Immunosuppressive effects of new cyclolanostane triterpene diglycosides from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida.

Two new cyclolanostane diglycosides, cimifoetiside A (1) and cimifoetiside B (2), were isolated from an 80% ethanolic extract of the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L. (Ranuculaceae). Using spectral data and chemical analysis, the structures of 1 and 2 were identified as (23R, 24S) cimicigenol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1''-->3')-beta-D-xylopyranoside and (23R, 24S) cimicigenol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1''-->2')-beta-D-xylopyranoside, respectively. The in vitro immunosuppressive effects of the two new compounds 1 and 2, as well as four other known cyclolanostane saponins 3-6 on T cells were evaluated. All the agents tested effectively inhibited the proliferation of murine splenocytes induced by Concanavalin A (ConA), with IC(50) values ranging from 12.7 nM to 33.3 nM.

[Hypocholesterolemic effect of stilbene extract from Cajanus cajan L. on serum and hepatic lipid in diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice].

Cajanus cajan L. is a natural plant, which contains a lot of potential active components. In the present study, we identified the effects of the stilbene extract from Cajanus cajan L. (sECC) on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in diet-induced (for 4 weeks) hyperlipidemic Kunming mice. All experimental mice were divided into 5 groups: control group, high lipid model group, sECC-treated with 200 or 100 mg kg(-1), and simvastatin (Sim, 12 mg kg(-1)) treated group. The mice were fed with fat and cholesterol-enriched chow except control mice that were fed with standard diet. The effects of sECC were investigated by monitoring serum and liver lipid profile (i. e. cholesterol homeostasis) in mice. To further explore the mechanism of sECC, hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expressions in cholesterol homeostasis were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR. After 4 weeks pretreatment, the mice in the high lipid model group showed markedly higher serum and hepatic lipid contents than control group (P< 0.01). Compared with high lipid model group, the increased serum and hepatic lipid contents were markedly attenuated by sECC (200 mg kg(-1)), the serum and hepatic total cholesterol were reduced by 31.5% and 22.7% (P<0.05), respectively. The triglyceride contents of serum and liver were also lowered by 23.0% and 14.4%, respectively. At the same times, serum LDL cholesterol decreased by 53.0% (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of hepatic CYP7A1 and LDL-receptor were significantly enhanced in the mice administered with sECC (200 mg kg(-1)), whereas those expressions were suppressed by the fat and cholesterol-enriched diet. These data indicate that sECC reduces the atherogenic properties of dietary cholesterol in mice. It is indicated that expression enhancement of hepatic LDL-receptor and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase may be responsible for the hypercholesterolemic effect.

[Effects of the extracts of Cajanus cajan L. on cell functions in human osteoblast-like TE85 cells and the derivation of osteoclast-like cells].

The cajanine (longistylin A-2-carboxylic acid) is isolated and identified from extracts of Cajanus cajan L. (ECC) , which structure is similar to diethylstilbestrol. The regulation properties of the cajanine and other four extracts of Cajanus cajan L. (32-1, 35-1, 35-2, and 35-3) were tested in human osteoblast-like (HOS) TE85 cells and marrow-derived osteoclast-like cells. By using MTT assay to test the change of cell proliferation, 3H-proline incorporation to investigate the formation of collagen, and by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, bone formation in HOS TE85 cell was evaluated after pretreated for 48 hours. Bone marrow cells were cultured to examine the derivation of osteoclast cells (OLCs), which were stained with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The long term effect (pretreated for 18 days) on promoting mineralized bone-like tissue formation was tested by Alizarin red S staining in HOS TE85 cells. After the treatment with cajanine (1 x 10(-8) g x mL(-1)) for 48 hours, cell number increased significantly (57.7%). 3H-Proline incorporation also statistically increased (98.5%) in those cells. Significant change of ALP activity was also found (P < 0.01) in 35-1 and 35-3 treated cells (they were 66.2% and 82.4% in the concentration of 1 x 10(-8) g x mL(-1), respectively). The long term (18 days) effects of 32-1 and 35-3 on promoting mineralized bone-like tissue formation in HOS TE85 cell were obvious. There were much more red blots over the field of vision compared with that of control group. After the treatment of cajanine, derived-osteoclast cells appeared later and much less compared with control. The inhibition of cajanine was 22.8% while it was 37.9% in 32-1 treated cells in the dose of 1 x 10(-7) g x mL(-1). It is obvious that cajanine and ECCs promoted the osteoblast cells proliferation and mineralized bone-like tissue formation in HOS TE85 cells, while inhibited derivation of osteoclast cells. All of these suggested that cajanine has the estrogen-like action on osteoblast and osteoclast, which could be developed as anti-osteoporosis drugs.

