Ginkgo biloba leaf extract action in scavenging free radicals and reducing mutagenicity and toxicity of cigarette smoke in vivo

Differences in Airway Remodeling and Emphysematous Lesions between Rats Exposed to Smoke from New-Type and Conventional Tobacco Varieties

Genes from Perilla frutescens and Ocimum basilicum were introduced into N. tabacum L. var. HHY via distant hybridization, and the new-type tobacco varieties "Zisu" and "Luole" were developed, with noticeable differences in chemical composition. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its pathogenesis is complex. In the present study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, the control, "HHY", "Zisu" and "Luole", and then exposed to fresh air/cigarette smoke (CS) for 30 days and 60 days. The COPD model was constructed, and their health hazards were compared and evaluated. CS from different tobacco varieties influenced rats in varying degrees at the tissue, cell and molecular levels. The rats in the "HHY" group showed obvious symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, which were less severe in the "Zisu" and "Luole" groups. Pathological and morphological analyses, including scores, MLI, MAN, WAt/Pbm and WAm/Pbm, showed that "Zisu" and "Luole" caused less damage to the airways and lung parenchyma than "HHY". Significant increases in the numbers of total leukocytes and neutrophils in the BALF were found in "HHY" compared to those in "Zisu" and "Luole". Moreover, they caused less oxidative stress and apoptosis in lung tissues, as reflected by indicators such as ROS, MDA, T-AOC, GSH, the apoptotic index and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. "Zisu" and "Luole" even altered the ratios of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in lung tissues to a lesser degree. These differences between CS-exposed rats may be closely related to the altered expression of Nrf2, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK. Changes in chemical composition via introducing genes from some medicinal plants may be an attractive strategy for tobacco harm reduction.

Potentialities of Ginkgo extract on toxicants, toxins, and radiation: a critical review

Exposure to toxins is a severe threat to human health and life in today's developing and industrialized world. Therefore, identifying a protective chemical could be valuable and fascinating in this case. The purpose of this article was to bring together thorough review of studies on Ginkgo biloba to aid in the creation of ways for delivering its phytoconstituents to treat toxicants and radiation. This review gathered and evaluated studies on the defensive impact of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) against toxicities caused by toxic chemical agents (such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum), natural toxins (for example, lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity and damage, gossypol, latadenes, and lotaustralin), and radiation (for example, gamma, ultra-violet, and radio-frequency radiation). According to this review, GBE has a considerable therapeutic effect by influencing specific pathophysiological targets. Furthermore, GBE has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antigenotoxicity properties against various toxicities. These are due to flavone glycosides (primarily isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin) and terpene trilactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide) that aid GBEs' neutralizing effect against radiation and toxins by acting independently or synergistically. This will serve as a reference for the functional food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.

UV responsive quercetin derived and functionalized CuO/ZnO nanocomposite in ameliorating photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye and enhanced biocidal activity against selected pathogenic strains

Quercetin was investigated for its role as a reducing agent in biosynthesizing CuO/ZnO nanocomposite, its subsequent surface functionalization and influence in Rhodamine B dye degradation and biocidal activity. The as synthesized quercetin functionalized CuO/ZnO nanocomposite (CuO/ZnO@Q) was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). XRD showed the formation of crystalline CuO, ZnO phases and FTIR analysis revealed the incorporation of quercetin functional groups in the synthesized nanocomposite. TEM image displayed the formation of quercetin deposited spherical CuO/ZnO nanostructure with the EDAX results confirming the presence of organic carbon composition from quercetin. The UV absorption spectra ascertained the presence and role of quercetin in the enhanced absorption of radiation in the UV range. CuO/ZnO@Q showed improved photocatalysis with complete Rhodamine B dye degradation after 75 min of UV irradiation, as against pure CuO/ZnO, which exhibited incomplete dye degradation even after 90 min of irradiation. Moreover, quercetin surface functionalization effectively ameliorated its antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, Shigella, B. subtilis, A. niger and C. albicans, proving its potential in significantly enhancing biocidal activity along with photocatalytic dye degradation in a natural and eco-friendly route.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, shenmai and matrine on a human embryonic lung fibroblast fibrosis model

