Effects of glycyrrhizin on immune-mediated cytotoxicity

Intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin is known to decrease elevated plasma transaminase levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, in which immune-mediated cytotoxicity by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is considered to play an important pathogenic role. However, the immunological interpretation of the transaminase-lowering action of glycyrrhizin is not known. Studies were performed to elucidate this action immunologically by assessing the effects of glycyrrhizin on immune-mediated cytotoxicity using an antigen-specific murine CD4+ T hybridoma line, which exhibits cytotoxicity against antigen-presenting cells after stimulation with specific antigen, and a murine TNF-alpha-sensitive fibroblast line. Glycyrrhizin inhibited the cytotoxic activity of the T cells against antigen-presenting cells and also suppressed TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity in the TNF-alpha-sensitive cell line in vitro. These results suggest that the decrease of elevated transaminase levels by glycyrrhizin in patients with chronic viral hepatitis is mediated in part by inhibition of immune-mediated cytotoxicity against hepatocytes.

Immunohistochemical localization of D-aspartate in the rat pineal gland

Specific polyclonal antibody was raised against D-aspartate (D-Asp) which had been conjugated to glutaraldehyde and was purified by affinity chromatography. Immunohistochemical staining of rat pineal gland with the antibody demonstrated the presence of D-Asp in the cytoplasm of pinealocytes, the predominant cell type in this gland. D-Asp immunoreactivity was more evident in the distal region than in the proximal region of the gland. Pinealocytes in the distal region are presumably involved in the synthesis and secretion of the pineal hormone, melatonin, and the results of staining may indicate some yet unknown role of D-Asp in the regulation of melatonin secretion.

The structure and function of a soybean beta-glucan-elicitor-binding protein

beta-Glucan elicitor (GE), released from the cell wall of the phytopathogenic fungus Phytophthora megasperma by soybean glucanases, causes defense reactions in soybean. A GE-binding protein (GEBP) was purified from the membrane fraction of soybean root cells, and its cDNA was isolated. Expression of the cDNA clone in tobacco suspension cultured cells and in Escherichia coli conferred GE-binding activity to both. An antibody against the recombinant protein was found to inhibit the GE binding with the soybean cotyledon membrane fraction as well as the resulting accumulation of phytoalexin. Immunolocalization assays indicated that the GEBPs are located in the plasma membrane of root cells. These results suggest that the cDNA encodes a GE receptor and may mediate the signaling of the elicitor.

Detection of cyclin D1 (bcl-1, PRAD1) overexpression by a simple competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay in t(11;14)(q13;q32)-bearing B-cell malignancies and/or mantle cell lymphoma

In mantle cell lymphoma, the t(11;14)(q13;q32) and its molecular counterpart, bcl-1 rearrangement, are consistent features and lead to cyclin D1 (bcl-1, PRAD1) proto-oncogene overexpression. In order to detect cyclin D1 overexpression, we developed a simple assay involving a reverse transcription followed by competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A single upstream primer was derived from a homologous region between cyclin D1 and the other D-type cyclins, cyclins D2 and D3, while three downstream primers were specific to their respective D-type cyclins. Because the upstream primer was shared in PCR amplification of the three sequences, each PCR product served as a competitor and the quantification of the target was made by comparison of the intensity of the three products. With this assay we analyzed 45 hematopoietic cell lines and 40 clinical specimens. Cyclin D1 was rarely expressed in lymphoid cell lines except in t(11;14)(q13;q32)-bearing B-cell malignancies and/or mantle cell lymphoma, which expressed cyclin D1 predominantly. In myeloid cell lines, the levels of cyclin D1 expression varied and never exceeded the sum of cyclin D2 and D3 levels. Cyclin D3 was ubiquitously expressed while cyclins D1 and D2 were differentially used. The observations suggest that human cyclin D3 may play a fundamental role in hematopoiesis and that cyclins D1 and D2 may have different lineage- or differentiation-dependent functions. With this assay, small aliquots of clinical specimens such as 100 microL peripheral blood were enough to detect cyclin D1 overexpression without a well-controlled standard. The technique was validated as highly comparable with Northern analysis. This rapid and reliable detection of cyclin D1 overexpression may have practical clinical utility in the analysis and management of B-cell malignancies.

