20:1 PEEL 100g is $75

20:1 SPICE 100g is $75

Combo for $100 (save $50!)

INTERSTELLAR PEEL BLEND FLAVONOID POWERHOUSE

Insulin Sensitivity Restorer/ Diabetes Destroyer

20:1 100g = 37.5 1 tsp servings

*20:1 means it takes 20kg to make 1kg

Fix the oxidative stress and you fix the insulin resistance. Diabetes is a byproduct of free radical damage. Flavonoids are the most powerful free radical scavengers on the planet. The vast majority of flavonoids are in the PEELS— the part everyone THROWS AWAY! No wonder diabetes and insulin resistance is rampant! Don’t believe me??? Check your blood sugar now and eat some orange peels for a few days and check again and you will see a HUGE improvement.

Increased oxidative stress precedes the onset of high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance and obesity

“We demonstrate that the pathways for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress are coordinately up-regulated in both the liver and adipose tissue of mice fed an HFD before the onset of insulin resistance through discrete mechanism. “

FLAVONOIDS LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

“Flavonoids from all 5 subgroups have been shown to attenuate a rise in or to reduce blood pressure during several pathological conditions (hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus). Flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and flavanols were able to modulate blood pressure by restoring endothelial function, either directly, by affecting nitric oxide levels, or indirectly, through other pathways.”

Oxidative stress shortens telomeres

“Telomeres in most human cells shorten with each round of DNA replication, because they lack the enzyme telomerase. This is not, however, the only determinant of the rate of loss of telomeric DNA. Oxidative damage is repaired less well in telomeric DNA than elsewhere in the chromosome, and oxidative stress accelerates telomere loss, whereas antioxidants decelerate it.”

Depression, anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment are associated with increased oxidative stress

“Co-occurrence of anxiety–depression like behaviors and memory deficits in rats correlates with elevated oxidative stress.”

Oxidative Stress and Anxiety: Relationship and Cellular Pathways

Anxiety is an alarm going off in your brain saying, “Yo!!! Yeah you!!! We got problems!!!”

“High O2 consumption, modest antioxidant defenses and a lipid-rich constitution make the brain highly vulnerable to redox imbalances. Oxidative damage in the brain causes nervous system impairment. Recently, oxidative stress has also been implicated in depression, anxiety disorders and high anxiety levels. The findings which establish a link between oxidative stress and pathological anxiety have inspired a number of other recent studies focusing on the link between oxidative status and normal anxiety and also on a possible causal relationship between cellular oxidative stress and emotional stress. This review examines the recent discoveries made on the link between oxidative status and normal anxiety levels and the putative role of oxidative stress in genesis of anxiety. We discuss the different opinions and questions that exist in the field and review the methodological approaches that are being used to determine a causal relationship between oxidative and emotional stress.”

Oxidative stress, cellular senescence and aging

“Almost a half century ago, the free radical theory of aging proposed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key component which contributes to the pathophysiology of aging in mammalian cells. Over the years, numerous studies have documented the role of oxidative stress caused by ROS in the aging process of higher organisms. In particular, several age-associated disease models suggest that ROS and oxidative stress modulate the incidence of age-related pathologies, and that it can strongly influence the aging process and possibly lifespan. The exact mechanism of ROS and oxidative stress-induced age-related pathologies is not yet very clear. Damage to biological macromolecules caused by ROS is thought to result in many age-related chronic diseases. At the cellular level, increased ROS leads to cellular senescence among other cellular fates including apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. ”

Excessive caloric intake acutely causes oxidative stress

“These results suggest that the initial event caused by overnutrition may be oxidative stress, which produces insulin resistance, at least in part, via carbonylation and oxidation-induced inactivation of GLUT4.”

Oxidative stress and metabolic disorders

Acute oxidative stress and the ketogenic diet

Autophagy as a Molecular Target of Flavonoids Underlying their Protective Effects in Human Disease.

“Autophagy is a cellular pathway with the ability to maintain cell homeostasis through the elimination of damaged or useless cellular components, and its deregulation may initiate or aggravate different human diseases. Flavonoids, a group of plant metabolites, are able to modulate different molecular and cellular processes including autophagy.

Analyzed publications indicated that imbalance between cell death and survival induced by changes in autophagy play an important role in the pathophysiology of a number of human diseases. The use of different flavonoids as autophagy modulators, alone or in combination with other molecules, might be a worthy strategy in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hepatic diseases, leishmaniasis, influenza, gastric ulcers produced by Helicobacter pylori infection, diabetes, asthma, age-related macular degeneration or osteoporosis.”

RLIP76

When you turn off RLIP76 in mice they can’t get cancer, diabetes or become obese.

2-Hydroxyflavanone inhibits RLIP76 and can be found naturally in parsley, onion peels, berries, tea, and citrus fruit peels.

RLIP76 inhibition (via FLAVONOIDS IN orange peel) prevents Obesity, Metabolic syndrome and cancer

“Feeding a Western high-fat diet (HFD) to C57BL/6 mice induces obesity, associated with a chronic inflammatory state, lipid transport, and metabolic derangements, and organ system effects that particularly prominent in the kidneys. Here, we report that RLIP76 homozygous knock-out (RLIP76−/−) mice are highly resistant to obesity as well as these other features of metabolic syndrome caused by HFD. The normal increase in pro-inflammatory and fibrotic markers associated with HFD induced obesity in wild-type C57B mice was broadly and nearly completely abrogated in RLIP76−/− mice. This is a particularly striking finding because chemical markers of oxidative stress including lipid hydroperoxides and alkenals were significantly higher in RLIP76−/− mice. Whereas HFD caused marked suppression of AMPK in wild-type C57B mice, RLIP76−/−.

The baseline renal function was reduced in mice had baseline activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which was not further affected by HFDRLIP76−/− mice as compared with wild-type, but was unaffected by HFD, in marked contrast to severe renal impairment and glomerulopathy in the wild-type mice given HFD. Our findings confirm a fundamental role of RLIP76 in regulating the function of obesity-promoting pro-inflammatory cytokines, and provide a novel mechanism for targeted therapy of obesity and metabolic syndrome.”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743508/

“When you get rid of this [RLIP76] gene in a mouse, it would appear that the mouse can’t get obese, it can’t get diabetes, it can’t get high cholesterol and it can’t get cancer,” explained Sanjay Awasthi, M.D., professor in the Division of Molecular Diabetes Research at City of Hope hospital.

RLIP76, a Glutathione-Conjugate Transporter, Plays a Major Role in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome

Our recently published studies demonstrate that RLIP76−/− mice used for these studies were found to have marked insulin-sensitivity, and blood glucose was 46% lower than in RLIP76+/+animals (p<0.001). RLIP76−/− mice also had lower total serum cholesterol and triglycerides (43% and 40% of control, respectively; p<0.01) [1]. The hypoglycemia in RLIP76−/− mice is particularly remarkable because markers of oxidative-stress are remarkably increased in the tissues of the RLIP76−/− animals [1], [23]–[25]. Thus, in the absence of RLIP76, increases in these lipid-peroxidation products are insufficient by themselves to turn on any signaling pathway that can increase BG or lipids. Increased gluconeogenesis was particularly remarkable given that the activity of key gluconeogenic enzymes, G6Pase, F1,6-BPase, and PEPCK, in liver of RLIP76−/− mice was significantly inhibited.

Enhanced basal pAMPK levels in RLIP76−/− mice was another salient finding which strengthens the postulate that RLIP76 is a highly effective target for developing interventional strategies for MSy. Resveratrol, commonly used anti-oxidant, is known to activate AMPK which could contribute to its protective effects from high fat diet induced insulin-resistance [53], [54]. AMPK protects cells from stresses that cause ATP depletion by switching off ATP-consuming biosynthetic pathways. AMPK is activated by phosphorylation by an upstream protein kinase known as AMPK kinase. Activated AMPK can phosphorylate and regulate in vivo HMG-CoA, which is key regulatory enzyme of sterol synthesis [43], [47]. HMG-CoA limits the rate of cholesterol synthesis in liver tissue. Lipitor, inhibitor of HMG-CoA, exerts anti-inflammatory effects by lowering plasma cholesterol. Activation of AMPK leads to the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by the phosphorylation of HMG-CoA reductase [43]. Loss of RLIP76 significantly affects the activation of stress and apoptosis pathway proteins [1], [25], [35]. Activation of AMPK leads to the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by the phosphorylation of HMGCR. AMPK activation would be a good approach to treat T2D. These medications generally function to increase the effectiveness of insulin-mediated postprandial inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. These findings provide a new insight on the mechanisms of action of hypoglycemic and/or hypolipidemic drugs.

RLIP76 knock-out mice survive well and are active. In our extensive and previously published studies, RLIP76 inhibition specifically leads to targeting signaling of importance in diabetes mellitus and other oxidative stress related conditions like cancers where targeting RLIP76 leads to selective cancer cell death without affecting the survival of normal cells and tissues [1],[31]–[33]. Hence, both global and selectively targeted approaches can be reasonably pursued as required while targeting RLIP76. In conclusion, our results suggest that RLIP76 is a key effector controlled by multiple proteins known to regulate the metabolic abnormalities of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and that in its absence drugs that target these proteins will fail to function. The specific events that regulate the transport-effector/clathrin-endocytosis activity of RLIP76 (i.e. phosphorylation of RLIP76 by JNK, Akt, AMPK) will be explored in the future studies.

2′-Hydroxyflavanone (a flavonoid in orange peel): A novel strategy for targeting breast cancer

Intake of citrus fruits is known to reduce the risk for incidence of breast cancer. Hence, we tested the efficacy of citrus flavonoid 2′-hydroxyflavanone (2HF) in breast cancer. 2HF inhibited survival, clonogenic ability, cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. 2HF also decreased VEGF levels and inhibited migratory capacity of breast cancer cells. Administration of 2HF led to regression of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 tumors in the mice xenograft model. 2HF decreased the levels of RLIP76 both studies and MDA-MB-231 xenograft model of breast cancer. Western blot and histopathological analyses of resected tumors showed a decline in the levels of survival and proliferation markers Ki67, pAkt, survivin, and cell cycle proteins CDK4 and cyclin B1. 2HF treatment led to inhibition of angiogenesis as determined by decreased VEGF levels and angiogenesis marker CD31 . 2HF reversed the pro-/anti-apoptotic ratio of BAX/BCL-2 by decreasing anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and increasing pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BIM . 2HF also decreased the mesenchymal markers vimentin and fibronectin along with causing a parallel increase in pro-differentiation protein E-cadherin. Collectively, the ability of 2HF to decrease RLIP76, VEGF and regulate critical proliferative, apoptotic and differentiation proteins together provides strong rationale to further develop 2HF based interventions for targeting breast cancer.

It takes about 16 oranges to get a good dose of 2HF. Get the INTERSTELLAR PEEL BLEND instead in either 20:1 or 200:1 concentrations which is like eating that many oranges in just a few small scoops!

AWESOME MADE CONVENIENT!

INGREDIENTS:

Annona cherimola Mill.(cherimoya) peel

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Annona cherimola Miller and Rutin on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

“It can be concluded from the data that EEAc is beneficial in controlling the blood glucose level in experimental diabetic rats and according to in vivo studies it acts as α-glucosidase inhibitor. This effect can be attributed in part to the presence of flavonol glycoside, rutin. In addition, results validate the use of A. cherimola in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Finally, it is the first bioassay-guided about the chemistry and antidiabetic properties of A. cherimola.”

Apple peel extract (malus domestica)

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE PHENOLICS FROM POSTHARVEST STAGES FOR POTENTIAL TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT USINGIN VITRO MODELS

“An increasing number of studies indicate that regular intake of fruits and vegetables have clear links to reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The beneficial effects in many cases have been attributed to the phenolic and antioxidant content of the fruits and vegetables. Apples are a major source of fiber and contain good dietary phenolics with antioxidant function.

Previous epidemiological studies have indicated that intake of apples reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Our studies indicate that this reduced risk is potentially because of the modulation of postprandial glucose increase by phenolics present in apples via inhibition ofα‐glucosidase. Phenolic content was evaluated during 3 months of postharvest storage of four varieties of apples and results indicated positive linkage to enhanced postharvest preservation andα‐glucosidase inhibition. These in vitro results along with existing epidemiological studies provide strong biochemical rationale for further animal or human clinical studies.”

