Network pharmacological analysis and experimental study of Pulsatilla chinensis against inflammatory injury caused by pneumonia in mice infected with influenza virus FM_1 / 中国中药杂志

Network pharmacology and the mouse model of viral pneumonia caused by influenza virus FM_1 were employed to explore the main active components and the mechanism of Pulsatilla chinensis against the inflammatory injury of influenza virus-induced pneumonia. The components and targets of P. chinensis were searched from TCMSP, and the targets associated with influenza virus-induced pneumonia were searched from GeneCards. The common targets between P. chinensis and influenza virus-induced pneumonia were identified with Venn diagram established in Venny 2.1. The herb-component-disease-target(H-C-D-T) network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2. The above data were imported into STRING for PPI network analysis. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment were performed with DAVID. BALB/cAnN mice were infected with the influenza virus FM_1 by nasal drip to gene-rate the mouse model of pneumonia. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to the expression profiling of inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissues of mice in the blank group, model group, and P. chinensis group 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after infection. The pathological changes of lung and trachea of mice in blank group, model group, and P. chinensis group were observed with light microscope and scanning electron microscope at all the time points. The network pharmacological analysis indicated that 9 compounds of P. chinensis were screened out, with a total of 57 targets, 22 of which were overlapped with those of influenza virus-induced pneumonia. A total of 112 GO terms(P<0.05) were enriched, including 81 terms of biological processes, 11 terms of cell components, and 20 terms of molecular functions. A total of 53 KEGG signaling pathways(P<0.05) were enriched, including TNF signaling pathway, influenza A signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways related to influenza/inflammation. In the P. chinensis group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-1 in the lung tissue was down-regulated on the 3 rd day after infection, and that of IL-6 in the lung tissue was down-regulated on the 5 th day after infection. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that P. chinensis significantly alleviated the pathological damage of lung and trachea compared with the model group. This study reflects the multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways of P. chinensis against influenza virus-induced pneumonia. P. chinensis may reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators and block the pro-inflammatory signaling pathways to alleviate viral pneumonia, which provides reference for future research.

Alpha-hederin induces the apoptosis of oral cancer SCC-25 cells by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the head and neck. However, current treatments have numerous side effects, and drugs from natural sources may have better therapeutic potential. This research investigated the induction of apoptosis by α-hederin (α-HN), a constituent of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, in the oral cancer cell line SCC-25 and its underlying mechanism. RESULTS: SCC-25 cells were treated with 50, 100, and 200 µmol/L α-HN. Cell proliferation; extent of apoptosis; activities of caspases-3, 8, and 9; and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, phosphorylated (p)-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), p-Akt, and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) proteins were determined using the 3-(4,5)-2-thiazole-(2,5)-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, caspase activity detection kits, and western blot assays, respectively. The results showed that the proliferation of SCC-25 cells in the α-HN-treated groups decreased significantly, and the inhibitory effect was time and concentration dependent. Compared with cells in the control group, the extent of apoptosis increased significantly, caspase-3 and -9 activities were significantly enhanced, and the Bcl-2 level was lowered and the Bax level was elevated significantly in SCC-25 cells treated with α-HN for 48 h (P b 0.05). The expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR was also significantly lower in SCC-25 cells treated with α-HN than that in the control group (P b 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that α-HN can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of SCC-25 cells and may exert these effects by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

A Case of Irritant Contact Dermatitis Associated with Pulsatilla koreana

No abstract available.

Flavonoid Glycosides from the Flowers of Pulsatilla koreana Nakai

Extraction and fractionation of Pulsatilla koreana flowers followed by, repeated open column chromatography for EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions yielded four flavonoid glycosides, namely, astragalin (1), tiliroside (2), buddlenoide A (3), and apigenin-7-O-(3"-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside (4). The chemical structures of these flavonoid glycosides were elucidated on the basis of various spectroscopic methods including electronic ionization mass spectrometry (EI-MS), 1D NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT), 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC), and infrared (IR) spectrometry. This study represents the first report of the isolation of the flavonoid glycosides from the flowers of P. koreana.

