Protective Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. Aerial Parts on H2O2- Induced DNA Damage in Lymphocytes by Comet Assay

Inhibitory effect of Portulaca oleracea L. aqueous extract and juice on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in an ulcerative colitis mouse model

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) is an edible and medicinal plant used for treating gastrointestinal diseases. However, the effects of PO on ulcerative colitis (UC) and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of PO aqueous extract (POE) and PO juice (PJ) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in a mouse model and attempted to unravel their underlying mechanisms. The results revealed that PJ contains more bioactive compounds and has more overlapping targets with UC than POE. Both POE and PJ effectively reduced Disease Activity Index scores and inflammatory cell infiltration in the UC mouse model, but PJ had a better effect than POE. Furthermore, PJ inhibited pyroptosis by decreasing the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome, while also repairing the dysfunction of the intestinal barrier by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. Therefore, based on the study findings, we concluded that PJ can improve DSS-induced UC and may suppress pyroptosis by interfering with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Use of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Extracts and Cysteine in Diluents to Improve the Cryopreserved Quality of Goat Sperm

Highlights Using cysteine and purslane extracts in extenders improved significantly the post-thaw sperm characteristics. Sperm viability, DNA integrity, and mitochondrial activity demonstrate an improvement in post-thaw sperm. Malondialdehyde production was decreased based on the positive effects of treated extenders. The obtained results demonstrate that supplementation of 50 μg/mL of purslane methanolic extract with cysteine to freezing extenders was significantly superior compared with other treatments.

Immunomodulatory assessment of Portulaca oleracea L. extract in a mouse model of colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a gastrointestinal inflammatory disease with a multifactorial pathophysiology. This study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of Portulaca oleracea leaf ethanolic extract (POE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in mice. Experimental animals received oral doses of POE (200 mg/kg for 7 days) after an induction of colitis by intrarectal AA administration. In mice with AA-induced UC treated with POE, the results revealed a significant modulation in body weight and colon length. Moreover, treatment with POE downregulated the interleukin 1, 6, and 17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, gamma interferon, and nuclear factor-kappa B levels compared with the colitis group. Furthermore, POE markedly inhibited histological damage, decreased myeloperoxidase activity and reduced fecal calprotectin level compared with the colitis group. These data are consistent with the reduction in total bacterial content in the colon. Taken together, treatment with POE may reduce colonic inflammation by alleviating the immune response and inhibiting the severity of colitis. The HPLC analysis of POE resulted in the identification of seven medicinal compounds comprising two phenolic acids (ferulic and caffeic acids) and five flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, narenginin and hesperidin). Subsequent analysis of POE by GC-MS revealed ten phytocomponents; the major percentages were hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester (29.8119%), α-linolenic acid (25.8431%), 16-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (15.1578%) and α-tocopherol (10.7848%). Delta-lactams and alkanes were the minor components. Such natural plant-derived substances and their probable synergistic action appear to contribute to a promising therapeutic protocol for colitis.

Experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Portulaca oleracea L. and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders, a review

Various pharmacological effects for Portulaca oleracea were shown in previous studies. Therefore, the effects of P. oleracea and its derivatives on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases according to update experimental and clinical studies are provided in this review article. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of December 2020. The effects of P. oleracea and its constituents such as quercetin and kaempferol on an animal model of asthma were shown. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents also showed therapeutic effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis in both experimental and clinical studies. The possible bronchodilatory effect of P. oleracea and its ingredients was also reported. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents showed the preventive effect on lung cancer and a clinical study showed the effect of P. oleracea on patients with lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, a various constituents of P. oleracea including, quercetin and kaempferol showed therapeutic effects on lung infections. This review indicates the therapeutic effect of P. oleracea and its constituents on various lung and allergic disorders but more clinical studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy of this plant and its constituents on lung and allergic disorders.

Portulaca oleracea methanolic extract attenuate bile duct ligation-induced acute liver injury through hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects

Introduction

Cholestasis is a liver disease caused by a malfunction of the hepato-biliary system. Oxidative stress as a systemic complication is the main characteristic of cholestasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of Portulaca oleracea (PO) methanolic extract on liver dysfunction and tissue damage induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats.

