Pistacia lentiscus oil attenuates memory dysfunction and decreases levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide in rats

Unveiling the impact of aging on BBB and Alzheimer's disease: Factors and therapeutic implications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative condition that has devastating effects on individuals, often resulting in dementia. AD is primarily defined by the presence of extracellular plaques containing insoluble β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (P-tau). In addition, individuals afflicted by these age-related illnesses experience a diminished state of health, which places significant financial strain on their loved ones. Several risk factors play a significant role in the development of AD. These factors include genetics, diet, smoking, certain diseases (such as cerebrovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia), age, and alcohol consumption. Age-related factors are key contributors to the development of vascular-based neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. In general, the process of aging can lead to changes in the immune system's responses and can also initiate inflammation in the brain. The chronic inflammation and the inflammatory mediators found in the brain play a crucial role in the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Furthermore, maintaining BBB integrity is of utmost importance in preventing a wide range of neurological disorders. Therefore, in this review, we discussed the role of age and its related factors in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and the development of AD. We also discussed the importance of different compounds, such as those with anti-aging properties, and other compounds that can help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier in the prevention of AD. This review builds a strong correlation between age-related factors, degradation of the BBB, and its impact on AD.

Unraveling potential neuroprotective mechanisms of herbal medicine for Alzheimer's diseases through comprehensive molecular docking analyses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to be a worldwide health concern, demanding innovative therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of herbal compounds by scrutinizing their interactions with Beta-Secretase-1 (BACE1). Through comprehensive molecular docking analyses, three compounds, Masticadienonic acid (ΔG: -9.6 kcal/mol), Hederagenin (ΔG: -9.3 kcal/mol), and Anthocyanins (ΔG: -8.1 kcal/mol), emerge as promising BACE1 ligands, displaying low binding energies and strong affinities. ADME parameter predictions, drug-likeness assessments, and toxicity analyses reveal favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for these compounds. Notably, Masticadienonic Acid exhibits optimal drug-likeness (-3.3736) and negligible toxicity concerns. Hederagenin (drug-likeness: -5.3272) and Anthocyanins (drug-likeness: -6.2041) also demonstrate promising safety profiles. Furthermore, pharmacophore modeling elucidates the compounds' unique interaction landscapes within BACE1's active site. Masticadienonic acid showcases seven hydrophobic interactions and a hydrogen bond acceptor interaction with Thr232. Hederagenin exhibits a specific hydrogen bond acceptor interaction with Trp76, emphasizing its selective binding. Anthocyanins reveal a multifaceted engagement, combining hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bond interactions with key residues. In conclusion, Masticadienonic acid, Hederagenin, and Anthocyanins stand out as promising candidates for further experimental validation, presenting a synergistic balance of efficacy and safety in combating AD through BACE1 inhibition.

Hibiscetin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-evoked memory impairment by inhibiting BDNF/caspase-3/NF-κB pathway in rodents

This study explores the neuroprotective potential of hibiscetin concerning memory deficits induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in rats. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hibiscetin against LPS-injected memory deficits in rats. The behavioral paradigms were conducted to access LPS-induced memory deficits. Various biochemical parameters such as acetyl-cholinesterase activity, choline-acetyltransferase, antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, catalase), oxidative stress (malonaldehyde), and nitric oxide levels were examined. Furthermore, neuroinflammatory parameters such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and nuclear factor-kappa B expression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor as well as apoptosis marker i.e., caspase-3 were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the hibiscetin-treated group exhibited significant recovery in LPS-induced memory deficits in rats by using behavioral paradigms, biochemical parameters, antioxidant levels, oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory markers, and apoptosis markers. Recent research suggested that hibiscetin may serve as a promising neuroprotective agent in experimental animals and could offer an alternative in LPS-injected memory deficits in rodent models.

