Four glycosides from the leaves of Abeliophyllum distichum with inhibitory effects on angiotensin converting enzyme

The bioassay-guided fractionation of the n-BuOH extract of Abeliophyllum distichum afforded acteoside (1), isoacteoside (2), rutin (3), and hirsutrin (4). Compounds 1-3 moderately inhibited the angiotensin I converting enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner. Compounds 1-3 showed the 50% inhibitory concentration values of 228 micro g/mL, 290 micro g/mL, and 278 micro g/mL, respectively.

Polyphenols of Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves--pharmacological studies of grandinin

Four polyphenolic acid derivatives and three ellagitannins were isolated from the leaves of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Clav.) S. T. Blake for the first time. Their structures were elucidated as gallic acid (1), ellagic acid (2), 3-O-methylellagic acid (3), 3,4,3'-tri-O-methylellagic acid (4), 2,3-O-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-(alpha/beta)-D-(4)C(1)-glucopyranose (5), castalin (6) and grandinin (7) on the basis of chemical, mass spectrometric (-ve ESI-MS) and spectroscopic (UV, (1)H-, (13)C NMR, (1)H,(1)H-, (1)H,(13)C-COSY, (1)H,(1)H-TOCSY and HMBC) analyses. Grandinin (the major compound) showed radical scavenging properties by its reaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical [EC(50) = 4.3 +/- 0.3 micro g mL(-1)]. It was found to be relatively nontoxic in mice [LD(50) = 316 mg Kg(-1) b.wt.]. It exhibited a significant dose-dependent (35-70 mg Kg(-1)) hypoglycemic effect by significantly reducing blood glucose level in basal condition and after heavy glucose load in normal mice. Moreover, it reduced the elevated blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic mice. In addition, grandinin reduced the elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum lipid peroxides in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Dissectol A, an unusual monoterpene glycoside from Incarvillea dissectifoliola

An unusual monoterpene glycoside named dissectol A ( 1) was isolated from the EtOH extract of Incarvillea dissectifoliola, and its structure was determined by 1D and 2D NMR data. The antimicrobial bioassays showed that dissectol A had modest inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis when compared to rifampicin in an agar diffusion assay.

Small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of glycolipid lysosomal storage disorders

Glycosphingolipid (GSL) lysosomal storage disorders are a small but challenging group of human diseases to treat. Although these disorders appear to be monogenic in origin, where the catalytic activity of enzymes in GSL catabolism is impaired, the clinical presentation and severity of disease are heterogeneous. Present attitudes to treatment demand individual therapeutics designed to match the specific disease-related gene defect; this is an acceptable approach for those diseases with high frequency, but it lacks viability for extremely rare conditions. An alternative therapeutic approach termed 'substrate deprivation' or 'substrate reduction therapy' (SRT) aims to balance cellular GSL biosynthesis with the impairment in catalytic activity seen in lysosomal storage disorders. The development of N-alkylated iminosugars that have inhibitory activity against the first enzyme in the pathway for glucosylating sphingolipid in eukaryotic cells, ceramide-specific glucosyltransferase, offers a generic therapeutic for the treatment of all glucosphingolipidoses. The successful use of N-alkylated iminosugars to establish SRT as an alternative therapeutic strategy has been demonstrated in in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials for type 1 Gaucher disease. The implications of these studies and the prospects of improvement to the design of iminosugar compounds for treating Gaucher and other GSL lysosomal storage disorders will be discussed.

Reumacon (CPH82) showed similar x-ray progression and clinical effects as methotrexate in a two year comparative study on patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To study x-ray development and clinical effects, tolerability and safety after 2 years treatment of RA patients with Reumacon (CPH82) or methotrexate (MTX).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a 74 week open continuation of a 24 week double blind comparison of 100 patients with early RA (disease duration less than 2 years) treated either with Reumacon or MTX.

