Hepatoprotective effect of essential oils of Nepeta cataria L. on acetaminophen-induced liver dysfunction

Behavioral and electrophysiological study in Colossoma macropomum treated with different concentrations of Nepeta cataria oil in an immersion bath revealed a therapeutic window for anesthesia

The purpose of this study was to characterize the activity of essential oils from Nepeta Cataria (EON) at concentrations of 125 μ L  L-1, 150 μ L  L-1, 175 μ L  L-1, and 200 μ L  L-1 on the behavior of loss of the posture reflex and recovery of the posture reflex and electrocardiographic activity and recording of the opercular beat of Colossoma macropomum during immersion bathing for a period of 5 min, in order to obtain a window for safe use during anesthesia. The fish (23.38 ± 3.5 g) were assigned to the following experiments: experiment 1 (latency to loss and recovery of the posture reflex): (a) 125 μ L  L-1, (b) 150 μ L  L-1, (c) 175 μ L  L-1, and (d) 200 μ L  L-1 (n = 9) per group. Experiment 2 (electrocardiographic and heartbeat recordings): (a) control group; (b) vehicle control group (2 ml of alcohol per liter of water), (c) 125 μ L  L-1, (d) 150 μ L  L-1, (e) 175 μ L  L-1, and (f) 200 μ L  L-1 (n = 9), per group. All the concentrations used showed efficacy in inducing loss of the posture reflex and reversibility with recovery of the posture reflex, but the electrocardiographic recordings indicated morphographic changes such as bradycardia during induction and p wave apiculation during recovery at the highest concentrations tested. In this way, we suggest a safe use window for short-term anesthesia with EON in the concentration range of 125 to 150 μ L  L-1 for juvenile Colossoma macropomum.

Lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of isorhamnetin on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Isorhamnetin is a hepatoprotective flavonoid molecule derived from the leaves and fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides L. However, the protective effect of isorhamnetin on acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity is still unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of isorhamnetin on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Hepatotoxicity was induced by a single injection of APAP (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Isorhamnetin (50 or 100 mg/kg, orally) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (200 mg/kg, orally), or vehicle control, were administered 1 h before the administration of APAP. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidative status (TOS) of liver tissue and levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were analyzed by ELISA. Lipid profiles and liver function parameters were measured using an autoanalyzer. In addition, liver tissue was examined histopathologically. Isorhamnetin treatment significantly reduced the APAP-induced increase in the liver weight and liver index; it also reduced the APAP-induced increase in serum liver parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH) (p < 0.05). Isorhamnetin significantly reduced APAP-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by increasing TAS levels and decreasing TOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, isorhamnetin treatment significantly regulated lipid profiles (TG, T-C, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels) that changed in response to APAP administration (p < 0.05). In histopathological examination, liver degeneration observed in the APAP group was significantly reduced in the NAC and isorhamnetin-treated groups (p < 0.05). This study suggests that isorhamnetin has a significant protective effect on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through its lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

A Status Review on Health-Promoting Properties and Global Regulation of Essential Oils

Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.

Phytochemical profiling of antimicrobial and potential antioxidant plant: Nepeta cataria

Traditional and phytochemical studies have confirmed the richness and diversity of medicinal plants such as Nepeta cataria (N. cataria), but more studies are needed to complete its metabolite profiling. The objective of this research was to enhance the metabolomic picture and bioactivity of N. cataria for better evaluation. Phytochemical analysis was performed by bio-guided protocols and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). For this, solvents such as methanol, ethanol, water, acetone, and hexane were used to extract a wide number of chemicals. Antibacterial analysis was performed using the 96-well plate test, Kirby Bauer's disk diffusion method, and the resazurin microdilution test. Antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH assay and radical scavenging capacity was evaluated by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. GC/MS analysis revealed a total of 247 identified and 127 novel metabolites from all extracts of N. cataria. Water and acetone extracts had the highest identified metabolites (n = 79), whereas methanol extract was the highest in unidentified metabolites (n = 48). The most abundant phytochemicals in methanol extract were 1-isopropylcyclohex-1-ene (concentration = 27.376) and bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-one (concentration = 20.437), whereas in ethanol extract, it was 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (concentration = 27.308) and 1-isopropylcyclohex-1-ene (concentration = 25.854). An abundance of 2 methyl indoles, conhydrin, and coumarin was found in water extracts; a good concentration of eucalyptol was found in acetone extract; and 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro is the most abundant phytochemicals in hexane extracts. The highest concentration of flavonoids and phenols were identified in hexane and methanol extracts, respectively. The highest antioxidant potential (DPPH assay) was observed in acetone extract. The ethanolic extract exhibited a two-fold higher ORAC than the methanol extract. This examination demonstrated the inhibitory effect against a set of microbes and the presence of polar and non-polar constituents of N. cataria. The results of this study provide a safe resource for the development of food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and other industrial products upon further research validation.