Beta-caryophyllene mitigates the cognitive impairment caused by repeated exposure to aspartame in rats: Putative role of BDNF-TrKB signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase activity

Aspartame (ASP) is a common sweetener, but studies show it can harm the nervous system, causing learning and memory deficits. β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural compound found in foods, including bread, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and spices, has already described as a neuroprotector agent. Remarkably, ASP and BCP are commonly consumed, including in the same meal. Therefore, considering that (a) the BCP displays plenty of beneficial effects; (b) the ASP toxicity; and (c) that they can be consumed in the same meal, this study sought to investigate if the BCP would mitigate the memory impairment induced by ASP in rats and investigate the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/ tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrKB) signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Young male Wistar rats received ASP (75 mg/kg; i.g.) and/or BCP (100 mg/kg; i.p.) once daily, for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were evaluated in the open field and object recognition tests. The cerebral cortex and hippocampus samples were collected for biochemical and molecular analyses. Results showed that the BCP effectively protected against the cognitive damage caused by ASP in short and long-term memories. In addition, BCP mitigated the increase in AChE activity caused by ASP. Molecular insights revealed augmented BDNF and TrKB levels in the hippocampus of rats treated with BCP, indicating greater activation of this pathway. In conclusion, BCP protected against ASP-induced memory impairment. AChE activity and the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway seem to be potential targets of BCP modulatory role in this study.

Analysis of the Chemical Composition and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticoagulant, and Antidiabetic Properties of Pistacia lentiscus from Boulemane as a Natural Nutraceutical Preservative

Pistacia lentiscus L. has traditionally been employed as a diuretic and stimulant in the treatment of hypertension. Our interest centered on analyzing the chemical profile of the plant's leaves and its in vitro, in vivo, and in silico antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic effects in order to valorize this species and prepare new high-value products that can be used in the agro-food and pharmaceutical industries. When this species' essential oil was hydrodistilled and subjected to GC-MS analysis, the results showed that the principal components were germacrene D (17.54%), spathulenol (17.38%), bicyclogermacrene (12.52%), and terpinen-4-ol (9.95%). The extraction of phenolic compounds was carried out by decoction and Soxhlet. The determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins of aqueous and organic extracts by spectrophotometric methods demonstrated the richness of this species in phenolic compounds. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC/UV-ESI-MS of the aqueous extract of P. lentiscus revealed the presence of 3,5-di-O-galloyl quinic acid, gallic acid, and 3,4,5-tri-O-galloyl quinic acid specific to this species. The study of antioxidant activity by three methods (DPPH, FRAP, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) revealed that P. lentiscus is a very promising source of natural antioxidants. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and aqueous extract (E0) was studied by microdilution on the microplate. The results revealed the effectiveness of the aqueous extract compared to the essential oil against Gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. aerogenes, E. cloacae, P. fluorescence, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Y. enterolitica) and candidoses (C. krusei and C. albicans). The measurements of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of the aqueous extract (E0) can significantly prolong these tests from concentrations of 2.875 and 5.750 mg/mL, respectively. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract (E0) showed a strong in vitro inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Thus, it significantly inhibited postprandial hyperglycemia in Wistar albino rats. The in-silico study of the major compounds of the essential oil and extract (E0) carried out using PASS, SwissADME, pkCSM, and molecular docking tools confirmed our in vitro and in vivo results. The studied compounds showed a strong ability to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and to passively diffuse through the blood-brain barrier, a similarity to drugs, and water solubility. Molecular docking experiments deduced the probable mode of action of the identified compounds on their respective target proteins, such as NADPH oxidase, thrombin, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Furthermore, given the demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic effects, we can affirm the richness of P. lentiscus in bioactive molecules and its use in traditional medicine as a source of preservative agent.

Why Should Pistachio Be a Regular Food in Our Diet?

The pistachio is regarded as a relevant source of biologically active components that, compared to other nuts, possess a healthier nutritional profile with low-fat content composed mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids, a high source of vegetable protein and dietary fibre, remarkable content of minerals, especially potassium, and an excellent source of vitamins, such as vitamins C and E. A rich composition in terms of phytochemicals, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and, importantly, phenolic compounds, makes pistachio a powerful food to explore its involvement in the prevention of prevalent pathologies. Although pistachio has been less explored than other nuts (walnut, almonds, hazelnut, etc.), many studies provide evidence of its beneficial effects on CVD risk factors beyond the lipid-lowering effect. The present review gathers recent data regarding the most beneficial effects of pistachio on lipid and glucose homeostasis, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation that essentially convey a protective/preventive effect on the onset of pathological conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, CVD, and cancer. Likewise, the influence of pistachio consumption on gut microbiota is reviewed with promising results. However, population nut consumption does not meet current intake recommendations due to the extended belief that they are fattening products, their high cost, or teething problems, among the most critical barriers, which would be solved with more research and information.

