Anti-Inflammatory Potential Exhibited by Amomum subulatum Fruits Mitigates Experimentally Induced Acute and Chronic Inflammation in Mice: Evaluation of Antioxidant Parameters, Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and HO-1 Pathway

Amomum subulatum fruits protect against radiation-induced esophagitis by regulating antioxidant status and inflammatory responses

Radiation esophagitis (RE) is an inimical event that requires proper management while carrying out radiotherapy for thoracic cancers. The present study investigates the protective effect of dry fruits of the culinary and folkloric spice Amomum subulatum against experimental thoracic radiation-induced esophagitis. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 25 Gy whole thorax irradiation and administered with 250 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of A. subulatum dry fruits (MEAS) orally for four consecutive weeks. Changes in tissue antioxidant activities, oxidative stress parameters, expression of antioxidant, inflammation, and fibrosis-related genes were observed. Administration of MEAS boosted antioxidant status, thereby reducing radiation-induced oxidative stress in the esophagus. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) results showed decreased expression of apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis-associated genes as well as increased expression of vital cytoprotective and antioxidant genes in MEAS-treated mice, manifesting its protective effect against radiation-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and fibrosis in the esophagus. Further, histopathology, immunohistochemistry (Cyclooxygenase-2), and Masson's Trichrome staining ascertained the protective effect of MEAS in alleviating radiation-induced esophageal injury. The synergistic effect of bioactive phytochemicals in MEAS with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies might have contributed to its mitigating effect against RE. Taken together, our results ascertained the radioprotective potential of MEAS, suggesting its possible nutraceutical application as a radiation countermeasure.

Amomum subulatum mitigates experimental thoracic radiation-induced lung injury by regulating antioxidant status and inflammatory responses

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the most prominent complications of thoracic radiotherapy for which effective therapy is still lacking. This study investigates the nutraceutical potential of the culinary spice Amomum subulatum in mitigating thoracic radiation-induced pneumonitis (RP) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Mouse models of RP and PF were established by whole thorax irradiation at a dose of 25 gray. C57BL/6 mice were administered with 250 mg per kg body weight of methanolic extract of A. subulatum dry fruits (MEAS) for four consecutive weeks and observed for changes in lung tissue antioxidant activities, oxidative stress parameters, and expression of antioxidant, inflammation, and fibrosis-related genes by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR analysis, and histology analysis. MEAS administration reduced radiation-induced oxidative stress by enhancing the expression of Nrf2 and its target genes. Irradiation increased gene expression of inflammatory mediators and lung histology further confirmed the characteristics of RP, which were reduced by MEAS treatment. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed the potential of MEAS in reducing the radiation-induced elevation of cyclooxygenase 2 expression in the lungs. The late sequel of RILI was manifested as PF, characterized by the elevated expression of pro-fibrotic genes and increased collagen content. However, MEAS administration markedly reduced radiation-induced fibrotic changes in the lungs. These effects might be attributed to the synergistic effect of bioactive polyphenols in MEAS with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic efficacies. Taken together, this study demonstrates the potential of MEAS in mitigating RILI, suggesting the possible nutraceutical application of A. subulatum against radiation toxicities.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cleome arabica L. Fruits Extract against Formalin Induced Chronic Inflammation in Female Wistar Rat: Biochemical, Histological, and In Silico Studies

