Fructus Mume Research Articles

MGDA-assisted plant washing agent for improving the removal of Cd and Cu from farmland soils

Utilizing plant extracts for soil washing is a promising and cost-efficient strategy to permanently remove toxic metals from farmland soils. However, the efficiency of current plant extracts in heavy metals removal is constrained by the need of excessively high liquid-solid ratios (>10:1), which limits their practical application in the farmland soils. To address this challenge, we developed a novel binary washing agent consisting of Fructus mume residue extract (RPM) and methylglycinediacetate acid (MGDA). Through optimization experiments, we determined an optimal composition of 50 g L−1 RPM and 0.34 g L−1 MGDA (RPMG3), which exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect on the removal of Cd and Cu from two polluted farmland soils. Compared to the single use of RPM or MGDA, RPMG3 increased metal removal efficiency by 44.6%–303.8% in the alkaline dryland soil and 55.8%–141.9% in the slightly acidic paddy soil, at an optimum liquid-solid ratio of 2:1. The contents of soil Cd and Cu can be reduced to below the risk screening values via acid activation, metal ion exchange, and complexation of functional groups. Moreover, the potential ecological risks associated with Cd in the soils were significantly mitigated due to the decrease in exchangeable and reducible Cd fractions following RPMG3 washing. Additionally, RPM and RPMG3 washing led to enhancements in soil organic carbon and nutrient concentrations, as well as increased activities of soil enzymes including catalase, urease, and β-glucosidase. Notably, RPMG3 washing exhibited the most pronounced promotion effect on wheat seed germination and growth. Taken together, the binary complex of RPMG3 demonstrates potential as an environmentally friendly green washing agent capable of in reducing heavy metals from farmland soil with great efficiency, even at low liquid-solid ratios.

Supramolecular prodrug inspiring from Rhizoma Coptidis - Fructus Mume herbal pair alleviated inflammatory diseases by inhibiting pyroptosis

Sustained inflammatory responses are closely related to various severe diseases, and inhibiting the excessive activation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis has significant implications for clinical treatment. Natural products have garnered considerable concern for the treatment of inflammation. Huanglian-Wumei decoction (HLWMD) is a classic prescription used for treating inflammatory diseases, but the necessity of their combination and the exact underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism have not yet been elucidated. Inspired by the supramolecular self-assembly strategy and natural drug compatibility theory, we successfully obtained berberine (BBR)-chlorogenic acid (CGA) supramolecular (BCS), which is an herbal pair from HLWMD. Using a series of characterization methods, we confirmed the self-assembly mechanism of BCS. BBR and CGA were self-assembled and stacked into amphiphilic spherical supramolecules in a 2:1 ratio, driven by electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking; the hydrophilic fragments of CGA were outside, and the hydrophobic fragments of BBR were inside. This stacking pattern significantly improved the anti-inflammatory performance of BCS compared with that of single free molecules. Compared with free molecules, BCS significantly attenuated the release of multiple inflammatory mediators and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyroptosis. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of intracellular nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation and the noncanonical pyroptosis signalling pathway mediated by caspase11.

Network pharmacology-based approach reveals that Fructus mume exerts therapeutic effects against ulcerative colitis via the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFructus mume herbs have been used to convergence and antidiarrheal in clinical practice in China for thousands of years. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of Fructus mume in the treatment of UC through network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation in vivo. Materials and methodsThe main components of Fructus mume were initially identified with the aid of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using the network pharmacology approach, we predicted the targets of the active components and mapped target genes related to UC. We further evaluated the pharmacodynamic effects of Fructus mume on UC in vivo using a DSS-induced mousemodel of colitis. The degree of pathological damage in mousecolon tissue was examined via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The results of network pharmacology predictions were further verified measuring the levels of inflammatory and oxidation-related factors in mouse colon tissue via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method and Western blot analysis. ResultsA total of 16 chemical components of Fructus mume were identified, among which 11 active components were screened based on the Ribinski rule and 368 targets predicted. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the predicted targets involved multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE and HIF-1. In pharmacodynamic experiments, Fructus mume induced a significant increase in colon length and improved the degree of damage to colon tissue. In addition, FM inhibited the increase in TNF-α, IL-1β, NADPH and ROS levels in sera of UC mice, thereby suppressing the occurrence and development of UC. At higher concentrations, Fructus mume inhibited protein expression of downstream related (p38, p-p38, NF-kB and p-NF-kB) through regulation of the AGE/RAGE pathway, further contributing to suppression of UC in mice. ConclusionOur experiments provide important insights into the pharmacological basis of Fructus mume and its potential multicomponent-multitarget-multipathway pharmacological activities against UC. The therapeutic mechanism of Fructus mume may be associated with suppression of protein expression, p38, p-p38, NF-kB and p-NF-kB, in the AGE/RAGE pathway, partially validating the results from network pharmacology analysis. The collective findings provide a theoretical basis for the further development and clinical application of Fructus mume.

