Potential agents for cancer and obesity treatment with herbal medicines from the green garden

Anti-Obesity and Lipid Metabolism Effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

The root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Japanese elm) is used in Korea and other East Asian countries as a traditional herbal remedy to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases and ailments such as edema, gastric cancer and mastitis. For this study, we investigated the lipid metabolism and anti-obesity efficacy of ethyl alcohol extract of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica root bark (UDE). First, HPLC was performed to quantify the level of (+)-catechin, the active ingredient of UDE. In the following experiments, cultured 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed murine model were studied for anti-obesity efficacy by testing the lipid metabolism effects of UDE and (+)-catechin. In the test using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, treatment with UDE inhibited adipocyte differentiation and significantly reduced the production of adipogenic genes and transcription factors PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP-1c. HFD-fed, obese mice were administered with UDE (200 mg/kg per day) and (+)-catechin (30 mg/kg per day) by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Weight gain, epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue mass were significantly reduced, and a change in adipocyte size was observed in the UDE and (+)-catechin treatment groups compared to the untreated control group (***p < 0.001). Significantly lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were detected in UDE-treated HFD mice compared to the control, revealing the efficacy of UDE. In addition, it was found that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes was also significantly reduced after administration of UDE. These results suggest that UDE has significant anti-obesity and lipid metabolism effects through inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis.

Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract ameliorates the testicular dysfunction resulted from HFD-induced obesity rat model

In this study, we estimated the protective role of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract (MOLE) against obesity-associated testicular dysfunction. Fifty male albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10): Group I (basal diet), group II (basal diet plus MOLE orally), group III (high-fat diet-HFD), group IV (HFD plus oral MOLE) and group V (HFD for 8 weeks followed by a basal diet plus oral MOLE for 6 weeks). The study duration extended for 14 weeks. Serum collected to investigate testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Testicular tissues were used to determine levels of SOD, glutathione, catalase and malondialdehyde. Semen was collected to estimate its quality (morphology, motility and concentration). Morphological changes in the testis were investigated by histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. Compared with both control treatment and MOLE treatment, serum testosterone, FSH, LH, testicular enzymatic catalase, SOD, GSH, survivin immunoreactivity, sperm quality and testicular weight were all significantly decreased in rats treated with HFD, while there were significant increases in testicular malondialdehyde and caspase-3 immunoreactivity. MOLE improved all harmful effects of HFD. Improvements were more pronounced in the protected (G 4) than the treated (G 5) group. MOLE could be a potential solution for obesity-associated fertility problem.

Intracerebroventricular injection of propranolol blocked analgesic and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol following L5 spinal nerve ligation in rat

OBJECTIVES

Resveratrol as a natural polyphenolic agent can alleviate neuropathic pain symptoms. The mechanism of analgesic activity of resveratrol is far from clear. The current study examine whether analgesic activity of resveratrol is mediated by its neuroprotective and anti-oxidant activity in the neuropathic pain. We further examine whether analgesic activity of resveratrol is mediated by β-adrenoceptors in the brain.

METHODS

Neuropathic pain induced by L₅ spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Male Wistar rats assigned into sham, SNL, SNL + resveratrol (40 μg/5 μL), and SNL + resveratrol + propranolol (a non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist, 30 μg/5 μL) groups. Drugs injected intracerebroventricular (ICV) at day SNL surgery and daily for 6 days following SNL. Thermal allodynia and anxiety examined on days of -1, 2, 4, and 6 following SNL. Electrophysiological study performed on day 6 following SNL for evaluation of resveratrol effects on sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV). The activity of catalase (Cat) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the brain assessed on days 6 following SNL.

RESULTS

Resveratrol significantly decreased thermal allodynia (and not anxiety) in all experimental days. Additionally, resveratrol significantly increased NCV, and also normalized the disrupted Cat and SOD activities following neuropathic pain. Furthermore, propranolol significantly blocked the analgesic and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that the analgesic effects of resveratrol is mediated by its neuroprotective and antioxidant activities in the neuropathic rats. Furthermore, propranolol blocked the analgesic and neuroprotective effects of resveratrol.

