Pyrrolizidine alkaloid clivorine inhibits human normal liver L-02 cells growth and activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in L-02 cells

Clivorine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid extracted from Chinese medicinal plant Ligularia hodgsonii Hook significantly inhibited human normal liver L-02 cells proliferation and decreased L-02 cells viability. The results of western blot showed that clivorine strongly evoked phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) Kinase in L-02 cells, but had no effect on extracellular signal-related kinases MAP Kinase phosphorylation. Moreover, another pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline had no effect on phosphorylation of p38 MAP Kinase in L-02 cells. These studies document the effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloid clivorine on the MAPK cascade and on the growth of human normal liver L-02 cells for the first time, which may be a possible reason for the toxic effects observed in those plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Antipruritic and antinociceptive effects of Chenopodium album L in mice

The ethanolic extract from the fruits of Chenopodium album L. (FCAL), orally administered at doses of 100-400 mg/kg, dose-dependently inhibited scratching behavior induced by 5-HT (10 micro g per mouse, s.c.) or compound 48/80 (50 micro g per mouse, s.c.) in mice. But it failed to affect hind paw swelling induced by 5-HT or compound 48/80 in mice at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and only showed a relatively weak inhibition on the swelling at a higher dose of 400 mg/kg. In addition, FCAL (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the writhing responses induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid and the inflammatory pain response induced by an intraplantar injection of formalin in mice. At a dose of 400 mg/kg, it also inhibited the neurogenic pain response of formalin test. In conclusion, FCAL possesses antipruritic and antinociceptive activities and the antinociceptive effects are not secondary to anti-inflammatory effects. The findings support evidence for the clinical use of FCAL to treat cutaneous pruritus.

Studies on the molecular markers of rhizomes of some Alpinia species

The rhizomes of Alpinia jianganfeng are used as a traditional Chinese medicine, Jian Gan Feng, to cure rheumatism in Guangdong, China. The rhizomes of some other species of the genus Alpinia such as A. japonica, A. suishaensis and A. nanchuanensis are also used as Jian Gan Feng in Southwest China. However, the identification of the original plants of the crude drugs is difficult. The internal transcribed spacers and the 5.8S coding region of nuclear ribosomal DNA of the four species were sequenced and analyzed. The DNA markers have been determined and they can be used for the molecular identification of these medicinal plants.

[Constituents of Liguliria vellerea (Franch.) Hand-Mazz]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Ligularia vellerea.

METHOD

The compounds were isolated by column chromatography, and the structures were identified by NMR spectral data and other methods.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Seven compounds were isolated and identified as 4-hydroxyacetophenone, 8 alpha-hydroxy-7(11)-eremophilen-12, 8 beta-olide, umbelliferone, tiglic acid, 6 beta-hydroxy-7(11)-eremophilen-12, 8 alpha-olide, daucosterin, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. All the compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant.

[Studies on constituents of the leaves of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm]

OBJECTIVE

To study the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory constituents of the leaves of Lindera aggrega.

METHOD

Compounds were isolated by colum chromatography, and the structures were identified by spectroscopic methods.

RESULT

Six compounds were isolated and identified as mixture of 6-Acetyllindenanolide B-1 and B-2(I), dehydrolindestrenolide (II), hydroxylinderstrenolide (III), linderalactone (IV), kameofero (V), beta-sitosterol (VI).

CONCLUSION

These compounds were obtained from the leaves of Lindera aggregata for the first time.

[rDNA its sequencing of Herba Dendrobii (Huangcao)]

AIM

To study the genetic diversity of ITS sequences of Herba Dendrobii (Huangcao) and analyze the utility of ITS sequences in molecular authentication of Herba Dendrobii (Huangcao) and phylogenetic of Dendrobium.

METHODS

The ITS gene fragment was amplified using a pair of primers. The PCR products were purified and sequenced by the methods of Sanger Dideoxy.

