Herbal Abstracts from Medline

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Bone KM. Potential interaction of Ginkgo biloba leaf with antiplatelet or

anticoagulant drugs: What is the evidence? Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Jan 23

[Epub ahead of print]. Some writers suggest that the combination of Ginkgo

biloba with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs represents a serious health

risk. Such concerns are largely based on the assumption that Ginkgo has

clinically relevant antiplatelet activity, as well as accounts of bleeding

episodes associated with Ginkgo consumption. To investigate whether these

bleeding episodes have a pharmacodynamic, idiosyncratic or coincidental

basis, a review of controlled clinical studies and case reports was

undertaken. Results from controlled studies consistently indicate that Ginkgo

does not significantly impact haemostasis nor adversely affect the safety of

coadministered aspirin or warfarin. Most of these studies were undertaken

using EGb 761, a well-defined extract of Ginkgo biloba. In contrast, EGb 761

has not generally been implicated in the case reports. In general, the quality

of these case reports is low. Nevertheless, the possibility of an idiosyncratic

bleeding event due to Ginkgo use cannot be excluded on the basis of the

available information. However, there is scant information from case reports

or controlled trials to support the suggestion that Ginkgo potentiates the

effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Such high-level safety

concerns for this herb are deemed to be unsupported by the currently

available evidence. PMID: 18214851 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Dixit PP, Devasagayam TP, Ghaskadbi S. Formulated antidiabetic

preparation Syndrex® has a strong antioxidant activity. Eur J Pharmacol.

2007 Nov 28 [Epub ahead of print]. Dept of Zoology, University of Pune,

Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007; India. Syndrex® is a formulated herbal

antidiabetic preparation containing germinated fenugreek seeds powder. We

have assessed the antioxidant potential of this drug. Syndrex® was

fractionated by Soxhlet apparatus and fractions were used to determine their

antioxidant potential at different levels. In vitro activity was assessed by

ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, radical scavenging by 1,1-diphenyl-

2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferrylmyoglobin/2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-

sulfonic acid (ABTS) and pulse radiolysis. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by

Syndrex® in mitochondrial preparations from rat liver was checked.

Methanolic fraction of Syndrex® exhibited the highest antioxidant activity

as compared to other fractions. This fraction showed maximum phenolic and

flavonoid contents. Isolated mouse pancreatic islets also employed to

assess antioxidant activity of Syndrex®. Islets were treated with

streptozotocin, a diabetogen known to damage islet cells by inducing

generation of free radicals. Syndrex® treated islets were protected from

streptozotocin insult as these islets survived better and remained functional

as compared to streptozotocin treated islets. PMID: 18206869 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Seely D, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of blue

cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J

Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e66-73. Epub 2008 Jan 18. Graduate

Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy,

University ofToronto, Toronto, Canada. jeanjacques.dugoua

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of basic knowledge on the part of both

clinicians and patients as to the indications for use and safety of herbal

medicines in pregnancy and lactation. This is one article in a series that

systematically reviews the evidence for commonly used herbs during

pregnancy and lactation. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the

literature for evidence on the use, safety and pharmacology of blue cohosh,

focusing on issues pertaining to pregnancy and lactation. METHODS: We

searched 7 electronic databases and compiled data according to the grade

of evidence found. RESULTS: According to a survey of midwives in the

United States, approximately 64% of midwives reported using blue cohosh

as a labour-inducing aid. There are three case reports in the scientific

literature that blue cohosh taken at the time of delivery may cause; 1)

perinatal stroke, 2) acute myocardial infarction, profound congestive heart

failure and shock and 3) severe multi-organ hypoxic injury. There is one

case report that blue cohosh possesses abortifacient properties. There is in

vitro evidence that blue cohosh may have teratogenic, embryotoxic and

oxytoxic effects. In lactation, the safety of blue cohosh is unknown.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available scientific information, blue cohosh

should; 1) be used with extreme caution during pregnancy, 2) be used only

under medical professional supervision and 3) not be available to the public

as an over-the-counter product. There is an urgent need to conduct a

retrospective or prospective cohort study of midwifes using blue cohosh in

order to determine its safety. Key words: Blue cohosh, caulophyllum

thalictroides, pregnancy, lactation, breastfeeding, systematic review. PMID:

18204101 [PubMed - in process]

 

Gao J, Yang G, Pi R, Li R, Wang P, Zhang H, Le K, Chen S, Liu P.

Tanshinone IIA protects neonatal rat cardiomyocytes from adriamycin-

induced apoptosis. Transl Res. 2008 Feb;151(2):79-87. Epub 2007 Dec 28.

Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical

Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.

Tanshinone IIA (TSN) is a monomer extracted from the Chinese herb

Danshen. In this study, we examined the effect of Tanshinone IIA on

adriamycin (ADR)-induced apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and

underlying molecular mechanisms. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes were

treated with 1 mumol/L of adriamycin for 24 h with or without pretreatment

with Tanshinone IIA (0.5-2 mumol/L) for 2 h. 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2yl)-2,5-

diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Hoechst staining, and flow

cytometry measurement were used to assess cell viability and apoptosis.

Fluorescent probes 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and dihydroethidium

were used to detect the production of reactive oxygen species. Western

blotting was used to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.

