- 1. Dermal delivery by niosomes of black tea extract as a sunscreen agent.
OBJECTIVES:
The primary objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using niosomes as a delivery vehicle for the dermal administration in vitro of black tea extract (BTE) as a sunscreen.
METHODS:
Multi-lamellar niosomes were obtained by means of a previously reported method of lipid hydration films. In vitro penetration experiments through nude mouse skin were carried out to evaluate the potential of niosomes as a dermal formulation. The nude mouse skin membrane allowed the effects of penetration with a niosome formulation to be evaluated. Penetration rates of caffeine- and gallic acid-loaded niosomes in a steady state were higher than dispersion in aqueous solutions.
RESULTS:
For skin permeation, higher transdermal absorption rates were seen with solutions of caffeine and gallic acid.
CONCLUSIONS:
In the near future, BTE as a sunscreen agent will be dermally delivered by niosomes.
© 2012 The International Society of Dermatology....(more)
Yeh MI, et al. Int J Dermatol 2013 Feb;52(2):239-45.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 2. Studies on black tea (Camellia sinensis) extract as a potential antioxidant and a probable radioprotector.
Positive health effects of tea (Camellia sinensis) on a wide range of physiological problems and diseases are well known and are in part due to its copious antioxidant content. The effect of black tea extract (BTE), which is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, against the consequences of radiation exposure has not been properly identified. The functional properties of BTE were analyzed and its radioprotective effect on V79 cells was explored in the present study. BTE scavenged free radicals and inhibited Fenton reaction-mediated 2-deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent fashion, establishing its antioxidant properties. The radioprotective effects of BTE on strand break induction in pBR322 plasmid DNA were 100 % at 80 μg/ml and higher. In V79 cells, BTE was effective in decreasing the frequency of radiation-induced micronucleated cells and the yields of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and also in restoring the integrity of cellular mitochondrial membrane potential significantly. BTE exerted maximum protection against radiation-induced damage in V79 at a dose of 5 μg/ml. Due to the functional properties of BTE-flavonoids, which have been identified by HPLC, it is envisaged that the key player in radioprotection is elimination of ROS....(more)
Pal S, et al. Radiat Environ Biophys 2013 May;52(2):269-78.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 3. Evaluation of reproductive and developmental toxicities of Pu-erh black tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) extract in Sprague Dawley rats.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Pu-erh black tea, which is obtained by first parching crude green tea leaves and followed by secondary fermentation with microorganisms, has been believed to be beneficial beverages for health in PR China. But its potential toxicity when administered at a high dose as concentrated extract has not been completely investigated.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
The present study was aimed at evaluating potential reproductive and developmental toxicities of Pu-erh black tea extract (BTE) in Sprague Dawley rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Growing rats were given BTE by gavage at levels of 0, 200, 700 and 2500mg/kg/day as the F0 generation in reproductive toxicity study. Additionally, BTE was administered to mate female rats from gestation day 0.5 through 19.5 at the doses of 0, 200, 700 and 2500mg/kg/day to evaluate the developmental toxicity.
RESULTS:
In the reproductive toxicity study, only 2500mg/kg/day BTE reduced the body weight gain and altered the relative organ weights including testes, prostata and ovary both for F0 parents and F1 offspring compared to the controls. High dose of BTE (2500mg/kg/day) administration caused developmental disturbances in embryo-to-foetus period including resorbed embryos, decreased embryo size and skeletal anomalies.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect level of BTE is 700mg/kg/day both for reproductive toxicity and developmental toxicities.
Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd....(more)
Wang D, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2013 Apr 16.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 4. Pu-erh black tea extract supplementation attenuates the oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats with renal dysfunction induced by subchronic 3-methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1,4-dioxide exposure.
3-Methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1,4-dioxide (Quinocetone, QCT), has been used to treat dysentery and promote growth in animal feeding. However, available data show that QCT has potential nephrotoxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Pu-erh black tea extract (PBTE) which is a traditional remedy in China with antioxidant properties against oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in a rat model of QCT-induced renal dysfunction. Increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, pathological lesions, urinary 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and renal DNA damage were observed in the QCT-fed rats. These were accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and inhibited antioxidant system, i.e., glutathione glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Oral administration of PBTE effectively suppressed QCT-induced renal dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced serum creatinine, urinary 8-OHdG and DNA damage in isolated renal cells, amelioration of oxidative stress and modulation of antioxidative system. In conclusion, PBTE administration ameliorated QCT-induced nephrotoxicity by maintaining DNA's double-helix architecture and mitigating oxidative stress....(more)
Wang D, et al. Food Chem Toxicol 2012 Feb;50(2):147-54.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 5. Black tea polyphenols inhibit tumor proteasome activity.
Tea is a widely consumed beverage and its constituent polyphenols have been associated with potential health benefits. Although black tea polyphenols have been reported to possess potent anticancer activities, the effect of its polyphenols, theaflavins on the tumor's cellular proteasome function, an important biological target in cancer prevention, has not been carefully studied. Here black tea extract (T5550) enriched in theaflavins inhibited the chymotrypsin-like (CT) activity of the proteasome and proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Also an isolated theaflavin (TF-1) can bind to, and inhibit the purified 20S proteasome, accompanied by suppression of tumor cell proliferation, suggesting that the tumor proteasome is an important target whose inhibition is at least partially responsible for the anticancer effects of black tea....(more)
Mujtaba T, et al. In Vivo 2012 Mar-Apr;26(2):197-202.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 6. Antiobesity effects of Chinese black tea (Pu-erh tea) extract and gallic acid.
