Areca Nut Extract Research Articles

Synergistic Antibacterial Effects of Areca Nut Seed (Areca catechu L.) and Binahong leaf (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) Extracts Against Propionibacterium acnes

Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) seeds has antibacterial properties due to their alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, and polyphenol compounds. Binahong leaves (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) contain flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and alkaloids that also act as antibacterial agents. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity and synergistic effects of combining extracts from areca nut and binahong leaves against Propionibacterium acnes. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of P. acnes were evaluated for the ethanol extracts of areca nut and binahong leaves. The MIC and MBC values 400 ppm and 1.600 for extract ethanol single areca nut and 50.000 ppm and 100.000 ppm for binahong leaves. The MIC and MBC values for the combination 400/12.500 ppm and 1.600/781,25 ppm for areca nut and 50,000/800 ppm and 100,000/100 ppm for binahong leaves, respectively. The synergy between the two extracts was determined using the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI). The FICI value of 1. P. acnes indicates an indifferent effect (1 < FICI ≤ 4).

Berberine Mitigates Betel-Nut Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis, Enhances Chemosensitivity to Cisplatin and Reduces Cisplatin- Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice Exposed to an Aqueous Extract of Betel Nut

Berberine Mitigates Betel-Nut Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis, Enhances Chemosensitivity to Cisplatin and Reduces Cisplatin- Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice Exposed to an Aqueous Extract of Betel Nut

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Potential of Areca Nut Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds in Anthracene-Induced BV-2 Microglial Cell Activation.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is of considerable environmental importance worldwide due to its adverse effects on human health, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Areca catechu L. (AC) fruit is known to possess various pharmacological properties; however, the anti-neuroinflammatory roles of AC on the suppression of PAH-induced neuroinflammation are still limited. Thus, we focused on the effects and related signaling cascades of AC and its active compounds against anthracene-induced toxicity and inflammation in mouse microglial BV-2 cells. Phytochemicals in the ethanolic extract of AC (ACEE) were identified using LC-MS, and molecular docking was conducted to screen the interaction between compounds and target proteins. Significant bioactive compounds in ACEE such as arecoline, (-)-epicatechin, and syringic acid were evinced through the LC-MS spectrum. The docking study revealed that (-)-epicatechin showed the highest binding affinities against NF-κB. For cell-based approaches, anthracene induced intracellular ROS, mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and the release of TNF-α through enhancing JNK, p38, and NF-κB signaling pathways. However, the co-treatment of cells with ACEE or (-)-epicatechin could reverse those anthracene-induced changes. The overall study suggested that ACEE-derived bioactive compounds such as (-)-epicatechin may be developed as a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent by preventing inflammation-mediated NDDs.

Areca nut-induced metabolic reprogramming and M2 differentiation promote OPMD malignant transformation

BackgroundBetel quid and its major ingredient, areca nut, are recognized by IARC as major risk factors in oral cancer development. Areca nut extract (ANE) exposure has been linked to OPMD progression and malignant transformation to OSCC. However, the detailed mechanism through which ANE acts on other cell types in the oral microenvironment to promote oral carcinogenesis remains elusive.MethodsImmunoprofiling of macrophages associated with OPMD and OSCC was carried out by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Phosphokinase and cytokine arrays and western blotting were performed to determine the underlying mechanisms. Transwell assays were used to evaluate the migration-promoting effect of ANE. Hamster model was finally applied to confirm the in vivo effect of ANE.ResultsWe reported that M2 macrophages positively correlated with oral cancer progression. ANE induced M2 macrophage differentiation, CREB phosphorylation and VCAM-1 secretion and increased mitochondrial metabolism. Conditioned medium and VCAM-1 from ANE-treated macrophages promoted migration and mesenchymal phenotypes in oral precancer cells. In vivo studies showed that ANE enhanced M2 polarization and related signaling pathways in the oral buccal tissues of hamsters.ConclusionOur study provides novel mechanisms for areca nut-induced oral carcinogenesis, demonstrating that areca nut promotes M2 macrophage differentiation and secretion of oncogenic cytokines that critically activate malignant transformation of oral premalignant cells.

Areca nut-induced AREG promote oral epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and EMT.

