Recent herbal abstracts

May 5, 2005

Hi all,

See recent herbal abstracts.

Phil

Chen, Judy T.; Wesley, Robert; Shamburek, Robert D.; Pucino, Frank;

Csako, Gyorgy | Meta-analysis of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia:

Plant sterols and stanols versus policosanol | Pharmacotherapy 25 (2)

February 2005; 171-183 | Email: jtchen; Dept

Pharm Practice, Purdue Univ, R Heine Pharm Bldg,Room 502D,575

Stadium Mall Dr, W Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA | Study Objective. To

compare the efficacy and safety of plant sterols and stanols as well as

policosanol in the treatment of coronary heart disease, as measured by

a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels. Design.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Patients. A total of 4596 patients from 52 eligible studies.

Measurements and Main Results We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE,

the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 1967-June

2003 to identify pertinent studies. Reduction of LDL levels was the

primary end point; effects on other lipid parameters and withdrawal of

study patients due to adverse effects were the secondary end points.

Weighted estimates of percent change in LDL were -11.0% for plant

sterol and stanol esters 3.4 g/day (range 2-9 g/day (893 patients))

versus -2.3% for placebo (769 patients) in 23 eligible studies, compared

with -23.7% for policosanol 12 mg/day (range 5-40 mg/day (1528

patients)) versus -0.11% for placebo (1406 patients) in 29 eligible

studies. Cumulative p values were significantly different from placebo for

both (p<0.0001). The net LDL reduction in the treatment groups minus

that in the placebo groups was greater with policosanol than plant

sterols and stanols (-24% versus -10%, p<0.0001). Policosanol also

affected total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and

triglyceride levels more favorably than plant sterols and stanols.

Policosanol caused a clinically significant decrease in the LDL:HDL

ratio. Pooled withdrawal rate due to adverse effects and combined

relative risk for patients who withdrew were 0% and 0.84, respectively

(95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-1.95, p=0.69), for plant sterols and

stanols across 20 studies versus 0.86% and 0.31, respectively (95% CI

0.20-0.48, p<0.0001), for policosanol across 28 studies. Conclusion.

Plant sterols and stanols and policosanol are well tolerated and safe;

however, policosanol is more effective than plant sterols and stanols for

LDL level reduction and more favorably alters the lipid profile,

approaching antilipemic drug efficacy

Chen, Ming-Ho; Chen, Jung-Chou; Tsai, Chin-Chuan; Wang, Wen-

Chuang; Chang, De-Ching; Tu, Dom-Gene; Hsieh, Hsiao-Yen | The

role of TGF-beta1 and cytokines in the modulation of liver fibrosis by

Sho-saiko-to in rat's bile duct ligated model | Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 97 (1) February 10, 2005; 7-13 | Email:

d887; Email: d587; Email:

biodcc; Email: b732; Email:

tsaicc; Email: chen.jcmt22; Email:

c158; 50 Yeong Shing St, Taichung, Taiwan | Liver

fibrosis is an over-accumulation of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and the

hepatic stellate cell (Ito cell) play a central role in the pathogenesis of

liver fibrosis. There are a lot of growth factors and cytokines involved in

the activation of hepatic stellate cell, including of transforming growth

factor (TGF-alpha, TGF-beta1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF),

interleukin (IL-1alpha,beta, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha).

Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9; Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tan- in Chinese) was the most

popular herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic liver disease in

Chinese and Japanese. Our aim of the current study was to examine

whether TJ-9 regulated the growth factors and cytokines in the

fibrogenesis of bile duct ligated model. Therefore, we assessed the TJ-

9's potential in regulating TGF-beta1, PDGF mRNA expression, the

amount of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and the fibrotic marker

" PIII NP " in the serum. Then, using the immunohistochemical stain to

observe the TGF-beta1 expression in the tissue. Our results showed

that TJ-9 at a dose of 0.5 g/(kg day) significantly reduced the serum

level of PIII NP, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta1 and PDGF For the

cytokines involved in the activation of Ito cell, TJ-9 at a dose of 0.5 g/(kg

day) significantly suppressed the increasing tendency of IL-1beta and

enhanced the production of TNF-alpha. Finally, we concluded that: (1)

TJ-9 at a dose of 0.5 g/(kg day) significantly reduced the serum fibrotic

marker PIII NP in the bile duct ligated model, and its mechanism was

partly by means of downregulating the mRNA of TGF-beta1 and PDGF.

