Anti-hypoxic activity of the ethanol extract from Portulaca oleracea in mice

Network Pharmacology Combined with Experimental Validation to Investigate the Mechanism of the Anti-Hyperuricemia Action of Portulaca oleracea Extract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a common metabolic disease caused by purine metabolic disorders in the body. Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) is an edible wild vegetable.

METHODS

In this study, the regulatory effect of PO on HUA and its potential mechanism were initially elucidated through network pharmacology and experimental validation.

RESULTS

The results showed that PO from Sichuan province was superior to the plant collected from other habitats in inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. Berberine and stachydrine were isolated and identified from PO for the first time by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. The potential molecular targets and related signaling pathways were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Molecular docking showed that berberine had strong docking activity with XOD, and the results of in vitro experiments verified this prediction. Through experimental analysis of HUA mice, we found that PO can reduce the production of uric acid (UA) in the organism by inhibiting XOD activity. On the other hand, PO can reduce the body 's reabsorption of urate and aid in its excretion out of the body by inhibiting the urate transporter proteins (GLUT9, URAT1) and promoting the high expression of urate excretory protein (ABCG2). The results of H/E staining showed that, compared with the positive drug (allopurinol and benzbromarone) group, there was no obvious renal injury in the middle- and high-dose groups of PO extract.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our findings reveal the potential of wild plant PO as a functional food for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of digestive inflammatory cancer transformation: Portulaca oleracea L. as a promising drug

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat various types of inflammation and tumors of the digestive system. Portulaca oleracea L. (POL), has been used in TCM for thousands of years. The chemical composition of POL is variable and includes flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and organic acids and other classes of natural compounds. Many of these compounds exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer-transforming effects in the digestive system.

AIM OF STUDY

In this review, we focus on the potential therapeutic role of POL in NASH, gastritis and colitis and their associated cancers, with a focus on the pharmacological properties and potential mechanisms of action of the main natural active compounds in POL.

METHODS

The information and data on Portulaca oleracea L. and its main active ingredients were collated from various resources like ethnobotanical textbooks and literature databases such as CNKI, VIP (Chinese literature), PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier and Google Scholar (English literatures), Wiley, Springer, Tailor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet.

RESULTS

Kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, genistein, EPA, DHA, and melatonin were found to improve NASH and NASH-HCC, while kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin played a therapeutic role in gastritis and gastric cancer. Apigenin, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, genistein, lupeol, vitamin C and melatonin were found to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of colitis and its associated cancers. The discovery of the beneficial effects of these natural active compounds in POL supports the idea that POL could be a promising novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related cancers of the digestive system.

CONCLUSION

The discovery of the beneficial effects of these natural active compounds in POL supports the idea that POL could be a promising novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related cancers of the digestive system. However, clinical data describing the mode of action of the naturally active compounds of POL are still lacking. In addition, pharmacokinetic data for POL compounds, such as changes in drug dose and absorption rates, cannot be extrapolated from animal models and need to be measured in patients in clinical trials. On the one hand, a systematic meta-analysis of the existing publications on TCM containing POL still needs to be carried out. On the other hand, studies on the hepatic and renal toxicity of POL are also needed. Additionally, well-designed preclinical and clinical studies to validate the therapeutic effects of TCM need to be performed, thus hopefully providing a basis for the validation of the clinical benefits of POL.

Exploration on anti-hypoxia properties of peptides: a review

Peptides are important components of human nutrition and health, and considered as safe, nontoxic, and easily absorbed potential drugs. Anti-hypoxia peptides are a kind of peptides that can prevent hypoxia or hypoxia damage. In this paper, the sources, preparations, and molecular mechanisms of anti-hypoxia peptides were systemically reviewed. The combination of bioinformatics, chemical synthesis, enzymatic hydrolysis, and microbial fermentation are recommended for efficient productions of anti-hypoxic peptides. The mechanisms of anti-hypoxic peptides include interference with glycolytic process and HIF-1α pathway, mitochondrial apoptosis, and inflammatory response. In addition, bioinformatics analysis, including virtual screening and molecular docking, provides an alternative or auxiliary method for exploring the potential anti-hypoxic activities and mechanisms of peptides. The potential challenges and prospects of anti-hypoxic peptides are also discussed. This paper can provide references for researchers in this field and promote further research and clinical applications of anti-hypoxic peptides in the future.

