Allelopathy Effect of Wheat Root Aqueous Extracts on Different Vigna angularis Varieties

Objective] This study aimed to investigate the al elopathy effect on the seed germination and seedling growth of different adzuki bean （Vigna angularis） vari-eties in wheat root aqueous extracts. [Method] Culture dish method and pot experi-ment were carried out with the seeds and the seedling of 10 adzuki bean varieties, respectively, and seed germination rate and various indexes of the seedlings were measured. [Result] ① 30 g/L wheat root aqueous extracts very significantly im-proved the germination rate and sprouting index of B1789, Baihong 3, Baohong 947. ② The genotype differences of adzuki bean seedling was presented by the morphological index in wheat root aqueous extracts treatment; among al the mor-phological indexes, Baohong 947, Jinhong 3 presented a positive al elopathic effect, and their plant height, root length and leaf area were extremely significantly in-creased, while the fresh weights of both above-ground and underground parts were increased obviously, compared with the control. ③ According to the synthetical al-lelopathic indices, wheat root aqueous extracts had different degrees of promoting effects on the six adzuki bean varieties： Baohong 947〉Baihong 6〉B1789〉Zunhua-hong〉Jihong〉Jinhong 3〉Baohong 8824-17〉Baihong 3. ④ Treated by wheat root aqueous extract, the SOD activity, POD activity, MDA content, TTC activity and chlorophyl content in the seedlings of adzuki beans of different genotypes changed by a smal er range in al elopathic promotion varieties than in al elopathic inhibition varieties. [Conclusion] The results proved that Baohong 947 is the best summer-planting variety after wheat.

A Rapid and Simple Method for the Detection of Rice Dwarf Virus by Aqueous Extract

Rice dwarf disease caused by rice dwarf virus （RDV） is one of the major rice virus diseases in China,which widely distributes in the rice area of China.A simple and rapid method for detection of RDV in rice plants and Nephotettix cincticeps was investigated in this study,and the whole detection only lasted for 20 min.After diseased leaves of rice （10 mg） and leaves of Nephotettix cincticeps （10 mg） both infected by RDV were ground by sterile water （100 μl）,the supernatant was analyzed by 1% agarose gel electrophoresis to steadily detect five specific electrophoretic bands with 1 000 bp to 5 000 bp.However,there was no electrophoretic band in the healthy rice leaves and aqueous extract of non-viruliferous N.cincticeps.Therefore,this method was more rapid and simple to detect RDV in rice plants and Nephotettix cincticeps,which avoided expensive reagents and tedious steps of conventional serological testing and molecular detection （RT-PCR and Western-blot）.

Allelopathic Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Different Tissues and Rhizosphere Root of Adzuki Bean on Growth of Wheat Seedlings

Seedlings of wheat were used as receptor plants to study the allelopathic effects of Adzuki Bean aqueous extracts from different organs and rhizosphere soil at different concentrations （0, 10, 40 and 160 g/L） using sand culture of pot method. The results indicated that root aqueous extract of adzuki bean presented promotion effects at low concentrations and inhibition effects at the high concentra- tion on the growth of height and young leaf length of wheat seedlings, but inhibition effects at low concentrations and promotion effects at the high concentration on the growth of root length, the number of lateral roots and dry weigh of underground part of wheat seedlings. With the concentrations of rhizosphere soil, root, stem and leaf aqueous extracts of adzuki bean increasing, their inhibitory allelopathic effects on the growth of height and young leaf of wheat seedlings increased; the physiological parameters of wheat seedlings studied at the low concentrations of aqueous extracts, indicated that root and rhizosphere soil aqueous extracts of adzuki bean improved the activities of hyperoxid dismutase （SOD） and peroxide enzyme（POD）, but reduced the contents of chlorophyll and malonaldehyde （MDA）; the physiological parameters of wheat seedlings studied at the high concentration of aqueous extracts indicated that the leaf aqueous extract of adzuki bean inhibited root vigor, and reduced the contents of Chlorophyll and MDA, but it was found that the aqueous extract significantly improved the activities of SOD and POD; and as to the synthetic allelopathic effect （SE）, the allelopathic effects of different tissues and rhizosphere soil of adzuki bean on wheat seedlings were in order of leaf〉stem〉soil〉root.

Antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of Punica granatum peel aqueous extract in a murine model of echinococcosis

Objective: To investigate the effect of pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PGE) on the development of secondary experimental echinococcosis and on the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, and the immunomodulatory properties of PGE. Methods: Swiss mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscoleces. Then, PGE was orally administered daily during cystic echinococcosis development. Cyst development and hepatic damage were macroscopically and histologically analyzed. The production of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha was assessed in plasma and the hepatic expression of iNOS, TNF-alpha, NF-kappa B and CD68 was examined. Moreover, protoscoleces were cultured and treated with different concentrations of PGE. Results: It was observed that in vitro treatment of protoscoleces caused a significant decrease in viability in a PGE-dose-dependent manner. In vivo, after treatment of cystic echinococcosis infected mice with PGE, a significant decrease in nitric oxide levels (P<0.000 1) and TNF-alpha levels (P<0.001) was observed. This decline was strongly related to the inhibition of cyst development (rate of hydatid cyst growth inhibition=63.08%) and a decrease in CD68 expression in both the pericystic layer of hepatic hydatid cysts and liver tissue (P<0.000 1). A significant diminution of iNOS, TNF-alpha and NF-kappa B expression was also observed in liver tissue of treated mice (P<0.000 I). Conclusions: Our results indicate an antihydatic scolicidal effect and immunomodulatory properties of PGE, suggesting its potential therapeutic role against Echinococcus granulosus infection.

Mori fructus aqueous extracts attenuates liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway

Background Liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinogenesis secondary to liver fibrosis are serious liver diseases with no effective treatments.Mori fructus aqueous extracts(MFAEs)have served as successful treatments for many types of liver injury including fibrosis although the molecular mechanisms are unknown at present.Purpose To investigate the effect of MFAEs in alleviating acute and chronic liver injury and tried to decipher the underlying mechanism.Methods and results Mice were divided into 5 groups(n ps:contro=8)for acute(groups:control,0.3%CCl_(4),bifendate(BD),100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs,7 d)and chronic(groul,10%CCl_(4),BD,100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs,4 weeks)liver injury study.Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 10μL/g corn oil containing CCl_(4)expect the control group.HepG2 cells were used in vitro study.Eighteen communal components were identified by UPLC-LTQOrbitrap-MS.We utilized a mouse model for acute and chronic liver injury using CCl_(4)and MFAEs administration effectively blocked fibrosis and significantly inhibited inflammation in the liver.MFAEs activated the nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 like 2/heme oxygenase 1(Nrf2/HO-1)pathway and promoted the synthesis of the antioxidants glutathione(GSH),superoxidedismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)that resulted in reduced levels of CCl_(4)-induced oxidative stress molecules including reactive oxygen species.These extracts administered to mice also inhibited ferroptosis in the liver by regulating the expression of Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),thus reducing the occurrence of liver fibrosis.Both in vivo and in vitro tests indicated that the mechanism of MFAEs protection against liver fibrosis was linked to activation of Nrf2 signaling.These effects were blocked in vitro by the addition of a specific Nrf2 inhibitor.Conclusion MFAEs inhibited oxidative stress,ferroptosis and inflammation of the liver by activating Nrf2 signal pathway and provided a significant protective effect against CCl_(4)-induced liver fibrosis.

Chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract of Phellodendron amurense

The aqueous extract of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. （Amur Cork Tree） provides a rich source of antioxidants and chemical compounds, and can be used for food and wood preservative materials. In this study, we characterized the chemical composition of this extract by GC and GC/MS. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using a variety of antioxidant assays （superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical, and DPPH radical scavenging activity）. Additionally, total polyphenolic content was determined. Phenolic acids and acetone derivatives were major compounds of the extract capable of scavenging the DPPH free radical and reducing ferric ions. DPPH and ferric ion reduction results were strongly correlated with total phenolic content of the extract which also exhibited strong nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities.

