Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine最新文献

Objective: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most metastatic type of breast cancer. Cynaropicrin, a sesquiterpene lactone, shows potential anticancer effects. This study evaluated cynaropicrin's impact on metastasis and angiogenesis in TNBC cells.

Materials and methods: MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines were exposed to incrementing concentrations of cynaropicrin. The proliferation of the cell lines was assayed using the MTT method. A wound scratch technique was chosen to appraise the migratory properties of cells following cynaropicrin treatment. The transcript levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and pro-angiogenic factors were quantified via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The western blotting technique estimated the amount of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Fibronectin, Vimentin, and VEGFA.

Results: The proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells was significantly lowered due to cynaropicrin in a concentration-associated way. Results of the wound healing method uncovered that cynaropicrin could mitigate the migration of breast-derived MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Cynaropicrin also upregulated E-cadherin and hindered the protein expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin 1, and VEGFA in breast-derived MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusion: The present findings indicated the anti-metastatic capacity of cynaropicrin against TNBC by a mechanism that implicated the inhibition of the EMT and pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA. These outcomes suggest cynaropicrin as an anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic sesquiterpene lactone against TNBC.

Objective: Second-generation antipsychotics can lead to metabolic problems. This study investigated whether an herbal compound with green tea, Persian borage, and purslane extracts could help in antipsychotic-induced weight management in schizophrenia patients.

Materials and methods: This triple-blind, placebo-controlled study at Hijazi Psychiatry Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, involved 73 schizophrenia patients. Participants received either an herbal compound or a placebo, alongside their antipsychotic medication. The primary outcome was changes in body mass index (BMI), with secondary outcomes including waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, lipid profile, blood pressure, appetite, quality of life, and psychotic symptom severity.

Results: The herbal compound significantly reduced BMI (p<0.001), WHR (p<0.001), HbA1c (p=0.042), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration (p=0.009), and systolic blood pressure (p=0.015) compared to the placebo. No significant differences were observed in FBS or lipid profile (except LDL) between the two groups. The intervention group had significantly lower appetite levels than the placebo group at weeks four and eight (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score at any time. Participants reported no serious adverse effects.

Conclusion: Adding herbal compound to antipsychotics significantly lowered BMI, WHR, HbA1c, LDL levels, systolic blood pressure, and appetite in schizophrenia patients.

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common causes of death. Thus, identification of innovative therapeutic agents to increase the efficacy of current treatments is needed. The activity of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Z. jujuba) has been reported in several malignancies. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of Z. jujuba in CRC in vitro.

Materials and methods: The anti-proliferative activity of extracted Z. jujuba (extracted via hydroalcoholic extraction method) was explored by MTT at 72 hr in CT-26 and SW-480 cells, while wound-healing assays was used to assess its anti-migratory effects t IC50 values of ~500 µg. The anti-tumor activity was investigated using a three-dimensional cell culture model, followed by RT-PCR after 72 hr, and LC/MSMS. Docking analysis was also performed to investigate the interactions between key Z. jujube compounds with target proteins.

Results: Z. jujuba suppressed cell proliferation and migration by the perturbation of CyclinD1/Survivin and E-cadherin/matrix metalloproteinase 9, respectively. Moreover, treatment of CRC cells with Z. jujuba was associated with a reduction in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Moreover, Z. jujuba increased pro-apoptotic factors caspas3 and caspase9.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Z. jujuba in CRC through anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating its potential value in the treatment of CRC.

Objective: This study aims to review the potential effects of polyphenols on iron overload and inflammation in patients with β-thalassemia.

Materials and methods: A literature search in electronic databases was carried out to identify studies exploring the therapeutic effects of flavonoids in thalassemia.

Results: Patients with thalassemia suffer from excess iron in their bodies. In these patients, splenectomy is usually performed as an effective method to reduce the iron load and the need for blood transfusion. However, since the removal of the spleen in these patients to reduce the excess iron load is faced with serious side effects, it has been suggested to harness iron-chelators. Dietary polyphenols and polyphenol-rich products such as quercetin, curcumin, and silymarin prevent iron overload by reducing the serum levels of iron and ferritin. Polyphenols also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, and increasing total antioxidant capacity.