A novel skeleton alkaloid from Portulaca oleracea L. and its bioactivities

A novel skeleton alkaloid was obtained from Portulaca oleracea L., which was identified as 10,11-dihydroxybenzo[5',6'] pentaleno[1',2':3,4]pyrrolo[2,1-b]oxazol-7(11bH)-one, named oleracone M, and its structure was determined using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. Then the bioactivities of the compound were investigated including the anti-inflammatory, anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities. The results showed that the novel skeleton alkaloid exhibited the potent effect on inhibiting the secretion of IL-1β at 10 μM, anticholinesterase activity with IC50 value of 49.58 μM, and antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 66.43 μM.

Potential Functional Food Products and Molecular Mechanisms of Portulaca Oleracea L. on Anticancer Activity: A Review

Portulaca oleracea Linn. (P. oleracea L.) has recently gained attention as a functional food due to the chemical composition of this plant regarding bioactive compounds. The special attention to the use of P. oleracea as an ingredient in functional food products is also due to the promotion of sustainable food. It is an unconventional food plant, and its consumption may contribute to preserving biodiversity due to its cultivation in a polyculture system. Food sovereignty may be achieved, among other strategies, with the consumption of unconventional food plants that are more resistant in nature and easily cultivated in small places. P. oleracea grows spontaneously and may be found in streets and sidewalks, or it may be cultivated with seeds and cuttings propagation. The culinary versatility of P. oleracea opens up opportunities to explore the development of sustainable, functional food products. This mini-review shows that functional food products developed from P. oleracea are already available at the research level, but it is expected that more scientific literature focusing on the development of P. oleracea functional products with proven anticancer activities may be released in the near future. Polysaccharides, some phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and cerebrosides are associated with the inhibition and prevention of carcinogenesis through in vitro and in vivo investigations. The anticancer activities of P. oleracea, its bioactive compounds, and the involved molecular mechanisms have been reported in the literature. The importance of further elucidating the cancer inhibition mechanisms is in the interest of forthcoming applications in the development of food products with anticancer properties for implementation in the human diet.

A review on bioactive phytochemicals and ethnopharmacological potential of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

The Portulaca oleracea L. commonly known as purslane is distributed all over the world and easily grows in diverse soil and climatic conditions. It has been traditionally used as a nutritious and ethnomedicinal food across the globe. Various studies have shown that the plant is a rich source of various important phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins such as A, C, E, and B, carotenoids and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It is particularly very important because of the presence of a very high concentration of omega-3- fatty acids especially α-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which are not generally synthesized in terrestrial plants. Various parts of purslane are known for ethnomedicinal and pharmacological uses because of its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, skeletal muscle relaxant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-insomnia, analgesic, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, wound healing and antiseptic activities. Due to multiple benefits of purslane, it has become an important wonder crop and various scientists across the globe have shown much interest in it as a healthy food for the future. In this review, we provide an update on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of purslane, its usage as nutritional and an ethnomedicinal plant across the world. We further provide a detailed account on ethnopharmacological studies that have proved the ethnomedicinal properties of purslane.

Two novel amide alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their anti-inflammatory activities

In this article, two novel amide alkaloids were identified as (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(5-hydroxy-6-((3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-1H-indol-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) and (E)-1-(5-hydroxy-6-((3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (2), the two compounds were named oleraindole E and oleraindole F, respectively. The structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-TOF-MS spectra. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated on RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities at 20 μM.

Experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Portulaca oleracea L. and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders, a review

Various pharmacological effects for Portulaca oleracea were shown in previous studies. Therefore, the effects of P. oleracea and its derivatives on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases according to update experimental and clinical studies are provided in this review article. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of December 2020. The effects of P. oleracea and its constituents such as quercetin and kaempferol on an animal model of asthma were shown. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents also showed therapeutic effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis in both experimental and clinical studies. The possible bronchodilatory effect of P. oleracea and its ingredients was also reported. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents showed the preventive effect on lung cancer and a clinical study showed the effect of P. oleracea on patients with lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, a various constituents of P. oleracea including, quercetin and kaempferol showed therapeutic effects on lung infections. This review indicates the therapeutic effect of P. oleracea and its constituents on various lung and allergic disorders but more clinical studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy of this plant and its constituents on lung and allergic disorders.

