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The quality of herbal drugs is usually controlled using several tests recommended in a monograph. HPTLC is the method of choice for identification in many pharmacopoeias. If combined with a suitable reference material for comparison, HPTLC can provide information beyond identification and thus may simplify quality control. This paper describes, as a proof of concept, how HPTLC can be applied to define specifications for an herbal reference material and to control the quality of an herbal drug according to these specifications. Based on multiple batches of cultivated Angelica gigas root, a specific HPTLC method for identification was optimized. This method can distinguish 27 related species. It also can detect the presence of mixtures of A. gigas with two other Angelica species traded as "Dang gui" and is suitable as well for quantitative assessment of samples in a test for minimum content of the sum of decursin and decursinol angelate. The new concept of "comprehensive HPTLC fingerprinting" is proposed: HPTLC fingerprints (images), which are used for identification, are converted into peak profiles and the intensities of selected zones are quantitatively compared to those of the corresponding zones of the reference material. Following a collaborative trial involving three laboratories in three countries, the method was applied to check the quality of further candidates for establishing an appropriate reference material. In conclusion, this case demonstrates that a single HPTLC analysis can provide information about identity, purity, and minimum content of markers of an herbal drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesa is a highly scalable analytic data warehousing system that stores critical measurement data related to Google's Internet advertising business. Mesa is designed to satisfy a complex and challenging set of user and systems requirements, including near real-time data ingestion and retrieval, as well as high availability, reliability, fault tolerance, and scalability for large data and query volumes. Specifically, Mesa handles petabytes of data, processes millions of row updates per second, and serves billions of queries that fetch trillions of rows per day. Mesa is geo-replicated across multiple datacenters and provides consistent and repeatable query answers at low latency, even when an entire datacenter fails. This paper presents the Mesa system and reports the performance and scale that it achieves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyaluronic acid is composed of repeating sugar units, glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, which are often associated with increased tumor progression. Urtica dioica agglutinin is a potential component that exhibits a high affinity for binding to N-acetylglucosamine. This study aimed to investigate U. dioica Agglutininʼs potential to inhibit the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells with high expression of hyaluronic acid through molecular docking and in vitro studies. The expression of hyaluronan synthase genes in prostate tissue and cell lines was checked by an in silico study, and the interaction between hyaluronic acid with both CD44 transmembrane glycoprotein and U. dioica agglutinin was analyzed through molecular docking. U. dioica Agglutininʼs effect on cell viability (neutral red uptake assay), migration (scratch wound healing assays), and both CD44 and Nanog expression (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) were assessed in vitro. The results showed that in prostate cancer cell lines, the PC3 cell line has the highest expression of hyaluronan synthase genes. U. dioica agglutinin exhibits an interaction of six specific residues on CD44 compared to hyaluronic acidʼs singular residue. While U. dioica agglutinin alone effectively reduced cell viability and wound closer (≥ 150 µg/mL), combining it with hyaluronic acid significantly shifted the effective concentration to a higher dose (≥ 350 µg/mL). These results, together with low Nanog and high CD44 gene expression, suggest that U. dioica agglutinin may impair the CD44-HA pathway in PC3 cells. This possibility is supported by U. dioica Agglutininʼs ability to compete with hyaluronic acid for binding to CD44. Based on this, U. dioica agglutinin as a plant lectin shows promise in inhibiting cancer proliferation and migration by targeting its dependence on hyaluronic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isocorynoxeine, one of the major alkaloids from Uncaria Hook, shows the effects of lowering blood pressure, vasodilatation, and protection against ischemia-induced neuronal damage. In this paper, the metabolism of isocorynoxeine was investigated in rats. Twelve metabolites and the parent drug were isolated by using solvent extraction and repeated chromatographic methods, and determined by spectroscopic methods including UV, MS, NMR, and CD experiments. Seven new compounds were identified as 11-hydroxyisocorynoxeine, 5-oxoisocorynoxeinic acid-22-O-β-Dglucuronide, 10-hydroxyisocorynoxeine, 17-Odemethyl-16,17-dihydro-5-oxoisocorynoxeine, 5-oxoisocorynoxeinic acid, 21-hydroxy-5-oxoisocorynoxeine, and oxireno[18, 19]-5-oxoisocorynoxeine, together with six known compounds identified as isocorynoxeine, 18,19-dehydrocorynoxinic acid, 18,19-dehydrocorynoxinic acid B, corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine-N-oxide, and corynoxeine-N-oxide. Possible metabolic pathways of isocorynoxeine are proposed. Furthermore, the activity assay for the parent drug and some of its metabolites showed that isocorynoxeine exhibited a significant neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced HT22 cell death at the maximum concentration. However, little or weak neuroprotective activities were observed for M-3, M-6, M-7, and M-10. Our present study is important to further understand their metabolic fate and disposition in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia species possess pharmacological properties that are used for medical purposes worldwide. In this paper, the essential oils from the aerial parts of Artemisia nilagirica and Artemisia maritima from the western Indian Himalaya region are described. The main compounds analyzed by simultaneous GC/MS and GC/FID were camphor and 1,8-cineole from A. maritima, and camphor and artemisia ketone from A. nilagirica. Additionally, the oilswere evaluated for their antibacterial, antifungal, mosquito biting deterrent, and larvicidal activities. A. nilagirica essential oil demonstrated nonselective antifungal activity against plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum fragariae, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, whereas A. maritima did not showantifungal activity. Both Artemisia spp. exhibited considerable mosquito biting deterrence, whereas only A. nilagirica showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti. Antibacterial effects assessed by an agar dilution assay demonstrated greater activity of A. maritima essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to A. nilagirica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the phytochemical investigation of the 50% aq. EtOH extract of Houttuynia cordata, an effective TCM and functional food in China, which led to the isolation of 17 flavonoids including four new ones. The four new compounds were flavonoid derivatives tethered with houttuynin (3-oxododecanal). Each of the new compounds was obtained as a pair of inseparable diasteriomeric epimers due to the chiral carbon of hemiketal at C-3". This phenomenon is rooted in the ring-chain tautomerism of the hemiketal functional group in solution, which was proved by dynamic NMR experiments. The new compounds 1-4 displayed inhibitory activities against herpes simplex virus 1, with respective IC50 values of 38.46, 14.10, 62.00 and 70.76 μM, which was associated with the medicinal functions of H. cordata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to prove whether Ginkgo biloba food supplements on the European market comply with pharmaceutical quality, and whether their composition satisfies the European Pharmacopoeia criteria. Medicinal products containing a standardised Ginkgo leaf extract are used for the improvement of cognitive impairment and quality of life in mild dementia. Further, Ginkgonis folium is used for the treatment of peripheral circulation disorders. Pharmacopoeial Ginkgo dry extract contains 22.0-27.0% flavonoids and 5.4-6.6% terpene lactones (ginkgolides, bilobalide). In addition to its widespread use as an herbal medicine (herbal medicinal product), the same extract can be an ingredient in food supplements. The content of active secondary metabolites was quantified in a number of European food supplements containing Ginkgo dry extract or Ginkgo leaf. Flavonoids were quantified using a modified pharmacopoeial HPLC-UV method, and terpene lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide) using LC-MS/MS. Some Ginkgo leaf supplement samples were also analysed by microscopy. The quality of food supplements on the European market is dubious. In this paper, we present selected examples of several methods of adulteration and falsification, including higher/lower doses of Ginkgo dry extractor Ginkgo leaf than declared and the addition of undeclared