The Protective Effects of Flavonoids from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi Stems and Leaves on Oligodendrocyte Damage Induced by Aβ1-42

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of flavonoids from the stem and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSFs) against Aβ1-42-induced oligodendrocytes (OL) damage. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used for the detection of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a characteristic protein of rat oligodendrocytes (OLN-93 cells). To evaluate the potential protective effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells injured by Aβ1-42, an injury model was established by subjecting OLN-93 cells to Aβ1-42 exposed. Cell morphology was examined using an inverted microscope, while cell viability was assessed using the colorimetric method of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured using the pyruvic acid reduction assay. The Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) injection was used as a positive control. Results: A total of >95% of the MAG immunofluorescence-positive cells were identified as oligodendrocytes. Gradually increasing concentrations of SSFs impaired the cells, and the maximum nondetrimental dose for OLN-93 cells was 75 mg/L. This study assessed the effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells damaged by Aβ1-42. The results indicated that SSFs significantly improved OLN-93 cell morphological abnormal changes, increased the OLN-93 cell survival rate, and reduced LDH release. Conclusion: SSFs can alleviate Aβ1-42-induced damage of OL.

Influence of Flavonoid of Astragalus membranaceus′s Stem and Leaves on the Function of Cell Mediated Im munity in Mice

Objective: To investigate the immune regulation of flavonoid of Astragalus membranaceus′ s stem and leaves (FAM). Methods: Changes of total T cell count and subsets in mice were determined by monoclonal antibody assay before and after treatment with FAM, and the lymphokine activated killer(LAK) activity was tested simultaneously by isotope technique. Results: FAM could promote the proliferation of lymphocytes induced by ConA, raise the T cell count and regulate the T cell subsets disorder, elevate the LAK activity induced by IL 2. Conclusion: FAM possesses the effect of immune stimulation and immune regulation in treating immunosuppressive mice. This study provides the experimental basis for clinical application of FAM.

Characters and Microscopic Identification of Stems and Leaves of Viburnum Sargenti Koehne

[Objective] This study aimed to study the pharmacognostical properties of medicinal parts of stems and leaves of Viburnum Sargenti Koehne to provide refer- ence for its identification and application. [Method] Methods of characters and micro- scopic identification were used. [Result] Characters, transaction and microscopic characteristics of stems and leaves of V. sargenti Koehne were analyzed systemati- cally. [Conclusion] The experimental results can provide reference for the pharma- cognostical identification, further exploitation and utilization of stems and leaves of V. Sargenti Koehne.

A NEW TRITERPENE SAPONIN FROM THE STEMS AND LEAVES OF PANAX GINSENG

a new triterpene compound was isolated from the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and established as 3β, 6α, 12β-trihydroxy-dammar-20(21), 24-diene-6-0-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

Effects of Different Wall-breaking Methods on Extraction of Solanesol from Stems and Leaves of Potato

In order to extract solanesol from potato stems and leaves more effectively and improve the extraction rate of solanesol, the same batch of potato stems and leaves harvested from Guyuan, Ningxia was selected as a research object, cell wall of potato stems and leaves was broken by enzymolysis with cellulase and high- speed shearing, and then reflux-extracted with 95% ethanol. Solanesol content was determined by HPLC, and extract yield was calculated. Extract yield and solanesol extraction rate was used as an index for comparison of difference between the 2 wall-breaking methods, so as to select the optimal wall-breaking method. The results showed that enzymolysis with cellulase exhibited extraction rate and extract yield of solanesol of 91.38% and 8.02%, respectively, which were better than those under high-speed shear emulsification technique. The enzymolysis wall-breaking method has the advantages of simple operation and strong feasibility.

Profiling and identification of chemical components of Shenshao Tablet and its absorbed components in rats by comprehensive HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS^n analysis

Shenshao Tablet(SST),prepared from Paeoniae Radix Alba(PRA)and total ginsenoside of Ginseng Stems and Leaves(GSL),is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)preparation prescribed to treat coronary heart disease.However,its chemical composition and the components that can migrate into blood potentially exerting the therapeutic effects have rarely been elucidated.We developed an HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS^n approach aiming to comprehensively profile and identify both the chemical components of SST and its absorbed ingredients(and metabolites)in rat plasma and urine.Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse XDB C_(18) column using acetonitrile/0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase.MS detection was conducted in both negative and positive ESI modes to yield more structure information.Comparison with reference compounds(t_R,MS^n),interpretation of the fragmentation pathways,and searching of in-house database,were utilized for more reliable structure elucidation.A total of 82 components,including 21monoterpene glycosides,four galloyl glucoses,two phenols from PRA,and 55 ginsenosides from GSL,were identified or tentatively characterized from the 70% ethanolic extract of SST.Amongst them,seven and 24 prototype compounds could be detectable in the plasma and urine samples,respectively,after oral administration of an SST extract(4 g×kg^(–1))in rats.No metabolites were observed in the rat samples.The findings of this work first unveiled the chemical complexity of SST and its absorbed components,which would be beneficial to understanding the therapeutic basis and quality control of SST.