San Wu Huangqin decoction regulates inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by influenza virus by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway in H1N1-infected mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The San Wu Huangqin Decoction (SWHD), which is made from the dried root of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Kushen in Chinese), the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huangqin in Chinese), and the dried root tuber of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. (Dihuang in Chinese), is a traditional Chinese formula used to treat prolonged fever and inflammatory diseases in clinics and proven to inhibit influenza virus effectively in our previous study. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work was performed to study the regulation of SWHD on inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by the influenza virus and the underlying mechanism in the treatment of SWHD. METHODS: In this study, the influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1)-infected mouse model was used to investigate the regulation of SWHD on inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by H1N1. The pathological changes, the capacity of proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung were analyzed. The effects of type 1 T helper cell (Th1) and type 2 T helper cell (Th2) immune responses were discussed indirectly. In addition, the expression levels of p-p65, p65, IKKα/ß, p-IκBα, and IκBα in relation to the NF-κB pathway were measured using Western blot analysis, or immunohistochemical assay. RESULTS: SWHD decreased the pathological changes in lung tissues, promoted the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, enhanced NK cell activity, and accelerated the phagocytic function of macrophages in H1N1-infected mice. At the same time, SWHD decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and increased the level of IL-4 in the serum, BALF, and lung of model mice. Moreover, the p-p65, p65, and IκBα protein expression levels were inhibited, whereas the p-IκBα protein expression levels were improved in the lungs of H1N1-infected mice. CONCLUSIONS: SWHD can inhibit the replication of the H1N1 virus and reduced the excessive inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by the H1N1 virus in the body. This work provides rich experimental basis for further anti-inflammation research of SWHD and sets the foundation for the development of a viral inflammation drug of traditional Chinese medicine.

Antipyretic Effect of Herba Ephedrae-Ramulus Cinnamomi Herb Pair on Yeast-Induced Pyrexia Rats: A Metabolomics Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antipyretic mechanism of Herba Ephedrae (Eph)-Ramulus Cinnamomi (RC) herb pair on yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. METHODS: Totally 30 qualified male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal control (NC) group, the pyrexia model (model) group, the Eph, RC and Eph-RC treatment groups by a random digital table, 6 rats in each group. Each rat received a 20% aqueous suspension of yeast (10 mL/kg) except the NC group. The 3 treatment groups were administered 8.1, 5.4 and 13.5 g/kg Eph, RC and Eph-RC respectively at 5 and 12 h after yeast injection, the NC group and the model groups were administered equal volume of distilled water. Rectal temperatures were measured at 0, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 h and urine was collected prior to yeast injection and at 6, 10, 18, 24, 30, and 36 h after yeast injection. Then urine metabolomic profiling by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis and pattern recognition techniques were used to explore the antipyretic effects of Eph-RC. Partial least squares discriminate analysis was used to analyze the metabolomics dataset including classification and regression in metabolomics plot profiling. RESULTS: Compared with the NC group, rectal temperatures were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01), while 3 treatment groups decreased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Rectal temperatures of Eph-RC-treated rats started to go down at 6 h, and markedly decreased at 8, 12, 15, 18 and 24 h (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while those of the Eph and RC groups had decreased firstly at 8 h and were markedly lower at 12 h (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Seventeen potential biomarkers related to pyrexia were confirmed and identified, including pyruvic acid, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, phenylacetic acid, hippuric acid, succinic acid, citrate and so on. Eight potential alterations of metabolic pathways including phenylalanine metabolism, citrate cycle, tryptophan metabolism, biosynthesis of valine, leucine and isoleucine, were identified in relation to the antipyretic effects of Eph-RC using MetPA software. CONCLUSION: The antipyretic effect of Eph-RC herb pair on yeast-induced pyrexia in rats involved correction of perturbed amino acid, fatty acid, and carbohydrate metabolism according to the metabolic pathway analysis with MetPA.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of three phenylpropanoids in rat plasma after oral administration of Ramulus Cinnamomi and Ramulus Cinnamomi-Ephedrae Herba herb-couple extract.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of three phenylpropanoids (cinnamic acid, cinnamic alcohol and coumarin) in Ramulus Cinnamomi (GZ) and Ramulus Cinnamomi-Ephedrae Herba (MH) herb-couple (GZMH). METHODS: Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into the GZ and GZMH herb-couple groups. Blood samples were collected at 0, 0.08, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after oral administration. The three phenylpropanoids in rat plasma were quantified using an ultra-performance liquid-chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for pharmacokinetic study. RESULTS: In GZMH group, the area under the curve (AUC), mean retention time (MRT) of cinnamic acid and coumarin were increased significantly (P<0.01, respectively), and biological half-life (t1/2z) was obviously shorter (P<0.05) compared with the GZ group. There were no significant differences in the mean retention time from 0 to ∞ (MRT0-∞), the peak concentration (Cmax), the time to peak (Tmax) and t1/2z, except for AUC and MRT0-t (the mean retention time from 0 to t) of cinnamic alcohol in the GZMH group by comparison to the GZ group (P<0.01, respectively). The AUC, MRT (both P<0.01) and t1/2z (P<0.05) of coumarin were increased significantly, while Cmax, and Tmax were decreased slightly by comparison to the GZ group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were statistically significant differences in some pharmacokinetic parameters of the three compounds between GZ and GZMH groups, which meant that MH could affect the absorption and elimination of the three compounds.

