Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
Volume 15,Issue 10,2025 Table of Contents
2025, 15(10):399-406.
DOI: 10.4103/apjtb.apjtb_330_25
Abstract:
Crocin is a plant ingredient mainly found in the extract of Crocus sativus (Saffron). This carotenoid compound has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antihypertensive properties. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of crocin. Data were retrieved from 2015 until the end of April 2025 using databases including the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. According to the findings of previous studies, the therapeutic effects of crocin on various organs can be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, enhance antioxidant activities, reduce inflammatory reactions, and modulate the PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and PPARγ/LXRs signaling pathways.
Crocin is a plant ingredient mainly found in the extract of Crocus sativus (Saffron). This carotenoid compound has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antihypertensive properties. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of crocin. Data were retrieved from 2015 until the end of April 2025 using databases including the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. According to the findings of previous studies, the therapeutic effects of crocin on various organs can be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, enhance antioxidant activities, reduce inflammatory reactions, and modulate the PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and PPARγ/LXRs signaling pathways.
Laxmi Sen Thakuri
,
DucDat Le
,
Hyun Jung Kim
,
Jung Jin Kim
,
Jong Bae Seo
,
Jong Cheol Park
,
Mina Lee
,
Dong Young Rhyu
2025, 15(10):407-419.
DOI: 10.4103/apjtb.apjtb_451_25
Abstract:
Objective: To isolate and identify active constituents from Gracilaria chorda extract prepared under subcritical water conditions at 210 ℃ (GCSW210) and evaluate their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese zebrafish larvae. Methods: GCSW210 was fractionated through solvent partitioning, ion-exchange chromatography, and silica gel medium-pressure liquid chromatography, followed by preparative high performance liquid chromatography. At each step, bioactivities were assessed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by Oil Red O staining and 2-NBDG uptake assays. The most active fractions were further purified, and isolated compounds were tested in HFD-induced obese zebrafish larvae. Results: Liquid chromatography-hyphenated analysis with reference standards identified two major compounds in GCSW210: 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and bis(5-formylfurfuryl) ether. Both compounds significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3- L1 adipocytes and modulated gene expression associated with adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and inflammation in zebrafish. They also enhanced glucose uptake, reduced circulating glucose levels, and improved insulin sensitivity. Notably, the effects were comparable to those of the crude GCSW210 extract. In silico docking studies confirmed stable interactions of both compounds with key metabolic and inflammatory targets, with bis(5-formylfurfuryl) ether showing stronger binding affinities. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and bis(5-formylfurfuryl) ether are key contributors to the therapeutic activity of Gracilaria chorda , highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient for the prevention or management of metabolic disorders.
Objective: To isolate and identify active constituents from Gracilaria chorda extract prepared under subcritical water conditions at 210 ℃ (GCSW210) and evaluate their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese zebrafish larvae. Methods: GCSW210 was fractionated through solvent partitioning, ion-exchange chromatography, and silica gel medium-pressure liquid chromatography, followed by preparative high performance liquid chromatography. At each step, bioactivities were assessed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by Oil Red O staining and 2-NBDG uptake assays. The most active fractions were further purified, and isolated compounds were tested in HFD-induced obese zebrafish larvae. Results: Liquid chromatography-hyphenated analysis with reference standards identified two major compounds in GCSW210: 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and bis(5-formylfurfuryl) ether. Both compounds significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3- L1 adipocytes and modulated gene expression associated with adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and inflammation in zebrafish. They also enhanced glucose uptake, reduced circulating glucose levels, and improved insulin sensitivity. Notably, the effects were comparable to those of the crude GCSW210 extract. In silico docking studies confirmed stable interactions of both compounds with key metabolic and inflammatory targets, with bis(5-formylfurfuryl) ether showing stronger binding affinities. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and bis(5-formylfurfuryl) ether are key contributors to the therapeutic activity of Gracilaria chorda , highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient for the prevention or management of metabolic disorders.
2025, 15(10):420-431.