Adriamycin significantly induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Tanshinone

IIA (0.5-2 mumol/L) ameliorated apoptosis induced by adriamycin in a dose-

dependent manner. Tanshinone IIA (2 mumol/L) markedly attenuated

adriamycin-induced reactive oxygen species production. Western blotting

revealed that Tanshinone IIA prevented the adriamycin-mediated reduction

of the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. In conclusion, Tanshinone IIA significantly inhibits

adriamycin-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner,

and this effect is at least partly caused by its antioxidant properties. PMID:

18201675 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Gross G. [Polyphenon® E : A new topical therapy for condylomata

acuminata.] [Article in German]. Hautarzt. 2008 Jan;59(1):31-35. Klinik und

Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie der Universität Rostock,

Augustenstraße 80-85, 18055, Rostock, Deutschland,

Gerd.Gross Treatment of genital warts (condylomata

acuminata) is still not completely satisfactory, despite the introduction of

imiquimod 5% cream. With the development of Polyphenon® E 15%

ointment, progress has been made towards optimized, patient-friendly

treatment of genital warts. Polyphenon® E is a mixture of different

polyphenols/catechins from green tea extracts (Camilla sinensis), which are

known to have antioxidative, antiinflammatory, anti-proliferative and

anticancer activities. In 3 placebo-controlled clinical studies safety and

efficacy of Polyphenol® E 15% ointment was studied in a total of 1400

patients with genital warts from Europe, North- and South America as well

as South Africa. Complete responses with total healing of genital warts were

seen in 54.9% of the patients in contrast to 35.4% of patients receiving

placebo (p >0.001) (Combined study data). The recurrence rate was 6.2%.

Polyphenon® E offers special advantages with regard to its very good

safety profile. Systemic adverse reactions are unlikely. Mild to moderate

local reactions are of short duration. " Drug-holidays " are not necessary and

the ointment does not have to be washed off. There is no contraindication

for uncircumcised men with genital warts. PMID: 18209999 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Gurley BJ, Swain A, Hubbard MA, Williams DK, Barone G, Hartsfield F,

Tong Y, Carrier DJ, Cheboyina S, Battu SK. Clinical assessment of

CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions in humans: Effects of milk thistle,

black cohosh, goldenseal, kava kava, St. John's wort, and Echinacea. Mol

Nutr Food Res. 2008 Jan 23 [Epub ahead of print]. General Clinical

Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical

Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), an

important CYP isoform with regard to drug-drug interactions, accounts for

the metabolism of approximately 30% of all medications. To date, few

studies have assessed the effects of botanical supplementation on human

CYP2D6 activity in vivo. Six botanical extracts were evaluated in three

separate studies (two extracts per study), each incorporating 16 healthy

volunteers (eight females). Subjects were randomized to receive a

standardized botanical extract for 14 days on separate occasions. A 30-day

washout period was interposed between each supplementation phase. In

study 1, subjects received milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and black cohosh

(Cimicifuga racemosa). In study 2, kava kava (Piper methysticum) and

goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) extracts were administered, and in study

3 subjects received St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Echinacea

(Echinacea purpurea). The CYP2D6 substrate, debrisoquine (5 mg), was

administered before and at the end of supplementation. Pre- and post-

supplementation phenotypic trait measurements were determined for

CYP2D6 using 8-h debrisoquine urinary recovery ratios (DURR).

Comparisons of pre- and post-supplementation DURR revealed significant

inhibition ( approximately 50%) of CYP2D6 activity for goldenseal, but not for

the other extracts. Accordingly, adverse herb-drug interactions may result

with concomitant ingestion of goldenseal supplements and drugs that are

CYP2D6 substrates. PMID: 18214849 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Gurley BJ, Swain A, Williams DK, Barone G, Battu SK. Gauging the clinical

significance of P-glycoprotein-mediated herb-drug interactions: Comparative

effects of St. John's wort, Echinacea, clarithromycin, and rifampin on digoxin

pharmacokinetics. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Jan 23 [Epub ahead of print].

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, General

Clinical Research Center, Little Rock, AR, USA. Concomitant administration

of botanical supplements with drugs that are P-glycoprotein (P-gp)

substrates may produce clinically significant herb-drug interactions. This

study evaluated the effects of St. John's wort and Echinacea on the

pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a recognized P-gp substrate. Eighteen healthy

volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a standardized St. John's

wort (300 mg three times daily) or Echinacea (267 mg three times daily)

supplement for 14 days, followed by a 30-day washout period. Subjects

were also randomized to receive rifampin (300 mg twice daily, 7 days) and

clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily, 7 days) as positive controls for P-gp

induction and inhibition, respectively. Digoxin (Lanoxin® 0.25 mg) was

administered orally before and after each supplementation and control

period. Serial digoxin plasma concentrations were obtained over 24 h and

analyzed by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Comparisons of area under

the curve (AUC)((0-3)), AUC((0-24)), elimination half-life, and maximum

serum concentration were used to assess the effects of St. John's wort,

Echinacea, rifampin, and clarithromycin on digoxin disposition. St. John's

wort and rifampin both produced significant reductions (p < 0.05) in AUC((0-

3)), AUC((0-24)), and C(max), while clarithromycin increased these

parameters significantly (p < 0.05). Echinacea supplementation did not

affect digoxin pharmacokinetics. Clinically significant P-gp-mediated herb-

drug interactions are more likely to occur with St. John's wort than with

Echinacea. PMID: 18214850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

He L, Rong X, Jiang J, Liu P, Li Y. Amelioration of anti-cancer agent

adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats by Wuling San (Gorei-San),

a blended traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Food Chem Toxicol. 2007

