Inhibitory effects of total flavones of Hippophae Rhamnoides L on thrombosis in mouse femoral artery and in vitro platelet aggregation

From by-products to new application opportunities: the enhancement of the leaves deriving from the fruit plants for new potential healthy products

In the last decades, the world population and demand for any kind of product have grown exponentially. The rhythm of production to satisfy the request of the population has become unsustainable and the concept of the linear economy, introduced after the Industrial Revolution, has been replaced by a new economic approach, the circular economy. In this new economic model, the concept of "the end of life" is substituted by the concept of restoration, providing a new life to many industrial wastes. Leaves are a by-product of several agricultural cultivations. In recent years, the scientific interest regarding leaf biochemical composition grew, recording that plant leaves may be considered an alternative source of bioactive substances. Plant leaves' main bioactive compounds are similar to those in fruits, i.e., phenolic acids and esters, flavonols, anthocyanins, and procyanidins. Bioactive compounds can positively influence human health; in fact, it is no coincidence that the leaves were used by our ancestors as a natural remedy for various pathological conditions. Therefore, leaves can be exploited to manufacture many products in food (e.g., being incorporated in food formulations as natural antioxidants, or used to create edible coatings or films for food packaging), cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., promising ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics such as oils, serums, dermatological creams, bath gels, and other products). This review focuses on the leaves' main bioactive compounds and their beneficial health effects, indicating their applications until today to enhance them as a harvesting by-product and highlight their possible reuse for new potential healthy products.

Anti-osteoporosis effects of triterpenoids from the fruit of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) through the promotion of osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, C3H10T1/2

In a previous study, we discovered that the ethanolic extract of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) fruits exhibited anti-osteoporosis effects both in vitro and in vivo. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified the hexane fraction (HRH) as the active fraction, which was further fractionated using preparative HPLC. Among the resulting six fractions, HRHF4 showed significant activity. In the present study, we focused on the bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds from the HRHF4 fraction. We successfully identified the active HRHF43 fraction, which led us to the isolation of potential bioactive compounds (1-6). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined using NMR data, LC-MS analysis, and HR-ESI-MS data as four triterpenes, ursolic acid (1), uvaol (2), oleanolic aldehyde (3), and ursolic aldehyde (4), together with two fatty acids, methyl linoleate (5) and ethyl oleate (6). To evaluate the efficacy of promoting osteoblast differentiation and the expression of mRNA biomarkers related to osteogenesis, we tested the isolated compounds in the mouse mesenchymal stem cell line, C3H10T1/2. Alkaline phosphate staining demonstrated that triterpenes (1-4) displayed osteogenic activity. Particularly noteworthy, ursolic aldehyde (4) exhibited the most potent effect, showing an 11.2-fold higher activity at a concentration of 10 μg/mL compared to the negative control. Moreover, ursolic aldehyde (4) upregulated the gene expression of bone formation-related biomarkers, including Runx2, Osterix, Alp, and Osteopontin. These findings suggest that the fruit extract of H. rhamnoides may have potential as a nutraceutical for promoting bone health, with ursolic aldehyde (4) identified as an active constituent.

Extract from Sea Buckthorn Seeds-A Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Hemostasis Study; Effect of Thermal Processing on Its Chemical Content and Biological Activity In Vitro

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a small tree, valued for its medicinal properties throughout the ages. Sea buckthorn berries and leaves are a known source of phytochemicals and have been used in the treatment of inflammation, oedema, hypertension, ulcers, and wounds in folk medicine. Sea buckthorn seeds are natural dietary sources of various bioactive compounds as well, but the number of studies on their content and biological properties is still insufficient. For the first time, we examined the phytochemical content and biological activity of sea buckthorn seeds in vitro. We have studied the effect of two extracts-from regular (no thermal processing) and roasted (thermally processed) sea buckthorn seeds-on the levels of oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ in plasma, coagulation times, and white thrombus formation (measured by Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System-T-TAS). We observed that sea buckthorn seeds contain diverse flavonoids, mostly glycosides of isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin, as well as smaller amounts of proanthocyanidins and catechin, triterpenoid saponins, and a number of unidentified polar and hydrophobic compounds. Both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, but only the extract from roasted seeds decreased oxidation of thiol groups in plasma treated with H₂O₂/Fe²⁺. They did not alter coagulation times, but the extract from roasted seeds at the highest concentration (50 µg/mL) prolonged the time needed for white thrombus formation. The results indicate that sea buckthorn seeds have antioxidant activity that is not impaired by thermal processing and possess anticoagulant potential, but more research is needed in order to ascertain which compounds are responsible for these effects, especially in in vivo models.

