五苓散对高尿酸血症小鼠降尿酸及肾保护机制的研究（英文）

目的：研究五苓散对高尿酸血症小鼠降尿酸和肾保护作用并探索其可能的作用机制。方法：在氧嗪酸钾连续7天诱导小鼠产生高尿酸血症模型同时每天灌胃给予不同剂量五苓散（每组10只）,并以别嘌呤醇作为阳性药对照。分别测定每组动物血清尿酸、肌酐及尿液尿酸、肌酐等水平并计算其尿酸排泄分数。采用RT-PCR和Westernblot方法分别测定小鼠肾脏尿酸盐重吸收转运体1（mURAT1）、葡萄糖转运体9（mGLUT9）、有机阴离子转运体1（mOAT1）、有机阳离子转运体1和2（mOCT1、mOCT2）及肉毒碱转运体2（mOCTN2）mRNA及蛋白表达水平。结果：与模型组比较,五苓散显著降低高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸与肌酐水平,促进尿酸和肌酐排泄,提高尿酸排泄分数,呈现出促进肾脏尿酸排泄与肾保护作用。五苓散显著下调高尿酸血症动物肾脏mURAT1、mGLUT9mRNA及蛋白表达水平,并上调mOAT1、mOCT1、mOCT2以及mOCTN2mRNA及蛋白表达水平。结论：这些结果表明五苓散可介导肾脏有机离子转运体表达以促进高尿酸血症和肾功能异常动物尿酸排泄并发挥其肾保护作用。     

Anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of Modified Simiao Decoction in hyperuricemic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Modified Simiao Decoction (MSD), based on clinical experience, has been used for decades and famous for its efficiency in treating hyperuricemic and gouty diseases.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of MSD on anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects are involved in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Materials and methods

The effects of MSD were investigated in hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate. MSD were fed to hyperuricemic mice daily at a dose of 0.45, 0.90, 1.80 g/kg for 10 days, and allopurinol (5 mg/kg) was given as a positive control. Serum and urine levels of uric acid and creatinine, and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) were determined by colorimetric method. Its nephroprotective effects were evaluated by determining a panel of oxidative stress markers after the intervention in hyperuricemic mice. Simultaneously, protein levels of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in the kidney were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

MSD could inhibit XOD activities in serum and liver, decrease levels of serum uric acid, serum creatinine and BUN, and increased levels of urine uric acid, urine creatinine, FEUA dose-dependently through down-regulation of URAT1 and up-regulation of OAT1 protein expressions in the renal tissue of hyperuricemic mice. It also effectively reversed oxonate-induced alterations on renal MDA levels and SOD activities in this model.

Conclusion

MSD processes uricosuric and nephroprotective actions by regulating renal urate transporters and enhancing antioxidant enzymes activities to improve renal dysfunction in hyperuricemic mice.     

The dual actions of Sanmiao wan as a hypouricemic agent: Down-regulation of hepatic XOD and renal mURAT1 in hyperuricemic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sanmiao wan (SMW) is widely used for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypouricemic effects of SMW and its possible mechanism in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Materials and methods

SMW at 489, 978 and 1956 mg/kg was orally administered to hyperuricemic and normal mice, and standard drug allopurinol (2.5 mg/kg) was served as a positive control. The effects of SMW on serum, urine and liver levels of uric acid, serum levels of creatinine, and activity of hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) were measured in mice. Moreover, the effects of SMW on the mRNA and protein levels of hepatic XOD and renal urate transporter 1 (mURAT1) in mice were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting methods, respectively.

Results

SMW significantly reduced uric acid levels in serum and liver, inhibited hepatic XOD activity, mRNA and protein levels in hyperuricemic mice. Furthermore, SMW could effectively down-regulate renal mURAT1 mRNA and protein levels of hyperuricemic mice. And it reversed oxonate-induced elevation in serum creatinine levels of mice. However, SMW did not show any effects in normal mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that SMW produced dual hypouricemic actions by suppressing hepatic XOD to reduce uric acid production and down-regulating renal mURAT1 to decrease urate reabsorption and enhance urate excretion in hyperuricemic mice.     