These results also confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining of

TGF-beta1. (2) TJ-9 at a dose of 0.5 g/(kg day) suppressed the

increasing tendency of IL-1beta and Stimulated the production of TNF-

alpha to inhibit Ito cell proliferation and collagen formation. Copyright

Das, N. J.; Devi, K. | Herbal medicine against jaundice used by Bodos

of East Nalbari dist. of Assam | Advances in Plant Sciences 17 (2)

December 2004; 427-429 | Dept Bot, Gauhati Univ, Gauhati, Assam,

781014, India | The present work relates to the study of nine plant

species belonging to eight families as an effective herbal drug for

jaundice by the Bodo tribes of East Nalbari district of Assam. Except the

preparations from Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill. and Streblus asper Lour., all

the preparations from other plants are made in, confirmation with other

ingredients. For these tribals herbal medicine is the only source of

treatment for their ailments.

Hranjec, Tjasa; Kovac, Anamarija; Kos, Jelena; Mao, Wenyang; Chen,

John J.; Grollman, Arthur P.; Jelakovic, Bojan | Endemic nephropathy:

the case for chronic poisoning by Aristolochia | Croatian Medical

Journal 46 (1) February 2005; 116-125 | Email:

bojan.jelakovic; Dept Nephrol and Arterial HypertensCtr

Hosp, Univ Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia | Aim To

explore the hypothesis that chronic dietary poisoning by aristolochic acid

could account for the unique geographical distribution, specific pattern

of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, occurrence of chronic renal insufficiency,

and an increased risk of developing upper urothelial cancer, all of which

are associated with endemic nephropathy. Methods This case-

controlled epidemiologic study consisted of three groups of subjects

residing in an endemic region of Croatia: (a) patients meeting WHO

criteria for endemic nephropathy (n = 28), V individuals who have been

treated for renal insufficiency secondary to other forms of renal disease

(n = 30), and © apparently healthy residents of the endemic village (n =

30). A detailed questionnaire, designed to collect information on

demographics, exposure to potentially toxic substances, diet,

agricultural practices, and other factors potentially impacting endemic

nephropathy was administered to the three study groups. The seeds of

Aristolochia clematitis, obtained from plants growing in the endemic

region, were extracted with ethanol and analyzed by high-performance

liquid chromatography for their aristolochic acid content. Results The

majority of subjects, including 90% of endemic nephropathy patients,

recall that the plant Aristolochia clematitis (birthwort, vucja stopa in

Croatian) was frequently found in local meadows and wheat fields

between 20 and 30 years ago. At that time, endemic nephropathy

patients encountered Aristolochia clematitis significantly more frequently

than controls (P = 0.035). Since then, all three study groups reported a

significant increase in the use of herbicides (P < 0.001) and reduction in

the prevalence of Aristolochia clematitis (P < 0.001). Chemical analysis

established that the seeds of A. clematitis contain 0.65% aristolochic

acid. It is likely that the harvesting process used by local farmers

permitted the seeds of A. clematitis to mingle with the wheat grain.

Conclusion Flour used to bake bread, a dietary staple in the endemic

region of Croatia, is derived from wheat grain which, in the past, is likely

to have been contaminated with seeds of A. clematitis during

harvesting. This observation supports the hypothesis that aristolochic

acid, a major constituent of the seeds, plays a central role in the

development of endemic nephropathy.

Huang, Huey-Lan; Chen, Chien-Chih; Yeh, Chin-Yi; Huang, Ray-Ling |

Reactive oxygen species mediation of Baizhu-induced apoptosis in

human leukemia cells | Journal of Ethnopharmacology 97 (1) February

10, 2005; 21-29 | Email: x2093; Dept Biol Sci and

Technol, Mei Ho Inst Technol, 23 Ping Kuang Rd, Pingtung, 912,

Taiwan | Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz) has been used as

an important ingredient of several Chinese herbal medicines, which

have been used for abdominal pain and gastroenterology diseases for

thousands of years. Despite its popularity in herbal therapies , little is

known about the anticancer effect of Baizhu. In this study, the

anticancer potential of Baizhu on human hepatoma and leukemia cell

lines was evaluated. Baizhu methanol extract induced apoptosis in

human lymphoma Jurkat T cells, leukemia U937, and HL-60 cells. This

was confirmed by several methods, including hypodiploid cells detection

using flow cytometry, the examination of apoptotic bodies containing

cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and hypodiploid cell

population inhibition using the broad spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD.

