Herbal Tonic Research Articles

Efficacy of Herbal Liver Tonic (Superliv) in Improving Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Carcass Traits and Economics of Broiler Chicken

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of herbal liver tonic (Superliv in improving growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass qualities and economics of broilers. The study was carried out on 375 one day-old commercial Vencobb400 broiler straight run chicks. The chicks were weighed and distributed randomly into three treatment groups viz, A, B, and C with five replications of 25 chicks in each replicate. For treatment group A ration was prepared as per BIS (2007) and for treatment group B ration was formulated with reduced energy (2.5%) with supplementation of Superliv @ 500gm/tonne. Similarly, for treatment group C ration was formulated with reduced energy (5%) with supplementation of Superliv. @500gm/tonne. The findings with cumulative body weight gain, feed consumption, FCR and mortality for different treatments groups were found to be non-significant. There were non-significant differences among the treatment groups with respect to edible carcass yield, breast yield, heart, liver, gizzard, giblet weight. There were significant decrease in the values of SGOT and SGPT in Superliv supplemented groups at 42nd day. Significantly higher values for total serum protein and globulin at 42nd day for Superliv supplemented groups were noticed, however, the values for albumin for different groups were found to be non-significant. Significant improvement in the percent metabolizable energy and protein retention values in 2.5% energy reduction and supplementation of Superliv were recorded. An improvement in the percentage (%) retention of phosphorus was noticed in herbal liver tonic (Superliv) supplemented groups. It was concluded that Superliv @ 500 gm/tonne of feed was used efficiently for compensating the negative impact of decreased energy values in feed of broiler thereby improving the growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass traits and economics of broiler production without any adverse effect on health of broilers.

Metabolite profiling and isolation of biologically active compounds from Scadoxus puniceus, a highly traded South African medicinal plant.

Scadoxus puniceus (Amaryllidaceae), a medicinal plant of high value in South Africa, is used as a component of a traditional herbal tonic prescribed to treat several ailments. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantified the phenolic compounds in different organs of S.puniceus. Gravity column chromatography was used to separate fractions and active compounds. The structure of these compounds was determined using 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopic techniques. A microplate technique was used to determine the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the pure compounds. Metabolite profiling revealed a greater profusion of hydroxycinnamic acids (69.5%), as opposed to hydroxybenzoic acids (30.5%). Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant (49.6% of hydroxycinnamic acids) compound. In addition to chlorogenic acid, the study is the first to report the presence of sinapic, gallic, and m-hydroxybenzoic acids in the Amaryllidaceae. Chromatographic separation of S.puniceus led to the isolation of haemanthamine (1), haemanthidine (2), and a rare chlorinated amide, metolachlor (3), the natural occurrence of which is described for the first time. Haemanthamine, haemanthidine, and metolachlor displayed strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC50 ; 23.1, 23.7, and 11.5μM, respectively). These results substantiate the frequent use of S.puniceus as a medicinal plant and hold much promise for further pharmaceutical development.

Plasma pharmacokinetics and cerebral nuclei distribution of major constituents of Psoraleae fructus in rats after oral administration

