Guest guest Posted May 9, 2005 Report Share Posted May 9, 2005 Successful use of Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, a traditional herbal medicine, for intractable symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome: a case report. | Kubota, Takeshi; Miyata, Akimasa | J Anesth 19 (2); 157-9 | Department of Anesthesia, Hachinohe Heiwa Hospital, 4-6 Minatotakadai 2-chome, Hachinohe, 031-8545, Japan | . Shakuyaku-kanzo-to (SKT) is a traditional herbal medicine that is widely used for muscular cramp and abdominal pain. We administered SKT for a patient with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) complaining of several resting symptoms. A 28-year- old female patient complained of intractable pain in the left arm, shoulder, and back and weakness, numbness, and muscular cramp in the left arm. She was diagnosed as TOS by digital subtraction angiography. Two days after the start of administration of SKT, her severe pain was markedly improved. Although numbness of the left arm was not improved, her overall pain score was reduced by 2 on the 7th day after the start of SKT. SKT has several pharmacological effects including analgesic and antiinflammatory effects , vasodilation, and muscle relaxation. Thus, our report suggests that SKT could be a first- line agent for the conservative treatment of TOS. American ginseng berry extract and ginsenoside Re attenuate cisplatin- induced kaolin intake in rats. | Mehendale, Sangeeta; Aung, Han; Wang, Anbao; Yin, Jun-Jie; Wang, Chong-Zhi; Xie, Jing-Tian; Yuan, Chun-Su | Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 56 (1) 2005 Jul; 63-9 | Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 4028, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. | PURPOSE: Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, causes significant nausea and vomiting. It is postulated that cisplatin-induced oxidant stress may be responsible for these symptoms. We tested whether pretreatment with American ginseng berry extract (AGBE), an herb with potent antioxidant capacity, and one of its active antioxidant constituents, ginsenoside Re, could counter cisplatin-induced emesis using a rat pica model.METHODS: In rats, exposure to emetic stimuli such as cisplatin causes significant kaolin intake, a phenomenon called pica. We therefore measured cisplatin-induced kaolin intake as an indicator of the emetic response. Rats were pretreated with vehicle, AGBE (dose range 50-150 mg/kg, IP) or ginsenoside Re (2 and 5 mg/kg, IP). Rats were treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg, IP) 30 min later. Kaolin intake, food intake, and body weight were measured every 24 h for 120 h. Additionally, the free radical scavenging activity of AGBE was measured in vitro using ESR spectroscopy.RESULTS: A significant dose-response relationship was observed between increasing doses of pretreatment with AGBE and reduction in cisplatin-induced pica. Kaolin intake was maximally attenuated by AGBE at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Food intake also improved significantly at this dose (P<0.05). Pretreatment with ginsenoside Re (5 mg/kg) also decreased kaolin intake (P<0.05). In vitro studies demonstrated a concentration-response relationship between AGBE and its ability to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with AGBE and its major constituent, Re, attenuated cisplatin-induced pica, and demonstrated potential for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Significant recovery of food intake further strengthens the conclusion that AGBE may exert an antinausea/antiemetic effect High-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrum analysis for chromatographic fingerprinting of compound dandelion enema | Yan, Yuan; Liu, Shi-Ting; Xu, Zhong-Yuan; Luo, Qi-Zhi; Tan, Ya-Fei; Chen, Zhi-Liang | Di Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao 25 (4) 2005 Apr; 447-9, 453 | Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. | OBJECTIVE: To identify the active components of compound dandelion enema, a preparation from 7 traditional Chinese herbal drugs for treatment of gynecological diseases. METHODS: Three-dimensional high- performance liquid chromatography (3D-HPLC) was employed to separate the ethyl acetate extract of compound dandelion Enema, and HPLC combined with mass spectrum (MS) analysis used for chromatographic fingerprinting. RESULT : By comparing the ionic fragments of MS and retention time of each peak, the main active components in compound dandelion enema were determined, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid and protocatechualdehyde. CONCLUSION: HPLC coupled with mass spectroscopy can be used for qualitative analysis of compound dandelion enema. Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. | Crisafulli, Alessandra; Altavilla, Domenica; Marini, Herbert; Bitto, Alessandra; Cucinotta, Domenico; Frisina, Nicola; Corrado, Francesco; D'Anna, Rosario; Squadrito, Giovanni; Adamo, Elena B; Marini, Rolando; Romeo, Adolfo; Cancellieri, Francesco; Buemi, Michele; Squadrito, Francesco | Menopause 12 (2) 2005 Mar; 186-92 | Department of Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Italy. | OBJECTIVE: The phytoestrogen genistein has been shown to be the most efficacious in clinical and experimental studies. We studied whether genistein treatment affects some cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Sixty healthy postmenopausal women, who were 52 to 60 years of age, were enrolled in a 6-month double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. After a 4-week stabilization on a standard fat-reduced diet, participants were randomly assigned to receive either genistein (n = 30; 54 mg/d) or placebo (n = 30). At baseline and after a 6-month treatment , we measured fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), osteoprotegerin (OPG), fibrinogen, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). RESULTS : By comparison with placebo, genistein treatment decreased significantly fasting glucose (genistein = -8.7 +/- 2.3%; placebo = 3.2 +/- 2.3%; P < 0.001), fasting insulin (genistein = -12 +/- 3.33%; placebo = 36 +/- 3.29%; P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (genistein = - 14 +/- 5.8%; placebo = 42 +/- 0.6%; P < 0.001). After genistein- treatment, fibrinogen decreased (genistein = 3.18 +/- 0.12 g/L; placebo = 3.83 +/- 0.04 g/L; P < 0.001) with respect to placebo. In the genistein group, serum OPG was lower (-2 +/- 0.3%) than in placebo (9 +/- 1.5%; P < 0.001), and serum SHBG was higher (63 +/- 3.8 nmol/L) compared with placebo (53 +/- 2.9 nmol/L; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that genistein may have a favorable effect on some cardiovascular markers. Effects of phytoestrogens on the ovarian and pituitary phenotypes of estrogen-deficient female aromatase knockout mice. | Britt, Kara L; Simpson, Evan R; Findlay, Jock K | Menopause 12 (2) 2005 Mar; 174- 85 | Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. kara.britt | OBJECTIVE: Dietary phytoestrogens are promoted as alternatives to synthetic estrogens for hormone therapy , however, their effects on the reproductive axis have not been exhaustively studied in vivo. Female aromatase knockout mouse (ArKO) mice are estrogen-free, anovulatory, and have a block in folliculogenesis, hemorrhagic cysts, and development of Sertoli cells within their ovaries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the (ArKO) mouse as a model to test the effects of phytoestrogen replacement in vivo. DESIGN: We