Acanthopanax Senticosus Extract Research Articles

Use of a rat model to characterize 35 arterial pulse wave parameters in a comparative study of isoflurane and Zoletil/xylazine anesthesia and the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus extract.

Information obtained from arterial pulse waveforms (APW) can be useful for characterizing the cardiovascular system. To achieve this, it is necessary to know the detailed characteristics of APWs in different states of an organism, which would allow APW parameters (APW-Ps) to be assigned to particular (patho)physiological conditions. Therefore, our work aimed to characterize 35 APW-Ps in rats under the influence of isoflurane (ISO) and Zoletil/xylazine (ZO/XY) anesthesia and to study the effect of root extract from Acanthopanax senticosus (ASRE) in these anesthetic conditions. The right jugular vein of anesthetized rats was cannulated for the administration of ASRE and the left carotid artery for the detection of APWs from which 35 APW-Ps were evaluated. We obtained data on 35 APW-Ps, which significantly depended on the anesthesia, and thus, they characterized the cardiovascular system under these two conditions. ASRE transiently modulated all 35 APW-Ps, including a transient decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate or increases in pulse BP, dP/dtmax , and systolic and diastolic areas. Whereas the transient effects of ASRE were similar, the extract had prolonged disturbing effects on the cardiovascular system in rats under ZO/XY but not under ISO anesthesia. This negative effect can result from the disturbance caused by ZO/XY anesthesia on the cardiovascular system. We characterized 35 APW-Ps of rats under ISO and ZO/XY anesthesia and found that ASRE contains compounds that can modulate the properties of the cardiovascular system, which significantly depended on the status of the cardiovascular system. This should be considered when using ASRE as a nutritional supplement by individuals with cardiovascular problems.

Acanthopanax senticosus extract alleviates radiation-induced learning and memory impairment based on neurotransmitter-gut microbiota communication.

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a medicinal and food plant with many physiological functions, especially nerve protection. Its extract has many functional components, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, and amino acids. Our previous study indicated that AS extract protected against nerve damage caused by radiation. However, little is known about the gut-brain axis mechanism of AS and its impact on radiation-induced learning and memory impairment. In 60 Co-γ ray-irradiated mice, we investigated the changes in behavior, neurotransmitters and gut microbiota after different days of administration of AS extract as a dietary supplement. The AS extract improved learning and memory ability in mice, and the neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus and colon started to change from the 7th day, which accompanied changes of the gut microbiota, a decreased abundance of Helicobacter on the 7th day and an increased abundance of Lactobacillus on the 28th day. Among the marker bacteria, Ruminococcus and Clostridiales were associated with 5-HT synthesis, and Streptococcus were associated with 5-HT and ACH synthesis. In addition, the AS extract increased the tight junction protein, inhibited inflammation levels in colon, and even increased the relative protein expression of BDNF and NF-κB and decreased the relative protein expression of IκBα in the hippocampus of irradiated mice. These results will lay the foundation for further study on the mechanism of the gut-brain axis of AS in preventing radiation-induced learning and memory impairment.

Dietary supplementation of Acanthopanax senticosus extract alleviates motor deficits in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice and its underlying mechanism.

Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE), a dietary supplement with antifatigue, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, has been widely used due to its high polyphenol content. Our previous study showed that ASE could be used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) as it contains multiple monoamine oxidase B inhibitors prescribed in early PD. However, its mechanism remains ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of ASE on MPTP-induced PD in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms of action. We found that the administration of ASE significantly improved motor coordination in mice with MPTP-induced PD. As shown by quantitative proteomic analysis, 128 proteins' expression significantly changed in response to ASE administration, most of which were involved with Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis in macrophages and monocytes signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and insulin receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, the network analysis results showed that ASE modulates protein networks involved in regulating cellular assembly, lipid metabolism, and morphogenesis, all of which have implications for treating PD. Overall, ASE served as a potential therapeutic because it regulated multiple targets to improve motor deficits, which could lay the strong foundation for developing anti-PD dietary supplements.

Potential Antiaging and Hepatoprotective Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus Extracts in Adult Rat Models.

