Study on Tanshinone Extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Dregs

[Objective]The aim was to extract tanshinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. dregs and to determine tanshinone components. [Method]Organic solvent method was adopted to extract tanshinone from S. miltiorrhiza dregs and TLC was used to determine the optimum extraction solvent. The components of tanshinone were measured with HPLC. [Result]Ether was the best solvent to extract tanshinone from S. miltiorrhiza dregs. After water immersion,dry dregs of S. miltiorrhiza and Panax notoginseng were extracted with ethanol to obtain fat-soluble extracts. Then with ether as the solvent for Soxhlet extraction,the yield of crude tanshinone was 2.17%. The HPLC detection showed that the contents of tanshinone Ⅱ A,methylene tanshinquinone,cryptotanshinone,tanshinone Ⅰ were 3.62%,1.02%,2.56%,2.75% respectively. [Conclusion]The components of tanshinone in S. miltiorrhiza dregs were basically the same as tanshinone in medicine S. miltiorrhiza. S. miltiorrhiza dregs could be used as a kind of tanshinone resource,which has the value of development and utilization.

Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba on neuronal regeneration following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

BACKGROUND： Subsequent to cerebral ischemic injury, endogenous neural stem cells are activated, but ischemia-induced neuronal loss is not compensated by ischemic injury-induced neural regeneration. Salvia （S.） miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba （Baihua Danshen, a Chinese herbal medicine） could enhance learning and memory functions, as well as promote neural regeneration. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba on recovery from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and the influence on neuronal regeneration and differentiation. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, animal experiments were performed at the Experimental Animal Center and Neurobiology Laboratory of Taishan Medical College in September of 2006. MATERIALS： S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba was provided by Taishan Medical College Botanic Garden, Taian, China; dl-3n-butylphthalide （NBP） soft capsule was purchased from NBP Pharmaceutical, Shijiazhuang, China; mouse anti-bromodeoxyuridine antibody, rabbit anti-NF200 antibody, and bromodeoxyuridine were purchased from Sigma, Louis, MO, USA; Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/PI apoptosis kit was purchased from Nanjing Comissariado Biological Technology Development, Nanjing, China. METHODS： Adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham surgery, model （cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, without administration）, S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba, and NBP groups. Following establishment of the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model, S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba or NBP （1 mL/100 g） was respectively perfused at 30 minutes following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Alterations in cerebral blood flow before and after ischemia/reperfusion, NF200- and bromodeoxyuridine-double positive cells in striatum of affected tissues, as well as neuronal apoptosis rate at days 5 and 7 following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. RESULTS： Subsequent to cerebral ischemia reperfusion, cerebral blood flow was reduced. Following treatment with S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba, cerebral blood flow significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. NBP treatment was inferior to S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba with regard to stabilization of cerebral blood flow （P 〈 0.05）. S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba significantly increased the number of newly formed neurons in rats following cerebral ischemia （P 〈 0.05） and significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis （P 〈 0.05）, with no significant difference compared with NBP treatment （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： S. miltiorrhiza Bge.f.alba significantly increased cerebral blood flow, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and promoted neuronal regeneration in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion impairment.

Molecular Identification of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and Its Adulterants Based on ITS2 Sequences

[ Objectives] The study was conducted to investigate the molecular identification of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and its adulterants by DNA barcoding andspecific primer PCR. [ Methods] With ITS2 sequenceas DNA barcode, the materials were amplified by PCR and sequenced, and the NJ phylogenetic tree was constructed. The secondary structure of ITS2 was predicted by database and its website established by Koetschan et al. , and the self-designed primers were used to carry out specific primer PCR identification. [Results] ITS2 sequence length was around 470 bp. The results of cluster analysis showed that S. miltiorrhiza Bge. and its adulterants were clustered on different branches and showed monophyly. The comparison of secondary structure showed that S. miltiorrhiza Bge. had little differences from S. przewalskii, while there were significant differences from A. lappa in the number, size and location of stem-loop and the rotation angle of the spiral arm from the central ring. The specific primers could distinguish the S. miltiorrhiza Bge. and its counterfeits by PCR technique. [Conclusions] DNA barcoding and specific primer PCR are effective in distinguishing S. miltiorrhiza Bge. and its adulterants, and it has an important application foreground in the identification of Chinese herbal medicines.

