Additional Herbs Research Articles

Fermentation of Cocoa Pods Husk Using Turmeric Powder and Aspergillus niger: Effects on Fiber Composition and Antinutrients

Processing of cocoa pods husk (CPH) by fermentation with Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and additional herbs such as turmeric is believed to be able to improve the quality of feed ingredients from plantation byproducts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the fermentation process using A. niger and the addition of different levels of turmeric in reducing the fiber fraction and antinutrient contents of CPH.  The experiment used a completely randomized design of eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of P0: control; P1: CPH fermented with A. niger; P2, P3 and P4: fermented (CPH + 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5% turmeric powder) with A. niger; P5, P6 and P7: fermented CPH with A. niger + 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 % turmeric powder. Variables observed were the fiber composition of CPH as well as antinutrients. The results showed that CPH fermentation using A. niger with different levels of turmeric powder significantly reduced the content of fiber fractions, i.e., NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose, compared to that of unfermented CPH. For antinutritional content, fermentation using A. niger with different levels of turmeric powder significantly decreased tannin. It tended to decrease the lignin content of CPH compared to unfermented CPHs. In conclusion, fermentation of CPH using A. niger with an addition of 1.5% of turmeric before the fermentation is the most effective treatment in decreasing the fiber and antinutritional Components In CPH.

Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae): An Insight into Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Abstract: Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) generally identified as pomegranate, seeded or granular fruit, has been widely used for centuries in many cultures. P. granatum exhibits a wide variety of medicinal activities, viz., anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, etc. A variety of ethnomedical uses of P. granatum in several formulations, like powder, pulp, decoction and extract on its own or in blend with additional herbs against various diseases, like inflammation, skin disorders, cancer, microbial infections, and asthma, have been recorded. A wide variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, tocopherols, sterols, alkaloids, amino acids, etc., have been isolated and identified from P. granatum, amongst which punicalagin, the major polyphenolic component of pomegranate extract, has been well thought of as the main effective component of plant. Thorough information related to P. granatum was gathered using the keywords Punica granatum or pomegranate in various computerized databases, including Pubmed, ACS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, WoS, Springer Link, Sci Finder, and Wiley. All full-text articles and abstracts were reviewed. Additionally, book chapters and monographs were also screened. The current study has highlighted the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical profile, pharmacological activity, and toxicological studies of P. granatum. The ethnopharmacological importance of pomegranate has been discussed in recent pharmacological studies, indicating its medicinal and nutritional benefits in varied human disorders. Moreover, inquiries related to various facets of P. granatum relating to safety, toxicity and quality control are yet unanswered. Additionally, the article has provided a thorough knowledge of the herb, including its mechanism of action, structure activity relationships, safety as well as toxicity, as reported in clinical studies.

The Essential Oil from the Spices and Herbs Have Antimicrobial Activity Against Milk Spoilage Bacteria

Spices and herbs are usually added to milk to impart a particular flavour and medicinal purposes. Moreover, it is reported that additional spices and herbs extend the shelf life of milk. Contemporary use of essential oils from spices and herbs show promising results against various food spoilage microorganisms. Therefore, the essential oils from the spices and herbs from Zanzibar were used to assess antimicrobial activity against milk spoilage bacteria. The essential oils were extracted using steam distillation by a Clevenger apparatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the microdilution method. All the extracts from cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and lemongrass showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus thermophillus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Escherichia coli. The essential oils exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than gentamycin. The MICs ranged between 0.004 and 0.125 µg/µl. Therefore, spices and herbs added to milk have the potential to inhibit the growth of milk spoilage bacteria.

A Case Report of Hyperhidrosis with Sympathicotonia Detected by Iris Diagnosis

Objective: The aim of this case study was to describe a case of iris diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis and the use of Korean medicine.Methods: A patient with symptoms of hyperhidrosis was diagnosed as having Taeeumin after assessment using the four basic Korean diagnostic methods. Iris diagnosis was used for further examination. The images obtained showed a remarkably defined collarette and increased nerve rings, which suggested an overactive sympathetic nerve system. Under the diagnosis of Taeeum, a Korean herbal medicine was prescribed with additional herbs to help alleviate the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.Results: The patient had been receiving treatment for hyperhidrosis for >30 years, with various medical attempts to relieve her symptoms, which were ineffective. She showed signs of improvement from day 4 into the treatment, and 80% of her symptoms were improved after completing a 6-week treatment course.Conclusion: The herbal medicine prescribed to the patient proved effective for reducing her chronic symptoms that had been unresponsive to previous medical treatments.

