Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract Research Articles

Identification of Bioactive Compounds by GC-MS of Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract and Virtual Screening of EGFR/ VEGFR2 Dual Inhibitors

Identification of Bioactive Compounds by GC-MS of Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract and Virtual Screening of EGFR/ VEGFR2 Dual Inhibitors

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract against amyloid-beta-induced toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a critical global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. A key pathology in AD involves amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, and targeting both Aβ aggregation and oxidative stress is crucial for effective intervention. Natural compounds from medicinal and food sources have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic agents, with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) showing promising properties. Methods: In this study, we utilized transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models to investigate the potential of NLE in countering AD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Various assays were employed to assess paralysis rates, food-searching capabilities, Aβ aggregate accumulation, oxidative stress, lifespan under stress conditions, and the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins. Additionally, autophagy induction was evaluated by measuring P62 levels and the formation of LGG-1+ structures, with RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes to confirm the mechanisms involved. Results: The results demonstrated that NLE significantly reduced paralysis rates in CL4176 and CL2006 worms while enhancing food-searching capabilities in CL2355 worms. NLE also attenuated Aβ aggregate accumulation and mitigated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, NLE extended the lifespan of worms under oxidative and thermal stress conditions, while concurrently increasing the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins, including SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-4, and HSP-6. Moreover, NLE induced autophagy in C. elegans, as evidenced by reduced P62 levels in BC12921 worms and the formation of LGG-1+ structures in DA2123 worms. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes, such as bec-1 and vps-34, negated the protective effects of NLE against Aβ-induced paralysis and aggregate accumulation. Discussion: These findings suggest that NLE ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity by activating autophagy in C. elegans. The study underscores the potential of NLE as a promising candidate for further investigation in AD management, offering multifaceted approaches to mitigate AD-related pathology and stress-related challenges.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract Induces Cytotoxicity in Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells.

Background Osteosarcoma is the eighth most common cancer and its prevalence in children makes it a global concern. Existing medications and treatments like high-dose methotrexate possess harmful side effects. Therefore, novel herbal drugs like Nelumbo nucifera are of utmost importance. Aim To analyze a novel anticancer herbal drug, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extractfor its cytotoxic potential against osteosarcoma. Materials and method Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract was prepared. Saos-2 Cells (human osteosarcoma cell line) were treated with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 µg/ml) for 24 hours which were then subjected to MTT assay, morphological analysis and DAPI staining. Results The results suggested that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect onSaos-2 cell line. The extract significantly reduced the number of viable cells, inhibited proliferation and induced morphological changes in Saos-2 cells. Conclusion Nelumbo nucifera has the potential to induce cytotoxicity against osteosarcoma cell lines and hence, this study provides a novel therapeutic regimen for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

The Inhibition of Autophagy and Pyroptosis by an Ethanol Extract of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Contributes to the Amelioration of Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is characterized by a decline in muscle mass and function. Excessive glucocorticoids in the body due to aging or drug treatment can promote muscle wasting. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NNL) ethanolic extract on muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, in mice and its underlying mechanisms. The administration of NNL extract increased weight, cross-sectional area, and grip strength of quadriceps (QD) and gastrocnemius (GA) muscles in DEX-induced muscle atrophy in mice. The NNL extract administration decreased the expression of muscle atrophic factors, such as muscle RING-finger protein-1 and atrogin-1, and autophagy factors, such as Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3-I/II), and sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1) in DEX-injected mice. DEX injection increased the protein expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), cleaved-caspase-1, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and cleaved-gasdermin D (GSDMD), which were significantly reduced by NNL extract administration (500 mg/kg/day). In vitro studies using C2C12 myotubes also revealed that NNL extract treatment inhibited the DEX-induced increase in autophagy factors, pyroptosis-related factors, and NF-κB. Overall, the NNL extract prevented DEX-induced muscle atrophy by downregulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy pathway, and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway, which are involved in muscle degradation.

