Recent Herbal Anbstracts

February 24, 2005

Hi All,

See recent anstracts on herbal medicine.

Chen, Chang-Che; Chou, Fen-Pi; Ho, Yung-Chyan; Lin, Wea-Lung;

Wang, Chin-Pin; Kao, Erl-Shyh; Huang, An-Chung; Wang, Chau-Jong

(2004) Inhibitory effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract on low-density

lipoprotein oxidation and anti-hyperlipidemia in fructose-fed and

cholesterol-fed rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 84

(15), Dec, 1989-1996. Email: wcj; Coll MedInst Biochem,

Chung Shan Med Univ, 110 Sec 1,Chein Kuao Rd, Taichung, 402,

Taiwan. Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract (HSE) is an aqueous extract of

Hibiscus sabdariffia L flowers that is used as a local soft drink and

medical herb in Taiwan. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has

been shown to increase the incidence of atherosclerosis. In this study,

we determined the antioxidative activity of HSE on LDL oxidation by

examining relative electrophoretic mobilities (REM) and thiobarbituric

acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The data revealed an inhibitory

effect of HSE on Cu2+-mediated REM and TBARS. HSE exhibited a

remarkable ability to reduce cholesterol degradation and ApoB

fragmentation. Overall, HSE showed a high potency to inhibit the

production of oxidized LDL induced by copper and, specifically, to

reduce serum triglycerides in high-fructose diet (HFD) fed rats and

serum cholesterol in high-cholesterol diet (HCD) fed animals. The levels

of LDL and the ratio of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) to HDL-cholesterol

(HDL-C) were reduced by HSE in both hyperlipidaemia models. Based

on these findings, we suggest that HSE may be used to inhibit LDL

oxidation and to prevent various types of hyperlipidaemia in HFD- or

Choi, In-Young; Jung, Hyuk-Sang; Kim, Hyung-Ryong; Lee, Eon-Jeong;

Lee, Eun-Hee; Shin, Tae-Yong; Kim, Hyung-Min; Hong, Seung-Heon

(2004) OK205 regulates production of inflammatory cytokines in HMC-1

cells. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 27 (11), Nov, 871-1874.

Email: jooklim; Coll PharmDept Oriental Pharm,

Wonkwang Univ, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 570749, South Korea. OK205 is a

traditional Korean prescription containing water-soluble chitosan,

glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, and extract of herbal medicine,

and has been used commercially to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Because infiltrated mast cells and their mediators may contribute to the

initiation and progression of the inflammatory process and matrix

degradation of RA, we tested the inhibitory effects of OK205 on cytokine

production in a human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). Production of tumor

necrosis factor-a was significantly decreased to 0.091 +/- 0.010 ng/ml

after treatment of HMC-1 cells with OK205 100 mug/ml. The inhibition

rate was about 43.57%. In addition, production of interleukin-6 in OK205

1 pg/ml-treated cells was 2.779 +/- 0.071 ng/ml, and the inhibition rate

was about 50.22%. However, OK205 did not significantly inhibit the

production of interleukin-8. These findings may help in understanding

the mechanism of action of OK205, leading to control of mast cells in

inflammatory conditions like RA.

Chun, Sung-Sook; Vattem, Dhiraj A.; Lin, Yuan-Tong; Shetty, Kalidas

(2005) Phenolic antioxidants from clonal oregano (Origanum vulgare)

with antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori. Process

Biochemistry 40 (2), Feb, 809-816. Email: kali;

Dept Food SciChenoweth Lab, Univ Massachusetts, Amherst, MA,

01003, USA Phenolic phytochemicals consumed via our diet are good

sources of natural antioxidants. These phenolic metabolites have

beneficial effects on human health, including inhibition of mutagenesis

and carcinogenesis. In addition some phenolic phytochemicals have

also been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Oregano

(Origanum vulgare L.) is an important Mediterranean herb rich in

phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Using

tissue culture techniques several high phenolics and rosmarinic acid-

containing oregano clonal lines have been isolated with high antioxidant

activity with antimicrobial potential. In this investigation the antioxidant

activity of phenolic-enriched clonal oregano extracts, and their

antimicrobial activity against ulcer-associated Helicobacter pylori have

been evaluated. In all cases clonal extracts were compared to

commercial oregano from heterogeneous sources. Total phenolics were

the highest in 60% ethanol extracts of clonal oregano. Antioxidant

activity based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-2-radical (DPPH)

