Angelicae Sinensis Radix Research Articles

Metabolic fingerprinting of Angelica sinensis during growth using UPLC-TOFMS and chemometrics data analysis.

BackgroundThe radix of Angelica sinensis is widely used as a medicinal herbal and metabolomics research of this plant during growth is necessary.ResultsPrincipal component analysis of the UPLC-QTOFMS data showed that these 27 samples could be separated into 4 different groups. The chemical markers accounting for these separations were identified from the PCA loadings plot. These markers were further verified by accurate mass tandem mass and retention times of available reference standards. The study has shown that accumulation of secondary metabolites of Angelica sinensis is closely related to the growth periods.ConclusionsThe UPLC-QTOFMS based metabolomics approach has great potential for analysis of the alterations of secondary metabolites of Angelica sinensis during growth.

A metabolic profiling analysis of the acute hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of Zhusha Anshen Wan compared with cinnabar in rats using 1H NMR spectroscopy

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZhusha Anshen Wan (ZSASW), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, composed of cinnabar (cinnabaris), Coptidis Rhizoma (Coptis chinensis French.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica sinensis (oliv.) Diels), uncooked Rehmanniae Radix (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.), honey fried Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), has been widely used for sedative therapy. Cinnabar, the chief component of ZSASW, has been proved to possess the toxicities. Aim of the studyIn this study, a metabonomics approach based on high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the protective effects of ZSASW on the toxic effects induced by cinnabar alone. Materials and methodsMale Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, ZSASW group and cinnabar group. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to identify different metabolic profiles of urine and serum from rats. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis were also performed. ResultsThe significant difference in metabolic profiling of urine and serum of the rats was observed between cinnabar treated group, control group, and the changes of endogenous metabolites related to the toxicities were identified. The results were also certified by the liver and kidney histopathology examinations and biochemical analysis of blood. ConclusionOur results suggested that the four combined herbal medicines of ZSASW had the effects of protecting from the toxicity induced by cinnabar alone. This work showed that the NMR-based metabonomics approach might be a promising approach to study detoxification of Chinese medicines and reasonable combination of TCM prescriptions.

An Aqueous Extract of Radix Astragali,Angelica sinensis, andPanax notoginsengIs Effective in Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), in which inflammation has been implicated playing important roles, is one of the most common diabetes complications. Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (DBT), an aqueous extract of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelica sinensis, is a classical prescription in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating inflammation and ischemic diseases. Here, we investigated the effects of a modified recipe of DBT, with addition of Panax notoginseng, in treating diabetic retinopathy. An aqueous extract of Radix Astragali, Radix Angelica sinensis, and Panax notoginseng (RRP) was given to Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and streptozotocin-induced Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Leukostasis, vascular leakage, and acellular capillaries in retinal vasculature of animals were determined. Expression of retinal inflammatory biomarkers was assessed. We found that RRP reduced leukostasis, acellular capillaries, and vascular leakage compared to diabetic control rats. We also found that RRP decreased the expression of inflammatory factors including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, MCP-1, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1 in the retinas of GK rats and reversed high glucose-induced inhibition of endothelial cell migration and proliferation in vitro. We conclude that RRP has a potent effect in preventing the pathogenesis and/or progression of DR and thus may serve as a promising nontoxic therapeutic approach of DR.

Observation on clinical efficacy of activating renal blood circulation and ovarian stimulation formula in treating ovulation failure infertility

To discuss the clinical efficacy of the activating renal blood circulation and ovarian stimulation formula in treating ovulation failure infertility. Eighty-six cases were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group is administered with the activating renal blood circulation and ovarian stimulation formula (composed of 15 g Cuscutae Semen, 15 g Dipsaci Asperoidis Radix, 15 g Lycii Fructus, 15 g Spatholobi Caulis, 10 g Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, 15 g Lycopi Herba, 10 g Typhae Polleu, 10 g Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 15 g Cyathulae Radix etc.), whereas the control group was given clomiphene. The treatment group showed a pregnancy rate of 58.14%, with an ovulation rate of 68.6%. While the control group showed a pregnancy rate of 36.67%, with an ovulation rate of 70%. The comparison between the two groups showed that the activating renal blood circulation and ovarian stimulation formula was significantly different from clomiphene in statistical analysis (P < 0.05), without notable difference in the ovulation rate. Before and after the treatment, there is no significant difference in diameter of dominant follicles between the two groups, with remarkable difference in endometrium (P < 0.05).

