Investigation of the protective effects of horse mushroom (Agaricus arvensis Schaeff.) against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats

Hepatoprotective potentials of Usnea longissima Ach. and Xanthoparmelia somloensis (Gyelnik) Hale extracts in ethanol-induced liver injury

In our study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of different lichen applications were investigated in rats using an experimental ethanol toxicity model. 48 rats were used in the study and they were divided into 6 groups with 8 rats in each group. These groups were: control, ethanol (2 g/kg), ethanol + Usnea longissima Ach. (200 mg/kg), ethanol + Usnea longissima Ach. (400 mg/kg), ethanol + Xanthoparmelia somloensis (Gyelnik) Hale (100 mg/kg) and ethanol + Xanthoparmelia somloensis (Gyelnik) Hale (200 mg/kg). The experimental work continued for 21 days. Lichen extracts and ethanol were administered by gavage to rats divided into groups. According to the experimental protocol, the experimental animals were sacrificed and their liver tissues were isolated. Biochemical parameters in serum, histological examinations, oxidative stress and inflammation parameters both at biochemical and molecular level in liver tissues were performed. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response were increased in the liver tissue of rats treated with ethanol for 21 days, and liver functions were impaired. It was found that U. longissima and X. somloensis extracts showed good antioxidant activity and conferred protective effects against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. This could be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites in the extract, which act as natural antioxidants and could be responsible for increasing the defence mechanisms against free radical production induced by ethanol administration.

Hypoglycemic Properties of Leccinum scabrum Extracts-An In Vitro Study on α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition and Metabolic Profile Determination

Type-2 diabetes affects an increasing percentage of the world's population and its control through dietary management, involving the consumption of health-promoting foods or their derived supplements, is a common strategy. Several mushroom species have been demonstrated to be endowed with antidiabetic properties, resulting from their ability in improving insulin sensitivity and production, or inhibiting the carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. This study aimed to investigate for the first time the hypoglycemic properties of the edible mushroom Leccinum scabrum (Bull.) Gray. Mushroom extracts were prepared through the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique using green solvents with different polarity degrees. The inhibition activity of all the obtained extracts on both α-glucosidase and α-amylase was evaluated and the highest activity was observed for the EtOAc extract which showed an IC50 value about 60-fold lower than the reference compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) on α-glucosidase (0.42 ± 0.02 and 25.4 ± 0.6 µg/mL, respectively). As expected on the basis of the literature data concerning both α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, a milder inhibition activity on pancreatic α-amylase was observed. Preliminary in vivo tests on Drosophila melanogaster carried out on the most active obtained extract (EtOAc) confirmed the in vitro observed hypoglycemic activity. Finally, the EtOAc extract metabolic profile was determined through GC-MS and HRMS analyses.

Protective Role of Myricetin and Fisetin Against Nephrotoxicity Caused by Lead Acetate Exposure through Up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling Pathway

The effect of various flavonoids against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by lead exposure has been investigated. However, the protective effects of myricetin (MYC) and fisetin (FST), which are known to have potent antioxidant properties, against nephrotoxicity caused by exposure to lead acetate (LA), the water-soluble form of lead, have not been investigated. Our study investigated the protective role of these flavonoids against LA intoxication-induced nephrotoxicity. In our study, 42 male rats were used. The rats were randomly selected and divided into 6 groups. These groups were: control, LA (100 g/kg), LA + MYC (100 mg/kg), LA + MYC (200 mg/kg), LA + FST (100 mg/kg) and LA + FST (200 mg/kg). All chemicals were administered daily by gavage for 28 days. According to the experimental protocol, the animals were sacrificed and their kidney tissues were isolated. Serum biochemical parameters, histological examinations, levels of several trace elements, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters at both biochemical and molecular levels in kidney tissues were examined. After LA administration, tissue lead levels increased and zinc levels decreased. This situation was reversed by MYC and FST treatment. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response were increased in the kidney tissue of LA-treated rats and renal function was impaired. It was observed that both doses of MYC and high dose of FST could prevent nephrotoxicity. Oral administration of both doses of MYC and high dose FST ameliorated the changes in biochemical, oxidative and inflammatory parameters. Restoration of normal renal tissue architecture was also demonstrated by histological studies. MYC and FST were found to have promising biological activity against LA-induced nephrotoxicity, acting by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress and improving antioxidant status.

