Folium Extract Research Articles

Icaritin production from Epimedium folium extract by a one-pot enzymatic cascade of a multifunctional glycosidase and rhamnosidase

Icaritin production from Epimedium folium extract by a one-pot enzymatic cascade of a multifunctional glycosidase and rhamnosidase

Therapeutic potential of Rosa roxburghii folium extract in insomnia treatment: a comprehensive evaluation of behavioral and neurochemical effects in a PCPA-induced mouse model.

Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, detrimentally affects quality of life and is often challenging to manage with conventional treatments. This study delved into identifying and quantifying the main compounds by employing ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and further to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Rosa roxburghii folium (RRF) extract, with multiple pharmacological activities. Previous research had hinted at the efficacy of glycosides in influencing the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, which plays a pivotal role in sleep regulation. Utilizing a p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia model in BALB/C mice, this investigation aimed to unravel the effects of various dosages of RRF extract on sleep quality and elucidated its mechanism of action. A total of 66 compounds in the RRF extract were analyzed. Behavioral assessments demonstrated notable enhancements in sleep duration and latency. Biochemical analyses further corroborated these findings, revealing modulation in neurotransmitter levels indicative of a potential mechanism through the GABAergic and serotoninergic pathways. Additionally, histological evaluations suggested anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the RRF extract. The findings from this study underscored the therapeutic efficacy of RRF extract in combating insomnia, particularly highlighting its glycoside components' role. The extract's significant improvement in sleep duration and latency, alongside its modulation of neurotransmitter levels, showcases its potential as a natural remedy for insomnia. Through its action on the GABAergic and serotoninergic pathways, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, RRF extract emerges as a promising candidate for insomnia treatment, offering a holistic approach to sleep disorder management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of Artemisia dubia folium extract-mediated immune efficacy through developing a murine model for acute and chronic stages of atopic dermatitis

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a biphasic type of skin inflammation characterized by a predominance of type-2 (TH2) and type-1 (TH1) helper T cell-biased immune responses at the acute and persistent chronic phases, respectively. The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Artemisia dubia folium extract (ADFE) on AD-like skin lesions through developing a murine model for acute and chronic stages of AD. To induce acute phase AD, the dorsal skin of BALB/c mice was sensitized twice a week with 1% 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), followed by challenge (twice) in the following week with 0.2% DNCB. To induce persistent chronic AD, some mice were challenged twice a week for 4 more weeks. After the second challenge, the dorsal skin was exposed to 3% ADFE (five times per week) for 2 weeks (acute phase) or 4 weeks (persistent chronic phase).ResultsThe paradigm of TH2 or TH1 predominance at the acute and chronic phase, respectively, was observed in this mouse model. During the acute phase, we observed an increased IL-4/IFN-γ ratio in splenic culture supernatants, an increased IgG1/IgG2a ratio in serum, and elevated serum IgE levels; however, the skew toward TH2 responses was diminished during the chronic stage. Compared with vehicle controls, ADFE reduced the IL-4/IFN-γ and IgG1/IgG2a ratios in acute AD, but both ratios increased during the chronic stage.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ADFE concomitantly suppresses the TH2 predominant response in acute AD, as well as the TH1 predominant response in chronic AD. Thus, ADFE is a candidate therapeutic for AD.

Effects of Ilicis Chinensis folium extract supplementation on growth performance, serum parameters, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens

BackgroundIlicis chinensis folium extract (ICFE) is a powder extracted and processed with Ilex chinensis Sims (ICS) which has numerous bioactivities and is conventionally used in traditional Chinese medicine. Nonetheless, there has been no definitive study evaluating ICFE’s application as a feed supplement for broilers. This research sought to determine the chemical composition and evaluate how dietary ICFE supplementation affects the growth performance, serum metrics, intestinal structure, and antioxidant capacity of broilers.MethodsA total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four treatments (with 9 replicates of 10 chicks, each) of dietary supplementation with ICFE at 0, 250, 500, and 1,000 mg /kg for 42 days.ResultsTen polyphenolic compounds and two triterpenoid glycosides were detected by HPLC. In the grower stage and overall, broilers supplemented with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg ICFE exhibited a higher ADFI (P < 0.05) than the controls. Additionally, compared to the controls, broilers receiving low, medium, or high dosages of ICFE exhibited higher average daily gains (P < 0.05) throughout the starter stage and overall. Organ indices showed no significant variation, suggesting that ICFE was non-toxic. ICFE supplementation increased the height of villi in the duodenum and jejunum, reduced crypt depth, and increased the villus/crypt ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of IL-4 and IgA were increased in ICFE-supplemented broilers. The serum malondialdehyde concentration was reduced, whereas superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity increased through supplementation with ICFE.ConclusionICFE supplementation can improve intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance of broilers. Hence, ICFE is a promising and safe alternative to antibiotics in broilers, and 500 mg/kg appears to be the optimal dose.