Investigation on Genetic Characteristics of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. by Using cpSSR Technology

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics of Salvia miltiorrhiza by using cpSSR （chloroplast microsatellites） molecular marker method. [Method] Twelve pairs of SSR primers with ideal cpSSR amplification result, good repeatability and clear amplification bands were selected for cpSSR detection and analysis of S. miltiorrhiza samples from 31 sampling locations in 25 counties of 8 provinces in China. [Result] S. miltiorrhiza shows an overall medium level in the cytoplasmic inheritance （cpSSR） and varying degrees of differences in the regions. Based on Shannon’s Information index （I） and Nei’s genetic diversity index, the cytoplasmic genetic diversity in different provinces shows a decreasing order of Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Hebei, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Anhui. Genetic variations of S. miltiorrhiza in eight provinces were found mainly among populations. Gene flow among populations with in a province is less than that among different provinces. [Conclusion] Comprehensive analysis shows that S. miltiorrhiza cultivated in genuine producing areas and traditional main producing areas are mainly introduced from the local before introduction of some foreign germplasm resources during cultivation. The exchange of S. miltiorrhiza germplasm resources exists very early among genuine producing areas such as Sichuan, Shandong and Henan, while S. miltiorrhiza germplasm resources in new producing areas are mainly introduced from genuine producing areas. However, no geographical correlation was observed in the genetic differentiation, which further reveals that there is a wide range of genetic exchange among S. miltiorrhiza germplasm resources in China, resulting from the artificial introduction from allopatry.

Protective effect and possible mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies

Objective:To explore the protective effect and potential mechanisms of danshen root(Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.,S.miltiorrhiza) and its extracts for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods:Preclinical studies of S.miltiorrhiza and its extracts on DN were systematically searched in nine databases.The primary outcomes were blood glucose,kidney function,proteinuria,and renal histopathology.The secondary outcomes included the related mechanisms.The methodological quality of animal studies was assessed based on the risk of bias tool of the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation(SYRCLE) for animal studies.Meta-analysis was performed using R software(version 4.1.2).Results:Twenty-nine animal experimental studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in this study.Compared to the control group,S.miltiorrhiza reduced the serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,24-h urine protein,24-h urine albumin,blood glucose,and kidney index(kidney weight/body weight),and alleviated renal pathological damage.In terms of the mechanism of action,compared to the control group,S.miltiorrhiza reduced the levels of transforming growth factor β1,collagen Ⅳ,malondialdehyde,tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin-6,and monocyte/macrophage(ED-1),and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,nuclear factor E2-related factor 2,and heme oxygenase-1.Conclusion:The existing evidence shows that S.miltiorrhiza has beneficial effects on the animal model of DN,and its mechanism is mainly related to improving kidney fibrosis,oxidative stress,and inflammatory response.

Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Alleviates Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating Th17 Cell Differentiation: An Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Experimental Validation

Objective: To identify the core targets of Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.,(Dahuang-Danshen, DH-DS) and the mechanism underlying its therapeutic efficacy in acute pancreatitis(AP)using a network pharmacology approach and validate the findings in animal experiments. Methods: Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DH-DS in AP. The reliability of the results was verified by molecular docking simulation and molecular dynamics simulation.Finally, the results of network pharmacology enrichment analysis were verified by immunohistochemistry,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: Sixty-seven common targets of DH-DS in AP were identified and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3), Janus kinase 2(JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), protein c-Fos(FOS) were identified as core targets in the protein interaction(PPI) network analysis. Gene ontology analysis showed that cellular response to organic substance was the main functions of DH-DS in AP, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the main pathway included Th17 cell differentiation. Molecular docking simulation confirmed that DH-DS binds with strong affinity to MAPK3, STAT3 and FOS. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that FOS-isotanshinone Ⅱ and STAT3-dan-shexinkum d had good binding capacity. Animal experiments indicated that compared with the AP model group, DH-DS treatment effectively alleviated AP by inhibiting the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and blocking the activation of Th17 cell differentiation(P<0.01). Conclusion: DH-DS could inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and protect pancreatic tissues,which would be functioned by regulating Th17 cell differentiation-related m RNA and protein expressions.