To analyze the biological effect and mechanism of areca nut extract (ANE) on human oral keratinocyte (HOK) cells. The effect of gradient concentration of ANE on the proliferation activity of HOK cells was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. The differentially expressed genes between the ANE group and control group HOK cells were analyzed by second-generation transcriptome sequencing. Real-time PCR and western blot were, respectively, used to analyze the expression of AREG gene and protein in HOK cells. After AREG gene overexpression or knockdown, the proliferation, migration, and expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), MAPK signal pathway in HOK cells were, respectively, detected by CCK-8, wound healing, transwell, and western blot assays. ANE (500 μg/mL) promoted the proliferation and migration of HOK cells, ANE (2 mg/mL) promoted the EMT of HOK cells, and ANE (50 mg/mL) inhibited the proliferation of HOK cells. AREG knockdown inhibited ANE-induced proliferation and migration of HOK cells, while AREG overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of HOK cells. Western blot assay showed that ANE activated MAPK signal pathway by upregulating AREG protein in HOK cells. ANE promoted HOK cell proliferation, migration, and EMT by mediating AREG-MAPK signaling pathway.

The effect of betel nut extract on melanin pigment levels in rats' skin exposed to Ultraviolet B radiation

This study aims to analyze the effect of areca nut extract on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light. The research method used was post-test with control group design. The total sample of white rats used was 20 rats, which were divided into 4 groups with each group consisting of 5 rats. The cream preparation was made using cold cream base. The rats were then exposed to UVB with a certain intensity for 5 days, characterized by erythema as a result of UVB absorption into the epidermis. Each group of treated rats received base cream, 10% areca nut extract cream, and 15% areca nut extract cream topically for 14 days before termination on day 15. The collected data were then tabulated and analyzed. To determine significant differences or influences between the test groups, analysis was carried out with t-test or Independent Samples T-Test approach at 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). The results of the analysis showed that the administration of areca nut extract was effective in reducing the amount of melanin pigment in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to Ultraviolet-B light. From histopathological observations, the administration of areca nut extract with a concentration of 15% is effective in removing or fading melanin pigments in the skin exposed to Ultraviolet-B light and the results of damaged skin melanin pigments appear in the epidermis of rat skin barely visible grain.

Aphrodisiaca Activity of Momordica charantia L. and Areca catechu L. Ethanolic Extract Againts Blood Pressure and Body Weight of White Mile Rats

Advances in the discovery of herbal medicine and the increasing popularity of traditional medicines have made accessto traditional medicines in the market increasingly easier. Bitter melon and areca nut are known to have many benefits and potential as natural medicine. Previous studies has shown the aphrodisiac effects of these two natural ingredients. This research aimed to determine the additional effects, particularly on blood pressure and body weight of rats, when bitter melon and areca nut are administered as aphrodisiacs. Test animal retrieval techniques based on complete randomized design (RAL). Blood pressure was measured using the CODA® instrument on 25 white rats divided into 5 treatment groups, namely the control group (CMC Na 0.5 % 0.5 % w/v), the bitter melon extract group at a dose of 280 mg / kg BW, the areca nut extract group at a dose of 50 mg/kg 50 mg / kg BW, the mixed bitter melon and areca nut extracts group (1: 1), and the X-Gra® group. Blood pressure profiles measured included systolic and diastolic blood as well as changes in rat body weight before and after treatment. The results of the study of systole and diastole blood pressure parameters and rat body weight in groups I, II, III, IV, V analyzed using the Tukey HSD method obtained results that were not significantly different (sig 0.05) in all groups. Based on this study, it was concluded that the aphrodisiac activity of bitter melon and areca nut seeds did not significantly influence changes in blood pressure, systole and diastole, and body weight rats.

