Herbal Science Research - nutrition

[Oral anticoagulants: a literature review of herb-drug interactions or food-drug interactions]

Site Editor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:44:55 -0700

[Oral anticoagulants: a literature review of herb-drug interactions or food-drug interactions]: J Pharm Belg. 2007; 62(3): 69-75 Bourget S, Baudrant M, Allenet B, Calop J

OBJECTIVE: To identify herbal medicines and food products which can interact with anticoagulant therapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Literature review using key words: "anticoagulants", "herb-drug interaction", "food-drug interaction", "drug chinese herbal", "medicine herbal", "plant preparation", "dietary supplements". Data sources: Medline (january 1966 to june 2006) and Pascal (1987 to 2006). Case reports, systematic reviews, in vitro studies, clinical studies published in french or in english (or with an english extract) have been undertaken. RESULTS: Eighty articles were selected (two both including a case report and a study): 14 systemic review, 43 case reports, 25 studies (17 studies in humans: nine randomized and controlled, three controlled), six controlled studies in animals and two in vitro studies. DISCUSSION: A wide range of herbal medicines and food products can interact with anticoagulants. Clinical relevance of these effects is difficult to characterise (nature of existing reports, contradiction between studies, difficult extrapolation to human). CONCLUSION: It is difficult to predict the incidence or severity of such interactions. However, awareness of these potential interactions is necessary to achieve optimal anticoagulation therapy: pharmacist can play a crucial role identifying such interactions in case of disturbed INR; clinicians should be informed to monitor closely the therapy, particularly when such products are started or discontinued.

Biotransformation of Green Tea Polyphenols and the Biological Activities of Those Metabolites.

Site Editor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:23:16 -0700

Biotransformation of Green Tea Polyphenols and the Biological Activities of Those Metabolites.: Mol Pharm. 2007 Oct 27; Authors: Lambert JD, Sang S, Yang CS

Green tea ( Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) and its major polyphenol constituents, the catechins, have been reported to have many health benefits including the prevention of cancer and heart disease. Many mechanisms of action have been proposed based on in vitro models; however, the importance of most of these mechanisms remains to be determined in vivo. The bioavailability and biotransformation of tea catechins play a key role in determining the importance of various mechanisms in vivo. Likewise, the biological activity and bioavailability of tea catechin metabolites, an understudied area, are important in understanding the potential beneficial effects of tea. In this article, we review the data available on the biotransformation of the tea catechins and the limited data set available on the biological activities of the catechin metabolites. Careful interpretation of available data, carefully designed animal experiments, and integration of bioavailability and biological activity data are needed if the disease preventive activity of tea is to be understood. We hope this article will spark research efforts on some of the important questions regarding tea polyphenol bioavailability, biotransformation, and the biological activities of tea catechin metabolites.

PMID: 17963356 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Epigallocatechin gallate affects human dendritic cell differentiation and maturation.

Site Editor — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:26:50 -0700

Epigallocatechin gallate affects human dendritic cell differentiation and maturation.: J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Oct 10; Authors: Yoneyama S, Kawai K, Tsuno NH, Okaji Y, Asakage M, Tsuchiya T, Yamada J, Sunami E, Osada T, Kitayama J, Takahashi K, Nagawa H

BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea catechin with the strongest biological activity, has been focused in recent years because of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells, capable of priming naive T cells, and play the key roles in the activation of T-cell-mediated immune responses. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of EGCG on human monocyte-derived DCs (MODCs) and, consequently, on the T-cell-mediated immune response. METHODS: The induction of apoptosis, and the detailed phenotypic and functional changes of MODCs, generated by culture of peripheral blood monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4, induced by EGCG was investigated and compared with the effects of dexamethasone. RESULTS: Epigallocatechin gallate induced apoptosis and affected the phenotype of the developing DCs. The expressions of CD83, CD80, CD11c, and MHC class II, which are molecules essential for antigen presentation by DCs, were downregulated by EGCG. EGCG also suppressed the endocytotic ability of immature DCs, whereas dexamethasone-treated DCs had higher endocytotic ability than control DCs. Most importantly, mature DCs treated with EGCG inhibited stimulatory activity toward allogeneic T cells while secreting high amounts of IL-10. CONCLUSION: Epigallocatechin gallate induces immunosuppressive alterations on human MODCs, both by induction of apoptosis and suppression of cell surface molecules and antigen presentation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These alterations should be considered promising new immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents to treat autoimmune and allergic diseases and to prevent the graft rejection in organ transplantation.

PMID: 17935769 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

B vitamins and berries and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Site Editor — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:20:48 -0700

B vitamins and berries and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.: Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2006 Apr;(134):1-161 Authors: Balk E, Chung M, Raman G, Tatsioni A, Chew P, Ip S, DeVine D, Lau J