The Effect of Soil Enzymes and Polysaccharides Secreted by the Roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge under Drought,High Temperature,and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deficits

Root exudates serve as crucial mediators for information exchange between plants and soil,and are an important evolutionary mechanism for plants’adaptation to environmental changes.In this study,15 different abiotic stress models were established using various stress factors,including drought(D),high temperature(T),nitrogen deficiency(N),phosphorus deficiency(P),and their combinations.We investigated their effects on the seedling growth of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and the activities of Solid-Urease(S-UE),Solid-Nitrite Reductase(S-NiR),Solid-Nitrate Reductase(S-NR),Solid-Phosphotransferase(S-PT),and Solid-Catalase(S-CAT),as well as the contents of polysaccharides in the culture medium.The results showed that the growth of S.miltiorrhiza was inhibited under 15 stress conditions.Among them,13 stress conditions increased the root-shoot ratio.These 15 stress conditions significantly reduced the activity of S-NR,two combinations significantly improved the activity of S-NIR,they were synergistic stresses of high temperature and nitrogen deficiency(TN),and synergistic stresses of drought and nitrogen deficiency(DN)(p<0.05).The activity of S-UE was significantly improved under N,D,T,synergistic stresses of drought and high temperature(DT),DN,synergistic stresses of drought and phosphorus deficiency(DP),and synergistic stresses of high temperature,nitrogen,and phosphorus deficiency(TNP)stress conditions(p<0.05).Most stress combinations reduced the activity of S-PT,but D and T significantly improved it.(p<0.05).The N,DN,and TN stress conditions significantly reduced S-CAT activity.The P,DT,and synergistic stresses of drought,high temperature,and phosphorus deficiency(DTP)significantly decreased the total polysaccharide content of the soil(p<0.05).The research suggested that abiotic stress hindered the growth of S.miltiorrhiza and altered the behavior of root secretion.Roots regulated the secretion of several substances in response to various abiotic stresses,including soil nitrogen cycle enzymes,phosphorus transport-related enzymes,and antioxidant enzymes.In conclusion,plants regulate the utilization of rhizosphere substances in response to abiotic stresses by modulating the exudation of soil enzymes and polysaccharides by the root system.At the same time,soil carbon sequestration was affected by the adverse environment,which restricted the input of organic matter into the soil.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Radix Et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae,Guixi Green Tea and Their Compatibility on Mice

[Objectives]To explore the hypoglycemic effect of Radix Et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae,Guixi green tea and their compatibility on mice,so as to provide more options for the adjuvant treatment of diabetes and improve the comprehensive utilization value of Guixi green tea.[Methods]After being fed adaptively for 7 d,60 SPF-grade male mice were intraperitoneally injected with alloxouracil(180 mg/kg)to induce hyperglycemia model,from which 35 mice with a successful model were selected.They were randomly divided into 5 groups(Danshen group,green tea group,compatible group,positive control group and blank control group),with 7 animals in each group.The mice in all groups were administered according to the dose of 200 mg/kg once a day for 15 d.After the last administration,their body weight was measured on the 15 th day after fasting for 12 h,and their fasting blood glucose was measured by tail clipping.[Results]After modeling,the mice in each group showed typical hyperglycemia symptoms,namely obvious polydipsia,polyphagia,polyuria and weight loss.Compared with the blank control group,Danshen group and green tea group had obvious hypoglycemic effect(P<0.05),and compatible group had significant hypoglycemic effect(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the weight loss of diabetic mice could also be inhibited in green tea group and compatible group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Danshen,Guixi green tea and their compatibility had the effect of lowering blood sugar,among which the compatible group had the most obvious effect.

Study on Optimization of Ethanol Reflux Extraction of Phenolic Acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza

The extraction technology of phenolic acid compounds from Salvia miltiorrhiza by ethanol reflux was studied. In this experiment, salvianolic acid B standard was used to make the standard curve. Single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment were used to study the extraction of different ethanol concentrations, reflux times and material-to-liquid ratios. The OD value of salvianolic acid compounds was measured with a spectrophotometer. The extraction rate of phenolic acid compounds under different extraction conditions was calculated through a regression equation, so as to obtain the optimal conditions for the ethanol reflux extraction process of Salvia miltiorrhiza. The experimental data can provide a reference for the ethanol reflux extraction process of salvianolic acids in the industry. According to the experiment, the extraction rate of phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza was the highest when the ethanol concentration was 60%, the reflux time was 1.5 hours, and the ratio of material-to-liquid was 1:10.

