Protective Effect Of Extract Research Articles

Hypolipidemic And Testicular Cytoarchitecture Protective Effects of the Hydromethanol Leaf Extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi in Male Wistar Rats

Hyperlipidemia is implicated in many disease states, including arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and stroke amongst other illnesses. The present study describes the hypolipidemic and testicular cytoarchitecture protective effects of hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi using male Wistar rats as models. 64 male Wistar rats were acclimatized and subsequently randomly divided into 8 groups of 8 rats each. Diabetes was induced in all rat groups except Groups 1 and 8 using alloxan at a dose of 200mg/kg bw administered intraperitonially. Diabetes was confirmed after 72 hours of alloxan administration if the blood glucose level is ≥ 11.1 mmol/L (200mg/dl) and were daily treated with different concentrations of extract and phytosterol only for 28 days. Expectedly, significantly higher values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, low values of high-density lipoprotein and significant reduction in the population of epithelial germ cells and normal matured spermatozoa in the testes were observed amongst group 2 (Untreated Diabetes) rats administered 200mg/kg bw of alloxan, compared to group 1 (Control) rats (p<0.05). Suggesting a possible hyperlipidemic and harmful testicular effects of alloxan in male Wistar rats. By corollary, extract administration significantly lowered values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, increased values of high-density lipoproteins and reversed the reduction in germ cells and matured spermatozoa population amongst Groups 4 and 5 rats administered 500mg/kg bw and 750mg/kg bw of the extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi compared to Group 2 (Untreated Diabetes) rats (p<0.05). Suggesting a possible reversal and protective effects of the extract. Craterispermum schweinfurthi extract administration lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, increased serum high density lipoprotein concentration and promoted germinal epithelial cells ...

Protective effects of extracts from Acer truncatum leaves on SLS-induced HaCaT cells.

Introduction: A. truncatum Bunge (Sapindaceae or formerly Aceraceae) is a tall deciduous tree native to China. Traditionally, the leaves of A. truncatum are decocted and used by Chinese Mongolians, Koreans, and Tibetans to treat skin itching, dry cracks, and other skin ailments, which indicates A. truncatum leaves may have a potential inhibitory effect on various skin inflammations. Methods: To examine the protective effect against skin inflammations of A. truncatum leaf extract (ATLE), an in vitro dermatitis model was established using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS)-induced HaCaT cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of ATLE was evaluated by analyzing cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. Results: Orthogonal experiments showed that the pretreatment with ATLE can reduce the IL-6 levels, PGE2 levels, and apoptosis increased in SLS-stimulated HaCaT cells, which indicates that ATLE has positive efficacy for dermatitis. Furthermore, three flavonoid compounds kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol-3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnoside, and 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose (PGG) were isolated and identified. Among them, kaempferol-3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnoside was isolated from this plant for the first time. These compounds have been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect. They may contribute to the efficacy of A. truncatumin treating skin inflammation. Discussion: The results revealed that ATLE has the potential to be used as an additive in various skin care products to prevent skin inflammations and may be incorporated in formulations for topical application as a therapeutic approach against dermatitis.

Effects of breviscapine on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and intestinal flora imbalance by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe plant Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz.,a Chinese herbal medicine with multiple pharmacological effects and clinical applications, has been traditionally used in the treatment of paralysis caused by stroke and joint pain from rheumatism by the Yi minority people of Southwest China for generations.However, its mechanism involves many factors and has not been fully clarified. Aim of the studyTaking intestinal flora as the target, the protective effect of extract(breviscapine) of E. breviscapus on cerebral ischemia and its possible mechanism were discussed from the perspective of brain inflammatory pathway and intestinal CYP3A4, which depends on intestinal flora. Materials and methodsIn this study, we first verified the binding ability between major active ingredient of Erigeron breviscapus and the core target TLR4 protein by molecular docking using Vina software.We established a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo.The neurological function of rats was scored by Bederson score table, the cerebral infarction volume was detected by TTC staining, and the serum NSE level was detected by ELASA. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the intestinal flora of rats in each group.The expression levels of cerebral TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and CYP3A4 mRNA and protein in different intestinal segments were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, the neurological injury score, infarct volume and serum NSE concentration of breviscapine low, medium and high dose groups and nimodipine groups decreased significantly. Meanwhile, breviscapine could significantly reduce the expression level of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in brain tissue and CYP3A4 in different intestinal segments of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, breviscapine also significantly ameliorated intestinal flora dysbiosis of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. ConclusionsBreviscapine can protect rats from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating intestinal flora, inhibiting brain TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway and intestinal CYP3A4 expression.

