Journal of medicinal food最新文献

Drinking tea is an important cultural and sensory activity in modern society. However, tea consumption may influence biological functions because of its high polyphenol and methylxanthine content. Theophylline is a methylxanthine that plays a significant role in respiratory physiology and is used clinically as a bronchodilator. In this study, we assessed the pharmacological safety of theophylline by investigating its effects on the respiratory responses of experimental rodents. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously administered 0, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg theophylline. After systemic theophylline exposure, the respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume were monitored and statistically analyzed. There was a significant increase in respiratory rate and minute volume with no change in tidal volume at theophylline doses of >5 mg/kg. Changes in respiratory rate and minute volume peaked at 0.25 h after exposure; the respiratory rate increased by 58.2% and 88.9%, and the minute volume increased by 50.5% and 72.8% with the 5 and 10 mg/kg doses, respectively, compared with the vehicle control. These results provide fundamental scientific data that can be used in clinical applications.

Skin aging, accelerated by oxidative stress from environmental factors, results in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing visible signs like wrinkles and inflammation. Natural antioxidants such as nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), decursin, and l-cysteine have shown potential in combating oxidative damage and inflammation. This study explored the effects of a formulated mixture of these compounds on skin aging and atopic dermatitis (AD) through a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. Using human keratinocyte cells, we assessed cytotoxicity via a cell viability assay, confirming NMN and l-cysteine were nontoxic up to 100 µM, while decursin exhibited toxicity above 10 µM. The intracellular oxidative stress measurement demonstrated that mixtures A and B, composed of the same concentrations of decursin and l-cysteine but differing in NMN levels (low in mixture A and moderate in mixture B), significantly reduced oxidative stress levels induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, whereas mixture C, which contained the highest NMN concentration, was ineffective. Mixture B further reduced senescence-associated heterochromatin foci formation under oxidative stress, while mixture C caused cell structure disruptions. In the dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD model in BALB/c mice, both, mixture-L and mixture-H treatments reduced epidermal thickness, scratching behavior, and transepidermal water loss, with mixture-L also lowering dermal thickness and mast cell infiltration. Gene expression analysis confirmed that mixture B decreased proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, while network pharmacology predicted key antioxidant pathways, validated through restored NOS2 gene expression. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of these compound mixtures to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, offering a promising approach for skin aging and dermatitis management, though further validation is needed to optimize efficacy and safety.

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is highly effective in achieving remission and improving nutritional status in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD), commonly associated with altered body mass composition (BC). Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) with phase angle (PA) assessment is a noninvasive, reliable tool in screening for BC alterations. In the present study we aimed to assess the PA's usefulness in the detection of malnutrition in newly diagnosed pediatric CD, ongoing EEN treatment, and during 1-year follow-up. Patients and study design: Fourty-three patients with CD, qualified for EEN, were enrolled in the study. Additionally, 22 healthy children, being in the same age category, served as controls. Fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and BIA-derived PA were assessed at diagnosis, after EEN completion, and at week 52. The same parameters were obtained in the control group once. The majority of patients presented with normal body mass index at diagnosis. PA values were lower than 5 degrees in 65% of the study group. FFMI deficiencies were observed in 74% of patients. After EEN completion, an increase in FFM (P < .001) was observed. The highest mean of FFM (P < .001) and PA (P < .001) were observed at week 52. A strong correlation between PA and FFM at CD diagnosis (Spearman's rho = 0.671, r = 0.702, P < .001), after EEN completion (Spearman's rho = 0.781, P < .00) and at week 52 (Spearman's rho = 0.657, P < .001) was present. PA has been observed as positively associated with albumin concentrations both at diagnosis and after EEN. Our study provides some support that PA may be a reliable tool for screening alteration in BC, especially FFM and lean tissue mass (LTM). Moreover, PA has been observed as positively associated with albumin levels at CD diagnosis, which provides some evidence that it may be considered as a risk indicator of malnutrition and protein deficiency in newly diagnosed CD pediatric patients.

The traditional medicinal plant Centella asiatica is commonly used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to its vast range of therapeutic properties. Previously, the ethanolic C. asiatica leaf extract was subjected to silica column fractionation, and the C3 fraction was obtained. We investigated the antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects of C3 in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. In HEK293 cells, C3 cytotoxicity was assessed (viability assay; 24 h; [0.2-3 mg/mL]), and a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (spectrophotometry), mitochondrial depolarization (Δψ_m), intracellular reactive oxygen species (flow cytometry), glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations, caspase activities, ATP levels (luminometry), and fragmentation of DNA (SCGE assay) were evaluated. Protein expressions were assessed by western blotting. Gene expressions were quantified by qPCR. Cell viability in HEK293 cells was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by C3. MDA, Δψ_m, LDH, caspase activities, and DNA fragmentation (P < .0004) were significantly increased by C3. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) protein expression, GSH, and GSSG concentrations were increased, whereas antioxidant (Nrf-2, GPx, SOD, and CAT) gene expression was significantly decreased by C3 (P < .001). C3 decreased both Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression (P < .03). Gene expression of c-myc was significantly increased, whereas OGG-1 was significantly reduced by C3 (P < .05). C3 reduced antioxidant gene expression, increased antioxidant levels, and elevated anti-proliferative effects in HEK293 cells, suggesting that high concentrations of C3 are potentially toxic to kidney cells, thus rendering cause for concern with its human use.

