Glyconutrients

Objective: This study was designed to compare the effect of Aloe vera gel with aspirin and celecoxib on platelet aggregation. Study Design: Comparative Study. Setting: Post graduate Medical Institute Lahore, Children Hospital, Lahore. Period: September 2015 to September 2016. Material & Methods: Blood was withdrawn from anti-cubital vein, complete blood count was checked, platelet rich plasma was prepared by centrifuging citrated whole blood and then incubated with  Aloe vera low (AVL), Aloe vera high (AVH), aspirin and celecoxib for 30 minutes at 37C. After adding the agonist arachidonic acid, reading was then taken for 3 minutes and percentage aggregation was recorded. Results: Platelet aggregation with aspirin, AVH and AVL was statistically significantly lower as compared to control and celecoxib groups. Conclusion: This study has demonstrateda dose dependentanti-platelet effect of Aloe vera gel which is comparable to aspirin.

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, exhibits anti-cancer activity. However, the effects and mechanism of fucoidan-induced apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that fucoidan prevents tumorigenesis and reduces tumor size in LLC1-xenograft male C57BL/6 mice. Fucoidan induces an ER stress response by activating the PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway, resulting in apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ATF4 knockdown abolishes fucoidan-induced CHOP expression and rescues cell viability. Specifically, fucoidan increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which increase ATF4 and CHOP in lung cancer cells. Using the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), we found that ROS generation is involved in fucoidan-induced ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockdown, we demonstrated that fucoidan-induced ROS and CHOP expression were attenuated. Our study is the first to identify a novel mechanism for the antitumor activity of fucoidan. We showed that fucoidan inhibits tumor viability by activating the TLR4/ROS/ER stress axis and the downstream PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway, leading to apoptosis and suppression of lung cancer cell progression. Together, these results indicate that fucoidan is a potential preventive and therapeutic agent for lung cancer that acts via activation of ROS-dependent ER stress pathways.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. As the aging population is increasing, AD is becoming one of the leading causes of disability and death among the elderly. However, currently there is no cure for this disease. Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide ma

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Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological neoplasms. Our previous studies showed that Fucoidan possessed anti-myeloma effect by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasion of myeloma cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Fucoidan on angiogenesis induced by human myeloma cells and elucidated its possible mechanisms. Multiple myeloma cells were treated with Fucoidan at different concentrations, then the conditioned medium (CM) was collected. The levels of VEGF in the CM were tested by ELISA. The results showed that Fucoidan significantly decreased VEGF secretion by RPMI-8226 and U266 cells. The tube formation assay and migration test on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to examine the effect of Fucoidan on angiogenesis induced by human myeloma cells. The results showed that Fucoidan decreased HUVECs formed tube structures and inhibited HUVECs migration, and suppressed the angiogenic ability of multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 and U266 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The study also showed that Fucoidan downregulated the expression of several kinds of proteins, which may be correlated with the reduction of angiogenesis induced by myeloma cells. Moreover, results were compared from normoxic and hypoxic conditions, they showed that Fucoidan had anti-angiogenic activity. Furthermore, in a multiple myeloma xenograft mouse model, it indicated that Fucoidan negatively affected tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Fucoidan was able to interfere with angiogenesis of multiple myeloma cells both in vitro and in vivo and may have a substantial potential in the treatment of MM.

Cytotoxicity for cancer cells of fucoidans isolated from 6 brown seaweed species were investigated. All fucoidans showed cytotoxic activity against th …

