Antihyperglycemic Activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Effects of three kinds of Chinese herbs on growth performance, oocysts output and gut microbiota in growing lambs with coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a protozoan intestinal disease that reduces the production of the sheep industry and causes large economic losses for sheep. Although chemically synthesised drugs are routinely employed to treat coccidiosis in sheep, the anticoccidial drug resistance and drug residues in edible meat have prompted an urgent search for alternatives. Herein, the anticoccidial properties of diclazuril, a conventional anticoccidial drug, and Allium sativum, Houttuynia cordata and Portulaca oleracea were assessed. Forty 45-day-old lambs naturally infected with Eimeria spp. were selected and randomly divided into five groups. The results showed that the sheep treated for coccidiosis had considerably decreased average daily gain (ADG) during both administration and withdrawal of the drug compared to the control group. Furthermore, at days 14, 21, 28 and 35, respectively, the three herbs and diclazuril had similar anticoccidial effects, with lower oocysts per gram (OPG) than the control group. On day 78, OPG in the three herbal groups was significantly lower than in the diclazuril group. In addition, the abundance and composition of the gut microbiota were changed in sheep treated with the three herbs and diclazuril compared to the untreated sheep. Moreover, some intestinal microorganisms have a correlation with OPG and ADG when using Spearman correlation analysis. In summary, our results suggest that all three herbs produce anticoccidial effects similar to diclazuril and modulate the balance of gut microbiota in growing lambs.

A prospective review of the health-promoting potential of Jing Si Herbal Tea

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained considerable attention over the past few years for its multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway approach to treating different diseases. Studies have shown that TCMs as adjuvant therapy along with conventional treatment may benefit in safely treating various disorders. However, investigations on finding effective herbal combinations are ongoing. A novel TCM formula, "Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT)," has been reported recently for their health-promoting effects in improving overall body and mental health. JSHT is a combination of eight herbs recognized in Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia for their anti-viral, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties as well as protective effects against cardiovascular, metabolic, neural, digestive, and genitourinary diseases. Thus, to better understand the beneficial effects of the ingredients of JSHT on health, this review intends to summarize the preclinical and clinical studies of the ingredients of JSHT on human health and diseases, and possible therapeutic effects with the related mode of actions and future prospects for their application in complementary therapies.

Nutraceutical prospects of Houttuynia cordata against the infectious viruses

The novel enveloped β-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has offered a surprising health challenge all over the world. It develops severe pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Like SARS-COV-2, other encapsulated viruses like HIV, HSV, and influenza have also offered a similar challenge in the past. In this regard, many antiviral drugs are being explored with varying degrees of success to combat the associated pathological conditions. Therefore, upon scientific validation & development, these antiviral phytochemicals can attain a futuristic nutraceutical prospect in managing different encapsulated viruses. Houttuynia cordata (HC) is widely reported for activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. The major antiviral bioactive components of HC include essential oils (methyl n-nonyl ketone, lauryl aldehyde, capryl aldehyde), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hyperin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin), and alkaloids (norcepharadione B) & polysaccharides. HC can further be explored as a potential nutraceutical agent in the therapy of encapsulated viruses like HIV, HSV, and influenza. The review listed various conventional and green technologies that are being employed to extract potent phytochemicals with diverse activities from the HC. It was indicated that HC also inhibited molecular targets like 3C-like protease (3CLPRO) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of COVID-19 by blocking viral RNA synthesis and replication. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of HC have been evident in impeding complications from marketed drugs during antiviral therapies. The use of HC as a nutraceutical is localized within some parts of Southeast Asia. Further technological advances can establish it as a nutraceutical-based functional food against pathogenic enveloped viruses like COVID 19.

Structural Characterization and Biological Activity of Polysaccharides from Stems of Houttuynia cordata

In this study, water-soluble natural polysaccharides were extracted from the stems of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCPS). The optimization of the hot water extraction process using response surface methodology (RSM), and the extraction factors, were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression analysis and Pearson analysis. Then, the structural characterization and biological activity of the HCPS were investigated. The results indicated that the maximum extraction yield (2.43%) of the HCPS was obtained at the optimal condition (extraction temperature for 90 °C, extraction time for 5 h, solid-liquid ratio for 1:30 g/mL). The extraction temperature was determined to be the primary factor influencing the extraction yield. The HCPS molecules had an average molecular weight of 8.854 × 103 kDa and were primarily of mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), glucuronic acid (GlcA), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), and xylose (Xyl). In addition, the backbone of the HCPS might consist of →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-β-d-GalpA-(1→. The HCPS had no triple-helix structure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the HCPS presented a smooth and uniform appearance, and some sheet and chain structures existed. Moreover, the HCPS exhibited significant anti-oxidant activity and inhibited the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. These findings showed that HCPS might be developed into a potential material for hypoglycemia, and provides a reference for the development of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide applications in food.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy on Risks of Overall, Diabetes-Related, and Cardiovascular Diseases-Related Mortalities in Taiwanese Patients With Hereditary Hemolytic Anemias

