Guilingji capsule for Alzheimer's disease: secondary analysis of a randomized non-inferiority controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Guilingji capsule (, GLJC) in treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with kidney-marrow deficiency pattern (KMDP) compared with gingko extract tablets. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a large-scale multicenter randomized non-inferiority clinical trial. A total of 120 AD patients with KMDP were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly categorized into two groups: (a) GLJC group ( = 60) and (b) gingko group ( = 60). The GLJC group was treated with GLJC and gingko extract mimetic tablets, whereas the gingko group received gingko extract tablets and mimetic GLJC. The data on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale (CM-SS) was evaluated at 0, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment. The serum levels of acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the participants were measured before and after 24 weeks of treatment. The safety was based on the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly increased the MMSE scores of the participants and decreased their ADAS-Cog, ADL, and CM-SS scores ( < 0.01). Compared with the gingko group, the GLJC group had a higher effective rate of improvement in the symptoms of "amnesia" and "dull expression and slow thinking" at the 12th week and 24th week ( < 0.05, < 0.01). In the GLJC group, serum Bcl-2 levels were significantly increased at the 24th week ( < 0.05). Serum Bax and AchE levels of the two groups were significantly decreased at the 24th week ( < 0.01). No treatment-related adverse events were reported in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: GLJC is equivalent to the gingko extract tablets in terms of improving cognitive function and the quality of life in AD patients with KMDP and has good clinical efficacy and safety. When it comes to improving TCM symptoms and anti-aging, GLJC is even more advantageous.

Investigating the active chemical constituents and pharmacology of Nanocnide lobata in the treatment of burn and scald injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most effective fraction of Nanocnide lobata in the treatment of burn and scald injuries and determine its bioactive constituents. METHODS: Chemical identification methods were used to analyze solutions extracted from Nanocnide lobata using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol using a variety of color reactions. The chemical constituents of the extracts were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS). A total of 60 female mice were randomly divided into the following 6 groups: the petroleum ether extract-treated group; the ethyl acetate extract-treated group; the n-butanol extract-treated group; the model group; the control group; and the positive drug group. The burn/scald model was established using Stevenson's method. At 24 hours after modeling, 0.1 g of the corresponding ointment was evenly applied to the wound in each group. Mice in the model group did not undergo treatment, while those in the control group received 0.1 g of Vaseline. Wound characteristics, including color, secretions, hardness, and swelling, were observed and recorded. Photos were taken and the wound area calculated on the 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th, 18th and 21st days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to observe the wound tissue of mice on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to measure the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. RESULTS: The chemical constituents of Nanocnide lobata mainly include volatile oils, coumarins, and lactones. UPLC-MS analysis revealed 39 main compounds in the Nanocnide lobata extract. Among them, ferulic acid, kaempferitrin, caffeic acid, and salicylic acid have been confirmed to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity related to the treatment of burns and scalds. HE staining revealed a gradual decrease in the number of inflammatory cells and healing of the wounds with increasing time after Nanocnide lobata extract administration. Compared with the model group, the petroleum ether extract-treated group showed significant differences in the levels of TNF-α (161.67±4.93, 106.33±3.21, 77.67±4.04 pg/mL) and IL-10 (291.77±4.93, 185.09±9.54, 141.33±1.53 pg/mL) on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days; a significant difference in the content of TGF-ß1 (75.68±3.06 pg/mL) on the 21st day; and a significant difference in the level of VEGF (266.67±4.73, 311.33±10.50 pg/mL) on the 7th and 14th days respectively. CONCLUSION: Petroleum ether Nanocnide lobata extract and the volatile oil compounds of Nanocnide lobata might be effective drugs in the treatment of burn and scald injuries, as they exhibited a protective effect on burns and scalds by reducing the expression of TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-ß1 and increasing the expression of VEGF. In addition, these compounds may also exert pharmacological effects that promote wound tissue repair, accelerate wound healing, and reduce scar tissue proliferation, inflammation and pain.

