Berberis Vulgaris Fruit Research Articles

Silver Nanoparticles Produced In Vitro by Berberis vulgaris Fruit and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Ex Ovo Irritation Potential Study

Green synthesis was successfully used for silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) preparation using Berberis vulgaris aqueous extracts. The ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, photon cross-correlation spectroscopy (PCCS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) techniques were used for characterization of the Ag NPs and confirmed the presence of Ag(0) in nanoparticles. The bimodal morphology was discovered, namely, the larger particles had elongated shape and size around 200 nm, while the smaller ones were spherical with a size of up to ten microns. All the nanoparticles (NPs) showed antioxidant activity against radical DPPH and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. The Ag NPs possess antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus comparable to silver nitrate solution. In addition, also irritation potential of the produced Ag NPs has been investigated ex Ovo and no irritation of vessels and their surroundings was found, which shows the harmless character of the products.

Effects of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract on oxidative stress status in the kidney and liver of diabetic rats.

Oxidative stress has a key role in the diabetes pathogenesis and complications. Berberis vulgaris is known in folk medicine for curing several diseases. The current research aimed to assess the influences of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract against oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip) was injected to male rats. After diabetes confirmation, animals received the Berberis vulgaris fruit extract daily at amounts of 3.5 and 7.5 % of drinking water (v/v) for six weeks. Total thiol and lipid peroxidation levels were assessed in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen at the end of the study. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia along with enhancement of lipid peroxidation levels in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen, and decrement of total thiol content in the kidney and liver tissues. Chronic administration of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract at amount of 3.5 % of drinking water decreased the lipid peroxidation level in the serum and liver, and enhanced total thiol level in the liver and kidney. Berberis vulgaris fruit extract exerts antioxidant activity in the serum, liver and kidney organs of diabetic rats. Therefore, it might be used in the prevention and control of diabetes complications.

Acetone extracts of Berberis vulgaris and Cornus mas L. induce apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

This study aimed to determine the proliferation and apoptotic effects of extracts from Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which constitute the herbal material of the study, were turned into 80% acetone extract after washing. The total phenolic content in Berberis vulgaris fruit extracts was determined calorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the total flavonoid amount of the extracts. In order to measure the antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits and extracts, DPPH Radical Scavenging Power test and Cu (II) ion reducing antioxidant capacity method were applied. Cell viability rates were determined by the XTT method. Flow cytometric measurement was performed to examine the apoptotic role of the extracts in the cell by using the Annexin-V/7-AAD commercial kit. According to the data, Berberis vulgaris fruit extract appeared more effective on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in both 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Analyses made to examine the phenolic component and antioxidant capacity properties of the fruits used in the study and the results we encountered when we exposed the cell were found to be compatible with each other. Annexin-V/7-AAD method showed that the apoptotic effects of the extracts in 48 hour exposures were more effective. It has been determined that Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which are rich in phenolic components with high flavonoid content and high antioxidant capacities, support the apoptosis of cancer cells.

Effect of Berberis vulgaris fruit powder on visfatin and metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disorder that is strongly associated with cardiovascular complications. Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) is a traditional plant with anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of B. vulgaris on visfatin and metabolic profiles in T2DM. MethodsIn this double-blind clinical trial, 40 patients with T2DM were randomized into two equal groups: i) 1000 mg B. vulgaris was administered at a dosage of 2 × 500 mg capsules daily (BFP group), ii) placebo was administered as 500 mg capsules containing lactose twice a day (PL group) for 8 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical tests and serum visfatin levels were measured prior to and following the intervention. ResultsThe changes in the Total Cholesterol (P = 0.006), Triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.001), High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.001), Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.004), LDL-C/HDL-C (P = 0.001), TG/HDL-C (P = 0.001) and, Total Cholesterol/HDL-C (P = 0.009) between the two groups was significant at the end of trial. Moreover, visfatin was significantly changed following 8-weeks in the group receiving B.Vulgaris in comparison with the PL group (P = 0.01), based on ANCOVA. ConclusionsB. vulgaris supplementation appears to have favorable effects on lipid profile and serum visfatin in T2DM.

Berberis Vulgaris Fruit: Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Extracts Obtained by Supercritical CO2 and Soxhlet Methods Using HPLC.

