Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and its main constituent, silymarin, as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: A review

Determination of Flavonolignan Compositional Ratios in Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) Extracts Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Milk thistle is one of the most popular ingredients in the liver protection products market. Silymarin is the main component of milk thistle and contains multiple isomers. There have been few studies focusing on the compositional ratios of silymarin isomers. In this study, we developed an HPLC method for the separation and quantification of silymarin isomers, thereby elucidating their compositional ratios. Through the analysis of more than 40 milk thistle extract products on the market, we found that the ratios, specifically Ratio 1 (the silybin B content to the silybin A content, SBNB/SBNA) and Ratio 2 (the sum of the contents of silybin B and isosilybin B to the sum of the contents of silybin A and isosilybin A, (SBNB + IBNB)/(SBNA + IBNA)), are highly consistent across milk thistle extracts, averaging approximately 1.58 and 1.28, respectively. Furthermore, such ratios were verified in milk thistle seed samples. This study introduces significant findings concerning the stable ratios among silymarin isomers in milk thistle extracts and seeds, thereby offering an innovative approach for quality assurance of milk thistle extracts.

Silymarin: Unveiling its pharmacological spectrum and therapeutic potential in liver diseases-A comprehensive narrative review

Liver diseases, encompassing conditions such as cirrhosis, present a substantial global health challenge with diverse etiologies, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The exploration of natural compounds as therapeutic agents has gained traction, notably the herbal remedy milk thistle (Silybum marianum), with its active extract, silymarin, demonstrating remarkable antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in extensive preclinical investigations. It can protect healthy liver cells or those that have not yet sustained permanent damage by reducing oxidative stress and mitigating cytotoxicity. Silymarin, a natural compound with antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and antifibrotic activity, has shown potential in treating liver damage caused by alcohol, NAFLD, drug-induced toxicity, and viral hepatitis. Legalon® is a top-rated medication with excellent oral bioavailability, effective absorption, and therapeutic effectiveness. Its active component, silymarin, has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, Eurosil 85® also, a commercial product, has lipophilic properties enhanced by special formulation processes. Silymarin, during clinical trials, shows potential improvements in liver function, reduced mortality rates, and alleviation of symptoms across various liver disorders, with safety assessments showing low adverse effects. Overall, silymarin emerges as a promising natural compound with multifaceted hepatoprotective properties and therapeutic potential in liver diseases.

Silymarin prevents endothelial dysfunction by upregulating Erk-5 in oxidized LDL exposed endothelial cells

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)-5 is a key mediator of endothelial cell homeostasis, and its inhibition causes loss of critical endothelial markers leading to endothelial dysfunction (ED). Circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) has been identified as an underlying cause of ED and atherosclerosis in metabolic disorders. Silymarin (Sym), a flavonolignan, possesses various pharmacological activities however its preventive mechanism in ED warrants further investigation. Here, we have examined the effects of Sym in regulating the expression of Erk-5 and ameliorating ED using in vitro and in vivo models. Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (pHUVECs) viability was measured by MTT assay; mRNA and protein expression by RT-qPCR and Western blotting; tube-formation assay was performed to examine endothelialness. In in-vivo experiments, normal chow-fed mice (control) or high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were administered Sym or Erk-5 inhibitor (BIX02189) and body weight, blood glucose, plasma-LDL, oxLDL levels, and expression of EC markers in the aorta were examined. Sym (5 μg/ml) maintained the viability and tube-formation ability of oxLDL exposed pHUVECs. Sym increased the expression of Erk-5, vWF, and eNOS and decreased ICAM-1 at transcription and translation levels in oxLDL-exposed pHUVECs. In HFD-fed mice, Sym reduced the body weight, blood glucose, LDL-cholesterol, and oxLDL levels, and increased the levels of vWF and eNOS along with Erk-5 and decreased the level of ICAM-1 in the aorta. These data suggest that Sym could be a potent anti-atherosclerotic agent that could elevate Erk-5 level in the ECs and prevent ED caused by oxidized LDL during HFD-induced obesity in mice.

Can daily consumption of enriched fatty acids diet be effective in improving metabolic syndrome? An attractive paradox for walnut kernel

Imagine consuming a daily diet rich in fatty acids to help treat diseases such as hypertension and obesity. This concept presents an attractive paradox. In particular, consuming walnut kernels is beneficial for treating diseases associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Different parts of the Juglans regia tree (family Juglandaceae), including its leaves, green husks, bark, and septum, have shown promising effects on pathological conditions related to MetS. The therapeutic advantages of consuming walnut kernels for MetS can be attributed to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenolic compounds such as juglone and ellagic acid. Diets enriched with walnut kernel have a positive impact on MetS complications by reducing diastolic blood pressure, improving blood lipid profiles, lowering fasting blood sugar levels, and increasing insulin sensitivity. The potential cellular mechanisms responsible for these benefits involve activating the cholesterol hemostasis pathway by inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Furthermore, other by-products of walnuts, such as leaves and green husks, have also demonstrated effectiveness in managing MetS. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating walnut-based products into our diets as a natural approach to combating MetS and its complications.

Impacts of Supplementation with Silymarin on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

It has been suggested that silymarin (SIL) supplementation has positive effects on cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis assessed the impacts of SIL administration on cardiovascular risk factors. A systematic search of multiple databases was performed to identify eligible controlled trials published up to January 2023. The analysis used a random-effects model and included 33 trials with 1943 participants. It was revealed that SIL supplementation led to a notable reduction in serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (weighted mean difference (WMD): -21.68 mg/dL, 95% CI: -31.37, -11.99; p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -1.25 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.25, -0.26; p = 0.013), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -13.97 mg/dL, 95% CI: -23.09, -4.85; p = 0.003), triglycerides (TG) (WMD: -26.22 mg/dL, 95% CI: -40.32, -12.12; p < 0.001), fasting insulin (WMD: -3.76 mU/mL, 95% CI: -4.80, -2.72; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: -17.13 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.63, -8.63; p < 0.001), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.85%, 95% CI: -1.27, -0.43; p < 0.001) in the SIL-treated groups compared to their untreated counterparts. In addition, there were no substantial differences in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), C-reactive protein (CRP), body weight, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) between the two groups. These outcomes suggest that SIL consumption reduces certain CMS risk factors and has favorable impacts on lipid and glycemic profiles with potential hypotensive effects. These findings should be supported by additional trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations.

Silymarin Reduced Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Women with Obesity

Silymarin has ameliorated obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and insulin resistance (IR) in combination with standard therapy, diet, or exercise in recent studies. Obesity and IR are the main risk factors for developing T2DM and other metabolic disorders. Today, there is a need for new strategies to target IR in patients with these metabolic diseases. In the present longitudinal study, a group of non-diabetic insulin-resistant women with type 1 and type 2 obesity were given silymarin for 12 weeks, with no change in habitual diet and physical activity. We used the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR) to determine IR at baseline and after silymarin treatment (t = 12 weeks). We obtained five timepoint oral glucose tolerance tests, and other biochemical and clinical parameters were analyzed before and after treatment. Treatment with silymarin alone significantly reduced mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HOMA-IR levels at 12 weeks compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). Mean fasting plasma insulin (FPI), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (Tg), indirect bilirubin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased compared to baseline values, although changes were non-significant. The overall results suggest that silymarin may offer a therapeutic alternative to improve IR in non-diabetic individuals with obesity. Further clinical trials are needed in this type of patient to strengthen the results of this study.

