Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaf and root bark of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb.

Objective

To evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of an important medicinal plant, Holoptelea integrifolia (H. integrifolia) Roxb.

Methods

The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, microscopic, macroscopic and fluorescence analysis.

Results

The characteristic microscopic features of leaves were observed as trichomes, multicellular trichomes, xylem cells, phloem cells, collenchyma, vascular bundles, spongy parenchyma and palisade cells. The characteristic microscopic features of root bark included cork cambium, primary cortex, phloem fibers, medullary rays, endodermis, pericycle and lignified fibers in the transverse section and longitudinal section. The characteristic microscopy of root bark powder showed the presence of cortex cells, sieve tubes, calcium oxalate crystals and lignified fibers. Macroscopic study showed that leaf shape-oval, apex-acute, base-cordate and leaf margin was entire with glabrous surface, bitter taste and characteristic odour. The morphological features of root bark showed deep fissured, rough and firm surface with rhitydome and the periderm parallel to cambium.

Conclusions

Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in the identification and standardization of H. integrifolia.     

Pharmacognostic standardisation of Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walt. (Phytolaccaceae)

ObjectiveTo establish the pharmacognostic characters for the correct identification and quality control of Hilleria latifolia (H. latifolia), an important herb in Ghanaian folklore medicine, for the treatment of infections, pain and inflammation.MethodsThe macro-morphological, qualitative and quantitative microscopic features, physicochemical and phytochemical features of the medicinally used parts of H. latifolia were evaluated using standard methods.ResultsThe plant has simple, alternate leaves with entire margin. The lamina is ovate to broadly lanceolate with an acuminate apex. It is hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata. The plant contains abundant prismatic crystals in all parts. Starch grains abound in the roots. The quantitative indices of the leaf and physicochemical parameters have also been established.ConclusionsThe pharmacognostic features established in this study may be used as part of the pharmacopoeial standard for the correct identification and quality control of H. latifolia.     

太白米显微组织结构研究

目的对太白米进行显微组织结构研究。方法采用来源鉴定、性状鉴定、显微及理化鉴定的方法。结果太白米小鳞茎横切面可见鳞叶表皮由一列细胞构成;表皮层内方为排列紧密的薄壁细胞;鳞叶薄壁细胞含大量淀粉粒;维管束散在,为有限外韧型。药材粉末中薄壁细胞可见小砂晶;导管多螺纹;并含有大量淀粉粒。结论为太白米的深入研究和开发利用提供依据。     

Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and stem of Careya arborea Roxb.

Objective

To study detailed pharmacognostic profile of leaves and stem of Careya arborea (C. arborea) Roxb. (Lecthyidaceae), an important medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine.

Methods

Leaf and stem samples of C. arborea were studied by macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical, fluorescence analysis of powder of the plant and other methods for standardization recommended by WHO.

Results

Macroscopically, the leaves are simple, broadly obovate in shape, acuminate apex with crenate, dentate margin, petioles (0.1–1.8 cm) long. Microscopically, the leaf showed the presence of median large size vascular bundle covered with fibrous bundle sheath, arrangement of xylem in cup shape and presence of cortical vascular bundle, patches of sclerenchyma, phloem fibers in groups and brown pigment containing cells in stem are some of the diagnostic features noted from anatomical study. Powder microscopy of leaf revealed the presence of parenchyma cells, xylem with pitted vessels and epidermis with anisocytic stomata. The investigations also included leaf surface data; quantitative leaf microscopy and fluorescence analysis. Physiochemical parameters such as loss on drying, swelling index, extractive values and ash values were also determined and results showed that total ash of the stem bark was about two times higher than leaf and water soluble extractive value of leaf and stem bark was two times higher than alcohol soluble extractive value. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids.

Conclusions

The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material in future investigations and applications.     

Pharmacognostic standardization of stems of Thespesia lampas (Cav.) Dalz & Gibs

Objective

To establish the standardization parameters for complete pharmacognostic evaluation of stems of Thespesia lampas (T. lampas) (Cav.) Dalz & Gibs (Malvaceae), an important plant in the Indian system of medicine.

Methods

Morphological, microscopical, physico-chemical evaluations, florescence analysis of T. lampas stems were investigated and preliminary phytochemical analysis, GC-MS analysis and HPTLC fingerprinting were carried out for qualitative phytochemical evaluation of various extracts of stems of T. lampas.