BackgroundThe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., Psoraleae fructus (PF), is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as a well-known herbal tonic. Previous studies have shown that PF and its major constituents may have potential values in the treatment of Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases, though their pharmacokinetics and brain distribution were largely unknown. PurposeTo develop a liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for simultaneous studies of the plasma pharmacokinetics and cerebral nuclei (including cerebellum, thalamus, brainstem, hippocampus, corpus striatum and cortex) distribution in rats of eleven known PF compounds following as psoralen, isopsoralen, psoralidin, bavachin, bavachinin, isobavachin, isobavachalcone, bavachalcone, neobavaisoflavone, corylifol A, and corylin. MethodsRats were orally administered via gavage at a single dose of PF extract at 1.2 g/kg. The eleven known PF compounds were extracted from rat plasma and cerebral nuclei at different time points, and then determined by the established LC–MS/MS method. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic profiles were calculated, and the distribution in rat plasma and cerebral nuclei were compared. ResultsThe results showed that all the tested compounds were quickly absorbed into rat plasma and distributed almost evenly to the cerebral nuclei. The distribution concentrations at different nuclei varied at one determined time point, but the overall trends were basically similar to the plasma concentration-time results. Psoralen and isopsoralen, the two highest coumarins contained in PF, displayed far higher plasma concentrations (AUC0→∞, plasma≈53,884∼65,578 ng·h/ml) and central nervous system penetration (AUC0→∞, brain nuclei ≈44,659∼65,823 ng·h/g) than the prenylflavonoids (other compounds except psoralidin, AUC0→∞, plasma≈69∼324 ng·h/ml; AUC0→∞, brain nuclei ≈119∼3662 ng·h/g). However, the total brain-to-plasma ratios of the prenylflavonoids were higher than the coumarins, suggesting the prenylflavonoids can more readily enter the brain than the coumarins. ConclusionThe established LC–MS/MS method is sensitive and specific for the simultaneous quantitation of the eleven PF compounds in rat plasma and cerebral nuclei. The results of plasma pharmacokinetics and cerebral nuclei distribution may reveal the possible substance basis for the CNS activities of PF, and highlight the application possibility of PF and its major constituents in the treatment of Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.

Commercial herbal medicines used as African traditional medicines: Ngoma Herbal Tonic Immune Booster interferes with a rapid urine drug screening test.

The prevalent use of African traditional medicine by the general public has been reported. With commercialisation and marketing, some of the herbal medicines (HMs) used are readily available over the counter, most of them promoted as immune boosters. These commercial HMs have not been taken through clinical trials and other tests that would validate their composition and safety, and other properties such as their effect on laboratory diagnostic tests. To investigate the cross-reactivity of selected HMs with commonly tested drugs of abuse (DoA) using a qualitative rapid urinalysis assay. The six HMs selected were bought from local pharmacies. A rapid urinalysis screening test was performed with the Instant View Multi-Drug of Abuse Test kit from Labstix Diagnostics. Drug-free urine (DFU) was pooled from samples donated by healthy volunteers. Urine samples that had tested positive for DoA were obtained from a pharmacology laboratory. Aliquots of the urine samples were spiked with the HMs in neat and diluted form, and tested at various time intervals. The results for the DFU samples spiked with the HMs remained negative. There were no significant changes in pH or specific gravity of the samples. The results of samples that had tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were not altered by five of the HMs when spiked at 40% v/v. The HM Ngoma Herbal Tonic Immune Booster caused false-negative results for the THC test. An important finding is that the herbal mixture Ngoma Herbal Tonic Immune Booster caused false-negative results for the cannabinoid screening test. It adds to the list of substances that may be potential adulterants of urine for screening tests.

Black ginseng-enriched Chong-Myung-Tang extracts improve spatial learning behavior in rats and elicit anti-inflammatory effects in vitro

BackgroundChong-Myung-Tang (CMT) extract is widely used in Korea as a traditional herbal tonic for increasing memory capacity in high-school students and also for numerous body ailments since centuries. The use of CMT to improve the learning capacity has been attributed to various plant constituents, especially black ginseng, in it. Therefore, in this study, we have first investigated whether black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts affected spatial learning using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Their molecular mechanism of action underlying improvement of learning and memory was examined in vitro. MethodsWe used two types of black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts, designated as CM-1 and CM-2, and evaluated their efficacy in the MWM test for spatial learning behavior and their anti-inflammatory effects in BV2 microglial cells. ResultsOur results show that both black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts improved the learning behavior in scopolamine-induced impairment in the water maze test. Moreover, these extracts also inhibited nitric oxide production in BV2 cells, with significant suppression of expression of proinflammatory cytokines, especially inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-1β. The protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathway factors was also diminished by black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts, indicating that it not only improves the memory impairment, but also acts a potent anti-inflammatory agent for neuroinflammatory diseases. ConclusionOur research for the first time provides the scientific evidence that consumption of black ginseng-enriched CMT extract as a brain tonic improves memory impairment. Thus, our study results can be taken as a reference for future neurobehavioral studies.

