Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect of the Kochia scoparia fruits and activity comparison of momordin lc, its prosapogenin and sapogenin

Momordin Ic ameliorates psoriasis skin damage in mice via the IL-23/IL-17 axis

Psoriasis, a chronic and easily recurring inflammatory skin disease, causes a great economic burden to the patient's family because the etiology and mechanism are still unclear and the treatment cycle is long. In this study, the function and related mechanisms of Momordin Ic in psoriasis were investigated. The IMQ-induced mouse psoriasis model was constructed. The protective effects of different doses of Momordin Ic on psoriasis skin damage in mice were detected by PASI score, HE staining and Ki-67 staining. A psoriasis-like keratinocyte model was established at the cellular level using M5 (IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, IL-1α, and TNF-α) triggered HaCaT. The effects of Momordin Ic upon HaCaT cell biological behavior were examined using MTT and CCK-8 assays. In terms of mechanism, the expression level of each inflammatory factor was assessed using IHC staining and/or ELISA, qRT-PCR, the expression of oxidative stress-related indicators was detected biochemically, and western blot was performed to detect the levels of key proteins of the Wnt signaling and VEGF. As the results shown,  at the in vivo level, Momordin Ic significantly alleviated skin damage, reduced PASI score and inhibited hyperproliferation of keratinized cells in psoriasis mice. At the cellular level, Momordin Ic also significantly reversed M5-induced hyperproliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes. In terms of mechanism, Momordin Ic significantly inhibited the IL-23/IL-17 axis, dramatically elevated the levels of intracellular antioxidants including SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, and significantly down-regulated the levels of the indicator of oxidative damage, malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, Momordin Ic also significantly inhibited the level of β-catenin, a pivotal protein of the Wnt signaling, C-Myc, a target gene of the Wnt signaling, and VEGF, a critical protein of angiogenesis. In conclusion, Momordin Ic can be involved in the skin-protective effects of psoriasis by multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway and the IL-23/IL-17 axis, and suppression of oxidative damageand VEGF expression. Momordin Ic has been proven to be an underlying therapeutic drug for the treatment of psoriasis.

Network pharmacology- and cell-based assessments identify the FAK/Src pathway as a molecular target for the antimetastatic effect of momordin Ic against cholangiocarcinoma

Previous studies have indicated the efficacy of momordin Ic (MIc), a plant-derived triterpenoid, against several types of cancers, implying its potential for further development. However, comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms and targets of MIc in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the actions of MIc against CCA at the molecular level. Network pharmacology analysis was first employed to predict the mechanisms and targets of MIc. The results unveiled the potential involvement of MIc in apoptosis and cell migration, pinpointing Src and FAK as key targets. Subsequently, cell-based assays, in accordance with FAK/Src-associated metastasis, were conducted, demonstrating the ability of MIc to attenuate the metastatic behaviours of KKU-452 cells. The in vitro results further indicated the capability of MIc to suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, notably by downregulating EMT regulators, including N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB2 and FOXC1/2 expression. Furthermore, MIc suppressed the activation of the FAK/Src signalling pathway, influencing critical downstream factors such as MMP-9, VEGF, ICAM-1, and c-Myc. Molecular docking simulations also suggested that MIc could interact with FAK and Src domains and restrain kinases from being activated by hindering ATP binding. In conclusion, this study employs a comprehensive approach encompassing network pharmacology analysis, in vitro assays, and molecular docking to unveil the mechanisms and targets of MIc in CCA. MIc mitigates metastatic behaviours and suppresses key pathways, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic strategies against this aggressive cancer.

Comprehensive chemical profiling of Bassia indica Wight. aerial parts extract using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and its antiparasitic activity in Trichinella spiralis infected mice: in silico supported in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Trichinellosis is a public health threat infected both animals and humans as a result of eating undercooked meat. It caused by Trichinella spiralis that has widespread drug resistance and even developed many sophisticated strategies for their survival, this increases the demand in searching for new anthelmintic drugs from natural source.

METHODS

Our objectives were to test the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of Bassia indica BuOH frac., and to characterize its chemical composition using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Besides an in silico molecular docking study with the prediction of the PreADMET properties.

