Antihypercholesterolemic Effects Research Articles

Anti-Hypertensive and Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Effects of Protein Hydrolysates from (Phaseolus vulgaris) L. in Functional Beverage

The study aimed to formulate a functional beverage from common bean seeds, isolate the proteins and evaluate their anti-hypertensive and anti-cholesterolemic properties. White common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) mature seeds were used to prepare the beverage. Proteins isolated from the beverage were subjected to digestion with pepsin and combined enzymes including trypsin, thermolysin, and chymotrypsin. The unhydrolyzed beverage and protein hydrolysates were subsequently tested for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition. The results showed that both unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed proteins exhibited blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering properties, with high ACE inhibition (77.60%) and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition (27.38%). The formulated functional beverage from white common bean seeds has potential for preventing hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the formulation of functional beverages or bean-based food products by food companies.

Probiotics and their Beneficial Health Effects.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are present in cultured milk and fermented food. Fermented foods are a rich source for the isolation of probiotics. They are known as good bacteria. They have various beneficial effects on human health including antihypertensive effects, antihypercholesterolemic effects, prevention of bowel disease, and improving the immune system. Microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, and mold are used as probiotics but the major microorganisms that are used as probiotics are bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics are beneficial in the prevention of harmful effects. Recently, the use of probiotics for the treatment of various oral and skin diseases has also gained significant attention. Clinical studies indicate that the usage of probiotics can alter gut microbiota composition and provoke immune modulation in a host. Due to their various health benefits, probiotics are attaining more interest as a substitute for antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs leading to the growth of the probiotic market.

LipoCol Forte capsules reduce the risk of liver cancer: A propensity score-matched, nationwide, population-based cohort study.

Liver cancer is among the top five most common cancers globally. Lipid-lowering drugs such as statins can lower the risk of liver cancer, but may also cause liver damage. LipoCol Forte capsules (LFC), a red yeast rice product, have demonstrated significant antihypercholesterolemic effects and a good safety profile in clinical studies. To evaluate whether LFC lowers the risk of liver cancer in adults in this propensity score-matched, nationwide, population-based cohort study. We used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, which includes electronic medical records for up to 99.99% of Taiwan's population. LFC users and LFC non-users were matched 1:1 by propensity scores between January 2010 and December 2017. All had follow-up data for at least 1 year. Statistical analyses compared demographic distributions including sex, age, comorbidities, and prescribed medications. Cox regression analyses estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) after adjusting for potential confounders. We enrolled 33231 LFC users and 33231 non-LFC users (controls). No significant differences between the study cohorts were identified regarding comorbidities and medications [standardized mean difference (SMD) < 0.05]. At follow-up, the overall incidence of liver cancer was significantly lower in the LFC cohort compared with controls [aHR 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86-0.95; P < 0.001]. The risk of liver cancer was significantly reduced in both females (aHR 0.87; 95%CI: 0.8-0.94; P < 0.001) and males (aHR 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87-0.98; P < 0.01) in the LFC cohort compared with their counterparts in the non-LFC cohort. The antitumor protective effects applied to patients with comorbidities (including hypertension, ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis B infection and hepatitis C infection). Those using LFC for more than 84 drug days had a 0.64-fold lower risk of liver cancer compared with controls (P < 0.001). Compared with controls, the risk of developing liver cancer in the LFC cohort progressively decreased over time; the lowest incidence of liver cancer occurred in LFC users followed-up for more than 6 years (27.44 vs 31.49 per 1,000 person-years; aHR 0.75; 95%CI: 0.68-0.82; P < 0.001). This retrospective cohort study indicates that LFC has a significantly protective effect on lowering the risk of liver cancer, in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.

Dietary Grape Seed Tannins Affect Lipoproteins, Lipoprotein Lipases and Tissue Lipids in Rats Fed Hypercholesterolemic Diets , ,

The effects of monomeric and polymeric grape seed tannins on rat plasma lipoproteins, lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase and aortic and hepatic lipid concentration were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either a normal diet (with no added cholesterol and no tannins), a control diet (hypercholesterolemic diet) or hypercholesterolemic diets supplemented with 2% tannin monomers or 2% polymers 3 or 9 wk. Plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL cholesterol and VLDL concentrations were significantly higher and the HDL cholesterol concentration lower in controls and in rats fed the diet supplemented with monomers compared with rats fed polymeric tannins at both time points. Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities were significantly higher in control and in monomer-fed groups than in the polymer-fed group. Hepatic and aortic cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were significantly higher in control rats and those fed monomers than in the polymer-fed group. Moreover, plasma HDL cholesterol and hepatic lipase activity were closely associated with low aortic cholesterol and triacylglycerol in rats fed polymeric tannins. These rats also exhibited greater fecal excretion of cholesterol and especially bile acids than the control or monomer-fed groups. Thus dietary grape seed tannins have a pronounced anti-hypercholesterolemic effect by enhancing reverse cholesterol transport and also by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption and increasing bile acid excretion.

