赤雹根中Dubioside F的分离纯化及含量测定

目的: 分离纯化赤雹根中的dubioside F,鉴定结构并测定不同产地赤雹根中dubioside F的含量. 方法: 通过硅胶柱色谱分离纯化,以CHCl₃-MeOH-H₂O (14:7:1)为洗脱剂,得到单体化合物,根据其理化性质和波谱数据,鉴定该单体化合物为dubioside F;再以分离得到的dubioside F为对照品,测定不同产地赤雹根药材中dubioside F的含量.采用Discovery-C₁₈色谱柱(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm),流动相乙腈-水(24:76),流速1.0 mL·min^-1,检测波长200 nm. 结果: dubioside F在0.98~24.5 μg线性关系良好(r=1),平均回收率96.96%, RSD 1.1%. 结论: 首次对赤雹根中单体皂苷类成分(dubioside F)进行含量测定,测定方法简便、快速、可靠.不同产地种植、野生的赤雹根药材dubioside F的含量,分别以吉林省和龙市、河北省宽城县出产的为最高.可为进一步的赤雹根药材质量控制的研究提供依据.     

侧柏酮对人γδT细胞功能的影响

目的: 探讨侧柏酮对人γδ T细胞功能的影响. 方法: 异戊烯焦磷酸/isopentenyl pyrosphate(IPP)法体外扩增人外周血γδ T细胞.各浓度侧柏酮作用人γδ T细胞48 h,CCK-8法检测其增殖力,流式细胞术测其表型、细胞周期、细胞凋亡及表达CD107a,穿孔素(perforin),粒酶B(granzyme B)的情况. 结果: 300～600 μmol·L^-1侧柏酮明显抑制人γδ T细胞生长(P<0.05);0.036 25～150 μmol·L^-1侧柏酮明显促进其生长(P<0.05),9.4 μmol·L^-1时达增殖最高峰(37.03±0.52)%,且穿孔素表达率明显升高(39.94±1.04)%(P<0.05),余与空白组相比无显著差异. 结论: 9.4 μmol·L^-1侧柏酮明显促进人γδ T细胞增殖并上调其穿孔素的表达.     

西洋参茎叶皂苷抗大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的作用及机制

目的: 观察西洋参茎叶皂苷(Panax quinquefolius saponins,PQS)对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用,并探讨其作用机制. 方法: 大鼠50只随机分5组,每组10只,即假手术组、模型组、PQS低、高剂量组及尼莫地平组.假手术组和模型组ig给予生理盐水,给药组ig给予PQS(100,300 mg·kg^-1)和尼莫地平(21.6 mg·kg^-1),每日1次,连续给药15 d后,除假手术组外,手术结扎冠脉建立心肌缺血再灌注模型.观察PQS对大鼠心脏功能及心肌梗死面积的影响;检测PQS对血清肌酸磷酸激酶(CPK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及心肌组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、丙二醛(MDA)水平的影响. 结果: 模型组左室收缩压(LVSP)降低,左室舒张末压(LVEDP)升高,心肌梗死面积增加,血清中CPK,LDH活性及MDA,TNF-α和IL-6含量升高,SOD和GSH-Px活性降低,与假手术组比较均具有显著统计学差异(P<0.01);与模型组比较,PQS和尼莫地平均可以使LVSP升高,LVEDP降低,减少心肌梗死面积,降低血清中CPK,LDH活性及MDA,TNF-α和IL-6含量,升高SOD和GSH-Px活性,均具有统计学差异(P<0.01,P<0.05). 结论: PQS预处理能够有效的减弱心肌缺血再灌注引起的损伤,该作用与抑制心肌缺血再灌注引起的活性氧增加及减少炎症反应的发生有关.     