Evaluation of the Impact of Irradiance Lamps and Storage Media on Elution of TEGDMA from Dental Composites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of irradiance light and storage media on the elution of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) from conventional Filtek Z350XT 3M ESPE and two bulk-fill composites Shofu Beautifil-Bulk and Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Shofu Beautifil-Bulk, Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE, and Filtek Z350XT 3M ESPE were the three types of composites used in this study. Disk shaped samples of 4-mm thickness and 10-mm diameter were fabricated using a stainless steel mold and were polymerized using light emitting diode (LED) and quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamps. After polymerization, the samples were immersed in ethanol, artificial saliva with betel quid extract, and distilled water for 1, 7, and 30 days, respectively. The elution of monomer TEGDMA was evaluated using HPLC. To evaluate the mean concentration difference, mixed way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. Between different light, materials, and within the time duration, Tukey's post hoc test was used. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant. During the first day of storage, a significant amount of monomer TEGDMA elution was seen in all the materials. The highest values observed to be in the disks cured with QTH lamp. However, the highest elution was seen when the disks were immersed in ethanol/water solution. While the most stable medium was distilled water, artificial saliva with betel nut extract also had a significant effect on the elution of TEGDMA. The highest value obtained was of Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE after 30 days of immersion in both LED and QTH cured disks. Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE shows better properties in relation to the release of monomer TEGDMA as it releases less amount of monomer in the storage media. The release of monomer was highest in ethanol as compared to artificial saliva and distilled water with the passage of time.

Oral submucosal fibrosis induced by active components in areca nut: a network pharmacology-based analysis and validation of the mechanism

To explore the pharmacologically active components in areca nut that induce oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and the possible mechanism. The chemical components in areca nut were analyzed using Thermo QE plus liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometer and Compound discover 3.2 data processing software. The chemical activity of the top 20 compounds was analyzed based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015), PubChem, Chemical book, and SciFinder databases. The potential active components, core targets, biological functions and signaling pathways affecting OSF were analyzed by network pharmacology. The targets of OSF were obtained by integrating Genecards and KEGG databases. The compounds acting on the targets were selected from the Systematic Pharmacology Technology Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMSP), and the target-compound, compound-TCM, target-compound-TCM network was constructed. Molecular docking was used to analyze the component-target binding. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expressions of key proteins in the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways in clinical samples of OSF. The core intersection target genes between the top 10 active ingredients in areca nut extract and OSF involved mainly the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways. In the clinical samples, the expressions of PI3K protein decreased and the expressions p-PI3K, AKT1 and PAkt all increased significantly in OSF tissue, where increased JNK protein expression and enhanced activity of c-Jun and c-Fos transcriptional factors were also detected. The OSF patients had significantly elevated plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 compared with healthy individuals. The main active ingredients including arecoline, arecaine, and guvacine are capable of activating the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways to promote the expressions of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL-8 and induce collagen hyperplasia, thus leading to the occurrence of oral submucosal fibrosis.

A comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and lipidomics in areca nut mediated oral submucous fibrosis progression through LCMS and Raman spectroscopy

AbstractHabitual consumption of areca/betel nut in Southeast Asia has been associated with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and its malignant transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma. The current study aimed to assess the molecular alterations in fibroblast cell lines after treatment with areca nut. Areca nut extract (ANE) was prepared and characterized for its active ingredient, arecoline. ANE‐treated cells were subjected to cell viability, proliferation, migration, morphologic changes, and transcript of OSMF genes (col1a1, col1a2, hsp47, timp1, timp2, timp3, and timp4). Further, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) of cell lysate and Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) of fixed cells were performed for metabolomics/lipidomics and biomolecular alterations in the nucleus and periphery of ANE‐treated cells. We compared and integrated the data from both techniques and observed that the cells treated with ANE mimicked OSMF and could be used as an in vitro model. LCMS showed a significant alteration in 17 metabolites and 165 lipid molecules in the cells treated with ANE. Further, 40 molecules in the nucleus and 29 in the periphery were found to be altered in these cells when subjected to RMS. Molecules associated with pathways such as the transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria, amino sugar metabolism, and the Warburg effect were modulated the most upon ANE treatment. Acetyl CoA was found to be common in most of the altered pathways. Besides, the pathways affecting carbohydrate metabolism were also altered significantly. Targeting these molecules and pathways can help to prevent the malignant transformation of OSMF.

