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Purpose: Menopause disturbs energy, glucose, and lipid metabolisms and changes the composition of the gut microbiota, but dietary fibers without phytoestrogens may ameliorate menopausal metabolic disorders. The objective of the present study was to assess whether consuming the prebiotics chitosan and citrus pectin can improve postmenopausal symptoms, possibly by modulating the gut microbiota in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and the mechanism of action was examined. Methods: The OVX rats were given 4.5% cellulose (OVX-Control), chitosan (OVX-Chitosan), or citrus pectin (OVX-Pectin) in a 43% fat diet and the sham rats were given the same diet as the OVX-Control for 12 weeks. Sham-operated rats had the same diet as OVX-Control (Normal-Control). Body-weight, visceral fat mass, tail skin temperature, serum 17β-estradiol, glucose intolerance, and insulin tolerance were determined. Gut microbiota in the fecal samples was measured by NGS and analyzed with PICRUSt2. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and metabolomic characteristics of serum were also measured with UPLC-mass spectrometry. Results: Chitosan and citrus pectin were selected because the incubation of rat feces with these two prebiotics in vitro had shown increased butyrate production. OVX-Chitosan reduced the weight, visceral fat content, and tail skin temperature, and OVX-Chitosan and OVX-Pectin improved glucose tolerance, compared to the OVX-Control. Both alleviated dyslipidemia, compared to the OVX-Control. OVX-Chitosan and OVX-Pectin elevated serum propionate and butyrate concentrations but only OVX-Chitosan lowered serum acetate concentrations. In PICRUSt2, chitosan upregulated the functional genes of gut microbiota involved in valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, whereas the OVX-Control exhibited significantly upregulated lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. OVX-Pectin exhibited increased α-diversity in the fecal bacteria. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher serum urate concentrations in the OVX-Control group than the other groups, and serum arginine and leucine concentrations were higher in the OVX-Chitosan group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Chitosan and citrus pectin consumptions improved menopausal symptoms by improving the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, and serum metabolites and SCFA originating from fecal bacteria. Chitosan was more effective for improving menopausal symptoms than citrus pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the immunity-enhancing effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (OJ). To examine the immune protective effect in vitro, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with water or ethanol extracts of OJ in the absence or presence of cyclophosphamide (CY), which is a cytotoxic, immunosuppressive agent. The extracts increased the propagation of splenocytes and inhibited CY-induced cytotoxicity. Further, to examine the immunostimulatory effects in vivo, adult Wistar rats were orally administered OJ extracts with or without CY treatment. With the administration of OJ extracts, CY-treated immunosuppressed rats showed improved physical endurance, as assessed by the forced swim test. In addition, extract administration increased not only the number of immunity-related cells but also the levels of plasma cytokines. OJ extracts also recovered splenic histology in CY-treated rats. These findings suggest that an OJ regimen can enhance immunity by increasing immune cell propagation and specific plasma cytokine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex oil of Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Perilla frutescens seed (ZPCO) is used as a traditional medicine due to its pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunostimulatory effect of ZPCO in isolated splenocytes as well as in an immunosuppressed rat model, which was generated via oral administration of cyclophosphamide. Notably, our results showed that ZPCO exerted an immunity-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, ZPCO treatment enhanced the viability and inflammatory cytokine production of splenocytes and NK cell activity in vitro. Moreover, this product improved host defense under immunosuppressive conditions by increasing the number of immune cells and promoting the expression of cytokines involved in immune responses. Our results suggest that complex oil including Z. schinifolium should be explored as a novel immunostimulatory agent that could potentially be used for therapeutic purposes or as an ingredient in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testosterone deficiency deteriorates glucose and lipid metabolism with reducing muscle mass. We investigated whether the consumption of water extracts of Gastrodia elata Blume rhizome (GEB) rich in gastrodin would reduce the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and improve blood flow in orchidectomized (ORX) rats. ORX rats were given high-fat diets supplemented with either 1% cellulose (ORX-control), 0.3% GEB (GEB-L), or 1% GEB (GEB-H) for 8 weeks. Sham-operated rats were fed the same diet as OVX-control rats (normal-control). ORX-control rats had reduced serum testosterone levels by one-fifth, compared to normal-control rats. ORX-control rats exhibited decreased lean body mass, attenuated blood flow, and impaired cholesterol metabolism and glucose control due to decreased insulin secretory response. GEB increased serum insulin levels dose-dependently and GEB-H mostly enhanced dyslipidemia in ORX rats. GEB completely normalized arterial thrombosis time and blood flow in ORX rats. Interestingly, ORX-control rats showed attenuated hepatic insulin signaling but greater AMPK and CREB activities, which reduced triglyceride accumulation, compared to normal-control. GEB-H improved hepatic insulin signaling but maintained the AMPK and CREB activities in ORX rats. In conclusions, GEB ameliorated the impairment of cholesterol and glucose metabolism and blood flow in ORX rats. GEB may be a potential preventive measure for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with testosterone deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The root of Saussurea costus ( Aucklandia lappa Decne, Aucklandiae Radix, SC) and Thuja orientalis L. (TOL) have been traditionally used as anti-inflammatory agents in Korea. However, they have not been studied for the efficacy of atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. We investigated the efficacy of topical applications with 1,3-butyleneglycol extracts of SC and TOL to alleviate the symptoms of AD. Materials and methods HaCaT cells and the dorsal skin of Nc/Nga mice had a local exposure of house mite extracts and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), respectively. After lesions developed, we topically applied 1,3-butylen glycol (vehicle; control), SC (30%), TOL (30%), or SC (15%)+TOL (15%) to the skin lesions for 5 weeks. The normal-control was not exposed to DNCB. The skin thickness, mast cell infiltration, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG1 and gene expressions of interleukin (IL)−4, IL-13, and IFN-γ in the dorsal skin and HaCaT cells were measured. Results Chlorogenic acid (129.6±10.2 