Showing papers in "Chinese Medicine in 2012"
TL;DR: A positive linear correlation between antioxidant activities and the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the plant extracts was found and the selected herbs could be a rich source of antioxidants and free radical scavenging compounds.
Abstract: Background
This study aims to determine the relationship between the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the thirteen herbs and two fungi extracts, and their total phenolic and flavonoid contents.
127 citations
TL;DR: Six herbs in the Plant Genetics Conservation Project that have been used as complementary medicines were chosen on the basis of their medicinal value, namely Terminalia mucronata, Diospyros winitii, Bridelia insulana, Artabotrys harmandii, Terminallia triptera, and Croton oblongifolius showed anticancer activity in vitro.
Abstract: Six herbs in the Plant Genetics Conservation Project that have been used as complementary medicines were chosen on the basis of their medicinal value, namely Terminalia mucronata, Diospyros winitii, Bridelia insulana, Artabotrys harmandii, Terminallia triptera, and Croton oblongifolius. This study aims to evaluate the potential anticancer activity of 50% ethanol-water extracts of these six herbs. Fifty percent ethanol-water crude extracts of the six herbs were prepared. The cytotoxicity of the herbal extracts relative to that of melphalan was evaluated using a hepatoma cell line (HepG2), and examined by neutral red assays and apoptosis induction by gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry after 24 h. A significant difference was found between the cytotoxicity of the 50% ethanol-water crude extracts and melphalan (P = 0.000). The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of all six herbs exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 100 to 500 μg/mL. The extract of T. triptera showed the highest cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 148.7 ± 12.3 μg/mL, while melphalan had an IC50 of 39.79 ± 7.62 μg/mL. The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of D. winitii and T. triptera, but not A. harmandii, produced a DNA ladder. The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of D. winitii, T. triptera, and A. harmandii induced apoptosis detected by flow cytometry. The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of D. winitii, T. triptera, and A. harmandii showed anticancer activity in vitro.
86 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that kaempferol stimulates osteogenic differentiation of cultured osteoblasts by acting through the estrogen receptor signaling.
Abstract: Background
Flavonoids, a group of compounds mainly derived from vegetables and herbal medicines, chemically resemble estrogen and some have been used as estrogen substitutes. Kaempferol, a flavonol derived from the rhizome of Kaempferia galanga L., is a well-known phytoestrogen possessing osteogenic effects that is also found in a large number of plant foods.
The herb K. galanga is a popular traditional aromatic medicinal plant that is widely used as food spice and in medicinal industries. In the present study, both the estrogenic and osteogenic properties of kaempferol are evaluated.
79 citations
TL;DR: Clinical and laboratory studies supporting the existence of point specificity in acupuncture are focused on and studies that do not support this concept are addressed.
Abstract: The existence of point specificity in acupuncture is controversial, because many acupuncture studies using this principle to select control points have found that sham acupoints have similar effects to those of verum acupoints. Furthermore, the results of pain-related studies based on visual analogue scales have not supported the concept of point specificity. In contrast, hemodynamic, functional magnetic resonance imaging and neurophysiological studies evaluating the responses to stimulation of multiple points on the body surface have shown that point-specific actions are present. This review article focuses on clinical and laboratory studies supporting the existence of point specificity in acupuncture and also addresses studies that do not support this concept. Further research is needed to elucidate the point-specific actions of acupuncture.
77 citations
TL;DR: The oil of the seeds, petroleum ether and methanol extracts of the whole plant of Cannabis sativa were screened for their antimicrobial activity against two Gram positive organisms, Staphylococcus aureus and two fungi and the results were compared with the activity of the extracts.
