Dietary Herbs Research Articles

A methoxyflavanone derivative from the Asian medicinal herb (Perilla frutescens) induces p53-mediated G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma.

Perilla frutescens is an Asian dietary herb consumed as an essential seasoning in Japanese cuisine as well as used for a Chinese medicine. Here, we report that a newly found methoxyflavanone derivative from P. frutescens (Perilla-derived methoxyflavanone, PDMF; 8-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone) shows carcinostatic activity on human lung adenocarcinoma, A549. We found that treatment with PDMF significantly inhibited cell proliferation and decreased viability through induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The PDMF stimulation induces phosphorylation of tumor suppressor p53 on Ser15, and increases its protein amount in conjunction with up-regulation of downstream cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1 and proapoptotic caspases, caspase-9 and caspase-3. We also found that small interfering RNA knockdown of p53 completely abolished the PDMF-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, and substantially abrogated its proapoptotic potency. These results suggest that PDMF represents a useful tumor-preventive phytochemical that triggers p53-driven G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Influence of supplementation three type of Phytogenic plants in diet on growth Performance, intestinal microflora and immunity of Broiler Cobb-500.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three herbal medical plants, Chamomile flowers (Matericariachamomilla L), Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune system, and intestinal bacterial populations in broiler Cobb-500.A total of two hundred forty (240) Cobb500, one-day old broiler chicks were randomly divided to four experimental groups (60) chicks/treatment, which divided to (3) replicates (20 Chicks / replicate).The dietary treatments were: (T1) basal diet as control, (T2) basal diet plus 1kg of Chamomile flowers(Matericariachamomilla L) to 100kg diet, (T3) basal diet plus 1kg Black cumin seeds(Nigella sativa L) to 100 kg diet, .(T4) basal diet plus 1kg of the Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to 100 kg diet. The experiment was lasted for (42) days. Live body weight (LBW), Weight Gain (WG), Feed Intake (FI), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were measured at the end of feeding program ( 21, 35 and 42 days) of age. At the end of the experiment carcass characteristics, immunological properties such as antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus as well as relative weight of bursa fabricia, spleen and total mortality rate were measured. The groups fed (T2) Chamomile flowers (Matericariachamomilla L) and (T3) Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) showed significantly (p>0.05) higher value for Live body weight (LBW) as compared with (T1, T4) groups. No significant differences were observed in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and total Feed intake (FI) at period (1-42 days). Results showed that total Mortality decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all treatment compared with those birds fed control group (T1). The results showed that relative weights of lymphoid organs (spleen, bursa fabrecius) as an indicator of the immune system condition was significant (P<0.05) high weight of spleen observed at all treatments with supplementation of dietary herbs compared with control group (T1)..Antibody responses to Newcastle Disease were improved significantly (p<0.05) antibody levels increased by treatments (T3, T4). The result shows that treatments (T3, T4) were lead to significantly (p<0.05) decreased of total counts of coliform bacterial in jejunum compared with (T1, T2) groups.

Mulberry Anthocyanins Induce Leukemia WEHI-3 Cells Apoptosis, Autophagy, Differentiation and prolong leukemic mice survival

Recently, interest in dietary phytochemicals and Chinese herbs for potential cancer chemoprevention has increased substantially owing to their multiple capacities of a combination of several distinct intracellular events (such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis). In our previous studies, we showed that Mulberry anthocyanins (MACs), a natural polyphenol product extracted from Morus, have the antitumor effects on various cancers, such as gastric cancer, melanoma, and hepatoma. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients usually suffer from the side effects of chemotherapy. We investigated effects of MACs on murine Leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vitro. Firstly, 50% of WEHI-3 cells were decreased after treatment with 1.76Â mg/ml and 1.48Â mg/ml for 24 and 48 hr by MTT assay, respectively. The results of flow cytometry assay showed that low does MACs caused the WEHI3 cells apoptosis when they were exposed to high dose MACs. In addition, caspase-9 was activated from pro-caspase to cleaved-caspase in response to treatment MACs with WEHI-3 cells. Immunoflurescence analysis and western blotting assay demonstrated that MACs caused WEHI3 cells death by triggering autophagic flux. By co-treatment with ATRA, MACs also increased CD11b and GM-CSF level, decreased M-CSF expression, which led to WEHI3 cells differentiation. Moreover, co-treated ATRA and MACs cells showed the suppression of MEK, ERK and STAT1 phosphorylation. Altogether, MACs can prevent the growth of WEHI-3 cells for potentially combination chemotherapy therapy to prevent side effects of acute myeloid leukemia.

