Radical Scavenging Activities of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Petal Extracts and its hepato-protection in CCl4-intoxicated mice

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity Comparison of Wild-Type and Yellow-Leaf gl1 Mutant of Lagerstroemia indica

BACKGROUND

The yellow-leaf gl1 mutant of Lagerstroemia indica exhibits an altered phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway compared to wild-type (WT). However, details on the metabolites associated with leaf color variation, including color-specific metabolites with bioactive constituents, are not fully understood.

METHODS

Chemical and metabolomics approaches were used to compare metabolite composition and antioxidant capacity between the gl1 mutant and WT leaves.

RESULTS

The mutant exhibited an irregular xylem structure with a significantly lower phenolic polymer lignin content and higher soluble phenolic compounds. Untargeted metabolomics analysis identified phenolic compounds, particularly lignans, as key differential metabolites between gl1 and WT, with a significant increase in the mutant. The neolignan derivative balanophonin-4-O-D-glu was identified as a characteristic metabolite in the gl1 mutant. The soluble phenolic compounds of the gl1 mutant exhibited higher FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than in WT. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds in L. indica.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolites associated with leaf color variation in the L. indica yellow-leaf gl1 mutant demonstrated high antioxidant capacity, particularly in scavenging hydroxyl radicals.

Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers. (Lythraceae) Ethanolic Extract Attenuates Isoniazid-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Inflammation in Rats

Background Drug-induced liver injury is a common cause of acute liver failure. Isoniazid (INH) is used as a first-line treatment for tuberculosis. Clinical and experimental studies have reported abnormal liver function after INH therapy. Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers., commonly known as banaba, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments including diabetes and obesity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic banaba leaf extract (EBLE) against INH-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats (150 - 200 g) were divided into five groups (n = 6). Group I rats were served as a control and were administered dimethyl sulfoxide for the first 30 days and water for the next 30 consecutive days. Group II rats were administered INH (50 mg/kg, p.o.) once in the first 30 consecutive days and sacrificed at Day 30. Group III rats were administered INH for 30 consecutive days and left without treatment for the next 30 days. In Groups IV and V, rats were post-treated orally with EBLE 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. (0.3 ml/rat) for 30 days after INH administration. At the end of Day 60, the remaining group of animals were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissues were collected. The marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, and histopathology were analyzed. Results INH administration induced significant elevation of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) of hepatotoxicity in the serum. This treatment also increased lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory marker expression (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) except inhibitor of NF-κB) and decreased antioxidants such superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in the liver tissue. All these abnormalities were significantly mitigated after treatment with EBLE. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that EBLE can be used for INH-induced hepatotoxicity.

Improved antioxidant activities of spice require enrichment of distinct yet closely-related metabolic pathways

Improved biosynthesis of commercially and pharmacologically relevant phytometabolites through genetic and metabolic engineering is a lucrative strategy for crop improvement. However, identifying appropriate biosynthetic pathways pertaining to specific bioactivities has been challenging since the major metabolic pathways remain closely interconnected. Here we propose a reverse association strategy in which, based on the phytochemical profile, putative target metabolic pathways could be identified for increased production of phytochemicals. Dried seed fruits of Coriandrum sativum, Trachyspermum ammi, Cuminum cyminum, and Foeniculum vulgare (family Apiaceae) were subjected to untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based phytochemical profiling followed by evaluation of the overall antioxidant profile using multiple antioxidant assays. Using bioinformatics approaches, specific phytochemical classes and the enrichment of their respective biosynthetic pathways were identified. Collectively, the data suggest enrichment of isoprenoids and fatty acids biosynthetic pathways. The close association of metabolic pathways with antioxidant capacities indicated a need for enrichment of specific yet closely-related metabolic pathways to achieve an improved quality of spices for better antioxidant effects.