Biomarker Analysis Based Chemoprofiling of Polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation Containing Vitis vinifera L. by Validated UPLC-MS/MS Method.

Drakshasava is one of the commercial Ayurvedic medicines from India, prepared from grapes and spices. It is believed to address health imbalances and claimed to be beneficial for weakness, bleeding disorders, and various inflammatory diseases. It has been reported to possess pharmacological activities such as diuretic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial. Being a polyherbal mixture, it faces challenges in its standardization and quality control. The aim of the present study is to develop a validated UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of 10 polyphenolic biomarkers in Drakshasava. It explores the effect of Vitis vinifera L. and additional herbs on fermentation with respect to bioactive compounds through the successive addition method. The MS methods were optimized in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with ESI while chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column using both isocratic and gradient elution in water and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. The developed method was validated as per ICH-Q2B guidelines and found to be within the assay variability limits. Gallic acid was found to be the most abundant marker in all the samples followed by resveratrol. The content of all the markers has been found to be increased significantly post-fermentation, compared to decoction except kaempferol. The successive addition of prashpeka drvya (minor herbs) in the formulation showed variability at different stages with respect to the selected markers and did not exhibit major changes in the chemical profiling of the final product. The developed method was found to be rapid, accurate, reliable, and highly sensitive for the simultaneous quantification of selected biomarkers in Drakshasava. The research is the first chemometric report on the standardization of Drakshasava by validated UPLC-MS/MS method. It may prove to be a useful tool for the development of new phytopharmaceutical drugs and further quality control of other polyherbal formulations.

Influence of green tea consumption on endoxifen steady-state concentration in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen

BackgroundMany cancer patients use additional herbs or supplements in combination with their anti-cancer therapy. Green tea—active ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)—is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements among breast cancer patients. EGCG may alter the metabolism of tamoxifen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of green tea supplements on the pharmacokinetics of endoxifen; the most relevant active metabolite of tamoxifen.MethodsIn this single-center, randomized cross-over trial, effects of green tea capsules on endoxifen levels were evaluated. Patients treated with tamoxifen for at least 3 months were eligible for this study. After inclusion, patients were consecutively treated with tamoxifen monotherapy for 28 days and in combination with green tea supplements (1 g twice daily; containing 300 mg EGCG) for 14 days (or vice versa). Blood samples were collected on the last day of monotherapy or combination therapy. Area under the curve (AUC0–24h), maximum concentration (Cmax) and minimum concentration (Ctrough) were obtained from individual plasma concentration–time curves.ResultsNo difference was found in geometric mean endoxifen AUC0–24h in the period with green tea versus tamoxifen monotherapy (− 0.4%; 95% CI − 8.6 to 8.5%; p = 0.92). Furthermore, no differences in Cmax (− 2.8%; − 10.6 to 5.6%; p = 0.47) nor Ctrough (1.2%; − 7.3 to 10.5%; p = 0.77) were found. Moreover, no severe toxicity was reported during the whole study period.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the absence of a pharmacokinetic interaction between green tea supplements and tamoxifen. Therefore, the use of green tea by patients with tamoxifen does not have to be discouraged.

Effect of Yokukansan and Yokukansankachimpihange on Aggressive Behavior, 5-HT Receptors and Arginine Vasopressin Expression in Social Isolation-Reared Mice.

