- 1. Xiang-Qi-Tang and its active components exhibit anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-treated rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells.
Xiang-Qi-Tang (XQT) is a Chinese herbal formula containing Cyperus rotundus, Astragalus membranaceus and Andrographis paniculata. Alpha-Cyperone (CYP), astragaloside IV (AS-IV) and andrographolide (AND) are the three major active components in this formula. XQT may modulate the inflammatory or coagulant responses. We therefore assessed the effects of XQT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory model of rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (RCMECs). XQT, CYP, AS-IV and AND inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and up-regulated the mRNA expression of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). XQT and CYP inhibited the secretion of tissue factor (TF). To further explore the mechanism, we found that XQT, or its active components CYP, AS-IV and AND significantly inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 phosphorylation protein expression as well as decreased the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 proteins in LPS-stimulated RCMECs. These results suggested that XQT and its active components inhibited the expression of inflammatory and coagulant mediators via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings may contribute to future research on the action mechanisms of this formula, as well as therapy for inflammation- or coagulation-related diseases....(more)
He CL, et al. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2013 Apr;35(2):215-24.
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- 2. Astragaloside IV inhibited the activity of CYP1A2 in liver microsomes and influenced theophylline pharmacokinetics in rats.
OBJECTIVES:
With the growing popularity of herbal and natural medicinal products, attention has turned to possible interactions between these products and pharmaceutical drugs. In this study, we examined whether astragaloside IV (AGS-IV) could inhibit the activity of CYP1A2 in rat liver microsomes in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS:
The effect of AGS-IV on CYP1A2 activity was investigated using probe substrates: phenacetin in vitro and theophylline in vivo. Phenacetin was incubated in rat liver microsomes with or without AGS-IV, and the mechanism, kinetics and type of inhibition were determined. The inhibitory effect of AGS-IV on CYP1A2 activity in rats was also determined using theophylline in vivo. The pharmacokinetics of theophylline were observed after a single or week-long treatment with AGS-IV.
KEY FINDINGS:
AGS-IV was found to be a competitive inhibitor with a K(i) value of 6.29 μM in vitro. In the multiple-pretreatment rat group, it was found to have a significantly higher area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) for theophylline, as well as a lower apparent oral total body clearance value (CL/F). In contrast, no significant difference in metabolism of theophylline was found for the single pretreatment group.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest that AGS-IV is a potent inhibitor of CYP1A2. This work offers a useful reference for the reasonable and safe use of clinically prescribed herbal or natural products to avoid unnecessary herb-drug interactions.
© 2012 The Authors. JPP © 2012. Royal Pharmaceutical Society....(more)
Zhang YH, et al. J Pharm Pharmacol 2013 Jan;65(1):149-55.
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- 3. Astragaloside IV prevents acute kidney injury in two rodent models by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways.
Oxidative stress and apoptosis play key role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). We hypothesize that Astragaloside IV(AS-IV) prevents AKI through inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. The rats were divided into sham control, saline-,vehicle-, or AS-IV-treated groups. AS-IV (20 mg/kg) was orally administered once daily to the rats for 7 consecutive days before terminating the experiments. In ischemia-induced AKI model, experimental rats were subjected to bilateral clamping of the renal arteries for 45 min, followed by reperfusion for 24 h. In contrast-induced AKI model, iopamidol (2.9 g iodine/kg) was administered intravenously into the rats. Renal function, histopathology, oxidative stress and apoptosis were evaluated in these models. Pretreatment with AS-IV significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels, as well as urinary kidney injury molecule-1 level and tubular injury. AS-IV also reduced oxidative stress and tubular cell apoptosis. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and caspase-3 activity were elevated in kidney tissues from AKI rats, accompanied by an increase in Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression at mRNA and protein levels. These changes were prevented by AS-IV pretreatment. Therefore, AS-IV can be developed as a novel therapeutic approach to prevent AKI through targeting inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways....(more)
Gui D, et al. Apoptosis 2013 Apr;18(4):409-22.
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- 4. Astragaloside IV ameliorates renal injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory genes expression.
Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory processes are involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, there are no effective interventions for inflammation in the diabetic kidneys. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Astragaloside IV(AS-IV), a novel saponin purified from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge, ameliorates DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Diabetes was induced with STZ (65 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection in rats. Two weeks after STZ injection, rats were divided into three groups (n=8/each group), namely, diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with AS-IV at 5 and 10 mgkg(-1)d(-1), p.o., for 8 weeks. The normal rats were chosen as nondiabetic control group (n=8). The rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after induction of diabetes. AS-IV ameliorated albuminuria, renal histopathology and podocyte foot process effacement in diabetic rats. Renal NF-κB activity, as wells as protein and mRNA expression were increased in diabetic kidneys, accompanied by an increase in mRNA expression and protein content of TNF-α, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in kidney tissues. The α1-chain type IV collagen mRNA was elevated in the kidneys of diabetic rats. All of these abnormalities were partially restored by AS-IV. AS-IV also decreased the serum levels of TNF-α, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in diabetic rats. These findings suggest that AS-IV, a novel anti-inflammatory agent, attenuated DN in rats through inhibiting NF-κB mediated inflammatory genes expression....(more)
Gui D, et al. Cytokine 2013 Mar;61(3):970-7.
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- 5. Astragaloside IV suppresses collagen production of activated hepatic stellate cells via oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathway.
