Anti-stress and Adaptogenic Activity of l-Arginine Supplementation

Quercetin and L-Arginine Ameliorated the Deleterious Effects of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on the Liver of Mice Through Anti-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Pathways

The widespread use and applications of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in daily life make human exposure to these particles inevitable. This study was carried out to investigate the deteriorations in hepatic and serum biochemical parameters induced by CuO NPs in adult male mice and the potential ameliorative effect of L-arginine and quercetin, either alone or in combination. Seventy adult male mice were equally allocated into seven groups: untreated group, L-arginine, quercetin, CuO NPs, arginine + CuO NPs, quercetin + CuO NPs, and quercetin + arginine + CuO NPs. Treating mice with CuO NPs resulted in bioaccumulation of copper in the liver and consequent liver injury as typified by elevation of serum ALT activity, reduction in the synthetic ability of the liver indicated by a decrease in the hepatic arginase activity, and serum total protein content. This copper accumulation increased oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis as manifested by elevation in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, the expression level of caspase-3 and bax quantified by qPCR, and the activity of caspase-3, in addition to the reduction of superoxide dismutase activity. It also resulted in severe DNA fragmentation as assessed by Comet assay and significant pathological changes in the liver architecture. The study proved the efficiency of quercetin and L-arginine in mitigating CuO NPs-induced sub-chronic liver toxicity due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties; ability to inhibit DNA damage; and the potential as good metal chelators. The results of histopathological analysis confirmed the biochemical and molecular studies.

L-arginine mitigates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats through regulation of HO-1/PPAR-γ/β-catenin axis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressively deteriorating lung condition that can be replicated in laboratory animals by administering bleomycin, a chemotherapeutic antibiotic known for its lung fibrosis-inducing side effects. L-arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, is recognized for its diverse biological functions, including its potential to counteract fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the antifibrotic properties of L-arginine on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. The administration of a single intratracheal dose of bleomycin resulted in visible and microscopic damage to lung tissues, an uptick in oxidative stress markers, and an elevation in inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic indicators. A seven-day treatment with L-arginine post-bleomycin exposure markedly improved the gross and histological architecture of the lungs, prevented the rise of malondialdehyde and carbonyl content, and enhanced total antioxidant capacity alongside the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Also, L-arginine attenuated the expression of the pro-fibrotic factors, transforming growth factor-β and lactate dehydrogenase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In the lung tissue, L-arginine reduced collagen deposition, hydroxyproline concentration, and mucus production, along with decreasing expression of α-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and β-catenin. Moreover, it boosted levels of nitric oxide and upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and E-cadherin and downregulating the expression of β-catenin. These findings suggest that L-arginine has preventive activities against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This effect can be attributed to the increased production of nitric oxide, which modulates the HO-1/PPAR-γ/β-catenin axis.

Hyperuricemia induces liver injury by upregulating HIF-1α and inhibiting arginine biosynthesis pathway in mouse liver and human L02 hepatocytes

The molecular mechanisms of uric acid (UA)-induced liver injury has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect and action mechanisms of UA in liver injury. We analyzed the damaging effect of UA on mouse liver and L02 cells and subsequently performed metabolomics studies on L02 cells to identify abnormal metabolic pathways. Finally, we verified transcription factors that regulate related metabolic enzymes. UA directly activated the hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome and Bax apoptosis pathway invivo and invitro. Related metabolites in the arginine biosynthesis pathway (or urea cycle), l-arginine and l-argininosuccinate were decreased, and ammonia was increased in UA-stimulated L02 cells, which was mediated by carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1), argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) downregulation. UA upregulated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) invivo and invitro, and HIF-1α inhibition alleviated the UA-induced ASS downregulation and hepatocyte injury. In conclusion, UA upregulates HIF-1α and inhibits urea cycle enzymes (UCEs). This leads to liver injury, with evidence of hepatocyte inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress.