Materials and methods

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham control (SC), BDL alone, SC plus 500 mg/kg methanolic extract of PO orally for 1 week, and BDL plus 500 mg/kg methanolic extract of PO orally for 1 week. After 1 week, the animals were anesthetized, and the liver and blood samples were taken from each animal. Biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, histopathological changes, as well as the gene expression of IL-1, TNF-α, TGF-β, and α-SMA have been evaluated.

Results

The methanolic extract of PO at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly decreased the plasma levels of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase as compared to BDL group (P < 0.05), while it had no significant effect on the levels of oxidative stress markers in the hepatic tissue. The plasma level of malondialdehyde and ferric-reducing antioxidant power were markedly elevated in the BDL group in comparison to SC group (P < 0.05), while treatment with PO significantly reduced these markers (P < 0.05). The administration of PO attenuated hydroxyproline content, bile duct proliferation, and inflammation score in the cholestatic liver in contrast to non-treated BDL rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, the methanolic extract of PO markedly declined the expression of TNF-α and TGF-β pro inflammatory genes in contrast to BDL rats.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings showed that PO attenuated liver injury by decreasing liver function tests, inflammation, and hydroxyproline content. As a result, it is suggested that PO can be applied in cholestatic liver damage as a therapeutic or adjuvant agent.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br Transformed Roots Extracts Obtained through Rhizobium rhizogenes-Mediated Transformation

According to the present knowledge, this is the first report on establishing transformed root cultures of Leonotis nepetifolia after Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed differences in the content of phenols and flavonoids in transformed and nontransformed roots. The dominant compounds in the analyzed extracts were (+)-catechin (5464 and 6808 µg/g DW), p-coumaric acid (2549 and 4907 µg/g DW), m-coumaric acid (1508 and 2048 µg/g DW) and rosmarinic acid (1844 and 2643 µg/g DW) for nontransformed (LNNR) and transformed (LNTR4) roots, respectively. Initial biological studies carried out on LNNR, and LNTR4 extracts showed a cytotoxic effect on the A549 lung, HCC1937 breast and leukemia NALM-6 cell lines, antioxidants, as well as repair and protection against DNA damage induced by H₂O₂ in HUVEC cells. Due to the stronger effect of the LNTR4 root extract, which can be a relatively efficient and cheap source of bioactive secondary metabolites, further biological analyses are needed to discover in detail their potentially valuable biological properties.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities, toxicity studies and the DNA damage protective effect of various solvent extracts of Litsea cubeba fruits

Litsea cubeba is devoured by the ethnic individuals of Arunachal Pradesh in India as food and has been traditionally used for curing different ailments. The purpose of present study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of fruits of L. cubeba using different solvent extracts, quantification of phenolics, toxicity studies and DNA damage protective activities. The antioxidant activities of fruits using five different solvent extracts completed utilizing different in vitro examines. The quantitation of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds in the methanol extract of the fruits was carried out by HPLC. The in vitro haemolytic examination of plant concentrates were completed on rat erythrocytes. Appraisal of cytotoxicity of eatable fruits was assessed by MTT measure. The genotoxicity of the contemplated plant was tried by the single-cell gel electrophoresis comet measure. The DNA defensive impacts of the aqueous extracts of fruits on rodent lymphocyte DNA lesions were likewise assessed with the comet test. The extract obtained by methanol exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The HPLC examination of the methanol concentrate of the plant demonstrated the occurrence of different phenolic acids and flavonoids like caffeic acid (145.96μg/100mg DE), syringic acid (125.85 μg/100mg DE), ferulic acid (155.89 μg/100mg DE), apigenin (28.43 μg/100mg DE), kaempferol (53.41 μg/100mg DE) etc. in various amounts. The consequences of haemolytic lethality, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of fluid concentrates of the edible plant ensure the security at cell and genomic level. The fluid concentrate of the plant fundamentally repressed DNA harm and these information recommend that the watery concentrate of L. cubeba can forestall oxidative DNA harm to rodent lymphocytes, which is likely because of antioxidant constituents in the concentrate. These outcomes demonstrate that L. cubeba can be utilized in dietary applications with a possibility to diminish oxidative pressure.

