90-day oral toxicity study of a grape seed extract (IH636) in rats

Comprehensive Review on Fruit Seeds: Nutritional, Phytochemical, Nanotechnology, Toxicity, Food Biochemistry, and Biotechnology Perspective

Fruit seeds are leftovers from a variety of culinary sectors. They are generally unutilized and contribute greatly to global disposals. These seeds not only possess various nutritional attributes but also have many heath-beneficial properties. One way to make use of these seeds is to extract their bioactive components and create fortified food items. Nowadays, researchers are highly interested in creating innovative functional meals and food components from these unconventional resources. The main objective of this manuscript was to determine the usefulness of seed powder from 70 highly consumed fruits, including Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Cherry, Common plum, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Jamun, Kiwi, Lemon, Mahua, Mango, Melon, Olive, Orange, and many more have been presented. The nutritional attributes, phytochemical composition, health advantages, nanotechnology applications, and toxicity of these fruit seeds have been fully depicted. This study also goes into in-depth detailing on creating useful food items out of these seeds, such as bakery goods, milk products, cereal-based goods, and meat products. It also identifies enzymes purified from these seeds along with their biochemical applications and any research openings in this area.

Phytotherapeutic approach for conquering menopausal syndrome and osteoporosis

Women face a significant change in their reproductive health as menopause sets in. It is marred with numerous physiological changes that negatively impact their quality of life. This universal, transition phase is associated with menopausal and postmenopausal syndrome, which may spread over 2-10 years. This creates a depletion of female hormones causing physical, mental, sexual and social problems and may, later on, manifest as postmenopausal osteoporosis leading to weak bones, causing fractures and ultimately morbidity and mortality. Menopausal hormone therapy generally encompasses the correction of hormone balance through various pharmacological agents, but the associated side effects often lead to cessation of therapy with poor clinical outcomes. However, it has been noticed that phytotherapeutics is trusted by women for the amelioration of symptoms related to menopause and for improving bone health. This could primarily be due to their reduced side effects and lesser costs. This review attempts to bring forth the suitability of phytotherapeutics/herbals for the management of menopausal, postmenopausal syndrome, and menopausal osteoporosis through several published research. It tries to enlist the available botanicals with their key constituents and mechanism of action for mitigating symptoms associated with menopause as well as osteoporosis. It also includes a list of a few herbal commercial products available for these complications. The article also intends to collate the findings of various clinical trials and patents available in this field and provide a window for newer research avenues in this highly important yet ignored health segment.

Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of Idesia polycarpa Fruit Oil by 90-Day Oral Exposure in Wistar Rats

Idesia polycarpa, belonging to the Flacourtiaceae family, is a tall deciduous tree, widely distributed in some Asian countries. It is famous for its high yield of fruit known as oil grape, which is rich of linoleic acid and linolenic acid, and so on. To provide evidences for its safe use as food, subchronic toxicity of I. polycarpa fruit oil and no observed adverse effect level were performed in male and female specific pathogen-free Wistar rats. Based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines, the oil was orally administered to rats by gavage at 0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0mL/kg.bw/day for 90 days, followed by a 28-day recovery period. The results showed that no sign of oil-related toxicity, clinically or histologically, was observed in both male and female rats. Although there was a slight increase or decrease in some indicators such as hematology, serum chemistry, and so on, those changes were all within the normal ranges, and as presented in the 90-day study, the oil exhibited no toxic effect compared to the control rats. I. polycarpa might be a potential excellent and healthy vegetable oil resource.

Acute and Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Assessment of Ferrum phosphoricum in Rats

BACKGROUND

 Ferrum phosphoricum (FP) has been used by traditional medicine practitioners for various ailments since ancient times. However, scientific evidence on the safety of FP is still unavailable. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of homeopathic FP in experimental rats.

METHODS

 In an acute toxicity investigation, a single dose of 2,000 µL/kg of FP 6c, 30c and 200c was administered to female Wistar rats, which were monitored for up to 14 days according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 423. For a sub-acute toxicity study, FP 6c, 30c and 200c (200 µL/kg) were administered to male and female rats for 28 days as per the OECD guideline 407. All the animals were observed for mortality, clinical signs and body weight during the study. At the end of the experiment, hematological, biochemical and histopathological assessments were performed.

RESULTS

 During the acute toxicity study, no mortality was observed in rats administered with FP, and thus the median lethal dose (LD50) was identified as >2,000 µL/kg. In the sub-acute study, no mortality or adverse clinical signs were noticed with FP treatment. Moreover, weekly body weight gain was normal. Hematological and biochemical investigations revealed no abnormalities. Furthermore, histological analysis of FP-treated rats' vital organs revealed no pathological changes.

CONCLUSION

 Overall, our findings imply that FP 6c, 30c and 200c potencies are safe and do not cause toxicity when given orally to Wistar albino rats for an extended period at a dose of 200 µL/kg.

