Anti-ultraviolet radiation effects of Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron amurense glycans by immunomodulating and inhibiting oxidative injury

Inhibitory effect of phellodendrine on C48/80-induced allergic reaction in vitro and in vivo

The incidence of allergic reactions has risen steadily in recent years, prompting growing interest in the identification of efficacious and safe natural compounds that can prevent or treat allergic diseases. Phellodendron amurense Rupr. has long been applied as a treatment for allergic diseases, whose primary component is phellodendrine. However, the efficacy of phellodendrine as a treatment for allergic diseases remains to be assessed. Mast cells are the primary effectors of allergic reactions, which are not only activated by IgE-dependent pathway, but also by IgE-independent pathways via human MRGPRX2, rat counterpart MRGPRB3. As such, this study explored the effect and mechanism of phellodendrine through this family receptors in treating allergic diseases in vitro and in vivo. These analyses revealed that phellodendrine administration was sufficient to protect against C48/80-induced foot swelling and Evans blue exudation in mice, and suppressed C48/80-induced RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells degranulation, and β-HEX, HIS, IL-4, and TNF-α release. Moreover, phellodendrine could reduce the mRNA expression of MRGPRB3 and responsiveness of MRGPRX2 by altering its structure. It was able to decrease Ca2+ levels, phosphorylation levels of CaMK, PLCβ1, PKC, ERK, JNK, p38, and p65, and inhibit the degradation of IκB-α. These analyses indicate that berberine inhibits the activation of PLC and downregulates the release of Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum by altering the conformation of MRGPRB3/MRGPRX2 protein, thereby inhibiting the activation of PKC and subsequently inhibiting downstream MAPK and NF-κB signaling, ultimately suppressing allergic reactions. There may thus be further value in studies focused on developing phellodendrine as a novel anti-allergic drug.

Dietary of different forms of Humulus scandens on growth performance and intestinal bacterial communities in piglets

The present study was aimed at elucidating the effects of feeding different forms of Humulus scandens (Hu) on performance and bacterial communities in piglets. A total of 160 piglets were divided into four groups: (1) a control (CG, basal diet); (2) a basal diet with Hu pulp (HS), basal diet + Hu pulp; (3) a basal diet with Hu juice (HSJ), basal diet + Hu juice; and (4) a basal diet with Hu residue (HSR), basal diet + Hu residue. Results showed that HS, HSJ, and HSR supplementation led to rich average daily gain (ADG) and poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 28 to 70 d of age, increased 120 d body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and ADG and decreased FCR during 71 to 120 d of age. Three experiment groups presented greater (P < 0.05) IgA, IgG, and IgM and lower (P < 0.05) glucose, and blood urea nitrogen. The content of diamine oxidase significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in HS group. The crude  protein and crude fiber digestibility were improved (P < 0.05) in HS group and the Ca digestibility was increased (P < 0.05) in HS and HSJ groups. HSR supplementation improved the abundance of Firmicutes and decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes. Hu supplementation with different forms increased the proportion of Lactobacillus in cecum content. These results indicated that supplemental feeding of Hu with different forms improved serum immunity, nutrient digestibility, and bacterial communities in piglets, promoting growth and development, which may be regarded as a reference for developing novel feed resources for piglets.

Effects of Sihuang Zhili Granules on the Diarrhea Symptoms, Immunity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Poultry Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