A combination of silymarin and garlic extract enhances thyroid hormone activation and body metabolism in orally intoxicated male rats with atrazine: Impact on hepatic iodothyronine deiodinase type 1

Atrazine is a widely applied herbicide to improve crop yield and maintain general health. It has been reported to impair thyroid function and architecture in experimental animals. Alterations in thyroid hormones disrupt normal body function and metabolism. Silymarin, a hepatoprotective flavonolignan, was found to improve thyroid function and body metabolism. Additionally, garlic displays several protective effects on body organs. Therefore, this study explored the prophylactic impact of natural compounds comprising silymarin and garlic extract on disrupted thyroid function, hepatic iodothyronine deiodinase type 1, and metabolic parameters in atrazine-intoxicated male rats. We found that daily pre- and co-treatment of atrazine-intoxicated male rats with silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o) and/or garlic extract (10 mg/kg, p.o) significantly improved thyroid activation and hepatic functionality as evidenced by the re-establishment of T3, T3/T4, and TSH values as well as ALT and AST activities. Interestingly, individual or concurrent supplementation of the atrazine group with silymarin and garlic extract prevented the down-regulation in hepatic iodothyronine deiodinase type 1. These effects were coupled with the repletion of serum and hepatic antioxidants and the amelioration of lipid peroxidation. In addition, current natural products markedly alleviated weight gain, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Notably, a cocktail of silymarin and garlic extract exerted superior protection against atrazine-triggered deterioration of thyroid, hepatic, and metabolic functioning to individual treatments. Present findings pinpoint the prophylactic and synergistic influence of silymarin and garlic extract combinatorial regimen on thyroid activation and body metabolism via enhancing antioxidant potential, maintaining hepatic function, and iodothyronine deiodinase type 1.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Phytoactive Compounds on Human Health: A Narrative Review Integrated with Bioinformatics Approach

BACKGROUND

Immunomodulation is the modification of immune responses to control disease progression. While the synthetic immunomodulators have proven efficacy, they are coupled with toxicity and other adverse effects, and hence, the efforts were to identify natural phytochemicals with immunomodulatory potential.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the immunomodulatory properties of various phytochemicals and investigate them in Echinacea species extracts using an in silico approach.

METHODOLOGY

Several scientific database repositories were searched using different keywords: "Phytochemicals," "Alkaloids," "Polyphenols," "Flavonoids," "Lectins," "Glycosides," "Tannins," "Terpenoids," "Sterols," "Immunomodulators," and "Human Immune System" without any language restriction. Additionally, the study specifically investigated the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea species extracts using gene expression analysis of GSE12259 from NCBI-GEO through the Bioconductor package GEOquery and limma.

RESULTS

A total of 182 studies were comprehensively analyzed to understand immunomodulatory phytochemicals. The in silico analysis highlighted key biological processes (positive regulation of cytokine production, response to tumor necrosis factor) and molecular functions (cytokine receptor binding, receptor-ligand activity, and cytokine activity) among Echinacea species extracts contributing to immune responses. Further, it also indicated the association of various metabolic pathways, i.e., pathways in cancer, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, with immune responses. The study revealed various hub targets, including CCL20, CCL4, GCH1, SLC7A11, SOD2, EPB41L3, TNFAIP6, GCLM, EGR1, and FOS.

CONCLUSION

The present study presents a cumulative picture of phytochemicals with therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the study also reported a few novel genes and pathways in Echinacea extracts by re-analyzing GSE 12259 indicating its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties.

The Multicomponent Medicinal Product Hepar Compositum Reduces Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in a Streptozotocin- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Since there is currently no approved pharmacotherapy for MASLD, there is an urgent unmet need for efficacious therapeutics for this disease. Hepar compositum (HC-24) is a multicomponent medicinal product that consists of 24 natural ingredients. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in an obesity-associated MASLD mouse model, but its potential to reduce MASLD-associated fibrosis had not been explored before this study. Here, we investigated the hepatic anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential of HC-24 in a streptozotocin (STZ)- and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced model of MASLD. Mice received a single injection of low-dose STZ at 2 days of age, followed by HFD feeding from 4 to 9 weeks of age. Mice were treated every second day with HC-24 or daily with the positive control telmisartan from 6 to 9 weeks of age. A non-diseased control group was included as a healthy reference. An explorative small-scale pilot study demonstrated that HC-24 improved liver histology, resulting in a lower NAFLD activity score and reduced liver fibrosis. A subsequent full study confirmed these effects and showed that HC-24 reduced hepatic inflammation, specifically reducing T helper cell and neutrophil influx, and decreased hepatic fibrosis (with qualitatively reduced collagen type I and type III immunopositivity) in the absence of an effect on body and liver weight, blood glucose or liver steatosis. These results show that HC-24 has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties in an STZ- and HFD-induced model of MASLD/MASH, suggesting that this multicomponent medicine has therapeutic potential for MASLD patients.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Silybum marianum Seed Extract Rich in Silydianin and Silychristin in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an increasing global health problem, which leads to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Silybum marianum extracts have been reported to possess several biological activities. In this study, an ethyl acetate extract prepared from S. marianum seeds of the Iraqi Kurdistan region was analyzed to identify its chemical constituents. Subsequently, its potential for the prevention and treatment of MetS was studied in a rat model induced by a high-fat/high-fructose diet (HFD/F). Silydianin and silychristin were the most abundant flavonolignan constituents (39.4%) identified in the S. marianum extract (SMEE). HFD/F-induced rats treated with SMEE exhibited preventive effects including reduced serum triglyceride levels (TG), decreased glucose levels in an oral glucose tolerance test (p < 0.001), attenuated weight gain, and reduced blood pressure compared to the untreated control group. Therapeutic application of SMEE after inducing MetS led to lowering of TG (p < 0.001) and glucose levels, in addition to reducing weight gain and normalizing blood pressure (p < 0.005). Thus, S. marianum extract rich in silydianin and silychristin may be useful for preventing and attenuating MetS, and further research and clinical trials are warranted.

Deciphering the emerging role of phytocompounds: Implications in the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis and ATDs-induced hepatic damage

Tuberculosis is a disease of poverty, discrimination, and socioeconomic burden. Epidemiological studies suggest that the mortality and incidence of tuberculosis are unacceptably higher worldwide. Genomic mutations in embCAB, embR, katG, inhA, ahpC, rpoB, pncA, rrs, rpsL, gyrA, gyrB, and ethR contribute to drug resistance reducing the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to many antibiotics. Additionally, treating tuberculosis with antibiotics also poses a serious risk of hepatotoxicity in the patient's body. Emerging data on drug-induced liver injury showed that anti-tuberculosis drugs remarkably altered levels of hepatotoxicity biomarkers. The review is an attempt to explore the anti-mycobacterial potential of selected, commonly available, and well-known phytocompounds and extracts of medicinal plants against strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Many studies have demonstrated that phytocompounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds have antibacterial action against Mycobacterium species, inhibiting the bacteria's growth and replication, and sometimes, causing cell death. Phytocompounds act by disrupting bacterial cell walls and membranes, reducing enzyme activity, and interfering with essential metabolic processes. The combination of these processes reduces the overall survivability of the bacteria. Moreover, several phytochemicals have synergistic effects with antibiotics routinely used to treat TB, improving their efficacy and decreasing the risk of resistance development. Interestingly, phytocompounds have been presented to reduce isoniazid- and ethambutol-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing serum levels of AST, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, MDA, urea, creatinine, and albumin to their normal range, leading to attenuation of inflammation and hepatic necrosis. As a result, phytochemicals represent a promising field of research for the development of new TB medicines.

Authentication of milk thistle commercial products using UHPLC-QTOF-ESI + MS metabolomics and DNA metabarcoding

BACKGROUND

Milk thistle is one of the most popular hepatoprotectants, and is often sold in combination with other ingredients. Botanical supplements are known to be vulnerable to contamination and adulteration, and emerging technologies show promise to improve their quality control.

METHODS

Untargeted and semi-targeted metabolomics based on UHPLC-QTOF-ESI⁺MS techniques, UV spectrometry, and DNA metabarcoding using Illumina MiSeq were used to authenticate eighteen milk thistle botanical formulations (teas, capsules, tablets, emulsion).

RESULTS

Untargeted metabolomics separated 217 molecules and by multivariate analysis the discrimination between the different preparations was established. The semi-targeted metabolomics focused on 63 phytochemicals, mainly silymarin flavonolignans and flavonoids, that may be considered as putative biomarkers of authenticity. All formulations contained molecules from silymarin complexes at different levels. The quantitative evaluation of silybins was done using in parallel UV spectrometry and UHPLC-QTOF-ESI⁺MS and their correlations were compared. DNA metabarcoding detected milk thistle in eleven out of sixteen retained preparations, whereas two others had incomplete evidence of milk thistle despite metabolomics validating specific metabolites, e.g., silymarin complex, identified and quantified in all samples. Meanwhile, the DNA metabarcoding provided insights into the total species composition allowing the interpretation of the results in a broad context.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes that combining spectroscopic, chromatographic, and genetic techniques bring complementary information to guarantee the quality of the botanical formulations.