Results

Chemo-microscopy revealed the presence of lignin, starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals. Physico-chemical evaluation used to determine numerical standards showed a result with total ash (9.03 ± 0.05) % w/w, acid insoluble ash (1.50 ± 0.01) % w/w, water soluble ash (2.51 ± 0.02) % w/w, sulphated ash (7.50 ± 0.01) % w/w, ethanol soluble extractive (0.24 ± 0.02) % w/w, water soluble extractive (0.08 ± 0.01) % w/w, moisture content (6.03 ± 0.05) % w/w and total crude fibre content of stem powder (47.36 ± 0.32) % w/w. Behavior characteristics of the stem powder showed presence of steroids, starch, alkaloid, flavonoids and proteins. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed presence of glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids such as dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, 9-tetradecenal and HPTLC fingerprinting revealed the presence of β-sitosterol and quercetin in stems of T. lampas.

Conclusions

The pharmacognostic standardization of T. lampas is useful towards establishing standards for quality, purity and sample identification.     

偏光显微镜在中药显微鉴定中的应用

目的:系统研究偏光显微镜在中药鉴定中的应用。方法:利用正常光和偏光显微镜对比研究不同性质的植物细胞壁及细胞内含物、部分动物药和矿物药的偏光现象,采用数码实时景深扩展成像技术拍摄,比较目标显微组织在正常光下和偏光下的差异。结果:在正常光下目标显微组织与周围组织在颜色和亮度方面并无差异,在偏光下部分目标显微组织呈现特异色彩而周围组织为黑暗,部分目标显微组织与周围组织均为黑暗。结论:偏光显微镜可以快速检测出中药材粉末或中成药中具有偏光现象的显微组织特征,如木质化导管、纤维、石细胞、腺毛、淀粉粒、草酸钙结晶、特定结构钟乳体、分泌组织、动物药、矿物药。     

In vitro α–amylase inhibitory activity and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr. fruit

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr.fruit in α-amylase inhibitory activity (in vitro) and hypoglycemic activity in normal and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats (in vivo).MethodsFruits of Citrus macroptera without rind was extracted with pure methanol following cold extraction and tested for presence of phytochemical constituents, α-amylase inhibitory activity, and hypoglycemic effect in normal rats and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats.ResultsPresence of saponin, steroid and terpenoid were identified in the extract. The results showed that fruit extract had moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity [IC₅₀ value=(3.638±0.190) mg/mL] as compared to acarbose. Moreover at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg doses fruit extract significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) reduced fasting blood glucose level in normal rats as compared to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). In oral glucose tolerance test, 500 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level (P<0.05) at 2 h but 1000 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level at 2 h and 3 h (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) whereas glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced glucose level at every hour after administration. Overall time effect is also considered extremely significant with F value=23.83 and P value=0.0001 in oral glucose tolerance test.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the plant may be a potential source for the development of new oral hypoglycemic agent.     

荜澄茄的性状及显微鉴别研究

目的:对中药荜澄茄的性状、微性状及显微鉴别特征进行系统研究,为《中华人民共和国药典》(2025年版)的制定提供科学依据。方法:采用性状鉴别法、微性状鉴别法、正常光与偏振光对比显微观察法,借助实时景深扩展成像技术及大图影像拼接技术获取全息彩色显微影像数据,对荜澄茄药材进行系统的性状及显微鉴别研究。结果:微性状鉴别方面,获取了荜澄茄外果皮、内果皮、种子、种皮等的微细特征图。显微组织鉴别方面,获取了荜澄茄果实及其各部位横切面的全息彩色影像特征图;显微粉末鉴别方面,获取了角质层、外果皮细胞、草酸钙针晶、油细胞、中果皮石细胞、石细胞群、内果皮栅状细胞等全息彩色影像特征图。结论:获取的性状和显微特征可用于荜澄茄药材及粉末的鉴别。     

Microscopic evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Dillenia indica leaf

Objective

To study detail microscopic evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) leaf.

Methods

Fresh leaf sample and dried power of the leaf were studied macroscopically and microscopically. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of plant material was done. Other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were also performed.

Results

The detail microscopy revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata, unicellular trichome, xylem fibres, calcium oxalate crystals, vascular bundles, etc. Leaf constants such as stomatal number, stomatal index, vein-islet number and veinlet termination numbers were also measured. Physiochemical parameters such as ash values, loss on drying, extractive values, percentage of foreign matters, swelling index, etc. were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates.

Conclusions

The microscopic and physiochemical analysis of the D. indica leaf is useful in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification.     

