Nelumbo Nucifera leaf extract attenuated pancreatic β-cells toxicity induced by interleukin-1β and interferon-γ, and increased insulin secrection of pancreatic β-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Nelumbo Nucifera leaf water extract(NNLE) on insulinoma(RIN)cells induced by interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interferon-g(IFN-γ), and injured pancreatic β-cells induced by Streptozotocin(STZ) in rats.METHODS: The anti-oxidative effects of NNLE were assessedusing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)and nitric oxide(NO) scavenging assays. The inhibitory effect of NNLE on α-glucosidase and DPP(dipeptidyl peptidase)-IV was measured in vitro. Pancreatic β-cell protective and insulin secretory effects were assessed, using IL-1β and IFN-γ-induced rat RIN cells. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated with 50, 100, and 400 mg/kg NNLE for 4 weeks. The effects of NNLE on blood glucose(BG), body weight(BW), and lipid profiles were measured.RESULTS: NNLE inhibited DPPH, NO, α-glucosidase,and DPP-Ⅳ which were directly linked to the function of β-cells. Furthermore, NNLE protected RIN cells from toxicity induced by IL-1β and IFN-γ, decreased NO production, and increased insulin secretion. NNLE caused a significant reduction in blood glucose, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC),blood urea nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, it significantly decreased BW loss in STZ-induced diabetic rats.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that NNLE reduced the toxicity in insulinoma cells and increased insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells in STZ-induced diabetic rats.     

Compared ability of garlic (Allium sativum) extract or α-tocopherol + magnesium association to reduce metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Since some complications of diabetes mellitus may be caused or exacerbated by an oxidative stress, the protective effects of (1) a garlic (Allium sativum) aqueous extract or (2) a combination of α-tocopherol and magnesium were investigated comparatively in alloxan-diabetic rats. Garlic extract (1 mL of extract corresponding to 300 mg fresh garlic/kg) or α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg) + MgCl(2) (200 mg/kg body weight) were i.p. injected to rats, once a day for 4 weeks. Lipid peroxidation levels and the activities of superoxide-dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were then measured in liver and pancreas. Under our experimental conditions, garlic extract or α-tocopherol + Mg were found to (1) significantly reduce the plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride and (2) lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and transaminase activities in blood of diabetic animals. In addition, treatment with garlic extract or α-tocopherol + magnesium appeared to exert an antioxidative activity demonstrated (1) by the increase of catalase, superoxide-dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase activities in liver and pancreas, and (2) a lowering of lipid peroxidation level in these organs. In conclusion, both garlic extract and α-tocopherol + magnesium association were found to alleviate diabetes-associated metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in rats.     

Hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) in antitubercular drugs and alcohol models

AIM： Hepatotoxicity is a significantly increasing health problem worldwide, and the extent of the problem has stimulated interest in the search for hepatotherapeutic agents from plants. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves in antitubercular and alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity assays in rats. METHOD： In each of the models used, seven groups were allotted. The different groups received normal saline （10 mL·kg^-1, p.o.）; hepatotoxicant （isoniazid-rifampicin, INH-RIF, 100 mg·kg^-1, i.p. or 20% ethanol 5 g·kg^-1, p.o.） and normal saline （10 mL·kg^-1, p.o.）; hepatotoxicant and extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg^-1 p.o.; hepatotoxicant and silymarin 50 mg·kg^-1 p.o.; and extract at 400 mg·kg^-1 p.o.. On the 21st day of treatment, blood was collected for assessment of serum biochemical parameters and harvested liver samples were assessed for antioxidants. RESULTS： The hepatotoxicants significantly （P 〈 0.05-0.001） increased the levels of alanine transaminase （ALT）, aspartate transaminase （AST）, alkaline phosphatase （ALP）, bilirubin, and malondialdehyde （MDA）; and reduced the levels of catalase （CAT）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GPx）, and reduced glutathione GSH compared to control. M. pruriens significantly reversed （P 〈 0.05-0.001） the elevation in the level of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin caused by the hepatotoxicants. The extract （200 and 400 mg·kg^-1） significantly reversed （P 〈 0.05） the diminution in the level of in vivo antioxidants and increased the level of MDA produced by INH-RIF. M. pruriens （100-400 mg·kg^-1） elicited significant reduction （P 〈 0.001） in the level of MDA compared to the alcohol group. Silymarin also reversed the deleterious effects of the hepatotoxicants. CONCLUSION： The hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves possesses hepatoprotective activity with enhancement of in vivo antioxidants as a possible mechanism of action.     