Allelopathic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Torreya fargesii Aril on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Radish, Mustard and Cabbage

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the allelopathic effects of Torreya fargesii aril. [Method] By indoor bioassay, the effects of different con-centrations （10, 20,40, 80 g/L） of aqueous extract of T. fargesii aril on seed germination rate, seedling root length, seedling height, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde （MDA） content and anti oxidative enzyme activities of radish, mustard and cabbage were analyzed and compared. [ Result] Different concentrations of aqueous extract of T. fargesii aril inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of three crops, and the inhibitory effects were enhanced with the increase of concentration. Seedling height and fresh weight of three crops were improved by low concentrations of aqueous extract of T. fargesii aril and inhibited by high concentrations of aqueous extract. Overall, aqueous extract of T. fargesii aril exhibited allelopathic inhibitory effects on three crops, and the level of allelopath-ic inhibitory effects demonstrated a descending order of radish 〉 mustard 〉 cabbage. Compared with the control group, 80 g/L aqueous extract of T. fargesii aril almost significantly reduced seed germination rate, seedling root length, seedling height, fresh weight and chlorophyll content, and significantly improved MDA con-tent and antioxidative enzyme （SOD, CAT, POD） activities of radish, mustard and cabbage （P 〈 0 .0 5 ） . [ Conclusion] Aqueous extract of T. fargesii aril exhibited remarkable allelopathic inhibitory effects on seed germination of radish, mustard and cabbage, which indicated that there might be dormancy-associated germination in-hibiting allelochemicals in T. fargesii aril. This study provided theoretical basis for subsequent clarification of the mechanism of seed dormancy of T. fargesii.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Plumbago zeylanica L. in the Reversal of DMN-induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rat

[ Objectives ] This study was conducted to evaluate the action of the aqueous extract of a medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica L. in the reversal of dime- thylnitrosamine （DMN） -induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, and to provide a scientific basis for the utilization of P. zeylanica in treatment of hepatic fibrosis. [Meth- ods ] Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of DMN. The rats were then given the aqueous extract of P. zeylanica at high, medium or low concentration by garage for five weeks. Serum level of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） was determined by lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）-release assay, and serum level of aspartate transaminase （AST） was measured by UV-malate dehydrogenase （MDH） assay. Serum levels of total bilirubin （TBIL）, direct bilirubin （DBIL） and indirect bilirubin （1BIL） were measured by vanadate oxidation assay. Four indices of hepatic fibrosis （hyaluronic acid, laminin, procollagen type III and colla- gen type IV） were determined by radioimmunoassay （RIA） assay. Morphological damage of liver tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining （H＆E stai- ning）. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the location and area of deposited collagen type I, collagen type III and ct-smeoth muscle actin （a-SMA） in liver tissue. [ Results] Compared with the negative control （rats with diseased fiver and untreated with P. zeylanica aqueous extract）, the serum lev- els of ALT, AST, TBIL, DBIL and IBIL were significantly decreased by P. zeylanica aqueous extract; the levels of the four serum indices of hepatic fibrosis were also obviously reduced. H＆E staining showed that hepatic fibrosis in rats was obviously inhibited or even reversed by P. zeylanica aqueous extract. Immunohisto- chemical staining proved that the aqueous extract of P. zeylanica significantly reduced the area and coloration of collagen type I, collagen type III and ct-SMA in rat liver. [ Conclusions] The aqueous extract of P. zeylanica has a definite effect in reversal of DMN-indueed hepatic fibrosis in rat by promoting the recovery of liver function, reversal of histopathological changes and reducing fibrotic collagen.