Ameliorative effects of Scutellaria Pinnatifida subsp. pichleri (Stapf) Rech.f. Extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: chemical composition, biochemical and histopathological evaluation

BACKGROUNDS

Scutellaria Pinnatifida subsp. pichleri (Stapf) Rech.f. (SP) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the study was to determine the phenolic profile of SP extract (SPE) by LC-MS/MS and to investigate the antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of SPE in streptozotosin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.

METHODS

Forty-two rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7): Control (nondiabetic), diabetes mellitus (DM), DM + SP-100 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 100 mg/kg/day), DM + SP-200 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 200 mg/kg/day), DM + SP-400 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 400 mg/kg/day) and DM + Gly-3 (diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide, 3 mg/kg/day). Live body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, antidiabetic, serum biochemical and lipid profile parameters, antioxidant defense system, malondyaldehyde (MDA) and histopathological examinations in liver, kidney and pancreas were evaluated.

RESULTS

Apigenin, luteolin, quinic acid, cosmosiin and epigallocatechin were determined to be the major phenolic compounds in the SPE. Administration of the highest dose of SP extract (400 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reduction in FBG levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats, indicating an antihyperglycemic effect. SPE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide significantly improved MDA in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, SPE contributed to the struggle against STZ-induced oxidative stress by stimulating antioxidant defense systems. STZ induction negatively affected liver, kidney and pancreas tissues according to histopathological findings. Treatment with 400 mg/kg and glibenclamide attenuated these negative effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the extract of the aerial part of Scutellaria pinnatifida subsp. pichleri has hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and insulin secretion stimulating effects against STZ-induced diabetes and its complications due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant phytochemicals such as apigenin, luteolin, quinic acid, cosmosiin and epigallocatechin.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and remedial effects of southern grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum Guss. ex Ten.) plant extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats

We aimed to determine the phytochemical contents of the aerial part M. neglectum aerial part (MAP) and M. neglectum bulb (MB) ethanolic extract of Muscari neglectum and to investigate their protective effects on gastric damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. After the toxicity testing, 42 female Wistar albino rats were divided into 7 groups, Control, MAP, MB, CCl₄, CCl₄ + MAP, CCl₄ + MB, and CCl₄ + Silymarin groups. At the end of the experiment, the serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant defense enzymes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the stomach tissue were evaluated to determine the antioxidant role of the M. neglectum extracts. According to the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, fatty acid analysis, octadecadienoic, and 9,12,15 octadecatrienoic fatty acids were found as major fatty acids in the MAP, whereas 9,12 octadecadienoic and octadecanoic acids were the major fatty acids in the MB. According to the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, quinic acid, fumaric acid, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and apigenin were found in the MAP, while quinic acid, fumaric acid, caffeic acid, and kaempferol were found in the MB. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extract were determined in the MAP and MB. The MAP and MB extracts generally caused a statistically significant decrease in the MDA content and increase in the antioxidant parameters in the stomach tissue. It was concluded that MAP and MB extracts may have antioxidant and gastric protective effects due to the phytochemical content of M. neglectum.HighlightsAccording to LC-MS/MS results, quinic acid, fumaric acid, chemferol, apigenin, and caffeic acid were determined as major compounds in M. neglectum extracts.According to GC-MS results, octadecadienoic, octadecatrienoic, and octadecanoic methyl esters were the major fatty acids of the M. neglectum extracts.The M. neglectum extracts regulated the levels of stomach damage and biochemical parameters.The M. neglectum extracts extract might have pharmaceutical-nutritional potential.

Consumption of the Syrian mesquite plant (Prosopis farcta) fruit and seed lyophilized extracts may have both protective and toxic effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats

The aim of study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from dried Prosopis farcta fruit and seeds against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. According to the results, glucose, haemoglobin A1c, α-glycosidase activity, liver and kidney damage biomarkers, and malondialdehyde contents of all of the diabetic groups were found to have increased significantly according to the control group. Furthermore, the insulin and C-peptide secretions increased, and liver malondialdehyde level decreased, which were determined as the result of fluctuations in the antioxidant enzyme activities with a dose of 400 mg/kg fruit extract, while seed extract dosages of 100 and 400 mg/kg caused an increase in hepatic demage biomarkers. It was concluded that fruit extract may have insulin secretion stimulating and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects, whereas seed extract might have caused hepatocyte damage changes to the transport functions and membrane permeability of these cells, thus causing enzymes to leak.