Dec 10 [Epub ahead of print]. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-

Sen University, China. Anti-cancer agent adriamycin (ADR) has

demonstrated high anti-tumor efficacy. However, its use in chemotherapy

has been limited largely due to its diverse toxicities, including renal

toxicity,

such as nephrotic syndrome with proteinuria. Podocyte injury leads to

glomeruli proteinuria. Wuling San (WLS) is a blended traditional Chinese

herbal medicine specifically used for various kidney diseases. In the present

study, we found that a water extract of WLS (480mg/kg, p.o.,x28 days)

reduced ADR-induced increase in urine protein excretion, plasma total

cholesterol and triglyceride, and decrease in plasma total protein and

albumin in rats. Furthermore, the results of electron microscopy

demonstrated suppression by WLS of ADR-induced increase in width of foot

process, increase in surface density and decrease in volume density. These

results suggest that WLS ameliorates ADR-induced proteinuria and

podocyte injury. Gene analysis results demonstrated a suppression of renal

overexpression of nephrin mRNA and protein by WLS. Radioimmunoassay

showed that WLS suppressed ADR-induced increased renal angiotensin II

content in rats. Thus our results demonstrate that WLS ameliorates ADR-

induced nephrotic syndrome in rats possibly by suppressing ADR-induced

hyperactivity of renal renin-angiotensin system to modulate renal nephrin

gene expression, thereby protecting podocyte from injury. PMID: 18215452

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Hennebelle T, Sahpaz S, Joseph H, Bailleul F. Ethnopharmacology of Lippia

alba. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Dec 8 [Epub ahead of print]. Lab de

Pharmacognosie, E.A. 1043, Université de Lille 2, Faculté de Pharmacie

B.P. 83, 59006 Lille cedex, France. Chemical, ethnopharmacological and

pharmacological research on Lippia alba (Baisemabiancao ) and

the evidence that exists for its various usages have been looked for,

focusing on high quality studies. The species is mainly used against

digestive and respiratory ailments, and as a sedative and antihypertensive

remedy. Seven chemotypes exist for the essential oil, the non-volatile

compounds are iridioids, phenylethanoids, flavone glycosides and

biflavonoids. Some positive, although partial, results have been obtained on

sedative and anxiolytic activities. Real effects in other traditional uses can

mainly be explained by anti-infectious and analgesic properties, at the

moment. CONCLUSION: Well conducted biological studies are still needed

for several indications of this species. Its use as a sedative deserves a

clinical investigation. The chemical variability of the species seems important

both in the essential oil and in non-volatile compounds, so future research

on the pharmacological properties of these extracts should provide more

chemical data which will increase their validity. PMID: 18207682 [PubMed -

as supplied by publisher]

 

Joy D, Joy J, Duane P. Black cohosh: a cause of abnormal postmenopausal

liver function tests. Climacteric. 2008 Feb;11(1):84-8. Locum Consultant

Gastroenterologist, Prince Phillip Hospital, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. The

health scares restricting the use of hormone replacement therapy have

made women tend to opt for 'natural' remedies that are generally perceived

as safe. Unfortunately, there is lack of definite opinion on the safety of

herbal

remedies. Black cohosh is commonly used for postmenopausal symptoms.

We present two cases of liver toxicity related to this and recommend close

monitoring of women on this herbal preparation. PMID: 18202968 [PubMed -

in process]

 

Juráni M, Lamosová D, Mácajová M, Kostál L, Joubert E, Greksák M. Effect

of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on Japanese quail growth, egg

production and plasma metabolites. Br Poult Sci. 2008 Jan;49(1):55-64.

Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak

Republic. 1. Birds have been proposed as a suitable model for studies on

ageing because of their long life in comparison with similar-sized mammals.

However, some weak fliers, such as Galliformes, are the exception to this

rule. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the

treatment with rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis), a natural source of

flavonoid antioxidants and compounds with phyto-oestrogenic activity, on

postnatal development and egg production of aged Japanese quail (Coturnix

coturnix japonica). 2. Substitution of drinking water with traditional rooibos

tea or diet supplementation with ground rooibos tea affected body weight of

Japanese quail up to 100 d of age. The body weight of males drinking

rooibos tea or eating rooibos-supplemented food decreased significantly.

There was a trend toward increased body weight of tea drinking females and

a significant increase in the body weight of hens fed the rooibos-

supplemented diet. Although rooibos treatment did not significantly increase

egg production in young hens, the decrease in egg production of rooibos-

treated aged hens (360 d of age) was significantly reduced, regardless of

the egg production levels (high - 80%; low - 20%) before the treatment. 3.

