greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and ox

Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa ( N. sativa ) on glycemic control , lipid profiles , and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress .
Two independent authors systematically examined online databases consisting of , EMBASE , Scopus , PubMed , Cochrane Library , and Web of Science from inception until October 30 , 2019 .
Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of the studied trials .
The heterogeneity among the included studies were assessed using the Cochrane 's Q test and I-square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference ( WMD ) was considered as the overall effect size .
A total of 50 trials were included in this meta-analysis .
We found a significant reduction in total cholesterol ( WMD : -16.80 ; 95 % CI : -21.04 , -12.55 ) , triglycerides ( WMD : -15.73 ; 95 % CI : -20.77 , -10.69 ) , LDL-cholesterol ( WMD : -18.45 ; 95 % CI : -22.44 , -14.94 ) and VLDL-cholesterol ( WMD : -3.72 ; 95 % CI : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N. sativa .
In addition , there was significant reductive effect observed with N. sativa on fasting glucose ( WMD : -15.18 ; 95 % CI : -19.82 , -10.55 ) and HbA1C levels ( WMD : -0.45 ; 95 % CI : -0.66 , -0.23 ) .
Effects of N. sativa on CRP ( WMD : -3.61 ; 95 % CI : -9.23 , 2.01 ) , TNF-α ( WMD : -1.18 ; 95 % CI : -3.23 , 0.86 ) , TAC ( WMD : 0.31 ; 95 % CI : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels ( WMD : -0.95 ; 95 % CI : -2.18 , 0.27 ) were insignificant .
This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of N. sativa on fasting glucose , HbA1c , triglycerides , total- , VLDL- , LDL-cholesterol levels .

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress. Two independent authors systematically examined online databases consisting of, EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until October 30, 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of the studied trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies were assessed using the Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. A total of 50 trials were included in this meta-analysis. We found a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -16.80; 95% CI: -21.04, -12.55), triglycerides (WMD: -15.73; 95% CI: -20.77, -10.69), LDL-cholesterol (WMD: -18.45; 95% CI: -22.44, -14.94) and VLDL-cholesterol (WMD: -3.72; 95% CI: -7.27, -0.18) following supplementation with N. sativa. In addition, there was significant reductive effect observed with N. sativa on fasting glucose (WMD: -15.18; 95% CI: -19.82, -10.55) and HbA1C levels (WMD: -0.45; 95% CI: -0.66, -0.23). Effects of N. sativa on CRP (WMD: -3.61; 95% CI: -9.23, 2.01), TNF-α (WMD: -1.18; 95% CI: -3.23, 0.86), TAC (WMD: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.63), and MDA levels (WMD: -0.95; 95% CI: -2.18, 0.27) were insignificant. This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of N. sativa on fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, total-, VLDL-, LDL-cholesterol levels.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Effects of Nigella sativa seed polysaccharides on type 2 diabetic mice and gut microbiota.

Effect of Nigella sativa seed polysaccharides ( NSSP ) on type 2 diabetic mice and its gut microbiota was investigated on the type 2 diabetic mice model feed by high-fat diet .
Fasting blood glucose ( FBG ) , biochemical parameters , expression levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-α ) , interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) , interleukin-1β ( IL-1β ) , and phosphor-AKT ( p-AKT ) protein , membrane glucose transporter 4 ( GLUT4 ) in skeletal muscles , as well as the change of gut microbiota profile in mice model were measured .
Results showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the levelsof FBG , glycosylated serum protein ( GSP ) , triglycerides ( TG ) , total cholesterol ( TC ) , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , TNF-α , IL-6 and IL-1β , and significantly increased insulin ( INS ) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDLC ) , total antioxidant capacity ( T-AOC ) , superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , catalase ( CAT ) and the expression levels of p-AKT and GLUT4 in mice .
Besides , the high-dose NSSP has significantly increased the abundance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly suppressed in the mice gut after the treatment of streptozotocin ( STZ ) .
These results indicated that NSSP could improve the abnormal state of diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway with simultaneous changes of the gut microbiota profile .

Effect of Nigella sativa seed polysaccharides (NSSP) on type 2 diabetic mice and its gut microbiota was investigated on the type 2 diabetic mice model feed by high-fat diet. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), biochemical parameters, expression levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and phosphor-AKT (p-AKT) protein, membrane glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscles, as well as the change of gut microbiota profile in mice model were measured. Results showed that the high-dose NSSP could significantly lower the levelsof FBG, glycosylated serum protein (GSP), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and significantly increased insulin (INS), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the expression levels of p-AKT and GLUT4 in mice. Besides, the high-dose NSSP has significantly increased the abundance of f_Muribaculaceae_Unclassified and Bacteroides, which were significantly suppressed in the mice gut after the treatment of streptozotocin (STZ). These results indicated that NSSP could improve the abnormal state of diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway with simultaneous changes of the gut microbiota profile.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Nigella sativa oil supplement has cardiovascular protective effects in patients with T2DM.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa oil on serum level of systemic inflammation , oxidative stress @ @ @ @ @ FBG ) , and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM @ @ @ @ @ clinical trial study was based on 50 patients with T2DM .
Patients were allocated randomly @ @ @ @ @ or placebo groups .
The intervention group received 1,000 mg N. sativa oil as two @ @ @ @ @ weeks , whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo .
At baseline and the @ @ @ @ @ 5 ml blood was collected from each patient after 14-hour fasting for measuring serum C-reactive @ @ @ @ @ malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , FBS , and lipid profile .
Analyses covariance was performed @ @ @ @ @ two groups , controlled for relevant covariates .
Using N. sativa supplement was significantly associated @ @ @ @ @ p

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa oil on serum level of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was based on 50 patients with T2DM. Patients were allocated randomly to either N. sativa oil or placebo groups. The intervention group received 1,000 mg N. sativa oil as two capsules, daily for 8 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of the study, 5 ml blood was collected from each patient after 14-hour fasting for measuring serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), FBS,and lipid profile. Analyses covariance was performed to compare investigated parameters between two groups, controlled for relevant covariates. Using N. sativa supplement was significantly associated with decrease in FBS (p< .001), triglyceride (p< .001), total cholesterol (p< .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p< .001), serum hs-CRP, MDA (p< .001) and increase in serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p< .001) in intervention group compared with placebo group. Nigella sativa oil supplement has cardiovascular protective effects in patients with T2DM, by improving the lipid profile and glycemia, by reducing the C-reactive protein level and the lipid peroxidation.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Cold-pressed Nigella Sativa oil standardized to 3% thymoquinone potentiates omega-3 protection again

Cold-pressed Nigella Sativa oil standardized to 3% thymoquinone potentiates omega-3 protection against obesity.

Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue ( WAT ) results in adipocyte hypertrophy and chronic low-grade inflammation , which is the major cause of obesity-associated insulin resistance and consequent metabolic disease .
The development of beige adipocytes in WAT ( browning of WAT ) increases energy expenditure and has been considered as a novel strategy to counteract obesity .
Thymoquinone ( TQ ) is the main bioactive quinone derived from the plantand has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities .
Fish oil omega 3 ( ω3 ) enhances both insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in obesity , but the involved mechanisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study is to explore the effects of TQ and ω3 PUFAs ( polyunsaturated fatty acids ) on obesity-associated inflammation , markers of insulin resistance , and the metabolic effects of adipose tissue browning .
3T3-L1 cells were cultured to investigate the effects of TQ and ω3 on the browning of WAT .
C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet ( HFD ) , supplemented with 0.75 % TQ , and 2 % ω3 in combination for eight weeks .
In 3T3-L1 cells , TQ and ω3 reduced lipid droplet size and increased hallmarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( UCP1 ) , PR domain containing 16 ( PRDM16 ) , fibroblast growth factor 21 ( FGF21 ) , Sirtuin 1 ( Sirt1 ) , Mitofusion 2 ( Mfn2 ) , and heme oxygenase 1 ( HO-1 ) protein expression , as well as increased the phosphorylation of Protein KinaseB ( AKT ) and insulin receptors .
In the adipose tissue of HFD mice , TQ and ω3 treatment attenuated levels of inflammatory adipokines , Nephroblastoma Overexpressed ( NOV/CCN3 ) and Twist related protein 2 ( TWIST2 ) , and diminished adipocyte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of beigeadipocytes such as UCP1 , PRDM16 , FGF21 , and mitochondrial biogenesis markers Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha ( PGC1α ) , Sirt1 , and Mfn2 .
Increased 5 ' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase ( AMPK ) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase ( ACC ) phosphorylation and HO-1expression were observed in adipose with TQ and ω3 treatment , which led to increased pAKT and pIRS1 Serexpression .
In addition to the adipose , TQ andω3 also increased inflammation and markers of insulin sensitivity in the liver , as demonstrated by increased phosphorylated insulin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receptor beta ( IRβ ) , UCP1 , and pIRS1 Serand reduced NOV/CCN3 expression .
Our data demonstrate the enhanced browning of WAT from TQ treatment in combination withω3 , which may play an important role in decreasing obesity-associated insulin resistance and in reducing the chronic inflammatory state of obesity .

Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) results in adipocyte hypertrophy and chronic low-grade inflammation, which is the major cause of obesity-associated insulin resistance and consequent metabolic disease. The development of beige adipocytes in WAT (browning of WAT) increases energy expenditure and has been considered as a novel strategy to counteract obesity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main bioactive quinone derived from the plantand has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities. Fish oil omega 3 (ω3) enhances both insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in obesity, but the involved mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of TQ and ω3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) on obesity-associated inflammation, markers of insulin resistance, and the metabolic effects of adipose tissue browning. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured to investigate the effects of TQ and ω3 on the browning of WAT. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), supplemented with 0.75% TQ, and 2% ω3 in combination for eight weeks. In 3T3-L1 cells, TQ and ω3 reduced lipid droplet size and increased hallmarks of beige adipocytes such as uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), Mitofusion 2 (Mfn2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein expression, as well as increased the phosphorylation of Protein KinaseB (AKT) and insulin receptors. In the adipose tissue of HFD mice, TQ and ω3 treatment attenuated levels of inflammatory adipokines, Nephroblastoma Overexpressed (NOV/CCN3) and Twist related protein 2 (TWIST2), and diminished adipocyte hypoxia by decreasing HIF1α expression and hallmarks of beigeadipocytes such as UCP1, PRDM16, FGF21, and mitochondrial biogenesis markers Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), Sirt1, and Mfn2. Increased 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation and HO-1expression were observed in adipose with TQ and ω3 treatment, which led to increased pAKT and pIRS1 Serexpression. In addition to the adipose, TQ andω3 also increased inflammation and markers of insulin sensitivity in the liver, as demonstrated by increased phosphorylated insulin receptor (pIR tyr), insulin receptor beta (IRβ), UCP1, and pIRS1 Serand reduced NOV/CCN3 expression. Our data demonstrate the enhanced browning of WAT from TQ treatment in combination withω3, which may play an important role in decreasing obesity-associated insulin resistance and in reducing the chronic inflammatory state of obesity.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Nigella sativa and its active compound accelerate wound healing.

( NS ) has been reported to have a therapeutic effect towards skin wound healing via its anti-inflammatory , tissue @ @ @ @ @ properties .
This review examines all the available studies on the association of ( NS @ @ @ @ @ .
The search was performed in Medline via EBSCOhost and Scopus databases to retrieve the @ @ @ @ @ and March 2020 .
The principal inclusion criteria were original article issued in English that @ @ @ @ @ in vivo skin model with topically applied NS .
The search discovered 10 related articles @ @ @ @ @ criteria .
Studies included comprise different types of wounds , namely excisional , burn , @ @ @ @ @ studies unravelled positive results associated with NS on skin wound healing .
Thymoquinone has anti-inflammatory @ @ @ @ @ properties , which mainly contributed to wound healing process .

(NS) has been reported to have a therapeutic effect towards skin wound healing via its anti-inflammatory, tissue growth stimulation, and antioxidative properties. This review examines all the available studies on the association of(NS) and skin wound healing. The search was performed in Medline via EBSCOhost and Scopus databases to retrieve the related papers released between 1970 and March 2020. The principal inclusion criteria were original article issued in English that stated wound healing criteria of in vivo skin model with topically applied NS. The search discovered 10 related articles that fulfilled the required inclusion criteria. Studies included comprise different types of wounds, namely excisional, burn, and diabetic wounds. Seven studies unravelled positive results associated with NS on skin wound healing. Thymoquinone has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, which mainly contributed to wound healing process.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--N. sativa hydrogel had significant effects on improving the symptoms of acne vulgaris with acceptabl

Nigella sativa L. ( black seed ) is one of the main medicinal plants frequently cited in traditional Persian medicine manuscripts for management of acne vulgaris .
The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a topical preparation from N. sativa in acne vulgaris .
In a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial , 60 patients ( 30 patients in treatment and 30 in placebo group ) were randomly received N. sativa hydrogel ( standardized based on thymoquinone ) or placebo hydrogel , twice daily for 60 days .
The Investigator 's Global Assessment ( IGA ) grading score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , acne disability index ( ADI ) was evaluated using a standard questionnaire filled out by the patients at the beginning and end of the study .
A 78 % mean reduction in the IGA score on the N. sativa-treated group was recorded compared with 3.3 % on the vehicle-treated one .
Significant reductions in the number of comedones , papules , and pustules were observed in the treatment group compared with placebo after 2 months .
Also , ADI was decreased 63.49 % in the treatment versus 4.5 % in the placebogroups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N. sativa hydrogel had significant effects on improving the symptoms of acne vulgaris with acceptable tolerability .

Nigella sativa L. (black seed) is one of the main medicinal plants frequently cited in traditional Persian medicine manuscripts for management of acne vulgaris. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a topical preparation from N. sativa in acne vulgaris. In a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial, 60 patients (30 patients in treatment and 30 in placebo group) were randomly received N. sativa hydrogel (standardized based on thymoquinone) or placebo hydrogel, twice daily for 60 days. The Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) grading score was recorded for each patient. Moreover, acne disability index (ADI) was evaluated using a standard questionnaire filled out by the patients at the beginning and end of the study. A 78% mean reduction in the IGA score on the N. sativa-treated group was recorded compared with 3.3% on the vehicle-treated one. Significant reductions in the number of comedones, papules, and pustules were observed in the treatment group compared with placebo after 2 months. Also, ADI was decreased 63.49% in the treatment versus 4.5% in the placebogroups. No adverse event was recorded. N. sativa hydrogel had significant effects on improving the symptoms of acne vulgaris with acceptable tolerability.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Pomegranate peel extract could serve as a new promising anti-adenovirus agent.

Background Adenovirus causes a number of diseases in human , and can cause serious infection in severely immunosuppressed individuals .
Despite the seriousness of adenovirus infection , there is no definitely approved anti-adenoviral therapy .
Many studies have shown that compounds derived from medicinal plants have antiviral activity .
Therefore , this study evaluated in vitro anti-adenoviral activity of ethanol extract , fractions , and main phenolic compounds of pomegranate peel .
Methods The ethanol extract of pomegranate peel was prepared with maceration method and fractionated by consecutive liquid/liquid partition .
The cytotoxic and anti-adenovirus activities of the extract , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ellagic acid , punicalagin and gallic acid ) were evaluated on Hep-2 cell line using MTT assay .
Inhibitory effect on adsorption and post-adsorption phases of the virus replication cycle was also evaluated .
Results Pomegranate peel extract had a desirable effect against adenovirus with IC50 of 5.77 µg/mL and selectivity index of 49.9 .
Among the fractions and compounds , the n-butanol fraction and gallic acid had the highest anti-adenoviral activity with IC50 of 2.16 µg/mL and 4.67 µM and selectivity indices of 122.5 and 10.5 , respectively .
The crude extract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus replication in post-adsorption phase ( p

Background Adenovirus causes a number of diseases in human, and can cause serious infection in severely immunosuppressed individuals. Despite the seriousness of adenovirus infection, there is no definitely approved anti-adenoviral therapy. Many studies have shown that compounds derived from medicinal plants have antiviral activity. Therefore, this study evaluated in vitro anti-adenoviral activity of ethanol extract, fractions, and main phenolic compounds of pomegranate peel. Methods The ethanol extract of pomegranate peel was prepared with maceration method and fractionated by consecutive liquid/liquid partition. The cytotoxic and anti-adenovirus activities of the extract, fractions, and main phenolic compounds (ellagic acid, punicalagin and gallic acid) were evaluated on Hep-2 cell line using MTT assay. Inhibitory effect on adsorption and post-adsorption phases of the virus replication cycle was also evaluated. Results Pomegranate peel extract had a desirable effect against adenovirus with IC50 of 5.77 µg/mL and selectivity index of 49.9. Among the fractions and compounds, the n-butanol fraction and gallic acid had the highest anti-adenoviral activity with IC50 of 2.16 µg/mL and 4.67 µM and selectivity indices of 122.5 and 10.5, respectively. The crude extract, n-butanol fraction and gallic acid inhibited the virus replication in post-adsorption phase (p < 0.01). Conclusion Pomegranate peel extract, especially its n-butanol fraction, could serve as a new promising anti-adenovirus agent due to high inhibitory effect against adenovirus replication. The effect of the n-butanol fraction may be related to the synergistic effect or other compounds of this fraction. Further understanding of the bioassay guided isolation of natural compounds of this fraction seems essential.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Punicalagin has potential protective effect against prenatal stress.

SCOPE : Prenatal stress is closely associated with poor health outcomes for offspring , yet the specific mechanisms and effective interventions remain limited .
METHODS AND RESULTS : In the present study , both male and female rat offspring exposed to prenatal restraint stress ( PRS ) are confirmed to have impaired spatial learning and memory , accompanied by reduced AMP-activated protein kinase ( AMPK ) activity and decreased protein expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant pathways in the hippocampus .
Interestingly , a deficiency in the AMPK cascade also occurs in liver , heart , and adipose tissues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the offspring is potentially attributed to increased maternal glucocorticoid levels under PRS .
Punicalagin ( PU ) , a major ellagitannin in pomegranate , is found to effectively induce mitochondrial biogenesis and phase II enzymes through activation of AMPK in both HT22 and primary hippocampal neurons , thereby inhibiting glutamate-induced cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential loss .
Meanwhile , the activation of AMPK cascade is also confirmed in mice administrated with PU for three days .
CONCLUSIONS : Altogether , these results indicate that the systemic deficiency of the AMPK cascade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to poor outcomes of PRS , and PU may be used as an effective maternal nutritional intervention .

