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Perilla leaves are known to be a rich source of polyphenols, which have been shown to exhibit various biological effects. This study aimed to compare the bioefficacies and bioactivities of fresh (PLEf) and dry (PLEd) Thai perilla (Nga-mon) leaf extracts. Phytochemical analysis indicated that both PLEf and PLEd were abundant in rosmarinic acid and bioactive phenolic compounds. PLEd, which had higher levels of rosmarinic acid but lower levels of ferulic acid and luteolin than PLEf, exhibited greater effectiveness in a free radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, both extracts were found to suppress intracellular ROS generation and exhibit antimutagenic activity against food-borne carcinogens in S. typhimurium. They also attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the expression of nitric oxide, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 through the suppression of NF-κB activation and translocation. However, PLEf exhibited a higher ability to suppress cellular ROS production and higher antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory activities than PLEd, which can be attributed to its combination of phytochemical components. Overall, PLEf and PLEd have the potential to serve as natural bioactive antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory agents to achieve potential health benefits.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global concern. Proanthocyanidin-rich red rice extract (PRRE) has been shown to suppress the inflammatory response in cellular cultures. However, the anti-colitis effect of PRRE has never been investigated in animals. This study aimed to examine the protective effect of the PRRE against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Male mice were orally administrated with PRRE of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day for 21 days. Acute colitis was subsequently induced by administrated 2.5% DSS in drinking water for the final seven days. Sulfasalazine-treated mice were the positive group. All doses of PRRE and sulfasalazine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced severity of colitis, as indicated by decreasing daily activity index and restoring colon shortening. Treatments with PRRE, but not sulfasalazine, significantly reduced the histopathological index and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the PRRE treatments effectively improved mucous in colonic goblet cells using PAS staining, and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by DSS, while sulfasalazine reduced only IL-1β and IL-6. This study suggested that PRRE had a greater anti-colitis effect than sulfasalazine. Thus, PRRE has a potential anti-colitis effect, and should be developed in a clinical trial as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient for IBD.

Background and purpose: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that involves diffused inflammation of the large intestine. Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) has been known to regulate the inflammatory response associated with ulcerative colitis pathogenesis. Perilla frutescens is a valuable source of omega-3 FA and α-linolenic acid (ALA) contained in its seed oil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Perilla seed oil (PSO) on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in a mouse model. Experimental approach: PSO was extracted using a cold-pressed extractor and FA composition of PSO was analyzed by GC-MS. Acute colitis in mice was induced with 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Some mice were treated with PSO (20, 100, 200 mg/kg BW) for 3 weeks before the DSS administration. Sulfasalazine was used as a positive control. The clinical features, histopathologic, serum, and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the colon were assessed. Finding/Results: PSO contained the highest proportion of ALA (61.51%). Furthermore, PSO pretreatment evidently reduced body weight loss, diminished diarrhea, gross bleeding, and DSS-induced colon shortening. PSO pretreatment attenuated histopathological changes in response to DSS-induced colitis. PSO pretreatment also markedly decreased inflammatory response in serum and the colon tissue of DSS-induced mice. Conclusion and implication: ALA in PSO is suggested to be mainly responsible for the reduction of DSS-induced colitis through suppressing inflammatory markers. PSO could be further developed as a functional health supplement, which would be beneficial for anti-inflammation in the colonic mucosa.

Songklanakarin Journal of Science an Technology (SJST), 44, 2, 361-369

Osteoporosis is the result of an imbalance in the bone-remodeling process via an increase in osteoclastic activity and a decrease in osteoblastic activity. Our previous studies have shown that Perilla frutescens seed meal has anti-osteoclastogenic activity. However, the role of perilla leaf hexane fraction (PLH) in osteoporosis has not yet been investigated and reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PLH in osteoclast differentiation and osteogenic potential using cell-based experiments in vitro. From HPLC analysis, we found that PLH contained high luteolin and baicalein. PLH was shown to inhibit RANKL-induced ROS production and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multi-nucleated osteoclasts. Moreover, PLH significantly downregulated the RANKL-induced MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to the attenuation of NFATc1 and MMP-9 expression. In contrast, PLH enhanced osteoblast function by regulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and restoring TNF-α-suppressed osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic potential. Thus, luteolin and baicalein-rich PLH inhibits osteoclast differentiation but promotes the function of osteoblasts. Collectively, our data provide new evidence that suggests that PLH may be a valuable anti-osteoporosis agent.