Ameliorative role of Cyanus depressus (M.Bieb.) Soják plant extract against diabetes-associated oxidative-stress-induced liver, kidney, and pancreas damage in rats

In this original article, we aimed to assess the ameliorative role of Cyanus depressus (CD) plant ethanolic extract treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced liver, kidney, and pancreas damage in rats. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 7): control, CD, Diabetes mellitus (DM), DM + CD, and DM + glibenclamide (Gly). The DM groups were injected with a single dose of 50 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally (i.p.). While the CD and DM + CD groups received 400 mg/kg/day intragastrically for 21 days, the DM + Gly group received 3 mg/kg/day of Gly intragastrically throughout the experiment. Statistically significance was accepted as p < .05. According to our liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data, quinic acid, cosmosiin, nicotiflorin, apigenin, and protocatechuic acid were the major compounds, in descending order. Weekly blood glucose, serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and urea, malondialdehyde (MDA) (liver and pancreas), and blood glycosylated hemoglobin % (HbA1c %) were significantly decreased, whereas finally live body weights (LBWs), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) (pancreas), and pancreatic islet diameter and area were increased significantly in the CD-treated diabetic group. Moreover, CD administration was found to be effective in the protection of the histology of the liver, kidneys, and pancreatic islets in the STZ-induced rats. Consequently, we concluded that CD administration reduces hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and histopathology in STZ-induced experimental rats by improving antioxidant defenses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Today, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly throughout the world and it causes complications such as kidney damage, blindness, amputations, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite medical technological advances, people's interest in medicinal herbal products is gradually increasing. Biochemical and histopathological findings showed that the use of the plant CD at the determined dose (400 mg/kg/day) in rats with DM by STZ had strong antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. CD may have a drug potential in preventing DM and its complications because of its phytochemical content including some phenolic acids such as quinic acid, cosmosiin, nicotiflorin, apigenin, and protocatechuic acid. Isolation of bioactive compounds from CD and investigation of their therapeutic effects could be planned as further studies.

Exploring phytochemical constituents of Achillea arabica Kotschy. ethanolic flower extract by LC-MS/MS and its possible antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to reveal the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of ethanolic lyophilized extract of Achillea arabica flower extract against streptozotosine (STZ)-induced in diabetic rats and to determine its phytochemical content by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After toxicity test, 35 female rats were divided into five groups. Control, diabetes mellitus (DM), A.arabica (400 mg/kg) extract, DM + A. arabica (400 mg/kg) extract and DM + Glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). It was determined that while diabetic rats treated A.arabica plant extract significantly decreased blood glucose level, serum glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney damage biomarker levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to the DM group, it caused fluctuations in antioxidant enzyme levels. According to LC-MS/MS results of A. arabica flower extract, quinic acid (2439.9 μg/g), cyranoside (858.4 μg/g), chlorogenic acid (698.7 μg/g), and cosmosiin (347.8 μg/g) were determined as major compounds, respectively. In addition, two new compounds were determined in this extract according to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Mass analyses and these compounds were named edremitine and achillosine, respectively. Thus, A.arabica flower extract has possible therapeutic effects to prevent high blood glucose level and oxidative stress caused by DM in liver and kidney via its high phenolic content.

Protective effect of Sophora pachycarpa seed extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the Sophora pachycarpa (S. pachycarpa) seed extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity on body organs, blood, and biochemical factors. In this investigation, 40 male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: group I was used as control, group II received carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (IP, 1 mL/kg) on day 21, group III and group IV received S. pachycarpa seed extract at doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21, group V received silymarin (300 mg/kg) for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21. CCl₄ showed an increase of serum renal and hepatic markers creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, it significantly increased MDA level, and decreased CAT, FRAP, GSH, and SOD in the liver and kidney tissues. These changes and also hematological and histopathological alterations were significantly ameliorated by S. pachycarpa seed extract before CCl₄ administration. In conclusion, the data obtained in our investigation confirm the protective effect of S. pachycarpa against acute exposure to CCl₄-induced organ toxicity in rats.

