PMID: 

Cell Cycle. 2019 Aug ;18(15):1745-1758. Epub 2019 Jun 29. PMID: 31213123

Abstract Title: 

Diosgenin exhibits tumor suppressive function via down-regulation of EZH2 in pancreatic cancer cells.

Abstract: 

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in oncology treatment, this refractory disease is still become intractable. Natural herb product diosgenin is described to exhibit vast range of pharmacological activities in preclinical studies, including anti-cancer activities. Accumulating data demonstrated that Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) as an oncogenic protein is over-expressed in various human cancers, including PC. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the anti-cancer properties and molecular basis of diosgenin in PC cells. Significant inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in diosgenin treated Patu8988 and Panc-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptotic cell death and G2/M phase arrest were also induced by diosgenin treatment in PC cells. Moreover, obvious inhibition of cell migration and invasive capacities was detected in diosgenin treated PC cells. Mechanistically, the expression levels of EZH2 and its target Vimentin were reduced, and PTEN was promoted after diosgenin exposure. Our results further supported that EZH2 signaling was closely associated with the anti-tumor characteristics of diosgenin in PC cells. Therefore, inhibition of EZH2 by diosgenin could be a promising therapeutic method for PC treatment.

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PMID: 

Am J Transl Res. 2019 ;11(6):3461-3471. Epub 2019 Jun 15. PMID: 31312358

Abstract Title: 

Diosgenin inhibits the expression of NEDD4 in prostate cancer cells.

Abstract: 

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among men and causes a myriad of health problem for males that are diagnosed with the cancer. Although the 5-year relative survival rate of prostate cancer patients has been significantly increased due to prostate-specific antigen testing and treatment advances, patients that develop metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer continue to have poor survival rates. Thus, it is critical to discover new therapeutics to treat prostate cancer. Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin from Trigonella foenum graecum, which has been previously identified to exert anti-tumor properties. Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4) is an E3 ligase that degrades multiple different proteins, and plays an oncogenic role in human cancer. In this study, we explore the molecular mechanism by which diosgenin mediates anti-tumor effects in prostate cancer cells. We found that diosgenin treatment led to cell growth inhibition, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Notably, we found that diosgenin inhibited the expression of NEDD4 in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of NEDD4 overcame the diosgenin-mediated anti-tumor activity, while downregulation of NEDD4 promoted the diosgenin-induced anti-cancer function in prostate cancer cells. Our findings indicate that diosgenin is a potential new inhibitor of NEDD4 in prostate cancer cells.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2018 Dec 30 ;24(1). Epub 2018 Dec 30. PMID: 30598012

Abstract Title: 

Biological Properties and Bioactive Components ofL.: Focus on Potential Benefits in the Treatment of Obesity and Related Comorbidities.

Abstract: 

Common onion (L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants, utilized worldwide as both vegetable and flavouring. This species is known to contain sulphur amino acids together with many vitamins and minerals. A variety of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phytosterols and saponins, have also been identified. Despite the predominant use of this plant as food, a wide range of beneficial effects have also been proved. Different biological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic, have been reported. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the studies concerning the beneficial effects of this species against obesity and its related comorbidities, such as hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes. Both in vitro and in vivo results about onion dietary supplementation have been taken into account. Furthermore, this review examines the possible role of onion bioactive components in modulating or preventing weight-gain or related diseases, as well as the possible mechanisms behind their activity.

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PMID: 

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2019 Apr ;83(4):751-754. Epub 2019 Jan 8. PMID: 30621512

Abstract Title: 

Elucidation of anα-glucosidase inhibitor from the peel of Allium cepa by principal component analysis.

Abstract: 

We conducted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements on hot-water extracts of peel from different varieties of Allium cepa. Some quercetin glycosides were identified as potentialα-glucosidase inhibitors by principal component analysis of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity assays identified quercetin-4'-O-glucoside as an α-glucosidase inhibitor.

