Estragole prevents gastric ulcers via cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory mechanisms in animal models

The gastroprotective effect of Yucca filamentosa standardized crude leaves extract versus its nano-cubosomal formulation in ethanol-induced gastric injury

Yucca filamentosa (YF) is widely used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile of YF extracts. Additionally, the gastroprotective efficacy of its crude leaf extract and nano-cubosomal formulation was assessed in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric injury by altering the HMGB-1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The phytochemical composition of YF was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS techniques. Standardization was further accomplished using HPLC. Rats were treated orally with yucca crude extract or its nano-cubosomal formulation at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. Famotidine (50 mg/kg, IP) was used as a reference drug. After 1 h, rats were administered ethanol (1 ml, 95 %, orally). One hour later, the rats were sacrificed, and the serum was separated to determine TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Stomachs were excised for the calculation of the ulcer index and histopathological examinations. Stomach tissue homogenate was used to determine MDA and catalase levels. Additionally, the expression levels of HMGB-1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB were assessed. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the predominance of steroidal saponins, sucrose, organic and phenolic acids, and kaempferol. The nano-cubosomal formulation demonstrated enhanced gastroprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to the crude extract at all tested doses. The most prominent effect was observed in rats pretreated with the YF nano-cubosomal formulation at a dose of 100 mg/kg, which was similar to normal control and famotidine-treated rats. Our results highlighted the enhanced gastroprotective impact of the yucca nano-cubosomal formulation in a dose-dependent manner. This suggests its potential use in preventing peptic ulcer recurrence.

Ammodaucus Leucotrichus Seed Extract as a Potential Therapy in Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced by Complete Freund Adjuvant and Chicken Cartilage Collagen

This study assessed the efficacy of an Ammodaucus leucotrichus seed extract to treat rheumatoid arthritis in rat models of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in rats using two methods: immunization with 100 µL of Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) and immunization with 100 µL of a 3 mg/ml solution of type II collagen (CII) from chicken cartilage. The therapeutic potential of the extract was assessed at different doses (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day for 21 days in the CII-induced arthritis model and for 14 days in the CFA-induced arthritis model) and compared with methotrexate (MTX; 0.2 mg/kg for the same periods), a commonly used drug for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in humans. In both models (CII-induced arthritis and CFA-induced arthritis), walking distance, step length, intra-step distance and footprint area were improved following treatment with the A. leucotrichus seed extract (all concentrations) and MTX compared with untreated animals. Both treatments increased the serum concentration of glutathione and reduced that of complement C3, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase. Radiographic data and histological analysis indicated that cartilage destruction was reduced already with the lowest dose of the extract (100 mg/kg/dose) in both models. These results show the substantial antiarthritic potential of the A. leucotrichus seed extract, even at the lowest dose, suggesting that it may be a promising alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and joint inflammation. They also emphasize its efficacy at various doses, providing impetus for more research on this extract as a potential therapeutic agent for arthritis.

Protective effect of cellulose and soluble dietary fiber from Saccharina japonica by-products on regulating inflammatory responses, gut microbiota, and SCFAs production in colitis mice

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and cellulose enriched in Saccharina japonica by-products and to evaluate their anti-colitis effects. The water-holding capacity (WHC), swelling capacity (SC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and antioxidant properties of SDF were superior to cellulose. The ΔH of SDF and cellulose was 340.73 J/g and 134.56 J/g, and the average particle size of them was 43.858 μm and 97.350 μm. The viscosity of SDF was positively correlated with the content. SEM revealed that the microstructure of SDF was porous, whereas cellulose was folded. SDF contained seven monosaccharides such as mannuronic acid and mannose, while cellulose had a single glucose composition. It was also shown that both SDF and cellulose reversed the pathological process of colitis by inhibiting weight loss, preventing colon injury, balancing oxidative stress, and regulating the level of inflammation, with the optimal dose being 1.5 g/kg. The difference was that SDF inhibited the expression of NF-кB and TNF-α, while cellulose up-regulated the expression of PPAR-γ and IL-10. Additionally, SDF could more positively control the expression of ZO-1, whereas cellulose was superior in improving the expression of Occludin. Interestingly, SDF could restore the structure of norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group to ameliorate ulcerative colitis (UC), whereas cellulose mainly regulated the abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Faecalibaculum, Bacteroides and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae. The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was also found to be restored by SDF and cellulose. Overall, SDF and cellulose can be considered important dietary components for treating and preventing UC.

