- 1. [Study on compatibility extraction technology of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex].
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the optimum compatibility extraction technology of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex.
METHOD:
The drugs were combined respectively firstly, then use HPLC to determinate extraction rates of evaluating indicators including emodin, chrysophano, baicalin and berberine hydrochloride. Orthogonal experiment was used to detect the effect on concentration and volume of ethanol, times of extraction.
RESULT:
The extraction rates of evaluating indicators were relatively high in combined extraction of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma with Scutellariae Radix and single extraction of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. The optimized combined extraction were 12 times more than the volume of 60% ethanol solution, by boiling for 3 times, each for 1.0 hour, and that of single extraction were 10 times more than the volume of 60% ethanol solution, by boiling for 3 times, each for 1.0 hour.
CONCLUSION:
The optimized compatibility extraction technology is reasonable, stable and practical....(more)
Zhou A, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2012 Feb;37(4):461-5. Chinese.
Related Products: Berberine Hydrochloride
- 2. [Effect of berberine hydrochloride on the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from human periodontal ligament cells in vitro].
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of berberine hydrochloride on the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from human periodontal ligament cells (PDLC) in vitro culture.
METHODS:
Periodontal ligament was isolated from extracted human premolars, and PDLC were cultured in vitro. PDLC were divided into two groups, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and non-lipopolysaccharide (NLPS) group. Then in accordance with the final concentrations of berberine hydrochloride in cells culture medium (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 g/L), the groups were subdivided into LPS and NLPS control group, LPS1 and NLPS1 group, LPS2 and NLPS2 group, LPS3 and NLPS3 group. Cellular concentration of MCP-1 of each group was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS:
The MCP-1 contents were not significantly different between the groups of NLPS1, NLPS2 and NLPS3 [(11.33 ± 0.16), (11.45 ± 0.53), (11.25 ± 0.14) ng/L, respectively] and the NLPS control group [(11.32 ± 0.35) ng/L] (P = 0.692, 0.568, 0.524). MCP-1 contents in the groups of LPS1, LPS2 and LPS3 [respectively (38.14 ± 5.34), (34.15 ± 3.36), (26.13 ± 2.12) ng/L] were significantly lower than in LPS control group [(58.42 ± 1.52) ng/L], P = 0.000, 0.000, P = 0.000.
CONCLUSIONS:
The inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride on the activities of MCP-1 from PDLC was more significant when PDLC were stimulated with LPS and in a concentration-dependent manner....(more)
Zhang F, et al. Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2012 Oct;47(10):610-3. Chinese.
Related Products: Berberine Hydrochloride
- 3. [Cellular absorption of the active ingredients in different compatibilities of gegenqinlian decoction in human intestinal caco-2 cells].
OBJECTIVE:
To study the intestinal dynamics characteristics of puerarin and other active ingredients in Gegenqinlian decoction.
METHODS:
Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to research the transport of puerarin and baicalin, berberine hydrochloride, liquiritin when they were used in different compatibilities, meanwhile a ultra performance liquid chromato-graphic method was also developed.
RESULTS:
The concentration of puerarin, haicalin, berberine hydrochloride, liqpiritin in cell culture medium was measured and the apparent permeahility coefficients (Papp) as well as percent absorption (%) from apical side to basolateral side were calculated. The absorption characteristics of the four components were different when they were used in different compatibilities. Furthermore the Papp sequence of puerarin in specific groups were puerarin-baicalin-berberine-liquiritin group > puerarin-baicalin group > puerarin-berberine > puerarin-liquiritin group > single puerarin (P < 0. 05).
CONCLUSION:
The intestinal absorption dynamics process of the active ingredients in Gegenqinlian decoction changes as the change of prescription compatibilities. And the intestinal absorption characteristics of puerarin is enhanced by the use of other components....(more)
Zhang BS, et al. Zhong Yao Cai 2012 Sep;35(9):1460-3. Chinese.
Related Products: Berberine Hydrochloride
- 4. Chemical constituents of Arisaema franchetianum tubers.
A novel pyrrolidine alkaloid, (2R*,3S*,5S*)-N,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-5-(10-phenyldecyl)pyrrolidine (1), and 17 known compounds were isolated from Arisaema franchetianum Engl. (Araceae) tubers. The 17 compounds were bergenin (2), emodin (3), caffeic acid (4), nobiletin (5), 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl(1 → 6)-β-d-galactopyranosyl ester (6), coniferin (7), qingyangshengenin (8), methylconiferin (9), syringaresinol 4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), gagaminine (11), perlolyrine (12), (S)-1-(1'-hydroxyethyl)-β-carboline (13), 1-(β-carboline-1-yl)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-pentanone (14), 1-methoxycarbonyl-β-carboline (15), indolo[2,3-α]carbazole (16), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester (17), and methyl 4-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl] ferulate (18). The inhibitory activities of compound 1 and its N-methyl derivative (1a) against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV), human leukemic K562 cells, and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were evaluated. Compounds 1 [50% inhibited concentration (IC(50)) = 12.5 ± 0.6 μM] and 1a (IC(50) = 15.7 ± 0.9 μM) were cytotoxic against K562 cells. Compound 1a also had a weak effect on PRRSV with an IC(50) value of 31.9 ± 6.0 μM [selectivity index (SI) = 18.7]....(more)
Su Y, et al. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2013;15(1):71-7.