Metabolomics driven analysis of 11 Portulaca leaf taxa as analysed via UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and chemometrics

Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, is a popular plant of considerable value for its nutritive composition as well as traditional medicinal uses. P. oleracea is reported to possess neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, and anticancer activities. Three taxa of P. oleracea L. (P. oleracea, P. rausii and P. granulatostellulata) are grown as mixed populations in several locations in Egypt. The close morphological similarities among these taxa warrants development of methods for their correct identification or classification. We aimed in this study to assess metabolome differences among three P. oleracea taxa via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) in the context of their genetic diversity and/or geographical origin. A total of 85 metabolites were identified including 6 amino acids, 22 phenolic compounds, 16 alkaloids, and 11 fatty acids characterized based on their MSⁿ and UV spectra. Methoxylated flavone glycosides, O-flavonoids, C-flavonoids and four previously undescribed cyclodopa alkaloids are reported in P. oleracea for the first time. Multivariate data analyses were used for samples classification and revealing that cyclodopa alkaloids (oleracein A, C, K and N) contributed the most for accessions classification. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first metabolite profile of Portulaca and its compositional differences that provide chemical based evidence for its nutritive and/or health benefits.

A Pharmacological Review on Portulaca oleracea L.: Focusing on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti- Oxidant, Immuno-Modulatory and Antitumor Activities

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) or Purslane is an annual grassy plant that is distributed in many parts of the world, especially the tropical and subtropical areas. PO has some pharmacological properties such as analgesic, antibacterial, skeletal muscle-relaxant, wound-healing, anti- inflammatory and a radical scavenger. This review article is focused on the anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities of the PO. Anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant and Anti-tumor effects of PO were searched using various databases until the end of August 2018. The online literature was searched using PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Our review showed that PO exerts its effects through anti-inflammatory properties and balancing the adaptive and innate immune system depending on situations. PO acts as immune-modulator and anti-oxidant agent in both inflammatory states by the dominance of Th2 response such as asthma, cancer and atopic dermatitis and evoked Th1 disorders including hepatitis and multiple sclerosis.

The effect of Portulaca oleracea and α-linolenic acid on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

OBJECTIVES:

Various pharmacological effects including antioxidant property of Portulaca oleracea L. were reported previously. In the present study, the effect of the extract of the plant and its constituent, α-linolenic acid (ALA), on oxidant and antioxidant markers of PHA/non-stimulated human mononuclear cells was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The effect of 10, 40, and 160 μg/ml of P. oleracea and 5, 15, and 45 μg/ml of ALA or dexamethasone (0.1 mM) on nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (SH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the supernatant of phytohemagglutinin-A (PHA)- and nonstimulated lymphocytes was examined (n = 6 for each group).

RESULTS:

In nonstimulated cells, dexamethasone, high concentration of the extract (160 μg/ml), and ALA (45 μg/ml) significantly increased thiol, CAT, and SOD values. Dexamethasone and high concentration of ALA significantly reduced MDA value (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). However, the levels of NO and MDA due to dexamethasone and 160 μg/ml of the extract and 15 and 45 μg/ml of ALA treatment were also reduced in PHA-stimulated cells (P < 0.001 for all cases). Treatment of stimulated lymphocyte by dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of the extract and ALA also leads to increased levels of thiol, CAT, and SOD (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

P. oleracea and ALA, as well as dexamethasone, decreased NO and MDA levels but increased antioxidant agents in human lymphocytes. These results suggest that P. oleracea and ALA may have therapeutic effect in diseases associated with enhancement of oxidation agents as an antioxidant agent.

Comparison of DNA damages in blood lymphocytes of indoor swimming pool lifeguards with non-lifeguards athletes

Chlorination has been used as a major disinfectant process for swimming pool water in many countries. The purpose of this study is to compare the DNA damage of the blood lymphocytes in indoor pool lifeguards with non-lifeguards athletes. We performed a study in which the participants were Gonabad's lifeguards. We chose 30 participants (15 male and 15 female) for each group. We collected vein blood samples from each participant in both exposed and control group. The lymphocytes were isolated from the whole blood by ficoll, and the cell viability was determined by the trypan blue. The alkaline Comet assay was also performed on lymphocytes in order to measure the DNA damage. All the parameters indicated that the DNA damage was significantly greater in lifeguards group than control group (p < 0.001). Also, the results revealed a statistically significant higher level of DNA damage in females as evident by an increase in the tail length (μm) [8.97 ± 4.21 for females as compared to 4.32 ± 1.33 for males (p = 0.001)], tail DNA (%) [4.18 ± 1.27 for females as compared to 3.14 ± 0.94 for males (p = 0.016)] and tail moment (μm) [0.68 ± 0.53 for females and 0.26 ± 0.14 for males (p = 0.010)]. There was also a significant positive correlation between DNA damage and the duration of work (P < 0.001).

