Qualea grandiflora, a Brazilian "Cerrado" medicinal plant presents an important antiulcer activity

Qualea grandiflora is one of the species widely used in folk medicine to treat gastric ulcers in Cerrado of the central region of Brazil. The hydroalcoholic extract of bark (HE) of Qualea grandiflora was investigated for their ability to prevent and heal lesions in the gastric mucosa. The oral administration of HE exhibited antiulcer activity decreasing the ulcerative index induced by HCl/ethanol solution, indomethacin/bethanechol and stress. In the Shay model, results showed that HE (p.o.) only reduced the severity of gastric lesions without effects on pH, gastric acidity or volume. When given by intraduodenal route, HE changed the pH, but did not modify the other parameters of the gastric juice. These data were in accordance with those obtained when HE was administered orally for 14 days after gastric ulcers were induced by acetic acid in rats. HE presented healing process in subacute gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid in rats. Moreover, histological examinations showed the simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria with simple branched tubular glandules with dilated lumen and large amounts of mucus secretion. Phytochemical investigation of HE led to the detection of terpenes, steroids, saponins, phenolic compounds and tannins in this extract, which may be involved in the observed activity.     

大黄提取物对急性肝衰大鼠肝性脑病的防治作用

目的:探讨大黄提取物对急性肝衰大鼠肝性脑病的防治作用及其机制。方法:用硫代乙酰胺(TAA)灌胃建立大鼠急性肝衰的肝性脑病模型,观察大黄提取物对肝性脑病大鼠的神经行为改变、神经病学测试、血氨浓度、血浆内毒素浓度和肝脏病理损伤的影响。结果:大黄提取物能明显改善肝性脑病大鼠的神经反射,降低大鼠肝性脑病的分期;显著降低血氨,血浆内毒素浓度,减轻肝脏病理损伤。结论:大黄提取物对TAA引起的大鼠肝性脑病有较好的防治作用,其作用机制与降低血氨、血浆内毒素浓度,保护肝细胞有关。     

Hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of Davilla rugosa Poiret: effects on spontaneous motor activity and elevated plus-maze behavior

Davilla rugosa Poiret is commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine. The use as stimulant induced us to study the effects on motor activity and anxiety using an open-field and an elevated plus-maze, respectively. The hydroalcoholic extract of the stems (HE) was fractionated with chloroform (CF), chloroform/ethyl acetate (CAF), ethyl acetate (AF), ethyl acetate/ethanol (AEF), ethanol (EF) and ethanol/water (EWF). Rats were treated orally with HE (7.5, 15, 30 or 60 mg/kg) or fractions (15 mg/kg). In the open-field, HE (15 mg/kg), AEF, EF and EWF increased locomotion frequency and decreased immobility time; the contrary was observed with 30 and 60 mg/kg of HE. These doses also increased defecation. No effects were observed with 7.5 mg/kg of HE, CF, CAF or AF, except for an increase in defecation induced by AF. In the elevated plus-maze, total entries and number of entries into the open and closed arms and the time spent in the open arms and its percentage were increased only with 15 mg/kg of HE. The open-field results suggest that the drug increases motor activity (stimulant effect) and that the active components are in the three more polar fractions. An anxiolytic effect was observed only with the HE.     

生大黄对大鼠肝性脑病治疗作用的实验研究

目的观察生大黄对大鼠肝性脑病（HE）的影响。方法采用药物诱导加结扎、切除2/3肝脏的方法建立大鼠HE模型,用生大黄水煎液5g/100g灌胃为治疗组,乳果糖溶液0.5g/100g灌胃为对照组。观察大鼠脑电图、取血检测血清天门冬酸氨基转移酶（AST）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、血氨（BA）、内毒素（LPS）水平,并取大鼠肝组织,常规HE染色观察肝组织病理学变化。结果治疗后生大黄组大鼠脑电图有改善,血清AST、ALT、BA、LPS水平显著降低,肝组织损伤减轻,疗效优于乳果糖组。结论生大黄对大鼠HE有治疗作用,作用机制可能与其泻下作用,缩短肠道对BA、LPS等有害物质的吸收,促进其排泄有关。     

