Inhibitory Effects of the Standardized Extract of Phyllanthus amarus on Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Balb/C Mice

Phyllanthus amarus has been shown to have strong inhibitory effects on phagocytic activity of human neutrophils and on cellular immune responses in Wistar–Kyoto rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of daily treatment of standardized extract of P. amarus at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 14 days in Balb/C mice by measuring the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) release, macrophage phagocytosis, swelling of footpad in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), and serum immunoglobulins, ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extract using validated reversed‐phase HPLC methods identified phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, corilagin and geraniin as the biomarkers. Significant dose‐dependent inhibitions of MPO activity and NO release were observed in treated mice. The extract also inhibited E. coli phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages of treated mice and inhibited the sheep red blood cells (sRBC)‐induced swelling rate of mice paw in the DTH. There was also a significant decrease in non‐specific humoral immunity including ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels in the extract‐fed groups as well as the release of serum level immunoglobulins. The strong inhibitory effects of the extract on the cellular and humoral immune responses suggest the potential of the plant to be developed as an effective immunosuppressive agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Immunomodulatory effect of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) in rats

Cynara scolymus is a plant used both as food as well as medicinal plant worldwide. Cynarin is one of the main active principles of the plant, and it is also present in species such as Echinacea purpurae, which is known to have immunomodulatory activity. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the immune effects of C. scolymus in rats. Rats were treated with 1.0‐, 2.0‐, or 4.0‐g/kg body weight of C. scolymus extract for 28 days. Haemogram, serum biochemistry, lymphoid organs weight, and their cell phenotypes were evaluated. Macrophages and neutrophils oxidative burst, specific humoral immune response, and the delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) were studied. No changes in the haemogram, biochemical profile, antibody titers, lymphoid organs, and in their cellularities were observed. An increase in the basal activity of reactive oxygen species from male's macrophage was observed. There was a suppression of the DTH response in both gender when treated with the highest dose of C. scolymus. This study is the first in the literature that revealed an immunosuppressive effect of C. scolymus. We also verified that the doses of artichoke extract here employed did not cause general toxicity.     

Morinda citrifolia noni water extract enhances innate and adaptive immune responses in healthy mice,ex vivo,and in vitro

Although Morinda citrifolia (noni) has long been used in traditional medicines for human diseases, its molecular and cellular mechanism of immunostimulatory ability to improve human health under normal healthy conditions is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo immunostimulatory activity of M. citrifolia fruit water extract treated with enzymes (Mc‐eWE). In vitro studies revealed that Mc‐eWE stimulated the cells by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). The immunostimulatory activity was mediated by activation of NF‐κB and AP‐1. Ex vivo studies showed that Mc‐eWE stimulated splenocytes isolated from mice by inducing NO production and expression of immunostimulatory cytokines and by downregulating the expression of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL‐10 without cytotoxicity. In vivo demonstrated that Mc‐eWE induced immunostimulation by modulating populations of splenic immune cells, especially by increasing the population of IFN‐γ⁺ NK cells. Mc‐eWE enhanced the expression of inflammatory genes and immunostimulatory cytokines and inhibited the expression of IL‐10 in the mouse splenocytes and sera. Taken together, these results suggest that Mc‐eWE plays an immunostimulatory role by activating innate and adaptive immune responses.     

Optimization of Aqueous Extraction and Biological Activity of Harpagophytum procumbens Root on Ex Vivo Rat Colon Inflammatory Model

Harpagophytum procumbens has a long story of use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Considering both the antiinflammatory effects of H. procumbens in multiple tissues and the stability of harpagoside in artificial intestinal fluid, the aim of the present study was to explore the possible protective role of a microwave‐assisted aqueous Harpagophytum extract (1–1000 μg/mL) on mouse myoblast C2C12 and human colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT116 cell lines, and isolated rat colon specimens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a validated ex vivo model of acute ulcerative colitis. In this context, we evaluated the effects on C2C12 and HCT116 viability, and on LPS‐induced production of serotonin (5‐HT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, prostaglandin (PG)E₂ and 8‐iso‐prostaglandin (8‐iso‐PG)F_2α. Harpagophytum extract was well tolerated by C2C12 cells, while reduced HCT116 colon cancer cell viability. On the other hand, Harpagophytum extract reduced H₂O₂‐induced (1 mM) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in both cell lines, and inhibited LPS‐induced colon production of PGE₂, 8‐iso‐PGF_2α, 5‐HT and TNFα. Concluding, we demonstrated the efficacy of a microwave‐assisted Harpagophytum aqueous extract in modulating the inflammatory, oxidative stress and immune response in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), thus suggesting a rational use of Harpagophytum in the management and prevention of ulcerative colitis in humans. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aqueous Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Inhibits Neutrophil Influx and Cytokine Secretion

