Phellodendron Amurense Bark Research Articles

The anti-inflammatory potential of Cortex Phellodendron in vivo and in vitro: Down-regulation of NO and iNOS through suppression of NF-κB and MAPK activation

Cortex Phellodendri amurensis (CPA), derived from the dried bark of Phellodendron amurense Rupr., is a traditional medicine widely used to treat various inflammation-related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanism of CPA in vivo and in vitro. Mice were pretreated with CPA (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for three consecutive days; 2h after the last CPA treatment, mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxemia (35 mg/kg). After treatment, we assessed survival rate, protein levels and cytokine expression. In addition, we confirmed the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of CPA in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The results showed that CPA significantly increased mice survival rates and down-regulated LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and macrophage chemo-attractant protein (MCP)-1 in serum. In addition, CPA inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα, and attenuated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK 1/2, p38 and JNK) from mice challenged with LPS. Moreover, in RAW 264.7 cells, CPA dose-dependently down-regulated LPS-stimulated NO, iNOS expression, as well as inflammatory cytokines and protein expression, consistent with the results in vivo. The anti-inflammatory properties of CPA in vitro and in vivo suggest its utility for attenuating inflammation-related diseases.

Neurourology transforms the drug development experience.

Continuous efforts are being made to develop new drugs or dietary supplements from natural products. These efforts are important in improving the outcomes of many intractable diseases. In an article published in this issue of the International Neurourology Journal, the antiapoptotic effect of berberine against ischemic brain injury in gerbils has been reported [1]. The authors suggest that this antiapoptotic effect might be mediated through the inhibition of reactive astrogliosis and microglia activation. Berberine is a type of isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the root of Coptis japonica, the bark of Phellodendron amurense, and the root of Berberis vulgaris. Currently, the major clinical indications of berberine include bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasite infections, and ocular trachoma infections. The diverse effects of berberine on tumors, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular deregulation, immunology disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases have been studied [2,3,4,5]. Berberine has been shown to suppress the growth of bladder cancer and has been proposed as a novel chemotherapeutic agent [6]. Pretreatment with berberine elicited a protective effect against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in human renal proximal tubular cells [7]. Berberine was suggested as a possible agent to improve neurogenic bladder in diabetic rats as well [8]. The effects of berberine on urological disorders have also been reported. Functional studies on the diverse mechanisms of berberine will be helpful for the treatment of stroke-associated neurourological diseases.

황백나무로부터 항균성분의 분리 및 정제

황백 껍질은 황벽나무(Phellodendron amurense)의 건조된 수피로부터 얻어진다. 이 수피는 한국의 전통 한약제로서, 설사, 황달, 무릎과 발의 통증, 요도관 및 피부 감염증에 폭넓게 사용되어 왔다. 본 연구는 황벽나무의 메탄올 추출액으로부터 항균성 화합물 분리를 위해 CPC 방법으로 효과적으로 수행하였다. 두 용매의 CPC 최적조성은 n-butanol:acetic acid:water(4:1:5 v/v/v)이었다. 이동상의 유속은 1,000 rpm 회전력에서 상승법으로 분당 3 <TEX>$m{\ell}$</TEX> 속도로 전개시켰다. CPC에서 분리된 분획분은 prep-HPLC로 정제하였다. 분리된 palmatine은 <TEX>$^1H$</TEX>, <TEX>$^{13}C$</TEX>-NMR, ESI-MS 데이터 분석으로 확인하였다. Cortex Phellodendri (CP) is derived from the dried bark of Phellodendron amurense. It has been widely used as a drug in traditional Korea medicine for treating diarrhea, jaundice, swelling pains in the knees and feet, urinary tract infections and infections of the body surface. In this study, preparative centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) was successfully carried out to separate antibacterial compounds from a CP methanol extract. The optimum two-phase CPC solvent system was composed of n-butanol: acetic acid: water (4:1:5 v/v/v). The flow rate of the mobile phase was 3 <TEX>$m{\ell}/min$</TEX> in ascending mode with rotation at 1,000 rpm. The CPC-separated fraction and purification procedures were carried out by preparatory HPLC. Palmatine weas identified by <TEX>$^1H$</TEX>, <TEX>$^{13}C$</TEX>-nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy spectral data analysis.

