Total flavonoids of Astragalus membranaceus protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis through SLC7A11/GPX-4 signaling pathway

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of total flavonoids extracted from A.membranaceus(TFA)and their protective mechanisms.TFA offered neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)in the mouse model of Parkinsonism,by improving behavior performance in the gait analysis and pole test,and inhibiting the decline of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons and TH protein expression in substantia nigra of mice.TFA also prevented 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+)induced neurotoxicity in SHSY5Y cells,by increasing GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio,and reducing reactive oxygen species.In addition,the neuroprotective effects of TFA were associated with its ability to restore MPTP/MPP+induced downregulation of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4).In conclusion,we demonstrated that TFA exerted significant neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP+induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis through the regulation of SLC7A11/GPX-4 axis,suggesting the use of TFA as a possible food supplement in the prevention of PD.

Extraction of Astragalus Polysaccharides and Ganoderma lucidum Mycelia Polysaccharides and Their in Vitro Antioxidative Effects

[Objectives]To explore the extraction and in vitro antioxidant effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)and Ganoderma lucidum mycelia polysaccharides(GLMPS).[Methods]By studying the polysaccharides of the herbal medicinal material Astragalus membranaceus and the fungal medicinal material Ganoderma lucidum mycelia,two polysaccharides were mixed according to different proportions and concentrations by using the principle of traditional Chinese medicine compound combination.The effect of polysaccharides on the scavenging ability of hydroxyl radical system was determined by salicylic acid method.[Results]When the compound ratios of GLMPS and APS were 1∶1,1∶4,1∶5,4∶1,and 5∶1,the scavenging effect of compound polysaccharides was better than that of single-component polysaccharides,and with the increase of concentration,the scavenging effect increased.When the ratio of GLMPS and APS was 5∶1,the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of the compound polysaccharide reached 59.77%,which was 18.72%higher than that of single GLMPS and 28.58%higher than that of single APS.The scavenging effect of compound polysaccharide is closely related to the compound ratio and concentration.[Conclusions]APS and GLMPS can obtain better hydroxyl radical scavenging ability than single-component polysaccharides through compounding in appropriate proportions.In addition,within a suitable concentration range,as the concentration increases,the scavenging ability also increases.

Astragalus adscendens extract shows antidiabetic effects through controlling oxidative stress,inflammation and apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective:To assess the effect of oral treatment of methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Astragalus adscendens in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Methods:In order to induce diabetes,rats intraperitoneally received streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg.Sixty adult male Wistar rats were allocated into six groups(10 rats per each)including the healthy control group,the diabetic group as well as the diabetic group treated with Astragalus adscendens methanolic extract at 50,100,and 200 mg/kg per day or glibenclamide(0.6 mg/kg/day)for 28 d.The effects of Astragalus adscendens methanolic extract on the levels of glucose,insulin,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,aspartate aminotransferase,bilirubin,creatinine,urea,uric acid,total protein,albumin,triglyceride,cholesterol,α-amylase,oxidant/antioxidant enzymes,and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated.Real time-PCR was also used for measuring the gene expression of caspase-3,Bcl2,and Bax.Results:The levels of glucose,cholesterol,triglyceride,creatinine,urea,uric acid,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,bilirubin,and malondialdehyde considerably declined(P<0.001)in diabetic rats after treatment with Astragalus adscendens methanolic extract especially at a dose of 200 mg/kg.In addition,treatment with Astragalus adscendens methanolic extract noticeably increased the level of insulin,total protein,and albumin as well as improved the activities of catalase,glutathione peroxidase,and superoxide dismutase,as well as the expression levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,caspase-3,Bcl2 and Bax(P<0.001)compared to the diabetic control group.The extract also inhibitedα-amylase in a dose-dependent manner with an IC_(50)value of 19.6μg/mL.Conclusions:Astragalus adscendens methanolic extract shows potent antidiabetic,anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and antioxidant effects in diabetic rats.However,more studies are needed to verify the underlying mechanism of the effect of this plant extract and test its efficacy in clinical trials.