extraneous materials. These examples reveal several patterns in the manufacturing of adulterated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The average age of the population is increasing worldwide, which has a profound impact on our society. This leads to an increasing demand for medicines and requires the development of new strategies to promote health during the additional years. In the search for resources and therapeutics for improved health during an extended life span, attention has to be paid to environmental exposure and ecosystem burdens that inevitably emerge with the extended consumption of medicines and drug development, even in the preclinical stage. The hereby introduced sustainable strategy for drug discovery is built on 3Rs, " R obustness, R eliability, and saving R esources", inspired by both the 3Rs used in animal experiments and environmental protection, and centers on the usefulness and the variety of the small model organism Caenorhabditis elegans for detecting health-promoting natural products. A workflow encompassing a multilevel screening approach is presented to maximize the amount of information on health-promoting samples, while considering the 3Rs. A detailed, methodology- and praxis-oriented compilation and discussion of proposed C. elegans health span assays and more disease-specific assays are presented to offer guidance for scientists intending to work with C. elegans , thus facilitating the initial steps towards the integration of C. elegans assays in their laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from T. majus , and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of T. majus by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects in vitro and in cellulo , and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of T. majus , isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of T. majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icariin is a major active component isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Epimedium brevicornum, with a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. In this paper, we investigated the effects of icariin on hyperlipidemia, and further evaluated whether icariin could improve unfavorable hemorheological parameters, attenuate platelet activation and facilitate the balance between plasmic plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue-type plasminogen activator activities in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. Icariin reduced the levels of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as the atherosclerotic burden. In addition, this compound has been found to improve the imbalance between plasmic plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue-type plasminogen activator activities, reduce platelet adhesiveness and aggregation and modulate unfavorable hemorheological variables in hypercholesterolemia. In conclusion, icariin has lipid-lowering effects and may be used in the treatment and prevention of thrombosis in the atherosclerotic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous study, fourty-eight compounds have been isolated and identified from the roots of Picrasma quassioides, which have been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat and for detoxification as described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. β-Carboline alkaloids are commonly considered as main active constituents of P. quassioides, but the molecular mechanism remains yet unknown. In the present paper, one new β-carboline alkaloid together with two known β-carboline alkaloids have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of action in cultured macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Griess assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect on the overproduction of nitric oxide. ELISA was used to determine the level of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. The inhibitory effect on the enzymatic activity of COX-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase were tested by colorimetric and fluorimetric methods, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and COX-2. All three β-carboline alkaloids suppressed LPS-stimulated nitric oxide production and proinflammatory cytokines secretion, including TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. They also strongly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymatic activity, whereas the expression of COX-2 and COX-2 enzymatic activity were not affected. These results indicated that potent inhibition of nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, but not COX-2 expression and COX-2 activity, might constitute the anti-inflammatory mechanism of β-carboline alkaloids. β-Carboline alkaloids suppressed the overproduction of nitric oxide through downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymatic activity in an LPS-stimulated macrophage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular senile plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles are two devastating brain proteinopathies that are indicative of Alzheimerʼs disease, the most prevalent type of dementia. Currently, no effective medications are available to stop or reverse Alzheimerʼs disease. Ginkgo biloba extract, commonly referred to as EGb 761, is a natural product made from the leaves of the G. biloba tree. It has long been demonstrated to have therapeutic benefits in Alzheimerʼs disease. The current study assessed the beneficial effects of EGb 761 against Alzheimerʼs disease in comparison with memantine, a standard treatment for Alzheimerʼs disease. The scopolamine-heavy metals mixture rat Alzheimerʼs disease model is a newly created model to study the effects of EGb 761 oral therapy on cognitive performance and other Alzheimerʼs disease-like changes over a 28-day experimental period. This new Alzheimerʼs disease model provides better criteria for Alzheimerʼs disease hallmarks than the conventional scopolamine model. The EGb 761 reversed memory and learning deficits induced by the scopolamine-heavy metals mixture. These outcomes were linked to a more pronounced inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase, caspase-3, hippocampal amyloid-beta protein (A β 1 – 42), phosphorylated tau protein counts, and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor- α and interleukin-1 β) compared to the memantine-treated group. Furthermore, EGb 761 treatment considerably reduced lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and improved reduced glutathione levels compared to memantine. Our results suggest EGb 761′s potential in treating central nervous system disorders. Itʼs a promising candidate for future Alzheimerʼs disease therapeutic exploration. This study also highlights the need for future research to focus on the positive benefits of herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer attitudes towards children with asthma can significantly impact on their self-confidence and, hence, their social acceptance. It can be difficult for children with asthma to spend their time in class with peers who do not understand their situation and physical limitations. This paper investigated the attitudes of peers towards children with asthma, and explored factors affecting their attitude scores. A literature search failed to locate any instrument that measured the attitudes of school-aged children towards peers with asthma. Therefore, a new scale was developed by generating a list of items based on existing attitude measures; confirming the content validity by an expert panel; and pre-testing the scale with three primary school children. The main study invited children to complete an asthma knowledge test and the attitudes scale as a class activity. A convenience sample of 545 children without asthma from 16 primary schools participated in the study, of which 507 children completed the attitude towards children with asthma scale. Responses were coded and entered into SPSS 17.0 software for analyses. Approximately 80 per cent of children scored 8/10 or more on the test, suggesting a highly positive attitude expressed by children towards their peers with asthma. Two factors affected the attitude scores – being a female, and having higher asthma knowledge score. The study provided information about the proportion of children who have positive attitudes towards peers with asthma and the factors that affected their scores. The investigation led to the development of the Peer Attitudes toward Children with Asthma (PACA) scale. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The family service work environment has been linked to the parent–worker relationship (relationship) for many years. However, there is still much to understand about how the working environment and these relationships are connected. This paper reports on a small-scale qualitative study exploring the story of eight relationships between parents and family workers in four rurally based family services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Hermeneutics provided a way of examining the dynamics of the relationships, as it enabled an in-depth exploration and interpretation of the participants’ perspectives of how they experienced and understood the relationship. It became apparent that the work environment is an important influence on the relationship. New insights that emerged include the important role that staff not directly involved in the relationship (such as other family workers, supervisors, and administration and other professional staff) may play in assisting relationships. They also include the way in which flexible service delivery options support parent feelings of comfort, readiness to change, reciprocity, a sense of ownership to the service and need for support outside of planned appointments (both during and after intervention has ceased). These all support the development and maintenance of such relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Childhood, its stages, purpose and duration are matters of ongoing debate in many contemporary societies. Much of the debate centres on the interpretations of childhood as a time of being, becoming or a combination of both, with the varying perspectives compounded by the rapidly evolving information age of the 21st century that offer children access to more unregulated information from multiple sources than at any time in history. As such, the adult community is confronted by a conundrum: prepare children for their future or preserve childhood as a time romanticised and defined by freedom and carefree living. In order to advance a policy and research agenda, whereby adults and children can share their expertise, a clear understanding of the contemporary societal view of childhood is necessary. This paper presents the views of a range of adults regarding children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, the tween years. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we report a case of misidentification of medicinal plants involving dried petals of Papaver rhoeas (red poppy) contaminated with Papaver bracteatum (scarlet poppy) petals. Preliminary TLC analysis indicated the presence of thebaine either in the fluid extracts or in the petals. It was therefore necessary to carry out an accurate botanic examination of the plant material, which revealed contamination of the red poppy petals with scarlet poppy petals. Moreover, to confirm the adulteration, we developed and validated an efficient, reversed-phase ion pair HPLC method for determination of the alkaloids specific for the Papaver species. Six petal batches and five commercial fluid extracts were analyzed. Only one petal batch from Iran contained thebaine and its analogue oripavine while the alkaloids typical for the Papaver bracteatum species were identified in all fluid extracts, meaning that they were all prepared with contaminated petals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are plant secondary products with health-promoting properties against various degenerative or infectious diseases, and thus may help in the prevention of oral diseases. The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate polyphenols as a possible adjuvant in inhibiting dental biofilm formation, which is an important precondition for the most prevalent oral disease – caries and periodontitis. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus. Only studies with oral healthy participants and plaque level as outcome were included. Data search and extraction was conducted by two authors independently. Of the 211 initially identified studies, only six met all inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed with five studies using the random effect model. Treatment with polyphenols reduced the plaque level in comparison to a negative control, but not significantly. Strong evidence of heterogeneity was observed. The diversity and complexity of polyphenols and their preparation need to be considered. There is no clear evidence that clinical use of polyphenols can prevent dental biofilm formation. Additional research with more and larger randomized controlled trials are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radix arnebiae oil (RAO) is a clinically useful traditional Chinese medical formula with outstanding curative effects on burns. However, the mechanism of the effect of RAO on wound healing remains unclear. The present study investigates the molecular mechanisms of the potential curative effect of RAO on wound healing. The concentrations of the main constituents, shikonin, imperatorin, and ferulic acid in RAO detected by HPLC were 24.57, 3.15, and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. A rat burn model was established, and macroscopic and histopathological studies were performed. RAO significantly accelerated wound closure and repair scarring, increased superoxide dismutase activities, and reduced malondialdehyde. RAO also downregulated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 β and tumor necrosis factor- α in wound tissues and increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor (TGF)- β 1. RAO increased the gene expression of TGF- β 1, type I and III collagen, and increased the protein expression of TGF- β 1 and phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt. In conclusion, RAO likely promotes wound healing via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and increases re-epithelization. Activation of the TGF- β 1/PI3K/Akt pathway may play an important role in the healing efficacy of RAO. These findings suggest that RAO could be a promising alternative local treatment for burn wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholic liver disease is one of the leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, but effective treatments are still lacking. Honokiol, a lignin-type natural compound isolated from the leaves and bark of Magnolia plants, has been widely studied for its beneficial effects on several chronic diseases. Accumulating studies have revealed that honokiol displays a potential therapeutic effect on alcoholic liver disease. In this study, the protective activity of honokiol on alcoholic liver disease was confirmed due to its significant inhibitory activity on the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 β) in EtOH-fed mice and in EtOH-induced AML-12 cells. Meanwhile, the expression of the lipid metabolic parameter sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c was also reduced. However, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α was increased in animal and cell experiments, which indicates that the activity of honokiol was related to its regulated activity on lipid metabolism. The result showed that honokiol significantly inhibited the expression level of p38 α in vivo and in vitro. Blocking p38 α inhibited the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 β , and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c but promoted the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α compared with the honokiol-treated group. Moreover, the forced expression level of p38 α further produced the opposite effect on inflammatory cytokines and lipid metabolism indicators. Furthermore, p38 α has been related to the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. In our study, honokiol significantly inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway mediated by p38 α. In conclusion, the results suggest that honokiol might be an effective regulator of p38 α by downregulating the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and lipid metabolism disorder in alcoholic liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a method called Node Replication (NR) to implement any concurrent data structure. The method takes a single-threaded implementation of a data structure and automatically transforms it into a concurrent (thread-safe) implementation. The result is designed to work well with and harness the power of modern servers, which are complex Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) machines with many processor sockets and subtle performance characteristics. Using NR requires no expertise in concurrent data structure design, and the result is free of concurrency bugs. NR represents a paradigm shift of how concurrent algorithms are developed: rather than designing for a data structure, we design for the architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a cereus resin with a complex chemical composition that possesses a wide range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-Giardia lamblia activity of Sonoran propolis collected from three different areas of Sonoran Desert in northwestern Mexico (Caborca, Pueblo de Alamos, and Ures) and some of its chemical constituents. Additionally, we also analyzed the seasonal effect on the anti-G. lamblia activity of propolis. G. lamblia trophozoite cultures were treated with different concentrations of Sonoran propolis or chemical compounds during 48 h cell proliferation and cell viability were determined. Ures propolis showed the highest inhibitory activity against G. lamblia (IC50 63.8 ± 7.1 µg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner (Ures > Pueblo de Alamos > Caborca). Season had a significant effect on the in vitro anti-G. lamblia activity of Ures propolis. Summer propolis showed the highest inhibitory effect on the G. lamblia trophozoite growth (IC50 23.8 ±2.3 µg/mL), followed by propolis collected during winter (IC50 59.2 ± 34.7 µg/mL), spring (IC50 102.5 ± 15.3 µg/mL), and autumn (IC50 125.0 ± 3.1 µg/mL). Caffeic acid phe-nethyl ester, an Ures propolis exclusive constituent, had the highest growth-inhibitory activity towards G. lamblia [IC50 63.1 ±0.9 µg/mL (222.1 ± 3.2 µM)]. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that caffeic acid phenethyl ester possesses antiparasitic activity against G. lamblia. Naringenin [IC50 125.7 ± 20.7 µg/mL (461.8± 76.3 µM)], hesperetin [IC50 149.6 ± 24.8 µg/mL (494.9 ± 82.2 µM)], and pinocembrin [IC50 174.4 ± 26.0 µg/mL (680.6±101.7 µM)] showed weak anti-G. lamblia activity. On the other hand, chrys-in and rutin did not show significant antiparasitic activity. In conclusion, our results suggest that Sonoran propolis and some of its chemical constituents had inhibitory effects on the in vitro growth of G. lamblia trophozoites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processing of medicinal materials, known as Pao Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, is a unique part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been widely used for the preparation of Chinese materia medica. It is believed that processing can alter the properties and functions of remedies, increase medical potency, and reduce toxicity and side effects. Both processed and unprocessed Flos Lonicerae (flowers of Lonicera japonica) are important drug ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. To gain insights on the effect of processing factors (heating temperature and duration) on the change of chemical composition, nuclear magnetic resonance combined with chemometric analysis was applied to investigate the processing of F. Lonicerae. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data were analyzed by means of a heat map and principal components analysis. The results indicated that the composition changed significantly, particularly when processing at the higher temperature (210 °C). Five chemical components, viz. 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaf-feoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, chloro-genic acid, and myo-inositol, whose concentration changed significantly during the processing, were isolated and identified. The patterns for the concentration change observed from nuclear magnetic resonance analysis during the processing were confirmed and quantitatively determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The study demonstrated that a nuclear magnetic resonance-based chemometric approach could be a promising tool for investigation of the processing of herbal medicines in traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common conventional therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as 5-amino salicylic acid. However, a high dose of 5-amino salicylic acid may bring about severe side effects. Chinese people have used Rheum tanguticum as a folk remedy for gastrointestinal disease for two thousand years. Our group has isolated R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 from R. tanguticum and verified that it can attenuate 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in murines/rats. The present study aims to evaluate whether the addition of R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 can improve efficacy and limit subsequent side effects of conventional treatment (5-amino salicylic acid) in rats with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into five groups and treated with (1) saline (saline, 0.2mL/day x 5, p.o.), (2) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid alone (saline, 0.2 mL/ day x 5, p.o.), (3) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid (5-amino salicylic acid, 75 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o), (4) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 (R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1,200 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o.), and (5) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 (5-amino salicylic acid, 25 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o; R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, 200 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o.). All the rats were sacrificed on the 6th day after treatment using an overdose of anesthesia. A histological assessment was performed using semiquantitative scores; nuclear factor-kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured with Western blot, cycloox-ygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2 protein expressions were investigated by RT-polymerase chain reaction, and prostoglandin E2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase productions were investigated by ELISA. The extent and severity of histological signs were attenuated significantly in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 group. Treatment with R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 plus 5-amino salicylic acid markedly decreased nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 and tumor necrosis factor-α protein expressions. R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 and 5-amino salicylic acid had no effect on cyclooxygenase 1 protein expression, but inhibited the overexpression of the cyclooxygenase 2 protein. After treatment with 5-amino salicylic acid and R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, the prostoglandin E2 level increased significantly and the inducible nitric oxide synthase level decreased considerably in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 group compared with the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid alone group. These results demonstrate that combined therapy with R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 and low-dose 5-amino salicylic acid had more favorable effects on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats, and its effects may be associated with inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 protein expression and tumor necrosis factor-α production, resulting in a decrease of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Praziquantel is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis. However, several strains of Schistosoma mansoni are resistant to praziquantel, making it necessary to discover new drugs that might be used for its treatment. With this in mind, the properties of a schistosomicidal ethanolic extract of Garcinia brasiliensis Mart. ep-icarp, the fractions obtained by partitioning this extract, including the hexane fractions, ethyl acetate fraction, and the aqueous fraction, and the isolated compounds 7-epiclusianone, a major component from these fractions, and fukugetin were tested in vitro on adult worms of S. mansoni. Mortality, damage to membranes, and excretory system activity were observed at 100.0, 50.0, 75.0, and 14.0ug/mL for the ethanolic extract of G. brasiliensis Mart. epicarp, its hexane fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction, and 7-epiclusianone, respectively. For 7-epiclusianone, these data were confirmed by fluorescent probe Hoechst 33258 and resorufin. Additionally, the biocidal effect of 7-epiclusianone was even higher than the hexane fractions. Moreover, an inhibitory effect of 7-epiclusianone on the egg laying of female adult S. mansoni worms was observed in cercariae and schistossomula. Thus, 7-epiclusianone is a promising schistosomicidal compound; however, more studies are needed to elucidate its mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the in vivo activity of this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous infusions of the aerial parts of Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Ajuga iva Schreber, prepared in accordance with the traditional procedure used in the local folk medicine, have been analysed for their composition and content of phytochemical constituents and examined for their antidiabetic effectiveness in alloxan-in-duced diabetic rats. Oral administration of A. herba-alba and A. iva infusions was studied in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, which were randomly divided into nine groups, each group consisting of six animals. The drug preparations (100,200, and 300 mg/kg b. w.) of each plant were given orally to the rats of each group twice daily for 15 days. Compositional analysis of the aqueous infusions revealed the presence of several polyphenols as main components. A. herba-alba infusion was characterised by mono- and di-cinnamoylquinic acids, with 5-caffeoylquinic (chlorogenic) acid being the main compound, followed by 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Vicenin-2 (apigenin 6,8-di-C-glucoside) appeared to be the most abundant among flavonoids. On the other hand, A. iva showed the exclusive presence of flavonoids, with the flavanone naringin present in relatively high levels together with several apigenin (flavone) derivatives. Oral administration of 300mg/kg b.w. of the aqueous infusions of A. herba-alba and A. iva exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose content, showing a much more efficient antidiabetic activity compared to glibenclamide, the oral hypoglycaemic agent used as a positive control in this study. These results suggest that A. herba-alba and A. iva possess significant antidiabetic activity, as they were able to improve the biochemical damage in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chronic, unhealed diabetic wound is one of the severe complications of diabetes mellitus. Azadir-achta indica has been reported to have antidia-betic and antiapoptotic properties. The present work incorporates the healing potential of 50% ethanol A. indica leaves extract against deep surgical wounds in streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic rats. A. indica leaves extract (500 mg/kg) was administered orally, once daily for ten days. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as body weight, food, and water intake, and tissue antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione), free radicals (lipid peroxi-dation and nitric oxide), myeloperoxidase, total collagens (hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid and hexosamine), protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, and cytokines (tumor necrotic factor-α and interleukin-1β) were estimated. Histology was done for connective tissue formation and inflammatory and healing in deep granulation tissue after A. indica leaves extract treatment. Diabetic rats showed an increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, food and water intake, and granular tissue free radicals, myeloperoxidase, and cytokines, but a decrease in body weight, total collagen, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. A. indica leaves extract reversed the increased serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, food and water intake, and tissue free radicals, myeloperoxidase and, cytokines, but increased body weight, tissue antioxidants, total collagen, and vascular endothelial growth factor contents. The results thus indicated an improvement in wound healing by A. indica leaves extract in diabetic rats through enhanced angiogenesis mediated through the inhibition of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and down- and upregulation of inflammatory mediators and growth factor expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-fat diets are associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. The efficacy of the current strategies of treatment is still not entirely satisfactory, and new approaches are being considered. To analyze the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil as a major component of the Mediterranean diet, we studied systolic blood pressure and angiotensinase activities, since this enzyme is involved in the metabolism of angiotensins, in the kidney of hypertensive rats fed during 12 weeks with a diet enriched with extra virgin olive oil compared with a standard diet. As a reflex of oxidative stress, 8-isoprostanes and nitric oxide were quantified in urine. Results demonstrated a progressive increase in systolic blood pressure until the end of the feeding period in both groups. However, this increase was delayed in the extra virgin olive oil group until week six, with the systolic blood pressure being always lower in this group. Nitric oxide and 8-isoprostanes were lower in the extra virgin olive oil group. While we can deduce a higher formation of angiotensin 2-10 in the renal cortex, a higher availability of angiotensin II may be presumed in the renal medulla of animals fed an extra virgin olive oil diet than in animals fed a standard diet. Our results support the beneficial influence of extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular function and suggest that the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in itself but it may also be an effective tool in the treatment of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle loss during menopause is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes type II and the general development of the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, strategies combining nutritional and training interventions to prevent muscle loss are necessary. Danshen Si Wu is a traditional Chinese medicine used for menopausal complains. One of the main compounds of Danshen Si Wu is tanshinone IIA. Physiological effects of tanshinone IIA have been described as being mediated via the estrogen receptor. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to determine its tissue specific ERα- and ERβ-mediated estrogenic activity, to investigate its antiestrogenic properties, and, particularly, to study estrogen receptor-mediated biological responses to tanshinone IIA on skeletal muscle cells. The purity of tanshinone IIA was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS/MS analysis. ERα/ERβ-mediated activity was dose-dependently analyzed in HEK 239 cells transfected with ERα or ERβ expression vectors and respective reporter genes. Androgenic, antiandrogenic, and antiestrogenic properties of tanshinone IIA were analyzed in a yeast reporter gene assay. The effects of tanshinone IIA on proliferation and cell cycle distribution were investigated in ERα positive T47D breast cancer cells. The ability of tanshinone IIA to stimulate estrogen receptor-mediated myotube hypertrophy was studied in C2C12 myoblastoma cells. Our data show that tanshinone IIA is quite potent at stimulating ERα and ERβ reporter genes with comparable efficacy. Tanshinone IIA displayed antiestrogenic and also antiandrogenic properties in a yeast reporter gene assay. It inhibited the growth of T47D breast cancer cells by suppressing proliferation and arresting the cells in G0/G1. Tanshinone IIA also stimulated the hypertrophy of C2C12 myotubes via an estrogen receptor-mediated mechanism. Summarizing our results, tanshinone IIA can be characterized as an estrogen receptor partial agonist with antiandrogenic properties. It seems to inhibit ERα-mediated cell proliferation but induces ERβ-related biological responses like hypertrophy of myotubes. These findings are interesting with respect to the treatment of a variety of complains of postmenopausal females, including muscle wasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of polydatin on ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in coronary artery ligation rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A rat model of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction was established by left coronary artery ligation. Rats with coronary artery ligation were randomly divided into five groups: control, plus 40 mg/kg captopril, plus 25 mg/kg polydatin, plus 50 mg/kg polydatin, and plus 100 mg/kg polydatin. The sham-operated group was used as a negative control. Rats were administered intragastrically with the corresponding drugs or drinking water for seven weeks. At the end of the treatment, the left ventricular weight index and heart weight index were assessed. The cross-sectional size of cardiomyocytes was measured by staining myocardium tissue with hematoxylin and eosin. Collagen content was counted by Sirius red in aqueous saturated picric acid. The concentrations of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, aldosterone, and endothelin 1 in myocardium or serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. Hydroxyproline and nitric oxide concentrations and glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in serum were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Our results showed that seven weeks of polydatin treatment resulted in a significantly reduced left ventricular weight index, heart weight index, serum concentrations of hydroxyproline and aldosterone, an increased concentration of nitric oxide as well as enhanced activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Myocardial angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and endothelin 1 levels were also reduced. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and collagen deposition diminished. This study suggests that polydatin may attenuate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in coronary artery ligation rats through restricting the excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inhibiting peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we performed a structure-based virtual screening against five carbonic anhydrase isoforms using, as a ligand library, natural components of Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) and Allium cepa var. Tropea (red onion) sources, which are some typical Calabrian products. The most relevant Bergamot and red onion components, identified as potentially new hits by means of the computational work, were submitted to in vitro tests in order to confirm the ability to exert the predicted biological activity. Apigenin and eriocitrin were identified as new potent inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase VA isozyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of natural products that can modulate blood glucose levels is of great interest as it can possibly facilitate the utilization of mild interventions such as herbal medicine or functional foods in the treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes. One of the established drug targets for antihyperglycemic therapy is glycogen phosphorylase. To evaluate the glycogen phosphorylase inhibitory properties of an in-house compound collection consisting to a large extent of natural products, a stepwise virtual and experimental screening protocol was devised and implemented. The fact that the active site of glycogen phosphorylase is highly hydrated emphasized that a methodological aspect needed to be efficiently addressed prior to an in silico evaluation of the compound collection. The effect of water molecules on docking calculations was