Quality evaluation of Eucommiae Folium extracts and discovery of efficacy-associated quality markers based on spectrum-effect relationship

ABSTRACT The spectrum-effect relationship between chemical fingerprints and antioxidant activities was established to evaluate the quality of Eucommiae Folium (EF) extracts and discover potential efficacy-associated quality markers. Characteristic fingerprints of different batches of EF extracts were generated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and a similarity analysis was performed by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Then the total antioxidant capacity assay kit with ferric reducing antioxidant assay (FRAP) method was used to determine antioxidant activity. The spectrum-effect relationship was established to identify the chemical constituents that impart antioxidant activities of Eucommiae Folium (EF) extracts using partial least squares regression (PLSR). HPLC fingerprints of EF extracts were established with the optimized chromatographic conditions: the mobile phase consisted 0.1% phosphoric acid -water (A) and acetonitrile (B), the detection wavelength was 326 nm, the column temperature was 30°C, and the flow rate was 0.8 mL/min. The correlation coefficient of similarity between 12 batches of extracts was ≥0.995. Compounds corresponding peaks P1, P2, P6 (chlorogenic acid), and P8 were closely related to the stable antioxidant activities of EF extracts, and could be selected as potential quality markers. An agile and efficient method that can ensure the intra-assay stability of biological activity of EF extracts and discover efficacy-associated quality markers was successfully built based on spectrum-effect relationship.

Data-driven engineering framework with AI algorithm of Ginkgo Folium tablets manufacturing.

Smart manufacturing still remains critical challenges for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Here, an original data-driven engineering framework was proposed to tackle the challenges. Firstly, from sporadic indicators to five kinds of systematic quality characteristics, nearly 2,000,000 real-world data points were successively characterized from Ginkgo Folium tablet manufacturing. Then, from simplex to the multivariate system, the digital process capability diagnosis strategy was proposed by multivariate Cpk integrated Bootstrap-t. The Cpk of Ginkgo Folium extracts, granules, and tablets were discovered, which was 0.59, 0.42, and 0.78, respectively, indicating a relatively weak process capability, especially in granulating. Furthermore, the quality traceability was discovered from unit to end-to-end analysis, which decreased from 2.17 to 1.73. This further proved that attention should be paid to granulating to improve the quality characteristic. In conclusion, this paper provided a data-driven engineering strategy empowering industrial innovation to face the challenge of smart pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Potential Mechanisms of Perillae folium Against COVID-19: A Network Pharmacology Approach.

In China, Perillae folium is widely used to treat colds, especially in the early stages of cold; the effect of taking P. folium is readily noticeable at that time. The active compounds and targets of P. folium were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and UniProt. Targets related to the initiation and progression of 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) were retrieved from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and GeneCards. The potential therapeutic targets of P. folium on COVID-19 were the cross targets between them. Enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were conducted by using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery website. Molecular docking between key compounds and core targets was performed with AutoDock. The effects of P. folium extract and rosmarinic acid on inflammatory cytokines were tested by a cellular inflammatory model. The "Perillae folium-compound-target-COVID-19" network contained 11 kinds of compounds and 33 matching targets. There were 261 items in the GO functions (P < .05) and 67 items linked to the KEGG signaling pathways (P < .05). Luteolin and rosmarinic acid were key compounds of P. folium. Their docking with the core targets mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), respectively, showed that they had good affinity with each other. Cell experiments demonstrated that P. folium extract had inhibitory effects on interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in cells, and was better than rosmarinic acid. Luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and other individual active compounds in P. folium, which may participate in PI3K-Akt, TNF, Jak-STAT, COVID-19, and other multisignaling pathways through multiple targets such as MAPK1 and CCL2, and play a therapeutic role in COVID-19.

Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the protective effect of Epimedii Folium extract on cisplatin-induced intestinal injury in mice.

