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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of total flavonoids of Sarsaparilla on chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) model rats. Methods CPID rat model were performed by injecting phenol mucilage into the right uterus. The SD rats were divided into the model control group, the high dose group [32. 4 g/ (kg·d)], the medium dose group [16. 2 g/ (kg·d)], the low dose group [8. 1 g/ (kg·d)], the Jingangteng capsule group, the dexamethasone group according to the random number table method, with ten animals each. Rats treated with sham operation were divided into the sham operation group and the background control group according to the random number table method, with ten animals each. In addition, the blank control group (ten animals) was estabished without any treatment. The hemorheology and routine blood indexes of each group were detected 14 days after administration. The morphological changes of the left and right sides of the uterus were observed, the swelling rate and swelling inhibition rate of the uterus were calculated, and the pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in uterine tissue of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with the model control group and the Jingangteng capsule group, all dose groups of total flavonoids from Sarsaparilla can significantly reduce the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and various hemorheological indicators in the blood of CPID model rats, reduce the rate of uterine swelling in rats, and inhibit the expression of L-1β and IL-6 in rat uterine tissue, and promote the expression of IL-4 and IL-10 and can significantly reduce uterine congestion and edema, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, alleviate fibrous connective tissue proliferation around glands, and improve endometrial hyperplasia and fibrosis, with statistical significance (P＜0. 01). Conclusion Total flavonoids of Sarsaparilla can improve the symptoms of CPID model rats, enhance blood flow, improve local blood circulation, and inhibit uterine inflammation and fibrotic hyperplasia in CPID model rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the prevalence of breast cancer (BC) has been reduced in recent years, proficient therapeutic regimens should be further investigated with the aim of further reducing the mortality rate. To obtain more effective treatment, the present study aimed to observe the effects of PL synergistically combined with Smilax corbularia and S. glabra extracts (PSS) on BC cell lines, MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. Methods: The half-maximal inhibition (IC50) concentrations of PSS and PL were determined in a dose- and time-dependent manner using MTT assay. The activity of PSS and PL on anti-BC proliferation was evaluated using BrdU assay, and colony formation assay. Moreover, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis induction as a result of PSS and PL exposure were investigated using propidium iodide (PI) staining and co-staining of annexin V DY634 and PI combined flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Finally, changes in the mRNA expression of genes involved in proliferative and apoptotic pathways (MKI67, HER2, EGFR, MDM2, TNFα, PI3KCA, KRAS, BAX, and CASP8) were explored using RT-qPCR following PSS and PL treatment. Results: The PSS and PL extracts exhibited significant potential in BC cytotoxicity which were in were in dose- and time-dependent response. This inhibition of cell growth was due to the suppression of cell proliferation, the cell cycle arrest, and the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, an investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that PSS and PL are involved in downregulation of the MKI67, HER2, EGFR, MDM2, TNFα, and PI3KCA expression. Conclusions: This present study has suggested that PSS and PL possess anti-BC proliferative activity mediated via the downregulation of genes participating in the relevant pathways. PSS or PL may be combined with other agents to alleviate the adverse side effects resulted from conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Smilax purhampuy Ruiz (sarsaparilla) is traditionally used to treat various ailments such as sudorific, diuretic, purifying, hypoglycemic, arthritis, dermatological infections, intestinal, stomach and prostate inflammations, vaginitis and viral diseases. However, the investigations that justify the use of this species are scarce. Aims: To evaluate pharmacognostically and chemically leaves and rhizomes of sarsaparilla, and their antioxidant capacity. Methods: The pharmacognostic analysis of both plant organs was carried out from the determination of their physicochemical parameters, the phytochemical screening, the quantification of phenols and total flavonoids and the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity by three in vitro methods (FRAP, DPPH and ABTS). Results: The leaves and rhizomes of the species showed a similar chemical composition, although some metabolites seem to be found at different concentrations. Although the two organs studied presented antioxidant activity, it was higher in the leaves, which could be associated with the higher content of phenols and flavonoids. Conclusions: The results obtained made it possible to report the quality parameters for the first time and suggest the chemical composition of both organs, showing some differences between them. The evaluation of the antioxidant capacity demonstrated the potential of the species to be used as a natural remedy.