Hereditary Hemolytic Anemias (HHAs) are a rare but heterogeneous group of erythrocytic diseases, characterized by intrinsic cellular defects due to inherited genetic mutations. We investigated the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in reducing the overall, diabetes-related, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-related mortalities among patients with HHAs using a nationwide population database. In total, we identified 33,278 patients with HHAs and included 9,222 non-CHM and 9,222 CHM matched pairs after matching. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the risk of mortality between non-CHM and CHM users. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the cumulative incidence mortality between non-CHM and CHM users. The CHM prescription patterns were presented by the association rules and network analyses, respectively. The CHM prescription patterns were presented by the association rules and network analyses, respectively. CHM users showed significant reduced risks for of overall (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.73, p < 0.001), diabetes-related (aHR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.82, p < 0.001), and CVDs-related (aHR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.72, p < 0.001) mortalities compared with non-CHM users. Two CHM clusters are frequently used to treat Taiwanese patients with HHAs. Cluster 1 is composed of six CHMs: Bei-Mu (BM; Fritillaria cirrhosa D.Don), Gan-Cao (GC; Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), Hai-Piao-Xiao (HPX; Endoconcha Sepiae), Jie-Geng (JG; Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC.), Yu-Xing-Cao (YXC; Houttuynia cordata Thunb.), and Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang (XYQFT). Cluster 2 is composed of two CHMs, Dang-Gui (DG; Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels) and Huang-Qi (HQi; Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge). Further randomized clinical trials are essential to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of above CHM products and to eliminate potential biases in the current retrospective study.

Antiobesity Activity of Two Polyherbal Formulations in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mice

Obesity and overweight have posed a severe threat to humanity, needing urgent efforts for the development of safe and effective therapeutic interventions. In this research work, we have developed two polyherbal formulations A and B basically consisting of Helianthus tuberosus root powder (also called inulin of synanthrin) along with other herbs for the treatment of obesity. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of both formulations using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging assays showed good antioxidant potentials. Both formulations A and B showed good antiobesity activity on a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model of mice by effectively lowering the body weight of mice compared to the high-fat diet (HFD) control mice, mainly by reducing the food efficiency ratio (FER). Furthermore, both formulations ameliorated lipoprotein misbalances induced by obesity and thus decreased the atherogenic index. Treatment with both formulations significantly decreased the liver and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) weight. This was supported by the improvement in steatosis of the liver and reduced hypertrophy in WAT on histological examination. In addition, formulations A and B have been seen as effective in controlling fasting blood glucose levels probably by alleviating HFD-induced insulin resistance. All of these results collectively suggest that formulations A and B serve as potentially safe and effective herbal interventions to control obesity and its comorbidities.

Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway with copper oxide nanoparticles from Houttuynia cordata plant: attenuating the proliferation of cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is the most important female genital cancer that develops from the cervix, a lower part of uterus. Houttuynia cordata is ubiquitously present in Asian countries, and traditionally prescribed to treat infections and oedema. Our study emphasizes on biological synthesis route for developing copper nanocomplex using Houttuynia cordata (Hc-CuONPs) plant extract. The UV-visible spectroscopy study of Hc-CuONPs revealed the maximum peak at 350 nm, which proved the formation of Hc-CuONPs and FT-IR absorption peaks revealed the existence of different functional groups. The results of high-resolution TEM and X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the Hc-CuONPs have face centred cubic structure along with 40-45 nm in size. The temperature conditions of the synthesized Hc-CuONPs were spherical and circular morphologies. Furthermore, the Hc-CuONPs (IC50=5 µg/ml) exhibited toxicity on cervical cancer cells (HeLa). The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the control and Hc-CuONPs-treated HeLa cells was monitored by DCFH-DA staining and the apoptotic cell death was detected by using the dual (AO/EtBr) staining, propidium iodide and DAPI staining assays. Our results from the fluorescent staining analysis evidenced that the Hc-CuONPs have inhibited the cell proliferation and promoted the apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells. The Hc-CuONPs promoted the apoptosis by targeting the PI3K/Akt signalling pathways in HeLa cells. Our results explored that the Hc-CuONPs are effective against in vitro HeLa cancer cells.

