Protective effect of Morinda citrifolia fruits on β‐amyloid (25–35) induced cognitive dysfunction in mice: An experimental and biochemical study

The neuroprotective effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae) Linn. fruits (EMC, ethyl acetate extract of Morinda citrifolia) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. was studied on β‐amyloid (25–35) peptide induced cognitive dysfunction in mice. In the step‐down inhibitory avoidance, EMC exhibited a significant increase in short‐term memory and long‐term memory (p < 0.05). A significant decrease (p < 0.01) in escape latency was noticed in the animals in the water maze. A significant increase (p < 0.01) in alteration of behavior was exhibited upon administration of EMC 200 and 400 mg/kg on the Y maze. Exploratory parameters such as line crossings, head dipping and rearing were increased significantly in EMC treated groups in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in acetyl cholinesterase activity was noticed in the EMC 200 and 400 mg/kg treated groups. The level of monoamine oxidase‐A was decreased by the administration of EMC 200 and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). EMC at a dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the levels of serotonin and dopamine. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and ascorbic acid were decreased significantly in the b‐amyloid peptide injected group, whose levels were restored significantly (p < 0.01) by the administration of EMC (400 mg/kg). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quercetin reduced the formation of N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinoneimine,a toxic metabolite of paracetamol in rats and isolated rat hepatocytes

N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI) is toxic metabolite of paracetamol formed primarily by cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) metabolic pathway when administered at therapeutic doses or overdose. The influence of quercetin (flavonoid) on the bioactivation of paracetamol to NAPQI was investigated using rat liver microsomes and rats in vivo. Paracetamol (80 mg/kg) was administered orally without or with silymarin (100 mg/kg), a known inhibitor of CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and quercetin (10 and 20 mg/kg) to rats for 15 consecutive days. Area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC_0‐∞) and the peakplasma concentration (C_max) of paracetamol were dose‐dependently increased with quercetin (10 and 20 mg/kg) compared to paracetamol control group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the AUC_0‐∞ and C_max of NAPQI were decreased significantly with quercetin. The same results were observed with silymarin also. The elevated liver and kidney functional enzymes/compounds were significantly reduced by quercetin and silymarin compared to paracetamol control group. The formation of NAPQI was reduced in the incubation samples in presence of quercetin in experiment using isolated rat hepatocytes. The presentstudy results revealed that quercetin might be inhibited the CYP2E1‐mediated metabolism of paracetamol; thereby decreased the formation of NAPQI and protected the liver and kidney.     

Intrathecal [6]‐Gingerol Administration Alleviates Peripherally induced Neuropathic Pain in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats

[6]‐Gingerol, a structural analog of capsaicin, is an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, which is known to have therapeutic properties for the treatment of pain and inflammation. The main objective of this study was to determine the central effect of [6]‐gingerol on neuropathic pain when injected intrathecally at the level of the lumbar spinal cord. [6]‐Gingerol distribution was evaluated following a 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection, and the brain‐to‐plasma and spinal cord‐to‐plasma ratios (0.73 and 1.7, respectively) suggest that [6]‐gingerol penetrates well the central nervous system of rats. Induction of pain was performed using the sciatic nerve ligation model on rats, and a 10‐µg intrathecal injections of [6]‐gingerol was performed to evaluate its central effect. The results suggest a significant decrease of secondary mechanical allodynia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and thermal hyperalgesia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01). These promising results illustrate that [6]‐gingerol could alleviate neuropathic pain by acting centrally at the level of the spinal cord. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Possible therapeutic effect of carvacrol on asthmatic patients: A randomized,double blind,placebo‐controlled,Phase II clinical trial

The relaxant effects of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, on tracheal smooth muscle and its preventive effect on asthmatic animals were reported. The effect of carvacrol in asthmatic patients was examined in the placebo group (Group P, n = 11) receiving placebo and treatment group (Group C, n = 12), which received carvacrol capsule (1.2 mg/kg/day) for 2 months in a double‐blind manner. Pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, hematological indices, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were measured before, 1 and 2 months after starting treatment. At the end of treatment period, Pulmonary function tests values in Group C were significantly increased (p < .05 to p < .001). Most respiratory symptoms were also significantly reduced in Group C at the end of 2‐month treatment (p < .05 to p < .001). Total and differential white blood cell (p < .05 to p < .001), as well as serum levels of hs‐CRP in Group C were also significantly reduced after 2‐month treatment with carvacrol (p < .001). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were changed in Group C (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). However, in Group P, there was no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. Pulmonary function tests were increased but respiratory symptoms, inflammatory cells, and hs‐CRP were reduced in asthmatic patients who received carvacrol that indicates its therapeutic effect on asthma.     

