Flavonolignans, Kaempferol 3-Sulphate and Other Flavonoids from Silybum marianum subsp. anatolicum

Flavonolignan compounds have been isolated from the fruits of SILYBUM MARIANUM subsp. ANATOLICUM and kaempferol 3-sulphate and other flavonoid compounds have been isolated from the aerial parts and were identified. The flavonoid sulphate derivatives are shown to be present in SILYBUM genus for the first time.     

Effect of Silybum marianum oil and legalon on lipid peroxidation and liver antioxidant systems in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

An oil obtained from the seeds of Saint-Mary thistle (Silybum marianum) and the drug legalon (silybinin) prepared from this plant produce an antioxidant effect on liver tissues of rats poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. Legalon (25 mg/kg) and the oil (2000 mg) reduced the level of lipid peroxidation, increased the catalase activity, but did not reduce the concentration of selenium in liver (which decreased as a result of CCl4 intoxication). Legalon significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in liver tissues, while the Saint-Mary thistle oil did not produce such effect.     

水飞蓟果实、果皮及其提取物质量评价法的研究

目的建立水飞蓟果实、果皮及其提取物综合质量评价方法。方法用UV法在 2 87nm下测定水飞蓟素的含量 ;并以HPLC法测定指标成分水飞蓟宾的含量 :采用HypersilC1 8(2 5 0mm×4 6mm ,5 μm)色谱柱 ;以甲醇 乙腈 磷酸二氢铵缓冲液 (2 4∶2 4∶5 0 ,pH =5 )为流动相 ;流速为1 0mL min ;柱温为 4 0℃ ;检测波长为 2 87nm。结果UV法和HPLC法线性分别在 8 0 4～4 0 2 μmol L和 0 2 76～ 1 3 8μg;加样回收率 :UV法 98 5 % ,HPLC法 97 3 % ;水飞蓟果实、果皮中水飞蓟素和水飞蓟宾含量分别为 3 88%和 1 3 2 %、8 0 1 %和 2 77% ;3种水飞蓟提取物中水飞蓟素含量均在 80 %以上 ,但水飞蓟宾含量在 2 8 7%～ 3 2 8% ,有明显差异。结论 2法合用可用于水飞蓟原料药材及提取物的质量综合评价和控制     

Effect of the flavanolignans of Silybum marianum L. on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and freshly isolated hepatocytes.

The effect of several flavanolignans (silicristin, silidianin, silybin and isosilybin) present in silymarin, the extract of Silybum marianum fruits, was tested on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and freshly isolated hepatocytes. In microsomes lipid peroxidation was generated by ADP/Fe2+ and NADPH. All flavanolignans inhibited peroxidation in a concentration dependent manner. In hepatocytes lipid peroxidation was induced by ADP/Fe3+ complex and cell damage was evaluated as LDH activity released in the medium. The inhibition of the peroxidative process by flavanolignans was also evident in this model, even if with a potency order different from that found in microsomes. In contrast, the effect on LDH release was significant only for silybin and isosilybin, the other compounds being inactive on this parameter.     

Effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) supplementation on digoxin pharmacokinetics in humans.

Phytochemical-mediated modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and other drug transporters may underlie many herb-drug interactions. Serial serum concentration-time profiles of the P-gp substrate, digoxin, were used to determine whether supplementation with milk thistle or black cohosh modified P-gp activity in vivo. Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a standardized milk thistle (900 mg daily) or black cohosh (40 mg daily) supplement for 14 days, followed by a 30-day washout period. Subjects were also randomized to receive rifampin (600 mg daily, 7 days) and clarithromycin (1000 mg daily, 7 days) as positive controls for P-gp induction and inhibition, respectively. Digoxin (Lanoxicaps, 0.4 mg) was administered orally before and at the end of each supplementation and control period. Serial digoxin serum concentrations were obtained over 24 h and analyzed by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Comparisons of area under the serum concentration time curves from 0 to 3 h (AUC(0-3)), AUC(0-24), Cmax, apparent oral clearance of digoxin (CL/F), and elimination half-life were used to assess the effects of milk thistle, black cohosh, rifampin, and clarithromycin on digoxin pharmacokinetics. Rifampin produced significant reductions (p < 0.01) in AUC(0-3), AUC(0-24), and Cmax, whereas clarithromycin increased these parameters significantly (p < 0.01). Significant changes in digoxin half-life and CL/F were also observed with clarithromycin. No statistically significant effects on digoxin pharmacokinetics were observed following supplementation with either milk thistle or black cohosh, although digoxin AUC(0-3) and AUC(0-24) approached significance (p = 0.06) following milk thistle administration. When compared with rifampin and clarithromycin, supplementation with these specific formulations of milk thistle or black cohosh did not appear to affect digoxin pharmacokinetics, suggesting that these supplements are not potent modulators of P-gp in vivo.     

Chemical composition,antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity studies on S. erianthum and S. macranthum essential oils

Context: Solanum erianthum D. Don and Solanum macranthum Dunal (Solanaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves act as an abortifacient and in particular to treat leucorrhoea, sores, and skin irritations.