Conclusion: The iron-chelating capacity of polyphenols and flavonoids which may have fewer side effects in patients with thalassemia, has garnered significant attention and holds a promise for therapeutic purposes.

Objective: Paraquat (PQ), a widely used herbicide, is recognized for its extreme toxicity and has been linked to numerous health concerns, particularly renal injury. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of ferulic acid (FA) on oxidative stress and inflammation induced by PQ.

Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: group 1 included healthy animals that received distilled water, group 2 received PQ (25 mg/kg, orally), group 3 received FA (100 mg/kg, orally) and group 4 received PQ plus FA. The study duration was 14 days and twenty-four hours after the last treatment, rats were anesthetized. Blood samples were taken from the heart and kidney tissue was removed. Oxidative stress markers and biochemical parameters were measured. Also, gene expression of inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), was assessed in kidney tissue using RT-PCR.

Results: PQ administration increased plasma levels of biochemical parameters, decreased antioxidant enzymes activity, increased protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and renal tissues (p˂0.05). FA administration after exposure to PQ improved all mentioned biochemical and oxidative stress markers. PQ administration was associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn, increased the migration of lymphocytes into the renal cells and FA treatment improved these effects.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that daily consumption of FA can serve as an effective strategy to protect the kidneys from damage caused by chemical agents such as PQ.

Objective: Given the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), preventing them is considered one of the most critical global health goals. Evidence suggests that high flavonoid intake may reduce the risk of CVDs. Therefore, this study investigates the association between flavonoid intake and arterial stiffness as a predictor of CVDs.

Materials and methods: The PERSIAN cohort study in Mashhad data was used in this cross-sectional study. From data registered in the cohort center, 3423 men and women aged 35 to 70 years were recruited for this study. Total flavonoid intake and intakes of each flavonoid subclass were obtained through a food frequency questionnaire using the Phenol Explorer. Then, their association with blood pressure and arterial stiffness indices, including pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central augmentation index (AIx), was assessed using univariate logistic regression, and confounding factors were adjusted by performing the multivariable analysis.

Results: The findings showed that total flavonoid intake had a non-significant inverse relationship with high-risk levels of PWV and AIx (OR (95% CI) for the highest quintile compared to the lowest quintile were 0.83 (0.65-1.06) and 0.95 (0.74-1.21), respectively). Also, no significant association was detected between intake of each flavonoid subclass and high-risk levels of blood pressure or arterial stiffness indices including PWV and AIx.

Conclusion: This study revealed that total flavonoid and each flavonoid subclass had no significant association with high-risk arterial stiffness or blood pressure levels. More studies on flavonoids' impact on arterial stiffness are needed for a definite conclusion.

Objective: Chronic constipation (CC) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Cassia fistula syrup (CFS) on CC in CKD patients.

Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on CKD patients with CC referred to nephrology clinics of Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2022-23.They were examined by a nephrologist and 66 patients were randomly allocated into two groups, receiving CFS or lactulose, with the same dosage (30 ml/day) for 2 weeks. Patients were visited in the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd weeks to evaluate clinical characteristics according to ROME IV criteria, quality of life (PAC-QOL), and laboratory factor levels. Data were analyzed by SPSS25 using intention to treat viewpoint and by applying the ANCOVA, Repeated measure analysis, T-test and Chi-square test.

Results: In the CFS group, defecation frequency per week and daily (primary outcome) improved significantly compared to the lactulose group (p-Value=0.01).As secondary outcomes, the percent of straining, lumpy stools and stool hardness in the CFS group was significantly better than the lactulose (p <0.05). In the CFS group, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p-Value=0.045) and creatinine (Cr) (p =0.01) decreased after the intervention significantly. PAC-QOL showed significant improvements in subscales and total scores in the CFS group compared to the lactulose group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: This is the first trial that evaluated CFS on CC in CKD patients, and monitored the changes in laboratory factors levels. CFS demonstrates greater efficacy than lactulose in managing CC among CKD patients. PAC-QOL was greatly better in CFS group rather than lactulose group.