A review of heat stress in chickens. Part II: Insights into protein and energy utilization and feeding

With the growing global demand for animal protein and rising temperatures caused by climate change, heat stress (HS) is one of the main emerging environmental challenges for the poultry industry. Commercially-reared birds are particularly sensitive to hot temperatures, so adopting production systems that mitigate the adverse effects of HS on bird performance is essential and requires a holistic approach. Feeding and nutrition can play important roles in limiting the heat load on birds; therefore, this review aims to describe the effects of HS on feed intake (FI) and nutrient digestibility and to highlight feeding strategies and nutritional solutions to potentially mitigate some of the deleterious effects of HS on broiler chickens. The reduction of FI is one of the main behavioral changes induced by hot temperatures as birds attempt to limit heat production associated with the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients. Although the intensity and length of the heat period influences the type and magnitude of responses, reduced FI explains most of the performance degradation observed in HS broilers, while reduced nutrient digestibility appears to only explain a small proportion of impaired feed efficiency following HS. Targeted feeding strategies, including feed restriction and withdrawal, dual feeding, and wet feeding, have showed some promising results under hot temperatures, but these can be difficult to implement in intensive rearing systems. Concerning diet composition, feeding increased nutrient and energy diets can potentially compensate for decreased FI during HS. Indeed, high energy and high crude protein diets have both been shown to improve bird performance under HS conditions. Specifically, positive results may be obtained with increased added fat concentrations since lipids have a lower thermogenic effect compared to proteins and carbohydrates. Moreover, increased supplementation of some essential amino acids can help support increased amino acid requirements for maintenance functions caused by HS. Further research to better characterize and advance these nutritional strategies will help establish economically viable solutions to enhance productivity, health, welfare, and meat quality of broilers facing HS.

Extra arginine supplementation during the suckling period alleviates weaning stress through the regulation of dendritic cells and Notch2 signaling in piglets

This study aims to study the effects of extra arginine (Arg) supplementation during the suckling period on the weaning stress and intestinal barrier function of breastfed piglets. Forty 7-day-old breastfed piglets divided into the control group (CON) and Arg group (Arg) were fed with extra saline or Arg (250 mg per kg per d body weight), respectively. All piglets were weaned when they were 21 days old. Eight piglets from each group were sacrificed before weaning and on the 3rd-day after weaning, respectively. The results showed that Arg improved the average daily weight gain of piglets before weaning (P < 0.01) and decreased the average daily weight loss after weaning (P < 0.05). Weaning decreased the ratio of the villus length versus crypt depth (V/C) in the SI (P < 0.001), while Arg increased the V/C of the jejunum (P < 0.05). Arg increased the levels of immunoglobulins in the serum and SI (P < 0.05), decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines in the SI (P < 0.05). In addition, Arg supplementation increased the numbers of SWC3a⁺CD40⁺ (P < 0.01) and SWC3a⁺SLAII⁺ DCs (P < 0.05), down-regulated Notch2 expression and up-regulated Jagged1 expression in the ilea of weaning piglets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Arg supplementation during the suckling period decreased the LDH leakage in the SI, improved the intestinal morphology, down-regulated the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, accelerated the accumulation of DC precursors before weaning and increased the number of mature DCs after weaning, and thus improved the growth performance and reduced the weaning stress of piglets, and this might be associated with the regulation of Notch2 signaling.

Effects of dietary supplementation with l-arginine on the intestinal barrier function in finishing pigs with heat stress

Previous studies showed heat stress reduces body weight gain and feed intake associated with damaged intestinal barrier function, and l-arginine (L-Arg) enhanced intestinal barrier function in young animals under stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of L-Arg on serum hormones, intestinal morphology, nutrients absorption and epithelial barrier functions in finishing pigs with heat stress. Forty-eight finishing pigs (Landrace) were balanced for sex and then randomly assigned to six groups: TN group, thermal neutral (22°C, ~80% humidity) with a basal diet; HS group, heat stress (cyclical 35°C for 12 hr and 22°C for 12 hr, ~80% humidity) with a basal diet; PF group, thermal neutral (22°C, ~80% humidity) and pair-fed with the HS; the TNA, HSA and PFA groups were the basal diet of TN group, HS group and PF group supplemented with 1% L-Arg. Results showed that HS decreased (p < .05) the thyroxine concentrations and increased (p < .05) the insulin concentrations in serum compared with the TN group, but 1% L-Arg had no significant effects on them. Both HS and PF significantly increased (p < .05) the mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters (CAT1 and CAT2) and decreased the mRNA expression of solute carrier family 5 member 10 (SGLT1) in the jejunum compared with the TN group. Compared with the TN group, HS reduced the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, but PF only decreased ZO-1 expression in the jejunum. Results exhibited that dietary supplementation with 1% L-Arg improved the intestinal villous height, the ratio of villous height to crypt depth, and the expression of occludin and porcine beta-defensin 2 (pBD2) in the jejunum of intermittent heat-treated finishing pigs. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% L-Arg could partly attenuate the intermittent heat-induced damages of intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier functions in finishing pigs.

