光质对灵芝生长与灵芝多糖含量的影响

目的:研究不同光质对灵芝生长发育和灵芝多糖含量的影响,为灵芝优质高产栽培提供理论依据。方法:栽培灵芝时进行不同光质处理,在灵芝不同生长发育时期观测其形态变化并测量多糖含量。结果:不同光质处理形态上弹孢前期灵芝菌盖厚度与菌盖表面环纹的数目与对照差异显著,灵芝多糖含量出现最高值时期不同。蓝色光质处理在现蕾期、开伞期、弹孢后期多糖含量均高于对照,且差异显著。绿色光质处理有助于生长末期多糖积累。不同光质处理对灵芝子实体产量与灵芝孢子粉产量均有影响。结论:对照处理灵芝子实体产量高,性状好;蓝色光质处理可以提高灵芝多糖含量。     

Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids of Turpinia Arguta Seen on adjuvant arthritis in rats

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids of Turpinia Arguta Seen (TFS) on adjuvant arthritis in rats. METHODS: The model of adjuvant arthritis was induced by injection of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Secondary paw swelling of AA rats was measured with volume meter and polyarthritis index were scored. The splenocyte proliferation, (interleukin-1) IL-1 and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production were assayed by cell proliferation assay. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production was determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: TFS (80, 160, 320 mg/kg, i.g.) could significantly inhibit secondary inflammatory reaction (secondary swelling, multiple arthritis, pathologic change of ankle arthritis) in AA rats. The results in vivo showed that the low response of splenocytes to concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the decreased IL-2 synthesis were restored in AA rats treated with TFS (160, 320 mg/kg, i.g.), while the elevated IL-1 and PGE(2) released from peritoneal macrophages (PMphi) were also reduced. CONCLUSION: TFS has significant therapeutic effect on AA rats, which might be relate to its immunoregulatory actions.     

HPLC测定不同产地灵芝中9种三萜酸

目的:建立HPLC测定灵芝子实体中9种三萜酸的方法.方法:采用Alltima C18色谱柱(4.6 mm × 150 mm,5μm),流动相为乙腈-0.04％甲酸溶液,检测波长254 nm,流速1.0 mL·min-1,柱温15℃.结果:灵芝酸C2、灵芝酸G、灵芝烯酸B、灵芝酸B、灵芝烯酸A、灵芝酸A、赤芝酸A、灵芝烯酸D、灵芝酸C1的线性范围分别为6.81～40.88,6.38 ～38.25,6.75～40.50,6.38～ 38.25,5.95 ～ 35.65,5.90 ～ 35.25,7.00 ～ 42.00,6.20 ～ 37.15,6.05 ～ 36.4 mg· L-1(r=0.999 4,0.999 2,0.999 4,0.999 2,0.999 2,0.994 5,0.999 0,0.999 2,0.998 4),加样回收率分别为102.1％,102.3％,100.6％,103.3％,104.1％,103.2％,96.42％,102.5％,101.5％,RSD为1.5％,0.96％,1.9％,1.3％,1.7％,2.5％,0.62％,2.9％,1.3％.测定了31个不同地区、不同栽培条件下灵芝样品的三萜含量.结论:该方法可行、重复性好,可定量测定灵芝中三萜酸的含量.     

不同品种灵芝多糖含量差异研究

目的 :比较产粉灵芝与无粉灵芝多糖含量的不同,明确不同品种灵芝子实体多糖含量的差异。 方法 :光学显微镜观察灵芝子实体结构,蒽酮-硫酸法测定了不同品种灵芝多糖含量。 结果 :无粉灵芝的多糖含量比产粉灵芝多糖含量高出近1倍;灵芝子实体由4部分组成,分别为菌皮、皮层、菌肉、菌管;子实体中菌管所占比例最大,厚度比例占70％以上,且多糖含量在各部分中也最高,最高可达3.88％。 结论 :无粉灵芝多糖含量高于产粉灵芝;菌管是灵芝子实体多糖的主要来源。     

Inhibitory effects of the root extract of Litsea cubeba (lour.) pers. on adjuvant arthritis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The dried root of Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Family Lauraceae) has long been used as a folk remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Dai Ethnopharmacy for the treatment of rheumatic diseases in southwestern China.

