The Effectiveness of Nigella sativa and Ginger as Appetite Suppressants: An Experimental Study on Healthy Wistar Rats

Background

Obesity is a global pandemic that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Natural herbs are commonly used for weight reduction and appetite suppression. Therefore, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of Nigella sativa (NS) and ginger on weight reduction and appetite regulation.

Methods

This experimental study was performed at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Twenty-five female rats were distributed into 5 groups: NS (oral 1000mg/kg), Ginger (500 mg/kg), NS-ginger (both interventions), a positive control (intraperitoneal 50 μg/kg Liraglutide), and a negative control. Each intervention was given for 9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed weekly. Serum lipid profile and peptides involved in appetite control (cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), ghrelin, peptide YY, and orexin) were assayed at the end of the experiment.

Results

None of the interventions showed a statistically significant difference regarding food consumption or weight gain (p > 0.05). However, the three interventions significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), NS and NS-ginger significantly increased HDL, NS increased ghrelin and ginger increased orexin.

Conclusion

The present dose and duration of NS, ginger, or in combination did not demonstrate a significant change in body weight or food consumption in comparison to the negative or positive controls. However, NS or ginger has improved the lipid profile by reducing TC and increasing HDL. In addition, NS or ginger can influence some of the peptides involved in appetite regulation such as the increase in ghrelin induced by NS and the reduction of orexin induced by ginger. We believe that these latter effects are novel and might indicate a promising effect of these natural products on appetite regulation.

Post-Acute Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Cardiac Autonomic Function

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester reduces Pro Inflammatory Cytokines in Moderate Swimming Test in Growing Rats Model

Background

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic concentrated in propolis of honeybee hives. CAPE has been shown various physiological and pharmacologic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CAPE on proinflammatory markers in growing rats by performing the moderate swimming test.

Methods

A total number of 21 male Wistar albino rats were separated into three groups (n = 7): sedentary: negative control group; exercise: positive control group received vehicle orally and exercise + CAPE: CAPE treated group: treated with CAPE (20 mg/kg) orally 30 min before exercise, for 5 days. The animals were left free to swim in the tank, 20 minutes/day for 5 days. At 24 hours after finishing the experiment, rats were euthanised and blood was collected to analyze the level of serum interleukin IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

Results

Growing rats subjected to the moderate swimming test and in those treated with CAPE showed a lower level of TNF-α compared to the negative control. More interestingly, the one-way ANOVA data demonstrated a decreased level of proinflammatory IL-6 in the CAPE-treated group compared to the negative control.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that short-term administration of CAPE may modulate proinflammatory cytokine profiles during moderate exercise and may serve to boost the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term administration of CAPE as an adjective anti-inflammatory agent.

The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pneumonia on the Pulmonary Function of Survivors

BACKGROUND

The sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary function and airways inflammation are still an area of active research.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to explore the long-term impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on the lung function after three months from recovery.

METHODS

Fifty subjects (age 18-60 years) were recruited and classified into two groups: the control group (30 subjects) and the post-COVID-19 pneumonia group (20 patients). Pulmonary function tests, spirometry, body plethysmography [lung volumes and airway resistance (Raw)], diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), were measured after at least 3 months post-recovery.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FEV, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in post-COVID-19 subjects compared to controls. Restrictive lung impairment was observed in 50% of post-COVID-19 cases (n = 10) compared to 20% in the control group (n = 6, P = 0.026). In addition, mild diffusion defect was detected in 35% (n = 7) of the post-COVID-19 group compared to 23.3% (n = 7) in the controls (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pneumonia has an impact on the lung functions in terms of restrictive lung impairment and mild diffusion defect after three months from recovery. Therefore, a long-term follow-up of the lung function in post-COVID-19 survivors is recommended.

Synergistic effect of energy drinks and overweight/obesity on cardiac autonomic testing using the Valsalva maneuver in university students

BACKGROUND

Obesity and caffeine consumption may lead to autonomic disturbances that can result in a wide range of cardiovascular disorders.

OBJECTIVES

To determine autonomic disturbances produced by the synergistic effects of overweight or obesity (OW/OB) and energy drinks.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, analytical.

SETTING

Physiology department at a university in Saudi Arabia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

University students, 18-22 years of age, of normal weight (NW) and OW/OB were recruited by convenience sampling. Autonomic testing by the Valsalva ratio (VR) along with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured at baseline (0 minute) and 60 minutes after energy drink consumption.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Autonomic disturbance, hemodynamic changes.

RESULTS

In 50 (27 males and 23 females) subjects, 21 NW and 29 OW/OB, a significant decrease in VR was observed in OW/OB subjects and in NW and OW/OB females at 60 minutes after energy drink consumption. Values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were also significantly higher in OW/OB and in females as compared to NW and males. BMI was negatively correlated with VR and diastolic blood pressure at 60 minutes.

CONCLUSION

Obesity and energy drinks alter autonomic functions. In some individuals, OW/OB may augment these effects.

LIMITATIONS

Due to time and resource restraints, only the acute effects of energy drinks were examined.

Effects of energy drink consumption on corrected QT interval and heart rate variability in young obese Saudi male university students

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Consumption of energy drinks has adverse effects on the heart that might be potentiated in obese individuals. Since the incidence of obesity and use of energy drinks is high among Saudi youth, we used non-invasive tests to study hemodynamic changes produced by altered autonomic cardiac activ.ity following consumption of energy drinks in obese male students.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, over a one-year period from December 2013 to December 2014.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In Saudi male university students we measured continuous ECG recordings and a one-minute deep breathing maneuver to measure the expiratory-to-inspiratory ratio, the mean heart rate range (MHRR), the mean percentage variability. (M%VHR) and the corrected QT interval (QTc) at 0, 30 and 60 minutes after consumption of energy drink.

RESULTS

We enrolled 31 students (18 overweight/obese and 13 normal weights. QTc was significantly in.creased at 60 min as compared with the resting state in overweight/obese subjects (P=.006). Heart rate variability was significantly less in obese as compared with normal weight subjects at 60 minutes as indicated by E:I ratio, (P=.037), MHRR (P=.012), M%VHR (P=.040) after energy drink consumption. Significant increases in diastolic (P=.020) and mean arterial blood pressure (P=.024) were observed at 30 minutes in the obese group.

CONCLUSION

Hemodynamic changes after intake of energy drinks in obese subjects indicate that obesity and energy drinks could synergistically induce harmful effects. This finding warrants efforts to caution the obese on intake of energy drinks and timely intervention to motivate changes in lifestyle.