Antioxidant activity of the extracts from fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis

Cordyceps sinensis is one of the most valued herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. We investigated the antioxidant activities of the cultured fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sinesis. The water and ethanol extracts of Cordyceps sinensis were found to possess a potent antioxidant activity. The scavenging effects of the extracts on superoxide were very weak, but the extracts moderately inhibited malondialdehyde formation via hydroxyl radical induced by SIN-1, a peroxynitrite generator. Of the extracts examined, the hot water extract (70 degrees C for 5 min) showed the greatest oxygen free radical scavenging activity. Also, when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was incubated with macrophages in the presence of CuCl2 (1 microM), the hot water extract showed a strong inhibitory effect against lipid peroxidation in the medium and consequent accumulation of cholesteryl ester in macrophages. Their activities were comparable to that of authentic Cu/Zn SOD. These results suggest that the extracts of cultured Cordyceps sinensis possess potent antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation activities and inhibit accumulation of cholesteryl ester in macrophages via suppression of LDL oxidation.     

三种虫草抗氧化活性的化学发光法研究

为研究冬虫夏草、蛹虫草、蒙山虫草3种虫草的抗氧化活性，考察实验条件对结果的影响，采用化学发光法测定3种虫草清除超氧阴离子自由基的活性。结果显示，3种虫草的水提液中蛹虫草样品的抗氧化活性较高，蒙山虫草和冬虫夏草的抗氧化活性比较接近。提示：蛹虫草和蒙山虫草有着良好的应用前景，有望替代冬虫夏草应用于临床。     

人工虫草提取物抗急性心肌缺血作用的实验研究

目的：观察及比较人工虫草提取物抗垂体后叶素致大鼠急性心肌缺血的作用。方法：采用垂体后叶素（pituitrin，Pit）诱发大鼠急性心肌缺血模型，观察并记录pit注射前及注射后15s，30s，2min，5min，10min时心电图的变化。结果：与生理盐水组相比，人工虫草菌丝体提取物能显著缓解垂体后叶素所引起的心肌缺血。结论：人工虫草提取物对垂体后叶素所致的急性心肌缺血具有较好的保护作用。     

Effects of Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris and their isolated compounds on ion transport in Calu-3 human airway epithelial cells

AIM OF THE STUDY: The traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis (CS) (Clavicipitaceae) improves pulmonary function and is used to treat respiratory disease. Here, we compare the efficacy and mechanisms of action of Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris (CM) (Clavicipitaceae) in Calu-3 human airway epithelial monolayer model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The extracts of Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, as well as their isolated compounds, cordycepin and adenosine, stimulated ion transport in a dose-dependent manner in Calu-3 monolayers. In subsequent experiments, transport inhibitor bumetanide and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide were added after Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris extracts to determine their effects on Cl- and HCO3- movement. RESULTS: The results suggested that Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris extracts may affect the anion movement from the basolateral to apical compartments in the airway epithelia. CONCLUSIONS: Basolateral Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter and apical cAMP-dependent cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel are involved in the process. The results provide the first evidence for the pharmacological mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris on respiratory tract.     

The traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis and its effects on apoptotic homeostasis

Cordyceps sinensis is a medicinal fungus of Traditional Chinese Medicine. While there are a wide range of reported uses of Cordyceps sinensis in the literature, the reports that extracts of this fungus may alter apoptotic homeostasis are most intriguing. However, there are significant challenges regarding research surrounding Cordyceps sinensis, such as the difficulty identifying the various species of Cordyceps and the many conflicting reports of pharmacological function in the literature. In this review we outline what is known about the ability of Cordyceps sinensis to alter apoptotic homeostasis, attempt to reconcile the differences in reported function, identify the challenges surrounding future Cordyceps sinensis research, and delineate options for overcoming these critical hurdles.     

