- 1. Is Perruchet's dissociation between eyeblink conditioned responding and outcome expectancy evidence for two learning systems?
P. Perruchet (1985b) showed a double dissociation of conditioned responses (CRs) and expectancy for an airpuff unconditioned stimulus (US) in a 50% partial reinforcement schedule in human eyeblink conditioning. In the Perruchet effect, participants show an increase in CRs and a concurrent decrease in expectancy for the airpuff across runs of reinforced trials; conversely, participants show a decrease in CRs and a concurrent increase in expectancy for the airpuff across runs of nonreinforced trials. Three eyeblink conditioning experiments investigated whether the linear trend in eyeblink CRs in the Perruchet effect is a result of changes in associative strength of the conditioned stimulus (CS), US sensitization, or learning the precise timing of the US. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that the linear trend in eyeblink CRs is not the result of US sensitization. Experiment 3 showed that the linear trend in eyeblink CRs is present with both a fixed and a variable CS-US interval and so is not the result of learning the precise timing of the US. The results are difficult to reconcile with a single learning process model of associative learning in which expectancy mediates CRs.
Copyright (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved....(more)
Weidemann G, et al. J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process 2009 Apr;35(2):169-76.
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- 2. Iridoids from Euphrasia genargentea, a rare Sardinian endemism.
The phytochemical study of Euphrasia genargentea, a rare species only present in Sardinia, led to the identification of iridoid glucosides, i.e. aucubin, catalpol, mussaenosidic acid and melampyroside, which allowed chemotaxonomic considerations on the genus. On the basis of iridoid distribution in the genus, E. genargentea does not show any particular analogy with other Italian Euphrasia spp. This study is also important considering the severe risk of extinction of E. genargentea....(more)
Petitto V, et al. Nat Prod Res 2009;23(5):431-5.
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- 3. Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the bipolar Euphrasia (Orobanchaceae): recent radiations in an old genus.
Euphrasia includes perennial or annual green parasitic plants, and has a disjunct bipolar distribution except for one transtropical connection across the high mountains of Oceania. The disjunction is coupled with strikingly contrasting patterns of morphological diversity between the southern and northern hemispheres, making it an exciting model to study processes of evolutionary diversification which shaped present floras. We inferred the relationships among 51 species representing 14 of the 15 sections of the genus based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL intron, trnL-trnF and atpB-rbcL intergenic spacers. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference support monophyly of the genus and of several intrageneric groups characterized by morphology, ploidy level, and geographic range. Molecular phylogenetic dating using Bayesian "relaxed" clock methods suggests that the earliest Euphrasia radiations occurred minimum 11-8 Mya with bipolarity being achieved 7-5 Mya. Biogeographic analyses using explicit model-based approach inferred Eurasia as an ancestral area for the genus. The most parsimonious reconstruction found by a dispersal-vicariance analysis requires 17 dispersals to account for the current biogeographic pattern and supports Eurasian origin for Euphrasia. Both long-distance dispersal and across land vicariance can be invoked to explain the diversification in the genus, which experienced rapid radiations driven by new ecological opportunities of the late Pliocene and Pleistocene but also retained a set of local endemic or relict species of an earlier origin....(more)
Gussarova G, et al. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2008 Aug;48(2):444-60.
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- 4. The ecological aspect of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of population in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This paper contains first systematical revision of the results on traditional use of wild medicinal and aromatic herbs on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H)--west of Balkan Peninsula; Southeast of Europe. There have been detected 227 plants belonging to 71 different plant families, which are being used with ethno therapeutic purpose. Results were obtained by method of open ethno botanical interview which comprised 150 persons, whose average age was 63. Medicinal plants in ethno therapy are being used either in fresh, raw or dried condition. Different herbal parts, depending on period of vegetation season, sometimes even in winter, are basis for preparation of infusions (59%), decoct (19%), tinctures (4%). Especially original are balms known as Bosnian "mehlems", which are fresh cuted herbal parts mixed with lukewarm resin, raw cow butter or honey. In ethno therapy are mostly being used aerial plant organs. Majority of herbs is being used for treatment of illnesses of respiratory (22%), gastrointestinal (19%) and urinary and genital system (9%), for treatment of skin conditions (11%), as well as for nervous system and heart diseases (16%). The most original plants on the field of ethno pharmacology, comparing with ethno therapy practice of other regions, are as follows: Ballota nigra, Aesculus hippocastanum, Calluna vulgaris, Centaurea cyanus, Euphrasia rostkoviana, Geranium robertianum, Gentiana asclepiadea, Helichrysum italicum, Lycopodium clavatum, Marrubium vulgare, Nepeta cataria, Populus tremula, Ruta graveolens, Tamus communis, Teucrium montanum, T. chamaedrys, and endemic plants Gentiana lutea subsp. symphyandra, Teucrium arduini, Micromeria thymifolia, Satureja montana, S. subspicata, Rhamnus fallax and Viola elegantula. There haven't been noticed significant differences in the frequencies of medicinal plants use among different ethnical groups. But, it has been perceived that longer ethno therapeutic tradition possess inhabitants of sub- and Mediterranean areas, as well as inhabitants of the mountain areas of B&H, regardless their ethnicity....(more)
Redzi? SS. Coll Antropol 2007 Sep;31(3):869-90.
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- 5. Non-experimental validation of ethnoveterinary plants and indigenous knowledge used for backyard pigs and chickens in Trinidad and Tobago.
This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study on ethnoveterinary medicines used for backyard pigs and backyard chickens in Trinidad and Tobago. Research data was collected from 1995 to September 2000. Six plants are used for backyard pigs. Crushed leaves of immortelle (Erythrina pallida, E. micropteryx) are used to remove dead piglets from the uterus. Leaf decoctions of bois canôt (Cecropia peltata) and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) are used for labour pains or leaves are fed as a postpartum cleanser. Boiled green papaya fruit (Carica papaya) is fed to pigs to induce milk let-down. The leaves and flowers of male papaya plants (Carica papaya) are fed to deworm pigs. Sour orange juice (Citrus aurantium) is given to pigs to produce lean meat, and coffee grounds are used for scours. Eyebright and plantain leaves (Plantago major) are used for eye injuries of backyard chickens. Worm grass (Chenopodium ambrosioides) and cotton bush (Gossypium species) are used as anthelmintics. Aloe gel (Aloe vera) is used for internal injuries and the yellow sap from the cut Aloe vera leaf or the juice of Citrus limonia is used to purge the birds. A literature review revealed few toxicity concerns and the potential usefulness of the plants....(more)
Lans C, et al. Trop Anim Health Prod 2007 Jun;39(5):375-85.
