Effects of Curcuma comosa on the expression of atherosclerosis-related cytokine genes in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet

Aim of the study

Curcuma comosa has been known to have potential use in cardiovascular diseases, but its immunoregulatory role in atherosclerosis development and liver toxicity has not been well studied. We therefore investigated the effects of Curcuma comosa on the expression of atherosclerosis-related cytokine genes in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Materials and methods

Twelve male New Zealand White rabbits were treated with 1.0% cholesterol for one month and were subsequently treated with 0.5% cholesterol either alone, or in combination with 5 mg/kg/day of simvastatin or with 400 mg/kg/day of Curcuma comosa powder for three months. The expression of IL-1, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-β in the isolated abdominal aorta and liver were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Liver toxicity was determined by hepatic enzyme activity.

Results

Curcuma comosa significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger reduction in IL-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α expression compared to that was suppressed by simvastatin treatment. However, neither Curcuma comosa nor simvastatin affected the expression of anti-inflammation cytokines. In the liver, Curcuma comosa insignificantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and significantly increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 without altering the activity of hepatic enzymes. In contrast, simvastatin significantly increased the MCP-1 and TNF-α expressions and serum ALT level, without affecting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated that Curcuma comosa exerts anti-inflammatory activity in the aorta and liver without causing liver toxicity, indicating that Curcuma comosa is a potential candidate as an alternative agent in cardiovascular disease therapy.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Cuscuta chinensis against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Tu-Si-Zi, the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to nourish and improve the liver and kidney conditions in China and other Asian countries. As oxidative stress promotes the development of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C chinensis on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The C chinensis ethanolic extract at an oral dose of both 125 and 250mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect relatively to the same extent (P<0.05) by reducing levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, the same ethanolic extract prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP-intoxicated treatment as observed when assessing the liver histopathology. Regarding the antioxidant activity, C chinensis ethanolic extract exhibited a significant effect (P<0.05) by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, the same doses of the aqueous extract of C chinensis did not present any hepatoprotective effect as seen in the ethanolic extract, and resulted in further liver deterioration. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta chinensis can prevent hepatic injuries from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.     

基于ITS2条形码SNPs的人参和西洋参PCR-SSCP分子鉴别研究

目的:依据人参和西洋参ITS2条形码的专属性SNP鉴别位点,建立利用PCR-SSCP技术鉴别人参和西洋参的方法.方法:查找GenBank上已收录的人参和西洋参ITS2序列,进行比对分析,筛选人参和西洋参ITS2序列的专属性SNP鉴别位点,据此设计引物,采用聚合酶链反应-单链构象多态性(PCR-SSCP)方法对11个人参样品和10个西洋参样品进行分析,对PCR产物进行测序验证.结果:人参和西洋参样品的PCR-SSCP谱带与各自的对照药材谱带一致,人参和西洋参的PCR-SSCP谱带有显著差异;PCR-SSCP鉴别结果和经测序鉴别结果一致.结论:和测序法相比,PCR-SSCP方法快速、准确,可用于人参和西洋参药材的鉴定.     

北五味子总木脂素对脑缺血模型大鼠神经细胞凋亡及p-AKT表达的影响

目的:观察北五味子总木脂素(Schisandra chinensis lignans,SCL)对局灶性脑缺血损伤大鼠神经细胞凋亡和PI3K/AKT信号传导途径的影响,并探讨其作用机制。方法:用北五味子总木脂素高、中、低剂量组(100,50,25 mg·kg-1)给大鼠分别灌胃给药,连续14 d后,线栓法建立脑缺血损伤模型,进行神经功能评分,TTC染色观察大鼠的脑梗死面积,HE染色观察脑组织的病理形态学改变,免疫组化检测脑组织中Bcl-2和Bax的表达,Western blotting检测脑组织内p-AKT和AKT蛋白的表达情况。结果:与模型组比较,北五味子总木脂素高、中、低剂量组均能不同程度缩小脑梗死面积;改善脑组织的病理形态学改变;促进抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2的表达,抑制促凋亡蛋白Bax表达,同时促进p-AKT的表达。结论:北五味子总木脂素对大鼠脑缺血性损伤具有一定的保护作用,机制可能与其促进p-AKT活性增加,提高脑组织抗缺血损伤的能力和抑制神经细胞的凋亡有关。     