Chemically Defined Lactobacillus plantarum Cell-Free Metabolites Demonstrate Cytoprotection in HepG2 Cells through Nrf2-Dependent Mechanism

Centering around the concept that metabolites from the gut commensals can exert metabolic health benefits along the gut-liver axis, we tested whether the cell-free global metabolome of probiotic bacteria can exert hepatoprotective benefits against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Cell-free global metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum (LPM) were isolated and untargeted metabolomics was performed. The free radical scavenging potentials of LPM were measured. The cytoprotective effects of LPM were tested on HepG2 cells. A total of 66 diverse metabolites were identified in LPM, among which saturated fatty acids, amino acids and dicarboxylic acids were highly enriched. LPM attenuated cell damage, lipid peroxidation and the levels of intracellular cytoprotective enzymes in H₂O₂-treated cells. LPM also attenuated H₂O₂-induced increased expressions of TNF-α and IL-6. However, the cytoprotective effects of LPM were diminished in cells that were pretreated with a pharmacological inhibitor of Nrf2. Our data collectively indicate that LPM can significantly attenuate oxidative damage to HepG2 cells. However, the cytoprotective effects of LPM likely depend on an Nrf2-dependent mechanism.

Comprehensive Analysis of Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Properties of Morus nigra L

The framework of this study was a comprehensive investigation of Morus nigra L. extracts, with the aim to establish the correlation between chemical composition and antioxidant/hepatoprotective activity of a series of black mulberry extracts obtained from aerial parts of the plant. Black mulberry leaf (MLEE), bark (MBEE), juice (MJ) and fresh fruit (MFEE) extracts were obtained using the conventional Soxhlet extraction, while the supercritical CO₂ extraction procedure was employed for preparation of the seed oil (MSO). Analysis of the chemical composition was performed using spectrophotometric, HPLC and GC methods. For the evaluation of antioxidant activity, in vitro FRAP and DPPH assays were applied. In Haan strain NMRI mice with streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress, in vivo antioxidant activity and liver tissue integrity were examined. The content of polyphenolic compounds was the highest in MBEE (68.3 ± 0.7 mgGAE/g) with the most abundant compounds being polyphenolic acids, followed by MLEE (23.4 ± 0.5 mgGAE/g) with the flavonoids isoquercetin and rutin being present in a significant amount. An analysis of MSO revealed a high content of γ-linoleic acid. The highest antioxidant activity in vitro (FRAP and DPPH) was observed for MLEE, MBEE and MSO. Beneficial effects were confirmed in vivo, with lower values of hepatosomatic index, potentiation of the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, a lower rate of lipid peroxidation and reduced positivity for the P450 enzyme in animals treated with MLEE, MBEE and MSO. Black mulberry leaf and bark extracts as well as seed oil exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Apart from the confirmed biological properties of the fruit and leaf extracts, the observed activities of black mulberry seed oil and bark extract imply its importance as a sustainable source of phytochemicals.

Antibiofilm and Quorum Sensing Inhibition (QSI) Potential of Lagerstroemia speciosa Leaves Extract

Disruption of quorum sensing pathway of pathogenic microbes is considered as novel approach to fight against infectious diseases. The current study was planned to evaluate the antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory potential of Lagerstroemia speciosa. Antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of L. speciosa extracts was determined through agar well diffusion and crystal violet assay against sinusitis isolates, that is, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while quorum sensing inhibition efficacy of L. speciosa extracts was determined through violacein inhibition assay using Chromobacterium pseudoviolaceum as bacterial model. The methanolic extract of L. speciosa presented the highest antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and antibiofilm activity against K. pneumoniae (77.42 ± 1.51%), while n-hexane extract was found to be least active against all tested bacterial strains. Quorum sensing inhibition activity of L. speciosa extracts against C. pseudoviolaceum showed significant dose-dependent inhibition in violacein production by different concentrations of methanolic extract. Furthermore, none of the extracts of L. speciosa showed any hemolytic activity against human RBCs and hold considerable thrombolytic potential in comparison to streptokinase (75.9 ± .46%). In conclusion, findings suggest that L. speciosa leaves are excellent source of phytochemicals with potent antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibition potential.

