Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the fruits of Momordica charantia and their cancer chemopreventive effects

Thirteen cucurbitane-type triterpene glycosides, including eight new compounds named charantosides I (6), II (7), III (10), IV (11), V (12), VI (13), VII (16), and VIII (17), and five known compounds, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 18, were isolated from a methanol extract of the fruits of Japanese Momordica charantia. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods. On evaluation of these triterpene glycosides and five other cucurbitane-type triterpenes, 1-5, also isolated from the extract of M. charantia fruits, for their inhibitory effects on the induction of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in Raji cells, these compounds showed inhibitory effects on EBV-EA induction with IC(50) values of 200-409 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA. In addition, upon evaluation of compounds 1-5 for inhibitory effects against activation of (+/-)-(E)-methyl-2[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-6-methoxy-3-hexemide (NOR 1), a nitrogen oxide (NO) donor, compounds 1-3 showed moderate inhibitory effects. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited marked inhibitory effects in both 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)- and peroxynitrite (ONOO-; PN)-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis tests.     

In vitro growth stimulatory and in vivo wound healing studies on cycloartane-type saponins of Astragalus genus

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing effects of the four chief saponins of Astragalus species [cycloastragenol (CA), astragaloside IV (AG), cyclocephaloside I (CCI) and cyclocanthoside E (CCE)].

Material and methods

Effects of cell viability and proliferation of the isolated compounds were evaluated by the MTT assay on human keratinocyte. The wound healing activity was studied by using in vitro wound healing, proliferation and migration scratch assay. In order to see in vivo effectiveness of the compounds, an animal study with Sprague-Dawley male rats at the age of 12 weeks was carried out, and then the main histological outcomes were investigated to observe reepithelization, neovascularization, and presence of inflammatory cells, granulation tissue amount and maturation.

Results

All the compounds increased both fibroblast proliferation and migration, but the effects were much superior for CA at 1 ng/ml concentration. Among the compounds, based on the histological findings, 5% CA preparation was found to be the most remarkable in vivo wound healing agent showing greater cell density, more regularly organized dermis and more newly formed blood vessels.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that the cycloartane-type saponins are the principal constituents responsible for wound healing activities of the roots of Astragalus species substantiating its use in traditional medicine.     

五味子科植物中环阿屯烷型三萜类成分及其药理作用研究进展

环阿屯烷型三萜是一类具有四环体系的三萜类化合物,在植物中分布广泛,是五味子科植物中常见的三萜类型之一。对五味子科植物中环阿屯烷型三萜成分的结构分类及药理活性方面的研究进展进行了综述,为合理开发利用五味子科药用植物资源提供参考。     

Cancer chemopreventive effects of a Brazilian folk medicine,Juca, on in vivo two-stage skin carcinogenesis

Gallic acid (1) and methyl gallate (2) were isolated from Juca, a Brazilian folk medicine, fruits of Caesalpinia ferrea MART (Leguminosae), decreased significantly the average number of papillomas per mouse in the experiment of the promoting effects of 12-O-tetra- decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on skin tumor formation in mice initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).     

灵芝三萜类成分在体内外对小鼠免疫性肝损伤的影响

 目的 观察灵芝三萜类成分TG和TG〈sub〉〈/sub〉在体内外对小鼠免疫性肝损伤的影响。方法 制备BCG+LPS引起的小鼠免疫性肝损伤模型,并采用小鼠肝细胞原代培养方法,取血清和细胞上清测定其中ALT,NO和肝脏TG水平并进行肝脏病理组织检查。结果 体内实验表明GT 80 mg·kg〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉和GT〈sub〉2〈/sub〉10,20,40 mg·kg〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉均明显降低模型动物的血清ALT,NO和肝脏TG含量,并不同程度地减轻动物肝损伤程度。小鼠免疫性肝损伤后原代培养肝细胞的实验中,正常小鼠肝细胞上清ALT和NO基本未见改变,BCG+LPS损伤后小鼠肝细胞上清ALT和NO在12,24 h较正常小鼠明显升高,并随时间的延长明显增高。而GT 0.5,5,50,100 μg·ml〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉和GT〈sub〉2〈/sub〉0.5,2,10,50 μg·ml〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉均程度不同地使升高的ALT和NO明显下降。灵芝三萜类(GT,GT〈sub〉2〈/sub〉)的以上作用与阳性对照药马洛替酯(MaI)相似。结论 灵芝三萜类成分GT和GT〈sub〉2〈/sub〉对小鼠免疫性肝损伤有明显的保护作用。     

Cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic activities of red ginseng

Red ginseng extract A and B are the active components of Panax ginseng. Red ginseng is a classical traditional Chinese medicine. Among Chinese herbs, red ginseng has been considered as one of the tonics. Many studies indicated that red ginseng could enhance immune function of the human body. The effects of red ginseng extracts on transplantable tumors, proliferation of lymphocyte, two-stage model and rat liver lipid peroxidation were studied. In a two-stage model, red ginseng extracts had a significant cancer chemoprevention. At 50–400 mg/kg, they could inhibit DMBA/Croton oil-induced skin papilloma in mice, decrease the incidence of papilloma, prolong the latent period of tumor occurrence and reduce tumor number per mouse in a dose-dependent manner. Red ginseng extract B could effectively inhibit the Fe²⁺/cysteine-induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsome, suggesting that red ginseng extract B has a stronger antioxidative effect than that of extract A. The results indicated that red ginseng extracts (50≈400 mg/kg) could significantly inhibit the growth of transplantable mouse sarcoma S180 and melanoma B16. Red ginseng extracts A (0.5 mg/ml) and B (0.1 and 0.25 mg/ml) might effectively promote the transformation of T lymphocyte, but there was no influence on lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by concanavalin A. This suggests that red ginseng extracts have potent tumor therapeutic activity and improve the cell immune system.     

甲基丙烯酰紫草素对肝癌的抑制作用研究

目的:研究甲基丙酰紫草素的抗癌作用,并初步探讨其作用机制.方法:MTT法、生长曲线检测甲基丙酰紫草素的体外抗肝癌作用,并计算半数抑制浓度(IC50)值;应用H22荷瘤小鼠模型进行体内抗瘤试验,绘制肿瘤生长曲线并计算抑瘤率;免疫组化方法检测肿瘤组织的凋亡相关蛋白NF-κB p65的表达.结果:甲基丙烯酰紫草素有显著的体外抗癌作用,且与剂量呈正相关,对SMMC-7721的IC50值分别为(21.16±0.96)μg/ml;小鼠移植瘤H22抗瘤试验结果显示,在0.38 mg/kg、0.75mg/kg和1.50 mg/kg的剂量下甲基丙烯酰紫草素的抑瘤率分别为22.98%、39.08%、47.13%.免疫组化结果表明随甲基丙烯酰紫草素浓度增加NF-κB p65蛋白表达下调.结论:甲基丙烯酰紫草素具有较强的体内外抗肝癌作用,其机制可能与抑制肿瘤细胞增殖、诱导细胞凋亡有关.     

Estimation of triterpenoids from Heliotropium marifolium Koen. ex Retz. in vivo and in vitro. I. Antimicrobial screening

The hexane extract of Heliotropium marifolium yielded a mixture of triterpenoids: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, beta-amyrin, friedelan-3beta-ol (epifriedelenol), cycloartenone, beta-amyrin acetate, friedelin and epifriedenyl acetate. Isolated triterpenoid and reference antibiotics (gentamycin/mycostatin) were tested against selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi, e.g. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum. The inhibition zone (IZ) and the activity index (AI) of isolated compounds were recorded and it was found that epifriedenyl acetate (IZ = 17; AI = 1.06) was the most active. The present study deals with the quantification and assessment of their growth inhibitory potency. It has been reported that cycloartenone was the major triterpenoid in both in vivo (0.54%) and in vitro (0.11%) cell cultures.     

