石榴皮多酚提取物降血脂效果的实验研究

目的提取和富集石榴皮中的多酚类物质，并探讨其降血脂效果。方法采用乙酸乙酯萃取石榴皮粗提取物中的多酚类物质并富集，以高脂饲料喂养雄性SD大鼠建立高脂血症模型，观察饲料补充提取物喂养28d对大鼠血脂和肝脂水平的影响。结果石榴皮粗提取物经进一步分离提取后，多酚类物质得到了富集。高脂组大鼠经多酚提取物饲养后，其血清TC、TG、LDL—C、FFA和肝TC、TG、FFA比高脂对照组分别减少42．4％、58．5％、48．9％、20．6％和32．6％、11．9％、25．5％。部分作用有强于石榴皮粗提取物的趋势，而且还具有提高血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL—C)水平的作用。结论石榴皮多酚提取物具有降低血脂和肝脂的作用，有效成分有待进一步分析。     

Study of the impact of cranberry extract on the virulence factors and biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from urinary tract infections

Drinking of cranberry fruit juice and application of commercial preparations containing the cranberry extracts are recommended in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women with recurrent UTIs. Many studies focus on the activity of cranberries against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. However, the knowledge of the cranberry effect on Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to establish the activity of commercial concentrated cranberry extract on the growth, virulence factors and biofilm formation of E. faecalis strains isolated from urine. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cranberry extract were determined by the broth microdilution method. Disc diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. The impact of cranberry extract on bacterial survival, hydrophobicity, synthesis of lipase, lecithinase, DNase, hemolysin, gelatinase and biofilm mass was determined. Results show that cranberry extract inhibits the growth, enzymatic activities of bacteria and limits biofilm formation. The antibacterial activities of the studied cranberry extract confirm that it could be successfully used in prevention of UTIs caused by E. faecalis.     

石榴皮抗氧化物质提取及其体外抗氧化作用研究

目的: 研究石榴皮提取物体外清除自由基的作用及对低密度脂蛋白(LDL)氧化的影响。方法: 采用 -2O、·OH、ROO·等自由基的生成体系,研究石榴皮提取物清除自由基的活性,并进一步采用LDL体外氧化模型,研究对LDL氧化的抑制作用,并与石榴果汁提取物相比较。结果: 两种提取物均可以有效清除 -2O、稯H、ROO纷杂苫种芁DL氧化,其活性具有剂量效应关系;果皮提取物的各种活性均强于果汁提取物。结论: 石榴皮所含天然抗氧化物质能有效清除 -2O、稯H、ROO返茸杂苫种芁DL氧化,因而可能具有抑制动脉粥样硬化(AS)的作用。     

石榴皮提取物对偏钒酸钠染毒小鼠海马区的影响作用初探

目的 探究石榴皮提取物对偏钒酸钠染毒小鼠海马区的影响。方法 攀枝花硬籽石榴制备石榴皮提取物;C57BL/6J雄性小鼠50只随机分为空白对照组、模型组及低、中、高剂量石榴皮提取物干预组。模型组和干预组每2天腹腔注射偏钒酸钠（3mg/kg·bw）溶液,干预组每日分别用100、200和400mg/kg·bw石榴皮提取物灌胃,对照组做生理盐水同等处理,共计12周。HE染色观察海马组织病理学特征,核磁共振弥散张量实验评价小鼠海马白质完整性,Morris水迷宫评价小鼠空间学习记忆能力。结果 与对照组相比,模型组和石榴皮提取物各剂量干预组小鼠体重降低（F=4.327,P=0.015）,脑组织脏器系数与体重变化趋势相反（F=5.159,P=0.002）;Morris水迷宫中,各组小鼠学习能力相当,模型组逃避潜伏期增加、目标象限停留时间减少、穿越平台次数减少,提示小鼠记忆力受损,PPE干预后,小鼠记忆力能力有所提高,以低剂量PPE干预效果更好;弥散张量成像实验中模型组各向异性分数（fractional anisotropy,FA）降低,石榴皮干预组FA值升高（F=13.550,P<0.001）。海马CA1区HE染色结果显示模型组锥体细胞排列紊乱、细胞间隙增加、出现细胞坏死,而石榴皮提取物干预组细胞形态有所改善。 结论 石榴皮提取物具有拮抗钒神经毒性的潜在作用。     

