PMID: 

Environ Toxicol. 2018 Jul ;33(7):770-788. Epub 2018 Apr 18. PMID: 29667321

Abstract Title: 

The ethanol extraction of prepared Psoralea corylifolia induces apoptosis and autophagy and alteres genes expression assayed by cDNA microarray in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.

Abstract: 

Prostate cancer is the most common male reproductive system cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer in Europe and the United States is higher than that in the Asian region. However, the treatment of prostate cancer remains unsatisfactory. Psoralea corylifolia has been used to cure this disease as Chinese medicine in the Asian region. In this study, we analyzed the components of ethanol extraction of unprepared and prepared P. corylifolia by HPLC. Psoralen and isopsoralen content from the prepared P. corylifolia is twofold higher than that from unprepared, so we use the prepared extraction in this study. However, the effects of the ethanol extraction of P. corylifolia (PCE) on PC-3 human prostate cancer cells remain unclear. PC-3 cells were treated with PCE for different time periods and cells were examined for cell morphological change and total viable cells by using contrast phase microscopy and flow cytometer, respectively. Results indicated that PCE induced cell morphological changes and cytotoxic effect in PC-3 cells in dose-dependent manners. PCE induced chromatin condensation of PC-3 cells dose-dependently. PCE also induced apoptosis and autophagy in PC-3 by western blotting and acridine orange (AO) staining, respectively. Furthermore, a complementary DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that PCE treatment led to 944 genes upregulation and 872 genes downregulation. For example, the DNA damage-associated gene DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT 3) had a 62.1-fold upregulation and CDK1 2.68-fold downregulation. The differential genes were classified according to the Gene Ontology. Furthermore, GeneGo software was used for the key genes involved and their possible interaction pathways. Those genes were affected by P. corylifolia, which provided information for the understanding of the antiprostate cancer mechanism at the genetic level and provide additional targets for the treatments of human prostate cancer.

read more

PMID: 

Biomed Res Int. 2014 ;2014:481904. Epub 2014 Jun 12. PMID: 25025057

Abstract Title: 

The effects of beta-glucan rich oat bread on serum nitric oxide and vascular endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Oats are high in soluble fibers and effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We assessed the effects of beta-glucan from oat bran on serum nitric oxide (NO) endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia.METHOD: Sixty hypercholesterolemic patients were randomly divided to receive an experimental bread rich in beta-glucan from oat bran (intervention) or bread rich in wheat fiber (control) for four weeks. All subjects had the same diet for two-week baseline period and hypocaloric diet for four weeks of intervention. Serum NO concentration and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were determined before and after the experiment.RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 51.1± 9.3 years and 65% (n = 39) were female. After intervention, serum NO concentration increased by 50.2 ± 19.8 μmol/lit in the intervention group (P = 0.017), but no change was observed in the control group (17.5 ± 27.5 μmol/lit; P = 0.530). No change of FMD was observed in the intervention(0.48 ± 0.78%; P = 0.546) or in the control group (0.59 ± 0.92%; P = 0.533).CONCLUSION: Consumption of oat bread for four weeks increases serum NO concentration but has no effect on FMD. Further studies are warranted in this regard.

read more

PMID: 

J Am Coll Nutr. 2014 ;33(6):442-9. Epub 2014 Aug 15. PMID: 25127170

Abstract Title: 

Glycemic effect of oat and barley beta-glucan when incorporated into a snack bar: a dose escalation study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The blood glucose-lowering effects ofβ-glucan from oats and barley depend on the amounts consumed and their rheological properties. This has been recently challenged with growing evidence that the food matrix may also be an important factor in predicting its physiological response.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of varying doses ofβ-glucan from oats and barley and added to a snack bar on postprandial glycemia.DESIGN: In a randomized crossover study, 12 healthy males and females consumed one of 8 snack bars containing 0 (control), 1.5, 3, and 6 g ofβ-glucan derived from oats or barley or 3 white bread controls. All treatments contained 50 g of available carbohydrate. Blood glucose concentrations were measured after ingestion of the treatments over 2 hours.RESULTS: Incorporation of 1.5 to 6 g ofβ-glucan into snack bars had no additional glucose-lowering benefits irrespective of dose and source compared to the control bars (0 g β-glucan), suggesting that both the solid food matrix and composition of the bars may play a role in their effects on glycemic response. All bars reduced blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) by an average of 25% (p

read more

PMID: 

Front Pharmacol. 2017 ;8:876. Epub 2017 Nov 30. PMID: 29249967

Abstract Title: 

L. Attenuates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Juvenile Mouse.

Abstract: 

