Hypertensive Cardiac Remodeling Effects of Lignan Extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Bark — A Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine

Quanduzhong capsules for the treatment of grade 1 hypertension patients with low-to-moderate risk: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background: Duzhong [DZ (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.)] is regarded as a traditional Chinese medicine with a history dating back more than 2000 years. This herb is considered a nourishing herb in China and is commonly used as a tonic to strengthen muscles and bones, nourish the kidneys and liver, and soothe miscarriages. Moreover, there is evidence that DZ is capable of regulating blood pressure (BP), and several compounds isolated from DZ have been shown to have a BP-lowering effect. Quanduzhong capsules contain an extract of DZ [Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Eucommiaceae; Eucommiae cortex)] that is effective in treating hypertension. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Quanduzhong capsules in the treatment of low-to-moderate risk grade 1 hypertension patients. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients from 3 centers with documented low-to-moderate risk grade 1 hypertension were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the test group or the control group. After a 1 week lead-in period using sham Quanduzhong capsules, all patients who met the entry criteria (29 cases in the test group and 29 cases in the control group) entered the 4 week test period. The test group took Quanduzhong capsules, and the control group continued to take sham Quanduzhong capsules. The primary endpoints [24-h mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) determined via 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM); office SBP and DBP] and secondary endpoints [mean arterial pressure; mean pulse; daytime mean SBP and DBP; nocturnal mean SBP and DBP; SBP and DBP load; area under the blood pressure (BP) curve; morning peak BP; early morning SBP and DBP; smoothness index of SBP and DBP; 24 h BP mean coefficient of variation (CV); percentage of patients with circadian restoration in ABPM; home BP; quality of life evaluated by WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire; grading and quantitative evaluation of hypertension symptoms; values of plasmatic renin activity, angiotensin II, aldosterone, β-2 microglobulin and homocysteine] were assessed following the treatment. Drug-related adverse events and adverse drug reactions were also compared. Results: After a 4 week test period, a significant difference in the DBP CV between the two groups was observed (-2.49 ± 4.32 vs. 0.76 ± 4.3; p < .05). Moreover, the mean office SBP change was -7.62 ± 9.32 mmHg, and the mean DBP change was -4.66 ± 6.03 (p < .05). Among the three subjects with abnormal homocysteine levels in the test group, homocysteine levels decreased by 6.23 ± 9.15 μmol/L after treatment. No differences were observed between the two groups in any other indicators. After 4 weeks of treatment, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of safety indicators (p > .05). No abnormal vital signs (except BP) or severe liver or renal function impairment were observed during the treatment periods; in addition, adverse events and drug reactions were mild. Conclusion: Treatment with Quanduzhong capsules reduced office SBP and DBP as well as DBP CV determined by 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring in patients with grade 1 hypertension at low-to-moderate risk. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=32531, identifier ChiCTR1900021699.

Eucommia ulmoides bark extract reduces blood pressure and inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota and enriching the Parabacteroides strain in high-salt diet and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced mice

Hypertension is a major threat to human health. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU) is a small tree and EU extract is widely used to improve hypertension in East Asia. However, its major constituents have poor absorption and stay in the gut for a long time. The role of the gut microbiota in the anti-hypertensive effects of EU is unclear. Here, we examined the anti-hypertensive effects of EU in high-salt diet and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced mice. After receiving EU for 6 weeks, the blood pressure was significantly reduced and the kidney injury was improved. Additionally, EU restored the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A, and renal IL-17A. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota were influenced by administration of EU; 40 significantly upregulated and 107 significantly downregulated amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified after administration of EU. ASV403 (Parabacteroides) was selected as a potential anti-hypertensive ASV. Its closest strain XGB65 was isolated. Furthermore, animal studies confirmed that Parabacteroides strain XGB65 exerted anti-hypertensive effects, possibly by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as renal IL-17A. Our study is the first to report that EU reduces blood pressure by regulating the gut microbiota, and it enriches the Parabacteroides strain, which exerts anti-hypertensive effects. These findings provide directions for developing novel anti-hypertensive treatments by combining probiotics and prebiotics.

