Cell-free culture supernatant of Lactobacillus curvatus Wikim38 inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and ameliorates bone loss in ovariectomized mice.

This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects of the cell-free culture supernatant of Lactobacillus curvatus Wikim 38 (LC38-CS) on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone loss in a mice model of ovariectomy-induced post-menopausal osteoporosis. LC38-CS inhibited the RANKL-induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) into osteoclasts in a dose-dependent manner. F-actin ring formation and bone resorption were also reduced by LC38-CS treatment of RANKL-treated BMDMs. In addition, LC38-CS decreased the RANKL-induced activation of the TRAF6/NF-κB/MAPKs axis at the early stage and the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related genes in BMDMs treated with RANKL. PRMT1 and ADMA levels, new biomarkers for osteoclastogenesis, were decreased by LC38-CS treatment. The administration of LC38-CS increased bone volume and bone mineral density in ovariectomized mice in µ-CT analysis. These findings suggest that LC38-CS inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by the downregulation of molecular mechanisms and exerted anti-osteoporotic effects.

Clinical characteristics and audiological significance of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in tinnitus patients with normal hearing.

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical and audiological features of normal-hearing tinnitus patients with spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, and to evaluate the role of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in tinnitus generation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with spontaneous otoacoustic emissions were compared with 29 patients without spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, regarding clinical and audiological aspects. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group subjects was significantly lower, and they experienced the kindling effect less frequently than the control group. The mean tinnitus handicap inventory score of the study group was considerably higher than that of the controls, although the difference was not statistically significant. The study group had significantly quieter tinnitus, and higher transient evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emission responses, compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Normal-hearing tinnitus patients with spontaneous otoacoustic emissions have different clinical and audiological characteristics, compared with those without spontaneous otoacoustic emissions. Appropriate evaluation and treatment should be considered at an early stage in these patients.

Effects of direct-fed microbials on growth performance, gut morphometry, and immune characteristics in broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to compare growth performance, gut morphometry, and parameters of local and systemic immunity in broiler chickens fed for 22 consecutive days with a diet supplemented with Bacillus spp. as direct-fed microbials (DFM), a commercial product incorporating 3 DFM, or a nonsupplemented diet. Direct-fed microbials did not significantly modify BW gain and most failed to affect serum antibody levels in response to immunization with a recombinant Eimeria protein. However, altered intestinal morphometric measurements were readily apparent in DFM-fed chickens as revealed by increased villus height and crypt depth compared with non-DFM-fed controls. In addition, serum levels of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein as an inflammatory marker were reduced in DFM-fed birds, whereas splenic lymphocyte proliferation, intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte subpopulations, and cytokine mRNA levels in intraepithelial lymphocytes were increased, decreased, or unchanged compared with controls depending on the DFM used. These results provide a rational scientific basis for future studies to investigate DFM as immunomodulating agents to enhance host protective immunity against enteric pathogens in broiler chickens.

High-throughput gene expression analysis of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes after oral feeding of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, or Capsicum oleoresin.

Among dietary phytonutrients, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and Capsicum oleoresin are well known for their antiinflammatory and antibiotic effects in human and veterinary medicine. To further define the molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for these properties, broiler chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with either of the 3 phytochemicals and intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes were examined for changes in gene expression by microarray analysis. When compared with chickens fed a nonsupplemented standard diet, carvacrol-fed chickens showed altered expression of 74 genes (26 upregulated, 48 downregulated) and cinnamaldehyde led to changes in the levels of mRNAs corresponding to 62 genes (31 upregulated, 31 downregulated). Most changes in gene expression were seen in the Capsicum-fed broilers with 98 upregulated and 156 downregulated genes compared with untreated controls. Results from the microarray analysis were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR with a subset of selected genes. Among the genes that showed >2.0-fold altered mRNA levels, most were associated with metabolic pathways. In particular, with the genes altered by Capsicum oleoresin, the highest scored molecular network included genes associated with lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry, and cancer. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation to further investigate specific chicken genes that are expressed in response to a diet containing carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, or Capsicum oleoresin.

Involvement of the BLT2 receptor in the itch-associated scratching induced by 12-(S)-lipoxygenase products in ICR mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recently, we reported that 12(S)-HPETE (12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid) induces scratching in ICR mice. We hypothesized that 12(S)-HPETE might act as an agonist of the low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2. To confirm the involvement of the BLT2 receptor in 12(S)-HPETE-induced scratching, we studied the scratch response using the BLT2 receptor agonists compound A (4'-[[pentanoyl (phenyl) amino]methyl]-1,1'-biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid) and 12(S)-HETE (12(S)-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A video recording was used to determine whether the BLT2 receptor agonists caused itch-associated scratching in ICR mice. Selective antagonists and several chemicals were used. KEY RESULTS: Both 12(S)-HETE and compound A dose dependently induced scratching in the ICR mice. The dose-response curve for compound A showed peaks at around 0.005-0.015 nmol per site. Compound A- and 12(S)-HETE-induced scratching was suppressed by capsaicin and naltrexon. We examined the suppressive effects of U75302 (6-[6-(3-hydroxy-1E,5Z-undecadienyl)-2-pyridinyl]-1,5-hexanediol, the BLT1 receptor antagonist) and LY255283 (1-[5-ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-[[6-methyl-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)heptyl]oxy]phenyl]-ethanone, the BLT2 receptor antagonist) on the BLT2 agonist-induced scratching. LY255283 suppressed compound A- and 12(S)-HETE-induced scratching, but U75302 did not. LY255283 required a higher dose to suppress the compound A-induced scratching than it did to suppress the 12(S)-HETE-induced scratching. One of the BLT(2) receptor agonists, 12(R)-HETE (12(R)-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid), also induced scratching in the ICR mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our present results corroborate the hypothesis that the BLT2 receptor is involved in 12(S)-lipoxygenase-product-induced scratching in ICR mice. We also confirmed that this animal model could be a valuable means of evaluating the effects of BLT2 receptor antagonists.

Camellia japonica suppresses immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic response by the inhibition of Syk kinase activation in mast cells.

BACKGROUND: Novel approaches are being explored to develop new therapies for various allergic diseases. Complementary and alternative medicines are considered to be promising avenues for the development of such new therapies. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of many Korean plants on the IgE-mediated allergic response in mast cells and in vivo, and its mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-allergic activity was tested by evaluating effects on degranulation of mast cells in culture and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in vivo. Its mechanism of action was investigated by immunoblotting analysis, immunoprecipitation, RT-PCR, and other molecular biological approaches in mast cells. RESULTS: We screened approximately 100 natural plant extracts collected in Korea for in vitro anti-allergic activity. The leaf extract of Camellia japonica (LECJ) exhibited the most potent effect on degranulation in antigen-stimulated rodent and human mast cells. LECJ reversibly inhibited degranulation in a dose-dependent manner, with IC(50) values of approximately 50 microg/mL for the mast cells, and it also suppressed the expression and secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-4 in rat basophilic leukaemia-2H3 mast cells. In agreement with its in vitro activity, LECJ significantly inhibited mast cell-mediated PCA in an animal model. LECJ inhibited activating phosphorylation of tyrosine Y371 on Syk kinase, indicating that LECJ inhibits the activity of Src-family kinases in mast cells. In the in vitro kinase assay, LECJ directly inhibited Lyn kinase, the major Src-family kinase in the cells. It also suppressed Akt and MAP kinases, which are critical for the production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines in mast cells. In high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, quercetin-3-beta-D-glucoside and eugenol were identified as the major active components. CONCLUSION: The present results strongly suggest that the anti-allergic activity of LECJ is mediated through inhibiting degranulation and allergic cytokine secretion by inhibition of Src-family kinase in mast cells and it may be useful for the treatment of mast cell-related immediate and delayed allergic diseases.

Coincidence of atopy profile in terms of monosensitization and polysensitization in children and their parents.