Molecular mechanism of DLBS3733, a bioactive fraction of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., on ameliorating hepatic lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., commonly known as banaba and locally known as bungur, is widely used in Indonesia and other countries as a folk remedy for various chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. L. speciosa (L.) Pers. has been used and evaluated on conditions associated to liver diseases by altering cholesterol absorption, lipid metabolism, as well as the related gene expressions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of DLBS3733, a standardized bioactive fraction of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. leaves, on ameliorating hepatic steatosis induced by oleic acid, and elucidate its mechanism of action to ameliorate lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effects of DLBS3733 on expression of genes and proteins associated with lipid metabolism were evaluated in HepG2 cells in this study. Genes associated with lipid metabolism were evaluated using PCR, while the protein levels were revealed using western blot and ELISA. Cellular lipid accumulations and triglyceride (TG) synthesis were measured using ELISA, and antioxidant assay was conducted using DPPH assay.

RESULTS

DLBS3733 significantly reduced lipid accumulation and TG synthesis by 51% and 32% (p < 0.01), respectively, through the significant increment of adiponectin expression by 58% (p < 0.01). Subsequently, adiponectin enhanced PPARα expression and AMPK phosphorylation which further regulate the downstream signaling pathway of lipogenesis and lipolysis. Moreover, 2.5 µg/mL DLBS3733 was found to significantly downregulate the expression of HMGCR, ACC and SREBP by 66%, 61% and 36%, respectively (p < 0.01), as well as significantly upregulate CPT-1 by 300% at the protein level (P < 0.05). DLBS3733 was also found to possess high antioxidant activity, where the highest concentration exhibited DPPH inhibition activity by up to 93% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that DLBS3733 may provide a prevention on hepatic steatosis through its activity as anti-lipogenesis, anti-cholesterologenesis and pro-lipolysis in HepG2 cells. This is the first report that revealed the molecular mechanism of L. speciosa (L.) Pers. as a potential treatment of hepatic steatosis-related diseases.

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., ethanolic leaves extract attenuates dapsone-induced liver inflammation in rats

Drug-induced liver injury is a common cause of acute liver failure. Dapsone is increasingly used in combination with rifampicin for the treatment of leprosy and also for several dermatological disorders. Clinically, abnormal liver function and focal bile duct destruction were reported after dapsone therapy. Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers., commonly known as Banaba has been traditionally used to treat various ailments including diabetes and obesity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic banaba leaves extract (EBLE) against dapsone-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Dapsone (30 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered twice daily for 30 days. In separate groups, rats were post-treated orally with EBLE (250 and 500 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) once daily for 30 days after dapsone administration. The marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers and histopathology of liver were done. HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of 12.87 µg of corosolic acid per mg of EBLE. Dapsone administration-induced significant (p < 0.001) elevation of marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity in serum. This treatment also increased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and pro-inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, and nuclear factor kappa-B) expressions (p < 0.001) and decreased antioxidants (p < 0.001) such superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione in the liver tissue. All these abnormalities were significantly (p < 0.001) mitigated after EBLE (500 mg/kg) and silymarin post-treatments. The results of this study suggest that silymarin and EBLE can be used for dapsone-induced hepatotoxicity.

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., ethanolic extract attenuates simultaneously administered isoniazid- and dapsone-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Herbal tea of Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers., commonly known as banaba, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments including diabetes and obesity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies. Drug-induced liver injury is a common cause of acute liver failure. Isoniazid (INH) is used as the first-line treatment for tuberculosis; clinical and experimental studies have reported an abnormal liver function after INH therapy. Dapsone (DDS) is used for leprosy and other infections. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic banaba leaves extract (EBLE) against simultaneously administered INH- and DDS-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. DDS (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and INH (50 mg/kg. p.o.) were administered simultaneously for 30 days. In separate groups, rats were posttreated orally with EBLE (500 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) for 30 days after INH + DDS administration. The marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, and histopathology were done. Simultaneous administration of INH- and DDS-induced significant elevation of marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity in the serum. This treatment also increased lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta, and nuclear factor kappa B) expressions and decreased intracellular antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in the liver tissue. All these abnormalities were significantly mitigated after EBLE and SIL posttreatments. The results of this study suggest that EBLE and silymarin can be protective against INH + DDS-induced hepatotoxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Herbal tea contain Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves are used in several Southeast Asian countries due to its rich antioxidant and inflammatory properties. This study showed the hepatoprotective efficacy of L. speciosa ethanolic extract against simultaneously administered dapsone- and isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. L. speciosa administration was found to decrease dapsone- and isoniazid-induced oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation. L. speciosa herbal tea can reduce drug-induced hepatic complications as it contains phytochemicals such as corosolic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid and berberine and are implicated for its hepatoprotective effect. Therefore, L. speciosa extract can be used for drug-induced liver injury.