Seabuckthorn Paste Protects Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is one of the major mechanisms implicated in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. Seabuckthorn paste (SP), a traditional Tibetan medicine with high content of polyphenols and remarkable antioxidant activity, is commonly used in treating pulmonary diseases. In the present study, the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of SP on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury in mice were investigated. It was found that body weight loss, lung tissue microstructure lesions, transvascular leakage increase, malondialdehyde augmentation, and the reduction of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels caused by LPS challenge were all consistently relieved by SP treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in lung nuclei caused by SP treatment was observed. Our study demonstrated that SP can provide significant protection against LPS-induced acute lung injury through maintaining redox homeostasis, and its mechanism involves Nrf2 nuclear translocation and activation.

Investigation into the antioxidant role of arginine in the treatment and the protection for intralipid-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Background

This study investigated the possible roles of arginine (Arg) in ameliorating oxidative damage of intralipid (IL)-induced steatohepatitis (NASH).

Methods

NASH was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intravenous administration of 20 % IL for three weeks and then rats were pre- and post-treated with intraperitoneal injection of Arg for two weeks. Several biochemical parameters (blood and hepatic lipid peroxidation, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, hepatic cytochrome P450 2El monooxygenase (CYP2E1), nitric oxide (NO), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α “TNF-α”) and liver histopathology were detected for rat groups.

Results

The administration of Arg either before or after IL significantly ameliorated uncontrolled elevation of TBARS content, CYP2E1 activity (0.32 ± 0.01 or 0.3 ± 0.02 IU/mg) and TNF-α level. These effects were associated with a significant increase in the levels of glutathione, activities of antioxidant enzymes, NO level (1.649 ± 0.047 or 1.957 ± 0.073 μmol/g) and activity of hepatic eNOS (0.05 ± 0.002 or 0.056 ± 0.002 IU/mg) compared to the IL-treated rats. Moreover, the injection of Arg in NASH-induced rats showed normal hepatocytes, no steatosis and no bile duct proliferation but mild inflammation in the group which received IL after Arg.

Conclusions

These results proved that pre- and post-treatment with Arg blocked oxidative stress-induced NASH by inhibiting CYP2E1 activity, decreasing TNF- α level and restoration activities of eNOS and antioxidant enzymes as well as glutathione level. This antioxidant effect of Arg leads to reverse signs of liver pathology of NASH with amelioration of liver and kidney functions.

Efficacy of Ocimum sanctum for relieving stress: a preclinical study

HISTORY AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the anxiolytic effects of Ocimum sanctum stress-induced anxiety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out using male albino rats (200 ± 50 gm), male albino mice (25 ± 100) the effect of O. sanctum evaluated for anxiety and depression using forced swim test FST and rotarod test.

RESULTS

Restraint stress (3 hours/day for six consecutive days) induced a significant reduction. It was significantly decreases the mobility period during stress. The standard deviation values are 14.4 and 9.26 and is statistically significant (p = 0.001). In rotarod test, (a) increased latency and (b) decreased ambulation and rearing were also reversed by O. sanctum. A significant increase in immobility period was observed in FST and TST after restraint stress. O. sanctum and C. sinensis significantly reduced the immobility times of rats in FST and TST.

CONCLUSION

Ocimum sanctum possess significant antistress activity but the magnitude and efficacy for relieving stress is less, when compare to standard anxiolytic agent, i.e. Alprazolam.

