Protective effect of Danshensu against neurotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate in adult mice and their offspring.

Excessive neuronal excitation by glutamate is a well-established cause of neurotoxicity, leading to severe impairment of brain function. Excitotoxicity is a key factor in numerous neurodegenerative conditions. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of Danshensu (DSS) against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice and their offspring. We randomly divided one hundred 8-week-old Kunming mice (equal number of males and females) into a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group was further subdivided into various treatment groups, including MSG gavage treatment, bwbw DSS treatment group 1 (bwbw DSS treatment group 2, a drug control group, and a normal control group (receiving an equal volume of physiological saline for ten consecutive days). Additionally, another one hundred healthy 8-week-old Kunming mice were similarly divided into groups and treated. These mice were paired randomly (one male and one female) and pregnant females were housed separately to obtain offspring. Subsequently, we conducted histological and behavioral analyses on adult mice and their offspring. MSG treatment induced significant cellular edema and hippocampal damage in both the treated mice and their offspring. However, varying doses of DSS effectively counteracted the neurotoxic effects of MSG, with no adverse impact on brain tissue structure or neural function in either adult mice or their offspring. Behavioral experiments further confirmed that DSS exerted a substantial protective effect against MSG-induced impairment of learning and memory in the treated adult mice and their offspring, in addition to mitigating central nervous system overexcitation and inhibiting exploratory behavior. In conclusion, DSS exerts significant protective effects against MSG-induced neurotoxicity in both adult mice and their offspring.

Neuroprotective neolignan glycosides from the pseudobulbs of Bletilla striata.

Four undescribed neolignan glycosides, bletineosides A-D (1-4) were isolated from the pseudobulbs of Bletilla striata. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, along with acidic hydrolysis reactions and ECD experiments. All isolates were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against glutamate-induced PC12 cell injury. Compound 3 and 4 showed significantly neuroprotective effects at the concentration of 10 µM when compared with the model group. Compounds 1-4 represented the first examples of neolignan glycosides from the genus Bletilla. This study disclosed the potency of Bletilla striata as a new source of anti-neurodegenerative agents.

[Review of classical prescriptions in treatment of ulcerative colitis].

Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a continuous inflammatory bowel disease with the main clinical manifestations of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucous bloody stools, mainly attacking the colorectal mucosa and submucosa. It is characterized by high recurrence rate, difficult cure, and clustering and regional occurrence. Chinese medicinal prescriptions for the treatment of UC have good therapeutic effect, multi-target regulation, slight toxicity, and no obvious side effects. In particular, the classical prescriptions highlight the characteristics and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine theory and have attracted much attention in recent years. To enable researchers to timely and comprehensively understand the classical prescriptions in the treatment of UC, we reviewed the studies about the pharmacodynamic material basis, quality control, action mechanism, and clinical application of relevant classical prescriptions. We first introduced the latest research progress in the active components such as alkaloids, polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids in relevant classical prescriptions. Then, we reviewed the latest research achievements on the quality control of classical prescriptions for the treatment of UC by gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the like. Further, we summarized the research advances in the mechanisms of relevant prescriptions in the treatment of UC based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, integrated pharmacology platform, and animal experiments. Finally, we generalized the clinical application of the classical prescriptions for clearing heat and removing dampness, mildly regulating cold and heat, soothing liver and regulating spleen, strengthening spleen and invigorating Qi, and tonifying spleen and stomach. By systematic summary of the research progress in relevant classical prescriptions, we hope to promote the application and development of such prescriptions in UC treatment.

Taxonomy of Epimedium (Berberidaceae) with special reference to Chinese species.

Epimedii Herba is a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Five Epimedium species are included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and most species of Epimedium are used as Epimedii Herba in practical application. However, as the largest herbaceous genus of the Berberidaceae, Epimedium has many taxonomic controversies which hinder the effective use of Epimedii Herba. This paper reviewed the taxonomic research related to Epimedium, including taxonomic history, taxonomic values of morphological characters, species and distribution, infra-genera taxonomic system and the taxonomic research of Chinese Epimedium. For instance, we recognized Epimedium wushanense and clarified that the species, as described in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China, actually includes four Epimedium species similar in leaflet shape. In general, it was recognized here that Epimedium comprises 62 species, of which 52 species are distributed in China. For Chinese Epimedium species with the most taxonomic problems, the taxonomic research on the taxa was reviewed and the newest species key was proposed along with proposals for those taxonomic problems needing further resolution. This review is of great implication for the identification, exploration and utilization of Epimedii Herba.

