Injectable, Antibacterial, and Hemostatic Tissue Sealant Hydrogels.

Hemorrhage and bacterial infections are major hurdles in the management of life-threatening surgical wounds. Most bioadhesives for wound closure lack sufficient hemostatic and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, they suffer from weak sealing efficacy, particularly for stretchable organs, such as the lung and bladder. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for mechanically robust hemostatic sealants with simultaneous antibacterial effects. Here, an injectable, photocrosslinkable, and stretchable hydrogel sealant based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), supplemented with antibacterial zinc ferrite (ZF) nanoparticles and hemostatic silicate nanoplatelets (SNs) for rapid blood coagulation is nanoengineered. The hydrogel reduces the in vitro viability of Staphylococcus aureus by more than 90%. The addition of SNs (2% w/v) and ZF nanoparticles (1.5 mg mL-1 ) to GelMA (20% w/v) improves the burst pressure of perforated ex vivo porcine lungs by more than 40%. Such enhancement translated to ≈250% improvement in the tissue sealing capability compared with a commercial hemostatic sealant, Evicel. Furthermore, the hydrogels reduce bleeding by ≈50% in rat bleeding models. The nanoengineered hydrogel may open new translational opportunities for the effective sealing of complex wounds that require mechanical flexibility, infection management, and hemostasis.

Comparative efficacy of phosphorous supplements with phosphate solubilizing bacteria for optimizing wheat yield in calcareous soils.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is the main hurdle in achieving sustainable crop production ps especially in calcareous soils. Using bio-fertilizers like phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) could be a useful approach for sustainable P management as they improve P availability in soil via dissolution, desorption and mineralization reactions. In addition, application of organic amendments with PSB could further ameliorate soil conditions for sustainable management of immobilized nutrients in calcarious soils. Therefore, we performed pot experiment to study the role of PSB in nullifying antagonistic effects of liming (4.78, 10, 15 and 20%) on P availability from poultry manure (PM), farm yard manure (FYM), single super phosphate (SSP) and rock phosphate (RP) in alkaline soils. PSB inoculation improved wheat growth, P availability and stimulated soil acidification over control regardless of P sources and lime levels. Soil calcification adversely affected plant growth, P nutrition, induced soil salinity and alkalinity, however, PSB and manures application potentially nullified such harmful effects over mentioned traits. Individually, organic sources were superior than mineral sources however, the performance of mineral fertilizers with PSB was at par to sole application of manures. Furthermore, application of RP with PSB proved as effective as sole SSP. Therefore, using PSB as bio-fertilizer has huge potential for improving P availability in calcareous soils.

UHPLC-MS/MS-GNPS based phytochemical investigation of Equisetum arvense L. And evaluation of cytotoxicity against human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells.

Equisetum arvense L. is widely used as a traditional medicine for the management of inflammation and cancer. In the present study, phyto-chemical analysis of E. arvense was carried out and its cytotoxic potential against human melanoma (MDA-MB-435) and ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR3) was evaluated. Phyto-chemical profile of E. arvense methanolic extract and its fractions was established employing UHPLC-MS/MS and Global Natural Product Social molecular networking. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using absorbance assay (CellTiter-Blue® Cell Viability Assay). Overall, 22 compounds were identified in the crude extract and polarity-based fractions of E. arvense. Flavonoids, flavonoid-O-glycosides and phenolic acids were found to be the major classes of phyto-chemicals. In addition, the crude extract of E. arvense and its fractions were found active against the tested cell lines. The highest anti-cancer activity against OVCAR3 cells was exhibited by the n-hexane fraction. These results indicated that E. arvense is rich in flavonoids and might be used for the development of anti-cancer drugs against melanoma and ovarian cancers.

Fabrication of Bacterial Cellulose-Based Dressings for Promoting Infected Wound Healing.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) holds several unique properties such as high water retention capability, flexibility, biocompatibility, and high absorption capacity. All these features make it a potential material for wound healing applications. However, it lacks antibacterial properties, which hampers its applications for infectious wound healings. This study reported BC-based dressings containing ε-polylysine (ε-PL), cross-linked by a biocompatible and mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) for promoting infectious wound healing. BC membranes were coated with PDA by a simple self-polymerization process, followed by treating with different contents of ε-PL. The resulted membranes showed strong antibacterial properties against tested bacteria by both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The membranes also exhibited hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility by in vitro investigations. Moreover, the functionalized membranes promoted infected wound healing using Sprague-Dawley rats as a model animal. A complete wound healing was observed in the group treated with functionalized membranes, while wounds were still open for control and pure BC groups in the same duration. Histological investigations indicated that the thickness of newborn skin was greater and smoother in the groups treated with modified membranes in comparison to neat BC or control groups. These results revealed that the functionalized membranes have great potential as a dressing material for infected wounds in future clinical applications.