Pulchinenoside inhibits the fibroblast-like synoviocytes apoptosis in adjuvant arthritis rats / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the eff ect of pulchinenoside (PULC) on fi broblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) apoptosis in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: A normal control group, an AA group, a low PULC group (50 mg/kg), a middle PULC group (100 mg/kg) or a high PULC group (150 mg/kg) and an ibuprofen (8 mg/kg) group (n=10 per group). FLS from the AA rats was cultured. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and the FLS proliferation were detected by the real time qPCR and MTT, respectively. The expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in culture medium was detected by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the AA group, the Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated (all P<0.05), the Bax and caspase-3 expression was up-regulated (all P<0.05), and the FLS proliferation was inhibited (all P<0.05). The IL-6 and IL-8 expression was suppressed in the FLS in the PULC groups at different dosages (all P<0.05) as well as in the ibuprofen group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#PULC may inhibit the FLS proliferation in AA rats by increase in FLS apoptosis.

Intestinal absorption of pulchinenosides from Pulsatilla chinensis in rats / 中国中药杂志

HPLC-ELSD was applied to explore the absorption mechanism of pulchinenosides (B3, BD, B7, B10, B11) in rats. The experimental results showed that the absorption rate constant, Ka value (B3, BD) and Permeability coefficient, Peff value (B3, B7) displayed significant difference (P <0.05) in various intestinal segments, The Ka value and Peff value of PRS was different from each other with the highest absorption in duodenum (duodenum > jejunum > colon > ileum); The PRS displayed excessive satuation as the concentration increased over 0.05-2.5 g · L(-1). There were no obvious linear correlations between Peff values and concentrations in duodenum (0.6007 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.7727); Ka and Peff value declined when the PRS was perfused with P-glycoprotein promoter digoxin, on the other hand, inclined when perfused with P-glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil with significant difference among PRS B3, BD, B7, B11 (P <0.05). All the above results demonstrated that B3, BD, B7 were greatly influenced by absorption sites, duodenum was the main absorption site; PRS didn't entirely transported in a concentration dependent manner, and the transporter-protein involved the transportation, so the intestinal absorption of the five pulchinenosides was not entirely passive diffusion; and PRS might be the substrates of P-glycoprotein.

Determination of equilibrium solubility and n-octanol/water partition coefficient of pulchinenosiden D by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the equilibrium solubility of pulchinenosiden D in different solvents and its n-octanol/water partition coefficients.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Combining shaking flask method and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the n-octanol/water partition coefficients of pulchinenosiden D, the equilibrium solubility of pulchinenosiden D in six organic solvents and different pH buffer solution were determined by HPLC analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>n-Octanol/water partition coefficients of pulchinenosiden D in different pH were greater than zero, the equilibrium solubility of pulchinenosiden D was increased with increase the pH of the buffer solution. The maximum equilibrium solubility of pulchinenosiden D was 255.89 g x L(-1) in methanol, and minimum equilibrium solubility of pulchinenosiden D was 0.20 g x L(-1) in acetonitrile.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Under gastrointestinal physiological conditions, pulchinenosiden D exists in molecular state and it has good absorption but poor water-solubility, so increasing the dissolution rate of pulchinenosiden D may enhance its bioavailability.</p>

Anti-Inflammatory and PPAR Transactivational Effects of Oleanane-Type Triterpenoid Saponins from the Roots of Pulsatilla koreana

In this study, 23 oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins were isolated from a methanol extract of the roots of Pulsatilla koreana. The NF-kappaB inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was measured in TNFalpha-treated HepG2 cells using a luciferase reporter system. Compounds 19-23 inhibited TNFalpha-stimulated NF-kappaB activation in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 0.75-8.30 microM. Compounds 19 and 20 also inhibited the TNFalpha-induced expression of iNOS and ICAM-1 mRNA. Moreover, effect of the isolated compounds on PPARs transcriptional activity was assessed. Compounds 7-11 and 19-23 activated PPARs the transcriptional activity significantly in a dose-dependent manner, with EC50 values ranging from 0.9-10.8 microM. These results suggest the presence of potent anti-inflammatory components in P. koreana, and will facilitate the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Validação do método de análise capilar preconizado por hugo platz para o controle de qualidade de tinturas-mães / Validation of Hugo Platz´s method of capillary analysis for quality control of mother tinctures

