Ilex paraguariensis supplementation may be an effective nutritional approach to modulate oxidative stress during perimenopause

Apigenin Improves Ovarian Dysfunction Induced by 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide via the AKT/FOXO3a Pathway

Perimenopausal syndrome is a significant issue that disturbs women's metabolism, mood and quality of life. Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study aims to investigate the effect of apigenin on perimenopausal syndrome by combining bioinformatics analysis with in vivo experiments. The mouse model with perimenopausal syndrome was established using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) treatment. Apigenin alleviated VCD-induced disorder of estrous cycle and shrinkage of ovarian tissue. The reduction of anti-Muller hormone and the increase of follicle stimulation hormone and luteinizing hormone triggered by VCD were reversed by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Apigenin suppressed the VCD-induced decrease of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicle number in ovarian tissue. Oxidative stress in ovarian tissue was activated by VCD treatment through increasing the reactive oxygen species production. High concentration of apigenin significantly reversed the alteration induced by VCD. Apigenin alleviated VCD-induced cell apoptosis through regulating Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP1 and caspase-3. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO3a was inhibited by VCD and activated by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, apigenin effectively mitigates the ovarian dysfunction through suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis via the AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Anti-Cataract Effect of the Traditional Aqueous Extract of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.): An In Ovo Perspective

INTRODUCTION

The therapeutic effect of different doses of the traditional aqueous extract of dried leaves of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) was investigated in an experimental cataract model in chicken embryos.

METHODS AND RESULTS

LC-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification and quantification of 53 metabolites. In the hydrocortisone-induced cataract model, lenses were examined morphologically after treatment and parameters related to oxidative stress (total antioxidant/oxidant status (TAS/TOS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) were evaluated. Antiproliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 H-scores were determined and crystallin alpha A (CRYAA) gene expression in the lenses was measured by RT-PCR. The degree of cataract decreased in all treatment groups. While there was no significant difference in TAS levels compared to the negative control, TOS, GSH, and MDA levels were dose-dependently regulated. Treatment groups other than the high-dose group regulated the decrease in PCNA and the increase in caspase-3. CRYAA gene expression increased significantly only at the lowest dose.

CONCLUSION

YM, which is becoming increasingly popular as a traditional tea, showed a therapeutic effect on hydrocortisone-induced cataracts in chicken embryos at relatively low doses.

Ameliorative Effect of Tocotrienols on Perimenopausal-Associated Osteoporosis-A Review

Osteoporosis, or bone loss, is a disease that affects many women globally. As life expectancy increases, the risk of osteoporosis in women also increases, too, and this will create a burden on the healthcare and economic sectors of a country. Osteoporosis was once thought to be a disease that would occur only after menopause. However, many studies have shown that osteoporosis may develop even in the perimenopausal stage. Due to the erratic levels of estrogen and progesterone during the perimenopausal stage, studies suggest that women are exposed to the risk of developing osteoporosis even at this stage. The erratic hormonal changes result in the production of proinflammatory mediators and cause oxidative stress, which leads to the progressive loss of bone-building activities. Tocotrienols, members of vitamin E, have many health-promoting properties. Due to their powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, tocotrienols have shown positive anti-osteoporotic properties in post-menopausal studies. Hence, we propose here that tocotrienols could also possibly alleviate perimenopausal osteoporosis by discussing in this review the connection between inflammatory mediators produced during perimenopause and the risk of osteoporosis. Tocotrienols could potentially be an anti-osteoporotic agent, but due to their low bioavailability, they have not been as effective as they could be. Several approaches have been evaluated to overcome this issue, as presented in this review. As the anti-osteoporotic effects of tocotrienols were mostly studied in post-menopausal models, we hope that this review could pave the way for more research to be done to evaluate their effect on peri-menopausal models so as to reduce the risk of osteoporosis from an earlier stage.

Assessment of redox state and biochemical parameters of salivary glands in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats treated with mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis)

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the effects of mate tea [Ilex paraguariensis] on the redox state and biochemical parameters of salivary glands in diabetic male rats.