Nano Metal based Herbal theranostics for Cancer management: coalescing nature's boon with nanotechnological advancement

Cancer is amongst the leading public health problems globally with continuously increasing prevalence rate that demands for extensive and expensive treatment. Despite availability of number of potential cancer therapies, inadequate success has been achieved due to complexity and heterogeneity of tumors. Moreover, late/ terminal stage cancer leads to multidrug resistance, excruciating side effects, recurrence, etc. This is because of low penetrability and deleterious effects of drug on non-target cells/ tissues. This requires for cost effective, efficacious, alternative/ adjunct, complementary medicines with targeted drug delivery approach. A potential strategy to resolve this difficulty is to use theranostics i.e., formulations having both a therapeutic element and an imaging agent. Phytotherapeutics have been extensively used since times immemorial, having wide acceptability, easy availability, minimal side effects and comparatively inexpensive. These herbal formulations are mostly orally administered and thus subjected to adverse pH, enzymatic degradation, poor gut absorption, low bioavailability and non-targeted delivery that ultimately lead to their poor effectiveness. Constraints associated with conventional phyto-pharmaceuticals can be improved by designing and using "Nano Delivery Systems" (NDS). The foremost aim of metal based NDS is to provide sustained drug release, site-specific action, improved patient's compliance and enhanced efficacy. Metal Nanocarriers carrying herbal drugs will avoid these obstructions, so the drug can circulate into the blood for a longer period of time and provide optimal amount of the drug to the site of action. Besides, Herbal drugs with NDS thus would be efficacious as alternative/ complementary cancer theranostics. Present review describes about novel theranostic systems employing metal nanocarriers with diagnostic and therapeutic properties as are an effective strategy for cancer treatment. These systems when conjugated with herbal drugs provide an efficient management strategy for cancer.

Mechanisms of action for the anti-obesogenic activities of phytochemicals

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly globally and has recently reached pandemic proportions. It is a multifactorial disorder linked to a number of non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Over-nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle are considered the most significant causes of obesity; a healthy lifestyle and behavioural interventions are the most powerful ways to achieve successful weight loss, but to maintain this in the long term can prove difficult for many individuals, without medical intervention. Various pharmacological anti-obesogenic drugs have been tested and marketed in the past and have been moderately successful in the management of obesity, but their adverse effects on human health often outweigh the benefits. Natural products from plants, either in the form of crude extracts or purified phytochemicals, have been shown to have anti-obesogenic properties and are generally considered as nontoxic and cost-effective compared to synthetic alternatives. These plant products combat obesity by targeting the various pathways and/or regulatory functions intricately linked to obesity. Their mechanisms of action include inhibition of pancreatic lipase activities, an increase in energy expenditure, appetite regulation, lipolytic effects, and inhibition of white adipose tissue development. In this review, we discuss the distinct anti-obesogenic properties of recently reported plant extracts and specific bioactive compounds, along with their molecular mechanisms of action. This review will provide a common platform for understanding the different causes of obesity and the possible approaches to using plant products in tackling this worldwide health issue.

Anti-Obesity Effect of DKB-117 through the Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase and α-Amylase Activity

This study sought to evaluate the effects of Phaseolus multiflorus var. albus Bailey extract (PM extract) and Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae extract (PF extract) on the inhibition of digestive enzymes and to confirm the anti-obesity effect of DKB-117 (a mixture of PM extract and PF extract) in digestive enzyme inhibition in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet. In in vitro studies, PM extract and PF extract have increased dose-dependent inhibitory activity on α-amylase (Inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ value: 6.13 mg/mL)) and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ value; 1.68 mg/mL), respectively. High-fat diet-induced obese mice were orally administered DKB-117 extracts at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day, while a positive control group was given orlistat (pancreatic lipase inhibitor) and Garcinia cambogia (inhibiting the enzymes needed to synthesize carbohydrates into fat) at concentrations of 40 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, for eight weeks. As a result, body weight, fat mass (total fat mass, abdominal fat, and subcutaneous fat) detected with microcomputed tomography, fat mass (abdominal fat and inguinal fat) after an autopsy, and liver triglyceride levels were decreased significantly in the DKB-117 (300 mg/kg/day) group compared to those in the HFD control group. Additionally, we obtained results indicating that the presence of carbohydrates was found more in the DKB-117-300 (300 mg/kg/day) group than in the HFD control group. These data clearly show that DKB-117 extracts are expected to have an anti-obesity effect through a complex mechanism that promotes carbohydrate release through the inhibition of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes while blocking lipid absorption through lipase inhibition.

Anti-inflammatory action of herbal medicine comprised of Scutellaria baicalensis and Chrysanthemum morifolium

Abbreviations

JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinases; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CM: Chrysanthemum morifolium; COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2; ERK: extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; IL-6: interleukin-6; IL-8: interleukin-8; IL-12: interleukin-12; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; NO: nitric oxide; NK- κB: nuclear factor kappa B; p38: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; PMA: phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate; SB: Scutellaria baicalensis; PGE2: prostaglandin E2; TBST: Tris-buffered saline containing 0.1% Tween 20; TIC: total ion chromatogram; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Anti-obesity potential of Moringa olifera seed extract and lycopene on high fat diet induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats

Present research explored the anti-obesity effect of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and lycopene (LYC). Forty eight male Sprauge Dawely rats were divided equally into 6 groups. Group Ι (C) served as control, group ΙΙ (MC) was given Moringa olifera seed oil extract (800 mg/kg b.wt) for 8 weeks, group ΙΙΙ (LC) was given (20 mg/kg b.wt) LYC for 8 weeks, group ΙV (O) received high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks, group Ѵ (MO), was given HFD for 20 weeks and received (800 mg/kg b.wt) Moringa olifera seed oil extract for last 8 weeks and group ѴΙ (LO), received HFD for 20 weeks and was given (20 mg/kg b.wt) LYC for last 8 weeks. Hematology, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, lipid profile, serum liver and kidney biomarkers, inflammatory markers, leptin, resistin and heart fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) were determined. Also histopathology for liver, kidney and aorta were performed besides immunohistochemistry (IHC) for aortic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Administration of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and LYC significantly ameliorated the HFD induced hematological and metabolic perturbations as well as reduced leptin and resistin. Both treatments exerted these effects through promotion of antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation as well as inflammatory cytokines along with reduced iNOS protein expression. Administration of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and LYC have anti-obesity potential in HFD induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats.

Effect of Nigella sativa and Foeniculum vulgare seeds extracts on male mice exposed to carbendazim

The increasing prevalence of environmental pollutants such as pesticides is a major global problem that affects living organisms. Exposure to environmental pollutants remains a major source of health risk throughout the world. The potential health benefits of various medicinal plants and natural products in relation to protect various diseases are currently receiving considerable attention. A current approach is to develop a new biological compound from natural products that inhibits pain. Ethnopharmacological surveys have been found to be one of the most reliable tools for the discovery of the natural and semi-synthetic drug. The present study was performed to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes induced by carbendazim (CBZ) and the potential protective effect of seeds extracts of Nigella sativa (NSSE) and Foeniculum vulgare (FVSE) against CBZ toxicity in male mice. Mice were distributed into 6 groups. Mice of group 1 were served as control. Group 2 was exposed to CBZ. Group 3 was supplemented with NSSE and exposed to CBZ. Group 4 was treated with FVSE and CBZ. Normal mice of group 5 and 6 were subjected to NSSE and FVSE respectively. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in mice of group 2. In mice of group 2, significant declines of RBC, HB, Hct, WBC, total protein, FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, T3, CAT and SOD were observed. Moreover, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, BUN, uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, CK, LDH, MDA and GSH were significantly enhanced. Treatment with NSSE and FVSE showed attenuation effects against CBZ induced hematological and biochemical changes. The results suggest that the attenuation effects of NSSE and FVSE attributed to their antioxidant properties.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of S-allyl-cysteine sulfoxide (alliin) in DIO mice

Alliin (S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide) is a bioactive sulfoxide compound derived from garlic. To evaluate the preventive effect of alliin against metabolic risk factors in diet induced obese (DIO) mice, we treated the C57BL/6J DIO mice with drinking water with or without alliin (0.1 mg/ml) for 8 weeks. Results showed that alliin had no significant effect on the body weight, adiposity or energy balance. However, alliin treatment enhanced glucose homeostasis, increased insulin sensitivity and improved the lipid profile in the DIO mice. This was, at least partly, attributable to alliin induced modulation of the intestinal microbiota composition, typically decreased Lachnospiraceae and increased Ruminococcaceae. From above, we conclude that alliin has nutraceutical or even medicinal potential in prevention of diabetes and lipid metabolic disorders.

Germacrone inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis via the AMP-activated protein kinase signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

OBJECTIVES

In a previous study, we reported that Aster spathulifolius Maxim extract (ASE) inhibited lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Of the components in ASE, germacrone (GM) was identified as a potent bioactive constituent. GM is known for its anticancer and antiviral activity. However, the effects of GM and the molecular mechanism by which GM regulates adipogenesis and lipolysis were not reported. Therefore, we investigated the effect of GM on adipogenesis and lipolysis and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

We analysed the contents of intracellular triglyceride and carried out Western blotting and RT-qPCR to investigate the underlying mechanism.

KEY FINDINGS

We demonstrate that GM suppresses adipogenic differentiation and the increase in lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells. In particular, GM down-regulates the expression of early adipogenesis-related genes (e.g. KLF4, KLF5, C/EBP-β and C/EBP-δ) and major adipogenesis-related genes (C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ). Furthermore, GM increases the protein levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), phosphorylated acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that GM may be a potent bioactive anti-adipogenic and lipolytic constituent via the regulation of adipogenesis, lipolysis and the AMPKα pathway.

Natural Dietary and Herbal Products in Anti-Obesity Treatment

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is on the rise around the world. Common comorbidities associated with obesity, particularly diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease have an impact on social and financial systems. Appropriate lifestyle and behavior interventions are still the crucial cornerstone to weight loss success, but maintaining such a healthy lifestyle is extremely challenging. Abundant natural materials have been explored for their obesity treatment potential and widely used to promote the development of anti-obesity products. The weight loss segment is one of the major contributors to the overall revenue of the dietary supplements market. In this review, the anti-obesity effects of different dietary or herbal products, and their active ingredients and mechanisms of action against obesity will be discussed.

Effects of herbal mixture extracts on obesity in rats fed a high-fat diet

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of three herbal mixture extracts on obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. The prescriptions—Pericarpium citri reticulatae and Fructus crataegi—were used as matrix components and mixed with Ampelopsis grossedentata, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to form T1, T2, and T3 complexes, respectively. Results revealed that HFD feeding significantly increased body weight gain, fat deposition, plasma lipid profiles, hepatic lipid accumulation, and hepatic vacuoles formation, but decreased plasma levels of adiponectin in rats. Only the T1 complex showed the tendency, although not significantly so, for decreased HFD-induced body weight gain. T1 and T3 complexes significantly reduced HFD-induced fat deposition, and plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Only the T1 complex significantly increased HFD-reduced adiponectin levels in plasma, but decreased HFD-increased triglyceride content in liver tissues. All complexes effectively inhibited HFD-induced vacuoles formation. The content of dihydromyricetin, salvianolic acid B, and EGCG in T1, T2, and T3 complexes was 18.25 ± 0.07%, 22.20 ± 0.10%, and 18.86 ± 0.04%, respectively. In summary, we demonstrated that herbal mixture extracts, especially T1 complex, exhibit antiobesity activity in HFD-fed rats.

The Herbal Medicine KBH-1 Inhibits Fat Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Reduces High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity through Regulation of the AMPK Pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel formulation of an herbal extract, KBH-1, has an inhibitory effect on obesity. To determine its anti-obesity effects and its underlying mechanism, we performed anti-obesity-related experiments in vitro and in vivo. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were analyzed for lipid accumulation as well as the protein and gene expression of molecular targets involved in fatty acid synthesis. To determine whether KBH-1 oral administration results in a reduction in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, we examined five groups (n = 9) of C57BL/6 mice as follows: 10% kcal fat diet-fed mice (ND), 60% kcal fat diet-fed mice (HFD), HFD-fed mice treated with orlistat (tetrahydrolipstatin, marketed under the trade name Xenical), HFD-fed mice treated with 150 mg/kg KBH-1 (KBH-1 150) and HFD-fed mice treated with 300 mg/kg KBH-1 (KBH-1 300). During adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells in vitro, KBH-1 significantly reduced lipid accumulation and down-regulated the expression of master adipogenic transcription factors, including CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) β, C/EBP α and peroxisome proliferation-activity receptor (PPAR) γ, which led to the suppression of the expression of several adipocyte-specific genes and proteins. KBH-1 also markedly phosphorylated the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In addition, KBH-1-induced the inhibition effect on lipid accumulation and AMPK-mediated signal activation were decreased by blocking AMPK phosphorylation using AMPK siRNA. Furthermore, daily oral administration of KBH-1 resulted in dose-dependent decreases in body weight, fat pad mass and fat tissue size without systemic toxicity. These results suggest that KBH-1 inhibits lipid accumulation by down-regulating the major transcription factors of the adipogenesis pathway by regulating the AMPK pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in mice with HFD-induced obesity. These results implicate KBH-1, a safe herbal extract, as a potential anti-obesity therapeutic agent.

A Review on Pharmacological Properties of Zingerone (4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone)

Humans have been using natural products for medicinal use for ages. Natural products of therapeutic importance are compounds derived from plants, animals, or any microorganism. Ginger is also one of the most commonly used condiments and a natural drug in vogue. It is a traditional medicine, having some active ingredients used for the treatment of numerous diseases. During recent research on ginger, various ingredients like zingerone, shogaol, and paradol have been obtained from it. Zingerone (4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone) is a nontoxic and inexpensive compound with varied pharmacological activities. It is the least pungent component of Zingiber officinale. Zingerone is absent in fresh ginger but cooking or heating transforms gingerol to zingerone. Zingerone closely related to vanillin from vanilla and eugenol from clove. Zingerone has potent anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antilipolytic, antidiarrhoeic, antispasmodic, and so forth properties. Besides, it displays the property of enhancing growth and immune stimulation. It behaves as appetite stimulant, anxiolytic, antithrombotic, radiation protective, and antimicrobial. Also, it inhibits the reactive nitrogen species which are important in causing Alzheimer's disease and many other disorders. This review is written to shed light on the various pharmacological properties of zingerone and its role in alleviating numerous human and animal diseases.