Efficacy of an Extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum (OciBest) in the Management of General Stress: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of OciBest, an extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. in symptomatic control of general stress. The participants received either placebo (n = 79) or OciBest (n = 71; 1200 mg of actives per day) for six weeks. The severity of stress-related symptoms was self-evaluated by patients at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the trial period using a symptom rating scale. After six weeks of intervention, scores of symptoms such as forgetfulness, sexual problems of recent origin, frequent feeling of exhaustion, and frequent sleep problems of recent origin decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in OciBest group as compared with placebo group. Also, the total symptom scores of OciBest group revealed significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to placebo group. The overall improvement in OciBest group was found to be 1.6 times or 39% more in the control of general stress symptoms with respect to placebo. No adverse events were reported during the study. The findings revealed that OciBest was found to be effective and well tolerated by all the patients over the six weeks of study period.

Leukotriene biosynthesis inhibition ameliorates acute lung injury following hemorrhagic shock in rats

Background

Hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation is conceived as an insult frequently induces a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and oxidative stress that results in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome including acute lung injury. MK-886 is a leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor exerts an anti inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Objectives

The objective of present study was to assess the possible protective effect of MK-886 against hemorrhagic shock-induced acute lung injury via interfering with inflammatory and oxidative pathways.

Materials and methods

Eighteen adult Albino rats were assigned to three groups each containing six rats: group I, sham group, rats underwent all surgical instrumentation but neither hemorrhagic shock nor resuscitation was done; group II, Rats underwent hemorrhagic shock (HS) for 1 hr then resuscitated with Ringer's lactate (1 hr) (induced untreated group, HS); group III, HS + MK-886 (0.6 mg/kg i.p. injection 30 min before the induction of HS, and the same dose was repeated just before reperfusion period). At the end of experiment (2 hr after completion of resuscitation), blood samples were collected for measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The trachea was then isolated and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was carried out for measurement of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄) and total protein. The lungs were harvested, excised and the left lung was homogenized for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and the right lung was fixed in 10% formalin for histological examination.

Results

MK-886 treatment significantly reduced the total lung injury score compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). MK-886 also significantly decreased serum TNF-α & IL-6; lung MDA; BALF LTB₄, LTC₄ & total protein compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). MK-886 treatment significantly prevented the decrease in the lung GSH levels compared with the HS group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present study reveal that MK-886 may ameliorate lung injury in shocked rats via interfering with inflammatory and oxidative pathways implicating the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic shock-induced lung inflammation.

Modulation of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Leakage in Rats by Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Cerebral and pulmonary syndromes may develop in unacclimatized individuals shortly after ascent to high altitude resulting in high altitude illness, which may occur due to extravasation of fluid from intra to extravascular space in the brain, lungs and peripheral tissues. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of seabuckthorn (SBT) (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf extract (LE) in curtailing hypoxia-induced transvascular permeability in the lungs by measuring lung water content, leakage of fluorescein dye into the lungs and further confirmation by quantitation of albumin and protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Exposure of rats to hypoxia caused a significant increase in the transvascular leakage in the lungs. The SBT LE treated animals showed a significant decrease in hypoxia-induced vascular permeability evidenced by decreased water content and fluorescein leakage in the lungs and decreased albumin and protein content in the BALF. The SBT extract was also able to significantly attenuate hypoxia-induced increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and decrease hypoxia-induced oxidative stress by stabilizing the levels of reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. Pretreatment of the extract also resulted in a significant decrease in the circulatory catecholamines and significant increase in the vasorelaxation of the pulmonary arterial rings as compared with the controls. Further, the extract significantly attenuated hypoxia-induced increase in the VEGF levels in the plasma, BALF (ELISA) and lungs (immunohistochemistry). These observations suggest that SBT LE is able to provide significant protection against hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular leakage.