A growing interest has been focused on Chinese herbs as alternatives to antimicrobial growth promoters, which are characterized by non-toxic side effects and drug resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Sihuang Zhili granule (abbreviated as Sihuang) on diarrhea, immunity, and antioxidation in poultry. Thirty male Leghorn chickens, aged 21 days, were randomly assigned to one of three groups with ten animals each. The control group (CON) received intraperitoneal saline injections, while the LPS-challenged group (LPS) and Sihuang intervention group (SH) received intraperitoneal injections of LPS (0.5 mg/kg of BW) and Sihuang (5 g/kg) at d 31, d 33, d 35, respectively. The control and LPS groups were fed a basal diet, while the SH group was fed a diet supplemented with Sihuang from d 21 to d 35. Analysis of the diarrhea index showed that the addition of Sihuang inhibited the increase in the diarrhea grade and the fecal water content caused by LPS, effectively alleviating poultry diarrhea symptoms. The results of the immune and antioxidant indexes showed that Sihuang significantly reduced the contents of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF- α and IL-1 β, as well as the oxidative stress markers ROS and MDA. Conversely, it increased the contents of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10, along with the activities of antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and CAT, thereby enhancing the immune and antioxidant abilities of chickens. Furthermore, Sihuang protected the chicken's ileum, liver, and immune organs from LPS invasion and maintained their normal development. In conclusion, this study confirmed the antidiarrheal effect of Sihuang in poultry farming and demonstrated its ability to improve poultry immunity and antioxidant capacity by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokine levels.

Structural elucidation and anti-diabetic osteoporotic activity of an arabinogalactan from Phellodendron chinense Schneid

Phellodendron chinense Schneid. was widely used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis in China. In this study, an arabinogalactan, named as PPCP-1, was isolated from the bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid., and purified by DEAE-cellulose DE52 and Sephacryl S-200 HR column chromatography. The structure of PPCP-1 was characterized as a repeating unit consisting of →3)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Manp-(1→ with branches of →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ and terminal α-l-Araf. Pharmacologically, the oral administration of PPCP-1 preserved osteoporosis associated with hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, improving glucose tolerance, decreasing the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), as well as down-regulating the expression of receptor for AGEs in tibias of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Collectively, the present study suggested that the arabinogalactan PPCP-1 from Phellodendron chinense Schneid. might potentially be used as functional foods for bone health and/or developed for drug discovery for alleviating diabetic osteoporosis.

Utilization of Acupuncture and Herbal Ointment Instead of Skin Graft Surgery for the Treatment of Burn Injuries: A Case Series and Literature review

Skin graft surgery is a standard treatment that increases the survival rate of patients with burn injuries; however, it leaves many sequelae. Conventional external preparations for the treatment of burns also have various side effects. In this retrospective case study, we assessed the cases of four patients with topical third-degree burns who did not wish to undergo the skin graft surgeries recommended by medical doctors and were thus treated using traditional medicine alone. A Korean medicine doctor administered integrative traditional medicine treatment to the patients using acupuncture and herbal ointments. Analysis of the patients' treatment photographs, quantitative evaluation indices, and vivid narratives suggested that their skin recovered well without adverse effects. Traditional Korean medicine treatment, including acupuncture and herbal ointment treatment, can be a new alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with topical burns who do not want to undergo skin graft surgery or who have higher risks for poor surgical outcomes.

Inhibitory effects of Humulus japonicus extract against hepatic injury in a diabetic rat model

Chronic diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause liver dysfunction and other complications. As Humulus japonicus is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, we sought to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of H. japonicus extract (HJE) on a DM model. HJE reduced aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and direct bilirubin levels and restored albumin activities relative to those found in the DM model. The abnormal levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein in DM returned to normal levels after HJE treatment. DM-induced inflammation of the liver was ameliorated by HJE through reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and cyclooxygenase-2 levels. HJE treatment downregulated malondialdehyde levels that were increased by DM. However, the downregulated superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels in DM were increased by HJE. Histological studies showed that HJE improves the liver tissue damage caused by DM. Collectively, our findings suggest that HJE may improve liver damage in DM and exhibit an inhibitory effect on hepatic injury through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-021-00924-w.

Assessment of Skin Photoallergy Risk in Cosmetics Containing Herbal Extract Ingredients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

In recent years, herbal extracts are becoming increasingly popular ingredients added in cosmetics; however, the assessment of their potential adverse effects on the skin remains unclear. As Coptis, Phellodendron amurense, curcumin, and shikonin are herbs currently used in cosmetic ingredients, the aim of this study was to assess their skin photoallergy (PA) potential and the concentrations at which they could safely be used.