Banana peel (Musa Cavendish) extract

In vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic and oral glucose tolerance test of banana peels

“Banana fruit is claimed to have antidiabetic effects despite its high calorie content, and its peels also contain vital phytoconstituents including gallocatechin. Previously banana pulp has been studied for antihyperglycemic effects, and in the present investigation antihyperglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of inner peels of Musa sapientum (EMS), Musa paradisiaca (EMP), Musa cavendish (EMC) and Musa acuminata (EMA) fruit was evaluated using oral glucose tolerance test in normoglycemic rats. In vitro antioxidant study was conducted using DPPH, H2O2 radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power assay. Wistar rats were divided into fourteen groups and twelve groups received different doses of aforementioned extracts, while control group received gum acacia solution and remaining group received standard drug, glimepiride. All the rats received glucose load at a dose of 2 g/kg body weight. Groups treated with EMC and EMA showed significant decrease in glucose level (p < 0.01) at 150 min as compared to control group. In hypoglycemic study, only EMP 500 mg/kg, p.o. treated group revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in glucose level at 120 min, while other groups did not show any sign of hypoglycemia. In glucose tolerance test, animals treated with EMC and EMA depicted dose dependent antihyperglycemic effect at 150 min while EMS and EMP showed significant reduction in plasma glucose at higher doses. In a similar fashion, EMA i.e. M. acuminata demonstrated highest antioxidant activity followed by EMC against DPPH radical. In ferric reducing power and H2O2 scavenging assay, EMA demonstrated maximal antioxidant activity when compared with other extracts.”

Benincasa hispida peel extract

The Pharmacological Importance of Benincasa hispida

“Benincasa hispida phytochemical analysis showed that the major constituents of Benincasa hispida fruits are volatile oils , flavonoids, glycosides, sacchrides, proteins, carotenes, vitamins, minerals, ß-sitosterin and uronic acid. The pharmacological studies revealed that the plant exerted many pharmacological activities , including central nervous effects ( anxiolytic , muscle relaxant , antidepressant , in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and to minimize opiates withdrawal signs), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiasthmatic, diuretic , nephroprotective , antidiabetic , hypolipidemic and antimicrobial effects .”

Bitter Orange peel extract (Citrus aurantium)

HYPOGLYCEMIC AND HYPOLIPIDIMIC ACTIVITY OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF CITRUS AURANTIUM IN NORMAL AND ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

“Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder caused by partial or complete insulin deficiency, which produces inadequate glucose control and leads to acute and chronic complications. Premature and extensive arteriosclerosis involving renal, peripheral, and cardiovascular vessels remain the major complication of diabetes mellitus. Alteration in the serum lipid profile is known to occur in diabetes and this is likely to increase the risk for coronary heart disease. A reduction in serum lipids, particularly of the LDL and VLDL fraction and triglycerides, should be considered as being beneficial for the long-term prognosis of these patients.13 Lowering of blood glucose and plasma lipid levels through dietary modification and drug therapy seems to be associated with a decrease in the risk of vascular disease. In the present study, treatment with Citrus aurantium ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) in normal rats produced significant decrease in blood glucose level. The hypoglycemic effect may be due to increased secretion of insulin from the b-cells of the pancreas, i.e., pancreatotrophic action.14 The results were comparable with that of tolbutamide, which acts by stimulation of insulin release,15 thus further confirming that the extract lowers the blood glucose by a similar action.

Moreover, Citrus aurantium produced significant beneficial effects in the lipid profile in euglycemic rats, reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL, and increasing HDL, significantly. The ethanolic extract increased secretion of insulin from b-cells of pancreas; this increased secretion of insulin stimulates fatty acid biosynthesis and also the incorporation of fatty acids into triglycerides in the liver and adipose tissue.16 Alloxan, a beta cytotoxin, induces ‘chemical diabetes’ in a wide variety of animal species by damaging the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas. Literature sources indicate that alloxan rats are hyperglycemic.17 The use of lower doses of alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w./i.p.) produced a partial destruction of pancreatic b-cells even though the animals became permanently diabetic. Thus, these animals have surviving b-cells and regeneration is possible.18 It is well known that the sulfonylureas (tolbutamide) act by directly stimulating the b-cells of the Islets of Langerhans More Details to release more insulin and these compounds are active in mild alloxan-induced diabetes where as they.17 Since our results show that tolbutamide reduced the blood glucose levels in the diabetic animals, the state of diabetes is not severe.

Prolonged administration of an ethanolic extract of Citrus aurantium leads to significant reduction in blood glucose level, which is in agreement with other studies.18,20 The hypoglycemic activity of the drug was due to the regeneration of pancreatic cells that were partially destroyed by alloxan, and potentiation of insulin secretion from surviving b-cells of the islets of Langerhans.21 Diabetic rats were observed to have increased plasma lipids, which are responsible for several cardiovascular disorders.22 The higher lipid levels seen in diabetic rats was due to increased mobilization of free fatty acids from peripheral depots and also due to lipolysis caused by hormones.23,24 The ethanolic extract leads to regeneration of the b-cells of the pancreas and potentiation of insulin secretion from surviving b-cells; the increase in insulin secretion and the consequent decrease in blood glucose level may lead to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and control of lipolytic hormones.

In this context, a number of other plants have also been reported to have antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and insulin stimulatory effects.25,26,27 It is well known that LDL plays an important role in arteriosclerosis and that hypercholesterolemia is associated with a defect relating to the lack of LDL receptors. The decrease of cholesterol and LDL levels achieved by administration of ethanolic extract, demonstrates a possible protection against hypercholesterolemia and the harm this condition brings about. Further studies are needed to identify the chemical constituents of the ethanolic extract of Citrus aurantium that may be responsible for the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity.”

Blueberry peel extract

Antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in peel and flesh of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) cultivars

“This study was designed to evaluate cultivar variations in phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity of peel and flesh; and to determine their potential inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase in 33 blueberry (Vaccinium species) cultivars, including 29 rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade) blueberries, two V. ashei hybrid derivatives, and two northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). The relation of phenolic, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity to α-glucosidase inhibition in blueberries also was investigated. It was found that peel tissue possessed higher levels of total anthocyanins (TA), total phenolics (TP), antioxidant capacity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than flesh tissue in all blueberries tested. The percentage contributions of peel to whole berry on scavenging capacity against peroxyl free radicals (ROO), hydroxyl radicals (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) radicals, were higher than those of flesh, even though the fruit contained much higher amounts of flesh than peel in terms of dry weight. Cultivars with high levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacities, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities could be selected for use in blueberry breeding programs to develop new lines with improved health benefits.”

Camellia sinensis fruit peel extract

bioactivities of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) fruit peel extracts: Antioxidant activity and inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase and α-amylase

Chinese Honey Orange peel extract (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF IN VITRO TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT, IN VIVO ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM LEAVES AND RIND OF CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO cv. MURCOT (HONEY)

“Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Murcot (honey) is one of the most important fruit tree crops in Pakistan. A detailed study regarding total antioxidant capacity (TAC), radical scavenging, antidiabetic and antimicrobial effects of the essential oils from leaves (CRL) and rind (CRR) of this plant were investigated. Essential oils obtained from steam distillation process were subjected to 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulpohonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolourization, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2.2’-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical decolourization, lipid peroxide inhibition using linoleic acid emulsion, superoxide anion radical scavenging and iron chelation activity assays. A linear correlation was observed between the percent inhibition of ABTS radical cation and the amount of essential oils from leaves (R2 =0.9978) and rind (R2 = 0.985). The percent superoxide anion radical scavenging activity was found to be 15.25 and 48.75 for CRL and CRR, respectively.

The reducing power in terms of FRAP values were found to be 1.2 and 0.173 mM FeSO4 for CRL and CRR, respectively. Both CRL and CRR exhibited good metal chelating activities, 56.10 and 61.82 for CRL and CRR, respectively. Best results regarding antidiabetic activity were shown by essential oils from leaves of Citrus reticulata with low as well as high concentrations. The oils also showed antibacterial and antifungal activities comparable to chloramphanicol. The data obtained from oils demonstrate the powerful antioxidative, radical scavenging, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties of the plant. The data presented here shows that Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Murcot (Honey) extracts have great antioxidant and radical scavenging activity and thus may be used as a good source of natural antioxidants. The in vivo efficacy of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Murcot (Honey) oils against diabetes mellitus or other degenerative diseases may be partially attributed to radical scavenging and antioxidant activity of the plant. “

Citrus × clementina peel extract mediated fabrication of silver nanoparticles with high efficacy against microbial pathogens and rat glial tumor C6 cells

“This study reports the use of orange (Citrus × clementina) peel aqueous extract (OPE) for one-pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with high effectiveness against various microbial pathogens as well as rat glial tumor C6 cells. The effects of various operational parameters on the synthesis of AgNPs were systematically investigated. The morphology, particle size, and properties of synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical in shape and monodispersed, with an average particle size of 15–20 nm.

Notably, the OPE-synthesized AgNPs were stable up to 6 months without change in their properties. Low doses of OPE-AgNPs inhibited the growth of human pathogens Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, andStaphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of AgNPs against selected pathogenic bacteria were determined. OPE-AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity in terms of ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 49.6 μg/mL) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 63.4 μg/mL). OPE-AgNPs showed dose-dependent response against rat glial tumor C6 cells (LD₅₀ 60 μg/mL) showing a promising potential as anticancer agents.”

Citrus depressa Hayata (shiikuwasa) peel extract

Effects of a Citrus depressa Hayata (shiikuwasa) extract on obesity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

“Citrus depressa Hayata (commonly known as shiikuwasa) is cultivated in the northern areas of Okinawa, Japan, and used as a juice. In this study, we examined the anti-obesity effects and mechanism of action of shiikuwasa peel extract (SE) using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD), HFD or HFD containing 1% or 1.5% (w/w) SE (HFD + 1 SE and HFD + 1.5 SE, respectively) for 5 weeks. The body weight gain and white adipose tissue weight were significantly decreased in the HFD + 1.5 SE group compared with the HFD group. The plasma triglyceride and leptin levels were also significantly reduced in the HFD + 1.5 SE group compared with the HFD group.

Histological examinations showed that the sizes of the adipocytes were significantly smaller in the HFD + 1.5 SE group than in the HFD group. The HFD + 1.5 SE group also showed significantly lower mRNA levels of lipogenesis-related genes, such as activating protein 2, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, acetyl-CoA-carboxylase 1, fatty acid transport protein and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, than the HFD group. These results suggest that the anti-obesity effects of SE may be elicited by regulating the expressions of lipogenesis-related genes in white adipose tissue.”

Citrus medica L. cv Diamante peel extract (rutaceae)

“This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic, antilipidaemic and antioxidant activities of Citrus medica cv Diamante (Rutaceae) hydroalcoholic (CD) peel extract in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. The ability of CD to protect against oxidative stress was investigated by using different in vitro assays and in vivo by using the reactive oxygen metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) test and the biological antioxidant potential test (BAP). Two different doses of CD extract (300 and 600 mg/kg/die) were administered at ZDF rats for 4 weeks. CD reduced cholesterol and triglycerides levels. A dose-dependent effect on body weight and serum glucose levels was observed. A decrease of d-ROMs and an increase of BAP were recorded by using the dose of 600 mg/kg. The extract inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ value of 0.23 mg/ml). These findings suggest as an efficient phytotherapeutic approach in combating hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic disorders.”

Cucumis sativus peel EXCTRACT

Protective Role of Three Vegetable Peels in Alloxan Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Male Mice

“In a preliminary study, effects of ethanolic extracts of Cucurbita pepo, Cucumis sativus and Praecitrullus fistulosus peels were studied at 250 and 500 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ for 15 days in the alterations in serum glucose and in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) in male mice. In the pilot experiment, the effective and safe concentration of each peel was administered (p.o.) for 10 consecutive days and then on 11th and 12th days alloxan was administered along with peel extracts. The treatment was continued up to 15th day.

At the end, alterations in serum glucose, insulin, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, hepatic lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase were studied. All the three peel extracts nearly reversed most of these changes induced by alloxan suggesting their possible role in ameliorating diabetes mellitus and related changes in serum lipids. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid contents of the test peels were also estimated, which appear to be associated with the observed antidiabetic and antioxidative potentials.”

Cucurbita pepo FRUIT peel extract

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“This study was aimed to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of different doses of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) powder in male diabetic rats. A total of 35 rats were randomized into 5 groups of 7 each as follows: Group 1: Normal control; Group 2: Diabetic control; Group 3: Diabetics administered with low doses of pumpkin powder (1 g/kg); Group 4: Diabetics administered with high doses of pumpkin powder (2 g/kg), and Group 5: Diabetics administered with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg), as positive control. The rats were made diabetic by alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight (BW)) injection and were treated for 4 weeks on a daily basis. Blood samples were collected following the experiment. Pancreatic specimens were also collected for histological analysis. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly increased, while insulin was decreased in diabetic rats as compared to the normal control group (p < 0.05). Low dose pumpkin significantly decreased glucose, triglycerides, LDL and CRP as compared to diabetic group and high dose pumpkin decreased cholesterol (p < 0.05). Histological analysis also revealed a significant increase in the diameter and number of langerhans islets in treated group with pumpkin, which was consistent with the latter findings. Therefore, pumpkin might be beneficial in diabetic patients.”