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects, associations, mechanisms of action, and safety of B vitamins and, separately, berries and their constituents on age-related neurocognitive disorders-primarily Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts. Additional studies were identified from reference lists and technical experts. REVIEW METHODS: Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and folate, and a dozen types of berries and their constituents were evaluated. Human, animal, and in vitro studies were evaluated. Outcomes of interest from human studies were neurocognitive function or diagnosis with AD, cognitive decline, PD, or related conditions. Intervention studies, associations between dietary intake and outcomes, and associations between B vitamin levels and outcomes were evaluated. Specific mechanisms of action were evaluated in animal and in vitro studies. Studies were extracted for study design, demographics, intervention or predictor, and neurocognitive outcomes. Studies were graded for quality and applicability. RESULTS: In animal studies, deficiencies in vitamins B1 or folate generally cause neurological dysfunction; supplementation with B6, B12, or folate may improve neurocognitive function. In animal experiments folate and B12 protect against genetic deficiencies used to model AD; thiamine and folate also affect neurovascular function and health. Human studies were generally of poor quality. Weak evidence suggests possible benefits of B1 supplementation and injected B12 in AD. The effects of B6 and folate are unclear. Overall, dietary intake studies do not support an association between B vitamin intake and AD. Studies evaluating B vitamin status were mostly inadequate due to poor study design. Overall, studies do not support an association between B vitamin status and age-related neurocognitive disorders. Only one study evaluated human berry consumption, finding no association with PD. Animal studies of berries have almost all been conducted by the same research group. Several berry constituents have been shown to affect brain and nerve tissue function. Blueberry and strawberry extract were protective of markers of disease, although effects on neurocognitive tests were less consistent. Berry extracts may protect against the deleterious effects of compounds associated with AD. Reporting of adverse events was uncommon. When reported, actual adverse events from B vitamins were rare and minor. CONCLUSIONS: The current research on B vitamins is largely inadequate to confidently assess their mechanisms of action on age-related neurocognitive disorders, their associations with disease, or their effectiveness as supplements. B vitamin supplementation may be of value for neurocognitive function, but the evidence is inconclusive.

PMID: 17628125 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Antidiabetic drugs used in Europe prior to the discovery of insulin.

Site Editor — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:11:56 -0700

Antidiabetic drugs used in Europe prior to the discovery of insulin.: Pharmazie. 2007 Sep;62(9):717-20 Authors: Helmstädter A

Many therapeutic agents had been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus before insulin was discovered and several hundred plants have shown some extent of antidiabetic activity. This study tries to explore which agents were most widely used in Europe in the pre-insulin era. According to the scientific literature and the proprietary drug industry around 1900, more than 100 agents were considered to have hypoglycemic activity. Most of them seem to have been used only occasionally while some others were recommended and marketed to a large extent. Among the medicinal plants, Syzygium cumini (syn. S. jambolanum, Eugenia jambolana), Vaccinum myrtillus and Phaseolus sp. were most common, and other frequently used agents were opium, opium alkaloids, other alkaloids like quinine or Belladonna alkaloids, salicylates, alkaline substances like sodium (bi)carbonate and even strong poisons like arsenic or uranium salts. Syzygium jambolanum seed powder seems to be one of the most intensively studied antidiabetic agents of plant origin.

PMID: 17944329 [PubMed - in process]

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the invasion of human oral cancer cells [...]

Site Editor — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:54:24 -0700

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the invasion of human oral cancer cells and decreases the productions of matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase-plasminogen activator.: J Oral Pathol Med. 2007 Nov;36(10):588-93 Authors: Ho YC, Yang SF, Peng CY, Chou MY, Chang YC

Background: Green tea polyphenols are considered beneficial to human health, especially as cancer chemopreventive agents in recent years. Epigallocatechin- 3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, has been proven to suppress colonic tumorigenesis in animal and epidemiological studies, whereas its role in the oral carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Methods: Cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration assays were used to investigate the effects of human oral cancer cell line OC2 cells exposed to EGCG. To look at the precise involvement of EGCG in cancer metastasis, gelatin zymography and casein zymography were performed to evaluate the impacts of EGCG on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) secretion in OC2 cells. Results: EGCG exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the invasion and migration of OC2 cells in the absence of cytotoxicity (P < 0.05). EGCG was also found to decrease the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG could inhibit the invasion and migration of human oral cancer cells and that the effects may partially because of the decreased productions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA.

PMID: 17944751 [PubMed - in process]

Changes in components, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, [...] modify insulin sensitizing and insulinotropic actions.

Site Editor — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:09:32 -0700

Changes in components, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, in raw Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, modify insulin sensitizing and insulinotropic actions.: Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007 Jun;71(6):1452-61 Authors: Ko BS, Jang JS, Hong SM, Sung SR, Lee JE, Lee MY, Jeon WK, Park S

We hypothesized that roasted Glycyrrhizae Radix (Glycyrrhizin Radix Praeparata, GRP) might modify anti-diabetic action due to compositional changes. Then we examined the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of raw Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR) and GRP extracts and their major respective components, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid. In partial pancreatectomized (Px) diabetic mice, both GR and GRP improved glucose tolerance, but only GRP enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as much as exendin-4. Both GR and GRP extracts enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake through peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Consistently with the results of the mice study, only GRP and glycyrrhetinic acid enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in isolated islets. In addition, they induced mRNA levels of insulin receptor substrate-2, pancreas duodenum homeobox-1, and glucokinase in the islets, which contributed to improving beta-cell viability. In conclusion, GRP extract containing glycyrrhetinic acid improved glucose tolerance better than GR extract by enhancing insulinotropic action. Thus, GRP had better anti-diabetic action than GR.

PMID: 17587675 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Incensole Acetate, [...] Isolated from Boswellia Resin, Inhibits Nuclear Factor (NF)-kappa B Activation.

Site Editor — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:02:56 -0700

Incensole Acetate, a Novel anti-inflammatory compound Isolated from Boswellia Resin, Inhibits Nuclear Factor (NF)-kappa B Activation.: Mol Pharmacol. 2007 Sep 25; Authors: Moussaieff A, Shohami E, Kashman Y, Fride E, Schmitz ML, Renner F, Fiebich BL, Munoz E, Ben-Neriah Y, Mechoulam R

Boswellia resin is a major anti-inflammatory agent in herbal medical tradition, as well as a common food supplement. Its anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed to boswellic acid and its derivatives. Here, we re-examined the anti-inflammatory effect of the resin, using IkappaBalpha degradation in TNFalpha-stimulated HeLa cells as a read-out for a bioassay-guided fractionation. We thus isolated two novel NF-kappaB inhibitors from the resin, their structures elucidated as incensole acetate (IA) and its non-acetylated form, incensole (IN). IA inhibited TAK/TAB-mediated IkappaB kinase (IKK) activation loop phosphorylation, resulting in the inhibition of cytokine and LPS mediated NF-kappaB activation. It had no effect on IKK activity in vitro, nor did it suppress IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in costimulated T-cells, indicating that the kinase inhibition is neither direct, nor is it affecting all NF-kappaB activation pathways. The inhibitory effect appears specific as IA did not interfere with TNFalpha-induced activation of JNK and p38 MAPK. IA treatment had a robust anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse inflamed paw model. Cembrenoid diterpenoids, and specifically IA and its derivatives may thus constitute a potential novel group of NF-kappaB inhibitors, originating from an ancient anti-inflammatory herbal remedy.