RESULTS

The mean Larsen scores and the mean number of erosions increased significantly from baseline to 24 weeks and from 24 weeks to endpoint in both groups with no significant difference between them. Both groups had improved significantly in all clinical variables after 24 weeks and this improvement was sustained after two years.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiological progression in patients treated with CPH82 was similar to that in patients treated with MTX. The clinical effect of the two drugs was sustained over the two year trial in both treatment groups.

Scropolioside-D2 and harpagoside-B: two new iridoid glycosides from Scrophularia deserti and their antidiabetic and antiinflammatory activity

Five iridoid glycosides, including the two new compounds scropolioside-D(2) (1) and harpagoside-B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Scrophularia deserti DEL (Scrophulariaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data to be 6-O-[2",4"-di-O-acetyl-3"-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-8 alpha-hydroxymethyl-1 alpha,5 beta,6 alpha,7 alpha,9 beta-pentahydro-7(8)-epoxy-2-oxaind-3-ene-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-6'-O-acetate (1) and 5-O-beta-hydroxy-8-O-beta-trans-cinnamoyl-8 alpha-methyl-1,6,7,9-tetrahydro-2-oxaind-3-ene-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), respectively. In addition, three more iridoid glycosides, scropolioside-D (3), koelzioside (4), and 8-O-acetyl-harpagide (5), were also isolated and characterized from this source. The biological activity and the structure activity relationship of the compounds were also studied, and scropolioside-D (3) and harpagoside-B (2) were found to possess significant antidiabetic and antiinflammatory activity, respectively.

Modulation of carcinogenic response and antioxidant enzymes of rats administered with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine by Picroliv

The effect of Picroliv treatment on the carcinogenic response and, hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes of rats administered with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine hydrochloride (DMH) was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. DMH-induced hepatic carcinogenic response and necrosis were inhibited by oral administration of Picroliv (40 and 200 mg/kg). Liver gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, which was elevated to 0.41 +/- 0.06 nmol/mg protein by DMH administration was found to be reduced to 0.22 +/- 0.04 and 0.18 +/- 0.03 nmol/mg protein by Picroliv treatment 40 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Elevated number of Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Region dots and clusters, an index of proliferation, of DMH treated rat liver was reduced by Picroliv treatment. DMH-induced depletion of hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were restored to normal by Picroliv treatment. Picroliv treatment reduced the DMH-induced elevation of lipidperoxidation in liver, kidney and serum. Elevated levels of serum total bilirubin by DMH administration was reduced by Picroliv treatment. Depleted renal glutathione S-transferase and hepatic glutathione levels after DMH administered rats were found to be significantly increased by Picroliv treatment. Histological analysis of the DMH administered rat liver showed hepatic cell necrosis, coalescent nodular areas and cystic hyperplasia of the bile ducts with inflammation. Picroliv treated liver resembled normal liver except the presence of a few degenerating cells. Renal anatomy was not altered by DMH administration.

A new biologically active flavone glycoside from the seeds of Cassia fistula (Linn.)

A new bioactive flavone glycoside 1 [mp 252-254 degrees C, C28H32O16, [M]+ 624 (EIMS)] was isolated from the acetone soluble fraction of the defatted seeds of Cassia fistula (Linn.). It was characterized as a new bioactive flavone glycoside 5,3',4'-tri-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside by several colour reactions, spectral analysis and chemical degradations. Compound 1 showed anti-microbial activity.

Anti-tumor promoting effect of glycosides from Prunus persica seeds

Four minor components, along with the major cyanogenic glycosides, amygdalin and prunasin, were isolated from Prunus persica seeds (Persicae Semen; Tounin), and characterized as mandelic acid glycosides (beta-gentiobioside and beta-D-glucoside) and benzyl alcohol glycosides (beta-gentiobioside and beta-D-glucoside). The anti-tumor promoting activity of these compounds was examined in both in vitro and in vivo assays. All of the compounds significantly inhibited the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation induced by tumor promoter. In addition, they produced a delay of two-stage carcinogenesis on mouse skin that was comparable in potency to (-)-epigallocatechin gallate from green tea. Structure-activity relationships indicated that a substituent at the benzylic position with glycosidic linkage affected the in vitro and in vivo activities with an order of enhancing potency, CN<COOH<H.