The antiobesity effects of Chinese black tea (Pu-erh tea) and of gallic acid (GA) were investigated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Chinese black tea extract (BTE) and GA inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in a dose-dependent manner in vitro; the IC(inhibitory concentration)(50) values were 101.6 and 9.2 µg/mL, respectively. Black tea extract (50, 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and GA (15, 45 mg/kg b.w.) significantly suppressed the elevation of blood triglyceride after oral administration of a corn oil emulsion (8 mL oil/kg b.w.) to male ddY mice. Moreover, the antiobesity effects of BTE and GA were also evaluated in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Female ddY mice were divided into seven groups; normal diet (ND) group, high fat diet (HFD) group, BTE (0.2% and 0.6% of diets) groups, and GA (0.007%, 0.02% and 0.1% of diets) groups; the experimental groups were fed the test diets for 12 weeks. The BTE 0.6% and GA 0.1% groups showed significant suppression of weight gain. The weight of parametrial adipose tissue was strongly correlated with the body weight. These results suggest that GA contributes to the antiobesity effect of BTE as an active constituent by inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity....(more)
Oi Y, et al. Phytother Res 2012 Apr;26(4):475-81.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 7. Polyphenolic compounds are novel protective agents against lipid membrane damage by α-synuclein aggregates in vitro.
Cumulative evidence now suggests that the abnormal aggregation of the protein α-synuclein (αS) is a critical factor in triggering neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). In particular, a fundamental pathogenetic mechanism appears to involve targeting of neuronal membranes by soluble oligomeric intermediates of αS, leading to their disruption or permeabilisation. Therefore, a model assay was developed in which fluorophore-loaded unilamellar vesicles were permeabilised by soluble oligomers, the latter formed by aggregation of human recombinant αS protein. The αS oligomers induced an impairment of membrane integrity similar to that of the pore-forming bacterial peptide gramicidin. The lipid vesicle permeabilisation assay was then utilised to screen 11 natural polyphenolic compounds, 8 synthetic N'-benzylidene-benzohydrazide compounds and black tea extract for protection against membrane damage by wild-type and mutant (A30P, A53T) synuclein aggregates. A select group of potent inhibitory compounds included apigenin, baicalein, morin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and black tea extract. Structure-activity analysis further suggests that a 5,7-dihydroxy-chromen-4-one moiety appears to be favourable for the inhibition reaction. In conclusion, we have identified a group of polyphenols that can effectively hinder membrane damage by αS aggregates. These may serve as a viable source of lead compounds for the development and design of novel therapeutic agents in PD....(more)
Caruana M, et al. Biochim Biophys Acta 2012 Nov;1818(11):2502-10.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 8. Mechanism of hydrolysis of native and cooked starches from different botanical sources in the presence of tea extracts.
A series of experiments were conducted to highlight the mechanism of inhibition of hydrolysis and differences in hydrolysis among starches from different sources in the presence of green or black tea extract. The first experiment showed that black tea extract was more effective at reducing final viscosity for all starches. The second experiment showed that black tea was more effective at inhibiting starch hydrolysis compared to green tea when starch, tea extract, and pancreatin were added at the beginning of pasting. The third experiment, when starches were pretreated with tea extracts, showed that both treatments reduced starch hydrolysis. Analysis of supernatant free phenolic content and of soluble dextrins showed that amyloglucosidase activity was affected, with exceptions for potato starch. These observations suggest that starch hydrolysis is affected by interactions and also by the impact on specific enzymes based on starch structure....(more)
Guzar I, et al. J Food Sci 2012 Nov;77(11):C1192-6.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 9. Aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in liver of mice and its mitigation by black tea extract.
Aflatoxin belongs to the class of naturally occurring mycotoxins, food contaminants having potent carcinogenicity. We have evaluated the ameliorative role of black tea extract on aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the liver of albino male mice. Adult male mice were orally administered with 750 and 1500 pg of aflatoxin in 0.2 mL olive oil/kg b.w./day for 30 days. Oral administration of aflatoxin caused, as compared with controls, significant, dose-dependent reduction in DNA, RNA, protein and glycogen contents; however, cholesterol content and phsphorylase activity were significantly increased. Black tea is one of the most potent antioxidants containing numerous bioactive phytonurtients having therapeutic applications. Aflatoxin-induced changes in the liver of mice were significantly ameliorated on co-treatment of black tea extract (2% infusion in water)....(more)
Jha A, et al. Acta Pol Pharm 2012 Sep-Oct;69(5):851-7.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 10. Structural identification of theaflavin trigallate and tetragallate from black tea using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
Black tea contains two major pigments, theaflavins and thearubigins. These polyphenols have been associated with certain health benefits including prevention of heart disease and cancer. Elucidating and characterizing the structural aspects of thearubigins, the most abundant pigment in black tea, has been a challenge for many years. Therefore further studies of black tea polyphenols must be conducted in effort to solve this thearubigin dispute. In the present study, black tea extract was found to possess theaflavin trigallate and tetragallate by means of liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These structures were confirmed by analysis of the MS(n) (n = 1-4) spectra and comparison of the MS/MS spectra of the product ions to the MS/MS spectra of authentic (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate. To our knowledge, this is the first report to confirm the presence of theaflavin trigallate and tetragallate in black tea....(more)
Chen H, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2012 Oct 31;60(43):10850-7.
Related Products: Black Tea Extract
- 11. Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants.
BACKGROUND:
Owing to their roles in tissue remodelling in health and disease, several studies have reported investigations on plant extracts as inhibitors of proteinases and as anti-oxidants.
METHODS:
The anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties of 23 plant extracts (from 21 plant species) were assessed as anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities and in selected anti-oxidant assays along with phenolic content.
RESULTS:
Anti-elastase activities were observed for nine of the extracts with inhibitory activity in the following order: white tea (approximately 89%), cleavers (approximately 58%), burdock root (approximately 51%), bladderwrack (approximately 50%), anise and angelica (approximately 32%). Anti-collagenase activities were exhibited by sixteen plants of which the highest activity was seen in white tea (approximately 87%), green tea (approximately 47%), rose tincture (approximately 41%), and lavender (approximately 31%). Nine plant extracts had activities against both elastase (E) and collagenase (C) and were ranked in the order of white tea (E:89%, C:87%) > bladderwrack (E:50%, C:25%) > cleavers (E:58%, C:7%) > rose tincture (E:22%, C:41%) > green tea (E:10%: C:47%) > rose aqueous (E: 24%, C:26%) > angelica (E:32%, C:17%) > anise (E:32%, C:6%) > pomegranate (E:15%, C:11%).Total phenolic content varied between 0.05 and 0.26 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL with the exception of white tea (0.77 mg GAE/mL). For anti-oxidant assessment, the Trolox equivalent anti-oxidant capacity (TEAC) assay revealed activity for all extracts. White tea had the highest activity equivalent to approximately 21 microM Trolox for a 6.25 microg aliquot. In addition, seven extracts exhibited activities = 10 microM Trolox with witch hazel (6.25 microg = 13 microM Trolox) and rose aqueous (6.25 microg = 10 microM Trolox) showing very high activities at low concentrations. A high activity for white tea was also found in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay in which it exhibited ~88% inhibition of reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium. High activities were also observed for green tea (86.41%), rose tincture (82.77%), witch hazel (82.05%) and rose aqueous (73.86%).