Al-Awthan Y, Muhammad N, Mukarram Shah M, Mitra S, Bin Emran T, Bahattab O, S. Mubarak M. Pharmacological Investigation of Genus Pistacia

Several plants in the genus Pistacia are used in the treatment of various pathogenic and non-pathogenic disorders. Especially important are the major species belonging to this genus such as Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia vera, Pistacia terebinthus, and Pistacia khinjuk, among others; these have been reported for their potential benefits both in medical and commercial purposes. In addition, members of this genus exhibit numerous ethnomedicinal uses, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertension, antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, and antiasthma. In light of these potential uses, the present chapter aimed to collect and summarize the literature about all of this medicinal information. Accordingly, this chapter focuses on the pharmacological uses and benefits of the genus Pistacia, especially those related to health issues.

Effects of a Short-Term Lipopolysaccharides Challenge on Mouse Brain and Liver Peroxisomal Antioxidant and β-oxidative Functions: Protective Action of Argan Oil

During sepsis, the imbalance between oxidative insult and body antioxidant response causes the dysfunction of organs, including the brain and liver. Exposing mice to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) results in a similar pathophysiological outcome. The protection offered by argan oil was studied against LPS-induced oxidative stress, dysregulation of peroxisomal antioxidants, and β-oxidation activities in the brain and liver. In a short-term LPS treatment, lipid peroxidation (malonaldehyde assay) increased in the brain and liver with upregulations of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor (Tnf)-α and anti-inflammatory interleukin (Il)-10 genes, especially in the liver. Although exposure to olive oil (OO), colza oil (CO), and argan oil (AO) prevented LPS-induced lipid peroxidation in the brain and liver, only AO exposure protected against liver inflammation. Remarkably, only exposure to AO prevented LPS-dependent glutathione (GSH) dysregulation in the brain and liver. Furthermore, exposure to AO increased more efficiently than OO and CO in both organs, peroxisomal antioxidant capacity via induction of catalase (Cat) gene, protein and activity expression levels, and superoxide dismutase (Sod1) mRNA and activity levels. Interestingly, LPS decreased protein levels of the peroxisomal fatty acid-ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, ABCD1 and ABCD2, and increased acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) protein expression. Moreover, these LPS effects were attenuated for ABCD1 and ACOX1 in the brain of mice pretreated with AO. Our data collectively highlight the protective effects of AO against early oxidative stress caused by LPS in the brain and liver and their reliance on the preservation of peroxisomal functions, including antioxidant and β-oxidation activities, making AO a promising candidate for the prevention and management of sepsis.

Supplementation of carvacrol attenuates hippocampal tumor necrosis factor-alpha level, oxidative stress, and learning and memory dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-exposed rats

Background:

Carvacrol is a natural phenolic monoterpene with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivities. Neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress responses play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The present study examined the effect of carvacrol on brain tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level and oxidative stress as well as spatial learning and memory performances in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed rats.

Materials and Methods:

The rats were treated with either carvacrol (25 and 50 mg/kg) or Tween 80 for 2 weeks. Thereafter, LPS (1 mg/kg) or saline was intraperitoneally administered on days 15–19, 2 h before Morris water maze task, and treatments with carvacrol or Tween 80 were performed 30 min prior to behavioral testing. The level of TNF-α, lipid peroxidation, and total thiol concentration were measured in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex at the end of the experiment.

Results:

It was found that LPS-exposed rats exhibited spatial learning and memory dysfunction, which was accompanied by increased TNF-α level and lipid peroxidation, and decreased total thiol concentration in the hippocampus and/or cortex. Moreover, treatment with carvacrol at a dose of 25 mg/kg attenuated learning and memory impairments, decreased TNF-α and lipid peroxidation level in the hippocampus and cortex, and increased total thiol concentration in the cortex.

Conclusion:

Carvacrol exerts neuroprotective effects against LPS-induced spatial memory deficits through attenuating hippocampal TNF-α level and oxidative stress in rats.

