Antiproliferative and Anti-inflammatory Withanolides from Physalis angulata.

Sixteen new withanolides, physangulatins A-N (1-14) and withaphysalins Y and Z (15 and 16), as well as 12 known analogues, were isolated from the stems and leaves of Physalis angulata L. Their structures were established using extensive spectroscopic data analyses. The absolute configurations of 1 and 9 were assigned via X-ray crystallography. The isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative effects against human prostate cancer cells (C4-2B and 22Rvl), human renal carcinoma cells (786-O, A-498, and ACHN), and human melanoma cells (A375-S2), as well as inhibitory effects on NO production induced by LPS in macrophages. Compounds 9, 17, 20, 21, 25, and 27 showed antiproliferative effects against all tested cancer cells, with IC50 values of 0.18-7.43 µM. Compounds 3-5, 9-11, 17, 20-22, 24, 25, and 27 displayed inhibitory effects against NO production, with IC50 values of 1.36-11.59 µM.

Effects of jingyuankang capsules on leukocyte level in AIDS patients.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of Jingyuankang capsules for leukopenia in AIDS patients. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind trial, 58 patients orally took Jingyuankang capsule, analog Leucogen tablet and the HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) drugs, and the other 58 patients took Leucogen tablet, analog Jingyuankang capsule and the HAART drugs all for 6 months, during which the peripheral hemogram was periodically examined to observe the therapeutic effects of Jingyuankang capsule for leukopenia of the AIDS patients. RESULTS: With good therapeutic effect for leukopenia of the AIDS patients, Jingyuankang capsule can enhance leukocyte level as effective as Leucogen tablet in treating grade I and grade II leukopenia, and more effectively than Leucogen tablet in treating grade III leukopenia. No toxic side-effects and adverse reactions were found during the treatment and in the follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Jingyuankang capsule can effectively treat leukopenia of the AIDS patients.

[Influence of xlaoliu baofei pill combined with chemotherapy on quality of life of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To objectively assess the influence of Xiaoliu Baofei Pill (XBP) combined with chemotherapy on quality of life (QOL) of patients with stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Forty NSCLC patients were equally randomized into 2 groups, the treated group treated with XBP plus chemotherapy, and the control group treated with chemotherapy alone. Patients' QOL was assessed by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-L) before and after treatment. RESULTS: The scores of the physical condition in the treated group was relatively stable while it lowered significantly as time went by in the control group, significant difference was shown as compared with before treatment and with that in the treated group at the same time points (P < 0.05); scores of the mood condition, the function conditions and additional concerned condition were improved gradually from the 3rd collection in the treated group, but decreased in the control group, although some improvement of mood and function conditions had revealed temporarily in the early stage of treatment. Comparison between groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05). Besides, no significant change was found in domains of patient-doctor relation and society/family condition in both groups. CONCLUSION: XBP combined with chemotherapy can obviously improve the QOL of advanced NSCLC patients.