In vitro antiviral activity of dammar resin triterpenoids

Nine triterpenes with antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus types I and II in vitro were isolated from dammar resin. Each compound caused a significant reduction in viral cytopathic effect when Vero cells were exposed continuously to 1-10 micrograms/ml of compound for 48 h after viral challenge. The triterpenes were identified as dammaradienol [1], dammarenediol-II [2], hydroxydammarenone-I [3], ursonic acid [5], hydroxyhopanone [11], dammarenolic acid [15], shoreic acid [16], eichlerianic acid [17], and a novel compound, hydroxyoleanonic lactone [7], on the basis of their chromatographic, spectroscopic, and physical properties.     

In vitro and in vivo effects of Ranunculus peltatus subsp. baudotii methanol extract on models of eicosanoid production and contact dermatitis

Ranunculus (Crowfoot) species are numerous and they are all reputed to be counter-irritants and are used in several topical conditions. In order to study the pharmacological mechanisms of action underlying this popular use, a methanol extract of Ranunculus peltatus was tested in vitro in various assays involving eicosanoid and human elastase release by intact cells as well as in vivo, with models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) contact dermatitis. The extract proved to be a selective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-1 pathway, producing the total inhibition of 12-(S)-HHTrE release at 200 microg/mL, while leaving both 5-lipoxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase activities unaffected at the same dose. The n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of the crude methanol extract inhibited LTB(4) release by intact rat peritoneal neutrophils, but more polar fractions were inactive and did not increase the 5-LOX activity as seen previously for extracts of other Ranunculus species. In the in vivo models, the methanol extract reduced the dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced oedema by 40%, but failed to inhibit the oedema brought on by oxazolone. The results agree with the age-old assertion that Water Crowfoot species can be used as a topical antiinflammatory remedy without the prominent irritant action that accompanies the application of non-aquatic Ranunculus species.     

Antiallergic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on inflammation in vivo and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs for the treatment of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic effect of SB in vivo and in vitro.

Materials and methods

Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats received intradermal injections of anti-DNP IgE at each of three dorsal skin sites. Forty-eight hours later, each rat received an injection of DNP-HSA in saline containing 4% Evans blue through the dorsal vein of the penis. One hour before injection, SB extract was administered orally. The dorsal skin of the rats was removed and the pigment area measured. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were cultured and purified to investigate histamine release. In vitro, human mast cells (HMC-1) were pretreated with SB extract for 30 min before stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187. The effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase expression were investigated using TNF-α and IL-8 assays, and Western blotting analysis of HMC-1 cells.

Results and conclusions

SB treatment inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction compared to the control group, and histamine release decreased significantly following treatment of RPMCs with SB. In HMC-1 cells, SB restored IL-8 and TNF-α expression and inhibited MAP kinase expression in compound 48/80-induced HMC-1 cells. These data suggest that SB may prove to be a useful anti-inflammatory agent through its downregulation of the expression of various inflammatory mediators.     

八正合剂体外抗菌及对动物的解热抗炎作用

目的 探讨八正合剂治疗泌尿系统感染性疾病的作用机制。方法 采用ig给药观察八正合剂对大鼠尿量和角叉菜胶致大鼠发热的影响。及巴豆油致小鼠耳部肿胀和0.6%醋酸致小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性增高的影响。并用二倍稀释法观察该药对泌尿系8种常见致病菌的体外抑菌作用。结果 八正合剂可明显增加大鼠尿量，减轻角叉菜胶所致大鼠体温升高，巴豆油所致小鼠耳部炎性肿胀和醋酸所致小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性增高，对大肠杆菌等常见致病菌也有一定抑制作用。结论 八正合剂对泌尿系感染的病因治疗机制主要在于清除尿路致病菌，同时该药还可缓解感染后多种炎性反应症状。     

