Houttuynia cordata Thunb. is used in folk medicine for diuresis and detoxification. However, it has not yet been reported to have an anti-obesity effect. We found that the water extract of H. cordata leaves (WEH) inhibited the corn oil-induced increase in plasma triglyceride levels in mice. WEH also inhibited the oleic acid- and glycerol-induced increase in the levels of plasma nonesterified fatty acids and glycerol, respectively. Moreover, WEH had anti-obesity effects in mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Therefore, WEH may be able to prevent or reduce obesity induced by a high-fat diet.

Water extract of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. leaves exerts anti-obesity effects by inhibiting fatty acid and glycerol absorption

1-Benzylpiperazine (BZP) and 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine, newly controlled as narcotics in Japan on 2003, and their analogues were analyzed. The analytical data with color test, thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) are presented.   The BZP-like compounds were less sensitive to Simon's reagent than amphetamine type stimulants on spot plates. Using on-site screening kit based on Simon's test (X-Checker®), BZP indicated almost the same result as methamphetamine. For TLC, the solvent system, methanol −25% aqueous ammonia (100 : 1.5), was the best among the systems examined. Iodoplatinate reagent was the most sensitive one to detect BZP. The IR spectra showed sufficient differences to make identification. Trimethylsilylation was the most appropriate choice for the GC/MS analysis of BZP-like compounds in terms of the peak shapes, separation and stability (using a J&W DB-5MS column). In LC/MS analysis, the gradient elution (10 mM formic acid and acetonitrile) using a Waters Symmetry Shield C18 column achieved discrimination of isomers except for 1-(2-fluorophenyl)piperazine and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine. The cone voltage of 30 V was recommended for the LC/MS screening. The information would be useful for identification of piperazines in confiscated powders, liquids or tablets.

Analysis of Benzylpiperazine-like Compounds

Freezing point osmometry, an analytical tool used by clinical hospital laboratories and the consumer product and food industries, is investigated for its utility as a forensic screening method for detection of adulteration of commercial beverages with ethanol, -butyrolactone, or 1,4-butanediol, and for detection of dilution of Demerol® syringes. A comprehensive list of baseline osmolality values for various commercially available beverages, eye drops, and mouthwashes is provided. Additional potential forensic applications are discussed.

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Osmolality - A Novel and Sensitive Tool for Detection of Tampering of Beverages 8 Adulterated with Ethanol, γ-Butyrolactone, and 1,4-Butanediol, and for Detection of Dilution-Tampered Demerol Syringes

A. Ogamo

Papers

A TLC visualisation reagent for dimethylamphetamine and other abused tertiary amines