Advance in Pre-Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Paeoniflorin, a Major Monoterpene Glucoside from the Root of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Paeonia lactiflora&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Paeoniflorin (PF) is one of the main bioactive components of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. TGP exhibit various biological activities such as improvement in memory, hepatoprotection, antimutagenic properties and platelet aggregation inhibition. The aim of this paper is to review the pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF as a pure compound and in single or multiple herb(s) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions. The distribution of PF or PF in TCM fitted one or two compartmental model after oral administration or intravenous injection, respectively. However, PF has a low bioavailability (BA) in rabbit (7.24%) and rat (3.24%) after oral administration. The PK profiles and BA of PF were remarkably improved when co-administered with sinomenine or glycyrrhizin acid. The PK profiles and BA of PF in Radix Paeonia Rubra (RP-R) and Jing-zhi guan-xin were improved, but in co-administration of RP-R with Radix Angelicae Sinensis, the BA was significantly reduced. PK profiles and BA of PF in Shan yao gan-cao tang or Danggui-Shaoyao-San was either remarkably improved or not. However, neither the PK profiles nor the BA of PF in Radix paeonia alba, Huangqin-tang Si ni san or Tang-Min-Ling-Wan was improved. Metabolism in the liver did not play any role in the low oral BA of PF. The low BA was thus attributed to poor permeation due to low lipophilicity, P-glycoprotein mediated efflux, intestinal bacteria and hydrolytic degradation in the intestine by the intestinal brush border lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) and certain esterases. These findings show the in vivo course of PF and provide information on the maximum biological actions of PF that may help traditional Chinese herbal medicinal practitioners.

Perimenopause Amelioration of a TCM Recipe Composed of Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, and Folium Epimedii: An In Vivo Study on Natural Aging Rat Model.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively applied as preferable herbal remedy for menopausal symptoms. In the present work, the potential of a TCM recipe named RRF, composed of Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, and Folium Epimedii, was investigated on a natural aging rat model. After administration of RRF (141, 282, and 564 mg/kg/d), the circulated estradiol (E2) level increased accompanied by a reduction of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). But no significant impact on serum lutenizing hormone (LH) level was observed. As a result of the E2-FSH-LH adjustment, the histomorphology degenerations of ovary, uterus, and vagina of the 11.5-month female rats were alleviated. And lumbar vertebrae trabecular microstructure was also restored under RRF exposure by means of increasing the trabecular area and area rate. Moreover, levels of hypothalamic dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) rallied significantly after RRF treatment. Results from our studies suggest that RRF possesses a positive regulation on the estrogen imbalance and neurotransmitter disorder, thereby restoring reproductive organ degeneration and skeleton deterioration. The above-mentioned benefits of RRF on the menopause syndromes recommend RRF as a potential candidate for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome.

Coniferyl Ferulate, a Strong Inhibitor of Glutathione S-Transferase Isolated from RadixAngelicae sinensis, Reverses Multidrug Resistance and Downregulates P-Glycoprotein

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is the key enzyme in multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumour. Inhibition of the expression or activity of GST has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for the reversal of MDR. Coniferyl ferulate (CF), isolated from the root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Radix Angelicae sinensis, RAS), showed strong inhibition of human placental GST. Its 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) was 0.3 μM, which was greater than a known GSTP1-1 inhibitor, ethacrynic acid (EA), using the established high-throughput screening model. Kinetic analysis and computational docking were used to examine the mechanism of GST inhibition by CF. Computational docking found that CF could be fully docked into the gorge of GSTP1-1. The further exploration of the mechanisms showed that CF was a reversible noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to GSH and CDNB, and it has much less cytotoxicity. Apoptosis and the expression of P-gp mRNA were evaluated in the MDR positive B-MD-C1 (ADR+/+) cell line to investigate the MDR reversal effect of CF. Moreover, CF showed strong apoptogenic activity and could markedly decrease the overexpressed P-gp. The results demonstrated that CF could inhibit GST activity in a concentration-dependent manner and showed a potential MDR reversal effect for antitumour adjuvant therapy.

Biomechanical analysis of optic nerve injury treated by compound light granules and ciliary neurotrophic factor.