Neuroendocrine-Immune Regulatory Network of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) is a popular medicinal herb and health supplement in China, Japan, and Korea, and has a variety of pharmaceutical properties. The neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network is crucial in maintaining homeostasis and physical or psychological functions at a holistic level, consistent with the regulatory theory of natural medicine. This review aims to systematically summarize the chemical compositions, biological roles, and pharmacological properties of E. ulmoides to build a bridge between it and NEI-associated diseases and to provide a perspective for the development of its new clinical applications. After a review of the literature, we found that E. ulmoides has effects on NEI-related diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. However, clinical studies on E. ulmoides were scarce. In addition, E. ulmoides derivatives are diverse in China, and they are mainly used to enhance immunity, improve hepatic damage, strengthen bones, and lower blood pressure. Through network pharmacological analysis, we uncovered the possibility that E. ulmoides is involved in functional interactions with cancer development, insulin resistance, NAFLD, and various inflammatory pathways associated with NEI diseases. Overall, this review suggests that E. ulmoides has a wide range of applications for NEI-related diseases and provides a direction for its future research and development.

Phenotype correlation analysis and excellent germplasm screening of herb Bletilla Rchb. f. based on comprehensive evaluation from thirty-three geographic populations.

BACKGROUND: The Bletilla genus of Orchidaceae includes plants with great economic value, among which B. striata is the main traditional medicinal plant, and its pseudobulb, known as BaiJi, was first recorded in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. However, there has been little systemic evaluation of the germplasm quality of Bletilla plants in China. In order to comprehensive evaluate the Bletilla resources in China and screen out the candidate phenotypic traits determining yield and/or quality of Bletilla, the variation of phenotypic indicators (pseudobulb, leaf, stem, inflorescence, flower) and active ingredients contents (polysaccharide, total phenolics and militarine) in different populations of B. striata and B. ochracea were investigated through 4 years' common-garden experiment. RESULTS: There were abundant phenotypic variations and significant differences among different populations in the morphological phenotypes, pseudobulb weight and main active ingredient contents. AHBZ, HBLT and HBSN populations showed good prospects for industrial development, presenting higher quality in terms of yield and main active ingredient content. Pseudobulb yield, polysaccharide and total phenol content are positively correlated with phenotypic traits. Militarine content is negatively correlated with almost all indexes. Plant height, leaf width and stem diameter may be important indicators of potential excellent germplasms. CONCLUSIONS: Bletilla is not strictly geoauthentic medicinal plants. B. ochracea could be accepted as an alternative resource to B. striata. The best harvest period of Bletilla is the third year after cultivation. Plant height, leaf width and stem diameter may be important indicators of potential excellent germplasms. These results provide important information required for the efficient screening and utilization of Bletilla germplasm resources.

Characterization of alkaloids in radix Sophora tonkinensis by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and its application in the comparison of two different habitats.

Sophora tonkinensis is widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for treating the swelling of the gums and tongue and mouth sores due to flame stomach fire. It is mainly origin from Guangxi, Sichuan provinces of China. Alkaloids are considered as the major bioactive components. A method was established for identifying alkaloids in S. tonkinensis root by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and was applied in characterizing alkaloids in S. tonkinensis root of two different habitats. Consequently, twenty-four alkaloids including six new compounds were identified in S. tonkinensis root. Additionally, the difference of alkaloids in S. tonkinensis from Guozhou, Sichuan province was investigated. In the present study, we firstly characterize total alkaloids in S. tonkinensis root by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and firstly established the characteristic fragmentation pathway of alkaloids with hydroxy in S. tonkinensis root.

The complete chloroplast genome of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim (Berberidaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine herb.

Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. is a traditional Chinese medicine herb with good effects on many diseases. In the present paper, the complete chloroplast genome of E. brevicornu was sequenced. The complete chloroplast genome of E. brevicornu was 159572 bp in length with 38.83% GC content, including four distinct regions: large single-copy region (86535 bp), small single-copy region (17641 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (27698 bp). The chloroplast genome encoded 112 unique genes, which included 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with the previously reported chloroplast genomes of Epimedium showed that E. brevicornu with small flowers at first clustered with large-flowered E. acuminatum into a strongly supported branch, but not with Epimedium species having similar floral characters.