Abstract: The oil of the seeds, petroleum ether and methanol extracts of the whole plant of Cannabis sativa belonging to the family Cannabinaceae were screened for their antimicrobial activity against two Gram positive organisms (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi namely Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans using the cup plate agar diffusion method. The oil of the seeds of Cannabis sativa exerted pronounced antibacterial activity (21 - 28 mm) against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, moderate activity (15 mm) against Escherichia coli and high activity (16 mm) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and inactive against the two fungi tested. The petroleum ether extract of the whole plant exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity (23 - 28 mm) against both Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus organisms, high activity (16 mm) against Escherichia coli and inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and both fungi. The methanol extract of the whole plant showed also pronounced antibacterial activity (29 mm) against Bacillus subtilis, low activity (12 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus and high activity (16 - 18 mm) against both Gram negative organisms, inactive against Aspergillus niger and low activity (13 mm) against Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Cannabis sativa methanol extracts of the seeds and the whole plant against the standard organisms were determined using the agar plate dilution method. The standard organisms were tested against reference antibacterial and antifungal drugs and the results were compared with the activity of the extracts.
75 citations
TL;DR: The antioxidative effect, mitochondrial protection and modulation of anti-and pro-apoptotic proteins are related to the neuroprotective effects of baicalein against rotenone induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.
Abstract: Background
Two active compounds, baicalein and its glycoside baicalin were found in the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and reported to be neuroprotective in vitro and in vivo. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of baicalein on the rotenone-induced apoptosis in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells related to parkinsonism.
63 citations
TL;DR: Evidence from pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies of Re demonstrated that (1) the absorption of Re is fast in gastrointestinal tract; (2) Re may be metabolized mainly to Rh1 and F1 by intestinal microflora before absorption into blood; and (3) Re is quickly cleared from the body.
Abstract: Ginsenosides, the bioactive components of ginseng, can be divided into two major groups, namely 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (e.g. Re, Rg1, Rg2, and Rb3) and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (e.g. Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd). Biological and environmental factors may affect the content of ginsenosides in different parts of ginseng plant. Evidence from pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies of Re demonstrated that (1) the absorption of Re is fast in gastrointestinal tract; (2) Re may be metabolized mainly to Rh1 and F1 by intestinal microflora before absorption into blood; and (3) Re is quickly cleared from the body.
50 citations
TL;DR: The proteomics data indicate that P. linteus may be protective against TAA-induced liver fibrosis via regulation of oxidative stress pathways, heat shock pathways, and metabolic pathways for amino acids and nucleic acids.
Abstract: Background
The hepatoprotective potential of Phellinus linteus polysaccharide (PLP) extracts has been described. However, the molecular mechanism of PLP for the inhibition of liver fibrosis is unclear. This study aims to investigate the molecular protein signatures involved in the hepatoprotective mechanisms of PLP via a proteomics approach using a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis rat model.
45 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that α-MG attenuates LPS-mediated activation of MAPK, STAT1, c-Fos, c’Jun and EIK-1, inhibiting TNF-α and IL-4 production in U937 cells.
Abstract: Background
α-Mangostin (α-MG) is a main constituent of the fruit hull of the mangosteen. Previous studies have shown that α-MG has pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory molecular action of α-MG on gene expression profiles.
41 citations
TL;DR: A simple and direct NMR assay was developed that can be applied for the determination of statin content for the regulatory control of red yeast rice products and demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity.
Abstract: Red yeast rice (ie, rice fermented with Monascus spp), as a food supplement, is claimed to be blood cholesterol-lowering The red yeast rice constituent monacolin K, also known as lovastatin, is an inhibitor of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase This article aims to develop a sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method to determine the total statin content of red yeast rice products The total statin content was determined by a 400 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopic method, based on the integration of the multiplet at δ 537-532 ppm of a hydrogen at the hexahydronaphthalene moiety in comparison to an external calibration with lovastatin The activity of HMG-CoA reductase was measured by a commercial spectrophotometric assay kit The NMR detection limit for total statins was 6 mg/L (equivalent to 03 mg/capsule, if two capsules are dissolved in 50 mL ethanol) The relative standard deviations were consistently lower than 11% The total statin concentrations of five red yeast rice supplements were between 15 and 252 mg per specified daily dose A dose-dependent inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity by the red yeast rice products was demonstrated A simple and direct NMR assay was developed to determine the total statin content in red yeast rice The assay can be applied for the determination of statin content for the regulatory control of red yeast rice products
38 citations
TL;DR: The Chumash Indians of California use it to treat imbalances that women may suffer such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms.
