PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jul 13:112082. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PMID: 31310829

Abstract Title: 

Eriobotrya japonica leaf extract attenuates airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced mice model of asthma.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eriobotrya japonica leaves has a very long history of medicinal use as an anti-inflammatory and antitussive agent for bronchial inflammation.AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of Eriobotrya japonica (EJ) leaf water extract in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model and human tracheal smooth muscle cell (HTSMC).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were sensitized by intra peritoneal OVA and challenged with nebulized OVA. EJ extract was administered orally at various dose. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was quantified for nitric oxide (NO), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 level and immunoglobulin (Ig) E was quantified in serum. Lung tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of inflammatory cell infiltration whereas mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia were studied by periodic acid schiff staining. Western blot was done for analysis of pERK1/2 expression and NFκB translocation in HTSMC whereas iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW264.7 cell.RESULTS: EJ significantly reduced the levels of BALF's NO, EPO, MMPs, IL-4, IL-13, and serum IgE. It also decreases inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production. EJ also attenuated the proliferation of HTSMC, inhibits overexpression of ERK 1/2 and translocation of NFκB in HTSMC as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 cell.CONCLUSION: Present study suggest that, EJ effectively protects against allergic airway inflammation thus possessing potential therapeutic option for allergic asthma management.

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PMID: 

Nutr Cancer. 2019 ;71(3):461-471. Epub 2018 Oct 29. PMID: 30372130

Abstract Title: 

Blackberry Extract Inhibits Telomerase Activity in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain berries' anticancer effects. However, no previously published studies have investigated berries' anti-telomerase activity. In this study, the anti-telomerase activity of blackberry crude extract was analyzed in six human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines by TRAP assay. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy donor were used as a normal control. We also examined the effect of blackberry on the human telomerase RNA (hTR) mRNA level and on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and promoter methylation in CRC cells. Blackberry extract significantly inhibited the growth of six CRC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Telomerase activity of CRC cells incubated with the ICconcentration of berry's extract for 48 and 72 h decreased by 15%-37.5% and 43.23%-62.5% (P 

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PMID: 

Food Res Int. 2019 Jun ;120:523-533. Epub 2018 Nov 2. PMID: 31000268

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant potential and phenolic profile of blackberry anthocyanin extract followed by human gut microbiota fermentation.

Abstract: 

Beneficial properties attributed to the intake of blackberry fruit are associated with the presence of high content of anthocyanins. However, their low absorption and accumulation in the gut have generated the belief that gut metabolites of anthocyanins are probably reason for their protective effects. In this study, blackberry anthocyanins were prepared and subjected to in vitro human gut microbiota fermentation at different time intervals (0-48 h) to study their gut metabolites and antioxidant properties. The content of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was found highest in blackberry and it degraded completely after 6 h fermentation. Gut metabolites of blackberry anthocyanins were found to improve the glucose consumption and glycogen content significantly in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, gut metabolites significantly ameliorated high glucose plus palmitic acid (HG + PA)-induced ROS, mitochondrial membrane collapse, and glutathione depletion in HepG2 cells. Overall, this study reveals that blackberry anthocyanins subjected to gut microbiota fermentation resulted in the formation of active metabolites with potential antioxidant activity against HG + PA-induced oxidative stress.

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PMID: 

Pathophysiology. 2019 Jun ;26(2):137-143. Epub 2019 Apr 19. PMID: 31040041

Abstract Title: 

Blackberry juice anthocyanidins limit cisplatin-induced renal pathophysiology in mice.