糖肾葆颗粒联合依那普利片对早期糖尿病肾病肾功能的保护作用

目的: 观察糖肾葆颗粒联合依那普利片对早期糖尿病肾病(DN)的临床疗效及机制作用. 方法: 80例DN患者采用分层区组随机分为对照组和联合组各40例.两组严格控制血糖,采用氨氯地平片,5~10 mg/次,1次/d,口服,控制血压.对照组服用依那普利片,10 mg/次,1次/d.联合组在对照组治疗的基础上采用糖肾葆颗粒(配方颗粒),1剂/d,分2次口服.两组疗程均为12周.检测尿微量白蛋白与肌酐比值(mALB/Ucr)、尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER)、空腹血糖(FPG)、糖化血红蛋白(HbAlc)、血清胱抑素(Cys-C)、血β₂微球蛋白(β₂-MG)、尿N-乙酰-β-D-氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)和肾损伤分子-1(KIM-1).治疗前后各检测1次. 结果: 治疗后联合组mALB,UAER和mALB/Ucr均低于对照组(P<0.01);治疗后两组FPG和HbAlc水平均比治疗前下降(P<0.01),治疗后联合组HbAlc水平低于对照组(P<0.05);治疗后联合组Cys-C,β₂-MG,NAG,KIM-1水平均比治疗前下降,并低于对照组(P<0.01);经Ridit分析,联合组临床疗效优于对照组(P<0.05). 结论: 糖肾葆颗粒联合依那普利片对早期糖尿病肾病肾功能有较好的保护作用,其疗效优于单纯用依那普利治疗.     

红白忍冬SABATH甲基转移酶基因克隆及其生物信息学分析

目的: 克隆红白忍冬SABATH甲基转移酶基因(rLjSABATHMT),比较忍冬和红白忍冬SABATH甲基转移酶同源基因表达量和基因内含子序列的差异,为金银花的活性成分形成及调控机制研究提供基础。方法: 根据cDNA文库提供的基因片段设计特异性引物,从红白忍冬中克隆获得rLjSABATHMT基因cDNA序列及基因组序列。通过生物信息学对该基因蛋白的特征进行分析,使用MEGA 5.0构建SABATH甲基转移酶系统进化树,利用RT-PCR分析SABATHMT同源基因在忍冬与红白忍冬的不同器官、不同花期的表达量,对忍冬和红白忍冬SABATHMT同源基因内含子区序列进行分析和比较。结果: 克隆获得的rLjSABATHMT基因cDNA序列全长为1 251 bp,具有完整编码框,编码365个氨基酸。该基因蛋白序列具有保守的SABATHMT结构域,系统进化树结果表明它可能是水杨酸/安息酸甲基转移酶。基因表达分析结果表明SABATHMT同源基因主要在花中表达。忍冬和红白忍冬SABATHMT同源基因内含子区序列具有丰富的多态性,且有2个SNP为红白忍冬的特有基因型;内含子区motif元件中碱基变异在2个同源基因间具有显著差异。结论: SABATHMT同源基因内含子区变异可能导致了忍冬和红白忍冬SABATH甲基转移酶表达差异,为金银花活性成分调控机制研究提供了重要研究基础。     

醋制降低甘遂乙酸乙酯部位致小鼠肝脏氧化损伤机制研究

目的: 研究甘遂醋制降低乙酸乙酯部位对小鼠肝脏损伤的作用机制. 方法: 以ICR正常小鼠为研究对象,灌胃给予甘遂与醋甘遂乙酸乙酯部位,取小鼠血清和肝匀浆测定谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),Na⁺-K⁺-ATP酶和Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATP酶的活力和谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量.取肝脏组织进行HE染色,光镜观察其组织形态学改变. 结果: 病理切片结果表明,与空白对照组比较,甘遂各剂量组肝组织损伤显著增高(P<0.01).与甘遂组比较,醋甘遂各剂量组肝组织损伤显著降低(P<0.01).与对照组相比,甘遂高、中、低剂量组小鼠血清中和肝组织中AST,ALT,LDH酶活力均明显增高 (P<0.01, P<0.001),小鼠血清中和肝组织中SOD活力和GSH含量显著降低(P<0.01,P<0.001),MDA含量显著升高(P<0.001),肝组织中Na⁺-K⁺-ATP酶和Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATP酶活力(P<0.01)显著降低,且呈一定的剂量相关性.与甘遂各剂量组相比,醋甘遂高、中、低剂量组明显降低小鼠肝组织中AST,ALT,LDH酶活力(P<0.05, P<0.001),显著提高小鼠血清中和肝组织中SOD活力(P<0.001)和GSH含量,显著降低MDA含量(P<0.01),显著增加肝组织中Na⁺-K⁺-ATP酶和Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATP酶活力,且呈一定的剂量相关性. 结论: 醋制能明显降低甘遂对肝脏的氧化损伤,其机制可能为通过降低甘遂对肝组织细胞膜通透性的影响及减轻氧化损伤而实现.     