Oxidative stress is involved in hepatic fibrogenesis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the key effectors in hepatic fibrogenesis, is characterized by overproduction of extracellular matrix. Astragaloside IV, the active component of Radix Astragali, has antioxidant properties and antifibrotic potential in renal fibrosis. Little is known about the role of astragaloside IV in liver and its involvement in hepatic fibrosis. This study aims at evaluating the antifibrotic potential of astragaloside IV and characterizing involved signal transduction pathways in culture-activated HSCs. Our results show that astragaloside IV attenuates oxidative stress in culture-activated HSCs, as demonstrated by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing lipid peroxidation, and elevates the level of cellular glutathione by stimulating Nrf2gene expression. Depletion of cellular glutathione by buthionine sulfoximine or abrogation of p38 MAPK by SB-203580 evidently eliminates the inhibitory effects of astragaloside IV on genes relevant to HSC activation. These results demonstrate that astragaloside IV inhibits HSC activation by inhibiting generation of oxidative stress and associated p38 MAPK activation and provide novel insights into the mechanisms of astragaloside IV as an antifibrogenic candidate in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis....(more)
Li X, et al. Free Radic Biol Med 2013 Mar 1;60C:168-176.
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- 6. Astragaloside IV-loaded nanoparticle-enriched hydrogel induces wound healing and anti-scar activity through topical delivery.
This study aims to investigate the novel preparation of solid lipid nanoparticle-enriched hydrogel (SLN-gel) for the topical delivery of astragaloside IV and to determine the effects of astragaloside IV-based SLN-gel on wound healing and anti-scar formation. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared through the solvent evaporation method. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug release, and morphological properties of the SLNs were characterized. The optimized SLNs were incorporated in carbomer hydrogel to form an SLN-enriched gel (SLN-gel) carrier. The effects of astragaloside IV-enriched SLNs on wound healing were determined using the wound scratch test, and their uptake by skin cells was tested in vitro. With the rat full-skin excision model, the in vivo regulation of astragaloside IV-based SLN-gel in the wound stages of re-epithelization, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling was investigated. The best formulation of astragaloside IV-based SLNs had high EE (93%±5%) and ZP (-23.6mV±1.5mV), with a PDI of 0.18±0.03 and a drug loading percentage of 9%. Astragaloside IV-based SLNs and SLN-gel could release drug sustainably. Astragaloside IV-based SLNs enhanced the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes and increased drug uptake on fibroblasts in vitro (P<0.01) through the caveolae endocytosis pathway, which was inhibited by methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Astragaloside IV-based SLN-gel strengthened wound healing and inhibited scar formation in vivo by increasing wound closure rate (P<0.05) and by contributing to angiogenesis and collagen regular organization. SLN-enriched gel is a promising topical drug delivery system. Astragaloside IV-loaded SLN-enriched gel was proven as an excellent topical preparation with wound healing and anti-scar effects....(more)
Chen X, et al. Int J Pharm 2013 Apr 15;447(1-2):171-81.
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- 7. Anti-inflammatory cycloartane-type saponins of Astragalus membranaceus.
A new cycloartane-type triterpene glycoside, agroastragaloside V (1) was isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus. The structure was identified as 3-O-β-(2'-O-acetyl)-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(24S)-3β,6α,24α,25-tetrahydroxy- 9,19-cyclolanostane, by means of spectroscopic methods, including HR-FAB/MS, 1D NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT), 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC, NOESY), and IR spectroscopy. Four known cycloartane glycosides, namely, agroastragaloside I (2), agroastragaloside II (3), isoastragaloside II (4) and astragaloside IV (5) were also isolated. All isolated compounds were tested for the ability to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophages....(more)
Lee DY, et al. Molecules 2013 Mar 25;18(4):3725-32.
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- 8. Effects of Astragaloside IV on Action Potentials and Ionic Currents in Guinea-Pig Ventricular Myocytes.
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the main active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus, which has various actions on the cardiovascular system. However, its electrophysiological mechanisms are not clear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AS-IV on action potentials and membrane currents using the whole-cell patch clamp technique in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. AS-IV prolonged the action potential duration (APD) at all three tested concentrations. The peak effect was achieved with 1×10(-6) m, at which concentration AS-IV significantly prolonged the APD at 95% repolarization from 313.1±38.9 to 785.3±83.7 ms. AS-IV at 1×10(-6) m also enhanced the inward rectifier K(+) currents (IK1) and inhibited the delayed rectifier K(+) currents (IK). AS-IV (1×10(-6) m) strongly depressed the peak of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel current (ICaL) from -607.3±37.5 to -321.1±38.3 pA. However, AS-IV was not found to affect the Na(+) currents. Taken together, AS-IV prolonged APD of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, which might be explained by its inhibition of IK. AS-IV also influences Ca(2+) signaling through suppressing ICaL....(more)
Zhao M, et al. Biol Pharm Bull 2013;36(4):515-21.
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- 9. Genetic and Pharmacological Inhibition of Rheb1-mTORC1 Signaling Exerts Cardioprotection against Adverse Cardiac Remodeling in Mice.
A previous study indicated that Rheb1 is required for mammalian target of TOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in the brain. However, the function of Rheb1 in the heart is still elusive. In the present study, we deleted Rheb1 specifically in cardiomyocytes and found that reduced Rheb1 levels conferred cardioprotection against pathologic remodeling in myocardial infarction (MI) and pressure overload (transverse aortic constriction) mouse models. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was reduced and mTORC1 activity was suppressed in cardiomyocyte Rheb1-deletion mice, suggesting that Rheb1 regulates mTORC1 activation in myocardium. Furthermore, we demonstrated that astragaloside IV (As-IV) could inhibit mTORC1, and As-IV treatment displayed similar protection against MI and transverse aortic constriction as Rheb1 genetic inhibition. This study indicates that Rheb1 is essential for mTORC1 activation in cardiomyocytes and suggests that targeting Rheb1-mTORC1 signaling, such as by As-IV treatment, may be an effective therapeutic method for treating patients with adverse cardiac remodeling after MI and hypertrophy....(more)
Wu X, et al. Am J Pathol 2013 Apr 6.