Gender-dependent pharmacokinetics of lignans in rats after single and multiple oral administration of Schisandra chinensis extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used as sedatives and tonics in clinic. Schisandra lignans are believed to be the major bioactive components in S. chinensis. However, there is a lack of information about the effects of gender and repeated-dose on the pharmacokinetic properties of the schisandra lignans.

Aim of the study

The study was performed to investigate the influence of gender on the pharmacokinetics of schisandra lignans after administration of S. chinensis extract and to compare their pharmacokinetic behaviors between single and multiple administration.

Materials and methods

Two groups of rats (half male and half female) were received a single dose or multiple doses of S. chinensis extract, respectively. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to determine the plasma concentrations of schisandra lignans.

Results

The pharmacokinetic parameters of schisandrin, schisandrol B, deoxyschisandrin, γ-schisandrin and schisantherin A were significantly different by gender difference. The t_1/2 of all the tested schisandra lignans in female rats were 2–9 times longer than the corresponding values in male rats. The C_max and AUC_0−t of these schisandra lignans except schisantherin A in female rats were 5–50 times higher than those in male rats. The pharmacokinetic profiles of schisandrin, schisandrol B, deoxyschisandrin and schisantherin A in both gender rats after multiple doses were similar to the corresponding profile after single dose.

Conclusion

All the tested schisandra lignans showed slower elimination and higher bioavailability in female rats after single or multiple administration of S. chinensis extract compared with male rats. Their pharmacokinetic profiles were not affected by repeated-dose except γ-schisandrin, which was eliminated more slowly in female rats after multiple administration.     

Effects of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus on tissue lipid peroxidation, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and blood glucose levels in experimental diabetes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days.

Materials and methods

J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively.

Results

Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.     

The hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Saururus chinensis against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill (Saururaceae) has been used in Chinese folk medicine for treatment of various diseases, such as edema, jaundice, gonorrhea, antipyretic, diuretic, and antiinflammatory agents.

Aim of the study

Our aim was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Saururus chinensis extract (SC-E) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver fibrosis rats.

Materials and methods

The SC-E (70 mg/kg) was administrated via gavage once a day starting from the onset of CCl₄ treatment (14 weeks) for subsequent 8 weeks. Evaluated with liver index, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), total lipoprotein (TP), albumin (ALB), hydroxyproline (HYP), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), laminin (LN), type III collagen terminal peptide (PC-IIINP), and type IV collagen (IV-C), as well as with histopathologic changes of liver.

Results

SC-E effectively reduced the elevated levels of liver index, serum ALT, AST, HA, and hepatic MDA contents, enhance the reduced hepatic SOD activity in CCl₄-treated rats. The histopathological analysis suggested that SC-E obviously alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄.

Conclusions

Those results suggest SC-E has protective and therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄.     

逍遥散对雷公藤致大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的:观察中医经典方剂逍遥散对雷公藤水煎剂致大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用,并初步探讨相关机制.方法:60只大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组、甘利欣(0.056 g?kg-1)对照组、逍遥散低、中、高剂量组(3.38,6.75,13.50 g?kg-1).分别以相应剂量药物连续ig5 d,再以雷公藤水煎剂按生药量计3.2 mg?kg-1 ig 4 d造模.测定血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,并做肝脏病理学检查.结果:与空白组比较,模型组血清ALT,AST及MDA水平明显升高(P＜0.05),SOD,GSH-Px水平明显降低(P＜0.05);肝脏病理呈脂肪性病变,肝细胞浑浊.与模型组比较,逍遥散各组均可有效降低血清ALT,AST及MDA水平(P＜0.05),提高GSH-Px水平(P＜0.05),中、高剂量还可提高SOD水平(P＜0.05);逍遥散各组肝脏病理损伤与模型组比较均有所减轻.结论:雷公藤所致急性肝损伤与其引起脂质过氧化反应有关;逍遥散对雷公藤所致急性肝损伤具有保护作用,其作用机制与抑制脂质过氧化反应有关.     

