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Background and aim Metabolic disease encompasses most contemporary non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular and fatty liver disease. Mulberry fruits of Morus alba L. are a favoured food and a traditional medicine. While they are anti-atherosclerotic and reduce hyperlipidemic risk factors, studies need wider scope that include ameliorating cardiovascular and liver pathologies if they are to become clinically effective treatments. Therefore, the present study sought to show that freshly dried mulberry fruits (dMF) might counteract the metabolic/cardiovascular pathologies in mice made hyperlipidemic by high-fat diet (HF). Experimental procedure C57BL/6J mice were fed for 3 months with either: i) control diet, ii) HF, iii) HF+100 mg/kg dMF, or iv) HF+300 mg/kg dMF. Body weight gain, food intake, visceral fat accumulation, fasting blood glucose, plasma lipids, and aortic, heart, and liver histopathologies were evaluated. Adipocyte lipid accumulation, autophagy, and bile acid binding were also investigated. Results and conclusion HF increased food intake, body weight, visceral fat, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TC/HDL ratio, blood glucose, aortic collagen, arterial and cardiac wall thickness, and liver lipid. Both dMF doses prevented hyperphagia, body weight gain, and visceral fat accumulation, lowered blood glucose, plasma TG and unfavourable TC/HDL and elevated plasma HDL beyond baseline. Arterial and cardiac wall hypertrophy, aortic collagen fibre accumulation and liver lipid deposition ameliorated in dMF-fed mice. Clinical trials on dMF are worthwhile but outcomes should be holistic commensurate with the constellation of disease risks. Here, dMF should supplement the switch to nutrient-rich from current energy-dense diets that are progressively crippling national health systems., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Uses modest amounts of whole unextracted mulberries as in traditional medicine. • Studies important pathologies found in metabolic syndrome, the number one challenge to modern medicine. • dMF reduces risk factors associated with dyslipidemia. • dMF prevents weight gain, visceral fat and hepatic fat accumulation with fatty diets. • dMF ameliorates vascular fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, thereby preventing myocardial infarction risk.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major world-wide health problem and is characterized by lipid accumulation in the liver induced by high fat diet (HFD) consumption. It is usually associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Roselle extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an herb which is used in traditional medicine. However, further study is necessary to represent the mechanism of NAFLD and find new preventive strategies. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of roselle extract on NAFLD rat models. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 35) were divided into 5 groups, control, HFD, HFD + Simvastatin (HFD + SIM), HFD + 250 mg/kg BW, and HFD + 500 mg/kg BW of roselle extract (HFD + R250 and HFD + R500, respectively). The results showed that roselle extract reduced hepatic lipid contents, de novo lipogenesis enzymes, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde, and increased antioxidant properties, transporter related with lipoprotein uptake, and insulin signal proteins. Comparing to SIM, the HFD + R500 group exhibited the greater benefit in terms of anti-hepatic steatosis, antioxidant properties, and an ability to improve insulin resistance. This study demonstrates that roselle extract improved antioxidant properties and attenuated hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in HFD-induced NAFLD in rats, which could be used for NAFLD prevention.

In this work, a novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogel scaffold based on silk sericin (SS) and poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEA) was successfully fabricated via conventional free-radical polymerization. The porous structure of the scaffolds was introduced using a lyophilization technique and the effect of cross-linker (XL) on morphology, gelation time and physical properties of hydrogel scaffold was first studied. The results show that using low cross-linker content (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 wt% XL) produced flexible scaffolds and appropriate gelation times for fabricating the scaffold. Therefore, the polymerization system with a constant percentage of XL at 0.5 wt% was chosen to study further the effect of SS on the physical properties and cell culture of the scaffolds. It was observed that the hydrogel scaffold of PHEA without SS (PHEA/SS-0) had no cell proliferation, whereas hydrogel scaffolds with SS enhanced cell viability when compared to the positive control. The sample of PHEA/SS at 1.25 wt% of SS and 0.5 wt% of cross-linker was the most suitable for HFF-1 cells to migrate and cell proliferation due to possessing a connective porous structure, along with silk sericin. The results proved that this novel porous semi-IPN hydrogel has the potential to be used as dermal reconstruction scaffold.