Mechanisms of antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignan constituents

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is used as folk medicine in South America to treat excess uric acid. Our initial study showed that the methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignans were able to reverse the plasma uric acid of hyperuricemic animals.

Aim of the study

The study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignan constituents.

Material and methods

The mechanisms were investigated using xanthine oxidase assay and uricosuric studies in potassium oxonate- and uric acid-induced hyperuricemic rats.

Results

Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract exhibited in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 39.39 μg/mL and a moderate in vivo xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. However, the lignans display poor xanthine oxidase inhibition in vitro and a relatively weak in vivo inhibitory activity at 10 mg/kg. On the other hand, intraperitoneal treatment with Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract showed 1.69 folds increase in urinary uric acid excretion when compared to the hyperuricemic control animals. Likewise, the lignans, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin and phyltetralin exhibited up to 2.51 and 11.0 folds higher in urinary uric acid excretion and clearance, respectively. The co-administration of pyrazinamide with phyllanthin exhibited a significant suppression of phyllanthin's uricosuric activity resembling that of pyrazinamide with benzbromarone.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract may be mainly due to its uricosuric action and partly through xanthine oxidase inhibition, whereas the antihyperuricemic effect of the lignans was attributed to their uricosuric action.     

Astragalus polysaccharide improves insulin sensitivity in KKAy mice: Regulation of PKB/GLUT4 signaling in skeletal muscle

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is an important bioactive component of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diabetes.

Aim of the study

To study the mechanisms by which APS ameliorates diabetes, we examined whether treatment with APS improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant mice and whether this is associated with an improvement of dysregulated protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 expressions in skeletal muscle.

Methods

APS (700 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) or vehicle was administered to 12-week-old diabetic KKAy and nondiabetic C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks. Changes in body weight, blood glucose level, insulin resistance index, and oral glucose tolerance were routinely evaluated. The expressions of protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 in skeletal muscle tissues were determined with Western blot.

Results

KKAy mice developed persistent hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Insulin-stimulated protein kinase B phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 translocation were significantly decreased in KKAy compared to age-matched C57BL/6J mice. APS treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Although the content of protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 in KKAy skeletal muscle were not affected by APS, insulin-induced protein kinase B Ser-473 phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 translocation in skeletal muscle were partially restored by APS treatment. In contrast, APS did not have any effect on C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusions

These results indicate that APS can regulate part of the insulin signaling in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle, and that APS could be a potential insulin sensitizer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Effects of South African traditional medicine in animal models for depression

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The four South African medicinal plants Agapanthus campanulatus (AC), Boophone distica (BD), Mondia whitei (MW) and Xysmalobium undulatum (XU) are used in traditional medicine to treat depression.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extracts of the plants in models for depression.

Materials and methods

The extracts were screened for affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the [³H]-citalopram-binding assay. The inhibitory potency of the extracts towards the SERT, the noradrenalin transporter (NAT) and the dopamine transporter (DAT) were determined in a functional uptake inhibition assay. Antidepressant-like effects of the extracts were investigated using the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swim test in both rats (rFST) and mice (mFST).

Results

All four plants showed affinity for SERT in the binding assay. AC and BD showed functional inhibition of SERT, NAT and DAT, MW affected SERT while XU showed no effect. BD showed significant effect in the TST and in the mFST/rFST, AC showed significant effect in mFST, MW showed significant effect in the rFST and XU showed significant effect in the mFST.

Conclusion

In this study we have demonstrated the antidepressant activity of four South African medicinal plants in vitro and in vivo, supporting their rational use in traditional medicine.     

Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat depression and anxiety for affinity to the serotonin transporter and inhibition of MAO-A

Ethnopharmacological relevance

A number of plant species are used in Danish folk medicine for treatment of depression and anxiety.

Materials and methods

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of 17 plant species were tested for affinity to the serotonin transporter and for inhibition of MAO-A—both targets for antidepressive treatment.