In this study, rabbit models of optic nerve injury were reproduced by the clamp method. After modeling, rabbit models were given one injection of 50 ng recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor into the vitreous body and/or intragastric injection of 4 g/kg compound light granules containing Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Raidix Paeoniae Alba at 4 days after modeling, once per day for 30 consecutive days. After administration, the animals were sacrificed and the intraorbital optic nerve was harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that the injured optic nerve was thinner and optic nerve fibers were irregular. After treatment with recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor, the arrangement of optic nerve fibers was disordered but they were not markedly thinner. After treatment with compound light granules, the arrangement of optic nerve fibers was slightly disordered and their structure was intact. After combined treatment with recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor and compound light granules, the arrangement of optic nerve fibers was slightly disordered and the degree of injury was less than after either treatment alone. Results of tensile mechanical testing of the optic nerve showed that the tensile elastic limit strain, elastic limit stress, maximum stress and maximum strain of the injured optic nerve were significantly lower than the normal optic nerve. After treatment with recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor and/or compound light granules, the tensile elastic limit strain, elastic limit stress, maximum stress and maximum strain of the injured optic nerve were significantly increased, especially after the combined treatment. These experimental findings indicate that compound light granules and ciliary neurotrophic factor can alleviate optic nerve injury at the histological and biochemical levels, and the combined treatment is more effective than either treatment alone.

Fo Shou San, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction, Protects Endothelial Function through Increasing Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity

Fo Shou San (FSS) is an ancient herbal decoction comprised of Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR; Chuanxiong) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR; Danggui) in a ratio of 2∶3. Previous studies indicate that FSS promotes blood circulation and dissipates blood stasis, thus which is being used widely to treat vascular diseases. Here, we aim to determine the cellular mechanism for the vascular benefit of FSS. The treatment of FSS reversed homocysteine-induced impairment of acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation in aortic rings, isolated from rats. Like radical oxygen species (ROS) scavenger tempol, FSS attenuated homocysteine-stimulated ROS generation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and it also stimulated the production of nitric oxide (NO) as measured by fluorescence dye and biochemical assay. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of both Akt kinase and endothelial NO synthases (eNOS) were markedly increased by FSS treatment, which was abolished by an Akt inhibitor triciribine. Likewise, triciribine reversed FSS-induced NO production in HUVECs. Finally, FSS elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels in HUVECs, and the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM inhibited the FSS-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation. The present results show that this ancient herbal decoction benefits endothelial function through increased activity of Akt kinase and eNOS; this effect is causally via a rise of intracellular Ca2+ and a reduction of ROS.

APS From the Root of Angelica Sinesis Promotes Megakaryocytopoiesis and Thrombopoiesis Through PI3k/Akt Pathway

AbstractAbstract 4648We have demonstrated the thrombopoietic effects of Chinese Medicine Dang Gui Bu Xue Tong (DBT), a formula composed of Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Astragali in a thrombocypenic mouse model (Yang M et al, J Ethnopharm 2009). In this study, we further test the effect of polysaccharide (APS) from the root of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (APS) in in-vivo thrombopoiesis and in in-vitro megakaryocytopoiesis. A myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia mouse model was treated with APS (10 mg/kg/day), thrombopoietin (TPO) and saline as control. Peripheral blood cells from APS, TPO and vehicle-treated samples were then counted in different time-points. Using the colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, we determined the effects of APS on the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and megakaryocytic lineages. Analyses of Annexin V, Caspase-3, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential were also conducted in megakaryocytic cell line M-07e. Lastly, the effects of APS on cells treated with Ly294002, a Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinse inhibitor and the effect of APS on the phosphorylation of AKT were further studied in megakaryocytic cells. Our results showed that APS significantly enhanced the platelets and other blood cells recovery and CFU formation in this model. Morphological examination of bone marrows showed that APS treatment significantly increased the recovery of the megakaryocytic series and other hematopoietic progenitor cells. We observed the antiapoptotic effects of APS on M-07e cells. Addition of Ly294002 alone increases the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. In contrast, additional of APS to Ly294002-treated cells reversed the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, addition of APS significantly increased the phosphorylation of AKT. Our studies demonstrate that APS promotes platelet recovery in the mouse model and has anti-apoptosis effect in megakaryocytic cells. This effect is likely to be mediated by the PI3K/AKT pathway. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Occurrence of Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) in Prescriptions of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Switzerland

