Nettle Extract Research Articles

Efectiveness of using of nettle extract in raising broiler chickens

Currently, agricultural specialists have a great interest in poultry feed additives that can become an alternative to antibiotics. Medicinal plants are a source of a wide range of biologically active compounds that have, among others, antimicrobial effects. The authors believe that a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of their use under production conditions should be carried out. This evaluation is necessary to obtain a fuller picture of the potential use of various forms of medicinal plants, in particular their extracts, in poultry production. The authors studied the effect of feeding different doses of water-ethanol extract of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) on growth, carcass quality, safety and chemical composition of meat of broiler chickens of ISA F15 cross from one day old to 40 days old. The experiment was conducted in an industrial poultry farm of Kuzbass, where a control group and five experimental groups of 35-day-old chickens were selected by the method of similar groups. Throughout the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed complete feed according to the phases of rearing, and the birds of the experimental groups were fed additional nettle extract in different doses. Feeding broiler chickens with nettle extract at the doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight increased the intensity of their growth by 0,4-1,4% and reduced feed conversion by 0,6-2,3%. High survival was noted in the groups which received the extract at doses of 5, 10, 20 mg/kg body weight. When nettle extract is added to complete feed for broiler chickens, the tendency to increase the carcass slaughter yield by 0,3-0,75% in groups 2, 3, and 4 of experimental and the caloric content of poultry meat by 0,8-6,6% in all experimental groups is established. Based on the results of the poultry meat production efficiency index evaluation, the authors suggest including nettle extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight in the composition of complete feed when raising broiler chickens in order to increase the level of profitability.

Assessing edible composite coating of sodium alginate–galbanum gum impregnated with nettle extract on improving the shelf life of rainbow trout fillet

Assessing edible composite coating of sodium alginate–galbanum gum impregnated with nettle extract on improving the shelf life of rainbow trout fillet

An assessment of the evidence for antibacterial activity of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts.

Stinging nettles (Urtica spp.) have been used in a diverse range of traditional and historical medicines from around the world for the treatment of skin diseases, wounds, urinary disorders, respiratory diseases, bone and joint pain, anaemia and other circulatory problems, as well as in cosmetic preparations for skin and haircare. As part of an interdisciplinary exploration of nettle-based remedies, we performed a systematic review of published evidence for the antimicrobial activity of Urtica spp. extracts against bacteria and fungi that commonly cause skin, soft tissue and respiratory infections. We focussed on studies in which minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays of U. dioica were conducted on the common bacterial opportunistic pathogens Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus . No studies used fresh leaves (all were dried prior to use), and no studies prepared nettles in weak acid (corresponding to vinegar) or in fats/oils, which are common combinations in historical and traditional preparations. We addressed this gap by conducting new antibacterial tests of extracts of fresh U. dioica leaves prepared in vinegar, butter or olive oil against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus . Our systematic review and additional experimental data leads us to conclude that there is no strong evidence for nettles containing molecules with clinically useful antimicrobial activity. It seems most likely that the utility of nettles in traditional topical preparations for wounds may simply be as a ‘safe’ absorbent medium for keeping antibacterial (vinegar) or emollient (oils) ingredients at the treatment site.

Optimization of spray drying parameters for encapsulation of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extract

This study aimed to optimize spray drying conditions using response surface methodology to investigate the effect of maltodextrin concentration (MC) (10–20 g/100 g), inlet air temperature (110–150 °C), and feed flow rate (2–6 ml/min) on some product and process aspects. According to the results, increasing maltodextrin concentration and inlet air temperature could significantly improve the process yield, and encapsulation efficiency. However, nettle extract's functional properties could be preserved via the retention of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of nettle extract by decreasing inlet air temperature. The optimum spray drying conditions to obtain the encapsulated nettle extract powder (ENEP) were determined as 150 °C inlet air temperature, 16.9 g/100 g maltodextrin concentration, and 3.4 ml/min feed flow rate. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the amorphous structure of ENEP at optimum conditions. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the efficiency of encapsulation process.

