Vasculoprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and underlying molecular mechanisms

Traditional Chinese medicine and its active substances reduce vascular injury in diabetes via regulating autophagic activity

Due to its high prevalence, poor prognosis, and heavy burden on healthcare costs, diabetic vascular complications have become a significant public health issue. Currently, the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced vascular complications remain incompletely understood. Autophagy, a highly conserved process of lysosomal degradation, maintains intracellular homeostasis and energy balance via removing protein aggregates, damaged organelles, and exogenous pathogens. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated autophagy may contribute to vascular abnormalities in various types of blood vessels, including both microvessels and large vessels, under diabetic conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses the characteristics of "multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways," and its safety has been demonstrated, particularly with minimal toxicity in liver and kidney. Thus, TCM has gained increasing attention from researchers. Moreover, recent studies have indicated that Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds can improve vascular damage in diabetes by regulating autophagy. Based on this background, this review summarizes the classification, occurrence process, and related molecular mechanisms of autophagy, with a focus on discussing the role of autophagy in diabetic vascular damage and the protective effects of TCM and its active compounds through the regulation of autophagy in diabetes. Moreover, we systematically elucidate the autophagic mechanisms by which TCM formulations, individual herbal extracts, and active compounds regulate diabetic vascular damage, thereby providing new candidate drugs for clinical treatment of vascular complications in diabetes. Therefore, further exploration of TCM and its active compounds with autophagy-regulating effects holds significant research value for achieving targeted therapeutic approaches for diabetic vascular complications.

Antioxidant, enzymes inhibitory, physicochemical and sensory properties of instant bio-yoghurts containing multi-purpose natural additives

This study aimed to assess the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, physicochemical and sensory properties of instant bio-yoghurts containing multi-purpose natural additives. Multi-purpose natural additives were formulated with three natural additives (sweet detar seed, ginger rhizome, and hibiscus calyx flours, as a thickener, flavourant and colourant, respectively) blends at proportions derived from the Design Expert. The additives' synthetic counterparts were formulated with sodium carboxymethylcellulose, vanilla flavor, and red colourant at the same proportions. After that, yoghurt was produced and the additives blends were incorporated into it either in aqueous extract or flour form, yielding bio-yoghurts designated multi-purpose natural additive extract-containing yoghurt (MNAE-yoghurt), multi-purpose natural additive flour-added yoghurt (MNAF-yoghurt), and their multi-purpose synthetic additives-containing counterparts (MSAE-yoghurt and MSAF-yoghurt). A commercially-available bio-yoghurt served as a control. All the yoghurts were lyophilized to obtain instant bio-yoghurts. Subsequently, bioactive components (total phenolics, tannins, total flavonoids and saponins), antioxidants and enzymes [alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, and angiotensin 1-converting enzyme (ACE)] inhibitory activities, as well as proximate, physicochemical and sensory qualities of the bio-yoghurts were determined. The MNAE-yoghurt and MNAF-yoghurt had higher bioactive constituents, total titratable acid levels, and more potent antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, but a lower pH than their synthetic counterparts and the control. The total phenolics, tannins, total flavonoids and saponins levels of MNAE-yoghurt and MNAF-yoghurt were 14.40 ± 0.24 and 16.54 ± 0.62 mg/g, 1.65 ± 0.04 and 1.74 ± 0.08 mg/g, 4.25 ± 0.03 and 4.40 ± 0.02 mg/g, 0.64 ± 0.01 and 0.66 ± 0.02 mg/g, respectively. Among the natural multi-purpose additives-containing bio-yoghurts, MNAF-yoghurt had higher bioactive constituents and stronger antioxidant and enzymes inhibitory properties. Its α-amylase, α-glucosidase, ACE, and pancreatic lipase IC50 values were 72.47 ± 0.47, 74.07 ± 0.02, 25.58 ± 2.58, and 33.56 ± 29.66 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, MNAE-yoghurt had the highest protein (13.70 ± 0.85%) and the lowest fat (2.63 ± 0.71%) contents. The sensory attributes of all the bio-yoghurts fell within an acceptable likeness range. Overall, the inclusion of multi-purpose natural additives blends enhanced the instant bio-yoghurts' nutritional, health-promoting, and sensory qualities.

Understanding the role of zingerone on biochemical and behavioral changes in rat brain inflicted with C6 glioma cells

Malignant glioma is the deadliest form of brain cancer. Zingerone (ZO), a polyphenolic compound found in ginger, offers pharmacological properties that make it a promising agent for containing the growth of glioma cells. The present study was conducted to understand the efficacy of ZO in containing the growth of C6 glioma cells. The study also assessed the prophylactic role of ZO on rat brain glioma induced by C6 cell lines by addressing its antioxidative action on biochemical, behavioral, and histoarchitectural indices. For dose optimization, the animals were pretreated with different doses of ZO for a period of 2 weeks before the inoculation of glioma cells (1 × 105 /10 µL phosphate-buffered saline) in the caudate region of rat brain and the treatment with ZO continued for 4 more weeks post implantation. In vitro studies were done to assess the radical scavenging activity of ZO and also to determine its effects on viability of C6 glioma cells at different concentrations. Glioma-bearing rats showed significant alterations in memory; exploratory and muscular activities which were appreciably improved upon simultaneous supplementation of ZO administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight and were also visible even at a higher dose. Glioma-bearing rats revealed a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, protein carbonyl contents, and lipid peroxidation, but showed a significant decrease in reduced glutathione and antioxidative enzymes in the brain tissue. Interestingly, all the biochemical indices and altered brain histoarchitecture displaying cellular atypia and hyperplasia showed appreciable improvement when supplemented with ZO at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight.