Protective Effect of Extract From America Ginseng and Hovenia dulcis Thunb Against Acute Alcohol-induced Liver Injury in Mice

Objective: The preventive effects of American ginseng and Hovenia dulcis Thunb (AGH) on alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice. Methods: After one week of adaptation, ICR mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group and AGH (Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ) groups. After giving the mice a continuous intragastric administration of AGH (100 mg/kg∙bw) for 14 days, all groups except the normal group were given three times of alcohol (5 g/kg) within 24 hours to induce liver damage. After the third alcohol administration for 6 hours, the mice were sacrificed. The activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the content of Triglycerides (TG) in serum were tested. The activity of Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of Glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected. Pathological changes of liver were observed by H & E staining. The expression of p-ERK, p-JNK and p-P38 protein in liver tissue was detected by WB method. Results: Compared with model group, AGH could significantly reduce the activities of AST and ALT in serum (P<0.05), decreased the level of TG in serum (P<0.05) and MDA content in liver tissue (P<0.05). Meanwhile, AGH can also increase the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue (P<0.05) and improve the level of GSH in liver tissue (P<0.05). Pathological observation showed that the main degeneration was fat drops, and some inflammatory cells were infiltrated in model group. AGH group had different degree of improvement on the pathological changes of the liver in mice. AHE significantly inhibited the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK and p-P38 (P<0.01) and inhibited the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Conclusion: AGH has obvious protective effect on acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.

Histomorphological effects of daucurs carota extract on dispirin induced kidney damage in albino rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of extract against dispirin induced renal toxicity in albino rats.The histological effect of consumption of Daucurs carota root extract on the kidney of albino rats was carried out. The albinorats were divided into five groups. Each group consists of 5 albino rats. Group A serves as control while group B, C, D and E received dispirin 80 mg/kg/day, 50mg, 100mg and 200mg/kg body weight per day of Daucurs carota extract respectively for a period of 28 days. Serum samples from each rat were subjected to biochemical analysis for kidney functions, while kidney biopsies were also investigated by histological examination. Dispirin significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, dispirin induced significant histological and ultrastructural alterations in the renal tissues of the rats. The exposure to Daucurs carota extract did attenuate the dispirin-induced toxicity in renal tissues. These results suggest that Daucurs carota extracts have significant protective role against dispirin-induced renal toxicity.

Assessment of Protective Effects of Methanolic Extract of Salvia verbenaca Roots Against Oxidative Damage Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide

Salvia verbenaca is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in Algeria for the treatment of wounds and emptied abscesses. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of methanolic extract of S. verbenaca roots and explore its ability to bestow protection against oxidative damage induced by H2O2 (200 μM). The cytotoxic effects and protective properties of S. verbenaca on human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) was studied using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. The protective effects of the extract against H2O2-induced oxidative damage was evaluated using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescien diacetate (H2DCFDA) assay. S. verbenaca extract was found to be non-cytotoxic at concentrations <500 μg/mL. However, the use of 500 and 1000 μg/mL of the extract decreasedcell viability. H2DCFDA assay provided evidence for anti-oxidative properties of S. verbenaca. Addition of S. verbenaca (1 and 10 μg/mL) resulted in significant reductionin H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Further, comet assay showed that addition of the extract resulted in a significant reductionin the length and % DNA content of comet tail. Additionally,nuclei in the cells also appeared to be devoid ofdegradation. The use of S. verbenaca root extract conferred protection against H2O2-induced ROS production and DNA breakage in vitro.

