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The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials of GSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and/or silymarin against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE) and/or silymarin against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 7 equal groups (8 rats each) and treated as follows: Group 1, kept as control group and orally given saline; groups 2-7 were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with TAA (100 mg/Kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. Group 2, kept as control positive; groups 3-5 were administered daily oral doses of silymarin (50 mg/kg), GSE (100 mg/kg) and GSE (200 mg/kg), respectively. While groups 6-7 were administered combined treatments of silymarin and GSE (100 mg/kg) or GSE (200 mg/kg), respectively. Our results indicated that TAA caused significant elevation of hydroxyproline (Hyp), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents in liver homogenate and increased serum levels of: aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. While, TAA-treatment alone significantly decreased serum total protein and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in liver homogenate. Administration of GSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and/or silymarin attenuated TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, improved enzymes and reduced the oxidative stress in dose dependant manner Histopathological study showed disruption of the hepatic architecture and collagen fibers deposition in the portal tract of TAA-injected group. Concomitant treatment with GSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and/or silymarin significantly improved histopathological structure of liver tissue in variable degrees. In conclusion, the combined effect of GSE (200 mg/kg) with silymarin (50 mg/kg) had powerful hepatoprotective effect than any other studied doses.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Whey protein components are recently used as functional foods with health benefits. Alpha-lactalbumin (A-LA) is an important component of whey protein. It is a good source of the essential amino acids. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the possible antidepressant effect of whey protein against MDD induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CUS model is used to induce depression in mice for 24 consecutive days and aimed to evaluate the ability of A-LA compared to fluoxetine to recover depression symptoms. Thirty minutes before exposure to the physical stressor, mice were given A-LA daily in a dose of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg bwt. RESULTS: The highest dose of A-LA (300 mg/kg bwt.) lessens depression induced in mice. CONCLUSION: This effect might contribute to elevate the level of glutamate and monoamine neurotransmitters, γ-amino-butyric acid inhibition, and enhancement of glutathione in brain tissue.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that include impaired glucose metabolism and obesity. The use of nutraceuticals is an ideal choice for controlling this disorder. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect (-) hydroxycitric acid present in garcinia fruit rind and (+) hydroxycitric acid present in hibiscus calyx on metabolic syndrome and compare it to that of metformin. Metabolic syndrome was induced in rats by ingestion of high fat high fructose (HFHF) diet for 90 days. Metformin (500 mg/Kg animal b.wt.), garcinia (1000 mg/Kg animal b.wt.) and hibiscus (250 mg/Kg animal b.wt) were orally administered throughout the last 30 days of the HFHF diet regimen. Both garcinia and hibiscus were effective in reducing serum blood glucose and insulin levels. The effect of garcinia on blood glucose was comparable to that of metformin, while the effect of hibiscus on insulin and HOMA-IR was comparable to that of metformin. Both were able to reduce serum leptin level. All treated groups showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol level. Only hibiscus was able to normalize liver function while garcinia failed to reduce the elevated liver function. As a conclusion we would recommend the use of hibiscus over garcinia to overcome the adverse effects of metabolic syndrome.