Effects Of Oil Palm Frond Methanolic Extract On Blood Pressure, Antioxidant Status And Selected Organs Of Nitric Oxide-Deficient Rats

Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diet intervention by increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables proved to be beneficial by reducing blood pressure (BP) and lowering the risk of CVD. Apart from micronutrients, the phytochemical content of fruits and vegetables has been associated with the BP lowering effect. Hypertension is commonly associated with a reduced vascular nitric oxide (NO) due to excessive degradation by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, NO is also important in maintaining organ functions and perfusion. In this study normal and NO deficient rats were used to evaluate the BP lowering effect and antioxidative property of oil palm frond methanolic extract (OPFME). The protective effect of OPFME in the liver, heart, kidney and brain of these rats were assessed and any toxicity effect was also investigated. Two major groups of rats (normal and NO deficient groups) were further divided into three sub-groups; the first subgroup received the vehicle used to dilute OPFME; the second subgroup received OPFME and the third subgroup received captopril. NO deficiency was induced by administration of N-ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Erythrocyte/organ superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutahione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and plasma/organ malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured. Livers, hearts, kidneys and brains were removed at the end of the study. Histological appearances of these organs were examined. Kidneys were functionally evaluated by measurement of plasma creatinine and urea concentrations, whereas liver function was tested by measuring plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransfersa (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). OPFME significantly attenuated BP increases in NO deficient rats comparable to captopril, and temporarily improved antioxidant status. In the liver OPFME partially protected hepatocytes from extensive injury due to NO deficiency. OPFME also partially prevented coronary arterioles from thickening, but failed to inhibit structural changes in the left ventricle. The glomeruli of OPFME treated NO deficient rats were not improved. Slight renal tubular dilation observed in normal rats treated with OPFME is a matter of concern and should be further investigated. OPFME showed remarkable hippocampal neuroprotection and this correlated well with its antioxidative property in the brain. There was no neurotoxic effect of OPFME observed. On the contrary, neurogenesis was displayed as an increase in the number of viable granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG) of normal rats treated with OPFME. In conclusion, OPFME was effective in suppressing BP increment during NO deficiency. The extract was also partially hepatoprotective and significantly neuroprotective. However, OPFME may induce nephrotoxicity and should be investigated further for clarification

The vascular protective effects of polyphenols.

Polyphenols have been proven, both in animal and human studies to be beneficial as vascular protective agents. The effect is claimed to be related to the compound antioxidative properties. This effectively blunts the vasoconstriction process, reported to be due to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, as observed in many in vitro studies using isolated arteries. The mechanism ofthe vasodilation process invo Ived the endothelium, or it could also be endothelium-independent. In many studies the fornler seemed to be the main pathway. The role of nitric oxide in endothelium-dependent vasodilation activity of the polyphenols is attributed to its protective effect on the soluble gas from deterioration by ROS, as it is capable of neutralizing the radicals. Polyphenols has also been proven to stimulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase to produce more NO, and hence improve vasorelaxatio

Reactive oxygen species and antioxidant system in selected skin disorders

The skin has a solid protective system that includes the stratum corneum as the primary barrier and a complete antioxidant defence system to maintain the skin’s normal redox homeostasis. The epidermal and dermal cells are continuously exposed to physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) originating from cellular metabolic activities. Environmental insults, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and air pollutants, also generate ROS that can contribute to structural damage of the skin. The antioxidant defence system ensures that the ROS level remains within the safe limit. In certain skin disorders, oxidative stress plays an important role, and there is an established interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation in the development of the condition. Lower levels of skin antioxidants indicate that oxidative stress may mediate the pathogenesis of the disorder. Accordingly, the total antioxidant level was also found to be lower in individuals with skin disorders in individuals with normal skin conditions. This review attempts to summarise the skin oxidant sources and antioxidant system. In addition, both skin and total antioxidant status of individuals with psoriasis, acne vulgaris, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis (AD), as well as their associations with the progression of these disorders will be reviewed

Palm olein emulsion: a novel vehicle for topical drug delivery of betamethasone 17-valerate

This study aims to investigate the use of palm olein as the oil phase for betamethasone 17-valerate (BV) emulsions. The physicochemical properties of the formulations were characterized. In vitro drug release study was performed with the Hanson Vertical Diffusion Cell System; the samples were quantified with HPLC and the results were compared with commercial products. Optimized emulsion formulations were subjected to stability studies for 3 months at temperatures of 4, 25, and 40°C; the betamethasone 17- valerate content was analyzed using HPLC. The formulations produced mean particle size of 2–4 μm, viscosities of 50–250 mPa.s, and zeta potential between −45 and −68 mV. The rheological analyses showed that the emulsions exhibited pseudoplastic and viscoelastic behavior. The in vitro release of BV from palm olein emulsion through cellulose acetate was 4.5 times higher than that of commercial products and more BV molecules deposited in rat skin. Less than 4% of the drug was degraded in the formulations during the 3-month period when they were subjected to the three different temperatures. These findings indicate that palm olein-in-water emulsion can be an alternative vehicle for topical drug delivery system with superior permeability

