PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Aug 21 ;11(9). Epub 2019 Aug 21. PMID: 31438590

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Tart Cherry Extract on Inflammatory Mediators and Adipokines Involved in Type 2 Diabetes in a High Fat Diet Induced Obesity Mouse Model.

Abstract: 

Male C57BL/6J mice were used to determine the possible therapeutic effects of our previously described tart cherry extract in a chronic obesity mouse model on metabolic parameters, glucose tolerance, inflammatory mediators, and antioxidant capacity. The control group received standard mouse chow, and the high fat control group was switched to a high fat diet and tap water supplemented with 5% sucrose. The high fat + anthocyanin group received the high fat and sucrose diet, but received the anthocyanin-rich tart cherry extract dissolved in their drinking water. After six weeks, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and the water-soluble antioxidant capacity (ACW), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the plasma levels of insulin, C-peptide, leptin, IL-6, MCP-1, adiponectin and resistin were measured. The high fat diet increased body weight, reduced glucose tolerance, and caused an elevation in leptin, IL-6, MCP-1, and resistin levels. Furthermore, antioxidant capacity was decreased with a significant elevation of SOD activity. Anthocyanin treatment failed to reverse the effects of the high fat diet on body weight and glucose tolerance, but significantly reduced the leptin and IL-6 levels. The tart cherry extract also made a significant enhancement in antioxidant capacity and SOD activity. Our results show that chronic anthocyanin intake has a potential to enhance redox status and alleviate inflammation associated with obesity.

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PMID: 

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2019 Oct 15:1-7. Epub 2019 Oct 15. PMID: 31614329

Abstract Title: 

The Efficacy of Tart Cherry Juice in Aiding Recovery After Intermittent Exercise.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of supplementation with tart cherry juice (TCJ) on markers of recovery after intermittent exercise under habitual dietary conditions.METHODS: Using a randomized, single-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled, independent-groups design, 20 team-sport players (8 male and 12 female; age 26 [4] y, height 175.4 [9.6] cm, body mass 70.2 [12.6] kg) were divided equally into 2 groups and consumed either TCJ or PLA twice per day for 8 consecutive days while following their normal dietary habits. Participants completed an adapted version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on day 6 of supplementation. Countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and delayed onset muscle soreness were assessed at baseline and 1, 24, and 48 hours post-LIST. Blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) were taken presupplementation, immediately pre-LIST, and 1, 24, and 48 hours post-LIST. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance.RESULTS: Countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction showed significantly faster recovery with TCJ (P

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PMID: 

J Am Coll Nutr. 2020 Jan 27:1-8. Epub 2020 Jan 27. PMID: 31986108

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Tart Cherry Concentrate on Endurance Exercise Performance: A Meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

Tart cherry concentrate has been shown to improve muscle function, and reduce muscle damage, oxidative stress/inflammation, and muscle soreness in athletes; however, evidence for acute endurance performance benefits is scarce. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effect of tart cherry juice on endurance exercise performance with a meta-analysis.Data sources included Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials with endurance exercise performance tests. Participants were healthy individuals. Interventions included tart cherry supplementation and placebo ingested before, and/or on the day of exercise. Ten studies were included (totaling 127 males and 20 females). Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each study and pooled effects were assessed.Tart cherry concentrate in juice or powdered form, ingested for 7 days to 1.5 hours before exercise performance testing significantly improved endurance exercise performance (SMD: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.64; = 0.01; = 0%) upon pooling of the ten studies.Tart cherry concentrate has a significant benefit for endurance exercise performance. Key teaching pointsTart cherry concentrate has a significant benefit for endurance exercise performance.Tart cherry concentrate may enhance endurance exercise performance via its low glycemic index, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capacity, and blood flow enhancing effects.

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PMID: 

Phytother Res. 2019 Dec 17. Epub 2019 Dec 17. PMID: 31846135

Abstract Title: 

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) fractions inhibit biofilm formation and adherence properties of oral pathogens and enhance oral epithelial barrier function.

Abstract: 

Dental caries, candidiasis, and periodontal disease are the most common oral infections affecting a wide range of the population worldwide. The present study investigated the effects of two tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) fractions on important oral pathogens, including Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as on the barrier function of oral epithelial cells. Procyanidins and quercetin and its derivatives were the most important constituents found in the tart cherry fractions. Although the fractions showed poor antimicrobial activity, they inhibited biofilm formation by the three oral pathogens in a dose-dependent manner. The tart cherry fractions also attenuated the adherence of C. albicans and S. mutans to a hydroxylapatite surface as well as the adherence of F. nucleatum to oral epithelial cells. Treating oral epithelial cells with the tart cherry fractions significantly enhanced the barrier function as determined by monitoring the transepithelial electrical resistance. In conclusion, this study showed that the tart cherry fractions and their bioactive constituents could be promising antiplaque compounds by targeting biofilm formation and adherence properties of oral pathogens. Furthermore, its property of increasing the epithelial barrier function may protect against microbial invasion of the underlying connective tissue.

