First Report of Phomopsis Leaf Spot on Patchouli [Pogostemon cablin( Blanco) Benth. ]Caused by Diaporthe arecae in China

A severe leaf spot disease on patchouli,was observed in Guangdong,China.Early symptom appeared as circular or irregularly shaped and dark brown spots along the leaf margins and tips.As the disease progressed,the spots enlarged and with masses black,sessile conidiomata were observed in lesions.The results of morphology,molecular biology and pathogenicity test indicate that the causal agent of leaf disease of patchouli is Diaporthe arecae.

Pharmacological importance of Kunxian Capsule in clinical applications and its adverse effects:A review

Kunxian Capsule(KX)is a popular Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,nephrotic syndrome,systemic lupus erythematosus,Henoch-Schönlein purpura,ankylosing spondylitis,psoriatic arthritis and eczema.However,there is scarcity of comprehensive information on the significance of KX in the clinical application and its side effects.Hence,it is aimed to provide a review of the significance of KX,with a focus on the pharmacological effects,clinical applications,and its adverse reactions.This review was based on the published literatures in PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang database.The articles were collected by two independent authors with no time limits applied until November 30,2022.The search term includes Kunxian Capsule and/or clinical effect,pharmacology,disease,therapy,adverse effects and quality control.KX has been shown to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory responses and inducing apoptosis.Many studies suggest that KX has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that aid in the improvement of joint functions.KX dispels wind,removes dampness,invigorates the kidneys,and promotes blood circulation,thereby curing various diseases.However,studies also suggest KX-related adverse reactions in multiple systems.Overall,this review highlights the scientific basis of KX in curing or preventing various diseases and provides novel insights for further research and clinical applications.

Zhuangyao Jianshen pill(壮腰健肾丸) ameliorates testosterone-induced benign postatic hyperplasia in rats

OBJECTIVE:To determine the therapeutic effects of the Zhuangyao Jianshen pill(壮腰健肾丸,ZYJSP)against benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)and investigate the underlying mechanism.METHODS:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups:Control group,BPH model group,finasteride-treated group,ZYJSP low,medium and high dose groups.Except for the control group,40 rats were castrated and injected with testosterone propionate(TP)for 28 consecutive day to induce BPH.Meanwhile,the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage.The prostate wet weight,prostate index(PI),and the histopathological changes in the prostate were measured as the basis for examining the efficacy of ZYJSP against BPH.Levels of the serum sex hormones,oxidative stress markers,inflammatory markers,renal function markers,growth factors,and Cyclin D1 expression in prostate were measured to characterize the therapeutic mechanism of ZYJSP against BPH.RESULTS:ZYJSP administration significantly reduced prostate wet weight and PI and ameliorated histological changes of the prostate in TP-treated castrated rats.TP markedly increased the levels of creatinine,blood urea nitrogen and growth factors in the serum as well as the expression of the Cyclin D1 in the prostate.Most of these markers were significantly decreased by ZYJSP.ZYJSP significantly restored the dysregulation of testosterone,estradiol,and dihydrotestosterone caused by TP.Furthermore,ZYJSP relieved TP-induced prostate injury and exhibited both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity by decreasing interleukin-6,interleukin-8,and malondialdehyde levels and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase in the serum.CONCLUSION:These findings indicate that ZYJSP can effectively ameliorate BPH induced by TP in castrated rats,and the underlying mechanism might be related to regulating sex hormone balance,reducing oxidative stress,and inhibiting the inflammatory response.