Safety evaluation of standardized Ayurvedic formulation-Panchvalkala, by subacute toxicity study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panchvalkala is a conventional Ayurvedic medicine used as a douche in gynecological disorders such as leucorrhea, infertility, and endometriosis. Recently, we have reported the anticancer activity of Panchvalkala aqueous extract (PVaq) in cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa (HPV16+), HeLa (HPV18+), and mouse papilloma models.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, we have evaluated the safety of the aqueous extract of Ayurvedic formulation, Panchvalkala (PVaq), in Swiss albino mice by performing subacute toxicity study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male and female Swiss albino mice (n = 5/sex/group) were gavaged orally with different doses of PVaq for 28 consecutive days. The mice were distributed into six groups: I (vehicle control), II (vehicle control reversal), III (PVaq 250 mg/kg), IV (PVaq 500 mg/kg), V (1000 mg/kg) and VI (1000 mg/kg high dose reversal). Animals were observed periodically to record any clinical signs of toxicity or mortality. After completion of treatment and recovery periods, animals were evaluated for the effect of PVaq on urine parameters, followed by hematological and biochemical parameters. Animals were sacrificed on day 29 for gross observation of vital organs and to study their histopathology. Reversal groups were maintained for further 14 days to observe any delayed onset of toxic side effects or reversal of toxicity, followed by sacrificing the mice on day 43.

RESULTS

In the subacute toxicity study, PVaq did not show any significant change in food, water consumption, and body weights. There were no significant alterations in hematology, biochemistry, urine parameters, and histopathology of the analyzed tissues (brain, heart, liver, lung, spleen, thymus, kidney, epididymis/ovaries, and testis/uterus). The parameters were comparable to their respective controls in both the female as well as the male mice groups. Upon macroscopic and microscopic observation of vital organs, no abnormality was detected compared to the respective control groups.

CONCLUSION

The subacute toxicity study demonstrated that oral administration of PVaq was safe in female and male Swiss albino mice.

The Effect of Grape Seed Extract on the Alveolar, Jaw, and Skeletal Bone Remodeling: A Scoping Review

Herbal medicine has an important part in promoting and maintaining human health. One of them was grape seed extract (GSE). Various potentials of GSE in human health have been explored, and its potential for maintaining bone health is promising. Some initial research has provided evidence that the GSE was able to affect bone remodeling (bone resorption and bone formation). This scoping review analyzed and discussed all the reports on the effect of GSE on bone healing and bone remodeling in animals in the alveolar bone, jaw bone, and skeletal bone. The further purpose is to give an opportunity to research and development of supplementation of GSE for humans.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines were used to compose this scoping review through database on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, and manual search until December 2022. The inclusion criteria were a study that analyzed the effect of supplementation GSE on all bones.All included study was in vivo study with supplementation of GSE. The supplementation of GSE affects the alveolar bone, jaw bones, and skeletal bone by promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption by suppressing inflammation, apoptosis pathways, and osteoclastogenesis. It not only supports bone remodeling in bone inflammation, osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, and arthritis but also the GSE increases bone health by increasing the density and mineral deposition in trabecula and cortical bone.The supplementation of GSE supports bone remodeling by interfering with the inflammation process and bone formation not only by preventing bone resorption but also by maintaining bone density.

Targeting Metabolic Syndrome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa by Phytochemicals as a Potential Complementary Therapeutic Strategy

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the appearance of painful inflamed nodules, abscesses, and pus-draining sinus tracts in the intertriginous skin of the groins, buttocks, and perianal and axillary regions. Despite its high prevalence of ~0.4-1%, therapeutic options for HS are still limited. Over the past 10 years, it has become clear that HS is a systemic disease, associated with various comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its sequelae. Accordingly, the life expectancy of HS patients is significantly reduced. MetS, in particular, obesity, can support sustained inflammation and thereby exacerbate skin manifestations and the chronification of HS. However, MetS actually lacks necessary attention in HS therapy, underlining the high medical need for novel therapeutic options. This review directs attention towards the relevance of MetS in HS and evaluates the potential of phytomedical drug candidates to alleviate its components. It starts by describing key facts about HS, the specifics of metabolic alterations in HS patients, and mechanisms by which obesity may exacerbate HS skin alterations. Then, the results from the preclinical studies with phytochemicals on MetS parameters are evaluated and the outcomes of respective randomized controlled clinical trials in healthy people and patients without HS are presented.

