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Improvement of Presbyopia Using a Mixture of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines, Including Cassiae Semen, Wolfberry, and Dendrobium huoshanense. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9902211. [PMID: 34354761 PMCID: PMC8331274 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9902211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Presbyopia is a primary cause of a decline in near vision. In this study, we developed a new mixed herbal medicine to retard presbyopic progression and increase the amplitude of accommodation (AA), which is beneficial for near vision. Methods A total of 400 participants between the ages of 45 and 70 years were recruited. We designed the mixed herbal drug to include Cassiae Semen (200 mg), wolfberry (200 mg), and Dendrobium huoshanense (DD) (40 mg) in one capsule. In experiment 1, the recruited subjects were directed to perform a push-up test to measure their AA; this was then converted to the additional diopters of reading glasses. In experiment 2, 240 subjects took three capsules daily for six months and then stopped medical therapy for a six-month follow-up. In experiment 3, 160 subjects were randomly categorized into four groups: a placebo group, low-dose group (LDG) (1 capsule daily), middle-dose group (MDG) (two capsules daily), and high-dose group (HDG) (three capsules daily). The 160 volunteers took different doses for six months and then stopped treatment, accompanied by another six-month follow-up. In experiments 2 and 3, the change in AA, uncorrected far visual acuity (UFVA), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) were recorded each month for one year. Results In experiment 1, AA was found to decrease with age and a great deal of additional power was needed in older individuals. In experiment 2, the mean AA reached a maximum value of 2.1D (P < 0.05) after six months, while the UNVA improved by about two to three lines of a Jaeger chart in most of the subjects. At nine months, all the means decreased slightly to 2.0 D (P < 0.05). This meant that the mixed herbal medicine could still maintain AA for another three months because the herbal therapy was stopped at the seventh month. In experiment 3, the maximal AA was 2.8D, 2.9D, and 3.2D (P < 0.05) in the LDG, MDG, and HDG after six-month treatments, respectively. Experiment 3 showed that AA gain occurred in a dose-dependent manner; the higher the dose, the greater the AA value. Conclusion Only two studies on the use of herbal drugs for presbyopia have been reported in PubMed. In our study, we found that taking a mixed herbal drug caused an excellent gain in AA. This is the first study to report that the characteristics of the new herbal regimen could retard and even ameliorate presbyopia.
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Shen J, Wang Y, Yao K. Protection of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma: Current status and future. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108506. [PMID: 33609512 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neuropathic disease that causes optic nerve damage, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and visual field defects. Most glaucoma patients have no early signs or symptoms. Conventional pharmacological glaucoma medications and surgeries that focus on lowering intraocular pressure are not sufficient; RGCs continue to die, and the patient's vision continues to decline. Recent evidence has demonstrated that neuroprotective approaches could be a promising strategy for protecting against glaucoma. In the case of glaucoma, neuroprotection aims to prevent or slow down disease progression by mitigating RGCs death and optic nerve degeneration. Notably, new pharmacologic medications such as antiglaucomatous agents, antibiotics, dietary supplementation, novel neuroprotective molecules, neurotrophic factors, translational methods such as gene therapy and cell therapy, and electrical stimulation-based physiotherapy are emerging to attenuate the death of RGCs, or to make RGCs resilient to attacks. Understanding the roles of these interventions in RGC protection may offer benefits over traditional pharmacological medications and surgeries. In this review, we summarize the recent neuroprotective strategy for glaucoma, both in clinical trials and in laboratory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Shen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yuanqi Wang
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.
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Horng CT, Yang YL, Chen CC, Huang YS, Chen C, Chen FA. Intraocular pressure-lowering effect of Cordyceps cicadae mycelia extract in a glaucoma rat model. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:1007-1014. [PMID: 33456358 PMCID: PMC7807192 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.47912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by C. cicadae mycelia extract in a steroid-induced rat model of glaucoma. Cordyceps cicadae mycelia is a well-known and valued traditional Chinese herbal medicine. C. cicadae mycelia were cultured using a liquid fermentation technique. The harvested C. cicadae mycelia were then lyophilized and extracted with two solvents, water and ethanol. The aqueous extract (CCM-DW) and ethanolic extract (CCM-EtOH) of the mycelia were obtained through lyophilization. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): a normal group, a control group, and experimental groups treated with CCM-DW, or CCM-EtOH (both at 50 mg/kg/body weight). Except for those in the normal group, all rats received a subconjunctival injection of betamethasone to induce high IOP. The rats in the experimental groups received a daily administration of CCM by oral gavage for four consecutive weeks. IOP reduction is the known treatment for glaucoma. The results revealed that steroid treatment caused a significant increase in the animals' IOP (control group). Elevated IOP decreased significantly after treatment with CCM-DW and CCM-EtOH (p < 0.01), and CCM-DW was more effective than CCM-EtOH. CCM-DW and CCM-EtOH were capable of causing significant decreases in high IOP-induced lesions in pathological studies in which it was shown that the efficacy of CCM-DW surpassed that of CCM-EtOH. After CCM-DW administration for 28 days, there were significant decreases in malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels and significant increases in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels. In summary, C. cicadae mycelia may be beneficial for preventing or treating glaucoma due to its significant IOP-lowering and antioxidant activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ting Horng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fooyin University Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Lan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chu Chen
- Grape King Bio Ltd, Zhong-Li Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Syuan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-An Chen
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