Treatment of gastric ulcer, traditional Chinese medicine may be a better choice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastric ulcer (GU) is the injury of the gastric mucosa caused by the stimulation of various pathogenic factors penetrating the deep mucosal muscle layer. An increasing number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly effective in treating GU due to its multitarget, multilevel, and multi-pathway effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To review the latest research progress in the treatment of GU by TCM, including clinical and experimental studies, focusing on the target and mechanism of action of drugs and providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of GU by natural herbs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, and CNKI) were searched using the keywords "gastric ulcer", "gastric mucosal lesion", "TCM" and or paired with "peptic ulcer" and "natural drugs" for studies published in the last fifteen years until 2023.

RESULTS

TCM, including single components of natural products, Chinese patent medicines (CPM), and TCM decoction, is expected to treat GU by regulating various mechanisms, such as redox balance, inflammatory factors, angiogenesis, gastric mucosal protective factors, intestinal flora, apoptosis, and autophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

We discussed and summarized the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of GU, which provided a sufficient basis for TCM treatment of GU.

Estragole Ameliorates CFA Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms in Wistar Rats by Inhibiting JAK-2/STAT-3 Pathway

The present study was conducted to scrutinize the pharmacological effect of Estragole (ESG) against CFA-induced arthritis in rats. The rats underwent induction of arthritis using the administration of CFA and after that, the rats were randomly divided into five different groups, where three groups correspond to diverse dosages of ESG, and the other two were control and CFA-arthritic control. Results of the study suggested that ESG in a dose-dependent manner, improves body weight and arthritis score of rats as evidenced by reduction of hind-paw volume. ESG also improved the antioxidant status of rats by reducing MDA levels and enhancing the concentration of endogenous antioxidants SOD and GPx. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also found to be reduced in the case of ESG treated group as compared to CFA-group. In a western blot analysis, ESH showed downregulation of p-JAK-2/STAT-3. The study provided concrete evidence for the protective effect of ESG against rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

Component Composition and Biological Activity of Oleo-Gum Resin from Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae)

The review summarizes the published data on identification of biologically active compounds (BACs) and the pharmacological potential of various components of oleo-gum resin from the Indian frankincense Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Boswellia oleo-gum resin contains a wide range of BACs from the classes of mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated their anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Boswellic acids (BAs), which belong to the tetra- and pentacyclic triterpenoid classes, showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. The frankincense resin is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and can provide a promising source to design drugs effective in treating musculoskeletal disorders.

Gastroprotective and anti-Helicobacter pylori potentials of essential oils from the oleoresins of Araucaria bidwillii and Araucaria heterophylla

Plant resins or oleoresins comprise a chemically complex mixture of different classes of compounds. Oleoresin of the genus Araucaria combines essential oil (EO) and resin. It possesses gastroprotective, cytotoxic, and timicrobial, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The study aimed to investigate the EOs from the oleoresins of two Araucaria species, A. bidwillii and A. heterophylla, chemically and biologically for their gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-Helicobacter pylori potentials. The chemical composition of both species cultivated in Egypt was analyzed with GC-MS and compared with those cultivated abroad using principal component analysis (PCA). There were 37 and 17 secondary metabolites identified in A. heterophylla and A. bidwillii, respectively. The EOs of both species showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori activity in vitro. The gastroprotective effect was assessed in vivo using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) biomarkers were assessed in the stomach tissues. The ulcer index and percentage of ulcer protection were determined. Stomach sections were examined histopathologically by staining with (H/E) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). Moreover, the proliferative index was determined using the Ki-67 immunostaining. The treatment of rats with EOs (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, orally) 1 hour prior to ethanol administration showed promising gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials. These findings declared the gastroprotective role played by both EOs with the superiority of A. bidwillii over A. heterophylla via modulation of oxidative stress/NF-κB/inflammatory cytokines. Their use can be recommended to protect against the recurrence of peptic ulcers.

