Effects of dietary isoflavones from Puerariae radix on lipid and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats

Aqueous Extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge-Radix Puerariae Herb Pair Attenuates Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats Through Suppressing Osteoclast Differentiation

Traditional herb pair Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge-Radix Puerariae (DG) owns various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one high-risk factor for osteoporosis, then effect of DG on osteoporosis and underlying mechanisms was explored both in vivo and in vitro. Firstly, the predication from network pharmacology hinted that DG has the potential for ameliorating osteoporosis. Consistent with predication, DG significantly restored bone loss and deficiency of type II collagen, decreased TRAP and Cathepsin K positive areas in femur. Meanwhile it improved important characteristics of microarchitectural deterioration of tissue, reduced the numbers of NFATc1-positive osteoclast in the vertebra as well as decreased the serum osteoclast-specific cytokine RANKL and OPG release in OVX rats exhibiting its protective effect against osteoporosis. In vitro, DG noticeably decreased osteoclastic-special marker protein expressions of RANK, c-Fos and NFATc1. Furthermore, autophagy pathway p62/LC3B, ROS production and NF-κB were all activated by RANKL stimulation and blocked by DG pretreatment. Moreover, autophagy inhibitors, ROS scavenger, Ca²⁺ chelator and NF-κB inhibitor remarkably suppressed c-Fos and NFATc1 expressions. Taken together, DG may ameliorate osteoporosis by regulating osteoclast differentiation mediated by autophagy and oxidative stress. This study provided a mechanistic basis for DG treating osteoporosis and offered a safe dose for DG in preventing and improving bone diseases.

Combined Extract of Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Eclipta prostrata L., and Pueraria lobata Ohwi Improved Hot Flashes and Depression in an Ovariectomized Rat Model of Menopause

Menopause leads to ovarian hormone loss, which causes symptoms such as weight gain, hot flashes, and depression. Exploring nutraceuticals is important for treating menopausal symptoms that extensively impact women's quality of life. We hypothesized that a combination of Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Eclipta prostrata L., and Pueraria lobata Ohwi (LEPE) would alleviate menopausal symptoms in an ovariectomized menopausal rat model. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed and animals were assigned to five groups: (1) Sham, (2) Vehicle, (-) Control, (3) LEPE (100 mg/kg bw), (4) LEPE (200 mg/kg bw), and (5) Estradiol (3 μg/kg bw). LEPE was orally administered daily for 12 weeks. LEPE supplementation did not affect growth performance (body weight and feed intake) or body composition (lean mass and fat in tissue). LEPE did not cause deviations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, indicating no hepatotoxicity or endocrine disturbance. LEPE decreased type I collagen (CTX-1) but did not affect bone mineral density or osteocalcin. LEPE decreased tail temperature and increased rectal temperature, improving menopause-related vasomotor symptoms. Furthermore, LEPE ameliorated depression-related behavior, including in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Thus, LEPE may improve menopausal symptoms by enhancing vasomotor symptoms and depression in an ovariectomized rat menopause model.

Improvement in Menopause-Associated Hepatic Lipid Metabolic Disorders by Herbal Formula HPC03 on Ovariectomized Rats

Postmenopausal women have an increased risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We formulated a combination of three herb mixtures (HPC03) and observed lipid-lowering efficacy. HepG2 cells were treated with oleic acid to induce an NAFLD model (in vitro). Also, we investigated potential of HPC03 in an ovariectomize- (OVX-) induced NAFLD model (in vivo). We separated the mice into six groups, as follows: SHAM, OVX, OVX + β-estradiol, and OVX + HPC03 (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Rats were administered with/without HPC03 for 12 weeks. HPC03 dose dependently inhibited the lipid accumulation involved in lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. The body weight, fat mass, and weights of the liver were decreased in the OVX group than that in the other groups. HPC03 had decreased adiposity that was induced by OVX. HPC03 treatment reduced liver lipid deposition and prevented the increase in serum and liver triglyceride export when there was a deficiency in estradiol. HPC03 improves OVX-induced fatty liver and lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that HPC03 from postmenopausal women has a protective effect during NAFLD conditions.