Rosmarinus officinalis L. phenolic compounds have attracted considerable attention because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including its ability to treat inflammatory disorders. In this work, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of R. officinalis aqueous extract on neutrophil trafficking from the blood into an inflamed tissue, on cell‐derived secretion of chemical mediators, and on oxidative stress. Anti‐inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan‐induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Wistar rats orally treated with the R. officinalis extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). The leukocyte influx (optical microscopy), secretion of chemical mediators (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF‐α, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay), and the anti‐oxidative profile (super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) spectrophotometry) were quantified in the inflamed exudate. N‐Formyl‐methionine‐leucine‐phenylalanine‐induced chemotaxis, lipopolysaccharide‐induced NO₂^? production (Greiss reaction), and adhesion molecule expression (flow cytometry) were in vitro quantified using oyster glycogen recruited peritoneal neutrophils previous treated with the extract (1, 10, or 100 µg/mL). Animals orally treated with phosphate‐buffered saline and neutrophils incubated with Hank's balanced salt solution were used as control. R. officinalis extract oral treatment caused a dose‐dependent reduction in the neutrophil migration as well as decreased SOD, TBARS, LTB4, PGE2, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels in the inflamed exudate. In vitro treatment with R. officinalis decreased neutrophil chemotaxis, NO₂^? production, and shedding of L‐selectin and β2 integrin expressions. Results here presented show that R. officinalis aqueous extract displays important in vivo and in vitro anti‐inflammatory actions by blocking pathways of neutrophil migration and secretion, suggesting its therapeutic application to acute inflammatory reactions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Regulation of faecal biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with oral mastiha (Pistacia lentiscus) supplement: A double‐blind and placebo‐controlled randomised trial

There is a keen research upon the effects of nutraceuticals on inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of mastiha supplement, rich in bioactive nutraceuticals, in active inflammatory bowel disease. This is a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Α total of 60 inflammatory bowel disease patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to mastiha (2.8 g/day) or placebo groups for 3 months adjunct to stable medical treatment. Medical and dietary history, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), Harvey‐Bradshaw index, partial Mayo score, biochemical indices, faecal, and blood inflammatory markers were assessed. A clinically important difference between groups in IBDQ was defined as primary outcome. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire score significantly improved in verum compared with baseline (p = 0.004). There was a significant decrease in faecal lysozyme in mastiha patients (p = 0.018) with the mean change being significant (p = 0.021), and significant increases of faecal lactoferrin (p = 0.001) and calprotectin (p = 0.029) in the placebo group. Fibrinogen reduced significantly (p = 0.006) with a significant mean change (p = 0.018), whereas iron increased (p = 0.032) in mastiha arm. Our results show regulation of faecal lysozyme by mastiha supplement adjunctive to pharmacological treatments in active inflammatory bowel disease. An effect secondary to a prebiotic potency is proposed.     

Effects of Penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucose on Human Neutrophil Function: significant Down‐Regulation of L‐selectin Expression

Penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucose (PGG) occurrs in high concentrations in medicinal herbs such as Rhus chinensis, Paeonia suffruticosa, Acer truncatum and Terminalia chebula, which demonstrate anti‐inflammatory activity. We investigated the effect of PGG on stimulated and non‐stimulated neutrophils in processes which included reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), metalloproteinase‐9 and interleukin‐8 secretion (IL‐8), β₂ integrin (CD11b) and L‐selectin (CD62L) expression and apoptosis. In concentrations of 5 μM–20 μM, PGG demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of ROS generation, IL‐8 secretion and β₂ integrin expression in stimulated neutrophils. The inhibition of L‐selectin expression by PGG resulted in prevention in neutrophils’ endothelial attachment. The result obtained may explain the anti‐inflammatory activity of this compound and underline the contribution of PGG in the activity of PGG rich plant extracts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A chemically characterized ethanolic extract of Thai Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton fruits (nutlets) reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in human hepatoma (HuH7) cells