The health benefits of fermented food: a narrative review

Fermented foods form a significant proportion of human diets from across the world. Increasing evidence promotes the health benefits of fermented foods on human health. The microorganisms present in these foods improve many health conditions. They include various fungi and probiotic bacterial species that are intentionally added as starter cultures or are naturally present in certain foods. Through fermentation, microbes metabolise food components including carbohydrates and proteins, to produce molecules that benefit the human host within and beyond the intestines. Among these are molecules that suppress the overgrowth of commensal and pathogenic microbes. Chronic dysbiosis is linked to inflammatory bowel diseases and has been reported in subjects with major depression and metabolic risk factors. Regular intake of fermented foods can improve these conditions and alleviate various risk factors of certain chronic diseases. Incorporating fermented foods as part of a healthy diet for chronic disease prevention offers a promising prospect. This study reviews the different types of fermented foods and the underlying microbes in modifying disease and health conditions. An overview of the disease-modulating effects is also summarised, which covers health conditions related to intestinal health, metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular health and neurological health

Mimosa pudica L.: a comparative study via in vitro analysis and GC Q-TOF MS profiling on conventional and supercritical fluid extraction using food grade ethanol

The present study compared conventional (maceration) extraction (EtOHconv) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) methods as a mean of comparing conventional and green process for a weed namely Mimosa pudica L. to obtain a safe antidiabetic natural agent. In vitro analysis comprised of two different assays, antioxidant assay (determination of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay) and antidiabetic assay (inhibition of αamylase and α-glucosidase). GC Q-TOF MS profiling for both extracts was done after derivetisation to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds. SFE was performed at 40 MPa pressure, 60 °C temperature and 5 mL/min CO2 flow rate using 30 % ethanol (co-solvent) for 2 h. EtOHconv prepared using 95 % ethanol through conventional method (maceration) showed a good in vitro antioxidant potential and digestive enzymes inhibitory effect compared to supercritical fluid extract. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities for EtOHconv at 1 mg/mL were 30.08 % (±5.23) and 38.29 % (±2.52), whereas for standard acarbose it was 28.24 % (±13.66) and 36.93 % (±2.70), respectively. Supercritical fluid extract showed less potent in vitro antioxidant and digestive enzymes inhibitory effects (15.67±4.03- α-amylase, 28.36±2.01- α-glucosidase). GC Q-TOF MS analysis was done to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in both the extracts. Although EtOHconv showed better results, SFE was found to contain more bioactive compounds associated with various pharmacological effects especially antioxidative as per GC Q-TOF MS results. SFE being a clean and green technology could be employed in future with more focus on method development and optimization to reproduce better and safe bioactive products from the neglected weed M. pudica

Microencapsulation of Cassia alata extract for topical application

Cassia alata has been known to provide relief from various types of abnormal skin conditions. Ointments containing this plant extract can be found in a limited market as most have not been properly registered with regulating bodies. However, it is anticipated that a systematic study may result in commercialisation and be prescribed by health professionals. So far, incorporation of the extract in palm olein-in-water emulsion had been carried out with minimal adverse effect on the stability of the emulsion if the concentration of the plant extract is below a certain concentration. This research aims to use the plant extracts of cassia alata using known extraction procedures, followed by microencapsulation. The advantage of doing as such is that the release of the extracts onto the skin can be controlled and can be prolonged. This will ensure continuous delivery of the active ingredient and thereby will very much facilitate the therapy. Stability of the preparation is characterised by sizing of the particles using laser diffraction technique and both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The extent of diffusion is simulated using a diffusion cell tester to confirm the delivery of the extract into the skin

Antihypertensive and cardiovascular effects of catechin-rich oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaf extract in nitric oxide–deficient rats

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaf extract (OPLE) possesses good ex vivo vasodilation and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the catechin-rich OPLE antioxidant, antihypertensive, and cardiovascular effects in normal and nitric oxide (NO)–deficient hypertensive rats. OPLE was administered orally (500 mg=kg of body weight=day) to normotensive Wistar rats and Nx-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)-induced NO-deficient hypertensive rats. OPLE significantly (P < .05) attenuated blood pressure increases, increased serum NO, reduced lipid peroxidation, and showed antioxidant effects in NO-deficient hypertensive rats. OPLE decreased the coronary arteriole wall-to-lumen ratio to near normal values under NO deficiency. Although OPLE showed good antihypertensive and antioxidant effects under NO deficiency, it was not hypotensive to normal rats and produced no chronic cardiovascular toxicity in any of the rats throughout the 12-week study. This is the first report on the in vivo antihypertensive properties of green tea catechins extracted from an alternative source, namely, oil palm leaf, for use as a medicinal food for hypertension and cardiovascular ailments

Effects of catechin-rich oil palm leaf extract on normal and hypertensive rats' kidney and liver

Catechin-rich oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaf extract (OPLE) possesses good ex vivo vasodilation, antioxidant and cardiovascular properties. This study evaluated the beneficial or toxic effects of OPLE on the liver and kidneys of normal and hypertensive rats. The OPLE (500 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to normal Wistar Kyoto rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and N-ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)-induced NO-deficient hypertensive rats. The OPLE reduced hypertension in NO-deficient rats, but not in SHR. Hepatocytes or glomeruli injury and oxidative markers were high in hypertensive rats compared to normal rats, and they were reduced (p < 0.05) by OPLE supplementation, even when there was no blood pressure reduction. Unlike the hypertensive drug captopril, the OPLE showed no toxicity to normal rats. The dose reported is equivalent 0.5 g of catechins/day for humans or 2.5 cups of tea. The catechins are from an abundant alternative source for potential use as functional food