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- 6. Ethnoveterinary medicines used for ruminants in British Columbia, Canada.
BACKGROUND:
The use of medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use allopathic drugs under certified organic programs or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs for minor health problems of livestock.
METHODS:
In 2003 we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 participants obtained using a purposive sample. Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop.
RESULTS:
There are 128 plants used for ruminant health and diets, representing several plant families. The following plants are used for abscesses: Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Bovista pila, Bovista plumbea, Achillea millefolium and Usnea longissima. Curcuma longa L., Salix scouleriana and Salix lucida are used for caprine arthritis and caprine arthritis encephalitis. Euphrasia officinalis and Matricaria chamomilla are used for eye problems. Wounds and injuries are treated with Bovista spp., Usnea longissima, Calendula officinalis, Arnica sp., Malva sp., Prunella vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea, Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium, Achillea millefolium, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula officinalis, Symphytum officinale and Curcuma longa. Syzygium aromaticum and Pseudotsuga menziesii are used for coccidiosis. The following plants are used for diarrhea and scours: Plantago major, Calendula officinalis, Urtica dioica, Symphytum officinale, Pinus ponderosa, Potentilla pacifica, Althaea officinalis, Anethum graveolens, Salix alba and Ulmus fulva. Mastitis is treated with Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Salix alba, Teucrium scorodonia and Galium aparine. Anethum graveolens and Rubus sp., are given for increased milk production. Taraxacum officinale, Zea mays, and Symphytum officinale are used for udder edema. Ketosis is treated with Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium sp., and Symphytum officinale. Hedera helix and Alchemilla vulgaris are fed for retained placenta.
CONCLUSION:
Some of the plants showing high levels of validity were Hedera helix for retained placenta and Euphrasia officinalis for eye problems. Plants with high validity for wounds and injuries included Hypericum perforatum, Malva parviflora and Prunella vulgaris. Treatments with high validity against endoparasites included those with Juniperus communis and Pinus ponderosa. Anxiety and pain are well treated with Melissa officinalis and Nepeta caesarea....(more)
Lans C, et al. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2007 Feb 26;3:11.
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- 7. Antiallergic effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. extracts on allergic skin inflammation induced by trimellitic anhydride in BALB/c mice.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) has a wide variety of therapeutic properties for allergic and inflammatory diseases and is used as a traditional functional food, but its antiallergenic mechanism in these diseases is yet to be clearly elucidated.
AIM:
In the present study, we investigated the antiallergic activity of fenugreek extract using trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) mice in vivo and ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized BALB/c mice ex vivo as represented model of T-helper (Th) 2-induced allergy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
BALB/c mice were administered 250 mg/kg body weight (BW) of fenugreek extract for 7 days after sensitization and challenge treatment with 2-5% TMA. Ear thickness were noted, and the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue (TB) staining. The supernatants from homogenized ear and splenocytes were used for cytokine determination using ELISA. In addition, splenocytes from OVA-immunized BALB/c mice were treated with fenugreek extract ex vivo. The levels of cytokines present in the supernatants were determined by ELISA. The mRNA expression of T-box transcription factor 21 gene (T-bet), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3), interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-4 were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR.
RESULTS:
Fenugreek extract was found to reduce ear thickness as well as the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. In homogenized ear, the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-1β was suppressed. To determine the mechanism by which fenugreek extract inhibits allergic skin inflammation, detailed studies were conducted revealing that fenugreek extract prevented differentiation into Th2 cells in the splenocytes of OVA-induced allergic mice, resulting from suppressing the secretion of IL-4 and mRNA expression of GATA-3, an IL-4 transcription factor. In earlier phase, these extracts enhanced the secretion of IFN-γ, the mRNA expression of T-bet, an IFN-γ transcription factor, and the number of IFN-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results indicate that fenugreek extract cures Th2-induced allergic skin inflammation by enhancing Th1 differentiation. These data suggest that fenugreek extracts may prove to be an useful therapeutic agent on allergic inflammatory diseases as traditional use as well as Th2-mediated allergic response.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Bae MJ, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2012 Dec 18;144(3):514-22.
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- 8. Fenugreek extract as an inducer of cellular death via autophagy in human T lymphoma Jurkat cells.
BACKGROUND:
Drugs used both in classical chemotherapy and the more recent targeted therapy do not have cancer cell specificity and, hence, cause severe systemic side effects. Tumors also develop resistance to such drugs due to heterogeneity of cell types and clonal selection. Several traditional dietary ingredients from plants, on the other hand, have been shown to act on multiple targets/pathways, and may overcome drug resistance. The dietary agents are safe and readily available. However, application of plant components for cancer treatment/prevention requires better understanding of anticancer functions and elucidation of their mechanisms of action. The current study focuses on the anticancer properties of fenugreek, a herb with proven anti-diabetic, antitumor and immune-stimulating functions.
METHOD:
Jurkat cells were incubated with 30 to 1500 μg/mL concentrations of 50% ethanolic extract of dry fenugreek seeds and were followed for changes in viability (trypan blue assay), morphology (microscopic examination) and autophagic marker LC3 transcript level (RT-PCR).
RESULTS:
Incubation of Jurkat cells with fenugreek extract at concentrations ranging from 30 to 1500 μg/mL for up to 3 days resulted in cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Jurkat cell death was preceded by the appearance of multiple large vacuoles, which coincided with transcriptional up-regulation of LC3. GC-MS analysis of fenugreek extract indicated the presence of several compounds with anticancer properties, including gingerol (4.82%), cedrene (2.91%), zingerone (16.5%), vanillin (1.52%) and eugenol (1.25%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Distinct morphological changes involving appearance of large vacuoles, membrane disintegration and increased expression of LC3 transcripts indicated that fenugreek extract induced autophagy and autophagy-associated death of Jurkat cells. In addition to the already known apoptotic activation, induction of autophagy may be an additional mechanism underlying the anticancer properties of fenugreek. This is the first report showing fenugreek as an inducer of autophagy in human cells and further work is needed to define the various intermediates of the autophagic pathway....(more)
Al-Daghri NM, et al. BMC Complement Altern Med 2012 Oct 30;12:202.