Abstract: Mugwort has many traditional uses around the world. The Chumash Indians of California use it to treat imbalances that women may suffer such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms. The plant contains a sesquiterpene that appears to work through a serotonergic mechanism and may be beneficial for women. Mugwort therapy is safer for menopausal women than hormone replacement therapy. Children affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder benefit from mugwort therapy. There is no doubt that mugwort therapy is safer for these children than methylphenidate or amphetamine.
TL;DR: The RAD method is effective for CM clinical data analysis, particular for analysis of relationships between symptoms in diagnosis and generation of compact and comprehensible symptom feature subsets.
Abstract: Background
There is a long history of coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosis and treatment in Chinese medicine (CM), but a formalized description of CM knowledge is still unavailable. This study aims to analyze a set of CM clinical data, which is important and urgent.
TL;DR: Hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica showed positive in vitro antioxidant activity, and presence of phenolic compound suggests that antioxidant activity may be due to ferulic acid content.
Abstract: Background: Urtica dioica L. is a common Himalayan species which produces allergenic substances causing oedema and inflammation in humans. It has become a source of folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The leaves and roots both are used internally as a blood purifier and diuretic and an infusion of the plant is used for nasal and menstrual haemorrhage, diabetes, rheumatism, eczema, anaemia, hair loss, as an expectorant and antidiarrhoeal. Present study includes pharmacognostic evaluation, antioxidant activity and HPTLC analysis of Urtica dioica L. Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation of aerial part of U. dioica has been performed as per Indian pharmacopoeia. In-vitro antioxidant evaluation of U. dioica has been performed using DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Ferulic acid, a potential phenolic antioxidant present in this species, has been studied through HPTLC. Results: U. dioica hydro-alcoholic extract shows positive results for antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 88.33 ± 2.88 μg/ml. Standard ascorbic acid showed IC50 value of 2.8 ± 0.62 μg/ml. Ferulic acid was identified at Rf 0.61 ± 0.01 and quantified to 0.73% in this species through CAMAG HPTLC analysis. Conclusion: The pharmacognostical parameters reported can be considered as quality standards of U. dioica in herbal industry. Hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica showed positive in vitro antioxidant activity. Presence of phenolic compound suggests that antioxidant activity may be due to ferulic acid content.
TL;DR: As potential adjuvants to chemotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer, COP and BER increase ROS production, reduce MDR, and enhance the inhibitory effects of chemotherapeutic agents on A549 cell growth.
Abstract: Background
Non–small cell lung cancer is associated with high expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins and low production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Coptis extract (COP), a Chinese medicinal herb, and its major constituent, berberine (BER), have anticancer properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of COP and BER combined with chemotherapeutic agents, including fluorouracil (5-FU), camptothecin (CPT), and paclitaxel (TAX), on cell proliferation, ROS production, and MDR in A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cells.
TL;DR: Blood samples from rats treated with ethanolic extract of Trichosanthes lobata had significant reductions in serum markers in paracetamol administered animals, indicating the effect of the extract in restoring the normal functional ability of hepatocytes.
Abstract: Trichosanthes lobata (family cucurbitaceae) is used to treat malarial fever and liver disorders. This study aims to investigate possible hepatoprotective activities of ethanolic extract of Trichosanthes lobata against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar male rats by oral administration, 2 g/kg body weight on 7th day after the administration of ethanolic extract of Trichosanthes lobata and silymarin (100 mg/kg). Ethanolic extract of Trichosanthes lobata was administered orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 7 days. Several serum markers, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, total protein was measured to assess the effect of the extract on paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced hepatic damage. The study included histopathological examination of liver sections. Blood samples from rats treated with ethanolic extract of Trichosanthes lobata (200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight) had significant reductions in serum markers in paracetamol administered animals, indicating the effect of the extract in restoring the normal functional ability of hepatocytes. Silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a reference drug. The ethanolic extract of Trichosanthes lobata exhibits protective effects against paracetamol‒induced hepatotoxicity.
TL;DR: This study is an ethno-botanical survey of those plant species traditionally used as anthelmintic that may warrant scientific validation for efficacy and could be further scientifically evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anthel Mintic activity against a diverse variety of parasitic groups in host and non host animals.
Abstract: There is a growing interest in traditional uses of plants for health care among different communities especially in the developing countries. Kashmir valley is a temperate agro-climatic zone of north-west temperate Himalayan region of India and is blessed with a diverse variety of medicinal flora. The traditional uses of plants against parasitic infections in human beings and their live-stock is a common practice in the valley as most of the populations are rural and conventional veterinary drugs are very expensive and therefore unaffordable. This study is an ethno-botanical survey of those plant species traditionally used as anthelmintic that may warrant scientific validation for efficacy. The survey utilized well structured questionnaire and detailed discussions and recorded 44 plant species belonging to 37 genera and 26 families claimed as traditional anthelmintics in different preparations and forms. Out of these some plant species like Artemisia absinthium (tethwen) and Achillea millifolium (pahel-ghassa) were scientifically validated for their claimed anthelmintic action against gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep. A few of other plants like Allium sativum (rohun), Myrsine africana have been scientifically validated for their claim by other people in various parts of the world. These plants together with other species reported in this study could be further scientifically evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity against a diverse variety of parasitic groups in host and non host animals. That will lay a foundation and set a targeted platform for pharmacological studies and development of novel anthelmintic products to fill a gap in the anthelmintic drug industry, which is facing the crisis of anthelmintic resistance to conventional anthelmintic drugs.
TL;DR: Preliminary data suggest that Kigelia africana fruit powder may be beneficial for cases of PCOS especially in the developing countries where the new generation oral contraceptives, presently being used for the condition, may not be readily available.
Abstract: This paper reports the beneficial effect of twice daily ingestion (a table spoonful) of dried Kigelia africana fruit powder in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in two patients. Both patients had the classical triad of Amenorrhoea, acne and hirsutism. The two were 25 years old and 22 years old spinsters respectively. The ultrasonography was suggestive only in the latter; unfortunately there were no facilities to do the confirmatory serum enzymes assay. The use of herbal preparation restored the menstrual flow in both of them as well as leading to significant reduction in the acne but there was no noticeable effect on the hirsutism. There was no observable side effect associated with the use of the powder. These preliminary data thus suggest that Kigelia africana fruit powder may be beneficial for cases of PCOS especially in the developing countries where the new generation oral contraceptives, presently being used for the condition, may not be readily available.
TL;DR: SRF is hepatoprotective in animal models of chemical and immunological acute liver injury in mice and significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity.
Abstract: Background Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is used for treatment of liver disorders, and its effects are attributed to sesquiterpenes. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of a sesquiterpene-rich fraction (SRF) from the aerial part of C. glandulosum on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice, and on priming with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunological liver injury in mice. Methods SRF was suspended in water and administered to mice at 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 g/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days. An active control drug (bifendate pills) was suspended in distilled water and administered to mice at 0.40 g/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days. Hepatotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 0.1% CCl4 (0.2 mL/mouse) at 13 h before the last drug administration, or by tail intravenous injection of BCG (0.2 mL/mouse) before the first drug administration and LPS (0.2 mL/mouse; 8 μg) at 15 h before the last drug administration. Blood samples and the livers were collected for evaluation of the biochemical parameters of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBIL). Results SRF significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity. The highest dose of SRF (0.20 g/kg) was the most effective, reflected by significant reductions in the levels of AST (P = 0.001), ALT (P = 0.000) and TBIL (P = 0.009). The serum enzymatic levels induced by BCG and subsequent LPS injection were significantly and dose-dependently restored by SRF, reflected by significant reductions in the levels of AST (P = 0.003), ALT (P = 0.003) and TBIL (P = 0.007) for the highest dose of SRF (0.20 g/kg). Conclusion SRF is hepatoprotective in animal models of chemical and immunological acute liver injury.
TL;DR: In this paper, the antioxidative properties of subfractions; methanol (CE), chloroform (CHE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) of Teucrium polium extracts (TPE) were investigated.
Abstract: The antioxidative activities of subfractions; methanol (CE), chloroform (CHE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) of Teucrium polium extracts (TPE) were investigated. HPLC analysis of the plant revealed the existence of procyanidins B1 and B2, gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin. All the extracts showed inhibitory properties on xanthine oxidase, with IC50 ranging from 0.80 ± 0.07 to 11.76 ± 0.50 μM/quercetin equivalent. In the cellular system, all the extracts showed a protec-tive effect greater than those of quercetin, rutin and gallic acid against t-BHP induced oxidative damages in human erythrocytes. These results were clearly confirmed by a modified thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS), and β-carotene/linoleic acid assay which demonstrated that CHE possess an inhibition ratio of the linoleic acid oxidation (83.11%) close to that of BHT (96.77%). In addition, the results showed that the extracts possess a potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and gave a reduction power greater than rutin, quercetin, gallic acid and ascorbic acid in FRAP assay. These results show that Teucrium polium extracts have strong antioxidant effects and may have some clinical benefits.
TL;DR: The current inconclusive results in determining the effectiveness of CHM treatment on LF, due to the poor methodological quality and high heterogeneity of the studies, suggests that large RCTs using standardized Chinese medicine syndrome diagnosis and CHM formulae with longer follow-up are required for further evaluation.
Abstract: The studies on the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) in treating liver fibrosis (LF) were not consistent. This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of CHM on treating LF patients. Databases including MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, TCMOnline, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Medical Current Contents were searched up to March 2011. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving LF patients receiving CHM, Western medicine, combined CHM and Western medicine compared with placebo, Western medicine or no intervention were included. LF markers including serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type III (PC-III), type IV collagen (IV-C), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) were measured as primary outcomes. Liver biochemistry, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartarte aminotransferase (AST), and improvement of related clinical symptoms were measured as secondary outcomes. Risk of bias of allocation sequence, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other biases were assessed. Twenty-three RCTs with 2123 participants were analyzed in subgroups of types of comparison and study quality. Fifteen studies were graded as good quality. CHM alone and combined with Western medicine showed significant improvements in HA, LN, PC-III and IV-C compared with Western medicine alone. However, there were no significant differences observed between CHM and placebo treatments. The current inconclusive results in determining the effectiveness of CHM treatment on LF, due to the poor methodological quality and high heterogeneity of the studies, suggests that large RCTs using standardized Chinese medicine syndrome diagnosis and CHM formulae with longer follow-up are required for further evaluation.
TL;DR: GEPT increases SYP expression and protects synapses before and after the formation of amyloid plaques in the brains of APPV717I transgenic mice.
Abstract: Background
The density of presynaptic markers of synaptic communication and plasticity, especially synaptophysin (SYP), is significantly correlated with cognitive decline and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), indicating that synaptic protection is an important therapeutic strategy for AD This study aims to investigate the synaptic protective effects of a combination of several active components extracted from the Chinese herbs ginseng, epimedium, polygala and tuber curcumae (GEPT), in the brains of APPV717I transgenic mice
TL;DR: The articles reviewed suggest that the above compounds could be candidates for research and development as potential hepatoprotective drugs.
