Background:Many kinds of orchids have significant health benefits although ade-quate research on their biological functions is yet to be carried out.This study inves-tigated the paracetamol-induced liver damage-protec...Background:Many kinds of orchids have significant health benefits although ade-quate research on their biological functions is yet to be carried out.This study inves-tigated the paracetamol-induced liver damage-protecting effect of epiphytic Aerides odorata methanol extract(AODE).Methods:The protective effects of AODE were studied by analyzing its effect on liver function parameters,messenger RNA(mRNA)expression,and tissue histopatho-logical architecture.The results were confirmed by ligand-receptor interaction of molecular docking and multitarget interaction of network pharmacological analyses.Results:AODE significantly(p<0.05)minimized the dose-dependent increase in acid phosphatase,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phos-phatase,γ-glutamyl transferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and total bilirubin compared to the reference drug silymarin.Malondialdehyde level decreased,and the antioxidant genes catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),β-actin,paraoxonase-1(PON1),and phosphofructokinase-1(PFK-1)were upregulated in AODE-treated paracetamol-intoxicated rats.A total of 376 compounds comprising phenols and flavonoids were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-qTOF-MS).The online toxicity assessment using SwissADME and admetSAR exhibited drug-like,nontoxic,and potential pharmaco-logical properties.Additionally,in silico analysis showed that isoacteoside,one of the identified compounds,exhibited the best docking score(−11.42)with the liver pro-tein human pituitary adenylate cyclase-1(Protein Data Bank ID:3N94).Furthermore,network pharmacology analysis identified the top 10 hub genes,namely AKT1(protein kinase B),CTNNB1(catenin beta-1),SRC(proto-oncogene c-Src),TNF(tumor necrosis factor),EGFR(epidermal growth factor receptor),HSP90AA1(heat shock protein 90α),MAPK3(mitogen-activated protein kinase 3),STAT3(signal transducer and activator of transcription 3),CASP3(caspase protein),and ESR1(estrogen receptor 1),which are res展开更多
Xylitol and erythritol have been reported in numerous previous and recent studies as potential antidiabetic sweeteners,however,it is not certain which one is most effective in this regard.In the present study,the effe...Xylitol and erythritol have been reported in numerous previous and recent studies as potential antidiabetic sweeteners,however,it is not certain which one is most effective in this regard.In the present study,the effects of xylitol and erythritol were comparatively investigated on blood glucose,insulin level,dyslipidemia,pancreatic islet morphology andβ-cell function,and redox imbalance in a type 2 diabetes(T2D)model of rats.Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 8 groups:Normal Control(NC),Diabetic Control(DC),Diabetic Xylitol 5%(DX5),Diabetic Xylitol 10%(DX10),Diabetic Xylitol 20%(DX20),Diabetic Erythritol 5%(DE5),Diabetic Erythritol 10%(DE10),and Diabetic Erythritol 20%(DE20).T2D was induced in the diabetic groups initially by feeding 10%fructose solution to induce insulin resistance followed by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(40 mg/kg body weight)dissolved in citrate buffer(pH 4.5)to induce partial pancreaticβ-cells dysfunctions.The animals in NC group were fed with normal drinking water and injected with citrate buffer only.After the confi rmation of diabetes,the xylitol and erythritol with above-mentioned concentrations were supplied to the respective animal groups when the animals in NC and DC groups were supplied with normal drinking water.After 8 weeks intervention period,the body weight,fl uid and water intake,blood glucose,serum alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,CK-MB and creatinine were signifi cantly decreased,while the serum insulin level,serum lipids,glucose tolerance ability,pancreatic islet morphology andβ-cell function,pancreatic and serum redox imbalance were improved in the most xylitol and erythritol fed groups compared to the DC group,when effects were better for xylitol compared to erythritol.The data of this study suggests that xylitol has better antioxidant and antidiabetic effects compared to erythritol.Therefore,xylitol can be used as a preferrable dietary anti-diabetic sweetener or supplement over erythritol for the manage展开更多
