Enhanced In Vitro Skin Deposition Properties of Retinyl Palmitate through Its Stabilization by Pectin

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stabilization of retinyl palmitate (RP) on its skin permeation and distribution profiles. Skin permeation and distribution study were performed using Franz diffusion cells along with rat dorsal skin, and the effect of drug concentration and the addition of pectin on skin deposition profiles of RP was observed. The skin distribution of RP increased in a concentration dependent manner and the formulations containing 0.5 and 1 mg of pectin demonstrated significantly increased RP distributions in the epidermis. Furthermore, it was found that skin distribution of RP could be further improved by combined use of pectin and ascorbyl palmitate (AP), due largely to their anti-oxidative effect. These results clearly demonstrate that the skin deposition properties of RP can be improved by stabilizing RP with pectin. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that pectin could be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as an efficient stabilizing agent and as skin penetration modulator.

Enhanced In Vitro Skin Deposition Properties of Retinyl Palmitate through Its Stabilization by Pectin

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stabilization of retinyl palmitate (RP) on its skin permeation and distribution profiles. Skin permeation and distribution study were performed using Franz diffusion cells along with rat dorsal skin, and the effect of drug concentration and the addition of pectin on skin deposition profiles of RP was observed. The skin distribution of RP increased in a concentration dependent manner and the formulations containing 0.5 and 1 mg of pectin demonstrated significantly increased RP distributions in the epidermis. Furthermore, it was found that skin distribution of RP could be further improved by combined use of pectin and ascorbyl palmitate (AP), due largely to their anti-oxidative effect. These results clearly demonstrate that the skin deposition properties of RP can be improved by stabilizing RP with pectin. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that pectin could be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as an efficient stabilizing agent and as skin penetration modulator.

The Efficacy of Tramadol Combined with A Donor of NO, Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) Mixture on Cytokines, NF-KB Expression and Oxıdative Stress Marker in the Rat Model of Formalin-Induced Inflammation.

In addition to well-known analgesic action of tramadol, its potential antinflammatory effects have not been thoroughly evaluated. On the other hand, effectiveness of antioxidants is also reported against inflammation. It is known that glyceryl trinitrate, as a nitric oxide donor, enhance the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the efficacy of the tramadol mixtue with glyceryl trinitrate on cytokines, NF-kappa B expression and oxidative stress marker was examined on the formalin-induced inflammation in rats (Tramadol 5, 10 and 30 mg/kg + nitroglycerine 1 mg/kg). Cytokines (TNF-, IL-6 and IL-10) and oxidative/anti-oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH) were measured in blood samples. NF-kappa B expression was assessed immunohistochemically in spleen and thymus. The results show that tramadol 30 mg/kg has both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Additionally, it was evidenced that glyceryl trinitrate improves the antiinflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Tramadol (30 mg/kg) on the formalin-induced inflammation in rats. In this framework, the present study provides a unique approach for the analysis of the efficacy of tramadol and additive effects of glyceryl trinitrate on the acute inflammations in rats.

Anti-Oxidative Activity of Pectin and Its Stabilizing Effect on Retinyl Palmitate

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-oxidative activity of pectin and other polysaccharides in order to develop a cosmeceutical base having anti-oxidative effects towards retinyl palmitate (RP). The anti-oxidative stabilizing effects of pectin and other polysaccharides on RP were evaluated by DPPH assay and then the stabilizing effect of pectin on RP was examined as a function of time. Among the polysaccharides we examined, pectin exhibited a considerably higher anti-oxidative activity, with an approximately 5-fold greater DPPH radical scavenging effect compared to other polysaccharides. The DPPH radical scavenging effect of pectin increased gradually with increasing concentrations of pectin. At two different RP concentrations, 0.01 and 0.1% in ethanol, addition of pectin improved the stability of RP in a concentration dependent manner. The stabilizing effect of pectin on RP was more effective for the lower concentration of RP (0.01%, v/v). Further, degradation of RP was reduced following the addition of pectin as measured over 8 hours. From the results obtained, it can be suggested that pectin may be a promising ingredient for cosmeceutical bases designed to stabilize RP or other pharmacological agents subject to degradation by oxidation.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative effect of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia pulp and Trigonella foenum graecum seed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes is an oxidative stress disorder and oxidative damage to tissues such as heart, kidney, liver and other organs may be a contributory factor to several diabetic complications. Momordica charantia (family: Cucurbitaceae) and Trigonella foenum graecum (family: Fabaceae) are used traditionally in Indian folk medicine to manage diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative potential of aqueous extracts of M. charantia pulp and seed powder of T. foenum graecum were assessed in alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic rats. Alloxan treatment to the rats could induce diabetes as the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were >280 mg/dl. Treatment of diabetic rats for 30 days with M. charantia and T. foenum graecum could significantly (p<0.001) improve the FBG levels to near normal glucose levels. Antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione content and glutathione-s-transferase) and lipid peroxidation levels were measured in heart, kidney and liver tissues of normal, diabetic and experimental animals (diabetics + treatment). TBARS levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher and anti-oxidative activities were found low in diabetic group, as compared to the control group. Significant (p<0.001) improvement in both the TBARS levels and antioxidant activities were observed when M. charantia and T. foenum graecum were given to diabetic rats. Our results clearly demonstrate that M. charantia and T. foenum graecum are not only useful in controlling the blood glucose levels, but also have antioxidant potential to protect vital organs such as heart and kidney against damage caused due to diabetes induced oxidative stress.

Propolis as a Material for Complementary and Alternative Medicine / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Propolis is a resinous product by European honeybees, which they use as a supporting material for the nest structure. It has been used as a folk medicine in European and African countries, and nowadays the tradition became popular worldwide. Especially in Japan, bulk of propolis is used as a supplementary health food and drinks. This article outlined researches about propolis and its components, and reviewed the biological activities of propolis quoting 163 articles published worldwide. The investigations have shown the evidences concerning anti-microorganismal, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-hepatotoxic, and other activities. When it is used as an alternative medicine, however, cautions should be cared on the diversity among propolis samples mainly due to plant origins.<br>

The Effect of Pinitol on Cataractogenesis and Anti-oxidative effect in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

PURPOSE: Pinitol, a natural extract of soybeans, is metabolized to chiroinositol in the body. We evaluated the ability of pinitol to protect diabetic cataracts from oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: We used Sprague-Dawley rats (n=80). Diabetes was induced with STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.). These STZ-injected rats were administered pinitol or chiroinositol, each 20 mg/ml, and given access to regular chow. The efficacies of pinitol and chiroinositol were studied by monitoring a series of lens opacity and corneal lesion by photodocumentation. Aqueous humor and lens samples were collected at the 2nd week, 4th week, and 12th week. We measured glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA) and used ELISA to evaluate its antioxidant effect. RESULTS: STZ-diabetic rats showed typical Y sutural lens opacity beginning on the 3rd day and progressed diffusely to more cortical opacity from the 1st week. However, in pinitol-treated diabetic rats, these cataractous changes were remarkably decreased. Corneal edema and opacity also remarkably reduced in the pinitol-treated group. Glutathione level markedly increased compared to that of the non-treated diabetic group (230.12+/-10.96 micrometer, 156.42+/-5.09 micrometer, respectively). This resulted in a decrease in peroxidized MDA product in the treated group. Similarly, the anti-cataractogenic and anti-oxidative effects of pinitol were also observed in the chiroinositol-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pinitol could be effective in preventing cataract and cornea edema caused by oxidative stress in a hyperglycemic environment.

Effect of Alkaline Electrolytic Water on Lipid Peroxidation in Blood,Liver,Kidney and Brain of Mouse / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To research the protective effects of alkaline electrolytic water on lipid peroxidation in blood,liver,kidney and brain of mice. Methods Total forty-five Kunming mice were randomly divided into three groups,control group:tap water;peroxidation model group:100 mg/kg D-galactose subcutaneous injection (once a day) + tap water;experimental group:100 mg/kg D-galactose subcutaneous injection (once a day) + alkaline electrolytic water. After 18 weeks of exposure,the mice were sacrificed,and the blood,liver,kidney and brain of mice were collected for further study. The MDA levels were measured by TBA method; The GSH levels and GSH-Px activities were measured by modified DNTB method; The SOD activities were measured by Xanthine oxidase method; The lipofuscin levels were detrmined by Sohal method. Results Compared with the control group,MDA and lipofuscin level increased,GSH content decreased,the activities of GSH-Px and SOD decreased in all detected organs and blood in the peroxidation model group,and compared with the peroxidation model group,MDA and lipofuscin level decreased,GSH content increased,the activities of GSH-Px and SOD increased significantly in D-galactose +alkaline electrolytic water group. Conclusion Alkaline electrolytic water has some antagonistic effects on the lipid peroxidation induced by D-galactose.

Studies on Live Yeast Cell Derivative Induced by High Temperature and H_2O_2 / 微生物学通报

This study was based on live yeast cell derivative (LYCD), which was produced by live yeast cell stressed with high temperature and H 2O 2. The results showed that pretreating of low dose(37℃and 0.2mmol/L H 2O 2) could increase the content of GSH and the activity of SOD and CAT. These pretreatment could induce the resistance to lethal concentration of H 2O 2. LYCD was produced by yeast treated with 37℃ and 0.2mmol/L H 2O 2. And it was found that the survival of yeast treated with lethal concentration of H 2O 2 obviously increased, while LYCD was added in yeast culture. It indicated that LYCD could have resistance to oxidative condition.