Assessing the ethnobotanical potential of Carissa opaca berries by merging outcomes from metabolomics profiling, enzyme assays, and in silico docking studies.

The phytochemical profile of Carissa opaca fruit extract and fractions was established through dereplication strategies employing LC-MS/MS and global natural product social molecular networking (GNPS). Crude extract and fractions were evaluated for their potential to inhibit α-glucosidase and urease in vitro. Flavonoid-O-glycosides, flavonoid-C-glycosides, flavonoids, proanthocyanidin B2, phenolics, and triterpenoids were annotated as the major classes of secondary metabolites present in the extract and fractions. α-Glucosidase inhibition was associated with n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions comparable to acarbose (IC50 = 120.43 µg/mL) with IC50 values of 123.67 and 131.72 µg/mL, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction showed good urease inhibition comparable with thiourea (IC50 = 103.71 µg/mL) with an IC50 value of 109.14 µg/mL. Molecular docking studies of compounds observed in the crude extract and bioactive fractions had significant binding scores, which supported results for enzyme inhibition in vitro. This study provided a detailed phytochemical profile of C. opaca fruit and its enzyme inhibition potential.

Sauromatum guttatum extract promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration in a burn mouse model via up-regulation of growth factors.

Contexts: Sauromatum guttatum (Wall.) Schott (Araceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of wounds. Objectives: This study evaluates the healing and tissue regeneration potential of S. guttatum extract in burn wounds. Materials and methods: S. guttatum extract was analysed using various chemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the extract was tested against burn associated bacteria and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also calculated. Wound healing and tissue regeneration potential was assessed using a thermally induced burn BALBc mouse model. S. guttatum extract (2% w/w) prepared in petroleum jelly, vehicle and positive control [silver sulfadiazine (SD)] groups was applied three times a day. The treatment was continued for 15 d and wound closure was measured and photographed on day 5, 10 and 15. The burnt tissues excised from wounds were subjected to histological and comparative gene expression analysis. Results: The results of the chemical tests indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids, while TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of various compounds. The extract showed excellent activity against the tested pathogens. The lowest MIC (125 µg/mL) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. A considerable decrease in wound area (72%) was observed in extract-treated group. Histological examination of extract-treated group showed good signs of wound healing with complete re-epithelialization and better tissue regeneration. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of wound healing related PDGF, EGF and FGF genes. Conclusions: S. guttatum extract may be used to isolate bioactive constituents for the treatment of burn wounds.

Curative effects of Distemonanthus benthamianus Baillon. Trunk-bark extracts on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli 31-induced diarrhea in rats.

Background Distemonanthus benthamianus is used in the Western part of Cameroon to treat diarrheal episodes and infections. This study assessed its trunk-bark extracts activity against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli 31 (EPEC 31)-induced diarrhea in rats. Methods Aqueous and methanolic extracts were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs/MBCs) were evaluated on Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 10,541), E. coli (ATCC 6539), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13,883), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 6539) strains and on Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA 01) and Shigella flexneri isolates using the microdilution method. Diarrhea was induced by inoculating rats with EPEC 31 (1.5 × 108 CFU/mL; p.o). Serum transaminases level assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokines determination were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining was used for intestinal tissue analysis. Results HPLC fingerprints of extracts showed presence of gallic acid and other unidentified compounds. The lowest MIC of 256 µg/mL was obtained with methanolic extract. At 100 mg/kg, both extracts significantly (p<0.001) inhibited diarrhea, with the methanolic extract being the most active. In addition, the methanolic extract significantly (p<0.001) increased the relative mass of the liver compared to negative control (Tween-DMSO 8%). The aqueous extract (100 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.01) increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum concentration; while the methanolic extract (100 mg/kg) exhibited similar effect over aspartate aminotransferase (AST). At 50 and 100 mg/kg, the methanolic extract significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) decreased the Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) serum level, compared to negative control (Tween-DMSO 8%). Serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) significantly (p<0.001) decreased with 100 mg/kg of aqueous extract and all doses of methanolic extract. Inhibition of inflammatory cells tissue infiltration and epithelial regeneration was highly noticed in the ileum and colon of extracts-treated rats than in ciprofloxacin-treated animals. Conclusion These findings suggest that D. benthamianus trunk-bark extracts displayed therapeutic effects against infectious diarrhea in rats.