regarded as a key parameter in terms of virtual screening protocol optimization. Statistical analysis of 125 structures of glycogen phosphorylase and solvent mapping focusing on the active site hydration motif in combination with a retrospective screening revealed the importance of a set of 29 crystallographic water molecules for achieving high enrichment as to the discrimination between active compounds and inactive decoys. The scaling of Van der Waals radii of system atoms had an additional effect on screening performance. Having optimized the in silico protocol, a prospective evaluation of the in-house compound collection derived a set of 18 top-ranked natural products that were subsequently evaluated in vitro for their activity as glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors. Two phenolic glucosides with glycogen phosphorylase-modulating activity were identified, whereas the most potent compound affording mid-micromolar inhibition was a glucosidic derivative of resveratrol, a stilbene well-known for its wide range of biological activities. Results show the possible phytotherapeutic and nutraceutical potential of products common in the Mediterranean countries, such as red wine and Vitis products in general or green raw salads and herbal preparations, where such compounds are abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In silico techniques in drug discovery may rationalise and speed up the identification of lead molecules from nature. Drug discovery from medicinal plants has mostly been confined to indications in accordance with their ethnical use only. However, the availability of multiple phytoconstituents in medicinal plants suggests that these may be much more useful beyond their traditional uses and in the management of chronic diseases, along with their comorbidities. In this study, the computer programmes PASS and PharmaExpert were used to reveal the medicinal plants useful in the comprehensive management of epilepsy and associated psychiatric disorders based on the pleiotropic effects predicted for their phytoconstituents. In silico analysis revealed that seven of 50 medicinal plants from traditional Indian medicine possessed the desired pleiotropic effect, i.e., anti-convulsanto antidepressanto and nootropic activities. The majority of phytoconstituents from Passiflora incarnata were concurrently predicted to have the desired pleiotropic effects. Therefore, P. incarnata was pharmacologically validated using the pentylenetetrazole kindling mouse model. Behavioural and neurochemical evaluations confirmed the ameliorative role of P. incarnata in epilepsy and the associated depression and memory deficit. The pharmacological findings from this study propose that PASS and PharmaExpert may serve as good tools for the optimisation of the selection of plants based on their phytoconstituents for the treatment of different ailments, even beyond their traditional use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional medicine, the oleoresinous gum of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, so-called mastic gum, has been used to treat multiple conditions such as coughs, sore throats, eczema, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Mastic gum is rich in triterpenes, which have been postulated to exert antidiabetic effects and improve lipid metabolism. In facto there is evidence of oleanonic acid, a constituent of mastic gum, acting as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonisto and mastic gum being antidiabetic in mice in vivo. Despite these findings, the exact antidiabetic mechanism of mastic gum remains unknown. Glucocorticoids play a key role in regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 that converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol has been proposed as a promising approach to combat metabolic disturbances including diabetes. In this study, a pharmacophore-based virtual screening was applied to filter a natural product database for possible 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibitors. The hit list analysis was especially focused on the triterpenoids present in Pistacia species. Multiple triterpenoids, such as masticadienonic acid and isomasticadienonic acid, main constituents of mastic gum, were identified. Indeed, masticadienonic acid and isomasticadienonic acid selectively inhibited 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 over 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 at low micromolar concentrations. These findings suggest that inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 contributes to the antidiabetic activity of mastic gum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are made by nature through interaction with biosynthetic enzymes. They also exert their effect as drugs by interaction with proteins. To address the question "Do biosynthetic enzymes and therapeutic targets share common mechanisms for the molecular recognition of natural products?", we compared the active site of five flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes to 8077 ligandable binding sites in the Protein Data Bank using two three-dimensional-based methods (SiteAlign and Shaper). Virtual screenings efficiently retrieved known flavonoid targets, in particular protein kinases. A consistent performance obtained for variable site descriptions (presence/absence of water, variable boundaries, or small structural changes) indicated that the methods are robust and thus well suited for the identification of potential target proteins of natural products. Finally, our results suggested that flavonoid binding is not primarily driven by shape, but rather by the recognition of common anchoring points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spikenard, the dried roots of Nardostachys chinensis, contains sesquiterpenoids and is widely used as an herbal tranquilizer. We previously demonstrated that spikenard vapor showed a sedative effect when administered by inhalation, and we identified hydrocarbon sesquiterpenoids as active components. Here we investigated the other components that contribute to the effects of spikenard. Six oxygenated sesquiterpenoids, including aristolane- and guaiane-types, were isolated from an acetone extract of spikenard. We evaluated the sedative activities of these oxygenated compounds using an inhalation administration method in a caffeine-treated excitatory mouse model. We identified aristolen-1(10)-en-9-ol and patchouli alcohol as highly effective sedative components. These compounds inhibited locomotion in mice by approximately 60% at a dose of 300 μg/cage. In addition, aristolen-1(10)-en-9-ol prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep to the same extent as 1 mg/kg diazepam. This effect completely disappeared with the administration of the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (3 mg/kg), suggesting that the sedative effect of aristolen-1(10)-en-9-ol is expressed via the GABAergic system. Furthermore, differently from diazepam, inhalation of aristolen-1(10)-en-9-ol for 1 h did not affect the motor coordination in the rota-rod test. In the present study, we identified active components and provided evidence supporting the traditional sedative use of spikenard. Our research suggests that aristolen-1(10)-en-9-ol may be an effective aromatherapy, providing mild sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This in vitro study aimed to determine the effects of a Panax ginseng extract on aristolochic acid-mediated toxicity in HK-2 cells. A methanolic extract of ginseng (50 µg/mL) was able to reduce cell survival after treatment with 50 µM aristolochic acid for 24, 48, and 72 h, as evidenced by a resazurin reduction assay. This result was confirmed by a flow cytometric evaluation of apoptosis using annexin V-PI staining, and indicated higher apoptosis rates in cells treated with aristolochic acid and P. ginseng extract compared with aristolochic acid alone. However, P. ginseng extract by itself (5 and 50 µg/mL) increased the Ki-67 index, indicating an enhancement in cellular proliferation. Cell cycle analysis excluded a P. ginseng extract-mediated induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest such as the one typically observed with aristolochic acid. Finally, β-catenin acquisition was found to be accelerated when cells were treated with both doses of ginseng, suggesting that the epithelial phenotype of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells was maintained. Also, ginseng treatment (5 and 50 µg/mL) reduced the oxidative stress activity induced by aristolochic acid after 24 and 48 h. These results indicate that the ginseng extract has a protective activity towards the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species induced by aristolochic acid. However, the ginseng-mediated alleviation of oxidative stress did not correlate with a decrease but rather with an increase in aristolochic acid-induced apoptosis and death. This deleterious herb-herb interaction could worsen aristolochic acid tubulotoxicity and reinforce the severity and duration of the injury. Nevertheless, increased cellular proliferation and migration, along with the improvement in the epithelial phenotype maintenance, indicate that ginseng could be useful for improving tubular regeneration and the recovery following