The traditional herbal medicines yokukansan (YKS) and yokukansankachimpihange (YKSCH) are prescribed for neurosis, insomnia or night crying and irritability in children. YKSCH comprises YKS and two additional herbs, a chimpi and a hange, and is used to treat digestive function deficiencies. However, the differences between the effects of YKS and YKSCH on brain function are unclear. The present study examined the effects of YKS and YKSCH on aggressive behavior in mice reared under a social isolation (SI) condition. Mice were housed individually for 6 weeks. YKS and YKSCH were administered orally for 2 weeks before aggression tests. SI increased aggressive behavior against naïve mice, and YKS, but not YKSCH, significantly attenuated this aggressive behavior. Because serotonin (5-HT)2A and 5-HT3A receptor antagonists are reported to have anti-aggressive effects, the mRNA levels of these receptors were examined. YKS attenuated the SI-induced increase in 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A receptor mRNA in the amygdala. On the other hand, YKSCH attenuated the SI-induced increase in 5-HT1A receptor mRNA. YKS and YKSCH did not affect 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid content in the amygdala. However, YKSCH increased the mRNA level of arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is a neuropeptide that has been implicated in aggression, in the amygdala. These results suggest that YKS ameliorates aggressive behavior by decreasing 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A receptor expression. The YKSCH-induced increase in AVP may disrupt the anti-aggressive effect of YKS. YKS may be more effective than YKSCH for treating irritability if digestive function deficiencies are not considered.

THE EFFECT OF ADDITIVE (HERBAL MEDICINE) ON THE RED BLOOD PROFILE IN LAYING HENS

This research aims to determine the amount of erythrocytes, hemoglobin levels and hematocrit levels of laying hens which are given additional herbal medicine in feed by adding herbs. Jamu consists of a mixture of temulawak, lempuyang, ginger, bitter and turmeric, each in the same portion of 20%. A total of 40 laying hens aged 35 weeks are kept for one month. The experimental design uses a completely randomized design (CRD), with 4 treatments and 5 replications so that there are 20 units of experiment, each unit contains 2 chickens with additional feed, namely T0 (basal feed), T1 (basal feed plus 0.5% herbal medicine), T2 (basal feed plus 1% herbal medicine), T3 (basal feed plus 1.5% herbal medicine). Blood sampling was done at the end of the research to calculate the amount of erythrocytes, hemoglobin levels and hematocrit levels. The results showed hematocrit levels in chickens that were added additional herbs in the ration both at T1, T2 and T3 were different (P <0.05) with chickens that were not given additional herbs in the ration. The conclusion from the research conducted is the addition of herbal medicine can increase the profile of red blood in laying hens.Keywords: Blood profile, herbs, laying hens.

In Silico Study of Anti-Insomnia Mechanism for Suanzaoren Prescription.

Insomnia is a common and widespread sleeping disorder caused by various risk factors. Though beneficial, conventional treatments of insomnia have significant limitations. As an alternative treatment, Chinese herbal formula Suanzaoren prescription (SZRP), composed of Suanzaoren [seeds of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F.Chow] and four additional herbs, has been reported with significant anti-insomnia effects. Yet the anti-insomnia mechanism of the herb formulae remains unknown. In this study, we attempted to extrapolate the holistic anti-insomnia mechanism of SZRP through herbal targeting and network pharmacology. The results indicated that the ingredients of Suanzaoren can target multi-neurotransmitter receptors at synapse interface, which was reported to be associated with sedative and hypnotic effects, while the four additional herbs can hit multiple pathways downstream of membrane neurotransmitters. Furthermore, the four additional herbs showed highly cooperative targeting patterns in the paralleled and cross-talked pathways related to inflammatory regulation and endocrine system, which may contribute to the additional relief of insomnia caused by inflammation, anxiety, or endocrine disorder. The interesting complementary mechanism we found among the herbal groups of SZRP may provide an example to study Chinese herbal formula and offers clues to future design of anti-insomnia strategy.

AttentiveHerb: A Novel Method for Traditional Medicine Prescription Generation

In this paper, we propose a novel intelligent model, called AttentiveHerb, for simulating the doctor’s inquiry and prescription that is composed by a series of herbs. It can automatically simulate some principles and learns the interaction between symptoms and herbs from clinical records of traditional herbal medicine. This model consists of two different attention mechanisms for distinguishing the main symptoms and paying different attention to different symptoms. By experiments, in terms of the predicted prescriptions, 51% of the total cases are in full accordance with the labels; in 1.09% of cases, all herbs of a label can be found in the predicted prescription and the predicted prescription have other additional herbs; in 15.4% of cases, all herbs of a predicted prescription can be found in their corresponding label; in 22.41% of cases, several herbs in each predicted prescription overlap with its label; and 10.1% of cases are completely different from the label. In summary, 67.49% of the predicted prescriptions are close to the labels, and 89.9% contain the same herbs with the labels, which indicates that the prescriptions generated by our model are close to those by doctors. Besides, our model can recommend herbs that do not appear in the label prescriptions but are useful for relieving symptoms. It shows that our model can learn some interactions between herbs and symptoms. With enough normalized traditional herbal medical records, this model works more accurately. This study also provides a benchmark for the upcoming researches in intelligent inquiry and prescription generation of traditional herbal medicine.

