Artichoke Extract Research Articles

Antioxidant and Nutritional Potential of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) By-Product Extracts in Fat-Replaced Beef Burgers with Hydrogel Emulsions from Olive Oil

Beef burger consumption has been questioned due to the burgers’ high levels of saturated fatty acids and the use of synthetic additives for preservation. In order to improve the acceptability and health benefits of this product, two functional ingredients, artichoke and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), have been used to formulate four different beef burgers: a control burger (CB), a fat-replaced burger with an EVOO emulsion (FRB), and two FRB formulations with the incorporation of enzymatically treated (FRB-TAE) or untreated (FRB-AE) artichoke extract. Fat replacement significantly affected the lipid profile of the burgers, increasing oleic acid levels and n-3 PUFA such as α-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids. Artichoke incorporation exerted beneficial effects on the antioxidant activity, as well as on the total phenolic content of the reformulated burgers, leading to a decrease in color changes, lipid and protein oxidation after 3 days of storage at 4 °C, as well as reducing the formation of volatile compounds such as hexanal, 2,3-Octanedione, or 1-Octen-3-ol. No differences were found between formulations for the sensory parameters studied. These results demonstrate a possible revalorization of artichoke by-products by improving the nutritional properties of beef burgers, revealing a potential application as a higher value-added ingredient in the meat industry.

Evaluation of Artichoke Extract as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Copper and OL45 in Aggressive Environments

Abstract Metal corrosion is a significant issue in areas such as transport, construction, or production, with effects on equipment productivity, user safety, and finally, the costs related to the replacement of affected components. Research in recent years has focused on the discovery of substances capable of significantly reducing the corrosion rate of metals and alloys with a minimal impact on the environment. A promising category of green corrosion inhibitors represents active components from natural extracts. Corrosion experiments have been focused on the use of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) stem extract as a corrosion inhibitor for copper and mild steels such as OL45 in H2SO4 0.5 mol L-1 and NaCl 3.5% environments. The electrochemical behaviour of the active components in the artichoke extract was studied using cyclic voltammetry on Pt electrode, and their inhibitory effect has been demonstrated by using electrochemical techniques such as linear voltammetry at a speed of 1 mV s-1 and chronoamperometry method in the absence, respectively, presence of 1, 2, 4, and 8 g L-1 extract. The variation of parameters such as corrosion potential Ecorr, corrosion current icorr, and impedance values with increasing concentrations shows that the artichoke extract greatly reduces the corrosion rate. To complement the corrosion studies carried out, quantum chemical calculations were performed by using the B3LYP/6-31G* basis set, and the descriptors EHOMO, ELUMO, dipole moment, ionization energy, and molecular hardness substantiated the inhibitory effect. Considering artichoke extract components, this study presents a potential prospect for using natural extracts in anti-corrosion protection as well as an ecological alternative to standard corrosion inhibitors.

Dietary Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Extract Ameliorated the Growth Performance, Humoral Immune Parameters and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract This trial investigated the efficacy of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract (AE) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant parameters, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of goldfish (Carassius auratus). For this purpose, a total number of 470 goldfish with initial weight 5.70±0.2 g were fed with four experimental diets including 0 (T0), 100 (T1), 150 (T2), and 200 (T3) mg kg−1 diet AE for 8 weeks. At the end of feeding trial, growth performances, serum immune parameters, and mucus antioxidant enzymes were measured. Fish were challenged with A. hydrophila, and the antioxidant and immunity-related gene expression were investigated. Based on the results, the highest final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) were attained in T2 and T3 (P<0.05). Immune factors including ACH50, lysozyme, and total immunoglobulin in T2 and T3 showed the highest values (P<0.05). The expression of GR, IL1 β, TNF α, HSC70, HSP70, and HSP90 β genes in T1, T2, and T3 were higher than the control (P<0.05). The GST expression was significantly enhanced in T2 (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the administration of AE, especially at doses of 150 mg kg−1, could improve the growth, immunity, and antioxidant parameters, as well as enhance disease resistance against A. hydrophila in goldfish.

Anticancer effect of Artichoke and Fennel seeds extracts on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line: In vitro study

Anticancer effect of Artichoke and Fennel seeds extracts on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line: In vitro study

Artichoke leaf hydroethanolic extract reduces neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury via attenuating the sciatic nerve oxidative stress

Neuropathic pain, a nerve damage consequence, presents symptoms such as dysesthesia, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating potential of artichoke leaf extract in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in male rats. The hydroethanolic extract of artichoke leaf was administered via gavage at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 21 days. Behavioural tests were conducted on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 post-surgeries. Only the dose of 800 mg/kg significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia from day 14 and mechanical allodynia from day 7, and the other doses did not affect behaviours. Biochemical analysis showed that artichoke extract decreased lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GPx) in the sciatic nerve tissue. In conclusion, artichoke leaf extract administration diminishes neuropathic pain-related behaviours by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress in the rats’ sciatic nerve.

