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Teixeira TM, Boeff DD, de Oliveira Carvalho L, Ritter MR, Konrath EL. The traditional use of native Brazilian plants for male sexual dysfunction: Evidence from ethnomedicinal applications, animal models, and possible mechanisms of action. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116876. [PMID: 37437795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial health condition characterized by distressing disturbances in the sexual response and libido, leading to an inability to maintain penile erection and achieve pleasure. Considering the huge Brazilian biodiversity, many plants are traditionally used for aphrodisiac purposes. However, the use of native medicinal plants as sexual boosters in Brazil has been poorly studied. AIM OF THE STUDY This review focuses on the composition, pharmacology, and results of experimental trials of the main native plants used in Brazilian folk medicine with alleged aphrodisiac effects. We aimed to provide a state-of-the-art reference for research on herbs for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction by summarizing and discussing the main studies found. MATERIALS AND METHODS The relevant information was collected by searching keywords (aphrodisiac, sexual tonic, sexual stimulant, sexual vigor stimulant, sexual impotency, erectile dysfunction, etc.) from books containing primary surveys conducted in the original communities and bibliographic surveys prepared by authors linked to the national academic and scientific environment edited in Brazil. Preclinical and clinical studies of the compiled plant species were performed using scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and SciFinder). RESULTS Seventy-four plant species belonging to 44 families used in Brazil to treat sexual dysfunction were compiled from ethnopharmacological literature. Fourteen plants, including Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco Schltdl., Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld ex de Souza, Mimosa pudica L., Heteropterys tomentosa A. Juss., Trichilia catigua A. Juss., and Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. were pharmacologically studied to confirm these therapeutic properties. Probable modes of action include antioxidant and androgenic activities, inhibition of the PDE5 enzyme, increase in NO levels, and activation of dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways. In addition, several different species popularly known as "catuaba" were identified, leading to adulterations and controversial effects. CONCLUSION The overall results of the present review of Brazilian folk literature reveal that Brazil has a long tradition of using plants with potential aphrodisiac effects. However, further research is required to identify, characterize, and standardize the active ingredients and herbal preparations used in aphrodisiacs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tárik Matthes Teixeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Daiana Daniele Boeff
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Pos-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Letícia de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Pos-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Mara Rejane Ritter
- Department of Botany, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Eduardo Luis Konrath
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Pos-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil.
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Chen Y, Xiong W, Zhang Y, Bai X, Cheng G, Zhang Y, Chen R, Guo Y, Kong H, Zhang Y, Qu H, Zhao Y. Carbon Dots Derived from Os Draconis and Their Anxiolytic Effect. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4975-4988. [PMID: 36275482 PMCID: PMC9583237 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s382112] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, people are susceptible to developing depression and anxiety disorders in response to stress. However, there is no specific medicine for anxiety. Os Draconis (OD, named "Long gu" in Chinese) are fossilized bones that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat neurological diseases for thousands of years. Thus, we conducted this study to determine the biological basis for the anxiolytic effect of OD. METHODS In this study, novel carbon dots (OD-CDs) from OD decoctions were discovered and separated. OD-CDs were anatomized using nanomaterials characterization methods to characterize the morphological structure, optical properties, and functional group properties. Four behavioural tests were conducted to observe the behavioural activities of mice, including the open field test (OFT), light/dark box test (LDT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), to determine its anxiolytic effects. Moreover, we assessed the possible mechanisms of the OD-CDs by detecting hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. RESULTS OD-CDs were spherical and monodispersed with a narrow size distribution between 1 and 5 nm and had a yield of 3.67%. OD-CDs increased the activity time of mice in the central zone in the OFT. The mice in the experimental group showed more frequent activity in the light compartment and the open arms, in LDT and EPMT, respectively. In addition, OD-CDs shortened the feeding latency in the NSFT. Furthermore, the results after OD-CDs intervention showed a significant increase in serum serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE). In addition, the concentrations of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH), and corticosterone (CORT) were decreased. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a definite anxiolytic effect of OD-CDs and reveal the possible mechanism of action of OD-CDs' anxiolytic effect, which supports the research of OD for neurological disorders and a promising new trend of therapeutic approach and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Institutes of Health Research, Mayinglong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huihua Qu
