Estrogenic properties of Prunus cerasoides extract and its constituents in MCF-7 cell and evaluation in estrogen-deprived rodent models.

Prunus cerasoides (PC) products contain relatively high levels of flavones and isoflavones and may be potential sources of phytoestrogens for postmenopausal symptom relief. We assessed the PC extract (PCE) and its representative constituents in vitro with assays for estrogen receptor alpha binding, estrogen response element transcriptional activity, cell proliferation, and gene expression changes for pS2 in MCF-7 cells. PCE and its compounds showed strong estrogen receptor binding affinities and estrogen response element induction. A previously undescribed compound (designated as compound 18), now identified as being gentisic acid, 5-O-ß-D-(6'-O-trans-4-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside, also showed potent estrogenic properties and induced proliferation of MCF-7 cells. PCE was evaluated for its in vivo uterotrophic effects in immature female rats as well as for its lipid lowering effects in estrogen-deprived animals. For ovariectomized rats and aged female mice, PCE-treated groups had lower plasma triglyceride levels compared with control and, for the same comparison, had reduced serum levels of liver stress/damage markers. Our results point to strong estrogenic activities and beneficial metabolic effects for PCE, with properties that put PC and its extracts as promising sources of phytoestrogens for symptom relief in menopausal and postmenopausal cases.

Protective effects of butanol fraction from Betula platyphyla var. japonica on cartilage alterations in a rabbit collagenase-induced osteoarthritis.

AIM OF THIS STUDY: Many cartilage protective agents have been developed from natural products, and they have resulted in the development of treatments for osteoarthritis. In this study, we determined the osteoarthritic efficacy and mechanism of butanol fraction from the bark of Betula platyphylla var. japonica (BFBP) in collagenase-induced rabbit model of osteoarthritis (CIA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right knees of rabbits were injected intra-articularly with collagenase, and rabbits were orally administrated with distilled water (vehicle), BFBP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) or celecoxib (100 mg/kg) once a day for 28 days after the initiation of the CIA. RESULTS: Oral administration of BFBP dose-dependently suppressed the stiffness and global histologic score. Proteoglycan intensity was considerably increased in a dose-dependent manner. As well, the mRNA expression of MMP-1, and MMP-3 was decreased. On the contrary, the level of TIMP-1 in the synovial fluids was significantly increased in the BFBP treated group. The pathologic inflammatory molecules such as PGE2 and COX-2 were inhibited by BFBP, but COX-1 expression not affected. CONCLUSION: We suggest that BFBP has shown the protective effect on cartilage alternations through balance of MMPs/TIMP-1 and regulates inflammatory-related molecules in vivo model of osteoarthritis, and great candidate for development of osteoarthritis treatment.