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Hernandez-Mixteco M, Bernal-Morales B, Valenzuela OL, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Cerna-Cortes JF, García-Montalvo EA. Effect of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on glutathione level and glycosylated hemoglobin percentage in a Mexican rural population with type 2 diabetes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117924. [PMID: 38369067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D) because it has been attributed with antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties in different experimental models and T2D patients. An imbalance in physiological glutathione (GSH) concentrations increases the susceptibility to developing complications associated with oxidative stress in T2D patients. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effect of C. ficifolia on the antioxidant properties of GSH, general health measurements, and biochemical parameters in a Mexican rural population, and to evaluate the changes in socio-affective scores of patients due to improvement in T2D. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven women diagnosed with T2D with poor glycemic control volunteered and were divided into two groups: C. ficifolia (0.5 g/kg of fresh pulp weight) with hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy, and another group with only hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy, for 12 weeks. We evaluated the effect of the fresh pulp of C. ficifolia on body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and GSH. Expanding the study, we evaluated the quality of life, anxiety, and depression scores before and after the intervention. RESULTS Treatment with the fresh pulp of C. ficifolia for 12 weeks reduced glycosylated hemoglobin, similar to the hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy group, and significantly increased GSH concentrations. The patients' moods did not change despite increased GSH concentrations and improved T2D control. CONCLUSIONS The increased GSH concentrations due to the consumption of fresh pulp of C. ficifolia could help to protect against oxidative stress and extend therapeutic benefits in addition to the usual hypoglycemic drugs in patients with T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Hernandez-Mixteco
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Blandina Bernal-Morales
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
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He S, Li G, Zhang J, Ding Y, Wu H, Xie J, Wu H, Yang Z. The effect of environmental factors on the genetic differentiation of Cucurbita ficifolia populations based on whole-genome resequencing. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:647. [PMID: 38102604 PMCID: PMC10722772 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cucurbita ficifolia is one of the squash species most resistant to fungal pathogens, and has especially high resistance to melon Fusarium wilt. This species is therefore an important germplasm resource for the breeding of squash and melon cultivars. RESULTS Whole-genome resequencing of 223 individuals from 32 populations in Yunnan Province, the main cucurbit production area in China, was performed and 3,855,120 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1,361,000 InDels were obtained. SNP analysis suggested that levels of genetic diversity in C. ficifolia were high, but that different populations showed no significant genetic differentiation or geographical structure, and that individual C. ficifolia plants with fruit rinds of a similar color did not form independent clusters. A Mantel test conducted in combination with geographical distance and environmental factors suggested that genetic distance was not correlated with geographical distance, but had a significant correlation with environmental distance. Further associations between the genetic data and five environmental factors were analyzed using whole-genome association analysis. SNPs associated with each environmental factor were investigated and genes 250 kb upstream and downstream from associated SNPs were annotated. Overall, 15 marker-trait-associated SNPs (MTAs) and 293 genes under environmental selection were identified. The identified genes were involved in cell membrane lipid metabolism, macromolecular complexes, catalytic activity and other related aspects. Ecological niche modeling was used to simulate the distribution of C. ficifolia across time, from the present and into the future. We found that the area suitable for C. ficifolia changed with the changing climate in different periods. CONCLUSIONS Resequencing of the C. ficifolia accessions has allowed identification of genetic markers, such as SNPs and InDels. The SNPs identified in this study suggest that environmental factors mediated the formation of the population structure of C. ficifolia in China. These SNPs and Indels might also contribute to the variation in important pathways of genes for important agronomic traits such as yield, disease resistance and stress tolerance. Moreover, the genome resequencing data and the genetic markers identified from 223 accessions provide insight into the genetic variation of the C. ficifolia germplasm and will facilitate a broad range of genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuilian He
