1-O-galloyl-6-O-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy)benzoyl-beta-D-glucose, a new hepatoprotective constituent from Combretum quadrangulare

A new gallic acid derivative, 1-O-galloyl-6-O-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy)benzoyl-beta-D-glucose (1) has been isolated from an H2O-fraction of MeOH extract of Combretum quadrangulare seeds. Compound 1 exhibited potent hepatoprotective activity against D-GalN/TNF-alpha-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes with an IC50 of 3.3 microM.

A pharmacogenomic approach to Alzheimer's disease

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (susceptibility genetics) and genomic point mutations (mendelian genetics) can be used in Alzheimer's disease (AD) for diagnostic, predictive and therapeutic purposes. Using a matrix genetic model, including APOE, PS1 and PS2 allelic variants, we have studied the distribution of 36 different genotypes in the AD population (N= 479) and the genotype-related cognitive response to a multifactorial therapy in AD patients with mild-to-moderate dementia. The 10 most frequent AD genotypes are the following: 1) E33P112P2 + (17.75%), 2) E33P112P2- (15.55%), 3) E33P111P2+ (10.85%), 4) E34P112P2+ (9.60%), 5) E34P112P2- (7.56%), 6) E33P111P2- (7.10%), 7) E34P111P2+ (4.80%), 8) E33P122P2+ (4.38%), 9) E34P111P2- (4.18%), and 10) E34P122P2+ (3.55%). APOE-4/4-related genotypes represent less than 3% in the following order: E44P112P2 + > E44P111P2+ = E44P111P2- > E44P112P2+ > E44P122P2+ = E44P122P2. Multifactorial therapy with CDP-choline (1,000 mg/day) + piracetam (2,400 mg/day) + anapsos (360 mg/day) did improve mental performance during the first 6-15 months in a genotype-specific fashion. The best responders in the APOE series were patients with APOE-3/4 genotype (r= +0.013), while the worst responders were APOE-4/4 patients (r= -0.93). PS1-related genotypes responded in a similar manner; and patients with a defective PS2 gene exon 5 (PS2+) always showed a poorer therapeutic response than PS2- patients. All these data suggest that the therapeutic outcome in AD exhibits a genotype-specific pattern, and that a pharmacogenomic approach to AD might be a valuable strategy for drug development and monitoring.

[Effect of synthetic muramyl dipeptide derivatives on staphylococcal infection in mice]

The work deals with the results of experimental evaluation of the influence of some new modified derivatives of muramyldipeptide (MDP) on the course of staphylococcal infection in mice. The preparations under study were found to produce rapid elimination of bacteria from kidneys and the increase of phagocytic activity of blood macrophages in animals. At the same time MDP and its derivatives stimulated natural killer cells whose activity was inhibited during infection. The dependence between the structure of these compounds and their protective action in staphylococcal infection, as well as the increase of the natural immunity characteristics of the body was followed.

Microscopic evaluation and seasonal variations of anthraquinone glycosides of cultivated Cassia fistula Linn

In this report, we present the results of the microscopy, seasonal variations and spectrophotometric estimation of hydroxy-anthraquinone glycosides of culitivated Cassia fistula Linn. The total glycoside contents ofthe morphological parts of this species at different stages of growth are also presented. The study shows that anthraquinone glycosides are concentrated in the leaves (1.75%) and flowers (1.58%) at peak flowering. Notable seasonal variations were observed in the cultivated species. Hydroxyanthraquinones reached peak levels druing the months of September (1.08%) and October (2.20%). There was a significant drop (P < 0.05) in glycoside content during most part of the rainy season. It has been established that anthraquinone glycosides, rather than the aglycones, are the active forms and hence an estimation of the total glycoside content of a sample is a reliable indication of biological activity. The advantages of using the natural anthraquinone laxative when the glycoside content is highest are discussed. The study has provided useful information on the best period for harvesting the morphological parts of C. fistula for drug development.

