Protective effects of total saponins from stem and leaf of Panax ginseng against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis in mouse bone marrow cells and peripheral lymphocyte cells.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CP), commonly used anti-cancer, induces oxidative stress and is cytotoxic to normal cells. It is very important to choice the protective agent combined CP to reduce the side effects in cancer treatment. Ginsenosides are biological active constituents of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer that acts as the tonic agent for the cancer patients to reduce the side effects in the clinic application. Because CP is a pro-oxidant agent and induces oxidative stress by the generation of free radicals to decrease the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, the protective effects of the total saponins from stem and leaf of P. ginseng C.A. Meyer (TSPG) act as an anti-oxidant agent against the decreased anti-oxidant enzymes, the genotoxicity and apoptosis induced by CP was carried out. METHODS: The alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis was employed to detect DNA damage; flow cytometry assay and AO/EB staining assay were employed to measure cell apoptosis; the enzymatic anti-oxidants (T-SOD, CAT and GPx) and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant (GSH) were measured by the various colorimetric methods. RESULTS: CP induced the significant DNA damage in mouse peripheral lymphocytes in time- and dose-dependent manners, inhibited the activities of T-SOD, GPx and CAT, and decreased the contents of GSH in mouse blood, triggered bone marrow cell apoptosis at 6 and 12h. TSPG significantly reduced CP-induced DNA damages in bone marrow cells and peripheral lymphocyte cells, antagonized CP-induced reduction of T-SOD, GPx, CAT activities and the GSH contents, decreased the bone marrow cell apoptosis induced by CP. CONCLUSIONS: TSPG, significantly reduced the genotoxicity of CP in bone marrow cells and peripheral lymphocyte cells, and decreased the apoptotic cell number induced by CP in bone marrow cells. The effects of TSPG on T-SOD, GPx, CAT activities and GSH contents might partially contribute to its protective effects on CP-induced cell toxicities.     

Panax ginseng effects on DNA damage, CYP1A1 expression and histopathological changes in testes of rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

The effects of Panax ginseng extracts on DNA damage, expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and reproductive toxicity were evaluated in the testis of rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxinthe (TCDD). Fifty rats were divided into five groups according to treatment with 2,3,7,8-TCDD and P. ginseng extracts. Single cell gel electrophoresis assays were performed to evaluate DNA damage that occurred in the lymphocytes of rats. Histological changes in the seminiferous tubules of the testis were determined using Johnsen's scoring system and Real Time-PCR was performed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CYP1A1. Significant pathological effects were observed in the 2,3,7,8-TCDD treated rats including a reduced seminiferous tubular diameter, an increased number of damaged tubules (maturation arrest, eosinophilic degeneration and spermatid giant cells) and increased Johnsen's score. DNA damage and the expression of CYP1A1 mRNA were significantly increased in rat testes. There were no significant differences between the control and animals treated with P. ginseng extracts. However, a significantly decreased level of DNA damage, decreased CYP1A1 expression and reduced pathological effects were observed in the 2,3,7,8-TCDD with P. ginseng extracts treated groups when compared with the TCDD treated group. In summary, our study demonstrates that 2,3,7,8-TCDD induces the pathological and genotoxical damage in rat testes, while P. ginseng extract treatment exhibits a therapeutic capacity to reduce these effects via reduction of CYP1A1 mRNA.     

Effects of ginseng saponins isolated from red ginseng on ultraviolet B-induced skin aging in hairless mice