Finally, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially

hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2-), were found to

be elevated after treatment of these cells with Baizhu extracts.

Antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) pretreatment almost completely

inhibited Baizhu-induced apoptosis, suggesting that ROS are the key

mediators for Baizhu-induced apoptosis. All these data indicate that

Baizhu is a possible anti-tumor agent that induces apoptosis of human

Kamei, Junzo; Saitoh, Akiyoshi; Asano, Takayuki; Nakamura, Rie; Ichiki,

Hiroyuki; Iiduka, Akira; Kubo, Masayoshi | Pharmacokinetic and

pharmacodynamic profiles of the antitussive principles of Glycyrrhizae

radix (licorice), a main component of the Kampo preparation

Bakumondo-to (Mai-men-dong-tang) | European Journal of

Pharmacology 507 (1-3) January 10, 2005; 163-168 | Email:

kamei; Sch Pharm and Pharmaceut SciDept Pathophysiol

and TherapeutShinagawa Ku, Hoshi Univ, 4-41 Ebara 2 Chome, Tokyo,

1428501, Japan | We examined the pharmacokinetic and

pharmacodynamic properties of liquiritin apioside. a main antitussive

component of Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice), with regard to its antitussive

effect in guinea pigs. The peak plasma concentration of the unchanged

compound was observed 15 min after the administration of liquiritin

apiosaide. The plasma concentration then gradually decreased and was

almost undetectable 4 h after administration. Liquiritigenin, a des-

glycoside of liquiritin apioside, appeared in the plasma 2 h after the

administration of liquiritin apioside and remained for more than 6 h after

administration. The plasma concentration of unchanged liquiritigenin

was observed 15 min after administration and then gradually increased

for more than 6 h after administration. When the antitussive effects of

liquiritin apioside, liquiritin and liquiritigenin, at respective doses of 30

mg/kg, p.o., were examined 1 h after administration liquiritin apioside

and liquiritigenin caused a significant reduction in the number of

capsaicin-induced coughs. However, at the same dose, liquiritin had no

significant effect on the number of capsaicin-induced coughs. On the

other hand, when the antitussive effects of liquiritin apioside. liquiritin

and liquiritigenin, at doses of 30 mg/kg, p.o., were examined 4 h after

administration, each caused a more than 40% reduction in the number

of capsaicin-induced coughs. The present results suggest that G. radix

(licorice) may produce a persistent antitussive effect , and that liquiritin

apioside plays an important role in the earlier phase, while liquiritigenin,

which is a metabolite of liquiritin apioside and liquiritin, plays an

reserved.

Kobayashi, H.; Mizuno, N.; Teramae, H.; Kutsuna, H.; Ueoku, S.;

Onoyama, J.; Yamanaka, K.; Fujita, N.; Ishii, M. | Diet and Japanese

herbal medicine for recalcitrant atopic dermatitis: Efficacy and safety |

Drugs under Experimental and Clinical Research 30 (5-6) 2004; 197-

202 | Email: hiromik; Grad Sch MedDept

DermatolAbeno Ku, Osaka City Univ, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Osaka,

5458585, Japan | We have been utilizing Kampo , a Japanese herbal

medicine, together with lifestyle advice, for recalcitrant atopic dermatitis.

To estimate the safety and efficacy of the treatment , we administered

Kampo formulas to patients in whom conventional treatment failed to

improve symptoms, along with dietary advice recommending Japanese

food. The therapeutic effects of Kampo formulas were assessed in 95

patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis who consulted our clinic from

January to June, 2000. The overall result was " markedly effective " in 19

patients (20%), " moderately effective " in 33 (35%), " slightly effective " in

36 (38%) and " ineffective " in four (4%). Three patients dropped out of

the study. No adverse reactions in laboratory data were noted in

examined patients. The most commonly used formula was Hochu-ekki-

to containing Astragalus root, liquorice, jujube, ginseng, white

Atractylodes rhizome, fresh ginger and Chinese Angelica root. Diet and

Japanese herbal medicine are thought to be useful as an alternative

therapy of intractable atopic dermatitis.