Protective effects of water extract of clam on normal and CCl₄-induced damage in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various concentrations and incubation times of water extract of clam (WEC) on glutathione, its antioxidant and the detoxification defense systems in normal and CCl?-induced oxidative damaged primary rat hepatocytes. This study showed that when the hepatocytes were treated with WEC (0.14 ~ 1.68 mg/ml), the intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, GSH/GSSG ratio, and the activities of GSH-related enzymes (GPx, GRd, and GST) were higher than those in the control at 24 or 48 hour treatments. However, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and microscopic observations did not differ from those of the control. Yet, when the hepatocytes were pretreated with various concentrations of WEC for 24 hours and then exposed to 5 mM carbon tetrachloride (CCl?) for 1 hour, at concentrations of WEC between 0.42 ~ 1.68 mg/ml, the viabilities, intracellular GSH level, and activities of GST and GPx were significantly increased compared to those of the CCl?-treated control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, WEC could improve the viability and the capabilities of detoxification and antioxidation in hepatocytes by increasing the GSH level and the activities of GSH-related enzymes.     

Butanol fraction of Khaya senegalensis root modulates β-cell function and ameliorates diabetes-related biochemical parameters in a type 2 diabetes rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Khaya senegalensis A. Juss (Meliaceae) is commonly exploited for the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria and Togo. The present study was conducted to examine the anti-diabetic activity of Khaya senegalensis butanol fraction (KSBF) of root ethanolic extract in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats.

Materials and methods

T2D was induced in rats by feeding a 10% fructose solution ad libitum for two weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) and the animals were treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of the fraction for five days in a week. Relevant diabetes-related parameters were analyzed in all experimental animals.

Results

The KSBF treatment, at 300 mg/kg BW, significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose level, improved oral glucose tolerance ability and β-cell function (HOMA-β), decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), stimulated hepatic glycogen synthesis, ameliorated serum lipids alterations and prevented hepatic and renal damages compared to untreated diabetic rats. Additionally, the fraction insignificantly (p>0.05) improved weight gain, decreased food and fluid intake, stimulated insulin secretion and lowered serum fructosamine concentrations compared to untreated diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Data from this study suggests that orally administered KSBF, at 300 mg/kg BW, possess remarkable anti-type 2 diabetic activity and could ameliorate some diabetes-associated complications and hence can be considered as a source of potential anti-type 2 diabetic medicine.     

欧洲药典(第5版增补本5.3):山楂叶和花的量化液体提取物(Hawthorn leaf and flower liquid extract,quantified)

用山楂叶和花制备的量化液体提取物(1432),含0.8%~3.0%的黄酮类化合物,以金丝桃苷计(分子式C21H20O12;分子量464.4)。该提取物采用一种适合的工艺由草药和乙醇(30%~70%,体积分数)制备而成。鉴别:薄层色谱(2.2.27)供试液:于甲醇中溶解1.0g供试物,并用相同溶剂稀释至5mL,振荡并过     

Tangnaikang improves insulin resistance and β-cell apoptosis by ameliorating metabolic inflammation in SHR.Cg-Lepr~(cp)/NDmcr rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Tangnaikang(TNK), a mixture of five herbal plant extracts,on inflammation-mediated insulin resistance andβ-cell apoptosis in SHR.Cg-Leprcp/NDmcr(SHR-cp)rats.METHODS: Seven-week-old SHR-cp rats were randomly divided into a control(CON) group and a TNK(3.24 g/kg) group. Wistar-Kyoto rats at the same age were used as the normal control group.After 7 weeks of continuous intragastric administration of TNK, the glucose metabolic status and insulin sensitivity of the rats were evaluated by assessing fasting serum glucose(FBG), the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT), fasting serum insulin(FINS),and the insulin sensitivity index(ISI). Serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), C-reactive protein(CRP) and adiponectin were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Macrophage infiltration and apoptosis in adipose tissues were detected through F4/80 immunohistochemistry and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Islet morphology and β-cell apoptosis were investigated using double immunofluorescence staining and the TUNEL assay. The expression of cytokine genes in adipose tissue, the liver, and the pancreas was detected in real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. The expression and phosphorylation levels of insulin signaling-, inflammation-, and β-cell survival-related proteins in the liver and pancreas of SHR-cp rats were detected by western blotting.RESULTS: TNK(3.24 g/kg) treatment significantly decreased body weight, FBG and FINS; improved impaired glucose tolerance; increased the ISI; reduced serum levels of TNF-α, CRP and IL-6; and increased serum adiponectin. The m RNA expression of inflammatory markers was markedly reduced in the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue. F4/80-and TUNEL-positive cells in adipose tissues were decreased, as was the number of TUNEL-positiveβ-cells. The phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and that of insulin receptor substrate-1 at serines 307 and 1101 was significantly decreased.In the pancreas, the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells-p65 was significantly decreased, and phosphoinositide3-kinase and IRS-2 were significantly increased.CONCLUSION: TNK was able to improve insulin resistance and β-cell apoptosis in SHR-cp rats, which might be associated with its ability to relieve the overall and local metabolic inflammatory responses observed in SHR-cp rats.     