CPH 82 (Reumacon) in refractory inflammatory arthritis

In this retrospective analysis of the DMARD CPH 82 in 44 Icelandic patients with severe refractory arthritis, clinical tolerance was good and serious side effects absent, although the majority were using the drug in combination with other DMARDS. Side effects leading to discontinuation were seen in 16% and the three year drug-survival was 51%.

Hepatocurative effect of picroliv and silymarin against aflatoxin B1 induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Single doses of aflatoxin B1 (2 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant increases in the activities of tau-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase and acid ribonuclease, and decreases in the activities of succinate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase in liver, after 8 weeks. The level of lipid peroxides, DNA, RNA, and cholesterol increased while glycogen decreased. It also increased the serum level of transaminases, sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. Oral administration of picroliv (25 mg/kg/day for 15 days), a standardised iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, 6 weeks after aflatoxin B1 toxication, significantly prevented the biochemical changes induced in liver and serum of aflatoxin B1 treated rats. The hepatocurative effect of picroliv and silymarin, a plant based standard hepatoprotective are comparable.

Inhibition of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by Picroliv

Picroliv, an iridoid glycoside mixture prepared from the roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa was found to be an effective inhibitor of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in rats. Animals administered with NDEA had large hepatic nodules and the liver weight was increased to 6.17 +/- 1.0 g/100 g.b.wt. as compared to the normal liver weight 2.84 +/- 0.08 g/100 g.b.wt. Picroliv administration (200 mg/Kg.b.wt) reduced the liver weight to 3.30 +/- 0.23 g/100 g.b.wt. Oral administration of Picroliv reduced NDEA-induced elevation of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT) in serum and liver to that of normal rats. Moreover, elevated levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamatepyruvate transaminase (GPT) and serum peroxides were also found to be significantly reduced by Picroliv administration. Similar observations were noticed in glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels. Histopathological analysis of the Picroliv treated rat liver resembles that of a normal liver except for a few alterations such as hepatocytomegalia and karyomegalia in some focii. The results are indicative of the chemopreventive potential of Picroliv against chemically-induced liver tumours.

[Study of the radioprotective effects of TMG on teratogenic malformations in irradiated mice]

ICR mice fetuses in the organogenesis stage were used to clarify experimentally the mechanism of the protective effect of vitamin E derivant (TMG: 2-(alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl) methyl-2, -5, -7, -8-Teramethylchorman-6-working woman) on the effects of radiation. The authors paid careful attention to radiation, and the radioprotective effects of TMG on the induction of malformations was examined. Radiation is an important consideration because of its widespread use in the areas of medicine, nuclear energy, and industry. Malformations induced by radiation at the organogenesis stage, skeletal malformations, and the effects at the cellular level of embryos were examined in this research. Further, the mechanism of the protection effect of TMG against radiation-induced malformations was analyzed and observed experimentally. Thus, this study was done to provide fundamental data on the radioprotective agent TMG. It was clear that TMG exerted radioprotective effects against embryonic death and the rate of teratogenesis when administered before exposure. Such effects were also exerted against skeletal malformations and fetal body weight. In summary, radioprotective effects were observed at the whole-body level as well as at the cellular level.

In-vitro antioxidant and in-vivo photoprotective effect of three lyophilized extracts of Sedum telephium L. leaves

Sedum telephium L. is a medicinal plant used in antiquity to cure many types of inflammatory skin diseases. The leaves (without the external cuticle), are used to promote healing and reduce skin inflammation and pain, and contain various components. We found two major components: flavonol glycosides and polysaccharides, with molecular weight between 13,000 and 13,500 Da. We evaluated the in-vitro antioxidant and in-vivo skin photoprotective effects of three lyophilized extracts obtained from the juice of S. telephium L. leaves: a total lyophilized juice, a lyophilized flavonolic fraction, and a lyophilized polysaccharidic fraction. Two in-vitro models were used: the bleaching of the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) radical, and the protective effect against UV-induced peroxidation on phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles, as model membranes. The antioxidant/radical scavenging activity of each lyophilized extract was also assessed in-vivo by determining their ability to reduce UVB-induced skin erythema (monitored by reflectance spectrophotometry) in healthy human volunteers. The findings of the in-vitro experiments clearly demonstrated that, unlike the lyophilized polysaccharidic fraction, the lyophilized flavonolic fraction and total lyophilized juice possess strong antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties, which are likely due to phenolic compounds. Consistent with these findings, gel formulations of both the total lyophilized juice and, to a greater degree, the lyophilized flavonolic fraction appeared to possess a strong protective effect against UV-induced skin erythema in-vivo, whereas the lyophilized polysaccharidic fraction was completely ineffective. The in-vitro and in-vivo results suggest that, both the total lyophilized juice and, in particular, the lyophilized flavonolic fraction, but not the lyophilized polysaccharidic fraction of S. telephium L. leaves, have photoprotective effects against UVB-induced skin damage.

