Effects of three purgative decoctions on inflammatory mediators

Sodium sulphate ameliorates hypercholesterolemia via the upregulation of Cyp7a1 in hepatocytes and alleviates hepatic insulin resistance via the downregulation of Trib3 in mice with high cholesterol diets

Amelioration of hypercholesterolemia is essential for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Sodium sulphate is the effective component of mirabilite, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 7 weeks and were treated with sodium sulphate in the last three of those weeks. Sodium sulphate significantly reduced the total cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in the serum of mice fed the HCD. In addition, cytochrome P450 7a1 and 39a1 were significantly upregulated in the livers of mice treated with sodium sulphate. Furthermore, tribbles pseudokinase 3 expression was significantly increased in the livers of mice fed the HCD, but was significantly reduced by sodium sulphate treatment. In terms of the insulin signaling pathway, the ratio of phosphorylated AKT to total AKT in the livers of mice fed the HCD was significantly lower compared with that of control mice fed a normal diet, but was significantly increased by sodium sulphate treatment. Sodium sulphate treatment also reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)15 in the ileum and inhibited the FGF15/FGF receptor 4-Klotho β/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun signaling pathway in the livers of mice fed the HCD. In addition, sodium sulphate changed the composition of the gut microbiota of mice fed the HCD. In conclusion, sodium sulphate may mitigate hypercholesterolemia and hepatic insulin resistance in mice fed an HCD.

Chronopharmacology of diuresis via metabolic profiling and key biomarker discovery of the traditional Chinese prescription Ji-Ming-San using tandem mass spectrometry in rat models

BACKGROUND

Ji-Ming-Shan (JMS) is a traditional prescription used for patients with rheumatism, tendons swelling, relief of foot pain, athlete's foot, diuresis, gout. Although many studies have investigated the active compounds in each herb, the functional mechanism behind its therapeutic effect remains unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Metabolic cages for sample collection. The serum components obtained from the experimental animals were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, cross-analysis using the software MetaboAnalyst and Venn diagrams were used to investigate chronopharmacology of JMS in the animal models.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to analyze the diuretic effects of JMS and to explore their chronopharmacology involved in organ regulation through four-quarter periods from serum samples of rat models.

METHODS

Metabolic cages were used for collecting the urine samples and PocketChem UA PU-4010, Fuji DRI-CHEM 800 were used to examine the urine biochemical parameters. The serum components were identified through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) with a new developed method. Cross analysis, Venn diagram, MetaboAnalyst were used to investigate the key biomarker and major metabolism route with the oral administration of the drug.

RESULT

JMS significantly changed the 6 h urine volume with no observed kidney toxicity. Urine pH value ranges from 7.0 to 7.5. The chronopharmacology of JMS diuresis activity were 0-6 and 6-12 groups. UPLC-Q-TOF analyses identified 243 metabolites which were determined in positive mode and negative mode respectively. With cross analysis in the Venn diagram, one key biomarker naringenin-7-O-glucoside has been identified. Major metabolic pathways such as 1: Glycerophospholipid metabolism, 2: Primary bile acid biosynthesis, 3: Sphingolipid metabolism, 4: Riboflavin metabolism, 5: Linoleic acid metabolism, 6: Butanoate metabolism.

CONCLUSION

JMS significantly changed the urine output of animals in the 0-6 and 6-12 groups. No change in urine pH was observed and also kidney toxicity. A new UPLC-Q-TOF method was developed for the detection of the metabolites of JMS after oral administration. The cross analysis with Venn diagram and identified the key biomarker of JMS namely naringenin-7-O-glucoside. The results showed that six major pathways are involved in the gastrointestinal system and the liver. This study demonstrated the capability of JMS prescription in the regulation of diuresis and identified a key biomarker that is responsible for its therapeutic effect.

The application of mirabilite in traditional Chinese medicine and its chemical constituents, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical research

