Elucidation of Chemical Interactions between Crude Drugs Using Quantitative Thin-Layer Chromatography Analysis.

To elucidate the interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines (traditional Japanese medicines), it is important to determine the content of the constituents in a cost-effective and simple manner. In this study, we quantified the constituents in crude drug extracts using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), an inexpensive and simple analytical method, to elucidate the chemical interactions between crude drugs. We focused on five crude drugs, for which quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods are stipulated in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia XVIII (JP XVIII) and compared the analytical data of HPLC and TLC, confirming that the TLC results corresponded with the HPLC data and satisfied the criteria of JP XVIII. (Z)-ligustilide, a major constituent in Japanese Angelica Root, for which a method of quantification has not been stipulated in JP XVIII, was also quantitatively analyzed using HPLC and TLC. Furthermore, Japanese Angelica Root was combined with 26 crude drugs to observe the variation in the (Z)-ligustilide content from each combination by TLC. The results revealed that combinations with Phellodendron Bark, Citrus Unshiu Peel, Scutellaria Root, Coptis Rhizome, Gardenia Fruit, and Peony Root increased the (Z)-ligustilide content. Quantifying the constituents in crude drug extracts using the inexpensive and simple TLC method can contribute to elucidating interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines, as proposed by the herbal-pair theory.

CT Findings in Pediatric Novel Influenza A (H1N1)-Associated Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore CT findings in pediatric novel influenza A (H1N1)-associated pneumonia METHODS: We examined the CT findings in a series of six children with influenza H1N1-associated pneumonia. FINDINGS: In this series of cases, the predominant CT patterns were consolidations surrounded by ground glass opacities (GGOs) as well as isolated GGOs in all patients. Atelectasis was present in the right upper lobe (n=2) in three cases and pneumomediastinum in two. CONCLUSION: In this series of cases, there may be no imaging differences between pediatric and reported adult influenza H1N1 cases and other viral pneumonia cases even with CT. Pneumomediastinum and atelectasis, especially in the right upper lobe, may frequently present in influenza H1N1-associated pneumonia as well as in other pediatric respiratory diseases.