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- 10. Simultaneous quantification of paeoniflorin, nobiletin, tangeretin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin and formononetin from Si-Ni-San extract in rat plasma and tissues by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
In this study, a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of seven bioactive components including paeoniflorin, nobiletin, tangeretin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin and formononetin in rat plasma and tissues after oral administration of Si-Ni-San extract using astragaloside IV as internal standard (IS). The plasma and tissue samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C18 column with a multiple-step gradient elution. The quantification was obtained by scanning with multiple reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source that was operated by switching between the positive and negative modes in two MS/MS scan segments. Full validation of the assay was implemented. In conclusion, this method demonstrated good linearity and specificity. The lower limits of quantification for the analytes were <7.5 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD) were <12.5% and accuracy (RE) ranged from -10.2 to 7.3%. The average recoveries of the analytes from rat plasma and tissues were >65.2% and 58.6%, respectively. The validated method was further applied to the determination of actual rat plasma and tissues after oral administration of Si-Ni-San extract. The results provided a meaningful basis for the clinical application of this prescription. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd....(more)
Li T, et al. Biomed Chromatogr 2013 Apr 11.
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- 11. Protective effects of astragalus extract against intermittent hypoxia-induced hippocampal neurons impairment in rats.
BACKGROUND:
Intermittent hypoxia is the main pathophysiological cause of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Astragalus shows improvement of spatial learning and memory abilities under intermittent hypoxia. Our study aimed to investigate the protective effect of astragalus against intermittent hypoxia induced-hippocampal neurons impairment in rats and lay the theoretical foundation for the sleep apnea improvement in cognitive function by astragalus.
METHODS:
Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: blank control group, normoxia group, intermittent hypoxia group and astragalus treated intermittent hypoxia group. After 6-week treatment, apoptosis of neurons was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. Furthermore, the expression of HIF-1a was detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the mRNA level as well as by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting at the protein level.
RESULTS:
HPLC analysis indicated that astragaloside IV, astragaloside II and astragaloside I were the main compounds in astragals extract. Astragalus extract reduced the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons (P < 0.05) and decreased the expression of HIF-1a at both the mRNA and protein levels in hippocampus compared with non-treated groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Astragalus protects against intermittent hypoxia-induced hippocampal neurons impairment in rats....(more)
Zhang Q, et al. Chin Med J (Engl) 2013 Apr;126(8):1551-4.
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- 12. Inhibition airway remodeling and transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling pathway by astragalus extract in asthmatic mice.
Airway remodeling is characterized by airway wall thickening, subepithelial brosis, increased smooth muscle mass, angiogenesis and increased mucous glands, which can lead to a chronic and obstinate asthma with pulmonary function depression. In the present study, we investigated whether the astragalus extract inhibits airway remodeling in a mouse asthma model and observed the effects of astragalus extract on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. Mice were sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin to establish a model of asthma. Treatments included the astragalus extract and budesonide. Lung tissues were obtained for hematoxylin and eosin staining and Periodic acid-Schiff staining after the nal ovalbumin challenge. Levels of TGF-β1 were assessed by immunohistology and ELISA, levels of TGF-β1 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR, and levels of P-Smad2/3 and T-Smad2/3 were assessed by western blotting. Astragalus extract and budesonide reduced allergen-induced increases in the thickness of bronchial airway and mucous gland hypertrophy, goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition. Levels of lung TGF-β1, TGF-β1 mRNA and P-Smad2/3 were signicantly reduced in mice treated with astragalus extract and budesonide. Astragalus extract improved asthma airway remodeling by inhibiting the expression of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and may be a potential drug for the treatment of patients with a severe asthma airway....(more)
Qu ZH, et al. Int J Mol Med 2012 Apr;29(4):564-8.
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- 13. Astragalus extract alleviates nerve injury after cerebral ischemia by improving energy metabolism and inhibiting apoptosis.
This aim of this study was to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of Astragalus extract against cerebral ischemia injury through the energy metabolism and apoptosis pathways of cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction. After the bilateral common carotid artery of C57BL/6 mice was occluded for 20 min followed by 1-h reperfusion, the ATP content, total adenine nucleotides (TAN), energy charge (EC), and sodium potassium ATPase (Na(+)-K(+)ATPase) activity were decreased markedly in brain tissues. Astragalus extract markedly increased the ATP and ADP levels, EC value, and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. Twenty-four and 48 h after reperfusion, the neurocyte survival rate decreased and apoptosis rate increased, while the expression of phosphorylated JNK1/2, cytochrome c (Cyt C), and cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease (caspase)-9 and -3 were significantly enhanced in brain tissues. Astragalus extract significantly increased neurocyte survival and decreased the apoptosis rate as well as down-regulated the expression of p-JNK1/2, Cyt C, caspase-9, and caspase-3. These results suggest that Astragalus extract has neuroprotective effects against nerve injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with improved cellular energy metabolism, inhibition of JNK signal transduction pathway activation, and then suppression of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway....(more)
Huang XP, et al. Biol Pharm Bull 2012;35(4):449-54.
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- 14. Astragalus Extract Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation and Inhibits Nuclear Factor κB Expression in Asthmatic Mice.
BACKGROUND:: Astragalus membranaceus from traditional Chinese herbal medicines previously showed that it possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of astragalus on allergen-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness and investigate its possible molecular mechanisms. METHODS:: Female BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) developed airway inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was assessed for total and differential cell counts and cytokine and chemokine levels. In vivo airway responsiveness to increasing concentrations of methacholine was measured 24 hours after the last OVA challenge using whole-body plethysmography. The expression of IκB-α and p65 in lung tissues was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS:: Astragalus extract attenuated lung inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness in OVA-induced asthma and decreased eosinophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, astragalus extract treatment reduced expression of the key initiators of allergic TH2-associated cytokines (interleukin 4, interleukin 5) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, astragalus extract could inhibit nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression and suppress NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in lung tissue samples. CONCLUSIONS:: Taken together, our current study demonstrated a potential therapeutic value of astragalus extract in the treatment of asthma and it may act by inhibiting the expression of the NF-κB pathway....(more)
Yang ZC, et al. Am J Med Sci 2012 Dec 21.