Purpose: This study reviews the use of mirabilite in traditional Chinese medicine and various preparations by describing its chemical composition, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research progress. Methods: The applications and processing methods of mirabilite are searched in traditional and modern Chinese medical writings, and the articles on chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicology, and clinical studies of mirabilite and its combinations in PubMed and China Knowledge Network are reviewed, sorted, and analyzed. Results: The main chemical component of mirabilite is sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2SO4·10H2O), followed by small amounts of sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, and other inorganic salts. This study systematically organizes the history of the medicinal use of mirabilite in China for more than 2,000 years. This mineral has been used by nine Chinese ethnic groups (Han, Dai, Kazakh, Manchu, Mongolian, Tujia, Wei, Yi, and Tibetan) in a large number of prescription preparations. The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) records stated that mirabilite can be used for abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, intestinal carbuncle, external treatment of breast carbuncle, hemorrhoids, and other diseases. The traditional processing methods of mirabilite in China include refining, boiling, sautéing, filtration after hot water blistering, and firing. Since the Ming Dynasty, processing by radish has become the mainstream prepared method of mirabilite. Mirabilite can exhibit anti-inflammatory detumescence effects by inhibiting AMS, LPS, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and NO levels and attenuating the upregulation of TNF-α and NF-κB genes. It can promote cell proliferation and wound healing by increasing the production of cytokines TGFβ1 and VEGF-A and gastrointestinal motility by increasing the release of vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, and motilin. It can increase the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor and AKT phosphorylation in the liver by up-regulating bile acid synthesis genes; reduce TRB3 expression in the liver, FGF15 co-receptor KLB expression, and FGF15 production in the ileum, and JNK signal transduction; and increase the transcription of CYP7A1 to achieve a cholesterol-lowering effect. Mirabilite also has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as regulating intestinal flora, anti-muscle paralysis, anti-colon cancer, promoting water discharge, and analgesic. Only a few toxicological studies on mirabilite are available. External application of mirabilite can cause local skin to be flushed or itchy, and its oral administration is toxic to neuromuscular cells. The sulfur ions of its metabolites can also be toxic to the human body. At present, no pharmacokinetic study has been conducted on mirabilite as a single drug. This mineral has been widely used in the clinical treatment of inflammation, edema, wound healing, digestive system diseases, infusion extravasation, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, breast accumulation, muscle paralysis, intestinal preparation before microscopic examination, and other diseases and symptoms. Conclusion: Mirabilite has good application prospects in traditional Chinese medicine and ethnomedicine. In-depth research on its processing methods, active ingredients, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms, and standardized clinical application is needed. This paper provides a reference for the application and research of mirabilite in the future.

In vitro and in vivo anti-osteoarthritis effects of tradition Chinese prescription Ji-Ming-San

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ji-Ming-Shan (JMS) is a traditional herbal prescription consisting of seven herbs including Areca cathechu Burm.f., Citrus reticulata Blanco, Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, Euodia ruticarpa (A. Juss.) Benth., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.). It was first recorded during the Song dynasty and has been used extensively for protection against rheumatism, treatment of swelling of tendons, relief from foot pain, gout and diuresis and other forms of inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis activity of JMS extracts with the use of different cell lines (RAW 264.7 cells, SW1353 cells and primary cultured rat chondrocytes). MIA-induced rat animal models were used to assess the anti-osteoarthritis activity of the extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of JMS-95E on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. For the in vivo study, male Wistar rats were used and they were randomly assigned in different groups: blank, control, positive control and three different JMS-95E treatment groups (200, 400, 800 mg/kg/d). Paw edema, hind-limb weight bearing, serum inflammatory cytokines including hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining experiments were used to assess the efficacy of the extract in the rat model.

RESULT

JMS 95% ethanol extract (JMS-95E, marker substance: narirutin (5.10 mg/g) and hesperidin (11.33 mg/g) has been identified in the extract using high pressure liquid chromatography. For in vitro assays, JMS-95E did not exhibit cytotoxicity and was able to downregulate the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2 and MMP-13. The production of inflammatory mediators such as NO and PGE₂ were also reduced with an increase in dose-dependent manner in various cell lines. Inhibitory activity on the key enzyme xanthine oxidase was also observed in this study. In rat animal models, JMS-95E reduced the inflammatory responses such as acute swelling, chondrocyte degradation and pain section of paw edema in rat model. Molecular marker studies of inflammation demonstrated that JMS-95E significantly decrease PGE₂ expression in MIA model.

CONCLUSION

JMS-95E inhibited the inflammatory pathway leading to the production or expression levels of NO, iNOS, COX-2 and PGE₂ in macrophage cells. In primary cultured rat chondrocytes iNOS and SW1353 MMP-13 expression were downregulated after JMS-95E treatment. For the in vivo study JMS-95E significantly reduced the paw volume of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema through each dose and significantly inhibited paw volume, counterweight the distribution of hind-paw weight bearing through the MIA model which means JMS-95E could promote recovery of the acute swelling and chondrocyte degradation of the ankle joints. The above results provided the multiple mechanism of JMS-95E in OA treatment of the scientific founding which supported the description of JMS in traditional use.