DESIGN

Twenty-four male Wistar rats (3 months old) were randomly divided into groups (n = 8 per group): control rats that received water (C); diabetic rats that received water (D); diabetic rats treated with mate tea (DMT). The treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were given mate tea powder by intragastric gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Content of total protein, amylase, oxidative lipid damage, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), oxidative protein damage, measured as protein carbonyl, total antioxidant capacity, uric acid, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were examined by the spectrophotometric method in the parotid and submandibular glands.

RESULTS

The D group showed lower total protein, amylase, TBARs, protein carbonyl, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, uric acid, and GPx than the C group in both salivary glands, as well as higher SOD and CAT activities. The DMT group showed higher total protein, amylase, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, uric acid, and GPx than the D group in both salivary glands. Moreover, mate tea increased SOD in the parotid gland and CAT in the submandibular gland of diabetic rats but did not influence TBARs and protein carbonyl in either salivary gland compared to D group.

CONCLUSION

Mate tea increased tissue protein synthesis and improved antioxidant defenses in the salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Biological Potential and Chemical Profile of European Varieties of Ilex

Plants of the genus Ilex are widespread throughout the world, with its best-known representative being Ilex paraguraiensis from South America. The European species Ilex aquifolium shows similarities in its terpenoid, sugar and phenolic acid profiles. Using aqueous extracts of Ilex aquifolium as a supplement in Wistar rats showed that, despite the lack of caffeine, it had strong hypocholesterolemic effects. In addition, a reduction in oxidative lipid degradation and a decrease in hepatic steatosis in histopathological studies were observed. The results of this study suggest that extracts from the European species Ilex aquifolium may have potential as an alternative treatment for hyperlipidemia.

Effect of testosterone replacement therapy and mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on biochemical, functional and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and mate tea (MT) [Ilex paraguariensis] on biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats (ORX) DESIGN: Sixty young adult male Wistar rats (3 months old) were either castrated bilaterally or underwent fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were distributed into 5 groups: SHAM, ORX, TU (castrated rats that received a single intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate 100 mg/kg), MT (castrated rats that received MT 20 mg/kg, via intragastric gavage, daily), and TU + MT. All treatments started 4 weeks after castration (4 months old) and lasted 4 weeks (5 months old). At the end of treatment, pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion was collected to analyze salivary flow rate (SFR) and biochemistry composition through determination of total protein (TP), amylase (AMY), electrolyte, and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

ORX increased SFR, salivary buffering capacity, calcium, phosphate, chloride, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and carbonyl protein, reduced TP and AMY activity, and did not change pH, sodium, and potassium compared to SHAM. TU and TU+MT restored all salivary parameters to values of SHAM, while only TBARs and AMY returned to SHAM levels in the MT group.

CONCLUSIONS

TRT with long-acting TU restored the biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats. Although MT did not have a TRT-like effect on salivary gland function, the more effective reduction in lipid oxidative damage in the MT and TU + MT groups could be considered as adjuvant to alleviate the salivary oxidative stress induced by orchiectomy.

Yerba Mate-A Long but Current History

Bearing in mind the growing interest in Yerba Mate, a comprehensive study has been prepared containing the most important aspects and possibilities of its use. The introduction of the work contains the species characteristics of Yerba Mate, as well as information about the origin and places of cultivation. The next part focuses on the analysis of the composition, pointing to purine alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins, and minerals as groups of active compounds responsible for the clinical activity of Yerba Mate. The review of the results of preclinical and clinical studies indicates activity in relation to the stimulating effect, reducing weight by stimulating lipolysis, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The information about the action of Yerba Mate is supplemented by the characteristics of its potential toxicity in terms of PAHs content (in particular benzo[α]pyrene) and preparation as a determinant of increased irritation. The current data on the effects of Yerba Mate and the wide safety margin of its use position this raw material as a valuable component of functional food. The growing frequency of consuming Yerba Mate, conditioned by the availability resulting from the globalization of the market and the information provided about it's the pro-health effects, will position Yerba Mate's popularity among wider population groups.

