Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile extract in various human cancer cells

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), a popular herb valued for centuries as a traditional medicine, has been used to treat various human ailments; however, its anticancer activity is unknown. We evaluated the anticancer properties of aqueous and methanolic extracts of chamomile against various human cancer cell lines. Exposure of chamomile extracts caused minimal growth inhibitory responses in normal cells, whereas a significant decrease in cell viability was observed in various human cancer cell lines. Chamomile exposure resulted in differential apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal cells at similar doses. HPLC analysis of chamomile extract confirmed apigenin 7-O-glucoside as the major constituent of chamomile; some minor glycoside components were also observed. Apigenin glucosides inhibited cancer cell growth but to a lesser extent than the parent aglycone, apigenin. Ex vivo experiments suggest that deconjugation of glycosides occurs in vivo to produce aglycone, especially in the small intestine. This study represents the first reported demonstration of the anticancer effects of chamomile. Further investigations of the mechanism of action of chamomile are warranted in evaluating the potential usefulness of this herbal remedy in the management of cancer patients.     

Interactive effects of saline irrigation water and genotypes on nutrient composition of chamomile (Matricaria Recutita L.)

This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of salinity (2, 6, 9, and 12 dS m^?1 sodium chloride (NaCl)) on three Iranian German chamomile genotypes (Shiraz, Ahvaz, and Isfahan). The Shiraz and Ahvaz genotypes, respectively, had the highest productivity and tolerance level, while the Isfahan was the less salt-tolerant genotype. In contrast to quantitative traits, the Isfahan genotype exhibited superior qualitative traits in terms of essential oil and chamazulene percentage. The differential responses to productivity and salt-resistance were attributed to the genetic variation, higher root to shoot ratios, and compartmentalization of sodium in roots of the Shiraz and Ahvaz genotypes, leading to better nutrient uptake and balance. While the nutrient composition was relatively in the same range for all genotypes, the higher accumulation of phosphorus in root and anthodia of the Shiraz genotype was evident. In addition, anthodia of the Ahvaz and root of the Shiraz genotype stored more nitrogen nutrient element.     

Protective activity of green tea against free radical- and glucose-mediated protein damage

Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pathological development of many age-related disease processes. This study investigated the effects of green tea extract, and a green tea tannin mixture and its components, on protein damage induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (a free radical generator) and glucose in in vitro assay systems. We found that green tea extract can effectively protect against protein damage, and showed that its action is mainly due to tannin. In addition, it was shown that the chemical structures of tannin components are also involved in this activity, suggesting that the presence of the gallate group at the 3 position plays the most important role in the protective activity against protein oxidation and glycation, and that there is also a contribution by the hydroxyl group at the 5' position in the B ring and the sterical structure. These findings demonstrate the mechanisms of the usefulness of green tea in protein oxidation- and glycation-associated diseases.     

Inhibitory effects of oolong tea polyphenols on pancreatic lipase in vitro

Fifty-four polyphenols isolated from tea leaves were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against pancreatic lipase, the key enzyme of lipid absorption in the gut. (-)-Epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG), which is one of major polyphenols in green tea, showed lipase inhibition with an IC50 of 0.349 microM. Moreover, flavan-3-ol digallate esters, such as (-)-epigallocatechin-3,5-digallate, showed higher activities of inhibition on lipase with an IC50 of 0.098 microM. On the other hand, nonesterified flavan-3-ols, such as (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (+)-gallocatechin, and (-)-epigallocatechin, showed zero and/or the lowest activities against pancreatic lipase (IC50 > 20 microM). These data suggested that the presence of galloyl moieties within the structure was required for enhancement of pancreatic lipase inhibition. It is well-known that flavan-3-ols are polymerized by polyphenol oxidase and/or heating in a manufacturing process of oolong tea. Oolonghomobisflavans A and B and oolongtheanin 3'-O-gallate, which are typical in oolong tea leaves, showed strong inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 0.048, 0.108, and 0.068 microM, respectively, even higher than that of EGCG. The oolong tea polymerized polyphenols (OTPP) were prepared for the assay from oolong tea extract, from which the preparation effectively subtracted the zero and/or less-active monomeric flavan-3-ols by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular-weight (Mn) values of OTPP were 2017 and 903, respectively, by using gel permeation choromatography. OTPP showed a 5-fold stronger inhibition against pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 0.28 microg/mL) by comparison with that of the tannase-treated OTPP (IC50 = 1.38 microg/mL). These data suggested that the presence of galloyl moieties within their chemical structures and/or the polymerization of flavan-3-ols were required for enhancement of pancreatic lipase inhibition.     