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Yunnan Province, College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Gengyun Li
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Yumei Ding
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongzhi Wu
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Junjun Xie
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Hang Wu
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhengan Yang
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Yunnan Province, College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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Méndez-Flores OG, Ochoa-Díaz López H, Castro-Quezada I, Olivo-Vidal ZE, García-Miranda R, Rodríguez-Robles U, Irecta-Nájera CA, López-Ramírez G, Sánchez-Chino XM. The Milpa as A Supplier of Bioactive Compounds: A Review. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2021.1934001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- OG Méndez-Flores
- Cátedra-CONACyT, Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal De Las Casas, Chiapas, México
| | - H Ochoa-Díaz López
- Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal De Las Casas, Chiapas, México
| | - I Castro-Quezada
- Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal De Las Casas, Chiapas, México
| | - ZE Olivo-Vidal
- Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - R García-Miranda
- Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal De Las Casas, Chiapas, México
- Escuela De Lenguas-Campus III San Cristóbal, Universidad Autónoma De Chiapas, San Cristóbal De Las Casas, Chiapas, México
| | - U Rodríguez-Robles
- Departamento De Ecología Y Recursos Naturales. Centro Universitario De La Costa Sur. Universidad De Guadalajara, Autlán De Navarro, Jalisco, México
- Cátedra-CONACyT, Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, Unidad Villahermosa, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - CA Irecta-Nájera
- Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - G López-Ramírez
- Departamento De Fisiología, Biofísica Y Neurociencias, Centro De Investigación Y De Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad De México, México
| | - XM Sánchez-Chino
- Cátedra-CONACyT, Health Department, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, Unidad Villahermosa, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
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Long X, Zeng X, Tan F, Yi R, Pan Y, Zhou X, Mu J, Zhao X. Lactobacillus plantarum KFY04 prevents obesity in mice through the PPAR pathway and alleviates oxidative damage and inflammation. Food Funct 2021; 11:5460-5472. [PMID: 32490861 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00519c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum KFY04, was isolated from Xinjiang yogurt, and it was used to intervene in obese mice maintained on a 45% fat diet, and we compared its effects to those of a commercial strain, LDSB, and l-carnitine. The results showed that the LP-KFY04 intervention mice gained weight more slowly and had lower liver, epididymal adipose, and perirenal adipose tissue indices when compared to the other high-fat groups. Moreover, the LP-KFY04 can reduce the formation of fat vacuoles in the liver, while also reducing adipocyte differentiation and volume, and LP-KFY04 groups had the lowest liver and serum AST, ALT, TG, and TC levels and lowest serum LDL-C and highest HDL-C levels among the groups maintained on a high-fat diet. LP-KFY04 was also shown to mitigate obesity-associated oxidative damage and inflammatory responses. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis examining liver and adipose tissue expression of PPAR-α, CYP7A1, CPT1, and LPL showed an increased expression in the LP-KFY04 groups while decreased expression levels of PPAR-γ and C/EBPα relative to the other high-fat diet groups. These results show that of the different interventions, LP-KFY04 was the most effective at mitigating the effects of obesity than LDSB and l-carnitine. The results confirmed that LP-KEY04 has better anti-obesity, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects than current fermentation strains. It indicates LP-KFY04 is a fermentation strain with potential practical value and high functionality, and it shows that a fermentation strain should not only have good fermentation performance, but, more importantly, it must provide more functionality on the basis of fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyao Long
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, P.R. China. and Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Cha University, Seongnam 13488, South Korea
| | - Xiaofei Zeng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, P.R. China
| | - Fang Tan
- Department of Public Health, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela 838, Philippines
| | - Ruokun Yi
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, P.R. China.
| | - Yanni Pan
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, P.R. China. and Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Cha University, Seongnam 13488, South Korea
| | - Xianrong Zhou
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, P.R. China.
| | - Jianfei Mu
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, P.R. China.
| | - Xin Zhao
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, P.R. China.
