Anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative activity of fixed oil extracted from Ocimum sanctum L. leaves in diabetic rats

Overview of Natural Supplements for the Management of Diabetes and Obesity

Bioactive compounds found in various natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, have been studied for their potential benefits in managing obesity and diabetes. These compounds include polyphenols, flavonoids, other antioxidants, fiber, and certain fatty acids. Studies have found that these compounds may improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. However, the effects of these compounds can vary depending on the type and amount consumed, as well as individual factors, such as genetics and lifestyle. Nutraceutical substances have multifaceted therapeutic advantages, and they have been reported to have disease-prevention and health-promoting properties. Several clinically used nutraceuticals have been shown to target the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome and their complications and modulate various clinical outcomes favorably. This review aims to highlight and comment on some of the most prominent natural components used as antidiabetics and in managing obesity.

Corilagin alleviates LPS-induced sepsis through inhibiting pyroptosis via targeting TIR domain of MyD88 and binding CARD of ASC in macrophages

Sepsis is a dysregulated systemic inflammatory response caused by infection that leads to multiple organ injury and high mortality without effective treatment. Corilagin, a natural polyphenol extracted from traditional Chinese herbs, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role for Corilagin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis and the molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been completely explored. Here we determine the effect of Corilagin on LPS-treated mice and use a screening approach integrating surface plasmon resonance with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPR-LC-MS/MS) to further explore the therapeutic target of Corilagin. We discovered that Corilagin significantly prolonged the survival time of septic mice, attenuated the multi-organ injury and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in tissues of LPS-treated mice. In vitro studies revealed that Corilagin inhibited pyroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LPS-treated macrophages followed with ATP stimulation, as reflected by decreased levels of GSDMD-NT and activated caspase-1, and reduced ASC specks formation. Mechanistically, Corilagin alleviated the formation of ASC specks and blocked the interaction of ASC and pro-caspase1 by competitively binding with the caspase recruitment domain (CARD) of ASC. Additionally, Corilagin interrupted the TLR4-MyD88 interaction through targeting TIR domain of MyD88, leading to the inhibition of NF-κB activation and NLRP3 production. In addition, Corilagin downregulated genes associated with several inflammatory responses and inflammasome-related signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Overall, our results indicate that the inhibitory effect of Corilagin on pyroptosis through targeting TIR domain of MyD88 and binding the CARD domain of ASC in macrophages plays an essential role in protection against LPS-induced sepsis.

Treatment with Terminalia chebula Extract Reduces Insulin Resistance, Hyperglycemia and Improves SIRT1 Expression in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

Terminalia chebula Retz., Family Combretaceae (T. chebula) is one of the important plants mentioned in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. The present work was designed to study the effect of the aqueous extract of T. chebula fruits in type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

The aqueous extract of the fruits was prepared by the double maceration technique. The extract was subjected to HPTLC analysis, which showed the presence of ellagic acid and gallic acid. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats with a low dose of Streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) after administering a high-fat diet for fourteen days. Diabetic animals were treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg of aqueous extract of T. chebula fruits for six weeks.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats showed a significantly (511.7 ± 17.6) (p < 0.001) high plasma glucose level compared to the normal group (106 ± 3.358). The T. chebula treatment group showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in plasma glucose at 500 mg/kg (394.3 ± 10.35) and 1000 mg/kg (368.6 ± 30.08) doses when compared with the diabetic control group. Treatment with aqueous extract significantly reduced lipid parameters in diabetic animals when compared to the animals in the diabetic control group. Treatment with extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in AST (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) when compared with diabetic control rats. Treatment with extract significantly reduced ALT at 500 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.001) doses when compared with diabetic control rats. The extract treatment improved insulin sensitivity and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and significantly decreased HOMR-IR. Treatment with T. chebula aqueous extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly increased the level of GSH (p < 0.05) when compared to diabetic control rats. T. chebula treatment at 1000 mg/kg significantly increased levels of CAT (p < 0.01). Histopathology of pancreatic tissue revealed that the extract has a protective effect against the damage caused by hyperglycemia. Immunohistochemistry of pancreatic tissue showed increased expression of SIRT1 in diabetic animals treated with the extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that the extract of T. chebula has significant effects in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Co-administration of metformin and/or glibenclamide with losartan reverse NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester-streptozotocin-induced hypertensive diabetes and haemodynamic sequelae in rats