Towards Developing Novel Prostate Cancer Recurrence Suppressors: Acute Toxicity of Pseurotin A, an Orally Active PCSK9 Axis-Targeting Small-Molecule in Swiss Albino Mice.

The proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) emerged as a molecular target of great interest for the management of cardiovascular disorders due to its ability to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by binding and targeting at LDLR for lysosomal degradation in cells. Preliminary studies revealed that pseurotin A (PsA), a spiro-heterocyclic γ-lactam alkaloid from several marine and terrestrial Aspergillus and Penicillium species, has the ability to dually suppress the PCSK9 expression and protein-protein interaction (PPI) with LDLR, resulting in an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect and modulating the oncogenic role of PCSK9 axis in breast and prostate cancers progression and recurrence. Thus, a preliminary assessment of the PsA acute toxicity represents the steppingstone to develop PsA as a novel orally active PCSK9 axis modulating cancer recurrence inhibitor. PsA studies for in vitro toxicity on RWPE-1 and CCD 841 CoN human non-tumorigenic prostate and colon cells, respectively, indicated a cellular death shown at a 10-fold level of its reported anticancer activity. Moreover, a Western blot analysis revealed a significant downregulation of the pro-survival marker Bcl-2, along with the upregulation of the proapoptotic Bax and caspases 3/7, suggesting PsA-mediated induction of cell apoptosis at very high concentrations. The Up-and-Down methodology determined the PsA LD50 value of >550 mg/kg in male and female Swiss albino mice. Animals were orally administered single doses of PsA at 10, 250, and 500 mg/kg by oral gavage versus vehicle control. Mice were observed daily for 14 days with special care over the first 24 h after dosing to monitor any abnormalities in their behavioral, neuromuscular, and autonomic responses. After 14 days, the mice were euthanized, and their body and organ weights were recorded and collected. Mice plasma samples were subjected to comprehensive hematological and biochemical analyses. Collected mouse organs were histopathologically examined. No morbidity was detected following the PsA oral dosing. The 500 mg/kg female dosing group showed a 45% decrease in the body weight after 14 days but displayed no other signs of toxicity. The 250 mg/kg female dosing group had significantly increased serum levels of liver transaminases AST and ALT versus vehicle control. Moreover, a modest upregulation of apoptotic markers was observed in liver tissues of both animal sexes at 500 mg/kg dose level. However, a histopathological examination revealed no damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, or lungs. While these findings suggest a possible sex-related toxicity at higher doses, the lack of histopathological injury implies that single oral doses of PsA, up to 50-fold the therapeutic dose, do not cause acute organ toxicity in mice though further studies are warranted.

Evaluation of the biological effect of the brown algae Laminaria digitata (based on studies on experimental animals)