Dracaena cochinchinensis resin (dragons blood)

A Systematic Review of the Botanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Dracaena cochinchinensis, a Plant Source of the Ethnomedicine “Dragon’s Blood”

“Dragon’s blood” is the name given to a deep red resin obtained from a variety of plant sources. The resin extracted from stems of Dracaena cochinchinensis is one such source of “dragon’s blood”. It has a reputation for facilitating blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis. In traditional Chinese medicine, this resinous medicine is commonly prescribed to invigorate blood circulation for the treatment of traumatic injuries, blood stasis and pain. Modern pharmacological studies have found that this resinous medicine has anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor activities, while it is also known to enhance immune function, promote skin repair, stop bleeding and enhance blood circulation.

Various compounds have been isolated from the plant, including loureirin A, loureirin B, loureirin C, cochinchinenin, socotrin-4′-ol, 4′,7-dihydroxyflavan, 4-methylcholest-7-ene-3-ol, ethylparaben, resveratrol, and hydroxyphenol. The present review summarizes current knowledge concerning the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology studies and clinical applications of this resinous medicine as derived from D. cochinchinenesis.”

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) peel extract

Antidiabetic Activity of Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) and Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Fruit Peels in Alloxan Diabetic Rats

“Durian contains flavonoids, namely catechin and quercetin [23] as well as polyphenols and tannins [10]. Quercetin had activity Aldos reductase inhibitors that could potentially be used in therapeutic antihyperglycemia [24]. In the rambutan fruit peels contained flavonoids and tannins [12]. Ethanolic extract of rambutan fruit peels contained quercetin, geraniin [13] and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which had antihyperglycemia activity [14] as well as powerful antioxidants [15]. Based on the content of flavonoids catechin, quercetin and EGCG and polyphenols and tannins, a mechanism thought to decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic rats through inhibition of glucose absorption, stimulates the release of insulin and indirect mechanisms through the antioxidant processes.

Glucose binds to proteins can be oxidized and produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The combination of glycation and oxidation of glucose produces AGEs (advanced glycogen end-products) in which this process was irreversible long-lasting and can caused tissue damage. That glycated proteins and AGEs-modified proteins can lead to oxidative stress which can trigger the diabetic condition [22]. Another mechanism that was thought to have the effect of decreasing blood glucose levels in test animals, with the occurrence geraniin in rambutan fruit peel extract which had the ability to prevent the formation of AGEs [13]. This research has proven that the ethanol extract of durian rind and rambutan fruit peel can lowered blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced rats.

However, the mechanism of the antidiabetic activity of the ethanol extract of durian and rambutan fruit peels was not certainly. So the evaluation to determine the mechanism of molecular pharmacology decrease in blood glucose levels that occurs, needs to be done. In addition it is necessary to ensure what the active compounds are most responsible for its pharmacological activity.”

Grapefruit peel extract (Citrus paradisi)

Hawthorn (Crataegus Mexicana) peel extract

Antioxidant-mediated protective effect of hawthorn (Crataegus mexicana) peel extract in erythrocytes against oxidative damage

“This study provides the first in vitro evidence for an active role of C. mexicana as antioxidant on erythrocytes. Hawthorn is a fruit with anti-oxidant potential, reduces morphological changes and extends life span of the red blood cells in vitro. Such protection could be due to the inhibition of membrane lipoperoxidation and oxidative damage in cytoskeletal proteins. The conjunction of antioxidants in this extract, and not just specific purified antioxidants, could be helpful to keep normal the rheology properties of the erythrocyte apparently without any pro-oxidative damage.

The antioxidants present in the acetone extract may contribute to protect the erythrocyte cell membrane against lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress, thereby participating in diminishing the morphological and many rheology changes that may happen in the pathogenesis of vasoocclusive diseases, such diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, different types of anemia, and the inhibition of cell storage lesion in RBCs.

More studies are required to correctly identify the bioactive compounds of C. mexicana and how it contribute to the erythrocyte protection, and their mechanisms of action in the protection of the RBCs. This study give the scientific biochemical bases to use hawthorn extracts in a clinical setting, to prevent or treat many diseases and conditions associated to oxidative stress.”

Huyou (Citrus changshanensis) fruit peel extract

Purification of naringin and neohesperidin from Huyou (Citrus changshanensis) fruit and their effects on glucose consumption in human HepG2 cells

“Huyou (Citrus changshanensis) is rich in naringin and neohesperidin, which are natural flavanone glycosides with a range of biological activities. Among the different fruit parts, i.e. flavedo, albedo, segment membrane (SM), and juice sacs (JS), albedo showed the highest contents of both compounds, with 27.00 and 19.09 mg/g DW for naringin and neohesperidin, respectively. Efficient simultaneous purification of naringin and neohesperidin from Huyou albedo was established by the combination of macroporous D101 resin chromatography and high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC).

Purified naringin and neohesperidin were identified by both HPLC and LC–MS, and their effects on glucose consumption were investigated in HepG2 cells. Cells treated with naringin and neohesperidin showed increased consumption of glucose, and this was associated with increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Therefore, naringin and neohesperidin from Huyou may act as potential hypoglycaemic agents through regulation of glucose metabolism.”

The Jujube (Ziziphus Jujuba Mill.) Fruit: A Review of Current Knowledge of Fruit Composition and Health Benefits

“The nutritional jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) fruit belonging to the Rhamnaceous family grows mostly in Europe, southern and eastern Asia, and Australia, especially the inland region of northern China. Jujube has a long history of usage as a fruit and remedy. The main biologically active components are vitamin C, phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenic acids, and polysaccharides. Recent phytochemical studies of jujube fruits have shed some light on their biological effects, such as the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective activities and inhibition of foam cell formation in macrophages. A stronger focus on clinical studies and phytochemical definition of jujube fruits will be essential for future research efforts. This review may be useful for predicting other medicinal uses and potential drug or food interactions and may be beneficial for people living where the jujube fruits are prevalent and health care resources are scarce.”

Kumquat (Fortunella margarita ) peel

Lagenaria siceraria peel extract in the regulation of hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation in mice

” In conclusion, our present findings reveal that the peel extract of Lagenaria siceraria, not only regulates lipid peroxidation, but also appears to be a promising agent for the amelioration of hyperthyroidism or hyperglycemia.”

Lansium domesticum fruit peel extract

Determination of Free Radical Scavenging, Antioxidative DNA Damage Activities and Phytochemical Components of Active Fractions fromLansium domesticum Corr. Fruit

“The peel of L. domesticum fruits possessed higher O₂^−• and OH^• scavenging activity than the seeds, particularly when extracted with 50% aqueous ethanol and partitioned with ethyl acetate (LDSK50-EA). This fraction had high potential of both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants. Moreover, LDSK50-EA had a geno-protective effect by reduction of the DNA damage induced by H₂O₂ radicals, proven by comet assay in TK6 cells. This study generated new and updated information on the biological activity of extracts of long-kong fruits. It may lead to a discovery of new alternative sources of natural antioxidant and anti-genotoxic substances for the prophylaxis or treatment of free radical-related diseases as well as the development of the nutraceutical product industry.”

Mango peel extract (Mangifera indica)

Anti‐diabetic effect of dietary mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

Meyer Lemon peel extract (Citrus × meyeri)

Protective effects of lemon flavonoids on oxidative stress in diabetic rats

“The effects of lemon flavonoids, as crude flavonoids prepared from lemon juice, were investigated in diabetic rats. The oxidative stress of eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐β‐rutinoside) and hesperidin (hesperetin 7‐O‐β‐rutinoside) on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetic rats were given a diet which contained 0.2% crude flavonoids, 0.2% eriocitrin, and 0.2% hesperidin. After the 28‐d feeding period, the concentration of the thiobarbituric acid‐ reactive substance in the serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats administered crude flavonoids, eriocitrin, and hesperidin significantly decreased as compared with that of the diabetic group.

The levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, which is exchanged from deoxyguanosine owing to oxidative stress, in the urine of diabetic rats administered eriocitrin and hesperidin significantly decreased as compared with that of the diabetic rat group. Crude flavonoids, eriocitrin, and hesperidin suppressed the oxidative stress in the diabetic rats. These results demonstrated that dietary lemon flavonoids of eriocitrin and hesperidin play a role as antioxidant in vivo.”

Momordica charantia fruit peel extract

Modulation of xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress in chronic streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats fed with Momordica charantia fruit extract

“We studied the long‐term effects of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes on tissue‐specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glutathione‐dependent (GSH‐dependent) xenobiotic metabolism in rats. In addition, we also studied the effect of antidiabetic Momordica charantia (karela) fruit‐extract feeding on the modulation of xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress in rats with diabetes. Our results have indicated an increase (35–50%) in CYP4A‐dependent lauric acid hydroxylation in liver, kidney, and brain of diabetic rats. About a two‐fold increase in CYP2E‐dependent hepatic aniline hydroxylation and a 90–100% increase in CYP1A‐dependent ethoxycoumarin‐O‐deethylase activities in kidney and brain were also observed. A significant increase (80%) in aminopyrene N‐demethylase activity was observed only in rat kidney, and a decrease was observed in the liver and brain of diabetic rats.

A significant increase (77%) in NADPH‐dependent lipid peroxidation (LPO) in kidney of diabetic rats was also observed. On the other hand, a decrease in hepatic LPO was seen during chronic diabetes. During diabetes an increased expression of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and CYP4A1 isoenzymes was also seen by Western blot analysis. Karela‐juice feeding modulates the enzyme expression and catalytic activities in a tissue‐ and isoenzyme‐specific manner. A marked decrease (65%) in hepatic GSH content and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity and an increase (about two‐fold) in brain GSH and GST activity was observed in diabetic rats. On the other hand, renal GST was markedly reduced, and GSH content was moderately higher than that of control rats. Western blot analyses using specific antibodies have confirmed the tissue‐specific alterations in the expression of GST isoenzymes. Karela‐juice feeding, in general, reversed the effect of chronic diabetes on the modulation of both P450‐dependent monooxygenase activities and GSH‐dependent oxidative stress related LPO and GST activities.

These results have suggested that the modulation of xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress in various tissues may be related to altered metabolism of endogenous substrates and hormonal status during diabetes. The findings may have significant implications in elucidating the therapeutic use of antidiabetic drugs and management of Type 1 diabetes in chronic diabetic patients.”

Niihime (Citrus unshiu Citrus tachibana) fruit peel

Isolation of a New Ferulate Derivative from Niihime Fruit, a Sour Citrus Fruit, and Its Antioxidative Activity

“Niihime is a sour Citrus fruit produced along the coast of the Sea of Kumano in the Mie prefecture of Japan. A novel ferulate derivative was isolated from niihime fruit. The structure of the compound was elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and identified as saccharic acid 1,4-lactone 3,5-di-O-ferulate by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and MS analyses.

The new compound exhibited significantly higher antioxidative activity than ferulic acid, a parent molecule of the compound, and trolox, a standard antioxidant, as measured by an ORAC assay (P < 0.05). Further, it was abundantly contained in the flavedo, albedo, and segment epidermis of the niihime peel.”

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) peel

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Olive leaf (Olea europaea)

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effects of Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein from Olive Leaves in Alloxan-Diabetic Rats

“This study was designed to test the antidiabetic and antioxidative activities of olive leaf oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Diabetes in Wistar rats was induced by intraperitoneal injections of alloxan. The serum glucose and cholesterol, hepatic glycogen, the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and the components of hepatic and serum antioxidant system were examined. Diabetic rats showed hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, increased lipid peroxidation, and depletion in the antioxidant enzymes activities.

The administration, for 4 weeks, of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol rich extracts, leading to 8 and 16 mg/kg body weight of each compound, significantly decreased the serum glucose and cholesterols levels and restored the antioxidant perturbations. These results suggested that the antidiabetic effect of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol might be due to their antioxidant activities restraining the oxidative stress which is widely associated with diabetes pathologies and complications.”

Onion peel extract (Allium cepa)

Onion peel extracts ameliorate hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Pear peel extracts (Pyrus spp.)

Anti-diabetic activity in type 2 diabetic mice and α-glucosidase inhibitory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of chemically profiled pear peel and pulp extracts (Pyrus spp.)

