Pharmacological effects of Radix Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) on cerebral infarction

A Chinese medicine called Danggui Longhui may be a new clinically relevant clozapine inducer: Two case reports identified by therapeutic drug monitoring

BACKGROUND

Danggui Longhui is a traditional Chinese medicine made from the dried root of Angelica sinensis. It is used in psychiatric patients in China to reduce associated constipation. In a population pharmacokinetic model in olanzapine patients from Beijing Anding Hospital, we demonstrate that dangguilonghui tablets doubled olanzapine clearance, indicating the induction of olanzapine metabolism. Olanzapine metabolism is similar to clozapine metabolism.

METHODS

Two cases of possible clozapine induction using dangguilonghui tablets 4 g/day were identified in Beijing Anding Hospital. Dividing the minimum therapeutic concentration of 350 ng/mL by the concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratio provides the minimum therapeutic dose.

RESULTS

Case 1 was a female smoker on clozapine for 415 days. The mean of 6 clozapine C/D ratios associated with smoking provided a minimum therapeutic dose of 267 mg/day. There were 6 steady-state concentrations on the combination of valproic acid and dangguilonghui tablets, which provided a much higher minimum therapeutic dose of 833 mg/day. Four steady-state clozapine C/D ratios based on smoking and valproate after 4 months of carbamazepine 200 mg/day provided a minimum therapeutic dose of 603 mg/day. Case 2 was a female non-smoker on clozapine for 58 days. She had 3 clozapine C/D ratios on dangguilonghui tablets with a mean of 0.30 ng/mL providing a minimum therapeutic dose of 1167 mg/day.

CONCLUSION

Future clinical studies with repeated measures need to replicate the possibility that dangguilonghui tablets are a moderate-to-strong inducer of clozapine metabolism as suggested by these two limited cases.

AI-assisted literature exploration of innovative Chinese medicine formulas

Objective: Our study provides an innovative approach to exploring herbal formulas that contribute to the promotion of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. We employ data mining, integrating keyword extraction, association rules, and LSTM-based generative models to analyze classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. We systematically decode classical Chinese medical literature, conduct statistical analyses, and link these historical texts with modern pharmacogenomic references to explore potential alternatives. Methods: We present a novel iterative keyword extraction approach for discerning diverse herbs in historical TCM texts from the Pu-Ji Fang copies. Utilizing association rules, we uncover previously unexplored herb pairs. To bridge classical TCM herbal pairs with modern genetic relationships, we conduct gene-herb searches in PubMed and statistically validate this genetic literature as supporting evidence. We have expanded on the present work by developing a generative language model for suggesting innovative TCM formulations based on textual herb combinations. Results: We collected associations with 7,664 PubMed cross-search entries for gene-herb and 934 for Shenqifuzheng Injection as a positive control. We analyzed 16,384 keyword combinations from Pu-Ji Fang's 426 volumes, employing statistical methods to probe gene-herb associations, focusing on examining differences among the target genes and Pu-Ji Fang herbs. Conclusion: Analyzing Pu-Ji Fang reveals a historical focus on flavor over medicinal aspects in TCM. We extend our work on developing a generative model from classical textual keywords to rapidly produces novel herbal compositions or TCM formulations. This integrated approach enhances our comprehension of TCM by merging ancient text analysis, modern genetic research, and generative modeling.

Taohong Siwu decoction ameliorates atherosclerosis in rats possibly through toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88/nuclear factor-κB signal pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Taohong Siwu decoction (, TSD) on atherosclerosis in rats as well as investigate the underlying mechanism based on molecular docking.

METHODS

Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group: control group, model group, atorvastatin group (AT, 2.0 mg/kg), and TSD groups (20, 10, 5 g/kg) after 7 d of acclimation. The model of atherosclerosis was successfully established except the control group by high fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D2. Biochemical analyzers were used to detect the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholestero (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood lipid. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sudan IV staining and Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining) were performed to observe the pathological changes in aortic tissue. Molecular docking technology was used to predict the best matching between the main components of TSD and the target proteins. The expression of target proteins was further detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that TSD restricted atherosclerosis development and decreased the inflammatory cytokines in plasma. Molecular docking results predicted that the main components of TSD showed a strong binding ability with toll-like receptor (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the aorta were reduced in atorvastatin group and TSD group.

CONCLUSIONS

TSD can ameliorate atherosclerosis in rats, and the underlying mechanism is supposed be related to the suppression of inflammatory response by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway.

Clinical Experience of External Application of Clearing Heat and Removing Dampness in Relieving Grade 2 to 3 Rash Caused by Programed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1)/Programed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Inhibitors: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

In China, grade 2 to 3 immune-related rash will probably lead to the interruption of immunotherapy. Corticosteroid (CS) is the main treatment, but not always effective. The external application of clearing heat and removing dampness, which is represented by Qing-Re-Li-Shi Formula (QRLSF), has been used in our hospital to treat immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) for the last 5 years. The purpose of this study was to discuss its efficacy and safety in the treatment of grade 2 to 3 rash.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with grade 2 to 3 immune-related rash in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2022 was conducted. These patients received QRLSF treatment. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcome, and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with grade 2 to 3 rash (median onset time: 64.5 days) were included. The skin lesions of 24 cases (80%) returned to grade 1 with a median time of 8 days. The accompanying symptoms were also improved with median time of 3 to 4 days. The addition of antihistamine (AH) drug didn't increase the efficacy of QRLSF (AH + QRLSF: 75.00% vs QRLSF: 83.33%, P = .66). No significant difference was observed in the efficacy of QRLSF treatment regardless of whether patients had previously received CS therapy (untreated population: 88.24% vs treated population: 69.23%, P = .36). During 1-month follow-up, 2 cases (8.33%) underwent relapses. In terms of HrQoL, QRLSF treatment could significantly reduce the median scores of all domains of Skindex-16, including symptoms (39.58 vs 8.33, P < .0001), emotions (58.33 vs 15.48, P < .0001), functioning (46.67 vs 13.33, P < .0001) and composite (52.60 vs 14.06, P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

External application of clearing heat and removing dampness was proven to be an effective and safe treatment for such patients. In the future, high-quality trials are required to determine its clinical application in the field of ircAEs.