[A comparative study of the effects of granisetron alone and a combination of granisetron plus steroids on CDDP-based combination chemotherapy-induced emesis--outcomes of a multicenter randomized comparative study using the central registration method. Nara Medical University Kytril Study Group]

The present investigation was conducted to examine the effects of granisetron alone and a combination of granisetron plus steroids on CDDP-based combination chemotherapy-induced emesis by multi-institutional randomized comparative trial using a central registration method. A total of 62 patients with urological cancer enrolled this study were randomized into two groups: granisetron (40 micrograms/kg) only group and granisetron (40 micrograms/kg) plus steroids (500 mg of methylprednisolone or 8 mg of dexamethasone) group. There were 31 patients eligible in the granisetron only group and 28 in the combination group. The same anti-emetic treatments were given in the recycling courses of chemotherapeutic regimens. Therefore, eligible patients of the second and the third cycle numbered 31 (17 in the granisetron only group, 14 in the combination group) and 21 (11 in the granisetron only group and 10 in the combination group). Significant inhibition of acute emesis in combination group was observed when compared with the granisetron only group in each cycle. Delayed emesis was also significantly inhibited in the combination group on Day 2 and 3 of the first cycle and on Day 2 of the second and third cycle. In addition, appetite loss was significantly reduced in the combination group on Day 2 and 3 of the first and second cycle. No adverse events were seen in either group. These results suggested that a combination of granisetron and steroids was useful for preventing CDDP-based combination chemotherapy-induced emesis.

[Bioactive constituents of Chinese natural medicines. III. Absolute stereostructures of new dihydroflavonols, hovenitins I, II, and III, isolated from hoveniae semen seu fructus, the seed and fruit of Hovenia dulcis THUNB. (Rhamnaceae): inhibitory effect on alcohol-induced muscular relaxation and hepatoprotective activity]

The methanol-soluble fraction from a Chinese natural medicine Hoveniae Semen Seu Fructus, the seed and fruit of Hovenia dulcis THUNB. (Rhamnaceae) was found to show an inhibitory effect on the alcohol-induced muscular relaxation and a protective activity on the D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide or carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Through bioassay-guided separation using a traction performance test, three new dihydrofravonols named hovenitins I, II, and III were isolated from Hoveniae Semen Seu Fructus together with four known flavonoids, (+)-ampelopsin, laricetrin, myricetin, and (+)-gallocatechin. The absolute stereostructures of hovenitins I, II, and III were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence to be (2R, 3R)-5,7,4',5'-tetrahydroxy-3'-methoxydihydroflavonol, (2R,3S)-5,7,4',5'-tetrahydroxy-3'-methoxy-dihydroflavonol, and (2R, 3S)-5,7,3',4',5'-pentahydroxydihydro-flavonol, respectively. Hovenitin I and (+)-ampelopsin, both of which were principal ingredients of the active fractions from this natural medicine, were found to show an inhibitory activity on the ethanol-induced muscle relaxation in rats. In addition, hovenitin I showed a protective activity on the liver injury induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide or carbon tetrachloride in mice.

Bone mineral analysis in patients with biliary atresia after successful Kasai procedure

Metabolism is probably disturbed in patients with abnormal liver function who have undergone a successful Kasai procedure. We examined bone mineral metabolism in patients who have successfully undergone Kasai procedure. Bone mineral metabolism was examined in 8 patients with biliary atresia after a successful Kasai procedure. Five patients were female and 3 were male. The ages at Kasai procedure ranged from 50 to 80 days, and the follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 27 years after the operation. All patients eat a normal oral diet. We examined plasma levels of 25-OH-D3, 1, 25-(OH)2-D3, Ca and phosphorus (P). Bone mineral content of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and the data were expressed as a bone mineral density (BMD). Two patients showed abnormal levels on hepatic function tests. Plasma levels of 1, 25-(OH)2-D3, Ca, and P were normal in all patients. The level of 25-OH-D3 was normal in 7 patients. BMD levels were normal in 6 patients, but low in 2 who had undergone partial splenic embolization and splenectomy, respectively, due to hypersplenism. In long-term survivors of Kasai procedure, measurement of BMD may detect bone mineral deficiency earlier than measurements of serum levels of 25-OH-D, 1, 25-(OH)2-D, Ca and P.

Changes of hepatic volume after successful Kasai operation

The number of long term survivors who have undergone Kasai operation for biliary atresia is increasing, but some have a hepatic dysfunction likely to require liver transplantation in the near future. Hepatic volume possibly reflects whole liver function, and our objective was to assess the changes of hepatic volume after Kasai operation. Ten patients were studied. Ages ranged from 3 to 27 years. They underwent Kasai operation at ages ranging from 50 to 80 days. Liver areas (cm2) on CT images were measured with an image processing and analysis program (NIH Image 1.57). Hepatic volume (cm3) was calculated by summing up the areas of each image and multiplying by slice thickness (cm). After Kasai operation, the size of the liver increased to 1.7-1.9 times the standard volume, and then reduced to normal size around 5 years of age. In the teens, hepatic volume decreased below the standard volume. Segmental hypertrophy accompanying atrophy of other hepatic segments was observed in 9 out of 10 patients; right lobe hypertrophy: 6, medial segment: 2, and lateral segment: 1. Therefore, progressive hepatic atrophy begins in the teens, but is compensated for by segmental hypertrophy.