Red honeybush tea(RHT)is a tea product developed from Cyclopia spp.which is endemic to South Africa.Aside refreshment,RHT has over the years been used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including type ...Red honeybush tea(RHT)is a tea product developed from Cyclopia spp.which is endemic to South Africa.Aside refreshment,RHT has over the years been used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including type 2 diabetes.This study investigated the in vivo antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity of RHT concentrated hot water extract in type 2 diabetes(T2D)model of rats.T2D was induced starting with feeding 10%fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(40 mg/kg body weight(BW)).Five weeks of treatment of RHT led to significant(P<0.05)elevation in serum insulin,pancreaticβ-cell function,HDL-C levels with concomitant decrease in AST,ALT,ALP,urea,CK-MB,fructosamine,total cholesterol,triglycerides,LDL-C,and insulin resistance in diabetic rats.RHT also signifi cantly(P<0.05)decreased MDA levels and enhanced level of GSH,activity of SOD,catalase,GR in most of organs(pancreas,liver,kidneys,and heart).Signifi cantly(P<0.05)improved morphological changes in the islets andβ-cells were observed in rats treated with RHT.The data of this study suggest that RHT demonstrates an outstanding antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects in STZ-induced T2D model of rats.展开更多
There is a long ritual of acquired immunity using physical exercise, a balanced diet, and pharmaceutical medication to generate immunity against a particular disease insight into the human body. This paper has extensi...There is a long ritual of acquired immunity using physical exercise, a balanced diet, and pharmaceutical medication to generate immunity against a particular disease insight into the human body. This paper has extensively reviewed the impact of exercise, daily life practice, food selection, and several other issues to improve the immune system that combat infection. Studying the effect of exercise in varying degrees on the immunity system of humans is well developed and exhibit in this study. It investigates the prevention of pandemics due to herd immunity and finds the perfect amount of exercise to boost immunity to its maximum. Besides the life practice, it is also explored that vaccination can improve and optimize herd immunity.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of Senna petersiana leaf extracts on key digestive enzymes and FeSO_(4)-induced oxidative injury.Methods:Dried Senna petersiana leaf powder(60 g)was defatted in n-hexane and then extra...Objective:To evaluate the effect of Senna petersiana leaf extracts on key digestive enzymes and FeSO_(4)-induced oxidative injury.Methods:Dried Senna petersiana leaf powder(60 g)was defatted in n-hexane and then extracted sequentially at room temperature with dichloromethane,methanol,and distilled water.The total phytochemical content of the extracts was estimated using established methods.The in vitro antioxidant,anti-lipase,and antidiabetic activities and the effect of the extracts on intestinal glucose absorption and FeSO_(4)-induced pancreatic oxidative injury were determined using different protocols.Moreover,GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the main compounds of the plant extract.Molecular docking analysis was also carried out to evaluate the binding energy of compounds with digestive enzymes.Results:Senna petersiana leaf extracts showed significant antioxidant activities in FRAP,DPPH,and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays.They also inhibited pancreatic lipase and lowered intestinal glucose absorption by suppressing activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase.Treatment with the extracts also lowered lipid peroxidation(malondialdehyde),nitric oxide level,acetylcholinesterase,and ATPase activities with simultaneous improvement of antioxidant(catalase,superoxide dismutase,glutathione)capacity in the type 2 diabetes model of oxidative pancreatic injury.GC-MS characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of stilbenoids,alkaloids,and other compounds.Molecular docking screening assay indicated the extract phytochemicals showed strong interaction with the active site amino acids of the targeted digestive enzymes.Among the Senna petersiana compounds,veratramine had the highest affinity forα-amylase and lipase,whereas dihydrostilbestrol was most attracted toα-glucosidase.Conclusions:Senna petersiana inhibits carbohydrate digestive enzymes,reduces intestinal glucose absorption,and exerts ameliorative effects on FeSO_(4)-induced oxidative pancreatic injury with significant antioxidant capabilities.Deta展开更多
Objective:To investigate the antioxidative and antidiabetic effects of Harpephyllum caffrum bark infusion as well as its effects on glucogenic and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in FeSO4-induced oxidative st...Objective:To investigate the antioxidative and antidiabetic effects of Harpephyllum caffrum bark infusion as well as its effects on glucogenic and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in FeSO4-induced oxidative stress in rat hepatic tissue.Methods:Harpephyllum caffrum infusion was prepared from dried plant materials(40 g)infused in boiling water(400 mL)for 20 min at room temperature.The antioxidative and inhibitory activities against carbohydrate digestive enzymes of the infusion were determined using established