Amalgamation of copper nanoparticles of assorted size using Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) leaf and its bioelectrical assay

There are several potential uses for green nanoparticle amalgamated in the medicinal and environmental sciences. Green synthesis specifically tries to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. For instance, it is often acceptable to employ organic resources like plants. In a single green synthesis step, biomolecules found in plant extract may transform metal ions into nanoparticles. This naturally occurring conversion of a metal ion to a base metal may be carried out quickly, conveniently, and at ambient temperature and pressure. In the current study, the production of CuNPs utilizing different-sized Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract has been reported. In order to determine how CuNPs generated, several techniques including UV-Visible, XRD, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and cyclic voltammetry studies were used. The UV-Visible spectra of the amalgamated CuNPs show a peak between 250 and 450 nm. The morphology of CuNPs are spike in shapes with sizes of 33nm for 10mM and 25nm for 50mM, and the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, according to the XRD and SEM examinations. The amalgamated CuNPs contain 37.55% copper, according to EDAX, and FTIR shows the absorption peak of copper at 1640 and 576 cm-1.The oxidation and reduction of amalgamated CuNPs are visible by cyclic voltammetry. CuNPs have been put to the test against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for their antibacterial properties. CuNPs show the greatest zone of inhibition when used against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans have been used as test subjects for the antifungal testing of CuNPs. The CuNPs against Candida albicans show the largest zone of inhibition. CuNPs demonstrate strong antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, which means they have a considerable potential for application in the development of medications used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. The electrical potential difference of amalgamated CuNPs has been measured using a voltmeter and it is found that as concentration rises, so does the electrical potential difference.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and db/db Mice

Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder that increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NL) extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and obese db/db mice. NL extract among various parts (leaf, seed, and root) of N. nucifera most effectively reduced adipogenesis via inhibiting CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The addition of NL extract enhanced the protein expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) as compared to untreated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The oral administration of NL extract (100 mg/kg BW) significantly reduced food efficacy ratio, body weight, and face or total cholesterol level in obese d b /db mice. Also, administration of NL extract significantly decreased adipocyte size and C/EBPα or PPARγ expression in the adipose tissues as compared with control (obese db/db mice). Therefore, our results suggest that NL extract among various parts of N. nucifera could be used as a functional food ingredient for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.

Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract on Obesity

The two main components from a Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NnEx) were investigated for their ability to prevent triglyceride accumulation and promoting lipolysis. Sun-dried Nelumbo nucifera leaves were immersed in hot water to extract the soluble components, and the resulting solution was analyzed by LC-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance. The results showed that quercetin-3-O-ß-glucuronide (Q3GA) and quercetin were the key components of the NnEx. In vitro experiments confirmed that quercetin and Q3GA functioned in lipid metabolism by promoting triglyceride degradation through inhibition of the cAMP pathway. In vivo experiments showed that NnEx ingestion inhibited the accumulation of neutral fats in ICR mice and transitioned the hepatocytes of type II diabetic KK-Ay mice out of glycogenosis. These results highlight the ability of NnEx to control metabolism by modulating fat and sugar absorption and may provide an interesting novel treatment for obesity and related lifestyle diseases such as type II diabetes.

Anticariogenic activity of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract in oral healthcare.

We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract. There have been no studies related to dental caries inducing bacteria up to now. This study reviewed the inhibitory effect of glucose transferase (GTase) activation and acid production to confirm the anticariogenic activity of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract. This study used 100 g Nelumbo nucifera leaves cultivated in Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongbuk, after adding 70% methanol tenfold. The leaves were then concentrated (Gotary vacuum evaporator; N-Nseries, EYELA Co., Japan) and were placed under an aspirator (A-3S, EYELA Co., Japan) and a freeze dryer (Ilshin Lab Co., Korea). The anticariogenic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract was investigated using the growth inhibitory effect, as well as GTase activation. Among the nine kinds of oral-disease-causing bacteria, the Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract most effectively inhibited the growth of Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus), but it was difficult to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis). For the anticariogenic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract, GTase activation was inhibited by at least 50% in all the nine types of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). It was shown that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract had the strongest GTase activation inhibitory effect (85%) in S. anginosus. In addition, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed an acid production inhibitory effect in the nine types of strains by maintaining almost pH 6.2 even after being cultured for 24 hours in the Nelumbo-nucifera-leaf-extract-added culture, while the control culture without Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed only about pH 5.0 after 4 hours. In conclusion, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed the strongest GTase activation inhibitory effect in S. anginosus. Based on this, it was confirmed that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed anticariogenic activity against oral cavity disease microorganisms.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaves Prevent NMU-Induced Mammary Tumor through Downregulation of Fatty Acid Synthase, Estrogen Receptor-α and Her2 Expression.

