Hesperidin prevents hyperglycemia in diabetic rats by activating the insulin receptor pathway

The effectiveness of hesperidin on bisphenol A-induced spinal cord toxicity in a diabetic rat model

The potential health risks of bisphenol A (BS) and diabetes (DI) has sparked public concern due to be ubiquitous worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detrimental impact of BS (200 mg/kg) on the spinal cord tissue in a rat diabetic model. We also evaluated the antioxidant capacity of hesperidin (HS) (100 mg/kg) on spinal cord in BS-treated diabetic rat. Seventy male Wistar albino rats, weighing 180-230 g and 8 weeks old, were randomly chosen, and assigned into seven groups of 10 rats: Control (KON), BS, DI, BS + DI, HS + BS, HS + DI, HS + BS + DI. At the end of the 14-day experimental period, all samples were examined using stereological, biochemical, and histopathological techniques. Our biochemical findings revealed that the SOD level was significantly lower in the BS, DI, and BS + DI groups compared to the KON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the KON group, there was a significant decrease in the number of motor neurons and an increase in the mean volume of central canals in the BS, DI, and BS + DI groups (p < 0.05). In the HS + BC group than the BS group and in the HS + DI group than the DI group, SOD activity and the number of motor neurons were significantly higher; also, the mean volume of spinal central canal was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The novel findings gathered from the histopathological assessment supported our quantitative results. Our speculation was that the exposure to BS and DI was the main cause of neurological alteration in the spinal cord tissues. The administration of HS had the therapeutic potential to mitigate spinal cord abnormalities resulting from BS and DI. However, HS supplementation did not alleviate spinal cord complications in BS-treated diabetic rats.

Unveiling the Chemistry of Citrus Peel: Insights into Nutraceutical Potential and Therapeutic Applications

The recent millennium has witnessed a notable shift in consumer focus towards natural products for addressing lifestyle-related disorders, driven by their safety and cost-effectiveness. Nutraceuticals and functional foods play an imperative role by meeting nutritional needs and offering medicinal benefits. With increased scientific knowledge and awareness, the significance of a healthy lifestyle, including diet, in reducing disease risk is widely acknowledged, facilitating access to a diverse and safer diet for longevity. Plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals are increasingly popular and effectively utilized in disease management. Agricultural waste from plant-based foods is being recognized as a valuable source of nutraceuticals for dietary interventions. Citrus peels, known for their diverse flavonoids, are emerging as a promising health-promoting ingredient. Globally, citrus production yields approximately 15 million tons of by-products annually, highlighting the substantial potential for utilizing citrus waste in phyto-therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. Citrus peels are a rich source of flavonoids, with concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 g/100 g dry weight, depending on the citrus variety. The most abundant flavonoids in citrus peel include hesperidin and naringin, as well as essential oils rich in monoterpenes like limonene. The peel extracts exhibit high antioxidant capacity, with DPPH radical scavenging activities ranging from 70 to 90%, comparable to synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT. Additionally, the flavonoids present in citrus peel have been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress by 30% and cardiovascular disease by 25%. Potent anti-inflammatory effects have also been demonstrated, reducing inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α by up to 40% in cell culture studies. These findings highlight the potential of citrus peel as a valuable source of nutraceuticals in diet-based therapies.

The Therapeutic Potential of Four Main Compounds of Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC: A Comprehensive Study on Biological Processes, Anti-Inflammatory Effects, and Myocardial Toxicity

Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. (Z. nitidum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that is indigenous to the southern regions of China. Previous research has provided evidence of the significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties exhibited by Z. nitidum. The potential therapeutic effects and cardiac toxicity of Z. nitidum remain uncertain. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential therapeutic properties of the four main compounds of Z. nitidum in cardiovascular diseases, their impact on the electrical activity of cardiomyocytes, and the underlying mechanism of their anti-inflammatory effects. We selected the four compounds from Z. nitidum with a high concentration and specific biological activity: nitidine chloride (NC), chelerythrine chloride (CHE), magnoflorine chloride (MAG), and hesperidin (HE). A proteomic analysis was conducted on the myocardial tissues of beagle dogs following the administration of NC to investigate the role of NC in vivo and the associated biological processes. A bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the in vivo biological processes that MAG, CHE, and HE were involved in. Molecular docking was used to simulate the binding between compounds and their targets. The effect of the compounds on ion channels in cardiomyocytes was evaluated through a patch clamp experiment. Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology was developed to mimic the physiological conditions of the heart in vivo. Proteomic and bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that the four compounds of Z. nitidum are extensively involved in various cardiovascular-related biological pathways. The findings from the patch clamp experiments indicate that NC, CHE, MAG, and HE elicit a distinct activation or inhibition of the IK1 and ICa-L in cardiomyocytes. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds on cardiomyocytes were verified using OOC technology. NC, CHE, MAG, and HE demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through their specific interactions with prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and significantly influence ion channels in cardiomyocytes. Our study provides a foundation for utilizing NC, CHE, MAG, and HE in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Enhanced oral delivery of hesperidin-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles for augmenting its hypoglycemic activity: in vitro-in vivo assessment study