Protective Effect of Foxtail Millet Protein Hydrolysate on Ethanol and Pyloric Ligation-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Mice

Foxtail millet has been traditionally considered to possess gastroprotective effects, but studies evaluating its use as a treatment for gastric ulcers are lacking. Here, we assessed the antiulcer effects of foxtail millet protein hydrolysate (FPH) and explored its mechanism by using blocking agents. In a mouse model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, pretreatment with FPH reduced the ulcerative lesion index, downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the gastric tissue, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and improved the oxidative status. FPH increased constitutive the activity of nitric oxide synthase (cNOS), NO levels, and mucin expression in gastric mucosa, and inhibited the activation of the ET-1/PI3K/Akt pathway. In a mouse model of pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers, FPH inhibited gastric acid secretion and decreased the activity of gastric protease. Pretreatment of mice with the sulfhydryl blocker NEM and the NO synthesis inhibitor L-NAME abolished the gastroprotective effect of FPH, but not the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide and the PGE2 synthesis blocker indomethacin. Among the peptides identified in FPH, 10 peptides were predicted to have regulatory effects on the gastric mucosa, and the key sequences were GP and PG. The results confirmed the gastroprotective effect of FPH and revealed that its mechanism was through the regulation of gastric mucosal mucus and NO synthesis. This study supports the health effects of a millet-enriched diet and provides a basis for millet protein as a functional food to improve gastric ulcers and its related oxidative stress.

Synthesis, Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Selenium Nanoparticles and Its Effect on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Selenium nanoparticles have attracted extensive attention due to their good bioavailability and activity. In the present study, a new form of selenium nanoparticle (Low molecular weight chitosan selenium nanoparticles (LCS-SeNPs)) were synthesized in a system of sodium selenite and acetic acid. The size, element state, morphology and elementary composition of LCS-SeNPs were characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic measurements. The protection of LCS-SeNPs against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and the inherent mechanisms of this process were investigated. The results showed that LCS-SeNPs, with an average diameter of 198 nm, zero-valent and orange-red relatively uniform spherical particles were prepared. LCS-SeNPs were mainly composed of C, N, O and Se elements, of which Se accounted for 39.03% of the four elements C, N, O and Se. LCS-SeNPs reduced colon injury and inflammation symptoms and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction. LCS-SeNPs significantly reduced serum and colonic inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Moreover, LCS-SeNPs remarkably increased antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px levels in serum and colonic tissue. Further studies on inflammatory pathways showed that LCS-SeNPs alleviated DSS-induced colitis through the NF-κB signaling pathway, and relieved inflammatory associated oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings suggested that LCS-SeNPs are a promising selenium species with potential applications in the treatment of oxidative stress related inflammatory intestinal diseases.

Mechanisms of Actions Involved in The Antinociceptive Effect of Estragole and its β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Animal Models

(1) Background: estragole is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, which can be used for several pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of estragole (Es) and its β-cyclodextrins inclusion complex (Es/β-CD). (2) Methods: the effects of Es and Es/β-CD on the central nervous system (CNS) were evaluated through open field and rota-rod assays, and the antinociceptive effect in formalin models, abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid, hot plate, tail flick test and plantar mechanical hyperalgesia. (3) Results: Es and Es/β-CD showed no alterations on the CNS evaluated parameters and the results suggested there was an antinociceptive action in the formalin, abdominal writhing, hot plate, tail flick tests and plantar mechanical hyperalgesia, proposing the involvement of the nitric oxide, glutamatergic signaling pathways, cyclic guanosine monophosphate and vanilloid pathways. (4) Conclusion: the results suggest that Es and Es/β-CD have a promising antinociceptive potential as a possible alternative for the pharmacological treatment of pain, also showing that the encapsulation of Es in β-cyclodextrins probably improves its pharmacological properties, since the complexation process involves much lower amounts of the compound, contributing to better bioavailability and a lower probability of adverse effect development.