Silibinin alleviates inflammation-induced bone loss by modulating biological interaction between human gingival fibroblasts and monocytes

BACKGROUND

Silibinin has shown various pharmacological effects that could be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. However, the therapeutic potential of silibinin for periodontitis has not been investigated.

METHODS

The therapeutic effects of silibinin in ligation-induced experimental periodontitis were investigated using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods. The effects of silibinin on the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells were investigated using TRAP staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), pit formation, and immunoblotting. Moreover, its effects on inflammatory cytokine production, RANKL expression, and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were evaluated using qPCR and flow cytometry. A coculture system was established to elucidate the effects of silibinin on the crosstalk between LPS-stimulated HGFs and undifferentiated monocytes.

RESULTS

Silibinin significantly reduced the alveolar bone loss, decreased the gingival inflammation and RANKL expression, and decreased the RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio in gingival tissues in experimental periodontitis. The in vitro results showed that silibinin inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and function of RAW264.7 cells and suppressed RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) induction and translocation through the nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Silibinin decreased the inflammatory cytokine level and oxidative stress production in LPS-stimulated HGFs; significantly suppressed membrane-bound RANKL expression on LPS-stimulated HGFs; and significantly disrupted TRAP+ cell differentiation in the coculture system.

CONCLUSIONS

Silibinin effectively inhibits inflammation-induced bone loss in experimental periodontitis based on the regulation of stimulated HGFs by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory and osteoclastogenic mediators. Collectively, targeting the inflamed HGF resolution that mediates osteogenesis may use silibinin as a potential drug-repurposing candidate for modulating alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis.

SUMMARY

Silibinin effectively inhibits inflammation-induced bone loss in experimental periodontitis based on the regulation of stimulated HGFs by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory and osteoclastogenic mediators.

Pharmaceutical prospects of Silymarin for the treatment of neurological patients: an updated insight

Background

Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid complex extricated from dried fruits and seeds of the plant Silybum marianum L. Chemically, it is a mixture of flavonolignan complexes consisting of silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin, a minor quantity of taxifolin, and other polyphenolic compounds, which possess different bio medicinal values.

Purpose

This review critically looks into the current status, pharmaceutical prospects and limitations of the clinical application of Silymarin for treating neurological disorders. In particular, Silymarin's medicinal properties and molecular mechanisms are focused on providing a better-compiled understanding helpful in its neuro-pharmacological or therapeutic aspects.

Methods

This review was compiled by the literature search done using three databases, i.e., PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and Science Direct, up to January 2023, using the keywords-Silymarin, neurological disorders, cognitive disorders, Type 2 Diabetes, pharmaceutical prospects and treatment. Then, potentially relevant publications and studies (matching the eligible criteria) were retrieved and selected to explain in this review using PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) study flow chart.

Result

Since its discovery, it has been widely studied as a hepatoprotective drug for various liver disorders. However, in the last 10-15 years, several research studies have shown its putative neuroprotective nature against various brain disorders, including psychiatric, neurodegenerative, cognitive, metabolic and other neurological disorders. The main underlying neuroprotective mechanisms in preventing and curing such disorders are the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-neurotrophic and pro-estrogenic nature of the bioactive molecules.

Conclusion

This review provides a lucid summary of the well-studied neuroprotective effects of Silymarin, its underlying molecular mechanisms and current limitations for its usage during neurological disorders. Finally, we have suggested a future course of action for developing it as a novel herbal drug for the treatment of brain diseases.

Detecting and Profiling of Milk Thistle Metabolites in Food Supplements: A Safety-Oriented Approach by Advanced Analytics

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is among the top-selling botanicals used as a supportive treatment for liver diseases. Silymarin, a mixture of unique flavonolignan metabolites, is the main bioactive component of milk thistle. The biological activities of silymarin have been well described in the literature, and its use is considered safe and well-tolerated in appropriate doses. However, commercial preparations do not always contain the recommended concentrations of silymarin, failing to provide the expected therapeutic effect. While the poor quality of raw material may explain the low concentrations of silymarin, its deliberate removal is suspected to be an adulteration. Toxic contaminants and foreign matters were also detected in milk thistle preparations, raising serious health concerns. Standard methods for determination of silymarin components include thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with various detectors, but nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) have also been applied. This review surveys the extraction techniques of main milk thistle metabolites and the quality, efficacy, and safety of the derived food supplements. Advanced analytical authentication approaches are discussed with a focus on DNA barcoding and metabarcoding to complement orthogonal chemical characterization and fingerprinting of herbal products.

Effects of a hepatoprotectant and different feed energy sources on milk composition and nutrient partitioning in lactating cows

ABSTRACT The present study aimed at assessing the effects of hepatoprotective agents in diets that contain sources of energy on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient partition in lactating cows. Sixteen Holstein x Gir crossbred mid-lactation cows with an average body weight of 553 ± 85 kg were used in this study. These animals were allocated in a 4x4 Latin square design. A 2x2 factorial arrangement was employed in this feeding experiment. In each treatment, cows received diets with or without a hepatoprotective agent and variable in ground corn grain or citrus pulp as energy sources. Evaluated parameters included nutrient intake and digestibility, milk production, milk composition, energy balance, and nitrogen balance. Performance and nutrient balance variables were assessed and no interaction was observed between the hepatoprotective compounds and the dietary sources of energy. Dry matter intake, milk production and net energy for lactation were higher in corn as an energy source whereas milk fat content was higher in citrus pulp diets. There was a reduction in protein and casein contents in the milk of cows that was supplemented with an hepatoprotective agent. In this study, the hepatoprotective agent improved nitrogen balance in dairy cows. The use of the hepatoprotective compounds in the diet of these lactating cows in confinement reduced the milk protein fraction and favored a higher nitrogen balance in these animals. Retention of nitrogen compounds in the metabolism of lactating cows under confinement is influenced by hepatoprotective agents.

An integrated transcriptome and microbial community analysis reveals potential mechanisms for increased immune responses when replacing silybum marianum meal with soybean meal in growing lambs

Silybum marianum meal is a by-product that remains silymarin complex and is perceived as a potential-protein source. The potential and its mechanism of silybum marianum meal as a protein supplement in ruminants were evaluated by testing the growth performance, biochemical parameters, cytokine levels, gut transcriptome and microbial community profiles. Forty-two male Hulunbeier growing lambs (aged about 3-month-old; averaged body weight of 21.55 kg) were randomly divided into the CON (with 10% soybean meal) and SIL groups (with 10% silybum marianum meal). There was no significant difference in growth performance, feed intakes, or serum biochemical parameters between CON and SIL. The serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β, HGF, and VEGF were all increased (p < 0.05) in the SIL group as compared with the CON group. Transcriptome gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that the core genes in the rumen from SIL group were enriched with fructose and mannose metabolism, while the core genes in the ileum were enriched for three biological process, including digestive tract development, positive regulation of MAPK cascade, and regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling. The 16S rDNA results showed that the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Synergistetes, and Verrucomicrobia in the rumen from SIL group was significantly higher than that in CON group (p < 0.05), whereas Proteobacteria was significantly lower than that in CON group (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis showed that the genera Pyramidobacter, Saccharofermentans, Anaerovibrio, Oscillibacter and Barnesiella were enriched in the rumen from SIL group, whereas Sharpea was enriched in the CON group (LDA > 2). In the ileum, there were no significant differences in the phylum-level classification of microbes observed. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus in the ileum from SIL group were significantly higher than that in the CON group (p < 0.05), whereas the relative abundance of Clostridium_XI was lower (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Clostridium_XI was negatively correlated with VEGF, TGF-β, TNF-α and HGF (p < 0.05). Core genes BMP4 and CD4 were negatively correlated with Clostridium_XI (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that supplementing silybum marianum meal as a replacement for soybean meal resulted in increased cytokines production without affecting growth performance in growing lambs, and the enrichment of immune-related genes and altered microbial community in the ileum were contributed to the increased immune responses.