The Extract of Angelica sinensis Inhibits Hypoxia-Reoxygenation and Copper-Induced Oxidative Lesions and Apoptosis in Branchiae and Red Blood Corpuscles of Fish

The study explored the effects of Angelica sinensis extract (AsE) on oxidative lesions and apoptosis in branchiae and red blood corpuscles in hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) and Cu-treated carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian). After feeding trial for 30 days, the carp were exposed to HR and CuSO4. The results indicated that dietary AsE increased the durative time, decreased the oxygen consumption rate, suppressed ROS generation and cellular component oxidation, decreased enzymatic antioxidant activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in red blood corpuscles and branchiae in carp under hypoxia. Moreover, dietary AsE avoided the loss of Na+,K+-ATPase, metabolic and antioxidant enzyme activities, ROS generation and cellular component oxidation, as well as the increase in caspase-8, 9, and 3 activities in the branchiae of the carp and inhibited ROS generation. It furthermore avoided the loss of Na+,K+-ATPase and metabolic enzyme activities, the decrease in GSH levels and hemoglobin content, the increase in the activities of caspase-8, 9, and 3 and the increase in the levels of cytochrome c and phosphatidylserine exposure in the red blood corpuscles of Cu-exposed carp. The present results suggested that dietary AsE improved hypoxia tolerance and inhibited HR or Cu-triggered oxidative lesions and apoptosis. Therefore, AsE can be utilized as a natural inhibitor of Cu and HR stress in fish.

Juan Bi Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine, for alleviating pain related to arteriovenous fistula in maintenance hemodialysis patients: An interventional pilot study with brief review

Myofascial pain around an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) during hemodialysis (HD) can affect a patient compliance with HD and quality of life. Prolonged use of analgesics is often associated with increased adverse events. Juan Bi Tang (JBT) is an ancient decoction of Chinese traditional medicinal plants commonly used to treat spasms and pain in the shoulder and upper arm, and it is popularly believed to have favorable outcomes in Asian populations. This interventional prospective pilot study was worked to demonstrate the potential of JBT for fistula-associated myofascial pain in HD patients and to prepare for future randomized controlled trials. Eligible patients were enrolled in this study and took JBT to treat fistula-associated myofascial pain for 4 weeks. Pain scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS) were reported at baseline, after a 4-week intervention, and 2 weeks after completion of treatment. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36-Item Short Form and a safety laboratory monitor were statistically compared between different time points. A total of 20 patients were selected as eligible participants and completed the intervention and questionnaires. The mean VAS score was significantly reduced after JBT treatment (P < .01). Participants reported improved physical (P < .01) and mental health (P < .05) after treatment. However, only improvements in mental health were preserved 2 weeks after the end of treatment (P < .05). In this study, complementary JBT for HD patients with fistula-related myofascial pain was viable and well tolerated, and it demonstrated the expected effects on pain control.

Immuno-histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of Angelica sinensis adjunctive to ß-tricalcium phosphate in critical-sized class II furcation defects in dogs

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluates the effectiveness of Angelica sinensis (As) adjunctive to Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bone graft in the management of induced critical sized class II furcation defects in dogs.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A randomized study design was conducted on the third and fourth premolars of six dogs. A total of twenty-four defects were surgically created. After reflecting a mucoperiosteal flap, twelve defects were filled with As granules mixed with β-TCP (Experimental group) while the other twelve defects were filled with β-TCP only (Control group) and both were covered by collagen membrane. At the fourth and eighth weeks, jaw segments were dissected and processed for immune-histological examination and histomorphometry analysis.

RESULTS

At four and eight weeks after treatment, experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in the height of newly formed interradicular bone (p = 0.001 and p = 0.0001 respectively), its surface area (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02 respectively), and the thickness of its trabeculae (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001 respectively), when compared to control group. Moreover. alkaline phosphatase immunoreaction showed higher intensity in the osteoblast cells of experimental group compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

As enhances periodontal regeneration and bone-formation when used in the management of furcation defects.

Treating Narcolepsy With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Narcolepsy is an uncommon brain condition characterized by falling asleep suddenly without any proper reason or time. In this chapter, the authors include a brief history of narcolepsy, clinical symptoms, pathophysiology, and current treatments for the disease. The review explains narcolepsy according to the theory of TCM. The authors review the curative effect, pharmacological properties, and clinical results of herbs and prescriptions against narcolepsy. The study searched keywords such as ‘narcolepsy,' ‘Traditional Chinese medicine,' ‘sleep disorder,' ‘excessive sleepiness,' and ‘medicinal treatment' using databases such as CNKI, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Based on the analysis of data obtained from 110 articles, the authors have classified the herbs and prescriptions by their curative effects, following the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Some herbs can be used alone, while others can use in conjunction with other prescriptions.

Elucidating the promising role of traditional Chinese medicine in neuroprotection against oxidative stress encompassing Alzheimer's disease

Medicinal plants are being used from time immemorial for their therapeutic benefits and have immense value in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. One of the most important neurological disorders is Alzheimer's disease (AD) which is a major contributor to dementia and is accompanied by abundant oxidative stress in the brain tissue. A critical pathway to target the increased oxidative stress is to administer agents with antioxidant potential. Despite currently available clinical treatments to treat AD such as cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA antagonists which address only the symptoms and cannot hamper disease progression, no efficient available clinical treatment can break the vicious cycle of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration till date. The main objective of presenting this review is that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acts as a promising candidate in breaking this vicious cycle and improves the quality of life of the debilitating patients. The active constituents of various herbs in TCM including Angelica sinensis, Radix polygalae, Polygala tenuifolia, and members of the Lamiaceae family have acquired experience of managing oxidative stress as indicated in the review for more than a thousand years now, and the preclinical and clinical evidence of their therapeutic potential has been highlighted in the review. Most importantly, Chinese herbs provide a multiple-target approach rather than a single-target approach and thus can target multiple pathways involved in AD at once. The Chinese herbs can definitely untangle the issues in the current therapy regimen of AD.

Global Perspective of Plant-Based Cosmetic Industry and Possible Contribution of Sri Lanka to the Development of Herbal Cosmetics

The global consumption of plant-based cosmetics has shown spectacular growth in recent years because of rising consumer awareness regarding the long-term health benefits of natural ingredients. As the global demand for herbal cosmetics increases, there are ample opportunities for Sri Lanka as a tropical Asian country to expand its productions and global exports along with its unique biodiversity and inherited traditional knowledge. Therefore, the present review attempts to give an overview of the widely used medicinal plants in the global herbal cosmetic industry and strengths, challenges, and possible solutions for the development of the herbal cosmetic industry of Sri Lanka. Information was collected using electronic search (using Pub Med, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, TEEAL, and Scopus) for articles published in peer-reviewed journals, industrial reports, market surveys, and library search for local books on ethnobotany. Important plant-derived ingredients used in the global herbal cosmetic industry are essential oils, colorants, oils, fats, and waxes. The traditional usage of 108 medicinal plant species (belonging to 58 families) in cosmetic treatments was identified from the local books of Sri Lanka. Of these, 49 plant species were reported as new ingredients for the herbal cosmetic industry. However, the lack of ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological surveys to identify the cosmetic potential plants, insufficient or absence of continuous supply of raw materials for production in line with the existing demand, the lack of quality control of raw materials and finished cosmetic products, improper systematic cultivation systems for medicinal plants, poor postharvest practices, and the lack of innovations are major challenges encountered in Sri Lanka for the development of the herbal cosmetic industry. In conclusion, addressing these vital knowledge gaps is a timely requirement of the country for the sustainable development of the herbal cosmetic industry in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, assembling of the multidisciplinary cooperation of botanists, chemists, toxicologists, researchers, and biologists is crucial to analyze the interesting functional properties, efficacy, and effectiveness of documented medicinal plants with cosmetic potential.

