Labisia pumila extract regulates body weight and adipokines in ovariectomized rats

Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and applications of Labisia pumila: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern.-Vill, also known as Kacip Fatimah, is a traditional medicinal herb common throughout Southeast Asia. It is primarily used to facilitate childbirth and postpartum recovery in women. Additionally, it can also be used to treat dysentery, rheumatism, gonorrhea, and as an anti-flatulent.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the traditional uses, botany, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, practical applications, and potential uses of L. pumila (LP). Furthermore, we also explore the safety of this plant and its potential prospects for application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The keywords "Labisia pumila," "Kacip Fatimah," and "Marantodes pumilum" were used to collect relevant information through electronic searches (including Elsevier, PubMed, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science).

RESULTS

This review summarizes 102 chemical components from different parts of the plant, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and other chemical components. In addition, we also address the associated cultivation conditions, traditional uses, pharmacological effects and toxicity. A large number of reports indicate that LP has various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, anti-inflammtory, antimicrobial, anti-osteoporosis and anti-obesity properties. These results provide valuable references for future research on LP. In addition, LP is also a potential medicinal and edible plant, and is currently sold on the market as a dietary supplement.

CONCLUSIONS

LP is a renowned traditional ethnic medicine with numerous pharmacological activities attributed to its bioactive components. Therefore, isolation and identification of the chemical components in LP can be a focus of our future research. Current studies have focused only on the effects of LP on estrogen deficiency-related diseases in women and bone diseases. There is no scientific evidence for other traditional uses. Therefore, it is important to further explore its pharmacological activities and fill the research gaps related to other traditional uses. Furthermore, research on its safety should be expanded to prepare clinical applications.

Labisia pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) reduces percentage of waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in individuals with obesity

AIM

Evidence from the literature points towards a viable choice of utilizing Labisia pumila to improve the metabolic profile in animal studies. To that end, this prospective study was designed to assess the health impact of the consumption of L. pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) on key parameters of obesity in humans such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A dose-ranging analysis using SKF7® was conducted through a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2 clinical trial involving individuals with obesity (N = 133) between January 2020 and April 2021. The potential percentage of change was assessed in relation to BW, BMI, WC and WHtR.

RESULTS

Average treatment effect estimates (treatment group vs. placebo) show a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of change for BW (mean = -2.915; CI: -4.546, -1.285), BMI (-2.921; CI: -4.551, -1.291), WC (mean = -2.187; CI: -3.784, -0.589) and WHtR (mean = -2.294, CI: -3.908, -0.681) in the group with a total of 750 mg of SKF7® (p < .01). An incremental reduction in WC and WHtR was consistent with the gradual increase in the total daily concentration of SKF7® from 375 to 750 mg. WC and WHtR had higher effect size (f 2  = 0.11 and f 2  = 0.13 respectively) in comparison with BW and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

SKF7® is potentially a novel therapeutic treatment for obesity, reflected by reductions in BW, BMI, WC and WHtR. The use of SKF7® suggests a dose-dependent reduction in abdominal obesity, exemplified by a decline in WC and WHtR.

The nanoformula of zoledronic acid and calcium carbonate targets osteoclasts and reverses osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is known as an imbalance in bone catabolism and anabolism. Overactive bone resorption causes bone mass loss and increased incidence of fragility fractures. Antiresorptive drugs are widely used for osteoporosis treatment, and their inhibitory effects on osteoclasts (OCs) have been well established. However, due to the lack of selectivity, their off-target and side effects often bring suffering to patients. Herein, an OCs' microenvironment-responsive nanoplatform HA-MC/CaCO₃/ZOL@PBAE-SA (HMCZP) is developed, consisting of succinic anhydride (SA)-modified poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) micelle, calcium carbonate shell, minocycline-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-MC) and zoledronic acid (ZOL). Results indicate that HMCZP, as compared with the first-line therapy, could more effectively inhibit the activity of mature OCs and significantly reverse the systemic bone mass loss in ovariectomized mice. In addition, the OCs-targeted capacity of HMCZP makes it therapeutically efficient at sites of severe bone mass loss and allows it to reduce the adverse effects of ZOL, such as acute phase reaction. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) reveals that HMCZP could down-regulate a critical osteoporotic target, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), as well as other potential therapeutical targets for osteoporosis. These results suggest that an intelligent nanoplatform targeting OCs is a promising strategy for osteoporosis therapy.