Lu, Qing-Yi; Arteaga, James R.; Zhang, Qifeng; Huerta, Sergio; Go, Vay

Liang W.; Heber, David | Inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth by an

avocado extract: role of lipid-soluble bioactive substances | Journal of

Nutritional Biochemistry 16 (1) January 2005; 23-30 | Email:

dheber; David Geffen Sch MedCtr Human Nutr, Univ

Calif Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA | Although the

avocado is known as a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids,

there has been far less attention given to its content of other bioactive

substances including carotenoids, which might contribute to cancer

preventive properties similar to those attributed to other fruits and

vegetables. The yellow-green color of the avocado prompted us to study

the carotenoid content of this fruit using established methods in our

laboratory. The California Hass avocado (Persea americana Mill.) was

selected for study, because it is the most commonly consumed variety

in the southwest United States. These avocados were found to contain

the highest content of lutein among commonly eaten fruits as well as

measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin, alpha-

carotene, and beta-carotene). Lutein accounted for 70% of the

measured carotenoids, and the avocado also contained significant

quantities of vitamin E. An acetone extract of avocado containing these

carotenoids and tocopherols was shown to inhibit the growth of both

androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC-3)

prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. Incubation of PC-3 cells with the

avocado extract led to G2/M cell cycle arrest accompanied by an

increase in p27 protein expression. Lutein alone did not reproduce the

effects of the avocado extract on cancer cell proliferation. In common

with other colorful fruits and vegetables, the avocado contains

numerous bioactive carotenoids. Because the avocado also contains a

significant amount of monounsaturated fat, these bioactive carotenoids

are likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, where in combination

with other diet-derived phytochemicals they may contribute to the

significant cancer risk reduction associated with a diet of fruits and

Ohtake, Nobuhiro; Yamamoto, Masahiro; Takeda, Shuichi; Aburada,

Masaki; Ishige, Atsushi; Watanabe, Kenji; Inoue, Makoto | The herbal

medicine Sho-Saiko-To selectively inhibits CD8+ T-cell proliferation |

European Journal of Pharmacology 507 (1-3) January 10, 2005; 301-

310 | Email: ootake, nobuhiro; Tsumura Res

InstMed Evaluat Labs, Tsumura and Co, 3586 Yoshiwara,Ami Machi,

Ibaraki, 3001192, Japan | Sho-saiko-to (SST), a Chinese/Japanese

herbal medicine,. has been widely used to treat chronic hepatitis in

Japan, and the immunomodulatory proper-ties of SST are likely to

mediate its beneficial effect In the present study, we examined the

effects of SST and its various ingredients on the count and proliferation

of T-cell subsets in cultured splenocytes and hepatic mononuclear cells.

SST. wogonin-7-O-glucuronoside (a major SST ingredient), and

wogonin (an intestinal metabolite of wogonin-7-O-glucuronoside)

increased CD4/CD8 ratio via a decrease of CD8+ T-cell counts with no

effect on CD4+ T-cell counts. Flow cytometric analyses of viability.

proliferation, and cell cycle revealed that wogonin suppressed CD8+ T-

cell proliferation without inducing cell death SST and wogonin

administered to mice increased the CD4/CD8 ratio in hepatic

mononuclear cells but not in splenocytes. These findings suggest that

SST may modulate the CD4/CD8 ratio via the selective inhibition of

CD8+ T-cell proliferation by the SST ingredient wogonin-7-O-

Okine, L. K. N.; Nyarko, A. K.; Osei-Kwabena, N.; Oppong, I. V.;

Barnes, F.; Ofosuhene, M. | The antidiabetic activity of the herbal

preparation ADD-199 in mice: a comparative study with two oral

hypoglycaemic drugs | Journal of Ethnopharmacology 97 (1) February

10, 2005; 31-38 | Email: lkokine; Dept Biochem, Univ

Ghana, POB LG 54, Accra, Ghana | The antidiabetic and antioxidant

effects of the herbal preparation ADD-199 were investigated in STZ-

induced diabetic C3H mice and results were compared with two

allopathic hypoglycaemic drugs, glibenclamide and metformin. Plasma

glucose, insulin and lipids as well as liver glycogen, lipids and lipid

peroxidation were measured following treatment for 8 weeks. The

results indicated that plasma insulin levels in normal controls at

termination were about 76 mumol/L compared to trace levels in

untreated diabetic mice. Glibenclamide and ADD-199 increased insulin

levels in diabetic mice up to 70% of levels in untreated non-diabetic

mice whilst metformin had no effect Basal plasma glucose levels in

diabetic controls (18.8 mM) were reduced to 14.0 mM by 100 mg/kg

ADD-199 in <2 weeks compared to 4 and 6 weeks for glibenclamide

and metformin, respectively. This hypoglycaemic effect of ADD-199

appeared to be associated with the alkaloidal content of the extract.