Effect of Panax ginseng and Fructus Mume on Intestinal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Rats with Diarrhea.

Panax ginseng and Fructus mume (Renshen Wumei in Chinese, RW) are natural medicines with high nutritional and pharmacological value. They have been widely used together in China to treat gastrointestinal diseases, especially persistent diarrhea, but the potential mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, a diarrhea model was established in rats using a 30% aqueous extract of senna. The therapeutic effects of RW were evaluated by recording the prevalence of loose stools, the diarrhea index, and histopathological changes in colon tissue. The levels of mucins, tight junction (TJ) proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/nuclear factor-κB (PI3K/Akt/NF-κB) signaling pathway proteins were measured. Metagenomic sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota. Treatment with RW alleviated injury to the intestinal barrier in rats with diarrhea and also upregulated levels of Muc2 and TJ proteins, such as occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudin-1. Administration of RW regulated the structure of the gut microbiota in diarrheal rats. Furthermore, RW suppressed levels of interleukin (IL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1, PI3K, Akt, and p-NF-κB p65 and also increased IL-4 levels. Our study indicates that P. ginseng and Fructus mume help improve the symptoms of diarrhea, possibly by alleviating the intestinal barrier injury, regulating intestinal flora composition, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Exploring the mechanism of the Fructus Mume and Rhizoma Coptidis herb pair intervention in Ulcerative Colitis from the perspective of inflammation and immunity based on systemic pharmacology

PurposeUlcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum. Fructus Mume (FM) and Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) exert effects on inflammatory and immune diseases. We evaluated the hypothesis of the FM and RC (FM-RC) herb pair remedy in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, through network pharmacology-based analyses, molecular docking, and experimental validation.MethodsThe Traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology analysis platform(TCMSP) and Swiss database were used to predict potential targets of FM-RC and the GeneCards database was utilized to collect UC genes. Cytoscape software was used to construct and analyze the networks, and DAVID was utilized to perform enrichment analysis. AutoDock software was used to dock the core chemical components of the FM-RC herb pair with key UC targets. Animal experiments were performed to validate the prediction results and general conditions and body weight were observed. Pathological changes in colon tissue were observed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-4 in serum and colon tissue were detected by ELISA. ResultsEighteen effective components of the herb couple were screened, and their potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of UC were acquired from 110 overlapped targets. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that these targets were highly correlated with protein autophosphorylation, plasma membrane, ATP binding, cancer pathways, the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway, and the Rap1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking established the core protein interactions with compounds having a docking energy < 0 kJ·mol−1, indicating the core active components had strong binding activities with the core targets. FM-RC herb pair relieved pathological indicators and reduced the concentration of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-17 and increased IL-4 levels in the serum and colon tissues of UC rats.ConclusionCollectively, FM-RC herb pair administration alleviated UC. These beneficial effects targeted MAPK1 signaling related to inflammation and immunity, which provided a basis for a better understanding of FM-RC in the treatment of UC.