Diet polyphenol can reportedly prevent the formation of breast-cancer cells. Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) is enriched with polyphenols and has several cellular functions, such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammation, and antitumor. In this study, we investigated the role of NLE in the prevention of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced mammary tumor formation. Cotreatment with NLE significantly reduced the NMU-induced tumor incidence, number, and volume. NLE administration significantly repressed the tumor growth and weight of nude mice upon inoculation with BT-474 cancer cells. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that fatty acid synthetase, estrogen receptor (ER)-, and phosphorylated ER- were obviously reduced in the cancer part of BT-474 inoculated nude mice upon administration of 2% NLE. Western blot analysis revealed that NLE and NLPE (polyphenol-rich NLE) repressed ER- expression and phosphorylation and decreased the phosphorylation of Her-2 without affecting their expression. Overall, NLE and NLPE exhibited more effective antitumor abilities in NMU-induced mammary cancer formation than with tamoxifen and Herceptin.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf extracts inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products and mechanism revealed by Nano LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS

The inhibition of Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NNL) extract and its fractions on the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) was evaluated with different models. Changes in the conformational structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA) were analyzed by fluorescence spectrometry. Effect of ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) on the glycation sites and glycation degree of BSA was investigated by Nano LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS due to its strongest inhibitory ability. Results indicated that EAF could effectively inhibit the formation of AGEs by scavenging reactive radicals and attenuating the conformational change of BSA induced by glycation. Phenolics and flavonoids were the major contributors. Eleven (11 lysines) and ten (9 lysines and 1 arginine) glycation sites were identified from glycated BSA with and without EAF, respectively. Addition of EAF could not reduce the number of glycation sites of BSA, but could significantly decrease the glycation degree of most glycated peptides and alter the location of glycation.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract treatment attenuated preneoplastic lesions and oxidative stress in the livers of diethylnitrosamine-treated rats.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer potential. This study determined the protective role of aqueous extract from Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NLE) against N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced oxidative stress and hepatocellular carcinogenesis in a sample of Sprague-Dawley rats. NLE was fed orally to rats in which hepatic carcinoma was induced with DEN for 12 weeks. Five groups of 12 rats each were used for the study: Group I (control group) rats received distilled water; Group II rats were induced with DEN; Group III rats were induced with DEN and cotreated with 0.5% NLE; Group IV rats were induced with DEN and cotreated with 1.0% NLE; and Group V rats were induced with DEN and cotreated with 2.0% NLE. Clinical chemistry, organ weight, inflammatory marker, protein expression, enzyme, and antioxidant analyses were conducted. NLE administration to rats resulted in significantly decreased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin, which is indicative of hepatocellular damage, compared with the control group. DEN-induced oxidative stress was inhibited by NLE and this inhibition was paralleled by decreased lipid peroxides and increased glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity in liver tissues. The status of nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione, was also found to be increased in NLE-administered rats. Furthermore, NLE decreased tumor size, hepatic Rac1, PKCα, and GSTπ expressions compared with the DEN-only group. Thus, supplementation of NLE reduced the adverse changes that occur because of liver cancer. These results prove that NLE protects against liver carcinogenesis induced because of treatment with DEN through blocking lipid peroxidation, hepatic cell damage, and enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial properties against some human pathogens

In the present report, bio-reduction of silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles using the leaf extract of Nelumbo nucifera is explained. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited surface Plasmon resonance at 410 nm. The crystalline nature of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was confirmed from the X-ray diffraction pattern. The functional groups responsible for bio-reduction of silver nitrate into silver were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectrum. Field emission transmission electron microscope micrographs showed the formation of well-separated silver nanoparticles of size in the range of 30–40 nm. The result of dynamic light scattering also confirms the mono-dispersed silver nanoparticles with average size of 35 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis.