Results

An ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Borago officinalis had affinity to the serotonin transporter. Ten extracts, from eight plants, had IC₅₀ values below 25 μg/ml extract in the MAO-A assay. The most active extracts in the MAO-A assay were the ethanol extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (IC₅₀ 4 μg/ml); ethanol extract of leaves of Apium graveolens (IC₅₀ 5 μg/ml) and the water extract of aerial parts of Calluna vulgaris (IC₅₀ 8 μg/ml).

Conclusions

Besides Borago officinalis, which toxicity profile excludes it from further development as an herbal drug, none of the plants had potential as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Several plants had MAO-A inhibitory activity.     

Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) ameliorates type 1 diabetes and restores immune cell compartments

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Historical records reveal that in traditional medicine, a disease similar to diabetes was treated with ginseng. Korean red ginseng has been considered beneficial as a dietary supplement for its anti-diabetic potential.

Aim

This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic potential of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Radix Rubra) in a well-established mouse model of Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and methods

The prophylactic effect of KRG extract was evaluated in mice fed with KRG extract for two weeks prior to induction of diabetes by streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Glucose levels and glucose challenge test results of KRG-treated diabetic mice were compared to those of untreated diabetic mice and healthy control mice. Examination of the immune compartments in lymphoid organs and immunohistochemical staining of pancreas for islet cell morphology and insulin producing beta cells were performed.

Results

KRG extract significantly lowered blood glucose levels to an average of 250 mg/dl from 350 mg/dl and improved glucose challenge testing when applied as prophylaxis. Histological findings indicated that KRG extract protected against STZ-induced destruction of pancreatic tissue and restored insulin secretion. Strikingly, this effect was accompanied by restoration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs, suggesting that KRG extract facilitated immune homeostasis.

Conclusion

This is the first report to demonstrate the prophylactic function of KRG extract in ameliorating the hyperglycemia of T1D. Immune compartments of diabetic mice were found to be preserved in KRG-treated mice suggesting that Korean red ginseng may benefit T1D patients, not only for its hypoglycemic but also for its immunomodulatory effects.     

Pharmacological basis for use of Lychnophora trichocarpha in gouty arthritis: anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects of its extract, fraction and constituents

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The ethanolic extract of Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat bruise, pain and inflammatory diseases.

Aim of the study

The present study aimed at investigating whether ethanolic extract of L. trichocarpha, its ethyl acetate fraction and its main bioactive compounds could be useful to treat gouty arthritis by countering hyperuricemia and inflammation.

Materials and methods

L. trichocarpha ethanolic extract (LTE), ethyl acetate fraction from ethanolic extract (LTA) and isolated compounds were evaluated for urate-lowering activity and liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. Anti-inflammatory activity in monosodium urate crystal-induced paw oedema, an experimental model of gouty arthritis, was also investigated.

Results

Crude ethanolic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction showed significant urate-lowering effects. LTE was also able to significantly inhibit liver xantine oxidase (XOD) activity in vivo at the dose of 250 mg/kg. Luteolin, apigenin, lupeol, lychnopholide and eremantholide C showed the anti-hyperuricemic activities among tested compounds. Apigenin also showed XOD inhibitory activity in vivo. Luteolin, lychnopholide, lupeol and eremantholide C, in turn, did not shown significant inhibitory activity towards this enzyme, indicating that this mechanism is not likely to be involved in urate-lowering effects of those compounds. LTE, LTA, lupeol, β-sitosterol, lychnopholide, eremantholide, luteolin and apigenin were also found to inhibit monosodium urate crystals-induced paw oedema in mice.

Conclusions

Ethanolic extract of Lychnophora trichocarpha and some of its bioactive compounds may be promising agents for the treatment of gouty arthritis since they possesses both anti-hiperuricemic and anti-inflammatory properties.     