The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of Smilax china L. polyphenols (SCLPs) in enhancing lipid metabolism and stimulating browning to reduce lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. SCLP treatment obviously decreased lipid content in a dose-dependent manner (10–40 μg/mL) in adipocytes. SCLP treatment cooperated with noradrenalin to increase lipolysis. SCLPs reduced the gene expressions of C/EBP α and Ap2 and enhanced the expressions of ACO, CPT, pHSL/HSL, ATGL, and PKA in adipocytes. Furthermore, SCLPs increased mRNA and protein expressions of brown adipocyte-specific factors (UCP-1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, and PPARγ) and mRNA expressions of beige adipocyte-specific markers (CD137, Tbx1, and Tmem26) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis genes (Nrf1 and Tfam). In addition, according to the immunofluorescence staining, the mitochondria number was increased by SCLP. Moreover, β3-AR or AMPK agonist synergistic SCLPs enhanced the expressions of UCP-1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α. While β3-AR or AMPK antagonist significantly decreased the expressions of these brown adipocyte-specific factors, SCLP treatment inhibited the effect of antagonist to improve the expression of UCP-1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α. These results indicated that SCLPs may regulate lipid metabolism and stimulate browning via the β3-AR/AMPKα signaling pathway. Thus, SCLPs likely have potential therapeutic effects on obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema australe was isolated from Isla Santa Magdalena in Chile and identified as a good alternative for controlling Aegorhinus nodipennis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae. This weevil is native to the south of Chile and some regions in Argentina, causing the decline and ultimate death of plants in berry orchards. The major problem brought about by the weevil is caused by the larvae, which spend between nine and eleven months below ground, feeding inside the roots of the plants. This study seeks to increase S. australe's efficacy through an artificial selection process using an odor stimulus. We selected infective juveniles (IJs) that followed the stimulus in order to reach larvae at a depth of 30 cm to achieve this objective. Larvae infected with selected IJs and IJs from the original stock were compared under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. The results showed a 20% increase in the efficacy of selected IJs compared with IJs from the original stock. We observed a higher proportion of selected IJs that reached the larvae faster during the first four days post-application. Moreover, larvae treated with selected IJs were depleted, with a mix of nematode stages emerging from the cadaver. Finally, a potential trade-off with regard to the recycling of nematodes into the soil is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax china L. is used not only as a kind of traditional Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients with various pharmacological properties, but also as food in certain parts of China. However, it is by far still unclear whether Smilax china L. polyphenols (SCP), as important bioactive constituents in Smilax china L., have effects on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This study investigated the impact of SCP on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD and gut microbiota in mice. SCP treatments ameliorated typical symptoms of IBD as what was reflected through suppressing body weight loss, colonic shortening, intestinal barrier damage, and increasing intestinal disease activity index. SCP treatments simultaneously decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, as well as promoted the release of anti-inflammatory factors. Furthermore, SCP ameliorated the ecological imbalance of gut microbiota and regulated the key bacteria associated with IBD (including Akkermansiaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Anaeroplasmataceae). In general, SCP may improve DSS-induced IBD in mice by regulating inflammatory factors, inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing intestinal tissue damage, and regulating the ecological imbalance of intestinal microbiota. Thus, SCP might serve as a potential therapeutic agent against the inflammation-driven diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine Smilax is the rhizome of liliaceous plant Smilax china L., which is used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease and anxieties. Purpose. To investigate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the extract from Smilax china L. (ES). Methods. The components of ES were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in xylene-induced ear oedema and egg white-induced plantar swelling test. Cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay. The inflammatory mediators, proinflammatory cytokines, and MAPK and NF-κB signals in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells were determined using ELISA, real-time PCR, and Western blot, respectively. Results. 