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.

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.

Hypotensive Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) Leaves in Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

Plant of Bambusa vulgaris is used in traditional medicine practice for the management of many pathologies including hypertension. The effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Bambusa vulgaris on blood pressure was evaluated in normotensive male rabbits. Blood pressure was measured by the invasive method. Thus, aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves had been injected intravenously at doses ranging from 1 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg in rabbits anesthetized with thiopental. The effects of this extract on blood pressure were also evaluated in rabbits having previously received different doses of atropine. The aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves induced a dose-dependent hypotension which is not canceled in the presence of atropine. The results obtained show that the extract has blood pressure lowering effect which may be mediated by muscarinic-type cholinergic receptors.

Effect of Tetracera potatoria Aqueous Extract on Mellitus Diabetes and Its Complication Preventions in Wistar Rats

Background: Diabetes is becoming a serious public health issue with expensive treatment that is less accessible to all patients in least developing countries. The traditional African pharmacopoeia offers accessible and lower cost alternative to diabetics’ treatments. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Tetracera potatoria, on diabetes and the prevention of its complications in Wistar rats. In order to evaluate respectively the hypoglycaemic, anti-hyperglycaemic and antidiabetic activities. Methods: an aqueous extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was tested on normal rats and orally hyperglycaemic challenged rats by 10% glucose (3 g/kg), to induce diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan at 50 mg/kg. The glycaemia monitoring, and the determination of biological parameters were accessed through ASAT, ALAT, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin tests. Results: The aqueous extract at related doses administered to diabetic rats has significantly reduced the mean blood glucose levels in all diabetic rats at 55.56%, 63.34% and 62.38% compared to healthy control batches in the three batches treated. These doses improved the change in body weight compared to the healthy control group. There was an increase of 110.9%, 107.67% and 109.31% respectively after four weeks of treatment compared to the initial weight of the rats. The significant increase (p Conclusions: These results showed hypoglycaemic and antihy-perglycaemic, antidiabetic effects, preventing the installation of some diabetes related complications. The phytochemical parameters of the extract showed chemical compounds which would act the reduction of the putative diabetes and its complications. These indicators show the importance of medicinal plants on diabetes treatment.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extracts of the Leaves of Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae)

Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae) is a woody plant with multiple medicinal claimed effects. The present study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the decoction and macerate extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Moreover, acute toxicity and phytochemical analysis were performed. The acute toxicity was evaluated on NMRI mice at 2000 mg/kg bw. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema and the lipoxygenase inhibition assay. The radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assays were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Qualitative and quantitative methods served for identifying and quantifying the extract’s phytoconstituents. The decoction demonstrated low acute toxicity;the lethal dose was therefore estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg bw. The extracts significantly reduced the mouse paw’s thickness at 600 mg/kg bw. The extracts developed weak radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. However, the macerate showed a high ability (664.90 ± 0.71 mol Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g dry extract) to reduce the ferric ions. Saponins, sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids were qualitatively detected in the two extracts. Total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) were found abundant in the extracts, especially the decoction (TP content (TPC) = 94.03 ± 2.66 mg GAE/g;TF content (TFC) = 35.05 ± 0.32 mg QE/g). Strong positive correlations existed between ferric-reducing capacity and TPC (r = 0.959) for the macerate, while TFC was mainly involved in the DPPH radical scavenging of the two extracts. Instead, most correlations were negative between the polyphenol compounds and the anti-inflammatory assays. The results indicate potent in vivo anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant effects of the aqueous extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Further studies are needed to find the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects mechanism.

Effects of Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Griffonia simplicifolia (Fabaceae) on the Inhibition of Falciformation of Human Hb SS Erythrocytes

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and transportation of red blood cells (RBCs) in blood vessels, leading to various clinical complications. Sickle cell disease is a widespread genetic disease in Black Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sickling inhibition activity of Griffonia simplicifolia. Quantitative and qualitative tests were used to determine the major groups of secondary metabolites present in the Griffonia simplicifolia leaves extracts and the modified Emmel test was used to perform the study of sickling inhibition activity. The OECD 423 toxicity study showed that at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg bw, Griffonia simplicifolia leaves extracts are not toxic. All tested substances inhibit erythrocyte falciformation in a dose-dependent manner. The percentages of inhibition were 50.35%, 73% and 94.23% for aqueous extract, hydromethanolic extract and phenylalanine respectively at the concentration of 15 mg/mL. The methanolic extract (70%) had higher activity compared to the aqueous extract. These results suggest that the Griffonia simplicifolia extracts have some potential to be used as alternative antisickling therapy in SCD management.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.