Effect of Zusanli (ST 36) moxibustion on rat mesenteric microvascular system

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of moxibustion on Zusanli (ST 36) on visceral-mesenteric vessels by observing circulation.MethodsForty-five SD rats were randomly assigned to a moxibustion, electroacupuncture (EA), and blank group. In the moxibustion group, heat stimulation of moxibustion to the Zusanli (ST 36) area of normal rats was performed for 15 min. In the EA group, needles were inserted into the Zusanli (ST 36) and lateral point [0.5 cm lateral from Zusanli (ST 36)] for 15 min. The blank group was not given any treatment. We continuously monitored mesenteric microvascular changes with in vivo microscopic video.ResultsMoxibustion and EA to Zusanli (ST 36) increase the diameter of mesenteric arterioles and venules (P<0.05). There were no obvious changes in the blank group. Fine arterial diameter peaked at 12 min in the moxibustion group, while it peaked at 15 min in the EA group.ConclusionsThe stimulation of moxibustion and acupuncture to Zusanli (ST 36) has immediate effects on expanding the microvasculature. This dilation may be the mechanism of the gastrointestinal effect of Zusanli (ST 36).     

常用实验动物不同组织部位肥大细胞异质性的组织学特点比较

目的 探讨并比较六种常用实验动物不同部位肥大细胞异质性的形态学特点.方法 应用麻醉后处死的方法,取小鼠、大鼠、豚鼠、兔、犬和猴的皮肤、肺脏、乙状结肠和脾脏组织,经4%中性缓冲甲醛溶液或Bouin''s液固定后,制作常规组织切片,分别作HE、甲苯胺蓝、阿尔新蓝-藏红和P物质免疫组织化学染色,镜下观察并应用彩色病理图像分析软件进行形态学分析;另取皮肤组织固定于磷酸缓冲戊二醛溶液,制作常规超薄切片,透射电镜下观察肥大细胞超微结构. 结果 六种动物不同组织中肥大细胞各有其分布特点,且在形态大小、异染性及染色特性等方面表现各异,肥大细胞密度和形态学参数差异有显著性(P<0.05);豚鼠、犬和猴皮肤肥大细胞颗粒具有特殊亚微结构;小鼠皮肤组织内可见P物质免疫阳性肥大细胞和神经纤维,犬脾脏内可见P物质免疫阳性肥大细胞. 结论 在六种实验动物的同一组织中以及同一种动物不同组织中,肥大细胞具有明显的异质性,此异质性对采用实验动物开展与肥大细胞功能相关的动物实验研究具有重要参考价值.     

不同基原败酱药材的显微鉴别

目的 探究不同基原败酱药材的快速鉴别方法。方法 应用Phenix生物显微镜对不同基原败酱药材粉末特征进行观察。结果 黄花败酱和斑花败酱非腺毛细胞壁上具有疣状突起,白花败酱和异叶败酱非腺毛细胞壁上不具有疣状突起;黄花败酱中含有复粒和单粒淀粉粒,其他3种皆为单粒淀粉粒;异叶败酱木栓细胞中含有黄色分泌细胞,而其他3种所含分泌细胞不明显或者不含分泌细胞;白花败酱中含有螺纹导管和网纹导管,而其他3种中含有孔纹导管、梯纹导管和网纹导管。结论 显微鉴别能够快速、经济、准确鉴别败酱药材。     

商品中药材蒲黄的真伪优劣鉴别研究

目的:为商品中药材蒲黄的真伪鉴别及质量优劣评价提供依据。方法:收集我国9个不同地区生产的蒲黄药材,从外观、颜色、触感、气味、水试等方面比较受试药材与对照药材的性状特征差异;采用明场正常光与暗场偏振光对比观察各批次药材的显微特征,利用实时景深拓展技术进行拍摄以获取清晰的显微影像;以异鼠李素-3-O-新橙皮苷和香蒲新苷为对照品,对受试药材和对照药材进行薄层色谱鉴别,并结合薄层色谱-质谱联用技术鉴定可能的掺杂物。结果:9个批次的商品蒲黄药材中仅有44%符合《药典》标准,22%有掺杂品或染色,33%为纯伪品。其中,编号2、3、7、10的受试药材性状特征及显微特征与对照药材相符,薄层色谱中与对照药材和对照品在相应位置显相同颜色的荧光斑点,可鉴定为蒲黄正品;编号5的受试药材颜色和触感均与对照药材不符,显微鉴别显示大量纤维、晶体等非药用部位,推测为掺伪蒲黄;编号9的受试药材在色谱鉴别中检出染料金胺O斑点,推测为染色蒲黄;编号4、6、8的受试药材性状鉴别、显微鉴别、薄层色谱鉴别的结果均与《药典》标准不符,且质谱鉴定含有染料金胺O,故为纯伪品。结论:市售的商品蒲黄药材掺伪、造假及染色情况严重。偏振光显微影像拍摄技术、高效薄层色谱技术及薄层色谱-质谱联用技术的综合应用能够快速、高效地实现蒲黄药材的真伪鉴别及质量评价。     