Abstract: 

Some studies have showed that intake of blackberry juice (BBJ) can prevent urinary tract infections. However, there is a lack of studies that evaluate the mechanisms by which BBJ has protective effect. Thus, the aim of current study was to evaluate the effects of BBJ supplementation on cisplatin-induced renal pathophysiology in mice. Mice were supplemented with BBJ (10 mL/kg) for seven days. One hour after the last supplementation with BBJ, mice received cisplatin (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Seventy-two hours after cisplatin administration, blood was collected and biochemical analysis were performed (urea and creatinine), kidney was dissected and utilized in histological and oxidative evaluations. Cisplatin caused severe injury in renal tissue, in markers of renal damage (urea and creatinine) generated increased of plasmatic levels. Besides that, the cisplatin induced decreased of enzymes activities in renal tissue (superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferaseand catalase). In contrast, BBJ supplementation protected against histopathological alterations through decreased in urea and creatinine levels and modulation of catalase enzyme activity. Thus, BBJ supplementation protected the renal system of mice from deleterious effects. We suggest that high concentrations of Cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and Cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside are responsible for antioxidant role of BBJ supplementation in renal pathophysiology induced by cisplatin exposure. Also, these results reinforcing the importance of including BBJ in the human diet aimed at preventing renal diseases.

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PMID: 

Am J Transl Res. 2019 ;11(4):2090-2098. Epub 2019 Apr 15. PMID: 31105820

Abstract Title: 

Euscaphic acid inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by silencing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Abstract: 

Poir. has been used for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in China for many years. Euscaphic acid is an active component ofPoir. However, the mechanism of action of euscaphic acid in NPC remains unclear. In this study, Euscaphic acid inhibited the proliferation of NPC cells, induced apoptosis, and led to cell cycle arrest in the G1/S phase. In addition, euscaphic acid inhibited the expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) p-mTOR in NPC cells. The activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by IGF-1 promoted cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in NPC cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that euscaphic acid reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in NPC cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

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PMID: 

J Nutr Biochem. 2018 01 ;51:40-46. Epub 2017 Sep 14. PMID: 29091813

Abstract Title: 

Dietary red raspberries attenuate dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis.

Abstract: 

Persistent intestinal inflammation severely impairs intestinal integrity resulting in inflammatory bowel disease. Red raspberries (RB) are a rich source of bioactive compounds; their beneficial effect on the colitis protection was evaluated in the current study using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis mouse model. Six-week-old mice were fed a standard rodent research diet supplemented with RB (0 or 5% w/w, n=20 each group) for 6 weeks. At the 4th week of dietary treatment, approximately half of mice in each dietary group (n=12 each group) were subjected to 2.5% DSS induction for 6 days, followed by 6 days of recovery, to induce colitis. RB supplementation decreased body weight loss (P≤.01), disease activity index (P≤.01), and colon shortening (P≤.05) in DSS-treated mice. In addition, RB supplementation protected the colonic structure (P≤.01), associated with suppressed NF-κB signaling and reduced expression of inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, cyclooxegenase-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α in DSS-treated mice. RB supplementation reduced neutrophil infiltration, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression, and xanthine oxidase content, but enhanced catalase content in DSS-treated mice. Consistently, RB supplementation reduced pore forming tightjunction protein claudin-2, increased barrier strengthening claudin-3, zonula occluden-1 protein content and mucin (MUC)-2 mRNA level, and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in DSS-treated mice. In conclusion, dietary RB protected against inflammation and colitis symptoms induced by DSS,providing a promising dietary approach for the management of colitis.

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PMID: 

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018 03 ;62(5). Epub 2018 Feb 9. PMID: 29322691

Abstract Title: 

Raspberry Supplementation Improves Insulin Signaling and Promotes Brown-Like Adipocyte Development in White Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice.

Abstract: 

SCOPE: Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) leads to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Raspberry (RB) contains high amount of polyphenols and dietary fibers. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of RB supplementation on WAT morphology, inflammation, and insulin signaling in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, and further explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6J mice are fed with a control diet or a HFD supplemented with 0 or 5% freeze dried RB for 12 weeks. RB supplementation decreases WAT hypertrophy induced by HFD and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and macrophage infiltration in WAT. Meanwhile, RB addition improves insulin sensitivity of HFD-mice. Additionally, RB supplementation drives the browning of WAT (beige adipogenesis), which is associated with elevated PGC-1α and FNDC5/irisin contents. Consistently, the content of beige adipocyte markers including UCP1, PRDM16, Cytochrome C, Cidea, and Elvol3 is enhanced in HFD-mice, which are correlated with increased AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1 protein contents.CONCLUSION: Dietary RB attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation of WAT in HFD-mice and improves insulin sensitivity and beige adipogenesis, which is associated with increased FNDC5/irisin content and activation of AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. RB supplementation provides a promising strategy to prevent diet-induced obesity.

