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Takalani NB, Adefolaju GA, Henkel RR, Opuwari CS. In vitro effects of aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos on human spermatozoa. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14452. [PMID: 35545422 PMCID: PMC9541412 DOI: 10.1111/and.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability to conceive is a baleful experience for thousands of couples worldwide. Among different well‐known reproductive techniques, medicinal plants have been utilized to treat male infertility. Medicinal plants, provide a therapeutic alternative, which is available and affordable for infertile couples. We investigated the direct effect of unfermented rooibos aqueous extract on human spermatozoa. Semen samples (n = 50) collected from donors and patients consulting for fertility were reassigned as normal (n = 22) and abnormal (n = 28) samples based on the outcome of the baseline semen analysis, using the World Health Organization (WHO) cut off value. Semen samples were allowed to liquefy and subsequently washed with human tubular fluid in bovine serum albumin medium. The samples were then treated with aqueous extracts of unfermented rooibos (0, 0.15, 1.5, 15, 150 μg/ml) at 37°C for 1 h and assessed thereafter. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential in both groups remained unchanged (p > 0.05). However, aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos (only at 1.5 μg/ml) significantly increased capacitation and acrosome reaction in the abnormal sample group (p > 0.05). Unfermented rooibos aqueous extract had no deleterious impact on human spermatozoa's function and might be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndivhuho Beauty Takalani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | | | - Ralf R Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK
| | - Chinyerum Sylvia Opuwari
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Stompor M, Broda D, Bajek-Bil A. Dihydrochalcones: Methods of Acquisition and Pharmacological Properties-A First Systematic Review. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244468. [PMID: 31817526 PMCID: PMC6943545 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydrochalcones are a class of secondary metabolites, for which demand in biological and pharmacological applications is still growing. They posses several health-endorsing properties and, therefore, are promising candidates for further research and development. However, low content of dihydrochalcones in plants along with their low solubility and bioavailability restrict the development of these compounds as clinical therapeutics. Therefore, chemomicrobial and enzymatic modifications are required to expand their application. This review aims at analyzing and summarizing the methods of obtaining dihydrochalcones and of presenting their pharmacological actions that have been described in the literature to support potential future development of this group of compounds as novel therapeutic drugs. We have also performed an evaluation of the available literature on beneficial effects of dihydrochalcones with potent antioxidant activity and multifactorial pharmacological effects, including antidiabetic, antitumor, lipometabolism regulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory ones. In addition, we provide useful information on their properties, sources, and usefulness in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Stompor
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniel Broda
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Agata Bajek-Bil
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
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Smith C, Swart A. Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) - a functional food targeting cardiovascular disease. Food Funct 2019; 9:5041-5058. [PMID: 30183052 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo01010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increasing consumer bias toward natural products and the considerable wealth of indigenous knowledge has precipitated an upturn in market-driven research into potentially beneficial medicinal plants. In this context, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) has been identified to be a promising candidate which may impact cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is one of the most widely studied chronic diseases of modern times. Despite these efforts, ischemic heart disease remains the number one cause of mortality globally. Apart from genetic predisposition and other aetiological mechanisms specific to particular types of CVD, co-factors from interlinked systems contribute significantly to disease development and the severity of its clinical manifestation. The bioactivity of Rooibos is directed towards multiple therapeutic targets. Experimental data to date include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects, as well as modulatory effects in terms of the immune system, adrenal steroidogenesis and lipid metabolism. This review integrates relevant literature on the therapeutic potential of Rooibos in the context of CVD, which is currently the most common of non-communicable diseases. The therapeutic value of whole plant extracts versus isolated active ingredients are addressed, together with the potential for overdose or herb-drug interaction. The body of research undertaken to date clearly underlines the benefits of Rooibos as both preventative and complementary therapeutic functional food in the context of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Smith
- Dept Physiological Sciences, Science Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Human C, De Beer D, Van Der Rijst M, Aucamp M, Joubert E. Electrospraying as a suitable method for nanoencapsulation of the hydrophilic bioactive dihydrochalcone, aspalathin. Food Chem 2018; 276:467-474. [PMID: 30409621 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The bioactive hydrophilic dihydrochalcone, aspalathin, has poor stability and bioavailability hampering its use in functional food ingredients with standardised aspalathin content. The aim of the study was to produce nanoparticles with controlled release to overcome these obstacles. Nanoencapsulation was investigated using both natural (chitosan and lecithin) and synthetic (poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and Eudragit S100® (ES100)) polymers by suitable conventional methods and electrospraying for all polymers. All polymer-method combinations produced particles smaller than 1.1 µm. Electrospraying produced more favourable results than conventional methods for the synthetic polymers, resulting in spherical particles with higher (p < 0.05) encapsulation efficiencies (>50%) and loading capacities (>10%). Opposite trends were observed for natural polymers. An in vitro release study revealed biphasic aspalathin release profiles at pH 7.4 with ES100 electrosprayed nanoparticles having the slowest (p < 0.05) release rate (1.67 h-1). Overall, ES100 electrosprayed nanoparticles showed the most favourable combination of parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Human
- Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing Technologies, Agricultural Research Council (Infruitec-Nietvoorbij), Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7600, South Africa
| | - Dalene De Beer
- Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing Technologies, Agricultural Research Council (Infruitec-Nietvoorbij), Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7600, South Africa.