METHODS

In the patch test, Coptis, P. amurense, curcumin, and shikonin with 5, 10, 25, and 50% concentration were applied on 33 healthy Chinese subjects using the T.R.U.E. TEST® patch test system for 48 h. Photopatch testing was performed on 206 Chinese subjects with predisposed photosensitivity history using the Scandinavian photopatch series, and subjects were irradiated by 50% UVA minimum erythema dose. Photopatch testing of herbal extracts was then performed on subjects diagnosed with PA.

RESULTS

Thirty-three subjects (14 with type III skin and 19 with type IV skin) completed contact patch testing of herbal extracts. Coptis induced a contact allergy (CA) reaction on 2 subjects at 25% concentration and on 2 subjects at 10% concentration. P. amurense induced a CA reaction on 1 subject at 10% concentration and on 1 subject at 5% concentration. Shikonin induced a stimulating reaction on 1 subject at 10% concentration. Curcumin induced a stimulating reaction on 1 subject at 10% concentration. Of the 206 Chinese subjects predisposed for photosensitivity, 10.19% had PA, 16.5% showed CA, and 1.45% had both PA + CA. PA-induced substances were promethazine hydrochloride (15%, n = 31), chlorpromazine hydrochloride (10.84%, n = 19), perfume mix (5.82%, n = 12), atranorin (3.39%, n = 7), 6-methyl coumarine (3.39%, n = 7), balsam Peru (1.94%, n = 4), fentichlor (1.94%, n = 4), 3,3',4',5-tetrachloro salicylanilide (0.97%, n = 2), hexachlorophene (0.97%, n = 2), chlorhexidine digluconate (0.97%, n = 2), and 4-aminobenzoic acid 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (0.97%, n = 2). Coptis at 25, 10, and 5% concentration and P. amurense, shikonin, and curcumin each at 10 and 5% concentration induced negative photopatch test results in all 10 photosensitive subjects.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that Coptis, shikonin, or curcumin at 5% concentration in cosmetics could be applied safely without inducing contact allergic and photosensitive reactions on the skin. These findings advance the understanding of herbal extract use in cosmetic ingredients as related to the fields of dermatopharmacology and dermatotoxicology.

The chromosome-level reference genome of Coptis chinensis provides insights into genomic evolution and berberine biosynthesis

Coptis chinensis Franch, a perennial herb, is mainly distributed in southeastern China. The rhizome of C. chinensis has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 2000 years in China and many other Asian countries. The pharmacological activities of C. chinensis have been validated by research. Here, we present a de novo high-quality genome of C. chinensis with a chromosome-level genome of ~958.20 Mb, a contig N50 of 1.58 Mb, and a scaffold N50 of 4.53 Mb. We found that the relatively large genome size of C. chinensis was caused by the amplification of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. In addition, a whole-genome duplication event in ancestral Ranunculales was discovered. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the tyrosine decarboxylase (TYDC) and (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) genes were expanded and that the aspartate aminotransferase gene (ASP5) was positively selected in the berberine metabolic pathway. Expression level and HPLC analyses showed that the berberine content was highest in the roots of C. chinensis in the third and fourth years. The chromosome-level reference genome of C. chinensis provides important genomic data for molecular-assisted breeding and active ingredient biosynthesis.

Modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway by Humulus japonicus Extract Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in a Rat Model

Alcohol induces liver injury related to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Humulus japonicus extract (HJE) against alcohol-induced liver injury. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms of the protective effect of HJE on alcohol-induced liver injury. The pretreatment of HJE decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in the plasma, suppressed the malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. The inhibitory effect of HJE against oxidative stress may be associated with the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its target gene heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, HJE inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta) by downregulating toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, and nuclear factor kappa B p65. These findings provide evidence for the elucidation of the hepatoprotective mechanisms for HJE.

