Effects of ethanolic extract of Ferula gummosa oleo-resin in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes

A comprehensive review of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying gum and resin synthesis in Ferula species

Ferula spp. are plants that produce oleo-gum-resins (OGRs), which are plant exudates with various colors. These OGRs have various industrial applications in pharmacology, perfumery, and food. The main constituents of these OGRs are terpenoids, a diverse group of organic compounds with different structures and functions. The biosynthesis of OGRs in Ferula spp., particularly galbanum, holds considerable economic and ecological importance. However, the molecular and genetic underpinnings of this biosynthetic pathway remain largely enigmatic. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the biosynthesis of OGRs in Ferula spp., highlighting the major enzymes, genes, and pathways involved in the synthesis of different terpenoid classes, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes. It also examines the potential of using omics techniques, such as transcriptomics and metabolomics, and genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas, to increase the yield and quality of Ferula OGRs, as well as to create novel bioactive compounds with enhanced properties. Moreover, this review addresses the current challenges and opportunities of applying gene editing in Ferula spp., and suggests some directions for future research and development.

Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Ferula gummosa Boiss: extract on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line

PURPOSE

Ferula gummosa Boiss. is a well-known and valuable medicinal plant in Iran. Research has shown that this plant has several pharmacological properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and etc. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic properties of F. gummosa Boiss. extract in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic properties of the extract were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and propidium iodide (PI) stained cells, respectively. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by annexin V-PI staining. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS),malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was determined to evaluate oxidative stress. The cell migration and the gene expression were assessed by scratch assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR), respectively.

RESULTS

The extract of F. gummosa decreased the viability and cell cycle progression of MCF-7 cells by inducing apoptosis and necrosis, increasing ROS and MDA levels, and decreasing GSH levels and SOD activity. It also lowered the cells' migration capability by enhancing p53 mRNA levels and reducing MMP-9 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

F. gummosa exhibited pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-metastatic effects on MCF-7 cells. It is therefore recommended that detailed future research be done on different parts of the plant or its secondary metabolites to find anti-cancer lead compounds.

Melatonin reduces lung injury in type 1 diabetic mice by the modulation of autophagy

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the role of autophagy has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of diabetes and inflammatory lung diseases. In this study, using a diabetic model of mice, we investigated the expression of autophagy-related genes in the lung tissues following melatonin administration.

RESULTS

Data showed histopathological remodeling in lung tissues of the D group coincided with an elevated level of IL-6, Becline-1, LC3, and P62 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After melatonin treatment, histopathological remodeling was improved D + Mel group. In addition, expression levels of IL-6, Becline-1, LC3, and P62 were decreased in D + Mel compared to D group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were not obtained between Mel group and C group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that melatonin injection can be effective in the amelioration of lung injury in diabetic mice presumably by modulating autophagy-related genes.

Novel Cytotoxic Sesquiterpene Ester Derivatives from the Roots of Ferula mervynii

This study is the first chemical investigation of Ferula mervynii M. Sağıroğlu & H. Duman, an endemic species to Eastern Anatolia. The isolations of nine compounds including six previously undescribed sesquiterpene esters, 8-trans-cinnamoyltovarol (1), 8-trans-cinnamoylantakyatriol (3), 6-acetyl-8-trans-cinnamoyl-3-epi-antakyatriol (5), 6-acetyl-8-trans-cinnamoylshiromodiol (6), 6-acetyl-8-trans-cinnamoylfermedurone (7), and 6-acetyl-8-trans-cinnamoyl-(1S),2-epoxyfermedurone (8), were described along with three known sesquiterpene esters, 6-acetyl-8-benzoyltovarol (2), 6-acetyl-8-trans-cinnamoylantakyatriol (4), and ferutinin (9). The structures of novel compounds were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemistry calculations. The putative biosynthetic pathways for compounds 7 and 8 were discussed. The extracts and isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against the COLO 205, K-562, MCF-7 cancer cell lines, and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) lines using MTT assay. Compound 4 showed the highest activity against the MCF-7 cell lines with an IC₅₀ value of 16.74±0.21 μM.

