Effects of Orengedoku-to and Senkanmeimoku-to, traditional herbal medicines, on the experimental elevation of aqueous flare in pigmented rabbits

We investigated the effects of Orengedoku-to (Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang in Chinese) and Senkanmeimoku-to (Xygan-Ming-Mu-Tang in Chinese), traditional herbal medicines, on experimantal elevation of aqueous flare in pigmented rabbits. To produce the elevation of aqueous flare in rabbits, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was applied to the cornea with use of a glass cylinder, or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were injected into the ear vein. Animals were pretreated by the oral administration of 150 g/day of food containing 0.7%, 0.2% or 0.07% (w/w) Orengedoku-to, or 2%, 0.6% or 0.2% (w/w) Senkanmeimoku-to for 5 days. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter. Pretreatment with 0.7% or 0.2% Orengedoku-to and 2% Senkanmeimoku-to did suppress significantly (P < 0.05) elevation of aqueous flare induced by PGE2. Pretreatment with 0.7% or 0.2% Orengedoku-to and 2% or 0.6% Senkanmeimoku-to significantly suppressed (P < 0.001) elevation of aqueous flare induced by LPS. It is possible that Orengedoku-to and Senkanmeimoku-to may migrate some forms of uveitis.     

Effects of oral administration of Gardeniae fructus extract and intravenous injection of crocetin on lipopolysaccharide- and prostaglandin E2-induced elevation of aqueous flare in pigmented rabbits

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of extracts of Coptidis rhizoma, Phellodendri cortex and Gardeniae fructus, which are medicinal herbs in Orengedoku-to (Huanglin-Jie-Du-Tang in Chinese), and crocetin (a major component of Gardeniae fructus) on experimental elevation of aqueous flare in pigmented rabbits. To produce aqueous flare elevation, 0.5 microg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into the ear vein, or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) 25 microg/ml, was applied to the cornea by means of a glass cylinder. Animals were pretreated by oral administration of 150 g/day of food containing 0.15% (w/w) extract powder of Coptidis rhizoma, 0.10% (w/w) extract powder of Phellodendri cortex or 0.15% (w/w) extract powder of Gardeniae fructus for 4 days, or by intravenous injection of crocetin, 0.3, 3, 30 or 300 microg/kg, 30 minutes before aqueous flare elevation. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter. Aqueous flare intensity was expressed as the area under the curve (AUC) in arbitrary units. The AUC of LPS- and PGE2-induced aqueous flare elevation was 4685 and 1386 arbitrary units, respectively. Pretreatment by oral administration of 0.15% (w/w) extract of Coptidis rhizoma or 0.10% (w/w) extract of Phellodendri cortex did not inhibit LPS-induced aqueous flare elevation. Pretreatment by oral administration of 0.15% extract of Gardeniae fructus suppressed LPS-induced aqueous flare elevation (AUC: 1411 arbitrary units). Pretreatment by intravenous injection of 3, 30 or 300 microg/kg of crocetin-inhibited LPS-induced aqueous flare elevation in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with 3 or 30 microg/kg of crocetin did not inhibit PGE2-induced aqueous flare elevation, but 300 microg/kg of crocetin inhibited PGE2-induced aqueous flare elevation (AUC: 918 arbitrary units).     

Traditional Japanese herbal (kampo) medicines and treatment of ocular diseases: a review

Herbal medicines have been used clinically in Eastern Asia, and traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) formulas are approved as ethical drugs. The Kampo formulas are mixtures of the crude extracts of several herbs, each of which contains multiple components. Numerous investigators have reported that some herbal medicines are efficacious for treating several human diseases. We reviewed the literature on traditional herbal medicines and treatment of ocular diseases. Oral Orengedoku-to and Kakkon-to inhibit postoperative uveitis in humans. Oral Goshajinki-gan improved ocular surface disorders in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Oral Hachimijio-gan increased retinal blood flow. Keishi-bukuryo-gan Sho might be associated with vitreoretinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Oral Hachimijio-gan and Goshajinki-gan delayed lens opacification in rats and mice. Oral Sairei-to, Orengedoku-to, Senkanmeimoku-to, Scutellariae radix extract, Gardeniae fructus extract, topical Liguisticum wallichii rhizoma extract, and intravenous injection of tetramethylpyrazine, baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, and crocetin inhibited some forms of experimental uveitis in rabbits. Topical glycyrrhizinate improved allergic conjunctivitis in humans and rats. Oral crocetin improved eyestrain in humans. Oral berberine diminished experimental uveitis in rats. Baicalein, wogonin, berberine, and berberrubine inhibited in vitro expression of several cytokines in cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells. Some Kampo formulas are efficacious for treating several ocular diseases in humans and animals. Some herbal extracts and their components inhibit some forms of experimental uveitis.     