Magnolol reduces myocardial injury induced by renal ischemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Magnolol is a component of the bark of Magnolia officinalis, which is a traditional herbal remedy used in China. In this study, we investigated whether magnolol can reduce myocardial injury induced by renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R).

METHODS

Renal I/R was elicited by a 60-minute occlusion of the bilateral renal arteries and a 24-hour reperfusion in Sprague-Dawley rats. Magnolol was administered intravenously 10 minutes before renal I/R to evaluate its effects on myocardial injury induced by renal I/R.

RESULTS

Renal I/R significantly increased the serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cardiac troponin I and caused myocardial damage. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive nuclei and caspase-3 activation was significantly increased in the myocardium, indicating increase of apoptosis. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular dysfunction, as evidenced by reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening. Furthermore, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were significantly elevated, while the IL-10 level was suppressed. However, intravenously, pretreatment with magnolol at doses of 0.003 and 0.006 mg/kg 10 minutes before renal I/R significantly prevented the increases of CPK, LDH, and cardiac troponin I levels, as well as the histological damage and the apoptosis in the myocardium. Echocardiography showed significant improvement of left ventricular function. Furthermore, the increases in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and the decrease in IL-10 were significantly limited, while Bcl-2 was increased and Bax was decreased in the myocardium. Phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 was increased, while phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase was reduced.

CONCLUSION

Magnolol reduces myocardial injury induced by renal I/R. The underlying mechanisms for this effect might be related to modulation of the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the limiting of apoptosis.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver-Tribulus terrestris L. Drug Pair Regulates Ferroptosis by Mediating the Neurovascular-Related Ligand-Receptor Interaction Pathway- A Potential Drug Pair for Treatment Hypertension and Prevention Ischemic Stroke

Background

In this study, we used the network pharmacology approach to explore the potential disease targets of the Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO)-Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) drug pair in the treatment of hypertension-associated neurovascular lesions and IS via the ferroptosis pathway.

Methods

We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform to search for the key active compounds and targets of the drug pair. Based on the GeneCards database, the relevant targets for the drug pair were obtained. Then, we performed the molecular docking of the screened core active ingredients and proteins using the DAVID database and the R AutoDock Vina software. Based on the GSE22255 dataset, these screened target proteins were used to build random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models. Finally, a new IS nomogram prediction model was constructed and evaluated.

Results

There were 36 active compounds in the EUO-TT drug pair. CHRM1, NR3C1, ADRB2, and OPRD1 proteins of the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway interacted with the proteins related to the ferroptosis pathway. Molecular docking experiments identified 12 active ingredients of the drug pair that may tightly bind to those target proteins. We constructed a visual IS nomogram prediction model using four genes (CHRM1, NR3C1, ADRB2, and OPRD1). The calibration curve, DCA, and clinical impact curves all indicated that the nomogram model is clinically applicable and diagnostically capable. CHRM1, NR3C1, ADRB2, and OPRD1, the target genes of the four effective components of the EUO-TT drug pair, were considered as risk markers for IS.

Conclusions

The active ingredients of EUO-TT drug pair may act on proteins associated with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway to regulate ferroptosis in vascular neurons cells, ultimately affecting the onset and progression of hypertension.

An alcohol extract prepared from the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. promotes synoviocyte apoptosis and ameliorates bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease dominated by synovial hyperplasia and bone destruction. The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EF) has been shown to exert effects on the inflammation caused by RA. However, how EF affects synoviocyte apoptosis and bone destruction on RA have not been investigated thoroughly. The effects of EF on apoptosis of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) cells, osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, and bone destruction in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats were explored.

