The Protective Effects of Flavonoids from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi Stems and Leaves on Oligodendrocyte Damage Induced by Aβ1-42

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of flavonoids from the stem and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSFs) against Aβ1-42-induced oligodendrocytes (OL) damage. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used for the detection of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a characteristic protein of rat oligodendrocytes (OLN-93 cells). To evaluate the potential protective effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells injured by Aβ1-42, an injury model was established by subjecting OLN-93 cells to Aβ1-42 exposed. Cell morphology was examined using an inverted microscope, while cell viability was assessed using the colorimetric method of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured using the pyruvic acid reduction assay. The Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) injection was used as a positive control. Results: A total of >95% of the MAG immunofluorescence-positive cells were identified as oligodendrocytes. Gradually increasing concentrations of SSFs impaired the cells, and the maximum nondetrimental dose for OLN-93 cells was 75 mg/L. This study assessed the effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells damaged by Aβ1-42. The results indicated that SSFs significantly improved OLN-93 cell morphological abnormal changes, increased the OLN-93 cell survival rate, and reduced LDH release. Conclusion: SSFs can alleviate Aβ1-42-induced damage of OL.

Advances in Research of Resources and Cultivation Techniques of Chinese Medicinal Material Radix Bupleuri

At present,with the vigorous development of traditional Chinese medicines,wild Bupleurum chinense resources become increasingly depleted,and its cultivars have become the mainstream of the market.However,due to factors such as a large number of original plants,irregular planting techniques,and poor growth environment,the quality of cultivated B.chinense is uneven and it is difficult to achieve the expected efficacy.In order to protect the wild resources of B.chinense and expand the source of medicinal materials,this paper summarized the research advances of the main resource producing areas and cultivation techniques of B.chinense in combination with relevant documents published at home and abroad,and discussed the future development of B.chinense,to provide a reference for research and sustainable development of B.chinense resources.

A Brief Discussion on the Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine

With the wide application of traditional Chinese medicine in the world,the related reports on the toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine are increasing,which makes the safety of traditional Chinese medicine receive wide attention.This paper analyzes the toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine with a fair and scientific attitude,in order to promote the benign and sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method for acute ischemic stroke： a meta-analysis of safety and efficacy

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method for treating acute ischemic stroke.DATA SOURCES： We retrieved relevant randomized controlled trials involving Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu Information Resources System, Wanfang Medical Data System, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, and Pub Med were searched from June 2006 to March 2016.DATA SELECTION： We analyzed randomized and semi-randomized clinical controlled trials that compared Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture with various control treatments, such as conventional drugs or other acupuncture therapies, for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The quality of articles was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions（Version 5.1）, and the study was carried out using Cochrane system assessment methods. Rev Man 5.2 was used for the meta-analysis of the included studies.OUTCOME MEASURES： The mortality rate, disability rate, activities of daily living（Barthel Index）, and clinical efficacy were observed.RESULTS： Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The meta-analysis showed that between Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture and the control treatment, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture reduced the disability rate [risk ratio（RR） = 0.51, 95% confidence interval（CI） = 0.27-0.98, z = 2.03, P 〈 0.05], elevated the activities of daily living（weighted mean difference = 12.23, 95% CI： 3.66-20.08, z = 2.80, P 〈 0.005）, and had greater clinical efficacy（RR = 1.61, 95% CI： 1.23-2.09, z = 3.53, P 〈 0.0004）. However, there was no significant difference in mortality rate（RR = 0.61, 95% CI： 0.15-2.45, z = 0.70, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method is effective and safe for acute ischemic stroke. However, there was selective bias in this study, and the likelihood of measurement bias is high. Thus, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to provide reliable evidence of the efficacy and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Mechanisms underlying attenuation of apoptosis of cortical neurons in the hypoxic brain by flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, an antioxidant, markedly improve memory impairments and neuronal injuries. In the present study, primary cortical neurons of rats were exposed to potassium cyanide to establish a model of in vitro neural cell apoptosis. Inhibition of apoptosis by flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baical- ensis Georgi at concentrations of 18.98, 37.36, and 75.92 gg/mL was detected using this model. These flavonoids dramatically increased cell survival, inhibited cell apoptosis and excessive pro- duction of malondialdehyde, and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and Na＋-K＊-ATPase in primary cortical neurons exposed to potassium cyanide. The flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were originally found to have a polyhydric structure and to protect against cerebral hypoxia in in vitro and in vivo models, including hypoxia induced by potassium cyanide or cerebral ischemia. The present study suggests that flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi exert neuroprotective effects via modulation of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase disorders induced by potassium cyanide.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Tanshinone Capsule in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

