PMID: 

Biology (Basel). 2019 Dec 4 ;8(4). Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31817095

Abstract Title: 

In Vitro Antidiabetic, Anti-Obesity and Antioxidant Analysis ofAerial Biomass and in Silico Molecular Docking Simulations with Alpha-Amylase and Lipase Enzymes.

Abstract: 

The present study explored phytochemicals, porcine pancreaticα-amylase (PPA) and lipase (PPL) inhibitory activities and antioxidant potential of polar and nonpolar extracts of the leaves and flowers ofand the in-silico mode of interaction between these enzymes and the major chemical constituents of the herb. The hexane extract (HE) and hydro-ethanolic extract (EE) obtained sequentially were used to estimate PPA and PPL inhibitory and antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Chemical constituents of the essential oils and HE were determined by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). For PPA inhibition, IC(µg/mL) of the extracts were 0.27-0.37, which were close to 0.24 of acarbose, while for PPL inhibition, IC(µg/mL) of the extracts were 278.40-399.65, and that of Orlistat 145.72. The flowers EE was most potent antioxidant followed by leaves EE. The leaves EE had highest TPC and TFC followed of flowers EE. The essential oil of flowers had higher estragole (55%) than linalool (37%), while the essential oil of the leaves had higher linalool (42%) than estragole (38%). The HE of the flowers contained higher estragole (42%) than linalool (23%), while of the HE of the leaves too had higher estragole (65%) than linalool (18%). The in-silico molecular docking study showed linalool and estragole to have considerable PPA and PPL binding potential, which were further investigated through molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. The PPA and PPL inhibitory activities ofextracts and their notable antioxidant potential propose the herb as a multi-target complimentary medicine for diabetes, obesity and oxidative stress.

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PMID: 

Ayu. 2019 Jan-Mar;40(1):23-26. PMID: 31831965

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy of,and chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis: A randomized controlled comparative clinical study.

Abstract: 

Background: The medicinal plants are widely used for curing various diseases in day-to-day practice.() is one such popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, which is widely used in the treatment of several systemic diseases because of its antimicrobial property.is also widely known for its medicinal uses in wound healing and its anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies documenting the effect of.andin treating gingivitis are rare.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two herbal mouthwashes in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis.Materials and Methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, wherein sixty patients were randomly allocated into three study groups. (1).mouthwash (= 20) (2)mouthwash (= 20) and (3) Chlorhexidine mouthwash (= 20). All groups were treated with scaling and asked to rinse with respective mouthwashes twice daily for 1 month. Clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and sulcus bleeding index (BI) were recorded at baseline, after 15 days and after 30 days, respectively.Results: Results of the study showed that.,and chlorhexidine are equally effective in reducing plaque, gingival, and bleeding indices at 30-day interval. However, no significant reductions in PI, GI and BI in 15-day interval in group 1 and group 2 when compared with chlorhexidine were evident.Conclusion: The results in the present study indicate that.andmay prove to be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in its ability in reducing all the three indices by reducing plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation and bleeding when used in the long-term follow-up.

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PMID: 

Animals (Basel). 2019 Nov 11 ;9(11). Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31717986

Abstract Title: 

Thymoquinone-PLGA-PVA Nanoparticles Ameliorate Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats via Regulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and iNOS Signaling.

Abstract: 

Pulmonary fibrosis is considered one of the most chronic interstitial illnesses which are not easily treated. thymoquinone's (TQ) benefits are still partly problematic due to poor water solubility; therefore, it was loaded onto PLGA-PVA carriers. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of TQ-PLGA-PVA nanoparticles (TQ-PLGA-PVA-NPs) on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in albino rats. Forty male rats were randomized into four groups. The first group served as the control group; the second and the third groups received bleomycin intratracheally, whereas the third group received TQ-PLGA-PVA-NPs after 4 weeks from bleomycin administration. The fourth group was administrated TQ-PLGA-PVA-NPs alone. The designed nanoparticles appeared around 20 nm size (10-30 nm), had a spherical shape, and had 80% encapsulation efficiency. The histological examination of rats simultaneously treated with TQ-PLGA-PVA-NPs and bleomycin revealed reduction in the thickness of the alveolar septa and improvement of the other lung structures, with the presence of lymphocytes admixed with exfoliated epithelium in a few lumina remaining. Ultrastructural findings revealed marked collagenolysis and the release of nanoparticles from ruptured pneumocytes within the alveolar septa after 14 days from TQ-PLGA-PVA-NPs administration. Very active pneumocyte types II were seen in the TQ-PLGA-PVANP group. Additionally, immunohistochemical expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and estimation of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues including interleukin 10 (IL 10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of TQ-PLGA-PVANPs. The study concluded that TQ-PLGA-PVA-NPs could attenuate the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, through the inhibition of lung inflammation and the suppression of bleomycin- induced oxidative stress.

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PMID: 

Int J Oncol. 2019 Dec 2. Epub 2019 Dec 2. PMID: 31789395

Abstract Title: 

Inhibitory effects on melanogenesis by thymoquinone are mediated through theβ‑catenin pathway in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells.