Data regarding plant extracts with antiaging properties, particularly through the biological process involving telomeres and telomerase, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) supplementation on leukocyte telomere length (LTL), telomerase, and inflammatory and metabolic markers in adult animal models. A freeze-dried product of ethanol extracts was prepared using a mixture product of stem and root ASE. In a 24-week experiment that included 24-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats, experimental rats (n = 10) were administrated with 7 mg/day of ASE dissolved in saline and control rats (n = 10) with saline. All rats had access to chow and tap water ad libitum. Their LTL and plasma levels of telomerase and inflammatory and metabolic markers were assayed and compared between the two groups. The experimental rats showed significantly longer LTL (p < 0.05) and lower plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.08) compared with the control. In addition, LTL was correlated with the aforementioned biochemical parameters of liver function test among experimental rats only. No significant differences in plasma levels of telomerase and inflammatory and metabolic markers were observed. These findings indicate that ASE supplementation may attenuate LTL shortening and reduce liver biochemical parameters, indicating its potential antiaging and hepatoprotective effects without any adverse metabolic response.

Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Properties of n-Butanol Fraction the Acanthopanax senticosus Extracts in H2O2-RAW264.7 Cells and CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

The Acanthopanax senticosus has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological activities, which are associated with health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. A previous study has shown that the n-butanol fraction of A. senticosus extract had the strongest antioxidant effect in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the effects that the n-butanol fraction of A. senticosus extract could relieve oxidative stress damage through antioxidant and antiapoptotic in the H2O2-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the CCl4-induced liver injury. The result showed that the n-butanol fraction extract could relieve damage by increasing the intracellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD) level, decreasing intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and regulating antioxidant and antiapoptotic-related gene expression levels. The morphological observation of HE, TUNE, and immunohistochemistry staining of liver tissue verified that the n-butanol fraction extract is though anti-oxidative and antiapoptotic to alleviate cellular oxidative damage. The RT-PCR assay showed that the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE and the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway were related to the molecular mechanism of action. The experimental results show that Acanthopanax senticosus extract has a good effect in treating liver injury and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the body.

Image Effect Observation of Acanthopanax senticosus on Antifatigue Activity after Exercise.

In order to explore the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus on antifatigue activity after exercise, this paper proposes an image effect observation based on the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus on antifatigue activity after exercise. This method recommends key technical problems and solutions based on the information represented by image effect observation and explores the influence of Acanthopanax senticosus on antifatigue after exercise. Through the retrospective analysis of certain personnel, it is shown that the image effect observation based on the influence of Acanthopanax senticosus on the antifatigue activity after exercise is about 25% more accurate than the traditional method. Most of the active ingredients of Acanthopanax senticosus have phenolic hydroxyl groups, which can resist oxidation, fatigue, focus attention, and reduce work mistakes. This experiment shows that after sleep deprivation, the antioxidant capacity of the body decreases with time. Acanthopanax senticosus extract can significantly improve the above symptoms and fight fatigue.

Analysis of Changes in the Oral Environment by Mouthwash Containing Acanthopanax senticosus Extract

Objectives: This study was conducted to confirm changes in the oral environment by halitosis and saliva analysis following the use of mouthwash containing Acanthopanax senticosus extract. Methods: A total of 30 subjects were randomly assigned to distilled water gargle group, Listerine gargle group, and Acanthopanax senticosus extract gargle group. Each mouthwash was administered twice a day immediately after waking up and before going to bed, which was repeated for a total of 4 days to observe changes in halitosis and saliva. Results: The mouthwash containing the Acanthopanax senticosus extract improved halitosis. Saliva analysis also showed that it is effective in oral health. Conclusions: The mouthwash containing a natural substance, Acanthopanax senticosus extract is deemed suitable as an effective and safe oral care product.