Effects of scalp cluster needling on cognition and oxidative stress in a rat model of schizophrenia☆头穴丛刺对精神分裂症模型大鼠认知功能及氧化应激系统的影响

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of cluster needling at scalp acupoints (CNSA) on behavioral performance and expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus of rats with schizophrenia, and therefore, to shed light on the mechanism of action of CNSA in attenuating schizophrenia.MethodsThirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control, model, risperidone, and CNSA groups (9 rats per group). The schizophrenia model was prepared by injecting 0.1 mg/mL dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) for 14 consecutive days. Subsequently, rats in the risperidone and CNSA groups were subjected to the following therapy for 14 consecutive days: (1) Risperidone group: intragastric administration of risperidone suspension (0.4 mg/kg); (2) CNSA group: the “GV 20″ “Qiánd?ng (前顶GV 21) ” “Shéntíng (神庭GV 24) ” “Xìnhuì (囟会 GV 22) ” “Tōngtiān (通天BL 7) ” “Luòquè (络却BL 8) ” “Qūchā (曲差BL 4) ” and “W?chù (五处 BL 5) ” acupoints were selected for needle positioning. Following 14-day intervention period, the Morris water maze experiment and open field experiment were performed. Finally, hippocampal tissue specimens were collected and SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px expression levels were measured by ELISA.Results(1) Morris water maze experiment: Following the 14-day model construction period, the model, risperidone, and CNSA groups showed a significant increase in escape latency (all P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings (all P < 0.05) compared with the control group, indicating successful induction of schizophrenia in the rat model. At the end of the intervention period (28d), the risperidone and CNSA groups showed a significant decrease in escape latency (both P < 0.05), and the CNSA group showed a significant increase in the number of platform crossings (P < 0.05) compared with the model group. (2) Open field experiment: At 14d, the model, risperidone and CNSA groups exhibited a significant decrease in the travelled distance and amount of time spent in the central zone (all P < 0.05) compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). At 28d, the risperidone and CNSA groups showed a significant increase in the travelled distance and percentage of time spent in the central zone (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (3) Antioxidant enzyme expression: At 28d, the model group exhibited significant decreases in the hippocampal SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px levels, compared with the control group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001).ConclusionCNSA enabled the attenuation of cognitive impairment and enhancement of memory and learning abilities in the rat model of schizophrenia, plausibly through inhibition of the expression of oxidative stress factors in the hippocampus.     

Antiplatelet activity of Phellinus baummii methanol extract is mediated by cyclic AMP elevation and inhibition of collagen-activated integrin-α(IIb) β₃ and MAP kinase

