Protective effect of Rumex patientia (English Spinach) roots on ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) induced hepatic oxidative stress and tumor promotion response

Antiangiogenic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Bidens tripartite Herb, Galium verum Herb and Rumex hydrolapathum Root

Plants are commonly used in folk medicine. Research indicates that the mechanisms of biological activity of plant extracts may be essential in the treatment of various diseases. In this respect, we decided to test the ethanolic extracts of Bidens tripartita herb (BTH), Galium verum herb (GVH), and Rumicis hydrolapathum root (RHR) on angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and their total polyphenols content. In vitro studies using endothelial cells were used to see tested extracts' angiogenic/angiostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The DPPH assay and FRAP analysis were used to detect antioxidant properties of extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu analysis was used to determine the content of total polyphenols. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was also presented. In vitro study demonstrated that BTH, GVH, and RHR ethanolic extracts significantly increased cell invasiveness, compared with the control group. Increased endothelial proangiogenic invasiveness was accompanied by reduced metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) and raised in metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Only BTH and GVH significantly reduced cell proliferation, while BTH and RHR facilitated migration. Additionally, tested extracts reduced the production of proangiogenic platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The most potent anti-inflammatory capacity showed BTH and GVH, reducing proinflammatory interleukin 8 (CXCL8) and interleukin 6 (Il-6), compared to RHR extract that has slightly less inhibited CXCL8 production without affecting IL-6 production. Moreover, we confirmed the antioxidant properties of all examined extracts. The highest activity was characterized by RHR, which has been correlated with the high content of polyphenols. In conclusion, the modifying influence of examined extracts can be promising in disorders with pathogenesis related to angiogenesis, inflammation and free radicals formation. BTH is the best choice among the three tested extracts with its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rumex nervosus could alleviate streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by activating Nrf2 signaling

This study tested the protective effect of Rumex nervous (R. nervosus) methanol extract against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-induced nephropathy in rats and examined if this protection involves activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2). Rats were divided into control, R. nervous (300 mg), STZ (T1DM), STZ + R. nervosus (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg), and STZ + R. nervosus (300 mg/kg) + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor). With no effect on fasting glucose and insulin levels, R. nervosus methanol extract preserved kidney histological structure and alterations kidney function markers (e.g. albumin, creatinine, and urine volume) in the STZ-diabetic rats. R. nervosus also reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukine-6 (IL-6), nuclear levels of the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and mRNA of caspase-3 and Bax in the kidneys of these diabetic rats. Concomitantly, it stimulated renal mRNA levels of Bcl2 and Nrf2, cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2, and levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). All these effects were dose-dependent, with the maximum effect seen with the 300 mg/kg dose, all prevented by brusatol. Also, these effects occurred without any alteration in the transcription of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap-1). Similar effects on levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, and NF-κB, as well as expression of Nrf2, were also observed in the kidney of control + R. nervous-treated rats. In conclusion, R. nervosus prevents diabetic nephropathy in rats by upregulating and activating Nrf2.

Biochemical Activity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Rumex obtusifolius L. Seeds Used in Armenian Traditional Medicine

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic metabolic disorder. Various diseases are being treated with medicinal plants and that is because of the less side effects of the current therapy. The diversity of plants in Armenia is due to the singularity of natural environment. However, biochemical activity of these plants has not been studied well. Thus, the goal was to investigate biochemical activity and antihyperglycemic properties of Rumex obtusifolius L. in rabbits with hyperglycemia. The high content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins has been determined in this plant extract. Oral administration of ethanol extract showed significant effect on hyperglycemia, reducing fasting glucose levels (57.3%, p<0.05), improving glucose tolerance, and increasing liver glycogen content (1.5-fold, p<0.01) compared to the hyperglycemic control group. Furthermore, ethanol extract of R. obtusifolius reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and vice versa increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and also decreased liver enzymes levels (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) compared with untreated group. These findings suggest that R. obtusifolius may have beneficial effects and should be supplement, as herbal remedy in the treatment of DM.