Recently, research studies on nutraceutically important polyphenolic substances have attracted intensive attention. Berberis vulgaris is an important source of polyphenolic compounds and is often used in traditional medicine. In this study, the extraction of rutin and apigenin rich oil from Berberis vulgaris fruits was evaluated by supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO2) extraction method with and without co-solvent. As valuable antioxidants, rutin and apigenin content of extracts were analyzed by HPLC, and their amounts were maximized via parametric optimization. The rutin compound studied in this research has the potential to be a drug against the COVID-19 virus. The operating conditions were considered in the range of 35–70 °C temperatures, 140–240 bar of pressures, 0.35–1.00 mm of mean particle sizes, 3–7 l/min of CO2 flow rates, and 0–8% w/w co-solvent. As a result of Sc-CO2 extractions, the amounts of rutin and apigenin were found as 173 ± 14.97 µg/g and 2.91 ± 0.11 µg/g, respectively, with the 8% (w/w) co-solvent addition. The amounts of rutin and apigenin obtained by Soxhlet extractions were found as 208.81 ± 8.48 µg/g and 6.55 ± 0.21 µg/g, respectively. When the Sc-CO2 method was compared with the Soxhlet method, it was seen that the fast and eco-friendly Sc-CO2 method was an ideal extraction method by providing 76.89% rutin and 44.53% apigenin recoveries. As a result of this study, the maximum extraction conditions for rutin and apigenin were obtained as 160 bar, 40 °C, 0.35 mm particle size, 3 l/min CO2, 8% w/w co-solvent ratio, and 120 min extraction period.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12161-021-02136-8.

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF BERBERIS VULGARIS FRUIT EXTRACT AGAINST GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

Objective: To observe the nephroprotective role of berberis vulgar is on renal parenchyma against microscopic and morphometric changes induced by Gentamicin in albino rats.
 Study Design: Lab based experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in Baqai Medical University in collaboration with department of Anatomy Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, from Jan to Jul 2017.
 Methodology: A total of 40 male adult albino rats were used in the study. Four groups were made. Each group contained 10 rats. Group A was a control group, group B received only berberis vulgaris fruit extract orally per day for 21 days, group C received Gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day intraperitonially daily for 21 days. Group D received Gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day intraperitonially along with berberis vulgaris fruit extract 100 mg/kg/day orally. Both kidneys were removed. H&E and PAS stains were used for observing histological alterations and protective role of berberis vulgaris fruit extract.
 Results: Glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubules were observed histologically in all 4 groups. Microscopy of group B showed parameters nearly similar to control group. Microscopy of group C showed significant derangement in all parameters when compared with control group. Group C showed decrease glomerular, proximal convoluted tubular count was noted. Glomerular diameter increases and there was glomerular hypertrophy and tubular necrosis. Microscopy of group D showed significant improvement due to berberis vulgaris which restored normal renal architecture.
 Conclusion: Berberis vulgaris has a nephroprotective effect and it can be used as a new medicine against nephrotoxic drugs like Gentamicin.

Varietal comparison of proximate composition and mineral profiling of Pakistan native barberry powder

Berberis Vulgaris fruit (barberry) also commonly known as “zereshk” is one of the world’s renowned medicinal plant with highly nutritious and therapeutic values, world widely. It is an elongated, 8-10mm long, bright red colored, fruit. Berberidaceae family; B. vulgaris fruit is very useful tonic for liver, heart, pancreas, gallbladder and kidneys. It prevents chronic bleeding disorders, purifies blood, lowers blood cholesterol level, blood pressure and most importantly it help to treat diabetes. In addition it is effective in treatment of parasitic liver, kidney stones, gout, colon cancer, prostate inflammation, fever, asthma and malaria. Objective: This study is aimed to check the mineral and chemical profiling of Pakistan native barberry fruit. Methods: Proximate analysis of three different varieties (BVF01, BVF02, and BVF03) of B. vulgaris fruit from different three regions Azad Kashmir, Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan demonstrated a nutritional composition in range of 77.43, 70.08, 73.12% for moisture, 0.98, 0.76, 0.89% for crude ash, 0.42, 0.33, 0.39% for crude fat, 1.53, 1.32, 1.44% for crude protein, 2.76, 2.64, 2.75% for crude fiber, 16.88, 24.87, 21.41% for Nitrogen free extract (NFE).The different varieties of barberry contained the ranges of minerals such as calcium 2724.70, 2584.13, 2693.59ppm, magnesium 998.46, 944.06, 986.32ppm, potassium 12189.75, 11,114.21, 12021.19ppm, sodium 1402.16, 872.38, 1269.44ppm, iron 449.67, 334.58, 396.90ppm, zinc 8.42, 13.78, 29.5ppm, copper 15.11, 5.45, 11.63ppm, manganese 32.5, 25.86, 28.91ppm(mg/L), respectively. Conclusions: The type of barberry cultivated in Azad Kashmir is the best having good proximate composition and highest minerals amount as compared to Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan cultivated barberry.