CONCLUSION:
From a panel of twenty three plant extracts, some one dozen exhibit high or satisfactory anti-collagenase or anti-elastase activities, with nine having inhibitory activity against both enzymes. These included white tea which was found to have very high phenolic content, along with high TEAC and SOD activities....(more)
Thring TS, et al. BMC Complement Altern Med 2009 Aug 4;9:27.
Related Products: Bladderwrack extract
- 12. Macroalgal communities face the challenge of changing biotic interactions: review with focus on the Baltic Sea.
In diverse littoral communities, biotic interactions play an important role in community regulation. This article reviews how eutrophication modifies biotic interactions in littoral macroalgal communities. Eutrophication causes blooms of opportunistic algae, increases epibiotism, and affects regulation by grazers. Opportunistic algae and epibionts harm colonization and growth of perennial algae. Grazing regulates the density and species composition of macroalgal communities, especially at the early stage of algal colonization. Eutrophication supports higher grazer densities by increasing the availability and quality of algae to grazers. This may, on the one hand, enhance the capability of grazers to regulate and counteract the increase of harmful, bloom-forming macroalgae; on the other hand, it may increase grazing pressure on perennial species, with a poor tolerance of grazing. In highly eutrophic conditions, bloom-forming algae may also escape grazing control and accumulate. Increasing epibiotism and grazing threaten in particular the persistence of habitat-forming perennials such as the bladderwrack. An interesting property of biotic interactions is that they do not remain fixed but are able to evolve, as the traits of the interacting species adapt to each other and to abiotic conditions. The potential of plants and grazers to adapt is crucial to their chances to survive in changing environment....(more)
Korpinen S, et al. Ambio 2007 Apr;36(2-3):203-11. Review.
Related Products: Bladderwrack extract
- 13. Antioxidant Activity and Cardioprotective Effect of a Nonalcoholic Extract of Vaccinium meridionale Swartz during Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats.
Our objective was to assess the antioxidant properties and the effects against the reperfusion injury of a nonalcoholic extract obtained by fermentation from the Colombian blueberry, mortiño (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz, Ericaceae). Antioxidant properties were assessed by in vitro systems. To examine the postischemic myocardial function, isolated rat hearts were treated 10 min before ischemia and during the first 10 min of reperfusion with the extract. To analyze the participation of nitric oxide (NO), other experiments were performed in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In cardiac tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, endothelial NOS (eNOS), and Akt expression were also measured. The blueberry extract showed higher total phenols and anthocyanins contents, scavenging activity of superoxide radical and systolic and diastolic function was improved, TBARS diminished, GSH was partially preserved, and both NOS and Akt expression increased in hearts treated with the extract. These beneficial effects were lost when eNOS was inhibited. In resume, these data show that the increase of eNOS expression via Akt and the scavenging activity contribute to the cardioprotection afforded by acute treatment with Colombian blueberry extract against ischemia and reperfusion injury....(more)
Lopera YE, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013;2013:516727.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 14. Cell-line specific protection by berry polyphenols against hydrogen peroxide challenge and lack of effect on metabolism of amyloid precursor protein.
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) altered metabolism, Aβ-overproduction/aggregation and oxidative stress are implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Based on our previous data indicating that administration of a polyphenol-rich (PrB) blueberry extract (from wild Vaccinium angustifolium) is memory enhancing in healthy mice and in order to delineate the neuroprotective mechanisms, this study investigated the antioxidant effects of PrB in HO-induced oxidative damage, Aβ peptide fibrillogenesis and APP metabolism. PrB suppressed HO-initiated oxidation (DCF assay) and cell death (MTT assay) in SH-SY5Y cells. Protective effects were observed on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing APP770 carrying the mutation Val717Phe only at high concentrations, while further damage on HEK293 cells was induced after co-treatment with 250 µM HO and PrB in comparison with HO alone. Using the thioflavine T assay, blueberry polyphenols inhibited Aβ-aggregation (~70%, 15 µg/mL) in a time-dependent manner, while in the CHO(APP770) cells it had no effect on APP metabolism as assessed by western blot. The results suggest that blueberry polyphenols exhibit antioxidant and/or pro-oxidant properties according to the cellular environment and have no effect on APP metabolism....(more)
Papandreou MA, et al. Phytother Res 2012 Jul;26(7):956-63.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 15. Blueberry extract prolongs lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster.