μg/g) for SC and catechin and apigenin (93.4±13.2 and 16.9±1.3 μg/g, respectively) for TOL were used as indicator compounds for the strength of the extracts. SC+TOL decreased the expression of protease-activated receptor-2 and ICAM-1 and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in HaCaT cells activated by 3 μg/mL house mite extracts in comparison to either of SC or TOL alone. In Nc/Nga mice challenged with DNCB, SC+TOL synergistically attenuated clinical symptoms of AD such as erythema, hemorrhage, edema, excoriation and dryness in the dorsal skin better than either SC or TOL alone. Histological analysis of the dorsal skin also showed that SC+TOL treatment significantly and additively decreased the inflammatory cellular infiltrate, including mast cells and eosinophils in comparison to either of SC or TOL. SC+TOL also decreased serum IgE and IgG1 levels and the expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13 mRNA in dorsal skin in DNCB-treated Nc/Nga mice. Conclusion SC+TOL relieved the symptoms of AD by reducing pro-inflammatory activity and over-activated immune responses. These data suggest that SC+TOL may be an effective alternative intervention for the management of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (Crassulaceae) (OJ), well-known as Wa-song in Korea is a medicinal plant with immunoregulatory, anti-febrile, antidote, and anti-cancer activities. This study was aimed at evaluating the immunostimulatory effect of O. japonicus A. Berger and its possible mechanisms of action. Materials and methods To evaluate the effect of OJ aqueous extract on macrophage activity, we evaluated the modulation of macrophage activation state by observing structural (phagocytic activities) and the production of nitric oxide increase. The effect of OJ aqueous extract on RAW264.7 cell viability were assessed using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay. HPLC analysis was performed to identify potential active compounds of this extract. Results The biological investigations indicated that OJ aqueous extract, among others, possessed the highest macrophage activation as indicated by NO production yield. The results showed that OJ aqueous extract exhibited antioxidant effects, which included scavenging activities against DPPH radicals. OJ aqueous extract increased the phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells against IgG-opsonized red blood cells (RBC). The level of phosphorylated Syk kinase was increased in OJ aqueous extract-treated group as compared to control. Phosphorylation of PLC-γ was increased in the OJ aqueous extract-treated groups. Quercetin-3- O -rhamnose and kaempferol-3- O -rhamnose was detected in OJ aqueous extract by HPLC analysis. Conclusions OJ aqueous extract might play a pivotal ethnopharmacologic role as an immunostimulatory agent by promoting Fc gamma receptor (FcγR)-mediated phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized RBCs. On the basis of our results, OJ aqueous extract can enhance innate immunity and may serve as an adjuvant for tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platycodon grandiflorum is a flowering plant that is used in traditional medicine for treating pulmonary and respiratory disorders. It exerts various pharmacological effects, including immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. The purpose of this study was to confirm the in vitro and in vivo immune-enhancing effects of P. grandiflorum extract (PGE) on splenocytes isolated from cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppressed rats. Methods: For in vitro analysis, splenocytes were treated with PGE at various doses along with CP. Cell viability was measured by a WST-1 assay, and NK cell activity and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity was also examined. In addition, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and cytokine levels were measured. For in vivo analysis, Sprague Dawley rats were treated with various doses of PGE along with CP. Complete blood count (CBC) was performed, and plasma levels of IgA, IgG, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 were quantified. Additionally, tissue damage was assessed through histological analyses of the thymus and spleen. Results: PGE treatment enhanced cell viability and natural killer cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and increased the production of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in splenocytes. In addition, in CP-treated rats, PGE treatment induced the recovery of white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, along with mid-range absolute counts, and increased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA). Moreover, PGE attenuated CP-induced spleen and thymic damage. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that PGE exerts an immune-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PGE may have applications as a component of immunostimulatory agents or as an ingredient in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Fructus Schisandrae, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon, has been traditionally used as a hypoglycemic agent in Asia and its extracts have been shown to improve insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in cell-based assays in previous studies. Aim of the study: We set out to determine which fractions of Fructus Schisandrae improved peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ activity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in cell-based experiments. The fractions that enhance glucose homeostasis were then tested for their hypoglycemic effects and mechanism was examined. Materials and methods: The fractions (FS-0, FS-20, FS-40, FS-60, FS-80, FS-100) were made by extracting Fructus Schisandrae with 70% ethanol followed by its fractionation with a XDA column with a different ratio of methanol and water. The insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and PPAR-γ agonistic actions of each fraction were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was determined in Min6 cells. The fraction(s) that were efficacious (200mg/kg bw) were orally given to 90% pancreatectomized (Px) diabetic rats for 8 weeks to evaluate insulin sensitivity in euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and insulin secretion at hyperglycemic clamp. Results: FS-60 contains schizandrin, gomisin A and angeloylgomisin H while FS-80 contains deoxyschizandrin, γ-schizandrin, and gomisin N. A PPAR-γ agonistic action was greater in the ascending order of the control, FS-80 and FS-60 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. FS-60 increased the glucose disposal rates of Px rats as much as rosiglitazone during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp while hepatic glucose output at hyperinsulinemic clamped states decreased in the descending order of the control, FS-80, FS-60 with potentiating insulin signaling. At hyperglycemic clamp only FS-60 potentiated first phase insulin secretion in diabetic animals; the second phase was not increased. Conclusions: FS-60, a lignan-rich fraction, improves glucose homeostasis by increasing glucose disposal rates and enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity by working as a PPAR-γ agonist in type-2 diabetic rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]