Effects of ginseng ingestion on salivary testosterone and DHEA levels in healthy females: An exploratory study

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterGinseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen that has been historically used in China and the Far East. Ginsenosides are the active component of ginseng known to exert several actions by targeting “multi-receptor systems”, both extracellular and intracellular. In humans, ginseng effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ginseng can influence salivary androgen levels (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) in females. The study followed a parallel partially controlled design. Healthy women (n = 24) were recruited and divided into two groups (A = 20−32 and B = 38−50 years). Volunteers were asked to maintain a food diary pre and post ginseng consumption and collected four salivary samples (7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.) before and after ingesting 75 mg red Korean ginseng extract per day for seven days. Testosterone and DHEA were then assayed by ELISA methods. Group A’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion increased from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 98.4 ± 21.1 pg/mL post ginseng (p 0.01) with significant difference at all time points, and mean daily salivary DHEA increased from 1.53 ± 0.63 to 1.98 ± 0.89 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.02). Group B’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion was 61.2 ± 16.9 and post ginseng 68.1 ± 11.5 pg/mL (p = 0.132), and daily salivary DHEA increased from 0.91 ± 0.32 to 1.62 ± 0.49 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.014) with significant difference at all time points. In conclusion, it appears that ginseng intake significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in the younger women group, but only slightly in the older group. However, DHEA levels in the older women showed a marked and significant increase. These results suggest a potential role for ginseng in modulating salivary androgen levels and that such effect may be more evident in older women where the levels of androgens (DHEA) start to decline. However, it has to be stressed that our results are preliminary and further properly controlled trials are justified.12pubpub

Effects of Turmeric Concentrate on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress in Healthy Volunteers; an Exploratory Study

Purpose: Evidence suggests that turmeric intake can improve antioxidant defense, blood pressure (BP), ageing and gut microbiota. The effects of turmeric concentrate (curcumin) intake on cardiovascular risk factors and exercise induced oxidative stress were investigated. Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled study was performed to assess the effects of turmeric extract in healthy volunteers before and after a 30 min exercise bout. Participants (n=22) were given either turmeric concentrate or placebo supplements. Anthropometry, BP, pulse wave velocity (PWV), biomarkers of oxidative stress, perceived exertion and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Results: In the turmeric group, the expected BP response to exercise following turmeric was blunted and the increase was not significant compared to basal values followed by a decrease in final BP and PWV values. There were no significant differences in all baseline parameters between the placebo and the curcumin groups (P>0.05). A significant increase was observed in urinary antioxidant power (P=0.031) and total polyphenol levels (P=0.022) post turmeric intervention. The distance ran by the participants taking turmeric was significantly longer (P=0.005) compared to basal value. Those who took the placebo did not show significant changes. Conclusion: Our study suggests that turmeric concentrate intake can reduce BP and improve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory status and arterial compliance. Turmeric may improve exercise performance and ameliorates oxidative stress. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and test more cardiovascular risk factors

Investigation into the prophylactic and therapeutic activity of coenzyme Q10 against COVID-19

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-SARS CoV-2 effect of Coenzyme Q 10, Ubiquinol-10, and idebenone, which have beneficial therapeutic applications against diverse virus types, using molecular docking approach.Methods: The potential activity of Coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinol-10, and Idebenone against viral infections was explored through the collection of data from relevant literature, and by modelling these compounds virtually, using in silico investigation methods.Results: Coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol-10 showed significant docking performance. They interacted with numerous amino acid residues of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 (7C8J), Alpha thrombin (1AE8), TYRO (4TS1) protein targets sides, SARS-coronavirus Orf7a accessory protein (1XAK), TNF (1RJ8), and Cytokine/receptor (1I1R).Conclusion: The findings of our study showed promising inhibitory activities of the selected compounds against the main proteases of SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, these compounds have theoretical effects on inhibiting the viral entry, reproduction, and ultimately the prevention and/or treatment of the SARSCoV2 infection