舒肝调心方治疗恶性肿瘤抑郁症55例

目的: 探讨舒肝调心方治疗恶性肿瘤抑郁症的疗效及对血清炎性因子的影响. 方法: 采用随机按数字表法将110例符合条件的患者分为对照组和观察组各55例.对照组采用盐酸氟西汀胶囊,起始剂量20 mg·d^-1,早餐后服用,用药2周后根据病情调整剂量;观察组在对照组治疗的基础上加服舒肝调心方,1剂/d.两组疗程均为8周.进行治疗前后汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)和抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分;进行治疗前后欧洲癌症研究与治疗组织(EORTC)的生活质量量表(QLQ-BR30)评分;检测治疗前后血清白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素2(IL-2)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)及肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平. 结果: ①抑郁疗效:治疗后观察组抑郁疗效优于对照组(P<0.05),观察组抑郁程度轻于对照组(P<0.01),观察组HAMD和SDS评分低于对照组(P<0.01).②生活质量评价:治疗后观察组角色功能、情绪功能和整体生活质量评分均高于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.01);治疗后观察组疼痛、失眠、食欲丧失、便秘、腹泻评分低于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.01).③炎性因子水平变化:治疗后观察组IL-1β,IL-6及TNF-α水平低于对照组,IL-2水平高于对照组(P<0.01). 结论: 舒肝调心方能改善恶性肿瘤抑郁症患者的抑郁程度、减轻抑郁症状、提高患者生活质量,其作用机制可能是通过调节血清炎性因子来实现的.     

五指那藤三萜类化学成分研究

采用溶剂法、硅胶柱色谱、ODS柱色谱和HPLC等手段对五指那藤Stauntonia obovatifoliola subsp. intermedia茎中的化学成分进行分离纯化,并通过NMR,MS等谱学方法进行结构鉴定。从五指那藤茎的60%乙醇提取物中的乙酸乙酯、正丁醇萃取部位中分离得到19个化合物,分别为羽扇豆醇(1)、白桦酮酸(2)、白桦脂酸(3)、3-表-白桦脂酸(4)、木通种酸(5)、24-O-乙酰木通种酸(6)、3-O-α-L-阿拉伯糖基-30-去甲常春藤皂苷元-28-O-α-L-鼠李糖基(1→4)-β-D-葡萄糖基(1→6)-O-β-D-葡萄糖基酯(7)、Stauntoside A(8)、刺楸皂苷A(9)、刺楸皂苷J(10)、Kizuta saponin K₁₀(11)、3-O-α-L-鼠李糖基(1→2)-O-α-L-阿拉伯糖基常春藤皂苷元-28-β-D-木糖基(1→6)-O-β-D-葡萄糖基酯(12)、刺楸皂苷B(13)、3-O-α-L-鼠李糖基(1→2)-O-α-L-阿拉伯糖基-常春藤皂苷元-28-O-β-D-葡萄糖基(1→6)-O-β-D-葡萄糖基酯(14)、sieboldianoside A(15)、septemoside A(16)、刺楸皂苷K(17)、刺楸皂苷 Ⅰ(18)、3-O-α-L-阿拉伯糖基(1→2)-O-β-D-葡萄糖醛酸基-常春藤皂苷元(19)。其中 4,6,10,12,14,16~19 为首次从该属植物中分得,且 6 为新的天然产物。     