Effect of Herbal Maturation Diets on Biochemical Composition ofDifferent Organs of Etroplus suratensis

The study was conducted to document the biochemical changes in the different body parts of Etroplus suratensis when feeding them with herbal maturation diets. Three different herbal maturation diets, such as Mucuna pruriens: Withania somnifera:Moringa oleifera (MP:WS:MO) in 1:1:1 ratio (Experimental Diet-1 - EXD1), MP:WS:MO in 2:1:2 ratio (Experimental Diet-2 - EXD2), MP:WS:MO in 1:2:1 ratio (Experimental Diet-3 - EXD3) and a control diet(without herbal extracts) were prepared by mixing the said proportions of the herbal extract with other feed ingredients and fed to the adult female animals. The effects of herbal maturation diet on biochemical parameters such as level of triglyceride, total protein, cholesterol and carbohydrate in blood, liver, gonad and body tissue were analyzed in the experimental fish. The results showed that the level of triglyceride, total protein, cholesterol and carbohydrate were significantly increased in EXD3 herbal maturation diets fed fishes than the other experimental and control diet fed animals. The results proved that the administration of the herbal maturation diet EXD3 enhanced the level of the triglyceride, total protein, cholesterol and carbohydrate which can in turn leads to quick maturation and reproductive success in E. suratensis.

Role of Dietary Crocin in In Vivo Melanoma Tumor Remission

Background:Melanoma is a deadly form of malignancy. Early diagnosis might pave the way to cure but its aggressive nature leads to rapid dissemination and colonization of distant organs. Dietary herbs may play a significant role in prevention of cancer. In this study, we tested anti-tumor efficacy of the Crocus sativus derived active constituent crocin, it is well established to have anti-cancer properties in different cancer models by our group and other groups. Notably, crocin is reported to exert anti-proliferative effect on melanoma cells (B16F10) in vitro. However, roles of crocin on in vivo melanoma tumor remission have not yet been reported to our knowledge.Materials and Methods:Melanoma tumor model was established by transplanting B16F10 (5 X 105) cells into C57BL/6 mice, which were then observed for tumor development and once the tumor volume reached 6 mm, mice were divided into (Group I: tumor-bearing animals treated with normal saline and Group II: counterparts treated with crocin at 2 mg/kg body weight for 21 days).. Tumor remission and tumor growth related parameters such as tumor silent period (TSP), tumor volume doubling time (VDT), growth delay (GD), and mean survival time (MST) were determined. In addition, serum protein profiles were analyzed.Results:The 21 days crocin treatment significantly reduced the tumor burden in mice, extending the mean survival time significantly as compared to control. Crocin treatment also significantly increased the TGD and TSP and decreased VDT. Furthermore, while serum proteins such as albumin and globulin (alpha1, alpha2, beta, and gamma) were altered due to tumor burden, crocin treatment resulted in their levels near to normal at the end of the experimental period.Conclusion:Our study provided clear evidence that crocin may exhibit significant melanoma tumor remission properties by positively modulating tumor growth related parameters. In future, the molecular mechanisms of crocin action should be studied extensively in melanoma models before defining crocin-based melanoma drug formulations.

Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin on Ultrasonic Morphological Characteristics of Liver in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Introduction:Metabolic syndrome (METS) represent a simultaneous presence of multiple metabolic disorders in one person. Prevalence is increasing worldwide, which is probably related to increased obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Non-alcoholic steatosis or “fatty liver” is a metabolic disease caused by fat dysfunction. It can be a sign of some other disease, and can often be found in patients with metabolic disorders. Ultrasound is an acceptable method for the identification of fatty steatosis. There is evidence that when turmeric is used as a herbal diet, with its active metabolite of curcumin, can repair fatty acidosis and thus prevent progression of fatty steatosis complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Goal. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of 400 mg curcuminaddition to the nutrition on ultrasound morphological characteristics of the liver in METS patients.Methodology:A prospective cohort study was conducted on 100 subjects with METS, treated in the family medicine practice of the Tuzla Canton, aged 35-70 years. The therapeutic effects of 400 mg curcumin on ultrasound-morphological characteristics of the liver were followed, validated by ultrasound in 50 respondents of experimental groups with METS. The data were processed by the IBM SPSS Statistics 21 statistical analysis program using parametric techniques andStudent’s t-test for paired samples.Results:There were 65% of women in the study. There were no statistically significant differences in the age of respondents within the analyzed groups. The use of 400 mg curcumin per day was statistically significantly improved ultrasound morphological characteristics of the liver in subjects with METS.Conclusion:All respondents with METS who used curcumin had beneficial effects on the morphological characteristics of the liver. Curcumin had stronger effects on subjects with METS and DM type 2 than others.

Evaluation of the Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of <i> Nelumbo nucifera </i>Fruit in Rabbits Fed with High Cholesterol Diet

Recently use of herbal therapies and diet rich in flavonoids and vitamins has augmented significantly to manage minor to modest illnesses. Several anti-hyperlipidemic agents are currently available; however most of them have various unwanted effects. That’s why more people are switching towards safer alternatives, specially derived from plants with fewer side effects. Hence current study was focused to determine the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Nelumbo nucifera fruit in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet. This study would surely help in the exploration of a novel agent from the plant source and therefore may recommend the application of traditional medicines in humans. 28 white healthy rabbits of either sex weighing 1000 - 1500 gm were divided into four groups. Control group was given gum tragacanth and 3 groups served as test groups and were given N. nucifera fruit extract 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 45 days. Initially animals of all four groups received high cholesterol diet (HCD) 0.125 gm/kg cholesterol in 0.5% corn oil for 30 days. All drugs were given orally. Blood samples were taken thrice from the ear vein of animals, 1st after 24 hours of thirty days of HCD then again after 24 hours of thirty and forty five days dosing of N. nucifera fruit extract. The results showed remarkable cholesterol lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit extract at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg but were particularly dominant at 200 mg/kg at which fruit extract highly significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C after 30 and 45 days and increased HDL-C significantly after 30 days and highly significantly after 45 days. Flavonoids, saponins, tannins and procyanidin are significant constituents of N. nucifera fruit which may have contributed in lipid lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit which can contribute in lowering the risk of CVDs and stroke but more preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

<i>Psidium Guajava</i> Leaf Extracts Fed to Mono-sex Nile Tilapia <i>Oreochromis Niloticus</i> Enhance Immune Response Against <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i>

Plants are being explored as a major source of medicinal compounds. The present study was intended to explore the efficacy of dietary doses of <i>Psidium guajava</i> leaf extracts mixed with Maize bran (control) on growth performance, immunological parameters and disease resistance against <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> infection in mono-sex Nile tilapia, <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>. Fishes (average weight 16.5±1.5) were fed five different doses of herbal diets for four weeks which prepared with 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% of <i>P. guajava</i> leaf extracts where maize bran used as control (0%). Growth performance and immunological parameters including bacterial activity and phagocyt activity were investigated. Among those doses 8% showed highest significant responses in phagocytic activity, specific growth rate, specific and non-specific immune responses on week 2 and 4 compared to control diet whereas the changes did not manifest on first week. Further the <i>P. guajava</i> leaf extracts enriched diet at 8% level resulted in lowest mortality (20%) indicating highest protection (Relative Percent Survival 76.5%) from <i>P. fluorescens</i> infection than 2%, 4% and 6% doses diets that resulted 60%, 45% and 25% mortalities respectively. Eight percent (8%) dose also showed highest growth (36g) compare to other doses. The results are suggested that the dietary supplementation of <i>P. guajava </i>leaf extracts act as immunostimulants, reduce mortality and disease resistance in <i>O. niloticus</i> against <i>P. fluorescens</i>.