Osteoporosis is the result of an imbalance in the bone-remodeling process via an increase in osteoclastic activity and a decrease in osteoblastic activity. Our previous studies have shown that

Industrially, after the removal of oil from perilla seeds (PS) by screw-type compression, the large quantities of residual perilla seed meal (PSM) becomes non-valuable waste. Therefore, to increase the health value and price of PS and PSM, we focused on the biological effects of perilla seed oil (PSO) and rosmarinic acid-rich fraction (RA-RF) extracted from PSM for their role in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by TNF-α exposure in an A549 lung adenocarcinoma culture model. The A549 cells were pretreated with PSO or RA-RF and followed by TNF-α treatment. We found that PSO and RA-RF were not toxic to TNF-α-induced A549 cells. Both extracts significantly decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this cell line. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and COX-2 were significantly decreased by the treatment of PSO and RA-RF. The Western blot indicated that the expression of MnSOD, FOXO1, and NF-κB and phosphorylation of JNK were also significantly diminished by PSO and RA-RF treatment. The results demonstrated that PSO and RA-RF act as antioxidants to scavenge TNF-α induced ROS levels, resulting in decreased the expression of MnSOD, FOXO1, NF-κB and JNK signaling pathway in a human lung cell culture exposed to TNF-α.

Thai perilla (Perilla frutescens) extracts, which contain a substantial quantity of bioactive substances including phenolics and flavonoids, have shown marked anti-inflammatory activities in several investigated models. In the present study, the effect of perilla seed extract (PSE) and seed meal extract (PSME) on TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells was investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in PSME was lower than PSE. Markedly, rosmarinic acid was identified as the main constituent in both extracts. However, the DPPH and ABTS assays indicated that the antioxidant capacity of PSME was equal to PSE. Moreover, the iron-binding activity of PSE and PSME were exhibited by complex formation with Fe3+-NTA, indicating that the extracts may inhibit hydroxyl radical production via Fenton reaction. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed that both PSE or PSME co-treated with TNF-α, at 24 h exposure, were not toxic to the A549 cells. Interestingly, PSE and PSME dramatically exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, but did not influence iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expressions. Moreover, both extracts significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in TNF-α-induced A549 cells. The findings presented in this paper suggest that PSE and PSME could mitigate TNF-α-mediated inflammatory responses via limiting pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions and decreasing ROS production. Thus, perilla seed and seed meal, the by-product of a perilla seed oil cold-pressed extraction process, could be developed as food supplements or functional foods for the prevention of inflammation-induced lung carcinogenesis development. Keywords: Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, Inflammation, Perilla seed, Perilla seed meal, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)

Particulate matter from forest fires (PMFF) is an environmental pollutant causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer cell metastasis due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Perilla seed meal contains high levels of polyphenols, including rosmarinic acid (RA). The aim of this study is to determine the anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and anti-metastasis actions of rosmarinic acid rich fraction (RA-RF) from perilla seed meal and its underlying molecular mechanisms in A549 cells exposed to PMFF. PMFF samples were collected via the air sampler at the University of Phayao, Thailand, and their PAH content were analyzed using GC-MS. Fifteen PAH compounds were detected in PMFF. The PMFF significantly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MMP-9 activity, invasion, migration, the overexpression of c-Jun and p-65-NF-κB, and Akt phosphorylation. Additionally, the RA-RF significantly reduced ROS production, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and COX-2. RA-RF could also suppress MMP-9 activity, migration, invasion, and the phosphorylation activity of c-Jun, p-65-NF-κB, and Akt. Our findings revealed that RA-RF has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastasis properties via c-Jun, p-65-NF-κB, and Akt signaling pathways. RA-RF may be further developed as an inhalation agent for the prevention of lung inflammation and cancer metastasis induced by PM exposure.

Perilla is a rich source of polyphenols, which exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and a variety of biological effects. The effect of differential solvents on the polyphenols, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid (RA), antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of perilla leaf require investigation. In this study, perilla leaf was extracted with 70% ethanol and sequentially fractionated according to the solvent’s polarity with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water. Samples were subjected to the bioactive compound measurements. The antioxidant and antiinflammation nature of perilla was analyzed based on the scavenging effects on DPPH•, ABTS•+, O2•- and nitric oxide (NO), as well as FRAP assay, and determination of the inhibition effects on NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production in the cell-based study. The results indicate that among all different solvents used for sequential fractionation, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) was most effective in the separation of anti-oxidative and antiinflammatory compounds in the perilla leaf extract. These properties can partly be due to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, and also RA. It can be demonstrated here that, the perilla leaf EtOAc fraction could be used as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

