Lemon Balm and Corn Silk Mixture Alleviates Metabolic Disorders Caused by a High-Fat Diet

Abstract

We recently reported that varying combination ratios of lemon balm (Mellissa officinalis L.) and corn silk extracts (Stigma of Zea mays L. fruit) could reduce the obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the dose-dependent effect of a 1:1 (w:w) mixture of lemon balm and corn silk extracts (M-LB/CS) on HFD-mediated metabolic disorders and compared the effect with metformin. Oral administration of 50–200 mg/kg of M-LB/CS for 84 days significantly inhibited HFD-induced body weight gain, adipocyte hypertrophy, and lipogenic gene induction without affecting food consumption in mice. Biochemical analyses showed that M-LB/CS blocked abnormal lipid accumulation in the blood by escalating fecal lipid excretion. In addition, M-LB/CS prevented HFD-mediated pancreatic atrophy, decreased the number of insulin- and glucagon-immunoreactive cells, and inhibited increases in glycated hemoglobin, glucose, and insulin. Moreover, M-LB/CS also reduced hepatic injury, lipid accumulation, gluconeogenesis, and lipid peroxidation in parallel with the induction of AMP-activated protein kinase and antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, M-LB/CS protected the kidney by inhibiting tubular vacuolation and reducing serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. The prophylactic effect of 100 mg/kg M-LB/CS-administration was comparable to that of metformin. Therefore, M-LB/CS may be an alternative option for managing obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Adenophora Stricta Root Extract Protects Lung Injury from Exposure to Particulate Matter 2.5 in Mice

“…In addition, flavonoid content was quantified by measuring optical intensity at 415 nm wavelength after AsE was reacted with 0.2% aluminum nitrate and 20 mM potassium acetate for 40 min. Total flavonoids was expressed as mg of baicalein equivalents per gram of AsE, as described previously [ 21 ].…”

“…Levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system (e.g., reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity and catalase activity) in lung homogenate were measured according to previously established method [ 21 ], and then normalized by protein concentration.…”

An Umbrella Insight into the Phytochemistry Features and Biological Activities of Corn Silk: A Narrative Review

“…Furthermore, in modern clinics, corn silk is applied to treat various diseases, such as nephritis, acute and chronic pneumonia, diabetes, hypertension, and edema [6]. In addition, many modern pharmacological activities, such as antihypertension activities [7], lowering blood lipids [8], anti-inflammatory activities [9], anti-urolithiasis activities [10], anti-oxidant activities [11], protecting the liver [12], and other effects [13] have been verified in previous studies.…”

Phytochemical study: Fragmentation patterns of flavonoid‐C‐glycosides in the enriched flavonoids from corn silk using high‐efficiency ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…Modern pharmacological studies showed that corn silk could be anti‐diabetic [1, 2], anti‐hyperuricemia [3], anti‐oxidant [4], anti‐cancer [5], anti‐obesity [6], anti‐inflammatory [7], lowering blood lipids [8], improving sleep disorders, etc. [9]. Besides, in clinical practice, corn silk was usually used as prescriptions combined with other TCMs, especially Xiaoke Pill [10, 11], and folk formula [12].…”