Vascular action of the crude hydroalcoholic extract from Hymenaea martiana on the isolated rat and rabbit aorta

The present study investigates the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) from Hymenaea martiana (Leguminosae) on endothelium-dependent and independent relaxation responses induced by acetylcholine (ACh), histamine (His), calcium ionophore (A23187) and sodium nitroprusside in precontracted aortic rings from rat and rabbit. In addition, we have also evaluated the action of the HE on noradrenaline- (NA), angiotensin I-(AI) and AII-induced contractions in the rabbit aorta. The HE (0.25–0.5 mg/mL) inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the relaxant response induced by ACh in rings of rabbit aorta and by His in rat aorta. Relaxation in response to A23187 was inhibited in rat but not in rabbit aortic rings. In contrast, the HE was completely ineffective against endothelium-independent relaxations caused/by sodium nitroprusside in rabbit aorta rings. The HE (0.5–1.0 mg/mL) significantly enhanced the maximal contractile responses induced by NA in rabbit aorta set up with the endothelium, but caused no effect in endothelium rubbed preparations. In addition, the HE (0.5 mg/mL) markedly antagonized the contractile responses elicited by AI, but caused only a slight effect on AII-induced contractile responses in rabbit aorta. These findings indicate that the active principle(s) present in the HE from the bark of Hymenaea martiana selectively inhibit the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant responses caused by several substances in aortic rings from rat and rabbit, presumably by a mechanism related with endothelium-derived relaxation factor synthesis and/or inactivation. The HE also antagonized AI but not AII-induced contractions in rabbit aorta, suggesting some interference with the angiotensin converting enzyme.     

肝性脑病与血管性痴呆的文献证素比较研究

目的:总结肝性脑病中医证素特点,并与血管性痴呆比较,突出该病病机特点,为今后研究肝性脑病和轻微型肝性脑病提供借鉴。方法:按照检索策略检出符合纳入标准和排除标准的文献,提取证候和证素信息,总结肝性脑病中医证素特点,并与血管性痴呆研究结果进行比较。结果:1)肝性脑病以热毒内陷心包、痰蒙清窍、痰热腑实,腑气不通、阴阳俱脱、湿热蒙窍、瘀阻清窍、肝风内动、气阴两竭、痰火扰心、肝脾失调等证型多见,其中实证较多。2)肝性脑病组火热、湿、毒等实邪扰动心神,风邪内动所致比例明显高于血管性痴呆组,而阴虚、血瘀、气虚比例明显低于血管性痴呆组,湿、风、疫毒为肝性脑病组特有。结论:肝性脑病病位以心、肝为主,病性以实邪为多,兼有虚实夹杂。实以火热、痰、毒扰动清窍为主,虚以阴虚、气虚为主。     

Mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent on gastric lesions in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Celtis iguanaea (Canabaceae) is popularly known as esporão-de-galo, stands out among the medicinal plants used for treatment of gastric ulcers. In Brazil, the leaves they are used traditionally in infusion forms as an analgesic, antiasthmatic, digestive and diuretic.

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to investigate the antiulcer mechanisms of hexane extract Celtis iguanaea leaves (HE) in several induced-gastric ulcer and characterize its chemical composition.

Materials and methods

The HE was obtained by exhaustive extraction in Soxhlet apparatus. The chemical characterization of HE was performed by Electrospray Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) analysis. Mice were used for the evaluation of the gastroprotective activity. HE was analyzed in the HCl/ethanol, hypothermic restraint stress ulcer and acetic acid. In the investigation of the gastroprotective mechanisms of HE, were performed the amount of adhered gastric mucus, participation of the α₂-adrenoceptor, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) using the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric mucosa lesion model.

