Herbal Tonic Research Articles

Cardioprotective effects of native herb-derived cardiac tonic on infarct size in a mouse model of experimental myocardial infarction

Cardiac remodeling is a significant issue involving molecular, cellular, and interstitial changes that affect the size, mass, integrity, and function of the heart following a myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that therapy with mixed herbal extracts has a protective effect in mouse models of MI. The underlying mechanisms are thought to be protective against left ventricular (LV) remodeling through reduced collagen deposition. We therefore studied the effects of mixed herbal extracts commonly used in various ways in the belief that they have beneficial effects on cardiac disease. MI was induced by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation in switch albino mice. Ethanol extracts of herbs Arjuna bark, oleander leaves, ginseng root, garlic, cardamom seeds and oregano leaves were prepared by ethanol extraction and rotary evaporation technique of dried herbs and then mixed the extracts to make a therapeutic cocktail. The mixture is then administered orally by lavage for 28 days. At the end of 28 days cardiac tissues were harvested and stored for histopathology analysis and assessment of SOD levels. Survival curve data over a period of 28 days showed significant (P<0.05) differences between groups and mortality was reduced in the herbal extract treated group. Heart mass especially ventricular and atrial space and ratio of ​​infarct to total heart area revealed better improvement in treated group compared to untreated group. Histopathological studies showed that the myocardium of the herbal extract treated group had fewer collagen fibers than the non-treated group. SOD activity levels were up-regulated in animals treated with herbal extracts indicating reduction of oxidative stress by herbal extract mixture. Hence, their effects reduce collagen deposition, reduce LV mass and prevent myocardial tissue damage, reduce structural changes and increase survival by their anti-stress effects. Mixed herbal tonic may provide a new therapeutic approach in ischemic cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart failure. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2024, 9(2), 14-23

The sesquiterpene lactone-enriched extract from Linderae Radix ameliorated high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial injury via mediating PPARγ/Nrf2 pathway

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common microvascular complication with limited effective interventions in diabetic patients. Linderae Radix is a traditional herbal tonic used to treat various kidney and metabolic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of the main bioactive components, sesquiterpene lactones in L. Radix (SLR), on DN. The results showed that treatment with SLR reduced the levels of apoptotic rates, ROS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, but increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in high glucose-treated HK2 cells. Furthermore, SLR improved renal dysfunction but increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the renal tissues of DN mice. Mechanistically, SLR upregulated the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 but downregulated NF-κB in high glucose-treated HK2 cells by targeting PPAR, which could be reversed by the PPARγ inhibitor SR202. Therefore, SLR improved DN by reducing oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response through activating PPARγ/Nrf2 pathway.

Radix Astragali decoction improves liver regeneration by upregulating hepatic expression of aquaporin-9.