Antinociceptive properties of 25‐methoxy hispidol A,a triterpinoid isolated from Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae) through inhibition of NF‐κB signalling in mice

The 25‐methoxy hispidol A (25‐MHA) is a triterpenoid, isolated from the immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae). The pretreatment with 25‐MHA markedly (p < 0.001) attenuated the formalin‐induced biphasic responses as well as acetic acid‐induced writhing responses. The intraperitoneal administration of 25‐MHA significantly attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001) and allodynia (p < 0.05). Similarly, 25‐MHA also significantly attenuated (p < 0.001) complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced paw edema in mice. The 25‐MHA treatment significantly attenuated the production of nuclear kappa B (NF‐κB) (p65 nuclear subunit). The cytokines are the important mediators of inflammation and pain; however, treatment with 25‐MHA exhibited significant inhibition (p < 0.001) on the mRNA expression levels of various inflammatory mediators. The 25‐MHA administration also significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.001) and inhibited the oxidative stress markers. The current study indicates that 25‐MHA significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) in mice plasma. Similarly, the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining shows that 25‐MHA administration significantly inhibited the inflammatory process in the mice paw tissue compared with the CFA‐treated group. The 25‐MHA treatment did not exhibited any toxicity on the liver, kidney, muscles strength, and motor co‐ordination in mice. The 25‐MHA was coadministered with the various drugs such as tramadol, piroxicam, and gabapentin to observe the synergistic effect.     

The Effects of an Antiosteoporosis Herbal Formula Containing Epimedii Herba,Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and Psoraleae Fructus on Density and Structure of Rat Long Bones Under Tail‐Suspension,and its Mechanisms of Action

An innovative anti‐osteoporosis herbal formula containing Epimedii Herba, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and Psoraleae Fructus (ELP) has been previously shown its bone protecting effects in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats and also in post‐menopausal osteopenic women. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ELP against bone loss during physical inactivity or weightlessness. A hindlimb unloading tail‐suspended rat model was used for studying the effects of ELP on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone micro‐architecture. For in vitro mechanistic studies, rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and mouse macrophage cells (RAW264.7) were used for studying the effects of ELP on osteogenic/adipogenic differentiations and osteoclastogenesis, respectively. Our data illustrated that ELP had a significant preventive effect against bone loss induced by tail‐suspension (TS) at day 28 (p < 0.01) as indicated in the reduction in BMD loss and the preservation of bone micro‐architecture. ELP could significantly promote the osteogenesis and suppress the adipogenesis (p < 0.05) in MSCs. Besides, significant inhibition of osteoclast formation (p < 0.01) was found in ELP‐treated RAW264.7 cells upon receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand induction. Our study presents the first scientific evidence that ELP had a significant preventive effect against bone loss induced by TS through the actions of enhancing osteogenesis, suppressing adipogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Celastrol inhibits growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer cell MKN45 by down‐regulating microRNA‐21

Celastrol could inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro. However, effect(s) of celastrol on gastric cancer is not well studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of celastrol on human gastric cancer cell line MKN45 and the underlying mechanisms. We found that celastrol inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest (p < .05, p < .01, or p < .001). Under celastrol treatment, overexpression of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) increased cell viability, migration, and invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis compared with negative control (p < .05, p < .01, or p < .001). In addition, the phosphorylation of PTEN was significantly up‐regulated, whereas PI3K, AKT, p65, and IκBα phosphorylation was statistically decreased by celastrol (p < .05 or p < .01) and then further reversed by miR‐21 overexpression (p < .05 or p < .01). On the other side, miR‐21 silence showed contrary results (p < .05) as relative to miR‐21 overexpression. In conclusion, celastrol inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion and inactivates PTEN/PI3K/AKT and nuclear factor κB signaling pathways in MKN45 cells by down‐regulating miR‐21.     