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBLE), shenmai (S), and matrine (M) on human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELFs). HELFs were allocated into the following groups: Group A (control group), group B [transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) model group], groups C1-3 (TGF-β1 + low-, moderate- and high-dose GBLE), groups D1-3 (TGF-β1 + low-, moderate- and high-dose S) and groups E1-3 (TGF-β1 + low-, moderate- and high-dose oM). Cell proliferation was assessed with an MTT assay and apoptosis was measured by annexin V/propidium iodide double staining and flow cytometry analysis. Collagen type I (COL-I), collagen type III (COL-III), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) mRNA expression levels were measured using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and protein content was measured using ELISA. The cell growth inhibition rates of the S groups were significantly higher than those of the other treatment groups (P<0.05). The rate of apoptosis was significantly increased in the treatment groups compared with the model group (P<0.05), and S induced a significant increase in HELF apoptosis compared with the other treatment groups (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of COL-III, COL-I and α-SMA in the GBLE, S and M groups were significantly decreased, while the expression of ECSOD was significantly increased when compared with the model group (P<0.05). In conclusion, GBLE, S and M inhibited the pro-fibrotic role of TGF-β1 by targeting different steps in TGF-β1-mediated fibrosis.

Improvement of Animal Feed Additives of Ginkgo Leaves through Solid-state Fermentation using Aspergillus niger

To improve the quality of Ginkgo biloba leaves as biological feed additives, twelve Aspergillus niger strains were evaluated for their growth in the moisture ginkgo leaf meal media through solid-state fermentation. The results relating to flavor, flavonoids, enzymes, crude protein, and reducing sugars showed A. niger Gyx086 strain was capable of efficiently fermenting ginkgo leaves. The optimal cultural conditions were three loops of spores inoculation to every 75 g medium containing 60 % water, grew at 28˚C for 48 h. The Gyx086 grew well in the medium. The fermented leaves generated a strong sweet-smelling odor, could be identified by electronic nose equipment using a cluster analysis, other than the original offensive smell from non-fermented ginkgo leaves. Each gram dried culture with Gyx086 showed 2.83 × 10⁹ CFU of A. niger; 3.19 ± 0.37 FPU of acid-resistant filter paper activity. Its total contents of flavonoids, reducing sugars, and crude proteins were 19.95 ± 0.23 mg, 24.28 ± 2.35 mg, and 162.81 ± 3.46 mg in each gram of leaves, 26.03 %, 62.73 %, and 14.58 % higher than the controls, respectively. The essential amino acids and total amino acids contents were 96.41 % and 16.49 % higher than the controls.

Caryophyllane sesquiterpenes inhibit DNA-damage by tobacco smoke in bacterial and mammalian cells

In the present study, the ability of the natural sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (CRY) and its metabolite β-caryophyllene oxide (CRYO) to inhibit the genotoxicity of a condensate of cigarette smoke (CSC) was evaluated both in bacterial and mammalian cells. Also, the inhibition of the CSC-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and intracellular oxidative stress was evaluated as potential chemopreventive mechanism. Under our experimental conditions, both the sesquiterpenes exhibited antimutagenic properties, being CRY the most potent compound. The antimutagenicity was highlighted in all experimental protocols, being particularly strong in the co- and post-treatments. The test substances also reduced the micronuclei frequency induced by CSC, with a major effectiveness of CRY. CRY was also able to reduce the CSC-mediated increase of the Y705- pSTAT3 levels, in spite of a lacking effect of CRYO. Furthermore, the sesquiterpenes CRY and CRYO displayed a moderate antioxidant activity, with a 25 % and 40 % inhibition of the ROS-levels increased by CSC, respectively. On the basis of these results, CRY seems to be a multi-target chemopreventive agent, although the genoprotective and antioxidant effects of CRYO suggest that both compounds deserve to be deeply investigated for a possible application in the prevention and treatment of different smoke-related ailments.

Herbs as an antioxidant arsenal for periodontal diseases

Herbal medicines have long been used as a traditional mode of therapy for various ailments in India. They are being used increasingly as dietary supplements to ward off common diseases. Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent and can affect up to 90% of the world population. Gingivitis is the mild form whereas periodontitis results in an irreversible loss of supporting structures of the teeth. Even though periodontal pathogens form a crucial component in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting oxidative stress playing a pivotal role in the disease initiation and progression. Studies have shown a direct correlation between increased levels of biomarkers for tissue damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) to the severity of periodontal disease. Thus, the focus of attention has revolved back to herbal medicines due to their wide spectrum of biological and medicinal activities, lower costs, and higher safety margin. Internet databases Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched, and the most relevant articles were considered for review. This review briefly describes the various herbs with antioxidant capacity and their potency in the treating periodontal disease.

Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(4→1)-α-L-rhamnoside metabolites in the rat using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS

Ultraperformance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and the Metabolynx™ software, combined with mass defect filtering, were applied to identity the metabolites of quercetin-3-O-β-D-gluco-pyranosyl-(4→1)-α-L-rhamnoside (QGR) in rats after intravenous administration. MS(E) was used for simultaneous acquisition of precursor ion information and fragment ion data at high and low collision energy in one analytical run, which facilitated the rapid structural characterization of eight metabolites in rat plasma, urine and bile. The results indicated that methylation and glucuronidation were the major metabolic pathways of QGR in vivo. The present study provided important information about the metabolism of QGR which will be useful for fully understanding the mechanism of action of this compound. Furthermore, this work demonstrated the potential of the UPLC-Q-TOF/MS approach using Metabolynx for rapid and automated research of the metabolites of natural products.

A UPLC-MS/MS method for qualification of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-(4→1)-α-L-rhamnoside in rat plasma and application to pharmacokinetic studies

A sensitive and accurate ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-(4→1)-α-L-rhamnoside (QGR) in rat plasma using rutin as internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Acquity BEH C₁₈ column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.10% formic acid (v/v) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. QGR and rutin were detected using electrospray negative ionization mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method demonstrated good linearity and did not show any endogenous interference with the QGR and rutin peaks. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of QGR in rats after intravenous (20 mg/kg) and oral (40 mg/kg) administration, and the results showed that the compound was poorly absorbed, with an absolute bioavailability of approximately 3.41%.

Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the systemic administration of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) would prevent excessive tissue destruction in ligature-induced periodontitis in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each: (1) non-ligated treatment (NL) group, (2) ligature-only (LO) group, (3) ligature plus GB28 (28 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group and (4) ligature plus GB56 (56 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group.

RESULTS

Measurement of alveolar bone loss in the mandibular molar tooth revealed significantly lower bone loss values in the LO group compared to groups NL, GB28 and GB56 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present results are the first data which suggests that host response in periodontitis can be modified by EGb administration. EGb minimized progression of periodontal disease.

Addition of porphyrins to cigarette filters to reduce the levels of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) in mainstream cigarette smoke

Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in mainstream cigarette smoke (MSS) cause smoking-related diseases and environmental pollution. Porphyrins were added to cigarette filters to reduce B[a]P (porphyrins A-E) and TSNAs (porphyrin F) in MSS. The porphyrin-B[a]P and porphyrin F-TSNAs (N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB), N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN)) interactions were investigated by fluorescence quenching and UV-visible spectroscopy. The correlation coefficients were 0.987-0.997 (B[a]P) and 0.994-0.999 (TSNAs), and the binding constants were (1.67-5.02) × 10(5) (B[a]P) and 3.42 × 10(3)-1.40 × 10(4) (TSNAs). Up to 36.72% of B[a]P and 46.67% of the TSNAs were eliminated from MSS, with greater reductions when more porphyrin was included in the filter. With the same mass of porphyrin in the filter, the reduction trend for B[a]P by porphyrins A-E was A > B > C > D > E. The reduction trend for TSNAs by porphyrin F was NNN > NAB > NNK > NAT. The porphyrin mode of action is possibly through strong π-π interactions.

Subacute effect of cigarette smoke exposure in rats: protection by pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) extract

This study was carried out to determine the preventive effect of Calendula officinalis L. (pot marigold) on rats exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). Rats were divided into three groups as control, CS and CS + pot marigold (PM). The rats in the CS and CS + PM groups were subjected to CS for 1 h twice a day for 23 days. PM (100 mg/kg body weight) was given to rats in the CS + PM group by gavage, 1 h before each administration period. While malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl contents and reduced glutathione level of the CS group increased, their levels diminished by PM administration. In addition, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase activities and β-carotene, vitamins A and C levels decreased in the CS group compared to control, however activities of these enzymes and concentration of vitamins were elevated by PM supplementation. This investigation showed that administration of PM supplied relative protection against subacute CS-induced cell injury.