This week's Medline Abstracts: Herbal Medicine

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[A case of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated with an insertion

of biliary stent and herbal medicine obtaining a good quality of life] [Article

in

Japanese] | Ami K, Ohbu M, Nagahama T, Nakamura Y, Ohta S, Taira M,

Ganno H, Ito T, Andou M. | Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2006 Nov;33(12):1947-

9. Division of Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Toshima Hospital. An advanced

hilar cholangiocarcinoma was poor in prognosis and required a biliary duct

drainage tube insertion to prevent jaundice. An endoscopically placed

metallic biliary stent is efficient for improving QOL of patients with the

disease. This case was of a 65-year-old man. He was admitted to our

hospital with obstructive jaundice. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed

by computed tomography (CT) and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Abdominal angiography revealed an unresectable cholangiocarcinoma

through the portal vein obstruction and stenosis of the left hepatic artery for

tumor invasion. After a second opinion and informed consent, he was

inserted a biliary stent (non-covered metallic stent) under an endoscopy.

The jaundice was improved further and other laboratory data showed

normal results except for tumor markers. After the patient left the hospital,

he came to our hospital as an outpatient basis for observation. He was

prescribed herbal medicine from the other hospital. Now after ten months

since the biliary stent insertion, he has been free from symptoms with

normal laboratory data. Publication Types: English Abstract PMID:

17212155 [PubMed - in process]

 

[A randomized controlled trial of Yiqi Pingchuan Granule in treating acute

attack of bronchial spasm due to asthma of qi deficiency and cold

syndrome.][Article in Chinese] | Zhang Y, Zhang RM, Chang J, Li TQ, Chi

HH, Mao B, Chen GY, Tang WF, Wang L, Huang SZ. | Zhong Xi Yi Jie He

Xue Bao. 2007 Jan;5(1):23-7. Dept of Integrated Traditional Chinese and

Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan U, Chengdu, Sichuan

Province 610041, China.E-mail: zhruim-001 Objective: To

evaluate the safety and efficacy of Yiqi Pingchuan Granule in treating acute

attack of asthma due to qi deficiency and cold syndrome. Methods: A

randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 80 patients with an

acute attack of asthma were included. They were allocated into two groups

randomly in a ratio of three to one. Sixty patients in the treatment group

received Yiqi Pingchuan Granule and 20 patients in the control group

received Ruyi Dingchuan Pill. Patients in both groups were treated for 7

days. Results: There were no significant differences in TCM syndrome,

clinical symptoms and lung function between the two groups (P>0.05). After

treatment, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second was increased in the

treatment group (P<0.05), and the peak expiratory flow was accelerated in

the control group (P<0.05). No significant side effects were noted in both

groups. PMID: 17214931 [PubMed - in process]

 

[An experimental serum pharmacological study on an application method in

TCM for treatment and prevention of asthma.][Article in Chinese] | Shen HF,

Li YQ, Jin RM, Li H, Min L. | Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2007 Jan;5(1):70-

3. Dept of TCM, Renji Hospital, Medical College of Shanghai Jiao Tong U,

Shanghai 200127, China. huifengshen2002 Objective: To

study the mechanism of herbal application along meridians for treatment

and prevention of asthma by using serum pharmacological test to observe

the effects of serum containing herbs against the constriction of tracheal

spiral strips induced by acetylcholine chloride (Ach). Methods: Guinea pigs

were randomly divided into normal control group, normal saline (NS)

application group, aminophylline application group, aminophylline injection

group, 1-day herb application group, 7-day herb application group and 14-

day herb application group. Asthma was induced by Hutson's method in

guinea pigs except the normal control group. Guinea pigs in herb

application groups were treated by external application of a compound

herbal medicine 60 min once every day. Guinea pigs in NS application

group were treated by external application of NS. Guinea pigs in the two

aminophylline-treated groups were treated by external application and

intraperitoneal injection of aminophylline at a dose of 400 mg/kg,

respectively. The guinea pigs were killed and the sera were obtained after

1-day, 7-day and 14-day treatment in the three herb application groups, 7-

day treatment in the NS application group, the aminophylline application and

injection groups, respectively. Serum pharmacological method was used to

do the experiment, the effects of different sera on the constriction of

tracheal strips were observed, and the constriction rates were calculated.

Result: The serum containing herbs had an effect in reducing the

constriction of tracheal spiral strips induced by Ach, and the effect was

similar to that of the serum obtained from the aminophylline injection group.

The constriction rate of the tracheal spiral strips was decreased when

herbal application treatment was prolonged within a period of time, and it

became stable when herbal application treatment was between 7-14 days.

The constriction of tracheal spiral strips induced by Ach could be reduced

remarkably when it was previously treated by serum containing herbs. The

anti-acetylcholine function with a time-dependent effect is one of the

mechanisms of herbal application treatment along meridians for asthma,

and furthermore, herbal application treatment along meridians might be

useful for preventing asthma. PMID: 17214940 [PubMed - in process]

 

[Cytotoxic effects of three kinds of eye drops for Chinese herbal medicines

on various cell lines in vitro] [Article in Chinese] | Li Y, He MF, Huang CL. |

Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Sep;29(9):949-51. Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,

Sun Yat-Sen U, Guangzhou 510060, China. OBJECTIVE: To study the

cytotoxic effects of three kinds of eye drops on human cancer cells and

normal cells. METHODS: Cytotoxic effects of Yuxingcao Eye Drop (YXC),

Gegensu Eye Drop (GGS) and Shuanghuanglian Eye Drop (SHL) on 6 cell

lines (CNE2, Glc-82, HRPE, Fibro, 3T3 and ECV-304) were assayed using

MTF method. And cytotoxic efficacy was evaluated using fifty percent of

inhibitory concentration (IC50). RESULTS: IC50 of YXC to human cancer

cells CNE2 and Glc-82 were (11.5 +/- 0.25) microl/ml and (24.0 +/- 0.8)

microl/ml; to normal cells HRPE, Fibro, 3T3 and ECV-304 were (18.0 +/-

3.5) microl/ml, (52.0 +/- 14.0) microl/ml, (17.5 +/- 3.5) microl/ml and (17.5

+/- 1.3) microl/ml, respectively. IC50 of GGS to CNE2, Glc-82, ECV-304

cells were (9.8 +/- 2.3) microl/ml, (17.0 +/- 5.0) microl/ml and (10.5 +/- 0.95)

microl/ml, respectively. Under the concentration of 100 microl/ml, the

average survival rates of HRPE, Fibro and 3T3 cells were 60.0%, 87.8%

and 58.2%, respectively. IC50 of SHL to CNE2, Glc-82 and HRPE cells

were (18.9 +/- 5.0) microl/ ml, (23.9 +/- 0.6) micorl/ml and (113.9 +/- 25.6)

microl/ml. At the concentration of 100 microl/ml, the average survival rates

of Fibro, 3T3 and ECV-304 Cells were 89.6%, 77.2% and 74.7%. YXC has

evident cytotoxicities to human cancer cells and normal cells. While, GGS

and SHL has not obvious cytotoxic effects to normal cells. Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17212056 [PubMed - in process]