The therapeutic efficacy of liver injuries heavily relies on the liver's remarkable regenerative capacity, necessitating the maintenance of glycose/lipids homeostasis and oxidative eustasis during the recovery process. Astragali Radix, an herbal tonic widely used in China and many other countries, is believed to have many positive effects, including immune stimulation, nourishing, antioxidant, liver protection, diuresis, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer and expectorant. Astragali Radix is widely integrated into hepatoprotective formulas as it is believed to facilitate liver regeneration. Nevertheless, the precise molecular pharmacological mechanisms underlying this hepatoprotective effect remain elusive. To investigate the improving effects of Astragali Radix on liver regeneration and the underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) was employed to investigate the impact of Radix Astragali decoction (HQD) on liver regeneration. HQD was orally administered for 7 days before the PHx procedure and throughout the experiment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as a positive control for liver regeneration. Liver regeneration was assessed by evaluating the liver-to-body weight ratio (LW/BW) and the expression of representative cell proliferation marker proteins. Oxidative stress and glucose metabolism were analyzed using biochemical assays, Western blotting, dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining methods. To understand the role of AQP9 as a potential molecular target of HQD in promoting liver regeneration, td-Tomato-tagged AQP9 transgenic mice (AQP9-RFP) were employed to determine the expression pattern of AQP9 protein. AQP9 knockout mice (AQP9-/-) were used to assess the specific targeting of AQP9 in the promotion of liver regeneration by HQD. HQD significantly upregulated hepatic AQP9 expression, alleviated liver injury and promoted liver regeneration in wild-type (AQP9+/+) mice after 70% PHx. However, the beneficial impact of HQD on liver regeneration was absent in AQP9 gene knockout (AQP9-/-) mice. Moreover, HQD facilitated the uptake of glycerol by hepatocytes, enhanced gluconeogenesis, and concurrently reduced H2O2 content and oxidative stress levels in AQP9+/+ but not AQP9-/- mouse livers. Additionally, main active substance of Radix Astragali, astragaloside IV (AS-IV) and cycloastragenol (CAG), demonstrated substantial upregulation of AQP9 expression and promoted liver regeneration in AQP9+/+ but not AQP9-/- mice. This study is the first to demonstrate that Radix Astragali and its main active constituents (AS-IV and CAG) improve liver regeneration by upregulating the expression of AQP9 in hepatocytes to increase gluconeogenesis and reduce oxidative stress. The study revealed novel molecular pharmacological mechanisms of Radix Astragali and provided a promising therapeutic target of liver diseases.

Demaghi, a polyherbal formulation, mitigates aluminum chloride-induced neurological impairment in mice: Insights from phytochemical analysis and behavioral assessment

Herbal products have been very popular in Pakistan for their curative significance against various disorders. Demaghi (DEMG) is a widely used herbal product claimed to own natural substances having neuroprotective potential. The current study aims to scientifically validate the chemical composition as well as its neuroprotective claims of this widely used herbal tonic. The commercially available Demaghi product was chemically characterized for its phytocomposition. The mice were treated with two doses of Demaghi (DEMG 50 mg and 100 mg/kg/day), and the effects of its prolonged exposure on animal anxiety, memory, and depression were noted through a series of behavioral tests in the AlCl3-induced memory deficient mice model. Besides that, dissected brains were biochemically analyzed for oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase activity, as well as histopathological changes. The study outcomes showed that DEMG (100 mg/kg/day) has prominent anti-anxiety effects, memory-enhancing properties, and anti-depressants effects observed in the AlCl3-induced memory-deficient mice model. Biochemical assays also showed a greater decrease in oxidative stress of tested animals treated with 100 mg/kg/day of DEMG. The histopathological analysis also revealed that administration of DEMG reduced the AlCl3-induced toxicity. UPLC-MS results revealed the presence of many phytoconstituents, which showed to support cholinergic signaling in in-silico studies. The current research validates the neurological benefits of Demaghi for memory-boosting properties. The phytocompounds present in Demaghi exert neuroprotective effects, possibly by enhancing the cholinergic neurotransmission and combating the neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress.

Flat Tummy Water Attenuates Lipid Profile and Serum Glucose of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Female Wistar Rats

Background: Flat tummy water (FTW) is an herbal tonic preparation made from cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita) and is believed to be effective in the reduction of central/abdominal fat. While the potency and efficacy of FTW are hardly known, the present study presents a scientific investigation of its effect on high-fat-induced obese Wistar rat models.
 Methods: FTW was constituted using measured quantities of cut and infused cucumber, lemon and mint leaf while the individual plants were extracted and mixed to obtain an extract mixture (EM). Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats were used for the study. They were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups 1 & 2 served as the normal and negative controls and received standard rat chow/distilled water and high-fat diet/distilled water respectively. Groups 3, 4 & 5 served as the experimental groups. Group 3 received FTW ad libitum while groups 4 & 5 received 25 and 50mg/kg of extract mixtures (EM) respectively alongside the formulated high-fat diet. Lipid profile and serum glucose were determined using standard colourimetric methods. The body weight, naso-anal length, abdominal and thoracic circumferences (AC/TC) of the animals were measured before and after the experiment. 
 Results: There was a significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and serum glucose and significantly increased high-density proteins among the obese animals treated with FTW and EM compared to the untreated obese negative control (p<0.05). The study also observed reduced body weight, AC/TC ratio and lee obesity index among treated obese animals when compared with the untreated negative control (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: The present study shows that the oral administration of flat tummy water (FTW) as well as extracts mixtures (EM) led to a moderate decrease in central abdominal obesity. FTW and EM showed potent anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-obesity activity. This study concludes that these observed effects could be due to the synergistic action of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita).

