Journal of medicinal food
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Journal of medicinal food · Jul 2015
Lonicera japonica THUNB. Extract Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Responses by Suppressing NF-κB Signaling in BV-2 Microglial Cells.
In the current study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of Lonicera japonica THUNB. (LJ) and its underlying molecular mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Our results indicated that LJ significantly inhibits LPS-stimulated production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In addition, LJ inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at both the protein and mRNA levels. ⋯ LJ significantly suppressed activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and its translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus and suppressed the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. Furthermore, LJ significantly inhibited phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt, and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1/3. Collectively, our findings indicated that the antineuroinflammatory properties of LJ in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells is due to downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines downstream of inhibition of NF-κB activation.
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Journal of medicinal food · Feb 2015
Piperine inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells.
The proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in blood vessels are important in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Piperine, a major component of black pepper, has antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the antiatherosclerotic effects of piperine have not been investigated. ⋯ Our results showed that 100 μM piperine decreased cell migration, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Taken together, our results suggest that piperine inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and the migration of VSMCs by inducing cell cycle arrest and suppressing MAPK phosphorylation and ROS. These findings suggest that piperine may be beneficial for the treatment of vascular-related disorders and diseases.
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Journal of medicinal food · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialOral intake of a liquid high-molecular-weight hyaluronan associated with relief of chronic pain and reduced use of pain medication: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind pilot study.
The goal for this study was to evaluate the effects of daily oral intake of a consumable liquid fermentate containing high-molecular-weight hyaluronan, as well as to perform a basic evaluation of safety and tolerability. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study design was used to examine the effects of oral intake of hyaluronan on chronic pain conditions. Safety assessment included a complete blood count with differential, blood chemistry and electrocardiogram. ⋯ During the last 2 weeks, a significant increase in the quality of sleep (P<.005) and level of physical energy (P<.05) was seen. The pain reduction during the initial 2 weeks was associated with significant reduction in the use of pain medication (P<.05). Consumption of an oral liquid formula containing high-molecular-weight hyaluronan was associated with relief of chronic pain.
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Journal of medicinal food · Jan 2015
Investigating the effects of resveratrol on chronically ischemic myocardium in a swine model of metabolic syndrome: a proteomics analysis.
Resveratrol has been shown to improve cardiac perfusion and ventricular function after chronic ischemic injury. Using proteomic analysis, we sought to objectively investigate potential mechanisms, by which resveratrol exerts its cardioprotective effects in the setting of metabolic syndrome and chronic myocardial ischemia. Yorkshire swine were divided into two groups based on diet: high cholesterol (n=7) or a high-cholesterol diet with supplemental resveratrol (n=6). ⋯ Furthermore, there was an upregulation in proteins involved in free radical elimination. We conclude that resveratrol supplementation significantly alters several critical protein markers in the chronically ischemic myocardium. Further investigation of these proteins may help elucidate the mechanisms by which resveratrol exerts its cardioprotective effects.
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Journal of medicinal food · Sep 2014
Controlled Clinical TrialKre-Celazine(®) as a viable treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis/juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a pilot study.
The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether an oral, non-prescription, nutritional supplement compound composed of a proprietary alkali-buffered creatine monohydrate and cetylated fatty acids mixture (Kre-Celazine(®)) was efficacious in reducing or eliminating refractory pain and inflammation, without untoward effects, in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), which is also called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JRA/JIA is a patho-physiologically complex, chronic childhood autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Numerous studies have unsuccessfully attempted to pinpoint a possible common initiation event. ⋯ In this study, sixteen juveniles, ages 7 through 16 years, experiencing long-standing, unremitting pain and inflammation despite previous use of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and NSAIDs, were enrolled in a 30-day, open-label clinical study and treated with Kre-Celazine. Efficacy of this nutritional supplement was determined by the juvenile's personal physician and based on observations of the following: (1) significant reduction or elimination of palpable signs of inflammation; (2) renormalization of range of motion; (3) reduction or absence of perceived pain as reported to the physician by the patient; (4) renormalization of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values. In addition, the individual's previous steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflamatory medication(s) were reduced or eliminated in a stepwise progressive fashion during the study.