AIM: To examine the effect of aqueous fructus aurantii immaturus(FAI) extracts on the intestinal plexus of cathartic colons.METHODS: Cathartic colons were induced in rats with dahuang,a laxative used in traditional Ch...AIM: To examine the effect of aqueous fructus aurantii immaturus(FAI) extracts on the intestinal plexus of cathartic colons.METHODS: Cathartic colons were induced in rats with dahuang,a laxative used in traditional Chinese medicine. Once the model was established(after approximately 12 wk),rats were administered mosapride(1.54 mg/kg) or various doses of aqueous FAI extracts(1-4 g/kg) for 14 d. Transit function was assessed using an ink propulsion test. Rats were then sacrificed,and the ultramicrostructure of colonic tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4(5-HTR4) and neurofilament-H was assessed in colon tissues using real-time PCR,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Mosapride and high dose(4 g/kg) of aqueous FAI extracts significantly improved the bowel movement in cathartic colons compared to untreated model colons as measured by the intestinal transit rate(70.06 ± 7.25 and 72.02 ± 8.74,respectively,vs 64.12 ± 5.19; P < 0.05 for both). Compared to controls,the ultramicrostructure of cathartic colons showed signsof neural degeneration. Treatment with mosapride and aqueous FAI extracts resulted in recovery of ultrastructural pathology. Treatment with mosapride alone upregulated the gene and protein expression of 5-HTR4 compared to untreated controls(P < 0.05 for both). Treatment with aqueous FAI extracts(≥ 2 g/kg) increased 5-HTR4 m RNA levels(P < 0.05),but no change in protein level was observed by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. The m RNA and protein levels of neurofilament-H were significantly increased with mosapride and ≥ 2 g/kg aqueous FAI extracts compared to controls(P < 0.05 for all).CONCLUSION: Aqueous FAI extracts and mosapride strengthen bowel movement in cathartic colons via increasing the expression of 5-HTR4 and neurofilament-H.展开更多
The current study aimed to optimize a green synthesis procedure for fabricating biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Catha edulis (Qat;khat) leaves. The final product was characterized usi...The current study aimed to optimize a green synthesis procedure for fabricating biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Catha edulis (Qat;khat) leaves. The final product was characterized using various analytical techniques. Parameters’ optimization including pH, contact time, temperature, and amount of leaf extract were carried out. AgNPs formation was confirmed by UV-vis spectra at 403 nm, FT-IR, and XRD peaks. FTIR spectra showed the presence of various biochemical metabolites which played a critical role in the bio-reduction, capping, and stabilization of AgNPs. The biogenic AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size between 27 and 32 nm as estimated from XRD and SEM images. Biogenic AgNPs showed significant activities against sensitive and multi-drug resistance Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. In addition, the experimental results proved that AgNPs have higher efficacy than antifungal drugs that are commonly used to treat Candida albicans oral infections.展开更多
Copper oxide nanoparticles(CuO NPs)have attracted huge attention due to catalytic,electric,optical,photonic,and antibacterial activity.The use of plant leaf extracts in the biosynthesis of nanostructured materials is ...Copper oxide nanoparticles(CuO NPs)have attracted huge attention due to catalytic,electric,optical,photonic,and antibacterial activity.The use of plant leaf extracts in the biosynthesis of nanostructured materials is an eco-friendly,non-toxic and cost effective approach.Hence,this study aims to provide an updated survey of the main green synthesis method of CuO NPs using leaf extract of Khat,its characterization and studies on antibacterial activities.The synthesis of CuO NPs was done by reducing 1 mM CuSO4?5H2O with 2%(m/v)aqueous leaf extract of Khat under optimum conditions(pH=11).The formation of CuO NPs has been confirmed first by the color change from colorless to light green and then to greenish yellow.The kinetics of the reaction was studied using UV-Visible(UV-Vis)spectrophotometer that showed surface plasmon resonance at 333 nm.The CuO NPs exhibit antimicrobial activity against two human pathogens viz.Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with an average zone of inhibition of 12.5 mm and 8 mm,respectively.Therefore,the current study reveals a convenient utilization of Catha edulis extract as a reducing agent for the successful synthesis of CuO NPs through a green synthesis method to obtain significantly active antibacterial material.展开更多
This research examined the typical flavor compounds in the commonest type of Khat called Harari Khat grown in the region of Ethiopia.Twenty-eight compounds, which includes 1,2-Propanedione,1-Phenyl,Hexanol,Hexanal com...This research examined the typical flavor compounds in the commonest type of Khat called Harari Khat grown in the region of Ethiopia.Twenty-eight compounds, which includes 1,2-Propanedione,1-Phenyl,Hexanol,Hexanal compounds,Limonene, Benzaldehyde with other flavors, were extracted by polydimethylsiloxane at room temperature for 30min from Khat samples,and identified by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS).This method needs no organic solvents and required minimal sample.展开更多
The relationship between man and substances that have abuse potentials,and whose use has been associated with the development or progression of substance use disorders has continued to evolve in terms of geography,eco...The relationship between man and substances that have abuse potentials,and whose use has been associated with the development or progression of substance use disorders has continued to evolve in terms of geography,economic implications,and time.History shows that local plants with psychoactive constituents can get exported worldwide through global travel,commerce,or even conquest.Time and globalization also change people’s relationship with substances of abuse;hence,an area that was initially alien to certain substances might evolve to becoming a trafficking hub,and then a destination.A case in point is Africa where a rapidly increasing prevalence of substance use/abuse and substance use disorder among adolescents and young adults is putting enormous strain on the economy,healthcare system,and society at large.However,there appears to be a paucity of scientific literature and data on the epidemiology,risk assessment,and contributing factors to substance use and the development of substance use disorders across Africa.In this narrative review,we examine extant literature(PubMed,Google scholar,Medline)for information on the prevalence,trends,and influencers of substance use and the development of substance use disorders.This is with a view of understanding the determinants of substance use and factors that influence the development of substance use disorders in the region,and how this information can be channeled towards developing a comprehensive intervention and treatment program.展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81473506Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,No.LY13H030011State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province,No.2013ZB050