Effects of Fermented Houttuynia cordata Thunb. on Diabetic Rats Induced by a High-Fat Diet with Streptozotocin and on Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (plukaow in Thai language) exhibits several biological properties, and many products of H. cordata are therefore commercially available for human consumption, such as fermented juice or tablets as food supplements. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effects of fermented H. cordata (HC) in high-fat diets and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of HC at a dose of 100 mg/kg.bw not only maintained bodyweight, food intake, and water consumption but also reduced blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance ability in the diabetic rats. Moreover, HC also decreased oxidative stress markers in serum and inflammatory-related mediators in pancreas tissues, indicating the improvement of pancreatic beta-cell function in the diabetic rats. In order to clarify the mechanism of HC, the effects of ethanolic extract of HC (HCE) on insulin resistance were determined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. FHE could recover glucose uptake and decrease lipolysis in palmitate-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HC can improve diabetic symptoms by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammation.

Herba Houttuyniae Extract Benefits Hyperlipidemic Mice via Activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/Nrf2 Cascade

Hyperlipidemia is associated with metabolic disorders, but the detailed mechanisms and related interventions remain largely unclear. As a functional food in Asian diets, Herba houttuyniae has been reported to have beneficial effects on health. The present research was to investigate the protective effects of Herba houttuyniae aqueous extract (HAE) on hyperlipidemia-induced liver and heart impairments and its potential mechanisms. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered with 200 or 400 mg/kg/day HAE for 9 days, followed by intraperitoneal injection with 0.5 g/kg poloxamer 407 to induce acute hyperlipidemia. HAE treatment significantly attenuated excessive serum lipids and tissue damage markers, prevented hepatic lipid deposition, improved cardiac remodeling, and ameliorated hepatic and cardiac oxidative stress induced by hyperlipidemia. More importantly, NF-E2 related factor (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α)-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis pathways as well as mitochondrial complex activities were downregulated in the hyperlipidemic mouse livers and hearts, which may be attributable to the loss of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity: all of these changes were reversed by HAE supplementation. Our findings link the AMPK/PGC-1α/Nrf2 cascade to hyperlipidemia-induced liver and heart impairments and demonstrate the protective effect of HAE as an AMPK activator in the prevention of hyperlipidemia-related diseases.

The Effects of Urtica dioica and Lamium album Extracts on the Expression Level of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Caspase-3 in the Liver and Kidney of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes seems to be associated with increased inflammation and induced apoptosis in several tissues. Urtica dioica and Lamium album have shown to possess a variety of beneficial properties like anti-inflammatory effects. In this experimental study, we tried to evaluate the effects of U. dioica and L. album extracts on the expression level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2; as an inflammation marker) and caspase-3 (CASP-3; as an apoptotic marker) in the liver and kidney tissues of diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with U. dioica (100 mg/kg/daily), and diabetic treated with L. album (100 mg/kg/daily) for 28 days. At the end of the study, liver and kidney tissues were harvested and mRNA expression level of COX-2 and CASP-3 was determined by real-time PCR technique. Also, serum glucose was measured. Results: Liver COX-2 mRNA in diabetic rats was significantly higher than normal control rats (P=0.02). However, U. dioica and L. album caused significant decrease in mRNA expression of liver COX-2 in diabetic rats (P=0.015 and P=0.03, respectively). Also, in diabetic rats treated with both extracts, serum glucose was remarkably lower than diabetic control rats (P<0.0001 and P<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: It appears that U. dioica and L. album might decrease liver damage by decreasing the inflammatory effects of COX-2 in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Since these plant extracts may influence diabetes by several mechanisms, further research in this field is warranted.

Therapeutic potentials of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. against inflammation and oxidative stress: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Family: Saururaceae) is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in moist and shady places. The plant is well known among the people of diverse cultures across Japan, Korea, China and North-East India for its medicinal properties. Traditionally the plant is used for its various beneficial properties against inflammation, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, muscular sprain, stomach ulcer etc. Oxidative stress and inflammation were found to be linked with most of the diseases in recent times. Many ancient texts from Chinese Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda and Siddha, and Japanese Traditional medicine have documented the efficacy of H. cordata against oxidative stress and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the efficacy of H. cordata extracts as well as its bioactive compounds both in vitro and in vivo, against oxidative stress and inflammation MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant information on H. cordata against oxidative stress and inflammation were collected from the established scientific databases such as NCBI, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and Springer. Additionally, a few books and magazines were also consulted to get the important information.