| | - Marieta Van Der Rijst
- Biometry Unit, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa
| | - Marique Aucamp
- School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Joubert
- Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing Technologies, Agricultural Research Council (Infruitec-Nietvoorbij), Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7600, South Africa
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Smith C. Natural antioxidants in prevention of accelerated ageing: a departure from conventional paradigms required. J Physiol Biochem 2018. [PMID: 29541947 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-018-0621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The modern lifestyle is characterised by various factors that cause accelerating ageing by the upregulation of oxidative stress and inflammation-two processes that are inextricably linked in an endless circle of self-propagation. Inflammation in particular is commonly accepted as aetiological factor in many chronic disease states, such as obesity, diabetes and depression. In terms of disease prevention or treatment, interventions aimed at changing dietary and/or exercise habits have had limited success in practise, mostly due to poor long-term compliance. Furthermore, other primary stimuli responsible for eliciting an oxidative stress or inflammatory response-e.g. psychological stress and anxiety-cannot always be easily addressed. Thus, preventive medicine aimed at countering the oxidative stress and/or inflammatory responses has become of interest. Especially in developing countries, such as South Africa, the option of development of effective strategies from plants warrants further investigation. A brief overview of the most relevant and promising South African plants which have been identified in the context of inflammation, oxidative stress and chronic disease is provided here. In addition, and more specifically, our group and others have shown considerable beneficial effects across many models, after treatment with products derived from grapes. Of particular interest, specific cellular mechanisms have been identified as therapeutic targets of grape-derived polyphenols in the context of inflammation and oxidative stress. The depth of these studies afforded some additional insights, related to methodological considerations pertaining to animal vs. human models in natural product research, which may address the current tendency for generally poor translation of positive animal model results into human in vivo models. The importance of considering individual data vs. group averages in this context is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Smith
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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de Almeida CLB, Cechinel-Filho V, Boeing T, Mariano LNB, Silva LMD, Andrade SFD, de Souza P. Prolonged diuretic and saluretic effect of nothofagin isolated from Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cogn. leaves in normotensive and hypertensive rats: Role of antioxidant system and renal protection. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 279:227-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Miller N, De Beer D, Joubert E. Minimising variation in aspalathin content of aqueous green rooibos extract: optimising extraction and identifying critical material attributes. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2017; 97:4937-4942. [PMID: 28397329 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of aspalathin, an antidiabetic dihydrochalcone, in green rooibos underpins interest in the production of a standardised extract. Elements of a quality-by-design approach were applied to optimise extraction conditions, aiming at the delivery of a dry matter yield (DMY) ≥ 160 g kg-1 and an extract with an aspalathin content (AC) ≥ 80 g kg-1 . RESULTS Hot water extraction parameters, namely extraction time, extraction temperature and water-to-plant material ratio, were optimised for DMY and aspalathin extraction efficiency (AEE) using Design of Experiments. Good polynomial prediction models were obtained and multiresponse desirability plots indicated 37 min, 93 °C and 23:1 as optimal conditions. Even when using 30 min and 10:1 instead for practical reasons, the target DMY and AC values could be achieved with the caveat that plant material with an AC ≥ 30 g kg-1 is used. Particle size distribution and stem content were identified as contributing to variation in the AC of raw material. CONCLUSION By setting raw material specifications in terms of AC, as well as applying practical optimum extraction conditions, 160 g kg-1 extract with an AC ≥ 80 g kg-1 could be consistently achieved from green rooibos plant material. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Miller
- Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Dalene De Beer
- Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Joubert
- Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Diuretic, natriuretic and potassium-sparing effect of nothofagin isolated from Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cogn. leaves in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 268:103-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zhang T, Fang Z. The concise synthesis and biological evaluation of C-glycosyl chalcone analogues inspired by the natural product aspalathin. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra26969a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We described the synthesis and biological evaluation of C-glycosyl chalcone analogues of aspalathin. Results indicate that compound 3c′ is supposed to be the most promising compound with good antioxidant and anticancer abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Nanjing University of Science & Technology
- Nanjing 210094
- P. R. China
| | - Zhijie Fang
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Nanjing University of Science & Technology
- Nanjing 210094
- P. R. China
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Smith C, Swart AC. Rooibos ( Aspalathus linearis ) facilitates an anti-inflammatory state, modulating IL-6 and IL-10 while not inhibiting the acute glucocorticoid response to a mild novel stressor in vivo. J Funct Foods 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2016.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Anti-inflammatory effects of methylthiouracil in vitro and in vivo. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 288:374-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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