Green synthesis,characterization,acaricidal,larvacidal,and repellent activities of copper nanoparticles of Astragalus sinicus against Hyalomma anatolicum

Objective:To green synthesize and characterize copper nanoparticles(Cu NPs)using Astragalus sinicus,as well as evaluate the acaricidal,larvacidal,and repellent activities of Cu NPs against Hyalomma anatolicum(H.anatolicum),one of the most prevalent ticks infesting cattle in Saudi Arabia.Methods:Cu NPs were green synthesized by adding the Astragalus sinicus extract to a copper sulfate solution.The acaricidal,larvicidal,and repellent activities of Cu NPs against H.anatolicum were assessed via the adult immersion test,the larval packet test,and the vertical movement behavior of tick larvae,respectively.The effects of Cu NPs on acetylcholinesterase as well as oxidative enzyme activities were examined.Results:The green synthesized Cu NPs displayed a spherical form with a size range of 15-75 nm.After exposure of adult H.anatolicum to different concentrations of Cu NPs,the viability rate of adult H.anatolicum and the mean number,weight,and hatchability of eggs were noticeably reduced,in comparison to the control group(P<0.001).In addition,the viability rate of larvae considerably declined(P<0.001)with the LC_(50)and LC_(90)values of 11.30 and 20.34μg/m L,respectively.The maximum repellent activity of Cu NPs was observed at 50,100,and 200μg/m L with complete repellent activity after 60,120,and 180 min of exposure,respectively.Cu NPs,mainly at 1/2 LC_(50)and LC_(50)concentrations,markedly suppressed the acetylcholinesterase activity of the larval stage of H.anatolicum(P<0.001).Moreover,Cu NPs,mainly at LC_(50)dose,significantly elevated malondialdehyde level while declining glutathione-S-transferase level in H.anatolicum larvae(P<0.001).Conclusions:Cu NPs show potent acaricidal,larvicidal,and repellent activities against adults and larvae of H.anatolicum.However,further studies must be performed to clarify the precise mechanisms and the efficacy of Cu NPs in practical use.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on Energy Metabolism and Expression of CNTF Protein in Skeletal Muscle of Exercise-induced Fatigue Rats

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus in different groups on energy metabolism and CNTF protein expression in skeletal muscle of exercise-induced fatigue rats.[Methods]Thirty-five clean male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group,and low-,meddle-and high-dose groups of A.membranaceus aqueous solution,with 7 rats in each group.The low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups were given by gavage at 0.65,1.3 and 2.6 g/kg,respectively,while the normal group and the model group were given normal food and water.The weight of rats was observed.The contents of serum urea,lactate,muscle glycogen,liver glycogen and CNTF expression were detected.[Results]After modeling,compared with the normal group,the serum lactate and urea contents of rats in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),while the muscle glycogen content(P<0.01)and liver glycogen content(P<0.05)of the skeletal muscle significantly decreased.Compared with the model group,the low-,meddle-and high-dose groups of A.membranaceus significantly reduced the levels of lactate and urea in serum(P<0.01),while the levels of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen in the skeletal muscle significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).[Conclusions]This study provides a good research foundation for the treatment of exercise-induced fatigue using traditional Chinese herb A.membranaceus in modern clinical practice.