PMID: 17895408 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Intake of water, herbal teas and non-breast milks during the first month of life: [...] impact on breastfeeding duration

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:09:53 -0700

Intake of water, herbal teas and non-breast milks during the first month of life: Associated factors and impact on breastfeeding duration.: Early Hum Dev. 2007 Sep 19; Authors: Giugliani ER, do Espírito Santo LC, de Oliveira LD, Aerts D

BACKGROUND:: The use of non-breast milks seems to cause more harm to the child's health than the isolated introduction of water/herbal teas. AIMS:: Study the factors associated with introduction of water/herbal teas or non-breast milks during the first month of life and determine the impact of this supplementation on breastfeeding duration. STUDY DESIGN:: Nested cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS:: 220 mother-infant pairs contacted in the maternity ward, at 7 days and at the end of 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. OUTCOME MEASURES:: Introduction of water/herbal teas or non-breast milks in the first month of life based on data collected during a home visit 30 days after delivery. RESULTS:: Introduction of water/herbal teas was associated with maternal age <20 years (prevalence ratio=1.55; 95%CI 1.14-2.09), <6 prenatal consultations (1.48; 1.09-2.01), cohabitation with maternal grandmother (1.51; 1.10-2.10), and poor latch-on at 30 days (1.87; 1.35-2.58). Introduction of non-breast milks was associated with breastfeeding of previous children for <6 months (3.18; 1.18-8.58), cesarean (1.92; 1.07-3.44), poor latch-on at 30 days (2.82; 1.55-5.11), use of pacifier at 7 days (2.75; 1.38-5.48), introduction of herbal teas in the first 7 days (2.75; 1.15-4.15) and breast engorgement at 7 days (2.19; 1.01-3.16). Introduction of non-breast milks negatively influenced breastfeeding duration (p<0.001); this was not observed with water/herbal teas (p=0.277). CONCLUSION:: Priority should be given to preventing the early introduction on non-breast milks, especially in mother-infant pairs with associated risk factors.

PMID: 17888592 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Gender- and age-related variations in blood viscosity in normal volunteers: [...] Allium sativum and Ginkgo biloba.

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:02:32 -0700

Gender- and age-related variations in blood viscosity in normal volunteers: a study of the effects of extract of Allium sativum and Ginkgo biloba.: Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):447-51 Authors: Galduróz JC, Antunes HK, Santos RF

This study sought to compare the effects of age and gender on blood viscosity and to appraise the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba and Allium sativum extracts in reducing blood viscosity. Stage 1: Our sample consisted of 80 male volunteers (40 aged 18-60 and 40 aged 61 and over) and 80 females with the same age profile. Stage 2: We studied 60 male volunteers allocated in groups: placebo, G. biloba, and A. sativum. Stage 3: We studied 25 male volunteers and in the initial, intermediate, and final evaluations, the measures of blood viscosity were repeated. Volunteers were given a clinical evaluation and submitted to laboratory tests. G. biloba led to the highest reduction in blood viscosity compared with placebo and A. sativum. In relation to the use of the two substances, G. biloba and A. sativum, dry extract of G. biloba proved to be more effective in reducing blood viscosity.

PMID: 17618098 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of curcuminoids in oral lichen planus.

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:01:00 -0700

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of curcuminoids in oral lichen planus.: Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):437-46 Authors: Chainani-Wu N, Silverman S, Reingold A, Bostrom A, Mc Culloch C, Lozada-Nur F, Weintraub J

We studied the efficacy of curcuminoids in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic, mucocutaneous, immunological disease. Curcuminoids are components of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that have anti-inflammatory activity. Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) for centuries. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. In all, 100 consecutive, eligible patients with OLP presenting to the oral medicine clinic at the University of California, San Francisco, were to be selected. Two interim analyses were to be conducted during the trial. The trial was conducted between February 2003 and September 2004. The first interim analysis was conducted in October 2004 using data from the first 33 subjects. Study subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or curcuminoids at 2000 mg/day for 7 weeks. In addition, all subjects received prednisone at 60 mg/day for the first 1 week. The primary outcome was a change in symptoms from baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes in clinical signs and occurrence of side effects. The first interim analysis did not show a significant difference between the placebo and curcuminoids groups. Conditional power calculations suggested a less than 2% chance that the curcuminoids group would have a significantly better outcome as compared with the placebo group if the trial were continued to completion. Therefore, the study was ended early for futility. Reaching a conclusion regarding the efficacy of curcuminoids based on the results of this study is not possible as it was ended early for futility. Curcuminoids at this dose were well tolerated and the results suggest that for future studies a larger sample size, a higher dose and/or longer duration of curcuminoids administration should be considered; however, for the next step, an RCT of a shorter duration, using a higher dose of curcuminoids, and without an initial course of prednisone, should be considered.