Aim of the study

This study investigated the preventive efficacy of Litsea cubeba root in treating rheumatoid arthritis using Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis (AA) in rat model.

Materials and methods

Arthritis was induced in male Wistar rats by immunization with CFA. Ethanol extract (EELC) and water extract (WELC) of Litsea cubeba root both at 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg were orally administered from a day after the induction of arthritis. Paw swelling, arthritic score, body weight growth rate, index of thymus and spleen were observed, and the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, histological changes in the ankle joint were analyzed in AA rats.

Results

Both EELC and WELC significantly suppressed paw swelling and arthritic score, increased the loss in body weight and decreased the index of thymus. Histopathological improvement in joint architecture was also observed in EELC, WELC-treated AA rats. The expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) were decreased on treatment with EELC and WELC. Furthermore, the overproduction of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were remarkably attenuated in serum of all Litsea cubeba-treated rats, however, IL-10 was markedly increased at doses of 50 mg/kg of EELC and WELC.

Conclusions

These results indicate that extract of Litsea cubeba root significantly attenuates adjuvant arthritis in rats by decreasing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and increasing of IL-10 in serum as well as down-regulate the levels of inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2 and 5-LOX. This suggests that Litsea cubeba root might be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human arthritis.     

Modulation of inflammatory markers by the ethanolic extract of Leucas aspera in adjuvant arthritis

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Leucas aspera (EELA) in adjuvant arthritis.

Materials and methods

Complete Freund's adjuvant served to induce arthritis. EELA was administered in two doses along with vehicle control (0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose) and positive control (Diclofenac). Levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Cathepsin D, activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were estimated in plasma/hemolysate and tissue. HPLC analysis of EELA was also performed.

Results

EELA exhibited significant anti-inflammatory (p < 0.001) and antioxidant activity (p < 0.001). It did not show mortality up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological studies confirmed complete cartilage regeneration and near normal joint in EELA2 treated arthritic rats.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Leucas aspera. Three major families of compounds present in EELA may explain these activities: catechins (epicatechin, beta epicatechin), flavonoids (procyanidin), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) apart from glycosides, phenolic compounds and tannins.     

Anti-inflammatory,anti-nociceptive,and anti-psychiatric effects by the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) is an annual plant. Its rhizome has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic, a stomachic and a carminative in traditional medicine.

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes on acute and chronic arthritis in SD rats.

Methods

Alpinia officinarum rhizomes were extracted by refluxing using 80% ethanol. The fractions were prepared by the fractionation of ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and water. This extract was administrated to rats by peroral injection. Acute arthritis was induced by a subcutaneous injection of carrageenan into the hind paw of SD rats. Chronic arthritis was stimulated by a subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw of SD rats. The paw volume was measured using a plethysmometer, thermal hyperalgesia was tested using a thermal plantar tester, hyperalgesia was evaluated by ankle flexion evoked vocalizations, and the expression of c-Fos in the brain hippocampus was measured with the avidin–biotin-peroxidase technique. Nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated on nitrite by a Griess assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

Results

An 80% ethanolic extract showed acute anti-inflammatory activity that it reduced the edema volume in carrageenan-stimulated arthritis and inhibited NO generation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, this extract showed chronic anti-rheumatic and analgesic activities by suppressing the swelling volume, by recovering the paw withdrawal latency, and by inhibiting the flexion scores in CFA-induced arthritis. Particularly, this medicine had potent meaningful effects on the second signal of the left hind paw in the form of an immunological reaction compared to its effects on the first signal in the right hind paw after the CFA treatment. This also shows an anti-psychiatric effect through control of the expression of the c-Fos protein of the brain hippocampus in CFA-stimulated arthritis. On the other hand, each fraction showed acute anti-inflammatory effects; the action of the EtOAc fraction may have resulted from the suppression of NO production.