Objective: This study was undertaken to characterize the volatile constituents of the leaf and fruit essential oils of S. erianthum and S. macranthum; their antimicrobial and in vitro cytotoxic bioassay against human breast and prostate tumor cells.

Methods: The volatile oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed for their constituents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were determined using the microbroth dilution technique while the cytotoxic potentials were evaluated using the Cell Titre 96^(R) AQ_ueous Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay method.

Results: Solanum erianthum essential oils were characterized by the abundance of α-terpinolene (17.8%), α-phellandrene (17.5%), p-cymene (15.7%) and β-pinene (11.7%) in the leaves; α-humulene (23.1%), humulene epoxide II (20.0%), caryophyllene oxide (16.5%), methyl salicylate (11.8%) and β-caryophyllene (10.9%) in the fruits. The leaf oil of S. macranthum consisted of (E)-phytol (29.0%), pentadecanal (28.1%) and pentadecane (7.7%) while the major fruit oil constituents were α-humulene (36.5%), β-caryophyllene (17.8%), ethyl palmitate (9.4%), and methyl salicylate (8.2%). Solanum erianthum leaf volatile oil demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against Hs 578T and PC-3 human breast and prostate tumor cells respectively. In addition, the Solanum essential oils exhibited significant antimicrobial activity (19.5–625 µg/mL) on pathogens employed in the assay.

Conclusion: The Solanum essential oils possess strong antimicrobial activity in addition to the potent cytotoxic potential of S. erianthum leaf oil against Hs 578T and PC-3 cells.     

Pharmacokinetic investigations with 3H-penta-acetyl-gitoxin in volunteers and patients with respect to the occurrence of drug latentiation

After oral administration of 3H-penta-acetyl-gitoxin (Pengitoxin W.H.O., Pentagit) 1.5 mg to four volunteers, serum radioactivity diclines with a half-life of 62 +/- 10 hours. After an oral maintenance dose of 0.4 mg pengitoxin in five digitalized patients, four of them with a cannulated bile duct, serum radioactivity declines with half-life of 56 +/- 8 hours. In volunteers within 4 days 50.7% of the administered radioactivity is excreted in urine; in the patients 52.3% in urine and 28.0% in bile. By thin-layer chromatographic studies, 16-acetyl-gitoxin was charactrized as the main metabolite in serum, bile and urine. Furthermore, in the first 8 hours after administration, two additional metabolites occur in urine.     

Interaction of atenolol and adrenaline with respect to intraocular pressure.

1. The effects of topically administered atenolol 4% and adrenaline 1% on intraocular pressure (IOP) were investigated in fourteen healthy male human volunteers. Both the sole and combined effects of single doses of the formulations were recorded over a 7 h period. 2. Adrenaline and atenolol both produced significant reductions in IOP when compared to the placebo control, although the pattern of response differed. 3. Adrenaline had a rapid onset of action, resulting in a significant pressure reduction by 45 min post drug administration. A small upswing in IOP then occurred between 45 and 90 min, followed by a prolonged secondary reduction phase. 4. Atenolol produced a gradual reduction in IOP which reached a maximum at 180 min post drug administration and subsequently declined between 300 and 420 min. 5. Combined treatment with atenolol and adrenaline resulted in additive effects up to 180 min, and the early pressure upswing recorded with adrenaline was completely abolished. 6. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that beta 1-adrenoceptor stimulation elevates intraocular pressure. The correlation of these results with relevant animal and human pharmacological data is discussed.     

The nutritional status of New Zealanders with respect to manganese, copper, zinc and cadmium--a review.

The information currently available for assessing the manganese, copper, zinc and cadmium status of New Zealanders was reviewed. By comparison with current standards the status of manganese and zinc in New Zealanders appears to be adequate and the body burden of cadmium is low. The Cu status of some New Zealanders could be inadequate.     

Pharmacological investigations of 4'-fluoro-4-(4-methyl-peperidono)-butyrophenone with respect to its sedative and sleep-inducing properties (author's transl)]

The butyrophenone melperone (Eunerpan) in mice and rats caused a prominetn inhibition of spontaneous activity, whereas cataleptogenic and apomorphine-antagonistic properties were less pronounced. In rats the sleep-cycle was altered: decrease of wakefulness, increase of slow-wave sleep and a moderate reduction of rapid eye movement-(REM) sleep. In contrast to thioridazine and chlorpromazine the effect lasted only for 4 h, followed by a slight REM rebound. In rabbits melperone caused a decrease of muscle tone and with somewhat higher doses an inhibition of the arousal-reaction. As seen by the computerized spontaneous cortical EEG, dosages below 1 mg/kg caused a shift of the dominant frequency from theta- to delta-rhythm and an increase of power. Therefore the neuropharmacological pattern of the butyrophenone melperone is closely related to those of thioridazine or chlorpromazine, without, however, having their long action.     