The effects of ethanol extract of Berberis vulgaris fruit on histopathological changes and biochemical markers of the liver damage in diabetic rats.

Objective(s):Various studies have shown that the diabetes is associated with liver failure. The objective of this study was determining the effects of Berberis vulgaris fruit on histopathological and biochemical markers of liver in diabetic rats.Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, 60 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g with free access to water and ad libitum were randomly divided to five twelve-membered groups including healthy control (group 1), diabetic control (group 2, this two groups received distilled water), treated diabetic positive control (group 3) using dose 150 mg/kg/day metformin, and two groups treated with doses 200 (group 4) and 600 (group 5) mg/kg/BW of B. vulgaris extracts via gavage feeding for 8 weeks. Diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced by one dose injection of alloxan 120 mg/kg. This pre-clinical study was performed on 120 mg/kg alloxan induced diabetic rats.Results:The hepatic steatosis status, liver cholestasis and fibrosis were not changed in group 4 and 5. Glycogen deposition changed mildly and polymorphonuclear neutrophils infiltration changed moderately at group 5. Liver hepatitis changed mildly and severely at group 3 as well as group 5, respectively. Glucose, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were lower in high dose group compared to other groups.Conclusion:Results suggested that B. vulgaris extract can decrease liver damage by influencing hepatic histopathological and biochemical markers in diabetic rats.

Comparison between the efficacy of metronidazole vaginal gel and Berberis vulgaris (Berberis vulgaris) combined with metronidazole gel alone in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

BackgroundBacterial vaginosis is one of the most prevalent complications among reproductive-aged women. Antibacterial and antifungal effects of Berberis vulgaris have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of the vaginal gel of Berberis vulgaris 5% (in metronidazole base) with metronidazole vaginal gel 0.75% on bacterial vaginosis on 80 patients referred to the Hajar Hospital from January 2012 to April 2013.MethodsThis study was a randomized clinical trial research on 80 women affected by bacterial vaginosis, who were randomly divided into two groups of 40 participants. Diagnostic criteria were Amsel’s criteria and Gram stain. Berberis vulgaris 5% (in metronidazole gel base) or metronidazole vaginal gel for five-night usage was prescribed to each group, and after two to seven days therapeutic effects and Amsel criteria were assessed. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 16 using Student t-test, chi-square, and ANOVA tests.ResultsFindings of the study showed a statistically significant difference with regard to treatment response between the study groups (p<0.001), and the Berberis vulgaris group had a better response than the metronidazole gel group. The patients in groups of Berberis vulgaris in a metronidazole gel base did not experience any relapse, but, in the metronidazole group, 30% of patients experienced relapse during three weeks’ follow-up.ConclusionsFindings of the study showed that adding Berberis vulgaris fruit extract on metronidazole improve the efficacy of bacterial vaginosis therapy.Clinical trial registrationThe trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the IRCT ID: IRCT201411102085N13.FundingShahrekord University of Medical Sciences supported this research.