Conclusions

Alpinia officinarum rhizomes may be viable therapeutic or preventive candidates for the treatment of acute and chronic arthritis.     

LED光源的不同光质对灵芝菌丝体生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响

目的:研究不同光质对灵芝菌丝体生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响,为灵芝菌丝体培养提供科学的理论依据.方法:采用新型半导体发光二极管(LED)光源设置不同光质处理,动态观测灵芝菌丝体生长、多糖含量及抗氧化酶活性变化.结果:蓝光处理及黑暗对照条件下灵芝菌丝体生长较快,黑暗对照条件下菌丝体形态纤细、菌落淡薄,蓝光、白光处理菌丝体粗壮、菌落浓密.白光处理菌丝体生物量积累最高,蓝光次之.绿光处理灵芝菌丝体POD酶活性波动变化较大,生长中后期显著高于其他处理.白光处理菌丝体CAT酶在生长过程中始终保持较高活性.生长前期黄光处理菌丝体SOD酶活性最高,后期黑暗对照SOD酶活性较高.前期绿光处理菌丝体多糖含量较高,生长后期蓝光处理菌丝体多糖含量显著高于其他处理.结论:光质影响灵芝菌丝体生长代谢,蓝光利于灵芝菌丝体生长代谢.     

指纹图谱和体外细胞活性跟踪相结合考察温度对灵芝中三萜类成分的影响

目的:探讨温度对灵芝中主要抗肿瘤活性三萜类成分含量的影响.方法:采用HPLC灵芝醇提取物中三萜类成分在不同温度处理后的指纹图谱的变化,并结合体外人肺癌SPC-A-1细胞株,通过MTT法评价不同温度影响下的灵芝提取物对肿瘤细胞增殖的抑制作用.结果:灵芝中三萜类成分显著受到温度的影响.在选定的20个特征峰中,第4,14,15,16号峰的峰面积变化经100℃加热处理后最为显著,与未加热处理的灵芝提取物的色谱峰相比,这4个峰的峰面积下降幅度分别高达42.601％,35.909％,49.359％,64.061％.体外细胞活性实验表明经不同温度处理下的灵芝提取物的抗肿瘤活性不同,灵芝提取物的IC50由1.44 g·L-1(醇提取物)升高到2.77 g·L-1(100℃下处理的样品).结论:温度可显著影响灵芝抗肿瘤活性三萜类成分的含量变化,高温易造成其活性成分的损失,进而引起灵芝抗肿瘤活性的降低.     

赤芝孢子粉和子实体主要化学成分变异规律研究

目的:揭示产地、品种、采收部位和潮次、破壁技术对赤芝孢子粉和子实体中总三萜、总多糖、总蛋白含量的影响。方法:收集龙芝1号、沪农1号、市售赤芝孢子粉和子实体,分别采用硫酸-蒽酮比色法、香草醛-冰醋酸比色法和Lowry法测定其中总多糖、总三萜、总蛋白的含量。结果:全国6个主产区的破壁孢子粉总多糖为0.40%~2.25%,总三萜为1.36%~3.15%,总蛋白为0.74%~1.91%;浙江主栽赤芝品种子实体总多糖、总三萜、总蛋白质量分数分别为0.25%~1.42%,0.44%~1.42%,1.82%~3.67%,未破壁孢子粉分别为0.41%~0.91%,0.09%~0.12%,0.78%~0.90%,破壁孢子粉分别为1.03~2.25%,1.89%~3.15%,0.96%~1.04%。结论:全国不同主产区的灵芝破壁孢子粉化学成分含量存在显著差异,浙江产区总多糖和总三萜含量较高,福建产区总蛋白含量较高;浙江主栽赤芝品种龙芝1号总三萜含量较高,沪农1号总多糖含量较高;破壁孢子粉中总三萜与总多糖含量高于子实体,子实体菌柄中总多糖含量大多高于菌盖,菌盖中总三萜含量显著高于菌柄;2潮采收的菌盖和菌柄中总多糖含量高于1潮相应的部位,但总三萜含量大多低于1潮;孢子粉破壁可显著提高总三萜和总多糖的提取和溶出率。     

