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Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Nutr J. 2008;7:11
Authors: Kalman DS, Feldman S, Feldman R, Schwartz HI, Krieger DR, Garrison R
BACKGROUND: Recent research has established correlations between stress, anxiety, insomnia and excess body weight and these correlations have significant implications for health. This study measured the effects of a proprietary blend of extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora) on anxiety, stress and sleep in healthy premenopausal women. METHODS: This randomized, parallel, placebo controlled clinical study was conducted with healthy, overweight (BMI 25 to 34.9), premenopausal female adults, between the ages of 20 and 50 years, who typically eat more in response to stressful situations and scores above the national mean for women on self-reporting anxiety. The intervention was Relora (250 mg capsules) or identical placebo 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE-TRAIT questionnaires, salivary amylase and cortisol levels, Likert Scales/Visual Analog Scores for sleep quality and latency, appetite, and clinical markers of safety. The study was conducted by Miami Research Associates, a clinical research organization in Miami, FL. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat population consisted of 40 subjects with 26 participants completing the study. There were no significant adverse events. Relora was effective, in comparison to placebo, in reducing temporary, transitory anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE anxiety questionnaire. It was not effective in reducing long-standing feelings of anxiety or depression as measured using the Spielberger TRAIT questionnaire. Other assessments conducted in this study including salivary cortisol and amylase levels, appetite, body morphology and sleep quality/latency were not significantly changed by Relora in comparison to placebo. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that Relora may offer some relief for premenopausal women experiencing mild transitory anxiety. There were no safety concerns or significant adverse events observed in this study.
PMID: 18426577 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Evaluation of the antiosteoporotic potential of Tinospora cordifolia in female rats.
Evaluation of the antiosteoporotic potential of Tinospora cordifolia in female rats.
Maturitas. 2008 May 14;
Authors: Kapur P, Jarry H, Wuttke W, Pereira BM, Seidlova-Wuttke D
The available courses of therapy to osteoporosis in menopausal women are limited by several side effects generated. A need therefore arises to explore herbal alternatives that are effective and safe. OBJECTIVE: Present animal studies were conducted to investigate the potential of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) ethanolic stem extract as an antiosteoporotic agent. METHODS: Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either ovariectomized (ovx) or sham operated and treated with vehicle (benzyl benzoate:castor oil; 1:4), E(2) (1mug/day) or TC (10, 50, 100mg/kg b.wt) subcutaneously for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment bone mineral density of tibiae was measured by quantitative computer tomography. Serum was analyzed for the activity of alkaline phosphatase and levels of osteocalcin, cross-laps and lipids. Uterus and mammary gland were processed for histological studies. RESULTS: Ovx rats treated with TC (10mg/kg b.wt) showed an osteoprotective effect as the bone loss in tibiae was slower than ovx controls. Serum osteocalcin and cross-laps levels were significantly reduced. All the above effects of TC were much milder than those produced by E(2). Alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in TC treatment groups. Total cholesterol and LDL levels remained unaltered but HDL levels were significantly lowered with TC (50mg/kg b.wt) treatment. Uterus and mammary gland showed no signs of proliferation after treatment with TC extract. CONCLUSION: TC extract showed estrogen like effects in bone but not in reproductive organs like uterus and mammary gland. Thus, this study demonstrates that extract of T. cordifolia has the potential for being used as antiosteoporotic agent.
PMID: 18482809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
[The development and evolution of differentiation between Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba]
[The development and evolution of differentiation between Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba]
Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi. 2007 Jul;37(3):133-6
Authors: Peng HS, Wang DQ
The root of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall. was differentiated into Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba since the Southern and Northern Dynasties, most of which were, by then, sourced from the wild plants of Paeonia. In the Song Dynasty, the differentiation of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba was based on the color of its root, and from Yuan to Qing Dynasty, based on the color of its flower. In modern times, this is based on whether it is cultivated and processed or not. Radix Paeoniae was selected and eventually cultivated as ornamental plants of Paeonia for enjoyment from the Song to Ming Dynasties. The wild plants of Paeonia with single-petal flower were cultivated for medicinal use because of the esteem by the doctors. The current method of differentiation of Radix Paeoniae was formed in the 20th century.
PMID: 18453201 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Nutr J. 2008;7:11
Authors: Kalman DS, Feldman S, Feldman R, Schwartz HI, Krieger DR, Garrison R
BACKGROUND: Recent research has established correlations between stress, anxiety, insomnia and excess body weight and these correlations have significant implications for health. This study measured the effects of a proprietary blend of extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora) on anxiety, stress and sleep in healthy premenopausal women. METHODS: This randomized, parallel, placebo controlled clinical study was conducted with healthy, overweight (BMI 25 to 34.9), premenopausal female adults, between the ages of 20 and 50 years, who typically eat more in response to stressful situations and scores above the national mean for women on self-reporting anxiety. The intervention was Relora (250 mg capsules) or identical placebo 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE-TRAIT questionnaires, salivary amylase and cortisol levels, Likert Scales/Visual Analog Scores for sleep quality and latency, appetite, and clinical markers of safety. The study was conducted by Miami Research Associates, a clinical research organization in Miami, FL. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat population consisted of 40 subjects with 26 participants completing the study. There were no significant adverse events. Relora was effective, in comparison to placebo, in reducing temporary, transitory anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE anxiety questionnaire. It was not effective in reducing long-standing feelings of anxiety or depression as measured using the Spielberger TRAIT questionnaire. Other assessments conducted in this study including salivary cortisol and amylase levels, appetite, body morphology and sleep quality/latency were not significantly changed by Relora in comparison to placebo. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that Relora may offer some relief for premenopausal women experiencing mild transitory anxiety. There were no safety concerns or significant adverse events observed in this study.
PMID: 18426577 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Free radical scavengers, antioxidants and aldose reductase inhibitors from Camptosorus sibiricus Rupr.
Free radical scavengers, antioxidants and aldose reductase inhibitors from Camptosorus sibiricus Rupr.
Z Naturforsch [C]. 2008 Jan-Feb;63(1-2):66-8
Authors: Li N, Li X, Zhang Y, Wang T, Xiao W
Flavonoids and organic acids were recommended in the literature as the main active constituents of Camptosorus sibiricus Rupr. Assay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of 9 flavonoids and 8 phenolic acids. All compounds were tested for DPPH scavenging activity, SOD-like and aldose reductase inhibition. Among them, compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15 showed activities. The most active free radical scavenger and antioxidant was compound 8, while compound 1 exhibited strong inhibiting activity of aldose reductase. The structure-activity relation was dicussed briefly.
PMID: 18386490 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Antimicrobial activity of 2,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone from Embelia schimperi.
Antimicrobial activity of 2,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone from Embelia schimperi.
Z Naturforsch [C]. 2008 Jan-Feb;63(1-2):47-50
Authors: Awino OS, Kiprono PC, Keronei KP, Kaberia F, Obala AA
Chromatographic separation of an ethyl acetate extract from Embelia schimperi led to the isolation of a new compound identified as 2,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (1) on the basis of spectroscopic and physical data. The plant's crude extract and pure compound 1 were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of Salmonella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Cryptococcus neoformans, Shigella dysentriae and Staphylococcus aureus. Disc diffusion method was used and zones of inhibition, after respective incubation periods, were used to quantify antimicrobial activity. Standard antibiotics namely: augmentin, cotrimoxazole, gentamycin, tetracycline and lyncomycin were used as controls. The crude extract was inactive while the pure compound 1 showed significant activities against Salmonella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Cryptococcus neoformans, Shigella dysentriae and Staphylococcus aureus with zones of inhibition ranging from 10-20 mm. The most sensitive microorganism was P aeruginosa while C. neoformans was insensitive to both the crude extract and compound 1.
PMID: 18386487 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Homoharringtonine for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Homoharringtonine for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2008 Apr;9(6):1029-37
Authors: Quintás-Cardama A, Cortes J
BACKGROUND: The anticancer activity of the natural alkaloid homoharringtonine (HHT) was first recognized by Chinese investigators. HHT exerts its activity through inhibition of protein synthesis and promotion of apoptosis. METHODS: The authors reviewed the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies involving patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) receiving therapy with either natural HHT or omacetaxine mepesuccinate (Ceflatonin, Myelostat, CGX-653), a semisynthetic subcutaneously bioavailable form of HHT presently under development for the treatment of CML. RESULTS: Prior to the advent of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesilate, controlled clinical studies established HHT as the most active therapy in CML after failure of IFN-a for patients who were not candidates for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Preliminary results from Phase II studies suggest that omacetaxine mepesuccinate is active in patients with imatinib-resistant CML, including those carrying the T315I mutation, which renders imatinib and second-generation TKIs ineffective. CONCLUSION: These encouraging results have propelled the development of several Phase II/III trials both in Europe and in the US to further delineate the activity of omacetaxine mepesuccinate in patients with CML who are resistant to TKI therapy.
