Complete Assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR Spectra of Carthamin Potassium Salt Isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L

Carthamin potassium salt isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L. was purified by an improved traditional Japanese method, without using column chromatography. The ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals of the pure product were fully assigned using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, while the high purity of the potassium salt and deprotonation at the 3′ position of carthamin were confirmed by atomic adsorption spectroscopy and nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Hydroxysafflor yellows alleviate thrombosis and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in vivo by enhancing blood circulation and poison excretion

BACKGROUND

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) from the flower of Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) has been reported to have various pharmacological effects. However, little is known about the bioactivities of other chemical constituents in Safflower and the relationship between enhancement of blood circulation and hepatoprotection by HSYA.

PURPOSE

The present research was to evaluate the antithrombotic and hepatoprotective activities of HSYA and C, examine their mechanisms of actions, including influence on the excretion velocity of acetaminophen, and the relationship between the antithrombotic, hepatoprotective, and other bioactivities.

METHODS

The hepatoprotective activities were examined by acetaminophen (APAP)-induced zebrafish toxicity and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver injury. The concentrations of APAP in zebrafish and APAP that was excreted to the culture media were quantified by UHPLC-MS. The anti-thrombosis effect of HSYA and C were examined by the phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced zebrafish thrombosis.

RESULTS

HSYA and HSYC showed robust protection on APAP-induced toxicity and PHZ-induced thrombosis. The hepatoprotective effects of HSYA and C were more potent than that of the positive control, acetylcysteine (61.7% and 58.0%, respectively, vs. 56.9% at 100 µM) and their antithrombosis effects were more robust than aspirin (95.1% and 86.2% vs. 52.7% at 100 µM). HSYA and C enhanced blood circulation, rescued APAP-treated zebrafish from morphological abnormalities, and mitigated APAP-induced toxicity in liver development in liver-specific RFP-expressing transgenic zebrafish. HSYC attenuated CCl4-induced mouse liver injury and regulated the levels of HIF-1α, iNOS, TNF-α, α-SMA, and NFκB in liver tissues. HSYA was also protective in a dual thrombotic and liver toxicity zebrafish model. By UHPLC-MS, HSYA accelerated the excretion of APAP.

CONCLUSION

HSYA and C are the bioactive constituents of Safflower that are responsible for the herbal drug's traditional use in promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. Safflower and its chalcone constituents may protect from damage due to exogenous or disease-induced endogenous toxins by enhancing the excretion velocity of toxins.

Simultaneous Optimization of the Ultrasonic Extraction Method and Determination of the Antioxidant Activities of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Anhydrosafflor Yellow B from Safflower Using a Response Surface Methodology

An evaluation of the ultrasonic extraction process and the antioxidant activities of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB) from safflower are presented herein. Using response surface methodology (RSM), based on a four-factor-three-level Box–Behnken design (BBD), the extraction parameters, namely, temperature, extraction time, solvent-to-material ratio, and extraction power, were optimized for maximizing the yields of HSYA and AHSYB. The maximum yield was obtained at a temperature of 66 °C with an extraction time of 36 min, solvent-to-material ratio of 16 mL/g, and the extraction power of 150 W, which was adjusted according to the actual conditions. The HSYA and AHSYB contents were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The yield and the comprehensive evaluation value of HSYA and AHSYB were calculated. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined using a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) kit and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The results suggested that the safflower extracts possessed obvious ferric reducing and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The antioxidant activity increased with increasing concentration. The results suggested that optimizing the conditions of ultrasonic extraction using RSM can significantly increase the yields of HSYA and AHSYB from safflower. The safflower extracts showed better antioxidant activity. This study can encourage future research on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Termipaniculatones A-F, chalcone-flavonone heterodimers from Terminthia paniculata, and their protective effects on hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis

Terminthia paniculata (Sanyeqi) is widely used for treating inflammation and rheumatic arthritis in the folk areas of Yunnan province, China. Its total extract was first revealed with xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity in vitro and anti-hyperuricemic effect in vivo. Bioassay-guided separation on Fr. A5 yielded six chalcone-flavonone heterodimers, termipaniculatones A-F. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses involving HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR and [α]_D, and the absolute configuration of termipaniculatone F was verified by ECD calculation. Termipaniculatones A and E showed obvious XO inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 55.6 and 89.5 μM, respectively, which took effects via a mix-type mode. A molecular modeling study revealed that termipaniculatone A was well located into the active site of XO by interacting with Glu802, Arg880, Thr1010 and Val1011 residues. Termipaniculatone A showed anti-hyperuricemic effects by decreasing serum uric acid levels and inhibiting XO activity in both serum and liver on potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemia mice, and anti-inflammatory activity through alleviating paw swelling on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced mice, at the concentration of 20 mg/kg. This is the first time to reveal the anti-hyperuricemic and anti-acute gouty arthritis potency of T. paniculata and the characteristic biflavonoids as active constituents, which provides valuable information for searching new XO inhibitors from natural sources.

Chalcone derivatives from the root bark of Morus alba L. act as inhibitors of PTP1B and α-glucosidase

As part of our continuing research to obtain pharmacologically active compounds from Morus alba L. (Moraceae), four Diels-Alder type adducts (DAs) [morusalbins A-D], one isoprenylated flavonoid [albanin T], together with twenty-one known phenolic compounds were isolated from its root bark. The chemical structures were established using NMR, MS, and ECD spectra. The DAs including morusalbins A-D, albasin B, macrourin G, yunanensin A, mulberrofuran G and K, and albanol B exhibited strong inhibitory activities against both protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) (IC₅₀, 1.90-9.67 μM) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀, 2.29-5.91 μM). In the kinetic study, morusalbin D, albasin B, and macrourin G showed noncompetitive PTP1B inhibition, with K_i values of 0.33, 1.00, and 1.09 μM, respectively. In contrast, these DAs together with yunanensin A produced competitive inhibition of α-glucosidase, with K_i values of 0.64, 0.42, 2.42, and 1.19 μM, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that these active DAs have high affinity and tight binding capacity towards the active site of PTP1B and α-glucosidase.