Um dos insumos mais utilizados na manufatura de medicamentos homeopáticos é a tintura-mãe. Um método aparentemente útil para o controle de qualidade das tinturas-mães é a análise capilar. Este método analítico, tornado público no início do século passado por Hugo Platz, caiu em desuso após o advento de técnicas cromatográficas mais modernas. Embora empregue técnicas simples e de baixo custo, não há estudos de validação da análise capilar. O presente ensaio teve por objetivo validar o método de análise capilar utilizado no controle de qualidade de tinturas-mãe. Para tanto foram obtidos os espectros capilares das tinturas-mãe de Aconitum napellus L., Strychnos nux vomica L. e Anemone pulsatilla L. provenientes de fornecedores nacionais qualificados pela Associação Brasileira de Farmacêuticos Homeopatas. Os atributos avaliados foram precisão, reprodutibilidade e seletividade. Os resultados alcançados recomendam a utilização do método de análise capilar, conforme proposto por Platz, nas análises qualitativas de tinturas-mãe.

Mother tinctures are one of the most common starting materials used in the elaboration of homeopathic medicines. Capillary analysis seems a useful method for quality control of mother tinctures. This method was publicized in the beginning of the 20th century by Hugo Platz to fell into disuse following the development of the modern chromatographic techniques. Despite the simple techniques involved, and the low cost of the overall method, no studies of validation have yet been performed of Platz´s capillary analysis. The present study sought to validate capillary analysis for quality control of mother tinctures. The capillary spectra of mother tinctures of Aconitum napellus L., Strychos nux vomica L. e Anemone pulsatilla L. provided by Brazilian suppliers certified by the Brazilian Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists were obtained. The attributes evaluated were accuracy, reproducibility and selectivity. The results allow recommending the use of capillary analysis as formulated by Platz for qualitative analysis of mother tinctures.

Preparation of colon target pellets of Pulsatilla total saponins-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare colon target pellets of Pulsatilla total saponins.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Pulsatilla total saponins-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion was prepared by the water solution-mixing method. Then plain pills of inclusion were prepared by the granulation-spheronization method, and coated by Glatt fluid bed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The dissolution of plain pills of Pulsatilla total saponins at 2 h was 16.0%, while that of plain pills of inclusion at 0.5 h was 91.9%. With Eudragit S100 as the coating material, TEC as the plasticizer and talcum power as the anti-adherent, when the coating weight was 12%, the coating efficiency was high, with almost no bonding and drug release of coated pellets in artificial gastric juice for 2 h. The accumulated drug release in artificial intestinal fluid for 4 h was less than 15%, and that in artificial colon fluid for 4 h was more than 90%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Coated pellets of Pulsatilla total saponins-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion showed a good colon targeted drug release in vitro, thus could be further developed to be oral colon targeted preparations.</p>

Laboratory evaluation of the molluscicidal activity of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel saponins against the snail Oncomelania hupensis / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the toxicity of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel saponins (PRS) against Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>O. hupensis snails were exposed to 40% and 80% of 24 h LC50 of PRS for 24 h, and then choline esterase (CHE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in cephalopodium and liver of snails were determined. Niclosamide (NIC) was used as the reference molluscicide. Zebra fish lethality test was evaluated to non-target aquatic species of PRS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The molluscicidal activity of PRS (LC50 at 24 h: 0.48 mg/L) was similar to that of NIC (LC50 at 24 h: 0.16 mg/L). Significant alterations about CHE, ALP, and ALT activities both in the cephalopodium and the liver of snails were observed when O. hupensis was exposed to 40% and 80% LC50 of PRS or NIC for 24 h. PRS and NIC could not affect LDH activity in the cephalopodium and the liver. Lower toxicity to fish of PRS was observed up to the highest concentration tested than NIC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PRS, as compared with the reference molluscicide NIC, is thought to be used for the control of harmful vector snails safely.</p>