Drinking tea before menopause is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Though tea drinking years and menopause stages have been indicated to be related with bone mineral density (BMD), most human studies have not considered the impact of tea drinking beginning time. Whether drinking tea before or after menopause plays a role in BMD is still unclear. This study aims to analyze whether drinking tea before or after menopause influences BMD in Chinese postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A total of 1377 postmenopausal women under 80 years were enrolled from the baseline survey of the Lanxi Cohort Study. Participants were initially categorized into non-tea drinking, tea drinking beginning after menopause and tea drinking beginning before menopause groups. Tea drinking groups were subdivided according to tea drinking frequency, concentration and type. Multiple linear regression models were applied to evaluate associations between tea drinking before or after menopause and BMD and the impacts of tea drinking frequency, concentration and type on their associations in analyses including all participants. Interactions of tea drinking frequency, concentration and type with drinking tea before or after menopause were further analyzed.

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounding factors, women who began drinking tea before menopause had significantly higher total and regional BMD than non-tea drinking participants and participants who began drinking tea after menopause. Differences in spine BMD were more significant among those who drank tea ≥four times per week. In addition, significant associations between tea drinking and BMD were found among participants who began drinking tea before menopause in both models, irrespective of the concentration and type of tea. No significant associations were found in subgroups of participants who began drinking tea after menopause in either model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that drinking tea before menopause is related to higher BMD in Chinese postmenopausal women. The relationship is independent of tea drinking concentration and type.

EFEITO CITOTÓXICO DIFERENCIAL DO EXTRATO HIDROETANÓLICO DE ERVA-MATE (ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS) SOBRE ERITRÓCITOS E CÉLULAS MONONUCLEARES DE SANGUE PERIFÉRICO

Para a utilização da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) como planta medicinal, é necessário determinar concentrações e formas de utilização seguras e eficazes. Modelos in vitro de triagem de citotoxicidade fornecem dados preliminares para selecionar doses seguras potencialmente benéficas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a citotoxicidade aguda de diferentes concentrações de um extrato hidroetanólico de folhas de erva-mate em dois modelos de células sanguíneas humanas. Para isso, eritrócitos e células mononucleares de sangue periférico de 10 indivíduos saudáveis foram incubadas com diferentes concentrações do extrato hidroetanólico de erva-mate por 150 minutos a 37°C. Após a incubação, foram realizados testes bioquímicos de detecção de citotoxicidade. A concentração de 1000µg/mL de extrato aumentou a hemólise, a fragilidade osmótica e a peroxidação lipídica em eritrócitos, mas não teve efeito citotóxico em células mononucleares. Estes dados sugerem que altas concentrações de extrato podem ser tóxicas para alguns tipos celulares e, por isso, concentrações seguras de utilização são essenciais para a recomendação da erva-mate como planta medicinal.

Soluble yerba mate (Ilex Paraguariensis) extract enhances in vitro osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on bone health.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanism by which soluble yerba mate (SYM) stimulates osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BM-MSCs from male Wistar rats were induced towards osteoblastic differentiation with different concentrations of SYM (10, 20, and 50 μg/mL). Osteoblastic differentiation was evaluated by measuring proliferation rates, alkaline phosphatase activity, MMP-2 activity, mineralization, and gene expression of Runx2, Osterix, β-catenin (Catnb), collagen type I (Col1a1), osteopontin (Opn), osteocalcin (Ocn), bone sialoprotein (Bsp), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Bmp2), osteoprotegerin (Opg), and Rankl. We also analyzed cytokine production and MAP kinase pathways.

