Oral Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) reduces kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures and neuronal death accompanied by attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B proteins in rats

Aim of the study

Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Here we aim to determine the protective role of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), an herbal drug belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), on epileptic rats.

Materials and methods

To address this issue, we tested the effect of UR on kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures and further investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Oral UR successfully decreased neuronal death and discharges in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The population spikes (PSs) were decreased from 4.1 ± 0.4 mV to 2.1 ± 0.3 mV in KA-induced epileptic seizures and UR-treated groups, respectively. Oral UR protected animals from neuronal death induced by KA treatment (from 34 ± 4.6 to 191.7 ± 48.6 neurons/field) through attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B protein expression but not GABAA and TRPV1 receptors.

Conclusions

The above results provide detail mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective action of UR on KA-induced epileptic seizure in hippocampal CA1 neurons.     

In vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activity of Carpobrotus rossii (pigface) extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carpobrotus rossii (CR) has a history of use as a food and therapeutic agent by Australian indigenous peoples and early European settlers and is believed to contain a number of pharmacologically active polyphenolic compounds.

Aims of the study

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), platelet aggregation, and inflammation contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activity of CR extract using human blood components.

Materials and methods

An assay employing in vitro copper-induced oxidation of serum lipids was used to assess antioxidant activity of CR extract (and tannin, flavonoid and pre- and post-flavonoid fractions). The effects of CR extract on ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and on basal (unstimulated) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA)-stimulated cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were also investigated.

Results

CR extract increased the lag time of serum oxidation (maximum of ∼4-fold at 20 μg/ml) in a concentration-dependent manner. The antioxidant activity resided only in the tannin and post-flavonoid fractions. CR had no effect on ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but significantly decreased collagen-induced platelet aggregation. LPS, but not PHA, significantly increased the release of IL-1β and TNF-α from PBMC. CR extract alone inhibited monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 release and in the presence of LPS, inhibited IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1 release compared to LPS alone.

Conclusion

CR has significant in vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet and, potentially, anti-inflammatory activity.     

Effects of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus on tissue lipid peroxidation, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and blood glucose levels in experimental diabetes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days.

Materials and methods

J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively.

Results

Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.     

From the vasodilator and hypotensive effects of an extract fraction from Agelanthus dodoneifolius (DC) Danser (Loranthaceae) to the active compound dodoneine

Aim of the study

Effects of the different fractions obtained by partition of ethanolic extract (EE) of Agelanthus dodoneifolius through column chromatography were investigated on rat blood pressure and aortic relaxation and compared to those observed in the presence of crude EE.

Materials and methods

The acute hypotensive activity of EE, fractions and dodoneine, administrated intravenously, was evaluated in anaesthetized rats using the invasive method of blood pressure recording. Bioassay-guided fractionation using rat aorta pre-contracted by norepinephrine to monitor the relaxant activity led to the isolation of dodoneine.

Results

In normotensive rats, injection of EE (0.01-10 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure without any significant change in heart rate. In a similar way, the EE (0.001-3 mg/mL) caused relaxation of rat pre-contracted aorta in a concentration-dependent manner. Fractionation of the EE afforded 14 fractions, F1-F14, that were tested on rat precontracted aortic rings. At the concentration level of 1 mg/mL, a maximum relaxation effect was observed for fractions F2-F5. F4 was the most effective to elicit a concentration-dependent relaxation effect with an ED₅₀ = 160 ± 1.1 μg/mL (n = 5) and to decreased systolic and diastolic control pressure by 56.9% and 81.6% respectively. F4 contains most of the dihydropyranone dodoneine, with 93% of the sample mass. Dodoneine separated from this fraction was also able to decrease both systolic and diastolic arterial pressure by 32.5% and 38.7% at 100 μg/kg, respectively.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study demonstrates the hypotensive property of the dodoneine present in Agelanthus dodoneifolius.     

