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Biomaterials Jul 2017Transplanted islets suffer hypoxic stress, which leads to nonspecific inflammation. This is the major cause of islet graft failure during the early stage of intrahepatic...
Transplanted islets suffer hypoxic stress, which leads to nonspecific inflammation. This is the major cause of islet graft failure during the early stage of intrahepatic islet transplantation. Although bilirubin has shown potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions, its clinical applications have been limited due to its insolubility and short half-life. To overcome this problem, novel amphiphilic bilirubin nanoparticles are designed. Hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is conjugated to the hydrophobic bilirubin molecule. Then, the PEG-bilirubin conjugates form nanoparticles via self-assembly, i.e., so-called to BRNPs. BRNPs can protect islet cells not only from chemically induced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species molecules, but also from activated macrophages by suppressing cytokine release. Importantly, in vivo experiments demonstrate that BRNP treatment can dramatically and significantly prolong islet graft survival compared to bilirubin treatment. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis shows BRNPs have potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Collectively, novel BRNPs can be a new potent remedy for successful islet transplantation.
Topics: Animals; Bilirubin; Demulcents; Diabetes Mellitus; Inflammation; Islets of Langerhans; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nanoparticles; Polyethylene Glycols; RAW 264.7 Cells; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species; Transplantation, Heterologous
PubMed: 28448818
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.04.029 -
Ayu 2021(Linn.) Sweet (), generally called as "" is a plant of high medicinal importance. The plant possesses several beneficial effects such as cooling, laxative, digestive,...
BACKGROUND
(Linn.) Sweet (), generally called as "" is a plant of high medicinal importance. The plant possesses several beneficial effects such as cooling, laxative, digestive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, antihelmintic, aphrodisiac, and demulcent which is widely used in the Ayurveda system of medicine.
AIM
The current study is aimed to establish the macroscopy, powder microscopy and physicochemical analysis of fruits.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Pharmacognostical studies on fruits, including parameters such as morphological evaluation, powder microscopy, ash values, foreign organic matter, extractive value, phytochemical, fluorescence studies, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprint profile, are established in the current study.
RESULTS
Fruit powder microscopy has shown diagnostic characteristics such as stellate hairs of different sizes, testa, lignified endocarp, and palisade cells. The loss on drying value of fruit powder was 7.7% w/w. The total ash values of the drug were found to be 10.5% and acid insoluble ash 2.4% w/w with respect to the air-dried crude drug. Water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extractives were found to be 9.64% w/w and 9.04% w/w, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Phytochemical characterization of aqueous, alcoholic extracts of fruit revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. The powder microscopical and phytochemical studies observed in this study can serve as a valuable resource for the authentication of fruits.
PubMed: 37303858
DOI: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_264_20 -
Journal of Separation Science Mar 2023The lichen Cetraria islandica is traditionally used as a demulcent for the symptomatic treatment of irritations of the mouth and throat and associated dry cough, as well...
The lichen Cetraria islandica is traditionally used as a demulcent for the symptomatic treatment of irritations of the mouth and throat and associated dry cough, as well as for the treatment of temporary loss of appetite. In addition to depsides and depsidones, thalli contain paraconic acids, a group of secondary metabolites commonly found in lichens and fungi. Among those, protolichesterinic acid has shown promising pharmacological activities. However, the efficient isolation of paraconic acids is quite complex due to their very similar chemical structures and their weak ultraviolet absorption. In the present work, a two-step isolation protocol of protolichesterinic acid and lichesterinic acid from a complex paraconic acid mixture is described using Sephadex LH20 column chromatography and fast centrifugal partition chromatography. Final purities higher than 95% and recoveries above 50% are achieved. Additionally, reliable qualitative techniques for detecting and differentiating paraconic acids are described. Finally, some data on compound stability and enantiomeric purity are shown.
Topics: Parmeliaceae; 4-Butyrolactone; Lichens; Chromatography, Liquid
PubMed: 36630529
DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202200805 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2021Zinc compounds have a number of beneficial properties for the skin, including antimicrobial, sebostatic and demulcent activities. The aim of the study was to develop new...