Chemopreventive effects of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang on paclitaxel-induced leucopenia and neuropathy in animals

Paclitaxel frequently induces peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression during cancer treatment. According to the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, traditional Chinese medicine doctors widely use Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (XSLJZT) to treat breast cancer patients who have received paclitaxel. We explored the combined therapeutic effects of XSLZJT with paclitaxel. XSLJZT did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on P388-D1 cells; however, the combination of XSLJZT (100 and 500 mg/kg) with paclitaxel prolonged the survival rate in P388–D1 tumor-bearing mice compared to paclitaxel-only. In addition, XSLJZT was found to enhance white blood cells (WBC) counts and promote leukocyte rebound in paclitaxel-induced leukopenia in mice. XSLJZT also reduced paclitaxel-induced mechanical pain and inhibited c-Fos protein expression in the L4-6 spinal cords of Wistar rats. Moreover, paclitaxel-induced shortening of the nerve fibers of dorsal root ganglion cells was ameliorated by pre-treatment with XSLJZT. Therefore, we suggest that XSLJZT could be used as an adjunct for cancer patients, as the formula could decrease paclitaxel-induced neuropathy and myelosuppression.

Gut fungi differentially response to the antipyretic (heat-clearing) and diaphoretic (exterior-releasing) traditional Chinese medicines in Coptis chinensis-conditioned gut microbiota

Antipyretic (heat-clearing) and diaphoretic (exterior-releasing) drugs are two main groups of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) possessing anti-microbes and anti-inflammation effects, with the former mainly through clearing pyrogens while the latter through promoting diaphoresis. Although anti-microorganism is a common action of these two kinds of TCMs, their difference in antimicrobial spectrums and their interactions when combinedly used remain unclear. Herein, we prepared aqueous extracts from Coptis chinensis (HL) and other antipyretic or diaphoretic TCMs, orally administrated them to C57BL/6 mice at a clinical dose for fourteen days, and analyzed their impaction on both gut bacteria and fungi using full-length 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and internal transcribed spacer 1/2 (ITS1/2) gene sequencing, respectively. Oral administration of HL significantly changed the structure of gut bacteria but showed little influence on gut fungi. Co-treatment with antipyretic or diaphoretic TCMs alleviated the impact of HL on gut bacteria to a similar degree. However, combined with either heat-clearing or exterior-releasing TCMs significantly strengthened the influence of HL on gut fungi, with the latter superior to the former. The antipyretic TCMs enriched Penicillium spp. while diaphoretic TCMs promoted Fusarium spp. Further analysis revealed that the diaphoretic TCMs-enriched fungi Fusarium spp. were positively related to Akkermansia spp., a beneficial bacterium that interacts with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and regulates thermogenesis, thus providing a potential linkage with their pro-diaphoresis effect. Together, our results reveal that gut fungi differentially respond to the impact of heat-clearing and exterior-releasing TCMs on Coptis chinensis-conditioned gut microbiota, which provides insights into their functional characteristics.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of Si-Wu-Tang Decoction and Concentrated Extract in Follicular Maldevelopment-Related Menstrual Disorders Through Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Studies

Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese formula, is commonly used to relieve menstrual discomfort and climacteric syndrome. Water decoction (WD) and concentrated herbal extract (CHE) are the two most common formulations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, few studies have reported the equivalency of these two formulations. In this study, 23 healthy volunteers were included to determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalent dosage of WD and CHE, and 25 infertile women with follicular maldevelopment to evaluate the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects on menstrual disorders. The randomized, two-way crossover comparative PK study of SWT-WD and SWT-CHE analyzed the active component, ferulic acid. The results showed that clinical doses of 170 mL SWT-WD and 18 g SWT-CHE produced the same amount of ferulic acid in the blood. The PD study showed that patients who took both of these formulations had an initial luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio of <1; however, the value returned to normal and their symptoms all improved after taken SWT. Our results showed that WD and CHE, both prepared from 40 g of SWT, displayed bioequivalence upon PK/PD analysis.

Efficacy and Safety of Blood Stasis Based Herbal Medicine for Patients with Traffic Accident : A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Blood stasis (BS) is commonly used for pattern identification in traumatic injuries, including traffic accidents (TAs). Various studies have identified the efficacy of Korean medicine treatments for TA patients, but studies focusing on the BS-based herbal medicine (BSHM), including Tongdo-san (TDS), are rare.<br/>Methods: This was a single-center, prospective observational study, conducted from August 24th, 2018 to December 27th, 2018, which included 40 TA patients. Participants underwent routine Korean medicine treatments including acupuncture, electronic moxibustion, cupping, physical therapy, and herbal medicine. In the herbal medicine treatment, participants took BSHM with more than 3 days including taking TDS. The primary outcome measures were the scores from a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcome measures included scores from EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) and EQVAS questionnaires, the BS and cold/heat indices, and safety assessments.<br/>Results: There were significant improvements in the VAS, NRS, EQ-5D, EQ-VAS scores, and BS index after treatment. In the sub-analysis, VAS, NRS, EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS scores were higher in groups with a higher BS index. The moderate and severe BS index groups showed more improvement than the minor BS index group, and there was a significant difference in the EQ-5D scores. There was no significant differences observed in cold/heat index groups scores.<br/>Conclusion: BS is associated with TA-related symptoms. BSHM, including TDS, may significantly reduce BS, pain, and discomfort.