Potential Role of Protocatechuic Acid as Natural Feed Additives in Farm Animal Production

Restriction on using antibiotics in animal feed that generates demand for antibiotics alternatives in animal breeding. Providing safe food to humans free from the residual effects of antibiotics is a great challenge to animal producers and food-producing industry owners. Medicinal plants and their extracts as feed supplements have been used to promote the growth and health of farm animals for centuries. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a phenolic compound that originated from natural plants. For years, the health-promoting role of PCA has been becoming an attraction of research in nutrition and pharmacy. Thus, it can be used as an active natural feed additive while synthetic antibiotics are illegal to use in animal breeding. However, the practical application of PCA in view of dosages in animal nutrition, together with its mode of action on animal health, is not well known. In this regard, this review study has explored the mode of action of PCA and the feasibility of using those compounds in animal nutrition. This review study concludes that phenolic-rich protocatechuic acid as a natural feed additive may be useful in enhancing antioxidant status, immune function, antimicrobial, intestinal health and growth performance of farm animals.

Hepatoprotective effect of Trigonella foenum graecum against ethanol-induced cell death in human liver cells (HepG2 and Huh7)

BACKGROUND

The plant Trigonella foenum graecum, also known as fenugreek, has been shown to have anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) against ethanol-induced cell death was investigated in human liver cells (HepG2 and Huh7).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The cytotoxic effect of FSE and ethanol on cells was evaluated by exposing the cells at different concentrations. Following that, the cells were pre-incubated with 5-25 μg/ml FSE, followed by a cytotoxic concentration (0.5 mM) of ethanol. MTT and neutral red uptake assays were performed in treated cells to assess the ability of FSE to protect cells from the cytotoxic effects of ethanol. When compared to controls, ethanol treatment significantly reduced the viability of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and altered the cell morphology, whereas treatment with FSE significantly increased cell viability and reversed ethanol-induced morphological changes. Furthermore, pretreatment with FSE dose-dependently reduced lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) leakage, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, and catalase activities while increasing glutathione (GSH) level induced by ethanol. Pretreatment with FSE also reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase enzyme activities, and protein expression of caspase-3 and -9. In HepG2 cells, ethanol-induced apoptosis was observed, whereas FSE treatment reduced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic marker genes and upregulating the antiapoptotic gene.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study reports on the mechanistic details of the hepatoprotective potential of FSE. The results also suggest that fenugreek seeds may be useful in preventing liver diseases caused by toxicants such as ethanol.

The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms

Mushroom consumption has grown extraordinarily owing to their high nutritional value, desirable taste, and aroma. Mushrooms continue generating lots of interest chiefly in their consumption as food, as a cure for different ailments, as well as important goods for commerce throughout the globe owing to their dietary, antioxidant, and therapeutic values. Higher Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes mushrooms have different properties with anticancer and immunological potential. They as well provide vital health benefits and display a wide-ranging continuum of pharmacological effects. The antioxidant activity of different mushrooms was reviewed for different radicals including DPPH, ABTS, OH, Nitrite, metals, and lipid peroxidation. The present review presents pharmacological activities of different species of edible and medicinal mushrooms. This review provides tangible evidence that these mushrooms are an excellent source of natural constituents and antioxidants with potential application in pharmaceuticals and in treating and managing different diseases.

Investigation of the effects of three different generations of fluoroquinolone derivatives on antioxidant and immunotoxic enzyme levels in different rat tissues

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are synthetic and broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs derived from nalidixic acid. FQs are used against SARS-CoV-2 in our country, and for the treatment of some urinary tract diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory tract diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and dermatological diseases. The present study investigated the effect of 1-,7-,14-day treatments of three different FQ derivatives; ciprofloxacin (CIP) 80 mg/kg/day, levofloxacin (LVX) 40 mg/kg/day, and moxifloxacin (MXF) 40 mg/kg/day, on biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, and immunotoxicity. 72 Wistar albino male rats were distributed to four groups including 18 rats in each group and were sacrificed on three different time points. The 14-day treatment of MXF significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Furthermore, 14-day treatment of LVX increased liver [GSH, MPO, ADA, superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and GSH (erythrocyte) levels; whereas it significantly reduced the levels of AST, TG (triglycerides) and associated parameters levels in all the tissues (MDA), erythrocytes, and liver (MPO, CAT, SOD, GPx). After 14-day treatment of CIP; the erythrocyte levels of GSH, MPO, GPx, and CAT significantly decreased; whereas the levels of glucose, creatinine, MPO (liver), and GST (kidney and erythrocyte) significantly increased. It has been concluded that FQ derivatives used in this experiment did not display any correlation in terms of the efficacies in the different time points and tissues. Thus, it is recommended to use such FQ derivatives considering the duration of use and target tissue.