Results

ESI FT-ICR MS analysis of HE suggest the presence of compounds as lipids, sterol lipids, steroids glycosides and polyphenol glycosides. The oral administration of HE at doses of 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg was able to protect the gastric mucosa against HCl/ethanol (10 mL/kg p.o.), and HE at dose of 100 mg/kg protected against hypothermic-restraint stress and acetic -induced gastric lesions. The pretreatment with Yoimbine (2 mg/kg, s.c.), an antagonist α₂-adrenergic, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis or indomethacin (10 mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of prostaglandin production, reversed the gastroprotective activity of HE (100 mg/kg, p.o.).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the Celtis iguanaea HE exhibits gastroprotective activity in different gastric ulcer models. The mechanism of gastroprotective effect of Celtis iguanaea HE suggests the participation of mucus as well as the involvement of α₂-adrenergic receptors, NO and prostaglandins. The hydroxyl-linolenic acid, linoleic acids and conjugated oxo-linoleic acids are among the phytoconstituents that were identified in the Celtis iguanaea HE.     

Possible involvement of GABA A-benzodiazepine receptor in the anxiolytic-like effect induced by Passiflora actinia extracts in mice

Hydroethanol (HE) and methanol (ME) extracts obtained from the leaves of Passiflora actinia Hooker were evaluated for behavioral effects in mice. Single-dose oral administration of HE (300 and 600 mg/kg) or ME (100 and 300 mg/kg) resulted in anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus-maze. The anxiolytic-like effects were also seen after the repeated administration of the HE (100 and 300 mg/kg). Flumazenil (10mg/kg, i.p.), a GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of ME (300 mg/kg, p.o.) and HE (600 mg/kg). At higher doses, a sedative effect produced by acute administration of HE (600 mg/kg) or ME (300 mg/kg) was indicated by the potentiation of pentobarbital-induced sleep. With regard to memory-disrupting effects of anxiolytics, mice were evaluated by measuring the retest step-down latency 24h after foot-shock in a passive avoidance task. In contrast to diazepam (0.5mg/kg) or piracetam (200mg/kg), ME (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) or HE (100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) did not influence the step-through latency in the acquisition or retention memory tasks. The present results show an anxiolytic profile for HE and ME of Passiflora actinia. There are also indications of an involvement of GABA(A) system in this effect.     

国医大师贺普仁教授辨治白癜风经验

贺普仁教授认为白癜风以先天禀赋不足为内因,饮食不节,情志失调,外邪乘虚侵袭肌腠,脉络瘀阻或局部跌扑损伤,瘀血阻滞经脉是基本病机。根据病情分为进展期与稳定期,不同分期选取不同治法,进展期采用温和灸;稳定期根据辨证或选用火针配合毫针,或选用放血拔罐配合毫针,或3种方法皆用,但以调和气血、通经活络为总则,善用背俞穴调理脏腑阴阳气血,通过调理膀胱经气来治疗肺之病变,重视调神及情绪疏导,主张局部多针密刺、浅刺。     

Analgesic properties of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from Alternanthera brasiliana

The present study describes the analgesic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) obtained from the aerial parts of Alternanthera brasiliana in two models of pain in mice. Such an extract, given intraperitoneally or orally produced significant and long-lasting (0.5–4 h) antinociception when evaluated against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. In the formalin test, the HE inhibited both the first and second phases of formalin-induced pain. Furthermore, the HE was more potent than some standard drugs, such as aspirin, indomethacin and dipyrone, when evaluated against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. These results suggest a strong analgesic effect for HE, possibly related to the presence of sterols, terpenes and phenolic compounds, confirming the popular use of A. brasiliana against dolorous processes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antiulcer action of the hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of Davilla rugosa Poiret in the rat

