Herbal Supplement Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats with CCl(4)-Induced Liver Cirrhosis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:139045. [PMID: 23243427 DOI: 10.1155/2012/139045]

Synergistic effect of Rosemary and Lemon extractions on some physiological and biochemical parameters of CCl4-Stressed male rats

This study was carried out to examine the preventive impact of marine extracts of rosemary and lemon individually or together in adult-male rats with liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. The extracts were prepared and tested on 40 male rats distributed into groups by collecting blood samples and conducting some hematological and biochemical parameters. CCl4-induced significant increases in the weight of the liver and heart, while rosemary and lemon extracts alone were not able to restore the liver weight, but the effect was in the synergy. As well, the extracts alone or in combination had a significant impact on reducing heart weight. Additionally, CCl4 caused a substantial reduction in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCHC and lymphocytes, whereas WBC, monocyte and granulocyte increased. While extracts exhibited an enhancement in these parameters, the best effect was when the two extracts were used together. The biochemical parameters indicated high significance in glucose, AST, ALT and triglycerides; however, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and T-AOC decreased compared to the control group. Both rosemary and lemon worked to restore and remove the oxidative effect. Keywords: Rosemary(A plant that grows in mountainous regions), Lemon, Carbon tetrachloride, Stress, Rats.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves prevented toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on the kidney function of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the potent and low cost chemotherapy used in clinical setting against a variety of tumors. However, its association with nephrotoxicity limits its therapeutic use. Ocimum gratissimum leaf is a medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological and therapeutic efficacies, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptotic properties.

METHODS

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) against CP-induced kidney dysfunction in rats. Rats were pre-treated with 400 mg/kg b.w. of leave extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Ocimum G.) for 4 days and then 50 mg/kg b.w. of CP was co-administered from day 5 to day 7 along with Ocimum G. Markers of renal function and oxidative stress, food and water intake, electrolytes, aldosterone, leukocytes infiltration, inflammation and histopathological alteration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Obvious renal inflammation and kidney injuries were observed in CP treated groups. However, administration of leave extract of Ocimum G. prevented oxidative stress, kidney injuries, attenuated inflammation, increased aldosterone production and reduced sodium ion and water loss in rats. The plasma creatinine, urea and urine albumin concentration were normalized after the administration of Ocimum G. extract in rats treated with CP. Ocimum G. also decreased the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-(IL)-6, C-reactive protein and activity of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde in CP treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Ocimum G. prevented kidney injury and enhanced renal function via inhibiting inflammation and oxidant-induced CP toxicity. The efficacy of Ocimum G. is related to the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant.

Protective Effects of Ocimum gratissimumAqueous Extracts on HaCaT Cells Against UVC-Induced Inhibition of Cell Viability and Migration

Ultraviolet C (UVC) has been applied to treatment of infections in wounds for at least the last two decades, however, cells being treated can be damaged if exposure is prolonged, which calls for protective measures, such as drug or herbal pre-treatment, to minimize damage. Ocimum gratissimum contains plant polyphenols such as isoflavones and caffeic acid, which have antioxidant effects. We hypothesize that Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extracts (OGE) can inhibit UVC-induced oxidative damage on skin cells. In this study, HaCaT skin cells are used to test the protective effects of OGE on cell proliferation and migration after exposure to UVC radiation. Pretreatment with OGE (50~150μg/mL) before 40 J/m² UVC exposure was able to restore survival from 32.25% to between 46.77% and 68.00%, and 80 J/m² UVC exposure from 11.49% to between 19.07% and 43.04%. Morphological observation of primarily apoptotic cell death confirms the above findings. The flow cytometry analysis revealed that UVC increased the number of cells at the sub-G1 phase in a dose dependent manner, and when pre-treated with OGE the changes were partially reversed. Moreover, the wound healing test for observing migration showed that UVC 40-80 J/m² decreased cell migration to 47-28% activity and 100 μg/mL OGE was able to restore cell activity to81-69% at day 3. Based on the above results, we suggest that OGE has a protective effect on UVC-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and migration of skin cells and thus has potential application in wound care.