protocols.The liver tissues of rats were used for glucose uptake assay and to evaluate the infusion’s effect on endogenous antioxidant,glucogenic,and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in FeSO4-induced hepatic injury.Results:The Harpephyllum caffrum infusion significantly reduced ferric iron(FRAP)and free radicals(OH•and DPPH)in a dose-dependent manner.It inhibitedα-amylase andα-glucosidase activities and increased glucose uptake in hepatic tissues.FeSO4 significantly decreased glutathione concentration,catalase,and superoxide dismutase activities while increasing malondialdehyde level,glycogen phosphorylase,fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase,and adenosine triphosphatase activities.However,treatment with Harpephyllum caffrum infusion reversed FeSO4-induced changes.Characterization of the infusion revealed the presence of catechol,O-pyrocatechuic acid,mequinol,maltol,and glycoside derivatives.Conclusions:The Harpephyllum caffrum infusion demonstrates antidiabetic and antioxidative potentials in in vitro models of type 2 diabetes as depicted by its ability to inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes,mitigate oxidative imbalance,and regulate glucogenic and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in oxidative hepatic injury.展开更多
Non-timber forest products(NTFPs)play a significant role in the improvement of the forest-dependent people’s livelihoodsaround the world,strengthening protection for the sustainable use of forests.The purpose of this...Non-timber forest products(NTFPs)play a significant role in the improvement of the forest-dependent people’s livelihoodsaround the world,strengthening protection for the sustainable use of forests.The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of occupational category-wise(fuelwood collectors,farmers,small-scale businessmen,day labourers,and tea estate labourers)dependencyon NTFPsand the role of NTFPs on household income around the Khadimnagar National Park(KNP)in northeastern Bangladesh.In 2014,178purposively selected respondents from four villages(out of 22 villagesaround the KNP)were interviewed face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire.The study observed that these forest-dependent communities utilized resources of the KNP mainly for domestic energy supply,household income,and house construction.Results showed that income from NTFPs made a significant contribution to family income.Income data analysis indicated that small-scale businessmen earned relatively more income from NTFPs,followed by tea estate labourersand day labourers.The study revealed significant negative relationships of the distance of households from the forest with the amount of NTFPs collected(P<0.01)and monthly income from NTFPs(P<0.01).Positive significant relationships were found between the amount of NTFPs collected and the time spent in NTFP collection(P<0.001),as well as betweenmonthly income from NTFPs and family size(P<0.001).The fuelwood collectors and farmers collected significantly greater amounts of NTFPs per trip(P<0.001)than other occupational categories.The households that were moderately to highly dependent on NTFPs collected significantly higher amounts of NTFPs pertrip(P<0.01)than the households that were moderately dependent and less dependent on NTFPs.Community dependence on KNP’sresources,community’sappreciation of the KNP’s ecosystem services for villagers’livelihoods,and community’s high levels of concern for forest conservation provided a foundation for the sustainable management of th展开更多
Objective:To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Rhus longipes(R.longipes)leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions.Methods:R.longipes leaf and stem bark infusions were characterized via gas-chromatograp...Objective:To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Rhus longipes(R.longipes)leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions.Methods:R.longipes leaf and stem bark infusions were characterized via gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy(GC-MS)analysis.In vitro antioxidant and carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activities of R.longipes infusions were determined.Additionally,the modulatory effects of R.longipes infusions on intestinal glucose absorption,muscle glucose uptake,and biomarkers of renal oxidative injury were evaluated.Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding affinities of the identified compounds from the leaf and stem bark infusions on carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes.Results:GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocompounds,including palmitoleic acid,octadecanamide,24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and L-ascorbic acid.The bark infusion had significantly higher total phenolic contents compared with the leaf infusion,with better DPPH scavenging[IC_(50):(10.50±1.03)μg/mL]and ferric reducing[IC_(50):(9.85±0.32)μg/mL]activities(P<0.05).Both R.longipes infusions at their highest concentrations significantly increased glucose uptake in yeast suspension and rat psoas muscle with marked suppression of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum(P<0.05).With no cytotoxicity on Vero cells,the infusions lowered lipid peroxidation,increased cellular reduced glutathione concentration,and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal homogenate treated with FeSO_(4).Conclusions:R.longipes shows antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetes.展开更多