The present study aims to investigate the effects of five dietary plants including Azadirachta indica A. Juss. var. siamensis Valeton (flowers), Bombax ceiba Linn (pollen), Citrus hystrix DC (leaves), Polygonum odoratum Lour (leaves), and Solanum torvum Sw (fruits) on activity of pancreatic lipase, micellar cholesterol solubilization and bile acids binding. Two different organic solvents (methanol and ethanol) and distilled water (H2O) were used for plants extraction. Crude extracts in different solvents can inhibit pancreatic lipase activity especially, the ethanolic extracts of P. odoratum which exhibited the strongest activity with IC50 value of 6.04 mg/mL. Aqueous extract of P. odoratum reduced cholesterol solubility by approximately 86%. Ethanolic extract of S. torvum had the highest ability to bind to taurodeoxycholic acid upto 97%. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts of P. odoratum bound to taurocholic acid 75% and glycodeoxycholic acid 40%, respectively. These findings suggest that lipid lowering activity of these plants were distinguished by organic solvents and water extraction. Key words: Dietary plant, cholesterol, pancreatic lipase, micelles solubility, bile acid binding

Background Spirogyra neglecta (SN) has many nutritional benefits and it is commonly used to ameliorate different human conditions including inflammation, gastric ulcer, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. However, the mechanism of the hypocholesterolemic effect of SN still remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of SN extract particularly on cholesterol absorption and synthesis mechanisms. Methods For cholesterol absorption, the uptake of cholesterol was measured by using tritium radiolabeling of cholesterol in Caco-2 cells. Bile acid binding, micelles size, and cholesterol solubility were analyzed in in vitro assays, while cholesterol synthesis was evaluated by using a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase assay kit. Results SN extract was found to decrease cholesterol uptake in Caco-2 cells and decreased the solubility of cholesterol in micelles. The SN extract bound to taurocholate, taurodeoxycholate, and glycodeoxycholate bile acids, and increased micelles size. SN has also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) enzymatic activity. For further experimentation, the treatment combination of SN and ezetimibe (0.04mg/mL) showed a greater significant reduction in cholesterol uptake than the extract alone. Conclusion These observations suggested that inhibitory cholesterol absorption effects of SN could be mediated through the modulation of size and solubility of cholesterol micelles, resulting in interference of cholesterol uptake. In addition, SN inhibited the rate limiting step of cholesterol synthesis. This study provides supporting evidence for the potential usage of SN as a cholesterol lowering agent.

This work is concerned with the study of the conformational structure and crystallinity of sericin from silk cocoon ( Bombyx mori ) and the role these play in the physical and chemical properties of the final materials. Silk sericin (SS) powders were prepared by degumming processes with different storage temperatures before drying into the final powders; defined as RT-SS (room, 25 °C), C-SS (10 °C) and F-SS (freezing, 0 °C), and then fabricated into films and scaffolds by reacting with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the presence of a new cross-linker (dimethylolurea; DMU). RT-SS and C-SS structures favour random coil structuring as witnessed by Amide I (C O stretching), II (N H bending) and III (in phase combination of N H in plane-bending and C N stretching vibrations) being observed at 1661, 1538, and 1232 cm −1 , respectively. Whereas, F-SS favours β-sheets structure proved by the amide bands shifting to a lower frequency. The N H stretching (3200–2400 cm −1 ) of F-SS is also observed at a lower frequency with a broader band than RT-SS and C-SS due to the hydrogen bonding in the β-sheets. The differences in the X-ray peaks between RT- and C-SS ( d spacing = 1.9–5.2 A) and F-SS ( d spacing = 3.0 A and 5.2–8.2 A) were also measured. Films of PVA/RT-SS/DMU showed better properties than that of PVA/F-SS/DMU films in terms of the interactions (hydrogen bonding) between the components that formed the network. Therefore, RT-SS was chosen for the preparation of 3D porous scaffolds with different concentrations of DMU. All scaffolds showed good support for skin fibroblast cells, as well as promoted cell proliferation. However, a minimal amount of cross-linker, 10% DMU PVA/RT-SS scaffold with average pore diameter between 20 and 30 μm, was the best composition for cell viability and cell adhesion. In this work, therefore, a novel scaffold based on biomaterials was explored for tissue engineering scaffolds with the potential to be a new technology platform for skin tissue regeneration.

