Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) water extract alleviates palmitate-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 hepatocytes via the activation of IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a typical element of a traditional Mediterranean diet and has potential health advantages for insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of artichoke water extract (AWE) on palmitate (PA)-induced IR in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells.

METHODS

The effect of AWE on cell viability was determined using CCK8 assay. Cellular glucose uptake, glucose consumption, glucose production, and glycogen content were assessed after AWE treatment. The gene expression and protein levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting.

RESULTS

The results showed that AWE dose-dependently increased cell viability in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). AWE treatment significantly promoted glucose uptake and consumption, decreased glucose production, and increased the cellular glycogen content in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, AWE elevated the phosphorylation and total protein levels of major insulin signaling molecules in IR HepG2 cells, which resulted in a decrease in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and the inhibition of glycogen synthase (GS) phosphorylation in IR HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the protective effect of AWE on IR HepG2 cells might be ascribed to the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that AWE may improve glucose metabolism by regulating IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling associated with the inhibition of ER stress in IR HepG2 cells induced by PA.

Hepatoprotective effects of a chemically-characterized extract from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against AFB1-induced toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of a pharmaceutically formulated capsule of artichoke leaf powder (ArLP) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. In the 42-day experiment, rats were divided into five equal groups: (i) control, treated with sterile water, (ii) treated with 4% DMSO as AFB1 vehicle, (iii) ArLP of 100 mg kg-1 bw, (iv) AFB1 of 72 µg kg-1 bw, and (v) AFB1 plus ArLP. Exposure of rats to AFB1 resulted in hepatotoxicity as manifested by the intensification of oxidative stress, production of free radicals and significant increase in the activity levels of liver function enzymes relative to the control. Significant reductions in both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers as well as histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues were also observed. Notably, the combined administration of ArLP with AFB1 clearly reduced AFB1-mediated adverse effects leading to the normalization of most of these parameters back to control levels. These findings clearly highlight the potential benefits of artichoke dietary supplements as a safe and natural solution in counteracting the adverse hepatotoxic effects conferred by AFB1 exposure. Further research is warranted to fully dissect the biochemical and molecular mechanism of action of the observed artichoke-mediated hepatoprotection.

Artichoke as a melanoma growth inhibitor

Melanoma is the most lethal malignancy in skin cancers. About 97,610 new cases of melanoma are projected to occur in the United States (US) in 2023. Artichoke is a very popular plant widely consumed in the US due to its nutrition. In recent years, it has been shown that artichoke shows powerful anti-cancer effects on cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. However, there is little known about its effect on melanoma. This study was designed to investigate if artichoke extract (AE) has any direct effect on the growth of melanoma. Clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects AE has on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of the widely studied melanoma cell line HTB-72. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanisms using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The percentage of colonies of HTB-72 melanoma cells decreased significantly after treated with AE. This was paralleled with the decrease in the optic density (OD) value of cancer cells after treatment with AE. This was further supported by the decreased expression of PCNA mRNA after treated with AE. Furthermore, the cellular caspase-3 activity increased after treated with AE. The anti-proliferative effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with increased p21, p27, and decreased CDK4. The pro-apoptotic effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with decreased survivin. Artichoke inhibits growth of melanoma by inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Such a study might be helpful to develop a new promising treatment for melanoma.

Water extract from artichoke ameliorates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

BACKGROUND

The "multiple-hit" hypothesis is currently the most widely accepted theory for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of artichoke (WEA) on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD and then treated with WEA at three doses (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg body weight, BW) for 8 weeks. At the end of the intervention, serum biochemical parameters, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver histopathology, hepatic inflammatory gene and lipid metabolism gene expression, and Akt and p-Akt (S473) protein levels were determined.

RESULTS

The body weight, liver weight, liver triglyceride (TG) and serum levels of TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, and insulin were all significantly reduced in the WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared with the HFD group (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in hepatic content of malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) and glutathione (P < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in liver superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01) were observed in WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared to the HFD group. In addition, there was a marked decrease in the hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the WEA-treated groups compared to the HFD group (P < 0.01). In line with these findings, the histopathology of the livers of rats treated with WEA (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) showed a decrease in steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. Mechanistically, the reduced hepatic TG content might be related to the downregulation of lipogenic genes (SREBP1c, FASN, SCD1) and upregulation of lipolytic gene (PPARα), and the improved insulin signaling might be associated with the observed increase in antioxidant activity and reduction in inflammation in the WEA-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

The hepatoprotective role of WEA in NAFLD may be attributed to its anti-steatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-insulin resistance effects.