桂枝汤对高尿酸血症小鼠肾保护作用的研究

目的：研究桂枝汤对高尿酸血症小鼠肾保护作用及其机制。方法：用氧嗪酸钾诱导小鼠产生高尿酸血症模型,并随机分为6组：空白对照组、模型对照组、别嘌呤醇组（5 mg·kg^-1）、桂枝汤组（900、1 799和3 598 mg·kg^-1）。苏木精-伊红染色观察小鼠肾脏组织病理学变化;商品化试剂盒测定小鼠血清和尿液中尿酸、肌酐和尿素氮水平以及肝脏黄嘌呤氧化（XOD）活性。采用Western blot方法检测动物肾脏尿酸盐转运子（URAT1）、葡萄糖转运子9（GLUT9）、三磷酸腺苷结合转运蛋白G超家族成员2（ABCG2）、有机阳离子转运子1（OCT1）、OCT2、有机阳离子/肉毒碱转运子1（OCTN1）和OCTN2。结果：与模型对照组比较,桂枝汤可明显降低高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸、肌酐和尿素氮水平,增加尿液尿酸和肌酐浓度,提高尿酸排泄分数。另外,桂枝汤可有效抑制高尿酸血症小鼠肝脏XOD活性,下调模型动物肾脏URAT1和GLUT9蛋白水平,上调肾脏ABCG2、OCT1、OCT2、OCTN1和OCTN2蛋白水平。结论：桂枝汤可能通过抑制高尿酸血症小鼠肝脏XOD活性以减少尿酸生成、调节肾脏有机离子转运子蛋白水平以促进尿酸及其他有机离子排泄,从而发挥其降尿酸和肾保护作用。     

基于叶绿体全基因组的贝母属特异性DNA条形码的筛选

本研究通过对贝母属4个物种叶绿体基因组进行全局分析,分别查找基因区域和基因间区的高变异区域,筛选用于高效鉴别贝母属植物的新DNA条形码序列。相关研究发现贝母属植物的基因区域序列相似度极高,不适用于DNA条形码鉴定研究;共有7个基因间区可以作为潜在的贝母属植物鉴定的特异性DNA条形码。本研究所构建的DNA条形码筛选方法,为筛选用于难鉴定科属的新的DNA条形码提供了通用的方法体系。     

车前子醇提物降低急性高尿酸血症小鼠血尿酸水平及机制研究

目的:探讨车前子醇提物对高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸水平的影响及降尿酸作用机制.方法:车前子低、中、高剂量(1.17,2.34,4.68 g·kg-1)和别嘌呤醇(10 mg·kg-1)ig连续7d,建立小鼠高尿酸血症模型,观测对氧嗪酸钾盐诱导的急性高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸与肌酐含量、肝脏黄嘌呤氧化酶(XOD)与腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)的活性、肾脏尿酸转运体(mURAT1)mRNA表达的影响.结果:与正常组比,模型组小鼠血清尿酸与肌酐含量和肝脏XOD与ADA活性显著增高,并上调肾脏尿酸转运体mURAT1 mRNA的表达.提取物低、中、高剂量组血清尿酸分别为(178.32±10.26),(148.77±13.59),(160.28±14.65)μmol·L-1,明显低于模型组(235.65±19.38) μmol·L-1(P ＜0.01).血清肌酐分别为(56.12±4.58),(50.97±3.27),(52.45±4.66) μmol·L-1,明显低于模型组(107.59±8.32) μmol·L-1(P ＜0.01).肝脏XOD活性分别为(23.18±3.72),(16.96±2.45),(14.62±3.43) U·g-1,明显低于模型组(24.39±3.58) U·g-1 (P ＜0.05).ADA活性分别为(4.70±0.44),(3.89±0.24),(4.08±0.58) U·mg-1,明显低于模型组(5.92±0.84) U·mg-1 (P ＜0.05,P＜0.oi).肾尿酸转运体mURAT1 mRNA的表达分别为1.83±0.12,1.52±0.13,1.72±0.11,明显低于模型组2.22 ±0.1(P ＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论:车前子醇提物能够降低高尿酸血症模型小鼠的血尿酸,改善高尿酸血症小鼠肾脏功能.抑制XOD与ADA活性并下调肾脏尿酸转运体mURAT1 mRNA的表达,是其降低高尿酸血症小鼠血清尿酸水平的可能机制.     