Background: Chai hu (Bupleuri radix), one of the most frequently used herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, has 3 major functions, depending on dosage and combination with other herbs. The aim of this study was to investigate how chai hu is prescribed in everyday practice in Switzerland, and whether these prescription patterns reflect its various applications. Methods: A random sample of 1,053 prescriptions was drawn from the database of Lian Chinaherb AG, Wollerau, Switzerland, and analyzed regarding the most frequently used classical formulas containing chai hu, daily dosages and combinations with other herbs. Results: 29.0% of all prescriptions contained chai hu, and 98.0% of these were in granular form. The most frequently used classical formulas were xiao yao san (‘rambling powder’), jia wei xiao yao san (‘augmented rambling powder’) and chai hu shu gan san (‘Bupleurum powder to spread the liver’). In more than half of the prescriptions, chai hu was combined with bai shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), dang gui (Angelicae sinensis radix) or fu ling (Poria). 51.8% of the prescriptions contained a low daily dosage of chai hu, 24.9% a medium and 15.1% a high dosage. Conclusion: Chai hu was generally prescribed in classic combinations with other herbs and in a medium dosage. Due to the addition of supplementary herbs to classical formulas, its daily dose was often diminished from a high or medium dose to a low dose. This raises the question if chai hu would then still exert its desired function of, e.g., moving liver-qi in these prescriptions

Effect of a derived herbal recipe from an ancient Chinese formula, Danggui Buxue Tang, on ovariectomized rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Radix Astragali (root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, RA), Radix Angelicae sinensis (root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, RAS) and Folium Epimedii (leaves of Epimedium brevicomum Maxim., FE) are three of the extensively applied herbal remedies among traditional Chinese medicines for gynecological disorders and osteoporosis. A derivative herbal recipe—RRF, composed of the three medicines with a weight ratio of 5:1:5, is derived from a famous Chinese herbal formula—Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT). RRF has shown noteworthy protective effect in ovariectomized rats, which might represent a promising candidate for the treatment of perimenopausal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the herbal recipe RRF for its efficacy on perimenopausal disorders and the underlying mechanisms via ovariectomy (OVX) models. Materials and methodsAn experimental model of OVX female rats was applied. Vehicle (Sham and OVX group), RRF (564, 282 and 141mg/kg/d) and conjugated equine estrogens (CEE, 0.1mg/kg/d, reference drug) were all administrated orally once daily for 16 weeks post operation. After the treatment, radioimmunoassay for estradiol (E2), lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and β-endorphin (β--EP), neurotransmitter determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) for norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid), bone mineral density (BMD) assay as well as lipid peroxidation assessment, were carried out to probe into the effectiveness of RRF. Results(1) RRF treatment enhanced E2 synthese while diminished the elevated serum FSH and LH levels; in terms of neurotransmitter, β-EP syntheses rallied whereas the hypothalamic NE, DA and 5-HT release experienced varying mitigation in OVX female rats. (2) Repeated administration of RRF was able to attenuate osteoporosis by elevating the BMD levels of total body, and arrest the bone trabeculae degradation. (3) RRF exposure decreased serum levels of constituent MDA and increased endogenous SOD activity. ConclusionsResults of the current studies revealed that RRF was capable of acting at multiple targets which presumably underlay its potential protective effect in OVX rats mimicking symptoms as observed in perimenopausal women. Hence, RRF might represent a promising candidate in the treatment of perimenopausal disorders in midlife women.

Ligustilide alleviates brain damage and improves cognitive function in rats of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLigustilide (LIG), a main lipophilic component of Danggui (Chinese Angelica root, Radix Angelica sinensis) which is a popular used herb to treat menstrual disorders in traditional chinese medicine, has been reported to possess some neuroprotective effects on permanent focal ischemia and transient forebrain ischemia. Aim of the studyBased on previous work, we intended to investigate the protective effects of LIG on parietal cortex and hippocampus of rats in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model. Materials and methodsChronic cerebral hypoperfusion was induced by permanent, bilateral common carotid artery's occlusion (2VO). The rats were treated with LIG (80mg/kg, by oral) from the eighth day after surgery for seven consecutive days. Their spatial learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze. After six days for maze test, rats were sacrificed. Coronal sections in cortex and hippocampus were stained with cresyl violet or labeled with NeuN (Neuronal Nuclei), MAP-2 (Microtubule-Associated Protein-2), Caspase-3 and GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) antibodies. ResultsLIG treatment for seven days decreased escape latency and swimming distance of 2VO rats from the third day in maze tests, and increased percent time in the target quadrant. LIG prevented neuronal loss, dendrites damage and neuronal apoptosis in both parietal cortex and hippocampus of 2VO rats; and it also inhibited astrocytic activation and proliferation stimulated by hypoperfusion. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that LIG show obvious neuroprotective potential for treating chronic cerebral hypoperfusion injury, which may be attributed to its anti-apoptosis of neuron and anti-proliferation of astrocyte both in cortex and in hippocampus of 2VO rats. We suggest that LIG can be developed as an effective drugs for the prevention of vascular dementia (VD).