Treatment with ADD-199 or the hypoglycaemic agents reversed the

observed elevation in plasma lipids but increased hepatic glycogen,

triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels. Treatment also increased glucose

uptake by isolated diaphragms and attenuated hepatic lipid peroxidation.

These anti hyperglycaemic and antioxidant actions of ADD-199 at a

dose of 100 mg/kg/day are comparable to those of the maximum daily

therapeutic doses of glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) and metformin (50

mg/kg). These could explain the basis for use of this plant extract to

Ireland Ltd.

Park, Won-Hwan; Kim, Chang-Hwan; Lee, Young-Choon; Kim, Cheorl-

Ho | Anti-inflammatory effects of a Korean herbal formulation,

Silsosangami, consisting of seven medicinal herbs: effect on hemolysis,

neutrophil function, and gene expressions of NOS and COX-2 |

Vascular Pharmacology 42 (1) August 2004; 7-15 | Email:

chkimbio; Dept Biochem and Mol Biol, Dongguk Univ,

Sukjang Dong 707, Kyungju City, Kyungbuk, 780724, South Korea |

Silsosangami is a dried decoctum of a mixture of seven Korean herbal

medicine, which is consisted of seven herbs (indicated as

concentrations) of Typhae Pollen, Pteropi Faeces, Paeoniae Radicis

rubra, Cnidii Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos and Curcumae

Tuber. In the present study, the effects of Silsosangami water extract

(SSG) on hemolysis in human blood were studied. Using an in vitro

system, only Curcumae Tuber, Persicae Semen and Paeoniae Radicis

rubra had the strongest effects on hemolysis; Typhae Pollen and Pteropi

Faeces had the slight effects; and Cnidii Rhizoma and Carthami Flos

had no effect On the other hand, the SSG inhibited neutrophil functions,

including degranulation, superoxide generation, and leukotriene 134

production, without any effect on 5-lipoxygenase activity. This SSG

reduced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglanin E2 (PGE2) production in

mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide,

without the influence on the activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS),

cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and COX-1 being observed. SSG significantly

reduced mouse paw oedema induced by carrageenan. Western blot

analysis showed that SSG reduced the expression of iNOS and COX-2.

These results suggested that SSG might be used as a novel

antithrombotic therapeutic agents in post-myocardial infarction and also,

indicated that SSG exerts anti-inflammatory effects related to the

inhibition of neutrophil functions and of NO and PGE2 production, which

could be due to a decreased expression of iNOS and COX-2. Copyright

Raethel, Thomas R.; Leikert, Juergen F.; Vollmar, Angelika M.; Dirsch,

Verena M. | The soy isoflavone genistein induces a late but sustained

activation of the endothelial nitric oxide-synthase system in vitro | British

Journal of Pharmacology 144 (3) February 2005; 394-399 | Email:

Verena.Dirsch; Dept PharmCtr Drug Res, Univ

Munich, Butenandtstr 5-13, D-81377, Munich, Germany | 1

Cardiovascular diseases are known as the major causes of death or

disability in western countries. Decreased bioavailability of endothelial

derived nitric oxide ( NO) is recognized as an important promoter in

cardiovascular disease. 2 In vivo studies suggest that phytoestrogens ,

especially isoflavones from soy, enhance endothelium-dependent

vasoreactivity. 3 We hypothesized that isoflavones may affect the

expression of endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase ( eNOS) and

thereby NO formation in vitro. 4 Human EA.hy926 endothelial cells were

treated with the soybean isoflavones biochanin A and formononetin and

with their metabolites genistein and daidzein. eNOS promoter activity

was examined by a luciferase reporter gene assay ( 20 h). Active eNOS

was detected by quantifying conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline and

by measuring NO released from endothelial cells using the fluorescent

probe DAF-2 (20-96 h). 5 eNOS promoter activity increased in response

to isoflavone treatment (20 h). NO and L-citrulline production by EA.

hy926 cells rose up to 1.7-fold of control levels after stimulation with

genistein for 48-96 h. From these results , we conclude that the

suggested positive effects of soy isoflavones on vascular reactivity may

be indeed mediated via a long-term effect on the eNOS system.