Identification of active compound combination contributing to anti-inflammatory activity of Xiao-Cheng-Qi Decoction via human intestinal bacterial metabolism

Human intestinal bacteria play an important role in the metabolism of herbal medicines, leading to the variations in their pharmacological profile. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolism of Xiao-Cheng-Qi decoction (XCQD) by human intestinal bacteria and to discover active component combination (ACC) contributing to the anti-inflammatory activity of XCQD. The water extract of XCQD was anaerobically incubated with human intestinal bacteria suspensions for 48 h at 37 °C. A liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) method was performed for identification of the metabolites. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of XCQD and biotransformed XCQD (XCQD-BT) were evaluated in vitro with cytokines in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 51 compounds were identified in XCQD and XCQD-BT. Among them, 20 metabolites were proven to be transformed by human intestinal bacteria. Significantly, a combination of 14 compounds was identified as ACC from XCQD-BT, which was as effective as XCQD in cell models of inflammation. In conclusion, this study provided an applicable method, based on intestinal bacterial metabolism, for identifying combinatory compounds responsible for a certain pharmacological activity of herbal medicines.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Osteoarthritis Effects of 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-Glucoside from Polygonum Multiflorum

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a traditional herbal medicine that is rich in polyphenols. The major compound, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (THSG) has many pharmacological activities, such as antioxidative and free radical-scavenging properties, and the abilities to reduce hyperlipidemia, prevent lipid peroxidation, and protect the cardiovascular system. In this study, the anti-osteoarthritis (OA) effects of THSG were explored using in vitro and in vivo models. THSG inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. On the other hand, THSG inhibited PGE₂ production and iNOS and matrix metalloproteinase-13 expressions by interleukin-1β-stimulated primary rat chondrocytes. Through a mono-iodoacetate-induced rat OA model assay, THSG reduced paw edema and improved the weight-bearing distribution. Therefore, THSG has anti-inflammatory activity and could be applied as a lead compound for the development as an OA drug.

Study on the anti-endotoxin effect of sinomenine using an Agilent genome array

BACKGROUND

Endotoxin is a significant contributing factor underlying the occurrence of fever, diarrhea, inflammation, edema, coagulation, shock and other syndromes associated with gram-negative bacterial infections. To date, there is no effective treatment for endotoxemia.

AIM

The aim of this study was to characterize differentially expressed genes in sinomenine-treated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial cells by microarray analysis and to determine the potential pharmacological activity of sinomenine.

DESIGN

The cultured cells of five treatment groups (n = 3) were collected. Participants: total RNA was extracted and subjected to Agilent Porcine 4 × 44 K whole genome microarray.

METHODS

Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and gene ontology software were applied to screen and analyze differentially regulated genes.

RESULTS

The results showed that 723 differentially regulated genes were identified including 410 up-regulated genes and 313 down-regulated genes in therapy group vs. LPS group. Ten genes may be key controlled genes in the pathogenesis of LPS, including five up-regulated genes (ARG1, TLR2, IL1A, VCAM1, DKK3) and five down-regulated genes (HABP2, ID1, CHDH, GPX3, PTGFR), which primarily contribute to biological processes such as inflammatory response, vascular lesion, metabolic process and cell cycle. IL1A and FMO3 were considered as potent target genes.

CONCLUSION

Global gene expression profile analysis showed that sinomenine might effectively be useful to regulate inflammatory responses as part of future anti-endotoxin therapies.