SCOPE: Prenatal stress is closely associated with poor health outcomes for offspring, yet the specific mechanisms and effective interventions remain limited.
METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, both male and female rat offspring exposed to prenatal restraint stress (PRS) are confirmed to have impaired spatial learning and memory, accompanied by reduced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and decreased protein expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant pathways in the hippocampus. Interestingly, a deficiency in the AMPK cascade also occurs in liver, heart, and adipose tissues, suggesting that the systemic deactivation of AMPK in the offspring is potentially attributed to increased maternal glucocorticoid levels under PRS. Punicalagin (PU), a major ellagitannin in pomegranate, is found to effectively induce mitochondrial biogenesis and phase II enzymes through activation of AMPK in both HT22 and primary hippocampal neurons, thereby inhibiting glutamate-induced cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Meanwhile, the activation of AMPK cascade is also confirmed in mice administrated with PU for three days.
CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results indicate that the systemic deficiency of the AMPK cascade can be the key factor that contributes to poor outcomes of PRS, and PU may be used as an effective maternal nutritional intervention.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Protective effects of punicalagin on osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and inflammation.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a worldwide disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk .
Inflammatory bone loss due to excessive osteoclast bone resorption is significant in the pathogenesis and development of osteoporosis .
Punicalagin ( PUN ) is a pomegranate fruit derivative and has potential anti-inflammatory effects .
However , the effect of PUN on osteoporotic bone loss has yet to be clarified .
In this study , we investigated the effect of PUN on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption , as well as its potential therapeutic effect on ovariectomized-induced bone loss .
PUN was demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ function dose-dependently , while osteoclast-specific genes were also downregulated by PUN .
In vivo micro-CT and histopathological staining showed that the OVX procedure led to significant bone loss characterized by decreased bone parameters and increased osteoclast numbers , while PUN treatment dramatically prevented these changes .
Furthermore , PUN treatment effectively inhibited proinflammatory cytokine expression .
Mechanistically , PUN maintained bone masssuppressing nuclear factorκB ( NF-κB ) and mitogen-activated protein kinase ( MAPK ) signaling pathway activation .
Collectively , our observations provide evidence that PUN is a potential candidate for the treatment @ @ @

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a worldwide disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Inflammatory bone loss due to excessive osteoclast bone resorption is significant in the pathogenesis and development of osteoporosis. Punicalagin (PUN) is a pomegranate fruit derivative and has potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of PUN on osteoporotic bone loss has yet to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of PUN on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption, as well as its potential therapeutic effect on ovariectomized-induced bone loss. PUN was demonstrated to suppress osteoclast formation and bone resorptive function dose-dependently, while osteoclast-specific genes were also downregulated by PUN. In vivo micro-CT and histopathological staining showed that the OVX procedure led to significant bone loss characterized by decreased bone parameters and increased osteoclast numbers, while PUN treatment dramatically prevented these changes. Furthermore, PUN treatment effectively inhibited proinflammatory cytokine expression. Mechanistically, PUN maintained bone masssuppressing nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway activation. Collectively, our observations provide evidence that PUN is a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves from different cultivation regions show both antioxidant and ant

Extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves from different cultivation regions show both antioxidant and antiobesity activities.

Moringa oleifera is rich in nutrients , such as protein , vitamins , and phytochemicals , and has been used as a traditional remedy .
In this study , extracts of M. oleifera leaves from South Korea and Cambodia were evaluated for their antioxidant and antiobesity activities and for food and natural medicine use .
The extracts were made using water and ethanol with leaves from South Korea and Cambodia , and then , the ethanol extracts were further fractionated with ethyl acetate .
The antioxidant and antiobesity activities of fractionated ethanol extracts were higher than those of water extracts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3T3-L1 cell differentiation did not have a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the M. oleifera leaf extracts , the expression of PPARγ , FAS , and ACC was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner with the M. oleifera leaf extracts .
This study shows that M. oleifera leaves from South Korea and Cambodia may be an effective candidate for antiobesity prevention .
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS : Antioxidants and antiobesity factors are important for metabolic syndrome including obesity .
Recently , natural antiobesity medication containing polyphenol ingredients has been developed to replacesynthetic antiobesity medication , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the antioxidant and antiobesity activities of Moringa oleifera leaves from different cultivation regions .
The leaves grow rapidly and leaf extracts contain a large amount of nutrients and phytochemicals , which enables commercial production of the leaves as natural antiobesity medications including functional foods and nutraceuticals .

Moringa oleifera is rich in nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and phytochemicals, and has been used as a traditional remedy. In this study, extracts of M. oleifera leaves from South Korea and Cambodia were evaluated for their antioxidant and antiobesity activities and for food and natural medicine use. The extracts were made using water and ethanol with leaves from South Korea and Cambodia, and then, the ethanol extracts were further fractionated with ethyl acetate. The antioxidant and antiobesity activities of fractionated ethanol extracts were higher than those of water extracts. Although the expression of C/EBPα in 3T3-L1 cell differentiation did not have a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the M. oleifera leaf extracts, the expression of PPARγ, FAS, and ACC was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner with the M. oleifera leaf extracts. This study shows that M. oleifera leaves from South Korea and Cambodia may be an effective candidate for antiobesity prevention. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Antioxidants and antiobesity factors are important for metabolic syndrome including obesity. Recently, natural antiobesity medication containing polyphenol ingredients has been developed to replacesynthetic antiobesity medication, which has various side effects. This study evaluates the antioxidant and antiobesity activities of Moringa oleifera leaves from different cultivation regions. The leaves grow rapidly and leaf extracts contain a large amount of nutrients and phytochemicals, which enables commercial production of the leaves as natural antiobesity medications including functional foods and nutraceuticals.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-20--Punicalagin protects human retinal pigment epithelium cells from ultraviolet radiation-induced oxida

Punicalagin protects human retinal pigment epithelium cells from ultraviolet radiation-induced oxidative damage.

The oxidative damage of the retinal pigment epithelium ( RPE ) is the early event that underlies the pathogenesis of maculopathies .
Numerous studies have shown that punicalagin ( PUN ) , a polyphenol present in pomegranate , can protect several cell types from oxidative stress .
Our study aims to establish if PUN protects RPE from UV radiation-induced oxidative damage .
We used an experimental model which involves the use of a human-RPE cell line ( ARPE-19 ) exposed to UV-A radiation for 1 , 3 , and 5 hours .
ARPE-19 cells were pre-treated with PUN ( 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controls were treated identically , except for UV-A .
Effects of pre-treatment with PUN on cell viability , intracellular reactive oxygen species ROS levels , modulation of Nrf2 and its antioxidant target genes , and finally apoptosis were examined .
We found that pre‑treatment with PUN : ( 1 ) antagonized the decrease in cell viability and reduced high levels of ROS associated with UV-A-induced oxidative stress ; ( 2 ) activated Nrf2 signaling pathway by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulating its downstream antioxidant target genes ( HO-1 and NQO1 ) ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by decreasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio .
These findings provide the first evidence that PUN can prevent UV-A-induced oxidative damage in RPE , offering itself as a possible antioxidant agent capable of contrasting degenerative eye diseases .

The oxidative damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the early event that underlies the pathogenesis of maculopathies. Numerous studies have shown that punicalagin (PUN), a polyphenol present in pomegranate, can protect several cell types from oxidative stress. Our study aims to establish if PUN protects RPE from UV radiation-induced oxidative damage. We used an experimental model which involves the use of a human-RPE cell line (ARPE-19) exposed to UV-A radiation for 1, 3, and 5 hours. ARPE-19 cells were pre-treated with PUN (24 h) followed by UV-A irradiation; controls were treated identically, except for UV-A. Effects of pre-treatment with PUN on cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species ROS levels, modulation of Nrf2 and its antioxidant target genes, and finally apoptosis were examined. We found that pre‑treatment with PUN: (1) antagonized the decrease in cell viability and reduced high levels of ROS associated with UV-A-induced oxidative stress; (2) activated Nrf2 signaling pathway by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulating its downstream antioxidant target genes (HO-1 and NQO1); (3) induced an anti-apoptotic effect by decreasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings provide the first evidence that PUN can prevent UV-A-induced oxidative damage in RPE, offering itself as a possible antioxidant agent capable of contrasting degenerative eye diseases.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--This study elucidates the mechanism by which crocin alleviates neuropathic pain.

At present , most of the drugs have little effect on the pathological process of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) .
Analgesia is an important measure in the treatment of RA and is also one of the criteria to determine the therapeutic effects of the disease .
Some studies have found that crocin , a kind of Chinese medicine , can effectively alleviate pain sensitization in pain model rats , but the mechanism is not clear .
Emerging evidence indicates that crocin may inhibit the metastasis of lung and liver cancer cells from the breast by inhibiting Wnt/-catenin and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RA .
Wnt5a belongs to the Wnt protein family and was previously thought to be involved only in nonclassical Wnt signaling pathways .
Recent studies have shown that Wnt5a has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the classical Wnt signaling pathway , and so , Wnt5a has attracted increasing attention .
This study demonstrated that crocin significantly increased the mechanical thresholds of adjuvant-induced arthritis ( AIA ) rats , suggesting that crocin can alleviate neuropathic pain .
Crocin significantly decreased the levels of pain-related factors and glial activation .
Foxy5 , activator of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crocin in AIA rats .
In addition , intrathecal injection of a Wnt5a inhibitor significantly decreased hyperalgesia in AIA rats .
This research shows that crocin may alleviate neuropathic pain in AIA rats by inhibiting the expression of pain-related molecules through the Wnt5a/-catenin pathway , elucidating the mechanism by which crocin relieves neuropathic pain and provides a new way of thinking for the treatment of AIA pain .