BACKGROUND: Results from epidemiologic studies have shown that childhood atopy is probably a hereditary disorder, because the offspring of affected parents have a higher risk of developing atopy. Among the atopic population, some subjects are sensitized to only one class of allergens (monosensitized), while other subjects are sensitized to more than one class of allergens (polysensitized). The aim of this study was to investigate whether atopy profile (monosensitization/polysensitization) in children is linked to the same conditions in their parents. METHODS: We evaluated sensitization to five classes of aeroallergens (house dust mites, animal danders, pollens, molds, and cockroach) by skin prick testing in a group of 494 children with suspicious allergic symptoms and in their parents. RESULTS: The frequency of parental atopy was highest (51.6%) in polysensitized children (n = 189), intermediate (37.1%) in monosensitized children (n = 178), and was lowest (22.4%) in nonsensitized children (n = 127). The proportion of polysensitized subjects among atopic parents was significantly higher for polysensitized children (45.6%) than for monosensitized children (31.1%). Polysensitized children were found to more frequently have one or both parents polysensitized (32.3%, 7.4%) than monosensitized children (18.5%, 2.2%) with odds ratios of 2.09 (95% CI: 1.29-3.40) and 3.48 (1.12-10.78), respectively, whereas the likelihood of having one or two monosensitized parents was not increased for polysensitized children. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a familial coincidence of atopy profile in terms of monosensitization and polysensitization, although the relative importance of genetic or environmental influence should be studied further.

Antioxidative components from the aerial parts of Lactuca scariola L.

The antioxidant activity of Lactuca scariola (Compositae) was investigated by measuring the radical scavenging effect on DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical. The methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Lactuca scariola showed strong radical scavenging activity. The EtOAc soluble fraction exhibited a stronger activity than the others, and was purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin, quercetin and kaempferol, together with 1beta,13-dihydrolactucin were isolated from the EtOAc soluble fraction as active ingredients.

Synthesis and phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity of new sildenafil analogues containing a carboxylic acid group in the 5'-sulfonamide moiety of a phenyl ring.

New sildenafil analogues possessing a carboxylic acid group in the 5'-sulfonamide of the phenyl ring, 9a-l, were prepared from the readily available starting compounds 6a-b and cyclic amines 3-5 in a three-step sequence. In the enzyme assays, it has been shown that all the target compounds 9a-l proved to be more potent in inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) than sildenafil by 4-38-fold. The effects on the IC(50) values were investigated by varying the alkoxy group (R) of the phenyl ring, the sulfonamide type (X), and the length of the methylene chain linking the carboxylic acid, and the results were discussed in detail. From this study, we have clearly demonstrated that introduction of a carboxylic acid group to the 5'-sulfonamide moiety of the phenyl ring greatly enhanced PDE5 inhibitory activity, probably by mimicking the phosphate group of cGMP. The piperidinyl propionic acid derivative 9i, which showed the highest PDE5 inhibitory activity and comparable to better selectivity over PDE isozymes in comparison with sildenafil, has been selected for more detailed biological investigations.

Iron supplementation inhibits cough associated with ACE inhibitors.

Dry cough is the most common limiting factor of ACE inhibitor (ACEI) use. Generation of NO, a proinflammatory substance on bronchial epithelial cells, is increased by ACEI. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we tested the hypothesis that supplementing iron, an inhibitor of NO synthase, may reduce the cough associated with ACEI use. The subjects were 19 patients who had developed ACEI-induced cough. After a 2-week observation period, they were randomized to a daily morning dose of either 256-mg ferrous sulfate as a tablet or placebo for a treatment period of 4 weeks. The subjects were requested to fill out a cough diary by scoring the daily severity of the cough on a scale of 0 to 4. Mean daily cough scores for the last week of the observation and treatment period were compared. Changes in blood cell count and serum iron and ferritin concentration between the 2 periods were evaluated. Mean daily cough scores during the observation and treatment periods were 3.07+/-0.70 and 1.69+/-1.10, respectively, for the iron group and 2.57+/-0.80 and 2.35+/-1.22, respectively, for the placebo group, showing a significant reduction in cough scores with iron supplementation (P<0.01) but not with placebo. Three subjects in the iron group showed almost complete cough abolition. No significant changes in laboratory data were observed in either group. In conclusion, iron supplementation successfully decreases ACEI-induced cough. This effect may be related to the decrease of NO generation associated with the inhibition of NO synthase activity in bronchial epithelial cells.

Antiallergic action of Magnolia officinalis on immediate hypersensitivity reaction.

We studied the effect of aqueous extract of Magnolia officinalis bark (Magnoliaceae) (MOAE) on the immediate hypersensitivity reaction. MOAE (0.01 to 1 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80 induced systemic anaphylaxis in rats. MOAE (0.1 and 1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited local immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction. When MOAE was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1 g/kg, the levels of plasma histamine were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. MOAE (0.001 to 1 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. The level of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in RPMC, when MOAE was added, significantly increased compared with that of the normal control. Moreover, MOAE (0.01 to 1 mg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that MOAE inhibits immediate hypersensitivity reaction in vivo and in vitro.

Synthesis and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitory activity of novel phenyl ring modified sildenafil analogues.

New sildenafil analogues containing an ether ring fused into the phenyl moiety, 6a--d and 7a--d, were efficiently synthesized from the readily available starting materials, 1a--d and 2, in five steps. Ab initio calculations indicated that introduction of a cyclic ether to the phenyl group might enhance the co-planarity of the molecule. The torsional angles were calculated to be 2--3 degrees for the 5-membered cyclic ether derivatives, 6a, 6c, 7a, and 7c, and 12--16 degrees for the 6-membered ones, 6b, 6d, 7b, and 7d. On the other hand, sildenafil showed the least co-planarity with the torsional angle of 23 degrees compared with the target compounds, 6a--d and 7a--d. In the enzyme assay, however, the in vitro PDE 5 inhibitory activity was found out to be inversely related to the degree of co-planarity. In other words, the least planar sildenafil showed the highest activity, and the most planar 5-membered cyclic ether derivatives were least active by 100--200-fold compared with sildenafil. Our study clearly demonstrated that the open chain 2'-alkoxy group of the phenyl ring, although less effective for inducing the co-planarity, seemed to act as a much better lipophilic requirement than the cyclic alkoxy moiety.

Pharmacokinetic studies of 2-amino-9-(3-acetoxymethyl-4-isopropoxycarbonyl-oxybut-1-yl)purine, an oral prodrug for the antiviral agent penciclovir.

2-Amino-9-(3-acetoxymethyl-4-isopropoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)- purine (SK1899) was tested as an oral prodrug for penciclovir. SK1899 was administered orally to rats and dogs at doses up to 2 and 0.68 mmol/kg, respectively. SK1899 was well absorbed, and the major metabolites detected in plasma and urine were penciclovir, the active antiviral compound, and 6-deoxypenciclovir (M4) in both species. In rats, SK1899 was rapidly and extensively metabolized to penciclovir, which reached the peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of 39.5 microM at 0.5 h after 0.2-mmol/kg dosing. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) for penciclovir was 57.5 microM x h. After an oral dose of 0.034 mmol/kg to dogs, extensive conversion of SK1899 to penciclovir also occurred with slower rate of formation of penciclovir from M4 than in rats. The mean C(max) and AUC for penciclovir were 4.5 microM at 2.7 h and 28.2 microM x h, respectively. The 0- to 24-h urinary recovery of penciclovir represented 36.1 and 36.3% of dose to rats and dogs, respectively. Radioactivity was found in fetuses following an oral administration of [(14)C]SK1899 to pregnant rats, but no significant accumulation was observed. Although substantial milk transfer of [(14)C]SK1899 occurred in rats, the radioactivity in milk was rapidly cleared. The values of C(max), AUC, and urinary recovery of penciclovir after dosing with SK1899 to rats and dogs were similar or slightly higher than those from famciclovir. These data indicate that introduction of an isopropoxy carbonate group into one of the two hydroxyl groups of M4 did not significantly alter the oral bioavailability of penciclovir compared with famciclovir.

Inhibition of immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions by water extract of white eggplant (Solanum melongena).

We investigated the effect of water extract of Solanum melongena(SMWE) on immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Nonimmunologic anaphylactic reaction was induced by compound 48/80 injection. Oral administration of SMWE (1 g kg(-1)) completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction. Immunologic anaphylactic reaction was generated by sensitizing the skin with anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE followed 48 h later with an injection of antigen. Oral administration of SMWE (0.01--1 g kg(-1)) significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE to between 83.10 +/- 1.67% and 70.17 +/- 2.17%. SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) also inhibited histamine release activated by compound 48/80 to between 93 +/- 2.65 and 70 +/- 1.50%. Moreover, SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) had a significant inhibitory effect on IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells. These results indicate that SMWE inhibits immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions and TNF-alpha secretion from mast cells.

Inhibitory effects of mast cell-mediated allergic reactions by cell cultured Siberian Ginseng.