Phellodendri Cortex: A Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Pharmacokinetic Review

Background

Phellodendri Cortex (PC) or Huang Bai. According to the scientific database of China Plant Species and Chinese pharmacopeia 2015 edition, PC has two main species which are Phellodendron amurense Rupr (PAR) or “Guan Huang bai” in Chinese and Phellodendron chinense Schneid (PCS) or “Chuan Huang bai” in Chinese. The crude drugs of PAR and PCS are also called Phellodendri amurensis cortex (PAC) and Phellodendri chinense cortex (PCC), respectively. The medicinal part of the plant is the dried trunk bark. PC has comprehensive therapeutic effects which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, antioxidant, and antipyretic agents. The exact ingredients in PC and its species are not fully summarised.

Aim of the Study

This study was designed to review and evaluate the pharmacological actions of compounds and to explore the pharmacokinetic knowledge of PC and its species and to also identify the chemical compound(s) with a potential therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis.

Methods

“Huang Bai” and its English, botanical, and pharmaceutical names were used as keywords to perform database search in Encyclopaedia of traditional Chinese Medicines, PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and China Network Knowledge Infrastructure. The data selection criteria included all the studies that were related to the phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic perspectives of PC and its species or their active constituents. More importantly, the voucher number has been provided to ensure the genuine bark of PC used as the medicinal part in the studies.

Results

140 compounds were summarized from PC and its species: specifically, 18 compounds from PCC, 44 compounds from PCS, 34 compounds from PAC, and 84 compounds from PAR. Obacunone and obaculactone are probably responsible for antiatopic dermatitis effect. PC and its species possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions including anti-inflammatory effect, antibacterial effect, antiviral effect, antitumor effect, antigout effect, antiulcer effect, neuroprotective effect, and antiatopic dermatitis effect. PC could widely distribute in plasma, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain. Berberine may be responsible for the toxic effect on the susceptible users with hemolytic disease or in the peripartum and neonatal period.

Conclusions

The compounds of the crude bark of PC and its subspecies have showcased a wide range of pharmacological effects. Pharmacological efficacies of PC are supported by its diverse class of alkaloid, limonoid, phenolic acid, quinic acid, lignan, and flavonoid. Obacunone and obaculactone could be the bioactive compounds for atopic dermatitis management. PC and its subspecies are generally safe to use but extra care is required for certain conditions and group of people.

A New Method for Simultaneous Determination of Phenolic Acids, Alkaloids and Limonoids in Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex

Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex (PAC) is a well-known herbal medicine in China with complex components, but the previous research has mostly focused on its alkaloids analysis. For the first time, a simpler and more efficient method was proposed in this paper to simultaneously determine the content of three different kinds of compounds—phenolic acids, alkaloids and limonoids—in PAC. The phenolic acids included 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, 4-O-feruloylquinic acid and syringin. The alkaloids include magnoflorine, phellodendrine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine, while the limonoids include obaculactone and obacunone. An approach combining multi-wavelength and HPLC-DAD was used in this study due to the great difference in maximum absorption wavelength of the various components. Four wavelengths at 215, 275, 280 and 310 nm, respectively, were chosen for monitoring. It has been indicated through appropriate tests that this approach is of high accuracy, good repeatability and stability and provides a scientific basis for the quality assessment of PAC and associated derivatives. In addition, the chromatographic fingerprints method combined with multivariate statistical analysis chosen in this study was proved to be effective and reasonable for an accurate classification of 33 batches of samples collected from different locations.