Roh, Gu Seob; Seo, Seong-Won; Yeo, Sinkoo; Lee, Jung Min; Choi,

Jung-Won; Kim, Eunkyung; Shin, YoungHyun; Cho, Chongwoon; Bae,

Hyunsu; Jung, Sung-Ki; Kwack, KyuBum | Efficacy of a Korean

medicine, Chung-Sang-Bo-Ha-Tang, in a murine model of chronic

asthma | International Immunopharmacology 5 (2) February 2005; 427-

436 | Email: kbkwack; Natl Genome Res Inst, Natl Inst Hlth,

5 Nokbun Dong, Seoul, 122701, South Korea | Herbal medicines may

be viable alternatives to corticosteroid therapy for treatment of asthma.

However. the therapeutic mechanisms of herbal compounds remain a

matter of considerable debate. This study was performed to evaluate

the effects of Chung-Sang-Bo-Ha-Tang (CSBHT), a herbal compound

administrated therapeutically to asthma patients for centuries, on air-

way inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma

BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were chronically challenged

with aerosolized OVA for 6 weeks. During the last 2 weeks. some mice

were treated daily, with CSBHT by intragastric feeding. Dexamethasone

(Dex)-treated, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-tremed- and naive mice

served as controls. The effects of CSBHT on airway inflammation. lung

pathology and cytokine production were evaluated-mice exposed to

recurrent airway challenge with OVA had chronic inflammation and

characteristics of airway remodeling including subepithelial fibrosis,

epithelial hypertrophy, and goblet cell hyperplasia. CSBHT was as

effective as Dex at moderately reducing these changes compared to the

PBS-treated mice. In addition, UL-5 and IFN-gamma levels in

supernatants of Concanavalin A (Con A)-activated splenocyte cultures

were reduced in mice treated with CSBHT. Treatment with CSBHT

during the last 2 weeks of challenge modulated airway inflammation and

remodeling in a marine model of chronic asthma. Thus, CSBHT may

effectively delay the progression of airway inflammation and remodeling.

Sannomiya, M.; Fonseca, Vitor B.; da Silva, M. A.; Rocha, L. R. M.; dos

Santos, L. C.; Hiruma-Lima, C. A.; Souza Brito, A. R. M.; Vilegas, W. |

Flavonoids and antiulcerogenic activity from Byrsonima crassa leaves

extracts | Journal of Ethnopharmacology 97 (1) February 10, 2005; 1-6

| Email: vilegasw; Inst QuimDept Quim Organ, UNESP,

Rua Francisco Degni S-N,Bairro Quitandinha,CP 355, BR-14800900,

Araraquara, SP, Brazil | Byrsonima crassa Niedenzu (IK)

(Malpighiaceae) is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of

diseases related mainly to gastric ulcers. In this study, we evaluated the

potential antiulcerogenic effect of three different extracts obtained from

the leaves of Byrsonima crassa namely hydromethanolic (80% MeOH),

methanolic (MeOH) and chloroformic extracts (CHCl3). The oral

administration (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) of all the extracts reduced the

formation of lesions associated with HCl/ethanol administration in mice.

The 80% MeOH extract significantly reduced the incidence of gastric

lesions by 74, 78 and 92% at doses of 250,500 and 1000 mg/kg,

respectively (P < 0.01). The MeOH extract reduced the ulceration by 93

and 99% only at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg (P < 0.01). The lower

gastroprotective action (69%) was observed when animals were treated

with CHCl3 extract at the dose of 1000 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Phytochemical

investigation of Byrsonima crassa afforded five known substances:

quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-

arabinopyranoside, the biflavonoid amentoflavone, (+)-catechin and (-)-

epicatechin. The presence of these phenolic compounds may probably

explain the antiulcerogenic effect of the extracts of Byrsonima crassa

Seo, Un-Kyo; Lee, Young-Ja; Kim, June-Ki; Cha, Byung-Yoon; Kim,

Dong-Wook; Nam, Kyung-Soo; Kim, Cheorl-Ho | Large-scale and

effective screening of Korean medicinal plants for inhibitory activity on

matrix metalloproteinase-9 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology 97 (1)

February 10, 2005; 101-106 | Email: chkimbio; Coll

Oriental MedDept Internal Med Biochem and Pathol, Dongguk Univ,

Kyungju City, Kyungbuk, 780714, South Korea | Matrix

metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) degrades type IV collagen constituting the

major structural component of the basement membrane and extra

cellular membrane. The enzymatic activity is found to be elevated in

tumor tissues. With the aim of finding novel MMP-9 inhibitors from

natural products, 87 extracts of oriental medicinal herbs , which are

used as prescriptions for cancer treatment in Korean medicine, were

screened for their inhibitory activities towards MMP-9. It was found that

most of the hexane and chloroform fractions as well as water extracts

showed a weak inhibitory effect on MMP-9 activity at a concentration of

100 mug/ml. However, a strong inhibition was found in the butanol

fractions of Cinnamomum cassia PRESL, Magnolia obovata THUEB.,

Magnolia officinalis REHD. et WILS., Magnolia officinalis REHD. et

WILS. var. biloba REHD. et WILS., and Euonymus alatus (THUNB.)