SCAR markers for correct identification of Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus, P. debilis and P. urinaria used in scientific investigations and dry leaf bulk herb trade

The trade in Phyllanthus material as bulk herb is rampant and mainly involves herbaceous species such as Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus, P . debilis and P. urinaria. These species are very important in herbal medicines and have varied activities. In India these species grow sympatrically and there are chances of deliberate or ignorant adulteration of crude drugs, lowering the efficiency of the medication for its intended purpose. Secondly, incorrect identification may also lead to erroneous reports on activities/molecules. To overcome this problem in crude drug (dry leaf powder) and compliment morphological identification in live plant, we have developed SCAR markers for all four species. In each species, we selected one fragment as being monomorphic between accessions but differing in size between species. These species-specific fragments were selected, cloned and sequenced. Based on the sequences, primer pairs were designed and amplification conditions standardized. SCAR markers were isolated from population DNA amplification profiles and validated by sequencing. The species-specific SCAR primers could retrieve the same size and sequence of fragments as in the RAPD profile. These fragments are 1150 bp, 317 bp, 980 bp and 550 bp in size for P. amarus, P. fraternus, P. debilis and P. urinaria, respectively. Additional fragments in P. debilis and P. urinaria indicate different alleles. The retrieval of same size and sequence of species-specific unique SCAR markers from the respective accessions (mixed DNA sample of same accessions) indicates the usefulness to study natural hybridization between the species in addition to adulteration.     

Effect of storage period under variable conditions on the chemical and physical composition and colour of Spanish refrigerated orange juices.

The effects of the physicochemical and quality characteristics of various minimally pasteurized refrigerated orange Spanish juices and their changes with storage time and temperature were investigated. Essential oils, acidity, conductivity, diacetyl index, hydroxymethylfurfural, formol index, viscosity and ascorbic acid varied with storage time more significantly at 10 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. Density, colour and pectinmethylesterase did not vary at 4 degrees C. Some of the parameters could be used as indicators of quality loss or spoilage of the juices. The degradation kinetics of the concentration of remaining ascorbic acid against time follows a straight line whose slope indicates the degradation rate. A period of at least 42 days at 4 degrees C and 35 days at 10 degrees C was established as the shelf life of the juices.     

An evaluation of l-ephedrine neurotoxicity with respect to hyperthermia and caudate/putamen microdialysate levels of ephedrine, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.

l-Ephedrine is an active ingredient in several herbal formulations with a mechanism of action similar to amphetamine and methamphetamine. However, its potential to damage dopaminergic terminals in the caudate/putamen (CPu) has yet to be fully evaluated. The studies here used in vivo brain microdialysis experiments to determine the systemic doses and extracellular brain levels of l-ephedrine necessary to produce similar increases in CPu extracellular dopamine and marked hyperthermia that were previously shown necessary for amphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. At an environmental temperature of 23 degrees C, a single 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal (ip) dose of l-ephedrine produced marked hyperthermia (>/= 40 degrees C), peak microdialysate ephedrine levels of 7.3 +/- 1.2 microM, and a 20-fold increase in microdialysate dopamine levels. Twenty-five mg/kg produced a lesser degree of hyperthermia, peak microdialysate ephedrine levels of 2.6 +/- 0.4 microM, and a 10-fold increase in dopamine levels. Three doses of 40 mg/kg given at 3-h intervals or 4 doses of 25 mg/kg l-ephedrine given at 2-h intervals were compared with 4 doses of 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine given at 2-h intervals. Multiple doses of either ephedrine or amphetamine caused severe hyperthermia (>/= 41.3 degrees C) but striatal tissue levels of dopamine 7 days after dosing were reduced only 25% or less by ephedrine compared to the 75% reductions produced by amphetamine. The increases in CPu microdialysate levels of serotonin produced by either 4 x 25 mg/kg l-ephedrine or 4 x 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine did not significantly differ, but elevation of dopamine levels by d-amphetamine were over 2-fold times the level caused by l-ephedrine. Microdialysate glutamate levels were elevated to the same extent by either 25 mg/kg l-ephedrine or 4 x 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine. l-Ephedrine may not be as neurotoxic to dopaminergic terminals as d-amphetamine, because non-lethal doses of l-ephedrine do not sufficiently increase the CPu dopamine levels within nerve terminals or the extracellular space to those necessary for a more pronounced long-term dopamine depletion.     

Identification of lactate. Analytical methods of pharmacopoeias with DBH in respect to environmental and economical concern, Part 4

The identification of lactate according to Ph. Eur. 1997 and DAB 2000 uses the oxidation of lactic acid to pyruvic acid by boiling with bromine water in sulphuric acid. Acetaldehyde arising by decarboxylation is detected according to Legal applying a time consuming and troublesome procedure. 1,3-Dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH) as well as potassium bromate can replace elemental bromine. Lactic acid and all lactates of Ph. Eur. 1997 and DAB 2000 can be identified better and faster using lactate oxidase (LOD, test strip system Accusport). According to DAB 2000 the base of ethacridine lactate has to be separated. This is no longer necessary, if an enzymatic identification is applied.