Preventive effect of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) in kidney dysfunction against high fat-diet induced obesity in rats

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction. We examined the protective effects of an ethanol extract of artichoke leaves (EEA) compared to Atorvastatin (ATOR) in the kidney of Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. The experimental animals were divided into five groups: control (Cont), HFD, HFD treated with EEA (200 mg/kg), HFD treated with EEA (400 mg/kg), and HFD treated with ATOR. Organ weights, lipid profile, renal markers, and antioxidants enzymes were measured. Oral administration of EEA (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 60 days showed a significant decrease in organ weights and kidney markers levels accompanied by decreasing in oxidative stress biomarkers as compared to HFD groups. The histological findings showed a renoprotective effect of artichoke extract. These findings suggest that EEA exerts anti-oxidant kidney effects in HFD- induced obese rats.

Chemometrics applied to 1H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy as a way to evaluate solid-liquid extraction of leaves of artichoke

Artichoke has several biological actions, which are related to the synergistic action of its bioactive compounds. Solid-liquid extraction influence the type and quantity of compounds extracted and, consequently, the biological activity of the plant extract. This study aims to investigate which extraction method (maceration, infusion, or Soxhlet) and which green solvent (ethanol or acetone) would be more suitable to obtain bioactive artichoke extracts. All solid-liquid procedures were carried out in triplicate, using 3.0 g of artichoke leaves and 200 mL of solvent. After drying, samples were analyzed by UV-Vis and ¹H NMR. Chemometrics was applied to spectroscopic data, and the PCA analysis showed that they were specially separated according to the solvent extractor. The sesquiterpene lactone cynaropicrin was identified as the major compound of the extracts, and this allowed us to conclude that the best solid-liquid procedure was Soxhlet, using ethanol as solvent.

Effect of Artichoke (cynara scolymus) on cardiac markers, lipid profile and antioxidants levels in tissue of HFD-induced obesity

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the insulin resistance disease, which is related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was done to evaluate the effect of artichoke leaves extract (ALE) in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cellular obesity and cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Body and organ weights, serum lipid profile, cardiac markers, and antioxidants enzymes were measured. Oral administration of ALE at two doses 200 and 400 mg/kg for a period of 60 days showed a significant decrease in body and organ weights, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDH, ALT accompanied by decreasing in oxidative stress biomarker (MDA, and AOPP) and increasing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) levels as compared to HFD groups. The histological findings showed a cardioprotective effect of ALE. These findings suggest that ALE exert anti-oxidant cardiac effects in HFD- induced obese rats.

Valuable Hepatoprotective Plants - How Can We Optimize Waste Free Uses of Such Highly Versatile Resources?

Humans used plants for thousand of years as food, drugs, or fuel to keep homes warm. People commonly used fruits and roots, and other parts of the plant were often wasted. This review aims to discuss the potential of rational stem-to-stern use of three highly versatile and valuable plants with hepatoprotective properties. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) have well-characterized hepatoprotective properties. These plants have been chosen since liver diseases are significant diseases of concern worldwide, and all parts of plants can be potentially utilized. Artichoke and chicory are commonly used as food or dietary supplements and less often as phytodrugs. Various dietary supplements and phytodrugs prepared from milk thistle (MT) fruits/seeds are well-known to consumers as remedies supporting liver functions. However, using these plants as functional food, farm animal feed, is not well-described in the literature. We also discuss bioactive constituents present in various parts of these plants, their pharmacological properties. Distinct parts of MT, artichoke, and chicory can be used to prepare remedies and food for humans and animals. Unused plant parts are potentially wasted. To achieve waste-free use of these and many other plants, the scientific community needs to analyze the complex use of plants and propose strategies for waste-free technologies. The government must stimulate companies to utilize by-products. Another problem associated with plant use as a food or source of phytodrug is the overharvesting of wild plants. Consequently, there is a need to use more active cultivation techniques for plants.