Abstract: 

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a component found in the seeds of Nigella sativa, an annual plant growing on the Mediterranean coast, and is known for its anticancer and anti‑inflammatory effects. However, to date, at least to the best of our knowledge, limited studies are available examining the molecular mechanisms through which TQ inhibits melanogenesis. Accordingly, this study aimed to treat B16F10 mouse melanoma cells with TQ to investigate its apparent effects and its molecular regulatory mechanisms. Treatment of the B16F10 cells with 10, 15 and 20 µM of TQ for 48 h resulted in a dose‑dependent decrease in the expression of microphthalmia‑associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase expression and tyrosinase activity, and these treatments simultaneously led to a decrease in the protein expression and transcription of β‑catenin, a Wnt signaling pathway protein. Pre‑treatment of the cells with the proteasome inhibitor, MG132, to confirm the inhibition of melanogenesis through the β‑catenin pathway by TQ treatment resulted in an increase in the expression of β‑catenin that was initially reduced by TQ, and the expression and activity of MITF and tyrosinase also increased. Pre‑treatment with LiCl, which is known to inactivate glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) by inducing the phosphorylation of the Ser‑9 site, resulted in an increased phospho‑GSK3β expression accompanied by β‑catenin that was initially reduced by TQ, and the recovery of the expression and activity of tyrosinase was also confirmed. The transfection of S37A cDNA into B16F10 cells that overexpress β‑catenin resulted in the recovery of β‑catenin expression that was initially reduced by TQ, and this treatment also recovered the expression and activity of tyrosinase. When zebrafish eggs were treated with 1, 2.5 and 5 µM of TQ at 10 h following fertilization, their melanin content decreased in a dose‑dependent manner. On thewhole, these findings demonstrated that the inhibition of melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells by TQ treatment resulted from the inhibition of the β‑catenin pathway and confirmed that TQ treatment inhibited melanogenesis in zebrafish.

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PMID: 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 5 ;16(24). Epub 2019 Dec 5. PMID: 31817324

Abstract Title: 

Effects ofon Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Abstract: 

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders that affect people of all genders, ages, and races. Medicinal herbs have gained wide attention from researchers and have been considered to be a beneficial adjuvant agent to oral antidiabetic drugs because of their integrated effects. Concerning the various beneficial effects of, this systematic review aims to provide comprehensive information on the effects ofon glucose and insulin profile status in humans. A computerized database search performed through Scopus and Medline via Ebscohost with the following set of keywords:OR black seed oil OR thymoquinone OR black cumin AND diabetes mellitus OR hyperglycemia OR blood glucose OR hemoglobin A1C had returned 875 relevant articles. A total of seven articles were retrieved for further assessment and underwent data extraction to be included in this review.was shown to significantly improve laboratory parameters of hyperglycemia and diabetes control after treatment with a significant fall in fasting blood glucose, blood glucose level 2 h postprandial, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance, and a rise in serum insulin. In conclusion, these findings suggested thatcould be used as an adjuvant for oral antidiabetic drugs in diabetes control.

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PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Dec 10:e13108. Epub 2019 Dec 10. PMID: 31823399

Abstract Title: 

Nigella sativa (black seed) oil ameliorates CCl-induced hepatotoxicity and mediates neurotransmitter levels in male Sprague Dawley albino rats.

Abstract: 

The liver is a metabolically active organ which is prone to oxidative damage. The hepatoprotective effect of Nigella sativa (black seed oil extract) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley albino rats was determined. There were four groups of eight rats; Group 1 (control) was administered with distilled water for 28 days, Group 2 was administered with 4 ml/kg of CCl(70% olive oil: 30% CCl) on alternate days for 28 days. Group 3 was administered with 4 ml/kg of CCl(70% olive oil: 30% CCl) and 2 ml/kg of Nigella sativa oil orally for 28 days. Group 4 was administered with 4 ml/kg of CCl(70% Olive oil: 30% CCl) and 4 ml/kg of Nigella sativa oil orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical assessment. Liver, kidney, and brain tissues were determined for antioxidant enzymes and histopathological features. There were significant ameliorative effects of the oil extract in the treatment groupscompared to control (p 

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PMID: 

Pharmacology. 2019 Nov 21:1-11. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31752010

Abstract Title: 

Gastrodin Alleviates Vascular Dementia in a 2-VO-Vascular Dementia Rat Model by Altering Amyloid and Tau Levels.

Abstract: 

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia and has become a major public health challenge as the global population ages. VaD is caused by cerebrovascular disease, and most patients with VaD have been reported to also have Alzheimer's pathologies, which is the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques that are mainly composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau and amyloidβ (Aβ) respectively. However, the mechanisms of VaD are not completely understood, and very few drugs are available to treat this condition. Gastrodin (Gas) is the main bioactive component of the traditional Chinese herbal plant named Tian Ma (Gastrodia elata), and it has been used to treat neurasthenia in the clinical practice of Chinese Medicine for many years. Here, we hypothesize that Gas alleviates VaD in a rat model of permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-VO)-induced VaD. Based on the results of the Morris water maze test and attention set shift test, either 22.5 or 90 mg/kg/day Gas improved the executive dysfunction and memory impairment of 2-VO rats following an intragastric administration for 4 weeks. Both 22.5 and 90 mg/kg/day Gas reduced Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 plaques in plasma and hippocampus of 2-VO rats. Mechanistically, in 2-VO rats, treatment with Gas (90mg/kg/day) suppressed Aβ plaque deposition by decreasing the hippocampus levels of phosphorylated Tau. Thus, Gas ameliorated the cognitive deficits of 2-VO rats by inhibiting the abnormal phosphorylation of Aβ and Tau.