Comparative Study on the Antivirus Activity of Shuang-Huang-Lian Injectable Powder and Its Bioactive Compound Mixture against Human Adenovirus III In Vitro.

Shuang-Huang-Lian injectable powder (SHL)-a classical purified herbal preparation extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, Lonicera japonica, and Forsythia suspense-has been used against human adenovirus III (HAdV3) for many years. The combination herb and its major bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid, baicalin, and forsythia glycosides A, are effective inhibitors of the virus. However, no comprehensive studies are available on the antiviral effects of SHL against HAdV3. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the mixture of chlorogenic acid, baicalin, and forsythia glycosides A (CBF) has enhanced antiviral activity compared with SHL. Therefore, a comparative study was performed to investigate the combination which is promising for further antiviral drug development. To evaluate their antivirus activity in parallel, the combination ratio and dose of CBF were controlled and consistent with SHL. First, the fingerprint and the ratio of CBF in SHL were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Then, a plaque reduction assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to explore its therapeutic effects on viral infection and replication, respectively. The results showed that SHL and CBF inhibited dose- and time-dependently HAdV3-induced plaque formation in A549 and HEp-2 cells. SHL was more effective than CBF when supplemented prior to and after viral inoculation. SHL prevented viral attachment, internalization, and replication at high concentration and decreased viral levels within and out of cells at non-toxic concentrations in both cell types. Moreover, the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 was lower and the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ was higher in both cell types treated with SHL than with CBF. In conclusion, SHL is much more effective and slightly less toxic than CBF.

Evaluation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Armadillidium vulgare Latreille.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of Armadillidium vulgare (AV). METHODS: The antinociceptive effect of AV (400, 600 and 800 mg/kg) was investigated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced nociceptive, and hot plate tests. Phlogogen-induced paw edema using carrageenan, dextran, or compound 48/80 as phlogogen was used as inflammatory models to evaluate AV's anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, the bioactive substances glucosamine (GLcN) and taurine in AV were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Oral treatment of the mice with AV (600 and 800 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (P<0.01) but not the hot plate test (P>0.05). All doses tested significantly inhibited paw-withdrawal during the second phase of the formalin-induced nociceptive model (P<0.01). AV demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect in all those inflammatory models (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AV has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, providing scientific evidence of the efficacy of its traditional use in pain treatment. Furthermore, GLcN and taurine contribute, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory activity of AV.

Anticancer Activities of C18-, C19-, C20-, and Bis-Diterpenoid Alkaloids Derived from Genus Aconitum.

Cancer is one of the most common lethal diseases, and natural products have been extensively studied as anticancer agents considering their availability, low toxicity, and economic affordability. Plants belonging to the genus Aconitum have been widely used medically in many Asian countries since ancient times. These plants have been proven effective for treating several types of cancer, such as lung, stomach, and liver cancers. The main effective components of Aconitum plants are diterpenoid alkaloids-which are divided into C18-, C19-, C20-, and bis-diterpenoid alkaloids-are reportedly some of the most promising, naturally abundant compounds for treating cancer. This review focuses on the progress of diterpenoid alkaloids with different structures derived from Aconitum plants and some of their derivatives with potential anticancer activities. We hope that this work can serve as a reference for further developing Aconitum diterpenoid alkaloids as anticancer agents.