Identification of casoxin C, an ileum-contracting peptide derived from bovine kappa-casein, as an agonist for C3a receptors

Casoxin C (Tyr-Ile-Pro-Ile-Gln-Tyr-Val-Leu-Ser-Arg) is a bioactive peptide that was isolated from a tryptic digest of bovine kappa-casein as an anti-opioid peptide in longitudinal strips of guinea pig ileum. Casoxin C also evokes contraction of the ileal strips, and we found that this process was biphasic with rapid and slow components. The contractile profile was very similar to that of human complement C3a(70-77), which is the COOH-terminal octapeptide of C3a and has, although less potent, qualitatively the same biological activities as C3a. Casoxin C also has homology with C3a(70-77). The rapid contraction was mediated by histamine release and the slow contraction was mediated by a prostaglandin E2-like substance, judging from the effects of various pharmacological inhibitors and antagonists on the ileal contraction. Casoxin C had affinity for C3a receptors (IC50 = 40 microM) in the radioreceptor assay. In addition, casoxin C showed phagocyte-stimulating activities. Casoxin C is therefore the first milk-derived peptide identified, that acts through complement C3a receptors.

Medicinal foodstuffs. IV. Fenugreek seed. (1): structures of trigoneosides Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb, new furostanol saponins from the seeds of Indian Trigonella foenum-graecum L

Six new furostanol saponins called trigoneosides Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb were isolated from a medicinal foodstuff, fenugreek seed, the seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae) originating from India, together with two known saponins, glycoside D and trigofoenoside A. The structures of trigoneosides Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5 alpha-furostane-2 alpha,3 beta,22 zeta,26-tetraol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --> 6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)- 5 alpha-furostane-2 alpha,3 beta,22 zeta,26-tetraol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5 beta-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --> 6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5 beta-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5 alpha-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5 alpha-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.

Involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in the delayed transneuronal regression of substantia nigra neurons in rats

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) receives both inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic afferents from diverse origins. Ischemic injury to the striatum and/or the globus pallidus causes delayed transneuronal death of the SNr neurons, in the course of which neuronal disinhibition induced by loss of GABAergic inputs is supposed to trigger a lethal hypermetabolic process. In the in vivo experiment presented herein, we clarified the role of glutamatergic action via the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in this cell death process. Continuous intraventricular infusion (0.5 microliter/h) of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 (1000 micrograms/ml), or of saline (control group) was initiated 24 h after 2 h of transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats, by which massive ischemic injury was produced in the striatopallidal regions. The measured rectal temperature was not significantly altered in the MK-801-infused and in the control rats throughout the time period examined. The rats were killed at 15 days after MCA occlusion. The volume of the focal ischemic infarction of the MK-801-infused group did not significantly differ from that of controls. Also, MK-801-infusion did not significantly ameliorate the nigral atrophy subsequent to MCA occlusion. In association with a marked depletion of GABAergic afferent fibers, neuronal cell number in the ipsilateral SNr was significantly decreased in the control group. In contrast, the neuronal cell loss in the nucleus was completely prevented in the MK-801-infusion group. The data suggested that withdrawal of GABAergic inputs may cause a severe imbalance between excitation and inhibition of the SNr neurons and may eventually result in neurotoxicity mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Suppression of glutamatergic excitatory effects by suitable drugs may be a reasonable therapy for the transneuronal death of the SNr neurons.

A case of possessive state with onset influenced by 'door-to-door' sales

Recently in Japan, 'door-to-door sales' has become of concern because it has created numerous legal and social problems. In this paper, a 47 year old dissociative trance disorder case who presented with possession by God is discussed. Specific types of door-to-door sales is known to use superstition and folk beliefs as tools to lure customers. In this particular case, these religious factors seemed to have played an important role in the precipitation of the disorder and its presentation. In addition, the brain-washing environment observed in video lectures used in door-to-door sales seemed to play an important role in the development of the possessive state. We also performed social psychiatric analysis of the occurrence of the possessive state in a city area, which has been considered to develop within traditional culture. Phenomenological classification by one of the authors was useful for diagnosing underlying disorders in the possessive state.