三种植物物料对两种茶园土壤酸度的改良效果

用室内培养实验研究了稻草、花生秸秆和紫云英在 5、10 和 20 g/kg 的加入量水平下对茶园黄棕壤和茶园红壤酸度的改良效果.结果表明:除了黄棕壤加入紫云英处理会降低土壤的 pH 外,其余所有加入植物物料的处理均使土壤 pH 有不同程度的增加,使土壤交换性酸和交换性Al的数量减小,使土壤交换性盐基阳离子和盐基饱和度增加.有机物料对土壤酸度的改良效果与有机物料灰化碱和N含量有关,灰化碱和有机N的矿化使土壤 pH 升高,NH4+-N的硝化使土壤 pH 降低.3种植物物料中花生秸秆对土壤酸度的改良效果优于紫云英和稻草.加入植物物料使红壤中有毒形态Al的浓度显著减小,说明植物物料能够缓解红壤中Al对植物的毒害.     

A metabonomic strategy for the detection of the metabolic effects of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) ingestion

A metabonomic strategy, utilizing high-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometric methods (discriminant analysis with orthogonal signal correction), has been applied to the study of human biological responses to chamomile tea ingestion. Daily urine samples were collected from volunteers during a 6-week period incorporating a 2-week baseline period, 2 weeks of daily chamomile tea ingestion, and a 2-week post-treatment phase. Although strong intersubject variation in metabolite profiles was observed, clear differentiation between the samples obtained before and after chamomile ingestion was achieved on the basis of increased urinary excretion of hippurate and glycine with depleted creatinine concentration. Samples obtained up to 2 weeks after daily chamomile intake formed an isolated cluster in the discriminant analysis map, from which it was inferred that the metabolic effects of chamomile ingestion were prolonged during the 2-week postdosing period. This study highlights the potential for metabonomic technology in the assessment of nutritional interventions, despite the high degree of variation from genetic and environmental sources.     

Potent inhibitory effects of black tea theaflavins on off-odor formation from citral

The present study was conducted to investigate the ability of black tea theaflavins to inhibit the off-odor formation from citral under acidic aqueous conditions. Acidic buffer solutions (pH 3.0) containing citral (10 mg/L) and an inhibitor (0-5 mg/L) were stored at 40 degrees C for 2 weeks. The formation of possible off-odorants p-cresol and p-methylacetophenone in the citral solutions was monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. A mixture of the theaflavins showed inhibitory effects on the formation of both p-cresol and p-methylacetophenone with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) of 0.18 and 0.10 mg/L, respectively. Individual theaflavins and a structurally related compound, purpurogallin, also inhibited the formation of both off-odorants, with the lowest IC(50) values for theaflavin 3,3'-digallate (0.17 and 0.06 mg/L for p-cresol and p-methylacetophenone, respectively). On the other hand, a mixture of green tea catechins and its major constituent, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, showed relatively high IC(50) values for the formation of p-methylacetophenone (1.29 and 1.28 mg/L, respectively) and showed no inhibitory effect on the formation of p-cresol. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the off-odor intensity of the stored citral solution was significantly decreased by the addition of the theaflavin mixture at concentrations of 0.5 mg/L and above. In addition, the calculation of the odor activity values (OAVs) for the volatile compounds detected by a gas chromatographic analysis indicated that the total OAVs of the major volatile compounds in the citral solution were significantly decreased by the addition of the theaflavins.     