Antiviral activity of Portulaca oleracea L. against influenza A viruses

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea L. is used not only as an edible potherb but also as a traditional remedy to assuage the symptoms of various diseases. The water extract of P. oleracea (WEPO) has been found to effectively alleviate the signs and symptoms of pandemic influenza A virus (IAV) infection. However, the anti-IAV activity of WEPO is still unclear.

AIM OF STUDY

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the anti-IAV activity of WEPO and investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-H1N1 activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxicity of WEPO and other Chinese herbs was measured using the cell viability test. The anti-IAV activity of WEPO was determined using the plaque reduction assay, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assay. The virucidal activity of WEPO was determined by labeling the virus and using the time-dependent virucidal activity assay.

RESULTS

The half-maximal effective concentration of WEPO for A/WSN/1933 (H1N1) was very low, with a high selectivity index. The production of circulating H1N1 and H3N2 was suppressed by WEPO. Additionally, the antiviral activity of WEPO was observed in the early stage of IAV infection. Furthermore, WEPO inhibited the binding of virus to cells and exhibited good virucidal activity, significantly decreasing the viral load within 10 min to prevent viral infection.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the anti-IAV activity of WEPO and strongly recommend the use of WEPO, as an herbal regimen, to prevent and treat H1N1 infection at an early stage.

Polysaccharides from the Edible Mushroom Agaricus bitorquis (Quél.) Sacc. Chaidam Show Anti-hypoxia Activities in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Three kinds of new water-soluble polysaccharides (FA, FB and FC) were isolated from wild mushroom Agaricus bitorquis (Quél.) Sacc. Chaidam by the classical method “water extraction and alcohol precipitation” and purified by column chromatography. The Mw of FA, FB and FC ranged from 5690 Da to 38,340 Da. The three polysaccharide fractions in the fruiting body were mainly composed of 4 kinds of monosaccharides, including glucose, galactose, mannose, and arabinose, among which glucose and galactose were the major monosaccharides. The FTIR and NMR spectroscopy indicated that the skeleton of three fractions composed of a (1→4)-α-D-glycosidic backbone containing α-D-mannopyranose. In vitro anti-hypoxia activity data showed that three polysaccharide fractions possessed a significant effect on inhibiting PASM cells apoptosis under hypoxia. Among them, FC at the concentration of 200 µg/mL revealed a significant anti-hypoxia effect. These results revealed that the intracellular polysaccharides possessed potent anti-hypoxic activity, which might be related to inhibiting LDH and NADPH oxidase expression and promoting the formation of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, endothelins, acetylcholine. More importantly, FC showed good performance inducing KV1.5 expression and prohibiting KIR6.2 formation at protein level.

Quality evaluation for Radix Astragali based on fingerprint, indicative components selection and QAMS

Radix Astragali (RA) is one of the most widely used Chinese herbs prescribed in many Chinese formulas to reinforce 'Qi' and treat vital energy deficiency. This study combined fingerprinting with quantitative analysis multi-components by a single marker (QAMS) to improve the quality control standard for RA on the basis of existing quality control methods of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS technique was used to evaluate the quality of RA by fingerprinting and QAMS. Using the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-anoxic activities to screen characteristic components of RA, the calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (CG), ononin, astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, calycosin and astrageloside I significantly inhibited ear edema in mice, the calycosin and CG had good antioxidant activity and the astragaloside I had a significant anti-hypoxia activity. Astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV, ononin, calycosin and CG had significant pharmacological actions. These components were comprehensively used as the indicative components for the quality control of RA. Astragaloside I was used as the internal standard of the relative correction factors of CG (13.45), ononin (0.51), calycosin (12.08), astragaloside IV (0.73) and astragaloside II (0.81). Astragaloside I and CG were used as internal standards of the relative correction factors of the flavonoids and saponins of ononin (1.11), calycosin (0.04), astragaloside IV (0.73) and astragaloside II (0.81). The study combined fingerprinting with QAMS to improve the quality control standard for RA.