Abstract 3544: Jak/Stat signaling: A potential target for pancreatic cancer management

Abstract NexrutineR (Nx) isolated from the bark of Phellodendron amurense is being sold as an anti-inflammatory herbal supplement over the counter in the US. Recent studies from our laboratory demonstrated its potential as an anti-prostatic agent by targeting multiple signaling pathways including Akt/CREB/NFkB/Cyclin D1/Cox-2 both in vitro and in vivo. Given the importance of some of these signaling pathways in multiple cancers, we explored its role in pancreatic cancer (PanCA) using variety of cell lines. Human pancreatic cancer cells that differ in the status of K-Ras (BxPC-3 with wild type K-Ras and Capan-2 with mutant K-Ras), non- tumorigenic HPNE-Ras, MIAPC and ASPC-1 were tested for growth inhibition, apoptosis, necrosis, Cox-2 expression and activity following treatment with Nx. Our data indicate that Nx can significantly inhibit proliferation of these cell lines differentially through induction of apoptosis and necrosis without any significant effect on cell cycle profile. Investigation of molecular mechanism of action identified a role for Jak1 and transcription factors NFkB and Stat3. Western blotting data show that Nx can inhibit the protein levels of pStat3 and Jak1 effectively without influencing the protein levels of total Stat3. Similarly Nx treatment decreased the DNA binding activities of both NFkB and Stat3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the binding of Stat3 to Cox-2 promoter. In addition combining Nx with Gemcitabine (standard of care treatment for PanCA) demonstrated strong synergistic growth inhibitory activity through modulation of Stat3. Overall, the present study unveils a novel interplay between Jak1/Stat3 and NFkB signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. These data further suggest that the targeted disruption of Jak1/Stat3 and NFkB may represent a valid therapeutic approach in this cancer. Supported by NCCAM (APK). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3544. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3544

Abstract 4216: Antitumor effect of Nexrutine, a phellodendron amurense bark extract, in multiple myeloma

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM), a clonal malignancy of plasma cells, is the second most common adult hematological malignancy with approximately 15,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Despite recent advances in its clinical management, morbidity and mortality associated with MM remain high and there is a need for continuing development of novel anti-myeloma agents. Nexrutine, a non-toxic herbal extract from the bark of Chinese tree Phellodendron amurense, has been shown to exert significant anti-tumor effects in animal models of prostate cancer and is currently being evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials in patients with prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-tumor effect of nexrutine in MM. Exposure to nexrutine (3-100µg/ml) reduced viability of murine 5TGM1 and human RPMI 8226 MM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, independent of cell cycle disruption. Loss of cell viability was due primarily to apoptosis as indicated by &amp;gt;2-fold increase in annexin V+, 7AAD- cells and increased DNA fragmentation detectable by 24 hours. Previous studies showed that down-regulation of short-lived anti-apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), in part by caspase-dependent cleavage of the full-length protein (Mcl-1L) to generate smaller (pro-apoptotic) Mcl-1 fragments, plays a major role in execution of apoptosis in MM cells. Nexrutine-induced apoptosis in MM cells was associated with reduced levels of Mcl-1L, caspase activation as indicated by a large increase in the active 17kDa cleavage product of procaspase 3 and an increase in pro-apoptotic Mcl-1 cleavage product. Nexrutine also inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and this was accompanied by accumulation of LC3-II, a marker of autophagosomes, in autophagy-competent MM cells. However, treatment of MM with cells with either pepstatin A and E64D that target lysosomal proteases involved in autophagy or with chloroquine, a lysosomotrophic autophagy inhibitor also resulted in cytotoxicity and these autophagy inhibitors did not rescue nexrutine-induced loss of viability in MM cells suggesting that autophagy plays a role constitutively in MM cell survival. Finally, we evaluated potential in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of nexrutine in the well-characterized preclinical model of MM in which 5TGM1 cells are inoculated intravenously in syngeneic naïve female C57BL/KaLwRij mice. Administration of nexrutine (400µg/mouse p.o. by gavage 6 days/week for 5 weeks) to tumor-bearing mice reduced serum levels of the monoclonal IgG2bκ paraprotein, a surrogate for tumor progression and overall tumor burden. Collectively, our results indicate an anti-myeloma effect of nexrutine and support further extensive preclinical testing and early phase clinical trial of this non-toxic herbal extract in MM. Our data also indicate that a combination of nexrutine and one or more autophagy inhibitors would result in enhanced anti-tumor effect in MM. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4216. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4216