PMID: 17604143 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[...] oleuropein [...] proteasome stimulatory properties in vitro and confers life span extension of human embryonic fibroblasts

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:58:06 -0700

The olive constituent oleuropein exhibits proteasome stimulatory properties in vitro and confers life span extension of human embryonic fibroblasts.: Rejuvenation Res. 2007 Jun;10(2):157-72 Authors: Katsiki M, Chondrogianni N, Chinou I, Rivett AJ, Gonos ES

Normal human fibroblasts undergo replicative senescence due to both genetic and environmental factors. Senescence and aging can be further accelerated by exposure of cells to a variety of oxidative agents that contribute among other effects to the accumulation of damaged proteins. The proteasome, a multicatalytic nonlysosomal protease, has impaired function during aging, while its increased expression delays senescence in human fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to identify natural compounds that enhance proteasome activity and exhibit antiaging properties. We demonstrate that oleuropein, the major constituent of Olea europea leaf extract, olive oil and olives, enhances the proteasome activities in vitro stronger than other known chemical activators, possibly through conformational changes of the proteasome. Moreover, continuous treatment of early passage human embryonic fibroblasts with oleuropein decreases the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces the amount of oxidized proteins through increased proteasome-mediated degradation rates and retains proteasome function during replicative senescence. Importantly, oleuropein-treated cultures exhibit a delay in the appearance of senescence morphology and their life span is extended by approximately 15%. In summary, these data demonstrate the beneficial effect of oleuropein on human fibroblasts undergoing replicative senescence and provide new insights towards enhancement of cellular antioxidant mechanisms by natural compounds that can be easily up-taken through normal diet.

PMID: 17518699 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dose-response effect of Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone enanthate.

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:51:16 -0700

Dose-response effect of Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone enanthate.: Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):460-4 Authors: Gasco M, Villegas L, Yucra S, Rubio J, Gonzales GF

The main goal of this study was to determine the effect of a freeze-dried aqueous extract of the red variety of Lepidium meyenii (Red Maca) on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult rats of the Holtzman strain. Rats were treated with freeze-dried aqueous extract of Red Maca at doses of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 g/kg body wt. A positive control group received Finasteride (0.6 mg/kg body wt.). After treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and the ventral prostate was extracted, and weighed. HPLC was used to determine the presence of glucosinolates in Red Maca. The prostate weight diminished in a dose-dependent fashion in rats treated with Red Maca. The effect of Red Maca was better than that observed with Finasteride. Finasteride, but not Red Maca, reduced seminal vesicles weight. Analysis of the HPLC indicated the presence of benzyl glucosinolate (Glucotropaeolin) with a content of 0.639%. Serum testosterone levels were not affected by Red Maca. Moreover, serum testosterone levels were not related to prostate or seminal vesicles weight in rats treated with vehicle and Red Maca. In conclusion, Red Maca administered orally in rats seems to exert an inhibitory effect at a level post DHT conversion, on the BPH-induced experimentally, although a direct measure of reductase action would still be required.

PMID: 17289361 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:49:37 -0700

Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).: Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):551-5 Authors: Kwon OS, Han JH, Yoo HG, Chung JH, Cho KH, Eun HC, Kim KH

Green tea is a popular worldwide beverage, and its potential beneficial effects such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties are believed to be mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of polyphenols. Recently, it was reported that EGCG might be useful in the prevention or treatment of androgenetic alopecia by selectively inhibiting 5alpha-reductase activity. However, no report has been issued to date on the effect of EGCG on human hair growth. This study was undertaken to measure the effect of EGCG on hair growth in vitro and to investigate its effect on human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in vivo and in vitro. EGCG promoted hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo culture and the proliferation of cultured DPCs. The growth stimulation of DPCs by EGCG in vitro may be mediated through the upregulations of phosphorylated Erk and Akt and by an increase in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Similar results were also obtained in in vivo dermal papillae of human scalps. Thus, we suggest that EGCG stimulates human hair growth through these dual proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs.

PMID: 17092697 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Plasma LDL and HDL cholesterol [...] in normo- and hypercholesterolemic humans after intake of different levels of cocoa powder.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:07:22 -0700

Plasma LDL and HDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations are altered in normo- and hypercholesterolemic humans after intake of different levels of cocoa powder.: J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6):1436-41 Authors: Baba S, Natsume M, Yasuda A, Nakamura Y, Tamura T, Osakabe N, Kanegae M, Kondo K

Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, such as catechins and procyanidins, and has been shown in a variety of subject models to inhibit oxidized LDL and atherogenesis. Our study evaluated plasma LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations following the intake of different levels of cocoa powder (13, 19.5, and 26 g/d) in normocholesterolemic and mildly hypercholesterolemic humans. In this comparative, double-blind study, we examined 160 subjects who ingested either cocoa powder containing low-polyphenolic compounds (placebo-cocoa group) or 3 levels of cocoa powder containing high-polyphenolic compounds (13, 19.5, and 26 g/d for low-, middle-, and high-cocoa groups, respectively) for 4 wk. The test powders were consumed as a beverage after the addition of hot water, twice each day. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 4 wk after intake of the test beverages for the measurement of plasma lipids. Plasma oxidized LDL concentrations decreased in the low-, middle-, and high-cocoa groups compared with baseline. A stratified analysis was performed on 131 subjects who had a LDL cholesterol concentrations of > or =3.23 mmol/L at baseline. In these subjects, plasma LDL cholesterol, oxidized LDL, and apo B concentrations decreased, and the plasma HDL cholesterol concentration increased, relative to baseline in the low-, middle-, and high-cocoa groups. The results suggest that polyphenolic substances derived from cocoa powder may contribute to a reduction in LDL cholesterol, an elevation in HDL cholesterol, and the suppression of oxidized LDL.