Background: Epimedii Folium, as a natural botanical medicine, has been reported to have protective effects on intestinal diseases by modulating multiple signaling pathways. This study aimed to explore the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of Epimedii Folium extract (EFE) against cisplatin-induced intestinal injury through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to predict potential candidate targets and related signaling pathways. Molecular docking was used to simulate the interactions between significant potential candidate targets and active components. For experimental validation, mice were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin 20 mg/kg to establish an intestinal injury model. EFE (100, 200 mg/kg) was administered to mice by gavage for 10 days. The protective effect of EFE on intestinal injury was analyzed through biochemical index detection, histopathological staining, and western blotting. Results: Network pharmacology analysis revealed that PI3K-Akt and apoptosis signaling pathways were thought to play critical roles in EFE treatment of the intestinal injury. Molecular docking results showed that the active constituents of Epimedii Folium, including Icariin, Epimedin A, Epimedin B, and Epimedin C, stably docked with the core AKT1, p53, TNF-α, and NF-κB. In verified experiments, EFE could protect the antioxidant defense system by increasing the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) while reducing the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). EFE could also inhibit the expression of NF-κB and the secretion of inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, thereby relieving the inflammatory damage. Further mechanism studies confirmed that EFE had an excellent protective effect on cisplatin-induced intestinal injury by regulating PI3K-Akt, caspase, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Conclusion: In summary, EFE could mitigate cisplatin-induced intestinal damage by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Formulation and physical stability of syrup containing gaharu (Aquilaria microcarpa Baill.) leaves extract

One of natural ingredients that has potential as herbal medicines is the leaves of agarwood-producing plants. Opportunities for the development of agarwood-producing plants (Aquilaria microcrocarpa Baill.) as medicinal plants are still wide open. Ethanol extract of Aquilaria microcarpa Baill folium extract was made in the form of syrup preparations to facilitate use. This study aimed to formulate Gaharu folium extract into syrup preparations. The syrup preparations were made into 3 formulas with variations in the concentration of sorbitol as a sweetener, namely 60%; 63% and 65%. The three formulas were then evaluated including organoleptic test, viscosity test, pH test, homogeneity test and specific gravity test. The hedonic test was also carried out to determine which formula was the most preferred. The evaluation results showed that all syrup formulas met a good range of syrup requirements. From the results of the analysis of the preference test data, it could be concluded that all formulas had a level of acceptance that was not significantly different, but formula 2 had the highest total hedonic score compared to other formulas. Formula 2 also had the appropriate pH, viscosity and specific gravity as a syrup.

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. Extract exhibits pigmentation by melanin biosynthesis and melanosome biogenesis/transfer.

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. (Epimedii Folium) is a traditional medicine widely utilized in China for sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis treatment. Recently, studies have reported that Epimedium flavonoid icariin displayed hair growth and melanogenic ability by targeting tyrosinase activity. Nevertheless, icariin hydrolysate icariside II and icaritin cause depigmentation due to their tyrosinase inhibition. These pigment functional discrepancies from Epimedium constituents arouse our great interest. Then, this study focused on the pigmentation effects of Epimedii Folium extract (EFE) on melanin synthesis and melanosome biogenesis/transfer, and further identified the bioactive constituents. First, in in vitro systemic studies, we discovered that the potent melanogenic and repigmented effects of EFE were dependent on concentration and amount of time in multi-melanocytes, normal human skin tissue, and vitiligo perilesional areas. In vivo, EFE exhibited repigmented effect on two kinds of depigmented models of N-phenylthiourea-induced zebrafish and hydroquinone-induced mice. Mechanistically, EFE strongly promoted tyrosinase activity and upregulated the protein expression of tyrosinase families which finally contribute to melanin biosynthesis by activating the MAPK/ERK1/2 signal pathway. In addition, EFE effectively increased melanosome number, accelerated melanosome maturity and cytoplasmic transport through the growth/extension of melanocyte dendrites, and induced melanosome transfer from melanocyte to keratinocyte for pigmentation. The six main flavonoid ingredients were identified among EFE. Compared to others, epimedin B (EB) was confirmed as a high-content, low-toxicity, and effective melanogenic compound in EFE. Taking all these together, this study systematically demonstrates the potential pigmentation effect of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., and clarifies its related molecular mechanisms and melanogenesis basis. These results give additional insight into Epimedium herb pharmacology and may provide a novel therapy basis for hypopigmentation disorders.

