Effects of quercetin and low-level laser on oxidative and inflammatory factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and mild cognitive impairment

Background: Unmanaged type 2 diabetes mellitus has dangerous consequences, such as neuropathy. Oxidative stress and inflammatory factors play an important role in the development of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetics are prone to mild cognitive impairment, which is a neurological disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin as a functional food and oxidative agents and inflammatory factors of low-level laser.Methods: In this study, 60 elderly volunteers were selected: 30 normal as a control group and 30 with type 2 diabetes mellitus and mild cognitive impairment. The average age was 75 years old. Groups of diabetic patients were examined for changes in glucose levels, oxidants, antioxidants and inflammatory factors before and after treatment with quercetin and low-level laser therapy–green laser diode with a wavelength of 532 nm at 100 mw and compared with the control group. Changes in the levels of biochemical parameters were performed according to the instructions of the relevant kits. Results: The results of the obtained data analysis showed that there was a significant difference (P value < 0.05) in the levels of glucose, hydrogen peroxide, advanced glycation end-products, malondialdehyde, oxidized-low density lipoprotein, paraoxonase, lipoprotein lipase, and inflammatory factors including TNF-α, interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta between diabetic samples before and after treatment with quercetin and laser from control subject samples. There was no significant difference (P value > 0.05) in inflammatory factors between quercetin-treated, laser-treated and both quercetin and laser treated groups. The synergistic effect of quercetin and laser between the quercetin and laser treated group and the untreated group on changes in the levels of biochemical parameters was observed significantly only in advanced glycation end-products, malondialdehyde, oxidized-low density lipoprotein, and paraoxonase.Conclusion: The results showed that quercetin, laser, and their synergistic effect can play a role in reducing some oxidant factors.Keywords: Quercetin, Low-level laser, Inflammatory factors, Oxidative factors, Diabetes mellitus

Bioactive components of two species of locally grown nuts: Their potential health benefits and implications for healthy living

Background: Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring compounds in plants and animal products. They are known to have a variety of physiological functions in the body system such as: promoting general body development and prevention of the occurrence of some deadly diseases. The high burden of treatment of some deadly diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases has raised the need for scientists to generate empirical evidence on preventing these diseases using a dietary approach. Nuts have been identified as plants with potential to improve human health and prevent diseases when consumed adequately because of their rich constituents. This research work was conducted to evaluate and elucidate the bioactive components of locally grown nuts and their potential health benefits. Methods: The Phenolic compounds, phytosterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols contents of the nuts were analyzed using standard methods. Results: Fourteen phenolic compounds were detected in the two nuts with cinnamic and gallic acids detected in appreciable amounts in groundnuts and caffeic acid in cashew nut. The total amount of tocopherols in cashew nut was 14.08 mg/100g and 37.95 mg/100g in groundnut and the total tocotrienol was 0.85 and 4.00 × 10-3 mg/100g for cashew nut and groundnut respectively. Both samples have high quantity of sistosterol (251.36mg/100g and 238.95 mg/ 100g for cashew nut and groundnut respectively) with cashew nut having significantly higher amount. Conclusion: The results showed that the nuts are rich in bioactive compounds and could be considered as natural sources of bioactive compounds that can be obtained from diets rich in these nuts to prevent the occurrence of certain deadly human diseases that are of high burden worldwide. Keywords: Phenolic Compounds, Tocopherols, Groundnuts, Cashew nuts

Comparison of the anti-inflammatory activities of furanocoumarins from the roots of Angelica dahurica