Mechanism prediction of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Angelica sinensis Diels in treating interstitial lung disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To investigate the mechanism by which Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM),and Angelica sinensis Diels(AS)act in interstitial lung disease(ILD)based on computational prediction.Methods:We screened the ingredients of AM and AS in PubMed,the Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)Databases,etc.Then obtained the potential effective components.By sharing the same molecular with ILD,we got the possible target genes for ILD treatment and constructed components–targets–disease network with Cytoscape software.The CTD(Comparative Toxicogenomics Database)database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these target genes.Results:59 active ingredients that can be druggable were chosen from AM,67 active ingredients were chosen from AS.77 overlapping target genes for AM and ILD and 36 overlapping target genes for AS and ILD were acquired.The hub targets of AM were PTGS2,PTGS1,CDK2,MAOA,ESR1,TOP2A,GSK3B,ESR2,PPARG,NOS2,The hub targets of AS were PTGS2,GABRA1,PTGS1,CHRM1,SLC6A2,ADRA1B,ADRAIA,ADRB2,CHRM3,GABRA2,CHRM2.Quercetin,kaempferol,daidzein,pavilion,7-Hydroxycoumarin,and 5-Hydroxycoumarin were the main active ingredients which have more effective targets.Prediction of the protein-protein interaction network showed PTGS2,GSK3B,PPARG,etc.,were the important predicted targets.The enriched KEGG pathways,including the Immune System,Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins,Cytokine Signaling in the Immune system,Generic Transcription Pathway,The interleukin pathway,Metabolism of proteins,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Metabolic pathways,Innate Immune System,Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,Metabolism,GPCR downstream signaling,Amine ligand-binding receptors,Class A/1,Calcium signaling pathway.Molecular docking showed that quercetin,kaempferol,daidzein,pavilion,7-Hydroxycoumarin,5-Hydroxycoumarin had good binding activities with PTGS2 and GSK3B,which mainly mediated PI3K/Akt and other important signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of ILD.Conclusion:The components in AS and AM share some common targets,such as PTGS2.AM and AS may ameliorate ILD through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway which is mediated by GSK3B.PTGS2,PPARG may also be vital target genes in the treatment of ILD with AM and AS.

利用ISSR分析紫云英(Astragalus sinicus L.)品种遗传多样性（英文）

株系紫云英品种的 DNA为模板进行PCR 扩增，筛选出40条扩增条带较好的 ISSR引物，其中有10个引物扩增出的条带多态性较好，从500~3000 bp共扩出684个条带，平均多态率59.2%，表明供试的紫云英品种资源的遗传多样性相依程度较高。采用 NTSYS 2.1软件分析，22个紫云英品种间的相似性系数界于0.63~0.95。 UPGMA法聚类将22个紫云英品种分为4类，研究表明 ISSR分子标记方法可较好的应用于紫云英品种遗传多样性分析上，并为紫云英品种间的鉴定分类提供了分子水平的依据。

沙打旺(Astragalus adsurgens Pall cv.)单细胞培养再生植株

切取沙打旺无菌苗下胚轴接入固体M5培养基(MS+0.2 mg/1生物素+1 mg/1泛酸钙+1 mg/1 2,4-D+0.7 mg/1 BA+0.2 mg/l NAA)上形成愈伤组织,选用褐绿相间的愈伤组织放入液体CM2培养基(M5+1.3 g/l“1640”)中振荡暗培养。每隔15天换一次液,经过4次换液,用400目网过滤得到大量单细胞。取出单细胞进行双层静止暗培养,每隔7—10天加一次液,一个半月形成小块愈伤组织。然后转入固体M5培养基中增殖,20天形成大块愈伤组织,再转入分化培养基MF2(M5去掉2,4-D)中,一个月左右分化出苗,将苗转入生根培养基,长成完整植株。

重离子及电子辐照沙打旺(Astragalus Adsurgens Pall)干种子的辐射生物学效应

本文采用80MeV/u12C6+和50keV的电子辐照沙打旺干种子,研究沙打旺干种子不同注量的辐照生物学效应,检测其生理生化指标。结果表明:无论是碳离子辐照还是电子辐照,发芽势都随注量的增加先升高后降低,发芽率都随注量增加逐渐降低。其次,碳离子辐照样品,其超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性变化随注量增加先升高后降低,即存在一个峰值,过氧化氢酶(CAT)在高于5×106ions/cm2注量的离子辐照中其活性基本不发生变化;不同注量的电子辐照,样品的CAT、SOD、GSH-Px活性都是先升高后降低。第三,无论是碳离子辐照还是电子辐照样品的谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量变化不显著,与注量的变化没有明显的相关性。总而言之,本工作发现碳离子及电子辐照样品,其多个生理生化指标均随注量的增加呈先升高后降低的趋势,但GSH变化对碳离子或电子辐照都不敏感。