DOI: 10.4103/apjtb.apjtb_232_25
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the potential of hydro-alcoholic extract of Gentiana lutea roots (GLE) in scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice. Methods: The active chemical constituents were determined by GC-MS analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. Ex vivo anti-acetylcholinesterase assay was conducted to investigate the effect on the cholinergic system. A scopolamine-induced memory impairment model was used. The levels of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein were measured. The behavioral studies were performed through Morris water maze and passive avoidance learning tests, followed by estimation of biochemical markers (GSH and MDA), immunohistochemistry, and histopathological studies on isolated brain tissues. Results: GLE exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of (76.68±2.28) μg/mL. GLE also manifested inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase [IC50 (36.58±0.73) μg/mL] to upregulate the cholinergic system. GLE at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly restored the memory impairment induced by scopolamine. GLE at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced brain oxidative stress (P<0.001). Immunohistochemistry investigation showed a significant reduction in Aβ deposition and p-tau protein expression in the GLE treatment groups (P<0.001). Administration of GLE effectively reduced scopolamine-induced neuronal damage in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that GLE ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment by alleviating Aβ/ p-tau protein accumulation and upregulation in the cholinergic system to improve cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems.
Objective: To investigate the potential of hydro-alcoholic extract of Gentiana lutea roots (GLE) in scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice. Methods: The active chemical constituents were determined by GC-MS analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. Ex vivo anti-acetylcholinesterase assay was conducted to investigate the effect on the cholinergic system. A scopolamine-induced memory impairment model was used. The levels of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein were measured. The behavioral studies were performed through Morris water maze and passive avoidance learning tests, followed by estimation of biochemical markers (GSH and MDA), immunohistochemistry, and histopathological studies on isolated brain tissues. Results: GLE exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of (76.68±2.28) μg/mL. GLE also manifested inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase [IC50 (36.58±0.73) μg/mL] to upregulate the cholinergic system. GLE at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly restored the memory impairment induced by scopolamine. GLE at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced brain oxidative stress (P<0.001). Immunohistochemistry investigation showed a significant reduction in Aβ deposition and p-tau protein expression in the GLE treatment groups (P<0.001). Administration of GLE effectively reduced scopolamine-induced neuronal damage in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that GLE ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment by alleviating Aβ/ p-tau protein accumulation and upregulation in the cholinergic system to improve cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems.
Amina Ishfaq
,
Hafiz Muhammad Zubair
,
Farah Abid
,
Naeem Ur Rehman
,
Umair Ikram Dar
,
Shahid Muhammad Iqbal
,
Ali Sharif
,
Muhammad Saad Majeed
,
Muhammad Akhlaq
,
Samiullah Khan
2025, 15(10):432-442.
DOI: 10.4103/apjtb.apjtb_321_25
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanol fraction of Verbascum thapsus L. (EFVT) against CCl4-induced liver injury and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods: The assessment of antioxidant properties and cell viability was conducted using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and HepG2 cells, respectively. The in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy of EFVT was evaluated in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury by determining biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress- and inflammation-related markers. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was also employed for the qualitative analysis of its phytochemical composition. Results: GC-MS analysis of EFVT revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds such as 3 methyl mannoside and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid. Oral administration of EFVT significantly mitigated CCl4-induced liver injury, as evidenced by reduced levels of total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde, boosted activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, as well as enhanced glutathione levels. Histopathological examinations indicated EFVT restored abnormal liver architecture and reduced inflammation. Additionally, EFVT substantially downregulated the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β , TNF-α , and NF-κB, and upregulated IL-10 expression. Conclusions: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of EFVT in ameliorating liver damage associated with oxidative stress, providing scientific validation for its traditional utilization in ethnomedicine.
Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanol fraction of Verbascum thapsus L. (EFVT) against CCl4-induced liver injury and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods: The assessment of antioxidant properties and cell viability was conducted using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and HepG2 cells, respectively. The in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy of EFVT was evaluated in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury by determining biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress- and inflammation-related markers. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was also employed for the qualitative analysis of its phytochemical composition. Results: GC-MS analysis of EFVT revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds such as 3 methyl mannoside and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid. Oral administration of EFVT significantly mitigated CCl4-induced liver injury, as evidenced by reduced levels of total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde, boosted activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, as well as enhanced glutathione levels. Histopathological examinations indicated EFVT restored abnormal liver architecture and reduced inflammation. Additionally, EFVT substantially downregulated the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β , TNF-α , and NF-κB, and upregulated IL-10 expression. Conclusions: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of EFVT in ameliorating liver damage associated with oxidative stress, providing scientific validation for its traditional utilization in ethnomedicine.
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