The structure of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench

The morphology and anatomy of the aerial parts of Fagopyrum esculentum have been described and the most important microscopical characters of value in the identification of commercial Buckwheat have been indicated.     

Antioxidant and photoprotective properties of an extract from buckwheat herb (Fagopyrum esculentum MOENCH)

In recent years, the incidence of skin cancer has risen remarkably. Sun light, especially the included ultraviolet (UV)-radiation, is seen as important trigger for the development of skin cancer. Thus, there is an increasing interest in the development of UV-protective substances to use them as sun care products. One approach is the topical application of herbal antioxidants. Plant-derived antioxidants are often extracts and therefore contain a complex mixture of constituents, like flavonoids and polyphenols, which contribute to the overall activity of the extract. In the present study an extract from buckwheat herb was compared to rutin, which is the main constituent of the extract, regarding their antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. Additionally, the photoprotective properties of the extract were compared to those of a commercial UV absorber. The antioxidant activity was quantified regarding the reactivity versus the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH). The photoprotective properties of the extract were examined by the inhibition of the photosensitized lipid peroxidation of linolic acid. In the DPPH assay, the extract had significantly better antioxidant activity than pure rutin. The extract prevented more effectively the UV-induced peroxidation of linolic acid than rutin itself or the commercial UV absorber. The use of the extract from buckwheat herb seems to be more beneficial than the use of pure rutin. This can be referred to the presence of minor phenolic compounds in the extract. The results indicate that it is advisable to use antioxidants rather than only UV absorber to obtain a maximum of photo protection.     

Effect of sieved buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) flour supplementation on lipid profile and glucose tolerance

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) was picked up for a study of its effects on lipid profile and glucose tolerance in view of its relatively high fibre content. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that supplementing the daily diet with 100 g whole buckwheat flour raised the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)/cholesterol ratio and improved glucose tolerance. In the present study, 12 human volunteers replaced part of their cereal intake at lunch by a preparation made from 100 g sieved buckwheat flour for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of 4 wk, there was a significant rise in HDL-C from 42.8 +/- 11.4 mg/100 ml to 55.2 +/- 15.3 mg/100 ml (P less than 0.05), and in HDL-C/cholesterol ratio from 26.7 +/- 7.0% to 33.8 +/- 10.2% (P less than 0.02): The other changes in lipid profile were not significant. There was also no significant change in fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance in the 5 subjects on whom the test was done. Comparing the results with the observations made earlier on whole buckwheat, it is still not possible to say to what extent the effects of buckwheat on lipids may be attributed to its fibre content. The effects on glucose tolerance, on the other hand, seem to be more directly related to the fibre content.     

Immunopharmacological studies of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum cassia (CCAq). I. Anti-allergic action

Effect of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum Cassia (CCAq) on experimental allergic reaction was investigated. IgE mediated reactions, homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), degranulation of mast cells, and the release of histamine from sensitized lung tissues classified as the type I reaction by Coombs and Gell were not affected by CCAq. Complement dependent reactions including reversed cutaneous anaphylaxis (RCA), Forssman cutaneous vasculitis (FCV), and nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis classified as type II and the Arthus reaction classified as type III were clearly inhibited by CCAq. However, CCAq did not affect the nephritis caused by the F(ab')2 portion of the nephrotoxic IgG antibody. CCAq in a high concentration inhibited the immunological hemolysis, chemotactic migration of neutrophils in response to complement activated serum, and the generation of chemotactic factors. The type IV reaction, contact dermatitis, was not affected by CCAq. The production of hemolytic plaque forming cells was slightly inhibited by CCAq. These results suggest that CCAq has an anticomplement action and inhibits the complement dependent allergic reaction.     

Pharmacological study of mequitazine (LM-209) (II). Anti-allergic action (author's transl)

The anti-allergic effect of Mequitazine (LM-209) which was found to have an anti-histaminic activity was investigated in guinea-pigs. The inhibitory activities of LM-209 on the Schultz-Dale reaction and ileum contraction by some mediators released from the sensitized guinea-pig lung were the same as those of clemastine fumarate (CL) but with 5 times the potency. LM-209 and CL, but these activities were less potent than in the case of disodium cromoglycate. The various anaphylactic reactions mediated by IgG in guinea-pigs were inhibited by LM-209, CL and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM). The homologous PCA mediated IgE in rats was also inhibited by LM-209, CL and CPM, but the duration of the action with LM-209 was markedly longer. In experimentally-induced asthma, the decrease of respiratory rate and volume was significantly inhibited by LM-209, but was not affected by CL. Thus, LM-209 seems to inhibit the allergic reaction mainly by an antagonistic action on allergic mediators.     