Influence of cultural practices on breast cancer risks, stage at presentation and outcome in a multi-ethnic developing country

Malaysia is a developing country made up of three main ethnicities: Malay, Chinese and Indian. There are significant ethnic differences with regard to the type of daily food and cooking methods, contraception, breast-feeding preferences, confinement period and care, postmenopausal intake and influence of the traditional healer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women across all three ethnicities. However, the National Cancer Registry and local medical centres have documented ethnic differences in breast cancer risk (Chinese, 40.7 per 100,000; Indian, 38.1 per 100,000; Malay, 31.5 per 100,000), peak age (youngest in the Malays), stage at presentation (largest percentage at advanced stage among the Malays) and survival (poorest survival rate among the Malays). The Malays have several practices that are protective against breast cancer compared with the Chinese. However, the Malays have strong beliefs in the traditional healer, which contribute to the delay in getting treatment, causing a poor outcome and a low survival rate. The highest BRCA1 and 2 genetic mutation incidence is amongst the Chinese, but the Malays have the largest triple-negative breast cancer rates. These factors may also contribute to the statistical breast cancer data.

A Review on Therapeutic Effects of Labisia pumila on Female Reproductive Diseases

The Labisia pumila (LP) is a traditional plant that is locally known as Kacip Fatimah, Selusuh Fatimah, or Pokok Ringgang by the Malaysian indigenous people. It is believed to facilitate their childbirth, treating their postchild birth and menstrual irregularities. The water extract of LP has shown to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid, which contribute extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal. The LP ethanolic extract exhibits significant estrogenic effects on human endomentrial adenocarcinoma cell in estrogen-free basal medium and promoting an increase in secretion of alkaline phosphate. Water based has been used for many generations, and studies had reported that it could displace in binding the antibodies and increase the estradiol production making it similar to esterone and estradiol hormone. LP extract poses a potential and beneficial aspect in medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is mainly due to its phytoestrogen properties of the LP. However, there is a specific functionality in the application of LP extract, due to specific functional group in phytoconstituent of LP. Apart from that, the extraction solvent is important in preparing the LP extract as it poses some significant and mild side effects towards consuming the LP extracts. The current situation of women reproductive disease such as postmenopausal syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing. Thus, it is important to find ways in alternative treatment for women reproductive disease that is less costly and low side effects. In conclusion, these studies proven that LP has the potential to be an alternative way in treating female reproductive related diseases such as in postmenopausal and polysystic ovarian syndrome women.

Herbal-Based Formulation Containing Eurycoma longifolia and Labisia pumila Aqueous Extracts: Safe for Consumption?

A combined polyherbal formulation containing tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) and kacip fatimah (Labisia pumila) aqueous extracts was evaluated for its safety aspect. A repeated dose 28-day toxicity study using Wistar rats was conducted where the polyherbal formulation was administered at doses 125, 500 and 2000 mg/kg body weight to male and female treatment groups daily via oral gavage, with rats receiving only water as the control group. In-life parameters measured include monitoring of food and water consumption and clinical and functional observations. On day 29, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. The rats were necropsied and the organs were collected for histopathological examination. This study showed that the combined formulation did not induce any significant toxicity effect at any dose level in terms of morbidity, mortality, behaviour, functional observation, body weight, food and water consumption, whole blood haematology and serum biochemistry. However, there were some microscopic changes in the histopathological examinations of some organs given 2000 mg/kg body weight, which may suggest an early response to the polyherbal formulation. From this study, the no observed adverse effect level is estimated to be more than 500 mg/kg body weight but not exceeding 2000 mg/kg body weight. The observed effects at the highest dose indicate the need for further study of longer dosing duration.