A novel vitamin E derivative (TMG) protects against gastric mucosal damage induced by ischemia and reperfusion in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidative effects of water-soluble vitamin E derivative, 2-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol (TMG), on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) -induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Gastric ischemia was induced by applying a small clamp to the celiac artery and reoxygenation was produced by removal of the clamp. The area of gastric mucosal erosion, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and the myeloperoxidase activity in gastric mucosa significantly increased in I/R groups compared with those of sham-operated groups. These increases were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with TMG. The contents of both mucosal TNF-alpha and CINC-2beta in I/R groups were also increased compared with the levels of those in sham-operated groups. These increases of the inflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited by the treatment with TMG. It is concluded that TMG inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced development of the gastric mucosal inflammation induced by I/R in rats.

Protective Effects of Kakkalide From Flos Puerariae on Ethanol-Induced Lethality and Hepatic Injury Are Dependent on Its Biotransformation by Human Intestinal Microflora

When kakkalide, which was isolated from Flos Puerariae, was incubated with human fecal bacteria, kakkalide was metabolized to irisolidone via kakkalidone. When kakkalide (250 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats, irisolidone, but not kakkalide, was detected in the blood. The mortality associated with ethanol treatment was slightly reduced when the mice were intraperitoneally treated with kakkalide. Intraperitoneally administered kakkalide and kakkalidone did not reduce alcohol toxicity. However, orally administered kakkalide and intraperitoneally administered irisolidone significantly reduced the mortality. Orally administered kakkalide and intraperitoneally injected irisolidone greatly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in ethanol-intoxified mice. Orally administered kakkalide and intraperitoneally administered irisolidone significantly lowered the level of blood ethanol. The results indicate that kakkalide is a prodrug of irisolidone in protecting against ethanol-induced lethality and hepatic injury.

[Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside on serum IL-2 and TNF-alpha in patients with acute anterior U-veitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TWP) on level of serum interleukin 2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients of acute anterior uveitis (AAU).

METHODS

Patients of AAU were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n = 50) was mainly treated with TWP and the control group (n = 50) treated with bimolani. The level of IL-2 and TNF-alpha before and after treatment were determined and compared between the two groups and also compared between the treated group and normal group consisted of 50 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Levels of IL-2 and TNF-alpha in the treated group before treatment were 1.31 +/- 0.27 micrograms/L and 1.20 +/- 0.65 micrograms/L, and after treatment 1.19 +/- 0.27 micrograms/L and 0.96 +/- 0.54 microgram/L, those in the control group were 1.31 +/- 0.26 micrograms/L and 1.22 +/- 0.66 micrograms/L before treatment and 1.20 +/- 0.27 micrograms/L and 0.98 +/- 0.51 microgram/L after treatment respectively. Comparisons of the two parameters before and after treatment in both groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05 in TWP group and P < 0.01 in bimolani group). The two parameters in both treated groups were all higher than those in the normal group before treatment (P < 0.05), but showed insignificant difference after treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal changes of IL-2 and TNF-alpha exist in AAU patients, TWP could suppress both parameters markedly therefore has a reliable effect in treatment of AAU.

Sedative and anticonvulsant activities of goodyerin, a flavonol glycoside from Goodyera schlechtendaliana

Goodyerin is a flavonol glycoside isolated from the whole plants of Goodyera schlechtendaliana which has been used as a substitute for the crude drug, Anoectochilus formosanus. The pharmacological properties of goodyerin were assayed for effects on spontaneous locomotor activity, on pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, and on anticonvulsant activity against picrotoxin-induced seizures in rodents. Goodyerin exhibited a significant and dose-dependent sedative and anticonvulsant effect.

[Effect of total glycoside from Clinopodium polycephalum on uterine bleeding quantity in drug abortion model rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of total glycoside from Clinopodium polycephalum (Vaniot) C. Y. Wu et Hsuan on uterine bleeding quantity in drug abortion model rats.