The complete chloroplast genome of Epimedium pubescens Maxim. (Berberidaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine herb.

Epimedium pubescens Maxim. is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine herb. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of E. pubescens was sequenced. The genome was 158 956 bp in length, with a large single-copy region of 86,345 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,075 bp, and 2 inverted repeat regions of 27,768 bp. The genome consisted of 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The GC contents were 38.82%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. pubescens of series Brachyrcerae was firstly clustered with E. acumiantum Franch. of ser. Dolichocerae, but not with E. brevicornu Maxim. from the same series.

Electrical Stimulation Degenerated Cochlear Synapses Through Oxidative Stress in Neonatal Cochlear Explants.

Neurostimulation devices use electrical stimulation (ES) to substitute, supplement or modulate neural function. However, the impact of ES on their modulating structures is largely unknown. For example, recipients of cochlear implants using electroacoustic stimulation experienced delayed loss of residual hearing over time after ES, even though ES had no impact on the morphology of hair cells. In this study, using a novel model of cochlear explant culture with charge-balanced biphasic ES, we found that ES did not change the quantity and morphology of hair cells but decreased the number of inner hair cell (IHC) synapses and the density of spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) peripheral fibers. Inhibiting calcium influx with voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) blockers attenuated the loss of SGN peripheral fibers and IHC synapses induced by ES. ES increased ROS/RNS in cochlear explants, but the inhibition of calcium influx abolished this effect. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and GPx2 in cochlear explants decreased under ES and ebselen abolished this effect and attenuated the loss of SGN peripheral fibers. This finding demonstrated that ES induced the degeneration of SGN peripheral fibers and IHC synapses in a current intensity- and duration-dependent manner in vitro. Calcium influx resulting in oxidative stress played an important role in this process. Additionally, ebselen might be a potential protector of ES-induced cochlear synaptic degeneration.

[Current situation and prospect of resource evaluation and sustainable utilization on Bletilla].

The plants of Bletilla are one of the groups in Orchidaceae with the highest economic value. As the traditional Chinese medicinal material, Bletillae Rhizoma exhibits excellent efficacy in hemostatic, antibiosis, detumescent, anticancer activities and regenerating tissue to heal wound, which has great development potential. However, Bletillae Rhizoma is mainly collected from wild resources. At present, the quantity of wild resources of Bletilla plants has sharply decreased and is far from meeting the needs. Resource appraisal and breeding and cultivation of excellent germplasms of Bletilla plants are important for scientific utilization of the resources of the genus. This paper reviewed the following researches of Chinese Bletilla resources: species and distribution, genetic diversity, active ingredient evaluation, breeding, as well as seeding production and cultivation techniques. Suggestions were also provided in further researches on the resources evaluation, sustainable development and efficient utilization of Chinese Bletilla plants.

Therapeutic Effects of Tangshen Formula on Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice Using Cytokine Antibody Array.

OBJECTIVE: Cytokines are essential promoters in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetes. The following study investigates the adjustment mechanism of Tangshen formula (TSF) on cytokine expressions in db/db mice (DN animal model). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Db/db mice were randomly divided into three groups. The treated groups were orally administered with TSF and losartan for 12 weeks. Biochemical and histological examinations were determined at 8 and 12 weeks posttreatment, while the cytokine antibody array analysis was applied to analyze the expression of 144 cytokines in kidney tissues at the end of the 12th week posttreatment. RESULTS: TSF significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion and the levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, and urea nitrogen. Furthermore, a significant decrease in glomerulus and mesangial area, as well as the downregulation of 24 cytokines and upregulated expressions of 5 cytokines, was found in the TSF-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that TSF could ameliorate the metabolic anomalies and renal injury in db/db mice. One of the important mechanisms for treatment of DN using the treatment of TSF is the control of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway via regulation of IL-2, IL-6, IL-13, Il-15, and IFN-γ expression.

The complete chloroplast genome of Plagiorhegma dubia Maxim., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb.