scavenging activity depended on the physiochemical nature of phenolic

phytochemical and percentage inhibition activity based on 3-ethyl

benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS+) assay correlated to the

amount of total phenolics. Thiobarbutyric acid reactive substances

(TBARS) and antioxidant protection factor (APF) method using p-

carotene linoleic acid system were correlated to lipophilic phenolic

phytochemicals Antimicrobial activity against H. pylori was tested by the

standard agar diffusion method. Phenolic profiles in oregano extracts

were analyzed using HPLC. The differences in physico-chemical

properties of phenolic acids consisting Of C6-C1-COOH, and C6-C3-

COOH structures were hypothesized to play a role in growth inhibition of

Jorge, Ana Paula; Horst, Heros; de Sousa, Eliandra; Pizzolatti, Moacir

Geraldo; Silva, Fatima Regina Mena Barreto (2004) Insulinomimetic

effects of kaempferitrin on glycaemia and on 14C-glucose uptake in rat

soleus muscle. Chemico-Biological Interactions 149 (2-3), October, 89-

96. Email: mena; Dept BioquimCtr Ciencias Biol,

UFSC, Campus Univ,Bairro Trindade Cx Postal 5069, BR-88040970,

Florianopolis, SC, Brazil Bauhinia forficata is one of the Bauhinia

species mostly used as an antidiabetic herbal remedy in Brazil.

Kaempferitrin (kaempferol-3,7-O-(alpha)-L-dirhamnoside) is the

predominant flavonol glycoside found in the B. forficata leaves. The aim

of the present work was to study the long-term effect of kaempferitrin on

glycaemia in diabetic rats, as well as the in vitro effect of this compound

on 14C-D-glucose uptake and 14C-leucine incorporation into protein in

normal rat soleus muscle. Kaempferitrin was found to have an acute

lowering effect on blood glucose in diabetic rats and to stimulate the

glucose uptake percentile, as efficiently as insulin in muscle from normal

rats. This compound did not have any effect on glucosuria or on protein

synthesis in muscle from normal and diabetic animals. However, the

protein synthesis in the kaempferitrin-treated groups was maintained at

the same level as the respective controls. Thus, the hypoglycaemic

effect and the prompt efficiency of the kaernpferitrin in stimulating (U-

14C)-2-deoxi-D-glucose uptake in Muscle-constitute the first evidence to

indicate that the acute effect of this compound on blood glucose

lowering may occur as a consequence of the altered intrinsic activity of

the glucose transporter (Vmax or glucose transporters translocation?)

Katzenschlager, R.; Evans, A.; Manson, A.; Patsalos, P. N.; Ratnaraj,

N.; Watt, H.; Timmermann, L.; Van der Giessen, R.; Lees, J. (2004)

Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and

pharmacological study. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

75 (12), Dec, 1672-1677. Email: alees; Reta Lila Weston

Inst Neurol Studies, Windeyer Bldg,46 Cleveland St, London, W1T 4JF,

UK. Background: The seed powder of the leguminous plant, Mucuna

pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for

diseases including parkinsonism. We have assessed the clinical effects

and levodopa (L-dopa) pharmacokinetics following two different doses

of mucuna preparation and compared them with standard L-

dopa/carbidopa (LD/CD). Methods: Eight Parkinson's disease patients

with a short duration L-dopa response and on period dyskinesias

completed a randomised, controlled, double blind crossover trial.

Patients were challenged with single doses of 200/50 mg LD/CD, and

15 and 30 g of mucuna preparation in randomised order at weekly

intervals. L-Dopa pharmacokinetics were determined, and Unified

Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and tapping speed were obtained at

baseline and repeatedly during the 4 h following drug ingestion.

Dyskinesias were assessed using modified AIMS and Goetz scales.

Results : Compared with standard LD/CD, the 30 g mucuna preparation

led to a considerably faster onset of effect (34.6 v 68.5 min; p = 0.021),

reflected in shorter latencies to peak L-dopa plasma concentrations.

