This week's Medline Abstracts on herbal medicine

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Bright JJ. Curcumin and autoimmune disease. Adv Exp Med Biol.

2007;595:425-51. Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Methodist Research

Institute, Clarian Health, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jbright1

The immune system has evolved to protect the host from microbial infection;

nevertheless, a breakdown in the immune system often results in infection,

cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis,

type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, myocarditis, thyroiditis, uveitis,

systemic lupus erythromatosis, and myasthenia gravis are organ-specific

autoimmune diseases that afflict more than 5% of the population worldwide.

Although the etiology is not known and a cure is still wanting, the use of

herbal and dietary supplements is on the rise in patients with autoimmune

diseases, mainly because they are effective, inexpensive, and relatively

safe. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound isolated from the rhizome of the

plant Curcuma longa that has traditionally been used for pain and wound-

healing. Recent studies have shown that curcumin ameliorates multiple

sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease in

human or animal models. Curcumin inhibits these autoimmune diseases by

regulating inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha

and IFN-gamma and associated JAK-STAT, AP-1, and NF-kappaB signaling

pathways in immune cells. Although the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals

are traditionally achieved through dietary consumption at low levels for long

periods of time, the use of purified active compounds such as curcumin at

higher doses for therapeutic purposes needs extreme caution. A precise

understanding of effective dose, safe regiment, and mechanism of action is

required for the use of curcumin in the treatment of human autoimmune

diseases. PMID: 17569223 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Capasso R, Savino F, Capasso F. Effects of the herbal formulation

ColiMil(®) on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice in vivo. Phytother Res.

2007 Jun 20; [Epub ahead of print] Dept of Experimental Pharmacology,

University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples Italy. Clinical evidence

suggests that the herbal formulation ColiMil(®) (which contains Matricaria

recutita flowers extract, Foeniculum vulgare fruit extract and Melissa

officinalis aerial parts extract) is effective in the treatment of colic in

breastfed infants. Therefore the effect of this phytotherapeutic formulation

and its herbal constituents on upper gastrointestinal transit was investigated

in mice in vivo. Oral administration of the herbal formulation (0.4-0.8

mL/mice) dose-dependently delayed upper gastrointestinal transit. Among

the herbal components, Matricaria recutita extract (0.89 and 1.78

mg/mouse) and Melissa officinalis extract (6.46 and 12.92 mg/mouse), but

not Foeniculum vulgare (8.21 and 16.42 mg/mouse), reduced motility

significantly. These results suggest that ColiMil(®) reduces upper

gastrointestinal motility in mice, with a major contribution by Matricaria

recutita and Melissa officinalis. These experimental data may be important

to better understand the observation that the herbal formulation ColiMil(®)

improves colic in breastfed infants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons,

Ltd. PMID: 17582592 [Pubmed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Chen G, Lu FE, Jin D, Xu LJ, Wang KF. Effect of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction

) on glucose transporter 4 expression in adipose and skeletal muscle tissues

of insulin resistant rats. Chin J Integr Med. 2007 Mar;13(1):41-5. Institute of

Integrative TCM and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical

College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction

(HLJDD) on glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expressions in insulin-

resistant murine target tissues. METHODS: The experimental male Wistar

rats were established into insulin resistant models by injecting streptozotocin

(STZ 30 mg/kg) via caudal vein and feeding them with high fat high caloric

diet, and randomly divided into the model group, the aspirin group and the

HLJDD group. Besides, a normal group was set up for control. Changes of

body weight (BW), levels of serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum

fasting insulin (FINS) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were routinely

determined. The expression of GLUT4 protein in adipose and skeletal

muscle tissues before and after insulin stimulation was determined with

Western blot. RESULTS: In the HLJDD group after treatment, BW and FBG

got decreased, OGTT improved, and the expression and translocation of

GLUT4 protein elevated obviously, either before or after insulin stimulation,

as compared with those in the model group, showing significant differences

respectively. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of improving insulin resistance

by HLJDD is probably associated with its effect in elevating GLUT4 protein

expression and translocation in adipose and skeletal muscle tissues of

insulin resistant rats. Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17578317 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Deng H, Tang F. [Protective effect of Renshen Yangrong Decoction on

morphology and structure of mitochondria in brain and liver of subacute

senile mice] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006

Jun;26 Suppl:33-5. Dept of TCM, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical

University, Tianjin (300052). hdeng5588 OBJECTIVE: To study

the effect of Renshen Yangrong Decoction (RYD) in protecting morphology

and structure of mitochondria in brain and liver of D-galactose induced

subacute senile mice. METHODS: Forty ICR mice were randomly divided

into the youth control group, the model group, the high, middle and low-dose

RYD groups. The ultra-structure changes of mitochondria were observed by

electronic microscope, the specific surface area, body density, numerical

density on area, deltammit area and ridge count of mitochondria were

quantitatively analyzed with medical image analyzer. RESULTS: In the

model group, the numbers of mitochondria decreased, mitochondria swelled

and significantly expanded, ridge was fragmented, malformed and dissolved

even vanished. Those manifestations were coincided with the morphological

changes of mitochondria in senile mice. In the different dose of RYD groups,

the numbers of mitochondrion increased, mitochondrion tumid were

significantly improved, senile degenerative changes of ridge and intima were

obviously alleviated in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: RYD can

anti-age by improving the changes of mitochondria structure of liver and

brain accompanied with ageing. Publication Types: English Abstract PMID:

17569341 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Deng H, Tang F. [Protective effect of Renshen Yangrong Decoction on

membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in brain and liver of subacute senile

mice] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Jun;26

Suppl:30-3. Dept of TCM, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University,

Tianjin. hdeng5588 OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Renshen

Yangrong decoction (RYD) in protecting membrane fluidity of mitochondrion

in brain and liver of D-galactose induced subacute senile mice. METHODS:

Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into the youth control group, the

model group, the high, middle and low-dose RYD groups. The membrane

fluidity of mitochondrion in liver and brain cell was measured, and the

malondialdehyde (MDA) content of mitochondrion was determined and

analyzed. RESULTS: In the model group, the membrane fluidity of

mitochondrion in hepatic and cerebral cells significantly decreased, and the

MDA concentration of mitochondrion increased. RYD could significantly

reduce the MDA concentration of mitochondrion, markedly increase the

membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION: RYD plays a role in anti-aging through protecting the

membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in hepatic and cerebral cells and

decreasing the MDA concentration of mitochondrion changing with ageing.

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17569340 [Pubmed - in

process]

 

Dong BF, Fang ZQ, Shi JR. [Effect of Erxian decoction and its subdivisions

on granulosa cells secretory function in rats] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Jun;26 Suppl:122-5. Basic Medical College,

Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the

effects of Erxian Decoction (EXD) and its three subdivisions " Warming

Shen " , " Nourshing Yin " and " Adjusting Chong and Ren " in regulating the

level of estradiol (E2) on the primary cultured granulosa cells. METHODS:

Effect of EXD and its three subdivisions, also part of the effective

components of this formula, icariin and curculigoside, on level of E2 were

carried out using primary cultural granulose cell as the experimental model.

RESULT: EXD and its three subdivisions could stimulate the secretion of

E2, especially the " Warming Shen " group (P <0.05). All the composing of

Chinese herbs of this formula could promote the level of E2 in different

degree, and Rz Curculiginis, Rx Moromade Officinalis, and Hb Epimedii

have the best effects (P <0. 01). CONCLUSION: The regulation of EXD on

the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis may be related to promoting

the secreting of E2 at the site of granulosa cell. The " Warming Shen "

subdivision has the better effect in promoting the secretion of E2. Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17569367 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Fodor JI, Keve T. [New phytotherapical opportunity in the prevention and

treatment of 2-type of diabetes mellitus] [Article in Hungarian] Acta Pharm

Hung. 2006;76(4):200-7. The authors report their preclinical and clinical test

results of an infusion (Diabole) made of dill (Anethum graveolens), nettle

(Urtica dioica) and gingko (Gingko biloba) herbal mixture and accordingly,

this preparation given in right dosages could be suitable for reducing blood

sugar level significantly in II. type of diabetes mellitus. Publication Types:

English Abstract PMID: 17575800 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Jagetia GC. Radioprotection and radiosensitization by curcumin. Adv Exp

Med Biol. 2007;595:301-20. Dept of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical

College, Manipal, India. gc.jagetia This chapter gives an

overview of the radioprotective and radiosensitizing effect of curcumin.