The results suggest that treatment with rooibos tea positively affected body

weight and egg production in quail hens and prolonged the productive period

of aged animals. Further studies would be needed to address the question

whether these effects are due to the antioxidant or phyto-oestrogenic

activities of rooibos. PMID: 18210290 [PubMed - in process]

 

Kametani S, Oikawa T, Kojima-Yuasa A, Kennedy DO, Norikura T, Honzawa

M, Matsui-Yuasa I. Mechanism of growth inhibitory effect of cape aloe

extract in ehrlich ascites tumor cells. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2008

Dec;53(6):540-6. Dept of Food and Human Health Sciences, Graduate

School of Human Life Science, Oasaka City University. Cape aloe (Aloe

ferox Miller) has been a herb well known for its cathartic properties and has

also been used popularly as a health drink (juice, tea and tonic) in the United

States and in Europe. Cape aloe extract also has been reported to possess

several pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial,

anti-fungal and protective effect against liver injury. However, the

investigations on an anti-tumor activity in cape aloe extract are very few and

subsequent mechanisms have not been well elucidated. In this study, we

examined the effect of the selective growth inhibitory activity of cape aloe

extract and found that the cape aloe extract, especially the dichloromethane

(CH(2)Cl(2)) extract, caused a dose-dependent growth inhibitory effect in

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC), but not in mouse embryo fibroblast

(NIH3T3) cells, which was used as a normal cell model. Furthermore, the

CH(2)Cl(2) extract caused an accumulation of cells in the G1 phase and a

decrease of cells in the S and G2/M phase of the cell cycle and inhibited

DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, other results

suggest that cell cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation in EATC by the

CH(2)Cl(2 )extract are associated with decreased retinoblastoma protein

(Rb) phosphorylation. PMID: 18202544 [PubMed - in process]

 

Keusgen M. Unusual cystine lyase activity of the enzyme alliinase: direct

formation of polysulphides. Planta Med. 2008 Jan;74(1):73-9. Epub 2008

Jan 17. Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg,

Marburg, Germany. Garlic (Dasuan; ALLIUM SATIVUM L.) and related

species are highly estimated as foods, spices, and herbal remedies in many

parts of the world. Sulphur-containing flavour compounds like allicin (allyl 2-

propenethiosulphinate) are responsible for the smell and taste of freshly

crunched garlic. These substances are formed by the action of alliinase (EC

4.4.1.4) on cysteine sulphoxides, e. g., alliin [ S-(+)-allyl- L-cysteine

sulphoxide]. Additionally, alliinase catalyses the C-S lysis of cystine in the

manner of a cystine lyase. Ammonium, pyruvate and elementary sulphur but

not cysteine could be detected as reaction products. The ratios between

cystine, ammonium and pyruvate are 1 : 1.9 : 1.9 suggesting a new type of

reaction mechanism. Thiocysteine and disulphine were assumed as

intermediates. The pH optimum of the cystine lyase activity was found at pH

7.5 and the temperature optimum was at 44 degrees C. The K (M) value for

the homogeneous enzyme was at 2.65 mM and V (max) was at 4.12

nkat/mg using cystine as substrate. Moreover, parallel incubation of cystine

and alliin gave mainly allyl (poly)sulphides as reaction products instead of

allicin. These substances had not been observed as direct enzymatic

products until now. Thus, the significance of alliinase and its enzymatic

products has to be newly considered in terms of ecological,

pharmacological, and biochemical aspects. PMID: 18203059 [PubMed - in

process]

 

Kim ND, Pokharel YR, Kang KW. Ginsenoside Rd enhances glutathione

levels in H4IIE cells via NF-kappaB-dependent gamma-glutamylcysteine

ligase induction. Pharmazie. 2007 Dec;62(12):933-6. Seoul National

University, Seoul, South Korea. Panax ginseng is widely used as herbal

medicine in East Asia and the pharmacological effects of P. ginseng against

certain chronic diseases might be explained by its antioxidative effects.

Here, we show that ginsenoside Rd significantly increases both cellular

glutathione (GSH) contents and the protein level of gamma-glutamylcysteine

ligase (gamma-GCL) heavy chain in H4IIE cells (a rat hepatocyte cell line).

Subcellular fractionation and Western blot analysis revealed that

ginsenoside Rd increased the nuclear level of p65, but not of Nrf2.

Moreover, ginsenoside Rd increased luciferase reporter gene activity in cells

transfected with nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding site-containing

-1088 bp gamma-GCL promoter. However, ginsenoside Rd-inducible

reporter activity was abolished when cells were transfected with NF-kappaB

deletion mutant. These effects of ginsenoside Rd are suggested to underlie

the putative anti-oxidative effect of Panax ginseng. PMID: 18214346

[PubMed - in process]

 

Kolodziej H. Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of the Roots of Pelargonium

sidoides - New Scientific Evidence for an Old Anti-Infective

Phytopharmaceutical. Planta Med. 2008 Jan 17 [Epub ahead of print].

Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Freie Universität Berlin,

Berlin, Germany. Among the PELARGONIUM-based herbal remedies that

are widely used in traditional medical systems in the Southern African region

is a highly valued root medicine (commonly termed UMCKALOABO) of

initially unknown botanical origin for the treatment of infectious conditions of

the respiratory tract including tuberculosis. Nowadays, a modern aqueous-

ethanolic formulation of the roots of PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES (EPs®

7630), developed from this traditional medicine, is successfully employed for

the treatment of bronchitis. The article summarizes the fascinating story of

this herbal medicine including its way to Europe, identification of the

botanical origin, and provides background information of the many profound

anti-infectious actions and clinical studies. In spite of considerable effort,

the

underlying chemical principle is still not clear. PMID: 18203051 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Ling S, Dai A, Guo Z, Komesaroff PA. A Preparation of Herbal Medicine

