Biochemical and hematological effects of acute and sub-acute administration to ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia Reissek in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scutia buxifolia is a native tree of Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, which is popularly known as “coronilha” and it is used as a cardiotonic, antihypertensive and diuretic substance. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia in male and female mice.

Materials and methods

The toxicity studies were based on the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-guidelines 423 and 407). In an acute study, a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of Scutia buxifolia was administered orally to male and female mice. Mortality, behavioral changes, and biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated. In the sub-acute study, Scutia buxifolia was administered orally to male and female mice at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Behavioral changes and biochemical, hematological, and histological analysis were evaluated.

Results

The acute administration of Scutia buxifolia did not cause changes in behavior or mortality. Male and female mice presented decreased levels of platelets. Female mice presented decreased levels of leukocytes. On the other hand, in a sub-acute toxicity study, we observed no behavioral changes in male or female mice. Our results demonstrated a reduction in glucose levels in male mice treated to 200 and 400 mg/kg of Scutia buxifolia. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) activity was increased by Scutia buxifolia at 400 mg/kg in male mice. In relation to the hematological parameters, male mice presented a reduction in hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) when treated to 400 mg/kg of plant fraction. Female mice showed no change in these parameters. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed slight abnormalities that were consistent with the biochemical variations observed.

Conclusion

Scutia buxifolia, after acute administration, may be classified as safe (category 5), according to the OECD guide. However, the alterations observed, after sub-acute administration with high doses of ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia, suggest that repeated administration of this fraction plant can cause adverse hepatic, renal, and hematological effects.     

Confocal mirco-Raman spectroscopic analysis of the antioxidant protection mechanism of the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officinalis on human sperm DNA

Ethnopharmacological relevence

Male infertility is a stressful and frustrating problem for the society, but a number of male infertility treatments are available as traditional Chinese medicine strategies which have been tried with variable success, while evidence is still limited on whether-or how much-herbs or supplements might help increase fertility, so the aim of this study was to investigate if the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officialis, a Chinese herb, is the active constituents to the fertility.

Materials and methods

In this study, we prepared the H₂O₂-demaged human sperm, cocultured with the oligosaccharides in vitro, then observed the changes of the DNA using confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and comparative analysis the differences of the spectra of different treated groups.

Results

The results showed that the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officialis can keep the “Raman fingerprints” of the human sperm DNA almost the same as those of the control groups, but very different from the H₂O₂-induced groups, especially the intensity of bands at 787, 993, 1094, 1254, 1340, 1376, 1421, 1443, 1487, 1577 and 1662 cm⁻¹ which could be as potential targets for the drugs finding, and further principal component analysis was successfully used to classify the Raman spectra of normal control and model groups.

Conclusion

This results suggested that the oligosaccharides can protect the DNA of human sperm from being damaged by H₂O₂, and which was one of the active constituents of Morinda officialis on treating infertility. It was also demonstrated that Morinda officialis as a tonifying and replenishing natural herb medicine can be used to enhance reproductive functions, and the Raman spectroscopy could be an applicable technology for screening active components in vitro from herbs.     

Mirabijalone E: A novel rotenoid from Mirabilis himalaica inhibited A549 cell growth in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The roots of Mirabilis himalaica have been used in Tibetan folk medicine for treatment of uterine cancer, nephritis edematous, renal calculus and arthrodynia. In our previous work, the ethanol extract of roots had shown potent cytotoxicity against human cancer cells. However, no information is available on the antitumor effect of Mirabilis himalaica. The aim of the present study was to investigate the active constituents guided by bioassay and evaluate the related antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The active subextract (ethyl acetate) was subjected to successive chemical separation using a combination of silica gel, LH-20 chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Three human cancer cell lines, A549, HepG2 and HeLa were used for in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of all isolated compounds by MTT-assay. Then, the potent and novel compound mirabijalone E was employed to the mechanism study againstA549 cells. BrdU immunofluorescence, soft agar assay and cell cycle analysis were employed to detect the cell proliferation effects. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay was used for examining apoptotic effects. Expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were determined by western blot assay. in vivo tumorigenic assay was used to evaluate the xenograft tumor growth treated with mirabijalone E.