Phellinus baumii is a mushroom that has been used as folk medicine against various diseases and is reported to have antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antihypertensive activities. However, information on the effects of P. baumii extract in platelet function is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of a P. baumii methanol extract (PBME) on platelet activation and to investigate the mechanism behind its antiplatelet activity. PBME effects on agonist‐induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, [Ca²⁺]_i mobilization, α_IIbβ₃ activation, cyclic AMP release and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylations were studied using rat platelets. PBME dose‐dependently inhibited collagen, thrombin and ADP‐induced platelet aggregation with an IC₅₀ of 51.0 ± 2.4, 54.0 ± 2.1 and 53.0 ± 4.3 μg/mL, respectively. Likewise, thrombin‐induced [Ca²⁺]_i and collagen‐activated ATP secretions were suppressed in PBME treated platelets. Aggregation and ATP secretion were also markedly attenuated by PBME alone or in combination with PP2 (Src inhibitor) and U‐73122 (PLC inhibitor) in collagen‐stimulated platelets. Besides, PBME treatment elevated basal cyclic AMP levels and inhibited collagen‐induced integrin‐α_IIbβ₃ activation. Moreover, PBME attenuated extracellular‐signal‐regulated protein kinase 2 (ERK2) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) phosphorylations. Further PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) and SP60025 (JNK inhibitor) reduced collagen‐induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion. In conclusion, the observed PBME antiplatelet activity may be mediated by activation of cyclic AMP and inhibition of ERK2 and JNK1 phosphorylations. Finally, these data suggest that PBME may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that involve aberrant platelet function. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Serviceberry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex. M. Roem (Rosaceae)] leaf extract inhibits mammalian α-glucosidase activity and suppresses postprandial glycemic response in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Serviceberry or Saskatoon berry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex. M. Roem (Rosaceae)], native to the North Glacier forests of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, has been used by the Blackfeet Indian tribe in alleviation of diabetes. Anecdotally, tea made from twigs and leaves have been used for optimum health and diabetes management. However, such traditional knowledge of the medicinal properties of Amelanchier alnifolia has not been validated by scientific studies. The goal of this study was to identify potential antidiabetic mechanisms of serviceberry.

Materials and Methods

Serviceberry plant samples consisting of leaves, twigs, and leaves with berries were extracted and fractionated. Ethyl acetate and water fractions were tested for inhibition of α-glucosidase activity in vitro. Diet-induced obese, hyperglycemic C57Bl6 mice were administered serviceberry leaf extract prior to sucrose-, starch-, or glucose-loading to test for α-glucosidase inhibition and decreased post-prandial glycemic response.

Results

In the course of screening for potential antidiabetic mechanisms, serviceberry leaf extracts and subfractions demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against mammalian intestinal α-glucosidase activity (EC 3.2.1.20). Further, in an animal model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia, serviceberry leaf subfraction demonstrated significant inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase activity, and delayed the absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in significant lowering of post-prandial blood glucose concentrations, similar to the antidiabetic drug Acarbose™.

Conclusions

These findings indicating that serviceberry leaf extract may lower post-prandial glycemic response corroborate traditional knowledge of the Blackfeet Indians of Montana, and potentially offer a complementary approach in the treatment of diabetes.     

Serviceberry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex. M. Roem (Rosaceae)] leaf extract inhibits mammalian α-glucosidase activity and suppresses postprandial glycemic response in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases usually comes from the belief that they present low toxicity due their natural origin. However, it is necessary a toxicological and pharmacological evaluation for these plants. Tropaeolum majus is a medicinal plant used in popular medicine to treat several diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, urinary tract infections and asthma. Even though several studies proved its therapeutic effects, there are few toxicological studies with this species.

Aim of the study

The present study was carried out to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract obtained from leaves of T. majus (HETM) in Wistar rats.

Material and methods

Male and female Wistar rats received three doses of HETM (75, 375 and 750 mg/kg) for 28 days. After the treatments biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters were analyzed.

Results

No significant alterations in the animal's body weight gain, relative organs weight, serum biochemical analysis, hematological or histopathological analyses of liver, kidneys and spleen were observed.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the absence of subchronic toxicity due to oral treatment with HETM for 28 days in Wistar rats. However, other toxicological studies are necessary to evaluate the total safety of this plant.     

Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) extract Ze 117 inhibits dopamine re‐uptake in rat striatal brain slices. An implication for use in smoking cessation treatment?

Classic synthetic antidepressant drugs, as well as St John's wort extract (SJW), directly inhibit the re‐uptake of norepinephrine (NE) and/or serotonin (5‐HT) into pre‐synaptic axons. With chronic treatment they induce adaptive changes in a number of neurotransmitter receptors in synaptic membranes. The immediate effects of SJW Ze 117, an extract low in hyperforin content, on the specific dopamine (DA) uptake were studied in rat striatal brain slices and compared with the effects on NE and 5‐HT uptake in rat cortical brain slices. Specific DA uptake was inhibited in a dose dependent manner. In contrast to the findings in synaptosomal preparations published so far, the extract showed different inhibitory potencies for the respective transporters. The potencies for the uptake inhibition of NA, DA and 5‐HT were 30, 7 and 1, respectively. The results indicate that the SJW Ze 117 extract interferes in three ways with the individual uptakes of the relevant neurotransmitters that are considered to be causal in the development of depression. This observation, the concomitant and potent inhibition of DA re‐uptake by SJW extract, may additionally provide a rationale for the treatment of nicotine or drug addiction with SJW. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Rongchang capsule(茸菖胶囊)on seizure behavior,cogni-tive impairment,and hippocampal DNA damage and inflammatory factors in epileptic rats

OBJECTIVE:To observe the behavioral changes and changes in DNA fragments and related inflam-matory factors in the hippocampus of epileptic rats pretreated with ...     