Ginkgo biloba in the management of the COVID-19 severity.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is linked with inflammatory disorders and the development of oxidative stress in extreme cases. Therefore, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant drugs may alleviate these complications. Ginkgo biloba L. folium extract (EGb) is a herbal medicine containing various active constituents. This review aims to provide a critical discussion on the potential role of EGb in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The antiviral effect of EGb is mediated by different mechanisms, including blocking SARS‐CoV‐2 3‐chymotrypsin‐like protease that provides trans‐variant effectiveness. Moreover, EGb impedes the development of pulmonary inflammatory disorders through the diminution of neutrophil elastase activity, the release of proinflammatory cytokines, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis. Thus, EGb can attenuate the acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID‐19. In conclusion, EGb offers the potential of being used as adjuvant antiviral and symptomatic therapy. Nanosystems enabling targeted delivery, personalization, and booster of effects provide the opportunity for the use of EGb in modern phytotherapy.

A new high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the quality control of bioconverted Mori Folium extracts with appropriate marker compounds related to antidiabetes

A HPLC method was developed to assess the enhanced bioactivity of bioconverted Mori Folium (MF) extract and to apply a quality-control system. Liquid-liquid extraction was applied to observe changes in chemical composition through enzymatic bioconversion. The ethyl acetate layer was used for quality control of the anti-diabetic functional MF product. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to analyze five marker compounds (syringaldehyde, trans-caffeic acid, morin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, astragalin, and moracin M 3′-O-β-glucopyranoside) within 60 min. Optimized sample preparation was sonication for 44 min and a water-to-material ratio of 102.5 mL/g by response surface methodology. Comparing MF water extract, trans-caffeic acid and syringaldehyde contents were increased 1.89 times and 2.70 times at Viscozyme-bioconverted material by applying the developed method. This HPLC method can be used to control the quality of bioconverted MF based on suitable bioactive markers and also applied to develop anti-diabetic functional foods containing Mori Folium.

Evaluation of the Antiwrinkle Activity of Enriched Isatidis Folium Extract and an HPLC-UV Method for the Quality Control of Its Cream Products.

Currently, many extracts from natural sources are added to cosmetic products for reducing facial aging and wrinkles. This study investigated the antiwrinkle activity of enriched extract of Isatidis Folium used for a novel antiwrinkle cream product. The result demonstrated that this enriched extract has excellent antiwrinkle activity by significantly inhibiting mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and upregulating the mRNA expression of IL-4 and procollagen. Additionally, to implement effective quality control of the entire manufacturing process of antiwrinkle cream products based on the enriched extract of Isatidis Folium, the main chemical constituents of the enriched extract of Isatidis Folium was evaluated by high–performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS), five constituents were undisputedly confirmed. An HPLC-UV method in 15-min analysis time for quality assessment of the entire manufacturing process of antiwrinkle cream products was proposed and validated. The optimal conditions for extracting TMCA (3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid) from the developed antiwrinkle cream products were determined using response surface methodology based on central composite design. The established HPLC method and optimal extract condition are suitable for routinely analyzing this novel antiwrinkle cream product.

SKRINING FITOKIMIA EKSTRAK CARICA PAPAYA RADIX, PIPER ORNATUM FOLIUM DAN NEPHELIUM LAPPACEUM SEMEN ASAL KALIMANTAN SELATAN

Penyakit Diabetes Mellitus merupakan penyakit dengan prevalensi tinggi dan menduduki peringkat 10 besar di dunia termasuk di Indonesia. Permasalahan besar yang dihadapi dunia kesehatan dewasa ini adalah Diabetes Mellitus tidak bisa disembuhkan secara total dengan obat antihiperglikemik konvensional. Penelitian perlu dilakukan dalam hal menelusuri potensi bahan alam yang biasa digunakan oleh masyarakat Kalimantan berdasarkan skrining fitokimia dari beberapa tumbuhan yang secara empiris digunakan sebagai antidiabetes yaitu Carica papaya radix (CPR), Nephelium lappaceum semen (NLS) dan Piper ornatum folium (POF). Tumbuhan obat yang diperoleh dilakukan ekstraksi maserasi dan diidentifikasi golongan senyawa dan profil kromatografinya.Kegiatan penelitian ini meliputi: 1) Pengambilan sampel tumbuhan,2) Pembuatan simplisia uji, 3) Pembuatan ekstrak etanol tumbuhan, 4) Uji kualitatif kandungan kimia tumbuhan, dan 5) Identifikasi secara kromatografi lapis tipis.&#x0D; Hasil dari penelitian dipilih dan dilakukan pengujian terhadap 3 ekstrak yaitu Carica papaya radix, Nephelium lappaceum semen dan Piper ornatum folium. Ekstrak Carica papaya radix diduga mengandung senyawa alkaloid (Rf : 0,53), saponin (Rf : 0,93), flavonoid (Rf : 0,38 ; 0,75) dan tanin (Rf : 0,52 ; 0,88). Ekstrak Piper ornatum folium diduga mengandung senyawa saponin (Rf : 0,89), steroid (Rf :0,20 ; 0,42) dan tanin (Rf : 0,52 ; 0,71 ; 0,85). Ekstrak Nephelium lappaceum semen menunjukkan hasil positif terhadap keberadaan senyawa alkaloid (Rf : 0,65 ; 0,82), flavonoid (Rf : 0,83) dan tanin (Rf : 0,79 ; 0,92).