Natural Products: Potential for Developing Phellodendron amurense Bark Extract for Prostate Cancer Management

Our ability to detect and treat most primary cancers has improved dramatically given the advances in our understanding of cancer biology. However, with increased life expectancy and our inability to treat or cure advanced stages of cancers, the number of cancer-related deaths is expected to double in the next decade. Epidemiological studies suggest that dietary factors are an important aspect that influences cancer risk. Despite a lack of scientific evidence in most cases, cancer patients have whole-heartedly accepted the concept of "alternative medicine" using natural compounds and spent more than $1B a year on herbal supplements. Given the significant toxicity-associated problems with current long-term standard of care, scientifically validated natural supplements can serve as novel and effective alternative strategies for effective cancer management. We will discuss the utility of natural products in modulating critical signaling pathways for effective cancer prevention with special emphasis on prostate cancer and their potential translational benefit.

Abstract 5389: Enhanced inhibition of proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by combination of gemcitabine and phellodendron amurense bark extract: target identification

Abstract Enhanced inhibition of proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by combination of Gemcitabine and Phellodendron amurense bark extract: target identification Jingjing Gong, James W Freeman and Addanki P Kumar Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX-78229 Pancreatic cancer (PanCA) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world due to rapid disease progression and high invasiveness. In addition, development of therapeutic resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is one of the challenges for developing effective strategies for PanCA. Phellodendron amurense is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine that has been used as antidiarrheal, astringent anti-inflammatory agent. Recent studies from our laboratory demonstrated that this extract inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation through modulation of multiple targets including Akt, transcription factors cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and NFκB and their downstream targets such as Cyclin D1 and Cox-2. Given the published data showing activation of these signaling molecules during PanCA development, we explored the utility of Nexrutine (Nx, Phellodendron amurense bark extract) alone and in combination with Gemcitabine (standard of care for PanCA) in PanCA to examine if it can either enhance the effects of Gemcitabine or overcome chemoresistance. Human pancreatic cancer cells that differ in the status of K-Ras (BxPC-3 with wild type K-Ras and CaPan-2, MIA PaCa-2, AsPC-1 with mutant K-Ras) and non tumorigenic HPNE-Ras cells were tested for growth inhibition, apoptosis, necrosis, Cox-2 expression and activity following treatment with Nx. Our data indicate that Nx can significantly inhibit proliferation of these five cell lines with IC50 varying from 50-100 µg/ml depending on the cell type. Results also indicate that Nx inhibits proliferation of PanCA cells through induction of apoptosis and necrosis. Further we have identified that anti-proliferation effects of Nx is associated with reduction in the level (Cox-2) and activity (PGE2 and PGF2α) in multiple PanCA cell lines. Interestingly PGE2 receptor EP2 is also modulated in response to Nx treatment suggesting an important role for PGE2-mediated signaling in Nx-induced inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell growth. In addition, in vitro, Nx increased the inhibitory effect of Gemcitabine on cell proliferation in MIA PaCa-2 and CaPan-2 but not in AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. These results indicate that molecular targeting of multiple signaling pathways in combination with Gemcitabine may improve the sensitivity probably by increased apoptosis and inhibition of invasion along with down regulation of PGE2/Cox-2 signaling (Supported by pilot funds from Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, TX). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5389.