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and phenolic contents of four Podocarpus species used in traditional medicine in South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Species of Podocarpus are used traditionally in their native areas for the treatment of fevers, asthma, coughs, cholera, chest complaints, arthritis, rheumatism, venereal diseases and distemper in dogs.

Aims of the study

To investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase activities of four Podocarpus species, Podocarpus elongatus, Podocarpus falcatus, Podocarpus henkelii and Podocarpus latifolius, used in traditional medicine in South Africa. Phytochemical analysis to determine the phenolic contents was also carried out.

Materials and methods

DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays were used to determine the antioxidant/radical scavenging activities of these species. Anti-inflammatory activity of these species was assayed against two cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). Tyrosinase inhibition activity was analysed using the modified dopachrome method with l-DOPA as the substrate. Phenolics were quantitatively determined using spectrophotometric methods.

Results

Stems of Podocarpus latifolius exhibited the lowest EC₅₀ (0.84 μg/ml) inhibition against DPPH. The percentage antioxidant activity based on the bleaching rate of β-carotene ranged from 96% to 99%. High ferric reducing power was observed in all the extracts. For COX-1, the lowest EC₅₀ value was exhibited by stem extracts of Podocarpus elongatus (5.02 μg/ml) and leaf extract of Podocarpus latifolius showed the lowest EC₅₀ against COX-2 (5.13 μg/ml). All extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner with stem extract of Podocarpus elongatus being the most potent with an EC₅₀ value of 0.14 mg/ml. The total phenolic content ranged from 2.38 to 6.94 mg of GAE/g dry sample.

Conclusion

The significant pharmacological activities observed support the use of these species in traditional medicine and may also be candidates in the search for modern pharmaceuticals in medicine, food and cosmetic industries.     

Increased sexual motivation in female rats treated with Humulus lupulus L. extract

Aim of the study

To evaluate the influence of Humulus lupulus extract on sexual behavior in female rats.

Materials and methods

Ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (1.5 μg/rat) and progesterone (500 μg/rat) were acutely treated by oral gavage with Humulus lupulus extract dosed at 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg and then tested for partner preference and sexual receptivity.

Results

The administration of Humulus lupulus extract at the highest dose significantly increased the preference for the stimulus male during the partner preference test and the number of proceptive behaviors during the receptivity test, without affecting the lordosis response.

Conclusions

Humulus lupulus extract increased sexual motivation in hormone-primed female rats.     

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of rutaecarpine and evodiamine after oral administration of Wu-Chu-Yu extracts with different purities to rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wu-Chu-Yu is a well-known herbal drug used for hypertension. Rutaecarpine and evodiamine are main bioactive components of the medicine.

Materials and methods

A sensitive and specific HPLC method was developed to analyze rutaecarpine (Rut) and evodiamine (Evo) in rat whole blood. The pharmacokinetics of Rut and Evo after oral administration of Wu-Chu-Yu extracts with different purities to rats was compared to evaluate the effect of purity of Wu-Chu-Yu extracts on the absorption of Rut and Evo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given Wu-Chu-Yu extracts with different purities (high, medium and low) approximately the same doses of equivalent to Rut (40 mg/kg) and Evo (31 mg/kg). The contents of Rut and Evo were 45 and 35%, 28 and 21%, 9 and 7% in high, medium and low purity extracts, respectively. At different time points (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 h) after administration, the concentrations of Rut and Evo in rat whole blood were determined by HPLC, and main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.

Results

The results indicated that the absorption of Rut and Evo in Wu-Chu-Yu extracts was improved when compared with the pure Rut and Evo and there were significant differences among different groups.

Conclusions

The bioavailability of Rut and Evo was increased along with the increasing of purity (16%-80%) in Wu-Chu-Yu extracts.     

Wild bitter gourd extract up-regulates mRNA expression of PPARα, PPARγ and their target genes in C57BL/6J mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata ser.) was commonly used as a medicinal herb in Asia, Africa, and South America because of its anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-viral, and chemopreventive functions.