Catechin and caffeine content of green tea dietary supplements and correlation with antioxidant capacity

The health benefits associated with tea consumption have resulted in the wide inclusion of green tea extracts in botanical dietary supplements, which are widely consumed as adjuvants for complementary and alternative medicines. Tea contains polyphenols such as catechins or flavan-3-ols including epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), as well as the alkaloid, caffeine. Polyphenols are antioxidants, and EGCG, due to its high levels, is widely accepted as the major antioxidant in green tea. Therefore, commercial green tea dietary supplements (GTDS) may be chemically standardized to EGCG levels and/or biologically standardized to antioxidant capacity. However, label claims on GTDS may not correlate with actual phytochemical content or antioxidant capacity nor provide information about the presence and levels of caffeine. In the current study, 19 commonly available GTDS were evaluated for catechin and caffeine content (using high-performance liquid chromatography) and for antioxidative activity [using trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assays]. Product labels varied in the information provided and were inconsistent with actual phytochemical contents. Only seven of the GTDS studied made label claims of caffeine content, 11 made claims of EGCG content, and five specified total polyphenol content. Caffeine, EGCG, and total polyphenol contents in the GTDS varied from 28 to 183, 12-143, and 14-36% tablet or capsule weight, respectively. TEAC and ORAC values for GTDS ranged from 187 to 15340 and from 166 to 13690 mumol Trolox/g for tablet or capsule, respectively. The antioxidant activities for GTDS determined by TEAC and ORAC were well-correlated with each other and with the total polyphenol content. Reliable labeling information and standardized manufacturing practices, based on both chemical standardization and biological assays, are recommended for the quality control of botanical dietary supplements.     

Immunomodulatory effects of cadmium and Gynostemma pentaphyllum herbal tea on rat splenocyte proliferation

Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (GP) is a herbal tea widely grown in Southeast Asia. However, this herbal tea can be contaminated with some heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd), from agricultural areas, which may affect human health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Cd contaminated in GP herbal tea and inorganic Cd on rat splenocytes. Rats were divided into groups and treated with drinking water (control), high CdCl 2 in drinking water (HCd; 0.05 mg/L), GP herbal tea containing 0.05 mg/L Cd (GP-HCd) for 4 months, low CdCl 2 in drinking water (LCd; 0.006 mg/L), and GP herbal tea containing 0.006 mg/L Cd (GP-LCd) for 6 months. After the treatments, Cd accumulation in organs and blood was detected by using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In spleen, HCd-treated rats had 4-fold higher Cd accumulations than GP-HCd-treated rats. Cd accumulation in liver and kidney in the HCd group also increased significantly. There were no significant changes in total leucocyte and lymphocyte counts; however, these parameters tended to decrease slightly in LCd, GP-LCd, and GP-HCd groups. The HCd group (ex vivo) significantly produced suppressive effects on T cell mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation, with 1 mug/mL Con A and PHA-P. In addition, 0.5 mug/mL PWM-induced B cell proliferation, through T cell functions, was also significantly inhibited by HCd as compared to the control group, while GP-HCd had no effects. However, both GP-LCd- and LCd-treated rats had a slight increase in Con A-stimulated splenocyte proliferation. This study indicated that high Cd contamination in drinking water alone had suppressive effects on T cell functions, but these effects could not be found with the same Cd level contamination in GP herbal tea.     

Protective effect of heat-processed American ginseng against diabetic renal damage in rats

We investigated the effects of American ginseng (AG) and heat-processed American ginseng (H-AG) on diabetic renal damage using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats in this study. The diabetic rats showed a loss of body weight gain, and increases in kidney weight, food intake, water intake, and urine volume, whereas the oral administration of H-AG at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight per day for 20 days attenuated these diabetes-induced physiological abnormalities. Among the renal function parameters, the elevated urinary protein levels in diabetic control rats were significantly decreased by the AG or H-AG administrations, and the decreased creatinine clearance level was significantly increased in H-AG-administered rats. In addition, the markedly high serum levels of glucose and glycosylated protein in diabetic control rats were significantly decreased by the administration of H-AG, implying that H-AG might prevent the pathogenesis of diabetic complications caused by impaired glucose metabolism and glycosylation of serum proteins. Although no significant ameliorations were shown in overexpressed protein expressions related to diabetic oxidative stress by the AG or H-AG administrations, the accumulation of N (epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine and receptors for advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) expressions were significantly reduced by the administration of H-AG. On the basis of these results, we found that AG and H-AG inhibit AGE accumulation in diabetic rat kidney by their hypoglycemic and renal function ameliorating effects, and this effect was stronger in the H-AG-administered group than in the AG-administered group. These findings indicate that H-AG may have beneficial effect on pathological conditions associated with diabetic nephropathy.     