Improving the Quality of EDTA-treated Blood Specimens from Mice

Nonterminal blood sampling in laboratory mice is a very common procedure. With the goal of improving animal welfare, different sampling sites and methods have been compared but have not achieved a consensus. Moreover, most of these studies overlooked the quality of blood specimens collected. The main preanalytical concern with EDTA-treated blood specimens for hematology analyses is platelet aggregation, which is known to cause analytical errors. Our objective was to find a nonterminal blood sampling method with minimal adverse effects on mice and few or no platelet aggregates. We tested and compared 2 collection sites, 4 sampling methods, and 3 antithrombotic drugs in 80 C57BL6/j male and female mice by evaluating platelet aggregates on blood smears and platelet, WBC, and RBC counts. In addition, the blood collection process was carefully evaluated, and adverse effects were recorded. Platelet aggregation was lower in specimens collected from the jugular vein than from the facial vein, with no effect of the sampling device or the presence of an antithrombotic additive. Highly aggregated specimens were significantly associated with lower platelet counts, whereas aggregation had no effect on WBC or RBC counts. Adverse events during sampling were significantly associated with more numerous platelet aggregates. The jugular vein is thus a satisfactory sampling site in mice in terms of both animal welfare and low platelet aggregation. Using antithrombotic agents appears to be unnecessary, whereas improving sampling conditions remains a key requirement to ensure the quality of EDTA-treated blood specimens from mice.

Sea Buckthorn in Plant Based Diets. An Analytical Approach of Sea Buckthorn Fruits Composition: Nutritional Value, Applications, and Health Benefits

Current nutritional trends include plant-based diets as nutritional behavior of consumers who are increasingly concerned about a healthy lifestyle. Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) is a plant with great virtues, containing more than 100 types of compounds. It is a plant with versatile properties, multiple economic advantages and a rich history, which still continues in natural medicine, and it is hence included in the daily diet by more and more people for the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases. Its uniqueness is due to its chemical composition and the health beneficial properties that rise from its composition. This review is a detailed analytical picture of the current state of knowledge currently available regarding the Hippophaë plant, providing an overview of the qualities of sea buckthorn. This article summarizes data on sea buckthorn’s nutritional value, health beneficial properties, and its applications.

Brazilian propolis (AF-08) inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation

Brazilian propolis (AF-08) is a dietary supplement containing a variety of flavonoids. It is used worldwide as a folk medicine. Flavonoids and a diet of fruits and vegetables containing them have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Most of CVDs are caused by arterial thrombus formation. A thrombus is formed by the interaction between adhesion and aggregation of platelets to damaged blood vessels and blood coagulation consisting of extrisic and intrinsic pathways. Platelet aggregation and blood coagulation are closely linked to thrombosis. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of AF-08 or its component flavonoids against thrombosis by examining their inhibition of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. Human platelet-rich plasma was incubated with serial dilutions of AF-08 for 10 min to assess its inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation caused by collagen. The inhibitory effect of AF-08 on blood coagulation was evaluated by the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which reflect the coagulation function of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, respectively. AF-08 significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation but not PT and APTT, indicating that AF-08 inhibited platelet aggregation but not blood coagulation. Among three flavonoids contained in AF-08, apigenin and chrysin obviously inhibited platelet aggregation but the inhibitory effect of kaempferol was less effective. The three flavonoids did not affect PT and APTT. The inhibitory activity of AF-08 on human platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation was suggested to be partially due to apigenin and chrysin. AF-08 may be effective in suppressing platelet-based arterial thrombus formation and reducing the risk of CVDs.

Flavonoids from sea buckthorn: A review on phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics and role in metabolic diseases

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., SBT) is being used as a folk medicine for their diverse medicinal properties. Flavonoids are generally considered as the main bioactive and characteristic ingredients in SBT. This review was conducted using a comprehensive literature search on the chemical components, quality control, pharmacokinetics of flavonoids from SBT (FSBT). Particularly, we highlighted the therapeutic potential in metabolic diseases and clinical applications of FSBT. More than 95 flavonoids have been identified from SBT. Although the oral bioavailability of FSBT was relatively low, FSBT displays significant effect on the regulation of metabolism to ameliorate metabolic disorders and their complications. There is a heightened need to explore the bioactive compounds in SBT and mechanism(s) of action of FSBT in order to fully understand the pathways of their activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: For years, due to the increasing emergence of metabolic syndrome and diverse functions of FSBT in regulating metabolism, they can be efficiently utilized for human health and have an urgent need to become a hotspot for research. This review will broaden the understanding of FSBT, providing some directions for further development and expanding the therapeutic applications of FSBT.

Bioactive compounds, health benefits and functional food products of sea buckthorn: a review

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), which has been categorized as a "medicine food homology" fruit by China's National Health Commission for both nutritional and medicinal purposes, has nearly 200 kinds of nutritive and bioactive compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, sugar alcohols, superoxide dismutase and phytosterols. Significant bioactivity, including cardiovascular improvement, antidiabetic and anti-obesity activity, have highlighted the application of sea buckthorn. This review compiled a database of the phytochemical compounds in sea buckthorn, which contains the contents of 106 nutrients and 74 bioactive compounds. The health benefits of sea buckthorn and its extracts were summarized and the mechanism of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation were introduced in detail. Seventeen common marketed products of sea buckthorn from 8 countries were collected. A future scope is really needed to explore the mechanism of sea buckthorn bioactive compounds along with the incorporation cost-effective functional food products.