Ionizing radiations interact with biological molecules inducing radiolytic

products like e(aq), *OH, *H, -OH, +H, O2, and peroxides. These free

radicals damage important biomolecules and subsequently inflict deleterious

effects in the organism. Whole-body exposure to ionizing radiations results

in central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow

syndromes, whereas chronic irradiation causes cancer, birth anomalies,

erythema, and dysfunctions to almost all organ of the body depending on the

total dose and site of irradiation. Curcumin (diferuloyl methane), a yellow

pigment present in the rhizomes of turmeric, has been used in Southeast

Asia to give yellow color and flavor to curries. Turmeric has been used to

treat various ailments in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Recently,

it has been evaluated for its radioprotective and radiosensitizing activities.

Curcumin has been found to exert a dual mode of action after irradiation

depending on its dose. It has been reported to protect various study systems

against the deleterious effects induced by ionizing radiation and to enhance

the effect of radiation. Therefore, curcumin can be very useful during

radiotherapy of cancer. Administration of curcumin in patients will be able to

kill the tumor cells effectively by enhancing the effect of radiation and, at

the

same time, protect normal cells against the harmful effects of radiation. The

available information on curcumin suggests that the radioprotective effect

might be due mainly to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit

transcription of genes related to oxidative stress and inflammatory

responses, whereas the radiosensitive activity might be due the upregulation

of genes responsible for cell death. PMID: 17569217 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Kimura Y, Takamatsu K, Fujii A, Suzuki M, Chikada N, Tanada R, Kume Y,

Sato H. Kampo therapy for premenstrual syndrome: Efficacy of

Kamishoyosan quantified using the second derivative of the fingertip

photoplethysmogram. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2007 Jun;33(3):325-32.

Institute of Oriental Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo,

Japan. Aim: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 40-80% of women.

Japanese herbal medicine, known as Kampo, is frequently prescribed for

PMS, so we examined the efficacy of Kamishoyosan using two methods:

first, the second derivative of the fingertip photoplethysmogram (SDPTG)

evaluating vascular age (VA), and second, a self-assessment questionnaire

on subjective symptoms. Methods: The SDPTG was recorded in 45 patients

with PMS (mean +/- SD = 32 +/- 6 years of age) before (0 M), on the first (1

M) and third (3 M) month of therapy. Patients answered a questionnaire (44

questions) on their complaints every month. The reproducibility of the

SDPTG was confirmed with 15 normal volunteers (33 +/- 9 years of age).

Results: In patients with older VA than their chronological age (Age) before

therapy, we found linear correlations of the VA-Age differences at 1 M

versus 0 M (y = 0.45x + 1.59, standard error of estimate [sEE] = 6.13 years),

and at 3 M versus 0 M (y = 0.18x + 4.09, SEE = 6.03 years). The VA-Age

decreased from 11.3 +/- 6.4 (0 M) to 6.6 +/- 6.7 (1 M) and 6.1 +/- 6.0 years

(3 M) (P < 0.01). The score on the self-assessment questionnaires for the

five most frequent symptoms significantly improved from 13.4 +/- 3.3 (0 M)

of 20 to 10.7 +/- 3.9 (1 M) and 8.2 +/- 4.6 (3 M) (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The

improvement of PMS symptoms by Kamishoyosan was quantified by means

of SDPTG and the self-assessment questionnaire. PMID: 17578362

[Pubmed - in process]

 

Laroubi A, Touhami M, Farouk L, Zrara I, Aboufatima R, Benharref A, Chait

A. Prophylaxis effect of Trigonella foenum graecum L. seeds on renal stone

formation in rats. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun 20; [Epub ahead of print]