Hesperidin (Hsd), a bioactive phytomedicine, experienced an antidiabetic activity versus both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. However, its intrinsic poor solubility and bioavailability is a key challenging obstacle reflecting its oral delivery. From such perspective, the purpose of the current study was to prepare and evaluate Hsd-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles (Hsd/CD/CS NPs) for improving the hypoglycemic activity of the orally administered Hsd. Hsd was first complexed with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and the complex (CX) was found to be formed with percent complexation efficiency and percent process efficiency of 50.53 ± 1.46 and 84.52 ± 3.16%, respectively. Also, solid state characterization of the complex ensured the inclusion of Hsd inside the cavity of SBE-β-CD. Then, Hsd/CD/CS NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation technique. The prepared NPs were fully characterized to select the most promising one (F1) with a homogenous particle size of 455.7 ± 9.04 nm, a positive zeta potential of + 32.28 ± 1.12 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 77.46 ± 0.39%. The optimal formula (F1) was subjected to further investigation of in vitro release, ex vivo intestinal permeation, stability, cytotoxicity, and in vivo hypoglycemic activity. The results of the release and permeation studies of F1 manifested a modulated pattern between Hsd and CX. The preferential stability of F1 was observed at 4 ± 1 °C. Also, the biocompatibility of F1 with oral epithelial cell line (OEC) was retained up to a concentration of 100 µg/mL. After oral administration of F1, a noteworthy synergistic hypoglycemic effect was recorded with decreased blood glucose level until the end of the experiment. In conclusion, Hsd/CD/CS NPs could be regarded as a hopeful oral delivery system of Hsd with enhanced antidiabetic activity.

Plant-Derived Polyphenols to Prevent and Treat Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers Management

Oral Mucositis (OM) is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are the conventional treatment options for head and neck cancers. OM is a severe inflammatory condition characterized by multifactorial etiopathogenesis. It further negatively affects patients' quality of life by severe impairment of normal oral functions. Consequently, it is mandatory to identify new effective therapeutic approaches to both prevent and treat OM while also avoiding any recurrence. Polyphenols recently attracted the interest of the scientific community due to their low toxicity and wide range of biological activities making them ideal candidates for several applications in the odontostomatological field, particularly against OM. This review collects the in vivo studies and the clinical trials conducted over the past 13 years evaluating the preventive and curative effects of several polyphenolic compounds towards chemo- and radiotherapy-induced OM, both when administered alone or as a plant-extracted phytocomplex. The literature fully confirms the usefulness of these molecules, thus opening the possibility of their clinical application. However, polyphenol limitations (e.g., unfavourable physicochemical properties and susceptibility to degradation) have emerged. Consequently, the interest of the scientific community should be focused on developing innovative delivery systems able to stabilize polyphenols, thus facilitating topical administration and maximizing their efficacy.

Role of Bioactive Compounds, Novel Drug Delivery Systems, and Polyherbal Formulations in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that generally causes joint synovial inflammation as well as gradual cartilage and degenerative changes, resulting in progressive immobility. Cartilage destruction induces synovial inflammation, including synovial cell hyperplasia, increased synovial fluid, and synovial pane development. This phenomenon causes articular cartilage damage and joint alkalosis. Traditional medicinal system exerts their effect through several cellular mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress suppression, cartilage degradation inhibition, increasing antioxidants and decreasing rheumatic biomarkers. The medicinal plants have yielded a variety of active constituents from various chemical categories, including alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, glycosides, volatile oils, flavonoids, lignans, coumarins, terpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, anthocyanins, and anthraquinones. This review sheds light on the utilization of medicinal plants in the treatment of RA. It explains various phytoconstituents present in medicinal plants and their mechanism of action against RA. It also briefs about the uses of polyherbal formulations (PHF), which are currently in the market and the toxicity associated with the use of medicinal plants and PHF, along with the limitations and research gaps in the field of PHF. This review paper is an attempt to understand various mechanistic approaches employed by several medicinal plants, their possible drug delivery systems and synergistic effects for curing RA with minimum side effects.

