were significantly increased compared with those in group FF.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that non-flavonoid components in Ginkgo biloba extracts could increase the absorption and improve the bioavailability of flavonoid glycosides but decrease the absorption and reduce the bioavailability of flavonoid aglycones.

Biochemical and hematological effects of acute and sub-acute administration to ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia Reissek in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutia buxifolia is a native tree of Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, which is popularly known as "coronilha" and it is used as a cardiotonic, antihypertensive and diuretic substance. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia in male and female mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The toxicity studies were based on the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-guidelines 423 and 407). In an acute study, a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of Scutia buxifolia was administered orally to male and female mice. Mortality, behavioral changes, and biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated. In the sub-acute study, Scutia buxifolia was administered orally to male and female mice at doses of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg/day for 28 days. Behavioral changes and biochemical, hematological, and histological analysis were evaluated.

RESULTS

The acute administration of Scutia buxifolia did not cause changes in behavior or mortality. Male and female mice presented decreased levels of platelets. Female mice presented decreased levels of leukocytes. On the other hand, in a sub-acute toxicity study, we observed no behavioral changes in male or female mice. Our results demonstrated a reduction in glucose levels in male mice treated to 200 and 400mg/kg of Scutia buxifolia. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) activity was increased by Scutia buxifolia at 400mg/kg in male mice. In relation to the hematological parameters, male mice presented a reduction in hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) when treated to 400mg/kg of plant fraction. Female mice showed no change in these parameters. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed slight abnormalities that were consistent with the biochemical variations observed.

CONCLUSION

Scutia buxifolia, after acute administration, may be classified as safe (category 5), according to the OECD guide. However, the alterations observed, after sub-acute administration with high doses of ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia, suggest that repeated administration of this fraction plant can cause adverse hepatic, renal, and hematological effects.