The crude drug "Siberian Ginseng (SG)" has long been used in empirical Oriental medicine for the nonspecific enhancement of resistance in humans and animals. In this study, we investigated the effect of cell cultured SG by oral administration in mast cell-mediated allergic reactions. SG dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic allergy with doses of 10(-2) to 1 g/kg 1 h before oral administration. Of special note, SG inhibited systemic allergy with the dose of 1 g/kg by 25%. SG (1 g/kg) also inhibited passive cutaneous allergic reaction by 51%. SG dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. When SG (0.01 mg/ml) was added, the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 in antidinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody-stimulated mast cells was inhibited 39.5% and 23.3%, respectively. In addition, SG inhibited anti-DNP IgE antibody-stimulated TNF-alpha protein expression in mast cells. Our studies provide evidence that SG may be beneficial in the treatment of various types of allergic diseases.

Human cystinuria-related transporter: localization and functional characterization.

BACKGROUND: Cystinuria has been proposed to be an inherited defect of apical membrane transport systems for cystine and basic amino acids in renal proximal tubules. Although the mutations of the recently identified transporter BAT1/b(0,+)AT have been related to nontype I cystinuria, the function and localization of human BAT1 (hBAT1)/b(0,+)AT have not been well characterized. METHODS: The cDNA encoding hBAT1 was isolated from human kidney. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to map the hBAT1 gene on human chromosomes. Tissue distribution and localization of expression were examined by Northern blot and immunohistochemical analyses. hBAT1 cDNA was transfected to COS-7 cells with rBAT cDNA, and the uptake and efflux of 14C-labeled amino acids were measured to determine the functional properties. The roles of protein kinase-dependent phosphorylation were investigated using inhibitors or activators of protein kinases. RESULTS: The hBAT1 gene was mapped to 19q12-13.1 on the human chromosome, which is the locus of nontype I cystinuria. hBAT1 message was expressed predominantly in kidney. hBAT1 protein was localized in the apical membrane of proximal tubules in human kidney. When expressed in COS-7 cells with a type II membrane glycoprotein rBAT (related to b(0,+)-amino acid transporter), hBAT1 exhibited the transport activity with the properties of amino acid transport system b(0,+), which transported cystine as well as basic and neutral amino acids presumably via a substrate exchange mechanism. BAT1-mediated transport was reduced by the protein kinase A activator and enhanced by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: hBAT1 exhibited the properties expected for a transporter subserving the high-affinity cystine transport system in renal proximal tubules. The hBAT1 gene was mapped to the locus of nontype I cystinuria, confirming the involvement of hBAT1 in cystinuria.

Inhibitory action of water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula on systemic and local anaphylaxis.

We investigated the effects of the water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) (WFTC) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. WFTC administered 1h before compound 48/80 injection inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock 100% with doses of 0.01-1.0 g/kg. When WFTC was administered 5 or 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, the mortality also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 63.5+/-7.8% by oral administration of WFTC (1.0 g/kg). When WFTC was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. WFTC (0.01-1.0 mg/ml) also significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. However, WFTC (1.0 mg/ml) had a significant increasing effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that WFTC may possess a strong antianaphylactic action.

Effect of SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind placebo controlled study.

SKI 306X is a purified extract from a mixture of three oriental herbal medicines (Clematis mandshurica, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Prunella vulgaris) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as lymphadenitis and arthritis in far East Asia. A double-blind, controlled study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SKI 306X with placebo in 96 patients with classical osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were randomized to four treatment groups: placebo, 200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg of SKI 306X t.i.d.. Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated for 4 weeks continuous treatment. SKI 306X demonstrated its clinical efficacy, as assessed by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), Lequesne index and patients' and investigators opinion of the therapeutic effect compared with placebo (p<0.01). No significant adverse events were observed in patients treated with SKI 306X. This study demonstrated that SKI 306X, a new herbal anti-arthritic agent provided clinical efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis.

Spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis ochotensis.

Separation of the alkaloids from the aerial parts of Corydalis ochotensis afforded a new spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, 8-O-acetylcorysolidine along with two known spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, isoochotensine and corysolidine.

A new cyanogenic glycoside from Sorbaria sorbifolia var. stellipila.

A new cyanogenic glycoside, sutherlandin-5-trans-p-coumarate was isolated along with a known cardiosdiospermin-5-(4-hydroxy) benzoate fr the aerial parts of Sorbaria sorbifolia (L.) A. Br. var. stellipila MAX. (Rosaceae). The structure of the new compound was established based on spectral evidence.