Antipyretic and anti-asthmatic activities of traditional Chinese herb-pairs, Ephedra and Gypsum.

OBJECTIVE: Mahuang-Shigao herb-pair is a famous formula composed of Ephedra and Gypsum. The herb-pair is frequently used for treating cold symptoms and bronchial asthma in the clinical practice of Chinese medicine (CM). In the present study, we evaluated evidence for the benefit of combined use of Ephedra and Gypsum by analyzing the antipyretic and anti-asthmatic activities of Ephedra-Gypsum. METHODS: The antipyretic effects of Ephedra-Gypsum were evaluated in yeast-induced hyperthermia test. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control group, standard aspirin group, and 3 Ephedra- Gypsum groups of different doses (6, 12, 24 g/kg). Ephedra-Gypsum extract and asprin were administered orally 6 h after the injection of yeast solution and body temperature was measured every 1 h for 8 h. The antiasthmatic effects of Ephedra-Gypsum were evaluated using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic rat model. Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Rats were alternately sensitized and OVA+Al(OH) challenged by exposure to mists of ovalbumin. Ephedra-Gypsum extracts (6, 12, 24 g/kg) or dexamethasone were administered 45 min prior to the allergen challenge for 8 days. Latent period and the weight of wet to dry ratio of lung were determined. In addition, the eosinophils in blood and white blood cell (WBC) were counted by an YZ-Hemavet Analyzer. RESULTS: The Ephedra-Gypsum extracts at test dose (6, 12, 24 g/kg) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated yeast-induced fever in rats. The Ephedra-Gypsum extracts also prolonged the latent period, reduced OVA-induced increases in eosinophils and WBC, and decreased the wet and dry weight ratio of the lungs in the anti-asthmatic test. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the Ephedra-Gypsum extract has antipyretic and anti-asthmatic properties. Hence, the results support additional scientific evidence in prescriptions.

[Changes in plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion characteristics before and after combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum].

In this study, UPLC-MS/MS was adopted to determine the contents of five ephedrine alkaloids (Norephedrine, Norpseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Methylephedrine) in plasma and urine in rats after the combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum and calculate relevant pharmacokinetic parameters, in order to discuss the effect of the combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum on plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion characteristics. According to the results, after being combined with Gypsum, the five ephedrine alkaloids showed similar pharmacokinetic changes, such as shortened t(max), accelerated absorption rate, but reduced AUC(0-t) and V(z)/F, which may be related to the increase in urine excretion. Besides, Gypsum was added to enhance C(max) of Pseudoephedrine and prolong MRT(0-t) of Methylephedrine, so as to enhance the anti-asthmatic effect of Ephedrae Herba and resist the toxic effect of Norephedrine and Ephedrine. This study proved the scientific compatibility of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum and provided a reference for studies on the prescription compatibility regularity and relevant practices.

Neuroprotective effect of gui zhi (ramulus cinnamomi) on ma huang- (herb ephedra-) induced toxicity in rats treated with a ma huang-gui zhi herb pair.

Herb Ephedra (Ma Huang in Chinese) and Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi in Chinese) are traditional Chinese herbs, often used together to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis. Due to the adverse effects of ephedrine, clinical use of Ma Huang is restricted. However, Gui Zhi extract has been reported to decrease spontaneous activity in rats and exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The present study explored the possible inhibitory effect of Gui Zhi on Ma Huang-induced neurotoxicity in rats when the two herbs were used in combination. All Ma Huang and Ma Huang-Gui Zhi herb pair extracts were prepared using methods of traditional Chinese medicine and were normalized based on the ephedrine content. Two-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6 rats/group) were administered Ma Huang or the Ma Huang-Gui Zhi herb pair extracts for 7 days (ephedrine = 48 mg/kg), and locomotor activity was measured. After 7 days, oxidative damage in the prefrontal cortex was measured. Gui Zhi decreased hyperactivity and sensitization produced by repeated Ma Huang administration and attenuated oxidative stress induced by Ma Huang. The results of this study demonstrate the neuroprotective potential of Gui Zhi in Ma Huang-induced hyperactivity and oxidative damage in the prefrontal cortex of rats when used in combination.

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of five ephedrine alkaloids following oral administration of four different Mahuang-Guizhi herb-pair aqueous extracts ratios in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Herba Ephedra (Mahuang in Chinese), is derived from dried Ephedra sinica Stapf stems and has been widely used to treat the common cold, coughs, asthma, and edema for thousands of years. The Mahuang-Guizhi herb-pair is a famous formula composed of Mahuang and Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi in Chinese, the dried twig of Cinnamomum cassia Presl.), used to improve pharmacological effects and reduce toxicity. In order to investigate the influence of Mahuang-Guizhi herb-pair ratios on bioavailability, the plasma pharmacokinetics profiles of five ephedrine alkaloids were compared following oral administration of four different ratios to rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups and orally administered Mahuang-Guizhi (ratios 3:0; 3:1; 3:2; 3:4, w/w). Assays for five ephedrine alkaloids (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylephedrine, norephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine) were developed and validated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry coupled with liquid-liquid extraction. RESULTS: Key pharmacokinetic parameters of the five ephedrine alkaloids (maximal plasma concentration, mean residence time, and half-life) were significantly different (p<0.05) after oral administration of Mahuang-Guizhi herb-pair ratios, as compared to those of Mahuang. CONCLUSION: Ephedrine alkaloid pharmacokinetic differences in rat plasma could help explain previous findings of pharmacological and toxicity differences between Mahuang and Mahuang-Guizhi herb-pair preparations. These results could facilitate future studies to increase the efficacy and decrease the toxicity of Mahuang and Guizhi.

[Pharmacokinetic and Tissue Distribution Study of Ephedrae Herba and Herbal Pair of Ephedrae Herba-Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma in Rats].

OBJECTIVE: Five kinds of Ephedra alkaloids (NME, NMP, E, PE and ME) in Ephedrae Herba extracts and Ephedrae Herba-Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma herbal pair extracts of plasma pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study in rats were carried out, to discuss the changes of Ephedrae Herba compatibility with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma before and after METHODS: HPLC- MS method was used and the condition was as flollows: ZORBAX SB-C18 column (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 3.5 µm), column temperature of 35 °C, mobile phase of ACE-0.1% formic solution in gradient elution mode, flow rate at 0.4 mL/min; MRM positive ion detection mode. RESULTS: The distribution trends of Ephedra alkaloids were changing in plasma and tissues of rats after Ephedrae Herba compati- bility with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. CONCLUSION: Ephedrae Herba compatibility with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma may increase drug efficacy and reduce the toxicity of Ephedra alkaloids at the same time.

[Comparative analysis of volatile oils of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs by GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlativity between volatile oils of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs in composition and proportion. METHODS: The chemical compositions of volatile oils obtained by wet distillation from Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs (Herba Ephedrae, processed Radix Aconiti Lateralis, Herba Asari) were analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: 44 volatile components of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction were identified, which mainly derived from its constituted herbs Mahuang and Xixin. 68, 8, 39 volatile components were respectively identified from volatile oils of Herba Epherae, processd Radix Aconiti Lateralis and Herba Asari. There were apparent changes in composition and proportion between volatile oils of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs. CONCLUSION: There are apparent changes not only in quantity but also in quality between decoction and its major constituted herbs. Meanwhile any changes in composition may lead to a change in efficacy.