Evaluation of the antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of tea catechin oxypolymers

Tea catechin oxypolymers (TCOP) were prepared by oxidizing tea catechin (TC, the content of EGCG was >85%) with H2O2. Their antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects were tested using a deoxyribose assay, a photoreduction of NBT assay, a lipoxygenase assay, a POV assay, and animal tests. The scavenging effects of TCOP to both the hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical were stronger than that of TC, and also they had no pro-oxidant effect; the rate constant for reactions of TC and TCOP for hydroxyl radical were 1.0 x 10(10) and (1.4-2.8) x 10(10) M(-1) x S(-1), respectively. TCOP can inhibit lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase effectively, and it also can activate red cell SOD and reduce the MDA content in serum of mice very significantly. These results suggested that the antioxidant activity of TCOP was not less than or even more notable than that of TC.     

Evaluation of antiherpetic activity and genotoxic effects of tea catechin derivatives

This study evaluated the antiherpetic activity and genotoxicity of catechin and some of its derivatives using the MTT colorimetric and comet assays, respectively. The results showed that all compounds have antiviral activity with selective indices varying from 1.3 to 13, depending on the tested HSV-1 strain. It was observed that the same concentration of the compounds that protects the Vero cells against the viral infection induces genotoxicity. It was also observed that the molecules containing three hydroxyl groups on the B ring caused less DNA damage and showed better antiviral effect than those with two hydroxyls on the same ring, but if there is an additional galloyl group, these results can be altered. The bioavailability and stereochemistry could be related to the antiviral and genotoxic effects detected.     

Antiproliferative effects of dietary phenolic substances and hydrogen peroxide

There has been controversy as to whether the antiproliferative activity of dietary phenolic substances on cancer cells is due to the bioactivities of phenolics or the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in media as an artifact. This study was to investigate whether the formation of H2O2 by different phenolics induces acute toxicity and carcinogenicity in normal rat liver epithelial cells. Gallic acid, one of the major antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables, dose-dependently generated considerably more H2O2 in DMEM media without cells than did quercetin. Gallic acid exerted stronger antiproliferative activity than quercetin on both Caco-2 human colon cancer cells (Caco-2 cells) and WB-F344 normal rat liver epithelial cells (WB cells) cultured in DMEM media, and the effect was partially reduced by catalase. Furthermore, gallic acid (but not quercetin) also inhibited gap-junction intercellular communication (GJIC; a carcinogenic phenomenon), which was in part protected by the addition of catalase. Exogenous H2O2 addition also inhibited the proliferation of both Caco-2 cells and WB cells and inhibited GJIC in a dose-dependent manner, but these effects were almost abolished by the treatment with catalase. From these results it is concluded that the antiproliferative effects of some antioxidants on cancer cells are partially due to their prooxidant actions.     