A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis about the Efficacy and Safety of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of various conventional synthetic DMARDs, including Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by network meta-analysis. Methods: We retrieved the related literature from online databases and supplemented it by using a manual retrieval method. Data was extracted from the literature and analyzed with STATA software. Results: A total of 21 trials (5,039 participants) were identified. Assessment of ACR20 response found that TwHF combined with methotrexate (MTX) had the greatest probability for being the best treatment option among the treatments involved, while TwHF used singly was second only to TwHF combined with MTX. Assessment of ACR50 response found that TwHF combined with MTX ranked second in all treatment options after cyclosporine A (CsA) combined with leflunomide (LEF) and TwHF alone, followed by TwHF combined with MTX. Assessment of ACR70 response found that CsA combined with LEF ranked first, TwHF combined with LEF ranked second, TwHF combined with MTX ranked third, and TwHF used singly ranked fourth. In the safety analysis, TwHF had the least probability of adverse event occurrence, followed by TwHF combined with MTX, which ranked first and second, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with the current csDMARDs for treating RA, the efficacy of TwHF was clear, and TwHF combined with MTX performed well under various endpoints. In the future, large, rigorous, and high-quality RCTs are still needed to confirm the benefits of TwHF therapy on RA.

Clinical observation of Huayu-Ningkun liquid enema and external application of herbal dreg for treating chronic pelvic inflammatory disease / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of Huayu-Ningkun liquid enema and external application of dreg for treating chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. Methods:A total of 106 patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease who met the inclusion criteria in the gynecological outpatient department of Beijing Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019 were divided into 2 groups by random number table method, with 53 patients in each group. The control group was treated with conventional western medicine therapy, and the observation group was combined with Huayu-Ningkun liquid enema and external application of drug residue on the basis of the control group. TCM symptom scores were performed before and after treatment, and the Quality of Life of patients was evaluated by Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74). Serum CRP and TNF-α levels were detected by ELISA, and adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. Results:The total effective rate was 96.2% (51/53) in the observation group and 83.0% (44/53) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=4.970, P=0.026). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=8.205, P<0.01). The scores of physical function, mental function, material life and social function were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t value were 7.503, 8.786, 7.798, 9.353, all Ps<0.001). After treatment, the levels of serum CRP (4.52 ± 3.46 g/L vs. 8.23 ± 3.35 g/L, t=5.608) and TNF-α (1.00 ± 0.35 μg/L vs. 1.52 ± 0.28 μg/L, t=14.551) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The Huayu-Ningkun liquid enema and drug residue external application combined with western medicine can relieve the symptoms, reduce the level of inflammatory cytokines, improve clinical efficacy of the patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.

Effect and Mechanism of Four Kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine Moisturizers Based on Shaoyao Gancaotang on Atopic Dermatitis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of four types of Chinese herbal moisturizers made in laboratory for atopic dermatitis induced by 2，4-dinitrofluorobenzene （DNFB） in mice. Method:According to the body weight， BALA/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， blank cream group （moisturizer A）， Shaoyao Gancaotang group （moisturizer B）， Shaoyao Gancaotang with Portulacae Herba，Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Honeysuckle Stem group （moisturizer C）， and Shaoyao Gancaotang with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Honeysuckle Stem group （moisturizer D） ， with the dose of 25 g·kg-1 per day， as well as tacrolimus ointment group of 3 g·kg-1 per day， with 10 to 12 mice in each group. Except the normal group， the mice in the other groups were treated with 0.5% DNFB in the hair removal skin of back， 100 μL each for 7 days. Starting from the 7th day， each group was given the appropriate skin cream for external use intervention， once per day， for 15 consecutive days， except for the normal and the model groups. The animal body mass was measured once a week， and the animal back skin was graded three times a week， and the skin lesion score was recorded. After the mice were killed， the left and right ears were taken， the weight of both ears was punched and the degree of swelling was calculated. The back skin was fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin（HE） method， and then pathologic examination was conducted to observe and score the pathological changes of mouse back skin. Blood was obtained after the last dose and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the immunoglobulin（Ig）E content in serum. Western blot was used to measure the expression of signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， phosphorylation （p）-STAT3 in the skin tissue. Result:Compared with the normal group， the body mass decreased continuously， a series of inflammatory changes such as erythema， edema， dryness， desquamation and callus exfoliation and so on occurred in the modeling area， and the skin lesion score increased significantly in the model group. Additionally， the cuticle of ear skin was thickened and the degree of ear swelling was obviously increased in the model group. Microscopically， the occurred changes in the model mice included the local necrosis of the epidermis， epidermal thickening， epidermal hyperplasia， and the hyperkeratosis and hypokeratosis in the cuticle， as well as the subcutaneous inflammatory cell infiltration and so on. Furthermore， the content of serum IgE andthe expression of p-STAT3 in skin tissues increased significantly in the model group. Compared with the model group， the body mass of mice in group C and D was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the skin lesion status score was decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）.The degree of auricle swelling was significantly reduced in group B， C and D compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）.The degree of skin necrosis and defect and epidermal hyperplasia of mice in moisturizer C group was significantly reduced compared with that in model group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Serum IgE levels of mice in group C and D were significantly lower than those in the model group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of p-STAT3 protein in skin tissues of mice in moisturizer C group was significantly lower than that in model group （P<0.05）. Conclusion:The moisturizers B， C and D all have certain therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis， among which moisturizers C has the most obvious therapeutic effect. The possible mechanism may be that it reduces the level of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the increase of serum IgE content and the phosphorylation of STAT3.