Promising influences of hesperidin and hesperetin against diabetes and its complications: a systematic review of molecular, cellular, and metabolic effects

Hesperidin and hesperetin, two flavonoids with potential therapeutic value, have been extensively studied in the context of diabetes management. The main objective of this research is to ascertain their potential as therapeutic options for managing diabetes and its complications. The present study utilized a systematic review methodology and comprehensively explored relevant literature from databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception until July 2023. The review summarized the outcomes related to the molecular, cellular, and metabolic effects of hesperidin and hesperetin in diabetes and its complications. Hesperetin exhibits a potential treatment for preventing diabetes and its associated complications through modulation of inflammatory cytokine release and expression via the pathway of signaling through Toll-like receptor/Myeloid differentiation factor 88/Nuclear factor-kappa B. Hesperidin shows promise as a biomolecule for treating diabetic neuropathy, primarily through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), as an antioxidant-response element signaling, leading to neuroprotective effects. Both compounds demonstrated the ability to normalize blood glucose levels and reduce serum and liver lipid levels, making them potential candidates for managing hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia in diabetes. Hesperidin also showed potential benefits against diabetic nephropathy by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1-integrin-linked kinase-Akt signaling and enhancing renal function. Furthermore, hesperidin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant effects in diabetic conditions expanded its potential therapeutic applications. This systematic review provides substantial evidence supporting the consideration of hesperidin and hesperetin for diabetes and its complications. It offers exciting possibilities for developing novel, cost-effective treatment options to enhance diabetes management and patient outcomes.

Animal models for induction of diabetes and its complications

Objectives

Animal models are widely used to develop newer drugs for treatment of diabetes and its complications. We conducted a systematic review to find various animal models to induce diabetes and also the suitable methods in various diabetic complications. With an emphasis on the animal models of diabetes induction, this review provides a basic overview of diabetes and its various types. It focused on the use of rats and mice for chemical, spontaneous, surgical, genetic, viral, and hormonal induction approaches.

Methods

All observations and research conducted on Diabetes and its complications published up to 18 May 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Conchrane Library databases were included. Main outcome measures were reporting the induction of diabetes in experimental animals, the various animal models for diabetic complications including diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy and diabetic osteopathy. The quality of reporting of included articles and risk of bias were assessed.

Results

We reached various articles and found that rats and mice are the most frequently used animals for inducing diabetes. Chemical induction is the most commonly used followed by spontaneous and surgical methods. With slight modification various breeds and species are developed to study and induce specific complications on eyes, kidneys, neurons and bones.

Conclusions

Our review suggested that rats and mice are the most suitable animals. Furthermore, chemical induction is the method frequently used by experimenters. Moreover, high quality studies are required to find the suitable methods for diabetic complications.

Exploring the mechanism of action of Qian Lie Xing Fang during the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia via network pharmacology and molecular dynamics simulation analyses