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Physcion and physcion 8-O-β-glucopyranoside: A review of their pharmacology, toxicities and pharmacokinetics. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 310:108722. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Antonio ML, Laura R, Annagrazia A, Tiziana CM, Rossella R. Rational Basis for Nutraceuticals in the Treatment of Glaucoma. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1004-1017. [PMID: 29119928 PMCID: PMC6120110 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171109124520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons degeneration and death. Primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG), the most common type, is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), however other factors have been recognized to partecipate to the patogenesis of the optic neuropathy. IOP-independent mechanisms that contribute to the glaucoma-related neurodegeneration include oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and impaired ocular blood flow. The involvement of several and diverse factors is one of the reasons for the progression of glaucoma observed even under efficient IOP control with the currently available drugs. METHODS Current research and online content related to the potential of nutritional supplements for limiting retinal damage and improving RGC survival is reviewed. RESULTS Recent studies have suggested a link between dietary factors and glaucoma risk. Particularly, some nutrients have proven capable of lowering IOP, increase circulation to the optic nerve, modulate excitotoxicity and promote RGC survival. However, the lack of clinical trials limit their current therapeutic use. The appropriate use of nutraceuticals that may be able to modify the risk of glaucoma may provide insight into glaucoma pathogenesis and decrease the need for, and therefore the side effects from, conventional therapies. CONCLUSION The effects of nutrients with anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties are of great interest and nutraceuticals may offer some therapeutic potential although a further rigorous evaluation of nutraceuticals in the treatment of glaucoma is needed to determine their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morrone Luigi Antonio
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, University of Calabria, via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende (CS) Italy; E-mail:
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Lin FL, Lin CH, Ho JD, Yen JL, Chang HM, Chiou GCY, Cheng YW, Hsiao G. The natural retinoprotectant chrysophanol attenuated photoreceptor cell apoptosis in an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mouse model of retinal degenaration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41086. [PMID: 28112220 PMCID: PMC5253624 DOI: 10.1038/srep41086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited photoreceptor-degenerative disease, and neuronal degeneration in RP is exacerbated by glial activation. Cassia seed (Jue-ming-zi) is a traditional herbal medicine commonly used to treat ocular diseases in Asia. In this report, we investigated the retina-protective effect of chrysophanol, an active component of Cassia seed, in an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced mouse model of RP. We determined that chrysophanol inhibited the functional and morphological features of MNU-induced retinal degeneration using scotopic electroretinography (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and immunohistochemistry analysis of R/G opsin and rhodopsin. Furthermore, TUNEL assays revealed that chrysophanol attenuated MNU-induced photoreceptor cell apoptosis and inhibited the expression of the apoptosis-associated proteins PARP, Bax, and caspase-3. In addition, chrysophanol ameliorated reactive gliosis, as demonstrated by a decrease in GFAP immunolabeling, and suppressed the activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9-mediated gelatinolysis. In vitro studies indicated that chrysophanol inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression in the BV2 mouse microglia cell line and inhibited MMP-9 activation in primary microglia. Our results demonstrate that chrysophanol provided neuroprotective effects and inhibited glial activation, suggesting that chrysophanol might have therapeutic value for the treatment of human RP and other retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Li Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hui Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Der Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Lun Yen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Chang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - George C Y Chiou
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics and Institute of Ocular Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Wen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - George Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Choi MJ, Choi BT, Shin HK, Shin BC, Han YK, Baek JU. Establishment of a comprehensive list of candidate antiaging medicinal herb used in korean medicine by text mining of the classical korean medical literature, "dongeuibogam," and preliminary evaluation of the antiaging effects of these herbs. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:873185. [PMID: 25861371 PMCID: PMC4377522 DOI: 10.1155/2015/873185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The major objectives of this study were to provide a list of candidate antiaging medicinal herbs that have been widely utilized in Korean medicine and to organize preliminary data for the benefit of experimental and clinical researchers to develop new drug therapies by analyzing previous studies. "Dongeuibogam," a representative source of the Korean medicine literature, was selected to investigate candidate antiaging medicinal herbs and to identify appropriate terms that describe the specific antiaging effects that these herbs are predicted to elicit. In addition, we aimed to review previous studies that referenced the selected candidate antiaging medicinal herbs. From our chosen source, "Dongeuibogam," we were able to screen 102 terms describing antiaging effects, which were further classified into 11 subtypes. Ninety-seven candidate antiaging medicinal herbs were selected using the criterion that their antiaging effects were described using the same terms as those employed in "Dongeuibogam." These candidates were classified into 11 subtypes. Of the 97 candidate antiaging medicinal herbs selected, 47 are widely used by Korean medical doctors in Korea and were selected for further analysis of their antiaging effects. Overall, we found an average of 7.7 previous studies per candidate herb that described their antiaging effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moo Jin Choi
- Division of Humanities and Social Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Tae Choi
- Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Cheul Shin
- Department of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, Yangsan 626-789, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Kyoung Han
- Division of Humanities and Social Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ung Baek
- Division of Humanities and Social Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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