Herbal Constituents Research Articles

Paeoniflorin prevents aberrant proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells by controlling C1q release from macrophages in chronic colitis

The pathological features of inflammatory bowel disease necessitate therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring intestinal mucosal barrier function in addition to controlling inflammation. Paeoniflorin, a bioactive herbal constituent isolated from the root of Paeonia albiflora Pall, has been reported to protect against acute colitis in mice. However, the direct molecular target of paeoniflorin in preventing colitis remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the therapeutical effects of Paeoniflorin using IL-10-/- chronic colitis model, and explored the precise mechanism of action involved. Our results demonstrated that intragastric administration of Paeoniflorin significantly ameliorated inflammatory response and restored the aberrant intestinal proliferation and differentiation in IL-10-/-colitis mice. By utilizing a chemical biology approach, we identified C1qa, a crucial component of C1q, is the direct target of Paeoniflorin. Binding of Paeoniflorin to C1qa prevented the cleavage of C1q on macrophages, resulting in the aggregation of surface membrane-anchored C1q and the diminished C1q secretion. The excessive surface membrane-anchored C1q significantly enhanced the phagocytic capability of macrophages and promoted the elimination of infiltrated bacteria and inflammatory cells in mouse colon. The reduced C1q secretion conferred by Paeoniflorin dampened Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation, thereby rectifying the aberrant proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). In summary, our study demonstrates that Paeoniflorin can orchestrate mucosal healing and intestinal inflammation elimination through C1q-bridged macrophage-ISCs crosstalk, highlighting a novel strategy to treat chronic colitis by restoring mucosal homeostasis via targeting C1q.

Recent advances in 3CL<sup>pro</sup> inhibitors from Chinese herbs

<p indent="0mm">Severe acute respiratory syndromes caused by highly pathogenic β-coronaviruses (such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) still lack safe and effective pharmacotherapy. Although Chinese herbal medicines have shown unique benefits for treating these diseases, their active substances and mechanisms have not been fully revealed. Coronavirus 3C-like proteases (3CL^pro), a class of cysteine hydrolases that are highly conserved in β-coronaviruses and play a critical role in viral replication, have been recognized as a crucial target for preventing and treating a range of coronavirus diseases including COVID-19. Recent studies have shown that a variety of Chinese herbal extracts and their constituents such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds can inhibit 3CL^pro, providing novel lead compounds for developing antiviral drugs. In this review, we systematically summarize the 3CL^pro inhibitory activities and inhibitory mechanisms of herbal constituents against SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro, MERS-CoV 3CL^pro and SARS-CoV 3CL^pro. Meanwhile, we highlight the challenges in this field, and provide an outlook for the future direction for developing natural-derived 3CL^pro inhibitors and novel anti-coronavirus drugs. Collectively, all information and knowledge presented here will be helpful for clarifying the active substances and mechanisms of anti-coronavirus herbal medicines, as well as providing new insights or inspiration for developing 3CL^pro inhibitors and broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs derived from Chinese herbal medicines.

Phytochemical screening, isolation and characterization of potential bioconstituents present in hyptis suaveolens

The phytoconstituents derived from the indigenous and traditional used plants are the indispensable source for many diseases. In the present scenario especially post Covid 19, many preferred the use of herbal constituent rather than using synesthetic medicines. The study aimed to identify the constituents derived from the leaves of Hyptis suaveolens Poit. (Lamiaceae) by separation and isolation of the three main compounds suaveolol, methyl suaveolate and bergatonol, which was achieved by means of repeated column chromatography and repeated preparative thin layer chromatography. Their chemical structures were characterised by IR, 1 H NMR, 13C NMR and LC-MS experiments.

A Review on Cyperus rotundus: Ancient Weed to Modern Elixir of Life Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Uses of Cyperus rotundus (Mustaka)

Background: Since time immemorial, humans have identified several herbs to treat various ailments. With the advancement of science and state-of-the-art technologies, different herbal extracts and chemical constituents of herbs were identified as therapeutic targets. Cyperus rotundus, also called mustaka, is one of the most ancient herbs widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. The tuberous and aerial parts of the herb were identified to possess various pharmacological properties.&#x0D; Objectives: This review focuses on the various phytocompounds of mustaka and how these compounds exert pharmacological effects and their mode of action. The molecular and cellular effects of mustaka were also discussed based on the preclinical and clinical reports available using an array of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo methodologies.&#x0D; Methods: The information from Google Scholar, Science direct, PUBMED, were reviewed with a special focus on the mode of action of C. rotundus from the data on animal and preclinical experiments to treat various diseases.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the literature available on C. rotundus in Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed, the pharmacological properties of mustaka were reviewed with a particular focus on its neuropharmacological activities. The mode of action of C. rotundus and its bioactive metabolites at the molecular biology level were demonstrated based on animal and preclinical experiments to cure various ailments. These diverse effects prove C. rotundus as a valuable traditional medicine for treating various disorders.