Standardized rice bran extract improves hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells and ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES

Hepatic steatosis is the most common liver disorder, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study investigated the protective effects of standardized rice bran extract (RBS) on ovariectomized (OVX)-induced hepatic steatosis in rats.

MATERIALS/METHODS

HepG2 cells were incubated with 200 µM oleic acid to induce lipid accumulation with or without RBS and γ-oryzanol. OVX rats were separated into three groups and fed a normal diet (ND) or the ND containing 17β-estradiol (E2; 10 µg/kg) and RBS (500 mg/kg) for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

RBS supplementation improved serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in OVX rats. Histological analysis showed that RBS significantly attenuated hepatic fat accumulation and decreased hepatic lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, RBS suppressed the estrogen deficiency-induced upregulation of lipogenic genes, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1.

CONCLUSIONS

RBS and γ-oryzanol effectively reduced lipid accumulation in a HepG2 cell hepatic steatosis model. RBS improves OVX-induced hepatic steatosis by regulating the SREBP1-mediated activation of lipogenic genes, suggesting the benefits of RBS in preventing fatty liver in postmenopausal women.

Simultaneous separation and determination of seven isoflavones in Radix Puerariae by capillary electrophoresis with a dual cyclodextrin system

A simple, comprehensive and efficient capillary electrophoresis method using a dual cyclodextrin system was developed for the simultaneous determination of seven isoflavones (3'-methoxypuerarin, puerarin, 3'-hydroxypuerarin, ononin, daidzin, daidzein and genistin). Baseline separations of the seven isoflavones were achieved within 11 min with the running buffer consisting of 35 mm sodium tetraborate, 9.0 mm sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin and 30 mm α-cyclodextrin at pH 9.34, and peaks were detected at 254 nm. Other separation parameters included the separation voltage for 15 kV and the working temperature for 25°C. Under the optimum conditions, good linearities were obtained with linear correlation coefficients of seven isoflavones of 0.9978-0.9992. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification were 0.7-2.9 and 2.5-9.5 μg/mL, respectively. Excellent precision and accuracy were obtained. The intraday and interday precision ranged from 0.7 to 2.0% and from 0.8 to 1.9%, respectively. The recoveries of seven analytes were from 97.7 to 103.1%. This method was successfully applied to determine the seven analytes in Radix Puerariae and its preparations.

Suppression Effect of Astaxanthin on Osteoclast Formation In Vitro and Bone Loss In Vivo

Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction of the bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone, which lead to bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Astaxanthin (AST) has a variety of biological activities, such as a protective effect against asthma or neuroinflammation, antioxidant effect, and decrease of the osteoclast number in the right mandibles in the periodontitis model. Although treatment with AST is known to have an effect on inflammation, no studies on the effect of AST exposure on bone loss have been performed. Thus, in the present study, we examined the antiosteoporotic effect of AST on bone mass in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and its possible mechanism of action. The administration of AST (5, 10 mg/kg) for 6 weeks suppressed the enhancement of serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture of the trabecular bone in the tibia and femur were recovered by AST exposure. Moreover, in the in vitro experiment, we demonstrated that AST inhibits osteoclast formation through the expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) c1, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), TRAP, and cathepsin K without any cytotoxic effects on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Therefore, we suggest that AST may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Pueraria lobate Inhibits RANKL-Mediated Osteoclastogenesis Via Downregulation of CREB/PGC1β/c-Fos/NFATc1 Signaling

Puerariae radix, the dried root of Pueraria lobate Ohwi, is known to prevent bone loss in ovariectomized mice; however, the precise molecular mechanisms are not understood. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of Puerariae radix extract (PRE) on receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. PRE dose-dependently inhibited osteoclast differentiation and formation, decreased the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts, and downregulated the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes. The expression of osteoclastogenic factors produced by PRE-treated osteoblasts such as RANKL, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was comparable to that of untreated (control) cells. However, the formation of osteoclasts via bone marrow cell and calvaria-derived osteoblast co-cultures was suppressed by PRE treatment. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of PRE on osteoclastogenesis clearly targeted osteoclasts, but not osteoblasts. PRE treatment considerably reduced RANKL-induced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activity, especially c-Jun N-terminal kinase, in osteoclast precursor cells. In addition, PRE markedly suppressed cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation and the induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1β (PGC1β), which stimulate osteoclastogenesis - an effect that was not observed for puerarin and 17-β estradiol. Finally, PRE treatment significantly repressed the expression of c-Fos and the nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), which is a master transcription factor for osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these results strongly suggest that PRE is an effective inhibitor of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and may be a potent therapeutic agent for bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.

Anti-climacterium effects of pomegranate concentrated solutions in ovariectomized ddY mice

In the present study, the complex anti-climacterium potential of standardized pomegranate concentrated solution (PCS) was investigated using bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) female ddY mice. Changes in body weight and gain during experimental periods, food consumption, serum estradiol levels, total body and abdominal fat densities, abdominal fat pads, and uterus weights were observed, along with the histopathology of abdominal fat pads and uterus for anti-obesity and estrogenic effects. In addition, liver weights, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and histopathological inspections were performed to explore the hepato-protective effects. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein, and triglyceride (TG) levels were monitored for hypolipidemic effects with total body and femur mean bone mineral density (BMD), right femur wet, dry and ash weights, strength, serum osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP) contents, and histological and histomorphometrical analyses for anti-osteoporosis activity. As a result of OVX, notable increases in body weight and gains, food consumption, abdominal fat mass densities, weights of abdominal fat pads deposited in the abdominal cavity, and serum AST, ALT, TC, LDL, TG, and osteocalcin levels were observed, along with decreases in the uterus, liver, and femur weights, mean total body and femur BMD, femur strength, serum bALP, and estradiol levels. In addition, marked hypertrophic alterations in adipocytes located in the deposited abdominal fat pads, liver steatosis, uterine disused atrophic changes, and decreases in bone mass and structures of the femur were also observed in OVX control mice with significant increases in bone resorption markers based on histopathological and histomorphometrical analysis. However, these estrogen-deficient climacterium symptoms were significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) inhibited after 84 days of continuous treatment with estradiol and PCS (1, 2 and 4 ml/kg), respectively. The present results suggested that PCS was able to effectively inhibit or refine the climacterium symptoms, including obesity, hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and osteoporosis, induced by OVX in ddY mice.

Chinese herbal drugs for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Objectives

To explore the various pharmacological actions and the molecular mechanisms behind them by which Chinese herbs tend to lower the risk of developing microvascular diabetic complications in retina and prevent its further progression.

Key findings

Several Chinese herbs, indeed, elicit potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma receptor agonistic, platelet-activating factor antagonistic, aldose reductase inhibitory and various other beneficial pharmacological activities, required to counteract the pathological conditions prevalent in retina during diabetes.

Summary

Chinese herbs can potentially be used for the treatment/prevention of diabetic retinopathy owing to the virtue of numerous properties by which they alleviate several hyperglycaemia-induced pathological occurrences in retina. This would provide a natural and safe therapy for diabetic retinopathy, which currently is clinically limited to destructive techniques like laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy.

Combination therapy with catechins and caffeine inhibits fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells

Catechins and caffeine, which are green tea components, have a slimming effect; however, the combinational effect of fat metabolism in 3T3-L1 cells remains unclear. In the present study, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with catechins and caffeine in combination, and it was found that combination therapy with catechins and caffeine markedly reduced intracellular fat accumulation, mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α in the early stage of cell differentiation were significantly reduced, and mRNA expression of fatty acid synthetase(FAS) andglycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase protein expression levels of FAS were downregulated. Noradrenaline-induced lipolysis was enhanced by caffeine, which markedly increased the protein expression of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone sensitive lipase. These results indicated that combination therapy with catechins and caffeine synergistically inhibited lipid accumulation by regulating the gene and protein expression levels of lipid metabolism-related enzymes. Therefore, catechins and caffeine combination therapy has potential as a functional food that may be used to prevent obesity and lifestyle-associated diseases.