Salvia miltiorrhiza Reduces Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1

and Development of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice. J

Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2008 Jan;51(1):38-44. *Dept of Medicine, Monash

University Central and Eastern Clinical School, the Alfred Hospital, Prahran,

Melbourne, Australia; and +Institute of Research and Development (R & D),

Tasly Pharmaceutical Company, Tianjin, China. Cardiotonic pill (CP; Buxin

Wan ) is a pharmaceutical preparation of the herbal medicine Salvia

miltiorrhiza (Danshen). In vitro studies demonstrate that CP inhibits vascular

endothelial expression of adhesion molecules and smooth-muscle

proliferation, implying the possibility of antiatherosclerotic effects. This

study

employs an in vivo animal model to examine the potential therapeutic

efficacy of CP on atherosclerotic development. Male apolipoprotein E-

deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed with an atherogenic (high fat) diet were

administered with CP (90-120 mg/kg per day) via drinking water for 8 weeks.

Hypercholesterolemia developed in the mice, with 22-fold increases in

plasma levels of total cholesterol, 29-fold of LDL, and 7-fold of HDL. CP

therapy did not significantly alter the lipid levels. Expression of

intercellular

adhesion molecule 1 significantly increased in circulating leukocytes and

was abolished by CP therapy. Atherosclerosis significantly developed in the

aorta and was attenuated by CP therapy, with an approximately 30%

reduction in whole atherosclerotic lesions and an approximately 50%

reduction in fibrous plaques in the artery. Thus, herbal medicine CP partly

protects ApoE-/- mice from high-fat diet-induced atherogenesis. The

protection is unlikely to be attributable to decreases in circulating

cholesterol

levels, but it might possibly relate to an inhibition of expression of adhesion

molecules and other effects that remain unknown at this time. PMID:

18209567 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Mahadevan S, Park Y. Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.:

chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. J Food Sci. 2008 Jan;73(1):R14-9.

Dept of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, 100 Holdsworth Way,

Amherst, MA 01003, USA. The new age of nutraceuticals is now embracing

the centuries old herbal extract of Ginkgo biloba (Mantissa Plantarum Altera,

1771, Ginkgoceae). The standardized preparation of the Ginkgo leaf extract

(EGb 761) contained 2 main bioactive constituents, flavonoid glycosides

(24%) and terpene lactones (6%), along with less than 5 ppm of the

allergenic component, ginkgolic acid. The Ginkgo leaf extract has been

reported to have neuroprotective, anticancer, cardioprotective, stress

alleviating, and memory enhancing effects and possible effects on tinnitus,

geriatric complaints, and psychiatric disorders. The therapeutic mechanisms

of action of the Ginkgo leaf extract are suggested to be through its

antioxidant, antiplatelet, antihypoxic, antiedemic, hemorrheologic, and

microcirculatory actions, where the flavonoid and the terpenoid constituents

may act in a complementary manner. Toxicity studies show that the Ginkgo

leaf extract is relatively safe for consumption, although a few side effects

have been reported, that is, intracerebral hemorrhage, gastrointestinal

disturbances, headaches, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. The use of

Ginkgo leaf extract may be promising for treatment of certain conditions,

although its long-term use still needs to be evaluated. PMID: 18211362

[PubMed - in process]

 

Miyaoka T, Furuya M, Yasuda H, Hayashida M, Nishida A, Inagaki T,

Horiguchi J. Yigan San for the treatment of neuroleptic-induced tardive

dyskinesia: An open-label study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol

Psychiatry. 2007 Dec 14 [Epub ahead of print] Dept of Psychiatry, Shimane

University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enyacho, Izumo, 693-8501, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that the traditional Japanese

herbal medicine Yigan San (YGS, yokukan-san in Japanese), a serotonin

modulator, may be safe and useful in treating behavioral and psychological

symptoms in dementia and borderline personality disorder patients. The

authors examined the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of YGS in patients with

tardive dyskinesia. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with schizophrenia who

had neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia were given 7.5 g/day of YGS for

12 weeks in an open-label study. RESULTS: Administration of YGS resulted

in a statistically significant improvement in tardive dyskinesia and psychotic

symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: YGS may be an effective and safe therapy to

control tardive dyskinesia and psychosis in patients with schizophrenia, that

should be further tested in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. PMID:

18201810 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Mohd-Fuat AR, Kofi EA, Allan GG. Mutagenic and cytotoxic properties of

three herbal plants from Southeast Asia. Trop Biomed. 2007 Dec;24(2):49-

59. Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research,

50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Three popular medicinal plants (Tacca

integrifolia, Eurycoma longifolia and Helmintostachys zeylanica) regarded as

improving human sexual function in some parts of Southeast Asia were

analysed for their mutagenic properties using modified Ames test

(fluctuation test). Extract of one of the plants, Tacca integrifolia Ker-Gawl.,

was found to be mutagenic using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and

TA100. Extract of T. integrifolia, Eurycoma longifolia Jack and

Helmintostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook were cytotoxic to human cell lines,

Hep2 and HFL1, with IC50 ranging from 11 mug/ml to 55 mug/ml. Extract of

E. longifolia was the most cytotoxic with IC50 of 11 mug/ml and 13 mug/ml

on Hep2 and HFL1 cell lines respectively. Combined extract of T. integrifolia

and H. zeylanica was more cytotoxic than single extract on both Hep2 and

HFL1 cell lines while combined extract of E. longifolia and H. zeylanica was

more cytotoxic than single extract on Hep2 cell lines. Under the conditions of

this study it can be concluded that T. integrifolia is mutagenic and the

combined extracts of the medicinal plants was highly cytotoxic. PMID:

