Astragalus root and elderberry fruit extracts enhance the IFN-β stimulatory effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus in murine-derived dendritic cells

A systems biology-based mathematical model demonstrates the potential anti-stress effectiveness of a multi-nutrient botanical formulation

Stress is an adaptive response to the stressors that adversely affects physiological and psychological health. Stress elicits HPA axis activation, resulting in cortisol release, ultimately contributing to oxidative, inflammatory, physiological and mental stress. Nutritional supplementations with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties are among widely preferred complementary approaches for the stress management. However, there is limited research on the potential combined impact of vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients on stress. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of a multi-nutrient botanical formulation, Nutrilite® Daily Plus, on clinical stress parameters. The stress-modulatory effects were quantified at population level using a customized sub-clinical inflammation mathematical model. The model suggested that combined intervention of botanical and micronutrients lead to significant decline in physical stress (75% decline), mental stress (70% decline), oxidative stress (55% decline) and inflammatory stress (75% decline) as evident from reduction in key stress parameters such as ROS, TNF-α, blood pressure, cortisol levels and PSS scores at both individual and population levels. Further, at the population level, the intervention relieved stress in 85% of individuals who moved towards a healthy state. The in silico studies strongly predicts the use of Gotukola based Nutrilite® Daily Plus as promising anti-stress formulation.

Bioactive Compounds from Elderberry: Extraction, Health Benefits, and Food Applications

Elderberries are appreciated for their antioxidant properties. Sambucus nigra L. is an extremely abundant plant in the wild flora of Romania, but it is underutilized. Elderberry is used in modern and traditional medicine due to the complex chemical composition of the fruit. The content of phenolic compounds is high (516–8974 mg/100 g DW), of which the most abundant are anthocyanins. Phenolic compounds are known for their beneficial effects on the body. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant capacity, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties of the fruit. It is considered that most of the therapeutic properties of elderberries can be correlated with the antioxidant activity they have. S. nigra fruits are also used in the food industry. Some studies have shown that the therapeutic properties of elderberries can also be found in the products obtained from them. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the chemical composition of elderberries and products obtained from them, the positive effects on the body, and the methods by which the bioactive compounds can be extracted from the fruits and analyzed. This manuscript is useful for extraction optimization and characterization in order to valorize new functional foods, food supplements, and also in new pharmaceutical products.

Black Elder and Its Constituents: Molecular Mechanisms of Action Associated with Female Reproduction

The present review summarizes the current knowledge concerning provenance, properties, physiological and therapeutic actions of elderberry and the bioactive molecules present in the plant, with emphasis on their action on female reproduction. Elderberry or black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) attracts attention due to its easy cultivation and high availability of bioactive compounds. Most of the available data concerning black elder’s therapeutic action are focused on its effects such as activation of immune processes and anti-inflammatory processes (cytokine production, etc.) and regulation of hormones and their receptors in cancer cells. The effects of elderberry on reproduction have been poorly investigated so far. Nevertheless, conducted studies so far demonstrate the stimulatory influence of black elder extract and its constituents, such as rutin, anthocyanins and agglutinins, on the viability and steroidogenesis of healthy ovarian cells as well as their ability to promote apoptosis and reduce the viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the action of black elder extract and its constituent biomolecules, such as anthocyanins and lectins, on embryogenesis and the embryonal estradiol-estradiol receptor system have also been reported. The available information, despite limitations, suggest the applicability of black elder constituents for improvement of reproductive processes in animal biotechnology, animal production and assisted reproduction, as well as for prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders (including cancer) in veterinary and human medicine.

Astragali Radix (Huangqi): A promising edible immunomodulatory herbal medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragali Radix (AR, Huangqi in Chinese), the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., possesses diverse therapeutic effects against fatigue, dyspepsia, diarrhea, heart diseases, hepatitis, and anemia. In recent years, increasing evidence has indicated the multiple immunomodulatory activities of AR in preclinical and clinical studies.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review attempts to elaborate the immunomodulatory effects of AR and its potential application in the treatment of immune related diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search AR was carried out using multiple internationally recognized databases (including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, Springer, Taylor & Francis, and CNKI).