Verbena officinalis (Verbenaceae): Pharmacology, Toxicology and role in female health

Verbena officinalis Linn (Verbenaceae), the common verbena or vervain, a traditional herb with immense cultural and medicinal significance in the European, Greek, American, Roman and Egyptian countries. Phytochemical analysis suggests the presence of iridoid glycosides, secoiridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, flavones, pentacyclic triterpenoids, monoterpenes, sterols and their derivatives. Owing to the presence of these phytochemicals, wide range of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antidiarrheal, antitumour, antidepressant, anxiolytic, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective, etc are reported. Literature survey highlights the distinct role of Verbena officinalis in treating dysmenorrhoea, vaginitis, endometriosis, premenopausal night sweating, herbal tonic for pregnant women and lactating mothers and its use as emmenagogue. The review aims to promote studies on Verbena officinalis for its therapeutic role in female reproductive health and other ailments. The scientific databases used for compilation of the data were Google scholar, Pubmed the data made available specifically from 2010 to 2022.

Rubus chingii Hu. unripe fruits extract ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and improves the associated gut microbiota imbalance

BackgroundThe unripe fruits of Rubus chingii Hu. (“Fu-peng-zi” in Chinese) is a well-known herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for tonifying liver and kidney. However, little is known regarding its therapeutic efficacy against liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanism.MethodsThe current research aims to explore the potential of Rubus chingii Hu. unripe fruits extract (RF) in the treatment of liver fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanism. RF was administered (450 and 900 mg·kg− 1 of body weight per day) orally to male C57BL/6 mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis for 3 weeks. The histopathological changes and fibrosis stage in liver tissue were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sirius red staining. The distribution of α-SMA and Col1A1 in the liver was analyzed to determine the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent analysis. Various biochemical markers in serum (ALT, AST) and liver (Hyp, IL1-β, IL6, TNF-α and MCP-1) were observed to assess the liver’s injury, fibrosis, and inflammation. In liver tissue, fibrosis-associated proteins including α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, and Smad4 were detected through a Western blot assay. Pyrosequencing-based analysis of bacterial 16 S ribosomal RNA from variable regions V3–V4 of fecal samples characterized the gut microbiota. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed for the association between altered bacterial genera by RF and pharmacodynamics parameters.ResultsThree weeks of RF treatment can significantly lower liver inflammatory levels, pathological abnormalities, and collagen fibrous deposition in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The expressions of α-SMA and Col1A1 were lowered by RF, while the expression levels of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway-related proteins, including TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, and Smad4, were dramatically decreased by RF. The RF treatment significantly increased or reduced 18 different bacterial species, restoring the CCl4-induced gut microbiota imbalance to the normal group’s levels. According to correlation analysis, the bacterial genera Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter were the most significant in restoring CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.ConclusionsRF can reduce liver damage and delay the onset of liver fibrosis through modulating TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway. Furthermore, RF’s anti-liver fibrosis effect was related to balancing the gut microbial community, partly attained by increasing Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter in liver fibrosis.