Efficacy of authentic bio-nematicides against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica infecting tomato under greenhouse conditions

The root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne javanica is considered one of the most widely distributed and economically damaging plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide. Given the exacerbation of the environmental pollution problem with chemical nematicides, the use of biological nematicides is one of the most acceptable alternative methods in nematode management by the farming community. Four bio-nematicides namely: NT (Steinernema feltiae), MM (Ascophyllum nodosum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), GA sol+ (A. nodosum, B. amyloliquefaciens, and Trichoderma harzianum), and Ortie-Prele (aqueous extract of nettle and horsetail (Equisetum arvense)) were evaluated for their efficacy against M. javanica infecting tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. Their efficiencies were compared to a positive control and NemGuard Granules (garlic granule extract) as a standard nematicide. Treatment effects on the growth parameters were also examined. All tested treatments gave high nematicidal effect, except for the Ortie-Prele. The highest reductions in root galling (63%), as well as the number of egg masses (98%), eggs (96%), second-stage juveniles (J2s) (93%), and the reproduction factor (RF = 2.36) were obtained by the NT treatment, which was superior to the efficacy of the standard nematicide 52.63%, 91.58%, 88.30%, and 92.07%, respectively. The Ortie-Prele treatment gave the lowest reduction for the previous nematode criteria 0%, 53.96%, 12.39%, and 11.84%, respectively. On the other hand, all treatments, significantly improved tomato growth parameters; plant length, shoot fresh weight and, root systems when compared to the standard nematicide (Nemguard Granules), and the positive control. The highest increase in shoot length (30.90%), root length (58.13%) and shoot weight (30.98%) were obtained by GA sol+, while Ortie-Prele recorded the highest increase in root weight systems (91.89%). Therefore, our results indicated that NT, MM, and GA sol + proved to be crucial components for an integrated management of M. javanica in tomato crops.

A potential role of nettle (Urtica dioica) extract on growth, biochemical changes and reproductive performance of convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata).

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of nettle (Urtica dioica) on growth, reproduction, biochemical and immunological parameters of female convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). For this purpose, 54 fish were distributed in 3 treatments included: without supplementation (control), 0.1g (NE0.1), and 0.5g (NE0.5) nettle extract per kilogram feed over 56days. The highest final weight (4.2 ± 0.1g), weight gain (2.8 ± 0.1g), and specific growth rate (2.0 ± 0.0% day-1) were recorded in NE0.1 group. Higher and lower feed conversion ratio were obtained in control and NE0.1 treatments, respectively. Hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices in NE0.1 treatment were significantly lower compared with control treatment. Fish fed NE0.1 showed significantly lower glucose (55.2 ± 6.5mgg-1), cholesterol (28.4 ± 3.3mgg-1), and triglyceride (211.5 ± 39.0mgg-1) levels. Total protein (36.3 ± 3.4mgg-1) and albumin (2.7 ± 0.1mgg-1) showed a marked increase in NE0.1 treatment. Same trend was observed in C3, C4, and IgM concentrations. NE0.1 showed the highest number of eggs per female (183.7 ± 10.2), hatching rate (97 ± 0.7%), and larval survival rate at 3 days post hatch (86.3 ± 0.6%) compared with the other treatments. These findings indicated that 0.1g methanolic extract of nettle kg feed-1 could enhance growth, improve metabolic, and immune function of convict cichlid. Moreover, this study confirmed that appropriate dose of nettle can positively promote reproductive performance which makes it as a valuable and cost-effective herb in aquaculture industry.

Physical, Chemical and Sensory Characterization of Deep-Fried Fresh-Cut Potatoes Coated with Hydrocolloid/Herbal Extracts.