Anti-allergic action of glucocorticoids in rats

The effects of three glucocorticoids (steroids: hydrocortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone) on IgE antibody-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions in rats were studied. Forty-eight hr homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) was inhibited in a dose response manner by the administration of steroids 2 hr prior to challenge. When steroids were administered at various times before challenge, each steroid showed different patterns of time courses for inhibition of homologous PCA. Maximum inhibition was obtained 2 hr after the administration of each steroid. The IgE antibody-mediated histamine release from peritoneal mast cells in vivo was inhibited by the administration of steroids. Time-courses for the inhibitory effects of steroids on histamine release were slightly different from those in PCA. The increase of capillary permeability caused by histamine, serotonin, trypsin or hyaluronidase in the rat skin was not affected by steroids. The inhibitory action of steroids on PCA was not influenced by non-corticoidal steroids (17 alpha-methyltestosterone, androstenedione and progesterone) or arachidonic acid. These results partially explain the inhibitory action of steroids on IgE antibody-mediated immediate hypersensitivity. The inhibition of histamine release would contribute towards the anti-allergic action of steroids but not the antagonistic effect on the mediators. Also the action of glucocorticoids receptor or the inhibition of arachidonic acid production are not vitally important in connection with the anti-allergic action of steroids.     

Anti-allergic action effect of Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract and its efficacy on atopic dermatitis

Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract was examined in vitro for antibacterial effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibitory effects on histamine release. Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract was also examined for efficacy on dermatitis in atopic dermatitis model mice (NC mice) and effects on keratinous moisture level and transepidermal water loss in miniature pigs. Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract had antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus pyogenes; however this antibacterial effect varied with the temperature at which and conditions under which Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. was extracted. Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract at the final concentration of 2 mg/mL significantly inhibited the hyaluronidase activity; and at 0.005, 0.05, and 0.5 mg/mL, it also significantly inhibited the histamine release. In the mice in which atopic dermatitis had been induced, 28-day administration of Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract at 4 and 400 mg/mL significantly inhibited aggravation of dermatitis without having effects on body weight. In the dorsal skin of miniature pigs, Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract at 4 and 400 mg/mL significantly increased keratinous moisture level with the increase in the number of dosing days, and caused no changes in transepidermal water loss. From the above results, it is clear that Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract inhibits both proliferation of bacteria and inflammation caused by antigens. Furthermore, it is suggested that Pseudolarix amabilis Rehd. extract will serve as a medicinal drug which effectively moistens the skin and prevents and heals dermatitis.     

Anti-allergic effects and mechanisms of action of the ethanolic extract of Angelica gigas in dinitrofluorobenzene-induced inflammation models

To confirm the anti-allergic effects of the ethanolic extract of Angelica gigas (EAG), the levels of ear erythema, ear weight, vascular leakage, heamatology, tumor-necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and immunoglobulin E from mice sensitized with 2,4-dinitroflurorobenzene were examined. The results showed that EAG reduced ear erythema and ear weight; we also found that Evan's blue leakage decreased. Furthermore, the levels of interleukin-6 and immunoglobulin E in the serum were significantly inhibited. In RAW264.7 cells, EAG drastically inhibited the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthease, tumor-necrosis factor-α and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, suggesting that EAG may inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute neutrophilic inflammation. Western blot analysis showed that EAG inhibited nuclear factor-κB- and extracelullar signal-regulated protein kinase-dependent inflammatory pathways. Interestingly, EAG effectively inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, a granule marker from mast cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that EAG inhibits focal and systemic inflammatory and allergic reactions, and holds great promise for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases.     

Anti-allergic action of resveratrol and related hydroxystilbenes

Resveratrol (1) and nine related hydroxystilbene compounds (2 approximately 9) isolated from plants were evaluated for the anti-allergic activities in vitro. Resveratrol (1) and rhapontigenin (5) demonstrated significant inhibitions upon the release of beta-hexosaminidase from the cultured RBL-2H3 cells in a dose-dependent manner and the IC50 values were calculated as 14 and 15 microM, respectively.     