The aim of this study is to determine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities relating to the antiosteoporosis effects of various perilla seed meal (PSM) fractions. The remaining waste of perilla seed obtained from cold oil compression was extracted with 70% ethanol and sequentially fractionated according to solvent polarity with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water. The results indicated that the seed-meal ethyl acetate fraction (SMEF) exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and rosmarinic acid (RA) content. The signaling pathways induced by the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) that trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) and several transcription factors, leading to the induction of osteoclastogenesis, were also investigated. The SMEF clearly showed attenuated RANKL-induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated osteoclasts and TRAP activity. A Western blot analysis showed that the SMEF significantly downregulated RANKL-induced NF-κB, AP-1 activation, and the nuclear factor of activated T-cell 1 (NFATc1) expression. SMEF also suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast-specific marker gene-like MMP-9 using zymography. Furthermore, the SMEF showed inhibition of RANKL-induced ROS production in RAW 264.7 cells. The results suggest that the SMEF, which contained high quantities of RA, could be developed as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient for osteoclastogenic protection and health promotion.

Background and purpose: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that involves diffused inflammation of the large intestine. Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) has been known to regulate the inflammatory response associated with ulcerative colitis pathogenesis. Perilla frutescens is a valuable source of omega-3 FA and α-linolenic acid (ALA) contained in its seed oil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Perilla seed oil (PSO) on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in a mouse model. Experimental approach: PSO was extracted using a cold-pressed extractor and FA composition of PSO was analyzed by GC-MS. Acute colitis in mice was induced with 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Some mice were treated with PSO (20, 100, 200 mg/kg BW) for 3 weeks before the DSS administration. Sulfasalazine was used as a positive control. The clinical features, histopathologic, serum, and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the colon were assessed. Finding/Results: PSO contained the highest proportion of ALA (61.51%). Furthermore, PSO pretreatment evidently reduced body weight loss, diminished diarrhea, gross bleeding, and DSS-induced colon shortening. PSO pretreatment attenuated histopathological changes in response to DSS-induced colitis. PSO pretreatment also markedly decreased inflammatory response in serum and the colon tissue of DSS-induced mice. Conclusion and implication: ALA in PSO is suggested to be mainly responsible for the reduction of DSS-induced colitis through suppressing inflammatory markers. PSO could be further developed as a functional health supplement, which would be beneficial for anti-inflammation in the colonic mucosa.

For centuries, many kinds of native plants and their products have been used for the treatment of gastric ulcers by traditional healers in Phayao province. The current study aimed to investigate the polyphenol content in some of these medicinal plants and to point out the relationship between their antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activities. Six species were selected based on ethnopharmacologic considerations: Punica granatum L., Psidium guajava L., Careya arborea Roxb., Gochnatia decora (Kurz) Cabr., Shorea obtusa Wall. ex Blume, and Ficus hispida L.f. The leaves or bark of these plants were extracted with 70% ethanol and water. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the extracts were analyzed based on nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and through the determination of scavenging activity. The results demonstrated that the ethanol extract from P. granatum and P. guajava leaves significantly inhibited NO production by suppressing nitric oxide synthase. The extracts also inhibited tumor necrosis factor-&alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 in terms of both mRNA and protein levels and possessed high antioxidants. These extracts were shown to contain the highest amount of polyphenols. Our study concluded that among the plants studied, P. granatum and P. guajava have the most significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and polyphenols. These plants may have the potential for use in gastric ulcer therapy due to their indicated properties. Future research should focus on the isolation of their active compounds and their in vivo biological activities. Their beneficial applications need to be warranted by such evidence.

Functional foods (FF) are commonly consumed by Asians, and this trend has increased in recent years. Despite the reported health benefits of FF, it is necessary scrutiny and updates of the underpinning research are important. The first international conference on functional food innovation in Asia (IFFA 2018) took place on January 22nd- 24th, 2018, at the University of Phayao, Thailand. Domestic and international speakers, researchers, nutritionists, dieticians, research scholars and students shared their knowledge and experience in FF research. Key features were the potential beneficial roles of FF in health and disease, the current situation with FF in Asia and innovative trends. The IFFA 2018 involved 2 keynote speakers, 34 invited speakers and 10 sessions. About 250 people from across Asia participated. Key themes, discussions, innovative opportunities, and future directions to link research in academia with health-directed applications as FF are summarised.