Anti-Obesity Effect of T. Chebula Fruit Extract on High Fat Diet Induced Obese Mice: A Possible Alternative Therapy

Occurrence of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders continues to escalate. The present study evaluates the anti-obesity effects of ethanolic fruit extract of Terminalia chebula (EETC) on high fat diet induced obese mice. The bioactive compounds present in the EETC is evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The effects of EETC on energy intake, glucose tolerance, and various biochemical parameters were analyzed using laboratory mice. Relative gene expression of Fatty acid synthase (FAS), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α (PPARα), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as well as Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were analyzed in liver and adipose tissues. The findings reveal the hypolipidemic and anti-obesity potential of EETC on high fat fed obese mice. EETC exerts its anti-obesity effects by suppressing lipogenesis through reduction in lipogenic enzyme (FAS) expression, increased fatty acid oxidation via PPARα and CPT-1 and by triggering the anti-inflammatory responses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the effect of EETC on PPARα and CPT-1 in in vivo.

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. triggers oxidative stress mediated apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers. (Lythraceae) commonly known as Banaba has been used in different forms in traditional medicinal systems for treating various diseases which include diabetes and obesity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic Banaba leaf extract (EBLE) in HepG2 cells. The phytochemical analysis of EBLE was performed by HPTLC. HepG2 cells were treated with EBLE at 25, 50, 100, and 150 μg/mL concentrations, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Oxidative stress was assessed by the evaluation of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione. Apoptosis-related morphology was investigated by acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated by JC-1 staining. Apoptosis-related marker genes were evaluated by qPCR. HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of corosolic acid (12.87 μg/mg), berberine (3.19 μg/mg), and gallic acid (2.94 μg/mg) in EBLE. EBLE treatments caused significant and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Dual staining with AO/EB confirmed membrane distortion and nuclear chromatin condensation upon EBLE treatments. JC-I staining revealed the loss of ΔΨm. Furthermore, at a molecular level, EBLE treatments interfere with Bax/Bcl-2 homeostasis and induced the pro-apoptotic marker genes such as cytochrome c, Apaf-1, and caspases 9 and 3. EBLE treatments caused cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, and this could be due to the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis via the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway.

A comprehensive multi-directional exploration of phytochemicals and bioactivities of flower extracts from Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L

Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L. are three ornamental plants that produce colorful flowers. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals and bioactivities of methanolic extracts of flowers from Delonix regia (DrFME), Cassia fistula (CfFME), and Lagerstroemia speciosa (LsFME). The presence of ten different chemical classes in varying degrees was confirmed while qualitatively screened. During quantitative determination, LsFME possesses the highest amount of total phenolic (418.0 mg/g), flavonoid (50.8 mg/g), and tannin (256.3 mg/g) contents. The extracts showed excellent antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent manner with the lowest IC50 value (41.51 μg/mL) displayed by LsFME. LsFME paralyzed the experimental worms at 2.95 min and killed at 3.96 min. DrFME was found to be more effective in thrombolytic (35.5% clot lysis) and anticoagulant activities. Negligible hemolytic activity (IC50 > 200 μg/mL) found for all extracts which suggest their less potential toxicity. The in vivo experiments revealed that the CfFME has the highest analgesic (64.34% pain inhibition) activity while LsFME has the highest antidiarrheal (70.27% inhibition) and antihyperglycemic (46.94% inhibition) activities at 400 mg/kg of body weight doses. This study has shown the presence of phytochemicals and potential bioactivities which indicates the possibility of these flowers to be used as a source of phytochemicals as well as safe and effective natural medicine.