文摘Background:Many kinds of orchids have significant health benefits although ade-quate research on their biological functions is yet to be carried out.This study inves-tigated the paracetamol-induced liver damage-protecting effect of epiphytic Aerides odorata methanol extract(AODE).Methods:The protective effects of AODE were studied by analyzing its effect on liver function parameters,messenger RNA(mRNA)expression,and tissue histopatho-logical architecture.The results were confirmed by ligand-receptor interaction of molecular docking and multitarget interaction of network pharmacological analyses.Results:AODE significantly(p<0.05)minimized the dose-dependent increase in acid phosphatase,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phos-phatase,γ-glutamyl transferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and total bilirubin compared to the reference drug silymarin.Malondialdehyde level decreased,and the antioxidant genes catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),β-actin,paraoxonase-1(PON1),and phosphofructokinase-1(PFK-1)were upregulated in AODE-treated paracetamol-intoxicated rats.A total of 376 compounds comprising phenols and flavonoids were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-qTOF-MS).The online toxicity assessment using SwissADME and admetSAR exhibited drug-like,nontoxic,and potential pharmaco-logical properties.Additionally,in silico analysis showed that isoacteoside,one of the identified compounds,exhibited the best docking score(−11.42)with the liver pro-tein human pituitary adenylate cyclase-1(Protein Data Bank ID:3N94).Furthermore,network pharmacology analysis identified the top 10 hub genes,namely AKT1(protein kinase B),CTNNB1(catenin beta-1),SRC(proto-oncogene c-Src),TNF(tumor necrosis factor),EGFR(epidermal growth factor receptor),HSP90AA1(heat shock protein 90α),MAPK3(mitogen-activated protein kinase 3),STAT3(signal transducer and activator of transcription 3),CASP3(caspase protein),and ESR1(estrogen receptor 1),which are res
基金supported by funding from the Research office,University of KwaZulu-Natal,Durbanthe National Research Foundation,Pretoria,South Africa(112430)。
文摘Xylitol and erythritol have been reported in numerous previous and recent studies as potential antidiabetic sweeteners,however,it is not certain which one is most effective in this regard.In the present study,the effects of xylitol and erythritol were comparatively investigated on blood glucose,insulin level,dyslipidemia,pancreatic islet morphology andβ-cell function,and redox imbalance in a type 2 diabetes(T2D)model of rats.Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 8 groups:Normal Control(NC),Diabetic Control(DC),Diabetic Xylitol 5%(DX5),Diabetic Xylitol 10%(DX10),Diabetic Xylitol 20%(DX20),Diabetic Erythritol 5%(DE5),Diabetic Erythritol 10%(DE10),and Diabetic Erythritol 20%(DE20).T2D was induced in the diabetic groups initially by feeding 10%fructose solution to induce insulin resistance followed by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(40 mg/kg body weight)dissolved in citrate buffer(pH 4.5)to induce partial pancreaticβ-cells dysfunctions.The animals in NC group were fed with normal drinking water and injected with citrate buffer only.After the confi rmation of diabetes,the xylitol and erythritol with above-mentioned concentrations were supplied to the respective animal groups when the animals in NC and DC groups were supplied with normal drinking water.After 8 weeks intervention period,the body weight,fl uid and water intake,blood glucose,serum alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,CK-MB and creatinine were signifi cantly decreased,while the serum insulin level,serum lipids,glucose tolerance ability,pancreatic islet morphology andβ-cell function,pancreatic and serum redox imbalance were improved in the most xylitol and erythritol fed groups compared to the DC group,when effects were better for xylitol compared to erythritol.The data of this study suggests that xylitol has better antioxidant and antidiabetic effects compared to erythritol.Therefore,xylitol can be used as a preferrable dietary anti-diabetic sweetener or supplement over erythritol for the manage
基金supported by a competitive research grant from the Research Office,University of KwaZulu-Natal(UKZN),Durbanan incentive grant for rated researchers and a grant support for women and young researchers from the National Research Foundation(NRF),Pretoria,South Africa.