Related Products: Bergenin
- 5. Investigation of the mechanisms of improved oral bioavailability of bergenin using bergenin-phospholipid complex.
Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the detailed mechanisms of oral absorption enhancement of bergenin (BN) using BN-phospholipid complex (BPC). Methods: Multiple models such as ex vivo everted rat gut sac model and in vitro Caco-2 cell model were used. Meanwhile, the effect of chitosan on the enhancement of the permeability of BPC was evaluated. Results: The limited absorption of BN was significantly improved in both ex vivo everted rat gut sac model and in vitro Caco-2 cell model when combined with phospholipid. The transport of BPC was uppermost 5.19-fold higher than that of BN. The results of ex vivo everted rat gut sac model showed that small intestine was a more suitable site for the absorption of BN and BPC than colon. Passive diffusion was the only way employed in the transport of BN, while BPC could transport across enterocytes by both passive diffusion and active transport which was found to be the clathrine-dependent receptor-mediated endocytosis. The absorption of BN was barely improved by the physical mixture of BN and phospholipid due to lack of stable intermolecular interactions. Moreover, the addition of chitosan could open the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells, thus significantly increasing the transport of BPC via paracellular route. Conclusions: Totally different mechanisms, which led to the enhanced oral bioavailability, were utilized in the uptake and transport process of BPC compared with BN. These results would be of significance for the future development of oral delivery systems of BN....(more)
Guan S, et al. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2013 Jan 15.
Related Products: Bergenin
- 6. Chemical constituents of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston.
The current study targets the chemical constituents of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston and investigates the bioactivities of the isolated compounds. Fourteen known compounds were isolated using column chromatography, and structural identification was performed by physical and spectral analyses. The biological activities of the compounds were also evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 2,2-diphenlyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Emodin (6), baicalein (9), and apigenin (12) displayed antitumor activities against the MGC-803 cell line, while quercetin (2), rutin (5), baicalein (9), and epicatechin (13) showed stronger DPPH scavenging activities compared with ascorbic acid. Andrographolide (1), quercetin (2), bergenin (4), rutin (5), emodin (6), betulin (7), baicalein (9), polydatin (10), salicin (11), and apigenin (12), were obtained from C. decapetala (Roth) Alston for the first time....(more)
Wei XH, et al. Molecules 2013 Jan 22;18(1):1325-36.
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- 7. Cardioprotective activity of standardized extract of Ficus racemosa stem bark against doxorubicin-induced toxicity.
CONTEXT:
Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark is a rich source of phenolic compounds having diverse biological properties including antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated the cardioprotective activity of sequential acetone extract of Ficus racemosa bark against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The extract was standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and subjected to acute toxicological evaluation in mice. Cardiotoxicity was induced by administration of doxorubicin (10 mg kg(-1) i.v.) to the extract pretreated rats (250 and 500 mg kg(-1)) and compared with that of Arjuna, a standard cardiotonic. Biochemical parameters included CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT, troponin I, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and glutathione.
RESULTS:
The HPLC fingerprinting of the extract indicated the presence of bergenin (0.89%) and bergapten (0.07%). In an acute toxicity study, the extract at a dose of 2 g kg(-1) did not cause any adverse changes and no mortality was observed. Administration of doxorubicin significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) serum levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, which were decreased to an extent of 68, 63, 41, and 65%, respectively, in extract pretreated group (500 mg kg(-1)). Troponin I was undetected in control group, while it was found in serum of all the experimental groups. The extract pretreatment significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) TBARS and increased glutathione levels in serum and cardiac tissue. These observations were further substantiated by the histopathological studies.
CONCLUSION:
The acetone extract of F. racemosa bark possesses potential cardioprotective activity against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by scavenging free radicals generated by the administration of the drug....(more)
Ahmed F, et al. Pharm Biol 2012 Apr;50(4):468-73.
Related Products: Bergenin
- 8. Type 2 antidiabetic activity of bergenin from the roots of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler.
Bergenin, a major constituent of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler (Leguminosae) was isolated from its roots and was characterized by comparing its melting point and spectroscopic data (IR, (1)H, (13)C, Mass Spectra) with standard bergenin. Isolated bergenin was then evaluated for antidiabetic (Type 2) activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Bergenin was administered at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; p.o. to normal rats which were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Bergenin at same dose level was given to diabetic rats and fasting blood glucose level was estimated on 0th, 7th and 14th day of treatment while plasma lipids, antioxidant enzymes and liver glycogen level in diabetic rats were estimated on 14th day of treatment followed by histopathological studies of pancreas. Bergenin at 10mg/kg; p.o. was found to reduce blood glucose level significantly in OGTT (P<0.01) while it showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats at same dose level only on 14th day of treatment. Bergenin in all dose levels reversed plasma lipid (reduced elevated TC, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level) profile to normal values except TG. However, bergenin showed no significant effect on liver glycogen at all dose level. The decrease in lipid peroxides and increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver illustrated the antioxidant potential of bergenin. Histopathological studies demonstrated the regenerative effect of bergenin on pancreatic β cells. Hence, bergenin isolated from C. digyna possesses significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity in Type 2 diabetic rats....(more)
Kumar R, et al. Fitoterapia 2012 Mar;83(2):395-401.