Background: The roots of Angelica dahurica Bentham et Hooker filius ex Franchet et Savatier (Apiaceae) have traditionally been used for inflammatory skin diseases. A. dahurica roots (Byakushi) contain furanocoumarins, such as imperatorin and byakangelicin. To elucidate which constituents are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects, we evaluated the potency of crude A. dahurica root extract fractions by monitoring the production of the inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) in hepatocytes.Methods: The dried roots of A. dahurica were collected in South Korea and extracted with methanol. The resulting extract was fractionated into ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble, n-butanol-soluble, and water-soluble fractions. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β and each fraction for 8 h, and then the NO production and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the medium were measured. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was detected by Western blotting, and its mRNA expression level was measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results: Among the three fractions, the EtOAc-soluble fraction markedly suppressed NO production without showing cytotoxicity and decreased iNOS expression in hepatocytes. From this hydrophobic fraction, we isolated five furanocoumarins: isoimperatorin, imperatorin, phellopterin, oxypeucedanin, and oxypeucedanin methanolate. Phellopterin and oxypeucedanin methanolate significantly suppressed NO production and reduced the mRNA expression of iNOS and tumor necrosis factor α. In contrast, the other three constituents did not affect NO production. Comparison of their chemical structures suggests that a methoxy group at carbon 5 and a side chain at carbon 8 in the furanocoumarin skeleton may be essential for NO production suppression.Conclusion: These data imply that phellopterin and oxypeucedanin methanolate, which are hydrophobic furanocoumarins, may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of A. dahurica roots by suppressing iNOS gene expression.Keywords: Inflammation, nitric oxide, hepatocyte, coumarin, Kampo medicine

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius: Nutritional, phytochemical composition and health benefits – A review

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius belonging to Euphorbiaceae family is widely used as a folk medicine among South American countries such as Mexico and Brazil. C. aconitifolius can be considered as a potential green leafy vegetable, largely due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. The different bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids etc. along with terpenoids with unique structure are exclusive for this genus. C. aconitifolius has numerous nutraceutical benefits proven with pharmacological studies such as anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial etc. The recent upsurge of consumer interest for health promoting products has opened up new vistas for C. aconitifolius application in food product research and development. Limited knowledge about this underutilized plant is representing an opportunity to explore the plant as novel ingredient with vast functional attributes. Keywords: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, phytochemicals, nutraceutical potential, biological activity, diabetes

ChoKs as a Promising Therapeutic Target for a Variety of Pathologies

Alterations in cell metabolism represent a common cause of human diseases. Changes in lipid profiles are not an exception to this rule, including those lipids that are produced via the choline kinase (ChoK) pathway. ChoK catalyzes the conversion of choline to phosphocholine via the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to choline.

The effect of amaranth oil on autoantibodies in lupus prone mice

Background: Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, can have severe impacts on quality of life. They are one of the leading causes of death for women in the United States. Distinguished by the body damaging its own tissues and organs, they are often classified and diagnosed based on autoantibody levels. Treatments often include immunosuppressant drugs, which can have adverse effects. Aim of Study: Amaranth is a good functional food candidate, possessing antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and a variety of health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, and aiding diabetes and hypertension. Previous studies have largely focused on the grain or seed, but amaranth oil is less explored. This study examines whether orally administered amaranth oil had any effects on autoantibodies and splenic immune cell populations in murine subjects.Methods: Mice in the experimental group (n = 3) were given 4μl of amaranth oil per gram of mouse weight for 5 days a week over 84 days. Control mice (n = 2) were sham treated on the same schedule with no oil. To determine autoantibody levels, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were first conducted on wells pre-coated with double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA, histones, or double stranded DNA and then histones (nucleosomes). Autoantibody presence was quantified by measuring absorbance at 405nm. Splenic cell populations were examined with flow cytometry and compared using a student’s t-test. Results: Compared to the control group, the mice receiving amaranth oil showed decreased IgG and IgM histone autoantibody absorbance levels throughout the whole study. IgG dsDNA, ssDNA, and nucleosome autoantibody absorbances were lower than that of the control group for the first 42 days. IgM dsDNA, ssDNA, and nucleosome autoantibody absorbances were lower only for the first 14 days. There were no significant differences found amongst splenic immune cell populations between the control and experimental groups.Conclusion: These preliminary data show that amaranth oil may help decrease autoantibody levels in lupus prone murine subjects. However, given the small number of subjects in this study, further research is needed to confirm observed effects and determine the most effective dose and administration schedule. Keywords: autoantibody, IgG, IgM, histone, dsDNA, ssDNA, nucleosome, amaranth oil, immunoglobulin, lupus

Phytochemical constituents and biological properties of domesticated capsicum species: a review

Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fresh vegetable and dried spice. Capsicum and its different varieties possess many valuable properties which distinguish them from other vegetables and in many food items as a spice for its strong pungent flavor that is produced during the secondary metabolism of the plant.Capsicum fruit exhibits a multiple color profile due to the presence of carotenoids which can be used as a natural coloring agent and antioxidant. Almost all the parts of the capsicum are considered a rich source of health-related bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other aromatic compounds. One of the important biological properties of capsicum is its ability to act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress leading to the prevention of several degenerative diseases. The functional compounds of capsicum exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties, particularly against gram-positive pathogenic microorganisms. The nutraceutical functionality of phytogenic compounds obtained from capsicum also confirms the anticarcinogenic and cardio-preventive effectiveness. The essential oils from capsicum are also being used as anti-aging substances in cosmetic products. Accordingly, this article is an attempt to provide an overview of the chemical and functional properties of the bioactive compounds sourced from capsicum and their effective utilization in the medicine, food, agricultural, cosmetic, and textile industries.Keywords: Capsicum, capsaicinoids, capsaicin, carotenoids, pungency

Body weight, vitamin D and zinc: A review of associations with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Obesity has been associated with adverse Coronavirus disease [COVID-19] outcomes; obesity is associated with sub-optimal immune function, including vitamin D and zinc deficiencies, two micronutrients essential for immune function, including anti-viral activity. The co-occurrence of vitamin D and zinc deficiencies have been documented. These exposures have been widely discussed in both scientific and popular literature. Thus, a critical review of the association between obesity, vitamin D and zinc, in relation to the COVID pandemic, is appropriate. Evidence strongly associates obesity and adverse COVID outcomes including hospitalization, intensive care hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation and death. While the mechanisms associating vitamin D and zinc to immune function are well-delineated, clinical trials of these nutrients fail to identify efficacy in the prevention or treatment of COVID. Further studies are warranted in susceptible populations. It is important that healthcare professionals practice evidence-based care; thus at this point, neither vitamin D nor zinc can be recommended as a preventive or cure for COVID. Keywords: COVID, body weight, obesity, vitamin D, zinc

Medicinal plants and the communication on precautionary use of herbs during COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand

COVID-19 has become a new global health issue that spreads easily and has high mortality rates across the world. Consequently, it is essential to discover new treatments rapidly. According to Integrative Medicine, certain herbs are useful for treating COVID-19 when taken with standard treatments. Thailand is one of the countries experiencing outbreaks and treating patients with herbs. For instance, some Thai patients are treated with Fah Talai Jone (Andrographis paniculata) at a different quantity limit used for treating fever and sore throats. Fah Talai Jone must be used with high precaution in renal insufficiency, hepatitis, or drug induced liver damage patients. In addition, finger root (Boesenbergia rotunda) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) are also used for managing COVID-19, but there is insufficient evidence about quantity limits and side effects of using them. Therefore, specialists need to do more research about the herbs to ensure the efficiency and safety of treatments.Keywords: herb in COVID, Fah Talai Jone, andrographolide, finger root, ginger, COVID, herb communication

Study of the effect of gallic acid and cold plasma on the levels of inflammatory factors and antioxidants in the serum sample of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus can have devastating consequences. The role of functional foods in controlling and even preventing diabetes mellitus is prominent, and adjunct therapies can be helpful in controlling some of the consequences of diabetes.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether gallic acid, as a functional food, as well as cold atmospheric plasma, as an adjunct therapy, have an effect on the levels of some antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory factors, and the levels of oxidizing agent and blood glucose.Methods: In this study, 30 healthy individuals, as the control group, and 30 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected. Samples of people with diabetes were examined before and after treatment with gallic acid and cold atmospheric plasma (cold argon plasma jet for 10 minutes). Levels of interleukin 2 and 13 and NF-κB, as inflammatory factors, glutathione reductase, paraoxonase, and lipoprotein lipase, as antioxidants, hydrogen peroxide and blood glucose were assessed in untreated and treated diabetic groups and control group according to kit instructions.Results: Comparison of the results of the levels of inflammatory factors, antioxidants, blood glucose, and hydrogen peroxide showed a significant difference (P value < 0.05) between the diabetic and control groups. Treatment of diabetic specimens with plasma and gallic acid showed a significant increase (P value < 0.05) in glutathione reductase, paraoxonase, and NF-κB levels compared to the untreated diabetic group.Conclusions: The results showed that concomitant use of gallic acid, as well as plasma therapy, could be effective on NF-κB, glutathione reductase, and paraoxonase levels.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Cold plasma, Inflammatory factors, Gallic acid