This study aimed to explore the historical research progress on benign prostatic hyperplasia from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine theory and the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with Qian Lie Xing Fang (QLXF) via the warming and tonifying of kidney yang, promotion of blood circulation, and clearing of meridians. First, network pharmacology analysis was used to screen and identify possible pathways for BPH treatment with QLXF. Subsequently, molecular docking analysis helped explore the mechanism of action by which the components of QLXF affected androgen receptor (AR) and type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE-5) levels. Targets for treatment with QLXF were identified from the online Mendelian inheritance in man and DisGeNET databases. BPH-related genes were identified using GeneCards and online Mendelian inheritance in man databases, and their intersection was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network analysis graph. Subsequently, gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The semiflexible docking of the ingredients of QLXF acting on the 2 targets was performed via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, to elucidate the mechanism of action by which the active ingredients affect AR and PDE-5 levels further. This enabled us to explore the pattern of interactions between small active ingredient molecules, the target protein, and the stability after binding at the microscopic level. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that QLXF affected several processes, such as DNA transcription factor binding, kinase binding, protein homodimerization activity, protein structure domain-specific binding, and protein-coupled amine receptor activity in BPH patients. KEGG results showed that chemical carcinogenic reactive oxidative species and the JAK-STAT, Pl3k-Akt, FoxO, NF-κB, and other pathways were significantly enriched. Conducting molecular docking studies to investigate the interaction of active components from QLXF with AR and PDE-5, it was found that MOL002260 may possess the potential to inhibit PDE-5 activity, while MOL010578 may exhibit the capability to inhibit AR activity. QLXF is closely associated with various biological processes and KEGG signaling pathways related to BPH. The active ingredients of QLXF were investigated for their interactions with AR and PDE-5, with a primary focus on the small molecules MOL002260 and MOL010578.

The Synergistic Influence of Polyflavonoids from Citrus aurantifolia on Diabetes Treatment and Their Modulation of the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 Signaling Pathways: Molecular Docking Analyses and In Vivo Investigations

This study was aimed at probing the modulatory influence of polyflavonoids extracted from Citrus aurantifolia, lemon peel extract (LPE-polyflavonoids), on attenuating diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. HPLC investigations of the LPE exhibited the incidence of five flavonoids, including diosmin, biochanin A, hesperidin, quercetin, and hesperetin. The in silico impact on ligand-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) interaction was investigated in terms of polyflavonoid class to explore the non-covalent intakes and binding affinity to the known protein active site. The drug likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters of the LPE-polyflavonoids were investigated to assess their bioavailability in relation to Myricetin as a control. Remarkably, the molecular docking studies demonstrated a prominent affinity score of all these agents together with PI3K, implying the potency of the extract to orchestrate PI3K, which is the predominant signal for lessening the level of blood glucose. To verify these findings, in vivo studies were conducted, utilizing diabetic male albino rats treated with LPE-polyflavonoids and other groups treated with hesperidin and diosmin as single flavonoids. Our findings demonstrated that the LPE-polyflavonoids significantly ameliorated the levels of glucose, insulin, glycogen, liver function, carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, G6Pd, and AGEs compared to the diabetic rats and those exposed to hesperidin and diosmin. Furthermore, the LPE-polyflavonoids regulated the TBARS, GSH, CAT, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and AFP levels in the pancreatic and hepatic tissues, suggesting their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the pancreatic and hepatic GLUT4 and GLUT2 were noticeably increased in addition to the pancreatic p-AKT in the rats administered with the LPE-polyflavonoids compared to the other diabetic rats. Remarkably, the administration of LPE-polyflavonoids upregulated the expression of the pancreatic and hepatic PI3K, AMPK, and FOXO1 genes, emphasizing the efficiency of the LPE in orchestrating all the signaling pathways necessitated to reduce the diabetes mellitus. Notably, the histopathological examinations of the pancreatic and hepatic tissues corroborated the biochemical results. Altogether, our findings accentuated the potential therapeutic role of LPE-polyflavonoids in controlling diabetes mellitus.

Zein as an Effective Carrier for Hesperidin Delivery Systems with Improved Prebiotic Potential

Hesperidin is a polyphenol derived from citrus fruits that has a broad potential for biological activity and the ability to positively modify the intestinal microbiome. However, its activity is limited by its low solubility and, thus, its bioavailability-this research aimed to develop a zein-based hesperidin system with increased solubility and a sustained release profile. The study used triple systems enriched with solubilizers to maximize solubility. The best system was the triple system hesperidin-zein-Hpβ-CD, for which the solubility improved by more than six times. A significant improvement in the antioxidant activity and the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase was also demonstrated, due to an improved solubility. A release profile analysis was performed in the subsequent part of the experiments, confirming the sustained release profile of hesperidin, while improving the solubility. Moreover, the ability of selected probiotic bacteria to metabolize hesperidin and the effect of this flavonoid compound on their growth were investigated.