[Objectives]To study the efficacy and safety of tanshinone capsule in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).[Methods]A randomized controlled trial or semi-randomized controlled trial of tanshinone capsule in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome was included.Two researchers screened the retrieved literature,extracted the data,assessed the risk of bias of the included literature,and then carried out meta-analysis.[Results]A total of 5 articles were included,involving 350 patients.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group,tanshinone capsule could reduce total cholesterol[MD=-0.73,95%CI(-0.86,-0.60),P<0.00001],triglyceride[MD=-0.40,95%CI(-0.57,-0.23),P<0.00001],low density lipoprotein cholesterol[MD=-0.47,95%CI(-0.73,-0.53),P<0.00001],follicle stimulating hormone[MD=-0.63,95%CI(-0.73,-0.53),P<0.00001],increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol[MD=0.28,95%CI(0.20,0.35),P<0.00001],the effective rate(P=0.06)and luteinizing hormone(P=0.07)in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.[Conclusions]Tanshinone capsule could effectively improve the level of lipid metabolism and follicle stimulating hormone in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Pharmacological Activity and Application of Roots, Stems and Leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is traditionally used as medicine,and it has been confirmed that S.baicalensis Georgi has flavonoid chemical constituents,pharmacological activity and cosmetic efficacy.With the extensive application of S.baicalensis Georgi roots,the resource of S.baicalensis Georgi has been increasingly short.The above-ground part of stems and leaves of S.baicalensis Georgi has also been gradually recognized and developed.Studies have found that the chemical constituents from stems and leaves of S.baicalensis Georgi are also a group of flavonoids with a lot of pharmacological activity and have a great application value.Based on this,the present review will be reported on the chemical constituents and application of the roots,stems and leaves of S.baicalensis Georgi.

Flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi attenuate H_2O_2-induced oxidative damage to rat cortical neurons

Primary cultures of rat cortical neurons were treated with H2O2 in an in vitro model of free radical neurotoxicity. Flavonoids extracted from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, known as SSF, at concentrations of 18.98, 37.36 and 75.92 μg/mL, protected neurons against H2O2 injury in a dose-dependent manner. SSF increased cell survival, reduced lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibited malondialdehyde production. SSF also inhibited reductions in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase activities. These results in-dicate that SSF can protect rat cortical neurons against H2O2-induced oxidative injury.

BI-D1870 Causes the Rats’ Learning and Memory Acquisition Ability Impairment

Aim: To observe the rats’ learning and memory acquisition ability disturbance induced by BI-D1870. Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, solvent control group and BI-D1870 group. The rats in the control group were intraperitoneally injected with saline, while those in the solvent control group were intraperitoneally injected with DMSO + sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin solvent, and those in the BI-D1870 group were intraperitoneally injected with BI-D1870. All the rats’ appearance and behavior were daily observed, and body weight was recorded on the day 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 82 of BI-D1870 injected. Morris water maze was used to screen the rats’ learning and memory acquisition ability on the day 22 - 25, 52 - 55, and 82 - 85 of training by BI-D1870 treated. The successful rates of the rats’ memory impairment were respectively calculated for three times screening. Results: During the whole experiment, there was no obvious difference in appearance and fur color in all rats. The rats’ agitation began to appear on the day 10th of BI-D1870 given. The agitation rats’ number and rats’ body weight gradually increased along with BI-D1870 treated (P P Conclusion: Intraperitoneal injection of BI-D1870 can induce the rats’ learning and memory acquisition ability disorder.

