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Jalil B, Pischel I, Feistel B, Suarez C, Blainski A, Spreemann R, Roth-Ehrang R, Heinrich M. Wild thyme ( Thymus serpyllum L.): a review of the current evidence of nutritional and preventive health benefits. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1380962. [PMID: 38846542 PMCID: PMC11153689 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1380962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymus serpyllum L. (Lamiaceae), known in English as 'wild thyme', is primarily found in the Palearctic realm (Eurasia, North Africa) and has been utilized traditionally for culinary, nutritional, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. The essential oil extracted from wild thyme is particularly noteworthy, being used extensively in the food industry as a flavoring agent and preservative. The plant's aerial parts are commonly employed as an element of the diet (e.g., tea)/for culinary uses and in local/traditional medicine (primarily for managing respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions), similar to the use of common thyme. There is practically no information available on the species' nutritional benefits. Pharmacological studies, including in vitro and in vivo research, alongside a limited number of clinical trials, have investigated extracts of Thymus serpyllum, although these extracts are often phytochemically poorly characterized in different experimental protocols and models. These studies have demonstrated a range of therapeutic effects, such as antimicrobial (notably the essential oil) and anti-inflammatory, as well as its preventative health benefits and nutritional value of wild thyme. Preclinical studies have corroborated the plant's anti-inflammatory potential, particularly in conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndromes (IBS). Additionally, evidence of hepatoprotective activities and benefits in managing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health issues, such as lipid metabolism regulation, cholesterol reduction, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory effects, have been observed predominantly in rodent models. Phytochemical analysis of wild thyme reveals an essential oil fraction below 1%, along with non-volatile compounds predominantly comprising phenolic acids (such as rosmarinic, salvianolic, and caffeic acids) and flavonoids (mainly glucosides of luteolin, apigenin, and their derivatives). These components are believed to contribute significantly to the plant's medicinal, nutritional, and preventive health properties. Despite promising findings, there is a need for more rigorously designed controlled clinical trials using phytochemically characterized wild thyme. The plant has an excellent safety and tolerability record. This review at the interface of nutritional/preventive health properties and as pharmacological activities highlights the current role of wild thyme in nutrition and general healthcare as well as its future potential, and also points to important gaps in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banaz Jalil
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ivo Pischel
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
- Dr. Ivo Pischel Consulting, Rossbach, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Heinrich
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Azhar J, Nadeem A, Javed M, Ahmad HI, Hassan FU, Shah FS. Evaluation of phytochemicals from Thymus serpyllum as potential drug candidates to manage oxidative stress in transition dairy cows. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:2897-2912. [PMID: 37154530 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2209190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Dairy cows undergo immense stress and experience autoimmune reactions during the transition period, majorly due to the generation of ROS in the body. So, pharmacological approaches are needed to manage oxidative stress in the transition cows. Recently, the use of phytochemicals as feed additives in cows' nutrition has gained interest in managing various disease conditions. In the current study, we have evaluated the potential effects of phytochemicals derived from methanolic extract of Thymus serpyllum against oxidative stress and autoimmunity via inhibition of bovine nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The free radical scavenging activity of Thymus serpyllum seed and leaf extracts was 71.8 and 75.6%, respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration. Similarly, both extracts displayed radicals reducing power and inhibition of lipid-peroxidation maximally at 100 µg/mL. A total of 52 bioactive compounds were identified when the plant extract was characterized by the GC-MS analysis, and five (Thymol, Luteolin 7-o-glucuronide, Rosmarinic acid, Apigenin 6,8-di-c-glucoside, Kaempferol) had binding free energy values of -11.6433, -10.002, -8.2615, -7.1714, -6.4870, respectively, in complexes with bovine NF-κB. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Kaempferol was most stable based on RSMD value and MM/GBSA binding energy. The biochemical assays and computational studies indicated that Thymus serpyllum could be used as a promising feed additive in dairy cows to manage oxidative stress during the transition period.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanzaib Azhar
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asif Nadeem
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Javed
- Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Faiz-Ul Hassan
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Sheraz Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
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Sun L, Wen L, Li Q, Chen R, Wen S, Lai X, Lai Z, Cao J, Zhang Z, Hao M, Cao F, Sun S. Microbial Fermentation Enhances the Effect of Black Tea on Hyperlipidemia by Mediating Bile Acid Metabolism and Remodeling Intestinal Microbes. Nutrients 2024; 16:998. [PMID: 38613030 PMCID: PMC11013065 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Black tea (BT), the most consumed tea worldwide, can alleviate hyperlipidemia which is a serious threat to human health. However, the quality of summer BT is poor. It was improved by microbial fermentation in a previous study, but whether it affects hypolipidemic activity is unknown. Therefore, we compared the hypolipidemic activity of BT and microbially fermented black tea (EFT). The results demonstrated that BT inhibited weight gain and improved lipid and total bile acid (TBA) levels, and microbial fermentation reinforced this activity. Mechanistically, both BT and EFT mediate bile acid circulation to relieve hyperlipidemia. In addition, BT and EFT improve dyslipidemia by modifying the gut microbiota. Specifically, the increase in Lactobacillus johnsonii by BT, and the increase in Mucispirillum and Colidextribacter by EFT may also be potential causes for alleviation of hyperlipidemia. In summary, we demonstrated that microbial fermentation strengthened the hypolipidemic activity of BT and increased the added value of BT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Sun
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Lianghua Wen
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510000, China; (L.W.); (F.C.)