UPLC-QTOF-MS with a chemical profiling approach for holistic quality evaluation between a material reference of Wen Dan decoction and its commercial preparations

BACKGROUND

Wen Dan decoction (WDD) has been a famous classic formula for resolving phlegm since ancient times in China. Currently, there are many types of WDD commercial preparations produced through modern technology. However, it is not known whether the holistic quality of WDD commercial preparations is consistent with the traditional decocting method to exert its proper effects. Therefore, the WDD material reference was studied and prepared, which can represent the traditional Chinese formulation WDD.

METHODS

A method based on UPLC-QTOF-MS was developed to evaluate the quality of WDD material reference and commercial prescriptions. At the same time, the multivariate statistical method was used to compare the differences between the material reference and the commercial prescription by principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap. Finally, the UPLC-QTOF-MS method was established to quantitatively study 11 representative components, including naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, adenosine, liquiritigenin, tangeretin, eriocitrin, naringenin and synephrine.

RESULTS

A total of 107 compounds were identified in the WDD material reference by comparing the retention time and fragment ion characteristics, including 54 flavonoids, 14 triterpenes, 10 organic acids, 7 alkaloids, 7 coumarins and 15 other components. The samples were almost evenly split into two groups, indicating a difference in quality between the WDD material reference and its commercial preparations in multivariate statistical analysis. Eleven major components of linearity, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery rate met the requirements, which were clearly different in commercial preparations and WDD material references. In terms of the content of 11 components in the commercial preparation, only CP8 is close to the material reference, which is in agreement with the statistical analysis of the heatmap. The concentrations of naringin and neohesperidin from the WDD material reference were higher than those from the commercial preparations.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality evaluation method established in this study can be used to identify different sources of WDD but also proves that the WDD material reference contains higher naringin. Furthermore, this study confirmed that the preparation technology of WDD commercial prescriptions should be optimized on the basis of WDD material references, producing the closest possible clinical basis for the substance.

Bioactive compounds from Polygonatum genus as anti-diabetic agents with future perspectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Species in the genus Polygonatum are traditional food and medicinal plants, which play an important role in controlling blood glucose. In this reveiw, we systematically summarized the traditional and modern applications of the genus Polygonatum in DM, focused on the material bases of polysaccharides, flavonoids and saponins. We highlighted their mechanisms of action in preventing obese diabetes, improving insulin resistance, promoting insulin secretion, regulating intestinal microecology, inhibiting advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, suppressing carbohydrate digestion and obsorption and modulating gluconeogenesis. Based on the safety and efficacy of this 'medicinal food' and its utility in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, we proposed a research and development program that includs diet design (supplementary food), medical nutrition therapy and new drugs, which could provide new pathways for the use of natural plants in prevention and treatment of DM.

Paliurus spina-christi Mill fruit extracts improve glucose uptake and activate the insulin signaling pathways in HepG2 insulin-resistant cells

BACKGROUND

Paliurus spina-christi Mill. (PSC) fruit is frequently used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Mediterranean regions. Here, we investigated the effects of various PSC fruit extracts (PSC-FEs) on glucose consumption and some key mediators of insulin signaling pathways in high glucose and high insulin-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 cells.

METHODS

The effects of methanolic, chloroform and total extracts on cell proliferation were assessed by the MTT assay. The potential of non-toxic extracts on glucose utilization in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells was checked using a glucose oxidase assay. AKT and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activation and mRNA expression levels of insulin receptor (INSR), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and glucose transporters 4 (GLUT4) were determined by western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that high concentrations of methanolic and both low and high concentrations of total extracts were able to enhance glucose uptake in an insulin-resistant cell line model. Moreover, AKT and AMPK phosphorylation were significantly increased by the high strength of methanolic extract, while total extract raised AMPK activation at low and high concentrations. Also, GLUT 1, GLUT 4, and INSR were elevated by both methanolic and total extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, our results shed new light on methanolic and total PSC-FEs as sources of potential anti-diabetic medications, restoring glucose consumption and uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. These could be at least in part due to re-activating AKT and AMPK signaling pathways and also increased expression of INSR, GLUT1, and GLUT4. Overall, active constituents present in methanolic and total extracts of PCS are appropriate anti-diabetic agents and explain the use of these PSC fruits in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Citrus flavanone metabolites protect pancreatic β-cells against cholesterol stress through a multi-proteomic mechanism