It is well-known that chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure at low-dose causes skin photoaging including increases in skin thickness and wrinkle formation and reduction in skin elasticity. This study examined the effects of total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁ isolated from Red Ginseng roots on skin thickness, elasticity, and wrinkle formation caused by long-term, low-dose UVB irradiation in hairless mice. The topical application of total ginseng saponins (10 pg or 100 ng/mouse) and ginsenoside Rb₁ (100 fg, 10 pg, or 1 ng/mouse) significantly inhibited increases in skin thickness and wrinkle formation and the reduction in skin elasticity induced by long-term UVB irradiation. Furthermore, we examined the histological effects of total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁ in the skin of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. The increases in apoptotic, Ki-67-, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine-positive cells induced by UVB exposure were prevented by the topical application of total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁. Furthermore, total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁ prevented the disruption of collagen fibers induced by the long-term UVB irradiation. Ginsenoside Rb₁ (100 fg, 10 pg, and 1 ng/ml) increased the Bcl-2 expression level in UVB-treated human keratinocytes. The protective effect of ginsenoside Rb₁ on UVB-mediated apoptosis may be due to the up-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. These results suggest that the protective effect of ginsenoside Rb₁ on skin photoaging induced by chronic UVB exposure may be due to the increase in collagen synthesis and/or the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase expression in dermal fibroblasts.     

人参总皂苷与丹参总酚酸配伍对急性血瘀大鼠血液流变性的改善作用

目的观察人参总皂苷(EPG)和丹参总酚酸(ESM)配伍对急性血瘀模型大鼠血液流变性的影响。方法大鼠按分组分别ig给予EPG 200 mg.kg-1,ESM 200 mg.kg-1,EPG 200 mg.kg-1+ESM200 mg.kg-1和阿司匹林100 mg.kg-1(阳性对照),每天早晚各1次,共7次。第5次给药后,大鼠再sc给予肾上腺素加冰浴造成急性血瘀模型。锥板法测定全血黏度和血浆黏度;光电比浊法测定二磷酸腺苷(ADP)诱导的血小板聚集;光电电磁法测定凝血参数。结果与正常对照组相比,模型组大鼠全血黏度和血浆黏度升高,血小板最大聚集率显著增加,纤维蛋白原(Fib)含量显著增加,凝血酶时间(TT)、活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)和凝血酶原时间(PT)均显著缩短(P<0.01)。与模型组相比,单独应用EPG和ESM均能显著降低全血黏度和血浆黏度,显著降低Fib含量,显著延长APTT,其中EPG还能明显延长PT和TT,ESM还能显著降低血小板最大聚集率。与单独应用EPG或ESM相比,EPG与ESM配伍组能进一步改善血液流变学指标,在降低血小板最大聚集率方面显著优于单用EPG(P<0.05),在延长TT方面显著优于单用ESM(P<0.05),在降低Fib含量方面显著优于单用EPG或ESM(P<0.05)。与阳性对照阿司匹林相比,单用EPG或ESM对血液流变性的改善作用不及阿司匹林,但EPG与ESM配伍对血液流变的改善作用与阿司匹林相似,但无统计学差异。结论 EPG和ESM单用能显著改善血瘀模型大鼠血液流变的异常,且二者配伍后能进一步增强对血瘀模型大鼠血液流变的改善作用。     

Simultaneous quantification of 14 ginsenosides in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Korean red ginseng) by HPLC-ELSD and its application to quality control

A new method of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 14 major ginsenosides, which are the marker compounds of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Korean red ginseng). Various types of ginseng samples were extracted, and the amounts of the 14 ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rf, Rh1, Rg2, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rd, Rg3, Rk1, Rg5, and Rh2) were determined by reverse-phase HPLC-ELSD using digoxin as an internal standard. The mobile phase consisted of a programmed gradient of aqueous acetonitrile. Calibration curves for each ginsenoside were determined for the quantification. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. This quantification method was applied to several finished ginseng products including white ginseng, red ginseng powder, and red ginseng concentrate. The amounts of the 14 ginsenosides in the various ginseng samples could be analyzed simultaneously. This validated HPLC method is expected to provide a new basis for the quality assessment of ginseng products.     