Inhibition of Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Stems and Leaves against Abnormal Formation of PHF and Regulation of PP in OA Induced Brain Injury in Rats

[Objectives] To explore the inhibitory effects of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi stems and leaves against abnormal formation of PHF and regulation mechanism of protein phosphatase(PP) in okadaic acid(OA) induced brain injury in rats.[Methods]Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with OA(200 ng/kg) in the lateral ventricle to establish a memory impairment model,and Morris water maze was used to screen the memory impairment model.Rats were intragastrically administered with 25,50 and 100 mg/kg SSF daily for 36 d.The protein expressions of PHF,PP1,PP2A-Cα,PP2A-Cβ,PP2 CA and PP2 CB in rat cortex and hippocampus were determined by Western blot.Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids were used as positive control drugs.[Results]Compared with the sham-operated rats,the expression of PHF protein in the cortex and hippocampus of the model group was significantly increased(P < 0.01);protein expression of PP2A-Cα and PP2A-Cβin the cortex and hippocampus,and PP2 CB in the hippocampus were significantly decreased(P < 0.05);protein expression of PP2 CA and PP2 CB in the cortex was significantly increased(P < 0.01);protein expression of PP1 in the cortex was significantly decreased(P < 0.01).Compared with the model rats,25,50 and 100 mg/kg SSF 36 d reversed the protein expression of PHF,PP2A-Cα and PP2ACβ in rat cortex and hippocampus and expression of PP1 in rat cortex induced by OA,but had no significant effect on the protein expression of PP2 CA and PP2 CB,G.biloba flavonoids also showed similar results to SSF.[Conclusions] SSF can significantly inhibit the abnormal formation of PHF in rat brain induced by OA.The inhibitory effect may be related to the regulation of PP1,PP2A-Cα and PP2A-Cβ protein expression in cerebral cortex and hippocampus by SSF,but less related to the regulation of PP2 CA and PP2 CB.

Systematic Evaluation and Meta-analysis of Modified Baitouweng Decoction in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

[Objectives]To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Modified Baitouweng Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC).[Methods]A randomized controlled trial of Modified Baitouweng Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis was conducted,and the biased risk was evaluated in the included literature using a standardized method.A meta-analysis of the total effective rate and recurrence rate of the included literature was carried out.Sensitivity and safety analysis was carried out on the included literature.[Results]A total of 19 articles were included,involving a total of 1613 patients.The results of meta-analysis showed that the treatment of Modified Baitouweng Decoction alone or in combination with the western medicine is better than the treatment with the western medicine alone.[Conclusions]Modified Baitouweng Decoction is safe and effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.However,since the 19 articles included in this study are not high in quality,they have certain influence on the objectivity of the results.

Research Progress on the Factors Affecting the Quality of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

In the production process of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi,how to improve the quality of cultivated S.baicalensis is the focus of current research.By consulting a large number of relevant literatures of S.baicalensis,combined with the research and production experience of the research group in recent years,the factors affecting the quality of cultivated S.baicalensis were analyzed to provide a certain basis for its rational development,utilization and protection in the future.

Systematic review of long-term Xingnao Kaiqiao needling efficacy in ischemic stroke treatment

OBJeCTIve：To systematically evaluate the long-term effect and safety ofXingnao Kaiqiao nee-dling method in ischemic stroke treatment. DATA ReTRIevAL： We retrieved relevant random and semi-random controlled trials that used theXingnao Kaiqiao needling method to treat ischemic stroke compared with various control treatments such as conventional drugs or other acupuncture therapies. Searched databases included China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu Information Resources System, Wanfang Medical Data System, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, and PubMed, from May 2006 to July 2014. SeLeCTION CRITeRIA： Two authors independently conducted literature screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction. The quality of articles was evaluated according to the Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook 5.1, and the study was carried out using Cochrane system assessment methods. RevMan 5.2 was used for meta-analysis of the included studies. MAIN OUTCOMe MeASUReS： Mortality rate, recurrence rate, and disability rate were observed. ReSULTS：Nine randomized and semi-randomized controlled trials treating 931 cases of ischemic stroke were included in this review. Meta-analysis results showed that there were no sig-niifcant differences in mortality reduction （risk ratio （RR） = 0.58, 95% conifdence interval （CI）： 0.17–1.93,Z = 0.89,P = 0.37） or recurrence rate （RR = 0.55, 95%CI： 0.18–1.70,Z = 1.04,P = 0.30） of ischemic stroke patients between theXingnao Kaiqiao needling and control treatment groups. However, theXingnao Kaiqiao needling method had a tendency towards higher efifcacy in mor-tality reduction and recurrence rates. TheXingnao Kaiqiao needling method was signiifcantly better than that of the control treatment in reducing disability rate （RR = 0.51, 95%CI： 0.27–0.98, Z = 2.03,P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION：TheXingnao Kaiqiao needling method has a better effect than control treatment in reducing disability rate. The long-term effect ofXingnao Kaiqiao needling against ischemic stroke is better than that of control treatment. However, the limitations of this study limit the strength of the conclusions. Randomized controlled trials with a strict, reasonable design, and multi-center, large-scale samples and follow-up are necessary to draw conclusions aboutXingnao Kaiqiao needling.

