Protective effect of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai extract on dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine ulcerative colitis

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai(AGNE) on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced murine ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods: The therapeutic effect of an AGNE was analyzed in a mouse model of UC induced by DSS. Disease activity index values were measured by clinical signs such as a weight loss, stool consistency, rectal bleeding and colon length. A histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Key inflammatory cytokines and mediators including IL-6, TNF-a, PGE2, COX-2 and HIF-1 a were assayed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay or western blotting.Results: Treatment with the AGNE at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg alleviated weight loss,decreased disease activity index scores, and reduced colon shortening in mice with DSSinduced UC. AGNE inhibited the production of IL-6 and TNF-a in serum and colon tissue. Moreover, AGNE suppressed the increased expression of COX-2 and HIF-1 a and the increased production of PGE2 in colon tissue were observed in mice with DSSinduced UC. Additionally, histological damage was also alleviated by AGNE treatment.Conclusions: The findings of this study verified that AGNE significantly improves clinical symptoms and reduces the activity of various inflammatory mediators. These results indicate the AGNE has the therapeutic potential in mice with DSS-induced UC.

Neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaris on transient forebrain ischemia in mice via nicotinic cholinergic receptor

Artemisia capillaris Thunberg is a medicinal plant used as a traditional medicine in many cultures. It is an effective remedy for liver problems including hepatitis. Recent pharmacological reports have indicated that Artemisia species can exert various neurological effects. Previously, we reported a memory-enhancing effect of Artemisia species. However, the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of A. capillaris(AC) are still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of an ethanol extract of AC on ischemic brain injury in a mouse model of transient forebrain ischemia. The mice were treated with AC for seven days, beginning one day before induction of transient forebrain ischemia. Behavioral deficits were investigated using the Y-maze. Nissl and Fluoro-jade B staining were used to indicate the site of injury. To determine the underlying mechanisms for the drug, we measured acetylcholinesterase activity. AC(200 mg·kg-1) treatment reduced transient forebrain ischemia-induced neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region. The AC-treated group also showed significant amelioration in the spontaneous alternation of the Y-maze test performance, compared to that in the untreated transient forebrain ischemia group. Moreover, AC treatment showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro. Finally, the effect of AC on forebrain ischemia was blocked by mecamylamine, a nonselective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Our results suggested that in a model of forebrain ischemia, AC protected against neuronal death through the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium Attenuates Physical Stress by Supressing ACTH-Induced Cortisol in Zebrafish

Objective:To determine the effects of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium(EHDF)on physical stress,changes in the whole-body cortisol level and behaviour in zebrafish(Danio rerio).Methods:One hundred and seventy-four fish were randomly divided into 4[adrenocorticotropin hormone(ACTH)challenge test:4 fish per group]or 6 groups(behavioural test:10–12 fish per group,whole-body cortisol:4 fish per group).Net handling stress(NHS)was used to induce physical stress.Fish were treated with vehicle or EHDF(5–20 mg/L)for 6 min before they were exposed to stress.And then,fish were sacrificed for collecting body fluid from whole-body or conducted behavioural tests,including novel tank test and open field test,and were evaluated to observe anxiety-like behaviours and locomotion.In addition,to elucidate the mode of action of the anti-stress effects of EHDF,ACTH(0.2 IU/g,i.p.)challenge test was performed.Results:The increased anxiety-like behaviours in novel tank test and open field test under stress were prevented by treatment with EHDF at 5–20 mg/L(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the unstressed group,which was not treated with NHS,the whole-body cortisol level was significantly increased by treatment with NHS(P<0.05).Compared with the NHS-treated stressed control group,pre-treatment with EHDF at concentrations of 5–20 mg/L for 6 min significantly prevented the NHS-increased whole-body cortisol level(P<0.05).In addition,ACTH challenge test showed that EHDF completely blocked the effects of ACTH on cortisol secretion(P<0.05).Conclusion:EHDF may be a good antistress candidate and its mechanism of action may be related to its positive effects on cortisol release.