Apical canal sealing ability of calcium phosphate based cements

The apical canal sealing ability of newly developed calcium phosphate cement (TDM-C), an equimolar mixture of tetracalcium and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate kneaded with McIlvain's buffer solution containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, was evaluated in a relative comparison with several recognized available products. The latter included BONETRIX (alpha-tricalcium phosphate mixed with citric acid and tannic acid), ARS (alpha-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite mixed with polyacrylic acid), and zine oxide eugenol sealer (ZOE). Canals of forty extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared to the file size #70, divided into four groups, and obturated with each of the four above materials. Setting of all sealers took place either in 30% bovine serum solution or in phosphate buffered saline solution. Teeth were then decalcified and cleared to measure linear penetration of India ink from the apex into the canal. Results were statistically analyzed by Student's t-test. Surfaces of all materials, after setting, were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that TDM-C, BONETRIX, and ZOE all showed excellent apical sealing ability whereas ARS was less effective in this regard. SEM analysis revealed micropores on the surface of every apatitic product, but ZOE was free of such porosity. It was concluded that TDM-C and BONETRIX may prove clinically useful as root canal sealant materials.

[Clinical benefit of nutritional assessment and support in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Weight loss is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Comprehensive nutritional assessment was conducted in two large groups of patients with COPD who were enrolled in the Respiratory Failure Research Program sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Kinki COPD Research Group. The incidences of mild malnutrition (%IBW < 90%) were 74% and 62%, respectively. The incidences of hypoalbuminemia were low: 10.0% and 6.5%, respectively. The incidence of imbalance in plasma amino acids, which was defined as an abnormally low BCAA/AAA ratio, was as high as 93% in patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure. The %IBW was significantly related to the FEV1 and to the DLco/VA. The moderately-malnourished subpopulation was characterized by a greater degree of hyperinflation and hypercapnea: the measured resting energy expenditure (REE) was significantly higher than the values in age-matched healthy controls. REE/REEpred was significantly and inversely related to BCAA/AAA and to Pimax. REE was inversely related to FEV1%. REE in the subgroup with severe hyperinflation was significantly higher than REE in those with milder hyperinflation. Among patients with an FEV1% of less than 50%, mortality tended to be higher in those with lower body weight, and this relationship was stronger in patients with an FEV1% of more than 50%. When patients were given a BCAA-enriched enteral formula in addition to their usual diet for 3 months, there was a significant increase in body weight, transferrin level, and Pimax.

[Emergency percutaneous cardiopulmonary support for patients with cardiac arrest or severe cardiogenic shock]

A total of 20 patients who developed cardiac arrest or severe cardiogenic shock were resuscitated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS). The etiology of shock was acute myocardial infarction (n = 8), post-infarction left ventricular (LV) free wall rupture (n = 9) and others (n = 3). After successful resuscitation with PCPS, 17 patients underwent therapeutic interventions: either closure of an LV rupture (n = 9), coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 4), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 1) and percutaneous transluminal coronary recanalization (n = 1). Of the 20 patients, 17 were weaned from PCPS or standard cardiopulmonary bypass. Nine patients survived longer than 30 days and 6 patients were discharged from the hospital. In nine patients with LV free wall rupture, one could be discharged from the hospital. Even though our experience is still small in number, it can be concluded that cardiopulmonary resuscitation using PCPS improves survival in fatally ill patients.

Bioactive constituents of Chinese natural medicines. II. Rhodiolae radix. (1). Chemical structures and antiallergic activity of rhodiocyanosides A and B from the underground part of Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. et Mey. (Crassulaceae)

Two bioactive cyanoglycosides, rhodiocyanosides A and B, and two oligoglycosides, rhodioflavonoside [gossypetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside] and rhodiooctanoside [octyl alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6) beta- D-glucopyranoside), were isolated from the Chinese natural medicine "Si Lie Hong Jing Tian" (Shiretsukoukeiten in Japanese), the underground part of Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. et Mey., together with four known compounds: rhodioloside, n-hexyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, and tricetin. The chemical structures of new glycosides were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Rhodiocyanosides A and B exhibited inhibitory activity on the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells sensitized with anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl IgE. Additionally, rhodiocyanoside A, the major constituent of this natural medicine, was also found to show antiallergic activity in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test in rat.

IL-10 production in mouse hepatocytes augmented by TGF-beta

The supernatant from normal liver cell (Clone 1469) culture enhanced polyclonal antibody production in mouse spleen cells but not in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The supernatants from transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-treated C3H/HeN spleen cells augmented greatly polyclonal antibody responses compared with the untreated supernatants. IL-10 production and expression of mRNA for IL-10 in Clone 1469 cells was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISPOT assay and PCR amplification. TGF-beta led to augmentation of IL-10 secretion from Clone 1469 cells.