Visualizing the spatial distribution and alteration of metabolites in continuously cropped Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge using MALDI-MSI

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge(SMB)has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.Growing clinical usage has led to a huge demand for artificial planting of SMB.Thus,continuous cropping of SMB is an important challenge that needs to be addressed.Continuous cropping can alter the metabolic profile of plants,resulting in poor growth and low yield.In this study,we tried to image the spatial location and variation of endogenous metabolites in continuously cropped SMB using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging(MALDIMSI).Spatially resolved expressions of tanshinones,salvianolic acids,polyamines,phenolic acids,amino acids,and oligosaccharides in normal and continuously cropped SMB roots were compared.The expressions of dihydrotanshinone Ⅰ,tanshinone Ⅱ A,dehydromiltirone,miltirone,dehydrotanshinone ⅡA,spermine,salvianolic acid B/E,tetrasaccharide,and pentasaccharide in continuously cropped SMB roots were much lower than those in normal roots.There was little difference in the expressions of caffeic acid and salvianolic acid A in normal and continuously cropped SMB roots.Ferulic acid was more widely distributed in xylem of normal SMB but strongly expressed in xylem,phloem,and cambium of continuously cropped SMB.The spatially resolved metabolite information enhances our understanding of the metabolic signature of continuously cropped SMB and also provides insights into the metabolic effects of continuous cropping in other plants.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bge on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and the Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effects of salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (SMB) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats and the action mechanism were investigated. Normal Wistar-kyoto (WKY) rats were used as negative control, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly assigned to receive pla- cebo or SMB. SMB (1 g/kg·d) was injected intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. HE, VG and immunohistochemical staining combined with computed morphometry were employed to evaluate the cardiomyocyte size, diameter, the collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular circumferential area (PVCA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in the left ventricular tissue. The results showed, as compared with WKY rats, the SBP, LVMI, cardiomyocyte size, diameter, CVF, PCVA, and TNF-α expression were increased markedly in the 20-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. SMB decreased LVMI (P<0.01), size of cardiomyocytes (P<0.01), collagen volume fraction (P<0.01), perivascular circum- ferential area (P<0.01), and TNF-α expression (P<0.01), but had no effect on SBP (P>0.05). It was suggested that chronic administration of SMB could inhibit and reverse the development of LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats independent of BP. TNF-α may be involved in the reversal mecha- nism of LVH by SMB.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(S.miltiorrhiza),a perennial plant of the genus Salvia,is widely used in traditional folklore medicine.Previous chemical research on this plant contains diterpenoid quinones,phenolic acids,polysaccharides and other compounds.The pharmacological investigation of S.miltiorrhiza has shown that it has various pharmacological activities,such as cardiovascular system protection,anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant,anti-tumor,liver protection,and neuroprotection activities.This research tends to give an overview of the main chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S.miltiorrhiza,aiming to reveal its potential value and provide reference for its further development.

Effects of salvia miltiorrhiza bge on myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats

Objective: To study the effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bge (SMB) on myocardial fibrosis in hypertension in rats. Methods: Normal Wistar kyoto rats served as negative control (group A) . The rats with hypertension were divided into 2 groups: the hypertension group (group B) which served as the positive control and the SMB-treated hypertension group (group C). The effects of SMB on the systolic pressure, the myocardial content of aldosterone (ALD) and nitric oxide (NO) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the myocardium were detected. Results: The systolic pressure of the rats of group C showed no marked change after the administration of SMB and showed no difference from that of the rats of group B. The content of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ of the left ventricle, the collagen Ⅰ /collagen Ⅲ ratio and the content-of ALD were lower in group C than in group B and higher in group C than in group A. The content of NO and the activity of SOD in the myocardium were higher in group C than in group B and lower in group C than in group A. Conclusion: It was concluded that SMB was able to prevent or reverse the progress of myocardial fibrosis resulting from hypertension. The mechanism of this effect of SMB might be due to the fact that SMB can decrease the collagen synthesis and ALD content and increase collagen decomposition, NO content and SOD activity in the myocardium.

