The Anti-Inflammatory and Vasodilating Effects of Three Selected Dietary Organic Sulfur Compounds from Allium Species

Profiles of volatile sulfur compounds in various vegetables consumed in Korea using HS-SPME-GC/MS technique

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are not only important for their therapeutic potential but also significantly influence the flavor profiles of agricultural products. VSCs exhibit various chemical structures due to their stability and volatility, and they may form or be altered as a result of enzymatic and chemical reactions during storage and cooking. This study has focused on profiles of VSCs in 58 different vegetable samples by using HS-SPME-GC/MS technique and chemometric analyses. The validation was carried out using cabbage juice as a vegetable matrix for VSCs analysis, showing satisfactory repeatability (RSD 8.07% ~ 9.45%), reproducibility (RSD 4.22% ~ 7.71%), accuracy and specificity. The established method was utilized on various vegetables, revealing that 21 VSCs such as sulfides, disulfides, trisulfides, isothiocyanates, sulfhydryls, and thiophenes were successfully identified and quantified. These compounds were found in a range of vegetables including Allium species, Cruciferae, Capsicum species, green leafy vegetables, and mushrooms. In particular, isocyanate and allyl groups were abundant in Cruciferae and Allium vegetables, respectively. Cooking conditions were shown to reduce the levels of certain sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl trisulfide in vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, suggesting that heat treatment can lead to the volatilization and reduction of these compounds. The present study provides reliable insights into the compositions of VSCs in various vegetables and examines the changes induced by different cooking methods.

Role of Gasotransmitters in Inflammatory Edema

Significance: Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are, to date, the identified members of the gasotransmitter family, which consists of gaseous signaling molecules that play central roles in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including inflammatory edema. Recent Advances: Recent studies show the potential anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic effects of NO-, CO-, and H2S-donors in vivo. In general, it has been observed that the therapeutical effects of NO-donors are more relevant when administered at low doses at the onset of the inflammatory process. Regarding CO-donors, their antiedematogenic effects are mainly associated with inhibition of proinflammatory mediators (such as inducible NO synthase [iNOS]-derived NO), and the observed protective effects of H2S-donors seem to be mediated by reducing some proinflammatory enzyme activities. Critical Issues: The most recent investigations focus on the interactions among the gasotransmitters under different pathophysiological conditions. However, the biochemical/pharmacological nature of these interactions is neither general nor fully understood, although specifically dependent on the site where the inflammatory edema occurs. Future Directions: Considering the nature of the involved mechanisms, a deeper knowledge of the interactions among the gasotransmitters is mandatory. In addition, the development of new pharmacological tools, either donors or synthesis inhibitors of the three gasotransmitters, will certainly aid the basic investigations and open new strategies for the therapeutic treatment of inflammatory edema. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 272-291.

Wuliangye Baijiu but not ethanol reduces cardiovascular disease risks in a zebrafish thrombosis model

Understanding how Baijiu facilitates blood circulation and prevents blood stasis is crucial for revealing the mechanism of Baijiu for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Here we established a zebrafish thrombosis model induced using arachidonic acid (AA) to quantitatively evaluate the antithrombotic effect of Wuliangye Baijiu. The prevention and reduction effects of aspirin, Wuliangye, and ethanol on thrombosis were compared using imaging and molecular characterization. Wuliangye Baijiu reduces thrombotic risks and oxidative stress in the AA-treated zebrafish, while ethanol with the same concentration has no similar effect. The prevention and reduction effects of Wuliangye on thrombosis are attributed to the change in the metabolic and signaling pathways related to platelet aggregation and adhesion, oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Biological Functions of Diallyl Disulfide, a Garlic-Derived Natural Organic Sulfur Compound

Garlic is widely accepted as a functional food and an excellent source of pharmacologically active ingredients. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a major bioactive component of garlic, has several beneficial biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. This review systematically evaluated the biological functions of DADS and discussed the underlying molecular mechanisms of these functions. We hope that this review provides guidance and insight into the current literature and enables future research and the development of DADS for intervention and treatment of multiple diseases.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Mixture of Dipropyl Polysulfides in Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatitis

The main biologically active components of plants belonging to the genus Allium, responsible for their biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory, are organosulfur compounds. The aim of this study was to synthetize the mixture of dipropyl polysulfides (DPPS) and to test their biological activity in acute hepatitis. C57BL/6 mice were administered orally with DPPS 6 h before intravenous injection of Concanavalin A (ConA). Liver inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes apoptosis were determined by histological analyses. Cytokines in liver tissue were determined by ELISA, expression of adhesive molecules and enzymes by RT PCR, while liver mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. DPPS pretreatment significantly attenuated liver inflammation and injury, as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological observations. In DPPS-pretreated mice, messenger RNA levels of adhesion molecules and NADPH oxidase complex were significantly reduced, while the expression of SOD enzymes was enhanced. DPPS pretreatment decreased protein level of inflammatory cytokines and increased percentage of T regulatory cells in the livers of ConA mice. DPPS showed hepatoprotective effects in ConA-induced hepatitis, characterized by attenuation of inflammation and affection of Th17/Treg balance in favor of T regulatory cells and implicating potential therapeutic usage of DPPS mixture in inflammatory liver diseases.

Review of aromatherapy essential oils and their mechanism of action against migraines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Migraines have become a major threat to human health, as they significantly affect human health and quality of life due to a high prevalence rate, attack rate and pain intensity. Aromatherapy, with its comfortable and pleasant natural characteristics and rapid and efficient characteristics, is widely favored by patients in the folk. Chinese folk also have the application history and related records of aromatic plants in the treatment of migraine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to review the pathogenesis of migraine, the application of plant essential oils in the treatment of migraine, and further explore the material basis and mechanism of action of plant essential oils against migraine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Search the electronic literature of essential oils with anti-migraine effect in Google Scholar, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and further search the research situation of the monomer components of essential oils in migraine, inflammation, pain and other aspects.

RESULTS

studies show that there are 10 types of plant essential oils that could relieve migraine symptoms, and that 16 monomers may play a role in migraine treatment by effectively inhibiting neurogenic inflammation, hyperalgesia and balancing vasorelaxation.

CONCLUSION

Aromatic plant essential oils can relieve migraine effectively, these findings can be used as an important part of the development of anti-migraine drugs.

Functional Application of Sulfur-Containing Spice Compounds

Sulfur-containing spice compounds possess diverse biological functions and play an important role in food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The development of functional spices has become increasingly popular, especially for medicinal functions for dietary health. Thus, this review focuses on the properties and functions of sulfur-containing spice compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, anticancer, antibacterial, and insecticidal functions, among others. Developments over the last five years concerning the properties of sulfur-containing spice compounds are summarized and discussed.

Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that is associated with pulmonary arteries remodeling, right ventricle hypertrophy, right ventricular failure and finally death. The present study aims to review the medicinal plants and phytochemicals used for PH treatment in the period of 1994 – 2019.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus were searched based on pulmonary hypertension, plant and phytochemical keywords from August 23, 2019. All articles that matched the study based on title and abstract were collected, non-English, repetitive and review studies were excluded.

Results

Finally 41 studies remained from a total of 1290. The results show that many chemical treatments considered to this disease are ineffective in the long period because they have a controlling role, not a therapeutic one. On the other hand, plants and phytochemicals could be more effective due to their action on many mechanisms that cause the progression of PH.

Conclusion

Studies have shown that herbs and phytochemicals used to treat PH do their effects from six mechanisms. These mechanisms include antiproliferative, antioxidant, antivascular remodeling, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and apoptosis inducing actions. According to the present study, many of these medicinal plants and phytochemicals can have effects that are more therapeutic than chemical drugs if used appropriately.

Hepatoprotective potential and antioxidant activity of Allium tripedale in acetaminophen-induced oxidative damage

Allium tripedale (A. tripedale) is a species of wild Allium native to northwest Iran that its hepatoprotective effects have not yet been confirmed. This study investigated the effect of A. tripedale plant against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver damage. After preliminary studies, the A. tripedale methanol fraction (ATMF) was selected for in vivo study. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups of 6 each and treated by gavage as follows: groups 1 and 2 received normal saline; group 3 received 400 mg/kg of ATMF; and groups 4-6 were treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ATMF, respectively. After two consecutive weeks, except groups 1 and 3, rats were administered with an oral single dose of APAP (2 g/kg). After 48 h, blood and liver samples were collected for histological and biochemical examinations. The results showed that APAP caused a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase serum levels, lipid peroxidation (all with P < 0.001) and hepatic nitric oxide (P < 0.01). In addition, APAP led to the depletion of the total antioxidant capacity, total thiol group (both with P < 0.001), and structural alterations in the hepatic tissue. Following administration of ATMF extract, a significant improvement was observed in the functional and oxidative stress markers of hepatic tissue alongside histopathologic changes. In conclusion, the present study showed that the administration of ATMF might prevent hepatic oxidative damage by improving oxidant/antioxidant balance in animals exposed to APAP.

