Mert Pekcan

Capsaicin inhibits cell proliferation by cytochrome c release in gastric cancer cells.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the principal pungent component in hot peppers. The role of capsaicin in carcinogenesis is quite controversial. Although some investigators suspect that capsaicin is a carcinogen, co-carcinogen, or tumor promoter, others have reported that it has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities of capsaicin alone and on 5-flourouracil (5-FU)-treated gastric cancer cells. In this study, the gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 was used and capsaicin used as a chemosensitizer and 5-flourouracil (5-FU) was used as chemotherapeutic. Cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities were analyzed with MTT assay; supernatant levels of LDH and glucose were detected as biochemical markers of cell viability; cytochrome c and AIF were evaluated with western blot; and additionally, wound-healing assays were employed. Results suggested that capsaicin had significant anticancer abilities; such capsaicin were capable of causing multifold decreases in the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 value of 5-FU. The continuing controversy surrounding consumption or topical application of capsaicin clearly suggests that more well-controlled epidemiologic studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capsaicin use. In summary, the present study demonstrated that capsaicin has the potential to be used for treating gastric carcinoma with 5-FU in vitro.

Identification of hypoglycaemic compounds from berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus through bioactivity guided isolation technique

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS Hypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions, subfractions and shikimic acid (SA). RESULTS Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ferulic acid and oleuropeic acid-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues (63-64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats were decreased. CONCLUSION Results indicated that Joso berry extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

Improved metabolic control and hepatic oxidative biomarkers with the periconception use of Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum

Our aim was to investigate the hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects of the Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum (HPsP) plant extract in the streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes rat model during pregnancy. Five groups (n = 8, each) were formed: (1) diabetic non-mated control, (2) non-diabetic mated control, (3) diabetic mated control, (4) diabetic non-mated treatment and (5) diabetic mated treatment. The HPsP extract was administered orally for 15 days (250 mg/kg body weight), beginning 3 days before mating. The extract led to decreased blood glucose, increased serum insulin, and decreased serum triglycerides in pregnant and non-pregnant diabetic animals. Liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) measurements in extract-treated diabetics were similar to non-diabetic pregnant controls, indicating probable reversal of increased lipid peroxidation in the liver. The mean pup number tended to increase (p = 0.06) with extract administration. In conclusion, the beneficial effects we encountered with the periconception use of the studied herbal extract warrant further investigation.