Icariin improves memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice (5xFAD) and attenuates amyloid β-induced neurite atrophy

Essential therapeutic drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not been developed. Since the neuritic atrophy leading to synaptic losses is one of the critical causes of memory impairment in AD, the effects of several constituents in tonic herbal medicines on neuritic atrophy and memory deficits have been studied. The present study investigated the effects of icariin, a main constituent in Epimedii Herba, a well known tonic crude drug, in an in vitro AD model and transgenic mouse AD model (5xFAD). Amyloid β(1-42)-induced atrophies of axons and dendrites were restored by post-treatment with icariin in rat cortical neurons. Administration of icariin for 8 days (p.o.) improved spatial memory impairment in 5xFAD mice. These novel findings suggest that icariin may improve memory dysfunction in AD and have a potential to extend neurites even when amyloid β-induced neurite atrophy has already occurred.     

Efficacy of herb-partitioned moxibustion at Qihai(CV 6) and bilateral Tianshu(ST 25) on colonic damage and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of stimulating Qihai(CV 6) and bilateral Tianshu(ST 25) with herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM) in rats with Crohn's disease(CD), and to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of HPM.METHODS: Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups(n = 10 rats per group): normal control(NC), model control(MC), mesalamine(MES), and HPM. The CD rat model was established in the MC,MES, and HPM groups by administering a mixture of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and alcohol via enema. The HPM group received HPM on Qihai(CV 6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST 25), while the MES group received intragastric mesalamine. Colonic histomorphological scores, and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and interleukin 1β(IL-1β) were assessed to evaluate the effects of HPM on colonic reparation and anti-inflammation.The expressions of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR-4), nuclear factor κB inhibitor α(IκB-α), IκB kinase α/β(IKKα/β), and NF-κB p65 were further analyzed to investigate the regulatory effects of the interventions on the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.RESULTS: CD rats showed inflammatory colonic damage and increased serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β. The expressions of TLR4, IKKα/β,and NF-κB p65 in the colons of CD rats were significantly increased compared with the NC group,while the expression of IκBα(a key negative regulator of NF-κB p65) was decreased. HPM significantly mitigated colonic damage and reduced the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β. HPM downregulated the expressions of TLR4, IKKα/β, and NF-κB p65 in the colon, and upregulated the expression of IκBα. The effects of HPM in CD rats were similar to those of mesalamine.CONCLUSION: HPM alleviates colonic inflammation in CD rats. This may be achieved through regulation of TLR4, which induces NF-κB signal transduction.     

Electroacupuncture at “Zusanli(ST36)” alleviates 5-fluorouracil-induced renal injury in colorectal cancer-bearing mice by exerting effects on oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and cell apoptosis: 电针“足三里”减轻大肠癌荷瘤小鼠5-FU化疗后肾损伤及其氧化应激、炎症反应和细胞凋亡的研究

