National Library of Medicine

Oral Administration of Kaempferia parviflora did not Disturb Male Reproduction in Rats.

J Reprod Dev. 2008 Jul 2;

Authors: Trisomboon H, Tohei A, Malaivijitnond S, Watanabe G, Taya K

To investigate the androgenic effect of Kaempferia parviflora (KP), a Thai herbal plant, adult male rats were randomized into control and KP-treatment groups. Rats were treated orally with water in the control group and with 1,000 mg/kg/day of KP in the treatment group for 45 days. Blood samples were collected on days 10, 20, 30 and 45 for measurement of the serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone levels. The reproductive and non-reproductive organs were dissected on day 45 and weighed. Mating behavior was also observed on days 20 and 30. Body weight was measured throughout the study period. The results showed that KP induced an increase in body weight compared with the controls. There were no significant differences in the weights of either reproductive (testis, seminal vesicle plus coagulating gland, levator ani muscle plus bulbocarvernosus muscle and glans penis, except the prostate gland) or non-reproductive organs (kidney, adrenal gland and gastracnemius). There were no significant differences in serum levels of either FSH or LH between the two groups. The serum testosterone and progesterone levels were insignificantly lower in the KP group during the first 30 days. The serum corticosterone levels in the KP group were lower than those in the controls throughout the study period and were significantly low on days 20 and 30. There were no significant changes in mating behavior in the rats treated with KP. Although KP affected the body weight and serum corticosterone level, it did not affect mating behavior, reproductive and non-reproductive organ weights or hormones related to the reproductive system in the adult male rats. Therefore, we conclude that the testosterone-like effect of KP did not disturb the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis or male reproduction.

PMID: 18594126 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The chemistry of novel xanthophyll carotenoids.

Am J Cardiol. 2008 May 22;101(10A):50D-57D

Authors: Jackson H, Braun CL, Ernst H

Natural product isolates are typically not developed as drug candidates because of the difficulty in obtaining the desired stable molecular orientation (ie, stereochemistry), purity, and scale required to meet pharmaceutical industry standards. Recent advances in medicinal and process chemistry have played key roles in transforming a class of dietary natural products-carotenoids-into potential medical therapeutics. Carotenoids are natural pigments derived from the acyclic C40 isoprenoid lycopene, which can also be classified as a tetraterpene. Carotenoids are classified on their chemical composition as either carotenes or xanthophylls. There are 5 C40 carotenoids manufactured synthetically on an industrial scale, including lycopene, ss,ss-carotene, and canthaxanthin (which are achiral compounds); zeaxanthin (produced in enantiopure form, as the 3R,3'R enantiomer); and astaxanthin (produced as mixture of configurational isomers) for use as nutritional supplements and for animal feed additives in poultry farming and aquaculture that are essential for the animals' growth, health and reproduction. The xanthophyll astaxanthin shows pharmaceutical potential, but the configurational complexity has thus far made it difficult to synthesize an enantiopure form on a large scale. Astaxanthin has 2 identical asymmetric carbon atoms (position 3 and 3') and can therefore exist in 4 different configurations, providing 3 different configurational isomers: (3S,3'S) and (3R,3'R), which are enantiomers, and (3R,3'S) and (3S,3'R), which are identical (a meso form). An enantiopure industrial scale synthesis of astaxanthin (3S,3'S) has recently been developed by BASF AG. The desired stereochemistry (chirality) is introduced early in the synthetic process by a proprietary catalytic reaction using an intermediate of the existing technical astaxanthin production process as a substrate. By controlling this essential process, it is possible to produce pharmaceutical quality astaxanthin in quantities large enough to support drug development programs for medical therapies.