Human risk associated with the ingestion of artichokes grown in soils irrigated with water contaminated by potentially toxic elements, Junin, Peru

The contamination of water, air and soil with potentially toxic elements (PTE) compromises the supply of contaminant free food. Vegetables grown in contaminated soils can absorb and accumulate PTE at concentrations that are toxic to human health. In this context, the human risk associated with the intake of artichokes grown in soils irrigated with PTE contaminated water was assessed. 120 samples of surface soil and artichoke heads were collected and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and As were determined. The results showed that the concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn in soil did not exceed the standards of the Ministry of Environment of Peru, but they did exceed those of Pb (125.45 mg kg^-1) and As (28.70 mg kg^-1). The decreasing order of mean PTE concentration in artichoke heads was Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > As, exceeding the permissible levels of FAO/WHO CODEX Alimentarius. However, the concentrations of As comply with the maximum limits of inorganic contaminants in vegetables (0.3 mg kg^-1) established in the MERCOSUR regulations. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of Pb and As indicated that the ingestion of artichoke heads does not represent a health risk.

A multi-analytical strategy for evaluation of quality and authenticity of artichoke food supplements for overweight control

Despite the widespread use of artichoke-based food supplements for obesity control (FSOC), studies on evaluation of the quality/authenticity of these commercial products are scarce. To that aim, a new multi-analytical strategy, based on the use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet and mass spectrometry detection (HPLC-UV-MS), in combination with chemometrics, has been developed. Twenty-one artichoke FSOC and different bract and leaf extracts (used as reference samples) were analysed. Sugars, inositols, caffeoylquinic acids, dicaffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids and their glycosides were detected in reference samples and in most artichoke FSOC. Low concentrations of bioactives, and the presence of other compounds probably related to heat treatment during manufacturing (difructosyl anhydrides, 3-deoxyglucosone), or to the addition of caloric additives (maltose, maltotriose) or non-declared plants (e.g. pinitol, disaccharides, silybin derivatives) were also detected in some FSOC by either GC-MS or HPLC-UV-MS. Application of Principal Component Analysis to the combined GC-MS + HPLC-UV data matrix, proved that this multi-analytical strategy provides advantages over single analytical techniques for the detection of the wide variety of fraudulent practices affecting authenticity of artichoke FSOC and for assessment of their quality.

Hydrogen sulfide priming can enhance the tolerance of artichoke seedlings to individual and combined saline-alkaline and aniline stresses

Regulatory roles of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) under saline-alkaline and/or aniline stress have not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the insights into saline-alkaline and/or aniline stresses-induced toxicity in artichoke plants and its alleviation by H₂S priming. Individual saline-alkaline or aniline stress and their combination reduced plant growth and photosynthetic pigments. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that these detrimental impacts were caused by the higher oxidative damage and disruption of osmolyte homeostasis. Interestingly, only aniline stress (25 mg L^-1) caused neither oxidative nor osmotic stress thus almost slight growth retarding effects had ensued. On the other hand, the presence of aniline in saline-alkaline conditions exacerbated stress-induced deleterious effects on plants, as evidenced by PCA and heatmap. However, H₂S priming markedly eased the stress-induced deleteriousness as evident by enhanced chlorophyll, soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrates and up-regulated water relation in H₂S-primmed plants compared with only stressed plants resulting in improved plant phenotypic features. Furthermore, H₂S priming enhanced endogenous H₂S content, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, flavonoids, glutathione, α-tocopherol, and anthocyanins) and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase), whereas reduced oxidative stress markers (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, malondialdehyde, and methylglyoxal) compared with only stressed plants, indicating a protective function of H₂S against oxidative damage. The PCA also clarified that H₂S-mediated saline-alkaline and/or aniline stress tolerance strongly connected with the improved antioxidant system. Overall, our finding proposed that H₂S priming could be an effective technique to mitigate saline-alkaline and/or aniline stress in artichoke, and perhaps in other crop plants.