This study was to assess the impact of different colors of coffee fruit (green, yellow and red) on adipogenesis and/or lipolysis using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Characterization of chemical constituents in different colors of coffee fruit extracts was determined by ESI-Q-TOF-MS. The cytotoxicity of the extracts in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were evaluated by MTT assay. Oil-red O staining and amount of glycerol released in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were measured for lipid accumulation and lipolysis activity. All coffee fruit extracts displayed similar chromatographic profiles by chlorogenic acid > caffeoylquinic acid > caffeic acid. Different colors of raw coffee fruit possessed inhibitory adipogenesis activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, especially CRD decreased lipid accumulation approximately 47%. Furthermore, all extracts except CYF and their major compounds (malic, quinic, and chlorogenic acid) increased glycerol release. Our data suggest that different colors of coffee fruit extract have possessed anti-adipogenic and lipolytic properties and may contribute to the anti-obesity effects.

Enhancing of radioresponsiveness of tumors by using radiosensitizers is a promising approach to increase the efficacy of radiation therapy. Recently, the ethanolic extract of the medicinal plant, Derris scandens Benth has been identified as a potent radiosensitizer of human colon cancer HT29 cells. However, cell death mechanisms underlying radiosensitization activity of D scandens extract have not been identified. Here, we show that treatment of HT-29 cells with D scandens extract in combination with gamma irradiation synergistically sensitizes HT-29 cells to cell lethality by apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe. Furthermore, the extract was found to decrease Erk1/2 activation. These findings suggest that D scandens extract mediates radiosensitization via at least two distinct modes of cell death and silences pro-survival signaling in HT-29 cells.

Carotenoids are efficient antioxidants that are of great importance for human health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotinoids present in high concentrations in the human retina which are involved in the photoprotection of the human eye. Lutein may also protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage. The present study investigated the protective effect of lutein extracted from yellow silk cocoons of Bombyx mori on human keratinocytes against UVB irradiation. A human keratinocyte cell line and primary human keratinocytes were used to investigate the UVB protection effects of silk lutein and plant lutein. Silk lutein showed no cytotoxicity to keratinocytes. Treatment with silk lutein prior to UVB irradiation enhanced cell viability and cell proliferation, and reduced cell apoptosis. The protective effects of silk lutein may be superior to those of plant lutein. Silk lutein may have a benefit for protection of keratinocytes against UVB-irradiation.

Artocarpus lakoocha is a traditional plant found in South/Southeast Asia, which has been used for centuries as antelmenthic in form of an aqueous extract. This extract, also called puag haad in Thailand, contains oxyresveratrol, a stilbene, as a major active compound of puag haad. To evaluate biological activity of these tested compounds, cytotoxicity study was conducted to determine proper doses of the tested compounds in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. SH-SY5Y cells are a neuroblastoma cell line which can be used to study several neurodegenerative diseases in cell cultural models. This study aimed to examine cytotoxicity of A. lakoocha aqueous extract and oxyresveratrol in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by XTT and LDH assays. The result of this study demonstrated that ≤25µg/ml of puag haad and ≤200 µM of oxyresveratrol did not show toxicity to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The concentrations at ≤25µg/ml of puag haad and ≤200 µM of oxyresveratrol could be used to investigate neuroprotective effect using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Further studies are required to investigate the effect of A. lakoocha aqueous extract and oxyresveratrol related to neurodegenerative disease in cell culture system