Perilla frutescens is cultivated in East Asian countries including Thailand, and the nutlets (single‐seeded fruits) are used as traditional and medicinal food. Perilla nutlets extracted by ethyl acetate (EA), 80% ethanol (Eth), and hot water (HW) sequentially were chemically characterized using high‐resolution accurate liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry with the main compounds detected assigned as rosmarinic acid and derivatives of the flavones apigenin and luteolin, with the more diverse chemical composition observed with the Eth extract. All extracts showed dose‐dependent free‐radical scavenging activity, with the Eth extract the most potent (IC₅₀ = 3.43 mg/ml for ABTS^? scavenging and 0.27 mg/ml for DPPH^? scavenging). The Eth extract also inhibited AAPH‐induced hemolysis (IC₅₀ = 0.07 mg/ml) more potently than did the HW (IC₅₀ = 0.38 mg/ml) and EA extracts (IC₅₀ = 1.63 mg/ml). An MTT test revealed all the extracts were noncytotoxic at concentrations up to 200 μg/ml. Only the Eth and EA extracts showed protective effects against the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in FeCl₃‐induced HuH7 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Our findings suggest the Eth extract of Thai perilla nutlets, containing rosmarinic acid and flavones and their derivatives, may have potential to provide protection against oxidative stress in hepatic disorders.     

Ficus extract—A promising agent for antimammary tumorigenesis: A review on current status and future possibilities

Pharmacological studies have shown that various species of Ficus have antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiparasitic, antiangiogenic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiplatelet, reproductive, dermatological, immunological, endocrine, and hepato and nephron protective effects. But there is no sufficient research on biomolecules present in the leaf extract of Ficus religiosa and its mechanism of action. We have previously reported that bioavailable constituents of F. religiosa leaf extract exert photosensitizing and apoptosis‐inducing capability through the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species on breast cancer cells. In this review, we have evaluated the expression of checkpoint proteins of G1/S and sub G0 phase with wet lab data and also have done a data mining of other research for other potential mechanistic action of the F. religiosa leaf extract.     

Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) leaf extract increases extravillous trophoblast cell migration and invasion in vitro

Perturbations to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell migration and invasion are associated with the development of placenta‐mediated diseases. Phytochemicals found in the lowbush blueberry plant (Vaccinium angustifolium) have been shown to influence cell migration and invasion in models of tumorigenesis and noncancerous, healthy cells, however never in EVT cells. We hypothesized that the phenolic compounds present in V. angustifolium leaf extract promote trophoblast migration and invasion. Using the HTR‐8/SVneo human EVT cell line and Boyden chamber assays, the influence of V. angustifolium leaf extract (0 to 2 × 10⁴ ng/ml) on trophoblast cell migration (n = 4) and invasion (n = 4) was determined. Cellular proliferation and viability were assessed using immunoreactivity to Ki67 (n = 3) and trypan blue exclusion assays (n = 3), respectively. At 20 ng/ml, V. angustifolium leaf extract increased HTR‐8/SVneo cell migration and invasion (p < .01) and did not affect cell proliferation or viability. Chlorogenic acid was identified as a major phenolic compound of the leaf extract and the most active compound. Evidence from Western blot analysis (n = 3) suggests that the effects of the leaf extract and chlorogenic acid on trophoblast migration and invasion are mediated through an adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein (AMP) kinase‐dependent mechanism. Further investigations examining the potential therapeutic applications of this natural health product extract and its major chemical compounds in the context of placenta‐mediated diseases are warranted.     

Spirulina extract enriched for Braun‐type lipoprotein (Immulina®) for inhibition of 4T1 breast tumors' growth and metastasis

Spirulina platensis extracts have exhibited considerable anti‐cancer effects. To investigate the efficacy of the Spirulina extract enriched for Braun‐type lipoprotein (Immulina®) for breast cancer treatment, 4T1 breast tumor‐bearing mice were treated with 40 mg/kg Immulina® daily and the tumors' growth and metastasis were assessed. Also, CD4, CD8, and CD56 staining were performed to investigate the Immulina® effect on the immune cells' recruitment to the tumors by immunohistochemistry. Immulina® could significantly (P < 0.001) inhibit 4T1 breast tumors' growth. Immulina®‐treated group exhibited a 63% decrease in the tumors' volume in comparison with control (P < 0.001). Also, Immulina® could significantly (P < 0.001) decrease metastatic burden at the vital organs as 68% and 61% decrease in the liver and lungs metastatic colonies were observed, respectively. Also, Immulina® could increase mean survival time of the tumor‐bearing mice for 29 days. The Spirulina‐treated mice tumors contained significantly more infiltrated NK, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes in comparison with control. Taking together, Immulina® can be a safe anti‐cancer supplement with the ability to cause direct apoptosis to the cancer cells and activate the immune system against tumor. This supplement with natural origin seems to have bright future to help breast cancer patients.     

Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability of Bioactive Withanamides Present in Withania somnifera Fruit Extract

The neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera L. Dunal fruit extract, in rodent models, is known. Withanamides, the primary active constituents in W. somnifera fruit extract exhibited neuroprotective effects against β‐amyloid‐induced cytotoxicity in neuronal cell culture studies. Therefore, we investigated the blood–brain barrier permeability of withanamides in W. somnifera fruit extract in mice using HPLC coupled with high resolution quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (Q‐TOF/MS) detection. Mice were administered with 250 mg/kg of W. somnifera extract by intraperitoneal injection, and the blood and brain samples analyzed by Q‐TOF/MS detection. Four major withanamides were detected in brain and blood of mice administered with W. somnifera extract. The results suggested that the withanamides crossed the blood–brain barrier. These results may help to develop W. somnifera fruit extract as a preventive or therapeutic botanical drug for stress‐induced neurological disorders. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ex vivo Effects of an Oenothera paradoxa Extract on the Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Neutral Endopeptidase Activity in Neutrophils from Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered to play an important part in the aetiology of coronary heart disease. Apart from ROS, neutrophils are a source of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) that inactivates protective natriuretic peptides. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro ROS generation and inhibition of NEP activity in neutrophils obtained from healthy volunteers and from patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by an aqueous extract of Oenothera paradoxa. Neutrophils isolated from AMI patients showed two‐fold higher ROS generation compared with cells from healthy donors, especially in the lucigenin‐enhanced luminescence model, which suggests intensive O^‐₂ generation. The addition of O. paradoxa extract at concentrations of 0.2, 2 and 20 µg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in ROS generation. The extracellular NEP activity was higher in patients after AMI compared with healthy individuals (15.0 ± 0.9 versus 10.3 ± 0.5 nmol AMC/10⁶ cells/60 min; p = 0.001). The addition of O. paradoxa extract at concentrations of 20, 50 and 100 µg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in NEP activity in both groups. O. paradoxa extract appears to be an interesting candidate for supplementation in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inhibition of UVB‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines and MMP expression by Zanthoxylum rhetsa bark extract and its active constituent hesperidin

The antiphoto aging property of Zanthoxylum rhetsa obtained from Pangkor Island, Malaysia, was evaluated. Solvent fractions of different polarity obtained from the methanolic extract of the bark material were initially tested for anticollagenase and antielastase activities. The ethyl acetate fraction showed bioactivity against the protease enzymes. Hence, it was subjected to further purification via column chromatography, to yield a major constituent, hesperidin. Subsequently, the ethyl acetate fraction and hesperidin were tested for their effects against UVB‐induced cytotoxicity and expressions of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α), NF‐κB, and MMPs (MMP1, 3, and 9) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Both fraction and pure compound prevented UVB‐induced cytotoxicity in HDF cells, in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited the increase of pro‐inflammatory cytokines induced by UVB to a level similar to the control (without UV treatment). Additionally, the fraction significantly inhibited the expressions of NF‐κB, MMP 1, MMP 3, and MMP 9 in HDF cells treated with UVB. Similar effects were observed with hesperidin. The results obtained suggested that the ethyl acetate fraction of Z. rhetsa and its bioactive constituent, hesperidin, have the potential to be used as active ingredients in sunscreen and antiphoto aging formulations.     

Natural Flavone Jaceosidin is a Neuroinflammation Inhibitor

Jaceosidin is a naturally occurring flavone with pharmacological activity. Jaceosidin, as one of the major constituents of the medicinal herbs of the genus Artemisia, has been shown to exert anticancer, anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and immunosuppressive effects. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of jaceosidin on microglia and neuroinflammation. Microglia are the innate immune cells in the central nervous system, and they play a central role in the initiation and maintenance of neuroinflammation. We report that jaceosidin inhibits inflammatory activation of microglia, reducing nitric oxide (NO) production and proinflammatory cytokine expression. IC₅₀ for NO inhibition was 27 ± 0.4 μM. The flavone also attenuated microglial neurotoxicity in the microglia/neuroblastoma co‐culture. Systemic injection of jaceosidin ameliorated neuroinflammation in the mouse model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. These results indicate that plant flavone jaceosidin is a microglial inhibitor with anti‐neuroinflammation activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemoprotective effects of Ulva lactuca (green seaweed) aqueous‐ethanolic extract against subchronic exposure to benzo(a)pyrene by CYP1A1 inhibition in mice