Laboratory of Animal Physiology Unit of Ecophysiology, CadiâEURAyyad

University, Faculty of Science Semlalia Marrakech, Morocco. Despite

considerable progress in medical therapy, there is no satisfactory drug to

treat kidney stones. Therefore, the current study aimed to look for an

alternative by using Trigonella foenum graecum (Tfg) on nephrolithiasic rats

as a preventive agent against the development of kidney stones, which is

commonly used in Morocco as a phytotherapeutic agent. The inhibitory

effect of the aqueous extract of Tfg seeds was examined on the formation of

calcium oxalate renal stones induced by ethylene glycol (EG) with

ammonium chloride. At the end of the experiment all kidneys were removed

and examined microscopically for possible crystal/stone locations and the

total calcium amount in the renal tissue was evaluated. The blood was

recovered to determine the levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and

urea. The results showed that the amount of calcification in the kidneys and

the total calcium amount of the renal tissue in rats treated with Tfg were

significantly reduced compared with the untreated group. Consequently, Tfg

may be a useful agent in the treatment of patients with calcic urolithiasis.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 17582593 [Pubmed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Li JJ, Li JT, Fu JP. Erxian Tang--introduction of a Chinese herbal formula,

clinical practice, and experimental studies. Chin J Integr Med. 2007

Mar;13(1):67-73. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for

East-West Medicine, USA Erxian Tang is a Chinese herbal formula

developed to treat menopausal syndrome in women. In the past 50 years,

EXT has shown positive efficacy in the treatment of many chronic diseases

in TCM, involving syndrome types of Shen Yin-Yang Xu, Yin-Xu with Yang-

flourishing, and disharmony of Chong-Ren meridian. Experimental studies

have revealed that EXT has multiple pharmacological actions on such

multiple targets as hypothalamus-pituitary-target gland axis, immune

function and free radical metabolism, etc. PMID: 17578324 [Pubmed - in

process]

 

Li QM, Kan FJ, Min CY. [Effects of Weikangning contained serum on growth

of gastric cancer cell, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and

its receptors including KDR and fit-1] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi

Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Jun;26 Suppl:88-92. Dept of TCM, The Second

Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou. OBJECTIVE: To

observe the effect of drug-containing serum of Chinese traditional herbal

decoction Weikangning (WKN) on growth of gastric cancer cell, expression

of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors including

KDR and Flt-1. METHODS: A total of 120 male Wistar rats were given high,

medium and low-dose WKN. After the drug-containing serum was prepared,

the gastric cancer cells MGC-803 of different dose groups were cultured

with the drug-containing serum, respectively. The gastric cell growth was

observed by using light microscope and flow cytometer,the expression of

VEGF and its receptor Flt-1 was detected with SABC immunohistochemistry

method and the mRNA expression levels of VEGF and its receptors

including KDR and Flt-1 of different groups were detected with reverse

transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. RESULTS:

The gastric cancer cell growth and cell cycle of the three medicated groups

were significantly improved as compared with those of the control group (P

<0. 01) ,the proportion of cells in G0 - G1 phase was increased,while the

cells in S phase were decreased. It was shown that the apoptotic rates were

increased in the medicated groups in a dose-dependent manner. The gray

scales ( microm(2) ) of VEGF and Flt-1 in high, medium and low dose

groups was 182. 44 +/-0. 54,178. 65 +/-0. 56,174. 80 +/-0. 81 and 168. 51

+/- 0. 81,162. 01 +/-0. 52,148. 20 +/-0. 69, respectively vs 147.82 +/-0. 15(P

<0.01) and 144.31 +/-0.71 (P <0.01) in the control group. The mRNA

expression of VEGF and its receptors significantly decreased in gastric

cancer cells after cultured with WKN contained serum (P < 0. 01).

CONCLUSION: WKN has inhibitory effects on gastric cancer cell growth and

mRNA expression of VEGF as well as its receptors KDR and Flt-1.