Blueberry possesses greater antioxidant capacity than most other fruits and vegetables. The present study investigated the lifespan-prolonging activity of blueberry extracts in fruit flies and explored its underlying mechanism. Results revealed that blueberry extracts at 5mg/ml in diet could significantly extend the mean lifespan of fruit flies by 10%, accompanied by up-regulating gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and Rpn11 and down-regulating Methuselah (MTH) gene. Intensive H(2)O(2) and Paraquat challenge tests showed that lifespan was only extended in Oregon-R wild type flies but not in SOD(n108) or Cat(n1) mutant strains. Chronic Paraquat exposure shortened the maximum survival time from 73 to 35days and decreased the climbing ability by 60% while blueberry extracts at 5mg/ml in diet could significantly increase the survival rate and partially restore the climbing ability with up-regulating SOD, CAT, and Rpn11. Furthermore, gustatory assay demonstrated that those changes were not due to the variation of food intake between the control and the experimental diet containing 5mg/ml blueberry extracts. It was therefore concluded that the lifespan-prolonging activity of blueberry extracts was at least partially associated with its interactions with MTH, Rpn11, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT....(more)
Peng C, et al. Exp Gerontol 2012 Feb;47(2):170-8.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 16. The antimicrobial properties of the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) fractional components against foodborne pathogens and the conservation of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
The antimicrobial properties of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) were studied against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus to determine which fractional components have antimicrobial effects and which microorganisms are most susceptible to these antimicrobial properties. Lowbush blueberry extract (F1) was separated using a C-18 Sep-Pak cartridge into monomeric phenolics (F2) and anthocyanins plus proanthocyanidins (F3). Fraction 3 was further separated into anthocyanins (F4) and proanthocyanidins (F5) using a LH-20 Sephadex column. Each fraction was initially screened for antimicrobial properties using agar diffusion assay. Treatments that demonstrated inhibition were further analyzed for inhibition in liquid culture. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using a two-fold dilution series and viable cell counts taken at 0 and 24 h to examine growth reduction. Fraction 3 demonstrated the lowest MICs/MBCs followed by F1, F2, F4, and F5. L. monocytogenes was the most susceptible to blueberry fraction treatment, followed by E. coli O157:H7, and S. Typhimurium. L. rhamnosus was the least susceptible to each fraction treatment. The results can be applied to the field of preventive medicine, food safety, and enrich the understanding of the health benefits of lowbush blueberries....(more)
Lacombe A, et al. Food Microbiol 2012 May;30(1):124-31.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 17. UV radiation-induced skin aging in hairless mice is effectively prevented by oral intake of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit blend for 6 weeks through MMP suppression and increase of SOD activity.
Oxidative stress and oxidative photodamage induced by UV radiation can cause serious skin damage that is characterized by wrinkling, roughness, laxity and pigmentation. The effects of a sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit blend (SFB) containing sea buckthorn fruit extract, blueberry extract and collagen on UV-induced skin aging were examined by treating hairless mice for 6 weeks with UV irradiation and SFB administered orally. The effects of SFB were measured in the skin of these mice by phenotypical and histological analysis and western blotting. According to wrinkle formation analysis, the oral intake of SFB induced a decrease in wrinkle formation in the damaged skin of UV-irradiated mice. The thickness of the epidermis and dermis in the vitamin extracts (Vit)- and SFB-treated group was lower than that in the vehicle-treated group, but the group treated with SFB50 was the most effective group. The mice treated with the Vit- or SFB solution maintained a normal moisture content through the inhibition of transdermal water loss (TEWL) and an increase in skin moisture content. Furthermore, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and collagen protein expression were assessed in five groups to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of SFB oral intake. The application of SFB induced a decrease in MMP-1 and -9 expression to the levels observed in the vehicle-treated group, but MMP-9 expression showed a much larger decrease than MMP-1. Furthermore, the expression of collagen-1 in the skin corresponded to MMP expression except for the SFB30-treated group, whereas the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased dramatically in the SFB50-treated group. These results suggest that SFB has potential as a protective and therapeutic drug candidate against skin aging that functions by regulating the moisture content, MMP expression levels and SOD activity....(more)
Hwang IS, et al. Int J Mol Med 2012 Aug;30(2):392-400.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 18. Blueberry extracts protect testis from hypobaric hypoxia induced oxidative stress in rats.
Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia causes oxidative damage to male rat reproductive function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of a blueberry extract (BB-4) in testis of rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Morphometric analysis, cellular DNA fragmentation, glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated. Our results showed that supplementation of BB-4 reduced lipid peroxidation, decreased apoptosis, and increased GR and SOD activities in rat testis under hypobaric hypoxia conditions (P < 0.05). Therefore, this study demonstrates that blueberry extract significantly reduced the harmful effects of oxidative stress caused by hypobaric hypoxia in rat testis by affecting glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities....(more)
Zepeda A, et al. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2012;2012:975870.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 19. Synaptic failure and adenosine triphosphate imbalance induced by amyloid-β aggregates are prevented by blueberry-enriched polyphenols extract.
The potential neuroprotective properties of fruits have been widely recognized. In this study, we evaluated the protective properties of a blueberry extract (BB-4), rich in polyphenols, in a neurodegenerative model induced by amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). Chronic treatment with Aβ drastically reduced synaptic transmission and the extent of secretory vesicles, which were recovered partially with BB-4. Also, the extract recovered Ca(2+) transients in hippocampal neurons preincubated with Aβ (0.5 and 5 μM) by about 25% ± 3% and 30% ± 2, respectively. In this work, we demonstrate a novel effect of the BB-4 extract on Aβ-induced ATP leakage, in which this extract was able to antagonize the acute ATP leakage but not chronic ATP depletion. On the other hand, BB-4 prevented the uncoupling of mitochondrial function induced by FCCP by about 85%, but it was unable to modify the uncoupling induced by Aβ. The present results strongly indicate that BB-4 plays a role in the process of Aβ aggregation by reducing the toxic species (i.e., 40 kDa). These findings suggest that a blueberry extract can protect neuronal tissue from Aβ toxicity mainly through its antiaggregation property, and its antioxidant properties and mitochondrial membrane potential capacities are secondary mechanisms important in chronic stages. Our work suggests that BB-4 could be an important nutritional complement to neuronal health as well as a potential nutraceutical formulation useful as a dietary supplement in the elderly....(more)
Fuentealba J, et al. J Neurosci Res 2011 Sep;89(9):1499-508.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 20. Effects of spray drying on antioxidant capacity and anthocyanidin content of blueberry by-products.