Anti-allergic properties of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang) and contribution of its glucosylxanthone mangiferin

Vimang is the brand name of formulations containing an extract of Mangifera indica L., ethnopharmacologically used in Cuba for the treatment of some immunopathological disorders, including bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and other allergic diseases. However, the effects of Vimang on allergic response have not been reported until now. In this study, the effects of Vimang and mangiferin, a C-glucosylxanthone isolated from the extract, on different parameters of allergic response are reported. Vimang and mangiferin showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition of IgE production in mice and anaphylaxis reaction in rats, histamine-induced vascular permeability and the histamine release induced by compound 48/80 from rat mast cells, and of lymphocyte proliferative response as evidence of the reduction of the amount of B and T lymphocytes able to contribute to allergic response. In these experiments, ketotifen, promethazine and disodium cromoglicate were used as reference drugs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Vimang had an effect on an in-vivo model of inflammatory allergy mediated by mast cells. These results constitute the first report of the anti-allergic properties of Vimang on allergic models, as well as suggesting that this natural extract could be successfully used in the treatment of allergic disorders. Mangiferin, the major compound of Vimang, contributes to the anti-allergic effects of the extract.     

牛樟芝水提取物抗过敏作用及其机制研究

目的 研究牛樟芝水提物的抗过敏作用并初步探讨其作用机制。方法 采用大鼠被动皮肤过敏模型、小鼠迟发型超敏模型、小鼠全身皮肤瘙痒模型、小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性模型,观察牛樟芝水提物在体抗过敏作用。采用体外培养的RBL-2H3肥大细胞,观察牛樟芝水提物对细胞增殖及凋亡的影响,初步探讨其抗过敏反应的作用机制。结果 体内试验中,牛樟芝水提物显著降低大鼠被动皮肤过敏反应,明显降低小鼠耳肿胀度、胸腺指数及脾指数,提高右旋糖酐所致皮肤瘙痒阈值,减少小鼠瘙痒次数,抑制组胺所致血管通透性上升;体外试验中,其剂量相关性的抑制RBL-2H3细胞增殖,促进细胞凋亡。结论 牛樟芝水提取物有一定的抗过敏作用,其机制与促进RBL-2H3细胞凋亡有关。     

Immunopharmacological actions of neurotropin (3): Anti-allergic actions of neurotropin (author's transl)

Neurotropin (NSP) is an extract isolated from vaccinia virus-inoculated and inflamed skin of rabbits. The anti-allergic actions of NSP were studied in the present paper. Death from anaphylactic shock in BALB/c mice mediated by active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) or heterologous passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA) was completely prevented in one of five cases by NSP given 5000 micrograms/animal i.v.. However in mice, NSP at a dose of 10 to 1000 micrograms/animal i.v. did not have any preventive effect on death from anaphylactic shock induced by ASA, homologous PSA, or heterologous PSA. NSP slightly inhibited histamine release from rat mast cells mediated by mouse IgE antibody, calcium ionophore A23187, or compound 48/80, but this inhibition was not in a dose-dependent fashion. NSP did not behave synergistically with isoproterenol- or theophylline- induced inhibition of mouse IgE antibody-mediated histamine release from rat mast cells. NSP did not inhibit D2O-enhanced histamine release from sensitized rat mast cells. NSP clearly inhibited antigen-induced histamine release from leukocytes of mite-sensitive patients with or without asthmatic attack. Potent inhibition was observed when leukocytes taken from patients with asthmatic attack were used. These results suggest that the anti-allergic action of NSP is not responsible for elevation of cyclic AMP levels or disruption of microtubules in target cells.     

Anti-allergic effects of white rose petal extract and anti-atopic properties of its hexane fraction

Rosa rugosa is a species of rose native to eastern Asia. The root of R. rugosa has been used to treat diabetes mellitus, pain and chronic inflammatory disease, and a R. rugosa petal extract has a strong anti-oxidant effect. In the present study, we examined if solvent fractions from white rose petal extract (WRPE) had any anti-allergic or anti-atopic effects not previously reported. WRPE and butanol and hexane fractions effectively reduced systemic anaphylactic reactions and anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice, with the greatest inhibition observed for the hexane fraction. In addition, a significant reduction of scratching behavior by mice after histamine injection suggested this fraction’s potential anti-allergic effect. At the cell level, the hexane fraction markedly inhibited β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 mast cells and suppressed the expressions of mRNA interferon-γ and interleukin-4 cytokines produced by T helper cells (type 1 and 2). These results strongly support that the hexane fraction may have an effect on atopic dermatitis, as these 2 cell types play central roles in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In conclusion, these results suggest that either the hexane fraction or one of its components may be beneficial for the treatment of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis.     