Extracts of bark from the traditional Chinese herb Phellodendron amurense inhibit contractility of the isolated rat prostate gland

Aim of the study To assess the effectiveness of the traditional Chinese herb Phellodendron amurense in treating urological disorders. Materials and methods Prostate smooth muscle relaxant activity of an extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense was tested on contractions of isolated rat prostate gland induced by electrical nerve stimulation and direct muscle stimulation. Results Electrical field stimulation (0.5 ms, 60 V, 1–20 Hz) induced nerve mediated contractions of isolated rat prostate were inhibited by Phellodendron amurense extract dissolved in either dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), acetic acid or water ( P ≤ 0.022, n = 6 for each) but not boiling water ( P = 0.619, n = 6). Phellodendron amurense extract also inhibited contractions of isolated rat prostates elicited by exogenous administration of noradrenaline (10 nM to 100 μM), acetylcholine (10 nM to 100 μM) or adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP, 100 nM to 100 μM) ( P ≤ 0.004, n = 6–8 for each). Conclusion Phellodendron amurense is able to inhibit prostatic contractility suggesting that it may be useful in the treatment of urological disorders caused by prostatic urethral obstruction such as in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Phellodendron and Citrus extracts benefit joint health in osteoarthritis patients: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundThe objective of this clinical study was to assess the potential benefit of a dietary supplement, NP 06-1, on joint health in overweight and normal weight adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis.MethodsAn 8-week placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted with four groups comparing the effects of NP 06-1 to placebo on overweight and normal weight subjects diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the knee. NP 06-1 (a combination of two botanical extracts; Phellodendron amurense bark and Citrus sinensis peel) or matching placebo were given in a dose of two capsules (370 mg each) twice daily. The outcome measures were the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) for joint pain and movement as well as biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]).ResultsEighty (80) subjects were enrolled and 45 subjects completed the study. No serious adverse events were reported. The mean total LAI scores at baseline for the four groups ranged from 11.4 to 12.4 (SD 1.2 to 2.4). Treatment for 8 weeks resulted in a statistical improvement in the LAI score in the overweight treatment group compared to placebo (6.3 ± 2.3 vs 11.8 ± 1.5; p < 0.0001). At 8 weeks, a similar result was observed in the normal weight groups (7.7 ± 1.4 vs 9.9 ± 0.9; p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in CRP levels with treatment in the overweight treatment group at 8 weeks (-0.62 ± 0.2; 49%) compared to baseline (p < 0.001) and to placebo (p < 0.001). For the normal weight participants, there were significant reductions in CRP compared to baseline, but not to the matched placebo group. Both overweight and normal weight treatment groups lost a significant amount of weight compared to their placebo groups. The overweight treatment group lost an average of 5% body weight after 8 weeks. There was no significant change in ESR in any of the groups.ConclusionIn this pilot study, NP 06-1 had beneficial effects on symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee as measured using LAI scores and had anti-inflammatory effects as measured using CRP. Administration of NP 06-1 was also associated with weight loss, which may have been a contributing factor to the other benefits.

Phellodendron and Citrusextracts benefit cardiovascular health in osteoarthritis patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

BackgroundThe objective of this clinical study was to assess the potential benefit of a dietary supplement, NP 06-1, on cardiovascular protective properties in overweight and normal weight adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee.MethodsAn 8-week, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted with four groups, comparing the effects of NP 06-1 to placebo in overweight and normal weight subjects diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the knee. NP 06-1 (a combination of two botanical extracts; Phellodendron amurense bark and Citrus sinensis peel) or matching placebo was given in a dose of two capsules (370 mg each) twice daily. The outcome measures reported are lipid levels, weight, BMI, blood pressure and fasting glucose. Analyses of variance were used to compare changes of physiological measures over the trial period and between groups.ResultsEighty (80) subjects were enrolled and 45 subjects completed the study. No serious adverse events were reported. NP 06-1 administration was associated with a general improvement in lipid levels. Both the overweight and normal weight treatment groups had significant reductions in triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, as well as a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol compared to their respective control groups.Overall there were decreases in blood pressure in both overweight and normal weight treatment groups compared to respective placebo groups. There was also a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels in the overweight treatment group compared to the start of the study and to the overweight placebo group. There was no change in fasting blood sugar for the normal weight groups.Both overweight and normal weight treatment groups lost a significant amount of weight compared to their respective placebo groups. The overweight treatment group lost an average of 5% body weight after 8 weeks, which was associated with a significant loss in BMI over time.ConclusionIn this pilot study NP 06-1 had a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors; namely lipid levels, blood pressure and fasting glucose levels. Administration of NP 06-1 was also associated with weight loss.

