Plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of gingerol- and shogaol-enriched extract is mediated by increasing sterol excretion

The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.

Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, promotes transintestinal cholesterol excretion through the activation of PPARδ

Fisetin, a dietary polyphenol abundantly found in strawberries, exhibits a broad spectrum of health-promoting activities, including antihyperlipidemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of fisetin on cholesterol elimination through novel transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) pathway. A hypercholesterolemic mouse model and human colon epithelial cancer cell line Caco-2 were utilized to conduct the study. In hypercholesterolemic mice, fisetin (25 mg/kg) treatment reduced serum total cholesterol by 46.48% and significantly decreased lipid accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, fisetin administration led to a substantial increase in the fecal neutral sterol contents, including coprostanol, coprostanone, dihydrocholesterol, and cholesterol. Specifically, these sterol contents increased by approximately 224.20%, 151.40%, 70.40% and 50.72% respectively. The fluorescence intensity of 22-NBD-cholesterol in intestinal perfusion increased by 95.94% in fisetin group (25 mg/kg), indicating that fisetin stimulated TICE. In high cholesterol-induced Caco-2 cells, fisetin at a concentration of 30 μM reduced total cholesterol and free cholesterol by 37.21% and 45.30% respectively, stimulated cholesterol excretion, and inhibited cholesterol accumulation. Additionally, fisetin upregulated the gene and protein expression of cholesterol efflux transporters ABCG5/G8 and ABCB1, while downregulating the cholesterol uptake regulator NPC1L1. Furthermore, fisetin increased LDLR protein expression and decreased PCSK9 expression. Notably, fisetin significantly activated nuclear receptor PPARδ in Caco-2 cells. PPARδ antagonist pretreatment counteracted the regulatory effects of fisetin on TICE regulators, suggesting fisetin lowered cholesterol through enhancing TICE by activation of intestinal PPARδ. Fisetin could be used as functional dietarysupplement for eliminating cholesterol and reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative review exploring the mechanisms of action

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been investigated for its potentially therapeutic effect on a range of chronic conditions and symptoms in humans. However, a simplified and easily understandable examination of the mechanisms behind these effects is lacking and, in turn, hinders interpretation and translation to practice, and contributes to overall clinical heterogeneity confounding the results. Therefore, drawing on data from nonhuman trials, the objective for this narrative review was to comprehensively describe the current knowledge on the proposed mechanisms of action of ginger on conferring therapeutic health effects in humans. Mechanistic studies support the findings from human clinical trials that ginger may assist in improving symptoms and biomarkers of pain, metabolic chronic disease, and gastrointestinal conditions. Bioactive ginger compounds reduce inflammation, which contributes to pain; promote vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure; obstruct cholesterol production, which regulates blood lipid profile; translocate glucose transporter type 4 molecules to plasma membranes to assist in glycemic control; stimulate fatty acid breakdown to aid weight management; and inhibit serotonin, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptor activation to reduce nausea and vomiting. Additional human trials are required to confirm the antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antineoplastic, and liver- and kidney-protecting effects of ginger. Interpretation of the mechanisms of action will help clinicians and researchers better understand how and for whom ginger may render therapeutic effects and highlight priority areas for future research.

Using Metabolomics to Identify the Exposure and Functional Biomarkers of Ginger

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics has become an important tool to increase our understanding of how diet affects human health. However, public and commercial mass spectral libraries of dietary metabolites are limited, resulting in the greatest challenge in converting mass spectrometry data into biological insights. In this study, we constructed an LC-MS/MS ginger library as an example to demonstrate the importance of dietary libraries for discovering food biomarkers. The functional and exposure biomarkers of ginger were investigated using plasma samples from mice treated with control and ginger extract diets. Our results showed clear discrimination between the metabolome of mice on normal and ginger extract diets. Using the in-house ginger library, we identified 20 ginger metabolites that can be used as exposure biomarkers of ginger. However, without the LC-MS/MS ginger library, none of the ginger metabolites could be accurately identified based on online mass databases. In addition, ginger treatment significantly impacts the endogenous metabolome, especially the purine metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. Overall, we demonstrated that the construction of LC-MS/MS spectra dietary libraries would enhance the ability to identify potential dietary biomarkers and correlate potential health benefits associated with food consumption.