drug-induced kidney injury. Such dual activities of ginseng certainly warrant further in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to use the pharmacokinetic information of avicularin in rats to project a dose for humans using allometric scaling. A highly sensitive and specific bioanalytical assay to determine avicularin concentrations in the plasma was developed and validated for UPLC-MS/MS. The plasma protein binding of avicularin in rat plasma determined by the ultrafiltration method was 64%. The pharmacokinetics of avicularin in nine rats was studied following an intravenous bolus administration of 1mg/kg and was found to be best described by a two-compartment model using a nonlinear mixed effects modeling approach. The pharmacokinetic parameters were allometrically scaled by body weight and centered to the median rat weight of 0.23 kg, with the power coefficient fixed at 0.75 for clearance and 1 for volume parameters. Avicularin was rapidly eliminated from the systemic circulation within 1 h post-dose, and the avicularin pharmacokinetic was linear up to 5mg/kg based on exposure comparison to literature data for a 5-mg/kg single dose in rats. Using allometric scaling and Monte Carlo simulation approaches, the rat doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg correspond to the human equivalent doses of 30 and 150 mg, respectively, to achieve comparable plasma avicularin concentrations in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acorus calamus and its related species are of significant importance to the food and fragrance industries due to their varied applications. They are also a cause of critical concern due to their toxic β-asarone content. Several toxicity cases have occurred due to high β-asarone compositions in food products. Hence, limits for their use are strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the European Union, and legislations of different countries. The identification of species with a lower β-asarone content is of great significance. In this report, the metabolite profiles and essential oil content of A. calamus and Acorus tatarinowii rhizomes were analysed and compared using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS techniques. The metabolite profiles were similar; however, β-asarone content was higher in A. calamus rhizomes. The developed methods can be applied for microscopic and macroscopic identification, and quality control of food products containing β-asarone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, limonoids isolated from Xylocarpus plants were tested for their in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. The results demonstrated that only 7-deacetylgedunin (1), a gedunin-type limonoid, significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharideand interferon-γ-stimulated production of nitric oxide in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The suppression of nitric oxide production by 1 was correlated with the downregulation of mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Mechanistic studies revealed that the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB, IκBα degradation, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ, were suppressed by 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia has been considered to be a key risk factor for kidney disease. The formation of uric acid crystals in the kidney further stimulates an intensive inflammatory response. Rhein possesses various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, purgative effects, and so on. To our knowledge, no previous work has been reported about the therapeutic effect of rhein on urate nephropathy. In this study, a model of hyperuricemia and nephropathy induced by adenine and ethambutol inmicewas established.Meanwhile, the potential beneficial effects and mechanisms of rhein on hyperuricemia and nephropathy were also investigated. The results demonstrated that rhein significantly decreased the serum uric acid level by inhibiting the xanthine oxidase activity and increasing the excretion of urinary uric acid. In addition, rhein also markedly improved kidney damage related to hyperuricemia. Further investigation indicated that rhein improved the symptoms of nephropathy through decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factor-α and inhibiting the expression of transforming growth factor-β1. The present study suggests that rhein may have a considerable potential for development as an anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective agent for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. During the neuroinflammatory process, microglial cells release neurotoxic and proinflammatory mediators. In the present study, using activity-guided fractionation, we have purified an anti-inflammatory compound determined by spectroscopic methods to be a sesquiterpene lactone named achillolide A from Achillea fragrantissima (Forsk.) Sch. Bip. In primary cultures of lipopolysaccharide-activated microglial cells, achillolide A inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced levels of proinflammatory and toxic mediators including glutamate, nitric oxide, matrix metalloproteinase- 9, cyclooxygenase-2, induced nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Achillolide A also exhibited an antioxidant capacity, as was shown in a cell free system as well as by its ability to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in microglial cells. Thus, achillolide A might have therapeutic potential for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and deserves further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of catalpol administration on atherosclerosis. Atherogenesis was induced by a high-cholesterol chow in male New Zealand White rabbits that were randomly assigned to receive atorvastatin (5mg/kg/day), catalpol (5 mg/kg/day), or vehicle by oral gavage for 12 weeks. The rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks, and the thoracic aorta and serum were collected for further pathological and molecular biological analysis. Catalpol administration resulted in significantly attenuated atherosclerotic lesions. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were remarkably reduced, and high-density lipid cholesterol was elevated in the catalpoltreated group. Catalpol reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the serum, as well as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α protein, inducible nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinases-9, and nuclear factor-κB protein65 in the aortic arch. In addition, catalpol treatment reduced the lipid peroxidation levels, while elevating antioxidant capacity. Catolpol pretreatment inhibited the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-κB protein in oxygenized low-density lipoprotein-stimulated EA.hy926 cells. Furthermore, catolpol pretreatment activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and upregulated the expression of its downstream antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase. In summary, catalpol attenuated atherosclerotic lesions by the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress status in a rabbit atherosclerotic model and enhanced the antioxidant capacity in oxygenized low-density lipoprotein- stimulated EA.hy926 cells. These results suggest that catalpol may be used to prevent and attenuate atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was undertaken to investigate the effects and the molecular mechanism of the standardized ethanolic extract of Allium cepa (onion) on the glucose transport for controlling diabetes mellitus. A. cepa stimulates glucose uptake by the rat skeletal muscle cells (L6 myotubes) in both time- and dose-dependent manners. This effect was shown to be mediated by the increased translocation of glucose transporter typ 4 protein from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane as well as the synthesis of glucose transporter typ 4 protein. The effect of A. cepa extract on glucose transport was stymied by wortmannin, genistein, and AI½. In vitro phosphorylation analysis revealed that, like insulin, A. cepa extract also enhances the tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor-β, insulin receptor substrate-1, and the serine phosphorylation of Akt under both basal and insulin-stimulated conditions without affecting the total amount of these proteins. Furthermore, it is also shown that the activation of Akt is indispensable for the A. cepa-induced glucose uptake in L6myotubes. Taken together, these findings provide ample evidence that the ethanolic extract of A. cepa stimulates glucose transporter typ 4 translocation-mediated glucose uptake by the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/Akt dependent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syzygium aromaticum has been widely used in traditional medicine. Our study investigated the safety and antidepressant-like effects of the essential oil of S. aromaticum after acute or longterm treatment. Using GC-MS, a total of eight volatile constituents were identified in the essential oil of S. aromaticum. The single LD50 was approximately 4500 mg/kg based on a 24-h acute oral toxicity study. In a long-term repeated toxicity study of this essential oil (100, 200, and 400mg/ kg, p. o.), only 400 mg/kg