U83836E对大鼠离体心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨第2代拉扎碱（U83836E）对大鼠离体心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法 用Langendofff灌注系统,建立大鼠离体全心缺血再灌注损伤模型。观察不同时间注射U83836E对复灌后心脏舒缩功能、心肌乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）、肌钙蛋白（cTnT）及热休克蛋白70（HSP70）的影响。结果 U83836E可改善大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注后的功能,与模型组比较,左心室收缩压（LVSP）升高（P<0.01）,左心室舒张末压（LVEDP）降低（P<0.05）,左心室压力最大上升和下降速率（±dp/dt_max）加快（P<0.01）;冠脉流出液中的乳酸脱氢酶和肌钙蛋白含量减少（P<0.01）,并可诱导心肌组织产生热休克蛋白70（P<0.01）。结论 U83836E对大鼠离体心肌缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用。     

Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. De‐Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double‐Blind,Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract has demonstrated hormone modulatory activity, providing biological plausibility for relieving menopausal symptoms. The study aimed to assess efficacy of a standardized T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms in healthy aging women. The study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial that recruited 115 women aged 40 to 65 years of which 59 were allocated to active (n = 54 completed) and 56 to placebo (n = 50 completed). Active treatment was T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract, 600 mg per day for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire, frequency of hot flushes and night sweats and serum estradiol levels. There was a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms in the active group compared with placebo as assessed by total MENQOL score (p < 0.001); reflected by significant improvements in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), psychosocial (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.001) and sexual symptoms (p < 0.001) domains. Vasomotor outcomes correlated with hot flushes, the active group reporting significantly less daytime hot flushes and night sweats at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). The average estradiol levels were similar in both the active group and placebo group after treatment. This study demonstrated that this proprietary T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract may reduce menopausal symptoms in healthy women. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of carvacrol on muscarinic receptors of guinea‐pig tracheal chains

The effects of three concentrations of carvacrol, the constituent of Zataria multiflora Boiss (a monoterpenoid phenol, C₁₀H₁₄O) and 10 nm atropine on muscarinic receptors were tested on: non‐incubated (n = 7), incubated tracheal chains with propranolol and chlorpheniramine (n = 6) and incubated with propranolol (n = 5). The EC₅₀ of all three concentrations of carvacrol in incubated tissues with propranolol and chlorpheniramine was significantly greater than those of incubated tissues with propranolol and non‐incubated trachea (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The EC₅₀ of two higher concentrations of carvacrol (0.2 and 0.4 µg/mL) in incubated tissues with propranolol was also significantly greater than those of non‐incubated trachea (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). The maximum response in the presence of all concentrations of carvacrol in non‐incubated and incubated tissues with propranolol and chlorpheniramine and those of its two higher concentrations (0.2 and 0.4 µg/mL) in incubated tissues with propranolol were lower than saline (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). There were parallel rightward shifts in the concentration–response curves in the presence of all concentrations of carvacrol in non‐incubated and incubated tissues with propranolol and its lower concentration in incubated tissues with propranolol and chlorpheniramine. These results indicated an inhibitory effect of carvacrol on muscarinic receptors. A β‐adrenoceptor stimulatory effect was also suggested for carvacrol. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Resveratrol reduces the expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and hepatocyte growth factor in stromal cells of women with endometriosis compared with nonendometriotic women

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin polyphenol, has antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The present study has assessed the effect of resveratrol treatment on the expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from women with and without endometriosis. Endometrial tissues were obtained from 40 endometriotic patients and 15 nonendometriotic control women. After the enzymatic digestion, 13 eutopic ESCs (EuESCs), 8 ectopic ESCs (EESCs), and 11 control ESCs (CESCs) were treated with resveratrol (100 μM) for 6, 24, and 48 hr. The gene and protein expressions of IGF‐1 and HGF were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay methods, respectively. Results showed that resveratrol treatment decreased significantly the gene expression of IGF‐1 and HGF in EuESCs, EESCs, and CESCs (p < 0.05). The effect of resveratrol treatment on the reduction of IGF‐1 gene expression was statistically more noticeable in EESCs compared with CESCs (p < 0.05). Also, in the case of HGF gene expression, the reducing effect of resveratrol treatment was statistically more considerable in EESCs compared with EuESCs and CESCs (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The IGF‐1 and HGF protein production decreased significantly in EuESCs and EESCs (p < 0.05) but not in CESCs. These findings suggest that resveratrol treatment could reduce the expression of IGF‐1 and HGF in ESCs especially in EESCs, which play a pivotal role in disease progression.     

Parthenolide Inhibits the LPS‐induced Secretion of IL‐6 and TNF‐α and NF‐κB Nuclear Translocation in BV‐2 Microglia

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium [L.] Sch. Bip. [Asteraceae]) is a popular herbal treatment used to prevent and treat headache and migraine. Parthenolide (PTN), the sesquiterpene lactonic derivative that is the plant's major component, might be one of the ingredients that act on mediators of inflammation. In the present study, in cultured lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV‐2 microglia pretreatment with PTN caused a dose‐dependent reduction of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) secretion (29% by 200 nm, p < 0.001; 45% by 1 µm, p < 0.001; 98% by 5 µm, p < 0.001); at 5 µm, the highest concentration tested, it also reduced the secretion of TNF‐α (54%, p < 0.001). Western blotting analysis on separate cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts showed that PTN strongly reduced the translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB to the cell nucleus. The reduction of microglial activation by inhibition of proinflammatory agents may help attenuate the onset and intensity of acute migraine attacks. These in vitro results provide an additional explanation for the efficacy of orally administered T. parthenium as an antimigraine agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adjuvant Therapy with Bioavailability‐Boosted Curcuminoids Suppresses Systemic Inflammation and Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Curcuminoids are bioactive polyphenolics with potent antiinflammatory properties. Although several lines of in vitro and preclinical evidence suggest potent anticancer effects of curcuminoids, clinical findings have not been conclusive. The present randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoids as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients. Eighty subjects with solid tumors who were under standard chemotherapy regimens were randomly assigned to a bioavailability‐boosted curcuminoids preparation (180 mg/day; n = 40) or matched placebo (n = 40) for a period of 8 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in the health‐related quality of life (QoL) score (evaluated using the University of Washington index) and serum levels of a panel of mediators implicated in systemic inflammation including interleukins 6 (IL‐6) and 8 (IL‐8), TNF‐α, transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Curcuminoid supplementation was associated with a significantly greater improvement in QoL compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Consistently, the magnitude of reductions in TNF‐α (p < 0.001), TGFβ (p < 0.001), IL‐6 (p = 0.061), substance P (p = 0.005), hs‐CRP (p < 0.001), CGRP (p < 0.001) and MCP‐1 (p < 0.001) were all significantly greater in the curcuminoids versus placebo group. In contrast, the extent of reduction in serum IL‐8 was significantly greater with placebo versus curcuminoids (p = 0.012). Quality of life variations were associated with changes in serum TGFβ levels in both correlation and regression analyses. Adjuvant therapy with a bioavailable curcuminoid preparation can significantly improve QoL and suppress systemic inflammation in patients with solid tumors who are under treatment with standard chemotherapy protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pharmacokinetic interaction of single dose of piperine with steady‐state carbamazepine in epilepsy patients

