Lomens-P0 (mixed extracts of Hordeum vulgare and Chrysanthemum zawadskii) regulate the expression of factors affecting premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder characterized by repeated emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms before menstruation, and the exact cause and mechanism are uncertain. Hyperprolactinemia interferes with the normal production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to PMS symptoms. Thus, we judged that the inhibition of prolactin hypersecretion could mitigate PMS symptoms. MATERIALS/METHODS: Hordeum vulgare L. extract (HVE), Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum extract (CZE), and Lomens-P0 the mixture of these extracts were tested in subsequent experiments. The effect of extracts on prolactin secretion at the in vitro level was measured in GH3 cells. Nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory mediator expression were measured in RAW 264.7 cells to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect. Also, the hyperprolactinemic Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice model was used to measure extract effects on prolactin and hormone secretion and uterine inflammation. RESULTS: Anti-inflammatory effects of and prolactin secretion suppress by HVE and CZE were confirmed through in vitro experiments (P < 0.05). Treatment with Lomens-P0 inhibited prolactin secretion (P < 0.05) and restored normal sex hormone secretion in the hyperprolactinemia mice model. In addition, extracts significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-1ß, and -6, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 (P < 0.01). We used high-performance liquid chromatography analyses to identify tricin and chlorogenic acid as the respective components of HVE and CZE that inhibit prolactin secretion. The Lomens-P0, which includes tricin and chlorogenic acid, is expected to be effective in improving PMS symptoms in the human body. CONCLUSIONS: The Lomens-P0 suppressed the prolactin secretion in hyperprolactinemia mice, normalized the sex hormone imbalance, and significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory markers in uterine tissue. This study suggests that Lomens-P0 may have the potential to prevent or remedy materials to PMS symptoms.

Evaluation of genetic toxicity, acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity and systemic safety of Agrimonia pilosa and Rhus gall 50% ethanolic extract mixture (APRG64) in vitro and in vivo (rodent and non-rodent animal models).

Agrimonia pilosa (AP) and Rhus gall (RG) are traditional medicinal plants. The bioflavonoid composition standardized by HPLC analysis was named APRG64. Despite many studies reported to beneficial bioactivities of AP and RG, very limited range of toxicity tests have documented. So, we did experiment diversely on the toxicity tests of the substance APRG64. Genotoxicity (mammalian chromosomal aberration test, micronoucleus test) against APRG64, acute and sub-chronic toxicity test from rodent/non-rodent, and systemic safety pharmacology test were conducted. As a result of the test, genotoxicity against APRG64 was not observed. The NOAEL of rodents was confirmed as 2000 mg/kg/day and non-rodents was confirmed as 500 mg/kg/day. In addition, systemic safety pharmacological toxicity (effects on respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system) following administration of APRG64 was not observed. Finally, we accomplished ten potential toxicity tests and evaluated extensive safety of APRG64. Consequently, APRG64 may be a promising material for nutraceuticals and natural medicines.