Inhibitory Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Its Major Constituent Glycyrrhizin on Inflammation-Associated Corneal Neovascularization.

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae) is widely used in folk medicines. Glycyrrhizin, an active compound of G. glabra, possesses anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigates the G. glabra methanol extract and glycyrrhizin for the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). G. glabra was extracted in 70% aqueous methanol. Phytochemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for the analysis of chemical composition. The topical solution of G. glabra methanol extract (2% w/v) and glycyrrhizin (1% w/v) was prepared in normal saline. After corneal burn (1 N NaOH), animals were left untreated for a week so that neovascularization appears in all groups. Treatments started on day 7 and continued for next 21 consecutive days. The animals were treated with 3 drops of various topical solutions thrice a day. Digital photograph analysis and histological studies were used for the evaluation of CNV. Phytochemical analysis of the G. glabra methanol extract showed the presence of saponins, phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and proteins. TLC and HPLC confirmed the presence of glycyrrhizin. Photograph analysis of the extract and glycyrrhizin treated group showed a considerable decrease in CNV. Histological study of G. glabra and glycyrrhizin treated groups showed no blood vessels with properly arranged collagen fibers. This study showed that G. glabra and glycyrrhizin can be used for the treatment of CNV. Bioassay guided isolation can lead to preparation of ophthalmic solutions for the treatment of CNV.

Phytochemical profiling and antiviral activity of Ajuga bracteosa, Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium and Citrus lemon against Hepatitis C Virus.

Hepatitis C is a serious health issue and cause liver disorders in millions of people. Available therapeutic agents require long term administration with numerous side effects. Therefore, there is a dire need to find alternative treatment options for this disease. Since ancient times, medicinal plants are widely used to cure various diseases with no or less harmful effects. Therefore, this study was designed to find out phytochemicals and investigate antiviral activity of methanol extract of Ajuga bracteosa, Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium and Citrus lemon against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV infection). Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was performed using various chemical tests. Toxicity of the plant extract was determined against using trypan blue exclusion method. Antiviral activity of the selected plant extract was find out against HCV infected HepG2 cells. For this purpose, HepG2 cells were seeded with HCV positive and negative serum and nontoxic doses of plant extract for 24 and 48 h. After this RNA was extracted and viral load was determined using Real-time PCR. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids and phenols in all plant extracts while amino acids, alkaloids and tannins were present in B. lycium and saponins were detected in C. lemon. Toxicity assay showed that all plant extracts were nontoxic at maximum concentration of 200 µg/ml except B. lycium, which showed mild toxicity at 40 µg/ml and were extremely toxic at 60 µg/ml and above doses. Real-time PCR quantitation result revealed that after 24 h treatments A. parviflora showed highest antiviral activity, followed by A. bracteosa, while B. lycium extract had low (35%) and C. lemon has no antiviral effects. The 48 h treatments showed an increase antiviral activity by A. bracteosa followed by A. parviflora and B. lycium while C. lemon showed negative effect. Our results depicted that mentioned plants might be used as an alternative therapeutic regime or in combination with existing treatments against HCV.

Therapeutic potential of curcumin for multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination, neuronal injury, and breaching of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Epidemiological studies have shown that immunological, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to the progression and development of MS. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are crucial immunological participant in the pathophysiology of MS. The aberrant production of IL-17 and IL-22 by Th17 cells crosses BBB promotes its disruption and interferes with transmission of nerve signals through activation of neuroinflammation in the CNS. These inflammatory responses promote demyelination through transcriptional activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-1 (STAT-1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interferon ϒ (IFNϒ), and Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1). B cells also contribute to disease progression through abnormal regulation of antibodies, cytokines, and antigen presentation. Additionally, oxidative stress has been known as a causative agent for the MS. Curcumin is a hydrophobic yellowish diphenolic component of turmeric, which can interact and modulate multiple cell signaling pathways and prevent the development of various autoimmune neurological diseases including MS. Studies have reported curcumin as a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant agent that could modulate cell cycle regulatory proteins, enzymes, cytokines, and transcription factors in CNS-related disorders including MS. The current study summarizes the reported knowledge on therapeutic potential of curcumin against MS, with future indication as neuroprotective and neuropharmacological drug.