Short-term Effects of Supplementation with a Multi-ingredient Weight-loss Product on Weight Maintenance and Fat Oxidation in Obese Female with Weight Reduction: Preliminary Results

Background: Numerous multi-ingredient weight-loss supplementation products are marketed, whereas the effects of these supplements on weight maintenance have rarely been studied. This study aimed to investigate preliminarily whether a 4-week supplementation of a multi-ingredient weight-loss product (named ‘diet’s BB’), containing L-carnitine, banaba, caffeine, capsaicin, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract and sesamin, could contribute to weight maintenance and its related parameters among obese women with weight reduction following a Low-calorie Diet (LCD). Methods: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind intervention design, subjects with ≥5% of weight reduction following LCD were randomized to the group who used the diet’s BB (Group A) or tablet containing six types of vitamins (Group B) for four weeks. Their body weight and related parameters, including Respiratory Quotient (RQ) and fat oxidation, were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: The changes in body weight and related parameters were not significantly different between the groups. Group A showed significantly reduced RQ and increased fat oxidation more than the Group B. Conclusion: The short-term multi-ingredient weight-loss supplementation product did not yield further weightloss for obese women with weight reduction, while it could potentially lead to favorable changes of fat oxidation levels. The effects of the supplementation on weight traits merit large-scale and long-term investigations.

Nano particles of herbal origin: A recent eco-friend trend in mosquito control

To the editor, Vector control is an essential requirement in control of epidemic diseases such as malaria, filariasis, dengue that are transmitted by different species of mosquitoes. Emergence of insecticide resistance and harmful effect on non-target organisms and environment necessitated an urgent search for development of new and improved mosquito control methods that are economical and effective as well as safe for non-target organisms and the environment. Insecticides of synthesized natural products, such as silver, gold or silicon nano-particles of herbal origin become a priority in this search. The word “nano” is derived from a Greek word meaning “dwarf”. In technical terms, the word “nano” means 10−9, or one billionth of a meter. Targeted nanoparticles exhibit many novel characteristic features, such as extra ordinary strength, more chemical reactivity, magnetic properties and or high electrical conductivity. “Nano-technology” deals with application of such particles in biological, physical, chemical, environmental, agricultural, industrial or pharmaceutical science. At present, a number of physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid methods are available to synthesize different types of silver, gold, silicon, zinc and platinum nanoparticles. Although physical and chemical methods are more popular and widely used for synthesis of nanoparticles, the related environmental toxicity and non biodegradable nature of the products limited their applications. So, the “green” route for nanoparticle synthesis from herbal origin is of great interest due to eco-friendliness, economic prospects, feasibility and wide range of applications[1]. Nano technology has a wide application in vector control in the form of nanocapsules for herbicide delivery and vector and pest management and nanosensors for pest detection[2]. Synthesized silver or gold nanoparticles also help to produce new insecticides and insect repellants. Applications of nano technology have been extended in the field of mosquito control by the synthesis of silver/gold nano particles from environmentally acceptable plant extract and eco-friendly reducing and capping agents. The characterization and the structure determination of these nano particles also become possible through the application of modern scientific instruments such as UV–VIS spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, which also advocates for its wider application. Green synthesis of nanoparticles are also used in the molecular level where gene silencing triggered by dsRNA or small interfering RNA, siRNA have been also practiced in mosquito control operations. The use of “green” processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles is a new and rapidly developing branch of nanotechnology. However, knowledge of the bioactivity of nanoparticles against mosquitoes and malaria parasites is limited. Rajakumar et al. reported the use of silver nano particles synthesized from leaf extract of Eclipta prostrata, to control 4th instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) and Anopheles subpictus (An. subpictus)[3]. The synthesized particles' size was 35-60 nm. The highest mortality was calculated at 24 h in synthesized silver nano particles against Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50=4.56 mg/L; LC90=13.14 mg/L) than An. subpictus (LC50=5.14 mg/L; LC90=25.68 mg/L). Sareen et al. had reported the larvicidal efficacy of silver nano particles synthesized from aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus rosasinensis against the larvae of Aedes albopictus[4]. After 12 hours of exposure, 50% mortality was observed and after 16 hours of treatment, 90% mortality was calculated in 1.0 mg/L. 100% mortality was recorded in 5.0 mg/L of silver nano particles after 3 hours of exposure. Santhoshkumar et al. studied synthesis of Silver nano particles using Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract and its larvicidal activity was judged against Cx. quinquefasciatus and An. subpictus[5]. The maximum efficiency was observed against the larvae of An. subpictus (LC50=0.69 mg/L; LC90=2.15 mg/L) compared to Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50=1.10 mg/L; LC90=3.59 mg/L). Jayaseelan et al. observed the larvicidal potentiality of synthesized silver nano particles using leaf aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia Miers against An. subpictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus[6]. The maximum efficacy was found against the larvae of An. subpictus (LC50=6.43 mg/L). Haldar et al. synthesized highly stable nanoparticles of metallic silver with average dimension of 26.6 nm by a simple, cost-effective, reproducible and previously unexploited biogenic source viz. dried green fruits of Drypetes roxburghii (Wall) and reported its mosquito larvicidal activity against Anopheles stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus[7]. The larvicidal potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using fungus Cochliobolus lunatus against two species of mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi Liston have been reported by Salunkhe et al[8]. These results reveal that the green, biological synthesis of silver/gold nano particles have the potential to be utilized as a good, rapid, eco-friendly approach for the control of mosquito population. It is totally a new pathway but can be effectively utilized for the efficient killing of mosquitoes.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract inhibits neointimal hyperplasia through modulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