Research Note: Effects of polysaccharide-enriched Acanthopanax senticosus extract on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a well-known, highly effective traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Polysaccharides extracted from AS (ASPS) have multiple pharmacologic and biological activities with potential use as additives in broiler chicken feed. This trial evaluated the effects of dietary ASPS on growth performance, immune function, antioxidation, and ileal microbial populations in broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 10 replicates of 6 chicks and fed a corn- and soybean-based diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 4 g/kg ASPS. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 1 g/kg ASPS increased ADG and ADFI in the finisher and overall periods and decreased the feed conversion ratio in the finisher period (both P < 0.05). Serum IgA and IgM were significantly increased by supplementation with 1 and 2 g/kg of ASPS (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased and malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in birds fed ASPS-supplemented diets compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Polysaccharides extracted from AS supplementation increased Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts in the ileal contents compared with the control diet (both P < 0.05). The results show that dietary ASPS improved growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity and stimulated the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in broiler chickens. In conclusion, ASPS was effective as a natural additive in broiler chicken feed; 1 g/kg can be considered as the optimum dosage.

Evaluation of the Antidepressant Effect of the Functional Beverage Containing Active Peptides, Menthol and Eleutherosides, and Investigation of Its Mechanism of Action in Mice

SUMMARYResearch backgroundDepression has become a global threat to human health. In order to solve it, researchers have conducted multi-faceted studies including diet. Many food-derived bioactive substances have shown antidepressant effects. However, there are few studies on the design of industrialized food with antidepressant effect. This study aims to evaluate the antidepressant effect of a functional beverage made from several ingredients with potential antidepressant function and investigate its antidepressant mechanisms.Experimental approachThe beverage consists of peppermint oil, active peptides derived from bovine milk casein and Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) whose active ingredient is eleutheroside. Different amounts of ASE were evaluated to determine the optimal concentration of eleutheroside in this functional beverage to deliver the best antidepressant effect through extensive behavioral testing, including preliminary acute stress experiments and further chronic unpredictable mild stress test.Results and conclusionsThe results demonstrated that the beverage with 15 mg/kg of eleutheroside could significantly reduce the mice’s immobility time of tail suspension test and forced swimming test, recover mice’s sucrose preference and behavior changes in the open field test, improve the contents of dopamine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and the activity of superoxide dismutase and reduce the content of malondialdehyde in mice’s brains, which indicated that the improvement of monoamine neurotransmitter systems and antioxidation was one potential mechanism of antidepressant action.Novelty and scientific contributionThis study provides a design of antidepressant functional beverage and an efficient way for the prevention and treatment of depression.

An Integrated Pharmacokinetic Study of an Acanthopanax senticosus Extract Preparation by Combination of Virtual Screening, Systems Pharmacology, and Multi-Component Pharmacokinetics in Rats.

In this paper, the integrated pharmacokinetics (PK) of an Acanthopanax senticosus extract preparation (ASEP, named as Ciwujia injection in clinic in China) was explored by combining with multi-component PK in rats, virtual screening, systems pharmacology and molecular docking. Firstly, the ingredients in ASEP with high contents and detectable property in rat plasma were selected. Next, the PK study of the resulted ingredients was performed in rats (1.76 ml/kg and 3.52 ml/kg of 5 times concentrated ASEP, single i.v.). Meanwhile, the drug targets for the ingredients screened out were predicted by using a target fishing online server, PharmMapper (http://www.lilab-ecust.cn/pharmmapper/) with a fit filtration threshold of z’-score >0. Next, the network pharmacology, molecular docking, diseases ontology (DO) analysis, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed respectively for the predicted targets. Finally, the supporting evidences were obtained to characterize the PK markers and carry out the integrated PK study with “plasma-drug concentration sum” or “plasma-drug AUC weighted” methods. As a result, 6 ingredients, involving 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), 3-CQA, 4-CQA, protocatechuic acid, eleutheroside B, and gentiopicroside were selected, and their PK profiles were elucidated. The 6 ingredients were highly related to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis and could mainly interact with similar targets, e.g., GSK3B, PDPK1, PLAU, etc., or pathways, e.g., Insulin, VEGF, FoxO, etc, providing the basis for integrating plasma drug concentration. Ultimately, the 6 ingredients were considered as PK markers and the whole in vivo process of ASEP were characterized. Our study would enhance understanding of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ASEP against cardiovascular diseases, and provided useful insights for future integrated PK study on anti-cardiovascular diseases TCM injections.