树冠微域环境对茶树碳氮代谢的影响

【目的】树冠微域环境对植物的生长有着显著影响,改善植物树冠环境可提升收获对象的品质。因此茶树的生长特别是其碳氮代谢及茶叶品质可能会受到树冠微域环境影响,本文拟通过覆盖遮荫的方式人为改变茶树树冠微域环境,以探明树冠微域环境对茶树碳氮代谢等的影响。【方法】采用田间小区试验,通过在茶树树冠面上分别覆盖光热透过性能不同的三种遮荫材料,人为改变茶树树冠面的微域环境,以不覆盖为对照,比较不同树冠微域环境条件下树冠面空气温度、空气湿度、光照等环境因子的变化及光合速率等的差异,并通过氨基酸组分分析及高效液相色谱等方法对不同季节茶树新梢中碳氮初级代谢产物进行分析,以比较树冠微域环境变化对茶树碳氮代谢及茶鲜叶品质等的影响。【结果】茶树树冠面经三种光热透过性能不同的遮阳网在蓬面直接覆盖后,茶树新梢的生长小环境及碳氮代谢均发生了变化: 1）树冠面的光照强度、空气温度及叶片温度均得到了不同程度的降低,空气相对湿度得到了不同程度的提高。其中覆盖隔热网的降温效果最好,降温幅度最高可达3.1℃;覆盖银色网在早晚有较好的降温效果,降温幅度可达1.6℃,但在12时、14时和16时未有明显的降温效果。而覆盖黑网后早晨的树冠面空气温度与叶片温度却显著高于其他各处理,且随着外界温度的升高,黑网下的两种温度与不覆盖比表现出了波动现象。2）茶树被覆盖后,其净光合速率表现出显著的降低趋势,其中黑网覆盖处理与不覆盖处理均在中午12点左右出现一个低谷,出现了午睡现象,而银色网与隔热网覆盖处理没有表现出午睡现象;覆盖后茶树叶片胞间CO2浓度较不覆盖表现出升高趋势,其中以隔热网处理为最高。3）在高温强光季节对茶树进行适度遮荫覆盖,能在一定程度上促进茶树氮代谢,减弱茶树碳代谢,改善各季茶树新梢的品质。主要表现为茶新梢的叶绿素含量、氮磷钾等养分含量、游离氨基酸总量显著增加;氨基酸组分如茶氨酸、谷氨酸、天冬氨酸等也均表现出显著增加趋势;茶新梢中总碳含量及茶多酚等碳水化合物含量降低;总碳、C/N、茶多酚含量等显著降低,儿茶素组分降低但儿茶素品质指数增加、苦涩味指数降低;三种茶树微域环境中,隔热网覆盖的树冠环境对茶叶品质提升方面效果最明显。4）与不覆盖相比,茶树新梢产量表现出了降低的趋势。【结论】通过遮荫覆盖等方式调控茶树树冠微域环境会影响茶树碳氮代谢等生理活动、提高茶鲜叶品质,但茶鲜叶的产量表现出降低的趋势。     

Hypoglycemic effects and biochemical mechanisms of oat products on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Oat products are abundant in β-glucan, which could lower the glycemic index of products or foods. A low glycemic index is beneficial in the control of postprandial glycemia. The study examined the hypoglycemic effects of oat products that had the same percentage of oat β-glucan and were added into the diet fed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice for 6 weeks, and potential mechanisms are discussed here. Oat products significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and glycosylated serum protein (p < 0.05), but the hypoglycemic effect was not more than that of metformin (p > 0.05). Oat products increased glycogen, hormone, and nuclear receptor levels (p < 0.05), decreased free fatty acid content and succinate dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.05), and inhibited pancreatic apoptosis (p < 0.05). The results showed oat products had hypoglycemic effects. Hypoglycemic effects of oat products might be regulating glucose and fat metabolisms, stimulating hormone secretion, activating the nuclear receptor, and protecting organ function.     

Inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation by Pu-erh tea ameliorates progression of experimental diabetic nephropathy

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been implicated in the development of diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the effects of Pu-erh tea on AGE accumulation associated with diabetic nephropathy. Although it did not affect blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivy, Pu-erh tea treatment for 8 weeks attenuated the increases in urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and mesangial matrix in db/db mice. We found that Pu-erh tea prevented diabetes-induced accumulation of AGEs and led to a decreased level of receptor for AGE expression in glomeruli. Both production and clearance of carbonyl compounds, the main precursor of AGE formation, were probably attenuated by Pu-erh tea in vivo independent of glyoxalase I expression. In vitro, HPLC assay demonstrated Pu-erh tea could trap methylglyoxal in a dose-dependent manner. Our study raises the possibility that inhibition of AGE formation by carbonyl trapping is a promising approach to prevent or arrest the progression of diabetic complications.     

