greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--The comprehensive study on the therapeutic effects of baicalein for the treatment of COVID-19 in viv

The comprehensive study on the therapeutic effects of baicalein for the treatment of COVID-19 in vivo and in vitro.

Baicalein is the main active compound of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi , a medicinal herb with multiple pharmacological activities , including @ @ @ @ @ In this paper , the preclinical study of baicalein on the treatment of COVID-19 was @ @ @ @ @ baicalein inhibited cell damage induced by SARS-CoV-2 and improved the morphology of Vero E6 cells @ @ @ @ @ μM and above .
The effective concentration could be reached after oral administration of 200 @ @ @ @ @ baicalein in rats .
Furthermore , baicalein significantly inhibited the body weight loss , the @ @ @ @ @ and relieved the lesions of lung tissue in hACE2 transgenic mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 .
@ @ @ @ @ of mice , baicalein improved the respiratory function , inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in the @ @ @ @ @ levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum .
In conclusion , oral administration of crystal @ @ @ @ @ its effective concentration against SARS-CoV-2 .
Baicalein could inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced injury both in vitro and @ @ @ @ @ baicalein might be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 .

Baicalein is the main active compound of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a medicinal herb with multiple pharmacological activities, including the broad anti-virus effects. In this paper, the preclinical study of baicalein on the treatment of COVID-19 was performed. Results showed that baicalein inhibited cell damage induced by SARS-CoV-2 and improved the morphology of Vero E6 cells at a concentration of 0.1 μM and above. The effective concentration could be reached after oral administration of 200 mg/kg crystal form β of baicalein in rats. Furthermore, baicalein significantly inhibited the body weight loss, the replication of the virus, and relieved the lesions of lung tissue in hACE2 transgenic mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. In LPS-induced acute lung injury of mice, baicalein improved the respiratory function, inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung, and decreased the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum. In conclusion, oral administration of crystal form β of baicalein couldreach its effective concentration against SARS-CoV-2. Baicalein could inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced injury both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, baicalein might be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Baicalein suppresses growth of non-small cell lung carcinoma by targeting MAP4K3.

Exploring key genes associated with non-small cell lung carcinoma ( NSCLC ) may lead to targeted therapies for NSCLC patients .
The protein kinase MAP4K3 has been established as an important modulator of cell growth and autophagy in mammals .
Herein , we investigated the somatic mutations and the expression pattern of MAP4K3 detected in NSCLC patients based on the TCGA database .
Abnormal MAP4K3 expression and its somatic mutations are associated with the carcinogenesis and thereby becoming an attractive therapeutic target .
Baicalein , a natural product , was determined to be the first-reported MAP4K3 binding ligand with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thermophoresis .
Subsequent in silico docking and mutation studies demonstrated that baicalein directly binds to MAP4K3 , presumably to the substrate-binding pocket of this kinase domain , causing inactivity of MAP4K3 .
We further showed that baicalein could induce degradation of MAP4K3 through decreasing its stability and promoting the ubiquitin proteasome pathway .
Degradation of MAP4K3 could cause dissociation of the transcription factor EB and 14-3-3 complex , enhance rapid transport of TFEB to the nucleus and trigger TFEB-dependent autophagy , resulting in lung cancer cells proliferation arrest .
Knockdown of MAP4K3 expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autophagy .
Ectopic expression of the MAP4K3 protein resulted in significant resistance to baicalein-induced autophagy .
Baicalein exhibited good tumor growth inhibition in a nude mouse model for human H1299 xenografts , which might be tightly related to its binding to MAP4K3 and degradation of MAP4K3 .
Our data provide novel mechanistic insights of baicalein/ MAP4K3/ mTORC1/ TFEB axis in regulating baicalein-induced autophagy in NSCLC , suggesting potential therapies for treatment of NSCLC .

Exploring key genes associated with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) may lead to targeted therapies for NSCLC patients. The protein kinase MAP4K3 has been established as an important modulator of cell growth and autophagy in mammals. Herein, we investigated the somatic mutations and the expression pattern of MAP4K3 detected in NSCLC patients based on the TCGA database. Abnormal MAP4K3 expression and its somatic mutations are associated with the carcinogenesis and thereby becoming an attractive therapeutic target. Baicalein, a natural product, was determined to be the first-reported MAP4K3 binding ligand with its Kvalues of 6.47 μM measured by microscale thermophoresis. Subsequent in silico docking and mutation studies demonstrated that baicalein directly binds to MAP4K3, presumably to the substrate-binding pocket of this kinase domain, causing inactivity of MAP4K3. We further showed that baicalein could induce degradation of MAP4K3 through decreasing its stability and promoting the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Degradation of MAP4K3 could cause dissociation of the transcription factor EB and 14-3-3 complex, enhance rapid transport of TFEB to the nucleus and trigger TFEB-dependent autophagy, resulting in lung cancer cells proliferation arrest. Knockdown of MAP4K3 expression by siRNA was sufficient to mimic baicalein-induced autophagy. Ectopic expression of the MAP4K3 protein resulted in significant resistance to baicalein-induced autophagy. Baicalein exhibited good tumor growth inhibition in a nude mouse model for human H1299 xenografts, which might be tightly related to its binding to MAP4K3 and degradation of MAP4K3. Our data provide novel mechanistic insights of baicalein/ MAP4K3/ mTORC1/ TFEB axis in regulating baicalein-induced autophagy in NSCLC, suggesting potential therapies for treatment of NSCLC.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Anti-metastatic effects of baicalein by targeting STAT3 activity in breast cancer cells.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 ( STAT3 ) is considered a potential target for cancer treatment because of @ @ @ @ @ and tumor initiation and progression .
In this study , we aimed to identify a @ @ @ @ @ natural products by targeting STAT3 activity .
Using STAT3-luciferase reporter cell line , we screened @ @ @ @ @ products and found that baicalein , a flavone isolated from the roots of Scutelleria baicalensis @ @ @ @ @ in breast cancer cells .
Baicalein inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity and its phosphorylation , and @ @ @ @ @ breast cancer cells .
Moreover , baicalein suppressed the production of interleukin ( IL ) @ @ @ @ @ of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo .
Collectively , our study @ @ @ @ @ phytochemical compound for reducing metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by regulating STAT3 activity .

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is considered a potential target for cancer treatment because of its relationship with cellular transformation and tumor initiation and progression. In this study, we aimed to identify a new anti-cancer drug candidate from natural products by targeting STAT3 activity. Using STAT3-luciferase reporter cell line, we screened the chemical library of natural products and found that baicalein, a flavone isolated from the roots of Scutelleria baicalensis, strongly suppressed STAT3 activity in breast cancer cells. Baicalein inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity and its phosphorylation, and further exhibited anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cells. Moreover, baicalein suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study suggests baicalein as an attractive phytochemical compound for reducing metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by regulating STAT3 activity.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Baicalein attenuates acute liver injury by blocking NLRP3 inflammasome.

Infection and/or drug-mediated acute liver injury , the leading cause of lethal liver failure , is a critical health problem worldwide and lacks effective treatment .
Here , we used Lipopolysaccharides ( LPS ) /D-galactosamine ( D-gal ) -treated primary hepatocytes to screen a natural library that contains 1130 chemicals .
Baicalein in the library showed highest inhibitory effects against LPS/D-Gal-induced liver injury .
In-vivo study similarly validated the protection of baicalein against dampened liver function and increased lethality after a challenge of LPS/D-Gal .
Using a cytometric bead array , we found that IL-1α and IL-1β , the downstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plasma inflammatory cytokines in LPS/D-Gal-challenged mice after a treatment of baicalein .
To determine the target of baicalein and the underlying mechanism , Nlrp3 , Gsdmdor WT mice were treated with or without baicalein , IL-1R antibody or recombinant mouse IL-1β ( rmIL-1β ) prior to a challenge of LPS/D-Gal .
Deficiency of Nlrp3 or Gsdmd significantly restored LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury and lethality , and further administration of baicalein did not have additive effects .
In addition , the inhibition of the downstream by IL-1R antibody phenocopiedthe knockout of Nlrp3 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rmIL-1β reversed the improvement in Nlrp3mice or the mice treated with baicalein .
Taken together , NLRP3 functions as a pivotal promoter in acute liver injury and baicalein attenuates acute liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome .

Infection and/or drug-mediated acute liver injury, the leading cause of lethal liver failure, is a critical health problem worldwide and lacks effective treatment. Here, we used Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-gal)-treated primary hepatocytes to screen a natural library that contains 1130 chemicals. Baicalein in the library showed highest inhibitory effects against LPS/D-Gal-induced liver injury. In-vivo study similarly validated the protection of baicalein against dampened liver function and increased lethality after a challenge of LPS/D-Gal. Using a cytometric bead array, we found that IL-1α and IL-1β, the downstream of NLRP3, had highest reduction among the plasma inflammatory cytokines in LPS/D-Gal-challenged mice after a treatment of baicalein. To determine the target of baicalein and the underlying mechanism, Nlrp3, Gsdmdor WT mice were treated with or without baicalein, IL-1R antibody or recombinant mouse IL-1β (rmIL-1β) prior to a challenge of LPS/D-Gal. Deficiency of Nlrp3 or Gsdmd significantly restored LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury and lethality, and further administration of baicalein did not have additive effects. In addition, the inhibition of the downstream by IL-1R antibody phenocopiedthe knockout of Nlrp3 or Gsdmd. Moreover, a challenge of rmIL-1β reversed the improvement in Nlrp3mice or the mice treated with baicalein. Taken together, NLRP3 functions as a pivotal promoter in acute liver injury and baicalein attenuates acute liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--This literature review identified that medical cannabis may be beneficial for some people with fibro

This literature review identified that medical cannabis may be beneficial for some people with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia ( FMS ) is a complex condition that is characterized by various pain syndromes and fatigue , among other symptoms experienced .
Current medical treatment of FMS involves both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches , but often with ineffective outcomes .
Medicinal cannabis has the potential to be a therapeutic option for patients with FMS due to the positive research in chronic pain management .
In addition , it has been found to have fewer adverse effects compared with currently available pain medications .
This literature review aims at answering whether medicinal cannabis is reported to be safe and effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced by people with FMS.A systematic review was conducted on human trials utilizing cannabis in FMS .
MEDLINE , Embase , CINAHL , AMED , Scopus , and Cochrane CENTRAL were used for databases search , and mesh terms were used for cannabis and FMS .
The search was limited to studies conducted from 2000 to 2020.From the 181 citations identified , 10 studies were included after title , abstract , and full text screening occurred .
A total of 1136 of patients ( intervention = 945 , control = 108 , crossover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies ranging from 9 to 383 patients ( mean = 114 , median = 36 ) .
Of these studies , there were three randomized controlled trials , six observational studies , and one study that compared the management of chronic pain patients with FMS patients .
Cannabis wasfound to be safe and well tolerated in FMS .
The main adverse events identified included feeling '' high , '' dizziness/vertigo , dry mouth , cough , red eyes , and drowsiness with no serious adverse events reported.This literature review identified that medical cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FMS .
Further studies are required to confirm its efficacy , what type of cannabis is the most effective form to use , and what assessment tools need to be utilized to understand how to quantify clinical outcomes .

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a complex condition that is characterized by various pain syndromes and fatigue, among other symptoms experienced. Current medical treatment of FMS involves both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, but often with ineffective outcomes. Medicinal cannabis has the potential to be a therapeutic option for patients with FMS due to the positive research in chronic pain management. In addition, it has been found to have fewer adverse effects compared with currently available pain medications. This literature review aims at answering whether medicinal cannabis is reported to be safe and effective for the treatment of pain and symptomology experienced by people with FMS.A systematic review was conducted on human trials utilizing cannabis in FMS. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were used for databases search, and mesh terms were used for cannabis and FMS. The search was limited to studies conducted from 2000 to 2020.From the 181 citations identified, 10 studies were included after title, abstract, and full text screening occurred. A total of 1136 of patients (intervention = 945, control = 108, crossover = 83) participated in the 10 studies ranging from 9 to 383 patients (mean = 114, median = 36). Of these studies, there were three randomized controlled trials, six observational studies, and one study that compared the management of chronic pain patients with FMS patients. Cannabis wasfound to be safe and well tolerated in FMS. The main adverse events identified included feeling"high,"dizziness/vertigo, dry mouth, cough, red eyes, and drowsiness with no serious adverse events reported.This literature review identified that medical cannabis may be beneficial for some people with FMS. Further studies are required to confirm its efficacy, what type of cannabis is the most effective form to use, and what assessment tools need to be utilized to understand how to quantify clinical outcomes.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Effects of standardized Cannabis sativa extract and ionizing radiation in melanoma cells in vitro.

Context : Melanoma causes the highest number of skin cancer-related deaths worldwide .
New treatment methods are essential for the management of this life-threatening disease .
Aims : In this study , we investigated the efficacy of a standardized Cannabis sativa extract alone or in combination with single radiation dose ( 6 Gy ) in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells in an extract dose-dependent manner .
Materials and Methods : C. sativa extract at three concentrations ( 25 , 12.5 , and 6.25μg/mL ) alone for 72 h or in combination with radiation ( 24 h incubation after the extract treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radiation ) were evaluated for cell viability of melanoma cells using 3- ( 4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl ) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay .
Cells were also treated with 6.25 μg/mL extract alone for 72 h before analyzing C. sativa-induced cell death by flow cytometry .
Results : Administration of the extract alone or alongside radiation substantially inhibited melanoma cell viability and proliferation in the extract dose response-dependent manner .
The inhibition of melanoma cell viability was paralleled by an increase in necrosis but not apoptosis when melanoma cells were treated with the extract alone .
Radiation alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and radiation also did not synergize antiproliferative effects of the extract when the extract and radiation were combined .
Conclusion : Our data suggest that C. sativa extract may have significant health and physiological implications for the treatment of melanoma .
The results of this study also indicate that B16F10 mouse melanoma cells are radioresistant .
Taken together , these findings may lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategy for the management of melanoma .

Context: Melanoma causes the highest number of skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. New treatment methods are essential for the management of this life-threatening disease.
Aims: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a standardized Cannabis sativa extract alone or in combination with single radiation dose (6 Gy) in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells in an extract dose-dependent manner.
Materials and Methods: C. sativa extract at three concentrations (25, 12.5, and 6.25μg/mL) alone for 72 h or in combination with radiation (24 h incubation after the extract treatment + 48 h incubation after exposure to radiation) were evaluated for cell viability of melanoma cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cells were also treated with 6.25 μg/mL extract alone for 72 h before analyzing C. sativa-induced cell death by flow cytometry.
Results: Administration of the extract alone or alongside radiation substantially inhibited melanoma cell viability and proliferation in the extract dose response-dependent manner. The inhibition of melanoma cell viability was paralleled by an increase in necrosis but not apoptosis when melanoma cells were treated with the extract alone. Radiation alone did not have any antiproliferative effects, and radiation also did not synergize antiproliferative effects of the extract when the extract and radiation were combined.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that C. sativa extract may have significant health and physiological implications for the treatment of melanoma. The results of this study also indicate that B16F10 mouse melanoma cells are radioresistant. Taken together, these findings may lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategy for the management of melanoma.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Cannabinoids can enhance the regenerative capacity of two major sources of stem cells, adipose- and

Cannabinoids can enhance the regenerative capacity of two major sources of stem cells, adipose- and bone marrow-derived from human and porcine donors.

Stem cell therapy promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing .
Efforts have been made to prime stem cells to enhance their regenerative abilities .
Certain marijuana components , namely the non-psychoactive cannabidiol ( CBD ) and psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) , are defined as immunomodulators.We test whether two sources of stem cells , primed with CBD or THC , would demonstrate improved regenerative abilities .
Human adipose-derived stem cells ( ASCs ) and bone marrow-derived stem cells ( BMDSCs ) , not obtained from the same individual , were treated with low ( 300 nM ) or high ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ASCs and BMDSCs were isolated from a single pig , and treated with either low or high concentrations of CBD or THC .
Transwell migration and MTT proliferation assays were performed on the human ASCs and BMDSCs .
Also , transwell migration assay was performed on the porcine ASCs and BMDSCs .
Finally , a wound healing scratch assay in porcine primary fibroblasts ( PFs ) was performed , co-cultured with the cannabinoid-treated ASCs .
CBD priming at low concentration induces migration by 180 % ( P < .01 ) in porcine ASCs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P < .02 ) in porcine BMDSCs .
In porcine stem cells , THC priming at low concentration induces migration by 91.6 % ( P < .01 ) in ASCs but by only 44.3 % ( P < .03 ) in BMDSCs .
Compared to PFs co-cultured with untreated ASCs , PFs co-cultured with low CBD-primed ASCs had 75 % faster wound closure at 18 hours ( P < .01 ) .
CBD and THC priming of ASCs and BMDSCs , particularly at lower doses , enhances a number of regenerative parameters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve stem cell-based therapies .
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY : Our study demonstrates that cannabinoids can enhance the regenerative capacity of two major sources of stem cells , adipose- and bone marrow-derived , from human and porcine donors .
Stem cell isolation and expansion is invasive , costly and time consuming .
Stem cells with improved regenerative properties may be effective in the treatment of acute or chronic wounds .
This is the first study to compare the priming potential of two sources of stem cells from the same animal , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the first to prime with THC .

Stem cell therapy promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing. Efforts have been made to prime stem cells to enhance their regenerative abilities. Certain marijuana components, namely the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are defined as immunomodulators.We test whether two sources of stem cells, primed with CBD or THC, would demonstrate improved regenerative abilities. Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs), not obtained from the same individual, were treated with low (300 nM) or high (3 μM) concentration CBD. Porcine ASCs and BMDSCs were isolated from a single pig, and treated with either low or high concentrations of CBD or THC. Transwell migration and MTT proliferation assays were performed on the human ASCs and BMDSCs. Also, transwell migration assay was performed on the porcine ASCs and BMDSCs. Finally, a wound healing scratch assay in porcine primary fibroblasts (PFs) was performed, co-cultured with the cannabinoid-treated ASCs. CBD priming at low concentration induces migration by 180% (P < .01) in porcine ASCs, and by only 93% (P < .02) in porcine BMDSCs. In porcine stem cells, THC priming at low concentration induces migration by 91.6% (P < .01) in ASCs but by only 44.3% (P < .03) in BMDSCs. Compared to PFs co-cultured with untreated ASCs, PFs co-cultured with low CBD-primed ASCs had 75% faster wound closure at 18 hours (P < .01). CBD and THC priming of ASCs and BMDSCs, particularly at lower doses, enhances a number of regenerative parameters, suggesting that these major marijuana components may improve stem cell-based therapies. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Our study demonstrates that cannabinoids can enhance the regenerative capacity of two major sources of stem cells, adipose- and bone marrow-derived, from human and porcine donors. Stem cell isolation and expansion is invasive, costly and time consuming. Stem cells with improved regenerative properties may be effective in the treatment of acute or chronic wounds. This is the first study to compare the priming potential of two sources of stem cells from the same animal, with the same genetic and epigenetic profile, as well as the first to prime with THC.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--This review concludes that cannabinoids may have a potential role in chronic pain management.