Over the years, there have been opinions on whether to reduced blood pressure (BP) to a different levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Hence, this study investigated the efficacy of the co-administration of losartan (angiotensin receptor blocking antihypertensive agent) with metformin and/or glibenclamide (antidiabetic agents) on hypertensive-diabetic experimental rats induced by N^G-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester hydrochloride (l-NAME), and streptozotocin (STZ). STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced diabetic rats combined with l-NAME (40 mg/kg, p.o.)-induced hypertension were allotted into different groups. Group 1 received distilled water (10 mL/kg) and served as normal control, group 2 comprised hypertensive diabetic rats with distilled water, groups 3-5 were hypertensive-diabetic rats but received combination treatments of losartan + metformin, losartan + glibenclamide, and losartan + metformin + glibenclamide daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Our finding revealed no changes in the body weights, but there was a significant increase in fasting blood sugar levels in l-NAME - STZ-induced hypertensive-diabetes, which were lowered by losartan + metformin, losartan + glibenclamide, and losartan + metformin + glibenclamide treatments. Moreover, the increased systolic-BP, mean arterial pressure but not diastolic-BP and heart rate by l-NAME + STZ were attenuated more significantly by losartan + metformin + glibenclamide between weeks 2-8 relative to hypertensive-diabetic control. l-NAME + STZ-induced elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase, were differentially reversed by losartan + metformin, losartan + glibenclamide, and losartan + metformin + glibenclamide. However, l-NAME + STZ-induced decreased nitrite level was significantly restored by all treatments, suggesting increased nitrergic transmission. Additionally, l-NAME + STZ-induced degeneration of pancreatic islet and myocardial cells were dramatically alleviated by losartan + metformin + glibenclamide treatments. Our findings suggest hyperglycemia with raised systolic-BP should be managed with losartan combined with both metformin and glibenclamide than single combination of losartan with antidiabetics.

Ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaf modulates oxidative stress, cell cycle and apoptosis in head and neck cancer cell lines

Ocimum sanctum Linn. is a medicinal herb that has cytotoxic effects by inducing oxidative stress in some carcinomas. This study aimed to examine the impact of O. sanctum leaf extract on oxidative stress, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis in cell lines of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Isogenic primary (HN18/HN30) and metastatic (HN17/HN31) HNSCC cell lines were used. Preparation of the ethanolic extract of O. sanctum leaf (EEOS) was carried out. HNSCC cell lines were exposed to varying concentrations (0.1-0.8 mg/ml) of EEOS for a duration of 72 h, and the MTT assay was utilized to determine the cytotoxic doses. To assess the impact of EEOS on HNSCC cells, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde were measured using a fluorometric method. Flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate effects of EEOS on the cell cycle, DNA damage, and apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Caspase-3 and -9 levels in the EEOS-treated HNSCC cells were measured by ELISA. The chemical components in EEOS were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. EEOS exhibited cytotoxicity against the HN18, HN17, HN30 and HN31 cells at minimum concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 mg/ml, respectively. Treatment with EEOS resulted in a significant increase in ROS levels in HN18 and HN17 cells. Additionally, EEOS significantly induced the levels of malondialdehyde in HN18 and HN31 cells. Moreover, EEOS arrested the cell cycle in HN30 and HN31 cells, and significantly induced DNA damage and apoptosis in the HN18, HN30, and HN31 cells. EEOS selectively increased caspase-9 in the HN18 cells. However, caspase-3 was activated without apoptosis in the EEOS-treated HN17 cells. The constituents of EEOS were identified as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and apigenin. In conclusion, EEOS exhibits various prooxidative and apoptotic effects between HNSCC cells.