examined the effects of phytoestrogen-supplemented diets on the reproductive organ weights, ovarian morphology, gonadotropin levels, and the transcript levels of ovarian somatic cell and steroidogenic markers of wild-type and ArKO mice. RESULTS : The genistein diet significantly increased uterine and ovarian weights of ArKO mice. The soy, and to a larger extent the genistein diet, improved ovarian morphology. Morphological Sertoli cell transformation in ArKO mice was decreased by both diets, whereas the gene expression of Sertoli cell markers was not affected. The soy diet increased both gonadotropins in both genotypes compared with those animals on the soy-free diet. The genistein diet reduced FSH levels in ArKO mice, correlating with increased ovarian inhibin subunit expression. CONCLUSION: Phytoestrogens are estrogenic in ArKO mice. Specifically, they can affect serum gonadotropin levels, and offset the development of Sertoli cells and hemorrhagic cysts within the ovaries. However, the effects on the mouse ovary depended on the type of dietary phytoestrogen Further studies using the ArKO mouse are required to determine the effective doses and treatment regimes for phytoestrogens as endocrine modulators. Effects of anti-endometriotic therapies on Fas-mediated endometrial epithelial apoptosis. | Tanaka, Tetsuji | Oncol Rep 13 (6) 2005 Jun; 1235-9 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimii-dera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan. tetanaka | Decreased numbers of eutopic endometrial apoptotic cells have been reported in endometriotic patients, indicating the possibility of anti-apoptotic effects of their sera. Recently, we reported that the sera from endometriotic patients enhance endometrial stromal cell proliferation and viability, and that Keishi- bukuryo-gan therapy , an anti-endometriotic Japanese herbal medicine, reduces anti-apoptotic activities in the sera. In this study, we therefore examined the effects of sera from 7 endometriotic patients on cell proliferation and Fas-mediated apoptosis of the human endometrial epithelial cell line HHUA, which has a normal karyotype and functional estrogen and progesterone receptors. Cell proliferation was not affected by any of the sera examined, including sera from healthy women. The sera of 6 out of 7 endometriotic patients and sera from 2 healthy women significantly inhibited Fas-mediated apoptosis in the cells. Moreover, anti-apoptotic activities in the sera of endometriotic patients on Fas- mediated apoptosis were not affected by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) therapy within 4 weeks or Keishi-bukuryo- gan therapy within 12 weeks. Considering these results , we suggest that the surviving factor(s) against Fas-mediated endometrial epithelial cell apoptosis in human sera can be found in endometriotic and non- endometriotic women, and that decreased eutopic endometrial epithelial apoptosis in endometriotic patients might be caused by the secondary effects of endometrial stromal cell growth and surviving factor(s) in sera of the patients, not by direct serum effects on the epithelium. Growth inhibition of U937 leukemia cells by aqueous extract of Cordyceps militaris through induction of apoptosis. | Park, Cheol; Hong, Sang Hoon; Lee, Jae-Yun; Kim, Gi-Young; Choi, Byung Tae; Lee, Yong Tea; Park, Dong Il; Park, Yeong-Min; Jeong, Yong-Kee; Choi, Yung Hyun | Oncol Rep 13 (6) 2005 Jun; 1211-6 | Department of Oriental Medicine, Dongeui University College of Oriental Medicine and Biomedical Research Center of Oriental Medicine, Busan 614-052, Korea | Cordyceps militaris is a traditional herbal ingredient, which has been used for patients suffering from cancer in Oriental medicine. In the present study, we investigated the biochemical mechanisms of anti- proliferative effects by aqueous extract of C. militaris (AECM) in human leukemia U937 cells. It was found that AECM could inhibit cell growth of U937 cells in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with morphological change and apoptotic cell death such as formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation. We observed the down- regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and proteolytic activation of caspase-3 in AECM-treated U937 cells. However, AECM did not affect the pro-apoptotic Bax expression and activity of caspase-9. Furthermore, Western blotting and RT-PCR revealed that AECM treatment caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 accumulation. Taken together, these results indicated that the anti-proliferative effects of AECM were associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death through regulation of several major growth regulatory gene products such as Bcl-2 family expression and caspase protease activity, and AECM may have therapeutic potential in human leukemia treatment Therapeutic Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP) on Irradiation or Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppressive Mice. | Gong, Haiyang; Shen, Ping; Jin, Li; Xing, Changhong; Tang, Fu | Cancer Biother Radiopharm 20 (2) 2005 Apr; 155-62 | Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China. | Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on irradiation- or chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive mice and cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: In an in vivo experiment, mice were irradiated with a sublethal dose of 550 cGy X-ray or intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with carboplatin (CB) 125 mg/kg to produce severe myelosuppression. Four to 6 hours after the irradiation or injection, mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with LBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) daily from day 0 to day 6. Blood samples were collected from the tail veins of mice at different time points, and peripheral white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts were monitored. In an in vitro experiment, human PBMCs were incubated with LBP at different concentrations in combination with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and the production of granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (G-CSF) was tested. Results : Compared to the control, 50 mg/kg LBP (LBP-L) significantly ameliorated the decrease of peripheral WBC of irradiated myelosuppressive mice on day 13, and 100 mg/kg LBP (LBP-M) did the same on days 17 and 21. All dosages of LBP significantly ameliorated the decrease of peripheral RBC of irradiated myelosuppressive mice on days 17 and 25. Two-hundred mg/kg LBP (LBP-H) and LBP-M significantly enhanced peripheral PLT counts of irradiated myelosuppressive mice on days 10, 13, 17, and 21, as did LBP-L on days 13 and 17. All dosages of LBP increased peripheral WBC counts of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive mice to some extent, but there was no statistic difference when compared to the control. LBP-H significantly ameliorated the decrease of peripheral RBC of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive mice on days 13, 15, 17, and 20, and LBP-M and LBP-L did the same on days 15 and 17. All dosages of LBP significantly enhanced peripheral PLT counts of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive mice on days 7 and 10, as did LBP-H on days 13, 15, and 17, and LBP-M on days 13 and 15. Also, LBP could obviously stimulate human PBMCs to produce G- CSF. Conclusions: LBP promoted the peripheral blood recovery of irradiation or chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive mice, and the effects may be the result of the stimulation of PBMCs to produce G- CSF. Thyrotoxicosis caused by weight-reducing herbal medicines. | Ohye, Hidemi; Fukata, Shuji; Kanoh, Maki; Kubota, Sumihisa; Kuma, Kanji; Miyauchi, Akira; Sugawara, Masahiro | Arch Intern Med 165 (8) 2005 Apr 25; 831-4 | Kuma Hospital, 8-2-35, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 650-0011. ohye | The weight- reducing herbal medicines " Dream Shape " and " Ever Youth " became available in Japan in 2000. [A Google search says: Dream Shape reportedly contains hydrangea vine, maltose, chrysanthemum, Chinese matrimony vine, saccharose, and seaweeds, while Ever Youth is labeled as containing radish, lotus leaf, chrysanthemum, hawthorn, senna tea, Chinese matrimony vine, and seaweeds. Another Google reference says that Dream Shape contains pure GABA]. Herein, we describe 12 patients who developed thyrotoxicosis after taking them. The thyroid hormone content of 1 capsule or tablet of herbal medicine, measured following Pronase digestion and ethanol extraction, was approximately 1 mug of triiodothyronine and 3 to 4 mug of thyroxine. Two of us took 10 capsules or tablets of Dream Shape or Ever Youth, and changes in thyroid hormone levels were observed during the first 24 hours. Serum free triiodothyronine levels began to rise 2 hours after ingestion and reached peak levels at 4 to 8 hours; changes in free thyroxine and thyrotropin levels were small during the first 24 hours. Similar herbal medicines may have been distributed to other countries via the Internet. Resultant factitious thyrotoxicosis can create diagnostic and therapeutic confusion, particularly in patients with thyroid disease. Understanding premenstrual syndrome from a chinese medicine perspective. | Chou, Patsy B Y; Morse, Carol A | J Altern Complement Med 11 (2 2005 Apr; 355-61 | Department of Health Sciences, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. | Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder of some women during their reproductive years, characterized by a range of cyclical physical and/or mood symptoms experienced during the last few days of each menstrual cycle. Several treatment approaches have been applied, but have shown limited success , as the exact cause and pathophysiology of PMS is still not fully identified. In this paper, the etiology and pathogenesis of PMS is compared from both a Traditional (TCM) perspective and the Western biomedicine paradigm. TCM has used herbal medicines to treat the symptoms of the premenstrual and menstrual phases for centuries. To date, very few studies on the application of TCM to PMS have applied rigorous research methods. We examine the case of PMS from each paradigm: The biomedical view and that of TCM. Similarities and differences are identified and explored, and possible treatment approaches are considered and discussed in the light of these two models. Effects of an Acetone Extract of Boswellia carterii Birdw. (Burseraceae) Gum Resin on Rats with Persistent Inflammation. | Fan, Arthur Yin; Lao, Lixing; Zhang, Rui-Xin; Wang, Lin-Bo; Lee, David Y-W; Ma, Zhong-Ze; Zhang, Wu-Yan; Berman, Brian | J Altern Complement Med 11 (2) 2005 Apr; 323-31 | Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. | Objective: Ruxiang, or Gummi olibanum, an herbal medicine derived from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw. (BC) of the family Burseraceae, has been used traditionally in China to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. The present study is an investigation of the effects of a BC extract on persistent hyperalgesia and edema in rats with peripheral inflammation. Design: In this randomized, blinded study, the antihyperalgesic and antiedema effects of 3 dosages of BC were compared to a vehicle control. Inflammation was induced in rats by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into one hind paw. A single oral dose of the BC extract was administered daily for 7 days, beginning one day before CFA. Hyperalgesia was assessed using a paw withdrawal latency (PWL) test pre-CFA and 2 hours, 5 hours, 1 day, and 5 days post-CFA. Edema was determined by measuring paw thickness at the same time points. Spinal Fos protein expression was analyzed 2 hours post-CFA. Adverse effects of the extract were monitored by observing the animals closely for unusual behavioral changes. Results : Compared to control, a dosage of 0.45 g/kg BC significantly lengthened PWL and reduced paw edema on day 5 post-CFA. At 0.90 g/kg, BC significantly lengthened PWL at 5 hours, 1 day, and 5 days, and reduced paw edema at 2 hours, 5 hours, 1 day, and 5 days. This dosage also significantly suppressed spinal Fos expression in the medial half of laminae I-II. At 1.80 g/kg, BC significantly lengthened PWL and reduced paw edema at all time points. No noticeable adverse effects were observed in animals given the lower dosages of BC, but adverse effects in some animals were observed at 1.80 g/kg per day. In the acute toxicity study, the maximal single dose of 2.50 g/kg produced no adverse effects in the treated rats during the 14 days of observation. Conclusions: The data suggest that BC produces significant antihyperalgesia and anti-inflammation effects and that the antihyperalgesia may be mediated by suppressed inflammation-induced Fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn neurons. The chinese herbal medicine tien-hsien liquid inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in a wide variety of human cancer cells. | Sun, Andy; Chia, Jean-San; Chiang, Chun-Pin; Hsuen, Shu-Ping; Du, Jia-Ling; Wu, Chia-Wei; Wang, Won-Bo | J Altern Complement Med 11 (2 2005 Apr; 245-56 | School of Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan., Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Jen Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei, Taiwan | . Objective: Tien-Hsien liquid (THL) is a commercially available Chinese herbal mixture that has been used as an anticancer dietary supplement for more than 10 years. We recently showed that THL has strong immunomodulatory effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T cells. To investigate the antitumor activity of THL further, we sought to test whether THL could induce apoptosis in various human cancer cell lines based on the fact that THL contains several components with tumor killing functions. Design: The growth inhibitory effect of THL on human cervical carcinoma C-33A cells, human lung carcinoma H1299 cells, and human PBMC was assessed by counting viable cells using the trypan blue dye exclusion method. The apoptosis- inducing activity of THL in H1299 cells was assessed by analyzing the cells with four assays: (1) Hoechst 33258 nuclear DNA staining; (2) the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay; (3) the nucleosomal DNA fragment ladder assay; and (4) the sub-G1 cell analysis. The activities of caspase-8, -9, and -3 in H1299 cells treated with or without THL were also measured to elucidate the possible mechanism underlying THL apoptosis-inducing effect Finally, the apoptotic effect of THL on fifteen human cancer cell lines and normal human cells were analyzed by the TUNEL assay. Results : THL could induce apoptosis in all human cancer cell lines tested but not in normal human cells. THL treatment of H1299 cancer cells resulted in activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3 and the inhibitors of these caspases could partially block THL-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: THL has been used by numerous patients with cancer for many years with no known adverse effect Our present study showing that THL had a broad-range tumor killing function has provided a molecular basis underlying THL therapeutic activity. Furthermore, because THL had apoptotic effects only on cancer cells but not on normal cells, this selectivity suggests that THL could be a potential cancer therapeutic agent. [A Google search suggests that the ingredients of Tien Hsien Anticancer Liquid are: Dongchongxiacao- Cordyceps (Tone Qi, Immunostimulant); Huangqi-Astragalus(Diuretic, Reduce Swelling. Tone Qi, Immunostimulant; Tone LU & KI); Lingzhi- Ganoderma(Immunostimulant, Antiaging, LV Protector, LU Protector, Aid in autoimmune diseases); Renshen-Ginseng(Tone Qi, LV Protector, Calm Shen, Antifatigue, Immunostimulant, Antistress, Adaptogen); Baizhu-Atractylodes macrocephala(Boost leucocytosis, Nourish SP, Tone Qi, Dry Damp, Release Water & Harmonise SP); Shanyao- Dloscorea batatas(Tone SJM-SP-ST, Tone LU & KI, Astringe Jing); Dangshen-Codonopsis (Tone Qi, Antifatigue, Tone & Harmonise SJM- SP-ST, Appetiser, Produce Fluids, Ease Thirst ); Huoxsiang- Pogostemon (Expel Damp, esp from SJM-SP-ST, Harmonise SJM-SP- ST, Move Qi Stas, Release Surface & Clear Wind, Damp & Heat, Antivirus); Gouqizi-Lycium(Generate tissue; Nourish Jing, Tone Blood, Strengthen muscle & bone, LV Protector, Nourish KI, Hypotensor & Aid Eyesight); Zhenzhu-Pearl Powder (antioxidant); Nuzhenzi- Ligustrum(Nourish lymph glands); Gancao-Glycyrrhiza (Antiviral; Clear Toxin, Antiiinflammation & Antiallergy)] 24. Wound healing potential of pterocarpus santalinus linn: a pharmacological evaluation. | Biswas, Tuhin Kanti; Maity, Lakshmi Narayan; Mukherjee, Biswapati | Int J Low Extrem Wounds 3 (3) 2004 Sep; 143-50 | Department of Sharira Kriya, J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India. | The need for new therapeutics for wound healing has encouraged the drive to examine the nature and value of plant products. Ayurveda , the Indian traditional system of medicine, mentions the values of medicinal plants for wound healing. One of these is Pterocarpus santalinus. This article describes a pharmacological study to evaluate its toxicity as well as wound-healing potential in animal studies. Powder made from the wood of the P. santalinus tree was used to make up an ointment in a petroleum jelly base. No toxic effects were observed in 72 hours. Studies were done on punch and burn wound models on normal and diabetic rats using the test ointment, untreated and vehicle controls, and standard therapy Physical and biochemical measurements were made. The test ointment- treated wounds healed significantly faster. On healing, collagenesis and biochemical measurements yielded supportive data. These studies permit the conclusion that P. santalinus ointment is safe and effective in treating acute wounds in animal models. Use of herbal medicines in wound healing: a perspective paper. | Ryan, Terence J | Int J Low Extrem Wounds 2 (1) 2003 Mar; 22-4 | Emeritus Professor of Dermatology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK. oxfordwound | Healing of chronic lower extremity wounds is a global problem, especially in the developing world where it is often only folk and traditional medicine that can be afforded. In the structured health services of the developed world, there are usually a wider range of possible therapies In India, traditional medicines flourish in parallel with Western systems, and those who treat wounds may use the expertise of more than one system. Ayurveda is a traditional system that has evolved in India over centuries using especially native plant sources as remedies. Like many Asian systems, its theoretical basis concerns balance and energy in the individual. In this perspective paper, the author advocates awareness of plant products available for wound healing and a study of the extent of their utilization. They must be developed for safe use and their efficacy reviewed, taking into account cure well-being and patient satisfaction as well as cost. Developing a list of products and classifying them appropriately is a beginning for such studies. Anti-inflammatory activity of Cleome gynandra L. on hematological and cellular constituents in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. | Narendhirakannan, R T; Kandaswamy, M; Subramanian, S | J Med Food 8 (1) 2005; 93-9 | Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. | Cleome gynandra L. (cat whiskers) has traditionally been used for the treatment of rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions. In this work, the methanolic extract of the leaves of C. gynandra exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Phytochemical screening was carried out to ascertain the qualitative composition of the leaves. Arthritis was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. A significant decrease in paw edema with a remarkable increase in body weight was observed following oral administration of the leaf extract (150 mg/kg of body weight). The alterations in hematological and other biochemical parameters were restored to near normal after a treatment period of 30 days. These results demonstrate that the plant extract has no harmful effect and exerts in vivo anti-inflammatory properties against adjuvant- induced arthritis. Parthenolide and sulindac cooperate to mediate growth suppression and inhibit the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway in pancreatic carcinoma cells. | Yip-Schneider, Michele T; Nakshatri, Harikrishna; Sweeney, Christopher J; Marshall, Mark S; Wiebke, Eric A; Schmidt, C Max | Mol Cancer Ther 4 (4) 2005 Apr; 587-94 | Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Room 041, Building R4, 1044 West Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. myipschn <myipschn | Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) has been implicated in pancreatic tumorigenesis. We evaluated the effect of a novel NF-kappa B inhibitor, parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the herb feverfew, in three human pancreatic tumor cell lines (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and MIA PaCa-2). Parthenolide inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose- dependent manner with substantial growth inhibition observed between 5 and 10 micromol/L parthenolide in all three cell lines. Parthenolide treatment also dose-dependently increased the amount of the NF-kappa B inhibitory protein, I kappa B-alpha, and decreased NF-kappa B DNA binding activity. We have previously shown that nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAID) suppress the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. To determine whether inhibition of the NF-kappa B pathway by parthenolide could sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to NSAID inhibition, BxPC-3, PANC-1, and MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated with parthenolide and the NSAID sulindac, either alone or in combination. Treatment with the combination of parthenolide and sulindac inhibited cell growth synergistically in MIA PaCa-2 and BxPC-3 cells and additively in PANC- 1 cells. In addition, treatment with the parthenolide/sulindac combination lowered the threshold for apoptosis. Increased levels of I kappa B-alpha protein were detected, especially in MIA PaCa-2 cells, after treatment with parthenolide and sulindac compared with each agent alone. Similarly, decreased NF-kappa B DNA binding and transcriptional activities were detected