Integration of Biochemometrics and Molecular Networking to Identify Antimicrobials in Angelica keiskei

Botanical medicines have been utilized for centuries, but it remains challenging to identify bioactive constituents from complex botanical extracts. Bioassay-guided fractionation is often biased toward abundant or easily isolatable compounds. To comprehensively evaluate active botanical mixtures, methods that allow for the prioritization of active compounds are needed. To this end, a method integrating bioassay-guided fractionation, biochemometric selectivity ratio analysis, and molecular networking was devised and applied to Angelica keiskei to comprehensively evaluate its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. This approach enabled the identification of putative active constituents early in the fractionation process and provided structural information for these compounds. A subset of chalcone analogs were prioritized for isolation, yielding 4-hydroxyderricin (1, minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≤ 4.6 µM, IC₅₀ = 2.0 µM), xanthoangelol (2, MIC ≤ 4.0 µM, IC₅₀ = 2.3) and xanthoangelol K (4, IC₅₀ = 168 µM). This approach allowed for the identification of a low-abundance compound (xanthoangelol K) that has not been previously reported to possess antimicrobial activity and facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of the compounds responsible for A. keiskei's antimicrobial activity.

Constituents of the Rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata and Their Antiausterity Activities against the PANC-1 Human Pancreatic Cancer Line

Human pancreatic cancer cell lines have a remarkable tolerance to nutrition starvation, which enables them to survive under a tumor microenvironment. The search for agents that preferentially inhibit the survival of cancer cells under low nutrient conditions represents a novel antiausterity strategy in anticancer drug discovery. In this investigation, a methanol extract of the rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata showed potent preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions, with a PC₅₀ value of 6.6 μg/mL. Phytochemical investigation of this extract led to the isolation of 15 compounds, including eight new cyclohexene chalcones (1-8). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic data analysis. Among the isolated compounds obtained, isopanduratin A1 (14) and nicolaioidesin C (15) exhibited potent preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrition-deprived conditions, with PC₅₀ values of 1.0 and 0.84 μM, respectively.

Meroterpenoids and Chalcone-Lignoids from the Roots of Mimosa diplotricha

Six new meroterpenoids, diplomeroterpenoids A-F (1-6), two new chalcone-lignoids, diplochalcolins A and B (7, 8), and 13 known compounds were isolated from the root extract of Mimosa diplotricha. Diplomeroterpenoids A-F consist of a 4H-chromen-4-one and a diterpenoid unit, and their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1-3 and 5 showed potent inhibitory activity on protein farnesyl transferase, with IC₅₀ values from 5.0 to 8.5 μM. Compound 1 showed antiproliferative activity against human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells with a GI₅₀ value of approximately 8.6 μM.

Carthorquinosides A and B, Quinochalcone C-Glycosides with Diverse Dimeric Skeletons from Carthamus tinctorius

Two novel quinochalcone C-glycosides, carthorquinosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the florets of Carthamus tinctorius. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were established by analysis of NMR and MS data, together with chemical degradation and electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compound 1 has an unprecedented quinochalcone-flavonol structure linked via a methylene bridge, and compound 2 comprises two glucopyranosylquinochalcone moieties linked via the formyl carbon of an acyclic glucosyl unit. A potential biosynthesis pathway is also proposed. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-stimulated HUVEC cells by regulating IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ mRNA expression at concentrations as low as 4 μM, and compound 2 also showed inhibitory activity against topoisomerase I at100 μM.

Flavokawains A and B from kava (Piper methysticum) activate heat shock and antioxidant responses and protect against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in HepG2 hepatocytes

Context Flavokawains are secondary metabolites from the kava plant (Piper methysticum Forst. f., Piperaceae) that have anticancer properties and demonstrated oral efficacy in murine cancer models. However, flavokawains also have suspected roles in rare cases of kava-induced hepatotoxicity. Objective To compare the toxicity flavokawains A and B (FKA, FKB) and monitor the resulting transcriptional responses and cellular adaptation in the human hepatocyte cell line, HepG2. Materials and methods HepG2 were treated with 2-100 μM FKA or FKB for 24-48 h. Cellular viability was measured with calcein-AM and changes in signalling and gene expression were monitored by luciferase reporter assay, real-time PCR and Western blot of both total and nuclear protein extracts. To test for subsequent resistance to oxidative stress, cells were pretreated with 50 μM FKA, 10 μM FKB or 10 μM sulphoraphane (SFN) for 24 h, followed by 0.4-2.8 mM H2O2 for 48 h, and then viability was assessed. Results FKA (≤100 μM) was not toxic to HepG2, whereas FKB caused significant cell death (IC50=23.2 ± 0.8 μM). Both flavokawains activated Nrf2, increasing HMOX1 and GCLC expression and enhancing total glutathione levels over 2-fold (p < 0.05). FKA and FKB also activated HSF1, increasing HSPA1A and DNAJA4 expression. Also, flavokawain pretreatment mitigated cell death after a subsequent challenge with H2O2, with FKA being more effective than FKB, and similar to SFN. Conclusions Flavokawains promote an adaptive cellular response that protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress. We propose that FKA has potential as a chemopreventative or chemotherapeutic agent.

Dibenz[b,f]oxepin and Antimycobacterial Chalcone Constituents of Empetrum nigrum

Two new dibenz[b,f]oxepins, empetroxepins A and B (1 and 2), and seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated from an extract of the Canadian medicinal plant Empetrum nigrum that significantly inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. The structures of 1 and 2 were established through analysis of NMR and MS data. The antimycobacterial activity of the plant extract was attributed primarily to the presence of two chalcone derivatives (6 and 7) that exhibited selective antimycobacterial activity (IC50 values of 23.8 and 32.8 μM, respectively) in comparison to mammalian (HEK 293) cells (IC50 values of 109 and 249 μM, respectively).

Polyanthumin, a novel cyclobutane chalcone trimmer from Memecylon polyanthum

A novel unusual trimmer chalcone, polyanthumin (1), together with five known compounds myricetin 3-O-(3″-O-galloyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (2), sulfuretin (3), fustin (4), gallic acid (5), and ethyl gallate (6), was isolated from the dry stems of Memecylon polyanthum H.L. Li. Among them, compound 1 is a new chalcone trimmer with a novel cyclobutane skeleton in nature. Compounds 3 and 4 are flavonoids carrying a single 7-OH in A ring, which provided the first example of these class flavonoids from the family Melastomataceae. In addition, the antitumor activities for 2-4 were reported for the first time in this study. The antitumor effects of the isolated compounds 1-6 in vitro were assayed by the SRB method using human cancer K562 cells, with the inhibition rates ranging from 39.4% to 54.5% at 100 μg/ml. The IC50 values of compounds 1 and 3 for the inhibition of K562 cell proliferation were determined to be 45.4 and 30.5 μg/ml, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1 was the second sample as chalcone trimer. In addition, the antitumor activities for 2-4 were reported for the first time in this study.