An update on the health benefits promoted by edible flowers and involved mechanisms

The aim of this review is to provide new findings on health effects of edible flowers since 2015. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have been reviewed, and the effective concentrations of flower extracts have been summarized. Among all the health benefits mentioned, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have rarely been mentioned before 2015. Some health benefits mechanisms of edible flowers were discussed frequently after 2015. Some newly found phytochemicals such as polysaccharides were shown to be beneficial to human health. Species of Rosa, Chrysanthemum, and Osmanthus have been reported to exert different health effects on human. For the toxicity studies, the safe level of flower extracts in cell and animal models were at hundreds of parts per million (ppm) level. In consideration of health promoting effects and toxicities of edible flowers, they could serve as potential natural health products for different health benefits.

The role of gut microbiome in chemical-induced metabolic and toxicological murine disease models

The role of gut microbiome in human health and disease is well established. While evidence-based pharmacological studies utilize a variety of chemical-induced metabolic and toxicological disease models that in part recapitulate the natural mode of disease pathogenesis, the mode of actions of these disease models are likely underexplored. Conventionally, the mechanistic principles of these disease models are established as direct tissue toxicity through redox imbalance and pro-inflammatory injury. However, emerging evidences suggest that the mode of action of these chemicals could be largely associated with changes in gut microbial populations, diversity and metabolic functions, affecting pathological changes along the gut-liver and gut-pancreas axis. Especially in these disease models, reversal of disease severity or less sensitivity to induced disease pathogenesis has been observed when germ-free or antibiotic-supplemented microbiota-depleted rodents were treated with disease causing chemicals. Thus, by summarizing evidences from in vivo pharmacological interventions, this review revisits the mode of action of carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis, diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma, acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and alloxan- and streptozotocin-induced diabetes through the light of gut microbiota. How changes in gut microbiome affects tissue-level toxicity likely through intestinal-level mechanisms like gastrointestinal inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction has also been discussed. Additionally, this review discusses potential pitfalls of inconsistent experimental models that precludes defining the gut microbial effects in evidence-based pharmacology. Collectively, this review emphasizes the underexplored role of microbial intervention in experimental pharmacology and aims to provide direction towards redefining and establishing microbiome-centric alternative mode of action of chemical-induced metabolic and toxicological disease models in pharmacological research.

Assessment of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts of Dendrobium crepidatum

Dendrobium crepidatum is an epiphytic orchid found in south Asia including Nepal and China. This orchid species is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cataracts, and fever. The objectives of the present research were to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of its stem’s extracts with the identification of bioactive secondary metabolites. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays, respectively, and compounds were identified using GC–MS (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry). Ethanol and acetone extracts scavenged 94.69 ± 0.10% and 93.41 ± 0.86% of DPPH free radicals, respectively. They showed 50% inhibition of DPPH free radicals (IC₅₀) at concentrations of 73.90 µg/mL and 99.44 µg/mL, which were found to be statistically similar to that of ascorbic acid (control). Chloroform extract inhibited the growth of 81.49 ± 0.43% of HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) cells and hexane extract inhibited the growth of 76.45 ± 4.26% of U251 (human glioblastoma) cells at 800 µg/mL concentration. These extracts showed 50% inhibition of cell growth (IC₅₀) toward both the HeLa and U251 cell lines at their high concentrations, which were found statistically significantly different from that of cisplatin drug (control). The above extracts showed antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, potentially due to the presence of tetracosane, triacontane, stigmasterol, and some phenol derivatives (2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2-methoxy-5-(1-propenyl)-phenol, p-mesyloxyphenol, and 2,6-dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-phenol). This study explores the potential of this orchid in alternative medicine toward the development of drugs from its medicinally active compounds.