Effect of different atmospheric and subatmospheric cooking techniques on qualitative properties and microstructure of artichoke heads

Quartered Violetto artichokes were cooked with different treatments (boiling, steaming, sous vide and vacuum cooking) at the same cooking value at the thermal centre. Then, the physical (moisture content, texture and colour), histological and chemical (phenolic, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furan content, total antioxidant capacity) features of bracts and hearts were assessed. A deeply modified microstructure was observed in boiled and steamed samples with an evident decrease in hardness both for bracts and hearts. Lightness of two anatomical parts was decreased by all the treatments (with the exception of sous vide bracts). The highest total colour difference was recorded for steamed samples, whereas the lowest was noted for sous vide samples. Steamed and sous vide artichoke exhibited the highest total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity. Sous vide samples exhibited the highest concentrations of HMF, 2-furan-methanol and 2,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimetyl-3(2H)-furanone, whereas the by-product 5-metylfuraldheide was only detected in the steamed product.

Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Assessment of Artichoke By-product Extract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Egypt produced 236,314 t of artichoke in 2016, which produce a huge amount of useless by-product, which can be used as cheaper source for many active compounds can be applied for some medical application. The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity of the artichoke by-product extract through its effect on rats' kidney, brain and liver biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical composition of artichoke by-product (crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat and minerals) was determined. Conventional extraction (CE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) extraction methods were used for artichoke by-product and comparison between them were performed according to antioxidant activity using DPPH and the phenolic profile identity using HPLC technique. Chronic oral gavage of thirty adult male albino rats for 4 weeks in the concentrations of (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 g kg-1) artichoke by-product extract was used for evaluation of its toxicity.

RESULTS

MAE with ethanol more suitable for extraction of the polyphenols (193.63±4.9 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) mg-1) and showed IC50 = 159.7 mg mL-1. Three major active phenolic compounds were identified benzoic acid, ellagic acid and caffeine. Rats administrated 5 g kg-1 artichoke extract have no changes in brain, liver and kidney parameters (p<0.05). Histology of brain and liver exhibited normal architecture.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the artichoke by-product extract had no any toxic effect on rats and considered be safe for human use even at a high level of doses (up to 5 g kg-1).

Effects of Cynara scolymus L. on glycemic indices:A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

Cynara scolymus L. (common artichoke) and its products have been considered as potential phytotherapeutic agents for various conditions, such as cardiovascular, hepatic and gastric diseases, among others. Until now, the effects of artichoke and artichoke products administration on glycemic indices have not been sufficiently appraised. The present study evaluated the effects of artichoke and artichoke products administration on the glycemic indices.

METHODS

Clinical trials were identified in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases; to infinity until 15 March 2020. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods.

RESULTS

Pooled analysis of nine Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), demonstrated that the administration of artichoke and artichoke products led to a significant reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: -5.28 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -8.95, -1.61; p = 0.005). However, other glycemic indeces including fasting insulin (WMD: -0.45 μIU/dL, 95 % CI: -1.14, 0.25; p = 0.20), HOMA-IR (MD: -0.25, 95 % CI: -0.57, 0.07; p = 0.12) or Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.09, 95 % CI: -0.20, 0.02; p = 0.09) did not alter after the administration of artichoke and artichoke products. A subgroup analysis comparing the kind of intervention, revealed that just the supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products, in a noco-supplementation form, was efficacy for the reduction of Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: -0.52, 95 % CI: -0.85, -0.19; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products can significantly reduce the FBS concentrations in humans. Moreover, these outcomes suggested that just the supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products is more effective in the reduction of HOMA-IR levels than the co-supplementation form. However, additional clinical trials with longer study periods are necessitated to obtain a robust conclusion for producing new guidelines as part of a healthy diet.

Food intake biomarkers for green leafy vegetables, bulb vegetables, and stem vegetables: a review

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies acknowledged the importance of an adequate vegetable consumption for human health. However, current methods to estimate vegetable intake are often prone to measurement errors due to self-reporting and/or insufficient detail. More objective intake biomarkers for vegetables, using biological specimens, are preferred. The only concentration biomarkers currently available are blood carotenoids and vitamin C, covering total fruit and vegetable intake. Identification of biomarkers for specific vegetables is needed for a better understanding of their relative importance for human health. Within the FoodBAll Project under the Joint Programming Initiative "A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life", an ambitious action was undertaken to identify candidate intake biomarkers for all major food groups consumed in Europe by systematically reviewing the existent literature. This study describes the review on candidate biomarkers of food intake (BFIs) for leafy, bulb, and stem vegetables, which was conducted within PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for studies published through March 2019.