Cytotoxicities of ginseng saponins and their degradation products against some cancer cell lines

In order to elucidate the cytotoxicity-structure correlation of ginseng-derived components, several prosapogenins and sapogenins were prepared from Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) saponins by acid hydrolysis or alkaline cleveage, and their chemical structures were identified by a combination of spectral and physical methods. Some of these degradation products showed the cytotoxic activities against various cancer cell lines, A549, SK-OV-3, SK-Mel-2, P388, L 1210 and K562. The significant difference in cytotoxicity between stereoisomers was not found and the activity was inversely proportional to the number of sugars linked to sapogenins. Diol-type prosapogenins and sapogenins showed higher cytotoxicity than triol-type ones.     

人参的分析——Ⅳ.人参皂甙的高效液相色谱测定

本文报道了人参中六种主要皂甙(Rb₁,Rb₂,Rc,Rd,Re,Rg)的HPLC测定法,用氨基键合相柱,示差折光检测,流动相为甲醇中乙腈—乙二醇—醋酸铵(0.14 mol/L)(30:70:5:10.6),同时还改进了纯化方法,此法快速、重现性好,与薄层比色法比较结果基本一致。     

A rapid method for the simultaneous determination of 11 saponins in Panax notoginseng using ultra performance liquid chromatography

A rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo diode array detection method (UPLC-PDA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 saponins, namely notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rd and Rg3 in Panax notoginseng. The analysis was performed on Acquity UPLC system with Acquity UPLC BEH C(18) column and gradient elution of water and acetonitrile in 12 min. The high correlation coefficient (r(2)>0.9968) values indicated good correlations between the investigated compounds' concentrations and their peak areas within the test ranges. The LOQ and LOD were lower to 0.2-2.4 and 0.1-1.8 ng on column, respectively. The overall intra- and inter-day variations (R.S.D.) of 11 saponins were lower than 3.1%. The developed method was successfully used for the analysis of saponins in P. notoginseng with overall recovery of 93.0-101.6% for the analytes. The results show that UPLC is a powerful tool for analysis of components in Chinese medicines.     

HPLC法测定人参毛状根及不同人参样品中9种人参皂苷的含量

目的采用HPLC法测定不同人参样品中9种人参皂苷(Rc、Rb1、Rb2、Re、Rd、Rg1、Rg2、Rg3和Rh2)的含量。方法色谱条件:Zorbax SB C18柱(4.6mm×250mm,5μm),保护柱Extend-C18柱(4.6mm×12.5mm,5μm);以乙腈-水为流动相,梯度洗脱;流速:1.0ml/min;检测波长:203nm;柱温:35℃。结果 9种人参皂苷Rg1、Rb1、Re、Rc、Rg2、Rh2、Rg3、Rb2和Rd在120min内基线分离。方法学表明其线性关系良好,精密度、稳定性和重复性RSD均小于2.0%,加样回收率在98.3%~102%之间。测得人参叶和人参须根中的总皂苷含量最高,分别为48.9、23.6mg/g;人参毛状根中的总皂苷与人参主根和人参果的总皂苷含量差别不大,为7.47mg/g。结论该法准确性高,操作简便、快速,重复性好,精密度高,可用于不同人参样品中9种人参皂苷的含量测定。     

Molecular characterisation of multiple drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in southern Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mt-PCR) assay for synchronous detection of carbapenem resistance genes and/or pandrug resistance genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) and to investigate the association between the genetic make-up and a drug-resistant pattern. In total, 213 MDR-AB isolates were collected. All clinical isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and were analysed for the presence of oxacillinase genes (bla_OXA-23, bla_OXA-24, bla_OXA-51-like and bla_OXA-58), class A and C β-lactamase genes (bla_TEM-1 and bla_AmpC, respectively), and an integron-associated antibiotic resistance gene (int1) by an in-house-designed mt-PCR assay. Of the 213 isolates, 73.87% harboured both bla_TEM-1 and bla_AmpC and 83.92% carried at least three oxacillinase genes. Moreover, 64.82% of the isolates were significant in that they had two β-lactamase genes and three oxacillinase genes (P < 0.001), indicating the complexity of the genetic make-up of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. The bla_OXA-51-like allele was detected in the majority of these A. baumannii isolates (97.49%), whereas bla_OXA-23 was rarely prevalent in these isolates. In multivariate logistic regression, the presence of bla_OXA-23 and bla_TEM-1 had a statistically significant association with imipenem resistance [bla_OXA-23, P = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) = 10.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.12–52.17; bla_TEM-1, P = 0.005, OR = 6.14, 95% CI 1.74–21.62]. These results suggest that detecting bla_OXA-23 and bla_TEM-1 genes could be used to predict imipenem resistance in MDR-AB isolates. A mt-PCR for detecting carbapenem resistance genes and pandrug resistance genes of A. baumannii isolates was developed to provide an assay to quickly screen for potential imipenem-resistant A. baumannii in the clinic.     