Redox Biomarkers Assessment after Oral Administration of Wine Extract and Grape Stem Extract in Rats and Mice

Wine and by-products of the winemaking process, such as grape stems, are rich in bioactive polyphenolic compounds that might be beneficial for animal and human health. In recent years, the administration of dietary polyphenols with strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties has constituted an emerging line of research interest toward disease prevention. However, in scientific literature, only a limited number of studies have investigated the safety and the toxicological risks of polyphenolic compounds in vivo. Based on the above, the purpose of the present study was two-fold: first, to examine the effects of oral administration of a grape stem extract, derived from the Greek red wine Mavrodaphne, on mice redox biomarkers; and second, to investigate the biological effects of oral administration of a wine extract, derived from the emblematic Greek red wine Xinomavro, on rats. Toward this purpose, body weight, growth rate, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters, as well as a panel of redox biomarkers, were examined. According to our results, the administration of Mavrodaphne grape stem extract in mice induced alterations in redox homeostasis, preventing mice from the adverse effects of lipid peroxidation. Contrariwise, the administration of Xinomavro wine extract induced both beneficial and harmful outcomes on rat redox status determined by the examined tissue. Collectively, our study reports that the Mavrodaphne grape stem extract, a serious pollutant when disposed in environmental matrices, is an important source of bioactive polyphenolic compounds that could protect from oxidative damage and improve animal and human health. Finally, the Xinomavro wine extract exerts tissue-specific changes in redox balance, which are indicative of the complexity that characterizes the biological systems.

Regulation of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinases syntheses by bioflavonoids and photobiomodulation in human gingival fibroblasts

This study aimed to evaluate the separately effects of bioflavonoids proanthocyanidins, from grape seed extract (GSE) and synthetic naringenin (NA), as well as photobiomodulation (PBM) by low-level laser therapy on interleukin (IL)-6 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) syntheses by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). For this purpose, a connective tissue exposure (ulceration) model of HGF, stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was used. Initially, the highest non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic concentrations of bioflavonoids were determined by cell viability and micronuclei formation assays. Then, HGF were exposed to different stimuli: culture medium (negative control), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), TNF-α, NA, GSE, TNF-α + NA, TNF-α + GSE, PBM (3 J/cm², 0.025 W, 780 nm), and TNF-α + PBM. Next, IL-6, MMP-2, and MMP-9 syntheses were assessed. The concentration of 10 μg/mL of bioflavonoids increased cell viability at 24 and 48 h and did not present cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on HGF after 24, 48, and 72 h of contact. This concentration was selected for the assessment of bioflavonoids potential in modulating inflammatory mediators. TNF-α exposure enhanced IL-6 (170%), MMP-2 (10%), and MMP-9 (20%) syntheses, while a decrease of MMP-2 by 55% after exposure to TNF-α + GSE and 20% after TNF-α + NA and TNF-α + PBM was observed. MMP-9 synthesis was decreased by 35% after TNF-α + NA, 20% after TNF-α + GSE, and 30% after PBM. IL-6 was down-regulated by GSE in the presence of TNF-α (80%). In conclusion, TNF-α up-regulated IL-6 and MMPs, while bioflavonoids and PBM down-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 syntheses; GSE also decreased IL-6 synthesis, demonstrating the individual promising potential of these therapies for ulceration management.

(Poly)phenol toxicity in vivo following oral administration: A targeted narrative review of (poly)phenols from green tea, grape, and anthocyanin-rich extracts

Fruit- and vegetable-derived (poly)phenols are secondary plant metabolites that may have beneficial effects on human health when consumed regularly. Recent years have seen rapid growth in both consumer demand for and research interest in (poly)phenol-rich dietary supplements, natural colorants, and functional foods. As these products continue to enter the marketplace and (poly)phenol intake patterns change from traditional food products to these sources, attention must be paid to the potential for toxicity from consuming elevated doses of (poly)phenols. To date, much remains unknown regarding the safety of high doses of (poly)phenols, especially in vivo. In this targeted narrative review, we summarize evidence from in vivo investigations of (poly)phenol toxicity after oral administration of green tea extracts, grape-derived phenolics, and anthocyanin-rich extracts. There is limited evidence of overt toxicity from oral ingestion of these (poly)phenol-rich sources, though more research on the safety of high doses-as well as defining what constitutes a "high" dose of both individual and complex mixtures of (poly)phenols-is needed before these observations can be used to create dietary guidance for consumers.

Scientific rationale of Indian AYUSH Ministry advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, and immunomodulation

The current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected > 210 countries. Various steps are taken by different countries to tackle the current war-like health situation. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH released a self-care advisory for immunomodulation measures during the COVID-19 and this review article discusses the detailed scientific rationale associated with this advisory. Authors have spotted and presented in-depth insight of advisory in terms of immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, co-morbidity associated actions, and their probable mechanism of action. Immunomodulatory actions of advised herbs with no significant adverse drug reaction/toxicity strongly support the extension of advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, mitigations, and rehabilitation capacities. This advisory also emphasized Dhyana (meditation) and Yogasanas as a holistic approach in enhancing immunity, mental health, and quality of life. The present review may open-up new meadows for research and can provide better conceptual leads for future researches in immunomodulation, antiviral-development, psychoneuroimmunology, especially for COVID-19.

Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract improves bone loss, bone healing, and implant osseointegration in ovariectomized animals

The purpose of the present study was to confirm if proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) had the ability to improve bone health such as bone loss, bone healing, and implant osseointegration (defined as the direct connection between bone tissue and an implant) in ovariectomized (OVX) animals. We demonstrated that daily oral administration of GSE prevented bone loss in the lumbar vertebrae and femur in OVX mice. In addition, osteoclastogenesis in the lumbar spine bone of OVX mice, as assessed by histological and histomorphometric analyses, was accelerated but GSE prevented this dynamization, suggesting that GSE could counteract OVX-induced accelerated osteoclastogenic activity. In rats, OVX clearly impaired the healing of defects created on the calvaria, and GSE overcame this OVX-impaired healing. In the same way, osseointegration of a tibial implant in rats was retarded by OVX, and GSE counteracted the OVX-induced poor osseointegration, likely promoting bone healing by preventing imbalanced bone turnover. These results suggest that orally administered GSE improved implant osseointegration by mitigating the impaired bone health induced by OVX as a model of estrogen deficiency.

Dietary grape seed procyanidins suppressed weaning stress by improving antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression in weanling piglets

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression in weanling piglets. A total of 96 piglets (Pietrain × Large White) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 8.4 ± 1.7 kg were weaned at 28 days, and randomly divided into 4 groups. Four groups of animals were fed with a basic diet supplemented with various doses of GSP (0, 40, 70 and 100 mg/kg respectively) during the 28-day treatment period. The results showed that the group receiving 40 mg/kg GSP significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG, p < .05) and decrease the feed/gain ratio (F/G, p < .05). Interestingly, the incidence of diarrhoea was significantly reduced in the groups of 40 and 70 mg/kg GSP, but it was increased in the group of 100 mg/kg GSP. Subsequent biochemical studies indicated that dietary GSP significantly increased the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes, including amylase (Amy), lipase(LPS, p < .05), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px, p < .05), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD, p < .05) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, p < .05) in serum, liver and muscle, increased the expression of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT genes (p < .05) in the liver, and decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA, p < .05) in serum, liver and muscle. Taken together, these studies revealed that low GSP supplement in diets can improve growth performance of weaned piglets, which is associated with increased digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities and enhanced resistance to weanling stress.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies of the Ethyl Acetate Soluble Proanthocyanidins of the Immature Inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. in Female Wistar Rats

Ayurvedic and traditional medical practitioners of Sri Lanka use the decoction of the immature inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. (IC) variety aurantiaca for the treatment of menorrhagia. The progestogenic effect of the ethyl acetate soluble proanthocyanidins (EASPA) of the IC in female rats at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg body weight has been reported. Acute and subacute toxicity studies of EASPA of the IC carried out using female Wistar rats according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines 423 and 407, respectively, are reported herein. In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of EASPA (2000 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats, which were monitored for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity study, rats were orally administered with EASPA daily for 28 days at doses of 1.75, 3.5, 7, and 14 mg/kg body weight. No rat in either the acute or subacute toxicity study exhibited mortality or clinical signs of toxicity. Further, these rats did not show any significant change in their mean body weight, food, and water intake, haematological and biochemical parameters as well as in the results of their histopathological examinations compared to those of control group rats. According to results of the acute toxicity, the LD₅₀ of EASPA is estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. Considering the results of the subacute toxicity study, the oral administration of EASPA daily for 28 days was well tolerated up to the dose, 14 mg/kg by rats. These results will be useful in the development of a novel therapeutic agent from EASPA of the IC for the treatment of menorrhagia, which incapacitates a considerable proportion of women worldwide.

Dietary polyphenols as a safe and novel intervention for modulating pain associated with intervertebral disc degeneration in an in-vivo rat model

Developing effective therapies for back pain associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a research priority since it is a major socioeconomic burden and current conservative and surgical treatments have limited success. Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds in plant-derived foods and beverages, and evidence suggests dietary supplementation with select polyphenol preparations can modulate diverse neurological and painful disorders. This study tested whether supplementation with a select standardized Bioactive-Dietary-Polyphenol-Preparation (BDPP) may alleviate pain symptoms associated with IVD degeneration. Painful IVD degeneration was surgically induced in skeletally-mature rats by intradiscal saline injection into three consecutive lumbar IVDs. Injured rats were given normal or BDPP-supplemented drinking water. In-vivo hindpaw mechanical allodynia and IVD height were assessed weekly for 6 weeks following injury. Spinal column, dorsal-root-ganglion (DRG) and serum were collected at 1 and 6 weeks post-operative (post-op) for analyses of IVD-related mechanical and biological pathogenic processes. Dietary BDPP significantly alleviated the typical behavioral sensitivity associated with surgical procedures and IVD degeneration, but did not modulate IVD degeneration nor changes of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in IVD. Gene expression analyses suggested BDPP might have an immunomodulatory effect in attenuating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in DRGs. This study supports the idea that dietary supplementation with BDPP has potential to alleviate IVD degeneration-related pain, and further investigations are warranted to identify the mechanisms of action of dietary BDPP.

