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Wahid M, Ali A, Saqib F, Aleem A, Bibi S, Afzal K, Ali A, Baig A, Khan SA, Bin Asad MHH. Pharmacological exploration of traditional plants for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Phytother Res 2020; 34:3089-3112. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muqeet Wahid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan
| | - Anam Ali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan
| | - Fatima Saqib
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan
| | - Ambreen Aleem
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan
| | - Sumbal Bibi
- Department of Pharmacy COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Pakistan
| | - Khurram Afzal
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan
| | - Atif Ali
- Department of Pharmacy COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Baig
- Department of Biotechnology COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Pakistan
| | - Shujaat Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacy COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hassham Hassan Bin Asad
- Department of Pharmacy COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Pakistan
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology Kazan Federal University Kazan Russia
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Lee K, Joo H, Sun M, Kim M, Kim B, Lee BJ, Cho JH, Jung JY, Park JW, Bu Y. Review on the characteristics of liver-pacifying medicinal in relation to the treatment of stroke: from scientific evidence to traditional medical theory. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcm.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Oka JI, Matsumoto K, Sasaki-Hamada S. []Improving effects of chotosan on the brain malfunction in rodent's disease models]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2016; 147:157-160. [PMID: 26960776 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.147.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Iizuka S, Kawakami Z, Imamura S, Yamaguchi T, Sekiguchi K, Kanno H, Ueki T, Kase Y, Ikarashi Y. Electron-microscopic examination of effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on degeneration of cerebral cells in thiamine-deficient rats. Neuropathology 2016; 30:524-36. [PMID: 20337951 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2010.01101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that yokukansan ameliorated not only learning disturbance but also behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia-like behaviors (anxiety, aggressiveness) and neurological symptoms (opisthotonus) induced in rats by dietary thiamine deficiency (TD). In the present study, the effects of yokukansan on degeneration of cerebral cells were further examined electron-microscopically during pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages in TD rats. In the pre-symptomatic TD stage, which appeared as increase in aggressive behaviors on the 21st and 28th days of TD diet-feeding, severe edematous degeneration of astrocytes was detected by electron microscopy, although the changes were not observed by light microscopy. In the symptomatic TD stage (the 34th day) characterized by development of neurological symptoms, severe sponge-like degeneration and multiple hemorrhages in the parenchyma were obvious by light microscopy. The electron-microscopic examination showed degeneration in neurons, oligodendroglias, and myelin sheaths in addition to astrocytes. TD rats, which exhibited multiple hemorrhages light microscopically, showed severe edematous changes and hypertrophy of the foot processes of astrocytes surrounding blood vessels. Administration of yokukansan ameliorated not only the TD-induced aggressive behavior and neurological symptoms but also degeneration of the cerebral cells. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of yokukansan on degeneration in various brain cells might be closely related to the amelioration of aggression and neurological symptoms in TD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichi Iizuka
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Zenji Kawakami
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sachiko Imamura
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takuji Yamaguchi
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kyoji Sekiguchi
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kanno
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ueki
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kase
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- TSUMURA Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
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Ho TY, Tang NY, Hsiang CY, Hsieh CL. Uncaria rhynchophylla and rhynchophylline improved kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures via IL-1β and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 21:893-900. [PMID: 24636743 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) has been used for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine. This study reported the major anti-convulsive signaling pathways and effective targets of UR and rhynchophylline (RP) using genomic and immunohistochemical studies. Epileptic seizure model was established by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) in rats. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings indicated that UR and RP improved KA-induced epileptic seizures. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and neurotrophin signaling pathways were regulated by UR in both cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. KA upregulated the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), which were involved in TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, respectively. However, UR and RP downregulated the KA-induced IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Our findings suggested that UR and RP exhibited anti-convulsive effects in KA-induced rats via the regulation of TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, and the subsequent inhibition of IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin-Yun Ho