18209708 [PubMed - in process]

 

Nisbet BC, O'Connor RE. Black cohosh-induced hepatitis. Del Med J. 2007

Nov;79(11):441-4. Dept of Emergency Medicine at Christiana Care Health

System, Newark, Del, USA. Herbal products are widely used by American

consumers. Herbal remedies are not regulated by the Food and Drug

Administration, but they are not immune from serious medication side-

effects. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with

fatigue and right upper quadrant pain. The patient had begun the popular

postmenopausal herbal remedy black cohosh two weeks prior to

presentation. Laboratory results revealed acute hepatitis. After other causes

of liver failure were ruled out, the patient was diagnosed with black cohosh-

induced hepatitis. She recovered uneventfully following withdrawal of the

herb. There are five prior reports of hepatitis or hepatic failure likely caused

by the herbal remedy black cohosh in the English literature. This case

illustrates the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for abdominal pain

and highlights the importance of a complete medication list, including herbs.

PMID: 18203607 [PubMed - in process]

 

Niu HS, Liu IM, Cheng JT, Lin CL, Hsu FL. Hypoglycemic Effect of Syringin

from Eleutherococcus senticosus in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Planta Med. 2008 Jan 17 [Epub ahead of print]. Graduate Institute of

Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei,

Taiwan. ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS (Araliaceae ) is a very

powerful adaptogenic agent. In the present study, the effects of syringin, an

active principle of this herb, on plasma glucose levels in streptozotocin-

induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats) were investigated. Thirty minutes

after syringin was intravenously injected into fasting STZ-diabetic rats,

plasma glucose levels dose-dependently decreased. In normal rats, syringin

at the effective dose (1.0 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the increase in

plasma glucose caused by an intravenous glucose challenge. Syringin dose-

dependently (0.01 to 10.0 mumol/L) stimulated glucose uptake in soleus

muscle isolated from STZ-diabetic rats. Syringin treatment of hepatocytes

isolated from STZ-diabetic rats enhanced glycogen synthesis . The ability of

syringin to enhance glucose utilization and lower plasma glucose level in

rats suffering from insulin deficiency suggest that this chemical may be

useful in the treatment of human diabetes. PMID: 18203055 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Ogushi T, Takahashi S. Effect of Chinese herbal medicine on overactive

bladder. Hinyokika Kiyo. 2007 Dec;53(12):857-62. Dept of Urology, Toshiba

General Hospital. Gosha-jinki-gan (GJG; Niuche Shenqi Wan: Life

Preserving Kidney Qi Pill), a traditional Chinese medicine, is known to be

potentially effective for urinary disturbance. For the clinical evaluation of

Gosha-jinki-gan, we administered GJG for 6 weeks to elderly male patients

with overactive bladder (OAB) and assessed its efficacy and tolerability. In

this study, 30 male patients with over 6 months of OAB symptoms had

received 2.5 g GJG mixture x 3/day. After 6 weeks of treatment, the efficacy,

safety, and tolerability were assessed. We evaluated International Prostate

Symptom Score (I-PSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS),

quality of life (QOL), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), average urinary flow

rate (Qave), incidence of urinary incontinence, and post-void residual before

and after treatment. We observed significant improvements in I-PSS (15.2

+/- 1.0 vs. 12.0 +/- 0.9, p < 0.0001), OABSS (7.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.9 +/- 0.5, p <

0.0001), and QOL score (4.4 +/- 1.0 vs. 3.3 +/- 1.1, p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon

rank sum test). GJG was significantly effective in improving urgency,

micturition frequency, nocturia, and urinary incontinence (p < 0.05).

However, Qmax, Qave, and post void residual did not significantly change.

Mild adverse effects were observed in 3 cases. The symptoms were

diarrhea, nausea, and urinary frequency. These data suggest that Gosha-

jinki-gan may be a new potential therapeutic agent for OAB without

deterioration of voiding function in men with benign prostatic obstruction

(BPO). PMID: 18203522 [PubMed - in process]

 

Powolny AA, Singh SV. Plumbagin-induced Apoptosis in Human Prostate

Cancer Cells is Associated with Modulation of Cellular Redox Status and

Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. Pharm Res. 2008 Jan 23 [Epub

ahead of print]. Dept of Pharmacology and Urology, University of Pittsburgh

Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh,

Pennsylvania, USA. PURPOSE: To investigate the mechanism of human

prostate cancer cell growth inhibition by plumbagin, a constituent of the

widely used medicinal herb Baihuadan (Plumbago zeylanica). MATERIALS

AND METHODS: Cell viability was determined by trypan blue dye exclusion

assay. Apoptosis induction was assessed by analysis of cytoplasmic

histone-associated DNA fragmentation. Cell cycle distribution and

generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow

cytometry. The effect of plumbagin treatment on cellular redox status was

determined by analysis of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and

expression of genes involved in ROS metabolism. RESULTS: Plumbagin

treatment decreased viability of human prostate cancer cells (PC-3, LNCaP,

and C4-2) irrespective of their androgen responsiveness or p53 status.

