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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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。

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。

不同砧穗组合的橡胶树插接苗生长参数及树皮结构特征

【目的】探究橡胶树插接苗砧木与接穗间的生长特性和组织连接方式,为橡胶树种苗的砧穗关系提供理论基础。【方法】以GT1种子实生苗和RY73397花药组培苗为砧木或接穗进行楔形插接,观测插接苗的生长参数与砧穗间的树皮结构特征,比较分析不同砧穗组合的插接苗生长差异。【结果】自接(ZH_(1)和ZH_(4))的插接成活率高于他接(ZH_(2)和ZH_(3));未插接苗(对照组,CK_(1)和CK_(2))的生长参数(株高、叶蓬数及砧木和接穗的茎粗)高于插接组合苗(ZH_(1)~ZH_(4)),且参数间极显著相关。对照组与插接组合间砧木、接穗和砧穗结合部的树皮、木栓层、韧皮部和有效韧皮部厚度以及次生乳管列数均表现为差异显著。砧木的茎粗与树皮厚度、砧穗结合部的茎粗与次生乳管列数、接穗的茎粗与韧皮部厚度间显著相关,其余部位的茎粗与树皮结构特征参数间的相关性不显著。【结论】楔形插接严重阻碍了插接苗株高、叶蓬数及砧木和接穗茎粗的生长,显著减少了接穗树皮的次生乳管列数,砧穗结合部受插接的机械损伤或砧穗品种间的亲和性影响产生膨大凸起或缩小凹陷现象,砧木对接穗的乳管有明显的诱导作用。

白簕根皮乙酸乙酯部位镇痛抗炎及抗氧化活性研究

为研究白簕[Acanthopanax trifoliatus(L.)Merr]根皮乙酸乙酯部位(BLE)镇痛抗炎及抗氧化能力,以BLE为研究对象,采用热板致痛法、醋酸扭体法、二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀法、角叉菜胶致小鼠足肿胀法及前列腺素E2(PGE2)炎症介质含量测定探讨其镇痛、抗炎作用,通过DPPH法和ABTS法评价BLE的抗氧化能力。结果表明,与空白组相比,BLE溶液各剂量组给药60 min时痛阈值均显著或极显著提高,与给药前相比,各剂量组在各时间点痛域值均显著或极显著提高,各剂量组与雷公藤多苷片组间无显著性差异。与空白组相比,各剂量组小鼠扭体次数极显著减少;各剂量组小鼠对二甲苯所致耳肿胀度均有显著或极显著减轻,且各剂量组与雷公藤多苷片组间无显著差异;高剂量组小鼠对角叉菜胶致足肿胀度有极显著减轻,各剂量组与雷公藤多苷片组相比无显著差异。与空白组相比,高、中剂量组小鼠PGE2含量极显著降低;与雷公藤多苷片组相比,高、中剂量组PGE2含量均无显著差异。BLE清除PDDH自由基的清除率随浓度增加呈正相关,IC50为0.029 mg/mL,低于阳性对照维生素C的IC50(0.04 mg/mL),ABTS自由基清除率随浓度增加呈正相关,IC50为0.033 mg/mL,低于阳性对照维生素C的IC50(0.042 mg/mL)。

重构本草——桑白皮

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的专家学者的认识及应用经验,经讨论认为桑白皮:功效主要为泻肺平喘,利水消肿;症靶为咳喘和水肿;标靶为高血糖;现代药理发现桑白皮及其有效成分具有降血糖、降血脂、抗炎、抗氧化、抗肿瘤、抗感染、调节免疫等作用;桑白皮的综合毒性试验显示其具有一定的呼吸抑制作用,无免疫毒性,不具有致突变、致畸、致癌风险;本品肺虚无火力、便多及风寒咳嗽者忌服;临床使用剂量为3~50 g,内服时当根据不同疾病,或同一疾病的不同阶段进行辨证使用,并积极探索桑白皮用量与症靶、标靶的量效关系构建。

华中五味子根皮乙酸乙酯部位化学成分研究

目的研究华中五味子根皮乙酸乙酯部位的化学成分。方法运用硅胶、ODS、Sephadex LH-20以及半制备液相色谱等各种现代色谱分离技术进行分离纯化,根据化合物的波谱数据和理化性质进行结构鉴定。结果从华中五味子根皮80%乙醇提取物的乙酸乙酯萃取部位中共分离得到12个化合物,分别鉴定为henricine B(1)、7R,8S-二氢去氢双松柏醇(2)、桑黄酮(3)、南五味子酸(4)、五内酯甲(5)、烟酰胺(6)、2,3-二羟基丙基-16-羟基十六烷酸酯(7)、对羟基苯乙醇(8)、4-羟基-3-甲氧基-苯甲酸(9)、4-羟基-苯甲酸(10)、2-羟基-苯甲酸(11)、3-甲氧基-4-羟基苯-1-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(12)。结论化合物3、6、7、11、12为首次从该植物中分离鉴定。