细叶黄芪(Astragalus tenuis)单细胞培养高频率再生植株

本研究建立了一套适合于细叶黄芪单细胞悬浮培养的良好系统.在该培养系统中,细叶黄芪单细胞高频率地再生了完整植株.由细叶黄芪种子无菌苗茎段诱导产生的愈伤组织建立了细胞悬浮系.从悬浮系分离的单细胞悬浮培养2～3天开始分裂,35天形成大量的小愈伤组织.小愈伤组织继续悬浮培养即可不断地分化出大量幼芽.愈伤组织在固体分化培养基上的分化率为100％.目前已获得了大量的再生植株.本文还就2,4—D对细叶黄芪和细胞培养的影响进行了讨论.

Mechanism prediction of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Angelica sinensis Diels in treating interstitial lung disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To investigate the mechanism by which Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM),and Angelica sinensis Diels(AS)act in interstitial lung disease(ILD)based on computational prediction.Methods:We screened the ingredients of AM and AS in PubMed,the Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)Databases,etc.Then obtained the potential effective components.By sharing the same molecular with ILD,we got the possible target genes for ILD treatment and constructed components–targets–disease network with Cytoscape software.The CTD(Comparative Toxicogenomics Database)database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these target genes.Results:59 active ingredients that can be druggable were chosen from AM,67 active ingredients were chosen from AS.77 overlapping target genes for AM and ILD and 36 overlapping target genes for AS and ILD were acquired.The hub targets of AM were PTGS2,PTGS1,CDK2,MAOA,ESR1,TOP2A,GSK3B,ESR2,PPARG,NOS2,The hub targets of AS were PTGS2,GABRA1,PTGS1,CHRM1,SLC6A2,ADRA1B,ADRAIA,ADRB2,CHRM3,GABRA2,CHRM2.Quercetin,kaempferol,daidzein,pavilion,7-Hydroxycoumarin,and 5-Hydroxycoumarin were the main active ingredients which have more effective targets.Prediction of the protein-protein interaction network showed PTGS2,GSK3B,PPARG,etc.,were the important predicted targets.The enriched KEGG pathways,including the Immune System,Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins,Cytokine Signaling in the Immune system,Generic Transcription Pathway,The interleukin pathway,Metabolism of proteins,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Metabolic pathways,Innate Immune System,Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,Metabolism,GPCR downstream signaling,Amine ligand-binding receptors,Class A/1,Calcium signaling pathway.Molecular docking showed that quercetin,kaempferol,daidzein,pavilion,7-Hydroxycoumarin,5-Hydroxycoumarin had good binding activities with PTGS2 and GSK3B,which mainly mediated PI3K/Akt and other important signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of ILD.Conclusion:The components in AS and AM share some common targets,such as PTGS2.AM and AS may ameliorate ILD through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway which is mediated by GSK3B.PTGS2,PPARG may also be vital target genes in the treatment of ILD with AM and AS.

Comparative analysis of twenty-five compounds in different parts of Astragalus membranaceus var.mongholicus and Astragalus membranaceus by UPLC-MS/MS

As a traditional Chinese medicine,the root of Astragalus membranaceus var.mongholicus(AMM)or A.membranaceus(AM)has been widely used in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years.Till now,the flavonoids,phenolic acids and saponins are considered as the main active components contributing to their therapeutic effect in these plants.In order to clarify the distribution and contents of these compounds in different organs of these plants,a rapid and sensitive analytical method for simultaneous determination of 25 active compounds including seven types(i.e.dihydroflavones,isoflavane,isoflavones,flavones,pterocarpans,phenolic acid and saponins)within 10 min was established using ultra-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry(UPLCeMS/MS).Then,the established method was fully validated and successfully applied to the determination of the contents of these analytes in different parts(root,rhizome,stem,leaf and flower)of AMM and AM.The results indicated that the contents of the same type of compounds in two different species plants were significantly different.Moreover,the obvious differences were also found for the distribution and contents of different type of compounds in five organs of the same species.The present study could provide necessary information for the rational development and utilization of AMM and AM resource.