Ethno–botanical survey of edible wild fruits in Benguet,Cordillera administrative region,the Philippines

ObjectiveTo conduct a survey on the common name/s, traditional uses and cultural importance of the edible wild fruits in different municipalities of Benguet, Cordillera administrative region.MethodsInterviews using questionnaires with barangay leaders and indigenous people were conducted with 176 key informants from June 2011 to July 2013.ResultsA total of 36 fruit species were found in different municipalities of Benguet. These fruit species belong to 27 genera and 20 families. Among the 13 municipalities of Benguet, Kibungan has the highest number of species. There are many uses of wild fruits which ranged from food (snack/dessert/table food), forage (especially for birds, monkeys and wild animals such as cloud rat and grass eaters), offertory, processed/preserved (as jam, jellies, candies, juice and wine), condiment or ingredient (for cooking), source of dye or ink, decoration (to garnish food) and as medicine to common ailments or health problems. Based on the inventory and calculated cultural importance index, Garcinia binucao (balokok) belonging to Clusiaceae is the most abundant fruit, hence it is the commonly used fruit for various purposes such as food, forage, processing/preservation and condiment/ingredient; Vaccinium myrtoides (ayusip) for offerings and as source of dye/ink; Saurauia elegans (uyok) for decoration, and, Antidesma bunius (bugnay) for medicine.ConclusionsBenguet province in the Cordillera region provides a diversity of edible wild fruits. The data gathered from the study signifies that collection, processing and utilization of edible wild fruits are still part of the daily activities of the people in Benguet.     

Hematological and serum biochemical aspects associated with a camel (Camelus dromedarius) naturally infected by Trypanosoma evansi with severe parasitemia in Semnan,Iran

ObjectiveTo determine the presence of Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) and the effect of trypanosomosis on hemato-biochemical profile of dromedary camels in Semnan, Iran, which has not been reported yet.MethodsTo perform this project, blood samples were collected by venipuncture into plain and EDTA-K2-containing vacutainer tubes from 21 dromedary camels (12 males and 9 females) aged 3-18 years, from 4 different regions of Semnan.ResultsMicroscopic examination of stained thin blood smears revealed the presence of T. evansi in one of the samples. However, it should be noted that this sample showed a very high parasitemia (more than 5 trypomastigote were visible per microscopic field with MGG, 1000×). This heavy parasitemia was associated with an 18-year-old female camel that showed symptoms of corneal opacity, intense emaciation and pale mucous membranes. Comparison of hematologyical and serum biochemical profiles between the camel infected by T. evansi and uninfected camels indicated anemia, leukocytosis, hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, reduction A/G ratio, increased α₂, β and globulins and decreased of α₂ globulins and increased the concentration of gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme.ConclusionsResults of the present study revealed that trypanosomosis was present in dromedary camels of Semnan, Iran (infection rate is 4.76%) and hemato-biochemical parameters were markedly affected by camel trypanosomosis.     

Functional beta-cells derived from umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells for curing rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic response to injected human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (UCBMSCs) among albino rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus.METHODSControl group (GI; n = 25) rats were fed with standard rat diet. Rats with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus without (GII; n = 25) and with (GIII; n = 25) differentiated human UCBMSCs implantation were the test groups. Rats were sacrificed in Week 11 following implantation. Liver biopsies were sectioned and stained in order to highlight both the presence and function of impregnated cells in the liver tissue.RESULTSHaematoxylin and eosin-stained sections in GI and GII rats showed normal liver architecture while GIII rats showed presence of cell clusters inside the liver tissue and around the central veins. Cell clusters with blue cytoplasm were present in sections in GIII rats but absent in GI and GII rats, indicating the presence of injected differentiated human UCBMSCs. The anti-human insulin immunostaining of GIII rats showed clusters of cells within the liver parenchyma and around central veins, indicating that these cells were active and secreting insulin.CONCLUSIONUCBMSCs are proficient in differentiating into insulin-producing cells in vivo under specific conditions and, when transplanted into the liver of albino rats with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus, were able to secrete insulin and partially control the status of diabetes mellitus in rats.     