Influence of sea buckthorn juice addition on the growth of microbial food cultures

The aim of the article was to investigate the effect of sea buckthorn juice addition on the growth of microbial cultures in growth medium and juice mixtures. Pure sea buckthorn juice was found to inhibit the growth of all 11 monitored microbial cultures. Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039, Lactobacillus plantarum K816, Lactobacillus brevis CCM 1815 and, to a lesser extent, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, grew in a growth medium containing a 25 % addition of sea buckthorn juice. Lactobacillus plantarum K816 and Lactobacillus brevis CCM 1815 grew better in this mixture than in pure growth medium. Moreover, we focused on finding a suitable ratio of sea buckthorn and apple juice for Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039, leading to malolactic fermentation, which results in an increase in the pH value and an improvement in the sensory properties of juices. The intention was to incorporate the highest possible addition of sea buckthorn juice while maintaining the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039 for malolactic fermentation to occur. The best results were achieved using 40 % sea buckthorn juice. Practical application of the results points to the possibility of preparing a fermented fruit beverage and a dairy product containing sea buckthorn juice. The results of this work extend the current options of sea buckthorn juice processing increasing thus the consumption of healthy juice.

Health promoting properties and sensory characteristics of phytochemicals in berries and leaves of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L., SB), as a multi-functional plant, is widely grown in Asia, Europe and Canada. The berries and leaves of SB contain a diverse array of health-supporting phytochemicals, which are also related to the sensory qualities of berry and berry products. This review summarizes the biologically active key-compounds of the berries and leaves of SB, their health-promoting effects, as well as the contributions to the sensory quality of the berries. The target compounds consist of sugars, sugar derivatives, organic acids, phenolic compounds and lipophilic compounds (mainly carotenoids and tocopherols), which play an important role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, as well as in metabolic health. In addition, these compounds contribute to the orosensory qualities of SB berries, which are closely related to consumer acceptance and preference of the products. Studies regarding the bioavailability of the compounds and the influence of the processing conditions are also part of this review. Finally, the role of the sensory properties is emphasized in the development of SB products to increase utilization of the berry as a common meal component and to obtain value-added products to support human health.

Effects and Characterization of Some Topical Ointments Based on Vegetal Extracts on Incision, Excision, and Thermal Wound Models

The present paper aims to formulate and characterize four phytotherapeutic ointments based on Hippophae fructus, Calendulae flos, Bardanae folium, and Millefolii herba, which are included in a novel ointment base. In order to investigate the healing properties of the ointments, in vivo experimental wound models of linear incision, circular excision, and thermal burn were performed on Wistar rats. Topical treatment was performed daily for 21 days. Determination of the wound contraction rate (WCR), the period of reepithelization, and histopathological examination were achieved. Additionally, for the tested ointments, oscillatory and rotational rheological tests were carried out, and for the extracts, HPLC analysis was performed. The results demonstrate that the tested novel ointments are safe for use and the most effective ointment proved to be the one based on Arctium lappa, followed by that of Calendulae flos.

The bioactive components as well as the nutritional and health effects of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, Hippophae rhamnoides L. or Elaeagnus rhamnoides L., has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases. SB is well known more than just a fruit. So far, a unique mixture of bioactive components was elucidated in SB including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, vitamins and phytosterols, which implied the great medicinal worth of this seaberry. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments, ranged from cell lines to animals as well as a few in patients and healthy volunteers, indicated that SB possessed various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, anti-cancer activities, hepato-protection, cardiovascular-protection, neuroprotection, radioprotection, skin protection effect as well as the protective effect against some eye and gastrointestinal sickness. Furthermore, the toxicological results revealed neither the fruits, nor the seeds of SB were toxic. The present review summarizes the unique profile of the chemical compounds, the nutritional and health effects as well as the toxicological properties of SB, which lay the foundation for practical applications of SB in treatment of human diseases.

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases.

Antithrombotic efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants on patency rate following microsurgical anastomosis in crushed rat arteries

BACKGROUND

During the last decade direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have been established in various fields of medicine.Their use in microsurgery has not been evaluated yet though. This study aims to evaluate their efficacy in microsurgery and additionally compare them with a well established antithrombotic agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The right femoral artery of 101 rats divided into 4 groups, was crushed and anastomosed. Group A (20 rats) received placebo therapy (1 ml NaCl 0.9%, orally), while Group B (27 rats), Group C (27 rats) and Group D (27 rats) received rivaroxaban (3 mg/kg, orally), dabigatran (30 mg/kg, orally) and enoxaparin (30 mg/kg, subcutaneously) respectively. All drugs were administered 3 h preoperatively and once daily for the following postoperative days until the sacrifice of the animals. Patency was evaluated at 1st, 7th and 20th postoperative day. Following patency evaluation the rats were sacrificed and the vessels were harvested for histological examination.

RESULTS

None of the rats died postoperatively. Patency rates of rivaroxaban group (78%), dabigatran group (70%) and enoxaparin group (63%) were statistically similar, but significantly higher than the placebo-treated control group (p < 0.05). Cells with morphologic features of endothelial cells were evident 7 days after the injury.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate the following: (1) rivaroxaban and dabigatran through inhibition of thrombus formation significantly enhanced the patency rate compared to placebo treatment (2) the antithrombotic efficacy of rivaroxaban and dabigatran in compromised microvessels was similar to that of enoxaparin, the most widely used antithrombotic agent.