Alloimperatorin from Ammi majus fruits mitigates Piroxicam-provoked gastric ulcer and hepatorenal toxicity in rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Introduction: Fruits of Ammi majus, commonly called bishop's weed, contain a significant amount of furanocoumarins. Alloimperatorin (Allo, 6) was isolated from the free coumarin fraction of fruits, beside 8-hydroxypsoralen (1), methoxsalen (2), heraclin (3), isoimperatorin (4), imperatorin (5), isoheraclenin (7) and heraclenin hydrate (8). Piroxicam (Px) is a widely used pain-relieving drug that demonstrated side effects, including gastric ulceration and hepatorenal toxicity.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of Alloimperatorin against Px-induced gastric ulceration and hepatorenal toxicity.Material & Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: Negative control, Px-induced rats, Allo + Px co-treated group, and Pc + Px co-treated group. Allo (25 mg/kg body weight) and Pc (25 mg/kg body weight) treatments were received 5 days before and 4 days after Px intoxication for 4 days (50 mg/kg body weight). Serum prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) and liver and kidney functions were measured. Oxidative stress markers were evaluated in the three tissues. Histopathological features and caspase-3 immunoexpression were monitoredResults & Discussion: Px triggered gastric ulceration, increased indices of liver and kidney functions, decreased PG-E2 levels, provoked oxidative stress, and activated caspase-3 immunoexpression. Co-treatment with Allo demonstrated protective activities.Conclusion: Alloimperatorin exhibited anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.

Cellulose-Conjugated Copper-Oxide Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Wistar Rats

Gastric ulcer (GU) is the most common and chronic inflammatory condition mediated by multiple immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes with multiple pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukins such as IL-8, IL-10, IL-β, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Copper (Cu) is one of the essential micronutrients mainly found in the liver and brain. It plays a major role in metabolism, enzyme conversion, free radical scavenging, trafficking agents, and many others. Due to its various roles in the biological system, it can also be used as a therapeutic agent in many diseases like colon cancer, bone fracture healing, angiogenesis, as an antibacterial, wound-healing and radiotherapeutic agents. In this study, we used thiol-functionalized cellulose-conjugated copper-oxide nanoparticles (Cu^I/IIO NPs) synthesized under environmentally friendly conditions. We have evaluated the effects of cellulose-conjugated Cu^I/IIO NPs against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. The cellulose-conjugated Cu^I/IIO NPs were evaluated against different physical, histochemical, and inflammatory parameters. The NPs promoted mucosal healing by ameliorating ulcerative damage, restoring the histoarchitecture of gastric mucosa, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and other inflammatory biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The current study's findings suggest that cellulose-conjugated Cu^I/IIO NPs exerted antiulcer effects on the preclinical rat model and have promising potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Acaricidal and anthelmintic efficacy of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its major constituents estragole and linalool, with insights on acetylcholinesterase inhibition

The present study evaluated the acaricidal and anthelmintic action of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its main components against ticks and helminth parasites as well as to relate these activities to acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The in vitro acaricidal activity against Hyalomma scupense was evaluated by Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and Larval Packet Test (LPT), while the in vivo nematocidal potential was assessed in laboratory mice infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus using fecal egg count reduction (FECR) and total worm count reduction (TWCR). Chemical analyzes were performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Estragole (80.87%) and linalool (16.12%) were the major compounds detected in O. basilicum essential oil. In the AIT assay for H. scupense tick, LC₅₀ of estragole, O. basilicum oil and linalool were 0.73, 0.81 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. In LPT, estragole, linalool and essential oil showed LC₅₀ of 0.22, 1.11 and 1.19 mg/mL, respectively. Against He. polygyrus, the highest activity was observed with estragole administered at 100 mg/kg body weight (bwt), which resulted in a FECR of 90.86% and a TWCR of 82.91%. The O. basilicum essential oil, estragole and linalool inhibited the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) extracted from both parasites species. Estragole was found the most active AChE inhibitor with IC₅₀ of 0.176 mg/mL for H. scupense and IC₅₀ of 0.138 mg/mL for He. polygyrus larvae. The results of the present study pointed out the importance of the traditional use of O. basilicum as an eco-friendly alternative against endo and ectoparasites. In vivo trials should also be conducted to confirm the above-mentioned activities and to assure the safe use of natural plants.