Background: The putative functions of the cellular prion protein (PrPc) are believed to be associated with cell signaling, differentiation, survival, and cancer progression. With respect to cancer development and progression, elevations and mutations of PrPc expression have been shown to increase the risk for malignancy and metastasis in breast and colorectal cancer. Since both natural supplements and direct regulation of PrPc expression contribute to inhibition of cancer progression and growth, we hypothesized that knockdown of PrPc could lead to an enhanced synergic effect on the inhibition of cancer growth by fucoidan. Materials and Methods: PrPc expression was suppressed in HT29 human colon cancer cells by utilizing small-interfering RNA (si-PRNP), and cells were subsequently used to study the antiproliferative and anticancer effects of fucoidan treatment of HT29 human colon cancer cells. Results: Fucoidan treatment significantly inhibited growth and reduced cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) expression in HT29 colon cancer cells. Furthermore, silencing PrPc expression with si-PRNP amplified the fucoidan-induced changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Intraperitoneal injection of si-PRNP with fucoidan reduced proliferation and tumor volume in Balb/c nude mice. This enhanced antitumor efficacy was associated with decreased angiogenesis. Conclusion: Combination of fucoidan with silencing of PrPc has a synergic effect on the inhibition of HT29 colon cancer cell growth. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the therapeutic application of PrPc silencing with other anticancer drugs for cancer.

Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide, plays a vital role in reducing cellular oxidative damage by exerting potential antioxidant activity. However, be…

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat thyroid tumors for many years. Although a number of its cellular effects have been investigated, the role of fucoidan in molecular signaling, particularly in Ca2+ signaling …

Estrogen deficiencies associated with menopause accelerate spontaneous skin aging and stimulate the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-induced photoaging of skin. However, food compositions with the potent...

In tumor microenvironment, macrophages as a polarized M2 population promote tumor progression via releasing multiple cytokines and chemokines. A brown seaweed fucose-rich polysaccharide, fucoidan has antitumor activity and immune modulation through affecting tumor cells and lymphocytes. Here, we focused on the effect of fucoidan on macrophages especially M2 subtype. Our results demonstrated that fucoidan down-regulated partial cytokines and chemokines, especially a M2-type chemokine CCL22. Furthermore, fucoidan inhibited tumor cells migration and CD4+ T lymphocytes, especially Treg cells, recruitment induced by M2 macrophages conditioned medium through suppression of CCL22. Mechanismly, fucoidan inhibited CCL22 via suppressing p65-NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. In addition, p38-MAPK and PI3K-AKT also affected the expression of CCL22 through differential modulation of NF-κB transcriptional activity. Taken together, we reveal an interesting result that fucoidan can inhibit tumor cell migration and lymphocytes recruitment by suppressing CCL22 in M2 macrophages via NF-κB-dependent transcription, which may be a novel and promising mechanism for tumor immunotherapy.

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, is an active component found in various species of seaweed. Although this compound has a strong anti-inflammatory activity, the underlying mechanisms exerted by fucoidan have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of fucoidan on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and zebrafish larvae were examined. The present data indicated that fucoidan significantly suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO ) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in RAW 264.7 macrophages without any significant cytotoxicity, the protective effects of which were accompanied by a marked reduction in their regulatory gene expression at the transcription levels. Fucoidan also inhibited translocation of the nuclear factor-kappa B from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and attenuated LPS-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, fucoidan reduced NO and PGE2 production and ROS accumulation in LPS-stimulated zebrafish larvae, which was associated with a diminished recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that fucoidan has excellent potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders.

Structural and rheological characterization of reconstituted hydrogels developed from A. vera non-fibrous alcohol insoluble residue (NFAIR) powder using different methods [viz., shaking (S), heating-shaking (HS), and heating (H)] and concentrations (viz., 0.2–1.6 %, w/v) was carried out. Functional group distribution by FTIR spectroscopy and Congo red (CR) method revealed the presence of acetylated acemannan in A. vera powder. Dynamic oscillation studies of A. vera (NFAIR) fluids at all concentrations of 0.2–1.6 %, w/v, showed gel strength in the order of H > HS > S method. However, in H method, increase in concentration from 0.2 to 1.6 %, w/v showed the conformational transition from semi-diluted solution to weak gel nature. Rheological models described the effect of heating temperatures (HT); 30–90 °C, and times (Ht); 15–60 min on viscoelastic behavior in reconstituted A. vera fluids. The reconstituted A. vera hydrogel prepared with a concentration of 1.6 %, w/v using 50 °C (HT) and 30 min (Ht) condition showed a good agreement with the Power law (storage modulus, G′) and Weak gel model (complex modulus, G*) fitted data (R2 > 0.94) resulting higher viscoelastic moduli intercepts; G′0 (71.5 Pa s n′), G″0 (33.5 Pa s n″), lower slopes; n′ (0.22), n″ (0.06), higher network strength (A F , 121.3 Pa s1/z ) and number of network (z, 5.3) values. The obtained results suggested that heating at 50 °C/30 min can develop aqueous weak gel networks of A. vera with enhanced gel strength which may be utilized as a novel gelling agent for wide variety of targeted applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Studies have been focused on natural products with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, such as fucoidan. Many in vivo studies have evaluat…