RESULTS

Herbal medicines or plant products were traditionally being used for treating the oxidative stress and inflammation related diseases in diverse communities across the world. Scientifically, H. cordata has shown to target several signaling pathways and found to effectively reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation. Phyto-constituents such as afzelin, hyperoside and quercitrin have shown to reduce inflammation both in vitro and in vivo models. These molecules were also shown to have strong antioxidant properties both in vivo and in vitro models.

CONCLUSIONS

H. cordata extracts and its bioactive molecules were shown to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. As both in vitro and in vivo studies were shown that H. cordata did not have any toxicity on the various model systems used, future clinical studies will hopefully make an impact on the future direction of treating inflammation-related diseases.

Novel Natural Products for Healthy Ageing from the Mediterranean Diet and Food Plants of Other Global Sources-The MediHealth Project

There is a rapid increase in the percentage of elderly people in Europe. Consequently, the prevalence of age-related diseases will also significantly increase. Therefore, the main goal of MediHealth, an international research project, is to introduce a novel approach for the discovery of active agents of food plants from the Mediterranean diet and other global sources that promote healthy ageing. To achieve this goal, a series of plants from the Mediterranean diet and food plants from other origins are carefully selected and subjected to in silico, cell-based, in vivo (fly and mouse models), and metabolism analyses. Advanced analytical techniques complement the bio-evaluation process for the efficient isolation and identification of the bioactive plant constituents. Furthermore, pharmacological profiling of bioactive natural products, as well as the identification and synthesis of their metabolites, is carried out. Finally, optimization studies are performed in order to proceed to the development of innovative nutraceuticals, dietary supplements or herbal medicinal products. The project is based on an exchange of researchers between nine universities and four companies from European and non-European countries, exploiting the existing complementary multidisciplinary expertise. Herein, the unique and novel approach of this interdisciplinary project is presented.

Pharmaceutical Impact of Houttuynia Cordata and Metformin Combination on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders: Link to Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolic Endotoxemia

Purpose: Metformin and Houttuynia cordata are representative anti-diabetic therapeutic agents in western and oriental medicinal fields, respectively. The present study examined the therapeutic effects of houttuynia cordata extract (HCE) and metformin in combination in a dysmetabolic mouse model. Methods: Metabolic disorders were induced in C57BL/6J mice by high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. Results: Combination of metformin and HCE significantly lowered body weight, abdominal fat, perirenal fat, liver and kidney weights, but did not change epididymal fat in HFD-fed animals. Metformin + HCE treatment markedly attenuated the elevated serum levels of TG, TC, AST, ALT, and endotoxin and restored the depleted HDL level. Both HCE and metformin + HCE treatment ameliorated glucose tolerance and high level of fasting blood glucose in association with AMPK activation. Moreover, treatment with HCE + metformin dramatically suppressed inflammation in HFD-fed animals via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (MCP-1 and IL-6) and LPS receptor (TLR4). Histopathological findings showed that exposure of HFD-treated animals to metformin + HCE ameliorated fatty liver, shrinkage of intestinal villi and adipocytes enlargement. Furthermore, HCE and metformin + HCE treatments markedly modulated the abundance of gut Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Bacteriodetes fragilis, but not universal Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: Overall, HCE and metformin cooperatively exert their therapeutic effects via modulation of gut microbiota, especially reduction of Gram-negative bacteria, resulting in alleviation of endotoxemia.

Houttuynia cordata Facilitates Metformin on Ameliorating Insulin Resistance Associated with Gut Microbiota Alteration in OLETF Rats

Metformin and Houttuynia cordata are representative anti-diabetic therapeutics in western and oriental medicine, respectively. The current study examined the synergistic anti-diabetic effect of Houttuynia cordata extraction (HCE) and metformin combination in Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Fecal microbiota were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and real-time PCR. Combining HCE + metformin resulted in significantly ameliorated glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT))—the same as metformin alone. Particularly, results of the insulin tolerance test (ITT) showed that combining HCE + metformin dramatically improved insulin sensitivity as compared to metformin treatment alone. Both fecal and serum endotoxin, as well as cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)) were significantly ameliorated by HCE + metformin compared to metformin alone. Meanwhile, the activation of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) by metformin was distinctly enhanced by HCE. Both of HCE and metformin evidently changed the gut microbiota composition, causing the alteration of bacterial metabolite, like short-chain fatty acids. H. cordata, together with metformin, exerts intensive sensibilization to insulin; the corresponding mechanisms are associated with alleviation of endotoxemia via regulation of gut microbiota, particularly Roseburia, Akkermansia, and Gram-negative bacterium.