Progress in active compounds effective on ulcerative colitis from Chinese medicines / 中国天然药物

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon, has a rising incidence worldwide. The known pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves genetic predisposition, epithelial barrier defects, dysregulated immune responses, and environmental factors. Nowadays, the drugs for UC include 5-aminosalicylic acid, steroids, and immunosuppressants. Long-term use of these drugs, however, may cause several side effects, such as hepatic and renal toxicity, drug resistance and allergic reactions. Moreover, the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of UC shows significantly positive effects, low recurrence rate, few side effects and other obvious advantages. This paper summarizes several kinds of active compounds used in the experimental research of anti-UC effects extracted from TCM, mainly including flavonoids, acids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, and bile acids from some animal medicines. It is found that the anti-UC activities are mainly focused on targeting inflammation or oxidative stress, which is associated with increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10, SOD), suppressing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-23, NF-κB, NO), reducing the activity of MPO, MDA, IFN-γ, and iNOS. This review may offer valuable reference for UC-related studies on the compounds from natural medicines.

Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for elderly isolated systolic hypertension? A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the efficacy of Chinese medicine (CM) on isolated systolic hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until August 2015. Subgroup analyses and meta-analysis were performed to assess the efficacy and safety of the included studies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 24 studies, including 2,096 patients (1,058 patients in the intervention group and 1,038 in the control group), were evaluated in the final analysis. Compared with a conventional therapy used alone, CM as additional intervention was more effective on systolic blood pressure [mean difference (MD)=-0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI)=(-0.97,-0.36), P<0.00001] and significantly diminished the pulse pressure [MD=-7.49, CI=(-12.69,-2.29), P<0.00001]. However it showed no additional benefit on diastolic blood pressure [MD=1.16, CI=(0.02, 2.29), P=0.87]. Adverse events were not explicitly reported in most RCTs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CM might be a promising approach for the elderly with isolated systolic hypertension, while the evidence for CM employed alone was insufficient. Considering the inherent limitations of the included studies, larger high-quality RCTs with extensive follow-up should be performed to validate our findings in the future.</p>

