Carnosine supplementation improves glucose control in adults with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-glycating effects, with preliminary evidence suggesting it may improve important chronic disease risk factors in adults with cardiometabolic conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this randomised controlled trial, 43 adults (30%F) living with prediabetes or T2DM consumed carnosine (2 g) or a matching placebo daily for 14 weeks to evaluate its effect on glucose metabolism assessed via a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Secondary outcomes included body composition analysis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), calf muscle density by pQCT, and anthropometry. Carnosine supplementation decreased blood glucose at 90 min (-1.31 mmol/L; p = 0.02) and 120 min (-1.60 mmol/L, p = 0.02) and total glucose area under the curve (-3.30 mmol/L; p = 0.04) following an oral glucose tolerance test. There were no additional changes in secondary outcomes. The carnosine group results remained significant before and after adjustment for age, sex, and change in weight (all>0.05), and in further sensitivity analyses accounting for missing data. There were no significant changes in insulin levels. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary support for larger trials evaluating carnosine as a potential treatment for prediabetes and the initial stages of T2DM. Likely mechanisms may include changes to hepatic glucose output explaining the observed reduction in blood glucose without changes in insulin secretion following carnosine supplementation.

Carnosine Did Not Affect Vascular and Metabolic Outcomes in Patients with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A 14-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Carnosine has been suggested as a potential approach to reduce ASCVD risk factors. However, there is a paucity of human data. Hence, we performed a 14-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to determine whether carnosine compared with placebo improves vascular and metabolic outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM. In total, 49 patients with prediabetes and T2DM with good glycemic control were randomly assigned either to receive 2 g/day carnosine or matching placebo. We evaluated endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, lipid parameters, blood pressure, heart rate, hepatic and renal outcomes before and after the intervention. Carnosine supplementation had no effect on heart rate, peripheral and central blood pressure, endothelial function (logarithm of reactive hyperemia (LnRHI)), arterial stiffness (carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (CF PWV)), lipid parameters, liver fibroscan indicators, liver transient elastography, liver function tests, and renal outcomes compared to placebo. In conclusion, carnosine supplementation did not improve cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with prediabetes and T2DM with good glycemic control. Therefore, it is improbable that carnosine supplementation would be a viable approach to mitigating the ASCVD risk in these populations. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02917928).

[Correlation between water state and texture during moistening of Paeoniae Radix Alba by LF-NMR/MRI].

The changes of active ingredients content, moisture status and texture characteristics during the moistening of Paeoniae Radix Alba were studied by low-field NMR and imaging(LF-NMR/MRI) and texture analyzer, so as to analyze the correlation between LF-NMR parameters, texture characteristics and active ingredient content of Paeoniae Radix Alba during the moistening at diffe-rent times. The results showed that MRI technology could directly, vividly and accurately characterize the degree of moistening and the process of water migration, and the degree of moistening was consistent with the judgment results of traditional experience. The characteristics of moisture migration and moisture phase state in the moistening process of Paeoniae Radix Alba were that the total water content increased and existed in the form of free water, with an increased moisture mobility. In the case of dampening, the total water content did not increase, but the more watery part of the medicinal material was distributed to the less watery part, with a reduced fluidity. Finally, the medicinal materials were moistened, which can be mutually verified with the MRI results. The free water content and the total water content of Paeoniae Radix Alba had extremely negative correlations with hardness, surface toughness, internal toughness, Paeoniflorin and albiflorin contents(P<0.01). It showed that the use of LF-NMR/MRI and texture analyzer could better characterize the moistening process. It provides data characterization for the scientific connotation of "less soaking and more moisturizing, and the drug is completely saturated with water", and the traditional experience of "observing the water head". The feasible and objective evaluation method was helpful to optimize the softening process parameters, scientifically standardize the operating specifications, define the scienti-fic connotation of traditional Chinese medicine softening, and promote the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine processing.