RESULTS

SYM (10 μg/mL) did not show a cytotoxic effect and induced a slight increase in ALP activity; however, a great increase in mineralization was observed. SYM was also able to reduce TNF-α and IL-10 production; increase the expression of transcription factors Runx2, Osterix, and Catnb; and increase matrix proteins Opn, Bsp, Ocn, and Bmp2. We also observed a decrease in intracellular signaling of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK, which seemed to be related to the SYM response.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results help to explain the promoting effect on osteoblast differentiation produced by a low SYM concentration. However, a higher SYM concentration presented deleterious effects, including cytotoxicity, decreased ALP activity, increased cytokine production, decreased bone marker gene expression, increased MAPK signaling, and significant mineralization reduction. In conclusion, our results suggest a concentration-specific direct stimulatory effect of SYM on osteoblastic differentiation in vitro.

Mate tea reduces high fat diet-induced liver and metabolic disorders in mice

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity is a worldwide health problem and can cause lipid accumulation in the liver. We evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of mate tea treatment in mice submitted to an HFD. C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 13 weeks with and without mate tea. A separate group of mice was treated with fenofibrate as a positive control (a regular drug for lipid disorders). Histological analyses, glucose tolerance tests (GTT), and quantification of mediators related to lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and blood biomarkers for lipid profile were performed. The weight of animals and major organs related to hepatic steatosis was determined, and proinflammatory cytokines and the participation of the Nrf2 pathway and adiponectin were evaluated. Mate tea prevented the accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes as well as weight gain in animals submitted to the HFD. Mate tea treatment also prevented increases in the liver weight, heart weight and amount of visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue. Mate tea was able to prevent the deregulation of glucose uptake, as evaluated by GTT, and improved the indicators of oxidative stress, such as nitrite levels, catalase activity, and oxidative damage, as evaluated by protein carbonylation and the MDA levels. Mate tea had an anti-inflammatory effect, preventing the increase of IL-1β and KC and upregulating the expression of Nrf2. Mate tea prevented insulin increase and HDL cholesterol decrease but did not affect total cholesterol or triglycerides levels. Treatment also prevented adiponectin increase. Mate tea may be a good resource to reduce hepatic steatosis in the future since it has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.

Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Ilex, a Source of Traditional Caffeinated Beverages

Tea and coffee are caffeinated beverages commonly consumed around the world in daily life. Tea from Camellia sinensis is widely available and is a good source of caffeine and other bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols and carotenoids). Other tea-like beverages, such as those from the genus Ilex, the large-leaved Kudingcha (Ilex latifolia Thunb and Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng), Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil), Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), and Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes) are also traditional drinks, with lesser overall usage, but have attracted much recent attention and have been subjected to further study. This review summarizes the distribution, composition, and health benefits of caffeinated beverages from the genus Ilex. Plants of this genus mainly contain polyphenols and alkaloids, and show diverse health benefits, which, as well as supporting their further popularization as beverages, may also lead to potential applications in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries.

Inhibition of Osteoarthritis-Related Molecules by Isomucronulatol 7-O-β-d-glucoside and Ecliptasaponin A in IL-1β-Stimulated Chondrosarcoma Cell Model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the common form of arthritis and is characterized by disability and cartilage degradation. Although natural product extracts have been reported to have anti-osteoarthritic effects, the potential bioactivity of Ryupunghwan (RPH), a traditional Korean medicinal botanical formula that contains Astragalus membranaceus, Turnera diffusa, Achyranthes bidentata, Angelica gigas, Eclipta prostrata, Eucommia ulmoides, and Ilex paraguariensis, is not known well. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of single compounds isolated from RPH on the OA-related molecules were investigated using IL-1β-stimulated chondrosarcoma SW1353 (SW1353) cell model. Two bioactive compounds, isomucronulatol 7-O-β-d-glucoside (IMG) and ecliptasaponin A (ES) were isolated and purified from RPH using column chromatography, and then the structures were analyzed using ESI-MS, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR spectrum. The expression or amount of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), COX1/2, TNF-α, IL-1β or p65 was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RPH pretreatment reduced the expression and amounts of MMP13, and the expression of collagen II, COX1/2, TNF-α, IL-1β or p65, which were increased in IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells. IMG reduced the expression of all OA-related molecules, but the observed inhibitory effect was less than that of RPH extract. The other single compound ES showed the reduced expression of all OA-related molecules, and the effect was stronger than that in IMG (approximately 100 fold). Combination pretreatment of both single components remarkably reduced the expression of MMP13, compared to each single component. These synergic effects may provide potential molecular modes of action for the anti-osteoarthritic effects of RPH observed in clinical and animal studies.