N-butylidenephthalide ameliorates high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice and promotes browning through adrenergic response/AMPK activation in mouse beige adipocytes

Thermogenesis (non-exercise activity) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) promotes energy expenditure because of its higher number of mitochondria than white adipose tissue (WAT). The main function of thermogenesis in BAT can counteract obesity through the dissipation of calories as heat. N-butylidenephthalide (BP) is a natural derivative from Angelica sinensis, a Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years. In this report, we demonstrated that BP improved the metabolic profiles of mice with high fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) by preventing weight gain, improving serum blood parameters, enhancing energy expenditure, stimulating white fat browning, and reversing hepatic steatosis. Further investigations demonstrated that BP administration upregulated the mRNA expression of beige (CD137, TMEM26) and brown fat selected genes (UCP1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, PPARγ) in white adipose tissues. In vitro studies, BP treatment increased multilocular lipid droplet levels, induced β-adrenergic receptor (cAMP/PKA) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling (AMPK/acetyl-CoA carboxylase/SIRT1), and increased oxygen consumption in murine differentiated beige adipocytes, and the effects of BP were blocked by an AMPK inhibitor. BP promoted the interaction of AMPK with PGC-1α in beige adipocytes. Our findings provide novel insights into the application of BP in regulating energy metabolism and suggest its utility for clinical use in the treatment of obesity and related diseases.

Ferulic acid and hormesis: Biomedical and environmental implications

The present paper provides the first systematic assessment of the capacity of ferulic acid to induce hormetic dose responses in biological systems. Ferulic acid induced hormetic effects in a broad range of animal models, affecting numerous biological endpoints, with particular focus on neuroprotective effects. Emerging evidence in multiple biomedical systems indicates that the hormetic effects of ferulic acid depend upon the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2. Ferulic acid was also shown to have an important role in ecological settings, being routinely released into the environment by numerous plant species, acting as an allelopathic agent affecting the growth of neighboring species via hormetic dose responses. These findings demonstrate the potential ecological and biomedical importance of ferulic acid effects and that these effects are commonly expressed via the hormetic dose response, suggesting complex multisystem evolutionary regulatory strategies.

Cardioprotective effects of transplanted adipose-derived stem cells under Ang II stress with Danggui administration augments cardiac function through upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor in late-stage hypertension rats

In aging hypertensive conditions, deterioration of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) cause a pathological impact on hypertensive hearts with an increased Ang II level. Recovering these adverse conditions through transplanted adipose-derived stem cells is a challenging approach. Moreover, Danggui, a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is used for the treatment of cardioprotective effects. In this study, to evaluate whether the combined effect of MSCs and TCM can recover the cardiac function in late-stage hypertension rats. We observed that lower dose of Danggui crude extract treatment showed an increased level of cell viability with maintained stemness properties and growth rate in rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs). Further, we cocultured the H9c2 cells with rADSCs and the results revealed that Danggui-treated MSCs enhanced the IGF1R expression and attenuated the hypertrophy in H9c2 cells against Ang II challenge by immunoblot and rhodamine-phalloidin staining. In addition, Danggui crude extract was also quantified and characterized by HPLC and LC-MS analysis. Furthermore, the in vivo study was performed by considering 11 months old rats (n = 7). Importantly, the oral administration of Danggui crude extract with stem cells intravenous injection in SHR-D-ADSCs group showed a combination effect to augment the cardiac function through enhancement of ejection fraction, fractional shortening, contractility function in the late-stage hypertension conditions. We have also observed a decreased apoptosis rate in the heart tissue of SHR-D-ADSCs group. Taken together, these results indicate that the combinatorial effects of Danggui crude extract and stem cell therapy enhanced cardiac function in late-stage SHR rats.

A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Safety of the Herbal Medicine SH003 in Patients With Solid Cancer

Background: Cancer is a major health problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in many countries. Preclinical studies have shown the therapeutic anticancer effects of SH003, a novel herbal medicine containing Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii. The present study investigated the maximum tolerated dose of SH003 in patients with solid cancers. Methods: This open-label, dose-escalation trial used the traditional 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. Patients with solid cancers were recruited and administered 1 to 4 tablets of SH003 thrice daily for 3 weeks according to the dose level. Adverse events were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined as Grade 3 or higher adverse events based on CTCAE. The maximum tolerated dose was defined as the highest dose at which no more than 1 of 6 patients experienced DLT. Results: The present study enrolled 11 patients. A total of 31 adverse events occurred. According to the CTCAE, all the observed adverse events were grade 2 or less and no adverse events of grade 3 or more corresponding to DLT occurred. Conclusion: The study results indicated that the maximum tolerated dose of SH003 was 4800 mg/day. A Phase 2 study is required to determine the efficacy of SH003 in patients with cancer at a dose of 4800 mg/day or less.

Herbal medicine treatment for patients with chronic subdural hematoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In Asian countries, herbal medicines have been used to treat Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) as an adjunctive therapy. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine on treating CSDH and preventing recurrent CSDH.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, CiNii, KTKP, NDSL, OASIS, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of herbal medicines on CSDH.

RESULTS

Seven studies (n = 646) were included. The overall methodological quality of these studies was low. In the herbal group, the meta-analysis indicated statistically significant improvements in the total effective rate and recurrence rate as compared with those in the non-herbal group. Herbal treatments were found to be relatively safe.

CONCLUSION

Herbal medicines might be efficacious in the management of CSDH and prevent its recurrence. Further rigorous studies will have to be conducted in order to make more definite conclusions.

