Phenolic compounds from an Algerian medicinal plant (: Pallenis spinosa): Simulated gastrointestinal digestion, characterization, and biological and enzymatic activities

Pallenis spinosa is a medicinal plant which is used in folk medicine as curative or preventive remedies for various diseases. Individual phenolic compounds from the methanolic extracts of its flowers, leaves and stem were determined by the high performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC) and total phenolic contents (TPC) were evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The stability and bioactivity (antioxidant activity, micellar cholesterol solubility, α-amylase, and angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitory effects) of these extracts in the gastrointestinal environment was determined before and after their protection in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) capsules. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of thirteen phenolic compounds with nine flavonoids and four phenolic acids. Except for kaempferol, the twelve other compounds have not been previously detected in the aerial part of the studied plant. Quantification of phenolics by HPLC and Folin Ciocalteu methods revealed that the highest TPC was detected in the flower extracts (104.31 ± 0.80 and 145.73 ± 0.48 mg EGA per g of extract, respectively). Leaf extracts displayed the best antioxidant capacity against the two tested radicals DPPH and ABTS (IC50 = 1.24 ± 0.03 and 0.94 ± 0.02 mg mL-1, respectively), FRAP assay (IC50 = 0.50 ± 0.02 mg mL-1), α-amylase inhibitory (IC50 = 1.25 ± 0.00 mg mL-1) and angiotensin activity with an inhibitory percent of 30.10 ± 0.12%. The best activity shown by stem extracts was against micellar cholesterol solubility (67.57 ± 0.00%). A strong decrease in TPC and their bioactivity was observed after the gastrointestinal digestion (GID) in non encapsulated extracts. These results showed that P. spinosa is a good source of phenolic compounds and GID affects significantly their composition, content and bioactivity

Role of estrogens and age in flow-mediated outward remodeling of rat mesenteric resistance arteries

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Unique Vascular Benefits of Estetrol, a Native Fetal Estrogen with Specific Actions in Tissues (NEST)

peer reviewedEstrogens (E), in combination with oral contraceptives (COCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs used for the relief of climacteric symptoms of menopause, increase the synthesis of clotting factors, decrease the levels of coagulation inhibitors, and increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Ischemic stroke incidence in postmenopausal women during HRT use is also increased and is probably due to a thrombotic event. This suggests that a safer estrogen may reduce stroke and VTE incidence, with lower impact on hemostasis. Estetrol (E4) is a relatively recently described new human-specific E produced exclusively by the fetal liver during pregnancy. This Native (human and natural) E has Selective actions in Tissues (NEST). Nest activities of E4 are the consequence of its unique dual role. It activates the nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) but antagonizes the membrane ERα in contrast to other E, which activate both types of receptors. Most beneficial effects of E on the vascular system have been ascribed to the activation of the membrane ERα of vascular endothelial cells, including enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) production, vasodilation, and prevention of atherosclerosis, of neointimal proliferation, and of hypertension. In a series of papers reviewed here, the INSERM team in Toulouse has demonstrated, by the combined use of pharmacological tools and of transgenic mice lacking either the nuclear ERα, the membrane ERα, or both, that the nuclear ERα plays a major role in controlling E activities in vessels. E4 is able to elicit the important vasculoprotective actions mediated by estradiol (E2). Furthermore, phase 1 and 2 clinical studies of E4 in a contraceptive indication (in combination with drospirenone) or in postmenopausal women for the relief of climacteric complaints demonstrate that E4 has a minimal impact on hemostasis, coagulation factors, coagulation inhibitors, fibrinolysis, angiotensinogen, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Altogether, preclinical studies and phase 1 and 2 clinical data indicate that E4 could be a new E with a better safety/efficacy profile than other E for women’s healthcare