فهرست مطالب

Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology
Volume:11 Issue: 2, Apr 2022

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1401/01/23
  • تعداد عناوین: 17
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  • Wiraphol Phimarn*, Rotjanawat Sakhancord, Kritsanee Saramunee, Bunleu Sungthong Pages 143-153

    Vernonia cinerea (VC) has been used for smoking cessation. A previous meta-analysis (MA) reported the efficacy of VC in smoking cessation. However, there have been updated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of VC for smoking cessation, and the previous MA lacked pooled adverse events (AEs) related to VC. The objective of this study was to systematically review and perform an updated MA on the efficacy of VC for smoking cessation continuous abstinence rate (CAR), prevalence abstinence (PAR), and AE. The research articles were retrieved via electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Thai-Journal Citation Index Center (TCI), and ThaiLis. Ten RCTs published prior to 2019 were included in this study. The number of participants in the studies ranged from 35 to 172, and the follow-up duration for the primary outcomes was 2-12 weeks. Our updated MA found that VC could significantly improve CAR2 (RR=1.54; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.23), CAR4 (RR=1.65; 95% CI = 1.25, 2.17), CAR 8 (RR=1.85; 95% CI = 1.25, 2.75), CAR12 (RR=2.56; 95% CI = 1.66, 3.95), and CAR16 (RR=2.21; 95% CI = 1.03, 4.73). Moreover, VC improved PAR2 (RR=1.47; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.04), PAR4 (RR=1.35; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.79), PAR8 (RR=1.60; 95% CI = 1.11, 2.31), and PAR12 (RR=1.70; 95% CI = 1.25, 2.30). There was no significant difference in the AE between the two groups. The study substantiates claims that VC products are effective in assisting with smoking cessation.

    Keywords: Vernonia cinerea, Alternative treatment, Smoking dependency, Withdraw, Systematic review, meta-analysis
  • Elza Sundhani, Endang Lukitaningsih, Arief Nurrochmad, Agung Endro Nugroho* Pages 154-165
    Introduction

    Herb–drug interactions (HDIs) in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics can occur when natural compounds are used in combination with drugs. This study aimed to review the potential interaction of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) extract (APE) and its primary compound andrographolide (AND) with several drugs exhibiting various pharmacological activities.

    Methods

    In this systematic review, articles were collected from international databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Scopus until August 2021. The following keywords were used: Andrographis paniculata, andrographolide, HDI, drug interaction, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology. This review was written in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), SYRCLE’s risk of bias (RoB) tool for animal intervention studies, and Cochrane RoB 2 tool to analyze the RoB for qualitative assessment.

    Results

    Twelve articles were included in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. Five studies explored the potential of HDIs for combining APE with drugs and AND with theophylline, etoricoxib, nabumetone, naproxen, and tolbutamide. Five studies focused on AND in combination with aminophylline and doxofylline, meloxicam, glyburide, glimepiride, metformin, and warfarin. Two studies tested the combination of APE with gliclazide and midazolam. The HDI mechanism involving the inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 enzyme expression was dominant in influencing the drug’s pharmacokinetic profile. Pharmacological studies on the combination of several drugs, particularly anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic drugs, showed a synergistic activity.

    Conclusion

    APE and AND have potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic HDIs with various drugs. This study can be used as a therapeutic consideration in clinical aspects related to the possibility of HDIs of A. paniculata (Burm. f.).

    Keywords: Herb-Drug Interactions, Andrographolide, Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic
  • Maryam N. ALNasser*, Ian R. Mellor Pages 166-181

    Dietary interventions rich in fruits and vegetables in aging people can reverse or mitigate age-related cognitive declines, delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), and provide long-term health dividends. The novel food, popularly known as “Acai”, is a berry belonging to the Euterpe genus of tropical palms trees and natively found in South America. Euterpe oleracea has been given much attention among scientists due to its high antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and berries. Additionally, acai pulp composition analysis found that it contains various biologically active phytochemicals. In this review, we focused on current evidence relating to acai berry neuroprotection mechanisms and its efficacy in preventing or reversing neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline. A number of studies have illustrated the potential neuroprotective properties of acai berries. They have shown that their chemical extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and maintain proteins, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. Moreover, acai berry extract offers other neuromodulatory mechanisms, including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anti-aging properties. This neuromodulation gives valuable insights into the acai pulp and its considerable pharmacological potential on critical brain areas involved in memory and cognition. The isolated chemical matrix of acai berries could be a new substitute in research for NDD medicine development. However, due to the limited number of investigations, there is a need for further efforts to establish studies that enable progressing to clinical trials to consequently prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this berry for several incurable NDDs.