Introduction. Currently, the problem of keeping schoolchildren healthy is acute. One of the leading risk factors for the health of schoolchildren is nutrition, in the organization of which much attention has recently been paid to the inclusion of special foods that help prevent diet-related diseases. The White Sea brown alga, Laminaria digitata, has been shown to be a natural source of bioactive compounds. However, the mechanisms of the kinetics of health-promoting effects during long-term dietary intake of Laminaria digitata are poorly studied which makes it difficult to solve practical problems in the use of products and dishes containing Laminaria digitata for health purposes. The purpose of this research is to study the biological effects of Laminaria digitata in a 28-day experiment in white Wistar rats to address practical issues of justifying food formulation and food processing for school nutrition, and to assess the risk of side effects. Materials and Methods. The study used dry concentrates of Laminaria digitata. The sample comprised white Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. The animals were examined on the 14th and 28th days of the experiment using standard methods. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the rules adopted in the European Convention for the Protection of Animals Used for Experimental Scientific Purposes (Strasburg, 1986), after approval by the Ethics Committee of Novosibirsk Research Hygiene Institute. The statistical processing of the research materials was performed using Statistica 10.0. Results. The analysis of the dynamics of the indicators showed the stages of the interaction process of the organism with bioactive substances contained in the brown alga Laminaria digitata. Strengthening of stress-protective, antihypercholesterolemic effects and metabolic function of the liver at the stage of primary reactions is replaced by a significant weakening at the stage of physiological adaptation. The bioavailability of a form of iodine accumulated by the brown algae Laminaria digitata has been experimentally confirmed. The assessment of biological significance consisted of classifying the effects manifested using benefit and safety criteria. Conclusions. Based on the results of the experiment, new knowledge was gained on the criteria for the usefulness and safety of Laminaria digitata algae, which can be used to solve practical problems of proving the quantitative values of the inclusion of Laminaria digitata as an ingredient in recipes and to solve practical problems with Laminaria digitata enriched food production technologies in the development of school meals, the inclusion of which in students' diets minimizes the risk of diet-related diseases.

A ntihypercholesterolemia UJI EFEKTIVITAS ANTIHIPERKOLESTEROLEMIA EKSTRAK DAUN KOPI ARABIKA (Coffea arabica L.) PADA TIKUS PUTIH JANTAN (Rattus norvegicus) YANG DIINDUKSI DIET TINGGI LEMAK

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition that cholesterol in the blood increases beyond the normal which is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Arabica coffee leaves are part of the arabica coffee plant which contains flavonoid, saponin, mangiferin, chlorogenic acid which are thought to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. This study aims to determine the antihypercholesterolemia effectiveness of arabica coffee leaves ethanol extract (ACLEE) in male rats induced by a high-fat diet. The test of antihypercholesterolemia effectiveness used male rats induced by a high-fat diet as test animals. The study used 25 rats and divided into 5 groups : negative control (CMC-Na 0.5%), positive control (simvastatin 0.9 mg/kgBW), ACLEE 200 mg/kgBW, ACLEE 300 mg/kgBW and ACLEE 400 mg/kgBW. Total cholesterol were measured by the CHOD-PAP method. The data obtained were analyzed statistically used one way Anova. The results of statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between negative control with positive control, ACLEE 200, 300 and 400 mg/kgBW (p-value&lt;0.05). The decrease in total cholesterol levels increased in line with the increase in the dose of arabica coffee leaves ethanol extract. The most effective of ACLEE as antihypercholesterolemia was ACLEE 400 mg/kgBW. There was no significant difference between positive control and ACLEE 400 mg/kgBW (p.&gt;0.05). Based on the results of statistical analysis, it can be concluded that the arabica coffee leaves ethanol extract has antihypercholesterolemic effect in rats.

Anti-hypercholesterol effects of microencapsulation of leaf extract Stevia rebaudiana

Several studies have proven that Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaf extract has been shown to be able to lower cholesterol. Furthermore, microencapsulation was developed to protect the content in the plant. This study aims to determine the effect of microencapsulated preparations of leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni on cholesterol in male Wistar rats. The encapsulants used are inulin and chitosan. This study was conducted with the aim of making hypercholesterol rats induced by alloxan at a dose of 150 mg/KgBW rats intraperitoneally. Hypercholesterolemic rats were given microencapsulated Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaf extract at different dose levels (100, 300, 700 and 1000 mg/kgBW) for 8 weeks; control mice were fed a basal diet during this period. The results of the study concluded that the microencapsulation of the leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni had an antihypercholesterolemic effect on male Wistar strain rats.

Krill Oil Inhibits Cholesterol Synthesis and Stimulated Cholesterol Excretion in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the antihypercholesterolemic effects of krill oil supplementation in high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats, and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Rats were divided into five groups: normal control, control (high-cholesterol diet), krill oil 100 mg/kg b.w. (high-cholesterol diet with Krill oil 100 mg/kg b.w.), and krill oil 200 mg/kg b.w. (high-cholesterol diet with Krill oil 200 mg/kg b.w.). After 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed to observe the effects of krill oil on cholesterol synthesis and excretion. We found that krill oil supplementation suppressed total triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as HMG-CoA reductase activity. It stimulated AMPK phosphorylation, LDL receptor and ACAT2 expression in the liver, and the fecal output of cholesterol. Furthermore, it decreased the levels of P-selectin, sVCAM-1, and NO, as well as aortic wall thickness, demonstrating its role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Thus, we suggest that krill oil supplementation can reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood during hypercholesterolemia by stimulating the uptake of LDL-cholesterol into tissue and cholesterol excretion, as well as inhibition of cholesterol synthesis.