Litogenolitic and solubility properties of products obtained from common ivy extract (Hederae helicis e folium) and medium of diversified polarity (εM)

Summary Introduction: Common ivy (Hedera helix) is a plant used successfully in the treatment of various ailments. This is possible owing to the unique set of substances contained in it such as large amount of saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids and phytosterols as well as polyacetylenes and coumarins. All these substances have been used in the production of cosmetic and medicinal preparations. Clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of dry ivy leaf extract have shown its high efficacy, comparable to synthetic medications, and better tolerance of herbal drugs. Objective: Investigations were performed on model ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extracts which were created using a medium of diversified polarity ( εM). Measurements of viscosity and surface activity on phase boundary were performed. During preformulation studies attention was drawn to the possibility of micellar solubilization of cholesterol and selected structures of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – ketoprofen. Methods: Viscosity measurements of Extractum Hederae helicis e folium aqueous solutions and in 0.1 mol HCl were performed according to the Polish Standard with Ubbelohde dilution viscometer. The surface tension of aqueous solutions - Δ γ sol 25 $- \Delta \gamma _{{\rm{sol}}}^{25}$ of Hederae helicis e folium extracts was determined according to the Polish Standard with stalagmometric method. Critical micellar concentration (cmc) was calculated. This enabled to evaluate the dependence Δ G m 0 = 2.303 $\Delta {\rm{G}}_{\rm{m}}^0 = 2.303$ RT×log cmc of the thermodynamic potential of micelle formation ( Δ G m 0 $\Delta {\rm{G}}_{\rm{m}}^0$ ). Results: It has been confirmed in the conducted comparative studies that aqueous solutions of Extr. Hederae helicis e folium created with maltodextrin as well as with SiO2 – maltodextrin result in micellar solubilization. The increase of granulometric size of cholesterol particle to Ø 1.60 mm decreased the amount of solubilized cholesterol but solubility preferences of the extracts were maintained. Conclusions: Model extracts produced from Hederae helicis e folium with diversified polarity of the extraction medium (water – ethanol) are characterized by appropriate solubility of the components which results not only from the presence of chlorophyll and its derivatives in the extract but also from the technique used for spray drying of the extract.

Multivariate modeling to evaluate effect of fabricating process on product profile of high shear granulation

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of high shear granulation (HSG) for agglomeration of Crataegi Folium extract (Chinese edible herbal), and explore the effect of process variables on granule critical quality attributes (CQAs) by three different models, i.e., response surface methodology (RSM), multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLP), and partial least squares method (PLS). MethodsRSM, MLP, and PLS complementary to design of experiment (DoE) were utilized to investigate the influence of granulation time, impeller speed, and binder amount on the products. Crataegi Folium extract was employed as granulation powder. RSM was further carried out to develop design space of HSG. ResultsThe results indicated that RSM, MLP, and PLS modeling techniques enhanced the understanding and controlling of granules produced via HSG. The granule CQAs were mainly influenced by granulation time, impeller speed, and binder amount. Overlay plots of the RSM indicated that design space for the operating ranges of impeller speed and binder amount at high levels of granulation time was the smallest. ConclusionThe study showed that these models were useful to characterize the granulation process, and was particularly important to understand the process.

European Ethnopharmaceuticals for Self-Medication in Japan: Review Experience of Vitis vinifera L., Folium Extract and Vitex agnus-castus L., Fructus Extract as OTC Drugs.