生物质炭对茶园土壤改良及茶叶品质的影响

近年来,茶树种植过程中化肥的超量施用造成茶园土壤酸化加剧和有机质含量降低等一系列问题,进而影响到茶叶的产量和品质。生物质炭一般呈碱性,具有含碳量高、比表面积大、高度生物化学稳定性和较强的吸附性能等特性,能够增加土壤碳储量,提高土壤pH值和养分有效性,对于茶园土壤固碳、土壤改良和抑制土壤氮磷流失、改善农产品品质等方面有较大作用。针对我国茶园土壤存在的主要问题,以生物质炭的特性及生物质炭改良土壤的作用机理为研究对象,重点阐述了生物质炭在茶园酸化土壤改良、土壤氮素淋失阻控、土壤固碳增汇等方面的效应,以及生物质炭提高茶叶产量和提升茶叶品质方面的作用机理。基于以上研究,展望了生物质炭在茶园管理方面的理论研究方向,为生物质炭在农业生产中的应用和推广提供科学依据。     

Chemical composition and hepatoprotective effects of polyphenol-rich extract from Houttuynia cordata tea

This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective effect, and phenolic composition of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) extracted from Houttuynia cordata tea. EAF was shown to exhibit strong ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and scavenging activity against DPPH radical in vitro, and the antioxidant effects were further verified by suppressing CCl?-induced oxidative stress in mouse liver at three tested doses of EAF (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw). Pretreatment with EAF (1000 mg/kg bw) prior to CCl? administration significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the CCl?-elevated levels of serum AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and hepatic MDA in mice and prevented the increases in GSH, SOD, and CAT caused by CCl?. HPLC analysis revealed that three predominantly polyphenolic compounds present in EAF were quercitrin (111.7 μg/mg), quercetin (43.8 μg/mg), and hyperoside (29.1 μg/mg). These results combined with liver histopathology indicate that EAF possesses a significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by CCl?, which may be due to the strong antioxidant activity of phenolic components.     

Anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of naringenin in diabetic mice

Renal protective effects of naringenin at 0.5, 1, and 2% of the diet in diabetic mice were examined. Naringenin supplemented at 1 and 2% increased its deposit in liver and kidney of diabetic mice. Compared with the diabetic control group, naringenin treatments at 1 and 2% lowered plasma levels of glucose and blood urea nitrogen, as well as increased insulin level and creatinine clearance (P < 0.05). Naringenin treatments dose-dependently reduced renal tumor necrosis factor-α level and expression (P < 0.05) but only at 1 and 2% significantly decreased production and expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P < 0.05). Naringenin intake at 2% decreased renal formation and expression of type IV collagen, fibronectin, and transforming growth factor-β1 (P < 0.05). This compound at 1 and 2% lowered protein kinase C activity and suppressed nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 activity, mRNA expression, and protein production in kidney. However, this agent only at 2% diminished NF-κB p50 activity, mRNA expression, and protein production (P < 0.05). These results indicate that naringenin could attenuate diabetic nephropathy via its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities.     

Ameliorative effects of proanthocyanidin on oxidative stress and inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Recent evidence strongly suggests that oxidative stress due to redox imbalance is causally associated with inflammatory processes and various diseases including diabetes. We examined the effects of proanthocyanidin from persimmon peel, using both oligomers and polymers, against oxidative stress with elucidation of the underlying mechanisms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The elevation of lipid peroxidation in the kidney and serum under the diabetic condition was decreased by the administration of proanthocyanidin. The suppression of reactive oxygen species generation and elevation of the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio were observed in the groups administered proanthocyanidin. These results support the protective role of proanthocyanidin from oxidative stress induced by diabetes. Moreover, proanthocyanidin, especially its oligomeric form, affected the inflammatory process with regulation of related protein expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and upstream regulators, nuclear factor kappaB, and inhibitor-binding protein kappaB-alpha. Proanthocyanidin ameliorated the diabetic condition by decreases of serum glucose, glycosylated protein, serum urea nitrogen, urinary protein, and renal advanced glycation endproducts. In particular, oligomeric proanthocyanidin exerted a stronger protective activity than the polymeric form. This suggests that the polymerization of proanthocyanidin has an effect on its protective effect against diabetes. The present study supports the beneficial effect of proanthocyanidin against diabetes and oxidative stress-related inflammatory processes.