| | - Qiuhua Li
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Ruohong Chen
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Shuai Wen
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Xingfei Lai
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Zhaoxiang Lai
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Junxi Cao
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Zhenbiao Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Mengjiao Hao
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Fanrong Cao
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510000, China; (L.W.); (F.C.)
| | - Shili Sun
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Resources Innovation and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.S.); (Q.L.); (R.C.); (S.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (J.C.); (Z.Z.); (M.H.)
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Yao Y, Whent M, Li Y, Liu Z, Pehrsson P, Sun J, Chen P, Huang D, Wang TTY, Wu X, Yu L. Chemical Composition of Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) Extracts, Potential Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-ACE2 Binding and ACE2 Activity, and Radical Scavenging Capacity. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19523-19530. [PMID: 38039415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Water and ethanol extracts of dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) were analyzed for chemical composition, inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction, inhibition of ACE2 activity, and free radical scavenging capacity. Thirty-two compounds were identified in water extract (WE) and 27 were identified in ethanol extract (EE) of thyme through HPLC-MS. The WE (33.3 mg/mL) and EE (3.3 mg/mL) of thyme inhibited the spike protein-ACE2 interaction by 82.6 and 86.4%, respectively. The thyme WE at 5 mg/mL inhibited ACE2 activity by 99%, and the EE at 5 mg/mL inhibited ACE2 by 65.8%. Total phenolics were determined to be 38.9 and 8.8 mg of GAE/g in WE and EE, respectively. The HO• scavenging capacities were 1121.1 and 284.4 μmol of TE/g in WE and EE, respectively. The relative DPPH• scavenging capacities were 126.3 μmol TE/g in WE and 28.2 μmol TE/g in EE. The ABTS•+ scavenging capacities were 267.1 μmol TE/g in WE and 96.7 μmol TE/g in EE. The results suggested that the thyme extract could be potentially used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and mitigate the complications from the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhang Yao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Monica Whent
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Yanfang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Pamela Pehrsson
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Jianghao Sun
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Pei Chen
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Dejian Huang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Thomas T Y Wang
- Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Xianli Wu
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Liangli Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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Rodríguez-Sojo MJ, Ruiz-Malagón AJ, Hidalgo-García L, Molina-Tijeras JA, Diez-Echave P, López-Escanez L, Rosati L, González-Lozano E, Cenis-Cifuentes L, García-García J, García F, Robles-Vera I, Romero M, Duarte J, Cenis JL, Lozano-Pérez AA, Gálvez J, Rodríguez-Cabezas ME, Rodríguez-Nogales A. The Prebiotic Effects of an Extract with Antioxidant Properties from Morus alba L. Contribute to Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040978. [PMID: 37107352 PMCID: PMC10136151 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global health issue, in which modifications in gut microbiota composition have a key role. Different therapeutic strategies are being developed in combination with diet and exercise, including the use of plant extracts, such as those obtained from Morus alba L. leaves. Recent studies have revealed their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of the present work was to evaluate whether the beneficial effects of M. alba L. leaf extract in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice is correlated with its impact on gut microbiota. The extract reduced body weight gain and attenuated lipid accumulation, as well as increased glucose sensitivity. These effects were associated with an amelioration of the obesity-associated inflammatory status, most probably due to the described antioxidant properties of the extract. Moreover, M. alba L. leaf extract mitigated gut dysbiosis, which was evidenced by the restoration of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and the decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Specifically, the extract administration reduced Alistipes and increased Faecalibaculum abundance, these effects being correlated with the beneficial effects exerted by the extract on the obesity-associated inflammation. In conclusion, anti-obesogenic effects of M. alba L. leaf extract may be mediated through the amelioration of gut dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús Rodríguez-Sojo
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús Ruiz-Malagón
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Hidalgo-García
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Alberto Molina-Tijeras
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Patricia Diez-Echave
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Laura López-Escanez
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Lucrezia Rosati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena González-Lozano
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Jorge García-García
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Federico García