BACKGROUND : The high prevalence of inadequately managed chronic pain indicates the need for alternative and multimodal treatment options .
Use of cannabinoids in medicine is becoming a growing area of interest , specifically in the context of chronic pain .
The efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain is not well established .
AIMS : The objectives of this rapid systematic literature review are to summarize the efficacy and secondary effects of cannabinoids for chronic pain management .
METHODS : Embase , Cochrane , PubMed , and CINAHL databases were searched .
Inclusion criteria included cannabis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any origin .
RESULTS : Thirteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria .
Five demonstrated moderate analgesic effects of cannabis for chronic pain , and eight concluded there were no significant impacts on pain in the cannabis-treated group versus the control group .
CONCLUSIONS : Evidence on the efficacy of cannabinoids for chronic pain shows patient-perceived benefit but inconsistent other treatment effects .
These findings indicate cannabinoids may have a modest analgesic effect for chronic neuropathic pain conditions , and that the use of cannabinoids is relatively safe , with few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cannabinoids may have a potential role in chronic pain management .
Inconsistent evidence on the efficacy of cannabis to treat chronic pain indicates the need for more studies on a larger scale .
Clinicians should draw on available evidence and consider cannabinoids as a potential approach to chronic pain management .

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of inadequately managed chronic pain indicates the need for alternative and multimodal treatment options. Use of cannabinoids in medicine is becoming a growing area of interest, specifically in the context of chronic pain. The efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain is not well established.
AIMS: The objectives of this rapid systematic literature review are to summarize the efficacy and secondary effects of cannabinoids for chronic pain management.
DESIGN: Rapid systematic review of randomized control trials.
PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with chronic pain (n = 1352).
METHODS: Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and CINAHL databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included cannabis of any formulation used to treat chronic pain of any origin.
RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Five demonstrated moderate analgesic effects of cannabis for chronic pain, and eight concluded there were no significant impacts on pain in the cannabis-treated group versus the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on the efficacy of cannabinoids for chronic pain shows patient-perceived benefit but inconsistent other treatment effects. These findings indicate cannabinoids may have a modest analgesic effect for chronic neuropathic pain conditions, and that the use of cannabinoids is relatively safe, with few severe adverse events. This review concludes that cannabinoids may have a potential role in chronic pain management. Inconsistent evidence on the efficacy of cannabis to treat chronic pain indicates the need for more studies on a larger scale. Clinicians should draw on available evidence and consider cannabinoids as a potential approach to chronic pain management.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Cannabis significantly reduces the use of prescription opioids and improves quality of life.

OBJECTIVES : This article presents findings from a large prospective examination of Canadian medical cannabis patients , with a focus on the impacts of cannabis on prescription opioid use and quality of life over a 6-month period .
METHODS : The Tilray Observational Patient Study took place at 21 medical clinics throughout Canada .
This analysis includes 1,145 patients who had at least one postbaseline visit , with follow-up at 1 , 3 , and 6 months .
Instruments included a comprehensive cannabis use inventory , the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form ( WHOQOL-BREF ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Participants were 57.6 % female , with a median age of 52 years .
Baseline opioid use was reported by 28 % of participants , dropping to 11 % at 6 months .
Daily opioid use went from 152 mg morphine milligram equivalent ( MME ) at baseline to 32.2 mg MME at 6 months , a 78 % reduction in mean opioid dosage .
Similar reductions were also seen in the other fourprimary prescription drug classes identified by participants , and statistically significant improvements were reported in all four domains of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides an individual-level perspective of cannabis substitution for opioids and other prescription drugs , as well as associated improvement in quality of life over 6 months .
The high rate of cannabis use for chronic pain and the subsequent reductions in opioid use suggest that cannabis may play a harm reduction role in the opioid overdose crisis , potentially improving the quality of life of patients and overall public health .

OBJECTIVES: This article presents findings from a large prospective examination of Canadian medical cannabis patients, with a focus on the impacts of cannabis on prescription opioid use and quality of life over a 6-month period.
METHODS: The Tilray Observational Patient Study took place at 21 medical clinics throughout Canada. This analysis includes 1,145 patients who had at least one postbaseline visit, with follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. Instruments included a comprehensive cannabis use inventory, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and a detailed prescription drug questionnaire.
RESULTS: Participants were 57.6% female, with a median age of 52 years. Baseline opioid use was reported by 28% of participants, dropping to 11% at 6 months. Daily opioid use went from 152 mg morphine milligram equivalent (MME) at baseline to 32.2 mg MME at 6 months, a 78% reduction in mean opioid dosage. Similar reductions were also seen in the other fourprimary prescription drug classes identified by participants, and statistically significant improvements were reported in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an individual-level perspective of cannabis substitution for opioids and other prescription drugs, as well as associated improvement in quality of life over 6 months. The high rate of cannabis use for chronic pain and the subsequent reductions in opioid use suggest that cannabis may play a harm reduction role in the opioid overdose crisis, potentially improving the quality of life of patients and overall public health.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Evening primrose oil in management of female ailments.

with the common name of '' evening primrose '' is containing a valuable fixed oil with commercial name of EPO .
Evening primrose oil has two types of omega-6-fatty acid including linoleic acid ( 60 % -80 % ) andγ-linoleic acid ( 8 % -14 % ) .
Essential fatty acids are considered as essential compounds for body health , especially among women .
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of evening primrose oil in the management of women ailments .
The document was prepared by investigation in scientific articles of electronic resources ( Google Scholar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Scopus , and Springer ) by keywords of evening primrose oil and women .
The results of our investigations showed that evening primrose oil has been the subject of several clinical studies , including premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ) , hot flash , mastalgia , fibroadenomas , gestational diabetes , cervical ripening , and dilation .
The major clinical studies are focused on mastalgia , followed by PMS .
The results of studies confirmed the evening primrose oil 's efficacy in women health , but the immediate response should not be expectedfrom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly used up to 4 or 6 months .

with the common name of"evening primrose"is containing a valuable fixed oil with commercial name of EPO. Evening primrose oil has two types of omega-6-fatty acid including linoleic acid (60%-80%) andγ-linoleic acid (8%-14%). Essential fatty acids are considered as essential compounds for body health, especially among women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of evening primrose oil in the management of women ailments. The document was prepared by investigation in scientific articles of electronic resources (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Scopus, and Springer) by keywords of evening primrose oil and women. The results of our investigations showed that evening primrose oil has been the subject of several clinical studies, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flash, mastalgia, fibroadenomas, gestational diabetes, cervical ripening, and dilation. The major clinical studies are focused on mastalgia, followed by PMS. The results of studies confirmed the evening primrose oil's efficacy in women health, but the immediate response should not be expectedfrom it, therefore, it should be regularly used up to 4 or 6 months.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Evening primrose oil can be used in the treatment of mastalgia without significant side effects.

BACKGROUND : Saturated fatty acid esters may cause mastalgia via hypersensitivity of breast epithelium to circulating hormones .
Evening primrose oil ( EPO ) may restore the saturated/unsaturated fatty acid balance and decrease sensitivity to steroidal hormones or prolactin .
Conflicting results exist regarding EPO treatment for mastalgia .
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of EPO and factors affecting its efficacy in treatment of mastalgia .
METHODS : The study included 1015 patients , ages 14-82 ( mean age 42.21 ± 10.8 ) , admitted to Acibadem Breast Clinic between January 2015 and March 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ( n = 581 ) treated with EPO ( 1300 mg , twice a day ) and group II ( n = 434 ) treated with paracetamol ( 500 mg , twice a day ) .
The visual analog scale was used to assessEPO 's therapeutic efficacy , compared with paracetamol , measured at admittance , 2 weeks , and 6 weeks .
Clinical factors affecting the efficacy of EPO were analyzed .
RESULTS : The therapeutic efficacy of EPO on mastalgia was significantly higher than with paracetamol ( p CONCLUSION : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mastalgia without significant side effects .
HRT , IUD-with-levonorgestrel , iron deficiency , overt hypothyroidism , and Hashimoto thyroiditis significantly affect the efficacy of EPO on mastalgia .