Histopathological Profiles of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced with Streptozotocin and Treated with Aqueous Root Extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious worldwide health threat since the number of people with DM is forecasted to grow annually. Thus, effective and affordable treatment is urgently needed. Our previous studies used n-hexane and hydroethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. which significantly affected diabetic rats. In this study, aqueous R. tuberosa L. root extracts were used as treatments for the diabetic rat model and their effects were evaluated. Diabetes was generated by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at 20 mg/kg within 5 sequential days. Male Wistar rats were orally treated with the extracts and standard drug (metformin 200 mg/kg) and vehicle every day for 4 weeks. Hypoglycemic effects were assessed for normal, diabetic control, standard, and extract-treated groups. Histopathology was also carried out for the pancreatic, hepatic, and kidney tissues. The progression of diabetes was considerably diminished after extract treatment. In treated rats, the highest dose of extract induced a decline in blood glucose and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at 25% and 35%, respectively. Furthermore, aqueous extract of R. tuberosa L. treatment decreased MDA levels in the pancreas by 12%. Histologic examination of the organ tissues of diabetic rats showed deteriorating alterations. After treatment, histopathological damages to the tissues and cells were reversed. The results of the experiments recommend that aqueous extract of R. tuberosa L. has antidiabetic effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats; nevertheless, a higher dose of the aqueous extracts is needed to achieve more significant results.

Hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Eryngium billardieri root on nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rats

Background and purpose

Erynginum billardieri has been used to control diabetes in traditional medicine. This research was performed to study the antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects of E. billardieri root extract (EBRE) on streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic male rats.

Experimental approach

Type two diabetic animals were treated by three different doses of EBRE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), orally administered for 4 weeks. Ultimately, after anesthesia, the glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, hepatic enzyme levels in the blood and liver, and pancreas tissues of the animals were analyzed.

Findings/Results

Induction of diabetes caused a diminution in insulin level, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and significantly enhanced the level of other lipid profiles, glucose, and liver enzymes (P < 0.05). Administration of the EBRE to diabetic-male rats significantly reduced glucose level, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes, and increased the level of HDL to near normal.

Conclusion and implications

The results of the present study showed that E. billardieri had a positive effect on diminishing the lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and controlling diabetes. The most effective dose was found to be 100 mg/kg.

A standardized extract of Ziziphus jujuba Mill protects against adriamycin-induced liver, heart, and brain toxicity: An oxidative stress and biochemical approach

Due to the antioxidant effects of the Ziziphus jujuba Mill (Z. jujuba), we investigated the liver, heart, and brain-protective effects of this herb against toxicity induced by adriamycin (ADR). In this study, Wistar rats were divided into 1) control, 2) ADR and 3, 4, and 5) treated groups orally administrated three doses of Z. jujuba hydroalcoholic extract for 1 month. The liver, heart, and brain were removed for evaluation of the oxidative markers. Blood samples were evaluated to determine the levels of Lactate dehydrogenase, total and direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, Aspartate transaminase, and Alanine aminotransferase. Administration of Z. jujuba significantly decreased the biochemical enzymes compared to the ADR. Oxidative condition in treated rats with different doses of Z. jujuba was improved compared to the ADR group. Z. jujuba could decrease the oxidative injury through invigoration of the tissues antioxidant system. The mentioned hepatic and cardiac parameters levels improved during extract administration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the first stage, our findings and other supplementary works have shown that administration of jujube extract has prevented the effects of histotoxicity caused by adriamycin, so it seems that in the next stage, the effects of this herbal plant on patients with tissue toxicity caused by adriamycin should be evaluated and if the results are positive in pharmacological studies, it should be used as a complementary drug in the treatment of these patients.

Evaluation Potential Antidiabetic Effects of Ferula latisecta in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objectives

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of F. latisecta on blood glucose, lipids, and diabetes-related changes in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6) normal control rats, diabetic control rats, diabetic rats treated for 4 weeks with F. latisecta root (400 mg/kg/day), and diabetic rats treated with F. latisecta aerial parts (400 mg/kg/day).

Results

Induction of diabetes significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Diabetes also increased (p < 0.05) oxidative stress in the kidney and liver (decrease of thiol and increase of superoxide dismutase). The root and aerial parts of F. latisecta significantly reduced the level of LDL (p < 0.05) and restored the content of thiol (p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in the kidney and liver. F. latisecta had no significant effect on the levels of FBG, BUN, AST, and ALT. The root of F. latisecta also reduced the serum level of total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and prevented the progression of hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that F. latisecta may improve diabetic dyslipidemia by reducing serum LDL. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Tangeretin: a mechanistic review of its pharmacological and therapeutic effects

To date, a large number of synthetic drugs have been developed for the treatment and prevention of different disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. However, these drugs suffer from a variety of drawbacks including side effects and low efficacy. In response to this problem, researchers have focused on the plant-derived natural products due to their valuable biological activities and low side effects. Flavonoids consist of a wide range of naturally occurring compounds exclusively found in fruits and vegetables and demonstrate a number of pharmacological and therapeutic effects. Tangeretin (TGN) is a key member of flavonoids that is extensively found in citrus peels. It has different favorable biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. In the present review, we discuss the various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of TGN and then, demonstrate how this naturally occurring compound affects signaling pathways to exert its impacts.