Zinc compounds have a number of beneficial properties for the skin, including antimicrobial, sebostatic and demulcent activities. The aim of the study was to develop new anti-acne preparations containing zinc-amino acid complexes as active ingredients. Firstly, the cytotoxicity of the zinc complexes was evaluated against human skin fibroblasts (1BR.3.N cell line) and human epidermal keratinocyte cell lines, and their antimicrobial activity was determined against . Then, zinc complexes of glycine and histidine were selected to create original gel formulations. The stability (by measuring pH, density and viscosity), microbiological purity (referring to PN-EN ISO standards) and efficacy of the preservative system (according to Ph. Eur. 10 methodology) for the preparations were evaluated. Skin tolerance was determined in a group of 25 healthy volunteers by the patch test. The preparations containing zinc(II) complexes with glycine and histidine as active substances can be topically used in the treatment of acne skin due to their high antibacterial activity against and low cytotoxicity for the skin cells. Dermatological recipes have been appropriately composed; no irritation or allergy was observed, and the preparations showed high microbiological purity and physicochemical stability.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cell Line; Glycine; Histidine; Humans; Keratinocytes; Propionibacteriaceae; Skin; Skin Cream; Zinc; Zinc Compounds
PubMed: 33561977
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041641 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2021Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular condition characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film resulting in ocular symptoms of discomfort,... (Review)
Review
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular condition characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film resulting in ocular symptoms of discomfort, irritation, and visual disturbance, all of which significantly impact the patients' social and occupational quality of life. While management of DED depends on the severity of symptoms and signs, use of artificial tear products (ATPs) that replace or supplement the deficient natural tear film is the mainstay treatment option. In this review, we present a decade of evidence on Systane Ultra (polyethylene glycol [PEG]/propylene glycol [PG] with hydroxypropyl guar [HP guar]) in effectively managing DED. The active demulcents in Systane Ultra-PEG, PG, along with HP guar gelling technology-provide optimal ocular surface protection and lubrication to heal damaged areas of the cornea caused by DED and, therefore, are recommended for patients with both aqueous and/or mucin layer deficiencies. Over the years, several clinical studies have shown that PEG/PG with HP guar provides long-lasting relief from dry eye and has often been chosen as a standard or comparator against other ATPs. Here, we describe the salient features of PEG/PG with HP guar-its constituents and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we summarize results from a systematic literature search that identified 23 relevant publications further emphasizing on the effectiveness and safety of PEG/PG with HP guar in alleviating the signs and symptoms of DED.
PubMed: 34135570
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S294427 -
Clinical & Experimental Optometry Nov 2021Hydroxypropyl-guar (HPG) is a thickening agent first added to lubricating eye drops in 2003. This agent, which enhances viscosity, has been used in the SYSTANE® family... (Review)
Review
Hydroxypropyl-guar (HPG) is a thickening agent first added to lubricating eye drops in 2003. This agent, which enhances viscosity, has been used in the SYSTANE® family of lubricant eye drops (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA). HPG forms a partially linked gel with borate to prolong the retention of demulcents, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, on the eye. This helps to protect the ocular surface, thereby reducing the symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). The definition of DED has evolved with advances in research, leading to changes in HPG-containing eye care solutions. This article reviews current knowledge on the use of HPG-containing lubricating eye drops in the management of DED.
Topics: Cyamopsis; Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Lubricant Eye Drops; Ophthalmic Solutions; Propylene Glycol; Tears
PubMed: 34137675
DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1925208 -
Eye & Contact Lens Jul 2020To evaluate the effect of microblepharon exfoliation on the number of eyelid bacteria and their lipase activity and the relationship of these to contact lens discomfort. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effect of microblepharon exfoliation on the number of eyelid bacteria and their lipase activity and the relationship of these to contact lens discomfort.
METHODS
Thirty experienced contact lens wearers had their eyelid margin physiology, tear properties, and comfort scores assessed. The number, type, and frequency of lower eyelid margin bacteria, and their lipase activity, were measured. Eyelids were treated with a foam cleanser or microblepharon exfoliation. Clinical and microbiological tests were repeated at each visit. Changes and correlations were examined.