[Determination of ephedrine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and methylephedrine hydrochloride in maxingshigan decoction by CE].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the method for determination of ephedrine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and methylephedrine hydrochloride in maxingshigan decoction by capillary electrophoresis. METHODS: The separation was performed on a fused silica capillary of 60 cm x 55 microcrpm ID (52 cm of effective length). 60 mmol/L NaB4O7 + 10% (V/V) CH3OH (pH 9.0) was selected as the running buffer. The separation voltage was 12 kV. The samples was injected by gravity (10 s, 15 cm). The detection wavelength was 210 nm and berberine hydrochloride was the internal standard. RESULTS: The linear range of determination for ephedrine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and methylephedrine hydrochloride were 20.0-160.0 microg/mL (r = 0.9999), 7.5-60.0 microg/mL (r = 0.9991) and 2.0-10.0 microg/mL (r = 0.9993). The average recoveries were 98.0%, 97.0% and 97.8%, the precisions of the method were 2.31%, 2.21% and 2.00% (n=6), respectively. CONCLUSION: The method is convenient, rapid and accurate for the quality control of maxingshigan decoction.

[Effects of herba ephedrae, honey-fried herba ephedrae and maxingshigan decoction on autonomic activities of mice].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the significance of processing and complex prescription with Herba Ephedrae, the effects of Herba Ephedrae, Honey-fried Herba Ephedrae and Maxingshigan decoction on autonomic activities in mice were compared. METHODS: 110 female Kunming mice were divided into 11 groups, namely normal saline group (NS), ephedrine group (E), high dose Herba Ephedrae group (MH-H), moderate dose Herba Ephedrae group (MH-M), low dose Herba Ephedrae group (MH-L) ,high dose Honey-fried Herba Ephedrae group (ZMH-H), moderate dose Honey-fried Herba Ephedrae group (ZMH-M),low dose Honey-fried Herba Ephedrae group (ZMH-L), high dose Maxingshigan decoction group (MX-H), moderate dose Maxingshigan decoction group (MX-M) and low dose Maxingshigan decoction group (MX-L). The numbers of autonomic activity in 15 minutes before intragastric administration (ig), and after ig 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 h were determined. RESULTS: There was interaction between time and groups. There were very significant differences between before ig and all time-points after ig (P < 0.01). 30 minutes after ig,there were significant differences between E and NS,E and ZMH-L,E and MX-L (P < 0.05). 1 h after ig, there were significant differences between MX-M and NS (P < 0.05). 3 h after ig, there were significant differences between MX-M and MH-L (P < 0.05). 30 minutes after ig, both ZMH-L and MX-L could reduce the number of autonomic activity in some extent compare with MH-L. 1 h or 2 h after ig, ZMH-L could reduce the number of autonomic activity in some extent compare with MH-L 4 h after ig, MX-L could reduce the number of autonomic activity in some extent compare with MH-L. CONCLUSION: Under the condition of this study, regarding autonomic activity as index, both ZMH-L and MX-L can reduce center stimulation in some extent.

[Effect of Herba ephedrae, honey-fried Herba ephedrae and Maxingshigan decoction on pentobabital sodium sleep experiment in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Herba ephedrae, honey-fried Herba ephedrae and Maxingshigan decoction on pentobabital sodium sleep experiment in mice. METHODS: Male Kunming mice were divided into 11 groups, namely normal saline (NS) group, ephedrine group, 3 Herba ephedrae dose (high, medium, and low) groups, 3 honey-fried Herba ephedrae dose group, and 3 Maxingshigan decoction dose groups. The corresponding drugs were administered intragastrically for 6 consecutive days, and 45 min after the final administration, the mice received intraperitoneal injection of pentobabital sodium, and the latent period and continuous sleeping time were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with high- and low-dose Herba ephedrae groups, Maxinshigan decoction containing equivalent Herba ephedrae significantly increased the sleeping time of the mice (P<0.05). In comparison with NS, the decoction at medium and low doses produced no significant changes in the sleeping time, which, however, was significantly shortened in the other 8 groups (P<0.05). Compared with Herba ephedrae, Maxingshigan decoction and honey-fried Herba ephedrae at equivalent doses showed comparable effects on the sleep latency (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Under the condition of this experiment and with pentobabital sodium-induced sleeping time as the index, honey-fried Herba ephedrae shows no obvious effect in reducing the excitement of the central nervous system, while Maxingshigan decoction can significantly lower the excitement level, the effect of which is inversely correlated to the dose administered.

