Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology of Rhizoma phragmitis: A Narrative Review.

Rhizoma phragmitis is a common Chinese herbal medicine whose effects are defined as 'clearing heat and fire, promoting fluid production to quench thirst, eliminating irritability, stopping vomiting, and disinhibiting urine'. During the Novel Coronavirus epidemic in 2020, the Weijing Decoction and Wuye Lugen Decoction, with Rhizoma phragmitis as the main herbal component, were included in The Pneumonia Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Infection (Trial Version 5) due to remarkable antiviral effects. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Rhizoma phragmitis has antiviral, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hypoglycemic functions, lowers blood lipids and protects the liver and kidney. This review aims to provide a systematic summary of the botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Rhizoma phragmitis.

Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction attenuates bone erosion in rats that have collagen-induced arthritis via modulating NF-κB signalling to suppress osteoclastogenesis.

CONTEXT: Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction (GSZD) is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its mechanism is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of GSZD on bone erosion in type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and to identify the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CIA model was prepared in male Wistar rats by two subcutaneous injections of CII, 1 mg/mL. Fifty CIA rats were randomized equally into the control group given saline daily, the positive group given saline daily and methotrexate 0.75 mg/kg once a week, and three GSZD-treated groups gavaged daily with 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg of GSZD for 21 days. GSZD effects were assessed by paw volume, arthritic severity index and histopathology. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. The effects of GSZD on RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption assay. Expression of IκB-α and p65 was measured by Western blotting. Major components of GSZD were identified by HPLC. RESULTS: Arthritis index score, paw volume and bone destruction score showed that GSZD improved inflammatory symptoms and reduced joint tissue erosion (p < 0.01). GSZD decreased RANKL, and the number of osteoclasts (OCs) in joint tissues (p < 0.01) and increased osteoprotegerin levels (p < 0.01). GSZD inhibited RANKL-induced RAW264.7 differentiation and reduced bone resorption by OCs. GSZD upregulated IκB (p < 0.01) and p65 (p < 0.01) in the cytoplasm and downregulated p65 (p < 0.01) in the cell nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction has an anti-RA effect, suggesting its possible use as a supplement and alternative drug therapy for RA.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a useful and promising alternative strategy for treatment of Sjogren's syndrome: A review.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving exocrine glands. Current studies have found that the occurrence of the disease is closely related to genetic, environmental and neuroendocrine factors, as well as abnormal activation of T and B lymphocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of pSS is complex, and there is a lack of specific targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been comprehensively investigated for their treatment effects on pSS. Through a systematic review of the literature, we summarized the TCMs used to treat pSS, and find that there are four major ways that TCMs are used, including upregulation of aquaporin proteins, suppression of cell apoptosis, suppression of the abnormal activation of B lymphocytes and suppression of the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes (balancing T helper type [Th]1/Th2 & Th17/Treg and suppressing follicular helper T [Tfh] cells). However, there are not enough data about the active constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and modern preparations of these TCMs; therefore, more investigations are needed. This paper highlights the importance of TCMs for treating pSS and provides guidance for future investigations.

Anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of an aqueous extract of Cinnamomi ramulus on MH7A rheumatoid arthritis-derived fibroblast-like synoviocytes through induction of apoptosis, cell arrest and suppression of matrix metalloproteinase.

CONTEXT: Cinnamomi ramulus, the dry twig of Cinnamomum cassia Presl. (Lauraceae), has been reported to exert several activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of an aqueous extract of Cinnamomi ramulus (ACR) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: TNF-α-induced RA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells were incubated with ACR (0.1-2 mg/mL) for 24 h. The proliferation was tested using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The migration and invasion abilities were measured using transwell tests and wound healing assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle were examined by flow cytometry. The potential mechanisms were determined by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. UPLC-QE-MS/MS was used for chromatographic analysis of ACR and its compounds were identified. Molecular docking strategy was used to screen the potential anti-RA active compounds of ACR. RESULTS: We found that ACR induced apoptosis in MH7A cells at concentrations of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mg/mL. The proliferation of MH7A cells was reduced and the cell cycle was blocked in the G2/M phase at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/mL. Migration and invasion of MH7A cells were reduced through inhibiting the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3. The molecular docking strategy results showed that 9 compounds in ACR have good affinity with protein crystal, and benzyl cinnamate (10-100 µg/mL) could inhibit cell migration and induce apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-RA effect of ACR may be attributed to its anti-proliferative and anti-migration effects on synovial fibroblasts. These data suggest that Cinnamomi ramulus may have therapeutic value for the treatment of RA.

Mechanistic evaluation of gastro-protective effects of KangFuXinYe on indomethacin-induced gastric damage in rats.