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus membranaceus is a common traditional Chinese medicinal plant widely used as a tonic to enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms. In this study, bioactive fractions were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus. One of these fractions, designated as AI, was found to be the most potent with respect to its mitogenicity on murine splenocytes. Effects of AI on both specific and nonspecific immunity in mouse models were examined. Results showed that AI could exhibit mitogenic and co-mitogenic activities on mouse splenocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Experiments in human cell culture demonstrated that AI was also active on human lymphocytes. It was found that AI was mitogenic to T cell depleted population but virtually inactive on B cell depleted population. Intraperitoneal injection of AI into mice markedly augmented the antibody response to sheep red blood cells. Besides, both the influx of macrophages into the peritoneal cavity and the phagocytic activity of macrophages were found to be enhanced by AI in vivo. On the other hand, AI could significantly increase the interleukin-2 receptor expression on mouse splenocytes in vitro. In terms of immunorestorative activity, it was found that AI could restore the lymphocyte blastogenic response of the older mice to values that are normally found in the younger mice. Moreover, administration of AI in vivo could partially restore the depressed immune functions in tumour-bearing mice and cyclophosphamide-treated mice. Collectively, the results clearly showed that AI could exhibit immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects, both in vitro and in vivo.     

Opuntia ficus-indica attenuates neuronal injury in in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia

We examined whether the methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (MEOF) has a neuroprotective action against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-, kainate (KA)-, and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced neuronal injury in cultured mouse cortical cells. We also evaluated the protective effect of MEOF in the hippocampal CA1 region against neuronal damage evoked by global ischemia in gerbils. Treatment of neuronal cultures with MEOF (30, 300, and 1000 microg/ml) inhibited NMDA (25 microM)-, KA (30 microM)-, and OGD (50 min)-induced neurotoxicity dose-dependently. The butanol fraction of Opuntia ficus-indica (300 microg/ml) significantly reduced NMDA (20 microM)-induced delayed neurotoxicity by 27%. Gerbils were treated with MEOF every 24h for 3 days (0.1, 1.0, and 4.0 g/kg, p.o.) or for 4 weeks (0.1 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o.), and ischemic injury was induced after the last dose. Neuronal cell damage in the hippocampal CA1 region was evaluated quantitatively at 5 days after the ischemic injury. When gerbils were given doses of 4.0 g/kg (3 days) and 1.0 g/kg (4 weeks), the neuronal damage in the hippocampal region was reduced by 32 and 36%, respectively. These results suggest that the preventive administration of Opuntia ficus-indica extracts may be helpful in alleviating the excitotoxic neuronal damage induced by global ischemia.     

氟罗沙星体内外抗菌活性及抗生素后效应研究

 目的：对比研究氟罗沙星(FLRX)与其它氟喹诺酮类药物对临床分离致病菌的体内外抗菌活性及抗生素后效应(PAE)。方法：应用琼脂平板稀释法测定最低抑菌浓度(MIC)，微量稀释法测定血清杀菌效价(SBA)，吸光度法测定PAE。结果：FlRX对金葡菌、大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、绿脓假单胞菌均具很强的体内外抗菌活性，与氧氟沙星(OFLX)相似，而强于洛美沙星(LFLX)；FLRX对上述受试菌的峰时SBA与OFLX和LFLX相似，但谷时SBA多在1:1以上，高于OFLX和LFLX。FLRX无论对革兰阳性或阴性菌均具较长的PAE，呈显著的浓度依赖性，除金葡菌外，对其它受试菌的PAE均长于OFLX。结论：FLRX抗菌谱广，体内外抗菌活性强，具有较长时间的PAE，临床可采取每日1次给药方案治疗各类细菌感染。     

Four cycloartane triterpenoids and six related saponins from Passiflora edulis

Four cycloartane triterpenes, cyclopassifloic acids A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), and six related saponins, cyclopassiflosides I (5), II (6), III (7), IV (8), V (9), and VI (10), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Passiflora edulis, and their structures were elucidated on the base of extensive NMR experiments and chemical methods. Cyclopassifloic acids A-D were assigned as 22(R), 24(S)-1alpha,3beta,22,24,31-pentahydroxy-24-methylcycloartan -28-oic acid; 24(S)-1alpha,3beta,24, 31-tetrahydroxy-24-methylcycloartan-28-oic acid; 20(S),24(S)-1alpha, 3beta,21,24,31-pentahydroxy-24-methylcycloartan-28-oic acid; and 22(R)-1alpha,3beta,22-trihydroxy-24-oxocycloartan-28-oic acid, respectively. Cyclopassiflosides I-VI, in turn, were established as the 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosides of cyclopassifloic acids A-D. Finally, cyclopassiflosides III and V were demonstrated as the 28, 31-bis-O-beta-D-glucopyranosides of cyclopassifloic acids B and C, respectively. Also obtained in this investigation were the known compounds passiflorin (11) and passifloric acid (12).     