Results

One new rotenoid compound, mirabijalone E, together with eight known rotenoids was isolated from Mirabilis himalaica. Mirabijalone E, 9-O-methyl-inone B, boeravinone C and boeravinone H exhibited cytotoxicity against A 549 and HeLa cells. Further study on mirabijalone E was carried out in vitro and in vivo. Mirabijalone E inhibited A549 cells growth in a time and dose-dependent manner, which arrested cell cycle in S phase. Mechanistically, mirabijalone E treatment resulted in the increase of Bax expression level, the decrease of Bcl-2 level and the activation of caspase-3, which suggested the activation of apoptosis cascades. Consequently, the xenograft treated with mirabijalone E showed markedly suppressed tumor growth.

Conclusions

The result suggested that mirabijalone E, together with active compounds, 9-O-methyl-4-hydroxyboeravinone B, boeravinone C and boeravinone H could be a promising candidate for cancer therapy.     

Antigenotoxic and antioxidant effects of the Mongolian medicinal plant Leptopyrum fumarioides (L): An in vitro study

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Leptopyrum fumarioides has been used in the traditional medicine of Mongolia for the treatment of various diseases, including drug intoxications. However, since there is only sparse information about its chemistry, active components, and pharmacological and toxicological effects, the major aim of the present study employing mouse lymphoma cells was to evaluate the genotoxic and antigenotoxic/antioxidative effects of extracts and components isolated from this plant.

Material and methods

A crude methanol extract was separated into three different sub-extracts: dichloromethane, n-butanol, and water. The major constituent of the n-butanol extract, i.e., the flavone luteolin-7-O-glucoside and a mixture of the most abundant compounds in the dichloromethane sub-extract were then isolated. DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay; the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay.

Results

The crude methanol extract, the dichloromethane sub-extract and the mixture of compounds isolated from the latter fraction, increased the level of DNA damage after three hours of exposure. In contrast, no increase in DNA damage was observed in the cells that had been exposed to the n-butanol and water sub-extracts, or to the pure flavone. When non-DNA damaging concentrations of extracts and compounds were tested together with the DNA damaging agent catechol, all sub-extracts were found to reduce the catechol-induced DNA damage (the flavone was then found to be the most effective protective agent). The n-butanol sub-extract and the flavone were also found to have the most prominent antioxidative effects.

Conclusion

Based on the results from the present study, components in Leptopyrum fumarioides were found to protect the DNA damage induced by catechol, probably by acting as potent antioxidants.     

Topical analgesic,anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Oxybaphus nyctagineus: Phytochemical characterization of active fractions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Oxybaphus nyctagineus (Michx.) Sweet has traditionally been used by several Native American tribes predominantly as a topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Oxybaphus nyctagineus and to characterize the major chemical constituents of the bioactive extracts.

Materials and methods

Crude polar and apolar extracts (PCE and ACE) of the herb of Oxybaphus nyctagineus were prepared and tested in the models of the CFA-induced hyperalgesia in rat knee and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat. To identify the active compounds, subfractions were prepared by column chromatography and subjected in vitro assays, such as antioxidant assays (DPPH, peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) scavenging), and the LPS-induced IL-1β release test in human monocytes. Preparative HPLC was employed for the isolation of active substances, while phytochemical analysis was performed by mean of LC–MS/MS and NMR.

Results

The topically administered PCE and ACE of Oxybaphus nyctagineus demonstrated a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in the inflammation animal models. The subfraction A4 of ACE and the subfraction P5 of PCE considerably inhibited the LPS-induced IL-1β release in human monocytes, while the strongest activity was localized in the subfraction P5 in the antioxidant assays. The HPLC–MS/MS and NMR analysis revealed that 6-methoxyflavonol diglycosides, namely patuletin-3-O-robinobioside (1), 6-methoxykaempferol-3-O-robinobioside (2), spinacetin-3-O-robinobioside (3), and hydroxy-polyenoic fatty acids, namely corchorifatty acid B (4), 9-hydroxy-10E,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid (9-HOT acid) (5), and 9-hydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (9-HOD acid) (6) were present in PCE, and in ACE as major compounds.