 

[Determination of eleven trace elements in Chinese traditional and herbal

drugs for relieving heat and toxic by FAAS] [Article in Chinese] | Han JT, Liu

YM, Wang H. | Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi. 2006 Oct;26(10):1931-

4. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal U,

Xinyang 464000, China. Chinese traditional herbal drugs for relieving away

heat and toxic were treated with cineration, and the residues were dissolved

by HNO3. Eleven trace elements including, calcium, magnesium,

manganese, copper, iron, zinc, cadmium, lead, cobalt, nickel and chromium

in twenty sample solutions were determined by flame atomic absorption

spectrometry. The results obtained show that the contents of calcium,

magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper are abundant, and the

addition standard recoveries (n=5) were 90%-110%. Publication Types:

English Abstract PMID: 17205756 [PubMed - in process]

 

[Effects of Gymnadenia conopsea alcohol extract on collagen synthesis in

rat lungs exposed to silica and its mechanism of antioxidative stress.][Article

in Chinese] | Wang J, Zeng JB, Zhao XF, Li Q, Wang SX. | Zhong Xi Yi Jie

He Xue Bao. 2007 Jan;5(1):50-5. Dept of Scientific Research, Medical

College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China.E-

mail: wshx-001 Objective: To explore the effects of Gymnadenia

conopsea alcohol extract (GcAE) on the collagen synthesis in rat lungs

exposed to silica and the influence on antioxidase activities, level of lipid

peroxidation (LPO). Methods: One hundred and twenty rats were randomly

divided into control group, silica group, and GcAE-treated group. Silicotic

animal models were established by direct tracheal instillation of silica into

rat

lungs surgically. From the second day of model establishment, rats in

GcAE-treated group were orally given GcAE [8 g/(kg.d) corresponding to

raw herb]. At 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 days after establishment of the animal

model, eight rats in each group were sacrificed, and samples were

collected. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase

(SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in plasma were assayed

by a spectrophotometer. Types I and III collagen were detected by Sirius

red polarization and microscopy, and measuered by Image-Pro Plus

Version 4.5 for Windows software. Results: GcAE could reduce the

lung/body weight ratio of rats exposed to silica, the synthesis of types I and

III collagen of the lungs and the level of lipid peroxidation, increase the

activities of SOD and GPx. GcAE can ameliorate the silica-induced

pulmonary fibrosis by increasing the activities of antioxidase and alleviating

the damage of lipid peroxidation to the lungs. PMID: 17214936 [PubMed - in

process]

 

[inhibitory effects of 11 coumarin compounds against growth of human

bladder carcinoma cell line E-J in vitro.][Article in Chinese] | Yang XW, Xu

B, Ran FX, Wang RQ, Wu J, Cui JR. | Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2007

Jan;5(1):56-60. State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs,

School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking U, Beijing 100083, China.E-mail:

wshx-001 Objective: To screen antitumor active compounds,

drug-like or leading compounds from Chinese traditional and herbal drugs.

Methods: Eleven coumarin compounds isolated from the Chinese traditional

and herbal drugs were studied for their antitumor activities in vitro by

determining the inhibition rates against growth of human bladder carcinoma

cell line E-J. Results: It showed that umbelliferone, scoparone,

demethylfuropinarine, isopimpinellin, forbesoside, columbianadin, decursin

and glycycoumarin inhibited the growth of human bladder carcinoma cell

line E-J in vitro and their activities showed a concentration-effect

relationship. The inhibitory effects of forbesoside, columbianadin, decursin

and umbelliferone, with IC50 values of 7.50x10(-7), 2.30x10(-6), 6.00x10(-

6) and 1.30x10(-6) mol/L, respectively, were stronger than those of the

other tested compounds. However, xanthotoxin, esculin and sphondin did

not inhibit the growth of human bladder carcinoma cell line E-J in this assay

condition. Forbesoside, columbianadin, esculin, decursin and umbelliferone

may be effective or regarded as potent drug-like or leading compounds

against human bladder carcinoma. PMID: 17214937 [PubMed - in process]

 

[Predictive role of diagnostic information in treatment efficacy of rheumatoid

arthritis based on neural network model analysis.][Article in Chinese] | Zha

QL, He YT, Yan XP, Su L, Song YJ, Zeng SP, Liu W, Feng XH, Qian X, Zhu

WH, Lin SQ, Lu C, Lu AP. | Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2007 Jan;5(1):32-

8. National Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering Research, Jiangxi U of

TCM, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, China.E-mail: lap

Objective: To analyze the indications of the therapies for rheumatoid

arthritis (RA) with neural network model analysis. Methods: Three hundred

and ninety-seven patients were included in the clinical trial from 9 clinical

centers. They were randomly divided into Western medicine (WM) treated

group, 194 cases; and traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CM) treated

group, 203 cases. A complete physical examination and 18 common clinical

manifestations were prepared before the randomization and after the

treatment. The WM therapy included voltaren extended action tablet,

methotrexate and sulfasalazine. The CM therapy included Glucosidorum

Tripterygii Totorum Tablet and syndrome differentiation treatment. The

American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) was taken as efficacy

evaluation. All data were analyzed on SAS 8.2 statistical package. The

relationships between each variable and efficacy were analyzed, and the

variables with P<0.2 were included for the data mining analysis with neural

network model. All data were classified into training set (75%) and

verification set (25%) for further verification on the data-mining model.

Results: Eighteen variables in CM and 24 variables in WM were included in

the data-mining model. In CM, morning stiffness, swollen joint number,

peripheral immunoglobulin M (IgM) level, tenderness joint number,

tenderness, rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP) and joint pain

were positively related to the efficacy, and disease duration and more

urination at night negatively related to the efficacy. In WM, erythrocyte

sedimentation rate (ESR), weak waist, white fur in tongue, joint pain, joint

stiffness and swollen joint were positively related to the efficacy, and yellow

fur in tongue, red tongue, white blood negatively related to the efficacy. In

the analysis with the neural network model in the patients of verification set,

the predictive response rates of 20% patients would be 100% and 90% in

the treatment with CM and WM, respectively. Neural network model

analysis, based on the full clinical trial data with collection of both TCM and

modern medicine diagnostic information, shows a good predictive role for

the information in the efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis. PMID: 17214933

[PubMed - in process]

 

[Regulatory effect of wenyang shengling decoction on Smads expressions

in testis of sterile rats with Shen-yang deficiency] [Article in Chinese] | Ma

J,

Wang ZR, Lu ZF. | Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006

Dec;26(12):1107-13. Dept of TCM, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical

U, Xi'an. OBJECTIVE: To study the localization and distribution of

expressions of Smads (mother against dpp), the intracellular signal

transduction molecules in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)

family, in the testis of male sterile rats with Shen-yang deficiency induced by

adenine and to observe the effect of Wenyang Shengjing Decoction (WSD)

on these expressions. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into the

control group, the model group and the WSD group. Localization and

distribution of Smad 1, Smad 2 and Smad 4 expressions were detected by

immunohistochemistry SABC and semi-quantitative RT-PCR and analyzed

statistically by image analysis system; the contents of testosterone (T),

luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were

detected by radioimmunoassay; and the weights of body, testis and

epididymis, as well as sperm number of rats were also measured.