L. (PC) is a traditional Chinese herb used to treat yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney in pediatric disease. Recent studies have shown its liver protection and anti-oxidative effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of PC on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in juvenile mice. The juvenile mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) was established by being fed a high-fat diet in maternal-offspring manner. PC granules were prepared and the quality was assessed. The main components were identified by high performance liquid chromatography. Then, different dosages of PC were administered for 6 weeks. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, plasma liver enzymes, hepatic morphology, hepatic superoxide anion, and triglyceride/total cholesterol levels were examined. The changes of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and protein kinase C-α (PKC-α)/nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase signaling pathways in hepatic tissues were also determined. Our data demonstrated that PC significantly improved liver dysfunction, liver triglyceride/total cholesterol accumulation and insulin resistance in juvenile NAFLD/NASH mice. PC also alleviated hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibroplasia in the portal area. Additionally, PC inhibited the activation of NF-κB and the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors while enhancing PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatic tissues. PC could also reduce hepatic superoxide anion levels, and NADPH oxidase activity as well as p47protein expression and PKCα activation in hepatic tissues. The results suggest that PC is effective in the treatment of NASH in juvenile mice. The mechanism may be related to the attenuation of hepatic oxidative stress through the PKC-α/NADPH oxidase signaling pathway.

read more

PMID: 

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2018 ;8:351. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30410871

Abstract Title: 

Seed Extract ofand Its Constituent Bakuchiol Impairs AHL-Based Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation in Food- and Human-Related Pathogens.

Abstract: 

The emergence of multi-drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria in clinical settings as well as food-borne infections has become a serious health concern. The problem of drug resistance necessitates the need for alternative novel therapeutic strategies to combat this menace. One such approach is targeting the quorum-sensing (QS) controlled virulence and biofilm formation. In this study, we first screened different fractions of(seed) for their anti-QS property in the12472 strain. The methanol fraction was found to be the most active fraction and was selected for further bioassays. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, themethanol fraction (PCMF) reduced QS-regulated virulence functions inCVO26 (violacein);(elastase, protease, pyocyanin, chitinase, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and swarming motility),(protease, EPS), and(prodigiosin). Biofilm formation in all the test pathogens was reduced significantly (≤ 0.005) in a concentration-dependent manner. The β-galactosidase assay showed that the PCMF at 1,000 μg/ml downregulated-controlled transcription in PAO1.studies withdemonstrated increased survival of the nematodes after treatment with the PCMF. Bakuchiol, a phytoconstituent of the extract, demonstrated significant inhibition of QS-regulated violacein production inand impaired biofilm formation in the test pathogens. The molecular docking results suggested that bakuchiol efficiently binds to the active pockets of LasR and RhlR, and the complexes were stabilized by several hydrophobic interactions. Additionally, the molecular dynamics simulation of LasR, LasR-bakuchiol, RhlR, and RhlR-bakuchiol complexes for 50 ns revealed that the binding of bakuchiol to LasR and RhlR was fairly stable. The study highlights the anti-infective potential of the PCMF and bakuchiol instead of bactericidal or bacteriostatic action, as the extract targets QS-controlled virulence and the biofilm.

read more

PMID: 

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2014 Dec ;69(4):325-30. PMID: 25139426

Abstract Title: 

Effect of cooked white rice with highβ-glucan barley on appetite and energy intake in healthy Japanese subjects: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: 

White rice is a dominant grain-based food in Japan, but excess intake of polished rice may cause obesity. Barley is a grain-based food, similar to white rice, but it has the potential to control appetite and reduce energy intake. We investigated the effect of cooked white rice with highβ-glucan barley on appetite and energy intake. The study was conducted as a randomized crossover design with twenty-one healthy Japanese women [mean ± standard deviation body mass index (BMI) 23.3 ± 0.7 kg/m(2)]. Subjects consumed a breakfast of cooked white rice with high β-glucan barley (BAR) or white rice (WR), followed by an ad libitum lunch and dinner. Energy intake was measured at the lunch and the dinner using plate waste. Subjects' perception scores on hunger, fullness, satiety, and prospective food consumption were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after the breakfast, lunch and dinner. BAR significantly reduced the VAS scores of hunger and prospective food consumption, and increased fullness before lunch compared to WR (P = 0.032, 0.019 and 0.038, respectively). Energy intake at lunch and the cumulative energy intake (lunch + dinner) subsequent to BAR consumption were significantly lower than WR (P = 0.035 and 0.021, respectively). BAR was able to modulate appetite and reduce energy intake. The combination of white rice with high β-glucan barley could play a beneficial role in preventing and treating obesity and other obesity-related metabolic diseases.

read more

PMID: 

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2018 Nov 1 ;124:114-126. Epub 2018 Aug 25. PMID: 30153523

Abstract Title: 

The active compounds derived from Psoralea corylifolia for photochemotherapy against psoriasis-like lesions: The relationship between structure and percutaneous absorption.

