PMID: 

Arch Dermatol Res. 2019 Nov 3. Epub 2019 Nov 3. PMID: 31680216

Abstract Title: 

Herbal preparations for the treatment of hair loss.

Abstract: 

Though hair does not serve any crucial physiological function in modern humans, it plays an important role in our self-esteem. Androgenic baldness (androgenic alopecia) and circular/spot baldness (alopecia areata) are the most common forms of hair loss. Many active ingredients of synthetic origin are available for treatment; however, they have a number of limitations. Their effectiveness and safety are questionable and the amount of time needed to achieve the effect is both long and unclear. This has increased interest in finding an alternative approach against hair loss using preparations containing plants and/or their isolated active ingredients. A number of studies (mostly randomized, placebo-controlled) of plants and preparations made of plants have been performed to confirm their effectiveness in treating hair loss. The plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia are Curcuma aeruginosa (pink and blue ginger), Serenoa repens (palmetto), Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Panax ginseng (Chinese red ginseng). The assumed mechanism of action is predominately inhibition of 5α-reductase, with enhanced nutritional support and scalp blood circulation playing a role as well.

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PMID: 

Postepy Biochem. 2019 10 1 ;65(3):224-230. Epub 2019 Oct 1. PMID: 31643170

Abstract Title: 

Berberine as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of acute pancreatitis

Abstract: 

Berberine (BRB) is a compound belonging to the group of isoquinoline alkaloids of plant origin that has long been used in traditional chinese medicine (TMC). Due to, among others anti-inflammatory properties BRB is a potential therapeutic in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (OZT). In a study in the mouse model of L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis, we showed that BRB administered by the intravenous route at 0.1 and 0.5 mg / kg body weight significantly reduces the level of myeloperoxidase activity (an indicator of inflammation) in the pancreas and lungs. Promising results point to the need for larger, randomized studies to assess the long-term efficacy and side effects of BRB therapy.

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PMID: 

Biosci Rep. 2019 Oct 30 ;39(10). PMID: 31652442

Abstract Title: 

Berberine improves insulin resistance in adipocyte models by regulating the methylation of hypoxia-inducible factor-3α.

Abstract: 

Methylation of hypoxia-inducible factor-3α (HIF3A) was previously demonstrated to be highly associated with insulin resistance (IR) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to study the therapeutic effects of Berberine (BBR) on GDM and the possible mechanisms. The expressions and methylated states of HIF3A in pregnant women with GDM were compared with that in healthy controls. The IR cell models of 3T3-L1 adipocytes was constructed by 1 μmol/l dexamethasone (Dex) and 1 μmol/l insulin (Ins). To evaluate the effects of BBR on IR adipocyte models, cells were subjected to BBR treatment at different concentrations. Transfection of HIF3A siRNA further confirmed the role of HIF3A in the BBR-induced improving effects. Low expression and high methylation of HIF3A gene were frequent in the GDM pregnancies. BBR treatment noticeably increased the glucose usage rates, adiponectin secretion and cell differentiation of IR 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Increased HIF3A expression and decreased methylated state of HIF3A were also found in IR adipocytes. Furthermore, HIF3A silencing not only reversed the effects of BBR on improving insulin sensibility, but also partially abolished the expression alterations of insulin-relatedgenes in IR adipocytes induced by BBR treatment. Our results suggest that BBR improves insulin sensibility in IR adipocyte models, and the improving effects of BBR are possibly realized through the inhibition of HIF3A methylation.

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PMID: 

Neurochem Res. 2019 Aug ;44(8):1986-1998. Epub 2019 Jul 15. PMID: 31309393

Abstract Title: 

Neuroprotective Effects of Methanolic Extract of Avocado Persea americana (var. Colinred) Peel on Paraquat-Induced Locomotor Impairment, Lipid Peroxidation and Shortage of Life Span in Transgenic knockdown Parkin Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract: 

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, finding new antioxidant sources might be beneficial for its treatment. Avocado Persea americana is a fruit widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Although avocado by-products in the form of peel, seed coat and seeds are currently of no commercial use, they constitute a natural source of bioactive compounds. Methanolic (80%) extract obtained from lyophilized ground peels, seed coats, and seeds of the avocado Hass, Fuerte, Reed and Colinred varieties were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and their correlations with antioxidant capacity (AC) were assessed by ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. For all varieties, the var. Colinred peel shows the highest TPC and AC. Further analysis showed that the var. Colinred peel presented major phenolic compounds B-type procyanidins and epicatechin according to HPLC-MS. The antioxidant effect of peel extract was evaluated upon in vivo oxidative stress (OS) model. We show for the first time that the peel extract can protect and/or prevent transgenic parkinDrosophila melanogaster fly against paraquat-induced OS, movement impairment and lipid peroxidation, as model of PD. Our findings offer an exceptional opportunity to test natural disease-modifying substances from avocado's by-products.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Oct 25:112356. Epub 2019 Oct 25. PMID: 31669668