RESULTS

The DNA sequence of 228-233 bp ITS 1, 242-247 bp ITS 2 gene fragments and 5.8S rDNA were obtained from 14 samples of Dendrobium. The interspecific substitution varies from 11.79% to 31.58% at ITS 1 and 10.29% to 25.30% at ITS 2. The intraspecific substitution of D. nobile is 0.87% at ITS 1 and without difference at ITS 2. The substitution between Dendrobium and outgroup varies from 23.56% to 36.89% at ITS 1 and 26.52% to 33.31% at ITS 2. The phylogenetic tree based on ITS 1 and ITS 2 data was set up.

CONCLUSION

The ITS 1 and ITS 2 gene fragments were highly conservative at intraspecific level in Dendrebium, while they were less conservative at interspecific level in D. nobile. They were least conservative between Dendrobium and outgroup. Hence, the sequence of this fragment is a good molecular marker for authentication of the Huangcao. But, further study is necessary for the phylogenetic of Dendrobium.

[Assignments of 1HNMR fingerprint of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus]

AIM

To assign the 1HNMR finger-print of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus.

METHODS

Silica gel column chromatography was used to separate the chemical constituents of CGE A of the root bark of C. angulatus. The characteristic signals of the 1HNMR finger-print were assigned after determining the structures of the compounds isolated from CGE A.

RESULTS

1HNMR finger-prints of the samples of C. angulatus collected from different regions showed highly characteristic features and reproducibility. Three compounds predominant in CGE A were isolated and their structures were determined by spectral analysis as: angulatin A (1), angulatin B (2) and angulatin C (3).

CONCLUSION

Compound 3 is a new compound. Compound 2 was isolated from C. angulatus for the first time. The 1HNMR finger-print of CGE A of the root bark of C. angulatus showed mainly the characteristic signals of the above three compounds and might be utilized for the original authentication of this plant.

[Studies on tissue culture of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To set up a system for the culture of Dendrobium chrysotoxum in vitro.

METHOD

Tissue culture, fire fly luminescence and phenol-H2SO4 method.

RESULT

The embryo could germinate with or without light, the MS, 1/2MS, B5, N6 mediums are suitable to the growth and the differentiation of sprout with light, 0.5 mg.L-1 NAA and 1 mg.L-1 6-BA, and ATP have regular changes, the content of polysaccharide was 2.833% in plant and 7.254% in sprout.

CONCLUSION

The light has no effects on the embryo germination, but the phytohormone, nitrogen source and organized elements are important to the growth and differentiation of the sprout which should be transferred to the MS, 1/2MS, B5, N6 mediums in time supplemented with NAA [symbol: see text] 6-BA, ATP may be served as the dynamic indication of nourishment demand in the plant. The content of polysaccharide in the sprout is higher and can be utilized.

Vasorelaxant effects of cardamonin and alpinetin from Alpinia henryi K. Schum

The vascular effects of cardamonin and alpinetin from Alpinia henryi K. Schum. were examined in the rat isolated mesenteric arteries. 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that cardamonin is present in trans-form, and single-crystal radiographic structure revealed that alpinetin is present in S configuration. Both cardamonin and alpinetin produced a rightward shift in the concentration-response curve for phenylephrine in a noncompetitive manner, and they induced relaxation of phenylephrine-preconstricted arteries with respective mean inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 9.3+/-0.6 microM and 27.5+/-2.8 microM. Both compounds also relaxed arteries preconstricted by endothelin I or U46619. Their relaxant effects were decreased in endothelium-removed rings. Pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or methylene blue inhibited relaxation induced by both agents, and pretreatment with L-arginine reversed the effect of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on cardamonin-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation. The relaxant effects of cardamonin and alpinetin were unaffected by indomethacin (3 microM). Cardamonin and alpinetin inhibited 60 mM K+-induced contraction with respective IC50 of 11.5+/-0.3 microM and 37.9+/-3.6 microM. In addition, both agents inhibited the transient contraction induced by 3 microM phenylephrine or by 10 mM caffeine in Ca2+-free Krebs solution. Finally, these two agents also concentration dependently relax the arteries preconstricted by 1 microM phorbol 12,13-diacetate in Ca2+-free Krebs solution. These results indicate that purified cardamonin and alpinetin from A. henryi K. Schum. relaxed rat mesenteric arteries through multiple mechanisms. They induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation; the former is likely mediated by nitric oxide whereas the latter is probably mediated through nonselective inhibition of Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release and inhibition of the protein kinase C-dependent contractile mechanism.