Since the publication of “Application Guideline for Western Traditional Herbal Medicines as OTC Drugs” in 2007, only two European ethnopharmaceuticals, Vitis vinifera L., folium extract (Antistax) and Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus extract (Prefemin), have been approved as OTC drugs in Japan. In this review, we describe the current regulation of Western ethnopharmaceuticals in Japan, summarize our regulatory experiences and discuss the scientific and regulatory issues involved.

Quercetin Potentiates the NGF-Induced Effects in Cultured PC 12 Cells: Identification by HerboChips Showing a Binding with NGF.

Dementia is a persistent disorder of the mental processes and is strongly related to depression. However, the performance of current antidepression medicine is far from satisfactory. Herbal extract provides an excellent source to identify compounds for possible drug development against depression. Here, HerboChips were employed to search herbal compounds that could bind nerve growth factor (NGF). By screening over 500 types of herbal extracts, the water extract of Ginkgo Folium, the leaf of Ginkgo biloba, showed a strong binding to NGF. The herbal fractions showing NGF binding were further isolated and enriched. By using LC-MS/MS analysis, one of the NGF binding fractions was enriched, which was further identified as quercetin, a major flavonoid in Ginkgo Folium. Quercetin, similar to Ginkgo Folium extract, could enhance the effect of NGF in cultured PC 12 cells, including potentiation of neurite outgrowth and phosphorylation of Erk-1/2. This is the first report of discovering an NGF binding compound by using HerboChips from herbal extracts, which could be further developed for antidepression application.

The Beneficial Effects of an Oriental Herbal Complex Supplement on Women’s Hair and Scalp Conditions: A 24-week, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study

Purpose: Diet is an environmental factor with the potential to significantly influence body changes. Up to now, no study has investigated the effects of the black bean-licorice-biotae folium extract on humans. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of this extract on hair and scalp - with regard to total hair number, hair diameter, scalp moisture and sebum. Materials and Method: This study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with a 28 week duration. At the -4 week time point of test product intake, participants were enrolled according to criteria and underwent a washout period (4 weeks). At weeks 0, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two treatment regimens: (i) placebo product (4 capsules/day, 700 mg/capsule) or (ii) test product (4 capsules/day, 700 mg/capsule). At weeks 0 and 24, we performed a visual assessment, hair number count and hair diameter, scalp hydration level and sebum excretion level. Results: Expert assessment was positive for the test group. Although the effect on the hair density was not significant, it was positive. Additionally, the hair diameter in the test group significantly increased and significantly decreased in the placebo group. For scalp hydration, the effect was only positive. However, for sebum, the complex appeared to help sebum secretion decrease. There were no safety issues. Conclusion: This study shows that this oriental herbal complex supplement (a Black Bean (Glycine max), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch), and Biotae Folium (Thuja orientalis) mixture) is probably effective in improving hair and scalp conditions.

Effects of Mori Folium extract on diet-induced obesity mechanism in rats

To study the anti-obesity effect of Mori Folium extract on diet-induced obesity(DIO) and to explore the preliminary mechanism in rats. DIO rat models were established by high glucose and high fat diet for 8 weeks. Then high(10 mg•kg⁻¹) and low(5 mg•kg⁻¹) does Mori Folium extracts were given by intragastric administration for 13 weeks. After the last administration, their body weight, 24 h food intake, water intake, Lee's index, liver/body mass index, and fat/body mass index were determined. The levels of lipoprotein lipase(LPL), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha(C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase alpha(p-AMPKα), C/EBPα and PPARγ expression levels in adipose tissues were detected by Western blot. The hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE) was used to observe the histopathological changes of adipose tissues. The results showed that both high dose and low dose Mori Folium extract can decrease body weight, Lee's index, renal fat/body mass ratio and testicle fat/body mass ratio, and the high dose group could decrease the total fat/body mass ratio. Both high dose and low dose groups had no significant effect on the food intake and water intake; however, they could decrease levels of LPL in fat, up-regulate p-AMPKα protein expression, down-regulate C/EBPα and PPARγ protein expression, and reduce fat cell volume. In conclusion, Mori Folium extract had a slimming effect on DIO rats, and its mechanism may be associated with up-regulating the expression of p-AMPKα, down-regulating the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα and LPL, inhibiting the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature fat cells, and reducing the volume of fat cells.