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- 9. Chemomodulatory Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (L.) Seed Extract on Two Stage Mouse Skin Carcinogenesis.
Cancer is not a single disease but a group of complex genetic diseases of aged cells. Chemoprevention of cancer is the attempt to use natural and synthetic compounds to intervene in the early stages of cancer, before invasive disease begins. Consuming a diet rich in plant foods can provide a milieu of phytochemicals and non-nutritive plant substances that possess health-protective effects. Some phytochemicals derived in spices and herbs as well as other plants possess substantial cancer preventive properties. Thus the cancer chemo preventive potential of naturally occurring phytochemicals is of great interest because of their preventive role and as they are not perceived as "medicine". During the course of present study Trigonella foenum graecum (L.) seed- TFGS (commonly called fenugreek) extract was given at pre-initiational, post-initiational, promotional and throughout the experiment along with 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene DMBA and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate TPA treatment in Swiss albino mice. A significant reduction of papillomas in DMBA + TPA + TFGS (400 mg/kg. body wt.) treated group was found to be effective in decreasing the rate of tumor incidence in comparison to control. Furthermore, cumulative number of papillomas, tumor yield and tumor burden were also found to be reduced. The TFGS extract treatment before DMBA and TPA application (i.e. Pre initiation) were more effective than that of treatment during, and /or after DMBA treatment, however TFGS extract treatment was most effective when treated throughout all the stages of tumorigenesis. The TFGS treatment also showed a modulatory influence on mouse hepatic antioxidant defense system (GSH and LPO level)....(more)
Chatterjee S, et al. Toxicol Int 2012 Sep;19(3):287-94.
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- 10. Anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic steroidal saponin glycosides from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds.
Fenugreek seed ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is used as an herbal medicine for treating metabolic and nutritive dysfunctions. To determine if this plant has other beneficial effects, we tested the inhibitory activities of a methanol (MeOH) extract of fenugreek seed on the production of inflammatory cytokines and melanin synthesis in cultured cell lines in vitro. The MeOH extract inhibited the production of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in cultured THP-1 cells, and also restrained the intracellular synthesis of melanin in murine melanoma B16F1 cells. We isolated three active constituents from fenugreek seed extracts. These were identified as the steroidal saponins 26- O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25 R)-furost-5(6)-en-3 β,22 β,26-triol-3- O-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyl-(1'' → 2')-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1''' → 6')- O]-β-D-glucopyranoside 1, minutoside B 2, and pseudoprotodioscin 3. Compounds 1 and 2 strongly suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines, whereas 3 showed a weaker suppressing effect. Melanogenesis in B16F1 cells was significantly suppressed by 1 and 3, and weakly suppressed by 2. All three compounds showed moderate cytotoxicities. These results indicate that fenugreek extract and its active constituents could protect against skin damage....(more)
Kawabata T, et al. Planta Med 2011 May;77(7):705-10.
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- 11. Physiological Aspects of Male Libido Enhanced by Standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum Extract and Mineral Formulation.
The aim of the clinical study was to evaluate the effect of Testofen, a standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) extract and mineral formulation, on male libido (sexual drive, urge or desire) in a double blind randomized placebo controlled study. The study recruited 60 healthy males aged between 25 and 52, without erectile dysfunction and randomized to an oral dose (two tablets per day) of the active treatment (600 mg Testofen per day) or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the DISF-SR (male) self-administered QOL total score and the four domain scores. The secondary outcome was specific quality of life parameters. Testofen had an overall positive effect on physiological aspects of libido. In particular, there was a significant increase in the subdomains of sexual arousal and orgasm. Testofen had a positive effect on QOL in self-reported satisfaction with muscle strength, energy and well-being but did not have an effect on mood or sleep. Serum prolactin and testosterone levels remained within the reference range. It was concluded that Testofen demonstrated a significant positive effect on physiological aspects of libido and may assist to maintain normal healthy testosterone levels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd....(more)
Steels E, et al. Phytother Res 2011 Feb 10.
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- 12. Anaphylactic reactions in mice with Fenugreek allergy.
Fenugreek is a legume mostly used as a spice in Indian-style cooking. Although it has been used since ancient times, its allergenicity has only been reported in the last two decades. It poses special problems as an emerging and often hidden allergen. Fenugreek exposure may have serious implications also for individuals with peanut allergy because of cross-reactivity. Because a new food requires a model specially designed for that particular food, the aim of our study was to develop a food allergy model of fenugreek in mice with anaphylaxis as the endpoint. Mice were immunized perorally using cholera toxin as adjuvant. A two-compartment response surface design with immunoglobulin (Ig)E as the main variable was used to estimate the optimal sensitizing dose of fenugreek, which was further used to evaluate the model. The mice were challenged perorally with a high dose of fenugreek, and signs of anaphylactic reactions were observed. Challenged mice showed high levels of mouse mast cell protease-1, developed specific IgE against several proteins in the fenugreek extract, had elevated levels of IgG1 and IgG2a and showed a general shift towards a Th2 response as determined by ex vivo production of cytokines. Total IgE levels were substantially decreased after challenge. In conclusion, we have established a mouse model of IgE-mediated fenugreek allergy demonstrating anaphylactic reactions upon challenge. There is little information on fenugreek cross-allergy to other legumes like peanut, soy and lupin, and we expect that this model will be a valuable tool in further research on legume allergy....(more)
Vinje NE, et al. Scand J Immunol 2011 Oct;74(4):342-53.