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- 15. Astragalus extract inhibits destruction of gastric cancer cells to mesothelial cells by anti-apoptosis.
AIM:
To determine the inhibitory effect of Astragalus memebranaceushas on gastric cancer cell supernatant-induced apoptosis of human peritoneal mesothelial cells.
METHODS:
Human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) line HMrSV5 was co-incubated with gastric cancer cell supernatant (MKN45) and/or Astragalus memebranaceushas. Morphological changes in gastric cancer cells were observed under phase-contrast microscope. Quantitative cell damage was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined under transmission electron microscope and quantified by detecting acridine orange/ethidium bromide-stained (AO/EB) condensed nuclei under fluorescent microscope or by flow cytometry. Expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated with immunostaining.
RESULTS:
Morphological changes and exfoliation occurred and naked areas appeared in cultured HMrSV5 cells 24 h after they were treated with gastric cancer cell supernatant. Cell supernatant from MKN45 gastric cancer cells induced apoptosis of HMrSV5 cells in a time-dependent manner. Obvious morphological changes were observed in cell apoptosis, such as condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentations and apoptotic bodies. Astragalus memebranaceus could partly suppress these changes and regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in HMrSV5 cells.
CONCLUSION:
Gastric cancer cells induce apoptosis of HPMCs through the supernatant. Astragalus memebranaceushas inhibits this phenomenon and can be used an adjuvant chemothera-peutic agent in gastric cancer therapy....(more)
Na D, et al. World J Gastroenterol 2009 Feb 7;15(5):570-7.
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- 16. Alantolactone suppresses inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by down-regulating NF-κB, MAPK and AP-1 via the MyD88 signaling pathway in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells.
Several sesquiterpene lactones are the active components of several medicinal plants and have been demonstrated to perform various pharmacological functions. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the root of Aucklandia lappa, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Alantolactone inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA transcription, as well as the downstream products, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Investigation of the effects on nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling showed that alantolactone inhibits the phosphorylation of inhibitory κB (IκB)-α and IκB kinase (IKK) and the subsequent translocation of the p65 and p50 NF-κB subunits to the nucleus. Moreover, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK, and activator protein-1 (AP-1) was also observed. A further study indicated that alantolactone attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt and inhibited the expression of MyD88 and Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adaptor protein (TIRAP), an upstream signaling molecule required for IKK and MAPKs activation. Taken together, these results suggest that alantolactone exerts its anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing NF-κB activation and MAPKs phophorylation via downregulation of the MyD88 signaling pathway. Thus, alantolactone may provide a useful therapeutic approach for inflammation-associated diseases.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved....(more)
Chun J, et al. Int Immunopharmacol 2012 Dec;14(4):375-83.
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- 17. [Comparison of in vitro anti-oxidative activities among Siwu Decoction Serial Recipes, their composed crude herbs, and main aromatic acids, as well as their dose-effect correlation].
OBJECTIVE:
To assess and compare the in vitro anti-oxidative activities among Siwu Decoction Serial Recipes, their composed crude herbs, and main aromatic acids they contained.
METHODS:
Their anti-oxidative activities (including Siwu Decoction and correlated recipes such as Taohong Siwu Decoction, Xiangfu Siwu Decoction, Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction, and Xiongqiong Decoction, 16 kinds of crude herbs, and main aromatic acids they contained) were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical clearance method.
RESULTS:
The selected five decoctions showed obvious activities of scavenging free radicals. Siwu Decoction was better than other decoctions in scavenging free radicals and Xiongqiong Decoction was the least. Among the 16 kinds of crude herbs, red peony root, white peony root, safflower, ligustici chuanxiong, common aucklandia root showed the strongest activities, while peach seed showed the poorest activities. Among aromatic acids, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid showed obvious anti-oxidative activities in scavenging free radicals, showing obvious dose-effect correlation. p-hydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, and cinnamic acid showed no activities on scavenging free radicals (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Siwu Decoction and aromatic acids contained in correlated decoctions played significant roles in anti-oxidative activities....(more)
Tang YP, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2012 Jan;32(1):64-7. Chinese.
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- 18. High-performance thin layer chromatography for quality control of multicomponent herbal drugs: example of cangzhu xianglian san.
Due to their complexity, multicomponent herbal drugs pose enormous analytical challenges for quality control (QC). Although they may have traditionally been used for hundreds of years, the information about their chemical composition is often still limited. Selecting suitable markers to monitor the identity and potency of the mixture is, therefore, difficult. There is also the possibility of natural variability for each plant. This paper illustrates a pragmatic and practical approach to QC of a multicomponent herbal drug by HPTLC. Cangzhu xianglian xan (CXS), composed of the herbal drugs Coptis rhizome, Aucklandia root, and Atractylodes rhizome (30 + 20 + 60, w/w/w), is used as an example. A characteristic fingerprint can be generated for CXS with toluene-ethyl acetate-methanol-isopropanol-water (60 + 30 + 20 + 15 + 3, v/v/v/v/v) mobile phase on HPTLC silica gel 60 conditioned with ammonia. While the corresponding monograph of the Chinese Veterinary Pharmacopoeia focuses only on the detection of berberine, one of the principal components of Coptis rhizome, the proposed method of identification determines the presence of all three components in the drug after derivatization with anisaldehyde reagent. The same method can also be used to quantitatively determine the content of berberine by scanning densitometry. This paper provides details about the validation of the qualitative and quantitative determinations....(more)
Li Z, et al. J AOAC Int 2010 Sep-Oct;93(5):1390-8.