Yamin B, Al-Obaidi MMJ, Batran RA. In vivo Assessment of Antioxidant and Wound Healing Improvement of a New Schiff Base Derived Co (II) Complex in Rats

Co (II) complex (CMLA) was investigated to evaluate the rate of wound healing in rats. Animals were placed into four groups: gum acacia, Intrasite gel, 10 and 20 mg/ml of CMLA. Wounds were made on the dorsal neck area, then treated with Intrasite gel or CMLA; both of these treatments led to faster healing than with gum acacia. Histology of the wounds dressed with CMLA or Intrasite gel displayed a smaller scar width, required less time to heal and showed more collagen staining and fewer inflammatory cells in comparison to wounds dressed with the vehicle. Immunohistochemistry for Hsp70 and TGF-β showed greater staining intensity in the treated groups compared to the vehicle group. Bax staining was less intense in treated groups compared to the vehicle group, suggesting that CMLA and Intrasite gel provoked apoptosis, responsible for the development of granulation tissue into a scar. CD31 protein analysis showed that the treated groups enhanced angiogenesis and increased vascularization compared to the control group. Furthermore, a significant increase in the levels of GPx and SOD and a decrease in MDA were also observed in the treated groups. This results suggest that CMLA is a potentially promising agent for the wounds treatment.

In Vitro Study on Glucose Utilization Capacity of Bioactive Fractions of Houttuynia cordata in Isolated Rat Hemidiaphragm and Its Major Phytoconstituent

Objective. The whole plant of Houttuynia cordata has been reported to have potent antihyperglycemic activity. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the glucose utilization capacity of bioactive fractions of ethanol extract of Houttuynia cordata (HC) in isolated rat hemidiaphragm. Methods. All the fractions, that is, aqueous (AQ), hexane (HEX), chloroform (CHL), and ethyl acetate (EA), obtained from ethanol extract of H. cordata were subjected to phytochemical standardization use in quercetin as a marker with the help of HPTLC. Further, glucose utilization capacity by rat hemidiaphragm was evaluated in 12 different sets of in vitro experiments. In the study, different fractions from H. cordata as mentioned above were evaluated, where insulin was used as standard and quercetin as a biological standard. Results. Among all the tested fractions, AQ and EA significantly increased glucose uptake by isolated rat hemidiaphragm compared to negative control. Moreover, AQ fractions enhanced the uptake of glucose significantly (p < 0.05) and was found to be more effective than insulin. Conclusions. The augmentation in glucose uptake by hemidiaphragm in presence of AQ and EA fractions may be attributed to the presence of quercetin, which was found to be 7.1 and 3.2% w/w, respectively, in both the fractions.

A Review of Traditional Medicinal Plants from Kachin State, Northern Myanmar

Medicinal plants are a vital source of medication in developing countries. In Kachin State, Northern Myanmar, the people have a long history of the use of traditional plants for medicinal purposes. This article deals with the 25 most used medicinal plants in Kachin State. They are: Drynaria fortunei, Tetrastigma serrulatum, Bauhinia championii, Goniothalamus cheliensis, Juglans regia, Houttuynia cordata, Osmanthus fragrans, Pothos chinensis, Tabemaemontana coronaria, Eryngium foetidum, Chloranthus spicatus, Peperomia pellucida, Zanthoxylum armatum, Polygonum fagopyrum, Cymbidium floribundum, Amomum kravanh, Coscinium fenestratum, Solanum nigrum, Gnetum parvifolium, Desmodium triquetum, Begonia augustinec, Mappianthus iodoides, Erycibe obtusifolia, Schefflera venulosa, Holarrhena antidysenterica. The different traditional applications, the known chemical constituents and medicinal properties are reported for each plant. The efficacy of several of these plants has been supported by some scientific evidence, while other plants have to be submitted to further investigations to prove the beneficial medicinal properties attributed to them.