Composition and diversity of rhizosphere fungal community in Coptis chinensis Franch. continuous cropping fields

In this study, effects of continuous cropping on soil properties, enzyme activities, and relative abundance, community composition and diversity of fungal taxa were investigated. Rhizosphere soil from field continuously cropped for one-year, three-year and five-year by Coptis chinensis Franch. was collected and analyzed. Illumina high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that continuous cropping of C. chinensis resulted in a significant and continuous decline in the richness and diversity of soil fungal population. Ascomycota, Zygomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycota were the dominant phyla of fungi detected in rhizosphere soil. Fungal genera such as Phoma, Volutella, Pachycudonia, Heterodermia, Gibberella, Cladosporium, Trichocladium, and Sporothrix, were more dominant in continuously cropped samples for three-year and five-year compared to that for one-year. By contrast, genera, such as Zygosaccharomyces, Pseudotaeniolina, Hydnum, Umbelopsis, Humicola, Crustoderma, Psilocybe, Coralloidiomyces, Mortierella, Polyporus, Pyrenula, and Monographella showed higher relative abundance in one-year samples than that in three-year and five-year samples. Cluster analysis of the fungal communities from three samples of rhizosphere soil from C. chinensis field revealed that the fungal community composition, diversity, and structure were significantly affected by the continuous cropping. Continuous cropping of C. chinensis also led to significant declines in soil pH, urease, and catalase activities. Redundancy analysis showed that the soil pH had the most significant effect on soil fungal population under continuous cropping of C. chinensis.

Coptidis rhizoma and its main bioactive components: recent advances in chemical investigation, quality evaluation and pharmacological activity

Background

Coptidis rhizoma (CR) is the dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao or C. teeta Wall. (Ranunculaceae) and is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of various diseases including bacillary dysentery, typhoid, tuberculosis, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, empyrosis, pertussis, and other illnesses.

Methods

A literature survey was conducted via SciFinder, ScieneDirect, PubMed, Springer, and Wiley databases. A total of 139 selected references were classified on the basis of their research scopes, including chemical investigation, quality evaluation and pharmacological studies.

Results

Many types of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saccharides, and steroids have been isolated from CR. Among them, protoberberine-type alkaloids, such as berberine, palmatine, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, columamine, are the main components of CR. Quantitative determination of these alkaloids is a very important aspect in the quality evaluation of CR. In recent years, with the advances in isolation and detection technologies, many new instruments and methods have been developed for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the main alkaloids from CR. The quality control of CR has provided safety for pharmacological applications. These quality evaluation methods are also frequently employed to screen the active components from CR. Various investigations have shown that CR and its main alkaloids exhibited many powerful pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-Alzheimer and hepatoprotective activities.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the recent phytochemical investigations, quality evaluation methods, the biological studies focusing on CR as well as its main alkaloids.

Native plants (Phellodendron amurense and Humulus japonicus) extracts act as antioxidants to support developmental competence of bovine blastocysts

Objective

Phellodendron amurense (P. amurense) and Humulus japonicus (H. japonicus) are closely involved in anti-oxidative response and increasing antioxidant enzymes activities. However, the effects of their extracts on development of preimplantation bovine embryos have not been investigated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of P. amurense and H. japonicus extracts on developmental competence and quality of preimplantation bovine embryos.

Methods

After in vitro fertilization, bovine embryos were cultured for 7 days in Charles Rosenkrans amino acid medium supplemented with P. amurense (0.01 μg/mL) and H. japonicus (0.01 μg/mL). The effect of this supplementation during in vitro culture on development competence and antioxidant was investigated.

Results

We observed that the blastocysts rate was significantly increased (p<0.05) in P. amurense (28.9%±2.9%), H. japonicus (30.9%±1.5%), and a mixture of P. amurense and H. japonicus (34.8%± 2.1%) treated groups compared with the control group (25.4%±1.6%). We next confirmed that the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in P. amurense and/or H. japonicus extract treated groups when compared with the control group. Our results also showed that expression of cleaved caspase-3 and apoptotic cells of blastocysts were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in bovine blastocysts derived from both P. amurense and H. japonicus extract treated embryos.

Conclusion

These results suggest that proper treatment with P. amurense and H. japonicus extracts in the development of preimplantation bovine embryos improves the quality of blastocysts, which may be related to the reduction of ROS level and apoptosis.