Aqueous Ocimum gratissimum extract induces cell apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has exhibited a poor overall survival rate of only six to ten months, and the urgency of the development of more effective novel agents is ever present. In this line of research, we aimed to investigate the effects and inhibitive mechanisms of aqueous Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract (OGE), the extract of Ocimum gratissimum, which is commonly used as a therapeutic herb for its numerous pharmacological properties, on malignant HCC cells. Our results showed that OGE decreased the cell viability of HCC SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells in a dose-dependent manner (from 400 to 800 µg/mL), while there is little effect on Chang liver cells. Moreover, cell-cycle analysis shows increased Sub-G1 cell count in SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells which is not observed in Chang liver cells. These findings raise suspicion that the OGE-induced cell death may be mediated through proteins that regulate cell cycle and apoptosis in SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells, and further experimentation revealed that OGE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in caspase 3 and PARP expressions and in CDK4and p-ERK1/2expressions. Moreover, animal tests also exhibited decreased HCC tumor growth by OGE treatment. We therefore suggest that the inhibition of cell viability and tumor growth induced by OGE may be correlated to the alteration of apoptosis-related proteins.

Retracted: Herbal Supplement Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats with CCl4-Induced Liver Cirrhosis

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2012/139045.].

Attenuation of Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Apoptosis in Schwann RSC96 Cells by Ocimum Gratissimum Aqueous Extract

Objectives: Cell transplantation therapy of Schwann cells (SCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy after spinal cord injury. However, challenges such as oxidative stress hinder satisfactory cell viability and intervention for enhancing SCs survival is critical throughout the transplantation procedures. Ocimum gratissimum, widely used as a folk medicine in many countries, has therapeutic and anti-oxidative properties and may protect SCs survival. Methods: We examined the protective effects of aqueous O. gratissimum extract (OGE) against cell damage caused by H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in RSC96 Schwann cells. Results: Our results showed that the RSC96 cells, damaged by H₂O₂ oxidative stress, decreased their viability up to 32% after treatment with different concentrations of up to 300 μM H₂O₂, but OGE pretreatment (150 or 200 μg/mL) increased cell viability by approximately 62% or 66%, respectively. Cell cycle analysis indicated a high (43%) sub-G1 cell population in the H₂O₂-treated RSC96 cells compared with untreated cells (1%); whereas OGE pretreatment (150 and 200 μg/mL) of RSC96 cells significantly reduced the sub-G1 cells (7% and 8%, respectively). Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that OGE pretreatment inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptotic protein caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage, as well as it reversed Bax up-regulation and Bcl-2 down-regulation. The amelioration of OGE of cell stress and stress-induced apoptosis was proved by the HSP70 and HSP72 decrease. Conclusion: Our data suggest that OGE may minimize the cytotoxic effects of H₂O₂-induced SCs apoptosis by modulating the apoptotic pathway and could potentially supplement cell transplantation therapy.

Amelioration of estrogen-deficiency-induced obesity by Ocimum gratissimum

Objectives: Menopausal transition in women initiates with declining estrogen levels and is followed by significant changes in their physiological characteristics. These changes often lead to medical conditions, such as obesity, which is correlated with chronic low-grade/subclinical inflammation. Ocimum gratissimum L. is a food spice or traditional herb in many countries; the plant is rich in antioxidants, which possess anti-inflammation activities and multitude of other therapeutic functions. Methods: In this study, we evaluated effects of O. gratissimum extract (OGE) in preventing obesity by using ovariectomized (OVX) animal models to mimic menopausal women. Methods: OVX rats showed increase in body weight and in adipocyte size in perigonadal adipose tissue (p <0.05) and decrease in uterus weight. By contrast, OGE (0.2 mg/ml) significantly reduced body weight gain and adipocyte in OVX rats and showed insignificant changes in uterus weight. Further investigation indicated that OGE exerted no influence on levels of dorsal fat, serum total cholesterol, and serum triacylglycerol and on serum biochemical factors, calcium, phosphorus, and glucose. Conclusion: These findings suggested that OGE dietary supplements may be useful in controlling body weight of menopausal women.