Gastric ulcers are a common problem in upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) disorders. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most aggressive factors leading to inducing gastric ulcers. Natural products with lower toxicity and safety are currently sought as a potential source to minimize the effect of the gastric ulcers.Perilla frutescensor Nga-mon (in Thai) leaves are rich in rosmarinic acid (RA), which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This study investigates the protective effect of ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous fraction (AF) fromPerilla frutescensleaves, which are rich in RA, on indomethacin- (IND-) induced gastric ulcer in a rat model. The EE at the doses of 50 and 500 mg/kg body weight, AF at the doses of 50, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight, or famotidine (a standard drug) were administered for 14 days prior to ulcer induction. The ulceration was performed by intragastric administration of IND. Gross gastric ulcers and biological and histological parameters were examined. The pretreatment with AF had more significant effects than EE, including reduced ulcer index, decreased gastric secretion volume and decreased acidity, but it had an elevated gastric pH relative to the IND-induced gastric ulcer. In a histopathological study, the EE and AF decreased mucosal ulcer, inflammatory infiltration, and degenerative lining cells. The IND-induced expression of inflammatory mediators was significantly attenuated with EE and AF. The experiment also remarkably showed the preservation of mucus and apoptosis protection of EE and AF on a gastric mucosal ulcer. The findings demonstrated that the EE and AF of perilla leaves were capable of protecting the stomach against gastric ulcers induced by IND through anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms that should be further investigated. It is suggested thatPerilla frutescensleaf could be a potential alternative source of RA as a therapeutic agent and food supplement for NSAID-induced gastric injuries.

Perilla frutescens is commonly used as an n-3-fatty acid source for people living in Northern Thailand. However, cultivated areas are limited because it apparently requires specific growth conditions. Our results suggested that perilla seeds grown in higher altitude in Maehongson province contained more ALA contents than seeds collected from Chiangrai and Nan province. Furthermore, mass spectrometry (MS) proteomic and gene expression analysis revealed that the increase of KASII and FAD3 proteins associated with the mRNA expression and the ALA production. Predictive bioinformatics analysis demonstrated two important transcription factor binding sites, AP2 and B3, which responsible for KASII and FAD3 genes, respectively. The AP2 and B3 transcription factor families were known to be responsible for abiotic stress such as drought and temperature changes. In conclusion, high production of ALA by perilla apparently relies on the altitudes. Moreover, plant responses to abiotic stress environments contribute to the increase of KASII and FAD3 gene and protein expression. However, responsive transcription factors will be further studied for a proof of concept and additionally improving the growing methods in order to increase perilla productivity.

The ethanolic extracts of leaves of Psidium guajava (PG), Pandanous odorus (PO),Rhinacanthus nasutus (RN) contained polyphenolic compounds in the order of PG > RN > PO. All the extracts exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals scavenging activities. PG showed a marked antioxidant effect whereas PO and RN were comparable. Interestingly, they were able to bind with ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) ion and completed within 5 min of incubation times. In accordance with previous results, PG extract could effectively protect erythrocytes from iron induced hemolysis with the activity higher than PO and RN. Based on all results, tested leaf extracts of three Thai medicinal plants might be used for alleviating or preventing harmfulness in many oxidative stress disorders. Key words: Psidium guajava, Pandanous odorus, Rhinacanthus nasutus, antioxidant, iron binding capacity, anti-hemolysis activity.

A checklist covering a total of 67 Recent non-marine ostracod species from Thailand, belonging to 33 genera and seven families (Cyprididae, Candonidae, Ilyocyprididae, Notodromadidae, Darwinulidae, Limnocytheridae, Loxoconchidae), is presented. Twenty-five of these are considered endemic to the Oriental region, 17 of which are Thai endemics. Two species (Hemicypris exiqua Broodbakker, 1983, and Notodromas sinensis NealZhao, 1991) are new records for the Oriental region, and four species (Cypretta seurati Gauthier, 1929, Chrissia ceylonica (Daday, 1898), Chrissia formosa (Klie, 1938), and Dolerocypris fasciata (O.F. Müller, 1776)) are new record for Thailand. The most diverse subfamily in Thailand is the Cypricercinae, with 22 species. The most diverse genera are Strandesia Stuhlmann, 1888 (eight species), followed by Pseudostrandesia SavatenalintonMartens, 2009 (seven species) and Stenocypris Sars, 1889 (five species). Other enigmatic groups and new taxa occur in the checklist, but these need to be described elsewhere in the future. For example, several species of Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900, Cyclocypridinae Kaufmann, 1900, Candoninae Kaufmann, 1900 and other groups await description. Considering regional distributions based on frequency of occurrences, rare species constitute a large fraction, whereas very common species are minor elements. Most of the records were reported from the Northern and Northeastern parts of Thailand. Sampled habitat types ranged from ponds, (oxbow) lakes, swamps, reservoirs, springs, canals, rivers, rice fields, waterfalls, and damp leaf litter. Most of the Thai ostracod fauna exists in a wide range of habitats. A brief discussion on the distribution of described species is included with the list. Additionally, in the present contribution, we describe two new species, Dolerocypris sisaketensis n. sp. and Hungarocypris suranareeae n. sp., from the Northeastern part of Thailand. The main character of Dolerocypris sisaketensis n. sp. is the presence of a spine on the postero-ventral part of the right valve; this feature sets it apart from other Dolerocypris species. Hungarocypris suranareeae n. sp. is the second species of this genus in Thailand and the third one in Southeast Asia. It is clearly distinguished from other Hungarocypris species by the serration on both valves. The genera Dolerocypris and Hungarocypris are briefly discussed and a key to the species of Hungarocypris is provided.