Studies on the Allelopathic Potential of Corn （Zea mays L.） Aqueous Extracts and Root Exudates

This investigation was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry-University of Duhok/Kurdistan-Iraq. Three experiments were included in this investigation： （1） First experiment was a bioassay related to the germination performance, shoot and root development of corn （Zea mays L.） and peanut （Arachishypogaea） at two concentrations of root （3% and 1.5%） and shoot （12% and 6%） aqueous extracts of corn medium; （2） The second experiment dedicated to the intercropping of corn and peanut at four treatments; （3） While the third experiment involved the effect of peanut root exudation on growth of corn. Experiment results revealed that corn shoot and root water extracts highly inhibited seed germination of both corn and peanut, the inhibitory of shoot extract was more than root aqueous extract. While its effect on the seedling growth was vice versa as compared with control treatment, there was an increase in root and shoot length of both corn and peanut when grown in corn aqueous extracts. Intercropping experiment results has stimulated most traits of peanut under studying. Also for corn, there was apparent and significant increase in all characteristics as compared with control. It was further confirmed from the results of peanut root exudates that had all studied characters of corn were stimulated than the control treatment.

Acanthopanax senticosus aqueous extract protects PC12 cells against hypoxic injury

Acanthopanax senticosus aqueous extract, at 10, 5 and 2.5 μg/mL, lessened hypoxia-induced PC12 cell injury. Pretreatment with the extract upregulated Bcl-2 expression, downregulated Bax expression, elevated superoxide dismutase activity, diminished malondialdehyde content, relieved Ca2＋ overloading, and suppressed apoptosis of PC12 cells. These effects were most pronounced at 10 μg/mL. These results suggest that Acanthopanax senticosus aqueous extract protects PC12 cells from hypoxia-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner.

Dietary oregano aqueous extract improves growth performance and intestinal health of broilers through modulating gut microbial compositions

Background Intestinal health plays a pivotal role in broiler chicken growth.Oregano aqueous extract(OAE)effec-tively exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.However,the protective effects of OAE on intestinal health in broilers and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of OAE on growth performance,the gut microbiota and intestinal health.A total of 8401-d-old male and female broilers(Arbor Acres)were randomly allocated into 6 groups as follows:basal diet(Con),Con+antibiotics(Anti,colistin sulfate 7 g/kg,roxarsone 35 g/kg),Con+400,500,600 and 700 mg/kg OAE(OAE400,OAE500,OAE600 and OAE700).Subse-quently,fermentation in vitro together with oral administration trials were carried out to further assess the function of OAE on intestinal health of broilers.Results Dietary 700 mg/kg OAE supplementation resulted in an increase(P<0.05)in body weight and a decrease(P<0.05)in feed conversion ratio when compared with the control during d 22 to 42 of the trial.OAE addition resulted in lower(P<0.05)jejunal crypt depth and mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10 at d 42.In addition,dietary OAE addition increased the abundance of Firmicutes(P=0.087)and Lactobacillus(P<0.05)in the cecum,and increased(P<0.05)the content of acetic acid and butyric acid.In the in vitro fermentation test,OAE significantly increased(P<0.05)the abundance of Lactobacillus,decreased(P<0.05)the abundance of unspecified_Enterobacteriaceae,and increased the content of acetic acid(P<0.05).In the oral administration trial,higher(P<0.05)IL-4 expression was found in broilers when oral inoculation with oregano fermentation microorganisms at d 42.And SIgA content in the ileum was significantly increased(P=0.073)when giving OAE fermentation supernatant.Conclusions Dietary OAE addition could maintain intestinal health and improve growth performance through enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity and barrier function mediated by gut microbiota changes.

Enzymatic Aqueous Extraction of Soybean Oil

The procedure of enzymatic aqueous extraction of soybean oil was assessed when two-step controlled enzymatic hydrolysis was applied. With aqueous extraction of soybean oil-containing protein, the highest yield of oil was 96.1% at the optimized conditions studied. Soybean oil-containing protein was hydrolyzed and resulted in releasing part of oil. The separated protein that contained 40% oil was enriched due to its adsorption capacity of released oil, the average oil extraction yeild reached 93.5%. Then the high oil content protein was hydrolyzed again to release oil by enzyme, the oil extraction yeild was 80.4%. As a result, high quality of soybean oil was obtained and the content of total oil yield was 74.4%.