Preparation, pungency and bioactivity of gingerols from ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review

Ginger has been widely used for different purposes, such as condiment, functional food, drugs, and cosmetics. Gingerols, the main pungent component in ginger, possess a variety of bioactivities. To fully understand the significance of gingerols in the food and pharmaceutical industry, this paper first recaps the composition and physiochemical properties of gingerols, and the major extraction and synthesis methods. Furthermore, the pungency and bioactivity of gingerols are reviewed. In addition, the food application of gingerols and future perspectives are discussed. Gingerols, characterized by a 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl moiety, are divided into gingerols, shogaols, paradols, zingerone, gingerdiones and gingerdiols. At present, gingerols are extracted by conventional, innovative, and integrated extraction methods, and synthesized by chemical, biological and in vitro cell synthesis methods. Gingerols can activate transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and induce signal transduction, thereby exhibiting its pungent properties and bioactivity. By targeted mediation of various cell signaling pathways, gingerols display potential anticancer, antibacterial, blood glucose regulatory, hepato- and renal-protective, gastrointestinal regulatory, nerve regulatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. This review contributes to the application of gingerols as functional ingredients in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Whey protein hydrolysate alleviated atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis by regulating lipid metabolism in apoE-/- mice fed a Western diet

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) has been proved to possess various biological activities associated with the amelioration of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic and hepatoprotective effects of WPH on apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE^-/-) mice fed with a Western diet for 15 weeks. Results revealed that WPH markedly inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and steatosis injury in the liver. The serum lipid and inflammation levels were both reduced after WPH supplemented in apoE^-/- mice. In addition, WPH inhibited the lipid accumulation in the liver, thereby decreasing the hepatic inflammation level and oxidative stress injury. Mechanism investigation revealed that WPH down-regulated the expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes while up-regulated the expression of cholesterol uptake and excretion genes in the liver. Meanwhile, the de novo lipogenesis was inhibited while the fatty acids β-oxidation was activated in the liver by WPH supplementation. Notably, the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/n-6 PUFA ratio in serum and liver of the WPH-H group were 2.69-fold (p < 0.01) and 3.64-fold (p < 0.01) higher than that of the Model group. Collectively, our results proved WPH possesses potent anti-atherosclerotic and hepatoprotective activities and has the potential to be used as a novel functional ingredient for the management of CVD.

Nutritional benefits of ginger for patients with non-communicable diseases

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a famous dietary spice rich in bioactive components like gingerols, and it has been used for a long time as food and medicine. Indeed, clinical studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger. Thus, ginger seems to be an excellent complementary nutritional strategy for non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. This narrative review aims to discuss the possible effects of ginger on the mitigation of common complications such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis in NCD.

Polyphenol extract and essential oil of Amomum tsao-ko equally alleviate hypercholesterolemia and modulate gut microbiota

This study explored the effects of polyphenol extract (TKP) and essential oil (TKO) from Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire (tsao-ko) on plasma total cholesterol and gut microbiota. Four groups of hamsters (n = 8 each) were fed one of four diets, respectively, namely a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.1% cholesterol, a HCD containing 0.5% cholestyramine (PCD), a HCD with daily oral administration of 1000 mg per kg body weight TKP, and a HCD with daily oral administration of 200 mg per kg body weight TKO for 6 weeks. TKP and TKO equally lowered plasma total cholesterol (TC) by 13-18% via increasing the fecal elimination of total acidic sterols by 50-191%. This might be due to up-regulation of liver cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) at both transcriptional and translational levels. At a family level, TKP and TKO diets favorably modified the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae associated with acidic sterols and CYP7A1. It was therefore concluded that TKP and TKO were equally effective in alleviating hypercholesterolemia in hamsters via the interaction between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism.

Cholesterol-lowering activity of protocatechuic acid is mediated by increasing the excretion of bile acids and modulating gut microbiota and producing short-chain fatty acids

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on plasma lipid profiles and associated mechanisms with a focus on reshaping gut microbiota. Twenty-four male hamsters were randomly divided into three groups receiving a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and two HCD diets containing 0.5% (PL) and 1% (PH) PCA, respectively. Feeding PL and PH diets for six weeks significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol by 18% and 24%, respectively. PL and PH diets also significantly lowered plasma non-HDL cholesterol by 37% and 44%, respectively. This was accompanied by an increase in fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fecal bile acids with up-regulation on gene of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and down-regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in the liver. Dietary PCA supplementation decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, whereas it increased fecal excretion of lipids. The 16S rRNA analysis found that dietary PCA significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidales S24-7, whereas it reduced the abundance of Lactobacillaceae. It was concluded that dietary PCA favorably modulated plasma lipid profiles and prevented the accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and lipid disposition. Such effect was mediated at least partially by increasing gut production of SCFAs and fecal excretion of bile acids via modulating the gut microbiome.