Citrus flavanones may improve oxidative stress and insulin resistance induced by western diets. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the change in protein expression levels. This study evaluated the protection and the mechanisms of action of citrus flavanone metabolites, hesperetin 7-glucuronide (H7G) and 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (PA), on pancreatic β-cell function under oxidative stress induced by cholesterol using the global proteomics approach. Cholesterol induced changes in the global proteomic profile in the pancreatic β-cell line Min6. On the other hand, proteomics analysis identified 254 proteins differentially expressed with H7G and 352 with PA treatments, most of them were opposite to the changes induced by cholesterol. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these proteins are implicated in cell functions like cell signaling (insulin signaling, p30MAPK signaling, and others), metabolism (glucokinase and glutathione metabolisms), and inflammation pathways (TNF-α and NF-κB pathways). Also, the results of molecular docking suggest that H7G and PA could bind to putative transcription factors (PPAR-γ, STAT-3, CREB1, NF-κB, NFYA) and cell signaling proteins (IKK, RAS, Pi3K, ERK), which results in changes in protein expression observed. Altogether, these data suggest that the treatment with H7G and PA protects pancreatic β-cells against stress induced by cholesterol through multi-proteomic mechanisms of action.

Protective role of hesperidin against diabetes induced spleen damage: Mechanism associated with oxidative stress and inflammation

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease affecting various organs, including the spleen and is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Oxidative and inflammatory stress are key mediators in the development of spleen damage caused by diabetes. This study aimed to examine the splenoprotective effect of hesperidin and the mechanisms underlying its capacity to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated spleen damage in diabetes. The diabetic rats used in this study were induced with a 65 mg per kg body weight of streptozotocin. This was followed by 4 weeks of continuous daily dosage of hesperidin treatment at 100 mg/kg body weight. The results showed that hesperidin improved spleen weight and histopathological alterations in the diabetic rats. The hesperidin-treated diabetic group showed a marked induction of SOD and GPx enzymes and moderated malondialdehyde level. This was in addition to an obvious decrease in the levels of TNF-α and NF-ᴋB in the diabetic rat spleen. Through a remarkable upregulation in Bcl-xL and downregulation in Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, hesperidin supplementation rescued splenic cell apoptosis in the diabetic rats. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of hesperidin in helping regulate Bcl-2 family proteins and inhibiting the oxidative stress and inflammatory status of hyperglycemia-mediated spleen apoptosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes-related spleen damage increases immune dysfunction, which often results in the heightened risks of infection, morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. In this work, hesperidin was used in the treatment of rats with diabetes-induced splenic damage. The results were highly encouraging with hesperidin consistently presenting beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities and splenoprotective effect. Research outcomes support the notion that hesperidin treatment could be considered a good strategy for the prevention of diabetic complications in the spleen.

Hesperidin Preferentially Stimulates Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1, Leading to NO Production and Mas Receptor Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Here, the mechanism of vasorelaxant Mas receptor (MasR) expression elevated by hesperidin in spontaneously hypertensive rats was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were cultured with 1 μM hesperidin for 2 h, following the measurements of nitric oxide (NO) production and vasomotor-related receptors' expression. Hesperidin significantly promoted NO production (224.1 ± 18.3%, P < 0.01 vs control) in the HUVECs. Only the MasR expression was upregulated (141.2 ± 12.5%, P < 0.05 vs control), whereas a MasR antagonist did not alter the hesperidin-induced NO production. When a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) was knocked down by silencing RNA or Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) were inhibited, the increased MasR expression by hesperidin was abrogated. The inhibitions of CaMKII and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) abolished the hesperidin-induced NO production. The structure-activity relationship analysis of flavonoids demonstrated that the B ring of the twisted flavonoid skeleton with a hydroxy group at the 3' position was a crucial factor for TRPV1 stimulation. Taken together, it was demonstrated that hesperidin may stimulate TRPV1-mediated cascades, leading to the activation of two signaling axes, CaMKII/p38 MAPK/MasR expression and CaMKII/eNOS/NO production in HUVECs.

Bioavailability of Hesperidin and Its Aglycone Hesperetin—Compounds Found in Citrus Fruits as a Parameter Conditioning the Pro-Health Potential (Neuroprotective and Antidiabetic Activity)—Mini-Review

Hesperidin and hesperetin are polyphenols that can be found predominantly in citrus fruits. They possess a variety of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective and antidiabetic activity. However, the bioavailability of these compounds is limited due to low solubility and restricts their use as pro-healthy agents. This paper described the limitations resulting from the low bioavailability of the presented compounds and gathered the methods aiming at its improvement. Moreover, this work reviewed studies providing pieces of evidence for neuroprotective and antidiabetic properties of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as providing a detailed look into the significance of reported modes of action in chronic diseases. On account of a well-documented pro-healthy activity, it is important to look for ways to overcome the problem of poor bioavailability.