文摘Red honeybush tea(RHT)is a tea product developed from Cyclopia spp.which is endemic to South Africa.Aside refreshment,RHT has over the years been used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including type 2 diabetes.This study investigated the in vivo antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity of RHT concentrated hot water extract in type 2 diabetes(T2D)model of rats.T2D was induced starting with feeding 10%fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(40 mg/kg body weight(BW)).Five weeks of treatment of RHT led to significant(P<0.05)elevation in serum insulin,pancreaticβ-cell function,HDL-C levels with concomitant decrease in AST,ALT,ALP,urea,CK-MB,fructosamine,total cholesterol,triglycerides,LDL-C,and insulin resistance in diabetic rats.RHT also signifi cantly(P<0.05)decreased MDA levels and enhanced level of GSH,activity of SOD,catalase,GR in most of organs(pancreas,liver,kidneys,and heart).Signifi cantly(P<0.05)improved morphological changes in the islets andβ-cells were observed in rats treated with RHT.The data of this study suggest that RHT demonstrates an outstanding antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects in STZ-induced T2D model of rats.
文摘There is a long ritual of acquired immunity using physical exercise, a balanced diet, and pharmaceutical medication to generate immunity against a particular disease insight into the human body. This paper has extensively reviewed the impact of exercise, daily life practice, food selection, and several other issues to improve the immune system that combat infection. Studying the effect of exercise in varying degrees on the immunity system of humans is well developed and exhibit in this study. It investigates the prevention of pandemics due to herd immunity and finds the perfect amount of exercise to boost immunity to its maximum. Besides the life practice, it is also explored that vaccination can improve and optimize herd immunity.
基金supported by the Research OfficeUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal,439 DurbanSouth Africa
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of Senna petersiana leaf extracts on key digestive enzymes and FeSO_(4)-induced oxidative injury.Methods:Dried Senna petersiana leaf powder(60 g)was defatted in n-hexane and then extracted sequentially at room temperature with dichloromethane,methanol,and distilled water.The total phytochemical content of the extracts was estimated using established methods.The in vitro antioxidant,anti-lipase,and antidiabetic activities and the effect of the extracts on intestinal glucose absorption and FeSO_(4)-induced pancreatic oxidative injury were determined using different protocols.Moreover,GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the main compounds of the plant extract.Molecular docking analysis was also carried out to evaluate the binding energy of compounds with digestive enzymes.Results:Senna petersiana leaf extracts showed significant antioxidant activities in FRAP,DPPH,and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays.They also inhibited pancreatic lipase and lowered intestinal glucose absorption by suppressing activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase.Treatment with the extracts also lowered lipid peroxidation(malondialdehyde),nitric oxide level,acetylcholinesterase,and ATPase activities with simultaneous improvement of antioxidant(catalase,superoxide dismutase,glutathione)capacity in the type 2 diabetes model of oxidative pancreatic injury.GC-MS characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of stilbenoids,alkaloids,and other compounds.Molecular docking screening assay indicated the extract phytochemicals showed strong interaction with the active site amino acids of the targeted digestive enzymes.Among the Senna petersiana compounds,veratramine had the highest affinity forα-amylase and lipase,whereas dihydrostilbestrol was most attracted toα-glucosidase.Conclusions:Senna petersiana inhibits carbohydrate digestive enzymes,reduces intestinal glucose absorption,and exerts ameliorative effects on FeSO_(4)-induced oxidative pancreatic injury with significant antioxidant capabilities.Deta
基金funded by the Research Office,University of KwaZulu-Natal,Durban,and with support from the National Research Foundation-the World Academy of Science(NRF-TWAS),Pretoria,South Africa under(UID:116093).