Role of levothyroxine and vitamin E supplementation in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced injury and apoptosis of myocardial cells in hypothyroid rats.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the underlying mechanism and treatment of myocardial injury caused by hypothyroidism, we evaluated oxidative stress in serum and myocardial tissue of hypothyroid rats. The effect of levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy and vitamin E (VitE) supplementation on oxidative stress-induced injury and apoptosis of myocardial tissue is examined. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: normal control group, propylthiouracil group (PTU group), LT4 treatment group (PTU + LT4 group), vitamin E treatment group (PTU + VitE group), and combined treatment group (PTU + LT4 + VitE group). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) expression in serum and myocardium were determined. Myocardial apoptosis index (AI) in each group was determined by TUNEL assay. RESULTS: SOD levels in serum were significantly increased in PTU + VitE and PTU + LT4 + Vit E groups, as compared to that in PTU and PTU + LT4 groups (P < 0.05). MDA levels in serum and myocardial tissue were significantly lower in PTU + LT4, PTU + VitE, and PTU + LT4 + VitE groups, as compared to that in the PTU group (P < 0.05). Myocardial apoptosis was significantly increased in PTU and PTU + VitE groups as compared to that in the normal control group (P < 0.05), while it was significantly lower in PTU + LT4 and PTU + LT4 + VitE groups, as compared to that in the PTU group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, levothyroxine replacement therapy and vitamin E supplementation appeared to ameliorate myocardial apoptosis in hypothyroid rats, the mechanism of which appears to be related to improved thyroid function and reduced oxidative stress.

Effects of different formulations of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E (VE)) and microencapsulated VE (MVE) on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens. A total of 360 d-old broiler chicks were procured and randomly allocated into three groups with 6 replicates. Each replicate had 20 chickens. Chickens were fed with basal diets (CON group) or experimental diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg VE (VE group) or 20 mg/kg MVE (MVE group) for 42 d. The results showed that the MVE group had higher body weight gain (BWG) than the CON and VE groups, and higher gain/feed ratio (G/F ratio) than the CON group during the period of 22-42 d. During the whole experiment, a higher increase in BWG was found in the MVE group than the CON group. Chickens fed on diets supplemented with the VE or MVE had lower abdominal fat percentage, higher pH and antioxidant enzyme activity than the CON group in the breast meat. There was an increased tendency in the hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activity of the VE and MVE groups than the CON group. The hepatic mitochondrial total antioxidant capacity and GSH-Px enzyme activity in the MVE group were higher than the CON group. Hepatic 2,2-dipheny-ʟ-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the MVE group was higher than the CON group. These results suggested that the dietary addition of VE or MVE could improve breast meat quality in broilers. MVE supplementation may improve growth performance, hepatic mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging capacity in chickens. In addition, dietary supplementation of MVE gave better broiler growth performance than VE.

Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and ß-cell function in multi-ethnic vitamin D-deficient adults at risk for type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, ß-cell function, inflammation and metabolic markers. DESIGN: 6-month randomized, placebo-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-five adults with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤55 nmol/L at risk of type 2 diabetes (with prediabetes or an AUSDRISK score ≥15) were randomized. Analyses included participants who completed the baseline and final visits (treatment n = 35; placebo n = 45). INTERVENTION: Daily calcium carbonate (1,200 mg) and cholecalciferol [2,000-6,000 IU to target 25(OH)D >75 nmol/L] or matching placebos for 6 months. MEASUREMENTS: Insulin sensitivity (HOMA2%S, Matsuda index), insulin secretion (insulinogenic index, area under the curve (AUC) for C-peptide) and ß-cell function (Matsuda index x AUC for C-peptide) derived from a 75 g 2-h OGTT; anthropometry; blood pressure; lipid profile; hs-CRP; TNF-α; IL-6; adiponectin; total and undercarboxylated osteocalcin. RESULTS: Participants were middle-aged adults (mean age 54 years; 69% Europid) at risk of type 2 diabetes (48% with prediabetes). Compliance was >80% for calcium and vitamin D. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration increased from 48 to 95 nmol/L in the treatment group (91% achieved >75 nmol/L), but remained unchanged in controls. There were no significant changes in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and ß-cell function, or in inflammatory and metabolic markers between or within the groups, before or after adjustment for potential confounders including waist circumference and season of recruitment. In a post hoc analysis restricted to participants with prediabetes, a significant beneficial effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S and Matsuda) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Daily vitamin D and calcium supplementation for 6 months may not change OGTT-derived measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and ß-cell function in multi-ethnic adults with low vitamin D status at risk of type 2 diabetes. However, in participants with prediabetes, supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may improve insulin sensitivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000043235.

