Protective effect of steroidal saponins from rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats

A p38 MAP kinase inhibitor suppresses osteoclastogenesis and alleviates ovariectomy-induced bone loss through the inhibition of bone turnover

Inhibition of excessive osteoclastic activity is an efficient therapeutic strategy for many bone diseases induced by increased bone resorption, such as osteoporosis. BMS-582949, a clinical p38α inhibitor, is a promising drug in Phase II studies for treating rheumatoid arthritis. However, its function on bone resorption is largely unknown. In this study, we find that BMS-582949 represses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, BMS-582949 inhibits osteoclastic F-actin ring formation and osteoclast-specific gene expression. Mechanically, BMS-582949 treatment attenuates RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways without disturbing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Interestingly, BMS-582949 impairs osteoclastic mitochondrial biogenesis and functions, such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Furthermore, BMS-582949 administration prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mouse mode by inhibiting both bone resorption and bone formation in vivo. Taken together, these findings indicate that BMS-582949 may be a potential and effective drug for the therapy of osteolytic diseases.

Designing combinational herbal drugs based on target space analysis

BACKGROUND

Traditional oriental medicines (TOMs) are a medical practice that follows different philosophies to pharmaceutical drugs and they have been in use for many years in different parts of the world. In this study, by integrating TOM formula and pharmaceutical drugs, we performed target space analysis between TOM formula target space and small-molecule drug target space. To do so, we manually curated 46 TOM formulas that are known to treat Anxiety, Diabetes mellitus, Epilepsy, Hypertension, Obesity, and Schizophrenia. Then, we employed Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties such as human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) inhibition, Carcinogenicity, and AMES toxicity to filter out potentially toxic herbal ingredients. The target space analysis was performed between TOM formula and small-molecule drugs: (i) both are known to treat the same disease, and (ii) each known to treat different diseases. Statistical significance of the overlapped target space between the TOM formula and small-molecule drugs was measured using support value. Support value distribution from randomly selected target space was calculated to validate the result. Furthermore, the Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) formula and published literature were also used to evaluate our results.

RESULT

This study tried to provide scientific evidence about the effectiveness of the TOM formula to treat the main indication with side effects that could come from the use of small-molecule drugs. The target space analysis between TOM formula and small-molecule drugs in which both are known to treat the same disease shows that many targets overlapped between the two medications with a support value of 0.84 and weighted average support of 0.72 for a TOM formula known to treat Epilepsy. Furthermore, support value distribution from randomly selected target spaces in this analysis showed that the number of overlapped targets is much higher between TOM formula and small-molecule drugs that are known to treat the same disease than in randomly selected target spaces. Moreover, scientific literature was also used to evaluate the medicinal efficacy of individual herbs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an evidence to the effectiveness of a TOM formula to treat the main indication as well as side effects associated with the use of pharmaceutical drugs, as demonstrated through target space analysis.

Sarsasapogenin, a principal active component absorbed into blood of total saponins of Anemarrhena, attenuates proliferation and invasion in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through downregulating PKM2 inhibited pathological glycolysis

Increased glycolytic in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only contributes to early-stage disease pathogenesis but leads to sustained proliferation of FLS. Given the importance of PKM2 in glycolysis and apoptosis, PKM2 is considered a potential therapeutic and drug discovery target in RA. Total saponins of anemarrhena (TSA), a class of steroid saponins, originated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. In this study, we verified that 200 mg/kg TSA could significantly alleviate inflammation and the pathological characteristics of RA and inhibit synovial hyperplasia in AA rats. We confirmed that sarsasapogenin (SA) was the principal active ingredient absorbed into the blood of TSA by the UPLC/Q Exactive MS test. Then we used TNF-α-induced MH7A to get the conclusion that 20 μM SA could effectively inhibit the glycolysis by inhibiting the activity of PKM2 tetramer and glucose uptake. Moreover, 20 μM SA could suppress proliferation, migration, invasion, and cytokine release of FLS, interfere with the growth cycle of FLS, and induce FLS apoptosis by depressing the phosphorylation of PKM2. At last, In-1, a potent inhibitor of the PKM2 was used to reverse verify the above results. Taken together, the key mechanisms of SA on RA treatment through downregulating the activity of PKM2 tetramer and phosphorylation of PKM2 inhibited pathological glycolysis and induced apoptosis to exert inhibition on the proliferation and invasion of RA FLS.

Use of Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Methods to Elucidate the Curative Effect of Epimedium–Anemarrhen on Osteoporosis

Objective: Using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, this study aimed to elucidate the key targets and molecular mechanisms of the Epimedium–Anemarrhen (EA) combination as a therapeutic approach for osteoporosis (OP). Methods: The TCMSP database was used to identify effective active ingredients and information on targets of EA according to the ADME threshold. An OP target database was established using the GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug targets and disease targets was used to identify common genes, and protein interaction network, GO function enrichment, and KEGG signal pathway enrichment analyses were performed. A molecular docking analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients with core genes was also conducted. Results: The analysis identified 30 effective active ingredients in EA and 149 common genes. A total of 20 core genes were identified by constructing a protein–protein interaction network and calculating the network topology parameters. An enrichment analysis revealed that these targets were primarily involved in biological functions and processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunity. The signaling pathways associated with OP include the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in relation to diabetes complications, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and the TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed stable affinity between the core genes and most of the key components. Conclusion: These data provide mechanistic insights into the pharmacological activity of EA in the treatment of OP and provide an essential theoretical basis for clinical practice.