Zanthoxylum heitzii Modulates Ferric Nitrilotriacetate-Dependent Oxidative Alterations in Four Vital Organs: An In Vitro Organoprotective Model

Ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is a highly reactive compound used to induce degenerative disorders through oxidative stress (OS). Zanthoxylum heitzii (Z. heitzii) is a spice used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of illnesses. This study investigated the ability of extracts from the leaves, fruits, roots, and barks of Z. Heitzii to inhibit Fe-NTA mediated oxidative damage in rats. The supernatant of rat liver homogenates was pretreated with the extracts for one hour before the induction of oxidative damage using a solution of Fe-NTA (400 mM). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and peroxidases were measured together with the marker of lipid peroxidation and the level of glutathione. The pretreated groups showed a significant increase in the activity of SOD, catalase, and peroxidases. The methanolic extract from the leaves of Z. heitzii (36.78 ± 3.30) and aqueous extract from the fruits (37.01 ± 2.52) showed the highest activities of SOD in the liver. The lowest concentration of MDA was found in the liver, and the glutathione was greater in the brain. Conclusively, these results suggest that Z. heitzii might be a chemoprotector which may be used in for prevention of distinct types of diseases induced by oxidative stress.

The Genus Rumex: Review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The approximately 200 species of the genus Rumex (sorrel, Polygonaceae) are distributed worldwide (European, Asian, African and American countries). Some species have been used traditionally as vegetables and for their medicinal properties. Based on the traditional knowledge, different phytochemical and pharmacological activities have been at the focus of research. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of local and traditional medical uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and safety of Rumex species, in order to identify the therapeutic potential of Rumex species and further directions of research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The selection of relevant data was made through a search using the keyword "Rumex" in "Scopus", "Google Scholar", "Web of Science", "PubMed", and "ScienceDirect" databases. Plant taxonomy was validated by the databases "The Plant List", and "Mansfeld's Encyclopedia". Additional information on traditional use and botany was obtained from published books and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

This review discusses the current knowledge of the chemistry, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies carried out on the extracts, and the main active constituents, isolated from plants of genus Rumex. Although, there are about 200 species in this genus, most of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies were performed on up to 50 species. The aerial parts, leaves and roots of the plants are used as vegetables and for the treatment of several health disorders such as mild diabetes, constipation, infections, diarrhoea, oedema, jaundice, and as an antihypertensive, diuretic and analgesic and in case of skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, and inflammation. Many phytochemical investigations on this genus confirmed that Rumex species are rich in anthraquinones, naphthalenes, flavonoids, stilbenoids, triterpenes, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, it draws the attention that high level of oxalic acid in some species can cause toxicity (kidney stones) if consumed large quantity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review confirms that some Rumex species have emerged as a good source of the traditional medicine for treatment of inflammation, cancer and different bacterial infections and provides new insights for further promising investigations on isolated compounds, especially quercetin 3-O-glucoside, emodin, nepodin, torachrysone, and trans-resveratrol to find novel therapeutics and aid drug discovery. In addition, hepatoprotective, antiviral and antidiabetic activities should have priority in future pharmacological studies. However, for applying species to prevent or treat various diseases, additional pharmacological studies are needed to find the mechanism of actions, safety and efficacy of them before starting clinical trials.

Free radicals quenching potential, protective properties against oxidative mediated ion toxicity and HPLC phenolic profile of a Cameroonian spice: Piper guineensis

Considerations on antioxidants derived from plants have continuously increased during this decade because of their beneficial effects on human health. In the present study we investigated the free radical scavenging properties of extracts from Piper guineense (P. guineense) and their inhibitory potentials against oxidative mediated ion toxicity. The free radical quenching properties of the extracts against [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•), hydroxyl radical (HO•), nitric oxide (NO•)] radical and their antioxidant potentials by FRAP and phosphomolybdenum were determined as well as their protective properties on liver enzymes. The phenolic profile was also investigated by HPLC. The results obtained, revealed that the extracts significantly inhibited the DPPH, NO, HO and ABTS radicals in a concentration depending manner. They also showed a significant ferrous ion chelating ability through FRAP and phosphomolybdenum antioxidant potential. Their polyphenol contents varied depending on the type of extracts and the solvent used. The hydroethanolic extracts (FFH) and the ethanolic extracts (FFE) of P. guineense leaves showed the higher level of phenolic compounds respectively of 21.62 ± 0.06 mg caffeic acid/g dried extract (CAE/g DE) and 19.01 ± 0.03 CAE/g DE. The HPLC phenolic compounds profile revealed a higher quantity of Eugenol, quercetin, rutin and catechin in the stem than in the leaves. The presence of these molecules could be responsible of the protective potentials of P. guineense extracts against lipid peroxidation and SOD, catalase and peroxidase. In conclusion, P. guineense extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant property and may be used as a prospective protector against metal related toxicity.

Rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacterial community composition of the wild medicinal plant Rumex patientia

To investigate bacterial communities between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of the wild medicinal plant Rumex patientia of Jilin, China, small subunit rRNAs (16S rDNA) from soil metagenome were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific to the domain bacteria and analysed by cloning and sequencing. The relative proportion of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soils was similar to non-rhizosphere soils in five phylogenetic groups (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes). But there were differences in five other phylogenetic groups (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia and Unclassified bacteria). Over 97.24 % of the sequenced clones were found to be unique to rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, while 2.76 % were shared by both of them. Our results indicate that there are differences in the composition and proportion of bacterial communities between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. Furthermore, the unique bacterial clones between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of the wild medicinal plant R. patientia have obvious differences.

Lycopene inhibits DNA damage and reduces hMTH1 mRNA expression in the liver of Mongolian gerbils treated with ferric nitrilotriacetate

Epidemiologic studies suggest that lycopene may reduce the risk of certain cancers, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We hereby examined in vivo anticarcinogenic effects of supplemental lycopene on hepatic DNA damage (Comet formation and levels of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8-oxo-dG) and human MutT homologue (hMTH1) mRNA expression in Mongolian gerbils injected i.p. with ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe/NTA). Gerbils were pre-treated with two dose (10 and 20 mg/kg BW) of lycopene on alternate morning for 10 d. Six hours after the last lycopene supplementation, the gerbils received Fe/NTA (0.16 mmol/10 mL/kg BW) and were killed 3 h later. We found that the livers of Fe/NTA-treated animals exhibited a 5-fold increase in Comet formation (expressed as tail moment), a 2.6-fold increase in 8-oxo-dG levels and a significant increase in hMTH1 mRNA expression. Supplemental lycopene completely inhibited Comet formation (P<0.001) and significantly suppressed 8-oxo-dG levels and hMTH1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of hMTH1 mRNA are highly correlated with hepatic levels of 8-oxo-dG and tail moment, suggesting that hMTH1 gene expression represents a molecular marker of oxidative DNA damage. These results demonstrate the potential of lycopene as a promising chemopreventive agent against hepatotumorigenesis.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect of Rumex patientia seed preparation in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Rumex patientia (RP) could exert beneficial health effects to ameliorate metabolic diseases. The effect of subchronic feeding of RP seeds was evaluated on serum glucose and lipid profile in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into control, RP-treated control, diabetic, glibenclamide-treated diabetic, and RP-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotcin was administered at a dose of 60mg/kg. Meanwhile, RP-treated groups received RP seed powder mixed with standard pelleted food at a weight ratio of 6% for 4 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were determined before the study and at 2nd and 4th weeks after the study in addition to the oxidative stress markers in hepatic tissue.

RESULTS

Serum glucose was significantly lower in RP-treated diabetic rats at 2nd and 4th weeks as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not show significant reductions in RP-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics. Serum HDL-cholesterol, however, significantly increased (p<0.05) and LDL-cholesterol showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in RP-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.05). RP also attenuated the increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reduced activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hepatic tissue.

CONCLUSION

Subchronic treatment of diabetic rats with RP could lessen the abnormal changes in blood glucose level and to improve lipid profile regarding HDL- and LDL-cholesterol in part due to its attenuation of lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissue.

Targeted metabolite analysis and antioxidant potential of Rumex induratus

Targeted metabolite analysis of aqueous extract of Rumex induratus leaves, in terms of phenolic compounds and organic acids, and the study of its antioxidant activity against the DPPH(*) radical, a reactive oxygen species, hypochlorous acid, and a reactive nitrogen species, nitric oxide ((*)NO), were performed. The samples were collected in several locations, spontaneously occurring or from greenhouse culture, at different stages of development and seasons. The phenolic composition was achieved by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detection, and four hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and 10 flavonoid glycosides (C- and O-heterosides) were determined. Organic acids composition was established by HPLC-UV, revealing five compounds. The total amount of phenolic compounds and organic acids were affected by growing conditions and developmental phase. The aqueous extract exhibited a dose-related activity against all tested reactive species.