Recently, natural plant extracts have been used to increase the nutritional value of food and to potentially reduce the absorbed fat and the formation of acrylamide in fried foods. Literature data on the use of edible polymers with nettle or olive leaf extracts are scarce. The effect of novel coatings on colour, fat absorption, phenolic and sugar content, and acrylamide formation in deep-fat-fried fresh-cut potatoes was evaluated. Extracts of olive and nettle leaves were incorporated in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gum arabic, used as coatings for potatoes and applied before frying. This aimed to improve the nutritional quality of deep-fat-fried fresh-cut potatoes. Enrichment of the edible coatings with extracts resulted in a significant change in the visible colour of the potatoes before frying. Significant effect of the extract amount on the sensory characteristics of potatoes was also observed. Most importantly, the perception of characteristic potato odour and taste was not significantly affected by the coating. Although higher amounts of the extract (1.5%) resulted in higher phenolic mass fraction in fried potatoes, the sensory scores decreased. After frying, fat mass fraction in the coated potatoes was reduced by about 15% compared to the uncoated samples. The type of extract affected the total sugar mass fraction in fried potatoes, which was lower in the samples with coatings enriched with olive leaf than in those with nettle leaf. Only gum arabic coating had a reducing effect on acrylamide mass fraction by 17%. Based on all the obtained results, CMC and gum arabic coatings did not influence sensory properties, so they can be recommended as carriers of functional compounds or as a frying pre-treatment for potatoes with favourable effect on fat and acrylamide content. The knowledge obtained in this study can be exploited for preparation of coatings with functional compounds used as a pre-treatment for fried food with favourable effect on fat and acrylamide content.

Exploring the Antiproliferative Mechanisms of Urtica dioica L. extract in Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cell Line

Background: Nature is a source of therapeutic compounds which have fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Stinging nettle extract, widely-used in Anatolia, has a strong antiproliferative effect on many types of cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect is still not known. Materials and Methods: In this study, the interaction of Urtica dioica L. extract at different concentrations with apoptosis and autophagy pathways in the human promyelocytic cell line (HL-60) was studied to elucidate how it triggers the antiproliferative effects. In this context, firstly, the plant leaves were extracted in water with the Soxhlet extraction method. HL-60 cells were incubated with the extract at different concentrations for 24 hours, and the activated antitumoral effect pathway was investigated with advanced following molecular tests: MTT staining, Nitric oxide (NO) level, Annexin-V in flow cytometry, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential measurement (MMP) and qPCR for evaluation of apoptosis and autophagy mediator genes. Results: It was determined that cell proliferation was suppressed at a concentration of 100 µg/mL and cells were kept in G0/G1 phase, MMP was impaired in cells and the rate of apoptotic cells increased. These apoptotic markers were confirmed by statistically increased expression of apoptotic and autophagy genes and NO level. Conclusions: Taken together, it is predicted that Urtica dioica L. water extract initiates apoptosis in HL-60 cells and could be promising compound candidate for cancer treatment.

Preparation of O/W nano-emulsion containing nettle and fenugreek extract and cumin essential oil for evaluating antidiabetic properties

The oil-in-water (O/W) nano-emulsion (NE) is expanded to enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds. The NE can be prepared by herbal extract and essential oil as herbal medicines for antidiabetic treatment. In the present study, the O/W NE was prepared by fenugreek extract (FE), nettle extract (NE), and cumin essential oil (CEO) using tween 80 and span 80 surfactants in an ultrasonic bath, at room temperature within 18 min. The antidiabetic property was evaluated by determining glucose absorption using cultured rat L6 myoblast cell line (L6) myotubes and insulin secretion using the cultured mouse pancreatic beta-cell (RIN-5) for NEs. The samples were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) to examine the size distribution and size, zeta potential for the charge determination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate morphology and size. The rheological properties were studied by viscosity. The sample stability was evaluated at different temperatures and days by DLS and SEM analyses. The cytotoxicity of samples was explored by MTT assay for HEK293 human cell line as a specific cell line originally derived from human embryonic kidney cells at three different concentrations for three periods of time. The NEs with nanometer-size were observed with antidiabetic properties, low cytotoxicity, and suitable stability. This study provides definitive evidence for the NE as a plant medicine with antidiabetic properties. The NE can be a good candidate for biomedical applications.