Effect of Dietary Fructus mume and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on the Fecal Microbiota and Its Correlation with Apparent Nutrient Digestibility in Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on ancient Chinese medical principles. In China, these medicines have played a marked role in treating various diseases and maintaining human health for thousands of years. TCM is also increasingly considered a potential alternative to the use of antibiotics in pig production and has attracted a great deal of research interest because it is simple, convenient, cheap, and effective. However, there are few studies on the effects of dietary TCM supplementation on the gut microbiota and the apparent nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets. In our study, dietary Fructus mume and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi improved growth performance and increased the apparent ether extract (EE) digestibility by modulating gut microbial composition and structure, favoring the health of weaned piglets.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been demonstrated to exert a therapeutic effect on various diseases and has been used as a substitute for antibiotics in pig production. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and apparent nutrient digestibility when weaned piglet diets are supplemented with TCM. One hundred and sixty-two 25-day-old weaning piglets were housed in an environmentally controlled nursery facility and fed a basal diet (control group, n = 54) or a TCM complex (Fructus mume 1%, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi 3%) (TCM group, n = 54), or a fermented diet with a complex of these two TCMs (F-TCM group, n = 54). Compared with the control group, in the TCM and F-TCM groups, the average daily gain (ADG) increased (p < 0.05), the F:G ratio and diarrhea rate decreased (p < 0.05), and the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and ether extract (EE) of weaned piglets increased (p < 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla, representing approximately 95% of all sequences. The abundance of four genera and 10 OTUs (belonging to Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Lachnoclostridium, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31 group, Prevotella_1) were negatively correlated with apparent EE digestibility (p < 0.05). The results suggest that weaned piglets fed with antibiotic-free diets supplemented with Fructus mume and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi gained more weight and were healthier. When added to the diet, the complex of these two TCMs may have a direct impact on apparent EE digestibility by modifying the gut microbial composition, which favors the health of weaned piglets.

Fructus mume Aqueous Extract's Antibacterial Effect on Multi-species Biofilm

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of several irrigants and an aqueous extract of Fructus mume in eradicating three kinds of biofilm. Materials and Methods: A three-species biofilm of E. faecalis, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were cultivated for one week on Thermanox™ plates. Each specimen was immersed for 8 minutes in various irrigants: Fructus mume solution, buffered citric acid, sodium hypochlorite and control (non-irrigated). LIVE/DEAD® BacLightTM staining and confocal light scanning microscopy were used to determine the number of viable bacteria left on the substrate. The same biofilm was then extracted and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Images were taken at 12 locations across the biofilm, which were then classified into four areas of concern: Bottom, which would spend the most of the experiment submerged in the solution; It was struck in the centre by the stream of irrigant.; Middle and Upper, where the impression was caused by the irrigant splattering or vaporizing. Results of the amount of viable bacteria residual indicated that Fructus mume showed no significant activity, with an effect like control and even buffered citric acid, and significantly inferior to sodium hypochlorite. Conclusion: Sodium hypochlorite (0.5%) solution was greater to buffered citric acid, Fructus mume and control group as an antimicrobial agent against three-species biofilm.

Voyage of Ben Cao, Part II: Development of Chinese Medicinal Specimens in the British Museum

Voyage of Ben Cao, Part II: Development of Chinese Medicinal Specimens in the British Museum

Mechanism of Fructus Mume Pills Underlying Their Protective Effects in Rats with Acetic Acid-Inducedulcerative Colitis via the Regulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and the VEGF-PI3K/Akt-eNOS Signaling Pathway.

Background Fructus mume pills (FMPs) have been clinically proven to be effective for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the therapeutic and protective mechanisms have not been fully studied. Aim We aimed to explore the mechanism of FMPs in an acetic acid (AA)-induced ulcerative colitis rat model. Methods The targets, GO terms, and KEGG pathways for the FMPs and UC were screened and constructed using network pharmacology. A possible mechanism was verified in a 4% AA-induced colitis rat model. Colitis activity and state were evaluated using the disease activity index, and colon ulceration and intestinal mucosal damage were determined by histopathological observation through HE, AB-PAS, and Masson pathological staining. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MPO, MMP9, CXCR1, eNOS, and VEGF were measured to evaluate vascular permeability effects. Results The network pharmacology results showed 108 active compounds, and 139 FMP-related targets were identified. Twenty-nine targets were identified for FMPs against UC, which included MMP9, MMP3, ESR1, PTGS1, PPARA, MPO, and NOS2. A total of 1,536 GO terms and 41 pathways were associated with FMP treatment of UC. The pharmacological evaluation showed that FMPs attenuated inflammation in AA-induced colitis by reducing the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 and the colonic concentrations of MPO, MMP9, and CXCR1. FMPs ameliorated hyperpermeability by reducing the colonic VEGF and eNOS concentrations. FMPs also significantly decreased the VEGFA, VEGFR2, Src, and eNOS protein expressions in colon tissue through the VEGF-PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. Conclusion These results suggest that FMPs control UC inflammation by regulating inflammatory cytokine concentrations. FMPs alleviate AA-induced UC by regulating microvascular permeability through the VEGF-PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling pathway.