ObjectiveEndovascular injury induced by balloon withdrawal leads to the increased activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the vascular wall allowing the proliferated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to digest the surrounding extracellular matrix and migrate from the media into the intima leading to the intimal thickening. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NL) on intimal thickening of rat carotid artery injured by balloon catheter and on the proliferation and migration of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by tumor necrosis factor-α. MethodsNL was administered orally using gastric sonde at three different doses, 100 mg kg−1 (NL100), 400 mg kg−1 (NL400), and 800 mg kg−1 (NL800) for 4 wk from the day of balloon injury in the rats. VSMC proliferation and migration were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Boyden chamber methods, whereas enzymatic action of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) was carried out by gelatin zymography, and MMP-9 protein expression, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylations were assessed by Western blot analyses. ResultsNL reduced the intimal thickening by suppressing VSMC's proliferation through inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and their migration by reducing the expression of MMP-2 and -9 through inhibition of JNK1/2 phosphorylation. ConclusionThus, the results suggest that NL can be considered of therapeutic value in the prevention of atherosclerosis because restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty can be considered a model of “accelerated atherosclerosis.”

Cardioprotective effect of Nelumbo nucifera on mitochondrial lipid peroxides, enzymes and electrolytes against isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NNE) on the levels of mitochondrial lipid peroxides, activities of TCA cycle and respiratory chain enzymes and electrolytes in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. MethodsOral pretreatment with NNE to ISO-induced rats for a period of 21 days, then heart mitochondria were isolated for the estimation of various biochemical parameters. ResultsRats induced with ISO showed significant increase in mitochondrial lipid peroxides with subsequent decrease in TCA cycle enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH) and respiratory chain enzymes like NADH-dehydrogenase and cytochrome-c-oxidase. In addition, the levels of sodium and calcium increased and potassium decreased. Oral pretreatment with NNE to ISO-induced rats for a period of 21 days significantly reverted these biochemical parameters to near normal status. ConclusionsThus, our study suggests that NNE treatment restore energy status of the mitochondria, thereby maintaining near normal function.

Flavonoid-enriched extracts from Nelumbo nucifera leaves inhibits proliferation of breast cancer in vitro and in vivo

Aim of the studyThis study was aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf extract (NLE) on human MCF-7 cell line in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methodsQualitative analysis showed that NLE contained several compounds, including polyphenols, based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. We utilized flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, and immunoprecipitation assays to explore the inhibitory effect of NLE on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the tumoricidal effect of NLE was further measured using a xenograft nude mouse model. ResultsThe polyphenols identified in NLE consisted primarily of gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that MCF-7 cells treated with NLE were arrested at the G0/G1 phase (approximately 86.54%). With western blotting, we found that treatment with NLE particularly induced p53 phosphorylation and p21 expression, and down-regulated expression of cyclins and cdks, which was responsible for the high protein expression of RB/E2F. Inactivation of fatty acid synthase (FAS) implied that FAS was a potent regulator as well of NLE-mediated anti-carcinogenesis. In our in vivo analysis, treatment with NLE (0.5 and 1%) effectively reduced tumor volume and tumor weight in mice inoculated with MCF-7 cells compared to the control samples. ConclusionsThese results confirmed that cell-cycle arrest was sufficient to elicit tumor regression following NLE treatment. Overall, our studies indicated that NLE has an antitumor activity and significant potential as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract and its larvicidal activity against malaria and filariasis vectors