Zastosowanie surowców roślinnych w miejscowym leczeniu łuszczycy

Psoriasis is a relatively frequent, chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Estimated prevalence of psoriasis in the Polish population is about3%. Topical treatment is successfully used in all types of psoriasis. It is the main therapy of mild psoriasis and adjuvant treatment in advanced psoriasis. This disease is characterized by high incidence of recurrence and varied treatment responses. Patients unsatisfied with the efficacy of standard topical treatment often reach for alternative methods. In this article we focus on herbal constituents potentially useful in topical treatment of psoriasis. This review encompasses medicinal raw materials, their active ingredients, potential molecular mechanisms and clinical trials in order to estimate their effectiveness and safety.

In- vitro Antiurolithiatic potential of leaves of Anneslea fragrans wall. against Calcium oxalate kidney stones and its FT- IR analysis

Anneslea fragrans Wall. is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to family Theaceae and can be characteristically identify by its unique aroma. A. fragrans has collected from Manipur, India and its leaves were extracted in methanol using soxhlet method. In- vitro antiurolithiatic potential has determined by turbidity changes in artificial urine method, nucleation assay, and aggregation assay. FT-IR has been used to study the functional group characterization of the leaves of A. fragrans. A. fragrans has showed significant in- vitro antiurolithiatic activity through turbidity changes in artificial urine, nucleation, and aggregation assay with maximum % inhibition at 1000µg/ml i.e. 78.1%, 32.32%, and 57.11% respectively. FT-IR analysis reveals the major functional groups including hydroxyl, saturated aliphatic, quinone or conjugated ketone and aliphatic flouro group. A. fragrans have shown excellent in- vitro antiurolithiatic activity and hence, can be consider as an effective herbal alternative or constituent of herbal formulation for treatment of urolithiasis.

Phytoformulation studies on Traditional Anti-Wrinkle Preparation

The most frequent dermatological concern and a multisystem degenerative process is skin aging. Age related factors may be either due to declining physiological functions (intrinsic aging) or may be due to environmental factors such as pollution, sun exposure, smoking, stress etc. (extrinsic aging). An aged skin displays pigmented lesions, patchy hypopigmentations, actinic keratoses, fragility, laxity and wrinkles. Skin aging mechanisms involve biochemical changes in collagen, elastin and connective tissues, thereby resulting in a thin, dry, less elastic, wrinkled skin. In the recent years, herbals are largely preferred to synthetic drugs regarding to their traditional use as they help in providing an efficient, low toxicity and cost impressive product. Though a number of traditional plants are available, novel delivery systems need to be integrated so that the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the therapy can be optimized. Functional herbal active constituents and innovative novel formulations are driving the cosmetic industry. This present review put forward extensively on herbs appraisal for skin aging treatment. It also highlights the benefits of herbals and their role in impeding aging of skin. Some commercial branded herbal anti-aging cosmeceuticals and a few novel anti-aging herbal formulations available in the market are also reviewed here.

Effects of Hypericum perforatum on serum lipid vascular systems in mice

Herbal products are increasingly used against lipid to attenuate its negative impact on vasculature system. However, there are uncertainty regarding the best administration approaches and preparation of herbal product to be used due to variation in absorption rate and extent with subsequent impaction on the lipid levels. The aim of the present study was comparing the pharmacological and analytical aspects of soaked versus powder form of Hypericum perforatum; a well-known anti-hyperlipidemic herbal product, using atorvastatin drug as a reference drug for comparison in addition to controlling groups (on/off lipid diet) handled as an additional control group. To conduct this research, the hyperlipidemia mice models were created by exposing the mice to a fatty diet and using H. perforatum and atorvastatin for evaluation. The plant extracts were also analyzed for active constituents. The results indicate that the plant analysis detected the presence of different antihyperlipidemic agents and the plant has effectively reduced plasma lipid parameters in exposed mice compared to control group; especially when taken forms of the plant was used. The study concluded that; soaked H. perforatum extract shown an effective reduction of lipid parameters and analysis of which revealed the presence of herbal active constituent which might be utilized in industrial pharmacy for new drug innovation.

THE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF ACORUS CALAMUS (SWEET FLAG): A REVIEW

Medicinal plants have been used in the preparation of medicine since ancient times and may even be considered the origin of modern medicine. Acorus calamus (Linn.) is one such a medicinal herb that found as a member of family Acoraceae and most commonly known as ‘sweet flag’. Herb is commonly distributed in the moderate and the sub moderate rainfall regions of the Asia, Europe and North America. It is a tall, semi-aquatic in habitat, monocotyledonous, perennial, aromatic herb with branched cylindrical spreading rhizomes. The well growth habitats for sweet flag include edges of small lakes, rivers, marshes, ponds in temperature ranging from 10 to 38 °C. The major phyto constituents of herb include alpha-Asarone, beta Asarone, elemicine, alpha-terpineol and acorone, acorenone, acoragermacrone cis-isoelemicine, isoeugenol and their methyl ethers, camphene, P-cymene, beta-cadinene, camphor, beta-gurjunene, 7-dienol, shyobunones, isohyobunones, calamusenone alpha-selinene, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-calacorene 2-deca-4, linalool and pre-isocalamendiol etc. Acorus calamus (Vacha) constituents important for treatment of the various types of the ailments like epilepsy, diarrhea, dysentery, mental ailments, chronic bronchial catarrh, intermittent and tumors. It also has the insecticidal, antifungal, anticancerous, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic and anticonvulsant, spasmolytic, vascular modulator activities. The present review focuses on the detailed composition of Acorus calamus its different phytoconstituents having various pharmacological activities that helps to improve the health and prevent from various kinds of ailments.

Applications of GC-MS used in Herbal plants

Most drugs based on herbal plants for manufacturing of chemicals; hence herbal plants are major importance in biotechnology research. Many herbal constituents used as flavors, fragrances, pharmaceutical chemicals and food colors in India. The most of the herbal product were prepared from plant extracts, which contain different phytochemical constituents (plant secondary metabolite). The amount and identity of produced compound was correlated with therapeutic effect. The GC-MS used to analyze the extracted extract, that is useful for the determining the quantity of active principles in herbal plants used in cosmetics, medicines, food industries and pharmaceutical. The purpose of this study was to use gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy to identify the bioactive compound from entire plants. The GC-MS analyze the presence of various alkaloid, terpenoid, flavonoidal and glycoside phytoconstituents in herbal plants.

Samhwangsasim-tang attenuates neuronal apoptosis and cognitive decline through BDNF-mediated activation of tyrosin kinase B and p75-neurotrophin receptors

BackgroundSamhwangsasim-tang (SST) is a traditional medicine used to treat hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Additionally, due to the effects of its constituent herbs, SST is considered effective for memory-related disorders. PurposeWe investigated the effects of SST on neuronal survival and memory in glutamate-induced hippocampal cells and in a mouse model of scopolamine-induced memory impairment. MethodsSST components were identified using 3D-ultra performance liquid chromatography (3D-UPLC). In vitro, we induced glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in HT22 cells after SST pretreatment. We used a cell counting kit-8 and cell cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting to test the protective effects of SST on neuronal death. In vivo, C57BL/6J mice were administered with 150 and 300 mg/kg SST once daily for 7 days and then intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg scopolamine for 7 days to induce cognitive impairment. We then measured cognitive behavior using a novel object recognition test (NORT) and passive avoidance test (PAT) and analyzed the histological and protein changes. ResultsOur results showed that treatment with 50 and 100 μg/ml SST provided significant protection against glutamate-induced cell death. Flow cytometry and western blotting results suggested that 100 μg/ml SST treatment reduced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. SST treatment also increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its receptor, TrkB receptor, and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) activation while reducing the P75NTR and JNK signaling activation. Our in vivo results showed that SST administration improved cognitive impairment, similar to donepezil treatment (as a positive control), in NORT and PAT. SST and donepezil decreased neuronal cell death and apoptosis, and acetylcholine levels were increased in the scopolamine-treated hippocampus. Additionally, SST promoted CREB phosphorylation and BDNF maturation while reducing JNK and P75NTR activation; in contrast, donepezil did not alter levels of these proteins in the scopolamine-treated mouse hippocampus. ConclusionOur results suggest that SST has neuroprotective effects to attenuate neuronal cell death and oxidative stress through CREB/JNK signaling via BDNF activation. SST may regulate endogenous survival factors in the hippocampus, which may be a safe and potential clinical treatment for cognitive impairment in AD.

Determination of multiple active constituents in Da‐Huang‐Xiao‐Shi decoction using HPLC–LTQ–Orbitrap mass spectrometry: Application in comparing the differences in the formula and its constituent herbs

Da-Huang-Xiao-Shi decoction (DHXSD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula and is used to treat cholestasis. In this study, we developed a reliable and comprehensive HPLC coupled with a linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry method for the separation and determination of 21 components including six alkaloids, five anthraquinones, three tannins, three terpenes, two iridoid glycosides, one organic acid and one flavonoid in DHXSD. A C18 column was eluted using a gradient mobile phase at a flow rate of 1ml/min. Detection was operated with an electrospray ionization source in positive and negative ion modes using selective ion monitoring. The calibration curves for all analytes showed good linearity (r > 0.9901), and the inter- and intra-day precision did not exceed 4.98%. The recovery, repeatability and stability were also within the acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied to determine multiple active constituents in DHXSD and its constituent herbs. Compared with Da Huang, the total contents of the five anthraquinones were significantly higher in DHXSD. However, the changes in the components from Zhi Zi/Huang Bo were complicated in DHXSD. The study could serve as a fundamental reference for establishing comprehensive DHXSD quality control measures and be helpful to understand some compatibility laws of DHXSD.

Neuroprotective effects of Tongtian oral liquid, a Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Parkinson's disease-induced zebrafish model

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) worldwide. Tongtian Oral Liquid (TTKFY) is one such patented TCM, and a poly-herbal formulation, composed of 11 herbal constituents, which possess neuroprotective, antioxidant, pain-relieving properties. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin (MPTP), a neurotoxicant is used to induce PD in animal models. The present study was aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of TTKFY, on dopaminergic neuron development, antioxidant activities, and gene expression involved in the dopaminergic pathway in the MPTP-treated zebrafish model. Zebrafish larvae were treated with MPTP (70 μM) to induce PD and then by different concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 4 ml/L) of TTKFY. Transgenic zebrafish Vmat: GFP at 5 dpf were used to observe the development of dopaminergic neurons. The activities of T-Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde (MDA) and mRNA gene expression of dopamine pathway were quantified. MPTP-treated zebrafish larvae showed degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, locomotion dysfunction, diminished activities of antioxidant enzymes, MDA accumulation, and altered gene expression of dopamine pathway. In contrast, TTKFY protected dopaminergic neurons, ameliorated behavioral impairments, antioxidant activities and mRNA gene expression of dopamine pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, TTKFY confers protective effects against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and the mechanisms of protection may be related to the recovery of dopaminergic neurons by reducing oxidative stress via restoring cellular defense mechanisms and thereby highlighting its therapeutic potential to prevent the progression of PD. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism of action of TTKFY on neuroprotection in the MPTP-induced PD model.

Indian spices: past, present and future challenges as the engine for bio-enhancement of drugs: impact of COVID-19.

Spices are natural plant products enriched with the history of being used as herbal medicine for prevention of diseases. India is also known as the ‘Land of Spices’. Out of 109 spices recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) more than 52–60 spice crops are grown in India. The major spices exported by India are turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, peppers, etc. The Indian spices are divided into three era viz. early period, middle age and early modern period. Spices are used in beverages, liquors, and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery products. The major issue with spices is their handling and storage. This review article mainly focuses on two aspects: at the outset the handling and storage of the spices is an essential factor as spices are available in different forms like raw, processed, fresh, whole dried, or pre‐ground dried. Therefore, the need of processing, packaging, storage and handling of the spices is important as the deterioration of spices can lead to the loss of therapeutic activity. Furthermore, many herbal constituents have the capability to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. Therefore, an attempt has been made to throw a light on the bioenhancer activity and therapeutic activity along with their mechanism of action of some Indian spices which are regularly used for cooking purpose on a daily basis to enhance the taste of food. The spices suggested by ministry of AYUSH which is relevant to its medicinal and biological property in treatment and prevention from COVID‐19 are discussed. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

LC-QTOF-MS Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and In Vitro Toxicity of Medicinal Plants from the Tri-Than-Thip Remedy.