Protective effect of leaf extract of Ficus carica L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic toxicity in mice and HepG2 cell line

Purpose: To determine the in vivo and in vitro hepatoprotective effects of Ficus carica.Methods: The methanol leaf extract of Ficus carica L was further fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. For in vivo study, male albino mice were divided into twelve groups. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the mice using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The extract of F. carica and its fractions were administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Silymarin was used as standardhepatoprotective drug. The protective effects of the extract and fractions were determined via assay of biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes in the liver. The histopathology of the liver was also studied. Moreover, the in vitro hepatoprotective effect of the extract and fractions against CCl4-induced damage was determined in HepG2 cell line.Results: There were significant increases in the serum levels of liver biomarkers in CCl4-treated group, whereas treatments with plant extract and fractions significantly reduced the levels of these parameters (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, results from histopathology revealed evidence of protective effect of Ficus carica through reversal of CCl4-induced decreases in the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes.Conclusion: These results indicate that methanol leaf extract of Ficus carica L. and its fractions exert significant and dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects in vivo and in vitro.&#x0D; Keywords: Ficus carica, Hepatoprotection, Carbon tetrachloride, Liver biomarkers

Protective effects of extracts from the aerial parts of hydroponically cultured ginseng on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice and quantitative analysis of major ginsenosides

Protective effects of extracts from the aerial parts of hydroponically cultured ginseng on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice and quantitative analysis of major ginsenosides

Neuroprotective effect of standardized extracts of three Lactuca sativa Linn. varieties against 3-NP induced Huntington’s disease like symptoms in rats

ABSTRACT Objectives The study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three commonly consumed Lactuca sativa (LS) Linn. varieties viz., Grand rapid, Lollo rosso and Iceberg (Asteraceae) against 3-NP induced HD like symptoms in rats. Methods Ethanol extracts of leaves of three LS varieties were prepared, and standardized on the basis of quercetin content using HPLC. These extracts (100 and 200 mg kg, p.o. for 20 days) were evaluated for their neuroprotective effect against 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The extract that exhibited maximum activity was successively fractionated using hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous in increasing order of polarity. These fractions were also evaluated (dose equivalent to the dose of the extract of LS variety exhibiting maximum activity) for their neuroprotective effect. The protective effect of extracts and fractions was evaluated using different behavioral (rota rod, actophotometer, beam walk and Morris water maze) and biochemical (malondialdehyde, nitrite, superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) parameters. Results 3-NP elicit marked deterioration in motor coordination, locomotor activity and memory in comparison to control group. Standardized ethanol extract of grand rapid (200 mg/kg) exhibited maximum activity amongst the three tested varieties. Therefore, its fractions were also evaluated, and n-butanol fraction (40 mg/kg) exhibited maximum attenuation of 3-NP induced HD like symptoms which was evident from improved behavioral and biochemical parameters. Discussion The results exhibit that LS (Grand rapid variety) prophylaxis mitigated 3-NP induced neurotoxicity and HD like symptoms in rats due to its potent antioxidant potential.

Protective effects of extracts from Ephedra foeminea Forssk fruits against oxidative injury in human endothelial cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEphedra foeminea is a member of the Ephedraceae family which is widespread in the eastern Mediterranean area. In Lebanon, Ephedra is a popular remedy in traditional medicine to prevent and/or counteract many stress oxidative-related diseases like inflammation and bacterial infections. Aim of the studyOxidative stress leads to endothelial cell dysfunction, and is a major factor contributing to etiology of atherosclerosis and related diseases. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and cytoprotective potential of extracts from E. foeminea fruits on human endothelial cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mimic in vitro vascular endothelium dysfunction. Materials and methodsDifferent extracts of E. foeminea fruits were prepared using pure ethanol (EE), methanol/water (EMW), pure hexane (Ehex) or ethyl acetate/water (Epoly) as extraction solvents. The phenolome profile of each extract was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Total phenolic and flavonoid content, and radical scavenging properties of the extracts were assessed spectrophotometrically. Then, the effects on human endothelial cells HECV were evaluated. ResultsEpoly extract showed the highest phenol and flavonoid content, and the highest radical scavenging capacity. On H2O2-insulted HECV cells Epoly was able: (i) to counteract the ROS/RNS production and lipid peroxidation; (ii) to rescue the ROS-dependent decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential; (iii) to counteract the apoptosis induction; (iv) to restore endothelial cell viability and migration. ConclusionsThe findings indicated that the polyphenol-enriched extract Epoly from E. foeminea fruits is endowed with in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects and might be used as nutraceutical for treating ROS-related endothelium dysfunction and inflammation.