Metal concentrations of wild mushroom species collected from Belgrad forest (Istanbul, Turkey) with their health risk assessments

Wild edible mushrooms are very popular for both their flavors and nutritional values. However, some mushroom species can be harmful to human health as they accumulate some elements in excessive amounts. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, Se, and Zn of some wild edible (Agaricus arvensis, A. bitorquis, A. sylvaticus, Amanita vaginata, Armillaria mellea, Clavariadelphus pistillaris, Clitocybe nebularis, Clitopilus prunulus, Hygrophorus marzuolus, H. russula, Lactarius volemus, Lycoperdon molle, and Macrolepiota mastoidea) and non-edible mushroom species (A. citrina, Auricularia mesenterica, Chanterellus melanoxeros, Chondrostereum purpureum, Clathrus ruber, L. controversus, L. helvus, and L. zonarius) collected from Belgrad forest (Istanbul, Turkey). Daily intakes of element (DIE) and health risk index (HRI) values of the edible mushroom species were also calculated. The concentrations of the elements in question were determined to be in the ranges of 9.7-556.8, 2.5-2226.7, 0.06-2.52, 0.03-13.17, 3.74-100.19, 13.3-507.4, 2635.0-28614.0, 493.0-2412.0, 6.97-3150.73, 0.29-13.26, 0.38-3.67, and 9.1-293.8 mg/kg, respectively. The Cd concentration of H. russula (DIE: 1.08, HRI: 1.08), Cr concentration of C. nebularis (DIE: 5.64, HRI: 1.88), and the Cu concentration of M. mastoidea (DIE: 42.94, HRI: 1.07) were above the reference values. The results showed that the long-term consumption of H. russula, C. nebularis, and M. mastoidea collected from Belgrad forest can have a negative impact on human health. Therefore, it was concluded that the element concentrations of edible wild mushrooms in this region should be examined periodically.

The protective effects of the Lactarius deliciosus and Agrocybe cylindracea mushrooms on histopathology of carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in rats

We investigated the protective effects of L. deliciosus and A. cylindracea supplementation against carbon tetrachloride (CCI₄) induced oxidative stress by measuring levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and by observing histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues of rats. We divided 36 rats into six groups: control, CCl₄, L. deliciosus, A. cylindracea, CCl₄ + L. deliciosus, and CCl₄ + A. cylindracea. We found that administration of CCI₄, A. cylindracea, and CCl₄ + A. cylindracea increased MPO and ADA levels. We observed severe hepato-renal degenerative and necrotic lesions in the CCI₄, A. cylindracea and CCl₄ + A. cylindracea groups. Severe lesions of the liver and kidney were not observed with A. cylindracea administration. CCI₄ induced hepato-renal lesions were ameliorated by L. deliciosus extract supplementation. L. deliciosus could be an important dietary antioxidant for preventing histologic lesions in liver and kidney due to CCI₄ induced oxidative stress in rats.

The biology of ergothioneine, an antioxidant nutraceutical

Ergothioneine (ERG) is an unusual thio-histidine betaine amino acid that has potent antioxidant activities. It is synthesised by a variety of microbes, especially fungi (including in mushroom fruiting bodies) and actinobacteria, but is not synthesised by plants and animals who acquire it via the soil and their diet, respectively. Animals have evolved a highly selective transporter for it, known as solute carrier family 22, member 4 (SLC22A4) in humans, signifying its importance, and ERG may even have the status of a vitamin. ERG accumulates differentially in various tissues, according to their expression of SLC22A4, favouring those such as erythrocytes that may be subject to oxidative stress. Mushroom or ERG consumption seems to provide significant prevention against oxidative stress in a large variety of systems. ERG seems to have strong cytoprotective status, and its concentration is lowered in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. It has been passed as safe by regulatory agencies, and may have value as a nutraceutical and antioxidant more generally.