Grape seed procyanidin B2 ameliorates hepatic lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice

Diabetes is commonly associated with liver lipid metabolism disorders. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a key role in regulating lipid metabolism. Grape seed procyanidin B2 (GSPB2), a natural polyphenol polymer, ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibits oxidative stress or apoptosis via AMPK pathways. In the present study, the hypothesis that GSPB2 treatment may ameliorate liver lipid metabolic disorders by activating AMPK and downstream pathways was tested in diabetic mice. Db/m mice were used as controls, and diabetic db/db mice were randomly divided into 2 groups for treatment: Vehicle and GSPB2 (30 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks). Animals were weighed every week. Fasting blood was collected prior to sacrifice to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Hepatic TG and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were analyzed. Hepatic sections were examined by light microscopy following hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of hepatic AMPK, phosphorylated acetyl‑CoA carboxylase (ACC), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1) and 4‑hydroxynonenal (4‑HNE) was measured by western blot analysis. Liver mitochondria were isolated to assess electron transport complex I (CI), complex II (CII) and complex IV by high-resolution respirometry. The results demonstrated that GSPB2 significantly decreased body weight and serum TG, TC and FFA levels, but not FBG levels in diabetic mice. GSPB2 visibly decreased lipid droplet accumulation in the liver and significantly reduced hepatic TG and FFA levels. In diabetic mice, GSPB2 restored liver AMPK and ACC phosphorylation, increased CPT1 protein expression, ameliorated lipid peroxidation damage, which was assessed by comparing 4‑HNE levels, and partially restored the damaged mitochondrial respiratory capacity of CI and CII in the liver. In conclusion, long‑term oral treatment with GSPB2 may benefit hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, potentially by decreasing hepatic lipid synthesis and increasing hepatic FFA β‑oxidation via the AMPK‑ACC pathway.

Comparative effect of grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and ascorbic acid in oxidative stress induced by on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Background:

This study aimed to test the beneficial effect of grape seed extract (GSE) (Vitis vinifera) and Vitamin C in oxidative stress and reperfusion injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Patients and Methods:

In this randomized trial, 87 patients undergoing elective and isolated coronary bypass surgery included. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 29 each): (1) Control group with no treatment, (2) GSE group who received the extract 24 h before operation, 100 mg every 6 h, orally, (3) Vitamin C group who received 25 mg/kg Vitamin C through CPB during surgery. Blood samples were taken from coronary sinus at (T1) just before aortic cross clamp; (T2) just before starting controlled aortic root reperfusion; and (T3) 10 min after root reperfusion. Some clinical parameters and biochemical markers were compared among the groups.

Results:

There were significant differences in tracheal intubation times, sinus rhythm return, and left ventricular function between treatment groups compared with control (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity was higher (P < 0.05) in both grape seed and Vitamin C groups at T2 and T3 times. In reperfusion period, malondialdehyde level was increased in control group; however, it was significantly lower for the grape seed group (P = 0.04). The differences in the mean levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase among the three groups were not significant (P > 0.05 in all cases).

Conclusions:

In our patients, GSE and Vitamin C had antioxidative effects and reduced deleterious effects of CPB during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Proanthocyanidins-Loaded Nanoparticles Enhance Dentin Degradation Resistance

Previous studies reported that grapeseed extract (GSE), which is rich in proanthocyanidins (PAs), improves the biodegradation resistance of demineralized dentin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a new GSE delivery strategy to demineralized dentin through loading into biodegradable polymer poly-[lactic-co-glycolic acid] (PLGA) nanoparticles on the biodegradation resistance in terms of structural stability and surface/bulk mechanical and biochemical properties with storage time in collagenase-containing solutions. GSE-loaded nanoparticles were synthetized by nanoprecipitation at PLGA/GSE (w/w) ratios of 100:75, 100:50, and 100:25 and characterized for their morphological/structural features, physicochemical characteristics, and drug loading, entrapment, and release. Nanoparticle suspensions in distilled water (12.5% w/v) were applied (1 min) to demineralized dentin specimens by simulating pulpal pressure. The nanoparticle delivery was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the GSE release from the delivered nanoparticles was further characterized. The variations in surface and bulk mechanical properties were characterized in terms of reduced elastic-modulus, hardness, nanoindentation testing, and apparent elastic-modulus with a storage time up to 3 mo. Hydroxyproline release with exposure to collagenase up to 7 d was estimated. An etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive was applied to investigate the morphology of the resin-dentin interface after nanoparticle delivery. Treatment with the GSE-loaded nanoparticles enhanced the collagen fibril structural resistance, reflected from the TEM investigation, and improved the biomechanical and biochemical stability of demineralized dentin. Nanoparticles having PLGA/GSE of 100:75 (w/w) showed the highest cumulative GSE release and were associated with the best improvement in biodegradation resistance. TEM/SEM showed the ability of the nanoparticles to infiltrate dentinal tubules' main and lateral branches. SEM revealed the formation of a uniform hybrid layer and well-formed resin tags with the presence of numerous nanoparticles located within the dentinal tubules and/or attached to the resin tag. This study demonstrated the potential significance of delivering collagen crosslinkers loaded into biodegradable polymer nanoparticles through the dentinal tubules of demineralized dentin on the biodegradation resistance.

Folic Acid and Grape Seed Extract Prevent Azathioprine-induced Fetal Malformations and Renal Toxicity in Rats

Azathioprine (AZA) is an important drug commonly used in the therapy of the autoimmune system disorders. It induces many hazard effects that restrict its use. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of AZA on the fetal development and renal function and its co-administration with either folic acid (FA) or grape seed extract (GSE). The effects of administration of GSE or FA on AZA toxicity by gavage simultaneously for 4 weeks were studied by determining the changes in kidney histology, the glutathione level (GSH), and lipid per oxidation content as malondialdehyde in the kidney tissue. Additionally, their effects on the fetal development were investigated. Azathioprine induced a renal damage as indicated from the pronounced changes in histological structure, a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine, and malondialdehyde content in the kidney tissue. Meanwhile, the GSH activity was significantly decreased. Co-treatment with GSE significantly minimized the previously mentioned hazard effects of AZA by ameliorating the antioxidant activity. At this point, FA induced a nonsignificant protective activity. The results also revealed that administration of FA or GSE at 6th to 15th day of gestation did not altered fetal development. While, AZA administration clearly disturbed fetal development as indicated from a significant decrease in fetal weights. Furthermore, co-administration of both drugs significantly minimized similarly the hazards of AZA on the fetal development. It may be concluded that GSE and FA are a useful remedies. Maternal administrations of either both are protective agents against AZA-induced fetal malformations. Grape seed extract was more active than FA in potentiating the antioxidative defenses for controlling AZA-induced oxidative renal damages. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Safety assessment of Vitis vinifera (grape)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of 24 Vitis vinifera (grape)-derived ingredients and found them safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics. These ingredients function in cosmetics mostly as skin-conditioning agents, but some function as antioxidants, flavoring agents, and/or colorants. The Panel reviewed the available animal and clinical data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Additionally, some constituents of grapes have been assessed previously for safety as cosmetic ingredients by the Panel, and others are compounds that have been discussed in previous Panel safety assessments.

Grape seed extract dose-responsively decreases disease severity in a rat model of mucositis; concomitantly enhancing chemotherapeutic effectiveness in colon cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Mucositis is a serious disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that results from cancer chemotherapy. We investigated the effects of increasing grape seed extract doses on the severity of chemotherapy in a rat model and its coincident impact on chemotherapeutic effectiveness in colon cancer cells.

DESIGN

Female Dark Agouti rats were gavaged with grape seed extract (400-1000 mg/kg) or water (day 3-11) and were injected intraperitoneally with 5-Fluorouracil (150 mg/kg) or saline (control) on day 9 to induce mucositis. Daily metabolic data were collected and rats were sacrificed on day 12. Intestinal tissues were collected for histological and myeloperoxidase analyses. Caco-2 cell viability was examined in response to grape seed extract in combination with 5-Fluorouracil by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay.

RESULTS

Compared with 5-Fluorouracil controls, grape seed extract (400-1000 mg/kg) significantly decreased the histological damage score (P<0.05) in the jejunum. Grape seed extract (1000 mg/kg) increased jejunal crypt depth by 25% (P<0.05) in 5-Fluorouracil treated rats compared to 5-Fluorouracil controls, and attenuated the 5-Fluorouracil -induced reduction of mucosal thickness (25%, P<0.05). Grape seed extract (600 mg/kg) decreased myeloperoxidase activity by 55% (P<0.01) compared to 5-Fluorouracil controls. Grape seed extract was more effective at ameliorating 5-Fluorouracil induced intestinal injury, with effects most pronounced in the proximal jejunum. Grape seed extract (10-25 ug/mL) significantly enhanced the growth-inhibitory effects of 5-Fluorouracil by 26% (P<0.05) in Caco-2 cells and was more potent than 5-Fluorouracil at 50-100 µg/mL.

CONCLUSION

Grape seed extract may represent a new therapeutic option to decrease the symptoms of intestinal mucositis while concurrently impacting on the viability of colon cancer cells.

Grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract as a hepatic-reno-protective agent against gibberellic acid induced oxidative stress and cellular alterations

The present study aims to investigate the heptonephro-protective effect of grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) against the risks induced by gibberellic acid (GA3) in male rats. The results recorded that GA3 caused a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C levels in serum, concomitant with a significant decrease in serum HDL-C. A significant increase in serum AST, ALT, urea and creatinine, while, a significant decrease in total protein content in serum was observed in rats given GA3. Hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation product (MDA) was significantly increased, meanwhile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione, and catalase levels were significantly decreased. In addition, there was a negative change in liver structure including dilatation in the central veins with degeneration of endothelium cells and cellular injury around the veins as well as in the kidney structure such as lesion in both glomeruli and tubules, detachment of the Malpighian corpuscles from the Bowman's capsule's epithelium, shrinkage in the glomerular capillary network. However, almost all of these adverse effects seemed to be ameliorated by oral administration of GSPE with GA3 to rats for 2 month indicating the protective effect of grape seeds GSPE on GA3 induced oxidative stress in rats.

Antibacterial effects of plant-derived extracts on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Natural chemicals have been reported to have antibacterial effects against a variety of bacteria. The present study evaluated the antibacterial effects of commercially available grape-seed extract (GSE), pomegranate polyphenols (PP), and lab-prepared cranberry proanthocyanidins (C-PAC) against two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). GSE, PP, and C-PAC at concentrations of 2 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, or controls were mixed with equal volumes of overnight cultures of MRSA at ~6 log₁₀ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and incubated for 0, 1, 2, 8, and 24 h at 37°C. Treatments were neutralized/stopped using tryptic soy broth containing 3% beef extract. Serial dilutions of the treated MRSA strains and controls were spread-plated on trypticase soy agar and incubated for 24-48 h at 37°C and colonies were counted. Among the three tested agents, GSE at 1 and 5 mg/mL was found to be most effective against MRSA, resulting in a 2.9-4.0 log₁₀ CFU/mL reduction of both strains after 2 h at 37°C. PP at 1 and 5 mg/mL was found to cause 1.1-2.3 log₁₀ CFU/mL reduction, while C-PAC at 1 mg/mL caused <1 log₁₀ CFU/mL reduction of the two MRSA strains after 2 h at 37°C. All three extracts at the tested concentrations decreased the two MRSA strains to undetectable levels within 24 h, with the exception of 1 mg/mL PP for strain 33591. Scanning electron microscopy of MRSA after 2 h of treatment showed that GSE and PP caused bacterial cell wall alteration, with negligible effect observed by C-PAC treatment. However, the in vivo activity and clinical safety applications of GSE, PP, and C-PAC need to be evaluated before suggestion for use as a treatment/control measure.

Effect of the intake of resveratrol, resveratrol phosphate, and catechin-rich grape seed extract on markers of oxidative stress and gene expression in adult obese subjects

BACKGROUND

The preventive effect of resveratrol (RES) on the development of human diseases has been verified by numerous epidemiological studies. Resveratrol triphosphate (RTP) is a stable derivative of RES in which phosphate groups protect the phenolic groups.

AIMS

This study compared the effect of RTP on biochemical and molecular markers of oxidative stress to equimolar doses (0.66 mmol) of RES and catechin-rich grape seed extract (CGSE) in a model of oxidative and metabolic stress associated with obesity in humans.

METHODS

Thirty-two obese subjects (BMI between 30 and 40) were enrolled. They all received 1 capsule of placebo/day for 28 days before being randomly devised into three arms receiving 1 capsule/day of RES, CGSE, or RTP during the following consecutive 28 days. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after the end of placebo intake, and after the end of the investigational product intake. Biochemical parameters of oxidative stress and blood expression of 200 redox-related genes were determined at each time point.

RESULTS

RTP and CGSE showed better antioxidant activities compared to RES and induced important modulations of gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that RTP and CGSE could contribute to a significant reduction of oxidative stress in obese subjects.

Safety evaluation of Evesse EPC, an apple polyphenol extract rich in flavan-3-ols

The safety of the apple polyphenol extract EvesseEPC, which is rich in flavan-3-ols, particularly epicatechin, was evaluated. Both in a bacterial reverse mutation test and a mouse lymphoma assay, EvesseEPC showed a positive response in vitro. In vivo studies (UDS test in hepatocytes, bone marrow micronucleus test and comet assay in intestinal cells) were all negative and hence Evesse EPC is considered not to have genotoxic properties in vivo. In a 90-day study in rats, EvesseEPC was administered at dietary levels of 0%, 1.25%, 2% and 3.25%. Body weights were decreased in the high-dose group in both sexes without effects on feed or water intake. In the high-dose group, thrombocytes (males) and creatinine (both sexes) were decreased, prothrombin time (males) was increased, and liver, kidneys and spleen weights were increased (males), without histological correlates. Diffuse acinar cell hypertrophy, observed in the parotid salivary glands in all treatment groups, was not considered as adverse and presumably reflected a local, reversible and adaptive response to direct contact with EvesseEPC. The NOAEL for EvesseEPC in rats was 2% in the diet, equivalent to an overall average intake of 1.3 and 1.5 g/kg body weight/day for males and females, respectively.

Grape seed extract attenuates lung parenchyma pathology in ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model: an ultrastructural study

Due to the growing incidence of asthma and because of the non-specificity and side effects of the conventional drugs, the development of novel agents for the treatment of asthma has become considerably important. Natural plant products offer promising alternatives for the development of effective and safe treatments. Grape seed extract (GSE) is one such phytochemical supplement that has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of GSE to suppress lung parenchyma pathology and inflammation in ovalbumin-induced murine asthma model. Ovalbumin exposure was associated with many pathological and morphometric alterations in the lungs of asthmatic mice. The alterations involved alveolar size reduction, alveolar wall thickening, cellular infiltration and blood capillary congestion, as well as significant increase in the number of type II pneumocytes and lamellar bodies. However, GSE significantly ameliorated of the pathological changes of ovalbumin-induced asthma. The results support the possibility of GSE as an effective, safe anti-inflammatory dietary supplement to attenuate the pathogenicity of asthma. While these preliminary results appear promising, further studies are required to elucidate the precise mechanism of the modulatory effect of GSE on asthma remodeling.