RESULTS: Smad 1 and Smad 2 were expressed in cytoplasm of all levels

of spermatogenic cells in rats' testis with their positive immuno-responsive

substance locating in the cytoplasm, and positive Smad 2 expression could

also be found in cytoplasm of Sertoli's cell, but both of them showed

negative response in Leydig's cell; Smad 4 was positively expressed in

cytoplasm of Leydig's cell but showed negative response in spermatogenic

cell and Sertoli's cell. Compared with the normal control, Smad 1

expression was lower (P < 0.05), but Smad 2 and Smad 4 were higher in

the model group (both P < 0.05), these abnormal changes could be

reversed by WSD treatment (all P < 0.05). Compared with the normal

control group, the body weight, sperm number and serum T level were

lower, and levels of FSH and LH were higher (all P < 0.05) in the model

group, which could all be improved by WSD (P < 0.05); the weights of testis

and epididymis were unchanged in all groups (P > 0.05). WSD could not

only increase the sperm number through elevating serum T level and

decreasing the levels of FSH and LH, but also by way of regulating Smads

genes expression to adjust the levels of sex hormones, promote the

production of sperm directly or indirectly, so as to treat male infertility.

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17205824 [PubMed - in process]

 

[Research on different processings of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi] [Article

in Chinese] | Song SH, Wang BL, Feng JK, Wang ZZ. | Zhong Yao Cai.

2006 Sep;29(9):893-5. Shanxi Normal U, Xi' an 710062, China.

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the different processings of S. baicalensis Georgi

with fresh herb. METHODS: Watering, cooking and steaming method were

adopted and the contents of flavonoids was determined by HPLC.

RESULTS: Cooking and steaming method could not only intenerate the

slices, but also destroy the activity of enzyme. So different means could be

choosen according to practice. Among them, cooking method with 1 time

volume of water, heating 10 min, drying at 80 degrees C and steaming

method taking 20 min, drying at 80 degrees C is proper. Publication Types:

English Abstract PMID: 17212039 [PubMed - in process]

 

[study on the Chinese herbal formula for treatment of vaginitis and the

antimicrobial activity in murine models] [Article in Chinese] | Fu TT, Wu JY,

Wang L, Ma Y, Wang Y, Liu Y, Ding H. | Zhong Yao Cai. 2006

Sep;29(9):931-6. Dept of Pharmacology, Wuhan U, Wuhan 430072, China.

OBJECTIVE: To study on the various proportions of Radix Sophorae

Flavescentis, Cortex Phellodendri, Fructus Cnidii and pericarp of

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim in the formulas, whose antimicrobial

effects on E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans under different

pH values were compared in vitro. METHODS: According to Chinese

ancient proved recipe, the K-B method and plate diluting method were

adopted to measure antimicrobial activity, and orthogonal design to

ascertain the herbal formula in vitro. Finally, murine models were

established to test the antimicrobial activity in vivo through vaginal

membrane irritancy experiment, negative rate of pathogeny and

pathological grade of vaginal membrane. RESULTS: The results suggested

that formulas with different proportions of the herbs had diverse

antimicrobial activities, and the effect was shown to be most obvious when

one milliliter drug contains 100 microl Fructus Cnidii-pericarp of

Zanthoxylum bungeanum (2:1) co-extracted volatile oil and 50 microl Radix

Sophorae Flavescentis and Cortex Phenodendri ethanol extraction

respectively under pH6. The antimicrobial effect of the formula, which hardly

had any membrane irritancy, was better than Jie Eryin in vitro and vivo. The

fromula has few components and better effect, and adaptation to the pH

value of vaginitis. It is a promising alternative for gynecological diseases.

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17212052 [PubMed - in process]

 

A retrospective case-control study of the use of hormone-related

supplements and association with breast cancer. | Rebbeck TR, Troxel AB,

Norman S, Bunin GR, Demichele A, Baumgarten M, Berlin M, Schinnar R,

Strom BL. | Int J Cancer. 2007 Jan 4; [Epub ahead of print] Center for

Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, U of Pennsylvania School of

Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. Hormone-related supplements (HRS), many of

which contain phytoestrogens, are widely used to manage menopausal

symptoms, yet their relationship with breast cancer risk has generally not

been evaluated. We evaluated whether use of HRS was associated with

breast cancer risk, using a population-based case-control study in 3

counties of the Philadelphia metropolitan area consisting of 949 breast

cancer cases and 1,524 controls. Use of HRS varied significantly by race,

with African American women being more likely than European American

women to use any herbal preparation (19.2% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.003) as well

as specific preparations including black cohosh (5.4% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.003),

ginseng (12.5% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001) and red clover (4.7% vs. 0.6%, p <

0.001). Use of black cohosh had a significant breast cancer protective effect

(adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.70). This association was similar

among women who reported use of either black cohosh or Remifemin (an

herbal preparation derived from black cohosh; adjusted odds ratio 0.47,

95% CI: 0.27-0.82). The literature reports that black cohosh may be

effective in treating menopausal symptoms, and has antiestrogenic,

antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. Additional confirmatory studies

are required to determine whether black cohosh could be used to prevent

breast cancer. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. PMID: 17205521 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Anti-hyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum

in the Zucker fatty rat. | Megalli S, Davies NM, Roufogalis BD. | J Pharm

Pharm Sci. 2006;9(3):281-91. Fac of Pharmacy and Herbal Medicines

Research and Education Centre U of Sydney, Building Al5, Sydney NSW

2006. smegalli Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a TCM

used for a variety of conditions, including elevated cholesterol. We have

examined the pharmacological anti-hyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic

effectiveness of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the obese Zucker fatty

diabetic rat model. After treatment for 4 days Gynostemma pentaphyllum

250 mg/kg reduced triglyceride (33%), total cholesterol, (13%) and low

density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (33%). These effects were dose-

dependent and maintained for at least 5 weeks. Chronic treatment for 3-5

weeks also reduced post-prandial hypertriglyceridemia induced by olive oil

10 mg/kg in the Zucker fatty rats but had no significant effect in lowering

sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in Sprague-Dawley rats. A novel regulation

by Gynostemma of glucose levels was also observed in the Zucker fatty rat

model. In a glucose tolerance test in obese and lean Zucker rats

pretreatment with Gynostemma pentaphyllum 250 mg/kg demonstrated

glucose levels were significantly less 2 hours post challenge (20%) in the

Gynostemma pentaphyllum obese rats compared to the control group.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum did not significantly reduce glucose levels at

120 min in the lean strain, in contrast to the 20% decrease seen in the

obese rat. In vitro, Gynostemma pentaphyllum inhibited alpha-glucosidase

activity (50% inhibition at 42.8), which compared to acarbose (50% at 53.9

microg/mL). The improvement in glucose tolerance at 120 min by

Gynostemma pentaphyllum in obese Zucker fatty rats but not lean rats

suggests that it may improve insulin receptor sensitivity and together with

the significant reduction of hypertriglyceridemia, cholesterol and low density

lipoprotein cholesterol suggests that Gynostemma should be examined

further by oral hypoglycemic/anti-hyperlipidemic therapy. PMID: 17207412

[PubMed - in process]

 

Chemical versus surgical sphincterotomy for chronic fissure in ano. |

Hashmat A, Ishfaq T. | J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2007 Jan;17(1):44-7.