Preparation of the sphingolipid fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis and its immunosuppressive activity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCordyceps sinensis (CS) is an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat a wide range of disorders, including immune, kidney, respiratory, lung and cardiovascular diseases, in China. Most studies are focused mainly on nucleotides and polysaccharides from CS and consider them to be the main active ingredients, while other ingredients are often disregarded. Hundreds of sphingolipids have been identified from CS and showed inhibitory effects on mouse splenic lymphocytes. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to establish a method for preparing a fraction of sphingolipids from the mycelial powder of CS and evaluate its immunosuppressive activity. Materials and methodsFraction of sphingolipids (Fr-SPLs) were prepared by silica gel chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography. Its components were identified and quantified by Quadrupole-Orbitrap UHPLC–MS/MS. PBMCs were prepared from human blood, and splenic lymphocytes, B cells, and T cells were prepared from mouse spleens. The inhibitory effect of Fr-SPLs on cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. PBMC apoptosis and the ratio of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were quantified by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α in PBMCs was detected by ELISA kits. ResultsA fraction containing 84.83% of sphingolipids (SPLs) was prepared from the mycelia of CS and named Fr-SPLs. 15 SPLs were identified from the Fr-SPLs. Fr-SPLs significantly inhibited the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with an IC50 value of 9.82 μg/mL and promoted PBMC apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Fr-SPLs inhibited the viability of mouse splenocytes, as well as that of B cells and T cells derived from splenocytes. Furthermore, Fr-SPLs reduced the production of IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α in PBMCs. ConclusionsFr-SPLs show immunosuppressive activity, and this study will be useful for preparing immunosuppressive components from CS and its mycelia for hyperimmune disease.

Withania Somnifera Linn as Herbal Source of Diverse Pharmacological Potential - A Comprehensive Review

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian winter cherry, belonging to the Withania Somnifera Linn. (Solanaceae) family, (commonly available as Churna). Africa, the Mediterranean, and India are all home to this species. It is 30-50cm high and mainly found in the drier parts of India. Since it raises haemoglobin (red blood count) and hair melanin. Withania Somnifera is known as "Rasayana," which means "strong rejuvenator" in Ayurvedic jargon. In ethnomedicine, it is a well-known health food and herbal tonic that is used to treat cardiovascular diseases. It can be used as a single herb or as part of polyherbal or herbo-mineral formulations for humans. It is traditionally used to treat various diseases such as inflammation, asthma, dyspepsia, hypertension, rheumatism, tumor, anxiety, hemopoietic, antimicrobial, depression, immunomodulation, antiulcer, hepatoprotective activities, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, rejuvenating properties and syphilis. It has wide variety of chemical constituents such as withanoloides, flavonoid, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, steroids have been studied. Despite the fact that previous review articles on this plant have been written, this review article is provided to bring together all of the most recent knowledge on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities.

Suspected adverse reactions to performance enhancing dietary supplements: Spontaneous reports from the Italian phytovigilance system.

Herbal tonic and adaptogens are often used to improve overall well-being. However, few clinical evidence supports their use and their safety is not known before marketing. In this context, the aim of our study was to analyze the spontaneous reports of suspected adverse reactions (ARs) to performance enhancing herbal dietary supplements collected by the Italian Phytovigilance System. Between March 2002 and September 2020, 110 spontaneous reports were collected, 58 of which related to products containing botanicals, alone or in association. Twenty-three serious reactions were reported, 21 of which required hospitalization, one was life-threatening and another caused disability. Dermatological and cardiovascular reactions were the most frequent. Hepatic ARs were the most serious (9 out of 10). A positive dechallenge was indicated in 69% of cases, while a positive rechallenge occurred in 15%. Concomitant use of other products was present in 18 reports (31%), while predisposing conditions were indicated in 17 (29%). Present data highlight safety concerns on herbal dietary supplements used as cognitive and physical performance enhancers, mainly due to their quality and use without expert supervision. Considering that postmarketing surveillance is not required for these products, spontaneous reports represent the only tool to point out risks related to food supplements.

