Showing papers by "Paul Pui-Hay But published in 2002"

Authentication of Chinese Medicinal Materials by DNA Technology

Abstract: Contents: Molecular Markers in Chinese Medicinal Materials (P-C Shaw et al.) Methodology and Equipment for General Molecular Techniques (F C-F Yau & F-N Ngan) Authentication of Chinese Medicinal Materials by Polymerase Chain Reaction Using Arbitrarily Chosen Primers (H Cao et al.) Authentication of the Components from a Mixture of Herbal Materials (K-T Cheng) Authentication of Chinese Medicinal Materials by Sequence Characterised Amplified Region (J Wang et al.) Differentiation of Panax ginseng from P quinqueflius by Direct Amplification of Length Polymorphisms (W-Y Ha et al.) Differentiation of Panax ginseng from P quinquefolius by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (W-Y Ha et al.) Authentication of Animal Medicinal Materials by DNA Molecular Markers (Y-Q Wang & K-Y Zhou) Authentication of Medicinal Dendrobium Species by the Internal Transcribed Spacer of Ribosomal DNA (D T-W Lau et al.) Authentication by DNA Sequencing of 5s rRNA and trnK Genes (H Mizukami) Authentication Based on 18S Ribosomal RNA Gene and matK Gene Sequences (K Komatsu) Outlook (P-C Shaw et al.).

Antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of aqueous extract from Si-Wu-Tang.

Abstract: Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese formula, has been clinically used in the treatment of cutaneous pruritus, chronic inflammation, and other diseases. The present study was carried out to observe the antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of SWT aqueous extract using compound 48/80 and picryl chloride (PC) models in mice. SWT (500, 1000 mg/kg p.o.) clearly reduced the scratching responses elicited by compound 48/80 in normal mice. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, it inhibited the scratching responses induced by PC in mice actively sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-ovalbumin (OVA) plus alum. Furthermore, SWT (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the footpad swelling caused by compound 48/80 in mice. In the biphasic ear skin reactions induced by PC in actively sensitized mice, SWT (250, 500 mg/kg) reduced the immediate-phase reaction, but did not affect the late-phase reaction. In vitro, SWT (50-500 microg/ml) showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the histamine release induced by compound 48/80 from rat peritoneal mast cells. The crude drugs contained in SWT, Paeoniae Radix (25, 100 microg/ml), Rehmanniae Radix, and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (100 microg/ml), also showed a clear inhibition, but Angelica Radix did not at the concentrations examined. These findings indicate that SWT aqueous extract has antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects in mice. SWT inhibits histamine release from rat mast cells, and Paeoniae Radix probably plays a crucial role in the formula.

Antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract from Gleditsia sinensis.

Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effects of the 70% ethanolic extract from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis LAM. (AFGS) on experimental allergic reactions and inflammation. AFGS (200, 500, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently inhibited the systemic anaphylactic shock induced by compound 48/80 in mice and cutaneous reactions induced by histamine or serotonin in rats. At doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, AFGS showed a clear inhibition on homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. In vitro, AFGS significantly reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells triggered by compound 48/80 at concentrations of 20 and 50 μg/ml. Moreover, AFGS (500, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant inhibition on the hind paw edema in rats and ear swelling in mice caused by carrageenin and croton oil, respectively. It also clearly inhibited the vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. These findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis possesses antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be mediated by reducing the release of mediators such as histamine from mast cells and weakening the inflammatory action of these mediators.

Generation of a sequence characterized amplified region probe for authentication of crocodilian species

Abstract: A 209-base pair (bp) crocodilian-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) was identified from a 425-bp randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment. The 209-bp SCAR was produced from amplifications of DNA extracted from fresh and/or dry meat samples from at least three species of Crocodylus, Caiman crocodylus, and Alligator mississippiensis. No amplification was observed from DNA of other common animal species. The use of SCAR opens the way for quick authentication of crocodilian samples for conservation biology and trade regulation.

Nostoc flagelliforme and faked items retailed in Hong Kong

Abstract: A survey was made to check the authenticity of both dried and cookedNostoc flagelliforme retailed as Fat Choy in Hong Kong,using microscopic and histochemical methods. Results indicated that faked itemswere found in 70% of the 30 samples of dried Fat Choy retailed in seafoodstoresand herb shops and in all 5 samples of cooked Fat Choy obtained from Chineserestaurants. The faked items were non-cellular and packed with starch grains ormasses and black pigments. Staining the faked items with iodine solution turnthem into dark blue or black, whereas the genuine samples remained dullgreenish. This widespread adulteration probably reflects the limited supply ofthis alga which is banned in China from further collection and trading.

Authentication of snakes used in Chinese medicine by sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR)

Abstract: Random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprints characteristic of thethree snakes Zaocys dhumnades, Agkistrodonacutus and Bungarus multicinctus multicinctuswere generated using primer OPF-14. Z. dhumnades is anendangered species included in the Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and A. acutus,B. multicinctus multicinctus and Z. dhumnades are listed inthe Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The species-specific polymorphic bands Aa specific toA. acutus, Bmm specific to B. multicinctusmulticinctus and Zd specific to Z. dhumnadeswere identified and the sequences of these bands were used to design polymerasechain reaction primers for sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR)analysis of the three snakes. A multiplex SCAR analysis was established toauthenticate the snakes used in Chinese medicine reliably and efficiently.

Active compounds of Bao-Ji-Wan for anti-diarrhea and relieving gastrointestinal symptoms

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating medical conditions caused by abnormal chloride ion flux with compositions containing active ingredients isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Bao-Ji-Wan (BJW). The compositions comprise any one, two, or three of the following: magnolol, honokiol, imperatorin, isoimperatorin or only magnolol, honokiol, imperatorin, isoimperatorin and a physiologically acceptable carrier. In preferred embodiments, the medical conditions include disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea and constipation.

Plant extracts and alkaloids having antitussive activity

Abstract: The present invention provides plant extracts, isolated alkaloids, synthetic alkaloids and compositions having antitussive activity. In some preferred embodiments, the plant extracts and the isolated alkaloids are from a plant of a genus in the family Stemonaceae. In other preferred embodiments, the plant extracts and the isolated alkaloids are from a plant of the genus Stemona, Croomia, or Stichoneuron. In especially preferred embodiments, the plant extracts and the isolated alkaloids are from the plant Stemona tuberosa. The present invention further provides methods for isolating such plant extracts and alkaloids. In addition, the present invention provides methods for reducing or suppressing coughing by administering plant extracts, alkaloids and compositions having antitussive activity.