Immunopharmacological actions of lumin (I): Anti-allergic actions of lumin

We used lumin (4,4'-(3[2(1-ethyl-4-(1-H)quinolidene) ethylidene]) propenylene [bis(1-ethyl quinolinium iodide)]) as a photosensitive cyanin dye and studied its effects on various allergic reactions. We obtained the following results: Lumin slightly inhibited the production of IgE antibody, but showed no effect on the production of IgM and IgG antibodies. Lumin slightly inhibited homologous rat PCA at 48 hr. It also showed some inhibitory activity against histamine (His) release caused by in vitro antigen-antibody reaction. Lumin significantly inhibited the acceleration of the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction by cyclophosphamide (CY). The above results suggest that lumin shows anti-allergic activity through the mediation of immunopharmacological activity.     

Some Anti-allergic and Anti-inflammatory Actions of 2-N -Carboxamidinonormianserin (FCC5)

The aims of these studies were to examine the effects of FCC5 (2-carboxamidino-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydrodibenzo (c,f) pyrazino (1,2,-a) azepine HCI), an analogue of mianserin, on immediate type hypersensitivity reactions in-vitro. The actions of FCC5 were examined on the Schultz-Dale reaction of guinea-pig ileum and on histamine and leukotriene release from human- and guinea-pig-sensitized lung fragments. FCC5 (applied topically) was assessed for anti-inflammatory activity in-vivo against phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced oedema in the mouse ear. FCC5 (IC50 = 017 μM) was a potent inhibitor of the Schultz-Dale reaction in-vitro, as assessed by a concentration-dependent attenuation of egg albumin-induced contractions of sensitized guinea-pig isolated ileum. Using human and guinea-pig isolated sensitized lung fragments, FCC5 (1–100 μM) attenuated antigen-induced release of sulphidopeptidoleukotrienes and histamine. FCC5 (50 μg topically) resembled mianserin and indomethacin in attenuating PMA-induced mouse ear inflammation. These properties together with previously published evidence of long lasting antihistamine properties in-vivo, suggest that FCC5 has therapeutic potential as an anti-allergic agent, especially in pathological conditions where an inflammatory component is present.     

Hemolytic activity in crude polysaccharide extracted from grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

A crude polysaccharide that hemolyzed human red blood cells of the ABO types was isolated from the condensed tannin fraction of Sorghum bicolor. It contained primarily 2-hydroxybenzoic acid and glucose and had a molecular weight of greater than 6000. Limit hemolytic activity for each of four blood group cells corresponded to a range of 110-27 micrograms of carbohydrate per assay.     

Anti-arthritic activity of ethanol extract of Fagopyrum cymosum with adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Abstract

Context: Fagopyrum cymosum (Trey.) Meisn (Polygonaceae) (EFC) has long been used as a folk medicine to treat various ailments of the lung, dysentery and rheumatism in China.

Objective: The present study evaluated the anti-arthritic effect of 95% ethanol extract of EFC (extract of Fagopyrum cymosum).

Materials and methods: The anti-arthritic activity was investigated by adjuvant arthritic (AA) rat model induced by Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA). The AA rats were randomly separated into different groups and then treated with EFC (40, 80 and 160?mg/kg) from day 7 to day 28 after immunization. Arthritis was evaluated by hind paw swelling, polyarthritis index, body weight and index of immune organs. In addition, the severity of arthritis in the knee joints was evaluated by histopathological and hemorheological examination. The levels of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum were assessed by ELISA.

Results: The high dose level of EFC (160?mg/kg) significantly suppressed the swelling of hind paw of AA rats (p?<?0.01) and inhibited their body weight loss (p?<?0.01). Based on histopathological examination, all EFC groups showed great amelioration compared with the model group. EFC (80 and 160?mg/kg) also decreased the plasma viscosity in different shear rates (p?<?0.01). Moreover, EFC significantly reduced the production of IL-1 and TNF-α in the serum of AA (p?<?0.01).

Discussion and conclusion: This study provides a scientific basis for the claims that F. cymosum is effective in preventing and suppressing the development and progression of experimental arthritis, with reductions in inflammatory response.