山豆根颗粒及其饮片抗肿瘤作用及其机制

目的: 观察山豆根颗粒及其饮片对肝癌H22腹水瘤、S180实体瘤的抑制作用,探讨其作用机制. 方法: 采用小鼠移植性肝癌H22腹水瘤、S180实体瘤的体内实验方法,以环磷酰胺(CTX)为阳性对照,分别取种瘤成功的小鼠随机分为9组,即:正常组,模型组,山豆根饮片高、中、低剂量组(生药7.0,3.5,1.75 g·kg^-1)、山豆根颗粒高、中、低剂量组(生药7.0,3.5,1.75 g·kg^-1)、CTX组(0.02 g·kg^-1).于分组第2天,CTX组ip给药,其余各组ig给予相应的药物,连续给药11 d,每日1次,给药体积均为20 mL·kg^-1体重,分别观察山豆根颗粒及其饮片对荷瘤肝癌H22腹水瘤小鼠和S180实体瘤小鼠瘤重、抑瘤率的影响,并用放射免疫法测定小鼠血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、干扰素-γ(INF-γ)、白介素-2(IL-2)的含量. 结果: 山豆根颗粒及其饮片均能显著抑制小鼠肝癌H22腹水瘤、S180实体瘤的生长,且能显著提高荷瘤小鼠血清中TNF-α,INF-γ,IL-2的水平(P<0.0,或P<0.01). 结论: 山豆根颗粒及其饮片均可对抗肝癌H22腹水瘤、S180实体瘤,其作用机制均可能与其抑制细胞因子的表达有关.山豆根颗粒抗肿瘤作用与其饮片作用相当.     

一氧化氮途径介导人参总皂苷对大鼠右室肥厚的抑制作用

目的: 观察人参总皂苷(TG)对野百合碱(MCT)所致大鼠右心室肥厚的影响并探讨其与一氧化氮途径的关系. 方法: 雄性SD大鼠随机分为:正常对照组、模型组、TG低、中、高剂量组(20,40,60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)以及L-精氨酸组(L-arg,200 mg·kg^-1·d^-1,L-a组);另外,为探讨TG的作用与NO释放的关系,另设TG+L-N(NOS合酶抑制剂N^G-硝基-L-精氨酸-甲酯,L-NAME)组和L-a+L-N组.在腹腔注射TG 40 mg·kg^-1·d^-1或L-arg 200 mg·kg^-1·d^-1的同时分别灌胃NOS抑制剂L-N 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1,各组动物均给药18 d.测定各组大鼠的右心室收缩压(RVSP)、右室肥厚指数(RVHI)、右心重/体重(RVW/BW);透射电镜观察心肌细胞超微结构的改变;硝酸还原法检测心肌组织NO₂^-/ NO₃^-的含量;Real time RT-PCR检测心肌组织心房利钠因子(ANF)、内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)mRNA的表达. 结果: TG低、中、高剂量和L-arg预防给药均使RVSP,RVSP,RVHI,RV/BW及ANF mRNA表达明显降低(P<0.05),改善细胞线粒体肿胀、变性,L-N能阻止L-arg对上述指标的影响,而同样剂量的L-N并不能影响TG 40 mg·kg^-1对上述指标的降低作用;TG 20,40 mg· kg^-1不影响eNOS mRNA的表达,但60 mg· kg^-1可提高eNOS mRNA的表达. 结论: TG能明显改善MCT诱导的大鼠右心室肥厚,其抗心肌肥厚作用部分是通过NO途径实现的.     

何首乌考辨

何首乌作为传统补益中药活跃在中医药市场,人形何首乌的出现更从侧面反映出人们对何首乌补益功效的追捧。然而,近年来,何首乌的中毒报道频频出现,引起人们广泛关注。该研究通过对古代本草书籍中关于何首乌的绘图与文字记述进行系统梳理,探讨了何首乌的起源、植物形态、功效、炮制以及白首乌来源的历史沿革,以求正本清源,为何首乌的安全、有效用药提供启示。     

Genotoxicity of polar and apolar extracts obtained from Qualea multiflora and Qualea grandiflora

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The species Qualea grandiflora and Qualea multiflora, which belong to the Vochysiaceae family, are common in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado biome), and the local inhabitants use these species to treat external ulcers and gastric diseases and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have demonstrated that these plants contain compounds that exhibit pharmacological activities; however, the risks associated with their consumption are not known.