Abstract: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae), a plant widely used as traditional herbal medicine in many countries, has drawn attention of the researchers in recent years. Its major constituents are diterpenoids and flavonoids. This article reviews the anti-hepatotoxic effects of A. paniculata extract and derivative compounds, such as andrographolide, the major active compound, most studied for its bioactivities. Neoandrographolide shows anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatoxic properties. 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide and 14-deoxyabdrographolide have immunostimulatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-hepatotoxic activities. The hepatoprotective activities include (1) inhibiting carbontetrachloride (CCl4), tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced hepatic toxicity, (2) acting as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) inducers, (3) modulating glutathione (GSH) content, (4) influence glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) activity and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt (PI3k/Akt) pathway, (5) synergistic effect with anti-cancer drugs induced apoptosis contributing to the bioactivities of A. paniculata extracts and isolated bioactive compounds. The articles reviewed suggest that the above compounds could be candidates for research and development as potential hepatoprotective drugs.
TL;DR: FI could be another adaptogenic herb and fumaric acid and its conjugates are possibly involved in observed bioactivity of its extract and significantly decreased chronic unpredictable stress induced elevation of corticosterone.
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the anti-stress activity of standardized extract of Fumaria indica (FI) through validated beha-vioral models of rodents followed by estimation of biochemical changes associated with chronic stress. Methods: Fifty percent ethanolic extract of FI used in this study was standardized on its contents of fumaric acid and its conjugates (0.45% and 0.35% respectively). Stressed Charles Foster rats received unpredictable foot shocks (2 mA, 1 hr, 14 days) through electric grid. FI was given orally as 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) suspension in 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. For comparison, Panax ginseng (PG) extract (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as standard adaptogen. Incidence of gastric ulceration, changes in weight of adrenal and spleen, behavioral depression, cognitive dysfunction test and suppression of sexual behavior in male rats were used as validated behavioral models. Plasma corticosterone, brain levels of lipid peroxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and expression of cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 in circulating white blood cells (WBC) were quantified for ascertaining biochemical changes accompanying stress. Results: As compared to vehicle treated stressed rats, the FI and PG treated rats showed fewer incidence of gastric ulceration, reversal of changes in weight of adrenal gland and spleen, reversal of behavioral depression, better performance in passive and active avoidance tests for cognitive function and increased sexual activity. FI and PG significantly decreased chronic unpredictable stress induced elevation of corticosterone, and both extracts normalized also the abnormal oxidative status of the brain observed in stressed rats. FI treatment also suppressed the elevated level of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 in stressed animals. Conclusions: FI could be another adaptogenic herb and fumaric acid and its conjugates are possibly involved in observed bioactivity of its extract.
TL;DR: Manual acupuncture provides sufficient neuromuscular stimuli to promote immediate changes in motor unit gross recruitment without repercussion in maximal force output in healthy subjects and post-stroke patients.
Abstract: The effects of acupuncture on muscle function in healthy subjects are contradictory and cannot be extrapolated to post-stroke patients. This study evaluated the immediate effects of manual acupuncture on myoelectric activity and isometric force in healthy and post-stroke patients. A randomized clinical trial, with parallel groups, single-blinded study design, was conducted with 32 healthy subjects and 15 post-stroke patients with chronic hemiparesis. Surface electromyography from biceps brachii during maximal isometric voluntary tests was performed before and after 20-min intermittent, and manual stimulation of acupoints Quchi (LI11) or Tianquan (PC2). Pattern differentiation was performed by an automated method based on logistic regression equations. Healthy subjects showed a decrease in the root mean-squared (RMS) values after the stimulation of LI11 (pre: 1.392 ± 0.826 V; post: 0.612 ± 0.0.320 V; P = 0.002) and PC2 (pre: 1.494 ± 0.826 V; post: 0.623 ± 0.320 V; P = 0.001). Elbow flexion maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was not significantly different after acupuncture stimulation of LI11 (pre: 22.2 ± 10.7 kg; post: 21.7 ± 9.5 kg; P = 0.288) or PC2 (pre: 18.8 ± 4.6 kg; post: 18.7 ± 6.0 kg; P = 0.468). Post-stroke patients did not exhibit any significant decrease in the RMS values after the stimulation of LI11 (pre: 0.627 ± 0.335 V; post: 0.530 ± 0.272 V; P = 0.187) and PC2 (pre: 0.601 ± 0.258 V; post: 0.591 ± 0.326 V; P = 0.398). Also, no significant decrease in the MIVC value was observed after the stimulation of LI11 (pre: 9.6 ± 3.9 kg; post: 9.6 ± 4.7 kg; P = 0.499) or PC2 (pre: 10.7 ± 5.6 kg; post: 10.2 ± 5.3 kg; P = 0.251). Different frequency of patterns was observed among healthy subjects and post-stroke patients groups (χ2 = 9.759; P = 0.021). Manual acupuncture provides sufficient neuromuscular stimuli to promote immediate changes in motor unit gross recruitment without repercussion in maximal force output in healthy subjects. Post-stroke patients did not exhibit significant reduction on the myoelectric activity and maximal force output after manual acupuncture and needs further evaluation with a larger sample. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry RBR-5g7xqh.
TL;DR: Extracts and constituents of medicinal plants that are termite resistant or used ethnomedically as antimalarial and febrifuge were evaluated for activities against 4th-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and demonstrated larvicidal activities and may confirm the usefulness of these properties in choosing plant larvicides.
Abstract: Extracts and constituents of medicinal plants have proven to be biodegradable, had low mammalian toxicity and induction of resistance, and comparable activities to the standard drugs. Therefore, methanolic extracts of some plants that are termite resistant or used ethnomedically as antimalarial and febrifuge were evaluated for activities against 4th-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. A 61 % of these plants with these properties demonstrated larvicidal activities and may confirm the usefulness of these properties in choosing plant larvicides. This is the first report of larvicidal activities of stem barks and leaves of Blighia sapida and Baphia nitida, stem barks of Markhamia tomentosa and Newboldia laevis, and whole plants of Euphorbia macrophylla. Extracts of B. sapida stem bark, Costus specious root and Xylopia aethiopica seed, with LC50 1.71, 1.47 and 1.49 mg/ml at 48 h, respectively, were the most active and had significant activities that were comparable to Endosulphan. Hence, they may be used as plant larvicides in the control of dengue and yellow fever.
TL;DR: This technique can detect the presence of an expected plant material and adulterant materials in one reaction and could be simply applied to other medicinal plants and their problem adulterants.
Abstract: Background: An efficient method for the identification of medicinal plant products is now a priority as the global demand increases. This study aims to develop a DNA-based method for the identification and authentication of plant species that can be implemented in the industry to aid compliance with regulations, based upon the economically important Hypericum perforatum L. (St John’s Wort or Guan ye Lian Qiao). Methods: The ITS regions of several Hypericum species were analysed to identify the most divergent regions and PCR primers were designed to anneal specifically to these regions in the different Hypericum species. Candidate primers were selected such that the amplicon produced by each species-specific reaction differed in size. The use of fluorescently labelled primers enabled these products to be resolved by capillary electrophoresis. Results: Four closely related Hypericum species were detected simultaneously and independently in one reaction. Each species could be identified individually and in any combination. The introduction of three more closely related species to the test had no effect on the results. Highly processed commercial plant material was identified, despite the potential complications of DNA degradation in such samples. Conclusion: This technique can detect the presence of an expected plant material and adulterant materials in one reaction. The method could be simply applied to other medicinal plants and their problem adulterants.
TL;DR: Observations made strongly suggest that Fumaria indica could be an easily available source for discovering and developing phyto-pharmaceuticals or drugs potentially useful for treatments of mental health problems commonly associated with numerous physical disorders and chronic diseases.