Antiproliferative, neurotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of toxic cyanobacterial extracts

Cyanobacteria are the rich resource of various secondary metabolites including toxins with broad pharmaceutical significance. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antiproliferative, neurotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of cyanobacterial extracts containing Microcystin-LR (MCLR) in vitro. ELISA analysis results showed that MCLR contents of five cyanobacterial extracts were 2.07 ng/mL, 1.43 ng/mL, 1.41 ng/mL, 1.27 ng/mL, and 1.12 ng/mL for Leptolyngbya sp. SB1, Phormidium sp. SB4, Oscillatoria earlei SB5, Phormidium sp. SB2, Uncultured cyanobacterium, respectively. Phormidium sp. SB4 and Phormidium sp. SB2 extracts had the lowest neurotoxicity (86% and 79% cell viability, respectively) and Oscillatoria earlei SB5 extracts had the highest neurotoxicity (47% cell viability) on PC12 cell at 1000 µg/ml extract concentration. Leptolyngbya sp. SB1 and Phormidium sp. SB2 showed the highest antiproliferative effect (92% and 77% cell death) on HT29 cell. On the other hand, all concentrations of five toxic cyanobacterial extracts induced DNA damage between 3.0% and 1.3% of tail intensity and did not cause any direct mutagenic effect at the 1000 µg/plate cyanobacterial extracts. These results suggest that cyanobacteria-derived MCLR is a promising candidate for development of effective agents against colon cancer.

Fagonia indica Repairs Hepatic Damage through Expression Regulation of Toll-Like Receptors in a Liver Injury Model

Fagonia indica is a traditionally used phytomedicine to cure hepatic ailments. However, efficient validation of its hepatoprotective effect and molecular mechanisms involved are not yet well established. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia indica and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the reversal of hepatic injury. The liver injury mouse model was established by thioacetamide followed by oral administration of plant extract. Serum biochemical and histological analyses were performed to assess the level of hepatic injury. Expression analysis of proinflammatory, hepatic, and immune regulatory genes was performed with RT-PCR. Results of serological and histological analyses described the restoration of normal liver function and architecture in mice treated with plant extract. In addition, altered expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β) and hepatic (krt-18 and albumin) markers further strengthens the liver injury reversal effects of Fagonia indica. Furthermore, a significant expression regulation of innate immunity components such as toll-like receptors 4 and 9 and MyD-88 was observed suggesting an immune regulatory role of the plant in curing liver injury. In conclusion, the current study not only proposes Fagonia indica, a strong hepatoprotective candidate, but also recommends an immune regulatory toll-like receptor pathway as an important therapeutic target in liver diseases.

In vivo nonspecific immunomodulatory and antispasmodic effects of common purslane (Portulaca oleracea Linn.) leaf extracts in ICR mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea (common purslane) is used in traditional medicine to cure various illnesses. However, its immune-protective properties and antispasmodic effects still need more pharmacological data if the plant will be utilized in herbal and drug formulations. Therefore, the present study determined the capacity of this plant species to modulate nonspecific immune responses and to confirm its antispasmodic activity in vivo in ICR mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophage, splenic lymphocyte proliferation and plasma lysozyme levels were measured in mice that were immunosuppressed using cyclophosphamide and treated with the ethyl acetate extract of Portulaca oleracea. In addition, the charcoal meal transit test was used to measure intestinal motility using ethanolic (EtOH), hexane (HEX), and ethyl acetate (EA) solvent extracts. Phytochemical analysis was undertaken and DPPH scavenging properties of the three solvent extracts were also determined.