Plagiorhegma dubia Maxim. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb from Plagiorhegma, Berberidaceae, which is distributed in the northeast of China, Korea, Russia. The complete chloroplast genome is 152,468 bp in length, with large single copy (LSC 82,257 bp) and small single copy (SSC 16,599 bp) regions separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR 26 805 bp). The genome has a total of 113 genes including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis shows that P. dubia is closely related with Sinopodophyllum hexandrum and Epimedium species. The results are of great implication for the development and utilization of P. dubia and the phylogenetic researches on Berberidaceae.

A new method to evaluate the dose-effect relationship of a TCM formula Gegen Qinlian Decoction: "Focus" mode of integrated biomarkers.

It is difficult to accurately evaluate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which leads to the uncertainty and complexity of dose-effect analysis. In this study we established the "Focus" mode of biomarkers to characterize the dose-effect relationship of Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD), a TCM formula for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (2-DM). A rat model of 2-DM was established through high fat diet feeding combined with low-dose STZ injection. Rats with 2-DM were administered high, middle or low doses (6.785, 4.071, 1.357 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively) of GQD extract for 60 d. Metformin (300 mg·kg-1·d-1) was taken as the positive control. Blood samples were collected to assess serum biochemical indexes and metabolic profiling. After "Focus" analysis, the biochemical index triglycerides (TG) and insulin sensitivity (ISI) were identified as focused integrated biomarkers (FIBs), while arachidonic acid and docosatetraenoic acid were the metabolic FIBs. Dose-effect relationship curves of GQD were built based on these types of FIBs. Furthermore, the two dose-effect relationship curves showed similar trends with the middle dosage displaying the greatest efficacy, suggesting that insulin function and arachidonic acid metabolism played important roles in 2-DM and the responses to GQD. The metabolic FIB docosatetraenoic should be further explored for understanding its involvement in the process of 2-DM occurrence and the treatment. This "Focus" mode provides a novel strategy to evaluate the dose-effect relationship of a TCM. The system and concepts established here may also be applicable for assessing the dose-effect relationships of Western medicines.

Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of major polyphenol components in rat plasma after oral administration of total flavonoid tablet from Anemarrhenae Rhizoma.

Total flavonoid tablet from Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu tablet), which was made of total polyphenol components extracted from the dried rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (Zhimu in Chinese), is a novel traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for the treatment of diabetes. Mangiferin (MF) and neomangiferin (NMF) are the two main components detected and determined in Zhimu tablet, accounting for 8.9% of the total weight of each tablet. In the present study, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with time-of-flight (TOF) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to characterize the metabolites of MF and NMF in rat plasmas collected at different time points after oral administration of Zhimu tablet at a dose of 3.63g/kg (corresponding to 270mg/kg MF). Accurate mass measurement was used to determine the elemental composition of metabolites and thus to confirm the proposed structures of identified metabolites. Time points of appearance of some metabolites, such as isomers, were also taken into account during the structure confirmation. A total of 21 potential metabolites were found in rat plasma at different time points, and the metabolic pathways in vivo were involved in hydrolysis, methylation, glucuronide conjugation, glycoside conjugation, sulphation, dehydration and isomerisation. Furthermore, a selective and accurate LC-MS assay method was developed and validated for the quantification of MF in plasma. Semi-quantification of main conjugated metabolites was also performed in order to describe the dynamic metabolism profiles of polyphenol components in Zhimu tablet. MF concentration in plasma reached 1.36±0.47µgmL(-1) about 5.0h after oral administration of Zhimu tablet, which showed a 3.24- and 4.91-fold increase in plasma maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24h of MF compared with those for rats administered with free MF, respectively. The results indicated that the pharmacokinetic processes and bioavailability of MF in rats would be affected by other components in Zhimu tablet.

[Study on inhibitory effects and mechanism of lipophilic components in Salvia miltiorrhiza on angiogenesis in vitro].