Effects of linseed oil and palm oil on growth performance, tibia fatty acid and biomarkers of bone metabolism in broilers.

1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of different dietary fat sources on growth performance, tibia fatty acids and biomarkers of bone metabolism in broilers. 2. One-d-old commercial Arbor Acres broilers were fed with a maize-soya bean basal diet for 42 d, supplemented with oils according to the following 5 treatments: lard (lard group); linseed oil (linseed oil group); palm oil (palm oil group); linseed oil + palm oil (60:40 or 40:60 w/w, LP-1 group and LP-2 group, respectively). 3. No significant differences in weight gain, feed intake and gain/feed ratio were observed between the lard and linseed oil groups. Birds fed on palm oil had significantly greater weight gain and feed intake than those fed on lard or linseed oil. Growth performance in LP-1 and LP-2 was significantly greater than that of single-oil groups. 4. Tibia growth and bone characteristics were not influenced by supplementation with lard, linseed oil, or palm oil alone, but broilers fed on a mixture of fats had significantly greater tibia weight and length compared to broilers fed on linseed oil. Bone mineral density in tibia was significantly increased in LP-1 and LP-2 groups. 5. Supplementation of linseed oil alone or in combination with palm oil enhanced apparent digestibility of calcium, reduced serum calcium and increased tibia calcium concentrations. Moreover, supplementation with linseed oil alone or in combination with palm oil had a positive effect on biomarkers of bone growth. 6. The combination of linseed and palm oils was beneficial for growth performance, tibia growth and biomarkers of bone metabolism.

Effect of Portulaca oleracea extracts on growth performance and microbial populations in ceca of broilers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Portulaca oleracea extracts on growth performance and microbial populations in the ceca of broilers. A total of 120 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups. Portulaca oleracea extracts were added to diets at 0.2 and 0.4% (wt/wt; POL-0.2, POL-0.4), respectively. The control (CON) group was administered with no P. oleracea extract supplementation. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded every 2 wk. On d 28 and 42, the cecal contents were collected and assayed for Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium populations. Additionally, the pH of the ileum and cecum was measured. The results showed that both on d 28 and 42 BW gain of P. oleracea extract supplementation groups was significantly higher, whereas the feed conversion ratio was lower (P < 0.05) compared with CON. On d 28 and 42, significantly (P < 0.05) fewer E. coli were recovered from ceca of broilers provided with the POL-0.2 diet than from broilers provided with the control diet. The quantities of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium of POL-0.2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than CON. Results showed P. oleracea extracts have no distinct influence on intestinal pH. These data suggest that P. oleracea extract supplementation significantly altered the cecal bacterial community without affecting the intestinal pH.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with increased risk of the development of the metabolic syndrome at five years: results from a national, population-based prospective study (The Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study: AusDiab).

CONTEXT: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration has been inversely associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the relationship between 25(OH)D and incident MetS remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the prospective association between 25(OH)D, MetS, and its components in a large population-based cohort of adults aged 25 yr or older. DESIGN: We used baseline (1999-2000) and 5-yr follow-up data of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab). PARTICIPANTS: Of the 11,247 adults evaluated at baseline, 6,537 returned for follow-up. We studied those without MetS at baseline and with complete data (n = 4164; mean age 50 yr; 58% women; 92% Europids). OUTCOME MEASURES: We report the associations between baseline 25(OH)D and 5-yr MetS incidence and its components, adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, season, latitude, smoking, family history of type 2 diabetes, physical activity, education, kidney function, waist circumference (WC), and baseline MetS components. RESULTS: A total of 528 incident cases (12.7%) of MetS developed over 5 yr. Compared with those in the highest quintile of 25(OH)D (≥34 ng/ml), MetS risk was significantly higher in people with 25(OH)D in the first (<18 ng/ml) and second (18-23 ng/ml) quintiles; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.41 (1.02-1.95) and 1.74 (1.28-2.37), respectively. Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with 5-yr WC (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.01), fasting glucose (P < 0.01), and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P < 0.001) but not with 2-h plasma glucose (P = 0.29), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.70), or blood pressure (P = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: In Australian adults, lower 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with increased MetS risk and higher WC, serum triglyceride, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance at 5 yr. Vitamin D supplementation studies are required to establish whether the link between vitamin D deficiency and MetS is causal.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its determinants in Australian adults aged 25 years and older: a national, population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health problem, but the population-based prevalence of deficiency and its determinants in Australian adults is not known. This study evaluated the vitamin D status of Australian adults aged ≥25 years and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in this population. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We studied a national sample of 11,247 Australian adults enrolled in the 1999/2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study drawn from 42 randomly selected districts throughout Australia. MEASUREMENTS: Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by immunoassay. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a concentration <50 nmol/l. Information on demographic and lifestyle factors was derived from interview-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 63 nmol/l (95% CI: 59-67 nmol/l). Only 4% of the population had a level <25 nmol/l, but the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/l) was 31% (22% men; 39% women); 73% had levels <75 nmol/l. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency increased significantly with age, was greater in women, in those of non-Europid origin, in the obese and those who were physically inactive and with a higher level of education. Deficiency was also more common during winter and in people residing in southern Australia (latitude >35°S); 42% of women and 27% of men were deficient during summer-autumn, which increased to 58% and 35%, respectively, during winter-spring. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is common in Australia affecting nearly one-third of adults aged ≥25 years. This indicates that strategies are needed at the population level to improve vitamin D status of Australians.