The effect of spray drying on degradation of nutraceutical components in cull blueberry extract was investigated. Samples collected before and after spray drying were tested for antioxidant capacity using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC(FL) ) and total phenolics; and for individual anthocyanidins. In Study 1, four different levels of maltodextrin (blueberry solids to maltodextrin ratios of 5: 95, 10: 90, 30: 70, and 50: 50) were spray dried a pilot-scale spray dryer. There was significantly higher retention of nutraceutical components with increased levels of maltodextrin indicating a protective effect of maltodextrin on the nutraceutical components during spray drying. In Study 2, the air inlet temperature of the spray dryer was kept constant for all runs at 150 °C, with 2 different outlet temperatures of 80 and 90 °C. The degradation of nutraceutical components was not significantly different at the 2 selected outlet temperatures. ORAC(FL) reduction for blueberry samples after spray drying was 66.3% to 69.6%. After spray drying, total phenolics reduction for blueberry was 8.2% to 17.5%. Individual anthocyanidin reduction for blueberry was 50% to 70%. The experimental spray dried powders compared favorably to commercial blueberry powders. Results of the study show that use of blueberry by-products is feasible to make a value-added powder. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Results can be used by producers to estimate final nutraceutical content of spray-dried blueberry by-products....(more)
Lim K, et al. J Food Sci 2011 Sep;76(7):H156-64.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 21. Age-related toxicity of amyloid-beta associated with increased pERK and pCREB in primary hippocampal neurons: reversal by blueberry extract.
Further clarification is needed to address the paradox that memory formation, aging and neurodegeneration all involve calcium influx, oxyradical production (ROS) and activation of certain signaling pathways. In aged rats and in APP/PS-1 mice, cognitive and hippocampal Ca(2+) dysregulation was reversed by food supplementation with a high antioxidant blueberry extract. Here, we studied whether neurons were an important target of blueberry extract and whether the mechanism involved altered ROS signaling through MAP kinase and cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB), pathways known to be activated in response to amyloid-beta (Aβ). Primary hippocampal neurons were isolated and cultured from embryonic, middle-age or old-age (24 months) rats. Blueberry extract was found to be equally neuroprotective against Aβ neurotoxicity at all ages. Increases in Aβ toxicity with age were associated with age-related increases in immunoreactivity of neurons to pERK and an age-independent increase in pCREB. Treatment with blueberry extract strongly inhibited these increases in parallel with neuroprotection. Simultaneous labeling for ROS and for glutathione with dichlorofluorescein and monochlorobimane showed a mechanism of action of blueberry extract to involve transient ROS generation with an increase in the redox buffer glutathione. We conclude that the increased age-related susceptibility of old-age neurons to Aβ toxicity may be due to higher levels of activation of pERK and pCREB pathways that can be protected by blueberry extract through inhibition of both these pathways through an ROS stress response. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of blueberry extract may involve transient stress signaling and ROS protection that may translate into improved cognition in aging rats and APP/PS1 mice given blueberry extract....(more)
Brewer GJ, et al. J Nutr Biochem 2010 Oct;21(10):991-8.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 22. Identification of flavonoid and phenolic antioxidants in black currants, blueberries, raspberries, red currants, and cranberries.
The antioxidant capacity (AOC) of black currant, blueberry, raspberry, red currant, and cranberry extracts was determined using the FRAP assay. In addition, the vitamin C content of the berries was determined and phenolic and polyphenolic compounds in the extracts were analyze by reversed-phase HPLC-PDA-MS(3) and by reversed-phase HPLC-PDA with an online antioxidant detection system. A complex spectrum of anthocyanins was the major contributor to the AOC of black currants and blueberries, whereas the lower AOC of red currants and cranberries was due mainly to a reduced anthocyanin content. Raspberries also had a lower anthocyanin content than black currants and blueberries, but there was only a slight decline in the AOC because of the presence of the ellagitannins sanguin H-6 and lambertianin C, which were responsible for 58% of the HPLC-AOC of the berries. Vitamin C was responsible for 18-23% of the HPLC-AOC of black currants, red currants, and cranberries and for 11% of that of raspberries but did not contribute to the AOC of the blueberry extract that was examined. Seven percent of the HPLC-AOC of the cranberry extract was attributable to procyanidin dimers. However, the contribution of polymeric proanthocyanidins to the AOC of the five berries was not determined as when analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC these high molecular weight flavan-3-ols are either retained by the column or eluted as a broad unresolved band....(more)
Borges G, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2010 Apr 14;58(7):3901-9.
Related Products: Blueberry Extract
- 23. Effect of phospholipid-based formulations of Boswellia serrata extract on the solubility, permeability, and absorption of the individual boswellic acid constituents present.
Boswellia serrata gum resin extracts are used widely for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, very low concentrations in the plasma and brain were observed for the boswellic acids (1-6, the active constituents of B. serrata). The present study investigated the effect of phospholipids alone and in combination with common co-surfactants (e.g., Tween 80, vitamin E-TPGS, pluronic f127) on the solubility of 1-6 in physiologically relevant media and on the permeability in the Caco-2 cell model. Because of the high lipophilicity of 1-6, the permeability experiments were adapted to physiological conditions using modified fasted state simulated intestinal fluid as apical (donor) medium and 4% bovine serum albumin in the basolateral (receiver) compartment. A formulation composed of extract/phospholipid/pluronic f127 (1:1:1 w/w/w) increased the solubility of 1-6 up to 54 times compared with the nonformulated extract and exhibited the highest mass net flux in the permeability tests. The oral administration of this formulation to rats (240 mg/kg) resulted in 26 and 14 times higher plasma levels for 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (1) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (2), respectively. In the brain, five times higher levels for 2 compared to the nonformulated extract were determined 8 h after oral administration....(more)
Hüsch J, et al. J Nat Prod 2012 Oct 26;75(10):1675-82.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 24. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Boswellia serrata in maintaining remission of Crohn's disease: good safety profile but lack of efficacy.
BACKGROUND:
Complementary therapies are frequently used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term therapy with a new Boswellia serrata extract (Boswelan, PS0201Bo) in maintaining remission in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).
METHODS:
In 22 German centers a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel study was performed. In all, 108 outpatients with CD in clinical remission were included. Patients were randomized to Boswelan (3×2 capsules/day; 400 mg each) or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in whom remission was maintained throughout the 52 weeks. Secondary endpoints were time to relapse, changes of Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and IBD Questionnaire (IBDQ) scores.