Plumbagin-mediated decrease in cell viability correlated with apoptosis

induction, which was accompanied by ROS generation and depletion of

intracellular GSH levels. Pretreatment of cells with the antioxidant N-

acetylcysteine inhibited plumbagin-mediated ROS generation and apoptosis.

Plumbagin treatment also resulted in altered expression of genes

responsible for ROS metabolism, including superoxide dismutase 2 (Mn-

SOD). CONCLUSION: The present study points towards an important role

of ROS in plumbagin-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.

PMID: 18213451 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Schmulson MJ. How safe and effective is the herbal drug STW 5

(Iberogast®) for patients with functional dyspepsia? Nat Clin Pract

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Jan 22; [Epub ahead of print] No abstract

available. PMID: 18212775 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Note by

Phil: STW 5 (Iberogast®) [has Bohe, Gancao, Danggui, Xiangfengcao

(Fm Melissae Officinalis), Muju / Yanganju (Chamomilla

Recutita (Matricaria) Flower), Canghuixiangzi (caraway fruit),

Shuifeiji (milk thistle fruit) & Baiqucai (greater celandine herb)]; efficiacy

comparable to metoclopramide (5-HT(3) antagonist) and cisapride (5-HT(4)

agonist) in functional ST-SI-LI diseases like functional dyspepsia (FD), ST

ulcers & irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); spasmolytic or anti-spasmolytic;

Danggui, chamomile flower & Gancao inhibit proximal ST motility; greater

celandine, Melissa leaf, caraway fruit & Iberis amara (bitter candy tuft)

increase proximal ST motility;

 

van der Heijden HM, Landman WJ. In vivo effect of herbal products against

Histomonas meleagridis in turkeys. Avian Pathol. 2008 Feb;37(1):45-50.

Animal Health Service (GD), Deventer, AA, The Netherlands. Histomoniasis

is a serious disease in poultry. All chemotherapeutics with known efficacy

against its causative agent, Histomonas meleagridis, have been banned

from use as prophylactic or therapeutic use in production animals. In a

search for possible alternatives, the in vivo effects of the herbal products

Enteroguard and Protophyt were examined. Two-week-old turkeys allocated

into 13 groups of 18 birds were either sham inoculated (negative control

group) or were inoculated with 100, 3162 or 200 000 histomonads per bird.

Control groups (no feed additives, dimetridazole, or Histostat-50trade mark)

were included in the study. No morbidity or mortality was observed in the

negative control group or in the groups inoculated with 100 histomonads per

bird. Mortality was 100% in the groups inoculated with 200 000 histomonads

per bird and either untreated (positive control group) or receiving Protophyt

SPtrade mark, Protophyttrade mark SP and Protophyttrade mark B,

Enteroguardtrade mark, or Histostat-50trade mark. Mortality was 17% in the

dimetridazole-treated group. In the groups inoculated with 3162

histomonads per bird, mortality was 100% for the positive control group and

the group receiving Enteroguardtrade mark, and was 94% in the group

receiving Protophyttrade mark SP. In the present study, Enteroguardtrade

mark or Protophyttrade mark was not found to be effective against

histomoniasis. PMID: 18202949 [PubMed - in process]

 

Venhuis BJ, Zomer G, de Kaste D. Structure elucidation of a novel synthetic

thiono analogue of sildenafil detected in an alleged herbal aphrodisiac. J

Pharm Biomed Anal. 2007 Dec 15 [Epub ahead of print]. National Institute

for Public Health and the Environment, Postbox 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The

Netherlands. A new analogue of sildenafil was detected in a herbal

aphrodisiac. The structure of the compound was established using LC-MS,

UV and IR spectroscopy, MS-MS, and NMR. The compound, named thio-

homosildenafil is a synthetic N-ethylpiperazine analogue of sildenafil in

which also the CO moiety has been converted into a CS group. This is the

first time a sildenafil analogue modified at the chromophore was identified as

an adulterant of a herbal aphrodisiac. Preliminary pharmacological analysis

confirmed the erectogenic potency of thio-homosildenafil. PMID: 18207347

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Xiao D, Singh SV. z-Guggulsterone, a constituent of Ayurvedic medicinal

plant Commiphora mukul, inhibits angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mol

Cancer Ther. 2008 Jan;7(1):171-80. 2.32A Hillman Cancer Center Research

Pavilion, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. singhs

Our previous studies have shown that z-guggulsterone, a constituent of

Indian Ayurvedic medicinal plant Commiphora mukul, inhibits the growth of

human prostate cancer cells by causing apoptosis. We now report a novel

response to z-guggulsterone involving the inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro

and in vivo. The z-guggulsterone treatment inhibited capillary-like tube

formation (in vitro neovascularization) by human umbilical vein endothelial

cells (HUVEC) and migration by HUVEC and DU145 human prostate cancer

cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The z- and E-isomers

of guggulsterone seemed equipotent as inhibitors of HUVEC tube formation.