Mean on time was 21.9% (37 min) longer with 30 g mucuna than with

LD/CD (p = 0.021); peak L-dopa plasma concentrations were 110%

higher and the area under the plasma concentration v time curve (area

under curve) was 165.3% larger (p = 0.012). No significant differences

in dyskinesias or tolerability occurred. Conclusions: The rapid onset of

action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias

on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source of

L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa

preparations in the long term management of PD. Assessment of long

term efficacy and tolerability in a randomised, controlled study is

warranted.

Kong, Weijia; Wei, Jing; Abidi, Parveen; Lin, Meihong; Inaba, Satoru; Li,

Cong; Wang, Yanling; Wang, Zizheng; Si, Shuyi; Pan, Huaining; Wang,

Shukui; Wu, Jingdan; Wang, Yue; Li, Zhuorong; Liu, Jingwen; Jiang,

Jian-Dong (2004) Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working

through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Nature Medicine 10

(12), Dec, 1344-1351. Email: jiandong.jiang; Email:

jingwen.liu; Inst Med Biotechnol, Chinese Acad Med Sci,

Beijing, 100050, China We identify berberine (BBR), a compound

isolated from a Chinese herb , as a new cholesterol-lowering drug. Oral

administration of BBR in 32 hypercholesterolemic patients for 3 months

reduced serum cholesterol by 29%, triglycerides by 35% and LDL-

cholesterol by 25%. Treatment of hyperlipidemic hamsters with BBR

reduced serum cholesterol by 40% and LDL-cholesterol by 42%, with a

3.5-fold increase in hepatic LDLR mRNA and a 2.6-fold increase in

hepatic LDLR protein. Using human hepatoma cells, we show that BBR

upregulates LDLR expression independent of sterol regulatory element

binding proteins, but dependent on ERK activation. BBR elevates LDLR

expression through a post-transcriptional mechanism that stabilizes the

mRNA. Using a heterologous system with luciferase as a reporter, we

further identify the 5' proximal section of the LDLR mRNA 3'

untranslated region responsible for the regulatory effect of BBR. These

findings show BBR as a new hypolipidemic drug with a mechanism of

action different from that of statin drugs.

Lee, Myeong Soo; Park, Ki-Won; Moon, Sun-Rock (2004) Effects of a

Korean traditional herbal remedy on psychoneuroendocrine responses

to examination stress in medical students: a randomized placebo-

controlled trial. Human Psychopharmacology 19 (8) Dec, 537-543

Email: integmed; Sch MedCtr Integrat MedInst Med Sci,

Wonkwang Univ, Iksan, 570749, South Korea The aim of this study was

to investigate the efficacy of Ondamtanggamibang (Wen Dan Tang Jia

Wei Fang), a Korean traditional herbal remedy, as a treatment of stress-

related psychophysiological variables in healthy medical students

experiencing examination stress. Forty volunteers were randomly

assigned to either an herbal remedy group (n = 20) or a placebo control

group (n = 20). After treatment , systolic blood pressure and plasma

concentrations of norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations decreased

significantly in the herbal remedy group. The herbal remedy group also

exhibited beneficial changes in psychological variables such as anxiety,

depression, stress and emotional state. These results suggest that a

Korean traditional herbal remedy may reduce systolic blood pressure

and catecholamine levels, possibly by stabilizing the sympathetic

nervous system. This herbal remedy also reduced the negative

psychological symptoms, stress and heightened the emotional state

experienced by medical students during examinations. Copyright

Liao, Su-Lan; Kao, Tsung-Kuei; Chen, Wen-Yin; Lin, Yu-Sheng; Chen,

Shih-Yun; Raung, Shue-Ling; Wu, Ching-Wen; Lu, Hsi-Chi; Chen,

Chun-Jung (2004) Tetramethylpyrazine reduces ischemic brain injury in

rats. Neuroscience Letters 372 (1-2) November, 40-45. Email:

cjchen; Dept Educ and Res, Taichung Vet Gen Hosp,

160,Sect 3,Taichung Gang Rd, Taichung, 407, Taiwan.