Effect of Extraction and Processing Conditions on Anthocyanins of Barberry

The effects of extraction and processing conditions including varieties (Berberis integerrima: A, Berberis vulgaris: P), solvent (water: W, ethanol: E), light (presence: L, absence: T), pH (3, 1.5), temperature (25, 50C), processes of heating (95, 80C), chilling (ref 1, 2 months), freezing (con), microwave (mic) and gamma irradiation (at doses of 0.5–10 kGy) on bioactive compounds were studied. The highest and lowest amounts (mg/100 g extract) of total phenolic (TPC), monomeric anthocyanin (MAC) and anthocyanin contents in extraction conditions, were: AET325 and PEL350, AET350 and PEL325 and delphinidin 3 glucoside in AET1.550 and peonidin 3 glucoside in PEL325, respectively. The highest and lowest amounts in processing conditions were, respectively: TPC (A7.5) and (Pmic), MAC (A0.5) and (P10), polymeric anthocyanin content (Pref2) and (A10), cyanidin 3 glucoside (A2.5) and all three delphinidin 3 glucoside, pelargonidin 3,5 diglucoside and peonidin 3 glucoside in B. vulgaris after processing were not detected. Practical Applications No data have been done about polyphenols and anthocyanins changes during processing excluding sun and shade drying (Moghaddam et al. 2013), in barberry fruits. The Berberis vulgaris fruit owing to its color and mellow taste is used as a seasoning in food. Berberis integerrima fruits are used to prepare juices. Polyphenols affect appearance, flavor, taste and nutrients of foods. Their beneficial activities are including antiplatelet aggregation, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and estrogenic properties. They prevent from cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Some advantageous properties of anthocyanins are antimicrobial, antihepatitis A and B, antimutation, reducing blood sugar, protecting of capillary permeability and they are identified as vitamin P. These compounds have greater antioxidant ability than vitamin E, ascorbic acid and β-carotene. According to prior researches, variety of plant, solvent, light, pH and temperature affect the yield of polyphenols and anthocyanins extraction. Therefore, we will study these parameters in this article.

Protective effect of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract against Paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat (PQ) has caused a large number of human fatalities all over the world, especially in Asian region. The main potential mechanism of PQ toxicity has been thought to be mediated by ROS. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the Berberis vulgaris fruit extract (BVFE) against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Forty male rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups each containing eight rats. Groups 1 and 2, served as a negative and positive control and received a single dose of intratracheal instillation of saline and PQ (20mg/kg), respectively. Groups 3-5 were treated with different doses of BVFE (100, 200, 400mg/kg/day, orally) 1 week before the PQ injection and continued for 3 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 21days after PQ. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Hydroxyproline, inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in lung tissue were determined. Presence of fibrosis, inflammatory cells, connective tissue and collagen deposition in lung were evaluated microscopically by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Dried extract was standardized by amount of berberine by HPTLC methods by silica gel plate. The results showed that PQ could significantly increase the lung MDA, hydroxyproline, TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels. BVFE ameliorated the biochemical and histological lung alterations induced by PQ. The present study indicates the hydroalcolic extract of Berberis vulgaris fruit has beneficial effects in rat pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory properties, which might be due to its berberine alkaloid content.

Effect of Extraction and Processing Conditions on Organic Acids of Barberry Fruits

The bioactive compounds of barberry such as organic acids are widely used in medical and food industries. The effects of extraction and processing conditions including varieties (B. integerrima: A, B. vulgaris: P), solvents (water: W, ethanol: E), light (presence: L or absence: T), pH (3 and 1.5), temperatures (25 and 50C), processes of heating (at 95 and 80C), chilling (ref. 1 and 2 months), freezing (con), microwave (mic) and gamma irradiation (at doses of 0.5–10 kGy) on organic acid profile were studied. The highest (acetic, malic and ascorbic) and lowest (fumaric) amounts (mg/100g extract) of organic acids in extraction conditions were as follows: acetic in AWT325 (23,124.53 ± 747.33), malic in PET1.525 (21,035.18 ± 21.05), ascorbic in AET350 (19,796.20 ± 104.44) and fumaric in PWL325 (62.30 ± 0.45). The highest and lowest amounts of organic acids in processing conditions were as follows, respectively: acetic (Amic 17,915.07 ± 164.38) and fumaric (Acon 38.84 ± 1.44). Practical Applications The Berberis vulgaris fruit is useful as tonic for liver and heart; it prevents chronic bleeding; reduces mucus, triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pressure; and also purifies the blood. It is effective in the treatment of gallbladder, bleeding hemorrhoids, antiparasitic liver, diabetes, gout, kidney stones, colon cancer, prostate inflammation, malaria, fever, asthma and neurological diseases. Owing to its color and mellow taste B. vulgaris fruit is used as a seasoning in Persian food. Barberry fruits are used in preparing sauces, jellies, carbonated drinks, candies, food color powders, jams, marmalades, chocolates and nectars. B. integerrima fruits are used to prepare juices. The use of barberry fruit as a natural food colorant rich in anthocyanins instead of harmful artificial ones was studied by researchers. In addition, barberry fruits contain polyphenols with beneficial antioxidant activities that reduce damages due to free radicals and prevent chronic diseases and cancers.