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17569358 [Pubmed - in

process]

 

Li RX, Zhou Y, Li JL, Li J, Chen Y. Clinical study on application of Chinese

herbs during the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Chin

J Integr Med. 2007 Mar;13(1):59-61. Hepatobiliary Dept, Hospital Affiliated to

Panzhihua College, Panzhihua City, Sichuan 617000. OBJECTIVE: To

explore the effect of Chinese herbs during the perioperative period of

laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: 360 patients of chronic

lithic cholecystitis (LCCT) were randomly assigned to two groups by lottery,

180 patients in each group. During the peri-operative period, the control

group was treated with conventional Western medicine and placebo. The

treated group was given the same conventional Western medicine and

Chinese herbal decoctions, with Shitong mixture No. 1 added before LC,

and Liujunzi decoction added after LC for three days. The operation time,

body temperature after LC, white blood cell count, wind-breaking time after

operation, as well as the changes of tongue coating in the first three post-

operative days were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant

difference between the two groups in operation time (P>0.05), while the

improvement in body temperature recovery, wind-breaking time and

changes of tongue coating in the treated group were better than those in the

control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Applying Chinese herbs during

perioperative period of LC could effectively benefit early recovery in such

patients. Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't PMID:

17578321 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Sagar SM, Yance D, Wong RK. Natural health products that inhibit

angiogenesis: a potential source for investigational new agents to treat

cancer-Part 2. Curr Oncol. 2006 Jun;13(3):99-107. Juravinski Cancer Centre

and McMaster University (Dept of Medicine), Hamilton, Ontario. The

herbalist has access to hundreds of years of observational data on the

anticancer activity of many herbs. Laboratory studies are expanding the

clinical knowledge that is already documented in traditional texts. The herbs

that are traditionally used for anti-cancer treatment and that are anti-

angiogenic through multiple interdependent processes (including effects on

gene expression, signal processing, and enzyme activities) include

Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood), Viscum album (European mistletoe),

Curcuma longa (curcumin), Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap),

resveratrol and proanthocyanidin (grape seed extract), Magnolia officinalis

(Chinese magnolia tree), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Ginkgo biloba,

quercetin, Poria cocos, Zingiber officinalis (ginger), Panax ginseng,

Rabdosia rubescens hora (Rabdosia), and Chinese herbs to Resolve

Stagnation. Natural health products target molecular pathways other than

angiogenesis, including epidermal growth factor receptor, the HER2/neu

gene, the cyclo-oxygenase-2 enzyme, the nuclear factor kappa-B

transcription factor, the protein kinases, the Bcl-2 protein, and coagulation

pathways. Quality assurance of appropriate extracts is essential prior to

embarking upon clinical trials. More data are required on dose-response,

appropriate combinations, and potential toxicities. Given the multiple effects

of these agents, their future use for cancer therapy probably lies in

synergistic combinations. During active cancer therapy they should generally

be evaluated in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. In this role,

they act as modifiers of biologic response or as adaptogens, potentially

enhancing the efficacy of the conventional therapies or reducing toxicity.

Their effectiveness may be increased when multiple agents are used in

optimal combinations. New designs for trials to demonstrate activity in

human subjects are required. Although controlled trials may be preferable,

smaller studies with appropriate endpoints and surrogate markers for anti-

angiogenic response could help to prioritize agents for larger, resource-

intensive phase iii trials. PMID: 17576449 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Soberón JR, Sgariglia MA, Sampietro DA, Quiroga EN, Vattuone MA.

Antibacterial activity of plant extracts from northwestern Argentina. J Appl

Microbiol. 2007 Jun;102(6):1450-61. Cátedra de Fitoquímica, Instituto de

Estudios Vegetales Dr. A.R. Sampietro, Facultad de Bioquímica,

Química y Farmacia Universidad Nacional de Tucumán Ayacucho 471

(4000) San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina. AIMS: To determine the

antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of

northwestern Argentinian plants used in folk medicine. To compare the

mentioned activities with those of five commercial antibiotics. To identify the

compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity. METHODS AND

RESULTS: Plant extracts were prepared according to traditional uses in

northwestern Argentina. Antibacterial activity was assayed by agar dilution in

Petri dishes and broth dilution in 96-well plates. Lethal dose 50 (LD(50)) was

determined by the Artemia salina assay. Phytochemical analysis was

performed by sample adsorption on silica gel, thin-layer chromatography

(TLC), bioautography and UV-visible spectra. The results showed that

Tripodanthus acutifolius aqueous extracts have lower minimal inhibitory

concentrations (MIC) (502 and 506ug of extracted material (EM) per ml for

infusion and decoction, respectively) than cefotaxim MIC (640 ug ml(-1))