文摘AIM: To examine the effect of aqueous fructus aurantii immaturus(FAI) extracts on the intestinal plexus of cathartic colons.METHODS: Cathartic colons were induced in rats with dahuang,a laxative used in traditional Chinese medicine. Once the model was established(after approximately 12 wk),rats were administered mosapride(1.54 mg/kg) or various doses of aqueous FAI extracts(1-4 g/kg) for 14 d. Transit function was assessed using an ink propulsion test. Rats were then sacrificed,and the ultramicrostructure of colonic tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4(5-HTR4) and neurofilament-H was assessed in colon tissues using real-time PCR,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Mosapride and high dose(4 g/kg) of aqueous FAI extracts significantly improved the bowel movement in cathartic colons compared to untreated model colons as measured by the intestinal transit rate(70.06 ± 7.25 and 72.02 ± 8.74,respectively,vs 64.12 ± 5.19; P < 0.05 for both). Compared to controls,the ultramicrostructure of cathartic colons showed signsof neural degeneration. Treatment with mosapride and aqueous FAI extracts resulted in recovery of ultrastructural pathology. Treatment with mosapride alone upregulated the gene and protein expression of 5-HTR4 compared to untreated controls(P < 0.05 for both). Treatment with aqueous FAI extracts(≥ 2 g/kg) increased 5-HTR4 m RNA levels(P < 0.05),but no change in protein level was observed by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. The m RNA and protein levels of neurofilament-H were significantly increased with mosapride and ≥ 2 g/kg aqueous FAI extracts compared to controls(P < 0.05 for all).CONCLUSION: Aqueous FAI extracts and mosapride strengthen bowel movement in cathartic colons via increasing the expression of 5-HTR4 and neurofilament-H.
文摘The current study aimed to optimize a green synthesis procedure for fabricating biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Catha edulis (Qat;khat) leaves. The final product was characterized using various analytical techniques. Parameters’ optimization including pH, contact time, temperature, and amount of leaf extract were carried out. AgNPs formation was confirmed by UV-vis spectra at 403 nm, FT-IR, and XRD peaks. FTIR spectra showed the presence of various biochemical metabolites which played a critical role in the bio-reduction, capping, and stabilization of AgNPs. The biogenic AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size between 27 and 32 nm as estimated from XRD and SEM images. Biogenic AgNPs showed significant activities against sensitive and multi-drug resistance Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. In addition, the experimental results proved that AgNPs have higher efficacy than antifungal drugs that are commonly used to treat Candida albicans oral infections.
文摘Copper oxide nanoparticles(CuO NPs)have attracted huge attention due to catalytic,electric,optical,photonic,and antibacterial activity.The use of plant leaf extracts in the biosynthesis of nanostructured materials is an eco-friendly,non-toxic and cost effective approach.Hence,this study aims to provide an updated survey of the main green synthesis method of CuO NPs using leaf extract of Khat,its characterization and studies on antibacterial activities.The synthesis of CuO NPs was done by reducing 1 mM CuSO4?5H2O with 2%(m/v)aqueous leaf extract of Khat under optimum conditions(pH=11).The formation of CuO NPs has been confirmed first by the color change from colorless to light green and then to greenish yellow.The kinetics of the reaction was studied using UV-Visible(UV-Vis)spectrophotometer that showed surface plasmon resonance at 333 nm.The CuO NPs exhibit antimicrobial activity against two human pathogens viz.Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with an average zone of inhibition of 12.5 mm and 8 mm,respectively.Therefore,the current study reveals a convenient utilization of Catha edulis extract as a reducing agent for the successful synthesis of CuO NPs through a green synthesis method to obtain significantly active antibacterial material.
文摘This research examined the typical flavor compounds in the commonest type of Khat called Harari Khat grown in the region of Ethiopia.Twenty-eight compounds, which includes 1,2-Propanedione,1-Phenyl,Hexanol,Hexanal compounds,Limonene, Benzaldehyde with other flavors, were extracted by polydimethylsiloxane at room temperature for 30min from Khat samples,and identified by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS).This method needs no organic solvents and required minimal sample.
文摘The relationship between man and substances that have abuse potentials,and whose use has been associated with the development or progression of substance use disorders has continued to evolve in terms of geography,economic implications,and time.History shows that local plants with psychoactive constituents can get exported worldwide through global travel,commerce,or even conquest.Time and globalization also change people’s relationship with substances of abuse;hence,an area that was initially alien to certain substances might evolve to becoming a trafficking hub,and then a destination.A case in point is Africa where a rapidly increasing prevalence of substance use/abuse and substance use disorder among adolescents and young adults is putting enormous strain on the economy,healthcare system,and society at large.However,there appears to be a paucity of scientific literature and data on the epidemiology,risk assessment,and contributing factors to substance use and the development of substance use disorders across Africa.In this narrative review,we examine extant literature(PubMed,Google scholar,Medline)for information on the prevalence,trends,and influencers of substance use and the development of substance use disorders.This is with a view of understanding the determinants of substance use and factors that influence the development of substance use disorders in the region,and how this information can be channeled towards developing a comprehensive intervention and treatment program.
