Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a Cucumis melo LC. extract rich in superoxide dismutase activity

The present study was conducted to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo LC., Cucurbitaceae) extract (CME) selected for its high superoxide dismutase activity. Peritoneal macrophages were pre-activated in vitro with 300 IU of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and were then challenged in culture with IgGl/anti-IgG1 immune complexes (IgG1IC) in presence of various CME extracts. The subsequent production of free radicals (superoxide anion, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite) and of pro-(TNF-alpha) and anti-(IL-10) inflammatory cytokines was evaluated. The CME inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the production of superoxide anion with a maximal effect at 100 microg/ml. This inhibitory effect of CME appeared to be closely linked to the SOD activity because it was dramatically decreased after heat inactivation of the SOD activity (HI-CME). In addition, the CME inhibited the production of peroxynitrite strengthening the antioxidant properties of this CME rich in SOD activity. The production of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, namely TNF-alpha and IL-10, being conditioned by the redox status of macrophages we also evaluated the effect of CME and HI-CME on the IgG1IC-induced cytokine production. When the SOD activity was present in the CME it promoted the IgG1IC-induced production of IL-10 instead of TNF-alpha. These data demonstrated that, in addition to its antioxidant properties, the anti-inflammatory properties of the CME extract were principally related to its capacity to induce the production of IL-10 by peritoneal macrophages. The particular properties of wheat gliadin (Triticum vulgare, Poaceae) for the oral delivery of functional proteins led us to test it in a new nutraceutical formula based on its combination with the CME thus monitoring the SOD activity release during the gastro-intestinal digestive process. In these experiments C57BL/6 mice were supplemented orally everyday during 28 days with: (1) the placebo, (2) the CME extract alone, (3) the gliadin, (4) the CME/gliadin combination, or (5) the HI-CME/gliadin combination (SOD inactivated). At the end of the supplementation period all the animals were injected intra-peritoneal (i.p.) with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma (300 IU) and peritoneal macrophages were harvested 24 h after to test their capacities to produce free radicals, TNF-alpha and IL-10 after triggering with IgG1IC. We demonstrated that animals supplemented during 28 days with the CME/gliadin combination were protected against the pro-inflammatory properties of IFN-gamma while the other products were inefficient. These data did not only indicate that the SOD activity is important for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the CME extract, but also demonstrated that when the SOD activity is preserved during the digestive process by its combination with wheat gliadin it is possible to elicit in vivo the pharmacological effects of this antioxidant enzyme.     

The antioxidant activity of standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) in rats

The standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) has been widely employed for its significant benefit in neurodegenerative disorders. Although antioxidative actions have been attributed to this extract, the mechanisms of the multiple principles involved in this pharmacological activity are not completely established. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are frequently associated with oxidative stress and defects in the cellular protective mechanisms. In this study, the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated in the hippocampus, striatum and substantia nigra (SN) of rats treated with EGb 761. An increase in the CAT and SOD activities in the hippocampus, striatum and SN, and a decrease of the LPO in the hippocampus were observed. These data are additional to the antioxidant properties of EGb 761 reported in the literature and indicate a possible role for the extract in the treatment of diseases involving free radicals and oxidative damage.     

Protective effects of dietary ginger (Zingiber officinales Rosc.) on lindane-induced oxidative stress in rats

The protective effect of dietary feeding of Zingiber officinales Rosc. (ginger) against lindane-induced oxidative stress was investigated in male albino rats. Oxidative stress was monitored by estimating the extent of lipid peroxidation, activities of the oxygen free radical (OFR) scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the status of the glutathione redox cycle antioxidants. Lindane administration (30 mg/kg bw orally for 4 weeks) was associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and compromised antioxidant defenses in rats fed a normal diet. Concomitant dietary feeding of ginger (1%w/w) significantly attenuated lindane-induced lipid peroxidation, accompanied by modulation of OFR scavenging enzymes as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and the GSH dependent enzymes glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in these rats. These findings suggest that a diet containing naturally occurring compounds is effective in exerting protective effects by modulating oxidative stress.     

The protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri plays a protective role against acetaminophen induced hepatic disorder via its antioxidant properties

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective action of the protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri against acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. The partially purified protein fraction of P. niruri was injected intraperitoneally in mice either prior to (preventive) or after the induction of toxicity (curative). Levels of different liver marker enzymes in serum and different antioxidant enzymes, as well as lipid peroxidation in total liver homogenates were measured in normal, control (toxicity induced) and P. niruri protein fraction-treated mice. P. niruri significantly reduced the elevated glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the sera of toxicity induced mice, compared with the control group. Lipid peroxidation levels were also reduced in mice treated with P. niruri protein fraction compared with the APAP treated control group. Among the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels were restored to almost normal levels compared with the control group. P. niruri treatment also enhanced reduced hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels caused by APAP administration. The results demonstrated that the protein fraction of P. niruri protected liver tissues against oxidative stress in mice, probably acting by increasing antioxidative defense.     

Anti-oxidant effect of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides in chronic footshock stress-induced perturbations of oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rat frontal cortex and striatum

The antioxidant activity of Withania somnifera (WS) glycowithanolides was assessed in chronic footshock stress induced changes in rat brain frontal cortex and striatum. The stress procedure, given once daily for 21 days, induced an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) activity, with concomitant decrease in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in both the brain regions. WS glycowithanolides (WSG), administered orally 1 h prior to the stress procedure for 21 days, in the doses of 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, induced a dose-related reversal of the stress effects. Thus, WSG tended to normalise the augmented SOD and LPO activities and enhanced the activities of CAT and GPX. The results indicate that, at least part of chronic stress-induced pathology may be due to oxidative stress, which is mitigated by WSG, lending support to the clinical use of the plant as an antistress adaptogen.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of Kalopanax pictus bark and its fractions

Dried pulverized bark of Terminalia arjuna Linn (TA) was administered orally to Wistar albino rats (120-150 g) in two doses [500 and 750 mg/kg in 2% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC)], 6 days per week for 12 weeks. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed either for determination of baseline changes in cardiac endogenous antioxidant compounds [superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT)] or the hearts were subjected to oxidative stress associated with in vitro ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI). There was significant increase in the baseline contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) (a measure of lipid peroxidation) with both doses of TA. However, only in the 500 mg/kg treated group, this was accompanied by a simultaneous increase in SOD, GSH and CAT levels, but not in the 750 mg/kg treated group, where only CAT was raised. Significant rise in myocardial TBARS and loss of SOD, CAT and GSH (suggestive of increased oxidative stress) occurred in the vehicle-treated hearts subjected to in vitro IRI. Only hearts, harvested from the 500 mg/kg rats treated rats, were significantly protected from oxidative stress, when subjected to in vitro IRI. The results suggest that crude bark of TA augments endogenous antioxidant compounds of rat heart and also prevents oxidative stress associated with IRI of the heart.     

Neuroprotective effect of a ginseng (Panax ginseng) root extract on astrocytes primary culture

A standardized aqueous extract of Panax ginseng radix was tested for its antioxidant effect on primary astrocytes culture on an oxidant stress model generated by H(2)O(2). The results indicated that this extract had a significant effect on the reduction of astrocytic death induced by H(2)O(2). Dose-response experiments revealed that this ginseng extract increased cell viability at a wide range of concentrations. Therefore, we investigated the effects of this extract on antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), on glutathione content (reduced and oxidized forms and red/ox index) and on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Exposure of astrocytes to H(2)O(2) decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and increased ROS formation. Ginseng root extract reversed the effect of almost all of these parameters in H(2)O(2)-injured primary cultures of rat astrocytes.     

Protection by garlic against adriamycin induced alterations in the oxido-reductive status of mouse red blood cells

The effects of oral garlic supplementation on the activities of (a) the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and (b) lipid peroxidation, as assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) production in red blood cells of normal mice and those subject to oxidative stress by chronic administration of the anti-tumour drug adriamycin has been investigated. As expected, adria-mycin administration resulted in a significant increase in MDA generation (by 105.4%) and a decrease in GPX activity (by 23.8%) in the red blood cells. Although garlic had no significant effects on the basal levels of the antioxidant enzymes or MDA generation in red blood cells of normal mice (untreated with adriamycin), at doses of 20 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, garlic was able to decrease significantly the adriamycin induced changes in the oxido-reductive status of the red blood cells. Thus, on administration of adriamycin to mice fed diets containing 20 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg garlic, the drug-induced increase in MDA generation was 38.2% and 22.5% respectively, less than that produced by adriamycin in mice fed normal diets, containing no garlic (105.4%). Similarly, in mice fed diets providing 20 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg garlic, adriamycin was able to decrease GPX activity by only 15.1% and 7.6% respectively, less than that produced by adriamycin in rats fed normal diets, containing no garlic (23.9%).     

Effects of wild ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) leaves on lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in streptozotocin diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to examine the possible antioxidant activities of wild Panax ginseng leaf extract intake in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (WGLE). Initial blood glucose levels increased abruptly after streptozotocin injection. After 4 weeks of WGLE supplementation, blood glucose levels were lower in animals fed 40 mg/kg (266 mg/dL) and 200 mg/kg (239 mg/dL) than those in no-WGLE fed diabetic rats (464 mg/dL). The concentration of blood TBARS, which are considered the main products of glucose oxidation in blood, was also lowered by WGLE supplementation. These results indicate that WGLE supplementation is involved in suppressing a sudden increase in blood glucose levels and a consequent decrease in TBARS levels in diabetic rats. TBARS levels in the liver, kidney and spleen of WGLE-fed diabetic groups were also significantly lower than in the control diabetic group indicating that oral administration of WGLE effectively suppresses lipid peroxidation that occurs in the organs of diabetic rats. Antioxidant activities of WGLE supplementation further extend in suppressing activities of antioxidant related enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in organs of diabetic rats. These results confirm the effectiveness of WGLE supplementation in detoxifying free radicals that are produced excessively in diabetic-induced complications.     