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yun Hsiang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Acupuncture Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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TSUKADA RIKA, ISEKI MASAKO. The Latest Clinical Findings for Yokukansan Based on Its Pharmacological Effects: Yokukansan Update. JUNTENDO IJI ZASSHI 2014. [DOI: 10.14789/jmj.60.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- RIKA TSUKADA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - MASAKO ISEKI
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
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Liang W, Lam WP, Tang HC, Leung PC, Yew DT. Current Evidence of Chinese Herbal Constituents with Effects on NMDA Receptor Blockade. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1039-54. [PMID: 24276380 PMCID: PMC3817734 DOI: 10.3390/ph6081039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) is an important molecular entity governing a wide range of functions in the central nervous system. For example, the NMDA-R is involved in memory and cognition, and impairment of both (as in Alzheimer's Disease) is attributed to NMDA-mediated neurotoxicity. With greater understanding of the NMDA-R structure, antagonists with varying degrees of binding-site and subtype selectivity have been developed and put into clinical use. Discovery of target-specific Chinese herbs have also been made in parallel. This article provides an overview of the known active sites on the NMDA-R, followed by a discussion of the relevant herbs and their constituents. Experimental evidence supporting the inhibitory role of the herbal compounds on the NMDA-R is highlighted. For some of the compounds, potential research directions are also proposed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the herbs. It is envisaged that future investigations based on the present data will allow more clinically relevant herbs to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willmann Liang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; E-Mails: (W.P.L.); (H.C.T.); (P.C.L.)
| | | | | | | | - David T. Yew
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; E-Mails: (W.P.L.); (H.C.T.); (P.C.L.)
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Zhang L, Koyyalamudi SR, Jeong SC, Reddy N, Bailey T, Longvah T. Immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides isolated from Taxillus chinensis and Uncaria rhyncophylla. Carbohydr Polym 2013; 98:1458-65. [PMID: 24053827 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Taxillus chinensis and Uncaria rhyncophylla are the herbs used in traditional Chinese anticancer formulations. During the past decade, research on plant polysaccharides has gained importance due to their therapeutic value and minimum side effects. In this study, hot water extraction method was employed to isolate polysaccharides from the stems of T. chinensis and stems with hooks of U. rhyncophylla. Size-exclusion chromatography was then used for further fractionation. Separated fractions from T. chinensis were designated as TCP-1, TCP-2 and TCP-3 and those from U. rhyncophylla were termed UC-1 and UC-2. Their sugar compositions were estimated using gas chromatography that revealed the presence fructose, glucose, xylose, arbinose, and rhamnose. Amino acid analysis of these fractions has indicated that they are protein-bound polysaccharides. The antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH and yeast assays. The ability of these polysaccharide fractions to stimulate mouse macrophages was measured using Griess reagent and ELISA test. The results revealed that some of the isolated fractions (TCP-2, TCP-3, UC-1 and UC-2) displayed significant antioxidant activities and were also found to be effective immunomodulators in a concentration-dependent manner. Outcomes of this research strongly indicate that U. rhyncophylla and T. chinensis have therapeutic potential to be used for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia
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Ameliorating effect of new constituents from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla on scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Chin J Nat Med 2013; 11:391-5. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(13)60057-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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The neuroprotective effect of gugijihwang-tang on trimethyltin-induced memory dysfunction in the rat. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:542081. [PMID: 23861706 PMCID: PMC3687724 DOI: 10.1155/2013/542081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gugijihwang-Tang (the herbal formula PM012), a decoction consisting of several herbs including Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, has been widely used as herbal treatment for dementia. In order to investigate the neuroprotective action of this prescription, we examined the effect of Gugijihwang-Tang on learning and memory using the Morris water maze and [F-18]FDG micro PET neuroimaging technique. After injection of trimethyltin (TMT, 8.0 mg/kg, i.p.), which is a potent toxicant that selectively kills cells in the central nervous system, rats were administered Gugijihwang-Tang (100 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for two weeks, followed by the Morris water maze tasks and [F-18]FDG micro PET neuroimaging. In Gugijihwang-Tang administered TMT-treated rats, they showed improved learning and memory abilities in water maze tasks and glucose metabolism, suggesting that Gugijihwang-Tang plays effectively positive role in the improvement of brain function including learning and memory after TMT-induced neurodegeneration. Taken together, our results suggested that the Gugijihwang-Tang should be useful for developing strategies protecting nervous system and improving brain function.
