<span>Ajuga Turkestanica, an herbaceous flowering species in the mint family, has been traditionally used in Turkeyand Uz</span><span>bekistan for heart disease, muscle aches and stomach problems. Due to its high levels of phytoecdysteroids (particularly the characteristic C-11-hydroxylated Turkesterone), anabolic properties have also been reported. The aim of our study was to screen for early signs of efficacy and safety of a proprietary Ajuga turkestanica extract (ATE) using <i>in vitro</i> models. C<sub>2</sub>C<sub>12</sub> mouse myotube cell line was used to study potential effects on viability and gene modulation. Cell vi</span><span>ability was evaluated with different concentrations [0.2 - 200 ppm (mg/L)] of ATE. Gene modulation was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after 6h incubation (ATE vs. the androgenic anabolic steroid me</span><span>thandrostenolone). Total androgenic activity was measured using the A-SCREEN bioassay. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis showed good correlation between the phytochemical profile of the native plant and our ATE. C<sub>2</sub>C<sub>12</sub> mouse myotube cells treated with ATE experienced no significant loss of viability (concentrations 0.2 - 200 ppm, 1</span><span> </span><span>-</span><span> </span><span>24 h</span><span>s</span><span>, p</span><span> </span><span>></span><span> </span><span>0.05). qRT-PCR array analysis showed significant (p</span><span> </span><span>< 0.05) down</span><span> </span><span>regulation of Caspase-3 (2-fold) and Myostatin (4-fold). The extract showed no androgenic activity within the dose range used. Our results indicate the potential for an ATE to support muscle mass without typical androgenic side effects of synthetic anabolic drugs.</span><span></span>
The tuberous rhizomes of Cyperus esculentus L. have been used as a food by hunter-gatherer and agricultural societies for millennia. Varieties and selections of the plant are cultivated in southern Europe, north Africa and west Africa. There is popular food and beverage uses, and traditional medicinal uses suggest that the "tubers" may have functional food potential. The first standardized extract of Cyperus esculentus, Cyperol, has been developed and commercialized. In order to characterize the central nervous system activity of this extract a series of neurophysiological studies were undertaken in-vitro, in-vivo and in a pilot clinical study. The results of the studies indicate that Cyperol induces changes in brain electrical activity (EEG), demonstrating that bioactive compounds from the extract are absorbed, are bioavailable, and that these compounds or their metabolites cross the blood brain barrier. Taken overall, the results of the reported studies indicate calming activity without sedation. This extract does indeed have functional food potential and could be used to maintain a calm state of mind while dealing with cognitively demanding work. Preliminary indications suggest that the extract may have anxiolytic potential which should be explored in future clinical studies.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.