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Silva JÚnior JADA, Silva ACVFDA, Figueiredo LS, Araujo TR, Freitas IN, Carneiro EM, Ribeiro ES, Ribeiro RA. D-Pinitol Increases Insulin Secretion and Regulates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Msg-Obese Mice. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2020; 92:e20201382. [PMID: 33237150 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202020201382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
D-pinitol is one of the major inositol found in plants and studies suggest its potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic actions in diabetic rodents. Here, we investigated the actions of D-pinitol on adiposity, and in lipid and glycemic homeostasis in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-obese mice. Swiss mice received daily subcutaneous injections of MSG [(4g/kg of body weight (BW)] or saline [1.25g/kg BW; control (CTL)] during their first five days of life. From 90-120 day-old, half of the MSG and CTL groups received 50 mg D-pinitol/kg BW/day (MPIN and CPIN groups) or vehicle (saline; MSG and CTL groups) by gavage. MSG mice displayed higher abdominal adiposity and hepatic triglycerides (TG) deposition, and increased hepatic expression of lipogenic genes (SREBP-1c, ACC-1 and FASN), but downregulation in AMPKα mRNA. MSG mice also exhibited hyperinsulinemia, islet hypersecretion and hypertrophy, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. D-pinitol did not change adiposity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, but increased hepatic triglycerides (TG) content in MPIN mice, which was associated with increases in gene expressions of SREBP-1c and FASN, but reduction in AMPKα. Furthermore, D-pinitol enhanced insulin secretion in MPIN and CPIN groups. Therefore, D-pinitol enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion, which may account to enhances hepatic lipogenesis and TG deposition in MPIN mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A DA Silva JÚnior
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Divisão de Pesquisa Integrada em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências/DPBio, Polo Novo Cavaleiros, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, Rua Alcides da Conceição, 159, 27933-378 Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Amanda C V F DA Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Divisão de Pesquisa Integrada em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências/DPBio, Polo Novo Cavaleiros, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, Rua Alcides da Conceição, 159, 27933-378 Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - LetÍcia S Figueiredo
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Divisão de Pesquisa Integrada em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências/DPBio, Polo Novo Cavaleiros, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, Rua Alcides da Conceição, 159, 27933-378 Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago R Araujo
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Av. Bertrand Russel, s/n, Caixa Postal 6109, 13083-865 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Israelle N Freitas
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Av. Bertrand Russel, s/n, Caixa Postal 6109, 13083-865 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Everardo M Carneiro
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Av. Bertrand Russel, s/n, Caixa Postal 6109, 13083-865 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Elane S Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Divisão de Pesquisa Integrada em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências/DPBio, Polo Novo Cavaleiros, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, Rua Alcides da Conceição, 159, 27933-378 Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosane A Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Divisão de Pesquisa Integrada em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências/DPBio, Polo Novo Cavaleiros, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, Rua Alcides da Conceição, 159, 27933-378 Macaé, RJ, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa/UEPG, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Setor de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde/SEBISA, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, Uvaranas, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
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Moya-Hernández A, Bosquez-Molina E, Verde-Calvo JR, Blancas-Flores G, Trejo-Aguilar GM. Hypoglycemic effect and bioactive compounds associated with the ripening stages of the Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2020; 100:5171-5181. [PMID: 32530046 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fruit of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché is known in Mexico as 'chilacayote'. The scientific interest that C. ficifolia Bouché has acquired is due to its important hypoglycemic effect. The present research aimed (i) to discover whether this hypoglycemic property is present at different stages of development of this fruit, and (ii) to characterize some bioactive compounds with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. Ethylene production, respiration rate, and maturity indices were determined during fruit development. The chemical characterization of the aqueous extracts of each stage of maturity studied was determined and their hypoglycemic effects were bioassayed using groups of normal mice with diabetes induced