Antioxidant Activity of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther Leaf Extract Counteracts Oxidative Stress Induced by Ethanol and Carbon Tetrachloride Co-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

(1) Background: Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In our previous study, 50% ethanolic G. paraguayense extracts (GE50) demonstrated good antioxidant activity. (2) Methods: To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of GE50 on ethanol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) co-induced hepatic damage in rats, Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (Control group; GE50 group, 0.25 g/100 g BW; EC group: Ethanol + CCl₄, 1.25 mL 50% ethanol and 0.1 mL 20% CCl₄/100 g BW; EC + GE50 group: Ethanol + CCl₄ + GE50; EC + silymarin group: ethanol + CCl₄ + silymarin, 20 mg/100 g BW) for six consecutive weeks. (3) Results: Compared with the control group, EC group significantly elevated the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminitransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). However, GE50 or silymarin treatment effectively reversed these changes. GE50 had a significant protective effect against ethanol + CCl₄ induced lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, E, total antioxidant status (TAS), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferases (GST). Furthermore, in EC focal group, slight fat droplet infiltration was observed in the livers, while in the GE50 or silymarin treatment groups, decreased fat droplet infiltration. HPLC phytochemical profile of GE50 revealed the presence of gallic acid, flavone, genistin, daidzin, and quercetin. (4) Conclusions: The hepatoprotective activity of GE50 is proposed to occur through the synergic effects of its chemical component, namely, gallic acid, flavone, genistin, daidzin, and quercetin. Hence, G. paraguayense can be used as a complementary and alternative therapy in the prevention of alcohol + CCl₄-induced liver injury.

Gut microbiota in phytopharmacology: A comprehensive overview of concepts, reciprocal interactions, biotransformations and mode of actions

The dynamic and delicate interactions amongst intestinal microbiota, metabolome and metabolism dictates human health and disease. In recent years, our understanding of gut microbial regulation of intestinal immunometabolic and redox homeostasis have evolved mainly out of in vivo studies associated with high-fat feeding induced metabolic diseases. Techniques utilizing fecal transplantation and germ-free mice have been instrumental in reproducibly demonstrating how the gut microbiota affects disease pathogenesis. However, the pillars of modern drug discovery i.e. evidence-based pharmacological studies critically lack focus on intestinal microflora. This is primarily due to targeted in vitro molecular-approaches at cellular-level that largely overlook the etiology of disease pathogenesis from the physiological perspective. Thus, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key notions of intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis, and highlight the microbiota-phytochemical bidirectional interactions that affects bioavailability and bioactivity of parent phytochemicals and their metabolites. Potentially by focusing on the three major aspects of gut microbiota i.e. microbial abundance, diversity, and functions, I will discuss phytochemical-microbiota reciprocal interactions, biotransformation of phytochemicals and plant-derived drugs, and pre-clinical and clinical efficacies of herbal medicine on dysbiosis. Additionally, in relation to phytochemical pharmacology, I will briefly discuss the role of dietary-patterns associated with changes in microbial profiles and review pharmacological study models considering possible microbial effects. This review therefore, emphasize on the timely and critically needed evidence-based phytochemical studies focusing on gut microbiota and will provide newer insights for future pre-clinical and clinical phytopharmacological interventions.

Hepatoprotective effect of Lobelia alsinoides Lam. in Wistar rats

Background

Traditional healing practitioners of South India use fine paste (an Ayurvedic dosage form known as ‘kalka’) of Lobelia alsinoides Lam., an ethno medicinal plant for curing hepatic diseases.

Objective

To evaluate in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of a candidate formulation viz. kalka containing whole plant (L. alsinoides Lam.) in rat model of Carbon-tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity.

Materials & methods

Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar albino rats by oral administration of 1.25 ml/kg CCl₄ once every day for 7 consecutive days. A candidate kalka formulation (fine paste) was prepared and administered to rats at different dose rates of 0.54 g/kg, 1.08 g/kg and 2.16 g/kg daily. At the end of the study-period, the serum levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and total cholesterol were monitored. Further, the hepatic pathology was evaluated for assessing the extent of hepatotoxicity in the control and hepatoprotective effect in treatment groups. Meanwhile in-vitro antioxidant activity of kalka was evaluated by hydroxy radical, nitric oxide and DPPH (2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) radical scavenging assays. Further, a ‘limit test’ was done in accordance with OECD Guidelines 425 (acute toxicity).