[Authentication of traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHM) by fingerprints of characteristic general constituents]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the theory, scientific significance, distinguishing features and authentication feasibility of TCHMs by spectral fingerprints of characteristic general constituents.

METHOD

Previous relevant investigations and literatures were summed up in the field, and the present situation on the authentication of TCHMs at home and abroad was analysed.

RESULT

The characteristic general constituents of TCHMs can be obtained by an appropriate procedure. Their compositions and structures can be determined by spectral fingerprints, especially the 1HNMR fingerprint. The species of TCHMs can be identified accurately by these fingerprints. Besides, the quality of TCHMs can be evaluated by the contents of their GCEs.

CONCLUSION

Fingerprint authentication of characteristic general constituents of TCHMs has profound significance for the species identification and quality evaluation of TCHMs.

[Anatomical study and clinical applications of flaps based on cutaneous branches arising from posterior tibial vessels]

OBJECTIVE

To provide an anatomical basis for the clinical applications of the medial fascinocutaneous flap of calf and to verify its clinical value.

METHODS

In 20 lower limb specimens of adult human cadavers, the number, course, size, position and distribution of septocutaneous branches of the posterior tibial vessels are marked by means of red latex and black ink irrigations through femur artery and septocutaneous branches of the posterior tibial artery respectively.

RESULTS

The posterior tibial artery gives off several septocutaneous branches at the upper, middle and lower one-third of the leg respectively. Each septocutaneous artery has one or sometimes two concomitant veins. Based on this result, anterograde or reverse pedicled fasciocutaneous flap can be performed for the purpose of repairing soft tissue defects of leg and foot. The flap was clinically applied to treat leg and foot soft tissue defects in 12 cases with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

The flap is easy to dissect, the posterior tibial artery can be preserved with high successful rate. Therefore, it offers an useful alternative in the repairing and reconstruction of nonextensive soft tissue defects in the leg and foot.

Characterization of two structural forms of otonecine-type pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Ligularia hodgsonii by NMR spectroscopy

Clivorine (1) and ligularine (2), two hepatotoxic otonecine-type pyrrolizidine alkaloids isolated from Ligularia hodgsonii, an antitussive traditional Chinese medicine, were investigated in CDCl(3) and D(2)O by various NMR techniques to delineate why this type of alkaloid displays uncharacteristic solubility properties by dissolving in both nonpolar organic and aqueous solutions. The results demonstrated that both alkaloids exist in a non-ionized form in CDCl(3), but in an ionized form in D(2)O, suggesting that this unique dual solubility may play a role in the intoxication resultant from consumption of water extracts of herbs, including herbal teas, containing otonecine-type pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Coumarins from the fruits of Cnidium monnieri

Two novel biscoumarins, cnidimonal (1) and cnidimarin (2), and two new coumarin derivatives, 5-formylxanthotoxol (3) and 2'-deoxymeranzin hydrate (4), were isolated from a traditional Chinese crude drug, the fruits of Cnidium monnieri, together with 15 known compounds. Among the known compounds, five of the minor compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant. The structures of 1-4 were determined with the use of spectroscopic methods.