by streptozotocin at a dose of 500 mg-1 kg-1 body weight. RESULTS Respiration rate and ethylene production showed a typical pattern for non-climacteric fruit and the quality parameters did not show significant changes. Phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found to have the highest concentration at 15 days of development. Extracts at 15 days showed a hypoglycemic effect that was 11% greater than that of glibenclamide in diabetized mice. CONCLUSION All stages of development of C. ficifolia fruit had a hypoglycemic effect; however, the aqueous extract from the fruit at 15 days of development showed a better effect than glibenclamide. This finding highlights the potential of this maturity stage, and shows that it is appropriate for inclusion in treatments of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results also indicate that phenolic compounds are mainly responsible for this effect and not d-chiro-inositol as previously thought. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Moya-Hernández
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elsa Bosquez-Molina
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Ramón Verde-Calvo
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Blancas-Flores
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
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Cucurbita ficifolia Fruit Extract Induces Tp53/Caspase-Mediated Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3712536. [PMID: 32685475 PMCID: PMC7335397 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3712536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The second most biggest cancer worldwide is breast cancer. There is an increasing need for safer, effective, and affordable drug candidates from natural sources to treat breast cancer. In the present investigation, the anticancer effect of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (C. ficifolia) fruit extract was tested on the human breast cancer cells such as MCF-7. The cells were exposed with different doses of C. ficifolia, for the assessment of IC50 concentrations on the MCF-7 cell lines for 24 hs. The effect of C. ficifolia fruit extract on morphological and apoptotic changes were evaluated by specific fluorescence staining techniques and real-time PCR in a time-dependent manner for 24 hs and 48 hs. The IC50 value for C. ficifolia fruit extract was found to be 90 μg/mL. Morphological alteration and apoptotic distinctiveness aspect like chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation were noticed in C. ficifolia extract exposed breast cancer cells. Further, we observed that C. ficifolia extract-induced programmed cell death in the MCF-7 cells were mediated with the elevated expression of the tumor suppressor gene such as p53 and apoptotic markers such as caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, fatty acid synthase (FAS), Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (BAK), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX). These observations established that C. ficifolia significantly concealed the cell division and provoked p53/caspase-mediated programmed cell death. Further, we noticed that this cell death in MCF-7 cells is concentration and time dependent. As evaluated through the comet assay, C. ficifolia induced DNA damage; further upon increasing the duration of the treatment, the DNA damage was higher than before. Thus, our study concludes that C. ficifolia could serve as an effective anticancer agent through vital gene modulation.
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Kostecka-Gugała A, Kruczek M, Ledwożyw-Smoleń I, Kaszycki P. Antioxidants and Health-Beneficial Nutrients in Fruits of Eighteen Cucurbita Cultivars: Analysis of Diversity and Dietary Implications. Molecules 2020; 25:E1792. [PMID: 32295156 PMCID: PMC7221643 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by gradual accumulation of molecular damage within cells in response to oxidative stress resulting from adverse environmental factors, inappropriate lifestyle, and numerous diseases. Adequate antioxidant intake is a key factor of proper diet. The study aimed to assess the antioxidant/antiradical capacities of Cucurbita fruits (18 cultivars of the species: C. maxima Duch., C. moschata Duch., C. pepo L., and C. ficifolia Bouché) grown in central Europe. The analyses were based on the FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assays. The content of phenolic compounds and β-carotene was evaluated with HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), while the main macro- and micronutrients by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The results revealed high intraspecies variability within the Cucurbita genus. The Japanese 'Kogigu' fruits were distinguished as extraordinary sources of phenolic compounds, including syringic and protocatechuic acids, catechin, and kaempferol. Another popular cultivar 'Hokkaido' exhibited the highest antioxidant and antiradical capacities. Most of the fruits proved to be rich sources of zinc and copper. The obtained data are discussed in the context of optimized nutrition of the elderly and suggest that Cucurbita fruits should become daily components of their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kostecka-Gugała
- Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al.29 Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland; (M.K.); (I.L.-S.)
| | | | | | - Paweł Kaszycki
- Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al.29 Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland; (M.K.); (I.L.-S.)