in cells treated with the combination compared with the single agents, demonstrating cooperative targeting of the NF- kappa B pathway. These data provide preclinical support for a combined chemotherapeutic approach with NF-kappa B inhibitors and NSAIDs for the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Trans-Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant from grapes, increases sperm output in healthy rats. | Juan, M Emo.lia; Gonzoalez-Pons, Eulalia; Munuera, Thais; Ballester, Joan; Rodro.guez-Gil, Joan E; Planas, Joana M | J Nutr 135 (4) 2005 Apr; 757-60 | Departament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmoacia, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain. | Trans-Resveratrol was reported to have health benefits including anticarcinogenic effects and protection against cardiovascular disease. One of the mechanisms by which it exerts its action is through modulating the estrogen response systems. Because estrogen is involved in male reproductive biology, we investigated the effect of trans-resveratrol on testis and spermatogenesis. Adult male rats were divided into 2 groups. The treated group was administered by gavage 20 mg/(kg . d) of trans-resveratrol suspended in 10 g/L of carboxymethylcellulose for 90 d, whereas the control group received only carboxymethylcellulose during the same period. The relative weight of testes did not differ between the groups. However, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules was significantly reduced from 437.5 +/- 0.1 mum in the controls to 310.9 +/- 0.1 mum in the resveratrol-treated rats. This decrease was accompanied by a significant increase in tubular density, from 3.20 +/- 0.18 in controls to 6.58 +/- 0.18 tubules/mm(2) in the treated group. Moreover, sperm counts were significantly greater in the resveratrol-treated rats (24.8 +/- 3.30 x 10(7)) than in the control group (14.1 +/- 0.80 x 10(7)), but sperm quality did not differ. Serum concentrations of gonadotrophins and testosterone were significantly higher in the resveratrol-treated group. We identified a novel activity of trans-resveratrol. The daily oral administration of this phytochemical to adult male rats enhanced sperm production by stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, without inducing adverse effects Chemotherapeutic potential of the chemopreventive phytoalexin resveratrol. | Pervaiz, Shazib | Drug Resist Updat 7 (6) 2004 Dec; 333- 44 | Department of Physiology and Oncology Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597. phssp | The last couple of decades have seen a tremendous increase in interest in the biological properties of natural products as a means to identify novel small compounds that could have potential in clinical medicine. To that end, flavonoids- and flavonoid-like compounds percolate to the top due to their presence in diet constituents and reported beneficial effects on diverse biological processes and disease conditions. As such, the plant polyphenolic antibiotic resveratrol, found in grapes, nuts and wines, has been the focus of many studies aimed at understanding its full range of health beneficial effects The interest in this compound stems from the earlier observations describing the therapeutic benefits of roots of the oriental medicinal plant from which resveratrol was first isolated. Being a constituent of grapes and wines, the initial work was focused on linking resveratrol to the beneficial cardiovascular effects of moderate wine intake, however, since its reported cancer chemopreventive activity in a murine model of carcinogenesis, there has been a heightened interest in understanding the anti-cancer activity of resveratrol. As a result , a substantial amount of data strongly suggests that resveratrol could affect the process of carcinogenesis through a variety of different mechanisms in different tumor cell types. However, a couple of recent reports provide evidence to the contrary. This critical review attempts to summarize some of these findings and discuss the clinical potential of this compound or its derivatives in the light of the recent conflicting reports. St. John's Wort: clinical status in psychiatry. | Meltzer-Brody, S E | CNS Spectr 6 (10) 2001 Oct; 835-40 | Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Samantha, Meltzer | Depression and anxiety are among the top 10 health problems for which complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are most frequently used, and medicinal herbs are among the most popular of these treatments St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herb that has become a widely used depression therapy Extracts of hypericum have shown affinity for receptors within multiple neurochemical systems. The primary active substance responsible for the antidepressant effect is not well defined, but most work has concentrated specifically on the hypericin and hyperforin components. Although hypericum has demonstrated significant antidepressant and antianxiety effects in multiple studies, there are several recent studies that do not support the previous evidence. In all reported studies, hypericum extracts have been well tolerated. In addition, new psychiatric uses for hypericum in obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, menopausal symptoms, and alcohol dependence have been reported. Because patients are choosing to pursue CAT as a first- line therapy , psychiatrists will need to have a better understanding of phytomedicines used for treating depression and anxiety, and thus be better prepared to serve as effective allies of their patients. Adverse-effect profile of kava. | Connor, K M; Davidson, J R; Churchill, L E | CNS Spectr 6 (10) 2001 Oct; 848, 850-3 | Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. kathryn.connor | The use of alternative therapies has increased substantially over the last decade, particularly for more chronic conditions such as anxiety. Among the most widely used treatments are medicinal herbs , or phytomedicines , such as kava (Piper methysticum), which has demonstrated anxiolytic activity in both animal models and clinical samples. Kava has several advantages over conventional pharmacologic treatments for anxiety--in clinical settings it has been associated with better tolerability and lack of physiologic dependence and withdrawal. However, phytomedicines are not rigorously regulated in the United States and systematically collected safety data are very limited. These issues are a leading concern regarding the safety of medicinal herbs such as kava. In this report, the safety profile for kava is provided, including findings from a study of its use in generalized anxiety disorder. Safety parameters assessed include occurrence of adverse events, withdrawal symptoms, effect on heart rate, blood pressure, laboratory assessments, and sexual function. No differences were found between kava and placebo on any of the parameters evaluated. The data support the safety of kava in treating anxiety at 280 mg kava lactones/day for 4 weeks. In Vitro culture studies of FlorEssence(®) on human tumor cell lines. | Tai, Joseph; Cheung, Susan | Phytother Res 19 (2) 2005 Feb; 107-12 | Center for Complementary Medicine Research, BC's Research Institute for Children's and Women's Health, Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada. | FlorEssence(®) (FE) is an herbal tea widely used by patients to treat chronic conditions in North America, particularly cancer patients during chemo- and radiation- therapy Although individual components