Abstract Title: 

Protective efficacy of Tinospora sinensis against streptozotocin induced pancreatic islet cell injuries of diabetic rats and its correlation to its phytochemical profiles.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tinospora sinensis Lour. (Merr.) belongs to the family Menispermaceae and its stem extract have been used traditionally in broad aspects of therapeutic remedies including debility, dyspepsia, fever, jaundice, ulcer, bronchitis, urinary disease, skin disease, liver disease and diabetes.AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of methanol extract of stem of Tinospora sinensis (METS) on streptozotocin induced pancreatic islet cell injuries of diabetic rats and its correlation to its phytochemical profiles.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A high-performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC) was used to identify and quantify the major phytochemicals present in the METS. Diabetic rats were administered with METS at a dose of (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively orally) and standard drug Metformin (300 mg/kg) was given orally to group serving positive control. Effect of the METS on glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, antioxidant status, histopathology of pancreas and also on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, cell cycle of pancreatic islet cells were studied in diabetic rats.RESULTS: The major phytochemicals identified and quantified by HPLC in the extract were berberine, caffeic acid, myricetin and ferulic acid. This result showed that methanol extract exhibited good antioxidant effect. The methanol extract of the plant prevented the diabetogenic effect of STZ and significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose level, glycated haemoglobin and increased insulin and C-peptide level in treated rats. METS reduced apoptosis of STZ treated islet cells by significantly decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6), intracellular ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) production and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and sub-Gpeak area, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants.CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the methanol extract of the stem of the plant possesses protective effects against diabetes and associated complications.

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PMID: 

Pharmacology. 2019 Oct 31:1-8. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31671426

Abstract Title: 

Berberine Induces CYP2J2 Expression in Human U251 Glioma Cells via Regulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Berberine is a promising natural drug that has a potential therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases.OBJECTIVES: Using U251 cells in vitro, we investigated whether berberine exerts its neuroprotective effect via regulation of CYP2J2.METHOD: After pretreatment with increasing concentrations (1, 3, and 10μmol/L) of berberine for 0.5 h, U251 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability was measured 24 h later using a CCK8 kit. mRNA and protein levels of CYP2J2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) were measured by quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively, after 24 h of exposure to 1, 3, or 10 μmol/L berberine. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry was also used to evaluate PPARα protein expression after treatment of U251 cells with 10-μmol/L berberine for 24 h. Transient transfection (cotransfection with the plasmid of PPARα- and RXRα-containing) followed by luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays was used to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the observed effects.RESULTS: Compared to the control, LPS-induced U251 cell death was attenuated by berberine in a dose-dependent manner. After 24 h, cell viability was found to be 52.3% (p

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PMID: 

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2019 Jan-Dec;33:2058738419855567. PMID: 31663444

Abstract Title: 

Berberine andexert a potential anticancer effect on colon cancer cells by acting on specific pathways.

Abstract: 

Berberine (BBR) is a natural active principle with potential antitumor activity. The compound targets multiple cell signaling pathways, including proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms behind the anticancer activity of BBR by comparing the effects of purified BBR with those of the extract of, a medicinal plant that produces this metabolite. The expression levels of a panel of 44 selected genes in human colon adenocarcinoma (HCA-7) cell line were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). BBR treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent down regulation of 33 genes differently involved in cell cycle, differentiation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The trend was confirmed across the two types of treatment, the two time points, and the different absolute dosage of BBR. These findings suggest that the presence of BBR inextract significantly contributes to its antiproliferative activity.

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PMID: 

J Immunol Res. 2019 ;2019:7083491. Epub 2019 Sep 12. PMID: 31612151

Abstract Title: 

Lipid-Rich Extract from Mexican Avocado Seed (var. drymifolia) ReducesInternalization and Regulates Innate Immune Response in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells.