“Total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, total triterpenes contents, and eleven monomeric compounds, derived from eight different pears’ peel and pulp, were qualitatively and quantitively profiled utilizing HPLC and HPLC-MS. All the chemical components found in the peel were approximately 2 to 18 folds concentrated than those in the pulp. Their antioxidant (reducing power and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl/DPPH assay) and anti-inflammatory (xylene-induced mouse ear edema assay) activities were comparatively evaluated. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were utilized to seek bioactive components in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Subsequently, Yaguang pear (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim, with high polyphenols content) was selected to investigate in vitroand in vivo anti-diabetic potential (α-glucosidase inhibition assay and hypoglycemic assay in streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice). Eleven monomeric compounds were seriatim examined for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity to fish out anti-diabetic components. For the first time, this study delineated pear peel’s anti-diabetic prospect of treatment for type 2 diabetes.”

Persimmon peel extract

Protective effect of persimmon peel polyphenol against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in LLC-PK₁ cells

“The effect of persimmon peel polyphenol (PPP) on high glucose-induced oxidative stress was investigated using LLC-PK₁ cells, which is susceptible to oxidative stress. High-concentration glucose (30 mM) treatment induced LLC-PK₁ cell death, but high molecular-PPP (HMPPP) and low molecular-PPP (LMPPP), at concentrations of 5 or 10 μg/ml, significantly inhibited the high glucose-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, treatment with HMPPP or LMPPP dose-dependently reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species level increased by 30 mM glucose. In addition, nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxynitrite levels were increased by 30 mM glucose treatment, but they were concentration-dependently inhibited by HMPPP or LMPPP treatment.

High glucose levels induced the overexpressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins, but HMPPP or LMPPP treatment reduced the overexpressions of these proteins. HMPPP or LMPPP also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) induced by 30 mM glucose in LLC-PK₁ cells. In particular, LMPPP exhibited stronger inhibitory activities on high glucose induced oxidative stress than HMPPP.

These findings indicate the potential benefits of persimmon peel as a valuable source of antioxidants in the diabetic condition which will reduce the oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia.”

Petroselinum crispum extract

Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the liver of diabetic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

“Parsley is used by diabetics in Turkey to reduce blood glucose. The present study aims to investigate both the morphological and biochemical effects of parsley on liver tissue. Rat hepatocytes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Degenerative changes were observed in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats.

These degenerative changes were significantly reduced or absent in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats treated with parsley. Blood glucose levels, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were observed to be raised in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with parsley demonstrated significantly lower levels of blood glucose, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.

The present study suggests that parsley demonstrates a significant hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats.”

Pineapple (Ananas cosmosus) peel extract

ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF PINEAPPLE (ANANAS COSMOSUS) PEEL EXTRACT ON ALCOHOL‐INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN SPLENIC TISSUES OF MALE ALBINO RATS

“Oxidative stress was induced by oral administration of ethanol (20% w/v) at a dosage of 5 mL/kg body weight in rats. After 28 days of treatment, the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Splenic tissue homogenates were used for the assessment of protein concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation. Feeding on alcohol caused a significant decrease in GSH level in the group fed alcohol only, while treatment with pineapple peel extracts increased the GSH activities. No significant difference was observed in SOD levels of the negative control and group fed on only pineapple peel extract.

There was an elevated catalase activity in the negative control. Pineapple peel extract significantly reduced it. Treatment with pineapple peel extracts was observed to reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) in alcohol‐fed groups. Protein concentration increased after treatment with the extracts. This study indicates the protective effect of pineapple peel extract against alcohol‐induced oxidative stress.”

Pomegranate peel extract (Punica granatum )

Medicinal Values of Fruit Peels from Citrus sinensis, Punica granatum, and Musa paradisiacawith Respect to Alterations in Tissue Lipid Peroxidation and Serum Concentration of Glucose, Insulin, and Thyroid Hormones

“Peel extracts from Citrus sinensis, Punica granatum, and Musa paradisiaca were investigated for their effects on tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) and on the concentration of thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose in male rats. In vitro inhibition of H₂O₂-induced LPO in red blood cells of rats by 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/mL C. sinensis, P. granatum, and M. paradisiacapeel extracts was observed in a dose-specific manner. Maximum inhibition was observed at 0.50 μg/mL C. sinensis, 2.0μg/mL P. granatum, and 1.0 μg/mL M. paradisiaca. In the in vivo investigation, out of four different concentrations of each peel extract, 25, 200, and 100 mg/kg C. sinensis, P. granatum, and M. paradisiaca, respectively, were found to maximally inhibit hepatic LPO.

The most effective doses were further evaluated for effects on serum triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), insulin, and glucose concentrations. C. sinensis exhibited antithyroidal, hypoglycemic, and insulin stimulatory activities, in addition to inhibition of LPO, as it significantly decreased the serum T₄ (P < .05) and glucose (P < .001) concentrations with a concomitant increase in insulin levels (P < .05). P. granatum decreased LPO in hepatic, cardiac, and renal tissues (P < .01, P < .001, and P < .05, respectively) and serum glucose concentration (P < .01). M. paradisiaca strongly inhibited the serum level of thyroid hormones (P < .01 for both T₃ and T₄) but increased the level of glucose (P < .05).

These findings reveal the hitherto unknown potential of the tested peel extracts in the regulation of thyroid function and glucose metabolism. Besides antiperoxidative activity, C. sinensis extract has antithyroidal, hypoglycemic, and insulin stimulatory properties, which suggest its potential to ameliorate both hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus.”

Pomelo (citrus maxima) peel

Extracts of Pomelo Peels Prevent High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders in C57BL/6 Mice through Activating the PPARα and GLUT4 Pathway

Potato Peel extract

Protective Effect of Potato Peel Powder in Ameliorating Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

“The potential of dietary potato peel (PP) powder in ameliorating oxidative stress (OS) and hyperglycemia was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In a 4-week feeding trial, incorporation of potato peel powder (5 and 10%) in the diet of diabetic rats was found to significantly reduce the plasma glucose level and also reduce drastically the polyuria of STZ diabetic rats. The total food intake was significantly reduced in the diabetic rats fed 10% PP powder compared to the control diabetic rats. However, the body weight gain over 28 days was nearly four times greater in PP powder supplemented diabetic rats (both at 5 and 10%) compared to the control diabetic rats. PP powder in the diet also decreased the elevated activities of serum transaminases (ALT and AST) and nearly normalized the hepatic MDA and GSH levels as well as the activities of specific antioxidant enzymes in liver of diabetic rats.

The result of these studies clearly establishes the modulatory propensity of PP against diabetes induced alterations. Considering that potato peels are discarded as waste and not effectively utilized, these results suggest the possibility that PP waste could be effectively used as an ingredient in health and functional food to ameliorate certain disease states such as diabetes.”

Psidium guajava raw fruit peel extract

Anti-hyperglycaemic potential of Psidium guajava raw fruit peel

“This study was undertaken to evaluate the glycaemic potential of aqueous extract of Psidium guajava unripe fruit peel on blood glucose level (BGL) of normal and streptozotocin induced mild and severely diabetic rats as an extension of our previous work carried out on Psidium guajava ripe fruit peel.

The aqueous extract of P. guajava unripe fruits was prepared. Male 6-8 wk old albino Wistar rats were selected for the experiments. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin infection. Blood glucose levels were measured by glucose oxidase method. Antihyperglycaemic activity of the extract was assessed in mild and severely diabetic rats.

The maximum fall of 21.2 per cent (P<0.01) and 26.9 per cent (P<0.01) after 3 h of glucose administration during glucose tolerance test (GTT) was observed in BGL from a dose of 400 mg/kg, identified as the most effective dose, in normal and mild diabetic rats respectively. In severely diabetic rats the maximum fall of 20.8 and 17.5 per cent in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and post prandial glucose (PPG) levels, and 50 per cent (P<0.01) in urine sugar levels was observed with the same dose. Haemoglobin level increased by 5.2 per cent (P<0.05) and body weight by 2.5 per cent (P<0.05) after 21 days treatment.

Normal, mild and severely diabetic rat models had shown hypoglycaemic as well as antidiabetic effect of the unripe guava fruit peel aqueous extract. Further studies need to be done to characterize the active components of the peel.”

Purple passion fruit peel extract

Efficacy of Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract in Lowering Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

The clinical efficacy of purple passion fruit peel extract (a flavonoid-rich dietary supplement) in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in adult type 2 diabetic subjects was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-one subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of purple passion fruit (220 mg) or a matched placebo for 16 weeks. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were determined at baseline and at monthly intervals. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose was observed following administration of purple passion fruit (P<.05). Purple passion fruit was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported.

These data suggest that purple passion fruit supplementation for 16 weeks in type 2 diabetics results in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, indicating that purple passion fruit is safe and well tolerated by diabetics.

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) peel extract

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) peel polyphenols modulate LPS-induced inflammation in human THP-1-derived macrophages through NF-κB, p38MAPK and Akt inhibition

“Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of several pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis and cancer. A wide range of anti-inflammatory chemicals have been used to treat such diseases while presenting high toxicity and numerous side effects. Here, we report the anti-inflammatory effect of a non-toxic, cost-effective natural agent, polyphenolic extract from the Tunisian quince Cydonia oblongaMiller. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of human THP-1-derived macrophages induced the secretion of high levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the chemokine IL-8, which was inhibited by quince peel polyphenolic extract in a dose-dependent manner.

Concomitantly, quince polyphenols enhanced the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 secreted by LPS-treated macrophages. We further demonstrated that the unexpected increase in IL-6 secretion that occurred when quince polyphenols were associated with LPS treatment was partially responsible for the polyphenols-mediated inhibition of TNF-α secretion. Biochemical analysis showed that quince polyphenols extract inhibited the LPS-mediated activation of three major cellular pro-inflammatory effectors, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), p38MAPK and Akt.

Overall, our data indicate that quince peel polyphenolic extract induces a potent anti-inflammatory effect that may prove useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and that a quince-rich regimen may help to prevent and improve the treatment of such diseases.”

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Peel Extract

Protective effects of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel phenolics on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damages in HepG2 cells and d-galactose-induced aging mice

“Rambutan peel phenolic (RPP) extracts were prepared via dynamic separation with macroporous resin. The total phenolic content and individual phenolics in RPP were determined. Results showed that the total phenolic content of RPP was 877.11 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract. The content of geranin (122.18 mg/g extract) was the highest among those of the 39 identified phenolic compounds. RPP protected against oxidative stress in H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells in a dose-response manner. The inhibitory effects of RPP on cell apoptosis might be related to its inhibitory effects on the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased effects on superoxide dismutase activity. The in vivo anti-aging activity of RPP was evaluated using an aging mice model that was induced by d-galactose (d-gal). The results showed that RPP enhanced the antioxidativestatus of experimental mice.

Moreover, histological analysis indicated that RPP effectively reduced d-gal-induced liver and kidney tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, RPP can be used as a natural antioxidant and anti-aging agent in thepharmaceutical and food industries.”

Satsuma Mandarin peel extract (CitruS unshiu)

Lipolysis induced by segment wall extract from Satsuma mandarin orange

“The lipolysis induced by Satsuma mandarin orange (Citrus unshu Mark) was investigated using rat fat cells. Peel or segment wall extract from Satsuma mandarin orange induced the lipolysis in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas juice sac extract did not induce the lipolysis. High concentration of synephrine, which is an adrenergic amine, was detected in the peel or segment wall extract, whereas it was not detected in the juice sac extract. The segment wall extracts from Iyokan and orange had high lipolytic activity, whereas the extracts from grapefruit and lemon did not have lipolytic activity.

The beta-antagonist inhibited the lipolysis elicited by the segment wall extract from Satsuma mandarin orange, whereas alpha-antagonist did not inhibit the lipolysis induced by the segment wall. The lipolysis induced by the segment wall was considerably higher in the visceral fat cells when compared to the subcutaneous fat cells. These results suggest that the segment wall, an edible fraction, from Satsuma mandarin orange might be useful as a functional food, especially as a fat-reducing material.”

Scutellaria laterifolia

New therapeutic aspects of flavones: The anticancer properties of Scutellaria and its main active constituents Wogonin, Baicalein and Baicalin

“Traditional Chinese medicines have been recently recognized as a new source of anticancer drugs and new chemotherapy adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and to ameliorate the side effects of cancer chemotherapies however their healing mechanisms are still largely unknown. Scutellariabaicalensis is one of the most popular and multi-purpose herb used in China traditionally for treatment of inflammation, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial and viral infections. Accumulating evidence demonstrate that Scutellariaalso possesses potent anticancer activities. The bioactive components of Scutellaria have been confirmed to be flavones. The major constituents of Scutellaria baicalensis are Wogonin, Baicalein and Baicalin. These phytochemicals are not only cytostatic but also cytotoxic to various human tumor cell lines in vitro and inhibit tumor growth in vivo.

