Traditional Chinese herbal extracts inducing autophagy as a novel approach in therapy of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases around the world due to the modern sedentary and food-abundant lifestyle, which is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver related with causes other than alcohol abuse. It is widely acknowledged that insulin resistance, dysfunctional lipid metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis/necrosis may all contribute to NAFLD. Autophagy is a protective self-digestion of intracellular organelles, including lipid droplets(lipophagy), in response to stress to maintain homeostasis. Lipophagy is another pathway for lipid degradation besides lipolysis. It is reported that impaired autophagy also contributes to NAFLD. Some studies have suggested that the histological characteristics of NAFLD(steatosis, lobular inflammation, and peri-sinusoid fibrosis) might be improved by treatment with traditional Chinese herbal extracts, while autophagy may be induced. This review will provide insights into the characteristics of autophagy in NAFLD and the related role/mechanisms of autophagy induced by traditional Chinese herbal extracts such as resveratrol, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, dioscin, bergamot polyphenol fraction, capsaicin, and garlic-derived S-allylmercaptocysteine, which may inhibit the progression of NAFLD. Regulation of autophagy/lipophagy with traditional Chinese herbal extracts may be a novel approach for treating NAFLD, and the molecular mechanisms should be elucidated further in the near future.

Herbal extracts as hepatoprotectants against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Many plant-derived natural products have the potential to be hepatoprotective and therefore can be used to treat acute and chronic liver diseases. The challenge is to identify the most promising compounds and evaluate their protective mechanism. In a recently published article, Wang et al evaluated extracts of the plant Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa (GM) in a model of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. The authors concluded that GM is hepatoprotective against acetaminopheninduced liver injury due to its antioxidant properties and anti-apoptotic capacity. We would like to discuss the limitations of this experimental approach and question the conclusion based on the data presented in this manuscript and the published literature.

Inhibitory effect of eleven herbal extracts on advanced glycation end-products formation and aldose reductase activity

The formation of advanced glycation end-products （AGEs） and aldose reductase （AR） activity have been implicated in the development of diabetic complications. Our study sought to characterize the capacities of eleven herbal extracts against the formation of AGEs and the AR activity. An ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） method was used for the detection of AR activity and the screening of AR inhibitors in this research. The amount of sorbitol from each analyte was directly detected using the multiple reaction monitoring mode and the sorbitol level could be reduced via the addition of an inhibitor. Moreover, the BSA/glucose （fructose） system was applied to investigate their inhibitory activities of AGEs formation in glycation model reactions. Compared with other screened herbs used in our study, Flos Sophorae lrnrnaturus and Radix Scutellariae seemed to be more effective on inhibiting the formation of AGEs and AR activity. The inhibiting capacities of herbal extracts against AR activity and AGEs formation may be correlated with the bioactive components of the herbal extracts. The differences were correlated with the amount of polyphenol and flavonoid components. In the study, we have investigated the potential anti-hyperglycemic bioactivity of eleven herbal extracts in vitro, which could provide a reference for further in vivo research in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications.

Comparative Effect of Propolis of Honey Bee and Some Herbal Extracts on Candida Albicans

Objective： To determine the effect of propolis on Candida albicans and to compare it with the effects of some other herbal extracts and antibiotics on this pathogenic fungi. Methods： The extracts of propolis, Thymus vulgaris, Caryophillium aromaticus, Echinophora platyloba, Allium cepa and Cinnamomum zeylanicumwere prepared and the antifungi effects of the extracts were examined on Candida albicans ATCC10231 using disc-diffusion assay and micro-broth dilution. The minimum fungicidal concentration（MFC） and minimum inhibitory concentrations（MIC） as well as inhibition zone were evaluated and the anti fungi effects of herbal extracts were compared with amphotricin B and nystatin at the times of 24, 48 and 72 h. Data analysis was performed using t test. Results： Obtained results showed that propolis extract with MIC90 and MFC equal to 39 and 65 μg/mL, respectively, possess the highest antifungal activity when compared with other studied extracts. The extracts of Allium cepa and Thymus vulgaris, with MFC of 169 and 137 μg/mL, respectively, showed the lowest effects on the fungi. Also nystatin and amphotricin B yielded better effects on the tested fungi compared with the effects of all studied extracts on Candida albicans. Conclusions： Propolis extract is effective in controlling Candida albicans. However, the issue requires further investigation on samples in animals and performing toxicological examinations.