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- 13. Glycogen resynthesis and exercise performance with the addition of fenugreek extract (4-hydroxyisoleucine) to post-exercise carbohydrate feeding.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding fenugreek extract (FG) to post-exercise carbohydrate feeding on glycogen resynthesis and subsequent exercise performance in normoglycemic male endurance athletes. A muscle biopsy sample was obtained from the vastus lateralis from subjects prior to exercise for 5 h at 50% of peak cycling power (52.1 +/- 3.3% of VO(2) peak). A second muscle biopsy sample was obtained immediately after exercise. Immediately after and 2 h after the second biopsy subjects ingested either an oral dose of dextrose (GLU) (1.8 g x kg BW(-1)) or GLU with FG containing 1.99 +/- 0.20 mg x kg(-1) 4-hydroxyisoleucine (GLU + FG) in a randomized, cross-over, double blind design. At 4 h post-exercise a third biopsy was taken and subjects received a standardised meal along with FG or a placebo capsule. At 15 h post-exercise subjects underwent their final muscle biopsy before completing a simulated 40 km cycling time trial. There was no difference in muscle glycogen at any time between GLU and GLU + FG. Additionally, 40 km time trial performance was similar for average power output (221 +/- 28 vs. 213 +/- 16 watts) and for time to completion (69.7 +/- 3.7 vs. 70.5 +/- 2.2 min) for the GLU and GLU + FG, respectively. Despite earlier data to the contrary, the present results do not support an effect of fenugreek supplementation on glycogen resynthesis, even though this may have been the result of differences in experimental protocol....(more)
Slivka D, et al. Amino Acids 2008 Aug;35(2):439-44.
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- 14. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) extract on blood glucose, blood lipid and hemorheological properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds have previously been shown to have hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and experimental diabetic animals. The Trigonella foenum-graecum extract has now been investigated for its effects on general properties, blood glucose and blood lipid, and hemorheological parameters in experimental diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were administrated by oral intragastric intubation separately with low dose (0.44 g/kg.d), middle dose (0.87 g/kg.d), high dose (1.74 g/kg.d) of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, and Metformin HCl (0.175 g/kg.d) for 6 weeks. Compared with diabetic group, rats treated with Trigonella foenum-graecum extract had an increase in body weight and a decrease in kidney /body weight ratio (p<0.05). Compared with diabetic group, rats treated Trigonella foenum-graecum extract had lower blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholestrol and higher higher-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). The plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity of high shear rate (200 s-1) and low shear rate (40 s-1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whole blood reduction viscosity and platelet conglutination were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with high and middle doses of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, but not in those treated with low dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract. It may be concluded that Trigonella foenum-graecum extract can lower kidney /body weight ratio, blood glucose, blood lipid levels and improve hemorheological properties in experimental diabetic rats following repeated treatment for 6 weeks....(more)
Xue WL, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007;16 Suppl 1:422-6.
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- 15. Improved alpha-amylase and Helicobacter pylori inhibition by fenugreek extracts derived via solid-state bioconversion using Rhizopus oligosporus.
The present research investigated the enrichment of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum) seed substrate with phenolic antioxidants and L-DOPA via fungal-based solid-state bioconversion (SSB) system. This approach using food grade fungus Rhizopus oligosporus, was chosen because it has been demonstrated to be effective in other seed and food substrates for improving health-relevant functionality and has long history of use for food processing in Asia. The protein content and beta-glucosidase activity of the substrate which reflects fungal growth, increased with incubation time in conjunction with enhanced phenolic content and also suggested its possible involvement in phenolic mobilization. The antioxidant activity assayed by beta-carotene bleaching and DPPH free radical scavenging methods both indicated high activity during early growth stage (days 4-6) followed by reduced activity during later growth stage (days 8-20). A direct association between higher phenolic contents during early growth stage (days 4-6) and antioxidant activity suggested a link to mobilization of polymeric and hydrophobic phenolic forms. The L-DOPA content of the fenugreek extract fluctuated during the course of bioconversion with higher levels during days 6-10 (1.5-1.7 mg/g DW). The SSB process substantially improved the in vitro porcine alpha-amylase inhibition activity by 75 % on day 4 which correlated to higher levels of total phenolics and related antioxidant activity of the extracts. The high alpha-amylase inhibitory activity also coincided with high L-DOPA content on day 6. These results have implications for diet-based diabetes management. The same bioconversion stage had Helicobacter pylori inhibitory activity, which has implications for ulcer management....(more)
Randhir R, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007;16(3):382-92.
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- 16. Differential effects of soybean and fenugreek extracts on the growth of MCF-7 cells.
The effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of soybean and fenugreek on the growth of MCF-7 cells, an estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell line, has been examined in this study. Soybean is well known for the presence of phytoestrogens and fenugreek is reported to have medicinal use including anticancer properties. In a dose dependent manner soybean aqueous and ethanol extract promoted the growth and DNA synthesis in MCF-7 cells. On the contrary ethanol extract of fenugreek decreased the cell viability and induced early apoptotic changes such as flipping of phosphatidylserine and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Degradation of cellular DNA into fragments comprising multiples of approximately 180-200 base pair was also observed. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed the presence of a subG1 apoptotic population which was more prominent at higher concentrations along with cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Our experiments show that while the soybean extract acts as a promoter of MCF-7 cell growth, the fenugreek extract induces apoptosis....(more)
Sebastian KS, et al. Chem Biol Interact 2007 Nov 20;170(2):135-43.
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- 17. Investigation of Chemical Compounds, Antioxidant And Antimicrobial Properties Of Teucrium Arduini L. (Lamiaceae).
In this paper chemical composition of the essential oil (analysed by GC and GC-MS), the content of phenolic compounds (analysed by HPLC), quantity of total phenols and total flavonoids (analysed by UV/Vis spectrophotometer), antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts were investigated in endemic Teucrium arduini L. in population of Mt Biokovo (Croatia). The oil was characterized by a high concentration of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (70.4%) of which β-caryophyllene (35.2%) and germacrene D (18.7%) being the major compounds. Three phenolic compounds (quercetin, ferulic acid and rosmarinic acid) were identified and quantified in ethanolic extract of T. arduini using HPLC. The results also showed that T. arduini is a source of polyphenolic and other antioxidants with radical-scavenging and chelating properties. The ethanol extracts prepared from the leaf of T. arduini showed broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis, which are susceptible on concentration below or equal to 4.00 mg/mL, whilst Microsporum gypseum was resistant at investigated concentrations....(more)
Kremer D, et al. Curr Drug Targets 2013 Apr 16.
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- 18. Formation of ethyl ferulate by rice koji enzyme in sake and mirin mash conditions.