RESULTS

The EA extract of P. oleracea exhibited immunoactivity through significant increase in phagocytosis and higher proliferative response in splenic lymphocytes. Plasma lysozyme level was also higher in EA-treated mice at high dose but this was not statistically significant. Decreased intestinal motility was also exhibited in mice treated with the three leaf solvent extracts compared to the negative control and the acetylcholine-treated group. The antispasmodic activity of the solvent extracts was comparable to that of the atropine-treated group. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins in EA extract in addition to alkaloids and steroids. The EtOH and HEX extracts contain alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids. DPPH scavenging activity was highest in the EA extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the EA extract of P. oleracea leaves ameliorated the immunosuppressive action of cyclophosphamide in mice. The results also indicated that the three solvent extracts of the plant decreased smooth muscle spasms in mice ileum. However, further experiments are warranted to further isolate the plant's immunoactive component. Also, the mechanisms involved in the immunoactivity and antispasmodic properties of P. oleracea deserve full elucidation.

Hepatoprotective effects of capping protein gelsolin against hyperoxia-induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and DNA damage in neonatal rats

Tissues and organs get exposed to high oxygen (O₂) supply in hyperoxia conditions. The goal of this research was to investigate the protective effect of actin binding protein gelsolin on hyperoxia-induced hepatotoxicity through histopathology and measurement of oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage in a neonatal Wistar albino rats. The pups were randomly separated to four equal groups such as: normoxia control group (NC), normoxia plus gelsolin group (NG, 10 ng/kg bw/day gelsolin), hyperoxia (≥85% O₂) group (HC), hyperoxia plus gelsolin group (HG, ≥85% O₂; 10 ng/kg bw/day gelsolin). Histopathological changes of pups in hyperoxia condition were revealed in the form of severe leukocyte infiltration, vascular congestion, necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, binucleated hepatocytes and hemorrhage in the liver tissue. SOD, CAT, GPx and GST activities decreased and MDA level increased in the hyperoxia-induced group in liver tissue (P < 0.05). Tail DNA%, tail length and moment indicating DNA damage statistically increased in hyperoxia treatment groups when compared to controls. Treatment of rats with hyperoxia plus gelsolin prevented hyperoxia-induced changes in tissue structure, antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA level, mean tail DNA% and length. Based on these findings, gelsolin restored these changing to near normal levels but it does not protect completely in the hyperoxia conditions.

EFFECT OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF PURSLANE (PORTULACA OLERACEA L.) ON DIABETIC VARIABLES IN D-GALACTOSE INDUCED AGING MOUSE MODEL

Introduction

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) has antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pancreas protective effect of Purslane hydroalcoholic extract in D-galactose induced aging female mouse model.

Methods

In this experimental study, 72 adult female mice (30 - 35 g) were obtained and divided into 6 groups: control, Purslane hydroalcoholic extract, D-galactose, D-galactose + Purslane hydroalcoholic extract, Aging, Aging + Purslane hydroalcoholic extract. The aging model induced by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 45 consecutive days, and Purslane hydroalcoholic extract was orally gavaged in the last 21 days. 24 hours after the last drug and extract administrations, serum samples and pancreas tissues were removed for biochemical and histological assessments.

Results

Glucose decreased in the Purslane, D-galactose + Purslane and Aging + Purslane groups (p<0.05). Insulin and HOMA-IR increased in D-galactose and, Aging groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Purslane improved these parameters in D-galactose and Aging treated mice (p<0.05). Diameter of pancreatic islets decreased in Aging and D-galactose groups and Purslane hydroalcoholic extract administration improved this variable.

Conclusions

The present results show that Purslane has pancreas protective effects via its hypoglycemic and insulin resistance reducing activity.