Portulaca Extract Attenuates Development of Dextran Sulfate Sodium Induced Colitis in Mice through Activation of PPARγ

Portulaca oleracea L. is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used as adjuvant therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanism of its activity in IBD still remains unclear. Since previous studies have documented the anti-inflammatory effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ), Portulaca regulation of PPAR-γ in inflammation was examined in current study. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was generated by 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice and four groups were established as normal control, DSS alone, DSS plus mesalamine, and DSS plus Portulaca. Severity of UC was evaluated by body weight, stool blood form, and length of colorectum. Inflammation was examined by determination of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-1a). Portulaca extract was able to attenuate development of UC in DSS model similar to the treatment of mesalazine. Moreover, Portulaca extract inhibited proinflammatory cytokines release and reduced the level of DSS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation. Furthermore, Portulaca extract restored PPAR-γ level, which was reduced by DSS. In addition, Portulaca extract protected DSS induced apoptosis in mice. In conclusion, Portulaca extract can alleviate colitis in mice through regulation of inflammatory reaction, apoptosis, and PPAR-γ level; therefore, Portulaca extract can be a potential candidate for the treatment of IBD.

A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Portulaca oleracea L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea L. is a widespread medicinal plant that is used not only as an edible plant, but also as a traditional medicine for alleviating a wide spectrum of diseases. It is a well-known plant in the European Traditional Medicine. PA is mentioned by Dioscorides (40-90 CE), with the name of "andrachne".

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this study, we provide detailed information on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological uses, pharmacokinetics and safety of P. oleracea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive search on electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, conference papers, local herbal encyclopedias, articles, books (in English, French, Arabic, Persian, etc.) and also a number of unpublished handwritten manuscripts was done to find articles have been published between 1956 and 2015 on pharmacology and phytochemistry of P. oleracea.

RESULTS

P. oleracea has been addressed in De Materia Medica as an astringent, and a remedy for headaches, inflammation of the eyes and other organs, burning of the stomach, erysipela, disorders of the bladder, numbness of the teeth, excessive sexual desire, burning fevers, worms, dysentery, hemorrhoids, eruptions of blood, and bites. Phytochemical investigations revealed that this plant a wide range of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and organic acids. The most important pharmacological activities are renoprotective activities and effects on metabolism. P. oleracea could successfully decrease blood glucose and lipid profile of patients with metabolic syndrome. The safety of P. oleracea has been reported in many clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Modern pharmacological studies have now proven many traditional uses of P. oleracea, including anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic, renoprotective and hepatoprotective effects. In addition, in many clinical trials P. oleracea showed no adverse effects and constipation was reported as the most frequent adverse effect.

Neuroprotective effect of Portulaca oleracea extracts against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion of dopaminergic neurons

The Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) is a cosmopolitan species with a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant and neuroprotective actions. We investigated the effects of P. oleracea extracts in a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease, a debilitating disorder without effective treatments. Chemical profiles of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of whole plant were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and the antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazila method. Male Wistar rats received intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine and were treated with vehicle or extracts (oral, 200 and 400 mg/kg) daily for two weeks. The behavioral open field test was conducted at days 1 and 15. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed 4 weeks after surgery to quantify tyrosine-hydroxylase cell counts in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Extracts presented antioxidant activity in concentrations above 300 µg/kg. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of Levodopa, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and polysaccharides. Both extracts improved motor recovery 15 days after lesion and protected from tyrosine-hydroxylase cell loss after 4 weeks, but these effects were more evident for the aqueous extract. Because the dopamine precursor is present, in addition to antioxidant compounds and neuroprotective effects, P. oleracea can be considered as potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.

Study of the UV Light Conversion of Feruloyl Amides from Portulaca oleracea and Their Inhibitory Effect on IL-6-Induced STAT3 Activation