Effect of liposomal drug based on interferon and extract from Silybum marianum on antioxidative status of bulls against the background of contamination of fodders by cadmium and plumbum

The balance between anti- and prooxidants in animal organisms in general and in each cell in particular is responsible for the regulation of many metabolic processes that provide immunocompetence, growth, development and protection of animals from oxidative stress, related to inflow of cadmium and plumbum. Therefore, the objective of our study was the influence of a liposomal drug based on interferon and milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) on the antioxidative status of the organism of bulls in the conditions of cadmium and plumbum loading. The experiments were performed on six-months-old Black Motley dairy cattle. The fodders in the farm were determined to contain high levels of plumbum and cadmium. The liposomal drug Lipointersyl inhibited the lipid peroxidation processes in the bulls. The drug components promoted the decrease in the level of intermediate and end products of lipid peroxidation, in particular 22% decrease in the level of diene conjugates and 20% decrease in TBA-active products. Intramuscular injection of the liposomal drug to bulls of the experimental group strengthened the antioxidant protection of their organism. On the 30th day of the experiment, blood from experimental group animals was seen to have a 9.8% increase in reduced glutathione. Assay of the enzymatic link of the glutathione system revealed that the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the blood of the animals that had been injected the liposomal drug Lipointensyl had increased by 24.0% and 27.7% respectively by the 30th day of the experiment. The experiments conducted on young cattle demonstrated that intermuscularly injected the Lipointensyl liposomal drug – against the background of cadmium and plumbum loading – promoted the activation of the glutathione system of antioxidant protection as a result of increase in the activity of its enzymatic and non-enzymatic links. The study of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities revealed that on the 30th and 40th days of the experiment, the activity of those enzymes varied within the physiological norms. Therefore, the analyzed Silybum marianum-based liposomal drug has antioxidant properties, it is recommended for young cattle in the conditions of contamination with heavy metals in order to prevent the development of oxidative stress.

Identification of hub genes and candidate herbal treatment in obesity through integrated bioinformatic analysis and reverse network pharmacology

Obesity is a global epidemic elevating the risk of various metabolic disorders. As there is a lack of effective drugs to treat obesity, we combined bioinformatics and reverse network pharmacology in this study to identify effective herbs to treat obesity. We identified 1011 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of adipose tissue after weight loss by analyzing five expression profiles (GSE103766, GSE35411, GSE112307, GSE43471, and GSE35710) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We identified 27 hub genes from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by performing MCODE using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these hub genes have roles in the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, cholesterol metabolism, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. Ten herbs (Aloe, Portulacae Herba, Mori Follum, Silybum Marianum, Phyllanthi Fructus, Pollen Typhae, Ginkgo Semen, Leonuri Herba, Eriobotryae Folium, and Litseae Fructus) targeting the nine hub genes (COL1A1, MMP2, MMP9, SPP1, DNMT3B, MMP7, CETP, COL1A2, and MUC1) using six ingredients were identified as the key herbs. Quercetin and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate were determined to be the key ingredients. Lastly, Ingredients-Targets, Herbs-Ingredients-Targets, and Herbs-Taste-Meridian Tropism networks were constructed using Cytoscape to elucidate this complex relationship. This study could help identify promising therapeutic targets and drugs to treat obesity.

Improving survival, growth, feed utilization, antioxidant status, and fatty acids profile of European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, larvae fed silymarin, Silybum marianum, supplemented weaning diet

To sustain normal development, high survival, and rapid growth, marine fish larvae require a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could decrease the risk of reactive oxygen species accumulations. Consequently, a 60-day feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effect of silymarin (SM) supplementation in weaning diets on the growth performance, survival, antioxidant enzyme activities, and fatty acids profile of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were investigated using SM at levels of 0, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1 (SM0.00, SM200, SM400, and SM600, respectively). The findings showed that, in a dose-dependent manner, increasing dietary levels of SM enhanced survival, growth, and feed utilization. In the SM600 group, the weight gain, survival, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved by 123.21, 11.66, and 38.72%, respectively, compared to the control group. The dose-response analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation (R2=0.96) between SM levels and weight increase, and a strong negative correlation (R2=0.88) between SM levels and FCR. The antioxidant enzyme activities of larvae given SM-enriched diets were significantly greater than those of the control group. Compared to the control group, the CAT and SOD improved by 81.77 and 5.08 % in the SM600 group. In addition, the saturated fatty acid content reduced while the unsaturated fatty acid content increased, particularly in the SM600 group. The results indicate that supplementing the micro diet of European seabass larvae during weaning with SM at a dose of 600 mg kg-1 increases growth, survival, antioxidant status, and fatty acid profiles.

The In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Selected Asteraceae Plants on Pancreatic Lipase Followed by Phenolic Content Identification through Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS)

Pancreatic lipase (PNLIP, EC 3.1.1.3) plays a pivotal role in the digestion of dietary lipids, a metabolic pathway directly related to obesity. One of the effective strategies in obesity treatment is the inhibition of PNLIP, which is possible to be achieved by specific phenolic compounds occurring in high abundance in some plants. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach is presented investigating the PNLIP inhibitory effect of 33 plants belonging in the Asteraceae botanical family. In the first stage of the study, a rapid and cost-efficient PNLIP assay in a 96-microwell plate format was developed and important parameters were optimized, e.g., the enzyme substrate. Upon PNLIP assay optimization, aqueous and dichloromethane Asteraceae plant extracts were tested and a cut-off inhibition level was set to further analyze only the samples with a significant inhibitory effect (inhibitory rate > 40%), using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-q-TOF-MS) method. Specifically, a metabolomic suspect screening was performed and 69 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid-3-O-glycosides, and flavonoid-7-O-glycosides, amongst others. In the case of aqueous extracts, phytochemicals known for inducing PNLIP inhibitory effect, e.g., compounds containing galloyl molecules or caffeoylquinic acids, were monitored in Chrysanthemum morifolium, Grindella camporum and Hieracium pilosella extracts. All in all, the presented approach combines in vitro bioactivity measurements to high-end metabolomics to identify phenolic compounds with potential medicinal and/or dietary applications.

A Critical Review on Role of Available Synthetic Drugs and Phytochemicals in Insulin Resistance Treatment by Targeting PTP1B

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition of impaired response of cells towards insulin. It is marked by excessive blood glucose, dysregulated insulin signalling, altered pathways, damaged pancreatic β-cells, metabolic disorders, etc. Chronic hyperglycemic conditions leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which causes excess generation of highly reactive free radicals, causing oxidative stress, further leading to development and progression of complications like vascular dysfunction, damaged cellular proteins, and DNA. One of the causes for IR is dysregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Advancements in drug therapeutics have helped people manage IR by regulating PTP1B, however have been reported to cause side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest on usage of phytochemical constituents having IR therapeutic properties and aiding to minimize these complications. Medicinal plants have not been utilized to their full potential as a therapeutic drug due to lack of knowledge of their active and effective chemical constituents, mode of action, regulation of IR parameters, and dosage of administration. This review highlights phytochemical constituents present in medicinal plants or spices, their potential effectiveness on proteins (PTP1B) regulating IR, and reported possible mechanism of action studied on in vitro models. The study gives current knowledge and future recommendations on the above aspects and is expected to be beneficial in developing herbal drug using these phytochemical constituents, either alone or in combination, for medication of IR and diabetes.

Sirtuins: Research advances on the therapeutic role in acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common multidisciplinary diagnostic clinical critical illness, eventually causes end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although many clinical measures have been taken to prevent or treat AKI, high morbidity and death rates were recorded. Therefore, in-depth pathogenesis study and search for new therapeutic targets are in demand. Interestingly, the suirtuins family showed a significant protective effect in AKI. Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) is a family of seven proteins with NAD⁺-dependent type III histone deacetylase activity. Sirtuins family members were involved by AKI, and regulation of sirtuins activities significantly improved AKI-induced renal injury. Therefore, the therapeutic role and molecular mechanisms of the sirtuins family in AKI has important research implications for clinical applications or basic research.