Anthelmintic Effects of Betel Nut to Free-Range Chicken

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Processed Betel Nut as an anthelmintic to Free-Range Chickens. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and utilized 90 heads of uniformed experimental free–range chickens. The experimental birds were divided into 5 treatment combinations replicated thrice as follows: C- (pure water), C+ (commercial anthelmintic), S1L1 (Betel nut extract (10ml), S1L2 (Betel nut extract (20ml), S1L3 – Betel nut extract (30ml). The anthelmintic effect was observed during days 1,2,3,7,14,21, and 28 of the study. Prior to the allotment of the birds, fecal samples were collected after 21 days of rearing for pre-fecalysis to ensure that all of these were infected with internal parasites. After this, administration of the different treatments was done. This was followed by the collection of fecal samples on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the administration of the different treatments. The fecal samples collected were given a drop of lactic acid solvent and placed in properly labeled plastic bags. Direct Fecal Smear (DFS) was used in examining the fecal samples collected Results revealed that betel nuts at 20ml level were the best on the growth performance. Betel nut at 30ml level was comparable to that of the experimental birds in commercial anthelmintic. It is then recommended the utilization of betel nut at 20 ml in terms of growth performance and betel nut at 30 ml as herbal anthelmintic to free-range chickens.

Simultaneous determination of five constituents of areca nut extract in rat plasma using UPLC-MS/MS and its application in a pharmacokinetic study

Areca nuts have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Recent studies have shown that it exhibits good pharmacological activity and toxicity. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of five major components of areca nut extract in rats were investigated using a highly sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline, guvacine, and catechin were separated and quantified accurately using gradient elution with mobile phases of (A) water containing 0.1 % formic acid-10 mM ammonium formate, and (B) methanol. The constituents were detected under a timing switch between the positive and negative ion modes using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Each calibration curve had a high R2 value of >0.99. The method accuracies ranged −7.09–11.05 % and precision values were less than 14.36 %. The recovery, matrix effect, selectivity, stability, and carry-over of the method were in accordance with the relevant requirements. It was successfully applied for the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of these five constituents after oral administration of areca nut extract. Pharmacokinetic results indirectly indicated a metabolic relationship between the four areca nut alkaloids in rats. For further clarification of its pharmacodynamic basis, this study provided a theoretical reference.

Biological Effects and Biomedical Applications of Areca Nut and Its Extract.

The dried, mature fruit of the palm tree species Areca catechu L. is known as the areca nut (AN) or betel nut. It is widely cultivated in the tropical regions. In many nations, AN is utilized for traditional herbal treatments or social activities. AN has historically been used to address various health issues, such as diarrhea, arthritis, dyspepsia, malaria, and so on. In this review, we have conducted a comprehensive summary of the biological effects and biomedical applications of AN and its extracts. Initially, we provided an overview of the constituents in AN extract. Subsequently, we summarized the biological effects of AN and its extracts on the digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory system. And we elucidated the contributions of AN and its extracts in antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications. Finally, we have discussed the challenges and future perspectives regarding the utilization of AN and its extracts as emerging pharmaceuticals or valuable adjuncts within the pharmaceutical field.

Areca nut extract increased stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in 4-nutriquinoline-1-oxide-tumor-induced Sprague-Dawley rats

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common oral cancers with a high mortality rate. The biodiversity source in Indonesia makes areca nut a potential antioxidant in treating disease. Objective The study aimed to evaluate the effect of areca nut extract in 4-nutriquinoline-1-oxide (NQO)-tumor-induced rats. Methods Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as the control group, group 2 was 4NQO-induced rats without treatment, and groups 3 and 4 were given 4NQO-tumor inducer with 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW of areca nut extract, respectively. The rats in groups 2,3, and 4 received 30 ppm of 4NQO tumor inducer in drinking water for 12 weeks. In the end, all rats were euthanized and the tongue was removed. The body, liver, kidney, heart, and lungs weights were measured. Tongue tumor volume and dysplasia lesions were analyzed. The tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the tumor and stromal area were scored semi-quantitatively associating the infiltrate grade (0-3) and analyzed histologically. Results There were significant differences in body weight loss between the initial and final phases in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). The areca nut at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW significantly reduced the tumor size compared with groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). The incidence of OSCC in rats with 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW of areca nut extract after 22 weeks was 0%, but the dysplasia lesions were observed at 28.57% and 85.71%, respectively. The highest mean of stromal TILs was in group 3 and there were significant differences in stromal TILs between groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). Conclusion Areca nut extract in 4NQO-induced rats by inducing infiltrating lymphocytes in the stromal tumor area on the OSCC lesion of the tongue.