Analysis and Comparison of the Antioxidant Component of Portulaca Oleracea Leaves Obtained by Different Solid-Liquid Extraction Techniques

Portulaca oleracea is a wild plant pest of orchards and gardens, but is also an edible vegetable rich in beneficial nutrients. It possesses many antioxidant properties due to the high content of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 essential fatty acids and other healthful compounds; therefore, the intake of purslane and/or its bioactive compounds could help to improve the health and function of the whole human organism. Accordingly, in this work it was analyzed and compared to the extractive capacity of the antioxidant component of purslane leaves obtained by solid-liquid extraction techniques such as: hot-maceration, maceration with ultrasound, rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction using the Naviglio extractor, and a combination of two techniques (mix extraction). The chromatographic analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) of the methanolic extract of dried purslane leaves allowed the identification of various polyphenolic compounds for comparison with the standards. In addition, the properties of the different extracts were calculated on dry matter and the antioxidant properties of the total polyphenol components analyzed by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The results showed that mix extraction was the most efficient compared to other techniques. In fact, it obtained a quantity of polyphenols amounting to 237.8 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/100 g of fresh weight, while in other techniques, the range varied from 60–160 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight. In addition, a qualitative analysis by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) of the phenolic compounds present in the purslane leaves examined was carried out. The compounds were identified by comparison of their molecular weight, fragmentation pattern and retention time with those of standards, using the “Multiple Reaction Monitoring” mode (MRM). Therefore, this study allowed the re-evaluation of a little-known plant that possesses as its beneficial properties, a great potential for use in both the food and the nutraceuticals and cosmetic field.

The influence of hydro-ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea L. on Th1/Th2 balance in isolated human lymphocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants activity of Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) were mentioned in traditional texts. In previous studies, different anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of P. oleracea were demonstrated. However, the mechanism of action and immunomodulatory property of this plant are greatly unknown. In the present study, the effect of the extract of this plant on IL-4, IL10, IFN-γ and T helper (h)1/Th2 balance in non-stimulated and stimulated human lymphocytes was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of three concentrations (160, 40 and 10µg/ml) of P. oleracea or dexamethasone were evaluated on percentage of cell proliferation and nitric oxide (NO) production as well as secretion of cytokines (IL-4, IL10 and IFN-γ) in PHA-stimulated and non-stimulated lymphocytes, and compared to control and dexamethasone as positive control (n=15 for each group).

RESULTS

In stimulated cells, dexamethasone significantly inhibited the percentage of cell proliferation, NO production, and secretion of cytokines in comparison to control group (P<0.001 for all cases). The percentage of cell proliferation, NO production, and secretion of cytokines were significantly decreased while Th1/Th2 (IFN-γ/IL-4) and Treg/Th2 (IL-10/IL-4) balances significantly enhanced in treated groups with all three concentrations of extract compared to control group (P<0.001 for all cases). The effect of all concentrations of the extract on cell proliferation, NO production and secretion of cytokines as well as Treg/Th2 balance were significantly lower than dexamethasone (P<0.001 for all cases), but Th1/Th2 ratio obtained in the presence of only low extract concentration was lower than dexamethasone (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Different concentrations of extract promoted Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th2 balances which may suggest the therapeutic value of the plant in inflammatory disease associated with decreased Th1/Th2 balance such as asthma or cancers.

DNA Protection against Oxidative Damage Using the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Garcinia mangostana and Alpha-Mangostin

Garcinia mangostana, popularly known as “mangosteen fruit,” originates from Southeast Asia and came to Brazil about 80 years ago where it mainly grows in the states of Pará and Bahia. Although mangosteen or its extracts have been used for ages in Asian folk medicine, data on its potential genotoxicity is missing. We, therefore, evaluated genotoxicity/mutagenicity of hydroethanolic mangosteen extract [HEGM, 10 to 640 μg/mL] in established test assays (Comet assay, micronucleus test, and Salmonella/microsome test). In the Comet assay, HEGM-exposed human leukocytes showed no DNA damage. No significant HEGM-induced mutation in TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium (with or without metabolic activation) was observed and HEGM-exposed human lymphocytes had no increase of micronuclei. However, HEGM suggested exposure concentration-dependent antigenotoxic potential in leukocytes and antioxidant potential in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. HEGM preloading effectively protected against H₂O₂-induced DNA damage in leukocytes (Comet assay). Preloading of yeast with HEGM for up to 4 h significantly protected the cells from lethality of chronic H₂O₂-exposure, as expressed in better survival. Absence of genotoxicity and demonstration of an antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential suggest that HEGM or some substances contained in it may hold promise for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical application.