Objective: Contrast-induced nephropathy is a common cause of acute kidney injury, and oxidative stress plays an important role in its development. The flavonoid rutin is of interest for its potential antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of rutin against contrast-induced renal toxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: Eight groups of male Wistar rats (n=6 in each group) were designed: (1) Sham, (2) Premedication-control (N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg, i.p.)+indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.)), (3) Contrast medium (L-NAME+indomethacin+diatrizoate (12.5 ml/kg, i.p)), (4-6) Rutin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o., for 7 days)+L-NAME+indomethacin+ diatrizoate, (7) N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 125 mg/kg, i.p.), L-NAME+indomethacin+diatrizoate, and (8) Rutin-alone (100 mg/kg). All study groups except for the sham and rutin-alone were subjected to 48 hr of water deprivation. On day 8, blood and kidney samples were isolated to evaluate oxidative stress, biochemical and histopathological changes.

Results: The levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were raised by diatrizoate, while glutathione (GSH) levels in renal tissue were reduced. Rutin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) improved biochemical parameters and oxidative stress. Diatrizoate also resulted in interstitial edema, medullary congestion, proteinaceous casts, and severe tubular necrosis in kidney tissue. Rutin (100 mg/kg) reduced tubular necrosis and interstitial edema but had no significant effect on the formation of medullary congestion and proteinaceous casts in renal tissue.

Conclusion: Oxidative stress triggered by contrast-induced nephropathy is caused by a rise in MDA and a decline in GSH amounts. Rutin protects kidney tissue against contrast-induced damage through its antioxidant effect.

Objective: Fatty liver disease is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in liver tissue, which can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. Quercetin (QCT) is a flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties. The therapeutic benefits of Camellia sinensis leaf extract (CSLE) have been demonstrated in prevention and treatment of various diseases. This research sought to assess the synergistic impact of QCT and CSLE on reduction of liver steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.

Materials and methods: Thirty mice were randomized in five groups (n=6), including: control, HFD (10 ml/kg), HFD and QCT (50 mg/kg), HFD and CSLE 2% (200 mg/kg), and HFD and QCT (50 mg/kg) in combination with CSLE 2% (200 mg/kg) in the last week. Mice underwent anesthesia on day 43 after a night of fasting, and the levels of hepatic enzymes and biomarkers, antioxidants, and pro-inflammatory factors were measured.

Results: Treatment with QCT and CSLE reduced serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein, total protein, and total bilirubin, and hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, while increasing serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the levels of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase.

Conclusion: Treatment with QCT and CSLE may effectively reduce liver steatosis in HFD-fed mice by improving lipid profiles and antioxidant status.

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health concern. Berberine has shown promise in animal models by improving memory retention through multiple mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate berberine therapeutic potential in ameliorating cognitive deficits in a rat AD model induced by intrahippocampal amyloid β_1-42.

Materials and methods: The AD model was induced through bilateral injection of amyloid β_1-42 into the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Berberine was administered orally, starting one hour post-surgery for one week. Rats were divided into sham, amyloid β, amyloid β + berberine 10 mg/kg, and amyloid β + berberine 50 mg/kg groups. The assessments encompassed cognitive testing and analysis of hippocampal markers, including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, we evaluated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and quantified neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA1 region.

Results: Berberine improved the cognitive performance of amyloid-microinjected rats in the Y-maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests in a dose-dependent manner. Berberine attenuated hippocampal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Furthermore, berberine improved the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced caspase-3 and AChE activity. Berberine also enhanced synaptophysin and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) levels and inhibited neuronal loss in the CA1 region.

Conclusion: Berberine demonstrated protective effects against amyloid β-induced cognitive deficits in a rat AD model, and these effects were associated with reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and AChE activity, alongside enhanced synaptic protection.