Allelopathic Effect of Adzuki Bean Root Aqueous Extracts on Four Crops

For choosing suitable summer-planting adzuki bean crop, this experiment adopted the method of indoor petri dish bioassay to study the allelopathy effect of adzuki bean, radish, cabbage and wheat under different concentrations of adzuki bean root aqueous extracts. The result showed that the adzuki bean had a strong inhibition towards its germination rate and germination index. With the increasing concentration of the adzuki bean root aqueous extract, the seed germination rate and germination index of the three kinds of receptor crops presented a decreasing trend. From the root length, spire length, the number of lateral roots, plant height, fresh mass and other morphological indexes of seedlings, it was concluded that with the increase of concentration of adzuki bean root aqueous extract, only wheat pre- sented a promotion effect while the other two kinds of receptor crops showed an inhibition effect, which were not significant at low concentrations. With the increase of concentration of adzuki bean root extracts, the SOD and POD activities of radish and wheat also increased, while the two kinds of enzyme activities of cabbage showed a decreasing trend. The MDA contents in seedlings of radish and wheat decreased, while the MDA content in cabbage increased significantly, which showed that wheat could be used as a rotation crop of adzuki bean, and radish also had a great application potential in adzuki bean crop rotation.

The anti-cancer effect of Huaier aqueous extract with rh-Endostatin and DDP

Objective: The aim of our study was to explore the inhibition and apoptosis-inducing effect of the combination of Huaier aqueous extract with recombinant human Endostatin and DDP in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. We also investigated the reversal effect of Huaier aqueous extract in reversing cisplatin resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells. Methods: We treated A549 cells with Huaier aqueous extract and the combination of Huaier aqueous extract and DDP or rh-Endostatin for 24 h, 36 h and 48 h. And then we calculated the inhibition rate through MTT approach and detected the apoptosis rate by flow cytometry. We also treated A549 and A549/DDP cells with DDP, Huaier aqueous extract, DDP and Huaier aqueous extract for 72 h, respectively. Results: Huaier aqueous extract can inhibit the growth of A549 cells and the inhibition rate improved with the increase of the concentration. The inhibition rate of the combination of rh-Endostatin and 4 mg/mL of Huaier aqueous extract in three time points and the combination of rh-Endostatin and 2 mg/mL of Huaier aqueous extract in the time point of 48 h on the growth of A549 cells all improved(P < 0.005). The inhibition rate of the combination of DDP and Huaier aqueous extract with the concentration of 2 mg/mL or 4 mg/mL on the growth of A549 cells all improved(P < 0.005). The combination of Huaier aqueous extract and DDP and the combination of Huaier aqueous extract with rh-Endostatin and DDP can improve the inhibition on the growth of A549 cells(P < 0.005). Conclusion: Huaier aqueous extract has the inhibition and apoptosis-inducing effects on the A549 cells. And the combination of Huaier aqueous extract and rh-Endostatin or DDP has the synergistic effects on the inhibition of A549 cells. The combination of Huaier aqueous extract with rh-Endostatin and DDP has the synergistic effects on the inhibition of A549 cells. Huaier aqueous extract can reverse the cisplatin resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells.

Allelopathic Potential of Cucumber Tissues Aqueous Extracts

[Objective]The aim of this study was to explore allelopathic effects of the water-extracted crude of cucumber plant parts on seed germination and seedling growth of lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.),cabbage(Brassica pekinensis L.),radish(Raphanus sativus L.) and scallion(Allium fistulosum L.).[Method]The allelopathic effects of different cucumber tissues aqueous extracts were investigated on lettuce,cabbage,radish and scallion using the water-soluble allelopathic principle by seedling bioassay tests.[Result]The trends of inhibitory effects of different cucumber parts increased with increasing extract concentrations.The inhibition effects and the inhibition rate of three aqueous extracts were more significant on root growth than shoot length.Leaf aqueous extracts represented the most exhibited and root aqueous extracts representing the least inhibitory on seed germination,shoot length and root length of lettuce,cabbage,radish and scallion.[Conclusion]This study had provided basis for allelopathic character of different cucumber plant parts.