In vitro antioxidants and hepatoprotective effects of Pleurotus tuber-regium on carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

Objectives This study has characterized the phytoconstituents and evaluated the in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Pleurotus tuber-regium induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In vitro antioxidant assay of ethanol extract of P. tuber-regium and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to identify the phytoconstituents were carried out. Methods Sixty rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals in each group and treated as follows for 13 weeks. Group I (control) received 3 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneal twice weekly in addition to feed and water ad libitum. Group II received CCl4 3 mL/kg twice weekly. Groups III, IV and V received 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg wild edible P. tuber-regium mixed with feed by ingestion daily in addition to 3 mL/kg CCl4 twice weekly, respectively. Group VI received 500 mg P. tuber-regium daily. Liver and body weights were recorded. Liver function tests, oxidative stress biomarkers, bilirubin, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were assayed. Histopathology of the liver was carried out. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis yielded 10 antioxidants. Results CCl4 increased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and malondialdehyde from 24±1.778 iu/L, 53±3.7 iu/L, 257±19 iu/L, 0.45±0.03 mg/dL and 1.90±0.42 μmol/L in the control group to 48±2.5 iu/L, 81±2.10 iu/L, 495±38 iu/L, 1.20±0.09 mg/dL and 14.0±2.6 μmol/L in the treated group, respectively. Conclusions P. tuber-regium prevented the necrosis, edema and vein congestion observed in the CCl4-only group. P. tuber-regium is effective in protecting the liver against CCl4-induced damage.

New progress in the pharmacology of protocatechuic acid: A compound ingested in daily foods and herbs frequently and heavily

Protocatechuic acid is a natural phenolic acid, which widely exists in our daily diet and herbs. It is also one of the main metabolites of complex polyphenols, such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanins. In recent years, a large number of studies on the pharmacological activities of protocatechuic acid have emerged. Protocatechuic acid has a wide range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antiosteoporotic, analgesia, antiaging activties; protection from metabolic syndrome; and preservation of liver, kidneys, and reproductive functions. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the absorption and elimination rate of protocatechuic acid are faster, with glucuronidation and sulfation being the major metabolic pathways. However, protocatechuic acid displays a dual-directional regulatory effect on some pharmacological activities. When the concentration is very high, it can inhibit cell proliferation and reduce survival rate. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of protocatechuic acid with emphasis on its pharmacological activities discovered in recent 5 years, so as to provide more up-to-date and thorough information for the preclinical and clinical research of protocatechuic acid in the future. Moreover, it is hoped that the clinical application of protocatechuic acid can be broadened, giving full play to its characteristics of rich sources, low toxicity and wide pharmacological activites.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf infusion against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) is used in folk medicine against tooth and knee pain, wounds, inflammation, and stomach discomfort; however, the effects of P. orientalis leaf (PO-leaf) infusion on the liver and kidney are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of an infusion obtained from dried P. orientalis leaves against ethanol-induced oxidative stress (OS) in rats. After a toxicity test, thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Ethanol 20%, Ethanol 20% + Silymarin (10 mg/kg), Ethanol 20% + PO-20 mg/mL infusion, and Ethanol 20% + PO-60 mg/mL infusion. The PO-leaf infusion doses were given ad libitum during 28 days to test the biochemical and antioxidant enzyme levels. According to the results, the PO-leaf contained rich compounds such as benzaldehyde, palmitic acid, 2,4-ditert-butylphenol, stearic acid, octadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, kaempferol, and kaempferol derivatives. In the Ethanol group, AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, UA, and urea in the serum and GST and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and erythrocyte tissues showed a significant increase compared to the Control group. AST, LDH, GGT, UA, and LDL-C levels in the serum and MDA (all tissues) significantly decreased in the Ethanol + PO-60 mg/mL group compared to the Ethanol group. SOD, GPx, and CAT activities in the kidney tissue of the Ethanol group showed a significant decrease compared to the Control group, whereas the GPx activity in kidney tissue in all of the treatment groups increased significantly compared to the Ethanol group. These findings suggest that the administration of the determined PO-leaf infusion doses might have a protective role against ethanol-induced liver and kidney damage in rats.