Materials and methods

C57BL/6J mice were orally administered with 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg BW of WBGE in 0.2 mL/mouse of olive oil daily for 2 weeks.

Results

Compared to control (vehicle treated) mice, mice receiving WBGE showed significantly higher PPARα, ACO (acyl-CoA oxidase) and L-FABP (liver-fatty acid binding protein) mRNA expression, ACO activity and protein in the liver (P < 0.05), as clofibrate-treated mice. WBGE treatment also resulted in significantly higher PPARγ and LPL (lipoprotein lipase) mRNA (P < 0.05) in the epididymal adipose tissue. Liver triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid concentration in WBGE treated mice were significantly lower than those of control mice (P < 0.05). Plasma adiponectin level was significantly higher in mice receiving WBGE than in control mice (P < 0.05), as the rosiglitazone treated mice.

Conclusion

Results of this study demonstrated that WBGE also activates PPARα and PPARγ signaling pathway in vivo.     

The lignan-rich fractions of Fructus Schisandrae improve insulin sensitivity via the PPAR-γ pathways in in vitro and in vivo studies

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Fructus Schisandrae, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baillon, has been traditionally used as a hypoglycemic agent in Asia and its extracts have been shown to improve insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in cell-based assays in previous studies.

Aim of the study

We set out to determine which fractions of Fructus Schisandrae improved peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ activity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in cell-based experiments. The fractions that enhance glucose homeostasis were then tested for their hypoglycemic effects and mechanism was examined.

Materials and methods

The fractions (FS-0, FS-20, FS-40, FS-60, FS-80, FS-100) were made by extracting Fructus Schisandrae with 70% ethanol followed by its fractionation with a XDA column with a different ratio of methanol and water. The insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and PPAR-γ agonistic actions of each fraction were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was determined in Min6 cells. The fraction(s) that were efficacious (200 mg/kg bw) were orally given to 90% pancreatectomized (Px) diabetic rats for 8 weeks to evaluate insulin sensitivity in euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and insulin secretion at hyperglycemic clamp.

Results

FS-60 contains schizandrin, gomisin A and angeloylgomisin H while FS-80 contains deoxyschizandrin, γ-schizandrin, and gomisin N. A PPAR-γ agonistic action was greater in the ascending order of the control, FS-80 and FS-60 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. FS-60 increased the glucose disposal rates of Px rats as much as rosiglitazone during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp while hepatic glucose output at hyperinsulinemic clamped states decreased in the descending order of the control, FS-80, FS-60 with potentiating insulin signaling. At hyperglycemic clamp only FS-60 potentiated first phase insulin secretion in diabetic animals; the second phase was not increased.

Conclusions

FS-60, a lignan-rich fraction, improves glucose homeostasis by increasing glucose disposal rates and enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity by working as a PPAR-γ agonist in type-2 diabetic rats.     

Bronchodilatory effect of Acorus calamus (Linn.) is mediated through multiple pathways

Aim of the study

This study was undertaken to provide a pharmacological basis for traditional use of Acorus calamus in airways disorders.

Materials and methods

Isolated guinea-pig trachea and atria were suspended in organ baths bubbled with carbogen and mechanisms were found using different parameters.

Results

In isolated guinea-pig tracheal segments, crude extract of Acorus calamus was more effective than carbachol in causing relaxation of high K⁺ (80 mM) precontractions, similar to verapamil, suggesting blockade of calcium channels. The n-hexane fraction was equipotent against both precontractions, similar to papaverine, while ethylacetate fraction was more potent against carbachol precontractions but had a negligible dilator effect against K⁺, similar to atropine and or rolipram. Pretreatment of tracheal preparations with n-hexane or ethylacetate fractions potentiated isoprenaline-induced inhibitory concentration-response curves, similar to papaverine or rolipram. Pretreatment of tracheal preparations with ethylacetate fraction caused a rightward parallel shift in carbachol response curve at lower concentration (0.003 mg/mL) similar to atropine and a non-parallel shift at higher concentrations (0.01 mg/mL), with reduction of maximum response, similar to rolipram. In isolated guinea-pig atrial preparations, crude extracts, its fractions and papaverine inhibited force and rate of contractions at higher concentrations than the smooth muscle while verapamil was equipotent.