Effect of modified Sanhuang Xiexin Tang plus additional herbs combined with “standard triple therapy” on Helicobacter pylori eradication

OBJECTIVETo determine the effectiveness of modified Sanhuang Xiexin Tang (SHXXT) plus additional herbs (MSAH) combined with “standard triple therapy” for eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and amelioration of related symptoms in comparison with standard triple and standard quadruple therapies. METHODSFrom October 2015 to May 2016, we recruited patients with dyspepsia symptoms confirmed to have H. pylori infection by the 13C urea breath test in our outpatient clinic. Patients were randomly divided into three treatment groups: Nexium® standard triple therapy (group A; EAC); Nexium® standard quadruple therapy (group B; EBAC); or Nexium® standard triple therapy combined with MSAH (group C; EAC+MSAH). Comparisons of H. pylori eradication and symptom amelioration rates were made among the three groups at 2 or 6 weeks after group assignment. RESULTSThere was no difference in H. pylori eradication rates between groups B (EBAC) and C (EAC+ MSAH) (P = 0.486), and eradication rates in groups B and C were significantly higher than that in group A (EAC) (Pa vs b = 0.001; Pa vs c = 0.003). There was no difference in the total symptom score among the groups before treatment. In all groups, the total symptom scores after treatment (2 or 6 weeks after group assignment) were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.001 for all). However, group C (EAC + MSAH) demonstrated superior total symptom scores and symptom amelioration rates than groups A (EAC) and B (EBAC). Group B also demonstrated better scores and rates than group A. There was no difference in symptom amelioration rates at 2 and 6 weeks within each group. CONCLUSIONThere is no difference between MSAH combined with standard triple therapy and standard quadruple therapy containing bismuth with regard to H. pylori eradication rate. However, MSAH combined with standard triple therapy has a higher symptom amelioration rate and therefore appears to be an ideal treatment scheme for H. pylori eradication.

Compatible principles of Xiebai decoction family based on complex network analysis

In order to explore the compatible principles of Xiebai decoction family, formulae from ancient and modern Xiebai decoction family were collected and sorted in this study. The compatible characteristics, core herbs, as well as the relativity of herbs nature in Xiebai decoction family were analyzed based on scale free network and other data-mining methods such as association rules, clustering analysis and correspondence analysis. The scale free network results showed that in Xiebai decoction family, Mori Cortex-Lycii Cortex-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was used as the core compatible group and formed the complicated compatible network with other additional herbs; association rules results showed that the core herbs in such formulae included Mori Cortex, Lycii Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, scutellaria root, Platycodon root, Anemarrhena, and almond, which formed corresponding herbal pairs and compatibility; clustering analysis showed that Mori Cortex was the core herb in Xiebai decoction family, and Mori Cortex-Lycii Cortex-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was its main combination unit, which was always compatible with herbs of clearing heat, reducing phlegm, supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin to form the series prescriptions. The results indicated that the core compatibility features of Xiebai decoction family were clearing heat in lung and relieving cough and asthma, providing a basis for the clinical application of Xiebai decoction family.

Beneficial effects of Jiawei Shenqi-wan and treadmill training on deficits associated with neonatal hypoxic-ischemia in rats.