Engineering zincophilic sites on Zn surface via plant extract additives for dendrite-free Zn anode

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage owing to their intrinsic safety and low cost. However, the formation of Zn dendrite caused by uneven deposition on Zn anode severely impedes the lifespan of AZIBs. Herein, we propose a green and low-cost additive, nettle extract (NE), to guide the uniform Zn deposition via in-situ engineered zincophilic sites. We show by both experiments and theoretical calculations that the zincophilic molecules contained in NE can adsorb on Zn anode surface to offer more effective sites for Zn nucleation, thus effectively suppressing the dendrite growth. Significantly, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with NE can stably cycle over 2200 h at 5 mA cm−2 with 5 mAh cm−2 capacity. A Zn||polyaniline/carbon felt full cell also gains 84.9% capacity retention after 1500 cycles. Our strategy of engineering zincophilic sites on Zn anode via plant extracts additives ushers in new possibilities to develop dendrite-free Zn anode.

Study of the effect of dermatological phytogel on the ability of microorganisms to form a biofilm

The development of many chronic infections, including skin diseases, is caused by bacteria growing in the form of biofilms. Bacterial biofilms provide beneficial survival mechanisms that determine virulence, disease pathogenesis, or resistance of the pathogen to antibiotics. As shown by a large number of studies, biofilms play an important role in the pathogenesis of dermatological diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The close relationship between the microbial biofilm that colonizes the skin surface and the negative consequences for human health makes the skin microbiome an object of therapeutic intervention in dermatological pathogenic processes.
 The work aims to study the effect of dermatological phytogel on the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms.
 The objects of research were samples of gel containing dry walnut leaf extract with the sum of tannins in terms of gallic acid and dry matter 30 mg/100 g of gel, dry nettle extract with the sum of hydroxycinnamic acids in terms of chlorogenic acid, and dry matter 20 mg/100 g of gel, dry thyme extract with the sum of flavonoids in terms of rutin and dry matter 35 mg/100 g of gel both monocomponent and combined.
 The study of the ability of individual plant components of phytogel samples N 1, N 2, N 3 and samples of combined phytogel N 4, N 5, and N 6 to influence biofilm formation have shown that the most pronounced decceleration of biofilms formation was registered in the gel sample with phytocomplex N 4 and was 19.7–20.7% to S. aureus, E. coli, P. aerugenosis and C. albicans respectively. The activity of the gel sample with phytocomplex N 4 was 1.3–1.4 times higher than that of monocomponent gel samples N 1, N 2, and N 3. When determining the ability of the test samples to destroy biofilms, it has been found that the gel sample with phytocomplex N 4 showed the greatest activity, which exceeded the specified properties of samples N 5 and N 6 by an average of 1.2 and 1.8 times. The activity of single-component gel samples N 1, N 2, and N 3 was lower in S. aureus, E. coli, P. aerugenosis and C. albicans biofilm destruction.
 The conducted studies prove the feasibility of further study of the combined gel with the phyto complex № 4 containing dry walnut leaf extract with the sum of tannins in terms of gallic acid and dry matter 30 mg/100 g of gel, dry nettle extract with the sum of hydroxycinnamic acids in terms of chlorogenic acid, and dry matter 20 mg/100 g of gel, dry thyme extract with the sum of flavonoids in terms of rutin and dry matter 35 mg/100 g of gel.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Capacity and Antimicrobial Activity of Nettle Leaves Extracts Obtained by Advanced Extraction Techniques.