Immunomodulation of RAW264.7 macrophages by GLIS, a proteopolysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum

The immunomodulatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum immunomodulating substance (GLIS) on macrophages has been investigated as part of on-going research into the anti-cancer properties of Ganoderma lucidum. Proliferation of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) was enhanced by GLIS in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopic examination revealed that numerous GLIS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages were enlarged and formed pseudopodia. Exposure of RAW264.7 macrophages to GLIS resulted in significant increases in NO production, induction of cellular respiratory burst activity, and increased levels of IL-1beta, IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 gene expression. Our data indicate that GLIS activates the immune system by modulating cytokine production.     

Shengmai San reduces hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats fed on a high-cholesterol diet

Shengmai San (SMS), which is comprised of the medicinal herbs of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Schisandra chinensis Baill., and Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl (2:1:2)., is a traditional Chinese medicine being used for treating coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SMS on the plasma and liver lipids, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in liver and heart of cholesterol-fed rats. Rats were fed on a high-cholesterol (0.5%) diet (control group), high-cholesterol diet containing 2% SMS (2% SMS group) and 4% SMS (4% SMS group) for four weeks. The oxidative stress marker (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and antioxidant defense systems including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in rat liver and heart were evaluated. Results showed that rats fed with SMS-containing diet had reduced the H(2)O(2)-induced erythrocytes susceptibility to hemolysis, and 4% SMS feeding rats had higher plasma GSH concentration compared to the animals fed with the control diet. However, SMS had no effect on plasma lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and TBARS concentration. On the other hand, rats fed with the 4% SMS diet reduced the hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride contents. Fecal bile acid excretion was significantly increased in rats fed with the SMS-containing diet. Higher hepatic GSH and lower TBARS concentrations were observed in rats fed with the 4% SMS diet compared with the rats fed with the control diet. No significant difference in activities of GSH-Px, GST and SOD was found in liver and heart after the SMS treatment. Results from this study indicate that the SMS may reduce hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats.     

Therapeutic effects of dichloromethane fraction of Securidaca inappendiculata on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rat

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Securidaca inappendiculata (SI) is a traditional antirheumatic medicine used in China. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of dichloromethane fraction of SI (SID) at three different doses on adjuvant induced arthritis (AA) rats.

Methods

Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritic score, body weight loss, paw circumference, histological changes and hyperplasia of lymphatic tissues. Serum samples were collected for estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), hydroxy radical (OH·), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG), sialic acid (SA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). The levels of GSH, MDA, NAG and SA in liver were also assessed. The levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined using ELISA method. Another portion of blood was used for total and differential leucocyte counts.

Results

Administration with SID (at high dose with 100 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the AA severity, suggested by the modulatory effects on body weight loss, paw swelling, hyperplasia of lymphatic tissues and synovial membrane, neutrocytosis and lymphocytosis. It also decreased levels of NO, MDA and OH·, restored SOD and GSH levels in serum. The abnormal increased levels of AST, ALT, ALP, NAG and SA significantly were reverted (compared with AA rats, P<0.01). A similar result was observed in livers. Levels of IL-1, TNF-α, MCP-1 and VEGF were reduced dramatically by SID too.

Conclusion

The results suggest SID possesses substantial anti-arthritic activity. The therapeutic efficacy may be due to immumodepressive effects, cytokines regulation, increasing membrane stability and antioxidantive activity.     

Scorpio and Scolopendra attenuate inflammation and articular damage in rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scorpio and Scolopendra (SS) are two traditional Chinese medicines, which are generally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. However, the mechanism is so far unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects and mechanisms of SS in attenuating inflammation and joint injury in collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

Materials and methods

RA was induced in Wistar rats by injection of collagen, meanwhile, the rats were administrated daily either SS (0.4 g/kg, 0.2 g/kg, and 0.1 g/kg) or vehicle (physiological saline) for 42 days. The therapeutic effect of SS on RA was evaluated by pathological methods. T lymphocyte subsets and anti-collagen type II (CII) antibody were tested in peripheral blood. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were assessed in tissue homogenate of fresh joints.