黄芩水提物解热作用机制研究

目的探讨黄芩水提物对干酵母致热大鼠解热作用机制。方法建立干酵母致大鼠发热动物模型,观察黄芩水提物对发热大鼠直肠温度的影响,放免法测定大鼠下丘脑环磷酸腺苷（cAMP）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）及脑腹中隔区精氨酸加压素（AVP）、血清IL-1β含量。结果黄芩水提物能够显著降低干酵母致热大鼠下丘脑IL-1β、cAMP的含量及腹中隔区脑组织AVP的含量,与模型组比较,P〈0．05;各组大鼠的最大体温上升高度与下丘脑IL-1β、cAMP含量以及腹中隔区脑组织AVP的含量成正相关关系（P〈0．05）。结论黄芩水提物可减少致热性细胞因子IL-1β在体温中枢的含量,减少中枢发热介质cAMP的含量,促进中枢解热介质AVP的释放。     

Effects of kakkon-to and sairei-to on aqueous flare elevation after complicated cataract surgery

We evaluate prospectively the effects of traditional herbal medicines on elevation of aqueous flare after complicated cataract surgery. Twenty-seven patients with bilateral complicated cataract undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were studied. The patients received no herbal medicine when the right eyes underwent cataract surgery. Fifteen patients were given kakkon-to (ge-gen-yang in Chinese) granules (7.5 g daily) and 12 patients were given sairei-to (cai-ling-tang in Chinese) granules (9.0 g daily), for 3 days before surgery, the day of surgery, and for 7 days after surgery when the left eyes underwent cataract surgery. Diclofenac eyedrops were instilled in all patients. Aqueous flare was measured before and after surgery. The differences in preoperative flare intensities between groups treated with Kakkon-to and Sairei-to were not significant. In the untreated right eyes of the kakkon-to and Sairei-to groups, the flare was 99.1 and 89.6 photon counts/msec, respectively, on day 1, and then gradually decreased. The flare intensities on days 1, 3, and 5 in the kakkon-to treated left eyes were significantly lower than in those of the untreated right eyes (Fig. 1). The flare intensities in the Sairei-to treated left eyes were the same as those in the untreated right eyes. Kakkon-to contributed to a reduction of aqueous flare elevation after surgery for complicated cataract.     

消瘀片及其组分对粥样硬化兔ET—1体内和NO影响比较研究

目的：探讨消瘀片处方的合理性。方法：采用动脉粥样硬化兔模型,观察消瘀片及其组分对体内ET-1和NO含量的影响。结果：消瘀片对降低血浆和血管壁组织中EL-1含量,增加血清和血管壁组织中NO含量均其相应组分的丹参水提物或山楂醇提物更明显。结论：丹参水提物和山楂醇提物合用后,对降低粥样硬化兔体内ET-1和增加NO含量具有明显的协同作用。     

黄芪对广防己中马兜铃酸与粉防己中粉防 己碱含量的影响研究

目的:从化学角度探查黄芪对广、粉防己的影响机制.方法:采用HPLC法测定广防己及其配伍黄芪水提物中马兜铃酸含量;粉防己及其配伍黄芪水提物中粉防己碱的含量.结果:广防己和广防己配伍黄芪水提物中马兜铃酸转移率分别为86.21％,51.86％;粉防己和粉防己配伍黄芪水提物中粉防己碱转移率分别为56.45％,63.03％.结论:广防己中的马兜铃酸和粉防己中的粉防己碱在水提过程中均有损耗,其配伍黄芪则分别增加和减少马兜铃酸和粉防己碱的溶出率.该结果为黄芪与广、粉防己配伍的减毒、增效作用提供了一定的理解,提示复方汤药制备对药物不同成分溶出的影响是中药配伍机制的重要环节之一.     

Protective effect of Astragali radix extract on interleukin 1beta-induced in fl ammation in human amnion

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Astragali radix extract on interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) release from IL-1beta-stimulated human amnion. Primary monolayer cultures of amnion cells were established from women undergoing elective caesarean section before the onset of labour. Production of both IL-6 and TNF-alpha was stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner by proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta (0.01-10 ng/mL). Astragalus extract inhibited IL-6 production by approximately 75% from cells under IL-1beta-stimulated conditions. Treatment of amnion cells with IL-1beta (0.01-10 ng/mL) resulted in a significant increase in PGE(2) release. Incubation of the cells with the extract for 24 h significantly inhibited IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) production. A concentration-dependent increase in LTC(4) production by amnion cells occurred in response to IL-1beta. Astragalus extract blocked the effect of IL-1beta in LTC(4) production in human amnion. These results indicate that Astragali radix has a broad antiinflammatory effect in human amnion and may be considered a promising agent to protect preterm labour.     