Resistin Mediates Sex-Dependent Effects of Perivascular Adipose Tissue on Vascular Function in the Shrsp

Premenopausal women are relatively protected from developing hypertension compared to men. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to mediate vasoactive effects; however, a sex-dependent difference in PVAT function in the setting of hypertension has not yet been explored. We investigated the effect of PVAT on resistance vessel biology in male and female 16 week old stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). This preclinical model of hypertension exhibits a sex-dependent difference in the development of hypertension similar to humans. Wire myography was used to assess vascular function in third-order mesenteric arteries. K_ATP channel-mediated vasorelaxation by cromakalim was significantly impaired in vessels from SHRSP males + PVAT relative to females (maximum relaxation: male + PVAT 46.9 ± 3.9% vs. female + PVAT 97.3 ± 2.7%). A cross-over study assessing the function of male PVAT on female vessels confirmed the reduced vasorelaxation response to cromakalim associated with male PVAT (maximum relaxation: female + PVAT_female90.6 ± 1.4% vs. female + PVAT_male65.8 ± 3.5%). In order to explore the sex-dependent differences in PVAT at a molecular level, an adipokine array and subsequent western blot validation identified resistin expression to be increased approximately 2-fold in PVAT from male SHRSP vessels. Further wire myography experiments showed that pre-incubation with resistin (40 ng/ml) significantly impaired the ability of female + PVAT vessels to relax in response to cromakalim (maximum relaxation: female + PVAT 97.3 ± 0.9% vs. female + PVAT + resistin_[40ng/ml]36.8 ± 2.3%). These findings indicate a novel role for resistin in mediating sex-dependent vascular function in hypertension through a K_ATP channel-mediated mechanism.

Efficacy and safety of Labisia pumila var alata water extract among pre- and postmenopausal women

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Labisia pumila var alata (L. pumila) water extract for improving quality of life, cardiovascular and hormonal balance. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, 16-week study in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia. The subjects were randomized to 400 mg propriety extract of L. pumila or placebo. A Women's Health Questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data. A total of 197 subjects (L. pumila: n=102 and placebo: n=95) were analyzed. Subjects in the herbal group showed improved memory/concentration, vasomotor symptoms, menstrual symptoms, and sleep problems by 8.3%, 15.9%, 11.8%, and 31.0%, respectively. The greatest improvement was observed for the question: "I get frightened or panic feelings for apparently no reason at all" with a 53% decrease as compared with placebo. Improvements were also seen in the cardiovascular parameters, and the safety profiles were normal. Postmenopausal women supplemented with L. pumila showed no changes in gynecological relevant hormones luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and 17β-Estradiol. Water extract of L. pumila was shown to be safe and effective for improving several parameters of quality of life and cardiovascular risks factors (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]).

Labisia pumila regulates bone-related genes expressions in postmenopausal osteoporosis model

BACKGROUND

Labisia Pumila var. alata (LPva) has shown potential as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in prevention of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. In earlier studies using postmenopausal model, LPva was able to reverse the ovariectomy-induced changes in biochemical markers, bone calcium, bone histomorphometric parameters and biomechanical strength. The mechanism behind these protective effects is unclear but LPva may have regulated factors that regulate bone remodeling. The aim of this study is to determine the bone-protective mechanism of LPva by measuring the expressions of several factors involved in bone formative and resorptive activities namely Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B Ligand (RANKL), Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (MCSF) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2).

METHODS

Thirty-two female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin) (ERT). The LPva and ERT were administered via daily oral gavages at doses of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Following two months of treatment, the rats were euthanized and the gene expressions of BMP-2, OPG, RANKL and MCSF in the femoral bones were measured using a branch - DNA technique.