Formation mechanism of ethyl ferulate (EF) in sake and mirin mash conditions was investigated to understand EF level control in the manufacturing process. Rice koji formed EF from ferulic acid (FA) and ethanol and decomposed EF to FA. This did not occur in sake yeast and chemical esterification was rare. Esterification of FA and hydrolysis of EF by rice koji might be due to feruloyl esterase(s). The rice koji enzyme showed normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics for FA in ethyl esterification and for EF in hydrolysis, but not for ethanol in the esterification reaction. Substrate specificity of the rice koji enzyme for hydroxycinnamic acids suggested that the main enzyme involved might be similar to type A feruloyl esterase. We studied the rice koji enzyme properties, short-term digestion of steamed rice grains with exogenous ethanol and small scale mirin making with pH adjustment. Our results suggested differences in the esterification and hydrolysis properties of the enzyme, in particular, different pH dependencies and different behaviors under high ethanol conditions; these factors might cause the differing EF levels in sake and mirin mashes....(more)
Hashizume K, et al. J Biosci Bioeng 2013 Apr 15.
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- 19. Virgin olive oil ortho-phenols-electroanalytical quantification.
An electroanalytical methodology was developed for the determination of the total ortho-phenol content of virgin olive oil (VOO) with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The VOO ortho-phenol content depends on its freshness and is normally expressed as HT equivalent. Screen-printed electrodes were used with cyclic voltammetry to investigate the oxidation of catechol, phenol, hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. The oxidation of ortho-phenols and mono-phenols occurs following different mechanisms, and at different potentials. Using screen-printed electrodes and square wave voltammetry, an HT detection limit of 0.40μM, was obtained. The electroanalytical methodology developed was applied to the determination of ortho-phenol content in fresh and old VOO. The HT equivalent determined for a two-year-old VOO sample was 3mg/kg, for one-year-old samples was 6-7 mg/kg, and for a fresh VOO sample 30mg/kg, recoveries in the range of 78-93% of HT standard being obtained. The effect of VOO matrix components on the HT standard response was investigated....(more)
Enache TA, et al. Talanta 2013 Feb 15;105:179-86.
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- 20. Effects of ionic liquid and nanogold particles on high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection and their application in highly efficient separation and sensitive analysis of five phenolic acids in Xuebijing injection.
A novel high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) analytical system was developed in this study by integratedly utilizing ionic liquid (IL) of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and an additive of gold nanoparticles. The resulted pilot study was first performed to assess the effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and gold nanoparticles on the chromatographic characteristics of five phenolic acids in Xuebijing injection, including danshensu (DSS), protocatechuic acid (PA), protocatechuic aldehyde (PAH), hydroxy safflower yellow A (HSYA) and ferulic acid (FA). It was notable to observe that retainability of the phenolic acids were markly lowered by IL addition. Compared with the cases without IL addition, the retention times of DSS, PA, PAH, HSYA and FA have decreased 2.851, 1.532, 1.53, 0.818 and 0.552min, respectively when 0.6% IL in the mobile phase. In addition, the corresponding theoretical plate numbers and peak areas for these compounds were significantly increased. Area response for DSS, PA, PAH, HSYA and FA were enhanced by 772%, 628%, 584%, 703% and 600%, respectively. It was observed that nano-gold catalysis power enabled peak areas of DSS, PAH, FA and PA to enhance 5.7, 6.2, 8.5 and 66.5 times relative to the case with addition of IL. Altogether, the optimized HPLC-ECD system was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics study of Xuebijing injection with underlying applicability to in vivo and in vitro analysis of a variety of natural product from Chinese medicine plants, TCM formulae and associated patent TCM preparation....(more)
Jia P, et al. Talanta 2013 Mar 30;107:103-10.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 21. [Influence of ferulic acid on the pain-depression dyad induced by reserpine].
This study is to offer a clinical pain-depression dyad therapy of ferulic acid, the pain-depression dyad induced by reserpine was established and the dose-effect relationship of ferulic acid on ameliorating pain-depression dyad was explored. Mice were randomly divided into control group, reserpine + vechile and reserpine + ferulic acid (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg x kg(-1)) groups. The reserpine treated mice were tested with thermal hyperalgesia, mechanicial allodynia and forced swimming tests, and the SOD and NO levels of hippocampus and frontal cortex were measured. Moreover, the HPLC-ECD was used to detect the changes of central monoamines concentrations. Compared with control group, reserpine can induce a significant decrease in the nociceptive threshold and increase in the immobility time of the forced swimming test. The results suggested that reserpine significantly increased the level of nitrite in hippocampus and frontal cortex and reduced the levels of SOD, 5-HT and NE in these two brain regions. However, these indexes can be a dose-dependently reversed by ferulic acid (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg x kg(-1)). Ferulic acid can reverse pain-depression dyad, especially at the dose of 80 mg x kg(-1). In addition, it can influence oxidative stress and monoamine level....(more)
Zhang L, et al. Yao Xue Xue Bao 2013 Jan;48(1):32-7. Chinese.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 22. [Preparation and application on compound excipient of sodium stearyl fumarate and plasdone S-630].
The compound excipient containing sodium stearyl fumarate and plasdone S-630 was prepared by applying spray drying method. The basic physical properties of compound excipient were studied by solubility test, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. The effect of compound excipient on moisture absorption and ferulic acid in vitro dissolution of spray drying power of angelica were investigated. The results showed that the chemical constituents of compound excipient did not change before and after spray drying. The water soluble compound excipient can improve significantly moisture absorption and has application prospect....(more)
Jiang YR, et al. Yao Xue Xue Bao 2013 Jan;48(1):125-30. Chinese.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 23. Arabinoxylan microspheres: structural and textural characteristics.
The aim of this research was to study the structural and textural characteristics of maize bran arabinoxylan (MBAX) microspheres. The laccase-induced cross-linking process was monitored by storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli changes in a 4% (w/v) MBAX solution. The G' and G'' values at the plateau region were 215 and 4 Pa, respectively. After gelation, the content of ferulic acid dimers decreased from 0.135 to 0.03 µg/mg MBAX, suggesting the formation of ferulated structures unreleased by mild alkaline hydrolysis. MBAX microspheres presented an average diameter of 531 µm and a swelling ratio value (q) of 18 g water/g MBAX. The structural parameters of MBAX microspheres were calculated from equilibrium swelling experiments, presenting an average mesh size of 52 nm. Microstructure and textural properties of dried MBAX microspheres were studied by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, respectively, showing a heterogeneous mesoporous and macroporous structure throughout the network....(more)
Martínez-López AL, et al. Molecules 2013 Apr 19;18(4):4640-50.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 24. Spectroscopic analysis on the interaction of ferulic acid and tetramethylpyrazine with trypsin.