Related Products: Bergenin
- 9. Formulation and evaluation of novel coated floating tablets of bergenin and cetirizine dihydrochloride for gastric delivery.
A novel coated gastric floating drug-delivery system (GFDDS) of bergenin (BN) and cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) was developed. First, the pharmacodynamic studies were performed and the results revealed that the new compounds of bergenin/cetirizine dihydrochloride had comparative efficacy as commercial products (bergenin/chlorphenamine maleate) but with fewer side effects on central nervous system (CNS). Subsequently, bergenin was formulated as an extended-release core tablet while cetirizine dihydrochloride was incorporated into the gastric coating film for immediate release. The formulation of GFDDS was optimized by CET content uniformity test, in vitro buoyancy and drug release. Herein, the effects of sodium bicarbonate (effervescent), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, matrix polymer) and coating weight gain were investigated respectively. The optimized GFDDS exhibited good floating properties (buoyancy lag time < 2 min; floating duration > 10 h) and satisfactory drug-release profiles (immediate release of CET in 10 min and sustained release of BN for 12 h). In vivo gamma scintigraphy proved that the optimized GFDDS could retain in the stomach with a prolonged gastric retention time (GRT) of 5 h, and the coating layer showed no side effect for gastric retention. The novel coated gastric floating drug-delivery system offers a new approach to enhance BN's absorption at its absorption site and the efficacy of both CET and BN....(more)
He S, et al. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2012 Oct;38(10):1280-8.
Related Products: Bergenin
- 10. Biologically active bergenin derivatives from Bergenia stracheyi.
New bergenin derivatives, bergecins A and B (1 and 2, resp.), have been isolated from the AcOEt-soluble fraction of Bergenia stracheyi, along with bergenin (3), and their structures were elucidated on the basis of (1) H- and (13) C-NMR spectra, and by COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments. Compound 2 showed potent inhibitory potential against the enzyme lipoxygenase, while 1 was moderately active. On the other hand, both compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay....(more)
Siddiq F, et al. Chem Biodivers 2012 Jan;9(1):91-8.
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- 11. Antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase compounds from the rhizome of Peltiphyllum peltatum (Torr.) Engl.
The antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase and anticholinesterase effects of the alcohol extract of fresh underground rhizomes of Peltiphyllum peltatum were studied. A potent antioxidant activity accompanied by a selective α-glucosidase effect was observed for the crude extract. Further activity-guided fractionation (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) resulted in the identification of the ethyl acetate fraction with the highest antioxidant effect. Gallic acid, methyl-3-O-methyl gallate, catechin, gallocatechin, bergenin and 11-O-galloylbergenin were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction. While all the isolated compounds did show a variable degree of radical scavenging effect, 11-O-galloylbergenin was identified as the selective α-glucosidase inhibitor. The isolation, structural elucidation and biological effects of these compounds are discussed....(more)
Habtemariam S, et al. Phytother Res 2012 Nov;26(11):1656-60.
Related Products: Bergenin
- 12. Synthesis of new bergenin derivatives as potent inhibitors of inflammatory mediators NO and TNF-α.
Bergenin is an isocoumarin natural product which aides in fat loss, healthy weight maintenance, enhancing the lipolytic effects of norepinephrine, inhibiting the formation of interleukin 1α and cyclooxygenases-2. Here we describe the anti-inflammatory activity of new bergenin derivatives 1-15 in the respiratory burst assay. Bergenin was isolated from the crude extract of Mallotus philippenensis after repeated column chromatography and was then subjected to chemical derivatization. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Compound 2 was also studied using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 4, (54.5±2.2%) 5 (47.5±0.5%) 5, and 15 (86.8±1.9%) showed significant (P≤0.005) NO inhibitory activities whereas 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13 displayed moderate inhibitory activities that ranges between 16% and 31%. Furthermore compounds 4 and 15, were discovered as significant (P≤0.005) TNF-α inhibitors with 98% and 96% inhibition, respectively, while compounds 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 12 showed low level of TNF-α inhibition (0.4-28%). Compounds 8, 13 and 15 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory IC(50) activities with 212, 222, and 253 μM, respectively, compared to the standard anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin as well as the parent bergenin compound. No cytotoxic effects could be detected when the compounds were tested on 3T3 cells up to concentrations of 100 μM....(more)
Shah MR, et al. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012 Apr 15;22(8):2744-7.
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- 13. Microarray-based mRNA expression profiling of leukemia cells treated with the flavonoid, casticin.
Natural polyphenols play an important role in tumor inhibition. We used a doxorubicin-sensitive acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (CCRF-CEM) and its multidrug-resistant subline (CEM/ADR5000) to evaluate the activity of 15 plant polyphenols isolated in our laboratory (hypericin and pseudohypericin, verbascoside, ellagic acid, casticin, kaempferol-3-O-(2'',6''-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-(3,4-diacetyl-2,6-di-E-p-coumaroyl) -glucopyranoside, tiliroside, salvianolic acid B, oleuropein, rosmarinic acid, bergenin) or of others from commercial sources (curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, silymarin). Casticin was the most potent compound (IC50 values of 0.28 ± 0.02 μM in CCRF-CEM and 0.44 ± 0.17 μM in CEM/ADR5000 cells. The IC50 values of the other compounds tested ranged from 1.52 μM to 164.1 μM. A microarray-based mRNA expression profiling of CCRF-CEM cells treated with casticin was performed in order to identify genes with altered expression following casticin treatment. Networks related to NF-κB, p38MAPK, histones H3 and H4, and follicle stimulating hormone were identified....(more)
Righeschi C, et al. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2012 May-Jun;9(3):143-51.
