The Role of Globularia alypum Explored Ex Vivo In Vitro on Human Colon Biopsies from Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Abstract

The existing literature indicates that Globularia alypum L. (GA) influences inflammation and oxidative stress modulation in rats and in vitro. The present study aims to investigate the effects of this plant in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and normal controls. In our experiments, we pretreated colon biopsies from 46 UC patients and normal controls with GA leaves aqueous extract (GAAE) used at two concentrations (50 and 100 µg/mL) for 3 h, followed by Lipopolysaccharides (from Escherichia coli) stimulation. We analyzed the effects on inflammation by studying the cyclo-oxygenase-2, the intercellular adhesion molecule-1, the nuclear factor kappa B, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression. Moreover, we assessed the levels of interleukin 6, the superoxide dismutase activity, and nitric oxide release in the supernatant of cultures. Our data showed that GAAE influences UC patients and normal controls for most studied markers and enzymes. These results acknowledge, with some scientific evidence, the traditional belief in the anti-inflammatory properties of GA and represent the first demonstration of its effect in a human in vitro model of inflammatory conditions.

HPLC-DAD Analysis and Investigation of Biological Properties of the Leaves of Globularia alypum (L.), Infusion Extract

“…However, administration of yohimbine regenerates antioxidant enzyme levels. GAAE also significantly increased SOD and GPx levels in a dose-dependent manner (400 mg/kg) [13]. The results of a second Algerian investigation demonstrated that G. alypum methanolic and aqueous extracts, which were obtained in June 2010 from Sétif in Eastern Algeria, could chelate ferrous ions in a concentration-dependent way.…”

“…These elements may have a direct impact on the composition of chemical components. Given their high phenolic component content, our obtained extracts will probably show a range of biological activity [13]. For instance, Calvin et al reveled that nepetin isolated from Eupatorium arnottianum (EA) was investigated in the TPA mouse ear edema and was found to be active.…”

“…Indeed, researchers demonstrated that offering rats fed a high-fructose diet an extra dose of GA aqueous extract protects hypertriglyceridemia while also lowering TG-VLDL levels. Furthermore, by raising SOD and GPx, GA can shield the heart from oxidative stress [12,13].…”