Davilla rugosa Poiret ("Cipó- Caboclo") is commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine. The hydroalcoholic extract of the stems (HE) was fractionated with chloroform (CF), chloroform/ethyl acetate (CAF), ethyl acetate (AF), ethyl acetate/ethanol (AEF), ethanol (EF), and ethanol/water (EWF). The hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and fractions of the stems of D. rugosa Poiret were investigated for possible anti gastric ulcer properties. These extracts were shown to protect rats from developing gastric ulcers induced by two acute models: HCl/ethanol (400 mg/kg i.p.) and immersion-restraint stress (15 and 30 mg/kg of the HE and 15 mg/kg either of the ethanol or the ethanol/water fractions, p.o.). The daily oral dose of 800 mg/kg of HE for 30 consecutive days was tested for possible toxic effects. There were no modifications in body weight, water or food intake or in the external aspect of kidneys, spleen, lungs and liver. The only difference observed was a decrease of liver weight. These results suggest that the D. rugosa Poiret HE has an antiulcer activity in rats and the active components are in the two more polar fractions.     

Hot water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa inhibit liver inflammation and fibrosis in rats

Polysaccharide-rich Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa have been considered to have immune-modulating activity. This study investigated the effects of water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (HE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: normal diet + peritoneal injection of olive oil (control), normal diet + CCl(4) injection (CCl(4)), 1 × HE (0.05% HE for each) + CCl(4) (1 × HE), and 3 × HE (0.15% HE for each) + CCl(4) (3 × HE) groups. Rats were injected with 40% CCl(4) at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg body weight once a week for seven weeks, one week after herbal extract treatment. After eight week herbal extract treatment, pathohistological examination showed that both 1× and 3 × HE treatments diminished necrotic hepatocytes, chemoattraction of inflammatory cells, and liver fibrosis. Both 1× and 3 × HE treatments decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and reduced hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines - tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β - compared to CCl(4) treatment alone. The 1 × HE treatment increased hepatic anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. Both the 1× and 3 × HE treatments suppressed liver fibrosis biomarkers - transforming growth factor-β1 and hydroxyproline. Therefore, treatment with water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (0.05% and 0.15% for each) for eight weeks protects against necrotic damage, indicated by decreases in plasma ALT and AST activities, and suppresses liver fibrosis by down-regulation of liver inflammation in rats with CCl(4)-induced liver injury.     

何世英主任治疗小儿呼吸系统疾病验案两则

何世英主任是现代名老中医,既精通岐黄医术、又熟谙现代医药知识。通过两则治疗小儿呼吸系统疾病验案举例,对何世英主任的中医儿科学学术思想进行了探究,以求促进对其学术思想的继承与发展。     

中药外洗法治疗手部湿疹研究概述

手部湿疹(H E)是一种临床上常见的炎症性皮肤病,具有反复发作、易成慢性、缠绵难愈等特点.近期研究表明中药外洗法治疗手部湿疹的疗效颇佳,在临床应用中,不仅可以单独使用,还可以联合其他中医疗法或西医治疗.因此就近年来中药外洗法治疗HE的研究进行概述,从而为临床治疗HE提供新的方法与选择.通过总结文献资料来阐述HE的基本病...     

何洪阳教授治疗颈性眩晕临床经验总结

何洪阳教授从事骨伤科临床、科研和教学工作40年,治学严谨,学验俱丰。笔者总结了导师对颈性眩晕的临证经验。     

Effects of HE particles on medicinal plant Agastache rugosus (Fisch. et Mey.) O. Ktze.]

The biological effect of HE particles on the seeds of Agastache rugosus was probed in experiments on board a retrievable satellite. The result shows that the germination rate of the seeds pierced by HE particles radiation appears rather low. The seeds hit by HE particles (piercing radiation or not) start to germinate two days earlier than those in the control group, and the first leaf emerges four to five days earlier than that in the control group. The resultant seedlings grow markedly faster. Variations take place in the nuclear types of chromosome. The yield of essential oils becomes slightly higher. No marked changes have been observed in the major chemical components of these oils.     

