PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:2821597. Epub 2019 Mar 6. PMID: 30956678

Abstract Title: 

(Indian and Chinese Bitter Melon) Extracts Inducing Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line A549 via ROS-Mediated Mitochodria Injury.

Abstract: 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide with about 40% occurring in developing countries. The two varieties of, which are Chinese and Indian bitter melon, have been subjected to antiproliferative activity in human non-small cell lung cells A549. The A549 cells were treated with hot and cold aqueous extraction for both the bitter melon varieties, and the antiproliferative activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptotic mechanism of action on A549 human lung cancer cells was evaluated first morphologically using Hoechst 33358, and cytoskeleton staining using Filamentous-actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton FICT and DAPI followed by caspase-3/7, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and p53 activity. Chinese hot aqueous extraction (CHA) exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against A549 human lung cancer cells. The morphological analysis of mitochondria destruction and the derangement of cytoskeleton showed apoptosis-inducing activity. CHA increased the caspase-3/7 activity by 1.6-fold and the ROS activity by 5-fold. Flow cytometric analysis revealed 34.5% of apoptotic cells significantly (p

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PMID: 

Bioorg Chem. 2019 Jun ;87:31-42. Epub 2019 Feb 26. PMID: 30856374

Abstract Title: 

Cucurbitane-type compounds from Momordica charantia: Isolation, in vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory activities and in silico modeling approaches.

Abstract: 

Momordica charantia L., commonly known as bitter melon, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that extracts of bitter melons have anti-diabetic properties. However, very little is known about the specific purified compounds responsible for these antidiabetic properties. In the present study, 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al, charantal, charantoside XI, and 25ξ-isopropenylchole-5, 6-ene-3-O-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from bitter melon fruit. The structures of the purified compounds were elucidated by HR-ESIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR experiments. All compounds exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase comparable to acarbose. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that purified compounds were able to bind to the active sites of proteins. Additionally, the purified compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, downregulating the expression of NF-κB, iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Cox-2 in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Our findings suggest that the purified compounds have potential anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities and therefore hold promise for the development of plant-based management fordiabetic and inflammatory conditions.

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PMID: 

Brain Stimul. 2013 Sep ;6(5):805-11. Epub 2013 Feb 24. PMID: 23482083

Abstract Title: 

Stimulation of the brain with radiofrequency electromagnetic field pulses affects sleep-dependent performance improvement.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Sleep-dependent performance improvements seem to be closely related to sleep spindles (12-15 Hz) and sleep slow-wave activity (SWA, 0.75-4.5 Hz). Pulse-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF, carrier frequency 900 MHz) are capable to modulate these electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of sleep.OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to explore possible mechanisms how RF EMF affect cortical activity during sleep and to test whether such effects on cortical activity during sleep interact with sleep-dependent performance changes.METHODS: Sixteen male subjects underwent 2 experimental nights, one of them with all-night 0.25-0.8 Hz pulsed RF EMF exposure. All-night EEG was recorded. To investigate RF EMF induced changes in overnight performance improvement, subjects were trained for both nights on a motor task in the evening and the morning.RESULTS: We obtained good sleep quality in all subjects under both conditions (mean sleep efficiency>90%). After pulsed RF EMF we found increased SWA during exposure to pulse-modulated RF EMF compared to sham exposure (P

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PMID: 

Toxicol Int. 2013 Jan ;20(1):19-24. PMID: 23833433

Abstract Title: 

Detection of Low Level Microwave Radiation Induced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage Vis-à-vis Genotoxicity in Brain of Fischer Rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation has been increasingly used in industry, commerce, medicine and especially in mobile phone technology and has become a matter of serious concern in present time.OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate the possible deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damaging effects of low-level microwave radiation in brain of Fischer rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed on male Fischer rats exposed to microwave radiation for 30 days at three different frequencies: 900, 1800 and 2450 MHz. Animals were divided into 4 groups: Group I (Sham exposed): Animals not exposed to microwave radiation but kept under same conditions as that of other groups, Group II: Animals exposed to microwave radiation at frequency 900 MHz at specific absorption rate (SAR) 5.953× 10(-4) W/kg, Group III: Animals exposed to 1800 MHz at SAR 5.835 × 10(-4) W/kg and Group IV: Animals exposed to 2450 MHz at SAR 6.672 × 10(-4) W/kg. At the end of the exposure period animals were sacrificed immediately and DNA damage in brain tissue was assessed using alkaline comet assay.RESULTS: In the present study, we demonstrated DNA damaging effects of low level microwave radiation in brain.CONCLUSION: We concluded that low SAR microwave radiation exposure at these frequencies may induce DNA strand breaks in brain tissue.