白木香叶中黄酮类成分结构与抗氧化功能的相关性研究

目的：研究白木香叶中黄酮类成分清除O2^·-,H2O2,·OH的能力,探讨其抗氧化活性与结构的关系。方法：对白木香叶中黄酮类成分进行分离,采用化学发光法,测定所得成分对邻苯三酚-鲁米诺-碳酸缓冲液体系产生的超氧阴离子（O2^·-）,H2O2-鲁米诺-碳酸缓冲液体系产生的过氧化氢（H2O2）,以及邻菲罗啉-Cu2＋-抗坏血酸-H2O2体系产生的羟自由基（·OH）的清除能力。结果：分得6种黄酮类成分,经鉴定分别为：洋芹素-7,4′-二甲醚（Ⅰ）、5-羟基-7,3′,4′-三甲氧基黄酮（Ⅱ）、木犀草素-7,4′-二甲醚（Ⅲ）、芫花素（Ⅳ）、木犀草素（Ⅴ）、羟基芫花素（Ⅵ）。6种黄酮类化合物具有良好的清除自由基活性。构效关系分析显示,其清除超氧阴离子（O2^·-）、过氧化氢（H2O2）、羟自由基（·OH）的活性强弱与母核上连接的酚羟基数目和位置直接相关。结论：白木香叶中的黄酮类成分具有明显的清除自由基活性,可能为白木香叶的主要抗氧化活性成分。     

冬虫夏草及其混淆品亚香棒虫草的鉴别

目的 :比较鉴别冬虫夏草与亚香棒虫草。方法 :对冬虫夏草、亚香棒虫草的外观性状、显微鉴别、紫外吸收、纸层析等进行了鉴别研究。结果 :冬虫夏草与亚香棒虫草的外观性状、显微鉴别、紫外吸收有明显差异 ,纸层析没有差异。结论 :亚香棒虫草不能混充冬虫夏草入药 ,应予以鉴别     

虫草及其发酵制品抗氧化能力研究

目的：考察天然冬虫夏草、蛹虫草及其发酵制品水和乙醇提取物体外抗氧化活性。方法：测定样品的6个抗氧化指标：抑制亚油酸氧化的能力；清除DPPH自由基、羟自由基、过氧化氢和超氧阴离子的活性以及螯合金属离子(Fe²⁺)的效果。结果：各样品具有不同程度的抗氧化能力,没有一种提取物在所有测试中均显示出很强的活性,但可以认为天然蛹虫草水提物的抗氧化能力为8个样品中最高,它在抑制亚油酸氧化,螯合金属离子以及清除DPPH自由基和羟自由基的实验中都显示了很高的活性。研究同时表明天然及发酵虫草水和醇提物中多酚类的含量差异很大。结论：虫草及其发酵制品可作为一种潜在的天然抗氧化剂,发酵培养能够影响虫草制品的抗氧化活性,而天然与发酵虫草的抗氧化能力与其含有的多酚类的量没有显著相联。     

Inhibitory effects of water extracts from fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on raised serum lipid peroxide levels and aortic cholesterol deposition in atherosclerotic mice

We investigated the effects of the water extracts of the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis (WECS) on lipid metabolism in mice fed an atherogenic diet. WECS was orally administered at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. WECS showed no toxic effects on the growth rate, liver or kidney weights of the mice. Mice fed the atherogenic diet showed marked increases in serum lipid and lipid peroxide levels and also aortic cholesterol levels, particularly cholesteryl ester level, a major lipid constituent in atherosclerotic lesions. WECS significantly suppressed the increased serum lipid peroxide level but not other lipid levels in a dose-dependent manner. WECS also suppressed the increased aortic cholesteryl ester level in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that WECS prevents cholesterol deposition in the aorta by inhibition of LDL oxidation mediated by free radicals rather than by reduction in serum lipid level. WECS may exert beneficial effects on the formation of the atherosclerotic lesion induced by oxidative stress with few side effects.     

The antioxidant potential of Sutherlandia frutescens

One of the best-known multi-purpose medicinal plants in Southern Africa, Sutherlandia frutescens subsp. microphylla (family: Fabaceae/Leguminosa), is used for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, viral diseases and inflammatory conditions. Little scientific data has been documented on the mechanism by which Sutherlandia frutescens acts on the immune system. Phagocyte derived reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals, are responsible for the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions. Anti-inflammatory properties of various medicinal-plant extracts have been explained, at least in part, by their antioxidant activities. We investigated the effects of a hot water extract of Sutherlandia frutescens on both luminol and lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence of neutrophils stimulated with L-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) as well as its superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging properties in a cell free system. The results indicate that Sutherlandia frutescens extract possesses superoxide as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities at concentrations as low as 10 microg/ml, which could account for some of the anti-inflammatory properties that have been described.     