Saffron (Crocus sativus) aqueous extract and its constituent crocin reduces stress-induced anorexia in mice

In the present study, the effects of an ethanol and aqueous extract of saffron Crocus sativus and its constituents safranal and crocin on the stress‐induced reduction in food intake, weight gain and anorexic time in mice were investigated. Male albino mice (20–25 g) were irregularly exposed to a trial of electroshock stress for 7 days. Then, the anorexic time as well as the animal's food intake and weight were recorded. In addition, blood samples were obtained on days 1 and 7 for corticosterone determination. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the aqueous but not the ethanol extract (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the anorexic time. The results were similar for crocin (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg; i.p.). In addition, a reduction in weight gain was observed in the controls as well as in the groups that received alcohol extract or safranal. However, this was not observed in animals treated with aqueous extract or crocin. The plasma corticosterone level did not increase in the aqueous extract and crocin treated animals. It can be concluded that the saffron aqueous extract and its constituent crocin reduce side effects of electroshock stress in mice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Autotetraploidy induced in Nianmaohuangqin (Radix Scutellariae viscidulae) with colchicine in vitro

Objective

To establish and optimize the propagation of Nianmaohuangqin (Radix Scutellariae Viscidulae) and induce and characterize polyploidy of Nianmaohuangqin (Radix Scutellariae Viscidulae).

Methods

Buds from germinating seed-derived explants were induced by tissue culture. With an orthogonal test, different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin (KT) were used to determine the optimal concentrations for the propagation of Nianmaohuangqin (Radix Scutellariae Viscidulae). The different concentrations of IAA and rooting powder (ABT) were used to induce rooting. A 0.3% w/v colchicine solution was used to induce polyploidy and the induced buds was identified by root-tip chromosome determination and stomatal apparatus observation.

Results

A large number of buds could be induced directly from epicotyl and hypocotyl explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) (Murashige and Skoog 1962) medium supplemented with 1.1–1.3 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L IAA. Root induction and development could be observed within 20 days of inoculation on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L IAA and 0.1 mg/L ABT. Furthermore, 27 lines of autotetraploid individuals were obtained with a plantlet chromosome number of 2n=4x=36.

Conclusion

Autotetraploid lines could be obtained through induction with colchicine in vitro, proving that this method might be used for plant selection and breeding.     

Hypoglycemic effects of Murraya koenigii on normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits

In past there have been many medicinal plants, which have been used in traditional medicines for their antidiabetic properties without any scientific support and pharmacological evidence. The aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii leaves has been taken to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. This plant is promising as it is widely and regularly used as a spice for food flavoring and as such it appears to be without any side effects and toxicity. Adequate characterization of hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract has not been yet done, as no such reports are available in the literature though the activity is reported. The scientific evaluation of its hypoglycemic activity was, therefore, explored and also compared with the effect of a standard hypoglycemic drug, tolbutamide. A single oral administration of variable dose levels (200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) of aqueous extract led to lowering of blood glucose level in normal as well as in diabetic rabbits. The maximum fall of 14.68% in normal and 27.96% in mild diabetic was observed after 4 h of oral administration of 300 mg/kg. The same dose also showed a marked improvement in glucose tolerance of 46.25% in sub-diabetic (AR) and 38.5% in mild diabetic rabbits in glucose tolerance test after 2 h. The findings from this study suggest that the aqueous extract of these leaves may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus.     

Inhibitory effects of the root extract of Dipsacus asperoides C.Y. Cheng et al T.M.Ai on collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Dipsaci radix, the dried root of Dipsacus asperoides C.Y. Cheng et al T.M.Ai is used as a medicinal plant in oriental clinics for the treatment of bone diseases and functions by strengthening bone and healing bone fractures.

Aim of the study

This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Dipsaci radix in treating rheumatoid arthritis using a type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model.

Materials and methods

Arthritis was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunization with CII. Dipsaci radix water (DR-W) extract at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg was orally administered from days to after the induction of arthritis. Arthritic score, serum levels of anti-CII IgG2a, the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), and histological changes in the ankle joint were analyzed in CIA mice.