- Centre of Scientific Experiment, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Huihua Qu, Centre of Scientific Experiment, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Yan Zhao, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Panossian AG, Efferth T, Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Kuchta K, Mukherjee PK, Banerjee S, Heinrich M, Wu W, Guo D, Wagner H. Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:630-703. [PMID: 33103257 PMCID: PMC7756641 DOI: 10.1002/med.21743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adaptogens comprise a category of herbal medicinal and nutritional products promoting adaptability, resilience, and survival of living organisms in stress. The aim of this review was to summarize the growing knowledge about common adaptogenic plants used in various traditional medical systems (TMS) and conventional medicine and to provide a modern rationale for their use in the treatment of stress-induced and aging-related disorders. Adaptogens have pharmacologically pleiotropic effects on the neuroendocrine-immune system, which explain their traditional use for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. They exhibit a biphasic dose-effect response: at low doses they function as mild stress-mimetics, which activate the adaptive stress-response signaling pathways to cope with severe stress. That is in line with their traditional use for preventing premature aging and to maintain good health and vitality. However, the potential of adaptogens remains poorly explored. Treatment of stress and aging-related diseases require novel approaches. Some combinations of adaptogenic plants provide unique effects due to their synergistic interactions in organisms not obtainable by any ingredient independently. Further progress in this field needs to focus on discovering new combinations of adaptogens based on traditional medical concepts. Robust and rigorous approaches including network pharmacology and systems pharmacology could help in analyzing potential synergistic effects and, more broadly, future uses of adaptogens. In conclusion, the evolution of the adaptogenic concept has led back to basics of TMS and a new level of understanding of holistic approach. It provides a rationale for their use in stress-induced and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes Gutenberg UniversityMainzGermany
| | - Alexander N. Shikov
- Department of technology of dosage formsSaint‐Petersburg State Chemical‐Pharmaceutical UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
| | - Olga N. Pozharitskaya
- Department of BiotechnologyMurmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MMBI KSC RAS)MurmanskRussia
| | - Kenny Kuchta
- Department of Far Eastern Medicine, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal OncologyUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Pulok K. Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Natural Product StudiesJadavpur UniversityKolkataIndia
| | - Subhadip Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Natural Product StudiesJadavpur UniversityKolkataIndia
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines, UCL School of Pharmacy, Centre for Pharmacognosy and PhytotherapyUniversity of LondonLondonUK
| | - Wanying Wu
- Shanghai Research Center for TCM Modernization, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - De‐an Guo
- Shanghai Research Center for TCM Modernization, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Hildebert Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Pharma ResearchLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
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Caixeta DC, Teixeira RR, Peixoto LG, Machado HL, Baptista NB, de Souza AV, Vilela DD, Franci CR, Salmen Espindola F. Adaptogenic potential of royal jelly in liver of rats exposed to chronic stress. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191889. [PMID: 29377921 PMCID: PMC5788357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Restraint and cold stress increase both corticosterone and glycemia, which lead to oxidative damages in hepatic tissue. This study assessed the effect of royal jelly (RJ) supplementation on the corticosterone level, glycemia, plasma enzymes and hepatic antioxidant system in restraint and cold stressed rats. Wistar rats were allocated into no-stress, stress, no-stress supplemented with RJ and stress supplemented with RJ groups. Initially, RJ (200mg/Kg) was administered for fourteen days and stressed groups were submitted to chronic stress from the seventh day. The results showed that RJ supplementation decreases corticosterone levels and improves glycemia control after stress induction. RJ supplementation also decreased the body weight, AST, ALP and GGT. Moreover, RJ improved total antioxidant capacity, SOD activity and reduced GSH, GR and lipoperoxidation in the liver. Thus, RJ supplementation reestablished the corticosterone levels and the hepatic antioxidant system in stressed rats, indicating an adaptogenic and hepatoprotective potential of RJ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Roland Teixeira