Stability Studies on the Aqueous Extract of the Fresh Leaves of Combretum Micranthum G. Don Used as Antibacterial Agent

The fresh leaves of Combretum micranthum were harvested during the rainy season in Akwa Ibom State, washed and subjected to extraction by maceration in distilled water. Concentration was done with a rotary evaporator. The extracts were tested for content of the following phytochemicals using standard methods： alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. Antibacterial sensitivity test of the extract was carried out on S. aureus, B. subtilis and E. coli using agar well diffusion method and Ampiclox as control. The effect of storage time of the extract on its antibacterial activity was determined after the extract was kept at room temperature for 1 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. Preparations of 200 mg/mL of the aqueous extract were made with additives as follows： （a） no additive; （b） methyl paraben （0.3%）; （c） propyl paraben （0.3%）; （d） sodium metabisulfite （0.01%）; （e） A combination of methyl paraben （0.3%） and propyl paraben （0.3%）; （f） A combination of methyl paraben （0.3%）, propyl paraben （0.3%） and sodium metabisulfite （0.01%）. A visual observation of the stabilized preparations was employed on daily basis for 30 days. Phytochemical analyses on the aqueous extract of the fresh leaves showed the absence of alkaloids, anthraquinones and flavonoids. Saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids were present in moderate amounts and there was abundance of tannins. The extract had similar effect on both S. aureus and E. coli cultures but activity was very low with B. subtilis. When S. aureus activity increased with time of storage up to 48 hours, thereafter the activity started reducing. However, the activity of E. coli continued to increase with time （within the study period）. Thus, it appears reasonable to store the extract for at least 48 hours before the use for enhanced activity.

Experimental Study on Content of Aqueous Extract and Total Flavonoids in Different Parts of Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus 1

[Objectives]To study the differences in the content of aqueous extract and total flavonoids in different parts of Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus 1,and provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization of O. japonicus resources. [Methods] According to Volume I of 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia,and with reference to literature methods,taking water as extraction solvent,hot dip method was used to determine the content of aqueous extract; taking ethanol as extraction solvent,the content of total flavonoids was determined using hot dip method,Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry. [Results]The content of aqueous extract and total flavonoids in the root tubers of Sichuan O. japonicus1 was higher than that of traditional O. japonicas; the content of aqueous extract in the root tubers of Sichuan O. japonicus 1 was higher than that in the leaves of Sichuan O. japonicus 1; the content of total flavonoids in leaves of Sichuan O. japonicus 1 was higher than that in the root tubers; the content of aqueous extract and total flavonoids in Sichuan O. japonicus 1 in the second year was higher than that in the first year.[Conclusions]The quality of new cultivar of Sichuan O. japonicas 1 was significantly higher than the traditional O. japonicus. Nowadays,the main part of drug use in O. japonicas is root,but as to the content of total flavonoids,fibrous roots and leaves are more dominant,it is feasible to develop and utilize the resources of flavonoids in the fibrous roots and leaves. The content of aqueous extract and total flavonoids from the second year O. japonicus was higher than that in the first year O. japonicus,but its increased amount did not meet the requirements of economic benefits.