At present, most of the drugs have little effect on the pathological process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Analgesia is an important measure in the treatment of RA and is also one of the criteria to determine the therapeutic effects of the disease. Some studies have found that crocin, a kind of Chinese medicine, can effectively alleviate pain sensitization in pain model rats, but the mechanism is not clear. Emerging evidence indicates that crocin may inhibit the metastasis of lung and liver cancer cells from the breast by inhibiting Wnt/-catenin and the Wnt signaling pathway is closely related to RA. Wnt5a belongs to the Wnt protein family and was previously thought to be involved only in nonclassical Wnt signaling pathways. Recent studies have shown that Wnt5a has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the classical Wnt signaling pathway, and so, Wnt5a has attracted increasing attention. This study demonstrated that crocin significantly increased the mechanical thresholds of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats, suggesting that crocin can alleviate neuropathic pain. Crocin significantly decreased the levels of pain-related factors and glial activation. Foxy5, activator of Wnt5a, inhibited the above effects of crocin in AIA rats. In addition, intrathecal injection of a Wnt5a inhibitor significantly decreased hyperalgesia in AIA rats. This research shows that crocin may alleviate neuropathic pain in AIA rats by inhibiting the expression of pain-related molecules through the Wnt5a/-catenin pathway, elucidating the mechanism by which crocin relieves neuropathic pain and provides a new way of thinking for the treatment of AIA pain.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Crocin has therapeutic and preventive effects on cancer cell lines.

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide .
The most important considerable features of cancer cells are uncontrolled proliferation , up-regulated differentiation , and immortality .
Crocin , as a bioactive compound of saffron and as a water-soluble carotenoid has radical scavenging , anti-hyperlipidemia , memory improving , and inhibition of tumor growth effects .
The present review was designed to evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying crocin effects against cancer cell lines .
Data of this review have been collected from the scientific articles published in databases such as Science Direct , Scopus , PubMed , and Scientific Information Database @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various literature , crocin inhibits tumor growth , and its spread in several types of cancer including colorectal , pancreatic , breast , and prostate , as well as chronic myelogenous and leukemia .
It inhibits telomerase activity , microtubule polymerization , cyclin D1 , nuclear factor kappa B ( NF-kB ) , multidrug resistance-associated protein ( MRP1 ) , and MRP2 overexpression .
Crocin can induce apoptosis through activation of caspase 8 , up-regulation of p53 expression , Bax/Bcl-2 ratio , and down-regulation expression of Bcl-2 , survivin , and cyclin D1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 9 ( MMP2 and MMP9 ) , N-cadherin , and beta-catenin expression , which are involved in tumor invasion and metastasis .
Tumor invasion was also inhibited by crocin through increasing E-cadherin expression , cell cycle suppression at G1 , G0/G1 , S , and G2/M phases .
Crocin has therapeutic and preventive effects on cancer cells line .
Therefore , it has been suggested that this agent can be administered in patients that suffer from this problem .

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. The most important considerable features of cancer cells are uncontrolled proliferation, up-regulated differentiation, and immortality. Crocin, as a bioactive compound of saffron and as a water-soluble carotenoid has radical scavenging, anti-hyperlipidemia, memory improving, and inhibition of tumor growth effects. The present review was designed to evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying crocin effects against cancer cell lines. Data of this review have been collected from the scientific articles published in databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Scientific Information Database from 1982 to 2019. According to various literature, crocin inhibits tumor growth, and its spread in several types of cancer including colorectal, pancreatic, breast, and prostate, as well as chronic myelogenous and leukemia. It inhibits telomerase activity, microtubule polymerization, cyclin D1, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1), and MRP2 overexpression. Crocin can induce apoptosis through activation of caspase 8, up-regulation of p53 expression, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and down-regulation expression of Bcl-2, survivin, and cyclin D1. It also down-regulates matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9), N-cadherin, and beta-catenin expression, which are involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumor invasion was also inhibited by crocin through increasing E-cadherin expression, cell cycle suppression at G1, G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases. Crocin has therapeutic and preventive effects on cancer cells line. Therefore, it has been suggested that this agent can be administered in patients that suffer from this problem.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Crocin has protective activities against ethanol toxic effects in the liver and kidney.

Objectives : The drinking of ethanol causes the wide range of clinical illness and morphological changes including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity .
In the current study , the protective properties of crocin versus oxidative stress , apoptosis and inflammation induced by ethanol were assessed .
Materials and Methods : The male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups consisting of 6 rats in control , ethanol ( 50 % v/v - 5 g/kg ) , crocin ( 10 , 20 and 40 mg/Kg ) plus ethanol , crocin 20 and 40 mg/Kg .
Results : The MDA level was remarkably enhanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly diminished in the kidney and liver of alcoholic rat but protective groups restored the level of MDA and GSH contents .
Ethanol consumption induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity as evidenced by biochemical abnormalities and histopathological damages but crocin improved them .
Also , crocin restored the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the liver .
The consumption of ethanol enhanced the levels of caspase-3 , -8 , -9 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio ( mRNA and protein ) but , western blot and real-time PCR data confirmed that crocin treatment prevented apoptosis induced by ethanol .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has protective activities against ethanol toxic effects in rat liver and kidney via anti-inflammatory , antioxidant , and anti-apoptotic effects .

Objectives: The drinking of ethanol causes the wide range of clinical illness and morphological changes including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In the current study, the protective properties of crocin versus oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation induced by ethanol were assessed.
Materials and Methods: The male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups consisting of 6 rats in control, ethanol (50% v/v - 5 g/kg), crocin (10, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) plus ethanol, crocin 20 and 40 mg/Kg.
Results: The MDA level was remarkably enhanced, while the content of GSH was significantly diminished in the kidney and liver of alcoholic rat but protective groups restored the level of MDA and GSH contents. Ethanol consumption induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity as evidenced by biochemical abnormalities and histopathological damages but crocin improved them. Also, crocin restored the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the liver. The consumption of ethanol enhanced the levels of caspase-3, -8, -9 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (mRNA and protein) but, western blot and real-time PCR data confirmed that crocin treatment prevented apoptosis induced by ethanol.
Conclusion: This research demonstrates that crocin has protective activities against ethanol toxic effects in rat liver and kidney via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Treatment with crocin may lead to a significant prevention of nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysf

Treatment with crocin may lead to a significant prevention of nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysfunction.

Objectives : One of the most important problems of taking nitroglycerin is the nitrate tolerance phenomenon and endothelial dysfunction .
Oxidative stress is a high-emphasized one of tolerance mechanisms .
The possible effect of crocin , one of the anti-oxidant ingredients of saffron , on the nitrate tolerance model was investigated .
Materials and Methods : In the present study , lipid peroxidation and the level of activated and deactivated forms of eNOS were measured .
Animals were administered subcutaneously with 25 mg/kg of nitroglycerin , twice a day for 3 days to induce nitrate tolerance model .
For evaluation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 80 mg/kg/day of this compound were injected intraperitoneally in concomitant with nitroglycerin .
In the isolated aorta test , after preparation of aorta rings , different concentrations of acetylcholine , sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin were added to the organ bath after inducing contraction by phenylephrine and the responsiveness of tissues was recorded .
Results : Findings showed that nitroglycerin administration caused a remarkable overproduction of malondialdehyde ( MDA ) in the cells and crocin treatment significantly decreased the MDA level .
In the nitrate tolerance group , the level of activated eNOS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased .
Crocin partly alleviated these changes : however , its effects were not remarkable .
Nitroglycerin injection for 3 days developed tolerance to nitroglycerin and cross-tolerance to acetylcholine ( endothelial dysfunction ) and sodium nitroprusside .
Crocin failed to influence significantly on the nitrate tolerance .
Conclusion : Crocin effectiveness is possibly time-dependent ; therefore , increasing the duration of treatment with crocin may lead to a significant prevention of nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysfunction .

Objectives: One of the most important problems of taking nitroglycerin is the nitrate tolerance phenomenon and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress is a high-emphasized one of tolerance mechanisms. The possible effect of crocin, one of the anti-oxidant ingredients of saffron, on the nitrate tolerance model was investigated.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, lipid peroxidation and the level of activated and deactivated forms of eNOS were measured. Animals were administered subcutaneously with 25 mg/kg of nitroglycerin, twice a day for 3 days to induce nitrate tolerance model. For evaluation of crocin effects, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/day of this compound were injected intraperitoneally in concomitant with nitroglycerin. In the isolated aorta test, after preparation of aorta rings, different concentrations of acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin were added to the organ bath after inducing contraction by phenylephrine and the responsiveness of tissues was recorded.
Results: Findings showed that nitroglycerin administration caused a remarkable overproduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cells and crocin treatment significantly decreased the MDA level. In the nitrate tolerance group, the level of activated eNOS decreased and the level of deactivated eNOS increased. Crocin partly alleviated these changes: however, its effects were not remarkable. Nitroglycerin injection for 3 days developed tolerance to nitroglycerin and cross-tolerance to acetylcholine (endothelial dysfunction) and sodium nitroprusside. Crocin failed to influence significantly on the nitrate tolerance.
Conclusion: Crocin effectiveness is possibly time-dependent; therefore, increasing the duration of treatment with crocin may lead to a significant prevention of nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysfunction.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Crocin has significant analgesic effects that are probably mediated by an endocannabinoid mechanism

Crocin has significant analgesic effects that are probably mediated by an endocannabinoid mechanism.

