Artichoke for biochemistry, histology, and gene expression in obstructive jaundice

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Rats were separated into three groups, namely, sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract. Ischemia was created for 60 min, and then liver tissue and blood samples were taken at the 90th minute of reperfusion. Artichoke leaf extract was given at a 300 mg/kg dose 2 h before the operation. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum. Histopathological findings of the liver were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Antioxidant enzyme activities in the artichoke leaf extract group were statistically significantly higher than that in the other two groups. Biochemical parameters, which show hepatocellular damage, were found to be similar in both sham and artichoke leaf extract groups. Although the values in the sham group were higher than the artichoke group in terms of protein and gene expressions, no statistically significant difference was found between these two groups. Regarding the hepatocellular effects of obstructive jaundice, the artichoke leaf extract group showed lower scores than the control group in all histopathological scores. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect that was associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke leaf extract.

Occurrence of Charcoal Rot in Globe Artichoke and Assessment of Inoculation Techniques for Pathogenicity and Management

Abstract Macrophomina phaseolina is a polyphagous fungus causing substantial yield losses in many plant species. In 2017, M. phaseolina was found to be causal agent of wilting and stunting symptoms of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. There is no knowledge about M. phaseolina in globe artichoke and applicable management practice in cultivation of the crop. In the present study, the causal agent was characterized in vitro and in vivo studies. Pathogenicity tests were carried out using seedlings of globe artichoke and nine plant species (sunflower, chickpea, soybean, sesame, peanut, wheat, maize, cotton and sorghum) in a greenhouse. In addition, five inoculation techniques were assessed to determine the most suitable method for screening resistance to M. phaseolina in globe artichoke. Significant (P˂0.01) variations were found among the inoculation techniques. Depending on each inoculation technique, death of lateral roots and distinct lesions up to 5.38 cm occurred on primary roots and crowns of globe artichoke. M. phaseolina also caused lesions ranging from 1.43 to 9.63 cm on primary roots including crown and stems of tested plant species. M. phaseolina was pathogenic to globe artichoke and all the tested plant species, confirming its polyphagous nature. This is the first record of M. phaseolina causing root and crown rot in globe artichoke in the world. Moreover, the present study suggested that toothpick inoculation technique could be used for screening resistance to M. phaseolina in globe artichoke.

Efficacy of an herbal compound in decreasing steatosis and transaminase activities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Hepatoprotective effects of many herbal agents have been reported in animal studies and clinical trials. In this study, five hepatoprotective plants with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects were chosen to prepare a polyherbal compound for managing NAFLD. Sixty patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (2:1 ratio). Both group were advised to take healthy diet and exercise. The treatment group also received herbal capsules containing 400 mg of the mixture of Anethum graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Cynara scolymus, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum (2 capsules, thrice daily, for two months). The liver ultrasound and biochemical markers including the serum lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose were evaluated before starting the study and at the end of the treatment. Thirty patients in the treatment group and sixteen patients in the control group completed the study. The herbal compound significantly decreased the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total cholesterol. Treatment with the herbal compound significantly improved the grade of the fatty liver, but no significant change was found in the control group. In conclusion, the formulated herbal compound appeared to be effective in biochemical improvement and decreasing the grade of the fatty liver in the patients with NAFLD.

Study on literature of artichoke and properties of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

In this article, the foreign and domestic literature on alien plant medicine Cynara scolymus was reviewed to explore its properties and functions in traditional Chinese medicine theory, and provide theoretical basis for clinical application and reasonable compatibility. Based on the literature databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Sinomed, the articles with high reliability related to C. scolymus were screened out and the obtained articles were systematically classified according to clinical application, chemical compositions, pharmacological action, toxic and side effects, etc. In the analysis with traditional Chinese medicine theory, it is concluded that: C. scolymus tastes bitter and slightly cold, attributing to spleen, stomach, liver and gall meridians. It has the functions of eliminating accumulation and guiding stagnation, regulating Qi-flowing for harmonizing stomach, clearing away dampness and heat, resolving turbidity and lowering blood lipids. It can be used for the treatment of dyspepsia, diet reduction, vomiting, nausea, abdominal distention, hypochondriac pain, jaundice, hyperlipidemia, etc. Through the analysis and research of the relevant literature on C. scolymus, the properties and functions of the drug were clarified, which could provide a theoretical basis for further animal experiments and clinical research. The research model of "traditional Chinese medicine theory" for alien plant medicines can provide reference for the introduction and research of botanical drugs around the world, which can greatly enrich Chinese medicine resources and is of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine.

A utilização de fitoterápicos no tratamento da obesidade / Phytoterapic medicines for obesity treatment

A obesidade é considerada um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública no mundo. É um fator que predispõe outras enfermidades e está relacionada ao aumento da taxa de morbidade e mortalidade. Para o tratamento da obesidade são empregados vários métodos, dentre eles o uso da fitoterapia. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as evidências científicas sobre a utilização do Phaseolus vulgaris, Cynara scolymus e Camelia sinensis no tratamento da obesidade. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, desenvolvida por meio de levantamento bibliográfico de artigos científicos que relacionavam os fitoterápicos com a obesidade, e publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Foi possível observar que estes fitoterápicos podem ser alternativas para tratamento da obesidade. O Phaseolus vulgaris parece proporcionar importante redução de peso devido à redução da absorção dos carboidratos. A Cynara scolymus possui frutooligossacarideos e a inulina, que alteram o trânsito intestinal e ocasionam uma rápida eliminação do bolo fecal, e, consequentemente, reduz a absorção dos lipídeos que, em excesso, contribuem para a obesidade. A Camelia sinensis aumenta a termogênese e a oxidação lipídica, o que promove gasto energético e o emagrecimento. O tratamento da obesidade pode abranger diferentes alternativas terapêuticas, ressaltando sempre a importância da utilização de fitoterápicos indicados apenas por profissionais habilitados, a fim de se alcançar resultados desejáveis e evitar efeitos adversos

Obesity is considered one of the biggest public health problems in the world. It is a factor that predisposes other diseases and it is related to the increase of the rate of morbidity and mortality. Several methods are employed to treat obesity, among them the use of herbal medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence on the use of Phaseolus vulgaris, Cynara scolymus and Camelia sinensis in the treatment of obesity. This is a narrative review of the literature, developed through a bibliographical survey of scientific articles that related phytotherapeutics to obesity, and published in the last 10 years. It was possible to observe that these phytotherapics may be alternatives for the treatment of obesity. Phaseolus vulgaris appears to provide significant weight reduction due to reduced absorption of carbohydrates. Cynara scolymus has fructooligosaccharides and inulin, which alter intestinal transit and cause a rapid elimination of faecal cake, and consequently reduces the absorption of lipids that in excess contribute to obesity. Camelia sinensis increases thermogenesis and lipid oxidation, which promotes energy expenditure and weight loss. The treatment of obesity can cover different therapeutic alternatives, always emphasizing the importance of the use of phytotherapics indicated only by qualified professionals, in order to achieve desirable results and avoid adverse effects

Tratamiento de la obesidad con productos naturales / Treatment of obesity with natural products

Los crecientes índices de obesidad alrededor del mundo, provocados principalmente por los excesos en la ingesta y la vida sedentaria, constituye uno de los grandes problemas de salud pública en nuestras sociedades. Entre otras formas como dietas y tratamientos que surgen cada día para combatir la obesidad, el uso de plantas medicinales conocido como fitoterapia, ha despertado gran interés. Existen ciertas plantas que poseen propiedades adelgazantes, sin embargo, lo mejor es ponerse en manos de especialistas en este campo, para recibir una correcta asesoría de acuerdo a las necesidades personales. Las plantas medicinales y los productos que de ellas se obtienen, constituyen remedios eficaces para combatir la obesidad, pues no tienen efectos adversos. No obstante el tratamiento debe combinarse con un cambio de hábitos alimentarios y actividad física y no conviene utilizarlos irresponsablemente, pues no todos tienen los mismos beneficios y efectos. La eficacia de la aplicación de plantas con la finalidad de bajar de peso ha sido comprobada en numerosos ensayos clínicos que se han realizado con determinadas especies vegetales. Las plantas medicinales se han utilizado tradicionalmente en forma de infusión, sin embargo esta forma de administración no permite controlar efectivamente las dosis administradas, por lo que es preferible hacerlo en preparados como cápsulas o comprimidos. Cada planta deberá administrarse de una manera específica y es importante que los preparados se tomen siempre en el mismo horario para potenciar su efectividad.

Effect of methanol extracts of three dietary plants growing in Egypt on mice fed with high fat diet.

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the preventive effect of methanol extracts of three dietary plants growing in Egypt; Cassia fistula (Family Fabaceae), Cynara scolymus (Family Asteraceae) and Glycine max (Family fabaceae) on body weight gain, hepatic and kidney index, food intake, lipid profile and serum enzymes in mice fed high fat diet during different periods 4, 11 and 17 weeks. For this purpose, the mice were divided into groups of eight mice each group as follows; normal group, high fat diet (HFD) group , HFD + methanol extract of C. fistula group, HFD + Methanol extract of C. scolymus group and HFD + methanol extract of G. max group, the dose of plant extract in each treated group was 100 mg /Kg body weight. After 4 weeks to 17 weeks the body weight, the relative liver weight, lipid profile and serum enzymes increased in the control group (HFD) compared to the normal. Treatment with each plant plant extract led to reduction in body weight and improvement of lipid and serum enzymes of the treated mice compared to the control groups. Extract of G.max showed the highest activity. These results were supported by hepatic histology examination which showed improvement of fatty liver tissue.

Alcachofra / Artichoke

Introdução: A alcachofra é uma planta utilizada na culinária e dita com diversas propriedades medicinais.Objetivo: Verificar evidências do uso da alcachofra no tratamento de doenças.Métodos: Busca sistematizada da literatura por meio eletrônico, incluindo estudos que avaliem o uso da alcachofra namedicina.Resultados: Uma revisão sistemática mostrou resultados favoráveis a alcachofra na redução do colesterol total[intervalo de confiança (IC) de 0,40 a 0,79] e do LDL-colesterol (IC de 0,34 a 0,78). Dois ensaios clínicos randomizadoschegaram à mesma conclusão. Um estudo clínico mostrou benefício do uso da alcachofra em pacientes com síndromedo intestino irritável e outro mostrou que ela pode ser útil nas dispepsias funcionais. Um ensaio clínico constatou oaumento da atividade antioxidante total em remadores submetidos ao estresse físico e suplementados com alcachofra.Em todos os estudos não há ocorrência de efeitos adversos.Conclusão: Os estudos encontrados mostram evidências de uma ação benéfica da alcachofra nas hiperliproteinemias e nadispepsia funcional. Como sua eficácia é dose-dependente, não se pode depender apenas da ingestão de alcachofra por meioda alimentação. Os dislipidêmicos e dispépticos funcionais terão que se utilizar dos extratos vendidos comercialmente.

Separation and purification of cynarin from Cynara scolymus leaves by macroporous adsorption resin / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the technological parameters of separation and purification of cynarin from Cynara scolymus leaves. Methods: Seven different types of macroporous adsorption resins were evaluated on absorptive capacity, desorption rate, and adsorption rate in order to select the best resin and the conditions of the best resin to separate and purify cynarin were researched. Results: It was found that LSA-21 resin showed better comprehensive adsorption property, flow rate of sample loading was 2 BV/h, 3 BV/h 50% alcohol aqueous and 2 BV/h velocity was used to elute. In this process to obtain the product with purity of 5.63% cynarin, ash content of 0.61%, product yield 5.56%, the product quality could meet the market demand. Conclusion: The LSA-21 macroporous adsorption resin shows better comprehensive adsorption property. It could be used to isolate and purify the cynarin.

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...

Seguridad en la aplicacion de productos fitosanitarios en cultivos horticolas y fruticolas / Safety in the application of phytosanitary products in horticultural and fruit crops

En sistemas de produccion intensivos, el uso incorrecto de productos fitosanitarios puede afectar la salud de los operarios. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar sobre el cuerpo del operario aplicador las zonas de deposicion de agroquimico al momento de realizar tratamientos foliares en cultivos horticolas de diferente porte y en monte frutal. Se trabajo en lotes de acelga(Beta vulgaris var cicla L.), de alcaucil (Cynara scolymus L.), de poroto chaucha (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) y en monte de naranjos (Citrus sp.). En cada lote se simularon 4 aplicaciones foliares de fitosanitarios utilizando mochila manual, reemplazando los productos por una soluci¨®n de fenoftaleina (0,5 g/l). En cada aplicacion se recorrieron 100 m entre las hileras de cultivo y previo a cada una de ellas se distribuyeron sobre distintas zonas del cuerpo del operario parches de tela de algodon blanca de10 cm x 10 cm. En laboratorio se recupero el residuo de fenoftaleina de cada parche con hidroxido de sodio 0,1 N y se valoro en espectrofotometro a 540 nm. Los residuos detectados en la parte anterior y posterior del cuerpo del aplicador, respectivamente, fueron: en acelga 1095,6 ¦Ìg/cm2 y 91,02 ¦Ìg/cm2, en alcaucil 787,00 ¦Ìg/cm2 y 404,00 ¦Ìg/cm2, en poroto chaucha 197,50 ¦Ìg/cm2 y 68,35 ¦Ìg/cm2, en monte frutal 481,70 ¦Ìg/cm2 y 44,20 ¦Ìg/cm2. Se demostro la exposicion de todo el cuerpo del operario al realizar tratamientos en condiciones similares a las de estos ensayos, validando la necesidad de contar con elementos de proteccion que lo cubran en forma total.

In intensive production systems, the improper use of phytosanitary products may affect the operator's health. The objective of this work was to determine the areas the agrochemical deposits on the worker¡¯s body, at the time of applying foliar treatments in horticulturalcrops of several heights and in fruit trees. It was performed in lots of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var cicla L.), artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), string bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and in orange (Citrus sp.) groves. In each lot, 4 foliar applications of phitosanitaryproducts were simulated using a backpack sprinkler and replacing the products for a phenophthaleine solution (0.5 g/l). In each application, 100 m among the crop lines were covered and before each of them, 10x 10 cm white cotton cloth patches were laid on different areas of the worker's body. At the laboratory, the residue of phenophthaleine was recovered from each patch by means of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide and it was then valued in a spectrophotometer at 540 nm. Residues detected in the front and the back of the worker¡¯s body were, respectively, in Swiss chard 1095,6 ¦Ìg/cm2 and 91,02 ¦Ìg/cm2, in artichoke 787,00 ¦Ìg/cm2 and 404,00 ¦Ìg/cm2, in string bean 197,50 ¦Ìg/cm2 and 68,35 ¦Ìg/cm2, in orange trees 481,70 ¦Ìg/cm2 and 44,20¦Ìg/cm2. The exposition of the whole body of the worker was demonstrated by performing treatments in conditions similar to those of these trials, validating the need of having protection elements that completely cover it.