Potential Herb-Drug Interactions in the Management of Age-Related Cognitive Dysfunction

Late-life mild cognitive impairment and dementia represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and a unique challenge to medicine due to the currently limited treatment options. Plant phytochemicals have been considered in alternative, or complementary, prevention and treatment strategies. Herbals are consumed as such, or as food supplements, whose consumption has recently increased. However, these products are not exempt from adverse effects and pharmacological interactions, presenting a special risk in aged, polymedicated individuals. Understanding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions is warranted to avoid undesirable adverse drug reactions, which may result in unwanted side-effects or therapeutic failure. The present study reviews the potential interactions between selected bioactive compounds (170) used by seniors for cognitive enhancement and representative drugs of 10 pharmacotherapeutic classes commonly prescribed to the middle-aged adults, often multimorbid and polymedicated, to anticipate and prevent risks arising from their co-administration. A literature review was conducted to identify mutual targets affected (inhibition/induction/substrate), the frequency of which was taken as a measure of potential interaction. Although a limited number of drugs were studied, from this work, interaction with other drugs affecting the same targets may be anticipated and prevented, constituting a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.

Integrative traditional Korean medicine treatment for elderly post-stroke functional constipation: A CARE-compliant case report

In treating constipation, pharmacotherapy is known to cause various adverse drug reactions. This therapy includes the use of laxatives, which may not be safe for the treatment of elderly patients. Traditional Korean Medicine has been widely used for a long time to treat various gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation. A 70-year-old male patient had no history of constipation, but complained of constipation with abdominal distention and inability to pass stool occurring after the initiation of pharmacotherapy after his stroke. The patient was diagnosed with post-stroke constipation that lasted for more than 1 month. Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion were performed for 3 weeks. Each session was performed for 15 min. In addition, herbal medications were administered for 15 days. As a result, the Numeric Rating Scale score for abdominal distention and inability to pass stool reduced and most of the constipation-related discomfort improved. This case report demonstrates that integrative traditional Korean medicine can be effective for the treatment of post-stroke constipation in elderly patients.

Integrated biomarker parameters response to the toxic effects of high stocking density, CuSO4, and trichlorfon on fish and protective role mediated by Angelica sinensis extract

The present study explored the protective role of dietary the extract of Angelica sinensis (EAs) on high density, CuSO₄, or trichlorfon-treated Crucian carp (Carassius auratus auratus). Firstly, the study showed that the optimum density for growth and growth inhibition was 0.49 and 0.98 fish L^-1 water, respectively. Dietary EAs relieved the high density-induced growth inhibition in Crucian carp. The appropriate concentration of EAs for recovery of growth was estimated to be 4.30 g kg^-1 diet in high-density fish. Moreover, high density decreased both digestive and absorptive enzyme activities and increased lipid oxidation in digestive organs, suggesting the ability of high density to induce oxidative damage. However, dietary EAs inhibited the oxidative damage through elevating ROS scavenging ability and enzymatic antioxidant activity in digestive organs. Secondly, our data demonstrated that the appropriate concentration of CuSO₄ to induce the decrease in feed intake (FI) was 0.8 mg Cu L^-1 water. Dietary EAs returned to FI of Crucian carp treated with CuSO₄. The appropriate concentration of EAs for recovery of FI was estimated to be 4.25 g kg^-1 diet. Moreover, dietary EAs suppressed the CuSO₄-induced decrease in digestion and absorption capacity and increase in protein metabolism in digestive organs of Crucian carp. Finally, the present results suggested that dietary EAs inhibited the trichlorfon-induced rollover (loss of equilibrium) in Crucian carp. The appropriate concentration of EAs for inhibition of rollover was estimated to be 4.18 g kg^-1 diet. Moreover, trichlorfon stimulated not only the decrease in energy metabolism but also lipid and protein oxidation, suggesting that trichlorfon caused loss of function and oxidative damage in muscles of fish. However, dietary EAs improved muscular function and inhibited oxidative damage via quenching ROS and elevating non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activity in muscles of trichlorfon-induced fish. So, EAs could be used as an inhibitor of high density, CuSO₄, and trichlorfon stress in fish.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Aconite and Angelica sinensis on Myocardial Ischemia Rats with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis

Objective

To investigate the intervention effect and mechanism of Aconite and Angelica sinensis on myocardial ischemia rats with Yang deficiency and blood stasis.

Methods

SPF-class SD rats were randomly divided into low-dose and high-dose groups. Each group was divided into control group, model group, and drug-administered group (FZ, DG, FG; 1 : 0.5, 1 : 1, 1 : 2). A rat model was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of hydrocortisone and isoproterenol plus cold stimulation. Each group was given corresponding decoction or distilled water for 14 days. The behavioral changes of rats in each group were observed. The morphological changes of rats cardiomyocytes were observed by HE staining. The average optical density (MOD value) and percentage of positive cells of Bcl-2, Bax, and Akt were determined by immunohistochemical staining method, and PEIs were calculated. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to determine the expression of PI3K, Caspase-3, Akt protein, and gene expression.

Results

The compatibility of Aconite and Angelica sinensis improved the morphology of rat cardiomyocytes, increased the PEI values of Akt and Bcl-2 protein, and decreased the PEI values of Bax protein (P < 0.01). The compatibility reduced the expression of Caspase-3 protein of rat myocardium and increased the protein expression of p-Akt, PI3K, and p-PI3K (P < 0.01). The compatibility also significantly reduced the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and increased the expression of PI3K mRNA and Akt mRNA (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the effect of high-dose FG (1 : 2) group is the best.

Conclusions

The method of preparing a rat model of myocardial ischemia with Yang deficiency and blood stasis was feasible. The compatibility of Aconite and Angelica sinensis reduced myocardial fibrosis and inflammatory reaction, protected ischemic cardiomyocytes, and reduced myocardial injury, whose mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway. The compatible group had better intervention effects than Aconite or Angelica sinensis alone. The best one was high-dose FG (1 : 2).

Angelica sinensis extract protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the hippocampus by activating p38 MAPK-mediated p90RSK/p-Bad and p90RSK/CREB/BDNF signaling after transient global cerebral ischemia in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, commonly known as Dang Gui (DG), is one of the most popular traditional Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of stroke. However, the effects of DG on transient global cerebral ischemia (GCI) and its precise mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the DG extract on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the hippocampus 7 d after transient GCI and to identify the potential mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related signaling pathway in the hippocampus involved in the effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were intragastrically administered DG at doses of 0.25 g/kg (DG-0.25g), 0.5 g/kg (DG-0.5g), or 1 g/kg (DG-1g) 1, 3, and 5 d after GCI.

RESULTS

DG-0.5g and DG-1g treatments effectively promoted hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) neuronal survival. DG-0.5g and DG-1g treatments markedly increased phospho-p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), phospho-90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p-p90RSK), cytosolic and mitochondrial phospho-Bad (p-Bad), phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and p-CREB/BDNF expression; decreased 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, cytochrome c (Cytc), and cleaved caspase-3 expression, and inhibited apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region. Pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, SB203580, completely blocked the effects of DG-1g on the expression of the aforementioned proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

DG-0.5g and DG-1g treatments exerted neuroprotective effects on I/R injury by activating p38 MAPK-mediated p90RSK/p-Bad-induced anti-apoptotic-Cytc/caspase-3-related and p90RSK/CREB/BDNF survival signaling in the hippocampus 7 d after transient GCI.