ANP32A regulates ATM expression and prevents oxidative stress in cartilage, brain, and bone

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder with increasing global prevalence due to aging of the population. Current therapy is limited to symptom relief, yet there is no cure. Its multifactorial etiology includes oxidative stress and overproduction of reactive oxygen species, but the regulation of these processes in the joint is insufficiently understood. We report that ANP32A protects the cartilage against oxidative stress, preventing osteoarthritis development and disease progression. ANP32A is down-regulated in human and mouse osteoarthritic cartilage. Microarray profiling revealed that ANP32A protects the joint by promoting the expression of ATM, a key regulator of the cellular oxidative defense. Antioxidant treatment reduced the severity of osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and cerebellar ataxia features in Anp32a-deficient mice, revealing that the ANP32A/ATM axis discovered in cartilage is also present in brain and bone. Our findings indicate that modulating ANP32A signaling could help manage oxidative stress in cartilage, brain, and bone with therapeutic implications for osteoarthritis, neurological disease, and osteoporosis.

NMR-based approach reveals seasonal metabolic changes in mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.)

Ilex paraguariensis (mate) is a species native to South America and is widely consumed in countries such Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Mate consumption is associated with several phytotherapeutic functions, in addition to its cultural and regional importance. However, the harvest period can affect the properties of the mate, due to variations in the constituent proportions, as a consequence of seasonal changes. In this work, we employed nuclear magnetic resonance and chemometrics to evaluate the chemical variations in leaf extracts of I. paraguariensis over the four seasons of the year. We found significant changes in the levels of glucose, myo-inositol, caffeine, theobromine, and fatty acids. These changes can be related to resource allocation for the flowering period, or to responses to environmental stresses, such as temperature.

Mechanisms underlying antiatherosclerotic properties of an enriched fraction obtained from Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil

BACKGROUND

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. var. paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae) popularly known as 'mate' is an important species native to South America. Despite numerous studies showing significant antioxidant and lipid lowering properties, the antiatherosclerotic mechanisms of this species remain unknown.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the possible antiatherosclerotic effects of a butanolic fraction (n-BFIP) obtained from I. paraguariensis and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in this activity.

METHODS

First, n-BFIP was obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract and a detailed phytochemical investigation about its main secondary metabolites was performed. Then, during 8 experimental weeks, rabbits received diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol (CRD). After 4 weeks of CDR, animals were redistributed into five groups (n = 6) and treated (p.o.) with n-BFIP (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (5 mg/kg), or vehicle (filtered water, 1 ml/kg) once daily for 4 weeks. An additional group was fed with cholesterol-free diet and treated with vehicle. At the end of 8 weeks, serum samples were obtained for the measurement of serum lipids, lipid and protein oxidation and indirect nitric oxide levels. In addition, serum IL-1β, IL-6, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and intracellular cGMP levels in rabbit aortic rings were measured. Samples from the aortic arch and thoracic segment were collected for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

CRD induced oxidative and nitrosative stress and increased serum lipids, IL-1β, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 levels. In addition, structural changes in the intima layers of different arterial branches were also found. Although it did not change serum lipids, n-BFIP reverted oxidative and nitrosative stress and reduced IL-1β, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 levels, besides to increasing intracellular levels of cGMP in vitro. In addition, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques was reduced to values close to those of animals fed with cholesterol-free diet.

CONCLUSIONS

A 4-week n-FBIP treatment reduces the progression of the atherosclerotic disease in New Zealand rabbits. These effects are associated with an attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress, affecting IL-1β, IL-6, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels.