Integrated network pharmacology, metabolomics, and transcriptomics of Huanglian-Hongqu herb pair in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Huanglian-Hongqu herb pair (HH) is a synergistic drug combination used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeuticeffects of HH requires further elucidation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study explored the potential mechanism of HH in treating NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the drug constituents in HH. A NAFLD rat model was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with different doses of HH. The functional mechanism of HH in NAFLD rats was predicted using network pharmacology, metabolomics and transcriptomics. Immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and Western blot were performed to validate the key mechanisms. RESULTS: Pharmacodynamic assessment demonstrated that HH exhibited improvements in lipid deposition and reduced hepatic oxidative stress in NAFLD rats. Hepatic wide-target metabolomics revealed that HH primarily modulated amino acids and their metabolites, fatty acids, organic acids and their derivatives, bile acids, and other liver metabolites. The enriched pathways included metabolic pathways, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and bile secretion. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that HH regulated the key pathways in NAFLD, notably PPAR, AMPK, NF-κB and other signaling pathways. Furthermore, hepatic transcriptomics, based on Illumina RNA-Seq sequencing analyses, suggested that HH improved NAFLD through metabolic pathways, the PPAR signaling pathway, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty acid metabolism. Further mechanistic studies indicated that HH could regulate the genes and proteins associated with the PPAR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that the potential therapeutic benefits of HH in ameliorating NAFLD by targeting the PPAR signaling pathway, thereby facilitating a more extensive use of HH in NAFLD.

Dahuang zhechong pill ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: DHZCP is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula in "The Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber" that has been often used in the treatment of hepatic disorders, gynecopathy and atherosclerosis. However, its underlying mechanisms in preventing hepatic fibrosis remain incompletely understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to explore the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of DHZCP in a CCL4-induced experimental hepatic fibrosis rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DHZCP was orally administered at doses of 0.168, 0.084 and 0.042 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 in a CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis model using SD rats. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis, ELISA, Flow cytometry, WB, RT-PCR, 16 S rRNA, and untargeted metabolomic analysis were used to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of DHZCP in the treatment of CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS: Pharmacodynamically, DHZCP inhibited ALT and AST, improved liver function, decreased NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue, indicating its role in inhibiting CCL4-induced liver inflammation. Most importantly, it reduces the level of fibrosis in serum and liver tissue. Histological analysis also showed that DHZCP could effectively inhibit inflammatory cytokine infiltration and excessive collagen deposition. Mechanistically, DHZCP regulates gut microbiota, improves the proportion of firmicutes and bacteroidota at the phylum level, and increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria at the genus level, such as muribagulaceae unclassified, prevotella, alloprevotella, closteriales unclassified, lachnospiraceae unclassified and phascolarctobacterium. Instead, it reduced the abundance of two harmful bacteria, desulfovibrio and colidextribacter. Four types of metabolites such as hydrocarbons, organic nitrogen compounds, organic oxygen compounds, and organosulfur compounds were added. Furthermore, DHZCP was found to reduce the damage of intestinal barrier caused by changes in gut microbiota and metabolites. CONCLUSION: DHZCP is an effective inhibitor of hepatic fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Effects of sulfate on the photosynthetic physiology characteristics of Hydrocotyle vulgaris under zinc stress.

The effects of sulfate on the zinc (Zn) bioaccumulation characteristics and photophysiological mechanisms of the ornamental plant Hydrocotyle vulgaris were explored using a hydroponic culture under three Zn concentrations (300, 500 and 700mgL-1 ) with (400µmolL-1 ) or without the addition of sulfate. Results showed that: (1) tissue Zn concentrations and total Zn contents increased with increasing hydroponic culture Zn concentrations; and sulfate addition decreased Zn uptake and translocation from roots to shoots; (2) Zn exposure decreased photosynthetic pigment synthesis, while sulfate changed this phenomenon, especially for chlorophyll a under 300mgL-1 Zn treatment; (3) Zn exposure decreased photosynthetic function, while sulfate had positive effects, especially on the photosynthetic rate (Pn ) and stomatal conductance (Gs ); and (4) chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related to light energy capture, transfer and assimilation were generally downregulated under Zn stress, while sulfate had a positive effect on these processes. Furthermore, compared to photosynthetic pigment synthesis and photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence was more responsive, especially under 300mgL-1 Zn treatment with sulfate addition. In general, Zn stress affected photophysiological processes at different levels, while sulfate decreased Zn uptake, translocation, and bioaccumulation and showed a positive function in alleviating Zn stress, ultimately resulting in plant growth promotion. All of these results provide a theoretical reference for combining H. vulgaris with sulfate application in the bioremediation of Zn-contaminated environments at the photophysiological level.

Daphnane-Type Diterpenes from Stelleropsis tianschanica and Their Antitumor Activity.

Four new daphnane-type diterpenes named tianchaterpenes C-F (1-4) and six known ones were isolated from Stelleropsis tianschanica. Their structures were elucidated based on chemical and spectral analyses. The comparisons of calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods were used to determine the absolute configurations of new compounds. Additionally, compounds 1-10 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against HGC-27 cell lines; the results demonstrate that compound 2 had strong cytotoxic activities with IC50 values of 8.8 µM, for which activity was better than that of cisplatin (13.2 ± 0.67 µM).

Matrine induces autophagy in human neuroblastoma cells via blocking the AKT-mTOR pathway.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common malignant solid tumors in children. Despite significant advances in the treatment strategy, the long-term survival rate of NB patients is only 50%. Developing new agents for NB patients deserves attention. Recent research indicates that matrine, a natural quinolizidine alkaloid component extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Sophora root, is widely used for various diseases, including antitumor effects against a variety of cancers. However, the effect of matrine on NB is unknown. Herein, we found that matrine exerted antiproliferative activity in human NB cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Matrine triggered autophagy in NB cells by blocking the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), a PI3K inhibitor, protected against matrine-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, further supporting that the antitumor activity of matrine was at least partly autophagy-dependent. In vivo, matrine reduced tumor growth of SK-N-DZ cells in a dose-dependent manner. Matrine treatment significantly declined the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR and enhanced the LC3 II/GAPDH ratio in NB xenografts. Altogether, our work uncovered the molecular mechanism underlying matrine-induced autophagy in NB and provided implications for matrine as a potential therapeutic agent against NB.

Uncovering the molecular mechanism of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino against breast cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Because of their strong anti-cancer efficacy with fewer side effects, traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have attracted considerable attention for their potential application in treating breast cancer (BC). However, knowledge about the underlying systematic mechanisms is scarce. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), a creeping herb, has been regularly used as a TCM to prevent and treat tumors including BC. Again, mechanisms underlying its anti-BC properties have remained elusive. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanistic details of GP against BC. The TCM systems pharmacology database and analysis platform and PharmMapper Server database were used to retrieve the chemical constituents and potential targets in GP. In addition, targets related to BC were identified using DrugBank and Therapeutic Target Database. Protein-protein interaction network, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of crucial targets were performed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins and database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery databases, whereas the network visualization analysis was performed using Cytoscape 3.8.2. In addition, the molecular docking technique was used to validate network pharmacology-based predictions. A comparison of the predicted targets of GP with those of BC-related drugs revealed 26 potential key targets related to the treatment of BC, among which ALB, EGFR, ESR1, AR, PGR, and HSP90AA1 were considered the major potential targets. Finally, network pharmacology-based prediction results were preliminarily verified by molecular docking experiments. In addition, chemical constituents and potential target proteins were scored, followed by a comparison with the ligands of the protein. We provide a network of pharmacology-based molecular mechanistic insights on the therapeutic action of GP against BC. We believe that our data will serve as a basis to conduct future studies and promote the clinical applications of GP.

Efficacy and Safety of Dahuang Zhechong Pill in Silicosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no effective therapy for silicosis, and Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP), an ancient Chinese medicine prescription, may have a therapeutic effect on silicosis. This study aims to verify the efficacy and safety of DHZCP in silicosis. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial done at Panzhihua Second People's Hospital (Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province, China). Participants diagnosed with silicosis were recruited and randomized to the conventional treatment group (CG) or DHZCP combined with the conventional treatment group (DG). Forced vital capacity % predicted (FVC%), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide % predicted (DLCO%), six-minute walk distance (6MWD), peripheral oxygen (SpO2), King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease Questionnaire (K-BILD), and safety outcomes were measured at baseline and 9 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty-six participants (28 in each group) completed the study, and 53 of them (26 in DG and 27 in CG) completed pulmonary function. At 9 weeks, compared with no DHZCP, DHZCP treatment was associated with significant improvements in FVC% (mean ± SD, 95%CI) (8.2 ± 3.9, 0.3 to 16.0), DLCO% (8.6 ± 3.5, 1.5 to 15.7), SpO2 (3.8 ± 0.7, 2.3 to 5.2), and K-BILD total score (6.0 ± 2.3, 1.4 to 10.7). And, there were no statistical differences of safety outcomes between the two groups. Eight patients accepting DHZCP developed mild diarrhea during the first week, which subsequently resolved on its own. CONCLUSION: DHZCP could improve the pulmonary function, the quality of life, and the exercise capacity of silicosis patients.

Hydrazine Hydrate Accelerates Neocuproine-Copper Complex Generation and Utilization in Alkyne Reduction, a Significant Supplement Method for Catalytic Hydrogenation.

Diimine (HN═NH) is a strong reducing agent, but the efficiency of diimine oxidized from hydrazine hydrate or its derivatives is still not good enough. Herein, we report an in situ neocuproine-copper complex formation method. The redox potential of this complex enable it can serve as an ideal redox catalyst in the synthesis of diimine by oxidation of hydrazine hydrate, and we successfully applied this technique in the reduction of alkynes. This reduction method displays a broad functional group tolerance and substrate adaptability as well as the advantages of safety and high efficiency. Especially, nitro, benzyl, boc, and sulfur containing alkynes can be reduced to the corresponding alkanes directly, which provides a useful complementary method to traditional catalytic hydrogenation. Besides, we applied this method in the preparation of the Alzheimer's disease drug CT-1812 and studied the mechanism.

Saikosaponin D: review on the antitumour effects, toxicity and pharmacokinetics.

CONTEXT: Bupleuri Radix, the dried root of Bupleurum chinense DC and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd (Apiaceae), is an important medicinal herb widely used to treat cancers for hundreds of years in Asian countries. As the most antitumour component but also the main toxic component in Bupleuri Radix, saikosaponin D (SSD) has attracted extensive attention. However, no summary studies have been reported on the antitumour effects, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of this potential natural anticancer substance. OBJECTIVE: To analyse and summarise the existing findings regarding to the antitumour effects, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of SSD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected relevant information published before April 2021 by conducting a search of literature available in various online databases including PubMed, Science Direct, CNKI, Wanfang database and the Chinese Biological Medicine Database. Bupleurum, Bupleuri Radix, saikosaponin, saikosaponin D, tumour, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics were used as the keywords. RESULTS: The antitumour effects of SSD were multi-targeted and can be realised through various mechanisms, including inhibition of proliferation, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, as well as induction of cell apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation. The toxicological effects of SSD mainly included hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, haemolysis and cardiotoxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that SSD had the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of some drugs for its influence on CYPs and P-gp, and the oral bioavailability and actual pharmacodynamic substances in vivo of SSD are still controversial. CONCLUSIONS: SSD is a potentially effective and relatively safe natural antitumour substance, but more research is needed, especially in vivo antitumour effects and pharmacokinetics of the compound.

Dahuang Zhechong Pills Suppress Silicosis Fibrosis Progression via p38 MAPK/TGF-ß1/Smad Pathway In Vitro.

BACKGROUND: Dahuang Zhechong pills (DHZCP) is a classic Chinese medicinal prescription in "Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shanghan Zabing Lun)," and it has the function of tonifying blood, nourishing Yin, and removing blood stasis. Previous studies have shown that DHZCP could alleviate SiO2 induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. This study aims to further explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of DHZCP against silicosis fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms in vitro. METHODS: We used the experimental model of SiO2-induced MH-S cells to evaluate the therapeutic potential of DHZCP. MH-S cells induced by SiO2 were intervened with the drug-containing serum of DHZCP, and the effects of drug-containing serum of DHZCP on the MH-S cells were detected by CCK8, ELISA, flow cytometry, western blot, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: DHZCP improved cell viability by reducing apoptosis. It also decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 in the supernatant of MH-S cells induced by SiO2, inhibited the expression of p38 MAPK, blocked the activation of NF-κB, and controlled the upstream inflammatory response by multiple targeting. Concomitantly, we observed upregulation of Smad7 and a marked decline in TGF-ß1, α-SMA, Smad2, Smad3 expression in MH-S cells treated with DHZCP. CONCLUSION: To sum up, we conclude that DHZCP protects against SiO2-induced silicosis by reducing the persistent irritation of inflammation, regulating the p38 MAPK/TGF-ß1/Smad pathway.

Amygdalin - A pharmacological and toxicological review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Amygdalin is commonly distributed in plants of the Rosaceae, such as peach, plum, loquat, apple and bayberry, but most notably in the seeds (kernels) of apricot almonds. As a naturally aromatic cyanogenic compound, it has long been used in Asia, Europe and other regions for the treatment of various diseases including cough, asthma, nausea, leprosy and leukoderma. Importantly, in recent years, an increasing attention has been paid to its antitumor effect. AIM OF THE STUDY: The paper aims to review the pharmacological activities and toxicological effects of amygdalin and provide a reference and perspective for its further investigation. METHODS: Electronic databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, the Chinese Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database and VIP information database were searched up to November 2019 to identify eligible studies. A meticulous review was performed, an in-depth analysis on the pharmacological activity and toxicology of amygdalin was conducted, and perspectives for future research were also discussed. RESULTS: A total of 110 papers about in vitro/in vivo studies on amygdalin have been reviewed. Analysis on the data suggested that this compound presented pharmacological activities of anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerosis, ameliorating digestive system and reproductive system, improving neurodegeneration and myocardial hypertrophy, as well as reducing blood glucose. In addition, studies revealed that amygdalin's toxicity was caused by its poisonous decomposite product of benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide after oral ingestion, toxicity of intravenous administration route was far less than the oral route, and it can be avoidable with an oral dose ranging from 0.6 to 1 g per day. CONCLUSION: This paper has systematically reviewed the pharmacology and toxicology of amygdalin and provided comprehensive information on this compound. We hope this review highlights some perspectives for the future research and development of amygdalin.

Boiling Licorice Produces Self-Assembled Protein Nanoparticles: A Novel Source of Bioactive Nanomaterials.

As a popular ingredient for western and traditional Chinese medicine, the root and rhizome of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is often administered in the form of a decoction. The protein nanoparticles (NPs) self-assembled during the process of decoction. A major constitutive protein (GLP) was purified and determined to have a molecular weight of 28 kDa with an N-terminal sequence of NPDGL IACYC GQYCW. Over 80% of the purified GLP self-assembled into spherical NPs with diameters of 74.1 ± 0.7 nm and ζ-potential of -24.3 ± 1.7 mV when boiled in Tris-HCl buffer (pH = 7.9, 20 mM) at 100 °C for 60 min. Each nanoparticle was estimated by the SEC-MALLS approach to be composed of approximately 23 protein molecules. The NPs and GLP showed low cellular toxicity upon four types of cells including MDCK, L-02, HepG2, and Caco2 cells, while the NPs promoted proliferation of normal hepatocytes by 67%. The NPs solubilized the insoluble astragaloside IV by encapsulation. The results suggest a great potential for GLP-NPs as a promising prototype of a type of drug vehicle, a novel source of bioactive nanomaterials from herbal proteins, as well as a new mode of function with herbal components.