Effects of dietary administration of Rose hip and Safflower on growth performance, haematological, biochemical parameters and innate immune response of Beluga, Huso huso (Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of two dietary medicinal herbs, Rose hip (Rosa canina) and Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) supplementation on growth performance, haematological, biochemical parameters and innate immune response of in juvenile beluga, Huso huso. Fish (26.3 ± 0.4 g) were allocated into 15 tanks (20 fish per tank) and triplicate groups were fed a control diet or diets containing 1% and 2% of medicinal herbs, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and condition factor (CF) did not show significant differences (P > 0.05) in fish given herbal diets. Significant differences were observed in number of white blood cells (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) values among the dietary treatments. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly lower in supplemented diet groups compared with the control. Innate immune responses (lysozyme activity and ACH50) were significantly higher in 2% Safflower-fed fish compared with other groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that medicinal herbs in diets can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the physiological parameters and enhance the immune response of Persian sturgeon.

Achyranthes aspera Extract as feed additives enhances immunological parameters and growth performance in Pangasius pangasius against Pseudomonas fluorescens

Pangus (Pangasius pangasius) has been increasing for its high potential and play vital role in aquaculture in Bangladesh. The effects of dietary A. aspera supplementation on innate immunity, growth and disease against P. fluorescens infection were evaluated in Pangus (P. pangasius). Fish were feeding for 28 days with control diet and three experimental diets containing A. aspera herbal diet which were prepared with at 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% of root extract respectively. Various innate immune parameters examined at 14 and 28 days post-feeding. All four Groups of pangus injected intraperitoneally with P. fluorescens (3.2×10-6 CFU ml-1) and after 14 and 28 days of post immunization, bloods sampled collected from live fish with a hypodermic syringe. The present results demonstrated that Dietary supplementation of A. aspera (1.5%) showed significantly increased serum antibody titer (3280), phagocytic activity (49%), immune response as both specific (44%) and non-specific (3%), activation of disease resistance and growth factors (41.1%) of P. pangasius (P

Effects of dietary herb supplements for ewes On milk contents and some biochemical parameter

This experiment was conducted on 9 Awassi ewes of similar weight (BW around 50 Kg) and age (45-48 months) for 60 days, were equally divided into three dietary treatments. Group 1 served as a control group received water from the sink water as the water drinking, groups 2 and 3have given water with garlic (Allium sativum)and ginger (Zingiberofficinale) extract by 2 ml/2 liter per day in the water drinking respectively , All groups were fed the basal diet. While Ekomilk was used to analysis milk samples. No significant effect was found in Lactose, fat, pH, FP and DEN, while protein and NSF improved (P&lt;0.05) by adding garlic and zinger in water drinking at 1st and 3th weeks, However, No significant difference were observed in creatinine, ALT and AST, While the cholesterol and glucose were decreased (P&lt;0.05) at 3th, 4th and 1st, 3th, and 4th respectively.

Herb extracts and collagen hydrolysate improve skin damage resulting from ultraviolet-induced aging in hairless mice.

We examined the effect of the daily ingestion of herb extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves and Korean ginseng on skin damage induced by repeated UV irradiation of hairless mice. The herb extract was orally administered to mice at a dose of 1000 mg/kg/day. The hydration of mice dorsal skin decreased significantly with repeated UV irradiation, but did not decrease when the herb extract was administered for seven weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increased with UV irradiation, but decreased with the administration of dietary herb extract. These effects were more pronounced when combined with the administration of collagen hydrolysate. Geniposidic acid from E. ulmoides leaves and ginsenoside Rg1 from Korean ginseng reduced TEWL and increased the skin moisture content of UV-damaged skin on hairless mice, respectively. We concluded that this dietary herb extract reduced the skin damage caused by UV-induced aging, with geniposidic acid and ginsenoside Rg1 detected in the blood.