Isorhamnetin and its new derivatives isolated from sea buckthorn berries prevent H2O2/Fe - Induced oxidative stress and changes in hemostasis

The objective of this study is to investigate the biological effects of phenolic compounds extracted from the sea buckthorn berries on oxidative stress and hemostasis. The sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) berries are rich in flavonoids and non-polar compounds. In this study, the activity of the phenolic fraction from the sea buckthorn berries was evaluated in vitro in comparison with three phenolic compounds: isorhamnetin (compound 1) and its two new derivatives: compound 2 (isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alfa-rhamnoside) and compound 3 (isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alfa-(3"'-isovaleryl)-rhamnoside). The impact of these phenolic compounds and the phenolic fraction against the effect of the donor of hydroxyl radicals - H₂O₂/Fe on proteins and lipids in human plasma was measured. Additionally, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of these phenolic compounds and the phenolic fraction on various typical hemostasis parameters. Our results show that the used derivatives of isorhamnetin possess different biological properties (e.g. antioxidant, anti-platelet and anticoagulant). The tested compounds can be seen as new natural beneficial compounds to be used in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Rapid and selective mobilization of specific stem cell types after consumption of a polyphenol-rich extract from sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae) in healthy human subjects

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract of sea buckthorn berry (SBB-PE) on the numbers of various types of adult stem cells in the blood circulation of healthy human subjects.

Study design and methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was conducted in 12 healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken immediately before and at 1 and 2 hours after consuming either placebo or 500 mg SBB-PE. Whole blood was used for immunophenotyping and flow cytometry to quantify the numbers of CD45dim CD34+ CD309+ and CD45dim CD34+ CD309− stem cells, CD45− CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells, and CD45− CD90+ mesenchymal stem cells.

Results

Consumption of SBB-PE was associated with a rapid and highly selective mobilization of CD45dim CD34+ CD309− progenitor stem cells, CD45− CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells, and CD45− CD90+ lymphocytoid mesenchymal stem cells. In contrast, only minor effects were seen for CD45dim CD34+ CD309+ pluripotential stem cells.

Conclusion

Consumption of SBB-PE resulted in selective mobilization of stem cell types involved in regenerative and reparative functions. These data may contribute to the understanding of the traditional uses of SBB for preventive health, regenerative health, and postponing the aging process.

The beneficial health aspects of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson) oil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Plant oils are known to have biological activity. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge of the composition of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson) seed and pulp oil and its beneficial health aspects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro and in vivo studies on humans and animals have found sea buckthorn oil to have a variety of beneficial properties to human health, and indicate that it may be a valuable component of human and animal nutrition. Various bioactive substances are present in all parts of sea buckthorn, and these are used traditionally as raw material for health foods and as nutritional supplements. The oil, berries, leaves and bark have medicinal properties, and the fruits have a unique taste; these parts can be processed to make oil, juice, jam, jellies and candies, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

RESULTS

Sea buckthorn oil may be extracted from the seed or the pulp. The mature seeds contain 8-20% oil and the dried fruit pulp about 20-25%, while the fruit residue contains about 15-20% oil after juice extraction. These oils have high concentrations of lipophilic constituents, most commonly unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), phytosterols and vitamins A and E. These components have a multifunctional effect on human health, with the fatty acids playing an important function in modifying cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disorders. The oil also has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive properties.

CONCLUSION

Sea buckthorn is a unique plant. Its beneficial properties against cardiovascular disorders have been attributed to its high UFA content and range of phytosterols, especially beta-sitosterol. However, its different action on the human organism remain unclear, and further well-controlled, high-quality experiments with human subjects are required to determine the prophylactic and therapeutic doses of sea buckthorn oil for use in clinical studies. Additional studies are also needed to understand the action by which the oil exerts its beneficial properties, i.e. its cardioprotective and anti-cancer activity.

Comparative chemical composition, antioxidant and anticoagulant properties of phenolic fraction (a rich in non-acylated and acylated flavonoids and non-polar compounds) and non-polar fraction from Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson fruits

This study focuses on two fractions from sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) fruits: the phenolic fraction (rich in non-acylated and acylated flavonoids and non-polar compounds) and the non-polar fraction. The objective was to investigate both the chemical composition of these fractions, as well as their biological activities in vitro. The tested fractions of sea buckthorn inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by H₂O₂, however, the non-polar fraction reduced more powerfully the process induced by H₂O₂/Fe as compared to the phenolic fraction. The tested fractions of sea buckthorn fruits also inhibited carbonylation stimulated by H₂O₂/Fe. Moreover, the action of the phenolic fraction and non-polar fraction on hemostatic parameters of plasma was also compared to activities of other phenolic fraction, in which flavonoids were the dominant compounds. Our results indicate that sea buckthorn fruits are a rich source of different secondary metabolites, i.e. triterpenes and their derivates, which possess not only antioxidant properties, but may also display anticoagulant attributes.