20 compounds of ES were confirmed by comparing with the reference substance. ES displayed more prominent anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control "Jin Gang Teng" capsule in the in vivo acute inflammatory model. ES suppressed the expression of PGE2 and 6-Keot-PGF1α, and the ratio of IC50 (COX-1)/IC50 (COX-2) of ES was 3.15, which indicated that ES could selectively inhibit COX-2. ES dose-dependently (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/L) decreased the production and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, ES significantly decreased LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, ERK1/2, and p65, inhibiting the expression of IKKα and the degradation of IκBα. Conclusion. The results suggested that ES could selectively inhibit the activity of COX-2, and the anti-inflammatory effect of ES was associated with the inhibition of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α via negative regulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-induced THP-1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In some regions of Mexico, edible wild plants have been displaced or eliminated from the traditional food systems, mainly by changes in land use, booming monoculture, herbicide use, and by changes among the new generations in the traditional foods and diets of indigenous populations. In the Totonacapan region of Puebla, the gradual change from the traditional acahual plantation to coffee-type agroecosystems has provoked the displacement of old-growth forests and the eradication of wild plants since 1970. One of the wild species which has been used in traditional medicine and food recipes by the Totonac culture is Smilax aristolochiifolia (SMILACACEAE), known as "kgentsililh". This species forms part of traditional Totonac recipes, in which the tender stems are still used in local medicine to treat menstrual pain, deal with dysentery, and prevent hair loss. According to the Maxent® Program, there are still potential areas with habitats suitable to promote its conservation in the Poblano Totonacapan. Methods: We conducted 260 interviews with people in 13 locations in the northern Sierra of the State of Puebla. Variables taken into account in the interview related to the consumption frequency of the species, its abundance and distribution perception, reasons or arguments given by the Totonac indigenous population about the decreased presence of specimens of S. aristolochiifolia, its dates of collection, and the cutting prices of kgentsililh at the community level and in local markets. The relative abundance of S. aristolochiifolia was determined through 22 samples in 2ts of 600 m2. Later, its potential distribution in the state of Puebla was estimated using the Maxent® Program Ver. 3.3.3. Results: Of the 260 Totonac families interviewed, 31% had stopped consuming kgentsililh. The residents reported that in the last 50 years the populations of this plant had diminished in the northern Sierra of the State of Puebla, mainly due to changes in land use, herbicide application, over-collection, and urban growth. In traditional medicine, the stem sap of S. aristolochiifolia is currently employed to help treat baldness, and the "tuberous root" or plant rhizome is used to prepare a tea infusion to treat dysentery. The cost of plant guides varies from 10.00 to 40.00 Mexican pesos for one bunch (around 0.5 to 2.00 US dollars), and every bundle consists of between 7 to 10 cuttings from 0.4 to 0.5 m long. From our 22 quadrats of sampling and collection of S. aristolochiifolia, we were able to recognize a total of 32 specimens. There is a considerable abundance of kgentsililh in acahual plantations and old-growth forests (evergreen lowland and mid-elevation perennial forest) concerning the coffee-type plantations and milpas. According to our analysis using the Maxent Program®, eight physical and climatic variables have a direct relationship to the potential distribution of the species. Conclusions: Smilax aristolochiifolia is still a plant of socioeconomic importance, mainly because of its food value and its use in traditional medicine by indigenous families in Poblano Totonacapan. It is evident that the villagers perceive that in the last 50 years the species has decreased its population mainly due to land-use change, the application of herbicides to the different family production units, and climate change. At the moment, there is no knowledge about the methods of propagation of the species, and therefore there is no intention on the part of the population to conserve the species. However, it would be of great importance to generate a biocultural conservation strategy and take advantage of the results obtained from the potential geographic distribution area, since according to the Maxent® Program, there are still potential areas with habitat suitable to promote conservation in Poblano Totonacapan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunctional T cells and dysregulated immune responses. Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGR) is a formulation used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis. This study explores the scientific basis for its use by examining the effects of SGR on T cell differentiation and insulin receptor signaling, relevant pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of SGR (a Chinese medicine) in psoriasis and its impact on T cell differentiation. An integrated network pharmacology and bioinformatics approach was employed to elucidate the mechanisms of SGR in regulating T cell differentiation. A psoriasis mouse model was utilized to evaluate the effects of SGR on T cell subsets. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses were conducted to investigate the modulation of insulin receptor signaling pathways by SGR. SGR treatment effectively reset the expression of various T cell subsets in the psoriasis mouse model, suggesting its ability to regulate T cell differentiation and immune function. Furthermore, SGR treatment inhibited insulin receptor signaling and downstream pathways, including PI3K/AKT and ERK, in psoriatic skin lesions. This indicates that SGR may exert its therapeutic effects through modulation of the insulin receptor signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the therapeutic potential of SGR in psoriasis. By modulating T cell differentiation and targeting the insulin receptor signaling pathway, SGR holds promise as a potential treatment option for psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of Smilax genus are known as sarsaparilla or japecanga, being widely used in folk medicine as a tonic, antirheumatic, anti-syphilitic, antihypertensive and diuretic and for sweating, arthritis and skin conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic activity and to identify the main classes of secondary metabolites present in the hexane fraction obtained from Smilax brasiliensis. The leaves were collected, dried, crushed and extracted by percolation with ethanol, obtaining the ethanol extract. Part of this extract was partitioned with hexane, resulting in the hexane (HEX) fraction. The best results by the phytotoxic activity in Lactuca sativa seeds were for the HEX4 and HEX5 sub-fractions, at concentration of 250 µg per plate. When evaluating the phytotoxicity in Allium cepa seeds, the best results were found for the HEX1 sub-fraction for the radicle and the HEX2 sub-fraction for the hypocotyl, both at concentration of 125 µg per plate. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, steroids and flavonoids in the hexane fraction, suggesting that the phytotoxic activity may be attributed at least partially to these compounds; however, additional studies are needed. These results suggest that in the future, the hexane fraction of S. brasiliensis leaves can be used as a natural herbicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax china L., an extensively used traditional Chinese medicine, is known as Baqia in China. It has been used to treat various inflammatory disorders, particularly pelvic inflammation. The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review at the advancements of the investigations on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological effect and actual and potential applications of S. china. Besides, the possible tendency and perspective for future research of this plant are discussed, as well. This article uses " Smilax china L." " S. china " as the keyword and collects relevant information on Smilax china L. plants through electronic searches (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science), relevant books, and classic literature about Chinese herb. 134 chemical constituents, among which steroid saponins and flavonoids are the predominant groups, have been isolated and identified from S. china. S. china with its active compounds is possessed of wide-reaching biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, detoxify nicotine, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-hyperuricaemia, anti-hypertension, promoting skin wound and barrier repair and anti-bacterial activity. Besides, S. china is also applied to other fields, such as food industry and detection technology. Based on the review of the existing phytochemical studies on Smilax china L., the structural characterization of Smilax china L. extract can continue to be the focus of future research. Pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated some of the traditional uses of Smilax china L. extract, while other traditional uses still need to be confirmed by research. [Display omitted] • S.china is a common natural medicinal plant with multiple therapeutic effects. • The phytochemical components of S.china have various biological activities. • S.china has effects on other fields, especially food industry, detection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Louis Antoine Planche (1774-1840), a French pharmacist, devoted his life to the identification and properties of large number of vegetable active principles, among them, jalap, sarsaparilla, Colombo, guaiacum, myrrh, camphor, angostura, and scammonny