PMID: 18474275 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Economic evaluation of sublingual vs subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008 May;100(5):482-9

Authors: Pokladnikova J, Krcmova I, Vlcek J

BACKGROUND: Sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) is a commonly used alternative route of administration to standard subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in Europe. Despite its wide use, the cost-effectiveness of SLIT vs SCIT has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost and effectiveness of SLIT compared with SCIT in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis during a 3-year specific allergen immunotherapy (SIT) from a third-party payer's, a patient's, and society's perspectives. METHODS: We performed an open-label randomized clinical trial of patients receiving SLIT (n = 19), patients receiving SCIT (n = 23), and a control group (n = 22). The outcome measures were Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score, visual analog scale score, symptomatic medication reduction, and direct and indirect costs. RESULTS: SLIT offered clinical benefits to patients comparable to those provided by SCIT. From the perspective of a third-party payer, the total average direct medical cost per patient of 3-year SIT was estimated at Euro 416 vs Euro 482 in the SLIT and SCIT groups, respectively. A patient who received SLIT paid less than a patient who received SCIT for all out-of-pocket costs (Euro176 for SLIT vs Euro 255 for SCIT) but more for sole allergen extracts (Euro 72 for SLIT vs Euro 55 for SCIT). When both direct and indirect costs were considered, the 3-year SIT expenditures per patient reached Euro 684 vs Euro 1,004 in the SLIT and SCIT groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SLIT represents a less expensive alternative relative to subcutaneous administration from all perspectives. However, from a patient's perspective, SCIT offers a less expensive alternative for patients who do not experience loss of income and travel costs associated with treatment.

PMID: 18517082 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8

Authors: Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Tea is known to be a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants. However tea also contains a unique amino acid, L-theanine that may modulate aspects of brain function in humans. Evidence from human electroencephalograph (EEG) studies show that it has a direct effect on the brain (Juneja et al. Trends in Food Science & Tech 1999;10;199-204). L-theanine significantly increases activity in the alpha frequency band which indicates that it relaxes the mind without inducing drowsiness. However, this effect has only been established at higher doses than that typically found in a cup of black tea (approximately 20mg). The aim of the current research was to establish this effect at more realistic dietary levels. EEG was measured in healthy, young participants at baseline and 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 minutes after ingestion of 50mg L-theanine (n=16) or placebo (n=19). Participants were resting with their eyes closed during EEG recording. There was a greater increase in alpha activity across time in the L-theanine condition (relative to placebo (p+0.05). A second study replicated this effect in participants engaged in passive activity. These data indicate that L-theanine, at realistic dietary levels, has a significant effect on the general state of mental alertness or arousal. Furthermore, alpha activity is known to play an important role in critical aspects of attention, and further research is therefore focussed on understanding the effect of L-theanine on attentional processes.

PMID: 18296328 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Evaluation of osteoporosis prevention by adlay using a tissue culture model.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:143-6

Authors: Yang RS, Chiang W, Lu YH, Liu SH

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf ) is a grass crop, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and also as a nourishing food. Recently, some studies have indicated that adlay possesses some pharmacological effects including anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic, hypolipemic, and anti-diabetic effects. However, the effect of adlay on osteoporosis is still unknown. In this study, we investigated and evaluated the effect of adlay seed on the osteoporosis prevention. The methods of in vitro cultures of neonatal rat calvaria tissues or adult rat femoral metaphyseal tissues of bones isolated from normal or ovariectomized female rats were used for further investigation. Treatment with water extract of adlay seed could reverse the decreased alkaline phosphatase activities and calcium levels and increased tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase activities induced by parathyroid hormone in cultured metaphyseal tissues. In ovariectomized rats, the alkaline phosphatase activities and calcium levels were significantly decreased and tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase activities were increased in femoral metaphyseal tissues as compared with sham-control. Treatment with water extract of adlay seed could counteract these effects in ovariectomized rats. Taken together, these findings imply that adlay is capable of reversing the osteoporotic status in rats, and may be a helpful healthy food for osteoporosis prevention.

PMID: 18296323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Psidium guajava: a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):1-27

Authors: Gutiérrez RM, Mitchell S, Solis RV

Psidium guajava, is an important food crop and medicinal plant in tropical and subtropical countries is widely used like food and in folk medicine around of the world. This aims a comprehensive of the chemical constituents, pharmacological, and clinical uses. Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have been carried out. Also have been identified the medicinally important phyto-constituents. A number of metabolites in good yield and some have been shown to possess useful biological activities belonging mainly to phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, terpenoid and triterpene. Extracts and metabolites of this plant, particularly those from leaves and fruits possess useful pharmacological activities. A survey of the literature shows P. guajava is mainly known for its antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. Has also been used extensively as a hypoglycaemic agent. Many pharmacological studies have demonstrated the ability of this plant to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotection, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, antigenotoxic, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, antispasmodic, cardioactive, anticough, antidiabetic, antiinflamatory and antinociceptive activities, supporting its traditional uses. Suggest a wide range of clinical applications for the treatment of infantile rotaviral enteritis, diarrhoea and diabetes.

PMID: 18353572 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Baccharis trimera: effect on hematological and biochemical parameters and hepatorenal evaluation in pregnant rats.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):28-33

Authors: Grance SR, Teixeira MA, Leite RS, Guimarães EB, de Siqueira JM, de Oliveira Filiu WF, de Souza Vasconcelos SB, do Carmo Vieira M

AIM OF THE STUDY: This investigation evaluated the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Baccharis trimera on pregnant Wistar rats, once the plant is well-known consumed in pregnancy and little is known on its potentially toxic effects on pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five female rats were distributed into three groups. Those in treatments 1 and 2 were given 8.4 mg/kg of the extract orally from gestational day (GD) 1 to 19 and from GD 6 to 15, respectively, whereas those in the control group received distilled water orally from GD 1 to 19. Body weights were recorded on GD 1, 6, 15, and 20. On GD 20 animals were anesthetized, blood samples were collected and maternal livers, kidneys, and spleens were weighed and processed for histological studies. RESULTS: No clinical signs of maternal toxicity and no changes in hematological parameters were observed. Urea levels and kidney weights differed significantly between animals receiving treatment 1 and controls. Histopathological alterations were found in kidneys and livers in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The hydroethanolic extract of Baccharis trimera administered to pregnant rats at 8.4 mg/kg was toxic to maternal kidney and liver cells, although such alterations are reversible once administration is discontinued.

PMID: 18346859 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Protective effects of Terminalia arjuna against Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):123-9

Authors: Singh G, Singh AT, Abraham A, Bhat B, Mukherjee A, Verma R, Agarwal SK, Jha S, Mukherjee R, Burman AC

Terminalia arjuna has been marked as a potential cardioprotective agent since vedic period. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of butanolic fraction of Terminalia arjuna bark (TA-05) on Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. Male wistar rats were used as in vivo model for the study. TA-05 was administered orally to Wistar rats at different doses (0.42 mg/kg, 0.85 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg and 6.8 mg/kg) for 6 days/week for 4 weeks. Thereafter, all the animals except saline and TA-05-treated controls were administered 20 mg/kg Dox intraperitonially. There was a significant decrease in myocardial superoxide dismutase (38.94%) and reduced glutathione (23.84%) in animals treated with Dox. Concurrently marked increase in serum creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) activity (48.11%) as well as increase in extent of lipid peroxidation (2.55-fold) was reported. Co-treatment of TA-05 and Dox resulted in an increase in the cardiac antioxidant enzymes, decrease in serum CKMB levels and reduction in lipid peroxidation as compared to Dox-treated animals. Electron microscopic studies in Dox-treated animals revealed mitochondrial swelling, Z-band disarray, focal dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and lipid inclusions, whereas the concurrent administration of TA-05 led to a lesser degree of Dox-induced histological alterations. These findings suggest that butanolic fraction of Terminalia arjuna bark has protective effects against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and may have potential as a cardioprotective agent.

PMID: 18346858 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Study of the antitumor potential of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) used in Brazilian folk medicine.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):69-75

Authors: Kviecinski MR, Felipe KB, Schoenfelder T, de Lemos Wiese LP, Rossi MH, Gonçalez E, Felicio JD, Filho DW, Pedrosa RC

AIM OF THE STUDY: Bidens pilosa (L.) (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil for treating conditions that can be related to cancer. Therefore the present study was carried out to evaluate the antitumor activity of extracts obtained from the aerial parts of this plant species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crude hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) (water:alcohol, 6:4) and solvent fractions (chloroform=CHCl3,ethyl acetate=EtOAc, methanol=MeOH) were assessed for cytotoxicity assay by the brine shrimp and hemolytic, MTT and NRU assays. The antiproliferative potential of the crude extract and fractions was investigated in vivo using the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in isogenic Balb/c mice that were administered intraperitoneally 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight per day for nine days beginning 24 h after tumor inoculation. RESULTS: In in vitro cytotoxicity using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell line assay CHCl3 extract proved to be more toxic than the crude HAE with an IC(50) of 97+/-7.2 and 83+/-5.2 microg/mL to NRU and MTT, respectively. Histomorphological evaluations indicated that the treatment with CHCl3 and HAE extracts significantly reduced (P<0.05) body weight, abdominal circumference, tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count, when compared to EAC control group. Furthermore, nonviable tumor cell count increased significantly (P<0.01) only under treatment with CHCl3 or HAE, and this was accompanied by a marked percentage increase in life span (54.2 and 41.7%, respectively). Biochemical assays revealed that CHCl3 and HAE extracts were also able to decrease serum LDH activity (39.5 and 30.6%) and GSH concentration (94.6 and 50.7%) in ascitic fluid, respectively. CONCLUSION: The chloroform fraction showed the best and methanolic the worst antitumor activity.

PMID: 18342465 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anticonvulsant effect of Rhus chirindensis (Baker F.) (Anacardiaceae) stem-bark aqueous extract in mice.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):130-5

Authors: Ojewole JA

Extracts of Rhus chirindensis stem-bark are used extensively in South African traditional medicines for the treatment, management and/or control of an array of human ailments, including childhood convulsions and epilepsy. In this study, we investigated the anticonvulsant activity of the plant's stem-bark aqueous extract (RCE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, picrotoxin (PCT)- and bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures in mice. Phenobarbitone and diazepam were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for comparison. Single intraperitoneal injections of PTZ (90 mg/kg), PCT(10 mg/kg) or BCL (30 mg/kg) produced tonic-clonic seizures. Like the standard antiseizure drugs used, Rhus chirindensis stem-bark aqueous extract (RCE, 100-800 mg/kg i.p.) significantly delayed (p<0.05-0.001) the onset of, and antagonized pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. The plant's stem-bark aqueous extract (RCE, 100-800 mg/kg i.p.) also profoundly antagonized picrotoxin-induced seizures, but only weakly antagonized bicuculline-induced seizures. Although the data obtained in the present study do not provide conclusive evidence, it would appear that RCE produces its antiseizure effect by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or action in the brain. The results of this laboratory animal study indicate that RCE possesses anticonvulsant activity in the mammalian experimental model used, and thus suggest that the plant may be used as a natural supplementary remedy in the management, control and/or treatment of childhood convulsions and epilepsy. In conclusion, the findings of this study lend pharmacological credence to the suggested folkloric, ethnomedical uses of Rhus chirindensis in the management of childhood convulsions and epilepsy in some rural communities of South Africa.

PMID: 18337032 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cytotoxic sesquiterpenoids from the ethanol extract of fruits of Celastrus orbiculatus.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):175-7

Authors: Xu J, Guo YQ, Li X, Wei K, Zhao XJ

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the cytotoxic compounds against human melanoma A375-S2 and human cervical carcinoma Hela cell lines from the fruits of Celastrus orbiculatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol extract of the fruits of C. orbiculatus was found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity. After partition, the column chromatography and Semi-preparative HPLC were used for activity guided fractionation from the active petroleum ether-soluble part. NMR and ESI-MS spectra for structure analysis were recorded on spectrometers, respectively. The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds were determined using the MTT assay. RESULTS: Four sesquiterpenoids (1-4) were isolated by activity guided fractionation from the ethanol extract of the fruits of C. orbiculatus. Compounds 1-3 exhibited promising cytotoxicities against the Hela cells and A375-S2 cells. The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-3 seemed to be dose-dependent, which exhibited more potent inhibition for the proliferation of two cell lines when increased the concentrations of every compounds. Among these compounds, compound 2 showed most cytotoxicities against either Hela cells or the A375-S2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The cytotoxic activity of the ethanol extract of fruits of C. orbiculatus against human melanoma A375-S2 and human cervical carcinoma Hela cells due to its content of sesquiterpenoids, supports its potential therapeutic value for the treatment of tumor.

PMID: 18337031 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Chemopreventive and therapeutic modulation of green tea polyphenols on drug metabolizing enzymes in 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide induced oral cancer.

Chem Biol Interact. 2008 Apr 15;172(3):224-34

Authors: Srinivasan P, Suchalatha S, Babu PV, Devi RS, Narayan S, Sabitha KE, Shyamala Devi CS

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Drugs can modulate the expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and are useful in chemoprevention as well as therapy in cancer. 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) is used to induce oral cancer in the present study. In the present investigation, the effect of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on the activities of cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5 reductase (cyt b5 R), cytochrome P450 reductase (cyt P450 R), arryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), DT-diaphorase (DTD)(Phase I enzymes) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and UDP-glucuronyl transferase (UDP-GT) (Phase II enzymes) were assessed in tongue and oral cavity. In induced rats, there was a decrease in the activity of Phase II enzymes and an increase in the activity of Phase I enzymes. On supplementation of GTP by both simultaneous and post treatment mode (200mg/kg) there was a significant increase in the activity of GST and UDP-GT and a significant decrease in the activity of Phase I enzymes. There was a significant decline in the number of tumors, tumor volume and oral squamous cell carcinoma in both simultaneous and post GTP treated animals relative to 4-NQO induced animals; on comparing simultaneous and post GTP treated animals the number of tumors, tumor volume and oral squamous cell carcinoma was significantly reduced in post treated animals. Thus inhibition of Phase I enzymes could be attributed to the protective efficacy of GTP which deactivates carcinogen and GTP induced the expression of Phase II enzymes that detoxifies the 4-NQO. It can be proposed that GTP plays role as a detoxifying agent by which its modulating role prevented/inhibited the formation of tumor.

PMID: 18336807 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cedrelopsis grevei improves endothelial vasodilatation in aged rats through an increase of NO participation.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):76-83

Authors: Mingorance C, Andriantsitohaina R, Alvarez de Sotomayor M

Cedrelopsis grevei Baill. (Ptaeroxylaceae) trunk bark extract is empirically used in Madagascar against several pathologies, from persistent catarrh to hypertension. The effect C. grevei extract on age-related changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and endothelial function was investigated. Rats (90-100 week-old) received treatment either with C. grevei extract (80 mg kg(-1)) or vehicle for 8 weeks. SBP was evaluated by tail-cuff and vascular reactivity and endothelial vasodilatation of both aortae and small mesenteric arteries (SMA) were assessed by acetylcholine (ACh) in the presence or in the absence of either reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD) plus catalase or the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Plasma nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated by nitrite assay and expressions of eNOS, Cu/Zn-, Mn- and EC-SOD were determined by Western Blot. C. grevei administration prevented the increase of SBP and improved endothelium-dependent relaxations in aortae and SMA from aged rat via increased NO and decreased participation of ROS. Furthermore, C. grevei treatment enhanced plasma nitrite content but did not modify eNOS, Cu/Zn-, Mn- or EC-SOD expressions in the two arteries studied. These results suggest that C. grevei prevents both increased blood pressure and age-related endothelial dysfunction supporting the empirical use of C. grevei trunk bark extract against mild hypertension often associated with aging.

PMID: 18325702 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Suppressive effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Saururaceae) extract on Th2 immune response.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):34-40

Authors: Lee JS, Kim IS, Kim JH, Kim JS, Kim DH, Yun CY

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Saururaceae), known as 'E-Sung-Cho' in Korea, has been traditionally used for the treatment of herpes simplex, chronic sinusitis, and allergy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the inhibitory activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb fractions (HcFs) on the T helper 2 (Th2) immune response, we evaluated the alternation of the release of Th2-type cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol fraction was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of Houttuynia cordata Thunb using ethanol. The residue was diluted with water and was then successively partitioned with n-hexane, EtOAc and BuOH. HcFs include ethanol, n-hexane, EtOAc, BuOH and water fractions. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of cytokines. RESULTS: HcFs inhibited the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (CaI) in Jurkat T cells and the human mast cell line, HMC-1. IL-4- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced TARC production was blocked by HcFs in skin fibroblast CCD-986sk cells, particularly by the ethanol extract of Hc. Stimulants included in PMA, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and CaI, increased the mRNA level of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), a receptor of TARC, in Jurkat T cells, and the ethanol extract of HcF weakly blocked the increased mRNA level. However, the stimulants and ethanol extract had no effect on the CCR4 protein level. The ethanol extract inhibited TARC-induced migration, as well as basal migration of Jurkat T cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study may show the usefulness of HcFs in the ethnopharmacological treatment of Th2-mediated or allergic inflammation, through the down-regulation of the production of Th2 cytokines and TARC, as well as cell migration.

PMID: 18325701 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nasturtium officinale reduces oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolaemic rats.

Chem Biol Interact. 2008 Apr 15;172(3):176-84

Authors: Yazdanparast R, Bahramikia S, Ardestani A

Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (Brassicaceae) has been used as a home remedy by the people of south eastern (SE) region of Iran as a medicinal plant. This therapeutical application has been attributed to Nasturtium officinale (N. officinale) antioxidant capacity which is mostly tested by means of cell-free assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition, the antioxidant effect of N. officinale extract has been investigated in hypercholesterolaemic rats in vivo. The results revealed that the extract has notable scavenging activity against DPPH radicals as well as potent reducing power in FRAP assay. Intragastric administration of N. officinale (500 mg/kg body weight per day) to groups of hypercholesterolaemic rats for 30 days lowered their blood total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by 37, 44 and 48%, respectively. However, the blood high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the same treated rats increased by 16%. To evaluate the mechanism(s) of action, we studied the antioxidative potential of N. officinale extract in terms of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and also the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver tissues. In addition, hepatic tissue malondialdehyde level (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation) was also determined. Under hypercholesterolaemic condition, hepatic MDA was increased. Moreover, our data indicated GSH depletion along with significant reduction in the activities of CAT and SOD in rats fed high-fat diet rats. On the other hand, significant elevation in the activities of GPx and GR were seen in the same group of rats. Treatment of hypercholesterolaemic rats with N. officinale extract significantly increased the GSH level along with enhanced CAT and SOD activities in liver tissues. Furthermore, N. officinale extract significantly decreased hepatic MDA as well as GPx and GR activities in plant-treated rats. Based on our data, it can be concluded that N. officinale has a high hypolipidaemic activity and this may be attributed to its antioxidative potential.

