Antioxidant Activity and Protective Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tripterygium regelii</Emphasis> Extract on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Injury in Human Dopaminergic Cells,SH-SY5Y

The present work was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects of Tripterygium regelii extract (TRE) on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in human dopaminergic cells, SH-SY5Y. TRE possessed considerable amounts of phenolics (282.73 mg tannic acid equivalents/g of extract) and flavonoids (101.43 mg naringin equivalents/g of extract). IC₅₀ values for reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity were 52.51 and 47.83 μg, respectively. The H₂O₂ scavenging capacity of TRE was found to be 57.68 μM × μg⁻¹ min⁻¹. By examining the effects of TRE on SH-SY5Y cells injured by H₂O₂, we found that after incubation of cells with TRE prior to H₂O₂ exposure, the H₂O₂ induced cytotoxicity was significantly reversed and the apoptotic features such as change in cellular morphology, nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation was inhibited. Moreover, TRE was very effective attenuating the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic cell death induced by H₂O₂. TRE extract effectively suppressed the up-regulation of Bax, Caspase-3 and -9, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, TRE pretreatment evidently increased the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in SH-SY5Y cells. These findings demonstrate that TRE protects SH-SY5Y cells against H₂O₂-induced injury and antioxidant properties may account for its neuroprotective actions and suggest that TRE might potentially serve as an agent for prevention of neurodegenerative disease associated with oxidative stress.     

Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory,Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Effects of the Organic Extract of the Red Sea Marine Sponge Xestospongia testudinaria against Carrageenan Induced Rat Paw Inflammation

Marine sponges are found to be a rich source of bioactive compounds which show a wide range of biological activities including antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulator effects of the methanolic extract of the Red Sea marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria. The chemical composition of the Xestospongia testudinaria methanolic extract was determined using Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) was measured to assess the antioxidant activity of the sponge extract. Carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema was adopted in this study. Six groups of rats were used: group1: Control, group 2: Carrageenan, group 3: indomethacin (10 mg/kg), group 4–6: Xestospongia testudinaria methanolic extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity was performed by both calculating the percentage increase in paw weight and hisopathologically. Assessment of the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity was performed. GC-MS analysis revealed that there were 41 different compounds present in the methanolic extract. Sponge extract exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH free radicals. Xestospongia testudinaria methanolic extract (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased % increase in paw weight measured at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after carrageenan injection. Histopathologically, the extract caused a marked decrease in the capillary congestion and inflammatory cells infiltrate. The extract decreased paw malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and increased the reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity. It also decreased the inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β(IL-1β) and IL-6. The results of this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of the methanolic extract of the Red Sea sponge Xestospongia testudinaria (100 mg/kg).     

Identification of nuclear factors that enhance binding of the thyroid hormone receptor to a thyroid hormone response element

Using a gel shift assay, we analyzed the binding of in vitro translated alpha- and beta-thyroid hormone (T3) receptors to a T3-response element (TRE) derived from the rat GH gene. No receptor-TRE complexes were observed when translated receptor alone was incubated with the TRE. However, addition of a nuclear extract from liver to the translational products resulted in the formation of two receptor-DNA complexes for both the alpha- and beta-receptors. These complexes were shown to contain translated receptor by comigration of 32P-labeled TRE and 35S-labeled receptor in the gel shift assay. A competition experiment demonstrated that formation of the complexes was sequence specific. Preincubation of the liver nuclear extract at 60 C abolished formation of both complexes indicating that receptor-TRE binding required a heat-labile nuclear factor. Phosphocellulose chromatography of the nuclear extract resulted in separation of the activities required for formation of the two complexes. Analysis of nuclear extracts from different tissues revealed that one complex formed in the presence of all extracts, whereas the second complex appeared predominantly with a nuclear extract from liver. Addition of T3 to the binding reaction had no effect on receptor-TRE complex formation. We suggest that nuclear factors interact with the T3 receptor to enhance hormone-independent binding to a TRE.     

Hydroalcoholic plant extracts with anti-inflammatory activity

The aim of the present study was to investigate if standardized hydroalcoholic plant extracts such as Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata and Glycyrrhiza glabra can suppress in cell-free systems the activities of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), key enzymes in the formation of proinflammatory eicosanoids from arachidonic acid (AA). Studies were undertaken to compare the above mentioned plant extracts to a known NSAID (nimesulide) in their ability to inhibit both cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (5-LO) activities in cell-free systems. We report on 2 vegetal extracts (Hypericum perforatum and Glycyrrhiza glabra) that inhibit 5-LO activity and 2 vegetal extracts (Plantago lanceolata and Glycyrrhiza glabra) that inhibit COX-2 activity. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that Glycyrrhiza glabra extract efficiently suppresses both eicosanoids and leukotrienes formation in cell-free systems, implying that this extract directly acts as a dual inhibitor of 5-LO and COX-2 activities. With regard to the properties of dual COX-2/5-LO inhibitors, Glycyrrhiza glabra extract might be a potential drug possessing anti-inflammatory activity devoid of the most troublesome (gastric) side effects seen for drugs used as COX-2 and 5-LO inhibitors. Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts can be added to an already impressive list of these species that have anti-inflammatory activity.     