Intestinal growth and morphology is associated with the increase in heat shock protein 70 expression in weaning piglets through supplementation with glutamine.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of oral Gln supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 in weaning piglets. A total of 65 piglets after weaning at 21 d of age (d 0) were used in this experiment. Five piglets were randomly selected and euthanized initially at d 0 to determine baseline values for the expression of Hsp70 in the small intestine. The remaining piglets were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments and received 0 or 1 g of oral Gln/kg of BW every 12 h. After piglets were humanely killed at d 3, 7, and 14 postweaning, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of piglets were sampled to evaluate intestinal morphology and the expression and localization of Hsp70. The results indicated that oral Gln supplementation increased plasma concentrations of Gln compared with those in control piglets (P < 0.05). Average daily gain and ADFI were greater in piglets orally supplemented with Gln than in control piglets during the whole period (P < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea in piglets orally supplemented with Gln was 24% less than (P = 0.064) that in control piglets at 8 to 14 d after weaning. The weights of the jejunum and ileum were greater in piglets orally supplemented with Gln compared with those of control piglets relative to BW on d 14 postweaning (P < 0.05). The villus height and the villus height:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and the ileum were greater in piglets receiving oral Gln on d 14 postweaning (P < 0.05) than in control piglets. These results indicate that Gln supplementation can influence the intestinal morphology of weaned piglets. The expression of hsp70 mRNA and Hsp70 proteins in the duodenum and jejunum was greater in piglets supplemented with Gln than in control piglets (P < 0.05). However, Gln supplementation had no effect on the expression of hsp70 mRNA and Hsp70 proteins in the ileum. Moreover, the localization of Hsp70 in the cytoplasm indicated that Hsp70 has a cytoprotective role in epithelial cell function and structure. These results indicate that Gln supplementation may be beneficial for intestinal health and development and may thus mitigate diarrhea and improve growth performance. The protective mechanisms of Gln in the intestine may be associated with the increase in Hsp70 expression.

Brazilein inhibits survivin protein and mRNA expression and induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