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PMID: 

Urol J. 2013 ;10(2):886-91. PMID: 23801472

Abstract Title: 

Effects of intensive cell phone (Philips Genic 900) use on the rat kidney tissue.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: To investigate effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by cell phones on the rat kidney tissue.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male Albino rats were divided into 3 groups, each comprising 7 rats. Group 1 was exposed to a cell phone in speech mode for 8 hours/day for 20 days and their kidneys were removed. Group 2 was exposed to EMR for 20 days and then their kidneys were removed after an interval of 20 days. Cell phone used in the present study was Philips Genie 900, which has the highest specific absorption rate on the market.RESULTS: Light microscopic examination of the kidney tissues obtained from the first group of rats revealed glomerular damage, dilatation of Bowman's capsule, formation of large spaces between the tubules, tubular damage, perivascular edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The mean severity score was 4.64± 1.7 in group 1, 4.50 ± 0.8 in group 2, and 0 in group 3. While there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 (P>.05), the mean severity scores of groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher than that of the control group (P = .001 for each).CONCLUSION: Considering the damage in rat kidney tissue caused by EMR-emitting cell phones, high-risk individuals should take protective measures.

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PMID: 

J Cell Mol Med. 2019 Jun 30. Epub 2019 Jun 30. PMID: 31257716

Abstract Title: 

Cucurbitacin B induces neurogenesis in PC12 cells and protects memory in APP/PS1 mice.

Abstract: 

Cucurbitacin B (CuB) isolated from Cucumis melo by using a PC12 cell bioassay system exhibited significant nerve growth factor (NGF)-mimic or NGF-enhancing activity in PC12 and primary neuron cells. It was also demonstrated pro-neurogenesis effects in ICR and APP/PS1 mice and improved memory deficit of APP/PS1 mice. Its possible mechanism includes significant induction of the phosphorylation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), protein kinase C (PKC), phospholipase C (PLC) and inhibition of cofilin. ChemProteoBase profiling, binding assay and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were used to determine the target protein. Results revealed that CuB could affect actin dynamics as an actin inhibitor but did not bind with GR. The protein level of cofilin in PC12 cells after treating 0.3 μM and different temperatures was significantly higher than that of control group. Other neurotrophic signalling pathways, such as TrkA/TrkB, were analysed with specific inhibitors and Western blot. The inhibitors of TrkA, PLC, PKC, Ras, Raf and ERK1/2 significantly decreased the percentage of PC12 cells with neurite outgrowth and shortened the length of neurite outgrowth induced by CuB. CuB significantly induced the phosphorylation of TrkA, ERK and CREB. The phosphorylation of these proteins was obviously decreased by their specific inhibitors. These results suggest that cofilin is a candidate target protein of CuB in PC12 cells and that the GR/PLC/PKC and TrkA/Ras/Raf/ERK signalling pathways play important roles in the neuroprotective effect of CuB.

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PMID: 

Planta Med. 2019 Jul 1. Epub 2019 Jul 1. PMID: 31261419

Abstract Title: 

Cucurbita pepo-Rhus aromatica-Humulus lupulus Combination Reduces Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women – A Noninterventional Study.

Abstract: 

This prospective, noninterventional, multicenter 12-wk study in women with overactive bladder investigated the effectiveness of Granu Fink femina, a herbal combination of seed oil from Uromedic pumpkin (cultivar of),(fragrant sumach) bark extract, and(hop) cone extract in a clinical setting. Patients documented overactive bladder symptoms and quality of life using questionnaires as well as diaries recording day- and nighttime micturition frequencies, urine leakages during physical activity or at sneezing or coughing, and use of incontinence pads. The full analysis set included 117 women (age: 21 - 78 y). Urination frequency decreased significantly with improvement during daytime in 49, 71, and 77 (out of 99) patients and at night in 45, 63, and 70 (out of 100) patients after 1, 6, and 12 wk, respectively. The mean frequency of leakages and used pads decreased significantly from 0.9leakages and 2.0 pads at baseline to 0.4 leakages and 1.4 pads after 12 wk. In all measured aspects of overactive bladder-related quality of life, (coping, concern, sleep, social), statistically significant improvement was reached after 1 wk, with further improvement at 6 and 12 wk. Ninety-nine percent of the physicians and 95.4% of the patients rated tolerability as"very good"or"good". Treatment with Granu Fink femina progressively improved overactive bladder symptoms and related quality of life with significant improvements already after 1 wk. Based on these effects and the observed excellent tolerability profile, Granu Fink femina may be considered a valuable therapeutic option for overactive bladder.

