Graminex Pollen: Phenolic Pattern, Colorimetric Analysis and Protective Effects in Immortalized Prostate Cells (PC3) and Rat Prostate Challenged with LPS

Abstract

Prostatitis, a general term describing prostate inflammation, is a common disease that could be sustained by bacterial or non-bacterial infectious agents. The efficacy of herbal extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects for blunting the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress, with possible improvements in clinical symptoms, is under investigation. Pollen extracts have been previously reported as promising agents in managing clinical symptoms related to prostatitis. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the protective effects of Graminex pollen (GraminexTM, Deshler, OH, USA), a commercially available product based on standardized pollen extracts, in rat prostate specimens, ex vivo. In this context, we studied the putative mechanism of action of pollen on multiple inflammatory pathways, including the reduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), and malondialdehyde (MDA), whose activities were significantly increased by inflammatory stimuli. We characterized by means of chromatographic and colorimetric studies the composition of Graminex pollen to better correlate the activity of pollen on immortalized prostate cells (PC3), and in rat prostate specimens challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that Graminex pollen was able to reduce radical oxygen species (ROS) production by PC3 cells and MDA, NFκB mRNA, and PGE2 levels, in rat prostate specimens. According to our experimental evidence, Graminex pollen appears to be a promising natural product for the management of the inflammatory components in the prostate.

Chemical profiling and pharmaco‐toxicological activity ofOriganum sipyleumextracts: Exploring for novel sources for potential therapeutic agents

“…In parallel, colon tissues were treated with O. sipyleum extracts (100 μg/ml). After treatment, supernatants were collected and assayed for the determination of PGE 2 level (ng/mg wet tissue) via radioimmunoassay (Chiavaroli et al, ; Locatelli et al, ; Menghini et al, ). Moreover, supernatants were spectrophotometrically assayed for nitrite‐level determination.…”

Characterization of Arils Juice and Peel Decoction of Fifteen Varieties of Punica granatum L.: A Focus on Anthocyanins, Ellagitannins and Polysaccharides

“…The TPC was determined using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method [24,25]. A mixture containing 20 µL of each extract (1 mg/mL), 100 µL of Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent (diluted 1:9 in distilled water) and 80 µL of sodium carbonate solution (2%) was incubated in the dark for 30 min at room temperature.…”

Bee Collected Pollen and Bee Bread: Bioactive Constituents and Health Benefits

“…Additionally, in a recent study, the activity of Graminex pollen (assortment of standardized pollen of Secale cereal L., Zea mays L. and Phleum pretense L.) on prostate cells (PC3) and in rat prostate specimens along with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was evaluated. A significant cytotoxic effect on prostate PC3 cancer cell lines was observed at the highest tested concentration (500 µg/mL), Graminex pollen reducing ROS production by PC3 cells and MDA, NF-κB mRNA and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) levels in rat prostate specimens [165]. Other examples should be explored to amplify the possibilities in cancer treatments.…”