BACKGROUND: Saturated fatty acid esters may cause mastalgia via hypersensitivity of breast epithelium to circulating hormones. Evening primrose oil (EPO) may restore the saturated/unsaturated fatty acid balance and decrease sensitivity to steroidal hormones or prolactin. Conflicting results exist regarding EPO treatment for mastalgia. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of EPO and factors affecting its efficacy in treatment of mastalgia.
METHODS: The study included 1015 patients, ages 14-82 (mean age 42.21 ± 10.8), admitted to Acibadem Breast Clinic between January 2015 and March 2018. The patients were divided into group I (n = 581) treated with EPO (1300 mg, twice a day) and group II (n = 434) treated with paracetamol (500 mg, twice a day). The visual analog scale was used to assessEPO's therapeutic efficacy, compared with paracetamol, measured at admittance, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks. Clinical factors affecting the efficacy of EPO were analyzed.
RESULTS: The therapeutic efficacy of EPO on mastalgia was significantly higher than with paracetamol (p < 0.001). Factors significantly affecting the efficacy of EPO treatment were hormone replacement therapy (HRT), IUD-with-levonorgestrel, iron deficiency, overt hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto thyroiditis (p < 0.01). Replacement of iron or thyroid hormone efficiently treated mastalgia in patients that did not respond to EPO treatment. Side effects (allergy, anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, and nausea) were rare and not statistically significant (p = 0.88).
CONCLUSION: EPO can be used in the treatment of mastalgia without significant side effects. HRT, IUD-with-levonorgestrel, iron deficiency, overt hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto thyroiditis significantly affect the efficacy of EPO on mastalgia.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Protective effects of Oenothera biennis against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and cell

Protective effects of Oenothera biennis against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and cell death in skin keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND : ( evening primrose ) produces bioactive substances with a diverse range of pharmacological functions .
However , it is currently unknown whether extract prepared from the aerial parts of ( APOB ) can protect the skin against oxidative stress .
OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of APOB against oxidative stress-induced damage in human skin keratinocytes ( HaCaT ) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms .
METHODS : We pretreated HaCaT cells with various concentrations of APOB or the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine before applying HO .
We then compared the cell viability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production , and DNA and mitochondrial damage between pretreated and untreated control cells using a range of assays , flow cytometry , and Western blot analysis and also examined the reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of APOB .
RESULTS : APOB pretreatment significantly increased cell viability , effectively attenuated HO-induced comet tail formation , and inhibited HO-induced phosphorylation of the histoneγH2AX , as well as the number of apoptotic bodies and Annexin V-positive cells .
APOB was found to have high reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restored the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential caused by HO .
APOB pretreatment almost totally reversed the enhanced cleavage of caspase-3 , the degradation of poly ( ADP-ribose ) -polymerase ( PARP ) , DNA fragmentation that usually occurs in the presence of HO , and increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1 ) , a potent antioxidant enzyme that is associated with the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ) .
CONCLUSIONS : APOB can protect HaCaT cells from HO-induced DNA damage and cell death by blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mechanism that affects ROS elimination and by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway .

BACKGROUND: (evening primrose) produces bioactive substances with a diverse range of pharmacological functions. However, it is currently unknown whether extract prepared from the aerial parts of(APOB) can protect the skin against oxidative stress.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of APOB against oxidative stress-induced damage in human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS: We pretreated HaCaT cells with various concentrations of APOB or the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine before applying HO. We then compared the cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and DNA and mitochondrial damage between pretreated and untreated control cells using a range of assays, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis and also examined the reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of APOB.
RESULTS: APOB pretreatment significantly increased cell viability, effectively attenuated HO-induced comet tail formation, and inhibited HO-induced phosphorylation of the histoneγH2AX, as well as the number of apoptotic bodies and Annexin V-positive cells. APOB was found to have high reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity and also exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS accumulation and restored the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential caused by HO. APOB pretreatment almost totally reversed the enhanced cleavage of caspase-3, the degradation of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARP), DNA fragmentation that usually occurs in the presence of HO, and increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a potent antioxidant enzyme that is associated with the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2).
CONCLUSIONS: APOB can protect HaCaT cells from HO-induced DNA damage and cell death by blocking cellular damage related to oxidative stress via a mechanism that affects ROS elimination and by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Polyphenol extract from evening primrose inhibits invasion properties of human malignant pleural mes

Polyphenol extract from evening primrose inhibits invasion properties of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cells.

Extracts from the defatted evening primrose ( Hudziok ) seeds are the source of a range of stable polyphenolic compounds @ @ @ @ @ gallic acid , and catechin .
Our studies evaluate , for the first time , @ @ @ @ @ isopropanol extract ( EPE ) on malignant pleural mesothelioma ( MPM ) cells .
MPM @ @ @ @ @ high aggressiveness and frequently noted chemoresistance limit its treatment schemes and it is characterized by @ @ @ @ @ , we demonstrate that EPE inhibited MPM growth in a dose-dependent manner in cells with @ @ @ @ @ , EPE treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and increased apoptosis @ @ @ @ @ .
Additionally , EPE strongly limited invasion and MMP-7 secretion in MPM cancer cells .
@ @ @ @ @ about the potential anti-invasive effects of EPE in MPM therapy treatment .

Extracts from the defatted evening primrose (Hudziok) seeds are the source of a range of stable polyphenolic compounds, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and catechin. Our studies evaluate, for the first time, the influence of evening primrose isopropanol extract (EPE) on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells. MPM is rarely diagnosed, its high aggressiveness and frequently noted chemoresistance limit its treatment schemes and it is characterized by low prognostic features. Here, we demonstrate that EPE inhibited MPM growth in a dose-dependent manner in cells with increased invasion properties. Moreover, EPE treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and increased apoptosis in invasive MPM cell lines. Additionally, EPE strongly limited invasion and MMP-7 secretion in MPM cancer cells. Our original data provide evidence about the potential anti-invasive effects of EPE in MPM therapy treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Evening primrose/hemp seed oil was able to reduce the severity of autoimmune encephalomyelitis and i

Evening primrose/hemp seed oil was able to reduce the severity of autoimmune encephalomyelitis and inhibited the development of the disease.

Mouse model of multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is used for the inflammatory demyelinating disease .
Rapamycin ( RAPA ) may contribute to the reduction of inflammatory responses to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis ( EAE ) .
Due to its adverse side effects , identifying new therapeutic agents is important .
We investigated the transcriptional effects of evening primrose/hemp seed oil ( EP/HS oil ) compared to RAPA on the expression of immunological factors genes in spleen cells of EAE mouse models .
We firstly induced EAE mice by injection of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein ( MOG ) .
Then , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil were evaluated and compared with naïve mice .
The spinal cords were examined histologically .
The immunological factors including genes expression of the regulatory-associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin ( RAPTOR ) , regulatory-associated companion of mammalian target of rapamycin ( RICTOR ) , interferon ( IFN ) -γ , interleukin ( IL ) -10 , signal transducer and activator of transcription factors ( STAT3 ) , forkhead box P3 ( FOXP3 ) , and IL-17 of splenocytes were evaluated by real time-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR ) .
The data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the severity of EAE and inhibited the development of the disease .
EP/HS oil treatment significantly inhibited the expression of RAPTOR , IFN-γ , IL-17 , and STAT3 genes and promoted the expression of RICTOR , IL-10 , and FOXP3 genes .
In conclusion , the EP/HS oil is likely to be involved in transcription of factors in favor of EAE improvement as well as participating in remyelination in the EAE spinal cord and that it suggests to be effective in therapeutic approaches for MS .

Mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) is used for the inflammatory demyelinating disease. Rapamycin (RAPA) may contribute to the reduction of inflammatory responses to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Due to its adverse side effects, identifying new therapeutic agents is important. We investigated the transcriptional effects of evening primrose/hemp seed oil (EP/HS oil) compared to RAPA on the expression of immunological factors genes in spleen cells of EAE mouse models. We firstly induced EAE mice by injection of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Then, the EAE mice treated and untreated with EP/HS oil were evaluated and compared with naïve mice. The spinal cords were examined histologically. The immunological factors including genes expression of the regulatory-associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin (RAPTOR), regulatory-associated companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, signal transducer and activator of transcription factors (STAT3), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), and IL-17 of splenocytes were evaluated by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The data showed that EP/HS oil was able to reduce the severity of EAE and inhibited the development of the disease. EP/HS oil treatment significantly inhibited the expression of RAPTOR, IFN-γ, IL-17, and STAT3 genes and promoted the expression of RICTOR, IL-10, and FOXP3 genes. In conclusion, the EP/HS oil is likely to be involved in transcription of factors in favor of EAE improvement as well as participating in remyelination in the EAE spinal cord and that it suggests to be effective in therapeutic approaches for MS.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-30--Caffeine and antioxidants have the ability to reverse cadmium-induced testicular injury.

The aim of the current work was to compare the roles of caffeine and antioxidants in prevention of cadmium-induced testicular damage when given , in addition to cadmium , in adult male albino rats .
Histopathological and ultra-structural examination as well as biochemical and molecular assessments were done .
Cadmium chloride ( 4 mg/kg body weight ) was administered via oral gavage from day 21 to 28 of the experiment .
Caffeine ( 25 mg/kg ) via intra-peritoneal injection and antioxidant preparation ( Antox ) 10 mg/kg via oral gavage were given as a pre-treatment for 21 days and concomitantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Real-time PCR was done for determination of 3 , 17 β hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase steroidogenic acute regulatory protein , caspase-9 and mitofusin 1,2 gene expression .
Testosterone level , glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity , reactive oxygen species , malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were measured spectrophotometrically by ELISA .
Histological and ultra-structural evaluation revealed disturbance of normal architecture , vacuolisation and necrosis .
Vascular dilatation and congestion and collagen fibre deposition were present .
A statistically significant difference was seen in all parameterswhen caffeine and antioxidants were given against cadmium-induced testicular injury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and antioxidants have the ability to reverse cadmium-induced testicular injury when given as pre-treatment prior to cadmium exposure .

The aim of the current work was to compare the roles of caffeine and antioxidants in prevention of cadmium-induced testicular damage when given, in addition to cadmium, in adult male albino rats. Histopathological and ultra-structural examination as well as biochemical and molecular assessments were done. Cadmium chloride (4 mg/kg body weight) was administered via oral gavage from day 21 to 28 of the experiment. Caffeine (25 mg/kg) via intra-peritoneal injection and antioxidant preparation (Antox) 10 mg/kg via oral gavage were given as a pre-treatment for 21 days and concomitantly with Cd from day 21 to 28. Real-time PCR was done for determination of 3, 17 β hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, caspase-9 and mitofusin 1,2 gene expression. Testosterone level, glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were measured spectrophotometrically by ELISA. Histological and ultra-structural evaluation revealed disturbance of normal architecture, vacuolisation and necrosis. Vascular dilatation and congestion and collagen fibre deposition were present. A statistically significant difference was seen in all parameterswhen caffeine and antioxidants were given against cadmium-induced testicular injury. Overall, we conclude that both caffeine and antioxidants have the ability to reverse cadmium-induced testicular injury when given as pre-treatment prior to cadmium exposure.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--This study is the first report to demonstrate the effect of C. hystrix, citronellol, and citronellal

This study is the first report to demonstrate the effect of C. hystrix, citronellol, and citronellal against triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Triple negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive breast cancer type with abilities of early metastasis and chemoresistance .
The tropical plantDC .
has been reported to promote many biological activities including anticancer .
However , the effect ofagainst triple negative breast cancer has not yet been identified .
This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties ofleaf extract and its bioactive constituents citronellol and citronellal against the triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line.leaves were powdered and sequentially macerated .
The in vitro anticancer effects ofleaf extracts , and its bioactive constituents ( citronellol and citronellal ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cytotoxic MTT assay , cell proliferation , wound scratch migration , colony formation , cell cycle , apoptosis assay , Hoechst staining , RT-qPCR , and Western blot analysis .
Results showed that crude hexane extract , citronellol , and citronellal significantly reduced cell proliferation , colony formation , and cell migration by inducing cell cycle arrest , while also inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells through inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression , leading to activation of the caspase-3-dependent pathway .
This study is the first report to demonstrate the effect of , citronellol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer MDA-MB-231 cells .

Triple negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive breast cancer type with abilities of early metastasis and chemoresistance. The tropical plantDC. has been reported to promote many biological activities including anticancer. However, the effect ofagainst triple negative breast cancer has not yet been identified. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties ofleaf extract and its bioactive constituents citronellol and citronellal against the triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line.leaves were powdered and sequentially macerated. The in vitro anticancer effects ofleaf extracts, and its bioactive constituents (citronellol and citronellal) were evaluated against MDA-MB-231 cell line using cytotoxic MTT assay, cell proliferation, wound scratch migration, colony formation, cell cycle, apoptosis assay, Hoechst staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. Results showed that crude hexane extract, citronellol, and citronellal significantly reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration by inducing cell cycle arrest, while also inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells through inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, leading to activation of the caspase-3-dependent pathway. This study is the first report to demonstrate the effect of, citronellol, and citronellal against triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Effects of tangerine essential oil on brain waves, moods, and sleep onset latency.

Tangerine ( ) is one of the most important crops of Thailand with a total harvest that exceeds 100,000 tons .
Citrus essential oils are widely used as aromatherapy and medicinal agents .
The effect of tangerine essential oil on human brain waves and sleep activity has not been reported .
In the present study , we therefore evaluated these effects of tangerine essential oil by measurement of electroencephalography ( EEG ) activity with 32 channel platforms according to the international 10-20 system in 10 male and 10 female subjects .
Then the sleep onset latency was studied to further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The results revealed that different concentrations , subthreshold to suprathreshold , of tangerine oil gave different brain responses .
Undiluted tangerine oil inhalation reduced slow and fast alpha wave powers and elevated low and mid beta wave powers .
The subthreshold and threshold dilution showed the opposite effect to the brain compared with suprathreshold concentration .
Inhalation of threshold concentration showed effectively decreased alpha and beta wave powers and increased theta wave power , which emphasize its sedative effect .
The reduction of sleep onset latency was confirmed with the implementation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Tangerine () is one of the most important crops of Thailand with a total harvest that exceeds 100,000 tons. Citrus essential oils are widely used as aromatherapy and medicinal agents. The effect of tangerine essential oil on human brain waves and sleep activity has not been reported. In the present study, we therefore evaluated these effects of tangerine essential oil by measurement of electroencephalography (EEG) activity with 32 channel platforms according to the international 10-20 system in 10 male and 10 female subjects. Then the sleep onset latency was studied to further confirm the effect on sleep activity. The results revealed that different concentrations, subthreshold to suprathreshold, of tangerine oil gave different brain responses. Undiluted tangerine oil inhalation reduced slow and fast alpha wave powers and elevated low and mid beta wave powers. The subthreshold and threshold dilution showed the opposite effect to the brain compared with suprathreshold concentration. Inhalation of threshold concentration showed effectively decreased alpha and beta wave powers and increased theta wave power, which emphasize its sedative effect. The reduction of sleep onset latency was confirmed with the implementation of the observed sedative effect of tangerine oil.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Massage and reiki to reduce stress and improve quality of life.

OBJECTIVE : To verify if a Massage ( Anma technique ) followed by rest or Reiki helps to reduce stress levels and improve the quality of life of individuals seen in an outpatient clinic of integrative practices .
METHOD : A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted with 122 individuals randomized into three groups : G1 - Massage followed by rest ; G2 - Massage followed by Reiki ; and G3 - control ( no intervention ) .
Stress and Quality of Life levels were measured using the LSS and SF-12v2 instruments , which were applied before and after the intervention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 101 participants .
Massages followed by rest ( G1 ) or Reiki ( G2 ) proved to be effective in reducing stress levels and improving quality of life when compared to the Control Group ( G3 ) .
The best results obtained by the group which received Massage followed by Reiki ( G2 ) were observed in the mental domain of quality of life , emphasizing the scope of Reiki effects on mental and psychological aspects .
CONCLUSION : Massage followed by rest and Massage followed by Reiki application were effective in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials : RBR-42c8wp .

OBJECTIVE: To verify if a Massage (Anma technique) followed by rest or Reiki helps to reduce stress levels and improve the quality of life of individuals seen in an outpatient clinic of integrative practices.
METHOD: A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted with 122 individuals randomized into three groups: G1 - Massage followed by rest; G2 - Massage followed by Reiki; and G3 - control (no intervention). Stress and Quality of Life levels were measured using the LSS and SF-12v2 instruments, which were applied before and after the intervention.
RESULTS: The study was conducted with 101 participants. Massages followed by rest (G1) or Reiki (G2) proved to be effective in reducing stress levels and improving quality of life when compared to the Control Group (G3). The best results obtained by the group which received Massage followed by Reiki (G2) were observed in the mental domain of quality of life, emphasizing the scope of Reiki effects on mental and psychological aspects.
CONCLUSION: Massage followed by rest and Massage followed by Reiki application were effective in reducing stress levels and improving quality of life. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-42c8wp.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Effects of reiki session excluding the variables responsible for the placebo effect on a group of ad

Effects of reiki session excluding the variables responsible for the placebo effect on a group of adults.

Background : Reiki is a very popular method of natural healing used for prevention but also for the complementary session of many human disorders and diseases , including depression , anxiety , and various kind of chronic conditions , but also for the relief of pain and to promote relaxation and general well-being .
Primary Study Objective : The scope of this study has been to evaluate the effect of Reiki in subjects who have never received before a Reiki session and that did not know its effects or its methodological practices excluding the variables responsible for the placebo effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 volunteers , both men and women , was chosen for this study , and the results reported in this paper were obtained by analyzing the responses to questionnaires using a Likert scale .
Results : From this study demonstrated that a Reiki style of energy practice is capable of bringing people to relax in the presence of environmental disturbances and in the absence of other adjuvant techniques , such as aromatherapy , music-therapy , and preliminary relaxation , responsible for the placebo effect .
The most significant effects and sensations detected from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the session , an increase in relaxation , an improvement in mood , a sense of relief , and in general an increase of well-being .
Conclusion : These findings are significant also because are related to the Reiki technique alone .
However , further studies are needed to better understand its mechanisms of action and assessing its effects both on the physical body and on the emotional and psycho-spiritual part of the individual .

Background: Reiki is a very popular method of natural healing used for prevention but also for the complementary session of many human disorders and diseases, including depression, anxiety, and various kind of chronic conditions, but also for the relief of pain and to promote relaxation and general well-being.
Primary Study Objective: The scope of this study has been to evaluate the effect of Reiki in subjects who have never received before a Reiki session and that did not know its effects or its methodological practices excluding the variables responsible for the placebo effect.
Methods/Design: A heterogeneous group of 70 volunteers, both men and women, was chosen for this study, and the results reported in this paper were obtained by analyzing the responses to questionnaires using a Likert scale.
Results: From this study demonstrated that a Reiki style of energy practice is capable of bringing people to relax in the presence of environmental disturbances and in the absence of other adjuvant techniques, such as aromatherapy, music-therapy, and preliminary relaxation, responsible for the placebo effect. The most significant effects and sensations detected from questionnaires are a perception of heat during the session, an increase in relaxation, an improvement in mood, a sense of relief, and in general an increase of well-being.
Conclusion: These findings are significant also because are related to the Reiki technique alone. However, further studies are needed to better understand its mechanisms of action and assessing its effects both on the physical body and on the emotional and psycho-spiritual part of the individual.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Aromatherapy with Damask rose had a favourable effect on reducing the severity of acute pain in adul

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE : Although recent studies have investigated the analgesic activity of Damask rose using aromatherapy in different painful conditions , the results are inconclusive .
Hence , this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effect of aromatherapy with Damask rose on adults ' acute pain .
MATERIAL AND METHODS : The online databases of MEDLINE/PubMed , Scopus , ISI web of science , Embase , ProQuest , CENTRAL , CINAHL , SID , and MagIran were searched up to August 10 , 2020 .
The aim of this study was to find randomized controlled trials on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any form of administration ( inhalation , vapor diffusion , and massage ) on different types of acute pain in adults .
The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies .
Moreover , the quality of the evidence was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment , Development and Evaluation ( GRADE ) approach .
Random effects model was applied to pool data using Stata .
RESULTS : A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria , of which only one was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis revealed that aromatherapy with Damask rose reduced the pain severity significantly ( WMD : -2.12 ; 95 % CI [ -2.85 , -1.40 ] ; P < 0.001 ) .
Inhalation aromatherapy ( WMD : -2.39 ; 95 % CI [ -3.31 , -1.48 ] ; P < 0.001 ) and aromatherapy massage ( WMD : -1.16 ; 95 % CI [ -1.57 , -0.75 ] ; P < 0.001 ) also had significant effects on pain reduction .
The quality of evidence was low .
CONCLUSION : Aromatherapy with Damask rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severity of acute pain in adults .
However , there is insufﬁcient evidence for the clinical beneﬁts of aromatherapy with Damask rose due to the low-quality evidence .
Accordingly , more high quality randomized clinical trials are needed to make an evidence-based conclusion .