Material and methods

In the present study, the mutagenicity of polar and apolar extracts from Qualea grandiflora and Qualea multiflora were assessed by employing the Ames assay with and without metabolic activation. Additionally, phytochemical analyses (HPLC-ESI-IT-MS, HPLC-UV-PDA and GC-IT-MS) were performed to identify the chemical constituents present in these species, including the evaluation of physico-chemical properties, such as polarity or apolarity of the organic compounds, which are related to each fraction obtained. These studies provide important information regarding the biochemical behaviour of these compounds.

Results

All extracts exhibited mutagenicity, inducing frameshift mutations and base substitutions in DNA. Phytochemical analysis identified terpenes, ellagic acid derivatives and phytosteroids.

Conclusions

The mutagenicity observed might be due to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenes and polyphenols, which are able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and result in the potential to cause DNA damage. The genetic risk identified in this present work shows that special attention should be considered for the use of compounds obtained from these plant species in medicinal treatments. Further studies must be conducted to identify safe therapeutic doses.     

Acute diuretic activity of aqueous Erica multiflora flowers and Cynodon dactylon rhizomes extracts in rats

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the diuretic potential and effect on urinary electrolytes of aqueous Erica multiflora L. (Ericaceae) flowers and Cynodon dactylon L. (Poaceae) rhizomes extracts in rats.

Materials and methods

Different concentrations of these plants extract (0.125, 0.250, and 0.500 g/kg of body weight) or the reference drug furosemide (0.015 g/kg) were administrated orally to hydrated male Wistar rats and their urine output was measured at several interval of time after a single dose administration. Furthermore, a toxicological effect of both plants was undertaken as well.

Results

The results showed that furosemide induced significant diuresis and electrolytes excretion during the first hours. Plant extracts increased significantly urinary output and electrolytes excretion at the dose of 0.250 g/kg for Erica multiflora and 0.500 g/kg for Cynodon dactylon. This diuretic effect seems to be not related to K⁺ plant content. Urinary pH remained mostly unchanged during the course of the study for both plant extracts. No lethality was observed among animals when using Erica multiflora even at the dose of 10 g/kg while Cynodon dactylon, instead, caused 50% of rat death (LD50) at 4.5 g/kg.

Conclusion

We concluded that both aqueous herb extracts administered, particularly, at the dose of 0.500 g/kg induce significant effect on urinary output of water and electrolytes and justify their use as diuretic remedy in traditional medicine.     

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Shirazi thyme)—An ancient condiment with modern pharmaceutical uses

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) is a thyme-like plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family that grows wild only in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This plant with the vernacular name of Avishan-e-Shirazi (Shirazi thyme) in Iran is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant. It has several traditional uses as an antiseptic, carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, anesthetic, anti-spasmodic and analgesic.

Aim of the study

This paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, toxicology, modern pharmaceutical uses and phytochemistry of Zataria multiflora, and highlights the gaps in our knowledge deserving further research.

Materials and methods

All relevant databases were searched for the terms “Zataria”, “Zataria multiflora”, “Shirazi thyme” and “Iranian thyme” without limitation up to 24th October 2012. Information on Zataria multiflora was collected via electronic search using Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and SID (for articles in Persian language), and local books on ethnopharmacology.

Results

ZM has played an important role in Iranian traditional medicine. In light of the modern pharmacological and clinical investigations, ZM is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant that has anti-microbial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and anti-nociceptive properties. The oil of ZM contains high percentages of oxygenated monoterpenes, in particular thymol and carvacrol, and exhibits excellent anti-microbial properties.

Conclusions

Overall, antimicrobial property appears to be the most interesting studied biological effect of ZM. The lack of a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of ZM is an important limitation that can be noted regarding most of the previous studies.     