Selection of the Optimal Herbal Compositions of Red Clover and Pomegranate According to Their Protective Effect against Climacteric Symptoms in Ovariectomized Mice

This study aimed to ascertain the optimal range of red clover dry extracts (RC) and dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) to induce anti-climacteric effects. Thus, the dose ranges showing protective effect of mixed formulae consisting of RC and PCP were examined in ovariectomized mice. At 28 days after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), mixed herbal compositions (RC:PCP = 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1) were administered orally, at 120 mg/kg once daily for 84 days. We evaluated that RC and PCP mixture attenuate OVX-caused obesity, hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and osteoporosis. Compared to OVX-induced control mice, body weight and abdominal fat weight in OVX-induced mice were significantly decreased, concomitantly with increase of uterus weight by RC:PCP mixture. Additionally, significant increases in serum estradiol levels were observed in all RC:PCP-treated mice. RC:PCP mixture also showed protective effect against OVX-induced hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis. Total body and femur mean bone mineral density (BMD), osteocalcin, bALP contents were effectively increased by RC:PCP mixture. Taken together, RC:PCP mixture (2:1, 1:1, and 4:1) has remarkable protective effects against the changes induced by OVX. In particular, RC:PCP mixture (2:1) shows the strongest effect and may be considered as a potential protective agent against climacteric symptoms.

Aspergillus oryzae fermented germinated soybean extract alleviates perimenopausal symptoms in ovariectomised rats

BACKGROUND

Soybeans have been widely used to alleviate climacteric symptoms. In this study, we investigated the oestrogenic activities of isoflavones extracted from Aspergillus oryzae-challenged germinated soybeans (AO-GS). Eight-week-old virgin Sprague-Dawley female rats were ovariectomised (OVX). The rats were orally administered 0.1 mg kg(-1) 17α-ethinyl oestradiol or three different doses of AO-GS (0.5, 1.0 2.0 g kg(-1) day(-1)) in distilled water for 6 weeks, while control rats were administered vehicle alone. Uterine weights and levels of oestradiol and testosterone in serum were measured. In addition to serum parameters, bone parameters were also acquired by using micro-computed tomography scanning.

RESULTS

Treatments of OVX rats with AO-GS changed the secretory profile of serum oestradiol and testosterone. Serum oestradiol levels were significantly increased in OVX rats treated with and AO-GS (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g kg(-1) day(-1)), while serum testosterone levels were not significantly increased in OVX rats treated with 1.0 g kg(-1) day(-1) of AO-GS. Furthermore, AO-GS (2.0 g kg(-1) day(-1)) significantly attenuated bone loss, increased trabecular bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness, and significantly decreased trabecular pattern factor.

CONCLUSION

AO-GS treatments caused moderate oestrogenic activity in OVX rats compared to those treated with oestradiol, suggesting the potential for the use of AO-GS in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and in osteoporosis caused by oestrogen deficiency.

Osteoprotective Effect of Echinocystic Acid, a Triterpone Component from Eclipta prostrata, in Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporotic Rats

Echinocystic acid (EA) is a natural triterpone enriched in various herbs and has been used for medicinal purposes in China. In the present study, we systematically examined the effects of EA on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats for the first time. Three-month-old female ovariectomy (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were used to evaluate the osteoprotective effect of EA. Results showed that administration of EA (5 or 15 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks prevented lower levels of maximum stress and Young's modulus of femur induced by OVX. EA also recovered bone metabolic biomarkers levels in OVX rats, including osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatese, deoxypyridinoline, and urinary calcium and phosphorus. EA (5 and 15 mg/kg/day) could prevent the alteration of total bone mineral density in the femur caused by OVX. However, only high dose (15 mg/kg/day) of EA significantly improved trabecular architecture, as evidenced by higher levels of bone volume/tissue volume, trabecula number, and trabecula thickness, and lower levels of trabecula separation and structure model index compared with OVX rats. In addition, EA treatment decresed the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in OVX rats. In conclusion, EA could prevent reduction of bone mass and strength and improve the cancellous bone structure and biochemical properties in OVX rats. Hence, EA may serve as a new candidate or a leading compound for anti-osteoporosis.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of chickpea sprouts supplementation in ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia in rats

Background:

Phytoestrogens are increasingly becoming popular as alternatives for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal condition.