Computer-Aided Screening of Phytoconstituents from Ocimum tenuiflorum against Diabetes Mellitus Targeting DPP4 Inhibition: A Combination of Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Pharmacokinetics Approaches

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern in the current scenario which is chiefly characterized by the rise in blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia. In the context, DPP4 enzyme plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis. DPP4 targets and inactivates incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) as physiological substrates, which are essential to regulate the amount of insulin that is secreted after eating. Since the inactivation of incretins occurs, the hyperglycemic conditions continue to rise, and result in adverse physiological conditions linked with diabetes mellitus. Hence, inhibition of DPP4 has been the center of focus in the present antidiabetic studies. Although few DPP4 inhibitor drugs, such as alogliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and sitagliptin, are available, their adverse effects on human metabolism are undeniable. Therefore, it becomes essential for the phytochemical intervention of the disease using computational methods prior to performing in vitro and in vivo studies. In this regard, we used an in-silico approach involving molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculations to investigate the inhibitory potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum phytocompounds against DPP4. In this regard, three phytocompounds (1S-α-pinene, β-pinene, and dehydro-p-cymene) from O. tenuiflorum have been discovered as the potential inhibitors of the DPP4 protein. To summarize, from our in-silico experiment outcomes, we propose dehydro-p-cymene as the potential lead inhibitor of DPP4 protein, thereby discovering new a phytocompound for the effective management of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. The reported compound can be taken for in vitro and in vivo analyses in near future.

The Potential of Lamiaceae Herbs for Mitigation of Overweight, Obesity, and Fatty Liver: Studies and Perspectives

Numerous plants, plant extracts, and plant-derived compounds are being explored for their beneficial effects against overweight and liver diseases. Obesity is associated with the increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), becoming the most common liver disease in Western countries. Obesity and NAFLD are closely associated with many other metabolic alternations such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Many herbs of the Lamiaceae family are widely employed as food and spices in the Mediterranean area, but also in folk medicine, and their use for the management of metabolic disorders is well documented. Hereby, we summarized the scientific results of the medicinal and nutraceutical potential of plants from the Lamiaceae family for prevention and mitigation of overweight and fatty liver. The evidence indicates that Lamiaceae plants may be a cost-effective source of nutraceuticals and/or phytochemicals to be used in the management of metabolic-related conditions such as obesity and NAFLD. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SciFinder were accessed to collect data on traditional medicinal plants, compounds derived from plants, their reported anti-obesity mechanisms, and therapeutic targets.

Comparative phytochemistry, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of traditionally used Ocimum basilicum L. Ocimum gratissimum L., and Ocimum tenuiflorum L

Ocimum spp. are the widely studied herbal plants because of their diverse biological activities. The present study aimed at comparative extraction of secondary metabolites and evaluation of their biological activities in different solvents such as acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water. Three Ocimum species, namely Ocimum basilicum L. (Green tulsi), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Jungli tulsi), and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Black tulsi), were selected for this study. Leaf extracts from dried powder of these species were prepared in different solvents. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, and total condensed tannins were estimated using standard assays. Fingerprint analysis using UV, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and fluorescent spectroscopy was also conducted. Total antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Fingerprint analysis indicated the presence of a sufficient level of polyphenolics in all the solvent extracts. Among all the solvents, acetone provided a higher yield of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in all Ocimum species. Black Ocimum showed the maximum level of antioxidants. All Ocimum extracts exhibited a sufficient level of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The results indicated that by using appropriate solvents, bioactive compounds from Ocimum species can be extracted and used as therapeutic agents with potential biological activities.

Advances in Research on Chemical Constituents and Their Biological Activities of the Genus Actinidia

Kiwi, a fruit from plants of the genus Actinidia, is one of the famous fruits with thousand years of edible history. In the past twenty years, a great deal of research has been done on the chemical constituents of the Actinidia species. A large number of secondary metabolites including triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, etc. have been identified from differents parts of Actinidia plants, which exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. In order to fully understand the chemical components and biological activities of Actinidia plants, and to improve their further research, development and utilization, this review summarizes the compounds extracted from different parts of Actinidia plants since 1959 to 2020, classifies the types of constituents, reports on the pharmacological activities of relative compounds and medicinal potentials.