Discrimination of Radix Angelicae Sinensis According to Harvest Time and Geographical Origin with Midinfrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy and Chemometric Methods

ABSTRACT The combination of midinfrared (MIR) spectrum with chemometric methods provides an approach to study the Radix Angelicae sinensis (RAs) in relation to its geographical origin and harvest time. Random forests (RF) was applied to select the most effective wave-number variables from full MIR variables; as a result, three variables (3730 cm−1, 2310 cm−1, and 1050 cm−1) were selected for the discrimination of different RAs. The selected effective wave-number variables were put into linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and radial basis function neural networks (RBF-NNs) to establish the classification models. For the independent test set, the overall accuracy was 96.67%, 93.33%, and 96.67% for RF, LDA, and RBF-NNs models, respectively. These results show that MIR combined with chemometric methods might be a suitable way to classify RAs.

HPLC–MS/MS Analysis of a Traditional Chinese Medical Formulation of Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu-Tang and Its Pharmacokinetics after Oral Administration to Rats

Bu-yang-huan-wu-tang (BYHWT) is one of the most popular formulated traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, and is widely for prevention of ischemic cardio-cerebral vascular diseases and stroke-induced disability. A specific high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of the nine main bioactive components, i.e., astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV, formononetin, ononin, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, ligustilide and paeoniflorin in rat plasma after oral administration of BYHWT extract. This method was applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics in conscious and freely moving rats. No significant matrix effects were observed. The overall analytical procedure was rapid and reproducible, which makes it suitable for quantitative analysis of a large number of samples. Among them, three astragalosides and four isoflavones in A. membranaceus, ligustilide in Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong and paeoniflorin in Radix Paeoniae Rubra were identified. This developed method was then successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of the nine bioactive constituents after oral administration of BYHWT extracts in rats. The pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV and ligustilide presented the phenomenon of double peaks. The other herbal ingredients of formononetin, ononin, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside and paeoniflorin appeared together in a single and plateau absorption phase. These phenomenona suggest that these components may have multiple absorption sites, regulation of enterohepatic circulation or the gastric emptying rate, or there is ingredient-ingredient interaction. These pharmacokinetic results provide a constructive contribution to better understand the absorption mechanism of BYHWT and to support additional clinical evaluation.

Chemical and biological assessment of Angelica herbal decoction: Comparison of different preparations during historical applications

The commonly used Angelica herbal decoction today is Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), which is a dietary supplement in treating menopausal irregularity in women, i.e. to nourish “Qi” and to enrich “Blood”. According to historical record, many herbal decoctions were also named DBT, but the most popular formulation of DBT was written in Jin dynasty (1247 AD) of China, which contained Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) with a weight ratio of 5:1. However, at least two other Angelica herbal decoctions recorded as DBT were prescribed in Song (1155 AD) and Qing dynasties (1687 AD). Although AR and ASR are still the major components in the DBT herbal decoctions, they are slightly varied in the herb composition. In order to reveal the efficiency of different Angelica herbal decoctions, the chemical and biological properties of three DBT herbal extracts were compared. Significantly, the highest amounts of AR-derived astragaloside III, astragaloside IV, calycosin and formononetin and ASR-derived ferulic acid were found in DBT described in 1247 AD: this preparation showed stronger activities in osteogenic, estrogenic and erythropoetic effects than the other two DBT. The current results supported the difference of three DBT in chemical and biological properties, which could be a result of different herbal combinations. For the first time, this study supports the popularity of DBT described in 1247 AD.

