Protective Effects of PollenAid Plus Soft Gel Capsules’ Hydroalcoholic Extract in Isolated Prostates and Ovaries Exposed to Lipopolysaccharide

Abstract

Pollen extract represents an innovative approach for the management of the clinical symptoms related to prostatitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In this context, the aims of the present work were to analyze the phenolic composition of a hydroalcoholic extract of PollenAid Plus soft gel capsules, and to evaluate the extract’s cytotoxic effects, in human prostate cancer PC3 cells and human ovary cancer OVCAR-3 cells. Additionally, protective effects were investigated in isolated prostate and ovary specimens exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The phytochemical investigation identified catechin, chlorogenic acid, gentisic acid, and 3-hydroxytyrosol as the prominent phenolics. The extract did not exert a relevant cytotoxic effect on PC3 and OVCAR-3 cells. However, the extract showed a dose-dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression in prostate and ovary specimens, and the extract was effective in preventing the LPS-induced upregulation of CAT and SOD gene expression, which are deeply involved in tissue antioxidant defense systems. Finally, a docking approach suggested the capability of catechin and chlorogenic acid to interact with the TRPV1 receptor, playing a master role in prostate inflammation. Overall, the present findings demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of this formulation; thus, suggesting its capability in the management of the clinical symptoms related to prostatitis and PID.

Evaluating Phytochemical Profiles, Cytotoxicity, Antiviral Activity, Antioxidant Potential, and Enzyme Inhibition of Vepris boiviniana Extracts

“…These results collectively indicate that the n-hexane extract possesses a moderate level of antioxidant activity. Our findings are consistent with those of Acquaviva and colleagues, who also found that the antioxidant activity of the n-hexane extract was lower than that of other extracts [34]. This implies that the n-hexane extract could be considered for utilization in situations where a moderate degree of antioxidant efficacy is sought, addressing the specific requirements of industrial or research applications.…”

“…Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined by colorimetric methods previously described by Acquaviva et al [34] and Llorent-Martínez et al [61], respectively. The Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl 3 assays were utilized to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively.…”

NMR Metabolomics of Arctium lappa L., Taraxacum officinale and Melissa officinalis: A Comparison of Spontaneous and Organic Ecotypes

“…This analytical method highlighted the effects of different altitudes and agronomical practices (Spontaneous vs. Organically Grown) on the chemical profile. NMR metabolomics is a recognised suitable approach for identifying and quantifying the primary and secondary metabolites of plants [45][46][47], as well as for the study of metabolic processes [48].…”

Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Role of HIF-1alpha

“…CGA is a polyphenol molecule with a strong antioxidant effect that is widely present in many diets and liquid drinks. It can eliminate free radicals in the body and plays a preventive and therapeutic role in many diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension (HPT), and atherosclerosis (AS) [ 39 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. CGA not only has antioxidant activity but also has a series of biological functions such as liver anti-inflammatory protection and neuroprotection [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”

“…It can eliminate free radicals in the body and plays a preventive and therapeutic role in many diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension (HPT), and atherosclerosis (AS) [ 39 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. CGA not only has antioxidant activity but also has a series of biological functions such as liver anti-inflammatory protection and neuroprotection [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. Recent studies have found that CGA also has therapeutic effects on PCOS [ 30 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”