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- 19. [Application of dannang recipe no. 2 in the perioperative stage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy].
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the significance of application of Dannang Recipe No. 2 (DNR2), a Chinese herbal preparation, in the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
METHODS:
Three hundred and sixty patients with LC were randomly assigned to two groups, 180 in each group. The treatment group was treated with DNR2 in the perioperative period, one dose of the recipe composed of aucklandia root 10 g, red peony root 15 g, giant knotweed rhizome 10 g, scutellaria root 10 g, honeysuckle flower 15 g, forsythia fruit 10 g, rhubarb 9 g, immature bitter orange 10 g, magnolia bark 10 g, peach kernel 10 g, red sage root 20 g and licorice root 4 g, which was boiled with water and taken one dose per day, starting from the previous night of operation. The control group was treated by antibiotic with Ceftizoxime sodium 2.0 g or Levofloxacin 200 mg via intravenous dripping once 0.5 h before operation preventively and 1-3 days after operation according to patients' condition. The indexes, including recovery time of borborygmus, gas elimination and defecation, post-operation body temperature, days needing fluid transfusion, hospitalization time, incidence of infectious complication, as well as the white blood cell counting (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) before and after operation, were analyzed and compared between groups.
RESULTS:
The recovery time of borborygmus, gas elimination and defecation were shorter in the treatment group as compared with that in the control group (10.42 +/- 4.38 h vs. 17.11 +/- 6.25 h, 15.60 +/- 5.03 h vs. 32.74 +/- 9.43 h and 38.81 +/- 9.87 h vs. 56.09 +/- 11.00 h, respectively) and all the other indexes were better in the treatment group than those in the control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), except the incidence of postoperative infectious complication, it was similar in the two groups.
CONCLUSION:
Application of DNR2 in perioperative stage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy can effectively promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal motility and suppress the occurrence of acute inflammation....(more)
Xu L, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008 Dec;28(12):1090-2. Chinese.
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- 20. Authentication of Saussurea lappa, an endangered medicinal material, by ITS DNA and 5S rRNA sequencing.
Wild SAUSSUREA LAPPA in the family Asteraceae is a highly endangered plant. On the other hand, the dried root of cultivated S. LAPPA (Radix Aucklandia, Muxiang) is a popular medicinal material for treating various gastrointestinal diseases. In the market, several medicinal plants including VLADIMIRIA BERARDIOIDEA, V. SOULIEI, V. SOULIEI var. MIRABILIS, INULA HELENIUM and I. RACEMOSA in the family Asteraceae and ARISTOLOCHIA DEBILIS in the family Aristolochiaceae have the trade name of Muxiang. To manage the concerned medicinal material, we investigated if the ITS and 5S rRNA intergenic spacers are effective for discriminating S. LAPPA from its substitutes and adulterants. Sequencing results showed that the similarities of ITS-1, ITS-2 and 5S rRNA intergenic spacers among S. LAPPA and related species were 56.3 - 97.8 %, 58.5 - 97.0 %, and 26.4 - 77.9 %, respectively. The intraspecific variation was much lower. There are also several unique changes in the S. LAPPA sequences that may be used as differentiation markers....(more)
Chen F, et al. Planta Med 2008 Jun;74(8):889-92.
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- 21. Authentication of Radix Aucklandiae and its substitutes by GC-MS and hierarchical clustering analysis.
Radix Aucklandiae (Muxiang in Chinese), the dried root of Aucklandia lappa, is used as a medicinal material for digestive system disorders in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Owing to the similarity of morphologies and trade names, Radix Vladimiriae (Chuan-Muxiang), the roots of Vladimiria souliei and V. souliei var. cinerea, and Radix Inulae (Tu-Muxiang), the roots of Inula helenium and Inula racemosa, as well as the renal toxic aristolochic acid containing Radix Aristolochiae (Qing-Muxiang), the roots of Aristolochia debilis and Aristolochia contorta, are often used confusedly as the substitutes of Radix Aucklandiae. In order to ensure the effective and safe utility of Radix Aucklandiae, a GC-MS method was developed to generate the chemical profiles of essential oils of Radix Aucklandiae and its substitutes. In addition, hierarchical clustering analysis was used to compare the similarities of these chemical profiles. It was found that all the samples of A. lappa have similar chemical profiles and were clustered into one group, while the samples of Radix Vladimiriae, Radix Inulae, and Radix Aristolochiae were clustered into their own independent groups, respectively, suggesting that together with hierarchical clustering analysis, chemical profiles of essential oils generated by GC-MS could objectively discriminate Radix Aucklandiae from its common substitutes....(more)
Shum KC, et al. J Sep Sci 2007 Dec;30(18):3233-9.
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- 22. [Effects of series of Muskone on heart hemodynamics and myocardial consumption of oxygen in experimental dogs].
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of series of Muskone (the muskone includes Slender Dutchmanspipe Root, Inula Root and neither kind of Common Aucklandia Root) on the heart hemodynamics and myocardial consumption of oxygen in experimental dogs, and to explain its pharmacological action on cardiovascular system.
METHOD:
Arterial blood pressure, coronary blood flow, resistance in coronary artery, total peripheral resistance, work of left artrium and oxygen consumption index of the cardiac muscles were observed in anaesthetic dogs.
RESULT:
The series of Muskone decreased arterial blood pressure significantly, dilated coronary artery and peripheral arteries significantly, increased coronary blood flow, decreased resistance in coronary artery, improved the work of left artrium, the oxygen availability of cardiac muscles and the complaisance of arteries in cardiac muscles....(more)
Zhang YT, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2007 May;32(9):827-30. Chinese.
