BL Extracts Research Articles

Comparative metabolome profiling of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis cultivars and Paris luquanensis and their biological activity in zebrafish model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceParis polyphylla var. Yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz., a perennial medicinal herb commonly known as “Chonglou” in Chinese, is mainly effective against innominate toxin swelling, insect sting, snake bite, traumatic injuries and various inflammatory. It is also recorded with mild toxicity. The rare species Paris luquanensis H. Li has been also used as folk medicine in Yunnan province for the same effects. Compared with P. polyphylla var. Yunnanensis (35–100 cm in height), this species has variegated leaves, and grows slower and is therefore shorter (6–23 cm in height). There are a number of different cultivars based on the shape of the petal and the height of Paris plant. However, currently, investigations into the differences of the chemical profiling of these cultivars are lacking. Aim of the studyThis study aims to: (1) examine metabolites variations in Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis cultivars and Paris luquanensis; (2) investigate the different metabolite accumulation patterns between rhizomes and leaves and provide more useful information for the application of P. polyphylla var. Yunnanensis leaves; (3) compare in vivo effects on the recruitment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Neutrophils and toxic effects in zebrafish model between leaves and rhizomes of P. polyphylla var. Yunnanensis and P. luquanensis. Materials and methodsThe change patterns of metabolites in the leaves and rhizomes of four P. polyphylla var. Yunnanensis cultivars and one P. luquanensis cultivar were analyzed using an UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system. The total phenolic acid, total flavonoid, total saponin components and in vitro antioxidant activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The in vivo toxicity and their effects on the recruitment of ROS and neutrophils in zebrafish model were performed. ResultsThe widely targeted metabolomics method detected 695 metabolites in tested samples and classified as 15 known classes according to structures of the metabolites. By overall-comparing the SDMs discerned between leaves and rhizomes of each samples, 161 metabolites were substantially altered in all the cultivars. There are 62 and 64 SDMs showing constitutive differential accumulation between leaves and rhizomes of P. polyphylla var. Yunnanensis (samples A-D) and P. luquanensis (sample E), respectively. The levels of TSC, TPC and TFC decreased significantly in leaves as compared to rhizomes for all cultivars, with the exception of TPC in cultivar A, which is almost the same in leave and rhizome. The DPPH scavenging property and FRAP values of rhizomes are higher than those of leaves for all cultivars. However, there is no distinct different between leaves and rhizomes of different sample extracts for in vivo effects on the recruitment of ROS and neutrophils in zebrafish model. BL extracts showed high toxicity to the developing embryos. ConclusionAs far as we are concerned, this study analyzes the P. polyphylla var. Yunnanensis and P. luquanensis variegation from the perspective of the metabolites pattern for the first time. The results give a valuable insight into the specie metabolic profiling and in vivo anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and toxic effects of these Paris plants.

Aqueous extract of bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) ameliorates testicular toxicity induced by aluminum chloride in rats.

Human exposure to aluminum is inevitable, and one of the most adverse health effects of aluminum is a decrease in male fertility rates. Therefore, this study investigated the ameliorative effects of an aqueous extract from Laurus nobilis-bay leaf (BL) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6, each group): The control (group 1) received normal saline; Group 2 animals were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) AlCl3; and Groups 3 and 4 were co-administered AlCl3 with 125 or 250 mg/kg BW of BL extract, respectively, for 21 days. Testes, epididymis, and blood samples were collected. Testicular plasma enzyme activity was measured using a spectrophotometric assay, while concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in testicular enzyme activity in the group treated with AlCl3. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in testicular enzyme activity in groups co-administered AlCl3 and BL extract as compared with that in control. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in testicular nitrite concentration in the AlCl3-treated group, whereas the administration of BL extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrite concentration in Groups 3 and 4. Furthermore, the administration of BL extracts increased sperm count and improved the morphology of the testes in AlCl3-treated rats. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannin, glycosides, saponin, anthraquinones, and steroids were identified in BL extract, with alkaloids and glycosides being the most abundant. Aqueous extract from BL ameliorated the toxic effect of AlCl3 and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting nitrite production while improving sperm count and morphology in AlCl3-treated rats. The bioactivity of the extract may be attributed to the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals. Therefore, BL aqueous extract could be a promising source of novel compounds with male fertility-promoting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bacterial Transformation of Aromatic Monomers in Softwood Black Liquor.