[Effects of the stilbene extracts from Cajanus cajan L. on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats].

The Cajanus cajan L. is a natural plant, which contains lots of potential active components. The effects of the stilbene extracts from Cajanus cajan L. (sECC) on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in rats were identified. All experimental female rats were divided into 6 groups, i. e. sham-operated rats, OVX rats, 17beta-estradiol (E2)-treated rats, sECC-treated rats with three dosages, 50, 100, and 200 mg x kg(-1), separately. Two weeks after the operation, different dosage of sECC, E2 or deionized water were given to the 6 groups of rats, respectively for another 8 weeks through stomach. Then, all rats were killed. The body weight and uterus wet weight were measured. Contents of serum E2, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Femoral morphology was observed by HE stain. The results showed that there were no changes of the uterine weight and serum E2 concentration in sECC-treated rats compared with OVX rats. However, the serum FSH and LH concentrations reduced by 11.5% and 15.2% (P < 0.05), respectively. By HE staining, it is found that the 60% of the femur structure had been significantly improved in OVX rats treated with 200 mg x kg(-1) of sECC. The trabeculae were thicker and larger than that of OVX rats. It is clear that sECC improved femoral morphological structure and decreased FSH and LH contents without affecting serum E2 level and uterine weight in OVX rats. The results suggested that sECC had potential action in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Studies on the triterpenoid constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L].

AIM: To look for new active constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L. METHODS: Various column chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the ingredients. The structure were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidences and chemical reaction. RESULTS: Five compounds were obtained and identified as 23-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 23-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (2), 25-anhydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (3), cimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (4), cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (5). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2 and 4 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Studies on the phenolic acid constituents from Chinese medicine "sheng-ma", rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida L].

AIM: To look for new active constituents from Chinese medicine "Sheng-ma", rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida L. METHODS: The compounds were separated and purified by chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were determined by spectral analysis and chemical reaction. RESULTS: Eight compounds were obtained and identified as cimicifugic acid (1), esculetin (2), caffeic acid methyl ester (3), 4-O-acetyl-caffeic acid (4), sinapic acid (5), caffeic acid (6), ferulic acid (7), isoferulic acid (8). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2-7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L].

AIM: To look for new active constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L. METHODS: Various column chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the principles. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidences. RESULTS: Five 9,19-cycloartane triterpenoid saponins and one sitosterol saponin were obtained and identified as cimifoetiside I [12 beta-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactoyranoside, (1)], cimifoetiside II [(23R,24R) cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, (2)], cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (3), 12 beta-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (4), 12 beta-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (5), daucosterol (6). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1 and 2 are new and compounds 4 and 5 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Cimicifuga dahurica].

AIM: To seek for new bioactive constituents from the aerial parts of Cimicifuga dahurica. METHODS: Various column chromatographic techniques were employed for the isolation and purification of the ingredients. The structures were elucidated on the basis of 1H, 13CNMR, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, NOESY and HMBC spectra and chemical reactions. RESULTS: Two cyclolanostanol xylosides, cimidahuside C and D were isolated from the EtOAc section of EtOH extracts. CONCLUSION: Cimidahuside C(1) and D(2) are new triterpenoid xylosides.

[Studies on the new triterpenoid saponin of the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida].