Phytochemistry and cardiovascular protective effects of Huang-Qi (Astragali Radix).

Huang-Qi (Astragali Radix) is an herbal tonic widely used in China and many other countries. It is derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus and shows potent cardiovascular protective effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed 189 small molecules isolated from the two Astragalus species and discussed the interspecies chemical differences. Moreover, we summarized the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of Huang-Qi and its major bioactive compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review covers 171 references published between February 1983 and March 2020.

Antioxidant Capacities of Traditionally Formulated Thai Herbal Decoction and Its Effect on Cell Growth Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model

Polyherbal tea is widely consumed for rejuvenating of health in Thailand. Among them are Ya-Tri-Phigut (YTP), Ya-Tri-Kasornmas (YTK), Ya-Plook-Fithat (YPF), and Ya-Benjakul (YB). In addition, they have been listed as essential medicines with several others in the National List of Essential Medicines, Thailand. To ascertain their nutraceutical potentials, aqueous extracts of these herbal formulations were screened for their antioxidant activities. Extracts obtained from YTP showed higher yield (8.70 %) than YPF (6.40 %), YTK (6.30 %) and YB (6.30 %) (P <0.05). YTP also showed better antioxidant capacities than other tested formulations (P <0.05). Thus, it was used to test for its ability to support yeast cell. The extract (YTP) supported the yeast cell growth than the standard used called cryptotanshinone. Thus, YTP formulated herbal tonic can serve as a rich nutraceutical agent to combat oxidative stress and health related diseases.

Phytobioactives as An Alternate Approach to Prevent Retention of Fetal Membrane

Background: Postparturient apathy has always been a matter of concern for livestock owners keeping in view the associated problems and its consequential effects on production. In the present study, the efficacy of a polyherbal preparation on timely expulsion of fetal membranes was attempted in periparturient cows.Methods: The dairy animals were divided into 3 groups; first group of animals received herbal preparation once a day for 5 days as a prophylactic measure. The second group of animals was given herbal tonic as a therapy/treatment in cases where expulsion of fetal membranes was delayed. The third group served as control. Blood was collected at regular interval to assess innate immune response. Result: The herbal formulation succeeded in complete expulsion of fetal membranes within 3hrs and emerged as a promising prophylactic tool in preventing retention of placenta, with added effect in enhancing innate immunity as monitored by evident rise in leucocytic population. The animals in which the herbal formulation was given as therapy responded with expulsion of fetal membranes within 7-8 hours post treatment while in the control group complications were evident and required technical assistance in many cases. Administration of herbal liquid reduced the cases of ROP, enhanced local immune response as well as brought about an upgradation in the general health condition of the animals.

Rubus chingii Hu: an overview of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

Rubus chingii Hu, a member of the rosaceae family, is extensively distributed in China and Japan. Its unripe fruits (Fupenzi in Chinese) have a long history of use as an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases commonly associated with kidney deficiency, and they are still in use today. Phytochemical investigations on the fruits and leaves of R. chingii indicate the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, and organic acids. Extracts or active substances from this plant are reported to have various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antifungal, antithrombotic, antiosteoporotic, hypoglycemic, and central nervous system-regulating effects. This review provides up-to-date information on the botanical characterizations, traditional usages, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and quality control of R. chingii. Possible directions for future research are also briefly proposed. This review aims to supply fundamental data for the further study of R. chingii and contribute to the development of its clinical use.