Abstract: Fumaria indica is a medicinal plant of the fumitory family wildly growing throughout India. Classical texts of Ayurveda, i.e. the oldest traditionally known health care and medical system originating in Indian subcontinent, mentions diverse medicinal uses of the plant. During more recent decades broad spectrums of therapeutically interesting pharmacological properties of its extracts and secondary metabolites have also been reported. Recent observations made during efforts to define its pharmacological activity profile according to the Ayurvedic concepts of mind body medicine have revealed exceptionally broad spectrums of psychopharmacological activity profiles of diverse types of hydro alcoholic extracts of the plant. These effects of the extracts become apparent after their repeated daily doses only. Taken together with prior preclinical knowledge on the plant, these observations strongly suggest that Fumaria indica could be an easily available source for discovering and developing phyto-pharmaceuticals or drugs potentially useful for treatments of mental health problems commonly associated with numerous physical disorders and chronic diseases. Since several psychoactive and other phytochemical of Fumaria indica are also encountered in other plants commonly used in Chinese and other traditionally known medical systems, observations made and the holistic strategy used for defining its psychopharmacological activity profile could be of interest of others involved in efforts necessary for proper understanding of therapeutic potentials of many plants containing Fumaria alkaloids and other bioactive phytochemicals present in Fumaria indica.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the antioxidative properties of subfractions; methanol (CE), chloroform (CHE), and ethyl acetate (EAE) of Teucrium polium extracts (TPE) were investigated.
Abstract: The antioxidative activities of subfractions; methanol (CE), chloroform (CHE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) of Teucrium polium extracts (TPE) were investigated. HPLC analysis of the plant revealed the existence of procyanidins B1 and B2, gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin. All the extracts showed inhibitory properties on xanthine oxidase, with IC50 ranging from 0.80 ± 0.07 to 11.76 ± 0.50 µM/quercetin equivalent. In the cellular system, all the extracts showed a protective effect greater than those of quercetin, rutin and gallic acid against t-BHP induced oxidative damages in human erythrocytes. These results were clearly confirmed by a modified thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS), and β-carotene/linoleic acid assay which demonstrated that CHE possess an inhibition ratio of the linoleic acid oxidation (83.11%) close to that of BHT (96.77%). In addition, the results showed that the extracts possess a potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and gave a reduction power greater than rutin, quercetin, gallic acid and ascorbic acid in FRAP assay. These results show that Teucrium polium extracts have strong antioxidant effects and may have some clinical benefits.
TL;DR: 152 plants species belonging to 58 families that treat paralysis and other nervous disorders are found, including the most significant plants species found in the six families of herbs.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to describe beliefs and treatments for specific forms of Paralysis (falij) and other nervous disorders in the Middle East. Themes to be investigated include, the traditional medicinal practices used to treat Paralysis, as well as their curative methods using traditional herbal medicine. This paper is based on first and secondary sources; interviews with traditional healers, as well as patients who suffered from these disorders. The author found 152 plants species belonging to 58 families (see Appendix) that treat paralysis and other nervous disorders. The most significant plants species are found in the six families of herbs: Labiatae, Compositae, Umbelliferae, Papilionaceae, Liliaceae, and Solanaceae.
TL;DR: It was demonstrated that SA-B exhibited a protective effect on MI mainly by decreasing the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and Ca2+ and inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA).
Abstract: Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) has been used as a principal herb in treating cardiovascular diseases in Chinese medicine. Salvianolic acid B (SA-B), a water-soluble active component of Danshen, was found to have anti-myocardial ischemia (anti-MI) effect. This study aims to investigate mechanisms of SA-B on MI. Five conventional Western medicines (isosorbide dinitrate, verapamil, propranolol, captopril and trimethazine) with different mechanisms for treating cardiovascular diseases were selected as positive references to compare with SA-B in changing of the metabolomic profiles in MI rats under treatment. Potential mechanisms of SA-B were further investigated in H9C2 cell line. The metabolomic profiles between SA-B- and propranolol-treated MI rats were similar, since there was a big overlap between the two groups in the PLS-DA score plot. Finally, it was demonstrated that SA-B exhibited a protective effect on MI mainly by decreasing the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and Ca2+ and inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA). SA-B and propanolol exhibited similar metabolomic profiles, indicating that the two drugs might have a similar mechanism.