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Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous heavy metal that adversely affects the vital body organs particularly liver. Eriocitrin (ERCN) is a plant-based flavonoid that is well-known for its wide range of pharmacological potential. This research trial was aimed to determine the ameliorative potential of ERCN against Cd provoked hepatotoxicity in rats. Twenty-four rats (Rattus norvegicus) were apportioned into control, Cd treated (5 mg/kg), Cd (5 mg/kg) + ERCN (25 mg/kg) and only ERCN (25 mg/kg) administrated group. Expressions of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and apoptotic markers were assessed through qRT-PCR. The levels of inflammatory and liver function markers were evaluated by using standard ELISA kits. Cd exposure reduced the expression of Nrf2 and anti-oxidant genes as well as the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) contents while escalating the expression of Keap1. Furthermore, Cd intoxication augmented malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in hepatic tissues. Exposure to Cd resulted in a notable elevation in the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Cd administration upregulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Furthermore, Cd administration upsurged Bax and Caspase-3 expression while reducing the expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, Cd intoxication disrupted the normal architecture of hepatic tissues. However, supplementation of ERCN significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the aforementioned disruptions induced by Cd intoxication. ERCN treatment remarkably ameliorated the hepatic tissues owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potentials. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of ERCN to counteract the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on hepatic tissues. • Cadmium dysregulated Nrf2/keap1 pathway and activities of antioxidant enzymes. • Cadmium escalated levels of oxidative stress hepatic function markers. • Cadmium increased the levels inflammatory markers. • Cadmium instigated various hepatic histological alterations. • Eriocitrin protected hepatic tissues via regulating abovementioned damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eriocitrin is a flavonoid that is isolated from orange peel. Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound, which is present in various fruits, such as grapes. The aim of the present study was to investigate both in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of eriocitrin combined with resveratrol using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and a mouse model of ear edema. The results showed that eriocitrin combined with resveratrol strongly inhibited LPS-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Moreover, Eriocitrin combined with resveratrol potently inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphor-STAT3, and phosphor-AKT, which was accompanied by inhibition of phosphorylation in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Treatment with eriocitrin combined with resveratrol alleviated edema and subcutaneous tissue inflammation caused by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in vivo. This study also demonstrated that treatment with eriocitrin and resveratrol decreased the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. The results of the present study indicate that eriocitrin combined with resveratrol effectively inhibits inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint and spearmint, both members of the Lamiaceae family, have been used in the form of extracts, infusions, and decoctions, because of their health benefits. Consumers are looking for functional food products which not only provide health benefits but also necessitate less preparation time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bioactive properties of powdered peppermint and spearmint extracts. Peppermint and spearmint extracts obtained using pressurized water extraction were made into powder forms with a spray dryer using the air inlet temperature of 140 °C. Powdered peppermint extract (PPE) and powdered spearmint extract (PSE) showed significant inhibition against key enzymes of type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase) and hypertension (angiotensin 1-converting enzyme, ACE). Alpha glucosidase inhibition degree of PPE and PSE as IC 50 values was 0.6 and 1.2 mg/mL, respectively, while IC 50 values for the ACE inhibition test were 4.5 mg for PPE and 5.8 mg for PSE. The HPLC-DAD method for ACE inhibition activity showed the suitability of this method for plant extracts high in phenolics which had no interference effects on the results. There were no differences between PPE and PSE in the DPPH test. However, PPE had higher Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (190 mg/g) with the ABTS test than PSE (170 mg/g). The predominant phenolics of PPE and PSE were found to be eriocitrin (47 mg/g) and rosmarinic acid (27 mg/g), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]