Dept of Surgery, DHQ /Allied Hospital (PMC), Faisalabad. Objective: To

evaluate the efficacy and costs of chemical (topical glyceryl trinitrate

ointment) versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic

anal fissure. Design: A quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of

Study: This study was conducted at D.H.Q. /Allied Hospital, Faisalabad from

November 2001 to October 2003. Patients and Methods: Out of 74 patients,

topical treatment was applied to 46. Eighteen patients never followed this

modality of treatment so were excluded from the study. The remaining 28

patients applied 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment on their anal verge thrice-a-

day for two months. The patients in urgency due to pain or refused topical

modality were treated by surgical sphincterotomy. Twenty-eight patients

were allocated to undergo surgical sphincterotomy. The patients were

followed-up and the extent of improvement in presenting symptoms, side

effects, complications and costs of these modalities were noted on the

questionnaires. Results: Chemical sphincterotomy relieved symptoms only

in 18 (64.3%) patients while surgical sphincterotomy relieved 28 (100%)

patients. In the former, recurrence occurred in 6 (33.3%) patients, but in the

later group incontinence of flatus/ faeces was present in 18 (64.3%) at first

week which resolved by eighth weeks. Wound related complications in 4

(14.2%) cases were noted. Average costs of treatments excluding hospital

expenditures were Rs. 164 and Rs. 1244 respectively. Topical modality

proved to be cost-effective and non-invasive than the surgical modality, but

later was superior regarding healing of anal fissures. PMID: 17204220

[PubMed - in process]

 

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a Treatment for

Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. | Brien S, Lewith GT,

McGregor G. | J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):981-93.

Complementary Medicine Research Unit, Primary Medical Care, U of

Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, United

Kingdom. Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent

musculoskeletal disorder. Conventional treatment (i.e., the use of

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs) is associated with well-

documented adverse effects. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) a

traditional South African herbal remedy used for rheumatic conditions, may

be a safer treatment option. To date, 14 clinical trials have assessed its

efficacy/ effectiveness in OA. Aim: To address the two main questions of

importance to clinicians: (1) Does Devil's Claw work for the treatment of OA,

and (2) Is it safe? Methods: A review of the literature on Devil's Claw and

OA from 1966 to 2006 was performed using multiple search databases,

monographs, and citation tracking. Relevant trials in all languages were

identified and included. Both internal validity (i.e., adequacy of the dosage

and period of treatment for this condition, reporting of randomization, rates

of dropout, blinding, and statistical analysis) and external validity (i.e.,

inclusion/ exclusion criteria, baseline characteristics of the study

populations, trial setting, and the appropriateness of the outcome measures

of the trials) were assessed. Results: Fourteen studies were identified: eight

observational studies; 2 comparator trials (1 open, the other randomized to

assess clinical effectiveness); and 4 double-blinded, placebo-controlled,

randomized controlled trials to assess efficacy. Many of the published trials

lacked certain important methodological quality criteria. However, the data

from the higher quality studies suggest that Devil's Claw appeared effective

in the reduction of the main clinical symptom of pain. The assessment of

safety is limited by the small populations generally evaluated in the clinical

studies. From the current data, Devil's Claw appears to be associated with

minor risk (relative to NSAIDs), but further long-term assessment is

required. The methodological quality of the existing clinical trials is

generally

poor, and although they provide some support, there are a considerable

number of methodologic caveats that make further clinical investigations

warranted. The clinical evidence to date cannot provide a definitive answer

to the two questions posed: (1) Does it work? And (2) is it safe? A definitive

high-quality trial that addresses the necessary methodologic improvements

noted is needed to answer these important clinical questions. PMID:

17212570 [PubMed - in process]

 

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of

Central Kenya. | Njoroge GN, Bussmann RW. | J Ethnopharmacol. 2006

Dec 1; [Epub ahead of print] Jomo Kenyatta U of Agriculture and

Technology, Botany Dept, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya. Skin health is

increasingly becoming an important aspect of primary health care among

many communities particularly because of the increased challenge of HIV-

AIDS, skin conditions being among the common opportunistic diseases in

immuno-compromised individuals. This study investigated the use of

traditional remedies in managing various skin conditions in the Central

Province of Kenya. Fifty-seven plant species in 31 families were identified

as regularly utilized. Of these plants 27 species had a frequency of three

and above. Some of the highly utilized plant species include: Croton

megalocarpus Hutch., Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby,

Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., Croton macrostachyus Del. and Aloe

secundifolia Engl. In the majority of the cases the sap or occasionally the

latex was applied directly on the affected areas. In other cases the plant

parts were heated and used as poultice. Only in few conditions were the

plant parts boiled and the extract used for washing affected areas, probably

acting as antiseptic. This study found that 14 skin conditions were

commonly managed using herbal preparations. Of these conditions nine (9)

had informant consensus of 0.5 and above, with the highest consensus

found in management of swellings and skin sores. Soils were also cited as

an important non-plant resource for management of skin conditions

especially those associated with measles. Since most skin conditions are

caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, the

medicinal plants and other resources reported in this study form a justifiable

basis for antimicrobial trials, pharmacological and phytochemical analysis,

with promising results. PMID: 17207950 [PubMed - as supplied by

publisher]

 

Fingerprinting quality control of Qianghuo by high-performance liquid

chromatography-photodiode array detection. | Jiang F, Tao Y, Shao Y. | J

Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 1; [Epub ahead of print] Northwest Plateau

Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China;

Graduate U of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China. A

novel, simple and accurate fingerprint method was developed using high-

performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-

DAD) for the quality control of Qianghuo, a Tibetan folk and Chinese herbal

medicine used as a diaphoretic, an antifebrile and an anodyne. For the first

time, the feasibility and advantages of employing chromatographic

fingerprint were investigated and demonstrated for the evaluation of

Qianghuo by systematically comparing chromatograms of aqueous extracts

with the professional analytical software recommended by State Food and

Drug Administration (SFDA). Our results revealed that the chromatographic

fingerprint combing similarity evaluation could efficiently identify and

distinguish raw herbs of Qianghuo from different sources and different

species. The effects on Notopterygium forbesii Boiss (Apiaceae)

chromatographic fingerprints resulted from collecting locations, harvesting

time were also examined. PMID: 17207951 [PubMed - as supplied by

publisher]

 

Flavonoid aglycones and phytosterols from the Erigeron acris L. herb. |

Nazaruk J. | Acta Pol Pharm. 2006 Jul-Aug;63(4):317-9. Dept of

Pharmacognosy, Medical U of Bialystok Mickiewicza 2A Str., 15-089

Biatystok, Poland. nazaruk Four flavonoid aglycones

(apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin) were isolated from methanolic

extract from the herb of Erigemn acris L. (Asteraceae). In this extract five

phytosterols (campesterol, chondrillasterol, stigmast-7-en-3-

ol(5alpha,3alpha), stigmasterol and spinasterone) were also identified.