[Separation and evaluation of antioxidant constituents from Carthamus tinctorius]

Bio-active components from Carthamus tinctorius were separated on the basis of antioxidant capacities in vitro. The antioxidant capacity was investigated on the basis of the ability to scavenge DPPH radical, ABTS radical and reduce Fe3+ of different polar fractions. Furthermore, the chemical compounds were isolated from bio-active fraction, and were evaluated for the antioxidative effects. Five major components were isolated and identified from water extract as 6-hydroxykaempferol 3,6,7-tri-O-β-D-glucoside(1), 6-hydroxykaempferol 3-O-β-rutinoside-6-O-β-D-glucoside (2), 6-hydroxykaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucoside (3), hydroxysafflor yellow A (4) and anhydrosafflor yellow B (5). By evaluating and comparing the antioxidative effects of different fractions and obtained compounds, the results showed that water extract displayed significantly high antioxidative activities and 6-hydroxykaempferol glycosides and quinochalcone C-glycosides were found as main contribution for antioxidant property.

Chalcone Tetramers, Lophirachalcone and Alatachalcone, fromLophira alataas Possible Anti-tumor Promoters

Two chalcone tetramers were isolated as inhibitors of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-activation induced by a tumor promoter, teleocidin B-4, from a medicinal plant in tropical west Africa, Lophira alata (Ochnaceae). One of them was identified as lophirachalcone. The other, named alatachalcone, was new, and the structure was determined by spectral properties. Both compounds also showed potent inhibitory activities against teleocidin B-4-induced inflammation on mouse ear. In an initiation-promotion experiment on mouse skin, alatachalcone (16 nmol) significantly inhibited tumor promotion caused by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 1.6 nmol).

A New Sweet Dihydrochalcone-Glucoside from Leaves of Lithocarpus pachyphyllus (Kurz) Rehd. (Fagaceae)

A new sweet dihydrochalcone-glucoside, trilobatin 2″- acetate (1), was isolated from the leaves of Lithocarpus pachyphyllus, together with phlorizin and trilobatin. The structures were established by spectroscopic methods, including one- and two-dimensional NMR (COSY, HMQC and HMBC).

Study on structural and spectral properties of isobavachalcone and 4-hydroxyderricin by computational method

Isobavachalcone and 4-hydroxyderricin, two major chalcone constituents isolated from the roots of Angelica keiskei KOIDZUMI, exhibit numerous biological activities. Quantum chemical methods have been employed to investigate their structural and spectral properties. The ground state structures were optimized using density functional B3LYP method with 6-311G (d, p) basis set in both gas and solvent phases. Based on the optimized geometries, the harmonic vibrational frequency, the (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift using the GIAO method were calculated at the same level of theory, with the aim of verifying the experimental values. Results reveal that B3LYP has been a good method to study their vibrational spectroscopic and NMR spectral properties of the two chalcones. The electronic absorption spectra were calculated using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method. The solvent polarity effects were considered and calculated using the polarizable continuum model (PCM). Results also show that substitutions of different electron donating groups can alter the absorption properties and shift the spectra to a higher wavelength region.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuates left ventricular remodeling after pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats

CONTEXT

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main chemical component of the safflower yellow pigments, is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The present study determined the effects of HSYA on left ventricular hypertrophy after pressure overload and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by the ligation of abdominal aorta in male Wistar rats. The rats were then divided into five groups and treated with captopril (100 mg/kg) or HSYA at different doses (0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). Six weeks after treatment, the weight of left ventricle, LVMI (left ventricular mass index) and pathological changes were measured. MMP-2 (metalloproteinase 2) and MMP-9 (metalloproteinase 9) levels were determined by ELISA. Protein expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HSYA (20, 40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the increase of LVMI (ventricular weight/body weight) by 13.04 and 30.43% respectively, when compared with the model group. This was associated with the amelioration of pathological lesion, such as cardiac muscle fibers were smaller and the nuclei of cardiomyocytes were lightly stained in animals treated with HSYA (20, 40 mg/kg). In addition, the administration of HSYA at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (1.17 ± 0.08 and 1.39 ± 0.07 versus 0.71 ± 0.06). In addition, the serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were blocked by the treatment at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg HSYA (MMP-2, 76.1 ± 9.2 and 65.6 ± 6.8 versus 82.9 ± 6.2, ng/ml; MMP-9, 66.6 ± 4.8 and 57.5 ± 5.0 versus 83.5 ± 6.0, ng/ml).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that HSYA has beneficial effects on hypertensive ventricular remodeling, which may involve mechanisms of inhibiting cell apoptosis and suppressing metalloproteinases expression.

[Optimization of ultrasonic extraction conditions of safflower yellow from Carthamus tinctorius by response surface methodology]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the optimization of extraction conditions of safflower yellow from Cartbamus tirwtorius by response surface methodology.

METHODS

Experimental factors and levels were selected by one-factor test, and then according to the central composite experimental design principle, response surface'-methodology with three factors and three levels was used to establish a mathematical model to obtain the optimal extraction conditions with hydroxysafflower yellow A being the target and its extraction yield as response value.

RESULTS

The optimal extraction conditions of safflower yellow were as follows: extraction temperature was 55 t, ratio of water to raw material was 16:1 and extraction time was 39 mm for three times.

CONCLUSION

Under these conditions, the extraction yield of safflower yellow is 1.798%, and the relative error between the predicted value with actual value is 2.758%. The optimized method can provide reference for the efficient extraction of safflower yellow from Carthomos tinctorius

[Multi-index determination and optimization of liquirtin separated from polyamide resin]

To optimize the separation process of liquirtin from glycyrrhiz by static, dynamic adsorption and desorption experiments on polyamide resin, with liquirtin, isoliquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid as the study index. The optimum process conditions were that the pH of solution was regulated to be 7.0, the concentration of liquirtin was 1.296 g x L(-1), the volume of loading buffer was 3 BV. After absorption, efforts shall be made to elute resin with water, 10%, 20%, 30% ethanol (3 BV for each), collect 20% ethanol eluted fraction, and recover solvents. The results showed lower contents of such impurities as isoliquiritin and isoliquiritin in extracts sepaprated under this process conditions, as well as an increase in purity of liquirtin from 4.86% to 88.5%. The method was simple and feasible, it could obtain a higher purity in extracts from liquirtin and provide basis for industrialized separation and preparation of liquirtin.