Fructus Mume (Wu Mei) Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Inflammatory Cytokine, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Neuropeptide Levels in Model Rats.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the large intestine. Fructus mume (FM), a natural food with nutritive and pharmaceutical value, has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against UC. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of FM against UC. We induced UC in rats with 4% (v/v) acetic acid (AA), orally administered 0.7 or 0.325 g/kg FM and 0.3 g/kg sulfasalazine (SASP) for 7 days, and explored the responses the drugs elicited in the rats. We assessed the general conditions of the rats by the disease active index. We evaluated colon tissue damage macroscopically and by Hematoxylin & Eosin, Alcian Blue-periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's staining, and explored the potential mechanisms of FM on inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuropeptides by measuring TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MMP9, CXCR-1, SOD, GSH-px, MDA, ROS, SIRT3, SP, VIP, ghrelin, and 5-HT. FM treatment significantly attenuated colon damage and submucosal fibrosis compared with the model. It lowered serum proinflammatory TNF-α, IL-8, and colonic MMP9 and CXCR-1, and raised serum anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels. FM upregulated the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-px, and SITR3 protein but inhibited ROS and MDA production. It downregulated colonic SP, VIP, ghrelin, and 5-HT. The beneficial effects of FM might be dose dependent. Around 0.7 g/kg FM and SASP displayed similar efficacy for treating AA-induced colitis in rats. Our results provide empirical evidence that FM protects against AA-induced UC in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, and regulates neuropeptides; thus, FM may be a promising, safe, and efficacious alternative therapy for UC, if its efficacy can be confirmed in human trials.

Role of Essential Oil-Based Mouthwashes in Controlling Gingivitis in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment. A Review of Clinical Trials.

Essential oil (EO)-based mouthwashes have been used for oral health maintenance due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim was to review clinical trials that assessed the role of EO-based mouthwashes in controlling gingivitis in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment (OT). The Patients, Interventions, Control and Outcome (PICO) format was based on the following: (a) P: Patients undergoing fixed OT (b) Intervention: EO-based mouth-wash; Control: Mouthwashes that did not contain EOs or no mouthwash (d) Outcome: Control of gingivitis measured by clinical indices. Databases were searched manually and electronically up to and including May 2021 using different medical subject subheadings. Data screening and extraction were performed. The risk of bias within randomized controlled trials was assessed using the revised Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool (RoB 2). The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was used for non-randomized controlled trials. Disagreements related to literature search and RoB evaluations were resolved via discussion. Six clinical studies were included. Four studies showed that Listerine® is effective in controlling gingivitis in patients undergoing fixed OT. One study reported that the use of 5% Fructus mume mouthwash resulted in a significant reduction in gingival bleeding. Two mouthwashes that contained 1% Matricaria chamomilla L. and 0.5% Zingiber officinale were also found to be efficient in controlling gingival bleeding. Four, one and one studies had a low, moderate and high RoB, respectively. In conclusion, EO-based mouthwashes seem to be effective for the management of gingivitis among patients undergoing fixed OT. Further well-designed and power-adjusted clinical trials are needed.

Agrimol B present in Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb impedes cell cycle progression of cancer cells through G0 state arrest

Cancer recurrence poses a significant challenge. At the cellular level, recurrence takes place as a result of reactivation of dormant cancer cells residing at G0 phase. The aim of the study was to identify compounds that can trap prostate and lung cancer cells in G0 phase from a new Chinese herb recipe, Astringent recipe, consisting of Radix Paeoniae Alba, Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Fructus Mume, Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., Ganoderma Lucidum Karst, and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. Astringent recipe impeded cell cycle progression in prostate and lung cancer cells by rounding them up at G0 phase by flow cytometric analysis of cancer cells stained with Hoechst 33342 and Pyronin Y, respectively, for DNA and RNA. The anti-cancer efficacy of the recipe was found to be attributable to Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Further study established that agrimol B, a polyphenol derived from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, contributed to the activity of the herb. The action of agrimol B on the cancer cells was likely derived from its effect on c-MYC, SKP2 and p27 by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Oral administration of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb or agrimol B reduced growth of prostate cancer cell xenograft in animal. In conclusion, Agrimol B can enrich for prostate and lung cancer cells in G0 state and influence key regulators that govern G0 status.

Fructus mume Protects Against Cigarette Smoke Induced Chronic Cough Guinea Pig.