A new flavonoid from Limonium axillare

A new flavonol glycoside identified as myricetin 3-O-beta-D-sorboside (1) has been isolated from the leaves of L. axillare. The new compound showed a moderate inhibition of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. XVI. Nortriterpene oligoglycosides with gastroprotective activity from the fresh leaves of Euptelea polyandra Sieb. et Zucc. (1): structures of Eupteleasaponins I, II, III, IV, V, and V acetate

The saponin fraction from the fresh leaves of Euiptelea polyandra Sieb. et Zucc. was found to exhibit potent gastroprotective activity. Fourteen new nortriterpene saponins called eupteleasaponins were isolated from the saponin fraction with gastroprotective activity. The structures of eupteleasaponins I, I1, III, IV, V, and V acetate were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1 -->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosylakebonoic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosylakebonoic acid 28-O-beta-D- D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosylakebonoic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosylakebonoic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-- >4)]-beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosylakebonoic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosvl(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 -->4)-beta-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1 -->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosylakebonoic acid, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosvl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyleupteleo genin, and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-6"-O-acetyl-gamma-D-glucopyranosyl(1 -->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyleupteleogenin.

Endocrine effects of the podophyllotoxine derivative drug CPH 82 (Reumacon) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

CPH 82 is a non-steroid antirheumatic drug containing two benzylidenated podophyllotoxin glucosides with no affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor. Treatment with CPH 82 as single drug therapy significantly decreased serum and urinary cortisol and cortisol metabolites, serum adrenal androgens and urinary androgen metabolites, plasma ACTH and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and increased serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Significant positive correlations were found between serum TNF-alpha and plasma ACTH and between serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha on the one hand and serum and urinary cortisol and cortisol metabolites on the other. The initial action of CPH 82 on adrenal steroidogenesis may be a reduction in cytokine levels due to the drugs' antiinflammatory effect. This causes decreased ACTH stimulation, resulting in a reduced adrenocortical steroid secretion. Accumulation of the drug in the adrenal cortex may also affect adrenal steroidogenesis. The elevated SHBG levels may be caused by a weak estrogenic activity of the drug.

Prevention of renal ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury in rats by picroliv

Picroliv is a potent antioxidant extracted from the roots and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurrooa. It has been shown to impart significant hepatoprotective activities, partly by modulation of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species are associated with tissue injury in post-ischemic acute renal failure. The efficacy of picroliv was assessed in an in vivo model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats at a dose of 12 mg/kg orally for 7 days. The animals were killed at various times after reperfusion. Increased lipid peroxidation and apoptotic cell number reflected the oxidative damage following renal IRI. Picroliv-pretreated rats exhibited lower lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant status, and reduced apoptosis, indicating better viability of renal cells. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that picroliv pretreatment attenuated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the glomerular region. These results suggested that picroliv pretreatment protects rat kidneys from IRI, perhaps by modulation of free radical damage and adhesion molecules.

[Effect of Tripterygium polyglycoside on interleukin-6 in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study the action of interleukin-6(IL-6) in pathogenesis and effect of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

METHODS

Forty-three patients of GBS were selected according to Asbury's standard and divided into two groups on layer randomize principle, they were treated with adrenal corticosteroid and Tripterygium polyglycoside (TP) respectively. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content of IL-6 were measured by double antibody sandwich ELISA method.