Most importantly, they show almost no or minor toxicity to normal epithelial and normal peripheral blood and myeloid cells. The antitumor functions of these flavones are largely due to their abilities to scavenge oxidative radicals, to attenuate NF-κB activity, to inhibit several genes important for regulation of the cell cycle, to suppress COX-2 gene expression and to prevent viral infections. The tumor-selectivity of Wogonin has recently been demonstrated to be due to its ability to differentially modulate the oxidation–reduction status of malignant vs. normal lymphocytic cells and to preferentially induce phospholipase Cγ1, a key enzyme involved in Ca²⁺ signaling, through H₂O₂ signaling in malignant lymphocytes.

This review is aimed to summarize the research results obtained since the last 20 years and to highlight the recently discovered molecular mechanisms.”

Sweet Orange peel extract (Citrus sinensis)

ORANGE: RANGE OF BENEFITS

“Orange (citrus sinensis) is well known for its nutritional and medicinal properties throughout the world. From times immemorial, whole Orange plant including ripe and unripe fruits, juice, orange peels, leaves and flowers are used as a traditional medicine. Citrus sinensis belongs to the family Rutaceae. The fruit is a fleshy, indehiscent, berry that ranges widely in size from 4 cm to 12 cm. The major medicinal properties of orange include anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti- diabetic, cardio- protective, anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-Tubercular, anti-asthmatic and anti-hypertensive. Phytochemically, whole plant contains limonene, citral, neohesperidin, naringin, rutin, rhamnose, eriocitrin, and vitamin-C. In the present review article, a humble attempt is made to compile all the strange facts available About this tasty fruit.

Anti-diabetic activity of orange is due to bioflavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin present in citrus fruit peels. These peels play an anti-diabetic rolein C57BL/Ks J-db/db mice via regulation of glucose regulatory enzymes. They decrease the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenol pyruvate. The anti-diabetic potential of orange peel and juice appear to be mediated via anti peroxidation, inhibition of α-amylase enzyme activity that is responsible for the conversion of complex carbohydrates to glucose, increased hepatic glycogen content, stimulation of insulin secretion, and repair of secretory defects of pancreatic β-cells [18,19].”

Syzygium cumini Skeels extract

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels: A review of its phytochemical constituents and traditional uses

“Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) (L.) Skeels (jambolan) is one of the widely used medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases in particular diabetes. The present review has been primed to describe the existing data on the information on botany, phytochemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological actions of S. cumini (L.) Skeels (jambolan). Electronic database search was conducted with the search terms of Eugenia jambolana, S. cumini, jambolan, common plum and java plum. The plant has been viewed as an antidiabetic plant since it became commercially available several decades ago. During last four decades, numerous folk medicine and scientific reports on the antidiabetic effects of this plant have been cited in the literature. The plant is rich in compounds containing anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol and myrecetin.

The seeds are claimed to contain alkaloid, jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin, which halts the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar. The vast number of literatures found in the database revealed that the extracts of different parts of jambolan showed significant pharmacological actions. We suggest that there is a need for further investigation to isolate active principles which confer the pharmacological action. Hence identification of such active compounds is useful for producing safer drugs in the treatment of various ailments including diabetes.”

Tangerine peel extract (Citrus reticulata)

Effect of Citrus Flavonoids, Naringin and Naringenin, on Metabolic Syndrome and Their Mechanisms of Action

“Naringin and naringenin supplementation has proven to be efficacious for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and obesity in animal models (60, 111). The dose used in animal studies may not be achieved in human trials, however, and emphasis should be given to establish a dietary recommendation of citrus fruit consumption or for the pure compound naringin. Most of naringin’s observed biologic activities are related in some part to its potent antioxidant nature. However, several other molecular signaling pathways modified by naringin were also revealed recently. In metabolic syndrome, obesity, and related cardiovascular complications, naringin influences AMPK-, PPARα–, and CPT-1–mediated fat utilization and preserves mitochondrial function.

Moreover, naringin also prevents the TNF-α–mediated inflammatory process and tissue damage in liver and vasculature. Figure 3 shows a proposed mechanism for increased mitochondrial biogenesis by naringin. Another consideration for oral administration of naringenin/naringin should be the contraindications of taking certain drugs such as statins and calcium channel blockers because of the inhibitory effects on intestinal CYP450 enzymes. Moreover, further clinical investigations should be carried out with naringin in metabolic diseases.”

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) peel extract

DNA and mitochondrial protective effect of lycopene rich tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) peel extract prepared by enzyme assisted extraction against H₂O₂ induced oxidative damage in L6 myoblasts

“Lycopene rich extracts (ETE) were prepared by enzyme assisted extraction of tomato peel. Oxidative damage was induced in L6 myoblasts by exposing cells to H₂O₂ in presence and absence (control) of ETE. The potential of ETE to protect cells from oxidative damage was investigated in terms of cytotoxicity (MTT assay), Reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescindiacetate (H₂DCFDA), DNA damage (ladder assay, 8-oxo-dG), Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining, mitochondrial stability by ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential by Rhodamine 123 staining.

It was observed that treatment of cells with ETE significantly increased cell viability, decreased ROS production, reduced DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation & 8-oxo-dG, increased ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results indicated that ETE could protect cells from H₂O₂ induced oxidative damage significantly as compared to control. These results depicted the antioxidant potential of tomato peel extract which can counteract the redox imbalance in cells induced by oxidative stress condition.”

Trapa natans fruit peel extract

Antidiabetic Activity of Trapa natans Fruit Peel Extract Against Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

“Trapa natans L. (Lythraceae), commonly known as Water Chestnut in English, is an annual aquatic floating herb occurring throughout the Indian subcontinent and used traditionally for several medicinal purposes. The present study was aimed to evaluate antidiabetic activity of methanol extract of T. napans fruit peels (METN) in Wistar rats. The effect of METN on oral glucose tolerance and its effect on normoglycemic rats were studied. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by single intraperitonial injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with METN orally at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg b.wt., orally) was used as reference drug.

The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every 5 day during the th 15 days treatment. METN at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg orally significantly (p < 0.001) and dose dependently improved oral glucose tolerance, exhibited hypoglycaemic effect in normal rats and antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats by reducing and normalizing the elevated fasting blood glucose levels as compared to those of STZ control group. The present study concludes that T. natans fruit peel demonstrated promising antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats.”

Wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels) Peel extract

Antioxidant and anticancer activities of 8-hydroxypsoralen isolated from wampee [Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels] peel

“Fruits of wampee [Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels] contain a significant amount of coumarins with many health benefits. The activity-guided separation of an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction on a polyamide column followed by silica gel column and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) preparation afforded a pure compound, which was identified to be 8-hydroxypsoralen based on the ¹H, ¹³C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), and ESI-MS (electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric) analysis.

This isolate exhibited good scavenging activities against DPPH radical and superoxide anion as well as significant reducing power. It also showed potent proliferation inhibitory activity against human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549) and human cervical carcinoma cell line (HELA). This is the first report on the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of C. lansium fruit extract. The food and pharmaceutical industry could be benefited by the usage of this extract containing this constituent.”

Water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxb.) peel

Peel extract of water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxb.) inhibits glycation, degradesα-dicarbonyl compound, and breaks advanced glycation end product crosslinks

“In recent years, glycation in organisms has been positioned as a major risk factor for accelerated aging process, and the concept of glycation stress has gained attention 1). The concept of glycation stress is that the reaction of reducing sugars, aldehydes, etc. with proteins and amino acids produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and the accumulation of these substances overloads cells and tissues and disrupts the functioning of functional proteins as well as causes a series of reactions such as induction of inflammation 2). The glycation reaction at the core of glycation stress is a reaction in which proteins and reducing sugars bond nonenzymatically to produce glycation products.

Glycation products that have been identified include the AGEs pentosidine, Nε- (carboxymethyl ) lysine (CML), and pyraline, and their intermediates 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) 3). Bioaccumulation of these glycation products is said to be involved in kidney disease and eye disorders associated with progression of diabetes 4), arteriosclerosis 5), osteoporosis 6), Alzheimer’s disease 7), infertility 8), and sclerema 9). Based on these facts, we believe that inhibiting the production and accumulation of glycation products and stimulating the degradation and metabolism of previously produced glycation products will lead to an increased life expectancy, improved quality of life, and disease prevention.

The glycation response inhibiting activity and glycation product degradation activity of the TBE confirm its production inhibitory effect against AGEs and its effect in reducing the amount of accumulated AGEs by degradation of previously produced AGEs. Further, since activities other than antiglycation have been demonstrated, we expect TBE to have wide applications as an anti-aging ingredient. We plan to study its efficacy in humans in the future. The study verified TBE to inhibit glycation product synthesis, degrade α-dicarbonyl compound, and break the AGE crosslinks. The above results suggest that TBE may inhibit production of AGEs and their intermediates and degrade existing α-dicarbonyl compounds and AGE crosslinks in vivo. We expect that TBE may be suitable to reduce glycation stress.”

Yam (Dioscorea alata) peel extract

Protective effects of the crude extracts from yam (Dioscorea alata) peel on tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in mouse liver cells

“Researchers have shown that yam extracts contain antioxidative activity; however, there are few reports regarding the antioxidant activities of yam peel. The effects of water and 50% ethanolic extracts from Darsan yam (Dioscorea alata) peel on the oxidative status of tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated mouse Hepa 1–6 and FL83B liver cell lines were investigated. The cytosols were analysed for H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidative enzymes activities, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities.

Both water and 50% ethanolic extracts from yam peel did not affect cellular MDA level in t-BHP-treated cells, but they altered the level of H₂O₂. Water extract from yam peel amplified the t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in Hepa 1–6 whilst the ethanolic extract showed protection in FL83B cells. GPx activity might play an important role in the protective effect associated with t-BHP-induced oxidative stress.”

Yuzu peel extract (Citrus JUNOS)

Citrus junos Tanaka Peel Extract Exerts Antidiabetic Effects via AMPK and PPAR- both In Vitro and In Vivo in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

“The antidiabetic effect of the Citrus junos Tanaka (also known as yuja or yuzu) was examined. Ethanol extract of yuja peel (YPEE) significantly stimulated 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-NBDG) uptake in C2C12 myotubes. However, ethanol extract of yuja pulp (YpEE) and water extract of yuja peel (YPWE) or pulp (YpWE) did not stimulate glucose uptake. In addition, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activities were increased by YPEE in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of AMPK inhibitor decreased the glucose uptake stimulated by YPEE in C2C12 myotubes. We confirmed the anti-diabetic effect of YPEE in mice fed a high fat-diet (HFD). Compared with control mice on a normal diet (ND), these mice showed increased body weight, liver fat, insulin resistance, triacylglycerol (TG), and total cholesterol content. Addition of 5% YPEE significantly reduced the weight gain and rise in liver fat content, serum triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol, and insulin resistance found in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

Moreover, YPEE reduced the secretion of HFD-induced adipocytokines such as leptin and resistin. YPEE also resulted in increased phosphorylation of AMPK in muscle tissues. These results suggest that ethanol extract of yuja peel exerts anti-diabetic effects via AMPK and PPAR- in both cell culture and mouse models.”

AVAILABLE IN TWO CONCENTRATIONS: 20:1 100g $50 / 200:1 100g $250

Aristotelia chilensi

Antioxidant and cardioprotective activities of phenolic extracts from fruits of Chilean blackberry Aristotelia chilensis (Elaeocarpaceae), Maqui

In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic effects of anthocyanins from Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis)

Juice and Phenolic Fractions of the Berry Aristotelia chilensis Inhibit LDL Oxidation in Vitro and Protect Human Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Stress

 

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INTERSTELLAR “ SPICE” POLYPHENOL POWERHOUSE — 100 SPICES in one

Projected release date MAY 28th!

Believe it or not the spices in your cupboard have tremendous healing capabilities and this is because of their POLYPHENOL content.

Now you can have them all in one blend!

What are polyphenols?