Spermicidal effect of alcohol extracts from different ratios of Sophora flavescens Ait/Chinese Bulbul in vitro / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the spermicidal effect of alcohol extracts from different ratios of Sophora flavescens Ait/Chinese Bulbul in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Semen samples aseptically obtained by masturbation and prepared by density gradient centrifugation from 15 healthy men were incubated in the alcohol extracts from 9 different ratios of Sophora flavescens Ait/Chinese Bulbul for 20 seconds, 2 minutes and 4 minutes. Then the motility and movement parameters of the sperm were detected by computer-assisted semen analysis, and the minimal effective concentrations of the instant spermicidal effect of the extracts were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the ratio of 3:1, the extract at 0.5 mg/ml significantly inhibited the sperm motility and other sperm movement parameters VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, WOB and MAD, as compared with the control group. The minimal effective concentration of the instant spermicidal effect of the extracts was 3.5 mg/ml at 3:1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The alcohol extracts from Sophora flavescens Ait and Chinese Bulbul at the ratio of 3:1 have the best spermicidal effect in vitro.</p>

Study on HPLC fingerprint characteristics and chemotaxonomy of Pulsatilla medicinal plants / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish HPLC characteristic fingerprints of the saponins in Pulsatilla medicinal plants, and provide the basis for authentication and classification of Pulsatilla species.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The HPLC profiles were determined at 35 degrees C on a Symmetry C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm,5 microm) eluted with water (A) and acetonitrile (B) as mobile phases in a linear gradient elution with the flowrate of 0.5 mL x min(-1). The elution program was as follows: 0-8 min, 90% A to 77% A, 8-25 min, changed to 71% A, 25-40 min, to 60% A, 40-50 min, to 50% A, 50-75 min, to 10% A, 75-80 min, to 0% A. The detection wavelength was set at 210 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The different species of Pulsatilla showed different HPLC fingerprints, but with 10 common peaks. A cluster analysis of 14 accessions indicated that they were divided into four groups: all accessions from P. koreana were classified into group I, P. ambigua in group II, P. dahurica and P. turczaninovii in group III, and P. chinensis in group IV, respectively. The significant differences between P. koreana and P. dahurica, and between P. turczaninovii and P. ambigua were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results obtained were in agreement with the traditional taxonomic study. The method was rapid and precise, not only can be used to classify and authenticate Pulsatilla species, but also provides important references for HPLC fingerprints and quality control of Pulsatilla medicinal plants.</p>

Molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by Pulsatilla decoction / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate molecular mechanisms underlying in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by Pulsatilla decoction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Wistar male rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, model + positive control group (mesalazine), traditional Chinese medicine treatment group, in addition, the Chinese medical treatment group was divided into middle and high dose group ( n = 8). Intragastric administration was used in the positive control group and traditional Chinese medicine treatment group. The expression of Smad7 and p-Smad3 in the colons were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, positive medicine and traditional Chinese medicine group, especially high-dose group, could effectively inhibit the expression of Smad7, while enhancing the p-Smad3 expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The activation of TGF-beta1/Smad3 signaling pathway may be the molecular mechanism underlying in the anti-inflammatory effect of inflammatory bowel disease by Pulsatilla decoction.</p>

Effect of Pulsatilla Decoction on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by Pulsatilla Decoction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups( n = 8)control group, model group, model + positive control group (mesalazine), Pulsatilla Decoction treatment group, in addition, the Pulsatilla Decoction treatment group was divided into middle and high dose group. Intragastric administration was used in the positive control group and Pulsatilla Decoction treatment group. The expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were detected by real time PCR after extraction of RNA from colons.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, positive medicine and Pulsatilla Decoction group, especially high-dose group, could effectively inhibit the expression of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pulsatilla Decoction could exert its effect in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.</p>

Triterpene glycosides from the aerial parts of Pulsatilla chinensis / 药学学报

To study the chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bge.) Regel, various chromatography methods were used. Seven triterpene glycosides were isolated from the n-BuOH extract. Their structures were identified as bayogenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4 ) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 -->-2 ) -alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4 ) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 6 ) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 2 ) -[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 4)] -alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 2) -alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 6 ) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (5), hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (6) and pulsatilla saponin (7). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound. Compounds 2 -6 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Chemical constituents from rhizome of Pulsatilla dahurica / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical constituents from rhizome of Pulsatilla dahurica.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The constituents were isolated and purified by various chromatographic methods. AR compounds were identified on the basis of spectral analysis and physico-chemical characters.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Six compounds were isolated from the 70% alcohol extract of the rhizome identified as hederagenin ( I ), hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (II), hederagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (III), hederagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1 -->2) [beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (IV), beta-sitosterol (V) and daucosterol (VI), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds I approximately VI were isolated from this plant for the first time.</p>