Investigation of miniature goat cheese produced from Cynara scolymus L. pistil cell suspension culture extracts elicited with melatonin and salicylic acid.

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of enzymes produced by artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) flower cell suspension cultures elicited by melatonin (5 μm) and salicylic acid (50 μm) on the production and characteristics of miniature goat cheeses. In this study, five types of fresh miniature goat cheese were produced using whole artichoke flower extract, salicylic acid (50 μm) or melatonin (5 μm) treated artichoke suspension cell culture extracts, a culture extract without elicitor treatment (control) and rennin enzyme. The milk clotting activity values of the enzymes were measured in the range 0.52-0.74. The effect of the enzymes on the titratable acidity, water-soluble nitrogen, ripening index, αs-caseins and β-caseins of goat cheese was significant (P < 0.05). The highest level of casein degradation was observed in the cheese produced with the enzyme containing melatonin, followed by the cheese produced with the enzyme containing salicylic acid. For the enzymes produced by the suspension cell culture method, the addition of melatonin and salicylic acid had a slightly positive effect on the proteolytic activity of the extracts. It was also found that the enzymes obtained from artichokes by the suspension cell culture method did not achieve successful cheese production in terms of chemical, textural and biochemical aspects compared to those obtained from animal enzymes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Flavonoids-Enriched Vegetal Extract Prevents the Activation of NFκB Downstream Mechanisms in a Bowel Disease In Vitro Model.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence has increased in the last decades due to changes in dietary habits. IBDs are characterized by intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, increased inflammatory mediator production and excessive tissue injury. Since the current treatments are not sufficient to achieve and maintain remission, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becomes a primary practice as a co-adjuvant for the therapy. Thus, the intake of functional food enriched in vegetal extracts represents a promising nutritional strategy. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke, caihua and fenugreek vegetal extract original blend (ACFB) in an in vitro model of gut barrier mimicking the early acute phases of the disease. Caco2 cells cultured on transwell supports were treated with digested ACFB before exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines. The pre-treatment counteracts the increase in barrier permeability induced by the inflammatory stimulus, as demonstrated by the evaluation of TEER and CLDN-2 parameters. In parallel, ACFB reduces p65NF-κB pro-inflammatory pathway activation that results in the decrement of COX-2 expression as PGE2 and IL-8 secretion. ACFB properties might be due to the synergistic effects of different flavonoids, indicating it as a valid candidate for new formulation in the prevention/mitigation of non-communicable diseases.

Spotlight on Secondary Metabolites Produced by an Early-Flowering Apulian Artichoke Ecotype Sanitized from Virus Infection by Meristem-Tip-Culture and Thermotherapy.

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an important crop of the Mediterranean basin characterized by many properties, like hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and beneficial to human health. The high bioactive compounds (BACs) content, as polyphenols, has attracted the research interest in artichoke extracts. We analysed the changes in polyphenol transcriptome profile between sanitized (S) virus-free and non-sanitized (NS) artichoke plants, focusing on genes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway and flavonoid biosynthesis. A total of 2458 upregulated and 2154 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were functionally characterized. Among them, 31 and 35 KEGG orthology entries characterized by upregulated and downregulated DEGs, respectively, were involved in the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. A downregulation of PAL, C4H, 4CL, HST/HQT, C3'H, CCoAMT, CCR1, and F5H, was observed in S artichoke compared to NS one, whereas the CSE, CHS, and CHI genes were upregulated in S samples. Transcriptome results were compared to the polyphenols accumulation in S and NS artichoke leaves. A higher content of total polyphenols was observed in older leaves of NS samples, compared to extracts obtained from young leaves or from S plants, and this result was associated with the presence of viral infections in NS plants. In all the conditions tested, the most represented compound was chlorogenic acid, followed by luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The different composition of each extract was evaluated by a polyphenol dose-response treatment on the rodent hepatoma FaO cell line to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A significant reduction in ROS content ranging between -40% and -48% was observed when 10-20 mg/L of polyphenols from NS or S plants were used, characterized by a specific profile of compounds. To reduce MetOH residues in polyphenol extracts, a supercritical fluid CO2 extraction was evaluated to propose a sustainable green extraction.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels.

