Absorption of intestinal free cholesterol is lowered by supplementation of Areca catechu L. extract in rats

Simultaneous determination of five constituents of areca nut extract in rat plasma using UPLC-MS/MS and its application in a pharmacokinetic study

Areca nuts have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Recent studies have shown that it exhibits good pharmacological activity and toxicity. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of five major components of areca nut extract in rats were investigated using a highly sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline, guvacine, and catechin were separated and quantified accurately using gradient elution with mobile phases of (A) water containing 0.1 % formic acid-10 mM ammonium formate, and (B) methanol. The constituents were detected under a timing switch between the positive and negative ion modes using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Each calibration curve had a high R2 value of >0.99. The method accuracies ranged -7.09-11.05 % and precision values were less than 14.36 %. The recovery, matrix effect, selectivity, stability, and carry-over of the method were in accordance with the relevant requirements. It was successfully applied for the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of these five constituents after oral administration of areca nut extract. Pharmacokinetic results indirectly indicated a metabolic relationship between the four areca nut alkaloids in rats. For further clarification of its pharmacodynamic basis, this study provided a theoretical reference.

Bioactive Components of Areca Nut: An Overview of Their Positive Impacts Targeting Different Organs

Areca catechu L. is a widely cultivated tropical crop in Southeast Asia, and its fruit, areca nut, has been consumed as a traditional Chinese medicinal material for more than 10,000 years, although it has recently attracted widespread attention due to potential hazards. Areca nut holds a significant position in traditional medicine in many areas and ranks first among the four southern medicines in China. Numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in areca nuts, including alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, which exhibit diverse bioactive functions, such as anti-bacterial, deworming, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, they also display beneficial impacts targeting the nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems. This review summarizes the pharmacological functions and underlying mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients in areca nut. This helps to ascertain the beneficial components of areca nut, discover its medicinal potential, and guide the utilization of the areca nut.

Biological Effects and Biomedical Applications of Areca Nut and Its Extract

The dried, mature fruit of the palm tree species Areca catechu L. is known as the areca nut (AN) or betel nut. It is widely cultivated in the tropical regions. In many nations, AN is utilized for traditional herbal treatments or social activities. AN has historically been used to address various health issues, such as diarrhea, arthritis, dyspepsia, malaria, and so on. In this review, we have conducted a comprehensive summary of the biological effects and biomedical applications of AN and its extracts. Initially, we provided an overview of the constituents in AN extract. Subsequently, we summarized the biological effects of AN and its extracts on the digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory system. And we elucidated the contributions of AN and its extracts in antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications. Finally, we have discussed the challenges and future perspectives regarding the utilization of AN and its extracts as emerging pharmaceuticals or valuable adjuncts within the pharmaceutical field.

UPLC-MS/MS and Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of Bioactive Anti-Depression Compounds in Betel Nut

Background

Betel nuts have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In our study, the bioactive components of betel nut were systematically investigated, and the main components and their target genes in the treatment of depression were predicted.

Methods

The metabolites of the kernels and peels were analyzed with a UPLC–MS/MS system. Mass spectrometry outcomes were annotated by MULTIAQUANT. “Compound‐disease targets” were utilized to construct a pharmacology network.

Results

A total of 873 metabolites were identified, with a high abundance of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols. Moreover, the abundance of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols in the kernel was significantly higher than that in the peel. A high abundance of catechin, arginine, and phenylalanine was detected in the kernel, while a high abundance of arginine, arecoline, and aminobutyric acid was detected in the peel. Catechins and cyanoside were the most abundant flavonoids in the kernel and peel, respectively. Arecoline was the most abundant alkaloid. A total of 111 metabolites showed a significant difference between the kernels and peels. The relative abundance of 40 differential metabolites was higher than 100,000, including 14 primary metabolites, 12 flavonoids, 4 phenols, and 4 alkaloids. Among the 40 high abundance metabolites, 20 were higher in the kernel and 20 in the peel. In addition, the enrichment of metabolic pathways found that the kernel and peel of the fruit adopted different metabolic pathways for the synthesis of flavonoids and alkaloids. Network pharmacology prediction showed that 93 metabolites could target 141 depression-related genes. The main components of betel nut intervention in depression were predicted to include L-phenylalanine, protocatechuic acid, okanin, nicotinic acid, L-tyrosine, benzocaine, syringic acid, benzocaine, phloretic acid, cynaroside, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde.