Results

Arthritic induction increased the arthritic score, as well as serum levels of anti-CII IgG2a antibody, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in mice. However, administration of DR-W extract in CIA mice significantly reduced arthritic scores and serum levels of anti-CII IgG2a antibody, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 compared with those in vehicle-treated CIA mice. Furthermore, histopathological improvement in joint architecture was also observed in DR-W extract-treated CIA mice.

Conclusions

DR-W extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in arthritic mice. This suggests that Dipsaci radix might be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human arthritis.     

Effect of 'antidiabetis' herbal preparation on serum glucose and fructosamine in NOD mice

The antihyperglycemic effect of the Antidiabetis herbal preparation ((Myrtilli folium (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), Taraxaci radix (Taraxacum officinale Web.), Cichorii radix (Cichorium intybus L.), Juniperi fructus (Juniperus communis L.), Centaurii herba (Centaurium umbellatum Gilib.), Phaseoli pericarpium (Phaseolus vulgaris), Millefollii herba (Achillea millefolium L.), Morii folium (Morus nigra L.), Valeriane radix (Valleriana officinalis L.), Urticae herba et radix (Urtica dioica L.)), patent No. P-9801091 Zagreb, Croatia was investigated. Two extracts were prepared: ethanol extract (extract 1), and ethanol extract from which ethanol was evaporated on a rotatory evaporator at a temperature of 45 degrees C (extract 2). Extract 1 and extract 2 were administered (in experiment 1) to alloxan-induced non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice in the same dose of 20 mg/kg. Blood glucose was determined before, and 10, 30, 60 and 120 min after the preparation administration. Extract 1 and extract 2 decreased the level of blood glucose by 10 and 20%, respectively, of the initial value (at 0 min, mean = 22.6 +/- 8.3 mmol/l). Serum levels of glucose and fructosamine were determined in NOD mice, NOD mice administered extract 2 in a dose of 20 mg/kg of extract 2, and NOD mice administered acarbose in a dose of 25 mg/100 g chow, in order to verify the hypoglycemic action of extract 2 (in experiment 2). Extract 2 and acarbose were admixed to the chow. The duration of treatment was 7 days. Significantly lower glucose (P < 0.05) and fructosamine (P < 0.001) levels were recorded in extract 2 treated NOD mice as compared with NOD mice. Study results showed extract 2 to significantly decrease the level of glucose and fructosamine in alloxan induced NOD mice. Our future studies will be focused on the search of active principles of the extracts.     

Inhibition of Microlax-induced experimental diarrhoea with narcotic-like extracts of Psidium guajava leaf in rats.

Measurement of rates of propulsion in the small intestine in control and experimental groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were carried out as a means of assessing antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous extracts of the leaf of Psidium guajava (L.), using morphine as the standard drug of reference. Hyperpropulsion (diarrhoea) was induced by gavaging rats in a control group with Microlax, using phenol red mixed into it as a marker in the intestine, and the mean rate of the hyperpropulsion was determined. The normal rate of propulsion, defined as the percentage of the length of the ileum traversed by the front of the dye in 1 h after gavaging animals with a liquid paraffin-phenol red meal, was also determined in another control group. In experimental groups pretreated with enteral administration of either morphine or aqueous extracts, 1 h before the challenge with Microlax, the percentage inhibition to the hyperpropulsive rate (antidiarrhoeal activity) was calculated. Both morphine and the extracts produced a dose-response relationship in their antidiarrhoeal effects. A dose of 0.2 ml/kg fresh leaf extract produced 65% inhibition of propulsion. This dose is equiactive with 0.2 mg/kg of morphine sulphate. The antidiarrhoeal action of the extract may be due, in part, to the inhibition of the increased watery secretions that occur commonly in all acute diarrhoeal diseases and cholera.     

黄芩煮散与传统饮片有效成分的煎出效果比较

目的:比较黄芩饮片与煮散在相同煎煮条件下,不同时间煎出液中有效成分含量和干膏率的变化。方法:采用HPLC测定黄芩苷、汉黄芩苷及黄芩素含量,流动相甲醇-0.2%磷酸溶液(47∶53),检测波长280 nm。以有效成分含量及干膏率为指标,比较相同条件下黄芩饮片和煮散在不同时间点的煎煮效果。结果:黄芩煮散第1,2次煎煮时间均为10 min,黄芩饮片则依次为30,10 min。不同时间点黄芩煮散煎液中黄芩苷、汉黄芩苷、黄芩素含量及干膏收率均高于黄芩饮片煎液。结论:煮散的煎煮时间较传统饮片明显缩短,具有省时、省材的优点,为煮散的推广应用提供参考。     