Naresuan Phayao Journal, 9, 2

There has been increasing interest in finding natural antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and retard the progress of chronic inflammatory diseases. Our previous data demonstrated the strong antioxidant properties of polyphenolics in Mamao seed (MS) and Mamao marc (MM) extracts. In this study we further investigated the effect of MS and MM polyphenolics on hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced apoptosis and tumour promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation, using human breast epithelial (MCF10A) cells. MS and MM extracts conferred dose-dependent protection against H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis by inhibiting PARP/caspase-3 cleavage, inducing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, and down-regulating pro-apoptotic Bax. Moreover, MS and MM polyphenolics inhibited TPA-induced COX-2 and NF-κB activation by blocking the degradation of cytoplasmic IκBα, as well as subsequent nuclear translocation of p65 and attenuation of the activation of ERK, but not JNK and p38. These data establish the molecular mechanism for the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of MS and MM polyphenolics.

Purslane weed has long been used for animal feed in Thailand but has been underutilized, and no published data exist on the chemical and nutritional qualities of Thai wild purslane. In this study, we aimed to determine the microchemical components of purslane stem, leaf, and flower, including the phenolic acid, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and fatty acid content. The water extract of the flower fraction contained the highest total phenolic acid content and had the highest O2-scavenging activities, whereas leaf contained the highest amount of total flavonoids and ascorbic acid. The β-carotene content was not significantly different in leaf and flower fractions but was significantly greater than that in stem (P < 0.05). The predominant phenolic acid was chlorogenic acid for all fractions. Rutin was the major flavonoid found in leaf, and myricetin was highest in flower and stem. Alpha linolenic acid (18:3n-3) content ranged from 16% (149 mg per 100-g sample) of total fatty acid in stem to 50% (523 mg per 100-g sample) in leaf. We suggest that Thai wild purslane could be considered a nutritional source for animal feed or an excellent vegetable in the human diet.

The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro bioactivities associated with the content of phytochemicals in the extracts from perilla seed meal extract (PSME) compared with dietary seed (PSE). PSE had higher total phenolics and flavonoids content than PSME. However, hydrophilic phytochemical contents in PSME were quantitatively equivalent to PSE. Rosmarinic acid was predominantly found in both extracts. Cell viability and anti‐mutagenicity testing demonstrated that PSE and PSME were biosecured and non‐genotoxic. Both extracts strongly scavenged free radicals and significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The extracts drastically diminished nitric oxide (NO) production of LPS‐treated RAW 264.7 cells via iNOS mRNA expression. The expression of IL‐6 and COX‐2 were evidently inhibited by these extracts. It could be concluded that PSE and PSME clearly showed in vitro anti‐mutagenicity, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory capacities. In particular, the by‐product perilla seed meal could be considered as a high nutritive functional food. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study suggests that the seed meals, a by‐product from seed oil industry, can be utilized as a valuable dietary source for humans and animals. The high content of polyphenols and their bioactivities can be developed as functional foods, and excipients and fillers in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals production. Moreover, recycling of the by‐product seed meals should also reduce environmental and sanitary pollution.

Ethanolic extracts of 30 Thai medicinal plants, traditionally used as alternative treatments in diabetes, were evaluated for antioxidative activity by the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) method. They were evaluated in vitro for oxidative stress by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) assay in pooled plasma of diabetic patients compared to without treatment of the extracts (control). The extracts were also assayed for protein glycation. The results showed that five plants had strong antioxidant activity: Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (PE), Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC), Morinda citrifolia Linn. (MC), Kaempferia parviflora Wall. (KP) and Houttuynia cordata Thunb.(HC), respectively. Thirty plant extracts were good correlation between total antioxidant activity and antiradical activity by TBARS as well as by glycation (r = 0.856, p

Ethanolic extracts from various parts of 26 Thai indigenous plants were examined for phenolic constituents and free radical scavenging capacity, to determine their potential as a source of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were evaluated according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, and a colorimetric method, respectively. The results showed that total phenolic compounds and flavonoid content were higher in seed extracts of berries used in wine production, while the levels in extracts obtained from herbs and vegetables were lower. Chewing plants which have an astringent taste gave a significantly higher total phenolic content and flavonoid content. Antiradical activity determined from 1/EC50 by the DPPH radical-scavenging method was highest in wine production seeds and chewing plants. The correlation coefficient from regression analysis showed a positive relationship between total phenolic and total flavonoid content (r = 0.9). The results suggest that ethanolic extracts of some Thai indigenous plants exhibit a potential for use as natural antioxidants.