The effect of probiotic on abdominal aortic malondialdehyde of hypercholesterolemic rat model

Background and Aims : A high-fat diet is one of the risk factors for hypercholesterolemia. In the condition of hypercholesterolemia, there will be a metabolic disorder of cholesterol where the body will convert cholesterol into bile acids which in the process will produce free radicals. Probiotics are additional foods that have an antihypercholesterolemic effect. This study aims to determine the effect of probiotic administration on abdominal aortic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the hypercholesterolemia rat model induced by shortening.

Modulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites by corn silk among high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia mice.

Corn silk (CS) is known to reduce cholesterol levels, but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive concerning the gut microbiota and metabolites. The aim of our work was to explore how altered gut microbiota composition and metabolite profile are influenced by CS intervention in mice using integrated 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing and an untargeted metabolomics methodology. The C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal control diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with the aqueous extract of CS (80 mg/mL) for 8 weeks. HFD-induced chronic inflammation damage is alleviated by CS extract intervention and also resulted in a reduction in body weight, daily energy intake as well as serum and hepatic total cholesterol (TC) levels. In addition, CS extract altered gut microbial composition and regulated specific genera viz. Allobaculum, Turicibacter, Romboutsia, Streptococcus, Sporobacter, Christensenella, ClostridiumXVIII, and Rikenella. Using Spearman’s correlation analysis, we determined that Turicibacter and Rikenella were negatively correlated with hypercholesterolemia-related parameters. Fecal metabolomics analysis revealed that CS extract influences multiple metabolic pathways like histidine metabolism-related metabolites (urocanic acid, methylimidazole acetaldehyde, and methiodimethylimidazoleacetic acid), sphingolipid metabolism-related metabolites (sphinganine, 3-dehydrosphinganine, sphingosine), and some bile acids biosynthesis-related metabolites including chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA). As a whole, the present study indicates that the modifications in the gut microbiota and subsequent host bile acid metabolism may be a potential mechanism for the antihypercholesterolemic effects of CS extract.

In vitro Evaluation of the Anti-hypercholesterolemic Effect of Lactobacillus Isolates From Various Sources.

The anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of 11 Lactobacillus isolates was investigated in vitro by measuring remaining cholesterol in growth media, growth ability in media supplemented with cholesterol, and BSH activity. Among the selected isolates, DLBSH104, DLBSH122, and DLBSK207 have demonstrated outstanding potential as cholesterol-lowering cultures. The three isolates showed high cholesterol removal by growing cells, whereas resting and dead cells showed less cholesterol removal. Furthermore, visualization of those isolates in growing and non-growing states by SEM showed the ability of DLBSH104 to attach cholesterol to their cell surface. In contrast, alteration of DLBSH122 and DLBSK207 cells did not involve surface attachment of cholesterol. Thus, the isolates’ ability to remove cholesterol is mainly attributed to the cells’ metabolically active state that assimilates and incorporates cholesterol into the cell membrane as reflected by a significantly higher cholesterol removal in a growing state than a non-growing state. Only in DLBSH104 did cholesterol removal also involve attachment on the cell surface. Moreover, DLBSH104 has beneficially affected the host cell by a significant reduction of NPC1L1 mRNA levels that are responsible for intestinal cholesterol absorption. In hepatic cells, cell-free supernatant (CFS) from DLBSH104 and DLBSK207 were able to reduce LDLR and HMGCR mRNA at the transcription level. To sum up, L. helveticus DLBSH104 and L. plantarum DLBSK207 are confirmed as isolates with an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect.

Health benefits of Kombucha: drink and its biocellulose production

Kombucha (tea and biocelluose) has been used worldwide due to its high nutritional, functional, and economic potential. This fermented tea has been used in folk medicine to treat several pathological conditions and its biocellulose in the industrial sector. In this context, this paper presents a scientific literature review on the main phytochemicals of Kombucha and respective biological activities to assess their potential uses. The tea has presented a wide range of bioactive compounds such as amino acids, anions, flavonoids, minerals, polyphenols, vitamins, and microorganisms. Moreover, its biocellulose is rich in fibers. These compounds contribute to various biological responses such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumoral, antidiabetic, and antihypercholesterolemic effects. In this sense, both the tea and its biocellulose are promising for human use. Besides, Kombucha presents itself as a drink option for vegetarians and/or those seeking healthier diets, as its biocellulose can bring metabolic benefits. Our review demonstrates that both can be used as functional foods and/or sources of bioactive compounds for food and industrial applications.