Nettle is a widely known plant whose high biological activity and beneficial medicinal effects are attributed to various bioactive compounds, among which polyphenols play an important role. In order to isolate polyphenols and preserve their properties, advanced extraction techniques have been applied to overcome the drawbacks of conventional ones. Therefore, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been optimized for the isolation of nettle leaves polyphenols and it was compared to pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and conventional heat-reflux extraction (CE). The obtained extracts were analyzed for their individual phenolic profile by UPLC MS2 and for their antioxidant capacity by ORAC assay. MAE proved to be the more specific technique for the isolation of individual phenolic compounds, while PLE produced extracts with higher amount of total phenols and higher antioxidant capacity. Both techniques were more effective compared to CE. PLE nettle extract showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria, especially against Gram-negative Pseudomonas fragi ATCC 4973 and Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 11168 strains. This suggests that PLE is suitable for obtaining a nettle extract with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, which as such has great potential for use as a value-added ingredient in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

The Effect of Adding Herbal Extracts to Drinking Water on Body Temperature, Level of Thyroid Hormones and H:L Ratio in the Blood of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Elevated Ambient Temperature

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of supplementing drinking water with extracts from lemon balm, sage and nettle on body temperature, level of thyroid hormones and the heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio in the blood of broiler chickens exposed to elevated rearing temperature. One-day-old Ross 308 chicks were divided into four groups: group I (CON) and experimental groups II (LB), II (S) and IV (N), in which, from 22 to 42 days of rearing, drinkers were supplemented with lemon balm extract, sage extract or nettle extract (2 ml/l water), respectively. In addition, at 5 weeks of growth, all the groups were exposed to elevated ambient temperature (up to 30°C) for 5 days, after which the recommended thermal conditions were reinstated. During the study, mortality, rectal temperature and radiated temperature of the broilers were monitored. Blood was collected from 10 birds per group to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and to make blood smears. The H:L ratio was determined based on the percentage of heterophils (H) and lymphocytes (L). The herbal extracts from lemon balm, sage and nettle, added to drinking water at 2 ml/l, reduced the blood level of the thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine) and rectal temperature in the experimental broilers during the initial period of thermal stress. Chickens receiving the nettle extract were also characterised by lower radiated temperature of the unfeathered body, a lower H:L ratio in the blood during the increase in ambient temperature, and the lowest mortality percentage. It can therefore be considered that the dietary supplementation of nettle, in the form and concentration used in this study, had the most favourable effect on the physiological status of the birds (body temperature, level of thyroid hormones and H:L ratio) exposed to elevated ambient temperatures (30°C), and thus on their welfare.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Various Types of Conservative Therapy for Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Various Types of Conservative Therapy for Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Biological Performances of Plasmonic Biohybrids Based on Phyto-Silver/Silver Chloride Nanoparticles.

Silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgClNPs), with a mean size of 48.2 ± 9.5 nm and a zeta potential value of −31.1 ± 1.9 mV, obtained by the Green Chemistry approach from a mixture of nettle and grape extracts, were used as “building blocks” for the “green” development of plasmonic biohybrids containing biomimetic membranes and chitosan. The mechanism of biohybrid formation was elucidated by optical analyses (UV–vis absorption and emission fluorescence, FTIR, XRD, and SAXS) and microscopic techniques (AFM and SEM). The aforementioned novel materials showed a free radical scavenging capacity of 75% and excellent antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli (IGZ = 45 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (IGZ = 35 mm). The antiproliferative activity of biohybrids was highlighted by a therapeutic index value of 1.30 for HT-29 cancer cells and 1.77 for HepG2 cancer cells. At concentrations below 102.2 µM, these materials are not hemolytic, so they will not be harmful when found in the bloodstream. In conclusion, hybrid systems based on phyto-Ag/AgClNPs, artificial cell membranes, and chitosan can be considered potential adjuvants in liver and colorectal cancer treatment.

Synergistic effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intake of nettle on serum levels of chemerin and beta cells function in type 2 diabetic rats.