RESULTS

In vitro investigation of B. indica BuOH frac., showed severe destruction of the adult worm and larvae, marked cuticle swelling, areas with vesicles, blebs and loss of annulations. This was assured via in vivo study, which revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the mean adult worm count with efficacy of 47.8% along with a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the mean larval count per gram muscle with efficacy 80.7%. Histopathological examinations of the small intestine and muscular sections showed marked improvement. In addition, immunohistochemical findings demonstrated that B. indica BuOH frac. depressed the proinflammatory cytokines expressions of TNF-α, which was obviously upregulated by T. spiralis. Precise chemical investigation of the BuOH frac. using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS resulted in the identification of 13 oleanolic type triterpenoid saponins; oleanolic acid 3-O-6´-O-methyl-β-D-glucurono-pyranoside (1), chikusetsusaponin-IVa (2) and its methyl ester (3), chikusetsusaponin IV (4) and its methyl ester (5), momordin-Ic (6) and its methyl ester (7), betavulgaroside-I (8), -II (9) -IV (10), -X (11), licorice-saponin-C₂ (12) and -J₂ (13). In addition, 6 more phenolics were identified as syringaresinol (14), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (15), 3-O-caffeoyl-4-O-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid (16), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid butyl ester (17), 3,5-di-O-galloyl-4-O-digalloylquinic acid (18) and quercetin 3-O-(6´´-feruloyl)-sophoroside (19). The auspicious anthelmintic activity was further ascertained using in silico molecular docking approach that targeted certain protein receptors (β-tubulin monomer, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cysteine protease (Ts-CF1), calreticulin protein (Ts-CRT)), all the docked compounds (1-19) fit into the binding site of the active pocket with binding affinities noteworthy than albendazole. In addition, ADMET properties, drug score and drug likeness were predicted for all compounds.

Herbal compounds for rheumatoid arthritis: Literatures review and cheminformatics prediction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease characterized by autoimmunity, joint inflammation, and cartilage destruction, which affects 0.5-1% of the population. Many compounds from herbal medicines show the potentials to treat RA. On this basis, the compounds with good pharmacokinetic behaviors and drug-likeness properties will be further studied and developed. Therefore, the herbal compounds with anti-RA activities were reviewed in this paper, and the cheminformatics tools were used to predict their drug-likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 90 herbal compounds were analyzed, which were reported to be effective on RA models through anti-inflammation, chondroprotection, immunoregulation, antiangiogenesis, and antioxidation. Most of the herbal compounds have good drug-likeness properties. Most of the compounds can be an alternative and valuable source for anti-RA drug discovery.

Isolation and Semi Quantitative PCR of Na+/H+ Antiporter (SOS1 and NHX) Genes under Salinity Stress in Kochia scoparia

Background

Kochia scoparia is a dicotyledonous annual herb and belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. Genetic diversity and resistance to drought stress of this plant has made it widely scattered in different regions which contains highly genetic diversity and great potential as fodder and can grow on salty, drought affected areas. Since the soil salinity has become widely spread, environmental concern has sparked so many debates. An important limiting factor in agricultural production worldwide is the sensitivity of most of the crop to salinity caused by high concentration of salts soil. Plants use three different strategies to prevent and adapt to high Na⁺ concentrations. Antiporters are important category of genes that play a pivotal role in ion homeostasis in plants. Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters (NHX1 and SOS1) are located in tonoplasts and reduce cytosolic Na⁺ concentration by pumping in the vacuole whereas SOS1 is localized at the plasma membrane and extrudes Na⁺ in apoplasts.

Results

Coding sequence of plasma membrane Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter (SOS1) and vacuole membrane Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter (NHX) in Kochia scoparia were isolated using conserved sequences of SOS1 and NHX. Also, expression profile under salinity stress was studied in this study. The amino acid sequences (aa) of the isolated region of K.SSOS1 and K.SNHX showed the maximum identity up to 84% and 90% to its orthologous in salicornia brachiate and suede maritime, respectively. The results of semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that salinization has affected positively on SOS1 transcription level. The expression of K.SSOS1 and K.SNHX in leaves and roots of Kochia scoparia were progressively increased under all salinity levels compared to control.

Conclusion

The results suggest that K.SSOS1 and K.SNHX play an essential role in salt tolerance of K.scoparia and they can be useful to improve salt tolerance in other crops.

Quantification Analysis and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 20-Hydroxyecdysone, Momordin Ic, and Oleanolic Acid from the Fructus of Kochia scoparia

Background:

The fructus of Kochia scoparia Schrader (Chenopodiaceae) is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for treating gonorrhea and dermatitis.

Objective:

We investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of three marker compounds, including 20-hydroxyecdysone, momordin Ic, and oleanolic acid, from the fructus of K. scoparia.