Protective effects of extracts of lichen Dirinaria consimilis (Stirton) D.D. Awasthi in bifenthrin- and diazinon-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes in vitro

The intoxication of insecticides such as bifenthrin and diazinon has been reported to generate free radicals, and thereby alter the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes. The present study is aimed to investigate the protective effects of acetone (DA) and methanolic (DM) extracts of lichen Dirinaria consimilis against bifenthrin and diazinon toxicity in rats’ erythrocytes in vitro. Rats’ erythrocytes were exposed to bifenthrin and diazinon, individually and also in combination with DA or DM at 1 ppm for 3 h at 37 ˚C. By using spectrophotometric methods, all the samples were estimated for changes in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enzyme [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferases (GST)] activities. The outcomes showed that both the insecticides were highly toxic to rats’ erythrocytes. Among all groups, both the insecticides and DA exposed groups showed very low levels of MDA content, and GST activity in rats’ erythrocytes, when compared to the control. Besides, DA groups pretreated with both insecticides showed significant improvement of total Hb concentration, SOD, and CAT activities, with respect to the control. Hence, the present results indicate that the extracts of D. consimilis act as an antioxidant agent that reduces oxidative stress burden in insecticides toxicity.

Research on Anticorrosive Effects of Larch Bark Extract with Addition of Collagen

The results of the study of the anticorrosive protective effects of the larch bark extract with addition of collagen have been given in this article. It was found that the best way of water extraction of tannins from larch bark is a temperature of 60 ° C during 1 hour, since at high temperatures, partial destruction of tannins occurs, and with an increase in the extraction time of more than an hour, the process of adsorption of these substances by the bark takes place. The corrosion rate was determined by the intensity of the blue colour of the complex compound of iron (II) cations - the truncul blue Fe3[Fe (CN)6]2 on a photocolorimeter with a yellow light filter at a wavelength of 590 nm. The average corrosion rate was calculated by the concentration of the resulting Fe2+ cations (within 1 minute). Based on the average corrosion rates, the protective effect of the extract (Z) and the drag coefficient (γ) were determined. It has been identified that the protective effect of the larch bark extract is equal to 37.5%, while addition of collagen leads to 2.3 time increase of protective effects of the extract. This can be explained by the fact that, with collagen additive, good adhesion of tannins to the surface of iron occurs resulting from formation of complex compounds, and a protective collagen film is formed, preventing an access of oxidizing agents to the metal surface.

Protective Effect of Extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 against Frostbite Injury in Rats

Protective Effect of Extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 against Frostbite Injury in Rats

Multiple biological activities of two Onosma species (O. sericea and O. stenoloba) and HPLC-MS/MS characterization of their phytochemical composition

Members of the Onosma genus are widely used in folk medicine and they have great interest in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), metal chelation, and phosphomolybdenum assays), enzyme inhibition (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase), antimicrobial activity (microdilution method), genotoxic and antigenotoxic (by using Drosophila melanogaster larvae and Comet assay) potentials of Onosma sericea Willd. and Onosma stenoloba Hausskn. ex Riedl. were investigated. Additionally, the bioactive compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis. Generally, O. sericea showed stronger antioxidant activity, while O. stenoloba extract exhibited stronger enzyme inhibitory abilities (cholinesterases and α-amylase). The protective effects of extracts, at the concentration range from 25 to 400 μg/mL, against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage were dose-dependent, increasing with a higher dosage. The extracts at the highest concentration (80 mg/mL) showed the absence of genotoxicity in vivo. Antigenotoxic effects were evident after treatment with both extracts, with a percentage reduction of over 80 %. Overall antimicrobial activity of studied extracts was weak, with the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration values (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL. Taken together, obtained results showed that tested Onosma species can be considered as promising sources of bioactive phytochemicals for pharmacological purposes.

Pomegranate peel extract ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats through suppressing p38MAPK/Nrf2 pathway

Abstract Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic process characterized by excessive production of extracellular matrix in response to liver injury, which eventually leads to cirrhosis and even death. Growing evidence has demonstrated that pomegranate could efficiently reduce liver fibrosis in rats. Previous studies have also shown that Nrf2 activation alleviated liver fibrosis. However, whether the MAPK-Nrf2 pathway were involved in the protective effect of extracts from pomegranate peels (EPP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis remains elusive. The hepatic fibrosis model was established by injection with 50% CCl4 subcutaneously in male SD rats twice a week for four weeks. After four weeks, EPP and/or signaling inhibitors were administered every day for 4 weeks, respectively. The protective effects of EPP on liver function, oxidative markers, and liver fibrosis were determined. The results showed that EPP treatment decreased MDA levels, enhanced GSH-Px activities, inhibited the development of hepatic fibrosis evidenced by reduced TGF-β and collagen1-α2 levels as well as fibrosis areas, improved liver function in CCl4 injury rats. Similarly, p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 produced the protective effect as EPP in the setting of rat model. Moreover, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 did not affect the inhibitory effect of EPP on p38MAPK activity, which indicates that Nrf2 might be a downstream molecule of p38MAPK in the protective mechanism of EPP against hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, EPP displays a protective effect against liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, and its underlying mechanisms might be associated with suppressing p38MAPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Anti-corrosion action of the extract of the larix sibiric barrus with different methods applying on the surface of metal

