Effects of crude herbal ingredients on serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in a rat uterine endometritis model

Cnidium officinale Makino: Phytology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology, Pharmacology and Prescriptions (1967-2023)

Cnidium officinale Makino (COM), a perennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceous family, widely distribute in Eastern Asia and Asia-Temperate. It has a long history application as a traditional medicine for invigorating the blood and removing blood stasis, and also has been employed to diet, pesticide, herbal bathing materials, the cosmetic and skin care industry. However, there has been no associated review of literature in the past half a century (1967-2023). By searching the international authoritative databases and collecting 229 literatures closely related to COM, herewith a comprehensive and systematic review was conducted. The phytology includes plant distribution and botanical characteristics. The phytochemistry covers 8 major categories, 208 compounds in total, and the quantitative determination of 14 monomer compounds, total polyphenols and total flavonoids. The clinical trial in pregnant women and toxic experiments in mice, the pharmacology of 7 aspects and 82 frequently used prescriptions are summarized. It is expected that this paper will provide forward-looking scientific thinking and literature support for the further modern research, development and utilization of COM.

Protective effects of polydatin on LPS-induced endometritis in mice

Endometritis, a common inflammation of the uterus, often causes severe damage to human and animal reproductive health. Polydatin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying protective effects and mechanisms of polydatin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in mice. The mouse model of endometritis was established by injection of LPS through the vagina. The uterine tissues of each group were gathered to analyze histopathological changes, inflammatory cytokine production, and the degree of activation of the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay indicated that polydatin treatment significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration in LPS-induced endometritis mice. Furthermore, polydatin treatment remarkably impeded the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by ELISA assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) showed that polydatin significantly decreased impairment of the uterus. In addition, polydatin was also found to suppress LPS-induced NF-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was enhanced by polydatin treatment. All the results suggest that polydatin helpfully alleviates LPS-induced endometritis by suppressing the NF-ĸB signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity

Methanolic extracts of seven herbs (Acorus calamus, Acorus gramineus, Bupleurm facaltum, Dioscorea batatas, Epimedium koreanum, Poria cocos and Zizyphi jujuba) used in traditional Korean medicine for improvement of memory and cognition in old age were tested for cholinesterase inhibitory properties using the Ellman colorimetric method. Significant inhibition of the enzyme at 200 microg/ml was observed for extracts from A. calamus and E. koreanum. The possible bases for the reputation of these and the other herbs tested are discussed in the light of previous investigations into their chemistry and biological activity.