OBJECTIVE: To find new active constituents from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida. METHOD: Various column chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the principles. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidences. RESULT: Four 9,19-cycloartane triterpenoid saponins were obtained and identified as Cimifoetiside III (25-anhydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, 1), 25-O-acetyl-cimigenol xylopyranoside (2), 25-O-acetyl-cimigenol galactopyranoside (3), 7 beta-hydrocimigenol xylopyranoside (4). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is new and compound 4 was isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Studies on new trierpenoid constituents from the Rhizoma of Cimicifuga foetida].

OBJECTIVE: To find new active constituents from Rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida. METHOD: Various column chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical evidences. RESULT: Four triterpenoid compounds were isolated and identified as 7,8-didehydro-27-deoxyactein(1), 24-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-xyl (23R, 24R)[2], cimigenol(3), cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xyl(4). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new compound, 2-4 were obtained from this medicinal material for the first time. The antiosteoporosis activity screening in vitro(by the method of SRB) indicates that Compounds 1, 2 and 4 can promote the proliferation for rat Osteoblastoma cell line (UMR106) at the concentration of 10(-9) kg.L-1.

Protective effects of trans-2, 4-dimethoxystibene on cognitive, impairments induced by Abeta(25-35) in, hypercholesterolemic rats.

Trans-2, 4-dimethoxystibene (S3) is a synthetic stilbenes. In the present study, S3 was investigated to assess its neuroprotective effect against the toxicity induced by Abeta(25-35) in hypercholesterolemic rats. Rats were fed with hypercholesterolemic chow for six weeks, and then received a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Abeta(25-35) and a treatment with S3 or estradiol (E2). Behavioral changes and neuron apoptosis in rats were evaluated using Morris water maze, step-down test and TUNEL tests. To further explore the mechanism of S3, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hippocampus were analyzed by spectrophotometric method. At the same time, the releases of cytochrome C were analyzed by Western Blot, and the contents of acetylcholine (Ach) were analyzed by Elisa. The data showed that consumption of S3 (50mg/kg/d) significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits and neuron apoptosis caused by i.c.v. injection of Abeta(25-35). Meanwhile, S3 reversed the decreased activity of ChAT, SOD, GSH-Px and contents of Ach, as well as the increased activity of AchE, MDA contents and the release of cytochrome C in hippocampus. These findings suggest that S3 may be a potential candidate for development as therapeutic agent to treat AD through regulating cholinergic nerve system and anti-oxidative mechanism.

Effects of trans-2,4-dimethoxystibene against the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta(25-35) both in vitro and in vivo.

Trans-2,4-dimethoxystibene (S(3)) is a synthetic stilbene. In this study, S(3) was investigated in terms of its neuroprotective effect against the toxicity induced by beta-amyloid(25-35) (Abeta(25-35)) both in vitro and in vivo. Protection by S(3) was studied at the in vivo level using a model of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Abeta(25-35) in mice. The consumption of S(3) (50mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits and neuron apoptosis caused by i.c.v. injection of Abeta(25-35). At the same time, the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were markedly increased, and the increased acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity was significantly decreased in hippocampus and cortex. In vitro, SHY-SY5Y cells were co-cultured with Abeta(25-35), and then treated with S(3) immediately. Neuronal survival rates were increased, and this protection was associated with reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Protective effect of stilbenes containing extract-fraction from Cajanus cajan L. on Abeta(25-35)-induced cognitive deficits in mice.