Effect of polypeptide 2B1 on condition of dampness pattern in rats in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Objective

This study investigated how polypeptide 2B1 is involved in regulating and governing dampness in rat models with dampness pattern defined in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Methods

We randomly divided 48 SPF 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats into a normal group, normal + Aristolochic acid I (AA-I) for 5 min group, normal + AA-I for 60 min group, dampness pattern group (DS-Group), dampness pattern + AA-I for 5 min group, and dampness pattern + AA-I for 60 min group. Groups were then treated accordingly. We took out the lung, stomach, liver, spleen, kidney, large intestine, and small intestine tissues to detect gene and protein expression of organic anion transporter polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1).

Results

Gene expression of OATP2B1 in spleen, kidney, and small intestine of rats with dampness pattern was lower than that in normal rats (P<0.05). The gene expressions of OATP2B1 in liver, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine were lower than that in control rats at different time points after being stimulated by AA-I (P<0.05).

Conclusion

There is coordination among multiple viscera in handling the condition of dampness, and the mechanism underlying the action may rely on regulating the expression of OATP2B1.     

Anti-diabetic effects of Panax notoginseng saponins and its major anti-hyperglycemic components

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) is a well-known and commonly used traditional Chinese herb for treatment of various diseases, such as hemostasis, edema and odynolysis.

Aim of study

Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms of anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obese effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) in KK-Ay mice, and explore the components in PNS for such effects.

Materials and methods

KK-Ay mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of PNS 200 mg/kg or vehicle for 30 days while ginsenoside Re 14 mg/kg, Rd 15 mg/kg, Rg1 40 mg/kg, Rb1 60 mg/kg and notoginsenoside R1 6 mg/kg for 12 days. Fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL), glucose tolerance (GT), serum insulin, leptin levels, body weight changes, food intake, adipose tissues and blood fat levels were measured at different time points.

Results

The PNS group had significantly lower FBGL, improved GT and smaller body weight incremental percentage after the 30-day treatment. Additionally, Rb1 exhibited significant reduction of FBGL on day 12, and Re also exhibited a decreasing trend after the 12-day treatment.

Conclusions

PNS possess anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obese activities by improving insulin- and leptin sensitivity, and Rb1 is responsible for the anti-hyperglycemic effect among the five saponins in KK-Ay mice.     

Rutaecarpine effects on expression of hepatic phase-1, phase-2 metabolism and transporter genes as a basis of herb–drug interactions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rutaecarpine is an alkaloid of Evodia rutaecarpa which is traditionally used to treat human diseases. Rutaecarpine has been used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of disorders and found to produce herb–drug interactions. The basis of these herb–drug interactions is not completely understood.

Aim of study

To examine the effects of rutaecarpine on the expression of drug processing genes, including Phase-1 (P450 enzyme genes), Phase-2 (glucuronidation and sulfation genes) and Phase-3 (drug transporters) in liver of mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were orally administered rutaecarpine at the doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg for consecutive 7 days. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, blood and liver were collected. Total RNA was isolated, purified, and subjected to real-time RT-PCR analysis of genes of interest.

Results

Rutaecarpine administration induced Cyp1a2, 2b10 and 2e1 as previously reported. Cyp3a11 and Cyp4a10 were also induced. For phase-2 enzyme genes, rutaecarpine increased glucuronyltransferases (Ugt1a1 and Ugt1a6), but had no effects on sulfotransferase (Sult1a1 and Sult1b1). Most interestingly, rutaecarpine increased hepatic uptake of organic anion transporting peptides (Oatp1a1, Oayp1a4, Oatp1b2, and Oatp2b1) and induced efflux transporter such as multidrug resistance-associated proteins (Mrp1, Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4), especially at the doses of 20 mg/kg and above.

Conclusion

The interactions of rutaecarpine with drugs involve not only the induction of cytochrome P450 enzyme genes, but also the induction of hepatic transporters and phase-2 enzyme genes. The effects of rutaecarpine on these drug processing genes could play integrated roles in producing herb–drug interactions.     