Anti-inflammatory and Antinociceptive Constituents of Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi

The rhizomes of many Atractylodes species, including Atractylodes chinensis Koidzumi, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi, and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi, are collectively termed Atractylodis Rhizoma. We prepared n-hexane extracts of the three species and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Among all n-hexane extracts, those of A. japonica most strongly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells; five sesquiterpenes, atractylon, atractylenolide I, atractylenolide II, atractylenolide III, and 8-epiasterolid, were isolated from A. japonica. The phytochemical content of A. japonica was similar to those of A. chinensis and A. macrocephala. Moreover, the atractylon concentration was higher in A. japonica than in A. chinensis and A. macrocephala. Atractylon significantly inhibited NO and prostaglandin E2 production as well as inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Atractylon (40 mg/kg) also significantly reduced the acetic-acid-induced writhing response, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and hot-plate latent pain response in mice. According to the results, A. japonica has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects and atractylon is the major active component of A. japonica. Therefore, atractylon can be used as a bioactivity marker in A. japonica.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Zerumbone against Mono-Iodoacetate-Induced Arthritis

The fresh rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet Smith (Zingiberaceae) is used as a food flavoring and also serves as a folk medicine as an antipyretic and for analgesics in Taiwan. Zerumbone, a monocyclic sesquiterpene was isolated from the rhizome of Z. zerumbet and is the major active compound. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of zerumbone on arthritis were explored using in vitro and in vivo models. Results showed that zerumbone inhibited inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions, and NO and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, but induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. When zerumbone was co-treated with an HO-1 inhibitor (tin protoporphyrin (SnPP)), the NO inhibitory effects of zerumbone were recovered. The above results suggest that zerumbone inhibited iNOS and COX-2 through induction of the HO-1 pathway. Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and COX-2 expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated primary rat chondrocytes were inhibited by zerumbone. In an in vivo assay, an acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice was significantly reduced by treatment with zerumbone. Furthermore, zerumbone reduced paw edema and the pain response in a mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat osteoarthritis model. Therefore, we suggest that zerumbone possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects which indicate zerumbone could be a potential candidate for osteoarthritis treatment.

Modified dachengqi tang improves decreased gastrointestinal motility in postoperative esophageal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effects of modified dachengqi tang (DCQT) on promoting gastrointestinal motility in post-operative esophageal cancer patients.

METHODS

Sixty postoperative esophageal cancer patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the modified treatment group or the control group (30 patients in each group). Patients in the treatment group were given DCQT made from decocted herbs and administered via nasojejunal tube at a dosage of 150 mL. Gastrointestinal motility was assessed by recording time for recovery of bowel sounds, flatus, defecation, and the total amount of gastric drainage during the first three postoperative days. Plasma motilin (MTL) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured one hour before and three days after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the times to first bowel sound, flatus, and defecation were significantly shorter and there was less gastric drainage in the treatment group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively). In the treatment group, postoperative plasma MTL was significantly higher (P < 0.01) and VIP was significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no difference found in either MTL or VIP from before to after operation in the treatment group (P > 0.05). MTL was significantly lower and VIP was higher postoperatively in the control group, compared to before surgery (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Modified DCQT effectively improved decreased gastrointestinal motility in postoperative esophageal cancer patients by increasing MTL and reducing VIP.

Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch., exert antipyretic effect on yeast-induced pyrexia rats involving regulation of TRPV1 and TRPM8 expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch., are two representative cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine with heat-clearing effect, and were widely used to treat fever associated diseases in China for a long history. To elucidate the mechanism of the antipyretic effect of Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. from the perspective of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and transient receptor potential melastatin 8 expression on yeast-induced pyrexia rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pyrexia model was induced by injecting 20mg/kg of yeast suspension subcutaneously on rat. 3.5g/kg Rheum palmatum L. or 2.8g/kg Coptis chinensis Franch. were given intragastric administration 1h before and 3h after pyrexia inducion. Rectal temperature was recorded by electronic thermometer every hour. Protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and melastatin 8 were examined by immunohistochemical staining in dorsal root ganglion, as well as in the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nucleus, two important nucleuses of hypothalamus for thermoregulation. Western blot analysis was also applied to test transient receptor potential levels in dorsal root ganglion and hypothalamus. The levels of prostaglandin E2, cyclic adenosine 3׳,5׳-monophosphate and arginine vasopressin were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and hypothalamus.

RESULTS

Both Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. clearly decreased the rectal temperature elevated by yeast in rats from 4h to 12h, especially 4-8h after yeast induction. Importantly, Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch suppressed transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and increased transient receptor potential melastatin 8 expressions in hypothalamus and dorsal root ganglion, at 4h, 8h and 12h after yeast induction when rectal temperature began to rise, reach the peak and decrease separately. Additionally, Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. interrupted the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and melastatin 8 protein expressions in paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nucleus with the similar tendency as hypothalamus. Finally, Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 and cyclic adenosine 3׳,5׳-monophosphate, while promoted the secretion of arginine vasopressin.

CONCLUSION

The antipyretic effect of Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch might result, at least in part, from the regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and melastatin 8 expressions. Thus, our findings provide scientific basis for the wide use of cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine such as Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch in China as a traditional antipyretics.

Immunomodulatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys extract in mice macrophages, splenocytes and leucopenia

Astragali Radix (Huang-Qi) is a popular herbal medicine commonly used as a constituent in tonic herbal preparations. Hedysarum polybotrys Handel-Mazzetti is one species used of Astragali Radix. In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of H. polybotrys were explored by LPS-activated and SNP-treated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes and, daunoblastina-induced leucopenia BALB/c mice. Formononetin was used as the bioactive marker to monitor the quality of the H. polybotrys extracts. H. polybotrys was extracted with hot-water and methanol, and MeOH extract partitioned with H₂O (M-H) and ethyl acetate (M-EA) to yield four different fractions. M-EA had the highest formononetin and total proanthocyanidin content and showed stronger inhibitory effects on the production and expression of NO, PGE₂, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes than the other fractions. In addition, M-EA significantly stimulated the proliferation of LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes, enhanced NO radicals scavenging and attenuated NO-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, M-EA also significantly increased the rate of recovery of white blood cells level in daunoblastina-induced leucopenia mice. These evidences suggest that this traditional Qi-tonifying herb has potential effects in clinical conditions when immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effect is desired.

Enhancement of rhubarb extract solubility and bioactivity by 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Rhubarb is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and the ethanolic extract of rhubarb consists of active anthraquinones, which are hydrophobic and have antiproliferative effects on hepatoma cell lines. To increase the aqueous solubility of rhubarb and study the consequent bioavailability, the ethanolic extract of rhubarb was complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), a cyclic oligosaccharide that has a hydrophilic outer surface and a hydrophobic central cavity, to form a rhubarb-HP-β-CD complex. This complex was characterized by performing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, two-dimensional rotating frame spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography to confirm the inclusion of anthraquinones from rhubarb extract in HP-β-CD (weight ratio of rhubarb extract:HP-β-CD=1:9). We investigated the effects of complexing rhubarb extract with HP-β-CD on the growth of Huh7 and HepG2 cells by performing cytotoxicity analysis, cellular uptake test, and colony formation assay. Our results showed that complexation of rhubarb extract with HP-β-CD increased the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of rhubarb and thus enhanced its effect on hepatoma cells.

Antinociceptive activity and chemical composition of Wei-Chang-An-Wan extracts

CONTEXT

Currently, famous traditional Chinese medicine formulas have undergone re-evaluation and development in China. Wei-Chang-An-Wan (WCAW) as one of them has been used for treating various gastrointestinal diseases for several decades. The secondary development of WCAW is in progress so as to interpret the effective material basis or find new pharmacological activity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antinociceptive effect of methanol extract of WCAW (ME) as well as four fractions (P.E., EtOAc, n-BuOH, H2O) and obtain information on the correlation between the contents of the fractions and antinociceptive effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ME was divided into four parts extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by three models of acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate test in mice after repetitive administration of ME at 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg, P.E. 132 mg/kg, EtOAc 106 mg/kg, n-BuOH 176 mg/kg and H2O 176 mg/kg for six days. The chemical compounds were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS.

RESULTS

ME at 800 mg/kg inhibited acid-induced writhing by 84.69%, and reduced the licking time of second phase in formalin test by 53.23%. The inhibition rates in acid-induced writhing of P.E., EtOAc, n-BuOH and H2O were 27.79, 33.85, 38.97 and 37.69%, respectively, and in formalin test about 50%. They had no effect on the hot-plate test. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed that 68 chemical compounds were detected and 41 compounds were identified from ME.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results obtained herein indicate that WCAW possesses the antinociceptive activity that provides a new aspect in clinical application.

Genetic diversity of the endemic and medicinally important plant Rheum officinale as revealed by Inter-Simpe Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers

Rheum officinale Baill., an important but endangered medicinal herb, is endemic to China. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation of 12 populations of R. officinale. Thirteen selected primers yielded 189 bright and discernible bands, with an average of 14.54 per primer. The genetic diversity was low at the population level, but pretty high at the species level (H = 0.1008, I = 0.1505, PPB = 28.95% vs. H = 0.3341, I = 0.5000, PPB = 95.24%, respectively) by POPGENE analysis. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the genetic variation was found mainly among populations (74.38%), in line with the limited gene flow (N(m) = 0.2766) among populations. Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.5381, P = 0.002), indicating the role of geographic isolation in shaping the present population genetic structure. Both Bayesian analysis and UPGMA cluster analysis demonstrated the similar results. Our results imply that the conservation efforts should aim to preserve all the extant populations of this endangered species, and cultivation is proposed in this study.