The absorption characterization effects and mechanism of Radix Angelicae dahuricae extracts on baicalin in Radix Scutellariae using in vivo and in vitro absorption models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Angelicae Dahurica(Hoffm.)Benth.&Hook.f.ex Franch.&Sav combined with Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. has been widely used as herb-pairs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat migraine headache and cataract, but the underlying compatibility mechanism of the two herbs remains unknown.

Aim of study

In the present work, we investigated the additive or synergistic effects of absorption behavior of Radix Angelicae dahuricae extracts on baicalin, and the absorption-enhancing mechanism of Radix Angelicae dahuricae extracts on baicalin.

Materials and methods

Total coumarins (Cou) and volatile oil (VO), as the two main components of Radix Angelicae dahuricae, were extracted by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) further treated with liquid-liquid separation method. The absorption behavior was investigated by applying the everted gut sac technique and in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion method.

Results and conclusions

The results showed that both the Cou and the VO could improve the intestinal absorption of baicalin in vivo, and had synergistic action the enhanced absorption of baicalin. Since verapamil did not affect the P_app and K_a of baicalin significantly, we concluded that the absorption of Baicalin could not be an active transportation in dependent of P-glycoprotein-Mediated efflux systems. Based on intestinal absorption of drug studying was one of the efficacious methods to clarify the compatibility of principles of herb-pairs. The everted gut sac technique and in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion technique model were the effective methods to study the absorption of drug, the application of the animal model to investigating the absorption of herb-drug interactions or other relevant research purposes is envisioned.     

Antitumor and immunoregulatory effects of astragalus on nasopharyngeal carcinoma in vivo and in vitro

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Astragalus on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) viability and apoptosis and to investigate the mechanism of Astragalus in a NPC cell line (CNE2). Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. CNE2 cells treated with Astragalus were stained with acridine orange/ethidium bromide and subjected to fluorescence microscopy. Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and -8 were measured by western blotting. Rat NPC cells were used to establish a NPC model. Tumor weight, immune organ index and T lymphocyte subsets were employed to detect the immunoregulatory and antitumor effects of Astragalus after administration. Astragalus was effective in inducing apoptosis in CNE2 cells. Morphological changes associated with cell injury were found. Western analysis showed caspase-3, -8, and Bax protein levels were increased after Astragalus treatment, while the bcl-2 protein level was decreased. Astragalus increased the percentage of CD3(+) , CD4(+) T-lymphocytes, and the ratio of CD4(+) /CD8(+) . Astragalus also restored the immunological effects of DDP-induced immunosuppression. These findings suggest that the immunomodulatory and anticancer effects of DDP + Astragalus were better than those of DDP alone, and Astragalus could inhibit immunosuppression induced by DDP. The combination of CDDP + Astragalus could be developed as an effective chemotherapeutic regimen in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.     

Anti-ulcerogenic effects of Spartium junceum flowers on in vivo test models in rats

Flowers of Spartium junceum L. (Fabaceae) are used for the treatment of gastric ulcers in Turkish folk medicine. Through bioassay-guided fractionation using chemical and chromatographical means and water immersion and restraint-induced stress ulcer model in rats, a saponin fraction was determined as the potent anti-ulcerogenic ingredient. The active fraction was also highly effective in preventing ethanol- and pyloric ligation-induced gastric lesions as well as inhibiting gastric secretion volume, gastric pH and titratable acidity, but did not affect the hexosamine content of the gastric mucosa. A novel oleanen-type triterpenic saponin, named as spartitrioside, was isolated as the active principle by using chromatographical separation techniques.