Alkyl Thiourea Functionalised Silica for the Effective Removal of Heavy Metals from Acanthopanax senticosus Extract.

Acanthopanax senticosus extract with excessive standard of Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cu was used as the research object, and the alkyl thiourea functionalised silica was used as a new heavy metal removal scavenger. The heavy metal removal process was optimised by orthogonal experiment with dynamic and static adsorption modes. Meanwhile, the content of Acanthopanax B and Acanthopanax E, the solid content, and the HPLC fingerprint similarity were used as quality monitoring indicators of Acanthopanax senticosus heavy metal removal before and after. Then, the technical adaptability of heavy metal removal by alkyl thiourea functionalised silica was evaluated. Under the optimal dynamic adsorption conditions, the average removal rates of Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cu were 91.64%, 93.04%, 81.77%, and 83.11%, respectively. Under the optimal static adsorption conditions, the average removal rates of Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cu were 82.22%, 89.95%, 81.26%, and 82.97%, respectively. During Acanthopanax senticosus extract heavy metal removal before and after, the change percentage of Acanthopanax B and Acanthopanax E was less than 2.00%, the solid content loss rate was only 0.18%, and the fingerprint similarity was over 99.9%. The method can be used to satisfy the high efficiency of selective removal of harmful elements in Acanthopanax senticosus extract and the effective composition of almost no effect; the method is simple and easy, so it can be recommended for pretreatment of heavy metals in Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts, and this way provides a new thought and research technique to decrease the contents of heavy metals.

제2형 당뇨 동물모델에서 가시오가피 추출물의 당화혈색소 및 최종당화산물 억제를 통한 혈당조절 효과

본 연구에서는 랫트를 이용한 제2형 당뇨 동물모델로 같은 혈당조절 효과가 나타나는지 검토하고 이러한 효과가 당화혈색소를 포함한 최종당화산물(advanced glycation end products, AGEs)과 어떤 상관관계가 있는지 또한 단백질과 당화를 촉진해 당화혈색소 생성의 원인 중 하나인 산화적 스트레스와 관련된 기전을 규명하고자 하였다. 기존의 db/db 마우스에서 실험한 결과와 마찬가지로 랫트를 이용한 제2형 당뇨모델에서도 가시오가피 추출물의 섭취는 혈당을 강하시키고 homeostasis model assessment(Homa-IR)를 감소시켜 인슐린 저항성 개선에 도움을 주는 것으로 확인되었다. 특히 혈중 당화혈색소량의 감소가 두드러졌는데 이는 산화적 스트레스 감소로 인한 지질과산화물 생성의 억제가 중요한 원인으로 생각되며 이와 관련된 혈중 사이토카인 IL-1β와 TNF-α의 농도도 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 당화혈색소는 산화적 스트레스에 의해 최종당화산물로 전환이 되어 인슐린 저항성 세포의 protein kinase C(PKC)를 활성화하여 transforming growth factor(TGF)-β를 생성하는데 가시오가피 추출물의 섭취는 최종당화산물의 농도, PKC 그리고 TGF-β 모두를 억제하는 것으로 확인되었으며, 이것은 가시오가피 추출물 성분이 PKC와 TGF-β에 직접 작용하기보다는 신호전달체계의 상위에 존재하는 최종당화산물을 억제하여 나타난 결과로 생각한다. 향후 연구에서는 가시오가피 추출물을 분획화하여 어떤 성분에 의하여 당화혈색소와 최종당화산물 생성을 억제하는지에 대한 구체적인 실험이 이루어져야 할 것으로 여겨진다.

Phloridzin isolated from Acanthopanax senticosus promotes proliferation of α6 integrin (CD 49f) and β1 integrin (CD29) enriched for a primary keratinocyte population through the ERK-mediated mTOR pathway

We investigated the proliferative effect of a Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) on human CD49f(+)/CD29(+) keratinocytes and isolated phloridzin from A. senticosus as an active compound. In addition, the possible mechanisms of action were examined. We found that the ASE and phloridzin-promoted proliferation of CD49f(+)/CD29(+) cells using MTT and Click-iT™ EdU flow cytometry assays. In addition, phosphorylation of the p44/42 MAPK (ERK), mTOR, p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K), S6 ribosomal protein (S6RP), eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B), and eIF4E was stepwise induced in CD49f(+)/CD29(+) cells. Furthermore, the ASE and phloridzin significantly induced the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 in CD49f(+)/CD29(+) cells. Similarly, ASE and phloridzin-induced phosphorylation of the mTOR/p70S6K/S6RP/eIF4B/eIF4E pathway was blocked in response to pretreatment with PD98059, a specific ERK inhibitor. Taken together, these results indicate that ASE and phloridzin-induced proliferation of CD49f(+)/CD29(+) cells under serum-free conditions was mediated by the ERK-dependent mTOR pathway.

Anti‐depressant Effects of Aqueous Extract from Acanthopanax senticosus in Mice

In this paper, the anti-depressant effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) were studied using animal models of depression including the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. The anti-depressive mechanism of ASE was explored by monitoring the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters including 5-hydroxytrylamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA), as well as cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein expression in the whole brain of mice following the tail suspension test. Our results showed that intragastric administration of ASE at a dose of 2000 mg/kg for seven days significantly reduced the duration of immobility in both the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test. These results indicate that ASE possesses antidepressant-like properties. Pre-treatment with 2000 mg/kg of ASE for seven days significantly elevated the levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA in the whole brain of mice. Moreover, ASE at doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg significantly up-regulated the level of CREB protein. Taken together, these findings suggest that the anti-depressive mechanism of ASE may be mediated via the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter system and CREB protein expression. Therefore, administration of ASE may be beneficial for patients with depressive disorders.

Purification of eleutherosides by macroporous resin and the active fractions of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity from Acanthopanax senticosus extract

Eleutherosides are important active ingredients of Acanthopanax senticosus, the method for purification of eleutherosides has attracted much attention. In this article, a method for purification of eleutherosides by macroporous resin and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of elution fractions from Acanthopanax senticosus extract are investigated. Choosing syringin and eleutheroside E as an indication of eleutherosides, the adsorption characteristics and elution parameters of eleutherosides were investigated from Acanthopanax senticosus extract by various types of macroporous resins. The results show HPD100 provides a much higher adsorption and desorption capacity and the retention rates of syringin and eleutheroside E in the product were 95.43% and 94.96%, respectively. Moreover, the 10–80% ethanol elution fractions were collected from the purification process. We examined the anti-inflammatory activity by evaluating Nitric Oxide (NO) production and the antioxidant activities of eight ethanol elution fractions. As a result, 10–80% ethanol elution fractions showed strong concentration-dependent NO production inhibitory activities and antioxidant activities. The 30–50% ethanol elution fractions are shown to be more active than other fractions for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, no cytotoxicity was observed from the three most potent fractions.

매실을 첨가한 한방스포츠음료가 흰쥐의 혈중지질 및 운동수행력 증강에 미치는 영향

This study examined the effects of four herbal sports drinks containing Prunus mume, Liriope platyphylla, and Acanthopanax senticosus fruit extracts on body fat and endurance of rats trained by a progressive loaded exercise program. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were divided into five groups and fed experimental diets for 6 weeks according to the following protocol: C, exercise-trained control group (n=8); A, exercise group with Acanthopanax senticosus extract (n=8); L, exercise group with Liriope platyphylla extract (n=8); PA, exercise group with Prunus mune fruit extract plus Acanthopanax senticosus extract (n=8); PL, exercise group with Prunus mune fruit extract plus Liriope platyphylla extract (n=8). Endurance was measured by a progressive loaded exercise test using a treadmill. PA and PL supplementation significantly extended time to exhaustion compared to the control group (p<0.05). Further, the four herbal sports drinks all significantly reduced epididymal and interscapular white adipose tissue weights compared to the control group (p<0.05). Plasma triglyceride concentration was significantly lower in the A group compared to the control group. Plasma free fatty acid concentration was higher in the A group compared to the control group. On the other hand, Acanthopanax senticosus fruit extract supplementation tended to reduce the plasma glucose concentration compared to the control group. PA and PL supplementation significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle LDH activities compared to the control group (p<0.05). These results show that sports drink containing Acanthopanax senticosus improved endurance capacity, plasma lipids, and glucose concentrations. Sports drink with Prunus mume and Liriope platyphylla or Acanthopanax senticosus was synergistically improved endurance.