Conclusion

Betel nuts are rich in natural metabolites, and some of these metabolites can participate in the intervention of depression. In addition, the metabolites showed distinct characteristics between the kernel and peel. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively and rationally use betel nuts.

Toxicity and Its Mechanism Study of Arecae semen Aqueous Extract in Wistar Rats by UPLC-HDMS-Based Serum Metabolomics

Background

Arecae semen (AS) is officially recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and it is known for its multiple functions, including antidepressive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects, which have been confirmed by modern pharmacological study. Previous study in our laboratory showed that long-term oral administration of Arecae semen (AS) is officially recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and it is known for its multiple functions, including antidepressive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects, which have been confirmed by modern pharmacological study. Previous study in our laboratory showed that long-term oral administration of Hypothesis. The aim of this work was to characterize the metabolome, evaluate the metabolic changes, and study the mechanisms of the toxicity induced by different treatment doses of ASAE via metabolomics.

Methods

Wistar rats were administered orally two different doses of ASAE (1500 and 4500 mg/kg/d) for 30 days. The investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of ASAE. And, the UPLC-HDMS-based serum metabolomics in conjunction with multivariate statistical techniques was applied to investigate the serum metabolite profile and potential markers of toxicity induced by different doses of ASAE.

Results

Coupled with blood biochemistry and histopathology results, the significant difference in metabolic profiling was observed between 1500 and 4500 mg/kg/d dosages of ASAE-treated rats and normal rats by using pattern recognition analysis, indicating that changes in serum metabolites must have occurred. Some significant changed metabolites such as arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and LPC (18 : 1) have been found and identified. These biochemical changes in serum metabolites are related to the perturbation of linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and purine metabolism, which may be helpful to further understand the cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity of ASAE.

Conclusion

The study shows that the metabolomic method may be a valuable tool for studying the essence of toxicity induced by traditional Chinese medicine.

Detrimental association between betel nut chewing and colorectal polyps in adult populations

Adverse systemic effect caused by betel nut had been reported for decades. Our aim was to determine whether betel nut had detrimental impact on the development of colorectal polyps in general population. Participants who attended health examinations at the Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH) from 2010 to 2016 were included in the study. The habit of betel nut chewing was obtained from a self-reported questionnaire. Colorectal polyps were diagnosed by colonoscopies operated by experienced physicians. A logistic regression model was used for the association between betel nut chewing with the presence of colorectal polyps. After adjustment for pertinent information such as age, gender, biochemistry data and personal history, the odd ratios (ORs) of colorectal polyps among betel nut chewers was 1.49 (95%CI: 1.14–1.94). Besides, betel nut chewers in the higher percentage body fat (PBF) group had higher risk for developing colorectal polyps with ORs of 2.07 (95%CI:1.23–3.47). Subjects with habit of betel nut chewing were associated with an increased risk of colorectal polyps in Taiwanese general population. Screening for betel nut chewing history and encouraging cessation might offer improved quality of life. A further research for this association was warranted.