against Acinetobacterfreundii (303). These data were lower than their

LD(50). Tripodanthus acutifolius tincture showed lower MIC (110 ug of EM

per ml) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (220 ug of EM per ml)

than cefotaxim (MIC and MBC of 320 ug ml(-1)) for

Pseudomonasaeruginosa. This extract also showed a MIC/MBC of 110/220

microg of EM per ml, lower than oxacillin (MIC/MBC of 160/220 ug ml(-1))

for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The cytotoxicity of all extracts

were compared with that of commercial antibiotics. Rutin (3,3',4',5,7-

pentahydroxyflavone 3-beta-rhamnosilglucoside), iso-quercitrin (3,3',4',5,7-

pentahydroxyflavone 3-beta-glucoside) and a terpene would be partially

responsible for the antibacterial activity of T. acutifolius infusion.

CONCLUSIONS: Tripodanthus acutifolius extracts had the ability to inhibit

bacterial growth. The antibacterial activity differs with the applied extractive

method, and it could be partially attributed to glycoflavonoids. This paper

contributes to the knowledge of antibacterial capacity of plants from

northwestern Argentina. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:

These antibacterial activities support further studies to discover new

chemical structures that can contribute to alleviate or cure some illnesses.

Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't PMID: 17578409

[Pubmed - in process]

 

Sun WY, Wei W, Wu L, Gui SY, Wang H. Effects and mechanisms of

extract from Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus on liver

fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Apr

24; [Epub ahead of print] Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical

University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology

in Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese

Medicine in Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China. Paeonia

lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus are two popular TCMs, commonly

used in Chinese herb prescription to treat liver disease. The extract

prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus

(PAE) demonstrated more excellent hepato-protective activity than the

single herbs used individually as indicated in our preliminary studies. The

present study was carried out to investigate the effects of PAE on liver

fibrosis in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and to explore its

possible mechanisms. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley

rats by injection with 50% CCl(4) subcutaneously twice a week for 8 weeks.

At the same time, PAE (40, 80 and 160mg/kg) was administered

intragastrically. Upon pathological examination, the PAE-treated rats

significantly reduced the liver damage and the symptoms of liver fibrosis.

Administration of PAE decreased CCl(4)-induced elevation of serum

transaminase activities, hyaluronic acid, laminin and procollagen type III

levels, and contents of hydroxyproline in liver tissue by approximately 30-

60%. It also restored the decrease in SOD and GSH-Px activites and

inhibited the formation of lipid peroxidative products during CCl(4) treatment.

Moreover, PAE (80, 160mg/kg, ig) decreased the elevation of TGF-beta1 by

47.7% and 53.1%, respectively. In the primary cultured hepatic stellate cells

(HSCs), PAE also significantly decreased [(3)H] thymidine incorporation in

cells stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-B subunit homodimer

(PDGF-BB) and suppressed [(3)H] proline incorporation. These results

suggested that PAE significantly inhibited the progression of hepatic fibrosis

induced by CCl(4), and the inhibitory effect of PAE on hepatic fibrosis might

be associated with its ability to scavenge free radicals, decrease the level of

TGF-beta1 and inhibit collagen synthesis and proliferation in HSCs. PMID:

17574357 [Pubmed - as supplied by publisher]

 

White B. Ginger: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 1;75(11):1689-

91. Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,

California 90033, USA. brett.white Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is

one of the more commonly used herbal supplements. Although often

consumed for culinary purposes, it is taken by many patients to treat a

variety of conditions. Ginger has been shown to be effective for pregnancy-

induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. There is less evidence to

support its use for motion sickness or other types of nausea and vomiting.

Mixed results have been found in limited studies of ginger to treat arthritis

symptoms. PMID: 17575660 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Wu M, Li Z, Yu JE, Lu WW, Ni JX, Xia YL. Multi-centered clinical study on

effects of nano-amomi paste in treating children's anorexia. Chin J Integr

Med. 2007 Mar;13(1):55-8. Dept of TCM, Affiliated Xinhua Hospital of

Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200092.

minwu OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect and safety of nano-

Amoni Paste (nmAP) in the treatment of children's anorexia (AR).