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- 14. Two new tryptophan derivatives from the seed kernels of Entada rheedei: Effects on cell viability and HIV infectivity.
Two new tryptophan derivatives, N-sulfonyl-L-tryptophan (tryptorheedei A) (1) and 3-(N-sulfonylindolyl)-D-lactic acid (tryptorheedei B) (2) together with the known 5-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3), 1-O-methylglucopyranoside, entadamide A, homogentisic acid and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol, were isolated from the seed kernels of Entada rheedei (Mimosaceae). Their structures were established using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and by comparison with spectroscopic data reported in the literature. Compounds 1 and 2 showed no toxicity to TZM and Human PBMC cells. Both compounds 1 and 2 were found to promote early infection events in HIV, likely by inhibiting the enzyme indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and preventing tryptophan depletion. Inhibition of IDO acutely in HIV infection inhibits viral replication, but chronic activation of IDO leads to immune impairment in AIDS. IDO is also the gatekeeper enzyme for kynurenine metabolism, a pathway involved in serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis and the regulation of glutamate and dopamine levels in the brain. Therefore inhibition of IDO might explain both the reported medicinal and neuropsychiatric effects of E. rheedei....(more)
Nzowa LK, et al. Fitoterapia 2013 Mar 26;87C:37-42.
Related Products: beta-Sitosterol
- 15. Characterization of sterol glucosyltransferase from Salinispora tropica CNB-440: Potential enzyme for the biosynthesis of sitosteryl glucoside.
A sterol glucosyltransferase-encoded gene was isolated from Salinispora tropica CNB-440, a marine, sediment-dwelling, Gram positive bacterium that produces the potent anticancer compound, salinosporamide A. The full-length gene consists of 1284 nucleotides and encodes 427 amino acids with a calculated mass of 45.65kDa. The gene was then cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The amino acid sequence shares 39% similarity with the glycosyltransferase from Withania somnifera, which belongs to glycosyltransferase family 1. Enzyme reactions were carried out with the various free sterols (acceptor) and NDP-sugars (donor). The purified protein only showed activity for glucosylation of β-sitosterol with UDP-D-glucose and TDP-D-glucose donors, and optimal activity at pH 7.5 and 37°C. Among these two donors, UDP-D-glucose was preferred....(more)
Thuan NH, et al. Enzyme Microb Technol 2013 Apr 10;52(4-5):234-40.
Related Products: beta-Sitosterol
- 16. Characterisation of non-polar dimers formed during thermo-oxidative degradation of β-sitosterol.
Thermo-oxidative degradation of sterols at temperature typical for frying leads to the formation of oxidised derivatives, fragmented sterols and oligomers. Recent research on sterol oxidation focuses mainly on the oxysterol derivatives formation to the exclusion of compounds with high molecular mass. The aim of this work was to decipher the chemical structure of non-polar dimers formed during β-sitosterol oxidation at 180°C in the presence of oxygen. The dimer fraction was separated by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) after pre-fractionation on silica gel. The chemical structure of the dimers was assessed by 1D and 2D NMR, IR, Raman and MS spectroscopies. NMR data confirmed that the predominant non-polar dimer formed during β-sitosterol oxidative degradation has a configuration of 3β,3β'-disitosteryl ether. Data from IR and Raman spectroscopies further proved it chemical structure. Applied analytical techniques also confirmed presence of dimers with different configuration than disteryl ethers....(more)
Sosi¨˝ska E, et al. Food Chem 2013 Aug 15;139(1-4):464-74.
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- 17. Voulkensin C-E, new 11-oxocassane-type diterpenoids and a steroid glycoside from Caesalpinia volkensii stem bark and their antiplasmodial activities.
A bioassay guided isolation of potential antimalarial molecules from the stem bark of Caesalpinia volkensii Harms (Fabaceae) achieved three new 11-oxocassane-type diterpenoids named voulkensin C (1), D (2) and E (3) together with one steroid glycoside named 3-O-[β-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-O-β-xylopyranosyl]-stigmasterol (4) and seven other known compounds including stigmasterol (5), β-sitosterol (6), oleanolic acid (7), 3-β-acetoxyolean-12-en-28-methyl ester (8), voucap-5-ol (9), caesadekarin C (10), deoxycaesaldekarin C (11). The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data (IR, MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR and 2D NMR) analyses. The polar extracts revealed moderate to good antiplasmodial activities against chloquine-sensitive (D6) and -resistant strains (W2) of Plasmodium falciparum. Whereas the pure isolates exhibited limited to moderate antiplasmodial activities with compound 4 showing the highest antiplasmodial activities (IC50 values of 4.44±0.88 and 2.74±1.10μM against D6 and W2 strains, respectively). These results suggest a possible contribution of phytochemicals from C. volkensii stem bark towards inhibition of plasmodial parasites' growth hence potential antimalarial....(more)
Ochieng CO, et al. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013 May 15;23(10):3088-95.