Influence of Anti-Stress and Fatigue Recover in 40 to 50 Age Group Men by the Treatment with Acanthopanax senticosus extract Prepared Cream and Swedish Massage on Back Upper Body

Influence of Anti-Stress and Fatigue Recover in 40 to 50 Age Group Men by the Treatment with Acanthopanax senticosus extract Prepared Cream and Swedish Massage on Back Upper Body

Effects of Egg Yolk from Hens Fed with Acanthopanax senticosus Extract on Physical Endurance and Reproductive Parameters in Rats

Acanthopanax senticosus, a member of the Araliaceae used as an invigorant in traditional Korean medicine, is known torelieve physical fatigue. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of eggs laid by hens fed on Acan-thopanax senticosus extracts on physical endurance and reproductive parameters. Male Sprague-Dawley rats at 4 wk of agewere divided into 3 groups of 15 rats each: group A (14% egg yolk powder from hens fed with Acanthopanax senticosusextracts+86% AIN-93G), group B (14% plain egg yolk powder + 86% AIN-93G) and group C (7% fat source + 93% AIN-93G), and studied for 5 wk. The rats’ physical endurance was measured via forced swimming tests. According to the results,53.3% rats of group A swam for longer than 20 min, in group B and C, only 48.9% and 46.7% of the rats achieved this. Interms of reproductive parameters, sperm motility was significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C (p<0.05).However, no differences in sperm count were detected among the groups. Additionally, the serum testosterone levels ofgroups A and B were higher than that of group C. Our findings suggest that rats fed with egg yolk powder from hens fed onAcanthopanax senticosus extracts may improve athletic endurance and reproductive parameters in rats.Key words: Acanthopanax senticosus, egg yolk, athletic endurance, reproductive parameter, rat

The effects of Acanthopanax senticosus on global hepatic gene expression in rats subjected to heat environmental stress

To determine whether heat environmental stress (HES) affects the livers of rats, we investigated microarray-based expression profiling using an Affymatrix Gene Chip Rat genome 230 2.0 Array. We were also able to examine the effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) on the gene expression profile. Heat environmental stress (HES) induced changes in gene expression transcript profiles, including those related to fatty acid synthase activity, oxidoreductase activity and lipid peroxidation (LPO). We observed dramatically increased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels after HES, which indicates that HES caused LPO through the regulation of oxidative stress and LPO-related transcripts, as revealed by microarray. When ASE was orally administered to the HES group, the number of candidate validation genes as well as the MDA content decreased in comparison to rats that did not receive ASE. Furthermore, rats in the HES group that received orally administered ASE experienced significantly lower oxidative stress, as indicated by the expression of certain genes. Based on the combined results of this study, we concluded that a number of the functional responses to HES at the RNA expression level were revealed by the increased MDA content, which supports the use of rodent models for the study of heat environmental stress. These data indicate that ASE acts as a strong antioxidant in addition to exerting anti-HES effects.

The effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract on bone turnover and bone mineral density in Korean postmenopausal women

The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to investigate the effects of the extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS extract), a widely used oriental herb, on bone remodeling and bone mineral density in Korean postmenopausal women. A total of 81 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, an age of less than 65 years, were enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) the control group (n = 40), calcium intake (500 mg per day), and (2) the treatment group (n = 41), calcium (500 mg per day) plus AS extract (3 g per day). After treatment with AS extract for 6 months, the AS extract group showed a significant increase in serum osteocalcin levels compared with the control group (P = 0.041). However, no significant changes in bone mineral density were observed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). AS extract was generally well tolerated, and no differences were observed between the two groups in terms of adverse events. This study suggests that AS extract supplementation may have beneficial effects on bone remodeling in Korean postmenopausal women and that it has no significant adverse events.