文摘Objective:To investigate the antioxidative and antidiabetic effects of Harpephyllum caffrum bark infusion as well as its effects on glucogenic and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in FeSO4-induced oxidative stress in rat hepatic tissue.Methods:Harpephyllum caffrum infusion was prepared from dried plant materials(40 g)infused in boiling water(400 mL)for 20 min at room temperature.The antioxidative and inhibitory activities against carbohydrate digestive enzymes of the infusion were determined using established protocols.The liver tissues of rats were used for glucose uptake assay and to evaluate the infusion’s effect on endogenous antioxidant,glucogenic,and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in FeSO4-induced hepatic injury.Results:The Harpephyllum caffrum infusion significantly reduced ferric iron(FRAP)and free radicals(OH•and DPPH)in a dose-dependent manner.It inhibitedα-amylase andα-glucosidase activities and increased glucose uptake in hepatic tissues.FeSO4 significantly decreased glutathione concentration,catalase,and superoxide dismutase activities while increasing malondialdehyde level,glycogen phosphorylase,fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase,and adenosine triphosphatase activities.However,treatment with Harpephyllum caffrum infusion reversed FeSO4-induced changes.Characterization of the infusion revealed the presence of catechol,O-pyrocatechuic acid,mequinol,maltol,and glycoside derivatives.Conclusions:The Harpephyllum caffrum infusion demonstrates antidiabetic and antioxidative potentials in in vitro models of type 2 diabetes as depicted by its ability to inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes,mitigate oxidative imbalance,and regulate glucogenic and nucleotide hydrolyzing enzyme activities in oxidative hepatic injury.
文摘Non-timber forest products(NTFPs)play a significant role in the improvement of the forest-dependent people’s livelihoodsaround the world,strengthening protection for the sustainable use of forests.The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of occupational category-wise(fuelwood collectors,farmers,small-scale businessmen,day labourers,and tea estate labourers)dependencyon NTFPsand the role of NTFPs on household income around the Khadimnagar National Park(KNP)in northeastern Bangladesh.In 2014,178purposively selected respondents from four villages(out of 22 villagesaround the KNP)were interviewed face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire.The study observed that these forest-dependent communities utilized resources of the KNP mainly for domestic energy supply,household income,and house construction.Results showed that income from NTFPs made a significant contribution to family income.Income data analysis indicated that small-scale businessmen earned relatively more income from NTFPs,followed by tea estate labourersand day labourers.The study revealed significant negative relationships of the distance of households from the forest with the amount of NTFPs collected(P<0.01)and monthly income from NTFPs(P<0.01).Positive significant relationships were found between the amount of NTFPs collected and the time spent in NTFP collection(P<0.001),as well as betweenmonthly income from NTFPs and family size(P<0.001).The fuelwood collectors and farmers collected significantly greater amounts of NTFPs per trip(P<0.001)than other occupational categories.The households that were moderately to highly dependent on NTFPs collected significantly higher amounts of NTFPs pertrip(P<0.01)than the households that were moderately dependent and less dependent on NTFPs.Community dependence on KNP’sresources,community’sappreciation of the KNP’s ecosystem services for villagers’livelihoods,and community’s high levels of concern for forest conservation provided a foundation for the sustainable management of th
基金supported by a competitive research grant from the Research Office,University of KwaZulu-Natal,Durbanan incentive grant for rated researchers and grant support for women and young researchers from the National Research Foundation,Pretoria,South Africa
文摘Objective:To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Rhus longipes(R.longipes)leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions.Methods:R.longipes leaf and stem bark infusions were characterized via gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy(GC-MS)analysis.In vitro antioxidant and carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activities of R.longipes infusions were determined.Additionally,the modulatory effects of R.longipes infusions on intestinal glucose absorption,muscle glucose uptake,and biomarkers of renal oxidative injury were evaluated.Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding affinities of the identified compounds from the leaf and stem bark infusions on carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes.Results:GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocompounds,including palmitoleic acid,octadecanamide,24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and L-ascorbic acid.The bark infusion had significantly higher total phenolic contents compared with the leaf infusion,with better DPPH scavenging[IC_(50):(10.50±1.03)μg/mL]and ferric reducing[IC_(50):(9.85±0.32)μg/mL]activities(P<0.05).Both R.longipes infusions at their highest concentrations significantly increased glucose uptake in yeast suspension and rat psoas muscle with marked suppression of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum(P<0.05).With no cytotoxicity on Vero cells,the infusions lowered lipid peroxidation,increased cellular reduced glutathione concentration,and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal homogenate treated with FeSO_(4).Conclusions:R.longipes shows antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetes.