PMID: 17513403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Tea catechins as a potential alternative anti-infectious agent.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:54:43 -0700

Tea catechins as a potential alternative anti-infectious agent.: Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2007 Jun;5(3):497-506 Authors: Song JM, Seong BL

Besides well-known health benefits, green tea catechins exert antimicrobial and antiviral activities against a variety of infectious agents. Although the detailed mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea catechins remains to be explored, the broad-spectrum activity of catechins may involve common target(s), such as the cell membrane, in addition to specific targets for each pathogen. This extends to antiviral activities, where many pronounced activities were reported for enveloped viruses. Yet, the effectiveness of tea catechins as antimicrobials is compromised by relative chemical instability and poor bioavailability. Whether tea catechins will emerge as a viable option as alternative medicine or as a synergistic combination therapy with pre-existing antivirals or antibiotics must therefore depend on a method of delivery that ensures its stability and bioavailability. However, green tea may provide an option for mitigating the health and economic burdens associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, especially considering the paucity of effective control measures. Considering the zoonotic nature of newly arising infectious diseases, the dual use of green tea components in both humans and livestock may reduce animal-human transmission, which would complement the current management of infectious diseases.

PMID: 17547513 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-stress, anti-HIV and vitamin C-synergized radical scavenging activity of mulberry juice fractions.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:52:17 -0700

Anti-stress, anti-HIV and vitamin C-synergized radical scavenging activity of mulberry juice fractions.: In Vivo. 2007 May-Jun;21(3):499-505 Authors: Sakagami H, Asano K, Satoh K, Takahashi K, Kobayashi M, Koga N, Takahashi H, Tachikawa R, Tashiro T, Hasegawa A, Kurihara K, Ikarashi T, Kanamoto T, Terakubo S, Nakashima H, Watanabe S, Nakamura W

Anti-stress and anti-HIV activity of mulberry juice were separated by centrifugation. The anti-stress activity was enriched in the supernatant fraction whereas the anti-HIV activity in the precipitate fraction. Oral administration of the supernatant fraction significantly reduced the elevated plasma level of lipid peroxide in mice loaded with water immersion restraint stress. The kinetic study revealed that the anti-stress activity was maintained for 4 hours after cessation of the administration of mulberry juice. The lignin fraction in the precipitate fraction scavenged superoxide and hydroxyl radicals more efficiently than other fractions, in a synergistic fashion with sodium ascorbate. Anti-HIV activity of mulberry juice was concentrated in the lignin fraction, whereas blueberry juice, which has no precipitating fibrous materials, did not show anti-HIV activity. The present study suggests the functionality of mulberry juice as an alternative medicine.

PMID: 17591360 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Curcumin and autoimmune disease.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:48:50 -0700

Curcumin and autoimmune disease.: Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:425-51 Authors: Bright JJ

The immune system has evolved to protect the host from microbial infection; nevertheless, a breakdown in the immune system often results in infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, myocarditis, thyroiditis, uveitis, systemic lupus erythromatosis, and myasthenia gravis are organ-specific autoimmune diseases that afflict more than 5% of the population worldwide. Although the etiology is not known and a cure is still wanting, the use of herbal and dietary supplements is on the rise in patients with autoimmune diseases, mainly because they are effective, inexpensive, and relatively safe. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound isolated from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa that has traditionally been used for pain and wound-healing. Recent studies have shown that curcumin ameliorates multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease in human or animal models. Curcumin inhibits these autoimmune diseases by regulating inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma and associated JAK-STAT, AP-1, and NF-kappaB signaling pathways in immune cells. Although the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals are traditionally achieved through dietary consumption at low levels for long periods of time, the use of purified active compounds such as curcumin at higher doses for therapeutic purposes needs extreme caution. A precise understanding of effective dose, safe regiment, and mechanism of action is required for the use of curcumin in the treatment of human autoimmune diseases.

PMID: 17569223 [PubMed - in process]

[...] the growth stimulatory effect of soy and its isoflavones on established breast cancer

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:30:16 -0700

Can the combination of flaxseed and its lignans with soy and its isoflavones reduce the growth stimulatory effect of soy and its isoflavones on established breast cancer?:

Can the combination of flaxseed and its lignans with soy and its isoflavones reduce the growth stimulatory effect of soy and its isoflavones on established breast cancer?

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jun 20;

Authors: Power KA, Thompson LU

Consumption of phytoestrogen (PE)-rich foods (i. e., soy and flaxseed (FS)) is increasing because of their suggested health benefits. However, recent studies raise concern over the safety of soy and its isoflavones, particularly genistein (GEN), for postmenopausal breast cancer (BC), due to their potential stimulatory effects on human breast tissue and on the growth of existing tumors in rodents. FS, rich in PE lignans, which is metabolized to the mammalian lignans enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol (END), has consistently been shown to have tumor inhibitory effects in a human clinical trial as well as rodent BC models. Using the preclinical athymic mouse postmenopausal BC model, combining FS with soy protein or GEN with END and ENL, was found to negate the tumor stimulatory effects of soy protein or GEN alone. The mechanism may be related to the modulation of estrogen receptor and MAPK signaling pathways. If these studies can be confirmed in clinical trials, then consumption of combined soy and FS, or their PEs, may reduce the tumor growth stimulatory effect of soy or GEN. This may indicate that if soy is consumed with lignan-rich foods, it may continue to induce its other beneficial health effects, without inducing adverse effect on postmenopausal BC.

PMID: 17579892 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Effect of cooking on garlic (Allium sativum L.) antiplatelet activity and thiosulfinates content.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:15:12 -0700

Effect of cooking on garlic (Allium sativum L.) antiplatelet activity and thiosulfinates content.: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1280-8 Authors: Cavagnaro PF, Camargo A, Galmarini CR, Simon PW

The raw form of garlic and some of its preparations are widely recognized as antiplatelet agents that may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Herein, we examined the in-vitro antiaggregatory activity (IVAA) of human blood platelets induced by extracts of garlic samples that were previously heated (in the form of crushed versus uncrushed cloves) using different cooking methods and intensities. The concentrations of allicin and pyruvate, two predictors of antiplatelet strength, were also monitored. Oven-heating at 200 degrees C or immersing in boiling water for 3 min or less did not affect the ability of garlic to inhibit platelet aggregation (as compared to raw garlic), whereas heating for 6 min completely suppressed IVAA in uncrushed, but not in previously crushed, samples. The latter samples had reduced, yet significant, antiplatelet activity. Prolonged incubation (more than 10 min) at these temperatures completely suppressed IVAA. Microwaved garlic had no effect on platelet aggregation. However, increasing the concentration of garlic juice in the aggregation reaction had a positive IVAA dose response in crushed, but not in uncrushed, microwaved samples. The addition of raw garlic juice to microwaved uncrushed garlic restored a full complement of antiplatelet activity that was completely lost without the garlic addition. Garlic-induced IVAA was always associated with allicin and pyruvate levels. Our results suggest that (1) allicin and thiosulfinates are responsible for the IVAA response, (2) crushing garlic before moderate cooking can reduce the loss of activity, and (3) the partial loss of antithrombotic effect in crushed-cooked garlic may be compensated by increasing the amount consumed.

Oyster mushroom reduced blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:03:06 -0700

Oyster mushroom reduced blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects.: Mymensingh Med J. 2007 Jan;16(1):94-9 Authors: Khatun K, Mahtab H, Khanam PA, Sayeed MA, Khan KA

It has been postulated that mushroom has beneficial effect of lowering blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects. The literature so far searched and found that there was no published data in this regard. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of reducing blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic patients. Additionally, this study addressed whether there was any hepatic and renal toxicity of mushroom. This clinical investigation was conducted in BIRDEM hospital from July 2005 to January 2006. Eighty-nine subjects were recruited. Baseline investigations included height, weight, blood pressure (SBP, DBP), plasma glucose for fasting (FPG) and 2-h after-breakfast (2hPG), total cholesterol (T-chol), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c). Twenty- four days' study constitutes 7-days mushroom, 7-days no mushroom and then 7-days mushroom. Investigations were done at the start and each after every 7-days. Thirty subjects (M / F = 17 / 13) followed to ensure full compliance with the designed protocol for 24 days. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 46.3 (10) years. Mushroom significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, p<0.01; DBP, p<0.05). It also lowered both plasma glucose significantly (FPG & 2-hPG, p<0.001). Mushroom also lowered total cholesterol and TG significantly; whereas, there was no significant change in weight and HDL-c. When mushroom was withdrawn, there were significant increases of DBP, FPG, 2hPG, T-cholesterol and TG, whereas, no significant change was observed in weight, SBP and HDL-c. Restarting mushroom there was again significant reduction of blood glucose, TG and cholesterol. We conclude that mushroom significantly reduced blood glucose, blood pressure, TG and cholesterol of diabetic subjects without any deleterious effect on liver and kidney. The effect of mushroom may be investigated in a large sample for a longer duration to evaluate its efficacy and toxicity.

Effect of selected phytochemicals and apple extracts on NF-kappaB activation in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:01:47 -0700

Effect of selected phytochemicals and apple extracts on NF-kappaB activation in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Apr 18;55(8):3167-73 Authors: Yoon H, Liu RH

Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor, which plays an important role in inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immunity in eukaryotes. In cancer cells, NF-kappaB induces resistance to anticancer chemotherapeutic agents by increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in cancer cells is advantageous in cancer therapy by lowing the resistance to chemotherapy. Several phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables have been reported to inhibit NF-kappaB activation, but the mechanisms of how the phytochemicals work have not been fully understood. The present study examines the effects of selected phytochemicals and apple extracts on TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Apple extracts significantly inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation at a dose of 5 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Curcumin also significantly blocked the TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation at doses of 10 and 20 microM (p < 0.05). Neither apple extracts nor curcumin affected phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-kappaB-alpha (IkappaB-alpha); both significantly inhibited proteasomal activity of MCF-7 cells at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/mL of apple extracts and 20 microM of curcumin (p < 0.05). These results suggest that apple extracts and curcumin have the capabilities of inhibiting TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation of MCF-7 cells by inhibiting the proteasomal activities instead of IkappaB kinase (IKK) activation.

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) [...]

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:21:43 -0700

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal): a comparative study.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jun 7;3(1):27 Authors: Pardo-de-Santayana M, Tardio J, Blanco E, Carvalho AM, Lastra JJ, San Miguel E, Morales R

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: We compare traditional knowledge and use of wild edible plants in six rural regions of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula as follows: Campoo, Picos de Europa, Pilona, Sanabria and Caurel in Spain and Parque Natural de Montesinho in Portugal. METHODS: Data on the use of 97 species were collected through informed consent semi-structured interviews with local informants. A semi-quantitative approach was used to document the relative importance of each species and to indicate differences in selection criteria for consuming wild food species in the regions studied. RESULTS: The most significant species include many wild berries and nuts (e.g. Castanea sativa, Rubus ulmifolius, Fragaria vesca) and the most popular species in each food-category (e.g. fruits or herbs used to prepare liqueurs such as Prunus spinosa, vegetables such as Rumex acetosa, condiments such as Origanum vulgare, or plants used to prepare herbal teas such as Chamaemelum nobile). The most important species in the study area as a whole are consumed at five or all six of the survey sites. CONCLUSIONS: Social, economic and cultural factors, such as poor communications, fads and direct contact with nature in everyday life should be taken into account in determining why some wild foods and traditional vegetables have been consumed, but others not. They may be even more important than biological factors such as richness and abundance of wild edible flora. Although most are no longer consumed, demand is growing for those regarded as local specialties that reflect regional identity.

[Effects of the flavonoids on cytochrome P-450 CYP1, 2E1, 3A4 and 19]

Site Editor — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:01:34 -0700

[Effects of the flavonoids on cytochrome P-450 CYP1, 2E1, 3A4 and 19]: Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2007 Jan;42(1):8-12 Authors: Zheng J, Zhou HH

Flavonoids are present in fruits, vegetables and beverages derived from plants, and in many dietary supplements or herbal remedies. A number of naturally occurring flavonoids have been shown to modulate the CYP450 system, including the induction or inhibition of these enzymes. This review focuses on the flavonoid effects on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP1, 2E1, 3A4 and 19. Flavonoids alter CYPs by various mechanisms, including the stimulation of gene expression via specific receptors and/or CYP protein, or mRNA stabilization and so on. But in vivo and in vitro, the effects of flavonoids are not always coincident as a result of concentrations of flavonoids, genetic and environmental factors. As well, flavonoids may interact with drugs through the induction or inhibition of their metabolism. Much attention should be paid to the metabolism interaction of the flavonoids when coadministered with other drugs.

Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and suppression of TNF-induced activation of NFkappaB by edible berry juice.

Site Editor — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:31:01 -0700

Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and suppression of TNF-induced activation of NFkappaB by edible berry juice.: Anticancer Res. 2007 Mar-Apr;27(2):937-48 Authors: Boivin D, Blanchette M, Barrette S, Moghrabi A, Béliveau R

BACKGROUND: Berries contain several phytochemicals, such as phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and other flavonoids. There has been growing interest in a variety of potential chemopreventive activities of edible berries. The potential chemopreventive activity of a variety of small berries cultivated or collected in the province of Québec, Canada were evaluated here. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strawberry, raspberry, black currant, red currant, white currant, gooseberry, high-bush blueberry, low-bush blueberry, velvet leaf blueberry, serviceberry, blackberry, black chokeberry, sea buckthorn and cranberry were evaluated for antioxidant capacity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-inflammatory activity, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. RESULTS: The growth of various cancer cell lines, including those of stomach, prostate, intestine and breast, was strongly inhibited by raspberry, black currant, white currant, gooseberry, velvet leaf blueberry, low-bush blueberry, sea buckthorn and cranberry juice, but not (or only slightly) by strawberry, high-bush blueberry, serviceberry, red currant, or blackberry juice. No correlation was found between the anti-proliferative activity of berry juices and their antioxidant capacity (p > 0.05). The inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by berry juices did not involve caspase-dependent apoptosis, but appeared to involve cell-cycle arrest, as evidenced by down-regulation of the expression of cdk4, cdk6, cyclin D1 and cyclin D3. Of the 13 berries tested, juice of 6 significantly inhibited the TNF-induced activation of COX-2 expression and activation of the nuclear transcription factor NFkappaB. CONCLUSION: These results illustrate that berry juices have striking differences in their potential chemopreventive activity and that the inclusion of a variety of berries in the diet might be useful for preventing the development of tumors.

Osteoarthritis and nutrition. From nutraceuticals to functional foods: a systematic review of the scientific evidence.

Site Editor — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:31:02 -0700

Osteoarthritis and nutrition. From nutraceuticals to functional foods: a systematic review of the scientific evidence.: Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8(4):R127 Authors: Ameye LG, Chee WS

The scientific and medical community remains skeptical regarding the efficacy of nutrition for osteoarthritis despite their broad acceptation by patients. In this context, this paper systematically reviews human clinical trials evaluating the effects of nutritional compounds on osteoarthritis. We searched the Medline, Embase, and Biosis databases from their inception to September 2005 using the terms random, double-blind method, trial, study, placebo, and osteoarthritis. We selected all peer-reviewed articles reporting the results of randomised human clinical trials (RCTs) in osteoarthritis that investigated the effects of oral interventions based on natural molecules. Studies on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were excluded. The quality of the RCTs was assessed with an osteoarthritic-specific standardised set of 12 criteria and a validated instrument. A best-evidence synthesis was used to categorise the scientific evidence behind each nutritional compound as good, moderate, or limited. A summary of the most relevant in vitro and animal studies is used to shed light on the potential mechanisms of action. Inclusion criteria were met by 53 RCTs out of the 2,026 identified studies. Good evidence was found for avocado soybean unsaponifiables. Moderate evidence was found for methylsulfonylmethane and SKI306X, a cocktail of plant extracts. Limited evidence was found for the Chinese plant extract duhuo jisheng Wan, cetyl myristoleate, lipids from green-lipped mussels, and plant extracts from Harpagophytum procumbens. Overall, scientific evidence exists for some specific nutritional interventions to provide symptom relief to osteoarthritic patients. It remains to be investigated whether nutritional compounds can have structure-modifying effects.

In Vitro Activity of Olive Oil Polyphenols against Helicobacter pylori.

Site Editor — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:49:56 -0800

In Vitro Activity of Olive Oil Polyphenols against Helicobacter pylori.: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 7;55(3):680-6 Authors: Romero C, Medina E, Vargas J, Brenes M, Castro AD

Helicobacter pylori is linked to a majority of peptic ulcers and to some types of gastric cancer, and resistance of the microorganism to antibiotic treatment is now found worldwide. Virgin olive oil is an unrefined vegetable oil that contains a significant amount of phenolic compounds. Under simulated conditions, we have demonstrated that these substances can diffuse from the oil into the gastric juice and be stable for hours in this acidic environment. In vitro, they exerted a strong bactericidal activity against eight strains of H. pylori, three of them resistant to some antibiotics. Among the phenolic compounds, the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycon showed the strongest bactericidal effect at a concentration as low as 1.3 mug/mL. Although the experimental conditions are different from other reported works, this bactericidal concentration is much lower than those found for phenolic compounds from tea, wine, and plant extracts. These results open the possibility of considering virgin olive oil a chemopreventive agent for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer, but this bioactivity should be confirmed in vivo in the future. Keywords: Olive oil; phenolic compounds; simulated digestion, Helicobacter pylori; antimicrobial.