One of the most significant health concerns of cruciferous vegetables is the presence of biologically active compounds, glucosinolates. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a nutritionally important crop grown all over the world. Glucosinolates have been found to have anti-cancer properties. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate glucosinolate content and antioxidant property in the seeds of broccoli cultivars widely grown in Thailand. Glucosinolates were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total and individual glucosinolate levels varied significantly among cultivars. In all broccoli seeds, 4-methylsulfinylbutylglucosinolate (glucoraphanin) was the predominant glucosinolate. The highest total glucosinolates was 65.5 µmol/g DW in ‘Top Green #067’ cultivar, followed by ‘Packman’ (58.6), ‘Green Queen’ (51.2), ‘Pak Ging’ (25.5) and ‘Rod Fai’ (20.3). The antioxidant capacities, including ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferrous ion chelating ability in the methanol and water extracts, were found to be high.

Effects of extracts of a plant, which has been used as a traditional medicine for treating diabetes on glucose transport activity was evaluated in cultured L8 muscle cells. The aqueous extract of Canna indica root (CI) at doses of 0.1-0.5 mg/ml, which contains total phenolic compounds equivalent to 6-30 microg of catechin caused a dose- and time-dependent induction of 2-deoxy-[3H]glucose (2-DG) uptake activity. The induced 2-DG uptake was significantly increased within 8 h and reached a maximum by 16 h. The CI extract increased the amount of glucose transporter isoforms 1 (GLUT1) and 4 (GLUT4) at the cell surface and enhanced expression of GLUT1 protein. Cycloheximide treatment almost completely reversed CI-induced 2-DG uptake to the basal level. Exposure of muscle cells to wortmannin and SB203580 diminished CI-mediated glucose uptake by 38 and 14%, respectively. The effect of CI and insulin was partially additive. Phytochemical analysis detected the presence of flavonoids and catechol in the CI. Taken together, these data provide evidence for differential effects of CI on regulated-glucose transport in muscle cells. Our findings suggest that GLUT1 protein synthesis and the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) are critical for the increase in glucose transporter activity at the plasma membrane and essential for the maximal induction of glucose transport by CI in L8 muscle cells.

Lung cancer incidence among Northern Thai women is one of the highest in Asia (an annual age-adjusted incidence rate of 37.4 per 100,000), and the incidence rate significantly differs by geographical districts. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study of women living in the Sarapee area, which showed the highest (crude incidence rate, 40.9), and the Chom Tong area, which had one of the lowest incidence rates (8.5) in Chiang Mai Province, despite the two areas' geographical and cultural closeness. The women in this study were either family members of lung cancer patients or their neighbors. To find clues to the etiology of lung cancer, this study used various epidemiological and biochemical approaches: interviewing on lifestyle factors, duplicate meals, chemical examination of drinking water, biochemical analysis of sera, mutagenicity test of urine, and monitoring of fungi and bacteria in the living environment. We found that tobacco smoking (Khiyo, local cigars) was less frequently observed in Sarapee (high incidence), compared with Chom Tong (low incidence), and that the history of chronic benign respiratory diseases was the most distinct event among women in Sarapee, resulting in a significantly increased percentage of those with a history of both benign respiratory diseases and tobacco smoking. This population revealed increased levels of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, an endogenous tumor promoter. Furthermore, significantly increased urine mutagenicity was found to be closely associated with history of benign respiratory disease in Sarapee. The fungus which was most commonly found in the air inside houses in Sarapee was identified as Microsporum canis. Additionally, significantly increased serum concentrations of a constituent of the fungus were found in Sarapee women, compared with those in Chom Tong. Our results suggest that tobacco (Khiyo) smoking alone may not be able to explain the very high incidence of female lung cancer in Northern Thailand, and that chronic benign respiratory disease, possibly caused by the infection of fungi such as M. canis, is likely to be involved in the etiology of female lung cancer in North Thailand.

The recent case-control studies in Thailand indicate that a high incidence of liver cancer in Thailand has not been associated with common risk factors such as hepatitis B infection, aflatoxin intake and alcohol consumption. While the infestation by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) accounted for the high risk in north-east Thailand, there was no such exposure in the other regions of the country where the incidence of liver cancer is also high. Case-control studies suggest that exposure to exogenous and possibly endogenous nitrosamines in food or tobacco in betel nut and cigarettes may play a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while OV infestation and chemical interaction of nitrosamines may also be aetiological factors in the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Over 1800 samples of fresh and preserved food were systematically collected and tested between 1988 and 1996. All the food items identified by anthropological studies to be consumed frequently in four major regions of Thailand were analysed for volatile nitrosamines using gas chromatography combined with a thermal energy analyser. Relatively high levels of N -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N -nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) and N -nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) were detected in fermented fish (“Pla-salid”). NDMA was also detected at levels ranging from trace amounts to 66.5 μ g/kg in several salted and dried fish (“Larb-pla” and “Pla-siu”). NDMA and NPYR were frequently detected in several vegetables, particularly fermented beans (“Tau-chiau”) at levels ranging between 1 and 95.1 μ g/kg and 0–146 μ g/kg, respectively. The possible role of nitrosamines in Thai food in the aetiology of liver cancer (HCC, CCA) is discussed.