RESULTS

In total, 65 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility for leafy vegetables, and 6 full-text articles were screened for bulb and stem vegetables. Putative BFIs were identified for spinach, lettuce, endive, asparagus, artichoke, and celery, but not for rocket salad. However, after critical evaluation through a validation scheme developed by the FoodBAll consortium, none of the putative biomarkers appeared to be a promising BFI. The food chemistry data indicate that some candidate BFIs may be revealed by further studies.

CONCLUSION

Future randomized controlled feeding studies combined with observational studies, applying a non-targeted metabolomics approach, are needed in order to identify valuable BFIs for the intake of leafy, bulb, and stem vegetables.

Anticancer effects induced by artichoke extract in oral squamous carcinoma cell lines

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is occupying the eighth position of all malignant neoplasia worldwide. Nowadays, natural compounds found in vegetables and fruits are important resources of many anticancer drugs especially those with high levels of phytochemicals representing an efficient strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a kind of antioxidant-rich vegetables demonstrated a potential anticancer activity on various types of cancer cells related to its content of phenolic compounds. Anticarcinogenic effects of polyphenolic extracts were reported to cause a reduction in cell viability, inhibition of cell growth, and initiation of apoptotic mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate the cell cycle arrest, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects of artichoke extract against the invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

A pure extract from the edible part and leaves of fresh artichoke was added to oral squamous carcinoma cell lines and to control group to evaluate the expression of caspase-9, Bcl-2, and Bax genes. Artichoke extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxic effect against cancer cell lines which increased in a time-dependent manner. No apparent effects were observed in the normal control group. Expression of Bax and caspase-9 genes revealed a highly significant increase in cancer cell lines (p = 0.0001) when compared to the control group. In addition to a highly significant decrease (p = 0.005) in Bcl-2 of cancer cells. It was demonstrated that artichoke extract induced cell growth arrest at G2/M phase which revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in comparison to the untreated control group.

CONCLUSION

Artichoke exerts potent cell cycle arrest, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects on oral squamous carcinoma cell lines.

Cynara scolymus leaves extract alleviates nandrolone decanoate-induced alterations in testicular function and sperm quality in albino rats

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a commonly used anabolic-androgenic steroid. These drugs are illegally self-administered by athletes to enhance their sports performance. However, their abuse could influence the testicular function and fertility. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Cynara scolymus leaf extract (CLE) on ND-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Five groups of adult male rats (10 rats each) were used. Group I rats received only saline and served as controls. Group II rats were injected with a vehicle once weekly, while group III rats received intramuscular injections of ND (20 mg/kg/week for 60 days). Group IV rats orally received 1 g/kg/day of CLE and group V rats received ND and CLE at the aforementioned doses. The results revealed that ND has a negative impact on the testicular function as evidenced by the significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in testicular malondialdehyde concentration and serum non-prostatic acid phosphatase activity, as well as the significant decreases in serum testosterone levels, testicular weight, glutathione concentration, catalase enzyme activity, and total antioxidant capacity. These results were accompanied by considerable alterations of sperm characters and histopathological studies of the testicular tissue. However, co-treatment with CLE extract significantly alleviated (p ≤ 0.05) almost all ND-induced pathological alterations. In conclusion, co-treatment of ND-intoxicated rats with CLE ameliorated the toxic effects of ND on the testicular structure and function, probably due to its antioxidant activity.

Contribution of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases to the antioxidant effects of propolis, artichoke and silymarin

BACKGROUND

The popularity of herbal medicines is rapidly increasing in many countries including the Western world where many individuals turn to natural products, because they promise a safe and natural remedy for a broad variety of health disorders or the prevention of disease development. Although therapy with a number of herbal products has demonstrated a promising potential and efficacy, insufficient information exists concerning their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and mode of action.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Aim of this study was to examine the role of human detoxifying UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in the mechanism underlying the protective antioxidant effects reported for propolis, artichoke and silymarin.