Regulation of Cox-2 by Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding Protein in Prostate Cancer: Potential Role for Nexrutine

We recently showed that NexrutineR, a Phellodendron amurense bark extract, suppresses proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines and tumor development in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Our data also indicate that the antiproliferative effects of NexrutineR are mediated in part by Akt and Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Cyclooxygenase (Cox-2), a pro-inflammatory mediator, is a CREB target that induces prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and suppresses apoptosis. Treatment of LNCaP cells with NexrutineR reduced tumor necrosis factor α-induced enzymatic as well as promoter activities of Cox-2. NexrutineR also reduced the expression and promoter activity of Cox-2 in PC-3 cells that express high constitutive levels of Cox-2. Deletion analysis coupled with mutational analysis of the Cox-2 promoter identified CRE as being sufficient for mediating NexrutineR response. Immunohistochemical analysis of human prostate tumors show increased expression of CREB and DNA binding activity in high-grade tumors (three-fold higher in human prostate tumors compared to normal prostate; P = .01). We have identified CREB-mediated activation of Cox-2 as a potential signaling pathway in prostate cancer which can be blocked with a nontoxic, cost-effective dietary supplement like NexrutineR, demonstrating a prospective for development of NexrutineR for prostate cancer management.

Isolation of limonoids and alkaloids fromPhellodendron amurense and their multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity

Three limonoids and five alkaloids were isolated from the chloroform layer of the MeOH extract of the bark of Phellodendron amurense (Rutaceae). The structures of the compounds isolated were determined to be obacunone (1), limonin (2), 12alpha-hydroxylimonin (3), gamma-fagarine (4), oxyberberine (5), canthin-6-one (6), 4-methoxy-N-methyl-2-quinolone (7) and oxypalmatine (8) based on the physicochemical and spectroscopic data. Compounds 3, 5, 7, and 8 were first isolated from the Phellodendron amurense. The isolated compounds were then tested for their cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines in vitro using the SRB method. Compound 5 showed significant cytotoxicity against the five tumor cell lines with ED50 values ranging from 0.30 to 3.0 microg/mL. The marginal or noncytotoxic compounds (1, 2, 3, 4, and 7) were examined for their P-gp related MDR reversal activities. Compound 1 showed significant P-gp MDR inhibition activity in MES-SA/DX5 and HCT15 cells with an ED50 value of 0.028 microg/mL and 0.0011 microg/mL, respectively.

A rapid and simple determination of protoberberine alkaloids in cortex phellodendri by 1H NMR and its application for quality control of commercial traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions

Huangbai (cortex Phellodendri, the dried bark of Phellodendron amurense or Phellodendron chinense) is one of the important traditional Chinese medicines. Protoberberine alkaloids were reported to contribute to the biological activity of this species. A highly specific and sensitive method using 1H NMR has been developed for the quantitative determination of protoberberine alkaloids in Phellodendron species and their commercial traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. In the region of δ 8.6–8.9, the signals of H-13 of berberine ( 1) and palmatine ( 2), were well separated from other signals in methanol- d 4. The quantity of the compounds was calculated by the relative ratio of the integral values of the target peak of each compound to the known amount of internal standard anthracene. This method allows rapid and simple quantization of protoberberine alkaloids from Phellodendron species or the more complex commercial prescriptions in 5 min without any pre-purification steps. The recoveries of berberine and palmatine from P. amurense were in the range of 95–106%. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of them were 1.0 and 1.8 μg/mL, respectively. The advantages of the method were that no reference compounds are required for calibration curves, the quantification could be directly realized on a crude extract, the better selectivity for protoberberine alkaloids and a very significant time-gain could be achieved, in comparison to conventional HPLC methods, for instance.

