PMID: 

Sci Rep. 2020 Mar 31 ;10(1):5718. Epub 2020 Mar 31. PMID: 32235914

Abstract Title: 

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Curcuma longa and Allium hookeri Co-treatment via NF-κB and COX-2 Pathways.

Abstract: 

Although inflammation is a host defense mechanism, chronic inflammation mediates several diseases, including cancer, allergy, asthma, and autoimmune diseases, and reportedly, it is associated with a 60% mortality rate. There are several reports on the anti-inflammatory effects of Curcuma longa and Allium hookeri. However, although they can be used as culinary materials and have biological effects, they are not effective anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we evaluated the synergic effect of C. longa and A. hookeri in order to confirm the possibility of a new anti-inflammatory agent. Based on cell viability and cytokine analyses, the appropriate ratio of C. longa and A. hookeri was confirmed using an air pouch animal model. Then, the anti-inflammatory effect of C. longa and A. hookeri co-treatment was evaluated by measuring the immune cell count and cytokines in the exudate and by comparing the morphological changes and cytokines in inflamed skin samples. Additionally, we evaluated the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and iNOS levels. The active constituents detected in C. longa were demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and that detected in A. hookeri was methylsulfonylmethane. An in vitro assessment determined the appropriate drug ratio as 3:7. In a carrageenan-induced inflammatory model, co-treatment effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-17, and recovered inflammation-related morphological changes in the skin. The anti-inflammatory effect of the co-treatment was mediated through the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and iNOS inhibition. Weconcluded that co-treatment with C. longa and A. hookeri synergistically inhibited inflammation via the NF-κB/COX-2/iNOS pathway.

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PMID: 

J Ginseng Res. 2020 Jan ;44(1):86-95. Epub 2018 Sep 19. PMID: 32095096

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts neuroprotective effects through regulation ofabundance and GABAreceptor expression.

Abstract: 

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the most abundant protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, exerts excellent neuroprotective effects even though it has low intracephalic exposure.Purpose: The present study aimed to elucidate the apparent contradiction between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Rb1 by studying the mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects of Rb1 based on regulation of microflora.Methods: A pseudo germ-free (PGF) rat model was established, and neuroprotective effects of Rb1 were compared between conventional and PGF rats. The relative abundances of common probiotics were quantified to reveal the authentic probiotics that dominate in the neuroprotection of Rb1. The expressions of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, including GABAA receptors (α2, β2, and γ2) and GABAB receptors (1b and 2), in the normal, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and I/R+Rb1 rat hippocampus and striatum were assessed to reveal the neuroprotective mechanism of Rb1.Results: The results showed that microbiota plays a key role in neuroprotection of Rb1. The relative abundance of() increased 15.26 fold after pretreatment with Rb1. I/R surgery induced effects on infarct size, neurological deficit score, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were prevented by colonizing the rat gastrointestinal tract with(1 × 10CFU) by gavage 15 d before I/R surgery. Both Rb1 andupregulated expression of GABA receptors in I/R rats. Coadministration of a GABAreceptor antagonist significantly attenuated neuroprotective effects of Rb1 and.Conclusion: In sum, Rb1 exerts neuroprotective effects by regulatingand GABA receptors rather than through direct distribution to the target sites.

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PMID: 

Int Immunopharmacol. 2020 Apr 8 ;83:106449. Epub 2020 Apr 8. PMID: 32278128

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rg3 ameliorates acute exacerbation of COPD by suppressing neutrophil migration.

Abstract: 

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is an irreversible inflammatory airways disease responsible for global health burden, involved with a complex condition of immunological change. Exacerbation-mediated neutrophilia is an important factor in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced AECOPD. Ginsenoside Rg3, a red-ginseng-derived compound, has multiple pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Here, we investigated a protective role of Rg3 against AECOPD, focusing on neutrophilia. 14-week-cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and non-typeable Haemophilus inflenzae (NTHi) infection were used to establish the AECOPD murine model. Rg3 (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically from the 12th week of CS exposure before infection, and this led to improved lung function and lung morphology, and reduced neutrophilic inflammation, indicating a suppressive effect on neutrophil infiltration by Rg3. Further investigations on the mechanismof Rg3 on neutrophils were carried out using bronchial epithelial cell (BEAS-2B) and neutrophil co-culture and transepithelial migration model. Pre-treatment of neutrophils with Rg3 reduced neutrophil migration, which seemed to be the result of inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3-kinases(PI3K) activation within neutrophils. Thus, Rg3 could inhibit exacerbation-induced neutrophilia in COPD by negatively regulating PI3K activities in neutrophils. This study provides a potential natural drug against AECOPD neutrophil inflammation.