Purpose : Neuropathic pain involves injury or alteration of the normal sensory and modulatory nervous systems to produce a set of symptoms that are often difficult to treat .
Previous study indicates that crocin has anti-inflammatory properties that may be mediated by the neurotransmitter system .
In this study , we determine if there is an interaction between crocin and the cannabinoid system on chronic constriction injury ( CCI ) -induced neuropathic pain in male rats .
Materials and Methods : In this experimental study , adult male Wistar rats ( 220-250 g ) were used .
CCI was induced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sciatic nerve .
In part 1 , after nerve lesion , vehicle , crocin ( 60 mg/kg ) or Win 55-212-2 ( 0.1 mg/kg ) as an agonist and AM 251 ( 0.1 mg/kg ) as an antagonist of cannabinoid receptors were injected intraperitoneally daily in separate groups for 2 weeks .
In part 2 , two weeks after nerve lesion , vehicle ( 5 µL ) , crocin ( 6 µg/5 µL ) , Win 55-212-2 ( 0.1 µg/5 µL ) , AM 251 ( 0.1 µg/5 µL ) were administered intracerebroventricularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured using Von Frey filaments and plantar test device , respectively , at day 14 .
Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Sidak 's multiple comparisons post-test .
Results : Results indicated that centrally administered crocin significantly decreased thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia .
Also , peripheral injection ofcrocin significantly decreased mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia .
Central or peripheral administration of Win 55-212-2 or AM 251 modulates the analgesic effect of crocin significantly .
Conclusion : Our findings showed that crocin has significant analgesic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endocannabinoid mechanism .

Purpose: Neuropathic pain involves injury or alteration of the normal sensory and modulatory nervous systems to produce a set of symptoms that are often difficult to treat. Previous study indicates that crocin has anti-inflammatory properties that may be mediated by the neurotransmitter system. In this study, we determine if there is an interaction between crocin and the cannabinoid system on chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in male rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were used. CCI was induced by setting four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve. In part 1, after nerve lesion, vehicle, crocin (60 mg/kg) or Win 55-212-2 (0.1 mg/kg) as an agonist and AM 251 (0.1 mg/kg) as an antagonist of cannabinoid receptors were injected intraperitoneally daily in separate groups for 2 weeks. In part 2, two weeks after nerve lesion, vehicle (5 µL), crocin (6 µg/5 µL), Win 55-212-2 (0.1 µg/5 µL), AM 251 (0.1 µg/5 µL) were administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) in separate groups. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured using Von Frey filaments and plantar test device, respectively, at day 14. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Sidak's multiple comparisons post-test.
Results: Results indicated that centrally administered crocin significantly decreased thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Also, peripheral injection ofcrocin significantly decreased mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. Central or peripheral administration of Win 55-212-2 or AM 251 modulates the analgesic effect of crocin significantly.
Conclusion: Our findings showed that crocin has significant analgesic effects that are probably mediated by an endocannabinoid mechanism.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--The anti-diabetic and anti-diabetic nephritic effects of crocin were related to its modulation of ox

The anti-diabetic and anti-diabetic nephritic effects of crocin were related to its modulation of oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signalling.

Background : As the main ingredient of .
( Iridaceae ) extract , crocin- I ( CR ) has been reported to show various pharmacological activities .
The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and renal protection properties of CR in db/db mice .
Methods : Eight-week-old db/db mice were treated with metformin ( Met ) ( 100 mg/kg ) and CR ( 50 mg/kg ) for eight weeks .
Results : CR treatment showed hypoglycemic functions indicated by reduced bodyweight , food and water intake , plasma glucose , and serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased serum levels of insulin and pyruvate kinase , hypolipidemic functions indicated by the suppressed levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride , and enhanced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , which are also indicators of hypoglycemic functions .
The renal protection function of CR was demonstrated by its protection of renal structures and its regulation of potential indicators of nephropathy .
The anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects of CR were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay .
In the kidneys of db/db mice , CR decreased the expression of phospho-IκBα and phospho-nuclear factor-κB ( NF-κB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nuclear respiratory factor 2 , manganese superoxide dismutase 1 , heme oxygenase-1 , and catalase .
Conclusions : The anti-diabetic and anti-diabetic nephritic effects of CR were related to its modulation of oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling .

Background: As the main ingredient of. (Iridaceae) extract, crocin- I (CR) has been reported to show various pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and renal protection properties of CR in db/db mice.
Methods: Eight-week-old db/db mice were treated with metformin (Met) (100 mg/kg) and CR (50 mg/kg) for eight weeks.
Results: CR treatment showed hypoglycemic functions indicated by reduced bodyweight, food and water intake, plasma glucose, and serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c. Additionally, the CR group showed increased serum levels of insulin and pyruvate kinase, hypolipidemic functions indicated by the suppressed levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which are also indicators of hypoglycemic functions. The renal protection function of CR was demonstrated by its protection of renal structures and its regulation of potential indicators of nephropathy. The anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects of CR were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the kidneys of db/db mice, CR decreased the expression of phospho-IκBα and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), whereas it enhanced the expression of nuclear respiratory factor 2, manganese superoxide dismutase 1, heme oxygenase-1, and catalase.
Conclusions: The anti-diabetic and anti-diabetic nephritic effects of CR were related to its modulation of oxidative stress-mediated NF-κB signaling.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Pathogenesis and anti-proliferation mechanisms of crocin in human gastric carcinoma cells.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death globally and the second most common in Asia .
@ @ @ @ @ has the potential for gastric cancer antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols .
Here we investigated genomic @ @ @ @ @ effect of Crocin , and elucidated the molecular mechanism of this inhibition in gastric carcinoma @ @ @ @ @ , compared with the control group , 216 significantly upregulated and 301 significantly downregulated genes @ @ @ @ @ cells .
Many of these differentially expressed genes in AGS cells are involved in Nrf2-mediated @ @ @ @ @ signaling , and integrin signaling , which suggested the mechanism of Crocin functions in therapy @ @ @ @ @ summary , our study indicates that Crocin has the potential for gastric cancer adjuvant treatment @ @ @ @ @ levels .

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death globally and the second most common in Asia. Many studies suggest that Crocin has the potential for gastric cancer antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols. Here we investigated genomic changes related to the inhibitory effect of Crocin, and elucidated the molecular mechanism of this inhibition in gastric carcinoma cells. We found that, compared with the control group, 216 significantly upregulated and 301 significantly downregulated genes were identified in Crocin-treated AGS cells. Many of these differentially expressed genes in AGS cells are involved in Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response, p53 signaling, and integrin signaling, which suggested the mechanism of Crocin functions in therapy of gastric cancer. In summary, our study indicates that Crocin has the potential for gastric cancer adjuvant treatment through reducing cell oxidative stress levels.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Crocin reverses depression-like behaviour in Parkinson disease.

Depression is a common non-motor symptom in patients with Parkinson 's disease ( PD ) and difficult to treat .
Crocin is a natural multipotential neuroprotective compound that has been shown to elicit antidepressant activity and is promising for the therapy of neuropsychological diseases .
Here , we investigated the therapeutic effect of crocin in a mouse model of Parkinson 's disease depression ( PDD ) and clarified the underlying mechanism .
We prepared 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine ( MPTP ) -induced subacute mouse model of PD , and found that around 60 % of the model mice showed depression-like behavior , using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A regime of 10-day treatment of crocin alleviated the PDD symptoms .
The crocin reduced the structural damage in soma volume and axon length of neurons and inhibited their spontaneous discharge in dopaminergic ( DA ) neurons in the ventral tegmental area ( VTA ) .
Notably , the MPTP-treated mice showed the decrease in the critical signaling for synaptic plasticity , including the proteins of PSD-95 , synapsin-1 , and GluR-1 , in the medial prefrontal cortex ( mPFC ) where it receives efferent from VTA and regulates depression-like behavior .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the mammalian target of rapamycin ( mTOR ) signaling in PDD mice .
Furthermore , the antidepressant action of crocin was blunted after blockade of mTOR signaling with the antagonist rapamycin .
In conclusion , our study demonstrated that crocin protected the DA projection neurons in the VTA through activating mTOR , which subsequently improved the neural synaptic plasticity of mPFC , and ameliorated depression-like behavior in PD mice .

Depression is a common non-motor symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and difficult to treat. Crocin is a natural multipotential neuroprotective compound that has been shown to elicit antidepressant activity and is promising for the therapy of neuropsychological diseases. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of crocin in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease depression (PDD) and clarified the underlying mechanism. We prepared 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced subacute mouse model of PD, and found that around 60% of the model mice showed depression-like behavior, using the forced swimming test (FST). A regime of 10-day treatment of crocin alleviated the PDD symptoms. The crocin reduced the structural damage in soma volume and axon length of neurons and inhibited their spontaneous discharge in dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Notably, the MPTP-treated mice showed the decrease in the critical signaling for synaptic plasticity, including the proteins of PSD-95, synapsin-1, and GluR-1, in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) where it receives efferent from VTA and regulates depression-like behavior. However, crocin treatment rescued the defect of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in PDD mice. Furthermore, the antidepressant action of crocin was blunted after blockade of mTOR signaling with the antagonist rapamycin. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that crocin protected the DA projection neurons in the VTA through activating mTOR, which subsequently improved the neural synaptic plasticity of mPFC, and ameliorated depression-like behavior in PD mice.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Saffron: An immunoregulatory factor in the autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases.