Timosaponin B-II alleviates osteoarthritis-related inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB pathways in vitro

Osteoarthritis (OA), an inflammatory response in chondrocytes, leads to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and cartilage destruction. Timosaponin B-II (TB-II) is the main bioactive component of Rhizoma Anemarrhenae with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the anti-OA function and mechanism of TB-II on IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells and primary rat chondrocytes. We firstly screened the concentration of TB-II in SW1353 cells and primary rat chondrocytes using CCK-8 assay. Thereafter, SW1353 cells and chondrocytes were, respectively, pretreated with TB-II (20 and 40 μg/mL) and TB-II (10 and 30 μg/mL) for 24 h and then stimulated with interleukin 1β (IL-1β, 10 ng/mL) for another 24 hours. Results showed that TB-II suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species, the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells and chondrocytes. IL-1β-induced high secretion levels of nitric oxide and prostaglandin 2, TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 were down-regulated by TB-II treatment, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect of TB-II on OA in vitro condition. Moreover, TB-II weakened the mRNA and protein expression of (matrix metalloproteinase) MMPs including MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13, indicating the protection of TB-II against ECM degradation. Mechanically, TB-II suppressed MAPKs and NF-κB pathways under IL-1β stimulation evidenced by the down-regulated protein expression of p-ERK, p-p38, p-JNK, p-p65 and the reduced translocation of p65 subunit to the nucleus. The present study demonstrated that TB-II might become a novel therapeutic agent for OA treatment through repressing IL-1β-stimulated inflammation, oxidative stress and ECM degradation via suppressing the MAPKs and NF-κB pathways.

Identification and pharmacokinetics of saponins in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae after oral administration to rats by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS and HPLC-MS/MS

Rhizoma Anemarrhenae is a well-known herbal medicine with saponins as its commonly regarded major bioactive components. It is essential to classify the properties of saponins which are associated with their toxicity and efficacy. In this study, 25 compounds were identified by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS in the extract of Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and 8 saponins were detected in rat plasma by HPLC-MS/MS after oral administration of this extract. These were neomangiferin, mangiferin, timosaponin E1, timosaponin E, timosaponin B-II, timosaponin B-III, timosaponin A-III and timosaponin A-I. A sensitive and accurate HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of the abovementioned eight saponins after oral administration of the Rhizoma Anemarrhenae extract to rats. The method validation, including specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and robustness, met the requirements of the intended use. The pharmacokinetic parameter, T _max value, ranged from 2 to 8 h for these eight saponins whereas their elimination half-life (t _1/2) ranged from 4.06 to 9.77 h, indicating slow excretion. The plasma concentrations of these eight saponins were all very low, indicating a relatively low oral bioavailability. All these results provide support for further clinical studies.

Analysis of Molecular Mechanism of Erxian Decoction in Treating Osteoporosis Based on Formula Optimization Model

Osteoporosis (OP) is a highly prevalent orthopedic condition in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Currently, OP treatments mainly include bisphosphonates, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) antibody therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, teriparatide (PTH1-34), and menopausal hormone therapy. However, increasing evidence has indicated these treatments may exert serious side effects. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become popular for treating orthopedic disorders. Erxian Decoction (EXD) is widely used for the clinical treatment of OP, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear thanks to its multiple components and multiple target features. In this research, we designed a network pharmacology method, which used a novel node importance calculation model to identify critical response networks (CRNs) and effective proteins. Based on these proteins, a target coverage contribution (TCC) model was designed to infer a core active component group (CACG). This approach decoded the mechanisms underpinning EXD's role in OP therapy. Our data indicated that the drug response network mediated by the CACG effectively retained information of the component-target (C-T) network of pathogenic genes. Functional pathway enrichment analysis showed that EXD exerted therapeutic effects toward OP by targeting PI3K-Akt signaling (hsa04151), calcium signaling (hsa04020), apoptosis (hsa04210), estrogen signaling (hsa04915), and osteoclast differentiation (hsa04380) via JNK, AKT, and ERK. Our method furnishes a feasible methodological strategy for formula optimization and mechanism analysis and also supplies a reference scheme for the secondary development of the TCM formula.

Tribulus terrestris and female reproductive system health: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) positive performance on the male sexual system has been confirmed, but little is known about its effects on the female reproductive system.

PURPOSE

This review discussed in detail the beneficial impact of T. terrestris and its secondary metabolites on the female reproductive system.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this review, the scientific Databases of Science direct, Pubmed, Web of Science, Google, Google Scholar, Researchgate, EMBASE, Scientific Information (SID), and Elsevier were searched profoundly. Studies about the pharmacological activities of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system in each aspect of investigations: human, in vivo, and in vitro studies, in the period from 1998 to 2020 were admitted. Our study was not limited by the language of publications.

RESULTS

23 articles about the effects of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system were found. These studies approved the T. terrestris efficacy on improvements in histological features of the ovary and uterus of polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as the well-working of normal ovaries, enhancements in the sexual desire of postmenopausal syndrome, improve ovarian and breast cancers.

CONCLUSION

These studies showed that the positive effect of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system was due to the presence of a secondary metabolite called protodioscin; a steroidal saponin compound, as the dominant active component of this plant.

Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Biotransformation Products of Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription, with Rat Intestinal Microflora by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao (XLGB), a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription consisted of six herbal medicines, was used for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in China. As an oral formulation, the multiple components contained in XLGB were inevitably biotransformed by the intestinal microflora before absorption via the gastrointestinal tract. However, the dynamic profiles of biotransformation products of XLGB remain unknown. In this paper, a rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple biotransformation products of XLGB with rat intestinal microflora. For 10 selected quantitative compounds, all calibration curves revealed good linearity (r2 > 0.99) within the sampling ranges considered. The whole intra- and inter-day precisions (as relative standard deviation) of all analytes were <13.5%, and the accuracies (as relative error) were in the range from −11.3 to 11.2%. The lower limits of quantification were 20, 10, 5, 20, 2, 2, 2, 5, 2 and 2 ng/mL for sweroside, timosaponin BII, epimedin C, asperosaponin VI, psoralen, isobavachin, icariside II, timosaponin AIII, isobavachalcone and icaritin, respectively. The matrix effects, extraction recoveries and stabilities were all satisfactory. Meanwhile, dynamic profiles of 21 additional biotransformation products were also monitored by their area-time curves. The analytical method was successfully applied to describe dynamic profiles of 31 biotransformation products of XLGB and the recipes with removal of a definite composed herbal medicine (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma or Rehmanniae Radix).

Optimization of extraction for Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. using silica gel-based vortex-homogenized matrix solid-phase dispersion and rapid identification of antioxidant substances

A novel and simple method was established for the extraction and determination of seven compounds in Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. using silica gel-based vortex-homogenized matrix solid-phase dispersion and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time of-flight mass spectrometer. The conditions for the extraction were optimized. Silica gel was used as the dispersant, 50% methanol-water was selected as an elution solvent and the grinding time was 3 min. Compared with the traditional ultrasonic-assisted extraction, the developed method was rapid and efficient. In order to screen potential antioxidants, extract dealing with the optimized method was applied to a polyamide chromatography column and a D-101 macroporous resin column. Fr.2.2 showed the highest antioxidant activities with the most content of flavonoid. A total of 25 peaks were identified from the active fraction. A 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry approach was adopted for the rapid and exact screening and identification of antioxidant compounds. It indicated that flavonoids exhibited potential antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities of nine monomeric compounds in vivo were tested. Structure-activity relationships were discussed. Five flavonoids with the concentration of 500 µg/mL would reduce the oxidative stress of PC12 cells that were induced with 2,2'-azobis[2-methylpropionamidine] dihydrochloride.

Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a timosaponin A-III-based antiwrinkle agent against skin aging

BACKGROUND

Timosaponin A-III (TA-III) is known to exist in the medicinal herb of Anemarrhena asphodeloides as one of major chemical components.

AIMS

The photoprotective properties of TA-III on UVB-exposed HaCaT cells were evaluated on the antiwrinkle effects and skin safety in terms of clinical trial.

METHODS

The level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. To evaluate the clinical safety of an agent containing 0.25% of TA-III for use on human skin. Female subjects (n = 21) between the ages of 43 and 55 who met the criteria for subject selection were selected. They were beginning to form or had already formed wrinkles.

RESULTS

UVB irradiation increased MMP-1 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These increases were attenuated by TA-III pretreatment of UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. We found that the agent containing 0.25% of TA-III ameliorated skin wrinkling. A comparison between groups showed that wrinkle parameters were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of product use (P < 0.05). According to skin safety result, TA-III showed no dermatological toxicity was found in participants.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, TA-III could provide protection against photoaging and daily application of TA-III for 12 weeks significantly reduced signs of facial aging by limiting wrinkle formation.

The enhancing immune response and anti-inflammatory effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides extract in RAW 264.7 cells

BACKGROUND

Anemarrhena asphodeloides has been widely used in traditional medicine for thousands of years; it has been reported to improve learning and memory, and to reduce inflammation. However, the role of A. asphodeloides in enhancing the immune response has remained unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. asphodeloides extract (AA-Ex) on enhancing the immune response in macrophages and to identify the active compounds causing these effects.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

To determine the enhancing immune response of AA-Ex and its active compounds, cell proliferation and cell cycle of RAW 264.7 cells were analyzed by MTS assay and flow cytometry. The gene expression of p53, p27, cyclin D2, and cyclin E2 was measured by real-time PCR. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of AA-Ex and its active compounds, the production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory cytokines was analyzed by Griess reagent, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR. The phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, inhibitory kappa B alpha, and p65 was examined by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

AA-Ex increased cell proliferation by extending the cell cycle S-phase; timosaponin B and timosaponin B-II affected cell proliferation and the cell cycle as active compounds of A. asphodeloides. Next, we determined that A. asphodeloides displayed anti-inflammatory effects, including the inhibition of the production of NO, ROS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B phosphorylation downstream of the toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway. Moreover, we identified that timosaponin B and timosaponin B-II were the active compounds for these effects.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that A. asphodeloides promotes the immune response and has anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, timosaponin B and B-II played important roles as the active compounds of A. asphodeloides in enhancing the immune and anti-inflammatory responses in this model.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge ameliorates osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge has been traditionally used in Korean medicine for its antipyretic, diuretic, sedative, and antitussive effects. In the present study, the effects of an ethanol extract of A. asphodeloides Bunge (AAB) on osteoporosis and its underlying mechanisms on bone remodeling were investigated. Osteoporosis was induced in ICR strain mice by ovariectomy. The mice were divided into four groups: sham, ovariectomized, 17β‑estradiol and 100 mg/kg AAB. The treatment was continued for 4 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry. In addition, Raw 264.7 cells were treated in the presence of 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/ml AAB with 100 ng/ml receptor activator of nuclear factor κΒ ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclast formation and stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase. In addition, levels of osteoclast‑related factors were analyzed to investigate the signaling cascades in osteoclasts. The results demonstrated that AAB treatment reversed the decreases of both BMD and BMC in osteoporotic femurs. Additionally, the formation of osteoclasts was significantly suppressed by the AAB treatment in RANKL‑stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Compared with cells treated with RANKL alone, the AAB‑treated osteoclasts had significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6. The protein levels of c‑fos were also decreased in the AAB‑treated osteoclasts. Furthermore, the RANKL‑induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‑κB was attenuated in osteoclasts by the AAB treatment compared with cells treated with RANKL alone. Finally, AAB treatment downregulated the phosphorylation of mitogen‑activated protein kinases. The present results demonstrated that AAB exhibited ameliorative effects on osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and suggested that AAB may be a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Recent advances in steroidal saponins biosynthesis and in vitro production