NMR solution structure study of the representative component hydroxysafflor yellow A and other quinochalcone C-glycosides from Carthamus tinctorius

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a representative component of Carthamus tinctorius, has attracted much attention because of its remarkable cardiovascular activities. Its structure was originally reported in 1993 and has been widely cited to date. In our experiments, its solution structure was studied using NMR techniques in different solvents, including DMSO-d(6), pyridine-d(5), and CD(3)OH. The results indicate that the structure of HSYA is different than the previously described 1b, with 3-enol-1,7-diketo form. The structure has two keto-enol tautomers (2a and 2b), and 2a, with the 1-enol-3,7-diketo form, is the preferred tautomer. On the basis of this finding, other published quinochalcone C-glycoside structures were revised. Furthermore, a trend in the (13)C NMR data of the (E)-olefinic carbons of quinochalcone C-glycosides is summarized, and a hypothesis is proposed for the relationship between the features of the molecular structure and the preferred keto-enol tautomer.

[Pharmacokinetic effect of Sappan Lignum on hydroxysafflor yellow A in Carthami Flos]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pharmacokinetic effect of Sappan Lignum on hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in Carthami Flos.

METHOD

Concentration of HSYA in rat plasma was detected by RP-HPLC after rats were orally administered with extracts of Carthami Flos or Carthami Flos combined with Sappan Lignum. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0 pharmacokinetic software.

RESULT

In vivo pharmacokinetic models of HSYA were two-compartment open models in both of the Carthami Flos group and the Carthami Flos combined with Sappan Lignum group. After compatibility, HSYA showed a significant lower in apparent volumes of distribution of t(1/2Ka), t(1/2alpha) and V1/F, with slight advance in T(max).

CONCLUSION

Sappan Lignum can accelerate absorption, distribution and metabolic process of HSYA in vivo and reduce its accumulation in vivo.

[Effects of angelica keiskei chalcone on expression of glucose transporter proteins in liver and skeletal muscle cells of type 2 diabetic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of angelica keiskei chalcone (AC) on the expression of glucose transporter2 (Glut2) in liver and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) in skeletal muscle cells of rats with type2 diabetes.

METHODS

Made type2 diabetic rat models and divided into high, middle, low dose groups and diabetic control group randomly which were given chalcone 30, 10, 5 and 0 mg/kg BW respectively. Four groups were fed with the diet containing high fat. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose was determined by glucose oxidase method. Insulin was assessed by radio-immunity method. The expression levels of Glut2 in liver and Glut4 in skeletal muscle cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry method.

RESULTS

After analyzed by Image-Pro Plus on immunohistochemistry pictures, the expression levels of Glut2 in liver and Glut4 in skeletal muscle cells in high group were (0.036 +/- 0.0030) and (0.063 +/- 0.0139), which were significantly higher than the model control group (P < 0.05). The levels of fasting blood glucose and insulin in high dose group were (12.3 +/- 1.64) mmol/L and (25.65 +/- 3.34) microIU/ml, significantly lower than those of the model control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Angelica keiskei chalcone may increase the expression levels of Glut2 in liver and Glut4 in skeletal muscle cells, decrease fasting blood glucose and insulin of type 2 diabetic rats and improve their insulin resistance condition.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) from flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. and its vasodilatation effects on pulmonary artery

Flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. are traditionally used in China to treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main constituent of Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers, is known for its multiple biological activities. In the present study, HSYA was isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers by a macroporous resin adsorption chromatography method coupled with a Waters high-throughput auto-purification system and it's vasodilatation effects on pulmonary artery (PA) were explored by an assay of tension study on rat pulmonary artery (PA) rings. Results suggest that HSYA possesses vascular relaxation effects on rat PA by activating the KV channel in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs).

[Effect of safflor yellow B on vascular endothelial cells injury induced by angiotensin-II]

This study is to investigate protective effect of safflor yellow B (SYB) against vascular endothelial cells (VECs) injury induced by angiotensin-II (Ang-II). VECs were cultured and divided into six groups: control group, Ang-II group, Ang-II + SYB (1 micromolL(-1)) group, Ang-II + SYB (10 micromolL(-1)) group, Ang-II + SYB (100 micromolL(-1)) group and Ang- II + verapamil (10 micromolL(-1)) group. Except control group, all of VECs in other groups were treated with Ang- II at the final concentration of 0.1 micromolL(-1). Mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy, and mitochondria complex IV activity was detected by BCA method. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in VECs were analyzed by fluorescence detector and apoptosis of VECs was observed by flow cytometer. Caspase 3 was determined by Western blotting method. Comparing with control group, Ang-II was able to increase [Ca2+]i and ROS level, decrease MMP level, inhibit complex IV activity and enhance caspase 3 activity in VECs, as a result, enhance apoptosis of VECs. But SYB could significantly reduce the result induced by Ang- II relying on different dosages (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). SYB was able to eliminate the effect of Ang-II on VECs via regulating [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial structure and function and inhibiting apoptosis.

Relationship between the composition of flavonoids and flower colors variation in tropical water lily (Nymphaea) cultivars

Water lily, the member of the Nymphaeaceae family, is the symbol of Buddhism and Brahmanism in India. Despite its limited researches on flower color variations and formation mechanism, water lily has background of blue flowers and displays an exceptionally wide diversity of flower colors from purple, red, blue to yellow, in nature. In this study, 34 flavonoids were identified among 35 tropical cultivars by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Among them, four anthocyanins: delphinidin 3-O-rhamnosyl-5-O-galactoside (Dp3Rh5Ga), delphinidin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl-6"-O-oxalyl-rhamnoside) (Dp3galloyl-oxalylRh), delphinidin 3-O-(6"-O-acetyl-β-glucopyranoside) (Dp3acetylG) and cyanidin 3- O-(2"-O-galloyl-galactopyranoside)-5-O-rhamnoside (Cy3galloylGa5Rh), one chalcone: chalcononaringenin 2'-O-galactoside (Chal2'Ga) and twelve flavonols: myricetin 7-O-rhamnosyl-(1 → 2)-rhamnoside (My7RhRh), quercetin 7-O-galactosyl-(1 → 2)-rhamnoside (Qu7GaRh), quercetin 7-O-galactoside (Qu7Ga), kaempferol 7-O-galactosyl-(1 → 2)-rhamnoside (Km7GaRh), myricetin 3-O-galactoside (My3Ga), kaempferol 7-O-galloylgalactosyl-(1 → 2)-rhamnoside (Km7galloylGaRh), myricetin 3-O-galloylrhamnoside (My3galloylRh), kaempferol 3-O-galactoside (Km3Ga), isorhamnetin 7-O-galactoside (Is7Ga), isorhamnetin 7-O-xyloside (Is7Xy), kaempferol 3-O-(3"-acetylrhamnoside) (Km3-3"acetylRh) and quercetin 3-O-acetylgalactoside (Qu3acetylGa) were identified in the petals of tropic water lily for the first time. Meanwhile a multivariate analysis was used to explore the relationship between pigments and flower color. By comparing, the cultivars which were detected delphinidin 3-galactoside (Dp3Ga) presented amaranth, and detected delphinidin 3'-galactoside (Dp3'Ga) presented blue. However, the derivatives of delphinidin and cyanidin were more complicated in red group. No anthocyanins were detected within white and yellow group. At the same time a possible flavonoid biosynthesis pathway of tropical water lily was presumed putatively. These studies will help to elucidate the evolution mechanism on the formation of flower colors and provide theoretical basis for outcross breeding and developing health care products from this plant.