The Chinese Herbal Formula PAPZ Ameliorates Behavioral Abnormalities in Depressive Mice

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by mixed symptoms and complex pathogenesis. With long history of practical application, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers many herbs for the treatment and rehabilitation of chronic disease. In this study, we developed a modified Chinese herbal formula using Panax ginseng, Angelica Sinensis, Polygala tenuifolia Willd, and Ziziphi spinosae Semen (PAPZ), based on an ancient TCM prescription. The antidepressant effects of PAPZ were investigated with a corticosterone (CORT) model of depression in mice. Our results showed that administration of PAPZ ameliorated depression-like phenotypes in the CORT model. An anatomic study showed that chronic PAPZ administration upregulated the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal tissue. The enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase was enhanced in hippocampal tissue, in line with a decreased malondialdehyde level. Taken together, these findings suggested that PAPZ has therapeutic effects in a mice depression model through increasing protein expression of BDNF and improving the anti-oxidation ability of the brain.

Comprehensive changes in volatile/nonvolatile compounds and flavor and physicochemical characteristics in Angelica gigas Nakai roots by thermal processing

This study investigated the changes of physicochemical and flavor characteristics of Angelica gigas Nakai roots during roasting. Glutamic acid and arginine were higher in constituent amino acids. In the taste value, glutamic acid was highest in constituent and free amino acids. Total phenol contents were highest in 0 min and lowest in 3 min. Hundred twenty-six volatile compounds were detected by GC/MS during roasting. α-pinene, eudesmol, nonane, and limonene were detected as major volatile compounds. For antioxidant ability, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl did not change during roasting, and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid showed the highest value in 3 min. Browning intensity showed a slight decrease over time. In Electronic nose, fragrance increased by roasting, and strength, NH₃ , and H₂ S decreased significantly. In Electronic tongue, sweetness, bitterness, and umami taste increased by roasting, and this was related to amino acid composition. The results provide basic data on the physicochemical and flavor characteristics of A. gigas Nakai according to the roasting process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Angelica gigas Nakai has been known as a medicinal herb in Asian countries and usually consumed in powder, tea, and snacks. In order to produce the powder, tea, or snacks with A. gigas Nakai, thermal treatment is an essential and critical process. Despite that existing studies reported many physiological benefits and functional properties of A. gigas Nakai, studies have rarely discovered how the nutritional properties and volatile compounds of A. gigas Nakai alter when it undergoes thermal treatment. Therefore, this study will be utilized as basic data to optimize the thermal processing conditions (e.g., roasting time) for the production of food products with A. gigas Nakai such as tea and snacks. This study further provides objective chemical measures of sensory profiles of A. gigas Nakai using electronic tongue and electronic nose during the thermal processing.

Challenge and Prospect of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Depression Treatment

Current medication for depression is inadequate and far from ideal. Development of novel antidepressant drugs is a pressing task. The discovery of ketamine and related agents represents a new era in drug discovery for the rapid treatment of depression. Due to potential neurotoxicity, short-lasting efficacy, the limitation of a single target approach, and a limited role in depression prevention of these agents, additional approaches or drugs that exert synergy and compatibility, with the rapid-acting agents are required for better treatment of depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a systems medicine and its clinical experience and integrated theory for diagnosis and treatment provides an alternative method of novel drug discovery in depression treatment. In TCM, there are numerous claimed effective antidepressant formulas, but comprehensive research and evidence-based clinical studies are required for their acceptance as a treatment. In this essay, we review current attempts in the discovery of new agents, TCM drug formulation, and TCM treatment of depression, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of TCM in the new era of antidepressant discovery. TCM could provide an important resource in the discovery of novel agents, assistance of the rapid-acting antidepressants, development of new agents for female patients, and the prevention of depression at its early stages. The study of depression in conjunction with TCM therefore not only provides an opportunity to scientifically evaluate the benefits and risks of TCM, but also accelerates the development of novel antidepressant agents by combining the principle of modern molecular medicine with the ideas of empirical systems medicine.

The effects of ethoxyquin and Angelica sinensis extracts on lipid oxidation in fish feeds and growth, digestive and absorptive capacities and antioxidant status in juvenile red carp (Cyprinus carpio var. xingguonensis): a comparative study

Firstly, a linoleic and linolenic acid emulsion and fish feeds were incubated with graded levels of ethoxyquin (EQ) and petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract (EAE), ethanol extract and aqueous extract of Angelica sinensis. The results showed that EQ and extracts of Angelica sinensis (EAs) inhibited lipid oxidation in material above. Of all of the examined EAs, EAE showed the strongest protective effects against the lipid oxidation. Moreover, EAE at high concentrations showed a stronger inhibitory effect on lipid oxidation than that of EQ. Next, 7 experimental diets that respectively supplemented 0.0, 0.2, 0.8 and 3.2 g kg^-1 of EQ and EAE were fed to 280 juvenile red carp (Cyprinus carpio var. xingguonensis) with seven treatment groups for 30 days. The results indicated that dietary EAE improved growth performance in carp. Moreover, dietary EAE increased the activities of trypsin, lipase, alpha-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and decreased plasma ammonia content in carp. Meanwhile, dietary EAE reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and raised the activities of anti-superoxide anion, anti-hydroxyl radical, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase and the content of reduced glutathione in the hepatopancreas and intestine of carp. However, with the exception of GPT, dietary EQ got the opposite results to dietary EAE in carp. These results revealed that dietary EAE improved the digestive, absorptive and antioxidant capacities in fish. However, dietary EQ inhibited the digestive, absorptive and antioxidant capacities in fish. So, EAE could be used as a natural antioxidant for replacing EQ in fish feeds.

Ferulic acid ameliorates cerebral infarction by activating Akt/mTOR/4E‑BP1/Bcl‑2 anti‑apoptotic signaling in the penumbral cortex following permanent cerebral ischemia in rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ferulic acid (FerA) administered immediately following the onset of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and then 7 days of ischemia, and also to explore the involvement of protein kinase B (Akt)‑induced signaling in the penumbral cortex. Immediately following the onset of MCAo, FerA was intravenously administered to rats at a dose of 60 mg/kg (FerA‑60 mg), 80 mg/kg (FerA‑80 mg), or 100 mg/kg (FerA‑100 mg). FerA‑80 mg and FerA‑100 mg effectively ameliorated cerebral infarction and neurological deficits 7 days following permanent cerebral ischemia. FerA‑80 mg and FerA‑100 mg significantly upregulated the expression of phospho‑Akt (p‑Akt), phospho‑mammalian target of rapamycin (p‑mTOR), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)‑binding protein 1 (4E‑BP1), and the phospho‑4E‑BP1 (p‑4E‑BP1)/4E‑BP1 and mitochondrial Bcl‑2/Bax ratios, and markedly downregulated the levels of cytochrome c‑, cleaved caspase‑3‑, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‑mediated dUTP‑biotin nick‑end labeling‑immunoreactive cells in the penumbral cortex at 7 days post‑ischemia. LY294002, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/Akt signaling, was administered 30 min prior to ischemia, which abrogated the upregulating effects of FerA‑100 mg on the expression of p‑Akt, p‑mTOR, 4E‑BP1, p‑4E‑BP1 and eIF4E, the mitochondrial Bcl‑2/Bax ratio and the ameliorating effect of FerA‑100 mg on cerebral infarction. FerA administered at doses of 80 and 100 mg/kg exerted beneficial effects against cerebral ischemia by activating Akt‑induced signaling. The effects of FerA at doses of 80 and 100 mg/kg on mitochondrial B‑cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein‑related apoptosis were attributed to the activation of Akt/mTOR/4E‑BP1/Bcl‑2 anti‑apoptotic signaling, and eventually contributed to suppression of the cytochrome c/caspase‑3 activation pathway in the penumbral cortex 7 days following permanent cerebral ischemia.

Metabonomic study of the protective effect of Fukeqianjin formula on multi-pathogen induced pelvic inflammatory disease in rats

Background

Fukeqianjin formula has been effectively used in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the related complications in clinic. Although there have been some studies about the underlying mechanism that focus on its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. But the mechanism is still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of plasma metabolic profiles in PID rats and the regulatory effect of Fukeqianjin formula on potential biomarkers.

Methods

Pelvic inflammatory model was established by intrauterine inoculation of multiple pathogens combined with mechanical injury of endometrium. Rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, azithromycin group, high-and low-dose of Fukeqianjin formula treatment group (FF-H, and FF-L, respectively). After 14 days of intragastric administration, the plasm levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. To further recognize and identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) metabonomic method combined with multivariate analyses including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), was employed to analyze the metabolic profiling.

Results

Compared with normal group, the plasma levels of IL-1β and NO were significantly increased in the PID model group (P < 0. 05), and obviously decreased after high-dose intervention of Fukeqianjin formula (P < 0. 01). The PCA, PLS-DA and OPLS-DA analysis showed that PID rats were clearly separated from normal rats. Compared with the PID model group, the metabolite profiles of Fukeqianjin formula treatment group was gradually restored to normal. Meanwhile, 14 potential metabolite biomarkers, which were mainly related to the metabolic pathways of intervening glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism/alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis, have been identified. Fukeqianjin formula exerts good regulatory effect on the abnormal metabolism of PID rats.

Conclusions

Intrauterine inoculation of multiple pathogens combined with mechanical injury of endometrium could significantly disturb the plasma metabolic profiles of rats. Fukeqianjin formula has potential therapeutic effect on multi-pathogen-induced PID by ameliorating metabolism disorders and alleviating the inflammatory response.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13020-018-0217-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The effects of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang on post-stroke epilepsy: a nationwide matched study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the long-term risk of epilepsy in stroke patients who use Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (BYHWT) and those who do not.

METHODS

In the Taiwanese national insurance claims data, we identified newly diagnosed stroke patients receiving inpatient care in the years 2000-2004. Using propensity score-matched pairs to balance the baseline characteristics, we selected eligible stroke patients who did (n=8,971) and did not (n=8,971) receive BYHWT. These two groups were followed up until the end of 2009 to track the occurrence of epilepsy. We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate the adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for post-stroke epilepsy during the follow-up period according to BYHWT use.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, stroke patients with BYHWT had a reduced risk of epilepsy during the 5-9 years of the follow-up period (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61-0.77). The association between BYHWT and reduced post-stroke epilepsy was significant in various subgroups of stroke patients. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the frequency of epilepsy with increasing quantities of BYHWT use from 1 package (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.90) to ≥6 packages (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.42-0.65).

CONCLUSION

Stroke patients who received BYHWT therapy had a reduced long-term risk of epilepsy, and the beneficial effect could be observed in various subgroups. However, future clinical trials will be necessary to corroborate the present findings and identify the biochemical mechanism involved.

Angelica sinensis Supercritical Fluid CO2 Extract Attenuates D-Galactose-Induced Liver and Kidney Impairment in Mice by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Angelica sinensis (AS, Danggui in Chinese) is an important herbal component of various traditional formulae for the management of asthenia and its tonic effects. Although AS has been shown to ameliorate cognitive damage and nerve toxicity in D-galactose (D-gal)-elicited senescent mice brain, its effects on liver and kidney injury have not yet been explored. In this work, mice were subjected to hypodermic injection with D-gal (200 mg/kg) and orally gavaged with AS (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) once a day for 8 successive weeks. Results revealed that AS significantly improved liver and kidney function as assessed by organ index and functional parameters. In addition, AS pretreatment effectively ameliorated the histological deterioration. AS attenuated the MDA level and markedly enhanced the activities and gene expressions of antioxidative enzymes, namely Cu, Zn-SOD, CAT, and GPx. Furthermore, AS markedly inhibited the D-gal-mediated increment of expressions of inflammatory cytokines iNOS, COX-2, IκBα, p-IκBα, and p65 and promoted the IκBα expression level in both hepatic and renal tissues. In sum, AS pretreatment could effectively guard the liver and kidney of mice from D-gal-induced injury, and the underlying mechanism was deemed to be intimately related to attenuating oxidative response and inflammatory stress.

Was Mafeisan an Anesthetic in Ancient China?

According to the Chinese historical books, Records of the Three Kingdoms () and Book of the Later Han (), Hua Tuo (, 140 - 208), a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician invented Mafeisan, an oral herbal general anesthetic, more than 1800 years ago during Eastern Han Dynasty. However, no written record of ingredients of the original Mafeisan has been found anywhere so far although there have been several similar anesthetic prescriptions published in TCM books later. There has been controversy over the existence of Mafeisan and even Hua Tuo in Chinese literature. We did extensive literature search and analysis, and believe that there indeed was Mafeisan in Hua Tuo's time.