Polyphenols: chemistry, dietary sources, metabolism, and nutritional significance

“Polyphenols constitute one of the most numerous and ubiquitous groups of plant metabolites and are an integral part of both human and animal diets. Ranging from simple phenolic molecules to highly polymerized compounds with molecular weights of greater than 30,000 Da, the occurrence of this complex group of substances in plant foods is extremely variable. Polyphenols traditionally have been considered antinutrients by animal nutritionists, because of the adverse effect of tannins, one type of polyphenol, on protein digestibility. However, recent interest in food phenolics has increased greatly, owing to their antioxidant capacity (free radical scavenging and metal chelating activities) and their possible beneficial implications in human health, such as in the treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other pathologies. ”

polyphenols: a potentiol new strategy for the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression

Following recent evidence that disturbances in oxidative metabolism are involved in anxiety disorders, high anxiety levels and depression, the use of antioxidants has been proposed as a novel approach for the prevention or treatment of these conditions. Polyphenols are naturally-occurring antioxidant substances which can have pharmacological actions on the central nervous system. This mini-review aims to examine the current evidence for the potential use of dietary polyphenols as neuroprotective agents to reduce anxiety and to manage depression. I will outline recent findings which demonstrate that polyphenols have anti-anxiety effects at higher doses (300/60/30/20 mg/kg body weight) as well as at lower doses (2-4 mg/kg); this can be compared to conventional anxiolytics, which only have anxiolytic effects at lower doses (1-5 mg/kg). To circumvent problems associated with polyphenols (e.g., quercetin) having difficulty crossing the blood-brain barrier and to effectively reduce the active dose, intranasal administration in the form of liposomes could be an interesting approach. I also suggest that dietary polyphenols could be a new alternative approach to treat depression, because they exhibit antidepressant activity with relatively lower doses (0.3-2 mg/kg) than commonlyused antidepressants such as imipramine (10 mg/kg). The polyphenols discussed in this mini-review are found in vegetables and fruits such as apples, plums, cherries, onions and tea. Therefore, a varied diet that is rich in naturallyoccurring polyphenols could be an effective means to prevent (or delay) anxiety, depression and other diseases linked to oxidative stress.

Polyphenols: antioxidants and beyond

”Research on the effects of dietary polyphenols on human health has developed considerably in the past 10 y. It strongly supports a role for polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The antioxidant properties of polyphenols have been widely studied, but it has become clear that the mechanisms of action of polyphenols go beyond the modulation of oxidative stress.”

At the interface of antioxidant signalling and cellular function: Key polyphenol effects

“Effects of (poly) phenols on pathways of chronic inflammation leading to prevention of some of the damaging effects associated with the metabolic syndrome. (2) Interaction of (poly)phenols with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, leading to effects on blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, and consequent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. (3) The inhibition of xanthine oxidoreductase leading to modulation of intracellular superoxide and plasma uric acid, a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. ”

POLYPHENOLS: Small molecules that regulate lifespan: evidence for xenohormesis

Barring genetic manipulation, the diet known as calorie restriction (CR) is currently the only way to slow down ageing in mammals. The fact that CR works on most species, even microorganisms, implies a conserved underlying mechanism. Recent findings in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicate that CR extends lifespan because it is a mild biological stressor that activates Sir2, a key component of yeast longevity and the founding member of the sirtuin family of deacetylases. The sirtuin family appears to have first arisen in primordial eukaryotes, possibly to help them cope with adverse conditions. Today they are found in plants, yeast, and animals and may underlie the remarkable health benefits of CR. Interestingly, a class of POLYPHENOLIC molecules produced by plants in response to stress can activate the sirtuins from yeast and metazoans. At least in the case of yeast, these molecules greatly extend lifespan by mimicking CR. One explanation for this surprising observation is the ‘xenohormesis hypothesis’, the idea that organisms have evolved to respond to stress signalling molecules produced by other species in their environment. In this way, organisms can prepare in advance for a deteriorating environment and/or loss of food supply.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2004.04209.x

The effects of polyphenol-containing antioxidants on oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

“These observations indicated that the polyphenol-rich antioxidant supplement containing pomegranate extract, green tea extract, and ascorbic acid has important antagonizing effects on oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in patients with Type 2 DM and might be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular complications.”

Polyphenols and Aging

“These increasingly well-documented results have begun to provide a basis for considering the use of polyphenols in the development of novel therapies for certain human diseases. And while the mechanisms by which these effects occur are yet to be fully understood, it is evident that further investigation may yield a potential use for polyphenols as pharmacological interventions against specific age-associated diseases. ”

Polyphenol-Rich Foods in the Mediterranean Diet are Associated with Better Cognitive Function in Elderly Subjects at High Cardiovascular Risk

“Increased consumption of antioxidant-rich foods in general and of polyphenols in particular is associated with better cognitive performance in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk. The results reinforce the notion that Mediterranean diet components might counteract age-related cognitive decline.”

Plant Polyphenol Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress

“Thus, polyphenols probably protect LDL oxidation in vivo with significant consequences in atherosclerosis. and also protect DNA from oxidative damage with important consequences in the age-related development of some cancers.”

Effects of polyphenolic antioxidants on exercise-induced oxidative stress

“However, in response to strenuous exercise, the polyphenol-supplemented test showed a smaller increase in plasma TBARS and CK than the placebo test.”

Polyphenols and Aging

“Our understanding of aging is constantly evolving, but there is great interest in using polyphenol organic compounds to modify or retard the aging process. ”

Phenolics and polyphenolics in foods, beverages and spices: Antioxidant activity and health effects – A review

“Phenolic compounds, ubiquitous in plants, are an essential part of the human diet and are of considerable interest due to their antioxidant properties and potential beneficial health effects.”

Dietary polyphenols, oxidative stress and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

“Phenolic compounds including phenolic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins are widely distributed in plants as a protective mechanism against biotic and abiotic stresses.”

Antiglycative and neuroprotective activity of colon‐derived polyphenol catabolites

“Some polyphenolic catabolites, generated in vivo in the colon, were able in vitro to counteract two key features of diabetic complications, i.e. protein glycation and neurodegeneration. These observations could lead to a better control of these events, which are usually correlated with hyperglycemia. ”

Plant Polyphenols: Chemical Properties, Biological Activities, and Synthesis

“This Review gives answers from a chemical perspective, summarizes the state of the art, and highlights the most significant advances in the field of polyphenol research. ”

Polyphenols and Human Health: A Prospectus

“We summarize the recent findings concerning the effects of polyphenols on human health, analyze the current limitations at pitfalls, and propose future directions for research.”

Distinct mechanisms underlie distinct polyphenol‐induced neuroprotection

“In conclusion, polyphenolic compounds inhibit glutamate‐induced toxicity. Each polyphenolic compound, however, exerts its protection by distinctive mechanisms. Combination of these effects might enhance the protective effect and could counter ischemic diseases or neurodegeneration. ”

200:1 = 300 1/8 tsp servings

20:1 = 72 1/2 tsp servings

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INGREDIENTS

Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria)

1. Naphthoquinone Components from Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch Show Significant Antiproliferative Effects on Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
2. Antioxidant activities of alkanet
3. Antimicrobial properties of naphthaquinones and other constituents of Alkanna tinctoria

Allspice (Pimenta dioica)

1. Antifungal effect of Pimenta dioica essential oil against dangerous pathogenic and toxinogenic fungi
2. Antioxidative phenylpropanoids from berries of Pimenta dioica
3. Cardiovascular effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Pimenta dioica in Sprague-Dawley rats
4. Polyphenol-rich extract of Pimenta dioica berries (Allspice) kills breast cancer cells by autophagy and delays growth of triple negative breast cancer in athymic mice

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

1. Hepatoprotective effect of Angelica archangelica in chronically ethanol-treated mice
2. Antiproliferative effect of Angelica archangelica fruits
3. Antitumour Activity of Angelica archangelica Leaf Extract

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

1. Relaxant effect of Pimpinella anisum
2. Antispasmodic effects of the hidroalcoholic extract of Pimpinella anisum
3. Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of Pimpinella anisum

Annatto / Achiote (Bixa orellana)

1. DNA damage and aberrant crypt foci as putative biomarkers to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of annatto
2. Antimicrobial activity of Annatto (Bixa orellana) extract
3. Inhibition of cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rat brain by polar and non-polar extracts of Annatto (Bixa orellana) seeds

Artemisia (Artemisia spp.)

1. Preventive and curative effects of Artemisia absinthium on acetaminophen and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity
2. Determination of artemisinin in Artemisia sieberi and anticoccidial effects of the plant extract in broiler chickens
3. Anti-allergic effects of Artemisia

Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida)

1. Antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Ferula assafoetida
2. Anti-diabetic activity of Ferula assafoetida extract in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats
3. Antihyperglycemic effect of Asafoetida

Avens (Geum urbanum)

1. Antixoidant activity of Geum Urbanum
2. Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of different solvent extracts of the medicinal plant Geum urbanum L.
3. Protective Effect of Aleppo Avens on Mouse Cerebral Ischemia

Avocado leaf (Persea americana)

1. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of leaves of Persea americana Mill
2. Anticonvulsant effect of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae)(Avocado) leaf aqueous extract in mice
3. Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Persea americana Mill

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris and other Berberis spp.)

1. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine
2. The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats
3. Study on the anti-inflammatory action of Berberis vulgaris root extract, alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids

Basil, Holy (Ocimum Sanctum)

1. Evaluation of anti-hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn, Ocimum sanctum
2. Effect of Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf powder supplementation on blood sugar levels, serum lipids and tissues lipids in diabetic rats
3. Evaluation of antioxidant and wound healing effects of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn in rats

Basil, sweet (Ocimum basilicum)

1. Antimicrobial effects of Ocimum basilicum (Labiatae) extract
2. Effect of Chitosan on the Biological Properties of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
3. Antiulcerogenic Effects of Ocimum basilicum Extracts

Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis)

1. Analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil of Laurus nobilis Linn.
2. Anticonvulsant activity of the leaf essential oil of Laurus nobilis against pentylenetetrazole-and maximal electroshock-induced seizures
3. Alcohol absorption inhibitors from bay leaf (Laurus nobilis): structure-requirements of sesquiterpenes for the activity

Blue fenugreek, blue melilot (Trigonella caerulea)

1. Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) on blood glucose in normal and diabetic ratsIn vitro shoot regeneration of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) using different cytokinins
2. Fenugreek seed polyphenols protect liver from alcohol toxicity: a role on hepatic detoxification system and apoptosis
3. Saudi Arabia folk medicine plants (Costus, Fenugreek, Rhamuns) effect on cancer cell lines (A549, Hela, BT549, Colo320, SW620)

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

1. Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a traditional medicinal plant of Chile, Peumus boldus
2. Effect of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) infusion on lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin in mice liver
3. Antioxidant activity of crude extract, alkaloid fraction, and flavonoid fraction from Boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) leaves

Borage (Borago officinalis)

1. Pharmacological basis for the use of Borago officinalis in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders
2. Antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties of ethanolic extracts of defatted borage (Borago officinalis L.) seeds

California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica)

1. Antibacterial activity of native California medicinal plant extracts isolated from Rhamnus californica and Umbellularia californica
2. The effects of Umbellularia californica produced terpenoids on vascular smooth muscle.
3. The flavonoids of Umbellularia californica (lauraceae)

Caper (Capparis spinosa)

1. Bioactive components of caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from Sicily and antioxidant effects in a red meat simulated gastric digestion
2. The anticarcinogenic potential of essential oil and aqueous infusion from caper (Capparis spinosa L.)
3. Study on the ethnopharmaceutical values and traditional uses of Capparis spinosa L.

Caraway (Carum carvi)

1. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of phenolic extract from Carum carvi L.
2. Antibacterial Activity of Cuminum cyminum L. and Carum carvi L. Essential Oils
3. Antispasmodic effects of some medicinal plants
4. Antiobesity Effect of Caraway Extract on Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

1. Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats
2. Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
3. Antimicrobial effect of seed extract of cardamom (Elettarıa cardamomum Maton)
4. Anti-Diabetic Activity of Amomum Subulatum Roxb. Fruit Constituents

Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum)

1. Antidiabetic effect of Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum in vivo and in vitro
2. Growth-Inhibiting Effects of Cinnamomum cassia Bark-Derived Materials on Human Intestinal Bacteria
3. Antihyperglycaemic effect of Cassia auriculata in experimental diabetes and its effects on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

1. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of different extracts of Nepeta cataria in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
2. Catnip: Its uses and effects, past and present
3. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Nepeta cataria

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum)

1. Polyphenols in red pepper [Capsicum annuum var. aviculare (Tepin)] and their protective effect on some pro-oxidants induced lipid peroxidation in brain and liver
2. Flavonoids and antioxidant activity of fresh pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars
3. Antioxidant Activity of the Main Phenolic Compounds Isolated from Hot Pepper Fruit (Capsicum annuum L.)