Bioactive compounds and health benefits of some palm species traditionally used in Africa and the Americas - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to previous ethno-medicinal reviews, Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera are among the main palms which are often used on the American and African continents to treat infections, infestations and disorders in the digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, dermal, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, mental and neural systems, as well as neoplasms, dental issues and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In addition, one or more species of the wild genera Acrocomia, Areca, Astrocaryum, Attalea, Bactris, Borassus, Calamus, Chamaedorea, Chamaerops, Euterpe, Hyphaene, Mauritia, Oenocarpus and Syagrus have a high number of records of these ethno-medicinal uses. The most used parts of the palm tree are the fruits, followed by roots, seeds, leaves and flower sap.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review discusses the phytochemical composition and the pharmacological properties of these important ethno-medicinal palms, aiming to provide a contribution to future research prospects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Significant information was compiled from an electronic search in widely used international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley on line Library, Scielo, ACS Publications), and additional information was obtained from dissertations, theses, books and other relevant websites.

RESULTS

Palms, in general, are rich in oils, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Fruits of many species are notable for their high content of healthy oils and fat-soluble bioactive compounds, mainly terpenoids, such as pigment carotenoids (and provitamin A), phytosterols, triterpene pentacyclics and tocols (and vitamin E), while other species stood out for their phenolic compounds derived from benzoic and cinnamic acids, along with flavan-3-ol, flavone, flavonol, and stilbene compounds or anthocyanin pigments. In addition to fruits, other parts of the plant such as seeds, leaves, palm heart, flowers and roots are also sources of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are linked to the ethno-medicinal use of many palms that improve human health against infections, infestations and disorders of human systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Palms have provided bioactive samples that validate their effectiveness in traditional medicine. However, the intensive study of all palm species related to ethno-medicinal use is needed, along with selection of the most appropriate palm accessions, ripe stage of the fruit and /or part of the plant. Furthermore, the complete profiles of all phytochemicals, their effects on animal models and human subjects, and toxicological and clinical trials are suggested, which, added to the incorporation of improved technological processes, should represent a significant advance for the implementation of new opportunities with wide benefits for human health.

Sub-chronic toxicity study of arecae semen aqueous extract in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Arecae semen, the ripe seed of Areca catechu L., has been used as vermifuge and digestant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the potential toxicity effect of arecae semen has not been completely investigated.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was aimed at evaluating the sub-chronic toxicity of arecae semen by oral administration in Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 males and 15 females per group). The treated groups were given arecae semen aqueous extract (ASAE) at the dose of 750, 1500 and 4500mg/kg/day by oral administration respectively, and the control group was received distilled water only. The rats and their consumed feed were weighted every 3 days. The clinical changes and mortality were observed and recorded daily. Hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organ weights, urinalysis and histopathological examination of all rats were tested at the end of the 30-day treatment period and another 10-day recovery period.

RESULTS

Deaths, weight loss, diarrhea, sluggish action, tremors and body curl up were observed in the 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups during the study. The relative organ weights of liver and testis in male rats of 4500mg/kg group were significantly different compared with the control group at the end of the treatment period. As for laboratory parameters, there were no significant differences at the dose of 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups compared with the control group in the study, except the white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (CHOL). In addition, the results of histopathological examination and feed intake showed no significant difference compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that ASAE at the dose of 750mg/kg/day was safe, but long-term oral administration of ASAE with high dosage was toxic. Moreover, the toxic ingredients of ASAE including arecoline, and also some other compounds should be researched.

Developmental patterning and segregation of alkaloids in areca nut (seed of Areca catechu) revealed by magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry imaging

Areca nut (seed of Areca catechu) is consumed by people from different parts of Asia, including India. The four major alkaloids present in areca nut are arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline and guvacine. Upon cutting, the nut reveals two kinds of regions; white and brown. In our present study, we have monitored the formation of these two regions within the nut during maturation, using the non-invasive techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volume localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI MS) imaging have been used to study the associated change in the alkaloid contents of these two regions during the growth of the nut. Our study reveals that white and brown regions start forming within the nut when the liquid within starts solidifying. At the final stage of maturity, arecoline, arecaidine and guvacoline get segregated in the brown region whereas guvacine gets to the white region of the nut. The transport of molecules with maturity and corresponding pattern formation are expected to be associated with a multitude of physiochemical changes.