Chalcone-derived Diels-Alder adducts as NF-κB inhibitors from Morus alba

A bioassay-guided phytochemical fractionation of the methanol extract of the Morus alba root barks led to the isolation of two chalcone-derived Diels-Alder adducts (1 and 2). Their structures were elucidated as kuwanon J 2,4,10″-trimethyl ether (1) and kuwanon R (2) by means of spectroscopic methods. Both compounds strongly inhibited nuclear transcription factor.κB activity with the IC₅₀ values of 4.65 and 7.38 μM, respectively.

Xanthoangelols isolated from Angelica keiskei inhibit inflammatory-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) production

The folk medicine Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) exhibits antitumor, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and it has recently attracted attention as a health food. Ashitaba is thought to have antithrombotic properties, but this has not yet been scientifically proven. The elevation of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis results in a predisposition to the risk of thrombosis. The present study showed that Ashitaba exudates injected intraperitoneally and orally administered over long-term suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced PAI-1 increase in mouse plasma. We also found that xanthoangelol, xanthoangelols B and D, the components of Ashitaba exudates, significantly inhibited TNFα-induced PAI-1 production from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These findings suggest that Ashitaba can decrease elevated PAI-1 production, and that daily consumption of Ashitaba product might maintain anticoagulant status by inhibiting elevations in PAI-1 under inflammatory conditions.

[HPLC determination of four components in Tibetan medicine Dangzuo of different Tibetan regions]

OBJECTIVE

To develop an HPLC method for determination of gallic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, cinnamic aldehyde and piperine in Tibetan medicine Dangzuo, and to compare the content of four active components in Dangzuo of different Tibetan regions.

METHOD

The separation was carried out on a Waters XTerra RP-C18 column ( 4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phases were methanol and water, all contained 0.1% glacial acetic acid, for gradient elution. The gradient program was as follows: 0-22.5 min, methanol was changed from 5% to 50%; 22.5-40 min, changed to 80% 80:20. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 270 nm. The reference wavelength was 500 nm.

RESULT

The linear ranges of gallic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, cinnamic aldehyde and piperine were 0.040-0.640 microg (r = 0.999 8), 0.090-1.440 microg (r = 0.999 9), 0.031-0.500 microg (r = 0.999 9 ) and 0.092-41.477 microg (r = 0.998 9), respectively. The average recoveries (n = 6) were 97.42% (RSD 1.9%), 97.55% (RSD 2.9%), 98.69% (RSD 0.96%) and 96.72% (RSD 4.0%), respectively. The content ranges of gallic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, cinnamic aldehyde and piperine in Dangzuo samples of different Tibetan regions were 0.11341.69 mg x g(-1), 0.889-1.51 mg x g(-1), 0.000-40.606 mg x g(-1) and 1.96-2.73 mg x g(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The method is a simple and effective for quality control of Tibetan medicine Dangzuo.

Cell line studies of glioblastoma and malignant glioma using a newly discovered prenylated chalcone

CONTEXT

A newly discovered geranyl prenylated chalcone, semisynthesized from naturally occurring nymphaeol C, has the ability to inhibit the growth of CNS1 (glioblastoma) and 13-06 (malignant glioma) cells. A second-order regression model was established to predict the normalized cell viability of CNS1 and 13-06 cells.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to evaluate the influence of prenylated chalcone on the glioblastoma and malignant glioma cell lines. For the first time, response surface methodology (RSM) has been introduced to perform a cell line study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A newly discovered prenylated chalcone was used. This compound is a member of the flavonoid family and possesses a common phenylbenzopyrone structure. Two independent factors, including prenylated chalcone concentration and uptake time, were carefully evaluated by a 2² factorial design. RSM was introduced as a new method for CNS1 and 13-06 cell line studies.

RESULTS

For CNS1 cells, the least inhibition uptake time was 20.7 h, and the least inhibition dose was 12.4 μg/ml. For 13-06 cells, the best inhibition uptake time was 26.2 h, and the least inhibition dose was 12.0 μg/ml.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The RSM model successfully predicted the normalized cell viability of CNS1 and 13-06 cells through the use of prenylated chalcone. The results obtained in this study will be useful for further studies on the use of prenylated chalcone.

[Inhibitory effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A against PMN activation induced by LPS]

Carthamus tinctorius L. is a traditional Chinese medicine with the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. HSYA (hydroxysafflor yellow A) is the main effective component of Carthamus tinctorius L. In order to study the inhibitory effects of HSYA against PMN (polymorphonuclear) activation induced by LPS (lipopolysaccharide), rabbit PMN adhesion potency which was activated by LPS through colorimetry method was observed. Cellular free calcium concentration was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. RT-PCR was applied to study the effect of HSYA on PMN TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression; The inhibition of HSYA on NF-kappaB activation was monitored with immunofluorescence. The results showed that after treated with HSYA, the increase of adhesion potency (HSYA dose 1.01 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1)), free calcium concentration (HSYA dose 3.1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1)), TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression elevation (HSYA dose 5.2 x 10(-1) mol x L(-1)) induced by LPS were inhibited. HSYA can inhibit NF-kappaB p65 subgroup nuclear translocation (HSYA dose 5.2 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1)). It is suggested that HSYA is effective in PMN activation induced by LPS.

Antispasmodic and antioxidant activities of fractions and bioactive constituent davidigenin isolated from Mascarenhasia arborescens

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mascarenhasia arborescens A. DC. (Apocynaceae) is used in traditional medicine in the North of Madagascar to treat intestinal disorders, intestinal spasms and diarrhoea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the antispasmodic activity of the crude methanolic extract of Mascarenhasia arborescens and of its four partitions and to identify the effective compound responsible for this effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Isolation and structure elucidation techniques were performed in order to identify the bioactive constituent of Mascarenhasia arborescens and HPLC analysis was used for its quantification. Total phenolic content (TPC) of crude extracts and partitions were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Crude methanolic extract, partitions and the bioactive compound were investigated for their spasmolytic activity on several isolated organs. Their antiradical activity was also investigated by the DPPH test.