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PMID: 

Chin J Integr Med. 2018 Dec ;24(12):920-924. Epub 2018 May 11. PMID: 29752696

Abstract Title: 

Total Saponins of Rubus Parvifolius L. Exhibited Anti-Leukemia Effect in vivo through STAT3 and eIF4E Signaling Pathways.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-leukemia effect of total saponins of Rubus parvifolius L. (TSRP) on K562 cell xenografts in nude mice and the mechanisms of action.METHODS: The K562 cell xenografts in nude mice were established, and then randomly divided into 5 groups, the control group, the cytosine arabinoside group(Ara-c) and 3 TSRP groups (20, 40 and 100 mg/kg). The tumor volume and mass of each group of nude mice were measured and the anti-tumor rates of TSRP were calculated subsequently. The apoptosis status of tumor cells was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining analysis. Finally, the activities of apoptosis related signaling of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) were determined with immunohistochemistry tests.RESULTS: Subcutaneous injection of K562 cells induced tumor formation in nude mice, and the TSRP treated group showed a signifificant inhibitory effect on tumor formation. The nude mice treated with TSRP showed a signifificant decrease in tumor growth rate and tumor weight in comparison to the control group (all P

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PMID: 

Nutr Diabetes. 2018 07 2 ;8(1):39. Epub 2018 Jul 2. PMID: 29961765

Abstract Title: 

Raspberry alleviates obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α1.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Through dynamic means, etiological factors, including chronic inflammation and insulin resistance have the potential to perpetuate metabolic incidences such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Abatement of such syndromes can be achieved by complex mechanisms initiated through bioactive compounds such as polyphenols derived from fruits. Using a whole-fruit approach, the effects of dietary red raspberry, which is rich in polyphenols, on inflammatory responses and insulin resistance in the skeletal muscles of Mus musculus were studied along with the potential role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to act as a key mediator.SUBJECTS: Wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in the catalytic subunit (α1) of AMPK (AMPKα1) were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with raspberry (5% dry weight) for 10 weeks. Factors involved in inflammatory responses, insulin signaling transduction, and mitochondrial biogenesis were evaluated.RESULTS: Dietary raspberry reduced ectopic lipid storage, alleviated inflammation responses, improved whole-body insulin sensitivity, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in the skeletal muscle of WT mice, but not AMPKα1mice.CONCLUSIONS: AMPKα1 is an important mediator for the beneficial effects of raspberry through alleviating inflammatory responses and sensitizing insulin signaling in skeletal muscle of HFD-fed mice.

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PMID: 

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Aug 28 ;28(8):1247-1259. PMID: 29943551

Abstract Title: 

Dietary Supplementation with Raspberry Extracts Modifies the Fecal Microbiota in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice.

Abstract: 

Raspberries are polyphenol-rich fruits with the potential to reduce the severity of the clinical signs associated with obesity, a phenomenon that may be related to changes in the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of raspberry supplementation on the fecal microbiota using an in vivo model of obesity. Obese diabetic db/db mice were used in this study and assigned to two experimental groups (with and without raspberry supplementation). Fecal samples were collected at the end of the supplementation period (8 weeks) and used for bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiling using a MiSeq instrument (Illumina). QIIME 1.8 was used to analyze the 16S data. Raspberry supplementation was associated with an increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae (= 0.009), a very important group for gut health, and decreased abundances of, and the fiber degrader S24-7 family as well as unknown groups of Bacteroidales and Enterobacteriaceae (

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