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae), widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia, is a popular traditional herbal medicine that can be chewed for the purpose of dispersing accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity and killing worms. The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review on the traditional uses and advances in the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant. Furthermore, the possible trends and a perspective for future research of this plant are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on A. catechu based on classic books of herbal medicine, PhD. and MSc. dissertations, government reports, the state and local drug standards, scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Various types of information regarding this plant are discussed in corresponding parts of this paper. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies of A. catechu are discussed.

RESULTS

The seeds of A. catechu (areca nut) have been widely used in clinical practice in China, India and other South and Southeast Asian Countries. Currently, over 59 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. catechu, including alkaloids, tannins, flavones, triterpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. The extracts and compounds isolated from A. catechu have many pharmacological activities. These include antiparasitic effects, anti-depressive effects, anti-fatigue effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-allergic effects, the promotion of digestive functions, suppression of platelet aggregation, regulatory effects on blood glucose and lipids, etc. Although arecoline is the primary active constituent of A. catechu, it is also the primary toxic compound. The main toxicities of arecoline are the promotion of oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and cytotoxic effects on normal human cells, which involve inducing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

As an important herbal medicine, A. catechu has potential for the treatment of many diseases, especially parasitic diseases, digestive function disorders, and depression. Many traditional uses of A. catechu have now been validated by current investigations. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs, and pharmacokinetics and to establish criteria for quality control for A. catechu-derived medications. In addition, it will be interesting to investigate the active macromolecular compounds and active constituents other than alkaloids in both raw and processed products of A. catechu.

Effects of dietary cholesterol supplementation on growth and cholesterol metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets with cottonseed meal or rapeseed meal

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of cholesterol on growth and cholesterol metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets with cottonseed meal (CSM) or rapeseed meal (RSM). Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 550 g kg(-1) CSM or 450 g kg(-1) RSM with or without 9 g kg(-1) supplemental cholesterol. Growth rate and feed utilization efficiency of fish fed diets with 450 g kg(-1) RSM were inferior to fish fed diets with 550 g kg(-1) CSM regardless of cholesterol level. Dietary cholesterol supplementation increased the growth rate of fish fed diets with RSM, and growth rate and feed utilization efficiency of fish fed diets with CSM. Similarly, dietary cholesterol supplementation increased the plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triiodothyronine levels, but decreased the plasma triglycerides and cortisol levels of fish fed diets with RSM or CSM. In addition, supplemental cholesterol increased the free cholesterol and TC levels in intestinal contents, but decreased the hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase activity of fish fed diets with RSM or CSM. These results indicate that 9 g kg(-1) cholesterol supplementation seems to improve the growth of rainbow trout fed diets with CSM or RSM, and the growth-promoting action may be related to the alleviation of the negative effects caused by antinutritional factors and/or make up for the deficiency of endogenous cholesterol in rainbow trout.

A review of the systemic adverse effects of areca nut or betel nut

Areca nut is widely consumed by all ages groups in many parts of the world, especially south-east Asia. The objective of this review is to systematically review and collate all the published data that are related to the systemic effects of areca nut. The literature search was performed by an electronic search of the Pubmed and Cochrane databases using keywords and included articles published till October 2012. We selected studies that covered the effect of areca nut on metabolism, and a total of 62 studies met the criteria. There is substantial evidence for carcinogenicity of areca nut in cancers of the mouth and esophagus. Areca nut affects almost all organs of the human body, including the brain, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs. It causes or aggravates pre-existing conditions such as neuronal injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, hepatotoxicity, asthma, central obesity, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, etc. Areca nut affects the endocrine system, leading to hypothyroidism, prostate hyperplasia and infertility. It affects the immune system leading to suppression of T-cell activity and decreased release of cytokines. It has harmful effects on the fetus when used during pregnancy. Thus, areca nut is not a harmless substance as often perceived and proclaimed by the manufacturers of areca nut products such as Pan Masala, Supari Mix, Betel quid, etc. There is an urgent need to recognize areca nut as a harmful food substance by the policy makers and prohibit its glamorization as a mouth freshener. Strict laws are necessary to regulate the production of commercial preparations of areca nut.