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic action of cinnamaldehyde in C57blks/j Db/db mice

Objective

To investigate the effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA), an active and major compound in cinnamon, on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in C57BLKS/J db/db mice.

Methods

Sixteen male C57BLKS db/db mice were randomly divided into control and CA treatment groups. CA was given (20 mg · kg⁻¹ · day⁻¹, p. o.) for 4 weeks. Pure water was given to control and db/+ mice. Subsequently, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin, triglyeride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein -cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and free fatty acids (FFA), as well as the mRNA content of adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in adipose tissue, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) in skeletal muscle, and protein expressions of Akt, phospho-Akt (Thr308), AMPKα, phospho-AMPKα (Thr172) in skeletal muscle were measured.

Results

1) CA decreased serum levels of FBG and insulin as well as body weight in db/db mice; 2) CA increased serum HDL-C levels; 3) CA significantly decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α in adipose tissue and upregulated mRNA expression of GLUT-4 in skeletal muscle; 4) protein expression of p-Akt was increased in CA-treated mice, but Akt, AMPKα and p-AMPKα showed no change.

Conclusion

CA has antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic actions in db/db mice and could be useful in the treatment of type-2 diabetes.     

Scientific evidence for traditional claim of anti-obesity activity of Tecomella undulata bark

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The bark of Tecomella undulata is traditionally claimed in the treatment of various disease ailments including obesity and cancer. Till now there are no studies about anti-obesity activity of Tecomella undulata bark.

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to establish a scientific evidence for anti-obesity efficiency of ethyl acetate extract of Tecomella undulata bark (EATUB). Further to standardize the active fractions of EATUB using different biomarkers.

Materials and methods

We investigated activity of EATUB fractions (F1–F7) using 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. Further, F1-mediated effects were characterized by determining mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1, one of the key targets for the treatment of obesity, using semi-quantitative RT-PCR (sqRT-PCR) and western blot analysis. The consequences of modulation of SIRT1 on mRNA and protein levels of various adipogenesis mediators like PPARγ, C/EBPα, E2F1, leptin, adiponectin and LPL were also studied. In vivo studies were performed using High Fat Diet (HFD) obese mice.

Results

Our data showed that compared to controls, preadipocytes and adipocytes incubated with F1 exhibited a significant decrease in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. In addition, sqRT-PCR and western blot analysis showed significant increase in SIRT1 and adiponectin levels and decrease in PPARγ, C/EBPα, E2F1, leptin and LPL levels in preadipocytes and adipocytes. In vivo studies of F1 in HFD induced obese mice showed significant improvement in lipid profile and glucose levels. The bioactive fraction (F1) was determined to possess 4.95% of ferulic acid.

Conclusion

Thus, our findings signified the beneficial effects of Tecomella undulata bark in pharmacologic interventions related to obesity and metabolic disorders. Ferulic acid and rutin are being reported and quantified for the first time from the bark of Tecomella undulata.     

Effects of Korean red ginseng extract on the prevention of atopic dermatitis and its mechanism on early lesions in a murine model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to possess various biological activities including anti-inflammatory properties.

Aim of the study

We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of KRG on the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD) using a mouse model.

Materials and methods

The effect of KRG in trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice was assessed by measuring ear thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), total serum IgE, histologic changes of lesional skin, mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, immunohistochemistry for tissue interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and interferon (IFN)-γ.

Results

KRG significantly reduced ear thickness. Oral administration of KRG significantly prevented the increase in TEWL induced by TNCB. The serum IgE level was significantly lower in the KRG group. Histologically, lymphocyte infiltration was markedly decreased by KRG. CD1a positive (CD1a+) cells were diminished by KRG. Immunohistochemically, KRG significantly suppressed the protein expression of TSLP and TNF-α. The mRNA expression of TSLP in the lesions was significantly reduced by KRG. These results demonstrate that oral administration of KRG may inhibit the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by modifying TSLP, DCs, and at least in part, the Th2 response.

Conclusion

KRG may be a potential therapeutic modality for the prevention of AD.