Objective: Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. is a traditional medical plant native to Southeast Asia and used as a dried aqueous extract so-called puag haad. Its role (and its major ingredient, oxyresveratrol) as an antioxidant neuroprotectant were explored. Methods: Differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in 96-well plates were challenged with 200 µM H 2 O 2 for 4 h and either Trolox (100 µM), oxyresveratrol (5-100 µM), or puag haad (1.2-25 µg/ml) applied 2 h before H 2 O 2 or for 20 h after H 2 O 2 washout. Cell viability, mitochondrial function, intracellular ROS, and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Results: Continuous presence of both H 2 O 2 and antioxidant reduced mitochondrial function by ~50% but only by 30% with antioxidant. Sustained 24 h H 2 O 2 showed no recoveries with antioxidants. Cell viability was modestly restored when antioxidants accompanied H 2 O 2 for 4 h and both washed for another 20 h, but little recovery of mitochondrial function even though antioxidants removed ROS and prevent lipid peroxidation. Antioxidants added for 20 h after H 2 O 2 marginally improve mitochondria and modestly restore cell viability, but lipid peroxidation was completely reversed. Conclusion: These results show that mitochondrial protection was illusive, yet both tested compounds, puag haad and oxyresveratrol, improved cell viability and especially ROS levels and lipid peroxidation. The potency oxyresveratrol on the redox-sensitive expression of antioxidant enzymes and its pharmacokinetics suggests that oral puag haad could provide effective protection in transient neurodegenerative disease.

Objectives Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. extract is a 5α-reductase antagonist that can be used to treat hair loss. We aimed to study the stability of antiandrogenic constituents, germacrone and other sesquiterpene components in the extract. Methods Germacrone and the extract were analyzed as solid forms or solublized with polyethylene glycol-40 (PEG-40) or methanol using high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The effects of pH, temperature and light on their stability were studied. Key findings Degradation of antiandrogenic compounds in C. aeruginosa was highly sensitive to temperature especially pure anhydrous germacrone, which was completely lost within 3 days at 45°C. Curiously, degradation was slower than as a dried extract. Paradoxically, when solubilized with PEG-40, it was largely intact even after 90 days at 45°C. The MS spectrum of a major degradation product suggested that it was elemenone probably produced by Cope rearrangement. Two other putative degradation products were germacrone-1,10-epoxide and germacrone-4,5-epoxide suggesting that oxidation of double bonds was an important mechanism. Germacrone stability was unaffected by pH (2.0–9.0) but only as dried extract it was slightly degraded by light. Conclusion Antiandrogenic constituents of C. aeruginosa were instable at high temperature and in solid form. Thus, the extract would be optimately stored as a solution or otherwise as solid form at low temperature.

Sericin is a silk protein woven from silkworm cocoons (Bombyx mori). In animal model, sericin has been reported to have anti-tumoral action against colon cancer. The mechanisms underlying the activity of sericin against cancer cells are not fully understood. The present study investigated the effects of sericin on human colorectal cancer SW480 cells compared to normal colonic mucosal FHC cells. Since the size of the sericin protein may be important for its activity, two ranges of molecular weight were tested. Sericin was found to decrease SW480 and FHC cell viability. The small sericin had higher anti-proliferative effects than that of the large sericin in both cell types. Increased apoptosis of SW480 cells is associated with increased caspase-3 activity and decreased Bcl-2 expression. The anti-proliferative effect of sericin was accompanied by cell cycle arrest at the S phase. Thus, sericin reduced SW480 cell viability by inducing cell apoptosis via caspase-3 activation and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. The present study provides scientific data that support the protective effect of silk sericin against cancer cells of the colon and suggests that this protein may have significant health benefits and could potentially be developed as a dietary supplement for colon cancer prevention.

Dietary proteins have been reported to be beneficial for lipid metabolism, tissue growth, development, and repair, as well as immune response. The interactions of dietary proteins and their digested products may regulate the physiology and metabolism of the gastrointestinal tract. However, proteins are largely digested before reaching the large intestine. The present study investigated the use of the non-dietary protein, silk sericin, in rats. Rats were fed either with casein or sericin proteins. Their body weight, food consumption, and complete blood count were measured. The results showed that during the experimental periods, rats fed with casein and sericin diets had no significant changes on body weight, food consumption, or complete blood count. Sericin-fed rats had a significantly decreased CD8a and CD80 positive cells when compared with standard casein protein. In conclusion, dietary proteins may have a differential impact on the leukocyte profile. The mechanisms underlying these changes are not clear but they might be due to the different amino acid compositions of the proteins studied.