Materials and Methods:

The simultaneous analysis of three components was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the nine marker compounds by determining their anti-inflammatory activities in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7.

Results:

Among three marker compounds, momordin Ic, but not 20-hydroxyecdysone and oleanolic acid, had inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages. The effects of three marker compounds on prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂) were also evaluated. All three compounds significantly reduced PGE₂ production in LPS-treated cells.

Conclusions:

We suggest that momordin Ic is the most potent phytochemical of the fructus of K. scoparia as an anti-inflammatory agent.

SUMMARY

Simultaneous analysis of three phenylpropanoids in the Kochia scoparia was established using HPLC-PDA system

The momordin Ic had inhibitory effects on production of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages

The momordin Ic, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and oleanolic acid significantly reduced PGE2 production in LPS-treated cells.

Abbreviations used: HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor alpha; IL-6: Interleukin-6; PGE²: Pro-inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E₂; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Kochia scoparia fruit on contact dermatitis in mice

The mature fruit of Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. is widely administered in China and Korea as a medicinal herb for treatment of skin diseases, diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis. The present study investigated the effects of methanol extracts of K. scoparia dried fruit (MEKS) on ear swelling, histopathological changes (such as epidermal acanthosis, spongiosis and immune cell infiltration) and cytokine production in 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis mice. Topical application of MEKS inhibited DNFB-induced ear thickness and weight increases, as well as DNFB-induced epidermal acanthosis, spongiosis and immune cell infiltration. In addition, treatment with MEKS significantly decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in inflamed tissues. These data indicate that the mature fruit of K. scoparia has the potential to be administered for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and that the anti-inflammatory action of K. scoparia is involved in the inhibition of type 1 T helper cell skewing reactions.

Topical application of Kochia scoparia inhibits the development of contact dermatitis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kochia scoparia (Chenopodiaceae) has been reported to have anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-pruritic actions. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of externally applied Kochia scoparia water extract (KSW) in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced contact dermatitis mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To develop atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, 100μL of 1% DNCB in acetone/olive oil (4:1) had been applied for three days on shaved dorsal skin. 1% KSW was topically applied to DNCB-induced mice. After KSW treatment, histological analysis was measured by hematoxylin eosin staining. The cytokine and pro-inflammatory expressions were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

Histological studies showed that hyperplasia of the epidermis and dermis in the KSW treated group was markedly decreased as compared with the DNCB group. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-1β, and TNF-α mRNA were significantly reduced by topical application of KSW, whereas these cytokines were increased in DNCB-induced dorsal skin. In addition, NF-κB expression was inhibited by KSW treatment in DNCB-induced mice. Similarly, KSW treatment significantly suppressed the expression of several MAP kinases, including ERK1/2, p38, and JNK compared to their expression in DNCB-induced mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that KSW ameliorates contact dermatitis via inhibition of the production of several inflammatory mediators. Therefore, external application of KSW may be used for the treatment of contact dermatitis as an alternative therapy.

Antinociceptive and antiallodynic effects of Momordica charantia L. in tibial and sural nerve transection-induced neuropathic pain in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Momordica charantia L. (MC) in tibial and sural nerve transection (TST)-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TST was performed by sectioning tibial and sural nerve portions (2 mm) of the sciatic nerve, and leaving the common peroneal nerve intact. Acetone drop, pin-prick, hot plate, paint-brush, and walking track tests were performed to assess cold allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, and dynamic mechanical allodynia and tibial functional index, respectively. The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the sciatic nerve as an index of inflammation and oxidative stress. MC (all doses, orally, once daily) was administered to the rats for 24 consecutive days.

RESULTS

TST led to significant development of cold allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, dynamic mechanical allodynia, and functional deficit in walking along with rise in the levels of TBARS and TNF-alpha. Administration of MC (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) significantly attenuated TST-induced behavioural and biochemical changes. Furthermore, pretreatment of BADGE (120 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) abolished the protective effect of MC in TST-induced neuropathic pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, it is speculated that PPAR-gamma agonistic activity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative potential is critical for antinociceptive effect of MC in neuropathic pain.

Studies on the flavone glycosides from Fructus Kochiae

A series of flavone glycosides were isolated from Fructus Kochiae for the first time, including two new flavone glycosides. The structures were established by interpretation of their spectroscopic data. Two new flavone glycosides are quercetin 3-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and quercetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-7-O-β-d-sophoroside (2). The others are quercetin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranoside (4), quercetin 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), and quercetin 7-O-β-d-sophoroside (6).