The interaction of trypsin with tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and ferulic acid (FA) was studied using fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, UV-vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD) and three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectra techniques. Using fluorescence quenching calculations, the bimolecular quenching constant (kq ), apparent quenching constant (KSV ), effective binding constant (Ka ) and binding site number (n) were obtained. The distance r between donor and acceptor was found to be 2.049 and 1.281 nm for TMP-trypsin and FA-trypsin complexes. TMP and FA can quench the fluorescence intensity of trypsin by a static quenching procedure. Thermodynamic parameters calculated on the basis of different temperatures revealed that the binding of trypsin to TMP/FA mainly depended on van der Waals' forces and hydrogen bonds. The effect of TMP and FA on the conformation of trypsin was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence, CD, 3D fluorescence spectra and molecular docking studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd....(more)
Shuai L, et al. Luminescence 2013 Apr 22.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 25. Purification and biochemical characterization of feruloyl esterases from Aspergillus terreus MTCC 11096.
Aspergillus terreus MTCC 11096 isolated from the soils of agricultural fields cultivating sweet sorghum was previously identified to produce feruloyl esterases (FAEs). The enzymes responsible for feruloyl esterase activity were purified to homogeneity and named as AtFAE-1, AtFAE-2, and AtFAE-3. The enzymes were monomeric having molecular masses of 74, 23 and 36 kDa, respectively. Active protein bands were identified by a developed pH-dependent zymogram on native PAGE. The three enzymes exhibited variation in pH tolerance ranging between pH 5-8 and thermostability of up to 55°C. Inhibition studies revealed that the serine residue was essential for feruloyl esterase activity; moreover aspartyl and glutamyl residues are not totally involved at the active site. Metal ions such as Ca<sup>2+</sup> , K<sup>+</sup> , and Mg<sup>2+</sup> stabilized the enzyme activity for all three FAEs. Kinetic data indicated that all three enzymes showed catalytic efficiencies (kcat /Km ) against different synthesized alkyl and aryl esters indicating their broad substrate specificity. The peptide mass fingerprinting by MALDI/TOF-MS analysis and enzyme affinity toward methoxy and hydroxy substituents on the benzene ring revealed that the AtFAE-1 belonged to type A while AtFAE-2 and AtFAE-3 were type C FAE. The FAEs could release 65 to 90% of ferulic acid from agrowaste substrates in the presence of xylanase. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2013....(more)
Kumar CG, et al. Biotechnol Prog 2013 Apr 22.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 26. Biotransformation of Rice Bran to Ferulic Acid by Pediococcal Isolates.
Ferulic acid (FA) is widely used in foods, in beverages, and in various pharmaceutical industries as a precursor of vanillin. FA biotransformation can occur during the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and its conversion to other phenolic derivatives is observed by many scientists, where ferulic acid esterase (FAE) and ferulic acid decarboxylase (FDC) play significant roles. The present study aimed at screening a panel of LAB for their ability to release FA from rice bran, an agro waste material. FAE and FDC activities were analyzed for the preliminary screening of various dairy isolates. Two Pediococcus acidilactici isolates were selected for studying further the hydrolysis of FA from rice bran and its bioconversion into phenolic derivatives like 4-ethylphenol, vanillin, vanillic acid, and vanillyl alcohol. P. acidilactici M16, a probiotic isolate, has great potential for the production of FA from rice bran and could be exploited as starter culture in the food industry for the production of biovanillin....(more)
Kaur B, et al. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2013 Apr 25.
Related Products: Ferulic Acid
- 27. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in mouse macrophage cells by feverfew supercritical extract.
Feverfew is the most commonly used medicinal herb against migraine headache. The antimigraine mechanism of feverfew supercritical extract was investigated in vitro using the mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Mouse macrophage cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence and absence of feverfew extracts. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide and TNF-α synthesis were quantified by ELISA. The mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and eNOS genes were analysed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The feverfew extract inhibited both nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α production in a dose-dependent manner with complete inhibition of NO occurring at 5 µg/mL of feverfew extract. Both eNOS and iNOS mRNA levels were unchanged with the feverfew treatment. However, eNOS and iNOS proteins were significantly down-regulated by the feverfew extract. Feverfew inhibition of NO is due to the down-regulation of both eNOS and iNOS enzymes at the translational and/or post-translational level....(more)
Aviram A, et al. Phytother Res 2012 Apr;26(4):541-5.
Related Products: Feverfew Extract
- 28. The StrataTest® human skin model, a consistent in vitro alternative for toxicological testing.
Three-dimensional in vitro skin models provide an alternative to animal testing for assessing tissue damage caused by chemical or physical agents and for the identification and characterization of agents formulated to mitigate this damage. The StrataTest® human skin model made with pathogen-free NIKS® keratinocyte progenitors is a fully-stratified tissue containing epidermal and dermal components that possesses barrier function as determined by measurements of electrical impedance. Independent batches of skin tissues responded consistently to known chemical irritants even after refrigerated storage for up to 7 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected after exposure of skin tissues to ozone, cigarette smoke or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Pretreatment with the antioxidant parthenolide-depleted (PD)-Feverfew extract prevented cigarette smoke-induced or UV irradiation-mediated increases in ROS. Interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) secretion increased in a dose dependent manner following UV irradiation but cytokine release was abrogated by pretreatment with a UVA/UVB sunscreen. Similarly, immunohistochemical detection showed increased thymidine dimer formation in UV-irradiated skin tissue that was prevented with sunscreen pretreatment. These results demonstrate that the StrataTest® human skin model is broadly applicable to a wide range of in vitro toxicological assays....(more)
Rasmussen C, et al. Toxicol In Vitro 2010 Oct;24(7):2021-9.
Related Products: Feverfew Extract
- 29. Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients.