It has been reported that patients with arthritis , osteoarthritis , atherosclerosis , coronary artery disease , brain ischemia , @ @ @ @ @ disease ( IBD ) suffer from pro-inflammatory and oxidant related responses .
Therefore , anti-inflammatory @ @ @ @ @ to improve the quality of life of the patients .
Saffron is a herbal drug @ @ @ @ @ properties .
Hence , Saffron and its components have been proposed as therapeutic agents for @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore , this review article was designed to collect recent information regarding the effects @ @ @ @ @ on the amelioration of the inflammatory symptoms in the autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases and anti-cancerous @ @ @ @ @ now via searching the Pubmed , Google Scholar , and Scopus databases .
Due to @ @ @ @ @ reviewed the roles played by Saffron on autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis @ @ @ @ @ Alzheimer 's disease , this review article focuses on other diseases to keep the novelty @ @ @ @ @ readers .

It has been reported that patients with arthritis, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, brain ischemia, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from pro-inflammatory and oxidant related responses. Therefore, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant therapies are used to improve the quality of life of the patients. Saffron is a herbal drug that has immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. Hence, Saffron and its components have been proposed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of the diseases. Therefore, this review article was designed to collect recent information regarding the effects of saffron and its components on the amelioration of the inflammatory symptoms in the autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases and anti-cancerous effects from 1999 up to now via searching the Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Due to fact that several investigations have reviewed the roles played by Saffron on autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, mood disorders, and Alzheimer's disease, this review article focuses on other diseases to keep the novelty of the present review for readers.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Crocin can improve the synaptic loss and neuronal death.

Amyloidβ-peptides ( Aβ ) are considered as a major hallmark of Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) that can induce synaptic loss and apoptosis in brain regions , particularly in the cortex and the hippocampus .
Evidence suggests that crocin , as the major component of saffron , can exhibit neuromodulatory effects in AD.However , specific data related to their efficacy to attenuate the synaptic loss and neuronal death in animal models of AD are limited .
Hence , we investigated the efficacy of crocin in the CA3 and dentate gyrus ( DG ) regions of the hippocampus and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model of AD .
Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control , sham , AD model , crocin , and AD model + crocin groups , with 8 rats per group .
AD model was established by injecting Aβ1-42 into the frontal cortex rats , and thereafter the rats were administrated by crocin ( 30 mg/kg ) for a duration of12-day .
The number of live cells , neuronal arborization and apoptosis were measured using a Cresyl violet , Golgi-Cox and TUNEL staining , respectively .
Results showed that , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neurons in the CA3 and granular cells in the DG regions of the AD rats significantly decreased , which was significantly rescued by crocin .
Compared with the control group , the axonal , spine and dendrites arborization in the frontal cortex and CA3 region of the AD model group significantly decreased .
The crocin could significantly reverse this arborization loss in the AD rats ( P

Amyloidβ-peptides (Aβ) are considered as a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that can induce synaptic loss and apoptosis in brain regions, particularly in the cortex and the hippocampus. Evidence suggests that crocin, as the major component of saffron, can exhibit neuromodulatory effects in AD.However, specific data related to their efficacy to attenuate the synaptic loss and neuronal death in animal models of AD are limited. Hence, we investigated the efficacy of crocin in the CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus and also in frontal cortex neurons employing a rat model of AD. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, sham, AD model, crocin, and AD model + crocin groups, with 8 rats per group. AD model was established by injecting Aβ1-42 into the frontal cortex rats, and thereafter the rats were administrated by crocin (30 mg/kg) for a duration of12-day. The number of live cells, neuronal arborization and apoptosis were measured using a Cresyl violet, Golgi-Cox and TUNEL staining, respectively. Results showed that, the number of live cells in the hippocampus pyramidal neurons in the CA3 and granular cells in the DG regions of the AD rats significantly decreased, which was significantly rescued by crocin. Compared with the control group, the axonal, spine and dendrites arborization in the frontal cortex and CA3 region of the AD model group significantly decreased. The crocin could significantly reverse this arborization loss in the AD rats (P < 0.05). The apoptotic cell number in the CA3 and DG regions in the AD model group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), while crocin significantly decreased the apoptotic cell number in the AD group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Crocin can improve the synaptic loss and neuronal death of the AD rats possibly by reducing the neuronal apoptosis.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-22--Do Masks Even Work? Can You Be Forced To Wear One? Dr. Kaufman Weighs In

We are beginning to see more and more mask mandates being rolled out , which raises many questions .
Does @ @ @ @ @ from the virus ?
Is wearing a mask for extended periods of time pose any @ @ @ @ @ Can the government or employers really make you wear a mask ?
In this interview @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Andrew Kaufman to discuss these issue in addition to another concerning aspect regarding mandated @ @ @ @ @ conditioned to accept other mandates ?
If they can make you wear a mask , @ @ @ @ @ do next ?
Mandatory testing ?
Mandatory vaccination ?
Universal Masking in Hospitals in the @ @ @ @ @ ... A Cluster Randomised Trial of Cloth Masks Compared With Medical Masks in Healthcare Workers @ @ @ @ @ Physiological Impact of Wearing an N95 Mask During Hemodialysis as a Precaution Against SARS in @ @ @ @ @ https : //pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15340 ...

Visit our Re-post guidelines This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2020
We are beginning to see more and more mask mandates being rolled out, which raises many questions. Does wearing a mask offer protection from the virus? Is wearing a mask for extended periods of time pose any risk to your health? Can the government or employers really make you wear a mask?
In this interview, Spiro is joined by Dr. Andrew Kaufman to discuss these issue in addition to another concerning aspect regarding mandated masks. Are we being conditioned to accept other mandates? If they can make you wear a mask, what will they make you do next? Mandatory testing? Mandatory vaccination?
Dr. Andrew Kaufman’s Website https://www.andrewkaufmanmd.com
Department of Labor & OSHA https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standa...
Department of Labor & OSHA https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/co...
Universal Masking in Hospitals in the Covid-19 Era https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056...
A Cluster Randomised Trial of Cloth Masks Compared With Medical Masks in Healthcare Workers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25903...
The Physiological Impact of Wearing an N95 Mask During Hemodialysis as a Precaution Against SARS in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15340...
Masks Don’t Work: A Review of Science Relevant to COVID-19 Social Policy https://www.rcreader.com/commentary/m...


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--New Meta-Analysis Raises Doubts That Masks Work To Prevent COVID Infection and Transmission

A newly released meta-analysis on the use of face masks for reducing the transmission of viral respiratory infections within community settings shows the evidence for their effectiveness is equivocal at best .
Titled , “ Face masks to prevent community transmission of viral respiratory infections : A rapid evidence review using Bayesian analysis , ” the study analyzed eleven randomized , controlled trials and 10 observational studies , concluding : Here is an example they provided of the highly equivocal nature of their study findings : The researchers pointed out that there is considerable controversy on the topic of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk/benefit analyses should be conducted given their implications to health policy .
They noted that while face masks filter droplets believed to contain viruses like SARS-CoV-2 , they also have a number of drawbacks .
For instance , if not used correctly , they : “ ... may even increase transmission if they act as fomites [ objects or materials which are likely to carry infection ] or prompt other behaviours that transmit the virus such as face touching .
For example , a face mask that has been worn for several hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source of contamination .
Studies show that people touch their faces 15-23 times per hour on average ( 9,10 ) , and this may mean that eyes and contaminated face masks are touched , spreading the virus . ''
The researchers commented on the implications of their findings for policy and practice : '' While the potentially biased self-reported outcomes from RCTs suggest a small benefit of face mask wearing , findings on clinically- and laboratory-confirmed infection remain equivocal .
In addition , none of the studies concerned SARS-CoV-2 and none were conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community settings that were different in many respects from the situation pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 in the UK .
In light of this , judgements about the benefits or harms of wearing face masks will have to be made using a priori arguments rather than the data reviewed here : the scientific evidence should be considered equivocal .
Such arguments should pay special attention to specific settings where the risk of infection is high and the opportunity for physical distancing is low ( e.g .
on crowded public transport ) , and to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential benefits of wearing masks and mitigate the risk that they will transmit infection by acting as fomites . ''
This study was the subject of a recent article titled , `` Four potential consequences of wearing face masks we need to be wary of '' published on www.theconversation.com , and which is well worth reading .
Clearly , in a time and age when mandatory medical interventions , including so-called non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing , hand-washing , and mask wearing , are increasingly being implemented and institutionalized under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to let the evidence itself ( and not simply fear and a desire to control ) guide these public health decisions and policies .
When the evidence of safety and effectiveness is lacking , or worse , when there is evidence of unsafety and ineffectiveness , it is our job to inform ourselves and others , and not consent to unethical , unlawful , or unconstitutional orders that violate our health and bodily sovereignty .
Join the non-profit , health freedom advocacy project www.Standforhealthfreedom.com to learn more about your rights and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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A newly released meta-analysis on the use of face masks for reducing the transmission of viral respiratory infections within community settings shows the evidence for their effectiveness is equivocal at best.
Titled, “Face masks to prevent community transmission of viral respiratory infections: A rapid evidence review using Bayesian analysis,” the study analyzed eleven randomized, controlled trials and 10 observational studies, concluding:
“Available evidence from RCTs is equivocal as to whether or not wearing face masks in community settings results in a reduction in clinically- or laboratory-confirmed viral respiratory infections. No relevant studies concerned SARS-CoV-2 or were undertaken in community settings in the UK.”
Here is an example they provided of the highly equivocal nature of their study findings:
“One study found lower rates of self-reported symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the intervention compared with the control arm; however, in secondary analyses with laboratory-confirmed ILI, the rate of infection was less in the control arm than the intervention arm.”
The researchers pointed out that there is considerable controversy on the topic of the effectiveness of mask wearing, and proper risk/benefit analyses should be conducted given their implications to health policy.
They noted that while face masks filter droplets believed to contain viruses like SARS-CoV-2, they also have a number of drawbacks. For instance, if not used correctly, they:
“...may even increase transmission if they act as fomites [objects or materials which are likely to carry infection] or prompt other behaviours that transmit the virus such as face touching. For example, a face mask that has been worn for several hours becomes moist and acts as a potential source of contamination. Studies show that people touch their faces 15-23 times per hour on average (9,10), and this may mean that eyes and contaminated face masks are touched, spreading the virus."
The researchers commented on the implications of their findings for policy and practice:
"While the potentially biased self-reported outcomes from RCTs suggest a small benefit of face mask wearing, findings on clinically- and laboratory-confirmed infection remain equivocal. In addition, none of the studies concerned SARS-CoV-2 and none were conducted in the UK. All were in community settings that were different in many respects from the situation pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 in the UK. In light of this, judgements about the benefits or harms of wearing face masks will have to be made using a priori arguments rather than the data reviewed here: the scientific evidence should be considered equivocal. Such arguments should pay special attention to specific settings where the risk of infection is high and the opportunity for physical distancing is low (e.g. on crowded public transport), and to the need for education and training to maximise the potential benefits of wearing masks and mitigate the risk that they will transmit infection by acting as fomites."
This study was the subject of a recent article titled, "Four potential consequences of wearing face masks we need to be wary of" published on www.theconversation.com, and which is well worth reading.
Clearly, in a time and age when mandatory medical interventions, including so-called non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, hand-washing, and mask wearing, are increasingly being implemented and institutionalized under the auspices of the public safety, we need to let the evidence itself (and not simply fear and a desire to control) guide these public health decisions and policies. When the evidence of safety and effectiveness is lacking, or worse, when there is evidence of unsafety and ineffectiveness, it is our job to inform ourselves and others, and not consent to unethical, unlawful, or unconstitutional orders that violate our health and bodily sovereignty. Join the non-profit, health freedom advocacy project www.Standforhealthfreedom.com to learn more about your rights and what you can do to protect them.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--Incorporating pranayama in sports can enhance the efficiency of healthy individuals and athletes by