Suppression of Inflamm-Aging by Moringa oleifera and Zingiber officinale Roscoe in the Prevention of Degenerative Diseases: A Review of Current Evidence

Inflammation or inflamm-aging is a chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to numerous types of degenerative diseases among the elderly and might be impeded by introducing an anti-inflammatory agent like Moringa oleifera Lam (moringa) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger). Therefore, this paper aims to review the role of moringa and ginger in suppressing inflamm-aging to prevent degenerative diseases. Various peer-reviewed publications were searched and downloaded using the reputed search engine "Pubmed" and "Google Scholar". These materials were reviewed and tabulated. A comparison between these previous findings was made based on the mechanism of action of moringa and ginger against degenerative diseases, focusing on their anti-inflammatory properties. Many studies have reported the efficacy of moringa and ginger in type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and kidney disease by reducing inflammatory cytokines activities, mainly of TNF-α and IL-6. They also enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. The anti-inflammatory activities can be seen by inhibiting NF-κβ activity. Thus, the anti-inflammatory potential of moringa and ginger in various types of degenerative diseases due to inflamm-aging has been shown in many recent types of research.

Yue-bi-tang attenuates adriamycin-induced nephropathy edema through decreasing renal microvascular permeability via inhibition of the Cav-1/ eNOS pathway

Edema is one of the most typical symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. Increased vascular permeability makes a significant contribution to the progression of edema. Yue-bi-tang (YBT) is a traditional formula with excellent clinical efficacy in the treatment of edema. This study investigated the effect of YBT on renal microvascular hyperpermeability-induced edema in nephrotic syndrome and its mechanism. In our study, the content of target chemical components of YBT was identified using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis. A nephrotic syndrome model was replicated based on male Sprague-Dawley rats with Adriamycin (6.5 mg/kg) by tail vein injection. The rats were randomly divided into control, model, prednisone, and YBT (22.2 g/kg, 11.1 g/kg, and 6.6 g/kg) groups. After 14 d of treatment, the severity of renal microvascular permeability, edema, the degree of renal injury, and changes in the Cav-1/eNOS pathway were assessed. We found that YBT could regulate renal microvascular permeability, alleviate edema, and reduce renal function impairment. In the model group, the protein expression of Cav-1 was upregulated, whereas VE-cadherin was downregulated, accompanied by the suppression of p-eNOS expression and activation of the PI3K pathway. Meanwhile, an increased NO level in both serum and kidney tissues was observed, and the above situations were improved with YBT intervention. It thus indicates YBT exerts therapeutic effects on the edema of nephrotic syndrome, as it improves the hyperpermeability of renal microvasculature, and that YBT is engaged in the regulation of Cav-1/eNOS pathway-mediated endothelial function.

Oral Administration Evaluation of the Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Ginger (Rhizome of Zingiber officinale) against Postoperative-Induced Peritoneal Adhesion: Investigating the Role of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects

Peritoneal adhesions (PAs) occur and develop after abdominal surgery. Abdominal adhesions are common and often develop after abdominal surgery. Currently, there are no effective targeted pharmacotherapies for treating adhesive disease. In this regard, ginger is wildly used in traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and has been investigated for peritoneal adhesion treatment. This study analyzed ginger ethanolic extraction via HPLC to have a 6-gingerol concentration. Four groups induced peritoneal adhesion to evaluate ginger's effects on peritoneal adhesion. Then, ginger extract (50, 150, and 450 mg/kg) was administered by gavage in various groups of male Wistar rats (220 ± 20 g, 6-8 weeks). After scarifying the animals for biological assessment, macroscopic and microscopic parameters were determined via scoring systems and immunoassays in the peritoneal lavage fluid. Next, the adhesion scores and interleukin IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-) α, transforming growth factor-(TGF-) β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated in the control group. The results showed that ginger extract (450 mg/kg) notably decreased inflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α), fibrosis (TGF-β1), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), angiogenesis (VEGF), and oxidative (MDA) factors, while increased antioxidant factor glutathione (GSH), compared to the control group. These findings suggest that a hydro-alcoholic extract of ginger is a potentially novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting adhesion formation. Also, it might be considered a beneficial anti-inflammatory or antifibrosis herbal medicine in clinical trials. However, further clinical studies are required to approve the effectiveness of ginger.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

BACKGROUND

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled "International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce" (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

METHODS

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week "2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event" (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

Functional bioactive compounds in ginger, turmeric, and garlic

Nutrition plays a very important role in the health promotion of individuals and brought about a global paradigm shift from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals. This is due to the high cost, non-availability, and side effects associated with the unregulated consumption of pharmaceuticals. Over the ages, nutraceuticals from food products were reported to contain bioactive compounds with great health and physiological benefits. This report reviews bioactive compounds in selected foods namely ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and garlic (Allium sativum) as potential natural therapeutics for ailments of cancer and heart-related diseases. Analytical profiles, functional activities, and characterization of these compounds were discussed with possible recommendations for the prospective treatment of diseases using these nutraceuticals.