Results

The animals treated with the fine paste of L. alsinoides did not show an elevation in the biochemical values compared to CCl₄ treated rats and during histomorphologic evaluation, hepatoprotective effect was evident with scattered mitotic figures in the parenchyma. Acute toxicity evaluation indicated that doses up to 2500 mg/kg are not toxic to rats. It has a good anti-oxidant activity also.

Conclusions

From the study, it was obvious that L. alsinoides had significant hepatoprotective effect in CCl₄ induced liver toxicity in rats. This ethno medicinal plant is certainly a promising hepatoprotective drug in liver disorders.

Combination of metformin and luteolin synergistically protects carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity: Mechanism involves antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Liver diseases are one of the fatal disorders due to the vital role of the liver. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ ) is the most perceived chemical substance utilized in developing models of hepatic damage. Metformin (Met) is a potent antidiabetic and redox modulatory agent that has shown anticancer and protective effects on various organs. Therefore, addition of therapy with natural antioxidative agents or herbal extracts shows defensive impacts against different injuries inside the body. Luteolin (Lut) can be found in several customary Chinese remedies. It has been reported for various pharmacological actions such as antitumor, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory impacts. Here, the liver injury rat model was established using CCl₄ (1.00 mL/kg body weight) in vivo. The protective roles of Met and Lut separately or in combination were observed in hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄ . The result was shown that both Met and Lut, while individually used, were normally active in diminishing CCl₄ -caused hepatotoxicity. The combination of two drugs performed synergistically to improve liver damage caused by CCl₄ , as shown by the considerably improved liver dysfunction. Met and Lut showed highly antioxidative effects on CCl₄ -treated rats moderately by increasing the activities and expression of the antioxidant enzymes. Along with this, a combination of Met and Lut significantly suppressed inflammatory responses, which is evidenced by the reduced level of inflammatory cytokines together with interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Additionally, CCl₄ -agitated apoptosis was intensely reduced by Met and Lut through reducing cleaved caspase-3 and Bax (pro-apoptotic factor) while increasing Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic factor) signaling pathways. Cotreatments of Met and Lut upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the CCl₄ -intoxicated rat's liver. The above result recommended that combination of Met and Lut may have a substantial potential and synergizing impact against CCl₄ -induced hepatotoxicity.

Ethanolic Extract of Lagerstroemia Speciosa (L.) Pers., Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in HepG2 Cells

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., (Lythraceae) also called Banaba is a native plant of southeast Asia and is widely used in traditional medicinal system. Herbal tea from banaba leaves are used to reduce weight and diabetes. We investigated the cytotoxic potentials of ethanolic banaba leaves extract (EBLE) against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves were extracted and obtained from M/s. Quimico Herbal Extract Manufacturer, Bengaluru, India, and it contains 20% corosolic acid. Cells were treated with 50, 100, and 150 µg/ml of EBLE for 24 h, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Apoptosis-related morphology was investigated by DAPI nuclear staining. Protein and gene expressions of p-Akt, FOXO1, p53, MDM2, p21, p27, CDK4, cyclin D1, and E1 were evaluated through Western blotting and qPCR. EBLE treatments caused significant, concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. DAPI staining and flow cytometry studies showed chromatin condensation, increased apoptotic cell population and cell cycle arrest at subG0/G1 phase upon EBLE treatments respectively. Furthermore, EBLE treatments significantly increased the expressions of p53, p21, p27, FOXO1, while p-Akt, MDM2, CDK4, cyclin D1, and E1 expressions were downregulated. These findings suggested that EBLE induces G1-phase of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. EBLE may serve as a therapeutic agent against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Pycnogenol® in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Pycnogenol® (PYC) has already being used as a food supplement and herbal medicine due to its potent antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of PYC on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in rats. The effect of PYC on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was examined by determining biochemical parameters, in vitro antioxidant activity, histological assessment, and oxidative status in liver homogenates. The best antioxidant properties were demonstrated in methanolic extracts. Seven-day pretreatment with PYC suppressed elevation of CYP2E1 protein expression induced by administration of toxic dose of acetaminophen. PYC at 50 mg/kg showed the ability to significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared with the group received acetaminophen. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) enzyme activity was significantly elevated in acetaminophen-treated group compared with control, whereas concomitant administration of PYC in a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced activity of this enzyme. Significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) hepatic content in acetaminophen-intoxicated rats compared with the control rats was improved by concomitant administration of PYC at 50 mg/kg. Protective effect of PYC on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in rats has showed the best in vitro antioxidant potential expressed in methanolic extract and consequent histological assessment and oxidative status in liver homogenates.

