[Cough-relieving, analgesic and antibiotic effects of durian shell extracts: a study in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cough-relieving, analgesic and antibiotic effects of durian shell extract (DSE) in relieving cough and its analgesic and antibiotic effects. METHODS: The effect of DSE in relieving cough was assessed in mice challenged with ammonia and SO(2) to induce coughing. The analgesic and antibiotic effects of DSE in mice were evaluated by hot plate test and twisting reaction induced by acetic acid, and by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc-agar diffusion tests, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the mice treated with 300 and 900 mg/kg DSE showed significantly prolonged latency with decreased number of coughing induced by ammonia and SO(2), and the effect was dose-dependent. DSE markedly prolonged the latency and decreased the twisting number of the mice induced by acetic acid without affecting the pain threshold in hot plate test. DSE produced no significant inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, or E. coli, and showed a week inhibition against Bacillus aeruginosus. CONCLUSION: DSE shows obvious effect in relieving cough and produces better analgesic effect against chemical factor-induced pain than against physical agent-induced pain sensation. DSE has a moderate inhibitory effect against Bacillus aeruginosus.

Effect of astragaloside IV on hepatic glucose-regulating enzymes in diabetic mice induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.

AIM: Hepatic glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) are important in control of blood glucose homeostasis, and are considered to be potential targets for antidiabetic drugs. Astragaloside IV has been reported to have a hypoglycemic effect. However, the biochemical mechanisms by which astragaloside IV regulates hepatic glucose-metabolizing enzymes remain unknown. The present study examines whether GP and G6Pase mediate the hypoglycemic effect of astragaloside IV. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic mice were treated with astragaloside IV for 2 weeks. Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured by a glucometer and the ELISA method, respectively. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were determined using Labassay kits. Activities of hepatic GP and G6Pase were measured by the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-coupled reaction. The mRNA and protein levels of both enzymes were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Astragaloside IV at 25 and 50 mg/kg significally decreased the blood glucose, TG and insulin levels, and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression as well as enzyme activity of GP and G6Pase in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Astragaloside IV exhibited a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic effect of this compound may be explained, in part, by its inhibition of hepatic GP and G6Pase activities.

[Isolation and characterization of the anti-HIV active component from Eucommia ulmoides].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-HIV effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, so as to provide experimental basis for searching a new efficacious drug for treatment of AIDS. METHODS: Using phytochemistry to isolate compounds from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, the inhibitory activity of Samples on the HIV gp41 six-helix bundle formation was determined by a modified sandwich ELISA and PAGE. RESULTS: The Samples from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver had potent inhibitory activity on the HIV gp41 six-helix bundle formation. CONCLUSION: Eucommia uloides Oliver can inhibit HIV by targeting HIV gp41.