Study on the Effect of Aqueous Extract of Houttuynia cordata on Serum TNF-αand IL-6 Content in Mice Infected with Five Common Pathogenic Bacteria

[Objectives]To observe the effect of aqueous extract of Houttuynia cordata on the content of serum TNF-αand IL-6 in mice with abdominal infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae,so as to investigate the antibacterial effect of aqueous extract of Houttuynia cordata in vivo.[Methods]A total of 72 KM mice were randomly divided into six groups:model group,blank group,cefdinir dispersible tablet group(0.25 g/kg),high,medium and low dose groups of aqueous extract of Houttuynia cordata(40,20,10 g/kg crude drug).There were 12 mice in each group,half male and half female,continuously given intragastric administration for three days,once a day.The blank group and the model group were intragastrically infused with normal saline,and the other groups were given corresponding drugs with a volume of 0.02 mL/g.After 30 min of administration on the third day,the mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL of bacterial suspension to make bacterial infection.The mice in the blank group were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of normal saline,followed by intragastric administration 6 h after intraperitoneal injection and intragastric administration again after 24 h.The mice were observed for three days,and the changes of body weight before and after infection were recorded.On the fourth day of infection,eyeball blood was taken,serum was separated,and the concentration of inflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-6 in serum was determined.[Results]Compared with the model group,the high,medium and low dose groups of H.cordata aqueous extract had protective effects on mice with abdominal infection caused by S.aureus,E.coli,P.aeruginosa,P.vulgaris and K.pneumoniae,and decreased the content of TNF-αand IL-6 in serum.[Conclusions]The aqueous extract of H.cordata had a certain antibacterial effect on acute abdominal infection caused by S.aureus,E.coli,P.aeruginosa,P.vulgaris and K.pneumoniae,and its mechanism was related to TNF-αand IL-6.

Study on the Anti-aging Efficacy of the Active Ingredients in Aqueous Extract of Ganoderma lucidum

[ Objective ] The research aimed to develop anti-aging masks with aqueous extracts of Ganoderma lucidum and to study the clinical efficacy on the delaying of skin aging. [Method] The anti-aging efficacy of the aqueous extract of C.anoderrna luciclum was evaluated by sensory evaluation, safety evaluation, instrumental measurements, etc. [ Result] The results of sensory evaluation showed that after continuous application of the test materials for 12 weeks, the skin dryness, elasticity, surface sheen, fine wrinkles and smoothness were well improved, and the improvement rates were 9l. 17%, 91.17% , 94.12% , 11.76% and 91.18% , respectively. The measurement results by specialized instrument showed that the skin hydration on the target site increased continuously with the prolonging of the using time. Significant differences existed between each time point after using the products and the time before using. There was no signiScant difference existed in elasticity index 112 and R5 compared with before using. [Result] Clinical data showed that the active ingredients in aqueous extract of Ganoderma lucidum had a certain effect on the delaying of skin aging.

Leaves Aqueous Extract of <i>Boerhavia coccinea</i>Induces Antinociceptive Effect but Increases Nitric Oxide Production in Macrophages

Pain treatment is one of the most challenging situations of the modern medicine. To overcome the actual limitations, new strategies should be developed and phytotherapy represents a promising alternative. Boerhavia coccinea is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of pain. The present work was undertaken to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of crude aqueous extract of the leaves of Boerhavia coccinea (AE) on acute pain and examine its mechanism of action. The analgesic effect of AE was evaluated at doses 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg using the formalin-induced nociception in mice. The specific analgesic effect of AE was verified by testing its effect of AE on the sleep induced by diazepam. The anti-inflammatory effects of AE were also tested in vivo (100 and 200 mg/kg) on CFA-induced inflammation and in vitro (1 to 300 μg/ml) on the production of NO by non-activated or activated (LPS, 1 μg/l) macrophages. The effect of AE in non-stimulated macrophages was evaluated in absence and in presence of L-NAME (100 μg/ml) or dexathetasone (30 μg/ml). AE administered orally significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin pain with a maximum inhibition percentage of 81% at the 1st phase and 90% at the 2nd phase, but did not show any anti-inflammatory effect. AE at 50 mg/kg increased the latency to sleep and reduced sleep duration. AE drastically (p < 0.001) increased the NO production by non-activated or activated macrophages by up to 5654%. L-NAME and dexamethasone potentiated the activation effect of AE on NO production. In conclusion, AE possess potent antinociceptive effect that is not related to any anti-inflammatory activity. Instead, this extract increases the nitric oxide production by an unknown mechanism.