RESULTS

The RANKL gene expression was increased while the OPG and BMP-2 gene expressions were reduced in the OVXC group compared to the SHAM group. There were no significant changes in the MCSF gene expressions among the groups. Treatment with either LPva or ERT was able to prevent these ovariectomy-induced changes in the gene expressions in ovariectomized rats with similar efficacy.

CONCLUSION

LPva may protect bone against estrogen deficiency-induced changes by regulating the RANKL, OPG and BMP-2 gene expressions.

Labisia pumila Upregulates Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Expression in Rat Adipose Tissues and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism. We investigated the effects of Labisia pumila (LP) standardized water extract on PPARgamma transcriptional activity in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. We used a rat model of dihydrotestosterone- (DHT-) induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by insulin resistance. At 9 weeks of age, the PCOS rats were randomly subdivided into two groups: PCOS-LP (50 mg/kg/day of LP) and PCOS-control (1 mL of deionised water) for 4-5 weeks on the same schedule. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to determine the PPARgamma mRNA levels. LP upregulated PPARgamma mRNA level by 40% in the PCOS rats. Western blot analysis further demonstrated the increased PPARgamma protein levels in parallel with upregulation in mRNA. These observations were further proven by adipocytes culture. Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with final concentration of 100  μ g/mL LP and compared to untreated control and 10  μ M of rosiglitazone (in type of thiazolidinediones). LP increased PPARgamma expressions at both mRNA and protein levels and enhanced the effect of glucose uptake in the insulin-resistant cells. The data suggest that LP may ameliorate insulin resistance in adipocytes via the upregulation of PPARgamma pathway.

Primary, secondary metabolites, photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant activity of the Malaysian Herb Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pumila Benth) exposed to potassium fertilization under greenhouse conditions

A randomized complete block design was used to characterize the relationship between production of total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carbohydrate content, leaf gas exchange, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), soluble protein, invertase and antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Labisia pumila Benth var. alata under four levels of potassium fertilization experiments (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg K/ha) conducted for 12 weeks. It was found that the production of total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carbohydrate content was affected by the interaction between potassium fertilization and plant parts. As the potassium fertilization levels increased from 0 to 270 kg K/ha, the production of soluble protein and PAL activity increased steadily. At the highest potassium fertilization (270 kg K/ha) L. pumila exhibited significantly higher net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), intercellular CO₂ (C_i), apparent quantum yield (ξ) and lower dark respiration rates (R_d), compared to the other treatments. It was found that the production of total phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbic acid are also higher under 270 kg K/ha compared to 180, 90 and 0 kg K/ha. Furthermore, from the present study, the invertase activity was also found to be higher in 270 kg K/ha treatment. The antioxidant enzyme activities (APX, CAT and SOD) were lower under high potassium fertilization (270 kg K/ha) and have a significant negative correlation with total phenolics and flavonoid production. From this study, it was observed that the up-regulation of leaf gas exchange and downregulation of APX, CAT and SOD activities under high supplementation of potassium fertilizer enhanced the carbohydrate content that simultaneously increased the production of L. pumila secondary metabolites, thus increasing the health promoting effects of this plant.

Labisia pumila Prevents Complications of Osteoporosis by Increasing Bone Strength in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is the main treatment postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, ERT causes serious side effects, such as cancers and thromboembolic problems. Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) is a herb with potential as an alternative to ERT to prevent complications of osteoporosis, especially fragility fractures. This study was conducted to determine the effects of LPva on the biomechanical strength of femora exposed to osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency, using the postmenopausal rat model. Thirty-two female rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin) (ERT). The LPva and ERT were administered via oral gavage daily at doses of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Following two months of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their right femora were prepared for bone biomechanical testing. The results showed that ovariectomy compromised the femoral strength, while LPva supplementation to the ovariectomized rats improved the femoral strength. Therefore, LPva may be as effective as ERT in preventing fractures due to estrogen-deficient osteoporosis.