Background: In this report we examine candidate pathways perturbed by Compound Kushen Injection (CKI), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that we have previously shown to alter the gene expression patterns of multiple pathways and induce apoptosis in cancer cells.Methods: We have measured protein levels in Hep G2 and MDA-MB-231 cells for genes in the cell cycle pathway, DNA repair pathway and DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) previously shown to have altered expression by CKI. We have also examined energy metabolism by measuring [ADP]/[ATP] ratio (cell energy charge), lactate production and glucose consumption. Our results demonstrate that CKI can suppress protein levels for cell cycle regulatory proteins and DNA repair while increasing the level of DSBs. We also show that energy metabolism is reduced based on reduced glucose consumption and reduced cellular energy charge.Results: Our results validate these pathways as important targets for CKI. We also examined the effect of the major alkaloid component of CKI, oxymatrine and determined that it had no effect on DSBs, a small effect on the cell cycle and increased the cell energy charge.Conclusions: Our results indicate that CKI likely acts through the effect of multiple compounds on multiple targets where the observed phenotype is the integration of these effects and synergistic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has become a public health concern worldwide because it is linked to numerous metabolic disorders, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies that are efficacious and have minimal side effects in obesity treatment. This study examined the effect of dietary supplement of Smilax china L. ethanol extract (SCLE) on high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity. Methods: Fifty ICR mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with 0.25, 0.5% or 1% SCLE for 8 weeks. Body weight, intraperitioneal adipose tissue (IPAT) weight, serum biochemical parameters, and liver lipids were measured. Activity, mRNA and protein expressions of lipid metabolism-related enzymes were analyzed. Results: Over 0.5% SCLE had reduced cholesterol biosynthesis by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which subsequently suppressed the mRNA expression of both sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase. Thus, the plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations in the HFD-fed mice were decreased. AMPK activation caused by SCLE also significantly upregulated lipolysis by enhancing adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase activities. This accelerated triglyceride hydrolysis and fatty acid release. Finally, SCLE increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase activities, which further promoted fatty acid β-oxidation. Conclusion: SCLE could lead to a decrease in body weight gain and fat mass by inhibiting the lipid synthesis and promoting lipolysis and β-oxidation in HFD fed mice. The underlying mechanism is probably associated with regulating AMPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agriculture Faculty Journal, Mustafa Kemay University / Ziraat Fakultesi Dergisi, Mustafa Kemal Universitesi is the property of Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Regulating activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase through the use of specific inhibitors is a main strategy for controlling type 2 diabetes. Smilax aristolochiifolia root decoctions are traditionally used in Mexico as hypoglycemic and for weight loss, but the active principles and mechanisms underlying such putative metabolic effects are yet unknown. Here, we isolated the major bioactive compounds from a hydroethanolic extract of S. aristolochiifolia root by fast centrifugal partition chromatography and evaluated their effects against pancreatic α-amylase and yeast α-glucosidase. A chlorogenic acid-rich fraction (CAF) inhibited α-amylase activity with an IC50 value of 59.28 μg/mL in an uncompetitive manner and α-glucosidase activity with an IC50 value of 9.27 μg/mL in a noncompetitive mode. Also, an astilbin-rich fraction (ABF) inhibited α-glucosidase activity with an IC50 value of 12.30 μg/mL, in a noncompetitive manner. CAF inhibition α-amylase was as active as acarbose while both CAF and ABF were 50-fold more potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase than acarbose. The molecular docking results of chlorogenic acid and astilbin with α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes correlated with the inhibition mechanisms suggested by enzymatic assays. Our results prove that S. aristolochiifolia roots contain chlorogenic acid and astilbin, which inhibit carbohydrates-hydrolyzing enzymes, suggesting a new mechanism for the hypoglycemic effect reported for this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax glabra ( SG) Roxb., a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensively used worldwide for its marked pharmacological activities for treating syphilitic poisoned sores, limb hypertonicity, morbid leucorrhea, eczema pruritus, strangury due to heat, carbuncle toxin, and many other human ailments. Approximately 200 chemical compounds have been isolated from SG Roxb., and the major components have been determined to be flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and steroids. Among these active compounds, the effects of astilbin, which is used as a quality control marker to determine the quality of SG Roxb., have been widely investigated. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, the primary active components of SG Roxb. possess various pharmacological activities, such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, and cardiovascular system protective activities. However, an extensive study to determine the relationship between the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of SG Roxb. has not been conducted and is worth of our study. Improving the means of utilizing the effects of SG is crucial. The present paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of SG Roxb. and assesses its ethnopharmacological use in order to explore its therapeutic potential for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the shipping of five key Asian, African and American drugs through the Danish Sound in the period 1650-1850 suggests that the Baltic Sea area absorbed exotic medicinal drugs in significant quantities only from the second half of the eighteenth century--at least about a century later than northwest Europe. This may be an indication that the area differed significantly from northwest Europe in the development of medical services. We have analysed the shipping of five medicinal drugs: china root, sarsaparilla, rhubarb, senna and benjamin. The main source for this analysis is the Danish Sound Toll Registers (STRs), accessed via Sound Toll Registers Online, the STRs electronic database at www.soundtoll.nl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarsaparilla (Smilax GlabraRhizome) exerts growth inhibitory effect on multiple cancer cellsin vitroandin vivo, and redox-dependent persistent activation of ERK1/2 has been reported to underlie this effect. Here, we report an activation of ATM/ATR-dependent signaling pathway also as a mechanism for the cancer cell growth inhibition induced by the supernatant fraction of the water-soluble extract from sarsaparilla (SW). SW treatment (3.5 μg/μL) promoted the phosphorylations of ATM, ATR, and CHK1 in AGS and HT-29 cells. The ATM kinase inhibitor, KU55933, could reverse SW-induced ERK phosphorylation but not the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) imbalance in AGS cells. However, both the redox inhibitor glutathione (GSH) and ERK inhibitor U0126 antagonized SW-induced phosphorylations of ATM, ATR, and CHK1 in AGS cells. We further found KU55933 significantly antagonized SW-induced S phase arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and the resultant cell growth inhibition. Our results provide another molecular basis for the anticancer action of sarsaparilla. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Within the framework of the development of historical Turkic languages, the medical texts were first documented in the language of Old Uyghur. Following this period, these texts appeared again particularly in Old Anatolian Turkish. The quantity of the works on medicine later increased in Ottoman Turkish. Ottoman Turkish, which is the descendant of Old Anatolian Turkish, included studies on a wide range of subjects such as astronomy, geography, physics, chemistry, agriculture, and medicine. This paper aims to present a lexical and scientific analysis of Terceme-i Risāle-i Bīih-i Çīnī (Translation of the treatise on sarsaparilla), based on the critical edition of the manuscript that was translated by Muslih al-Dīn Mustāfā Surūrī, who was one of the most important commentators and translators of the XVIth century Ottoman literature. As far as it can be determined, there are three copies of Terceme-i Risāle-i Bīh-i Çīnī, one of which is in Köprülü Library in Istanbul and the other two are in Süleymaniye Library in Istanbul. This article will make a comparative analysis of these three copies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antoine-Baudouin Poggiale (1808-1879) was a French physician who studied physiological and toxicological subjects, such as the process of sugar generation in living organisms, diabetes, the composition of sugar and milk, the use of acetaldehyde as a possible anesthetic, the presence of hydrogen cyanide in tobacco smoke, the poisoning by phosphorus, etc. The results of his work contributed significantly to a better understanding of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilacis Chinae Rhizome (SCR) has been used as an oriental folk medicine for various biological activities. However, its effect on atopic dermatitis (AD) remains undetermined to date. We assessed the effect of orally administered hot-water extract of SCR on AD-like skin lesions in mice and its underlying mechanisms. AD-like murine model was prepared by repeated alternate application of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) extract (DFE) and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for 4 weeks, topically to the ears. Daily oral administration of SCR for 3 and 4 weeks significantly reduced inflammatory ear thickening, with the effect being enhanced at the earlier start and longer period of administration. This effect was accompanied by a significant decrease in both Th2 and Th1 serum antibodies (total IgE, DFE-specific IgE, and IgG2a). Histological analysis showed that SCR markedly decreased the epidermal/dermal ear thickening and the dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, SCR suppressed DFE/DNCB-induced expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, TSLP, and IFN-γ genes in the ear tissue. Taken together, our observations demonstrate that chronic oral administration of SCR exerts beneficial effect in mouse AD model, suggesting that SCR has the therapeutic potential as an orally active treatment of AD by modulating