METHODS: One hundred and eighty patients of AR were assigned

according to the randomized, double-blinded, double-simulated and parallel

controlled principle to three groups, the treated group (TG), the positive

control group (PCG) and the negative control group (NCG), 60 in each

group. The patients in TG were treated by sticking 1.5 ml of nmAP on the

acupoint of Shenque (Ren 8) once a day and orally taking placebo liquid 10

ml twice a day; those in PCG and NCG treated with sticking paste of

placebo on Ren 8, and oral taking of Shanmai Jianpi Oral Liquid and

placebo liquid respectively, 10 ml each time twice per day. The course of

treatment for all was 10 days, all patients were treated for 2 courses.

RESULTS: The total effective rate and the effective rate on cardinal

symptom in TG was 85.0% and 95.0% respectively, that in PCG 86.2% and

96.55% and in NCG 45.5% and 65.45%, respectively, showing significant

difference between groups (P<0.05). Comparison of the clinical

manifestation before and after treatment showed significant improvement in

volume of food intake, appetite, complexion and reduction of restlessness

symptom (P<0.05) in all three groups, and there was no adverse reaction

found in them. CONCLUSION: nmAP is an effective and safe remedy for

treatment of Children's anorexia. Publication Types: Research Support,

Non-U.S. Gov't PMID: 17578320 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Wu TH, Chen LC, Yang LL. Hypouricemic effect and regulatory effects on

autonomic function of Shaoyao Gancao Tang, a Chinese herbal prescription,

in asymptomatic hyperuricemic vegetarians. Rheumatol Int. 2007 Jun 15;

[Epub ahead of print] College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University,

Taipei, Taiwan. Shao-yao Gan-Cao Tang (SYGCT) is a popular Chinese

herbal prescription which is composed of Paeoniae Radix and Glycyrrhizae

Radix. The uric acid-lowering effects and regulatory effects on autonomic

functions of SYGCT in vegetarians with asymptomatic hyperuricemia were

evaluated in the present study. All the hyperuricemic vegetarians in

experimental group and the normal healthy subjects in control group were

administered SYGCT three times daily for 4 weeks. The blood levels of uric

acid and general autonomic system function examinations were performed

at baseline and after 4-week treatment. The activities of autonomic function

were evaluated by a modified method from Wenger's analyses of autonomic

variables. After 4-week treatment of SYGCT, a significant reduction of

serum uric acid levels was found in the hyperuricemic vegetarians. SYGCT

could increase the sympathetic activities of the hyperuricemic vegetarians

with deficient-syndrome, but had no significant effects in the excess-

syndrome subjects. PMID: 17571264 [Pubmed - as supplied by publisher]

45: Phytochemistry. 2007 Jun 12; [Epub ahead of print] Rare biscoumarins

and a chlorogenic acid derivative from Erycibe obtusifolia. Liu J, Feng Z, Xu

J, Wang Y, Zhang P. Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and

Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine (Ministry of Education),

Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese

Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, PR China. Three coumarins,

7,7'-dihydroxy-6,6'-dimethoxy-3,3'-biscoumarin (1), 7,7'-dihydroxy-6,6'-

dimethoxy-8,8'-biscoumarin (2) and 7-O-[4'-O-(3'',4''-dihydroxycinnamyl)-

beta-d-glucopyranosyl]-6-methoxycoumarin (3), and a chlorogenic acid

derivative, methyl-3-O-(4''-hydroxy-3'',5''-dimethoxybenzoyl)-chlorogenate (4)

were isolated from the roots of Erycibe obtusifolia along with four known

coumarins, scopoletin (5), scopolin (6), cleomiscosin A (7) and cleomiscosin

B (8). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among

them, compounds (1) and (2) are rare carbon-carbon linked symmetrical

biscoumarins. PMID: 17570448 [Pubmed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Yoon BH, Jung JW, Lee JJ, Cho YW, Jang CG, Jin C, Oh TH, Ryu JH.

