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Introduction: Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae; Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), a traditional plant commonly utilized in Eastern Asia, has demonstrated efficacy in treating neuro-damaging diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, its precise roles and mechanism in alleviating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need further study. The objective of this study is to explore the pharmacological effects of ginseng extract and elucidate its potential mechanisms in protecting islets and promoting β-cell regeneration. Methods: The T2DM mouse model was induced through streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Two batches of mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 28th days following ginseng extract administration. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and glucose tolerance were detected. Morphological changes in the pancreatic islets were examined via H & E staining. Levels of serum insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, and inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. The ability of ginseng extract to promote pancreatic islet β-cell regeneration was evaluated through insulin & PCNA double immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the mechanism behind β-cells regeneration was explored through insulin & glucagon double immunofluorescence staining, accompanied by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses. Results and Discussion: The present research revealed that ginseng extract alleviates symptoms of T2DM in mice, including decreased blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Serum levels of insulin, GLP-1, and IL10 increased following the administration of ginseng extract, while levels of glucagon, TNF-α, and IL-1β decreased. Ginseng extract preserved normal islet morphology, increased nascent β-cell population, and inhibited inflammatory infiltration within the islets, moreover, it decreased α-cell proportion while increasing β-cell proportion. Mechanistically, ginseng extract might inhibit ARX and MAFB expressions, increase MAFA level to aid in α-cell to β-cell transformation, and activate AKT-FOXM1/cyclin D2 to enhance β-cell proliferation. Our study suggests that ginseng extract may be a promising therapy in treating T2DM, especially in those with islet injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.Objective: We explored the relationship between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters and prognosis in patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (ATCSCI).Summary Of Background Data: DTI has been used to diagnose spinal cord injury; nevertheless, its role remains controversial.Methods: We analyzed retrospectively 24 patients with ATCSCI who were examined using conventional T2-weighted imaging and DTI. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were recorded at the injured site. Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) was used to measure the spinal cord white matter fiber volume (MWFV). American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grades were recorded. Correlations between DTI parameters and ASIA scores were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients.Results: FA values at injured sites were significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas ADC values in injured and control groups were not significantly different. DTT revealed that ATCSCI could be divided into four types: Type A1-complete rupture of spinal cord white matter fiber (MWF); Type A2-partial rupture of MWF; Type B-most MWF retained with severe compression or abnormal fiber conduction direction; and Type C-MWF basically complete with slight compression. Preoperative physical examinations revealed complete injury (ASIA A) in patients with A1 (n = 4) and A2 (n = 4). The ASIA grades or scores of A2 were improved to varying degrees, whereas there was no significant improvement in A1. FA values and MWFV of ASIA B, C, and D were significantly higher than those of ASIA A. FA and MWFV were correlated with ASIA motor score preoperatively and at final follow-up.Conclusion: We propose a classification for the severity of ATCSCI based on DTI and DTT that may explain why some patients with ASIA A recover, whereas others do not.Level of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (family Lamiaceae is a perennial herb or small woody evergreen tree, commonly known as rosemary, which is native to the Mediterranean and Asia and reasonably hardy in cool climates. It has been used as a decoction in traditional Unani and Swedish medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Aim: To isolate rosmarinic acid (RA) from R. officinalis. leaf extract and to evaluate its protective effects against Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods: Arthritis was induced via sub-plantar injection of 1mg heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (complete Freund's adjuvant, CFA) into the left hind paw of rats. The experiment was designed and optimized based on published methods. Results: At 60 mg/kg, the RA fraction of the methanolic extract of R. officinalis L. exerted potentially effective anti-arthritic effects by controlling inflammation in an adjuvant-induced experimental model. Conclusion: Considering experimental findings relating to pharmacological and biochemical parameters, we conclude that oral administration of the RA fraction (30 and 60 mg/kg) from the methanolic extract of R. officinalis L. exerts anti-arthritic effects and controls inflammation in an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model. RA is therefore a promising plant-derived anti-arthritic agent for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]