Attenuation of Crude Water Extract of the Leaves of "Ocimum gratissimum" on the Cardiac Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptotic Pathway Effects in Hypercholesterol Fed Hamsters

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is often associated with the development of heart failure but the precise mechanisms remain uncertain. Increased dietary supplements or oriental herbs were used for treatment of cardiac abnormality. The aqueous extract of the leaves of ＂Ocimum gratissimum＂ was screened for antiapoptic effects of hamerts fed with hypercholesterol diet. Twenty-four, 3 months old, male Golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into Control, Cholesterol, 0.05% and 0.025% ＂Ocimum gratissmum＂ L. groups and fed with different experimental diets for 2 months, respectively. The excised hearts were measured by positive TUNEL assays and Western Blotting. ＂Ocimum gratissmum＂ L. significatly decrease hypercholesterol dietinduced cardiac TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells. Ocimum gratissmum L. decreased hypercholesterol diet-induced Bax, p-Bad, Bcl2, Bcl-Xl, cytochrome c and active caspase 3 (mitochondria pathway). Notably, no significant variations of Fas, FADD and activated caspase 8 (Fas pathway) protein levels were detected in all groups of hamsters. 0.025% ＂Ocimum gratissmum＂ L. exerted less anti-apoptotic than 0.05% ＂Ocimum gratissmum＂ L. The ＂Ocimum gratissmum＂ L. extract also suppressed hypercholesterol diet-induced cardiac mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway with dose associated mannerin rat models. We suggested the protective effects of ＂Ocimum gratissmum＂ L. on cardiac apoptosis and may be potentials in treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacokinetic interactions of herbs with cytochrome p450 and p-glycoprotein.

The concurrent use of drugs and herbal products is becoming increasingly prevalent over the last decade. Several herbal products have been known to modulate cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which are recognized as representative drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporter, respectively. Thus, a summary of knowledge on the modulation of CYP and P-gp by commonly used herbs can provide robust fundamentals for optimizing CYP and/or P-gp substrate drug-based therapy. Herein, we review ten popular medicinal and/or dietary herbs as perpetrators of CYP- and P-gp-mediated pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions. The main focus is placed on previous works on the ability of herbal extracts and their phytochemicals to modulate the expression and function of CYP and P-gp in several in vitro and in vivo animal and human systems.

Traditional Ayurvedic medicines: Pathway to develop anti-cancer drugs

Ayurveda, “life knowledge”, is an ancient Indian traditional medical system, which has been practiced for >5000 years and still in use with the same importance among many cultural tribes in Indian sub-continents. Ayurvedic medicine is a unique holistic approach to treatment where herbal medicines, special diets, yoga and relaxation methods, and lifestyle management are key strategies for curing various chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular, neurological disorders and many other. Cancer is biologically complex disease, causing local damage and inflammation of cells due to lack of full response in a specific tissue that is responsible to maintain cellular differentiation, survival, proliferation and death. Studies have suggested that bioactive phytochemicals present in Ayurvedic plants (fruits, vegetables and herbs) mediate their effects by inhibiting some of the recently identified inflammatory pathways. Nevertheless, for successful implementation of Ayurvedic principles to drug discovery, major concerns relating to proportion, practicality, safety and drug interactions and possible side effects of newly developed Ayurvedic drugs and formulations need to be addressed. Systematic investigations of Ayurvedic drugs, employing contemporary scientific tools and methods, are expected to lead to the discoveries of major significance. Explorations involving studies of bioactive phytochemicals, their side effects, the specific potential targets and the mechanisms of action would transform this traditional therapeutic approach to standard Ayurvedic drug discovery which would be accepted and embraced by global populations. Current review focuses on the importance of anti-cancer drug discovery from Ayurvedic medicines in the modern context, ongoing improvements and major achievements in the field over the past decade or two.

