A review on triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins from Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bung.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge, also known as Tu-Mu-Gua and Wen-Dan-Ge-Zi, has several applications. Clinical data and experimental studies have shown anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge that inhibits prostate hyperplasia, lowers blood pressure and lipid level, and treats enuresis and urinary incontinence. It also has neuroprotective effects and can treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's syndrome. The research on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge has been increasing. Triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins are the main constituents in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge and exhibit biological activities. In this review, we summarized the research progress on triterpenoids and their glycosides in Xanthoceras sorbifolia, including the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and biogenic pathways of triterpenoid mother nucleus. The results would provide a reference for further research and development of triterpenoids and their glycosides in Xanthoceras sorbifolia.

Diagnosis of Small Bowel Obstruction using Targeted Enterography During Nasointestinal Decompression.

The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of using targeted enterography during intestinal decompression in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction (SBO). Thirty-five patients with SBO and who had neither strangulation nor other contradictions received intestinal decompression, under the guidance of X-ray, using a 300-cm-long nasointestinal tube which reached the upper jejunum. Contrast radiography of intestines was performed when the tip of the decompression tube reached the obstruction by administering double-contrast medium, containing 20-100 ml 76 % gastrografin and 50-200 ml air, through the nasointestinal tube. Serial erect and supine plain abdominal radiographs were obtained. Intubation procedure was successful in all 35 patients. SBO was resolved in 20 patients, alleviated in 15 patients and 10 patients received surgery. Selective enterographies showed clear and high quality images. Imaging findings demonstrated no significant abnormality in six patients and adhesive SBO in 15. Furthermore, intestinal tumours were identified in four patients of which three were metastatic tumours and one was an original intestinal cancer; Crohn's disease was confirmed in three patients; radiation enteritis in three (one of them was misdiagnosed and was then confirmed as metastatic tumour during surgery); enteric intussusception was found in two patients; polyps in one patient and carcinoma of the ascending colon in one. Targeted enterography during nasointestinal decompression allows confirmation of pathology of SBO by direct identification of the location, the extent and aetiology of obstruction, thereby providing evidence for the choice of timing and strategy of surgery.

Radiophotographically Controlled Nasointestinal Intubation to Treat Recurrent Postoperative Adhesive Ileus.

This study describes clinical experience and curative effect of radiophotographically controlled nasointestinal intubation in the treatment of small intestine arrangement in recurrent postoperative adhesive ileus. A 300-cm-long nasointestinal tube was installed into the jejunum through the nasal cavity under radiophotographic observation in 25 patients with recurrent postoperative adhesive ileus. The tube was advanced into the ileum by enterokinesia to relieve adhesive ileus and conduct small bowel arrangement. Duration of tube installation was 13 ± 11 min (range of 9-36 min). The success rate was 88 %. In 3 patients, assistance by a gastroscope was required. Twenty-one out of 25 patients were cured, making the cure rate of 84 %. The time for intestinal arrangement was 18.5 ± 3 days. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years; there was 1 case of recurrence, while other patients recovered smoothly with no recurrence. A non-surgical nasointestinal intubation under radiophotography is a simple, safe, and effective management with few complications and beneficial outcome in recurrent postoperative adhesive ileus.

Extraction, preliminary characterization and evaluation of in vitro antitumor and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Mentha piperita.

This study describes the extraction, preliminary characterization and evaluation of the in vitro antitumor and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides extracted from Mentha piperita (MPP). The optimal parameters for the extraction of MPP were obtained by Box-Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) at the ratio of water to raw material of 20, extraction time of 1.5 h and extraction temperature at 80 °C. Chemical composition analysis showed that MPP was mainly composed of glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose, and the molecular weight of its two major fractions were estimated to be about 2.843 and 1.139 kDa, respectively. In vitro bioactivity experiments showed that MPP not only inhibited the growth of A549 cells but possessed potent inhibitory action against DNA topoisomerase I (topo I), and an appreciative antioxidant action as well. These results indicate that MPP may be useful for developing safe natural health products.