山东丹参(Salvia miltiorrhiza)不同地理居群的遗传多样性

以山东泰安、临沂、莱芜、菏泽和潍坊5个居群的72份丹参株系为材料,利用ISSR引物进行群体遗传结构的研究。结果表明:8个ISSR引物在5个居群中共扩增出219个位点,平均可扩增出27条带,在种级水平及泰安、临沂、莱芜、菏泽和潍坊5个居群水平多态性位点百分比分别为98.63%、81.28%、66.67%、66.21%、51.14%和50.68%,种级水平的Nei基因多样性和Shannon信息指数大于各居群;5个居群Nei基因多样性和Shannon信息指数相比较,泰安>临沂>莱芜>菏泽>潍坊;根据基因分化系数,测得的基因流值Nm为4.2352;UPGMA聚类分析结果表明,莱芜居群和临沂居群遗传一致度最大,遗传关系最近,泰安居群与其它4个居群遗传关系最远;分析发现菏泽居群、泰安居群是相对独立的群体,但5个居群间存在部分基因交流。所有参数分析表明,泰安居群遗传多样性最丰富,故在制定原位种质保护计划时应优先考虑泰山周边地区的丹参。

丹参(Salvia miltiorrhiza)中一对具有新奇结构的立体异构体的结构测定

为了进一步弄清丹参的化学成分，应用化学和色谱分离方法从丹参中分离到一个白色粉末固体，经综合运用先进的波谱分析手段，包括１Ｈ－１ＨＣＯＳＹ、１Ｈ－１３ＣＣＯＳＹ、ＣＯＬＯＣ、ＮＯＥ等二维核磁共振谱确定了它们的化学结构为一对具有螺环缩酮内酯结构的新二萜类立体异构体化合物．

Dynamic of Root Dry Weight of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge

ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the dynamic of root dry weight of Salvia miltiorrhiza to provide a basis for optimal management in field cultivation. MethodThe Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge seedlings were transplanted at three different dates November 26, 2009 （T 1 ）, March 9, 2010（T 2 ） and March 27, 2010（T 3 ）, and at three different densities 20 cm × 25 cm （D 1 ）, 25 cm × 25 cm （D 2 ）, 25 cm × 30 cm （D 3 ）. So a total of nine treatments were finally set. The samples were collected regularly for measuring the root dry weight and plotting the dynamic curves. Normalized root weight was fitted with CURVE EXPERT 1.3. ResultLogistic equation was the most superior equation, and estimated respectively two inflection points and length of fast growing time of S. miltiorrhiza. ConclusionThe fast-growing time of S. miltiorrhiza root was in 1 900 ℃·d to 2 200 ℃·d GDD.

Preliminary Study on Induction and Identification of Polyploidy of Shandong Salvia miltiorrhiza Buds Treated by Colchicine

[Objective] The aim was to study the feasibility of using colchicine to induce polyploidy from the buds of Shandong Salvia miltiorrhiza.[Method] The buds of Shandong Salvia miltiorrhiza were induced by colchicine.[Result] When the concentration of colchicine supplemented in culture medium was 12 mg/L,the induction rate of polyploidy was the highest（36.6%）,but its survival rate was only 16.7%.When the concentration of colchicine was 8 mg/L,the induction rate of polyploidy was 15.9%,and its survival rate was up to 40.0%.Polyploidy plant of Shandong Salvia miltiorrhiza was strong and had thick,large and dark leaves,and long stomata on the lower epidermis of leaves had small density.[Conclusion] Colchicine could induce buds effectively,and the polyploidy breeding material of Salvia miltiorrhiza was obtained,which laid a foundation for shortening breeding process.

Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on intestinal microflora in rats with ischemia/reperfusion liver injury

BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury may induce intestinal microflora imbalance. Salvia miltiorrhiza is effective in promoting blood circulation and counteracting peroxidation in tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on intestinal mi- croflora, endotoxemia, and bacterial translocation in rats with hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats in specific pathogen free grade were divided into 3 groups: group I(n =6) for sham operation: groups ( n = 7) for liver ische- mia for 20 minutes and reperfusion for 22 hours. Group was also pretreated with 4 ml/day of Salvia miltiorrhiza solu- tion (250 mg/kg) by daily gavage for 7 days. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino- transferase (AST), malondialdehyde ( MDA) and supero- xide dismutase ( SOD ) in liver tissues, serum endotoxin, intestinal bacterial counts, intestinal mucosal histology and bacterial translocation were studied. RESULTS: The levels of ALT, AST, plasma endotoxin and MDA in liver tissues were decreased more markedly in group (57.57 ± 18.08 U/L, 147.57 ±40.84 U/L, 0.42 ± 0.144 EU/ml and 0. 52 ±0.19 nmol/mg-prot respectively) in group 295.9±216.92 U/L, 0.80± 0.262 EU/ml and 0.72±0.12 nmol/mg-prot; P <0.05-0.01 respectively). Liver SOD activity was increased more sig- nificantly in group (318.47±64.62 U/mg-prot) than in group U/mg-prot, P<0.05). The counts of Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides increased more significantly in group than in group but were similar to those in group I. Bacterial translocation to the kidney in group was 50% (5/10), whereas no bacterial translocation to the kidney occurred in the other two groups (P <0. 01). Ileal mucosal structure was markedly ameliorated in group as compared with group CONCLUSIONS: Salviae miltiorrhiza could partially restore intestinal microflora balance, improve intestinal mucosal integrity, and reduce bacterial translocation and plasma en- dotoxin in rats with hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Protective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius extract against lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury

AIM:To investigate the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius in vivo.METHODS:C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups and intraperitoneally administered 0.9% saline,Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius extract [Danhong injection(DHI),0.75 and 3 g/kg mixed extract] or reduced glutathione for injection(RGI,300 mg/kg) for 30 min before exposure to lipopolysaccharide(LPS,16 mg/kg). After intraperitoneal LPS stimulation for 90 min or 6 h,the mice were sacrificed by ether anaesthesia,and serum and liver samples were collected. Histological analysis(H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick end-labelling(TUNEL) staining were performed. Alanine transferase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),total bilirubin(TBil),glutathione-S-transferase(GST),malondialdehyde(MDA),tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,and caspase-3 levels were measured. Bax,Bcl-2,P-IκBα,IκBα,P-NF-κB p65,and NF-κB p65 protein levels were determined by Western blot. TNF-α,IL-6,caspase-3,Bax and Bcl-2 m RNA expression was measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS:Hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL results suggested that DHI(3 g/kg) treatment alleviated inflammatory and apoptotic(P < 0.01) injury in the liver of mice. DHI treatment dose-dependently blunted the abnormal changes in biochemical parameters such as ALT(72.53 ± 2.83 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),AST(76.97 ± 5.00 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),TBil(1.17 ± 0.10 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),MDA(0.81 ± 0.36 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),and GST(358.86 ± 12.09 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01). Moreover,DHI(3 g/kg) remarkably decreased LPS-induced protein expression of TNF-α(340.55 ± 10.18 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),IL-6(261.34 ± 10.18 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),and enzyme activity of caspase-3(0.93 ± 0.029 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01). The LPS-induced m RNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and caspase-3 was also decreased by DHI. Western blot analysis revealed that DHI antagonised LPS-stimulated decrease of Bcl-2 and increase of Bax protein expression. Furthermore,DHI inhibited LPS-induced IκBα and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation.CONCLUSION:DHI may be a multi-function protectant against acute hepatic injury in mice through its antiinflammatory,anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.

Progress in research into the mechanism of Radix salviae miltiorrhizae in treatment of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdomen with high mortality, multiple complications and complicated causes. There is no effective therapy for AP. Radix salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen), a traditional herbal medicine, has a low price and a wide range of clinical applications. It is effective to promote blood flow, eliminate stagnancy, and relieve pain. It is also found to be effective in treating AP. We reviewed the progress in research into the mechanism of Radix salviae miltiorrhizae in treatment of AP. DATA SOURCES: An english-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1988-2005) on Radix salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen) and acute pancreatitis. RESULTS: The mechanisms of Danshen in the treatment of AP include improvement of microcirculatory disturbances; elimination of oxygen free radicals; modulation of the metabolism of lipid inflammatory mediator; and blocking of calcium inflow and prevention of calcium overload.CONCLUSION: Danshen can effectively reduce the mortality and complications of AP.