Fructus mume was recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and traditional Chinese medical books for chronic cough, but the effect and related constituents are still unknown. Thus, we investigated the protect effects and the relevant constituents of F. mume in a guinea pig model with chronic cough induced by cigarette smoke (CS). The organic acids and polysaccharides in F. mume were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The guinea pigs were orally administrated with vehicle or the water extract of Fructus mume (FW) during the 14 days of CS exposure. Citric acid induced coughs were automatically measured by Buxco system. The differential cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histopathological changes in lung tissue were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in lung tissue were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mucus productions in tracheas were determined with Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff staining. The results suggested relatively high concentration of citric acid, chlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid in F. mume, and high proportion of galactose and glucose and lower molecular weight of polysaccharides. Administration of FW significantly reduced the cough frequency, decreased inflammatory cells in BALF and lung tissue, and attenuated the thickening of airway epithelium and submucosa compared with CS-exposure group. Moreover, the overproduction of TNF-α and IL-8 in lung tissues, and mucus in central airways of CS-induced guinea pigs was markedly inhibited by FW. The extract could also protect against CS exposure-induced chronic cough in guinea pigs by reducing coughs, airways inflammation, and mucus overproduction.

Mumefural Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion via Regulating the Septohippocampal Cholinergic System and Neuroinflammation.

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) causes cognitive impairment and neurogenic inflammation by reducing blood flow. We previously showed that Fructus mume (F. mume) improves cognitive impairment and inhibits neuroinflammation in a CCH rat model. One of the components of F. mume, Mumefural (MF), is known to improve blood flow and inhibit platelet aggregation. Whether MF affects cerebral and cognitive function remains unclear. We investigated the effects of MF on cognitive impairment and neurological function-related protein expression in the rat CCH model, established by bilateral common carotid arterial occlusion (BCCAo). Three weeks after BCCAo, MF (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) was orally administrated once a day for 42 days. Using Morris water maze assessment, MF treatment significantly improved cognitive impairment. MF treatment also inhibited cholinergic system dysfunction, attenuated choline acetyltransferase-positive cholinergic neuron loss, and regulated cholinergic system-related protein expressions in the basal forebrain and hippocampus. MF also inhibited myelin basic protein degradation and increased the hippocampal expression of synaptic markers and cognition-related proteins. Moreover, MF reduced neuroinflammation, inhibited gliosis, and attenuated the activation of P2X7 receptor, TLR4/MyD88, NLRP3, and NF-κB. This study indicates that MF ameliorates cognitive impairment in BCCAo rats by enhancing neurological function and inhibiting neuroinflammation.

Effects of TCMs and Lactobacillus strains on immunosuppressed mice and bacteriostatic effect on Escherichia coli K88 after fermentation

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel means of treating piglet diarrhoea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain K88 using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) fermented by selected probiotic strains. Six types of TCMs were determined to be efficient at inhibiting ETEC growth. In addition, two types of probiotics, Lactobacillus 0111 and 0115, were shown to be the most efficient at inhibiting ETEC. The results of studies with mice indicated that the administration of individual TCMs or probiotic strains increased the growth of mice to a different extent. Specifically, the fermentation of Fructus mume, Galla chinensis and Herba taraxaci by the Lactobacillus 0111 strain enhanced their antibacterial ability compared with traditional Jade screen, possibly due to the presence of a compound producing an absorption peak with a retention time of 19.5 min by HPLC. The fermentation of TCMs by probiotic strain provides a novel approach to relieve the effects of the ETEC strain K88.

Fructus mume Extracts Alleviate Diarrhea in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving the Combination Therapy of Lapatinib and Capecitabine.

Lapatinib and capecitabine have been widely used in the therapy of breast cancer. However, long-term use of lapatinib and capecitabine often causes the most common side effect diarrhea, which limit the medicine use. Fructus mume (F. mume) has been proved to be effective to treat chronic diarrhea with few side effects. The compounds from F. mume were extracted by using an ethanol method. Extracts of F. mume (EFM) were analyzed by HPLC. We investigated the protective effects of EFM on the diarrhea caused by lapatinib and capecitabine. From March 1st, 2016 to June 1st, 2017, 208 breast cancer patients with diarrhea caused by lapatinib and capecitabine were recruited. The patients were evenly assigned into two groups: EG group (the patients took 100 mg EFM daily) and CG group (the patients took placebo daily). The effects of EFM on diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured by a semiquantitative method seven-point Likert scale. Overall quality of life was measured by SF-36 questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The HPLC analysis showed that there were three components in EFM, including citric acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), and chlorogenic acid. Breast cancer types were observed by using Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. The breast cancer can be divided into leaflet, gland and fibroblast types. Patient age, skin metastases, treatment, and grade 1 diarrhea were significant risk factors associated with for grade 2 diarrhea. EFM reduced diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms by reducing the average scores of the diarrhea symptom and seven-point Likert scale, and improved life quality of patients significantly by improving SF-36 scores and reducing HADS scores when compared to that in the CG group after 6-week therapy and further 4-week follow-up (P < 0.05). EFM may be a potential choice for the diarrhea therapy in breast cancer patients.