RESULTS

(1) The serum and CSF content of IL-6 in GBS group was higher than those in the normal control group significantly; (2) There was positive correlation between CSF IL-6 and clinical severity (P < 0.01) before treatment; (3) After treatment the clinical symptoms were improved in both groups, but the TP treated group showed better effect than the control group in improving symptoms and lowering serum IL-6 level (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CSF level of IL-6 could be taken as one of the criteria for severity evaluation of patient's condition. TP is superior in suppressing abnormal immune reaction to adrenal corticosteroid in GBS patients.

A clinical study of CPH 82 vs methotrexate in early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of CPH 82 in comparison with methotrexate (MTX) in adult patients with early, active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare the tolerance and safety profiles of the two drugs.

METHODS

The study was a 24-week, double-blind, randomized study in 10 centres of 100 patients with active RA, with a disease duration of less than 2 yr at the start of treatment, which consisted of either CPH 82 300 mg/day or MTX 10 mg/week. The six primary effect variables were: number of swollen joints, Ritchie's articular index, patient's pain score, patient's global score, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), physician's global score and the efficacy according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria were also analysed.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement for both drugs in all variables. Significant differences between the drugs in favour of MTX were found only in patient's pain score, CRP and ESR. By the EULAR criteria, 76% and 86% were judged to be responders in the CPH 82 and MTX groups, respectively. By the ACR criteria, the corresponding figures were 58% and 64%. The most common side-effects were gastrointestinal, which were similar in both groups. The numbers of treatment failures due to adverse events were two with CPH 82 and 14 with MTX.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical effect of CPH 82 in this study was comparable to that of MTX at a dose of 10 mg/week. Both drugs reduced acute-phase reactants, MTX more effectively than CPH 82. The safety profile of CPH 82 was more favourable than that of MTX without folic acid supplementation.

Anticancer potential of cleistanthin A isolated from the tropical plant Cleistanthus collinus

A diphyllin glycoside called cleistanthin A was isolated from the tropical plant Cleistanthus collinus and its anticancer potential was assessed. This compound showed preferential cytotoxicity in several tumor cell lines. The GI50 values for normal cell lines were between 10(-6) and 10(-7) M while for tumor cells the values ranged from 10(-7) to 10(-9) M. When the cytotoxicity of this compound was compared with five anticancer drugs, cleistanthin A was found to be most effective for the oral carcinoma cell line KB and the cervical carcinoma cell line SiHa. The efficacy of cleistanthin A in arresting tumor growth was assessed in mice harboring Dalton's ascites lymphoma and a solid tumor S-180 sarcoma. In both cases, the tumor volume was drastically reduced upon treatment with cleistanthin A. This compound also increased the life span of mice with S-180 sarcoma to a similar extent as that done by cisplatin (CDDP: cis-diamminedichloroplatinum) and etoposide. However, cleistanthin A was less toxic than these drugs because it did not affect the body weight and lymphocyte count in treated animals. Although the molecular mechanisms of action of cleistanthin A in arresting cell growth are yet to be explored in various perspectives, our present results indicate that this compound arrests growth by inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division and by driving cells to apoptosis. Time-lapse video microscopic recordings of cleistanthin A-treated cells showed vigorous membrane blebbing, characteristic of apoptosis.

Ex vivo and in vivo investigations of picroliv from Picrorhiza kurroa in an alcohol intoxication model in rats

Picroliv, the active constituent isolated from the plant Picrorhiza kurroa, was evaluated as a hepatoprotective agent against ethanol-induced hepatic injury in rats. Alcohol feeding (3.75 g/kg x45 days) produced 20-114% alteration in selected serum (AST, ALT and ALP) and liver markers (lipid, glycogen and protein). Further, it reduced the viability (44-48%) of isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) as assessed by Trypan blue exclusion and rate of oxygen uptake. Its effect was also seen on specific alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (aldehyde dehydrogenase, 41%; acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, 52%) in rat hepatocytes. The levels of these enzymes were found to be reduced in the cells following alcohol intoxication. Ethyl alcohol also produced cholestasis (41-53%), as indicated by reduction in bile volume, bile salts and bile acids. Picroliv treatment (3-12 mg/kg p.o. x45 days) restored the altered parameters in a dose-dependent manner (36-100%).