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PMID: 

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2020 Jan 24:1-9. Epub 2020 Jan 24. PMID: 31979987

Abstract Title: 

Can gallic acid potentiate the antihyperglycemic effect of acarbose and metformin? Evidence from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.

Abstract: 

This study investigated the influence of dietary phenolic acid- Gallic acid (GA) on the antihyperglycemic properties of acarbose (ACA) and metformin (MET). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated () with ACA, MET, GA and their combinations for 14 days. The effects of the treatments on blood glucose and insulin levels, pancreas α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase activities, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), thiol and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, including antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. A significant increase in blood glucose, insulin, ROS and TBARS levels, and impaired antioxidant status, as well as elevation in the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase observed in diabetic rats were ameliorated in the treatment groups. Hpwever, GA had varying effects on the antidiabetic properties of the drugs. Nevertheless, GA showed more potentiating effects on the antidiabetic effect of MET and these effects were better observed at the lower dose of GA.

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PMID: 

Food Funct. 2020 Feb 26 ;11(2):1826-1834. PMID: 32057057

Abstract Title: 

Analysis of the anti-fatigue activity of polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis: role of central 5-hydroxytryptamine mechanisms.

Abstract: 

This study evaluated the effects of polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis (PSP) on endurance during treadmill exercise; levels of some biochemical indicators including hemoglobin (Hb), lactic acid (LA), creatine kinase (CK), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT); and expressions of second isoforms of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonergic type 1B inhibitory autoreceptor (5-HT1B) in the caudate putamen of exercising rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, exercise group, exercise and PSP (50, 100, or 200 mg kg-1)-treated groups, and exercise and caffeine (10 mg kg-1)-treated group (positive control). In the exercise groups, rats were put on a treadmill and forced to run for 30 min once a day for 6 consecutive days. On the 7th day of the experiment, time to exhaustion during the treadmill exercise was determined for the trained groups. Immediately after determination of the exhaustion time, all rats were sacrificed. Levels of Hb and LA were tested by the HiCN (Hemoglobin ferricyanide) colorimetry method and a colorimetric assay, respectively. Levels of CK and BUN were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer. 5-HT concentrations were detected by HPLC analysis. TPH2 and 5-HT1B expressions were measured by western blotting and real-time PCR. The results demonstrated that PSP prolonged the time to exhaustion during the treadmill exercise; increased Hb levels; decreased LA, BUN, and CK levels in the blood; suppressed the exercise-induced increase of 5-HT concentrations and TPH2 expression; and prevented the exercise-induced decrease of 5-HT1B expression in the caudate putamen. The most potent effects were observed at the PSP dose of 200 mg kg-1. These results suggest that the mechanism of promotion of physical performance by PSP might be related to increase in Hb levels; decrease in LA, BUN, and CK levels in the blood; inhibition of the exercise-induced 5-HT and TPH2 expressions; and the increase in the 5-HT1B expression in the caudate putamen of exercised rats.

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PMID: 

Food Res Int. 2020 Feb ;128:108813. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31955772

Abstract Title: 

Garlic passion fruit (Passiflora tenuifila Killip): Assessment of eventual acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays.

Abstract: 

Several Passiflora species are known for their sedative and anxiolytic properties. However, the functional properties of Passiflora tenuifila Killip are still unexplored. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenolic composition and acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays. The whole fruit (peel, pulp, and seed) was lyophilized and used for all assays. LC-MS showed 19 phenolic compounds, tentatively identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Acute treatment with single doses of up to 2000 mg kgin Wistar rats showed no signs of mortality or toxicity over 14 days. The assay of functional effects was performed with Swiss mice, four groups, received by gavage, doses of P. tenuifila (200 or 400 mg kgbody weight), water, and diazepam (as negative and positive control), and behavior tests were performed after 60 min of the treatments. The animals treated with P. tenuifila fruit showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity, indicating a sedative and anxiolytic activity. No significant changes were observed in the rotarod apparatus, suggesting that the P. tenuifila fruit did not cause muscle relaxation. The 400 mg kgdose of P. tenuifila exerted a protective effect against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, decreasing the severity and not causing the death of the animals. In conclusion, P. tenuifila showed no acute toxicity and had a promising effect as an anxiolytic agent, hypnotic-sedative and anticonvulsant, which could be related to its composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

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PMID: 

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 ;13:99-104. Epub 2020 Jan 31. PMID: 32099437

Abstract Title: 

Antibacterial Activity of Passion Fruit Purple Variant () Seeds Extract Against.