点刺“委中”放血对实验性腰椎间盘突出症坐骨神经传导速度和髓核组织白细胞介素-1α的影响

目的:通过观察实验性腰椎间盘突出症(lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion,LIDP)家兔坐骨神经传导速度(sciatic nerve conduction velocity,SNCV)和髓核组织中白细胞介素-1α(interleukin-1α,IL-1α)水平变化,探讨点刺"委中"放血治疗LIDP的机制。方法:40只健康新西兰家兔随机分为4组,即空白组、LIDP模型组、点刺委中组和点刺非穴对照点组。自制的LIDP动物病理模型造模器造实验性LIDP病理模型,三棱针点刺"委中"或对照点放血治疗,左右交替,连续7 d。采用BL-410生理信号记录系统记录SNCV,酶联免疫吸附法测定腰椎间盘髓核组织中IL-1α的含量。结果:点刺委中组治疗后SNCV显著高于治疗前(P<0.01),其治疗前后SNCV的差值显著高于模型组和非穴对照组(P<0.05);点刺"委中"放血可降低LIDP家兔髓核组织中IL-1α含量,与模型组和非穴对照组比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.01,0.05)。结论:点刺"委中"穴可明显增快LIDP家兔的SNCV,减少IL-1α等炎症因子含量以减轻炎症反应可能是点刺"委中"放血治疗LIDP的机制之一。     

Anti-inflammatory evaluation of Solidago chilensis Meyen in a murine model of pleurisy

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanism of action of the aqueous extracts obtained from rhizomes, leaves and inflorescences of Solidago chilensis in the mouse model of pleurisy. The extracts were prepared by infusion and were lyophilized. RESULTS: The aqueous extracts of rhizomes, leaves or inflorescences inhibited leukocytes, neutrophils and exudation (P<0.05) in the inflammation induced by carrageenan. The rhizomes aqueous extract, butanolic and aqueous residual fractions inhibited leukocytes, neutrophils, myeloperoxidase, adenosine-deaminase, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in the inflammation induced by carrageenan (P<0.05). The rhizome aqueous extract and butanolic fraction also inhibited exudation, nitric oxide, and interleukin-1 beta levels (P<0.05). The rhizomes aqueous extract and its two derived fractions reduced leukocytes and mononuclears in the pleurisy induced by bradykinin, histamine, or substance P (P<0.05) and neutrophils in the pleurisy induced by histamine or substance P (P<0.05). Only aqueous residual fraction inhibited neutrophils induced by bradykinin (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Solidago chilensis aqueous extracts from leaves, inflorescences and rhizomes demonstrated an important anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting cells in the inflammation caused by carrageenan. In addition, the rhizomes aqueous extract and its derived fractions also decreased pro-inflammatory mediators release into the site of the inflammatory process. The rhizomes aqueous extract and the butanolic fraction showed more evident anti-inflammatory actions.     

The hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effect of citrullus colocynthis fruit aqueous extract in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits

Effects of the aqueous, glycosidic, alkaloidal and saponin extracts of the rind of Citrullus colocynthis on the plasma glucose levels were investigated in normal rabbits, while the effects of saponin extract on the fasting plasma glucose levels were studied in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. In normal rabbits, oral administration of aqueous extract (300 mg/kg) produced significant reduction in plasma glucose after 1 h and highly significant after 2,3 and 6 h. Phytochemical screening revealed that the rind of C. colocynthis and its aqueous extract contains tertiary and quaternary alkaloids, glycoside and saponin components. The hypoglycaemic effects of these components given orally at a dose (50 mg/kg) were studied in normoglycaemic rabbits. Result showed that the alkaloidal extract did not significantly lower the blood glucose levels from 132 mg/100 ml at 0 h to 120 mg/100 ml after 6 h, while the glycosidic extract significantly lowered the fasting glucose levels after 2 and 3 h and highly significant after 6 h. The effect was more pronounced with saponin extract, the saponin significantly lowered the fasting glucose levels after 1 and 2 h and highly significant (P<0.001) after 3 and 6 h. Graded doses (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg) of saponin extract, when given orally to alloxan diabetic rabbits, produced a significant reduction of plasma glucose concentration. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of the rind of C. colocynthis possesses a hypoglycaemic effect and its hypoglycaemic action could be attributed for more extent to the presence of saponin in addition to the presence of glycosidic components.