Alteration in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after treatment of mice with herbal mixture containing Euphoria longana, Houttuynia cordata and Dioscorea japonica

BACKGROUND

Literature data indicate that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and phospho-CREB (pCREB) may have a place in depression. BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family that plays an important role in proliferation, survival and differentiation of different cell populations in the mammalian nervous system. The herbal mixture used in the present study consists of Euphoria longana, Houttuynia cordata and Dioscorea japonica. The purpose of the present study was to determine the neuroprotective effect of herbal mixture. We also tested the hypothesis that administration of herbs reverses memory deficits and promotes the protein expression of BDNF in the mouse brain.

METHODS

Mice were randomized into four different treatment groups (n = 10/group). Normal and stress groups received regular lab chow without stress and under stress conditions, respectively, for 3 weeks. The animals in the stress group were immobilized for 4 hours a day for 2 weeks. Different doses of herbal mixture (206 and 618 mg/kg) were administered for 3 weeks to those mice under stress conditions. Mice were analyzed by behavioral tests and immunoblotting examination in the hippocampus and cortex. An additional in vitro investigation was performed to examine whether herbs induce neurotoxicity in a human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y cells.

RESULTS

No significant toxicity of herbs on human neuroblastoma cells was observed. These herbs demonstrated an inductive effect on the expression of BDNF, pCREB and pAkt. For spatial working memory test, herbal mixture fed mice exhibited an increased level of spontaneous alternation (p < 0.01) compared to those in stress conditions. Moreover, herbal mixture produced highly significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the immobility time in the tail suspension test. Mice in the herbal mixture groups demonstrated lower serum corticosterone concentration than mice in the stress group (p < 0.05). Effects of the oral administration of herbal mixture on protein levels of BDNF in the hippocampi and cortices were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that herbal mixture administration has antidepressant effects in mice. It is proposed that adverse events such as stress and depression can modulate the expression of molecular players of cellular plasticity in the brain.

Evaluation of the effect of andrographolide on atherosclerotic rabbits induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Epidemiologic evidence has demonstrated significant associations between atherosclerosis and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). We had investigated the effect of andrographolide (AND) on atherosclerosis induced by Pg in rabbits. For experimental purpose, we separated thirty male white New Zealand rabbits into 5 groups. Group 1 received standard food pellets; Groups 2-5 were orally challenged with Pg; Group 3 received atorvastatin (AV, 5 mg/kg), and Groups 4-5 received 10 and 20 mg/kg of AND, respectively, over 12 weeks. Groups treated with AND showed significant decrease in TC, TG, and LDL levels (P<0.05) and significant increase in HDL level in the serum of rabbits. Furthermore, the treated groups (G3-G5) exhibited reductions in interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as compared to atherogenicgroup (G2). The histological results showed that the thickening of atherosclerotic plaques were less significant in treated groups (G3-G5) compared with atherogenicgroup (G2). Also, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining decreased within the plaques of atherogenicgroup (G2), while it was increased in treated groups (G3-G5). Lastly, groups treated with AV and AND (G3-G5) showed significant reduction of CD36 expression (P<0.05) compared to atherogenicgroup (G2). These results substantially proved that AND contain antiatherogenic activity.

Chlorophytum borivilianum root extract maintains near normal blood glucose, insulin and lipid profile levels and prevents oxidative stress in the pancreas of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic rats

The effect of C. borivilianum root on blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbAIc), insulin and lipid profile levels in diabetes mellitus are not fully understood. This study therefore investigated the effect of C. borivilianum root on the above parameters and oxidative stress of the pancreas in diabetes.

METHODS

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) was administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced male diabetic rats for 28 days. Body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipid profile levels and glucose homeostasis indices were determined. Histopathological changes and oxidative stress parameters i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes activity levels of the pancreas were investigated.

RESULTS

C. borivilianum root extract treatment to diabetic rats maintained near normal body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and insulin levels with higher HOMA-β cell functioning index, number of Islets/pancreas, number of β-cells/Islets however with lower HOMA-insulin resistance (IR) index as compared to non-treated diabetic rats. Negative correlations between serum insulin and blood glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were observed. C. borivilianum root extract administration prevented the increase in lipid peroxidation and the decrease in activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) with mild histopathological changes in the pancreas of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

C. borivilianum root maintains near normal levels of these metabolites and prevented oxidative stress-induced damage to the pancreas in diabetes.