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Gomes Peixoto
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helen Lara Machado
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Adriele Vieira de Souza
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danielle Diniz Vilela
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Foued Salmen Espindola
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Teixeira RR, de Souza AV, Peixoto LG, Machado HL, Caixeta DC, Vilela DD, Baptista NB, Franci CR, Espindola FS. Royal jelly decreases corticosterone levels and improves the brain antioxidant system in restraint and cold stressed rats. Neurosci Lett 2017; 655:179-185. [PMID: 28709905 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Restraint and cold stress induces the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to release corticosterone from the adrenal gland, which can worsen the antioxidant defense system in the central nervous system. Here, we investigated the corticosterone levels and the antioxidant defense system in the cerebellum and brain, as well as in its isolated regions, such as cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus of stressed rats supplemented with royal jelly (RJ). Wistar rats were supplemented with RJ for 14days and the stress induction started on the 7th day. Stressed rats increased corticosterone levels, glycemia and lipid peroxidation in the brain and cerebellum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus besides reduced glutathione defense system in the brain and striatum. Rats supplemented with RJ decreased corticosterone, maintained glycemia and decreased lipid peroxidation in the brain, cerebellum, as well as striatum and hippocampus, besides improved glutathione defense system in cerebral cortex and striatum. This study suggests an anti-stress and neuroprotective effect of RJ under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Roland Teixeira
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriele Vieira de Souza
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Gomes Peixoto
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helen Lara Machado
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Danielle Diniz Vilela
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Celso Rodrigues Franci
- Departament of Physiology, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Foued Salmen Espindola
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Kamal M, Arif M, Jawaid T. Adaptogenic medicinal plants utilized for strengthening the power of resistance during chemotherapy–a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13596-016-0254-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Natural products against Alzheimer's disease: Pharmaco-therapeutics and biotechnological interventions. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 35:178-216. [PMID: 28043897 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with memory and cognition impairment ultimately leading to death. It is the commonest reason of dementia in elderly populations mostly affecting beyond the age of 65. The pathogenesis is indicated by accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in brain tissues and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in neurons. The main cause is considered to be the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress. The current treatment provides only symptomatic relief by offering temporary palliative therapy which declines the rate of cognitive impairment associated with AD. Inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is considered as one of the major therapeutic strategies offering only symptomatic relief and moderate disease-modifying effect. Other non-cholinergic therapeutic approaches include antioxidant and vitamin therapy, stem cell therapy, hormonal therapy, use of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications and selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, inhibition of β-secretase and γ-secretase and Aβ aggregation, inhibition of tau hyperphosphorylation and intracellular NFT, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), transition metal chelators, insulin resistance drugs, etanercept, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) etc. Medicinal plants have been reported for possible anti-AD activity in a number of preclinical and clinical trials. Ethnobotany, being popular in China and in the Far East and possibly less emphasized in Europe, plays a substantial role in the discovery of anti-AD agents from botanicals. Chinese Material Medica (CMM) involving Chinese medicinal plants has been used traditionally in China in the treatment of AD. Ayurveda has already provided numerous lead compounds in drug discovery and many of these are also undergoing clinical investigations. A number of medicinal plants either in their crude forms or as isolated compounds have exhibited to reduce the pathological features associated with AD. In this present review, an attempt has been made to elucidate the molecular mode of action of various plant extracts, phytochemicals and traditional herbal formulations investigated against AD as reported in various preclinical and clinical tests. Herbal synergism often found in polyherbal formulations were found effective to combat disease heterogeneity as found in complex pathogenesis of AD. Finally a note has been added to describe biotechnological improvement, genetic and genomic resources and mathematical and statistical techniques for empirical model building associated with anti-AD plant secondary metabolites and their source botanicals.