Hepatocellular carcinomas represent the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Survivin, a structurally unique member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, is overexpressed in a wide range of malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to its involvement in cancer progression and treatment resistance, survivin is currently undergoing extensive investigation as a novel intervention target to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by phytochemicals or synthetic agents. Brazilein, a compound obtained in a large amount from the dried heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan Linn., which has long been used in traditional medicine in China, has some pharmacological activities. Human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were treated with brazilein and analyzed for survivin protein and mRNA levels by Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Brazilein treatment of cells for 48 h at 5 and 10 microg/ml doses resulted in significantly decrease in survivin protein expression. We also observed that brazilein caused a strong decrease in survivin mRNA expression. In other studies, down-regulation of survivin by brazilein was associated with a strong and prominent caspases-9 and -3 activation as well as PARP cleavage. It was also shown that brazilein induced a strong apoptotic cell death, as shown by DNA ladder assay, and growth inhibition of HepG2 cells. Further studies are needed to investigate in vivo effect of brazilein on survivin expression and associated biological effects in hepatocellular carcinoma that could provide useful information for brazilein efficacy in the prevention/intervention of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effect of RRR-alpha-tocopherol succinate on the growth and immunity in broilers.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of 2 esters of alpha-tocopherol, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol acetate and RRR-alpha-tocopherol succinate (d-alpha-TOS) on growth and immunity in broiler chicks. Three hundred twenty 1-d-old commercial Arbor Acres broilers were randomly distributed to 4 treatments, each of which had 8 pens of 10 chicks per pen. Birds in the control group were fed with the diets supplemented with 30 mg/kg of all-rac-alpha-tocopherol acetate or the basal diet with d-alpha-TOS supplementation at 10 mg/kg (TOS1 group), 30 mg/kg (TOS2 group), and 50 mg/ kg (TOS3 group), respectively, for 42 d. The results showed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in BW gain, feed intake, or G:F among the treatments. Significant positive correlations existed between dietary supplemental alpha-TOS levels and plasma (R(2) = 0.9831, P < 0.01) or hepatic (R(2) = 0.9336, P < 0.05) alpha-tocopherol concentrations and a negative correlation with plasma (R(2) = 0.9487, P < 0.05) or hepatic (R(2) = -0.9901, P = 0.0518) malondialdehyde levels. The concentrations of serum glutathione (GSH) were highest at 50 mg/kg at 42 d of age (P < 0.05), and hepatic GSH was significantly higher at 30 and 50 mg/kg compared with the other groups. Marked enhancement of splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation occurred in group TOS3 as compared with the other groups. The study suggests that the immunoenhancement effect observed in broilers fed additional d-alpha-TOS between 30 and 50 mg/kg might result from increased retention of alpha-tocopherol and reduction in lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde and the increase in GSH.

Myrsinionosides A-E: megastigmane glycosides from the leaves of Myrsine seguinii Lev.

Eight megastigmane glycosides were isolated from the leaves of Myrsine seguinii collected in Okinawa. Three of them were found to be known compounds, i.e., ampelopsisionoside, alangionoside J, and linarionoside A. The structures of the new megastigmane glycosides were elucidated from the spectroscopic data and their absolute stereochemistries were determined in detail using a modified Mosher's method.

[Study on anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of bagmaking tea of sanyaku].

OBJECTIVE: To observe anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of the Bagmaking Tea of Sanyaku in rats. METHODS: mouse torsion modle induced by glacial acetic acid, mouse auricle swelling model induced by xylene and rat fever model induced by baker yeast were used. RESULTS: Bagmaking Tea of Sanyaku could inhibit mouse torsion action, mouse auricle swelling and rat fever. CONCLUSION: Bagmaking Tea of Sanyaku possessed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.

[Clinical study on Zhuyu Xiaozhong mixture combined with stereotaxic drainage in treating hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effective method of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine (TCM-WM) therapy in treating hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage (HCH). METHODS: Sixty-one HCH patients were randomly divided into two groups: the treated group (group A, 31 cases) and the control group (group B, 30 cases), the former group was treated with stereotaxic drainage and orally taken Zhuyu Xiaozhong mixture (ZYXZM), and the latter group with stereotaxic drainage alone. RESULTS: The total effective rate of group A was 83.9%, significantly higher than that of group B (60.0%, P < 0.05). In comparing the two groups, the neurological function recovery, the quality of life and the hematoma absorption in group A were significantly better than those of group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ZYXZM combined with stereotaxic drainage is effective in treating HCH. It could promote the neurological function recovery and improve the quality of life as well.

[GC-MS analysis of volatile componments in root of Ficus hitra].

The volatile components in root of Ficus hitra Vahl were analyzed by GC-MS, the results suggested that the main volatile components in root of Ficus hitra Vahl were Hexadecanoic acid, Oleic acid, Linolic acid and Ethyl Acetate; its ether extract contains Isopsoralen and Bergapten. Coumarins should be one of the effective sections in root of Ficus hitra Vahl.

[TLC-identification of radix Rehmanniae and its mixed medicinal materials in Pharmacopoeia].

In 237 kinds of medicinal meterials included 71 kinds of Chinese patent medicines composed in Pharmacopoeia such as Liuweidihuang Pills, character identify constituent of Radix Rehmanniae was found by TLC, and was successed to use to identification of Radix Rehmanniae in 10 kinds of Chinese patent medicines such as Liuweidihuang Pills.