RESULTS

Bioassay-guided fractionation using isolated guinea pig ileum pre-contracted with histamine 3x10(-6) M led to the isolation of davidigenin (DG), a dihydrochalcone, as the main active constituent from the most promising methylene chloride partition (McP). This partition was effective on isolated guinea pig ileum pre-contracted with 3x10(-6) M histamine, with a median effective concentration (EC(50)) of 41.19+/-3.74 microg/ml. The DG content of this partition was shown to be 26.5% by HPLC. DG induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the histamine pre-contracted guinea pig ileum with an EC(50) of 8.04+/-0.81 microg/ml and a concentration-dependent relaxation of the acetylcholine pre-contracted rat duodenum with an EC(50) of 9.35+/-0.30 microg/ml. It inhibited in a non-competitive manner histamine-induced isolated ileum contraction and the acetylcholine-induced isolated duodenum contraction. Moreover, DG does not have any antiradical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated for the first time antispasmodic and antioxidant effects of Mascarenhasia arborescens. This study supports its use in traditional medicine. Furthermore, we highlighted the crucial role of davidigenin in the antispasmodic activity of this plant.

[Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A against acute lung injury induced by oleic acid and lipopolysaccharide in rats]

This study is to investigate the pharmacological effect and mechanism of action of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on acute lung injury (ALI). The rat ALI was induced by oleic acid and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The incidence of acidosis, PaO2 (arterial blood oxygen pressure), W/D (wet weight/dry weight) and lung index (LI) were measured. Electron microscope and optical microscope were applied to observe lung morphological changes in rat. RT-PCR was used to determine TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 mRNA level. Inhibition effect of HSYA on plasma inflammatory cytokine expression was measured by ELISA. HSYA could alleviate pulmonary edema, reduce acidosis, keep PaO2 from descending, inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, inhibit rat lung TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 mRNA expression and plasma IL-6 and IL-1beta level elevation. HSYA is an effective ingredient to remit ALI induced by oleic acid and LPS in rat.

[Research on technological process of two-pot countercurrent extraction of hydroxysafflor yellow A]

OBJECTIVE

To study the optimum technical conditions of extracting Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) from Carthmus tinctorius by multi-stage countercurrent extraction technology.

METHOD

The effects of extraction time of each stage, extraction temperature, ethanol concentration and solid-liquid ratio (g x mL(-1)) on extraction yield of HSYA were studied by orthogonal test design and the comparison of other extraction methods were presented.

RESULT

Extraction time and solid-liquid ratio had significant influence on the extraction yield, and the optimum parameters were as follows: Extraction time of each stage was 120 min, solid-liquid ratio was 1 : 10 (g x mL(-1)), ethanol concentration was 30%, and extracted at room temperature. Under the optimum conditions, the extraction yield of HSYA was 1.56% and the purity of the extract was 6.06%. Compared with the traditional extraction method and the ultrasonic extraction method of the pharmacopoeia, the extraction yield was increased by 6.12% and 9.09%, the purity of extract was increased by 42.9% and 27.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The multi-stage countercurrent extraction technology has many advantages such as simple operation, less solvent consumption, higher extraction yield and purity of extract and it has wide industrial application prospect.

Cytotoxic effects of new geranyl chalcone derivatives isolated from the leaves of Artocarpus communis in SW 872 human liposarcoma cells

Breadfruit (Artocarpus communis Moraceae) is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a traditional starch crop and also has potential medicinal properties. The aim of this work was to study the in vitro anticancer activity of compounds isolated from the leaves of Artocarpus communis. Three new geranyl chalcone derivatives including isolespeol (1), 5'-geranyl-2',4',4-trihydroxychalcone (2), and 3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-3'-geranyldihydrochalcone (3), together with two known compounds lespeol (4) and xanthoangelol (5), were isolated from the leaves of Artocarpus communis. The structures of 1- 5 were elucidated by spectroscopy and through comparison with data reported in the literature. The effects of geranyl chalcone derivatives (1- 5) on the viability of human cancer cells (including SW 872, HT-29, COLO 205, Hep3B, PLC5, Huh7, and HepG2 cells) were investigated. The results indicate that isolespeol (1) showed the highest inhibitory activity with an IC 50 value of 3.8 muM in SW 872 human liposarcoma cells. Treatment of SW 872 human liposarcoma cells with isolespeol (1) caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim). Western blotting revealed that isolespeol (1) stimulated increased protein expression of Fas, FasL, and p53. The expression ratios of pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members were also changed by isolespeol (1) treatment to subsequently induce the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, which was followed by cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results demonstrate that isolespeol (1) induces apoptosis in SW 872 cells through Fas- and mitochondria-mediated pathways.

[Inhibitory action of hydroxysafflor yellow A on inflammatory signal transduction pathway related factors in rats with cerebral cortex ischemia]

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a main active monomer purified from Carthamus tinctorius L. The research is to study the inhibitory effect of HSYA on the inflammatory signal transduction pathway related factors which were induced by permanent cerebral ischemia in rats. By using the successive administration at a 30 min interval of HSYA and the rats permanent focal cerebral ischemia model established by a intraluminal suture occlusion method. After cerebral artery occlusion 3, 6, 12 and 24 h, cortex was removed for the next experiments. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of p65 protein and the phospho-IkappaB-alpha (pIkappaB-alpha) in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) DNA binding activity was measured by Trans-AM transcription factor assay kits. mRNA expression of cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10 was measured by the RT-PCR method. The result showed that intravenous injection of HSYA (10 mg x kg(-1)) to rats after cerebral occlusion, the p65 translocation activity and the phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha were significantly inhibited. At the same time, HSYA suppressed p65 binding activity and the transcriptional level of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6, and promoted the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In conclusion, the anti-cerebral ischemic mechanism of HSYA may be due to its inhibition of NF-kappaB activity and the mRNA expression of cytokines in the inflammatory transduction pathway.

[Hydroxysafflor yellow A up-regulates HIF-1alpha via inhibition of VHL and p53 in Eahy 926 cell line exposed to hypoxia]

In present study, we investigated the mechanism of regulating HIF-1alpha expression by hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in Eahy 926 cell line under 1% O2 hypoxia. Eahy 926 cells were incubated with HSYA (100, 10 and 1 micromol x L(-1)) under hypoxia for the indicated time after treatment. Cell proliferation rate was detected using MTT assays. VHL and p53 location and protein expression were analyzed by immunocytochemical stain. HIF-1alpha, VHL and p53 mRNA expression were detected by RT-PCR. Protein expression of HIF-1alpha, VHL and p53 were assayed by Western blotting method. HSYA at 100 micromol x L(-1) increased Eahy 926 cells proliferation rate under hypoxia. HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein expression were up-regulated in the presence of HSYA. VHL, p53 mRNA and protein expression decreased significantly after 8 hours of treatment under hypoxia. HSYA protected Eahy 926 cells from hypoxia, and up-regulated HIF-1alpha expression partially via its inhibition of VHL and p53 expression.

[Selective adsorption of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with liquiritin and isoliquiritin]

Selective adsorption of active ingredients liquiritin and isoliquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been studied. Distribution coefficients of liquiritin between ethanol solvent and r-MWNTs or o-MWNTs in 293K is 37.5 and 43.3, while the distribution coefficients of isoliquiritin between ethanol solvent and r-MWNTs or o-MWNTs is 717 and 1080, respectively. It was indicated that the distribution coefficient of isoliquiritin adsorbed by MWNTs was much larger than that of liquiritin, and oxidation treatment of MWNTs could obviously enhance their adsorption ability. The possible reasons that MWNTs can selectively adsorb isoliquiritin other than liquiritin were discussed on the bases of molecular structure of the active ingredients and their interaction with nanotubes.

Orthogonal array design for optimizing extraction efficiency of active constituents from Jakyak-Gamcho Decoction, the complex formula of herbal medicines, Paeoniae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix

A complex formula composed of Paeonia lactiflora PALL. and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., which is called as Jakyak-Gamcho Decoction (JGD), has been used for a pain-relieving function and muscle spasms due to blood deficiency in the traditional medicine. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity of JGD was evaluated based on the quantitative determinations and the relative proportions of six major constituents in the decoction mixture extracted by orthogonal array methods. Our results suggest that the three parameters are all crucial factors. The optimized conditions for extraction were therefore established [solvent (water); pH value (4); extraction number (4)]. We also optimized the extraction conditions related to anti-inflammatory activity [solvent (70% EtOH); pH value (6); extraction number (4)]. So, we found that the bioactivity was responsible for mixed components but not individual one. It was proportionally associated with the amounts of some components in the extracts of herbal medicines. When the proportion of the active components was similar to each other, they had the similar functions. Furthermore, the results could establish a model system for the quality assurance of herbal preparations, and provided a new paradigm of active components-pharmacodynamics, which is used for illustrating the connections between the bioactivities and the proportion of active constituents in the extracts of herbal medicines.

[Study on HPLC fingerprint of water-soluble constituents of Carthamus tinctorius]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the HPLC-fingerprint of the water-soluble constituents of Carthamus tinctorius.

METHODS

18 samples of Carthamus tinctorius from different producing areas were determined by Agilent 1100 DAD-HPLC under the chromatographic conditions: column by SinoChrom ODS-BP (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm), methanol-0.7% H3PO4 water with gradient elution, column temperature 30 degrees C, flow rate by 1 ml/min, wavelength 280 nm, and inject volume 20 microl.

RESULTS

The HPLC-fingerprint of the water-soluble constituents of Cartharnus tinctorius was established on the basis of 10 bitch of drugs from Xinjiang according to SPSS analysis.

CONCLUSION

A reliable method is provided for the quality identification of Carthamus tinctorius.

Separation of Liquiritin by simulated moving bed chromatography

Liquiritin was extracted from the natural product Licorice, and then purified using a three-zone simulated moving bed set up in our laboratory, with a C(18)-bonded silica as the stationary phase and an aqueous solution of ethanol as the mobile phase. The isotherm parameters of Liquiritin and of the only closely eluting impurity were obtained using the inverse method, fitting the experimental elution profiles to calculated elution profiles, assuming a binary Langmuir isotherm model as an approximation. The operating parameters of the simulated moving bed were selected according to the Equilibrium Theory. This allowed the preparation of 85% pure Liquiritin. Finally, 99% pure Liquiritin was obtained through a last step of recrystallization.

Revised Structures of Gambiriins A1, A2, B1, and B2, Chalcane-Flavan Dimers from Gambir (Uncaria gambir Extract)

Gambir, the aqueous extract from Uncaria gambir (Rubiaceae), has been used as an astringent medicine in Asian countries. Investigation of the constituents in the extract led to the isolation of four chalcane-flavan dimers, gambiriin A1 (6), A2 (7), B1 (8), and B2 (9), in addition to (+)-catechin (1), (+)-epicatechin (2), and dimeric proanthocyanidins, procyanidin B1 (3), procyanidin B3 (4), and gambiriin C (5). The spectroscopic and chemical data obtained in the present study indicated that their previously proposed structures 6a, 7a, 8a, and 9a should be revised to 6, 7, 8, and 9, respectively.

[Preparation of Shuxiong micropellets by centrifugal granulation technology]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare shuxiong micropellets.

METHOD

Shuxiong micropellets were prepared by using a centrifugal granulator. The formulation composition and process factors were optimized investigated by adopting several indices such as size distribution, repose angle, bulk density and friability as indexes.

RESULT

The optimal process parameters were as follows. The ratio of fine intermediate product and MCC was 3:1 (w/w), the adhesive agent was 3% HMPC solution, the rotating rate of plate was 200 r x min(-1), the blower rate was 15 x 20 L x min(-1), the rate of air flow was 15 L x min(-1), the spray air pressure was 0.5 MPa, the rotating of spray solution pump was 5-25 r x min(-1) and the rotating rate of powder feed machine was 5-25 r x min(-1).

CONCLUSION

Under the optimal conditions, micropellets prepared by using centrifugal granulator hadpossessed prefect shape and surface characteristics and the yield of shuxiong pellets was 90.5%.