METHOD

Mifepristone and misoprostol were given to early-pregnancy rats orally. The change of uterine bleeding quantity was observed in uncompletive abortion model rats.

RESULT

TGCP (20 mg/kg) could markedly reduce uterine bleeding quantity in drug abortion model rats.

CONCLUSION

TGCP has the hemostatic effect on uterine bleeding in drug abortion model rats.

[Pharmacological properties od steroid glycosides from Ruscus ponticus]

Some pharmacological properties of the sum of steroidal glycosides (ruscoponin preparation) extracted from underground parts of Ruscus ponticus were studied. The drug exhibits a pronounced antiexudative effect (related to the alpha 1-adrenergic activity) on the models of formalin edema and pouch granuloma in rats and a thermal rectum inflammation in mice. The drug exhibited no hepato-, nephro-, and gastrotoxicity.

[Clinical effect of Tripterygiitotorum combined with prednisone and its effect on serum IL-6 level in treating patients with myasthenia gravis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effect of Tripterygiitotorum (T II) combined with prednisone in treating patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and the changes of immune function after treatment.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with MG were randomly divided into two groups, the 36 patients in the treated group were treated with T II plus prednisone and the 32 in the control group were treated with prednisone alone. The therapeutic effect, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and peripheral B lymphocyte levels were observed.

RESULTS

The therapeutic effect in the treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were significant decrease in serum IL-6 and peripheral B lymphocyte in both groups after treatment (P < 0.05), with the decrements more significant in the treated group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The therapy of T II plus prednisone is superior to that of prednisone alone in treating MG, it has a more potent effect of immunosuppression.

[Aranoza -- a new Russian antineoplastic drug]

Myelosuppression is a toxicity-related limitation for aranoza dosage. The drug proved effective in the treatment of uterine sarcoma, cancer of the head and neck, breast, Hodgkin's disease and lymphosarcoma during stage II of clinical studies. Complete regression was reported in the treatment of melanoma (ca. 12%). Good results of chemoimmunotherapy should be expected in untreated patients as well as intraarterial infusions for local lesions of the extremities. Clinical trials of aranoza used in combined modalities of therapy in various sites continue.

[Clinical observation on small doses Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside combined with methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect and adverse reaction of small doses Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TWP) combined with methotrexate (MT) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Seventy RA patients were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (35 patients) and the TWP combined MT Group (TWPM group). Both of them were continued to use the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The control group took MT 15 mg orally, once every week; the TWPM group took TWP 10 mg orally, 3 times a day, and MT 7.5 mg orally once every week. The clinical effect and adverse reaction after treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

The markedly effective rate in the control group and the TWPM group was 28.6% and 34.3% respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Data of symptoms and signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined respectively with significant difference (P < 0.01). The rate of adverse reaction was 20 cases-times in the control group and 8 cases-times in the TWPM group.

CONCLUSION

MT combined small doses of TWP in treating RA has better effect and less adverse reactions than un-combined MT.

[Supragenomic strategies. Cancer research after HUGO]

Vast knowledge concerning genetic alterations in cancer cells has accumulated in recent years. The results raise hopes of better and more refined therapy. However, some researchers fear that it will take a long time until we get the main picture using a reductionistic approach. The hallmark of cancer is genomic instability. Other research groups use supragenomic strategies and focus on the interactions between tumor cells and cells of the surrounding stroma, e.g. inhibition of angiogenesis, production of extracellular proteases and activation of growth factors. Tumor cells are also dependent on proteoglycans and in many cases specific forms with specific degradation pathways dominate. Proteoglycans control growth factor activity and polyamine uptake. Proteoglycans are suitable targets for antitumor therapy because they are supragenomic products and their biosynthesis can be manipulated with xylosides.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of ArginMax, a nutritional supplement for enhancement of female sexual function

This study was open to women over the age of 21 years with an interest in improving their sexual function. Of the 77 participants, 34 received ArginMax and 43 received a placebo. ArginMax for Women is a proprietary nutritional supplement consisting of extracts of ginseng, ginkgo, and damiana, L-arginine, multivitamins, and minerals. After 4 weeks, 73.5% of the ArginMax group improved in satisfaction with their overall sex life, compared with 37.2% of the placebo group (p < 0.01). Notable improvements were also observed in sexual desire, reduction of vaginal dryness, frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm, and clitoral sensation. No significant side effects were noted.