PMID: 18325487 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Frequency and pattern of Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions for chronic hepatitis in Taiwan.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):84-91

Authors: Chen FP, Kung YY, Chen YC, Jong MS, Chen TJ, Chen FJ, Hwang SJ

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been commonly used in treating liver diseases in Asian countries. AIM OF STUDY: To conduct a large-scale pharmacoepidemiological study and evaluate the frequency and pattern of CHM prescriptions in treating chronic hepatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained the database of traditional Chinese medicine outpatient claims from the national health insurance in Taiwan for the whole 2002. Patients with chronic hepatitis were identified by the corresponding diagnosis of International Classification of Disease among claimed visiting files. Corresponding prescription files were analyzed, and association rule were applied to evaluate the co-prescription of CHM in treating chronic hepatitis. RESULTS: Among the 91,080 subjects treated by CHM for chronic hepatitis, the peak age was in the 40 s, followed by 30 s and 50 s. Male/female ratio was 2.07:1. Long-dan-xie-gan-tang and Saliva miltiorrhiza (Dan-shen) were the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula and single herbal drug, respectively. The most common two-drug prescription was Jia-wei-xia-yao-san plus Saliva miltiorrhiza, and the most common three-drug prescription was Jia-wei-xia-yao-san plus Saliva miltiorrhiza and Artemisia capillaries (Yin-chen-hao). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the utilization pattern of Chinese herbal drugs or formulae in treating chronic hepatitis. Further researches and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these Chinese herbs or its ingredients in treating chronic hepatitis.

PMID: 18321671 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of the procyanidin fraction from Guazuma ulmifolia bark in normotensive and hypertensive rats.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):58-68

Authors: Magos GA, Mateos JC, Páez E, Fernández G, Lobato C, Márquez C, Enríquez RG

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: was to investigate the in vivo and in vitro cardiovascular activity of a procyanidin fraction (PCF) obtained from acetone extract of Guazuma ulmifolia bark which has traditionally been used as an antihypertensive agent. RESULTS: 10 mg/kg PCF doses orally administered to sugar-fed hypertensive rats decreased both the systolic arterial pressure and the heart rate, whereas the same doses intravenously administered induced arterial hypotension which was attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME 31 mg/kg) pretreatment. In these experiments we employed carbachol as a positive control test. The PCF reduced the contraction induced by norepinephrine (1x10(-7) M) in isolated aortic rings of normotensive (IC50=35.3+/-12.4 ng/mL) and sugar-fed hypertensive (IC50=101.3+/-57.2 ng/mL) rats. This relaxant activity was inhibited by either vascular endothelium removal or L-NAME (30 microM) pretreatment, while indomethacin (10 microM) or atropine (10 microM) had no effect. Preliminary analysis of the PCF by HPLC-DAD-MS and FAB+ mass spectrometry allowed the detection of the main components such as the complex of procyanidin oligomers consisting mainly of tetramers and trimers. CONCLUSIONS: Guazuma ulmifolia bark possesses long-lasting antihypertensive and vasorelaxing properties linked to the endothelium related factors, where nitric oxide is involved.

PMID: 18314282 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Gastroprotective effect of Cissus sicyoides (Vitaceae): involvement of microcirculation, endogenous sulfhydryls and nitric oxide.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):170-4

Authors: de Paula Ferreira M, Nishijima CM, Seito LN, Dokkedal AL, Lopes-Ferreira M, Di Stasi LC, Vilegas W, Hiruma-Lima CA

AIM OF THE STUDY: Cissus sicyoides L. is a medicinal plant popularly known in Brazil against various diseases and the research interest in this plant is justifiable because of its potential medicinal value in stomachache and gastric ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Cissus sicyoides (Cc) was evaluated for the ability to protect the gastric mucosa against injuries caused by necrotizing agents (0.3 M HCl/60% EtOH, absolute ethanol, piroxicam and pylorus ligature) in rodents. We also evaluated microcirculation, antioxidant action and participation of NO (nitric oxide) and sulfhydryls (SH) groups in the Cc gastroprotective action. RESULTS: Administration of Cc significantly reduced gastric lesions induced by different ulcerogenic agents in rodents. This extract administered by oral route significantly increased gastric volume without exerting antisecretory effect. The Cc effect involved an increase of the defense mechanism of the gastrointestinal mucosa such as NO and SH groups that prevent and attenuate the ulcer process. The Cc also has antioxidant property against oxidative stress but does not modify microcirculation response in gastric mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed the traditional use of Cissus sicyoides for the treatment of gastric ulcer.