Unproven herbal remedy against COVID-19 could fuel drug-resistant malaria, scientists warn

An herbal tonic developed in Madagascar and touted as a cure for COVID-19 could fuel drug-resistant malaria in Africa, scientists warn Several African countries have said they are placing orders for the brew, whose efficacy has yet to be shown Branded Covid-Organics, the therapy was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) Its chief ingredient is reported to be sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant of Asian origin that gave rise to the antimalarial drug artemisinin At its launch last month, Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina claimed the tonic had passed scientific scrutiny and cured two patients of COVID-19 The island nation has 151 confirmed coronavirus cases and no deaths

Effects of Heracleum persicum Hydroalcoholic Extract on Insulin, Serum Anti-Oxidant Enzymes, Glucose, and Lipid Profiles in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Background: Heracleum persicum (H. persicum) is a medicinal herb used in Iranian traditional medicine for its anti-toxic property. It is commonly consumed in the form of food additives and as a medicinal herbal tonic to treat liver and kidney diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of H. persicum hydroalcoholic extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=30) were assigned to five groups: a normal group, a diabetic control group, and three diabetic groups treated orally with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract and 5 mg/kg of glibenclamide, respectively, for two weeks. Blood glucose and bodyweight were measured at the end of each week. On day 15, blood samples were collected to measure the levels of insulin, insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I), antioxidant markers for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant activity (TAS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) using commercial kits. The data were analyzed using SPSS Software (version 22.0).Results: Daily treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced the blood glucose level (P<0.001) and improved bodyweight (P=0.002), insulin (P<0.001), IGF-I (P=0.024), SOD (P=0.001), GPx (P=0.009), MDA (P<0.001), TAS (P=0.006), TG (P<0.001), HDL (P=0.023), LDL (P=0.005), and VLDL (P<0.001) compared with the diabetic control group. Conclusion: Beneficial effects of H. persicum for the treatment of diabetes were confirmed.

Systematic exploration of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax ginseng as immune regulators: Insights from the comparative biological and computational analysis

BackgroundImmune system plays a decisive role for defending various pathogenic microorganisms. Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Panax ginseng (PG) are two tonic herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as immune booster and help to control diseases with their healthy synergistic effect on immune system. PurposeThis study was aimed to investigate the promote effect and molecular mechanisms of AM and PG on immune system as booster and to control the target diseases using animal and computational systematic study. MethodsComputational models including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) with weighted ensemble similarity (WES) algorithm-based models and ClueGo network analysis were used to find the potential bioactive compounds targets and pathways, which were responsible for immune regulation. Viscera index analysis, proliferation activity of splenic lymphocytes and cytotoxic activity of NK cells assays were performed to validate the effect of AM and PG on immune system of long-term administrated mice. Metabonomic study of mice plasma was conducted to investigate effect of AM and PG on the endogenous metabolic perturbations, together with correlation analysis. ResultsAM and PG simultaneously showed the ability to strengthen the immune system function including enhancement of spleen and thymus index, proliferation of splenic lymphocytes and cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Besides, the different molecular mechanisms of AM and PG on immune regulation were also investigated by analyzing the potential bioactive compounds, enzymes actions and pathways. Quercetin, formononetin and kaempferol were the main immune-related compounds in AM, while ginsenoside Ra1, ginsenoside Rh1 and kaempferol in PG. About 10 target proteins were found close to immune regulation, including acetylcholinesterase (ACHE, common target in AM and PG), sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1), cytidine deaminase (CDA), and Choline O-acetyltransferase (CHAT). Glycerophospholipid metabolism was regulated in both AM and PG groups. Pyrimidine metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism were considered as the special pathway in AM groups. Energy metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism were the special pathways in PG groups. ConclusionA novel comprehensive molecular mechanism analysis method was established and applied to clarify the scientific connotation of AM and PG as immune regulation, with similar herbal tonic effect provided in clinical practice of TCM, which can provide a new line of research for drug development (immune booster) using AM and PG.