Analgesic and anti-arthritic effects of Lingzhi and San Miao San supplementation in a rat model of arthritis induced by Freund's complete adjuvant

Aim of study

In this study, we have investigated the analgesic and anti-arthritic effects of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination of Lingzhi and San Miao San (SMS) in a rat model of arthritis induced by Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA).

Materials and methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were induced with monoarthritis by single unilateral injection of FCA into the knee joint. The TCM combination was administered to the rats daily by intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/(kg day)) or via oral administration (500 mg/(kg day)) for 7 days before induction of arthritis and 7 days after. Extension angle that provoked struggling behavior, and size and blood flow of the rat knees were measured to give indexes of allodynia, edema, and hyperemia, respectively. The extent of cell infiltration, tissue proliferation, and erosions of joint cartilage provided additional indexes of the arthritis condition.

Results

FCA injection produced significant allodynia, edema, hyperemia, immune cell infiltration, synovial tissue proliferation, and erosions of joint cartilage in the ipsilateral knees compared with the contralateral saline-injected knees. Intraperitoneal injection of the TCM combination (50 mg/(kg day)) suppressed allodynia, edema, and hyperemia in the inflamed knees, and oral administration (500 mg/(kg day)) suppressed edema and hyperemia. Histological examination showed that the TCM administered by either route reduced immune cell infiltration and erosion of joint cartilage.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the Lingzhi and SMS formulation has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in arthritic rat knees, and concur to previous clinical studies that showed the TCM combination reduced pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and extends its possible benefit to suppression of inflammatory symptoms in these patients.     

Effects of three Chinese herbal medicines on plasma and liver lipids in mice fed a high-fat diet

Chinese herbal medicines, Inchinko-to, Bofu-tsusho-san and Dai-saiko-to, containing 3, 18 and 8 components, respectively, have since long been used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, choleretic and diuretic agent for liver disorders and jaundice, as an anti-obesity agent, a hypocholesterolemic agent for liver disorders and a therapeutic and/or preventive agent for cholesterol gallstone disease with hypertriglycerid-emia in China and Japan, respectively. In the present study, we investigated the effects of these three herbal medicines in young male mice fed a high-fat diet. Plasma levels of lipids and the numbers of the fatty droplets in the liver cytoplasm were markedly lowered by the diets supplemented with three herbal medicines. The liver weights and the body growth were reduced by the diet supplemented with Dai-saiko-to, which slightly affected the concentrations of total protein, albumin, creatinine or calcium, and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase. Thus, Dai-saiko-to, besides Bofu-tsusho-san, seems effective in the activities of anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-hyperlipids in liver cytoplasm, when used carefully.     

Effect of aqueous extract of Ajuga iva supplementation on plasma lipid profile and tissue antioxidant status in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet

The present study was designed to explore the possible antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of Ajuga iva (0.5% in the diet) in rats fed a high-cholesterol (1%) diet (HCD). The results indicated that the HCD-Ai versus HCD treatment led to many changes in biochemical parameters. They showed a decrease of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and VLDL-cholesterol but an increase of HDL(2)-cholesterol. The triacylglycerol contents were reduced in plasma and in VLDL. The lipid peroxidation determined by TBARS was decreased by 75% in plasma. TBARS in liver, heart and kidneys were highly reduced excepted in the adipose tissue. Ajuga iva treatment enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in liver and kidney. Glutathione reductase activity was lowered in adipose tissue but increased in liver and in kidney. A significant increase was noted in glutathione peroxidase activity in liver, heart and kidney but a low value in adipose tissue was observed. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that in addition to its potent TG and TC-lowering effects, Ajuga iva is effective in improving the antioxidant status by reducing lipid peroxidation in plasma and tissues and enhancing the antioxidant enzymes in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Furthermore, Ajuga iva may reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption.     

