一种新的无氧微波辅助方法提取中药挥发油

目的:将单向阀应用于微波提取中,使用真空泵抽出提取体系内的空气,制造无氧环境以提取植物中的挥发油,并考察其与常压微波提取法的优劣.方法:以莪术和薄荷为研究对象,分别采用单向阀-无氧微波提取法(check valve&nonoxygen microwave assisted extraction,CVNO-MAE)和微波无溶剂提取法(solvent free microwave extraction,SFME)提取莪术和薄荷挥发油,采用GC-MS技术对其进行化学成分分析.结果:CVNO-MAE和SFME所提取的莪术挥发油中总的烯类物质含量分别为48.22％,27.42％,含氧化合物质量分数分别为45.53％,62.38％.CVNO-MAE和SFME所提取的薄荷挥发油中总的烯类物质质量分数分别为13.53％,9.15％,含氧化合物质量分数分别为82.74％,89.57％.单向阀-无氧微波提取法提取的莪术和薄荷挥发油中含氧化合物含量皆低于微波无溶剂法.结论:真空微波提取法兼备了微波加热的快速及真空条件下无氧萃取的优点,单向阀的使用,有效地阻止了挥发油易氧化成分的氧化,是一种可行的无氧微波提取方法.     

A novel wound healing ointment: a formulation of Hypericum perforatum oil and sage and oregano essential oils based on traditional Turkish knowledge

Aim of the study

Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), olive oil (Oleaceae), Origanum Tourn ex L. and Salvia L. species (Lamiaceae) are used against inflammatory disorders and for healing of skin wounds in traditional Turkish medicine. A new ointment formulation was developed to provide more efficient wound healing activity. The content of the formulation was as follows; olive oil extract of flowering aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., olive oil, an equivalent mixture of Origanum majorana L. and Origanum minutiflorum Schwrd. et Davis essential oils (Origani aetheroleum), Salvia triloba L. essential oil. The aim of the present study is to assess the wound healing potential of this new formulation by using in vivo and in vitro models as well as histopathological methods.

Materials and methods

For the evaluation of wound healing potential of this formulation (HPP crème mit Rotöl ointment) in vivo wound healing experimental models were employed on rats and mice and the efficiency was comparatively assessed against a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathologically. Furthermore, the wound healing activity of each component was also investigated individually to determine the improvement in the healing capacity of the formulation.

Results

The ointments of HPP crème mit Rotöl and Hypericum perforatum L. demonstrated the highest activities on both wound models when compared to reference ointment Madecassol^®, while the other ingredients did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. However, the efficacy of the formulation was remarkably higher than the Hypericum L. ointment alone which was also confirmed by histopathological evaluation. On the other hand, the formulation did not reduce elastase activity in vitro, but inhibited the collagenase activity. HPP crème mit Rotöl also exerted bactericidal and candicidal activities.

Conclusions

The experimental studies revealed that HPP crème mit Rotöl formulation displays remarkable wound healing activity. To be acting on the different stages of wound healing process could be considered as a beneficial effect of the formulation for the treatment of wounds.     

The beneficial health effects of Nigella sativa on Helicobacter pylori eradication,dyspepsia symptoms,and quality of life in infected patients: A pilot study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) in addition to quadruple‐therapy on Helicobacter pylori eradication, dyspepsia, biochemical‐markers, and quality of life in infected patients. In this double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical‐trial, 51 H. pylori infected patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly assigned to treatment (quadruple‐therapy with 2 g/day N. sativa) or placebo groups (quadruple‐therapy with 2 g/day placebo) for 8 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and malondialdehyde, quality of life, dyspepsia, food‐intake, body‐weight, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the study. H. pylori eradication was evaluated at the end of the intervention. At the end of the study, H. pylori eradication was more in the N. sativa group compared with the placebo (p = .01). Weight, BMI, and dietary‐intake (p < .05) increased significantly as compared with placebo. A significant improvement was also observed in patients' quality of life in the treatment group compared with the placebo (p < .05). The differences of biochemical‐markers and dyspepsia between the two groups were not significant. So, N. sativa supplementation with medical treatment may have beneficial effects on H. pylori eradication, weight, BMI, dietary‐intake, and quality of life in infected patients.     