Neuroprotective effects of green and black teas and their catechin gallate esters against beta-amyloid-induced toxicity.

Site Editor — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 16:40:11 -0800

Neuroprotective effects of green and black teas and their catechin gallate esters against beta-amyloid-induced toxicity.: Eur J Neurosci. 2006 Jan;23(1):55-64 Authors: Bastianetto S, Yao ZX, Papadopoulos V, Quirion R

Teas represent a large family of plants containing high amounts of polyphenols that may confer health benefits in various diseases. Recently, it has been hypothesized that tea consumption may also reduce the risk of age-related neurodegenerative pathologies. Considering the deleterious role of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we investigated green and black tea extracts and flavan-3-ols (present as monomers and dimers in green and black forms, respectively) against toxicity induced by Abeta-derived peptides using primary cultures of rat hippocampal cells as model. Both green and black tea extracts (5-25 microg/mL) displayed neuroprotective action against Abeta toxicity. These effects were shared by gallic acid (1-20 microm), epicatechin gallate (ECG; 1-20 microM) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; 1-10 microM), the former being the most potent flavan-3-ol. In contrast, epicatechin and epigallocatechin were ineffective in the same range of concentrations. Moreover, only tea flavan-3-ol gallate esters (i.e. ECG, EGCG) and gallic acid inhibited apoptotic events induced by Abeta(25-35). Interestingly, EGCG and gallic acid inhibited Abeta aggregation and/or the formation of Abeta-derived diffusible neurotoxin ligands. Taken together, these results indicate that the catechin gallates (through the galloyl moiety) contribute to the neuroprotective effects of both green and black teas. Moreover, the protective effect of EGCG is likely to be associated, at least in part, with its inhibitory action on Abeta fibrils/oligomers formation. These data also support the hypothesis that not only green but also black teas may reduce age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.

Safety, tolerance, and metabolism of broccoli sprout glucosinolates and isothiocyanates: a clinical phase I study.

Site Editor — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 00:19:59 -0800

Safety, tolerance, and metabolism of broccoli sprout glucosinolates and isothiocyanates: a clinical phase I study.: Nutr Cancer. 2006;55(1):53-62 Authors: Shapiro TA, Fahey JW, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Holtzclaw WD, Stephenson KK, Wade KL, Ye L, Talalay P

Broccoli sprouts are widely consumed in many parts of the world. There have been no reported concerns with respect to their tolerance and safety in humans. A formal phase I study of safety, tolerance, and pharmacokinetics appeared justified because these sprouts are being used as vehicles for the delivery of the glucosinolate glucoraphanin and its cognate isothiocyanate sulforaphane [1-isothiocyanato-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane] in clinical trials. Such trials have been designed to evaluate protective efficacy against development of neoplastic and other diseases. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical study of sprout extracts containing either glucosinolates (principally glucoraphanin, the precursor of sulforaphane) or isothiocyanates (principally sulforaphane) was conducted on healthy volunteers who were in-patients on our clinical research unit. The subjects were studied in three cohorts, each comprising three treated individuals and one placebo recipient. Following a 5-day acclimatization period on a crucifer-free diet, the broccoli sprout extracts were administered orally at 8-h intervals for 7 days (21 doses), and the subjects were monitored during this period and for 3 days after the last treatment. Doses were 25 micromol of glucosinolate (cohort A), 100 micromol of glucosinolate (cohort B), or 25 micromol of isothiocyanate (cohort C). The mean cumulative excretion of dithiocarbamates as a fraction of dose was very similar in cohorts A and B (17.8 +/- 8.6% and 19.6 +/- 11.7% of dose, respectively) and very much higher and more consistent in cohort C (70.6 +/- 2.0% of dose). Thirty-two types of hematology or chemistry tests were done before, during, and after the treatment period. Indicators of liver (transaminases) and thyroid [thyroid-stimulating hormone, total triiodothyronine (T3), and free thyroxine (T4)] function were examined in detail. No significant or consistent subjective or objective abnormal events (toxicities) associated with any of the sprout extract ingestions were observed.

Antioxidative and neuroprotective activities of extracts from the fruit hull of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.).

Site Editor — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 06:23:02 -0800

Antioxidative and neuroprotective activities of extracts from the fruit hull of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.).: Med Princ Pract. 2006;15(4):281-7 Authors: Weecharangsan W, Opanasopit P, Sukma M, Ngawhirunpat T, Sotanaphun U, Siripong P

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidative and neuroprotective activities of various extracts from the fruit hull of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn., GM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four extracts: water, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol and ethyl acetate, were used. The antioxidative activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging assay at extract concentrations of 1, 10, 50 and 100 microg/ml. Based on the free radical scavenging activity of the extracts, two (water and 50% ethanol) were selected for their protective activity in NG108-15 neuroblastoma cells against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and for cell viability using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. RESULTS: All extracts exhibited antioxidative activity. The water and 50% ethanol extracts showed high free-radical scavenging activity with IC(50) values of 34.98 +/- 2.24 and 30.76 +/- 1.66 microg/ml, respectively. Both water and 50% ethanol extracts exhibited neuroprotective activity on NG108-15 cells. The highest activity was observed at the concentration of 50 microg/ml for both the water and 50% ethanol extracts. For cytotoxicity test, none of the extracts was toxic to the cells except at the high concentration of 100 microg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the water and 50% ethanol extracts from the fruit hull of GM may be potent neuroprotectants.