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of Melastoma malabathricum leaves aqueous extract in experimental animals

The present study was carried out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of the aqueous extract of Melastoma malabathricum leaves in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using abdominal constriction, hot-plate, and formalin tests, whereas the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, which was obtained after soaking the air-dried leaves in distilled water for 72 h and then preparing in concentrations of 10%, 50%, and 100% (v/v), was administered subcutaneously 30 min prior to subjection to the above mentioned assays. At all concentrations tested, the extract was found to exhibit significant (P < 0.05) antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities in a concentration-independent manner. Our findings that the aqueous extract of M. malabathricum possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities supports previous claims on its traditional uses to treat various ailments.     

In vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ursolic acid and oleanoic acid from Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae)

The aim of this work was to use in vivo models to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanoic acid (OA), the major compounds isolated as an isomeric mixture from the crude methylene chloride extract of Miconia albicans aerial parts in an attempt to clarify if these compounds are responsible for the analgesic properties displayed by this plant. Ursolic acid inhibited abdominal constriction in a dose-dependent manner, and the result obtained at a content of 40 mg kg(-1) was similar to that produced by administration of acetylsalicylic acid at a content of 100 mg kg(-1). Both acids reduced the number of paw licks in the second phase of the formalin test, and both of them displayed a significant anti-inflammatory effect at a content of 40 mg kg(-1). It is noteworthy that the administration of the isolated mixture, containing 65% ursolic acid/35% oleanolic acid, did not display significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. On the basis of the obtained results, considering that the mixture of UA and OA was poorly active, it is suggested that other compounds, rather than UA and OA, should be responsible for the evaluated activities in the crude extract, since the crude extract samples displayed good activities.     

Anti-inflammatory and redox-protective activities of citronellal

The anti-inflammatory and redox protective effects of the citronellal (CT) were evaluated using in vivo and in vitro tests. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of CT (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) inhibited (p < 0.05) the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, the carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced rat hind paw edema was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by i.p. administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg of the compound. When the redox activity was evaluated, CT (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced hepatic lipoperoxidation (p < 0.001), as well as oxidation of plasmatic (p < 0.05) and hepatic (p < 0.01) proteins. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that CT possesses anti-inflammatory and redox protective activities. It is suggested that its effects are associated with the inhibition of the enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway, which prevent cell migration by inhibiting leukotriene production, edema formation and the increase of reactive oxygen species in tissues. Therefore, CT is of potential benefit to manage inflammatory disorders and correlated damages caused by oxidant agents.     

Phytochemical study,cytotoxic, analgesic,antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Strychnos nux-vomica

The strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) (S. nux-vomica) belonging to family Loganiaceae has been a very promising medication for certain disorders. Different chromatographic methods were used to isolate the phenolic compounds from the aqueous methanolic extract of the S. nux-vomica leaves. Their identification was achieved through spectroscopic techniques. Cytotoxicity, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of S. nux-vomica leaves extract were evaluated. Five phenolic compounds were isolated and identified; Kaempferol-7 glucoside 1, 7-Hydroxy coumarin 2, Quercetin-3-rhamnoside 3, Kaempferol 3-rutinoside 4, and Rutin 5. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against different cancer cell lines. The extract showed potential cytotoxic activity against human epidermoid larynx carcinoma cells (Hep-2) and against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Colon carcinoma cells (HCT) were the least one affected by the extract. In addition, the extract exhibited promising analgesic, antipyretic as well as anti-inflammatory activities. It is concluded that, leaves extract of S. nux vomica possess potent cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities could be due to the presence of phenolic compounds revealed by our phytochemical investigations.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of saponin and iridoid glycosides from Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of four major compounds from the flowers of Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense were investigated. Saponin glycosides called ilwensisaponin A and C and iridoid glycosides known as ajugol and picroside IV were isolated from the methanolic extract. A dose-related anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive response were obtained in this study at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The results of the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity induced by carrageenan and PGE1 showed that this species possesses active constituents that could diminish the cyclooxygenase activitiy. No effects were observed in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema model. Our results support the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense. Ilwensisaponins A and C could explain in part the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of this species. Although antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ajugol and picroside IV were found insignificant in the statistical analysis, ilwensisaponin A and C showed notable activity without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage.     

The acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement on bench press strength and time to running exhaustion

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement (SUPP) on one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength and time to running exhaustion (TRE) at a velocity that corresponded to 85% of the peak oxygen uptake ([latin capital V with dot above]O2peak). The study used a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Thirty-one men (mean +/- SD age = 23.0 +/- 2.6 years) were randomly assigned to take either the SUPP or placebo (PLAC) first. The SUPP contained 201 mg of caffeine, and the PLAC was microcrystalline cellulose. All subjects were tested for 1-RM bench press strength and TRE at 45 minutes after taking either the SUPP or PLAC. After 1 week of rest, the subjects returned to the laboratory and ingested the opposite substance (SUPP or PLAC) from what was taken during the previous visit. The 1-RM bench press and TRE tests were then performed in the same manner as before. The results indicated that the SUPP had no effect on 1-RM bench press strength or TRE at 85% [latin capital V with dot above]O2peak. It is possible that the acute effects of caffeine are affected by differences in training status and/or the relative intensity of the exercise task. Future studies should examine these issues, in addition to testing the acute effects of various caffeine doses on performance during maximal strength, power, and aerobic activities. These findings do not, however, support the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in untrained to moderately trained individuals.     

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of SKLJI,a Highly Purified and Injectable Herbal Extract of Lonicera japonica

The parenteral route has many merits over the oral route, including greater predictability, reproducibility of absorption, and rapid drug action, but injectable phytomedicines are uncommon due to protein precipitating tannin and hemolytic saponin components. In this study, in an effort to develop a safe injectable analgesic phytomedicine, we prepared a tannin and saponin-free Lonicera japonica extract, SKLJI, through fractionation and column purification, and evaluated its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in in vivo experimental models of inflammation and pain. The removal of tannin and saponin resulted in loganin and sweroside-enriched SKLJI and it showed reduced hemolysis and protein precipitation. In efficacy tests, SKLJI inhibited croton oil- and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema, acetic acid-induced writhing, and carrageenan-induced rat hind paw hyperalgesia. Inhibition of cylcooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and 5-lipoxyfenase (5-LO) activities by SKLJI appeared to be the mechanism underlying anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy. Loganin and sweroside also showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, suggesting that they might be active principles in the efficacy of SKLJI. These results suggest that SKLJI is a viable candidate for a new anti-inflammatory and analgesic phytomedicine that can be administered by the parenteral route.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of SKLJI, a highly purified and injectable herbal extract of Lonicera japonica

The parenteral route has many merits over the oral route, including greater predictability, reproducibility of absorption, and rapid drug action, but injectable phytomedicines are uncommon due to protein precipitating tannin and hemolytic saponin components. In this study, in an effort to develop a safe injectable analgesic phytomedicine, we prepared a tannin and saponin-free Lonicera japonica extract, SKLJI, through fractionation and column purification, and evaluated its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in in vivo experimental models of inflammation and pain. The removal of tannin and saponin resulted in loganin and sweroside-enriched SKLJI and it showed reduced hemolysis and protein precipitation. In efficacy tests, SKLJI inhibited croton oil- and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema, acetic acid-induced writhing, and carrageenan-induced rat hind paw hyperalgesia. Inhibition of cylcooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and 5-lipoxyfenase (5-LO) activities by SKLJI appeared to be the mechanism underlying anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy. Loganin and sweroside also showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, suggesting that they might be active principles in the efficacy of SKLJI. These results suggest that SKLJI is a viable candidate for a new anti-inflammatory and analgesic phytomedicine that can be administered by the parenteral route.     

Protective effects of a standard extract of Mangifera indica L. (VIMANG) against mouse ear edemas and its inhibition of eicosanoid production in J774 murine macrophages

A standard aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L., used in Cuba as antioxidant under the brand name VIMANG, was tested in vivo for its anti-inflammatory activity, using commonly accepted assays. The standard extract of M. indica, administered orally (50-200mg/kg body wt.), reduced ear edema induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in mice. In the PMA model, M. indica extract also reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In vitro studies were performed using macrophage cell line J774 stimulated with pro-inflammatory stimuli lipopolysaccharide-interferon gamma (LPS-IFNgamma) or calcium ionophore A23187 to determine prostaglandin PGE(2) or leukotriene LTB(4) release, respectively. The extract inhibited the induction of PGE(2) and LTB(4) with IC(50) values of 21.7 and 26.0microg/ml, respectively. Mangiferin (a glucosylxanthone isolated from the extract) also inhibited these AA metabolites (PGE(2), IC(50) value=17.2microg/ml and LTB(4), IC(50) value=2.1microg/ml). These results represent an important contribution to the elucidation of the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects reported for the standard extract of M. indica VIMANG.     