Objective:

In this study, the antihyperlipidemic effect of chickpea (Cicer arientum) sprouts was evaluated in ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia in rat model in comparison with standard antihyperlipidemic agent atorvastatin.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 24 female adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups that is, Group I - Control; Group II - Ovariectomized (OVX) rats; Group III - OVX + germinated chickpea sprouts (20% in diet) and Group IV OVX + atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.). Body and organ weights, serum, and liver lipid profile were assessed at the end of 8 weeks.

Results:

The results indicated that ovariectomy significantly (P < 0.05) increased total cholesterol, nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs) in serum and liver. The total lipid and phospholipid content in liver were also significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The weights of uterus and heart were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Dietary supplementation with germinated chickpea normalized the lipid profile in serum and liver. Further, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, body weight, uterine, heart, and spleen weights were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Atorvastatin administration showed similarly normalized lipid profile, but showed no improvement on decreased uterus and heart weights. Histopathological examination revealed fatty changes in liver, uterine atrophy, and subintimal fat accumulation in aorta in OVX group. The changes were mild in chickpea group with no improvement in statin group.

Conclusions:

Germinated seeds of chickpea showed significant antihyperlipidemic activity, which was comparable to atorvastatin. Further, germinated chickpea improved organ weights and helped in the reversal of histopathological changes suggesting its usefulness in postmenopausal condition.

The effect of Lycii Radicis Cortex extract on bone formation in vitro and in vivo

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease caused by decreased bone mass; it enhances the risk of bone fracture. This study aimed to discover novel herbal extract(s) for the treatment of osteoporosis. We screened 64 ethanol extracts of edible plants native to Korea for their ability to increase the cellular proliferation and differentiation of two osteoblastic cell lines: C3H10T1/2 and MC3T3-E1. We selected a Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC), Lycium Chinese root bark as the primary candidate. Treatment with LRC extract showed enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and increased expression of bone metabolic markers Alpl, Runx2, and Bglap genes in both osteoblastic cell lines. There was no effect on the osteoclastic differentiation of primary-cultured monocytes from the mouse bone marrows. Furthermore, the study examined the effect of LRC extract in vivo in ovariectomizd (OVX) mice for 8 weeks and 16 weeks, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly higher in LRC extract-administered group than in the non-LRC-administered OVX control group. The results indicated that LRC extract prevented the OVX-induced BMD loss in mice via promoting the differentiation of osteoblast linage cells. These results suggest that LRC extract may be a good natural herbal medicine candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

A review on the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and formulae with hypolipidemic effect

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by the abnormal blood lipid profiles, is one of the dominant factors of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). For the low cost, effectiveness, and fewer side effects, the popularity of using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to handle hyperlipidemia is increasing and its role in health care has been recognized by the public at large. Despite the importance of TCM herbs and formulations, there is no comprehensive review summarizing their scientific findings on handling hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes the recent experimental and clinical results of nine representative single Chinese herbs and seven classic TCM formulae that could improve lipid profiles so as to help understand and compare their underlying mechanisms. Most of single herbs and formulae demonstrated the improvement of hyperlipidemic conditions with multiple and diverse mechanisms of actions similar to conventional Western drugs in spite of their mild side effects. Due to increasing popularity of TCM, more extensive, well-designed preclinical and clinical trials on the potential synergistic and adverse side effects of herb-drug interactions as well as their mechanisms are warranted. Hyperlipidemic patients should be warned about the potential risks of herb-drug interactions, particularly those taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.