RESULTS:
The trial was prematurely terminated due to insufficient discrimination of drug and placebo with regard to the primary efficacy endpoint. A total of 82 patients were randomized to Boswelan (n=42) or placebo (n=40). Sixty-six patients could be analyzed for efficacy. 59.9% of the actively treated patients and 55.3% of the placebo group stayed in remission (P=0.85). The mean time to diagnosis of relapse was 171 days for the active group and 185 days for the placebo group (P=0.69). With respect to CDAI, IBDQ, and laboratory measurements of inflammation, no advantages in favor of active treatment were detected. Regarding safety concerns, no disadvantages of taking the drug compared to placebo were observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The trial confirmed good tolerability of a new Boswellia serrata extract, Boswelan, in long-term treatment of CD. However, superiority versus placebo in maintenance therapy of remission could not be demonstrated....(more)
Holtmeier W, et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011 Feb;17(2):573-82.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 25. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effect of Aflapin: a novel Boswellia serrata extract.
There is significant number of evidences suggesting the anti-inflammatory properties of gum resin extracts of Boswellia serrata containing 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) and their promising potential as therapeutic interventions against inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, the poor bioavailability of AKBA following oral administration might limit the anti-inflammatory efficacy of standardized Boswellia extract(s). To address this issue, we describe a novel composition called Aflapin, which contains B. serrata extract enriched in AKBA and non-volatile oil portion of B. serrata gum resin. Our observations show that the availability of AKBA in systemic circulation of experimental animals is increased by 51.78% in Aflapin-supplemented animals, in comparison with that of 30% AKBA standardized extract or BE-30 (5-Loxin(®)). Consistently, Aflapin confers better anti-inflammatory efficacy in Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA)-induced inflammation model of Sprague-Dawley rats. Interestingly, in comparison with BE-30, Aflapin(®) also provides significantly better protection from IL-1β-induced death of human primary chondrocytes and improves glycosaminoglycans production in human chondrocytes. In Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced human synovial cells, the inhibitory potential of Aflapin (IC(50) 44.736 ng/ml) on matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) production is 14.83% better than that of BE-30 (IC(50) 52.528 ng/ml). In summary, our observations collectively suggest that both the Boswellia products, BE-30 (5-Loxin(®)) and Aflapin, exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory efficacy and anti-arthritic potential. In particular, in comparison with BE-30, Aflapin provides more potential benefits in recovering articular cartilage damage or protection from proteolytic degradation due to inflammatory insult in arthritis such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis....(more)
Sengupta K, et al. Mol Cell Biochem 2011 Aug;354(1-2):189-97.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 26. Permeation of Boswellia extract in the Caco-2 model and possible interactions of its constituents KBA and AKBA with OATP1B3 and MRP2.
Traditionally Boswellia serrata extract is used in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In 2002 the EMEA designated Boswellia an orphan drug status for the treatment of peritumoral oedema. Pharmacokinetic studies yielded low plasma concentrations of the active ingredients 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA) and 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA). In continuation of the tests investigating the factors limiting bioavailability of boswellic acids, the present study examined the permeability of KBA and AKBA in human Caco-2 cell lines. In addition, the interaction of KBA and AKBA with the organic anion transporter OATP1B3 and the multi drug resistant proteins P-glycoprotein and MRP2 was evaluated using partly fluorescent-based assays. The permeability studies revealed poor permeability of AKBA and moderate absorption of KBA with a P(app) value of 1.69 x 10(-6) cm/s. Most of KBA and AKBA were found to be retained by the Caco-2 monolayer. Neither KBA nor AKBA could be identified as substrates of P-glycoprotein. However, both KBA and AKBA modulated the activity of OATP1B3 and MRP2, indicating that therapeutic relevant interactions with other anionic drugs may be expected. The results of the present study provide the first explanation for the pharmacokinetic properties of KBA and AKBA....(more)
Krüger P, et al. Eur J Pharm Sci 2009 Feb 15;36(2-3):275-84.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 27. Interventions for treating microscopic colitis: a Cochrane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders Review Group systematic review of randomized trials.
OBJECTIVES:
To conduct a systematic review to determine effective treatments for patients with collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis, the two subtypes of microscopic colitis.
METHODS:
Relevant papers were identified via the MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Cochrane Collaboration databases, manual searches of the references of identified papers and review papers on microscopic colitis, as well as searches of abstracts from major gastroenterological meetings.
RESULTS:
All studies assessing treatment of microscopic colitis had relatively small sample sizes. A total of 10 randomized trials included patients with collagenous colitis. Budesonide was studied for induction of response in three trials and for maintenance of response in two trials. The pooled odds ratio for inducing clinical response with budesonide was 12.32 (95% confidence interval, CI 5.53-27.46), and for maintaining clinical response was 8.82 (95% CI 3.19-24.37), with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 2 patients for each outcome. Budesonide also induced and maintained histological response and was well tolerated. Bismuth subsalicylate, prednisolone, and mesalamine with or without cholestyramine may be effective, whereas Boswellia serrata extract and probiotics were ineffective for treating collagenous colitis. Three randomized trials included patients with lymphocytic colitis. Budesonide was shown in one study to be effective for inducing clinical response (OR 9.00; 95% CI 1.98-40.93), with an NNT of three patients. Budesonide also induced histological response and was well tolerated. Bismuth subsalicylate and mesalamine with or without cholestyramine may be effective for treating lymphocytic colitis. No trials assessed maintenance of response in patients with lymphocytic colitis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Budesonide is effective and well tolerated for inducing and maintaining clinical and histological responses in patients with collagenous colitis, and for inducing clinical and histological responses in patients with lymphocytic colitis. Determining the magnitude of benefit is limited by the small sample sizes of the studies. The evidence for other agents, including bismuth subsalicylate, prednisolone, B. serrata extract, probiotics, and mesalamine with or without cholestyramine is weaker. It is not clear that any of these agents induce or maintain actual remission of collagenous or lymphocytic colitis, as opposed to clinical or histological response....(more)
Chande N, et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2009 Jan;104(1):235-41; quiz 234, 242.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 28. Interventions for treating collagenous colitis.
BACKGROUND:
Collagenous colitis is a cause of chronic diarrhea. Treatment has been based mainly on anecdotal evidence. This review was performed to identify therapies for collagenous colitis that have been proven in randomized trials.
OBJECTIVES:
To determine effective treatments for patients with collagenous colitis.