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Ndagijimana A, Wang X, Pan G, Zhang F, Feng H, Olaleye O. A review on indole alkaloids isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla and their pharmacological studies. Fitoterapia 2013; 86:35-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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JUNG HWANYONG, NAM KYONGNYON, WOO BYUNGCHOEL, KIM KYOOPIL, KIM SUNGOK, LEE EUNJOOH. Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, inhibits inflammation-mediated neurotoxicity and microglial activation. Mol Med Rep 2012; 7:154-8. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2012.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Systems biology of meridians, acupoints, and chinese herbs in disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:372670. [PMID: 23118787 PMCID: PMC3483864 DOI: 10.1155/2012/372670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Meridians, acupoints, and Chinese herbs are important components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They have been used for disease treatment and prevention and as alternative and complementary therapies. Systems biology integrates omics data, such as transcriptional, proteomic, and metabolomics data, in order to obtain a more global and complete picture of biological activity. To further understand the existence and functions of the three components above, we reviewed relevant research in the systems biology literature and found many recent studies that indicate the value of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Acupuncture is useful in pain moderation and relieves various symptoms arising from acute spinal cord injury and acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, Chinese herbal extracts have been linked to wound repair, the alleviation of postmenopausal osteoporosis severity, and anti-tumor effects, among others. Different acupoints, variations in treatment duration, and herbal extracts can be used to alleviate various symptoms and conditions and to regulate biological pathways by altering gene and protein expression. Our paper demonstrates how systems biology has helped to establish a platform for investigating the efficacy of TCM in treating different diseases and improving treatment strategies.
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Sekiguchi K, Kanno H, Yamaguchi T, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y. Ameliorative effect of yokukansan on vacuous chewing movement in haloperidol-induced rat tardive dyskinesia model and involvement of glutamatergic system. Brain Res Bull 2012; 89:151-8. [PMID: 22982367 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Effects of yokukansan (YKS) on vacuous chewing movement (VCM), which is an index for tardive dyskinesia, were investigated in haloperidol decanoate-treated rats. Haloperidol decanoate was injected to a thigh muscle once every four weeks for 18 weeks. The rats which exhibited VCM eight times or more in 3min were selected on the 12th week, and examined. A significant increase in VCM on the 12th week continued until the 18th week. Oral administration of YKS (0.1 and 0.5g/kg) once a day for three weeks (21 days) from the 12th week to 15th week ameliorated the haloperidol decanoate-induced increase in VCM in a dose-dependent manner. The significant ameliorative effect observed in 0.5g/kg YKS-treated rats was abolished by stopping administration for three weeks from the 15th week to the 18th week. The extracellular glutamate concentration and glutamate transporter mRNA expression in the striatum were evaluated by microdialysis and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays at the 15th week. The striatal glutamate level increased in haloperidol-treated rats, and the increase was inhibited by treatment with YKS. The striatal GLT-1 mRNA level showed a tendency to decrease in the haloperidol-treated rats. The GLT-1 mRNA level after treatment with YKS (0.5g/kg) was greater than the control level. These results suggest the effect of YKS may be involved in the extracellular glutamate level and GLT-1 mRNA expression in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoji Sekiguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Tang NY, Liu CH, Su SY, Jan YM, Hsieh CT, Cheng CY, Shyu WC, Hsieh CL. Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack Plays a Role in Neuronal Protection in Kainic Acid-Treated Rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 38:251-63. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x10007828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is one of many Chinese herbs. Our previous studies have shown that UR has both anticonvulsive and free radical-scavenging activities in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. The aim of the present study was to use the effect of UR on activated microglia, nitric oxide synthase, and apoptotic cells to investigate its function in neuroproction in KA-treated rats. UR of 1.0 or 0.5 g/kg was orally administered for 3 days (first day, second day, and 30 min prior to KA administration on the third day), or 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, i.p.) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 30 min prior to KA (2 μg/2 μl) was injected into the right hippocampus region of Sprague-Dawly rats. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus region. The results indicated that 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg of UR and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME reduced the counts of ED1, nNOS, iNOS immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells in KA-treated rats. This study demonstrates that UR can reduce microglia activation, nNOS, iNOS and apoptosis, suggesting that UR plays a neuro-protective role against neuronal damage in KA-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Yu Su