The Effects of Berberis vulgaris Fruit Extract on Serum Lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, Homocysteine, Glycemic Control and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Type 2 diabetes is a well-known endocrine and metabolic disorder which has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and represents a serious public health concern. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are two major abnormalities which are major cardiovascular risk factors. Berberine is a major alkaloid in Berberis vulgaris fruit extract (BVFE) which have important role in regulation of serum glucose and fat metabolism in-vivo and in-vitro but its role in type 2 diabetes have not been extensively examined. The aim of this study was the effect of BVFE on serum lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, homocysteine, glycemic control and total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients. In a double-blind randomised clinical trial, 31 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to 3 g/d BVFE or placebo for 3 months. Serum glucose, lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, insulin, homocysteine and HbA1c were measured at the baseline and also at the end of the 3(rd) month. At the beginning and end of 1(st), 2(nd) and 3(rd) months, a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire about each patients was completed. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. There were significant decreases in serum TG, TC, LDL-c, apo B, glucose, and insulin and also a significant increase in TAC at the end of the study in BVFE group compared to the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.01 and p = 0.0001 respectively). There were significant differences in serum TG (p = 0.0001), TC (p = 0.001), LDL-c (p = 0.001), apoB (p = 0.001), glucose (p = 0.002), insulin (p = 0.01), TAC (p = 0.005), and insulin resistance (p = 0.01) between the two groups at the end of the study; but homocysteine, HbA1c and HDL-c showed no significant changes between the two groups at the end of study. The intake of 3 g/d BVFE for 3 months may have benefical effects on lipoproteins, apoproteins, glycemic control and TAC in type 2 diabetic patients.

Effect of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) on serum glucose and lipids in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Summary Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is used in traditional medicine for a number of diseases including diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris fruit in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The animal s were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60mg/kg streptozotocin. Rats received the barberry fruit extract daily in drinking water containing 3.5% and 7.5% from a 100mg/ml of the initial extract, since the day after diabetes confirmation for 6 weeks. The blood glucose and lipids were spectrophotometrically measured in all groups at weeks 0, 3 and 6. The results showed that the aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris fruit at amounts of 3.5 and 7.5% of drinking water did not possess the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in streptozotocindiabetic rats during 6-week treatment period. There fore, the usage of barberry fruit in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes may need more investigation.

Comparative Study of Berberis vulgaris Fruit Extract and Berberine Chloride Effects on Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats.

Antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of anthocyanins are abundant in berberry fruits suggesting that they may have beneficial effects on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-colitic effect of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract (BFE) compared to berberine chloride (BEC) and corticosteroids using an animal model of acetic acid induced experimental colitis. BFE with three different doses (375, 750, and 1500 mg/Kg) was administered orally or rectally prior to ulcer induction. BEC (10 mg/Kg), prednisolone (5 mg/Kg), hydrocortisone acetate enema (20 mg/Kg) and normal saline (5 mL/Kg) were considered as respective controls. The tissue was assessed macroscopically for damage scores, area, index and weight/length ratio. They were also examined histopathologically for inflammation extent and severity, crypt damage, invasion involvement and total colitis index. Results indicated that greater doses of oral BFE (750, 1500 mg/Kg) as well as BEC (10 mg/Kg) were effective to protect against colonic damage. By rectal pretreatment, the extract was only effective to diminish the ulcer index and the efficacy was not significant for mucosal inflammation parameters. In conclusion BFE, which is nearly devoid of berberine, was effective to protect against colitis and this might be attributed to its anthocyanin constituents.