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PMID: 

J Cell Biochem. 2019 Jul 24. Epub 2019 Jul 24. PMID: 31338900

Abstract Title: 

In vivo antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss extract and its components, carvacrol, and thymol, against colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a pneumonic BALB/c mouse model.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections. Various resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii against antibiotics have transformed it into a successful nosocomial pathogen. Because of the limited number of available antibiotics, we used a medicinal plant with an antibacterial effect. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZMB) extract and its components were used for the treatment of pneumonic mice infected with A. baumannii. The biological effects of this extract and the regulation of the outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene were used in a mouse model.METHODS: A pneumonic mouse model was prepared using clinical and standard strains (1.5 × 10 colony-forming units/mL) of A. baumannii. BALB/c mice groups were treated with a ZMB extract, carvacrol, thymol, and sensitive antibiotics. The lung tissues of the treated mice were cultured for 5 days and each day, bacterial clearance and the ompA gene expression were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: In the lung tissue culture of pneumonic mice infected with standard or clinical isolate, no colony was detected when treated with the ZMB extract after 2 and 3 days (P 

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PMID: 

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2018 Jul 30 ;11(3). Epub 2018 Jul 30. PMID: 30061479

Abstract Title: 

Antiproliferative Activity of Neem Leaf Extracts Obtained by a Sequential Pressurized Liquid Extraction.

Abstract: 

A. Juss (neem) extracts have been used in pharmaceutical applications as antitumor agents, due to their terpenes and phenolic compounds. To obtain extracts from neem leaves with potential antiproliferative effect, a sequential process of pressurized liquid extraction was carried out in a fixed bed extractor at 25°C and 100 bar, using hexane (SH), ethyl acetate (SEA), and ethanol (SE) as solvents. Extractions using only ethanol (EE) was also conducted to compare the characteristics of the fractionated extracts. The results obtained by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry suggesteda higher concentration of terpenes in the SEA extract in comparison to SH, SE, and EE extracts. Therefore, antiproliferative activity showed that SEA extracts were the most efficient inhibitor to human tumor cells MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, and HepG2. Hepatocellular cells were more resistant to SH, SEA, SE, and EE compared to breast, lung, hepatocellular, and cervical malignant cells. Neem fractioned extracts obtained in the present study seem to be more selective for malignant cells compared to the non-tumor cells.

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PMID: 

Mol Carcinog. 2018 09 ;57(9):1156-1165. Epub 2018 May 8. PMID: 29697164

Abstract Title: 

A supercritical COextract of neem leaf (A. indica) and its bioactive liminoid, nimbolide, suppresses colon cancer in preclinical models by modulating pro-inflammatory pathways.

Abstract: 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Anti-inflammatory blockade has been proven to be a promising avenue of colorectal cancer prevention. However, NSAIDs while effective in curbing CRC risk are too toxic for long-term use in cancer prevention. The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is rich in liminoid terpenoids, collectively known as azadiractoids and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. To explore a role of neem in CRC, human colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 cells were treated with purified Super Critical Neem Extract (SCNE) or the neem liminoid, nimbolide. SCNE treatment resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of CRC cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Treatment with SCNE and nimbolide decreased the expression of transcriptional factors, STAT3 and NF-κB which plays a major role in gene regulation of multiple cellular processes. Protein expression of COX1, IL-6, and TNF-α were decreased on treatment with SCNE in CRC cells. Western blots and Zymogram assays results revealed anti-invasive effect by decreased expression of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins in CRC cells. Overall, these data confirm a potential anti-cancer effect of SCNE, reducing cell proliferation, inflammation, migration, and invasion in human colon cancer cells. Confirming these indications, we found that treatment of mice bearing HT29 and HCT116 xenografted tumors exhibited strikinginhibition of colon tumor growth. Clearly we must explore the effect of neem in preclinical animal models for anti-cancer therapy.

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