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Min Jan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Tou Hsieh
- Department of International Medicine, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yi Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Cherng Shyu
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Lo WY, Tsai FJ, Liu CH, Tang NY, Su SY, Lin SZ, Chen CC, Shyu WC, Hsieh CL. Uncaria rhynchophylla Upregulates the Expression of MIF and Cyclophilin A in Kainic Acid-Induced Epilepsy Rats: A Proteomic Analysis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 38:745-59. [PMID: 20626060 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x10008214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is a traditional Chinese herb and is used for the treatment of convulsive disorders, including epilepsy. Our previous study has shown that UR, as well as its major component rhynchophylline (RH), has an anticonvulsive effect and this effect is closely related to its scavenging activities of oxygen free radicals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of (UR) on the expression of proteins using a proteomics analysis in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures. We profiled the differentially expressed proteins on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) maps derived from the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rat brain tissue 24 hours after KA-induced epileptic seizures. The results indicated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and cyclophilin A were under expressed in frontal cortex by an average of 0.19- and 0.23-fold, respectively. In the frontal cortex, MIF and cyclophilin A were significantly decreased in the KA group and these decreases were confirmed by the Western blots. However, in the hippocampus, only cyclophilin A was significantly decreased in the KA group. In addition, in real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), MIF and cyclophilin A gene expressions were also significantly under expressed in the frontal cortex, and only the cyclophilin A gene was also significantly under expressed in the hippocampus in the KA group. These under expressions of MIF and cyclophilin A could be overcome by the treatment of UR and RH. In conclusion, the under expressions of MIF and cyclophilin A in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in KA-treated rats, which were overcome by both UR and UH treatment, suggesting that both MIF and cyclophilin A at least partly participate in the anticonvulsive effect of UR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Lo
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Yu Su
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chung Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Cherng Shyu
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Acupuncture Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hsieh CL, Ho TY, Su SY, Lo WY, Liu CH, Tang NY. Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Inhibit c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation and Nuclear Factor-κB Activity in Kainic Acid-Treated Rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 37:351-60. [PMID: 19507277 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x09006898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) can reduce epileptic seizures. We hypothesized that UR and its major component rhynchophylline (RH), reduce epileptic seizures in rats treated with kainic acid (KA) by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator-protein-1 (AP-1) activity, and by eliminating superoxide anions. Therefore, the level of superoxide anions and the DNA binding activities of NF-κB and AP-1 were measured. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with UR (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), RH (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), or valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then KA was administered intra-peritoneal (i.p.). The results indicated that UR, RH, and VA can reduce epileptic seizures and the level of superoxide anions in the blood. Furthermore, KA was demonstrated to induce the DNA binding activities of NF-κB and AP-1. However, these inductions were inhibited by pre-treatment with UR, RH, or VA for 3 days. Moreover, UR and RH were shown to be involved in the suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. This study suggested that UR and RH have antiepileptic effects in KA-induced seizures and are associated with the regulation of the innate immune system via a reduction in the level of superoxide anions, JNK phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Acupuncture Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tin-Yun Ho
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Yu Su
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Lo
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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18