Incorporating pranayama in sports can enhance the efficiency of healthy individuals and athletes by enhancing the ventilatory functions of lungs.

Background : The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of ( bellows breath ) and exercise on lung function of healthy individuals .
Materials and Methods : A total of thirty male participants were recruited and randomly divided into two groups , i.e.
, yoga breathing group ( YBG , = 15 ) and physical exercise group ( PEG , = 15 ) , and the participants ' ages ranged between 18 and 30 years ( group age mean± standard deviation , 22.5 ± 1.9 years ) .
YBG practicedfor 15 min , whereas PEG practiced running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week , over a period of 1 month .
The participants were assessed for ( i ) forced vital capacity ( FVC ) , ( ii ) forced expiratory volume in the first second ( FEV1 ) , ( iii ) peak expiratory flow rate ( PEFR ) , and ( iv ) maximum voluntary ventilation ( MVV ) functions of lungs .
Results : Repeated-measures analyses of variance with Bonferroni adjustmentanalyses of multiple comparisons showed that there was a significant increase in YBG for all variables , i.e.
, FVC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ < 0.001 , < 0.001 , < 0.01 , and < 0.001 , respectively ) , whereas there was a significant increase in PEFR and MVV ( < 0.05 and < 0.01 , respectively ) only , among PEG .
However , the change in PEG was less of magnitude as compared to YBG .
Conclusions : These findings demonstrate that incorporatingin sports can enhance the efficiency of healthy individuals and athletes by enhancing the ventilatory functions of lungs , especially for those who partake in aerobic-based sports and require efficient lungs to @ @ @ @ @

Background: The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of(bellows breath) and exercise on lung function of healthy individuals.
Materials and Methods: A total of thirty male participants were recruited and randomly divided into two groups, i.e., yoga breathing group (YBG,= 15) and physical exercise group (PEG,= 15), and the participants' ages ranged between 18 and 30 years (group age mean± standard deviation, 22.5 ± 1.9 years). YBG practicedfor 15 min, whereas PEG practiced running for 15 min, 6 days in a week, over a period of 1 month. The participants were assessed for (i) forced vital capacity (FVC), (ii) forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), (iii) peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and (iv) maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) functions of lungs.
Results: Repeated-measures analyses of variance with Bonferroni adjustmentanalyses of multiple comparisons showed that there was a significant increase in YBG for all variables, i.e., FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and MVV (<0.001,<0.001,<0.01, and<0.001, respectively), whereas there was a significant increase in PEFR and MVV (<0.05 and<0.01, respectively) only, among PEG. However, the change in PEG was less of magnitude as compared to YBG.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that incorporatingin sports can enhance the efficiency of healthy individuals and athletes by enhancing the ventilatory functions of lungs, especially for those who partake in aerobic-based sports and require efficient lungs to deliver sufficient oxygen uptake.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--To some extent, breathing exercises can relieve the symptoms of patients with GERD.

BACKGROUND : Breathing exercises can improve the symptoms of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) , but their specific effect and function are disputed .
To evaluate and conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of breathing exercises on patients with GERD .
METHODS : A literature search for randomized controlled trials ( RCTs ) and prospective studies on the effects of employing breathing exercises on patients with GERD was conducted of all major online English databases ( PubMed , Embase , the Cochrane library , CENTRAL , Web of Science , AMED , and CINAHL ) .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to inclusion and exclusion criteria , we analyzed the extracted data through meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.3 software .
RESULTS : This thesis analyzes 7 studies ( including three RCTs ) , which together involved 194 patients and 16 healthy volunteers .
The primary outcomes of these studies included GERD symptoms , esophageal manometry , esophageal pH monitoring , laryngoscopic findings , and acid suppression usage .
The results of meta-analysis indicate that breathing exercises can improve pressure generated by the lower oesophageal sphincter ( LES ) , and a statistically significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind this is the enhancement of the anti-regurgitation barrier [ especially crural diaphragm ( CD ) tension ] .
CONCLUSIONS : To some extent , breathing exercises can relieve the symptoms of patients with GERD .

BACKGROUND: Breathing exercises can improve the symptoms of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but their specific effect and function are disputed. To evaluate and conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of breathing exercises on patients with GERD.
METHODS: A literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies on the effects of employing breathing exercises on patients with GERD was conducted of all major online English databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CENTRAL, Web of Science, AMED, and CINAHL). After the systematic review of all the studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, we analyzed the extracted data through meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS: This thesis analyzes 7 studies (including three RCTs), which together involved 194 patients and 16 healthy volunteers. The primary outcomes of these studies included GERD symptoms, esophageal manometry, esophageal pH monitoring, laryngoscopic findings, and acid suppression usage. The results of meta-analysis indicate that breathing exercises can improve pressure generated by the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), and a statistically significant difference was observed. The possible mechanism behind this is the enhancement of the anti-regurgitation barrier [especially crural diaphragm (CD) tension].
CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, breathing exercises can relieve the symptoms of patients with GERD.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--Breathing exercises complements exercise training towards improved dyspnea and health-related qualit

Breathing exercises complements exercise training towards improved dyspnea and health-related quality of life in patients with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background : Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF ) is a progressive disease associated with significant dyspnea and limited exercise capacity .
This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence of exercise interventions during pulmonary rehabilitation that aim to improve exercise capacity , dyspnea , and health-related quality of life ( HRQL ) in IPF patients .
Methods : Searches were performed in MEDLINE , Embase , CENTRAL , SPORTDiscus , PubMed and PEDro from inception to January 2019 using search terms for : ( I ) participants : 'IPF or interstitial lung disease ' ; ( II ) interventions : 'aerobic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training ' ; and ( III ) outcomes : 'exercise capacity or dyspnea or health-related quality of life ' .
Two reviewers independently screened titles , abstracts and full texts to identify eligible studies .
Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist and meta-analyses were performed .
Results : Of 1,677 articles identified , 14 were included ( four randomized controlled trials and 10 prospective pre-post design studies ) that examined 362 patients receiving training and 95 control subjects .
Exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work rate , or endurance time for constant work rate cycling , which increased after exercise [ aerobic exercise ; aerobic and breathing exercises ; aerobic and inspiratory muscle training ( IMT ) exercises ] compared to the control groups .
Dyspnea scores improved after aerobic and breathing exercises .
HRQL also improved after aerobic exercise training alone or combined with breathing exercises .
Aerobic training alone or combined with IMT or breathing exercises improved exercise capacity .
Conclusions : Breathing exercises appears to complement exercise training towards improved dyspnea and HRQL in @ @ @ @

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease associated with significant dyspnea and limited exercise capacity. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence of exercise interventions during pulmonary rehabilitation that aim to improve exercise capacity, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in IPF patients.
Methods: Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and PEDro from inception to January 2019 using search terms for: (I) participants: 'IPF or interstitial lung disease'; (II) interventions: 'aerobic training or resistance training or respiratory muscle training'; and (III) outcomes: 'exercise capacity or dyspnea or health-related quality of life'. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts to identify eligible studies. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist and meta-analyses were performed.
Results: Of 1,677 articles identified, 14 were included (four randomized controlled trials and 10 prospective pre-post design studies) that examined 362 patients receiving training and 95 control subjects. Exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk distance, peak oxygen consumption, peak work rate, or endurance time for constant work rate cycling, which increased after exercise [aerobic exercise; aerobic and breathing exercises; aerobic and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) exercises] compared to the control groups. Dyspnea scores improved after aerobic and breathing exercises. HRQL also improved after aerobic exercise training alone or combined with breathing exercises. Aerobic training alone or combined with IMT or breathing exercises improved exercise capacity.
Conclusions: Breathing exercises appears to complement exercise training towards improved dyspnea and HRQL in patients with IPF.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--The present study showed a positive shift in cardiac autonomic modulation towards parasympathetic pr

The present study showed a positive shift in cardiac autonomic modulation towards parasympathetic predominance after 6 months of yoga breathing practice.