Effects of oleanolic acid glycosides on gastrointestinal transit and ileus in mice

The effects of various oleanolic acid glycosides obtained from medicinal herbs on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and ileus were investigated in fasted mice. Ileus was induced by the peritoneal-irritation or by the laparotomy with manipulation. One hour after the oral administration, three oleanolic acid 3-O-monodesmosides (oleanolic acid 3-O-glucuronide (3, 50 mg/kg), momordin Ic (4, 25 and 50 mg/kg), and momordin I (6, 25 mg/kg)) significantly accelerated GIT, but two oleanolic acid 3-O-monodesmosides (28-deglucosyl-chikusetsusaponins IV (8) and V (10)), oleanolic acid 3,28-O-bisdesmosides (momordin IIc (5), chikusetsusaponins IV (7) and V (9)), and their common aglycon (oleanolic acid (1)) (50 mg/kg) showed no significant effect. On the other hand, oleanolic acid 28-O-monodesmoside (compound O (2, 50 mg/kg)) significantly inhibited GIT. 4 (5-25 mg/kg) and 6 (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) also significantly prevented the inhibition of GIT induced by the peritoneal injection of acetic acid. 2 and 9 (50 mg/kg) significantly potentiated the inhibition of GIT, whereas 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 (50 mg/kg) showed no significant effect. 3, 4, 6, and 10 (50 mg/kg) significantly prevented the inhibition of GIT induced by laparotomy with manipulation, while 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 (50 mg/kg) showed no significant effect. These results indicate that the 3-O-glycoside moiety seems to be essential to show the GIT accelerating activity, and the 28-O-glucoside moiety reduce the activity. The accelerations of GIT by 3, 4, and 6 were completely abolished by the pretreatment with streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, i.v.), but not by the pretreatment with capsaicin (75 mg/kg in total, s.c.). These results suggest that sympathetic nervous system, but not capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves, be involved in the enhancements of GIT by 3, 4, and 6. It is worthy to study their therapeutical effect in the prevention of the inhibition of GIT, including ileus, in clinic.

The effects of ArginMax, a natural dietary supplement for enhancement of male sexual function

This study examines the role of ArginMax, a natural daily dietary supplement, on male sexual function. 25 subjects diagnosed with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction were evaluated over a 4-week period while on ArginMax. Of the 21 subjects that completed the study, 88.9% improved in ability to maintain erection during sexual intercourse and 75.0% improved in satisfaction with their overall sex life. No significant side effects were noted.

The beneficial effect of a beta-D-xyloside, Iliparcil, in the prevention of postthrombolytic rethrombosis in the rat

The effect of Iliparcil, a new orally active beta-D-xyloside venous antithrombotic, was studied on the rethrombosis following thrombolytic therapy in rats, using a modified Umetsu model. The drug was administered by oral route prior to thrombolytic therapy, which consisted of administering a combination of heparin and urokinase (H/U) at 37.5 and 70,000 IU/kg, respectively. Time to reocclusion increased from 3.9 min with saline to 10.5 min following H/U injection. When Iliparcil (30 mg/kg, oral route) was administered 4 h before H/U injection, the time to reocclusion was increased by 250% compared with H/U alone (p < 0.001). Similarly, dermatan sulfate (DS), administered intravenously (3 mg/kg) 5 min before thrombus induction, also increased the time to reocclusion (300% compared with H/U alone; p < 0.001). It was also shown that times to reocclusion following Iliparcil or DS treatments were still increased even when heparin dosage was decreased. These results suggest that an antithrombotic product derived from the beta-D-xyloside family could be advantageously used in combination with thrombolytic treatment instead of heparin, which causes complications and side effects.