Conclusion

The results of this study established a pharmacological evidence for the traditional use of Oxybaphus nyctagineus as an anti-inflammatory agent used topically, and provided data on its phytochemical composition for the first time.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of extract and two isolated flavonoids of Carthamus tinctorius L

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has been long used both in the traditional system and folk medicine as an analgesic anti-inflammatory agent in China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and two isolated kaempferol glycosides of Carthamus tinctorius L. to provide experimental evidence for its traditional use.

Materials and methods

Antinociceptive effects of HE, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (K-3-R) and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (K-3-G) were assessed in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test and cinnamaldehyde test. The anti-inflammatory effects of HE, K-3-R and K-3-G were determined in two animal models: carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema.

Results

The HPLC analysis showed the presence of K-3-R and K-3-G in Carthamus tinctorius L. HE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) as well as K-3-R and K-3-G (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) produced significant inhibition on nociception induced by acetic acid and formalin. Oral treatment of HE, K-3-R and K-3-G at all doses significantly reduced both the nociceptive response and cinnamaldehyde-induced paw edema, effect that was superior to aspirin. In anti-inflammatory tests, HE and K-3-G significantly inhibited the paw edema during the both phases of carrageenan-induced inflammation while K-3-G suppressed the late phase inflammation only. HE (400 and 800 mg/kg) and K-3-G (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema development. K-3-R only suppressed ear edema formation at a high dose (800 mg/kg).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that Carthamus tinctorius L. extract possess remarkable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities which may be due to K-3-R and K-3-G at least in part, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory and pain diseases.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic extract of Dilodendron bipinnatum Radlk

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Dilodendron bipinnatum Radlk. (Sapindaceae), popularly known as “mulher-pobre”, is a native tree of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The stem bark of Dilodendron bipinnatum is used by the population, in the forms of decoction and maceration in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. There is no information in the literature demonstrating the anti-inflammatory activity of Dilodendron bipinnatum and its respective mechanism of action. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of the hydroethanolic extract of the stem bark of Dilodendron bipinnatum (HEDb) using in vivo and in vitro experimental models.

Materials and methods

The stem bark of Dilodendron bipinnatum was macerated in 70% hydroethanolic solution (1:3, w/v) for 7 days, filtered, concentrated on a rotary evaporator and the residual solvent removed in oven at 40 °C, thus obtaining HEDb. Cytotoxicity of HEDb in RAW 264.7 was assessed by the Alamar blue assay. in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of HEDb was evaluated with carrageenan and dextran-induced paw edemas and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. Effects of HEDb on the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10) concentrations in the peritoneal fluid were evaluated using commercial ELISA kits. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and/or INF-γ, while a Griess method was employed to determine nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the peritoneal lavage and in the supernatants of RAW 264.7 cells. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out using classical methods and secondary metabolites detected on HEDb were analyzed and confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

HEDb showed very low cytotoxicity with IC₅₀>200±0.38 μg/mL. HEDb effectively inhibited paw edema by carrageenan in the 2nd hour at 20 mg/kg (36%, p<0.001), and by dextran in the 1st hour at 100 mg/kg (46%, p<0.01), after induction with the phlogistic agents. Furthermore, HEDb reduced total leukocytes and neutrophils migration at all doses tested producing maximum effect at 20 mg/kg (45% and 64%, p<0.001 respectively). HEDb also attenuated increases in the concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and increased the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the peritonitis model. However, it had no effect on NO production in activated RAW 264.7 cells. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, chalcones, flavones, flavonones, flavonoids, saponins and coumarins. HPLC analyses identified some tannins, with epigallocatechin gallate being the major compound.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence for the popular use of the stem bark of Dilodendrum bipinnatum in inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory action was due, at least in part, to the inhibition of cell migration, of the inflammatory mediators and Th1 cytokines and an increase in Th2 cytokines, without affecting NO pathway. It can be suggested that tannins account at least in part for the anti-inflammatory activity of HEDb.     

Antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Xiaochaihutang (XCHT) has been used in China for thousands of years to treat “Shaoyang syndrome”, which involves depressive-like symptoms. However, few studies have investigated its antidepressant effects and pharmacological mechanism of action. The present study was designed to confirm the antidepressant effect of XCHT using a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model and explore its potential mechanism of action by investigating the monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine) and neurotrophins (BDNF and NGF).

Materials and methods

The CUMS model was established in rats, and the antidepressant effect of XCHT (0.6, 1.7 and 5 mg/kg/day, given by gastric gavage for 4 weeks) was investigated using the open field test (OFT), food consumption test and sucrose preference test. The concentrations of 5-HT and DA in the hippocampus were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and their receptors tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) and tyrosine receptor kinase A (TrkA) in the hippocampus were measured by immunohistochemical staining analysis.

Results

CUMS caused a significant decrease in OFT, food consumption and sucrose preference in rats, and these depression-like behaviors were significantly improved by XCHT (1.7 and 5 g/kg/day). Moreover, XCHT significantly increased the concentrations of 5-HT (0.6 and 5 g/kg/day) and DA (5 g/kg/day), and improved the BDNF, NGF, TrkB and TrkA expressions in the hippocampus (1.7 and 5 g/kg/day), which was reduced in CUMS rats.

Conclusion

The results obtained suggested that XCHT may have therapeutic actions on depression-like behavior induced by CUMS in rats possibly mediated by increasing the monoamine neurotransmitter concentration and neurotrophin expression in the hippocampus.     

雷公藤多苷对糖尿病肾病模型肾小球损伤的影响

目的:观察雷公藤多苷(multi-glycoside of Tripterygium wilfordii,GTW)对糖尿病肾病模型肾小球损伤的改善效果.方法:运用链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)建立糖尿病肾病模型,以GTW干预,并设立正常、安慰剂以及贝那普利对照组.比较体重、尿微量白蛋白(urine albumin,UAlb)、血糖(blood glucose,BG)、血清肌酐(serum creatinine,Scr)、血清尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)以及肾小球形态(细胞总数、细胞外基质)的变化,并检测肾小球中α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA),Ⅰ型胶原的表达水平.结果:GTW和贝那普利都可以减少模型鼠UAlb;对于模型鼠肾小球硬化性损伤,如系膜细胞增生,α-SMA和Ⅰ型胶原异常表达等,GTW的作用强于贝那普利,肾小球总细胞数GTW组(54.44±2.41),贝那普利组(67.83±4.41),P＜0.05;α-平滑肌肌动蛋白积分GTW组(1.98±0.52),贝那普利组(2.27±0.46),P＜0.05;Ⅰ型胶原积分GTW组(2.11±0.37),贝那普利组(2.88±0.58),P＜0.05.结论:GTW改善DN肾小球损伤的效果包括减少蛋白尿和改善肾小球硬化.     

Therapeutic effects of extracts from Radix Toddaliae Asiaticae on collagen-induced arthritis in Balb/c mice

Aim of the study

Radix Toddaliae Asiaticae (RTA), also named “Sanbaibang”, is the dry root bark of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. and has long been used as a traditional ethnic Chinese medicine for its considerable activity to alleviate pain and inflammation for patients suffering from rheumatism. It contains coumarin, alkaloids, triterpenes and volatile oils. Information regarding the anti-arthritis activity of RTA in vivo or in vitro is limited yet. In the present study, the aim is to investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl alcohol extract (EtOH) and ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc) from RTA on collagen II-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice.

