Acupuncture in treating obesity combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Most type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are accompanied by overweight or obesity, and it is difficult to concurrently solve these two issues with conventional treatment regimens without experiencing adverse effects. While clinical practice demonstrates that acupuncture is beneficial in treating obesity combined with T2DM, there is a lack of evidence-based medicine to support this claim. The study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating obesity combined with T2DM. METHODS: By searching eight electronic databases, we collected randomized controlled trials on acupuncture in treating obesity combined with T2DM. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 993 patients were eventually included. Meta-analysis results demonstrated the effective rate of clinical symptoms: [RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.28, P < 0.00001]; body mass index: [MD = -2.11, 95% CI: -2.56, -1.66, P < 0.00001]; fasting plasma glucose: [MD = -1.09, 95% CI: -1.60, -0.59, P < 0.00001]; haemoglobin A1c: [MD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.95, -0.20, P = 0.002]; triglyceride: [MD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.46, -0.11, P = 0.001]; waist circumference: [MD = -5.36, 95% CI: -8.68, -2.05, P = 0.002]; body fat rate: [MD = -3.59, 95% CI: -4.28, -2.90, P < 0.00001]. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that acupuncture has advantages in treating obesity combined with T2DM. However, due to low-quality evidence of included research, additional large-sample and high-quality research are required to validate the findings of this study.

A simple and quick method to detect adulterated sesame oil using 3D fluorescence spectra.

Adulterated sesame oil seriously damages the interests of consumers and the health of market. In this paper, a simple, fast and real-time model for identifying adulterated sesame oil (ASO) was proposed by combining 3D fluorescence spectra with wavelet moments (WMs). First, noise and data volume of the experimental data were reduced by wavelet multiresolution decomposition (WMRSD), which improved the stability and real-time of the model. Next, WMs were used to extract the features of the 3D fluorescence spectra and proved to be effective by hierarchical clustering results. Then, the qualitative quality of WMs of the same orders, different orders and the combinations were evaluated by Dunn's validity index (DVI), and the rules were given, respectively. Finally, the target WMs for identifying ASO were determined. This model is simple and fast, and expandable to online measurement, providing a reference for identification and adulteration of vegetable oils.

[Pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics correlation of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A alone or their combination use in rats with hyperlipidemia].

To study the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics correlation of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A alone or their combination use in rats with hyperlipidemia. In this study, the hyperlipidemia model was established by intravenous injection of protocatechuic aldehyde (20 mg•kg⁻¹) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (12 mg•kg⁻¹). The HPLC-DAD method was applied to determine the plasma concentration of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A at different time points and draw the drug effect-time curve. Meanwhile, the platelet activating factors (PAF) and plasma a granule membrane protein (GMP-140) contents were determined at different time points to draw the time-effect curve. Then DAS 3.2.6 software was used to process the data, analyze their correlation, and compare the difference of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A in hyperlipidemia rats after alone or their combined application, so as to evaluate the effect of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A on hyperlipidemia rats. According to the result, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics process of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A in hyperlipidemia rats after alone or their combination were consistent to the three-compartment model. In model group, the plasma PAF and GMP-140 were significantly increased, and the PAF and GMP-140 in vivo contents were decreased in a certain time after treatment. The effects of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A against the pharmacodynamic action may be related with their level in vivo, and their plasma concentration was positively related to the PAF and GMP-140 contents. The pharmacodynamic indexes were better after the combined use of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A, with certain influence on each other in hyperlipidemia rats; at the same time, it also reflected the rationality of protocatechuic aldehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A combined application.

Effects of Danhong Injection (丹红注射液) and its main components on anticoagulation and fibrinolysis in cultured vein endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Danhong Injection (丹红注射液) and its main components, including daiclzein and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), on the anticoagulation, fibrinolysis, anti-apoptosis in hypoxia model of vein endothelial cells (VECs). METHODS: VECs were prepared and were put in a hypoxia environment, which consisted of mixed gas of 95% N and 5% CO mixed gas, when reached confluent culture. Five groups used different treatments, including normal control group, hypoxia group, daiclzein group, HSYA group and Danhong Injection group. The VECs were identified by fluorescence double labeling methods. The morphology was observed by a phase contrast microscopy. The effects of Danhong Injection, daiclzein and HSYA on 6 keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) level was measured by the method of radioimmunoassay (RIA). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was tested by water soluble tetrazolium salt. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by thiobarbituric acid. The activities of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) were measured by the method of chromogenic substrate. The contents of endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) were detected by non-equilibrium RIA and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Cells apoptosis rate was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the floating cells number, PAI activity, ET and MDA contents, and cells apoptosis rate in the culture solution of hypoxia group were all significantly increased, whereas the 6-keto-PGF1α and NO contents, and t-PA and SOD activities were decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the hypoxia group, Danhong Injection markedly increased the 6-keto-PGF1α content and SOD activity, regulated PAI and t-PA activities, ET and NO contents, and decreased MDA content and cells apoptosis rate (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Danhong Injection and its main components played an important role in protecting primary VECs from hypoxic damage by regulating the secretion and vasomotor function of VECs. The function of Danhong Injection was most remarkable.