Study on the Activity of Herbal Extract to Kill Root-knot Nematode of Cucumber Seedlings Stage

Present mature plants hydroponic technology was used,combined with some excellent characteristics,such as growth conditions was easy to control and process of root growth was easy to continuously observe,the nematicidal activity of 5 kinds of Chinese herbs extracts and the compound solution of Avermectin,with strong contact toxicity effect indoor,was systematically studied and investigated the affection on the root-knot nematode parasitized on the cucumber seeding stage. It is found that under the premise of no influence on root growth of cucumber,extracts from Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora and Punica granatum showed strong prevention and nematicidal activity,and had the similar efficacy of Avermectin; while the extracts from Cibotium barometz,Aucklandia lappa Decne and Fructus cnidii showed low nematicidal activity and various degrees inhibition effect on plant growth.

In vitro and in vivo cytochrome P450 3A enzyme inhibition by Aframomum melengueta and Dennettia tripetala extracts

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of two commonly used herbs, Aframomum melengueta(A. melengueta) and Dennettia tripetala(D. tripetala) on CYP 3A enzymes. Methods: In vitro inhibition of the enzymes were assessed with microsomes extracted from female albino rats using erythromycin-N-demethylation assay(EMND) method while their in vivo effects were measured by estimating simvastatin plasma concentrations in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental anaysis as implemented in Win Nonlin pharmacokinetic program. Results: EMND assay with intestinal microsomes indicated that aqueous extracts of D. tripetala and A. melengueta significantly(P < 0.05) inhibited intestinal CYP 3A activity at both 50 μg and 100 μg concentrations. Petroleum ether extract of D. tripetala and ethanol extracts of A. melengueta inhibited intestinal CYP3 A activity at 100 μg but not at 50 μg concentrations. All the extracts showed an in vitrodose dependent CYP 3A inhibition with liver microsomes. In vivo analysis showed that pretreatment with the extracts enhanced systemic absorption of simvastatin with reductions in metabolizing enzymes activity as indicated in significant increases in maximal concentration, area under curve, area under moment curve and mean resident time of simvastatin(P < 0.05). Conclusions: Herbal preparations containing these plants' extracts should be used with caution especially in patients on CYP450 3A substrate medications.

Antifungal Activities of Ethanol Extracts from 30 Kinds of Chinese Herbs against Powdery Mildew of Pumpkin

With Sphaerotheca fuliginea as test object, the indoor antifungal activities of ethanol extracts from 30 kinds of Chinese herbs were measured by leaf disc method. The results showed that the extracts from Stellera chamaejasma, Datura stramonium, Pericarpium zanthoxyli and Tetradium ruticarpum had the best control effect; when the concentration of extract was 10 g/L, the control effect of these four plants was greater than 90% ; when the concentration was 5 g/L, the control effect of S. chamaejasma was 90.3%, and the control effects of D. stramonium, P. zanthoxyli and T. ruticarpum were also greater than 85%.

Analysis of active patents to investigate the frequency and patterns of Chinese herbal extract combinations claiming to treat heart disease

Objective:Using Chinese patents in force to investigate the frequency and patterns of Chinese herbal extract combinations claiming to treat heart disease.Methods:Patent documents were retrieved from the official website of the State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic China.Cluster,frequency,and fuzzy cluster analyses were applied.Results:A high number of patents in force included high-frequency herbs such as Salvia miltiorrhiza,Panax ginseng,and Panax notoginseng,as well as high-frequency herbal families such as Araliaceae,Leguminosae,Labiatae,and Umbelliferae.Herb pairs such as P.ginsengþOphiopogon japonicus,S.miltiorrhizaþDalbergia odorifera,and P.ginsengþSchisandra chinensis are also commonly used,as well as herbal family pairs such as AraliaceaeþLiliaceae,LauraceaeþLeguminosae,and AraliaceaeþSchisandraceae.Traditional treatment principles for preventing and treating heart diseases was most-commonly based on simultaneously treating the liver and heart and treating the lung and spleen secondarily for choosing herbal combinations.Conclusion:Most of the high-frequency Chinese herbs in the patents investigated belong to the high-frequency herbal families,and herb pairs were commonly selected to coincide with the commonly-used herbal family pairs.Low-frequency Chinese herbs were also used,but generally belonged to the high-frequency herbal families,and were therefore similar to the highfrequency herbs in terms of traditional categories of taste and channel entered.The results reflect the use of traditional principles of formula composition,and suggest that these principles may indeed be an effective guide for further research and development of Chinese herbal extract combinations to prevent and treat heart diseases.

Meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine treatment for obese patients

Objective:To systematically review the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss.Methods:We used standard methodologies to search,review,analyse and synthesize published data on the efficacy,safety.Search randomized controlled trial(RCT)from CNKI、WanFang Data,VIP Data,Sinomed,The Cochrane Library,Pubmed,MEDLINE and Web of Scinece.Two reviewers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included trials according to the Cochrane handbook.Then use review manager5.3 completed meta-analysis.Results:A total of 16 RCT were included.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo or other anti-obesity medicine,CHM is effective and safe in reducing theweight[MD=-1.99,95%CI(-2.94,-1.02),p<0.0001],BMI[MD=-0.78,95%CI(-1.02,-0.54),p<0.00001],waist circumference[MD=-2.71,95%CI(-3.81,-1.59),p<0.00001],fat mass[MD=-1.23,95%CI(-2.37,-0.18),p=0.02],fat mass percentage[MD=-2.71,95%CI(-3.81-1.59),p<0.00001]of patients.There were no significant changes in glucose and lipid metabolism.6 RCTs reported adverse events(gastrointestinal reactions and headaches),18 cases(1.40%)in the treatment group and 7 cases(0.54%)in the control group;no serious adverse reactions were seen.Conclusion:Chinese herbal medicine has define effect and safety,but that is uncertain about inregulating the glucose and lipid metabolism,and more high-quality literature is needed for further verification.

Beijing Tong Ren Tang Herbal Medicines Extract Factory

The Beijing Tong Ren Tang Herbal Medicines Extract Factory, a specialized producer of traditional Chinese medicines in tablet form, was set up in 1952 by Le Songsheng, vice mayor of Beijing and manager of Tong Ren Tang, with the aim of producing traditional Chinese medicines in Western form and by scientific means. The factory produced the

Progress on traditional Chinese medicine in improving hepatic fibrosis through inhibiting oxidative stress

Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process that occurs in the development of various chronic liver diseases into cirrhosis and liver cancer,characterized by excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix.In the past,hepatic fibrosis was thought to be a static and irreversible pathological process.In recent years,with the rapid development of molecular biology and the continuous in-depth study of the liver at the microscopic level,more and more evidence has shown that hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic and reversible process.Therefore,it is particularly important to find an effective,simple,and inexpensive method for its prevention and treatment.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)occupies an important position in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis due to its advantages of low adverse reactions,low cost,and multi-target effectiveness.A large number of research results have shown that TCM monomers,single herbal extracts,and TCM formulas play important roles in the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.Oxidative stress(OS)is one of the key factors in the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis.Therefore,this article reviews the progress in the understanding of the mechanisms of TCM monomers,single herbal extracts,and TCM formulas in preventing and treating hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting OS in recent years,in order to provide a reference and basis for drug therapy of hepatic fibrosis.

A Cardiomyopeptin Preparation Protects against Isoproterenol-Induced Chronic Heart Failure in Rats

The present study investigated the effect of an herbal extract-supplemented cardiomyopeptin preparation (HECP), in the rat model of chronic heart failure. HECP pre-/co-treatment at a daily dose of 0.072 to 0.124 g/kg for 30 days protected against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced chronic myocardial damage in rats in a dose-dependent manner, with the extent of protection, as assessed by plasma cardiac troponin I level, being up to 76%. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was associated with the enhancement of myocardial mitochondrial antioxidant status, amelioration of plasma parameters on cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, as well as an increase in myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Myocardial apoptotic and anti-apoptotic parameters were suppressed and stimulated, respectively. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was accompanied by an increase in exercise capacity, an indirect functional index of the myocardium, in ISO-challenged rats. In conclusion, HECP may offer a promising prospect in preventing chronic heart failure in human subjects.