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PMID: 

Biomolecules. 2019 02 21 ;9(2). Epub 2019 Feb 21. PMID: 30795630

Abstract Title: 

Testosterone in Males as Enhanced by Onion ().

Abstract: 

Testosterone (17β-Hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one) is the main sex hormone in males. Maintaining and enhancing testosterone level in men is an incessant target for many researchers. Examples of such research approaches is to utilize specific types of food or dietary supplements as a safe and easily reached means. Here,specifically, since 1967 until now, many research studies have revealed the effect of onion on testosterone; however, this link has yet to be collectively reviewed or summarized. To accomplish this contribution, we searched the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases for full articles or abstracts (published in English language) from April 1967 through December 2018 using the keywords"onion"versus"testosterone". In addition, a number of related published articles from the same databases were included to improve the integrity of the discussion, and hence the edge of the future directions. In summary, there is an evidence that onions enhance testosterone level in males. The mechanisms by which this occurs is mainly by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone, enhancing the antioxidant defense mechanism in the tests, neutralizing the damaging effects of the generated free radicals, ameliorating insulin resistance, promoting nitric oxide production, and altering the activity of adenosine 5'-monophosphate -activated protein kinase. However, this effect requires further approval in humans, mainly by conducting clinical trials.

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PMID: 

Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 27 ;9(1):2883. Epub 2019 Feb 27. PMID: 30814581

Abstract Title: 

Therapeutic effect of topical administration of red onion extract in a murine model of allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical administration of onion (Allium cepa) extract on nasal cavity for treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with intranasal instillation of OVA with or without onion extracts for five times a week on 3 consecutive weeks. Allergic symptom score according to frequencies of sneezing, serum total and OVA specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, cytokine levels of nasal mucosa and eosinophilic infiltration were analyzed. Allergic symptom score, serum total and OVA specific IgE, cytokine levels of nasal mucosa (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α and COX-2) and eosinophilic infiltration were higher in allergic mouse group than negative control group. Topical application of onion extracts significantly reduced allergic symptoms and OVA specific IgE levels. Cytokine levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased in groups treated with onion extract. In addition, eosinophil infiltration of nasal turbinate mucosa was also significantly decreased after treatment with onion extract. Topical administration of onion extract significantly reduces allergic rhinitis symptom and allergic inflammatory reactionin a murine allergic model. It can be assumed that the topical application of onion extract regulates allergic symptoms by suppressing the type-1 helper (Th1) and type-2 helper (Th2) responses and reducing the allergic inflammatory reaction.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:3269047. Epub 2019 Mar 3. PMID: 30941192

Abstract Title: 

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidative Potentials of Onion (L.) Extract Fermented with a NovelHD-010.

Abstract: 

The purpose of this study was to investigate antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative potentials of onion (L.) extract fermented with a novelHD-010. In general, fermented onion extract is used for its antioxidative activity (ORAC), inhibitory effect on adipocytes differentiation, quercetin contents, and antihyperlipidemic activities. However, the effect of fermented onion extract on hyperlipidemia after oral administration using ApoE-deficient mice has not been reported yet. To understand the effect of fermented onion extract on hyperlipidemia, we used benzafibrate (10 mg/kg, bw/day) as a positive control in the present study. Serum was collected every week to analyze levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol, 3-hydroxy-3-methylgutaryi-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity, and cholesterol ester transport protein (CETP) activity. In the fermented onion-treated group, HDL level was significantly increased while levels of TG and LDL were significantly decreased compared to those in the control group. In addition, the inhibition activity of HMG-CoA reductase was increased 20% in the fermented onion-treated group at 100 mg/kg. CETP activity has been observed to be significantly inhibited in the fermented onion-treated groups compared to that in the control group. These results suggest that fermented onion has a preventive/therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemic disease. It might have potential to be developed as a functional food.