Antiviral effects of Yinhuapinggan granule against influenza virus infection in the ICR mice model.

Yinhuapinggan granule (YHPG), a Chinese medicine granule based on Ma-Huang-Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and the clinical experience of Professor Wan Haitong, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of colds, influenza, fever, inflammation and cough. This study investigated the antiviral effects of YHPG on the production of inflammatory cytokines in influenza virus (IFV)-infected mice and evaluated the effect of YHPG on the expression of NF-κB p65 and the level of key signaling molecules in the TLR4 signaling pathway. ICR mice were orally administrated YHPG at doses of 7.5, 15 and 30 g kg(-1) day(-1) for 2 or 6 days after IFV infection. On days 3 and 7 after infection, YHPG (15 g/kg and 30 g/kg) significantly increased levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon gamma and decreased levels of IL-4, IL-5 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in serum compared with the IFV control group. Furthermore, the expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6 and NF-κB p65 at the mRNA and protein level was significantly lower in the YHPG (15 and 30 g/kg) treatment groups than in the IFV control group. These results suggest that YHPG has antiviral effects in IFV-infected mice, which is associated with the inhibition of the TLR4-MyD88-TRAF6 signaling pathway and the expression of NF-κB p65.

Protective effects of Yinhuapinggan granule on mice with influenza viral pneumonia.

Yinhuapinggan granule (YHPG), a Chinese medicine granule on the basis of Ma-Huang-Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and the clinical experience of Professor Wan Haitong, has been shown to inhibit the growth of influenza virus in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of YHPG on mice with influenza viral pneumonia and its effects on regulating related inflammatory cytokines in influenza virus A-infected mice. ICR mice were inoculated intranasally with 15 LD50 viral dose of influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) and treatments with YHPG (7.5, 15 and 30g/kg) were orally administrated daily for 5 consecutive days after challenge, respectively. The results showed that mortality rate, lung index, lung histopathological changes, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly attenuated in the treatment of YHPG (15 and 30g/kg) than those in the IFV control group, while the levels of IL-2 was significantly enhanced. Moreover, the RT-PCR results revealed that YHPG (15 and 30g/kg) significantly depressed the expressions of IL-1ß, IFN-γ and TNF-α mRNA in lung tissues. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical staining results also revealed that the expression of NF-κB p65 proteins was downregulated when treated with YHPG (15 and 30g/kg). These results showed YHPG has protective effects on IFV-infected mice, due to its ability of alleviation of lung damage, regulation of the cytokine production via inhibiting the NF-κB p65 activation, attenuation of systemic and pulmonary inflammatory responses.

[Effect of Shenxiong injection on inflammation injury of ischemia-reperfusion injury rats].

To investigate the effect of Shenxiong injection on the inflammation injury of ischemia-reperfusion injury senile rats. Totally 84 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: the sham operation group, the model group, the Nimodipine group and the Shenxiong injection(low, middle, and high dosage) groups. The rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was established through intraperitoneal injection for 3 d and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Ater the reperfusion for 24 h, efforts were made to give neurological score, collect brains for TTC staining, detect tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) content in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and measure IL-1ß, ICAM-1 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions in hippocampal area by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR). According to the results, Shenxiong injection could decrease the cerebral infarction volume, greatly improved the neurological function and reduce IL-1ß, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions and IL-1ß and TNF-α contents. In conclusion, Shenxiong injection shows the significant protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.

[Study on regulatory effect of Danshensu on lipid metabolism of hyperlipidemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Danshensu on the lipid metabolism of hyperlipidemic rats. METHOD: Sixty clean male SD rats were selected. Twelve of them were selected in the basic control group and fed with common foods, and the remaining rats were fed with the high-fat feeds. After the successful modeling, they were randomly divided into the high-fat control group and low dose (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), medium dose (20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and high dose (40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) Danshensu (dissolved in saline) groups. Both of the two groups were abdominally injected with the same volume of normal saline once a day for consecutively 30 days. The serum TG, TC, HDL-C and liver ACC1, FAS, HMGR, CPT-I mRNA expressions were detected. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Danshensu could inhibit the LDL-C level, timely clear redundant cholesterol and effectively regulate the lipid metablism of hyperlipidemic rats by reducing the TC content, decrease the fatty acid by reducing the FAS mRNA expression, and reduce the synthesis levels of endogenous cholesterol by inhibit the HMGR mRNA expression.