Improving the growth performance and cholesterol metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed soyabean meal-based diets using dietary cholesterol supplementation

A 9-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary cholesterol supplementation at different levels (0, 0·3, 0·6, 0·9, 1·2 and 1·5 %) on growth and cholesterol metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed soyabean meal (SBM)-based diets. Daily growth coefficient (DGC) steadily increased when the supplemental cholesterol was increased by up to 1·2 %, but declined upon further addition. The total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in plasma generally increased when the supplemental cholesterol was increased by up to 1·2 %. Thereafter, the TC level reached a plateau, the LDL-C level showed a marked decline, whereas the HDL-C level continued to increase. Dietary cholesterol supplementation generally increased the total lipid and cholesterol levels in liver; the total lipid and TAG levels in muscle; the TC, free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester and total bile acid levels in intestinal contents; and the triiodothyronine and Ca levels in plasma. However, significant differences were mainly observed with high levels of supplemental cholesterol (0·9-1·5 %). Low levels of supplemental cholesterol (0·3-0·9 %) decreased hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities, but high levels of supplemental cholesterol (1·5 %) increased hepatic acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities. These results suggest that rainbow trout fed SBM-based diets have a certain 'cholesterol-buffering capacity', which in turn suggests the possibility of the inhibition of exogenous cholesterol absorption and/or inadequate endogenous production of cholesterol in trout fed SBM-based diets. DGC increased steadily with increasing supplemental cholesterol level up to 1·2 %, and the growth-promoting effects might be related to the alleviation of the negative effects caused by a soyabean diet and/or make up for the deficiency of endogenous cholesterol in rainbow trout.

Effects of betel nut on cardiovascular risk factors in a rat model

Background

Areca nut (commonly known as betel nut) chewing has been shown to be associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The mechanism by which betel nut ingestion could lead to development of CVD is not precisely known; however, dyslipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and inflammation could be some of the potential risk factors. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of two dosages of betel nut on homocysteinemia, inflammation and some of the components of metabolic syndrome, such as hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-cholesterol, obesity and fasting hyperglycemia in a rat model.

Methods

Thirty-six adult female Sprague Dawley rats, aged 10–12 weeks were divided into three equal groups. Group-1 served as the control group (n = 12) and received water, whereas groups 2 and 3 were given water suspension of betel nut orally in two dosages, 30 mg and 60 mg, respectively for a period of 5 weeks. At the end of the fifth week, the animals were weighed and sacrificed, blood was collected and liver, kidney, spleen and stomach were removed for histological examination.

Plasma/serum was analyzed for glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine, folate, vitamin B₁₂ and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) – a marker of inflammation.

Results

When the mean concentration values of 3 groups were compared using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD-test, there was a significant increase in the concentration of total cholesterol (p = 0.04) in the group receiving 30 mg/day betel nut compared to the control group. However, administration of a higher dose of betel nut (60 mg/day) had no significant effect on the serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and NAG. Histological examination of spleen revealed a dose-dependent extramedullary hematopoiesis. No other remarkable change in the tissues (liver, kidney and stomach) was observed.

Mean serum/plasma levels of folate, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine were not found to be significantly different in all the groups. Betel nut ingestion had no effect on the mean body weights of rats.

Conclusions

Low dosage of betel nut is found to be associated with hypercholesterolemia. However, betel nut ingestion is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation and increase in body weight in a rat model.