The valorization of lignin, a major component of plant-derived biomass, is essential to sustainable biorefining. We identified the major monoaromatic compounds present in black liquor, a lignin-rich stream generated in the kraft pulping process, and investigated their bacterial transformation. Among tested solvents, acetone extracted the greatest amount of monoaromatic compounds from softwood black liquor, with guaiacol, vanillin, and acetovanillone, in an approximately 4:3:2 ratio, constituting ~90% of the total extracted monoaromatic content. 4-Ethanol guaiacol, vanillate, and 4-propanol guaiacol were also present. Bacterial strains that grew on minimal media supplemented with the BL extracts at 1mM total aromatic compounds included Pseudomonas putida KT2442, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6, and Rhodococcus rhodochrous EP4. By contrast, the extracts inhibited the growth of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 and Rhodococcus opacus PD630, strains extensively studied for lignin valorization. Of the strains that grew on the extracts, only R. rhodochrous GD01 and GD02, isolated for their ability to grow on acetovanillone, depleted the major extracted monoaromatics. Genomic analyses revealed that EP4, GD01, and GD02 share an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 98% and that GD01 and GD02 harbor a predicted three-component carboxylase not present in EP4. A representative carboxylase gene was upregulated ~100-fold during growth of GD02 on a mixture of the BL monoaromatics, consistent with the involvement of the enzyme in acetovanillone catabolism. More generally, quantitative RT-PCR indicated that GD02 catabolizes the BL compounds in a convergent manner via the β-ketoadipate pathway. Overall, these studies help define the catabolic capabilities of potential biocatalytic strains, describe new isolates able to catabolize the major monoaromatic components of BL, including acetovanillone, and facilitate the design of biocatalysts to valorize under-utilized components of industrial lignin streams.

In-vitro Investigation of Wound Healing Potential of Musa acuminata Leaf Extract

The present study was aimed to explore the potential of Musa acuminata var G9 leaves (banana leaves, BL) as a wound healing agent and to formulate a topical delivery system for delivering the same. BL was collected, authenticated and the leaf components were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using three individual solvents. Phytochemical screening of three extracts led to the selection of aqueous extract which was further subjected to by GCMS analysis. MTT assay of aqueous BL extract exhibited cytocompatibility even at higher concentrations (150 mg/mL showed 85.45%). Antibacterial studies using agar disc diffusion method revealed more susceptibility of S. aureus in comparison to E. coli for the aqueous extract. For topical application, four creams (F1-F4) were developed and characterised. Further, scratch wound healing potential of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL of aqueous extract in F4 formulation was compared with marketed and control formulations using L929 cell lines which exhibited better cell migration of 25 mg/mL extract in 24 h with wound area of 44.46 ± 3.34 % compared to marketed 32.41 ± 1.63 % and control 9.38 ± 1.76 %. Thus the study indicates the potential of aqueous BL extract as a wound healing agent which can be further explored.

Study of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of extracts obtained from different craft beer by-products

This work deals with the study of the in vitro antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts obtained from brewer's spent grain (BSG) and lees (BL) from four brewing craft beers. The effect of type of malt (base malts with different percentage of roasted malt (BSG1: 0%, BSG2: 7,2%, BSG3: 11,8% and BSG4: 16%) and hop added during brewing (BL1-3: boil hopping, BL4: boil and dry hopping)) on the antioxidant potential of extracts, was studied. Results for BSG showed that the higher the content in roasted malt, the lower DPPH, ABTS+ and TPC values were found in BSG extracts. Results for BL extracts showed that BL4 (boil and dry hopping) presented the highest TPC content. Gallic acid, 4-hydroxyphenil acetate, epicatechin and sinapic acid were the major compounds contributing to the total phenolic content in all BSG samples whereas large differences among groups were found regarding to these compounds for BL.

Microwave assisted biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using banana leaves extract: Phytochemical, spectral characterization, and anticancer activity studies

Microwave assisted biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been a cost effective, environmentally benign, and alternative to the chemical method. In this context, we report eco-friendly and robust nanoparticles synthesized using the bio-waste (Banana leaves) extract material through a microwave method. The newly synthesized Banana Leaves extract -Silver Nanoparticles (BL-AgNPs) is confirmed by using the UV-Visible, FT-IR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. UV-Vis spectrum shows the widening of the band around 476 nm, which confirms the polydispersed nature of BL-AgNPs. FT-IR spectroscopy explores that, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in the Banana Leaves extract play vital role in the reduction of silver ions and also attach with AgNPs. The phytochemical studies reveal that, the polyphenols and alkaloids present in the BL extract act as reducing and stabilizing agent, which is responsible for the reduction of Ag+ (silver ions) to Ag (BL-AgNPs) and stabilization of BL-AgNPs. This clearly confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). SEM results revealed that, bead shape of BL-AgNPs with particle size of 80 to 100 nm. In conclusion, BL-AgNPs exhibits promising anticancer activity against lung cancer and breast cancer cell line by endorsing inhibition of cell migration and proliferation on low concentration.