Simultaneous determination of nucleobases, nucleosides and saponins in Panax notoginseng using multiple columns high performance liquid chromatography

A new multiple columns HPLC method for simultaneous determination of 16 characteristic components, 5 nucleobases and nucleosides (uracil, cytidine, uridine, guanosine and adenosine), and 11 saponins (notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, notoginsenoside R4, notoginsenoside Fa, ginsenoside Rb1, notoginsenoside R2, ginsenoside Rg2, ginsenoside Rh1, ginsenoside Rd and notoginsenoside K), in the root of Panax notoginseng, a valued traditional Chinese medicinal herb, were developed. Notoginsenoside R4, Fa and K were first quantitatively determined in P. notoginseng. The 5 nucleobases and nucleosides compounds were separated on a Zorbax SB-Aq column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm) and 11 saponins were analyzed using a Zorbax Bonus-RP column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm) with column switching. The column temperature was set at 30 °C. Mobile phase was composed of 5 mM ammonium acetate aqueous (A), water (B) and acetonitrile (C) using a gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min and detection wavelengths were set at 260 nm for nucleobases and nucleosides, and 203 nm for saponins. The developed method had good repeatability and sensitivity for quantification of 16 analytes with overall precision (including intra- and inter-day) less than 3% (RSD), and LOD and LOQ were less than 1.33 μg/mL and 5.12 μg/mL, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of 16 analytes in 15 samples of P. notoginseng collected from different places of China, which indicated that multiple columns HPLC can be used for comprehensive quality control of P. notoginseng.     

Analysis of dencichine in Panax notoginseng by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with ethyl chloroformate derivatization

Dencichine (beta-N-oxalyl-l-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid) is a haemostatic agent present in well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Panax notoginseng, as well as other Panax species. It is also a reported neurotoxic agent found in Lathyrus sativus (grass pea seed) and cycad seeds. A method was developed for quantitative determination of the non-protein amino acid, dencichine, in plant samples of P. notoginseng and the adventitious roots directly from the explants of P. notoginseng after derivatization with ethyl chloroformate (ECF) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). l-2-chlorophenylalanine was used as an internal standard. Calibration curves were linear (r(2)=0.9988, n=6) in the range of 10-800 microg/ml for dencichine. Limit of detection and quantification for dencichine were 0.5 microg/ml and 2 microg/ml, respectively. This rapid and specific method may be applied to the quantification of dencichine in complex medicinal plants and their products.     

The inhibitory effects of garlic and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax ginseng</Emphasis> extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 on the genotoxicity,biochemical, and histological changes induced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in male rats