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), which is widely used in the treatment of

ischemic stroke by Chinese herbalists , is one of the most important

active ingredients of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Ligusticum

wallichii Franchat (Chung Xiong). However, the mechanism by which

TMP protects the brain is still not clear. We examined neuroprotective

effects of TMP after transient focal cerebral ischemia using common

carotid artery and middle cerebral artery occlusion model in rats and

evaluated the involvement of anti-inflammation. TMP administrated

intraperitoneally significantly protected the brain against ischemic insult

as evidenced by the reduction in infarction volume, preservation of

neurons, and decrease in brain edema. TMP markedly reduced cerebral

ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammatory cell activation and

proinflammatory mediator production. Moreover, TMP suppressed

lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma-induced inflammation and

prostaglandin E2 production in cultured glial cells. Our findings suggest

that one of neuroprotective effects of TMP against ischemic brain injury

Liu, Zai-Qun; Luo, Xu-Yang; Sun, Yun-Xiu; Wu, Wei; Liu, Chun-Ming;

Liu, Zhi-Qiang; Liu, Shu-Ying (2004) The antioxidative effect of icariin

in human erythrocytes against free-radical-induced haemolysis. Journal

of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 56 (12) Dec, 1557-1562.Email: zaiqun-

liu; Coll ChemDept Organ Chem, Jilin Univ, 2519 Jiefang

Rd, Changchun, 130021, China. Icariin (2-(4'-methoxyl phenyl)-3-

rhamnosido- -5-hydroxyl-7-glucosido-8-(3'-methyl-2-butylenyl

chromanone) is the major component in Herba Epimedii used in

traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis. This

work focuses on the antioxidative effect of icariin on freeradical-induced

haemolysis of human erythrocytes, in which the initial free radical

derives from the decomposition of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane

hydrochloride) (AAPH) at physiological temperature. To reveal the

structure-activity relationship of icariin, the antioxidant effects of two

structural analogues of icariin, acacetin (2-(4'-methoxylphenyl)-5,7-

dihydroxylchromone) and norwogonin (2-phenyl-5,7,8-

trihydroxylchromone), on the same experimental system were examined

as well. It was found that all these chromone derivatives (Chm-OHs)

dose-dependently protected human erythrocytes against free-radical-

induced haemolysis. The order of antioxidative activity was nonvogoni-n

> acacetin > icariin by the analysis of the relationship between the

concentration of Chm-OHs and the prolongation percentage of the lag

time of haemolysis (PP%). It was also proved that the phenyl hydroxyl

group attached to the chromone ring at 7-position cannot trap the free

radical- On the contrary, phenyl hydroxyl groups at the 5- and 8-position

in nonvogonin made it a significant antioxidant in AAPH-induced

haemolysis. The more hydroxyl groups attached to the chromone ring,

the higher the antioxidative activity in protecting erythrocytes against

free-radical-induced peroxidation.

Maksimovic, Z.; Dobric, S.; Kovacevic, N.; Milovanovic, Z. (2004)

Diuretic activity of Maydis stigma extract in rats . Pharmazie 59 (12)

December, 967-971. Email: zmaksim1; Sch

PharmInst Pharmacognosy, Univ Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, YU-

11221, Belgrade, Serbia And Montenegro, Yugoslavia. Maydis stigma

(corn silk) is a herbal drug reputed for the treatment of urinary ailments

in various traditional medicine systems. To determine its influence on

urinary volume and the excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride, 5%

and 10% decoctions were administered daily to adult male Wistar rats

for eight days. The concentration of electrolytes and urea in plasma, the

influence of treatment on urinary pH value as well as creatinine

clearance were also investigated. Daily oral administration of 5%

decoction at the dose of 10 ml/kg led to a significant and acute diuresis

in rats, reaching the peak value in the first 24 h of treatment Over a

similar period, application of 10% decoction did not affect urinary

excretion of water, but significantly increased the pH value of excreted

urine. A significant decrease in sodium and chloride plasma levels was

observed in both treated groups. The creatinine clearance was markedly

increased after the treatment with both extracts. Our findings indicate

that the diuretic effect of 5% aqueous Maydis stigma extract is in

accordance with the increase in glomerular filtration rate and inhibition

of sodium and chloride tubular reabsorption, caused a by still

unidentified intrinsic factor, but not the salt-loading effect

Melzer, J.; Roesch, W.; Reichling, J.; Brignoli, R.; Saller, R. (2004)

Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug

preparation STW 5 (Iberogast). Alimentary Pharmacology &

Therapeutics 20 (11-12) December, 1279-1287. Email:

joerg.melzer; Dept Internal Med, Univ Zurich Hosp, Ramistr

100, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland. Background: Despite a long-

standing use of herbal drugs with dyspeptic symptoms, little attention

has been paid to their clinical evaluation. Aim: To assess efficacy and

safety of the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (containing, e.g. Iberis,

peppermint, chamomile) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.