Celery leaf (Apium graveolens)

1. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of a flavonoid isolated from celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce)
2. Antiulcerogenic and antibacterial activities of Apium graveolens essential oil and extract
3. Hypolipidemic effects of seed extract of celery (Apium graveolens) in rats

Celery seed (Apium graveolens)

1. Antihypertensive effect of celery seed on rat blood pressure in chronic administration
2. Chemoprevention of benzo[a]pyrene‐induced forestomach cancer in mice by natural phthalides from celery seed oil
3. A novel compound from celery seed with a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

1. In vitro antioxidant activity of Anthriscus cerefolium L.(Hoffm.) extracts
2. Chervil: A Multifunctional Miraculous Nutritional Herb [2012]
3. 

   Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

   1. Antihyperglycemic effect of a natural chicoric acid extract of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)
   2. Polyphenol content and antiradical activity of Cichorium intybus L. from biodynamic and conventional farming
   3. Anti-hepatotoxic effects of root and root callus extracts of Cichorium intybus L

   

   Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.)

   1. Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Carotenoids Extracted from Dried Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
   2. Effects of capsaicin on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat diet
   3. Ingestion of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) reduces salicylate bioavailability after oral aspirin administration in the rat

   

   Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

   1. Diallyl sulfide content and antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria of chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
   2. Allium schoenoprasum L., as a natural antioxidant
   3. Anti-inflammatory effects of Allium schoenoprasum L. leaves

   

   Cinnamon, white (Canella winterana)

   1. Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA1c, and serum lipids in diabetes mellitus type 2
   2. Antioxidant effects of a cinnamon extract in people with impaired fasting glucose that are overweight or obese
   3. The Evaluation of Long‐term Effects of Cinnamon Bark

   

   Clary, Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

   1. Antidepressant-like effect of Salvia sclarea is explained by modulation of dopamine activities in rats
   2. Evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.)
   3. A Study on Anti-Inflammatory and Peripheral Analgesic Action of Salvia sclarea Oil and Its Main Components

   

   Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

   1. Effect of Syzygium aromaticum extract on immediate hypersensitivity in rats
   2. Antioxidant property of Nigella sativa (black cumin) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) in rats during aflatoxicosis
   3. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry: impact upon bacteria, fungi and fatty acid levels in ageing mice
   4. β‐Caryophyllene attenuates palmitate‐induced lipid accumulation through AMPK signaling by activating CB2 receptor in human HepG2 hepatocytes

   

   Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum)

   1. Protective effects of Coriandrum sativum extracts on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
   2. Hypolipidemic effect of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action
   3. Insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity of the traditional anti-diabetic plant Coriandrum sativum (coriander)

   

   Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita)

   1. Antimicrobial agents from Tanacetum balsamita
   2. In vitro antioxidant activities of various solvent extracts from Tanacetum balsamita L. subsp. balsamita
   3. Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Tanacetum balsamita Essential Oil and One of Its Major Constituents (Quercetin) in Male Rats

   

   Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.) (Vietnam)

   1. Experimental Study on Antitussive and Expectorant Effects of Cudweed
   2. Effect of Gnaphalium conoideum HBK on guinea pig airway smooth muscle: role of L-type Ca2+ channels
   3. Antiinflammatory activity-guided fractionation of Gnaphalium stramineum

   

   Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

   1. Hypolipidemic effect of Cuminum cyminum L. on alloxan-induced diabetic rats
   2. Effects of methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum on total serum cholesterol in ovariectomized rats
   3. Chemopreventive effects of Cuminum cyminum in chemically induced forestomach and uterine cervix tumors in murine model systems
   4. Antiobesity, antihyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of the aqueous extract of Nigella Sativa seeds (Kalongi)

   

   Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)

   1. Beneficial effects of Murraya koenigii leaves on antioxidant defense system and ultra structural changes of pancreatic β-cells in experimental diabetes in rats
   2. Anti-diabetic effect of Murraya koenigii leaves on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
   3. Anti-oxidant effects of curry leaf, Murraya koenigii and mustard seeds, Brassica juncea in rats fed with high fat diet.

   

   Deulkkae (Perilla frutescens seeds)
   

   1. Health effects of omega-3,6,9 fatty acids: Perilla frutescens is a good example of plant oils
   2. Effects of Fatty Oil of Acute Common Perilla (Perilla frutescens) on the Learning and Memory of Mice [J]
   3. Experimental Study of the Effect of Perilla frutescens Seed on Hyperlipoidemia Model Rats [J]

   

   Dill seed (Anethum graveolens)

   1. Effects of anethum graveolens and garlic on lipid profile in hyperlipidemic patients
   2. The effects of Anethum graveolens L. on female reproductive system
   3. Anethum graveolens: An Indian traditional medicinal herb and spice

   

   Elderflower (Sambucus spp.)

   1. The benefits of antioxidant-rich fruits on skin health
   2. Inhibition of microglial activation by elderberry extracts and its phenolic components
   3. Treatment of Paederus dermatitis with Sambucus ebulus lotion

   

   Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)

   1. Amoebicidal activity of essential oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants in an amoebic liver abscess Hamster model
   2. Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Schistosomicidal, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Essential Oil of Dysphania ambrosioides
   3. Ethnopharmacological reports on anti-Buruli ulcer medicinal plants in three West African countries

   

   Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

   1. Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare
   2. Hepatoprotective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil: A carbon-tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis model in rats
   3. Cholinergic Basis of Memory-Strengthening Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Linn.
   4. Anti-Obesity Effects of Foeniculum fructus Water Extract

   

   Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

   1. Hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats
   2. Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent
   3. Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder improves glucose homeostasis in alloxan diabetic rat tissues by reversing the altered glycolytic

   

   Galangal, greater (Alpinia galanga)

   1. Neuroprotective effect of Alpinia galanga (L.) fractions on Aβ (25–35) induced amnesia in mice
   2. Antiallergic principles from Alpinia galanga: structural requirements of phenylpropanoids for inhibition of degranulation and release of TNF-α and IL-4 in RBL-2H3
   3. 

      Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)

      1. Aphrodisiac properties of Allium tuberosum seeds extract
      2. The effect of oral administration of Allium sativum extracts on lead nitrate induced toxicity in male mice
      3. Beneficial effect of Allium sativum and Allium tuberosum on experimental hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis

      

      Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

      1. Analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) in mice and rats
      2. Ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects on ethionine-induced hepatoma rats
      3. Anti‐diabetic activity of Zingiber officinale in streptozotocin‐induced type I diabetic rats
      4. Gingerenone A, a polyphenol present in ginger, suppresses obesity and adipose tissue inflammation in high‐fat diet‐fed mice

      

      Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

      1. A Review on the Phytochemical Composition and Potential Medicinal Uses of Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) Root
      2. Tumor Cell Proliferation and Cyclooxygenase Inhibitory Constituents in Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
      3. Antioxidant properties of leaf and root extract and oil from different types of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana Gaertn.)

      

      Houttuynia cordata (Vietnam)

      1. Anti-inflammatory effect of Houttuynia cordata injection
      2. Immunomodulatory and anti-SARS activities of Houttuynia cordata
      3. Protective Effect of Houttuynia cordata Extract on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats

      

      Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

      1. Inhibitory Effects of Hyssop (Hyssopus of ficinalis) Extracts on Intestinal α-Glncosidase Activity and Postprandial Hyperglycemia
      2. Effect of Hyssopus officinalis L. on inhibiting airway inflammation and immune regulation in a chronic asthmatic mouse model
      3. Herbal medicines and epilepsy: the potential for benefit and adverse effects

      

      Jasmine flowers (Jasminum spp.)

      1. Herbs for the treatment of insomnia
      2. Nutraceutical Properties in Flowers
      3. Suppression of puerperal lactation using jasmine flowers (Jasminum sambac)

      

      Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

      1. Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Anoectochilus formosanus and Gynostemma pentaphyllum
      2. Phytopreventative anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in rats
      3. Neuroprotective effects of herbal ethanol extracts from Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease

      

      Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)

      1. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis
      2. Hypoglycemic activity of juniper “berries”
      3. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and different fractions of Juniperus communis L. and a comparison with some commercial antibiotics

      

      Kawakawa seeds (Macropiper excelsum) (New Zealand)

      1. Macropiper excelsum
      2. Cytotoxic Amides from Fruits of Kawakawa, Macropiper excelsum
      3. Kawakawa Fact Sheet

      

      Kencur, galangal, kentjur (Kaempferia galanga)

      1. Antinociceptive activity of the methanolic extract of Kaempferia galanga Linn. in experimental animals
      2. Hypolipidemic effect ofAlpinia galanga (Rasna) andKaempferia galanga (Kachoori)
      3. Sedative activity of hexane extract of Keampferia galanga L. and its active compounds

      

      Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

      1. Neuroprotective effects of inhaled lavender oil on scopolamine-induced dementia via anti-oxidative activities in rats
      2. Effect of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) on cerebral edema and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke
      3. Medicinal lavender modulates the enteric microbiota to protect against Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis

      

      Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

      1. Regulation of obesity and lipid disorders by herbal extracts from Morus alba, Melissa officinalis, and Artemisia capillaris in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
      2. Melissa officinalis L. essential oil: antitumoral and antioxidant activities
      3. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse

      

      Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, C. flexuosus, and other Cymbopogon spp.)

      1. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea
      2. Cholesterol reduction and lack of genotoxic or toxic effects in mice after repeated 21-day oral intake of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil
      3. Pharmacology of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf). II. Effects of daily two month administration in male and female rats and in offspring exposed “in utero”

      

      Licorice, liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

      1. Memory enhancing activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in mice
      2. Antidepressant-like activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. in mouse models of immobility tests
      3. In vitro and in vivo antiallergic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its components

      

      Locust beans (Parkia biglobosa)

      1. Possible antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effect of fermented Parkia biglobosa (JACQ) extract in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats
      2. The antisnake venom activities of Parkia biglobosa (Mimosaceae) stem bark extract

      

      Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

      1. Antimycobacterial polyacetylenes from Levisticum officinale
      2. The inhibitory effect of some Iranian plants extracts on the alpha glucosidase
      3. Chemical Composition and antiproliferative activity of essential oil from the leaves of a medicinal herb, Levisticum officinale, against UMSCC1 head and neck

      

      Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

      1. Protective Effect of Origanum majorana L. ‘Marjoram’ on Various Models of Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats
      2. Effects of Origanum majorana L. on cadmium induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in albino rats.
      3. Phenolic and Triterpenoid Antioxidants from Origanum majorana L. Herb and Extracts Obtained with Different Solvents

      

      Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)

      1. Hypotensive Effect of Pistacia lentiscus L
      2. Antiatherogenic effect of Pistacia lentiscus via GSH restoration and downregulation of CD36 mRNA expression
      3. The effect of Pistacia vera L. gum extract on oxidative damage during experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats

      

      Mustard, brown, mustard plant, mustard seed (Brassica juncea)

      1. Effect of feeding Murraya koeingii and Brassica juncea diet kidney functions and glucose levels in streptozotocin diabetic mice
      2. Antidepressant-like effects of Brassica juncea L. leaves in diabetic rodents
      3. A study on antinociceptive and anti-hyperglycemic activity of methanol extract of Brassica Juncea (L.) Czern. leaves in mice

      

      Mustard, white, mustard plant, mustard seed (Sinapis alba)

      1. Novel mucilage fraction of Sinapis alba L.(mustard) reduces azoxymethane-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci formation in F344 and Zucker obese rats
      2. Mustard seeds (Sinapis Alba Linn) attenuate azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis
      3. Mustard seed (Sinapis Alba Linn) attenuates imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform inflammation of BALB/c mice

      

      Mustard, yellow (Brassica hirta = Sinapis alba)

      1. Phytotoxic effects of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Fe on Sinapis alba L. seedlings and their accumulation in roots and shoots
      2. Effects of fusicoccin upon membrane potential resistance and current-voltage characteristics in root hairs of Sinapis alba
      3. Acaricidal Constituents Isolated from Sinapis alba L. Seeds and Structure− Activity Relationships

      

      Nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed (Nigella sativa)

      1. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of Nigella sativa
      2. Diuretic and hypotensive effects of Nigella sativa in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
      3. Effects of Nigella sativa fixed oil on blood homeostasis in rat

      

      Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

      1. Hepatoprotective Effect of Myristicin from Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) on Lipopolysaccharide/d-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury
      2. Antiinflammatory effect of mace, aril of Myristica fragrans Houtt., and its active principles
      3. Anxiogenic activity of Myristica fragrans seeds
      4. Hepatocyte-protective effect of nectandrin B, a nutmeg lignan, against oxidative stress: Role of Nrf2 activation through ERK phosphorylation and AMPK-dependent inhibition of GSK-3β

      

      Oregano (Origanum vulgare, O. heracleoticum, and other species)