Ameliorative effects of Carica papaya extracts against type II diabetes-induced myocardial pathology and dysfunction in albino rats

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia. Secondary complications of diabetes are serious risk factors that might lead to cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluated the effects of methanolic extract of Carica papaya fruit and seed in ameliorating the abnormal structural changes in myocardium and functional impairment induced by diabetes in albino rats. The experimental animals were divided into control (C), induced type II diabetes (D), protected seed extract (PSE), protected fruit extract (PFE), treated seed extract (TSE), and treated fruit extract (TFE). The myocardium of diabetic group exhibited disorganized myocardial fibers. Regard both normal, seed and fruit extract groups, which are of almost similar normal pattern of regular oriented muscle fibers. The diabetic group exhibited increased myocardial lipid peroxidation coincides with depletion of superoxide dismutase and increase of the levels of creatine kinase, troponin-1, nuclear factor Kappa B, caspase 3, tumor necrosis factor-α, and activity of lactic dehydrogenase. The diabetic group showed intense dark brown immune reaction against α-smooth muscle actin and P53. Experimental diabetic group protected with either seed and fruit extract exhibited marked amelioration of the assessed parameters. In conclusion, both seed and fruit extract of Carica papaya are of potential medical importance through managing high glucose level and keep myocardium against diabetes-induced cell death.

Genus Triplaris (Polygonaceae): A review on traditional medicinal use, phytochemistry and biological activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Triplaris (Polygonaceae) comprises approximately 25 species distributed throughout South and Central America. Some species have been used in folk medicine, mainly, to treat malaria, leishmaniasis, diarrheia, dysenteria, pain and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this review is to provide information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry and known biological activities of Triplaris, an important genus for South America research groups on medicinal plants, in order to explore its therapeutic potential to direct future research in the search for new bioactive molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information on the genus Triplaris was gathered from scientific databases (LILACS, Pubmed, SciELO, Science Direct, Scopus, CAPES Periodicals Portal and Theses and Dissertations Catalog) before March 2020 using the keyword "Triplaris". Works related to traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of plants were included in this review.

RESULTS

Most of the studies involving Triplaris were conducted by research groups located in Brazil, Peru e Bolivia. Probably, because the genus has been used in folk medicine only by these countries. Regarding the annual evolution of the publications, a larger number of articles published in 2010 were observed. Flavonols represent the main classe of secondary metabolites from Triplaris. In terms of the pharmacological investigations, T. americana and T. gardneriana are considered the most studied species, with extensive promising biological activities. The pharmacological activities can be attributed to bioactive phytochemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

All findings indicate that Triplaris is an important genus of the Polygonaceae family. However, considering its chemical and pharmacological importance, the studies developed with Triplaris species are still limited, representing an opportunity to investigate new bioactive molecules and extracts. The review shows that little pre-clinical or in vivo research is available to prove the ethnopharmacological records in the genre. Therefore, this review encourages further studies on Triplaris in the search for a wide range of therapeutic products.

The Coffee Diterpene, Kahweol, Ameliorates Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Streptozotocin (STZ)-Treated Rat INS-1 Cells through NF-kB and p-AKT/Bcl-2 Pathways

Kahweol is a diterpene molecule found in coffee that exhibits a wide range of biological activity, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, the impact of kahweol on pancreatic β-cells is not known. Herein, by using clonal rat INS-1 (832/13) cells, we performed several functional experiments including; cell viability, apoptosis analysis, insulin secretion and glucose uptake measurements, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as western blotting analysis to investigate the potential role of kahweol pre-treatment on damage induced by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment. INS-1 cells pre-incubated with different concentrations of kahweol (2.5 and 5 µM) for 24 h, then exposed to STZ (3 mmol/L) for 3 h reversed the STZ-induced effect on cell viability, apoptosis, insulin content, and secretion in addition to glucose uptake and ROS production. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that kahweol downregulated STZ-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and the antioxidant proteins, Heme Oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1), and Inhibitor of DNA binding and cell differentiation (Id) proteins (ID1, ID3) while upregulated protein expression of insulin (INS), p-AKT and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). In conclusion, our study suggested that kahweol has anti-diabetic properties on pancreatic β-cells by suppressing STZ induced apoptosis, increasing insulin secretion and glucose uptake. Targeting NF-κB, p-AKT, and BCL-2 in addition to antioxidant proteins ID1, ID3, and HMOX-1 are possible implicated mechanisms.