SIEB. with inhibitory activity (>90%) at a concentration of 100 mug/ml.

Stangl, Verena; Lorenz, Mario; Ludwig, Antje; Grimbo, Nicole; Guether,

Carola; Sanad, Wasiem; Ziemer, Sabine; Martus, Peter; Baumann,

Gert; Stangl, Karl | The flavonoid phloretin suppresses stimulated

expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and reduces activation of

human platelets | Journal of Nutrition 135 (2) February 2005; 172-178 |

Email: verena.stangl; ChariteMed Klin and Poliklin,

Humboldt Univ, Campus Mitte, D-1086, Berlin, Germany |

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease accompanied by the

expression of endothelial adhesion molecules. Phloretin is a plant-

derived phytochemical that is mainly present in apples. Because

phloretin is reported to promote antioxidative activities, we investigated

the effects of phloretin on cytokine-induced expression of intercellular

adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1

(VCAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin)

in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Phloretin prevented

TNF-alpha-stimulated upregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin

expression in a concentration-dependent manner. To the same extent

as for TNF-alpha, phloretin also inhibited IL-1beta-induced upregulation

in expression of all 3 adhesion molecules. Inhibition of cytokine-induced

adhesion molecule expression for VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin was

detected already at the level of mRNA. Preincubation with phloretin

dose-dependently attenuated TNF-alpha-stimulated adhesion of

monocytic THP-1 cells to HUVECs and human aortic endothelial cells.

Phloretin did not affect TNF-a-stimulated activation of nuclear factor

kappaB (NF-kappaB) but inhibited activation of interferon regulatory

factor 1, a transcription factor involved in the regulation of endothelial

cell adhesion molecule expression. In human platelets, phloretin

diminished adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin receptor-

activating peptide-stimulated expression of the activated form of the

GPIIb/IIIa complex and reduced platelet aggregation stimulated by ADP.

Thus phloretin may have beneficial effects in the onset and progression

of cardiovascular diseases.

Steffan, Barbel; Watjen, Wim; Michels, Gudrun; Niering, Petra; Wray,

Victor; Ebel, Rainer; Edrada, RuAngelie; Kahl, Regine; Proksch, Peter |

Polyphenols from plants used in Indonesian medicine (Jamu): uptake

and antioxidative effects in rat H4IIE hepatoma cells | Journal of

Pharmacy and Pharmacology 57 (2) February 2005; 233-240 | Email:

proksch; Inst Pharmaceut Biol, Univ Dusseldorf,

Univ Str 1,Geb 26-23, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany | Phytochemical

investigation of plants used in Indonesian medicine (Jamu) yielded

lignans (pinoresinol, 9alpha-hydroxypinoresinol and salicifoliol),

flavonoids (3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1fwdarw6)-beta-D-

glucopyranosylkaempferol, luteolin and apigenin) and coumarins

(coumarin, 8-hydroxycoumarin and 5-hydroxycoumarin). The beneficial

effects of the respective plants for human health are thought to be

associated with antioxidative activity. In the present study, the

antioxidative capacity of the isolated compounds was determined in an

in-vitro assay. Luteolin and kaempferol (cleavage product of 3-O-beta-

D-glucopyranosyl-(1fwdarw6)-beta-D-glucopyranosylkaempferol, which

is thought to be formed in the intestine) showed strong antioxidant

activity; pinoresinol and 9a-hydroxypinoresinol showed only minor

antioxidative effects The coumarins, as well as apigenin and 3-O-beta-

D-glucopyranosyl-(1fwdarw6)-beta-D-glucopyranosylkaempferol were

inactive. The antioxidative effects of luteolin, kaempferol and pinoresinol

were further investigated in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. A strong

protective effect of kaempferol and luteolin was found against H2O2-

mediated intracellular reactive oxygen species formation measured

using the dichlorofluorescein assay and H2O2-mediated DNA strand

breaks. Pinoresinol did not have a protective effect against H2O2-

mediated DNA-damage, but in the dichlorofluorescein assay, an

antioxidative effect was detectable. During studies with HUE cells,

kaempferol, luteolin and pinoresinol were taken up by the cells within 60

min. The flavonoids were found to be relatively toxic at higher

concentrations, while pinoresinol was less cytotoxic. In conclusion,

kaempferol and luteolin, at low concentrations (ltoreq 50 muM), protect

H4IIE cells against oxidative stress but are cytotoxic at higher

concentrations; the biological effects of pinoresinol are less prominent in

comparison. These results are important for the identification of

pharmacologically active substances from Indonesian medicinal plants.