    Keywords: Acai berry, Neuroprotection, Neurodegenerative disease, Pharmacology, Antioxidant
  • Arash Amin, Mahtab Rahmani Gavanrudi, Kimia Karami, Yosra Raziani, Parastoo Baharvand* Pages 182-187

    Most studies have shown the positive effects of lavender inhalation in decreasing anxiety in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to systematically review the role of aromatherapy with lavender in these patients. By PRISMA standards, we explored the studies on the role of aromatherapy with lavender in reducing the anxiety of patients with cardiovascular diseases in English databases through the words and terms “aromatherapy”, “lavender”, “lavandula”, “anxiety”, “cardiovascular diseases”. Out of 16 647 papers, 12 papers up to January 2022 encountered the inclusion criteria for involving in this systematic review. The majority of studies (7 studies, 70%) were used Spielberger Standard Questionnaire as a measurement scale for their studies. Lavender aromatherapy was mostly used for myocardial infarction (3 studies, 30%) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (3 studies, 30%) patients. We concluded that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil significantly ameliorated the anxiety signs in some cardiovascular diseases, e.g., CABG surgery, myocardial infarction, and cardiac ischemia; however, more studies are required in this field to obtain more specific evidence.

    Keywords: Lavendula, Aromatherapy, Myocardial infarction, Cardiovascular diseases, Coronary artery disease
  • Wimonrut Insuan, Nanthiya Hansupalak, Thippayarat Chahomchuen* Pages 188-196
    Introduction

    Dried rhizomes of turmeric have been traditionally used as a medicinal herb, dietary spice, food source, food preservative, and natural coloring agent in many Asian countries. This study aimed to develop the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) method for the extraction of curcumin from turmeric powder, evaluate the extraction efficiency, curcumin concentration, and biological activities.

    Methods

    The UAE effects were examined based on several parameters of extraction efficiencies. The curcumin content was also determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the total phenolic content (TPC) was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The antibacterial activity of the extracted was evaluated against the test pathogenic bacteria by the disc diffusion method. The correlation between extraction yield and curcumin content was performed by principal components analysis (PCA).

    Results

    The optimal UAE conditions were: ethanol, a solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 (w/v), an extraction time of 40 min, and only one extraction step. Under the optimal conditions, the yield of curcumin was 160.3 ± 1.17 (mg/g extract) and the TPC was 185.5 ± 3.07 (mg gallic acid equivalent /g extract). PCA presented the positive correlation between curcumin and the TPC of the studied extracts. Comparison of antibacterial activity between UAE and maceration method against the tested bacteria showed no significant difference at P > 0.05.

    Conclusion

    UAE was a viable alternative as a rapid, efficient, and simple means of extraction of curcumin from turmeric. The extracts had great potential as a source of antioxidant agents with high amounts of curcuminoids, phenolic compounds and exhibited activity against pathogenic bacteria.

    Keywords: Phytochemicals, Curcuminoids, Phenolic compound, Ultrasound-assisted extraction, Antibacterial activity
  • Hakam Hasan Alkhateeb*, Mohammed al-duais Pages 197-203
    Introduction

    Cyphostemma digitatum has a high content of antioxidant constituents and has been employed by the traditional healers and local people of Yemen for diabetes treatment. However, scientific evidence regarding its antidiabetic efficacy is largely unknown. Accordingly, the present study aimed to confirm the treatment effects of a dietary natural product prepared from Cyphostemma digitatum (PCD) in diabetic rats.

    Methods

    Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HF-STZ). PCD (1 g/kg) was given by gavage administration once a day continuously for 30 days. At the end of treatment, blood and skeletal muscle samples were collected for further analysis.

    Results

    The antidiabetic effects of PCD were demonstrated by significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in the levels of serum glucose (40%), triglyceride (32%), cholesterol (53%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (44%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (61%) in PCD treated groups compared to the diabetic control group. Additionally, PCD treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) restored the decreased levels of insulin (70%) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (57%) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (544%) when compared to that of diabetic control rats. We found that treatment with PCD for 30 days fully restored the plasmalemmal glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) contents, as well as the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) (P ≤ 0.05).

    Conclusion

    Thus, PCD treatment can be considered a potential drug candidate for diabetes.

    Keywords: Antioxidant, Diabetes, Oxidative stress, Hyperlipidemia
  • Neyder Contreras*, Antistio Alvíz Amador, Isabella Manzur Villalobos Pages 204-212
    Introduction

    The 5-HT1B receptor has a potential role in various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The objective of this study was to perform docking and molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate at atomic level the behavior of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) on 5-HT1B receptor.

    Methods

    In this study, initially, a search for DMT was performed using the PubChem database. Subsequently, molecular docking was executed using AutoDock Vina based in PyRx 0.8 with a 95% analogy. Additionally, ergotamine (ERG) and serotonin were used as control. Then, it ran a total of 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations on 5-HT1B bound with DMT, serotonin, 112814775, and ERG. Finally, pharmacokinetic prediction and IV acute toxicity for analogues and DMT were performed.

    Results

    It was possible to show that 112814775 had the lowest binding energy with the receptor. In addition, 112814775 presented great conformational stability, low mobility, and stiffness compared to the control ligands: ERG, serotonin, and DMT subsequent dynamic analysis. With respect to the free energy calculation, contributions such as Van der Waals, electrostatics, and nonpolar interactions for all systems, were highlighted.

    Conclusion

    112814775 showed affinities with 5-HT1B receptor and evidenced notable behavior by molecular dynamic simulation according to root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), the radius of gyration, number of hydrogen bond, and free energy calculated. These results established the possible relevance of in-silico studies in search of DMT analogues against the 5-HT1B receptor, which may be associated with alterations such as depression and anxiety, and may become future study molecules for the treatment of this type of disorder.

    Keywords: Serotonin, Computational Chemistry, Receptor, Anxiety disorder, Depression, Ayahuasca
  • Purity Kanana Kimathi*, Timothy Maitho, James Mbaria, Gervason Moriasi Pages 213-225
    Introduction

    Cucumis dipsaceus is used to treat diarrhoea, microbial infections, among other diseases across the world; however, there is insufficient empirical data to validate its efficacy, toxicity, and safety. Accordingly, we investigated the antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and toxic effects of the aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus.

    Methods

    Antidiarrheal activities of the aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus were investigated using the castor oil-induced diarrhoea technique in a Wistar rat model. The disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods were adopted to determine the antimicrobial activities of the studied plant extracts. The acute oral toxicity effects of the studied plant extracts were investigated in Wistar rats according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines.

    Results

    The aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited diarrhoea in a dose-dependent manner in experimental rats. Besides, the studied extracts significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth of Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in varying degrees, as depicted by their growth inhibition zones (>6.00 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs <1000 μg/mL). Moreover, the studied extracts did not cause any observable acute oral toxicity effects in the experimental rats across the 14-day experimental period.

    Conclusion

    The aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus present a potential source of safe and efficacious lead compounds for developing antidiarrheal and antimicrobial therapies.

    Keywords: Microbial infections, Diarrhoea, Acute oral toxicity, Phytomedicine
  • Adeolu Alex Adedapo*, Ademola Afeez Yusuf, Olufunke Olubunmi Falayi, Iyanuoluwa Omolola Ogunmiluyi, Blessing Seun Ogunpolu, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Olumuyiwa Abiola Adejumobi, Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju, Momoh Audu Yakubu, Fred Bayo Yakubu Pages 226-237
    Introduction

    Cisplatin (CP)-induced toxicity involves oxidative stress and Picralima nitida is rich in natural antioxidants hence its methanol leaf extract was used to mitigate the toxic effect of CP.

    Methods

    Forty rats divided into four groups of 10 rats per group were used as follows: group A (normal saline), group B (CP 10 mg/kg), group C [Methanol Leaf Extract of Picralima nitida (MLEPN), 100 mg/kg and CP 10 mg/kg], and group D (MLEPN 200 mg/kg and CP 10 mg/kg). All administrations were done by oral gavage with the volumes of the treatments administered determined by the average weight of the rats in each group except CP, which was given intraperitoneally. Administration of normal saline and MLEPN lasted for seven consecutive days after which a single dose of CP was given on day 8. All animals were sacrificed 72 hours after CP administration. On day 9, blood pressure measurement was taken, and changes in body weight were determined. On day 10, blood samples were taken for serum chemistry, and kidneys, liver, and heart were harvested from the animals for Serum assay, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

    Results

    The extract improved weight changes caused by CP and reversed the toxic changes produced by CP on serum chemistry, oxidative stress, and histopathology. The extract caused a significant decrease in the levels of nuclear factor kappa beta, cardiac troponin, and mineralocorticoid receptors (MCRs). However, it increased the protein expression of Nrf2 compared to the toxicant group.