Ocimum tenuiflorum mitigates iron-induced testicular toxicity via modulation of redox imbalance, cholinergic and purinergic dysfunctions, and glucose metabolizing enzymes activities

Oxidative stress is a primary culprit in the pathophysiology of infertility conditions in males. This study investigated the effects of Ocimum tenuiflorum on redox imbalance, cholinergic and purinergic dysfunctions and glucose dysmetabolism in oxidative-mediated testicular toxicity using in vitro, ex vivo and in silico models. Induction of oxidative testicular injury was carried out by incubating normal testicular tissue with 0.1 mM FeSO₄ and treated by co-incubating with different concentrations of O. tenuiflorum infusion for 30 min at 37°C. O. tenuiflorum displayed significant ferric reducing power activity while scavenging DPPH and hydroxyl (OH˙) free radicals in vitro. Oxidative testicular injury significantly reduced the glutathione level and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities with concomitant elevation of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and acetylcholinesterase, ATPase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase (GlyP) activities. Incubation with the infusion significantly reversed these levels and activities. The phytochemical constituent of the infusion was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis and revealed favourable binding energies when docked with some of the studied proteins. These results suggest O. tenuiflorum exerts a protective effect against Fe²⁺ induced testicular toxicity via mitigation of redox imbalance while modulating metabolic dysfunctions linked to male infertility.

Comprehensive metabolomic, lipidomic and pathological profiles of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp extracts in diabetic rats

Baobab fruit pulp Adansonia digitata (AD) has received attention due to its numerous nutritional and medicinal values. In the current study, tentative identification was performed due to limited information available on its phytochemical composition. Phytochemicals from AD fruit pulp were obtained using successive organic solvent fractionation. The LC-MSMS analysis led to identification of 91 metabolites from methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Moreover, 20 compounds were identified in the petroleum ether extract based on high resolution ion masses. In vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of selected extracts were investigated using enzyme activity and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively. Biological screening of the antidiabetic effects of target extracts was performed against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in experimental animals, following daily oral treatment for 3 successive weeks. Serum glucose, insulin, adiponectin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide, cholesterol and HDL levels were measured. Finally, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreas were carried out. Results revealed that animal groups treated daily with butanol (BuOH) and petroleum ether extracts of AD (oil) exhibited a significant improvement in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as antioxidant effect. Both extracts revealed superior effects with respect to the total (TT) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings supported these results, showing marked protection of the pancreas. Thus, baobab oil and butanolic extract of the fruit pulp protected animals against STZ-induced diabetic changes, in addition to attenuation of lipid peroxidation, hypercholesterolemia and oxidation.

The Effect of Nitrogen Input on Chemical Profile and Bioactive Properties of Green- and Red-Colored Basil Cultivars

In the present study, three red-colored (Dark Opal, Basilico Rosso, and Red Basil) and one green-colored landrace (Mitikas) of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were grown under four nitrogen regimes, namely Control (no fertilizer added), 200 ppm, 400 ppm, and 600 ppm of nitrogen (N). Fresh yield varied depending on N input following a quadratic function in all four genotypes, and green basil performed better compared to the red cultivars. A significant interaction of genotype × N input was recorded for most of the chemical parameters measured. Tocopherols contents of leaves were consistently higher in plants that received 200 ppm of N and lower in those receiving 600 ppm of N, especially in Dark Opal and Red Basil cultivars. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were the major category of fatty acids and Red Basil had the lowest ratio of omega-6/omega 3 (0.29) and thus the best fatty acid profile. Polyphenols content was the highest in Red Basil and Dark Opal (25 mg/g of extract on average) and the lowest in Mitikas and decreased with increasing N input. Similarly, antioxidant activity was the highest in Dark Opal and Red Basil fertigated with 200 ppm of N, whereas all the leaf extracts tested had good antibacterial and antifungal activity. In conclusion, basil chemical and bioactive profile was significantly influenced by both genotype and N input. Red-colored basil, although less productive, had the best chemical profile, and moderate levels of N input may provide the best compromise between yield, nutritional value, and bioactivity for the species.