Flavonoid-enriched extract from Hippophae rhamnoides seed reduces high fat diet induced obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic triglyceride accumulation in C57BL/6 mice

CONTEXT

Flavonoid-enriched extract from Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae) seed (FSH) has shown beneficial effects in anti-hypertension and lowering cholesterol level. However, evidence for its efficacy in treating obesity is limited.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine if FSH can reduce body weight and regulate lipid metabolism disorder in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model, and to investigate potential molecular targets involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were fed with HFD for 8 weeks to induce obesity. The modeled mice were divided into four groups and treated with vehicle, rosiglitazone (2 mg/kg), low (100 mg/kg) and high (300 mg/kg) dose of FSH, respectively. Normal control was also used. The treatments were administered orally for 9 weeks. We measured the effect of FSH on regulating body weight, various liver and serum parameters, and molecular targets that are key to lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

FSH administration at 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced body weight gain by 33.06 and 43.51%, respectively. Additionally, triglyceride concentration in serum and liver were decreased by 15.67 and 49.56%, individually, after FSH (300 mg/kg) treatment. Upon FSH (100 and 300 mg/kg) treatment, PPARα mRNA expression was upregulated in liver (1.24- and 1.42-fold) and in adipose tissue (1.66- and 1.72-fold). Furthermore, FSH downregulated PPARγ protein level both in liver and adipose tissue. Moreover, FSH inhibited macrophage infiltration into adipose tissues, and downregulated TNFα mRNA expression in adipose tissue (38.01-47.70%).

CONCLUSION

This effect was mediated via regulation of PPARγ and PPARα gene expression, and suppression of adipose tissue inflammation.

Protective Effects of Total Flavones of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson against Vascular Endothelial Injury in Blood Stasis Model Rats

The aim was to evaluate the protective effects of total flavones of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson (TFE) against vascular endothelial injury in blood stasis model rats and explore the potential mechanisms preliminarily. The model of blood stasis rat model with vascular endothelial injury was induced by subcutaneous injection of adrenaline combined with ice-water bath. Whole blood viscosity (WBV), histological examination, and prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FIB) were measured. Meanwhile, the levels of Thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1α , von Willebrand factor (vWF), and thrombomodulin (TM) were detected. In addition, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) was performed to identify PI3K, Erk2, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 gene expression. The results showed that TFE can relieve WBV, increase PT and APTT, and decrease FIB content obviously. Moreover, TFE might significantly downregulate the levels of TXB2, vWF, and TM in plasma and upregulate the level of 6-keto-PGF1α in plasma. Expressions of PI3K and Bcl-2 were increased and the expression of caspase-3 was decreased by TFE pretreatment in the rat model. Consequently, the study suggested that TFE may have the potential against vascular endothelial injury in blood stasis model rats induced by a high dose of adrenaline with ice-water bath.

Effects of traditional oriental medicines as anti-cytotoxic agents in radiotherapy

The primary goal of radiotherapy in oncology is to enhance the efficacy of tumor cell death while decreasing damage to surrounding normal cells. Positive therapeutic outcomes may be accomplished by improved targeting, precisely targeting tumor cells or protecting normal cells against radiation-induced damage. The potential for antioxidants to decrease normal tissue damage induced by radiation has been investigated in animal models for a number of decades. In attempts for radioprotection, certain synthetic chemicals are suggested as antioxidants and normal tissue protectors against radiation-induced damage, but they have exhibited limitations in pharmacological application due to undesirable effects and high toxicities at clinical doses. The present review focuses on the radioprotective efficacy of traditional oriental medicines with the advantage of low toxicity at pharmacological doses and how such treatments may influence various harmful effects induced by radiation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, medicinal plants and their active constituents with biological activities that may be associated with alleviation of radiation-induced damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and immunostimulatory properties are discussed.

Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil

Vegetable oils are obtained by mechanical extraction or cold pressing of various parts of plants, most often: seeds, fruits, and drupels. Chemically, these oils are compounds of the ester-linked glycerol and higher fatty acids with long aliphatic chain hydrocarbons (min. C14:0). Vegetable oils have a variety of properties, depending on their percentage of saturation. This article describes sea-buckthorn oil, which is extracted from the well characterized fruit and seeds of sea buckthorn. The plant has a large number of active ingredients the properties of which are successfully used in the cosmetic industry and in medicine. Valuable substances contained in sea-buckthorn oil play an important role in the proper functioning of the human body and give skin a beautiful and healthy appearance. A balanced composition of fatty acids give the number of vitamins or their range in this oil and explains its frequent use in cosmetic products for the care of dry, flaky or rapidly aging skin. Moreover, its unique unsaturated fatty acids, such as palmitooleic acid (omega-7) and gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6), give sea-buckthorn oil skin regeneration and repair properties. Sea-buckthorn oil also improves blood circulation, facilitates oxygenation of the skin, removes excess toxins from the body and easily penetrates through the epidermis. Because inside the skin the gamma-linolenic acid is converted to prostaglandins, sea-buckthorn oil protects against infections, prevents allergies, eliminates inflammation and inhibits the aging process. With close to 200 properties, sea-buckthorn oil is a valuable addition to health and beauty products.

The multifunctionality of berries toward blood platelets and the role of berry phenolics in cardiovascular disorders

Diet and nutrition have an important influence on the prophylaxis and progression of cardiovascular disease; one example is the inhibition of blood platelet functions by specific components of fruits and vegetables. Garlic, onion, ginger, dark chocolate and polyunsaturated fatty acids all reduce blood platelet aggregation. A number of fruits contain a range of cardioprotective antioxidants and vitamins, together with a large number of non-nutrient phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, which may possess both antioxidant properties and anti-platelet activity. Fresh berries and berry extracts possess high concentrations of phenolic compounds, i.e. phenolic acid, stilbenoids, flavonoids and lignans. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of current knowledge of the anti-platelet activity of berries, which form an integral part of the human diet. It describes the effects of phenolic compounds present in a number of berries, i.e. black chokeberries - aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa), blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), cranberries (Vaccinium sect. Oxycoccus), sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae rhamnoides) and grapes (Vitis), as well as various commercial products from berries (i.e. juices), on platelets and underlying mechanisms. Studies show that the effects of berries on platelet activity are dependent on not only the concentrations of the phenolic compounds in the berries or the class of phenolic compounds, but also the types of berry and the form (fresh berry, juice or medicinal product). Different results indicate that berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders, but the development of well-controlled clinical studies with berries is encouraged.

