@article{
author = "Vujičić, Milica and Nikolić, Ivana and Kontogianni, Vassiliki G. and Saksida, Tamara and Charisiadis, Pantelis and Oreščanin Dušić, Zorana and Blagojević, Duško and Stošić-Grujičić, Stanislava and Tzakos, Andreas G. and Stojanović, Ivana D.",
year = "2015",
abstract = "Type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, develops as
a consequence of pancreatic beta-cell destruction and results in
hyperglycaemia. Since current T1D therapy mainly involves insulin
replacement, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the
therapeutic potential of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Greek oregano)
leaf extract rich in biophenols for the treatment of T1D. The
phytochemical profile of methanolic oregano extract (MOE) and aqueous
oregano extract (AOE) was determined by liquid
chromatography/electrospray ion-trap tandem MS (LC/DAD/ESI-MSn), while
their main compounds were quantified by HPLC with diode array detection.
After establishing their potent in vitro antioxidant activity, the
extracts were administered to C57BL/6 mice treated with multiple low
doses of streptozotocin for diabetes induction. While prophylactic AOE
therapy had no impact on diabetes induction, MOE reduced diabetes
incidence and preserved normal insulin secretion. In addition, MOE
scavenged reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and, therefore,
alleviated the need for the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes. MOE
treatment specifically attenuated the pro-inflammatory response mediated
by T helper 17 cells and enhanced anti-inflammatory T helper 2 and T
regulatory cells through the impact on specific signalling pathways and
transcription factors. Importantly, MOE preserved beta-cells from in
vitro apoptosis via blockade of caspase 3. Finally, rosmarinic acid, a
predominant compound in MOE, exhibited only partial protection from
diabetes induction. In conclusion, acting as an antioxidant,
immunomodulator and in an anti-apoptotic manner, MOE protected mice from
diabetes development. Seemingly, there is more than one compound
responsible for the beneficial effect of MOE.",
journal = "British Journal of Nutrition",
title = "Methanolic extract of Origanum vulgare ameliorates type 1 diabetes
through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity",
number = "5",
volume = "113",
doi = "10.1017/S0007114514004048",
pages = "770-782"
}