Methods

First, the main components of EF were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro, we investigated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of EF on HFLS-RA cells by immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry, real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting; we also investigated how EF influenced the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts. In vivo, we used a rat model of CIA to investigate the effects of EF on anti-arthritis activity, toe swelling, Arthritis Score, serum levels of metabolic bone factors, and pathologic conditions. Micro-computed tomography was used to scan ankle joints. mRNA and protein expression of factors related to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively.

Results

EF inhibited synoviocyte proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. EF inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB pathway. EF reduced articular inflammation in CIA rats, inhibited the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, and delayed the destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Our data indicated that EF acted via a mechanism related to bone metabolism induced by the NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions

EF exerts a potential therapeutic effect upon RA. Our research will help to elucidate the potential pharmacologic mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of EF, and provide an experimental basis for EF application in clinical treatments.

Graphical Abstract

Traditional application and modern pharmacological research of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. has been used for the treatment of various diseases since ancient times, involving lumbar pain, knee pain, osteoporosis, hepatoprotection, paralysis, intestinal haemorrhoids, vaginal bleeding, abortion, spermatorrhoea, foot fungus, anti-aging etc. With the developing discovery of E. ulmoides extracts and its active components in various pharmacological activities, E. ulmoides has gained more and more attention. Up to now, E. ulmoides has been revealed to show remarkable therapeutic effects on hypertension, hyperglycemia, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, sexual dysfunction. E. ulmoides has also been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, anti-cancer and immunoregulation activities etc. Along these lines, this review summarizes the traditional application and modern pharmacological research of E. ulmoides, providing novel insights of E. ulmoides in the treatment of various diseases.

Safety evaluation of Eucommia ulmoides extract

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is native to China and frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine formulations. However, studies show that Eucommia ulmoides extract (EUE) are potentially genotoxic and nephrotoxic. To evaluate its safety, the Ames test, bone marrow micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration assay, along with acute (24 h) and sub-chronic (13 weeks) toxicity were conducted. EUE was non-genotoxic within the dose ranges of 0.0352-22 mg/plate (raw plant equivalent as below), 22-88 g/kg body weight and 2-20 mg/mL. The maximum tolerated dose of EUE was not less than 168 g/kg, which is 1260 times that of clinical doses in human adults. Long-term (13 weeks) administration led to dose-dependent increase in nephrotoxicity-related indices, and pathological changes in renal tissues. These changes were alleviated 5 weeks after ceasing the low dosage of 11.2 g/kg but persisted at the high dosage of 56 g/kg. Conclusively, EUE is non-genotoxic, and do not result in acute toxicity. However, long-term and high-dose administration can lead to partly reversible nephrotoxicity.

Tissue Distribution Comparison of Six Active Ingredients from an Eucommiae Cortex Extract between Normal and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Eucommiae Cortex (EC), a rare, nourishing medicinal herb that is native in China, has good effect in the treatment of hypertension. In this study, we compared tissue distribution of six representative active components of EC extract-genipinic acid (GA), protocatechuic acid (PCA), neochlorogenic acid (NCA), chlorogenic acid (CA), (+)-pinoresinol di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PDG), and (+)-pinoresinol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PG)-between normal rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Each rat was intragastrically given EC extract at a dose of 5.4 g/kg. Rats were sacrificed at 10 min, 30 min, 2 h, and 8 h after administration; six rats were sacrificed at each time point. Then, we quickly harvested their major organs, including heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), we determined the levels of the above mentioned six components in the organs of both types of rats and then analyzed differences in the tissue distribution. The results showed that levels of each component differed between SHRs and the normal group at each time point. As time progressed, the number of organs in which GA distribution in each tissue of SHRs differed from that of the normal group gradually increased: SHRs showed lower GA levels than normal rats. Levels of PG and PDG in both groups at 10 and 30 min were similar. NCA and CA in the SHR group and the normal group at 10 min, 30 min, and 2 h were also similar to some extent. The results indicated that the pathological state of spontaneous hypertension could affect tissue distribution of EC active components in rats.