Nephroprotective Activity of Green Microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana Isolated from Jordanian Water

Nephropathy is a global health issue that affects more than 20% of the adult population. Nephropathy is expected to be the fifth leading cause of death worldwide over the coming two decades. The introduction of green microalgae in nutrition and therapeutics for their biological activities is increasing. The current study examined the effect of Chlorella sorokiniana on renal health after inducing nephrotoxicity in mice. Preliminary screening of the algal aqueous extract revealed the presence of soluble polyphenols and triterpenoids. Successive intraperitoneal doses of gentamicin were administered to mice to induce nephrotoxicity. Concurrent intraperitoneal doses of the algal extract were administered to the infected mice to evaluate their nephroprotective activity. Two different concentrations of the treatment agent were administered in successive doses to two groups of mice. The tested concentrations were 150 and 300 mg/kg of mouse weight, respectively. The other two groups were either left untreated (normal control) or treated only with antibiotics (negative control). Creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels were analyzed in both serum and urine samples to evaluate the renal health of each animal group. Histochemical examination of the renal tissues was performed to assess the damage and improvement status. In vivo studies revealed a promising and significant nephroprotective activity of C. sorokiniana

Effects of Curcumin Intake on CVD Risk Factors and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress in Healthy Volunteers—An Exploratory Study

Background: Evidence suggests that turmeric or curcumin intake can improve antioxidant defense, blood pressure, ageing and gut microbiota. The effects of turmeric concentrate (curcumin) intake on cardiovascular risk factors and exercise-induced oxidative stress were investigated. Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled study was performed to assess the effects of turmeric extract in healthy volunteers before and after a 30-minute exercise bout. Participants (n = 22) were given either 500 mg turmeric concentrate (Curcumin C3, Jarrow Formulas, Los Angeles, CA, USA) or placebo supplements. Anthropometry, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), biomarkers of oxidative stress, perceived exertion and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in all baseline parameters between the placebo and the curcumin groups (p > 0.05). In the curcumin group, blood pressure response to exercise following curcumin intake was blunted, and the increase was not significant compared to basal values. In the last run, there was a significant difference (before–after) between curcumin and placebo groups (Δ in SBP: 7.3 ± 6.8 vs. 13.8 ± 6.3 mmHg, p = 0.007, and Δ in DBP: 2.3 ± 6.9 V 8.0 ± 6.8 mmHg, p = 0.012). Final PWV scores were reduced significantly in the curcumin group (7.2 ± 0.97 to 6.7 ± 0.77 m/s, p = 0.033), and this reduction was significant compared to the control (Δ of 0.56 vs. 0.21 m/s, p = 0.04). A significant increase was observed in urinary antioxidant power (p = 0.031) and total polyphenol levels (p = 0.022) post curcumin intervention, and those in the placebo did not show significant changes. The increase in exercise-induced MDA levels was blunted only in the curcumin group, and the before–after difference was significant compared to the control (Δ of −0.81 vs. +0.205 μmole/day, p = 0.032). The distance ran by the participants taking curcumin was significantly longer (p = 0.005), and compared to the placebo, the before–after difference was significant (Δ of −0.69 vs. +0.28 km, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Our study suggests that turmeric concentrate intake can reduce blood pressure and improve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory status and arterial compliance. Curcumin may improve exercise performance and ameliorate oxidative stress. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and test other cardiovascular risk factors

Effect of Short-Term Vitamin D Supplementation on Blood Pressure, Arterial Health, and Stress Hormones in Healthy Volunteers