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Hajihasani MM, Soheili V, Zirak MR, Sahebkar A, Shakeri A. Natural products as safeguards against monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:416-430. [PMID: 32489556 PMCID: PMC7239414 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.43060.10123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Monosodium glutamate is a sodium salt of a nonessential amino acid, L-glutamic acid, which is widely used in food industry. Glutamate plays an important role in principal brain functions including formation and stabilization of synapses, memory, cognition, learning, as well as cellular metabolism. However, ingestion of foodstuffs rich in monosodium glutamate can result in the outbreak of several health disorders such as neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, obesity and diabetes. The usage of medicinal plants and their natural products as a therapy against MSG used in food industry has been suggested to be protective. Calendula officinalis, Curcuma longa, Green Tea, Ginkgo biloba and vitamins are some of the main natural products with protective effect against mentioned monosodium glutamate toxicity through different mechanisms. This review provides a summary on the toxicity of monosodium glutamate and the protective effects of natural products against monosodium glutamate -induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Hajihasani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Soheili
- Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zirak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Shakeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Obesity: Pathophysiology, monosodium glutamate-induced model and anti-obesity medicinal plants. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 111:503-516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Alshammari GM, Balakrishnan A. Pumpkin ( Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché) extract attenuate the adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells by controlling adipogenic gene expression. Saudi J Biol Sci 2018; 26:744-751. [PMID: 31048999 PMCID: PMC6486525 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevention and management of obesity through dietary modification is one of the top way to trim down its consequences. Development of adipose tissue requires the differentiation of less specialized cells, such as human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), into adipocytes. Since food constituents play a major role in the cell differentiation and proliferation, we sought to determine if various extracts of Cucurbita ficifolia (C. ficifolia), could affect the adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Flow cytometry analysis with quantitative and qualitative Nile red, and quantitative PCR methods were employed to evaluate the C. ficifolia effect on hMSCs adipogenesis. Results revealed that, chloroform extract exhibits significant adipogenic inhibition than that of hexane and methanol extracts. Chloroform extract treated cells display the down-regulation of ADIPOQ, FABP4, PPARGC1A, CEBPB & LPL and up-regulation of ACACB & CEBPA genes. Further, various phytoconstituents present in the chloroform extract of C. ficifolia were analyzed though LC-MS and GC-MS. Our results indicates that chloroform extract of C. ficifolia might be used as a food supplement to control obesity and its related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghedeir M Alshammari
- Adipocytes and Metabolic Disorders Lab, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aristatile Balakrishnan
- Adipocytes and Metabolic Disorders Lab, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Ghahremanloo A, Hajipour R, Hemmati M, Moossavi M, Mohaqiq Z. The beneficial effects of pumpkin extract on atherogenic lipid, insulin resistance and oxidative stress status in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 15:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2017-0051/jcim-2017-0051.xml. [PMID: 29068789 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2017-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Prevention and treatment of obesity is a way to reduce cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression. Pumpkin as a favorable plant has different properties notably antioxidant, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic potential. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-obesity effects of pumpkin in diet-induced obese rats. Methods Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6) of healthy control, dietary fatty control rats, and three experimental dietary fatty rats that received hydro-alcoholic extract of pumpkin once daily at doses 100 and 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of 6 weeks, lipid profile, atherogenicity, liver enzymes, and oxidative stress status were measured. Results Pumpkin in a dose-dependent manner dramatically decreased triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, and liver enzymes while high-density lipoprotein was markedly increased in treated groups. Pumpkin also increased glutathione level in comparison with obese control group. Conclusions Pumpkin ameliorated oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in obese rats, leading to decrease cardiovascular disease risk in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefe Ghahremanloo
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Reza Hajipour
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mina Hemmati
- Birjand CardioVascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Moossavi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Zabihullah Mohaqiq
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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