The Changes in Endogenous Metabolites in Hyperlipidemic Rats Treated with Herbal Mixture Containing Lemon, Apple Cider, Garlic, Ginger, and Honey

An herbal mixture composed of lemon, apple cider, garlic, ginger and honey as a polyphenol-rich mixture (PRM) has been reported to contain hypolipidemic activity on human subjects and hyperlipidemic rats. However, the therapeutic effects of PRM on metabolites are not clearly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to provide new information on the causal impact of PRM on the endogenous metabolites, pathways and serum biochemistry. Serum samples of hyperlipidemic rats treated with PRM were subjected to biochemistry (lipid and liver profile) and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA enzyme reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) analyses. In contrast, the urine samples were subjected to urine metabolomics using 1H NMR. The serum biochemistry revealed that PRM at 500 mg/kg (PRM-H) managed to lower the total cholesterol level and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p < 0.05) and reduce the HMG-CoA reductase activity. The pathway analysis from urine metabolomics reveals that PRM-H altered 17 pathways, with the TCA cycle having the highest impact (0.26). Results also showed the relationship between the serum biochemistry of LDL-C and HMG-CoA reductase and urine metabolites (trimethylamine-N-oxide, dimethylglycine, allantoin and succinate). The study's findings demonstrated the potential of PRM at 500 mg/kg as an anti-hyperlipidemic by altering the TCA cycle, inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and lowering the LDL-C in high cholesterol rats.

The protective effects of steamed ginger on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and adiposity in diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The steamed ginger has been shown to have antioxidative effects and a protective effect against obesity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of steamed ginger (SGE) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The protective effects of SGE on adipogenesis were examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by measuring lipid accumulations and genes involved in adipogenesis. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, 10% fat w/w), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat w/w), and HFD supplemented with either 40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg of SGE for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was measured, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was determined in the adipose tissue. Histological analysis and micro-computed tomography were performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads.

RESULTS

In 3T3-L1 cells, SGE significantly decreased lipid accumulation, with concomitant decreases in the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. SGE significantly attenuated the increase in body, liver, and epididymal adipose tissue weights by HFD. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in SGE fed groups compared to HFD. In adipose tissue, SGE significantly decreased adipocyte size than that of HFD and altered adipogenesis-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, steamed ginger exerted anti-obesity effects by regulating genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cell and epididymal adipose tissue of DIO mice.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects

Ginger (from the rizhome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been widely used in ethnomedicine for the cure of several ailments. Main active ingredients include phenolic compounds named gingerols. In modern phytotherapy, ginger preparations are predominantly used to counteract nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. However, a number of other pharmacological actions of potential therapeutic interest, which might broaden the spectrum of its clinical use, have been reported. This focused review aims at giving a shot on the antinflammatory, analgesic, and metabolic actions of Zingiber officinale preparations, with a discussion on the clinical applications in knee osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, type‐2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, overweight, and obesity.

6-Paradol Acts as a Potential Anti-obesity Vanilloid from Grains of Paradise

SCOPE

Grains of Paradise (GOP), the seeds of Aframomum melegueta, has anti-obesity effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects remain unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study sets up to study the anti-obesity impact and homeostatic effects of 6-paradol, a major vanilloid found in GOP, and investigates the physiological outputs and the lipometabolism-related gene in fat and liver in high-fat-induced obese mice with a comparison with structurally similar vanilloids (6-gingerol and 6-shogaol). The vanilloids are synthesized in adequate quantities for performing animal experiments and orally administered to 6-week-old male mice over 2 weeks. This study found that 6-paradol decreased body weight gain and visceral and subcutaneous fats in 2 weeks, whereas 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol have no effect. Additionally, 6-paradol suppresses the hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride and significantly decreases the gene expression related to fatty acid synthesis, lipid transportation, and adipocyte differentiation in both liver and adipose tissue. Moreover, phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) that greatly contributes to lipometabolism is promoted by 6-gingerol but not 6-paradol.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that 6-paradol regulates several obesity-related genes in an AMPK-independent manner. Therefore, it could be the principal active vanilloid in GOP giving it anti-obesity properties with a different mechanism.

Serum Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of β-Sitosterol Laurate Is Attributed to the Reduction of Both Cholesterol Absorption and Bile Acids Reabsorption in Hamsters

The research was performed to delineate how β-sitosterol laurate (β-SLE) consumption influenced serum and hepatic lipids. The results showed that 220 mg/5 mL oil/kg body weight of β-SLE robustly reduced serum total triglyceride and cholesterol levels and the epididymal adipocyte size, and efficiently protected hepatic polyunsaturated fatty acids against lipid peroxidation through superoxide dismutase and glutathione transferase activity enhancement and malondialdehyde level reduction. Based on the changes of fecal cholesterol contents, fecal and hepatic bile acid (BAs) levels, and related protein expression, it was concluded that the mechanisms for lowering serum cholesterol by β-SLE involved (i) the enhanced excretion of fecal cholesterol via down-regulation of intestinal Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein; (ii) the increased conversion from cholesterol to primary BAs via up-regulation of cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase and sterol 27-hydroxylase, which was induced by the reduced BAs reabsorption through up-regulating ileal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter and ileal bile acid-binding protein.