Antihypertensive Activity of Eucommia Ulmoides Oliv: Male Flower Extract in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a traditional medical plant in Asia; however, it is still unknown whether Eucommia male flowers have an antihypertensive activity. In this study, we found that the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flowers can lower the blood pressure of SHR in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies suggested that the aqueous extract of male flowers can promote the mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 in the kidney of SHR. ELISA assay showed that the plasma levels of ANG II was decreased, while ANG-(1–7) was increased in SHR treated with the aqueous extract of male flowers. ACE2 inhibitor DX600 can reverse the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flower-induced downregulation of Ang II and upregulation of Ang-(1–7), as well as the reduction of blood pressure in SHR. Moreover, Ang-(1–7)-Mas receptor antagonist A-779 abolished the antihypertensive effects of the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flower in SHR. The aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flowers exhibited an antihypertensive action through the activation of ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-Mas signaling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Lignans and phenolic constituents from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Two new lignans, noreucol A (1) and (+)-epicycloolivil (2), along with seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated from the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. Compound 1 was a new norlignan and 2 was an epimer at C-7 of (+)-cycloolivil (3). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by conformational analysis and DFT theoretic electronic circular dichroism spectra calculations. In addition, the neuroprotective activity of compounds 1-3 against glutamate-induced HT-22 cells injury were evaluated, and only compound 1 exhibited moderate effect at the concentrations ranging from 10 ∼ 50 μM.

Comparative Studies of Different Extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. against Rheumatoid Arthritis in CIA Rats

To compare efficacy of different extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. with both immune inflammation and joint destruction in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Rats were divided into normal group (Nor), control group (CIA), TG group (treated with tripterygium glycoside), E70 group (treated with 70% ethanol extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.), EA group (treated with ethyl acetate fraction from E70), and EN group (treated with n-butyl alcohol fraction from E70). All extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. could significantly inhibit ankle swelling, pathological manifestations, and cytokine levels in serum and spleen, by using foot volume measurement, H&E staining, ELISA, and RT-QPCR methods, respectively. All extracts could significantly inhibit rough joint surface and marginal osteophytes, improve RANKL/OPG ratio, and decrease MMP-9 expression, by using micro-CT and immunohistochemical staining. The activation of IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway was also inhibited by all extracts. In addition, ethyl acetate fraction from E70 presented better effect on RANKL/OPG system. This study identified effective extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. relieving immune inflammation and maintaining structural integrity of joints in CIA rats.

Quality evaluation of Eucommiae Cortex processed by different methods and "sweating" conditions based on simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents combined with gray relational analysis

Eucommiae Cortex is a classical traditional Chinese medicine, which needs to be processed by "sweating" methods. To select the suitable processing method and "sweating" processing condition for Eucommiae Cortex, in this study, the quality of Eucommiae Cortex was evaluated based on simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents combined with gray relational analysis. The contents of lignans, iridoids, penylpropanoids, flavonoids, and phenols in samples were simultaneously determined using ultra-fast performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Synergiۛ Hydro-RP 100 Å column (100 mm × 2.0 mm, 2.5 μm) at 30°C with a gradient elution of acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid/0.1% aqueous formic acid as the mobile phase. Furthermore, gray relational analysis was performed to evaluate and sort the samples according to the contents of 14 constituents by calculating the relative correlation degree of each sample. The results demonstrated that the quality of Eucommiae Cortex "sweating" at source area was better and the better "sweating" condition was to scrape off the cork layer before "sweating" with straw covering and sun drying. The developed method could provide the foundation and support for "sweating" processing method of Eucommiae Cortex in normalization and standardization.