LDL cholesterol-lowering effects of grape extract used as a dietary supplement on healthy volunteers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Eminol®, the polyphenol-rich grape extract supplement (700 mg), on cardiovascular risk and oxidant stress indicators in a sample of volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed over 56 days and included 60 volunteers. Thirty volunteers took 700 mg of the grape extract, Eminol® (E), and 30 took the placebo (P). On comparison of the results, a decrease in total cholesterol (E: 213.77 ± 4.1 mg/dl and P: 245.57 ± 4.1 mg/dl; p = 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (E: 142.17 ± 3.1 mg/dl and P: 165.13 ± 3.1 mg/dl; p = 0.02) levels as well as an increase in antioxidant capacity (E: 65.63 ± 5.8 μmol TE/mg and P: 57.80 ± 7.7 μmol TE/mg; p < 0.01) and vitamin E (E: 11.46 ± 0.5 μg/ml and P: 9.06 ± 0.5 μg/ml; p = 0.018) was observed. This result indicates that the grape extract Eminol® modulated the lipid profile in terms of cardiovascular risk indicators, lowering total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.     

Cancer Chemoprevention by Pomegranate: Laboratory and Clinical Evidence

Pomegranate fruit from the tree Punica granatum has been dubbed as the “nature's power fruit.” Dating back to Biblical times, the tree itself is attributed to possess extraordinary medicinal properties. The geographical distribution of the tree, being native to the Middle East and some Asian countries, is generally attributed to a lack of interest in its medicinal properties by many western scientists. However, the unique biochemical composition of the pomegranate fruit being rich in antioxidant tannins and flavonoids has recently drawn attention of many investigators to study its exceptional healing qualities. Recent research has shown that pomegranate extracts selectively inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer cells in culture. In preclinical animal studies, oral consumption of pomegranate extract inhibited growth of lung, skin, colon and prostate tumors. An initial phase II clinical trial of pomegranate juice in patients with prostate cancer reported significant prolongation of prostate specific antigen doubling time. This review focuses on recent investigations into the effects of pomegranate fruit on cancer.     

Escherichia coli biofilm formation and dispersion under hydrodynamic conditions on metal surfaces

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of hydrodynamic forces on the multiplication of E. coli, and biofilm formation and dispersion. The experiments were provided in a flow chamber simulating a cleaning-in-place system. Biofilm biomass was measured using a crystal violet dye method. The results show that hydrodynamic forces affect not only biofilm formation and dispersion but the multiplication of E. coli in the first place. We found more biofilm biomass on the rough surface than on the smooth one. The results of the biofilm formation test show that laminar flow promotes the biofilm growth over 72 h, meanwhile turbulent flow after 48 h causes decrease in biomass. The results of the biofilm dispersion test, in contrast, show that laminar flow removed less biofilm from both materials that turbulent flow did. Therefore, taking into account these findings in cleaning-in-place technology can substantially reduce E. coli multiplication and biofilm formation.     

The efficacy of blueberry and grape seed extract combination on triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomised controlled trial

Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for gastritis, gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. Traditional therapy with proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics is regarded as optimal for H. pylori eradication whereas, the eradication rate is unsatisfactory. Studies have reported that cranberry may inhibit H. pylori adhesion to the human gastric mucus but lack of other berry extracts have been evaluated in clinical study. Thus, a 9-week add-on randomised controlled trial was conducted to explore the impact of blueberry and grape seed extract (BGE) combinations traditional therapy for H. pylori eradication. In results, we found that there was no significant difference of eradication rate between the berry extract group and placebo group in the intention-to-treat analysis and in the per-protocol analysis (94.64% versus 84.62%, p?=?0.085). Diarrhoea, constipation and epigastric pain were observed increasing during ingestion of the berry extract in some cases. In conclusion, this study indicated that no significant difference existed between the BGE extract group and placebo group in eradication rate under triple therapy.     