Systematic review of herbals as potential anti-inflammatory agents: Recent advances, current clinical status and future perspectives

Many synthetic drugs reported to be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders are of least interest now a days due to their potential side effects and serious adverse effects and as they are found to be highly unsafe for human assistance. Since the last few decades, herbal drugs have regained their popularity in treatment against several human ailments. Herbals containing anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) are topics of immense interest due to the absence of several problems in them, which are associated with synthetic preparations. The primary objective of this review is to provide a deep overview of the recently explored anti-inflammatory agents belonging to various classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenolic compounds, and also the compounds isolated from plants of marine origin, algae and fungi. Also, it enlists a distended view on potential interactions between herbals and synthetic preparations, related adverse effects and clinical trials done on herbals for exploring their AIA. The basic aim of this review is to give updated knowledge regarding plants which will be valuable for the scientists working in the field of anti-inflammatory natural chemistry.

Hypolipidemic effects of three purgative decoctions

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), purgation is indicated when a person suffers an illness due to the accumulation of evil internal heat. Obese individuals with a large belly, red face, thick and yellow tongue fur, constipation, and avoidance of heat are thought accumulates of evil internal heat, and they are also treated with purgatives such as Ta-Cheng-Chi-Tang (TCCT), Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang (XCCT), and Tiao-Wei-Chen-Chi-Tang (TWCCT) by TCM doctors. In previous studies, our group found that TCCT has potent anti-inflammatory activity, and that XCCT is an effective antioxidant. Since rhubarb is the principle herb in these three prescriptions, we will first present a thorough review of the literature on the demonstrated effect (or lack of effect) of rhubarb and rhubarb-containing polyherbal preparations on lipid and weight control. We will then continue our research with an investigation of the anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effect of TCCT, XCCT, TWCCT, and rhubarb extracts using two animal models. TWCCT lowered the serum triglyceride concentration as much as fenofibrate in Triton WR-1339-treated mice. Daily supplementation with XCCT and TWCCT significantly attenuated the high-fat-diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In addition, TWCCT also significantly lowered the high-fat-diet-induced hypertriglycemia. Although feeding high-fat diet rats with these extracts did not cause loose stools or diarrhea or other deleterious effects on renal or hepatic function. None of these extracts lowered the body weight of rats fed on high-fat diet. In conclusion, the results suggest that XCCT and TWCCT might exert beneficial effects in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

HPLC/DAD Comparison of Sixteen Bioactive Components between Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction and its Parent Herbal Medicines

Differences in the contents of sixteen bioactive components (three tannins, five anthraquinones, six flavonoids and two neolignans) between Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) and its three constitutional herbal medicines (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Magnoliae officinalis, and Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) were compared using validated HPLC/DAD methods. The results indicated that there existed some kinds of interactions between these constitutional natural medicines during the DCQD preparation procedure, which could either enhance or depress the extractive rates of bioactive components.

Pharmacokinetic Comparison in Rats of Six Bioactive Compounds between Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction and its Parent Herbal Medicines

Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) is a purgative compound prescription used in China and East Asia. In this paper, pharmacokinetic differences of six major active components (rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, magnolol, naringenin and hesperetin) between DCQD and its three constitutional herbal medicines i.e. Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Magnoliae officinalis and Fructus Aurantii Immaturus were investigated in rats after oral administration. Plasma samples were analyzed for the quantification of the six active components using validated LC-MS/MS methods. Unpaired Student's t-test was used for statistical comparison. Significant differences ( p<0.05) in the main pharmacokinetic parameters for rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, magnolol, naringenin and hesperetin were found between DCQD and the decoction of its constitutional single herbal medicines, which demonstrated the presence of drug-drug interactions between these constitutional raw materials of DCQD occurring either in the procedure of decoction or during ADME process.

Constituents of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction and its Parent Herbal Medicines Determined by LC-MS/MS

Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) is a purgative prescription used in China and East Asia. To profile the constituents of this complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a high-performance liquid chromatographic, electrospray ionization, tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-ESI/MS/MS) analytical method was developed. After separation on a reversed-phase C18 analytical column using gradient elution, samples were analyzed by ESI-MS/MS in negative mode. As a result, a total of 37 compounds were detected, of which two tannins, three anthraquinones, two sennosides, five flavonoids and two lignans were unambiguously identified by comparison with standard compounds, and sixteen compounds were either tentatively identified or deduced according to their MS/MS data. The fragmentation pathways of many of the observed compounds, such as the tannins and lignans are reported for the first time. In addition, the identity of each peak in DCQD was explored by comparison with those of its three constituent herbs. The results indicated that tannins, anthraquinones and sennosides in DCQD originated from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, flavonoids from Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, and lignans from Cortex Magnoliae officinalis. The present study provides an example of chemical constitution profiling in complex TCM systems using LC/MS/MS.