The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke-both standardized in their characteristic polyphenolic fractions-could positively affect serum lipid concentration and insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with a pill of either active treatment or placebo. After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo. At the 12-week follow-up, individuals allocated to the combined nutraceutical experienced a significant improvement in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, Apo B-100, Apo AI, glucose, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT), hs-CRP, several indexes of NAFLD, and brachial pulse volume (PV) in comparison with baseline. Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.

Artichoke extract and human bifidobacteria to attain symbiotic sheep milk cheeses

There is a growing interest for healthy non-bovine functional dairy products. Therefore, in the present study, an aqueous polyphenol-rich artichoke extract (AE) and two Bifidobacterium strains of human origin (B. pseudolongum INIA P2 and B. longum INIA P132) were added, alone or in combination with AE, for the manufacture of six sheep milk cheeses. In general, addition of 1.25 g of lyophilized AE per 100 g of curd did not affect cheese pH, dry matter, lactoccci starter counts or organic acid levels during ripening. Bifidobacterial strains showed good viability in cheeses with AE during ripening and after simulated major gastrointestinal conditions. Cheeses with AE showed improved functional properties, with significantly (P < 0.01) higher total polyphenol content and, especially, antioxidant activity The cheese with AE and strain INIA P2 fulfil the definition of a symbiotic cheese. It contains prebiotic compounds and Bifidobacterium at adequate levels to sustain a therapeutic effect, which are able to survive major gastrointestinal conditions. This cheese could confer beneficial effects on consumers’ health by contributing to the host antioxidant capacity and increasing polyphenol bioavailability.

280 Feeding a combination of feed additives before and during farrowing of sows reduces inflammation and oxidative stress and increases blood calcium to support uterine contraction

Abstract Farrowing is associated with inflammation and increasing oxidative stress status. In addition, during farrowing, calcium requirement increases to support uterine contraction. We have previously observed that feeding a combination of feed additives (FA), that contains inulin, Bacillus velezensis, extracts of olive oil and artichoke, and calcitriol, reduced the duration and assistance of farrowing in sows, and the number of stillborn piglets. It was hypothesized that feeding the combination of FA would reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and provide Ca to support uterine contractions during farrowing. A total of 34 sows from d 107 of gestation until 2 d post-farrowing were randomly allotted (balanced by parity 3.8 ± 2.5) to two treatments: without (control -CON) or with the FA combination (FA, Adicare Vita, 200 g/d). At the starting d (D 107 of gestation) and 24 h post-farrowing, blood samples were obtained to analyze for pig major acute-phase protein (Pig-MAP as an inflammation biomarker) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx as an antioxidant biomarker). During farrowing, sows were monitored, and blood samples were collected at 0 h, 2.5 h and 5 h to analyze for ionized Ca (iCa). Data was analyzed using SAS 9.4. Mean values were calculated using LSMeans statement. P-values &amp;lt; 0.05 were considered significant while tendencies were considered at 0.05 ≤ P &amp;lt; 0.10. Pig-MAP and GPx were analyzed using the MIXED procedure and iCa concentrations as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure. Sows fed the FA combination compared with CON sows tended to have decreased post-farrowing Pig-MAP l concentrations (2.52 vs. 4.29 mg/mL, respectively; P = 0.08) and greater GPx concentrations (2,112 vs. 1,588 U/L, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.01). FA sows had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) blood Ca concentrations during farrowing compared with CON sows (0.90, 1.10, and 1.01 vs. 0.85, 0.98, and 0.96 mmol/L at 0, 2.5 and 5h, respectively). To conclude, feeding a combination of FA during the last week of gestation might provide antioxidant effects, reduce inflammation caused by farrowing, and increase blood Ca to favor the uterine contractions.

Synergistic Inhibition of Synbiotic Cultures among Lactobacilli and Plant Extracts against Vaginal Discharge Causing Candida albicans.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic anticandidal effect of lactobacillus cultures supplemented with plant extracts. Among 600 isolates of lactic acid bacteria, 41 isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against Candida albicans ATCC10231. Six out of 41 cell-free supernatants demonstrated the most potent antibacterial and anticandidal activities. They also inhibited the clinical isolates of C. albicans, causing VVC and non-C. albicans. The synergistic effect between Lactobacillus crispatus 84/7 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 89/4 was demonstrated by the lowest fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI = 0.5). The synbiotic culture of bacterial combination, cultured with Jerusalem artichoke (H. tuberosus) extract, also exhibited the strongest inhibition against the tested C. albicans. Biofilm formation decreased after 12 h of incubation in the selected cell-free supernatants of this synbiotic culture. The anticandidal activity of crude extracts was lost after treatment with proteinase K and trypsin but not with heating conditions, suggesting that it may be a heat-stable substance. In conclusion, the combination of L. crispatus 84/7 and L. reuteri 89/4 with H. tuberosus may be a promising candidate for inhibiting Candida infection and biofilm formation, with the potential use as ingredients in vaginal biotherapeutic products.