Related Products: beta-Sitosterol
- 18. Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Activity of Compounds from Euphorbia granuleta Forssk.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) activity of the total alcohol extracts of Euphorbia granuleta Forssk. (Euphorpiaceae), isolate and identify the active compounds that could be responsible for the activity, in addition to determination of the possible mechanism of action. Six compounds were isolated and identified from this plant: three phenolic compounds (kampferol, kampferol-3-glucoside and kampferol-3-galactoside) in addition to three steroidal compounds (1-ethoxypentacosane, heptacosan-1-ol and β-sitosterol). Three compounds (heptacosan-1-ol, β-sitosterol and kampferol-3-galactoside) were found to be responsible for the anti-UC activity of E. granuleta extract. The anti-UC activity of these compounds may be explained by reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in addition to reduction of colonic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. No side effects were reported on liver and kidney functions. The active compounds reduced both serum TNF-α and mucosal MDA levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd....(more)
Awaad AS, et al. Phytother Res 2013 Apr 11.
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- 19. A Rapid Method To Determine Sterol, Erythrodiol, and Uvaol Concentrations in Olive Oil.
A rapid, accurate, and efficient method for determining the sterol, uvaol, and erythrodiol concentrations was developed to meet International Olive Council (IOC) certification criteria for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The unsaponifiable fraction of the sample (0.2 g) was separated with a diatomaceous earth column, and the sterol and triterpenic dialcohols were isolated with a novel base-activated silica solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge cleanup protocol. The improved method and the IOC method provided identical pass/fail results (n = 34) for each of the six sterol and erythrodiol/uvaol IOC criteria used to assess olive oil. This method was validated, and recoveries of stigmasterol (88%) and β-sitosterol (84%) were greater than previously published values obtained using the IOC method. This method requires approximately one-third the time required to complete the IOC method and has great utility for the rapid screening of EVOO to detect adulteration, false labeling, and an inferior product....(more)
Mathison B, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2013 May 3.
Related Products: beta-Sitosterol
- 20. Cytotoxic Activity of Kenaf Seed Oils from Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid Extraction towards Human Colorectal Cancer (HT29) Cell Lines.
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) from the family Malvaceae, is a valuable fiber plant native to India and Africa and is currently planted as the fourth commercial crop in Malaysia. Kenaf seed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, phytosterol such as β -sitosterol, vitamin E, and other antioxidants with chemopreventive properties. Kenaf seeds oil (KSO) was from supercritical carbon dioxide extraction fluid (SFE) at 9 different permutations of parameters based on range of pressures from 200 to 600 bars and temperature from 40 to 80°C. They were 200/40, 200/60, 200/80, 400/40, 400/60, 400/80, 600/40, 600/60, and 600/80. Extraction from 9 parameters of KSO-SFE was screened for cytotoxicity towards human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cell lines using MTS assay. KSO-SFE at 600/40 showed the strongest cytotoxicity towards HT29 with IC50 of 200 µg/mL. The IC50 for NIH/3T3 was not detected even at highest concentration employed. Cell cycle analysis showed a significant increase in the accumulation of KSO-SFE-treated cells at sub-G1 phase, indicating the induction of apoptosis by KSO-SFE. Further apoptosis induction was confirmed by Annexin V/PI and AO/PI staining....(more)
Abd Ghafar SA, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013;2013:549705.
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- 21. Tyrosinase Inhibitors from Calceolaria integrifolia s.l.: Calceolaria talcana Aerial Parts.
As a defense mechanism of the aerial parts of Calceolaria talcana (Calceolariaceae; formerly Scrophulariaceae) against herbivore offenses and insect pest attack, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, phenylethanoids, flavonoids, and iridoids are rapidly accumulated along the aerial parts, resulting in a unique natural biopesticide complex from this plant. In addition to verbascoside a series of known compounds were screened for their inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase and protease enzymes. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts, together with cyclopropyl-7,15-ent-pimaradiene (1), abietatriene (2), ursolic acid (3), α-lupeol (4), β-sitosterol (5), 2-hydroxy-3-(1,1-dimethylallyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone (6), α-dunnione (7), verbascoside (8), martynoside (9), and some known model compounds proved to be inhibitors of oxidation of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) catalyzed by tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) with an IC50 between 10.0 and 200 ppm or μM, respectively, suggesting that phenolic moieties in the molecules assayed are important for the activity....(more)
Muñoz E, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2013 Apr 30.
Related Products: beta-Sitosterol
- 22. Nitric oxide mediates the insulin sensitizing effects of β-sitosterol in high fat diet-fed rats.