Piperine, the active principle of piper species, is commonly used as a spice and adjuvant in various traditional systems of medicine. It has been known as a bioavailability‐enhancer. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of piperine on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of a single dose of carbamazepine in poorly controlled epilepsy patients on carbamazepine monotherapy. Patients (n = 10 each) receiving either 300 mg or 500 mg dose of carbamazepine twice daily were selected. After administration of carbamazepine, venous blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 h. Subsequently, piperine (20 mg p.o.) was administered along with carbamazepine and samples were collected similarly. The pharmacokinetic parameters were compared by Students t‐test. Piperine significantly increased the mean plasma concentrations of carbamazepine at most of the time points in both dose groups. There was a significant increase in AUC_0‐12hr (p < 0.001), average C_ss (p < 0.001), t_1\2el (p < 0.05) and a decrease in K_el (p < 0.05), in both the dose groups, whereas changes in K_a and t_1\2a were not significant. Cmax (p < 0.01) and t_max (p < 0.01) were increased significantly following piperine administration in the 500 mg dose group; however, these parameters were not significant in the lower dose group. Piperine could significantly enhance the oral bioavailability of carbamazepine, possibly by decreasing the elimination and/or by increasing its absorption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Drug Resistance Reversal Potential of Isoliquiritigenin and Liquiritigenin Isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra Against Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) and liquiritigenin (LTG) are structurally related flavonoids found in a variety of plants. Discovery of novel antimicrobial combinations for combating methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is of vital importance in the post‐antibiotic era. The present study was taken to explore the in vitro and in vivo combination effect of LTG and ISL with β‐lactam antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin and oxacillin) against mec A‐containing strains of MRSA. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of both LTG and ISL exhibited significant anti‐MRSA activity (50–100 µg/mL) against clinical isolates of MRSA. The result of in vitro combination study showed that ISL significantly reduced MIC of β‐lactam antibiotics up to 16‐folds [∑ fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) 0.312–0.5], while LTG reduced up to 8‐folds (∑FIC 0.372–0.5). Time kill kinetics at graded MIC combinations (ISL/LTG + β‐lactam) indicated 3.27–9.79‐fold and 2.59–3.48‐fold reduction in the growth of clinical isolates of S. aureus respectively. In S. aureus‐infected Swiss albino mice model, combination of ISL with oxacillin significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) lowered the systemic microbial burden in blood, liver, kidney, lung and spleen tissues in comparison with ISL, oxacillin alone as well as untreated control. Considering its synergistic antibacterial effect, we suggest both ISL and LTG as promising compounds for the development of novel antistaphylococcal combinations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dose–Response Effects of p‐Synephrine on Fat Oxidation Rate During Exercise of Increasing Intensity

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects different doses of p‐synephrine on maximal fat oxidation during exercise. Seventeen healthy subjects volunteered to participate in a double‐blind and randomised experimental design composed of four identical experimental trials. On four trials separated by 72 h, participants ingested a placebo or 1, 2 or 3 mg/kg of p‐synephrine. After resting for 60 min to allow substance absorption, participants performed an exercise test of increasing intensity on a cycle ergometer while gas exchange was measured continuously. None of the doses of p‐synephrine affected energy expenditure or heart rates during the test. The highest rate of fat oxidation with the placebo (0.35 ± 0.05 g/min) was reached at 38.0 ± 1.9% of VO_2max. The ingestion of 1 mg/kg increased maximal fat oxidation to 0.47 ± 0.11 g/min (p = 0.01) but did not change the intensity at which it was obtained (42.0 ± 9.4% of VO_2max). The ingestion of 2 and 3 mg/kg of p‐synephrine increased maximal fat oxidation to 0.55 ± 0.14 g/min (p < 0.01), although only 3 mg/kg slightly changed the intensity at which it was obtained (43.0 ± 9.5% of VO_2max, p < 0.01). In conclusion, although all p‐synephrine increased the maximal rate of fat oxidation during exercise, the highest effects were found with 2 and 3 mg/kg. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Eutigoside C attenuates radiation‐induced crypt injury in the mouse intestine