of FE have antioxidant, antiestrogenic, immunostimulant and antitumor properties, in vitro evidence of anticancer activity for the herbal tea itself is still lacking. We studied the antiproliferative effect of FE on MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 human breast cancer, and Jurkat and K562 leukemia cell lines. We found that FE significantly inhibited the proliferation of both breast and leukemia cells in vitro only at high concentrations, with 50% inhibition of MDA-MB-468 cells at about 1 sol 20 dilution, Jurkat cells at about 1 sol 10 dilution and MCF7 and K562 cells at less than 1 sol 10 dilution. Flow cytometry analysis showed that treatment with a high concentration of FE induced G2 sol M arrest in MCF7 and Jurkat cells, with also an increased SubG0 sol G1 fraction in MCF7 cells. MDA-MB- 468 cells showed a significantly increased Sub G0 sol G1 fraction after treatment with 1 sol 10 dilution of FE while the cell cycle of K562 was unaffected. When MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells were treated with a combination of FE with either paclitaxel or cisplatin, results showed that only the combination of 1 sol 20 dilution of FE with 0.5 microM cisplatin resulted in a small but significantly higher MCF7 cell survival than 0.5 microM cisplatin treatment alone. FE at 1 sol 20 and 1 sol 50 dilutions did not affect the antiproliferative properties of these two commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. The results suggest that FE at high concentrations show differential inhibitory effect on different human cancer cell lines. Further studies are needed to assess the biological activities of FE. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Use of alternative and complementary therapies in children with cancer. | Martel, Dominique; Bussioeres, Jean-Franocois; Thoeoroet, Yves; Lebel, Denis; Kish, Sandra; Moghrabi, Albert; Laurier, Claudine | Pediatr Blood Cancer 44 (7) 2005 Jun 15; 660-8 | Sainte-Justine Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Montreal, Quebec. | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular. Although considered beneficial by users, the potential for interaction or substitution with conventional treatment should not be overlooked by health care professionals. It is therefore important to gain insight into the prevalence and the factors related to the use of CAM. To establish the prevalence of use of CAM among children with cancer treated in a large pediatric hospital, describe the profile of use and factors related with use. As a secondary objective we aimed at measuring quality of life of the children aged 5 or more and compare the scores between users and non-users. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional survey of parents whose child was treated at the oncology clinic or ward of Sainte-Justine Hospital, a large pediatric hospital in Montreal. Data on socio- demographic variables, the use of CAM and the quality of life was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Quality of life was measured with the Child Health Questionnaire CHQ-PF50, while clinical data was collected from medical records. RESULTS : A total of 115 patients were recruited and 92 parents completed and returned the questionnaire, resulting in a 80% response rate. According to this survey, 49% of the children used at least one type of CAM and 20% used herbal remedies/homeopathy/vitamins in the 2 months preceding the survey. Most popular CAM were spiritual/mental and physical strategies used by 35 and 33% of children under study, respectively. Only one parent reported having delayed a conventional treatment because of CAM. Although quality of life results must be interpreted with caution, they tend to favor non-users. CONCLUSIONS: CAM is likely to be used by a wide variety of people. In our study, we found that about half of the children with cancer has used CAM in the 2 preceding months. No specific profile of CAM users emerged from this study. The high prevalence of CAM warrants further studies to better understand the reasons and consequences of CAM use particularly on quality of life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005;44:660-668. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Do no harm: avoidance of herbal medicines during pregnancy. | Marcus, Donald M; Snodgrass, Wayne R | Obstet Gynecol 105 (5) 2005 May; 1119-22 | Departments of Medicine and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology-Toxicology, Texas Poison Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. | Herbal medicines are regarded by the public and some health care providers as gentle and safe, but there is no scientific basis for that belief. The active ingredients of plant extracts are chemicals that are similar to those in purified medications, and they have the same potential to cause serious adverse effects This commentary summarizes recent data on the poor quality control and toxicity of herbal remedies and on the pharmacologic activities of ginger, which is used for treatment of morning sickness. There are no rigorous scientific studies of the safety of dietary supplements during pregnancy, and the Teratology Society has stated that it should not be assumed that they are safe for the embryo or fetus. Obstetricians should advise women not to expose their fetuses to the risks of herbal medicines. Pycnogenol induces differentiation and apoptosis in human promyeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. | Huang, W W; Yang, J S; Lin, C F; Ho, W J; Lee, M R | Leuk Res 29 (6) 2005 Jun; 685-92 | Department of Biology, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan, ROC. | Pycnogenol, rich of many phytochemicals of medical value, is a commercialized nutrient supplement extracted from the bark of European coastal pine. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of Pycnogenol on HL-60, U937 and K562 human leukemia cell lines. We found that Pycnogenol inhibited cell proliferation dose- and time-dependently, and the IC(50)s of Pycnogenol on HL-60, U937 and K562 cells were 150, 40 and 100mug/ml, respectively. When HL-60 cells were incubated with low concentrations of Pycnogenol (50, 100 and 125mug/ml) for 24h, a prominent G0/G1 arrest was observed, followed by gradual accumulation of sub-G0/G1 nuclei. At 48h of treatment , 50-70% of HL-60 cells differentiated, as evidenced by morphological changes, NBT reduction, induction of NSE activity, and increases of cell surface expression of CD11b. However, results from Annexin V/PI staining, DAPI staining and DNA fragmentation assay indicated that Pycnogenol induced HL-60, U937 and K562 cell apoptosis at their respective IC(50)s after 24h of treatments Pretreatment of z- DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 specific inhibitor, not only decreased caspase- 3 activity but also reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells induced by Pycnogenol. This indicated that caspase-3 activation was involved in Pycnogenol induced-apoptosis. In conclusion, Pycnogenol induced differentiation and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Our data suggest that Pycnogenol could serve as a potent cancer chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent for human leukemia. Divergent effects of resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytostilbene, on free radical levels and type of cell death induced by the histone deacetylase inhibitors butyrate and trichostatin A. | Galfi, Peter; Jakus, Judit; Molnar, Tamas; Neogrady, Susan; Csordas, Adam | J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 94 (1-3) 2005 Feb; 39-47 | Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Szent Istvan University, Istvan u. 