Antibacterial and antioxidant effect of natural extracts from Baccharis latifolia (chilca)

The objective of the study was; to determine the antimicrobial activity of extracts of Baccharis latifolia (Bl) against Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria of food origin; as well as evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts. Extracts of leaves, root, stem and Bl flowers were used. After the analysis of antimicrobial activity against Listeria and Salmonella. After analysis showed that leaf and flower extracts were more effective, while against E. coli, flower and stem extracts. In antioxidant activity, the Bl flower extract at 60 mg/mL had a greater effect with 47.25%. In conclusion, Bl extracts, proved to be a natural alternative to partially inhibit pathogen development

Leaves of White Beetroot As a New Source of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds.

The white beetroot cv. Śnieżna Kula is the first betanin-free beetroot registered in the European Union. The aim of this study was to compare the phenolic acids profile and antioxidant capacity of leaves of white (SK) and red (CC) beetroots and red (LC) and white (BL) Swiss chard growing in Poland. LC leaves were the richest source of total phenolics (16.55 mg GAE/g FW) and phenolic acids (1.81 mg/g FW), while the highest content of flavonoids was determined in CC leaves (1.6 mg QE/g FW). The highest antiradical activity was observed for LC, whereas CC extract exhibited the highest chelating power. BL and CC leaf extracts demonstrated high LOX inhibitory potential (EC50 = 53.23 and 56.97 mg FW/mL, respectively). An uncompetitive type of LOX inhibition was obtained for all extracts. SK extracts demonstrated the highest XO inhibitory activity (EC50 = 81.04 mg FW/mL). A noncompetitive type of XO inhibition was obtained in both extracts from red leaves (CC and LC), whereas an uncompetitive mode of inhibition was observed in the case of white leaf (SK and LC) extracts. Thus, it can be assumed that the presence of betanin influences the XO inhibition mechanism.

Comparative antioxidant properties of water extracts from different parts of beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)

Water extracts from beefsteak plant stems (BS), leaves (BL), and ripe seeds (BR) were examined for their antioxidant activities and phenolic compounds. Based on superoxide anion radicals scavenging activity, the BS extract (61.8%) is the most effective one followed by BL and BR extract (60.8% and 33.3%, respectively). The antioxidant activity determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method revealed that the BS extract had the highest activity on DPPH free radicals (54.8%). In addition, the extracts of BS, BL and BR were effective in reducing capacity and chelating effect on ferrous ions in comparison with the control. Total phenolic compound and flavonoid content of the BS extract was found to be superior to other beefsteak plant extracts. The results indicated that the BS extract of beefsteak plant has effective antioxidant functions, especially in superoxide anion radical and DPPH radical scavenging activities and reducing power. It was of our paramount interest to further identify the specific antioxidant components in BS which may be a new health-care food supplement or functional food for special use in the future.

ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF NATURAL EXTRACTS FROM LEAVES, ROOT, STEM AND FLOWERS OF BACCHARIS LATIFOLIA FROM ECUADOR

Objective: The increase in chronic and degenerative diseases and the use of synthetic antioxidants such as (butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) are being restricted because they can be considered carcinogenic. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the search for natural antioxidants, especially from plants, due to their content in different bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials. To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Baccharislatifolia extracts.&#x0D; Methods: For the determination of the antimicrobial activity of extracts of leaves, root, stem and flowers of Baccharislatifolia (Bl), the disk plate diffusion method was used, the strains of Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli were studied; antibiotics Penicillin G and Ciprofloxacin were the controls. For the antioxidant activity, a solution of H2O2 (Abs at 230 nm) was prepared in Potassium Phosphate Monobasic-Sodium Hydroxide buffer.&#x0D; Results: The antimicrobial activity against Listeria and Salmonella, showed that the extracts of leaves and flowers were more effective with inhibition zones&gt;15 mm and&gt;20 mm respectively. In front of E. coli, the extracts of flowers and stem were the best with zones&gt;7.0 mm. Antibiotics studied inhibited the development of Listeria and Salmonella. However, E. coli isolates were resistant. In the antioxidant activity, the flower extract of Bl in 60 mg/ml presents a higher effect with 47.25%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Bl extracts from leaves and flowers were more efficient both in their antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity.