Labisia pumila protects the bone of estrogen-deficient rat model: a histomorphometric study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) is a phytoestrogenic herb with potential as an alternative to Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. LP has been reported to produce similar effects to ERT on the bone markers, but could not match ERT in terms of maintaining the bone calcium in postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. This study aimed to examine in detail the effects of LP on the bone of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model using bone histomorphometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty two female rats were randomly divided into groups of: Sham operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin®) (ERT). The LP and ERT were administered through the route of oral gavage daily at the dose of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg respectively. Following 2 months of treatment, rats were euthanized and the left femurs were dissected out and prepared for bone histomorphometry.

RESULTS

Histomorphometric analysis revealed osteoporotic changes for the ovariectomized rats. Supplementation of LP to ovariectomized rats could prevent these osteoporotic changes, as effective as ERT.

CONCLUSION

This confirmed that LP has potential as an alternative to ERT for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Review on Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah): bioactive phytochemicals and skin collagen synthesis promoting herb

Labisia pumila is a traditional herb widely used as post-partum medication for centuries. Recently, extensive researches have been carried out on the phytochemical identification, biological and toxicological studies for the herb. Phytochemicals found in the herbal extract showed high antioxidant properties, which were essential for various pharmacological activities. The significant findings are anti-estrogenic deficiency and -immunodeficiency diseases. Another finding that has considerable impact on natural product research is the contribution of L. pumila in promoting skin collagen synthesis. The performance of the herb as anti-aging agent due to natural aging process and accelerated by UV radiation was reviewed critically.

The Anti-Inflammatory, Phytoestrogenic, and Antioxidative Role of Labisia pumila in Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by skeletal degeneration with low bone mass and destruction of microarchitecture of bone tissue which is attributed to various factors including inflammation. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men due to reduction in estrogen during menopause which leads to decline in bone-formation and increase in bone-resorption activity. Estrogen is able to suppress production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-7, and TNF-α. This is why these cytokines are elevated in postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that estrogen reduction is able to stimulate focal inflammation in bone. Labisia pumila (LP) which is known to exert phytoestrogenic effect can be used as an alternative to ERT which can produce positive effects on bone without causing side effects. LP contains antioxidant as well as exerting anti-inflammatory effect which can act as free radical scavenger, thus inhibiting TNF-α production and COX-2 expression which leads to decline in RANKL expression, resulting in reduction in osteoclast activity which consequently reduces bone loss. Hence, it is the phytoestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties that make LP an effective agent against osteoporosis.

Tissue-Specific Effects of Loss of Estrogen during Menopause and Aging

The roles of estrogens have been best studied in the breast, breast cancers, and in the female reproductive tract. However, estrogens have important functions in almost every tissue in the body. Recent clinical trials such as the Women's Health Initiative have highlighted both the importance of estrogens and how little we know about the molecular mechanism of estrogens in these other tissues. In this review, we illustrate the diverse functions of estrogens in the bone, adipose tissue, skin, hair, brain, skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system, and how the loss of estrogens during aging affects these tissues. Early transcriptional targets of estrogen are reviewed in each tissue. We also describe the tissue-specific effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) used for the treatment of breast cancers and postmenopausal symptoms.

Alkyl phenols and saponins from the roots of Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah)

Recently, there is a remarkable boom in the sales of Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah) in the Malaysian market, as an extract of the plant is used to gain energy and libido as well as to treat many other ailments. A chemical analysis of its roots was undertaken and three metabolites, demethylbelamcandaquinone B (1), fatimahol (2), and dexyloprimulanin (3) together with 21 known compounds including epoxyoleanane glycosides, alkenated phenolics, cerebroside, glycerogalactolipids, and lipids were isolated and identified. Structure elucidation was achieved by spectroscopic and chemical studies. The MeOH extract of KF and compounds 12 and 13 exhibited moderate in vitro antibacterial activity.