β-Sitosterol has been shown to have antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in animal models. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of β-sitosterol on insulin sensitivity, oxidative and nitrosative stress and lipid abnormalities in liver of high fat-fed rat model of insulin resistance (IR) and to assess whether nitric oxide (NO) is involved in its action. Adult male albino Wistar rats of body weight 150-180g were fed either control diet (CON) or high fat diet (HFD). Each dietary group was divided into two and treated or untreated with β-sitosterol (10mg/kgb.w.<sup>-1</sup>day<sup>-1</sup>) for 4weeks. Inhibition of total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by administration of nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and inducible NOS (iNOS) by aminoguanidine (AG) in HFD and HFD+ β-sitosterol groups were accomplished to identify the role of NO. After 28days, assays were performed in plasma and liver. HFD-fed rats showed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, IR, oxidative damage, nitrosative stress, lipid accumulation and elevated serum aminotransferases. Increased expression of iNOS and decreased expression of endothelial NOS (eNOS) were observed in them. Hepatic fat accumulation was further confirmed by histology. The biochemical and histological abnormalities associated with HFD feeding were significantly reduced by β-sitosterol administration. Administration of L-NAME to HFD-fed rats caused decrease in insulin sensitivity and increase in oxidative stress. Co-administration of L-NAME for the last seven days to β-sitosterol-treated HFD rats abolished the glucose lowering effect of β-sitosterol, but the ability to decrease oxidative stress remained unaltered. On the other hand, administration of AG resulted in improved glucose homeostasis and antioxidant levels but decreased oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant potential in both HFD and HFD+ β-sitosterol treated groups. Thus, β-sitosterol promotes insulin sensitivity in rats fed HFD possibly by improving NO levels. With additional studies, β-sitosterol might be used as a functional drug or as an adjuvant in the management of IR and associated fatty liver disease....(more)
Radika MK, et al. Nitric Oxide 2013 Apr 23.
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- 23. Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Plays a Critical Role in Beta-Sitosterol-Induced Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma U266 cells.
Although beta-sitosterol has been well known to have anti-tumor activity in liver, lung, colon, stomach, breast and prostate cancers via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, the underlying mechanism of anti-cancer effect of beta-sitosterol in multiple myeloma cells was never elucidated until now. Thus, in the present study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in association with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways was demonstrated in beta-sitosterol-treated multiple myeloma U266 cells. Beta-sitosterol exerted cytotoxicity, increased sub-G1 apoptotic population and activated caspase-9 and -3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) followed by decrease in mitochondrial potential in U266 cells. Beta-sitosterol promoted ROS production, activated AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and JNK in U266 cells. Also, beta-sitosterol attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin and S6K, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and VEGF in U266 cells. Conversely, AMPK inhibitor compound C and JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed apoptosis induced by beta-sitosterol in U266 cells. Furthermore, ROS scavenger N-acetyl L-cysteine attenuated beta-sitosterol-mediated sub-G1 accumulation, PARP cleavage, JNK and AMPK activation in U266 cells. Overall, these findings for the first time suggest that ROS-mediated activation of cancer metabolism-related genes such as AMPK and JNK plays an important role in beta-sitosterol-induced apoptosis in U266 multiple myeloma cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd....(more)
Sook SH, et al. Phytother Res 2013 May 3.
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- 24. The pentacyclic triterpenoids in herbal medicines and their pharmacological activities in diabetes and diabetic complications.
Pentacyclic triterpenoids including the oleanane, ursane and lupane groups are widely distributed in many medicinal plants, such as Glycyrrhiza species, Gymnema species, Centella asiatica, Camellia sinensis, Crataegus species and Olea europaea, which are commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications. A large number of bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, ursolic acid, betulin, betulinic acid and lupeol have shown multiple biological activities with apparent effects on glucose absorption, glucose uptake, insulin secretion, diabetic vascular dysfunction, retinopathy and nephropathy. The versatility of the pentacyclic triterpenes provides a promising approach for diabetes management....(more)
Alqahtani A, et al. Curr Med Chem 2013;20(7):908-31.
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- 25. Cytotoxic betulin-derived hydroxypropargylamines trigger apoptosis.
Several novel betulin derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their antitumor activity. Among others, 3-O-acetylbetulinic aldehyde served as an ideal starting material for the synthesis of 28-acetylenic derivatives that were further transformed into Mannich bases. These hydroxypropargylamines were screened for their antitumor activity in a panel of nine human cancer cell lines in a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Several compounds showed a noteworthy antitumor activity. The results from acridine orange/propidium iodide staining and annexinV-FITC assays as well as DNA laddering experiments provided evidence for an apoptotic cell death....(more)
Csuk R, et al. Bioorg Med Chem 2013 Jan 15;21(2):425-35.
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- 26. Conditioning in laser skin resurfacing - betulin emulsion and skin recovery.
Laser skin resurfacing of the face by CO-laser ablation is causing superficial wounds that need rapid recovery to reduce the risk of infection, the risk of chronification and as a result the risk of unaesthetic scars. The question being addressed by this study is to demonstrate benefit of betulin emulsion skin care after CO-laser wounds. The outcome of this aesthetic comparison between betulin emulsion, moist wound dressing and gauze covering in promoting the recovery process in laser skin ablation is to demonstrate improved aesthetic benefit for the patient....(more)
Metelmann HR, et al. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2013 Apr;41(3):249-53.
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- 27. New sesquiterpenes and phenolic compound from Ficus foveolata.
