Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoidesOliv.) Cortex Water Extract Alters Heme Biosynthesis and Erythrocyte Antioxidant Defense System in Lead-Administered Rats

Abstract

This study examined the ameliorative effect of a Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) cortex water extract (DzCw) on heme biosynthesis and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in lead (Pb)-administered rats. Male rats were divided into three groups: normal control group, Pb control group (Pb), and DzCw-administered Pb group (Pb + DzCw). The Pb (25 mg/kg of body weight) was administered orally once a week for 4 weeks, while the DzCw was administered orally at a dosage of 0.139 g of DzCw/kg of body weight/day. DzCw administration significantly lowered plasma Pb concentration compared with the Pb group. Furthermore, the blood hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the Pb + DzCw group than in the Pb group. Although the blood and hepatic delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activities were significantly lower in the Pb group compared with the normal control group, both ALAD activities was normalized with the administration of DzCw. The erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly higher in the Pb group than in the normal control group, whereas the glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione level were lowered by Pb administration compared with the normal group. However, the administration of DzCw was found to enhance the antioxidant defense system and significantly lower lipid peroxidation levels in erythrocytes compared with the Pb group. These results indicate that the DzCw administration alleviated the Pb-induced oxidative stress in the erythrocytes through elevating the blood and hepatic ALAD activity and enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Bark. protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells

“…(EUE), is one of the traditional tonic medicines of Korea, China, and Japan. As a folk medicine, EUE is used to fortify the muscles and lungs, lower blood pressure, prevent miscarriage, improve the tone of liver and kidneys, and promote longevity (Jiang et al, 2011;Lee et al, 2005;Luo et al, 2010;Kwan et al, 2003). Moreover, the aqueous extract of EUE, commonly known as Du-zhong tea, is a popular folk drink in Japan, is through to be a functional health food (Nakajawa, 1997).…”

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. antagonizes H2O2-induced rat osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 apoptosis by inhibiting expressions of caspases 3, 6, 7, and 9

“…EuO extracts have antihypertensive, antioxidative, and antigastric ulcer effects (Metori et al, 1997;Deyama et al, 2001;Yang et al, 2003). Water extracts of EuO leaves have been reported to have potent antimutagenic effects (Nakamura et al, 1997;Lee et al, 2005;Luo et al, 2009). EuO extracts have also been reported to enhance collagen synthesis (Metori et al, 1997;Li et al, 2000a;2000b;Deyama et al, 2001).…”

Protective Effect of Chlorella vulgaris against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Brains

“…27) Taking these findings together, it is suggested that oxidative stress, which is induced by lead, is recovered by natural antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, 28) epigallocatechin-3-gallate 29) and plant extracts etc. 30,31) Marine algae have the potential to improve the biochemical imbalances induced by various toxins associated with free radicals. The unicellular green algae Chlorella vulgaris (CV) contains many bioactive substances with medicinal properties.…”