Effect of Si-Miao-Yong-An on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque in a diet-induced rabbit model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSi-Miao-Yong-An (Trade name: Mai-Luo-Ning), a Chinese herbal formulation comprising Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis, has been used in treating ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases for many years. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that Si-Miao-Yong-An can inhibit the inflammatory response and antagonize the blood clotting process. Aim of the studyTo investigate the effect of Si-Miao-Yong-An on atherosclerotic plaque stability in rabbit model. Materials and methodsSeventy male rabbits were divided into four groups. Rabbits in the normal group were fed with normal diet, while rabbits in model group and drug treatment groups were fed with high cholesterol diet, underwent BSA-induced immunologic injury and balloon-induced mechanical injury. After atherosclerotic rabbits were treated with simvastatin or Si-Miao-Yong-An for 16 weeks, blood and aorta in four groups were collected for analysis. ResultsSi-Miao-Yong-An reduced the level of triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood after treatment for 16 weeks. Compared with model group, Si-Miao-Yong-An decreased the content of many inflammatory cytokines in blood and plaque. Morphological analysis of abdominal aorta showed that Si-Miao-Yong-An increased fibrous cap thickness and smooth muscle cells, reduced lipid core area and macrophages, and contributed to inhibit matrix degradation and inflammatory response. ConclusionIn this study, we provided evidence for that Si-Miao-Yong-An could promote the stability of atherosclerotic plaque in the rabbit model, indicating that this medicine was a reasonable drug treating cardiovascular diseases in clinical.

The membrane permeability of Astragali Radix-derived formononetin and calycosin is increased by Angelicae Sinensis Radix in Caco-2 cells: A synergistic action of an ancient herbal decoction Danggui Buxue Tang

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a herbal decoction contains Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), has been used as a health food supplement in treating menopausal irregularity in women for more than 800 years in China. Several lines of evidence indicate that the synergistic actions of AR and ASR in this herbal decoction leading to a better pharmacological effect of DBT. Here, the role of different herbs in directing the transport of active ingredients of DBT was determined. A validated RRLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was applied to determinate the permeability of ingredients across the Caco-2 cell monolayer. AR-derived chemicals, including astragaloside IV, calycosin and formononetin, as well as ASR-derived chemicals, including ferulic acid and ligustilide, were determined by RRLC-QQQ-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic results showed that the membrane permeabilities of calycosin and formononetin, two of the major flavonoids in AR, could be markedly increased in the presence of ASR extract: this induction effect could be mediated by ferulic acid deriving from ASR. In contrast, the extract of AR showed no effect on the chemical permeability. The current results suggested that the ingredients of ASR (such as ferulic acid) could enhance the membrane permeability of AR-derived formononetin and calycosin in cultured Caco-2 cells. The possibility of herb-drug synergy within DBT was proposed here.

Identification of metabolites of Buyang Huanwu decoction in rat urine using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In the present study, rapid resolution liquid chromatography was coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS) to identify the absorbed components and metabolites in rat urine after oral administration of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD). After oral administration of BYHWD, urine samples were collected and pretreated by solid phase extraction. The mass measurements were accurate within 5 ppm of error for all the protonated molecules, and subsequent fragment ions offered higher quality structural information for interpretation of the fragmentation pathways of various compounds. A total of 50 compounds were detected in rat urine samples within 20 min, including 12 parent compounds and 38 metabolites. Except for three prototype components (Hydroxysafflor yellow A, Paeoniflorin, and Amygdalin), the metabolites identified mainly came from Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. The results indicated that glucuronidation and sulfation were the major metabolic pathways of isoflavonoids, while glutathione conjugation, glucuronidation and sulfation were the main metabolic pathways of phthalides. No saponin-related metabolites were detected. The present study provided important structural information on the metabolism of BYHWD. Furthermore, the results of this work have demonstrated the feasibility of the RRLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS approach for rapid and reliable characterization of metabolites from herbal medicines.

Quick identification of sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

To develop a quick identification method for the sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix used by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with second derivative infrared spectroscopy. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix were analyzed by using FTIR, the further analysis was used by second derivative infrared spectroscopy. There existed differences between their infrared spectra either extracted by ethanol or water, while the distinctions were more obvious after analyzing their alcoholic and aqueous extracts through high resolution of second derivative infrared spectroscopy. Infrared spectra showed that the absorption peaks of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were significantly reduced and a new absorption peak appeared after sulfur-fumigated process in alcoholic extracts, while both of them changed markedly in the "fingerprint region" ranging from 1 000 to 400 cm(-1) in aqueous extracts. Second derivative spectra showed that the absorption peaks of sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix extracted by ethanol weakened and disappeared at about 3 578 cm(-1) and 3 541 cm(-1), while both of them differed significantly from each other ranging from 1 400 to 1 200 cm(-1) as well as 800 cm(-1) to 600 cm(-1), difference also existed between them extracted by water ranging from about 3 900 to 3 850 cm(-1) and 3 800 to 3 750 cm(-1). The FTIS method combined with second derivative can be utilized to distinguish sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix efficiently, conveniently and accurately, and provide a basis for identification and quality control of Angelicae Sinensis Radix.