构树根皮活性成分乙醇提取工艺优化及其抗氧化活性分析

以构树根皮为原料,通过单因素实验考察不同因素对构树根皮总黄酮和多酚提取量的影响。运用Design-Expert 11软件设计响应面法优化构树根皮乙醇回流提取工艺,并进行工艺验证。最后对提取得到的构树根皮乙醇提取物进行DPPH·、ABTS^(+)·、羟自由基清除能力和总还原能力的测定,评价其抗氧化活性。响应面分析表明,构树根皮总黄酮和多酚的最佳提取工艺为提取温度75℃、提取时间117 min、料液比1:16 g/mL、乙醇浓度70%。此条件下,构树根皮总黄酮和多酚提取量分别为23.93±0.30 mg/g和14.69±0.56 mg/g,与预测理论值接近。抗氧化实验表明,构树根皮乙醇提取物对DPPH·、ABTS^(+)·和羟自由基的半数清除浓度(IC_(50))分别为5.256μg/mL、0.259 mg/mL和0.310 mg/mL,且清除能力与其浓度呈现一定的量效关系。当提取物浓度为1.0 mg/mL时,总还原能力达到1.484±0.062。此优化实验有效可行,构树根皮乙醇提取物具有较强的抗氧化活性。本研究为构树资源的综合利用提供了一定的理论依据。

根系表皮形态对根-土拉拔力学行为的影响

研究选取小叶榕和大叶伞两种植物来开展室内根–土拉拔试验,分析根系的表皮形态及其基本拉伸力学特性对根–土相互作用的影响规律和机理。试验结果表明:两种植物根系拉拔力–位移曲线均呈现3个变化阶段,根–土界面最大摩擦力随根径和法向载荷的增大而增大,根皮粗糙度较大的根系其界面摩擦力较大;随着土颗粒对根皮表面挤压力的增大,表皮粗糙度和拉伸弹性模量共同影响根–土界面的最大摩擦力。相关研究成果可为生态护坡提供科学支撑。

糖尿病视网膜病变分子病理学、中药及中药提取物干预治疗研究进展

糖尿病视网膜病变(diabetic retinopathy,DR),既是一种微血管病变,也是一种神经退行性变疾病,并且神经病变先于微血管病变。DR是危害视力健康的主要视网膜类疾病之一,其发病率呈现日益升高的趋势。DR的病变机制主要有氧化应激、血管新生反应、代谢反应和炎症反应等。本文主要针对DR分子病理学和三七、丹参、牡丹皮、黄芪甲苷等中药及其提取物干预治疗进行综述,以期为中药干预治疗DR的进一步研究和临床应用提供科学依据。

丹皮的化学成分研究

目的 研究中药丹皮 Paeonia suffruticosa的化学成分。方法 利用反复硅胶柱层析进行分离纯化 ,通过波谱分析鉴定化合物结构。结果 分离得到 9个化合物 ,分别鉴定为白桦脂酸 (betulinic acid, ) ,白桦脂醇 (betulin, ) ,齐墩果酸 (oleanolic acid, ) ,3β,2 3- dihydroxy- 30 - norolean- 12 ,2 0 (2 9) - dien- 2 8- oic acid ( ) ,芍药苷元(paeoniflorigenone, ) ,3- O- m ethylpaeonisuffral( ) ,牡丹酚 (paeonol, ) ,6 -羟基香豆素 (6 - hydroxycoum arin, )和没食子酸 (gallic acid, )。结论 化合物 ～ 和 为首次从该植物中分离得到。

6种宁神类药物抗抑郁作用动物实验研究

目的 探讨石菖蒲、酸枣仁、朱砂、远志、茯神、合欢花等6种宁神类药物的抗抑郁作用.方法 采用旷场试验评价药物对小鼠自发活动的影响,强迫游泳和强迫悬尾实验评价药物对小鼠不动时间的影响,Western-blot免疫印迹检测胶质纤维酸性蛋白的表达.结果 与对照组比,旷场试验中各实验组动物活动总路径差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,强迫游泳实验中石菖蒲、朱砂、远志、茯神、合欢花组不动时间显著缩（P＜0.05～0.01）,悬尾实验中石菖蒲、朱砂、远志和茯神组不动时间显著缩短（P＜0.05～0.01）,各组GFAP蛋白表达差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 石菖蒲、朱砂、远志、茯神、合欢花具有抗抑郁作用.