In recent decades, the use of herbs and plants has been of great interest, as they have been the sources of natural products, commonly named as bioactive compounds. In specific, the natural compounds from the Capparaceae family which has been proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic activities, by several studies. Cleome arabica L. (CA) specie is the most used medicinal plants in Tunisia and elsewhere in North African countries for treatment of various diseases including diabetes, rheumatism, inflammation, cancer, and digestive disorders. The current work was undertaken to estimate the total phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents, to identify and quantify the polyphenolic compounds, and to evaluate the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory proprieties of CA fruits extract against formalin induced chronic inflammation in Female Wistar rats. In fact, the antioxidant activity was tested by Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Nitric Oxide radical (NO·). Anti-inflammatory effect of fruits extract was examined using formalin (2%) induced paw edema in rats. Molecular docking tools were used to investigate the interaction of some compounds from CA fruits extract with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) target protein. Our results showed that, the total phenolic, flavonoid and tannins contents, which were assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu, Quercetin, and Catechin methods, respectively, were 230.22 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), 55.08 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight (QE/g DW) and 15.17 mg catechin equivalents/g dry weight (CatE/g DW), respectively. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of five polyphenolic compounds whose catechin was found to be the most abundant compounds. The antioxidant activity of extract was quantified by DPPH, FRAP and NO· tests and IC₅₀ reached the values of 3.346 mg/mL, 2.306 and 0.023 mg/mL, respectively. Cleome fruits ameliorated the histological integrity of the skin and alleviated the disruptions in hematological parameters (WBC, LYM, RBC, and HGB), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), C-reactive protein, and some oxidative stress markers (TBARS (-49%) and AOPP (-42%) levels, SOD (+33%) and GPx (+75%) activities, and GSH (+49%) content) induced by formalin injection. Moreover, the in-silico investigation had shown that CA fruits extract compounds have a stronger interaction with COX-2 active site, more than the reference drug "indomethacin" (two H-bonds). Our research gives pharmacological backing to the healthcare utilization of Cleome plant in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and oxidative harm.

Beneficial Effects of Black Cardamom (Amomum subulatum) on Hemodynamic Parameters in Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

<b>Background and Objectives:</b> <i>Amomum subulatum</i> (AS) is used to improve cardiac health in traditional medicine practice. The present study evaluates the pharmacological effect of AS aqueous extract on blood pressure in Normotensive (NR) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Blood pressure, Heart Rate (HR) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), was recorded in catheterized Sprague-Dawley rats before and after AS intravenous administration by using Mikro-Tip Pressure-Volume System (MPVS), PowerLab. The receptor activity was assessed by using the drugs Acetylcholine (ACh) and Atropine (Atr). <b>Results:</b> Preliminary phytochemistry of AS suggests that it contains tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was found to decrease significantly in NR and SHR as compared with the control. The lowest dose (1 mg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup>) produced the least (16%) while 30 mg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup> caused the maximum reduction (40%) in MAP. Electrocardiograph analysis revealed a significant increase in RR interval (decreased heart rate), time-domain Standard Deviation of Interbeat Interval (SDNN) and the Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (RMSSD) and High-frequency Domain (HF%) parameters and a decrease in the Low-Frequency (LF) range, suggesting the activation and involvement of the parasympathetic limb. It was also observed that the cardiovascular effects of AS were comparable to Acetylcholine (ACh) and both were completely blocked by Atropine (1 μg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup>). <b>Conclusion:</b> The obtained results suggest that AS has a hypotensive effect, with an impact on the HRV of NR and SHR. <i>Amomum subulatum</i> might cause an augmented effect on the cholinergic limb of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and decrease the blood pressure and heart rate significantly.

Antioxidant-rich fraction of Amomum subulatum fruits mitigates experimental methotrexate-induced oxidative stress by regulating TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 proinflammatory cytokines

The culinary spice Amomum subulatum was assessed for its phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant potential, and in vivo ameliorating effect against methotrexate (MTX)-induced toxicities. Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of A. subulatum dry fruits (MEAS) confirmed the presence of different bioactive secondary metabolites. MEAS scavenged reactive free radicals and inhibited lipid peroxidation in vitro. To confirm the antioxidant efficiency of MEAS, in vivo experiment was carried out in which MTX was administered to induce oxidative stress. Co-administration of MEAS reduced MTX-induced hepatic, renal, and pulmonary toxicities via significantly (p < .01) enhancing antioxidant status and reducing oxidative stress. MTX treatment significantly (p < .01) increased liver and kidney toxicity markers and increased proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels. However, co-administration of MEAS significantly (p < .01) reduced their levels, and tissue histopathology confirmed the protective effect of MEAS in maintaining normal tissue architecture following MTX treatment. Protective effect of MEAS is accredited to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by bioactive compounds in MEAS. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Amomum subulatum (Black cardamom) is a folkloric and culinary spice used for its organoleptic, nutritional, and medicinal properties. This study demonstrated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of A. subulatum dry fruits (MEAS). Toxicities associated with MTX therapy limit its clinical application. MEAS attenuated methotrexate-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and associated organ damages, suggesting the possible therapeutic application of A. subulatum in reducing oxidative stress and associated diseases. Our results showed that A. subulatum is a potential functional food, which may be used for the betterment of health due to its richness in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.