[Effect of Yinghua Pinggan granule against influenza A/H1N1 virus in vivo].

To study the effect of Yinghua Pinggan granule (YHPG) against influenza A/H1N1 virus in vivo and on the immunologic function of infected mice. The intranasal influenza virus infection was adopted in ICR mouse to establish the influenza virus pneumonia model. At the 3rd and 7th day after the infection, the lung index and pathologic changes in lung tissues of mice were detected. Realtime PCR and flow cytometry were employed to observe the virus load in lung tissues and the levels of CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood. The result showed that at the 3rd and 7th day after the infection, YHPG (15, 30 g x kg(-1)) can significant decrease in the lung index and virus load in lung tissues of mice infected with influenza virus, alleviate the pathologic changes in lung tissues, significantly increase the levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio and reduce the levels of CD8+ in whole blood. This indicated that YHPG can inhibit the influenza virus replication, alleviate pulmonary damage and adjust the weak immunologic function of infected mice, with a certain therapeutic effect on mice infected by H1N1 virus in vivo.

[Study on pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics correlation of Danshensu in rats with focal cerebral ischemia].

To study the pharmacokinetic process of Danshensu in cerebal ischemia injury model rats and the correlation with its anti-cerebral ischemia effect. In this study, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established, in which all of the rats were intravenously injected of Danshensu at a single dose of 40 mg x kg(-1). The HPLC-DAD method was applied to determine the plasma concentration of Danshensu at different time points and draw the drug-time curve. Meanwhile, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were determined to draw the time-effect curve. The DAS 3.2. 6 software was used to process the data, analyze their correlation, compare the pharmacokinetic difference between model and normal rats after the administration of the same doses of Danshensu and the changes in pharmacodynamic indicators of model rats after the administration, and evaluate the effect of Danshensu in treating the cerebral ischemia disease. According to the results, the pharmacokinetic processes of Danshensu in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and normal rats were consistent to the two-compartment model. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were: t1/2alpha were (0.267 +/- 0.026), (0.148 +/- 0.020) h;t1/2beta were (1.226 +/- 0.032), (1.182 +/- 0.082) h; AUC0-infinity were (42.168 +/- 4.007), (26.881 +/- 1.625) mg x L(-1) x h. After the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the activity of SOD decreased and the activity of LDH increased. Danshensu could inhibit the decrease in the SOD activity and the increase in the LDH activity within a certain period of time. This indicated that Danshensu could stay longer in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats than in normal rats and eliminated more slowly, which reflected the rationality of Danshensu in the clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia diseases. Danshensu's effect against the cerebral ischemic injury may be related with its level in vivo. Its plasma concentration is positively related to the SOD activity and negatively related to the LDH activity.

[Protective effect of Shenxiong injection on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of Shenxiong injection on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury of senile rats. METHOD: Totally 108 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, the model group, the Ni-modipine group and Shenxiong injection groups (low, middle, and high doses). The rat brain ischemia-reperfusion model was established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method in rats, in order to observe the effect of Shenxiong injection on neurological score and brain infarct volume of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and determine the contents of NOS, NO, SOD, MDA and LDH in brain tissues. The contents of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels in brain tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULT: Shenxiong injection could significantly decrease neurological score, injury degree of brain tissues and brain infarct volume of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, increase the vigor of SOD, decrease the levels of MDA, NO, NOS and LDH, and inhibit IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expressions. CONCLUSION: Shenxiong injection has the obvious protective effect on the brain ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Its mechanism may be related to the improvement of neurological function, the reduction of free radical injury, and the inhibition of inflammation factor expression.

[Protective mechanism of Danhong injection on brain microvascular endothelial cells injured by hypoxic].

To study the protective mechanism of Danhong injection on brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) injured by hypoxic. In the experiment, primary suckling mouse's rBMECs cells were collected and identified with factor VIII to establish the 4 h injury model. Meanwhile, rBMECs were given Danhong injection (25, 50, 100 mL . L-1), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level were detected by the biochemical method. Cell MMP-9, ICAM-1 and P53 mRNA expression levels were detected by RT-PCR method. Changes in cells' microscopic structure were observed by transmission electron microscope. According to the results, primary rBMECs were notably injured by hypoxia. Compared with model group, Danhong injection (50, 100 mL . L-1) could remarkably resist the injury induced by hypoxic, increase intracellular SOD activity, decrease MDA level and significantly down-regulate ICAM-1, MMP-9 and P53 mRNA expressions. Danhong injection (100 mL . L-1) could protect the cells' normal morphology and microscopic structure, maintain the close intercellular junction, and inhibit the hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis. The results showed that Danhong injection plays a significant role in protecting rBMECs injured by hypoxia. Its mechanism may be related to the enhancement of cells' antioxidant capacity, the inhibition of inflammatory response and the cell apoptosis.