An Overview of the Use of Medicinal Plants in Regenerative Dentistry

Aim: The oral cavity has the particularity to host multiple hard and soft tissues, in this paper, we will discuss the current therapies that lead to cell differentiation by regenerative therapies and the future alternatives proposed by medicinal plants and all the regenerative potential of these different tissues. Material and Methods: A detailed review of the literature through the various search engines: Scopus, PubMed, google scholar, Cochrane, etc., uses the selected keywords to explore the effect of the regenerative potential of several medicinal plants. Results: Through our research, we have proceeded to sort different medicinal plants, according to their repairing and regenerative potential on the different tissues of the oral cavity. Conclusion: Future studies are conceivable to explore the opportunities and potential provided by medicinal plants in the field of regenerative dentistry.

Advances in traditional Chinese medicine for liver disease therapy in 2020

Liver diseases are gradually becoming a serious threat to human health worldwide.Although a number of medications have been introduced for the prophylaxis,diagnosis,and treatment of liver diseases,several limitations and challenges remain.Traditional Chinese medicine is frequently used to treat liver diseases and well known to protect hepatocytes and inhibit inflammation,oxidative stress,and fibrosis.However,given the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine,clarifying the mechanisms behind its curative and protective effects is difficult.In this review,research progress on traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of liver diseases in 2020 is summarized on the basis of the literature available in the PubMed database.Herbal extracts derived from traditional Chinese medicine,including flavonoids,polysaccharides,saponins,and alkaloids,and Chinese medicinal formulas,such as the classic decoctions Chaihu Shugan powder,Linggui Zhugan decoction,and Huanglian Jiedu decoction,have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in liver disease treatment.We summarized the findings of several studies on the active ingredients of traditional Chinese herbs used for liver disease treatment in 2020,focusing mainly on their ability to confer antiviral effects to treat hepatitis,regulate antioxidant levels and apoptosis to treat liver injury,inhibit inflammation and improve dysfunctions in amino acids and energy metabolism to treat alcoholic liver disease,reduce hepatic lipid deposition to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,promote activated hepatic stellate cells to treat liver fibrosis,inhibit the proliferation or promote the apoptosis of liver cancer cells to treat hepatocellular carcinoma,and improve bile acid metabolism to treat cholestasis.

Advances in Chinese medicine treatment and research on endocrine diseases in 2021

This paper reviews the progress in treatment regimens involving traditional Chinese medicine and research on common clinical endocrine diseases in 2021,to provide a reliable basis for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of endocrine diseases.In 2021-2022,research on traditional Chinese medicine for endocrine diseases has been focused on pathogenesis.We have summarized the results of the use of traditional Chinese medicine and herbal extracts for treating common endocrine system diseases in 2021,focusing on the following aspects.(1)Chinese herbal extracts or active ingredients,such as echinatin,breviscapine,and puerarin,can treat metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress,improving lipid metabolism,and regulating intestinal flora.(2)Chinese herbal extracts or active ingredients,such as Juglandis Semen extracts,Momordica charantia saponins,and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma extracts can treat type 2 diabetes by reducing insulin resistance,improving pancreatic beta cell function,and regulating intestinal microbial disorders.(3)Chinese herbal extracts or active ingredients,such as berberine,astragaloside IV,and Scutellariae Barbatae Herba polysaccharides,can treat diabetes-related complications by improving mitochondrial function,regulating autophagy,and inhibiting apoptosis and pyroptosis.(4)Chinese herbal medicines and herbal extracts or active ingredients,such as berberrubine and Resedaodorata,can treat hyperuricemia by activating the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling pathway and inhibiting toll-like receptor 4/NOD-like receptor family,pyrin domain-containing protein 3 signaling to increase urate excretion.(5)Herbal extracts or active ingredients,such as ginsenoside Rb1,corylin,and Scutellariae Radix polysaccharides,can exert anti-obesity effects by promoting the browning of white adipocytes,activation of brown adipose tissue,and regulation of intestinal flora.(6)Chinese herbal extracts or active ingredients,such as diosgenin and Prunellae Spica extract,are able to treat thyroid-related diseases by inhibiting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammatory vesicle activation,regulating the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,and cadherin 1,and upregulating the ubiquitination of interferon regulatory factor 4.