This animal study aimed to demonstrate the synergistic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and alcoholic extract of nettle on serum chemerin and beta cells function in type 2 diabetic male rats. Thirty-two STZ-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including the control group, the supplemented group with 200mg/day of nettle, the training group with five sessions per week of HIIT, and the group with combined nettle and HITT intervention. Body weight, lipid profile, beta cells function, and chemerin level were assessed after eight weeks of the intervention. The values of chemerin significantly decreased in combined HIIT and nettle intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.001). The levels of glucose and insulin decreased significantly in nettle group, exercise group, and combined HIIT and nettle group (p=0.001). The present study found that intense interval exercise with the consumption of alcoholic extract of nettle can affect the performance of beta cells, glucose, and insulin. Future human studies are warranted.

Characterization of chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blend films enriched with nettle or sage leaf extract for active food packaging applications

The incorporation of plant leaf extracts into biodegradable food packaging materials is a promising green approach to develop active films with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this context, this study aimed to develop active films based on chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blend (CS/HPMC) enriched with sage (SLE) and nettle (NLE) leaf extracts (7.5–15% w/w of biopolymer) to characterize their surface and cross-section morphology, optical, mechanical, water barrier, and antioxidant properties for food packaging applications. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed microstructural integrity and compatibility between CS and HPMC and incorporated leaf extracts. The successful incorporation of plant extracts was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Active films showed improvement in UV–Vis light barrier properties (p < 0.05) with opacity value lower than five. Addition of leaf extracts induced a slightly darker color by inducing a green and yellow shade. Addition of NLE increased the water solubility and water vapor permeability compared to the control film (p < 0.05). Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were increased upon addition of leaf extracts. Overall, CS/HPMC films incorporated with SLE and NLE could be employed as a green alternative for partial substitution of synthetic plastics with antioxidant activity and to prolong the shelf-life of food products.

Antimicrobial Polyamide-Alginate Casing Incorporated with Nisin and ε-Polylysine Nanoparticles Combined with Plant Extract for Inactivation of Selected Bacteria in Nitrite-Free Frankfurter-Type Sausage.

The effects of combining a polyamide-alginate casing incorporated with nisin (100 ppm and 200 ppm) and ε-polylysine (500 ppm and 1000 ppm) nanoparticles and a mixed plant extract as ingredient in sausage formulation (500 ppm; composed of olive leaves (OLE), green tea (GTE) and stinging nettle extracts (SNE) in equal rates) were studied to improve the shelf life and safety of frankfurter-type sausage. The film characteristics and microbiological properties of sausage samples were evaluated. Sausage samples were packaged in polyethylene bags (vacuum condition) and analysed during 45 days of storage at 4 °C. Control sausages were also treated with 120 ppm sodium nitrite. Polyamide-alginate films containing 100 ppm nisin and 500 ε-PL nanoparticles had the highest ultimate tensile strength compared to other films. However, 100 ppm nisin and 500 ε-PL nanoparticles decreased water vapour permeability of films. The results also revealed that nisin nanoparticles had significantly (p < 0.05) low inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, molds and yeasts and total viable counts compared to control and ε-PL nanoparticles. Furthermore, 1000 ppm ε-PL nanoparticles displayed the highest antimicrobial activity. Based on the obtained results, the films containing ε-PL nanoparticle could be considered as a promising packaging for frankfurter-type sausages.