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although recent studies have investigated the analgesic activity of Damask rose using aromatherapy in different painful conditions, the results are inconclusive. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effect of aromatherapy with Damask rose on adults' acute pain.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The online databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, ISI web of science, Embase, ProQuest, CENTRAL, CINAHL, SID, and MagIran were searched up to August 10, 2020. The aim of this study was to find randomized controlled trials on the effect of aromatherapy with Damask rose in any form of administration (inhalation, vapor diffusion, and massage) on different types of acute pain in adults. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Moreover, the quality of the evidence was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Random effects model was applied to pool data using Stata.
RESULTS: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which only one was not included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis revealed that aromatherapy with Damask rose reduced the pain severity significantly (WMD: -2.12; 95% CI [-2.85, -1.40]; P<0.001). Inhalation aromatherapy (WMD: -2.39; 95% CI [-3.31, -1.48]; P<0.001) and aromatherapy massage (WMD: -1.16; 95% CI [-1.57, -0.75]; P<0.001) also had significant effects on pain reduction. The quality of evidence was low.
CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with Damask rose had a favourable effect on reducing the severity of acute pain in adults. However, there is insufﬁcient evidence for the clinical beneﬁts of aromatherapy with Damask rose due to the low-quality evidence. Accordingly, more high quality randomized clinical trials are needed to make an evidence-based conclusion.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--R. damascena extract exerts neuro-protective effects on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure.

Objective : Based on the previously-declared anticonvulsant properties of ( ) , this study explored the probable effects ofon neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of a rat model of pentylenetetrazole ( PTZ ) -induced seizure .
Materials and Methods : 40 male Wistar rats were randomely divided into control ( n=8 ) and experimental ( n=32 ) groups which underwent PTZ injection .
A one-week pre-medication with 50 ( PTZ-Ext 50 ) ( n=8 ) , 100 ( PTZ-Ext 100 ) ( n=8 ) , and 200 ( PTZ-Ext 200 ) ( n=8 ) mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract ofwas performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ( n=8 ) received only saline during the week before PTZ injection .
After provocation of PTZ-induced seizures , the brains underwent tissue processing and TUNEL staining assay for apoptotic cell quantification .
Results : Our findings revealed that PTZ-induced seizures led to apoptosis in neuronal cells of all sub-regions of the hippocampus ; yet , only at CA1 , CA3 and DG sub-regions of the PTZ-induced group , the difference in the number of apoptotic neuronal cells was significant in comparison with the control group .
In addition , pre-medication with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in the quantity of apoptotic neurons in these sub-regions in comparison with the PTZ-induced group which received no pre-medication .
Conclusion : The results of this study showed thatextract exerts neuro-protective effects on PTZ-induced seizure .

Objective: Based on the previously-declared anticonvulsant properties of(), this study explored the probable effects ofon neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of a rat model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure.
Materials and Methods: 40 male Wistar rats were randomely divided into control (n=8) and experimental (n=32) groups which underwent PTZ injection. A one-week pre-medication with 50 (PTZ-Ext 50) (n=8), 100 (PTZ-Ext 100) (n=8), and 200 (PTZ-Ext 200) (n=8) mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract ofwas performed while one experimental group (PTZ-induced group) (n=8) received only saline during the week before PTZ injection. After provocation of PTZ-induced seizures, the brains underwent tissue processing and TUNEL staining assay for apoptotic cell quantification.
Results: Our findings revealed that PTZ-induced seizures led to apoptosis in neuronal cells of all sub-regions of the hippocampus; yet, only at CA1, CA3 and DG sub-regions of the PTZ-induced group, the difference in the number of apoptotic neuronal cells was significant in comparison with the control group. In addition, pre-medication with the plant extract led to a significant drop in the quantity of apoptotic neurons in these sub-regions in comparison with the PTZ-induced group which received no pre-medication .
Conclusion: The results of this study showed thatextract exerts neuro-protective effects on PTZ-induced seizure.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Deuterium may be a natural cell growth regulator that controls mitochondrial oxidation-reduction bal

Deuterium may be a natural cell growth regulator that controls mitochondrial oxidation-reduction balance.

Small admixtures in water , of metal ions , often act as cell growth regulators .
Here we report that enrichment of deuterium content in water , normally found at 8 mm concentration , two-three folds increases cell proliferation and lowers the oxidative stress level as well .
Acting as an anti-oxidant , deuterium-enriched water prevents the toxic effect of such oxidative agents as hydrogen peroxide and auranofin .
This action is opposite to that of deuterium depletion that is known to suppress cell growth and induce oxidative stress in mitochondria .
We thus hypothesize that deuterium may be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxidation-reduction balance .
Because growth acceleration is reduced approximately by half by addition to water a minute amount ( 0.15 % ) ofO isotope , at least part of the deuterium effect on cell growth can be explained by the isotopic resonance phenomenon .
A slight ( ≈2-fold ) enrichment of deuterium in water accelerates human cell growth .
Quantitative MS based proteomics determined changes in protein abundances and redox states and found that deuterium-enriched water acts mainly through decreasing ROS production in mitochondria .
This action is opposite to thatof deuterium depletion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress .
Thus deuterium may be a natural cell growth regulator that controls mitochondrial oxidation-reduction balance .
The role of isotopic resonance in this effect was validated by further experiments on bacteria .

Small admixtures in water,of metal ions, often act as cell growth regulators. Here we report that enrichment of deuterium content in water, normally found at 8 mm concentration, two-three folds increases cell proliferation and lowers the oxidative stress level as well. Acting as an anti-oxidant, deuterium-enriched water prevents the toxic effect of such oxidative agents as hydrogen peroxide and auranofin. This action is opposite to that of deuterium depletion that is known to suppress cell growth and induce oxidative stress in mitochondria. We thus hypothesize that deuterium may be a natural cell growth regulator that controls mitochondrial oxidation-reduction balance. Because growth acceleration is reduced approximately by half by addition to water a minute amount (0.15%) ofO isotope, at least part of the deuterium effect on cell growth can be explained by the isotopic resonance phenomenon. A slight (≈2-fold) enrichment of deuterium in water accelerates human cell growth. Quantitative MS based proteomics determined changes in protein abundances and redox states and found that deuterium-enriched water acts mainly through decreasing ROS production in mitochondria. This action is opposite to thatof deuterium depletion that suppresses cell growth by inducing oxidative stress. Thus deuterium may be a natural cell growth regulator that controls mitochondrial oxidation-reduction balance. The role of isotopic resonance in this effect was validated by further experiments on bacteria.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Orthosiphon stamineus extract inhibits growth of colon tumors.

Cat 's whiskers ( Orthosiphon stamineus ) is commonly used as Java tea to treat kidney stones including a variety of angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as tumorous edema , rheumatism , diabetic blindness , and obesity .
In the present study , antitumor potential of standardized 50 % ethanol extract of O. stamineus leaves ( EOS ) was evaluated against colorectal tumor in athymic mice and antiangiogenic efficacy of EOS was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells ( HUVEC ) .
EOS at 100 mg/kg caused 47.62 ± 6.4 % suppression in tumor growth , while at 200 mg/kg it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tumor histology revealed significant reduction in extent of vascularization .
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed EOS ( 200 mg/kg ) significantly reduced the vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) level in vitro ( 211 ± 0.26 pg/ml cell lysate ) as well as in vivo ( 90.9 ± 2 pg/g tissue homogenate ) when compared to the control ( 378 ± 5 and 135.5 ± 4 pg , respectively ) .
However , EOS was found to be noncytotoxic to colon cancer and endothelial cells .
In vitro , EOS significantly inhibited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vein endothelial cells ( HUVECs ) .
EOS suppressed VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 in HUVECs .
High performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC ) analysis of EOS showed high rosmarinic acid contents , whereas phytochemical analysis revealed highprotein and phenolic contents .
These results demonstrated that the antitumor activity of EOS may be due to its VEGF-targeted antiangiogenicity .

Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus) is commonly used as Java tea to treat kidney stones including a variety of angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as tumorous edema, rheumatism, diabetic blindness, and obesity. In the present study, antitumor potential of standardized 50% ethanol extract of O. stamineus leaves (EOS) was evaluated against colorectal tumor in athymic mice and antiangiogenic efficacy of EOS was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). EOS at 100 mg/kg caused 47.62 ± 6.4% suppression in tumor growth, while at 200 mg/kg it caused 83.39 ± 4.1% tumor regression. Tumor histology revealed significant reduction in extent of vascularization. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed EOS (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in vitro (211 ± 0.26 pg/ml cell lysate) as well as in vivo (90.9 ± 2 pg/g tissue homogenate) when compared to the control (378 ± 5 and 135.5 ± 4 pg, respectively). However, EOS was found to be noncytotoxic to colon cancer and endothelial cells. In vitro, EOS significantly inhibited themigration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). EOS suppressed VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 in HUVECs. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of EOS showed high rosmarinic acid contents, whereas phytochemical analysis revealed highprotein and phenolic contents. These results demonstrated that the antitumor activity of EOS may be due to its VEGF-targeted antiangiogenicity.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes from Orthosiphon stamineus of Indonesia and their nitr

Highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes from Orthosiphon stamineus of Indonesia and their nitric oxide inhibitory activity.

From the methanolic extract of Indonesian Orthosiphon stamineus , nine new highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes [ 7-O-deacetylorthosiphol B ( 1 ) @ @ @ @ @ ) , 3-O-deacetylorthosiphol I ( 3 ) , 2-O-deacetylorthosiphol J ( 4 ) , siphonols @ @ @ @ @ have been isolated together with nine known diterpenes [ orthosiphols H ( 10 ) , @ @ @ @ @ M ( 12 ) and N ( 13 ) ; staminols A ( 14 ) @ @ @ @ @ ; neoorthosiphols A ( 16 ) and B ( 17 ) ; norstaminol A ( @ @ @ @ @ structures were determined based on the spectroscopic data .
The isolated diterpenes inhibited nitric oxide @ @ @ @ @ lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) -activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells .
Compounds 4-7 , 9 , 10 @ @ @ @ @ showed inhibitory activities more potent ( IC ( 50 ) , 10.8-25.5 microM ) than @ @ @ @ @ G ) -monomethyl-L-arginine ( L-NMMA ; IC ( 50 ) , 26.0 microM ) .

From the methanolic extract of Indonesian Orthosiphon stamineus, nine new highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes [7-O-deacetylorthosiphol B (1), 6-hydroxyorthosiphol B (2), 3-O-deacetylorthosiphol I (3), 2-O-deacetylorthosiphol J (4), siphonols A-E (5-9)] have been isolated together with nine known diterpenes [orthosiphols H (10), K (11), M (12) and N (13); staminols A (14) and B (15); neoorthosiphols A (16) and B (17); norstaminol A (18)]. Their structures were determined based on the spectroscopic data. The isolated diterpenes inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells. Compounds 4-7, 9, 10, 14, and 17 showed inhibitory activities more potent (IC(50), 10.8-25.5 microM) than a positive control N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; IC(50), 26.0 microM).


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract is effective for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid

Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract is effective for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid profile.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth .
aqueous extract on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats .
The chemical screening of the extract showed phenolic compound and flavonoid content were 13.24+/-0.33 mg/g and 1.73+/-0.14 microg/g , respectively .
In oral glucose tolerance test , the extract ( 0.2-1.0 g/kg ) significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration in a dose-dependent manner in both normal and diabetic rats .
The extract at 1.0 g/kg was most effective in decreasing plasma glucose concentrations and the response was closed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After repeated daily oral administrations of the extract ( 0.5 g/kg ) for 14 days , the extract significantly reduced plasma glucose concentration in diabetic rats at days 7 and 14 .
By the end of the study , plasma triglyceride concentration was lower in the extract-treated diabetic rats than untreated ones .
Furthermore , plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with the extract .
In perfused rat pancreas , the extract did not increase insulin secretion in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose , but 100 microg/ml @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings suggested that Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract is effective for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid profile in diabetic rats .

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. aqueous extract on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The chemical screening of the extract showed phenolic compound and flavonoid content were 13.24+/-0.33 mg/g and 1.73+/-0.14 microg/g, respectively. In oral glucose tolerance test, the extract (0.2-1.0 g/kg) significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration in a dose-dependent manner in both normal and diabetic rats. The extract at 1.0 g/kg was most effective in decreasing plasma glucose concentrations and the response was closed to the result of glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). After repeated daily oral administrations of the extract (0.5 g/kg) for 14 days, the extract significantly reduced plasma glucose concentration in diabetic rats at days 7 and 14. By the end of the study, plasma triglyceride concentration was lower in the extract-treated diabetic rats than untreated ones. Furthermore, plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with the extract. In perfused rat pancreas, the extract did not increase insulin secretion in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose, but 100 microg/ml extract potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion. Our findings suggested that Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract is effective for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid profile in diabetic rats.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties of Orthosiphon stamineus.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidant activities of aqueous-methanolic extract ( CAME ) of Orthosiphonstamineus Benth ( OS ) , and its hexane ( HF ) , chloroform ( CF ) , n-butanol ( NBF ) , ethyl acetate ( EAF ) and water ( WF ) fractions were investigated .
Antioxidant properties were evaluated using the assays of Folin-Ciocalteu , aluminiumtrichloride , β-carotene bleaching and DPPH .
The role of OS against hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis on MDA-M231 epithelial cells was examined using MTT assay , phase contrast microscope , colorimetric assay of caspase-3 , western blot and quantitative real-time PCR .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ total phenolic content followed by CAME , NBF , WF , CF and HF , respectively .
Flavonoid content was in the order of the CF > EAF > HF > CAME > NBF > WF .
The IC ( 50 ) values on DPPH assay for different extract/fractions were 126.2± 23 , 31.25 ± 1.2 , 15.25 ± 2.3 , 13.56 ± 1.9 , 23.0 ± 3.2 , and 16.66 ± 1.5 μg/ml for HF , CF , EAF , NBF , WF and CAME , respectively .
OSreduced the oxidation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dose-dependently inhibited by pretreatment with OS .
Caspase-3 and distinct morphological features suggest the anti-apoptotic activities of OS .
This plant not only increased the expression of Bcl-2 , but also decreased Bax expression , and ultimately reduced H ( 2 ) O ( 2 ) -induced apoptosis .
The current results showed that phenolics may provide health and nutritional benefits .

Antiapoptotic and antioxidant activities of aqueous-methanolic extract (CAME) of Orthosiphonstamineus Benth(OS), and its hexane (HF), chloroform (CF), n-butanol (NBF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and water (WF) fractions were investigated. Antioxidant properties were evaluated using the assays of Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminiumtrichloride,β-carotene bleaching and DPPH. The role of OS against hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis on MDA-M231 epithelial cells was examined using MTT assay, phase contrast microscope, colorimetric assay of caspase-3, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that EAF showed the highest total phenolic content followed by CAME, NBF, WF, CF and HF, respectively. Flavonoid content was in the order of the CF>EAF>HF>CAME>NBF>WF. The IC(50) values on DPPH assay for different extract/fractions were 126.2± 23, 31.25 ± 1.2, 15.25 ± 2.3, 13.56 ± 1.9, 23.0 ± 3.2, and 16.66 ± 1.5 μg/ml for HF, CF, EAF, NBF, WF and CAME, respectively. OSreduced the oxidation of β-carotene by hydroperoxides. Cell death was dose-dependently inhibited by pretreatment with OS. Caspase-3 and distinct morphological features suggest the anti-apoptotic activities of OS. This plant not only increased the expression of Bcl-2, but also decreased Bax expression, and ultimately reduced H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. The current results showed that phenolics may provide health and nutritional benefits.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Potent α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of standardized 50% ethanolic extracts and

Potent α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of standardized 50% ethanolic extracts and sinensetin from Orthosiphon stamineus.

BACKGROUND : In the present study , we tested a 50 % ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus plants and its @ @ @ @ @ to theirα-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities .
METHODS : Bioactive flavonoid sinensetin was isolated from @ @ @ @ @ Orthosiphon stamineus .
The structure of this pure compound was determined on the NMR data @ @ @ @ @ activities of isolated sinensetin and 50 % ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus were evaluated .
@ @ @ @ @ of a 50 % ethanolic extract of O. stamineus and the isolated sinensetin compound showed @ @ @ @ @ : 4.63 and 0.66 mg/ml , respectively ) and α-amylase ( IC50 : 36.70 mg/ml @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Inhibition of these enzymes provides a strong biochemical basis for the management of @ @ @ @ @ control of glucose absorption .
CONCLUSION : Alpha-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibition could the mechanisms through which @ @ @ @ @ of O. stamineus and sinensetin exert their antidiabetic activity , indicating that it could have @ @ @ @ @ of non-insulin-dependent diabetes .

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we tested a 50% ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus plants and its isolated bioactive compound with respect to theirα-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities.
METHODS: Bioactive flavonoid sinensetin was isolated from 50% ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus. The structure of this pure compound was determined on the NMR data and theα-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of isolated sinensetin and 50% ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus were evaluated.
RESULTS: In vitro studies of a 50% ethanolic extract of O. stamineus and the isolated sinensetin compound showed inhibitory activity onα-glucosidase (IC50: 4.63 and 0.66 mg/ml, respectively) and α-amylase (IC50: 36.70 mg/ml and 1.13 mg/ml, respectively). Inhibition of these enzymes provides a strong biochemical basis for the management of type 2 diabetes via the control of glucose absorption.
CONCLUSION: Alpha-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibition could the mechanisms through which the 50% ethanolic extract of O. stamineus and sinensetin exert their antidiabetic activity, indicating that it could have potential use in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--This study revealed that 200 mg/kg extracts of O. stamineus exerted a hepatoprotective effect.