The genus Nepeta: Traditional uses, phytochemicals and pharmacological properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nepeta is a multiregional genus of the "Lamiaceae" (Labiatae or Mint) family. Species of Nepeta are a valuable part of traditional medicine and used extensively, particularly in the Himalayan region of India (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh), Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwaand Pakistani Kashmir), Nepal (Baglund district), also in China and hilly regions of Turkey and Iran. Nepeta species are extensively used as a remedy against a variety of ailments and conditions like chicken pox, tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, influenza, measles, stomach disorders, eye complaints, respiratory disorders, asthma, colds, coughs etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The main aim of this review is to present a comprehensive and detailed study on traditional uses, pharmacology, phytochemistry, toxicology of Nepeta species and suggest future direction on the design and conduct of various preparations, either alone or in blends with prevailing conventional remedies. The review also emphasizes encouraging researchers towards the wide range of pharmaceutical applications of the various species of Nepeta for their better use and exploration in the future.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All the relevant data and information on different species of Nepeta were assembled using different databases, such as Science Direct, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis imprints, Chemspider, Google scholar, review and research articles from peer-reviewed journals and unpublished data. Some select 'grey literature' sources viz. ethnobotanical books, chapters, Wikipedia and webpages were also studied.

RESULTS

A variety of bioactive secondary metabolites and nutraceuticals has been isolated from various species of Nepeta. These bioactive compounds belong to different classes of secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and their glycosides (rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid), flavonoids and their glycosides (cirsimaritin, salvigenin, luteolin, apigenin), iridoids (nepetalactones and their derivatives), terpenoids (1,8-cineole, linalool, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, parnapimaro, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid), steroids (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), lignans, amino acids, carbohydrates, volatile oils, etc. The species of the genus Nepeta possess a variety of pharmacological activities namely anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-alzheimer, anticancer and cytotoxic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal and along with other biological activities.

CONCLUSION

The species of the genus Nepeta contains a rich source of various bioactive compounds, which are well tolerated as traditional medicines. In fact, different species of Nepeta are widely used in a variety of traditional medicinal systems all around the world. Owing to the variety of pharmacological properties of Nepeta species, more comprehensive and inclusive clinical trials are necessary for the utilization of different Nepeta species against the treatment of a wide range of ailments. There are also various other uses such as food, cosmetic and agriculture that can be investigated or explored in future. Some of the major domains that can be explored within this genus are the investigation of different species for their unexplored biological potential, isolation and characterization of new bioactive constituents and finally, investigation of new applications and possible commercialization of these bioactive leads. No doubt, there are various viable research domains outside those discussed above, but presently for the purposes of this review we will only emphasize the activities herein.

miRNA-338-3p/CAMK IIα signaling pathway prevents acetaminophen-induced acute liver inflammation in vivo

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced liver injury is a major clinical challenge worldwide. The present study investigated the molecular role of microRNA (miR)-338-3p in the development of APAP-induced acute liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

B6 mice were treated with an miR-338-3p agomir, antagomir, and intraperitoneally injected with APAP 24h later to induce acute liver injury. Histological analysis was performed to evaluate the degree of liver injury. The gene expression of miR-338-3p and its downstream regulators was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot. The miR target was validated using a luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The results revealed that miR-338-3p was significantly upregulated following the intraperitoneal administration of APAP. Augmenting miR-338-3p alleviated acute liver injury caused by APAP overdose, while silencing of miR-338-3p exhibited a detrimental effect. Moreover, miR-338-3p inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by preventing the aberrant activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CAMK IIα) was identified as a direct target of miR-338-3p.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that miR-338-3p inhibited inflammation in APAP-induced acute liver injury.

Differential effects of olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil and lard oil on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Olive oil could attenuate carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver fibrosis (LF) in mouse model. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of other common oils on CCl₄ induced LF. Healthy male ICR mice were administered with CCl₄ intraperitoneally at 2.5 ml/kg twice a week for total 3 weeks. Mice were pre-treated with olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil or lard oil. After treatment, histopathological changes were observed using Masson trichrome staining, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroxyproline (HYP) and triglyceride (TG) were measured by commercial kits. The expression of LF related genes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. We found that soybean oil or olive oil significantly reduced ALT and AST levels in serum, and MDA, HYP and TG levels in the liver, compared with corn oil or lard oil. Moreover, Masson trichrome staining and real-time PCR showed that the mice treated with CCl₄ dissolved in soybean oil or olive oil had less fibrosis and apoptosis in the liver comparted to the mice treated with CCl₄ dissolved in corn oil or lard oil. In conclusion, soybean oil but not corn or lard oil exerts protective effects against CCl₄ induced LF in mice, possibly due to its antioxidant activity.