Herb Medicine-induced Adverse Effects in Dermatological Field

Herb or folk medicine has readily been assumed to have a little or no adverse effects because people have taken or applied it for a long time. However, such an assumption can be dangerous. Generally herb medicine has a shorter time of action both in terms of its pharmacological efficacy and toxic effects than occidental medicine because its ingredient is less potent. Therefore herb medicine does not induce adverse reactions in a short time, but the frequency of its side effects increases along with the accumulation of medicinal substances when taken for a long time. Many doctors of Oriental medicine claim that the development of skin eruption is not a side effect of herb medicine. Rather they argue that it is a result of emission of heat or toxic materials from inside the body. Sometimes the author experience patients who suffer from drug eruptions caused by herb medicine, but usually the patients have little idea what herb medicine they have taken. This article will introduce some cases of herb medicine-induced adverse effects reported in dermatology journals, written in Korean or in English. Most cases are systemic contact dermatitis caused by ingestion of chicken boiled with lacquer, which has been used as a folk medicine and a healthy food. I will introduce what the Rhus lacquer is and discuss its adverse reactions. Lastly, I will report the cases of contact dermatitis caused either by applying crushed insect and medicinal herbs such as buttercup, fig leaf, garlic, pasqueflower, aloe and herbal ointment or by practicing bee sting therapy for treatment of neuralgia, arthralgia, tinea pedis, facial paralysis, pruritus and paresthesia.

Microscopic identification of homonym drugs of "Baitouweng" by digital imaging technique / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To identify the commercial drugs collected from 11 different areas with name of "Baitouweng", in order to understand the homonym status of Baitouweng in markets.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on macroscopic identification, we further studied the microscopic structures of the collected samples by digital imaging technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine species belong to 4 different families have been found out from the commercial drugs of "Baitouweng". There are the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel (recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia with name "Baitouweng"), P. cernua (Thunb.) Bercht et Opiz, P. turczaninovii Kryl. et Serg., P. dahurica (Fisch.) Spreng., Anemone tomentosa (Maxim.) Pei, Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC. and the herbs of Potentilla chinensis Ser., Po. discolor Beg. and Polycarpaea corymbosa Lam..</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The original plants of the crude drug "Baitouweng" were still promiscuous in the market because there are different medicinal usages in different areas resulting in the phenomenon of homonym for Baitouweng. Otherwise, the digital photographs offered by the paper visually reflected the main microscopic characteristics of the commercial "Baitouweng", can be used for the identification of the above drugs.</p>

Antimicrobial Effect of Pulsatilla Koreana Extracts on Food-Borne Pathogens

This study was performed to investigate the antimicrobial effect of the Pulsatilla koreana extracts against food-borne pathogens. First, the Pulsatilla koreana was extracted with methanol at room temperatures, and fractionation of the methanol extracts from Pulsatilla koreana was carried out by using petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, and methanol respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the Pulsatilla koreana extracts was determined using a paper disc method against food-borne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria. The ethyl acetate extracts of Pulsatilla koreana showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis and Shigella dysenteriae. The Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysenteriae were inhibited by petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of Pulsatilla koreana as well as ethyl acetate extracts of Pulsatilla koreana. The synergistic effect has been found in combined extracts of Pulsatilla koreana and Portulaca oleracea as compared to each extracts alone. Finally, the growth inhibition curve was determined using ethyl acetate extracts of Pulsatilla koreana against Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysenteriae. The ethyl acetate extract of Pulsatilla koreana showed strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus at the concentration of 2,000 ppm. The 2,000 ppm of ethyl acetate extract from Pulsatilla koreana retarded the growth of S. aureus more than 12 hours and Shigella dysenteriae up to 9 hours.