Herbal remedies through cactus nutrients

The main constituent of Opuntiaficus-indica cladodes is water (80-95%), followed by small amounts of carbohydrates (3-7%), fiber (1-2%), and protein (0. 5-1%); other compounds are only partly known and have not been quantitatively determined. The sugar moiety includes mucilaginous components containing polymers, such as chains of (1-4)-linked β-D-galacturonic acid and R (1-2)-linked L-rhamnose residues. Beneficial effects of herbal remedies can be obtained from active constituents present in the whole plant, parts of the plant (e. g., flowers, fruits, roots or leaves), or plant materials or combinations thereof, whether in crude or processed state. Cactus (Opuntiaficus-indica) commonly known as prickly pear belongs to the family Cactaceae. Opuntiaficus-indica produces sweet, nutritionally rich edible fruits; its tender cladodes are used as fresh green vegetable and salad. In South Africa, Mediterranean areas and South American this species is also cultivated for its edible fruit (prickly pear), although in some countries different parts of the plant are utilized in the food and cosmetic industry. Opuntiaficus-indica, fruits and stems, have been traditionally used in folk medicine in several countries for several medicinal purposes. Cactus dietary fiber is composed of several chemical components that are resistant to digestive enzymes such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, lignin, gums, etc. The benefits associated with fiber content are well known, especially for the prevention of illnesses such as diabetes, treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, illnesses associated with low dietary fiber intake, reduction of glucose values in the blood, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Throughout history, the benefits of consuming dietary fiber have been recognized. Soluble fibers, including pectins, gums, and mucilages, increase the viscosity of food in the gut, slowing or reducing sugar absorption. The effect of soluble fiber in reducing serum glucose concentrations is a proposed mechanism of action for the herbal hypoglycemic cactus. It has been reported that Opuntiaficus-indica contain phenolic compounds like ferulic acid, feruloyl-sucrose and sinapoyl-diglucoside, fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid and linoleic acid (seeds, peel and juicy pulp). It has been observed that Opuntiaficus-indica oil extract with these components’ present antioxidant and anti-free radical activity, having a potential as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic activities. Cactus fiber tablet contains 500 mg standardized cactus fiber; as well as common tableting excipients were used. Cactus fiber showed an increased fecal fat excretion compared with placebo. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. The fruit peel contains large amounts of isorhamnetin. Isorhamnetin (3'-methoxy-3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) exerts anticancer action by inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced neoplastic cell transformation through a direct lowering of MAP (mitogen-activated protein)/ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) kinase1 and phosphoinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways. Isorhamnetin exhibits cardio protective effects by improving viability of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes under invitro ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) via inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and prevention of apoptosis. Isorhamnetin improves skin barrier function through activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)-αand suppression of inflammatory cytokines production. It also inhibits a dipocyte differentiation of murine 3T3 fibroblasts via a decrease of adiponectine expression and secretion, and down regulation of mRNAs of PPAR-γand C/EBP-α, the major adipogenic nuclear receptors. In contrast, isorhamnetin significantly increases the expression of PPAR-γin tumor tissues obtained from xenograft model of gastric cancer cells and, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, causes strong antiproliferative effects and cytotoxicity. The linoleic acid content in cactus cladode (34. 87%) is thus close to the percentage (29% to 40. 41%) found in argan oil. It is however lower than in extracts from barely (51. 26%) and soybean (53. 0%), respectively. Cactus pear (O. boldinghii) cladodes having high fiber content and potential health benefits bakery products have been produced and evaluated from composite flours of wheat (WF) and cactus pear stems (SF). Orange-yellow cactus pear fruit pulp has been used to produce a dehydrated cactus pulp sheet and pasteurized cactus pear fruit juices.