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- 23. Detection of feruloyl- and cinnamoyl esterases from basidiomycetes in the presence of interfering laccase.
Little is known on basidiomycete sources of feruloyl esterases (FAEs), although many wood-rotting representatives of these fungi typically grow on feruloyl-rich substrates. A major reason is that the almost ubiquitous presence of laccases interferes with the detection of FAE activity. Laccases polymerize the liberated ferulic acid (FA) in situ, thus detracting the product of enzymatic hydrolysis from its detection. A rapid HPLC-UV method was developed to detect the loss of FA, but also to quantify the hydrolysis of FA esters. The method allows at the same time to evaluate the substrate specificity of a FAE. Forty one basidiomycetes were tested for their FAE activities, and 25 out of the set were positive. The basidiomycetes hydrolyzing cinnamates with the highest conversion rates were Auricularia auricula-judae and Marasmius scorodonius. Moreover, a new FAE inducer, the nonionic detergent Tween 80, was found. This is the first comprehensive study on basidiomycete sources of FAEs.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Haase-Aschoff P, et al. Bioresour Technol 2013 Feb;130:231-8.
Related Products: auricularia Auricula Extract
- 24. First crystal structure of a fungal high-redox potential dye-decolorizing peroxidase: substrate interaction sites and long-range electron transfer.
Dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) belong to the large group of heme peroxidases. They utilize hydrogen peroxide to catalyze oxidations of various organic compounds. AauDyPI from Auricularia auricula-judae (fungi) was crystallized, and its crystal structure was determined at 2.1 resolution. The mostly helical structure also shows a β-sheet motif typical for DyPs and Cld (chlorite dismutase)-related structures and includes the complete polypeptide chain. At the distal side of the heme molecule, a flexible aspartate residue (Asp-168) plays a key role in catalysis. It guides incoming hydrogen peroxide toward the heme iron and mediates proton rearrangement in the process of Compound I formation. Afterward, its side chain changes its conformation, now pointing toward the protein backbone. We propose an extended functionality of Asp-168, which acts like a gatekeeper by altering the width of the heme cavity access channel. Chemical modifications of potentially redox-active amino acids show that a tyrosine is involved in substrate interaction. Using spin-trapping experiments, a transient radical on the surface-exposed Tyr-337 was identified as the oxidation site for bulky substrates. A possible long-range electron transfer pathway from the surface of the enzyme to the redox cofactor (heme) is discussed....(more)
Strittmatter E, et al. J Biol Chem 2013 Feb 8;288(6):4095-102.
Related Products: auricularia Auricula Extract
- 25. Pulsed electric field extraction enhanced anti-coagulant effect of fungal polysaccharide from Jew's ear (Auricularia auricula).
INTRODUCTION:
As a Chinese herbal medicine, Jew's ear has been known for its anti-coagulant effects. Hence it is worthwhile developing an effective technique to extract active components.
OBJECTIVE:
To find the optimal extraction condition and to identify the best strain to yield fungal polysaccharide with anti-coagulant activity.
METHODOLOGY:
Three strains of Jew's ear from Jilin Province, named as 988, DY 18 and FS 02, and three extraction techniques, namely, high intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF), microwave-assisted extraction method (MAEM) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction method (UAEM), were applied to optimise the extraction conditions. The crude extracts and polysaccharides were further determined for anti-coagulant activities.
RESULTS:
All extracts prolonged blood clotting time as compared to reagent control. The HIPEF exhibited the most remarkable effect among the three extraction techniques. The anti-coagulant activities of extracts were enhanced with increasing electric field strength when the field strength reached 24 kV/cm.
CONCLUSION:
Current results suggest that the HIPEF technique will be an effective method in the manufacture of bioactive natural polysaccharide.
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd....(more)
Li C, et al. Phytochem Anal 2013 Jan-Feb;24(1):36-40.
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- 26. Substrate oxidation by dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) from wood- and litter-degrading agaricomycetes compared to other fungal and plant heme-peroxidases.
Catalytic and physicochemical properties of representative fungal dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) of wood- (WRF) and litter-decomposing white-rot fungi (LDF) are summarized and compared, including one recombinant Mycetinis scorodonius DyP (rMscDyP; LDF), the wild-type Auricularia auricula-judae DyP (AauDyP; WRF), and two new DyPs secreted by the jelly fungi Exidia glandulosa (EglDyP; WRF) and Mycena epipterygia (MepDyP; LDF). Homogeneous preparations of these DyPs were obtained after different steps of fast protein liquid chromatography, and they increase the total number of characterized fungal DyP proteins to eight. The peptide sequences of AauDyP, MepDyP, and EglDyP showed highest homologies (52-56 %) to the DyPs of M. scorodonius. Five out of the eight characterized fungal DyPs were used to evaluate their catalytic properties compared to classic fungal and plant heme peroxidases, namely lignin peroxidase of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PchLiP; WRF), versatile peroxidase of Bjerkandera adusta (BadVP; WRF), and generic peroxidases of Coprinopsis cinerea (CiP) and Glycine max (soybean peroxidase = SBP). All DyPs tested possess unique properties regarding the stability at low pH values: 50-90 % enzymatic activity remained after 4-h exposition at pH 2.5, and the oxidation of nonphenolic aromatic substrates (lignin model compounds) was optimal below pH 3. Furthermore, all DyPs efficiently oxidized recalcitrant dyes (e.g., Azure B) as well as the phenolic substrate 2,6-dimethoxyphenol. Thus, DyPs combine features of different peroxidases on the functional level and may be part of the biocatalytic system secreted by fungi for the oxidation of lignin and/or toxic aromatic compounds....(more)
Liers C, et al. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012 Oct 31.
Related Products: auricularia Auricula Extract
- 27. In vitro antiviral activity of sulfated Auricularia auricula polysaccharides.