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is widely used in food and other industries to sequester metal ions and to prevent their disadvantageous effects. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the protective effect of Panax ginseng extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 (ginsenoside Rg3 content was 3.6% w/w, i.e., 36 μg/mg P. ginseng extract) and garlic against EDTA-induced biochemical, genotoxic, and histological changes in rats. Forty male rats were divided into eight treatment groups and treated for 7 days as follows: the control group, the group treated with EDTA (20 mg/kg b.w) and the groups treated with P. ginseng extract (20 mg/kg b.w), garlic (5 mg/kg b.w), P. ginseng plus garlic alone or in combination with EDTA. In vivo bone marrow micronucleus test and random amplified polymorphism DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) method were performed to assess the antigenotoxic effect of both protective agents. The results indicated that EDTA administration caused a significant decrease in the serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity. The administration also increased lipid peroxidation and the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs), caused appearance of some changes in polymorphism band patterns, and induced different histopathological lesions in the livers, kidneys, and testis. Treatment with P. ginseng, garlic alone or plus EDTA significantly improved all the tested parameters. Moreover, P. ginseng extract was found to be more effective than garlic in restoring the parameters that were altered by EDTA.     

Clinical and economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia amongst adults in the Asia-Pacific region

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity amongst adults in the Asia-Pacific region. Literature published between 1990 and May 2010 on the clinical and economic burden of CAP amongst adults in this region was reviewed. CAP is a significant health burden with significant economic impact in this region. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and advanced age were risk factors for CAP. Aetiological agents included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-negative bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Staphylococcus aureus and atypical pathogens (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Legionella spp.), with important differences in the prevalence of these pathogens within the region. Antibiotic resistance was significant but was not linked to excess mortality. Aetiological pathogens remained susceptible to newer antimicrobial agents. Rational antibiotic use is essential for preventing resistance, and increased surveillance is required to identify future trends in incidence and aetiology and to drive treatment and prevention strategies.     

Analysis of iridoids, secoiridoids and xanthones in Centaurium erythraea, Frasera caroliniensis and Gentiana lutea using LC-MS and RP-HPLC

This study presents a new and validated HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of bioactive compounds in Centaurium erythraea, Frasera caroliniensis and Gentiana lutea. The iridoid loganic acid, four secoiridoids and 29 xanthones were separated on a RP-18 column, using aqueous o-phosphoric acid (0.085%, v/v) and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Phytochemical investigation of C. erythraea herb and F. caroliniensis roots resulted into isolation of 25 xanthones and three secoiridoids the structure of which was elucidated by spectroscopic means (NMR, MS and UV). 1,3,8-Trihydroxy-5,6-dimethoxyxanthone, isolated from C. erythraea, turned out to be a novel xanthone. The stability of the analytes was tested by subjecting samples to light, moisture and different temperatures. After six months of storage, decomposition of gentiopicroside and sweroside was observed. The swertiamarin content was nearly unchanged when stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but high temperature conditions reduced the content to 85%. In contrast, xanthones were stable under long-term, refrigerated and accelerated conditions. The established chromatographic method has been successfully applied for the quantification of the bioactive compounds in the three plants. The presence and distribution of polyoxygenated xanthones within the three members of the Gentianaceae family and their significance as analytical markers are discussed.     

Determination of ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra natural products using HPLC on a pentafluorophenylpropyl stationary phase

In this study a pentafluorophenylpropyl (PFPP) stationary phase was applied to the fast and reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis of ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra plant material and derivatives. A Discovery HS F5 column (150mmx4.6mm i.d., 5microm) was used, with an isocratic mobile phase composed of ammonium acetate (7mM) in acetonitrile-water (90:10, v/v), at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min. The column temperature was set at 45 degrees C. UV detection was set at 215 and 225nm. The total analysis time was 16min. The validation parameters, such as linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision and specificity, were found to be highly satisfactory. Sonication and microwave extractions were compared in order to optimize the yield of the target analytes. Under the optimized extraction conditions (based on two cycles of sonication with methanol at 40 degrees C for 15min), different matrices containing Ephedra were successfully analyzed for their alkaloid content. The method was applied to the analysis of standard reference materials (SRMs) containing Ephedra. Furthermore, the developed technique allowed the simultaneous determination of ephedrine alkaloids and synephrine, the main phenethylamine alkaloid of Citrus aurantium, that has replaced Ephedra in dietary supplements used in the treatment of obesity. The results indicated that this procedure is suitable for the phytochemical analysis of Ephedra plant material and extracts, and can be applied to demonstrate the label claims for product content, including the absence of ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra-free products.     

Potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Panax ginseng head butanolic fraction in animals

The present study reports the potential anti-rheumatoid activity of Panax ginseng head part. P. ginseng-head part BuOH fraction (PGHB) was safe in acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg) and inhibited the partially acetic acid-induced writhes (approximately 32%, P < 0.05) in mice. PGHB (500 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid-induced extravasation of Evan’s blue dye in mice by approximately 20.6% (P < 0.05), and was similar to the suppressive effect of ibuprofen (27.7%) as a positive control drug. Also, PGHB reduced the carrageenan-induced paw edema at 3 h after oral administration, and suppressed the production of serum IL-6 in CIA mice. This suggests that PGHB has potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, and will be the supporting evidence for the potential anti-rheumatoid activity of Korean P. ginseng-head.     

Stability of angiogenic agents, ginsenoside Rg1 and Re, isolated from Panax ginseng: in vitro and in vivo studies

The study was designed to investigate the stability of ginsenoside Rg(1) (Rg(1)) and Re (Re), two natural herbal compounds isolated from Panax ginseng, based on their activity to promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. After being treated at different temperatures, pHs, and solvent species for distinct durations, the remaining activities of Rg(1) and Re on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration, and tube formation were examined in vitro. Additionally, the remaining activity of each treated test agent, mixed in a growth factor-reduced Matrigel, in stimulating angiogenesis was evaluated subcutaneously in a mouse model. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used as a control. It was found in vitro that HUVEC proliferation, migration in a Transwell plate, and tube formation on Matrigel were all significantly enhanced in the presence of bFGF, Rg(1), or Re. However, after being treated at different temperatures, pHs, or solvent species, the remaining activity of bFGF on HUVEC behaviors reduced significantly. This observation was more significant with increasing the duration of treatment. In contrast, the activities of Rg(1) and Re remained unchanged throughout the entire course of the study. The in vivo results observed on day 7 after implantation showed that the blank control (Matrigel alone) was slightly vascularized. In contrast, the density of neo-vessels in the Matrigel plug mixed with bFGF, Rg(1), or Re was significantly enhanced. However, after being treated, the density of neo-vessels was significantly reduced in the Matrigel plug mixed with bFGF, while those of Rg(1) and Re remained unchanged. The aforementioned results suggested that Rg(1) and Re could be a novel group of nonpeptide angiogenic agents with a superior stability and may be used for the management of tissue regeneration.     

Elemental and structural analysis of silicon forms in herbal drugs using silicon-29 MAS NMR and WD-XRF spectroscopic methods

The objective of this work was to study concentration of silicon and its structural forms present in herbal drugs. Equisetum arvense and Urtica dioica L. from teapot bags, dietary supplements (tablets and capsules) containing those herbs, dry extract obtained from a teapot bag of E. arvense, and samples of the latter herb harvested in wild habitat over four months were studied using wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WD-XRF) and high-resolution solid-state ²⁹Si NMR. The highest concentration of Si, ca. 27 mg/g, was found in the herbal material from the teapot bags containing E. arvense. The Si content in natural E. arvense (whole plants) increased from May to August by ca. 7 mg/g, reaching value 26 mg/g. Three different silicon forms were detected in the studied herbal samples: Si(OSi)4 (Q₄), Si(OH)(OSi)3 (Q₃) and Si(OH)2(OSi)2 (Q₂). Those sites were populated in E. arvense in the following order: Q₄ ? Q₃ > Q₂. A dramatic, ca. 50-fold decrease of the Si concentration during the infusion process was observed. The infusion process and the subsequent drying procedure augmented population of the Q₄ sites at the cost of the Q₂ sites. The WD-XRF and ²⁹Si NMR methods occurred useful and complementary in the study of herbal materials.