Anti-oxidative effect of Rhodiola imbricata root extract in rats during cold, hypoxia and restraint (C-H-R) exposure and post-stress recovery

Anti-oxidative potential of Rhodiola imbricata root aqueous extract was examined in rats, administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg both in single and multiple doses, 30 min prior to cold (5 degrees C)-hypoxia (428 mmHg)-restraint (C-H-R) exposure. Lipid per-oxidation, anti-oxidant parameters and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were studied in blood, liver and muscle of rats on attaining T(rec)23 degrees C during C-H-R exposure and after recovery (T(rec)37 degrees C) from C-H-R induced hypothermia. The results of untreated control rats on attaining T(rec)23 degrees C showed a significant increase in blood, liver and muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) and LDH levels. Hepatic catalase (CAT) and muscle glutathione S-transferase (GST) also increased significantly. Administration of single dose of Rhodiola imbricata root aqueous extract significantly restricted rise in blood MDA, increased blood reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with restricted rise in blood, liver and muscle LDH; improved liver and muscle SOD on attaining T(rec)23 degrees C and T(rec)37 degrees C; liver CAT on attaining T(rec)23 degrees C and liver GST during recovery. Multiple doses treatment of the extract further increased blood, liver and muscle GSH and GST levels; restricted increase in LDH on attaining T(rec)23 degrees C and recovery; increased CAT during recovery. Results suggested the anti-oxidant potential of Rhodiola root extract during C-H-R exposure and post-stress recovery and it also maintained cell membrane permeability.

Improvement of Experimentally Induced Hepatic and Renal Disorders in Rats using Lactic Acid Bacteria-fermented Soybean Extract (BiofermenticsTM)

The effects of lactic acid bacteria-fermented soybean extract (Biofermentics; BF) on experimental models of hepatic and renal disorders were investigated in vivo and in vitro. In rat, hepatitis induced by feeding of deoxycholic acid (DCA, 0.5 wt/wt, n = 6) or intraperitoneal injection of d-galactosamine (GMN, 500 mg/body wt, n = 6), the increase in serum AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels were inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) by feeding a diet containing 5% dried BF. Moreover, the BF-administered rat group showed lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and a larger amount of urine as compared with values in the control group. Pretreatment of primary cell cultures of rat hepatic and renal cells with BF prior to exposure to dichromate (K(2)Cr(2)O(7)) resulted in a marked decrease of dichromate-induced cytotoxicity as evaluated by the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase The levels of dichromate-induced lipid peroxidation, as monitored by malondialdehyde formation, were also reduced by pretreatment of hepatocytes with BF. These results suggest that BF may play a role in hepatic and renal disorders, and may be useful for maintaining health in humans as well.

NO netting, health and stress – Studying wellness from a net perspective

On the nature of wellness, stress, netting and the radical gas nitric oxide (NO). The multi-complex role of NO resulted in its discoverers receiving a Nobel award, its presence everywhere and volatility makes it a suitable candidate to be a main signal in an instantaneous communication network. Such network, with the capacity of tight physiological monitoring, enables assets distributions in the body. A model is presented suggesting that an inter-cellular communication network coordinates the various bodily functions. Radical gases like nitric oxide (NO) are signals in this net and its usability affects health and indicates wellness. From this netting point of view, stress is the sense of flow interruption or blockage of the information stream. Such flow interruption affects also physiological functions and can explain the association between stress and many ailments. It is suggested that netting is a prerequisite route of wellness, enabling bodily unconscious managerial decisions. This vital diffusive network is extremely labile and potentially could contain the interplay of consciousness and unconsciousness effected by activities such as yoga or guided imagery. Vast data from studies on NO signals, health and the relaxation/stress processes have already been accumulated. Integration of these data supports this novel look of an NO network as a coordinator. Interactions between stress and health are discussed in net perspective and include basic concepts of some integrative health approaches. Studying the nature of such communication network and of NO may suggest new ways to reduce stress and approach wellness.

Inhibitory Potencies of Several Iridoids on Cyclooxygenase-1, Cyclooxygnase-2 Enzymes Activities, Tumor Necrosis factor-α and Nitric Oxide Production In Vitro