Phenolic Compounds Exerting Lipid-Regulatory, Anti-Inflammatory and Epigenetic Effects as Complementary Treatments in Cardiovascular Diseases

Atherosclerosis is the main process behind cardiovascular diseases (CVD), maladies which continue to be responsible for up to 70% of death worldwide. Despite the ongoing development of new and potent drugs, their incomplete efficacy, partial intolerance and numerous side effects make the search for new alternatives worthwhile. The focus of the scientific world turned to the potential of natural active compounds to prevent and treat CVD. Essential for effective prevention or treatment based on phytochemicals is to know their mechanisms of action according to their bioavailability and dosage. The present review is focused on the latest data about phenolic compounds and aims to collect and correlate the reliable existing knowledge concerning their molecular mechanisms of action to counteract important risk factors that contribute to the initiation and development of atherosclerosis: dyslipidemia, and oxidative and inflammatory-stress. The selection of phenolic compounds was made to prove their multiple benefic effects and endorse them as CVD remedies, complementary to allopathic drugs. The review also highlights some aspects that still need clear scientific explanations and draws up some new molecular approaches to validate phenolic compounds for CVD complementary therapy in the near future.

Hyperlipidemia Determines Dysfunctional HDL Production and Impedes Cholesterol Efflux in the Small Intestine: Alleviation by Ginger Extract

SCOPE

To assess the impact of ginger extract (GIN) in stimulating the production of quality HDL and the cholesterol efflux in the small intestine (SI), key processes in the management of hyperlipidemia (HL)-induced hepatic steatosis, and atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three groups of hamsters are used: (i) N, fed standard diet, (ii) HL, fed high-fat diet for 21 weeks, and (iii) HL-GIN, HL treated with GIN for the last 5 weeks of diet. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), malondialdehyde-apoA-I (MDA-apoA-I), paraoxonase1 (PON1), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) are measured in plasma and SI. ATP-binding cassette A1 transporter (ABCA1), ABCG5/G8, liver X receptor α/β (LXRα/β), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and sirtuin1 (SIRT1) are assessed in the SI. Results show that in HL plasma, GIN decreases MDA-apoA-I, MPO/PON1 ratio and increases HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol. In HL-SI, GIN decreases MDA-apoA-I and MPO, increases ApoA-I, PON1, and ABCA1, and restores cholesterol efflux disturbed by HL (SIRT1-LXRα/β-PPARγ-ABCG8). GIN administration is associated with the reduction of the aortic valves lipid-deposits.

CONCLUSION

In HL conditions, GIN stimulates the functional HDL production by restoring apoA-I quality and quantity through inhibition of the oxidative stress, and increases cholesterol efflux in the SI. These effects are associated with the restoration of SIRT1-LXRα/β-PPARγ pathway.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Ameliorated Metabolic and Inflammatory Dysfunction Induced by High-Refined Carbohydrate-Containing Diet in Mice

This study aimed to evaluate the effects and the mechanisms of ginger extract intake in the adiposity gain, metabolic and inflammatory disturbances induced by a high-refined carbohydrate (HC) diet in mice. Ginger extract at doses of 200, 600, and 1800 mg/kg was supplemented in the daily food of obese Balb/c mice during an 8-week experiment. Our findings indicate that consumption of high doses of ginger extracts prevents the increase of adiposity induced by HC diet, improves lipid profile, and promotes decrease of inflammatory markers in mice. We showed that ginger addition to HC diet leads to decrease in the recruitment of cells visualized in vivo in the microvasculature of adipose tissue, decrease of inflammatory cytokines, and increase of adiponectin serum levels. These results indicate that the consumption of ginger decreases the negative metabolic consequences induced by HC diet.

The antioxidant activity of steamed ginger and its protective effects on obesity induced by high-fat diet in C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver.

RESULTS

The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and ABTS⁺ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.