Acupoints selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of perimenopausal syndrome from 2007 to 2016 / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To discuss the acupoints selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) from 2007 to 2016. Methods: Clinical literatures related to PMS treated with acupuncture-moxibustion published from 2007 to 2016 were collected from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang). The retrieved data underwent descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and association pattern analysis to determine the acupoints selection principle in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS. Results: The top five acupoints used in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23), Guanyuan (CV 4), Baihui (GV 20), and Shenmen (HT 7). The leading 4 meridians were Bladder Meridian, Conception Vessel, Spleen Meridian, and Governor Vessel. The clustering analysis showed that the 5 core acupoint groups were: ① Sanyinjiao (SP 6); ② Shenshu (BL 23) and Guanyuan (CV 4); ③ Baihui (GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Ganshu (BL 18) and Taichong (LR 3); ④ Taixi (KI 3), Pishu (BL 20), Xinshu (BL 15), Qihai (CV 6) and Neiguan (PC 6); ⑤ Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Zhongwan (CV 12), Hegu (LI 4), Yintang (GV 29), Fengchi (GB 20), Zhongji (CV 3) and Feishu (BL 13). The three most significant acupoints were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23) and Guanyuan (CV 4). Acupoint groups based on syndrome differentiation included: ① Hegu (LI 4), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1); ② Feishu (BL 13), Zhongji (CV 3), Fengchi (GB 20) and Yintang (GV 29); ③ Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Taixi (KI 3);④ Ganshu (BL 18), Zusanli (ST 36), Shenmen (HT 7), Taichong (LR 3) and Baihui (GV 20). The analysis of association pattern elaborated that Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) won the highest support rate in the paired groups; Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) had the highest support rate among the acupoint groups. Conclusion: The data mining results of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS substantially conform to the general principle in traditional acupuncture-moxibustion theories, able to reflect the acupoints selection and grouping pattern and provide references for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS.

Ge-Gen Decoction attenuates oxytocin-induced uterine contraction and writhing response: potential application in primary dysmenorrhea therapy / 中国天然药物

The uterine tetanic contraction and uterine artery blood flow reduction are possible reasons for primary dysmenorrhea (PD). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the uterine relaxant effect and the influence on uterine artery blood velocity of Ge-Gen Decoction (GGD), a well-known Chinese herbal formula. In female ICR mice, uterine contraction was induced by oxytocin exposure following estradiol benzoate pretreatment, and the uterine artery blood velocity was detected by Doppler ultrasound. Histopathological examination of the uterine tissue samples were performed by H&E staining. Ex vivo studies demonstrated that oxytocin, posterior pituitary, or acetylcholine induced contractions in isolated mouse uterus. GGD inhibited both spontaneous and stimulated contractions. In vivo study demonstrated that GGD significantly reduced oxytocin-induced writhing responses with a maximal inhibition of 87%. Further study demonstrated that GGD normalized oxytocin-induced abnormalities of prostaglandins F2 alpha (PGF2α) and Ca(2+) in mice. In addition, injection of oxytocin induced a decrease in uterine artery blood flow velocity. Pretreatment with GGD reversed the oxytocin response on blood flow velocity. Histopathological examination showed pretreatment with GGD alleviated inflammation and edema in the uterus when compared with the model group. Both ex vivo and in vivo results indicated that GGD possessed a significant spasmolytic effect on uterine tetanic contraction as well as improvement on uterine artery blood velocity which may involve PGF2α and Ca(2+) signaling, suggesting that GGD may have a clinic potential in PD therapy.

Antiviral effects of Reduning injection against Enterovirus 71 and possible mechanisms of action / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Reduning injection against Enterovirus 71 (EV71) in Vero cells and in mice. The Vero cells were infected with 100 and 50 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infective dose) of EV71, respectively. The inhibition of Reduning injection on cytopathic effect (CPE) was detected. Meanwhile, a mouse model produced by intraperitoneal EV71-infection (10(6) TCID50), was used to investigate the protective effects of Reduning injection. The total survival rate, living time, daily survival rate, weight ratio, and score for symptoms were examined. The viral loads in Vero cells and muscle tissues were detected using real-time PCR. Finally, the content of cytokines was analyzed by ELISA. In the Vero cells, 2.5 mg crude drug·mL(-1) of Reduning injection inhibited CPE induced by EV71 infection. In the mice, 1.3 g crude drug·kg(-1) of Reduning injection rescued death triggered by infection, in comparison with model group. Moreover, the survival rate, weight ratio, and clinical scores were also improved. The viral RNA copies in the Vero cells and the mice muscle tissues were reduced. Besides, the steep EV71-induced accumulations of TNF-α and MCP-1 were decreased by Reduning injection. In conclusion, Reduning injection showed promising protective effects against EV71 in Vero cells and in mice.