Effect of a Dietary Herbal Mixture Supplement on the Growth Performance, Egg Production and Health Status in Chickens

The experiment was carried out with dual-purpose fowls developed for rural backyard farming – indigenous Katunitsa chicken (line “AN”), in a free range management system from hatching to 52 weeks of age. The purpose of the investigation was to establish the influence of a blend of herbs as a dietary supplement on some serum biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase, triglycerides and creatinine), growth performance, egg production, egg fatty acid composition, and health status. The composition of this blend of herbs included: 0.05% garlic powder (Allium sativum), 0.3% cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum verum) and 0.03% of each of the following dried herbs: yarrow (Achillea millefolium), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus serpyllum), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and oregano (Origanum vulgare).The birds were divided into two groups – control (n=60) without supplemental mixture to the diet and experimental (n=700) with supplemental mixture to the diet from the first day of age to the end of the experiment.The results showed that the herbal mixture supplement decreased significantly the blood serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels – at 7 (P 0.05).Over the entire investigation period the chickens from the experimental group had a better feed conversion ratio (with 3.37%) and a higher egg laying capacity (with 1.79%).At the end of experiment (52 weeks of age), hens from the control group exhibited generalised fatty degeneration of liver parenchyma, while these in experimental group, the major part of hepatocytes had no fat droplets in their cytoplasm.The death rate from 0 to 7, from 8 to 21 and from 22 to 52 weeks of age was 18.33%, 0% and 8.57% in the control group and 1.00%, 0.26% and 2.62% in the experimental group, respectively.Therefore in conclusion, it can be affirmed that the use of this blend of herbs had a beneficial effect in the treated fowls and improved their egg productivity, vitality and health condition.

Heart rate variability in menopausal state. Analysis with short-time measurements at rest and after work load

s from The Japanese Journal: The Autonomic Nervous System #1 Heart rate variability in menopausal state. Analysis with short-time measurements at rest and after work load Yuka Goto, Hiroyuki Okuda, Yuko Nakamura, Mikiya Nakatsuka Kurashiki Daiichi Hospital Outpatient Kampo Clinic for Women, Okayama 710-0826, Japan Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan The aim of this study was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) between women in pre-menopausal state and women in postmenopausal state, and to determine whether difference in age and estrogen-level could account for any difference in HRV between the two groups. 264 subjectswere analyzedwithoutmaking adjustments for age. In this study the post-menopausal state was characterized by amenorrhea of more than 12 months, an E2 value of 20 pg/ml in the blood, and an FSH blood level higher than 40 mlU/ml. We have found that in the post-menopausal state the value of VLF, LF, HF at rest, HR and LF/HF ratio atmaximum load, and VLF and LF after exercise, were significantly lower than in the pre-menopausal state. Subsequently, 36 subjects were analyzed after adjusting for age. The resultswere almost the same before and after adjustment for age. In conclusion, women in post-menopausal state, showed less fluctuation of autonomic nervous activity represented by HRV than women in pre-menopausal state. (The Autonomic Nervous System, 50: 293-299, 2013). doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2014.09.005 #2 Gastric emptying and colonic transit in patients with Parkinson's disease. Effects of Rikkunshi-to on gastrointestinal dysfunction Hirokazu Doi, Ryuji Sakakibara, Masahiko Kishi, Yohei Tsuyuzaki, Fuyuki Tateno, Shigekazu Hiraia, Tohru Masaka, Mitsutoshi Sato Pharmaceutical Unit, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Chiba 285-8741, Japan Neurology, Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Chiba 285-8741, Japan Chemical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan Gastric motility impairment and constipation are common complications of Parkinson's disease. Degeneration of enteric nerves and ganglia is considered to be part of the pathogenesis of those autonomic dysfunctions. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between gastric emptying and colonic transit time in 56 Parkinson's disease patients. In addition, we investigated the effect of Rikkunshi-to, an extract of the dietary herbs commonly used for dyspepsia, in 9 patients. Gastric emptyingwas examined by the 13C-acetate breath test [the peak time of the 13C percentage-dose-excess curve (Tmax-13C)]. Colonic transit time (CTT) was examined after ingestion of a radio-opaque marker. In Parkinson's disease patients, Tmax-13C and CTT were markedly delayed when compared with the data from a normal group published in previous reports. Although therewas not significant correlation between Tmax-13C and CTT among these patients, the frequency of highly delayed gastric emptying (Tmax-13C ≧ 75 min) tended to be larger in patients with delayed CTT (CTT N 39 h). Rikkunshi-to was administered at the dose of 15 g/day to 9 patients, of whom 8 had delayed CTT and 4 had delayed gastric emptying. Tmax-13C and CTTweremeasured before and after the treatment. After three months of treatment, 7 of the 8 patients with delayed CTT had an improvement; the Tmax-13C test was improved in all the 4 patients with delayed gastric emptying. These results suggest that Rikkunshi-has beneficial effects in Parkinson's disease patientswith constipation and/orwith delayed gastric emptying. (The Autonomic Nervous System, 50: 300-305, 2013). doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2014.09.006 #3 Effects of pain caused by orthodontic tooth movement on autonomic nervous system Jun Oba, Naoto Hara, Yasue Kotegawa, Yukiko Miyazawa, Kazuo Mukuno, Hiroo Oda, Kazuichi Yoshida Department of Orthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University Yokohama Dental and Medical Clinic, Kanagawa 221-0835, Japan Department of Ophthalmology, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokohama Dental and Medical Clinic, Kanagawa 221-0835, Japan Department of Orthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University Hospital, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Kanagawa Dental University, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan In order to investigate the effects of pain caused by orthodontic tooth movement on the autonomic nervous system, we selected three healthy men and three healthy women (mean age: 30.3 ± 8.4 years) and inserted separating elastic strips between the upper right first molar and the adjacent tooth to induce pain due to the tooth movement, and we conducted our testing after 3, 6, 9 and 24 h. The degree of pain was Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical 186 (2014) 95–98