Gut microbiota specifically mediates the anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of berberine (BBR) and facilitates to predict BBR’s cholesterol-decreasing efficacy in patients

IntroductionGut microbiota has been implicated in the pharmacological activities of many natural products. As an effective hypolipidemic agent, berberine (BBR)’s clinical application is greatly impeded by the obvious inter-individual response variation. To date, little evidence exists on the causality between gut microbes and its therapeutic effects, and the linkage of bacteria alterations to the inter-individual response variation. ObjectivesThis study aims to confirm the causal role of the gut microbiota in BBR’s anti-hyperlipidemic effect and identify key bacteria that can predict its effectiveness. MethodsThe correlation between gut microbiota and BBR’s inter-individual response variation was studied in hyperlipidemic patients. The causal role of gut microbes in BBR’s anti-hyperlipidemic effects was subsequently assessed by altered administration routes, co-treatment with antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and metagenomic analysis. ResultsThree-month clinical study showed that BBR was effectively to decrease serum lipids but displayed an obvious response variation. The cholesterol-lowering but not triglyceride-decreasing effect of BBR was closely related to its modulation on gut microbiota. Interestingly, the baseline levels of Alistipes and Blautia could accurately predict its anti-hypercholesterolemic efficiency in the following treatment. Causality experiments in mice further confirmed that the gut microbiome is both necessary and sufficient to mediate the lipid-lowering effect of BBR. The absence of Blautia substantially abolished BBR's cholesterol-decreasing efficacy. ConclusionThe gut microbiota is necessary and sufficient for BBR’s hyperlipidemia-ameliorating effect. The baseline composition of gut microbes can be an effective predictor for its pharmacotherapeutic efficacy, providing a novel way to achieve personalized therapy.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (red Hibiscus) Tea, Can It Be Used as A Home-Remedy to Control Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia?

According to traditional medicine, Hibiscus is used to treat hypertension, heart diseases and many other ailments. Commercially available Hibiscus tea is prepared with H. sabdariffa and is expensive. H. rosasinensis is the common variety which is abundant in tropical home-gardens, however the scientific data are lacking on the effects. The present review focuses on the available scientific data on the effects of H. rosasinensis on controlling diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. The endeavour was to identify whether H. rosasinensis flower petals as a ‘tea’ is effective for diabetic and hypercholesterolemic patients. Medical databases such as MEDLINE, BMC, BMJ, research gate, Mendelay literature search database, Google scholar and the general engine Google were searched from November 2018 to April 2019. Search was carried out using keywords such as “Hibiscus rosasinensis”, “antidiabetic effects”, “antihyperlipidemic effects”, “toxic effects”, “anti-inflammatory effects”, “phytochemicals in Hibiscus” etc. Data were critically analyzed to assess whether the effective doses of the research studies on a par with the doses present in H. rosasinensis teas. We found thirty-nine journal articles fulfilled the criteria. The data were categorized and extracted on uses of H. rosasinensis, anti-diabetic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-hypercholesterolemic effects and its phytochemicals. The review revealed that the dose of H. rosasinensis petals present in a home-made Hibiscus tea is theoretically sufficient to elicit anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. Home-made Hibiscus tea is effective in controlling diabetes and hypercholesterolemia without causing acute toxicity.

ANTIHYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC AND ANTIATHEROGENIC POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA STEM BARK INDUCED BY HEATED PALM OIL SUPPLEMENTED WITH EGG YOLK IN RAT

Objective: Poor control of hypercholesterolemia which mediated by overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction leads to atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects of Adansonia digitata (AD) in heated palm oil/cholesterol supplemented with egg yolk in rat.&#x0D; Methods: Quantitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of A. digitata was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential was evaluated. The antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerosis activity of A. digitata was evaluated by inducing hypercholesterolemia in rats with heated palm oil/cholesterol diet supplemented with egg yolk for 10 w. At the end of the induction period, animals were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each after 6 w of induction: Group I (normocholesterolemic rat, NCR), Group II (hypercholesterolemia rat, HCR), Group III (Atorvastatin 2 mg/kg), Groups IV (AD. 100 mg/kg) and V (AD. 200 mg/kg). Hemodynamic parameters, lipid profile, atherogenic indices and oxidative stress markers were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: Adansonia digitata significantly reduced the systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DBP), pulsatile pressure (PP) and heart rate compared to the hypercholesterolemic group. Plant extract reveal important flavonoids and phenolic contents and has significant in vivo antioxidant efficacy. The higher dose (200 mg/kg) of the extract significantly reduced in the level of total cholesterol by 27.29 %, triglycerides by 27.60 % and the LDL-c by 36.04 % meanwhile the HDL-c increased by 277.47 % when compared to 5HPOC treated group. Atorvastatin (2 mg/kg) administered in addition to 5HPOC significantly improved in lipid profile as compared to untreated rats. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of aorta of 5HPOC-treated rats indicated that the aqueous extract of A. digitata significantly attenuated atherosclerosis lesions.&#x0D; Conclusion: The aqueous extract of A. digitata possessed antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects via modulation overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction.