RESULTS

The immunomodulatory effects of AR are closely attributed to its active constituents such as polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids. We also demonstrate that AR can be used as a potential therapeutic intervention for immune related diseases through regulating immune organs, mucosal immune, and immune system (innate immunity and acquired immunity).

CONCLUSION

AR promotes the development of immune organs, enhances mucosal immune function, increases the quantity and phagocytic capacity of innate immunity, promotes the maturation and differentiation of acquired immunity cells, and improves the expression of antibodies in acquired immunity. We believe that AR has a broad research space in the adjuvant treatment of immune related diseases, which could be a breakthrough point to improve the application value of AR.

The morphological and antioxidant characteristics of inflorescences within wild-growing genotypes of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.)

The aim of this study was to determine the basic morphological characteristics (weight, length) and antioxidant activity (using DPPH method) of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) inflorescences as well as some elderberry-derived food products prepared from fresh (honey, alcoholic extract, tea infusions) and dried inflorescences (syrup). For the study of problematic, it was used 113 wild-growing genotypes of elderberry from 56 locations in Slovakia growing at an altitude of 98.15 - 712.32 m. The weight of fresh inflorescences ranged from 0.45 to 57.59 g (75.65% coefficient of variation value), the total length of inflorescences ranged from 19.0 to 282.0 mm (22.42%), the length of inflorescence´s stems from 9.0 to 197.0 mm (31.51%), a number of petals predominated pentanumerous petals. Variability in primary and secondary branching reported a low to high degree of variability among as well as within the genotypes. Results showed significant differences in the shape of inflorescences and the colour of flowers among each genotype. Antioxidant activity by DPPH method in elderberry inflorescence water extract was between 85.12 and 89.29%. Activation of tea infusions and beverages was ensured using a mechanism Kalyxx based on galvanic effect. In beverages made from 10% diluted honey prepared from fresh inflorescences in the carbohydrate-based extract, anti-radical activity was determined in the range of 16.81 - 24.16%. In an alcoholic extract from fresh inflorescences, anti-radical activity was between 90.99 and 93.16%. In beverages acquired from the syrup of flowers, we identified antioxidant activity ranging from 37.92 (10%) to 62.82% (40%). Results indicated that elderberry inflorescences and elderberry-derived food products can be attractive to consumers and in future can increase the assortments of healthy products.

In vitro assessment of the ability of probiotics, blueberry and food carbohydrates to prevent S. pyogenes adhesion on pharyngeal epithelium and modulate immune responses

Group A streptococci (GAS) cause 20-30% of pediatric pharyngitis episodes, which are a major cause of ambulatory care visits. Therefore, a strategy to prevent GAS dissemination in children could significantly benefit public healthcare. Contextually, we assessed the possibility of employing alternative food-grade strategies to be used with the oral probiotic L. helveticus MIMLh5 for the prevention of pharyngeal infections. First, we demonstrated through an antagonism-by-exclusion assay that guaran may potentially prevent S. pyogenes adhesion on pharyngeal cells. Subsequently, we showed that an anthocyanin-rich fraction extracted from wild blueberry (BbE) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on the human macrophage cell line U937. Finally, we showed that BbE reduces interferon-β expression in MIMLh5-stimulated murine dendritic cells, resulting in a reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and TNF-α. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study indicates that different food-grade strategies may be concomitantly adopted to potentially prevent GAS colonization and modulate local immune defences.

Modulation of dendritic cell immune functions by plant components

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the key linkage between innate and adoptive immune response. DCs are classified as specialized antigen-presenting cells that initiate T-cell immune responses during infection and hypersensitivity, and maintain immune tolerance to self-antigens. Initiating T-cell immune responses may be beneficial in infectious diseases or cancer management, while, immunosuppressant or tolerogenic responses could be useful in controlling autoimmunity, allergy or inflammatory diseases. Several types of plant-derived components show promising properties in influencing DC functions. Various types of these components have been proven useful in clinical application and immune-based therapy. Therefore, focusing on the benefits of plant-based medicine regulating DC functions may be useful, low-cost, and accessible strategies for human health. This review illustrates recent studies, investigating the role of plant components in manipulating DC phenotype and function towards immunostimulating or immunosuppressing effects either in vitro or in vivo.