RESULTS
Symptomatic lens wearers had a higher ratio for the number and frequency of gram-positive rods and cocci. Microblepharon exfoliation reduced the number and ratio of gram-positive rods to cocci from baseline for symptomatic wearers that lasted 7 to 10 days after treatment (P<0.05). Numbers of bacteria, the ratio of rods to cocci, and lipase activity correlated with lash contamination (r≥0.385; P≤0.046) and anterior blepharitis (r≥0.359; P≤0.048). Bacterial lipase correlated with meibomian gland secretions (r=0.422; P=0.038) and the tear evaporation rate (r=0.479; P=0.022). Microblepharon exfoliation produced a significant reduction in CLDEQ-8 scores and converted 10 symptomatic into asymptomatic lens wearers.
CONCLUSIONS
There was dysbiosis in the lid microbiome of symptomatic lens wearers. Microblepharon exfoliation reduced the number, frequency of isolation, and ratio of gram-positive rods and cocci. Bacterial numbers and their lipase production correlated with changes to clinical signs and symptoms. Symptomatic lens wearers could be converted to asymptomatic lens wearers after microblepharon exfoliation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Bacteria; Bacterial Load; Colony Count, Microbial; Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; Demulcents; Eyelid Diseases; Eyelids; Female; Humans; Lipase; Male; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; Ophthalmic Solutions; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 31794542
DOI: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000673 -
Optometry and Vision Science : Official... Mar 2019Microblepharon exfoliation improved eyelid signs and tear film characteristics after a single in-office treatment in symptomatic contact lens wearers. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
SIGNIFICANCE
Microblepharon exfoliation improved eyelid signs and tear film characteristics after a single in-office treatment in symptomatic contact lens wearers.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of two eyelid hygiene treatments-microblepharon exfoliation and a hypoallergenic foam cleanser (LidHygenix)-on clinical signs of the eyelids, meibomian glands, and tear film in contact lens discomfort.
METHODS
A randomized, interventional, unmasked, crossover trial was conducted on 30 experienced daily-wear soft contact lens wearers. Assessment of clinical signs of the eyelid margin, meibomian gland morphology and secretion, and tear film biophysical properties was performed (baseline 1), and participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments (microblepharon exfoliation or foam cleansing using LidHygenix) as a single in-office procedure. Symptoms were evaluated using the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 immediately after treatment, and assessment of all the study variables was repeated at the follow-up visit 7 to 10 days after treatment. After 28 to 30 days of washout, participants returned for reassessment of the study variables (baseline 2) and were crossed over to receive the alternate treatment. Follow-up was repeated 7 to 10 days after the second treatment.
RESULTS
Seven to 10 days after treatment with microblepharon exfoliation, symptomatic wearers showed significant improvement in anterior blepharitis (mean difference, 0.60; P = .04), lid wiper staining (0.50; P = .06), and lid-parallel conjunctival folds (0.68, P = .02) along with orifice capping (median difference, 0.65; P < .001), foam (0.90; P < .001), secretion volume (0.69; P < .001), quality (0.74; P < .001), and expressibility (0.49; P = .002), which were also clinically significant changes. However, in tear properties, significant improvements were observed in tear volume (LidHygenix, -1.25 mm; microblepharon exfoliation, -1.62 mm), break-up time (-0.14 seconds; -0.14 seconds), tear evaporation rate without contact lenses (21.52 g m h; 45.43 g m h), and lipid layer thickness (-20.61 nm; -25.13 nm) after both treatments but in symptomatic lens wearers only (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Microblepharon exfoliation improved eyelid signs and tear film characteristics in symptomatic contact lens wearers after a single in-office treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Conjunctiva; Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; Cross-Over Studies; Demulcents; Dry Eye Syndromes; Eyelid Diseases; Female; Humans; Hygiene; Male; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; Ophthalmic Solutions; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 30801507
DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001354 -
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical... Nov 2020Lactucaserriola (L. serriola), commonly known asprickly lettuce, is an annual and biennial herb. The plant is traditionally used as sedative, hypnotic, cough...