Polysaccharide Krestin enhances manganese superoxide dismutase activity and mRNA expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an inductive antioxidant enzyme, can protect cells from oxidative injury to the mitochondria. The elevation of MnSOD activity in cells can effectively prevent many diseases associated with oxidative stress. Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK), a kind of protein-bound polysaccharide extracted from Coriolus versicolor, is used as an immune response modifier in anti-tumor therapy. We have previously found that PSK could alleviate the oxidative injury that oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) brought to monocytes/macrophages, and therefore had some preventive or therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis. In order to find out if the effects of PSK were associated with the alteration ofantioxidant enzymes, we investigated its effect on MnSOD activity and gene expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The results showed that PSK could enhance SOD activity and increase the contents ofMnSOD mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, the induction of MnSOD by PSK could be blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D.     

Emblica officinalis causes myocardial adaptation and protects against oxidative stress in ischemic-reperfusion injury in rats

The fruits of Emblica officinalis (Amla) are widely used in the Indian System of Medicine and are believed to increase defense against disease. In the present study, the effects of chronic oral administration of fresh fruit homogenate of Amla on: (i). myocardial antioxidant system and (ii). oxidative stress induced by ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rat heart were investigated. Fresh amla fruit homogenate, in three different doses (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) and normal saline (C) were administered orally to Wistar albino rats (120-150 gms) of either sex daily for 30 days. There was reduction in basal myocardial lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level, and augmentation of myocardial endogenous antioxidants, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the treated rats. Hearts were also subjected to in vitro IRI (9 min of global ischemia, followed by 12 min of reperfusion, Langendorff's mode). Significant myocyte injury and rise in myocardial TBARS along with depletion of SOD, catalase, GSH (reduced glutathione) and GPx occurred in the control group. No significant increase in myocardial TBARS and depletion of antioxidant enzymes were observed in the treated groups. Myocyte injury was evident only in 250 mg/kg group. The results indicate that chronic Emblica officinalis administration causes myocardial adaptation by augmenting endogenous antioxidants and protects rat hearts from oxidative stress associated with ischemic-reperfusion injury.     

Effects of yukmi, an herbal formula, on the liver of senescence accelerated mice (SAM) exposed to oxidative stress

The effects of yukmi (Decoction of six plants including rehmannia), an herbal formula, were studied on liver oxidant damage induced by paraquat (PQ) administered intravenously in the senescence accelerated mice (SAM-P/8). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase as two major antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation levels were determined for six days. Data show that the activities of hepatic SODs and catalase were increased by oral administration of yukmi extracts following PQ pretreatment. Herbal medicine effectively blocked the PQ-induced effects on liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. For the histopathological changes in SAM-P/8 liver, yukmi extracts inhibited PQ-induced damage to the hepatic mitochondria and their membranes. Data suggest that yukmi extracts may be useful in protecting against oxidative damage.     

The effect of cumin supplementation on metabolic profiles in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized,triple blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected serious disorders, which is a major health problem whose prevalence is increasing. Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the disease pathogenesis and its complications. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Cuminum cyminum L. (which has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties) essential oil (CuEO) supplementation on inflammatory and antioxidant status in patients with MetS. In this clinical trial, 56 patients with MetS aged 18–60 years received either 75‐mg CuEO or placebo soft gel, thrice daily, for 8 weeks. Data on anthropometric parameters, food consumption, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Compared with the placebo group, CuEO increased SOD (149.17; 95% CI, [67.93, 230.42]), TAC (0.24; 95% CI, [0.09, 0.38]) and decreased MDA (?0.36; 95% CI, [?0.66, 0.06]), (p < 0.01). In within‐group analysis, CuEO led to 13.3% decrease in MDA and 6.7% increase in TAC levels (p < 0.04). The results indicated that CuEO supplementation can improve some antioxidative indices, as SOD and TAC, while decreasing MDA in patients with MetS.     

In vivo evaluation of anti-oxidant and anti-lipidimic potential of Annona squamosa aqueous extract in Type 2 diabetic models

AIM OF THE STUDY: Diabetes is known to involve oxidative stress and changes in lipid metabolism. Many secondary plant metabolites have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, improving the effects of oxidative stress due to diabetes. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of water extract of Annona squamosa leaves on antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile of animal models of type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The plant material was extracted with boiling water for 2 h. Albino Wistar rats (n=24) were divided into four groups. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (ip) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Animals of treated groups were given the dose of 350 mg/kg of the extract. The excised rat tissues were rinsed in ice-cold saline, blotted dry and weighed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly suggest that the water extract of Annona squamosa leaves possessed antioxidant activity as shown by increased activities of scavenging enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and decrease in malondialdehyde levels present in various tissues. Administration of the extract also improved the lipid profile of the treated groups indicating thereby that the high levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol associated with diabetes can also be significantly managed with the extract.     

Ameliorative effects of pycnogenol on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats

This study evaluated the putative antioxidant activity of Pycnogenol (PYC) against CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative damage in Sprague-Dawley rats. A single oral dose of CCl4 (1.25 mL/kg) produced significantly increased levels of serum aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. In addition, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were observed in the hepatic tissues. However, concomitant administration with PYC (10 or 20 mg/kg) significantly improved CCl4-induced hepatic injury, as evidenced by the decline of serum AST and ALT activities in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, PYC reduced MDA concentration and increased GSH levels and catalase, SOD and GST activities in hepatic tissues, indicating that concomitant administration with PYC efficiently prevent the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats. The free radical scavenging assay showed that PYC has a dose-dependent scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. These results indicate that PYC has an antioxidant effect against CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative damage and is useful as a hepatoprotective agent against various liver diseases induced by oxidative stress.     

竹叶水溶性提取液抗氧化作用的实验研究

目的：探计竹叶的水溶性提取液对动物的抗氧化作用。方法：分别灌胃给予自然衰老小鼠和D-半乳糖致衰老大鼠竹叶提取液，检测动物全血的超氧化歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧物酶(GSH—Px)活性，并检测心、脑组织中脂褐质(LF)、丙二醛(MDA)和SOD含量。结果：给予竹叶提取液的衰老小鼠和大鼠心、脑组织中SOD和全血中SOD和GSH—Px活力显著提高，而组织中MDA和LF含量则明显下降。结论：竹叶提取液能提高组织中抗氧化酶的活性，抑制自由基损伤，防止脂质过氧化，具有明显的抗氧化作用。     

Antioxidative effects of Korean red ginseng in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Red ginseng (RG) has been widely used to treat various diseases in East Asian countries. Previous studies have shown the anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects of RG. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RG on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 82 postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years. Participants were randomized to receive 3 g red ginseng daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) were assessed, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index was calculated at the baseline and at the end of the trial.

Results

A total of 71 postmenopausal women completed the study. Serum superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased after the 12-week RG supplementation (P<0.001), and these changes were statistically significant compared with the placebo group (P=0.004). Serum malondialdehyde levels showed a tendency to decrease after the 12-week RG supplementation (P=0.001), but these changes were not statistically significant compared with the placebo group (P=0.064). No statistically significant changes in serum glutathione peroxidase and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were noted. Further, RG supplementation showed no effects on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

The results suggest that RG may reduce oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in postmenopausal women.     

Antioxidant effect of Cytisus scoparius against carbon tetrachloride treated liver injury in rats

The study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of Cytisus scoparius L. (Family: Leguminosae) on CCl(4) (carbon tetrachloride) treated oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. CCl(4) injection induced oxidative stress by a significant rise in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) along with reduction of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GRD). Pretreatment of rats with different doses of plant extract (250 and 500mg/kg) significantly lowered SGOT, SGPT, LDH and TBARS levels against CCl(4) treated rats. GSH and hepatic enzymes like SOD, CAT, GPx, GRD, and GST were significantly increased by treatment with the plant extract, against CCl(4) treated rats. The activity of extract at the dose of 500mg/kg was comparable to the standard drug, silymarin (25mg/kg). Based on these results, it was observed that Cytisus scoparius extract protects liver from oxidative stress induced by CCl(4) in rats and thus helps in evaluation of the traditional claim on this plant.     

Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus

The effect of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera Linn. was assessed on rat brain frontal cortical, striatal and hippocampal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, following administration for 7, 14 or 21 days. The effects induced by this extract (bacoside A content 82% +/- 0.5%), administered in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, orally, were compared with the effects induced by (-) deprenyl (2 mg/kg, p. o.) administered for the same time periods. Bacopa monniera (BM) induced a dose-related increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activities, in all the brain regions investigated, after 14 and 21 days of drug administration. On the contrary, deprenyl induced an increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activities in the frontal cortex and striatum, but not in the hippocampus, after treatment for 14 or 21 days. The results suggest that BM, like deprenyl, exhibits a significant antioxidant effect after subchronic administration which, unlike the latter, extends to the hippocampus as well. The results suggest that the increase in oxidative free radical scavenging activity by BM may explain, at least in part, the cognition- facilitating action of BM, recorded in Ayurvedic texts, and demonstrated experimentally and clinically.