PMID: 17203871 [PubMed - in process]

 

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 reduces stress sensitivity, ROS accumulation

and expression of catalase and glutathione S-transferase 4 in

Caenorhabditis elegans. | Kampkotter A, Pielarski T, Rohrig R, Timpel C,

Chovolou Y, Watjen W, Kahl R. | Pharmacol Res. 2006 Nov 26; [Epub

ahead of print] Institute of Toxicology, Heinrich-Heine U, P.O. Box 101007,

40001 Dusseldorf, Germany. The standardised extract EGb761 from the

leaves of Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal dietary supplement and it is

used as a phytopharmacon for the therapy of diverse cerebral

insufficiencies. The beneficial impact of EGb761 is believed to be conferred

by diverse biological actions under physiological conditions as well as in

response to stress. In this study we examined effects of EGb761 in the

model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. EGb761 reduced the body size

but did not affect the reproduction of C. elegans. In fluorescence-based

assays performed in microtiter plates we demonstrated the protective action

of EGb761 by the increase of resistance to thermal stress and the

attenuation of ROS accumulation under conditions of thermal stress in

single living worms. Under normal conditions the lifespan of the worms was

extended by the EGb761 supporting the beneficial effects found under

stress conditions. In a reporter gene approach using individual living worms

the expression of the stress-inducible glutathione S-transferase 4 was

shown to be reduced by EGb761 under physiological conditions as well as

under oxidative stress. EGb761 also led to a decrease in transcription of the

stress-inducible catalase genes. The beneficial impact of EGb791 on

resistance to thermal stress and lifespan in C. elegans is at least partially

due to its ability to relieve oxidative stress. PMID: 17207635 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Hepatoprotection of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis against experimentally

induced liver injury in rats. | Asha VV, Sheeba MS, Suresh V, Wills PJ. |

Fitoterapia. 2006 Nov 16; [Epub ahead of print] Molecular

Ethnopharmacology Lab, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology,

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695014, India. The hexane extract of

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis (200 and 100 mg/kg) showed significant

hepatoprotection on carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide induced liver

damage in rats. The protective effect was evident from serum biochemical

parameters and histopathological analysis. Rats treated with P.

maderaspatensis remarkably prevented the elevation of serum AST, ALT

and LDH and liver lipid peroxides in CCl(4) and thioacetamide treated rats.

Hepatic glutathione levels significantly increased by the treatment with the

extracts. Histopathological changes induced by CCl(4) and thioacetamide

were also significantly reduced by the extract treatment. The activity of

hexane extracts of P. maderaspatensis was comparable to that of silymarin,

the reference hepatoprotective drug. PMID: 17210231 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Hepatoprotective herbal drug, silymarin from experimental pharmacology to

clinical medicine. | Pradhan SC, Girish C. | Indian J Med Res. 2006

Nov;124(5):491-504. Dept of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Institute of

Postgraduate Medical Education & Research Pondicherry, India. Silymarin,

a flavonolignan from 'milk thistle' (Silybum marianum) plant is used almost

exclusively for hepatoprotection and amounts to 180 million US dollars

business in Germany alone. In this review we discuss about its safety,

efficacy and future uses in liver diseases. The use of silymarin may replace

the polyherbal formulations and will avoid the major problems of

standardization, quality control and contamination with heavy metals or

bacterial toxins. Silymarin consists of four flavonolignan isomers namely-

silybin, isosilybin, silydianin and silychristin. Among them, silybin being the

most active and commonly used. Silymarin is orally absorbed and is

excreted mainly through bile as sulphates and conjugates. Silymarin offers

good protection in various toxic models of experimental liver diseases in

laboratory animals. It acts by antioxidative, anti-lipid peroxidative,

antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, membrane stabilizing, immunomodulatory

and liver regenerating mechanisms. Silymarin has clinical applications in

alcoholic liver diseases, liver cirrhosis, Amanita mushroom poisoning, viral

hepatitis, toxic and drug induced liver diseases and in diabetic patients.

Though silymarin does not have antiviral properties against hepatitis virus, it

promotes protein synthesis, helps in regenerating liver tissue, controls

inflammation, enhances glucuronidation and protects against glutathione

depletion. Silymarin may prove to be a useful drug for hepatoprotection in

hepatobiliary diseases and in hepatotoxicity due to drugs. The non

traditional use of silymarin may make a breakthrough as a new approach to

protect other organs in addition to liver. As it is having a good safety

profile,

better patient tolerability and an effective drug at an affordable price, in

near

future new derivatives or new combinations of this drug may prove to be

useful. PMID: 17213517 [PubMed - in process]

 

Herbal care for reproductive health: Ethno medicobotany from Uttara

Kannada district in Karnataka, India. | Hegde HV, Hegde GR, Kholkute SD. |

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Feb;13(1):38-45. Epub 2006 Nov 17.

Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR), Nehru Nagar, Belgaum 590

010, Karnataka, India. Traditional herbal medicine is predominantly

practiced by the rural people of India, especially remote areas such as the

Uttara Kannada District in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Local traditional

healers play an important role in the management of reproductive health

problems of the native population due to socio-economical and

geographical factors. In the present study, 92 traditional medicine

practitioners/healers from various regions of Uttara Kannada district were

interviewed to collect information on the use of herbal treatments for a

range of female and male reproductive disorders. Information was also

collected on the method of preparation, dose and duration along with the

botanical names, family and local names of the medicinal plants. The plants

were then collected and identified. A total of 18 formulations from 25 plant

species belonging to 17 families were identified, which are commonly used

to treat 12 different reproductive ailments. This study identifies herbal

remedies not previously documented, that are used by indigenous people in

the treatment of reproductive disorders. Additionally, the paper highlights

the need to retain and explore the rich biodiversity associated with Indian

rain forests that may result in the discovery of new medical treatments.