Lactucaserriola (L. serriola), commonly known asprickly lettuce, is an annual and biennial herb. The plant is traditionally used as sedative, hypnotic, cough suppressant, expectorant, purgative, diuretic, vasorelaxant, demulcent, antiseptic and antispasmodic. Aim of present study was to evaluate protective effect of L. serriola in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin was used as a standard drug. Hepatoprotective effect of extract was determined by liver biochemical markers, anti-oxidant enzymes and blood lipid profile. Methanolic extract was found to be the most potent in in-vitro antioxidant assays and used for further studies. Treatment with paracetamol increased the level of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and decreased anti-oxidant enzyme levels. Pre-treatment with Lactuca serriola caused restoration of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes. FTIR represented that L. serriola contains hydroxyl (-OH), carboxylic acid (C=O) and alkene (C=C) groups. HPLC analysis showed presence of polyphenolic compounds in the methanolic extract of L. serriola. It is concluded that the methanolic extract of Lactuca serriola possesses hepatoprotective potential that might be linked to the presence of polyphenolic compounds and their anti-oxidant activities.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Animals; Antioxidants; Asteraceae; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Lipids; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Rats; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 33879443
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2021Genus Canna is used in folk medicine as demulcent, diaphoretic, antipyretic, mild laxative and in gastrointestinal upsets therapy. Canna x generalis (CG) L.H. Bailey is...
Canna x generalis L.H. Bailey rhizome extract ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis via modulating intestinal mucosal dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and TLR4/ NF-ҡB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Genus Canna is used in folk medicine as demulcent, diaphoretic, antipyretic, mild laxative and in gastrointestinal upsets therapy. Canna x generalis (CG) L.H. Bailey is traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic. Besides, CG is used in Ayurvedic medicines' preparations and in the treatment of boils, wounds, and abscess. Nevertheless, its anti-inflammatory effects against ulcerative colitis (UC) are not yet investigated.
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents of CG rhizome ethanol extract (CGE). Additionally, we aimed to comparatively evaluate its therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms against the reference drug "sulphasalazine (SAS)" in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Metabolic profiling of CG rhizomes was performed via UHPLC/qTOF-HRMS; the total phenolic, flavonoid and steroid contents were determined, and the main phytoconstituents were isolated and identified. Next, DSS-induced (4%) acute UC was established in C57BL/6 mice. DSS-induced mice were administered either CGE (100 and 200 mg/kg) or SAS (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological alterations in colon tissues were examined. Colon levels of oxidative stress (GSH, MDA, SOD and catalase) and pro-inflammatory [Myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β, IL-12, TNF-α, and INF-γ] markers were colourimetrically determined. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and relative mRNA expressions of occludin, TLR4 and ASC (Apoptosis-Associated Speck-Like Protein Containing CARD) using RT-PCR were measured. Protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and cleaved caspase-1 were determined by Western blot. Furthermore, immunohistochemical examinations of caspase-3, NF-ҡB and claudin-1 were performed.
RESULTS
Major identified constituents of CGE were flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, beside five isolated phytoconstituents (β-sitosterol, triacontanol fatty alcohol, β-sitosterol-3-O-β-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, 6-O-p-coumaroyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl α-D-glucopyranoside). The percentage of the phenolic, flavonoid and steroid contents in CGE were 20.55, 6.74 and 98.09 μg of gallic acid, quercetin and β-sitosterol equivalents/mg extract, respectively. In DSS-induced mice, CGE treatment ameliorated DAI, body weight loss and colon shortening. CGE attenuated the DSS-induced colonic histopathological alternations, inflammatory cell infiltration and histological scores. CGE elevated GSH, SOD and catalase levels, and suppressed MDA, pro-inflammatory mediators (MPO and NO) as well as cytokines levels in colonic tissues. Moreover, CGE downregulated LPS/TLR4 signaling, caspase-3 and NF-ҡB expressions. CGE treatment inhibited NLRP3 signaling pathway as indicated by the suppression of the protein expression of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1, and the ASC mRNA expression in colonic tissues. Additionally, CGE restored tight junction proteins' (occludin and claudin-1) expressions.
CONCLUSION
Our findings provided evidence for the therapeutic potential of CGE against UC. CGE restored intestinal mucosal barrier's integrity, mitigated oxidative stress, inflammatory cascade, as well as NF-ҡB/TLR4 and NLRP3 pathways activation in colonic tissues. Notably, CGE in a dose of 200 mg/kg was more effective in ameliorating DSS-induced UC as compared to SAS at the same dose.
Topics: Animals; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Inflammation; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptor 4
PubMed: 33301917
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113670