Total Auricularia auricula polysaccharide (AAP(t)) was prepared by extracting and removing the proteins. Column chromatography was used to further graded it into AAP(1) and AAP(2). Three AAPs were modified by chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method to obtain three sulfated AAPs (sAAPs), sAAP(t), sAAP(1) and sAAP(2), respectively. Three sAAPs and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were added into cultivation system of chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) in three manners, pre-, post- and simultaneous-adding polysaccharide with NDV respectively, taking three non-modified AAPs as control. Their anti-viral activities were compared by MTT method. The results showed that sAAPs and AAPs at a certain concentration could significantly inhibit the cellular infectivity of NDV in three manners. The effects of sAAPs were better than that of AAPs. It indicated that sulfated modification could enhance the antiviral activity of AAP. sAAP(1) and sAAP(t) possessed stronger activity and would be as the component of a new-type antiviral drug.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Nguyen TL, et al. Carbohydr Polym 2012 Oct 15;90(3):1254-8.
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- 28. Chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of crude water soluble polysaccharides from four common edible mushrooms.
Four crude water soluble polysaccharides, CABP, CAAP, CFVP and CLDP, were isolated from common edible mushrooms, including Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricula, Flammulina velutipes and Lentinus edodes, and their chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties were determined. Fourier Transform-infrared analysis showed that the four crude polysaccharides were all composed of β-glycoside linkages. The major monosaccharide compositions were D-galactose, D-glucose and D-mannose for CABP, CAAP and CLDP, while CFVP was found to consist of L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose and D-mannose. The main molecular weight distributions of CABP and the other three polysaccharides were <5.1 × 10(4) Da and >66.0 × 10(4) Da, respectively. Antioxidant properties of the four polysaccharides were evaluated in in vitro systems and CABP showed the best antioxidant properties. The studied mushroom species could potentially be used in part of well-balanced diets and as a source of antioxidant compounds....(more)
He JZ, et al. Molecules 2012 Apr 11;17(4):4373-87.
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- 29. Branching structure and chain conformation of water-soluble glucan extracted from Auricularia auricula-judae.
A water-soluble neutral polysaccharide (AF1) was extracted from Auricularia (A.) auricula-judae with 0.15 M aqueous NaCl at 80-100 °C. Its chemical components and structure were analyzed by GC, GC-MS, and NMR. AF1 was identified as a β-(1→3)-D-glucan with two β-(1→6)-D-glucosyl residues for every three main chain glucose residues, showing a comb-branched structure. The M(w) values of AF1 in both aqueous solution and DMSO determined by LLS and SEC-LLS were in the narrow range of 2.07-2.15 × 10(6), indicating AF1 existed as single chains in the two solvents. The high intrinsic viscosity [η] of 1753 mL/g and the structure-sensitive parameter ρ (≡R(g)/R(h)) value of 2.3 in water revealed that AF1 existed as stiff chain conformation. Moreover, we directly observed the extended stiff chain conformation by AFM. The branching structure led to the water solubility of AF1, and the intramolecular hydrogen bonds sustained the stiff chain conformation. The rheological results showed that this polysaccharide aqueous solution had higher viscosity than even xanthan, a pronounced thickening agent. This work provided important information for developing new thickeners in food fields, and how neutral polysaccharides can be used as good candidates....(more)
Xu S, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2012 Apr 4;60(13):3498-506.
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- 30. Comparative antitumor activity of jelly ear culinary-medicinal mushroom, Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) J. Schrot. (higher basidiomycetes) extracts against tumor cells in vitro.
The present study compares the antitumor activity of extracts from Auricularia auricula-judae, Phellinus gilvus, Ganoderma lucidum, and 100 Korean wild plants in the P388D1 macrophage cell line. The antitumor activity of A. auricula-judae extract (44.21%) did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) from those of Ph. Gilvus (39.46%) and G. lucidum (36.64%) at 1 mg/mL of concentration. Among 100 wild plants, Morus bombycis f. kase, Draba nemorosa var. hebecarpa, Sedum oryzifolium, Lotus corniculatus var. japonicus, and Auricularia auricula-judae 70% ethanol extracts inhibited the viability of tumor cells by 41.85%, 37.31%, 30.29%, 31.98%, and 25.40% at 3 mg/mL of concentration, while inhibition concentration (IC50) values were 1.81, 1.49, 1.05, 1.10, and 0.72 mg/mL, respectively. In Sarcoma 180, NCI H358, and SNU 1 cell lines, the inhibitory activities of A. auricula-judae extract were 65.71%, 69.76%, and 68.01%, respectively. Taken together, the results obtained from the present study indicated that four plant extracts (4% of tested wild plants) and A. auricula-judae extract with similar levels of Ph. Gilvus and G. lucidum extracts may be new potential antitumor agents....(more)
Reza MA, et al. Int J Med Mushrooms 2012;14(4):403-9.
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- 31. Antioxidant properties of extracts of wild medicinal mushroom species from Croatia.
Antioxidant activity and total phenol (TP) content of methanol and water extracts of three wild Croatian mushroom species Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél., Sarcoscypha austriaca (Sacc.) Boud., and Strobilurus esculentus (Wulfen) Singer were determined and compared with the values obtained for extracts of four cultivated mushrooms Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach (brown and white strains), Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm., and Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer. Spectrophotometric determination of the TP content was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant activity was measured in a reaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH assay) and ferric-tripyridyltriazine (Fe3+-TPTZ) complex (FRAP assay). On the average, 5.8-fold higher TP content was observed for water in comparison to methanol extracts of all analyzed mushrooms. Consequently, antioxidant activity was also higher for water extracts, which is evident from the obtained higher values in the FRAP assay and lower EC50 values in the DPPH assay. Among the three tested wild species, the water extract of S. esculentus exhibited the highest concentration of TP, 8.12 mg/g gallic acid equivalents (GAE), the highest reducing power, 19.42 mmol Fe2+/kg, and the best radical scavenging properties, EC50= 13.5 mg/mL....(more)
Piljac-Zegarac J, et al. Int J Med Mushrooms 2011;13(3):257-63.