Finally, this paper notes the continuing reliance on herbal medicines and

healing traditions by local people in remote areas. Understanding and

working with local healers and tribes provides a unique opportunity to learn

about the use of potentially new herbal and plant medications. PMID:

17210510 [PubMed - in process]

 

Herbal remedy in the treatment of malaria: cross sectional survey of

residents of Lagos State, Nigeria. | Idowu ET, Mafe MA, Otubanjo OA,

Adeneye AK. | Afr J Med Med Sci. 2006 Jun;35(2):149-53. Public Health

Division, Nigerian Instiute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos.

etidowu Semi structured questionnaires. designed to capture

information on the type. composition, method of preparation. dosage, mode

of administration. and frequency of use of herbal preparations in malaria

treatment, were administered to 1,593 adults of the 3 main ethnic groups

and a forth group comprising other smaller ethnic groups designated as

" others " , all resident in Lagos metropolis in a cross sectional survey. The

1,593 respondents were made up of 892 males and 701 females and their

ages ranged from 19 to 60 years. A high percentage in all the ethnic groups

especially the Yorubas admitted to the use of herbs in treating malaria

[Yoruba (69%), Hausa (47%). others (32%) and Igbo (30%)1. Effectiveness

of herbs in treating malaria episodes featured as the major factor for their

use. as claimed by the majority (>50%) of the respondents in each of the

ethnic groups, while cost consideration was the next most important factor.

Other factors mentioned included the absence of side effect in herbal use.

to avoid the itchy side effect and ineffectiveness of chloroquine and some

other anti-malarials. An appreciable percentage across the ethnic groups

had no idea of the constituents of the herbal remedies they use for treating

their malaria episodes since they buy these from traditional herbalists.

Varied combinations of these herbs in combination with different types of

fruits and other substances are claimed to be used, the main ones of which

are Azardiracha indica and pineapple. A large majority of respondents in all

the ethnic groups claimed to use the same herbs for the treatment and

prevention of malaria and great improvement is experienced after use

[Hausas (90%). Igbos (83%). Yorubas (77%) and the others (88%)]. There

is usually no specific dose or dose regimen. however a high proportion in all

the ethnic groups use herbal preparation thrice a day and a few of the

respondents take unspecified measures at arbitrary intervals. The lack of

standards in the use of these herbal preparations needs to be urgently

addressed especially as use continued until the malaria symptoms and

signs are deemed to have disappeared. There is also need to standardize

the usage of herbs if they are to play a significant role in malaria prevention

and treatment. PMID: 17209310 [PubMed - in process]

 

In vitro study of elements in herbal remedies. | Szentmihalyi K, Hajdu M,

Fodor J, Kotai L, Blazovics A, Somogyi A, Then M. | Biol Trace Elem Res.

2006 Winter;114(1-3):143-50. Institute of Material and Environmental

Chemistry, Chemical Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences,

1525 Budapest, P.O. Box 17, Hungary. Decreased glucose tolerance is a

first sign of diabetes mellitus and therefore rigorous control must be taken in

carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Herbal remedies (lyophilized extracts

of Myrtilli folium and Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus (L1), Myrtilli folium,

Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus, and Salviae folium (L2) are traditionally

used in mid-European folk medicine and in common adjuvant therapy for

the prevention of complications in type 2 diabetes. Significant iron (355.7 +/-

13.8 mg/kg) and zinc (84.73 +/- 1.83 mg/kg) concentration was found in L1

and chromium (3.82 +/- 2.71 mg/kg) in L2. Ion concentrations in teas made

from L1 and L2 are relatively low because the quantities of metal ions in

teas do not cover the daily need, although the teas are good sources for

some elements. According to the Recommended Daily Allowances, the tea

of L1 is a good source for iron and manganese, whereas for chromium, the

tea of L2 is better. For evaluating the element bioavailability, an in vitro

dialysis system was applied to determine the element transfer from tea of

the lyophilized sample to the plasma (buffer pH=7.4). Measurements

showed that the elements transferred between 6.90% (iron from tea of L2)

and 90.05% (chromium from tea of L2) through the membrane from teas to

the plasma. Metal ions in teas of herbal remedies might contribute to the

favorable therapeutic effect of preventing complications, because they

might transfer through the membranes in relatively high percentages. PMID:

17205997 [PubMed - in process]

 

Neuro-ontological interpretation of spiritual experiences. | Frecska E, Luna

LE. | Neuropsychopharmacol Hung. 2006 Oct;8(3):143-153. National

Institute for Nervous and Mental Diseases, Budapest, Hungary. The

prevailing neuroscientific paradigm considers information processing within

the central nervous system as occurring through hierarchically organized

and interconnected neural networks. The hierarchy of neural networks

doesn't end at the neuroaxonal level; it incorporates subcellular

mechanisms as well. When the size of the hierarchical components reaches

the nanometer range and the number of elements exceeds that of the

neuroaxonal system, an interface emerges for a possible transition between

neurochemical and quantum physical events. " Signal nonlocality " , accessed

by means of quantum entanglement is an essential feature of the quantum

physical domain. The presented interface may imply that some

manifestations of altered states of consciousness, unconscious/conscious

shifts have quantum origin with significant psychosomatic implications.

Healing methods based on altered states of consciousness and common in

spiritual or shamanic traditions escape neuroscientific explanations based

on classical cognition denoted here as " perceptual-cognitive-symbolic "

(characteristic of ordinary states of consciousness). Another channel of

information processing, called " direct-intuitive-nonlocal " (characteristic of

non-ordinary states of consciousness) is required to be introduced for

interpretation. The first one is capable of modeling via symbolism and is

more culturally bound due to its psycholinguistic features. The second

channel lacks the symbolic mediation, therefore it has more transcultural

similarity and practically ineffable for the first one, though culture specific

transliteration may occur. Different traditional healing rituals pursue the

same end: to destroy " profane " sensibility. The ritual use of hallucinogens,

the monotonous drumming, the repeated refrains, fatigue, fasting, dancing

etc., create a sensory condition which is wide open to the so-called

" supernatural " . According to contemporary anthropological views, the

breakdown of ordinary sensibility/cognition is not the ultimate goal, but the

way to accomplish healing, that is psychointegration in the widest sense.

From the perspective of system theory, integration needs information to be

brought into the system. According to the presented model, when the

coping capability of the " perceptual-cognitive-symbolic " processing is

exhausted in a stressful, unmanageable situation, or its influence is

eliminated by the use of hallucinogens or in case of transcendental

meditation, a frame shift occurs, and the " spiritual universe " opens up

through the " direct-intuitive-nonlocal " channel. There is little chance either

for a psychointegrative effect, or for a meaningful " opening " without ritual

context, and with the recreational use of mind altering strategies. Keywords:

altered states of consciousness, cognition, cytoskeleton,

dimethyltryptamine, ethnopharmacology, hallucinogenic agents, ritual

healing. PMID: 17211049 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Ocular adverse effects associated with systemic medications : recognition

and management. | Santaella RM, Fraunfelder FW. | Drugs. 2007;67(1):75-

93. Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science U, Portland, Oregon,

USA. This article reviews several retrospective case series and reported

adverse events regarding common ocular adverse effects related to

systemic therapy. It is not intended as a comprehensive summary of these

well described adverse drug reactions, nor is it intended to cover the

complete spectrum of all ocular adverse effects of systemic therapy. Many

systemic drugs may produce ocular toxicity, including bisphosphonates,

topiramate, vigabatrin, isotretinoin and other retinoids, amiodarone,

ethambutol, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, tamoxifen, quetiapine,

cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, erectile dysfunction agents and some

herbal medications. For this review, the certainty of the adverse effect

profile of each medication was evaluated according to the WHO Causality

Assessment Guide.A certain relationship has been established for

pamidronate and alendronate as causes of scleritis, uveitis, conjunctivitis

and blurred vision. Topiramate has been established as adversely causing

symptoms consistent with acute angle-closure glaucoma, typically bilateral.