Ethanolic Extract of Ocimum sanctum Leaves Reduced Invasion and Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity of Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines

Background:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a yearly incidence of 600,000 cases worldwide with a low survival rate. Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Holy basil; Tulsi in Hindi), is a traditional medicine herb that demonstrates numerous effects including anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-invasive effect of O. sanctum leaf extract on HNSCC cell lines.

Methods:

Ethanolic extract of O. sanctum leaf (EEOS) was prepared and the phenolic compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Genetically matched HNSCC cell lines derived from primary (HN30 and HN4) and metastatic sites (HN31 and HN12) from the same patient were used in this study. The EEOS cytotoxicity to the cell lines was determined using an MTT assay. The invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 activity of EEOS-treated cells were tested using a modified Boyden chamber assay and zymography, respectively.

Results:

We found that EEOS significantly inhibited the invasion and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity of HN4 and HN12 cells, but not HN30 and HN31 cells. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and apigenin were detected in EEOS. Moreover, rosmarinic acid was found as the major phenolic compound.

Conclusion:

EEOS exerted its anti-invasive effect on HNSCC cells by attenuating MMP activity. The active compounds identified in EEOS might be promising as an alternative therapeutic agent for HNSCC.

Effect of Olea europaea leaves extract on streptozotocin induced diabetes in male albino rats

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of olive (Olea europaea) leaves extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. The experimental rats were divided into six groups. Rats of the first group were served as normal controls. Rats of the second group were diabetic control. The third and fourth groups were diabetic rats, treated with olive leaves extract at low and high doses respectively. The fifth and sixth groups were non diabetic rats, subjected to olive leaves extract at the same doses given to the third and fourth groups respectively. The minimum of body weigh gain was noted in diabetic rats of the second group. the levels of serum glucose, insulin, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased, while the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase, (SOD) glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were statistically decreased in diabetic rats of the second group. The levels of liver insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and insulin receptor A (IRA) were significantly declined in diabetic rats of the second group. The diabetic pancreatic sections from diabetic rats of the second group showed several histopathological changes. Administration of low and high doses of olive leaves extract improved the observed physiological, molecular and histopathological alterations. Collectively, the obtained results confirmed that the protective effects of olive leaves extract are attributed to the antioxidant activities of olive leaves extract and its active constituents.

Role of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes mellitus: a review

Medicinal plants have a vast potential in the treatment of various ailments due to the presence of therapeutically important phytochemicals. Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and several marketed medications are available to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes. However, these over the counter drugs are expensive and associated with several complications. Herbal medicines are gaining importance as they are cost-effective and also display improved therapeutic effects with lesser side effects. The present review includes the reports available on medicinal plants used for treating diabetes complications. The aim of the review is to categorize and summarize the available information on medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties and suggesting outlooks for future research. A systematic search was performed on medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties using several search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and other online journals and books. All the plants listed in this review are native to Asian countries and are routinely used by the traditional practitioners for the treatment of various ailments. Based on the literature data available, a total of 81 medicinal plants with anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic, anti-lipidemic and insulin mimetic properties have been compiled in this review. This review provides useful information about the different medicinal plants for treating diabetes-associated complications. Further research can be carried out to study the active constituents and mechanism of these plants.

Bornyl acetate suppresses ox-LDL-induced attachment of THP-1 monocytes to endothelial cells

Leukocyte recruitment to the surface of the endothelium plays a pivotal role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Bornyl acetate is the main volatile constituent present in numerous conifer oils, which has displayed its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in different types of tissues and cells. However, little information regarding the effects of bornyl acetate on vascular endothelial inflammation has been reported before. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the pharmacological roles of bornyl acetate against ox-LDL-induced leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Our findings indicate that bornyl acetate ameliorated ox-LDL-induced reduction in cell viability of HUVECs. Additionally, bornyl acetate inhibited the attachment of THP-1 monocytes to HUVECs induced by treatment with ox-LDL through ameliorating the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin. Mechanistically, we found that bornyl acetate could suppress activation of the IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway. Lastly, our results indicate that bornyl acetate mitigated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Our results suggest the therapeutic potential of bornyl acetate in patients with atherosclerosis.