Inhibition of the toxic effects of Bothrops asper venom by pinostrobin,a flavanone isolated from Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) MAAS

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Renealmia alpinia has been traditionally used to treat snakebites by indigenous Embera-Katíos tribes belonging to the regions of Antioquia and Chocó, Colombia, and it has been shown to inhibit the enzymatic and biological activities of Bothrops venoms and their purified phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) toxins. In addition to its common local usage against snakebites, Renealmia alpinia is commonly used to treat pain. To evaluate the inhibitory ability of pinostrobin, the main compound in the dichloromethane extract of Renealmia alpinia, on the toxic effects of Bothrops asper venom through in vitro and in vivo models and to evaluate its activity against pain and edema.

Materials and methods

Pinostrobin was isolated from the dichloromethane extract of Renealmia alpinia leaves. The protective properties of the extract and of pinostrobin against the indirect hemolytic, coagulant and proteolytic effects of Bothrops asper venom were evaluated in vitro, and the anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated in vivo.

Results

Renealmia alpinia extract significantly inhibited the proteolytic activity and indirect hemolytic activity of Bothrops asper venom at a venom:extract ratio of 1:20. Moreover, the present data demonstrate that pinostrobin may mitigate some venom-induced local tissue damage due to hemorrhagic effects, and the compound is also responsible for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract from Renealmia alpinia. This is the first report to describe pinostrobin in the species Renealmia alpinia and its properties in vitro against Bothrops asper venom.

Conclusion

Our studies of the activity of Renealmia alpinia against the venom of Bothrops asper have confirmed that this species possesses inhibitory effects against Bothrops asper venom in both in vitro and in vivo models and that these effects may be due to pinostrobin, supporting the traditional usage of the plant. Additionally, pinostrobin may be responsible for the anti-hemorrhagic and analgesic activity (peripheral analgesic activity) of Renealmia alpinia.     

The impact of Zataria multiflora Boiss extract on in vitro and in vivo Th1/Th2 cytokine (IFN-γ/IL4) balance

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and effect of Zataria multiflora on Th₁/Th₂ balance were previously described. Different therapeutic effects of this plant have been described in Iranian traditional medicine. To evaluate the immune modulatory effects of Zataria multiflora on Th1/Th2 balance, which may be implicated in inflammatory disorders, in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out.

Materials and methods

The effects of three concentrations of the extract, dexamethasone, and saline on interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) gene expression were evaluated in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated and non-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). RNA was extracted from the hPBMCs to make cDNA for real time PCR relative quantification. Furthermore, the effect of the extract on serum level of IL-4 and IFN-γ was assessed in ovalbumin (OA) sensitized guinea pigs (n=6 for each group).

Results

Dexamethasone showed significant inhibitory effect on both IFN-γ and IL-4 gene expression and serum level of the cytokines and significantly enhanced IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (p<0.05–p<0.001). The extract inhibited IL-4 and enhance IFN-γ gene expression and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio too (p<0.05–p<0.001). In sensitized animals also serum level of IL-4 were significantly decreased after treatment with both dexamethasone and extract, but serum level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were significantly increased due to extract treatment (p<0.01 for medium and p<0.001 for high concentration).

Conclusions

These results indicated consistent in vitro and in vivo data for selective immune modulatory effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora which increased IFN-γ, decreased IL-4, and enhanced the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 (Th₁/Th₂ balance). Therefore, the extract of Zataria multiflora may have therapeutic value in inflammatory responses such as allergy, autoimmunity and infectious diseases associated with Th₁/Th₂ imbalance.     

Medicinal plant complexes of Salvia subgenus Calosphace: An ethnobotanical study of new world sages

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The species of Salvia subgenus Calosphace are used medicinally and ritually in numerous traditions of folk healing among indigenous cultures of North and South America with more than 500 species. These species contain numerous bioactive terpenes and terpenoids, some active at human opioid and GABA receptors, which may contribute to their effectiveness as folk medicines. Medicinal plant complexes contain species which share common names, morphological and/or aromatic properties, and medicinal uses; these complexes are found in traditional systems of medicine. Our research looks for complexes within Calosphace and the secondary metabolites they contain.