Study on contribution of main components in Guizhi Fuling capsule based on molecular imprinting technique and activity screening / 中国中药杂志

To clarify the active components in Guizhi Fuling capsule in treatment of intrinsic dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation and hysteromyoma, main components were gradually knocked out from the capsules, the effects of knockout capsules on uterine contraction, TNF-α secretion, murine splenocytes (SPL) and hysteromyoma cells proliferation were evaluated, respectively. The inhibition of capsules on uterine contraction was weakened by gradient knockout of paeoniflorin, paeonol, and amygdalin. The suppression of capsulte on TNF-α secretion was reduced by gradient knockout of gallic acid, cinnamaldehyde, pentagalloylglucose, and pachyman. The promotion of SPL cells proliferation was reversed by gradient knockout of gallic acid, paeoniflorin, cinnamaldehyde, quercetin, and pachyman. The depression of capsules on hysteromyoma cells proliferation was attenuated by gradient knockout of paeoniflorin, paeonol, pentagalloylglucose, and albiflorin. In conclusion, the compounds mentioned-above could be the key active basis of Guizhi Fuling capsule in treatment of intrinsic dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation and hysteromyoma.

Effect of qidong huoxue decoction on inflammatory factors and TLR4 mRNA Expression in acute lung injury rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of qidong huoxue decoction (QHD) on inflammatory factors and Toll-like receptor (TLR4) mRNA expressions in acute lung injury (ALI) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 50 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model group, low, middle, high dose QHD groups according to body weight, 10 rats in each group. Rats in low, middle, high dose QHD groups were intragastrically administered with QHD at 4, 8, and 16 mL/kg 24, 12 h before modeling and 12 h after modeling, respectively. Normal saline was intragastrically administered to rats in the blank control group and the LPS model group. An ALI rat model was established using intratracheal instillation of LPS. Rats were killed after 24-h modeling. Then the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was prepared. Contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, and L-10 were detected using ELISA. TLR4 mRNA expressions were determined byreal time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank control group, contents of TNF-α, IL-1β , and IL-10 increased (P <0. 01), TLR4 mRNA expressions also increased in the LPS model group (all P <0. 01). Compared with the LPS model group, contents of TNF-α and IL-1β decreased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01), IL-10 levels increased (P <0. 01) , TLR4 mRNA expressions were also reduced (P <0. 01), in high and middle dose QHD groups. Compared with the high dose QHD group, con- tents of TNF-α and IL-1β increased in middle and low dose QHD groups (P <0. 05); IL-10 levels decreased (P <0. 05) in the low dose QHD group(P <0. 05), TLR4 mRNA expressions also increased in the low dose QHD group (P <0. 05). Compared with the middle dose QHD group, IL-10 levels was reduced, but TLR4 mRNA expressions increased in the low dose QHD group (P <0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>QHD had the protective effect on LPS induced ALI rats. Its mechanism might be associated with inhibiting TLR4 mRNA expressions, leading to decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-β, elevated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and thereby, correcting unbalanced inflammation.</p>

Study of effective components and molecular mechanism for Guizhi Fuling formula treatment of dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease and uterine fibroids / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the active components and potential molecular .mechanism of Guizhi Fuling formula in treatment on dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma were investigated using network pharmacological methods. Sterols and pentacyclic triterpenes, with high moleculal network degree, revealed promising effects on anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, and immune-regulation, according to D-T network analysis. On the other hand, the targets with high degree were involved in inflammatory, coagulation, angiopoiesis, smooth muscle contraction, and cell reproduction, which showed the novel function in anti-dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma. Furthermore, the formula was indicated to play a key role in smooth muscle proliferation, inhibition of new vessels, circulation improvement, reduction of hormone secretion, alleviation of smooth muscle, block of arachidonic acid metabolism, and inflammation in uterus. Thus, the main mechanism of Guizhi Fuling formula was summarized. In conclusion, Guizhi Fuling formula was proven to alleviated dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma by acting on multiple targets through several bioactive compounds, regulating 21 biological pathways.