Panax ginseng ginsenoside-Rg2 protects memory impairment via anti-apoptosis in a rat model with vascular dementia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginsenosides, the major active ingredients of Panax ginseng, produce a variety of pharmacological or physiological responses with effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this report, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced impairment of neurological responses, memory and caudate-putamen neuronal apoptosis in a vascular dementia (VD) rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neurological evaluation was performed 24h after reperfusion and Y-maze memory performance was assessed at 48 h after reperfusion. Immunocytochemical techniques were employed to check the protein expression of BCL-2, BAX, heat shock protein 70 and P53, which are related with cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Neurological responses and memory ability of the ginsenoside Rg2 or nimodipine groups improved significantly compared with the VD group. The expression of BCL-2 and HSP70 were decreased, while BAX and P53 were increased in the VD model. The expression of BCL-2 and HSP70 proteins were increased, while BAX and P53 decreased after ginsenoside Rg2 (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg) and nimodipine (50 microg/kg) treatment compared with the VD group. The study suggests that ginsenoside Rg2 improved neurological performance and memory ability of VD rats through mechanisms related to anti-apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The capacity for ginsenoside Rg2 to modulate the expression of apoptotic related proteins suggests that ginsenoside Rg2 may represent a potential treatment strategy for vascular dementia or other ischemic insults.     

HPLC同时测定人参须根中人参炔醇和人参环氧炔醇的含量

目的:建立同时测定人参须根中人参炔醇和人参环氧炔醇含量的方法。方法:采用Elite C18色谱柱(4.6 mm×150 mm,5μm);流动相为乙腈-水,梯度洗脱,流速1.0 mL.min-1,检测波长230 nm,柱温室温。结果:人参炔醇和人参环氧炔醇分别在0.70～3.50μg(r=0.999 5)和0.64～3.20μg(r=0.999 9)呈良好线性关系,平均回收率分别为99.1%(RSD1.7%),99.3%(RSD 1.2%)。结论:该方法快速简便,重复性好,为人参须根的综合开发提供质控依据。     

人参内生细菌的分离及拮抗菌株的筛选

本研究用平板培养法从人参Panax ginseng根中分离内生细菌,共分离到40种内生细菌,Bacillus spp.和Pseud-omonas spp.为优势内生菌。通过对峙培养,筛选出对人参菌核菌、人参锈腐菌和人参黑斑菌均有明显抑制作用的内生细菌ge15 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia和ge25 Bacillus sp.,其中ge15对人参菌核菌、人参锈腐菌和人参黑斑菌的抑菌带宽度分别达5.5,22.0,14.8 mm;ge25对3种致病菌的抑菌带宽度分别达12.7,16.5,9.0 mm。研究结果表明,内生细菌具有防控人参致病菌的生防潜力,可作为生防因子用于人参土传病害的防治。     

氯吡脲对五味子果实形态和木脂素的影响

研究了植物生长调节剂氯吡脲(CPPU)的1×10-6,0.67×10-6,0.5×10-6清水稀释液对五味子Schisandra chinensis的果实形态和有效成分木脂素的影响。结果表明,CPPU叶面微肥促进了五味子果穗横径生长,抑制了果穗纵径生长。同时,3种不同浓度CPPU清水稀释液对五味子千粒重,产量均有不同程度的提高,其中0.5×10-6CPPU千粒重,产量最大,1×10-6次之,0.67×10-6提高的最少。通过测定不同采收期CPPU处理的五味子6种木脂素含量表明,木脂素含量的主要积累期在幼果期到半成熟果期,0.67×10-6的氯吡脲清水稀释液有利于五味子醇乙、五味子丙素、五味子乙素的积累。在五味子临床需求较大的今天,对CPPU胁迫对五味子的研究应予以高度重视。     