Methods: Research in electronic databases, consultation of experts and

of the producer identified STW 5 (Iberogast) as descriptor in six

randomized-controlled trials. The raw data of three placebo-controlled

studies which met the selection criteria, were reanalysed and pooled for

meta-analysis; one reference-controlled study supported the safety

analysis (STW 5: n = 199, control: n = 198). Results : Pooled data

showed verum (n = 138) to be more effective than placebo (n = 135)

with regard to the severity of the most bothersome gastrointestinal

symptom (P-value: 0.001, odds ratio: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.47). A fourth

randomized-controlled trial showed no significant difference between

STW 5 and cisapride. As to safety , adverse events were similar with

verum and placebo; no serious adverse events occurred. Discussions:

From the point of view of efficacy and safety , the herbal medicinal

product STW 5 appears to be a valid therapeutic option for patients

seeking phytotherapy for their symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Miglietta, Antonella; Bozzo, Francesca; Gabriel, Ludovica; Bocca,

Claudia (2004) Microtubule-interfering activity of parthenolide. Chemico-

Biological Interactions 149, (2-3) October, 165-173. Email:

antonella.miglietta; Dept Expt Med and Oncol, Univ Turin,

Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125, Turin, Italy. Parthenolide is an active

sesquiterpene lactone present in a variety of medicinal herbs , well

known as anti-inflammatory drug. It has recently been proposed as a

chemotherapeutic drug, but the pharmacological pathways of its action

have not yet been fully elucidated. Firstly, we explored whether the

anticancer properties of parthenolide may be related to a

tubulin/microtubule-interfering activity. We additionally compared

bioactivities of parthenolide with those checked after combined

treatments with paclitaxel in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Parthenolide exerted in vitro stimulatory activity on tubulin assembly, by

inducing the formation of well-organized microtubule polymers. Light

microscopy detections showed that parthenolide-induced alterations of

either microtubule network and nuclear morphology happened only after

combined exposures to paclitaxel. In addition, the growth of MCF-7 cells

was significantly inhibited by parthenolide, which enhanced paclitaxel

effectiveness In conclusion, the antimicrotubular and antiproliferative

effects of parthenolide. well known microtubule-stabilizing anticancer

agent, may influence paclitaxel activity. The tubulin/microtubule system

may represent a novel molecular target for parthenolide, to be utilized in

Scott, David W.; Loo, George (2004) Curcumin-induced GADD153 gene

up-regulation in human colon cancer cells. Carcinogenesis (Oxford) 25

(11) Nov, 2155-2164. Email: g, loo; Grad Program

NutrCellular and Mol Nutr Res Lab, Univ N Carolina, Greensboro, NC,

27402, USA. Ingestion of plant products containing the phenolic

phytochemical , curcumin, has been linked to lower incidences of colon

cancer, suggesting that curcumin has cancer chemopreventive effects

Supporting this suggestion at the cellular level, apoptosis occurs in

human colon cancer cells exposed to curcumin. However, the

mechanism is unclear, prompting this investigation to further clarify the

molecular effects of curcumin. HCT-116 colonocytes were incubated

with 0-20 muM curcumin for 0-48 h. In concentration-dependent and

time-dependent manners, curcumin induced DNA damage, resulting

later in the appearance of cellular features characteristic of apoptosis.

To identify a potential pro-apoptotic gene that could be responsive to the

DNA damage in curcumin-treated cells, growth arrest and DNA

damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153) was considered. Curcumin

increased GADD153 mRNA (and also protein) expression, which was

prevented by actinomycin D and also by a broad protein kinase C

inhibitor, but not by selective MAPK inhibitors. These findings suggest

that curcumin-induced up-regulation of GADD153 mRNA expression

was at the level of transcription, but apparently without depending on

upstream MAPK. In determining the involvement of reactive oxygen

species in mediating the effect of curcumin on GADD153, the

antioxidants pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and N-acetylcysteine (NAC),

but neither alpha-tocopherol nor catalase, also blunted or prevented up-

regulation of GADD153 mRNA expression caused by curcumin. Most

noteworthy, when NAC was tested, it inhibited the DNA damage and

apoptosis caused by curcumin. Because expression of GADD153

protein was detected before the appearance of apoptotic features, this

observation raises the possibility that GADD153 protein might be

important for curcumin-induced apoptosis.

Smith, Patricio C.; Santibanez, Juan F.; Morales, Juan P.; Martinez,

Jorge (2004) Epidermal growth factor stimulates urokinase-type

plasminogen activator expression in human gingival fibroblasts.

Possible modulation by genistein and curcumin. Journal of Periodontal

Research 39 (6), Dec, 380-387. Email: jmartine; Inst Nutr and

Tecnol AlimentosCell Biol Lab, Univ Chile, Casilla 138, Santiago, 11,

Chile. Background: Regulation of the extracellular matrix turnover is a

crucial process in wound healing and the progress of periodontal

disease. It has been proposed that urokinase-type plasminogen

activator (uPA), under the control of growth factors or cytokines,

provides the proteolytic potential to the accomplishment of these cellular

events. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is one of the growth factors that

has been shown to be active in uPA regulation. Methods: In this study,

we have assessed the effect of EGF on uPA expression in primary

cultures of human gingival fibroblasts. We also studied the signaling

pathways involved in this process and the role of the dietary

phytoestrogens curcumin and genistein as potential modulators of this

response. Results : Human gingival fibroblasts expressed a basal uPA

activity, which was inhibited by genistein, but not by curcumin. After

treatment with 10 ng/ml EGF, uPA production was strongly stimulated.

Exposure to genistein and curcumin inhibited EGF-stimulated urokinase

production, although only genistein showed a statistically significant

inhibitory response. Using more specific inhibitors, we found that the

mitogen-activated extracellular kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase

(JNK) inhibitors PD98059 and SP600125 also blocked the EGF-

dependent stimulatory effect On the other hand, SB203580, inhibitor of

the p38 member of mitogen-activated protein kinase family, did not alter

this response. In accordance to these findings, EGF stimulated a potent

activation of JNK and a mild activation of extracellular signal-regulated

kinases 1/2. Finally, EGF stimulated the phosphorylation of its receptor

and tyrphostin (AG1478), curcumin and genistein were able to inhibit

this stimulatory effect Conclusions: These results indicate that EGF

constitutes a strong stimuli on uPA expression in human gingival

fibroblasts. Our data also shows that EGF-stimulated uPA production

involves the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2

and JNK signaling pathways and might be modulated by the natural

phytoestrogens curcumin and genistein.

Trautmann-Sponsel, R. D.; Dienel, Angelika (2004) Safety of Hypericum

extract in mildly to moderately depressed outpatients - A review based

on data from three randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Journal of

Affective Disorders 82 (2), Oct, 303-307. Email:

Angelika.Dienel; Dr Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceut, POB

410925, D-76209, Karlsruhe, Germany. Rationale: Hypericum extracts

have been regarded as antidepressant drugs without specific side

effects by patients, medical professionals and researchers alike.

Recently there has been discussion about potential interactions between

St. John's wort and other drugs. Objectives: To investigate the

tolerability of Hypericum extract by comparing adverse event rates

observed during clinical trials with the herbal drug to those observed

under placebo and synthetic antidepressants. Methods: A data review

was performed based on the original data of three double-blind,

randomised multicenter trials, during which 594 out-patients suffering

from mild to moderate depression according to DSM-IV criteria received

3 x 300 mg/day Hypericum extract (WS® 5570, WS® 5572, WS®

5573) or placebo over a double-blind treatment period of 6 weeks. For

the polled data from the three trials, the risk ratios and risk differences

versus placebo for single and grouped adverse events were determined

along with their 95% confidence intervals. The data were inspected for

relevant differences between Hypericum extract and placebo and were

compared to trials involving the adminstration of several synthetic

antidepressants. Results : For the polled data of the three trials, the

percentage of patients with any adverse events under Hypericum extract

exposition was comparable to placebo. The drug was also found to be

devoid of effects of sedation, anticholinergic reactions , gastrointestinal

disturbances and sexual dysfunction often found in patients treated with

tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Conclusion: The analysis did not reveal any specific effects of

Wu, Li-Wha; Chiang, Yi-Ming; Chuang, Hsiao-Ching; Wang, Sheng-

Yang; Yang, Ga-Wen; Chen, Ya-Huey; Lai, Ling-Ya; Shyur, Lie-Fen

(2004) Polyacetylenes function as anti-angiogenic agents.