Flavonol glycosides in berries of two major subspecies of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) and influence of growth sites

Flavonol glycosides of wild sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp. sinensis) berries from China and cultivated berries (H. rhamnoides ssp. mongolica) from Finland and Canada were identified and quantified. Twenty-six flavonol glycosides were found with isorhamnetin and quercetin as the major aglycones. The contents of flavonol glycosides ranged 23-250 mg/100 g fresh berries and were significantly higher in the berries of ssp. sinensis than in those of ssp. mongolica. Among the cultivars of ssp. mongolica, the berries of 'Oranzhevaya' had the lowest (23 mg/100 g) content, and those of 'Prevoshodnaya' the highest content of flavonol glycosides (80 mg/100 g). Within the ssp. mongolica, the samples from Kittilä (Northern Finland) had higher levels of most flavonol glycosides than those from Turku (Southern Finland) and Québec. Among the ssp. sinensis berries of different growth sites, increasing trends were detected in the contents of most of the compounds as the altitude increased and as the latitude decreased. The wild berries (ssp. sinensis) from Sichuan had remarkably high contents and unique profiles of flavonol glycosides.

Antithrombotic Effects of Five Organic Extracts of Bangladeshi Plants In Vitro and Mechanisms in In Silico Models

This research was carried out to investigate the thrombolytic effects of the methanolic extracts of five Bangladeshi plants. Phytochemical metabolites of those plants have been identified to elucidate whether the plant-derived metabolites are linked with the thrombolytic effects. Potential computer aided models were adopted in this study to find out a structure-function correlation between the phytochemical constituents and thrombolytic effects using the secondary metabolites as ligands and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) as receptor for the best fit ligand-receptor interaction.

A rat model of thrombosis in common carotid artery induced by implantable wireless light-emitting diode device

This work has developed a novel approach to form common carotid artery (CCA) thrombus in rats with a wireless implantable light-emitting diode (LED) device. The device mainly consists of an external controller and an internal LED assembly. The controller was responsible for wirelessly transmitting electrical power. The internal LED assembly served as an implant to receive the power and irradiate light on CCA. The thrombus formation was identified with animal sonography, 7 T magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathologic examination. The present study showed that a LED assembly implanted on the outer surface of CCA could induce acute occlusion with single irradiation with 6 mW/cm(2) LED for 4 h. If intermittent irradiation with 4.3-4.5 mW/cm(2) LED for 2 h was shut off for 30 min, then irradiation for another 2 h was applied; the thrombus was observed to grow gradually and was totally occluded at 7 days. Compared with the contralateral CCA without LED irradiation, the arterial endothelium in the LED-irradiated artery was discontinued. Our study has shown that, by adjusting the duration of irradiation and the power intensity of LED, it is possible to produce acute occlusion and progressive thrombosis, which can be used as an animal model for antithrombotic drug development.

Investigation into the anti-thrombosis effect and contents of total saponins and flavonoids in the bioactive fraction of Naodesheng prescription

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Naodesheng prescription is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and mainly applied in clinics to treat cerebral arteriosclerosis, ischemic stroke, sequelae of cerebral hemorrhage etc.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-thrombosis effects of this prescription, and to search its bioactive fraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the anti-thrombotic effects by measuring platelet aggregation in rats, and the clotting time and protection rate in mice. The contents of total saponins and flavonoids in the bioactive fraction were determined by UV-vis spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

The results showed that Naodesheng has significant anti-thrombotic and anticoagulation effects. The contents of total saponins and flavonoids in the bioactive fraction were 7.885% and 8.434%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Such study will contribute to further exploration of Naodesheng in the therapy of thrombosis diseases and to its re-development based on the bioactive fraction and ingredients.

Synthesis of resins with ionic liquids for purification of flavonoids from Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves

The efficient purification method of high-purity flavonoids from Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is reported. A novel room temperature ionic liquid-based macroporous adsorption resin (MAR), N-methylimidazole/MARs (Mim/MARs), was prepared on the basis of the Friedel-Crafts-catalyzed and surface-modified technique. The material exhibited favorable characteristics for adsorption application, including high pore volume (1.90 cm(3)/g, 3 times as big as the optimal commercial adsorbent), good pore structure (type IV isotherm with an H1 hysteresis loop, the most favorable structure for adsorption purposes), narrow particle size and pore size distribution (1.2 mm with a standard deviation of 0.106 mm), and excellent chemical stability. This paper also presents the first experimental evidence that the functional groups of the modified materials and composite action of certain molecular interactions between the adsorbent and flavonoids affected the adsorption process. Moreover, a new sphere-size adsorption kinetics model in which the adsorption process contained three or more compartments and detailed parameters of sphere size was developed according to the multicompartment kinetics model and Karichhoff's theory by investigating the regression of the experimental results. The conclusion that the first compartment of the adsorption process onto Mim/MARs mainly occurred on spheres larger than 0.83 mm and the second and third ones mainly occurred on spheres of 0.46-0.83 and 0.22-0.46 mm, respectively, was drawn from this new sphere-size adsorption kinetics model.