Antioxidant Properties and Cytoprotective Effect of Pistacia lentiscus L. Seed Oil against 7β-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Toxicity in C2C12 Myoblasts: Reduction in Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial and Peroxisomal Dysfunctions and Attenuation of Cell Death

Aging is characterized by a progressive increase in oxidative stress, which favors lipid peroxidation and the formation of cholesterol oxide derivatives, including 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC). This oxysterol, which is known to trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, could contribute to the aging process and age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia. Identifying molecules or mixtures of molecules preventing the toxicity of 7β-OHC is therefore an important issue. This study consists of determining the chemical composition of Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus L. seed oil (PLSO) used in the Tunisian diet and evaluating its ability to counteract the cytotoxic effects induced by 7β-OHC in murine C2C12 myoblasts. The effects of 7β-OHC (50 µM; 24 h), associated or not with PLSO, were studied on cell viability, oxidative stress, and on mitochondrial and peroxisomal damages induction. α-Tocopherol (400 µM) was used as the positive control for cytoprotection. Our data show that PLSO is rich in bioactive compounds; it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, and several nutrients with antioxidant properties: phytosterols, α-tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. When associated with PLSO (100 µg/mL), the 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxic effects were strongly attenuated. The cytoprotection was in the range of those observed with α-tocopherol. This cytoprotective effect was characterized by prevention of cell death and organelle dysfunction (restoration of cell adhesion, cell viability, and plasma membrane integrity; prevention of mitochondrial and peroxisomal damage) and attenuation of oxidative stress (reduction in reactive oxygen species overproduction in whole cells and at the mitochondrial level; decrease in lipid and protein oxidation products formation; and normalization of antioxidant enzyme activities: glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). These results provide evidence that PLSO has similar antioxidant properties than α-tocopherol used at high concentration and contains a mixture of molecules capable to attenuate 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxic effects in C2C12 myoblasts. These data reinforce the interest in edible oils associated with the Mediterranean diet, such as PLSO, in the prevention of age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia.

Neuroprotective Natural Products for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the number one neurovegetative disease, but its treatment options are relatively few and ineffective. In efforts to discover new strategies for AD therapy, natural products have aroused interest in the research community and in the pharmaceutical industry for their neuroprotective activity, targeting different pathological mechanisms associated with AD. A wide variety of natural products from different origins have been evaluated preclinically and clinically for their neuroprotective mechanisms in preventing and attenuating the multifactorial pathologies of AD. This review mainly focuses on the possible neuroprotective mechanisms from natural products that may be beneficial in AD treatment and the natural product mixtures or extracts from different sources that have demonstrated neuroprotective activity in preclinical and/or clinical studies. It is believed that natural product mixtures or extracts containing multiple bioactive compounds that can work additively or synergistically to exhibit multiple neuroprotective mechanisms might be an effective approach in AD drug discovery.

Neuroprotective effects of Levisticum officinale on LPS-induced spatial learning and memory impairments through neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties

Levisticum officinale (Apiaceae) has been identified as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine, with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Levisticum officinale extract (LOE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced learning and memory deficits and to examine its potential mechanisms. LOE was administered to adult male Wistar rats at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1 for a week. Later, LPS was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 1 mg kg-1 to induce neuroinflammation, and treatment with LOE continued for 3 more weeks. Behavioral, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed at the end of the experiment. Moreover, quantitative immunohistochemical assessments of the expression of Ki-67 (intracellular proliferation marker) in the hippocampus were performed. The results revealed that LPS injection caused spatial memory impairment in the rats. Daily LOE treatment at applied doses for 4 weeks attenuated spatial learning and memory deficits in LPS-injected rats. Furthermore, LPS significantly increased the mRNA expression level of interleukin-6 in the hippocampus, which was accompanied by decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression levels. Moreover, LPS increased the levels of malondialdehyde, reduced the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus, and impaired neurogenesis. However, pre-treatment with LOE at a dose of 100 mg kg-1 significantly reversed the LPS-induced changes, and improved neurogenesis. In conclusion, the beneficial effect of LOE on the improvement of learning and memory could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, along with its ability to increase BDNF expression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Leaves and Fruits Preparations of Pistacia lentiscus L.: A Review on the Ethnopharmacological Uses and Implications in Inflammation and Infection