Growth Inhibition Effect of Medicinal Herbs Extracts on &lt;i&gt;Bacillus subtilis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Aspergillus oryzae&lt;/i&gt;

With tetracycline and anphotericin as control, using discdiffusion technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of extracts from 110 medicinal herbs, investigating their antimicrobial activities. Found that 3 medicinal herbs, Fructus mume, Rhizoma coptidis and Flos caryophyllata have great inhibitory effect on Bacillus subtilis but no obviously inhibitory effect on Aspergillus oryzae. It is evident that the extracts of Fructus mume, Rhizoma coptidis and Flos caryophyllata have antibacterial activities and are potential preservatives in soy sauce fermentation.

Efficacy of a Fructus mume Extract Combination with Stable Chlorine in Preventing Bacterial Contamination in Frozen Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) Fillets

ABSTRACTA combination composed of Fructus mume extract and stable chlorine dioxide was investigated for its antibacterial activity, mechanism of action, and its application against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fillets. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against E. coli and S. aureus ranged from 0.9–1.2 and 1.3–1.6 mg/mL for F. mume extract and 0.004–0.006 and 0.007–0.010 mg/mL for stable chlorine dioxide, respectively. We observed a mechanism of action against E. coli that involved a pore-formation role that led to cell membrane damage. In the case of S. aureus, the mechanism of action is believed to be mediated by the combination’s activity as a metabolite disrupting agent. Here, the amount of bacteria was greatly reduced in mackerel fillets treated with the combination. Moreover, the flavor and texture properties of fillets were not significantly affected by this treatment (p < 0.05). These findings suggested that the combination has promise in being used as an additive to a broader class of foodstuffs.

The Protective Effects of Buzui on Acute Alcoholism in Mice.

This study was designed to investigate the role of a traditional buzui recipe in anti-inebriation treatment. Buzui consists of Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Fructus Chebulae, Fructus Mume, Fructus Crataegi, Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli, and Excrementum Bombycis. The buzui mixture was delivered by gavage, and ethanol was delivered subsequent to the final treatment. The effects of buzui on the righting reflex, inebriation rates, and the survival curve are depicted. Blood alcohol concentrations, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were recorded. The activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, were also measured. Our results demonstrated that a traditional buzui recipe showed significant effects on promoting wakefulness and the prevention of acute alcohol intoxication, accelerating the metabolism of alcohol in the liver and reducing the oxidative damage caused by acute alcoholism.

Fructus mume Ethanol Extract Prevents Inflammation and Normalizes the Septohippocampal Cholinergic System in a Rat Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion.

Fructus mume (F. mume), the unripe fruit of Prunus mume, has long been used in Asian countries to treat cough and chronic diarrhea. We previously reported that F. mume exerts anti-inflammatory effects in a model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), a key etiological factor of vascular dementia (VaD). The present study was performed to investigate the protective effects of an ethanolic extract of F. mume on the inflammatory response and cholinergic dysfunction in a model of CCH induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo) in Wistar rats. Rats were assigned to three treatment groups: sham plus vehicle, BCCAo plus vehicle, and BCCAo plus F. mume extract (200 mg/kg). F. mume was administered by oral gavage from days 21 to 42 following BCCAo. Glial cell numbers were measured in the white matter and hippocampus. The hippocampal expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, angiotensin-II (Ang-II), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) were also evaluated. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) levels in the hippocampus and basal forebrain were examined. Rats with BCCAo showed an increase in the number of glial cells and levels of proinflammatory cytokines, Ang-II, RAGE, and MAPKs, all of which were significantly attenuated by F. mume treatment. F. mume administration also restored ChAT expression in the basal forebrain and hippocampus following chronic BCCAo. These results suggest that F. mume is a potentially valuable drug or nutraceutical for the treatment of VaD.