Prospective study of total and various types of vegetables and the risk of metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Data available on the association between consumption of various types of vegetables and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain inconsistent.

AIM

To investigate the association between the intake of various types of vegetables and MetS among children and adolescents and MetS.

METHODS

The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study cohort included 424 children and adolescents initially free of MetS. At the 3.6 year follow-up, 47 new cases of MetS were identified. A 168-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to collect information about total and various types of vegetables consumed, including allium-, green leafy-, fruity-, root-, stalk-, starchy-, potatoes, and cabbage. MetS was defined according to the Cook et al^[32] criteria.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) of total vegetable consumption was 217 (146-344) g/d. After adjustment for demographic characteristics and dietary intake, higher total- (≥ 350 g/d) and higher allium vegetable consumption (≥ 30 g/d) in the fourth quartile were significantly and inversely associated with risk of MetS compared to the first quartile. Consumption of green leafy vegetables in the third (21.4-38.3 g/d) versus the first quartile (≤ 13.5 g/d) demonstrated a significant inverse association with lower risk of MetS in children and adolescents; associations for other types of vegetables consumed were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of vegetables, especially allium and green leafy vegetables, in sufficient amounts may be beneficial in reducing the risk of MetS among children and adolescents.

Influence of saliva on individual in-mouth aroma release from raw cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra L.) and links to perception

Raw or minimally processed vegetables are popular for health reasons and for their unique textural and flavor attributes. While many aroma volatiles are produced in situ when plant tissues are mechanically disrupted, enzymes expressed in bacteria in oral microbiota such as cysteine-β-lyase (EC 4.4.1.13) may also contribute to aroma formation in-mouth during consumption. Interactions between raw cabbage and fresh human saliva (n = 21) were measured ex vivo by real-time monitoring of sulfur volatile production by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Inter-individual differences in the concentration of sulfur volatiles from the breakdown of S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO) in fresh cabbage by saliva were characterized and a 10-fold difference in the extent of sulfur volatile production was measured across individuals. The overall intensity and garlic odor of raw cabbage was positively correlated with the concentration of sulfur volatiles after incubation with fresh human saliva. A buildup of SMSCO-derived sulfur volatiles in vivo, over twenty repeated mouthfuls was demonstrated, indicating that these reactions can affect sensory perception within the timescale of eating. These findings show the perceived odor experienced when eating cabbage differs, thus resulting in a unique flavor experience between individuals.

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the inhibition effect of three disulfide-based flavouring agents for copper corrosion in 0.5 M sulfuric acid

Diallyl disulfide (DAD), propyl disulfide (PPD) and dibenzyl disulfide (DBD) flavouring agents as copper corrosion inhibitors in 0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄ solution were evaluated with multitudinous experiments including electrochemical techniques, morphological characterization measurements, FTIR spectra and theoretical calculations. The electrochemical results indicate that PPD and DBD show mixed-type inhibitors and DAD belongs to cathodic-type inhibitor, and the corrosion inhibition capacity follow order: PPD > DBD > DAD. The adsorption of these compounds on the surface of copper conforms to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Furthermore, theoretical calculations were applied to deeply understand the inhibition mechanism of three disulfide-based compounds.

Potential Mechanisms of Action of Dietary Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention by Targeting Cellular Signaling Transduction Pathways

Cancer is a severe health problem that significantly undermines life span and quality. Dietary approach helps provide preventive, nontoxic, and economical strategies against cancer. Increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are linked to reduced risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The anticancer activities of plant-based foods are related to the actions of phytochemicals. One potential mechanism of action of anticancer phytochemicals is that they regulate cellular signal transduction pathways and hence affects cancer cell behaviors such as proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Recent publications have reported phytochemicals to have anticancer activities through targeting a wide variety of cell signaling pathways at different levels, such as transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation, protein activation and intercellular messaging. In this review, we discuss major groups of phytochemicals and their regulation on cell signaling transduction against carcinogenesis via key participators, such as Nrf2, CYP450, MAPK, Akt, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, p53, NF-κB, and cancer-related miRNAs.