Protective effects of isoliquiritigenin in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Epidemiological studies indicate that the intake of flavonoids is inversely associated with risk of stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid constituent in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is known to have vasorelaxant effect, antioxidant, anti-platelet, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, antiviral activities and estrogenic properties. However, there is no report on the effects of ISL in cerebral ischemia. Evidence demonstrate that the impaired energy metabolism and the excessive generation of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) contribute to the brain injury associated with cerebral ischemia. In the present study, the protective effects of ISL were investigated in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: sham-operated group, vehicle-pretreated group, and three ISL-pretreated groups (5, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1), i.g.). ISL were administered once a day, for 7 days prior to ischemia. The rats were subjected to 2 h right MCAO via the intraluminal filament technique and 22 h reperfusion. Pretreatment with ISL significantly reduced the cerebral infarct volume and edema and produced significant reduction in neurological deficits. In this study, in order to clarify the mechanism of ISL's protection against cerebral ischemia damage, cerebral energy metabolism, brain Na+K+ATPase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. ISL pretreatment increased the brain ATP content, energy charge (EC) and total adenine nucleotides (TAN) in a dose-dependent manner. The brain Na+K+ATPase activity was protected significantly by pretreatment of ISL for 7 days. Pretreatment with ISL significantly inhibited the increases of brain MDA content and prevented the activities of brain superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) from declines caused by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. All these findings indicate that ISL has the protective potential against cerebral ischemia injury and its protective effects may be due to the amelioration of cerebral energy metabolism and its antioxidant property.

[Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A on experimental cerebral ischemia in rats]

AIM

To investigate the protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a soluble element extracted from Carthamus tinctorius L., on focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

METHODS

Focal cerebral ischemia in male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Three doses of 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 mg x kg(-1) of HSYA were administrated to three groups of rats, separately, via sublingular vein injection 30 min after the onset of ischemia. 24 h after ischemia in rats, neurological deficit scores were evaluated and the infarction area of brain was assessed by quantitative image analysis. The in vitro neuroprotective effect of HSYA was tested in cultured fetal cortical neurons exposed to glutamate and sodium cyanide (NaCN).

RESULTS

HSYA at doses of 3.0 and 6.0 mg x kg(-1) exerted significant neuroprotective effects on rats with focal cerebral ischemic injury as expressed by neurological deficit scores and reduced the infarct area as compared with saline group, and the potency of HSYA at dose of 6.0 mg x kg(-1) was similar to that of 0.2 mg x kg(-1) of nimodipine. In vitro studies, HSYA significantly inhibited neurons damage induced by exposure to glutamate and NaCN in cultured fetal cortical cells.

CONCLUSION

HSYA has potential neuroprotective action against focal cerebral ischemia in rats and cultured rat fetal cortical neurons as well.

One step isolation and purification of liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Risch. using high-speed counter-current chromatography

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) technique in semi-preparative scale has been successfully applied to the separation of bioactive flavonoid compounds, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin in one step from the crude extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Risch. The HSCCC was performed using a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-acetonitrile-water (2:2:1:0.6:2, v/v). Yields of liquiritigenin (98.9% purity) and isoliquiritigenin (98.3% purity) obtained were 0.52% and 0.32%. Chemical structures of the purified liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin were identified by electrospray ionization-MS (ESI-MS) and NMR analysis.

Antioxidant activities of three dihydrochalcone glucosides from leaves of Lithocarpus pachyphyllus

In vitro antioxidant activities of three sweet dihydrochalcone glucosides from the leaves of Lithocarpus pachyphyllus (Kurz) Rehd. (Fagaceae), trilobatin 2"-acetate (1), phloridzin (2) and trilobatin (3), were investigated. The IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values for compounds 1-3 of lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate were 261, 28, 88 microM, respectively. Compounds 1-3 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with EC50 (50% effective concentration) values of 575, 167, 128 microM, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity with EC50 values of 717, 347, 129 microM, respectively, and showed only weak DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity.

Isolation and purification of inflacoumarin A and licochalcone A from licorice by high-speed counter-current chromatography

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) technique in semi-preparative scale has been applied to isolate and purify bioactive flavone compounds from the ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., a particular plant species of licorice. HSCCC separation was performed with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-chloroform-methanol-water (5:6:3:2, v/v) by eluting the lower mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.8 ml/min and a revolution speed of 800 rpm. Purification was performed with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-chloroform-methanol-water (1.5:6:3:2, v/v) by eluting the lower mobile phase at a flow-rate of 1.5 ml/min and a revolution speed of 800 rpm. Two major flavone peaks: inflacoumarin A and licochalcone A were collected and the respective yields of the peaks amount to 6 mg (8.6%, w/w) and 8 mg (11.4%, w/w) from 70 mg of the crude extract sample. The purities of inflacoumarin A and licochalcone A reached 99.6% and 99.1%, respectively, after a sequential purification run. The structures of inflacoumarin A and licochalcone A were positively confirmed by 1H NMR and 13C NMR, 1H-13C-COSY, UV, FT-IR and electron ionization MS analyses.

Galloyl, caffeoyl and hexahydroxydiphenoyl esters of dihydrochalcone glucosides from Balanophora tobiracola

Seven galloyl, caffeoyl and (S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) esters of dihydrochalcone glucosides were isolated from Balanophora tobiracola; based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence, their structures were determined to be 6''-O-galloyl-, 3'',4''-di-O-galloyl-, 4'',6''-di-O-galloyl-, 4'',6''-O-(S)-HHDP-, 3''-O-galloyl-4'',6''-O-(S)-HHDP-, 3''-O-caffeoyl-4'',6''-O-(S)-HHDP-3-hydroxyphloretin 4'-O-beta-D-glucosides and 3''-O-galloyl-4'',6''-O-(S)-HHDP-phloretin 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside, respectively. By contrast, these compounds were not found in the taxonomically related B. japonica. The 3''-galloyl-4'',6''-HHDP esters of the dihydrochalcone glucosides showed strong inhibitory activities against alpha-glucosidase. Four known compounds were also isolated namely, (+/-)-eriodictyol 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, 1-O-caffeoyl-3-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, phloretin 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside, and 3-hydroxyphloretin 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside.

Chalcone-flavone tetramer and biflavones from Aristolochia ridicula

Biflavones and a chalcone-flavone tetramer were isolated from the leaves of Aristolochia ridicula, together with proto-quercitol. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods.

Dihydrochalcones from the leaves of Pieris japonica

Six new dihydrochalcones, 3-hydroxyasebotin (5), asebogenin 2'-O-beta-D-ribohexo-3-ulopyranoside (6), 2' '-acetylasebotin (7), 3',4,5'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone 3',5'-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), and pierotins A (9) and B (10), along with four known dihydrochalcones, phloretin (1), phlorizin (2), asebogenin (3), and asebotin (4), were isolated from the leaves of Pieris japonica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including HMQC, HMBC, NOESY, and X-ray crystal diffraction. Compounds 1, 3-5, and 7-10 inhibited the proliferation of murine B cells and compounds 5 and 10 inhibited the proliferation of murine T cells in vitro significantly.