Effect of dried pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder (DPPP) on textural,organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of biscuits

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel is rich source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, hence could be used in the development of functional food formulations. Attempt was made to see the effect of dried pomegranate peel powder (DPPP) and emulsifiers on the rheological, nutritional and quality characteristics of biscuits. Incorporation of DPPP from 0 to 10% increased farinograph water absorption, decreased dough stability, increased amylograph pasting temperature and peak viscosity of wheat flour; increased hardness and decreased cohesiveness of biscuit dough; decreased spread ratio and increased breaking strength of biscuits. Sensory evaluation showed that biscuits incorporated with 7.5% DPPP were acceptable. Among emulsifiers, sodium stearoyl lactylate significantly improved the quality characteristics of 7.5% DPPP incorporated biscuits. Addition of 7.5% DPPP increased the protein, dietary fibre, minerals, anti-oxidant activity and β-carotene contents of biscuits. The studies indicated the possibility of utilizing DPPP to improve the nutritional characteristics of biscuits.     

Ameliorating Effect of Akebia quinata Fruit Extracts on Skin Aging Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products

The accumulation of free radicals and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the skin plays a very important role in skin aging. Both are known to interact with each other. Therefore, natural compounds or extracts that possess both antioxidant and antiglycation activities might have great antiageing potential. Akebia quinata fruit extract (AQFE) has been used to treat urinary tract inflammatory disease in traditional Korean and Chinese medicines. In the present study, AQFE was demonstrated to possess antioxidant and antiglycation activity. AQFE protects human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) from oxidative stress and inhibits cellular senescence induced by oxidative stress. We also found that AQFE inhibits glycation reaction between BSA and glucose. The antiglycation activity of AQFE was dose-dependent. In addition, the antiglycation activity of AQFE was confirmed in a human skin explant model. AQFE reduced CML expression and stimulated fibrillin-1 expression in comparison to the methyglyoxal treatment. In addition, the possibility of the extract as an anti-skin aging agent has also been clinically validated. Our analysis of the crow’s feet wrinkle showed that there was a decrease in the depth of deep furrows in RI treated with AQFE cream over an eight-week period. The overall results suggest that AQFE may work as an anti-skin aging agent by preventing oxidative stress and other complications associated with AGEs formation.     

Radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of commonly used herbs and spices in Korea

Herbs and spices not only variety and racy flavour to Korean foods, they also are the richest source for antioxidant power. The present study evaluates the radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of hot water extracts from commonly used herbs and spices in Korea. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities of bay extract were 39.5% and 22.1%, respectively. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was in order of dill (50.0%) > bay (31.3%) > garlic (27.9%) > white pepper and black pepper (15.1–15.3%) > onion (10.1%) extracts. Bay extract had the highest total phenolic content (17.86 μg CE/g). High correlation coefficients were found between the total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity (R = 0.9162). These results indicate that herbs and spices had high antioxidant activity that is partly due to the phenolic compounds and provide basic data for further development of processed food products.     

The biochemical characterization,stabilization studies and the antiproliferative effect of bromelain against B16F10 murine melanoma cells

The current study aims to extract bromelain from different parts (stem, crown, peels, pulp and leaves) of Ananas comosus var. comosus AGB 772; to determine of optimum pH and temperature; to test bromelain stability in disodium EDTA and sodium benzoate, and to investigate its pharmacological activity on B16F10 murine melanoma cells in vitro. The highest enzymatic activity was found in bromelain extracted from the pulp and peel. The optimum bromelain pH among all studied pineapple parts was 6.0. The optimum temperature was above 50?°C in all bromelain extracts. The fluorescence analysis confirmed the stability of bromelain in the presence of EDTA and sodium benzoate. Bromelain was pharmacologically active against B16F10 melanoma cells and it was possible verifying approximately 100% inhibition of tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Since bromelain activity was found in different parts of pineapple plants, pineapple residues from the food industry may be used for bromelain extraction.     