Materials and methods

CIA animal model was performed by subcutaneous injection of type II bovine collagen (CII) on the 1st day and the 14th day of the experiment. Ethyl alcohol extract (542.8, 271.4, 135.7 mg/kg), ethyl acetate fraction (260.8, 130.4, 65.2 mg/kg) was orally administrated from the second antigen immunization for 3 weeks. Progression of edema of paws and knee joints was measured using a vernier caliper every 3 days from the 10th day after the first injection to the end of the experiment. The spleen index was measured and the knee joint changes were observed by pathological sections. ELISA was used to measure cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in mice serum according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Results

Administration of ethyl alcohol extract and ethyl acetate fraction remarkably reduced paws and joints swelling and decreased the spleen indexes. Histopathological examination demonstrated that RTA effectively protected bone and cartilage of knee joint from erosion, lesion and deformation versus those from the control group. Besides, the concentration of cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 were significantly lower than the ones from the control group respectively, while cytokine like IL-10 was remarkably higher compare with the control group.

Conclusion

In this present study, it is demonstrated that administration of RTA has potential and therapeutic effect on CIA. The data suggests that RTA could have a contributory ethno-pharmacological role in improved management of RA patients.     

Involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway in the hypoglycemic effects of saponins from Helicteres isora

Aim of the study

Saponins from Helicteres isora have previously been shown to exert antidiabetic effects. The present study explored the underlying mechanisms in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells.

Materials and methods

C2C12 cells were incubated with saponins and sapogenin followed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Western blotting revealed that incubation with saponins (100 μg/ml) and sapogenin (100 μg/ml) induced the phosphorylation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) as well as of the downstream targets protein kinase B/Akt (at Ser473) and glycogen synthase kinase GSK-3α/β (at Ser21/9) in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, no phosphorylation of the AMP-sensitive kinase AMPK (at Thr172) was observed. Within 48 h saponins/sapogenin treatment further increased the protein abundance of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter Glut4. Confocal microscopy confirmed that saponins/sapogenin treatment stimulated Akt phosphorylation and revealed that the treatment was followed by translocation of Glut4 into the cell membrane of C2C12 muscle cells.

Conclusions

Saponins and sapogenin activate the PI3K/Akt pathway thus leading to phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3α/β with subsequent stimulation of glycogen synthesis as well as increase of Glut4-dependent glucose transport across the cell membrane.     

翠绿针毛蕨中特殊B环结构的黄酮及其抑制 肿瘤细胞增殖作用的研究

目的:研究翠绿针毛蕨Macrothelypteris viridifyons的化学成分及其抑制肿瘤细胞增殖作用.方法:利用硅胶、C18反相硅胶、Sephadex LH-20凝胶等色谱技术对其提取物进行分离纯化,根据化合物的理化性质和波谱数据进行结构鉴定,以MTT法测试各化合物对MOLT-4,Hep G2,A-549,MCF-7,HT-29,PC-3肿瘤细胞增殖的抑制作用.结果:分离得到5个具有特殊B环结构的黄酮类化合物,分别鉴定为:原芹菜素(1),4-羟基-原芹菜素(2),4'-羟基-原芹菜素4'-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(3),5,7-二羟基-2-(1,2-异丙二氧基-4-酮-环己-5-烯)-色原酮(4),5,7-二羟基-2-(1-羟基-2,6-二甲氧基-环己-4-酮)-色原酮(5).结论:所有化合物均首次从翠绿针毛蕨中分离得到,化合物1,4和5对6种人肿瘤细胞增殖有明显的抑制作用,且呈现出良好的剂量依赖性.     