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Choi JY, Woo TS, Yoon SY, Ike Campomayor Dela P, Choi YJ, Ahn HS, Lee YS, Yu GY, Cheong JH. Red ginseng supplementation more effectively alleviates psychological than physical fatigue. J Ginseng Res 2013; 35:331-8. [PMID: 23717077 PMCID: PMC3659534 DOI: 10.5142/jgr.2011.35.3.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Revised: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Red ginseng (RG, the extract of Panax ginseng Meyer) has various biological and psychological activities and may also alleviate fatigue-related disorders. The present study was undertaken to evaluate what kind of fatigue red ginseng alleviate. Animals were orally administered with 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of RG for 7 days. Before experiments were performed. Physiological stress (swimming, rotarod, and wire test) are behavioral parameters used to represent physical fatigue. Restraint stress and electric field test to a certain degree, induce psychological fatigue in animals. Plasma concentration of lactate and corticosterone (CORT) were also measured after these behavioral assays. RG supplementation (100 mg/kg) increased movement duration and rearing frequency of restrainted mice in comparison with control. 100 and 200 mg/kg of RG increased swimming time in cold water (8±4℃) while at 100 mg/kg, RG increased electric field crossing over frequencies. 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg RG prolonged running time on the rotarod and at 100 mg/kg, it increased balancing time on the wire. RG at those doses also reduced falling frequencies. RG supplementation decreased plasma CORT levels, which was increased by stress. Lactate levels were not significantly altered. These results suggest that RG supplementation can alleviate more the damages induced by psychological than physical fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Choi
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Korea
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Paoli A, Grimaldi K, D’Agostino D, Cenci L, Moro T, Bianco A, Palma A. Ketogenic diet does not affect strength performance in elite artistic gymnasts. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2012; 9:34. [PMID: 22835211 PMCID: PMC3411406 DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing use of very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKD) in weight control and management of the metabolic syndrome there is a paucity of research about effects of VLCKD on sport performance. Ketogenic diets may be useful in sports that include weight class divisions and the aim of our study was to investigate the influence of VLCKD on explosive strength performance. METHODS 8 athletes, elite artistic gymnasts (age 20.9 ± 5.5 yrs) were recruited. We analyzed body composition and various performance aspects (hanging straight leg raise, ground push up, parallel bar dips, pull up, squat jump, countermovement jump, 30 sec continuous jumps) before and after 30 days of a modified ketogenic diet. The diet was based on green vegetables, olive oil, fish and meat plus dishes composed of high quality protein and virtually zero carbohydrates, but which mimicked their taste, with the addition of some herbal extracts. During the VLCKD the athletes performed the normal training program. After three months the same protocol, tests were performed before and after 30 days of the athletes' usual diet (a typically western diet, WD). A one-way Anova for repeated measurements was used. RESULTS No significant differences were detected between VLCKD and WD in all strength tests. Significant differences were found in body weight and body composition: after VLCKD there was a decrease in body weight (from 69.6 ± 7.3 Kg to 68.0 ± 7.5 Kg) and fat mass (from 5.3 ± 1.3 Kg to 3.4 ± 0.8 Kg p < 0.001) with a non-significant increase in muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS Despite concerns of coaches and doctors about the possible detrimental effects of low carbohydrate diets on athletic performance and the well known importance of carbohydrates there are no data about VLCKD and strength performance. The undeniable and sudden effect of VLCKD on fat loss may be useful for those athletes who compete in sports based on weight class. We have demonstrated that using VLCKD for a relatively short time period (i.e. 30 days) can decrease body weight and body fat without negative effects on strength performance in high level athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Paoli
- Physiological Laboratory – Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Human Movement Sciences School, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Keith Grimaldi
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dominic D’Agostino
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Tatiana Moro
- Physiological Laboratory – Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Department of Sports and Exercise Science (DISMOT), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Palma
- Department of Sports and Exercise Science (DISMOT), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Im SA, Choi HS, Choi SO, Kim KH, Lee S, Hwang BY, Lee MK, Lee CK. Restoration of electric footshock-induced immunosuppression in mice by Gynostemma pentaphyllum components. Molecules 2012; 17:7695-708. [PMID: 22732883 PMCID: PMC6268916 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17077695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunomodulatory effects of the ethanol extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP-EX) were examined in electric footshock (EFS)-stressed mice. The mice were orally administered various doses of GP-EX for 7 days before exposure to EFS (duration: 3 min, interval: 10 s, intensity: 2 mA) once a day from day 8 for 14 days with continuous daily feeding of GP-EX. Oral administration of GP-EX to mice prevented EFS stress-induced immunosuppression as determined by the lymphoid organ (thymus and spleen) weight and cellularity. In addition, oral administration of GP-EX restored EFS-suppressed functional properties of mature lymphocytes in terms of concanavalin A-induced proliferation of splenocytes and lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β). Furthermore, we found that mice that were orally administered with GP-EX generated much more potent ovalbumin-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses upon intravenous ovalbumin injection compared to the untreated controls. These results demonstrate that oral administration of the ethanol extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum could increase host defense in immunocompromised situations such as stress-induced immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chong Kil Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Korea; (S.-A.I.); (H.S.C.); (S.O.C.); (K.-H.K.); (S.L.); (B.Y.H.); (M.K.L.)