Materials and methods

Several studies have combined molecular phylogenetics and ethnopharmacology to successfully target active medicinal species. In this paper, we have selected a monophyletic clade, Salvia subgenus Calosphace, and performed a literature search to identify medicinal plant complexes within it. We created a database from over 200 references, found using keywords, and herbarium sheets. To identify medicinal plant complexes within the database, all species with shared vernacular names were first grouped. If the species sharing common names had similar medicinal uses and morphological similarity, they were concluded to be a complex. In order to determine the accuracy and validity of this approach, the chia complex was used as control, and we more species than reported by all of the published references combined. After identifying complexes and species within each, we searched the phytochemical literature to identify all reported secondary metabolites for each.

Results

We identify four previously unidentified complexes. Mirto (5 species) is used extensively in the treatment of the folk illness susto and other illnesses in Mexico, and is characterized by red flowers. Ñucchu (7 species) used as a symbolic element in religious processions and in the treatment of respiratory ailments in Peru and characterized by red flowers. Cantueso (2 species), with blue flowers, is used for respiratory ailments in Mexico, and Manga-paqui (3 species) is used for kidney and liver diseases in Ecuador. For the species of each complex we report all traditional preparations, other vernacular names, and known secondary metabolites. Among these complexes, Mirto and Ñucchu appear to have exceptional levels of cultural significance.

Conclusions

Our results support our hypothesis that species within Salvia subgenus Calosphace will assort into complexes of medicinal plants that share common names, appearances, and medicinal uses. We have identified four new complexes within this monophyletic lineage, mirto, ñucchu, cantueso, and manga-paqui.     

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity of Coriolus versicolor standardized water extract in Sprague-Dawley rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Coriolus versicolor, which is known as Yun Zhi, is one of the commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs. Recent studies have demonstrated its antitumor activities on cancer cells which led to its widespread use in cancer patient. However, little toxicological information is available regarding its safety. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of Coriolus versicolor standardized water extract after acute and subchronic administration in rats.

Materials and methods

In acute toxicity study, Coriolus versicolor water extract was administered by oral gavage to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (6 males, 6 females) at single doses of varying concentrations 1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg. In subchronic toxicity study, the extract was administered orally at doses of 1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg/day for 28 days to male and female SD rats respectively. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined throughout the experimental period. Haematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weights and histopathological were evaluated at the end of the experiment.

Results

There were no mortality and signs of toxicity in acute and subchronic toxicity studies. In the single dose acute toxicity and repeated dose 28-day subchronic toxicity studies, there were no significant difference in body weight, relative organ weight, haematological parameters, clinical chemistry, gross pathology and histopathology between treatment and control groups.

Conclusions

Coriolus versicolor water extract did not cause remarkable adverse effect in SD rats. The oral lethal dose of Coriolus versicolor water extract is more than 5000 mg/kg and no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the extract for both male and female rats is 5000 mg/kg per day for 28 days.     

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies of Nelumbo nucifera stamens extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Since the use of Nelumbo nucifera stamens in herbal medicines as well as in cosmetic products are highly prevalent in Thailand and increasing worldwide, acute and subchronic toxicity studies to confirm the safe use of Nelumbo nucifera stamens are warranted.

Aim of the study

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies of Nelumbo nucifera stamens extract in rats were performed in the present study in order to evaluate its safety.

Materials and methods

In acute toxicity study, Nelumbo nucifera stamens extract was administered by oral gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats (5 males and 5 females) at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. In subchronic toxicity study, the extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day were given orally to groups of rats (6 rats/dose/sex) for 90 consecutive days.

Results

The extract at a dose of 5000 mg/kg produced no treatment-related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during 14 days of the study. In the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study, there was no significant difference in body weight between the control and all treatment groups with the exception of the body weight of the female group treated with 200 mg/kg/day of the extract which was statistically significantly less than that of its control counterpart on day 90 but the percent weight changes of both groups were almost similar. Some statistically significant differences in hematological and biochemical parameters as well as in some internal organ weights of both male and female rats treated with the extract at the highest dose were observed. However, no abnormality of internal organs was observed in both gross and histopathological examinations.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the oral lethal dose of Nelumbo nucifera stamens extract for male and female rats is in excess of 5000 mg/kg and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the extract for both male and female rats is considered to be 200 mg/kg/day.