Labisia pumila extract down-regulates hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 expression and corticosterone levels in ovariectomized rats

We evaluated the effects of a standardized Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) extract on body weight change, hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) expressions and corticosterone (CORT) level in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The decoction of LPva has been used for generations among Malay women in Malaysia to maintain a healthy reproductive system.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley OVX rats were treated orally with LPva extract (10, 20 or 50 mg/kg/day) or estrogen replacement (ERT) for 30 days. Sham operated rats were used as controls. Compared to untreated OVX rats, LPva-treated rats showed less weight gain and had significantly down-regulated HSD11B1 mRNA in liver tissues. HSD11B1 mRNA in adipose tissues increased by 55% (p < 0.05) in OVX rats but normalized in rats treated with LPva. Similarly, there was significant down-regulation (p < 0.05) of protein levels of HSD11B1 in both liver and adipose tissue of LPva and ERT groups, and CORT levels were significantly reduced in both groups of rats. This is the first study ever conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of LPva in relation to weight gain caused by estrogen insufficiency. Results implied that the bioactive components in LPva extract affect not only HSD11B1 expressions in both adipose and liver tissues but also decrease circulating CORT. The extract should be explored for its potential use as a natural remedy for weight management.

Effect of Cistanches Herba aqueous extract on bone loss in ovariectomized rat

To assess the ability of traditional Chinese medicine Cistanches Herba extract (CHE) to prevent bone loss in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat, Cistanches Herba extract (CHE) was administered intragastrically to the rats. Female rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (40 mg kg(-1), i.p.), and their ovaries were removed bilaterally. The rats in the sham-operated group were anesthetized, laparotomized, and sutured without removing their ovaries. After 1 week of recovery from surgery, the OVX rats were randomly divided into three groups and orally treated with H(2)O (OVX group) or CHE (100 or 200 mg kg(-1) daily) for 3 months. The sham-operated group (n = 8) was orally treated with H(2)O. After 3 months, the total body bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), Bone biomechanical index, blood mineral levels and blood antioxidant enzymes activities were examined in sham-operated, ovariectomized and Cistanches Herba extract treated rats. Results showed that Cistanches Herba extract treatment significantly dose-dependently enhanced bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), maximum load, displacement at maximum load, stress at maximum load, load at auto break, displacement at auto break, and stress at auto break, and blood antioxidant enzymes activities, decreased blood Ca, Zn and Cu levels compared to the OVX group. This experiment demonstrates that the administration of Cistanches Herba extract to ovariectomized rats reverses bone loss and prevents osteoporosis.

Labisia pumila var. alata reduces bacterial load by inducing uroepithelial cell apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) is a traditional medicinal herb used by Malaysian women to treat many ailments of the genitourinary tract. Its phytoestrogenic properties suggest potential to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women post menopause. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the mechanisms of action of LPva in an in vitro model of UTI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bladder epithelial cell lines T24 and 5637 and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain CFT073 were used to model uroepithelial infection. The ability of LPva to induce programmed cell death was tested using the Annexin-V-FLUOS and TUNEL assays. Expression of caveolin-1, β1 integrin and antimicrobial peptides HBD-2 and LL-37 in response to LPva treatment and/or infection, was assessed using RT real-time PCR. Effects on protein expression were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Sensitivity and yeast agglutination assays were employed to determine if LPva had antimicrobial activities and/or interacted with type 1 fimbriae, respectively. Finally, bacterial adherence and invasion to cells treated with LPva was examined.

RESULTS

LPva induced uroepithelial apoptosis which was coupled with upregulated expression of caveolin-1 and downregulation of β1 integrin. LPva did not exhibit direct antimicrobial properties and did not influence antimicrobial peptide levels in cells. Additionally, LPva did not interact with type 1 fimbriae and did not affect adherence in comparison to non-treated control cells. However, LPva significantly reduced the number of intracellular UPEC in bladder epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that LPva has beneficial applications against UPEC infection due to its ability to induce programmed cell death and reduce bacterial invasion of the uroepithelium.