METHODS

UGT1A induction was analyzed by reporter gene assays, siRNA mediated knockdown and enzyme activity assays. Antioxidant activity was measured using a hydrogen peroxide colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

We identified propolis, artichoke and silymarin as potent activators of UGT1A transcription and enzyme activity in KYSE70 cells mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor AhR and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Propolis, artichoke and silymarin significantly decreased tertiary butylhydroquinone (tBHQ)-induced hydrogen peroxide levels. This protective effect was significantly reduced by siRNA mediated knockdown of UGT1A expression.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study provides a possible molecular mechanism for protective antioxidant effects associated with the herbal drugs propolis, artichoke and silymarin. The herbal drug-mediated transcriptional upregulation of human detoxifying UGT1A enzymes via activation of AhR and Nrf2 leads to reduced hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress. Because of UGT1A activation, the intake of these drugs could affect the therapeutic efficacy of other drugs when these also undergo metabolism by glucuronidation.

The effect of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) on maternal reproductive outcomes and fetal development in rats

Cynara scolymus (C.scolymus) is a plant employed worldwide as an herbal medicine. However, there is a paucity of data related to the evaluation of its toxicity in commercial preparations; thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible teratogenic effect of the dry extract of C.scolymus leaves in Wistar rats. Females were treated, from gestation day (GD) 6 until GD19, with 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 g/kg body weight of C.scolymus extract. At GD20, a cesarean section was performed for evaluation of maternal and fetal parameters. C.scolymus did not induce changes in food consumption, preimplantation or postimplantation losses, placental weight or biochemical profile. An increase in water consumption was observed in pregnant females treated with the higher doses of C.scolymus. Experimental groups showed lower body weight gain during pregnancy and lower gravid uterus weight. Maternal body weight minus the gravid uterus weight did not result in significant differences. Reductions in fetal weight and length were observed in experimental groups. The number of live pups per litter was lower in the highest dose group. No fetal skeletal or visceral malformations were detected. The results showed that the consumption of artichoke during pregnancy clearly has a negative impact on fetuses.

The effect of artichoke on lipid profile: A review of possible mechanisms of action

Cardiovascular disease is a highly prevalent issue worldwide, and one of its main manifestations, dyslipidaemia, needs more attention. Cooked artichoke (Cynara scolymus) hearts or artichoke leaf extract (ALE) are believed to be helpful in the treatment of dyslipidaemia. In this narrative review, we provide a brief overview of the potential impact of artichoke consumption on lipid profile. We appraised the Cochrane, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, and included articles published between 2000 and June 2018 on intervention in humans only. The main potential of ALE administration observed on lipid profile relates to decreased serum LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, although no strong evidence for increasing HDL appears to exist. Evidence suggests that decreases of 8-49 mg/dL for LDL concentration, 12-55 mg/dL for total cholesterol, and 11-51 mg/dL for triglycerides, can be attributed to 2 to 3 g/d of ALE, in which its components luteolin and chlorogenic acid may play a key role. On the other hand, the effects of cooked artichoke hearts can be attributed mainly to its soluble fibres, particularly inulin. Despite the convincing evidence on its health benefits, additional long-term clinical trials are pivotal to fully elucidate the potential effects of ALE administration on positive cardiovascular outcomes.

Protective effects of Cynara scolymus leaves extract on metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in alloxan-diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with hyperglycemia, inflammatory disorders and abnormal lipid profiles, currently the extracts from leaves of cynara scolymus has been discovered to treat metabolic disorders and has been stated by multitudinous scientists according to a good source of polyphenols compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the ethanol leaves extract of C. scolymus in alloxan induced stress oxidant, hepatic-kidney dysfunction and histological changes in liver, kidney and pancreas of different experimental groups of rats.

METHODS

We determinate the antioxidant activity by ABTS ^.+ and antioxidant total capacity (TAC) of all extracts of C. scolymus leaves, the inhibition of α-amylase activity in vitro was also investigated. Forty male Wistar rats were induced to diabetes with a single dose intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)). Diabetic rats were orally and daily administrated of ethanol extract from C. scolymus at two doses (200-400 mg/kg, b.w) or (12 mg/kg, b.w) with anti-diabetic reference drug, Acarbose for one month. Ethanol extract of C. scolymus effect was confirmed by biochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and histological study.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the ethanol extract from leaves of C. scolymus showed the highest antioxidant activity by ABTS ^.+ (499.43g± 39.72 Trolox/g dry extract) and (128.75 ± 8.45 mg VC /g dry extract) for TAC and endowed the powerful inhibition in vitro of α-amylase activity with IC50=72,22 ug/uL. In vivo, the results showed that ethanol extract from the leaves of C. scolymus (200-400 mg/kg) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) the α-amylase levels in serum of diabetic rats, respectively associated with significant reduction (p < 0.001) in blood glucose rate of 42,84% and 37,91% compared to diabetic groups after 28 days of treatment, a significant lowered of plasma total cholesterol (T-Ch) by 18,11% and triglyceride (TG) by 60,47%, significantly and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) by 37,77%, compared to diabetic rats, moreover, the administration of ethanol extract appears to exert anti-oxidative activity demonstrated by the increase of CAT, SOD and GSH activities in liver, kidney and pancreas of diabetic rats. This positive effect of the ethanol extract from C. scolymus was confirmed by histological study.

CONCLUSION

These observed strongly suggest that ethanol extract from the leaves of C. scolymus has anti-hyperglycemic properties, at least partly mediated by antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects.

Microbiological and Sensory Quality of Fresh Ready-to-Eat Artichoke Hearts Packaged under Modified Atmosphere

In recent years the sales of minimally processed vegetables have grown exponentially as a result of changes in consumer habits. The availability of artichoke buds as a ready-to-eat product would be, therefore, highly advantageous. However, minimally processed artichoke hearts are difficult to preserve because of their rapid browning and the proliferation of naturally occurring microorganisms. We developed artichoke hearts prepared as ready-to-eat products that maintain the characteristics of the fresh product. The microbiological stability, sensory qualities, and shelf life of the processed artichoke hearts were determined. During the shelf life, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli counts were below the limits legally established by European regulations for minimally processed vegetables. The pH played an important role in microbial growth. Artichoke hearts had lower microbial counts in experiments conducted at pH 4.1 than in experiments conducted at pH 4.4, although the recommended threshold value for total plate count (7 log CFU/g) was not exceeded in either case. Sensory parameters were affected by the microorganisms, and artichoke products at lower pH had better sensory qualities. Vacuum impregnation techniques, modified atmosphere packaging, and low storage temperature were very effective for increasing the shelf life of minimally processed artichokes. The average shelf life was approximately 12 to 15 days.

Studies on the protective effect of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract against cadmium toxicity-induced oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, and immunosuppressive and hematological disorders in rats

Our objective was to explore the protective effect of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity-induced oxidative organ damage in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups of eight animals each. The first group was assigned as a control. Groups 2-4 were orally administered with ALE (300 mg/kg bw), Cd (CdCl₂, 100 mg/L drinking water), and ALE plus Cd, respectively, daily for 4 weeks. After treatment with Cd, the liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly compared with the control rats. The sera interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and IL-10, liver transaminase, urea, creatinine, and peripheral neutrophil count were significantly increased in Cd-exposed rats compared to the control group. The reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) decreased in the liver and kidney in Cd-exposed group. In combination treatment, Cd and ALE significantly improved immune response, an antioxidant system, and hepatorenal function with a significant decline in MDA. In conclusion, ALE ameliorates the immunosuppressive and hepatorenal oxidative injury stimulated by Cd in rats. These results suggest that artichoke has shown promising effects against adverse effects of Cd toxicity.

Effects of a Combined Nutraceutical on Lipid Pattern, Glucose Metabolism and Inflammatory Parameters in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Subjects: A Double-blind, Cross-over, Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest for combined nutraceuticals that can act on several points of lipid and glucose metabolism with preventive purposes. However, the simple assemblage of nutraceuticals with potentially additive mechanism of action need to be clinically tested.

METHODS

To assess the effects of a combination of nutraceuticals based on artichoke, red yeast rice, banaba, and coenzyme Q10, we performed a double bind, cross-over designed trial versus placebo in 30 adults with LDL cholesterol suboptimal in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. After a period of 3 weeks of dietary habits correction, patients began a period of 6 weeks of treatment with nutraceutical or placebo, followed by 2 weeks of washout and finally 6 weeks in cross-over. Data related to lipid pattern, insulin resistance, renal function, liver and CPK have been obtained at each visit.