The protective effect of the supplementation with an aqueous‐ethanolic extract obtained from Ulva lactuca (Delile) green seaweed on benzo[a] pyrene‐induced damage in mice was evaluated. Animals were treated with oral doses of U. lactuca extract (100 and 400 mg/kg) for 9 weeks. They were exposed to 50 mg/kg of oral doses of benzo(a)pyrene starting from the second week and up to the fifth week. Groups treated with benzo(a)pyrene only (second to fifth weeks), sunflower oil (vehicle, 9 weeks), or U. lactuca extract (100 and 400 mg/kg, 9 weeks) were also included in the study. The treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract ameliorated the oxidative damage, decreased IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels, and favorably regulated the antioxidant defenses compared with benzo(a)pyrene‐exposed group. The benzo(a)pyrene‐induced DNA damage was also reduced, as it was evidenced by the lower micronucleus formation in U. lactuca extract‐supplemented animals. The extract protected the hepatic tissue, and it reduced the liver activity/expression of CYP1A1. These results altogether suggested a chemoprotective effect of U. lactuca extract against benzo(a)pyrene‐induced‐toxicity in mice, probably associated with an inhibitory effect of carcinogen bioactivation.     

Lipid extract from completely sporoderm‐broken germinating Ganoderma sinensis spores elicits potent antitumor immune responses in human macrophages

Ganoderma sinensis has been used widely in Oriental countries for the prevention and treatment of various diseases including cancer. Previous studies have shown that the lipid extract from Ganoderma exhibits direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Here, it is reported that the lipid extract from germinating G. sinensis spores, at lower concentrations that have no direct tumoricidal activity, induce potent antitumor immune responses in human monocytes/macrophages. Upon stimulation with the lipid extract, monocytes/macrophages exhibited markedly increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and surface expression of costimulatory molecules. Conditioned medium from stimulated cells effectively suppressed the growth of tumor cells. Apparently, the lipid extract triggered macrophage activation via a mechanism different from that associated with LPS. Moreover, it was observed that the lipid extract could partially re‐establish the antitumor activity of the immunosuppressive tumor‐associated macrophages. These results indicated that in addition to its direct tumoricidal activity, the lipid extract from G. sinensis spores could exert antitumor activity by stimulating the activation of human monocytes/macrophages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protective Effects Induced by Microwave‐Assisted Aqueous Harpagophytum Extract on Rat Cortex Synaptosomes Challenged with Amyloid β‐Peptide

Harpagophytum procumbens is a plant species that displays anti‐inflammatory properties in multiple tissues. The iridoid glycosides arpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide appear to be the most therapeutically important constituents. In addition, harpagoside treatment exerted neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo. Considering these findings, the aim of the present work is to explore the possible protective role of the previously described microwave‐assisted aqueous extract of H. procumbens on rat hypothalamic (Hypo‐E22) cells, and in rat cortex challenged with amyloid β‐peptide (1–40). In this context, we assayed the protective effects induced by H. procumbens by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde, 3‐hydroxykynurenine (3‐HK), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and tumor necrosis factor‐α, 3‐HK. Finally, we evaluated the effects of H. procumbens treatment on cortex levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. H. procumbens extract was well tolerated by Hypo‐E22 cells and upregulated brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene expression but down‐regulated tumor necrosis factor‐α gene expression. In addition, the extract reduced amyloid β‐peptide stimulation of malondialdehyde and 3‐HK and blunted the decrease of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, in the cortex. In this context, our work supports further studies for the evaluation and confirmation of Harpagophytum in the management of the clinical symptoms related to Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of Nigella sativa on quality of life,disease activity index,and some of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in patients with ulcerative colitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis . Two grams of NS powder or placebo were consumed for 6 weeks by 46 patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Using valid and common questionnaires of colitis severity and blood sampling, we estimated disease activity index, quality of life, and some of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors at baseline and after 6 weeks of supplementation . NS‐elevated tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and high‐sensitivity‐c‐reactive‐protein as well as reduced malondialdehyde (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, and p = 0.005, respectively) compared with placebo. There was no significant difference between the two groups in serum total antioxidant capacity and nuclear factor kB levels. Total scores of Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index Questionnaire and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire‐9 were not different between the two groups; however, stool frequency score decreased significantly in NS group. Further clinical trials with different pattern of NS administration (the amount of total and divided daily doses, either powder type or standard extracts/oil and different time arrangement) are needed to clarify the vision.