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Servicio Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBER-INFECC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Robles-Vera
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Romero
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Duarte
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Cenis
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Abel Lozano-Pérez
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario, 30150 Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Julio Gálvez
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBER-EHD), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Elena Rodríguez-Cabezas
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Alba Rodríguez-Nogales
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
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Molina-Tijeras JA, Ruiz-Malagón AJ, Hidalgo-García L, Diez-Echave P, Rodríguez-Sojo MJ, Cádiz-Gurrea MDLL, Segura-Carretero A, del Palacio JP, González-Tejero MR, Rodríguez-Cabezas ME, Gálvez J, Rodríguez-Nogales A, Vezza T, Algieri F. The Antioxidant Properties of Lavandula multifida Extract Contribute to Its Beneficial Effects in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040832. [PMID: 37107207 PMCID: PMC10135096 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a worldwide public health problem whose prevalence rate has increased steadily over the last few years. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the management of obesity and its comorbidities, and plant-based treatments are receiving increasing attention worldwide. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate a well-characterized extract of Lavandula multifida (LME) in an experimental model of obesity in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms. Interestingly, the daily administration of LME reduced weight gain as well as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Additionally, LME ameliorated the inflammatory state in both liver and adipose tissue by decreasing the expression of various proinflammatory mediators (Il-6, Tnf-α, Il-1β, Jnk-1, Pparα, Pparγ, and Ampk) and prevented increased gut permeability by regulating the expression of mucins (Muc-1, Muc-2, and Muc-3) and proteins implicated in epithelial barrier integrity maintenance (Ocln, Tjp1, and Tff-3). In addition, LME showed the ability to reduce oxidative stress by inhibiting nitrite production on macrophages and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that LME may represent a promising complementary approach for the management of obesity and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Alberto Molina-Tijeras
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús Ruiz-Malagón
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Hidalgo-García
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.H.-G.); (A.R.-N.); Tel.: +34-958241519 (A.R.-N.)
| | - Patricia Diez-Echave
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - María Jesús Rodríguez-Sojo
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Segura-Carretero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José Pérez del Palacio
- Fundación MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos Innovadores en Andalucía, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - María Elena Rodríguez-Cabezas
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Gálvez
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Rodríguez-Nogales
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.H.-G.); (A.R.-N.); Tel.: +34-958241519 (A.R.-N.)
| | - Teresa Vezza
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Francesca Algieri
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs. GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
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7
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Thymus serpyllum Exhibits Anti-Diabetic Potential in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Mice: A Combined Biochemical and In Vivo Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173561. [PMID: 36079819 PMCID: PMC9460602 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lack of insulin production. It has been previously reported that Thymus serpyllum has therapeutic potential against many diseases. To investigate the antidiabetic action of Thymus serpyllum, this study aimed to analyze its restorative impact in diabetic mice, in which it was administered in diet. Diabetes was induced in BALB/c mice fed with a high-fat diet and two intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin. With the onset of diabetes, the mice were administered daily with aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum (500 mg/kg/d and 800 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were measured after every 1 week of the treatment. Subsequently, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were conducted. In addition, liver tissue was isolated for assessment in terms of levels of gene expression of the AMPK, IRS1, and GLUT2 gene. Treatment with the aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum was found to be significantly effective in controlling hyperglycemia and improving glucose and insulin tolerance. Predictable with these impacts, the extract of Thymus serpyllum upregulated the AMPK expression at the mRNA level, as well as upregulating the expression of IRS1 and GLUT2 gene. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, and pancreas also revealed the restorative impact in terms of cellular morphology. The results hence demonstrated that oral administration of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum can potentially attenuate hyperglycemia in the liver muscle of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice via AMPK and IRS1 upregulation.
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