Ionic liquid-aqueous solution ultrasonic-assisted extraction of three kinds of alkaloids from Phellodendron amurense Rupr and optimize conditions use response surface

In this paper, we chose diffident kinds of ionic liquids to optimal selection an optimal one to extract alkaloids from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Four ionic liquids with diffident carbon chains or anions have been investigated and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide with best productivity. Then, selections have been optimized in different conditions, including concentration of ionic liquid, time for ultrasonic treatment, ultrasonic power and solid-liquid ratio. Moreover, three conditions have been comprehensively assessment by response surface methodology, the optimal conditions were determined as follows ultrasonic power 100 W, extraction time 75 min and ratio of solvent to raw material 1:14. Under these conditions, the yield% (MIX) was 106.7% (extracted by heat reflux being defined 100%). Comparing with other methods, the advantages are saving conserving, time saving, high yield% and especially pollution-free.

Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in rats

CONTEXT

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) was reported to cause oxidative stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) calyx is commonly used in traditional Asian and African medicines and possesses strong antioxidant capacity due to its anthocyanin (ANTH) content.

OBJECTIVE

This study researched the possible protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract (HSCE) in UVC exposure of rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Levels of serum enzymes, renal function tests, and some oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of skin, lens, and retina tissues were monitored. Rats were exposed to UVC 4 h daily for 40 d and simultaneously received HSCE containing 2.5, 5, and 10 mg doses of ANTH in drinking water.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.05) increases in the levels of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were noted after UVC exposure. In skin, lens, and retina tissues, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation escalated markedly (p < 0.05) whereas total antioxidant status, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase decreased dramatically (p < 0.05) related to UVC. Co-administration of HSCE with each ANTH dose significantly (p < 0.05) reversed aforementioned parameters (except total oxidant status) almost in all tissues. The LD50 of HSCE in rats was determined to be above 5000 mg/kg.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that HSCE has a remarkable potential to counteract UVC-caused impairments, probably through its antioxidant and free radical-defusing effects. Therefore, HSCE could be useful against some cutaneous and ocular diseases in which UV and oxidative stress have a role in the etiopathogenesis.

The effect of RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS aqueous extract on radiation-induced skin injury in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced skin injury is a common complication of radiotherapy. The RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS aqueous extract (RCE) can ameliorate radiation-induced skin injury in our clinical observation. But, the protective mechanism of RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS in radiation-induced skin injury remains unclear.

METHODS

In this experiment, we developed a radiation-induced skin injury rat model to study the mechanism. The animals were randomly divided into control group, treatment group, radiation group, and treatment and radiation group. 5 rats in each group were separately executed on 2 d and 49 d post-radiation. The semi-quantitative skin injury score was used to measure skin reactions by unblinded observers, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the damage areas by irradiation. The MDA content, SOD activity of skin and serum were measured to detect the oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Acute skin reactions were caused by a single dose of 45 Gy of β-ray irradiation, and the skin injury could be found in all rats receiving irradiation based on the observation of HE staining of skin at different time-points, while RCE could significantly ameliorate those changes. The MDA content in serum and skin of control rats was 4.13±0.12 mmol/ml and 4.95±0.35 mmol/mgprot on 2 d post-radiation. The rats receiving radiation showed an increased content of MDA (5.54±0.21 mmol/ml and 7.10±0.32 mmol/mgprot), while it was 4.57±0.21 mmol/ml and 5.95±0.24 mmol/mgprot after treated with RCE (p<0.05). Similar changes of the MDA content could be seen on 49 d post-radiation. However, the SOD activity of rats receiving radiation decreased compared with control group on both time-points, which was inhibited by RCE (p<0.05). Meanwhile, no valuable changes could be found between control group and treatment group on 2 d and 49 d.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidences for the radioprotective role of RCE against radiation-induced skin damage in rats by modulating oxidative stress in skin, which may be a useful therapy for radiation-induced skin injury.