Cajanus cajan (L.) is a traditional Chinese herb medicine which contains a lot of potential active components. In the present study, we identified the effects of the stilbenes containing extract-fraction from C. cajan L. (sECC) on Abeta(25-35)-induced cognitive deficits, oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction in mice. Mice were treated with sECC (100 and 200mg/kg/d) for 1-week, and then received a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Abeta(25-35) (5mug/mice). Behavioral changes and neuron apoptosis in mice were evaluated using Morris water maze and TUNEL tests. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) and acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity in hippocampus and cortex were analyzed by spectrophotometric method. The data showed that consumption of sECC (200mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits and neuron apoptosis caused by i.c.v. injection of Abeta(25-35). At the same time, the decreased SOD and ChAT activity in hippocampus and cortex were markedly increased by sECC (200mg/kg). sECC has no effect on AchE activity in hippocampus and cortex. These findings suggest that sECC may be a potential candidate for the development of therapeutic agents to manage cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) through increasing the activity of ChAT and anti-oxidative mechanism.

Hypocholesterolemic effect of stilbenes containing extract-fraction from Cajanus cajan L. on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in mice.

Cajanus cajan (L) is a natural plant which contains a lot of potential active components. In the present study, we identified the effects of the stilbenes containing extract-fraction from Cajanus cajan L (sECC) on diet-induced (for 4 weeks) hypercholesterolemia in Kunming mice. All experimental mice were divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, sECC-treated with 200 or 100 mg/kg/day, and simvastatin group. The effects of sECC were investigated by monitoring serum and liver lipid profile (cholesterol homeostasis and triglyceride) as well as serum superoxide dismutase activity in those mice. To further explore the mechanism of sECC, hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL receptor) expressions in cholesterol homeostasis were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR. After 4 weeks pretreatment, compared with model group, the increased serum and hepatic total cholesterol were markedly attenuated by sECC (200 mg/kg) by 31.4% and 22.7% (p<0.01), respectively, the triglyceride levels of serum and liver were also lowered by 22.98% and 14.39%, respectively. At the same time, serum LDL cholesterol decreased by 52.8% (p<0.01) accompanied with the activities of serum superoxide dismutase increased by 20.98%. Atherogenic index and body weight were also reduced markedly. The mRNA expressions of HMG-CoA reductase, CYP7A1, and LDL-receptor were significantly enhanced in the mice administered with sECC (200 mg/kg/day), whereas those expressions were suppressed by the hypercholesterolemic diet. These data indicate that sECC reduces the atherogenic properties of dietary cholesterol in mice. Its hypocholesterolemic effect may involve enhancement of the hepatic LDL-receptor and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase expression levels and bile acid synthesis.

Siraitic acid F, a new nor-cucurbitacin with novel skeleton, from the roots of Siraitia grosvenorii.

A new cucurbitane triterpene, siraitic acid F (1), has been isolated from the roots of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey, and its structure has been elucidated as 29-nor-4,24-diene-3,11-dioxo-19-hydroxy-6,19-cyclocucurbitane-26-oic acid on the basis of spectroscopic evidences, including a series of 2D NMR analyses.

[Comparative study of barium enema, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in preoperative diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic value of barium enema (BE), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in primary colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with suspected colorectal carcinoma received BE (n=39), spiral CT (n=31) and MRI (n=42). The detective results were compared with the surgical results. RESULTS: Among 64 patients, 54 cases were pathologically proved as colorectal carcinoma. The diagnostic sensitivity of BE,CT and MRI was 96.9% ,96.2% and 97.1% ,and the overall accuracy was 92.3% 83.9 % and 90.5% respectively. The overall accuracy of CT and MRI for tumor T staging was 73.1% and 82.9% respectively. CONCLUSION: BE can be considered as a primary approach for diagnosing colorectal carcinoma, CT and MRI be necessary diagnostic approaches. Combined BE with MRI is the best choice for diagnosing of colorectal carcinoma.

Two new cyclolanostanol glycosides from the aerial parts of Cimicifuga foetida.

Two new cyclolanostanol glycosides, cimifoetiside IV (1) and cimifoetiside V (2) and two known compounds have been isolated from the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L. On the basis of spectral and chemical evidences, the structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated to be 25-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1" --> 2')-beta-D-xylopyranoside (1) and cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1"' --> 2")-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1" --> 2')-beta-D-xylopyranoside (2). The known compounds were identified as 25-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (3) and 23-O-acetylshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (4).