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PMID: 

J Cell Mol Med. 2019 Nov 25. Epub 2019 Nov 25. PMID: 31769187

Abstract Title: 

Gastrodin relieves inflammation injury induced by lipopolysaccharides in MRC-5 cells by up-regulation of miR-103.

Abstract: 

The beneficial function of gastrodin towards many inflammatory diseases has been identified. This study designed to see the influence of gastrodin in a cell model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MRC-5 cells were treated by LPS, before which gastrodin was administrated. The effects of gastrodin were evaluated by conducting CCK-8, FITC-PI double staining, Western blot, qRT-PCR and ELISA. Besides this, the downstream effector and signalling were studied to decode how gastrodin exerted its function. And dual-luciferase assay was used to detect the targeting link between miR-103 and lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). LPS induced apoptosis and the release of MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in MRC-5 cells. Pre-treating MRC-5 cells with gastrodin attenuated LPS-induced cell damage. Meanwhile, p38/JNK and NF-κB pathways induced by LPS were repressed by gastrodin. miR-103 expression was elevated by gastrodin. Further, the protective functions of gastrodin were attenuated by miR-103 silencing. And LRP1 was a target of miR-103 and negatively regulated by miR-103. The in vitro data illustrated the protective function of gastrodin in LPS-injured MRC-5 cells. Gastrodin exerted its function possibly by up-regulating miR-103 and modulating p38/JNK and NF-κB pathways.

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PMID: 

Front Neurosci. 2019 ;13:1239. Epub 2019 Nov 22. PMID: 31824244

Abstract Title: 

Gastrodin Ameliorates Motor Learning Deficits Through Preserving Cerebellar Long-Term Depression Pathways in Diabetic Rats.

Abstract: 

Cognitive dysfunction is a very severe consequence of diabetes, but the underlying causes are still unclear. Recently, the cerebellum was reported to play an important role in learning and memory. Since long-term depression (LTD) is a primary cellular mechanism for cerebellar motor learning, we aimed to explore the role of cerebellar LTD pathways in diabetic rats and the therapeutic effect of gastrodin. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin into adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Motor learning ability was assessed by a beam walk test. Pathological changes of the cerebellum were assessed by Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Nissl staining. Cellular apoptosis was assessed by anti-caspase-3 immunostaining. Protein expression levels of LTD pathway-related factors, including GluR2, protein kinase C (PKC), NR2A, and nNOS, in the cerebellar cortex were evaluated by western blotting and double immunofluorescence. The NO concentration was measured. The cellular degeneration and the apoptosis of Purkinje cells were evident in the cerebellum of diabetic rats. Protein expression levels of GluR2 (NC9W: 1.26± 0.12; DM9W + S: 0.81 ± 0.07), PKC (NC9W: 1.66 ± 0.10; DM9W + S: 0.58 ± 0.19), NR2A (NC9W: 1.40 ± 0.05; DM9W + S: 0.63 ± 0.06), nNOS (NC9W: 1.26 ± 0.12; DM9W + S: 0.68 ± 0.04), and NO (NC9W: 135.61 ± 31.91; DM9W + S: 64.06 ± 24.01) in the cerebellum were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Following gastrodin intervention, the outcome of motor learning ability was significantly improved (NC9W: 6.70 ± 3.31; DM9W + S: 20.47 ± 9.43; DM9W + G: 16.04 ± 7.10). In addition, degeneration and apoptosis were ameliorated, and this was coupled with the elevation of the protein expression of the abovementioned biomarkers. Arising from the above, we concluded that gastrodin may contribute to the improvement of motor learning by protecting the LTD pathways in Purkinje cells.

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PMID: 

Biomed Res Int. 2019 ;2019:9276831. Epub 2019 Nov 20. PMID: 31828147

Abstract Title: 

Gastrodin Ameliorates Acute Rejection via IRE1/TRAF2/NF-B in Rats Receiving Liver Allografts.

Abstract: 

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is currently an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease, but the occurrence of acute rejection (AR) is still the main problem to be solved. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of gastrodin (GAS) on LT.Methods: Rat transplant models were established and divided into SHAM, LT, GAS-L (50 mg/kg GAS), and GAS-H (100 mg/kg GAS) groups. The liver function, inflammatory factors, liver histopathology, survival of rats, number of M2-type macrophages, liver cell apoptosis, and pathway proteins were assayed at 7 days and 14 days after the operations.Results: With increasing GAS concentrations, liver function, expression of proinflammatory factors in the liver, and expression of M2-type molecules in macrophages were significantly improved, and the survival time of rats was significantly prolonged (

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