Two new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes, named foveolide A (1) and foveoeudesmenone (2), one new sesquiterpenoid dimer, foveolide B (3) and a new phenolic compound, foveospirolide (4), were isolated along with six known compounds, including 4(15)-eudesmene-1β, 6α-diol (5), 4(15)-eudesmene-1β, 5α-diol (6), friedelin, taraxerol, betulin and ethyl rosmarinate, from the stems of Ficus foveolata. The structures of these new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, MS and NMR). Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against SW620, HepG2, BT474 and KATO-III cancer cell lines, whereas compound 3 was specifically cytotoxic toward SW620 cell line....(more)
Somwong P, et al. Fitoterapia 2013 Mar;85:1-7.
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- 28. Chemical constituents of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston.
The current study targets the chemical constituents of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston and investigates the bioactivities of the isolated compounds. Fourteen known compounds were isolated using column chromatography, and structural identification was performed by physical and spectral analyses. The biological activities of the compounds were also evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 2,2-diphenlyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Emodin (6), baicalein (9), and apigenin (12) displayed antitumor activities against the MGC-803 cell line, while quercetin (2), rutin (5), baicalein (9), and epicatechin (13) showed stronger DPPH scavenging activities compared with ascorbic acid. Andrographolide (1), quercetin (2), bergenin (4), rutin (5), emodin (6), betulin (7), baicalein (9), polydatin (10), salicin (11), and apigenin (12), were obtained from C. decapetala (Roth) Alston for the first time....(more)
Wei XH, et al. Molecules 2013 Jan 22;18(1):1325-36.
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- 29. Synthesis of antitumor-active betulinic acid-derived hydroxypropargylamines by copper-catalyzend mannich reactions.
Several novel betulin derivates were prepared using Mannich reactions as a key step. Starting from 3-ethynyl-3-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-ene derivatives, copper-catalyzed Mannich reactions yielded hydroxypropargyl ammonium hydrochlorides or their corresponding methiodides. All compounds were screened in a sulforhodamine B assay for their antitumor activity using a panel of 9 human cancer cell lines. Some of these compounds showed significant cytotoxicity; they act by triggering apoptotic cell death as shown by additional acridine orange/propidium iodide assays, Trypan blue tests, DNA laddering experiments, and investigations of the cell cycle....(more)
Csuk R, et al. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2013 Mar;346(3):232-46.
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- 30. Correction of drug-induced hepatotoxicity with new triterpene derivatives in transplanted RLS lymphoma.
The hepatoprotective effects of new triterpene derivatives, betulin 3β,28-di-O-nicotinate (of3) and 3,20-dioximino-29-norlup-28-ic acid methyl ester (of15), were studied in CBA/Lac mice with transplanted RLS lymphoma receiving polychemotherapy and without it. Injection of of3 and of15 agents to animals with tumors receiving polychemotherapy reduced the severity of toxic involvement of the liver, reduced mitotic activity of tumor cells in the primary node in animals receiving and not polychemotherapy, and produced a moderate antitumor effect. These effects were more pronounced for of15 agent. In addition, injection of agents of3 and of5 to animals with transplanted RLS lymphoma reduced the intensity of alterations associated with the total systems and local effects of the neoplastic process....(more)
Zhukova NA, et al. Bull Exp Biol Med 2013 Jan;154(3):370-4.
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- 31. Antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory activity of Achyranthes aspera on cariogenic Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro and in silico study.
Abstract Context: Traditionally, many cultures use chewing sticks for oral hygiene maintenance. When properly used, these chewing sticks are found to be efficient due to the combined effect of mechanical cleaning, enhanced salivation and the antimicrobial action of leached out plant compounds. Objective: Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae), an ethanomedicinal herb was evaluated for its potential to inhibit growth and biofilm formation by cariogenic isolate Streptococcus mutans as an alternative means of caries management by quorum quenching (QQ). Materials and methods: Biofilm forming cariogenic isolates were isolated and their susceptibility to the petroleum ether, benzene, methanol, aqueous extracts of A. aspera was evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), phytochemical analyses and structure-based virtual screening for their quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory activities, drug-likeness and bioavailability were also carried out. Results: The biofilm inhibition percentage obtained for methanol, benzene, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts (125 µg/mL) were ≤94%, ≤74%, ≤62% ≤42%, respectively. GC-MS analyses indicated 61 compounds, of which betulin recorded efficient interaction exhibiting comparable binding energy of -8.72 with S. mutans glycosyltransferase (GTF-SI) whereas 3,12-oleandione exhibited binding energy -5.92 with OmpR subfamily QS regulatory DNA-binding response regulator. Computer-assisted molecular descriptor and Lipinski's rule violation calculation uncovered the presence of more drug-like compounds. Discussion and conclusion: Anticaries bioactive compounds of A. aspera with higher QS response regulator binding energy, low toxicity and optimal pharmacokinetic properties were revealed. These compounds with possible QQ ability hold the potential for use as anticaries drug leads and antibiofilm preventative medicine....(more)
Murugan K, et al. Pharm Biol 2013 Apr 11.
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- 32. Synthesis, structure and cytotoxic activity of new acetylenic derivatives of betulin.
A new series of betulin derivatives containing one or two pharmacophores bearing an acetylenic and carbonyl function at the C-3 and/or C-28 positions has been synthesized and characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, IR, MS and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of 28-O-propynoylbetulin was determined by X-ray structural analysis. All new compounds, as well as betulin, were tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against human SW707 colorectal, CCRF/CEM leukemia, T47D breast cancer, and against murine P388 leukemia and Balb3T3 normal fibroblasts cell lines. Most of the compounds showed better cytotoxicity than betulin and cisplatin used as reference agent. 28-O-Propynoylbetulin was the most potent derivative, being over 500 times more potent than betulin and about 100 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin against the human leukemia (CCRF/CEM) cell line, with an ID50 value of 0.02 μg/mL....(more)
Boryczka S, et al. Molecules 2013 Apr 17;18(4):4526-43.
