Ultrasonic-assisted nanoencapsulation of kiwi leaves proanthocyanidins in liposome delivery system for enhanced biostability and bioavailability.

The poor biostability and bioavailability of proanthocyanidins limit their application. In this study, it was hypothesized that encapsulation in lecithin-based nanoliposomes using ultrasonic technology improves the above properties. Based on preliminary experiments, the effects of lecithin mass ratio (1-9%, wt.), pH (3.2-6.8), ultrasonic power (0-540 W), and time (0-10 min) on biostability and bioavailability of purified kiwi leaves proanthocyanidins (PKLPs) were determined. Nanoliposomes prepared optimally with lecithin (5%, wt.), pH = 3.2, ultrasonic power (270 W), and time (5 min) demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.05) improved physicochemical stability, homogeneity, and high encapsulation efficiency (73.84%) relative to control. The PKLPs bioaccessibility during in vitro digestion increased by 2.28-3.07-fold, with a remarkable sustained release and delivery to the small intestine. Similar results were obtained by in vivo analyses, showing over 200% increase in PKLPs bioaccessibility compared to the control. Thus, PKLPs-loaded nanoliposomes are promising candidates for foods and supplements for novel applications.

Case Report: Torsade de Pointes Induced by the Third-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Osimertinib Combined With Litsea Cubeba.

Torsades de Pointes (TdP) occurred in a 68-year-old female with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung cancer administered osimertinib, the third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded at Tdp showed QT prolongation (QTc = 515 ms), to which a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) named "Litsea Cubeba" may have contributed. After discontinuation of osimertinib and Litsea Cubeba, magnesium supplementation, potassium supplementation, lidocaine infusion, and the pacemaker frequency adjustment, Tdp terminated. However, QT prolongation sustained at discharge (QTc = 528 ms), partly because of the emergency use of amiodarone. Osimertinib may prolong the QT interval leading to TdP, especially when multiple risk factors to lengthen QT interval are incidentally overlapped. Thus, regular monitoring of ECG and appropriate management of concomitant drugs are highly recommended.

[Studies on characteristics of volatile oil and micro-identification between Herba Pogostemonis and Herba Agastachis rugosae].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the chemical components of Herba Pogostemonis and Herba Agastachis rugosae, and develop a new method for the identification of them. METHODS: Comparing the chemical components in volatile oil of Herba Pogostemonis and Herha Agastachis rugosae by GC-MS, and identifying leaves of them by micro-characteristics. RESULTS: Patchouli alcohol (71.45%), the major component of Herba Pogostemonis, was its characteristic constituent and pulegone (37.58%) was the major component and characteristic constituent of Herba Agastachis rugosae. Two cells formed the head of glandular hairy in Herba Pogostemonis, while only one formed the head of glandular hairy in Herba Agastachis rugosae. The nonglandular hair was mainly constituted by one to three cells in Herba Pogostemonis, while one to four cells constituted the nonglandular hair in Herba Agastachis rugosae. CONCLUSION: A simple and dependable identification method has been developed for Herba Pogostemonis and Herba Agastachis rugosae.