Clinical efficacy of Wenjing decoction in the treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Wenjing decoction (WJD) was widely used in the treatment for ovulatory disorder infertility (ODI) in China, while its efficacy was not clearly known. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of WJD by meta-analysis.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the inception of each database to July 1, 2021, of which the interventions involve WJD and clomiphene. Outcomes included clinical efficacy rate, pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, dominant follicle diameter, endometrial thickness, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Meta-analysis and risk of bias were performed by RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs including 915 patients, of which 476 in the intervention group and 439 in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that WJD was better than clomiphene for patients with ODI in terms of clinical effective rate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.34), pregnancy rate (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.15-2.07), ovulation rate (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07-1.67), endometrial thickness (mean difference [MD] = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.90-2.10), and dominant follicle diameter (MD = 1.85, 95% CI: 0.68-3.02). The estradiol level (MD = 91.0, 95% CI: 80.3-101.88) in patients taking WJD was significantly higher than those taking clomiphene, while the follicle-stimulating hormone level (MD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.72) and the luteinizing hormone level (MD = -4.41, 95% CI: -4.80 to -4.03) in patients taking WJD was significantly lower than those taking clomiphene. Our results also indicated that WJD combined with clomiphene was better than clomiphene alone for patients with ODI in terms of pregnancy rate (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.37-2.35).

CONCLUSIONS

WJD may be effective in the treatment of patients with ODI. Due to the quality and quantity of literature, RCT with large sample size and high quality need to be performed to verify our conclusion.

Effects of ginger extract and its major component 6-gingerol on anti-tumor property through mitochondrial biogenesis in CD8+ T cells

Ginger extract (GE) and its major component 6-gingerol (6G) have been reported to exert anti-tumor effects in various cancers. The underlying mechanism, however, has not been well demonstrated. Here, we have focused on the relationship between promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells induced by GE and 6G and their cytotoxic effect. The results showed that GE induced 56% inhibition of tumor growth in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mouse model and 6G induced 33% (25 mg/kg) and 37% (50 mg/kg) inhibition. GE increased mitochondrial mass of CD8+ T cells in tumor and draining lymph nodes (DLNs) significantly, while 6G had no significant effect. GE and 6G both had no significant influence on histopathological changes of liver and kidney in mice. In the co-culture system of CTLL-2 cells and LLC cells, GE enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells against LLC cells by 14% and 19% at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml, respectively. 6G did not promote cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells. GE increased mitochondrial mass at 5 and 10 mg/ml and mtDNA copy number and ATP production at 2.5, 5, 10 mg/ml in CTLL-2 cells. 6G promoted mtDNA copy number at 50, 100, 150 µM and mitochondrial mass and ATP production at 25, 50, 100, 150 µM in CTLL-2 cells. These results suggest that promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and function in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells may play an essential role in GE-induced inhibition of tumor growth. The current results perfect the mechanism of anti-tumor effect of ginger, which is beneficial for further application in cancer management. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ginger, as a worldwide food seasoning and herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to possess anti-tumor efficacy. To our knowledge, it is the first time to focus on ginger's ability of promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells to explore the mechanism of its anti-tumor effect. Our observations demonstrate that ginger inhibits tumor growth via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function of T cells. The present study links food to anti-tumor immunity and provides impetus to investigate and design dietary supplements for cancer management.

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.

L-theanine mediates the p38MAPK signaling pathway to alleviate heat-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in mice

L-theanine, an active ingredient in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) associated with calming, is widely used as a functional ingredient and dietary supplement. In this study, a heat stress mouse...

Nutraceuticals in the Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Where is the Evidence?

Cardiovascular disease continues to rise at an alarming rate, and research focuses on possible therapies to reduce the risk and slow down its progression. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that dietary modifications, such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables play an important role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Food sources rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties are thought to ameliorate the progression of cardiovascular disease and serve as a potential treatment mode. Many in vivo and in vitro studies using turmeric, cinnamon, mango, blueberries, red wine, chocolate, and extra virgin olive oil have demonstrated significant improvements in cholesterol profiles, toxic reactive oxygen species, inflammation, obesity, and hypertension. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on the cardioprotective effect of different food groups, outline their potential mechanisms involved in slowing down the progression of cardiovascular disease, and highlight the beneficial effects associated with increased consumption.