By means of duplicate meals, we collected food samples of general female residents, aged 50 to 74 years at two suburban districts in Chiang Mai Province, which are distinguished by very high and low incidence rates of lung cancer. Then, on the basis of analyses of their consumption of foods by food groups, we compared their dietary habits in the dry season of northern Thailand with special reference to the difference in lung cancer incidence. In brief, the following features and difference in their dietary habits were found; 1) Rice, vegetables, and pork were most frequently eaten in both the districts. 2) Consumption of fruits, in both quantity and variety, at a high-risk district was much less than that at a low-risk district. 3) Female residents at a low-risk district consumed more variety of green and yellow vegetables than those at a high-risk district. 4). Potato was not found in food samples of a high-risk district. 5) confectionery was more prevalent in a low-risk district than at a high-risk district.

Isoflavone in soybean and its products have numerous beneficial health effects. A number of clinical studies have demonstrated that dietary soy isoflavone can relieve menopausal symptoms, lower risks of breast cancer, and lower cholesterol and glucose. Among the various effects of isoflavone, the role of cholesterol and glucose reduction seems to be well documented; however, other effects such as reproductive hormones were inconclusive and inconsistent. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of six-month dietary traditional fermented soybean intake on BMI, reproductive hormones, lipids, and glucose among postmenopausal women. Subjects were women with their last menstrual period occurring at least 12 months prior to selection by interview and health screening from Baan Tham Village, Phayao Province, Thailand. A total of 60 women were divided into 2 groups: experimental group (n=31) and reference group (n=29). The experimental group was permitted to continue their usual diet, and supplemented with fermented soybean for 6 months. The fermented soybean provided approximately 60 mg of isoflavone per day. The remarkable findings were that dietary fermented soybean had favorable effects on progesterone and cholesterol, but had no effects on estradiol, glucose, and triglycerides. Although estradiol and glucose in the experimental group did not change, a decrease of estradiol and an increase of glucose were found in the reference group. Our results, therefore, suggest that fermented soybean may have beneficial effects on reproductive hormones and cholesterol, and they would be warrant further detail investigations.

A checklist covering a total of 67 Recent non-marine ostracod species from Thailand, belonging to 33 genera and seven families (Cyprididae, Candonidae, Ilyocyprididae, Notodromadidae, Darwinulidae, Limnocytheridae, Loxoconchidae), is presented. Twenty-five of these are considered endemic to the Oriental region, 17 of which are Thai endemics. Two species ( Hemicypris exiqua Broodbakker, 1983, and Notodromas sinensis Neal & Zhao, 1991) are new records for the Oriental region, and four species ( Cypretta seurati Gauthier, 1929, Chrissia ceylonica (Daday, 1898), Chrissia formosa (Klie, 1938), and Dolerocypris fasciata (O.F. Muller, 1776)) are new record for Thailand. The most diverse subfamily in Thailand is the Cypricercinae, with 22 species. The most diverse genera are Strandesia Stuhlmann, 1888 (eight species), followed by Pseudostrandesia Savatenalinton & Martens, 2009 (seven species) and Stenocypris Sars, 1889 (five species). Other enigmatic groups and new taxa occur in the checklist, but these need to be described elsewhere in the future. For example, several species of Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900, Cyclocypridinae Kaufmann, 1900, Candoninae Kaufmann, 1900 and other groups await description. Considering regional distributions based on frequency of occurrences, rare species constitute a large fraction, whereas very common species are minor elements. Most of the records were reported from the Northern and Northeastern parts of Thailand. Sampled habitat types ranged from ponds, (oxbow) lakes, swamps, reservoirs, springs, canals, rivers, rice fields, waterfalls, and damp leaf litter. Most of the Thai ostracod fauna exists in a wide range of habitats. A brief discussion on the distribution of described species is included with the list. Additionally, in the present contribution, we describe two new species, Dolerocypris sisaketensis n. sp. and Hungarocypris suranareeae n. sp., from the Northeastern part of Thailand. The main character of Dolerocypris sisaketensis n. sp. is the presence of a spine on the postero-ventral part of the right valve; this feature sets it apart from other Dolerocypris species. Hungarocypris suranareeae n. sp. is the second species of this genus in Thailand and the third one in Southeast Asia. It is clearly distinguished from other Hungarocypris species by the serration on both valves. The genera Dolerocypris and Hungarocypris are briefly discussed and a key to the species of Hungarocypris is provided.