Abstract: 

Bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) are capable of initiating an innate immune response (IIR) to invading bacteria.is not classically an intracellular pathogen, although it has been shown to be internalized into bMECs.internalizes into nonprofessional phagocytes, which allows the evasion of the IIR and turns antimicrobial therapy unsuccessful. An alternative treatment to control this pathogen is the modulation of the innate immune response of the host. The Mexican avocado (var. drymifolia) is a source of molecules with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Hence, we analyze the effect of a lipid-rich extract from avocado seed (LEAS) oninternalization into bMECs and their innate immunity response. The effects of LEAS (1-500 ng/ml) on thegrowth and bMEC viability were assessed by turbidimetry and MTT assays, respectively. LEAS did not show neither antimicrobial nor cytotoxic effects.internalization into bMECs was analyzed by gentamicin protection assays. Interestingly, LEAS (1-200 ng/ml) decreased bacterial internalization (60-80%) into bMECs. This effect correlated with NO production and the induction of the gene expression of IL-10, while the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-was reduced. These effects could be related to the inhibition of MAPK p38 (∼60%) activation by LEAS. In conclusion, our results showed that LEAS inhibits theinternalization into bMECs and modulates the IIR, which indicates that avocado is a source of metabolites for control of mastitis pathogens.

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PMID: 

J Nutr. 2019 Oct 14. Epub 2019 Oct 14. PMID: 31616932

Abstract Title: 

A Moderate-Fat Diet with One Avocado per Day Increases Plasma Antioxidants and Decreases the Oxidation of Small, Dense LDL in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Avocados are a nutrient-dense source of MUFAs and are rich in antioxidants. Avocados have an additional LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effect beyond that observed when their MUFAs are substituted for SFAs, especially on small, dense LDL (sdLDL) particles, which are susceptible to in vivo oxidation and associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether a healthy diet with 1 avocado daily decreased the following secondary outcomes: circulating oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and related oxidative stress markers.METHODS: A randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial was conducted with 45 men and women, aged 21-70 y, with overweight or obesity and elevated LDL-C (25th-90th percentile). Three cholesterol-lowering diets were provided (5 wk each) in random sequences: a lower-fat (LF) diet (24% calories from fat-7% SFAs, 11% MUFAs, 6% PUFAs) and 2 moderate-fat (MF) diets (34% calories from fat-6% SFAs, 17% MUFAs, 9% PUFAs): the avocado (AV) diet included 1 Hass avocado (∼136 g) per day, and the MF diet used high oleic acid oils to match the fatty acid profile of 1 avocado. A general linear mixed model was used to analyze the treatment effects.RESULTS: Compared with baseline, the AV diet significantly decreased circulating oxLDL (-7.0 U/L, -8.8%, P = 0.0004) and increased plasma lutein concentration (19.6 nmol/L, 68.7%, P 

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PMID: 

Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Aug ;3(8):nzz068. Epub 2019 Jun 12. PMID: 31367691

Abstract Title: 

Hass Avocado Inclusion in a Weight-Loss Diet Supported Weight Loss and Altered Gut Microbiota: A 12-Week Randomized, Parallel-Controlled Trial.

Abstract: 

Background: Avocados contain fiber, lutein, and vitamin E, and they are a rich source of MUFAs. The effect of including an avocado daily as part of a hypocaloric weight-loss diet on weight loss is not known.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of daily avocado consumption as part of a hypocaloric diet on weight loss, body composition, satiety, biomarkers of inflammation, and intestinal microbiota composition.Methods: In this randomized, parallel-controlled, open-label, 2-arm intervention study, 51 healthy overweight/obese women and men were assigned to a hypocaloric diet with 1 Hass avocado daily (AVO; = 24) or a hypocaloric diet (CTRL; = 27) without daily avocado for 12 wk. Serum markers and intestinal microbiota were analyzed at baseline and week 12.Results: Both groups experienced significant weight loss, decrease in BMI (in kg/m), total body fat, and visceral adipose tissue, respectively (AVO: -2.3 ± 2 kg, -0.8 ± 0.8, -1.1% ± 2%, and -81.2 ± 118 g; CTRL: -2.6 ± 3.6 kg, -0.9 ± 1, -1.5% ± 2%, and -87.4 ± 216 g). We observed a significant decrease in serum glucose over time in the control group compared with the AVO group. There was no change between the groups in serum triglyceride, but a significant decrease from baseline to 12 wk was observed in the AVO group. Serum hepatic growth factor (HGF) and relative proportion of bacterial phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes), family (Bacteroidaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae), and genus (,,, and) were significantly altered in the AVO group compared with the CTRL group. A trend to decrease in serum inflammatory factors IL-1β ( = 0.07) and C-reactive protein ( = 0.074) was observed in the AVO group compared with CTRL.Conclusions: Daily Hass avocado consumption as part of a hypocaloric diet supported weight loss, a decrease in serum HGF, and an increase in the abundance of bacteria involved in plant polysaccharide fermentation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02953158.

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