Conclusion

These data indicate the presence of unique combination of airways relaxant constituents in crude extract of Acorus calamus, a papaverine-like dual inhibitor of calcium channels and phosphodiesterase in n-hexane fraction and a novel combination of anticholinergic, rolipram-like phosphodiesterase4 inhibitor in ethylacetate fraction and associated cardiac depressant effect, provide a pharmacological basis for traditional use of Acorus calamus in disorders of airways.     

Cortex Dictamni extract induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via STAT1 and attenuates liver fibrosis in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Chinese medicines, Cortex Dictamni is prescribed for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases such as acute rheumatoid arthritis, skin inflammation and jaundice.

Aim of the study

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Cortex Dictamni on treatment of hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms.

Materials and methods

The in vivo effect of Cortex Dictamni extract (CDE) was evaluated by measuring histological changes and collagen content in CCl₄-indcued hepatic fibrosis mice. Viability, apoptosis and protein expression of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were analyzed by MTT, Annexin V staining and Western blot respectively.

Results

CDE alleviated CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and showed a much stronger inhibition of cell viability in activated HSC cell line HSC-T6 than that in normal hepatocyte L02 cells. Furthermore, CDE induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells associated with increased expressions of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3. Interestingly, CDE activated STAT1 in HSC-T6 cells and the effect of CDE on apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells could be neutralized using JAK/STAT1 signaling inhibitor AG490.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CDE possesses anti-fibrosis activity with selectively induction of activated HSC apoptosis via activating STAT1, which might be a novel strategy for hepatic fibrosis therapy.     

Effects of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In South Africa, the plant Aspalathus linearis (Brum.f) Dahlg. (Fabaceae) is traditionally used as a “tea” referred to as rooibos or redbush. This plant has been listed as a medicinal plant based mostly on anecdotal evidence.

Aims of the study

Despite a long history of traditional use in South Africa, very little scientific data are available from controlled clinical trials confirming its popular use. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of rooibos on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Materials and methods

After a washout period of 2 weeks, 40 volunteers consumed six cups of fermented/traditional rooibos daily for 6 weeks, followed by a control period. Blood biochemical parameters indicative of antioxidant activity and content (total polyphenols), lipid peroxidation (conjugated dienes - CDs, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS), redox status (total glutathione - tGSH, ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione - GSH:GSSG), lipid profile (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein - LDL and high density lipoprotein - HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels) and liver and kidney function were measured at the end of each study period.

Results

Plasma antioxidant capacity was not altered, but plasma total polyphenol levels increased significantly after rooibos consumption compared with the control levels (from 79.8 ± 16.9 mg/L to 89.8 ± 14.1 mg/L). Significant decreases in plasma markers of lipid peroxidation were found after rooibos consumption, as reported by levels of CDs (167.3 ± 29.5 nmol/mL vs. 108.8 ± 20.1 nmol/mL) and TBARS (1.9 ± 0.6 μmol/L vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 μmol/L). Reduced glutathione (797 ± 238 μmol/L vs. 1082 ± 140 μmol/L) and the GSH:GSSG ratio (41 ± 14 vs. 76 ± 17) were both significantly increased after consumption of rooibos. The lipid profiles showed that rooibos consumption, compared with the control values, significantly decreased serum LDL-cholesterol (4.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L vs. 3.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L) and triacylglycerols (1.7 ± 0.8 mmol/L vs. 1.2 ± 0.7 mmol/L), while HDL-cholesterol (0.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L) was significantly increased.

Conclusion

Confirming its popular use, consumption of fermented, traditional rooibos significantly improved the lipid profile as well as redox status, both relevant to heart disease, in adults at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.     

Ginkgolide B reduces neuronal cell apoptosis in the hemorrhagic rat brain: possible involvement of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ginkgolide B (GB) is one of the ginkgolides that have been isolated from leaves and root bark of the Chinese tree Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae), and is a specific and potent antagonist of platelet activating factor. There is a large body of data showing that GB possesses a markedly neuroprotective property against ischemia-induced impairment in vivo and in vitro. Recently it has been found that GB can inhibit the inflammation in the rat brain tissues with ischemia/reperfusion injury and in the astrocytes treated with lipopolysaccharide, as well as protect neurons against beta-amyloid 25-35 and ischemia-induced apoptosis. However, there have been few reports on the influence of GB on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study was to investigate the effects of intraperitoneal GB on neuronal cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptor4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway after ICH.

Materials and methods

Wistar rats obtained an intraperitoneal injection of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg GB after ICH once a day till day 5. Rats were sacrificed by decapitation at hour 2, 6 and 12, as well as day 1, 2, 3 and 5 after ICH. Gene expressions of TLR-4 and NF-κB, concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as number of apoptotic neuronal cells in hemorrhagic rat brain tissues were determined.

Results

The administration of 10 and 20 mg/kg GB could significantly suppress gene expressions of TLR-4 and NF-κB, lessen concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 as well as reduce number of apoptotic neuronal cells in hemorrhagic rat brain tissues by Least-significant Difference test (P < 0.05), but the administration of 5 mg/kg GB not (P > 0.05). However, a clear concentration-response relationship was not found.

Conclusions

GB may inhibit TLR4/NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses, and furthermore lessen neuronal cell apoptosis after ICH, which may support the use of G. biloba extracts for the treatment of ICH.     

Effects of sodium houttuyfonate on expression of NF-kappaB and MCP-1 in membranous glomerulonephritis

Aims of the study

Sodium houttuyfonate (SH) is an addition compound of sodium bisulfite and houttuynin. Houttuynin is one of the main ingredients in the volatile oil of Houttuynia cordata Thunb, which has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicines. In this study, we investigated the effect of SH in membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) induced by cationic Bovine Serum Albumin (C-BSA) in BALB/c mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were divided into four groups, including normal vehicle-treated controls (N group), model (M group), low SH of 60 mg/kg body weight (L group), or high SH of 120 mg/kg body weight (H group). Urine protein quantification was detected by the urine protein strip test. Morphological assessment in kidneys was observed by light microscope and electron microscopy. The level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) in the nuclear was evaluated by Western blot. Immunohistochemical was used to analyze the expression of MCP-1.

Results

SH was shown to reverse C-BSA induced increases in urinary protein, and changes in morphology. Treatment with SH at 60-120 mg/kg (L and H groups, respectively) dose-dependently decreased the level of nuclear NF-κB and MCP-1 expression compared to that of the M group.

Conclusions

This study reveals that SH could treat C-BSA induced MGN in BALB/c mice by suppressing NF-κB activation and MCP-1 expression. Therefore, the most likely mechanism underlying the biological effects of SH is inhibition of an NF-κB mediated-cytokine pathway.     

The mechanism of vasorelaxation induced by ethanol extract of Sophora flavescens in rat aorta

Aim of the study

Sophora flavescens (SF) is a known medicinal herb for the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms associated with arrhythmia in China. However, the pharmacological action mechanisms involved have not been well studied. The aim of the present study was to define effects of roots of SF on the vascular tension and responsible mechanisms in rat thoracic aorta.

Materials and methods

Ethanol extract of the roots of SF (ESF) was examined for their vascular relaxant effect in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted rat thoracic aorta.

Results

ESF (0.1-100 μg/ml) induced relaxation of the phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. Endothelium-denudation abolished the ESF-induced vasorelaxation. Pretreatment of the endothelium-intact aortic rings with l-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, and ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), inhibited ESF-induced vasorelaxation. ESF increased cGMP levels of the aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner and the effect was blocked by l-NAME and ODQ. Inhibition of K⁺ channels with glibenclamide and tetraethylammonium, cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin, and β-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors blockade had no effect on the ESF-induced vasorelaxation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ESF relaxes vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent NO-sGC-cGMP signaling pathway.     

Physiologisch-anatomische Aspekte in der Neuraltherapie: Behandlungsergebnisse akuter und chronischer Schmerzen

Background

Central functions of neural therapy (Huneke) are explained by electrophysiological processes. The following modifications of the original neural therapy concepts open up new possibilities in the treatment of acute, chronic and neuropathic pain.

Aim

To prove the efficacy of this new approach.

Methods

During the first 4 years of application of this therapy, all patients with the following pain syndromes were treated consecutively: cervical, brachial, intercostal, lumbo-schiatic. Pain improvement was measured by verbal analogue scales.

Results

133 patients were treated. Complete pain remission (> 90 %) was achieved in more than 50 % of all cases. Even in cases of chronic pain, the treatment lasted not longer than 7 weeks. Major side effects were not seen.

Conclusion

The modified neural therapy is a highly efficient tool for pain management with fast improvements, no major side effects, and it is easy to apply. Frequent indications make this therapy recommandable to general practitioners.     

The anti-hypertensive effect of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Gegen (Pueraria lobata) formula in rats and its underlying mechanisms of vasorelaxation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen) and Radix Puerariae lobatae (Gegen) have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as the principal herbs in treating cardiovascular disease.

Aims of the study

In the present study, an aqueous extract comprising Danshen and Gegen in the ratio of 7:3 (DG) was investigated for its anti-hypertension in vivo and vasodilative activities ex vivo.

Materials and methods

The anti-hypertensive effect of DG extract was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) by measuring systolic blood pressure (SBP). Oral administration of DG extract was started at age of 6 weeks and 14 weeks for the preventive and therapeutic studies, respectively. Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff method biweekly for 12 weeks. The ex vivo vasodilative activities of DG extract, its dependency on endothelium and the involvement of nitric oxide, prostacyclin and potassium channels were investigated using isolated rat aorta ring in organ bath.

Results

For in vivo study, systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in DG extract-treated groups (90.2 and 300 mg/kg) as compared with the SHR control in both preventive and therapeutic studies. However, DG extract was unable to suppress or delay the onset of hypertension in the preventive study. For ex vivo study, the results showed that DG extract induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in aorta and persisted response was observed with the removal of endothelium. Besides, pretreatment with a non-selective potassium channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA) also significantly inhibited DG extract-induced vasodilation. Further investigations on specific potassium channel blockers revealed that ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel inhibitor glibenclamide, inward rectifier potassium (Kir) inhibitor barium chloride and voltage-dependent potassium (K_v) channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine, but not BK_Ca channel inhibitor iberiotoxin, exerted significant inhibition on DG extract-induced vasodilation.

Conclusions

The results of in vivo SHR animal model suggested that DG aqueous extract possessed blood pressure lowering effect on both pre- and post-hypertensive rats, which could be explained by its endothelium-independent vasodilation via the opening of K_ATP, Kir and K_v channels.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of a methanolic extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis

Aim of study

The aim of this study was to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) with its fractions and to delineate the possible mechanism of action for MEDV.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activities of MEDV along with its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a carrageenan induced model of acute inflammation. The effect of MEDV on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was also studied.

Results

MEDV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent (66%, p < 0.001). MEDV was non-toxic up to 125 μg/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0-100 μg/ml) reduced lipopolysaccharide induced NO production.

Conclusion

MEDV possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEDV showed best anti-inflammatory activity.