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary. | We investigated the effects of the polyphenolic phytostilbene resveratrol on the steady-state free radical (FR) concentration and mode of cell death induced by the histone deacetylase inhibitors butyrate and trichostatin A. (i) There was no correlation between cell death induction by butyrate or trichostatin A (TSA) and FR levels. (ii) Treatment with resveratrol or N-acetyl-l-cystein (NAC) of cells, in which the FR concentration was high, resulted in an almost complete reduction of FR levels. (iii) When, however, the cellular FR concentration was marginal, resveratrol caused a minor, and NAC a marked increase of FRs as well as of the extent of cell death Thus, resveratrol and NAC acted as antioxidants only when the cellular FR levels were high, and acted as pro-oxidants when facing a low FR concentration. (iv) Since resveratrol and the antioxidant NAC exhibited analogous effects , it is concluded that the observed actions of resveratrol are due to polyphenolic redox reactions and not related to the stilbene moiety of the molecule. (v) The results indicate that the redox status of a given cell type plays an important role in determining whether resveratrol and other antioxidants promote cell death or protect cells from it. Inhibitory effects of herbal drugs on the growth of human ovarian cancer cell lines through the induction of apoptosis. | Zhu, Kun; Fukasawa, Ichio; Furuno, Makiko; Inaba, Fujiyuki; Yamazaki, Tatsuo; Kamemori, Tetsu; Kousaka, Nobuaki; Ota, Yoriko; Hayashi, Masatoshi; Maehama, Toshiyuki; Inaba, Noriyuki | Gynecol Oncol 97 (2) 2005 May; 405-9 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, 880 kita-Kobayashi, Mibu, Shimotsuga, 321-0293 Tochigi, Japan. | OBJECTIVE.: In order to develop and search for more effective and safe treatments for early and advanced stages of ovarian cancer, we examined the direct effects of four extracts of Chinese herbal drugs on ovarian cancer cells in vitro. METHODS.: The growth inhibition of four herbal drugs on a total of six cell lines of human ovarian cancer cells was determined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 by counting viable cells. Apoptotic cells induced by herbal drugs were detected by using MEBCYTO Apoptosis Kit. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The significance of the difference was analyzed with a two-sided Student's t test. A P value less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS : The MN, A2780, and KF cell lines exhibited significant growth inhibition in the presence of Sho-saiko-to concentrations of 150 mug/ml, 300 mug/ml, and 500 mug/ml, respectively, and at the concentration of 1000 mug/ml, Sho-saiko-to demonstrated a significant apoptotic induction effect on all six kinds of ovarian cancer cell lines. This concentration is the same as the blood concentration attained when 7.5 g of Sho-saiko-to per day is orally administered and all absorbed. CONCLUSIONS.: Sho-saiko-to exhibited significant growth inhibition of ovarian cancer cell lines, and the mechanisms of the inhibitory effects can be attributed, in part, to apoptosis induced by Sho-saiko-to. Beyond allergen avoidance: update on developing therapies for peanut allergy. | Li, Xiu-Min | Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 5 (3) 2005 Jun; 287-92 | Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA. | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Food allergy has emerged as a significant health problem. Peanut allergy is a major cause of food-induced fatal and near fatal anaphylactic reactions, and the incidence in children is increasing. Attempts to manage peanut allergy by strict avoidance are often unsuccessful. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most promising novel approaches for treating peanut allergy beyond allergen avoidance. RECENT FINDINGS: In the past 5 years much effort has been devoted to developing a treatment for peanut allergy. A recent clinical trial showed that monthly injections of humanized recombinant anti-IgE antibodies increased the threshold for allergic responses of peanut-sensitive individuals, at least to small amounts of peanut protein. However, this treatment cannot cure peanut allergy, and continuous monthly injections are necessary to maintain protection. Developing new therapies for the treatment of peanut allergy is essential. In reviewing publications between 2003 and 2005, several novel therapeutic approaches, tested in the murine model of peanut anaphylaxis appeared promising. Immunotherapy with engineered recombinant peanut protein and bacterial adjuvant significantly protected peanut allergic mice from anaphylaxis. It was also found that a Chinese herbal medicine formula called Food Allergy Herbal Formula-2 completely blocked anaphylaxis up to 5 weeks following therapy These potent therapeutic effects are associated with immunoregulation of Th1 and Th2 responses. SUMMARY: Although there is no effective and safe therapy for food allergy, many novel approaches are under investigation. Some of these approaches may provide allergists with effective treatments in the near future. Anti-proliferative activity of Bupleurum scrozonerifolium in A549 human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. | Cheng, Yeung-Leung; Lee, Shih- Chun; Lin, Shinn-Zong; Chang, Wen-Liang; Chen, Yi-Lin; Tsai, Nu-Man; Liu, Yao-Chi; Tzao, Ching; Yu, Dah-Shyong; Harn, Horng-Jyh | Cancer Lett 222 (2) 2005 May 26; 183-93 | Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan, ROC. | Nanchaihu, Rx Bupleuri scorzonerifolii, is a traditional Chinese herb used to treat liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. We recently reported that the acetone extract of B. scorzonerifolium (BS-AE) could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells. We further examined its anti-proliferative mechanisms and in vivo anticancer effect Our results showed that BS-AE had the ability to cause cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, inducing tubulin polymerization, and activating caspase- 3 and -9 in A549 cells. BS-AE-induced apoptosis could be blocked by the broad caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk in majority. The result of in vivo study showed that BS-AE could suppress growth in A549 subcutaneous xenograft tumors. These results indicate that BS-AE exerts antiproliferative effects on A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, and prompted us to further evaluate and elucidate the chemical composition profile of BS-AE. The effect of exercise and nettle supplementation on oxidative stress markers in the rat brain. | Toldy, Anna; Stadler, Krisztioan; Sasvoari, Moaria; Jakus, Judit; Jung, Kyung J; Chung, Hae Y; Berkes, Istvoan; Nyakas, Csaba; Radoak, Zsolt | Brain Res Bull 65 (6) 2005 May 30; 487-93 | Research Institute for Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Semmelweis University, Alkotas u. 44, 1234 Budapest, Hungary. | Chronic swimming training and phytotherapeutic supplementation are assumed to alleviate oxidative damage, and support cell survival in the brain. The effect of forced, chronic swimming training, and enriched lab chow containing 1% (w/w) dried nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf were investigated for oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotrophic markers