SEARCH STRATEGY:
Relevant papers published between 1970 and December 2007 were identified via the MEDLINE and PUBMED databases. Manual searches from the references of identified papers, as well as review papers on collagenous or microscopic colitis were performed to identify additional studies. Abstracts from major gastroenterological meetings were searched to identify research submitted in abstract form only. Finally, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the Cochrane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders Group Specialized Trials Register were searched for other studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Ten randomized trials were identified. Seven of these compared active treatment to placebo for treating active disease. Of these, 1 trial studied bismuth subsalicylate, 1 trial studied Boswellia serrata extract, 3 trials studies budesonide, 1 trial studied prednisolone, and 1 trial studied probiotics. One trial compared mesalamine to mesalamine + cholestyramine for treating active disease. Two trials compared budesonide to placebo in maintaining response induced by budesonide.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
Data were extracted independently by each author onto 2x2 tables (treatment versus comparator and response versus no response). For therapies assessed in one trial only, P-values were derived using the chi-square test. For therapies assessed in more than one trial, summary test statistics were derived using the Peto odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Data were combined for analysis only if the outcomes were sufficiently similar in definition.
MAIN RESULTS:
In treating active disease, there were 9 patients with collagenous colitis in the trial studying bismuth subsalicylate (nine 262 mg tablets daily for 8 weeks). Clinical response occurred in 100% of patients who received bismuth subsalicylate compared to 0% of patients who received placebo (P = 0.03). Thirty-one patients were enrolled in the trial studying Boswellia serrata extract (three 400 mg capsules daily for 8 weeks). Clinical response occurred in 44% of patients who received Boswellia serrata extract compared to 27% of patients who received placebo (P = 0.32). A total of 94 patients were enrolled in 3 trials studying budesonide (9 mg daily or in a tapering schedule for 6 to 8 weeks). Clinical response occurred in 81% of patients who received budesonide compared to 17% of patients who received placebo (P < 0.00001). The pooled odds ratio for clinical response to treatment with budesonide was 12.32 (95% CI 5.53 to 27.46), with a number needed to treat of 2 patients. Statistically significant histological response occurred with treatment in all 3 trials studying budesonide therapy. Eleven patients were enrolled in the trial studying prednisolone (50 mg daily for 2 weeks). Clinical response occurred in 63% of patients who received prednisolone compared to 0% who received placebo (P = 0.15). Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the trial studying probiotics (2 capsules containing 0.5 x 10(10) CFU each of L. acidophilus LA-5 and B. animalis subsp. lactis strain BB-12 twice daily for 12 weeks). Clinical response occurred in 29% of patients who received probiotics compared to 13% of patients who received placebo (P = 0.38). Twenty-three patients were enrolled in the trial studying mesalamine (800 mg three times daily) with or without cholestyramine (4 g daily) for 6 months. Clinical response occurred in 73% of patients who received mesalamine alone compared to 100% of patients who received mesalamine + cholestyramine (P = 0.14). In maintaining response,...(more)
Chande N, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD003575.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 29. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
INTRODUCTION:
5-Loxin is a novel Boswellia serrata extract enriched with 30% 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), which exhibits potential anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme. A 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
METHODS:
Seventy-five OA patients were included in the study. The patients received either 100 mg (n = 25) or 250 mg (n = 25) of 5-Loxin daily or a placebo (n = 25) for 90 days. Each patient was evaluated for pain and physical functions by using the standard tools (visual analog scale, Lequesne's Functional Index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) at the baseline (day 0), and at days 7, 30, 60 and 90. Additionally, the cartilage degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-3 was also evaluated in synovial fluid from OA patients. Measurement of a battery of biochemical parameters in serum and haematological parameters, and urine analysis were performed to evaluate the safety of 5-Loxin in OA patients.
RESULTS:
Seventy patients completed the study. At the end of the study, both doses of 5-Loxin conferred clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain scores and physical function scores in OA patients. Interestingly, significant improvements in pain score and functional ability were recorded in the treatment group supplemented with 250 mg 5-Loxin as early as 7 days after the start of treatment. Corroborating the improvements in pain scores in treatment groups, we also noted significant reduction in synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-3. In comparison with placebo, the safety parameters were almost unchanged in the treatment groups.
CONCLUSION:
5-Loxin reduces pain and improves physical functioning significantly in OA patients; and it is safe for human consumption. 5-Loxin may exert its beneficial effects by controlling inflammatory responses through reducing proinflammatory modulators, and it may improve joint health by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage in OA patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
(Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN05212803.)....(more)
Sengupta K, et al. Arthritis Res Ther 2008;10(4):R85.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 30. A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of boswellic acids from the market formulations containing Boswellia serrata extract.
A simple, rapid, and reproducible reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method is developed for the estimation of boswellic acids, the active constituents in Boswellia serrata oleo-gum resin. The chromatographic separation is performed using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-water (90:10, % v/v) adjusted to pH 4 with glacial acetic acid on a Kromasil 100 C18 analytical column with flow rate of 2.0 mL/min and detection at 260 nm. The elution times are 4.30 and 7.11 min for 11-keto beta-boswellic acid (11-KBA) and 3-acetyl 11-keto beta-boswellic acid (A-11-KBA), respectively. The calibration curve is linear in the 11.66-58.30 microg/mL and 6.50-32.50 microg/mL range for 11-KBA and A-11-KBA, respectively. The limits of detection are 2.33 microg/mL and 1.30 microg/mL for 11-KBA and A-11-KBA, respectively. The mean recoveries are 98.24% to 104.17% and 94.12% to 105.92% for 11-KBA and A-11-KBA, respectively. The inter- and intra-day variation coefficients are less than 5%. The present method is successfully applied for the estimation of boswellic acids from the market formulations containing Boswellia serrata extract....(more)
Shah SA, et al. J Chromatogr Sci 2008 Sep;46(8):735-8.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 31. Estimation of boswellic acids from market formulations of Boswellia serrata extract and 11-keto beta-boswellic acid in human plasma by high-performance thin-layer chromatography.