RESULTS

In particular, the after the nutraceutical treatment the enrolled patients experienced a significant improvement in total cholesterol (-13.6 %), LDL-C (-18.2 %), non-HDL-C (-15 %), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (-10 %), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (-30.9 %), and hs-CRP (-18.2 %) versus placebo. No changes have been observed in the other investigated parameters in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested combination of nutraceuticals has shown clinical efficacy in the reduction of total cholesterol, non-HDL, LDL and triglycerides, while improving the level of liver transaminases and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Further confirmation are needed to verify these observations on the middle and long term with a larger number of subjects.

Establishment of fungal entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Bionectria ochroleuca (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) as endophytes on artichoke Cynara scolymus

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are commonly found in diverse habitats and are known to cause mycoses in many different taxa of arthropods. Various unexpected roles have been recently reported for fungal entomopathogens, including their presence as fungal endophytes, plant disease antagonists, rhizosphere colonizers and plant growth promoting fungi. In Tunisia, a wide range of indigenous EPF isolates from different species, such as Beauveria bassiana and Bionectria ochroleuca, were found to occur in the soil, and to be pathogenic against the artichoke aphid Capitophorus elaeagni (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Since endophytic fungi are recently regarded as plant-defending mutualists and their presence in internal plant tissue has been discussed as an adaptive protection against insects, we were interested on elucidating the possible endophytic behavior of B. bassiana and B. ochroleuca on artichoke, Cynara scolymus, after foliar spraying tehcnique. The leaf spray inoculation method was effective in introducing the inoculated fungi into the plant tissues and showed, then, an endophytic activity on artichoke even 10 days later. According S-N-K test, there was significant differences between the two fungal treatments, B. ochroleuca (84% a) and B. bassiana (78% a), and controls (0% b). Likewise, the inoculated entomopathogenic fungi were also isolated from new leaves even though with significant differences respectively between controls (0% c), B. bassiana (56% b) and B. ochroleuca (78% a). These results reveals significant new data on the interaction of inoculated fungi with artichoke plant as ecological roles that can be exploited for the protection of plants.

Investigation of the in vivo antioxidative activity of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) leaf extract in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

The in vivo antioxidant activity of a quantified leaf extract of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) was studied. The aqueous artichoke leaf extract (ALE), containing 1.5% caffeoylquinic acid with chlorogenic acid being most abundant (0.30%), and luteolin-7-O-glucoside as major flavonoid (0.15%), was investigated by evaluating the effect on different oxidative stress biomarkers, after 3 wk oral supplementation in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Apart from two test groups (0.2 g ALE/kg BW/day and 1 g ALE/kg BW/day, where BW is body weight), a healthy control group, untreated oxidative stress group, and vitamin E treated group (positive control) were included. A 0.2 g/kg BW/day of ALE decreased oxidative stress: malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels significantly diminished, whereas erythrocyte glutathione levels significantly increased. A 1.0 g/kg BW/day ALE did not show higher antioxidant activity.

Metabolomics driven analysis of artichoke leaf and its commercial products via UHPLC-q-TOF-MS and chemometrics

The demand to develop efficient and reliable analytical methods for the quality control of herbal medicines and nutraceuticals is on the rise, together with an increase in the legal requirements for safe and consistent levels of active principles. Here, we describe an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS) analysis for the comprehensive measurement of metabolites from three Cynara scolymus (artichoke) cultivars: American Green Globe, French Hyrious, and Egyptian Baladi. Under optimized conditions, 50 metabolites were simultaneously quantified and identified including: eight caffeic acid derivatives, six saponins, 12 flavonoids and 10 fatty acids. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to define both similarities and differences among the three artichoke leaf cultivars. In addition, batches from seven commercially available artichoke market products were analysed and showed variable quality, particularly in caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoid and fatty acid contents. PCA analysis was able to discriminate between various preparations, including differentiation between various batches from the same supplier. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first approach utilizing UHPLC-MS based metabolite fingerprinting to reveal secondary metabolite compositional differences in artichoke leaf extracts.