Antigenotoxic and antioxidant potentials of newly derivatized compound naringenin-oxime relative to naringenin on human mononuclear cells

We investigated antigenotoxic and antioxidative effects of newly derivatized compound naringenin-oxime (NG-Ox) compared to its mother compound naringenin (NG) against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (HP) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Antigenotoxic activity was assessed using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay). Oxidative status was evaluated by measurement of total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and lipid hydroperoxide levels in the cells. Oxidative stress index was also calculated. Both NG and NG-Ox show a protective effect against HP-induced oxidative damage on PBMC and are able to reduce oxidative stress. The percentage of antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential progressively increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, these activities were found to be more significant in NG-Ox-treated cells than in NG-treated cells. Taken together, these observations provide evidences indicating that both NG and NG-Ox are able to protect cells against oxidative damage and apparently NG-Ox is more effective than NG.

Separation and Identification of Four New Compounds with Antibacterial Activity from Portulaca oleracea L

The Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) has been used to treat bacillary dysentery for thousands of years in China. Pharmacology studies on P. oleracea have also showed its significant antibacterial effects on the enteropathogenic bacteria, which might reveal the treatment of P. oleracea in cases of bacillary dysentery to some extent. To date, however, the therapeutic basis of P. oleracea treating on bacillary dysentery remains unknown. We determined the antibacterial effective fraction of P. oleracea in a previous study. The current study, which is based on our previous study, was first designed to isolate, identify and screen antibacterial active constituents from P. oleracea. As a result, four new compounds (1–4), portulacerebroside B (1), portulacerebroside C (2), portulacerebroside D (3) and portulaceramide A (4) along with five known compounds (5–9) were isolated, and structures were established by their physico-chemical constants and spectroscopic analysis. The antibacterial activities against common enteropathogenic bacteria were evaluated for all compounds and the new compounds 1–4 showed significant antibacterial effect on enteropathogenic bacteria in vitro, which might contribute to revealing the treatment of P. oleracea in cases of bacillary dysentery.

Protective effect of sulfurous water in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Alzheimer's disease patients

AIMS

One of the main features of sulfurous water (SW) is the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which confers its antioxidant activity. Since oxidative stress plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) we hypothesize that SW could have a protective effect in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A therapeutic in vitro approach of SW was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of AD patients and in age-matched healthy non-demented controls using one modification of the comet assay (to measure oxidative DNA damage) and the MTT assay (as an indicator of cell viability). Hydrogen peroxide and homocysteine were used to induce oxidative DNA damage, and vitamin C, Trolox and N-acetyl-cysteine were selected as antioxidants of reference to compare SW treatment results.

KEY FINDINGS

SW did not increase per se the oxidative DNA damage of PBMC. Furthermore, SW protected them against enhanced oxidative stress in AD and control populations after pro-oxidant stimuli, with similar results to those observed when using the antioxidants of reference. Nevertheless, SW was the only treatment that could avoid the loss of viability of PBMC for all pro-oxidant stimuli in both populations, suggesting that H2S could confer to SW a more antioxidant capacity than other known antioxidants.

SIGNIFICANCE

The protective effect of SW was proved for the first time not only in DNA stability but also in cell viability preservation in AD, indicating that further research in other in vitro and in vivo models could lead to include SW as a possible therapy for AD.

Portulaca oleracea L.: a review of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects

Portulaca oleracea L., belonging to the Portulacaceae family, is commonly known as purslane in English and Ma-Chi-Xian in Chinese. It is a warm-climate, herbaceous succulent annual plant with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is eaten extensively as a potherb and added in soups and salads around the Mediterranean and tropical Asian countries and has been used as a folk medicine in many countries. Diverse compounds have been isolated from Portulaca oleracea, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenoids, sterols, proteins vitamins and minerals. Portulaca oleracea possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, and anticancer activities. However, few molecular mechanisms of action are known. This review provides a summary of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of this plant.