Ink melanin from Sepiapharaonis ameliorates colitis in mice via reducing oxidative stress, andprotecting the intestinal mucosal barrier

Melanin is the major component from Sepiapharaonis ink (MSI), and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities indicate the potential for improvement of inflammatory bowel diseases. The study aimed to investigate how orally-administered MSI on alleviating the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and the potential mechanisms. We found that MSI significantly improved DSS-induced weight loss, colon shortening, hematochezia, DAI score, histopathology, and antioxidant indices (SOD and MDA). Further analysis demonstrated that MSI could significantly down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ) and up-regulate the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by regulating TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signal pathway. Moreover, tight junction proteins in melanin groups were also maintained by ZO-1 and occludin expressions. In addition, MSI also regulated cellular apoptosis by reducing the expression of pro-apoptosis protein Caspase-3. Interestingly, MSI treatments increased the proportion of dominant bacteria (such as Bacteroidetes and Clostridium) and the abundance of community (alpha diversity, β-diversity, etc.), which significantly balanced microbiota in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, oral administration of MSI alleviated DSS-induced colitis by modulating inflammatory cytokines and oxidation stress, maintaining the mucosal barrier, and reverting microbiota changes.

Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells of Hippophae rhamnodies L., Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf, and Ocimum basilicum L. Essential Oils

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer types with current deficient and aggressive treatment options, but various studied alternative therapies are able to efficiently contribute to its management. Essential oils (EOs) contain valuable compounds, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, which might serve as effective solutions in CRC prophylaxis or treatment. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activity of essential oils derived from Hippophae rhamnoides (Hr_EO), Cymbopogon citratus (Cc_EO), and Ocimum basilicum (Ob_EO) species on HT-29 and Caco-2 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. The main compounds identified by GC-MS analysis were estragole (Hr_EO, Ob_EO), alpha- and beta-citral (Cc_EO). All tested EOs exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on both cell lines by reducing the cell viability, especially in the case of Cc_EO, where at 75 µg/mL the viability percentages reached the values of 62.69% (Caco-2) and 64.09% (HT-29), respectively. The nuclear morphology evaluation highlighted significant dysmorphologies on both lines after their treatment with EOs at 75 µg/mL.

Effect of estragole over the RN4220 Staphylococcus aureus strain and its toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Among the bacterial resistance mechanisms, efflux pumps are responsible for expelling xenobiotics, including bacterial cell antibiotics. Given this problem, studies are investigating new alternatives for inhibiting bacterial growth or enhancing the antibiotic activity of drugs already on the market. With this in mind, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Estragole against the RN4220 Staphylococcus aureus strain, which carries the MsrA efflux pump, as well as Estragole's toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster arthropod model. The broth microdilution method was used to perform the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests. Estragole was used at a Sub-Inhibitory Concentration (MIC/8) in association with erythromycin and ethidium bromide to assess its combined effect. As for Estragole's toxicity evaluation over D. melanogaster, the fumigation bioassay and negative geotaxis methods were used. The results were expressed as an average of sextuplicate replicates. A Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test was used. The present study demonstrated that Estragole did not show a direct antibacterial activity over the RN4220 S. aureus strain, since it obtained a MIC ≥1024 μg/mL. The association of estragole with erythromycin demonstrated a potentiation of the antibiotic effect, reducing the MIC from 512 to 256 μg/mL. On the other hand, when estragole was associated with ethidium bromide (EtBr), an antagonism was observed, increasing the MIC of EtBr from 32 to 50.7968 μg/mL, demonstrating that estragole did not inhibited directly the MsrA efflux pump mechanism. We conclude that estragole has no relevant direct effect over bacterial growth, however, when associated with erythromycin, this reduced its MIC, potentiating the effect of the antibiotic.