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PMID: 

Virol J. 2019 07 31 ;16(1):94. Epub 2019 Jul 31. PMID: 31366366

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of the virucidal effects of rosmarinic acid against enterovirus 71 infection via in vitro and in vivo study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Although enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an important public health threat, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, there are still no effective drugs or vaccines to treat and prevent EV71 infection. Therefore, it is critical to develop prophylactic and therapeutic agents against EV71. Rosmarinic acid (RA), a phytochemical, has been discovered to possess a broad spectrum of biological activities.METHODS: The virucidal effects of RA on EV71 were determined by MTT, western blot, median cell culture infectious dose, apoptosis detection, plaque reduction, semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence detection, molecular docking analysis, and mouse protection assay.RESULTS: RA showed a strong protective effect against EV71 infection in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells when the multiplicity of infection was 1, with a low ICvalue (4.33 ± 0.18 μM) and high therapeutic index (340). RA not only protected cells from EV71-induced cytopathic effects, but also from EV71-induced apoptosis. The results of time-of-addition analysis demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of RA was highest at the early stage of viral infection. Consistent with this, the infectivity of EV71 in the early stage of viral infection also was observed to be limited in neonatal mice treated with RA. Further, molecular docking predicts that RA could replace the natural pocket factor within the VP1 capsid-binding hydrophobic pocket.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that RA has the potential to be developed as an antiviral agent against initial EV71 infection to prevent or reduce EV71-induced pathogenesis and complications, since RA can effectively reduce EV71 infection in the early stages of viral infection.

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PMID: 

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Jul 23 ;126:109597. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31351349

Abstract Title: 

The effect of rosmarinic acid on the prevention of myringosclerosis.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: Myringosclerosis commonly occurs as a long-term complication of ventilation during the treatment of otitis media. We aimed to determine the effects of rosmarinic acid as an antioxidant on experimentally induced myringosclerosis.METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, were unilaterally myringotomized and randomly separated into three groups. Group 1 received no treatment (control group) (n = 8); Group 2 received topical rosmarinic acid (n = 8); Group 3 received oral rosmarinic acid (n = 8). On the twenty-first day, the right ears were examined by otomicroscope and findings of myringosclerosis were recorded. Finally, all of the rats were euthanized and the tympanic membrane (TM) thickness and the severity of middle ear mucosal inflammation were evaluated histopathologically.RESULTS: The myringosclerosis severity, TM thickness, and inflammation scores were found to be significantly higher in the control group than in the topical and systemic treatment groups (p  0.05). While moderate and severe myringosclerosis were higher in the control group, mild myringosclerosis was found to be higher in both treatment groups.CONCLUSION: The local and oral administration of rosmarinic acid suppressed inflammation, reduced TM thickness, and prevented the development of myringosclerosis in myringotomized rats.

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PMID: 

Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2019 Aug 22. Epub 2019 Aug 22. PMID: 31436305

Abstract Title: 

Investigation of antioxidant effects of rosmarinic acid on liver, lung and kidney in rats: A biochemical and histopathological study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: To investigate the protective effects of rosmarinic acid in rats exposed to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly classified into four groups of eight rats each: laparotomy without medication, rosmarinic acid (dose of 50 mg/kg via oral gavage) followed by laparotomy, laparotomy followed by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion with rosmarinic acid. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels and total oxidant activity and total antioxidant capacity levels of the liver, lung, and kidney were assessed. The histopathologic assessment was also performed.RESULTS: Rosmarinic acid significantly reduced liver function test parameters and decreased oxidative stress and abnormal histopathologic findings in the liver. The oxidative stress in the lung significantly increased in the ischemia/reperfusion group but significantly decreased in the ischemia/reperfusion + rosmarinic acid group due to the addition of rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid led to no reduction in oxidative stress in kidney following hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups regarding histopathologic changes in kidney and lung sections.CONCLUSIONS: Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant properties and is an effective hepatoprotective agent. However, although rosmarinic acid provides useful effects in the lung by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress after ischemia/reperfusion injury, it does not ameliorate histopathologic changes. These findings suggest that rosmarinic acid is likely to provide favorable outcomes in the treatment of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

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