Fatty acid composition of developing sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry and the transcriptome of the mature seed

Background

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a hardy, fruit-producing plant known historically for its medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The most recognized product of sea buckthorn is its fruit oil, composed of seed oil that is rich in essential fatty acids, linoleic (18∶2ω-6) and α-linolenic (18∶3ω-3) acids, and pulp oil that contains high levels of monounsaturated palmitoleic acid (16∶1ω-7). Sea buckthorn is fast gaining popularity as a source of functional food and nutraceuticals, but currently has few genomic resources; therefore, we explored the fatty acid composition of Canadian-grown cultivars (ssp. mongolica) and the sea buckthorn seed transcriptome using the 454 GS FLX sequencing technology.

Results

GC-MS profiling of fatty acids in seeds and pulp of berries indicated that the seed oil contained linoleic and α-linolenic acids at 33–36% and 30–36%, respectively, while the pulp oil contained palmitoleic acid at 32–42%. 454 sequencing of sea buckthorn cDNA collections from mature seeds yielded 500,392 sequence reads, which identified 89,141 putative unigenes represented by 37,482 contigs and 51,659 singletons. Functional annotation by Gene Ontology and computational prediction of metabolic pathways indicated that primary metabolism (protein>nucleic acid>carbohydrate>lipid) and fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis pathways were highly represented categories. Sea buckthorn sequences related to fatty acid biosynthesis genes in Arabidopsis were identified, and a subset of these was examined for transcript expression at four developing stages of the berry.

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive genomic resources represented by expressed sequences for sea buckthorn, and demonstrates that the seed oil of Canadian-grown sea buckthorn cultivars contains high levels of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid in a close to 1∶1 ratio, which is beneficial for human health. These data provide the foundation for further studies on sea buckthorn oil, the enzymes involved in its biosynthesis, and the genes involved in the general hardiness of sea buckthorn against environmental conditions.

Remedial Prospective of Hippophae rhamnoides Linn. (Sea Buckthorn)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) constitutes thorny nitrogen fixing deciduous shrub. Sea buckthorn(SBT) is primarily valued for its very rich vitamins A, B(1), B(12), C, E, K, and P; flavonoids, lycopene, carotenoids, and phytosterols. and therapeutically important since it is rich with potent antioxidants. Scientifically evaluated pharmacological actions of SBT are like inflammation inhibited by reduced permeability, loss of follicular aggregation of lymphocytes from the inflamed synovium and suppress lymphocyte proliferation. SBT-reduced recurrence of angina, ischemic electrocardiogram which might be due to decreased myocardial oxygen consumption and inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by collagen. SBT can kill both cancer cells of S180, P388, SGC7901 and lymphatic leukemia (L1200). The antiulcer activity may be related to reduce gastric empty time, inhibiting proteolytic activity and promoting wound reparation processes of mucosa. SBT exerts antihypertensive effect in part by blocking angiotensin-2 receptor on cell surface. SBT decreased the level of stress hormones and enhanced hypoxic tolerance in animals indicating its anti-stress, adaptogenic activity. A lot of research work is still needed to find cellular and molecular mechanisms of these activities and also yet to be explored for its activity in osteoporosis, hemorrhage, cataract, urinary stone, acne, psoriasis, polyneuritis, cheilosis, glossities, baldness, anti-obesity, gout, and chronic prostitis.

Expressed sequence tag based identification and expression analysis of some cold inducible elements in seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

A cDNA library was constructed from the mature leaves of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) were generated by single pass sequencing of 4500 cDNA clones. We submitted 3412 ESTs to dbEST of NCBI. Clustering of these ESTs yielded 1665 unigenes comprising of 345 contigs and 1320 singletons. Out of 1665 unigenes, 1278 unigenes were annotated by similarity search while the remaining 387 unannotated unigenes were considered as organism specific. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the unigene dataset showed 691 unigenes related to biological processes, 727 to molecular functions and 588 to cellular component category. On the basis of similarity search and GO annotation, 43 unigenes were found responsive to biotic and abiotic stresses. To validate this observation, 13 genes that are known to be associated with cold stress tolerance from previous studies in Arabidopsis and 3 novel transcripts were examined by Real time RT-PCR to understand the change in expression pattern under cold/freeze stress. In silico study of occurrence of microsatellites in these ESTs revealed the presence of 62 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs), some of which are being explored to assess genetic diversity among seabuckthorn collections. This is the first report of generation of transcriptome data providing information about genes involved in managing plant abiotic stress in seabuckthorn, a plant known for its enormous medicinal and ecological value.