Investigation of biological activities of the flowers of Lagerstroemia speciosa, the Jarul flower of Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. (Family: Lythraceae) is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of diarrhea, diabetes and other diseases. The study was performed to conduct antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, antimicrobial, peripheral and central analgesic and hypoglycemic activity assays and phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleeping time test using crude methanol extract of flowers of L. speciosa and its different partitionates.

METHOD

The antioxidant potential was evaluated by determining the ability of the samples to scavenge 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The cytotoxic potential was examined following the procedures of brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Thrombolytic potential was assayed using streptokinase as standard. The samples were subjected to membrane stabilizing activity assay under heat induced condition. Antimicrobial potential was observed by disc diffusion method. The ability of the extract to inhibit writhing induced by acetic acid was determined in peripheral analgesic activity assay. The extract was also tested for central analgesic and hypoglycemic activities by tail flicking and tail tipping methods in Swiss albino mice model, respectively. CNS depressant activity was evaluated by an assay in which sleep was induced in mice using phenobarbitone sodium.

RESULTS

The chloroform soluble fraction of L. speciosa extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 4.20 ± 0.41 μg/ml) while the most prominent cytotoxic potency was showed by hexane soluble fraction (LC50 = 2.00 ± 0.31 μg/ml). Among the test samples, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction induced clot lysis (64.80 ± 0.27%) and prevented heat induced haemolysis (41.90 ± 0.10%) to the maximum extent. The largest zone of inhibition (19.0 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus, was also observed for the same fraction. In peripheral analgesic activity assay, 16.68% inhibition of writhing was documented for the L. speciosa extract (400 mg/kg body weight dose). The extract (400 mg/kg dose) also reduced blood sugar level by 56.12% after three hours of administration of glucose solution. In CNS depressant activity assay, mice of the sample group slept for shorter period of time compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

From our investigation, it can be suggested that, the extract should be further studied for possible phytochemicals responsible for the observed biological activities.

Pharmacodynamic evaluation of self micro-emulsifying formulation of standardized extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa for antidiabetic activity

BACKGROUND

Lagerstroemia speciosa (SEL) leaves are a popular folk medicine for diabetes treatment due to presence of corosolic acid. It has low water solubility resulting poor absorption after oral administration. Self micro-emulsified drug delivery system is the way by which we can improve the oral absorption of drug.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop the self micro-emulsifying formulation of standardized extract of SEL leaves and evaluate its pharmacodynamic performance for antidiabetic activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The SME formulation was prepared by using sefsol-218 as oil, cremophor-EL as surfactant and transcutol-P as co-surfactant. The ratio of surfactant and co-surfactant was determined by pseudoternary phase diagram. SME formulations were characterized for dilution at different pH, self emulsification, optical clarity, globule size and thermodynamic stability. Pharmacodynamic evaluation of formulations was assessed in Wistar rats by using parameters viz. blood glucose level and serum lipid profile.

RESULTS

SEL loaded SME formulation was successfully developed by using sefsol-218, cremophor-EL and transcutol-P with a droplet size 23.53 nm. Pharmacodynamic results showed a higher reduction in blood glucose by SME formulation than SEL without SMES respectively at 50 mg/kg dose while reduction produced at dose of 100 mg/kg was found significant and better on 15th day of study. The percentage reduction produced by SME formulation on serum lipid profile was also significant and was more prominent than SEL.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that the formulation elevates the pharmacodynamic performance of SEL approximately two fold.