in Wistar rat brains. The rats were divided into groups subjected to swimming training (6 weeks) or to nettle supplementation (8 weeks) or to a combination of these two treatments The level of oxidative stress was measured by electron spin resonance (EPR), and by the concentration of carbonylated proteins. Nettle supplementation resulted in a decreased concentration of free radicals in both cerebellum and frontal lobe. Swimming, however, did not influence significantly the oxidative damage nor was it reflected in the carbonyl content. The protein content of nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) was evaluated by E-Max ImmunoAssay in the cerebellum. No changes occurred either with exercise or nettle diet treatments On the other hand, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) binding activity to DNA increased with the combined effect of swimming training and nettle diet, while the activator protein1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity showed a more profound elevation in the nettle treated animals. The amount of c-Jun decreased by swimming training. In conclusion, the results suggest that both exercise and nettle influenced physiological brain functions. Nettle supplementation reduces the free radical concentration and increases the DNA binding of AP-1 in the brain. Nettle was found to be an effective antioxidant and possible antiapoptotic supplement promoting cell survival in the brain. Exercise, as a downregulator of c-Jun and in combined group as an upregulator of NF-kappaB, may play also a role in antiapoptotic processes, which is important after brain injury. Inhibitory Effects of Isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside from Salicornia herbacea on Rat Lens Aldose Reductase and Sorbitol Accumulation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Tissues. | Lee, Yeon Sil; Lee, Sanghyun; Lee, Hye Seung; Kim, Bak-Kwang; Ohuchi, Kazuo; Shin, Kuk Hyun | Biol Pharm Bull 28 (5) 2005 May; 916-8 | Seokwon Life Science Research Institute, World Sea Green Co. Ltd. | The inhibitory effects of compounds from Salicornia herbacea (Chenopodiaceae) on rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) and sorbitol accumulation in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rat tissues were investigated. The various fractions from the MeOH extract of S. herbacea were tested for their effects on RLAR in vitro. Among them, the EtOAc fraction was found to exhibit a potent RLAR inhibition (IC(50)=0.75 mug/ml), from which an active principle as a potent AR inhibitor was isolated and its chemical structure was elucidated as isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (1) by spectral analysis. Compound 1 exhibited a potent RLAR inhibition in vitro, its IC(50) being 1.4 muM. Compound 1, when administered orally at 25 mg/kg in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, caused not only a significant inhibition of serum glucose concentration but also sorbitol accumulation in the lenses, red blood cells (RBC), and sciatic nerves. These results indicate that compound 1 from S. herbacea is a leading compound for further study as a new drug for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes and its complications. Effect of sulphurous Bioglea on psoriasis | Mazzulla, S; Chimenti, R; Sesti, S; De Stefano, S; Morrone, M; Martino, G | Clin Ter 155 (11-12) 2004 Nov-Dec; 499-504 | Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Universitoa della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italia. mazzulla | OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of biological sulphurous Bioglee on psoriasis was investigated using an organic matrix derived from the metabolism of microflora growing in shallow hyper thermal waters possessing high sulphur concentrations and in thermal mud at Guardia Piemontese- Acquappesa (CS). Such a matrix forms part of the " Sulphuretum " ecological matrix which is dominated by cyanobacteria and sulfobacteria. The effect of this matrix on psoriasis was evaluated through the typical symptoms such as desquamation, cutaneous erythema and itching. METHODS: The study was carried out on 20 patients wich gave informed consent, suffering from psoriasis. Image analysis was used to monitor the intensity of psoriasic lesions prior to and at the conclusion of the therapy which consisted of topical applications of the thermal matrices twice a day for 12 days. RESULTS : Image analysis illustrated a reduction in the intensity of psoriasic lesions at the conclusion of the therapy with significant reductions in desquamation, erythema and itching. CONCLUSIONS: The anti- psoriasic action of the thermal matrix used in this study may be attributable to the substances such as carotene, hydro and lipo-soluble vitamins and naturally occuring phytosterols These substances may not only be anti-inflammatory but may also work synergistically with the mineral components of the thermal matrix to attenuate the symptoms of psoriasis. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytoalexin protects against cyclosporine- induced nephrotoxicity through nitric oxide dependent mechanism. | Chander, Vikas; Tirkey, Naveen; Chopra, Kanwaljit | Toxicology 210 (1) 2005 May 15; 55-64 | Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Punjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. | Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a potent and effective immunosuppressive agent, but its use is frequently accompanied by severe renal toxicity. The causes for the nephrotoxicity of CsA have not been fully elucidated. Intrarenal vasoconstriction induced by several different mediators, both in humans and experimental animals have been proposed. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of resveratrol on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and to explore the possible mechanism involved in resveratrol's effect Eight groups of rats were employed in this study, group 1 served as control, group 2 rats were treated with olive oil (vehicle for CsA), group 3 rats were treated with CsA (20 mg/kg, s.c. for 21 days), groups 4, 5 and 6 received CsA along with resveratrol (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o. 24 h before and 21 days concurrently), respectively, group 7 rats were treated with NOS inhibitor, L-NAME (10 mg/kg) along with resveratrol and CsA and group 8 rats received L-NAME along with CsA. CsA administration for 21 days resulted in a marked renal oxidative stress, significantly deranged the renal functions, reduced the tissue and urine nitrite levels and markedly altered the renal morphology. Treatment with resveratrol (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly improved the renal dysfunction; tissue and urine total nitric oxide levels, renal oxidative stress and prevented the alterations in renal morphology. Concurrent administration of L-NAME blocked the protective effect of resveratrol indicating that resveratrol exerts its protective effect by releasing nitric oxide. These results clearly demonstrate the pivotal role of nitric oxide in etiology of CsA nephrotoxicity and indicate the kidney protective potential of resveratrol in CsA nephrotoxicity. Best regards, Tel: (H): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0) Ireland. Tel: (W): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0) " Man who says it can't be done should not interrupt man doing it " - Chinese Proverb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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