This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of g-oryzanol rich extracts from Thai glutinous purple rice bran. Five purple rice bran samples, PAH E-KAW,GAM PEUAK, NIAW DAM, GAM THOR and GAM BOUNG were obtained from local glutinous cultivars in Northern Thailand. The g-oryzanol rich extracts were prepared by soxhlet extraction and semi-purified by column chromatography. The extracts contained g-oryzanol in the range of 1.23 to 9.14% w/w. The extracts containing more than 5% w/w of g-oryzanol (PAH E-KAW, GAM THOR and GAM BOUNG) were selected for investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; and first standardized by adding the equivalent amount of each extract to give 10% w/v g-oryzanol. All of extracts exerted moderate ABTS·+ and superoxide anion scavenging activity. GAM BOUNG exhibited the highest ABTS·+ scavenging activity with VCEAC value of 201.3 ± 1.84 mg L-ascorbic acid/ gram extract, TEAC value of 267.2 ±2.96 mg Trolox/ gram extract and QEAC value of 137.4 ± 3.41 mg Quercetin/ gram extract followed by PAH E-KAW and GAM THOR, respectively. GAM BOUNG also showed the highest activity on superoxide anion scavenging at IC50 = 12.56 ± 0.13 mg/ml followed by GAM THOR and PAH E-KAW. Furthermore, GAM BOUNG exhibited a strong inhibition effect on linoleic acid peroxidation (IC50 = 36.79 ± 2.97 mg/ml). Additionally, all of the extracts showed a strong anti-inflammatory activity through inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in combined LPS-IFN-g-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. GAM BOUNG exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on NO production (IC50 = 29.32 ± 2.21 mg/ml), without exerting cytotoxicity followed by GAM THOR and PAH E-KAW. These results indicate that g-oryzanol rich extracts from Thai glutinous purple rice bran are acting as a lipophilic radical scavenger better than a hydrophilic radical scavenger. Moreover, these extracts exert a potent anti-inflammatory activity. Key words: Purple rice bran, g-oryzanol, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of polyphenols extracted from the tamarind seed coat (PETSC) on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, red blood cell parameters and bilirubin in heat-stressed broilers. One hundred forty-seven broilers, 18-days old were divided into two groups. In group 1, broilers were maintained at an environmental temperature of 26 ± 2 °C throughout the experimental period. In group 2, the broilers were maintained at 38 ± 2 °C (cyclic temperature: 26 ± 2 °C; −38 ± 2 °C; and −26 ± 2 °C, and broilers were maintained at 38 ± 2 °C for 6 h/ day) and received PETSC at a concentration of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 mg/kg in their diet ad libitum. Parameters were investigated on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 of the experimental period. Results showed that GPx activity of heat-stressed broilers that received 100 mg/kg of PETSC in their diet was lower (P

Ethnopharmacological relevance Many Thai traditional herbs have been used for hundreds of years for hair treatment and nourishment, including hair loss. However, scientific evidence about their mechanisms of action has not yet been elucidated. Aims of the study The purpose of this research is to define the possible mechanisms involved in hair loss treatment of the selected plants by determining the 5α-reductase enzyme inhibition and hair growth promoting activities, and the relationship between these two activities. Materials and methods Seventeen Thai plants traditionally used for hair treatment were selected. The plants were dried, ground and extracted by maceration with ethyl alcohol. These extracts were further tested for 5α-reductase inhibition using enzymes from rat livers. Hair growth promoting activity was tested in C57BL/6 mice. Results Carthamus tinctorius L. was the most potent 5α-reductase inhibitor, with a finasteride equivalent 5α-reductase inhibitory activity (FEA) value of 24.30 ± 1.64 mg finasteride equivalent per 1 g crude extract. Phyllanthus emblica L. was the second most potent inhibitor, with FEA of 18.99 ± 0.40. Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz. was the least potent 5α-reductase inhibitor (FEA 10.69 ± 0.96). Carthamus tinctorius also was the most potent hair growth promoter in C57BL/6 mice. There were strong relationships between 5α-reductase inhibitory activity and hair growth promoting activity ( r = 0.719), and between 5α-reductase inhibitory activity and hair follicle count ( r = 0.766). Conclusions Ethanolic extract of Carthamus tinctorius was the most potent 5α-reductase inhibitor and hair growth promoter. This discovery may lead to the development of new alternative medicines for hair loss prevention and treatment.