Medicinal plants used in the treatment of Malaria: A key emphasis to Artemisia,Cinchona, Cryptolepis,and Tabebuia genera

Malaria is one of the life‐threatening parasitic diseases that is endemic in tropical areas. The increased prevalence of malaria due to drug resistance leads to a high incidence of mortality. Drug discovery based on natural products and secondary metabolites is considered as alternative approaches for antimalarial therapy. Herbal medicines have advantages over modern medicines, including fewer side effects, cost‐effectiveness, and affordability encouraging the herbal‐based drug discovery. Several naturally occurring, semisynthetic, and synthetic antimalarial medications are on the market. For example, chloroquine is a synthetic medication for antimalarial therapy derived from quinine. Moreover, artemisinin, and its derivative, artesunate with sesquiterpene lactone backbone, is an antimalarial agent originated from Artemisia annua L. A. annua traditionally has been used to detoxify blood and eliminate fever in China. Although the artemisinin‐based combination therapy against malaria has shown exceptional responses, the limited medicinal options demand novel therapeutics. Furthermore, drug resistance is the cause in most cases, and new medications are proposed to overcome the resistance. In addition to conventional therapeutics, this review covers some important genera in this area, including Artemisia, Cinchona, Cryptolepis, and Tabebuia, whose antimalarial activities are finely verified.     

Effect of Cichorium intybus seeds supplementation on the markers of glycemic control,oxidative stress,inflammation, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized,double‐blind placebo study

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus seeds (AECIS) would have add‐on beneficial effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this double‐blind randomized clinical study, 150 subjects were enrolled to assess the add‐on efficacy and safety of AECIS in T2DM patients. The subjects were randomized (1:1) to the AECIS (n = 51) and placebo (n = 49) groups. The subjects in both groups continued to take prescribed doses of metformin. The standardization of AECIS was carried out by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and phytochemical analysis. The mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in the AECIS and placebo groups at baseline was 8.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Mean values of HbA1c at the end of 12 weeks of intervention were 7.42% in the AECIS group (a reduction of 1.18% from baseline) and 8.4% in the placebo group (mean reduction of 0.1% from baseline). Besides, significant reduction in inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypertriglyceridemia was seen in the AECIS group (p < .05). The study shows for the first time that AECIS supplementation ameliorates the disease progression and it is beneficial as a potential adjunct dietary supplement for the management of T2DM.     

A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a polyherbal formulation in geriatric age group: a phase IV clinical report

Aim of the study

We sought to determine the efficacy as antioxidant and safety profile of the polyherbal formulation in geriatric patients of eastern India.

Materials and methods

The study was double-blind, randomized including placebo controlled and was approved by the ethical committee of SSKM hospital. Geriatric patients attending the OPD (outpatient department) of SSKM hospital formed the study group. The patients were randomized to receive either the polyherbal formulation or the identical-looking placebo at a dose of 2 tablets twice daily for a period of 6 months. Follow-up of patient status was done monthly. The clinical parameters were assessed before and after 6 months of medication or placebo intake.

Results

The results showed that significant rejuvenation of the anti-oxidant property which is determined by the enzymatic and non enzymatic anti oxidants, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde in the geriatric patients were seen in patients treated with Geriforte tablets as compared to patients treated with placebo and control group. There were no significant adverse effects experienced by cases in any group.

Conclusion

Polyherbal formulation is effective in rejuvenating geriatric age group compared to the placebo. This formulation is safe and compliance to the treatment was good. In ancient Ayurveda the constituents of polyherbal formulation were prescribed for different diseases including cardiological, neurological, sepsis, etc.     

A comparison between the effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized,double‐blinded,placebo‐controlled trial

This study compared the effects of flaxseed and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular risk parameters in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease. Participants were randomly allocated into three intervention groups to receive either 1,000 mg of omega‐3 fatty acids from fish oil or 1,000 mg of omega‐3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil or placebo (n = 30 each group) twice a day for 12 weeks. A significant reduction in insulin levels (.04) was observed following flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation compared with the placebo. In addition, a significant reduction in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (.02) was seen after flaxseed oil supplementation compared with the placebo and a significant increase in total nitrite (.001) was seen after flaxseed oil and fish oil intake compared with placebo. Additionally, a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (p < .001) after consuming flaxseed oil and fish oil compared with placebo and glutathione levels (.001) after consuming fish oil compared with flaxseed oil and placebo was observed. Overall, our study revealed the beneficial effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation on few metabolic profiles. This study suggests that the effect of flaxseed oil in reducing insulin and increasing total nitrite and total antioxidant capacity is similar to fish oil.     