Astragalus polysaccharide attenuates rat experimental colitis by inducing regulatory T cells in intestinal Peyer's patches

AIM: To explore probable mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against experimental colitis.METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Colitis was induced with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS). The rats with colitis were treated with 400 mg/kg of APS for 7 d. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by colonic weight, weight index of the colon, colonic length, and macroscopic and histological scores. The levels of regulatory T(Treg) cells in Peyer's patches were measured by flow cytometry, and cytokines in colonic tissue homogenates were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of related orphan receptor-gt(ROR-gt), IL-23 and STAT-5a was measured by Western blot.RESULTS: After 7-d treatment with APS, the weight index of the colon, colonic weight, macroscopical and histological scores were decreased, while the colonic length was increased compared with the model group. The expression of interleukin(IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 and ROR-gt in the colonic tissues was down-regulated, but Treg cells in Peyer's patches, TGF-β and STAT5 a in the colonic tissues were up-regulated.CONCLUSION: APS effectively ameliorates TNBSinduced experimental colitis in rats, probably through restoring the number of Treg cells, and inhibiting IL-17 levels in Peyer's patches.

Studies of Chemical Constituents and Their Antioxidant Activities From Astragalus mongholicus Bunge

To evaluate the antioxidant activities of different chemical constituents from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and their protection against xanthine （XA）/xanthine oxidase （XO）-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. Methods The compounds of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge were isolated by chromatography and the structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data interpretation. Their antioxidant activities were detected by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl （DPPH） radical scavenging activities in a cell-free system. Meanwhile, the effects against XA/XO-induced toxicity were assessed using MTT assay in PC12 cells. Results Ten principal constituents were isolated and identified as formononetin （Ⅰ）, ononin （Ⅱ）, calycosin （Ⅲ）, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside （Ⅳ）, 9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-β-D-glucoside （Ⅴ）, adenosine （Ⅵ）, pinitol （Ⅶ）, daucosterol （Ⅷ）, β-sitoster （Ⅸ） and saccharose （Ⅹ） from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge. The compounds Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ scavenged DPPH free radicals in vitro. Formononetin and calycosin were found to inhibit XA/XO-induced cell injury significantly, with an estimated EC50 of 50 ng/mL. Conclusion Compound Ⅲ, Ⅵ, and Ⅶ are first reported in this plant. Calycosin exhibits the most potent antioxidant activity both in the cell-free system and in the cell system.

膜荚黄芪(Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bunge)组织培养再生体系的建立

本研究以膜荚黄芪的子叶、下胚轴、幼茎、幼叶为外植体,诱导愈伤组织及再生芽,建立膜荚黄芪组织培养再生体系。结果表明,子叶是最佳的外植体。在6-BA与2,4-D或NAA培养基组合中,以MS+6-BA 0.5mg/L+NAA 0.5mg/L为最佳的愈伤组织及芽诱导培养基。黄芪再生植株较难生根,在IAA、IBA和NAA激素培养基组合中,以1/2MS+IBA 2.0mg/L或1/2MS+IBA 1.0mg/L+NAA 1.0mg/L为最佳的试管苗生根培养基,生根率50%左右。

Protection of PC12 Cells against Superoxide-induced Damage by Isoflavonoids from Astragalus mongholicus

Objective To further investigate the neuroprotective effects of five isoflavonoids from Astragalus mongholicus on xanthine （XA）/xanthine oxidase （XO）-induced injury to PC12 cells. Methods PC12 cells were damaged by XA/XO. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, MTT, LDH, and GSH assays were used to evaluate the protection of these five isofavonoids. Contents of Bcl-2 family proteins were determined with flow cytometry. Results Among the five isoflavonoids including formononetin, ononin, 9, 10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-β-D-glucoside, calycosin and calycosin-7-O-glucoside, calycosin and calycosin-7-O-glucoside were found to inhibit XA/XO-induced injury to PC12 cells. Their ECs0values of formononetin and calycosin were 0.05 μg/mL. Moreover, treatment with these three isoflavonoids prevented a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase （SOD） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, while formononetin and calycosin could prevent a significant deletion of GSH. In addition, only calycosin and calycosin-7-O-glucoside were shown to inhibit XO activity in cell-free system, with an approximate IC50 value of 10 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL. Formononetin and calycosin had no significant infuence on Bcl-2 or Bax protein contents. Conclusion Neuroprotection of formononetin, calycosin and calycosin-7-O-glucoside may be mediated by increasing endogenous antioxidants, rather by inhibiting XO activities or by scavenging free radicals.