Jiawei Shenqi-wan (JSQW), which comprises Shenqi-wan and two additional medicinal herbs, has been widely used for the treatment of various growth impairments, including cerebral palsy. In the present study, JSQW was administered to hypoxic-ischemic Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent treadmill training from 4–7 weeks of age to examine the beneficial effects of combined JSQW and treadmill therapy. Behavioral examinations were performed and a significant improvement in cylinder test performance was observed in rats treated with treadmill training compared with hypoxic-ischemia rats (P<0.05), as well as a significant improvement in passive avoidance test performance for rats treated with JSQW (P<0.05). The thickness of the corpus callosum and the integrated optical density (IOD) of myelin basic protein (MBP) were significantly increased by treatment with treadmill therapy alone (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and treatment with both JSQW and treadmill significantly increased the IOD of MBP compared with hypoxic-ischemia rats (P<0.001). Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and doublecortin (Dcx) significantly decreased (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively) and MBP expression markedly decreased in the ipsilateral subventricular zone of hypoxic-ischemic rats compared with the control group; however, the expression of NeuN was significantly recovered by treatment with both JSQW and treadmill training (P<0.05). Furthermore, Dcx expression was significantly recovered by treatment with JSQW (P<0.05), and MBP expression was significantly restored by treatment with treadmill training (P<0.01). In the immunohistochemical analyses, a significant increase in the number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) positive cells in this region was observed in treadmill-treated rats (P<0.05), whereas significant increases in the number of Brdu/Dcx or NeuN or glial fibrillary acidic protein double-positive cells were observed only in the group co-treated with JSQW and treadmill (P<0.01, P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). These results suggest that JSQW and treadmill training may contribute to behavior recovery following hypoxic-ischemia, and JSQW treatment was particularly effective in promoting memory function via enhancing the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells. The results of the present study therefore suggest that JSQW may provide an additional treatment option for functional recovery with treadmill training in cerebral palsy.

Evaluation of the effects of active fractions of chinese medicine formulas on IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α release from ANA-1 murine macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevanceYaotongning (YTN) is a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that contains ten component medicinal materials (CMMs) and uses Chinese rice wine as a vehicle to enhance its efficacy. YTN has been used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in China for decades and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as to strengthen the immune system. Aim of the studyThe present work quantitatively evaluated the in vitro effects of active fractions from the ten CMMs that make up YTN and eight additional herbs commonly used in TCM formulas for RA treatment, as well as different combinations of these active fractions, on cellular immune response; the findings were used to determine which active fractions are responsible for promoting an immune response, and to assess whether YTN is superior to other similar formulas and whether YTN can be improved by simplifying its formula from the point of its cellular immunomodulatory activity. Materials and methodsUsing the YTN formulation principles and some concepts in combinatorial chemistry, 27 TCM samples were designed by combining some or all of the active fractions of YTN and other eight herbs used for RA treatment. Release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from ANA-1 murine macrophages was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immunoregulatory effects of the TCM samples were evaluated by comparing their half-effective concentrations (EC50) for stimulating the release of these cytokines. ResultsAmong the investigated active fractions, the flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius (Fct), Davallia mariesii (Fdm), and Cinnamomum cassia Twig volatile oils (Vca) from the eight selected herbs effectively promoted IL-1β and IL-6 release from ANA-1 cells. Saponins from the YTN CMM Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Sgu) were the most potent promoters of IL-1β and TNF-α release. The aqueous extract of YTN CMM Eupolyphaga sinensis (Ves) strongly enhanced the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α from ANA-1 cells. The EC50 values for stimulating the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α could be determined for only six samples. The full YTN formula and the sample containing 50% Glycyrrhiza uralensis saponins, 25% of the mixture of alkaloids, and 25% of the mixture of all flavonoids exhibited good comprehensive cellular immunomodulatory activity. The immunomodulatory activity of the complete YTN formula was better than that of the sample containing all active fractions of YTN without Chinese rice wine (the YTN vehicle). ConclusionsSgu and Ves are the primary active fractions of YTN involved in stimulating immune responses. The YTN prescription was reasonably effective at promoting cellular immune responses. Chinese rice wine, the YTN vehicle, strengthened the immunoregulatory activity of YTN. The results of this study demonstrate that the YTN recipe could be improved by reducing the number of CMMs and altering some active fractions without reducing its activity to promote cellular immune responses.

Quantitative evaluation of in vitro effects and interactions of active fractions in a Chinese medicinal formula (Yaotongning Capsule) on rat chondrocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceYaotongning Capsule (YTNC) is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) formula that has been demonstrated to be effective for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment in clinical use. Many compounds and 10 component medicinal materials (CMMs for short, i.e., the fundamental elements used in TCM formulas) in YTNC are challenging to study the pharmacological effects and interactions of the CMMs. Besides, it is difficult to know whether the YTNC formula is reasonable, and if YTNC formula could be improved without comparing YTNC with other TCM formulas of treating OA. Based on different combinations of the active fractions from the 10 CMMs of YTNC and eight additional herbs frequently used in the TCM formulas of treating OA, the present study evaluated systematically the in vitro effects of these active fractions and the interactions among the active fractions from YTNC on rat chondrocytes to find possible solutions of the above questions. Materials and methodsBased on the formulation of YTNC and the concept of combinatorial chemistry, the active fractions were applied to form the whole YTNC prescription (i.e., the combination of all YTNC active fractions and the extract of YTNC׳s vehicle), five disassembled formulas of YTNC (i.e., the combinations of some active fractions in YTNC) and 21 TCM samples consisted of different kinds of active fractions. The degenerated chondrocytes were induced with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and then the half-effective concentration (EC50) value of the proliferation activity was analyzed to evaluate the 27 TCM samples. Nine samples were screened for the following evaluation on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. Rat articular cartilage was obtained from six Sprague-Dawley rats (seven days of age), and then chondrocytes were isolated through enzymatic digestion with 0.2% Collagenase II. Proliferations of chondrocytes were examined through Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, when the intracellular levels of GAG were detected by 1,9-Dimethylmethylene blue staining. The interactions between the active fractions in YTNC were evaluated by comparing experimental EC50 values of the YTNC formulas with their additive EC50 values. The effects of every active fraction were estimated by comparing the EC50 values of the TCM sample containing the active fraction with that of the initial sample without the active fraction. ResultsThe whole formula of YTNC was very good at promoting the proliferation and GAG synthesis among all the 27 TCM samples. The vehicle of YTNC (Chinese rice wine) strengthened the two activities of YTNC. Refer to promoting the proliferation in chondrocytes, Davallia mariesii flavonoids (not belong to YTNC) were more potent than Glycyrrhiza uralensis flavonoids in YTNC, while the saponins, volatile oils and polysaccharides of YTNC were more potent than those from the eight additional herbs. Some samples including fewer active fractions were as good as YTNC. The YTNC formula and its disassembled formulas exhibited good activities both in promoting the proliferation and GAG synthesis, and the whole formula was most potent among the six YTNC formulas. ConclusionsThe YTNC formula is reasonable and has advantage in promoting the proliferation and GAG synthesis in IL-1β induced chondrocytes. YTNC׳s vehicle Chinese rice wine plays an important role in strengthening the activity of YTNC. YTNC may have the potential activity on treating chondrocytes degeneration caused by OA. However, the formula still can be simplified based on the combination of alkaloids, flavonoids and 50% of saponins from Glycyrrhiza uralensis to improve its quality controllability and safety. The present study can be a quite purposeful work for developing new YTNC-based formulas with maximal therapeutic efficacy and minimal adverse effects.

Evaluation of antifungal herbs on filamentous fungi using a rapid screening technique (657.7)

Phytochemicals have been studied as antifungal agents due to the growing resistance of fungi to current medications. The demand of these reagents has increased due to the rising in number of immune‐deficient patients worldwide. Current methods for screening antifungal herbs involve the lengthy CLSI method (M38‐A2). Here we used a novel rapid screening technique to evaluate the inhibition of filamentous fungal growth by Bayberry Root, Elecampane, Goldenrod, and Wood Betony. Filamentous fungi were grown on potato dextrose agar plates and ground in Delbecco Medium with Fetal Bovine Serum. The slurry was filtered using a #1 Whatman filter and used for testing with the various herb preparations. Herbs were extracted with methanol, filtered, rotoevaporated, and then diluted in DMSO. Initial transmittance at 625 nm was taken after preparation and subsequent readings were taken hourly after overnight incubation at 37°C. Bayberry Root, Elecampane, Goldenrod, and Wood Betony yielded inhibition percentages of 32.1 ± 3.7, 47.1 ± 7.9, 34.5 ± 15.8, and 10.0 ± 4.7 respectively, at 50% growth of the control fungal preparation. These data demonstrate that our herb preparations show significant inhibition of fungal growth and this study will be expanded to include related filamentous fungi, as well as, additional herbs.