Pharmaceutical Research (Dordrecht) 21 (11), Nov, 2112-2119. Email:

lfshyur; Email: liwhawu; Coll

MedInst Mol Med, Natl Cheng Kung Univ, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.

Purpose. To investigate the antiangiogenic effects of plant extracts and

polyacetylenes isolated from Bidens pilosa Linn., which is a popular

nutraceutical herbal tea and folk medicine in anti-inflammatory,

antitumor, and other medications worldwide. Methods. Anti-cell

proliferation, anti-tube formation, and cell migration assays were used

for the valuation of bioactivities of target plant extracts and

phytocompounds against angiogenesis. Bioactivity-guided fractionation,

HPLC, and various spectral analyses were used to identify active

fraction and phytocompounds for anti-angiogenesis. Results We show

that an ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of B. pilosa exhibited significant anti-

cell proliferation and anti-tube formation activities against human

umbilical vein endothelium cells (HUVEC). Bioassay-guided

fractionation led to isolation of one new and one known polyacetylenes,

1,2-dihydroxytrideca-5,7,9,11-tetrayne (1) and 1,3-dihydroxy-6(E)-

tetradecene-8,10,12-triyne(2), respectively, from the EA fraction.

Compounds 1 and 2 manifested highly specific and significant activities

against HUVEC proliferation with IC50 values of 2.5 and 0.375 mug/ml,

respectively, however, compound 1 had a more potent effect on

preventing tube formation of HUVEC than compound 2 at a dose of 2.5

mug/ml. Western blot analysis showed that both compounds

upregulated p27(Kip) or p21(Cip1), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, in

HUVEC. Conclusions. This is the first report to demonstrate that

polyacetylenes possess significant anti-angiogenic activities and the

ability to regulate the expression of cell cycle mediators, for example,

p27(Kip1), p21(Cip1), or cyclin E.

Xie Wen-guang; Shao Ning-Sheng; Ma Xiao-chang; Ding Qin-xue; Zhao

Xin; Liu Nong-le; Wei Yu-shu; Wang Hui-xin; Chen Ke-Ji (2004) Study

on serum proteome of rat endotoxemia treated by figwort root.

Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi 29 (9) September, 877-882. Email:

xiewenguang; Affiliated Hosp, N Sichuan Med Coll,

Nanchong, 637000, China. Objective: To study the serum proteome of

rat endotoxemia treated by figwort root (FR). Method: The differences of

serum proteome among rats treated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS), FR,

LPS + FR and saline respectively were analyzed by two-dimentional

electrophoresis (2DE) assay. Result : The volumes of sixteen serum

proteins (xPr) in LPS induced-endotoxemia group were greatly changed

compared with those of the control group. Among them, the volumes of

xPr 16, 19 were significantly decreased, and the volumes of xPr1, 2, 3,

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23 were significantly increased. When

treated with FR, the volumes of xPr1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23 were

significantly decreased, and the volumes of xPr8, 9, 11, 12, 23, 14 were

back to normal level. Two factors statistic analysis showed that FR had

interaction with LPS for xPr 1, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and

FR might be the functional antagonist of LPS. We also observed that

the volumes of xPr 10, 13, 15, 20, 21, 22 were found to change

significantly only in FR treated group but not in LPS treated group or

control group. Interestingly, the volume of xPr 13, 20, 21, 22 were

increased and the volume of xPr 10, 15 were decreased. Conclusion:

The molecular basis of therapeutic effect of FR on endotoxemia might

be through the regulation of xPr1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 23. We can

use proteomic techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of

diseases treated by functional Chinese herbs and the combination of

different herbs is necessary for the treatment of endotoxemia, as FR

can not regulated all the changed proteins induced by LPS.

Best regards,

Tel: (H): +353- or (M): +353-

WWW:

" Man who says it can't be done should not interrupt man doing it " -

Chinese Proverb

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