      1. Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare growing wild in Tafilalet region
      2. Dose‐dependent effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in 1, 2‐dimethylhydrazine‐induced rat colon carcinogenesis
      3. Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans

      

      Orris root (Iris germanica, I. florentina, I. pallida)

      1. Antibacterial and allelopathic activity of methanolic extract from Iris pseudopumila rhizomes
      2. Studies on Preparation of Bioactivity Parts of total Isoflavone Aglycones from Rhizoma Iridis Tectori
      3. Cancer chemopreventive in vitro activities of isoflavones isolated from Iris germanica

      

      Paprika (Capsicum annuum)

      1. Dietary capsanthin, the main carotenoid in paprika (Capsicum annuum), alters plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and hepatic gene expression in rats
      2. Effect of red pepper Capsicum annuum var. conoides and garlic Allium sativum on plasma lipid levels and cecal microflora in mice fed beef tallow
      3. Prevention of N‐Methylnitrosourea‐Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats by Oxygenated Carotenoid Capsanthin and Capsanthin‐Rich Paprika Juice

      

      Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

      1. Preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities of’parsley’petroselinum crispum in rats
      2. Prevention of Experimentally-induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats by an Ethanolic Extract of “Parsley” Petroselinum crispum

      

      Pepper, black, white, and green (Piper nigrum)

      1. Antispermatogenic and antifertility effects of fruits of Piper nigrum L. in mice
      2. Antidepressant like effects of piperine in chronic mild stress treated mice and its possible mechanisms
      3. Effect of piperine on the inhibition of lung metastasis induced B16F-10 melanoma cells in mice

      

      Pepper, long (Piper longum)

      1. Effects of Piper longum fruit, Piper sarmentosum root and Quercus infectoria nut gall on caecal amoebiasis in mice
      2. Protective effect of Piper longum L. on oxidative stress induced injury and cellular abnormality in adriamycin induced cardiotoxicity in rats
      3. Analgesic activity of Piper longum Linn. root

      

      Pepper, mountain, Cornish pepper leaf (Tasmannia lanceolata)

      1. Natural antiulcerogenic agents: an overview
      2. The phytochemistry and chemotherapeutic potential of Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian pepper): A review
      3. The potential of Tasmannia lanceolata as a natural preservative and medicinal agent: Antimicrobial activity and toxicity

      

      Peppermint gum leaf (Eucalyptus dives)

      1. Antiradical and Anti-H2O2 Properties of Polyphenolic Compounds from an Aqueous Peppermint Extract
      2. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)
      3. Inhibitory effects of eucalyptus and banaba leaf extracts on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a high-fructose/high-glucose diet in rats

      

      Poppy seed (Papaver somniferum)

      1. Isoquinoline alkaloids and keto-fatty acids of Argemone ochroleuca and A. mexicana (mexican poppy) seed. II. Concentrations tolerated by pigs
      2. Analytical study and analgesic activity of oripavine from Papaver somniferum L

      

      Quassia (Quassia amara) bitter spice in aperitifs and some beers and fortified wines

      1. Evaluation of the analgesic and antiedematogenic activities of Quassia amara bark extract
      2. Antiulcerogenic activity of four extracts obtained from the bark wood of Quassia amara L.(Simaroubaceae)
      3. Antidiabetic Activity of Standardized Extract of Quassia amara in Nicotinamide–Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetic Rats

      

      Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

      1. Antidepressant-like effect of the extract of Rosmarinus officinalis in mice: involvement of the monoaminergic system
      2. Protective effect of supercritical fluid rosemary extract, Rosmarinus officinalis, on antioxidants of major organs of aged rats
      3. Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oil in Experimental Animal Models
      4. Rosemary Extract‐Mediated Lifespan Extension and Attenuated Oxidative Damage in Drosophila melanogaster Fed on High‐Fat Diet

      

      Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), only for yellow color

      1. Effect of the carthamins yellow from Carthamus tinctorius L. on hemorheological disorders of blood stasis in rats
      2. Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activities of Mogami-benibana (Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius Linne)
      3. Evaluation of the anti-myocardial ischemia effect of individual and combined extracts of Panax notoginseng and Carthamus tinctorius in rats

      

      Saffron (Crocus sativus)

      1. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocus sativus L. stigma and petal extracts in mice
      2. Antidepressant effect of kaempferol, a constituent of saffron (Crocus sativus) petal, in mice and rats
      3. Effects of the active constituents of Crocus sativus L., crocins on recognition and spatial rats’ memory

      

      Sage (Salvia officinalis)

      1. The drinking of a Salvia officinalis infusion improves liver antioxidant status in mice and rats
      2. Effect of Salvia officinalis L. leaves on serum glucose and insulin in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
      3. Antidiabetic effects of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) leaves in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
      4. Preventive effects of salvia officinalis leaf extract on insulin resistance and inflammation, in high fat diet-induced-obesity mice model

      

      Saigon cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi)

      1. Cinnamon Extract Enhances Glucose Uptake in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and C2C12 Myocytes by Inducing LKB1-AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling
      2. Anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activities of hexane extracts from some Asian medicinal plants
      3. Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient

      

      Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

      1. Sassafras albidum has been reported to have antineoplastic activity
      2. Sassafras tea: Using a traditional method of preparation to reduce the carcinogenic compound safrole
      3. Sassafras and herb tea

      

      Savory, winter (Satureja montana)

      1. Protective effect of Satureja montana extract on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular injury in rats
      2. An update on pharmacology of Satureja species; from antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetes and anti-hyperlipidemic to reproductive stimulation
      3. Effects of winter savory (satureja montana l.) on peripheral body temperature of people who experience a ‘Feeling of Cold'(Hie-Sho)

      

      Sesame Seed, Black Sesame Seed Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa leaves)

      1. Sesame seed lignans and γ-tocopherol act synergistically to produce vitamin E activity in rats
      2. Sesamin is one of the major precursors of mammalian lignans in sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) as observed in vitro and in rats
      3. Effect of sesame seeds rich in sesamin and sesamolin on fatty acid oxidation in rat liver

      

      Silphium, silphion, laser, laserpicium, sorado Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

      1. Phenolic compounds from Allium schoenoprasum, Tragopogon pratensis and Rumex acetosa and their antiproliferative effects
      2. Pharmacologically mechanistic basis for the traditional uses of Rumex acetosa in gut motility disorders and emesis
      3. Biosynthesis of Stable Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Aqueous Extracts of Hordeum vulgare and Rumex acetosa Plants

      

      Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

      1. Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism
      2. Anti-inflammatory activity of four solvent fractions of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata L. investigated on acute and chronic inflammation induced rats
      3. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti‐androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. a randomized controlled trial

      

      Spikenard (Nardostachys grandiflora or N. jatamansi)

      1. Sedative effects of vapor inhalation of agarwood oil and spikenard extract and identification of their active components
      2. Nardostachys jatamansi Improves Learning and Memory in Mice
      3. A review on spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi DC.)-An ‘endangered’essential herb of India

      

      Star anise (Illicium verum)

      1. Effects of dietary cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Illicium verum, Schizandra chinensis and alfalfa on the benzo [a] pyrene metabolic system in mouse liver
      2. Topical application of an ethanol extract prepared from Illicium verum suppresses atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice
      3. Herbal medicine and epilepsy: proconvulsive effects and interactions with antiepileptic drugs
      4. Anethole prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and collagen metabolism alterations in human skin fibroblasts

      

      Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)

      1. Antioxidant and burn healing potential of Galium odoratum extractso
      2. Galium odoratum
      3. Hepatoprotective effects of Berberis lycium, Galium and Pistacia integerrima in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats

      

      Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum)

      1. Glycoprotein of Zanthoxylum piperitum DC has a hepatoprotective effect via anti-oxidative character in vivo and in vitro
      2. Zanthoxylum piperitum DC ethanol extract suppresses fat accumulation in adipocytes and high fat diet-induced obese mice by regulating adipogenesis
      3. Human acyl-CoA: Cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitory activities of aliphatic acid amides from Zanthoxylum piperitum DC.

      

      Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

      1. Anticonvulsant activity and chemical composition of Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oil
      2. High-fat diet-induced neuropathy of prediabetes and obesity: effect of PMI-5011, an ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L.
      3. Improved absorption and bioactivity of active compounds from an anti-diabetic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L

      

      Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

      1. Dietary supplementation of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil during the lifetime of the rat: its effects on the antioxidant status in liver, kidney and heart tissues
      2. Effects of thymol and carvacrol, constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil, on the inflammatory response
      3. Antioxidant properties of Thymus vulgaris oil against aflatoxin-induce oxidative stress in male rats
      4. The Application of Medicinal Plants in Traditional and Modern Medicine: A Review of Thymus vulgaris

      

      Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

      1. Effect of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) on iron-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat liver
      2. Behavioral, neurochemical and neuroendocrine effects of the ethanolic extract from Curcuma longa L. in the mouse forced swimming test
      3. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research.
      4. Effect of curcumin (Curcuma longa extract) on LPS-induced acute lung injury is mediated by the activation of AMPK

      

      Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)

      1. Vanillin as an antioxidant in rat liver mitochondria: inhibition of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation induced by photosensitization
      2. Evaluation of antidepressant activity of vanillin in mice
      3. DNA protective properties of vanillin against γ-radiation under different conditions: possible mechanisms

      

      Wasabi (Wasabia japonica)

      1. Anti-obesity effects of hot water extract from Wasabi (Wasabia japonica Matsum.) leaves in mice fed high-fat diets
      2. Effect of wasabi leafstalk (Wasabia japonica MATSUM.) extract on bone metabolism in mouse calvaria tissue culture
      3. Antiplatelet and anticancer isothiocyanates in Japanese domestic horseradish, wasabi

      

      Water-pepper, smartweed (Polygonum hydropiper)

      1. Effect of Chromatographic Fractions of Polygonum hydropiper Linn.(Roots) on Fertility in Female Albino Rats
      2. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of Polygonum hydropiper methanol extract
      3. Antinociceptive activity of Polygonum hydropiper

      

      Watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica)

      1. Effects of watercress consumption on metabolism of a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen in smokers.
      2. Chemoprevention of cancer by isothiocyanates, modifiers of carcinogen metabolism
      3. Inhibition of chlorzoxazone metabolism, a clinical probe for CYP2E1, by a single ingestion of watercress

      

      Wattleseed (Acacia Victoriae)

      1. Triterpenoid saponins from Acacia victoriae (Bentham) decrease tumor cell proliferation and induce apoptosis
      2. Avicins: triterpenoid saponins from Acacia victoriae (Bentham) induce apoptosis by mitochondrial perturbation
      3. Avicins, a family of triterpenoid saponins from Acacia victoriae (Bentham), suppress H-ras mutations and aneuploidy in a murine skin carcinogenesis model
      4. Anti-Obesity and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Acacia Polyphenol in Obese Diabetic KKAy Mice Fed High-Fat Diet

      

      Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

      1. Impact of thymol in thyme extracts on their antispasmodic action and ciliary clearance
      2. Hypoglycemic and hematological effects of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum Linn. in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits
      3. Review of ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological study of Thymus serpyllum L.

      

      Willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum)

      1. Chemical Composition and in Vitro Antioxidant Evaluation of Commercial Water-Soluble Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium L.) Extracts
      2. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effect of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb.
      3. Anti-proliferative effect on a prostatic epithelial cell line (PZ-HPV-7) by Epilobium angustifolium L.

      

      Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

      1. Variation in polyphenolic profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves following foliar development
      2. Methods on the content and antiradical activity of polyphenols from fruits Actinidia arguta, Crataegus monogyna, Gaultheria procumbens and Schisandra chinensis
      3. The determination of salicylates in Gaultheria procumbens for use as a natural aspirin alternative

      

      Woodruff (Galium odoratum) Galium odoratum)
      

      Antioxidant and burn healing potential of Galium odoratum extracts

      

      Wormwood, absinthe (Artemisia absinthium)

      1. Preventive and curative effects of Artemisia absinthium on acetaminophen and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity
      2. Study of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity from plant extracts of Lactuca scariola and Artemisia absinthium
      3. Neuroprotective effect of Artemisia absinthium L. on focal ischemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral injury

      

      Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

      1. Antispermatogenic effect of Achillea millefolium L. in mice
      2. Safety and antiulcer efficacy studies of Achillea millefolium L. after chronic treatment in Wistar rats
      3. The effect of Achillea millefolium extract on spermatogenesis of male Wistar rats

      

      Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria)

      1. Anti-angiogenesis effect of essential oil from Curcuma zedoaria in vitro and in vivo
      2. Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.(white turmeric): a review of its chemical, pharmacological and ethnomedicinal properties
      3. Evaluation of antinociceptive, in-vivo & in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome