Effects of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of artichoke leaf extract in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups such as sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum obtained from the subjects. Histopathological findings were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Statistically, the antioxidant activity was highest in the artichoke leaf extract group, the difference in biochemical parameters and C-reactive protein was significant compared with the control group, and the histopathological positive effects were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect and that this effect was related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke.

Ageing Induced Hyperproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species and Dysbalance in Enzymatic Link of Antioxidant Defense System of Skin and Therapeutic Efficacy of Artichoke Extract

Skin aging is multitarget persistence processing that immediately involve hyperproduction of free radicals under influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors and deterioration in intimal antioxidant defense system. The goal of the study was the evaluation of the anti-oxidant potential of artichoke standartizated extracts, 2%, as a protective strategy against skin age-associated oxidative damage caused by D-galactose (D-gal) in rats. 58 female Wistar rats included in the experimental design. D-gal-induced aging was reproduced in 36 animals of main group, and 12 rats included in control group. All animals in main group were randomized for 3 groups: I – animals with skin aging reproduced model receive saline, II – animals with skin aging rats receive artichoke extracts (with content of chloroagenic acid 2.0%) in a dose of intradermal injection 0.13 mg/kg and main III group - animals with skin aging receive 1.3 mg/kg artichoke extract twice at weeks during 4 weeks. Influence of artichoke extracts restores skin relative weight and leads to decreasing the rate of generation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation (LPx), increasing activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reverse ratio SOD/(catalase+GPx) to the production of H2O2 from superoxide dismutation coupling with the decrease ratio of generated O2-/H2O2. Low-dose of intradermally microinjection of artichoke extracts, 2%, activated the enzymatic link in innate antioxidant defense system in D-gal-induced skin aging model and could be recommended for applications in cosmetics as antiaging mesotherapy.

Artichoke edible parts are hepatoprotective as commercial leaf preparation

ABSTRACT Chemical profile analyses of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae) edible parts (fleshy receptacle, inner bracts) as well as roots are compared with the commercially usable leaf extract using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS via chlorogenicacid as a marker. Overall polyphenolic constituents demonstrated by means of LC/MS profiling. The nutritional values and inulin contents of different assessed parts were investigated. The present study was designed to determine the effect of artichoke: leaves, bracts, receptacles and roots alcoholic extracts against CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidemia in rats by means of histopathological and biochemical parameters. Serum liver enzymes levels of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and lipid peroxidase content (malondialdehyde MDA) were estimated. Blood glutathione, total cholesterol, triacylglycerides and high density lipid level were estimated in plasma. The ethanol extract of roots, leaves, bracts and receptacles were standardized to (0.82 ± 0.02, 1.6 ± 0.06, 2.02 ± 0.16 and 2.4 ± 0.27 mg chlorogenic acid/100 mg extract), respectively. The receptacle showed the highest content of polyphenols and exhibits the highest antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis of inulin in the receptacles of globe artichoke revealed high content of inulin (41.47 mg/g) dry extract. All artichoke parts contain comparable vitamins and minerals. Artichokes receptacles extract when taken in dose of (500 mg/kg/day) reduce the lesion caused by CCl4 alone more than groups receiving silymarin. Bracts and leaves extract exert nearly the same effect.

TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism modulates the effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)-rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The response of insulin and insulin resistance to artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may be affected by TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study examined the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with MetS in Sina Clinic, Khoy, Iran. The patients were randomized into ALE or placebo groups to receive either ALE (1800 mg/d as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile levels were measured before and after the study. Moreover, patients were genotyped for TCF7L2 polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ALE supplementation decreased insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with the TT genotype of TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism (P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile response to ALE supplementation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The responses of insulin and HOMA-IR to ALE supplementation have shown an interaction with single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146 in TCF7L2.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT201409033320N9.</p>

Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of Cynara scolymus in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae, are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of C. scolymus in rat's model. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 15 days) were treated (0.5 ml/200 g) with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) once per day for 30 days along with hypercaloric diet. A control group (C) was given water (0.5 ml/200 g; n = 6). A high-cholesterol diet was maintained throughout the treatment period. Rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg) and simvastatin showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol (−46.9%, −51.9%, −44%, and −41.9%, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C; −52.1%, −54.8%, −51.9%, and −46.7%, respectively), compared with group C (p < 0.005). Biochemical analyses revealed significant decrease in the concentration of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, and antioxidized-LDL in rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg). There were no differences in serum ALT enzyme activity between the groups. Our results suggest that hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects could be related with the presence of polar substances present in aqueous extract of C. scolymus.

Fermentation of purple Jerusalem artichoke extract to improve the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect in vitro and ameliorate blood glucose in db/db mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Jerusalem artichoke has inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and decreases fasting serum glucose levels, which may be related to its fructan content. The biological activity of fructan can be influenced by the degree of polymerization. Thus, in this study, the inhibitory effects of original and fermented purple Jerusalem artichoke (PJA) on α-glucosidase were compared in vitro. Additionally, the anti-diabetes effect of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented PJA (LJA) was studied in a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus animal model (C57BIKsJ db/db). MATERIALS/METHODS: The water extract of PJA was fermented by L. plantarum, and two strains of Bacillus subtilis to compare their anti-α-glucosidase activities in vitro by α-glucosidase assays. The anti-diabetes effect of LJA was studied in a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus animal model (C57BIKsJ db/db) for seven weeks. During the experiment, food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose were measured every week. At the end of the treatment period, several diabetic parameters and the intestinal α-glucosidase activity were measured. RESULTS: The LJA showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. In the in vivo study, it resulted in a significantly lower blood glucose concentration than the control. Serum insulin and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher and the concentrations of triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol were significant lower in mice treated with LJA after seven weeks. In addition, the intestinal α-glucosidase activity was partially inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that LJA regulates blood glucose and has potential use as a dietary supplement.

Fermentation of purple Jerusalem artichoke extract to improve the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect in vitro and ameliorate blood glucose in db/db mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Jerusalem artichoke has inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and decreases fasting serum glucose levels, which may be related to its fructan content. The biological activity of fructan can be influenced by the degree of polymerization. Thus, in this study, the inhibitory effects of original and fermented purple Jerusalem artichoke (PJA) on α-glucosidase were compared in vitro. Additionally, the anti-diabetes effect of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented PJA (LJA) was studied in a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus animal model (C57BIKsJ db/db). MATERIALS/METHODS: The water extract of PJA was fermented by L. plantarum, and two strains of Bacillus subtilis to compare their anti-α-glucosidase activities in vitro by α-glucosidase assays. The anti-diabetes effect of LJA was studied in a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus animal model (C57BIKsJ db/db) for seven weeks. During the experiment, food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose were measured every week. At the end of the treatment period, several diabetic parameters and the intestinal α-glucosidase activity were measured. RESULTS: The LJA showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. In the in vivo study, it resulted in a significantly lower blood glucose concentration than the control. Serum insulin and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher and the concentrations of triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol were significant lower in mice treated with LJA after seven weeks. In addition, the intestinal α-glucosidase activity was partially inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that LJA regulates blood glucose and has potential use as a dietary supplement.

Jerusalem Artichoke and Inulin / 임상당뇨병

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is hot topic recently because its tubers have been introduced as a beneficial food for decreasing glucose level. Therefore, this study focuses on providing accurate information about Jerusalem artichoke, its contents, and the effective way for diabetic patients to intake it. The dietary fiber inulin is a considerable component in Jerusalem artichoke compared to other foods. It is indigestible by human enzymes and passes through much of the digestive system intact. Therefore it delays sharp increases of the glycemic index. Also, inulin is a soluble fiber able to increase bowel activity and the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria among other benefits. However, consumption of large quantities of inulin can lead to bloating and nutritional disorders. It is necessary to intake only a suitable amount. Jerusalem artichoke contains more soluble fiber than potato but is similar to potato in other components. Therefore, it is recommended to consider carbohydrate amount when replacing the usual menu. Using Jerusalem artichoke tuber powder as a cornstarch substitute in cooking helps reduce rise of the glycemic index. It is useful to control blood sugar with not only diet, regular exercise, and medicinal treatments, but also with exact knowledge of food and the proper way to effectively intake it.

Quality Characteristics and Optimization of Rice Muffin Containing Chinese Artichoke (Stachys sieboldii MIQ) Powder Using Response Surface Methodology

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal composite recipe of rice muffin using three different amounts of Chinese artichoke (Stachys sieboldii MIQ) powder, brown sugar, and egg. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to obtain 16 experimental points (including three replicates of Chinese artichoke powder, brown sugar, and egg), and the Chinese artichoke rice muffin formulation was optimized using rheology. The results of the sensory evaluation showed very significant values for color, texture, sweetness, and overall quality (P<0.05). The results of the color, texture, and chemical analyses showed significant values for crumb redness (P<0.01), crumb yellowness (P<0.05), crust redness (P<0.05), crust yellowness (P<0.001), crust lightness (P<0.05), adhesiveness (P<0.01), springiness (P<0.001), gumminess (P<0.01), cohesiveness (P<0.05), moisture content (P<0.05), and sweetness (P<0.05). As a result, optimum formulations obtained by numerical and graphical methods were found to be 8.28 g of Chinese artichoke powder, 66.20 g of brown sugar, 111.72 g of sticky rice powder, 30 g of rice powder, and 59.37 g of egg.

Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica de cápsulas e chás de plantas utilizadas na assistência ao tratamento da obesidade / Microbiological quality evaluation of herbal capsules and teas to assist the treatment of obesity

O uso de plantas diuréticas e laxativas é uma alternativa medicamentosa para muitas pessoas que objetivam o emagrecimento com menores efeitos adversos. A avaliação microbiológica é um requisito essencial para a garantia de qualidade dos produtos. A finalidade deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de cápsulas e chás de alcachofra (Cynara scolymus L.), centella asiática (Hydrocotile asiatica L.), fucus (Fucus vesiculosus L.), e sene (Cassia acutifolia Delile), através da contagem de micro-organismos viáveis totais e pesquisa de patógenos. Na contagem de micro-organismos viáveis, os chás analisados foram aprovados, pois apesar de apresentarem uma carga microbiana elevada, esta se encontrava dentro das especificações, entretanto, 16,66% e 66,66% das cápsulas analisadas foram reprovadas por apresentaram quantidades superiores de bactérias e fungos, respectivamente. Na pesquisa de patógenos, 76% das amostras (88% dos chás e 58% das cápsulas) apresentaram um ou mais de um tipo de micro-organismo. Salmonella sp. esteve presente em 33% das amostras evidenciando a qualidade microbiológica insatisfatória dos produtos encontrados no mercado. Estes resultados demonstram a necessidade da realização do controle de qualidade tanto das matérias-primas vegetais, quanto dos produtos acabados, através do controle e fiscalização rigorosa, com adoção de medidas regulamentadoras e educativas.

The use of laxative and diuretic herbal drugs is an alternative therapy for many people looking for loosing weight with fewer side effects. The microbiological evaluation is an essential requirement for the quality assurance of products. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), centella (Hydrocotile asiatica L.), fucus (Fucus vesiculosus L.), and Senna (Cassia acutifolia Delile) capsules and teas, by counting the total viable aerobic microorganisms and through tests for specified microorganisms. On the total viable aerobic microorganisms count, the teas analyzed were approved, because although they had a high microbial load, this was in accordance with the specifications, however 16.66% and 66.66% of the capsules analyzed were rejected because they presented higher amounts of bacteria and fungi, respectively. In relation to the tests for specified microorganisms, 76% of the samples (88% of the teas and 58% of the capsules) presented one or more than one type of microorganisms. Salmonella sp. was present in 33% of the samples, showing the unsatisfactory microbial quality of the products in the market. These results demonstrate the necessity of performing quality control both on herbal raw material and finished products, through a rigorous control and inspection, adopting regulatory and educational measures.

In vitro investigations of Cynara scolymus L. extract on cell physiology of HepG2 liver cells / Investigações in vitro de extrato de Cynara scolymus L. na fisiologia das células do fígado HepG2

The objective of this study was the investigation of a potential influence of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) on the cell physiology and gene expression of phase I/II enzymes of human liver cells HepG2 and investigation on potential cell protective effects against ethanol-induced cell toxicity against HepG2 cells. Cell biological assays under in vitro conditions using HepG2 liver cells and investigation of mitochondrial activity (MTT test), proliferation assay (BrdU incorporation ELISA), LDH as toxicity marker, gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and enzyme activity of glutationtransferase. Artichocke extract, containing 27 percent caffeoylquinic acids and 7 percent flavonoids induced mitochondrial activity, proliferation and total protein content under in vitro conditions in human liver cells HepG2. These effects could not be correlated to the well-known artichoke secondary compounds cynarin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The flavones luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside had inhibitory effects at 100 µg/mL level on HepG2 cells, with luteolin being a significant stronger inhibitor compared to the respective glucoside. Artichoke leaf extract had minor stimulating effect on gene expression of CYP1A2, while CYP3A4, GGT, GPX2, GSR and GST were slightly inhibited. GST inhibition under in vitro conditions was also shown by quantification of GST enzyme activity. Induction of gene expression of CYP1A2 was shown to be supraadditive after simultaneous application of ethanol plus artichoke extract. Artichoke leaf extract exhibited cell protective effects against ethanol-induced toxicity within cotreatment under in vitro conditions. Also H2O2 damage was significantly inhibited by simultaneous artichoke incubation. Pre- and posttreatments did not exert protective effects. DMSO-induced toxicity was significantly reduced by pre-, post- and cotreatment with artichoke extract and especially with luteolin-7-O-glucoside...

O objetivo deste estudo foi a investigação de uma potente influência do extrato das folhas da alcachofra (ALE) na fisiologia celular e na expressão gênica de enzimas de fase I/II de células hepáticas humanas HepG2 e investigação no potencial efeito protetor celular em células HepG2 contra toxicidade celular induzida por etanol. Ensaios biológicos de células em condições in vitro usando células de fígado HepG2 e investigação da atividade mitocondrial (teste MTT), ensaio de proliferação, LDH como marcador de toxicidade, análise de expressão gênica por RT-PCR e atividade da enzima glutationa transferase. O extrato da alcachofra, contendo 27 por cento de ácidos cafeoilquínico e 7 por cento de flavonóides, induzem a atividade mitocondrial, proliferação e o teor de proteína total em condições in vitro em células hepáticas humanas HepG2. Estes efeitos não podem ser correlacionados aos compostos secundários conhecidos da alcachofra, cinarina, ácido cafeico, ácido clorogênico, luteolina e luteolin-7-O-glicosídeo. As flavonas luteolina e luteolin-7-O-glicosídeo possuem efeitos inibitórios em nível de 100 µg/mL em células HepG2, com a luteonina sendo uma inibidora significativamente mais forte comparada com o respectivo glicosídeo. O extrato das folhas de alcachofra possui um efeito mínimo da estimulação na expressão gênica de CYP1A2, enquanto CYP3A4, GGT, GPX2, GSR e GST foram sutilmente inibidos. A inibição de GST em condições in vitro também foi mostrada pela quantificação da atividade da enzima GST. Indução da expressão gênica de CYP1A2 mostrou-se supraaditiva após aplicação simultânea do etanol mais o extrato de alcachofra. O extrato das folhas de alcachofra exibiu efeitos protetores celulares frente à toxicidade induzida por etanol em co-tratamento em condições in vitro. Além disso, danos por H2O2 foram significativamente inibidos pela incubação simultânea do extrato de alcachofra. Pré e pós-tratamento não exerceram efeitos protetores. Toxicidade...

Lipid Production by Rhodosporidium toruloides Using Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers / 中国生物工程杂志

The effects of pretreatment methods of Jerusalem artichoke tubers on microbial lipids fermentation with an oleaginous yeast strain Rhodosporidium toruloides Y4 were investigated in shaking flask culture.The yeast strain accumulated substantial amount of lipids using either purple-or white-skinned Jerusalem artichoke tubers as sole carbon and energy source.When cells were cultured on the extracted juice or the acidhydrolysate,cellular lipid content reached 40%(w/w),while cultured on the pulp,the white-skinned tubershadhigher lipid productivity,yielding 12.1 g lipids per100 g dried tubers.Major fatty acid constituents of microbial lipids were those contained 16-and 18-carbon atoms based on GC analysis,which is quite similar to traditional vegetable oil.Microbial lipids prepared from Jerusalem artichoke can be applied to biodiesel production.