Background The world population has exhibited increased trust in folk medicine, including Thai folk medicine, for the treatment of various illnesses. However, the comparative antioxidant and cytoprotective activities against oxidative damage of Tri-Than-Thip (Tri-TT), a Thai folk remedy, have not been reported. Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacities of Tri-TT and its herbal constituents, Cassia fistula, Pithecellobium dulce, and Ficus benjamina. Methods Extracts were obtained from Tri-TT and its herbal constituents. The free radical scavenging activities, cytotoxicity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelating activities, total phenolic compound (TPC) contents, and total flavonoid (TF) contents of Tri-TT extract were investigated, and qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of Tri-TT extract was performed by LC-QTOF-MS. Results Tri-TT extract exhibited remarkable scavenging activities toward DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide anion radicals, with IC50 values of 0.081 ± 0.00, 0.021 ± 0.00, and 0.205 ± 0.057 mg/mL, respectively. The oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and FRAP values of Tri-TT were 6.499 ± 0.67 μM TE/g extract and 1,919.71 ± 63.14 mM FeSO4/mg sample, respectively. P. dulce had the highest scavenging activities and antioxidant capacity followed by C. fistula and F. benjamina. The TPC and TF content of Tri-TT extract were 287.87 mg equivalence/g extract and 225.62 mg catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively. The highest TPC was obtained from P. dulce, and TF content was observed in C. fistula. Using LC-QTOF-MS, a total of 25 compounds were tentatively identified in Tri-TT, including polyphenols such as luteolin, gallic acid, baicalein, apigenin, epicatechin, and ellagic acid. In addition, Tri-TT extract demonstrated nontoxicity (cell viability >90%) to Vero cells at the highest tested concentration of 80 μg/mL. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the Tri-TT remedy is a promising candidate as a natural source of antioxidant activity, suggesting that the polyphenol content of plants may contribute to antioxidant activities.

Novel Approaches in Herbal Cosmetics: An Overview

Herbal elements are more first ¬line than the chemical bones due to their easy vacantness and minor side personal effects. Herbal utterances always have attracted considerable attention due to their good exercise and Herbal cosmetics manufactured and used for diurnal purpose include herbal detergents, moisturizers, stain etc. comparatively minor or nil side movables with synthetic medicines. The synthetic beauty product can irritate your skin and effect papules. they could block your pores and make your skin dry or gushy. With herbal cosmetics, one needn't worry about these. The herbal constituent used assure no side effect. unaccustomed herbal mill constituents in multihued statements like hairdressing, hair gels, face packs, face creams have proved to be favourable than the statements containing solely chemical elements. These unaccustomed constituents have helped within the breakthrough of beauty also because the health of a private. Unaccustomed approach of delivering herbal medicines will increase the efficaciousness and safety of herbal medicinals along side the increased stability of the medicine product. Hair cosmetics containing constituents of natural origin give smoothness, lustre to the hair and help within the treatment of varied hair problems like dandruff, alopecia, baldness and lots of else.

Development and optimization of Benjakul microemulsion formulations for enhancing topical anti-inflammatory effect and delivery.

Background and purpose:Benjakul (BJK) is a combination of five botanical herbal constituents widely used in Thai traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. This study aimed to develop a novel topical microemulsion containing BJK for clinical use.Experimental approach:The microemulsions were produced by a phase inversion temperature (PIT) methodology. Physicochemical properties and stability were evaluated to determine an optimal formula. The stable BJK-loaded microemulsion formulas were then subjected to in vitro studies for their anti-inflammatory activity, skin cell toxicity, drug permeation, and stability.Finding/Results:Two novel formulations containing isopropyl myristate (ME1-BJK and ME2-BJK) passed the compendial stability test. BJK constituents were completely dissolved in the oil phase and incorporated into the microemulsion base Transcutol® and Labrasol® avoiding the use of alcohol, both microemulsion formulations demonstrated high anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 3.41 ± 0.36 and 3.95 ± 1.73 μg/mL, respectively. However, dissolution of ME1-BJK showed a superior release profile through both lipophilic and hydrophilic membranes with the highest accumulated amount at 4 h of 25.13% and 38.06%, respectively. All tested formulations of BJK extract demonstrated no apparent skin cell toxicity at concentrations up to 50 μg/mL. After six-month storage under accelerated conditions, there were no significant changes in anti-inflammatory activity.Conclusions and implications:A novel and stable BJK-loaded microemulsion formulation was successfully developed with excellent release and stability properties. Further clinical research to evaluate pain reduction, edema, and skin irritation using this formulation in animal models is ongoing.