Steroidal saponins exhibited numerous pharmacological activities due to the modification of their backbone by different cytochrome P450s (P450) and UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Plant-derived steroidal saponins are not sufficient for utilizing them for commercial purpose so in vitro production of saponin by tissue culture, root culture, embryo culture, etc, is necessary for its large-scale production. Saponin glycosides are the important class of plant secondary metabolites, which consists of either steroidal or terpenoidal backbone. Due to the existence of a wide range of medicinal properties, saponin glycosides are pharmacologically very important. This review is focused on important medicinal properties of steroidal saponin, its occurrence, and biosynthesis. In addition to this, some recently identified plants containing steroidal saponins in different parts were summarized. The high throughput transcriptome sequencing approach elaborates our understanding related to the secondary metabolic pathway and its regulation even in the absence of adequate genomic information of non-model plants. The aim of this review is to encapsulate the information related to applications of steroidal saponin and its biosynthetic enzymes specially P450s and UGTs that are involved at later stage modifications of saponin backbone. Lastly, we discussed the in vitro production of steroidal saponin as the plant-based production of saponin is time-consuming and yield a limited amount of saponins. A large amount of plant material has been used to increase the production of steroidal saponin by employing in vitro culture technique, which has received a lot of attention in past two decades and provides a way to conserve medicinal plants as well as to escape them for being endangered.

Acute toxicity, 28-day repeated-dose toxicity and toxicokinetic study of timosaponin BII in rats

Timosaponin BII (TBII), a major steroidal saponin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge., displays a variety of promising pharmacological activities, such as neuroprotection, enhancement of learning and memory, vascular protection and inhibition of platelet aggregation; therefore, it has been developed as a pharmaceutical for prevention or treatment of dementia. Given the safety concerns surrounding timosaponins and the absence of studies on the safety of TBII, the potential toxicity of TBII was evaluated in toxicity and toxicokinetic studies in rats. In the acute oral toxicity study, loose stools were observed in rats receiving 4000 mg/kg, and the symptoms recovered within 1 day. In the 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity and toxicokinetic study, rats receiving 540 mg/kg showed loose stools and a slight deceleration of body weight growth in both sexes, and the females also showed a slight decrease in food consumption. Moreover, urinalysis indicated reversible treatment-related toxicity in rats receiving 540 mg/kg. The toxicokinetic study demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in systematic exposure to TBII after 28 successive days of oral treatment with TBII. The accumulation coefficients of TBII were 4.35, 1.70 and 1.81, respectively, in rats that received 60, 180 and 540 mg/kg. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) is proposed to be 180 mg/kg.

Atorvastatin, a double weapon in osteoporosis treatment: an experimental and clinical study

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on the bone formation and resorption markers in ovariectomized rats (experimental study), and to study its effect on the bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (clinical study).

Materials and methods

The study involved experimental and clinical aspects. In the experimental aspect, 42 female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Group I (n=6; sham-operated), Group II (n=6; 1 mL of carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] was administered orally), Group III (n=6; 20 mg/kg orally of atorvastatin was administered), Group IV (n=12; untreated ovariectomized [OVX] rats and served as a model of osteoporosis [OP]) and Group V (n=12; 20 mg/kg orally of atorvastatin was administered to ovariectomized rats). After 4 weeks, serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, total calcium and inorganic phosphorus were assessed. Then, 3 µm thickness lumbar and femur sections were examined using a light microscope to assess cortical thickness, trabecular area, numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In the clinical aspect, 85 post-menopausal osteoporotic females with recently detected hyperlipidemia participated in the study. Atorvastatin 40 mg/day, calcium carbonate 500 mg/day and vitamin D 800 international units were given to all patients for a period of 18 months. BMD was measured at the start and at the end of the study by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results

In the experiment aspect, the biomarkers of bone remodeling were notably elevated in the OVX group. Administration of atorvastatin produced a significant decrease in the level of these bone metabolic markers. Atorvastatin significantly ameliorates osteoporotic changes induced by ovariectomy. In the clinical aspect, after 18 months the DEXA showed improvement in the T-score for the three measured zones; however, these changes were statistically significant only in the femoral neck area.

Conclusion

Atorvastatin was able to decrease the rate of bone metabolism and increase osteogenic activity. It has dual mode of action; both anabolic and antiresorptive effect on bone. This lipophilic statin member may act as a double weapon drug.