Synergistic protection of astragalus polysaccharides and matrine against ulcerative colitis and associated lung injury in rats

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a main form of inflammatory bowel disease.Due to complicated etiology and a high rate of recurrence,it is quite essential to elucidate the underlying mechanism of and search for effective therapeutic methods for UC.AIM To investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)combined with matrine on UC and associated lung injury.METHODS UC was induced in rats by colon mucosal tissue sensitization combined with trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid-ethanol.Then,the effects of the treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine on histopathological changes of lung and colon tissues,disease activity index(DAI),colon mucosal damage index(CMDI),serum endotoxin(ET)level,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activity,the contents of tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-1β,and the activities of myeloperoxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde in lung tissues,as well as the protein expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1,Occludin,and trefoil factor 3(TFF3)were detected in UC rats.RESULTS The treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine reduced DAI scores and improved histopathological changes of colon and lung tissues,as well as decreased CMDI scores,ET levels,and DAO activities in UC rats.Moreover,in lung tissues,inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury were relieved after the treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine in UC rats.Furthermore,the expression of ZO-1,Occludin,and TFF3 in lung and colon tissues was increased after different treatments in UC rats.Notably,APS combined with matrine exerted a better protective effect against UC and lung injury compared with other treatments.CONCLUSION APS combined with matrine exert a synergistic protective effect against UC and lung injury,which might be associated with regulating TFF3 expression.

Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on Erythrocyte Immune Adherence of Chickens Inoculated with Infectious Bursal Disease Virus

Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus （IBDV） at 25 d old. Group 1 was treated with saline, whereas Groups 2, 3, and 4 were inoculated with 0.3 mL IBDV suspension intranasally the next day. Groups 3 and 4 were also administered with Astragalus polysaccharides （APS） intramuscularly twice daily at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 BW, respectively, until 31 d old. The erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette rate （E-C3bRR） and the erythrocyte-C3b immune complex rosette rate （E-ICRR） were measured at 25, 29, 32, 35, and 38 d old. The results showed that IBDV significantly reduced E-C3bRR and E-ICRR when compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）, while simultaneous administration of APS with 1BDV maintained E-C3bRR at similar levels to the control group （P 〉 0.05） and increased E-ICRR when compared with the control group and the group non-treated with APS （P 〈 0.05）. APS treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality of chickens inoculated with IBDV （P 〈 0.05）. The results suggest that APS may enhance the immune adherence of chickens erythrocytes by affecting the activity and/or the number of complement receptors on the erythrocyte membrane. These findings can be beneficial in providing an understanding of the basic mechanisms required for the rational application of APS in modern medicine.

Compound of icariin,astragalus,and puerarin mitigates iron overload in the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer＇s disease mice

Increasing evidence indicates that disruption of normal iron homeostasis may contribute to pathological development of Alzheimer＇s disease.Icariin,astragalus,and puerarin have been shown to suppress iron overload in the cerebral cortex and improve spatial learning and memory disorders in Alzheimer＇s disease mice,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In the present study,APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice were administered icariin,astragalus,and puerarin（120,80,and 80 mg/kg,respectively,once a day,for 3 months）.Iron levels were detected by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.Interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured in the cerebral cortex by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content were determined by colorimetry.Our results demonstrate that after treatment,iron levels and malondialdehyde content are decreased,while glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities are increased.Further,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were reduced.These results confirm that compounds of icariin,astragalus,and puerarin may alleviate iron overload by reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory response.

Two new saponins from the aerial part of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

Two new saponins named mongholicoside A （1） and mongholicoside B （2） were isolated from the aerial part of Astragalus membranaceus var mongholicus. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS techniques and chemical methods.