养血清脑颗粒治疗高血压病临床疗效观察

[目的]探讨养血清脑颗粒治疗高血压病的临床疗效。[方法]将63例原发性Ⅱ期高血压患者随机分为养血清脑颗粒治疗组和对照组,分别口服养血清脑颗粒和卡托普利片,观察养血清脑颗粒的临床疗效。[结果]养血清脑颗粒能够有效降低高血压患者的收缩压与舒张压,与卡托普利组比较,两者无显著性差异(P>0.05),养血清脑颗粒能够显著改善高血压患者的临床症状。在服药期间未发现不良反应。[结论]养血清脑颗粒能够有效地降低高血压患者的血压,明显改善临床症状。     

Interventional therapy for chronic simple atherosclerotic occlusive disease of lower extremity

Objective： To explore the efficacy of interventional therapy for chronic atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremity. Methods： Fifty-six cases of simple atherosclerotic occlusive disease of lower extremity were divided into 3 types according to the location of occhision, including 17 cases of abdominal aorta-iliac artery, 18 cases of iliac-femoral artery, and 21 cases of inferior popliteal artery. Catheter and guide wire combined with blunt dissection and subtle banding were used to dredge the occluded vessels, and stents were implanted when interlayer appeared. Results： After the treatment, 46 cases of occlusion were dredged （82.1%）, 6 cases remained occluded with the same symptoms （10.7%）, and 4 cases had severer symptoms （7.1%）. Among the 46 successful cases, there were 16 cases of abdominal aorta-iliac artery （94.1%）, 16 cases of iliac-femoral artery （88.9%） and 14 cases of inferior popliteal artery, artery （66.6%）. There was no statistical difference between the abdominal aorta-iliac artery cases and iliac-femoral artery cases （P〉0.05）, but there was statistical difference between these two types and the inferior popliteal artery cases （P〈0.05）. In the successful cases, 9 cases of abdominal aorta-iliac artery （52.9%）, 10 cases of iliac-femoral artery （55.5%） and 10 cases of inferior popliteal artery （33.3%） had 5-10 cm of occlusion, with no statistical difference between the first two types （P〉0.05）, but with statistical difference between the first two types and the third type （P〈0.05）. Compared with the 14 dredged cases （71.4%）, the 7 cases （33.3%） of inferior popliteal artery cases had richer compensatory circulation （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： It＇s safe and effective to treat simple atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremity with interventional therapy. The location and length of occlusion and the abundance of compensatory circulation had effect on the therapy.     

徐长卿生药学研究

目的:研究徐长卿生药学特征,为药材鉴别与质量控制提供依据。方法:利用肉眼与显微镜观察各器官形态、性状、组织结构与粉末特征,TLC检测成分。结果:叶对生、披针形,花冠黄绿色,花粉粒粘连为花粉块,果角状,种子先端有一簇白色细长毛;药材根茎节及节间明显,根呈细长须状,质脆,断面粉性、白色,中央为细小黄白色木心,具丹皮酚特有香气;根维管束为外韧型,根茎、茎维管束和叶主脉维管束均为双韧型;粉末中淀粉粒为主体,单粒或复粒,脐点为裂缝状、人字状或星状,草酸钙簇晶较多且棱角较钝,具缘纹孔导管为主,表皮细胞微木化,形状特殊;活性成分丹皮酚主要存在于根和根茎中。结论:徐长卿生药学特征明显,与其他药材有显著区别;以全草作为药材应用不合理,应以根与根茎入药。     

高良姜与混淆品的鉴别研究

通过对高良姜及其与 4种混淆品益智、距花山姜、草豆蔻、大高良姜的鉴别研究 ,得出高良姜的基原、性状及鉴别的专属性特征 ,从而可为高良姜的质量标准提供基原、性状和鉴别部分。研究得出高良姜的专属性特征为 :叶舌长达 3cm ;外皮有浅波状环节 ,纤维性少 ,油性强 ;束鞘纤维少 ,分泌细胞多 ,淀粉粒多形 ,尤以米粒形、酒瓶形为特殊 ,纤维纹孔连珠状 ;挥发油显色反应玫红 ,黄酮类有碧绿色荧光