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PMID: 

Front Pharmacol. 2020 ;11:285. Epub 2020 Mar 31. PMID: 32296332

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside-Rb1 for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms.

Abstract: 

Background: Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, while pharmacological therapy options are limited. Ginsenosides are the major bioactive compounds in Ginseng and have been found to have various pharmacological effects in the nervous system. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the effects of Ginsenoside-Rb1 (G-Rb1), an important ingredient of ginsenosides, and the probable neuroprotective mechanisms in experimental ischemic strokes.Methods: Studies of G-Rb1 on ischemic stroke animal models were identified from 7 databases. No clinical trials were included in the analysis. The primary outcome measures were neurological function scores, infarct volume, evans blue content and/or brain water content (BWC). The second outcome measures were the possible neuroprotective mechanisms. All the data were analyzed by Rev Man 5.3.Result: Pooled preclinical data showed that compared with the controls, G-Rb1 could improve neurological function (Zea Longa (n = 367, P

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PMID: 

Biomolecules. 2020 Apr 20 ;10(4). Epub 2020 Apr 20. PMID: 32326081

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Red and Fermented Ginseng and Ginsenosides on Allergic Disorders.

Abstract: 

Both white ginseng (WG, dried root ofsp.) and red ginseng (RG, steamed and dried root ofsp.) are reported to exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects such as anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities. These ginsengs contain hydrophilic sugar-conjugated ginsenosides and polysaccharides as the bioactive constituents. When taken orally, their hydrophilic constituents are metabolized into hydrophobic ginsenosides compound K, Rh1, and Rh2 that are absorbable into the blood. These metabolites exhibit the pharmacological effects more strongly than hydrophilic parental constituents. To enforce these metabolites, fermented WG and RG are developed. Moreover, natural products including ginseng are frequently used for the treatment of allergic disorders. Therefore, this review introduces the current knowledge related to the effectiveness of ginseng on allergic disorders including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and pruritus. We discuss how ginseng, its constituents, and its metabolites regulate allergy-related immune responses. We also describe how ginseng controls allergic disorders.

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PMID: 

J Appl Microbiol. 2019 Jan ;126(1):68-78. Epub 2018 Oct 17. PMID: 30153380

Abstract Title: 

Biofilm inhibiting activity of betacyanins from red pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and red spinach (Amaranthus dubius) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Abstract: 

AIMS: To investigate the biofilm inhibitory activity of betacyanins from red pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and red spinach (Amaranthus dubius) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.METHODS AND RESULTS: The pulp of red pitahaya and the leaves of red spinach were extracted using methanol followed by subfractionation to obtain betacyanin fraction. The anti-biofilm activity was examined using broth microdilution assay on polystyrene surfaces and expressed as minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC). The betacyanin fraction from red spinach showed better anti-biofilm activity (MBIC: 0·313-1·25 mg ml) against five Staph. aureus strains while the betacyanin fraction from red pitahaya showed better anti-biofilm activity (MBIC: 0·313-0·625 mg ml) against four P. aeruginosa strains. Both betacyanin fraction significantly reduced hydrophobicity of Staph. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains. Numbers of Staph. aureus and P. aeruginosa attached to polystyrene were also reduced without affecting their cell viability.CONCLUSION: Betacyanins can act as anti-biofilm agents against the initial step of biofilm formation, particularly on a hydrophobic surface like polystyrene.SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study is the first to investigate the use of betacyanin as a biofilm inhibitory agent. Betacyanin could potentially be used to reduce the risk of biofilm-associated infections.

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PMID: 

Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 Jul 30 ;7(14):2232-2235. Epub 2019 Jul 20. PMID: 31592070

Abstract Title: 

Red Dragon Fruit () Extract Decreases Lactic Acid Level and Creatine Kinase Activity in Rats Receiving Heavy Physical Exercise.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Heavy physical exercise causes relative hypoxia. In hypoxic condition, the cell's energy comes from anaerobic metabolism that produces lactic acid. An increment of oxygen need leads to ischemia-reperfusion, triggers free radical formation and damages muscles. Creatine kinase (CK) is a marker of muscle tissue damage. Red dragon fruit (RDF) has potential as antioxidant to reduce free radical formation.AIM: This study aims to determine RDF extract potential to reduce the lactic acid level and CK activity after heavy physical exercise.METHODS: A total of 32 male rats (Rattus Norvegicus) were randomly divided into 4 groups: group NORDF, treated heavy physical exercise and distilled water; group RDF100, treated heavy physical exercise and at 100 mg/kg BW RDF extract; group RDF200, treated heavy physical exercise and at 200 mg/kg BW RDF extract and group RDF300, treated heavy physical exercise and at 300 mg/kg BW RDF extract. The rats swam for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 3 weeks.RESULTS: RDF300 group showed lower lactic acid level and CK activity as compared to that of NORDF (p = 0.00) and RDF100 (p = 0.00) groups, but RDF300 are not significantly different for lactic acid (p = 0.45) and for CK (p = 0.68).CONCLUSION: Red dragon fruit extract has potential in lowering lactic acid level and CK activity in male rats receiving heavy physical exercise.

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PMID: 

Food Res Int. 2020 Jan ;127:108701. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31882110

Abstract Title: 

Metabolic profile of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton&Rose) by UPLC-QTOF-MSand assessment of its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish.

Abstract: 

Pitaya is a Cactacea with potential for economic exploitation, due to its high commercial value and its functional components – such betalains, oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds. Although the biological activities of pitaya have been studied using in vivo and in vitro models (anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities, as example), its anxiolytic-like effect is still unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this work was to perform a characterization of pulp and peel of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton&Rose) using UPLC-QTOF-MS, and to assess its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed 16 and 15 compounds (in pulp and peel, respectively), including maltotriose, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, and betalains, putatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS. Thus, pitaya pulp and peel showed no toxicity in both models tested (Vero cell lines and zebrafish model, LC ˃ 1 mg/mL); and a significant anxiolytic activity, since the treated fish reduced the permanence in the clear zone (Light&Dark Test) compared to that in the control, exhibiting anxiolytic-simile effect of diazepam. However, these effects were reduced by pre-treatment with the flumazenil suggesting that the pulp and peel of pitaya are anxiolytics agents mediated via the GABAergic system. These findings suggested that H. polyrizhus has the potential of developing an alternative plant-derived anxiolytic therapy. In addition, pitaya peel (which is a waste in the food industry) should be regarded as a valuable product, which has the potential as an economic value-added ingredient for anxiety disorders.

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PMID: 

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2020 Mar ;33(2):505-510. PMID: 32276891

Abstract Title: 

Terpenoid-lupeol of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and its immunomodulatory activity.

Abstract: 

Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus, (F.A.C. Weber) Britton and Rose) has been reported to have various biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular risk reduction, health supplement, and melanoma cell inhibitory. The red thick peel of this fruit is just practically a waste that is possibly utilized to maintain health, therefore this research aimed to isolate and identify active compounds of H. Polyrhizus peels which can improve the immune system of body. In order to simplify methanol extract was partition and fractionation. The active compounds of petroleum ether fraction were separated and purified using preparative thin layer chromatography. The identification of the compounds structure was conducted through spectroscopic techniques, including UV, FT-IR,CNMR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The data of spectra revealed that the isolate is lupeol. The statistical analysis of macrophage activity showed that the isolate with concentrations of 100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25μg/mL could activate the macrophages higher than control negative. Terpenoid generated from the isolation of Hylocereus polyrhizus was identified as lupeol (1-isopropenyl-3a,5a,5b,8,8,11a-hexamethyl-eicosahydrocyclopenya [α] chrysen-9ol. In vitro test shows that the isolated compound had an immunomodulatory activity by increases macrophage phagocytosis of latex beads.

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PMID: 

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2020 Apr 20. Epub 2020 Apr 20. PMID: 32316903

Abstract Title: 

Autumn Royal and Egnatia Grape Extracts differently modulate Cell Proliferation in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Polyphenols extracted by table grape have been demonstrated to decrease cell proliferation in vitro and to exert anti-atherosclerotic and antithrombotic activities, regulating cell functions. Grape polyphenolic profile is affected by climate as well as grape cultivar. This study was aimed to characterize the berry skin polyphenolic composition, antioxidant activity and antiproliferative properties of two black grape cultivars, Autumn Royal and Egnatia.METHODS: The phenolic composition of grape skin extracts (GSEs) was determined by HPLC analyses. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS and ORAC tests. Caco2, HT29 and SW480 human colon cancer cell lines were used to test the effects of GSEs in vitro. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were assessed with the MTT method and a Muse cell analyzer, respectively. qPCR and Western Blotting analysis were used to evaluate gene and protein expression, respectively.RESULTS: The total polyphenolic content and the total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in Autumn Royal than in Egnatia. However, table grape Egnatia showed greater ability to affect cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as to exert a growth arrest in S phase of the cell cycle, particularly in Caco2 cell line.CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the new grape variety Egnatia is an interesting source of phenolic compounds that could be of interest in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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