Components characterisation of Berchemia lineata (L.) DC. by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and its metabolism with human liver microsomes

Investigations were performed on the determination of the main components in Berchemia lineata (L.) DC. (BL) and its metabolism with human liver microsomes (HLM). A total of 35 compounds were detected in BL extracts and 25 of them including 6 naphthopyrones, 10 flavonoids, 2 phenolic acids, 2 phenols, 4 fatty acids and 1 quinone were unambiguously or tentatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Among them, naphthopyrones were first identified in BL extracts and labelled in chromatography. In addition, the weak inhibitory effects of BL extracts (IC50＝149.25 μg/mL) and rubrofusarin-6-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-(1-6)-O-β-D-glu-copyranside (the main component of BL extracts, M0; IC50＝82.14 μM) on CYP3A4 were also proved using testosterone as specific probe drug. The main metabolic pathway of M0 by HLM was hydroxylation in its aglycone, the metabolite was tentatively identified as 10-hydroxy-rubrofusarin-6-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-(1-6)-O-β-D-glucopyranside. Components characterisation and the metabolism with HLM could help the further development and application of BL.

Black Lentil Aqueous Extract Attenuates Colitis-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis in Mice (OR04-06-19)

ObjectivesThe objective was to compare the efficacy of a black lentil aqueous extract (BL) and a semi-purified anthocyanin (ANC) extract to prevent tumor development and inflammatory processes and impact on immune response in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) mouse model. MethodsBL was obtained from an overnight soak of organic beluga black lentils (1:2 w/v) in water, filtered, frozen, and freeze-dried. The major ANC identified was delphinidin 3-O-(2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-α-l-arabinopyranoside (D3G). Seven and a half week old C57BL/6 mice were randomly separated into four groups: healthy control (n = 6), disease control (n = 14), BL (n = 12), and D3G (n = 12). After a one week acclimation, the mice were given treatments for 11 weeks, either placebo or BL: 600 or D3G: 41 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to D3G in a BL extract) using a voluntary jelly administration every morning throughout the study. Following the first week of treatments, mice received an AOM injection of 10 mg/kg body weight. Three cycles of DSS in water started one week later. The first cycle had 2% DSS for one week; the second and third cycles had 1%. Each cycle had two weeks of regular water post-DSS. Inflammation, progression, and immune markers were analyzed in the colon, spleen, and plasma by histology, gene expression, ELISA, and protein arrays. ResultsBL had total ANC concentration of 21.3 mg D3G equivalent/g dry extract and total polyphenol concentration of 264.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract. BL group had a lower disease activity index (DAI), throughout and at the end, of 2.4 compared to 6.3 of the disease control and 4.0 of D3G group (P < 0.05). Mice in the BL group had an average of 7.8 neoplasms while the disease control had 12.8 and D3G had 12.1 (P < 0.05). BL group had a lower relative spleen weight and colon weight to length at 5 and 59 mg/cm compared to 10 and 82 mg/cm and 10 and 83 mg/cm of the disease control and D3G groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Based on colon cancer cell results, BL lowered expression of inhibitory immune markers, like PD-L1 (P < 0.05). ConclusionsBL attenuated the DAI and helped mice maintain their weight throughout the AOM/DSS treatment. BL also resulted in a lower total and lower large neoplasm number, relative lower spleen weight, and colon weight to length ratio compared to the disease control. BL showed anti-carcinogenic anti-inflammatory properties. Funding SourcesUSDA-NIFA-HATCH project 1014457.

Additive-based stability assessment of biologically designed CuO and GSH-CuO nanospheres and their applicability as Nano-biosensors.