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- 32. Hypocholesterolemic effects of Auricularia auricula ethanol extract in ICR mice fed a cholesterol-enriched diet.
The cholesterol-lowering properties of Auricularia auricula are commonly attributed to the presence of polysaccharides based on previous research. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ethanol extract of A. auricula (AAE) on hypercholesterolemia in ICR mice. AAE contained more than 16% (g/g) polyphenolic compounds, excluding other interfering factors such as polysaccharides, water-soluble fibre and protein. Thirty-six mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 12). The experimental group was fed cholesterol-enriched diet (CED) with oral administration of AAE (150 mg/kg/d b.w.) for 8-week, normal control group and CED control group received either a regular diet (RD) or CED along with oral administration of equal volume distilled water. Serum lipid profiles and antioxidant status were measured in addition to fecal neutral cholesterol and bile acids. AAE showed a remarkable hypocholesterolemic effect, improving antioxidant status, decreasing the level of total cholesterol and atherosclerosis index, increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fecal excretion of bile acids. No apparent effects on serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fecal excretion of neutral cholesterol and feeding efficiency were observed among all groups. These results indicated that A. auricula functional components, which prevented hypercholesterolemia contained polyphenolic compounds, in addition to polysaccharides....(more)
Chen G, et al. J Food Sci Technol 2011 Dec;48(6):692-8.
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- 33. Chronic consumption of a wild green oat extract (Neuravena) improves brachial flow-mediated dilatation and cerebrovascular responsiveness in older adults.
BACKGROUND:
Heart health benefits have been attributed to regular consumption of oats. Preclinical evidence suggests that a wild green oat extract (WGOE) may improve vasodilator function, but this is yet to be evaluated in humans.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether regular daily consumption of WGOE can influence vasodilator function in systemic and cerebral arteries.
METHODS:
Thirty-seven healthy older adults (>60 years) completed a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-way crossover dietary intervention with 1500mg/day of encapsulated WGOE or placebo. All assessments were conducted at the end of each 12-week intervention arm, after participants had fasted for at least 4h and at least 18h after they had taken their last dose of supplement. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and hypercapnia-induced increases of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery were used to measure systemic and cerebral vasodilator responsiveness (CVR), respectively.
RESULTS:
Compared with placebo, WGOE supplementation increased CVR and FMD to a similar extent (42 and 41%, respectively, P<0.01 for both). The improvements in CVR and FMD were not correlated. Resting blood pressure did not alter with supplementation. Dose and treatment duration were well tolerated by participants.
CONCLUSION:
WGOE supplementation can improve vasodilator function in systemic and cerebral arteries, suggesting a potential role in the maintenance of cardiovascular health....(more)
Wong RH, et al. J Hypertens 2013 Jan;31(1):192-200.
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- 34. Automated regenerable microarray-based immunoassay for rapid parallel quantification of mycotoxins in cereals.
An automated flow-through multi-mycotoxin immunoassay using the stand-alone Munich Chip Reader 3 platform and reusable biochips was developed and evaluated. This technology combines a unique microarray, prepared by covalent immobilization of target analytes or derivatives on diamino-poly(ethylene glycol) functionalized glass slides, with a dedicated chemiluminescence readout by a CCD camera. In a first stage, we aimed for the parallel detection of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins in cereal samples in a competitive indirect immunoassay format. The method combines sample extraction with methanol/water (80:20, v/v), extract filtration and dilution, and immunodetection using horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibodies. The total analysis time, including extraction, extract dilution, measurement, and surface regeneration, was 19 min. The prepared microarray chip was reusable for at least 50 times. Oat extract revealed itself as a representative sample matrix for preparation of mycotoxin standards and determination of different types of cereals such as oat, wheat, rye, and maize polenta at relevant concentrations according to the European Commission regulation. The recovery rates of fortified samples in different matrices, with 55-80 and 58-79 %, were lower for the better water-soluble fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol and with 127-132 and 82-120 % higher for the more unpolar aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, respectively. Finally, the results of wheat samples which were naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol were critically compared in an interlaboratory comparison with data obtained from microtiter plate ELISA, aokinmycontrol® method, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and found to be in good agreement....(more)
Oswald S, et al. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013 Apr 26.
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- 35. Chronic effects of a wild green oat extract supplementation on cognitive performance in older adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
BACKGROUND AND AIM:
Preliminary evaluation of a wild green oat extract (WGOE) (Neuravena(®) ELFA(®)955, Frutarom, Switzerland) revealed an acute cognitive benefit of supplementation. This study investigated whether regular daily WGOE supplementation would result in sustained cognitive improvements.
METHOD:
A 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial of WGOE supplementation (1500 mg/day) versus placebo was undertaken in 37 healthy adults aged 67 ± 0.8 years (mean ± SEM). Cognitive assessments included the Stroop colour-word test, letter cancellation, the rule-shift task, a computerised multi-tasking test battery and the trail-making task. All assessments were conducted in Week 12 and repeated in Week 24 whilst subjects were fasted and at least 18 h after taking the last dose of supplement.
RESULT:
Chronic WGOE supplementation did not affect any measures of cognition.
CONCLUSION:
It appears that the cognitive benefit of acute WGOE supplementation does not persist with chronic treatment in older adults with normal cognition. It remains to be seen whether sustained effects of WGOE supplementation may be more evident in those with mild cognitive impairment....(more)
Wong RH, et al. Nutrients 2012 May;4(5):331-42.
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