The dual roles of Ganoderma antioxidants on urothelial cell DNA under carcinogenic attack

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Ganoderma lucidum possesses significant antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. The effects of Lingzhi antioxidants on oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress were investigated, in order to understand their roles in bladder chemoprevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant-enhanced extracts were tested, in terms of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) inhibition, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations, and cytotoxicity, using an in vitro pre-cancerous human uroepithelial cell (HUC-PC) tumorigenic model. RESULTS: Water-soluble extract (GLw) possesses relatively higher antioxidant capacities than the water-insoluble counterpart (GLe); however, under the challenge of carcinogenic 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), GLw reduced the 8-OHdG concentration in HUC-PC culture, while GLe induced the formation of H(2)O(2) and 8-OHdG in a dose-dependent manner. The modern theory of antioxidant-oxidant balance seems to obey the theory of Yin-Yang in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). CONCLUSIONS: Water-soluble and water-insoluble components of Ganoderma lucidum exhibited dual roles in oxidative DNA damage. Oxidative DNA damage may be an underlying mechanism of Lingzhi-induced apoptosis in bladder chemoprevention.     

(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate Ameliorates Photodynamic Therapy Responses in an In Vitro T Lymphocyte Model

(?)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenolic constituent in green tea, is known as a powerful antioxidant but concomitantly possesses a prooxidant property. We investigated the effect of EGCG on phloxine B (PhB)‐induced photocytotoxicity in human T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. EGCG significantly potentiated PhB‐induced photocytotoxic effects, including the inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA fragmentation, and caspase‐3 activity induction in Jurkat cells. Catalase attenuated the enhanced cytotoxicity by EGCG, suggesting the involvement of extracellularly produced hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, EGCG significantly enhanced extracellular hydrogen peroxide formation induced by photo‐irradiated PhB. The EGCG also enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, c‐Jun N ‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) gene expression, all of which are involved in PhB‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that EGCG is capable of potentiating photodynamic therapy responses, presumably through the intracellular oxidative stress‐sensitive JNK/IFN‐γ pathway by exogenous hydrogen peroxide formation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In vitro evaluation of effects of two Ghanaian plants relevant to wound healing

Commelina diffusa and Spathodea campanulata are used as wound-healing agents in Ashanti traditional medicine in Ghana. The methanol extracts of Commelina diffusa herb and Spathodea campanulata bark showed some level of antimicrobial activity with C. diffusa exhibiting selective antifungal activity against Trichophyton species. The extracts reduced the peroxidation of bovine brain extract with an IC(50) value of 1.39 mg/mL and 0.24 mg/mL, respectively. In addition the extracts also exhibited significant antioxidant activity by protecting MRC-5 cells from hydrogen peroxide induced oxidant injury at concentrations between 1 microg/mL and 10 microg/mL. The extracts showed no inhibition of NF-kappaB at 100 microg/mL. The antioxidant activities and antimicrobial activities suggest that the use of the plants in wound healing may be based on antioxidant and antiseptic effects of its constituents.     

浅谈中药冬虫夏草的真伪鉴别分析

冬虫夏草具有优秀的止咳化痰和补益肺肾的功效,常常用来治疗因为肺气虚、肾虚以及肺肾两虚引起的各种身体不适和疾病,是特产于我国的非常名贵的中药材之一。目前,由于人们对中医和中药认识水平的提高,以冬虫夏草为典型代表的各种中药材的市场需求量急剧增长,推升了它冬虫夏草的价格。目前野生冬虫夏草资源日益枯竭和人们更加青睐野生冬虫夏草之间的矛盾日渐突出,某些不法中药材供应商为了谋取巨额利益,将伪造的冬虫夏草或者其他杂质混入其中,借机谋取暴利。在本文中,笔者首先探讨了正品中药冬虫夏草的特点及其鉴别方法,随后比较详细地介绍了目前中药材市场上常见的冬虫夏草假品和伪品。     