Fabrication of 6-gingerol, doxorubicin and alginate hydroxyapatite into a bio-compatible formulation: enhanced anti-proliferative effect on breast and liver cancer cells

Ample attention has been devoted to the construction of anti-cancer drug delivery systems with increased stability, and controlled and targeted delivery, minimizing toxic effects. In this study we have designed a magnetically attractive hydroxyapatite (m-HAP) based alginate polymer bound nanocarrier to perform targeted, controlled and pH sensitive drug release of 6-gingerol, doxorubicin, and their combination, preferably at low pH environments (pH 5.3). They have exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency which is in the range of 97.4-98.9% for both 6-gingerol and doxorubicin molecules whereas the co-loading has accounted for a value of 81.87 ± 0.32%. Cell proliferation assays, fluorescence imaging and flow cytometric analysis, demonstrated the remarkable time and dose responsive anti-proliferative effect of drug loaded nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells and HEpG2 cells compared with their neat counter parts. Also, these systems have exhibited significantly reduced toxic effects on non-targeted, non-cancerous cells in contrast to the excellent ability to selectively kill cancerous cells. This study has suggested that this HAP based system is a versatile carrier capable of loading various drug molecules, ultimately producing a profound anti-proliferative effect.

Spices and Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Atherosclerosis, characterized by lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation in the vessel wall, is the main feature of cardiovascular disease. Although the amounts of fruits and vegetables present in the diets vary by country, diets, worldwide, contain large amounts of spices; this may have positive or negative effects on the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. In this review, we focused on the potential protective effects of specific nutrients from spices, such as pepper, ginger, garlic, onion, cinnamon and chili, in atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms, epidemiological analysis, and clinical studies focusing on a variety of spices are covered in this review. Based on the integrated information, we aimed to raise specific recommendations for people with different dietary styles for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through dietary habit adjustments.

Ginger Extract Ameliorates Obesity and Inflammation via Regulating MicroRNA-21/132 Expression and AMPK Activation in White Adipose Tissue

Ginger is a plant whose rhizome is used as a spice or folk medicine. We aimed to investigate the effect of ginger root extract on obesity and inflammation in rats fed a high-fat diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and fed either a 45% high-fat diet (HF), HF + hot-water extract of ginger (WEG; 8 g/kg diet), or HF + high-hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger (HPG; 8 g/kg diet) for 10 weeks. The HPG group had lower body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) mass compared to the HF group. Serum and hepatic lipid levels of HPG group were lower, while fecal lipid excretion of the HPG group was higher than that of the HF group. In the WAT of the WEG and HPG groups, mRNA levels of adipogenic genes were lower than those of the HF group. Moreover, HPG group had lower mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than did the HF group. MicroRNA (miR)-21 expression was down-regulated by both WEG and HPG. Additionally, miR-132 expression was down-regulated by HPG. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity of HPG group was greater than that of the HF group. HPG may have beneficial effects on obesity and inflammation, partially mediated by regulation of miR-21/132 expression and AMPK activation in WAT.

Zingiber officinale extract administration diminishes steroyl-CoA desaturase gene expression and activity in hyperlipidemic hamster liver by reducing the oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND

Stearoyl CoA desaturases (SCD) are enzymes that convert saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids and have increased activity in hepatic steatosis.

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the potential of ginger extract (GIN) to modulate the liver SCD1 expression and activity in hyperlipidemic (HL) conditions, in order to lower lipid accumulation in the steatotic liver.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Male Golden Syrian hamsters were divided in three groups: (i) fed with standard chow (N), (ii) fed with standard chow plus 3% cholesterol and 15% butter for 21 weeks (HL), (iii) HL treated with GIN (800 µg/kg body weight/day) in the last 5 weeks of fat diet (HL-GIN). Cholesterol (C), triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), SCD1 estimated activity (C16:1n7/C16:0; C18:1n9/C18:0) and gene expression, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), paraoxonase1 (PON1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined in the plasma and liver of all hamsters. We measured protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) markers, gene and protein expression of liver X receptor α/β (LXRα/β), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 5/8 (ABCG5/G8) and 7α-hydroxylase1 (CYP7A1) in all hamsters' livers.

RESULTS

In plasma, in HL-GIN versus HL hamsters, SCD1 estimated activity was lower (27%; 15%, p < 0.05), NEFA levels decreased by 91%, p < 0.001, while C and TG levels did not vary; the oxidative stress expressed as MPO and TBARS levels decreased (15%; 11%, p < 0.01), while PON1 protein increased (75%, p < 0.05). In the liver of HL-GIN versus HL, C, TG, NEFA, MPO and TBARS levels decreased (8-40%, p < 0.05) and PON1 protein levels increased (30%, p < 0.05), SCD1 estimated activity decreased (8%; 9%, p < 0.05), in parallel with the reduced gene expression of SCD1 and ACC (70-80%, p < 0.05). The protein expression of the ERS sensors decreased (30-65%, p < 0.05), while that of ABCG5/G8, CYP7A1, LXRα/β and PPARγ increased in HL-GIN (20-30%, p < 0.05) versus HL liver.