PURPOSE

This review summarizes recent advances in the roles and functions of the sirtuins family, discusses their therapeutic effects on AKI and related molecular mechanisms, and the mechanisms of action of small molecule specific activators or inhibitors sirtuins in the prevention and treatment of AKI were discussed.

METHODS

The data in this review were retrieved from various scientific databases (PubMed, Google scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science), till December 2021. The keywords were used as follows: "Sirtuins", "Acute kidney injury", "AKI", "Sirtuins modulators" and "Histone deacetylation". The retrieved data followed PRISMA criteria (preferred reporting items for systematic review).

RESULTS

Growing evidence indicates that members of the sirtuins family regulate the development and progression of different renal diseases, including AKI, through anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-apoptotic, and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. The molecular mechanism of Sirtuins family on AKI mainly regulated NF-κB, JNK/ERK, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways, upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, HO-1, NRF2, Bcl-2, OPA1, and AMPK, and downregulated the expression of NRLP3, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, MFF, Drp1, Bax, ERK, and mTOR. In addition, the active ingredients of herbs (resveratrol, thujaplicins, huperzine, and curcumin) could activate the activity of SIRT1 or SIRT3, thereby improving AKI. Meanwhile, the synthetic Sirtuins inhibitor (AK-1) inhibited SIRT2 activity, thus alleviating AKI. In the future, more specific modulators will remain needed to enhance the clinical therapeutic role of the Sirtuins family in AKI.

CONCLUSION

The sirtuins family is a promising type III histone deacetylase for AKI treatment. This review will provide insight into sirtuins family's therapeutic role in AKI and promote the clinical use of sirtuins modulators in AKI.

A review of the effects of Urtica dioica (nettle) in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition, yet a common worldwide disorder. It includes several risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and high glucose levels which lead the patients to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke. Phytotherapy plays an important role in treating components of metabolic syndrome. Nettle (Urtica dioica) is considered a valuable plant due to bioactive compounds such as formic acid and rich sources of flavonoids. To acknowledge the role of nettle in metabolic syndrome, several mechanisms have been suggested such as alterations in potassium and calcium channels which improve hypertension. Antihyperlipidemic properties of nettle are mediated by inhibition of HMGCoA reductase and amelioration of lipid peroxidation via antioxidant effects. Also, one of the flavonoids in nettle, quercetin, is responsible for decreasing total cholesterol. Moreover, nettle is responsible for anti-diabetic effects through processes such as increasing insulin secretion and proliferation of pancreatic β-cells. This review aims to gather different studies to confirm the potential efficacy of nettle in metabolic syndrome.

Silibinin Schiff Base Derivatives Counteract CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Enhancing Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Bioactivities

Background

Purpose

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituent (curcumin) on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves people with the following risk factors: obesity, hypertension, high glucose level and hyperlipidemia. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of MS in the world's adult population is about 20%-25%. Today, there is much care to use medicinal plants. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as well as curcumin which is derived from the rhizome of the plant, has been shown beneficial effects on different components of MS. Thus, the purpose of this manuscript was to introduce different in vitro, in vivo and human studies regarding the effect of turmeric and its constituent on MS. Moreover, different mechanisms of action by which this plant overcomes MS have been introduced. Based on studies, turmeric and its bioactive component, curcumin, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have antidiabetic effects through increasing insulin release, antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing fatty acid uptake, anti-obesity effects by decreasing lipogenesis, and antihypertensive effects by increasing nitric oxide. According to several in vivo, in vitro and human studies, it can be concluded that turmeric or curcumin has important values as a complementary therapy in MS. However, more clinical trials should be done to confirm these effects.

Effects of glycine on metabolic syndrome components: a review

PURPOSE

Glycine is the simplest and major amino acid in humans. It is mainly generated in the liver and kidney and is used to produce collagen, creatine, glucose and purine. It is also involved in immune function, anti-inflammatory processes and anti-oxidation reactions. Here, we reviewed the current evidence supporting the role of glycine in the development and treatment of metabolic syndrome components.

METHODS

We searched Scopus, PubMed and EMBASE databases for papers concerning glycine and metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Available evidence shows that the amount of glycine synthesized in vivo is insufficient to meet metabolic demands in these species. Plasma glycine levels are lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in healthy individuals. Interventions such as lifestyle modification, exercise, weight loss, or drugs that improve manifestations of metabolic syndrome remarkably increase circulating glycine concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Glycine supplementation improves various components of metabolic syndrome including diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. In the future, the use of glycine may have a significant clinical impact on the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome.

A Comprehensive Review of the Cardiovascular Protective Properties of Silibinin/Silymarin: A New Kid on the Block

Silibinin/silymarin has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years and it is well-known for its hepato-protective properties. The present comprehensive literature review aimed to critically summarize the pharmacological properties of silymarin extract and its main ingredient silibinin in relation to classical cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., diabetes mellitus, etc.). We also assessed their potential protective and/or therapeutic application in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), based on experimental and clinical studies. Pre-clinical studies including in vitro tests or animal models have predominantly implicated the following effects of silymarin and its constituents: (1) antioxidant, (2) hypolipidemic, (3) hypoglycemic, (4) anti-hypertensive and (5) cardioprotective. On the other hand, a direct amelioration of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction after silymarin administration seems weak based on scarce data. In clinical trials, the most important findings are improved (1) glycemic and (2) lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hyperlipidemia, while (3) the anti-hypertensive effects of silibinin/silymarin seem very modest. Finally, the changes in clinical endpoints are not robust enough to draw a firm conclusion. There are significant limitations in clinical trial design, including the great variety in doses and cohorts, the underlying conditions, the small sample sizes, the short duration and the absence of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic tests prior to study commitment. More data from well-designed and high-quality pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of silibinin/silymarin and its possible therapeutic application in cardiovascular diseases.

Bioactive Compounds from Cardoon as Health Promoters in Metabolic Disorders

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a Mediterranean plant and member of the Asteraceae family that includes three botanical taxa, the wild perennial cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. sylvestris (Lamk) Fiori), globe artichoke (C. cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. Fiori), and domesticated cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. altilis DC.). Cardoon has been widely used in the Mediterranean diet and folk medicine since ancient times. Today, cardoon is recognized as a plant with great industrial potential and is considered as a functional food, with important nutritional value, being an interesting source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, minerals, inulin, fiber, and sesquiterpene lactones. These bioactive compounds have been vastly described in the literature, exhibiting a wide range of beneficial effects, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antihemorrhoidal, cardiotonic, and choleretic activity. In this review, an overview of the cardoon nutritional and phytochemical composition, as well as its biological potential, is provided, highlighting the main therapeutic effects of the different parts of the cardoon plant on metabolic disorders, specifically associated with hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic activity.

Silymarin is an ally against insulin resistance: A review

Silymarin is obtained from the Milk thistle plant Silybum marianum and has been used over the centuries to treat principally liver disease, although it has also been studied for its beneficial effects in cardioprotection, neuroprotection, immune modulation, and cancer among others. Importantly, silymarin's active component silybin is a flavonolignan that exhibits different activities such as; scavenger, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and recently revealed, insulin-sensitizing properties which have been explored in clinical trials in patients with insulin resistance. In this review, we summarize the most relevant research of silymarin's effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, focusing the attention on insulin resistance, which is well known to play a crucial role in metabolic disease progression.