Adjunctive use of modified Yunu-Jian in the non-surgical treatment of male smokers with chronic periodontitis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background

Yunu-Jian (YJ) is a Chinese medicine (CM) heat purging formula, which is used to reduce wei huo (stomach-heat, SH) and enrich shen yin (kidney-yin, KY). This formula is also commonly used to manage diabetes mellitus and gum/oral inflammation. The activity of YJ can be modified or refined by the addition of other CM herbs and/or minor changes to one of its five key ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adjunctive use of modified YJ (mYJ) or YJ containing additional osteoblast-stimulating and inflammation-modulating CM herbs in the non-surgical periodontal treatment of smokers with chronic periodontitis in a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study.

Methods

Healthy adult male smokers with untreated chronic periodontitis who showed CM syndrome of SH and KY deficiency (KYD) whilst attending a dental teaching hospital from October to December, 2005, were invited to participate in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial itself involved the once-daily oral administration of a placebo or mYJ for 3 months as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy. Several periodontal parameters, including radiographic alveolar bone density, were measured by computer-assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA) on selected sites, and CM signs of SH and KYD were followed from their baseline values to various time points up to 12 months or the end of study.

Results

Twenty-five smokers (consumed 25.0 ± 15.3 smoking-pack years, ranged 7.5–80; aged 46.3 ± 6.8 years) with periodontitis and SH and KYD were recruited (Placebo, n = 14; mYJ, n = 11). All of the participants showed good tolerance towards the CM recipe. All of the periodontal parameters had improved after 12-month follow-up, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the control group and test group, except for the higher CADIA values observed compared with the baseline at 12 months for test sites (P = 0.025). 4/3/3 test vs 14/13/13 control participants had persisting SH and KYD at 6, 9 and 12 months (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The adjunctive use of mYJ preserved the post-treatment increases in the radiographic alveolar bone density at the study sites and led to an overall improvement in SH and KYD compared with the controls.

Trial registration HKU Clinical Trial Register, HKCTR-1848 (www.hkuctr.com/Study/Show/3acbf983831244d29d50b543540bf6e9)

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-016-0111-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Coordinate regulatory osteogenesis effects of icariin, timosaponin B II and ferulic acid from traditional Chinese medicine formulas on UMR-106 osteoblastic cells and osteoblasts in neonatal rat calvaria cultures

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Icariin (I), ferulic acid (F) and timosaponin B II (T) derived respectively from the leaf of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim (EBM, Berberidaceae), rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (AAB, Liliaceae) and root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (ASD, Umbelliferae) are included in several traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for the treatment of osteoporosis. In addition, the medicinal materials and chemical constituents in many traditional Chinese formulas have been shown to have potential synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects.

AIM OF STUDY

To explore the action mechanism and interactions between I, T and F as bone anabolic ingredients on osteoblasts, and fully understand their action mechanism and rationality of the formula design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An osteoporotic model was established in bilaterally ovariectomized mice. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and serum biochemical parameters including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and deoxypyridinoline cross-links (DPD) were measured to evaluate the effects of I, T or F alone and their combinations on osteoporotic mice. UMR-106 osteoblastic cells and primary osteoblasts in neonatal rat calvarias were used to evaluate the osteogenesis effect. The immunohistochemical method and Western-blot analysis were used to detect the expression of critical proteins in the process of proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.

RESULTS

IFT combinations enhanced the therapeutic effect without increasing the adverse effects on osteoporotic mice, synergistically increased the osteoblast proliferation, ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation, and promoted the expression of bone matrix by regulating BMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in osteoblasts.

CONCLUSION

IFT combinations reinforced the therapeutic effect on osteoporosis by modulating multi-signaling pathways and action targets.

Antiosteoporotic effect of Petroselinum crispum, Ocimum basilicum and Cichorium intybus L. in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the serious side effects which have become the most common secondary osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of parsley, basil and chicory on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats.

METHODS

Fifty Female rats were divided into five groups and treated for 8 weeks as follow: group 1 served as control; group (2) subcutaneously injected with 0.1 mg/kg b. wt. dexamethasone dissolved in saline; group 3 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with aqueous parsley extract in a dose of 2 g/kg b. wt.; group 4 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with 400 mg/kg b. wt. aqueous basil extract and group 5 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with 100 mg/kg b. wt. aqueous chicory extract.

RESULTS

The dexamethasone group showed a significant decrease in serum E2, Ca, P levels and significant decrease in total BMD, BMC and a significant increase in serum PTH, ALP and ACP. Bone TBARs was significantly increased while GSH, antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased. These changes were attenuated by parsley, basil and chicory extracts in the group 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous extracts of parsley, basil and chicory showed bone protection against glucocorticoid-induced in rats. From our results, we concluded that chicory has a potent protective effect more than parsley and basil due to containing flavonoids and inulin.

Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin decoction suppresses osteoclastogenesis via increasing dehydroepiandrosterone to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis

Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin decoction (BSNXD), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to prevent and treat age-related diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) for decades. This study sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms of BSNXD in terms of receptor activation of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro because of the critical roles of bone resorption in the development and progression of osteoporosis. In mice, serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and 17-β-estradiol (E2) were evaluated with an enzyme immunoassay kit after ovariectomy. Levels of DHEA and DHEAS increased significantly following administration of BSNXD while the level of E2 did not. In addition, tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase staining showed that DHEA profoundly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro in a dose-dependent manner via estrogen receptor α (ERα) but not via estrogen receptor β or androgen receptors. Cytotoxicity was not detected in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. These data suggest that BSNXD prevents PMO by increasing DHEA via the ERαpathway to suppress osteoclastogenesis.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Non-Steroidal Saponin Components Alter the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Its Steroidal Saponins in Rat

A rapid, selective and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS assay was established to determine the plasma concentrations of four steroidal saponins. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to four groups which were orally administered Anemarrhena asphodeloides extracts (ASE), ASE combined with macromolecular fraction (ASE-MF), ASE combined with small molecule fraction (ASE-SF) and ASE combined with small molecule and macromolecular fraction (ASE-SF-MF) containing approximately the same dose of ASE. At different time points, the concentration of timosaponin BII, anemarsaponin BIII, timosaponin AIII and timosaponin E1 in rat plasma were determined and main pharmacokinetic parameters including Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, AUC were calculated using the DAS 3.2 software package. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test with p < 0.05 as the level of significance. MF had no effect on the pharmacokinetic behaviors and parameters of four steroidal saponins. It was found that Cmax and AUC of four steroidal saponins in group ASE-SF and ASE-SF-MF, were significantly increased compared with those in group ASE. These results indicate that SF in A. asphodeloides extracts could increase the absorption and improve the bioavailability of the steroidal saponins.

New steroidal glycosides from the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Two new steroidal saponins, timosaponin X (1) and timosaponin Y (2), and one new pregnane glycoside, timopregnane B (3), were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides, as well as three known compounds 25S-timosaponin BII (4), protodesgalactotigonin (5), and timosaponin BII-a (6) isolated from this plant for the first time. By the detailed analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, MS spectra, and chemical evidences, the structures of new compounds were elucidated as 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5β-22-methoxy-furost-3β,26-diol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (1), 5β-pseudo-spirost-3β,15α,23α-triol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranoside (2), (5β,17α)-Δ((16)(17))-20-one-pregn-2β,3β-diol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranoside (3).

Cytotoxic activities of chemical constituents from rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and their analogues

Seven steroidal saponins (1-7) and two xanthones (8, 9) were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Then in order to discover more analogues, which may possess good biological activity, the structural modifications of 2 and 9 were performed by acid hydrolysis and acetylation. Consequently, one novel steroidal saponin (2d, timosaponin BII-d), three compounds (2c, 2e and 2f) which were also the new products prepared by the diluted acid hydrolysis of 3 by our group previously, and four known compounds (2a, 2b, 9a and 9b) were obtained. The structures were elucidated by analyses of NMR and MS data. All the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against BEL-7402, HT-29, HeLa and MDA-MB-468 cell lines in vitro by Sulforhodamine protein coloration method. Compounds 1, 2, 2b, 4-6, 9a and 9b showed certain anti-proliferative activities against the four cell lines, in which compounds 2, 4 and 9b exhibited especially more potent activities. The structure-activity relationships of these compounds were simply discussed.

The genus Anemarrhena Bunge: A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. (Asparagaceae) yields Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, which has a long history to be used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments, like cold-induced febrile disease with arthralgia, hematochezia, tidal fever and night sweats by Yin deficiency, bone-steaming, cough, and hemoptysis. It is also used as an ingredient of healthy food, wine, tea, biological toothpaste. Its importance is demonstrated by large scale to treat kinds of diseases in eastern Asian countries. The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date information about phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Anemarrhena asphodeloides based on scientific literatures. It will build up a new foundation for further study on mechanism and development of better therapeutic agent and healthy product from Anemarrhena asphodeloides.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All the available information on Anemarrhena asphodeloides was collected via electronic search (using PubMed, SciFinder Scholar, CNKI, TPL (www.theplantlist.org), Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and Web of Science).

RESULTS

Comprehensive analysis of the literatures searched through sources available above confirmed that the ethnomedical uses of Anemarrhena asphodeloides had been recorded in China, Japan, and Korea for thousands of years. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of steroidal saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, steroids, organic acids, anthraquinones, and others. Crude extracts and pure compounds from Anemarrhena asphodeloides exhibited significant pharmacological effects on the nervous system and the blood system. They also showed valuable bioactivities, such as antitumor, anti-oxidation, anti-microbial, anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-osteoporosis, anti-skin aging and damage as well as other activities.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of long traditional use and modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies summarized, Anemarrhena asphodeloides has demonstrated a strong potential for therapeutic and health-maintaining purposes. Both the extracts and chemical components isolated from the plant showed a wide range of biological activities. Thus more pharmacological mechanisms on main active compounds (TBII, TAIII, mangiferin and other ingredients) are necessary to be explored. In addition, as a good source of the traditional medicine, clinical studies of main therapeutic aspects (e.g. diabetes, Alzheimer׳s disease, Parkinson׳s disease, etc.), toxicity and adverse effect of Anemarrhena asphodeloides will also undoubtedly be the focus of future investigation.

Steroidal saponins from Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Two new steroidal saponins, named anemarnoside A and anemarnoside B, along with three known compounds, timosaponin J, timosaponin B II, and timosaponin B, have been isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Their structures were established by spectroscopic techniques (IR, MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR) and by comparison with published data.

Inhibition of human in vitro osteoclastogenesis by Equisetum arvense

OBJECTIVES

Equisetum arvense has long been used in traditional medicines to treat different disorders, including bone pathologies. In this study a hydromethanolic extract of E. arvense was assessed for its effects on human osteoclastogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Osteoclast precursors were maintained in non-stimulated and stimulated (presence of M-CSF and RANKL) conditions, or in co-cultures with osteoblasts. Cell cultures were treated with 0.00016-0.5 mg/ml of a hydromethanolic E. arvense extract.