Antioxidative activity of natural products from plants

A variety of flavonoids, lignans, an alkaloid, a bisbenzyl, coumarins and terpenes isolated from Chinese herbs was tested for antioxidant activity as reflected in the ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat brain and kidney homogenates and rat erythrocyte hemolysis. The pro-oxidant activities of the aforementioned compounds were assessed by their effects on bleomycin-induced DNA damage. The flavonoids baicalin and luteolin-7-glucuronide-6'-methyl ester, the lignan 4'-demethyldeoxypodophyllotoxin, the alkaloid tetrahydropalmatine, the bisbenzyl erianin and the coumarin xanthotoxol exhibited potent antioxidative activity in both lipid peroxidation and hemolysis assays. The flavonoid rutin and the terpene tanshinone I manifested potent antioxidative activity in the lipid peroxidation assay but no inhibitory activity in the hemolysis assay. The lignan deoxypodophyllotoxin, the flavonoid naringin and the coumarins columbianetin, bergapten and angelicin slightly inhibited lipid peroxidation in brain and kidney homogenates. It is worth stressing that the compounds with antioxidant effects in this assay, with the exception of tetrahydropalmatin and tanshinone I, have at least one free aromatic hydroxyl group in structure. Obviously, the aromatic hydroxyl group is very important for antioxidative effects of the compounds. None of the compounds tested exerted an obvious pro-oxidant effect.

Differentiation of medicinal Codonopsis species from adulterants by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism

DNA sequence analysis of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were exploited for their applications in differentiating medicinal species Codonopsis pilosula, C. tangshen, C. modesta, and C. nervosa var. macrantha, from two related adulterants Campanumoea javania and Platycodon grandiflorus. The data demonstrated that the rDNA ITSI and ITSII sequences of the four Codonopsis are highly homologous but not identical, and are significantly different from those of the two adulterants. The sequence difference allows effective and reliable differentiation of Codonopsis from the adulterants by PCR-RFLP.

Random primed polymerase chain reaction differentiates Codonopsis pilosula from different localities

DNA fingerprints distinctive among the samples from different localities in China were successfully reproduced for the Chinese herb Dangshen, the roots of CODONOPSIS PILOSULA, (Campanulaceae). Similarity index (S.I.) analysis revealed that C. PILOSULA samples from the same province generated similar DNA fingerprints, while samples of different provinces displayed different DNA fingerprints. This method may be a general and valuable tool for locality authentication of other Chinese herbal medicinal materials.

A sesquiterpene lactone glucoside from Ixeris denticulata f. pinnatipartita

An extract from the entire Ixeris denticulata f. pinnatipartita plant afforded the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone glucoside, 8 beta,15-dihydroxy-1(10),3,11(13)-guaiatrien-12,6-olide-15-O- glucopyranoside, along with the known flavonoids luteolin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide-6'-methyl ester; their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Ixerin Y inhibited the growth of human breast cancer MCF7 and MDA468 cell lines.

Tribulusamide A and B, new hepatoprotective lignanamides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris: indications of cytoprotective activity in murine hepatocyte culture

Tribulusamides A (1) and B (2), new lignanamides embracing two cinnamic amide parts joined in a cis configuration, were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris, together with four known compounds, N-trans-feruloyltyramine (3), terrestriamide (4), N-trans-coumaroyltyramine (5), and beta-sitosterol. The structures were elucidated by 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Addition of compounds 1-5, especially 1 and 2, to primary cultured mouse hepatocytes significantly prevented cell death induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

Determination of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids by on-line high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with an electrospray interface

The present study describes the determination of two different types of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and also distinguishing the hepatotoxic PAs from non-toxic ones by both in-source collision-induced dissociation high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (CID-HPLC/MS) and HPLC/MS/MS (CID in the collision cell), using electrospray ionization. The mass spectra provided molecular ions and characteristic fragment ions, which could be used readily for a rapid identification of different types of PAs. Applications of both in-source CID-HPLC/MS and HPLC/MS/MS analytical methods were successful for the determination of PAs in blood samples obtained from rats dosed with PAs and in the PA-containing plant. The results demonstrated that the developed HPLC/MS methods with two different CID techniques provided a very simple and rapid analysis for an unequivocal diagnosis of PA poisoning and for definitive identification of PAs in plants or herbal medicines.