Purpose: Despite suggestive epidemiological findings and plausible mechanisms, data directly linking vitamin D supplementation with improvement in cardiovascular risk is limited. Moreover, little is known about the effect of vitamin D on cardiovascular health of young healthy people. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of short-term supplementation with vitamin D3 on blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), body mass index (BMI), and salivary cortisol and cortisone levels in young healthy adults. Methods: The study applied a short, parallel placebo-controlled design. A total of 20 healthy, normotensive participants were instructed to consume 20 µg/d of vitamin D3 for 2 w, and 10 volunteers received a placebo. BP, PWV, BMI, and salivary cortisol level were assessed at baseline and after 2 w time. Vitamin D and total energy intakes were also evaluated. Results: After 2 w of the supplementation there was a significant decrease in mean PWV by 0.475 ± 0.31 m/s (p = 0.007) with a negative correlation with vitamin D intake (r = −0.43), systolic BP by 5.3 ± 6.46 mmHg (p = 0.035) and diastolic BP by 3.4 ± 4.46 mmHg (p = 0.002). No significant change was observed in BMI. There was no significant effect on salivary cortisol (p = 0.554), but overall salivary cortisone increased from 5.33 ± 2.6 to 6.98 ± 3.3 nmole, p = 0.042). Salivary free cortisol/cortisone ratio was reduced from 0.952 ± 0.54 to 0.784 ± 0.68, p = 0.028. Urinary free cortisol/cortisone ratio was reduced (1.71 ± 0.75–1.22 ± 0.53, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplementation decreases both diastolic and systolic BP and improves arterial compliance but does not alter BMI or salivary cortisol levels. However, there was a reduction of salivary and urine free cortisol/cortisone ratio indicating an inhibition of 11βHSD type 1 enzyme activity. The results suggest that vitamin D3 could have the potential to reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in young healthy adults. Further research with controlled conditions is warranted to test the reproducibility of the obtained results

Formulation and evaluation of retinyl palmitate and vitamin E nanoemulsion for skin care

Background: Improving and maintaining the skin integrity and health are the most essential targets in long-term care. The aim of this study is to formulate a serum of retinyl palmitate (RP) and vitamin E (VE) as nanoemulsion (NE) for achieving healthy skin. Methods: The solubility of RP and VE was studied in different oils. The NEs were prepared using oil, water, and different surfactant-co-surfactant mixtures, and then the medicated nanoemulsion was prepared by addition of 0.5% RP and VE to the oil phase, and vitamin C as an antioxidant to the aqueous phase with different preservatives. The prepared NE was characterized in terms of particle size, charge, rheology, diffusion, and irritation to the skin. Results and conclusion: The data showed that the highest solubility of both RP and VE was in safflower oil. Tween 20, Ceteareth 20 with ethanol, PEG 200, and cremophor RH40. This combination was able to produce NE with good integrity and acceptable particle size. The prepared formulations gave particle size of 60–70 nm and showed Newtonian flow. Irritation tests on rats showed that the formula was safe to be applied on the skin with no signs of irritation up to 72 hours. A preliminary stability study at room temperature showed good stability up to 6 weeks. In conclusion, RP and VE could be formulated successfully as NE with good stability and physical characteristics

The Ability of Rhizopus stolonifer MR11 to Biosynthesize Silver Nanoparticles in Response to Various Culture Media Components and Optimization of Process Parameters Required at Each Stage of Biosynthesis

One of the most important roles for nanotechnology concerns is the development of optimizable experimental protocols for nanomaterials synthesis. The formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was supported by Rhizopus stolonifer MR11, which was isolated from olive oil mill soil samples. The ability of R. stolonifer MR11 to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles in response to various components of different culture media was tested. Furthermore, the conditions under which the reducing biomass filtrate was obtained, as well as the conditions of the bio-reduction reaction of AgNO3 into AgNPs, were investigated. The fungal biomass filtrate of the strain Rhizopus stolonifer MR11 was capable of converting silver nitrate into AgNPs, as evidenced by the color change of the fungal filtrates. UV-Vis spectrophotometer, TEM, Zeta potential, Zeta sizer, FT-IR, and XRD analyses were used to characterize the AgNPs. TEM analysis revealed that the silver nanoparticles were 1–35 nm in size. R. stolonifer MR11 produced the maximum AgNPs when grown for 18 hours at 36 °C in media with starch and yeast extract as the sole carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The reducing biomass filtrate was obtained by incubating 5 g mycelial biomass in deionized water with a pH of 6 for 48 hours at 30 °C. The optimal reduction conditions of the biosynthesis reaction were determined by adding 1.0 mM AgNO3 to a pH 5 buffered mycelial filtrate and incubating it for 72 hours at 33 °C. The current study’s findings highlighted the importance of process parameters at each stage for optimal AgNPs biosynthesis

Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Effects of <i>Ephedra foeminea</i> Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Ephedra foeminea is known in Jordan as Alanda and traditionally. It is used to treat respiratory symptoms such as asthma and skin rashes as an infusion in boiling water. The purpose of this study was to determine the antidiabetic property of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The aqueous extract of Ephedra foeminea plant was used to determine the potential of its efficacy in the treatment of diabetes, and this extract was tested on diabetic rats as a model. The chemical composition of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract was determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using two classical assays (ABTS and DPPH). Results: The most abundant compounds in the Ephedra foeminea extract were limonene (6.3%), kaempferol (6.2%), stearic acid (5.9%), β-sitosterol (5.5%), thiamine (4.1%), riboflavin (3.1%), naringenin (2.8%), kaempferol-3-rhamnoside (2.3%), quercetin (2.2%), and ferulic acid (2.0%). The antioxidant activity of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract was remarkable, as evidenced by radical scavenging capacities of 12.28 mg Trolox/g in ABTS and 72.8 mg GAE/g in DPPH. In comparison to control, induced diabetic rats treated with Ephedra foeminea extract showed significant improvement in blood glucose levels, lipid profile, liver, and kidney functions. Interleukin 1 and glutathione peroxidase levels in the spleen, pancreas, kidney, and liver of induced diabetic rats treated with Ephedra foeminea extract were significantly lower than in untreated diabetic rats. Conclusions: Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract appears to protect diabetic rats against oxidative stress and improve blood parameters. In addition, it has antioxidant properties that might be very beneficial medicinally

Formulating co-loaded nanoliposomes with gallic acid and quercetin for enhanced cancer therapy

Cancer is considered one of the top global causes of death. Natural products have been used in oncology medicine either in crude form or by utilizing isolated secondary metabolites. Biologically active phytomolecules such as gallic acid and quercetin have confirmed antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and neoplastic properties. There is an agreement that microorganisms could mediate oncogenesis or alter the immune system. This research project aims to develop a novel formulation of co-loaded gallic acid and quercetin into nanoliposomes and investigate the efficacy of the free and combined agents against multiple cancerous cell lines and bacterial strains. Thin-film hydration technique was adopted to synthesize the nanocarriers. Particle characteristics were measured using a Zetasizer. The morphology of nanoliposomes was examined by scanning electron microscopy, Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were evaluated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Cytotoxicity was determined against Breast Cancer Cells MCF-7, Human Carcinoma Cells HT-29, and A549 Lung Cancer Cells. The antibacterial activities were evaluated against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Therapeutic formulas were categorized into groups: free gallic acid, free quercetin, free-mix, and their nano-counterparts. Findings revealed that drug loading capacity was 0.204 for the mix formula compared to 0.092 and 0.68 for free gallic acid and quercetin, respectively. Regarding the Zeta potential, the mix formula showed more amphiphilic charge than the free quercetin and free gallic acid formulas (P-values 0.003 and 0.002 receptively). On the contrary, no significant difference in polydispersity indices was reported. Lung cancerous cells were the most affected by the treatments. The best estimated IC50 values were observed in breast and lung cancer lines for the nano-gallic acid and co-loaded particles. The nano-quercetin formula exhibited the least cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of ≥200 μg/mL in both breast (MCF-7) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines (HT-29) with no activity against the lung. A remarkable improvement in the efficacy of quercetin was measured after mixing it with gallic acid against the breast and lungs. The tested therapeutic agents exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. Nano-liposomes can either enhance or reduce the cytotoxicity activity of active compounds depending on the physical and chemical properties of drug-loaded and type of cancer cells