Effect of 0.2% Betel Nut Mouth Rinse on Flow Rate, pH, Bacterial Parameters of Saliva: A Clinical Trial

Background Areca nut having a sialagogue effect and antibacterial activity against several bacteria can help to reduce dental caries. In the present study Areca nut in the form of a mouth rinse was used.Aim To evaluate and compare the effect on salivary parameters and bacterial count before and after the use of betel nut mouth rinse.Method Baseline salivary sample was collected from each patient on day 1. The collected samples were then used to evaluate salivary pH salivary flow rate and total bacterial count. Subsequently 5 mL of 0.2 betel nut study solution was given to the subjects as mouth rinse for using once daily for one minute for a period of 15 days. At the end of 15 days the post rinse salivary samples were collected and evaluated for the same parameters.Results The results obtained in our study demonstrated that using 0.2 betel nut as a mouth rinse has potential to reduce the oral bacterial count significantly. Although there was a difference in flow rate before and after the intervention the values obtained were not significant.Conclusion The results of this study conclusively demonstrated that 0.2 betel nut extract when used as a mouth rinse does reduce the concentration of oral bacteria and hence can have a positive impact on the overall oral health of an individual.

Antioxidant activity test of Macerated extract and Sonicated extract of Areca nut (Areca catechu L.)

The flavonoids in the areca nut (Areca catechu L.) seed extract make the herb potential as an antioxidant. The areca nut extract can be made using a conventional method, the maceration method. The maceration method was chosen because it is easy and suitable for materials that are not heat-resistant, but on the other hand, the sonication method can also be used because it can speed up the extraction time. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of areca nut methanol extract that made by maceration and sonication methods and to test the differences in antioxidant activity caused by differences in extraction methods. Areca nut extract was prepared with 70% methanol as solvent by maceration and sonication methods. The antioxidant activity test was carried out using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazil) method with vitamin E as a positive control. The results of the antioxidant activity research showed that the average IC50 of macerated areca nut extract was 145.10 ± 103.10 ppm. The IC50 result of the sonicated extract was 149.73 ± 47.55 ppm. Based on the categorization of the mean of IC50, the antioxidant activity of macerated extract and sonicated extract of areca nut were included in moderate antioxidant activity. The results of the t-test on the IC50 value of the two extracts showed no difference in antioxidant activity with a p-value of 0.948 (> 0.05). This research concluded that macerated extract and sonicated extract from areca nut have moderate antioxidant activity and no difference in antioxidant activity caused by different extraction methods.

Characteristic of Antioxidant-Rich “Teh Talua” Instant Using the Foam Mat Drying Method

This research aims to determine the formulation and characteristics of the best instant “teh talua” with the addition of red ginger and areca nut. In this study, 5 treatments were used, namely without addition (control), with the addition of red ginger juice (5% and 10%), and with the addition of areca nut extract (5% and 10%). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variant (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a significance level of 5%. The results showed that each treatment had a significant effect on water content, ash content, protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, water activity (Aw), and antioxidant activity. The best treatment is treatment B (with the addition of red ginger juice 5%) with a water content of 17.90%, ash content of 1.58%, protein content of 3.09%, fat content of 12.39%, carbohydrate content of 64.98%, water activity (Aw) 0.523%, and antioxidant activity 54.98%.

Supplementation of dietary areca nut extract modulates the growth performance, cecal microbiota composition, and immune function in Wenchang chickens.