Effect of Quercus infectoria and Rosa damascena on lipid profile and atherosclerotic plaque formation in rabbit model of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is the cause of many complications in the human societies. In this study, the effect of methanol extracts of Quercus infectoria (QI) galls and Rosa damascena (RD) Mill flower were studied on lipid profile and atherosclerotic plaques formation in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Thirty-six New Zeland white rabbits randomly divided into 6 groups as control (I), hyperlipidemic (II), hyperlipidemic+QI (III), hyperlipidemic+RD (IV), +Atorvastolin (V) and hyperlipidemic+Orlistat (VI) and were fed with high fat diet (0.5% cholesterol and 16% hydrogenated vegetable oil) for 45 days. At the end of the study period, lipid profile and plaque formation were assessed. Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly increased in hyperlipidemic group compared with control group (p < 0.001). Methanol extract consumption of Quercus infectoria significantly decreased plasma levels of TC, TG and LDL (p < 0.001). It also decreased plaques formation in semi lunar valve and thoracic aorta. Rosa damascena mill flower methanol extract moderately decreased the levels of TC, TG, LDL and plaques formation but it was not significant. HDL levels and weight of animals did not show significant difference among groups. Based on the doses used in this study, our finding indicated that QI but no RD methanol extract has anti atherogenic and hypolipidemic activities.

Studies on anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of betel nut in rodents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Areca catechu, commonly known as betel nut, is very famous for its medicinal use in multiple disorders. It is also popular as a remedy against inflammatory disorders in the Unani (Greco-Arab) system of medicine.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude extract of Areca catechu and its respective fractions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paw edema, formalin-induced nociception and acetic acid-induced writhing assays were carried out in vivo. Free radical scavenging activity of the plant extract was performed in vitro.

RESULTS

Preliminary experiments using a single dose (100 mg/kg) of Areca catechu and its respective fractions demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan-induced edema in mice and rats, the aqueous fraction being distinctly more effective. When studied on prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), arachidonic acid, histamine, or serotonin (5HT)-induced edema in rats, Areca catechu and its aqueous fraction markedly repressed only the PGE₂ and arachidonic acid-induced inflammation. When studied for analgesic activity, the crude extract and its aqueous fraction produced a dose-dependent (10-100 mg/kg) inhibitory effect on formalin-induced nociception in mice and acetic acid-induced writhing in rats, similar to aspirin. In DPPH assay, Areca catechu and its aqueous fraction exhibited free radical scavenging activity with respective IC(50) values of 5.34 μg/ml (4.93-5.78, CI; 95%, n=5) and 7.28 μg/ml (6.04-7.95, n=4), like that of rutin with IC(50) value of 4.75 μg/ml (3.89-5.42, n=4).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Areca catechu and provide a rationale for its medicinal use in inflammatory disorders.

Downregulation of Ches1 and other novel genes in oral cancer cells chronically exposed to areca nut extract

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to identify the genes in response to areca nut extract, a potential carcinogen of oral cancer.

METHODS

Two oral cancer sublines chronically treated with areca nut extract were established. Methods such as microarray and immunohistochemistry were used to screen and validate the genes' altered expressions in areca nut extract-sublines or in cancer tissues.

RESULTS

A total of 35 genes were differentially expressed in both sublines. Several functional pathways were significantly altered. Six genes were confirmed over 2-fold of changes, including Ches1. Functional analyses showed that overexpression of Ches1 suppressed cell growth and arrested cells in the G2/M phase. Consistently, this gene has reduced expression in 52% of oral cancer tissues, which was significantly correlated with the areca nut chewing habit of patients (p = .04).

CONCLUSION

We identified 35 candidates and validated 6 genes that may be associated with areca nut-induced oral cancer. Loss of Ches1 may be attributed to areca nut extract-induced oral carcinogenesis.