Effect of a Combination of Berberine and Monacolin on CYP Enzymes： An Oral Cocktail Interaction Study in Healthy Volunteers

Objectives： This study was aimed at investigating the potential of the herbal exctracts, berberine and monacolin, administered in combination at the recommended dose, to generate clinically relevant inhibition of the CYP （cytochromes P450） enzyme system after a single oral administration in human healthy volunteers. Methods： Twelve healthy male volunteers received a five-probe drug cocktail alone （reference） or with the combination of berberine and monacolin （test）, in a randomized, open label, crossover fashion. Plasma concentrations of cocktail components, caffeine （CYP1A2）, metoprolol （CYP2D6）, omeprazole （CYP2C 19）, midazolam （CYP3A4）, warfarin （CYP2C9）, and plasma concentrations of berberine, monacolin and its metabolite were measured by LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental analysis. Lack of inhibition was assumed if the 90% CI （confidence interval） for estimated ratio test/reference was included in the acceptance limits 0.70-1.43 for phenotyping metrics AUClast and Cmax. Key findings： All test/reference ratios were close to unity and CIs （confidence intervals） were within the acceptance limits, except for the upper value of omeprazole Cmax. Given the high intraindividual variability, this finding was considered clinically irrelevant. Conclusions： Clinically relevant inhibition of the activities of the CYP isoenzymes investigated can be excluded when berberine and monacolin are administered in combination at the recommended dose.

Application of Several Additives Instead of Antibiotics in the Production of Laying Hens

[ Objective ] The test was conducted to study the effect of three different additives instead of antibiotics in the production of laying hens. [ Method ] Basal diets in four test groups were added with 0. 015 % oxytetracycline, 0. 01% microecological preparation, 0.2% fulvic acid, and 0. 1% Chinese herbal medi- cine extract respectively, and laying hens in control group were fed with basal diets. Effect of four different additives on performance and egg quality were studied under the temperature of 28.6℃. [ Result] The average egg-laying rate and feed-egg ratio in groups 2, 3 and 4 were significantly better than those in control group and group 1 （P 〈 0.05 ）. The contents of fat and cholesterol in eggs in groups 2, 3 and 4 were lower than those in control group and group 1. And the fat content of eggs in group 4 was 13.42% lower than that in control group, the difference was significant （ P 〈 0.05 ）. The protein contents in groups 2, 3 and 4 were signifi- cantly higher than those in control group and group 1 （P 〈 0.05 ）. [Condusion ] Microecological preparation, fulvic acid and Chinese herbal medicine extract could replace antibiotics to be applied in the production of laying hens.

Absorbed Bioactive Compounds Replicate GuanxinⅡ-Induced Endothelium-Associated in/ex vivo Vasodilation