Using a consensus acupoints regimen to explore the relationship between acupuncture sensation and lumbar spinal postoperative analgesia: A retrospective analysis of prospective clinical cooperation

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment on postoperative pain in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease, and explored the relationship between the postoperative analgesic effect of acupuncture and the sensation of acupuncture experienced by the patients.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 97 patients who had undergone an operation by the same surgeon due to degenerative lumbar disease. These patients were divided into acupuncture group (n = 32), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) group (n = 27), and oral analgesia group (n = 38) according to the different postoperative analgesic methods. During their hospitalization, patients completed daily evaluations of their pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and injection times of supplemental meperidine were recorded. Also, the Chinese version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (C-MASS) was used in the acupuncture group.ResultsEach of the three treatment groups showed significant reductions in postoperative pain, as shown by reduced VAS scores. The acupuncture group, however, had less rebound pain (P < 0.05) than the other two groups. Both the acupuncture and PCA groups experienced acute analgesic effects that were superior to those in the oral analgesia group. In addition, the higher the C-MASS index on the second day after surgery, the lower the VAS score on the fourth day after surgery. There was also a significant difference in the “dull pain” in the acupuncture sensation.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that acupuncture was beneficial for postoperative pain and discomfort after simple surgery for degenerative spinal disease. It is worth noting that there was a disproportionate relevance between the patient’s acupuncture sensation and the improvement of pain VAS score.     

The link between the AMPK/SIRT1 axis and a flavonoid‐rich extract of Citrus bergamia juice: A cell‐free,in silico,and in vitro study

A previous report indicated that the flavonoid‐rich extract of bergamot juice (BJe) exerts an anti‐inflammatory effect through the activation of SIRT1 in leukemic monocytes THP‐1 exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we deeply investigate the mode of action of BJe, along with its major flavonoids on SIRT1 through cell‐free, in silico, and in vitro experimental models. In the cell‐free assay, all the tested compounds as well as the whole BJe inhibited the deacetylase activity of SIRT1. This finding was reinforced by the results of the in silico study. In THP‐1 cells exposed to LPS, a reduction of SIRT1 activity was observed, effect that was reverted by the pre‐incubation with either BJe or its major flavonoids. This effect was also observed at gene level. Employing an activator and an inhibitor of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK; AICAR and dorsomorphin, respectively), we discovered its involvement in the activation of SIRT1 elicited by BJe or its major flavonoids in whole cell. Our study indicates the dual role of BJe and its components, depending on the employed experimental model as well as reveals their mode of action on the AMPK/SIRT1 axis, suggesting their role as promising candidates in pathologies in which this axis is implied.     

An antithrombotic fucoidan, unlike heparin, does not prolong bleeding time in a murine arterial thrombosis model: a comparative study of Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls and Fucus vesiculosus

The antithrombotic activities and bleeding effects of selected fucoidans (source from either Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls or from Fucus vesiculosus) have been compared with heparin in the ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombus mouse model. Thrombosis was induced by applying 5% ferric chloride for 3 min on the carotid artery region of Balb/c mouse. Five minutes prior to thrombus induction, mice were infused through the tail vein with either saline (control) or polysaccharides. Either fucoidan or heparin was dosed at 0.1, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) The carotid blood flow was monitored until more than 60 min post-thrombus induction. Mouse tail transection bleeding time was measured up to 60 min after making a cut in the mouse tail. Both antithrombotic and bleeding effects were observed in a dose-dependent manner for both fucoidans and heparin. Thrombus formation was totally (reflected by Doppler flow meter) inhibited at either 5 or 50 mg/kg of unfractionated Undaria fucoidan or a low-molecular-weight Undaria fucoidan fraction, respectively, without prolonging the time-to-stop bleeding compared with the control (p < 0.01). The total inhibition of thrombus formation was observed for unfractionated Fucus fucoidan at 25 mg/kg where the time-to-stop bleeding was still significantly prolonged, by as much as 8 ± 1.7 min (p < 0.02). In contrast the heparin-treated group showed total inhibition of thrombus formation even at a small dose of 0.8 mg/kg (400 IU) at which bleeding continued until 60 min. In conclusion algal fucoidans are highly antithrombotic without potential haemorrhagic effects compared with heparin in the arterial thrombus model, but this property differs from algal species to species, and from the molecular structure of fucoidans.