Results

The inflammation and articular damage in SS powder-treated rats were attenuated significantly. In addition, SS powder was revealed to modulate the equilibrium of T lymphocyte subsets, down-regulate TNF-α and IL-1β, up-regulate IL-4 and IL-10, and significantly suppress the level of anti-CII antibody.

Conclusions

Scorpio and Scolopendra, when used as a combination, reveal desirable effect for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and this beneficial effect may be accomplished through normalization of T lymphocyte subsets and the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Ligularia fischeri leaves in experimental animals

Aim of the study

The ethanol extract (LF) of Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis (leaf) has been evaluated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.

Materials and Methods

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were studied by measuring nociception induced by formalin, acetic acid and hot-plate, and inflammation induced by carrageenan, formalin, and arachidonic acid.

Results

The acute treatment of mice with LF at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, by oral administration, produced a significant antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain licking and hot-plate-induced pain. Also, the LF significantly inhibited both carrageenan- and formalin-induced inflammation as well as arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice.

Conclusions

These inhibitions were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Thus, our investigation suggests a potential benefit of Ligularia fischeri in treating conditions associated with inflammatory pain.     

光质对灵芝菌丝体生长及内源IAA代谢调控的研究

采用新型LED冷光源设置不同光质条件,动态观测灵芝菌丝体生长、内源IAA含量和其相关酶活性变化及多糖积累情况,研究光质对灵芝菌丝体生长、内源IAA水平及活性成分积累的影响,揭示光质作用于灵芝的效应及机制,为灵芝菌丝体培养提供科学的理论依据.研究发现,蓝光处理菌丝体生长稳定,多糖含量明显高于其他处理,综合优势明显;红光处理在灵芝菌丝体生长前期能显著提高其内源IAA水平,加快其生长;绿光处理菌丝体生长缓慢,鲜重少,但其折干率大.不同光质对灵芝菌丝体IAA代谢相关酶活性有显著影响:蓝光处理灵芝菌丝体IAA含量始终处于较低水平,其吲哚乙酸氧化酶(IAAO)、过氧化物酶(POD)以及色氨酸合成酶活性变化均为前期高而中后期低;黄光处理菌丝体IAA含量居中,但其IAAO、色氨酸合成酶活性最大.结果表明不同光质影响灵芝菌丝体生长,同时对其内源IAA水平也有显著影响.     

The anti-arthritic effects of Aconitum vilmorinianum, a folk herbal medicine in Southwestern China

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aconiti Radix (AC) and Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix (AK) are two traditional Chinese medicines commonly used to treat joint pain and arthritis. In Southwestern China, Huangcaowu (AV), the root of Aconitum vilmorinianum Kom., has long been used as a local substitute for these herbs for analgesia and anti-inflammation. However, its anti-arthritic effects have not been investigated.

Aim of study

To investigate the anti-arthritic effects of Huangcaowu (AV).

Materials and methods

Mono-arthritis in SD rats was induced by unilateral intra-articular injection of Freund's complete adjuvant. Physiological saline was injected in the contralateral knee. Seventy five percent ethanol extracts of AV (10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day), AC (100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) were administered to rats by oral gavage for 14 consecutive days (Day -6 to Day 7) while arthritis was induced at the seventh day (Day 0). The anti-arthritic effects of the herbs were assessed by measuring allodynia, swelling, hyperaemia and the vascular permeability of the knee joints.

Results

AV (10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day), AC (100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) suppressed joint allodynia. AV (10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced join swelling and hyperaemia while AC (100 mg/kg/day) did not. AV (100 mg/kg/day) attenuated vascular permeability while AC (100 mg/kg/day) and AK (100 mg/kg/day) showed no improvement.

Conclusions

Huangcaowu (AV) significantly improved allodynia, swelling, hyperaemia and vascular permeability in arthritic knee joints. It showed the highest anti-arthritic effects among the three tested Aconitum herbs.     

Extract of Ganoderma lucidum prolongs sleep time in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi) is a basidiomycete white-rot macrofungus that has been used as a tranquilizing agent (i.e., An-Shen effect) for the treatment of restlessness, insomnia, and palpitation in China for hundreds of years.

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to investigate whether Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) influences the sleep of freely moving rats and the potential mechanism.

Materials and methods

Ganoderma lucidum extract was extracted from fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Rats were treated with GLE orally for 3 days, and on the third day, electroencephalographic and electromyographic recordings were made for 6 h from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. in freely moving rats. Sleep parameters were analyzed using SleepSign software. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Three-day administration of GLE significantly increased total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time at a dose of 80 mg/kg (i.g.) without influencing slow-wave sleep or REM sleep in freely moving rats. TNF-α levels were significantly increased concomitantly in serum, the hypothalamus, and dorsal raphe nucleus. The hypnotic effect of GLE (80 mg/kg, i.g.) was significantly inhibited by intracerebroventricular injection of TNF-α antibody (2.5 μg/rat). Co-administration of GLE (40 mg/kg, i.g.) and TNF-α (12.5 ng/rat, i.c.v.), both at ineffective doses, revealed an additive hypnotic effect.

Conclusion

These results suggest that GLE has hypnotic effects in freely moving rats. The mechanism by which the extract promoted sleep remains unclear, but this effect appears to be primarily related to the modulation of cytokines such as TNF-α. Furthermore, these data at least partially support the ethnomedical use of Ganoderma lucidum.     

Neuroprotective effects of water-soluble Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on cerebral ischemic injury in rats

Aim of the study

To investigate the neuroprotective effects of water-soluble Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPS) on cerebral ischemic injury in rats, and to explore the involved mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Two models [middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in primary cultured rat cortical neurons] were employed to mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damage, in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Cerebral infarct area was measured by tetrazolium staining, and neurological functional deficits were assessed at 24 h after I/R. Neuronal apoptosis was studied by Nissl staining and DNA fragmentation assay. Neuronal injury was assessed by morphological examination using phase-contrast microscopy and quantified by measuring the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, cell viability was measured by sodium 3′-1- (phenylaminocarbonyl)-3, 4-tetrazolium-bis (4-methoxy-6-nitro) benzene sulfonic acid (XTT) reduction. Neuronal apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and electron microscopy was used to study morphological changes of neurons. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activation and Bcl-2, Bax protein expression were determined by western blot analysis.

Results

Oral administration of GLPS (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced cerebral infarct area, attenuated neurological functional deficits, and reduced neuronal apoptosis in ischemic cortex. In OGD model, GLSP (0.1, 1 and 10 μg/ml) effectively reduced neuronal cell death and relieved cell injury. Moreover, GLPS decreased the percentage of apoptotic neurons, relieved neuronal morphological damage, suppressed overexpression of active caspases-3, -8 and -9 and Bax, and inhibited the reduction of Bcl-2 expression.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that GLPS protects against cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting apoptosis by downregulating caspase-3 activation and modulating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.     

艾纳香叶废渣乙酸乙酯部位对佐剂类风湿关节炎大鼠药理作用研究

目的:研究艾纳香叶废渣乙酸乙酯部位(BBE)对大鼠实验性佐剂类风湿关节炎的作用及其机制。方法:用弗氏完全佐剂建立佐剂型类风湿关节炎大鼠模型,用废渣乙酸乙酯部位不同剂量进行28 d的灌胃治疗处理,以体重变化、足肿胀度、关节炎指数、免疫器官增生以及病理切片等来评价治疗效果,并同时用比色法测定血清中的SOD,MDA,GSH,NO,OH·,ALP,AST,ALT,NAG,SA水平以及采用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)测定血浆中IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α水平。结果:其乙酸乙酯部位能显著减轻AA大鼠关节肿胀和关节炎指数,能有效抑制关节滑膜增生,下调血清中MDA,NO,OH·,ALP,AST,ALT,NAG,SA,IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α水平,上调SOD,GSH水平。结论:艾纳香叶废渣乙酸乙酯部位对类风湿关节炎有一定的治疗作用。