The potential effect of garlic extract and curcumin nanoparticles against complication accompanied with experimentally induced diabetes in rats

BACKGROUND

Modified herbal medicines implicate the combination of several therapeutic practices of native systems of medicine that may extend many earlier generations, which frequently afford valuable therapeutic benefits.

PURPOSE

In this study, the role of nano-curcumin and aged garlic extract (AGE) as two modified phytomedicines on alleviating both of advanced glycation end products (AGEPs) and oxidative stress (OS) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats were investigated during this study.

METHOD

Nano-curcumin and AGE suspension were orally administrated at a dose of 300, 500 mg/kg body weight respectively. Serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides and myocardial enzyme activities including creatine kinase-isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined biochemically, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-test had been used to determine relative of manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expressions in the heart tissue of rats. Structure of rat's heart tissue was examined by histopathological analysis (H&E).

RESULTS

AGE increased the body weight and insulin concentration, while, it decreased serum glucose concentration, CK-MB, and LDH enzyme activities in comparing with the diabetic group. In addition, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and AST didn't show any significant changes in serum values of AGE compared to diabetic rats. Nano-curcumin suspension decreased the serum levels of triglycerides, CK- MB, LDH, and AST. While, there were non-significant changes in the body weight, glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol level of the same group compared with the STZ- untreated induced diabetic rats. The transcript quantity of manganese-superoxide dismutase gene (Mn-SOD) was highly accumulated (3.25 and 3.87-fold) in the heart tissue sample of the induced diabetic rats in response to both nano-Curcumin and AGE suspension respectively. While AGE was the most potent treatment where it caused down regulation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products gene (RAGE) expression (1.79-fold). Results of histopathological analyses under the light microscope showed restoring the structural integrity of the myocytes towards normalization in diabetic hearts treated with each of nano-curcumin and AGE suspension compared with the untreated diabetic heart samples.

CONCLUSION

Nano-curcumin and AGE suspension have a great therapeutic potential in the treatment of DCM, Diabetic cardiomyopathy, by attenuating cardiac inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, and programmed myocardial cell deaths through inhibiting OS and AGEPs accumulation in diabetic heart tissue. Furthermore, the hypoglycemic antioxidant properties of AGE resulted in more potent therapeutic effect than nano-curcumin in the treatment of diabetic hearts.

Phytotherapy in the Management of Diabetes: A Review

Phytotherapy has long been a source of medicinal products and over the years there have been many attempts to use herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes. Several medicinal plants and their preparations have been demonstrated to act at key points of glucidic metabolism. The most common mechanisms of action found include the inhibition of α-glucosidase and of AGE formation, the increase of GLUT-4 and PPARs expression and antioxidant activity. Despite the large amount of literature available, the actual clinical effectiveness of medicinal plants in controlling diabetes-related symptoms remains controversial and there is a crucial need for stronger evidence-based data. In this review, an overview of the medicinal plants, which use in the management of diabetes is supported by authoritative monographs, is provided. References to some species which are currently under increasing clinical investigation are also reported.

The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is indigenous to the Indian continent and highly revered for its medicinal uses within the Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems. Many in vitro, animal and human studies attest to tulsi having multiple therapeutic actions including adaptogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, yet to date there are no systematic reviews of human research on tulsi's clinical efficacy and safety. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of human studies that reported on a clinical outcome after ingestion of tulsi. We searched for studies published in books, theses, conference proceedings, and electronic databases including Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, and Indian Medical databases. A total of 24 studies were identified that reported therapeutic effects on metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immunity, and neurocognition. All studies reported favourable clinical outcomes with no studies reporting any significant adverse events. The reviewed studies reinforce traditional uses and suggest tulsi is an effective treatment for lifestyle-related chronic diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. Further studies are required to explore mechanisms of action, clarify the dosage and dose form, and determine the populations most likely to benefit from tulsi's therapeutic effects.