The z-guggulsterone-mediated inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro correlated

with the suppression of secretion of proangiogenic growth factors [e.g.,

vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte colony-

stimulating factor], down-regulation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) protein

level, and inactivation of Akt. The z-guggulsterone-mediated suppression of

DU145 cell migration was increased by knockdown of VEGF-R2 protein

level. Ectopic expression of constitutively active Akt in DU145 cells

conferred protection against z-guggulsterone-mediated inhibition of cell

migration. Oral gavage of 1 mg z-guggulsterone/d (five times/wk) to male

nude mice inhibited in vivo angiogenesis in DU145-Matrigel plug assay as

evidenced by a statistically significant decrease in tumor burden,

microvessel area (staining for angiogenic markers factor VIII and CD31),

and VEGF-R2 protein expression. In conclusion, the present study reveals

that z-guggulsterone inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing the VEGF-VEGF-

R2-Akt signaling axis. Together, our results provide compelling rationale for

further preclinical and clinical investigation of z-guggulsterone for its

efficacy

against prostate cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(1):171-80]. PMID:

18202020 [PubMed - in process]

 

Xu H, Williams KM, Liauw WS, Murray M, Day RO, McLachlan AJ. Effects of

St John's wort and CYP2C9 genotype on the pharmacokinetics and

pharmacodynamics of gliclazide. Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Jan 21 [Epub ahead

of print]. 1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South

Wales, Australia. Background and purpose: Patients commonly take

complementary medicines in conjunction with conventional drugs without

clear evidence of safety or the risk of herb-drug interactions. The aim of this

study was to assess potential pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic

(PD) interactions between St John's wort and gliclazide in healthy subjects

with different cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) genotypes.Experimental

approach:A crossover controlled study was conducted in 21 healthy

subjects. Each received gliclazide (80 mg) either alone or during 15 days

treatment with St John's wort. The area under the plasma concentration-

time curve (AUC(0-infinity)), apparent clearance (CL/F) and elimination half-

life (t (1/2)) of gliclazide and incremental changes in glucose and insulin

AUC(0-4) were compared. CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 alleles were identified

using PCR followed by restriction enzyme digestion analysis.Key results:St

John's wort significantly altered gliclazide pharmacokinetics in all except for

four healthy subjects. The mean ratio and 90% confidence interval (CI) of

gliclazide AUC(0-infinity) and CL/F were 0.67 (0.55-0.81) and 1.50 (1.24-

1.81), respectively, after St John's wort treatment. St John's wort decreased

gliclazide t (1/2), with mean ratio and 90% CI of 0.85 (0.74-0.93). There

were no significant changes in glucose or insulin AUC(0-4) after St John's

wort treatment and no significant differences according to CYP2C9

genotype.Conclusions and implications:Treatment with St John's wort

significantly increases the apparent clearance of gliclazide which is

independent of CYP2C9 genotype. People with diabetes receiving this

combination should be closely monitored to evaluate possible signs of

reduced efficacy.British Journal of Pharmacology advance online

publication, 21 January 2008; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707685 PMID: 18204476

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Zhao AG, Li T, You SF, Zhao HL, Gu Y, Tang LD, Yang JK. Effects of Wei

Chang An on expression of multiple genes in human gastric cancer grafted

onto nude mice. World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Feb 7;14(5):693-700. Dept of

Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese

Medicine, 725 Wanping Road, Shanghai 200032, China.

aiguang AIM: To investigate the expression of multiple genes

in Chinese jianpi herbal recipe Wei Chang An (WCA) in human gastric

cancer cell line SGC-7901. METHODS: A human gastric adenocarcinoma

cell line SGC-7901 grafted onto nude mice was used as the animal model.

The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, one control and the two

representing experimental conditions. Animals in the two experimental

groups received either WCA over a 34-d period or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) over

6-d period starting at 8th d after grafting. Control animals received saline on

an identical schedule. Animals were killed 41 d after being grafted. The

expression profiles in paired WCA treated gastric cancer samples and the

N.S. control samples were studied by using a cDNA array representing

14181 cDNA clusters. The alterations in gene expression levels were

confirmed by Real-time Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

RESULTS: When compared with controls, the average tumor inhibitory rate

in WCA group was 44.32% +/- 5.67% and 5-FU 47.04% +/- 11.33% (P <

0.01, respectively). The average labeling index (LI) for PCNA in WCA group

and 5-FU group was significantly decreased compared with the control

group. Apoptotic index (AI) was significantly increased to 9.72% +/- 4.51%

using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine

triphosphate fluorescence nick end labeling (TUNEL) method in WCA group

compared with the controls 2.45% +/- 1.37%. 5-FU group was also found to

have a significantly increased AI compared with the controls. The expression

of cleaved Caspase-3 in WCA group and 5-FU group was significantly

increased compared with the control group respectively. There were 45

different expressed sequence tags (ESTs) among the control sample pool

and WCA sample pool. There were 24 ESTs up-regulated in WCA samples

and 21 ESTs down-regulated. By using qPCR, the expression level of Stat3,

rap2 interacting protein x (RIPX), regulator of differentiation 1 (ROD1) and

Bcl-2 was lower in WCA group than that in control group respectively. By

using SP immunohistochemical method the expression of Phospho-Stat3

(Tyr705) and Bcl-2 in WCA group and 5-FU group was significantly

decreased compared with the control group respectively. CONCLUSION:

WCA could inhibit gastric cancer cell SGC-7901 growth in vivo. WCA could

induce gastric cancer cell apoptosis and suppress proliferation. Its

mechanisms might be involved in the down-regulation of Stat3, RIPX, ROD1

and Bcl-2 gene. PMID: 18205257 [PubMed - in process]

 

Best regards,