BACKGROUND:
The Compositae plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has long been recognized as an important sensitizer in European Compositae-allergic patients, mainly because of its content of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide. Recently, a parthenolide-depleted feverfew extract with claimed anti-inflammatory properties has been developed for use in cosmetics.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of the study was to test, on the basis of patch test reactions, whether persons with contact allergy to feverfew could tolerate creams containing this feverfew extract.
PATIENTS/MATERIALS/METHODS:
Seven patients with feverfew contact allergy were patch tested with two creams containing the feverfew extract. Subsequently, the creams were analysed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to detect parthenolide.
RESULTS:
Four of the patients tested positive to one of the creams; reactivity was associated with simultaneous positive reactions to parthenolide. This cream was analysed about 2 years later, and no parthenolide was detected, probably because of degradation of the compound.
CONCLUSIONS:
Topical products containing parthenolide-depleted feverfew extracts may elicit positive patch test reactions in feverfew-sensitive patients. The reactivity may be enhanced by simultaneous testing with parthenolide, but the reactivity is lost over time, probably because of degradation of parthenolide....(more)
Paulsen E, et al. Contact Dermatitis 2010 Sep;63(3):146-50.
Related Products: Feverfew Extract
- 30. The solution and solid state stability and excipient compatibility of parthenolide in feverfew.
The objectives of this research were to evaluate the stability of parthenolide in feverfew solution state and powdered feverfew (solid state), and explore the compatibility between commonly used excipients and parthenolide in feverfew. Feverfew extract solution was diluted with different pH buffers to study the solution stability of parthenolide in feverfew. Powdered feverfew extract was stored under 40 degrees C/0% approximately 75% relative humidities (RH) or 31% RH/5~50 degrees C to study the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the stability of parthenolide in feverfew solid state. Binary mixtures of feverfew powered extract and different excipients were stored at 50 degrees C/ 75% RH for excipient compatibility evaluation. The degradation of parthenolide in feverfew solution appears to fit a typical first-order reaction. Parthenolide is comparatively stable when the environmental pH is in the range of 5 to 7, becoming unstable when pH is less than 3 or more than 7. Parthenolide degradation in feverfew in the solid state does not fit any obvious reaction model. Moisture content and temperature both play important roles affecting the degradation rate. After 6 months of storage, parthenolide in feverfew remains constant at 5 degrees C/31% RH. However, approximately 40% parthenolide in feverfew can be degraded if stored at 50 degrees C/31% RH. When the moisture changed from 0% to 75% RH, the degradation of parthenolide in feverfew increased from 18% to 32% after 6-month storage under 40 degrees C. Parthenolide in feverfew exhibits good compatibility with commonly used excipients under stressed conditions in a 3-week screening study....(more)
Jin P, et al. AAPS PharmSciTech 2007 Dec 14;8(4):E105.
Related Products: Feverfew Extract
- 31. [Treatment of diabetic nephropathy by integrative medicine: a multi-center prospective cohort study].
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the efficacy and safety of integrative medicine (IM) treatment for diabetic nephropathy (DN), and to explore the medication laws by Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome typing.
METHODS:
One hundred and seventy outpatients or inpatients with DN at Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and China-Japan Friendship Hospital of the Ministry of Health were recruited from March 2008 to July 2009. They were allocated into the IM group (116 cases) or the Western medicine group (54 cases) according to whether or not they were willing to receive CM syndrome typing. The incidence of endpoint events and secondary outcome measures [such as body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), 24 h urinary protein (24 hU), serum creatinine (SCr), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)] of two groups were observed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months respectively during the follow-ups. Patients in the IM group were syndrome typed. The CM recipes were collected to calculate the frequency of Chinese materia medica used. The liver function, blood routines, and ECG were observed and compared during the follow-ups.
RESULTS:
The follow-up period was 3 to 24 months with the mean of 14 months. Data suitable for analysis mainly covered the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 18th month of the follow-up. Both PPS and FAS analysis showed that there were no significant difference in the incidence of endpoint between two groups (11.2% vs 7.4%, P>0.05). The level of body mass index (BMI) [(25.0 +/- 3.1) kg/m2] and fasting blood glucose (FBG) [(7.9 +/- 1.5) mmol/L] in the IM group were lower than those of the Western medicine group [(28.6 +/- 4.4) kg/m2 and (8.8 +/- 2.9) mmol/L respectively] at the 6-month follow-up (P<0.05). The levels of FBG [(7.9 +/- 1.4) mmol/L] and HbA1c [(7.8 +/- 1.4)%] in the IM group were lower than those of the Western medicine group [(9.6 +/- 2.8) mmol/L and (8.5 +/- 1.6)% respectively] at the 12-month follow-up (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other indices between the two groups at the 3- or 12-month follow-ups. The level of SCr in the IM group and the Western medicine group before follow-up were (96.8 +/- 35.2) micromol/L and (80.5 +/- 24.6) micromol/L respectively, showing statistical difference (P<0.01). There were no significance difference in SCr between the two groups at 3, 6, 12, 18-month follow-ups for center 2 (Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) and center 3 (China-Japan Friendship Hospital of the Ministry of Health), while the level of SCr in the IM group [(82.4 +/- 25.7) micromol/L, (78.1 +/- 25.9) micromol/L, (80.3 +/- 24.0) micromol/L, respectively] were lower than that of the Western medicine group [(101.4 +/- 37.2) micromol/L, (96.5 +/- 34.1) micromol/L, (93.9 +/- 25.9) micromol/L, respectively] for center 1 (Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine) at 3, 6, 12-month follow-ups (P<0.05). The top ten drugs used most frequently in the 237 prescriptions collected was astragali (68.4%), ophiopogonis tube (67.5%), rehmannia dried rhizome (67.1%), danshen root (49.4%), Codonopsis pilosula (41.8%), figwort root (35.4%), Chinese magnolia-vine fruit (29.5%), safflower (27.9%), peach seed (26.2%), and angelica root (25.3%). There was no abnormal liver function, blood abnormalities, and serious adverse events in two groups during the follow-ups.
CONCLUSIONS:
CM treatment based on syndrome typing in combination with routine Western medicine for DN could reduce the levels of BMI, FBG, HbA1c, and SCr at partial time points, showing favorable safety. Chinese medicinals applied in treatment based on syndrome typing for DN covered mainly supplementing qi, nourishing yin, and activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis.</...(more)
Li Q, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2012 Mar;32(3):317-21. Chinese.