Effects of umbilical cord mononuclear cells transplantation combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of umbilical cord monoculcear cells (UCBMC) transplantation combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on the long-term behaviors and histology in neonatal rats after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control (CON), HIBD, UCBMC and UCBMC+HBO. HIBD was induced according to the Rice-Vannucci method. The rats in the UCBMC+HBO group were treated with HBO 3 hours after HIBD, followed by UCBMC transplantation 24 hours after HIBD. IL-1β and TNF-α protein levels were examined by Western blot analysis in the 4 groups. T-maze test and radial arm maze test were used to detect the long-term learning memory capability. Nissl staining was used to examine the histological changes of the hippocampal CA1 region.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-four hours after transplantation, IL-1β and TNF-α protein levels in the UCBMC+HBO group were significantly reduced compared with the HIBD (P<0.01) and UCBMC groups (P<0.05). The study and memory capabilities were impaired, and the number of the pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region was reduced in the HIBD group. The study and memory capabilities were greatly improved and the number of pyramidal cells increased significantly in the UCBMC+HBO group compared with the UCBMC and HIBD groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>UCBMC transplantation combined with HBO therapy could reduce the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α protein, improve long-term behaviors and alleviate brain damages in the hypoxic ischemic neonatal rats.</p>

Effect of total flavones of Epimedium leptorrhizum on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of total flavones of Epimedium leptorrhizum (YYH-C) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ovariectomized female rats were randomly divided into the model group, YYH-C lower, middle and high dose (0.7, 1.4, 2.8 g x kg(-1)) groups, the positive drug Bujiale (0.15 mg x kg(-1)) group, and the sham group. The rats were orally ad-ministrated with drugs for three months. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), procollagen I N-terminal peptide (PINP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca) and phosphrous (P) in serum were detected. Femur bones and vertebrae bones of left side were collected to determined bone metrological indexes, including bone mineral density (BMD), bone Ca, and bone ash weight/dry weight percentage. Femur bones of right side were collected to for a morphological observation of bone.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the sham group, the model group showed significantly higher PTH and ALP content but obviously lower PINP and Ca content. The three YYH-C 3 groups could resist the decrease of PINP. Specifically, low and middle dose groups could remarkably inhibit the increase of PTH, and the high dose group could increase the Ca content in serum, but without significant effect on the rise in ALP. There was no significant difference in P content in serum in each group. BMD, ash weight/dry weight percentage, Ca and P content of the model group were significantly lower than those in the sham group. The high dose YYH-C group could significantly increase BMD. All of the three YYH-C groups could notably increase ash weight/dry weight percentage and Ca, P content in femur bones and vertebrae bones. YYH-C could significantly increase average thickness, area, area percentage of bony trabeculae, cortical bone area percentage of femoral shaft and the number of osteoblasts on the surface of bony trabeculae, and decrease the number of osteoclasts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YYH-C can effectively control the bone mass loss of rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, prevent the changes in bone microstructure, and inhibit bone absorption, so as to resist high turn-over osteoporosis after ovariectomy. [Key words] total flavones of Epimedium leptorrhizum; ovariectomized rat; osteoporosis</p>

Effects of various compounds on efficacy of artemisinin in a yeast model / 中国中药杂志

Artemisinin is a key anti-malarial drug and few clinically meaningful resistant cases about its application have so far been reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recommended the use of ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy) as the first line antimalarial application to increase its inhibitory efficacy and prevent the likely resistance development. Based on our current understanding of artemisinin, a set of compounds were selected to study their interaction with artemisinin by using the yeast (S. cerevisiae) model, in the hope that knowledge gained might provide some references for clinical investigations. In this research, yeast strain (BY4742) was cultured in the nonfermentable YPGE solid medium with 4 μmol · L(-1) artemisinin and one of the selected compounds for 48 hours, and the combined drug efficiency was evaluated by the inhibition of yeast growth. The compounds belong to the categories of oxygenants, antioxidants, metal ions, ion chelators and uncouplers. Among them, 0.2 mmol L(-1) FeCl3, 60 μmol · L(-1) BPS, 1 mmol · L(-1) CuCl2, 0.75 mmol · L(-1) VE and 1 mmol · L(-1) VC antagonized the action of artemisinin, while 40 μmol · L(-1) DNP, 0.1 μmol · L(-1) CCCP and 0.25 mmol · L(-1) H2O2 had synergistic effects. These results suggested that redox-active and mitochondria-dysfunctional compounds could affect artemisinin's potency, supporting our prior proposed mitochondrial model for artemisinin's action. This research in addition provided a convenient method to screen likely artemisinin-interacting compounds.