Uncapped and Glutathione capped Cupric oxide nanospheres were synthesized by the interaction of Berberis lycium (Bl) root extract with corresponding salt solution. CuO nanospheres were best optimized by mixing 2% Bl extract solution with 1 mM CuSO4·5H2O (pH 11, 90 °C) Reduced glutathione (0.25 mM) in solution form was added in respective emulsion after 24 h. Synthesis of nanospheres was ensured by distinct surface plasmonic resonance peaks shown by CuO (370-420 nm). Addition of glutathione resulted in sharp blue shift and lowered absorbance values in UV spectra suggesting the decrease in nanoparticles' size and concentration. Average particle sizes as deduced with XRD were found to be 18.52 and 16.57 nm for CuO and GSH-CuO nanospheres respectively. Additive based stability assessment of synthesized nanospheres revealed CuO and GSH-CuO nanospheres to be highly stable in the presence of Catechin hydrate among various tested chemical compounds while ascorbic acid appeared as a strong destabilizing agent. TMB was oxidized by H2O2 in the presence of synthesized enzymes likewise horseradish peroxidase; though exhibited moderate results. Glutathione stabilized cupric oxide nanospheres exhibited the potential to be modulated further into efficient nanozymes as these showed better affinity towards chromogenic substrate TMB (Km value 0.32 mM) and better catalytic efficiency (0.075 mM-1 s-1) compared to uncapped CuO nanomimetics (1.6 mM, 0.033 mM-1 s-1). All of the tested additives served as inhibitors to the peroxidase mimicking potential of CuO and GSH-CuO nanozymes.

SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF PLANT EXTRACTS AND ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS ON C. ALBICANS.

fungi have surroundedus and have affected our life, when changed or getting out from control it should be treated and when change to multi drug resistant it is difficult to treat by antibioticsso wecan use plant extracts to produce valuable protectionagainst infection.Objective: In this study, we used agarwell diffusion method to investigate the effect of antifungal drug ofplant extractson Candida albicans,Method: Candida albicanswas isolated from oral cavity of Sulaimani Emergency hospital patients.The isolates consisted c.albicans(n=15). The microorganisms were divided into four groups in a factorial design: control, FGE with blackseed, FGE without black seed, black seed without FGE and antibiotic (Fluconazole). The minimum inhibitory concentration of FGE was calculated by using a gradient of concentrations and observeingtheir inhibitory effects on C. albicans.Results: fresh garlic extract(FGE extract)displayed evident inhibition against Candida albicansby producingmoreinhibitionzone (p &lt; 0.05), Black seed extract (BL extract) showed no inhibitory effect on C. albicansat %10 concentration.However,synergism of BI with FGE have shown significant effects on it (P &lt; 0.05) and fluconazole had littleeffect on Candidaalbicans. Conclusion: the result suggestthatFGE can improve the antibiotic sensitivity and BI don’t effect on C.albicans

Synergistic Effects of Plant Extracts and Antifungal Drugs on C. albicans

Background: Fungi have surrounded us and have affected our life, when changed or getting out from control it should be treated and when change to multi drug resistant it is difficult to treat by antibiotics so we can use plant extracts to produce valuable protection against infection. Objective: In this study, we used agar well diffusion method to investigate the effect of antifungal drug of plant extracts on Candida albicans. Methods: Candida albicans was isolated from oral cavity of Sulaimani Emergency hospital patients. The isolates consisted C. albicans (n=15). The microorganisms were divided into four groups in a factorial design: control, FGE with blackseed, FGE without black seed, black seed without FGE and antibiotic (Fluconazole). The minimum inhibitory concentration of FGE was calculated by using a gradient of concentrations and observing their inhibitory effects on C. albicans. Results: Fresh garlic extract (FGE extract) displayed evident inhibition against Candida albicans by producing more inhibition zone (p<0.05), Black seed extract (BL extract) showed no inhibitory effect on C. albicans at 10% concentration. However, synergism of BI with FGE have shown significant effects on it (P<0.05) and fluconazole had little effect on Candida albicans. Conclusion: The result suggests that FGE can improve the antibiotic sensitivity and BI don’t effect on C. albicans.

Berberis libanotica extract targets NF-κB/COX-2, PI3K/Akt and mitochondrial/caspase signalling to induce human erythroleukemia cell apoptosis.

The aim of this study was to describe and understand the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and apoptosis rate in erythroleukemia cells after apoptosis induction by Berberis libanotica (Bl) extract. To achieve this goal we used erythroleukemia cell lines expressing COX‑2 (HEL cell line) or not (K562 cell line). Moreover, we made use of COX‑2 cDNA to overexpress COX‑2 in K562 cells. In light of the reported chemopreventive and chemosensitive effects of natural products on various tumor cells and animal models, we postulated that our Bl extract may mediate their effects through apoptosis induction with suppression of cell survival pathways. Our study is the first report on the specific examination of intrinsic apoptosis and Akt/NF-κB/COX‑2 pathways in human erythroleukemia cells upon Bl extract exposure. Even if Bl extract induced apoptosis of three human erythroleukemia cell lines, a dominant effect of Bl extract treatment on K562 cells was observed resulting in activation of the late markers of apoptosis with caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage and DNA fragmentation. Whereas, we showed that Bl extract reduced significantly expression of COX‑2 by a dose-dependent manner in HEL and K562 (COX‑2+) cells. Furthermore, in regard to our results, it is clear that the simultaneous inhibition of Akt and NF-κB signalling can significantly contribute to the anticancer effects of Bl extract in human erythroleukemia cells. We observed that the Bl extract is clearly more active than the berberine alone on the induction of DNA fragmentation in human erythro-leukemia cells.