Abstract: 

Background: Passion fruit is used commercially for consumption and in beverages. This plant exhibits various pharmacological properties and possesses a complex phytochemistry. In recent years, this plant has been shown to have potential antimicrobial activity. The seeds contain a high amount of piceatannol, which exhibits an inhibitory effect on. Therefore, the seed extract of purple variant,, may have potential antibacterial activity against.Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial activity ofseeds extract onMethods: Seed extract was prepared by maceration and dissolved in DMSO in multiple concentrations.was cultured inblood sheep 5% agar for 24 hours and the agar disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of each concentration (1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), in comparison with clindamycin and erythromycin. Zones of inhibition at 24 hours were measured and documented, then analyzed to obtain the mean inhibition zone (MIZ). The Mann-Whitney test was conducted to compare the antibacterial activity of the extract, clindamycin and erythromycin. A serial dilution assay of five different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) in brain-heart infusion broth was performed to determine the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).Results: After 24 hours, all concentrations ofshowed an inhibitory effect against, with MIZs for of each concentration of 1.25% 6 mm, 2.5% 6.83 mm, 5% 8.5 mm, 10% 10.08 mm, 20% 14 mm, and 40% 16 mm. Clindamycin revealed comparable antibacterial effect to 5% seed extract, with an MIZ of 8 mm. However, erythromycin was found to be superior to the seed extract, with a 22.67 mm MIZ (

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PMID: 

Life Sci. 2002 Sep 27 ;71(19):2267-77. PMID: 12215374

Abstract Title: 

Paeoniae Radix, a Chinese herbal extract, inhibit hepatoma cells growth by inducing apoptosis in a p53 independent pathway.

Abstract: 

Paeoniae Radix (PR) is the root of traditional Chinese Herb named Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, which is commonly used to treat liver diseases in China for centuries. Several earlier studies have indicated that PR has anticancer growth activities, however the mechanism underlying these activities was unclear and remained to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the molecular mechanism of the effect of PR on human hepatoma cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B. Our results showed that the water-extract of Paeoniae Radix (PRE) had inhibitory effect on the growth of both HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines. The induction of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation appearance, and accumulation of sub-G1 phase of cell cycle profile in PRE treated hepatoma cells evidenced that the cytotoxicity of PRE to the hepatoma cells is through activation of the cell death program, apoptosis. The activation of apoptosis by PRE is independent of the p53 pathway as Hep3B cell is p53-deficient. In addition, the differential gene expression of PRE treated HepG2 was examined by cDNA microarray technology and RT-PCR analysis. We found that the gene expression of BNIP3 was up-regulated while ZK1, RAD23B, and HSPD1 were down-regulated during early apoptosis of the hepatoma cell mediated by PRE. The elucidation of the drug targets of PR on inhibition of tumor cells growth should enable further development of PR for liver cancer therapy.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Jun 26 ;142(1):188-93. Epub 2012 Apr 21. PMID: 22543176

Abstract Title: 

Vasodilatory effects of ethanol extract of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and its mechanism of action in the rat aorta.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) commonly used in clinic for a long history in China. RPR is the radix of either Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. RPR has a wide variety of pharmacological actions such as anti-thrombus, anti-coagulation, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, protecting heart and liver. However, the mechanisms involved are to be defined.AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to define the effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. extracts on vascular tension and responsible mechanisms in rat thoracic aortic rings.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (EPL) was examined for their vascular relaxant effects in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted rat thoracic aorta.RESULTS: EPL induced relaxation of the phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. Vascular relaxation induced by EPL was significantly inhibited by removal of the endothelium or pretreatment of the rings with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Extracellular Ca²⁺ depletion or diltiazem significantly attenuated EPL-induced vasorelaxation. Modulators of the store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), thapsigargin, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate and Gd³⁺, and an inhibitor of Akt, wortmannin, markedly attenuated the EPL-induced vasorelaxation. Further, the EPL-induced vasorelaxation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with tetraethylammonium, a non-selective K(Ca) channels blocker, or glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels inhibitor, respectively. Inhibition of cyclooxygenases with indomethacin,and adrenergic and muscarinic receptors blockade had no effects on the EPL-induced vasorelaxation.CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that EPL relaxes vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent and Akt- and SOCE-eNOS-cGMP-mediated pathways through activation of both K(Ca) and K(ATP) channels and inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ channels.

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