Anxiolytic-like effects of sinapic acid in mice. Life Sci. 2007 May 21; [Epub

ahead of print] Dept of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science and Kyung Hee

EastâEUR " West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy,

Kyung Hee University, Hoeki-dong, Dongdaemoon-ku, Seoul 130-701,

Republic of Korea. Sinapic acid is a phenylpropanoid compound and is

found in various herbal materials and high-bran cereals. With the exception

of its antioxidant activities, the pharmacological properties of sinapic acid

have been rarely reported. The purpose of this study was to characterize the

putative anxiolytic-like properties of sinapic acid using an elevated plus-

maze (EPM) and hole-board test. Control mice were orally treated with an

equal volume of vehicle (10% Tween 80 solution), and positive control mice

were treated with diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Sinapic acid (4 mg/kg, p.o.)

significantly increased the percentages of time spent in the open arms of the

EPM test (P<0.05). In the hole-board test, sinapic acid also significantly

increased the number of head-dips at 4 mg/kg (P<0.05). In addition, the

anxiolytic-like properties of sinapic acid examined in the EPM test were

blocked by flumazenil or bicuculline, which are GABA(A) antagonists.

Moreover, sinapic acid markedly potentiated GABA current in single cortical

neurons in a dose-dependant manner, and reactive I(GABA) increased to

1.8 times at 1 muM of sinapic acid. These results suggested that sinapic

acid is a prominent anxiolytic agent, and that its anxiolytic-like effects are

mediated via GABA(A) receptors and potentiating Cl(-) currents. PMID:

17570441 [Pubmed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Zhang LP, Wang L. [Receptor mechanism of anti-covulsant effect of

Caoguo Zhimu Decoction] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He

Za Zhi. 2006 Jun;26 Suppl:36-8. Dept of Pediatrics, Peking University, the

First Hospital, Beijing. OBJECTIVE: To study the receptor mechanism of

anti-convulsant effect of Caoguo Zhimu Decoction (CZD). METHODS: SD

rats in traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) group were given CZD by

gastrogavage for 24 days, while those in the control group were given

normal saline of the same volume. The difference of convulsant threshold

was compared between the TCM group and the control group induced by

pentylenetetrazole. Changes of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor

(GABAAR-alpha1 ) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-NR1 (NMDAR-NR1 )

protein expression in hippocampus were quantitatively and orientatively

measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry method. The

changes of the two receptors were compared by receptor ligand binding

assay. RESULTS: The expression of GABAAR-alpha1 subunit in the TCM

group was higher, but expression of NR1 subunit protein showed no

significant difference when compared with those of the control group. The

binding properties of GABAA receptor in the TCM group was obviously

raised, but there was no obvious change in NMDA receptor. CONCLUSION:

The anticonvulsant effect of CZD may be achieved by raising expression of

GABAA R-alpha1 subunit, and enhancing its binding with ligand. Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17569342 [Pubmed - in process]

 

Zhao J, Huang X, Tang W, Ren P, Xing Z, Tian X, Zhu Z, Wang Y. Effect of

oriental herbal prescription Guanxin Erhao on coronary flow in healthy

volunteers and antiapoptosis on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rat

models. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun 20; [Epub ahead of print] Laboratory of

Ethnopharmacology and Dept of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine,

West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu, China. Ischemic heart

disease (IHD) is the main cause of death and a major public health problem

in the world. The traditional herbal medicinal formula Guanxin Erhao

(GXEH) has been used in China and East Asia to treat coronary heart

disease, however, the underlying cardioprotection mechanisms remain

unclear. To make clear the antiischemic mechanism involved, GXEH was

orally administered to 15 healthy volunteers. Heart rates (HR), blood

pressure and coronary flow (CF) velocity before and 1 h after a single oral

dose of GXEH were observed and compared. It was demonstrated that the

oral administration of GXEH increased CF acutely in a dose-dependent

manner without modification of systemic hemodynamic parameters.

Moreover, the myocardial protection function of GXEH was also

experimentally examined in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) rat models. Apoptosis

was measured quantitatively by the terminal transferase UTP nick end-

labeling (TUNEL) method and confirmed by caspase-3 activity. The infarct

size and TUNEL-positive cells of GXEH-treated group (20 g/kg) were

reduced significantly, which was consistent with the decreased caspase-3

activity. These suggest that GXEH protects hearts from ischemia injury by

increasing CF and reduces infarct size by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 17582591 [Pubmed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

 

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