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels: Influence of Value Chain on Quality Criteria and Marker Compounds Ferulic Acid and Z-Ligustilide

Background:Dang gui (Apiaceae; Angelica sinensis radix) is among the most often used Chinese medicinal plants. However, hardly anything is known about its value chain and its influence on the main marker compounds of the drug. The aim of this study is to investigate the value chain of dang gui in Gansu and Yunnan, and the analysis of the marker compounds ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide concentration in relation to quality criteria such as the production area and size of the roots. Methods: During six months of field research in China, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders of the value chain were undertaken and plant material was collected. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used for semi-quantitative analysis of ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide. Results: Small-scale household cultivation prevails and in Gansu-in contrast to Yunnan-the cultivation of dang gui is often the main income source of farmers. Farmers and dealers use size and odor of the root as main quality criteria. For Chinese medicine doctors, Gansu as the production area is the main criterion. Higher amounts of ferulic acid in plant material from Yunnan compared to Gansu were found. Additionally, a negative relation of root length with both ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide as well as head diameter with ferulic acid were found. Conclusions: HPTLC is a valid method for semi-quantitative analysis of the marker compounds of dang gui. However, the two main marker compounds cannot explain why size and smell of the root or production area are seen as quality criteria. This hints at the inherent difficulty to correlate quality notions of medicinal plants with specific chemical compounds. With respect to this, more attention should be paid to quality in terms of cultivation and processing techniques.

Cinnamic Acid Derivatives Enhance the Efficacy of Transarterial Embolization in a Rat Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

We hypothesize that the combination of transarterial embolization (TAE) plus inhibition of lactate export will limit anaerobic metabolism and reduce tumor survival compared to TAE alone. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Rat N1-S1 hepatoma cells were assayed in vitro using the Seahorse XF analyzer to measure extracellular acidification (lactate excretion) comparing effects of the addition of caffeic acid (CA) or ferulic acid (FA) or UK-5099 with control. Monocarboxylate transporter Slc16a3 was knocked down by RNAi. N1S1 tumors were orthotopically implanted in rats and 4 groups evaluated: (1) Control, (2) TAE-only, (3) TAE plus CA, and (4) TAE plus FA. Tumor size was determined by ultrasound and analyzed by repeated measures statistics. Tumors harvested at 4 weeks were examined by microscopy.

RESULTS

Seahorse assays showed that CA and FA caused a significant reduction by >90% in lactate efflux by N1S1 tumor cells (p < 0.01). Knockdown of Slc16a3 prevented inhibition by CA. In vivo tumors grew 30-fold in volume over 4 weeks in untreated controls. By comparison, TAE resulted in near cessation of growth (10% in 4-week time period). However, both TAE + CA and TAE + FA caused a significant reduction of tumor volumes (87 and 72%, respectively) compared to control and TAE (p < 0.05). Pathologic evaluation revealed residual tumor in the TAE group but no residual viable tumor cells in the TAE + CA and TAE + FA groups.

CONCLUSION

Addition of CA or FA enhances the effectiveness of TAE therapy for HCC in part by blocking lactate efflux.

Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health

Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health, particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections, especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingiber officinale (ginger). Pregnant women have also used ginger for relief from nausea. Natural galactagogues for lactating women include Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Silybum marianum (milk thistle); however, rigorous safety and efficacy studies are lacking. Older women suffering menopausal symptoms are increasingly likely to use botanicals, especially since the Women's Health Initiative showed an increased risk for breast cancer associated with traditional hormone therapy. Serotonergic mechanisms similar to antidepressants have been proposed for Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian). Plant extracts with estrogenic activities for menopausal symptom relief include Glycine max (soy), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Pueraria lobata (kudzu), Humulus lupulus (hops), Glycyrrhiza species (licorice), Rheum rhaponticum (rhubarb), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Epimedium species (herba Epimedii, horny goat weed), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Some of the estrogenic botanicals have also been shown to have protective effects against osteoporosis. Several of these botanicals could have additional breast cancer preventive effects linked to hormonal, chemical, inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways. Finally, although botanicals are perceived as natural safe remedies, it is important for women and their healthcare providers to realize that they have not been rigorously tested for potential toxic effects and/or drug/botanical interactions. Understanding the mechanism of action of these supplements used for women's health will ultimately lead to standardized botanical products with higher efficacy, safety, and chemopreventive properties.

The Antidepressant Effect of Angelica sinensis Extracts on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression Is Mediated via the Upregulation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway in Rats

Angelica sinensis (AS), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has pharmaceutical effects on menstrual illness, cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairments. However, until recently, few studies had explored its antidepressant effect. The current study attempts to investigate the effect of AS extracts on chronic unpredictable mild stress- (CUMS-) induced depression in rats. Male SD rats were exposed to a CUMS-inducing procedure for 5 weeks, resulting in rodent depressive behaviors that included reduced sucrose consumption and lessened sucrose preference ratios in sucrose preference test, prolonged immobility times and decreased struggling time in force swim test, and decreased locomotor activity in open field test. Moreover, the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK 1/2) were markedly decreased in the hippocampus in depressed rats. However, chronically treating the depressed rats with AS (1 g/kg) normalized their depression-related behaviors and molecular profiles. In conclusion, in the present study, we show that AS extracts exerted antidepressant effects that were mediated by the BDNF signaling pathway: in AS-treated depressed rats, the expression of the BDNF protein and the phosphorylation of its downstream targets (ERK 1/2, CREB) were upregulated in the hippocampus.

An Analysis of the Combination Frequencies of Constituent Medicinal Herbs in Prescriptions for the Treatment of Stroke in Korean Medicine: Determination of a Group of Candidate Prescriptions for Universal Use

In contrast to Western medicine, which typically prescribes one medicine to treat a specific disease, traditional East Asian medicine uses any one of a large number of different prescriptions (mixtures of medicinal herbs), according to the patient's characteristics. Although this can be considered an advantage, the lack of a universal prescription for a specific disease is considered a drawback of traditional East Asian medicine. The establishment of universally applicable prescriptions for specific diseases is therefore required. As a basic first step in this process, this study aimed to select prescriptions used in the treatment of stroke and, through the analysis of medicinal herb combination frequencies, select a high-frequency medicinal herb combination group for further experimental and clinical research. As a result, we selected some candidates of a medicinal herb combination and 13 candidates of a medicinal herb for the treatment of stroke.

Protective effects of Danggui Buxue Tang on renal function, renal glomerular mesangium and heparanase expression in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a simple combination of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelica sinensis (5:1), with a variety pharmacological activities. In the present study, a single intravenous injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin and subsequent six weeks of high glucose diet in Sprague Dawley rats were used to induce diabetic nephropathy. Rats with diabetes mellitus showed increased levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), serum and urine β2-microglobulins (β2-MG), and type IV collagen (all P<0.05). DBT treatment significantly decreased the levels of FBG, BUN, Scr, serum and urine β2-MG, and type IV collagen. Furthermore, DBT treatment significantly and dose-dependently restored the ultrastructural injury, and reduced the expression of heparanase, compared with the vehicle (P<0.05). Therefore, DBT may be a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephrology.

The Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula mKG Suppresses Pulmonary Fibrosis of Mice Induced by Bleomycin

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious progressive lung disease and it originates from inflammation-induced parenchymal injury with excessive extracellular matrix deposition to result in the destruction of the normal lung architecture. Modified Kushen Gancao Formula (mKG), derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has a prominent anti-inflammatory effect. The present study is to explore the inhibitory effects of mKG on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. mKG significantly decreased pulmonary alveolitis, fibrosis scores, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels in lung tissue of mice compared with BLM treatment. It markedly alleviated the increase of HYP content in the lung tissues and pathologic changes of pulmonary fibrosis caused by BLM instillation. In conclusion, mKG has an anti-fibrotic effect and might be employed as a therapeutic candidate agent for attenuating pulmonary fibrosis.

The Four-Herb Chinese Medicine Formula Tuo-Li-Xiao-Du-San Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats through Reducing Inflammation and Increasing Angiogenesis

Impaired wound healing in diabetic patients is a serious complication that often leads to amputation or even death with limited effective treatments. Tuo-Li-Xiao-Du-San (TLXDS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for refractory wounds, has been prescribed for nearly 400 years in China and shows good efficacy in promoting healing. In this study, we explored the effect of TLXDS on healing of diabetic wounds and investigated underlying mechanisms. Four weeks after intravenous injection of streptozotocin, two full-thickness excisional wounds were created with a 10 mm diameter sterile biopsy punch on the back of rats. The ethanol extract of TLXDS was given once daily by oral gavage. Wound area, histological change, inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis were evaluated. TLXDS treatment significantly accelerated healing of diabetic rats and improved the healing quality. These effects were associated with reduced neutrophil infiltration and macrophage accumulation, enhanced angiogenesis, and increased collagen deposition. This study shows that TLXDS improves diabetes-impaired wound healing.

Danhong Huayu Koufuye combined with metformin attenuated diabetic retinopathy in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

AIM

To evaluate effects of Danhong Huayu Koufuye (DHK, a Chinese medicinal formulae) alone or combined with metformin on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, an animal model of obese type-2 diabetes, and then to investigate the mechanisms.

METHODS

ZDF (fa/fa) rats were administered with vehicle (distilled water), metformin, DHK, and DHK plus metformin. Electrophysiological and histological analysis were applied to evaluated effects of DHK alone or combined with metformin on DR. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood were measured to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of DHK. Furthermore, levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum were measured to study effects of DHK on oxidative stress in ZDF rats. In addition, body weight, lipidic indexes and insulin level were also assessed.

RESULTS

DHK combined with metformin significantly reversed the prolongation of latency times of flash electroretinogram (FERG) and oscillatory potentials (OPs) in diabetic rats. Furthermore, DHK alone or combined with metformin showed a remarkable suppression of retinal neovascularization and amelioration of retinal internal limiting membrane morphology. Moreover, DHK alone or plus metformin reduced FBG (P<0.05), HbA1c (P<0.01) and MDA (P<0.01) levels in diabetic rats. In addition, reductions in levels of triglycerides (TG) (P<0.01) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) were also observed in diabetic rats treated with DHK alone or plus metformin.

CONCLUSION

DHK in combination with metformin had a preventive and therapeutic effect on DR in type-2 diabetic rats, and the possible mechanisms may be alleviating hyperglycemia, reducing oxidative stress and improving lipid metabolism.

Angelica sinensis is effective in treating diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Angelica sinensis on a rat model of diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin A5. The mechanism by which A. sinensis exerts its effect is also discussed. A diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis model was established in 36 male Wistar rats by an endotracheal injection of bleomycin A5 (5 mg/kg). Then, these rats were randomly divided into the model group (n = 18) and the treatment group (treated with A. sinensis after modelling, n = 18). Control rats (n = 6) received an equal volume of saline. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining was performed to analyse alveolitis and Masson staining, to observe pulmonary fibrosis. Collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression at mRNA level was detected by northern blotting and at protein level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results obtained showed that the alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis of the rats treated with A. sinensis was significantly alleviated compared with that of the rats in the model group. Treatment with A. sinensis also lowered the content of collagen, decreased NF-κB activity in alveolar macrophages and reduced the TGF-β expression at the mRNA and protein level. These results indicated that A. sinensis is effective in treating and alleviating interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, possibly by lowering collagen, inhibiting the activity of NF-κB and reducing the TGF-β expression.

Protective effect of Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) on angiotensin II-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells

BACKGROUND

Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is an herb often used in Traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to promote blood flow and has been used in the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in animal models. Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been shown to play important roles in mediating cardiovascular diseases, and may cause cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether Danggui has protective effects on Ang II-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells and study the mechanisms involved.

METHODS

We evaluated the effect of Danggui on Ang II-induced apoptosis in an in vitro model. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were cultured in serum-free medium for 4 hr, then treated with Danggui (50, 100 μg/ml) 1 hr pre- or post-Ang II treatment. After a further 23 hr of culture, cells were harvested for analyses with assays for apoptosis markers and cell signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Our results showed that Ang II induced upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bad, instability of the mitochondria membrane potential, cytochrome c release, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Pre- or post-treatment with Danggui reversed all of the above Ang II-induced apoptotic effects in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, the JNK (SP600125) inhibitor completely blocked Danggui inhibition of caspase-3 activation in Ang II-treated H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that Danggui either pre-treatment or post-treatment highly attenuated the Ang II-induced apoptosis in cardiomyoblast cells. The findings demonstrated that the anti-apoptosis effect of Danggui is mediated by JNK and PI3k inhibitors.

Analysis of the influence of sulfur-fumigation on the volatile components of Angelicae sinensis Radix by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

Sulfur-fumigation of Angelicae sinensis Radix causes changes in the structure and composition of volatile components. These changes alter the curative effect and the quality of A. sinensis Radix.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) was employed to investigate the influence of sulfur-fumigation on the volatile components, and to characterize and quantify the chemical composition of the volatile oil of A. sinensis Radix.

RESULTS

The present study has shown that sulfur-fumigated A. sinensis Radix samples had significant loss of the main active compounds and a more destructive fingerprint profile compared to non-fumigated samples.

CONCLUSION

From this study, it can be concluded that the combination of GC × GC and TOFMS has potential as a quality monitoring tool in herbal medicine and food processing industries.