牛蒡根中咖啡酸类化学成分及其神经保护活性研究

目的研究牛蒡Arctium lappa根中咖啡酸类化学成分及其神经保护活性。方法采用硅胶、C18反相硅胶、Sephadex LH-20、AB-8大孔树脂柱色谱以及制备HPLC等方法对咖啡酸类化合物及类似物进行分离纯化,通过波谱学方法鉴定其结构,并采用MTT法对分离得到的化合物进行抗谷氨酸诱导神经母细胞瘤SH-SY5Y细胞株神经损伤的活性评价。结果从牛蒡根55%乙醇提取物中分离得到8个咖啡酸类化合物,分别鉴定为1,5-O-二咖啡酰-3-O-(4-苹果酸甲酯)-奎宁酸(1)、3,5-二咖啡酰奎宁酸甲酯(2)、3,4-二咖啡酰奎宁酸甲酯(3)、4,5-二咖啡酰奎宁酸甲酯(4)、(2E)-1,4-dimethyl-2-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2-butenedioicacid(5)、绿原酸甲酯(6)、咖啡酸甲酯(7)、3,4,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-δ-truxinate(8),经活性测试发现此类化合物均具有较好的神经保护活性。结论牛蒡根的抗谷氨酸诱导神经损伤的活性与其含有的咖啡酸类化合物有关;化合物1为新化合物,化合物5为新天然产物,化合物2~4、6、7为首次从该植物中分离得到,化合物8为首次从该属植物中分离得到。     

地榆总皂苷对巨核祖细胞增殖分化及相关受体表达的影响

目的:观察地榆总皂苷(DYS)对Baf3细胞和32D细胞的促增殖和分化作用,以及对IL-3受体和干细胞因子受体c-kit表达水平的影响。方法:培养依赖IL-3生长的Baf3细胞和32D细胞,在加或不加IL-3条件下,用质量浓度为5,10,20,30,40 mg·L-1的DYS分别处理细胞24,48,72,96 h后,采用CCK8方法检测细胞增殖;并用Giemsa染色检测细胞分化;另以RT-PCR方法检测DYS对Baf3细胞IL-3受体及对32D细胞c-kit表达水平的影响。结果:DYS单独处理细胞48 h,明显促进Baf3细胞和32D细胞增殖;与对照细胞比较,DYS处理32D细胞呈现成簇生长并形成许多大的细胞团;在加入IL-3的条件下,DYS也能明显增强IL-3的促细胞增殖作用。此外,DYS高浓度单独处理32D细胞可明显诱导多倍体巨核细胞数增加,促进巨核细胞分化。在mRNA水平,DYS单独处理细胞也能明显上调IL-3受体和c-kit的表达。结论:地榆总皂苷单独作用能促使2种巨核祖细胞的增殖和分化,其作用与上调IL-3受体和c-kit表达水平有关。     

接骨木中的木脂素类化学成分及其对UMR106 细胞增殖作用的影响

研究接骨木Sambucus williamsii茎枝中的木脂素类化学成分,并讨论它们对大鼠骨肉瘤细胞UMR106增殖的影响。该研究采用D101大孔吸附树脂,硅胶,ODS,Sephadex LH-20,Toyopearl HW-40和RP-HPLC等色谱分离手段对接骨木茎枝60%乙醇提取物进行分离纯化,并运用波谱方法对所分离的化合物进行结构鉴定。从中分离鉴定了6个木脂素类化合物和1个酚酸类化合物,经波谱解析鉴定为threo-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4’-conifery ether（1）,lirioresinol A（2）,1-hydroxypinoresinol（3）,5-甲氧基蛇菰宁（4）,蛇菰宁（5）,5-methoxy-trans-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol（6）和对羟基苯甲醛（7）,化合物 3~7首次从该属植物中分离得到。对所有分离得到的化合物进行了类成骨UMR106细胞增殖活性的测定,化合物 1~7 均能一定程度上促进UMR106细胞的增殖。     

Phenological and geographical influence in the concentration of selected bioactive 4-phenylcoumarins and chlorogenic acid in Hintonia latiflora leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Hintonia latiflora is a Mexican medicinal plant with well-documented ethnomedical record comprising more than 400 years; in modern Mexico is used for treating several maladies such as diabetes and gastric ulcers. Although the pharmacological actions of the stem-bark and leaves have been demonstrated, the phenological and geographical effect on the concentration of active principles remains unexplored.

Aim of the study

The main goals of this study were to analyze the amount of selected 4-phenylcoumarins and chlorogenic acid in the leaves in order to assess the best harvesting period, and consequently their pharmacological efficacy. In addition, the preclinical antidiabetic efficacy of the infusion of the leaves was corroborated using standard pharmacological tests.