Expression of TGF-β1 in the blood during fracture repair in an estrogen-deficient rat model

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have reported that osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency influences fracture healing. Transforming growth factor (TGF-b) has been found to be involved in fracture healing via the regulation of the differentiation and activation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The current study aimed to determine the effects of estrogen on the expression of TGF-β1 during fracture healing in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were assigned to: (i) a sham-operated group that was given a normal saline; (ii) an ovariectomized control group that was given a normal saline; or (iii) an ovariectomized + estrogen (100 mg/kg/day) group that was treated with conjugated equine estrogen. The right femur of all rats was fractured, and a Kirschner wire was inserted six weeks post-ovariectomy. Treatment with estrogen was given for another six weeks post-fracture. At the end of the study, blood samples were taken, and the right femur was harvested and subjected to biomechanical strength testing.

RESULTS

The percentage change in the plasma TGF-β1 level before treatment was significantly lower in the ovariectomized control and estrogen groups when compared with the sham group (p<0.001). After six weeks of treatment, the percentage change in the plasma TGF-β1 level in the estrogen group was significantly higher compared with the level in the ovariectomized control group (p = 0.001). The mean ultimate force was significantly increased in the ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen when compared with the ovariectomized control group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that treatment with conjugated equine estrogen enhanced the strength of the healed bone in estrogen-deficient rats by most likely inducing the expression of TGF-β1.

Beneficial metabolic effects of the Malaysian herb Labisia pumila var. alata in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

AIM OF THE STUDY

New options are needed to prevent and treat metabolic disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva)-a Malaysian herb thought to have phytoestrogenic effects-has shown promise in reducing body weight gain in ovariectomized rats. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPva on body composition and metabolic features in female rats treated continuously with dihydrotestosterone, starting before puberty, to induce PCOS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At 9 weeks of age, the PCOS rats were randomly subdivided into two groups; PCOS LPva and PCOS control. PCOS LPva rats received a daily oral dose of LPva (50mg/kg body weight), dissolved in 1 ml of deionised water, for 4-5 weeks. PCOS controls received 1 ml of deionised water on the same schedule.

RESULTS

LPva increased uterine weight (27%) and insulin sensitivity (36%) measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Plasma resistin levels were increased and lipid profile was improved in LPva rats. In adipose tissue, LPva decreased leptin mRNA expression but did not affect expression of resistin and adiponectin. No effects on body composition, adipocyte size, or plasma leptin levels were observed.

CONCLUSION

LPva increases uterine weight, indicating estrogenic effects, and improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in PCOS rats without affecting body composition.

Osteoprotective effect of extract from Achyranthes bidentata in ovariectomized rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

A Chinese herbal drug, root of Achyranthes bidentata showed a potent inhibitory activity on bone resorption induced by parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a bone organ culture using neonatal mouse parietal bones. The present study is to clarify the fractions responsible for the activity and further explore the osteoprotective effect of the fraction in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (n-BuOH) and water soluble fractions of methanol extract of the root of Achyranthes bidentata were prepared and screened for their anti-bone resorption activity using the bone organ culture system. The n-BuOH soluble fraction was further administered orally at doses of 25, 50 and 100mg/(kgday) to ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The analyses of the rat body weight, serum estradiol (E2), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, uteri weight and measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) were conducted.

RESULTS

The EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions showed the most potent inhibitory activity on PTH-induced bone resorption. Further research using OVX rat model revealed that the n-BuOH fraction significantly prevented BMD loss due to OVX operation. While, the uteri weight and serum estradiol (E2), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels displayed no differences compared with those of control group (OVX rats), suggesting the n-BuOH fraction should have no estrogen-like side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The results reveal that the n-BuOH soluble fraction of the root of Achyranthes bidentata is effective at preventing bone loss in OVX rats and has a great potential as an alternative tool for the treatment of osteoporosis.