PMID: 18377344 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Wound healing activity of Persea americana (avocado) fruit: a preclinical study on rats.
Wound healing activity of Persea americana (avocado) fruit: a preclinical study on rats.
J Wound Care. 2008 Mar;17(3):123-6
Authors: Nayak BS, Raju SS, Chalapathi Rao AV
OBJECTIVE: Avocado (Persea americana) oil is rich in nutrient waxes, proteins and minerals, as well as vitamins A, D and E. It is an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged or chapped skin. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing activity of fruit extract of Persea americana in rats. METHOD: The effect of topical and oral administration of Persea americana fruit extract (300 mg/kg/day) on excision and dead space wound models was evaluated. The rats used in the excision wound model were divided into four groups of five each and received either topical or oral treatment.The rats used in the dead space wound model were divided into two groups of five each and were treated orally. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialisation, granulation tissue weight and hydoxyproline content. RESULTS: In the excision wound model, complete healing (full epithelialisation) was observed on average on day 14 in the rats who receive oral or topical treatment. In contrast, the controls took approximately 17 days to heal completely. The extract-treated wounds were found to epithelialise faster than the controls (p < 0.001). Wet and dry granulation tissue weight and the hydroxyproline content of the tissue obtained from extract-treated animals used in the dead space wound model were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Rate of wound contraction, epithelialisation time together with the hydroxyproline content and histological observations support the use of Persea americana in the management of wound healing.
PMID: 18376654 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
The use of botanical extracts as topical skin-lightening agents for the improvement of skin pigmentation disorders.
The use of botanical extracts as topical skin-lightening agents for the improvement of skin pigmentation disorders.
J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2008 Apr;13(1):20-4
Authors: Zhu W, Gao J
Both physicians and dermatology patients are searching for long-term topical skin care solutions (both cosmetic and cosmeceutical) to address problems presented by skin hyperpigmentation. Specifically, some women often express a desire to "lighten" skin tone by achieving improved visible tone, reduction in yellowness (or sallow tone), and reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmented spots ("age" or "sun" spots). Traditional depigmenting agents, such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and kojic acid, although highly effective, can raise several safety concerns (for example, ochronosis, atrophy, carcinogenesis, and other local or systemic side effects) with long-term exposure. An understanding of the benefits of natural and botanical extracts provides opportunities to develop new products to address pigmentation problems. Active compounds isolated from plants, such as arbutin, aloesin, gentisic acid, flavonoids, hesperidin, licorice, niacinamide, yeast derivatives, and polyphenols, inhibit melanogenesis without melanocytotoxicity by different mechanisms. This review presents an overview of trends in the application of plant extracts as topical treatments for hyperpigmentation disorders. It highlights some of the most relevant natural extracts, providing in vitro screening results and relevant available clinical study trial findings supporting their efficacy.
PMID: 18369335 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Pharmacological interactions: Horn drug interaction probability scale]
[Pharmacological interactions: Horn drug interaction probability scale]
Med Clin (Barc). 2008 Feb 2;130(3):119
Authors: Juárez-Giménez JC, Lalueza-Broto P, Girona-Brumos L
PMID: 18261389 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Efficacy and its persistence, in children and adults.
Efficacy and its persistence, in children and adults.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2005 Oct-Dec;18(4 Suppl):35-7
Authors: Di Rienzo V
PMID: 17761106 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
LAIS - Posological schedules.
LAIS - Posological schedules.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2005 Oct-Dec;18(4 Suppl):33-4
Authors: Bruno M
PMID: 17761105 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
LAIS Allergoid.
LAIS Allergoid.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2005 Oct-Dec;18(4 Suppl):21-4
Authors: Mistrello G
PMID: 17761102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Asian plantain (Plantago asiatica) essential oils suppress 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-co-enzyme A reductase expression in vitro and in vivo and show hypocholesterolaemic properties in mice.
Asian plantain (Plantago asiatica) essential oils suppress 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-co-enzyme A reductase expression in vitro and in vivo and show hypocholesterolaemic properties in mice.
Br J Nutr. 2008 Jan;99(1):67-75
Authors: Chung MJ, Park KW, Kim KH, Kim CT, Baek JP, Bang KH, Choi YM, Lee SJ
Asian plantain (Plantago asiatica) essential oil (PAEO) contains multiple bioactive compounds, but its potential effects on lipid metabolism have not been examined. PAEO was found to be mostly composed of oxygenated monoterpenes, with linalool as the major component (82.5 %, w/w), measured using GC-MS. Incubation of 0-200 microg PAEO/ml with HepG2 cells for 24 h resulted in no significant toxicity. Incubation with 0.2 mg PAEO/ml altered the expression of LDL receptor (+83 %; P < 0.05) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase ( - 37 %; P < 0.05), as assessed using RT-PCR. LDL oxidation was markedly inhibited by PAEO treatment due to the prevalence of linalool compounds in PAEO. Oral administration of PAEO for 3 weeks in C57BL/6 mice significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol and TAG concentrations by 29 and 46 %, respectively. The mRNA (+58 %; P < 0.05), but not protein, levels of the LDL receptor were significantly higher, whereas both mRNA and protein levels of HMG-CoA reductase were significantly lower ( - 46 and - 11 %, respectively; P < 0.05) in the liver of PAEO-fed than of control mice. The mRNA levels of CYP7A1 were marginally reduced in HepG2 cells, but not in mouse liver after PAEO treatment. Thus, PAEO may have hypocholesterolaemic effects by altering the expression of HMG-CoA reductase. Reduced TAG and oxidised LDL may provide additional cardiovascular protective benefits.
PMID: 17697428 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Selection of Bioavailability Markers for Herbal Extracts Based on In Silico Descriptors and Their Correlation to In Vitro Permeability.
Selection of Bioavailability Markers for Herbal Extracts Based on In Silico Descriptors and Their Correlation to In Vitro Permeability.
Mol Pharm. 2008 May 16;
Authors: Pade D, Stavchansky S
Bioavailability data for herbal supplements in humans is not readily available or is difficult to obtain, because of the complexity of the composition and the diversity of the constituents. Potency of an herbal extract is due to the synergistic interactions between several constituents. Thus, the use of in silico methods is an attractive alternative to predict the qualitative intestinal permeability of the active constituents for the selection of appropriate bioavailability markers. Molecular descriptors such as CLogP, minimal cross-sectional area and polar surface area of 37 active components from selected herbal extracts such as milk thistle, kava, ginkgo, ginseng, valerian, black cohosh and garlic were estimated. In vitro permeability of the compounds was determined by SimBioDAS an in vitro epithelial cell permeability assay. Based on the in silico descriptors and their relationship with the in vitro permeability, the qualitative intestinal permeability of the active compounds was predicted. Bioavailability and bioequivalence markers were predicted for kava, Ginkgo biloba and milk thistle. Choosing a compound which has the least intestinal permeability as a marker is the most conservative approach toward ensuring the bioavailability of the entire extract.
PMID: 18481869 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Food supplies threatened by China quake
Fans warned of tick danger at Euro 2008
Incidence and impact on clinical outcome of infections with piperacillin/tazobactam resistant Escherichia coli in ICU : a retrospective study.
Experimental Novartis drug slows kidney cancer
Aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricata rhizome inhibits proliferation of an erythroleukemic cell line K-562 by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase.
Aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricata rhizome inhibits proliferation of an erythroleukemic cell line K-562 by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase.
Immunobiology. 2008;213(2):125-31
Authors: Mishra KP, Padwad YS, Dutta A, Ganju L, Sairam M, Banerjee PK, Sawhney RC
Rhodiola imbricata is a medicinal plant having immunostimulating properties. The anti-proliferative effects of Rhodiola aqueous extract (RAE), were studied in human erythroleukemic cell line K-562 using MTT cell proliferation assay. The proliferation of K-562 was significantly decreased after 72h incubation with RAE at 100 and 200microg/ml. However, almost no suppressive effects could be detected in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes or mouse macrophage cell line RAW-264.7. RAE was also found to induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in K-562 cells at 200microg/ml when incubated overnight. The increased ROS generation may cause apoptosis, which was observed in AnnexinV-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) staining of cells treated with RAE for 72h in K-562 cells. Moreover, RAE arrested cell cycle progression in G2/M phase in early and late period of exposure. The anti-cancer activity of RAE was also confirmed by increased NK cell cytotoxicity. These observations suggest that aqueous extract of R. imbricata rhizome has very potent anti-cancer activities, which might be useful in leukemia cancer treatment.
PMID: 18241696 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