CONCLUSION

GIN reduces SCD1 estimated activity and expression, as well as the lipids accumulated in the livers of HL hamsters. This is achieved through a mechanism involving the decrease of the oxidative and ERS, and the enhancement of cholesterol efflux.

Roles of Spicy Foods and Their Bioactive Compounds in Management of Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia, as one of the major risk factors in development of cardiovascular diseases, is of mounting prevalence worldwide in recent years. Many nutraceuticals and phytochemical supplements serve as a promising complementary therapy in the management of hypercholesterolemia. Among them, spicy foods have attracted special attention. Plasma lipid-lowering activity of garlic, ginger, and turmeric have been well-studied in both humans and animals. Consumption of either 3 g/day of ginger or 2 g/day of curcumin for over 4 weeks effectively reduced blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemia subjects. However, effects of chili and black peppers on blood cholesterol are studied little clinically. The present review is to summarize the findings of recent studies on the efficacy and mechanism of spicy foods and their primary bioactive components in management of hypercholesterolemia from preclinical studies to clinical trials.

Network pharmacology-based prediction of active compounds and molecular targets in Yijin-Tang acting on hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yijin-Tang (YJT) is a traditional prescription for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis and other ailments related to dampness phlegm, a typical pathological symptom of abnormal body fluid metabolism in Traditional Korean Medicine. However, a holistic network pharmacology approach to understanding the therapeutic mechanisms underlying hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis has not been pursued.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the network pharmacological potential effects of YJT on hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis, we analysed components, performed target prediction and network analysis, and investigated interacting pathways using a network pharmacology approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on compounds in herbal medicines was obtained from public databases, and oral bioavailability and drug-likeness was screened using absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) criteria. Correlations between compounds and genes were linked using the STITCH database, and genes related to hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis were gathered using the GeneCards database. Human genes were identified and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis.

RESULTS

Network analysis identified 447 compounds in five herbal medicines that were subjected to ADME screening, and 21 compounds and 57 genes formed the main pathways linked to hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Among them, 10 compounds (naringenin, nobiletin, hesperidin, galangin, glycyrrhizin, homogentisic acid, stigmasterol, 6-gingerol, quercetin and glabridin) were linked to more than four genes, and are bioactive compounds and key chemicals. Core genes in this network were CASP3, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, MMP2 and MMP9. The compound-target gene network revealed close interactions between multiple components and multiple targets, and facilitates a better understanding of the potential therapeutic effects of YJT.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological network analysis can help to explain the potential effects of YJT for treating dampness phlegm-related diseases such as hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis.

6-Gingerol Regulates Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism by Up-regulation of LDLR and Cholesterol Efflux-Related Genes in HepG2 Cells

Gingerols, the pungent ingredients in ginger, are reported to possess a cholesterol-lowering activity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study was to investigate how 6-gingerol (6-GN), the most abundant gingerol in fresh ginger, regulates hepatic cholesterol metabolism. HepG2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of 6-GN ranging from 50 to 200 μM for 24 h. Results showed that both cellular total cholesterol and free cholesterol decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, 6-GN ranging from 100 to 200 μM increased the LDLR protein and uptake of fluorescent-labeled LDL. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of cholesterol metabolism-related genes were also examined. It was found that 6-GN regulated cholesterol metabolism via up-regulation of LDLR through activation of SREBP2 as well as up-regulation of cholesterol efflux-related genes LXRα and ABCA1.

Seasoning ingredients in a medium-fat diet regulate lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in growing rats

We fed rats noodle (N) -diet containing 30 wt.% instant noodle with a 26% fat-to-energy ratio for 30 days (N-group). Compared with rats that were fed the same amount of nutrients (C-group), the N-group showed lower liver triacylglycerol levels and higher fecal cholesterol levels. We then analyzed transcriptome of the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP), the liver and the white adipose tissue (WAT). Thyroid stimulating hormone (Tshb), and its partner, glycoprotein hormone genes were up-regulated in the HP of N-group. Sterol regulatory element binding transcription factors were activated in the liver of N-group, while an up-regulation of the angiogenic signal occurred in the WAT of N-group. N-group showed higher urine noradrenaline (NA) level suggesting that these tissue signals are regulated by NA and Tshb. The N-diet contains 0.326 wt.% glutamate, 0.00236 wt.% 6-shogaol and Maillard reaction products. Our results suggest that these ingredients may affect lipid homeostasis via the HP axis.