induced a significant decrease in body weight. In addition, no significant changes in relative organweights and histopathological analysis were observed in all doses of essential oil-treated mice compared with the control group. Furthermore, acute S. aromaticum essential oil administration by gavage exerted antidepressant- like effects in the forced swimming test (200 mg/kg, p < 0.05) and tail suspension test (100 and 200 mg/kg, p < 0.05). Long-term S. aromaticum essential oil treatment via gavage significantly increased sucrose preference (50mg/kg, p < 0.05; 100 and 200 mg/kg, p < 0.01) as well as elevated the protein levels of hippocampal p- ERK, p-CREB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor inmice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. These results confirmed the safety of the essential oil of S. aromaticum and suggested that its potent antidepressant-like property might be attributed to the improvement in the hippocampal pERK1/2-pCREB-BDNF pathway in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedative activity of eight aromatic natural medicines that are traditionally used in Japanese scent sachets was examined using an open field test with mice. Galangal (Kaempferia galanga), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), sandalwood (Santalum album), spikenard (Nardostachys chinensis), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), star anise (Illicium verum), and borneol (Dryobalanops aromatica) distilled oils were used. These natural medicines have various pharmacological effects. For example, galangal has insecticidal activity and clove extracts possess strong total antioxidant activity. Aromatherapy, a well-known complementary medicine system that uses inhalation, has recently attracted much attention. The sedative activity of inhaled aromatic compounds or essential oils has been examined by measuring the spontaneous motor activity of mice in an open field test. The galangal, patchouli, sandalwood, spikenard, and borneol oils showed significant sedative effects. The effect was stronger for a mixture of the five oils than for any of the single oils. This suggests that the oil mixture may have synergistic activity. Sedative activity was not observed when inactive oils (cinnamon, clove, and star anise) were added to the mixture of the five active oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of new isoform-specific histone deacetylase inhibitors is important for revealing the biological functions of individual histone deacetylase and for determining their potential use as therapeutic agents. Among the 11 zinc-dependent histone deacetylases that have been identified in humans, histone deacetylase 6 is a structurally and functionally unique enzyme. Here, we tested the inhibitory activity of diarylheptanoids isolated from Betula platyphylla against histone deacetylase 6. Aceroside VIII selectively inhibited histone deacetylase 6 catalytic activity and the combined treatment of aceroside VIII or (-)-centrolobol with A452, another selective histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor, led to a synergistic increase in levels of acetylated α-tubulin. Aceroside VIII, paltyphyllone, and (-)-centrolobol synergistically enhanced the induction of apoptosis and growth inhibition by A452. Consistent with these results, A452 in combination with aceroside VIII, paltyphyllone, or (-)-centrolobol was more potent than either drug alone for the induction of apoptosis. Together, these findings indicate that aceroside VIII is a specific histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor and points to a mechanism by which natural histone deacetylase 6-selective inhibitors may enhance the efficacy of other histone deacetylase 6 inhibitors in colon cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the reliability of micro-electro-mechanical systems/near-infrared technology by investigating analytical models of two modes of sampling (integrating sphere and fiber optic probe modes) and different sample sets. Baicalin in Yinhuang tablets was used as an example, and the experimental procedure included the optimization of spectral pretreatments, selection of wavelength regions using interval partial least squares, moving window partial least squares, and validation of the method using an accuracy profile. The results demonstrated that models that use the integrating sphere mode are better than those that use fiber optic probe modes. Spectra that use fiber optic probe modes tend to be more susceptible to interference information because the intensity of the incident light on a fiber optic probe mode is significantly weaker than that on an integrating sphere mode. According to the test set validation result of the method parameters, such as accuracy, precision, risk, and linearity, the selection of variables was found to make no significant difference to the performance of the full spectral model. The performance of the models whose sample sets ranged widely in concentration (i.e., 1-4%) was found to be better than that of models whose samples had relatively narrow ranges (i.e., 1-2%). The establishment and validation of this method can be used to clarify the analytical guideline in Chinese herbal medicine about two sampling modes and different sample sets in the microelectro- mechanical systems/near-infrared technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism by which psoralen is transported across the placenta was investigated in the BeWo human placental cell line derived from choriocarcinoma in a transwell assay system using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry detection. Psoralen uptake by BeWo cells increased linearly over the concentration range of 0.01µM to 100 µM (r² = 0.997) and was not saturable. Psoralen uptake by BeWo cells was not affected by temperature (4 °C, room temperature, and 37°C; p > 0.05). Psoralen transport increased linearly over 180 min (r² = 0.988) with 3.08 ± 0.26%, 5.47 ± 0.21%, 7.54 ± 0.06%, 9.40 ± 0.37%, 11.49 ± 0.31%, and 12.46 ± 0.61% transferred from the apical chamber to the basolateral chamber in the transwell assays at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min, respectively. The rate of transport showed the same tendency, increasing linearly from 0.13 ± 0.01 pmol/s to 0.58 ± 0.03 pmol/ s over the concentration range of 25 µM to 100 µM (r² = 0.989). The apparent permeability coefficient for psoralen (100 µM) was 5.62 ± 0.24 x 10-6 cm/s and 5.53 ± 0.47 x 10-6 cm/s before and after treatment with verapamil (100 µM), respectively (p > 0.05). The efflux value for psoralen was approximately 1. These data show that psoralen is well absorbed and crosses the placental barrier via passive diffusion in the BeWo cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium officinale is an herbal medicine that has been clinically used to promote body fluid production. Previous works demonstrated that D. officinale polysaccharides could ameliorate symptoms of salivary secretion of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and in a respective mice model. In the present study, we investigated the underlying mechanism by which D. officinale polysaccharides activate M3 muscarinic receptors and induce extracellular calcium influx, leading to the translocation of aquaporin 5, a water channel protein, to the apical membrane of human submandibular gland epithelial cells. Enzymatic treatment of D. officinale polysaccharides suggested that they are hydrolyzed but do not permeate cell membranes. This finding supports the pharmacological activity of D. officinale polysaccharides to promote salivary secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, the blockade mechanism of emodin on amyloid-β25-35-induced neurotoxicity was explored. Cell viability of PC12 cells was evaluated by the MTT assay and neuro damage by the lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay. Gene silencing by small interfering RNA, cDNA constructs and transfection, as well as Western blot were performed to assess protein expression levels. AβPP/ PS1 mice were administered orally with emodin (50mg/kg/day), and LC3-II positive cells in their brain cortex sections were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Emodin could significantly inhibit the LC3-I/LC3-II conversion ratio and cell viability while decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase level in AβPP/PS1 mice and PC12 cells. LC3II positive cells in the cortex were decreased significantly by the treatment with both emodin and 3-methyladenine. Furthermore, emodin and 3-methyladenine could increase Bcell lymphoma 2 while decreasing Beclin-1 and hVps34 expressions, which were induced byamyloid-β25-35. Small interfering gene silencing Beclin- 1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 confirmed this signaling pathway. We also found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 could block LC3-I/LC3-II conversion and increase B-cell lymphoma 2 while decreasing hVps34 and Beclin-1 expressions. The results suggest that the blockade of emodin on amyloid-β25-35-induced autophagy may occur via the activation of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Beclin-1/B-cell lymphoma 2 pathway. Our results provide confirmatory evidence for the application of emodin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]