Protective effect of Picroliv, the active constituent of Picrorhiza kurroa, against chemical carcinogenesis in mice

Cancer chemoprevention of chemically induced tumours by Picroliv, an iridoid glycoside mixture purified from Picrorhiza kurroa, was studied on 20-methylcholanthrene (20-MC)-induced sarcoma model and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated papilloma formation in BALB/c mice. Administration of Picroliv (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o) inhibited the sarcoma development by 47 and 53% as estimated on day 200 after 20-MC administration. Control animals started dying of tumour burden 76 days after 20-MC administration and all animals were dead by day 170, while 60 and 66% of the animals survived in the Picroliv treated group, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Picroliv exhibited anti-tumour-promoting activity on a two-stage carcinogenesis test on mouse skin using DMBA as an initiator and croton oil as a promoter. Topical application of Picroliv (1 and 5 mg/mouse) 30 minutes prior to that of croton oil application resulted in a 50 and 60% reduction in the number of animals that developed papillomas, and 48 and 64% reduction in the number of papillomas per mouse. There was also a delay in the onset of first skin tumour in the group of animals treated with Picroliv. Oral administration of Picroliv (150 mg/kg, p.o.) prior to DMBA application delayed the onset of papillomas and the percent of mice (60%) with tumours indicates that Picroliv inhibited the tumour initiation induced by DMBA. Picroliv administration was also found to increase the life span of transplanted Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) harboring mice and reduced the volume of transplanted solid tumours.

Ortho-carboranyl glycosides for the treatment of cancer by boron neutron capture therapy

Distinct biological properties of the ortho-carboranyl (1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranyl) glycosides 1, 2 and 3 were evaluated to estimate the suitability of these compounds for cancer treatment by boron neutron capture therapy. The boron uptake into B16-Melanoma cells was significantly higher by incubating the cells with aqueous solutions of carboranyl glucoside 1 (11.2 ppm after 3h), lactoside 2 (13.2 ppm after 12h) and maltoside 3 (20.0 ppm after 24h) compared with solutions of clinically used p-boronophenylalanine (BPA) 5 (3.1 ppm after 24h). Carboranyl maltoside 3 was more effective than boron-10 enriched 5 in killing C-6 rat glioma cells by incubating the cells with the compound and subsequent treatment with thermal neutrons. 3 was also administrated iv, in concentrations of 25 mg boron/kg body weight to rats bearing brain tumors. After a period of 4h after administration the concentration of boron in the tumor tissue was 3.0 ppm.

Picrorhiza kurroa. Monograph

Picrorhiza kurroa is a well-known herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and has traditionally been used to treat disorders of the liver and upper respiratory tract, reduce fevers, and to treat dyspepsia, chronic diarrhea, and scorpion sting. It is a small perennial herb from the Scrophulariaceae family, found in the Himalayan region growing at elevations of 3,000 - 5,000 meters. Picrorhiza kurroa has a long, creeping rootstock that is bitter in taste, and grows in rock crevices and moist, sandy soil. The leaves of the plant are flat, oval, and sharply serrated. The flowers, which appear June through August, are white or pale purple and borne on a tall spike; manual harvesting of the plant takes place October through December. The active constituents are obtained from the root and rhizomes. The plant is self-regenerating but unregulated over-harvesting has caused it to be threatened to near extinction. Current research on Picrorhiza kurroa has focused on its hepatoprotective, anticholestatic, antioxidant, and immune-modulating activity.