Two new feruloyl amides, N-cis-hibiscusamide (5) and (7'S)-N-cis-feruloylnormetanephrine (9), and eight known feruloyl amides were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and the geometric conversion of the ten isolated feruloyl amides by UV light was verified. The structures of the feruloyl amides were determined based on spectroscopic data and comparison with literature data. The NMR data revealed that the structures of the isolated compounds showed cis/trans-isomerization under normal laboratory light conditions. Therefore, cis and trans-isomers of feruloyl amides were evaluated for their convertibility and stability by UV light of a wavelength of 254 nm. After 96 h of UV light exposure, 23.2%-35.0% of the cis and trans-isomers were converted to trans-isomers. Long-term stability tests did not show any significant changes. Among all compounds and conversion mixtures collected, compound 6 exhibited the strongest inhibition of IL-6-induced STAT3 activation in Hep3B cells, with an IC50 value of 0.2 μM. This study is the first verification of the conversion rates and an equilibrium ratio of feruloyl amides. These results indicate that this natural material might provide useful information for the treatment of various diseases involving IL-6 and STAT3.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activities and in Vivo Anti-Hypoxic Activity of the Edible Mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Sing. Chaidam

With the rising awareness of a healthy lifestyle, natural functional foods have gained much interest as promising alternatives to synthetic functional drugs. Recently, wild Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Sing. Chaidam has been found and artificially cultivated for its thick fresh body and excellent taste, with its antioxidant and anti-hypoxic abilities unknown. In this work, the antioxidant potential of its methanolic, 55% ethanolic, aqueous extracts and crude polysaccharide was evaluated in different systems. The results showed that polysaccharide was the most effective in scavenging ability on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals, metal chelating activity and reducing power, with EC50 values of 0.02, 2.79, 1.29, and 1.82 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, we further studied the anti-hypoxic activity of crude polysaccharide. The results turned out that polysaccharide (300 mg/kg) prolonged the survival time, decreased the blood urea nitrogen and lactic acid content as well as increased the liver glycogen significantly, compared with the blank control and the commercialized product Hongjingtian (p < 0.05). With such excellent activities, we purified the polysaccharide and analyzed its molecular weight (120 kDa) as well as monosaccharide components (glucose, fructose and mannose). This study indicated that wild Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Sing. Chaidam had strong potential to be exploited as an effective natural functional food to relieve oxidative and hypoxia stresses.

Hepatoprotective effects of Portulaca oleracea extract against CCl4-induced damage in rats

CONTEXT

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae) has been traditionally used in folk medicine to afford protection against liver injury, although its actual efficacy remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate purslane as a hepatoprotective agent, we investigated the protective effect of its ethanol extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic toxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 108 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 groups. The first group was maintained as normal control, whereas CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg bw, 50% CCl4 in olive oil, i.p.), purslane extract (0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 g/kg bw, intragastrically), and purslane extract (five doses as above) along with CCl4 were administered to the Groups II, III-VII, and VIII-XII, respectively. The rats were sacrificed on the 30th day, and blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture. Liver damage was assessed by measuring hepatic marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and SOD) and histopathological observation.

RESULTS

Treatment with CCl4 resulted in increased serum activities of marker enzymes with a concomitant decrease in SOD. Histological alterations were also observed in the liver tissue upon CCl4 treatment. Administration of purslane extract (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 g/kg b.w.) significantly showed a marked tendency towards normalization of all measured biochemical parameters in CCl4-treated rats. Histopathological changes also paralleled the detected alteration in markers of liver function.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that purslane exerts protective effects against CCl4-induced damage in rat liver and supports a potential therapeutic use of purslane as an alternative for patients with liver diseases.

The Effects of Portulaca oleracea on Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Edema in Mice

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) is known as "a vegetable for long life" due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological activities. However, the protective activity of the ethanol extract of PO (EEPO) against hypoxia-induced pulmonary edema has not been fully investigated. In this study, we exposed mice to a simulated altitude of 7000 meters for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h to observe changes in the water content and transvascular leakage of the mouse lung. It was found that transvascular leakage increased to the maximum in the mouse lung after 6 h exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Prophylactic administration of EEPO before hypoxic exposure markedly reduced the transvascular leakage and oxidative stress, and inhibited the upregulation of NF-kB in the mouse lung, as compared with the control group. In addition, EEPO significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in the lungs of mice, as compared with the hypoxia group. Our results show that EEPO can reduce initial transvascular leakage and pulmonary edema under hypobaric hypoxia conditions.