Antidepressant-like Effects of the Gastrodia elata Bl Extract in Mice

Objectives : A growing body of evidence has suggested that the dysfunction of glutamatergic systems plays a pivotal role in major depressive disorder (MDD). This study was performed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of the ethanolic extract of Gastrodia elata Bl (GE) in mouse models and to investigate the role of -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors in producing these antidepressant-like effects. Methods : The forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used to investigate GE`s behavioral effects in mice. Additional biochemical and behavioral experiments with NBQX, an AMPA receptor antagonist, were undertaken to determine whether the antidepressant-like properties of GE are involved in AMPA receptor throughput. Results : Oral administration of GE extract (1,600 mg/kg) 1h prior to testing significantly reduced the immobility times in the FST and TST. These antidepressant-like effects of GE extract were increased dose-dependently. Pre-treatment with NBQX significantly attenuated the reduction in immobility time induced by the GE extract in the FST and TST. Conclusions : The ethanolic extract of GE may exert antidepressant-like effects with involvement of AMPA receptor.

Effect of dietary blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) leaves on serum and hepatic lipid levels in rats

The serum and liver lipid-lowering effects of dietary freeze-dried blueberry leaf powder (BL) and its hydrothermal extract (BLHE) were examined in rats fed diets with or without cholesterol supplementation. Administration of 1% and 3% BL had no adverse effects on food intake or growth; however, relative liver weights were reduced in rats fed diets with and without dietary cholesterol. In the absence of dietary cholesterol, a dose-dependent reduction was evident. The effects of dietary BL on the concentration of serum lipids were marginal; however, the effects on liver triacylglycerol (TG) and cholesterol levels were apparently dose-dependent when the animals were fed diets free of cholesterol. Further, BL significantly attenuated dietary cholesterol-dependent accumulation of hepatic cholesterol, but not of TG. Hydrothermal treatment studies suggested that the active component of BL in terms of its liver lipid-lowering activity is relatively stable at high temperatures. Histopathological analysis of hepatic tissues revealed that BL administration suppresses fatty infiltrations induced by an AIN 76-based high-sucrose diet. The results of this study suggest that some of the active components of BL extracts, which are incorporated into the liver, prevent fatty liver in rats. These results provide further support for the investigation of dietary BL and derivatives thereof as functional human foods.

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of "Betel Quid" and Its Constituents on Testosterone Production by Dispersed Mouse Interstitial Cells

Betel quid (BQ) is a favorite chewing item among many communities in different parts of Asia where it is popular by different names. BQ is a unique combination of nut or fruit from the Areca catechu Linn. (AN) tree, leaf from the Piper betle Linn. (BL) vine, slaked lime, paste of bark from the Acacia catechu tree and other spices. AN has been used successfully in various traditional medicines by different civilizations over several ages. Initially condemned by the medical communities for its health hazards, identification and application of potent pharmacologically bioactive compounds from different constituents of BQ have rekindled growing interest in related investigations. Curious about the stimulating role of BQ, we investigated the potential steroidogenic activity of hot water extract from BQ and its constituents and arecoline on testosterone producing ability in an in vitro experiment. Enzyme dissociated interstitial cells from adult mouse testes (ICR strain) were cultured with/without different doses of the extracts and the level of testosterone produced was assayed by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. It was found that at lower doses of arecoline, AN and BL extracts had significantly stimulated testosterone production over the basal level (p < 0.05). BQ extract, on the other hand, did not show any significant effect on testosterone production. Combinations of arecoline at low doses with 10 ng/ml ovine leutinizing hormone (oLH) showed increases in testosterone produced, while cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) co-culture showed dose-related inhibition. Our current finding hints at the possible dose-dependent dualistic role of AN and BL extracts and arecoline for testosterone production employing possible non-cAMP-dependent pathway of steroidogenesis. However, the identity of the active compounds besides arecoline and the exact mechanism involved remains to be further investigated.