Feasibility and Safety of Perilla Seed Oil as an Additional Antioxidative Therapy in Patients with Mild to Moderate Dementia

Design, synthesis, antibacterial/antitumor activity and in vitro stability of novel cordycepin derivatives with unsaturated fatty acid chain

To overcome the metabolic instability of cordycepin (adenosine deaminase (ADA) metabolic deamination and plasma degradation) and obtain better bioactivity, three novel kinds of cordycepin derivatives 1a-1c containing unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and a-linolenic acid, respectively, were designed and synthesized. In terms of antibacterial activity, the synthesized compounds 1a and 1c showed enhanced activity than cordycepin in the tested bacterial strains. 1a-1c also exhibited enhanced antitumor activity against four cancer cell lines (human cervical cancer cell line HeLa, human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549, human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, and human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721) compared with cordycepin. Notably, 1a and 1b showed better antitumor activity even compared with positive control 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in HeLa, MCF-7 and SMMC-7721. The cell cycle assay indicated that when compared with cordycepin, 1a and 1b could significantly inhibit the cell propagation trapped in S and G2/M phases and increase the percentage of cells trapped in G0/G1 in HeLa and A549, which might provide a synergistic antitumor mechanism evidence different from cordycepin. Last but not the least, 1a and 1b displayed improved stability both in ADA solution and mouse plasma compared with cordycepin and 1a owns a solubility of 130 μg/mL in PBS. These results offer a novel insight into the primary structure and activity relationship of how the unsaturated fatty acid chain could affect the bioactivity of cordycepin, which also represents a series of cordycepin analogs with obviously improved bioactivity and enhanced stability, therefore promoting its druggable enhancement.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling to study the hepatoprotective effect of Perilla Folium on the acute hepatic injury rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Perilla Folium (PF), is a traditional medicinal material with the homology of medicine and food in China and has been widely used due to its rich nutritional content and medicinal value. The hepatoprotective effects of PF extract include their protection against acute hepatic injury, tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced oxidative damage, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN) induced hepatic injury have been well studied. However, there are few reports on the pharmacokinetics studies of PF extract in acute hepatic injury model rats, and the anti-hepatic injury activity of PF is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The differences in the plasma pharmacokinetic of 21 active compounds between the normal and model groups were compared， and established pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling was to analyze the hepatoprotective effects of PF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute hepatic injury model was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN), and the plasma pharmacokinetics of 21 active compounds of PF were analyzed in the normal and model groups using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The correlation between plasma components and hepatoprotective effects indicators (the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)) in the model group was also investigated and established a Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) correlation analysis of the hepatoprotective effects of PF.

RESULTS

The results revealed that organic acid compounds possessed the characteristics of faster absorption, shorter peak time and slower metabolism, while the flavonoid compounds had slower absorption and longer peak time, and the pharmacokinetics of various components were significantly affected after modeling. The results of PK/PD modeling analysis demonstrated that the plasma drug concentration of each component existed a good correlation with the three AST, ALT, and LDH, and the lag time of the efficacy of each component is relatively long.

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma drug concentration of each component existed a good correlation with the three AST, ALT, and LDH, and the lag time of the efficacy of each component is relatively long in vivo.

Emulgels Containing Perilla frutescens Seed Oil, Moringa oleifera Seed Oil, and Mixed Seed Oil: Microemulsion and Safety Assessment

P. frutescens seed oil and M. oleifera seed oil consist of fatty acids and sterols that are beneficial for skin. Mixing of these oils at 1:1 ratio has shown to increase antioxidant activity of oils. This study aims to formulate emulgels containing microemulsions of P. frutescens seed oil, M. oleifera seed oil, and mixed P. frutescens and M. oleifera seed oils. The chemical constituents of P. frutescens seed oil, M. oleifera seed oil, and mixed seed oil are analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The microemulsions are formulated by a phase titration method and characterized for the droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential value using a dynamic light scattering technique. The physical and chemical stability of the microemulsions are investigated using a rheometer and UV-Visible spectrophotometer, respectively. The safety of microemulsion is evaluated on PBMC and human subjects. Emulgels containing three different types of microemulsion are formulated. The results show that P. frutescens seed oil is mainly composed of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid, whereas M. oleifera seed oil contains a high proportion of oleic acid. Mixed seed oil contains a comparable amount of alpha-linolenic acid and oleic acid. All types of oils are composed of β-sitosterol as the major plant sterol. Microemulsions of all types of oils are successfully prepared by using Tween 80 as a surfactant due to the largest transparent region of pseudoternary phase diagram. The size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential values of all types of microemulsion are in the acceptable range upon storage at 30 °C for 1 month. Microemulsions exhibit pseudoplastic flow behavior. The percent of remaining oils in all types of microemulsion is more than 90% after storage at 30 °C for 1 month. Emulgels containing three types of microemulsions exhibit good characteristics and no change in viscosity after storage at 4, 30, and 45 °C for 1 month. The safety results reveal that three types of microemulsion do not induce cytotoxicity to PBMC nor induce skin irritation and allergic reactions. Emulgels containing microemulsions developed in this study can be used to safely deliver P. frutescens seed oil, M. oleifera seed oil, and mixed seed oil to human skin.