This article provides a method of the larch bark extract applying on a metal surface and also determining its anticorrosive protective action. It has been established that the protective effect of the larch bark extract was 37.5%, and when applying the extract after phosphoric acid, the protective effect increases to 65%, since the formed iron phosphates, having a porous structure, are a good primer and increase the adhesion of the rust converter. The sequence of the solutions application was determined: firstly, phosphoric acid and only after that the extract of larch bark. This sequence of components application leads to an improvement of the anticorrosion characteristics of the studied extract: at the same time, the protective effect of the extract Z and the inhibiting factor of corrosion γ increase 1.7-1.8 times.

The protective effect of different extracts of aerial parts of Artemisia ciniformis against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

The major objective of this study is to investigate whether Artemisia ciniformis (A. ciniformis) is able to rescue the PC12 neuronal cells from H 2 O 2 -mediated oxidative stress. Different antioxidant and apoptotic assays were conducted on A. ciniformis. Among different A. ciniformis extracts, three (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethylacetate) were the most proper ones. The protective effects of these extracts against H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity were examined. Ethyl acetate (EA) extract was fractionated and total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) of fractions were estimated. EA extract was found to be the most effective extract on suppressing the toxicity of H 2 O 2 . It caused up to 35 reduction in H 2 O 2 -induced cellular death, more than 70 decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, 47 increase in SOD activity, almost 175 decrease in caspase-3 activity, and more than 27 elevation in mitochondrial membrane potential level. After fractionation, the most potent fraction (F3) was found active in protecting PC12 cells from oxidative stress consequences. This fraction possessed the highest ratio of flavonoid to non-flavonoid phenolic compounds (TFC = 125.03 ± 1.31 mg quercetin equivalent/g and TPC = 127.18 ± 6.00 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), suppressed the toxicity mediated by H 2 O 2 and successfully inhibited the overproduction of ROS caused by H 2 O 2 . These results altogether suggested A. ciniformis is a potential choice for preventing different neurodegenerative diseases. © 2019 Leila Hosseinzadeh et al.

Application of the DSC and spectroscopy methods in the analysis of the protective effect of extracts from the blueberry fruit of the genus Vaccinium in relation to the lipid membrane

The aim of the study was to determine changes incurred in lipid model membranes by polyphenol compounds from blueberry fruit of the genus Vaccinium that includes low, high and black blueberry. In particular, the effect of extracts on the packing order in the lipid hydrophilic phase, the fluidity of the hydrophobic phase, as well as the temperature of the phase transition in phospholipids was studied. Model membranes were formed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and egg phosphatidylcholine. The interaction of extracts with lipids was studied using the differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and fluorimetry using Laurdan, Prodan and DPH probes. All experimental results indicate that the biggest changes are in the hydrophilic part of the lipid bilayer. The polyphenol compounds had practically no influence on fluidity in the hydrophobic region of the membranes. No changes in the temperature of the main phase transition of DPPC were observed and only a small change in the temperature of pretransition for high concentration of compounds. Results obtained with the ATR-FTIR method did not reveal any changes in the alkyl chain region of bilayer; however, a small shift of bands was observed for phosphate and choline groups—the broadest effect appeared for the wild bilberry. The findings indicate that polyphenolic compounds contained in extracts of blueberries interact with the membrane surface and therefore can protect it.