Materials and methods

The aqueous extracts from the leaves of Hintonia latiflora were prepared by infusion. For phenological and geographical comparison, leaves of Hintonia latiflora were collected in two different regions in Chihuahua and Michoacán. The material was analyzed by UPLC applying an analytical method that developed and validated for this purpose following the ICH guidelines. Investigation of the antidiabetic action was accomplished using an acute hypoglycemic test and oral glucose and sucrose tolerance tests.

Results

The validated analytical method was successfully applied for quantifying chlorogenic acid (1) and 4-phenylcoumarins (2–5) in the leaves of 12 different batches (1–12) during one-year period, and seven different batches for each geographical region; the concentration of the metabolites at the phenological cycle was significantly different, their concentration increased during the pre-senescence phase whereas in the leaf renovation stage the highest concentration of 2–5 was reached. The overall analysis of the active compounds concentration between the two populations investigated seems to be less important than the phenological variations. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Hintonia latiflora exerted its antidiabetic effect by different mechanisms showing comparable effect to the organic extract.

Conclusions

The findings of the present investigation reveal that the best harvest season for the leaves of Hintonia latiflora is between the leaves renovation and senescence stages avoiding the flowering period. In addition, no significant differences were found among the two different geographical populations analyzed. The infusions of the leaves, rich in 4-phenylcoumarins and chlorogenic acid, showed comparable antidiabetic action than the organic extract.     

Immuno-enhancement effects of ethanol extract from Cyrtomium macrophyllum (Makino) Tagawa on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in BALB/c mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cyrtomium macrophyllum (Makino) Tagawa has been traditionally used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of various infectious diseases such as tapeworm infestation, colds, and viral diseases. However, no systematic study of the immunity of Cyrtomium macrophyllum ethanol extracts (CM) has yet been reported. The present work evaluates these traits.

Materials and methods

120 male BALB/c mice were divided into 6 groups of 20 mice each: (1) normal group (sterile physiological saline), which served as a blank control; (2) model group (Cyclophosphamide, CY) group (sterile physiological saline), which served as a negative control; (3) low-dose CM (50 mg/kg BW); (4) intermediate-dose CM (100 mg/kg BW); (5) high-dose CM (200 mg/kg BW); (6) CM group (200 mg/kg BW). CY (0.2 ml) was administered via intraperitoneal injection. The other regimens were administered via gavage in 0.2 ml solution. Phytochemical of CM was characterized by HPLC–LTQ-Orbitrap. The acute toxicity effect of the ethanol extract of Cyrtomium macrophyllum was also investigated.

Results

The spleen and thymus indices of mice receiving low, intermediate, and high doses of CM recovered more quickly than those of CY mice, and they did so in a dose-dependent manner. These mice also showed higher T cell and B cell proliferation responses and macrophage function than those of CY mice, and their serum levels of interleukin-6 and interferon-γ had become normal. In acute toxicity test, CM exhibited no mortality and behavioral changes in mice. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins to be the major compounds present in the extract, at 27.64%, 30.87%, and 11.22%, respectively. We found that 16 compounds were characterized by the interpretation of their mass spectra obtained by the MS/MS.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates that Cyrtomium macrophyllum ethanol extract improved immune function in CY-treated mice.     

Chemopreventive action of Lygodium flexuosum extract in human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lygodium flexuosum (Lygodiaceae), a medicinal fern used in Indian traditional medicine against liver disorders.

Aim of the study

The rationale of the study was to examine whether the n-hexane extract from plant Lygodium flexuosum affects apoptosis on human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B cells.

Materials and methods

Chemopreventive activity of the Lygodium flexuosum extract was determined by MTT assay, annexin-V FITC binding to phosphatidyl serine and cleavage of PARP. Subdiploid condition of cells treated with Lygodium flexuosum was analyzed by flow cytometry. Further, used transiently transfected NF-κB reporter in PLC/PRF/5 cells to evaluate the inhibitive effect of Lygodium flexuosum extract.