Related Products: Figwort Root Extract
- 32. Development of a salicylic acid inducible minimal sub-genomic transcript promoter from Figwort mosaic virus with enhanced root- and leaf-activity using TGACG motif rearrangement.
In Figwort mosaic virus sub-genomic transcript promoter (F-Sgt), function of the TGACG-regulatory motif, was investigated in the background of artificially designed promoter sequences. The 131bp (FS, -100 to +31) long F-Sgt promoter sequence containing one TGACG motif [FS-(TGACG)] was engineered to generate a set of three modified promoter constructs: [FS-(TGACG)(2), containing one additional TGACG motif at 7 nucleotides upstream of the original one], [FS-(TGACG)(3), containing two additional TGACG motifs at 7 nucleotides upstream and two nucleotides downstream of the original one] and [FS-(TGCTG)(mu), having a mutated TGACG motif]. EMSA and foot-printing analysis confirmed binding of tobacco nuclear factors with modified TGACG motif/s. The transcription-activation of the GUS gene by the TGACG motif/s in above promoter constructs was examined in transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis plants and observed that the transcription activation was affected by the spacing/s and number/s of the TGACG motif/s. The FS-(TGACG)(2) promoter showed strongest root-activity compared to other modified and CaMV35S promoters. Also under salicylic acid (SA) stress, the leaf-activity of the said promoter was further enhanced. All above findings were confirmed by real-time and semi-qRT PCR analysis. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrated that the TGACG motif plays an important role in inducing the root-specific expression of the F-Sgt promoter. This study advocates the importance of genetic manipulation of functional cis-motif for amending the tissue specificity of a plant promoter. SA inducible FS-(TGACG)(2) promoter with enhanced activity could be a useful candidate promoter for developing plants with enhanced crop productivity.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved....(more)
Kumar D, et al. Gene 2012 Jul 15;503(1):36-47.
Related Products: Figwort Root Extract
- 33. Development and functional analysis of novel genetic promoters using DNA shuffling, hybridization and a combination thereof.
BACKGROUND:
Development of novel synthetic promoters with enhanced regulatory activity is of great value for a diverse range of plant biotechnology applications.
METHODOLOGY:
Using the Figwort mosaic virus full-length transcript promoter (F) and the sub-genomic transcript promoter (FS) sequences, we generated two single shuffled promoter libraries (LssF and LssFS), two multiple shuffled promoter libraries (LmsFS-F and LmsF-FS), two hybrid promoters (FuasFScp and FSuasFcp) and two hybrid-shuffled promoter libraries (LhsFuasFScp and LhsFSuasFcp). Transient expression activities of approximately 50 shuffled promoter clones from each of these libraries were assayed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi) protoplasts. It was observed that most of the shuffled promoters showed reduced activity compared to the two parent promoters (F and FS) and the CaMV35S promoter. In silico studies (computer simulated analyses) revealed that the reduced promoter activities of the shuffled promoters could be due to their higher helical stability. On the contrary, the hybrid promoters FuasFScp and FSuasFcp showed enhanced activities compared to F, FS and CaMV 35S in both transient and transgenic Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis plants. Northern-blot and qRT-PCR data revealed a positive correlation between transcription and enzymatic activity in transgenic tobacco plants expressing hybrid promoters. Histochemical/X-gluc staining of whole transgenic seedlings/tissue-sections and fluorescence images of ImaGene Green™ treated roots and stems expressing the GUS reporter gene under the control of the FuasFScp and FSuasFcp promoters also support the above findings. Furthermore, protein extracts made from protoplasts expressing the human defensin (HNP-1) gene driven by hybrid promoters showed enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the CaMV35S promoter.
SIGNIFICANCE/CONCLUSION:
Both shuffled and hybrid promoters developed in the present study can be used as molecular tools to study the regulation of ectopic gene expression in plants....(more)
Ranjan R, et al. PLoS One 2012;7(3):e31931.
Related Products: Figwort Root Extract
- 34. Efficient chimeric promoters derived from full-length and sub-genomic transcript promoters of Figwort mosaic virus (FMV).
Addition of multiple repeats of the FS3 upstream activation sequence (FS3-UAS, -270 to -60) intra-molecularly to the TATA containing core-domain of the FS3 (-151 to +31) promoter resulted in 2-3-folds enhanced promoter activity. The chimeric promoter, FS3-UAS-3X with maximum activity, showed 3.31 times stronger activity in root vascular tissue compared to FS3 promoter and could be used efficiently in translational research.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved....(more)
Ranjan R, et al. J Biotechnol 2011 Mar 10;152(1-2):58-62.
Related Products: Figwort Root Extract
- 35. [Observation on therapeutic effect of runmushu oral liquid in treating xerophthalmia in postmenopausal women].
OBJECTIVE:
To objectively evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of Runmushu Oral Liquid (RMS) for the treatment of xerophthalmia in postmenopausal women.
METHODS:
/>Seventy-two postmenopausal women (144 eyes) with xerophthalmia of aqueous tear deficiency type were assigned to two groups. Patients in the treated group were treated with RMS (consisted of prepared and crude rehmannia root, figwort, lilyturf root, dendrobium stem, wolfberry fruit, chrysanthemum and sticktight) orally combining with local applying of Hialid eye drops; while those in the control group were treated with Hialid eye drops alone. Changes of subjective symptoms and objective indices in the two groups were observed and compared before and after 1-month treatment.
RESULTS:
After 1 month of treatment, the total effective rate was 86.1% (62/72) in the treated group and 66.7% (48/72) in the control group, showing significant difference between them (P < 0.01). Significant differences between groups were also shown in improvements of total scores of subjective symptoms (P < 0.01), scores of tear film break-up time (BUT) and Schirmer I test, these indices in the treated group were better (P < 0.01). However, the improvement of cornea fluorescin staining scores was insignificant different between groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
RMS with artificial-tears can alleviate the eye symptoms, prolong the BUT, promote the secretion of tears in treating postmenopausal women xerophthalmia, showing a therapeutic effect superior to that by artificial-tears alone....(more)
Wei D, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2009 Jul;29(7):646-9. Chinese.
Related Products: Figwort Root Extract