On Jeju Island, South Korea, the leaves of Eurya emarginata have been traditionally used to treat ulcers or as a diuretic. Eutigoside C isolated from the leaves has been reported to have in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects. We evaluated the radioprotective effects of eutigoside C on jejunal cell apoptosis and crypt survival in mice subjected to gamma irradiation. In addition, the ability of eutigoside C to protect against radiation‐induced oxidative stress was examined by evaluating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in radiation‐induced hepatic injury. Eutigoside C was administered intraperitoneally at 48, 12, and 1 h before irradiation. The administration of eutigoside C (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight) before irradiation protected the intestinal crypts from radiation‐induced apoptosis (p < 0.05), and attenuated radiation‐induced decrease of villous height (p < 0.05). Pretreating mice prior to irradiation with eutigoside C (100 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival of the jejunal crypt (p < 0.01). The dose reduction factor was 1.09 at 3.5 days after irradiation. Treatment of eutigoside C prior to irradiation significantly protected SOD and CAT activities in radiation‐induced hepatic injury (p < 0.05). These results suggest that eutigoside C is a useful radioprotector capable of defending intestinal progenitor cells against indirect depletion, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by gamma irradiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Effects of Pre‐Exercise Ginger Supplementation on Muscle Damage and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Ginger possesses analgesic and pharmacological properties mimicking non‐steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. We aimed to determine if ginger supplementation is efficacious for attenuating muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following high‐intensity resistance exercise. Following a 5‐day supplementation period of placebo or 4 g ginger (randomized groups), 20 non‐weight trained participants performed a high‐intensity elbow flexor eccentric exercise protocol to induce muscle damage. Markers associated with muscle damage and DOMS were repeatedly measured before supplementation and for 4 days following the exercise protocol. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed one repetition maximum lift decreased significantly 24 h post‐exercise in both groups (p < 0.005), improved 48 h post‐exercise only in the ginger group (p = 0.002), and improved at 72 (p = 0.021) and 96 h (p = 0.044) only in the placebo group. Blood creatine kinase significantly increased for both groups (p = 0.015) but continued to increase only in the ginger group 72 (p = 0.006) and 96 h (p = 0.027) post‐exercise. Visual analog scale of pain was significantly elevated following eccentric exercise (p < 0.001) and was not influenced by ginger. In conclusion, 4 g of ginger supplementation may be used to accelerate recovery of muscle strength following intense exercise but does not influence indicators of muscle damage or DOMS. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐Diabetic Properties of Rice‐Based Herbal Porridges in Diabetic Wistar Rats

The present study aims to investigate anti‐hyperglycaemic, anti‐hyperlipidaemic and toxic effects of long‐term consumption of selected green leafy porridges in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Porridges made with Asparagus racemosus Willd. (AR), Hemidesmus indicus (L) R. Br. W. T. Aiton (HI), Scoparia dulcis L. (SD) and coconut milk porridge (CM) were incorporated into diets of diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetic control (DM) and normal control groups (NC) were provided with standard rat diet. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA_1c, C reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), liver enzymes and creatinine were measured. Feed and water intake among diabetic groups were significantly high when compared with those of NC (p < 0.05). All rats in SD (mean = 39 ± 19 g) and NC (mean = 114 ± 7 g) groups gained weight, whereas most rats in other diabetic groups lost weight. Among the diabetic groups, SD group had the lowest mean FBG, FBG increment percentage (45%) and HbA_1c (5.8 ± 2.1). FBG increment percentage and HbA_1c of SD group were not significantly different to those of NC (38%; 4.7 ± 0.7) (p > 0.05). Among the diabetic groups, lowest TC (119 ± 20.6 mg/dL) and highest HDL‐C (33 ± 6.3 mg/dL) were also detected in SD group. Alanine transaminase and creatinine were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among diabetic groups but significant when compared with those of NC. When compared with those of NC, aspartate transaminase levels were significantly (p < 0.05) high in SD, CM and DM groups. Body weight : liver weight and body weight : pancreas weight ratios and CRP were not significantly different among all groups. The study proved that SD porridge reduced weight loss, elicited hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic properties, and caused no toxicity in diabetes‐induced Wistar rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double‐blind randomized controlled trial

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is potentially treatable, though there are few therapeutic agents available. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has shown potential as a hepatoprotective agent. This study sought to determine if ALE had therapeutic utility in patients with established NAFLD. In this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel‐group trial, 100 subjects with ultrasound‐diagnosed NAFLD were randomized to either ALE 600 mg daily or placebo for a 2‐month period. NAFLD response was assessed by liver ultrasound and serological markers including the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) score. Ninety patients completed the study (49 ALE and 41 placebo) with no side effects reported. ALE treatment compared with placebo: Doppler sonography showed increased hepatic vein flow (p < .001), reduced portal vein diameter (p < .001) and liver size (p < .001), reduction in serum ALT (p < .001) and AST (p < .001) levels, improvement in AST/ALT ratio and APRI scores (p < .01), and reduction in total bilirubin. ALE supplementation reduced total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations (p = .01). This study has shown beneficial effects of ALE supplementation on both ultrasound liver parameters and liver serum parameters (ALT, AST, APRI ratio, and total bilirubin) in patients with NAFLD.