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- 33. Anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer evaluation of betulin nanoemulsion in chicken chorioallantoic membrane and skin carcinoma in Balb/c mice.
Betulin (Bet), the main component of birch tree bark, has been recently reported to exert anticancer activity in several cell lines; however the underlying mechanisms are only partially elucidated. The aims of the present work were to assess the in vivo effects of betulin administered as nanoemulsion (NE) in two experimental models: (i) the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay for the study of anti-angiogenic effects and (ii) the two-stage model of skin carcinoma induced in mice for the study of anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. On the CAM of the chicken betulin in nanoemulsion (BetNE) shows a good penetrability at extra-embryonic tissue level, affecting both the chorioallantoic membrane as well as the yolk sac by reducing the capillary density. In the animal model, the potential impact of local application of betulin on the respiratory function of isolated liver mitochondria was further assessed. Topical application of betulin nanoemulsion for 12 weeks together with DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) and TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate), as tumor initiator and promoter, enhanced the active respiration of isolated liver mitochondria. Betulin also inhibit skin tumor apparition and promotion, proved by histological results and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) expression correlated to non-invasive measurements. Betulin is active in nanoemulsion formulation as a potential inhibitory on the angiogenic process in CAM assay. BetNE can develop a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activity with a low toxicity at skin level. It can also influence the penetration of carcinogens and reduce damage in main organs (e.g., liver)....(more)
Dehelean CA, et al. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2013 Apr;9(4):577-89.
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- 34. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Diospyros bipindensis (Gürke) extracts and its main constituents.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Diospyros bipindensis (Gürke) stem bark is used in Cameroon by Baka Pygmies for the treatment of respiratory disorders.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
To assess the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of constituents from the bark extracts through bioassay-guided fractionation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts, fractions and pure compounds was assessed through the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mediator nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptional activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. DPPH, ABTS and ORAC assays were used for determining the antioxidant properties. The activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) by the macrodilution method.
RESULTS:
The water extract showed antimicrobial activity against S. pneumoniae (MIC: 300 μg/ml) and S. pyogenes (MIC: 300 μg/ml). The dichloromethane extract efficiently inhibited NF-κB transcriptional activity and NO production and exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the ORAC assay. An interesting activity was also found against S. pneumoniae (MIC: 200 μg/ml), S. aureus (MIC: 400 μg/ml) and S. pyogenes (MIC: 200 μg/ml). The phytochemical investigation of the dichloromethane extract afforded plumbagin, canaliculatin, ismailin, betulinic acid and 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-coumarin as the main constituents. Plumbagin and ismailin were found to be responsible for the main biological activities observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results may provide a rational support for the traditional use of Diospyros bipindensis stem bark in the treatment of respiratory disorders, since the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds isolated from the dichloromethane extract were also present in the traditional water extract.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Cesari I, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2013 Mar 7;146(1):264-70.
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- 35. Betulinic acid regulates generation of neuroinflammatory mediators responsible for tissue destruction in multiple sclerosis in vitro.
AIM:
To investigate the influences of betulinic acid (BA), a triterpenoid isolated from birch bark, on neuroinflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in vitro.
METHODS:
Encephalitogenic T cells were prepared from draining lymph nodes and spinal cords of Dark Agouti rats 8 to 10 d after immunization with myelin basic protein (MBP) and complete Freund's adjuvant. Macrophages were isolated from the peritoneal cavity of adult untreated rats. Astrocytes were isolated from neonatal rat brains. The cells were cultured and then treated with different agents. IFN-γ, IL-17, iNOS and CXCL12 mRNA levels in the cells were analyzed with RT-PCR. iNOS and CXCL12 protein levels were detected using immunoblot. NO and ROS generation was measured using Griess reaction and flow cytometry, respectively.
RESULTS:
In encephalitogenic T cells stimulated with MBP (10 μg/mL), addition of BA inhibited IL-17 and IFN-γ production in a dose-dependent manner. The estimated IC(50) values for IL-17 and IFN γ were 11.2 and 63.8 μmol/L, respectively. When the macrophages were stimulated with LPS (10 ng/mL), addition of BA (50 μmol/L) significantly increased ROS generation, and suppressed NO generation. The astrocytes were stimulated with ConASn containing numerous inflammatory mediators, which mimicked the inflammatory milieu within CNS; addition of BA (50 μmol/L) significantly increased ROS generation, and blocked ConASn-induced increases in iNOS and CXCL12 mRNA levels, but did not affect iNOS and CXCL12 protein levels. Importantly, in both the macrophages and astrocytes, addition of BA (50 μmol/L) inhibited lipid peroxidation.
CONCLUSION:
Besides inhibiting encephalitogenic T cell cytokines and reducing NO generation, BA induces tissue-damaging ROS generation within CNS....(more)
Bla?evski J, et al. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2013 Mar;34(3):424-31.
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