Gastric emptying and colonic transit in patients with Parkinson's disease. Effects of Rikkunshi-to on gastrointestinal dysfunction

s from The Japanese Journal: The Autonomic Nervous System #1 Heart rate variability in menopausal state. Analysis with short-time measurements at rest and after work load Yuka Goto, Hiroyuki Okuda, Yuko Nakamura, Mikiya Nakatsuka Kurashiki Daiichi Hospital Outpatient Kampo Clinic for Women, Okayama 710-0826, Japan Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan The aim of this study was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) between women in pre-menopausal state and women in postmenopausal state, and to determine whether difference in age and estrogen-level could account for any difference in HRV between the two groups. 264 subjectswere analyzedwithoutmaking adjustments for age. In this study the post-menopausal state was characterized by amenorrhea of more than 12 months, an E2 value of 20 pg/ml in the blood, and an FSH blood level higher than 40 mlU/ml. We have found that in the post-menopausal state the value of VLF, LF, HF at rest, HR and LF/HF ratio atmaximum load, and VLF and LF after exercise, were significantly lower than in the pre-menopausal state. Subsequently, 36 subjects were analyzed after adjusting for age. The resultswere almost the same before and after adjustment for age. In conclusion, women in post-menopausal state, showed less fluctuation of autonomic nervous activity represented by HRV than women in pre-menopausal state. (The Autonomic Nervous System, 50: 293-299, 2013). doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2014.09.005 #2 Gastric emptying and colonic transit in patients with Parkinson's disease. Effects of Rikkunshi-to on gastrointestinal dysfunction Hirokazu Doi, Ryuji Sakakibara, Masahiko Kishi, Yohei Tsuyuzaki, Fuyuki Tateno, Shigekazu Hiraia, Tohru Masaka, Mitsutoshi Sato Pharmaceutical Unit, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Chiba 285-8741, Japan Neurology, Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Chiba 285-8741, Japan Chemical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan Gastric motility impairment and constipation are common complications of Parkinson's disease. Degeneration of enteric nerves and ganglia is considered to be part of the pathogenesis of those autonomic dysfunctions. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between gastric emptying and colonic transit time in 56 Parkinson's disease patients. In addition, we investigated the effect of Rikkunshi-to, an extract of the dietary herbs commonly used for dyspepsia, in 9 patients. Gastric emptyingwas examined by the 13C-acetate breath test [the peak time of the 13C percentage-dose-excess curve (Tmax-13C)]. Colonic transit time (CTT) was examined after ingestion of a radio-opaque marker. In Parkinson's disease patients, Tmax-13C and CTT were markedly delayed when compared with the data from a normal group published in previous reports. Although therewas not significant correlation between Tmax-13C and CTT among these patients, the frequency of highly delayed gastric emptying (Tmax-13C ≧ 75 min) tended to be larger in patients with delayed CTT (CTT N 39 h). Rikkunshi-to was administered at the dose of 15 g/day to 9 patients, of whom 8 had delayed CTT and 4 had delayed gastric emptying. Tmax-13C and CTTweremeasured before and after the treatment. After three months of treatment, 7 of the 8 patients with delayed CTT had an improvement; the Tmax-13C test was improved in all the 4 patients with delayed gastric emptying. These results suggest that Rikkunshi-has beneficial effects in Parkinson's disease patientswith constipation and/orwith delayed gastric emptying. (The Autonomic Nervous System, 50: 300-305, 2013). doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2014.09.006 #3 Effects of pain caused by orthodontic tooth movement on autonomic nervous system Jun Oba, Naoto Hara, Yasue Kotegawa, Yukiko Miyazawa, Kazuo Mukuno, Hiroo Oda, Kazuichi Yoshida Department of Orthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University Yokohama Dental and Medical Clinic, Kanagawa 221-0835, Japan Department of Ophthalmology, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokohama Dental and Medical Clinic, Kanagawa 221-0835, Japan Department of Orthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University Hospital, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Kanagawa Dental University, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan In order to investigate the effects of pain caused by orthodontic tooth movement on the autonomic nervous system, we selected three healthy men and three healthy women (mean age: 30.3 ± 8.4 years) and inserted separating elastic strips between the upper right first molar and the adjacent tooth to induce pain due to the tooth movement, and we conducted our testing after 3, 6, 9 and 24 h. The degree of pain was Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical 186 (2014) 95–98