Trofimiuk, Emil; Walesiuk, Anna; Braszko, Jan J. | St John's wort

(Hypericum perforatum) diminishes cognitive impairment caused by the

chronic restraint stress in rats | Pharmacological Research 51 (3)

March 2005; 239-246 | Email: braszko; Dept Clin

Pharmacol, Med Univ Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A, PL-15274,

Bialystok, Poland | In this study we tested the hypothesis that St John's

wort (Hypericum perforatum) may counteract stress-induced memory

impairment. Object recognition test and Morris water maze were used to

determine whether administration of H. perforatum (350 mg kg-1 for 21

days), standardized to 0.3% hypericin content, protects against non-

spatial and/or spatial memory impairments due to chronic restraint

stress (2 h daily for 21 days). A group of rats administered the

exogenous corticosterone at the dose of 5 mg kg-1 daily for 21 days,

yielding its similar plasma levels as these observed in stress was run in

parallel. In the first experiment all rats were tested for recognition

memory in the object recognition test. On the following day, the animals

were tested in open field and elevated " plus " maze to control for the

contribution of respectively, motor and emotional effects of our

treatments to the memory tests. In the second experiment, new group of

stressed animals was tested for spatial memory in the water maze. We

observed that H. perforatum prevented the deleterious effects of both

chronic restraint stress and long-term corticosterone on learning and

memory as measured in both, the object recognition and the water

maze tests. The herb not only prevented stress- and corticosterone-

induced memory impairments, but it significantly improved recognition

memory (p < 0.01) in comparison to control. These results suggest that

H. perforatum has a potential to prevent stress memory disorders.

Ueng, Yune-Fang; Tsai, Tung-Hu; Don, Ming-Jaw; Chen, Ruei-Ming;

Chen, Ta-Liang | Alteration of the pharmacokinetics of theophylline by

rutaecarpine, an alkaloid of the medicinal herb Evodia rutaecarpa, in

rats | Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 57 (2) February 2005;

227-232 | Email: ueng; Natl Res Inst Chinese Med, 155-

1 Li Nong St,Sec 2, Taipei, 112, Taiwan | Rutaecarpine is a main active

alkaloid present in the medicinal herb , Evodia rutaecarpa. The

cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 substrate, theophylline, is an important

therapeutic agent for the treatment of asthma, but has a narrow

therapeutic index. To evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction of

theophylline with rutaecarpine, the effects of rutaecarpine on CYP1A2

activity and theophylline pharmacokinetics were investigated. Oral

treatment of Sprague-Dawley rats with 50 mg kg-1 rutaecarpine for

three days through a gastrogavage caused a 4- and 3-fold increase in

liver microsomal 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) and 7-

methoxyresorufin O-demethylation activity, respectively. In the kidney,

rutaecarpine treatment caused a 3-fold increase in EROD activity. In the

lungs, EROD activity was elevated from an undetectable to a detectable

level by rutaecarpine. Pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline, were

determined using a microdialysis sampling method. Rutaecarpine pre-

treatment increased the clearance of theophylline in a dose-dependent

manner. Pre-treatment of rats with 50 mg kg-1 rutaecarpine caused a 3-

fold increase in theophylline clearance and a 70%, 68% and 68%

decrease in the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), mean

residence time (MRT) and half-life, respectively. These results

demonstrated that rutaecarpine treatment elevated CYP1A2 catalytic

activity and theophylline excretion in rats. In patients taking theophylline,

adverse effects might be noticed when a rutaecarpine-containing herbal

preparation is used concomitantly.

Best regards,

Email: <

WORK : Teagasc, c/o 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Mobile: 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

HOME : 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

WWW : http://homepage.eircom.net/~progers/searchap.htm

Chinese Proverb: " Man who says it can't be done, should not interrupt

man doing it "

Sign In

Recent herbal abstracts

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation

Support the Ashram

Join Groups

Top Downloads