Attenuation of Scutellaria barbata flavonoids on cortical cytoplasm apoptotic factors disorders induced by complex Aβ_(25-35) in rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of SBF on cortical cytoplasm apoptotic factors disturbances induced by complex Aβ25-35in rats.METHODS The cerebral injuries model was established by rats received intracere-broventricular injection of RHTGF-β1,Aβ25-35and Al Cl3and then accepted SBF treatment.All the rats were sacrificed by decapitation for indicators detection at last the drug treatment.Western blotting method was for caspase-3 protein expression and RT-PCR method detected cytochrome c,apoptotic protease activating factor-1(Apaf-1),caspase-9 m RNA expression in cortical cytoplasm.RESULTS The protein expression of caspase-3in cortical cytoplasm of rats was assayed by Western blotting.The results indicated that compared with the sham group,the caspase-3 protein expression of cortical cytoplasm in Aβgroup was significantly increased(P<0.01).However,the increased expression can be obviously reversed by SBF at doses of 35,70 and 140mg·kg-1,as compared with model group(P<0.01).The Cyt-C,Apaf-1 and caspase-9 m RNA expressions in cortical cytoplasm of rats were determined by RT-PCR.The results indicated that compared with the sham group,the Cyt-C Apaf-1 and caspase-9 m RNA relative expressions of cortical cytoplasm in Aβgroup was significantly increased(P<0.01).However,these increased expressions can be differently reversed by SBF at doses of 35,70 and 140 mg·kg-1,as compared with model group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION SBF can definitely improve rats′cortical cytoplasm apoptotic factors disorders induced by complex Aβ25-35,which maybe benefit for treatment of degenerative disease.

Quality Evaluation of Atractylodes chinensis(DC.)Koidz.in Chengde Region Based on Dual Component Analysis

[Objectives]To evaluate the quality of Atractylodes chinensis(DC.)Koidz.in Chengde region.[Methods]35 samples of A.chinensis from different growth years were collected,and a high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)method was established for the dual components of atractylodin and atractylone,and the quality evaluation was conducted on the cultivated A.chinensis from Chengde region in terms of moisture,ash and volatile oil content.[Results]The moisture content of all samples met the regulations,and the content of volatile oil was relatively high.Among them,seven samples with atractylodin content lower than 0.3%were unqualified products(accounting for 20%),and one sample had excessive ash content(accounting for 3%).[Conclusions]The established method for the determination of the dual components of Atractylodis Rhizoma is stable,simple,fast,precise and reusable.Besides,according to the Pearson correlation analysis among the indicators,it is concluded that the atractylodin and atractylone content are significantly related to the growth period and the volatile oil content.In addition,the quality evaluation indicators of A.chinensis in Chengde region show that there are differences in the quality of Atractylodis Rhizoma,but the overall pass rate is relatively high.It is necessary to further study the reasons for the differences.

A Brief Discussion on the Safety of Famous Region Herb

With the vigorous development of the Chinese herbal medicine market in China,the production of high-quality authentic medicinal materials must not only ensure its unique authentic properties,but also ensure its quality and safety.This article elaborates the challenges faced by the authentic Chinese medicinal materials and gives suggestions to improve the quality system of Chinese medicinal materials.

Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are effective to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Based on previous studies that have shown flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are neuroprotective agents in a naturally senile, D-galactose, aging in vivo model, as well as an in vitro model of oxidative/hypoxic injury, we established a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The light/electron microscopic observations found significant neuropathological changes including neuron loss or swelling and rough endoplasmic reticulum injury. Moreover, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase Na＋-K＋-ATPase, Ca2＋-ATPase and superoxide dismutase were significantly lowered, and the levels of malonaldehyde increased. In addition, the memory of rats worsened. However, treatment with flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi （35, 70 and 140 mg/kg） for 13 days dramatically improved the above abnormal changes. These results suggest that the ability of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in attenuating cerebral functional and morphological consequences after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion may be beneficial for the treatment of ischemic brain disease.