Renal fibrosis is a common outcome in many progressive renal diseases. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is known to induce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, leading to the development of renal fibrosis. Fermented strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) possesses antioxidant properties; however, its effect on renal fibrosis remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fermented strawberry dry powder (FSP) on renal fibrosis by assessing proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to UUO surgery to induce tubulointerstitial fibrosis and obstructive nephropathy. Ten days postsurgery, the rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6), including a sham-operated control group. FSP was administered orally at doses of 0.05 or 0.5 g kg^-1 body weight daily for 21 days. FSP treatment significantly improved renal function, reduced tubular dilation, and decreased interstitial volume in UUO rats. FSP decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, while enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Treatment with 0.05 and 0.5 g kg^-1 FSP resulted in a reduction of collagen deposition in the kidneys by 49% and 69%, respectively, compared with UUO group. FSP increased E-cadherin expression and decreased α-smooth muscle actin level in the kidneys of UUO rats. Furthermore, FSP reduced transforming growth factor-β and Smad2/3 levels while upregulating Smad7 expression. These findings suggest that FSP mitigates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, likely through modulation of Smad signaling and attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Constipation represents a common gastrointestinal disorder that has various adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, various civilizations have developed phytomedicines in order to treat and relieve its symptoms. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of Crataegus azarolus L. leaves decoction extract (CALDE) against loperamide (LOP)-induced constipation in rats. For 3 days, treated rats were administered LOP (3 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) and CALDE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) or yohimbine (2 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.). The gastric emptying test or intestinal transit time was calculated. The oxidative status was studied and evaluated using biochemical colorimetric methods. Results showed that CALDE administration improves gastric emptying and accelerates gastrointestinal transit. Pretreatment with LOP altered the defecation parameters and generated an oxidative status in healthy rats. In contrast, CALDE coadministration protected against the deregulation of intestinal motor function and frequency of defecation and significantly re-established oxidative marker levels. CALDE treatment demonstrated significant protection against experimental oxidative stress and constipation induced by LOP. Therefore, it can be considered a pharmacological drug to treat these gastrointestinal troubles.

Cancer is a significant cause of death worldwide. It has been suggested that the consumption of flavonoids decreases the risk for cancer by increasing phase II enzymes, such as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Hydrogen (NAD(P)H) quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferases, and Uridine 5'-diphospho- (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferases that assist in removing carcinogens from the human body. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in a variety of dietary sources, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and teas. As such, it is important to investigate which flavonoids are involved in the metabolism of carcinogens to help reduce the risk of cancer. Therefore, the objective of this narrative review was to investigate the effects of commonly consumed flavonoids on NQO1 mRNA expression, protein, and activity in human cell and murine models. PubMed was used to search for peer-reviewed journal articles, which demonstrated that selected flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, genistein, and daidzein) increase NQO1, and therefore, increase the excretion of carcinogens. However, more research is needed regarding the mechanisms by which flavonoids induce NQO1. Furthermore, it is suggested that future efforts focus on providing precise flavonoid recommendations to decrease the risk factors for chronic diseases.

Fruit consumption favors energy balance, ensures essential nutrients, and provides bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities capable of preventing and treating noncommunicable diseases. Tremendous Brazilian biodiversity favors countless fruit and vegetable crops, including exotic fruits. This study aimed to describe the nutritional characteristics of murici and bacuri and their effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. The murici lyophilized extract (MLE) and bacuri lyophilized extract (BLE) were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds content. Healthy female Wistar rats were divided into control and supplemented groups (50, 100, and 250 mg/kg body weight) for each fruit, with a 14-day supplementation. Parameters of oxidative damage and antioxidant system in plasma and inflammatory biomarkers in the kidney and liver tissues were evaluated. Murici has carotenoids as the main bioactive compound, whereas bacuri is a source of polyphenols, with relevant antioxidant activity for human health. Treatment with MLE in healthy rats resulted in increased plasma antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH assay, reduced plasma levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and carbonylated proteins, and lower TNF-α production in the kidney and liver. BLE supplementation reduced plasma lipid peroxidation levels and led to lower activity of IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α in supplemented animals' kidneys. Both fruits showed positive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against oxidative stress and inflammation in an in vivo model. The results point to new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory resources to be studied.

Ziziphus lotus L., or "Sedra" in North Africa, is a wild jujube from the Rhamnaceae family. Its fruit, "Nbeg," is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, liver disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. This mini review highlights the main nutritional and medicinal properties of Nbeg and its potential application in human health and nutrition. Current scientific articles have recommended the use of Z. lotus-derived compounds to generate novel treatments due to their diverse biological functions (anti-ulcer, wound healing, litholytic, and antispasmodic effects). Z. lotus appears to be a good source for antioxidant compounds (phenolics and flavonoids, which are a diverse group of natural compounds belonging to the polyphenol family) and nutritional molecules (carbohydrates, amino acids, triacylglycerol, proteins, sterols, fibers, vitamins, lipids, and minerals), which made it a viable option for human nutrition and health promotion.