both Th1 and Th2 responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the present investigation, we described the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant leaf extract of Hemidesmus indicus . The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). TEM images proved that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 25.24 nm. To evaluate antibacterial efficacy, bacteria was isolated from poultry gut and subjected to 16S rRNA characterization and confirmed as Shigella sonnei . The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of synthesized silver nanoparticles was studied by agar bioassay, well diffusion and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assay. The H. indicus mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles shows rapid synthesis and higher inhibitory activity (34 ± 0.2 mm) against isolated bacteria S. sonnei at 40 μg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarsaparilla, also known as Smilax Glabra Rhizome (SGR), was shown to modulate immunity, protect against liver injury, lower blood glucose and suppress cancer. However, its effects on cancer cell adhesion, migration and invasion were unclear. In the present study, we found that the supernatant of water-soluble extract from SGR (SW) could promote adhesion, inhibit migration and invasion of HepG2, MDA-MB-231 and T24 cells in vitro, as well as suppress metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells in vivo. Results of F-actin and vinculin dual staining showed the enhanced focal adhesion in SW-treated cells. Microarray analysis indicated a repression of TGF-β1 signaling by SW treatment, which was verified by real-time RT-PCR of TGF-β1-related genes and immunoblotting of TGFBR1 protein. SW was also shown to antagonize TGF-β1-promoted cell migration. Collectively, our study revealed a new antitumor function of Sarsaparilla in counteracting invasiveness of a subset of cancer cells by inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early modern rise of syphilis provoked similar anxieties to those that more recently accompanied the global spread of HIV/AIDS. It also stimulated global demand for remedies. I discuss one of the most popular, known as ‘China root’ and usually identified with various species of Smilax. The drug and instructions for its use were spread westward from China by traders of all nationalities from 1535 onwards. Demand became global before being largely replaced in Europe by supplies of various American Smilax species, known collectively as ‘Sarsaparilla’. I examine the economic, political and cultural dynamics of this process and draw from them some conclusions about the early modern drugs trade and its effects on medical thought. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Louis Antoine Planche (1774-1840), a French pharmacist, devoted his life to the identification and properties of large number of vegetable active principles, among them, jalap, sarsaparilla, Colombo, guaiacum, myrrh, camphor, angostura, and scammonny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astilbin, a dihydroflavonol derivative found in many food and medicine plants, exhibited multiple pharmacological functions. In the present study, the ethanol extraction of astilbin from the rhizome of smilax glabra Roxb was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken design. Results indicated that the obtained experimental data was well fitted to a second-order polynomial equation by using multiple regression analysis, and the optimal extraction conditions were identified as an extraction time of 40 min, ethanol concentration of 60%, temperature of 73.63 °C, and liquid-solid ratio of 29.89 mL/g for the highest predicted yield of astilbin (15.05 mg/g), which was confirmed through validation experiments. In addition, the anti-inflammatory efficiency of astilbin was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that astilbin, at non-cytotoxicity concentrations, significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, but did not affect interleukin-6 (IL-6) release or its mRNA expression. These effects may be related to its up-regulation of the phosphorylation of p65, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight causes distinct changes in collagenous skin tissues as a result of the breakdown of collagen, a major component of the extracellular matrix. UV irradiation downregulates reactive oxygen species (ROS)-elimination pathways, thereby promoting the production of ROS, which are implicated in skin aging. Smilax glabra Roxb (sarsaparilla) has been used in folk medicine because of its many effects. However, no study on the protective effects of sarsaparilla root (SR) on human dermal fibroblasts has been reported previously. Here, we investigated the protective effect of SR against oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts. SR significantly inhibited oxidative damage and skin-aging factor via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Also, SR decreased Ca2+ and ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, dysfunction, and increased glutathione, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase and heme oxygenase-1. These results demonstrate that SR can protect dermal fibroblasts against UVB-induced skin aging via antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]