[Protective effect of combined administration of active ingredients of Danhong on cerebral micro-vascular endothelial cell injured by hypoxia].

To study the protective effect of combined administration of active ingredients of Danhong on cultured primary mice's brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) injured by hypoxia. Primary mice's brain micro-vascular endothelial cells were cultured to establish the 4 h hypoxia model. Meanwhile, active ingredients (protocatechuic aldehyde, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and tanshinol) of Danhong were administered in rBMECs. The non-toxic dosage was determined by MTT. The leakage of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and MDA level were detected by the colorimetric method. The expressions of ICAM-1, MMP-9, P53 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR method. Changes in rBMECs cell cycle and early apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Danhong's active ingredients and prescriptions 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 could be combined to significantly restrain LDH in hypoxic cells supernatant. Prescriptions 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 could significantly enhance SOD activity in anoxic cells; Prescriptions 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 could significantly decrease the MDA level; Prescriptions 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 could significantly inhibit the early rB-MECs apoptosis induced by hypoxia. After hypoxia, the up-regulated P53 mRNA expression could cause retardation in G, phase and promote cell apoptosis. This proved that the regulatory function of P53 gene lay in monitoring of calibration points in G, phase. Prescriptions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 could significantly down-regulate the P53 mRNA expression; Prescriptions 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 could significantly down-regulate the ICAM-1 mRNA expression; Prescriptions 1, 3, 6, 9 could significantly down-regulate the MMP-9 mRNA expression. The combined administration of Danhong's active ingredients showed a significant protective effect on primary cultured rBMECs injury induced by hypoxia Its mechanism may be related to the enhancement of cellular antioxidant capacity and the inhibition of inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. This study could provide ideas for researching prescription compatibility, and guide the clinical medication.

Blood anticoagulation and antiplatelet activity of green tea (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) in mice.

EGC was prepared from green tea polyphenols through column chromatography of a polyamide (3.6 × 40 cm). Three dosages of EGC (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g kg(-1) d(-1)) were ingested respectively by ICR mice via gavage. Compared with the control group, group EGC0.5 (dosage, 0. 5 g kg(-1) d(-1)) and group EGC1.0 (dosage, 1.0 g kg(-1) d(-1)) presented significant inhibition on platelet aggregation in mice accompanied by 18.4 and 25.6% of inhibition ratio, respectively. The bleeding times (BT) of mice in group EGC0.5 and group EGC1.0 were significantly prolonged (P < 0.01) as well as blood clotting time (BCT) in group EGC1.0 (P < 0.05). All three dosages of EGC prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) significantly (P < 0.01), but had no prominent effect on prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen level which indicated that the anticoagulation of EGC could not be attributed to the level decrease of coagulation factor such as fibrinogen. The results demonstrated that EGC had prominent antiplatelet activity and blood anticoagulation in a dose-dependent manner.

Stir-fried white pepper can treat diarrhea in infants and children efficiently: a randomized controlled trial.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of stir-fried white pepper in the treatment of infant and children diarrhea. This was a randomized trial conducted in the pediatric emergency department of the hospital affiliated to Jining Medical College. One hundred seventy four patients were selected from outpatients from 2011 to 2012. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment with stir-fried white pepper (n = 88) or montmorillonite powder (n = 86). The proportions of chronic diarrhea patients (n = 52) showing success of treatment were similar for both groups. There were great differences between the two groups in acute diarrhea (n = 62) and persistent diarrhea (n = 60), and the cure rate of stir-fried white pepper was higher than montmorillonite powder in both groups. The prescription of stir-fried white pepper significantly decreased the frequency of diarrhea in infants and children under 2.5 years with diarrhea compared to treatment with montmorillonite powder, especially for the patients with acute diarrhea or persistent diarrhea.

[The effect and mechanism of Yiqi Tongluo Jiedu capsule against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury].