There is an increasing interest in revisiting plants for drug discovery, proving scientifically their role as remedies. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of Pistacia lentiscus L. (PlL) leaves and fruits, expanding the search for the scientific discovery of their chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. PlL is a wild-growing shrub rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, the oil and extracts of which have been widely used against inflammation and infections, and as wound healing agents. The more recurrent components in PlL essential oil (EO) are represented by α-pinene, terpinene, caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, with high variability in concentration depending on the Mediterranean country. The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil mainly occurs due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the arachidonic acid cascade. Interestingly, the capacity against COX-2 and LOX indicates PlL EO as a dual inhibitory compound. The high content of polyphenols enriching the extracts provide explanations for the known biological properties of the plant. The protective effect against reactive oxygen species is of wide interest. In particular, their anthocyanins content greatly clarifies their antioxidative capacity. Further, the antimicrobial activity of PlL oil and extracts includes the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, periodontal bacteria and Candida spp. In conclusion, the relevant scientific properties indicate PlL as a nutraceutical and also as a therapeutic agent against a wide range of diseases based on inflammation and infections.

The Protective Action of Rubus sp. Fruit Extract Against Oxidative Damage in Mice Exposed to Lipopolysaccharide

Neuroinflammation is an event that occurs in several pathologies of brain. Rubus sp. (blackberry) is a powerful antioxidant fruit, and its extract has neuroprotective activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the blackberry extract properties on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, in relation to oxidative parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain structures of mice. We also investigated interleukin-10 levels in serum. Mice were submitted to Rubus sp. extract treatment once daily for 14 days. On the fifteenth day, LPS was injected in a single dose. LPS induced oxidative brain damage and the blackberry extract demonstrated preventive effects in LPS-challenged mice. LPS administration increased reactive oxygen species levels in the cerebral cortex and striatum, as well as lipid peroxidation in the cerebral cortex. However, the blackberry extract prevented all these parameters. Furthermore, LPS decreased thiol content in the striatum and hippocampus, while a neuroprotective effect of blackberry extract treatment was observed in relation to this parameter. The blackberry extract also prevented a decrease in catalase activity in all the brain structures and of superoxide dismutase in the striatum. An increase in acetylcholinesterase activity was detected in the cerebral cortex in the LPS group, but this activity was decreased in the Rubus sp. extract group. Serum IL-10 levels were reduced by LPS, and the extract was not able to prevent this change. Finally, we observed an antioxidant effect of blackberry extract in LPS-challenged mice suggesting that this anthocyanin-rich extract could be considered as a potential nutritional therapeutic agent for preventive damage associated with neuroinflammation.

Beneficial Medicinal Plants for Memory and Cognitive Functions Based on Traditional Persian Medicine

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most important causes of dementia, especially in the elderlies. Due to the failures of recent clinical trials in finding effective medications, it appears the use of complementary therapies such as Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) and the rich sources of effective herbs as well as their constituents for improving memory function could be beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recommended natural remedies in the TPM and examine their pharmacological properties. For this purpose, the data were collected by searching the recommended prescriptions of the seminal TPM textbooks. Then, the names of the most freuqently mentioned plants were extracted from the natural remedies and evaluated for their pharmacological properties. The sources included recently published articles cited in the major scientific databases. A total of 262 plants were identified in 96 evaluated prescriptions; 20 plants were identified with the most frequency of report (i.e. more than 10 times). Their neuroprotective effects, antioxidant features, and anti-AD properties were discussed. Based on our results, TPM has introduced many effective treatments for AD. Hence, more clinical studies are warranted to verify their efficacy and safety.

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Pistacia lentiscus Improves Acute Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats by Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

We investigate the antioxidant activity and protective effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus (AELPL) against ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid infusion through the rectum in Wistar rats. Phytochemical analyses allowed the identification of numerous phenolic compounds in P. lentiscus leaves such as flavonoids (isoquercetin and luterolin), flavonols (catechin, rutin, and kaempferol), phenolic acids (ellagic and dicaffeoylquinic), and tanins. Acetic acid exposure induced macroscopic colonic mucosal lesions with hemorrhage, congestion, edema, and the development of an expected oxidative stress state revealed by an increase in lipoperoxidation and carbonylation of proteins and a decrease in sulfhydryl (SH) group levels and antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-peroxidase, and glutathione transferase, as well as an increase in the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6, in the colon and plasma. Administration of acetic acid also increased plasma and tissue levels of hydrogen peroxide and rates of iron and free calcium, whereas AELPL significantly and dose-dependently attenuated all the previous biochemical alterations and intracellular mediator perturbations. In conclusion, the AELPL exhibited a potent cytoprotective effect against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats, mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The Effects of Ripe Pistachio Hulls Hydroalcoholic Extract and Aerobic Training on Learning and Memory in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Male Rats

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus has harmful effects on body functions, such as learning and memory. According to the role of exercise and medicinal plants on body health, the purpose of this study was to survey the effect of combined aerobic training and the use of Ripe Pistachio Hulls (RPH) hydro-alcoholic extract on learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Methods:

In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats weighing 250–280 g were used in 6 groups with an equal number of 7 rats in each one. Streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg / kg)was used to induce diabetes, and the test protocol was applied for 8 weeks. Passive avoidance memory was assessed using a step-through passive avoidance apparatus (shuttle box). SPSS software was used to analyze the data and P<0.05 was significant.

Results:

The results showed that step-through latency in the acquisition trial (STLa) was not significantly different among groups. Step-through latency in retrieval (STLr 24) test significantly reduced and time spent in The Dark Compartment (TDC) decreased in treated groups compared with the diabetic control groups (P<0.001). Also, there was no significant difference between the STZ and saline diabetic groups.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study revealed that the RPH hydro-alcoholic extract and aerobic exercise could improve passive avoidance memory in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Meanwhile, they might be an adjuvant therapy combined with other traditional medicine.

Antidiabetic and Anticholinesterase Properties of Extracts and Pure Metabolites of Fruit Stems of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)

:

Five metabolites were isolated by chromatographic methods from the fruit stems of P. vera and their chemical structures were characterized as masticadienonic acid (1), tirucallol (2), masticadienolic acid (3), pistachionic acid (4) and inulobiose (5) via FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR. Pistachionic acid (4), a new shikimic acid derivative, was isolated from the ethanol extract for the first time. The hexane, chloroform, ethanol extracts and pure metabolites exhibited antidiabetic properties by inhibiting α- glycosidase and α-amylase enzymes at different rates. Their inhibitory effects against the α- glycosidase enzyme were also higher than that of the acarbose (IC50=10.30 mg/mL). Masticadienolic acid (3) (IC50=0.03 mg/mL), masticadienonic acid (1) (IC50=0.13 mg/mL) and hexane extract (IC50=0.09 mg/mL) with the lowest IC50 values were found to be most active substances. Nevertheless, the inhibitory effect of acarbose against the α-amylase enzyme was determined to be higher than the inhibition effects of the extracts and pure metabolites. According to the IC50 values, the best inhibitors against the α-amylase were ethanol extract (IC50=5.17 mg/mL), pistachionic acid (4) (IC50=7.35 mg/mL), tirucallol (2) (IC50=7.58 mg/mL) and masticadienolic acid (3) (IC50=8.22 mg/mL), respectively among the applications. In addition, anticholinesterase properties of the extracts and pure metabolites were investigated by testing the inhibitory properties against acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and butrylcholine esterase (BChE) enzymes activities. The results showed that the anticholinesterase properties of all extracts and pure metabolites were weaker than those of the commercial cholinesterase inhibitors, neostigmine and galantamine, and all applications reduced the activity of these enzymes at very high concentrations.

Regular Intake of Pistachio Mitigates the Deleterious Effects of a High Fat-Diet in the Brain of Obese Mice

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of pistachio intake in HFD mice. Three groups of mice were fed a standard diet (STD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with pistachio (HFD-P) for 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction) were analyzed by using specific assays and biomarkers. The pistachio diet significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the HFD model. No difference was observed in the index of insulin resistance between HFD and HFD-P. A higher number of fragmented nuclei were found in HFD cerebral cortex compared to STD and HFD-P. A decrease in reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and an increase of superoxide dismutase 2 and heme oxygenase expression were found in the brains of the HFD-P samples compared to HFD. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function found in HFD brain was partially recovered in HFD-P mice. These results suggest that the regular intake of pistachio may be useful in preventing obesity-related neurodegeneration, being able to reduce both metabolic and cellular dysfunctions.