Quasi-MSn identification of flavanone 7-glycoside isomers in Da Chengqi Tang by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Background

Da Chengqi Tang (DCT) is a common purgative formula in Chinese medicine. Flavanones are its major active compounds derived from Fructus Aurantii Immaturus. The present study developed an LC-MS/MS method to characterize two pairs of flavanone 7-glycoside isomers, i.e., hesperidin versus neohesperidin and naringin versus isonaringin.

Methods

After solid phase purification, components in sample were separated on a Agilent zorbax SB-C18 (5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm) analytical column. ESI-MS and quasi-MSⁿ were performed in negative ion mode to obtain structural data of these two pairs of flavanone 7-glycoside isomers. Moreover, UV absorption was measured.

Results

There was no intra-pairs difference in the UV-Vis and MS/MS spectra of the two pairs of 7-glycoside isomers, whereas the mass spectrometry fragmentation pathways between pairs were different.

Conclusion

The present study developed a LC-MS/MS method to explore the inter- and intra-pair difference of two pairs of flavanone 7-glycoside isomers.

Study on the antiendotoxin action of Pulsatillae Decoction using an Affymetrix rat genome array

A high-throughput and efficient Affymetrix rat genome array was used to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine, Pulsatillae Decoction (PD), used for the treatment of diseases induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rat intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (RIMECs) were challenged with 1mug/ml LPS for 3h, and then treated with PD at a concentration of 1mg/ml for 24h. Total RNA from each treatment group was extracted from cultured RIMECs for detection by the Affymetrix Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array. The results showed that 36 genes were upregulated and 33 genes were downregulated in the LPS group vs. the blank control group; 566 genes were upregulated and 12 genes were downregulated in the PD-treated group vs. the LPS group; and 93 genes were upregulated and 29 genes were downregulated in the PD-treated group vs. the blank control group. The analysis of these data suggested that PD specifically and effectively reduce damage induced by LPS, and improved physiological and biochemical responses to counteract the effects of LPS.

Simultaneous determination of naringenin and hesperetin in rats after oral administration of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

To quantify naringenin and hesperetin in rat plasma after oral administration of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction, a famous purgative traditional Chinese medicine, a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. The HPLC separation was carried out on a Zorbax SB-C(18) column using 0.1% formic acid-methanol as mobile phase and estazolam as internal standard after the sample of rat plasma had been cleaned up with one-step protein precipitation using methanol. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in the positive ion mode and selected reaction monitoring method was developed to determine the active components. This method was validated in terms of recovery, linearity, accuracy and precision (intra- and inter-batch variation). The recoveries of naringenin and hesperetin were 72.8-76.6 and 75.7-77.2%, respectively. Linearity in rat plasma was observed over the range of 0.5-250 ng/mL (r2 > 0.99) for both naringenin and hesperetin. The accuracy and precision were well within the acceptable range and the relative standard deviation of the measured rat plasma samples was less than 15% (n = 5). The validated method was successfully applied for the evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of naringenin and hesperetin administered to six rats.

Prevention of hepatic oxidative injury by Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang in mice

The three purgative Cheng-Chi-Tang decoctions (CCTDs) including Ta-Cheng-Chi-Tang (TCCT), Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang (XCCT), and Tiao-Wei-Chen-Chi-Tang (TWCCT) are used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms as liver disease remedies are far from fully clarified. The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the antioxidant activity of the three purgative CCTDs in order to delineate their hepatic protective potential and mechanism. Antioxidant activity measured with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test indicated XCCT as the most potent preparation (IC(50) 8.94 microg/ml). In tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH, 50mM)-induced lipid peroxidation in ICR mice liver homogenates, XCCT also showed stronger and dose-dependent inhibitory activity against TBH-induced malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation) production (IC(50) 53.66 microg/ml). In addition, XCCT showed dose-dependent protective effect against TBH-induced cytotoxicity in normal human Chung liver cells Furthermore, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver injury model, mice pretreated with 0.2g/kg and 0.4 g/kg of XCCT extracts showed a decrease of 59.8 and 43.1% in serum glutamic oxaloactetic transaminase (GOT) level, 51.4 and 52% in glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) level, along with a reduction of 31 and 15% in MDA level, respectively, similar to the effects exerted by silymarin. XCCT pretreated mice also showed milder necrotic changes in the microscopic picture of the liver. The results suggest that XCCT has significant antioxidant activity and hepatic protection potential.