Traditional Chinese medicine suppresses left ventricular hypertrophy by targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinases signaling pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Chinese herbal medicine Bu-Shen-Jiang-Ya decoction (BSJYD) is reported to be beneficial for hypertension. Over expression of extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK) pathway plays an important role in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This study aimed to observe effects of BSJYD on LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and explore its possible mechanism on regulation of ERK pathway. Sixty 12-week-old SHRs were randomly allocated into 5 groups: BSJYD high dose group, middle dose group, low dose group, captopril group, and control group. Besides, a control group of Wistar-Kyoto rats was established. All rats were treated for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), pathology, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Western blotting and Real-time PCR were used to assess the expressions of BDNF, Ras, ERK1/2, and c-fox levels. SBP and HR were significantly decreased compared with the control group and LVMI was markedly improved by BSJYD treatment in a dose-dependent manner. BSJYD inhibited the expression of BDNF, Ras, ERK1/2, and c-fox mRNA in LVH. In conclusion, BSJYD suppressed hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting the expression of ERK pathway. These changes in gene expression may be a possible mechanism by which BSJYD provides myocardial protection from hypertension.

Sheng-Mai-San attenuates contractile dysfunction and structural damage induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in mice

Sheng-Mai-San (SMS), a well-known Chinese medicinal plant formula, is widely used for the treatment of cardiac diseases characterized by deficiency of Qi and Yin syndrome. A mouse chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) model was established to mimic the primary clinical features of deficiency of Qi and Yin syndrome. Mice experienced CIH for 28 days (nadir 7% to peak 8% oxygen, 20 min per day), resulting in left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and structure abnormalities. After administration of SMS (0.55, 1.1, and 5.5 g·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for four weeks, improved cardiac function was observed, as indicated by the increase in the ejection fraction from the LV on echocardiography. SMS also preserved the structural integrity of the LV against eccentric hypotrophy, tissue vacuolization, and mitochondrial injury as measured by histology, electron microscopy, and ultrasound assessments. Mechanistically, the antioxidant effects of SMS were demonstrated; SMS was able to suppress mitochondrial apoptosis as indicated by the reduction of several pro-apoptotic factors (Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase-3) and up-regulation of the anti-apoptosis factor Bcl-2. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that SMS treatment can protect the structure and function of the LV and that the protective effects of this formula are associated with the regulation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Protective Effects of Sheng-Mai-San on Right Ventricular Dysfunction during Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia in Mice

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and failure contribute to the increasing morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases; however, current treatment strategies are grossly inadequate. Sheng-Mai-San (SMS) has been used to treat heart diseases for hundreds of years in China, and its protective effects on RV have not been observed. The present study was to investigate the protective effects of SMS aqueous extract on RV dysfunction in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) mice model. The results showed that CIH mice model presented RV dysfunction and maladaptive compensation after 28-day-CIH and SMS treatment significantly reversed these changes. Diastolic function of RV was restored and systolic dysfunction was attenuated, including elevation of RV stroke volume and fractional shortening, as well as pulmonary circulation. Structurally, SMS treatment inhibited RV dilation, cardiomyocytes vacuolization, ultrastructure abnormalities, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Of importance, SMS showed remarkable antioxidant activity by decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), as well as inhibiting the overexpression of 3-NT in RV. Our results indicate that SMS preserve RV structure and function in CIH-exposed mice by involving regulation in both ROS and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) production.

Health-Promoting Properties of Eucommia ulmoides: A Review

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) (also known as “Du Zhong” in Chinese language) is a plant containing various kinds of chemical constituents such as lignans, iridoids, phenolics, steroids, flavonoids, and other compounds. These constituents of EU possess various medicinal properties and have been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) as a folk drink and functional food for several thousand years. EU has several pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiaging, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Hence, it has been widely used solely or in combination with other compounds to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, sexual dysfunction, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurological diseases. This review paper summarizes the various active ingredients contained in EU and their health-promoting properties, thus serving as a reference material for the application of EU.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus pedicularis used in traditional Chinese medicine

In the present review, the literature data on the chemical constituents and biological investigations of the genus Pedicularis are summarized. Some species of Pedicularis have been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine. A wide range of chemical components including iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoid glycosides (PhGs), lignans glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and other compounds have been isolated and identified from the genus Pedicularis. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated some monomer compounds and extracts from the genus Pedicularis have been found to possess antitumor, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, antihaemolysis, antibacterial activity, fatigue relief of skeletal muscle, nootropic effect and other activities.

Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides) prevents disuse-induced osteoporosis in hind limb suspension rats

Du-Zhong has a long history of being used in traditional Chinese formulas to treat bone related diseases. The objective of the present study is to systematically investigate the effects of Du-Zhong cortex extract (DZCE) on disuse-induced osteoporosis. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, and three groups were treated with hind limb suspension (HLS). Control and HLS group received deionized distilled water, while the other two groups received alendronate (2.0 mg/kg/day) and DZCE (300 mg/kg/day) respectively by intragastric gavage for six weeks (two weeks prior to and during the four weeks of HLS). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, assay of biochemical markers, and three-point bending test were employed to determine the effect of various treatments on bone mass, turnover, and strength. The trabecular bone microarchitecture was assessed by microCT analysis. DZCE could effectively prevent the bone loss induced by HLS, which was indicated by decreased levels of bone turnover markers as well as the changes in urinary calcium and phosphorus. The DZCE treatment also enhanced the biomechanical strength of bone and prevented the deterioration of trabecular bone microarchitecture. DZCE administration was able to prevent disuse-induced osteoporosis by regulating the bone metabolism, suggesting that DZCE could be used as an alternative therapy for the prevention of disuse-induced osteoporosis.

Identification of Chinese herbal medicines by fluorescence microscopy: fluorescent characteristics of medicinal bark

Medicinal bark refers to structures outside the vascular cambium of stems, branches and roots of gymnospermous and dicotyledonous plants that are used as medicinal materials; bark is an important type of Chinese herbal medicine. However, identification of the species from which the bark comes can be very difficult, especially when the bark is dried and sliced. In our previous studies, we have found that fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for the identification of easily confused Chinese herbal medicines, powdered Chinese herbal medicines and decoction dregs. To establish the fluorescent characteristics by which medicinal barks can be identified, for ensuring their safe and effective use, a systematic microscopic investigation by normal light and fluorescence microscope was carried out on transverse section samples of 11 medicinal barks commonly used in China. Specifically, the fluorescent characteristics of mechanical tissues, including stone cells and fibres as well as secretory tissues, have been observed. The microscopic features of medicinal bark are here systematically and comparatively described and illustrated. Under the fluorescence microscope, various tissues emitted fluorescence of different colours, and we found that both the colours and the intensity can be used to distinguish and identify these barks.

Lignans from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides inhibited Ang II-stimulated extracellular matrix biosynthesis in mesangial cells

Background

Tree bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., (commonly well-known as “Du-zhong” in China), has been used to treat hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hepatic fibrosis and renal injury. This study aims to investigate the effects of lignans extracted from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. on Ang II-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix biosynthesis in rat mesangial cells.

Methods

Rat mesangial cells (RMCs) were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups (control, Ang II, losartan, and low, middle and high concentration lignans groups). RMC proliferation was measured by MTT assay. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of collagen type I (Col I), collagen type III (Col III), collagen type IV (Col IV), fibronectin and aldose reductase (AR).

Results

Cellular proliferation induced by Ang II was significantly suppressed by Eucommia lignans of different concentrations (P = 0.034, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001). Treatment of cells with Ang II increased Col I, Col III, Col IV, and fibronectin mRNA expression, which was observed at the protein level (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.004, respectively). The increased mRNA expression and protein levels of Col I, Col III, Col IV, and fibronectin were diminished remarkably with by treatment Eucommia lignans, and elevated AR expression stimulated by Ang II was significantly inhibited by Eucommia lignans.

Conclusions

Eucommia lignans (Du-zhong) inhibited Ang II-stimulated extracellular matrix biosynthesis in mesangial cells.