Ficus carica aqueous extract alleviates delayed gastric emptying and recovers ulcerative colitis-enhanced acute functional gastrointestinal disorders in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFicus carica fruit, a source of bioactive functional ingredients, have been traditionally long time used for its medicinal benefits as they improve the digestive system, treating constipation and used as a natural laxative. Aim of the studyThe recent study was investigated the ameliorative effect of Ficus carica L. aqueous extract (FCAE) on delayed gastric emptying and ulcerative colitis-improved motility disturbances in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in rats. Materials and methodsWistar rats were assigned randomly and received 5% DSS for seven days. Ulcerative colitis diagnosis was confirmed by clinical signs, visible fecal blood and histopatological evaluation. The estimation of the action of colitis on TGI and constipation as well as the protective effect of extract, the intestinal biochemical and physiological parameters were measured using the charcoal meal test, loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation as well as spectrophotometric assays. FCAE (150 and 300 mg kg−1) was administered orally once per day for seven days 1 h after the loperamide treatment. Phenol-red colorimetric method was used to explore the action of FCAE on gastric emptying process. ResultsUlcerative colitis caused a significantly gastrointestinal motility inhibition in normal rats and notably aggravated the constipation in LOP group. Oppositely, FCAE oral intake significantly increased levels of the gastrointestinal transit ratio and gastric emptying by accelerating of their times. Moreover, constipation severity induced by colitis was remarkably reduced in the FCAE treatment group, as demonstrated by a marked management of fecal parameters, water content, oxidative stress indicators, lipid metabolism, and intracellular mediators. Phytochemical analysis of FCAE revealed the presence of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, phenolic acids as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and ellagic acid, and flavonoids (e.g. rutin, catechin, epicatechin and apeginine). ConclusionsThe obtained results indicated that FCAE exhibits a natural laxative effect without provoking diarrhea and ameliorates functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders thus justifying its traditional usage.

포도근 추출물의 항산화 활성 및 산화스트레스에 대한 세포 보호 효과

본 연구는 포도근 추출물의 항산화 활성을 확인하고자 열수 및 에탄올 추출을 통해 2종의 시료를 제작하여 추출물별 항산화 활성을 비교하였다. 포도근에 포함된 총 폴리페놀과 총 플라보노이드 함량을 측정한 결과, 에탄올 추출물(236.31±4.60 mg GAE/g extract)이 열수 추출물(110.00±0.97mg GAE/g extract)보다 높은 총 폴리페놀 함량을 나타내었으며, 총 플라보노이드 함량 또한 에탄올 추출물(196.36±4.19 mg CE/g extract)이 열수 추출물(52.19±2.09 mg CE/g extract)보다 더 높게 나타났다. ESR을 이용한 DPPH 라디칼 소거능을 측정한 결과, 포도근의 열수 및 에탄올 추출물 모두 50% 라디칼 소거 농도인 ICSUB50/SUB 값이 0.004 mg/mL로 비타민 C와 비슷한 활성을 나타내었다. ABTS를 이용한 라디칼 소거 활성, FRAP를 이용한 총 항산화능 측정 및 ORAC에 의한 항산화 활성을 측정한 결과에서도 포도근 추출물이 높은 항산화 효능을 가지고 있음을 확인할 수 있었고, 특히 FRAP법과 ORAC법에서 양성대조군인 BHT보다 높은 항산화 활성을 나타내었다. 또한, FTC 및 TBA법을 이용한 지질과산화 억제 효능을 살펴본 결과, 포도근 추출물이 양성대조군인 비타민 C와 비타민 E보다 우수한 지질과산화 억제 효과를 나타내었다. 간세포를 이용하여 포도근 추출물의 세포독성을 확인하기 위하여 MTT assay를 수행한 결과, 포도근의 열수 및 에탄올 추출물 모두 0.2 mg/mL의 농도까지는 독성이 없음을 확인하였다. 간세포 보호 효능 실험에서는 t-BHP로 유도한 산화적 스트레스에 대해 포도근 추출물이 농도 의존적인 간세포 보호 효과가 있었으며, 이는 세포 내 활성산소종의 소거를 통하여 산화스트레스가 억제되어 세포를 보호하는 것으로 판단된다. 또한, 후속 연구로 세포 보호 관련 기전 규명에 관한 연구 및 항산화 효과와 관련된 항산화 효소 발현량에 관한 연구를 수행할 필요가 있을 것으로 사료된다. 본 연구는 민간에서는 오랫동안 사용되어 왔으나 많은 연구가 이루어지지 않았던 포도근 시료를 이용하여 항산화 효능의 기초 연구 자료 제공 및 항산화 소재 개발가능성을 제시하였다.