Add-on effect of chinese herbal medicine bath to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review

Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form of psoriasis. Phototherapy has been proven effective for psoriasis, but side effects have become a concern. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath combined with phototherapy has been used in clinical settings, but the additional benefit requires evaluation. This review aims to evaluate the additional benefit and safety of adding CHM bath to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris. Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and CQVIP were searched from their inceptions to 6 August 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM bath plus phototherapy to phototherapy alone for psoriasis vulgaris were included. Data was analyzed using Review Manager 5.1.0. Thirteen RCTs were included in the review, and eight were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed higher efficacy of CHM bath plus phototherapy when compared with phototherapy alone in terms of PASI 60 (RR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18-1.32). Mild adverse events were reported in ten studies, but these could be alleviated by reducing UV dosage or applying emollient. In conclusion, CHM bath appears to be a beneficial and safe adjunctive therapy to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the low methodological quality of the included studies.

Kochia scoparia fruit attenuates allergic airway inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model

Kochia scoparia fruit has been used in Asia for a long time. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antipruritic actions. We investigated the role of a K. scoparia fruit ethanolic extract (KSEE) in allergic airway inflammation in a mouse asthma model. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and, upon OVA aerosol challenge, developed airway eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, elevations in cytokine, chemokine, and immunoglobulin levels, and upregulation of MMP-9, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression. Intragastric administration of KSEE significantly attenuated OVA-induced influx of total leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes into lungs, as well as attenuating levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in a dose-dependent manner. KSEE also significantly reduced the serum levels of total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and OVA-specific IgG1 release into the airspace. Histological studies showed that KSEE inhibited OVA-induced lung tissue eosinophilia and airway mucus production. Moreover, in whole lung tissue lysates, immunoreactivity showed that KSEE markedly attenuated the OVA-induced increase in expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MMP-9. These results show that KSEE possesses protective effects against allergic airway inflammation, acts as an MMP-9 inhibitor, and induces a reduction in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression.

A high molecular weight protein extract of Mastobranchus indicus (Mi-64) having antiarthritic activity in experimental animals

Mi-64, a high molecular weight protein (130 kDa), obtained from the tissue homogenate of marine polychaete (Mastobranchus indicus) collected from the Indian Sunderban has antiarthritic activity in experimental animals. The FCA-induced arthritis model was developed in Wistar albino rats to evaluate the antiarthritic effects of Mi-64. After FCA induction, the rats were treated with Mi-64 (0.25 and 0.5 mg kg(-1) body weight) for 10 days. We have determined the paw/ankle swellings, urinary hydroxyproline and glucosamine, serum acid and alkaline phosphatases to assess the antiarthritic activity. The levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Results showed that Mi-64 significantly reduced paw/ankle swellings and restored the urinary hydroxyproline/glucosamine and serum phosphatases. Mi-64 significantly inhibited the overproduction of IL-1β, IL-6, CINC-1, and TNF-α and augmented IL-10 production. The data suggest that Mi-64 produced significant antiarthritic effects that may be mediated by balancing the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

The Anti-gastropathic and Anti-rheumatic Effect of Niga-ichigoside F1 and 23-Hydroxytormentic Acid Isolated from the Unripe Fruits of Rubus coreanus in a Rat Model

This study was undertaken to produce the clinical merits of two natural antinociceptive anti-inflammatory triterpenoids which synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs do not have. The triterpenoid glycoside niga-ichigoside F1 (NIF1) and its aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (23-HTA), which were isolated from the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae), reduced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor and C-reactive protein (CRP) factor in Freund's complete adjuvant reagent-induced rats, suggesting that these two triterpenoids had an anti-rheumatic effect. It was also shown that treatment with NIF1 or 23-HTA reduced gastric lesion extent, acidity and total gastric acid output induced by EtOH plus sodium salicylate in a gastric secretion test. Moreover, 23-HTA had a greater effect than the glycoside, NIF1. To clarify the anti-gastropathic mechanism of these two compounds, their free radical scavenging activities in the gastric mucosa were examined in a rat EtOH-sodium salicylate-induced gastropathy model. The two compounds significantly increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, indicating that the healing effects of NIF1 and 23-HTA against gastropathy are associated with free radical scavenging enzyme activities. These results support the notion that the long-term administration of NIF1 or 23-HTA should overcome the adverse effects of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs.