Intestinal and vascular smooth muscle relaxant effect of Viscum album explains its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Viscum album has shown inhibitory effect on different smooth muscles but underlying mechanisms in gut and vascular smooth muscles are not well defined. Additionally, the plant has also importance in managing hyperactive gut and cardiovascular disorders. The current study was aimed to probe a pharmacological base of the smooth muscle relaxant effect of V. album in gut and vascular preparations. METHODS: V. album crude extract (Va. Cr) and its ethyl acetate fraction (Va. EtAc) were studied using in vitro techniques. The antispasmodic activity was performed using isolated rabbit jejunum while the vasorelaxant effects were studied in rabbit aortic rings. RESULTS: Va. Cr and Va. EtAc inhibited spontaneous and high K(+)-induced contractions with EC50 values of 0.31 mg/mL (0.15-0.57) and 0.62 mg/mL (0.3-0.95), respectively. This advocates an antispasmodic effect probably operated through calcium channels blockade (CBB). The proposed mechanism was confirmed by a pretreatment of the tissue with Va. Cr (0.01-0.3 mg/mL), which shifted the Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs) rightward, similar to verapamil. Moreover, Va. Cr showed a partial relaxation against high K(+) and PE (1 µM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit aorta rings. Va. EtAc caused complete relaxation of high K(+) precontraction and partially relaxed PE (1 µM) induced contractions, suggesting inhibitory effect on Ca(++) entry, in addition to other possible mechanisms. CRCs were shifted to the right correspondingly to verapamil when the aortic rings were pretreated with Va. Cr and Va. EtAc. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicated that Va. Cr possesses smooth muscle relaxant effect mediated through voltage-dependent Ca(++) channel blockade (CCB), which explains its spasmolytic and vasorelaxant activity. The CCB activity is concentrated more in Va. EtAc. This study provides an evidence for the medicinal importance of V. album in gut spasm and possibly hypertension.

Chemical composition and vascular and intestinal smooth muscle relaxant effects of the essential oil from Psidium guajava fruit.

CONTEXT: Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. OBJECTIVES: The current study investigated the chemical composition and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects of the essential oil of P. guajava. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The biological activity of the essential oil was tested on rabbit aorta and jejunum. All changes in isometric tension were recorded through a force transducer coupled with a bridge amplifier data acquisition system. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: GC-MS analysis showed the presence of butanoic acid methyl ester, 3-methyl glutaric anhydride, 1-butanol, 3-hexenal, cinnamyl alcohol, 1-hexanol and hexane as the major components. In isolated rabbit aorta preparations, the essential oil showed vasorelaxation at doses of 3-10 mg/mL against high K+ and phenylephrine pre-contractions with EC50 values of 5.52 (5-6.04) and 6.23 mg/mL (5.0-7.46). The essential oil inhibited spontaneous and high K+ induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum with EC50 values of 0.84 (0.3-1.38) and 0.71 mg/mL (0.3-1.12) and shifted Ca + 2 concentration curves to the right, similar to verapamil, suggesting spasmolytic activity mediated possibly through Ca + 2 channel blockade. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the data indicated the presence of seven different phytoconstituents in the essential oil of P. guajava and calcium channel blocking activity, which provides a pharmacological base to the traditional use of P. guajava in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Further studies are suggested to explore the molecular nature of these effects.

Phytochemical analysis and effects of Pteris vittata extract on visual processes.

The present study was designed to explore the possible effects of Pteris vittata on visual sensitivity, ERG waves, and other components of the visual system. Electrophysiological techniques including electroretinography (ERG) were used in the present study. The phytochemical composition of the extract was investigated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques. The results indicated that the extract significantly augmented dark- and light-adapted ERG b-wave amplitude. Furthermore, these findings showed that P. vittata extract does not have Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonistic activity but may function as a retinal neural antagonist in bullfrog retina. P. vittata extract improved the visual sensitivity by 0.8 log unit of light intensity, and reduced the regeneration time for rhodopsin. The six main peaks obtained through LC-MS were identified as flavonoids. Based on these results, it was concluded that P. vittata extract or its constituents may be used to treat eye diseases.

Chemical Composition and Vasorelaxant and Antispasmodic Effects of Essential Oil from Rosa indica L. Petals.

Rosa indica L. belongs to the family Rosaceae and is locally known as gulaab. It has different traditional uses in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders but there is no scientific data available in this regard. Therefore, the basic aim of this study was to explore the chemical composition and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects of the essential oil obtained from R. indica. The chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects were investigated using electrophysiological measurements. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil showed various chemical components including acetic acid, mercaptohexyl ester, butanoic acid, 2-methyl-5-oxo-1-cyclopentene-1-yl ester, artemiseole, methyl santonilate, isosteviol, caryophyllene oxide, pentyl phenyl acetate, dihydromyrcene, 1,5-octadecadien, octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, palmitic acid (2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl methyl ester), santolina epoxide, and 9-farnesene. The electrophysiological measurements revealed that essential oil was more potent against K(+) (80 mM) than phenylephrine precontractions using isolated rabbit aorta preparations. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, it showed more potency against high K(+) induced contractions than spontaneous contractions. Considering these evidences, it can be concluded that R. indica essential oil may work as a complementary and alternative medicine in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases.