Portulaca oleracea L.: a review of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects

Portulaca oleracea L., belonging to the Portulacaceae family, is commonly known as purslane in English and Ma-Chi-Xian in Chinese. It is a warm-climate, herbaceous succulent annual plant with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is eaten extensively as a potherb and added in soups and salads around the Mediterranean and tropical Asian countries and has been used as a folk medicine in many countries. Diverse compounds have been isolated from Portulaca oleracea, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenoids, sterols, proteins vitamins and minerals. Portulaca oleracea possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, and anticancer activities. However, few molecular mechanisms of action are known. This review provides a summary of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of this plant.

Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used in the treatment of CNS disorders in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

To provide ethnopharmacological information on the use of medicinal plants for central nervous system (CNS) disorders in the Sinai Peninsula region (Egypt). To collect, analyze and evaluate the ethnobotanical knowledge about these medicinal plants in the Sinai Peninsula region with 61,000 km (2) and 379,000 inhabitants.

METHODOLOGY

Field work was concluded between March 2006 and May 2011, using semi-structured questionnaire with 700 informants (mean age: 59; 100% men) from 117 settlements of 17 Bedouin tribes. Transects walks in wild herbal plant collection areas and bibliographical review on the collected plants were also conducted. The Interview/ Inhabitant index (I/P), relative importance value of the species and informant consensus factor (FIC) were calculated.

RESULTS

More than 300 species were traditionally used in folk medicine in the Sinai Peninsula; 101 of these species belonging to 40 families were reported as useful in different CNS disorders. Only 5 species are endemic of the studied area. All different part plants were used, leaves and aerial parts being the most frequent. Most of the remedies were prepared as infusion or decoction, while oral administration was the most common way to be used. Gastrointestinal (67.3%) and respiratory disorders (42.57%) were also reported as frequently treated by Bedouins with herbal remedies.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a few species were found where the traditional use is supported by pharmacological studies (Acacia nilotica, Achillea fragrantissima, Ajuga iva or Mentha longifolia). No bibliographical references in the scientific literature were found for 22 species (21.78%); finally, several studies were published with different pharmacological activities than those provided by Bedouins.

Anti-hypoxic activity at simulated high altitude was isolated in petroleum ether extract of Saussurea involucrata

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhodiola algida, Saussurea involucrata, and other herbs grown in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau have long been used to prevent and treat acute mountain sickness.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To screen and identify the anti-hypoxic constituents in the herbs grown in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau of Northwestern China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-hypoxic activities of 20 selected plateau herbs were examined against two positive controls, Rhodiola algida and acetazolamide, using the normobaric hypoxia model of mice. The herb with the highest activity was successively extracted with 70% ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract with the highest activity was identified by comparing the survival time of mice under normobaric hypoxia condition after being subjected to different extracts. The identified extract was further tested by simulating high altitudes through an acute decompression model and a chronic decompression model for mice.

RESULTS

The herb found to have the highest anti-hypoxic activity was Saussurea involucrate (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip, and the most effective fraction was in the petroleum ether extract. Administration of petroleum ether extract of Saussurea involucrata (PESI) to mice at 50mg/kg significantly decreased the mortality of animals under acute decompression conditions. Changes in biochemical indicators for glycometabolism and energy metabolism, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in brain and cardiac muscle, lactic acid (LAC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood and cardiac muscles, blood sugar, and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle were reversed under chronic decompression conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip exhibits high anti-hypoxic activity that may be effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, and the active constituents are mainly in the petroleum ether extract.

Composition analysis and anti-hypoxia activity of polysaccharide from Brassica rapa L

Crude water-soluble polysaccharides (BRP) were extracted from the root of Brassica rapa L. using boiling-water. The polysaccharides were successively purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column, giving three major polysaccharide fractions termed BRP1-1, BRP2-1, BRP3-1. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis showed that the average molecular weight (Mw) of polysaccharides (BRP1-1, BRP2-1, BRP3-1) were approximately 5.53×10(3) Da, 3.35×10(4) Da and 3.37×10(4) Da, respectively. Monosaccharide components analysis indicated that BRP1-1 was composed of arabinose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1.66:98.34. BRP2-1 was composed of arabinose, galactose and glucose in a molar ratio of 9.3:14.63:76.07. BRP3-1 was composed of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose and glucose in a molar ratio of 24.98:24.10:44.09:6.83. The evaluation of anti-hypoxia activity in vivo revealed that BRP is a novel potential anti-hypoxia agent.