Study on the Mechanism of Mulberry Root Bark Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease based on Network Pharmacology

Objective:Study the mechanism of Mulberry Root Bark Decoction in the treatment of COPD based on network pharmacology.Methods:The active components and predictive targets of Mulberry Root Bark Decoction were screened by TCMSP database.The disease targets of COPD were collected by searching GeneCards,DisGeNET,PhamGKB and TTD databases.Using R language to draw Venn diagram,and get the key target of Mulberry Root Bark Decoction in the treatment of COPD.Cytoscape was used to construct the regulatory network of drug active ingredient disease target.The key targets were imported into string database to construct protein-protein interaction network,and the core targets were obtained by network topology analysis with Cytoscape software.Finally,the Bioconductor platform and R language were used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis・Results:There were 142 active components and 255 drug targets in Mulberry Root Bark Decoction.1941 COPD targets were retrieved.There were 129 common targets of Mulberry Root Bark Decoction and COPD;Eight core targets of PPI network were obtained.GO function analysis is involved in oxidative stress,cellular chemical stress and other biological processes.Cell components such as cell membrane raft and membrane region involve molecular functions such as ubiquitin like protein ligase and DNA binding transcription factor.KEGG mainly includes PI3K-Akt signal pathway,tumor necrosis factor signal pathway,IL-17 signal pathway,etc.Conclusion:Quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,wogonin and other active components in Mulberry Root Bark Decoction act on PI3K/Akt,TNF,IL-17,TCR and other signal pathways through Jun,TP53,MAPK1,IL6 and other targets to play an anti-inflammatory and reduce oxidative stress response role.The results of this study can provide a reference for further study on the mechanism of Mulberry Root Bark Decoction in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Protective effects of Foeniculum vulgare root bark extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

AIM To investigate the protective effects of Foeniculum vulgare root bark (FVRB), a traditional Uyghur medicine, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 20 each). Except for the normal control group, mice in the rest groups were intraperitoneally injected (i.p.) with 0.1% CCl4-olive oil mixture at 10 mL/kg twice a week to induce liver fibrosis. After 4 wk, mice were treated concurrently with the 70% ethanol extract of FVRB (88, 176, 352 and 704 mg/kg, respectively) daily by oral gavage for 4 wk to evaluate its protective effects. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), hexadecenoic acid (HA), laminin (LN), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (H and E) staining and Masson trichrome (MT) staining were performed to assess histopathological changes in the liver. The expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9) and metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, TGF-beta 1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) protein expression was measured by Western blot. RESULTS A significant reduction in serum levels of AST, ALT, TG, HA and LN was observed in the FVRB-treated groups, suggesting that FVRB displayed hepatoprotective effects. Also, the depletion of GSH, SOD, and MDA accumulation in liver tissues was suppressed by FVRB. The expression of TGF-beta 1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 determined by immunohistochemistry was markedly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by FVRB treatment. Furthermore, protective effects of FVRB against CCl4-induced liver injury were confirmed by histopathological studies. Protein expression of TGF-beta 1 and alpha-SMA detected by Western blot was decreased by FVRB treatment. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that FVRB may be a promising agent against hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms are inhibiting lipid peroxidation and reducing collagen formation in liver tissue of liver fibrosis mice.

Rapid Analysis of Morusin from <i>Ramulus mori</i>by HPLC-DAD, Its Distribution <i>in Vivo</i>and Differentiation in the Cultivated Mulberry Species

The distribution and content differentiation of morusin in the cultivated species of mulberry by HPLC-DAD are described in this paper. The experimental results showed that morusin is present in all parts of the mulberry bush. The content of morusin was highest in root bark and second highest in branch bark. The difference in morusin content of 20 different species of cultivated mulberry branch bark was significant. The level of morusin was highest in the branch bark of cultivated mulberry No. 404, a tetraploid cultivar, and third in the Husang 32 cultivar of Morus multicaulis. The method used in this study for determining morusin content exhibited good repeatability (RSD 6.02%) and recovery (100.62%). Therefore, the results from this study provide reliable data, for research and development in the future, on the level and distribution of morusin in mulberry in general and the differences found between various cultivated mulberries in particular. Furthermore, the HPLC-DAD method to determine morusin content is fast and reliable and is applicable not only to mulberry bushes but also to other plants.