RESULTS

The extract did not affect spontaneous osteoclastogenesis. In osteoclast precursors committed to osteoclastogenesis (stimulated or co-cultured with osteoblasts), E. arvense caused dose-dependent inhibitory effect that became statistically significant at concentrations ≥0.004 mg/ml. This was observed using different osteoclast differentiation and activation markers. Cell response was associated with changes in relative contribution of MEK and NFkB signalling pathways, as well as PGE2 production. As there were differences in the response of osteoclast precursors maintained in the presence of inductive factors, or co-cultured with osteoblastic cells, it seems that E. arvense extract had the ability to modulate osteoclastogenesis, either by acting directly on osteoclast precursor cells, and/or via osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Equisetum appeared to have a negative effect on human osteoclastogenesis, which is in line with its putative beneficial role in pathophysiological conditions associated with increased osteoclastic activity, and might suggest potential utility for treatment with bone regeneration strategies.

Potential antiosteoporotic agents from plants: a comprehensive review

Osteoporosis is a major health hazard and is a disease of old age; it is a silent epidemic affecting more than 200 million people worldwide in recent years. Based on a large number of chemical and pharmacological research many plants and their compounds have been shown to possess antiosteoporosis activity. This paper reviews the medicinal plants displaying antiosteoporosis properties including their origin, active constituents, and pharmacological data. The plants reported here are the ones which are commonly used in traditional medical systems and have demonstrated clinical effectiveness against osteoporosis. Although many plants have the potential to prevent and treat osteoporosis, so far, only a fraction of these plants have been thoroughly investigated for their physiological and pharmacological properties including their mechanism of action. An attempt should be made to highlight plant species with possible antiosteoporosis properties and they should be investigated further to help with future drug development for treating this disease.

Comparative effects of er-xian decoction, epimedium herbs, and icariin with estrogen on bone and reproductive tissue in ovariectomized rats

Er-Xian Decoction (EXD), Epimedium herbs (herbs of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, EBH), and icariin (ICA) have been proven to have estrogen-like and antiosteoporotic activity and are used for the treatment of osteoporosis, menopausal syndrome, and age-associated diseases. The present study found that EXD, EBH, and ICA treatments, emulating estrogen, significantly contributed to bone density and architecture in OVX rats and that EXD is similar to estrogen and exerts a concomitant effect on bone formation and bone resorption at the tissue level, while EBH and ICA produced bone-protective effects mainly by inhibiting bone resorption. Nevertheless, EXD, EBH, and ICA treatments manifested a fewer adverse effects on the uterus, mammary gland, and vagina compared to estrogen administrations. Among the EXD, EBH, and ICA, EXD was found to have superior efficacy and safety profile.

Metabolism profile of timosaponin B-II in urine after oral administration to rats by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Timosaponin B-II (TB-II) is one of the major bioactive steroid glycosides isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (Fam. Liliaceae). It has been regarded as a potential lead compound, which may be further developed into a promising new drug for preventing dementia. To fully understand the action mechanism of TB-II, it is important to study the metabolism profile of this compound in vivo.

METHODS

Herein, a rapid and sensitive method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) was established to comprehensively investigate the metabolism of TB-II in Sprague-Dawley rat urine following oral administration of a single dose of TB-II at 500.4 mg·kg(-1).

RESULTS

A total of twelve metabolites were detected and identified by means of comparing molecular mass, retention time and spectral pattern of the analytes with those of the parent drug. A possible metabolic pathway on the biotransformation of TB-II was also investigated and proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidation, deglycosylation and E-ring cleavage were found to be the major metabolic processes of the compound in rat. It is the first report on a mammalian metabolism study of timosaponin, a common member of steroid glycosides, in rat urine.

Difference in intraosseous blood vessel volume and number in osteoporotic model mice induced by spinal cord injury and sciatic nerve resection

In the present study, we examined intraosseous blood vessel parameters of the tibial metaphysis in mice using microcomputed tomography (µCT) to investigate the relationship between post-nerve-injury osteoporosis and local intraosseous blood vessel volume and number. Mice were randomly divided into groups receiving spinal cord injury (SCI), sciatic nerve resection group (NX), or intact controls (30 mice/group). Four weeks after surgery, mice were perfused with silicone and the distribution of intraosseous blood vessels analyzed by μCT. The bone density, μCT microstructure, biomechanical properties, and the immunohistochemical and biochemical indicators of angiogenesis were also measured. The SCI group showed significantly reduced tibial metaphysis bone density, μCT bone microstructure, tibial biomechanical properties, indicators of angiogenesis, and intraosseous blood vessel parameters compared to the NX group. Furthermore, the spinal cord-injured mice exhibited significantly decreased intraosseous blood vessel volume and number during the development of osteoporosis. In conclusion, these data suggest that decreased intraosseous blood vessel volume and number may play an important role in the development of post-nerve-injury osteoporosis.

Alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects millions of men and women. People with this condition have low bone mass, which places them at increased risk for bone fracture after minor trauma. The surgeries and treatments required to repair and heal bone fractures involve long recovery periods and can be expensive. Because osteoporosis occurs frequently in the elderly, the financial burden it places on society is likely to be large. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs for use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, all of the currently available agents have severe side effects that limit their efficacy and underscore the urgent need for new treatment options. One promising approach is the development of alternative (nonpharmaceutical) strategies for bone maintenance, as well as for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This review examines the currently available nonpharmaceutical alternatives that have been evaluated in in vitro and in vivo studies. Certain plants from the following families have shown the greatest benefits on bone: Alliceae, Asteraceae, Thecaceae, Fabaceae, Oleaceae, Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae, Vitaceae, Zingiberaceae. The present review discusses the most promising findings from studies of these plant families.

Catechin stimulates osteogenesis by enhancing PP2A activity in human mesenchymal stem cells

SUMMARY

Using human mesenchymal stem cells, we identified catechin from a panel of herbal ingredients and Chinese traditional compounds with the strongest osteogenic effects. Catechin increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and mRNA expression of Runx2 and osteocalcin. We further clarified the signaling pathway that catechin mediated to stimulate osteogenesis.

INTRODUCTION

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), useful as a species specific cell culture system for studying cell lineage differentiation, were examined as a tool to identify novel herbal ingredients and Chinese traditional compounds for enhancing osteogenesis.

METHODS

Immortalized and primary hMSCs were induced in osteogenic induction medium in the presence of a variety of herbal ingredients and Chinese traditional compounds and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by histochemical assays and quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Using immortalized hMSCs, we first identified catechin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, baishao, and danggui with osteogenic properties, which enhanced calcium deposition at the dose without significant cytotoxic effects. Primary hMSCs were then applied for confirming the osteogenic effects of catechin, which increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and mRNA expression of Runx2 and osteocalcin. We further found the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was downregulated upon stimulation with catechin. Catechin increased the level and activity of protein phosphatases 2A (PP2A) that dephosphorylates ERK kinase (MEK) and ERK. Further, PP2A inhibitor, okadaic acid, abolished the effect of catechin-mediated inactivation of ERK and stimulation of osteogenesis. The blocking effect of okadaic acid on osteogenesis was further reversed by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed the association of PP2A to both MEK and ERK.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies propose catechin enhanced osteogenesis by increasing the PP2A level that inhibits the MEK and ERK signaling in hMSCs. These results prove the concept of using hMSCs as a convenient tool for rapid and consistent screening of the osteogenic herbal ingredients and traditional Chinese compounds.

Reduced local blood supply to the tibial metaphysis is associated with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate angiogenesis of the tibial metaphysis in ovariectomized mice with microcomputed tomography, as well as to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the metaphysis, and to explore the relationship between osteoporosis and local blood supply to bones.

METHODS

Sixty mice were randomly divided into an ovariectomy group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Four weeks after ovariectomy, the mice were killed and the distribution of vessels in the tibial metaphysis was determined after silicone rubber perfusion. In addition, the expression of VEGF of the tibial metaphysis was immunohistochemically determined and bone mineral density, microarchitecture, and biomechanics were tested.

RESULTS

The bone mineral density, biomechanical parameters, number of microvessels, and expression of VEGF were significantly reduced in the tibial metaphysis of ovariectomized mice, whose bone microarchitecture was also disrupted.

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was found that reduced local blood supply to the tibial metaphysis may be associated with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis.

Effects of Tribulus terrestris on endocrine sensitive organs in male and female Wistar rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigate the possible effects of Tribulus terrestris (TT) on endocrine sensitive organs in intact and castrated male rats as well as in a post-menopausal rat model using ovariectomized females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three different dose levels of TT (11, 42 and 110 mg/kg/day) were administered to castrated males for 7 days and to intact males and castrated females for 28 days. In addition to TT treatment, all experiments also included a group of rats treated with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In experiments using castrated males and females we also used testosterone and 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol, respectively, as positive controls for androgenicity and estrogenicity.

RESULTS

Neither DHEA nor TT was able to stimulate androgen sensitive tissues like the prostate and seminal vesicle in both intact and castrated male rats. In addition, administration of TT to intact male rats for 28 days did not change serum testosterone levels as well as did not produce any quantitative change in the fecal excretion of androgenic metabolites. However, a slight increase in the number of homogenization-resistant spermatids was observed in rats treated with 11 mg/kg/day of TT extract. In ovariectomized females, TT did not produce any stimulatory effects in uterine and vaginal epithelia.

CONCLUSIONS

Tribulus terrestris was not able to stimulate endocrine sensitive tissues such as the prostate, seminal vesicle, uterus and vagina in Wistar rats, indicating lack of androgenic and estrogenic activity in vivo. We also showed a positive effect of TT administration on rat sperm production, associated with unchanged levels of circulating androgens.

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of timosaponin B-II in blood plasma and a study of the pharmacokinetics of saponin in the rat

A rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of Timosaponin B-II (TB-II), a pharmacologically active constituent isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides. This method was used to examine the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of TB-II in rats using ginsenoside Re as an internal standard. After simple protein precipitation of the plasma samples with acetonitrile, the analytes were separated on an ODS column (150 mm x 2.1 mm i.d., 5 microm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (35:65, v/v) containing 0.05% formic acid and detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the negative multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with a chromatographic run time of 3.0 min. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 5-15,000 ng/ml and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5 ng/ml in rat plasma. In this range, relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) were <7.4% for intra-day precision and <9.0% for inter-day precision. The accuracy was within the range of 97.7-107.3%. The method was successfully applied to assess the pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of TB-II after intravenous and oral administration in rats, with the oral bioavailability being only 1.1%.