Evaluation of the in vitro effects of commercial herbal preparations significant in African traditional medicine on platelets

BackgroundCommercial herbal medicines (CHMs) marketed as immune boosters are gaining wide popularity in South Africa, in the absence of control and regulatory guidelines. These commercially packaged and labelled herbal preparations, acquired in various retail outlets, are used without consulting either a conventional health provider or a traditional health practitioner. Although they are indicated for immune-boosting purposes, they might exert many other beneficial and unwanted effects on physiological systems. Platelets are crucial in haemostasis and important for the immunological system. The aim was to investigate the effect of the CHMs used to strengthen the immune system on the activity of human platelets.MethodsSix CHMs commonly used as African traditional medicines in Pretoria, South Africa, were tested for their effects on healthy, isolated human platelets, using a bioluminescence method. The tested herbal medicines were Intlamba Zifo™, Maphilisa™ Herbal medicine, Matla™ African medicine for all diseases, Ngoma™ Herbal Tonic Immune Booster, Stametta™ Body Healing Liquid, and Vuka Uphile™ Immune Booster and serial-diluted standards of each from 10 to 10,000 times. The luminol-enhanced luminescence activity of the platelets was measured after incubation with the herbal medicines and activation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP).ResultsFive herbal medicines, namely Intlamba Zifo™, Maphilisa™ Herbal medicine, Matla™ African medicine for all diseases, Stametta™ Body Healing Liquid, and Vuka Uphile™ Immune Booster exerted comparable weak inhibitory effects on both PMA and fMLP-induced platelets, which were concentration dependent at high doses, and inversely related to concentration at low doses. Intlamba Zifo™, Matla™ African medicine for all diseases, Stametta™ Body Healing Liquid, and Vuka Uphile™ exhibited weak, but non-systematic stimulatory effects at low doses, which were not statistically significant. Ngoma™ Herbal Tonic Immune Booster had weak, inhibitory effects at high doses and weak stimulatory effects that were inversely related to concentration at low doses.ConclusionThe findings suggest a potential beneficial role of the CHMs in the suppression of platelets’ reactivity and in enhancing the immune system. Caution, however, should be exercised as platelet inhibition and stimulation predispose to the risk of bleeding and thrombosis, respectively.

Polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris attenuated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxic effects in chemotherapy.

Fungus Cordyceps militaris has been used as a herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, which could be surface liquid-cultured for mycelia production. To evaluate the potential of polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris (PS-MCM) for attenuation of side-effects of chemotherapy. Doxorubicin was used to induce cytotoxicity in THP-1 monocytes and EL-4 T cells, and the effects of PS-MCM on cell viability and cytokine production were detected on doxorubicin-treated THP-1 and EL-4 cells. PS-MCM reduced doxorubicin-induced cell death and promoted cell proliferation in THP-1 and EL-4 cells. Moreover, PS-MCM elevated the level of cytokines associated with immune-modulation of THP-1 and EL-4 cells. These findings indicate that PS-MCM has potential for development as a functional food to counteract side effects of chemotherapy.

Comprehensive evaluation of wild Cordyceps cicadae from different geographical origins by TOPSIS method based on the macroscopic infrared spectroscopy (IR) fingerprint.

Cordyceps cicadae is an entomogenous fungus that has been used as a valuable traditional Chinese herbal tonic, however, it can be difficult to discern the false from the genuine. In this study, the macroscopic IR fingerprint methods containing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and second derivative infrared spectroscopy (SD-IR) were used to elucidate wild C. cicadae. The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method was used to comprehensively evaluate C. cicadae from different geographical origins based on the macroscopic infrared spectroscopy (IR) fingerprint. The FT-IR spectra of C. cicadae exhibited the major characteristics of the absorptive peaks of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleosides at the position of 3291, 2925, 2845, 1651, 1547, 1455, 1080 and 950 cm-1. The high resolution of SD-IR further amplified the difference and revealed the potentially characteristic IR absorption spectrum. TOPSIS evaluation showed that C. cicadae from Anhui possess the strongest intensity of absorption bands among all the samples. Notably, FT-IR combined with SD-IR can effectively reveal the overall chemical components without damaging medicinal materials, and TOPSIS methods can provide a novel scientific evidence for comprehensively assessing different origins of wild C. cicadae.