Bioactive compounds and bioactivity of the heads of wild artichokes

Wild artichokes (Cyanara algarbiensis, C. baetica, C. cardunculus, and C. humilis) heads are globally consumed, although some taxa remain understudied, constituting natural reservoirs of bioactive phytochemicals. This study was focused on four Cyanara taxa collected in diverse locations in the SE of the Iberian Peninsula in comparison with cultivated C. scolymus. Analyses of vitamin C was effected by HPLC-DAD, and the methanol:water (80:20, v/v) extracts were analyzed for: i) phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS; ii) phenolic acids and flavonoid using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods; iii) the antioxidant activity through the DPPH and ABTS•+ methods; iv) the in vitro antiproliferative activity against HT-29 cells using the MTT assay; and v) caspase-3 activity, which was performed to verify induced apoptosis. Vitamin C highlighted in C. humilis (59.9 mg/100 g fw), and total phenolics (by chromatography quantitation) reached 645.9 mg/100 g fw in C. baetica. The antioxidant activity stood out in C. baetica, with 0.50 (DPPH) and 0.52 (ABTS•+) mmol TE/100 g fw. Chlorogenic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucoronide, and apigenin-7-O-rutinoside highlighted in C. baetica (159.5, 274.5, and 50.3 mg/100 g fw); and quercetin-3-O-glucoside and 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid stood out in C. algarbiensis (61.5 and 93.5 mg/100 g fw). Artichoke extracts inhibited HT-29 colorectal cancer cells proliferation, particularly the ones from C. algarbiensis and C. baetica (GI50 of 975 and 650 μg/mL for 72-h exposed cells). This work constitutes a whole approach to the knowledge of phytochemicals and bioactivities of wild artichoke taxa to discern their use as functional foods.

Investigation of Cytotoxic, Antimetastatic and Apoptotic Activities of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Extracts: Comparison with MCF-7 and MCF-12A Cells

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an important medicinal plant due to its composition of several bioactive substances, high antioxidant activity, rich inulin content and produces functional food ingredients. Complementary alternative medicine therapies become more popular for cancer treatments because of higher efficiency, lower cost and minimum side effects. This study reported anti-cancer efficiency of both shell and tuber extract of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) on different breast cell lines with the purpose of discovering new alternative medicine therapies. Cytotoxic effects of JA were evaluated by XTT method by using different concentrations on different incubation times (24h, 48h and 72h). Invasion, adhesion and apoptotic studies were performed with IC50 values for 48h and 72h. JA extracts do not show cytotoxic activity on healthy human breast cell, while they induce tumoral cell death with dose and time-dependent manner. The most effective doses of tuber and shell extracts were 108.8 µM and 134.2 µM at 48h and 20 µM ve 5 µM at 72h, respectively. It demonstrated robust anti-metastatic activity on MCF-7 cell lines because it inhibited adhesion, and invasion, significantly. TMRE and AnnexinV/7AAD staining were used for determine to mitochondrial membrane potential and nuclear morphology, respectively The results were found consistent with each other. Overall, this paper which first in literature demonstrates the anti-cancer efficacy of the JA both tuber and shell extract which can be proposed as a potent candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.