In this study, the human umbilical vein endothelial cell model was used to study the regulating effect of lipophilic components in Salvia miltiorrhiza on angiogenesis, and explore its possible mechanism. The cell model was established to determine the effect of lipophilic components in S. miltiorrhiza on the proliferative activity and migration capacity of endothelial cells. Then the realtime fluorescence quantification PCR technology was applied to detect the changes in the gene expressions of angiogenesis-related cytokines VEGF-A, VEGF-C and MMP-9. The results showed that 5 mg x L(-1) lipophilic components in S. miltiorrhiza could inhibit the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, and reduce the expression of VEGF-A and MMP-9 genes. It indicated that lipophilic components in S. miltiorrhiza may inhibit the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells by inhibiting the expression of VEGF-A and MMP-9 genes, so as to show the inhibitory effect on angiogenesis.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on periodontal pathogens and its clinical efficacy as adjuvant treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB) on major periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque. METHODS: Sixty patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were selected and randomly assigned to 3 groups: EGB group, a positive (periocline) and a negative control groups. Subgingival plaque samples were collected before treatment and 1 week, 2 months and 4 months after treatment. The detection rates of 4 major periodontal pathogens-Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythus (Tf), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)-were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical indicators were examined before treatment, 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: EGB significantly decreased the detection rate of all the 4 pathogens 1 week after treatment, and then gradually increased at 2 and 4 months. EGB's inhibition effect was better than or comparable to periocline, except for Pg in short-term. The difference of plaque index (PLI) and bleeding index (BI) was not statistically significant among the groups, while for probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL), the difference was statistically significant between the EGB group and negative control group at 3 and 6 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: EGB significantly inhibited major periodontal pathogens and can be used as an adjuvant for periodontitis treatment.

Integrating qualitative and quantitative characterization of traditional Chinese medicine injection by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry.

The present study aims to describe and exemplify an integrated strategy of the combination of qualitative and quantitative characterization of a multicomponent mixture for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine injections with the example of Danhong injection (DHI). The standardized chemical profile of DHI has been established based on liquid chromatography with diode array detection. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray multistage tandem ion-trap mass spectrometry have been developed to identify the major constituents in DHI. The structures of 26 compounds including nucleotides, phenolic acids, and flavonoid glycosides were identified or tentatively characterized. Meanwhile, the simultaneous determination of seven marker constituents, including uridine, adenosine, danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, p-coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, and salvianolic acid B, in DHI was performed by multiwavelength detection based on high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The integrated qualitative and quantitative characterization strategy provided an effective and reliable pattern for the comprehensive and systematic characterization of the complex traditional Chinese medicine system.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on periodontal pathogens and its clinical efficacy as adjuvant treatment / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB) on major periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were selected and randomly assigned to 3 groups: EGB group, a positive (periocline) and a negative control groups. Subgingival plaque samples were collected before treatment and 1 week, 2 months and 4 months after treatment. The detection rates of 4 major periodontal pathogens-Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythus (Tf), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)-were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical indicators were examined before treatment, 3 and 6 months after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>EGB significantly decreased the detection rate of all the 4 pathogens 1 week after treatment, and then gradually increased at 2 and 4 months. EGB's inhibition effect was better than or comparable to periocline, except for Pg in short-term. The difference of plaque index (PLI) and bleeding index (BI) was not statistically significant among the groups, while for probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL), the difference was statistically significant between the EGB group and negative control group at 3 and 6 months after treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EGB significantly inhibited major periodontal pathogens and can be used as an adjuvant for periodontitis treatment.</p>

[Therapeutic effects of gegen qinlian decoction and its mechanism of action on type 2 diabetic rats].

The objective of this study is to fully investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of action of Gegen Qinlian decoction (GD) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). A rat model of type 2 DM was established with the combination of high-fat diet and multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ). Biochemical indicators related to glucose metabolism disorders, insulin resistance, oxidative stress were observed. The type 2 DM rats were administrated with GD for 80 days, the above-mentioned indexes were detected. The results indicated that the hepatic glycogen synthesis level was promoted, fasting blood glucose level and fasting blood insulin level were significantly reduced, insulin sensitivity index was significantly improved; the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced; pathologic morphology of pancreas and kidney was ameliorated in the GD group. It was indicated that the therapeutic mechanisms of action of GD on type 2 DM might be related to its effect of ameliorating glucose metabolism disorders, relieving insulin resistance, increasing the tissues' sensitivity to insulin, improving the antioxidative ability of living system, GD has therapeutic effect on type 2 DM and protective effects against damaged pancreatic function.