High-Throughput Screening to Identify Plant Derived Human LDH-A Inhibitors

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-A is highly expressed in diverse human malignant tumors, parallel to aggressive metastatic disease, resistance to radiation/chemotherapy and clinically poor outcome. Although this enzyme constitutes a plausible target in treatment of advanced cancer, there are few known LDH-A inhibitors. In this work, we utilized a high-throughput enzyme micro-array format to screen and evaluate > 900 commonly used medicinal plant extracts (0.00001-.5 mg/ml) for capacity to inhibit activity of recombinant full length human LDHA; EC .1.1.1.27. The protein sequence of purified enzyme was confirmed using 1D gel electrophoresis- MALDI-TOF-MS/MS, enzyme activity was validated by oxidation of NADH (500μM) and kinetic inhibition established in the presence of a known inhibitor (Oxalic Acid). Of the natural extracts tested, the lowest IC50s [<0.001 mg/ml] were obtained by: Chinese Gallnut (Melaphis chinensis gallnut), Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), Kelp (Laminaria Japonica) and Babul (Acacia Arabica). Forty-six additional herbs contained significant LDH-A inhibitory properties with IC50s [<0.07 mg/ml], some of which have common names of Arjun, Pipsissewa, Cinnamon, Pink Rose Buds/Petals, Wintergreen, Cat's Claw, Witch Hazel Root and Rhodiola Root. These findings reflect relative potency by rank of commonly used herbs and plants that contain human LDH-A inhibitory properties. Future research will be required to isolate chemical constituents within these plants responsible for LDH-A inhibition and investigate potential therapeutic application.

Productivity of rotationally grazed simple and diverse pasture mixtures under irrigation in Canterbury

Herbage dry matter (DM) production, botanical composition and nutritive value were compared over 2 years under irrigation and dairy cow grazing for simple two-species grass (perennial ryegrass or tall fescue)- white clover pastures and diverse pastures where herbs (chicory and plantain), legumes (red clover and lucerne) and prairie grass were added to the simple mixtures. Averaged over 2 years, annual herbage DM production was 1.62 t DM/ha greater in diverse (16.77 t DM/ ha) than simple (15.15 t DM/ha) pastures, primarily reflecting greater DM production in summer. Diverse pastures had lower metabolisable energy (ME) (12.0 vs 12.2 MJ ME/kg DM) and neutral detergent fibre (301 vs 368 g/kg DM) content than simple pastures, although the total ME produced per year was greater in diverse than simple pastures (202 vs 185 GJ ME/ha). Ryegrassbased pastures had higher annual DM production than tall fescue-based pastures in the first but not second year. The results indicate that including additional legumes and herbs with simple grass-white clover pastures may increase total DM and ME production of dairy pastures under irrigation. Keywords: Lolium perenne L., Festuca arundinacea, herbs, legumes, pasture mixtures, diversity, nutritive value

Aristolochic Acids Detected in Some Raw Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Manufactured Herbal Products – A Consequence of Inappropriate Nomenclature and Imprecise Labelling?

Background. Certain frequently used Chinese herbal medicines commonly used for weight control, may contain toxic Aristolochia species, which have been associated with severe nephropathy and urothelial cancer in humans and animals. The toxic entities in Aristolochia species are aristolochic acid-I (AA-I) and aristolochic acid-II (AA-II). There is a lack of systematic information about the aristolochic acid content of Aristolochia species and related genera, including those in Chinese materia medica that are used in the treatment of overweight individuals. Objectives. To determine the content of AA-I and AA-II of commonly used Chinese herbal medicines (raw herbs and manufactured products) including species of Aristolochia and related genera. Methods. Twenty-one raw herbs and seven manufactured herbal products were purchased from herbal wholesalers and traditional Chinese medicinal herb retailers in Melbourne, Australia in September 2003, after the supply of known aristolochic acid-containing herbs and products had been banned in Australia. Six additional raw herbs were sourced from a herbal teaching museum. These were purchased in 2001, before the prohibition. The contents of aristolochic acids of each was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and confirmed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Results. Of the samples tested, four of the raw herbs purchased before the ban and two manufactured products purchased after the ban, were found to contain aristolochic acids (16–1002 ppm). Conclusions. Several Chinese raw herbs and some commercially available manufactured herbal products contain aristolochic acids. The confusion in Chinese nomenclature for related raw herbs, and imprecise labelling of manufactured products may contribute to the inadvertent use of toxic herbal species in Chinese medicine practice. Additional measures are needed to ensure the safety of consumers of Chinese herbal medicines.