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A current status of adaptogens: natural remedy to stress. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(12)60207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Paoli A, Cenci L, Grimaldi KA. Effect of ketogenic Mediterranean diet with phytoextracts and low carbohydrates/high-protein meals on weight, cardiovascular risk factors, body composition and diet compliance in Italian council employees. Nutr J 2011; 10:112. [PMID: 21992535 PMCID: PMC3217855 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been increased interest in recent years in very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKD) that, even though they are much discussed and often opposed, have undoubtedly been shown to be effective, at least in the short to medium term, as a tool to tackle obesity, hyperlipidemia and some cardiovascular risk factors. For this reason the ketogenic diet represents an interesting option but unfortunately suffers from a low compliance. The aim of this pilot study is to ascertain the safety and effects of a modified ketogenic diet that utilizes ingredients which are low in carbohydrates but are formulated to simulate its aspect and taste and also contain phytoextracts to add beneficial effects of important vegetable components. Methods The study group consisted of 106 Rome council employees with a body mass index of ≥ 25, age between 18 and 65 years (19 male and 87 female; mean age 48.49 ± 10.3). We investigated the effects of a modified ketogenic diet based on green vegetables, olive oil, fish and meat plus dishes composed of high quality protein and virtually zero carbohydrate but which mimic their taste, with the addition of some herbal extracts (KEMEPHY ketogenic Mediterranean with phytoextracts). Calories in the diet were unlimited. Measurements were taken before and after 6 weeks of diet. Results There were no significant changes in BUN, ALT, AST, GGT and blood creatinine. We detected a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in BMI (31.45 Kg/m2 to 29.01 Kg/m2), body weight (86.15 kg to 79.43 Kg), percentage of fat mass (41.24% to 34.99%), waist circumference (106.56 cm to 97.10 cm), total cholesterol (204 mg/dl to 181 mg/dl), LDLc (150 mg/dl to 136 mg/dl), triglycerides (119 mg/dl to 93 mg/dl) and blood glucose (96 mg/dl to 91 mg/dl). There was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in HDLc (46 mg/dl to 52 mg/dl). Conclusions The KEMEPHY diet lead to weight reduction, improvements in cardiovascular risk markers, reduction in waist circumference and showed good compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Paoli
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Piato ÂL, Capiotti KM, Tamborski AR, Oses JP, Barcellos LJG, Bogo MR, Lara DR, Vianna MR, Bonan CD. Unpredictable chronic stress model in zebrafish (Danio rerio): behavioral and physiological responses. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:561-7. [PMID: 21187119 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a promising model organism to study development, toxicology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, among other areas. Despite the increasing number of studies using zebrafish, behavioral studies with this species are still elementary when compared to rodents. The aim of this study was to develop a model of unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) in zebrafish. We evaluated the effects of UCS protocol during 7 or 14 days on behavioral and physiological parameters. The effects of stress were evaluated in relation to anxiety and exploratory behavior, memory, expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and cortisol levels. As expected, UCS protocol increased the anxiety levels, impaired cognitive function, and increased CRF while decreased GR expression. Moreover, zebrafish submitted to 7 or 14 days of UCS protocol presented increased cortisol levels. The protocol developed here is a complementary model for studying the neurobiology and the effects of chronic stress in behavioral and physiological parameters. In addition, this protocol is less time consuming than standard rodent models commonly used to study chronic stress. These results confirm UCS in zebrafish as an adequate model to preclinical studies of stress, although further studies are warranted to determine its predictive validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo L Piato
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, 90619-900, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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