Evaluation of antitumour activity of Calotropis gigantea L.root bark against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To investigate experimentally the possible antitumor effect of methanol extract(ME) of Calotropis gigantea L.(C.gigantean) root bark and its petroleum ether(PEF) and chloroform(CF) soluble fractions against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC) in Swiss albino mice.Methods:The effects of ME(10 and 20 mg/kg),PEF(40 and 80 mg/kg) and CF(20 and 40 mg/kg) on the growth of EAC and life span of EAC bearing mice were studied.Hematological profile and biochemical parameters(SAI.P,SGPT and SCOT) were also estimated.Results:Results of in vivo study showed a significant decrease in viable tumor cell count and a significant increase of life span in the ME and CF treated group compared to untreated one.The life span of ME and CF treated animals was significandy(P【0.05) increased by 43.90%(20 mg ME/kg) and 57.07%(40 mg CF/kg).ME and CF brought back the hematological parameter more or less normal level.ME and CF also restored the altered levels of serum alkaline phosphatase(SALP) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase(SGOT).Conclusions:Methanol extract(ME) of C.gigantea root bark and its chloroform soluble fraction(CF) possesses significant antitumor activity.

Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity for different extracts of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.root bark

Objective:To assess the in-vitro antihacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered different extracts(Hydro-alcoholic,methanolic,ethyl acetate and hexane)of Rauvolfia tetraphylla(R.tetraphylla)root bark in Carrageetiaii induced acute inflammation in rats.Methods:In-vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated for extracts against four Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria by using cylinder plate assay.Hydro-alcoholic extract(70%v/v ethanol)at 200,400 and 800 mg/kg doses and methanolic,ethyl acetate and hexane extracts at doses 100,200 and 400 mg/kg were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 hrs.Results:All extracts of R.tetraphylla root bark showed good zone of inhibition against tested bacterial strains.In Carrageenan induced inflammation model,hydro-alcoholic and methanolic extract of R.tetraphylla root bark at three different doses produced significant(P<0.00l)reduction when compared to vehicle treated control group and hexane,ethyl acetate extracts.Conclusions:In the present study extracts of R.tetraphylla root bark shows good in-vitro antibacterial activity and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

Optimization of Polysaccharide Extraction from Radix Glehniae Root Bark by Response Surface Methodology and Anti-immunosuppressive Activity Analysis

[ Objective ] This study aimed to establish and optimize the extraction technology of polysaccharides from Radix Glehniae root bark, and to explore the processing methods of Radix Glehniae in producing areas. [ Method ] Based on the single-factor experiment, with polysaccharide content and polysaccharide yield as indices, various factors affecting polysaccharide yield from Radix Glehniae root bark were investigated by central composite design-response surface method. Mo- reover, immune functions of cyclophosphamide-induced blood-deficient mice in various polysaccharide groups were compared to investigate the effects of root bark removal of Radix Glehniae on medicinal quality. [ Result] Ultrasonic extraction was the appropriate extraction technology of polysaccharides from Radix Glehniae root bark. The optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions were ultrasonic time 36 min, ultrasonic power 460 W, solid-liquid ratio 1： 10, ethanol concentration 80%, under which polysaccharide yield reached 16.08%. Polysaccharides extracted from Radix Glehniae root （ALP） and Radix Glehniae root bark （BLP） could effec- tively improve immune function of blood-deficient mice with no significant differences. [ Conclusion] Radix Glehniae could be used without removal of root bark. The optimized extraction process was stable and feasible, which laid a solid foundation for further comprehensive development and utilization of Radix Glehniae root bark.