Advances in Understanding the Genetic Basis of Fatty Acids Biosynthesis in Perilla: An Update

Perilla, also termed as purple mint, Chinese basil, or Perilla mint, is a flavoring herb widely used in East Asia. Both crude oil and essential oil are employed for consumption as well as industrial purposes. Fatty acids (FAs) biosynthesis and oil body assemblies in Perilla have been extensively investigated over the last three decades. Recent advances have been made in order to reveal the enzymes involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis in Perilla. Among those fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid retained the attention of scientists mainly due to its medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Lipids synthesis in Perilla exhibited similarities with Arabidopsis thaliana lipids’ pathway. The homologous coding genes for polyunsaturated fatty acid desaturases, transcription factors, and major acyl-related enzymes have been found in Perilla via de novo transcriptome profiling, genome-wide association study, and in silico whole-genome screening. The identified genes covered de novo fatty acid synthesis, acyl-CoA dependent Kennedy pathway, acyl-CoA independent pathway, Triacylglycerols (TAGs) assembly, and acyl editing of phosphatidylcholine. In addition to the enzymes, transcription factors including WRINKLED, FUSCA3, LEAFY COTYLEDON1, and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 have been suggested. Meanwhile, the epigenome aspect impacting the transcriptional regulation of FAs is still unclear and might require more attention from the scientific community. This review mainly outlines the identification of the key gene master players involved in Perilla FAs biosynthesis and TAGs assembly that have been identified in recent years. With the recent advances in genomics resources regarding this orphan crop, we provided an updated overview of the recent contributions into the comprehension of the genetic background of fatty acid biosynthesis. The provided resources can be useful for further usage in oil-bioengineering and the design of alpha-linolenic acid-boosted Perilla genotypes in the future.

Perilla Seed Oil Alleviates Gut Dysbiosis, Intestinal Inflammation and Metabolic Disturbance in Obese-Insulin-Resistant Rats

Background: High-fat diet (HFD) consumption induced gut dysbiosis, inflammation, obese-insulin resistance. Perilla seed oil (PSO) is a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with health promotional effects. However, the effects of PSO on gut microbiota/inflammation and metabolic disturbance in HFD-induced obesity have not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of different doses of PSO and metformin on gut microbiota/inflammation, and metabolic parameters in HFD-fed rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were fed either a normal diet or an HFD for 24 weeks. At week 13, HFD-fed rats received either 50, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day of PSO or 300 mg/kg/day metformin for 12 weeks. After 24 weeks, the metabolic parameters, gut microbiota, gut barrier, inflammation, and oxidative stress were determined. Results: HFD-fed rats showed gut dysbiosis, gut barrier disruption with inflammation, increased oxidative stress, metabolic endotoxemia, and insulin resistance. Treatment with PSO and metformin not only effectively attenuated gut dysbiosis, but also improved gut barrier integrity and decreased gut inflammation. PSO also decreased oxidative stress, metabolic endotoxemia, and insulin resistance in HFD-fed rats. Metformin had greater benefits than PSO. Conclusion: PSO and metformin had the beneficial effect on attenuating gut inflammation and metabolic disturbance in obese-insulin resistance.

Pharmacological management of vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes: TCM and western medicine compared based on biomarkers and biochemical parameters

Diabetes, a worldwide health concern while burdening significant populace of countries with time due to a hefty increase in both incidence and prevalence rates. Hyperglycemia has been buttressed both in clinical and experimental studies to modulate widespread molecular actions that effect macro and microvascular dysfunctions. Endothelial dysfunction, activation, inflammation, and endothelial barrier leakage are key factors contributing to vascular complications in diabetes, plus the development of diabetes-induced cardiovascular diseases. The recent increase in molecular, transcriptional, and clinical studies has brought a new scope to the understanding of molecular mechanisms and the therapeutic targets for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. In this review, an attempt made to discuss up to date critical and emerging molecular signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction and viable pharmacological management targets. Importantly, we exploit some Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM)/TCM isolated bioactive compounds modulating effects on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Finally, clinical studies data on biomarkers and biochemical parameters involved in the assessment of the efficacy of treatment in vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes was compared between clinically used western hypoglycemic drugs and TCM formulas.

Outcomes of Perilla Seed Oil as an Additional Neuroprotective Therapy in Patients with Mild to Moderate Dementia: A Randomized Control Trial

BACKGROUND

Dementia is a common medical disorder in the elderly. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the process of cognitive decline in dementia. Perilla seed oil demonstrates its neuroprotective effects via anti-oxidative mechanisms against dementia. We investigate neuroprotective effects of perilla seed oil as an additional treatment in patients with mild to moderate dementia.

METHOD

A double-blind, randomized-control trial (perilla seed oil versus placebo) in patients with mild to moderate dementia was conducted. Perilla seed oil or placebo was added on with standard treatment for six months. Cognitive function was compared at nine months after enrollment.

RESULT

182 patients, with 94 in the experimental group and 88 in the placebo group, were able to complete the study. Cognitive function is not significantly different compared between groups. However, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower in the experimental group. Perilla seed oil had no adverse effect to kidney, liver, blood components or glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Perilla seed oil as additional neuroprotective therapy in patients with mild to moderate dementia does not improve cognitive function. Perilla seed oil significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. A clinical trial is needed to prove the benefit of cholesterol-lowering effects with perilla seed oil in human.

A Review on Nutritional Value, Functional Properties and Pharmacological Application of Perilla (Perilla Frutescens L.)

Perilla frutescens is an annual herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is majorly produced in countries like China, Japan, India, Thailand and Korea. Recently, Perilla plant is gaining more attention because of its medicinal benefits and phytochemical contents. The major phytochemical compounds reported in this species are phenolic compounds (Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), Phytosterols, Tocopherols, Policosanols and Fatty acid. Perilla seed oil is also a rich source of essential fatty acid such as α-linolenic acid (54-64%) and linoleic acid (14%). Perilla seeds and its oils have been widely used in traditional nutritional and medicinal formulations. Biological analysis of Perilla seeds revealed that it showed anticancer, ant-diabetic, antiasthma, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective effect. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile and pharmacological research of Perilla seed.