Activity of taraxasteryl acetate on inflammation and heat shock protein synthesis

Pluchea sagittalis whole plant dichloromethane extract showed inhibitory activity in several inflammatory models: rat hind paw-edema, mice ear edema, and air-pouch rat granuloma. The extract inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in stimulated human neutrophils. It also showed inhibitory effect on heat shock protein 72 (hsp72) synthesis in stimulated neutrophils, while it had opposite effects on unstimulated cells. The triterpene taraxasteryl acetate was obtained from the dichloromethane extract by bioassay directed isolation, being active against induced ROS and RNS production in human neutrophils. In mice ear edema (induced by phorbol-12-mirystate-13-acetate, croton oil and arachidonic acid), taraxasteryl acetate showed a topical anti-inflammatory activity similar to the extract, but at 1/20 of the dose. The same ratio was observed for the inhibition of hsp72 production in stimulated human neutrophils. In unstimulated monocytes and neutrophils, taraxasteryl acetate showed a higher stimulating activity of hsp72 production than the extract, involving different mechanisms in each cell type. To our knowledge, taraxasteryl acetate is the first natural product for which a dual effect on the hsp response is reported.     

Repeated Oral Administration of a Squeezed Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract Augmented the Serum Corticosterone Level and Had Anti-Inflammatory Properties

We investigated the ability of a ginger extract to induce an immune response in RAW 264 cells and after a repeated oral administration to mice. The squeezed ginger extract augmented the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 when added to RAW 264 cells. This extract was collected as its ethanol-insoluble fraction. The oral administration of the squeezed ginger extract or its ethanol-insoluble fraction once or twice to mice also augmented the tumor necrosis factor-α production in peritoneal cells; however, its long-term administration had the opposite effect. The serum corticosterone level had increased after orally administering the squeezed ginger extract and was maintained during the administration period. Oral administration of the squeezed ginger extract also inhibited arachidonic acid-induced ear edema, but its repeated administration was needed to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect. These results suggest that the repeated administration of the aqueous constituents of ginger augmented the serum corticosterone level and that this may have gradually induced anti-inflammatory activity.     

重金属镉胁迫对白纹伊蚊幼虫海藻糖代谢的影响

【目的】深入了解镉对白纹伊蚊Aedes albopictus的毒害作用机理和白纹伊蚊对极端环境的适应机制,揭示重金属胁迫对白纹伊蚊种群发生、疾病传播等可能存在的影响,为卫生害虫防控等提供参考依据。【方法】分别用200 mL配制好的50, 100, 200, 300和400 mg/L镉溶液对放置于320 mL一次性杯中长势一致的白纹伊蚊3龄末至4龄初幼虫急性染毒12 h,以双蒸水养殖幼虫作为对照。通过生化方法测定处理后12 h白纹伊蚊幼虫体内海藻糖、葡萄糖和总糖原含量以及可溶性海藻糖酶(TRE1)和膜结合型海藻糖酶(TRE2)活力,并采用qRT PCR测定这些幼虫体内海藻糖合成酶基因(TPS), TRE1和TRE2表达量。【结果】在200和300 mg/L重金属镉处理12 h时白纹伊蚊幼虫海藻糖含量显著增加,在高镉浓度(300和400mg/L)处理时葡萄糖含量显著下降,而不同镉浓度急性处理对总糖原含量没有影响。TRE1和TRE2活力在高镉浓度(300和400 mg/L)处理时显著下降。300 mg/L镉处理组TPS相对表达量达到最高值,TRE1和TRE2相对表达量在高镉浓度(300和400 mg/L)处理时显著下降,与酶活力变化趋势表现一致。【结论】当镉浓度低于半致死浓度(217 mg/L)时,镉急性胁迫使白纹伊蚊幼虫TPS基因表达上调,而TRE基因则表达量下降,TRE活力降低,从而促使葡萄糖转化为海藻糖,通过海藻糖的积累来应对镉胁迫压力。这些结果说明海藻糖在白纹伊蚊在重金属应激中起一定作用,白纹伊蚊幼虫可以通过合成海藻糖从而提高应对镉胁迫的抗逆能力。     

Metabolomic Profile by GC/MS and Antioxidant,Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Green Solvent Extracts of Heterospathe elata Leaves

Plants are the prime source of phytoconstituents that can act as potent agents for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Heterospathe elata is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family having numerous medicinal properties. The present study was undertaken to prepare crude extracts of Heterospathe elata leaves with solvents of different polarity dimethyl carbonate (DMC), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), hydro alcohol (HYA) and water (WTR) by using successive Soxhlet extraction method. Further, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by the spectrophotometric method and possible bioactive phytoconstituents from the hydro alcohol extract of Heterospathe elata leaves using GC/MS. In our study, it was found that the GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of nineteen bioactive phytoconstituents. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the water extract. In antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity highest potential was shown by hydro alcohol extract and the lowest was in the dimethyl carbonate extract. These findings support the Heterospathe elata leaves showed the high biological potential attributed to a high amount of bioactive phytoconstituents and could be utilized as value-added functional food and medicine.