Vigabatrin has been shown to cause bilateral irreversible visual field defects

attributed to underlying medication-induced retinal pathology. Isotretinoin

should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with

pseudotumour cerebri. Patients taking amiodarone and hydroxychloroquine

should be monitored and screened regularly for development of optic

neuropathy and maculopathy, respectively. Sildenafil has been reported to

cause several changes in visual perception and is a possible, not yet

certain, cause of anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Patients taking

tamoxifen should also be monitored for development of dose-dependent

maculopathy and decreased colour vision. COX-2 inhibitors should be

included in the differential diagnosis of reversible conjunctivitis. Several

herbal medications including canthaxanthine, chamomile, datura,

Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba and liquorice have also been associated

with several ocular adverse effects. It is the role of all healthcare

professionals to detect, treat and educate the public about adverse

reactions to medications as they are an important health problem. PMID:

17209665 [PubMed - in process]

 

Prevention of hepatic oxidative injury by Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang in mice. |

Tseng SH, Chien TY, Tzeng CF, Lin YH, Wu CH, Wang CC. | J

Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 1; [Epub ahead of print] School of Pharmacy,

College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical U, 250 Wu-Xing Street, Taipei 110,

Taiwan, ROC. The three purgative Cheng-Chi-Tang decoctions (CCTDs)

including Ta-Cheng-Chi-Tang (TCCT), Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang (XCCT), and

Tiao-Wei-Chen-Chi-Tang (TWCCT) are used for treating gastrointestinal

disorders, including liver diseases in TCM. However, the underlying

mechanisms as liver disease remedies are far from fully clarified. The

objective of the study is to investigate and compare the antioxidant activity

of the three purgative CCTDs in order to delineate their hepatic protective

potential and mechanism. Antioxidant activity measured with the 1,1-

diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test indicated XCCT as

the most potent preparation (IC(50) 8.94mug/ml). In tert-butylhydroperoxide

(TBH, 50mM)-induced lipid peroxidation in ICR mice liver homogenates,

XCCT also showed stronger and dose-dependent inhibitory activity against

TBH-induced malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation)

production (IC(50) 53.66mug/ml). In addition, XCCT showed dose-

dependent protective effect against TBH-induced cytotoxicity in normal

human Chung liver cells Furthermore, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-

induced acute liver injury model, mice pretreated with 0.2g/kg and 0.4g/kg

of XCCT extracts showed a decrease of 59.8 and 43.1% in serum glutamic

oxaloactetic transaminase (GOT) level, 51.4 and 52% in glutamic pyruvate

transaminase (GPT) level, along with a reduction of 31 and 15% in MDA

level, respectively, similar to the effects exerted by silymarin. XCCT

pretreated mice also showed milder necrotic changes in the microscopic

picture of the liver. XCCT has significant antioxidant activity and hepatic

protection potential. PMID: 17207593 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Preventive effect of kami-untan-to on performance in the forced swimming

test in thiamine-deficient mice: Relationship to functions of

catecholaminergic neurons. | Nakagawasai O, Yamadera F, Iwasaki K,

Asao T, Tan-No K, Niijima F, Arai H, Tadano T. | Behav Brain Res. 2007

Jan 4; [Epub ahead of print] Dept of Pharmacology, Tohoku Pharmaceutical

U, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan. The kampo

(Japanese herbal) medicine " kami-untan-to " (KUT) has been used for a

long time in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. We have recently

reported that mice put on a thiamine-deficient (TD) diet exhibit a depressive

behavior and impairment in avoidance learning after 20 days, and that this

impairment was reversed by the chronic administration of KUT. In the

present study, we investigated the effect of KUT on the depressive behavior

observed in TD mice by using the forced swimming test. Our results show

that oral administration of KUT from the 1st day of TD feeding prevented the

increased duration of immobility in TD mice. Administration of KUT from the

10th day of TD feeding also had a beneficial effect on depressive behavior.

To examine the relationship between the potential effects of KUT on

monoaminergic neuronal functions and the depressive behavior observed in

TD mice, we measured the immunohistochemical distribution of tyrosine

hydroxylase (TH) in the brain using microphotometry. The fluorescence

intensity of TH decreased in the limbic cortex and brainstem in TD mice

compared with pair-fed mice as the control group, while KUT treatment

protected against these decreases. KUT treatment may prevent a sign of

depressive behavior, the animal immobility time, induced by TD feeding

through a mechanism that involves the decrease of TH in some brain areas

of TD mice. PMID: 17207867 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Protective effects of magnolol against oxidized LDL-induced apoptosis in

endothelial cells. | Ou HC, Chou FP, Sheu WH, Hsu SL, Lee WJ. | Arch

Toxicol. 2007 Jan 11; [Epub ahead of print] Dept of Education and Medical

Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No. 160, Sec. 3, Taichung-

Kang Road, Taichung, 407, Taiwan, wjlee. a compound

extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Magnolia officinalis, has several

biological effects. However, its protective effects against endothelial injury

remain unclear. In this study, we examined whether magnolol prevents

oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced vascular endothelial

apoptosis. Incubation of oxLDL with magnolol (2.5-20 muM) inhibited

copper-induced oxidative modification via diene formation, thiobarbituric

acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay and electrophoretic mobility assay.

Apoptotic cell death as characterized by terminal deoxynucleotidyl

transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) stain. We measured

the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by using the fluorescent

probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (DCF-AM), and

observed the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, several

apoptotic signaling pathways which showed NF-kappaB activation,

increased cytosolic calcium, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential,

cytochrome c release and activation of caspase 3 were also investigated.

We demonstrated that magnolol prevented the copper-induced oxidative

modification of LDL. Magnolol attenuated the oxLDL-induced ROS

generation and subsequent NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, intracellular

calcium accumulation and subsequent mitochondrial membrane potential

collapse, cytochome c release and activation of caspase 3 caused by

oxLDL were also inhibited by magnolol. Magnolol may have clinical

implications in the prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease through

decreasing the oxLDL-induced ROS production. PMID: 17216433 [PubMed

- as supplied by publisher]

 

Structure elucidation of a novel analogue of sildenafil detected as an

adulterant in an herbal dietary supplement. | Reepmeyer JC, Woodruff JT,

d'Avignon DA. | J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2007 Jan 3; [Epub ahead of print]

US Food and Drug Administration, Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis, St.