A Strategy for Screening the Lipid-Lowering Components in Alismatis Rhizoma Decoction Based on Spectrum-Effect Analysis.

Alismatis Rhizoma decoction (ARD), comprised of Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. at a ratio of 5 : 2, is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with successful clinical hypolipidemic effect. This paper aimed to explore the major bioactive compounds and potential mechanism of ARD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia on the basis of spectrum-effect analysis and molecular docking. Nine ARD samples with varying ratios of the constituent herbs were prepared and analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to obtain the chemical spectra. Then, the lipid-lowering ability of the nine samples was tested in an oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation model in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Grey relational analysis and partial least squares regression analysis were then performed to determine the correlation between the chemical spectrums and lipid-lowering efficacies of ARD. The potential mechanisms of the effective compounds were investigated by docking with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein. The results indicated that alisol B 23-acetate, alisol C 23-acetate, and alisol B appeared to be the core effective components on hyperlipidemia in ARD. Molecular docking further demonstrated that all three compounds could bind to FXR and were potential FXR agonists for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This study elucidated the effective components and potential molecular mechanism of action of ARD for treating hyperlipidemia from a perspective of different compatibility, providing a new and feasible reference for the research of TCM formulas such as ARD.

Antimicrobial Properties of Ocimum Species: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of ethanol-extracts obtained from Ocimum gratissimum L. (clove or African basil, Lamiaceae) and O. santum L. (holy basil) against some microorganisms present in oral cavity related to either medical or dental disease. Antimicrobial properties of both ethanol-extracts of Ocimum species against Streptococcus mutans KPSK2, S. pyogenes ATCC 19615, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 16794, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 were primarily determined by agar disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal or fungicidal concentration (MBC or MFC) of these herbal extracts were further determined by broth micro-dilution method. Ethanol-extracts of O. sanctum L. and O. gratissimum L. inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms in various degrees ranging from the strongest antimicrobial activity of O. sanctum against S. pyogenes [MIC at 0.19% (w/v); MBC at 0.78% (w/v)] to the least inhibitory activity of O. gratissimum against C. albicans [MIC at 12.5% (w/v); undetectable MFC]. The ethanol-extract of O. sanctum showed stronger antimicrobial property against the tested bacteria and fungus than O. gratissimum. The ethanol-extracts of both Ocimum species showed stronger antibacterial than antifungal activity. However, the ethanol-extract of O. gratissimum even at a high concentration of 50% (w/v) was unable to eliminate the tested fungus. Ethanol-extracts of Ocimum species contain effective antibacterial and antifungal properties that may be beneficial for further development of antimicrobial agents in medical and dental fields.

Effects of Ruzu, a Polyherbal Mixture, on Neurobehaviour and Expression of Serotonin and Dopamine Transporters in Rats.

There is increased possibility that combined herbal constituents may interact to increase toxicity and lower efficacy. Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB) is a blend of extracts from Curculigo pilosa, Uvaria chamae, and Citrullus colocynthis, each of which has been shown to possess important bio-effects. There is anecdotal evidence for efficacy of RHB in neurological disorders; however, there are no data on possible neurotoxic effects of RHB. Using behavioural, biochemical and molecular indices as surrogates of neurotoxicity, this study therefore evaluated the nervous system effects of RHB. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups - a control group and RHB group (n=10). RHB (0.5ml/kg) was administered to the RHB group twice daily while control group took water (0.5ml/kg). Treatments lasted 6 weeks after which behavioural tests were carried out. Animals were subsequently sacrificed and the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) was determined in the striatum by immunofluorescence while specific activities of catalase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase were determined. In the elevated plus maze and light and dark box tests which are models of anxiety, animals treated with RHB showed significant anxiety compared to control. They also showed impaired locomotor activity in the open field and wire hang tests. The activity of catalase was significantly increased in the brain of the RHB treated rats while an increase in the expression of both DAT and SERT was observed in the striatum.