Passiflora actinia Hooker extracts and fractions induce catalepsy in mice

Leaves from several Passiflora species are largely employed in the Brazilian folk medicine for its anxiolytic and sedative properties. In behavioral studies, to analyze the tranquillizer action of Passiflora actinia Hooker, it was noteworthy that animals treated with the hydroethanol (HE) and methanol (ME) extracts presented an abnormal postural immobility compared to control animals. That observation led to an investigation of the effects of HE and its fractions on evaluation of catalepsy in mice. The results showed that HE extract, methanol extract, the sequent aqueous crude fractions (AF), and fa, fb and fc chromatographic fractions obtained from Passiflora actinia induced catalepsy in mice. Apparently, the active principles responsible for catalepsy are present in all of the fractions of the extract.     

三七总皂苷对高血脂金黄地鼠脏器的影响

目的:研究三七总皂苷对高血脂金黄地鼠脏器的影响。方法:将金黄地鼠随机分为正常组、造模组,造模组饲喂高脂饲料4周造模成功后,将其分为三七总皂苷组、模型组,12周后,处死地鼠,取其肝脏进行VG染色,取心脏进行HE染色,取肾脏进行HE和Masson染色。结果:HE染色显示三七总皂苷组地鼠心脏的心肌细胞、肾脏的肾小球结构较模型组的损伤均有不同程度的改善;VG染色显示经三七总皂苷治疗后,肝脏小叶内的胶原纤维数量有所减少;Masson染色显示三七总皂苷组地鼠肾脏的纤维化程度与模型组相比有所减轻。结论:三七总皂苷可以适当改善高血脂模型组地鼠心脏、肝脏和肾脏的形态学损伤程度。     

野生麻黄根际有益微生物的研究

目的 研究野生麻黄根际的有益微生物。方法 利用土壤微生物研究法分离纯化微生物菌种，观察其个体形态和培养特征及主要生理特性。用菌液浸泡处理麻黄种子，进行室内发芽试验及田间育苗。结果 野生麻黄根际土壤微生物以细菌为主，其次是放线菌，真菌最少。从新疆野生中麻黄和膜果麻黄根际土壤中分离纯化出17株细菌，发芽试验及田间育苗结果表明，其中6株可以提高麻黄种子的发芽率并能在高盐碱的条件下生长。结论 麻黄根际微生物可提高麻黄种子的发芽率。该类微生物具有很强的耐盐碱能力。     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of extract and isolated compounds from the leaves of Salvia officinalis in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Salvia officinalis L. has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for gastric disturbances and inflammatory processes. This study investigated the toxicological, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) from leaves of Salvia officinalis and its isolated compounds in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with HE before the induction of nociceptive response by chemical agents (acetic-acid, formalin, glutamate, capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde). Total leukocytes and plasma extravasation induced by acetic acid and paw oedema induced by glutamate, capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde were also measured. The antinociceptive effect of carnosol and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid were evaluated on formalin and cinnamaldehyde models.

Results

In the acute toxicity test the value of estimated LD50 for HE was 44.7579 g/kg. Oral administration of HE (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) inhibited the number of writhings, total leukocytes and plasma extravasation induced by acetic acid. In the formalin test, HE reduced both neurogenic and inflammatory phases, effect that was affected by naloxone. The glutamate-, capsaicin- and cinnamaldehyde-induced nociception and paw oedema were reduced by HE at doses that did not affect the locomotor activity of mice in the open field test. Carnosol (10 mg/kg) and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid (30 mg/kg) inhibited the inflammatory phase of formalin and the nociception and mechanical allodynia induced by cinnamaldehyde.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that HE presents significant anti-inflammatory and also antinociceptive effects on chemical behavioral models of nociception that involves an opioid mechanism. In addition, carnosol and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid contained in this plant appears to contribute for the antinociceptive property of the extract, possibly through a modulatory influence on TRPA1-receptors. However, further studies regarding the precise site and the mechanism of action of HE and carnosol and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid merited exploring further.