The aim of this study was to investigate the larvicidal potential of the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and aqueous leaf extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) and synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract against fourth instar larvae of Anopheles subpictus Grassi and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). Nanoparticles are being used in many commercial applications. It was found that aqueous silver ions can be reduced by aqueous extract of plant parts to generate extremely stable silver nanoparticles in water. The results recorded from UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared support the biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles. Larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of plant extracts and synthesized silver nanoparticles for 24 h. All extracts showed moderate larvicidal effects; however, the maximum efficacy was observed in crude methanol, aqueous, and synthesized silver nanoparticles against the larvae of A. subpictus (LC(50) = 8.89, 11.82, and 0.69 ppm; LC(90) = 28.65, 36.06, and 2.15 ppm) and against the larvae of C. quinquefasciatus (LC(50) = 9.51, 13.65, and 1.10 ppm; LC(90) = 28.13, 35.83, and 3.59 ppm), respectively. These results suggest that the leaf methanol, aqueous extracts of N. nucifera, and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the A. subpictus and C. quinquefasciatus. This is the first report on the mosquito larvicidal activity of the plant extracts and synthesized nanoparticles.

Abstract 2485: Inhibitory effects of the water extract of Nelumbo Nucifera leaf on human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Over the passed decade, advances in understanding carcinogenesis have made possible the identification of the candidates of chemopreventive agents to be developed in targeting the key molecules. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) is widely distributed in central and southern Taiwan. Its leaves are becoming popular as an ingredient of healthy beverages. Nelumbo nucifera Leaf extract (NLE) has been reported to exhibit different therapeutic effects, such as anti-oxidant and reduction of risks for cardiovascular disease. This study was aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of NLE on human MCF-7 cell line in vitro and in vivo. Qualitative analysis showed that the NLE contains several compounds using nine kinds of standard polyphenols by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The polyphenols present in identified compound of NLE were mainly gallic acid, rutin and quercetin. The MTT data showed no significant inhibition on growth of MCF-7 cells following NLE treatment, whereas flow cytometry revealed that the cell cycle was arrested at G0/G1 phase with a dose of 3 mg/ml in MCF-7 cells (approximately 86.54%). With western blotting, we found that treatment with NLE particularly induced p53 phosphorylation and p21 expression, and down-regulated expression of cyclins (cyclin D, cyclin E) and cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk2, cdk4) in a dose-dependent manner. The increased p21 also correlated with the decrease of cyclin D/cdk4 and cyclin E/cdk2 complexes, which was responsible for the high protein expression of Rb/E2F. Inactivation of fatty acid synthase (FAS) was shown in vitro and in vivo, implying that FAS was a potent regulator as well of NLE- mediated anti-carcinogenesis. The tumoricidal effect of NLE was further measured using a xenograft nude mice model. Treatment with NLE (0.5 and 1%) effectively reduced the tumor volume and tumor weight in the nude mice inoculated with MCF-7 cells when compared to the control tissue samples. These results confirmed that cell cycle arrest is sufficient to elicit tumor regression after NLE treatment. In conclusion, our studies indicate that NLE offers an anti-tumor activity and potentially can act as a chemotherapeutic agent. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2485.

WATER EXTRACTS FROMNELUMBO NUCIFERALEAF REDUCED PLASMA LIPIDS AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN CHOLESTEROL-FED RABBITS

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nelumbonaceae) leaf was used as food or beverage in Taiwan. Recently, the leaf extract was also found to possess antioxidative ability. Base on the close relationship between antioxidation and atherosclerosis, we investigated the inhibitory activity of the water extract (Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract [NLE]) on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. In rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet (HCD) plus 0.5% or 1.0% of NLE, the inhibitory level of triglyceride was 30% and 46.6%, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 45.4 and 45.9% compared with the HCD-fed rabbits. NLE significantly reduced severe atherosclerosis, foam cell formation and smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in the aorta. In the thiobarituric acid-reacting substances assay, the concentration of NLE higher than 0.05 mg/mL, the inhibitory percentage was about 80%. In the relative electrophoretic mobility assay, NLE inhibited oxidative LDL up to 60%. These results suggest that NLE lowers LDL oxidation and serum lipids, and has cardiovascular protective ability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The water extract of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nelumbonaceae) leaf can significantly inhibit oxidative low-density lipoprotein in vitro and reduce plasma lipid, atherosclerosis, foam cell formation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in vivo. These findings point out that the water extract of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nelumbonaceae) leaf can be applied for preventing cardiovascular diseases.