Exploring New Fruit- and Vegetable-Derived Rennet for Cheese Making

Cheese production is an ancient practice to preserve a perishable food, such as milk, for a long time. The first step of cheese processing involves the addition of rennet, which contains the enzymes necessary for the hydrolysis and coagulation of the caseins present in milk. Typically, animal-derived rennet, such as calf rennet containing chymosin, are used as source of enzymes for cheese processing. Alternatively, microbial chymosin or recombinant chymosin is used. However, recently, plant-derived rennet such as the ones derived from thistle and bitter orange flowers and from artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) have also been demonstrated to be valid sources of enzymes for cheese processing. Therefore, herein, different plant and fruit extracts were tested and compared for their ability to coagulate milk caseins. In particular, beyond artichoke and cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) extracts, those from pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), common fig (Ficus carica L.) milky sap, and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm.) were investigated for their proteolytic, esterase, and milk-clotting activities. The extracts were then exploited as vegetable and fruit rennet for the experimental production of cheeses, which were examined, after 30 days of maturation, for their moisture, fat, protein, and free fatty acid (FFA) content. Interestingly, the artichoke, cardoon, and thistle mushroom extracts showed high proteolytic activity compared to calf rennet, while the level of esterase activity appeared to be similar for all the extracts. The papaya extract showed the lowest proteolytic and esterase activity. Although the pH, moisture, fat, and protein contents were very similar to those of cheese made with calf rennet, the medium- and long-chain FFAs broadly differed among produced cheeses, with variations in the lipid quality indices.

Focus On Prebiotic and Probiotic Preventive and Therapeutic Diet Approaches to Restore Gut Homeostasis in Rodent Models of Autism

Although variable diet approaches shaped the gut bacterial abundance differently, they are considered the core factors in modulating gut microbiota throughdifferent mechanisms. Our aim in this study is to focus on the dietary candidates that could maintain a healthy gut microbiota by promoting commensal bacteria and reducingor inhibiting pathogens. In the current study, our objective is to demonstrate that a novel combined dietary approach of pre-and probiotic mixtures could be more effectivein inducing significant improvements in gut bacterial composition as a target to treat ASD. Luteolin complex veggie capsules (Swanson, USA), artichoke extract, as well asyogurt and Lactobacillus rhamnosus veggie capsules (5 billion CFU) (Swanson, USA), recently known as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus were selected as prebiotics and probioticsrespectively and were screened for their protective and therapeutic effects on the gut microbiota. They were all administered orally over 5 weeks to propionic acid PPAtreatedrats as rodent models of Autism (groups 4-10). Their results were compared to the control animal group undertaking a standard diet (group 1) and to post and pre-PPA-treated groups (groups 2 and 3). Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were noted as the most dominant, non-fluctuating strains in response to all diet intakes, and theynegatively influenced the presence of Proteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae), which decreased in almost all treated groups during weeks 2 and 3, and 4.Interestingly, Clostridiumsp. was observed to be high in number at week 1, mainly in the control group (1) and pre and post-PPA groups (2 and 3), but were inhibited in all treated groups over theextended treatment period. Bacteroidetes were positively increased with the high presence of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. Levels throughout the experiment in almostall animal groups. Thus, both prebiotics and probiotics study designed candidates (Luteolin complex capsules, artichoke extract, yogurt, and L. rhamnosus capsules) inhibitedClostridium sp., promoted commensal bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., restored the normal gut bacterial niches and therefore could be consideredas potential promising dietary approaches for maintaining healthy physical and microbial gut strategies.

Dopamine sensing by fluorescent carbon nanoparticles synthesized using artichoke extract.

The practical and easy detection of dopamine levels in human fluids, such as urine and saliva, is of great interest due to the correlation of dopamine concentration with several diseases. In this work, the one-step synthesis of water-soluble carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), starting from artichoke extract, containing catechol groups, for the fluorescence sensing of dopamine is reported. Size, morphology, chemical composition and electronic structure of CNPs were elucidated by DLS, AFM, XPS, FT-IR, EDX and TEM analyses. Their optical properties were then explored by UV-vis and fluorescence measurements in water. The dopamine recognition properties of these CNPs were investigated in water through fluorescence measurements and we observed the progressive enhancement of the CNP emission intensity upon the progressive addition of dopamine, with a binding affinity value of log K = 5.76 and a detection limit of 0.81 nM. Selectivity towards dopamine was tested over other interfering analytes commonly present in human saliva. Finally, in order to perform a solid point of care test, CNPs were adsorbed on a solid support and exposed to different concentrations of dopamine, thus observing a pseudo-linear response, using a smartphone as a detector. Therefore, the detection of dopamine in simulated human saliva was performed with excellent results, in terms of selectivity and a detection limit of 100 pM.