Antioxidant activities of ginger extract and its constituents toward lipids

Lipid oxidation-a major cause of food product deterioration-necessitates the use of food additives to inhibit food oxidation. Ginger extract (GE) has been reported to possess antioxidant properties. However, components isolated from ginger have been rarely reported to inhibit fat oxidation. Herein, antioxidant properties of GE and four pure components derived from it (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and 6-shogaol) were examined and their properties were compared to those of butylated hydroxytoluene. GE and the constituent components exhibited antioxidant properties that might be attributed to their hydroxyl groups and suitable solubilizing side chains. 6-Shogaol and 10-gingerol exhibited higher activity at 60°C than 6-gingerol and 8-gingerol. Low antioxidant activity was detected at high temperatures (120/180°C). Overall, GE displayed the strongest dose-dependent antioxidant properties, especially at high temperatures, thereby demonstrating that GE can be employed as a natural antioxidant in lipid-containing processed foods.

Cranberry anthocyanin as an herbal medicine lowers plasma cholesterol by increasing excretion of fecal sterols

BACKGROUND

Interest in using herbal medicines to treat the hypercholesterolemia is increasing. Cranberry extract could decrease plasma cholesterol, however, the active ingredients and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

The present study was to test the hypothesis that cranberry anthocyanins (CrA) were at least one of the active ingredients responsible for the cholesterol-lowering activity of cranberry fruits via a mechanism of increasing fecal sterol excretion.

METHODS

Forty-four hamsters were randomly divided into five groups and fed one of the five diets, namely a non-cholesterol control diet (NCD), a high-cholesterol control diet (HCD), a HCD diet supplemented with a low dose of 1% CrA (CL), a HCD diet supplemented with a high dose of 2% CrA (CH), and a HCD diet supplemented with 0.5% cholestyramine as a positive control drug (P-CTL), respectively, for six weeks. Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol was quantified using the enzymatic kits, while the gene expressions of transporters, enzymes and receptors involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism were quantified using the quantitative RT-PCR. Fecal sterols were quantified using gas chromatography (GC).

RESULTS

Plasma total cholesterol and aorta atherosclerotic plaque decreased dose-dependently with the increasing amounts of CrA added into diets. This was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in excretion of both neutral and acidic sterols. CrA had no effect on the mRNA levels of intestinal Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 protein (NPC1L1), acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase2 (ACAT2), microsomal triacylglycerol transport protein (MTP), and ATP binding cassette transporter 5 (ABCG5) as well as hepatic cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl reductase (HMG-CoA-R), sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), LDL receptor (LDL-R), and Liver X receptor alpha (LXRα).

CONCLUSION

CrA as an herbal medicine could favorably modify the lipoprotein profile in hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet by enhancing excretion of fecal neutral and acidic sterols, most likely not mediated by interaction with genes of transporters, enzymes and proteins involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism.

Beneficial effects of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe on obesity and metabolic syndrome: a review

In recent years, metabolic syndromes (MetSs), including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, have become a common health problem in both developed and developing countries. Accumulating data have suggested that traditional herbs might be able to provide a wide range of remedies in prevention and treatment of MetSs. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) has been documented to ameliorate hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These beneficial effects are mediated by transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor κB. This review focuses on recent findings regarding the beneficial effects of ginger on obesity and related complications in MetS and discusses its potential mechanisms of action. This review provides guidance for further applications of ginger for personalized nutrition and medicine.

Quantitative ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants given for cardiometabolic diseases by the non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

The burden of cardiometabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, visceral obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and the use of traditional medicine for the management of such diseases are high in India; hence there is a need to document and analyze such therapies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study documented and analyzed the medicinal plants prescribed for cardiometabolic diseases by the non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODOLOGY

The field survey was conducted between December 2014 to November 2015. Successive free listing assisted with field-walks was used to interview the informants. After assessing the sampling sufficiency using rarefaction curve analysis, indices such as Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) and Index of Agreement on Remedies (IAR) were calculated for the data. The indicators of informant's medicinal plant knowledge such as Shannon's index, equitability index, etc., were regressed with the demographic profile of the informants.

RESULTS

For this study 70 non-institutionally trained Siddha medical practitioners were approached; the data from 36 practitioners who were treating cardiometabolic diseases were documented. This study recorded the use of 188 species which were used to prepare 368 formulations to treat illnesses categorized under cardiometabolic diseases. In this, 53.04% claims were singletons. Regression analysis showed that single species dominance was reduced and the diversity of medicinal plants was increased with the increase in the age and experience. Increase in the years of formal education increased the equitability in the uses. The plants such as Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (cardiovascular diseases), Allium sativum L. (dyslipidemia), Cuminum cyminum L. (hypertension), Macrotyloma uniflorum Verdc. (obesity) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (type 2 diabetes) were the highly cited medicinal plants.