Separation and Purification of Acetophenones from Cynanchum bengei Decne Root Bark by Combination of Silica Gel and High-speed Counter-current Chromatography

[Objectives] To develop a method for separation and purification of acetophenones from Cynanchum bengei Decne root bark by combination of silica gel and high-speed counter-current chromatography( HSCCC). [Methods]The crude extract of Cynanchum bengei Decne root bark was separated by silica gel column chromatography,and parts A and B containing acetophenones were obtained. Then,parts A and B were separated by HSCCC with a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water( 4∶ 6∶ 4. 5∶ 5. 5 and4∶ 6 ∶ 3 ∶ 7, V/V), respectively. [Results] From 260 mg of part A, four compounds with p-dihydroxybenzene 3. 9 mg(Ⅰ),4-hydroxyacetophenone 17. 1 mg( Ⅱ),2,5-di-hydroxyacetophenone 13. 3 mg(Ⅲ) and 2,4-dihydroxyaceto-phenone 21. 0 mg(Ⅳ) were obtained. And from 300 mg of part B,136 mg of Radix Cynanchi Bungei benzophenone(Ⅴ) was obtained. The purity of compounds determined by HPLC was 97. 0%,96. 6%,99. 2%,99. 7%,99. 5%,respectively. [Conclusions] The established method is simple and efficient. It can be used for separation of acetophenones from Cynanchum bengei Decne root bark and has better practical value,which could provide a reference basis for development and utilization of Cynanchum bengei Decne root bark.

Oestrous cycle of Wistar rats altered by sterol and triterpenes rich fraction of Adansonia digitata (Linn) root bark - A scientific rationale for contraceptive use

Objective: To investigate the effect of different fractions from the aqueous methanolic root bark of Adansonia digitata (Linn) on the estrous cycle of female Wistar rats and to elucidate their phytochemical content. Methods: Crude aqueous methanol extract of Adansonia digitata (Linn) root bark was fractionated by column chromatography using various ratios of hexane, acetyl acetate, methanol and distilled water. Fractions with similar trails on a thin layer chromatography were pooled into four fractions. Each fraction was then screened for its phytochemical content. Forty mature Wistar female rats weighing (135±28) g with regular estrous cycles were given each fraction at two dose levels while a control group received distilled water of equal volume. Treatments were given per os for 15 days starting from the day of estrus. Vaginal smears were observed daily for the duration of each cycle, frequency of occurrence of each stage of the estrous cycle and number of cycles for 15 days before and during treatment. At the end of treatment, rats were humanely sacrificed. Ovaries and uteri were weighed and processed for histopathology. Results: Hexane acetyl acetate and acetyl acetate methanol fractions at 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight prolonged the occurrence of proestrus and diestrus and produced atretic cyst-like ovaries at 300 mg/kg body weight. Acetyl acetate methanol treated rats also had low relative ovarian weights when compared to the control. Conclusions: Sterols and triterpenes in hexane acetyl acetate and acetyl acetate methanol fractions of the root bark may be responsible for the disruption of estrous cycle in female Wistar rats and may have a contraceptive effect.

Effects of Salacia lehmbachii ethanol root bark extract on estrous cycle and sex hormones of female albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Salacia lehmbachii (S. lehmbachii) ethanol root bark extract on estrous cycle and sex hormones in female rats. Methods: Forty-eight virgin rats with regular 4-day cycle were grouped into four and each group was further subdivided into 'a' and 'b' (n=6). Each group was orally treated for 28 days with 2 mL of distilled water (control), ethanol root bark extract ofS. lehmbachii in doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/body weight (groups 2, 3, 4, respectively). Estrous cycle was determined daily using the vaginal smear method. Rats in'a' subgroups were weighed and sacrificed on the 29th day, and blood was collected for serum generation which was used for hormonal assay and sex organs were removed and weighed. Rats in 'b' subgroups were discontinued from treatment for 2 weeks and the parameters above were reassessed.Results:The mean length of estrous cycle and duration of diestrous of treated rats were prolonged dose dependently compared to control. The increase was significant (P<0.05) at 500 and 750 mg/kg. The other estrous phases were shortened in the same pattern. Relative weights of sex organs were reduced significantly (P<0.05) at the highest dose. Sex hormones levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to control. The above changes reverted towards the control values two weeks post treatments.Conclusions: Ethanol root bark extract ofS. lehmbachii (high doses) has antifertility effect in female rats as it prolongs the estrous and diestrous cycle, and reduces serum sex hormones levels. The observed alterations were reversible.

Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Sea Buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

The fruits of the Sea buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.)are a popular plant food and a valuable health product.Cultivating plants produces a lot of leaves with fine branches as an unnecessary residue,which needs valorization.The aim of the study was to estimate(by HPLC-MS/MS)the qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of H.rhamnoides(HR),and to determine the level of antioxidant activity of leaves and fruits(by DPPH,ABTS methods and ferrozine test).Up to 19 compounds were identified in different parts of HR.The fruits are rich in flavonoids,including various glycosides of flavonols isorhamnetin,quercetin,and kaempferol.Two isorhamnetin glycosides were not identified in the leaves,while isorhamnetin-3-rhamnosylglactosides and the ellagitannins hippophaenin B,stachyurin and casuarinin were present only in the leaves of the plant.The bark and roots contained considerably more catechins,but minimal flavonols than the fruits and leaves of HR.The total phenolics and flavonols were most abundant in water infusions from leaves of HR(especially quercetin-3-O-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside),compared to methanolic extracts.No significant differences in the quantitative and qualitative content of the fresh and dried leaves were detected.The highest antioxidant activity by all three methods was detected in the leaves of HR.In addition to the fruits,the leaves may have a perspective as a source of biologically active substances of HR.

桑皮苷A对照品的制备研究

目的研究从桑白皮中制备桑皮苷A对照品的制备方法。方法结合大孔树脂吸附、硅胶柱色谱和凝胶柱色谱对桑白皮提取物进行分离、纯化,利用TLC和HPLC-ELSD对分离产物进行质量分数检测。并通过各种波谱手段等对其进行结构确证。结果从桑白皮中分离、纯化出桑皮苷A对照品,质量分数>98.5%。结论该方法制备出的桑皮苷A对照品符合中药化学对照品的相关要求.可作为桑白皮药材和含桑白皮成药质量控制.以及中药药效物质基础研究用的化学对照品。

楤木根皮总皂苷的提取及其对淋巴瘤Daudi细胞增殖影响的研究

目的:目前淋巴瘤治疗的成熟技术均为西医疗法,包括细胞免疫治疗及免疫靶向治疗成为新的治疗方向,但是临床反馈疗效差、毒性大、费用贵。查阅文献尚未见到利用楤木根皮总皂苷提取物进行淋巴瘤细胞抑制实验的报道。本实验结合现代生物细胞技术,以人恶性淋巴瘤细胞株Daudi为模型,研究楤木根皮总皂苷的体外抗淋巴瘤细胞的活性。本实验紧扣临床医疗实际,挖掘祖国中医药遗产,旨在传统的中医中药中寻求治疗淋巴瘤的新药物,开辟淋巴瘤治疗新途径。方法:利用大孔树脂吸附法提取楤木根皮总皂苷,然后用MTT法(MTT Assay,MTT)检测楤木根皮总皂苷对淋巴瘤Daudi细胞的增殖抑制作用。结论:楤木根皮总皂苷对淋巴瘤Daudi细胞增殖具有抑制作用,一定程度上秉承时间-剂量依赖性。

A New Sesquiterpene Polyol Ester from Celastrus Angulatus

A new sesquiterpene polyol ester, angulatin D, has been isolated from the root bark of Celastrus angulatus. The chemical structure is elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis.

A New Sesquiterpene from Celastrus Angulatus

One new sesquiterpene polyol eater named angulatin C was isolated from the root bark of Celastrus angulatus along with a known compound, angulatin B. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis.

基于HPLC-Q-TOF MS的网络化技术对宁夏枸杞根皮的化学成分研究

建立了高效液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱(HPLC-Q-TOF MS)法分析宁夏枸杞根皮的主要化学成分。采用Agilent ZORBAX Extend C18柱(250 mm×4.6 mm×5μm),以水(含10 mmol/L醋酸铵)-乙腈为流动相进行等度洗脱,流速1.0 mL/min,柱温30℃,进样量5μL;电喷雾离子源正、负离子模式检测,质量扫描范围m/z 100~300和300~2000。利用数据转换软件将原始数据转换成mzXML格式,在GNPS上建立分子网络,并运用Cytoscape软件对结果进行可视化解读,结合文献数据推测化合物结构。通过手动检索发现了宁夏枸杞根皮中的21个化合物,与已报道的枸杞根皮中化合物一致。通过分子网络化聚类分析发现11个化合物,为地骨皮中首次报道,其中化合物24和25为新发现的环九肽类化合物。该方法可快速分析宁夏枸杞根皮的化学成分,为其质量控制奠定基础。