Louis, MO 63101, USA. A new analogue of sildenafil was detected in an

herbal dietary supplement, which was sold over the internet and promoted

as a product for the enhancement of sexual performance. The structure of

the compound was established using LC-MS, UV spectroscopy, MS-MS,

and NMR. In addition, the compound was cleaved at its sulfonamide S-N

bond yielding a sulfonic acid and an amine, which were independently

characterized using LC-MS, GC-MS, and derivatization. The compound,

named methisosildenafil, is a novel synthetic analogue of sildenafil in which

the N-methylpiperazine moiety has been replaced with 2,6-

dimethylpiperazine. PMID: 17207601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Successful Treatment of Canine Open Cervix-Pyometra with Yun-Nan-Pai-

Yao, A Chinese Herbal Preparation. | Salgado B, Paramo R, Sumano H. |

Vet Res Commun. 2006 Dec 23; [Epub ahead of print]Dept of

Reproduction, National Autonomous U of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico. No

abstract available PMID: 17216311 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Topical tacrolimus in the treatment of perianal Crohn's disease: Exploratory

randomized controlled trial. | Hart AL, Plamondon S, Kamm MA. | Inflamm

Bowel Dis. 2006 Dec 19; [Epub ahead of print] St. Mark's Hospital, United

Kingdom. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy

of topical tacrolimus in treating perianal Crohn's disease. METHODS:

Nineteen patients, stratified into 7 with ulcerating, and 12 with fistulizing,

perianal Crohn's disease were randomized to topical tacrolimus 1 mg/g (1 g

ointment twice a day [bid]) or placebo for 12 weeks. Sixteen patients had

been on, or were currently taking, azathioprine/6-MP, and 6 had received

infliximab. The primary outcome in ulcerating disease was global

improvement in perianal/anal lesions, as assessed by the attending

physician; for fistulas, it was reduction of >/=50% of actively draining

fistulas

on 2 consecutive visits. Blood tacrolimus levels and adverse events were

assessed. RESULTS: Three of 4 patients treated with topical tacrolimus for

ulcerating disease improved compared with none of 3 in the placebo group.

Complete healing was not achieved. In fistulizing disease, topical tacrolimus

was not beneficial. Two tacrolimus-treated patients developed perianal

abscesses, 1 after improvement in fistula drainage. Adverse events were

otherwise infrequent and mild. Whole blood tacrolimus levels were

detectable in only 2 patients and were low. Topical tacrolimus is effective

and safe in the treatment of perianal or anal ulcerating Crohn's disease.

This therapy is unlikely to be beneficial in fistulizing perianal Crohn's

disease, although a larger study is required to confirm this. (Inflamm Bowel

Dis 2006). PMID: 17206671 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Toxicological study on Glinus lotoides: A traditionally used taenicidal herb in

Ethiopia. | Demma J, Gebre-Mariam T, Asres K, Ergetie W, Engidawork E. |

J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 20; [Epub ahead of print] Dept of

Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa U, Ethiopia. Seeds of

Glinus lotoides L. (Molluginaceae) are used traditionally in the treatment of

tapeworm infestation in Ethiopia. Previous studies on its anthelmintic

activities confirmed its traditional claims, but data on safety profile were

lacking. To this effect, single and repeated dose oral toxicities of the

methanolic extracts of seeds of Glinus lotoides were conducted in rats.

Doses of 0, 1000 and 5000mg/kg of crude extract of Glinus lotoides were

employed in single dose toxicity studies, while doses of 0, 250, 500, and

1000mg/kg were used in repeated toxicity studies. In the single dose toxicity

test, oral administration of 5000mg/kg of Glinus lotoides produced mortality

in two females and one male on day 4. No significant differences in body

and organ weights were observed between controls and treated surviving

animals. Moreover, both gross and microscopic examinations of organs did

not show detectable differences between controls and treated animals of

both sexes. In repeated dose toxicity studies, no mortality was observed

when varying doses of the extracts were administered per day for a period

of 28 days. There were no significant differences in body weight, absolute

and relative organ weights between controls and treated animals of both

sexes. Hematological analysis showed no differences in most parameters

examined. In the biochemistry parameter analysis, no significant change

occurred. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological

changes were observed. These finding suggest that none of the organs

appeared to be target and the data could provide satisfactory preclinical

evidence of safety to launch clinical trial on standardized formulation of plant

extracts. PMID: 17210235 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Trial of Essiac to Ascertain Its Effect in Women with Breast Cancer (TEA-

BC). | Zick SM, Sen A, Feng Y, Green J, Olatunde S, Boon H. | J Altern

Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):971-80. Integrative Medicine, U of

Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Background: Breast cancer is a major cause of

morbidity, mortality, and medical expenditures among women in Canada.

Essiac (Resperintrade mark Canada Limited, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), a

blend of at least four herbs (burdock root [Arctium lappa], Indian rhubarb

[Rheum palmatum], sheep sorrel [Rumex acetosella], and the inner bark of

slippery elm [ulmus fulva or U. rubra]), has become one of the more

popular herbal remedies for breast-cancer treatment, secondary prevention,

improving quality of life, and controlling negative side-effects of conventional

breast-cancer treatment. Objectives: Our primary objective was to

determine the difference in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), as

assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Breast Cancer

Version, between women who are new Essiac users (since breast cancer

diagnosis) and those who have never used Essiac. Secondary endpoints

included differences in depression, anxiety, fatigue, rate of adverse events,

and prevalence of complications or benefits associated with Essiac during

standard breast-cancer treatment. Additionally, we described the pattern of

use of Essiac in this cohort of women. Methods: We performed a

retrospective cohort study in 510 women, randomly chosen from the Ontario

Cancer Tumour Registry, with a diagnosis of primary breast cancer in 2003.

Results: With the exception changes in a Physical well-being subscale and

a relationship with doctor subscale, Essiac did not have a significant effect

on HR-QOL or mood states. Even for Physical well-being and relationship

with doctor, Essiac seemed to have a negative effect, with Essiac users

doing worse than the non-Essiac users. This might be attributed to the fact

that the group of users comprised younger women with more advanced

stages of breast cancer, and both of these subgroups of patients have been

shown to be at a significantly increased risk for negative mood states and/or

a decreased sense of well-being. The women were taking low doses (total

daily dose 43.6 +/- 30.8 mL) of Essiac that corresponded to the label

directions found on most Essiac products. Friends were the most common

source of information, and most women were taking Essiac to boost their

immune systems or increase their chances of survival. Only 2 women

reported minor adverse events, whereas numerous women reported

beneficial effects of Essiac. Essiac does not appear to improve HR-QOL or

mood states. Future studies are needed to determine whether other clinical

outcomes, such as cancer reoccurrence, are affected by Essiac. PMID:

17212569 [PubMed - in process]

 

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