Evaluation of the hygiene of ready-to-eat food preparation areas and practices in mobile food vendors in the UK

This study was undertaken to assess the cleanliness of food preparation areas, cleaning methods used, and the microbiological quality of water used by 1258 mobile food vendors in the UK. Samples collected included potable water (1102), cleaning cloths (801) and environmental swabs from food preparation surfaces (2704). Cleaning cloths were more heavily contaminated with Aerobic Colony Counts, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus compared to surfaces sampled. Surfaces that were visually dirty, wet, and chopping boards that were plastic or damaged also had high levels of these bacteria. Fifty-four percent of potable water samples were of poor microbiological quality; i.e. contained coliforms, E. coli and/or enterococci. A documented food safety management system was only evident in 40.1% of vendors and cleaning schedules were only used by 43.6%. Deficiencies in the correct use of cleaning materials, such as dilution factors and the minimum contact time for disinfectants, were identified.     

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the extracts of Kefe cumin (Laser trilobum L.) fruits from different regions

Structural properties (using gas chromatographic analyses: gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) of some compounds (pure chemicals, essential oils, extracts, etc.) and systematic investigation of antimicrobial activities (with agar dilution and agar diffusion disc methods) were determined in the fruits of Kefe cumin (Laser trilobum L.) obtained from different regions (Germany, India, and Turkey). The main components were established as limonene (41.03–72.24%) and perillaldehyde (4.23–32.75%) in the essential oils determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Mineral contents in the fruits were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. It was determined that the fruits were rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, arsenic and aluminium minerals. The highest sodium content was found to be 9,261.28mg/kg in the samples obtained from Turkey, but the potassium content of the samples from Germany and India was higher than that of Kefe cumin fruits obtained from Turkey. The fruit extracts had a significant antimicrobial effect on pathogen bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris (FMC 1), Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus cereus (FMC 19), Aeromonas hydrophila (ATCC 7965), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 15753), Klebsiella pneumoniae (FMC 5), Salmonella typhimurium, Enterobacter aerogenes (CCM 2531) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), whereas no significant antimicrobial effect of the essential oils was observed.     

Effect of Different Nutritional Supplements on Glucose Response of Complete Meals in Two Crossover Studies

Postprandial hyperglycemia is an important risk factor in the development and progression of type-2 diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, maintaining a low postprandial glucose response is key in preventing these diseases. Carbohydrate-rich meals are the main drivers of excessive glycemic excursions during the day. The consumption of whey protein premeals or mulberry leaf extract was reported to reduce postprandial glycemia through different mechanisms of action. The efficacy of these interventions was shown to be affected by the timing of the consumption or product characteristics. Two randomised crossover studies were performed, aiming to identify the optimal conditions to improve the efficacy of these nutritional supplements in reducing a glycemic response. The acute postprandial glycemic response was monitored with a continuous glucose monitoring device. The first study revealed that a preparation featuring 10 g of whey protein microgel reduced the postprandial glucose response by up to 30% (p = 0.001) and was more efficient than the whey protein isolates, independently of whether the preparation was ingested 30 or 10 min before a complete 320 kcal breakfast. The second study revealed that a preparation featuring 250 mg mulberry leaf extract was more efficient if it was taken together with a complete 510 kcal meal (−34%, p < 0.001) rather than ingested 5 min before (−26%, p = 0.002). These findings demonstrate that the efficacy of whey proteins premeal and mulberry leaf extracts can be optimised to provide potential nutritional solutions to lower the risk of type-2 diabetes or its complications.     

葡萄籽提取物对乙醇所致小鼠急性肝损伤保护作用的研究

目的研究葡萄籽提取物对乙醇所致小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用。方法取雄性昆明种小鼠50只,随机分为阴性对照组、急性肝损伤模型组和不同剂量的葡萄籽提取物试验组。试验组给予不同剂量的葡萄籽提取物灌胃,实验末采用50%乙醇经口一次灌胃建立小鼠急性肝损伤模型。检测肝组织中丙二醛（MDA）、还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）和甘油三酯（TG）的含量,并对小鼠肝脏取材,进行病理组织学检测。结果葡萄籽提取物高剂量组动物的肝脏TG含量明显低于模型对照组,GSH含量明显高于模型对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）。病理学检测结果显示高剂量组动物的肝脏脂变程度明显低于模型对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论葡萄籽提取物对乙醇所致小鼠急性肝损伤具有一定的保护功能。     

Antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics of phenolic extracts of locally produced honey in Saudi Arabia

The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of 30 selected honey samples produced in Saudi Arabia have been studied. The inhibitory action of the total phenolic content of the honey samples has been tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli. The MIC values of the ten selected honey samples against S. aureus, M. luteus and E. coli were in the range 0.5 ± 0.2 ? 3.6 ± 0.3; 0.45 ± 0.05 ? 5.0 ± 0.6 and 0.6 ± 0.2 ? 4.4 ± 0.4 mg mL^{? 1}. The antioxidant activities of the ethyl acetate extracts based on their anti-radical power using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay and their ferric reducing antioxidant power were in the ranges 50.78 ± 1.4% to 99.52 ± 0.2% and 0.85 ± 0.13 to 1.167 ± 0.13 mg/ml, respectively. The total phenolic content was in the range 84.97 ± 0.57 to 317.39 ± 0.76 mg/100 g.     

The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain Indian medicinal plants in vitro: a preliminary study

The plant extracts of 17 commonly used Indian medicinal plants were examined for their possible regulatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) levels using sodium nitroprusside as an NO donor in vitro. Most of the plant extracts tested demonstrated direct scavenging of NO and exhibited significant activity. The potency of scavenging activity was in the following order: Alstonia scholaris > Cynodon dactylon > Morinda citrifolia > Tylophora indica > Tectona grandis > Aegle marmelos (leaf) > Momordica charantia > Phyllanthus niruri > Ocimum sanctum > Tinospora cordifolia (hexane extract) = Coleus ambonicus > Vitex negundo (alcoholic) > T. cordifolia (dichloromethane extract) > T. cordifolia (methanol extract) > Ipomoea digitata > V. negundo (aqueous) > Boerhaavia diffusa > Eugenia jambolana (seed) > T. cordifolia (aqueous extract) > V. negundo (dichloromethane/methanol extract) > Gingko biloba > Picrorrhiza kurroa > A. marmelos (fruit) > Santalum album > E. jambolana (leaf). All the extracts evaluated exhibited a dose-dependent NO scavenging activity. The A. scholaris bark showed its greatest NO scavenging effect of 81.86% at 250 microg/mL, as compared with G. biloba, where 54.9% scavenging was observed at a similar concentration. The present results suggest that these medicinal plants might be potent and novel therapeutic agents for scavenging of NO and the regulation of pathological conditions caused by excessive generation of NO and its oxidation product, peroxynitrite.     

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Investigating the inhibitory activity of green coffee and cacao bean extracts on pancreatic lipase

The present study investigated the effects of green coffee bean extract and Theobroma cacao bean extract on pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. Green coffee bean extract produced a J‐shaped dose‐dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase with the percentage inhibition of pancreatic lipase ranging from 11.8% to 61.5%. Similar concentrations of Theobroma cacao failed to produce any effect on pancreatic lipase. Non‐linear regression analysis revealed that the concentration of green coffee bean extract required to elicit a 50% inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity (IC50) was approximately 43 µM. In conclusion, extracts of green coffee beans but not Theobroma cacao possess potent inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase.