PubMed - Herbal

5-Methoxy-8-(2-hydroxy-3-buthoxy-3-methylbutyloxy)-psoralen isolated from Angelica dahurica inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-Lipoxygenase in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

Arch Pharm Res. 2008 May;31(5):617-21

Authors: Hua JM, Moon TC, Hong TG, Park KM, Son JK, Chang HW

5-Methoxy-8-(2-hydroxy-3-buthoxy-3-methylbutyloxy)-psoralen (MP) is a medicinal herbal product isolated from Angelica dahurica that inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent phase of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (IC(50), 23.5 muM). Western blotting with specific anti-COX-2 antibodies showed that the decrease in PGD(2) production was accompanied by a decrease in COX-2 protein levels. In addition, this compound consistently inhibited the production of leukotriene C(4) in a dose dependent manner, (IC(50), 2.5 muM). These results demonstrate that MP inhibits both cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase activity. Furthermore, this compound also inhibited the degranulation reaction (IC(50), 4.1 muM). Therefore, this compound might provide a basis for novel anti-inflammatory drug development.

PMID: 18481018 [PubMed - in process]

Meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid isolated from Saururus chinensis inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

Arch Pharm Res. 2008 May;31(5):606-10

Authors: Moon TC, Seo CS, Haa K, Kim JC, Hwang NK, Hong TG, Kim JH, Kim do H, Son JK, Chang HW

Meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA) is a medicinal herbal product isolated from the aerial parts of Saururus chinensis that inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent phase of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) (IC(50) 9.8 muM). However, this compound did not inhibit COX-2 protein expression in BMMC at concentrations up to 30 muM, indicating that MDGA directly inhibits COX-2 activity. In addition, this compound consistently inhibited the production of leukotriene C(4) (IC(50) 1.3 muM). These results demonstrate that MDGA inhibits both COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase. Furthermore, this compound strongly inhibited the degranulation reaction in BMMC (IC(50) 11.4 muM). Therefore, this compound might provide a basis for novel anti-inflammatory drug development.

PMID: 18481016 [PubMed - in process]

A Randomized, Crossover Comparison of Herbal Medicine and Bromocriptine Against Risperidone-Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Patients With Schizophrenia.

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Jun;28(3):264-370

Authors: Yuan HN, Wang CY, Sze CW, Tong Y, Tan QR, Feng XJ, Liu RM, Zhang JZ, Zhang YB, Zhang ZJ

Hyperprolactinemia is a common adverse effect that occurs as a result of antipsychotic therapies, which often results in discontinuation. Empirical evidence has shown that some herbal medicines have suppressive effects on prolactin (PRL) hyperactivities. This study was designed to compare the herbal preparation called Peony-Glycyrrhiza Decoction (PGD) with bromocriptine (BMT), a dopamine agonist widely used for PRL-secreting disorders, in the treatment of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia. Twenty schizophrenic women who were under risperidone maintenance treatment, diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia (serum PRL levels >50 mug/L), and currently experiencing oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea were selected for the study. Subjects were randomized to additional treatment with PGD (45 g/d) followed by BMT (5 mg/d) or BMT followed by PGD at the same doses for 4 weeks each, with an interval of 4-week washout period between 2 treatment sessions. The severity of psychotic symptoms, adverse events, serum PRL, estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone levels were examined at baseline and end point. Peony-Glycyrrhiza Decoction treatment produced a significant baseline-end point decrease in serum PRL levels, without exacerbating psychosis and changing other hormones, and the decreased amplitudes were similar to those of BMT (24% vs 21%-38%). Moreover, there was a significantly greater proportion of patients during PGD treatment than BMT treatment showing improvements on adverse effects associated with hyperprolactinemia (56% vs 17%, P = 0.037). These results suggest that the herbal therapy can yield additional benefits while having comparable efficacy in treating antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia in individuals with schizophrenia.

PMID: 18480682 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Potential of pharmacokinetic profiling for detecting herbal interactions with drugs.

Clin Pharmacokinet. 2008;47(6):383-97

Authors: Butterweck V, Derendorf H

The issue of herb-drug interactions has generated significant concern within the pharmaceutical industry and among regulatory authorities in recent years. Therefore, accurate models of predicting metabolic herb-drug interactions would be useful tools in efforts to avoid toxic adverse events. However, the majority of pharmacokinetic interactions listed for herbal medicinal products are based on theoretical predictions of the in vitro pharmacological effects of known constituents, which do not necessarily have to be the active ingredients. The prediction of herb-drug interactions is further complicated by the fact that pharmacokinetic data on active or (at least) known ingredients are often not available. The present article discusses the potential of pharmacokinetic profiling for detecting herb-drug interactions, using the most frequently cited interactions in the literature as examples. In particular, common mechanisms of herb-drug interactions are summarized, and the available experimental methods for detecting such interactions, as well as the limitations of these models, are critically evaluated. In addition, we discuss the question of whether the existing methods of detecting herb-drug interactions correlate with the clinical relevance. Effective screening tools that accurately predict metabolic herb-drug interactions would offer a tremendous advantage because it is not possible to study all potential herb-drug interactions in clinical trials.

PMID: 18479173 [PubMed - in process]

[Determination of physiological indices in Albizzia julibrissin Durazz seedlings under alkaline stress with visible spectrophotometry]

Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi. 2008 Feb;28(2):418-21

Authors: Zhou J, Zhang L, Yuan DY, Qi AG

There is a large area of saline-alkali soil in our country, and soil alkalization is always a problem affecting urban gardening. To examine the capacity of alkaline resistance of Albizzia julibrissin Durazz seedlings, the contents of MDA, soluble sugar and proline, and the activity of POD and SOD in Albizzia julibrissin durazz tree body were measured by means of visible spectrophotometry. Also, the change patterns of the five indexes with different treatment concentration and time were analyzed. Attempts were then made to elucidate the physiological mechanism of how alkaline stress affects the growth of the Albizzia julibrissin durazz tree, which could provide theoretical foundation for planting and gardening and an approach to dealing with the difficulties in planting and gardening in saline and alkaline area. The results showed that with the increase in Na2 CO3 concentration, the contents of MDA and soluble sugar in the leaves slowly ascended when the treatment concentration was lower than 75 mmol x L(-1), and then rapidly increased when the treatment concentration was higher than 75 mmol x L(-1); There were significant differences between different treatments. Proline content exhibited the same change pattern with MDA and soluble sugar. It slowly ascended when the treatment concentration was lower than 100 mmol x L(-1), whereas it sharply increased when the treatment concentration was above 100 mmol x L(-1); The changes in SOD and POD were similar, showing a unimodal pattern. However, the treatment concentration corresponding to the maximum of SOD and POD was 50 and 75 mmol x L(-1), respectively. With the changes in stress time, in addition, the contents of MDA treated with the same concentration increased gradually. However, praline, soluble sugar, SOD and POD changed irregularly. These results indicated that Albizzia julibrissin Durazz could resist the alkaline stress by modulating values of physical indexes such as the contents of MDA, soluble sugar and proline and the activity of POD and SOD.

PMID: 18479036 [PubMed - in process]

Screening of antioxidant potential of selected barks of Indian medicinal plants by multiple in vitro assays.

Biomed Environ Sci. 2008 Feb;21(1):24-9

Authors: Kumari A, Kakkar P

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidant potential in herbal extract barks of five therapeutically important medicinal plants native to India, i.e. Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham., Buchanania lanzan Spreng., Aegle marmelos Corr., Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC., and Cedrela toona Roxb. METHODS: Standardized aqueous alcoholic extracts from the selected barks having different target radicals, such as superoxide radical, nitric oxide, ABTS radical, and peroxidative decomposition of phospholipids, were prepared and screened by multiple in vitro assays. These extracts were also tested for total phenolic and tannin content and correlated with antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Total phenolic and tannin contents were found to be the highest in C. nurvala (195 GAE mg/g and 218.3 mg/g CE). SOD mimetic activity was found to be the highest in Crataeva nurvula, although all barks showed activity more than 100 units/mg extract. Lipid peroxidation inhibitory potential was found to be the highest in Crataeva nurvala (83.4% inhibition of MDA formation/10 microg extract), and also showed a comparatively high NO quenching capacity (45.5% per 10 microg extract). The highest NO quenching potential was found in Aegle marmelos (47.3% per 10 microg extract). Cedrela toona showed the lowest LPO inhibitory potential and NO quenching capacity (50.5% and 30.5%, respectively). Buchanania lanzan, a medicinal plant extensively used for inflammatory disorders and Dalbergia sissoo also showed 72.5% and 69.1% LPO inhibitory potential/10 microg extract. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity ranged from 0.24 to 0.39 mmol/L TEAC/mg extract, indicating that all the barks tested had ABTS+ radical quenching capacity. CONCLUSION: Bark of Crataeva nurvula has the highest antioxidant capacity and a positive correlation between antioxidant activity and their plendic content was found.

PMID: 18478975 [PubMed - in process]

Beware this buzz.

Newsweek. 2004 Jan 12;143(2):57

Authors: Gimbel B

PMID: 18446933 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cold comfort indeed.

Newsweek. 2004 Jan 12;143(2):56-7

Authors: Carmichael M

PMID: 18444411 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Constipation]

MMW Fortschr Med. 2004 Jan 15;146(1-2):55-6

Authors: Müller-Lissner S

PMID: 18437869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Haemorrhage due to Ginkgo biloba?

Prescrire Int. 2008 Feb;17(93):19

Authors:

(1) About 20 detailed reports of haemorrhage (usually cerebral, ocular, or postsurgical) in patients using Gingko biloba extracts have been published. One-third of these patients were also taking drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs). (2) Some substances contained in Gingko biloba have been shown to have an antiplatelet effect. (3) In practice, patients with risk factors for bleeding (anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment, surgery, etc.) should avoid using Gingko biloba extracts.

PMID: 18383637 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Transplantation for Chinese herb nephropathy.

Clin Transpl. 2006;:560

Authors: Morrissey PE, Gautam A, Yang A, Grollman AP, Esparza A, Gohh RY, Monaco AP

PMID: 18365433 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The in vitro anti-herpes simplex virus type-1 and type-2 activity of Long Dan Xie Gan Tan, a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chemotherapy. 2008;54(2):77-83

Authors: Cheng HY, Huang HH, Yang CM, Lin LT, Lin CC

BACKGROUND: Long Dan Xie Gan Tan (LDXGT), a decoction of radix gentianae for purging the pathogenic inflammation of the liver, is a widely used prescription among many in traditional Chinese medicine. The prescription is primarily used to treat the disorders induced by damp-heat in the liver and the gall bladder. METHODS: In this study, the in vitro anti-herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and type-2 (HSV-2) activity of the water extract of LDXGT was investigated. RESULTS: LDXGT water extract was shown to exhibit anti-HSV activity. The IC(50) values of LDXGT against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections were 257.5 +/- 12.2 and 494.6 +/- 1.8 microg/ml, respectively. It had a CC(50) value of 4,077.2 +/- 2.4 microg/ml towards Vero cells and showed no cytotoxic effect at a concentration of 2,000 microg/ml or below. The prescription was also found to inactivate HSV-2 infectivity in a dose-, time- and temperature-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the water extract of LDXGT was concluded to inhibit HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection at different magnitudes of potency, and our observations also suggested that the effect was likely mediated by directly inactivating the virus infectivity.

PMID: 18332627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effect of pilopool on forced swimming test in mice.

Int J Neurosci. 2008 Mar;118(3):365-74

Authors: Koo HN, Um JY, Kim HM, Lee EH, Sung HJ, Kim IK, Jeong HJ, Hong SH

Pilopool is composed of high molecular weight water-soluble chitosan, Allium sativum L. extract, mushroom extract, Dioscorea Batatas D., and purple bamboo salt. This study investigated the effect of Pilopool on performance of forced swimming test (FST). First, the immobility time was decreased in Pilopool-fed group in comparison with control group on FST. In blood serum, the contents of creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase were decreased and the contents of glucose and total protein were increased. The results predict a potential benefit of Pilopool as an anti-fatigue agent and for improving physical stamina.

PMID: 18300010 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Yiqigushen capsule combined with levofloxacin highly effective for type III A prostatitis]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2008 Jan;14(1):88-90

Authors: Guo DF, Zhang HZ, Wang HP

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Chinese medicine Yiqigushen Capsule combined with levofloxacin on type III A prostatitis. METHODS: A total of 180 patients with type III A prostatitis were equally randomized into a treatment group, which received Yiqigushen Capsule combined with levofloxacin, and a control group, which was given Yiqigushen Capsule only, both for 4 weeks. NIH-CPSI scores and leukocyte counts in the expressed prostatic secretions of all the patients were analyzed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment, NIH-CPSI scores and leukocyte counts in the expressed prostatic secretions of both the groups were significantly decreased compared with pre-treatment (P < 0.05 or 0.01), with statistic differences in NIH-CPSI scores but not in leukocyte counts (P < 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Yiqigushen Capsule combined with levofloxacin is highly effective for type III A prostatitis.

PMID: 18297821 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Curcumin in the treatment of prostatic diseases]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2008 Jan;14(1):67-70

Authors: Chen ZQ, Mo ZN

The use of turmeric, derived from the root of the plant curcuma longa, for the treatment of various diseases has been described in Ayurveda and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. The active component of turmeric responsible for this activity, curcumin, was identified almost two centuries ago. Extensive research over the last decade has indicated that this polyphenol can both prevent and treat prostatic diseases.

PMID: 18297817 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Echinopines A and B: sesquiterpenoids possessing an unprecedented skeleton from Echinops spinosus.