Generation of reactive oxygen species by grape seed extract causes irreparable DNA damage leading to G2/M arrest and apoptosis selectively in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for 6% of all malignancies in USA and unfortunately the recurrence of secondary primary tumors and resistance against conventional treatments decrease the overall 5 year survival rate in HNSCC patients. Thus, additional approaches are needed to control HNSCC. Here, for the first time, employing human HNSCC Detroit 562 and FaDu cells as well as normal human epidermal keratinocytes, we investigate grape seed extract (GSE) efficacy and associated mechanism in both cell culture and nude mice xenografts. GSE selectively inhibited the growth and caused cell cycle arrest and apoptotic death in both Detroit 562 and FaDu cells by activating DNA damage checkpoint cascade, including ataxia telangiectasia mutated/ataxia telangiectasia-Rad3-related-checkpoint kinase 1/2-cell division cycle 25C as well as caspases 8, 9 and 3. Consistent with these results, GSE treatment resulted in a strong DNA damage and a decrease in the levels of DNA repair molecules breast cancer gene 1 and Rad51 and DNA repair foci. GSE-caused accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species was identified as a major mechanism of its effect for growth inhibition, DNA damage and apoptosis, which was remarkably reversed by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. GSE feeding to nude mice decreased Detroit 562 and FaDu xenograft tumor growth by 67 and 65% (P < 0.001), respectively. In immunohistochemical analysis, xenografts from GSE-fed groups showed decreased proliferation but increased DNA damage and apoptosis. Together, these findings show that GSE targets both DNA damage and repair and provide mechanistic insights for its efficacy selectively against HNSCC both in cell culture and mouse xenograft, supporting its translational potential against HNSCC.

Should Red Wine Be Considered a Functional Food?

  Functional foods may be regarded as foods that have nutritional value, but in particular, they also have beneficial effects on one or more body functions. Thus, functional foods may improve health and/or reduce the risk of developing certain diseases when taken in amounts that can be consumed in a normal diet. Based on nearly 2 decades of research since the term "French paradox" was first coined in 1992, wine would appear to fit this definition. Yet there seems to be reluctance to consider wine as a functional food. In this review, we present an overview of the accumulated evidence for the health benefits of wine-and its key phenolic components such as resveratrol, quercetin, catechin-and show that these alone are not enough to firmly establish wine as a functional food. What is required is to create clearly defined products based on wine that are targeted to consumers' needs and expectations when it comes to purchasing functional foods. Moreover, the crucial question of alcohol and health also needs to be addressed by the functional food industry. Suggestions are presented for working through this issue, but in many regards, wine is like any other food-it should be consumed sensibly and in amounts that are beneficial to health. Overindulgence of any kind does not promote good health.

The effect of OPC Factor on energy levels in healthy adults ages 45-65: a phase IIb randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of the food supplement OPC Factor to increase energy levels in healthy adults aged 45 to 65.

DESIGN

Randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind crossover study.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-five (25) healthy adults recruited from the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

INTERVENTIONS

OPC Factor,trade mark (AlivenLabs, Lebanon, TN) a food supplement that contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins from grape seeds and pine bark along with other nutrient supplements including vitamins and minerals, was in the form of an effervescent powder. The placebo was similar in appearance and taste.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Five outcome measurements were performed: (1) Energy subscale scores of the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD ACL); (2) One (1) global question of percent energy change (Global Energy Percent Change); (3) One (1) global question of energy change measured on a Likert scale (Global Energy Scale Change); 4. One (1) global question of percent overall status change (Global Overall Status Percent Change); and (5) One (1) global question of overall status change measured on a Likert scale (Global Overall Status Scale Change).

RESULTS

There were no carryover/period effects in the groups randomized to Placebo/Active Product sequence versus Active Product/Placebo sequence. Examination of the AD ACL Energy subscale scores for the Active Product versus Placebo comparison revealed no significant difference in the intention-to-treat (IT) analysis and the treatment received (TR) analysis. However, Global Energy Percent Change (p = 0.06) and Global Energy Scale Change (p = 0.09) both closely approached conventional levels of statistical significance for the active product in the IT analysis. Global Energy Percent Change (p = 0.05) and Global Energy Scale Change (p = 0.04) reached statistical significance in the TR analysis. A cumulative percent responders analysis graph indicated greater response rates for the active product.

CONCLUSIONS

OPC Factor may increase energy levels in healthy adults aged 45-65 years. A larger study is recommended. Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT03318019.