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Kawakami Z, Kanno H, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y. Yokukansan, a kampo medicine, protects against glutamate cytotoxicity due to oxidative stress in PC12 cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 134:74-81. [PMID: 21130853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Yokukansan is a traditional Japanese medicine consisted of seven medicinal herbs and has been used for treatment of neurosis, insomnia, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Japan. The aim of the present study is to clarify the active compounds responsible for the protective effect of yokukansan against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS PC12 cells which is a tool for selective evaluation of test substances against oxidative stress was used in the present study. The cell survival rates or glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated by a MTT reduction assay or GSH assay based on the GSH reductase enzymatic recycling method, respectively. RESULTS Glutamate (1-17.5mM) induced cell death of PC12 cells in a concentration- dependent manner. Yokukansan (125-500μg/ml) inhibited the glutamate-induced PC12 cell death. When the effects of extracts of the seven constituent herbs in yokukansan on the cell death were examined, Uncaria thorn was found to have the highest potency in the protection. To clarify the active compounds in Uncaria thorn, the effects of seven alkaloids (rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, hirsutine, hirsuteine, and geissoschizine methyl ether) on the cell death were further examined. The protective effects were found in hirsutine, hirsuteine, and geissoschizine methyl ether, which also ameliorated the glutamate-induced decrease in GSH levels. CONCLUSION These results suggest that yokukansan protects against PC12 cell death induced by glutamate-mediated oxidative stress, i.e., reduction of intracellular GSH level, and the effect may be mainly attributed to a synergistic effect of the hirsutine, hirsuteine, and geissoschizine methyl ether in Uncaria thorn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenji Kawakami
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
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19
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Mounsey RB, Teismann P. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: pathogenesis and neuroprotection. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2010; 2011:617472. [PMID: 21234411 PMCID: PMC3014704 DOI: 10.4061/2011/617472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are vitally important organelles involved in an array of functions. The most notable is their prominent role in energy metabolism, where they generate over 90% of our cellular energy in the form of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are involved in various other processes including the regulation of calcium homeostasis and stress response. Mitochondrial complex I impairment and subsequent oxidative stress have been identified as modulators of cell death in experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Identification of specific genes which are involved in the rare familial forms of PD has further augmented the understanding and elevated the role mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to have in disease pathogenesis. This paper provides a review of the role mitochondria may play in idiopathic PD through the study of experimental models and how genetic mutations influence mitochondrial activity. Recent attempts at providing neuroprotection by targeting mitochondria are described and their progress assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross B Mounsey
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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20
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Eckert GP. Traditional used Plants against Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer Disease. Front Pharmacol 2010; 1:138. [PMID: 21833177 PMCID: PMC3153012 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2010.00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by progressive memory deficits, impaired cognitive function, and altered and inappropriate behavior. Aging represents the most important risk factor for AD and the global trend in the phenomenon of population aging has dramatic consequences for public health, healthcare financing, and delivery systems in the word and, especially in developing countries. Mounting evidence obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies, suggests that various traditionally used plants in Asia, India, and Europe significantly affect key metabolic alterations culminating in AD-typical neurodegeneration. The present article aims to bring the reader up-to-date on the most recent studies and advances describing the direct and indirect activities of traditional used plants and its constituents possibly relieving features of AD. A variety of traditional used plants and its extracts exerted activities on AD related drug targets including AChE activity, antioxidative activity, modulation of Aβ-producing secretase activities, Aβ-degradation, heavy metal chelating, induction of neurotrophic factors, and cell death mechanisms. Although pre-clinical investigations identified promising drug candidates for AD, clinical evidences are still pending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Peter Eckert
- Department of Pharmacology, Campus Riedberg, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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21
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Kim JH, Bae CH, Park SY, Lee SJ, Kim Y. Uncaria rhynchophylla Inhibits the Production of Nitric Oxide and Interleukin-1β Through Blocking Nuclear Factor κB, Akt, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation in Macrophages. J Med Food 2010; 13:1133-40. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2010.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hwan Bae
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Joon Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungHee Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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22