Medicinal halophytes: potent source of health promoting biomolecules with medical, nutraceutical and food applications

Salt-tolerant plants grow in a wide variety of saline habitats, from coastal regions, salt marshes and mudflats to inland deserts, salt flats and steppes. Halophytes living in these extreme environments have to deal with frequent changes in salinity level. This can be done by developing adaptive responses including the synthesis of several bioactive molecules. Consequently, several salt marsh plants have traditionally been used for medical, nutritional, and even artisanal purposes. Currently, an increasing interest is granted to these species because of their high content in bioactive compounds (primary and secondary metabolites) such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, sterols, essential oils (terpenes), polysaccharides, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive substances display potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral activities, and therefore represent key-compounds in preventing various diseases (e.g. cancer, chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorder) and ageing processes. The ongoing research will lead to the utilisation of halophytes as a new source of healthy products as functional foods, nutraceuticals or active principles in several industries. This contribution focuses on the ethnopharmacological uses of halophytes in traditional medicine and reviews recent investigations on their biological activities and nutraceuticals. The work is distributed according to the different families of nutraceuticals (lipids, vitamins, proteins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, etc.) discussing the analytical techniques employed for their determination. Information about the claimed health promoting effects of the different families of nutraceuticals is also provided together with data on their application.

Medicinal and therapeutic potential of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL CONTEXT: This review explores the medicinal and therapeutic applications of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in curtailing different types of acute as well as chronic maladies. The plant is being used in different parts of the world for its nutritional and medicinal properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sea buckthorn based preparations have been extensively exploited in folklore treatment of slow digestion, stomach malfunctioning, cardiovascular problems, liver injury, tendon and ligament injuries, skin diseases and ulcers. In the recent years, medicinal and pharmacological activities of Sea buckthorn have been well investigated using various in vitro and in vivo models as well as limited clinical trials.

RESULTS

Sea buckthorn has been scientifically analyzed and many of its traditional uses have been established using several biochemical and pharmacological studies. Various pharmacological activities such as cytoprotective, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anti-atherogenic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and tissue regeneration have been reported.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that Sea buckthorn is an important plant because of its immense medicinal and therapeutic potential. However, several knowledge gaps identified in this paper would give impetus to new academic and R&D activities especially for the development of Sea buckthorn based herbal medicine and nutraceuticals.

Associations of SRAP markers with dried-shrink disease resistance in a germplasm collection of sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.)

Sea buckthorn ( Hippophae L.) is a woody, outcrossing dioecious pioneer plant, being widely planted as a new berry crop with rich nutritional and medicinal compounds. This long-juvenile and long-lived woody plant can be more difficult to cultivate than other crop plants. Dried-shrink disease (DSD) is a dangerous pathogen that destroys sea buckthorn and halts commercial production. We estimated variability of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers in 77 accessions of 22 sea buckthorn cultivars to seek markers associated with DSD resistance and help to identify potential breeding cultivars. Seventeen SRAP primer combinations generated 289 bands, with a mean of 17 bands per primer combination. At a Dice coefficient of 0.852, the dendrogram generated with 191 polymorphic bands clustered 73 accessions of Hippophae rhamnoides into 2 groups and 4 accessions of Hippophae salicifolia into 1 group. Eleven SRAP markers (Me1-Em3600, Me1-Em1680, Me2-Em1650, Me2-Em1950, Me3-Em61300, Me2-Em6320, Me2-Em6400, Me1-Em2600, Me1-Em11200, Me1-Em11700, Me2-Em2250) were significantly correlated with DSD resistance (P < 0.001). These markers provide a viable option for breeding programs that select lineages with DSD resistance, especially when no other genetic information, such as linkage maps and quantitative trait loci, are available.

Flavonol glycosides of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp. sinensis) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are bioavailable in humans and monoglucuronidated for excretion

Glucuronidation and excretion of sea buckthorn and lingonberry flavonols were investigated in a postprandial trial by analyzing the intact forms of flavonol glycosides as well as glucuronides in plasma, urine, and feces. Four study subjects consumed sea buckthorn (study day 1) and lingonberry (study day 2) breakfasts, and blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected for 8, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Both glycosides and glucuronides of the flavonol quercetin as well as kaempferol glucuronides were detected in urine and plasma samples after the consumption of lingonberries; 14% of flavonols in urine were glycosides, and 86% were glucuronidated forms (wt %). After the consumption of sea buckthorn, 5% of flavonols excreted in urine were detected intact, and 95% as the glucuronides (wt %). Solely glucuronides of flavonols isorhamnetin and quercetin were found in plasma after the consumption of sea buckthorn berries. Only glycosides were detected in the feces after each berry trial. Flavonol glycosides and glucuronides remained in blood and urine quite long, and the peak concentrations appeared slightly later than previously described. The berries seemed to serve as a good flavonol supply, providing steady flavonol input for the body for a relatively long time.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of solid dispersions of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L

The purpose of this study was to enhance the dissolution of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (TFH) by solid dispersions consisting of the drug and a polymeric carrier, poloxamer 188 (PXM). The solvent evaporation method was used to prepare solid dispersions. A 3(2) full-factorial design approach was used for optimization wherein the amount of solvent (X(1)) and the drug-to-polymer ratio (X(2)) were selected as independent variables and the percentage of TFH dissolved in 10 min (Q(10)) was selected as the dependent variable. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that a suitable level of (1) and X(2) was required for obtaining higher dissolution of TFH from PXM solid dispersions. Solid dispersions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dissolution tests. Characterization studies revealed that solid dispersion of TFH-PXM showed enhancement of TFH dissolution due to the conversion of TFH into a less crystalline and/or amorphous form. In conclusion, dissolution enhancement of TFH was obtained by preparing its solid dispersions in PXM using solvent method.