Does a Supplement Cocktail a Day Keep the Doctor Away? An Unusual Case of Alcohol Induced Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Currently there are no evidence-based medical recommendations to support the use of supplements in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), although there is some data that supports glucose lowering in type 2 DM with supplements such as cinnamon. Additionally, there is no evidence regarding the use of supplements in insulin-dependent DM secondary to pancreatic dysfunction from alcohol use disorder. Despite lack of clear evidence, it is estimated that more than 65% of Americans with DM use at least one dietary supplement for perceived health benefits. (1)Clinical Case: A 58-year old male presented with insulin-dependent DM secondary to pancreatic dysfunction from alcohol use disorder. Initial labs were significant for a low C-peptide of 0.13 ng/mL (0.80–3.85 ng/mL), A1c -9.4%, and blood glucoses ranging from 160–300 mg/dL. Patient’s DM regimen consisted of glargine 40 units nightly and aspart 12 units three times a day with meals. On a subsequent visit two months later, the patient stated that he had begun taking numerous supplements in hopes that these would improve his overall medical status. Supplements included Blood Boost Formula, Ultra K2 with MK-7, Chromium Picolinate, Male Enhancement, Super C Immune Complex, Nugenix Total-T, Niacinamide, Omega Q Plus Max, Cortisol Hormone Balancer, and Vitamin D3. Simultaneously, the patient self-discontinued all his maintenance medications except for his aforementioned insulin regimen due to the fear of negatively impacting his pancreas. Unexpectedly, his blood glucoses improved to a range of 90–150 mg/dL after being on these supplements without increasing his insulin dose. Upon literature review, three ingredients showed the most evidence for the possible explanation for his improvement in glucose control: L-arginine, nettle extract, and biotin with chromium. Conclusion: Literature review of in vivo and randomized, placebo-controlled studies demonstrated mechanisms of action for L-arginine, nettle extract, and biotin with chromium that indicate their potential role in lowering blood glucoses and increasing C-peptide levels in insulin-dependent DM secondary to pancreatic dysfunction from alcohol use disorder. Further investigations include exploring long-term impact on pancreatic function, glucose control, and insulin resistance. Reference: (1) Garrow, D., Egede, L. Association Between Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Preventive Care Practices, and Use of Conventional Medical Services Among Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2006 Jan; 29(1): 15–19.

Increased Oxidative Stress in the Prefrontal Cortex as a Shared Feature of Depressive- and PTSD-Like Syndromes: Effects of a Standardized Herbal Antioxidant.

Major depression (MD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share common brain mechanisms and treatment strategies. Nowadays, the dramatically developing COVID-19 situation unavoidably results in stress, psychological trauma, and high incidence of MD and PTSD. Hence, the importance of the development of new treatments for these disorders cannot be overstated. Herbal medicine appears to be an effective and safe treatment with fewer side effects than classic pharmaca and that is affordable in low-income countries. Currently, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation attract increasing attention as important mechanisms of MD and PTSD. We investigated the effects of a standardized herbal cocktail (SHC), an extract of clove, bell pepper, basil, pomegranate, nettle, and other plants, that was designed as an antioxidant treatment in mouse models of MD and PTSD. In the MD model of “emotional” ultrasound stress (US), mice were subjected to ultrasound frequencies of 16–20 kHz, mimicking rodent sounds of anxiety/despair and “neutral” frequencies of 25–45 kHz, for three weeks and concomitantly treated with SHC. US-exposed mice showed elevated concentrations of oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl, increased gene and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 and other molecular changes in the prefrontal cortex as well as weight loss, helplessness, anxiety-like behavior, and neophobia that were ameliorated by the SHC treatment. In the PTSD model of the modified forced swim test (modFST), in which a 2-day swim is followed by an additional swim on day 5, mice were pretreated with SHC for 16 days. Increases in the floating behavior and oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl in the prefrontal cortex of modFST-mice were prevented by the administration of SHC. Chromatography mass spectrometry revealed bioactive constituents of SHC, including D-ribofuranose, beta-D-lactose, malic, glyceric, and citric acids that can modulate oxidative stress, immunity, and gut and microbiome functions and, thus, are likely to be active antistress elements underlying the beneficial effects of SHC. Significant correlations of malondialdehyde concentration in the prefrontal cortex with altered measures of behavioral despair and anxiety-like behavior suggest that the accumulation of oxidative stress markers are a common biological feature of MD and PTSD that can be equally effectively targeted therapeutically with antioxidant therapy, such as the SHC investigated here.