An aqueous extract of the popular Chinese nutraceutical Kwei Ling Ko (Tortoise shell-Rhizome jelly) activates the PPARgamma pathway and down-regulates the NFkappaB activity

It is generally believed that the popular nutraceutical 'Kwei Ling Ko' (KLK; Tortoise shell-Rhizome jelly) has antiinflammatory effects, but the mechanism by which its effects are manifested remains unknown. Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor/transcription factor superfamily with multiple roles in adipocyte differentiation, glucose homeostasis, immunomodulation and antiinflammatory regulation. As PPAR is required for adipocyte induction, we used adipogenesis as a possible screen for the activation of the PPAR pathway. Interestingly, an aqueous extract of KLK (sKLK) was able to induce the adipocyte differentiation of fibroblast cell lines. Adipogenesis was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis using a fluorescent lipid stain. Up-regulation of PPARgamma transcripts during adipogenesis was also demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The sKLK-induced adipogenesis was similar to that elicited by insulin. The activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB), a transcription factor responsible for the regulation of proinflammatory genes, was also down-regulated in response to sKLK. Luciferase reporter gene assays further demonstrated that sKLK inhibited both basal and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated NFkappaB activation. The activities reported in this study support an immunomodulatory effect for sKLK. As activation of PPAR pathway has a dual role in adipogenesis and anti-inflammation, our observations are consistent with the notion that KLK possesses antiinflammatory properties.

19Alpha-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoids: antinociceptive anti-inflammatory principles of the roots of Rosa rugosa

To search for antiinflammtory 19alpha-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoids, the MeOH extract of the roots of Rosa rugosa (Rosaceae) was fractionated. The active fraction of the EtOAc extract was hydrolyzed in alkaline solution to give a hydrolyzed fraction. Both extracts showed antiinflammatory/antinociceptive action in acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate testing and in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in mice and rats. Repeated chromatography of the EtOAc extract on both silica gel and octadecylsilane columns led to the isolation of kaji-ichigoside F1 (1, euscaphic acid 28-O-glucoside) and rosamultin (2, tormentic acid 28-O-glucoside). The hydrolyzed fraction was also subjected to silica gel column and octadecylsilane column chromatography to produce euscaphic acid (3) and tormentic acid (4). The potencies were observed in the following order: 4>3>2>1. These results suggest that 19alpha-hydroxyursane-type triterpenoids are responsible for the antiinflammatory/antinociceptive action of R. rugosa roots.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Saponin and Sapogenins Obtained from the Stem of Akebia quinata

The stem of Akebia quinata Decasisne (Lardizabalaceae) has been used to treat urinary tract inflammatory disease. It has been reported that saponins in medicinal plants may act as bioactive components after biodegradation to sapogenins in the gastrointestinal tract. To find the active components, we obtained the methanol (MeOH) extract from A. quinata stems and fractionated this extract into CHCl(3), butanol (BuOH), and H(2)O fractions. A saponin-containing BuOH fraction was refluxed in an acidic solution to yield the hydrolyzed fraction. Silica gel column chromatography separated kalopanaxsaponin A (1) from the BuOH fraction, and oleanolic acid (2) and hederagenin (3) were obtained from the hydrolyzed fraction. The antinociceptive effect was tested by hot plate-writhing and tail-flicks methods using mice, and the anti-inflammatory effect was assayed using carrageenan-induced rat edema against the following samples: the MeOH extract of A. quinata stems, its fractions, the isolated saponin, kalopanaxsaponin A, and the sapogenins hederagenin and oleanolic acid. The MeOH extract exhibited antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory effects by oral administration of 100 and 250 mg/kg doses, indicating that the MeOH extract has an antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory activity. The BuOH fraction (crude saponin) also significantly exhibited those bioactivities. Treatments with 10 and 30 mg/kg perorally of these two sapogenins produced significant antinociceptive/ anti-inflammatory effects in the rat, suggesting that the sapogenins may act as resultant active compounds. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibited dye leakage into the peritoneal cavity induced by acetic acid, and the latter was more active than the former. The anti-inflammtory effects were further supported by the reduction of carrageenan-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroxy radical content in serum. These results suggest that the antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory properties of the stem of A. quinata can be attributed to the sapogenins oleanolic acid and hederagenin.