冬虫夏草药理学作用的研究进展

冬虫夏草是中国的一种传统名贵中药,富含了虫草多糖、虫草素、虫草酸、虫草多肽、麦角甾醇等多种单体活性成分。现代医学发现其具有抗肿瘤、免疫调节、降血糖、抗氧化、对肾脏的保护作用等广泛的药理学功能。目前的研究已证实冬虫夏草及其单体活性成分可以有效的治疗多种疾病。本文在检索近几年来有关冬虫夏草及单体活性成分药理作用的相关研究资料的基础上,主要从冬虫夏草的单体活性成分的研究现状及冬虫夏草的药理学作用的研究进展两个方面对目前冬虫夏草及单体活性成分药理作用进行归纳和总结,为今后进一步开发和利用冬虫夏草提供帮助。     

冬虫夏草及其伪劣商品的鉴别

冬虫夏草为名贵滋补药。明代即出口日本，现畅销国际市场，是中国传统的出口商品，享有极高的声誉。近年来国内外市场需求增大，而产量小，价格上扬，伪品、掺杂品增多。本文提出实用鉴别方法，以利保证冬虫夏草的质量。     

Screening of some Greek aromatic plants for antioxidant activity

The role of antioxidants in preventing oxygen radical and hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity and tissue damage in various human diseases is increasingly recognized. In this study the in vitro antioxidant activity of the ethanol extracts obtained from 21 aromatic plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family was investigated. Of the extracts tested, those of Salvia ringens, Salvia pomifera, Stachys spruneri, Origanum dictamnus, Phlomis lanata, Ballota pseudodictamnus, Ballota acetabulosa, Teucrium polium, Calamintha glandulosa and Micromeria graeca exhibited the same activity as alpha-tocopherol.     

Antioxidant activity of three extracts of Morus nigra

The antioxidant effect of three different extracts of Morus nigra fruit (fruit juice, hydroalcoholic and polyphenolic) on haemoglobin glycosylation, peroxidative damage to human erythrocytes, liver hepatooytes of rats and human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were studied. The results show that all three extracts inhibited haemoglobin glycosylation induced by glucose to differing degrees. The haemolysis of human erythrocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide was also inhibited. The production of malondialdehyde (MDA) during peroxidative damage to plasma membranes of isolated rat hepatocytes induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) was also inhibited. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation of LDL induced by copper (II) ion was achieved during the study.The results suggest that Morus nigra fruit has a protective action against peroxidative damage to biomembranes and biomolecules.     

人工虫草及野生虫草的成分比较研究

目的比较野生虫草与人工虫草中主要成分的差异。方法用比色法检测野生虫草与人工虫草中虫草酸及虫草多糖的含量,HPLC法比较野生虫草与人工虫草中的差异。结果野生虫草中虫草酸及虫草多糖的含量分别为11.4%和2.359%,人工虫草中虫草酸及虫草多糖含量分别为7.60%和3.13%,两种虫草HPLC图谱不完全相同。结论野生虫草与人工虫草成分不完全相同,虫草酸及多糖的含量也有差异。     

Antioxidant and analgesic activities of turpentine of Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallsiana (Lamb.) Holmboe

The aim of this study is to examine possible antioxidant and analgesic activities of turpentine exudes from Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallsiana (Lamb.) Holmboe (TPN). Total antioxidant activity, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, free radical scavenging, metal chelating, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities were studied. The total antioxidant activity increased with the increasing amount of extracts (100, 300, and 500 microg) added to linoleic acid emulsion. All of the doses of TPN showed higher antioxidant activity than alpha-tocopherol. The samples showed 49, 70, and 91% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. On the other hand, the 300 microg of alpha-tocopherol showed 40% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion. There is correlation between antioxidant activity and the reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, free radical scavenging, metal chelating, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. Like antioxidant activity, the reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, free radical scavenging, metal chelating, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of TPN depending on concentration and increasing with increased concentration of TPN. These properties may be the major reasons for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the TPN has a potential source of natural antioxidant. In addition, analgesic effect of TPN was investigated in present study and TPN had strong analgesic effect. The analgesic effect of TPN compared with metamizol as a standard analgesic compound.