Brief reactive psychosis induced by sensitivity training: similarities between sensitivity training and brainwashing situations

Sensitivity training (ST), which originated in the USA during the late 1940s, has been used as part of training seminars in Japanese corporations since the late 1950s. The possibility of negative psychiatric effects of ST, and especially its role in inducing psychiatric symptoms, is yet to be clarified. A case of a 41-year-old male company worker whose brief psychosis was induced by a sensitivity training seminar held by the company he worked for is presented. In reviewing the psychopathology of the case with records from the ST seminar, we found similarities between the patient's ST seminar and brainwashing situations. Specifically, the patient experienced severe conflict (of thought process) between his Christian beliefs and being labeled a coward at the seminar. We conclude that monitoring of the ST programs is crucial in order to ensure the psychological safety of ST participants in Japan.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. VI. Elatosides A and B, potent inhibitors of ethanol absorption, from the bark of Aralia elata SEEM. (Araliaceae): the structure-requirement in oleanolic acid glucuronide-saponins for the inhibitory activity

Potent inhibitors of ethanol absorption, elatosides A and B, were isolated from the bark of Aralia elata SEEM, through bioassay-guided separation together with elatosides C and D and four known oleanolic acid glucuronide-saponins, spinasaponin A, spinasaponin A 28-O-glucoside, and stipuleanosides R1 and R2. The structures of elatosides A, B, C, and D were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as oleanolic acid 3-O-¿[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)] [beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)]¿-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, oleanolic acid 3-O-¿[beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->2)] [beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)]¿-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, and their 28-O-glucopyranosyl esters, respectively. The inhibitory effect of various oleanolic acid 3, 28-O-bisdesmosides, oleanolic acid 3-O-monodesmosides, and oleanolic acid on ethanol absorption was examined and it was found that the 3-O-glucuronide moiety and the 28-carboxyl group in oleanolic acid glucuronide-saponin were required to exert the inhibitory activity.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. V. Acylated polyhydroxyolean-12-ene triterpene oligoglycosides, camelliasaponins A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, from the seeds of Camellia japonica L.: structures and inhibitory activity on alcohol absorption

Acylated polyhydroxyolean-12-ene triterpene oligoglycosides, camelliasaponins A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, were isolated from the seeds of Camellia japonica L. The structures of six camelliasaponins were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Camelliasaponins B1, B2, C1, and C2 were found to exhibit inhibitory activity on ethanol absorption. By comparison of the inhibitory activities for camelliasaponins with those for desacyl-camelliasaponins, acyl groups such as the angeloyl or tigloyl group were found to be essential to exerting the activity.

Development of bioactive functions in Hydrangeae dulcis folium. VI. Syntheses of thunberginols A and F and their 3'-deoxy-derivatives using regiospecific lactonization of stilbene carboxylic acid: structures and inhibitory activity on histamine release of hydramacrophyllols A and B

Lactonization reaction of 2-carboxystilbene mediated by copper(II) chloride proceeded regiospecifically to give the five-membered lactone, while the bromolactonizations using N-bromosuccinimide and anodic oxidation were found to furnish the six-membered lactone. Using these regiospecific lactonization reactions as a key step, antiallergic and antimicrobial isocoumarins and the benzylidenephthalides thunberginols A and F and their 3'-deoxyanalogs were synthesized from phyllodulcin and hydrangenol. Two phthalides called hydramacrophyllols A and B were isolated from Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium and their stereostructures were determined on the basis of physicochemical and chemical evidence, which included the syntheses of hydramacrophyllols A and B from hydrangenol by the application of the lactonization method using copper(II) chloride. In addition, hydramacrophyllols A and B were found to exhibit an inhibitory effect on the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells induced by antigen-antibody reaction.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. VII. On the hypoglycemic principles from the root cortex of Aralia elata Seem.: structure related hypoglycemic activity of oleanolic acid oligoglycoside

The hypoglycemic component, elatoside E, was isolated from the root cortex of Aralia elata SEEM. (Araliaceae) together with elatoside F and eight known oleanolic acid glycosides, elatosides A and C, oleanolic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, oleanolic acid 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, stipuleanosides R1 and R2, and chikusetsusaponins IV and IVa. The structures of elatosides E and F were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as oleanolic acid 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and its 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, respectively. The hypoglycemic activity of oleanolic acid and nine oleanolic acid oligoglycosides from the root cortex of Aralia elata was determined by monitoring inhibition effect on the elevation of plasma glucose level by oral sucrose tolerance test in rats, and some structure-activity relationships of oleanolic acid glycoside were obtained.