To observe the effect and mechanism of Yiqi Tongluo Jiedu capsule aganist cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, the SD rats were randomly divided into following groups: sham-operated group, model group, the group of low, medium and high dose of Yiqi Tongluo Jiedu capsule, and nimodipine group. Using focal middle cerebral artery embolization (MCAO) model, following items were observed: symptoms of neurological deficit score; infarct volume; activity of SOD, content of MDA and NO, activity of NOS of ischemic brain tissue; Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression; content of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha in serum; IL-1beta mRNA expression of ischemic brain tissue. Results showed that Yiqi Tongluo Jiedu capsule could significantly reduce the symptoms of neurological deficits, promote the recovery symptoms of neurological deficits; narrow infarct volume of brain tissue obviously, reduce the percentage of infarct volume; raise activity of SOD, reduce content of MDA and NO, reduce activity of NOS; increase Bcl-2 protein, reduce Bax expression; reduce content of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFa in serum; reduce IL-1beta mRNA expression of ischemic brain tissue. Yiqi Tongluo Jiedu capsule has significant protective effects against ischemic brain injury, it has significant anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

[Study on transport of Yangyin Tongnao granules in main effective fractions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption characteristics and transportation mechanism Yangyin Tongnao granules in main effective fractions in Caco-2 cell model. METHOD: The safety concentrations of Yangyin Tongnao granules in main effective fractions in Caco-2 cells. A Caco-2 cell model was established to study the transport situations after the compatibility of Yangyin Tongnao granules in main effective fractions, and the content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULT: P(app) of puerarin, ligustrazine and astragaloside were less than 1.0 x 10(-6) cm x s(-1), and their P(app) were hard to be close to atenolol. The oral absorption in descending order is shown as the following: puerarin, ligustrazine, astragaloside. After the compatibility between saponins and flavonoids, P(app) of astragaloside was improved obviously, which promoted the transport from apical (AP) to basolateral (BL); the compatibility of puerarin, ligustrazine and astragaloside showed a significant effect in the efflux of astragaloside and no change in the absorption transport of ligustrazine and puerarin at the same time. There is a great difference in bidirectional transport of representative component of each effective fraction, and P(app)(B --> A) was significantly greater than Papp(A --> B), which suggested that the efflux transport from BL side to AP side had an advantage in the three representative components of the three effective fractions in Caco-2 cell monolayer model. CONCLUSION: Astragaloside, ligustrazine and puerarin may be malabsorptive compounds, and the three compounds may be discharged by the transport protein in small intestine membrane.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Rubus parvifolius L.

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the n-butanol extract of Rubus parvifolius L. (RPL), a widely used medicinal plant, were evaluated. Results demonstrated that RPL extract possessed pronounced hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatic injury in mice, which was at least partially attributed to its strong antioxidant capacity. Treatment with RPL extract markedly attenuated the increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels caused by CCl(4) intoxication. It also significantly prevented the decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content of liver tissue. Meanwhile, histopathological changes of hepatic damage were also remarkably ameliorated. Phytochemical analysis based on high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) revealed the presence of various phenolic compounds, including caffeic acid conjugates, ellagic acid glycosides, and flavonol glycosides, which might be responsible for the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of RPL.

Interaction of catechins with aluminum in vitro.

Tea is one of the most popular beverages, consumed by over two thirds of the world's population; but the aluminum accumulation property of tea plant is becoming the focus of many researches because of aluminum's known adverse effect on human health. Investigation of the interactions of catechins with Al(3+) showed that during the interaction of catechins with Al(3+), the UV-vis spectrum of catechins was changed. Absorption of EGCG at 274 nm decreased and increased at 322 nm; EC and C's at 278 nm changed little. The ratio of Al(3+) to EGCG was 1:1 in pH 5.0 buffer solution; in pH 6.2 buffer solution, the ratio in the Al-EGCG complex was 1:1. Interestingly, while the ratio reached to over 2, after the complex of Al-EGCG started polymerization, the ratio in the polymer was 2:1. In pH 6.2 buffer solution, the complex behavior of C with Al(3+) was the same as that of EGCG, with a little difference for EC. When the ratio of Al(3+) to EC was <1, the complex in ratio was 1:2, but, the complex polymerized when the ratio of Al(3+) to EC was >1. It was found that the ratio of Al(3+) to EC in the polymer was 1:1. Polymerization of Al-catechin complexes might reduce aluminum absorption in the intestine. Kow value was also employed to study the properties of aluminum species in tea infusion (at gastric and intestine pH condition) and the effect of catechins and tea polyphenols on Kow in buffer solution. Results showed that Kow value rose much higher at the intestine pH than at the gastric pH. Tea polyphenols and catechins could greatly reduce aluminum Kow value in acetic buffer, indicating that these compounds may reduce aluminum absorption during tea intake.