Orthosiphon stamineus as medicinal plant is commonly used in Malaysia for treatment of hepatitis and jaundice ; in this study , the ethanol extracts were applied to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects in a thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxic model in Sprague Dawley rats .
Five groups of adult rats were arranged as follows : Group 1 ( normal control group ) , Group 2 Thioacetamide ( TAA ) as positive control ( hepatotoxic group ) , Group 3 Silymarin as a well-known standard drug ( hepatoprotective group ) , and Groups 4 and 5 as high and low dose ( treatment groups ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sacrificed .
The hepatotoxic group showed a coarse granulation on the liver surface when compared to the smooth aspect observed on the liver surface of the other groups .
Histopathological study confirmed the result ; moreover , there was a significant increase in serum liver biochemical parameters ( ALT , AST , ALP , and Bilirubin ) and the level of liver Malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of total protein and Albumin in the TAA control group when compared with that of the normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 mg/kg ) significantly restored the elevated liver function enzymes near to normal .
This study revealed that 200 mg/kg extracts of O. stamineus exerted a hepatoprotective effect .

Orthosiphon stamineus as medicinal plant is commonly used in Malaysia for treatment of hepatitis and jaundice; in this study, the ethanol extracts were applied to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects in a thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxic model in Sprague Dawley rats. Five groups of adult rats were arranged as follows: Group 1 (normal control group), Group 2 Thioacetamide (TAA) as positive control (hepatotoxic group), Group 3 Silymarin as a well-known standard drug (hepatoprotective group), and Groups 4 and 5 as high and low dose (treatment groups). After 60-day treatment, all rats were sacrificed. The hepatotoxic group showed a coarse granulation on the liver surface when compared to the smooth aspect observed on the liver surface of the other groups. Histopathological study confirmed the result; moreover, there was a significant increase in serum liver biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and Bilirubin) and the level of liver Malondialdehyde (MDA), accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of total protein and Albumin in the TAA control group when compared with that of the normal group. The high-dose treatment group (200 mg/kg) significantly restored the elevated liver function enzymes near to normal. This study revealed that 200 mg/kg extracts of O. stamineus exerted a hepatoprotective effect.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Naringin attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis.

Interstitial fibrosis is a typical feature of all progressive renal diseases .
The process of fibrosis is frequently coupled with the presence of pro-fibrotic factors and inflammation .
Naringin is a dihydroflavone compound that has been previously reported to exhibit anti-fibrotic effects in the liver , where it prevents oxidative damage .
In the present study , a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis and fibrosis cell model were established to evaluate the effects of naringin on inflammatory proteins and fibrosis markers in kidney of rats and NRK-52E cells , and to elucidate the role of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fibrotic NRK-52E cells that were stimulated by transforming growth factor-β ( TGF-β ) , gene expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin ( α-SMA ) , collagen 1 ( COL1A1 ) , collagen 3 ( COL3A1 ) , interleukin ( IL ) -1β , IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α ) were all found to be significantly decreased in fibrotic NRK-52E cells following treatment with naringin ( 50 , 100 and 200 ng/ml ) .
Results from the histopathological studies showed that naringin treatment preserved the renal tissue structure and reduced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rats that underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction ( UUO ) .
In addition , naringin administration reduced the expression of α-SMA , COL1A1 , COL3A1 , IL-1β , IL-6 and TNF-α in the kidneys of rats following UUO .
The current study , using western blot analysis , indicated that naringin also downregulated the activation of Smad2/3 and the expression of Smad4 , high-mobility group protein B1 , activator protein-1 , NF-κB and cyclooxygenase-2 whilst upregulating the expression of Smad7 in fibrotic NRK-52E cells and rats in the UUO group .
In conclusion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TGF-β/Smad pathway and the expression of inflammatory factors .

Interstitial fibrosis is a typical feature of all progressive renal diseases. The process of fibrosis is frequently coupled with the presence of pro-fibrotic factors and inflammation. Naringin is a dihydroflavone compound that has been previously reported to exhibit anti-fibrotic effects in the liver, where it prevents oxidative damage. In the present study, a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis and fibrosis cell model were established to evaluate the effects of naringin on inflammatory proteins and fibrosis markers in kidney of rats and NRK-52E cells, and to elucidate the role of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in this mechanism. Compared with those in fibrotic NRK-52E cells that were stimulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), gene expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1 (COL1A1), collagen 3 (COL3A1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were all found to be significantly decreased in fibrotic NRK-52E cells following treatment with naringin (50, 100 and 200 ng/ml). Results from the histopathological studies showed that naringin treatment preserved the renal tissue structure and reduced the degree of fibrosis inthe kidney tissues of rats that underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). In addition, naringin administration reduced the expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, COL3A1, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the kidneys of rats following UUO. The current study, using western blot analysis, indicated that naringin also downregulated the activation of Smad2/3 and the expression of Smad4, high-mobility group protein B1, activator protein-1, NF-κB and cyclooxygenase-2 whilst upregulating the expression of Smad7 in fibrotic NRK-52E cells and rats in the UUO group. In conclusion, naringin could antagonize renalinterstitial fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β/Smad pathway and the expression of inflammatory factors.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--A review of the multi-therapeutic potential of naringenin.

Extensive research has been carried out during the last few decades , providing a detailed account of thousands of discovered phytochemicals and their biological activities that have the potential to be exploited for a wide variety of medicinal purposes .
These phytochemicals , which are pharmacologically important for clinical use , primarily consist of polyphenols , followed by terpenoids and alkaloids .
There are numerous published reports indicating the primary role of phytochemicals proven to possess therapeutic potential against several diseases .
However , not all phytochemicals possess significant medicinal properties , and only some of them exhibit viable biological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in citrus fruits , is known to improve immunity , repair DNA damage , and scavenge free radicals .
Despite the very low bioavailability of naringenin , it is known to exhibit various promising biological properties of medicinal importance , including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities .
This review focuses on the various aspects related to naringenin , particularly its physicochemical , pharmacokinetic , and pharmacodynamic properties .
Furthermore , various pharmacological activities of naringenin , such as anticancer , antidiabetic , hepatoprotective , neuroprotective , cardioprotective , nephroprotective , and gastroprotective effects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of action .

Extensive research has been carried out during the last few decades, providing a detailed account of thousands of discovered phytochemicals and their biological activities that have the potential to be exploited for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. These phytochemicals, which are pharmacologically important for clinical use, primarily consist of polyphenols, followed by terpenoids and alkaloids. There are numerous published reports indicating the primary role of phytochemicals proven to possess therapeutic potential against several diseases. However, not all phytochemicals possess significant medicinal properties, and only some of them exhibit viable biological effects. Naringenin, a flavanone found in citrus fruits, is known to improve immunity, repair DNA damage, and scavenge free radicals. Despite the very low bioavailability of naringenin, it is known to exhibit various promising biological properties of medicinal importance, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This review focuses on the various aspects related to naringenin, particularly its physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties. Furthermore, various pharmacological activities of naringenin, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, and gastroprotective effects, have been discussed along with their mechanisms of action.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-31--Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of Citrus lumia juice.

juices are a rich source of bioactive compounds with various and well-known health benefits .
The aim of this study was to investigate the polyphenols and ascorbic acid content as well as to investigate the antioxidant , anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of the juice of an ancient Mediterranean species , Risso ( CLJ ) .
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by severalcell-free and cell-based assays , whereas two differentmodels , the chick chorioallantoic membrane ( CAM ) and the zebrafish embryos , were used to characterize the anti-angiogenic properties .
Twenty-eight polyphenols were identified by RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) with 1-caffeoyl-5-feruloylquinic acid and kaempferol 3'-rhamnoside , which represent the most abundant compounds ( 25.70 and 23.12 % , respectively ) .
HPLC-DAD analysis showed a high ascorbic acid content ( 352 mg/kg of CLJ ) , which contributes with polyphenols to the marked and dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties observed .
CLJ showed strong and dose-dependent anti-angiogenic activity as highlighted by the inhibition of blood vessel formation on CAMs and the decrease of endogenousalkaline phosphatase on zebrafish embryos .
Moreover , within the concentration range tested , no dead or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these promising biological effects , but considering the evidence of the present study , the use of CLJ as a ready-to drink safe prevention strategy for inflammatory-based diseases correlated to angiogenesis could be justified .

juices are a rich source of bioactive compounds with various and well-known health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the polyphenols and ascorbic acid content as well as to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of the juice of an ancient Mediterranean species,Risso (CLJ). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by severalcell-free and cell-based assays, whereas two differentmodels, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and the zebrafish embryos, were used to characterize the anti-angiogenic properties. Twenty-eight polyphenols were identified by RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis (flavonoids 68.82% and phenolic acids 31.18%) with 1-caffeoyl-5-feruloylquinic acid and kaempferol 3'-rhamnoside, which represent the most abundant compounds (25.70 and 23.12%, respectively). HPLC-DAD analysis showed a high ascorbic acid content (352 mg/kg of CLJ), which contributes with polyphenols to the marked and dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties observed. CLJ showed strong and dose-dependent anti-angiogenic activity as highlighted by the inhibition of blood vessel formation on CAMs and the decrease of endogenousalkaline phosphatase on zebrafish embryos. Moreover, within the concentration range tested, no dead or malformed embryos were recorded. Certainly, further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these promising biological effects, but considering the evidence of the present study, the use of CLJ as a ready-to drink safe prevention strategy for inflammatory-based diseases correlated to angiogenesis could be justified.