Effects of native medicinal herbs (Alternanthera sessilis,Eclipta albaandCissus quadrangularis) on growth performance, digestive enzymes and biochemical constituents of the monsoon river prawnMacrobrachium malcolmsonii

The medicinal herbs such as Alternanthera sessilis, Eclipta alba and Cissus quadrangularis were used to assess the growth promoting ability, enhancement of muscle biochemical constituents and profiles of amino acid in the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium malcolmsonii. The herbal powders were separately incorporated with basal diet, and these diets were fed to M. malcolmsonii postlarvae for a period of 90 days. At the end of experiments, the survival of prawn significantly improved in herbal incorporated feed. In addition, the growth parameters, such as weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in herbal diets fed groups when compared with control. The activities of digestive enzyme, biochemical constituents, profile of amino acid, energy utilization parameters, concentrations of vitamin C and E were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in experimental diets fed groups when compared with control. The profiles of essential amino acids were also found elevated in herbal incorporated diets fed PL. Among the three herbs tested, C. quadrangularis incorporated diet fed group showed better performance followed by the E. alba and A. sessilis. The present study suggests that these herbs can be incorporated in artificial feed formulations for Macrobrachium culture.

Induction of Necrosis in Human Liver Tumor Cells by α-Phellandrene

α-Phellandrene (α-PA) is a component of dietary spices and herbs. The effect of α-PA on anticancer is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of α-PA on liver tumor cell death fate. Human liver tumor (J5) cells were incubated with α-PA and analyzed for cell cycle distribution, expression of Bax, Bcl-2, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein, and caspase-3 activity of J5 cells, and levels of nitric oxide (NO) production, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and ATP depletion were also analyzed in this study. Results found that α-PA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the cell viability of J5 cells after 24-h treatment. The cell cycle distribution, Bax, Bcl-2, PARP protein levels, and caspase-3 activity of J5 cells did not change for 24 h after treatment with 30 μM α-PA. Reactive oxygen species levels significantly increased, mitochondrial membrane potential levels significantly decreased when J5 cells were treated with 30 μM α-PA for 24 h (P < 0.05). Thirty μM α-PA significantly (P < 0.05) increased the necrotic cell number, NO production, LDH leakage, and ATP depletion after 24 h of incubation. These results suggest that α-PA induced J5 cell necrosis but not apoptosis, and α-PA-induced necrosis possibly involved ATP depletion.