Effects of culture conditions on biomass and active components of adventitious roots culture in Panax ginseng / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To optimize the culture condition of adventitious roots of Panax ginseng.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The adventitious roots were obtained through tissue culture by manipulation of inoculum, various sucrose concentrations and salt strength. The contents of ginsenosides Re, Rb1 and Rg1 were determined by HPLC while the contents of polysaccharides were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The multiplication of adventitious roots reached the peak when the inoculum was 20 g x L(-1). The effects of sucrose concentration and salt strength on adventitious roots were observed. The contents of polysaccharides were higher when the medium contained more sucrose. 40 g x L(-1) sucrose was favorable for roots growth and biosynthesis of Re, while 30 g x L(-1) was favorable for the biosynthesis of Rb1 and Rg1. 3/4MS medium was benefit for the growth of adventitious roots and the biosynthesis of ginsenosides. The contents of polysaccharides were decreased with the increase of salt strength.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results showed that inoculum, various sucrose concentrations and salt strength have significant influences on adventitious roots growth, secondary metabolite and polysaccharide synthesis in P. ginseng.</p>

Effects of culture conditions on biomass and active components of suspension cells of Panax quinquefolium / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of inoculum, various media, pH value of medium and illumination conditions on the growth of Panax quinquefolium suspension cells and the synthesis of ginsenosides Re, Rb1 and polysaccharides.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The suspension cells were obtained through tissue culture by manipulation of inoculum, various media, pH value, and illumination conditions. The contents of ginsenosides Re and Rb1 were determined by HPLC, while the contents of polysaccharide were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The growth rate of suspension cells was greatly increased when inoculum amount was 25 g x L(-1). The effect of media MS, SH and B5 on suspension cells was observed. MS medium was favorable for cells growth, while B5 medium was favorable for the synthesis of ginsenosides and polysaccharides. The polysaccharide content in three media were higher than that of the cultivations. The pH value showed little influence on the cells growth, medium pH 6.0 enhanced the synthesis of Re and polysaccharides. Illumination could significantly enhance secondary metabolite biosynthesis of suspension cells and promoted slightly in polysaccharide synthesis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The inoculum, various media, pH value of medium and illumination conditions have significant influences on suspension cells growth of P. quinquefolium, secondary metabolite and polysaccharides synthesis.</p>

Effects of naloxone on the contents of cAMP in hypothalamus and AVP in ventral septal area in fever rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effects and mechanism of naloxone on the febrile response in IL-1beta-induced fever rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The fever model was established by intracerebroventricular injection of IL-1beta in rats. The effect of naloxone on the body temperature of feverrats was observed. The contents of cAMP in hypothalamus and AVP in VSA were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Naloxone alleviated IL-1beta-induced fever and the contents of cAMP in hypothalamus and AVP in VSA were correspondingly decreased (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Naloxone could inhibit IL-1beta-induced fever in rats, and the mechanism might be due to inhibiting synthesis of cAMP in hypothalamus and promoting release of AVP in VSA.</p>

Affects of different bioreactors in process of Salvia miltiorrhiza adventitious root culture / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the affects of the different bioreactors on the Salvia miltiorrhiza adventitious root culture.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Adventitious roots of S. miltiorrhiza were induced and in vitro cultured in bioreactors. The type of bioreactors was optimized and the kinetics of root growth, accumulation of the active ingredients was also investigated by HPLC.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>It showed that the 3-1 conical bubble bioreactor (CNBB) with 60 degrees taper favors achieved the highest active compounds accumulation in adventitious roots. The growth curve and secondary metabolites accumulation curve looks like "S" in CNBB bioreactor. The maximum adventitious roots biomass of 16.24 g x L(-1) (fresh weight) was obtained at 35 day. The highest content of tanshinone IIA (TA) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) reached 0.23 mg x g(-1) DW and 0.51 mg x g(-1) DW at 40 day, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 3-1 conical bubble bioreactor (CNBB) with 60 degrees taper favors was the best bioreactors for the accumulation of active compounds.</p>