Antidiabetic efficacy of Trifolium alexandrinum extracts hesperetin and quercetin in ameliorating carbohydrate metabolism and activating IR and AMPK signaling in the pancreatic tissues of diabetic rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is mainly characterized by hyperglycemia. The present work investigated the efficacy of the flavanones hesperetin (HES) and quercetin (Q) extracted from Trifolium alexandrinum (TA) to treat type 2 diabetic rats. Wistar albino rats were supplemented with a high fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks and then administered streptozotocin to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats were orally treated with Q, HES, and TA extract at concentrations of 40, 50, and 200 mg/kg BW, respectively, for 4 weeks. Various biochemical, molecular, and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of these treatments. Q, HES, and TA extract treatments all significantly improved diabetic rats' levels of serum glucose, insulin, glucagon, liver function enzymes, hepatic glycogen, α-amylase, lipase enzymes, lipid profiles, oxidative stress indicators, and antioxidant enzymes as compared with control diabetic untreated rats. In addition, supplementation with Q, HES, and TA extract attenuated the activities of glucose-6-phosphate; fructose-1,6-bisphospahate; 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; glucokinase; and hexokinase in pancreatic tissue, and they improved the levels of glucose transporter 2 and glucose transporter 4. Furthermore, these treatments modulated the expressions levels of insulin receptor (IR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), caspase-3, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Enhancement of the histological alterations in pancreatic tissues provided further evidence of the ability of Q, HES, and TA extract to exert antidiabetic effects. Q, HES, and TA extract remedied insulin resistance by altering the IR/PI3K and AMPK signaling pathways, and they attenuated type 2 diabetes by improving the antioxidant defense system.

Ameliorative Effect of Ocimum forskolei Benth on Diabetic, Apoptotic, and Adipogenic Biomarkers of Diabetic Rats and 3T3-L1 Fibroblasts Assisted by In Silico Approach

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complicated condition that is accompanied by a plethora of metabolic symptoms, including disturbed serum glucose and lipid profiles. Several herbs are reputed as traditional medicine to improve DM. The current study was designed to explore the chemical composition and possible ameliorative effects of Ocimum forskolei on blood glucose and lipid profile in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and in 3T3-L1 cell lines as a first report of its bioactivity. Histopathological study of pancreatic and adipose tissues was performed in control and treatment groups, along with quantification of glucose and lipid profiles and the assessment of NF-κB, cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and BCL2 markers in rat pancreatic tissue. Glucose uptake, adipogenic markers, DGAT1, CEBP/α, and PPARγ levels were evaluated in the 3T3-L1 cell line. Hesperidin was isolated from total methanol extract (TME). TME and hesperidin significantly controlled the glucose and lipid profile in DM rats. Glibenclamide was used as a positive control. Histopathological assessment showed that TME and hesperidin averted necrosis and infiltration in pancreatic tissues, and led to a substantial improvement in the cellular structure of adipose tissue. TME and hesperidin distinctly diminished the mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB, cleaved caspase-3, and BAX, and increased BCL2 expression (reflecting its protective and antiapoptotic actions). Interestingly, TME and hesperidin reduced glucose uptake and oxidative lipid accumulation in the 3T3-L1 cell line. TME and hesperidin reduced DGAT1, CEBP/α, and PPARγ mRNA and protein expression in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, docking studies supported the results via deep interaction of hesperidin with the tested biomarkers. Taken together, the current study demonstrates Ocimum forskolei and hesperidin as possible candidates for treating diabetes mellitus.