Coenzyme A: diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 inhibitor ameliorates obesity, liver steatosis, and lipid metabolism abnormality in KKAy mice fed high-fat or high-carbohydrate diets

Coenzyme A (CoA):diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) is 1 of the 2 known DGAT enzymes that catalyze the final and only committed step in triacylglycerol synthesis; this enzyme is considered to be a potential therapeutic target in metabolic disorders such as obesity and its related lipid abnormalities. Compound-Z, a novel specific small-molecule DGAT1 inhibitor, significantly reduced adipose tissue weight and tended to hepatic lipid accumulation in genetically obese KKAy mice. These actions were shown to almost the same extent in both a high-fat feeding condition in which triacylglycerols are synthesized mainly via exogenous fatty acid and a low-fat, high-carbohydrate feeding condition in which triacylglycerols are synthesized mainly via de novo fatty acid synthesis. This inhibitor also significantly reduced plasma and/or hepatic cholesterol levels in KKAy mice in a high-fat feeding condition. This cholesterol-lowering effect was suggested to be due to mainly decreases in cholesterol absorption from the small intestine. These results suggest that Compound-Z is a promising and attractive agent not only for the treatment of obesity but also hepatic steatosis and circulating lipid abnormalities that are the leading causes of atherosclerosis.

The antihyperlipidemic activities of 4(3H) quinazolinone and two halogenated derivatives in rats

In the present study, the effects of subchronic treatments (4 weeks) of hypercholesterolemic (single) and diabetic-hypercholesterolemic (combined) rats with 4 (3H) quinazolinone and 2 halogenated derivatives (6, 8-dibromo-2-methy-4 (3H) quinazolinone and 6-iodo-2-methyl-4(3H) quinazolinone) at a sublethal dose level (2 mg/Kg) on cholesterol metabolism were investigated. Bezafibrate, a hypolipidemic drug was used as a reference compound for data comparison. Treatment of rats with single and combined hypercholesterolemia with quinazolinone compounds gave rise to highly significant reductions in serum total cholesterol and cholesterol ester levels, whereas serum triacylglycerol level was significantly reduced only after treatment with halogen-substituted quinazolinones in single hyper-cholesterolemia, compared to the control group. The effects of different quinazolinones and bezafibrate on reduction of serum LDL-C level were comparable in single hypercholesterolemia but significantly different in combined hypercholesterolemia. Results obtained from this study suggest that the antihyperlipidemic effect of quinazolinone compounds was brought about by inhibition of dietary cholesterol absorption and / or intestinal ACAT activity.

Effects of aqueous extracts of "Betel quid" and its constituents on testosterone production by dispersed mouse interstitial cells

Betel quid (BQ) is a favorite chewing item among many communities in different parts of Asia where it is popular by different names. BQ is a unique combination of nut or fruit from the Areca catechu Linn. (AN) tree, leaf from the Piper betle Linn. (BL) vine, slaked lime, paste of bark from the Acacia catechu tree and other spices. AN has been used successfully in various traditional medicines by different civilizations over several ages. Initially condemned by the medical communities for its health hazards, identification and application of potent pharmacologically bioactive compounds from different constituents of BQ have rekindled growing interest in related investigations. Curious about the stimulating role of BQ, we investigated the potential steroidogenic activity of hot water extract from BQ and its constituents and arecoline on testosterone producing ability in an in vitro experiment. Enzyme dissociated interstitial cells from adult mouse testes (ICR strain) were cultured with/without different doses of the extracts and the level of testosterone produced was assayed by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. It was found that at lower doses of arecoline, AN and BL extracts had significantly stimulated testosterone production over the basal level (p < 0.05). BQ extract, on the other hand, did not show any significant effect on testosterone production. Combinations of arecoline at low doses with 10 ng/ml ovine leutinizing hormone (oLH) showed increases in testosterone produced, while cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) co-culture showed dose-related inhibition. Our current finding hints at the possible dose-dependent dualistic role of AN and BL extracts and arecoline for testosterone production employing possible non-cAMP-dependent pathway of steroidogenesis. However, the identity of the active compounds besides arecoline and the exact mechanism involved remains to be further investigated.