The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of areca nut extract (ANE) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, and immunity of Wenchang chickens. For this study, 42-day-old healthy Wenchang chickens (n = 450) with similar body weight were chosen. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates per group and 15 chickens per replicate. One group was fed a basal diet (control; CCK). The remaining four groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with varying ANE concentrations: 0.038, 0.063, 0.100, and 0.151 g/kg, with the groups denoted as CNT1, CNT2, CNT3, and CNT4, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted 35 days. The ligated cecum segments of the control and experimental groups were collected for metabolomic and metagenomic analysis, while the bone marrow samples were extracted for tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis. All the experimental groups exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) and significantly lower feed-to-weight (F/G) ratios than CCK. Metabolomic screening of the cecum contents revealed the presence of 544 differential metabolites, including several gut health-related metabolites, such as xanthine, hydroxy hypoxanthine, 2,5-dimethylhydrazine, ganoderic acid, and 2-aminohexanoic acid. Metagenomic analysis of the cecum contents showed an upregulation in the abundance of Prevotella spp. in the experimental groups. However, we observed no significant differences in the abundances of other cecal microbes at phylum and genus levels. Furthermore, we observed significant associations between Prevotella spp. and the differentially abundant metabolites, such as cherubins, thiaburimamide, and 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, (r)-mevalonate, 5-O-methylalloptaeroxylin, nalidixic acid, and deoxyloganin (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins (such as interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 (IFIT5), MHC-BF1, and death domain-associated protein (Daxx)) in the bone marrow of the chickens were primarily enriched in the immune network for IgA production and B cell receptor signaling pathway. In conclusion, dietary ANE supplementation was found to enhance metabolic activity and energy utilization, improve growth performance, modulate cecal microbiota, and strengthen the immunity of Wenchang chickens.

Simvastatin Attenuates Areca Nut Extract-Induced Subdermal Fibrosis in Mice by Targeting TGF-β Signaling Pathways.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease and a potentially malignant oral disorder, characterized by fibrosis of the oral mucosa. TGF-β signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of OSMF, with areca nut extract (ANE) contributing to the disease progression. Simvastatin, a statin drug, has demonstrated anti-fibrotic properties in various fibrotic conditions. However, its therapeutic potential in treating OSMF remains unclear. In this study, 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups based on different time points. Each mouse was then treated with four different drug formulations. Post-treatment, specimens were collected for histopathological examination and staining to assess skin thickness, fibrosis, and collagen deposition. ANE treatment alone significantly increased skin thickness and collagen deposition compared to the control group after the 4-week time point. The combined administration of ANE and simvastatin, resulted in a notable reduction in skin thickness and collagen deposition. Western blot analysis revealed that simvastatin effectively suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including CTGF, and α-SMA, in ANE-induced subdermal fibrosis. These results suggest that simvastatin has potential therapeutic effects on ANE-induced subdermal fibrosis, providing a foundation for future studies and possible clinical applications.

Evaluation of clinical, histology, TNF-α, and collagen expressions on oral ulcer in rats after treatment with areca nut and chrysanthemum oral gel

Background: Areca nut (Areca catechu Linn.) is the seed of the fruit of the oriental palm that is commonly used among Southeast Asian communities. Chrysanthemum (Dendrathema grandiflora) is a flowering plant originating from East Asia and dominantly grows in China. Both of these plants have strong antioxidant activities. To investigate the mechanism of their wound healing activities, we prepared areca nut and chrysanthemum polyethylene oral gel and performed several in vivo assays using Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into six groups: Negative control group (rats with base gel treatment), positive control group (rats treated with triamcinolone acetonide), F1 (treatment with 20% areca nut:80% chrysanthemum), F2 (treatment with 50% areca nut:50% chrysanthemum), F3 (treatment with 80% areca nut:20% chrysanthemum), and normal group (without ulcer and treatment). Traumatic ulcers were performed on the buccal mucosa of all experimental animals that received topical oral gel and triamcinolone acetonide twice a day for seven days. The clinical and histological characteristics were analyzed and scored. Results: During the six days, the ulcerated area receded linearly over time and was completely cicatrized in F2, F3, and the positive control group (Dependent t-test, p&lt;0.05). There were significant increases in body weight in F2 and positive control groups. There were no significant differences between groups in histology examination (Kruskal Wallis test, p&lt;0.05). The moderate score of TNF-α levels was seen in F2 and positive control groups (ANOVA/Tukey test, p&lt;0.05). In the collagenases assay, a high concentration of areca nut (F3) induced the abundance of collagen during the ulcer healing process. Conclusions: The combination of areca nut and chrysanthemum extract in the oral gel can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in Sprague-Dawley rats through the increase of TNF-α and collagen deposition.