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de Caires S, Steenkamp V. Use of Yokukansan (TJ-54) in the treatment of neurological disorders: a review. Phytother Res 2010; 24:1265-70. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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23
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Ikarashi Y, Iizuka S, Imamura S, Yamaguchi T, Sekiguchi K, Kanno H, Kawakami Z, Yuzurihara M, Kase Y, Takeda S. Effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on memory disturbance and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in thiamine-deficient rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2010; 32:1701-9. [PMID: 19801831 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.32.1701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Effects of yokukansan (TJ-54) on memory disturbance and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) were investigated in thiamine-deficient (TD) rats which were produced by feeding a TD diet for 37 d. Daily oral administration of TJ-54 (0.5, 1.0 g/kg) ameliorated the memory disturbance, anxiety-like behavior, the increase in aggressive behaviors, the decrease in social behaviors, and several neurological symptoms including opisthotonus observed in TD rats, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, histopathological examinations showed that TJ-54 inhibited the degeneration of neuronal and astroglial cells in the brain stem, hippocampus and cortex in TD rats. Microdialysis experiments showed that TJ-54 inhibited extracellular glutamate rise in the ventral posterior medial thalamus in TD rats. These results suggest that TJ-54 possesses the preventive or progress inhibitive effect against the development of memory disturbance and BPSD-like behaviors induced by the degeneration of neuronal and astroglial cells resulting from TD. TJ-54 may inhibit glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity as one of mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
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24
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Sekiguchi K, Yamaguchi T, Tabuchi M, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y. Effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on aggressiveness induced by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid beta protein into mice. Phytother Res 2009; 23:1175-81. [PMID: 19165748 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on aggressiveness and motor activities were examined in mice after injection of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) into the lateral ventricle of the brain. The results were compared with those of conventional (haloperidol) and atypical (risperidone) antipsychotic medicines. A significant increase in aggressiveness was observed on day 7 after injection of Abeta, and it lasted until day 28. A single oral administration of yokukansan (1.0 g/kg) did not ameliorate the aggressiveness observed on day 7. However, a tendency toward amelioration of the aggressiveness was observed after the administration of yokukansan (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) for 1 week (days 7-14). The 3 week administration (days 7-28) of yokukansan significantly ameliorated the aggressiveness in a dose-dependent manner without inhibition of motor activity. In contrast, a single administration of intraperitoneal haloperidol (0.03-0.1 mg/kg) or oral risperidone (0.1-0.3 mg/kg) on day 28 significantly reduced aggressiveness in a dose-dependent manner. However, motor activities were significantly suppressed. These results suggest yokukansan reduces aggressiveness without suppressing physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoji Sekiguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co. 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
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25
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Kawakami Z, Kanno H, Ueki T, Terawaki K, Tabuchi M, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y. Neuroprotective effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in cultured cells. Neuroscience 2009; 159:1397-407. [PMID: 19409210 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To clarify the mechanism of yokukansan (TJ-54), a traditional Japanese medicine, against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, the effects of TJ-54 on glutamate uptake function were first examined using cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Under thiamine-deficient conditions, the uptake of glutamate into astrocytes, and the levels of proteins and mRNA expressions of glutamate aspartate transporter of astrocytes significantly decreased. These decreases were ameliorated in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with TJ-54 (100-700 microg/ml). The improvement of glutamate uptake with TJ-54 was completely blocked by the glutamate transporter inhibitor DL-threo-beta-hydroxyaspartic acid. Effects of TJ-54 on glutamate-induced neuronal death were next examined by using cultured PC12 cells as a model for neurons. Addition of 17.5 mM glutamate to the culture medium induced an approximately 50% cell death, as evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. TJ-54 (1-1000 microg/ml) inhibited the cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, competitive binding assays to glutamate receptors showed that TJ-54 bound potently to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, in particular, to its glutamate and glycine recognition sites. These results suggest that TJ-54 may exert a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity not only by amelioration of dysfunction of astrocytes but also by direct protection of neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Kawakami
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan.