Efficacy of Soil Amendment with Medicinal Plant Materials for the Control of Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Tomato

Soil amendments with oriental herbal medicines such as fruit of Anethum graveolens, flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, rhizome of Cnidium officinale, rhizome of Coptis chinensis, root bark of Paeonia suffructicosa, stem bark of Phellodendron amurense, and stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia at the rate of 0.2% (weight by volume of soil) significantly reduced Meloidogyne incognita infection (root gall formation) of tomato seedlings compared with the control. The most effective treatments were root bark of P. suffructicosa and stem bark of C. cassia as they gave minimum numbers of galls on tomato roots (4.7% and 8.9%, respectively, relative to control) as compared to other treatments. Another study with root bark of P. suffructicosa and C. cassia at different application doses also showed consistent results in reducing gall number. The control efficacy decreased as the application doses were lowered, indicating their dose-dependent control activities. These treatments significantly enhanced aboveground plant growths (total masses).

Identification of dyes on ancient Chinese paper samples using the subtracted shifted Raman spectroscopy method.

The Stein Collection in the British Library contains the Diamond Sutra, the world's oldest, dated, printed document. The paper of the Diamond Sutra and other documents from the Stein collection is believed to be dyed yellow by a natural extract, called huangbo, from the bark of Phellodendron amurense, which contains three major yellow chromophores: berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine. Conservation of these documents requires definite information on the chemical composition of the dyes but no suitable, completely noninvasive analytical method is known. Here we report resonance Raman studies of a series of pure dyes, of plant materials and extracts, and of dyed ancient and modern paper samples. Resonance Raman spectroscopy is used to enhance the spectra of the dyes over the signals from the paper matrixes in which they are held. The samples all give resonance Raman spectra which are dominated by intense fluorescence, but by using SSRS (subtracted shifted Raman spectroscopy) we have obtained reliable spectra of the pure dyes, native bark from the Phellodendron amurense, modern paper dyed with huangbo extracted from this bark, and ancient paper samples. For both ancient paper samples whose pigment bands were detected, the relative intensities of the bands due to berberine and palmatine suggest that the ancient paper is richer in berberine than its modern counterpart. This is the first nondestructive in situ method for detection of these pigments in manuscripts, and as such has considerable potential benefit for the treatment of irreplaceable documents that are believed to be dyed with huangbo but documents on which conservation work cannot proceed without definite identification of the chemical compounds that they contain.

Note Phospholipase A2 Inhibition by Alkaloid Compounds from Phellodendron amurense Bark

An alkaloid fraction from Phellodendron amurense bark, inhibits phospholipase A 2 activity. Activity is linked to the alkaloid fraction mainly composed of phellodendrine and magnoflorine.

Principle of the bark of Phellodendron amurense to suppress the cellular immune response: effect of phellodendrine on cellular and humoral immune responses.

Previously we have isolated the quaternary base alkaloids, magnoflorine and phellodendrine, from Phellodendri Cortex (cortex of Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Rutaceae) as the biologically active principles to suppress local graft-versus-host (GvH) reactions in mice. In this paper, we focus on phellodendrine. Phellodendrine suppressed local semisyngeneic GvH reactions and systemic allogeneic GvH reactions in X-ray irradiated recipient mice. Phellodendrine also suppressed the induction phase of sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-induced delayed type hypersensitivity in mice and tuberculin-induced delayed type hypersensitivity in guinea pigs, but did not suppress the effector phase of these reactions. Surprisingly, phellodendrine, unlike prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, did not affect antibody production in mice to SRBC. Phellodendrine was expected to be a valuable new type of immunosuppressor against the cellular immune response.

Phenolic constituents of phellodendron amurense bark

Clycosides of (±)-5,5′-dimethoxylariciresinol, 2( p-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethanol and N-methylhigenamine were isolated from the dried bark of Phellodendron amurense, together with nine phenolic compounds.

Several antifeedants from Phellodendron amurense against Reticulitermes speratus.

The methanol extract of Phellodendron amurense bark was shown to have a strong antifeedant activity against Reticulitermes speratus. The extract was sequentially partitioned with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water, and the activity was observed in both the chloroform and water fractions. The active principles isolated from the chloroform fraction were obacunone and kihadanin A, while those from the water fraction were berberine chloride and palmatine iodide.