Studies have been focused on natural products with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, such as fucoidan. Many in vivo studies have evaluat…

Symbiotic effect of butyrate-producing endophytic microbiota and Aloe vera gel containing non-digestible carbohydrates was discussed on slowing ageing design: butyrate efficacy for insulin sensitivity, sirtuin activation through histone deacetylase inhibitors in vitro study. Possible putative efficacy of butyrate fermented by endophytic microbiota for insulin sensitivity on glucose homeostasis is discussed.

Lymphangiogenesis is one of the promoters of tumor lymphatic metastasis. Fucoidan which is a fucose-enriched sulfated polysaccharide has effect on various pharmacological activities including anti-metastasis activity. However, the inhibitory effect of fucoidan on lymphangiogenesis remains unclear. H …

Background/Aims: Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are benign uterine tumors, and the most notable pathophysiologic feature of ULs is excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Fucoidan is a polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweeds that has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-fibrotic effects. We aimed to study the effe

AIM: Diet is a natural source of butyrate through the fermentation of non-digestive fiber, such as acemannan in Aloe vera gel, is a strong appearing target for health and quality of life as an immune modulation and colorectal cancer prevention in aged people. In our earlier research on fermentation by endophytic bacteria in Aloe vera gel, butyric acid was identified by GC/MSD analysis. Present investigation aims the identification of the microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The endophytic microbiota of Aloe vera gel in the fermented media were examined by use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The following microbiota were identified: Bacillus cereus, B. licheniformis, Lactobacillus paralimentarium, Yeast: Clavispora lusitaniae. The safety pattern of the prepared Aloe vera gel was tested on normal non-cancerous cells and indicated the absence of any significant possible toxicity on the cells. Also, the extracted gels showed abilities to regulate the inflammatory responses in the inflammation cell models via the reduction in the amount of induced reactive oxygen species and both COX 1 and 2 enzymes. DISCUSSIOIN: Identification of butyrate-producing endophytic microbiota in Aloe vera gel fermentation and finding of inflamatory as well as antioxidant activities of butyrate in the fermented gel may help explain the known beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal colon and on colitis. An innovative concept of symbiotics: a combination of Aloe vera gel juice and microbiota: Bacillus cereus, B.licheniformis. Lactobacillus paralimentarium and Clavispora lusitaniae, is a perspective on alleviation of cancer disease and improvement of gastrointestinal health by butyrate fermentation.

Retention after treatment and effective anchorage control are two essential factors in orthodontics. Fucoidan treatment inhibits orthodontic tooth movement and enhances the stability of teeth after m...

Background: Fucoidan is a natural sulfated polysaccharide which exists mainly in the cell wall matrix of various species of brown seaweed. Various forms of fucoidan have also been recognized in some marine invertebrates such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Fucoidan inhibits the spread of cancerous cells by preventing the adhesion of tumor cells to the extracellular matrix in addition to inducing apoptosis, or programmed self-destruction, in human T-cells infected by T-cells leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) which causes adult T-cell leukemia. The polysaccharide has also been shown to stimulate the phagocytic action of macrophages and synthesis of several immune cell types, which increases protection against infection. Fucoidan gives the immune system a big boost by enhancing phagocytosis. Additionally, it increases the number of mature white blood cells which are circulating in the body, thereby bolstering the first line of defense against infections and diseases. Moreover, fucoidan has anti-coagulant, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-tumor properties and also many others. Methods and Results: In this study, we investigated whether fucoidan is able to alleviate the vascular remodeling process triggered by immunological stimuli in rat allogenic aorta transplantation model, in addition to the evaluated potential mechanisms responsible for the observed effects. Our rat aorta transplantation model was subjected to intraperitoneal or oral treatment with fucoidan or placebo. The results of our study demonstrated that fucoidan inhibits endointimal hyperplasia formation and vascular modulation. In particular, intraperitoneal and oral administration of fucoidan reduced neointima formation in allografts retrieved 8 weeks after transplantation. Moreover, both treatments with fucoidan reduced the number of smooth muscle (SM) a-actin positive cells in intima and adventitia, decreased percentage of macrophages in intima and media, and increased the number of leukocytes in media of the allografts. Fucoidan treatments have also caused reduction in apoptosis in allograft intima and media. Conclusion: Through our study, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of fucoidan on vascular remodeling in transplant vasculopathy within rats. Our study is the first report of the beneficial effects of fucoidan oral administration on this process, which may have important clinical implications and result in a better understanding of vascular remodeling.  Keywords : fucoidan, transplant vasculopathy, vascular remodeling

Fucoidan has been reported to exhibit various beneficial activities ranging from to antivirus and anticancer properties. However, little information is available about the effects of fucoidan on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Our study aimed to explore the effects of fucoidan on cerebra …

The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of acacia gum (E 414) as a food additive. In the EU, acacia gum has not bee...

Background Aloe’s reported bioactivities (anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound healing) suggest they might inhibit a subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) called gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). The goal of the present study was to compare the MMP inhibitory potential of two Aloe species, A. vera and A. arborescens. Methods Different types of extraction were tested and specific bioactive compounds were quantified. Cancer cell invasion inhibitory activities were measured in vitro using the wound healing assay in human colon cancer cells (HT29). Effects on gelatinase activities were further assessed by dye-quenched gelatin and gelatin zymography. Results Different types of extraction yielded significantly different levels of bioactivities and of bioactive compounds, which might be due to a greater amount of extractable bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones. Both A. arborescens and A. vera have potential as inhibitory agents in cancer cell proliferation via MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymatic activity inhibition, being able to reduce colon cancer cell proliferation and migration but A. arborescens showed to be a more effective inhibitor of cancer cell migration than A. vera. Conclusion This work opens novel perspectives on the mode of action of Aloe species in cancer cell migration and may provide clues as to why there are so many conflicting results on Aloe’s activities.

Background This study was to investigate the effect and its possible mechanism of fucoidan on the development of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Methods 7-week-old NOD mice were randomly divided into three groups: control group, low-dose (300 mg/kg) and high-dose (600 mg/kg) fucoidan-treatment groups. After 5 weeks of treatment, 10 mice per group were randomly selected to be sacrificed after feces collection. The remaining 12 mice per group were fed until 26 weeks of age to assess the incidence of diabetes. Results Treatment with fucoidan increased serum insulin level, delayed the onset and decreased the development of diabetes in NOD mice. Fucoidan reduced the levels of strong Th1 proinflammatory cytokines, but induced Th2-bias ed. cytokine response. And dentridic cells (DCs) in fucoidan treatment group were characterized as low expression of MHC class II and CD86 molecules. TLR4 expressions and the downstream molecules in pancreas were down-regulated in fucoidan-treated groups. There were significant differences in the composition of gut flora between NOD control group and fucoidan group. Lactobacillus and Akkermansia were significantly enriched in fucoidan group. Conclusions Fucoidan could prevent the development of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice via regulating DC/Treg induced immune tolerance, improving gut microecology, down-regulating TLR4 signaling pathway, and maintaining pancreatic internal environment.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide that is primarily extracted from brown seaweeds which has been broadly studied in recent years due to its numerous biological properties, including anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, and antiviral activities. In this study, we investigated whether fucoidan has the ability to attenuate the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF-α, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Fucoidan inhibited the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators including NO, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β. In addition, gene expression of iNOS, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), TNF-α, and IL-1β was inhibited both at mRNA and protein levels by fucoidan treatment, without any cytotoxic effect. Moreover, fucoidan significantly inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activity NF-κB translocation into the nucleus by preventing the degradation of iκB-α. Taken together, these results indicate that fucoidan downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes involved in the synthesis of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by suppressing NF-κB activity.