Org Lett. 2008 Mar 6;10(5):701-4

Authors: Dong M, Cong B, Yu SH, Sauriol F, Huo CH, Shi QW, Gu YC, Zamir LO, Kiyota H

Echinopines A (1) and B (2), novel sesquiterpenoids with an unprecedented rearranged skeleton named echinopane, were isolated from the roots of Echinops spinosus. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The relative configuration of 1 was assigned by a combination of NOESY correlations and a simulation analysis. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for echinopane was discussed.

PMID: 18251544 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Total synthesis of (+/-)-5,14-bis-epi-spirovibsanin A.

Org Lett. 2008 Mar 6;10(5):713-5

Authors: Gallen MJ, Williams CM

The total synthesis of (+/-)-5,14-bis-epi-spirovibsanin A was achieved in 18 steps. Physical data obtained from (+/-)-5,14-bis-epi-spirovibsanin A lends strong support to the proposed connectivity and relative stereochemistry of spirovibsanin A.

PMID: 18247495 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Total syntheses of clausamines A-C and clausevatine D.

Org Lett. 2008 Mar 6;10(5):997-1000

Authors: Lebold TP, Kerr MA

The first total syntheses of clausamines A-C and clausevatine D are reported. The key step involves a Diels-Alder reaction between an imine quinone and cyclic diene, allowing for the subsequent construction of the carbazole core in a regiospecific manner. Stereochemistry of the natural products is also discussed.

PMID: 18232706 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cytotoxic activity of polyacetylenes and polyenes isolated from roots of Echinacea pallida.

Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Mar;153(5):879-85

Authors: Chicca A, Pellati F, Adinolfi B, Matthias A, Massarelli I, Benvenuti S, Martinotti E, Bianucci AM, Bone K, Lehmann R, Nieri P

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The n-hexane extracts of the roots of three medicinally used Echinacea species exhibited cytotoxic activity on human cancer cell lines, with Echinacea pallida found to be the most cytotoxic. Acetylenes are present in E. pallida lipophilic extracts but essentially absent in extracts from the other two species. In the present study, the cytotoxic effects of five compounds, two polyacetylenes (namely, 8-hydroxy-pentadeca-(9E)-ene-11,13-diyn-2-one (1) and pentadeca-(9E)-ene-11,13-diyne-2,8-dione (3)) and three polyenes (namely, 8-hydroxy-pentadeca-(9E,13Z)-dien-11-yn-2-one (2), pentadeca-(9E,13Z)-dien-11-yne-2,8-dione (4) and pentadeca-(8Z,13Z)-dien-11-yn-2-one (5)), isolated from the n-hexane extract of E. pallida roots by bioassay-guided fractionation, were investigated and the potential bioavailability of these compounds in the extract was studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Cytotoxic effects were assessed on human pancreatic MIA PaCa-2 and colonic COLO320 cancer cell lines. Cell viability was evaluated by the WST-1 assay and apoptotic cell death by the cytosolic internucleosomal DNA enrichment and the caspase 3/7 activity tests. Caco-2 cell monolayers were used to assess the potential bioavailability of the acetylenes. KEY RESULTS: The five compounds exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in both cell types, with a greater potency in the colonic cancer cells. Apoptotic cell death was found to be involved in the cytotoxic effect of the most active, compound 5. Compounds 2 and 5 were found to cross the Caco-2 monolayer with apparent permeabilities above 10 x 10(-6) cm s(-1). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Compounds isolated from n-hexane extracts of E. pallida roots have a direct cytotoxicity on cancer cells and good potential for absorption in humans when taken orally.

PMID: 18193076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation of Qanliexian decoction in the treatment of NIH III A prostatitis]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2007 Nov;13(11):1044-6

Authors: Huang J

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of Qianliexian Decoction in the treatment of National Institute of Health (NIH) III A prostatitis. METHODS: Forty-six patients with NIH III A prostatitis were treated by oral Qianliexian Decoction 1 dose and twice a day for 30 days. The results of the treatment were evaluated according to the NIH chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) and leukocyte counts in the expressed prostatic secretions (EPS). RESULTS: The overall scores before and after the treatment were (32.3 +/- 7.4) and (17.8 +/- 4.2) on NIH-CPSI (P < 0.01), (13.2 +/- 3.6) and (7.8 +/- 2.3) on pain or discomfort (P < 0.01), (4.5 +/- 1.2) and (1.4 +/- 0.8) on urinary symptoms (P < 0.01), (14.6 +/- 7.4) and (8.6 +/- 3.5) on the quality of life (P < 0.01), and (20.6 +/- 2.4) /HP and (5.6 +/- 3.2)/HP on leukocyte counts, respectively. The decoction cured 8 of the patients and was shown to be obviously effective in 11 cases, effective in 20 and ineffective in 7, with a total efficacy rate of 84.78%. CONCLUSION: Qianliexian Decoction is quite effective for the treatment of NIH III A prostatitis.

PMID: 18077920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]