Effect of Berberis Vulgaris fruit extract on alpha‐fetoprotein gene expression and chemical carcinogen metabolizing enzymes activities in hepatocarcinogenesis rats

Effect of Berberis Vulgaris fruit extract on alpha‐fetoprotein gene expression and chemical carcinogen metabolizing enzymes activities in hepatocarcinogenesis rats

Effect of Dietary Dried Berberis Vulgaris Fruit and Enzyme on Some Blood Parameters of Laying Hens Fed Wheat-Soybean Based Diets

An in vivo study was conducted to evaluate dried berberry fruit (DBF) and enzyme on some blood parameters of laying hens. In a 5 * 2 completely randomized block design with factorial arrangement and 4 blocks as replicate, 5 levels of DBF (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2%) and 2 levels of NSP-degrading enzyme (0.0, and 0.05%) in wheat-soybean based diets were tested in 480, 100-week old laying hens for 4 weeks. Some blood parameters of laying hens including hematocrit value, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol were recorded at 104 weeks of age. DBF significantly (P<0.05) changed hematocrit value and HDL-cholesterol (with or without enzyme), and LDL-cholesterol (with enzyme). It was concluded that use of DBF as a phytochemical compound may improve some of the blood parameters and possibly egg components that are important for human health.

Cytotoxic Effect of Berberis vulgaris Fruit Extract on the Proliferation of Human Liver Cancer Cell Line (HepG2) and its Antioxidant Properties

Cytotoxic Effect of Berberis vulgaris Fruit Extract on the Proliferation of Human Liver Cancer Cell Line (HepG2) and its Antioxidant Properties

A pharmacological study on Berberis vulgaris fruit extract

Berberis vulgaris fruit (barberry) is known for its antiarrhythmic and sedative effects in Iranian traditional medicine. The effects of crude aqueous extract of barberry on rat arterial blood pressure and the contractile responses of isolated rat aortic rings and mesenteric bed to phenylephrine were investigated. We also examined effect of the extract on potassium currents recorded from cells in parabrachial nucleus and cerebellum rejoins of rat brain. Administration of the extract (0.05–1 mg/100 g body weight of rat) significantly reduced the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in anaesthetized normotensive and desoxycorticosteron acetate-induced hypertensive rats in a dose-dependent manner. Concentration–response curves for phenylephrine effects on isolated rat aortic rings and the isolated mesenteric beds in the presence of the extract were significantly shifted to the right. Application of the extract (1–50 μg/ml) shifted the activation threshold voltage to more negative potentials, leading to an enhancement in magnitude of the outward potassium current recorded from cells present in rat brain slices of parabrachial nucleus and cerebellum. This effect on potassium current may explain the sedative and neuroprotective effects of barberry. The present data support the hypothesis that the aqueous extract of barberry has beneficial effects on both cardiovascular and neural system suggesting a potential use for treatment of hypertension, tachycardia and some neuronal disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsion.

The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract fromBerberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats

The aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit (B.V.) was tested to evaluate its antihypertensive effects on DOCA-induced hypertension in the rats. Hypertension was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) by DOCA-salt injection (20 mg/kg, twice weekly, for 5 weeks, s.c.) plus NaCl (1%) which was added to the animals' drinking water. Then 5 weeks later, the rats were anaesthetized with thiopental (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and the arterial blood pressure was measured. The mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were 231 +/- 6.4 (mmHg) and 506 +/- 12 (beats/min), respectively. Administration of B.V. extracts significantly reduced the rat arterial blood pressure. In in vitro studies, rings of descending aorta were cut and mounted for isometric tension recording in an organ chamber containing Krebs solution. Mesenteric beds were also removed and perfused with Krebs solution. After 1 h of stabilization, preparations (aortic rings or mesenteric beds) were precontracted with phenylephrine (10(-5) M), then different concentrations of B.V. (0.4, 2 and 4 mg/mL) were added which caused a relaxation in these vessels. To investigate the mechanism of action of the extract, the tissues were incubated with either L-NAME (10(-5) M) or indomethacin (10(-5) M) for 20 min. In the aortic rings L-NAME pretreatment could only reduce the vasodilatory effects of a low concentration of B.V. (0.4 mg/mL), but indomethacin was without effect. In isolated perfused mesenteric beds preincubation with either L-NAME or indomethacin did not modify the vasodilator effects of the aqueous extract from B.V. fruit. The present results suggest that the antihypertensive and vasodilatory effects of B.V. fruit extract are mainly endothelial-independent and it may be used to treat hypertension, a status with endothelial dysfunction.