A Mixture of Pure, Isolated Polyphenols Worsens the Insulin Resistance and Induces Kidney and Liver Fibrosis Markers in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic with severe metabolic consequences. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites in plants and the most abundant dietary antioxidants, which possess a wide range of health effects. The most relevant food sources are fruit and vegetables, red wine, black and green tea, coffee, virgin olive oil, and chocolate, as well as nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of a pure, isolated polyphenol supplementation to counteract the pernicious metabolic effects of a high-fat diet (HFD). Our results indicated that the administration of pure, isolated polyphenols under HFD conditions for 26 weeks worsened the glucose metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. The data showed that the main target organ for these undesirable effects were the kidneys, where we observed fibrotic, oxidative, and kidney-disease markers. This work led us to conclude that the administration of pure polyphenols as a food supplement would not be advisable. Instead, the ingestion of complete "whole" foods would be the best way to get the health effects of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Guishe Extract from Agave lechuguilla, a Mexican Plant with Biotechnological Potential, on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

In the present study, we used a by-product from Agave lechuguilla (guishe) to test its antidiabetic effect, hypolipidemic activity, and capacity to mitigate the oxidative stress in kidney mitochondria from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Orally, a crude aqueous extract from lyophilized guishe was administered over 5 weeks at different doses. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Also, blood chemistry, bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase were assayed. Furthermore, the activity of catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were determined in isolated kidney mitochondria. Our results show that guishe extracts have no antidiabetic properties at any dose. Nevertheless, it was able to diminish serum triglyceride levels and regulate the oxidative stress observed in isolated kidney mitochondria. These observations indicate that the aqueous extract from guishe can be used to treat abnormalities in serum lipids, as a hypolipidemic, and mitigate the oxidative stress, as an antioxidant, occurring during diabetes.

Omnifarious fruit polyphenols: an omnipotent strategy to prevent and intervene diabetes and related complication?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome which cannot be cured. Recently, considerable interest has been focused on food ingredients to prevent and intervene in complications of diabetes. Polyphenolic compounds are one of the bioactive phytochemical constituents with various biological activities, which have drawn increasing interest in human health. Fruits are part of the polyphenol sources in daily food consumption. Fruit-derived polyphenols possess the anti-diabetic activity that has already been proved either from in vitro studies or in vivo studies. The mechanisms of fruit polyphenols in treating diabetes and related complications are under discussion. This is a comprehensive review on polyphenols from the edible parts of fruits, including those from citrus, berries, apples, cherries, mangoes, mangosteens, pomegranates, and other fruits regarding their potential benefits in preventing and treating diabetes mellitus. The signal pathways of characteristic polyphenols derived from fruits in reducing high blood glucose and intervening hyperglycemia-induced diabetic complications were summarized.

Traditional herbal medicine: Therapeutic potential in rheumatoid arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease influenced by diverse endogenous and exogenous factors. It is characterized by cartilage and bone destruction. The current conventional allopathic therapy is expensive and carries adverse side effects. Recently, there were some ethnopharmacological studies on RA including anti-RA effects and therapeutic targets of distinct dosage forms of traditional herbal medicines (THMs).

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review provides a brief overview of the current understanding of the potential pharmacological mechanisms of THMs (active constituents, extracts and prescriptions) in RA. This study is intended to provide comprehensive information and reference for exploring new therapeutic strategies of THMs in the RA treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review captured scientific literatures invivo and vitro experiments on effects of anti-RA THMs published between 2016 and 2021 from journals and electronic databases (e.g. PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar). Relevant literatures were searched and analyzed by using keywords such as 'rheumatoid arthritis AND traditional herbal medicines', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND immune cells', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND inflammation', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND miRNA', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND Angiogenesis', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND oxidative stress', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND osteoclasts', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND CIA model', 'rheumatoid arthritis AND AA model' AND 'rheumatoid arthritis herbal prescription'.

RESULTS

Experiments in vitro and in vivo jointly demonstrated the potential of THMs in the RA treatment. There are plentiful therapeutic targets in RA. THMs and active ingredients could alleviate RA symptoms through different therapeutic targets, such as immunoregulation, inflammation, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), microRNAs (miRNAs), angiogenesis, oxidative stress, osteoclasts and multiple targets interaction. Anti-RA THMs, active ingredients and prescriptions through corresponding therapeutic targets were summarized and classified.

CONCLUSIONS

Flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids and triterpenes of THMs are identified as the main components to ameliorate RA. Regulation of different and multiple related therapeutic targets by THMs and their active ingredients were associated with greater therapeutic benefits, among which inflammation is the main therapeutic target. Nonetheless, further studies are required to unravel the complexities and in-depth mechanisms of THMs in alleviating RA.