Ocimum gratissmum aqueous extract reduces plasma lipid in hypercholesterol-fed hamsters

Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases which are major health problem in many developed and developing countries that can lead to fatality due to the changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in this modern age. Methods: In the present study, the Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extract (OGE) was tested for the lowering effect on the serum lipid level of male hamsters on a high-fat (12%) and high-cholesterol (0.2%) diet (HFCD). Results: The results showed that the levels of serum high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerols (TG) were increased in the HFCD group (113±11, 259±87, 629±175 and 625±262, respectively), as compared to the control normal diet group (51±8, 19±5, 77±16 and 101±44, respectively). When co-treated with various doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of the OGE or rosuvastatin, the rats exhibited the restoration of normal serum LDL-C, TC, and TG levels. Conclusion: Therefore, we suggest that the Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extract may have the potential function of lowering serum lipid in rats.

Hepato-protective effect of rutin via IL-6/STAT3 pathway in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Background

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induces hepatotoxicity in animal models, including the increased blood flow and cytokine accumulation that are characteristic of tissue inflammation. The present study investigates the hepato-protective effect of rutin on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Results

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control group) received 1 mL/kg of dimethyl sulfoxide intragastrically and 3 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group II received 70 mg/kg rutin intragastrically. Groups III and IV received CCl₄ (3 mL/kg, 30 % in olive oil) intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group IV received 70 mg/kg rutin intragastrically after 48 h of CCl₄ treatment. Liver enzyme levels were determined in all studied groups. Expression of the following genes were monitored with real-time PCR: interleukin-6 (IL-6), dual-specificity protein kinase 5 (MEK5), Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), epidermal growth factor (EGF), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Janus kinase (JAK), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL). The CCl₄ groups showed significant increases in biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and up-regulation of expression levels of IL-6, Bcl-XL, MEK5, FADD, EGF, STAT3 and JAK compared with the control group. However, CCl₄ administration resulted in significant down-regulation of Bcl2 expression compared with the control group. Interestingly, rutin supplementation completely reversed the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced by CCl₄.

Conclusion

CCl₄ administration causes alteration in expression of IL-6/STAT3 pathway genes, resulting in hepatotoxicity. Rutin protects against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing these expression changes.

STATs and hepatic fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis is a response to repair of chronic hepatic injury caused by different diseases. Its pathological features are inflammatory cell aggregation and associated cascade reaction. There are myofibroblast formation (MFB) and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver, and the structure of the liver is destroyed. The recent research finds that Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) plays an important role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. In general, STAT1 and STAT5 act as anti-fibrotic signaling molecules preventing injury-driven liver fibrosis. Although the antiviral effect of STAT2 is well documented, it is not clear whether or not STAT2 also plays a role in contributing to the interferon-α/β-mediated anti-fibrotic effects in the liver. What's more, the biological functions of STAT3, STAT4 and STAT6 in hepatic fibrosis remains largely unknown. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of STAT family members and cytokines in hepatic fibrosis.

Potential impact of silymarin in combination with chlorogenic acid and/or melatonin in combating cardiomyopathy induced by carbon tetrachloride

The aim of this study was to investigate the effective role of silymarin either alone or in combination with chlorogenic acid and/or melatonin against the toxic impact of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced cardiac infarction. CCl4 (l.2 ml/kg body weight) was administered as a single dose intraperitoneally. The results revealed that the administration of silymarin alone or in combination with chlorogenic acid (CGA) and/or melatonin for 21 consecutive days, 24 h after CCl4 injection to rats, markedly ameliorated the increases in serum markers of cardiac infarction, including troponin T and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), as well as increases in the pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein in cardiac tissue compared to CCl4 intoxicated rats. The used agents also successfully modulated the alteration in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum and the oxidative DNA damage and the increase in the apoptosis marker caspase 3 in cardiac tissue in response to CCl4 toxicity. The present biochemical results are supported by histo-pathological examination. The current results proved that treatment with silymarin in combination with CGA and melatonin was the most effective one in ameliorating the toxicity of CCl4 induced cardiac damage and this may support the use of this combination as an effective drug to treat cardiac damage induced by toxic agents.