Multifunctional polymeric nanocurcumin for cancer therapy.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have the potential to enhance the efficacy of poorly soluble systemic drugs. Curcumin, a yellow pigment isolated from turmeric, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects. The anticancer potential of curcumin is mediated through the inhibition and modulation of several intracellular signaling pathways, as confirmed in various in vitro and in vivo cancer studies. However, clinical application of dietary curcumin for the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases have been hindered by poor bioavailability, due to low systemic solubility as well as rapid metabolism and elimination from the body. Different techniques for sustained and efficient curcumin delivery, including nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, phospholipids, and curcumin-encapsulated polymer nanoparticles are the focus of this study. Previous studies have shown that nanocurcumin has improved anticancer effects as compared to normal curcumin formulations. Among nanoformulations, few composite nanosystems have the simultaneous properties of therapeutic activity and multifunctional nanoparticles as enhanced image contrast agents. We also address the challenges to the development of nanocurcumin delivery platforms by enhancing a steady aqueous dispersion state. Further studies are needed using preclinical and clinical cancer models to recommend nanocurcumin as a drug of choice for cancer therapy.

Effects of Rubus coreanus extract on visual processes in bullfrog's eye.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The fruit of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, astringent, restorative and tonic in Asian countries. It is advised for treating diseases related to liver, kidney and urinary dysfunction, premature greying, blurred vision, infertility, impotence and premature ejaculation. Additionally, there is a long history of different parts of the plants being used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. However, no scientific studies have been undertaken to determine the effects of Rubus coreanus in visual processes of the vertebrate retina. AIM OF STUDY: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the positive effects of Rubus coreanus extracts on visual processes in the vertebrate's eye. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electroretinogram (ERG) techniques were used to record the responses from a bullfrog's eye cup preparations. Active pharmacological agents were used to block specific receptors in the retina and to leave others unaffected. Lipid peroxidation in the retina was generated by adding FeSO(4)+Na-ascorbate. RESULTS: It was observed that both dark- and light-adapted ERG b-wave peak amplitude significantly increases with Rubus coreanus treatment. It was found that Rubus coreanus acts as a retinal neural antagonist but not as GABA receptor antagonist. Rubus coreanus treatment lowered the duration of rhodopsin regeneration. The results obtained indicated that Rubus coreanus protects against lipid peroxidation drop off ERG amplitude in retina. CONCLUSION: Based on results obtained, it is suggested that Rubus coreanus can potentially improve visual sensitivity and can be used to treat pathophysiological conditions of eye.

The effect of a phytosphingosine-like substance isolated from Asterina pectinifera on involucrin expression in mite antigen-stimulated HaCaT cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of phytosphingosine (PS) on mite antigen-induced terminal differentiation abnormalities in HaCaT cells. For this purpose, a PS-like substance was isolated from Asterina pectinifera (starfish PS) using high-performance liquid chromatography and was partially characterized through 1H NMR analysis. The level of involucrin expression in HaCaT cell was measured by immunoblotting assay. Our results showed that PS treatments remarkably up-regulated the involucrin expression, which is known as a terminal differentiation marker in the epidermal mite antigen-treated HaCaT cells. This indicates that starfish PS could regulate mite antigen-induced terminal differentiation fluctuation in the epidermis. Taken together, the results suggest that starfish PS might be a useful therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis.

Effects of red ginseng extract on visual sensitivity and ERG b-wave of bullfrog's eye.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of red ginseng (Panax ginseng) extracts on the visual process in bullfrog's eye. The results obtained indicated that both dark-adapted and light-adapted ERG b-wave peak amplitude was increased with red ginseng treatment. Furthermore, the ERG sensitivity was elevated by 1.4 log units of light intensity. It was found that red ginseng acts as a retinal neural antagonist but not as a GABA receptor antagonist. Red ginseng improved the alcohol dehydrogenase activity and speeded up the delivery of 11 CIS-retinal from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the outer disc of the photoreceptors which resulted in decreased regeneration time of rhodopsin. In the spectral scan, red ginseng treatment brings an increment in absorbance over the whole spectral range (300-800 nm) with maximum difference at around 500 nm. It is concluded that red ginseng may be used to improve visual process, and can potentially be used to treat certain ophthalmic diseases.