Results

Lygodium flexuosum extract inhibited the cell viability and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells in a concentration dependent manner as evidenced by apoptotic changes such as flipping of phosphatidyl serine, cleavage of PARP. Cell cycle analysis showed the subG1 apoptotic population in cells treated with higher concentrations of the extract. When activated with exogenous TNF-α in transfected hepatoma cells it was observed that NF-κB dependent gene expression was inhibited by treatment with Lygodium flexuosum extract in PLC/PRF/5 cells dose-dependently.

Conclusions

This investigation suggests that the Lygodium flexuosum extract has antiproliferative and apoptotic activity in both cancer cells and has inhibitive role in TNF-α induced NF-κB activation in PLC/PRF/5 cells confirms the potential of the extract as a chemopreventive agent.     

核桃花中二芳基庚烷类成分研究

目的研究核桃Juglansregia花中的二芳基庚烷类化学成分。方法利用正、反相硅胶柱色谱、SephadexLH-20及制备液相进行分离纯化,根据波谱数据及理化性质鉴定化合物结构,并采用MTT法检测化合物的体外细胞毒活性。结果从核桃花95%乙醇提取物中分离鉴定11个二芳基庚烷类化合物,分别鉴定为tsaokoarylone(1)、rhoiptelol C(2)、(3S,7S)-3,7-二羟基-1-(4-羟基)-7-(3-甲氧基-4-羟基)二芳基庚烷(3)、3-羟基-1-(3-甲氧基-4-羟基)-7-(4-羟基)二芳基庚烷(4)、1-(4-羟基)-7-(3-甲氧基-4-羟基)-4-二芳基庚烯-4-酮(5)、胡桃素A(6)、(8R)-12,32-二甲氧基-2-氧杂-1(1,3),3(1,4)-二苯杂环癸烷-33,8-二醇(7)、12,33-二羟基-32-甲氧基-2-氧杂-1(1,3),3(1,4)-二苯杂环癸烷-8-酮(8)、枫杨素(9)、(8R)-32-甲氧基-2-氧杂-1(1,3),3(1,4)-二苯杂环癸烷-16,8-二醇(10)和核桃素B(11)。结论化合物1～2、4～5、7～8为首次从该属植物中分离得到,化合物1～11为首次从该植物中分离得到。化合物8具有抑制人结肠癌HCT-116细胞、人肝癌Hep G2细胞、人胃癌BGC-823细胞、人肺支气管癌NCI-H1650细胞、人卵巢癌A2780细胞的增殖作用,其半数抑制浓度(IC50)值分别为3.56、2.26、1.39、2.62、1.18μmol/L。     

施用磷肥对菊花活性成分及清除自由基能力的影响

目的:研究施用磷肥对菊花活性成分及清除自由基能力的影响,旨在为制定菊花科学施肥的栽培措施提供理论依据。方法:采用盆栽土壤培养试验,在采收期进行采样测产,分别测定药材总黄酮、绿原酸、可溶性糖、可溶性氨基酸和粗蛋白含量,以及药材提取物对羟基、超氧阴离子及DPPH自由基的清除率。结果:适量施用磷肥可以显著提高菊花药材产量,增产幅度达130%。适量施用磷肥还可显著提高菊花中总黄酮、绿原酸和可溶性糖的含量与累积量,从而显著增强了菊花清除羟基、超氧阴离子及DPPH自由基的能力,即抗氧化活性。而菊花中可溶性氨基酸和粗蛋白含量,随磷肥施用量的增加呈下降的趋势。磷肥(P2O5)施用量过高(0.20 g.kg-1)会导致菊花早熟,从而降低菊花产量,并也导致菊花活性分含量、累积量及其清除自由基的能力有不同程度的降低。另外,菊花中总黄酮和绿原酸含量及菊花对3种自由基的清除率等指标之间,分别呈显著正相关。结论:在菊花种植生产上应重视施用磷肥,综合比较菊花产量、活性成分含量与累积量及清除自由基能力等因素,建议菊花全生育期内磷肥施用量在0.26~0.28 g.kg-1为适宜。