Kefir and Its Biological Activities.

Kefir is a fermented beverage with renowned probiotics that coexist in symbiotic association with other microorganisms in kefir grains. This beverage consumption is associated with a wide array of nutraceutical benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Moreover, kefir can be adapted into different substrates which allow the production of new functional beverages to provide product diversification. Being safe and inexpensive, there is an immense global interest in kefir’s nutritional potential. Due to their promising benefits, kefir and kefir-like products have a great prospect for commercialization. This manuscript reviews the therapeutic aspects of kefir to date, and potential applications of kefir products in the health and food industries, along with the limitations. The literature reviewed here demonstrates that there is a growing demand for kefir as a functional food owing to a number of health-promoting properties.

Low Dose of Emodin Inhibits Hypercholesterolemia in a Rat Model of High Cholesterol.

BackgroundEmodin has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, but few studies have tried to understand the mechanism of its anti-hypercholesterolemic effect.Material/MethodsTo delineate the underlying pathways, high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administrated emodin or the lipid-lowering medicine simvastatin. Emodin was administered at 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg, while simvastatin was administered at 10 mg/kg. Parameters measured included lipid profiles (serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aorta endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine, and nitric oxide (NO) production. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to evaluate aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS), and hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR). Indices of liver and serum oxidation were also measured.ResultsThe atherogenic index was increased by the HCD but significantly reduced in all treatment groups. The HCD-fed experimental group treated with emodin at 10 mg/kg had significantly lower serum total-C and LDL-C and improved aorta vasorelaxation and enhanced NO production. Also, emodin significantly attenuated the lipid profiles and restored endothelial function, as reflected by upregulated expression of hepatic LDLR and p-eNOS, respectively. Furthermore, emodin at 10 mg/kg significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase activity, lowered the malondialdehyde level in both liver and serum, and enhanced catalase activity in serum.ConclusionsThe ability of emodin to inhibit hypercholesterolemia in HCD-fed rats was associated with lower serum total-C and LDL-C, restoration of aortic endothelial function, and improved antioxidant capacity. Low-dose emodin showed better protection of aortic endothelium and better antioxidant activity than did higher doses.

THE EFFECT OF ELEPHANTOPUS SCABER EXTRACT ON HISTOPATOLOGY OF AORTA SECTION IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS WITH HYPERCHOLESTROLEMIA DIET MODEL

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic effect of Elephantosus scaber on histopatology of Sprague-Dawley rat's aorta with hypercholesterolemia diet model. Design and method: This is an Experimental study with post test only control group design. Twenty-one (21) Sprague-Dawley rats of about 2–3 months old, weighing between 150–200 g body weight, were used for the study with incidental sampling. The rats were divided into three groups (3) of seven animals in each cage. First group (G1) was the normal control administered standard meal. Positive control group (G2) and Treatment group (G3) were administered with high fat diet. Administration of 400 mg/kg body weight of Elephantopus scaber extract was given to the third group in 7–11 weeks after induced by high fat diet. Termination was done after last feed administration. Aorta section was done with Hematoxylin eosin stain. Data analysis used Kruskal-wallis followed by Mann-Whitney test. Results: Proximate measurement was carried out on the Sprague-Dawley rat's aorta section with the following results: wall thickness in normal control group 85.19 ± 8.35 mm; positive control group 95.78 ± 17.64 mm and treatment group 80.50 ± 8.41 mm. Data analysis of Kruskal-Wallis was obtained P = 0.018, a &gt; P. The results obtained from the analysis of Mann-Whitney test are significant difference between normal control group (G1) and positive control group (G2). And non-significant difference between normal control group (G1) and treatment group (G3). Conclusions: Elephantosus scaber extract has antihypercholesterolemic potential effect that could reduce atherosclerosis on histopatology of aorta section in Sprague-Dawley rats with hypercholesterolemia diet model.