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26
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Kim YS, Chang HK, Lee JW, Sung YH, Kim SE, Shin MS, Yi JW, Park JH, Kim H, Kim CJ. Protective Effect of Gabapentin on N-Methyl-D-aspartate–Induced Excitotoxicity in Rat Hippocampal CA1 Neurons. J Pharmacol Sci 2009; 109:144-7. [DOI: 10.1254/jphs.08067sc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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27
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Ha YJ, Kim YS, Lee HJ, Seo JH, Sung YH, Kim SE, Shin MS, Kim CJ. Neuroprotective Effect of Fucoidan againstN-methyl-D-aspartate-Induced Excitotoxicity in Rat Hippocampus. Exp Neurobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.5607/en.2009.18.2.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Joon Ha
- Department of Anatomy-Meridian, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyungwon University, Sungnam 461-701, Korea
| | - Youn-Sub Kim
- Department of Anatomy-Meridian, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyungwon University, Sungnam 461-701, Korea
| | - Hye-Jung Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Seo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Sung
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Mal-Soon Shin
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Chang-Ju Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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28
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Jo KJ, Cha MR, Lee MR, Yoon MY, Park HR. Methanolic extracts of Uncaria rhynchophylla induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2008; 63:77-82. [PMID: 18392727 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-008-0074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we report the anticancer activities of Uncaria rhynchophylla extracts, a Rubiaceae plant native to China. Traditionally, Uncaria rhynchophylla has been used in the prevention and treatment of neurotoxicity. However, the cytotoxic activity of Uncaria rhynchophylla against human colon carcinoma cells has not, until now, been elucidated. We found that the methanolic extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla (URE) have cytotoxic effects on HT-29 cells. The URE showed highly cytotoxic effects via the MTT reduction assay, LDH release assay, and colony formation assay. As expected, URE inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, the methanolic URE of the 500 microg/ml showed 15.8% inhibition against growth of HT-29 cells. It induced characteristic apoptotic effects in HT-29 cells, including chromatin condensation and sharking occurring 24 h when the cells were treated at a concentration of the 500 microg/ml. The activation of caspase-3 and the specific proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase were detected over the course of apoptosis induction. These results indicate that URE contains bioactive materials with strong activity, and is a potential chemotherapeutic agent candidate against HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Jin Jo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungnam University, Masan, South Korea
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29
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Sucher NJ. Insights from molecular investigations of traditional Chinese herbal stroke medicines: implications for neuroprotective epilepsy therapy. Epilepsy Behav 2006; 8:350-62. [PMID: 16455305 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2005.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 11/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is the most widely practiced form of herbalism worldwide. It is based on a sophisticated system of medical theory and practice that is distinctly different from orthodox Western scientific medicine. Most traditional therapeutic formulations consist of a combination of several drugs. The combination of multiple drugs is thought to maximize therapeutic efficacy by facilitating synergistic actions and ameliorating or preventing potential adverse effects while at the same time aiming at multiple targets. Orthodox drug therapy has been subject to critical analysis by the "evidence-based medicine" movement, and demands have been made that herbal medicine should be subject to the same kind of scrutiny. However, evaluation of the effectiveness of herbal medicines can be challenging, as their active components are often not known. Accordingly, it may be difficult to ensure that an herbal preparation used in clinical trials contains the components underlying its purported therapeutic effect. We reasoned that the identification of actions of herbal medicines at well-defined molecular targets and subsequent identification of chemical compounds underlying these molecular effects might serve as surrogate markers in the hypothesis-guided evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy. A research program was initiated to characterize in vitro molecular actions of a collection of 58 traditional Chinese drugs that are often used for the treatment of stroke. The results indicate that these drugs possess activity at disparate molecular targets in the signaling pathways involved in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neuronal injury and death. Each herbal drug contains diverse families of chemical compounds, where each family comprises structurally related members that act with low affinity at multiple molecular targets. The data appear to support the multicomponent, multitarget approach of traditional Chinese medicine. Glutamate release and excessive stimulation of NMDA receptors cause status epilepticus-induced neuronal death and are involved in epileptogenesis. Therefore, these results are also relevant to the development of antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective therapy for seizures. The combination of principles of modern molecular medicine with certain ideas of traditional empirical Chinese medicine may be beneficial in translational medicine in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus J Sucher
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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