Abstract: 

8‑Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in combination with ultraviolet A (PUVA) is a photochemotherapy for management of psoriasis. 8-MOP is a natural compound from Psoralea corylifolia. The present work was undertaken to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of five compounds derived from P. corylifolia, and tofurther explore the inhibitory effect on psoriasis-like lesions generated by imiquimod stimulation in a mouse model. 8-MOP, psoralen, isopsoralen, psoralidin, and bakuchiol were comparatively tested for in vitro skin permeation, keratinocyte apoptosis, and in vivo antipsoriatic potency. The pig earskin deposition of 8-MOP, isopsoralen, and bakuchiol at an equimolar dose was 0.47, 0.58, and 0.50 nmol/mg, respectively, which was comparable and higher than that of psoralen (0.25 nmol/mg) and psoralidin (0.14 nmol/mg). Psoralidin and bakuchiol were absorbed into the skin without further penetration across the skin. Besides experimental data of physicochemical properties, the hydrogen bond number, total polarity surface, and stratum corneum lipid docking calculated could explain the correlation of the penetrant structure with the skin permeability. The antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes was stronger for 8-MOP and isopsoralen than the others. Topical application of PUVA by using 8-MOP and isopsoralen on imiquimod-induced plaque significantly reduced transepidermal water loss from 55 to 33 and 38 g/m/h, respectively. The epidermal thickening elicited by imiquimod (117 μm) was decreased to 62 and 26 μm by 8-MOP and isopsoralen application. IL-6 expression in psoriasiform skin was downregulated by isopsoralen but not 8-MOP. Isopsoralen may be a potential candidate for PUVA therapy.

read more

PMID: 

J Diet Suppl. 2017 Mar 4 ;14(2):173-185. Epub 2016 Aug 11. PMID: 27715351

Abstract Title: 

Yeastβ-Glucan Modulates Inflammation and Waist Circumference in Overweight and Obese Subjects.

Abstract: 

Increased inflammation occurs with excessive adiposity and yeastβ-glucan modulates immune responses. This study investigated the potential effect of yeast β-glucan on inflammatory cytokines in overweight/obese people. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial design enrolled 44 overweight/obese participants with body mass index ≥23 kg/m, randomized to two groups receivingβ-glucan 477 mg/capsule (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) orally for six weeks. At weeks one to two, participants received 1 β-glucan or placebo capsule/day and at four weeks two tablets/day. Anthropometric changes, lipid profiles, liver and renal functions, and inflammatory cytokines were measured. β-glucan reduced waist circumference (p = 0.037) and blood pressure (p = 0.006) compared with controls after six weeks of intervention. No statistical significance between groups was observed for triglyceride, cholesterol, lipid profile, liver and renal function, or energy and nutrient intake compared with controls at week six. β-glucan increased interlukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, by 23.97% from baseline at week two (p

read more

PMID: 

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 06 ;21(2 Suppl):102-107. PMID: 28724171

Abstract Title: 

Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes in improving gastrointestinal symptoms in patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the IBD Unit of the University of Catanzaro. Forty-three IBD patients with IBS symptoms were included in the study. IBD diagnosis was performed by clinical, endoscopic, histological and radiological criteria. Patients were in clinical remission and in treatment only with systemical and topical mesalamine. All study participants fulfilled the Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of IBS. The study participants were randomized into 2 groups: group A (n=23) received conventional treatment (systemical and topical mesalamine) plus a mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes (one tablet after lunch and dinner) for four consecutive weeks; group B (n=20) received only conventional treatment. The prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were evaluated both at the enrollment (T0) and after four weeks of treatment (T1).RESULTS: Patients who received mesalamine plus the mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes (group A) reported a reduction in abdominal pain together with reduction in bloating and flatulence after four weeks of treatment. Importantly, an overall improvement in the general well-being has been recorded. Patients who underwent only mesalamine treatment (group B) reported a mild reduction in the evacuative urgency without any other improvements.CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that supplementation with a mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes reduces bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain, improving the overall clinical condition of IBD-IBS patients.

read more

PMID: 

Nutrition. 2017 Oct ;42:1-6. Epub 2017 May 15. PMID: 28870472

Abstract Title: 

Effects of highβ-glucan barley on visceral fat obesity in Japanese individuals: A randomized, double-blind study.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a diet in which highβ-glucan barley was substituted for rice would reduce visceral fat obesity in Japanese individuals.METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted with 100 Japanese individuals with waist circumference (WC)≥85 cm for men or ≥90 cm for women and body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a mixture of rice and either highβ-glucan barley (test group, 4.4 g/d) or β-glucan-free barley (placebo group) for 12 wk. Blood samples and computed tomography scans were obtained before and after the trial.RESULTS: Both groups showed decreases in body weight and BMI, and these changes were significantly greater in the test group. WC and visceral fat area (VFA) significantly decreased in both groups (VFA: -10.7 cmin the test group; -6.8 cmin the placebo group). These changes did not differ significantly between the groups. However, a subgroup analysis of participants with VFA≥100 cmshowed a significant decrease in the test group, and this decrease was significantly greater than in the placebo group.CONCLUSIONS: The intake of highβ-glucan barley led to significant and safe reductions in VFA, body weight, BMI, and WC in individuals with visceral fat obesity with VFA ≥100 cm. Barley high inβ-glucan may contribute to preventing visceral fat obesity.

read more