枯草芽孢杆菌ge25菌株发酵及其抑菌活性成分的初步研究

人参是我国传统名贵中药材,病害问题严重影响人参的产量和品质。在前期分离到对多种人参致病菌有理想抑菌活性的内生枯草芽孢杆菌ge25菌株基础上,研究采用盐析和酸沉淀法从LB和Landy发酵液中制备蛋白粗提物和脂肽粗提物,用人参黑斑病菌检测粗提物的抑菌活性及其对高温和蛋白酶消解的稳定性;研究发现,LB发酵物中的抑菌成分主要是蛋白类物质,不耐高温和蛋白酶K;Landy发酵物中的抑菌成分主要是脂肽类物质,其对高温和蛋白酶K稳定。原位酸水解-茚三酮显色和TLC-生物自显影分析发现,脂肽粗提物中至少含有1种抗菌环肽。鉴于源自ge25菌株的脂肽类物质的高稳定性及理想的抑菌活性,对其开展深入研究将有助于推动人参病害的生物防治。     

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) effects on fibrinogen and lipid plasma level in rats fed on a high-fat diet

Several studies have shown that notoginsenoides improve diastolic function in hypertensive subjects, induce the fibrinolytic system in in vitro models and act as antiproliferative agents on vessel leiomyocytes. Our aim was to evaluate their effect on fibrinogen and lipid plasma levels compared with a well-known HMGCoA reductase inhibitor. Seventy Wistar male adult rats on a fat-enriched diet were treated orally with P. notoginseng pulverized root (43 mg/kg/day or 86 mg/kg/day; 20 animals per group), fluvastatin (3 mg/kg/day; 20 animals) or physiological saline (5 mL/kg/day; 10 animals). The ten rats on a normocaloric diet were also treated with 5 mL/kg/day of physiological saline. After a 28-day treatment, the rats were killed and their blood analysed with standard procedures. Treatment with 43 mg/kg/day of P. notoginseng or 3 mg/kg/day of fluvastatin showed similar activity in decreasing total cholesterol (-23.70%, -19.29%, respectively) and triglycerides (-21.59%, -18.55%). The most evident effect of P. notoginseng was the reduction of fibrinogenaemia in treated rats compared with the control values (-38.10%; p < 0.001), no dose-relationship being shown in this effect. Moreover, no significant variation in HDL cholesterol and glucose levels was observed nor did relevant behavioural changes occur in association with the root intake. Besides a moderate, non dose-related decrease in the plasma lipid levels, P. notoginseng appeared to induce a significant reduction in the rat fibrinogenaemia.     

Effects of red ginseng extract on UVB irradiation-induced skin aging in hairless mice

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Korean herb medicine, has been widely used in China and Japan for fatigue and enhancement of resistance to many diseases.     

Effects of unprocessed versus vinegar-processed Schisandra chinensis on the activity and mRNA expression of CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 enzymes in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Schisandra chinensis (SC) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used in clinical practices for thousands of years. However, the differences between the effects of unprocessed and vinegar-processed Schisandra chinensis (VSC) on cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activities are poorly understood.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the differences between processed and unprocessed SC on the metabolism of CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 substrates in rats using a cocktail method based on a developed and validated HPLC method. We also investigate the influence of processing on the levels of CYP mRNA.

Materials and methods

Three probe substrates (theophylline, dapsone and chlorzoxazone) were delivered simultaneously into rats treated with single or multiple doses of processed or unprocessed SC extract. The plasma concentrations of the three probes were profiled by HPLC, and their corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to determine the effects of processed and unprocessed SC on the mRNA expression of CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 in the liver.

Results

Treatment with single or multiple doses of either extract of SC induced CYP3A4 enzyme activity and inhibited CYP1A2 enzyme activity in rats. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of SC was more potent after vinegar processing than without vinegar processing. CYP2E1 enzyme activity was induced after treatment with a single dose but was inhibited after multiple doses. The mRNA expression results were in accordance with the pharmacokinetic results.

Conclusions

These results provide useful scientific data for the safe clinical application of either extract of SC in combination with other drugs, which should lack the side effects induced by other herb–drug interactions.