A rapid and sensitive high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitative estimation of boswellic acids in formulation containing Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) and 11-keto beta-boswellic acid in human plasma. Simple extraction method was used for isolation of boswellic acid from formulation sample and acidified plasma sample. The isolated samples were chromatographed on silica gel 60F(254)-TLC plates, developed using ternary-solvent system (hexane-chloroform-methanol, 5:5:0.5, v/v) and scanned at 260 nm. The linearity range for 11-KBA spiked in 1 ml of plasma was 29.15-145.75 ng with average recovery of 91.66%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for 11-KBA in human plasma were found to be 8.75 ng/ml and 29.15 ng/ml. The developed method was successfully applied for the assay of market formulations containing BSE and to determine plasma level of 11-keto beta-boswellic acid in a clinical pilot study....(more)
Shah SA, et al. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2007 Apr 1;848(2):232-8.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 32. Pure compound from Boswellia serrata extract exhibits anti-inflammatory property in human PBMCs and mouse macrophages through inhibition of TNFalpha, IL-1beta, NO and MAP kinases.
The aim of the present study is to probe the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant Boswellia serrata by studying the effect of the crude extract and the pure compound isolated from it on key inflammatory mediators like TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and NO thus enabling the understanding of the key signaling events involved. The crude methanolic extract and the pure compound were analysed for their inhibitory effect on TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. The results demonstrated that all three cytokines are down regulated when PBMCs are cultured in the presence of crude extract or the pure compound at various time points. Observations on Th1/Th2 cytokines revealed marked down regulation of Th1 cytokines IFNgamma and IL-12 while the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were up regulated upon treatment with crude extract and pure compound. The extract and the pure compound isolated also showed considerable inhibition of NO production in activated RAW 264.7 cells, possibly via suppression of inducible NO synthase mRNA expression. Further to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action the effect of 12-ursene 2-diketone on LPS-induced activation of MAPK has also been examined. Our results demonstrated that 12-ursene 2-diketone inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators via inhibition of phosphorylation of the MAP kinases JNK and p38 while no inhibition was seen in ERK phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. The above study therefore indicates that the crude methanolic extract and the isolated pure compound are capable of carrying out a natural anti-inflammatory activity at sites where chronic inflammation is present by switching off the pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which initiate the process....(more)
Gayathri B, et al. Int Immunopharmacol 2007 Apr;7(4):473-82.
Related Products: Boswellia Serrata Extract
- 33. Lactic acid bacteria convert glucosinolates to nitriles efficiently yet differently from enterobacteriaceae.
Glucosinolates from the genus Brassica can be converted into bioactive compounds known to induce phase II enzymes, which may decrease the risk of cancers. Conversion via hydrolysis is usually by the brassica enzyme myrosinase, which can be inactivated by cooking or storage. We examined the potential of three beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum KW30, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis KF147, and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, and known myrosinase-producer Enterobacter cloacae to catalyze the conversion of glucosinolates in broccoli extract. Enterobacteriaceae consumed on average 65% glucoiberin and 78% glucoraphanin, transforming them into glucoiberverin and glucoerucin, respectively, and small amounts of iberverin nitrile and erucin nitrile. The lactic acid bacteria did not accumulate reduced glucosinolates, consuming all at 30-33% and transforming these into iberverin nitrile, erucin nitrile, sulforaphane nitrile, and further unidentified metabolites. Adding beneficial bacteria to a glucosinolate-rich diet may increase glucosinolate transformation, thereby increasing host exposure to bioactives....(more)
Mullaney JA, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2013 Mar 27;61(12):3039-46.
Related Products: Broccoli Extract
- 34. Examination of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Xenobiotic-Inducing Potential of Broccoli Extract and Various Essential Oils during a Mild DSS-Induced Colitis in Rats.
Phytogenic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are currently discussed as promising complementary agents in prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our study aimed to evaluate possible protective and curative effects of broccoli extract (BE) and of the essential oils of turmeric (Cuo), thyme (To), and rosemary (Ro) in a rat model with a mild dextran sulphate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis. Therefore Wistar rats were fed a diet without an additive (Con) or diets with the addition of BE, Cuo, To, and Ro during the whole experiment. Pretreatment with Ro, Cuo, and To increased the expression of the tight junction protein Cldn3. All additives reduced mRNA of VCAM-1 which plays a crucial role in the first state of inflammatory response. Only Ro pretreatment affected the expression of the antioxidant enzymes HO1, GPx2, and of glutathione-S-transferases. All additives counteracted the DSS-induced rise in COX2 and VCAM-1 expression. Colonic IL-10 was increased by Cuo, To, and Ro. During the recovery phase DSS pretreatment increased NF κ B, VCAM-1, and MCP-1: This response was counter-regulated by all additives. We conclude that the phytogenic additives tested have a promising anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and a particular role in the prevention of IBD....(more)
Mueller K, et al. ISRN Gastroenterol 2013;2013:710856.
Related Products: Broccoli Extract
- 35. Growth inhibition and antioxidative status induced by selenium-enriched broccoli extract and selenocompounds in DNA mismatch repair-deficient human colon cancer cells.
The effects of enzymatic-digested Se-enriched broccoli extracts (SeB) and selenocompounds on growth and antioxidative status in human colon cancer cells was investigated in this study. HCT116 and HCT116+Chr.3 cells were treated with selenocompounds (sodium selenite, sodium selenate, Se-Met, MeSeCys) or SeB [high-Se (H-SeB) or low-Se (L-SeB)]. The cytotoxicity induced by selenocompounds in HCT116 cells was not associated with cellular H2O2 level, while the differential cytotoxicity observed by sodium selenite between HCT116 and HCT116+Chr.3 cell lines was related to cellular H2O2 production with the change in antioxidative enzyme activity, and the restoration of chromosome 3. H-SeB was found to reduce the cellular H2O2 content in HCT116+Chr.3 cells. The results in this study indicate that regardless of Se content, the cytotoxicity in HCT116 cells of both SeB forms appeared to be H2O2-independent, whereas the cytotoxicity in HCT116+Chr.3 of either SeB form appeared to be H2O2-dependent with an increase in antioxidative ability for H-SeB....(more)
Tsai CF, et al. Food Chem 2013 Aug 15;139(1-4):267-73.
Related Products: Broccoli Extract