PMID: 18304768 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Antidepressant activity of standardised extract of Marsilea minuta Linn.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Apr 17;117(1):51-7

Authors: Bhattamisra SK, Khanna VK, Agrawal AK, Singh PN, Singh SK

AIM OF THE STUDY: Marsilea minuta Linn. (Marsileaceae) has been referred in Indian traditional medicine system (Ayurveda) for the treatment of insomnia and other mental disorders. Marsiline isolated from Marsilea minuta was reported to have sedative and anticonvulsant property. The ethanol extract of Marsilea minuta was standardised for marsiline (1.15%, w/w) and studied for its antidepressant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activity was studied using forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), learned helplessness test (LHT) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced head twitches response in rodents. Standardised extract of Marsilea minuta in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day were administered orally for three consecutive days and evaluated on day 3, 1h after the last dose treatment. Imipramine (15 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was used as the standard drug. Neurochemical mechanism of antidepressant activity was elucidated by using radioligand receptor binding assays for 5-HT2A and benzodiazepine receptors in rat frontal cortex. RESULTS: Immobility time in FST and TST was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by ethanol extract of Marsilea minuta treated animals. A decrease in number of escape failures in LHT was also observed in Marsilea minuta treated rats. Head twitch response induced by 5-HTP was significantly attenuated by Marsilea minuta (400 mg/kg, p.o.) and imipramine showing the involvement of serotonergic system. This effect was corroborated with radioligand receptor binding study where Marsilea minuta (400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) down regulated 5-HT2A receptor in frontal cortex, whereas, no marked effect was observed for benzodiazepine receptor. CONCLUSION: The antidepressant effect exhibited by Marsilea minuta extract may be due to its effect on 5-HT2A density in rat frontal cortex.

PMID: 18299179 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Determination of volatile organic compounds generated from fresh, white and red Panax ginseng (C. A. Meyer) using a direct sample injection technique.

Biomed Chromatogr. 2008 May;22(5):556-62

Authors: Abd El-Aty AM, Kim IK, Kim MR, Lee C, Shim JH

Ginsenosides are regarded as the main active, non-volatile components of Panax ginseng (C. A. Meyer). However, throughout the long history of ginseng research, there has been virtually no report describing its volatile flavor compounds. A solvent-free procedure for the determination of volatile flavor compounds generated from fresh, white and red Panax ginseng (C. A. Meyer) using solvent-free solid injection (SFSI) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection is described here. At no point in the SFSI technique were the extraction conditions optimized. Rather, the experimental variables including various sample preparations (fresh, oven-dried and freeze-dried), injector temperatures (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 degrees C), and preheating times (3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 min), were predicated on the experience of the authors. A total of 47 compounds were identified in various forms of ginseng. Among the compounds identified in the sample, fresh ginseng was characterized by a high proportion of 3-acetyl-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-4-methylene-3H-2,3-benzodiazepine (64.24%) and 23,24-dinor-3-oxolean-4,12-dien-28-oic acid (21.42%); 2-furanmethanol (20.26%) and 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (17.95%) were detected as the major components in white ginseng while the main components of the red ginseng were found to be 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester (16.27%) and 2-furanmethanol (13.82%). SFSI is a solvent-free, rapid and simple sample preparation technique based on direct vaporization. There is no dilution or contamination with solvent or its impurities and no loss of quickly eluted components was observed in the solvent peak.

PMID: 18205137 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]