    Conclusion

    The extract exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-renin properties.

    Keywords: Anti-inflammation, Antioxidant, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Phytotherapy
  • Joysree Roy, Sutapa Bhowmik, Md. Giash Uddin*, Md. Nazmul Hasan, Abdullah Al Maswood, Sumyya Zahan, Md. Abdul Aziz, Md. Farhad Hossain, Md. Kamrul Hossain, Mohammad Safiqul Islam Pages 238-244
    Introduction

    Lablab purpureus, under the family of Fabaceae, is a plant with various pharmacological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents, membrane stabilizing activity, central nervous system (CNS) depressant potential, and gastrointestinal (GI) motility of the methanol extract of L. purpureus seeds (MELPS).

    Methods

    The methanol plant extract was screened for different phytochemical groups. Mice were classified into four groups for in vivo activities. Group-I was designated as negative control and received distilled water (10 mL/kg body weight); group-II served as positive control and received diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight). Group-III and group-IV both were experimental groups and received plant extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively.

    Results

    Alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and proteins were found after phytochemical analysis. On hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis of erythrocyte membrane, MELPS9 (9 mg/mL) resulted in the highest percentage of inhibition (60.51 ± 0.889), and on heat-induced hemolysis, MELPS9 (9 mg/mL) resulted in the highest percentage of inhibition (33.97 ± 0.21). In the case of the CNS depressant potential experiment, mice that received a sample at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight showed the highest result (54.40 ± 4.51) compared with the positive control (14.2 ± 3.70) (P < 0.001). Similarly, 400 mg/kg dose sample exhibited the highest percentage of inhibition (60.51 ± 0.889) of hemolysis and GI motility (22.26%).

    Conclusion

    It can be concluded that the MELPS has potential membrane stability, CNS depressant, and antimotility effects.

    Keywords: Lablab purpureus, Antidepressant, Membrane stability, Gastrointestinal motility
  • Dayo Rotimi Omotoso*, Gerald Ikechi Eze Pages 245-252
    Introduction

    Generally, factors that up-regulate gastric mucosal protective factors or down-regulate aggressive factors contribute to the maintenance of mucosal integrity. This study was done to assess the role of mucous cells, Bcl-2 and p53 proteins during the gastroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides.

    Methods

    The phytochemistry of A. conyzoides extract was analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Animals were subdivided into five groups, including non-treated normal control group A, non-treated test control group B, and treated groups C-E (Pre-treated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg A. conyzoides, respectively for 28 days). After the treatment period, pyloric-ligation was used to induce mucosal injury. Gastric tissues were harvested, grossly examined, and processed for histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical studies. Stained sections were examined and quantified using image-J software. The data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS (version 23), and comparisons were checked via t test and analysis of variance.

    Results

    Mild mucosal erosion was observed in the treated groups, but intense erosion was prominent in the test control animals. There was an insignificant increase in mucous cells, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Bcl-2 expression without a significant increase in p53 expression in gastric mucosa of pre-treated animals compared to normal control. Gastric mucosa of test control showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mucous cell count and Bcl-2 expression with a significant concomitant increase in p53 expression.

    Conclusion

    Increased mucous cell population and reciprocal expressions of Bcl-2 and p53 proteins in the gastric mucosa of animals highlighted the sub-cellular mechanisms of gastroprotective activity of A. conyzoides.

    Keywords: Gastroprotection, Ageratum conyzoides, Mucous cells, Apoptotic markers, Wistar rats
  • Sonal Nafade, Rupali Agnihotri*, Shobha Ullas Kamath, Padmaja Ananth Shenoy, Nisha Abdul Khadher, Deeksha Dayanand Nayak Pages 253-261
    Introduction

    Oolong tea, a functional food, has numerous therapeutic benefits owing to the presence of bioactive polyphenols, theasinensins (TS) and catechins. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of systemic administration of oolong tea as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in the management of chronic periodontitis (CP).

    Methods

    A total of 60 subjects with mild to moderate CP were randomly divided into two groups of tests (n = 30) and the controls (n = 30). They underwent NSPT with adjunctive oolong tea supplementation in the test group only. At baseline, 1, and 3 months, their gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP), and lobene stain index (LSI) were recorded. Furthermore, the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidants (TAO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also estimated in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva and serum. Additionally, colony-forming units (CFUs) of selective supra and subgingival plaque bacteria were estimated in the plaque samples.

    Results

    In both groups, at 1 month, the GI, PI, BOP, GPx, and TAO levels were improved with a reduction in the levels of MDA and CFU’s and no staining of teeth (P < 0.05). The results were maintained in the test group at 3-month recall visit.

    Conclusion

    Adjunctive administration of oolong tea with NSPT reduced the local and systemic oxidative burden and rapidly resolved the inflammation in CP. This would be specifically beneficial in CP subjects with systemic conditions.

    Keywords: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Functional foods, Glutathione peroxidase, Oxidative stress, Theasinensins
  • Hassan Sadraei*, Maedeh Ghasemi, Salman Saranji Pages 262-268
    Introduction

    Naringenin is a flavonoid constituent of many herbal plants, including citreous fruits. Biological studies have suggested various therapeutic effects for naringenin, including protective effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility. The present study was performed to investigate the involvement of ATP-sensitive K+ channels on the effect of naringenin in rat ileum motility.

    Methods

    Ileum contractions were induced by either KCl or acetylcholine (ACh) in vitro. Inhibitory concentration-response curves were constructed for naringenin and diazoxide after exposure of rat isolated ileum to KCl (20mM) or ACh (500nM). The relaxant effects of naringenin and diazoxide were also examined in the presence of glibenclamide. Furthermore, oral effects of diazoxide (25 mg/kg) and naringenin (25, 50 mg/kg) were also assessed on the intestinal charcoal meal transit in mice (n=10) in the absence and presence of glibenclamide (50 mg/kg).

    Results

    Diazoxide and naringenin in a concentration-dependent manner inhibited ileum contractions induced by low bath concentration of KCl (20mM). However, both drugs had no effect on contractions induced by a high concentration of KCl (160mM). The inhibitory effects of diazoxide and naringenin were blocked by glibenclamide. Oral administration of diazoxide and naringenin significantly reduced the intestinal transit of charcoal meal. The delay in the intestinal transit was blocked by the oral dose of glibenclamide. The effect of naringenin on the rat intestinal strip pre-contracted with the KCl was relatively similar to that of ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener (diazoxide).

    Conclusion

    This research supports that ATP-sensitive K+ channels are involved in the rat small intestinal smooth muscles relaxation induced by naringenin.

    Keywords: Flavonoid, Gastrointestinal motility, Relaxation, Smooth muscle, Ion channels
  • Mehdi Houshmandzad, Aghil Sharifzadeh*, Alireza Khosravi, Hojjatollah Shokri Pages 269-277
    Introduction

    Candida krusei is recognized as a major fungal pathogen in patients with immunodeficiency disorders. The present study aimed at investigating the anticandidal activities of citral and linalool combined with fluconazole (FLZ) against FLZ-resistant C. krusei strains.

    Methods

    Antifungal activities were evaluated by the broth microdilution (MD) method to determine the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (namely, MICs and MFCs) according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 document. The interactions were further evaluated using fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) for combinations of citral+FLZ and linalool+FLZ, calculated from checkerboard MD assays.

    Results

    The mean ± standard deviation (SD) MIC values of citral, linalool, and FLZ against the C. krusei isolates were 70.23 ± 17, 150 ± 38.73, and 74.66 ± 36.95 μg/mL, respectively. Some fungicidal activities were also observed for citral (2.5) and linalool (1.53) against the C. krusei isolates. The FICI values of citral+FLZ and linalool+FLZ for the C. krusei isolates ranged from 0.4 to 1.00 and 0.19 to 0.63, respectively. The additive and synergistic interactions of linalool + FLZ were further observed in 12 (57.1%) and 9 (42.9%) C. krusei isolates. However, there was an additive interaction for citral + FLZ in 17 (80.9%) isolates. They also showed a synergistic interaction in only four (19.1%) isolates. Moreover, linalool and citral plus FLZ did not have any antagonistic effect on any isolates.

    Conclusion

    The study findings support the possible capabilities of citral and linalool, as anticandidal agents, and FLZ might be supplemented with citral and/or linalool for treating FLZ-resistant C. krusei infections.

    Keywords: Candida Candida, Combination therapy, Synergy, Fluconazole, Interaction
  • Orapin Insuan *, Benchaluk Thongchuai, Supaporn Khamchun, Wimonrut Insuan, Daoyot Daorueang, Plubplung Sansai Pages 278-285
    Introduction

    Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg is a tropical fruit, which has been commonly used for healthy food and traditional herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of A. thwaitesianum fruit extract (AFE) rich in 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

    Methods

    The chemical composition of AFE was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). RAW264.7 cells were used as an in vitro inflammatory response model. RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of AFE or 5-HMF and subsequently treated with LPS. Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The production levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined by the Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was examined by western blot analysis.

    Results

    AFE had a high content of 5-HMF (61.03% ± 0.49%). Pre-treatment with AFE and 5-HMF markedly reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, namely NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α, in RAW264.7 cells; this reduction correlated with downregulation of iNOS expression.

    Conclusion

    This study suggests that A. thwaitesianum fruit extract containing 5-HMF could modulate the LPS-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α production and iNOS expression. A. thwaitesianum fruit extract rich in 5-HMF could be considered a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of inflammation.

    Keywords: Inflammation, Nitric oxide, Pro-inflammatory cytokines, Inducible nitric oxide synthetase, Tumour necrosis factor, Interleukin
  • Suliman Sohaim, Salman Mohammed, Elham Amin*, Hussein M Ali, Mohamed Abdelbakky* Pages 286-295
    Introduction

    Gentamicin (Gen) causes renal toxicity by inhibiting protein synthesis in kidney cells, causing proximal tubule cell necrosis and renal failure. Herein, we examined the nephroprotective effect of date palm seed extract (DPSE) and one herbal mixture (HM; composed of Tribulus terrestris, Aerva lanata, Andrographis paniculata, and Raphanus sativus) against Gen-induced renal toxicity in mice with special reference to the possible role of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR-α) and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) in this effect.

    Methods

    Thirty-two male Balb/c mice divided randomly into four groups were either treated with saline, Gen (225 mg/kg/i.p., daily from day 3 to day 10), Gen (225 mg/kg i.p.) daily from day 3 to day 10 and DPSE (100 mg/kg/p.o.) daily for 10 days, or Gen (225 mg/kg i.p.) daily from day 3 to day 10 and HM (100 mg/kg/p.o., daily for 10 days). Mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose administration, and kidney tissues were dissected out, weighed, and subjected to histological, immunofluorescence, and biochemical assays.

    Results

    The Gen-induced renal toxicity group demonstrated a significant decrease in RXR-α and a significant increase in PAR-2 protein expression. Treatment with DPSE or HM significantly improved Gen-induced effects on serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, RXR-α extracellular matrix deposition, and PAR-2.

    Conclusion

    The present study stated the nephroprotective effects of DPSE and HM and revealed, for the first time, the involvement of retinoid receptors and PAR-2 in Gen-induced renal toxicity as well as in the protective effects of the two tested natural products.

    Keywords: Nephroprotection, Renal toxicity, Gentamycin, Renal injury, Histopathology, Phoenix dactylifera
  • Nattapong Wongchum, Ananya Dechakhamphu*, Panatda Panya, Somchai Pinlaor, Sitthisak Pinmongkhonkul, Alongklod Tanomtong Pages 296-304
    Introduction

    Cyperus rotundus L. is suspected of having anti-obesity properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-obesity property of hydroethanolic C. rotundus extract (HECE) using Drosophila as a model organism.

    Methods

    In vitro inhibition of lipase activity by C. rotundus extract was investigated. The effects of C. rotundus extract on obesity-related characteristics, including body weight, triglyceride content, and lifespan extension were evaluated in Drosophila fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The effect of the extract on the reduction of oxidative stress associated with obesity was assessed in vivo using antioxidant assays in Drosophila.

    Results

    HECE inhibited lipase activity in vitro with an IC50 of 128.24 ± 3.65 μg/mL. In vivo lipase inhibition experiments demonstrated that feeding Drosophila 10 mg/mL HECE or 2 μM orlistat lowered lipase activity by 21.51 (P < 0.05) and 42.86% (P < 0.01) and triglyceride levels by 20.67 (P < 0.05) and 28.39% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared to those of the untreated group. After 10 mg/mL HECE or 2 μM orlistat supplementation, an increase in the mean survival rate (10.54 (P < 0.05) and 13.90% (P < 0.01), respectively) and climbing ability (25.03 (P < 0.01) and 28.44% (P < 0.01), respectively) was observed compared to those of flies fed a HFD. The paraquat and H2O2 challenge tests revealed that flies fed HECE in a mixed HFD showed increased survival on flies fed a HFD.

    Conclusion

    This study demonstrates the beneficial effects of dietary HECE supplementation on suppressing pancreatic lipase activity and lowering triglyceride levels and oxidative stress, leading to increased lifespan in Drosophila fed a HFD.

    Keywords: Herbal medicine, Anti-obesity agent, Oxidative stress, Longevity, Animal model