The effects of Silymarin on the features of cardiometabolic syndrome in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Some medicinal herbs and their effective components showed positive effects on the features of the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the effects of silymarin on the components of CMS in adults. Four electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched up to December 31, 2020 to identify all eligible clinical trials. A random-effect model using DerSimonian and Laird method was used to estimate the pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) and the 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Finally, 11 clinical trials met the eligibility criteria. Our results demonstrated that silymarin significantly reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose (WMD: -17.96 mg/dL, 95% CI: -32.91, -3.02;I² : 82.4%, p < 0.001), hemoglobin A1C (WMD: -1.25%, 95% CI: -2.34, 0.16; I² : 92.9%, p ˂ 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD: -17.46 mg/dL, 95% CI: -30.98, -3.95; I²  = 62.9%, p = 0.006), triglyceride (WMD: -25.70 mg/dL, 95% CI: -47.23, -4.17; I² :54.3%, p = 0.025), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (WMD: -10.53, 95% CI: -19.12, -1.94; I2: 37.5%, p = 0.119) and increased high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (WMD: 3.36 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.88, 5.84; I² : 37.4%, p = 0.120) compared to placebo. However, its effects on BMI were not statistically significant. Silymarin can be an effective complementary therapy to improve most features of CMS. However, due to high heterogeneity and limited clinical trials in some parameters, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Antidiabetic Phytochemicals From Medicinal Plants: Prospective Candidates for New Drug Discovery and Development

Diabetes, a chronic physiological dysfunction affecting people of different age groups and severely impairs the harmony of peoples' normal life worldwide. Despite the availability of insulin preparations and several synthetic oral antidiabetic drugs, there is a crucial need for the discovery and development of novel antidiabetic drugs because of the development of resistance and side effects of those drugs in long-term use. On the contrary, plants or herbal sources are getting popular day by day to the scientists, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies all over the world to search for potential bioactive compound(s) for the discovery and development of targeted novel antidiabetic drugs that may control diabetes with the least unwanted effects of conventional antidiabetic drugs. In this review, we have presented the prospective candidates comprised of either isolated phytochemical(s) and/or extract(s) containing bioactive phytoconstituents which have been reported in several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies possessing noteworthy antidiabetic potential. The mode of actions, attributed to antidiabetic activities of the reported phytochemicals and/or plant extracts have also been described to focus on the prospective phytochemicals and phytosources for further studies in the discovery and development of novel antidiabetic therapeutics.

Interactive effects of zinc oxide nano particles and different light regimes on growth and silymarin biosynthesis in callus cultures of Silybum marianum L

Silybum marianum L. commonly known as milk thistle is a medicinally potent plant with a multitude of pharmacological applications. The present investigations demonstrated the effects of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on callus growth and biosynthesis of silymarin in milk thistle under various light conditions. The callus cultures developed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media containing ZnO NPs (0.15 mg/L), under the dark condition maintained for two weeks, followed by transference into normal light produced the maximum callus fresh weight (2294 mg/L FW). Further, the metabolite profiling revealed that ZnO NPs significantly augmented the production of silymarin and upregulated the antioxidant system in the callus cultures. Maximum TPC (total phenolic content: 37 ± 0.20 mg/g DW), TFC (total flavonoid content: 8.9 ± 0.023), DPPH antioxidant activity (91.5 ± 1.75%), Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD: 4.1 ± 0.045 nM/min/mg FW) and the highest silymarin content (14.6 ± 0.023 mg/g DW) were recorded in the callus cultures developed on MS media supplemented with solitary ZnO NPs (0.15 mg/L). While the callus culture evolved in presence of only PGRs (2,4 D and BA: 2 mg/L, each) accumulated the lesser fresh weight (562 mg/L FW). A higher concentration of ZnO NPs (0.15 mg/L) enhanced the secondary metabolite accumulation and silymarin content in the callus of Silybum marianum. This is the first standardized protocol to be applied on the industrial level for the production of silymarin.

Natural Aporphine Alkaloids with Potential to Impact Metabolic Syndrome

The incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome has steadily increased worldwide. As a major risk factor for various diseases, metabolic syndrome has come into focus in recent years. Some natural aporphine alkaloids are very promising agents in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome and its components because of their wide variety of biological activities. These natural aporphine alkaloids have protective effects on the different risk factors characterizing metabolic syndrome. In this review, we highlight the activities of bioactive aporphine alkaloids: thaliporphine, boldine, nuciferine, pronuciferine, roemerine, dicentrine, magnoflorine, anonaine, apomorphine, glaucine, predicentrine, isolaureline, xylopine, methylbulbocapnine, and crebanine. We particularly focused on their impact on metabolic syndrome and its components, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia and obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperuricemia and kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, central nervous system-related disorder, and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. We also discussed the potential mechanisms of actions by aporphine alkaloids in metabolic syndrome.

Protective effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla on liver and kidney related serum biomarkers in (CCl4) intoxicate rabbits

The study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla leaves methanolic (ZOX-LME), on serum liver, kidney and hematology along with other serum parameters in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, six rabbits in each. These were: group NC (normal control), group, TC (toxic control) and group ST i.e. silymarine administered group at dose rate (50) mg/kg body weight (BW). Group ET1 and group ET2 treated with (ZOX-LME) at dose 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW. CCl4 administration caused significant (P> 0.05) impairment in serum liver enzymes, blood factors and other serum indices. Treatment with (ZOX-LME) significantly (P<0.05) reduced and normalized the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hematological indices. Also significant (P< 0.05) reduction was observed in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin and glucose concentrations. The altered levels of lipid profile and serum electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K, and P) were significantly (P<0.05) change toward normal levels with (ZOX-LME) feeding. In addition (ZOX-LME) ingestion caused significant improvement in GSH, GST and CAT levels, while reducing the TBARS levels, exhibited antioxidant capacity. Also (ZOX-LME) showed increase inhibition against percent scavenging of 2, 2-diphenile-1-picrylehydrazyle (DPPH) free radical. Significant (P<0.05) normalizing effects were observed with high dose 400 mg/kg BW of (ZOX-LME and were equivalent to silymarine administered groups. The histological study of liver supported the hepatoprotective and renal curative activity of (ZOX-LME).

The effects of ginseng on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors including high blood glucose, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high body weight. It can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which are the important reasons for death around the world. Nowadays, there are numerous demands for herbal medicine because of less harmful effects and more useful effects in comparison with chemical options. Ginseng is one of the most famous herbs used as a drug for a variety of disorders in humans. The antihyperlipidemia, antihypertension, antihyperglycemic, and anti-obesity effects of ginseng and its active constituents such as ginsenosides have been shown in different studies. In this review article, the different in vitro, in vivo, and human studies concerning the effects of ginseng and its active constituents in metabolic syndrome have been summarized. According to these studies, ginseng can control metabolic syndrome and related diseases.

Chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles designed to encapsulate polyphenolic compounds for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications - A review

Plant-based polyphenols are natural compounds, present in fruits and vegetables. During recent years, polyphenols have gained special attention due to their nutraceutical and pharmacological activities for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Nevertheless, their photosensitivity and low bioavailability, rapid metabolism and short biological half-life represent the major limitations for their use, which could be overcome by polyphenols encapsulation (flavonoids and non-flavonoids) into chitosan (CS)-tripolyphosphate (TPP) based nanoparticles (NP). In this review, we particularly focused on the ionic gelation method for the NP design. This contribution exhaustively discusses and compares results of scientific reports published in the last decade referring to ionic gelation applied for the protection, controlled and site-directed delivery of polyphenols. As a consequence, CS-TPP NP would constitute true platforms to transport polyphenols, or a combination of them, to be used for the designing of a new generation of drugs or nutraceuticals.

Antioxidant Effects and Phytochemical Properties of Seven Taiwanese Cirsium Species Extracts

In the present investigation, we compared the radical-scavenging activities and phenolic contents of seven Taiwanese Cirsium species with a spectrophotometric method. We further analyzed their phytochemical profiles with high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC–DAD). We found that the flower part of Cirsium japonicum var. australe (CJF) showed the best radical-scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and the hypochlorite ion, for which the equivalents were 6.44 ± 0.17 mg catechin/g, 54.85 ± 0.66 mmol Trolox/g and 418.69 ± 10.52 mmol Trolox/g respectively. CJF also had the highest contents of total phenolics (5.23 ± 0.20 mg catechin/g) and phenylpropanoids (29.73 ± 0.72 mg verbascoside/g). According to the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, there was a positive correlation between the total phenylpropanoid content and ABTS radical-scavenging activities (r = 0.979). The radical-scavenging activities of the phenylpropanoids are closely related to their reducing power (r = 0.986). HPLC chromatograms obtained in validated HPLC conditions confirm that they have different phytochemical profiles by which they can be distinguished. Only CJF contained silicristin (0.66 ± 0.03 mg/g) and silydianin (9.13 ± 0.30 mg/g). CJF contained the highest contents of apigenin (5.56 ± 0.09 mg/g) and diosmetin (2.82 ± 0.10 mg/g). Among the major constituents, silicristin had the best radical-scavenging activities against DPPH (71.68 ± 0.66 mg catechin/g) and ABTS (3.01 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox/g). However, diosmetin had the best reducing power and radical-scavenging activity against the hypochlorite anion (41.57 ± 1.14 mg mmol Trolox/g). Finally, we found that flavonolignans (especial silicristin and silydianin) and diosmetin acted synergistically in scavenging radicals.

Lung Cancer Management with Silibinin: A Historical and Translational Perspective

The flavonolignan silibinin, the major bioactive component of the silymarin extract of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seeds, is gaining traction as a novel anti-cancer therapeutic. Here, we review the historical developments that have laid the groundwork for the evaluation of silibinin as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in human lung cancer, including translational insights into its mechanism of action to control the aggressive behavior of lung carcinoma subtypes prone to metastasis. First, we summarize the evidence from chemically induced primary lung tumors supporting a role for silibinin in lung cancer prevention. Second, we reassess the preclinical and clinical evidence on the effectiveness of silibinin against drug resistance and brain metastasis traits of lung carcinomas. Third, we revisit the transcription factor STAT3 as a central tumor-cell intrinsic and microenvironmental target of silibinin in primary lung tumors and brain metastasis. Finally, by unraveling the selective vulnerability of silibinin-treated tumor cells to drugs using CRISPR-based chemosensitivity screenings (e.g., the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway inhibitor azaserine), we illustrate how the therapeutic use of silibinin against targetable weaknesses might be capitalized in specific lung cancer subtypes (e.g., KRAS/STK11 co-mutant tumors). Forthcoming studies should take up the challenge of developing silibinin and/or next-generation silibinin derivatives as novel lung cancer-preventive and therapeutic biomolecules.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Medication-Based Bioactive Compounds on Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress

The oxidative stress reaction is the imbalance between oxidation and antioxidation in the body, resulting in excessive production of oxygen free radicals in the body that cannot be removed, leading to excessive oxidation of the body, and causing damage to cells and tissues. A large number of studies have shown that oxidative stress is involved in the pathological process of many diseases, so inhibiting oxidative stress, that is, antioxidation, is of great significance for the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that many traditional Chinese medications contain antioxidant active bioactive compounds, but the mechanisms of those compounds are different and complicated. Therefore, by summarizing the literature on antioxidant activity of traditional Chinese medication-based bioactive compounds in recent years, our review systematically elaborates the main antioxidant bioactive compounds contained in traditional Chinese medication and their mechanisms, so as to provide references for the subsequent research.

Silymarin ameliorates the disordered glucose metabolism of mice with diet-induced obesity by activating the hepatic SIRT1 pathway

Obesity-induced insulin resistance is the principal cause of type 2 diabetes worldwide. The use of natural products for the treatment of diabetes is increasingly attracting attention. Silymarin (SLM) is a flavonolignan compound that has been shown to have promise for the treatment of diabetes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and then orally administered SLM (30 mg/kg) daily for 1 month. The effects of SLM were also investigated in HepG2 cells that had been rendered insulin resistant by palmitic acid (PA) treatment. SLM ameliorated the dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance of the HFD-fed mice. HFD-feeding and PA treatment reduced the expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in the livers of the mice and in HepG2 cells, respectively. SLM increased the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO1, and reduced the level of FOXO1 acetylation in PA-treated cells. However, SIRT1 knockdown by RNA interference reduced these effects of SLM. Moreover, the results of molecular dynamic simulation and in vitro activity assays indicated that SLM may directly bind to SIRT1 and increase its enzymatic activity. These findings suggest that hepatic SIRT1 may be an important pharmacological target of SLM and mediate effects on insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis, which may underlie its anti-diabetic activity.

Food and Nutrition in the Pathogenesis of Liver Damage

The liver is an important organ and plays a key role in the regulation of metabolism and in the secretion, storage, and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. The impact of food and nutrition on the pathophysiological mechanisms of liver injury represents a great controversy. Several environmental factors including food and micronutrients are involved in the pathogenesis of liver damage. Conversely, some xenobiotics and micronutrients have been recognized to have a protective effect in several liver diseases. This paper offers an overview of the current knowledge on the role of xenobiotics and micronutrients in liver damage.

Metabolic status of lactating cows given a hepatoprotectant and different feed energy sources

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hepatoprotective agents added to diets containing different energy sources on the metabolic status of lactating dairy cows in confinement. Sixteen Holstein × Gir crossbred midlactation cows with a body weight of 553 ± 85 kg were included in this feeding trial. These animals were arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was employed in this feeding experiment. Experimental treatments consisted of the administration of diets supplemented with a hepatoprotectant and diets without hepatoprotectant. These diets contained varying amounts of ground corn or citrus pulp as energy sources. Serum markers for energy metabolism and proteins were evaluated and liver enzymes were measured. Blood samples were collected in the morning before (0 h) and 4 h after the animals were fed these diets. There was no interaction between the hepatoprotective agent and the dietary energy sources for the metabolic status variables. Ground corn as an energy source yielded higher serum concentrations of glucose, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and globulins, whereas b-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total cholesterol, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) yielded the highest concentrations in diets containing citrus pulp. There was interaction between time and hepatoprotective agent in serum LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol concentration. The present study shows that ground corn diets increased the synthesis of glucogenic nutrients, whereas citrus pulp used as an energy source altered the lipid status of lactating cows. The hepatoprotective agent increased postprandial serum LDL cholesterol levels.

Current innovations in nutraceuticals and functional foods for intervention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

As innovations in global agricultural production and food trading systems lead to major dietary shifts, high morbidity rates from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), accompanied by elevated risk of lipid metabolism-related complications, has emerged as a growing problem worldwide. Treatment and prevention of NAFLD and chronic liver disease depends on the availability of safe, effective, and diverse therapeutic agents, the development of which is urgently needed. Supported by a growing body of evidence, considerable attention is now focused on interventional approaches that combines nutraceuticals and functional foods. In this review, we summarize the pathological progression of NAFLD and discuss the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals and the active ingredients in functional foods. We also describe the underlying mechanisms of these compounds in the intervention of NAFLD, including their effects on regulation of lipid homeostasis, activation of signaling pathways, and their role in gut microbial community dynamics and the gut-liver axis. In order to identify novel targets for treatment of lipid metabolism-related diseases, this work broadly explores the molecular mechanism linking nutraceuticals and functional foods, host physiology, and gut microbiota. Additionally, the limitations in existing knowledge and promising research areas for development of active interventions and treatments against NAFLD are discussed.

Precision Nutrition to Activate Thermogenesis as a Complementary Approach to Target Obesity and Associated-Metabolic-Disorders

Simple Summary

Regarding the pandemic of obesity and chronic diseases associated to metabolic alterations that occur nowadays worldwide, here, we review the most recent studies related to bioactive compounds and diet derived ingredients with potential effects to augment the systemic energy expenditure. We specifically focus in two processes: the activation of thermogenesis in adipose tissue and the enhancement of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity in muscles. This may provide relevant information to develop diets and supplements to conduct nutritional intervention studies with the objective to ameliorate the metabolic and chronic inflammation in the course of obesity and related disorders.

Abstract

Obesity is associated to increased incidence and poorer prognosis in multiple cancers, contributing to up to 20% of cancer related deaths. These associations are mainly driven by metabolic and inflammatory changes in the adipose tissue during obesity, which disrupt the physiologic metabolic homeostasis. The association between obesity and hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well known. Importantly, the retrospective analysis of more than 1000 epidemiological studies have also shown the positive correlation between the excess of fatness with the risk of cancer. In addition, more important than weight, it is the dysfunctional adipose tissue the main driver of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and all cause of mortality and cancer deaths, which also explains why normal weight individuals may behave as “metabolically unhealthy obese” individuals. Adipocytes also have direct effects on tumor cells through paracrine signaling. Downregulation of adiponectin and upregulation of leptin in serum correlate with markers of chronic inflammation, and crown like structures (CLS) associated to the adipose tissue disfunction. Nevertheless, obesity is a preventable risk factor in cancer. Lifestyle interventions might contribute to reduce the adverse effects of obesity. Thus, Mediterranean diet interventional studies have been shown to reduce to circulation inflammatory factors, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular function, with durable responses of up to 2 years in obese patients. Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil reduced the incidence of breast cancer compared with a control diet. Physical activity is another important lifestyle factor which may also contribute to reduced systemic biomarkers of metabolic syndrome associated to obesity. In this scenario, precision nutrition may provide complementary approaches to target the metabolic inflammation associated to “unhealthy obesity”. Herein, we first describe the different types of adipose tissue -thermogenic active brown adipose tissue (BAT) versus the energy storing white adipose tissue (WAT). We then move on precision nutrition based strategies, by mean of natural extracts derived from plants and/or diet derived ingredients, which may be useful to normalize the metabolic inflammation associated to “unhealthy obesity”. More specifically, we focus on two axis: (1) the activation of thermogenesis in BAT and browning of WAT; (2) and the potential of augmenting the oxidative capacity of muscles to dissipate energy. These strategies may be particularly relevant as complementary approaches to alleviate obesity associated effects on chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance in cancer. Finally, we summarize main studies where plant derived extracts, mainly, polyphenols and flavonoids, have been applied to increase the energy expenditure.

Cholesterol Accumulation as a Driver of Hepatic Inflammation Under Translational Dietary Conditions Can Be Attenuated by a Multicomponent Medicine

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex multifactorial disorder that is characterised by dysfunctional lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis, and a related chronic inflammatory response. NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in many countries, and its prevalence continues to rise in parallel with increasing rates of obesity. Here, we evaluated the putative NAFLD-attenuating effects of a multicomponent medicine consisting of 24 natural ingredients: Hepar compositum (HC-24).

METHODS

Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with a macronutrient composition and cholesterol content comparable to human diets for 24 weeks to induce obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction, including hepatic steatosis and inflammation. HC-24 or vehicle control was administered intraperitoneally 3 times/week (1.5 ml/kg) for the last 18 weeks of the study. Histological analyses of liver and adipose tissue were combined with extensive hepatic transcriptomics analysis. Transcriptomics results were further substantiated with ELISA, immunohistochemical and liver lipid analyses.

RESULTS

HFD feeding induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction including adipose tissue inflammation and increased gut permeability. In the liver, HFD-feeding resulted in a disturbance of cholesterol homeostasis and an associated inflammatory response. HC-24 did not affect body weight, metabolic risk factors, adipose tissue inflammation or gut permeability. While HC-24 did not alter total liver steatosis, there was a pronounced reduction in lobular inflammation in HC-24-treated animals, which was associated with modulation of genes and proteins involved in inflammation (e.g., neutrophil chemokine Cxcl1) and cholesterol homeostasis (i.e., predicted effect on 'cholesterol' as an upstream regulator, based on gene expression changes associated with cholesterol handling). These effects were confirmed by CXCL1 ELISA, immunohistochemical staining of neutrophils and biochemical analysis of hepatic free cholesterol content. Intrahepatic free cholesterol levels were found to correlate significantly with the number of inflammatory aggregates in the liver, thereby providing a potential rationale for the observed anti-inflammatory effects of HC-24.

CONCLUSIONS

Free cholesterol accumulates in the liver of Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice under physiologically translational dietary conditions, and this is associated with the development of hepatic inflammation. The multicomponent medicine HC-24 reduces accumulation of free cholesterol and has molecular and cellular anti-inflammatory effects in the liver.

Milk thistle seed cold press oil attenuates markers of the metabolic syndrome in a mouse model of dietary-induced obesity

Milk thistle cold press oil (MTO) is an herbal remedy derived from Silybum marianum which contains a low level of silymarin and mixture of polyphenols and flavonoids. The effect of MTO on the cardiovascular and metabolic complications of obesity was studied in mice that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks and treated with MTO for the final 8 weeks of the diet. MTO treatment attenuated HFD-induced obesity, fasting hyperglycemia, hypertension, and induced markers of mitochondrial fusion and browning of white adipose. Markers of inflammation were also attenuated in both adipose and the liver of MTO-treated mice. In addition, MTO resulted in the improvement of liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate that MTO has beneficial actions to attenuate dietary obesity-induced weight gain, hyperglycemia, hypertension, inflammation, and suggest that MTO supplementation may prove beneficial to patients exhibiting symptoms of metabolic syndrome. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Natural supplements are increasingly being considered as potential therapies for many chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Milk thistle cold press oil (MTO) is derived from Silybum marianum which is used as a dietary supplement in different parts of the world. The results of the present study demonstrate that MTO supplementation normalizes several metabolic and cardiovascular complications arising from dietary-induced obesity. MTO supplementation also had anti-inflammatory actions in the adipose as well as the liver. These results suggest that supplementation of MTO into the diet of obese individuals may afford protection against the worsening of cardiovascular and metabolic disease and improve inflammation and liver fibrosis.

Preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) with herbal medicines: A review

OBJECTIVES

Currently, the use of iodinated contrast media in diagnostic imaging has been increased in clinical medicine. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an important adverse effect of contrast media injection. According to the significant role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of CIN, different herbal antioxidants have been used for the prevention of nephropathy in different studies. In this review, we discussed the preventive effects of herbal medicine and natural products against CIN.

METHODS

We searched the electronic databases or search engines including PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Google Scholar with search terms such as "Contrast-induced nephropathy" and "Herbal medicine," "Contrast acute kidney injury" AND "natural products" and similar headings such as plant and extract.

RESULTS

Known medicinal plants and active ingredients such as green tea, ginger, garlic, silymarin, curcumin, resveratrol, and thymoquinone have been examined for prophylactic effects or treatment of contrast media nephropathy.

CONCLUSION

Herbal medicines have promising effects in the laboratory-based studies for the prevention and/or treatment of CIN. However, more practical and completed clinical trials are needed to investigate the clinical benefits of natural products against CIN.

Anticancer Effects of Nutraceuticals in the Mediterranean Diet: An Epigenetic Diet Model

Epidemiological and clinical studies support the association between nutrition and development or progression of different malignancies such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer, defining these tumors as diet-associated cancer. The Mediterranean diet shows inverse associations with metabolic diseases, cardiovascular pathologies and various types of cancer. Many bioactive nutrients of the Mediterranean diet have been identified as factors protective against these types of pathologies. The epigenome has been identified as the primary goal of modulations in gene expression related to these molecular nutrients. In fact, they can modify the epigenome and can be incorporated into the 'epigenetic diet', which translates into a diet regimen that can be used therapeutically for health or preventative purposes. Most epigenetic changes are influenced by lifestyle and nutrition. Epigenetic therapy is a new area for the development of nutraceuticals whose absence of toxicity can represent a valid asset in cancer prevention strategies. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics and nutraceuticals have led to the identification of superfoods capable of favorably conditioning gene expression. In this review, we highlight the importance of nutraceuticals present in the Mediterranean diet as epigenetic modifiers both in the mechanisms of tumor onset and as protective agents.

Nanophytomedicines for the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: A Pharmacological and Biopharmaceutical Review

Metabolic syndrome includes a series of metabolic abnormalities that leads to diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Plant extracts, due to their unique advantages like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin sensitizing properties, are interesting therapeutic options to manage MetS; however, the poor solubility and low bioavailability of lipophilic bioactive components in the herbal extracts are two critical challenges. Nano-scale delivery systems are suitable to improve delivery of herbal extracts. This review, for the first time, focuses on nanoformulations of herbal extracts in MetS and related complications. Included studies showed that several forms of nano drug delivery systems such as nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanobiocomposites, and green-synthesized silver, gold, and zinc oxide nanoparticles have been developed using herbal extracts. It was shown that the method of preparation and related parameters such as temperature and type of polymer are important factors affecting physicochemical stability and therapeutic activity of the final product. Many of these formulations could successfully decrease the lipid profile, inflammation, oxidative damage, and insulin resistance in in vitro and in vivo models of MetS-related complications. Further studies are still needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these novel herbal formulations for clinical application.