Objective:To develop an interference-free and rapid method to elucidate GuanxinⅡ(GXⅡ)'s representative vasodilator absorbed bioactive compounds(ABCs)among enormous phytochemicals.Methods:The contents of ferulic acid,tanshinol,and hydroxysafflor yellow A(FTA)in GXⅡ/rat serum after the oral administration of GXⅡ(30 g/kg)were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Totally 18 rats were randomly assigned to the control group(0.9%normal saline),GXⅡ(30 g/kg)and FTA(5,28 and 77 mg/kg)by random number table method.Diastolic coronary flow velocity-time integral(VTI),i.e.,coronary flow or coronary flow-mediated dilation(CFMD),and endothelium-intact vascular tension of isolated aortic rings were measured.After 12 h of exposure to blank medium or 0.5 mmol/L H_(2)O_(2),endothelial cells(ECs)were treated with post-dose GXⅡof supernatant from deproteinized serum(PGSDS,300μL PGSDS per 1 m L of culture medium)or FTA(237,1539,and 1510 mg/m L)for 10 min as control,H_(2)O_(2),PGSDS and FTA groups.Nitric oxide(NO),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),endothelin-1(ET-1),superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)and phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3 kinase(p-PI3K),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT),phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase(p-e NOS)were analyzed.PGSDS was developed as a GXⅡproxy of ex vivo herbal crude extracts.Results:PGSDS effectively eliminates false responses caused by crude GXⅡpreparations.When doses equaled the contents in GXⅡ/its post-dose serum,FTA accounted for 98.17%of GXⅡ-added CFMD and 92.99%of PGSDS-reduced vascular tension.In ECs,FTA/PGSDS was found to have significant antioxidant(lower MDA and higher SOD,P<0.01)and endothelial function-protective(lower VEGF,ET-1,P<0.01)effects.The increases in aortic relaxation,endothelial NO levels and phosphorylated PI3K/Akt/e NOS protein induced by FTA/PGSDS were markedly abolished by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NA,e NOS inhibitor)and wortmannin(PI3K/AKT inhibitor),respectively,indicating an endothelium-dependent vasodilation via the PI3K/AKT-e NOS pathway(P<0.01).Conclusion:This study provides a strategy for rapidly and precisely elucidating GXⅡ's representative in/ex vivo cardioprotective absorbed bioactive compounds(ABCs)-FTA,suggesting its potential in advancing precision ethnomedicine.

Human pulp tissue dissolution ability of different extracts of Sapindus mukorossi: An in vitro study

Objective:Due to the many negative properties of sodium hypochlorite used in current root canal treatment,interest in biocompatible natural agents is increasing day by day.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether various extract solutions of Sapindus mukorossi have dissolution effects on human pulp tissues.Methods:Primarily powder extracts were obtained by extracting fruit shells of S.mukorossi in different solvents(ethanol,methanol,buthanol and distilled water).The test solutions were prepared and randomly separated into six groups with 10 samples in each group:ethanol extract,methanol extract,butanol extract,distilled water extract of S.mukorossi,sodium hypochlorite(Na OCl)and the control group.Among these,S.mukorossi extracts were separated into two subgroups,depending on their concentration level(50μg/m L and 100μg/m L).The pulp tissues of freshly extracted human molars were used for dissolution test.The weights of the pulpal tissues were measured and recorded for two times after the samples were placed in the solutions.Statistical analysis for all descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS 22(P<0.05).Results:Our results showed that maximum percent yield of preparation was obtained in methanol extract of S.mukorossi.Among all of the groups,the best dissolution capacity was seen in the Na OCl group(positive control group).Among S.mukorossi groups,the best tissue solvent solution was found in SMM group at 50μg/m L and SMB group at 100μg/m L.Conclusion:The different extracts of S.mukorossi had a capacity to dissolve pulp tissue but this capacity was less than Na OCl.Therefore,further studies will enable the creation of a commercial solution for clinical use by increasing the effectiveness of S.mukorossi while combining it with other endodontic irrigation solutions.

Rauwolfia vomitoria extract suppresses benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing expression of androgen receptor and 5a-reductase in a rat model

Objective:Herbal medicine is an important therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH),a common disease in older men that can seriously affect their quality of life.Currently,it is crucial to develop agents with strong efficacy and few side effects.Herein we investigated the effects of the extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria,a shrub grown in West Africa,on BPH.Methods:Rats with testosterone-induced BPH were treated with R.vomitoria.Prostates were histologically analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining.Proliferation index and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its associated proteins were quantified through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.Androgen receptor target genes were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.The sperm count and body weight of rats were also measured.Results:The oral administration of R.vomitoria extract significantly reduced the prostate weight and prostate weight index in BPH rats,supported by the decreased thickness of the prostate epithelial layer and increased lumen size.Similar effects were observed in the BPH rats treated with the reference drug,finasteride.R.vomitoria extract significantly reduced the testosterone-induced proliferation markers,including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1,in the prostate glands of BPH rats;it also reduced levels of androgen receptor,its associated protein steroid 5 a-reductase 1 and its downstream target genes(FK506-binding protein 5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2).Notably,compared with the finasteride group,R.vomitoria extract did not significantly reduce sperm count.Conclusion:R.vomitoria suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development.Due to its milder side effects,R.vomitoria could be a promising therapeutic agent for BPH.