Background : This study was conducted among healthy adolescents to assess the effects of a yoga breathing practice ( Bhramari @ @ @ @ @ cardiac autonomic function using heart rate variability ( HRV ) parameters .
Methods : Of @ @ @ @ @ , 520 healthy adolescents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to @ @ @ @ @ n = 260 ) or control group ( n = 260 ) .
The yoga @ @ @ @ @ five days a week for a duration of six months while the control group continued @ @ @ @ @ any intervention .
Outcome measures were time and frequency domain of HRV in both groups @ @ @ @ @ after the intervention using Lead II ECG .
Linear models were used in the analysis @ @ @ @ @ Results : After 6 months of yoga breathing , the time domain parameters of short @ @ @ @ @ P Conclusion : The present study showed a positive shift in cardiac autonomic modulation towards @ @ @ @ @ of yoga breathing practice among apparently healthy adolescents .

Background: This study was conducted among healthy adolescents to assess the effects of a yoga breathing practice (Bhramari pranayama, Bhr.P) towards cardiac autonomic function using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters.
Methods: Of the 730 eligible subjects screened, 520 healthy adolescents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either yoga breathing group (n = 260) or control group (n = 260). The yoga breathing group practiced Bhr.P. five days a week for a duration of six months while the control group continued with their daily routine without any intervention. Outcome measures were time and frequency domain of HRV in both groups which were assessed before and after the intervention using Lead II ECG. Linear models were used in the analysis of short term HRV.
Results: After 6 months of yoga breathing, the time domain parameters of short term HRV showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement towards the parasympathetic domain. Frequency domain parameters also showed the same direction of changes. In contrast, control group subjects showed a trend towards a sympathetic domain.
Conclusion: The present study showed a positive shift in cardiac autonomic modulation towards parasympathetic predominance after 6 months of yoga breathing practice among apparently healthy adolescents.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--Pranayama improved asthma control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma.

OBJECTIVE : This study evaluated the effect of pranayama on asthma control , pulmonary function , and quality of life @ @ @ @ @ METHODS : Pranayama was applied to the pranayama group for 20 min once daily for @ @ @ @ @ was applied to the relaxation group similarly in addition to the standard treatment .
The @ @ @ @ @ the Asthma Control Test ( ACT ) , Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire ( AQLQ @ @ @ @ @ ( PFT ) , and patient observationchart .
RESULTS : The pranayama group had significantly @ @ @ @ @ AQLQ score , and subscale scores than the relaxation group ( p 0.05 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma , but it did not @ @ @ @ @ PFT values .

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of pranayama on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life in people with asthma.
METHODS: Pranayama was applied to the pranayama group for 20 min once daily for 1 month, and relaxation was applied to the relaxation group similarly in addition to the standard treatment. The outcome measurement tools used were the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), and patient observationchart.
RESULTS: The pranayama group had significantly higher ACT score, overall AQLQ score, and subscale scores than the relaxation group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PFT parameters and peak expiratory flow values (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Pranayama improved asthma control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma, but it did not show a significant difference in PFT values.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--Effect of Bhramari pranayama practice on simple reaction time in healthy adolescents.

Objectives The improvement in the/reaction time is important , as it is an indicator of cognitive function .
Therefore , there is a need , especially for adolescents in the form of techniques or courses that can improve the reaction time .
Yoga was found to cause a better improvement in the health of the individuals .
The present study intended to show the effects of Bhramari pranayama ( Bhr.P ) on reaction time in the healthy adolescents .
Methods Of the 730 potential subjects screened , 520 apparently healthy adolescents randomly assigned to either the Bhr.P group ( n-260 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bhr.P group practiced the bhramari pranayama for 3 days in a week for 6 months .
The Auditory Reaction Time ( ART ) and the Visual Reaction Time ( VRT ) were assessed before and after Bhr.P pranayama practice .
Results Bhr.P group shows significant shortening of response time in both VRT ( from 267.13 ± 52.65 to 249.87 ± 39.41 ms ) and ART ( from 237.42 ± 48.12 to 227.91 ± 34.60 ms ) after 6 months of Bhr.P practice .
In control group subjects , no such significant changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Conclusions Shortening of RT implies an improvement in the information processing and reflexes .
This beneficial effect of Bhr.P on reaction time can be used for improving cognitive function in the adolescents for their academic performances .

Objectives The improvement in the/reaction time is important, as it is an indicator of cognitive function. Therefore, there is a need, especially for adolescents in the form of techniques or courses that can improve the reaction time. Yoga was found to cause a better improvement in the health of the individuals. The present study intended to show the effects of Bhramari pranayama (Bhr.P) on reaction time in the healthy adolescents. Methods Of the 730 potential subjects screened, 520 apparently healthy adolescents randomly assigned to either the Bhr.P group (n-260) or control group (n-260). Bhr.P group practiced the bhramari pranayama for 3 days in a week for 6 months. The Auditory Reaction Time (ART) and the Visual Reaction Time (VRT) were assessed before and after Bhr.P pranayama practice. Results Bhr.P group shows significant shortening of response time in both VRT (from 267.13 ± 52.65 to 249.87 ± 39.41 ms) and ART (from 237.42 ± 48.12 to 227.91 ± 34.60 ms) after 6 months of Bhr.P practice. In control group subjects, no such significant changes were found (p > 0.05). Conclusions Shortening of RT implies an improvement in the information processing and reflexes. This beneficial effect of Bhr.P on reaction time can be used for improving cognitive function in the adolescents for their academic performances.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-23--Caffeine improves muscular endurance and aerobic performance in adolescent athletes.

: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotypes ( rs 762551 ) ( AA , AC and CC ) modify the ergogenic effects of caffeine ( CAF ) on strength , power , muscular endurance , agility and endurance in adolescent athletes .
METHODS : One hundred adolescents ( age = 15± 2 years ) were recruited .
Participants ingested CAF ( 6 mg.kg ) or placebo ( PLA , 300 mg of cellulose ) one hour before performing a sequence of physical tests : handgrip strength , vertical jumps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 ( Yo-Yo IR1 ) .
RESULTS : Compared to PLA , CAF enhanced ( p < 0.05 ) sit-up ( CAF = 37± 9 ; PLA = 35 ± 8 repetitions ) and push-up repetitions ( CAF = 26 ± 11 ; PLA = 24 ± 11 repetitions ) , and increased distance covered in Yo-Yo IR1 test ( CAF = 1010.4 ± 378.9 ; PLA = 903.2 ± 325.7 m ) .
There was no influence of CAF on handgrip strength ( CAF = @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ± 8.7 kgf ) , countermovement jump height ( CAF = 49.3 ± 12.6 ; PLA = 47.9 ± 13.8 cm ) , spike jump height ( CAF = 54.2 ± 13.6 ; PLA = 52.9 ± 14.5 cm ) , and time in agility test ( CAF = 15.8 ± 1.1 ; PLA = 15.9 ± 1.3 s , p > 0.05 ) .
When present , the ergogenic effect of CAF was not dependent of genotype .
CONCLUSION : CAF improves muscular endurance and aerobic performance in adolescent athletes , regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genotype .

: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in 163 C>A CYP1A2 genotypes (rs 762551) (AA, AC and CC) modify the ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) on strength, power, muscular endurance, agility and endurance in adolescent athletes.
METHODS: One hundred adolescents (age = 15± 2 years) were recruited. Participants ingested CAF (6 mg.kg) or placebo (PLA, 300 mg of cellulose) one hour before performing a sequence of physical tests: handgrip strength, vertical jumps, agility test, sit-ups, push-ups and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1).
RESULTS: Compared to PLA, CAF enhanced (p<0.05) sit-up (CAF = 37± 9; PLA = 35 ± 8 repetitions) and push-up repetitions (CAF = 26 ± 11; PLA = 24 ± 11 repetitions), and increased distance covered in Yo-Yo IR1 test (CAF = 1010.4 ± 378.9; PLA = 903.2 ± 325.7 m). There was no influence of CAF on handgrip strength (CAF = 35.1 ± 8.9; PLA = 33.7 ± 8.7 kgf), countermovement jump height (CAF = 49.3 ± 12.6; PLA = 47.9 ± 13.8 cm), spike jump height (CAF = 54.2 ± 13.6; PLA = 52.9 ± 14.5 cm), and time in agility test (CAF = 15.8 ± 1.1; PLA = 15.9 ± 1.3 s, p>0.05). When present, the ergogenic effect of CAF was not dependent of genotype.
CONCLUSION: CAF improves muscular endurance and aerobic performance in adolescent athletes, regardless of their 163 C>A CYP1A2 genotype.