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture at “Zusanli (ST36)” on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced renal injury in colorectal cancer-bearing mice, and to further investigate its effects on oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis in mouse renal tissue.MethodsThirty-five male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups of seven mice each, namely the control, CT26, 5-FU, sham point (SP), and ST36 (which received EA at the “ST36”) groups. With the exception of the control group, each group was subjected to establishment of a subcutaneous implantation tumor model using the murine CT26 colorectal cancer cell line. Once the models were successfully established, the 5-FU, SP, and ST36 groups received 5-FU injection solution intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/mL once every three days over a 21-day period. Mice in the SP and ST36 groups additionally received an EA intervention after each intraperitoneal 5-FU injection. EA were performed on mice of the SP group at bilateral sham acupoints and on mice of the ST36 group at the bilateral “ST36” using the continuous wave mode at a frequency of 2 Hz for a duration of 5 min, intervention was administered once every two days for a duration of 21 days. Samples were collected from the mice at the end of the experiment. The pathological morphology of the renal tissue was observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; the contents of creatine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured using biochemical assays; the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (NF-κB p65) were measured by immunofluorescence; the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum were measured by ELISA; cell apoptosis in renal tissue was detected using the TUNEL assay; and the expression levels of the anti-B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cytochrome C (cyt c) in renal tissue were measured by Western blotting.ResultsCompared with the control group, mice of the CT26 group showed a significant increase in serum Cre content (P<0.01), but the difference in BUN content was not statistically significant (P>0.05). HE staining of renal tissue revealed clear structures with normal glomerular and renal tubular morphology. SOD activity was decreased (P<0.01); MDA content was increased, but the increase was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Differences in NF-κB p65 protein expression in the cytoplasm of renal tissue and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Results of immunofluorescent TUNEL staining indicated an absence of significant cell apoptosis. In the renal tissue, Bcl-2 protein expression was slightly increased (P<0.05), and the expression levels of Bax (P<0.01), cleaved caspase-3 (P>0.05), cleaved caspase-9 (P<0.01), and cyt c (P>0.05) were increased. Compared with the CT26 group, mice of the 5-FU group exhibited an increase in Cre (P<0.01) and BUN (P<0.05) content. HE staining of renal tissue revealed the presence of glomerular atrophy and dilated Bowman's capsular spaces. SOD activity was significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the increase of MDA content was not significant (P>0.05). The expression of NF-κB p65 in the nucleus and serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels showed significant increases (P<0.05). The cell apoptosis level was significantly increased. The protein expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.05), Bax (P<0.01), cleaved caspase-9 (P<0.01), and cyt c (P<0.05) was significantly increased. Compared with the 5-FU group, the ST36 group showed decreased serum Cre and BUN levels (both P<0.01). HE staining of renal tissue showed less renal tissue injury and less dilation of renal capsular cavities. SOD activity was significantly higher (P<0.01), while MDA content was lower (P<0.05). Nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 and serum TNF-α (P<0.05), IL-6 (P<0.05), and IL-1β (P<0.01) levels were lower. The cell apoptosis level was decreased relative to the 5-FU group. Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of Bax (P<0.01), cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.01), cleaved caspase-9 (P<0.01), and cyt c (P<0.05) also were reduced.ConclusionEA at “ST36” attenuated 5-FU-induced renal injury in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of renal oxidative stress, alleviation of inflammatory responses, and inhibition of cell apoptosis.     

Topical application of Polygonum multiflorum extract induces hair growth of resting hair follicles through upregulating Shh and β-catenin expression in C57BL/6 mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Polygonum multiflorum has traditionally been used for treating patients suffering from baldness and hair loss in East Asia.

Aim of the study

The present study sought to investigate the hair growth promoting activities of Polygonum multiflorum and its mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

The Polygonum multiflorum extract was topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL6/N mice. To determine the effect of Polygonum multiflorum extract in telogen to anagen transition, the expression of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

Polygonum multiflorum extract promoted hair growth by inducing anagen phase in telogenic C57BL6/N mice. In Polygonum multiflorum extract treated group, we observed increase in the number and the size of hair follicles that are considered as evidence for anagen phase induction. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that earlier induction of β-catenin and Shh were observed in Polygonum multiflorum extract treated group compared to that in control group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Polygonum multiflorum extract promotes hair growth by inducing anagen phase in resting hair follicles.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract of Mitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae) Aubrév. & Pellegr

Mitragyna ciliata is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, hypertension, headache, rheumatism, gonorrhoea and broncho-pulmonary diseases. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the stem bark extract of M. ciliata were investigated. The stem bark of this plant was extracted over Soxhlet with hexane followed by another extraction with methanol. The resulting methanol extract was used for the pharmacological test. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on the basis of the inhibitory effect of the extract on 5-lipoxygenase, and carrageenin-induced hind paw oedema in the rat. The methanol extract, at a dose of 19.2 microg/ml, exhibited no inhibition on 5-lipoxygenase. However, this extract administered per os (50 mg/kg) produced about 70% inhibition of carrageenin-induced paw oedema 1 h after administration. This inhibition was maintained to about 50% 2 h after administration. The dose of 50 mg/kg of MeOH extract significantly decreased sensitivity to pain from 78.75 to 107.5 g These findings suggest that extracts of the bark of M. ciliata, possess potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Chemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids and kaempferol derivative which may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties.