Protective effects of stem bark of Harungana madgascariensis on the red blood cell membrane
Abstract
Background
Anemia is a condition that has multiple origins. One such origin is the destruction of red blood cells’ (RBCs) membrane induced by free radicals. Treatment of anemia could therefore be enhanced by the use of free radicals’ scavengers potentially found in some medicinal plants. In this study, the protective effect of Harungana madagascariensis on the RBCs’ membrane physiology was investigated in vitro and in vivo.
Methods
In vitro hemolytic anemia was induced by incubation of fresh human RBCs with carbontetrachloride (CCl4) in Olive oil (Oo). Relaxation times of protons excited at 20 MHz (Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence) in the absence or presence of paramagnetic Mn2+ ions (T 2i for “extracellular” water and T 2a for “intracellular” water, respectively) were determined at several temperatures (25–37°C) via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) on a Bruker Minispec spectrometer. Water exchange times (Te) were consequently calculated using the Conlon-Outhred equation: 1/Te = (1/T2a) – (1/T2i). Morphological characteristics (mean cell volume, V, and cell surface area, A) were determined by photonic microscopy and the RBCs’ diffusional water permeability (P d ) was calculated as Pd = (1/Te)*(Va/A), where Va is the aqueous volume in the RBC and is about 0.7 of the cell volume (V). The activation energy of the diffusional process (Ea) for the respective temperature range was estimated using the Arrhenius modified equation k = A(T/T0)n*e-Ea/RT. Inhibition of the water diffusion induced by incubation with para-chloro-mercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) at 25, 30 and 37°C was calculated as I(%) = [(Pd control – Pd sample)/Pd control]*100.
To investigate the protective influence of the extract on the RBC membrane, inhibition of the water permeability was evaluated on membranes pre-incubated with the Harungana madagascariensis extract. Male rats were used in in vivoinvestigations. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and cholesterol in the RBC membrane were estimated by induction of lipid peroxidation while the antioxidant properties of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the membrane were evaluated in regard to their antioxidant properties on the membrane.
Results
T 2a significantly decreased at each temperature. Te results were higher in both RBCs and RBCs + extract groups incubated with PCMB compared to non-incubated controls, but differences were not statistically significant. A high percentage (73.81 ± 7.22) of RBCs pre-incubated with the extract presented the regular biconcave shape. Inhibition by PCMB of the RBCs’ membrane water permeability was increased at 30°C and decreased in the presence of extract (25°C and 37°C), while Ea decreased from 30.52 ± 1.3 KJ/mol to 25.49 ± 1.84 KJ/mol. Presence of the Harungana madagascariensis extract normalized the SOD and CAT activities as well as the MDA and membrane cholesterol concentrations altered by the CCl4-induced oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Harungana madagascariensis could protect the RBCs’ membrane through its antioxidative properties.
What Natural Ingredients Are Going To Be Big In Skincare?
The Professional Panel takes a group of industry experts and asks for their thoughts on the hot topics of the moment.
Mother Nature has a cure for almost every skin complaint. We asked our Professional Panel which natural ingredients they think are going to be big in skincare this year.
Candice Gardener- Education Curriculum Manager- Dermalogica
“Ingredient technology is moving fast, yet natural botanicals are still proving they can compete with and compliment other types of ingredients. One ingredient that has caught my eye recently is Strelitzia Nicolai (or White Bird of Paradise Seed Extract). This exciting ingredient won the Whitening/Brightening Innovation Product Award at the Personal Care and Home Ingredients (PCHi) show, Shanghai, March 2013. As brands develop new and exciting formulas to treat skin ageing and pigmentation concerns this ingredient seems to be popping up quite a bit.
Originally trademarked as Vivillume™ the Strelitzia extract helps increase skin luminosity while improving skin smoothness and hydration. Research studies show that this ingredient is excellent at regulating bilirubin in the skin. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of blood and heme that gives a yellow/brown colour to the skin. As we age bilirubin accumulates in the skin and produces the typically dull, sallow complexion and can contribute to dark shadowing, particularly around the eye area. Strelitzia Nicolai actually produces bilirubin naturally which means the plant also contains compounds that help it to regulate this production. When used topically on human test subjects the results showed this regulation supported the improved brightening of the skin.
Many people are not aware that collagen in the skin is a major factor in luminosity. In fact, it acts like a mirror. As we age and collagen degrades skin luminosity is affected. By improving collagen structure in the skin and increasing production, we can also improve the overall clarity of the skin. Strelitzia increases Collagen Type III in the skin and significantly impacts general luminosity.
This is an exciting one to watch out for as products that have been in development over the last 12-18 months come to market.”
Marie McKeever – Head of Treatment Development – Clarins
“This year I believe that Harungana, a flowering plant, will be popular in skincare. Used in Madagascan traditional medicines to treat wounds, the plant extract Harungana has been shown to work 40% more effectively than retinol on the synthesis of collagen. Using organic Harungana, cell structures are restored and this in turn reduces deep wrinkles and skin slackening. Clarins has used this innovative plant to address the issues that arise around the time of menopause by incorporating it in to our Super Restorative range. During the Menopause skin cells do not contain enough oestrogen and cells become spindle shaped as a result. When cells are oestrogen rich, they are star shaped and Harungana extract ensures that cells maintain this original shape by restoring these slackened structures.”
Noella Gabriel - Director of Product and Treatment Development - Elemis
“There are five ingredients that I believe are going to be big in skincare in 2015. All sourced in the UK, they are Rosemary Extract, Echium Oil, Organic Oats and the combination of Lavender and Chamomile. These are all common ingredients that are easily accessible, yet their benefits are not widely understood and so they are not always used to their full potential.
Rosemary Extract has natural cleansing properties, therefore it can be used to treat damaged or inflamed skin. Echium Oil holds a high level of fatty acid that is found in omega oil, naturally this makes it very nourishing and soothing meaning it is able to regulate the body’s inflammatory response. Oats are a great source of minerals and vitamins; whilst eating oats is extremely healthy, they are also helpful when looking to naturally moisturise and comfort dry skin. Finally, the combination of Lavender and Chamomile is one that is globally renowned for their calming, relaxing and emotionally balancing qualities. They can be used together in the bath or shower for the ultimate restorative experience”
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