To verify the anti-inflammatory potency of iridoids, seven iridoid glucosides (aucubin, catalpol, gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, geniposide, geniposidic acid and loganin) and an iridoid aglycone (genipin) were investigated with in vitro testing model systems based on inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/-2 enzymes, the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) formation and nitric oxide (NO) production. The hydrolyzed-iridoid products (H-iridoid) with β-gludosidase treatment only showed inhibitory activities, and revealed different potencies, depending on their chemical structures. Without the β-gludosidase treatment, no single iridoid glycoside exhibited any activities. The aglycone form (genipin) also did not show inhibitory activities. To compare anti-inflammatory potency, the inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) in each testing system were measured. The hydrolyzed-aucubin product (H-aucubin) with β-gludosidase treatment showed a moderate inhibition on COX-2 with IC(50) of 8.83 μM, but much less inhibition (IC(50), 68.9 μM) on COX-1 was noted. Of the other H-iridoid products, the H-loganin and the H-geniposide exhibited higher inhibitory effects on COX-1, revealing IC(50) values of 3.55 and 5.37 μM, respectively. In the case of TNF-α assay, four H-iridoid products: H-aucubin, H-catalpol, H-geniposide and H-loganin suppressed the TNF-α formation with IC(50) values of 11.2, 33.3, 58.2 and 154.6 μM, respectively. But other H-iridoid products manifested no significant activity. Additional experiments on NO production were conducted. We observed that only the H-aucubin exhibited a significant suppression with IC(50) value of 14.1 μM. Genipin, an agycone form, showed no inhibitory effects on all testing models, implying the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond of iridoid glycoside is a pre-requisite step to produce various biological activities.

Adaptogenic potential of a polyherbal natural health product: report on a longitudinal clinical trial

Stress is a risk factor for a number of diseases and is an important predictor of health in general. Herbal medicines have been used as adaptogens to regulate and improve the stress response and there is evidence to support the use of herbal medicines for this purpose. We conducted an open-label longitudinal study on the natural health product, OCTA(c), a compound mixture of eight herbs, to determine its effects on perceptions of stress. Eighteen participants were enrolled in the study and were followed over a period of 3 months. Primary endpoints included scores from four validated questionnaires (SF-36v2, PSS, STAI and BDI-II), serum DHEA, ALT, AST and creatinine all measured at 12 weeks. Seventeen patients completed the study. Except for the physical summary score of the SF36 questionnaire, all the subjective scores indicated a highly significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in the participants' ability to cope with stress. No adverse effects were reported and there was no evidence of damage to the liver or kidney based on serum markers. Initial evidence for this polyherbal compound supports its potential as an effective 'adaptogenic' aid in dealing with stress. Further research using a randomized controlled design is necessary to confirm the findings from this pilot study.

The Systemic Theory of Living Systems. Part IV: Systemic Medicine--The Praxis

This fourth lecture illustrates the praxis and results of Systemic Medicine (SM) in various therapeutic applications. SM's success has made it popular throughout Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The treatment of over 300,000 patients by 150 orthodox MD's, trained and qualified in SM, in 35 medical establishments with above average results corroborate its effectiveness as an eCAM in chronic degenerative diseases. Herein we provide a synopsis of results obtained in four such pathologies-the journal's necessary space restrictions somewhat limiting content-as well as clinical and photographic evidence. The validity of any medical theory is substantiated by its degree of effectivity and success. The workability of evidence-based SM corroborates Systemic Theory's transcendence.

The systemic theory of living systems and relevance to CAM: the theory (Part III)

Western medical science lacks a solid philosophical and theoretical approach to disease cognition and therapeutics. My first two articles provided a framework for a humane medicine based on Modern Biophysics. Its precepts encompass modern therapeutics and CAM. Modern Biophysics and its concepts are presently missing in medicine, whether orthodox or CAM, albeit they probably provide the long sought explanation that bridges the abyss between East and West. Key points that differentiate Systemic from other systems' approaches are ‘Intelligence’, ‘Energy’ and the objective ‘to survive’. The General System Theory (GST) took a forward step by proposing a departure from the mechanistic biological concept—of analyzing parts and processes in isolation—and brought us towards an organismic model. GST examines the system's components and results of their interaction. However, GST still does not go far enough. GST assumes ‘Self-Organization’ as a spontaneous phenomenon, ignoring a causative entity or central controller to all systems: Intelligence. It also neglects ‘Survive’ as the directional motivation common to any living system, and scarcely assigns ‘Energy’ its true inherent value. These three parameters, Intelligence, Energy and Survive, are vital variables to be considered, in our human quest, if we are to achieve a unified theory of life.