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Properties of Essential Oil from Peel of Pomelo cv. Guan Xi.

Here, we investigated the anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic effects of pomelo peel essential oil (PPEO) from pomelo cv. Guan Xi. The volatile chemical composition of PPEO was analyzed with gas chromatography⁻mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The most abundant component of PPEO was limonene (55.92%), followed by ß-myrcene (31.17%), and ß-pinene (3.16%). PPEO showed strong anti-oxidant activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) (,2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) (, and superoxide anion free radicals. Based on the B16 melanoma cell system, the effects of PPEO on the viability and morphology of B16 cells and the production of melanin were evaluated. The results revealed that PPEO at concentrations below 50 µg/mL could decrease the melanin content without affecting cell viability and morphology. Intracellular tyrosinase (TYR) activity and Western blot analysis showed that PPEO could down-regulate the expression level of TYR in B16 cells and dose-dependently inhibit TYR activity (by a maximum of 64.54%). Meanwhile, the main active components responsible for the effect are citral and ß-myrcene. In conclusion, PPEO has good anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic activity, and thus can be widely used as a natural antioxidant in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

[Research progress in pathogenesis of hemolytic anemia and its treatment with traditional Chinese medicine].

Hemolytic anemia is a common clinical disease with diverse pathogenesis. In recent years, the incidence of hemolytic anemia is increasing dramatically. The present clinical treatment of immunosuppressive agents or splenectomy is effective to some extent; however, the accompanied clinical adverse reactions are also significant. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has beneficial therapeutic effect on hemolytic anemia, with the obvious advantages including curative effect, less adverse reactions, and low price. The pathogenesis of hemolytic anemia as well as the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the compound, single herb, and monomer composition of TCM in the treatment of hemolytic anemia were reviewed, aiming to provide the basis for the clinical treatment of hemolytic anemia and the modern research on the mechanism of TCM.

Novel transgenic pigs with enhanced growth and reduced environmental impact.

In pig production, inefficient feed digestion causes excessive nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen to be released to the environment. To address the issue of environmental emissions, we established transgenic pigs harboring a single-copy quad-cistronic transgene and simultaneously expressing three microbial enzymes, ß-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase in the salivary glands. All the transgenic enzymes were successfully expressed, and the digestion of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and phytate in the feedstuff was enhanced. Fecal nitrogen and phosphorus outputs in the transgenic pigs were reduced by 23.2-45.8%, and growth rate improved by 23.0% (gilts) and 24.4% (boars) compared with that of age-matched wild-type littermates under the same dietary treatment. The transgenic pigs showed an 11.5-14.5% improvement in feed conversion rate compared with the wild-type pigs. These findings indicate that the transgenic pigs are promising resources for improving feed efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Function and mechanism of neurotensin (NTS) and its receptor 1 (NTSR1) in occurrence and development of tumors.

As a neuropeptide, neurotensin (NTS) is widely expressed in central and peripheral nervous system, which is mainly mediated byneurotensin receptor1 (NTSR1) to activate the related downstream signaling pathways. After summarized the function and mechanism of NTS/NTSR1 in various malignant tumors, we found that NTS/NTSR1 played essential roles during tumor initiation and development. NTS/NTSR1 regulates tumor initiation, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and differentiation mainly through three pathways, including IP3/Ca2+ /PKC/MAPKs pathway, MMPs/EGFR/MAPKs (PI3K/Akt) pathway, or Rho-GTPsaes and non-receptor tyrosine kinase pathway. Besides, NTS/NTSR1 is also regulated by some upstream pathways and some traditional Chinese medicine preparations and traditional Chinese medicine therapies. In this article, we summarized the function of NTS/NTSR1 and its mechanisms, and discussed the prospective in its application to clinical diagnosis and drugs targeting.

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.

Factors influencing the quality of preconception healthcare in China: applying a preconceptional instrument to assess healthcare needs.

BACKGROUND: Preconception care is defined as the promotion of the health and well-being of a woman and her partner before pregnancy. Improving preconception health can result in improved reproductive health outcomes. China has issued latest version official guideline for preconception care in 2011. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to determine whether there is a variation in the quality of preconception healthcare services in distinct eastern and northern populations of China, and what factors are associated with such variation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using our previously developed preconception instrument was conducted. Women at reproductive age planning for pregnancy were surveyed along with their partners at hospitals during their pre-pregnancy health examination. Data collected include general health/life profiles, pregnancy history, alcohol/tobacco/drug exposures, immunizations, micronutrient supplements and the demands in preconception care. After quality assessment, statistical analysis were applied to evaluate the variations in preconception factors between people from Hebei and Jiangsu Provinces. RESULTS: 3202 women of reproductive age in from eastern province, Jiangsu, and in a northern province, Hebei, participated this study. 2806 of them and their partners have completed the questionnaire, at a rate of 87.6%, 1011 were from Jiangsu and 1795 were from Hebei. Statistical significance was obtained for maternal age (P < 0.001), body mass index (u =13.590, P <0.001), education (χ2 = 916.33, P < 0.001), occupation (χ2 = 901.78, P < 0.001), health status/common disease, immunization status, and need for preconception care. CONCLUSIONS: For a country as large as China, the centralized guideline for standardized preconception healthcare does have a very crucial positive role in reproductive healthcare, but it may not be suited for all populations. Regional authorities should consider the demographics and healthcare needs of the local population and modify the centralized guideline accordingly, as well as provide a better education and professional services for the public, to improve the quality of preconception services at both the regional and the national level.

Bioactivities and serum pharmacochemistry of Qi-Wei-Xiao-Yan-Tang.

CONTEXT: Qi-Wei-Xiao-Yan-Tang (XYT), composed of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Radix Astragali, Radix Wikstroemiae Indicae, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, Poria and Radix Glycyrrhizae, has been widely used as an anti-inflammatory drug. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effects and serum pharmacochemistry of XYT. METHODS: The dimethylbenzene-induced inflammation test, the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability test and the carrageenan-induced paw edema test were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of XYT (200, 100 and 50 mg/kg); minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of XYT. Additionally, serum pharmacochemistry was performed to study the biologically active substances. RESULTS: All the tests for anti-inflammatory effects were shown active with these test systems; the anti-inflammatory effects at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg were significant (p < 0.05); MIC and MBC tests indicated that XYT showed a broader antimicrobial spectrum and stronger toxicity to the tested microbes. Additionally, calycosin-7-glucoside, sennoside A, aloeemodin and rhein were detected as the predominant components in rat serum which may play the key role in the anti-inflammatory activities of XYT. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the pharmacological activities and serum pharmacochemistry of XYT, and the first evidence of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the extracts of XYT. The results of our work demonstrated that XYT has significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and calycosin-7-glucoside, sennoside A aloeemodin and rhein may be the biologically active substances of XYT. XYT can be utilized as an effective and safe disease preventive or therapeutic agent.

[Advance of studies on bioactivity of flavonoid-metal complexes].

The flavonoid-metal complexes showed obviously stronger bioactivities such as antibiosis, antivirus, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-free-radical, possibly because of the stronger binding force caused by the change in complex structure and accessibility to target spots, or the synergy effect between flavonoids and metallic ions. This essay summarizes studies on bioactivity and mechanism of flavonoid-metal complexes, in order to provide reference for in-depth study and development on effective constituents contained in flavonoid traditional Chinese medicines.