[Analysis on the HPLC chromatographic fingerprint of gegen qinlian decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the multiple bioactive constituents in Gegen Qinlian decoction and evaluate its bioactivity and quality control. METHODS: A high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method for the simultaneous qualitative determination of multiple components was developed. The separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 column by gradient elution with acetonitrile and ammonium acetate (containing 0.3% triethylamine, and adjusted pH 4. 3 using 1% glacial acetic acid) as the mobile phase at a flow-rate of 0.7 mL/min, the column temperature was maintained at 30 degrees C, HPLC chromatographic comparison between Gegen Qinlian decoction, four medicinal material and 14 components were carried out to investigate components in the composite formula. RESULTS: 23 characteristic peaks were identified and could be dated back to four medicinal materials from Gegen Qinlian decoction, in which 12 peaks were identifed by standards. CONCLUSION: This readily available, low-cost and reliable HPLC-DAD method can be used for simultaneous analysis of multiple bioactive constituents of Gegen Qinlian decoction and will improve the quality control of Gegen Qinlian decoction.

[Qualitative analysis of the main chemical constituents of shuanghuanglian injection powder and their origin by HPLC-ESI/MS/MS spectrometry].

This paper is to report the analysis of the main chemical constituents of Shuanghuanglian injection powder and determination of their origin. The sample solution was analyzed by a Zorbax C18 column with a gradient mobile phase comprised of methanol and 0.25% acetic acid solution. Both UV and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detector were used simultaneously, -Q1-scan detection mode was evaluated for the identification of the LC peaks. To analyze the mass spectrum of every LC peaks, 43 molecular mass from the ion chromatogram of Shuanghuanglian injection powder were identified and among them, structure of 20 compounds were elucidated, and the data were sorted to the three component herbs, separately.

[Studies on the chemical constituents in herb of Hedyotis diffusa].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Hedyotis diffusa. METHODS: Column chromatographic techniques were used for isolation and purification of chemical constituents of this plant and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis. RESULTS: Five compounds were isolated and identified as scandoside methyl ester (I), deacetylasperulosidic acid methyl ester (II), 10-dehydrogeniposide (III), 2-hydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone (IV), stigmasterol (V), respectively. CONCLUSION: Compound II as iridoids was isolated from Hedyotis diffusa for the first time, compound III as iridoids was isolated from genus Hedyotis for the first time.

[Preparation and in vitro dissolution of the solid dispersions of cinnamon oil].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare sustained-release capsules of cinnamon oil with stearic acid, polyethylene glycol 6000 and gluceryl monostearate. METHODS: After the solid dispersion of cinnamon oil was prepared by melting method, the effects of the process variables and formulation variables on solid dispersion and dissolution were investigated. The formulation and preparation process of cinnamon oil solid dispersion were optimized by orthogonal design, and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to detect the possible molecular interaction between cinnamon oil and the adjuvants. RESULTS: The in vitro release percentage of the optimized formula complied with the Higuchi equation, and the preparation allowed drug delivery for 12 h. Analysis with FTIR spectroscopy revealed interactions between cinnamon oil and the adjuvents and formation of the solid dispersion. CONCLUSION: The solid dispersion capsules prepared through this simple and well reproducible process allow obviously sustained release of cinnamon oil.

[Effects of among compositions of Herba Ephedrae decoction on genic xpression of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, IL-4 and leukotriene C4 in asthmatic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regularity of recipe composition by observing inhibitory effects on the genic expression of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, IL-4 and the leukotriene C4 in asthmatic mice. METHOD: The mice were challenged with OVA and administered ig with the Herba Ephedrae decoction (HED), separated compositions (2500 mg x kg(-1), calculated by Herba Ephedrae) and dexamethasone (2 mg x kg(-1)) respectively once daily for seven days. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method was employed to measure the contents of FLAP mRNA and IL-4 mRNA expressions in lung and the ELISA method was used to determine the content of LTC4 in the washing solution of pulmonary alveolus and bronchi. RESULT: In the lung of asthma mice, the expressions of FLAP and IL-4 and the content of LTC4 were significantly augmented compared with the control group. The HED and the separated compositions could suppress the expressions of FLAP and IL-4 and LTC4 release to a great extent in mice. CONCLUSION: The HED had the remarkable effects of antianaphylaxis asthma and the original formula HED worked best. These results confirmed the rationality and scientific level of HED.