Inhibition of microglial activation by elderberry extracts and its phenolic components

AIMS

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is one of the oldest medicinal plants noted for its cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of the American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) pomace as well as some of the anthocyanins (cyanidin chloride and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside) and flavonols (quercetin and rutin) in bv-2 mouse microglial cells.

MAIN METHODS

The bv-2 cells were pretreated with elderberry pomace (extracted with ethanol or ethyl acetate) or its anthocyanins and flavonols and stimulated by either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interferon-γ (IFNγ). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production (indicating oxidative stress and inflammatory response) were measured using the ROS detection reagent DCF-DA and the Griess reaction, respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

Analysis of total monomeric anthocyanin (as cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents) indicated five-fold higher amount in the freeze-dried ethanol extract as compared to that of the oven-dried extract; anthocyanin was not detected in the ethyl acetate extracts. Elderberry ethanol extracts (freeze-dried or oven-dried) showed higher anti-oxidant activities and better ability to inhibit LPS or IFNγ-induced NO production as compared with the ethyl acetate extracts. The phenolic compounds strongly inhibited LPS or IFNγ-induced ROS production, but except for quercetin, they were relatively poor in inhibiting NO production.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results demonstrated differences in anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of elderberry extracts depending on solvents used. Results further identified quercetin as the most active component in suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses on microglial cells.

Traditional elderflower beverages: a rich source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity

Traditional elderflower beverages are very popular due to their pleasing taste and pro-health properties. Phenolics were quantified in three elderflower extracts (methanolic extraction and two water extracts prepared as fresh drinks according to local recipes) with HPLC-MS. Chromatographic patterns of methanolic and water extracts were quite similar; however, content levels of individual compounds differed between the two extraction solvents. Two feruloylquinic acids and two p-coumaroyl-caffeoylquinic acids and different flavonol glycosides have been identified in elderflowers for the first time. Hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonol glycosides were the major phenolic constituents in elderflowers. Methanolic extract contained higher levels of all phenolic groups compared to water-extracted samples. The yield of elderflower extracts depended on extract solution and time of extraction. Elderflower beverages were characterized by high total phenolic content (91.09 to 746.63 mg GAE/L). The results confirmed that elderflower beverages (sabesa, syrup) should be recommended as a good source of phenolics in human diet.

Plant components for immune modulation targeting dendritic cells: implication for therapy

Medicinal plant utilization is as old as human life. There are thousands of herbs consumed for medicinal purposes all over the world, especially in east. Their value has not decreased over time and many modern pharmaceuticals have originated from traditional medicinal plants. Studying the reason for their influence is an attractive field of medicine. Among various types of herbs, some function via their immunomodulatory effects. Experiments have shown the regulatory influences of several plants on each type of immune cell, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and NK cells. Because of the prominent role of DCs in antigen presentation as the major APC, this review summarizes the immunomodulatory effects of some plants performed through DC effects.

Does the couse of astragalus-containing chinese herbal prescriptions and radiotherapy benefit to non-small-cell lung cancer treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background. Radiotherapy has been widely used for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while its low efficacy and high toxicity raise big concerns. Astragalus (as a monarch drug)-containing Chinese herbal prescriptions and radiotherapy were frequently coused for NSCLC in China; however, the effects were not systematically analyzed. Objective. To evaluate the benefits of Astragalus-containing Chinese herbal prescriptions combined with radiotherapy for NSCLC. Methods. The randomized controlled trials involving NSCLC treatment with Astragalus-containing Chinese herbal prescriptions combined with radiotherapy were searched. The Review Manager 5.1 software was employed for data analysis. Funnel plot and Egger's test were applied to evaluate publication bias. Results. 29 eligible studies met our criteria. Of the studies, 8, 6, and 4 reported reduced risk of death at one year, two years, and three years, respectively. 26 studies revealed amended tumor response. Six studies showed improved Karnofsky performance status. Among the studies, 14 and 18 displayed a lowered white blood cells (WBC) toxicity and an ameliorated radiation pneumonia, respectively. Conclusion. Couse of Astragalus-containing Chinese herbal prescriptions and radiotherapy may benefit the patients with NSCLC via increasing the therapeutic effectiveness and reducing the toxicity of radiotherapy. To confirm the exact merits, further rigorously designed trials are warranted.