Antiinflammatory effects of chiisanoside and chiisanogenin obtained from the leaves of Acanthopanax chiisanensis in the carrageenan- and Freund's complete adjuvant-induced rats

To find the antiinflammtory constituents of Acanthopanax chiisanensis (Araliaceae) leaves, phytochemical isolation procedures were performed by activity-guided fractionation in carrageenan- and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) reagent-induced rat models, respectively. In the two assay system, the MeOH extract (100 and 250 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant antiinflammtory effects. Since BuOH extract among the fractionated extracts exhibited the most potent effect, it was subjected to column chromatography to yield a main triterpene glycoside, chiisanoside (1). This compound was hydrolyzed in alkaline solution to find the biological activity of produced aglycone, chiisanogenin (1a). Oral treatment with compounds 1 and 1a produced significant antiinflammtory effects at 10 and 30 mg/kg dose, and 1a was more potent than 1. The antiiflammtory effects of the two compounds were supported by the reduction of carrageenan-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroxy radical in serum. Furthermore, treatment with 1 and 1a significantly reduced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) factors in the rat induced by Freund's complete adjuvant reagent. Compounds, 1 and 1a, inhibited xanthine oxidase activity and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and catalase indicating that both compounds scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Pharmacological actions and potential uses of Momordica charantia: a review

Since ancient times, plants and herbal preparations have been used as medicine. Research carried out in last few decades has certified several such claims of use of several plants of traditional medicine. Popularity of Momordica charantia (MC) in various systems of traditional medicine for several ailments (antidiabetic, abortifacient, anthelmintic, contraceptive, dysmenorrhea, eczema, emmenagogue, antimalarial, galactagogue, gout, jaundice, abdominal pain, kidney (stone), laxative, leprosy, leucorrhea, piles, pneumonia, psoriasis, purgative, rheumatism, fever and scabies) focused the investigator's attention on this plant. Over 100 studies using modern techniques have authenticated its use in diabetes and its complications (nephropathy, cataract, insulin resistance), as antibacterial as well as antiviral agent (including HIV infection), as anthelmintic and abortifacient. Traditionally it has also been used in treating peptic ulcers, interestingly in a recent experimental studies have exhibited its potential against Helicobacter pylori. Most importantly, the studies have shown its efficacy in various cancers (lymphoid leukemia, lymphoma, choriocarcinoma, melanoma, breast cancer, skin tumor, prostatic cancer, squamous carcinoma of tongue and larynx, human bladder carcinomas and Hodgkin's disease). There are few reports available on clinical use of MC in diabetes and cancer patients that have shown promising results.

Inhibition of Methanol Extract from the Fruits of Kochia scoparia on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide, Prostagladin E2, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-.ALPHA. Production from Murine Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cells

In an attempt to search for bioactive natural products exerting antiinflammatory activity, we have evaluated the effects of the methanol extract of the fruits of Kochia scoparia (L.) CHARD. (Chenopodiaceae) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release by the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Our data indicate that this extract is a potent inhibitor of NO production and it also significantly decreased PGE(2) and TNF-alpha release. Consistent with these observations, the protein and mRNA expression level of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 was inhibited by MeOH extracts of Kochia scoparia (KSM) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, KSM inhibited the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which was associated with prevention of the inhibitor kappaB degradation. These results suggest that the methanol extract of K. scoparia inhibits LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression by blocking NF-kappaB activation.

Antinociceptive and Antiinflammatory Effects of Niga-ichigoside F1 and 23-Hydroxytormentic Acid Obtained from Rubus coreanus

As an attempt to search for bioactive natural constituents exerting antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities, we examined the potency of the extract of Rubus coreanus fruits by the activity-guided fractionation. The EtOAc- and BuOH fraction and those alkaline hydrolysates showed significant antinociceptive effects as assessed by writhing-, hot plate- and tail flicks tests in mice and rats as well as antiinflammatory effect in rats with carrageenan-induced edema. BuOH extract was subjected to column chromatography to obtain a large amount of niga-ichigoside F(1) (1,23-hydroxytormentic acid 28-O-glc), which was again hydrolyzed in NaOH solution to yield an aglycone 23-hydroxytormentic acid (1a). The aglycone, 23-hydroxytormentic acid, was much more potent in both antinociceptive and antiinflammatory tests than the glycoside, niga-ichigoside F(1). The antiinflammatory effects of these compounds were further supported by the reduction of carrageenan-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radical in serum. These results suggested that 23-hydroxytormentic acid might be an active moiety of niga-ichigoside F(1) present in R. coreanus.