桑源药材的化学成分及治疗2型糖尿病的作用机制研究进展

桑叶、桑枝、桑白皮、桑葚等药材源于桑科植物桑Morus alba L,具有良好的生理活性。桑源药材中含有黄酮类、生物碱类、多糖类、酚酸类、Diels-Alder型和香豆素类等多种化学成分,其中黄酮类化合物、多糖或生物碱是其特征性活性成分。桑叶、桑枝、桑白皮、桑葚及其有效成分可能通过抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶的活性、保护胰岛β细胞、改善炎症反应、抗氧化应激、调节线粒体代谢、调节肠道菌群、改善糖尿病并发症等途径达到防治2型糖尿病的作用。本文对桑源药材的化学成分及其在2型糖尿病防治中的应用及作用机制进行了系统综述,以期为桑源药材的开发及临床合理应用提供指导。

仝小林应用桑白皮、地骨皮、白鲜皮治疗老年皮肤瘙痒症经验

仝小林院士认为老年皮肤瘙痒症发病往往由于老年阴分不足,郁生内热,煎灼上焦发为肺热,并生温燥扰动皮毛。临床常在滋阴润燥的基础上,加用桑白皮、地骨皮、白鲜皮组成的三皮止痒方清热养阴止痒。方中桑白皮清泻肺热,善治浮风燥痒;地骨皮常与桑白皮同用,滋阴降火解决老年患者阴虚体态,且平肺气、除郁热,使肺热宣泄而皮毛开;白鲜皮清热燥湿、祛风解毒,为治皮肤瘙痒之靶药。三者配伍,态靶结合,既合老年皮肤瘙痒症的病机特点,又能针对性减轻患者瘙痒症状,临床常用剂量均为15~30 g。

Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of root bark extracts of Acanthopanax henryi

AIM: To investigate the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity, and action mechanism of root bark extracts of Acanthopanax henryi. METHOD: The hot methanol extract of the root bark of A. henryi was subjected to XAD-4 column chromatography eluting with a gradient of methanol in water. The cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of the MeOH fractions were evaluated on the inhibition on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. RESULTS: The 80% MeOH fraction was a better inhibitor of LPS-induced NO, PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-6 production, and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) at the protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The 80% MeOH fraction of A. henryi root bark has significant anti-inflammatory activity. This provides a pharmacological basis for clinical application for the treatment of inflammation.

重构本草——白鲜皮

通过古籍文献调研、中药现代研究进展及其研究成果的梳理,结合中医临床及中药学等学科领域内专家学者的认识及应用经验,经讨论认为:白鲜皮的功效主要为清热燥湿,祛风解毒。症靶为瘙痒。现代药理发现,白鲜皮及其有效成分具有抗过敏、抗真菌、抗炎、抗氧化、抗肿瘤、止血、神经保护等作用。本品内服有肝损伤可能,注意合理用药。临床煎服剂量多为5~30 g,外用剂量为15~100 g,勿大剂量久服。

牡丹根皮提取物对D-半乳糖致小鼠衰老模型的影响

利用D-半乳糖诱导的皮肤衰老模型,评估了牡丹根皮提取物对多种生物标志物的影响,以及对皮肤含水量和水分散失量的影响。结果表明,牡丹根皮提取物能够显著改善皮肤的丙二醛(MDA)水平和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性,有效降低晚期糖基化终末产物(AGEs)和白介素1β(1L-1β)的水平,同时对小鼠皮肤病理有显著的改善效果。此外,牡丹根皮提取物还能降低皮肤炎症因子,增加皮肤中的总超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),改善羟脯氨酸(HYP)水平和Ⅲ型胶原蛋白(COLⅢ)水平。然而,对谷胱甘肽(GSH)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、皮肤含水量和皮肤水分散失的影响较小。总的来说,牡丹根皮提取物在一定程度上展现了优秀的抗衰老效果,这为其在抗衰老产品中的应用提供了科学依据。