CONCLUSION

This survey has identified the plants most commonly used by Siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India for cardiometabolic diseases. The prevalence of chronic, non-communicable metabolic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity are increasing worldwide due to the rapid changes in the lifestyle. These ailments require a life-long care and in such instances, people tend to use complementary therapies in most cases, alongside with conventional therapies. In view of the high use of traditional therapies for treating cardiometabolic illnesses, this study supports the need for more research to evaluate the potential benefits of the treatments and to identify any safety concern.

Plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of dietary dihydrocholesterol in hypercholesterolemia hamsters

OBJECTIVE

Cholesterol analogs have been used to treat hypercholesterolemia. The present study was to examine the effect of dihydrocholesterol (DC) on plasma total cholesterol (TC) compared with that of β-sitosterol (SI) in hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-five male hamsters were randomly divided into 6 groups, fed either a non-cholesterol diet (NCD) or one of five high-cholesterol diets without addition of DC and SI (HCD) or with addition of 0.2% DC (DA), 0.3% DC (DB), 0.2% SI (SA), and 0.3% SI (SB), respectively, for 6 weeks. Results showed that DC added into diet at a dose of 0.2% could reduce plasma TC by 21%, comparable to that of SI (19%). At a higher dose of 0.3%, DC reduced plasma TC by 15%, less effective than SI (32%). Both DC and SI could increase the excretion of fecal sterols, however, DC was more effective in increasing the excretion of neutral sterols but it was less effective in increasing the excretion of acidic sterols compared with SI. Results on the incorporation of sterols in micellar solutions clearly demonstrated both DC and SI could displace the cholesterol from micelles with the former being more effective than the latter.

CONCLUSION

DC was equally effective in reducing plasma cholesterol as SI at a low dose. Plasma TC-lowering activity of DC was mediated by inhibiting the cholesterol absorption and increasing the fecal sterol excretion.

Hepatoprotective effect of herb formula KIOM2012H against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic ailment with a rapidly increasing incidence due to dietary hypernutrition and subsequent obesity. Fatty liver disease can lead to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even cancer, which is associated with various complications. Discovering effective natural materials and herbs can provide alternative and complementary medical treatments to current chemical pharmaceuticals. To develop an effective natural agent for NAFLD, we formulated a combination of four herb mixtures (KIOM2012H) and observed lipid-lowering efficacy. The inhibitory effects of KIOM2012H on free fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation, triglyceride contents, and gene expressions were analyzed in HepG2 cells. Using high fat diet-fed mice, body weight changes, gross liver appearances, hepatic triglyceride contents, and gene expressions were evaluated. KIOM2012H dose-dependently inhibited lipid accumulation and gene expressions involved in lipogenesis and related regulators. Experimental animals also showed a decrease in body weight changes and lipid-associated physiological parameters. This study shows that KIOM2012H has an alleviating effect on fatty acid and lipid accumulation, and therefore can be applied for development of new therapeutic pharmaceuticals for treatment of NAFLD using natural products and herbs.

Cholesterol-lowering activity of sesamin is associated with down-regulation on genes of sterol transporters involved in cholesterol absorption

Sesame seed is rich in sesamin. The present study was to (i) investigate the plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of dietary sesamin and (ii) examine the interaction of dietary sesamin with the gene expression of sterol transporters, enzymes, receptors, and proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism. Thirty hamsters were divided into three groups fed the control diet (CON) or one of two experimental diets containing 0.2% (SL) and 0.5% (SH) sesamin, respectively, for 6 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels in hamsters given the CON, SL, and SH diets were 6.62 ± 0.40, 5.32 ± 0.40, and 5.00 ± 0.44 mmol/L, respectively, indicating dietary sesamin could reduce plasma TC in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the excretion of total fecal neutral sterols was dose-dependently increased with the amounts of sesamin in diets (CON, 2.65 ± 0.57; SL, 4.30 ± 0.65; and SH, 5.84 ± 1.27 μmol/day). Addition of sesamin into diets was associated with down-regulation of mRNA of intestinal Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 protein (NPC1L1), acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), microsomal triacylglycerol transport protein (MTP), and ATP-binding cassette transporters subfamily G members 5 and 8 (ABCG5 and ABCG8). Results also showed that dietary sesamin could up-regulate hepatic cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), whereas it down-regulated hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα). It was concluded that the cholesterol-lowering activity of sesamin was mediated by promoting the fecal excretion of sterols and modulating the genes involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism.