Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) improves lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic rats

Chemical composition and mosquitocidal properties of essential oil from Indian indigenous plants Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Ocimum americanum L. against three vector mosquitoes

Mosquitoes stand out as the most perilous and impactful vectors on a global scale, transmitting a multitude of infectious diseases to both humans and other animals. The primary objective of the current research was to assess the effectiveness of EOs from Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Ocimum americanum L. in controlling Anopheles stephensi Liston. Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes aegypti L. mosquitoes. The larvae, pupae and eggs of the mosquitoes were exposed to four different concentrations (6.25-50 ppm). The tested EOs resulted in >99-100 % mortality at 120 h for the eggs of all examined mosquito species. It also showed robust larvicidal and pupicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 17-39, 23-60 ppm and 46-220, and 73-412 ppm against Aedes, Culex and Anopheles mosquito species, respectively, at 24 h of treatment. The Suitability Index or Predator Safety Factor demonstrated that the EOs extracted from O. tenuiflorum L. and O. americanum L. did not cause harm to P. reticulata, D. indicus (water bug), G. affinis and nymph (dragonfly). GC-MS analysis identified the major probable constituents of the oil, including Phenol, 2-Methoxy-4-(1-Propenyl)- (28.29 %); 1-Methyl-3-(1'-Methylcyclopropyl) Cyclopentene (46.46 %); (E,E,E)-3,7,11,15-Tetramethylhexadeca-1,3,6,10,14-Pentaene (18.91 %) and 1,3-Isobenzofurandione, 3a,4,7,7a-Tetrahydro-4,7-Dimethyl (33.02 %). These constituents may play a significant role in the mosquitocidal activity of the oil. The same results were identified in the formulation prepared from the EOs. This marks the first report confirming the successful utilization of EOs derived from O. tenuiflorum L. and O. americanum L. in mosquito population control initiatives.

Olfactory Stimulation with Volatile Aroma Compounds of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Essential Oil and Linalool Ameliorates White Fat Accumulation and Dyslipidemia in Chronically Stressed Rats

We explored the physiological effects of inhaling basil essential oil (BEO) and/or linalool and identified odor-active aroma compounds in BEO using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-olfactometry (GC-O). Linalool was identified as the major volatile compound in BEO. Three groups of rats were administered BEO and linalool via inhalation, while rats in the control group were not. Inhalation of BEO for 20 min only reduced the total weight gain (190.67 ± 2.52 g) and increased the forced swimming time (47.33 ± 14.84 s) compared with the control group (219.67 ± 2.08 g, 8.33 ± 5.13 s). Inhalation of BEO for 5 min (392 ± 21 beats/min) only reduced the pulse compared with the control group (420 ± 19 beats/min). Inhalation of linalool only reduced the weight of white adipose tissue (5.75 ± 0.61 g). The levels of stress-related hormones were not significantly different among the groups. The total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased after inhalation of BEO for 20 min (by more than -10% and -15%, respectively). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lowered (by more than -10%) by the inhalation of BEO and linalool, regardless of the inhalation time. In particular, BEO inhalation for 20 min was associated with the lowest level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (53.94 ± 2.72 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased after inhalation of BEO (by more than +15%). The atherogenic index and cardiac risk factors were suppressed by BEO inhalation. Animals exposed to BEO and linalool had no significant differences in hepatotoxicity. These data suggest that the inhalation of BEO and linalool may ameliorate cardiovascular and lipid dysfunctions. These effects should be explored further for clinical applications.

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Fruits

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (Z. lotus) is a medicinal plant species that is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. Moroccans traditionally use it to treat many illnesses thanks to its beneficial medicinal properties. The purpose of this study is to assess the anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of a flavonoid-rich aqueous extract of Z. lotus fruits (ZLF). The 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and the β-carotene bleaching test were used to determine the antioxidant activity of ZLF. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the aqueous extract of ZLF (200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated in albino mice exposed to the chronic high-fat diet, based on lipid profile, blood sugar, and changes in growth performance. The results showed that the aqueous extract of ZLF rich in flavonoids (2242.89 ± 25 µg QE (quercitin equivalent)/mg), and has a considerable antioxidant power against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 116 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and β-carotene oxidation. The aqueous extract of ZLF also showed a significant anti-hyperlipidemic effect by improving abnormal changes in lipid profile and blood glucose levels in albino mice exposed to a chronic high-fat diet. Our findings suggest that the anti-hyperlipidemic activities of ZLF aqueous extract are correlated with its flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aqueous extract of ZLF could be an essential therapeutic candidate for hyperlipidemia patients, thanks to its richness in bioactive molecules.

Hypolipidemic effects of Hypericum Scabrum extract on the serum lipid profile and obesity in high-fat diet fed rats

Diets included high-fat (HFD) and high calories intake is correlated with greater risk of obesity and oxidative stress, which lead to increase the risk of related diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In the present study, we have examined the hypolipidemic activity of Hypericum Scabrum extract on HFD fed rats. Fifty-four male Wistar rats divided into six groups: 1) control, 2) H. Scabrum extract (100 mg/kg gavage per day), 3) H. Scabrum extract (300 mg/kg), 4) HFD, 5) HFD and H. Scabrum extract (100 mg/kg), 6) HFD and H. Scabrum extract (300 mg/kg). The groups were fed their diet and treatment for 3 months. Biochemical analysis showed elevated lipid serum profile in HFD rats compared to control group. H. Scabrum extract supplementation significantly ameliorated triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. H. Scabrum extract supplementation leading to increase HDL-cholesterol in HFD treated groups. This experiment showed that H. Scabrum extract decreased HFD complications and might be beneficial herbal drug for treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity.

Effect of polyphenol, flavonoid, and saponin fractions from Thymus atlanticus on acute and chronic hyperlipidemia in mice

Background

Thymus atlanticus is an endemic plant of the Mediterranean region, which has been used in the Moroccan mountain area to treat several diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polyphenol, flavonoid, and saponin fractions derived from this plant on acute and chronic hyperlipidemia in male albino mice.

Results

The results indicated that the injection of Triton WR-1339 (20 mg/100 g body weight (B.wt.)) and 6-week administration of a high-fat diet (which is an 81.8% standard diet supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 16% lard, and 0.2% cholic acid) significantly increased plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), but did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in mice. Administration of a single dose (2 mg/kg B.wt.) of polyphenol, flavonoid, or saponin fractions significantly suppressed the effect of Triton injection on plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C. In addition, the supplementation of the high-fat diet with polyphenol fraction (2 mg/kg B.wt./day) prevented the increase of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, and effectively increased HDL-C level when compared to mice feeding only the high-fat diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, phenolic compounds from Thymus atlanticus possess a significant hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects and, therefore, could have an important role in the management of dyslipidemia.

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antidiabetogenic Effects of Opuntia dillenii Seed Oil

Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl.) Haw. is a medicinal plant that is widely used by the Moroccan population to treat many diseases, thanks to its richness in bioactive molecules. This study aims to evaluate the total phenolic content and antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetogenic activities of O. dillenii seeds oil (ODSO), in vivo. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and the Folin–Ciocalteu method were applied in this study to determine antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of ODSO, respectively. The antihyperlipidemic effect of the ODSO (2 ml/kg) was evaluated in the high-fat diet-fed albino mice, relying on lipid profile, blood glucose, and growth performance variations. Moreover, the preventive effect of ODSO was evaluated against alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetes in albino mice. ODSO had the highest total phenolic content (518.18 ± 14.36 mg EAC/kg) and DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 0.38 ± 0.08 mg/mL). Furthermore, ODSO showed a significant antidiabetogenic effect by reducing bodyweight loss, blood sugar level rise, and mortality rate caused by alloxan in albino mice. Then, ODSO has exhibited a significant antihyperlipidemic effect by improving the lipid profile disorder and glucose level rise in the blood, produced by the high-fat diet-fed albino mice. Results suggest that antidiabetogenic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ODSO correlate to the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of this oil. Hence, this plant could be a significant source of medically important critical compounds.

Two Cultivars of <i>Ocimum basilicum</i> Leaves Extracts Attenuate Streptozotocin-mediated Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Leaves of basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) are often used for medicinal purposes because of their bioactive constituents, yet the antioxidant properties of this plant are not fully studied in the field of diabetes. The present study investigated the antioxidant property and anti-diabetic effect of two basil cultivars of Ocimum basilicum, 'Italian Genovese' and 'Thyrsiflora', in a Streptozotocin (STZ) rat model of diabetes .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10/group) were divided into 6 groups: Three non-diabetic and three diabetic groups that either did not receive any supplementation or were supplemented with the leaves extract of one or the other cultivar. After 13 weeks of feeding, all rats were sacrificed, pancreatic tissues were homogenized and used for evaluating oxidative DNA damage and dichlorofluorescein fluorescence (DCF) assay. Blood was collected for the measurements of glucose and insulin.

RESULTS

The STZ caused oxidative stress in the diabetic group as evidenced by an increase in oxidative DNA damage and also caused DCF production in pancreatic tissues as compared to non-diabetic groups, (p<0.05). The STZ treatment resulted in hyperglycemia and low serum insulin level in diabetic rats. Supplementation with extracts of 'Italian Genovese' and 'Thyrsiflora' to the diabetic groups significantly abrogated the STZ-mediated effects (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the extracts from the leaves of the two examined basil cultivars act as potent antioxidants and combat the STZ-mediated diabetogenic effect.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Herbal Aqueous Extracts and Their Chemical Characterization

Plant extracts are gaining more attention as therapeutic agents against inflammation. In this study, four different widely used herbals were selected, such as holy basil leaf, sesame seed, long pepper, and cubeb pepper. We have evaluated the anti-inflammatory action of an aqueous extract from these herbs and tested their effects on monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). MDMs were pre-treated with these extracts individually for 2 h, followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation for 24 h and pro-inflammatory gene expression was analyzed. Also, we studied the effect of these extracts on the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by enzymatic (Myeloperoxidase) and non-enzymatic (copper) reactions. All extracts attenuated LPS-induced inflammation and also were able to inhibit the oxidation of LDL. These beneficial actions of extracts led us to identify molecules present in the extracts. A liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometric analysis was performed to identify the chemical composition of extracts. Wide range of molecules were identified across all the extracts, short-chain organic acids, phenolic acids and derivatives, piperine and its structural homologues, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and their glucosides, and others. This study opens a door for future studies on non-pharmacological natural therapeutics that will be useful for consumers and producers, as well as industries utilizing bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extracts in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

This study investigated the chemical composition, in vivo antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic potential of Ajwa date polyphenol extract (DPE). Chemical analysis revealed that the Ajwa dates contain substantial amounts of carbohydrates, energy, potassium, iron, polyphenols, and flavonoids. In vivo studies showed that feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diets significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased their body and liver weights, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) in plasma and liver, and reduced the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content and antioxidant enzyme activities. However, oral administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg DPE/kg body weight to hypercholestrolemic rats, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced their body and liver weights, total hepatic cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and triglycerides. Furthermore, treatment with DPE improved (p ≤ 0.05) the HDL-C concentration and antioxidant enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent fashion, thereby regulating lipid profiles, enhancing the antioxidant defense system. Overall, DPE showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) nutritional, antioxidants, and antihyperlipidemic benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenol have shown to exert cardio-protective effect. This work revealed that phenolic extracts of Ajwa dates have positive impacts on the health as it reduced TC, LDL-C, and lipids VLDL-C and improved HDL-C and the antioxidant defense system in rats. The findings of this study could aid in the profound understanding of the nutritional and health potentials of Ajwa dates and thus could help in utilization of these valuable fruits for the prevention and curing of cardiovascular diseases.

The Effects of Piper Guineense versus Sesamum Indicum Aqueous Extracts on Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidants in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

BACKGROUND

Piper guineense (PG) and Sesamum indicum (SI) have been shown to be rich sources of antioxidants and other health benefits; hence, we evaluated the impact of its consumption in hypercholesterolemic model on lipid metabolism.

METHODS

Forty-eight animals were divided into eight groups of six rats each. Rats were given cholesterol (40 mg/0.3ml), PG and SI extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), and Questran (0.26 g/kg) orally, five times a week for 28 days. Lipid profile, hepatic antioxidant status, biomarkers of liver toxicity, and tissue histopathology were examined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Cholesterol feeding caused 100% gain in weight, significantly increased AST, LPO (P=0.41 and 0.002) but significantly decreased SOD (P=0.003) compared to control. CHPG(1)/(2) and CHSI(1)/(2) caused a significant decrease (P=0.01, 0.005, 0.003, and 0.023) in cholesterol-induced body-weight gain and decreased serum total cholesterol by 20-30% compared to untreated-hypercholesterolemic rats. Triglyceride and LDL-c decreased with extract administration and specifically HDL-c increased significantly (P<0.001) by CHSI(1) compared to untreated-hypercholesterol rats. Furthermore, an increase in HDL-c was higher (P=0.04 and 0.002) by SI compared to PG at both doses.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that PG and SI exerts a hypolipidemic effect, reduces cholesterol intake induced body weight gain, and increases the body's antioxidant defense system in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

Effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on cadmium-induced testicular histomorphometric and immunohistochemical alterations in albino rats

The present study examined the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract, a natural herb, with antioxidant properties, against testicular toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd), which is one of the most important toxic heavy metals. The intoxicated rats showed significant alterations in the testicular tissue including decreased seminiferous epithelium height and changes in the arrangement of spermatogenic layers. Hypospermatogensis with cytoplasmic vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei were observed. Intertubular hemorrahage and absence of spermatozoa were noted. Decreased cell proliferation was reflected by a decrease in Ki-67 expression, whereas the increase in apoptotic rate was associated with a decrease in the Bcl/Bax ratio. Concomitant treatment with aqueous basil extract led to an improvement in histological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical changes induced by Cd. The beneficial effects of basil extract could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Treating type 2 diabetes mellitus with traditional chinese and Indian medicinal herbs

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a fast-growing epidemic affecting people globally. Furthermore, multiple complications and comorbidities are associated with T2DM. Lifestyle modifications along with pharmacotherapy and patient education are the mainstay of therapy for patients afflicted with T2DM. Western medications are frequently associated with severe adverse drug reactions and high costs of treatment. Herbal medications have long been used in the treatment and prevention of T2DM in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Indian medicine (TIM). This review examines in vivo, in vitro, and clinical evidence supporting the use of various herbs used in TCM and TIM. The problems, challenges, and opportunities for the incorporation of herbal frequently used in TCM and TIM into Western therapy are presented and discussed.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of Ichnocarpus frutescens in triton WR-1339-induced and high-fat diet animals

CONTEXT

Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae) is used to treat diabetes and hyperlipidemia in folk medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The crude methanol extract and fractions of I. frutescens were investigated for antihyperlipidemic effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh leaves of I. frutescens were extracted with methanol and fractionated with hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol. The active acetone fraction was subfractionated, which resulted in active fraction 3. The antihyperlipidemic effects of the methanol extract and fractions of I. frutescens were studied in triton WR-1339-induced and high-fat diet (HFD) obese animals. Further, lipid absorption and excretion were studied.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The methanol extract significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) by 29.63% and triglyceride (Tg) by 51.10% at 400 mg/kg in triton WR-1339-induced animals and significantly reduced TC (27.81%) and Tg (37.03%) at 400 mg/kg in HFD animals. Fraction 3 showed significant reduction in TC (25.03%) and Tg (58.05%) at 200 mg/kg. Feeding of HFD consisting 3% of fraction 3 increased feces weight and Tg level in mice. Fraction 3, showed significant decrease in plasma Tg level at the second hour, after oral administration of the lipid emulsion to rats.

CONCLUSION

The observed properties apparently validate the folk medicinal use of this plant in amelioration of hyperlipidemia.

Renoprotective effect of grape seed extract against oxidative stress induced by gentamicin and hypercholesterolemia in rats

RATIONALE

Kidneys are dynamic organs and represent one of the major systems maintaining the body homeostasis; they are affected by many chemicals and drugs. Grape seed extract (GSE) has been targeted to prevent drug-induced renal toxicity.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the possible renoprotective effect of GSE against oxidative stress, renal impairment, and hypercholesterolemia (HC) induced by gentamicin (GM) and cholesterol-enriched diet. Seventy adult male Wistar rats (160 ± 10 g) were divided into seven groups: (1) served as control, (2) GSE, (3) GM, (4) GSE + GM, (5) hypercholesterolemic (HC) group, (6) GM + HC group, and (7) GM + HC + GSE. Kidney functions, inflammatory mediators, cytokines, lipid profile, nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and oxidative and antioxidative stress parameters were assessed in all groups.

MAIN FINDINGS

GM induced renal dysfunction, which was exacerbated by the presence of HC as confirmed by laboratory determinations. Administration of GSE attenuated the renal toxicity evidenced in significant reduction in elevated kidney function, inflammatory cytokines as well as lipid profile, NO, cGMP, enzymatic, and nonenzymatic antioxidants.

CONCLUSION

Administration of GSE simultaneously with GM attenuated oxidative stress, diminished renal toxicity, and improved lipid profile induced by GM and HC.

Hypoglycemic effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) aqueous extract is mediated through inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities

The present study investigated the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of basil ( Ocimum basilicum) aqueous extract. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. The total polyphenols content (TPC), flavonoids content (FC), percentage diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) radical inhibition and total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. The FC was 41 ± 2.2 rutin/g dry extract, the TPC was 146 ± 5.26 mg catechin/g dry extract and the TAS was 5.12 ± 0.7 mmol/L. The %DPPH· free radical inhibition was 60%, 54%, 49% and 43%, respectively, for different extract concentrations; 20, 18.2, 16.3 and 14.5 mg/ml, respectively. The extract elicited significant dose-dependent pattern against rat intestinal sucrase (RIS; IC50 = 36.72 mg/ml), rat intestinal maltase (RIM; IC50 = 21.31 mg/ml) and porcine pancreatic α-amylase (PPA; IC50 = 42.50 mg/ml) inhibitory activities. The inhibition was greater against maltase compared with sucrase. These effects may be attributed to the high TPC and FC levels. The linear regression analysis revealed strong significant positive correlations between %DPPH· radical inhibition and each of %RIS, %RIM and %PPA inhibiting activity. Also, strong significant positive correlations between %RIS and either %RIM or %PPA inhibition activity were observed. We concluded therefore that basil aqueous extract via antioxidant and possibly α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibiting activities, offered positive benefits to control diabetes.