Effects of Kenponashi-Artichoke Compound Supplement on CCl4 -induced Chronic Hepatic Injury to Rats

Background: Population aging is coupled with an increased morbidity rate of chronic diseases, and the lesions are mostly related to the liver, joints, and adipose tissues. Chronic diseases not only influence personal health but also increase national health and medical expenses. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most familiar chronic liver disease (CLD) in the world. It will cause liver fibrosis or death without treatment, but there is no certified drug for treatment. According to many studies, artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract, Kenponashi (Hoveniadulcis thunberg) extract, sanghuangporus sanghuang (Phellinuslinteus) extract, fructus schisandrae (Schisandra chinensis) extract, sesame (Sesamum indicum) extract, vitamin B complex and vitamin E have potential in resisting inflammation and liver fibrosis, but this novel combination for improving hepatic injury has not been studied or discussed in practice. Objective: This experiment discussed the effect of an artichoke compound (AHC) formula containing artichoke extract, Kenponashi extract, sanghuangporus sanghuang extract, fructus schisandrae extract, sesame extract , vitamin B complex and vitamin E on improving the chronic hepatitis of rats induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4). Design: A total of 50 six-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups for use in the experiment, including the control group and four experimental groups (CCl4). The CCl4 groups were given carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or AHC (318, 636 and 1,590 mg/kg, represented by AHC-L, AHC-M, and AHC-H, respectively). All rats were fed AHC for one week at first. Starting from the second week, the control group was fed olive oil (0.2 ml/100 g) per os, while the experimental group was fed with CCl4 20% twice per week for eight-weeks. During the experimental period, CMC or AHC was given to the rats once per day. All rats were sacrificed in the ninth-week to analyze their body weight, food intake, body fat content, serum biochemical value and liver lipids. Results: The results showed that the final spleen weight of the CCl4 +AHC-H group was significantly lower than that of the CCl4 +CMC group; the AST concentration in the plasma of the CCl4+AHC-L, M and H groups was significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the ALT concentration in the plasma of the CCl4+AHC-H group was significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in the plasma of the CCl4+AHC-L, M and H groups were significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the GSH concentration in the livers of the CCl4+AHC-L and H groups was significantly higher than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the hepatic fibrosis of the CCl4+AHC-L, M and H groups were significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: AHC could reduce the ALT and AST values of rat plasma induced by CCl4, increase the antioxidant GSH content in the liver, and reduce the degree of hepatic fibrosis. It has the potential to be a natural and mild plant extract dietary supplement. Its long-term administration effect on the human body should be observed in the future.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) water extract alleviates palmitate-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 hepatocytes via the activation of IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling pathway

BackgroundArtichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a typical element of a traditional Mediterranean diet and has potential health advantages for insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of artichoke water extract (AWE) on palmitate (PA)-induced IR in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells.MethodsThe effect of AWE on cell viability was determined using CCK8 assay. Cellular glucose uptake, glucose consumption, glucose production, and glycogen content were assessed after AWE treatment. The gene expression and protein levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting.ResultsThe results showed that AWE dose-dependently increased cell viability in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). AWE treatment significantly promoted glucose uptake and consumption, decreased glucose production, and increased the cellular glycogen content in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, AWE elevated the phosphorylation and total protein levels of major insulin signaling molecules in IR HepG2 cells, which resulted in a decrease in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and the inhibition of glycogen synthase (GS) phosphorylation in IR HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the protective effect of AWE on IR HepG2 cells might be ascribed to the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.ConclusionWe conclude that AWE may improve glucose metabolism by regulating IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling associated with the inhibition of ER stress in IR HepG2 cells induced by PA.

English

Artichoke is well known for its various medicinal properties i.e., lipid-lowering and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of artichoke is mainly caused by the presence of various biologically active compounds, especially polyphenols. These polyphenols are being affected by a variety of environmental and cultivation factors including the application weedicides. The current study was aimed at clarifying the effects of various commonly used post-emergence weedicides (Phenmedipham, Pyridate, Quizalofop-p-ethyl, Prosulfocarb, Carfentrazone-ethyl, Rimsulfuron, Aclonifen, and Clomazone) on the production of polyphenolic compounds, including the flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. Weedicides were applied during the cultivation of artichoke in two growth phases. Polyphenols were analyzed in leaf extracts of artichoke using the HPLC method. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the leaf samples was determined. Results revealed minimum production of dry matter in the treatment with aclonifen (2.61 t ha-1). While different weedicide showed variable effects after each week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) of application. Significant difference among the various treatments of weedicide during both growth phases i.e., concentration of polyphenolics is being remarkably affecting by treatments with various weedicide. A positive correlation CQA (caffeoylquinic acid) with flavonoids on one hand and with ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) on the other showed the synergism among these. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of artichoke leaf extracts is influenced by the content of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoid in addition to some other antioxidants (carotenoids, terpenoids etc.). Weedicide application can lead to a reduction in phenolic constituents of artichoke leaf samples; however, this negative impact is quickly compensated during further growth and development of plant under moderate climate conditions