KangFuXinYe (KFX), the ethanol extract of the dried whole body of Periplaneta americana, is a well-known important Chinese medicine preparation that has been used to treat digestive diseases such as gastric ulcers for many years in China. However, its therapeutic effect and mechanism are not yet well understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the gastro-protective effects of KangFuXinYe (KFX) in indomethacin-induced gastric damage. Rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: control, treated with indomethacin (35 mg·kg-1), different dosages of KFX (2.57, 5.14 and 10.28 mL·kg-1, respectively) plus indomethacin, and sucralfate (1.71 mL·kg-1) plus indomethacin. After treatment, rat serum, stomach and gastric homogenates were collected for biochemical tests and examination of histopathology firstly. Rat serum was further used for metabolomics analysis to research possible mechanisms. Our results showed that KFX treatment alleviated indomethacin-induced histopathologic damage in rat gastric mucosa. Meanwhile, its treatment significantly increased cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in rat serum and gastric mucosa. Moreover, KFX decreased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Nine metabolites were identified which intensities significantly changed in gastric damage rats, including 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, indoxylsulfuric acid, indolelactic acid, 4-hydroxyindole, pantothenic acid, isobutyryl carnitine, 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and indometacin. These metabolic deviations came to closer to normal levels after KFX intervention. The results indicate that KFX (10.28 mL·kg-1) exerts protective effects on indomethacin-induced gastric damage by possible mechanisms of action (regulating tryptophan metabolism, protecting the mitochondria, and adjusting lipid metabolism, and reducing excessive indomethacin).

The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Cinnamomi ramulus: a review.

OBJECTIVES: Cinnamomi ramulus (called Guizhi in Chinese) is a traditional medicine used to treat gastrointestinal dysfunction, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, spleen deficiency, Alzheimer's disease and obesity. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary on the geographical distribution, botany, traditional application, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and other aspects of Cinnamomi ramulus. KEY FINDING: So far, more than 121 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cinnamomi ramulus, including volatile oil, organic acids, triterpenoid saponins, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, steroids and polysaccharides. This paper reviews the pharmacological effects of Cinnamomi ramulus on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumour, antipyretic and analgesic, antidiabetic and antiplatelet aggregation effects. Furthermore, the present review also indicates that Cinnamomi ramulus has the potential to develop into drugs for treating various diseases with high efficacy and low toxicity. SUMMARY: The convictive evidence from modern pharmacology research supports the traditional application of Cinnamomi ramulus. However, further studies on the structure-activity relationship of some of the isolated compounds may improve their biological potency. More toxicological studies will also contribute to the progress of clinical trial studies.

[Spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and free radicals scavenging in Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction].

To establish the spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and free radicals activity scavenging in Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction( GSZD),and provide a basis for the quality evaluation and modernization of classical prescriptions. Shimadsu GL-science C18 column( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 µm) was used with acetonitrile-0. 1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The detective wave length was 254 nm; the column temperature was set at 32 ℃; the injection volume was 20 µL; and the flow rate was 1. 0 m L·min-1.10 batches of primary standard samples of GSZD were detected,and their HPLC fingerprint was established by using the similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM). The activity of scavenging free radicals was studied by 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine( DPPH) method,and the spectrum-effect relationship was studied by Pearson bivariate correlation analysis. The common mode of GSZD fingerprints was established,and 26 common peaks were marked,with similarities ranging from 0. 929 to 0. 998. Eight of the chromatographic peaks were identified by using the control comparison method: gallic acid,mangiferin,paeoniflorin,glycyrrhizin,asparagus,5-O-methylvisamicin,cinnamic acid,and ammonium glycyrrhetate. Among them,the content changes of No. 14( paeoniside),20,12( mangiferin),13 and 23( cinnamic acid) common peaks were negatively correlated with free radical scavenging activity. The fingerprint showed high precision,repeatability and stability,and the common peaks were well separated,so it can be used for the quality evaluation of GSZD,and could provide reference for further studies on the material basis of GSZD.

Using the "target constituent removal combined with bioactivity assay" strategy to investigate the optimum arecoline content in charred areca nut.

Charred areca nut (CAN) is used to treat dyspepsia and abdominal distension in children. However, reports revealed that arecoline, the most important active constituent of CAN, possesses potential toxicities. This study was designed to investigate the optimum arecoline content in CAN, using the "target constituent removal combined with bioactivity assay" strategy. Based on PTLC method, we prepared CAN lacking all arecoline (WAC-100R) and a series of different ratios of arecoline-removed CAN samples (WAC-Rx). MTT and acute toxicity assays indicated that decreasing content by 50% decreased CAN toxicity significantly. Animal results revealed arecoline contents over 50% could guarantee the beneficial effects of CAN on gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, decreasing arecoline content in CAN by 50% decreased its pro-apoptotic effects significantly. Furthermore, decreasing 50% arecoline content in CAN down-regulated the expressions of Cleaved-Caspase-3, c-jun, c-fos, COX-2, PGE2, and IL-1α. Thus, our results revealed that CAN with 50% arecoline content (WAC-50R) has similar beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract to CAN, whereas its toxicity was decreased significantly. Collectively, our study suggested that the strategy of "target constituent removal combined with bioactivity assay" is a promising method to identify the optimum arecoline content in CAN, which is approximately 0.12%.

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae), widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia, is a popular traditional herbal medicine that can be chewed for the purpose of dispersing accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity and killing worms. The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review on the traditional uses and advances in the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant. Furthermore, the possible trends and a perspective for future research of this plant are also discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed on A. catechu based on classic books of herbal medicine, PhD. and MSc. dissertations, government reports, the state and local drug standards, scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Various types of information regarding this plant are discussed in corresponding parts of this paper. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies of A. catechu are discussed. RESULTS: The seeds of A. catechu (areca nut) have been widely used in clinical practice in China, India and other South and Southeast Asian Countries. Currently, over 59 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. catechu, including alkaloids, tannins, flavones, triterpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. The extracts and compounds isolated from A. catechu have many pharmacological activities. These include antiparasitic effects, anti-depressive effects, anti-fatigue effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-allergic effects, the promotion of digestive functions, suppression of platelet aggregation, regulatory effects on blood glucose and lipids, etc. Although arecoline is the primary active constituent of A. catechu, it is also the primary toxic compound. The main toxicities of arecoline are the promotion of oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and cytotoxic effects on normal human cells, which involve inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSION: As an important herbal medicine, A. catechu has potential for the treatment of many diseases, especially parasitic diseases, digestive function disorders, and depression. Many traditional uses of A. catechu have now been validated by current investigations. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs, and pharmacokinetics and to establish criteria for quality control for A. catechu-derived medications. In addition, it will be interesting to investigate the active macromolecular compounds and active constituents other than alkaloids in both raw and processed products of A. catechu.

Stabilizing the bactericidal activity of hydrogen peroxide: a brand new function of certain Chinese herbs.

OBJECTIVE: To explore natural herbs to maintain the bactericidal activity of hydrogen peroxide (H). METHODS: Eighteen extracts of Chinese herbs were prepared complying with the standard protocol. Each of the solutions was then mixed with 1% H2O2. The mixtures were handled with two approaches: autoclaved daily for one, two or three times; stored at room temperature from one through five years. Then the bactericidal activity were evaluated by assaying the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC25923) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, ATCC12421) bacteria. RESULTS: While mixed with 1% H2O2, 10 out of 18 kinds of assessed Chinese herbs displayed MBC values at 1:12800 or higher after three times of autoclaving, and 8 of them preserved such level of MBC value after stored at room temperature for three years. Some Chinese herbs, i.e. R. Scutellariae, R. Coptidis, R. Bupleuri, H. Epimedii, C. Phelledendri and F. Chrysanthemi, can significantly maintain the bactericidal activity of diluted H2O2. CONCLUSIONS: Certain Chinese herbs can effectively stabilize the bactericidal activity of H2O2 undergoing autoclave or long-term storage. This paper reported a brandnew pharmaceutical function of Chinese herbs and provided experimental data for the potential enhancement of H2O2 usage while its stability level is promoted.

[Application of quantitative evaluation on multicomponent drug interaction in anti-HIV research].

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively evaluate mutual relations of 4 component drugs in anti-HIV action. METHODS: The effect of TCM four components on cell growth was detected using MTT assay. The antiviral effects of 4 components were observed at the maximal nonvenomous dose. The combination index (CI) value of combined two or four components were calculated using median-effect principle. The mutual relations of two or four components for antiviral actions were assessed using CI. RESULTS: Synergism was dominant in combination of A and B, and the effect was dose-dependent. Antagonism was dominant in combination of C and D, and the effect was dose-dependent. But the combination of A, B, C, and D was synergistic when the inhibition rate was over 10%. CONCLUSION: Median-effect principle can be used to quantitatively assess the anti-HIV effect of four components.

Observations on Copy Number Variations in a Kidney-yang Deficiency Syndrome Family.

We have performed an analysis of a family with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome (KDS) in order to determine the structural genomic variations through a novel approach designated as "copy number variants" (CNVs). Twelve KDS subjects and three healthy spouses from this family were included in this study. Genomic DNA samples were genotyped utilizing an Affymetrix 100 K single nucleotide polymorphism array, and CNVs were identified by Copy Number Algorithm (CNAT4.0, Affymetrix). Our results demonstrate that 447 deleted and 476 duplicated CNVs are shared among KDS subjects within the family. The homologus ratio of deleted CNVs was as high as 99.78%. One-copy-duplicated CNVs display mid-range homology. For two copies of duplicated CNVs (CNV(4)), a markedly heterologous ratio was observed. Therefore, with the important exception of CNV(4), our data shows that CNVs shared among KDS subjects display typical Mendelian inheritance. A total of 113 genes with established functions were identified from the CNV flanks; significantly enriched genes surrounding CNVs may contribute to certain adaptive benefit. These genes could be classified into categories including: binding and transporter, cell cycle, signal transduction, biogenesis, nerve development, metabolism regulation and immune response. They can also be included into three pathways, that is, signal transduction, metabolic processes and immunological networks. Particularly, the results reported here are consistent with the extensive impairments observed in KDS patients, involving the mass-energy-information-carrying network. In conclusion, this article provides the first set of CNVs from KDS patients that will facilitate our further understanding of the genetic basis of KDS and will allow novel strategies for a rational therapy of this disease.