DNA damage in human germ cell exposed to the some food additives in vitro

The use of food additives has increased enormously in modern food technology but they have adverse effects in human healthy. The aim of this study was to investigate the DNA damage of some food additives such as citric acid (CA), benzoic acid (BA), brilliant blue (BB) and sunset yellow (SY) which were investigated in human male germ cells using comet assay. The sperm cells were incubated with different concentrations of these food additives (50, 100, 200 and 500 μg/mL) for 1 h at 32 °C. The results showed for CA, BA, BB and SY a dose dependent increase in tail DNA%, tail length and tail moment in human sperm when compared to control group. When control values were compared in the studied parameters in the treatment concentrations, SY was found to exhibit the highest level of DNA damage followed by BB > BA > CA. However, none of the food additives affected the tail DNA%, tail length and tail moment at 50 and 100 μg/mL. At 200 μg/mL of SY, the tail DNA% and tail length of sperm were 95.80 ± 0.28 and 42.56 ± 4.66, for BB the values were 95.06 ± 2.30 and 39.56 ± 3.78, whereas for BA the values were 89.05 ± 2.78 and 31.50 ± 0.71, for CA the values were 88.59 ± 6.45 and 13.59 ± 2.74, respectively. However, only the highest concentration of the used food additives significantly affected the studied parameters of sperm DNA. The present results indicate that SY and BB are more harmful than BA and CA to human sperm in vitro.

Protective effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on capsaicin-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in human erythrocyes and leucocytes in vitro

The aim of this study is to show that protective effects of the main catechin (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against capsaicin (CAP) induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in human blood in vitro. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were studied in erythrocytes and leucocytes with increased concentrations of CAP. DNA damage in leucocytes was measured by the comet assay. Human blood cells have been administered with doses between 0 and 200 μM of CAP and/or EGCG (20 μM) for an hour at 37 °C. Treatment with CAP alone has increased the levels of MDA and decreased antioxidant enzymes in human blood cells. A significant increase in tail DNA%, mean tail length and tail moment indicating DNA damage has been observed at the highest dose of CAP treatment when compared to controls. Treatment of cells with CAP plus EGCG prevented CAP-induced changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA level and mean tail lenght indicating DNA damage. A significant increase in mean tail lenght was observed at high doses of CAP. These data suggest that EGCG can prevent toxicity to human erythrocytes and leucocytes caused by CAP, only at low doses.

Antiproliferation and induction of apoptosis in Ca9-22 oral cancer cells by ethanolic extract of Gracilaria tenuistipitata

The water extract of Gracilaria tenuistipitata have been found to be protective against oxidative stress-induced cellular DNA damage, but the biological function of the ethanolic extracts of G. tenuistipitata (EEGT) is still unknown. In this study, the effect of EEGT on oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) Ca9-22 cell line was examined in terms of the cell proliferation and oxidative stress responses. The cell viability of EEGT-treated OSCC cells was significantly reduced in a dose-response manner (p < 0.0001). The annexin V intensity and pan-caspase activity of EEGT-treated OSCC cells were significantly increased in a dose-response manner (p < 0.05 to 0.0001). EEGT significantly increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (p < 0.0001) and decreased the glutathione (GSH) level (p < 0.01) in a dose-response manner. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of EEGT-treated OSCC cells was significantly decreased in a dose-response manner (p < 0.005). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that EEGT induced the growth inhibition and apoptosis of OSCC cells, which was accompanied by ROS increase, GSH depletion, caspase activation, and mitochondrial depolarization. Therefore, EEGT may have potent antitumor effect against oral cancer cells.

Portulaca oleracea Ameliorates Diabetic Vascular Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in db/db Mice

Type 2 diabetes is associated with significantly accelerated rates of micro- and macrovascular complications such as diabetic vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. (AP), an edible plant used as a folk medicine, on diabetic vascular complications. The db/db mice were treated with AP (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 10 weeks, and AP treatment markedly lowered blood glucose, plasma triglyceride, plasma level of LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure in diabetic db/db mice. Furthermore, AP significantly increased plasma level of HDL-cholesterol and insulin level. The impairment of ACh- and SNP-induced vascular relaxation of aortic rings were ameliorated by AP treatment in diabetic db/db mice. This study also showed that overexpression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, MMP-2, and ET-1 were observed in aortic tissues of untreated db/db mice, which were significantly suppressed by treatment with AP. We also found that the insulin immunoreactivity of the pancreatic islets remarkably increased in AP treated db/db mice compared with untreated db/db mice. Taken together, AP suppresses hyperglycemia and diabetic vascular inflammation, and prevents the development of diabetic endothelial dysfunction for the development of diabetes and its vascular complications.