Investigations on the protective action of Condonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) extract on experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats

The action of Codonopsis pilosula extract in 5 animal models of gastric ulcer was investigated. It was found that the extract had higher efficacy on gastric ulcer induced by stress, acetic acid and sodium hydroxide and little significant effect on ulcers induced by pyloroligature and indomethacin. The C. pilosula extract was also capable of reducing gastric acid pepsin secretion. It is possible that inhibition of gastrointestinal movement and propulsion is one of the mechanisms underlying the antiulcer action of C. pilosula extract.

Immunomodulatory effect of a polysaccharide-enriched preparation of Codonopsis pilosula roots

1. A polysaccharide-enriched fraction (CPPS) was prepared from Codonopsis pilosula root extract utilizing a procedure that entailed extraction with aqueous buffer and precipitation with ethanol. 2. After administration of CPPS in drinking water to C57BL/6 mice at a dosage of 10 mg/L for 4 weeks, the splenocytes exhibited lowered mitogenic responses to Concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The in vitro production of reactive nitrogen intermediates was inhibited. 3. However, when oral administration of CPPS was prolonged to 8 weeks, there was a potentiation of ConA-stimulated and LPS-stimulated mitogenic responses. 4. When tested under in vitro conditions, CPPS augmented the mitogenic response of splenocytes to ConA. However, there was no effect on the pinocytic activity of mouse macrophages, nor was there any proliferative activity on mouse melanoma B16 cells.

Examination of coumarins, flavonoids and polysaccharopeptide for antibacterial activity

1. Coumarins, flavonoids and polysaccharopeptide were tested for antibacterial activity. 2. The bacteria used for this study included clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 3. Most of the coumarins tested failed to inhibit the bacteria at 25 mg/l. Edultin at 128 mg/l inhibited 4 of the 8 P. aeruginosa strains and 1 of the S. aureus strains tested. O-acetylcolumbianetin and imperatorin did not inhibit any isolate, even at 128 mg/l. 4. When tested at the dose of 128 mg/l, the flavonoids (rutin, naringin and baicalin) inhibited 25% or less of P. aeruginosa and only baicalin was active against S. aureus. 5. Arbutin and 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxyl)-benzaldehyde inhibited 3 of the 8 P. aeruginosa strains when tested at 128 mg/l. 6. Polysaccharopeptide from the fungus Coriolus versicolor failed to inhibit any P. aeruginosa or S. aureus strain at 128 mg/l.

Recent advances in pharmacognosy research in China

1. Progress made in pharmacognostic research by Chinese investigators in the last decade is summarized herein. 2. This review covers studies on herbal properties, resources, identification, physicochemical evaluation, cultivation, breeding, tissue culture, collection, processing, preparation, active principles and pharmacological activities of traditional and herbal Chinese drugs. 3. As a result of these research activities errors in species identification were spotted, new drug resources were revealed, new taxa were discovered, crude drugs were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, optimal conditions for cultivation and breeding of plants and animals used as drugs were formulated, the quality of some drugs was controlled, the drug processing procedures and storage conditions were evaluated, and the chemistry and pharmacology of a number of crude drugs were elucidated.

Scavenging effects of tetramethylpyrazine on active oxygen free radicals

The scavenging effects of tetramethylpyrazine (ligustrazine, Lig) isolated from Ligusticum wallichii Franch on active oxygen free radicals were studied using spin trapping technic and chemiluminescence methods. The scavenging rate of superoxide anion (O2-.) by Lig (25 mg.ml-1) was 100% in xanthine/xanthine oxidase (Xan/XO) system, and that of hydroxyl radical (OH-.) was 44% in Fenton's reaction. The scavenging rate of lipid peroxyl radical (LOO-.) by Lig (25 mg.ml-1) was 80% in peroxidizing microsome system. It is possible that Lig scavenged O2-. by catalyzing its spontaneous dismutation. The results showed that Lig had strong effects of scavenging cyotoxic oxygen free radicals (O2-., LOO-., OH-.).