Effect of Poly herbal Phytobiotic on the Growth, Immunocompetence, Development of Digestive Organs and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broilers

Seventy two, one week old, Cobb 400 broiler chickens were distributed into two experimental groups having four replicates. The birds of the control group were fed a basal diet (22.5% CP & 2830 K cal/kg ME) while the other group was offered a basal diet supplemented with a polyherbal phytobiotic, AV/SSL/12 in drinking water@ 4 ml/100 birds/day during 1–2 weeks, 8 ml/100 birds/day during 2–4 weeks and 15 ml/100 birds/day during 4–6 weeks of age. AV/SSL/12 birds had a significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight compared to the control at 2nd week of age. The body weight gain of the birds in the liver tonic fed group was significantly higher (P<0.001) compared to the control group at 2nd week of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic group compared to the control group during 3–6 weeks and 1–6 weeks of age. Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood cells was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic compared to the control group. The herbal supplemented group had significantly higher (P<0.05) large intestine length compared to the control group at 6 weeks of age. However, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the carcass characteristics and yield of cut up parts of the broilers after 6 weeks of age. Hence, it may not be unreasonable to infer that poly herbal liver tonic, AV/SSL/12 possesses promising immunomodulatory potential and supplementation of poly herbal liver tonic may elicit growth of commercial broilers.

Influence of indole-3-butyric acid and triazole compounds on the photosynthetic pigments and biochemical constituents of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is popularly known as ashwagandha and also called Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry. It is an important medicinal plant used in Indian System of Medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. The root of this plant has nutritional and medicinal values out of which health foods and herbal tonic are prepared. The root has high demand in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries so that it is essential to increase the root yield. This is new phenomenon to increase root yield as well as improve the biochemical constituents by using plant growth regulators. In the present investigation, the influence of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and triazole compounds viz., triadimefon (TDM) and propiconazole (PCZ) on the photosynthetic pigments and biochemical constituents of ashwagandha. Plants were treated with IBA 2.5 mg/L, TDM 20 mg/L, and PCZ 20 mg/L separately by soil drenching on 50, 90, and 130 days after sowing (DAS). Plants were analyzed randomly on 60, 100, and 140 DAS and it’s parameters like, photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanin, and xanthophylls) in leaf and biochemical constituents (starch, protein and amino acids) in leaf, stem and root organs of ashwagandha. It was determined that total chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanin, and xanthophylls, starch, protein and amino acids content were increased in all the treatments. Among the treatments, triazole compounds showed beneficial due to the enhanced the photosynthetic pigments and increased biochemical contents higher level than followed by IBA treatment. From our results, it can be concluded that the triazole shows great significance application at low concentration could be a potential agronomical tool for successfully cultivation of this medicinally important root crops. Triazole compounds enhanced the photo-assimilate to shifting partition from leaves to roots and also alter mineral uptake and plant nutrition, This characters’ can be employed to satisfy needs of enhanced the photosynthetic pigments and biochemical constituents in ashwagandha.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Tonic

Nowadays, people are interested in hair preparations and conditioner materials, such as shampoos, hair tonic and conditioner formulations containing herbal extracts. Hair tonic is a product which is used to style hair. The objective of present study involves preparation of herbal hair tonic by using jojoba, tulsi, and coconut oil and its evaluation for antifungal and antibacterial activity. The final preparation of these ingredients is formulated in batches with change in concentration. Each formulation is tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The formulation of different concentrations were characterized for proximate analysis including moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, water insoluble ash, sulphated ash. The formulation gives good results for antifungal and antibacterial activity also the formulation having good consistency good spreadiability, homogeneity, appearance and pH.

Effect of the Sub-Chronic Administration of Some Commonly Used Herbal Products on the Liver Enzymes, Body Weight and Feed Intake of Albino Wistar Rats: Any implication for public health?

The present study was focused to assess the effects of the administration of commonly used herbal products viz.: Yoyo cleansing bitters, T. angelica herbal tonic, and Bio-Strath elixir on the liver enzymes, body weight, and feed intake in adult albino Wistar rats. A total number of seventy Wistar rats were divided into three major groups. Each group received a particular herbal product and each of these groups was further subdivided into subgroups that received various dosages of each of the herbal products. The rats were acclimatized for 14 days after which they received different doses of each of the herbal products for 6 weeks. The body weight, feed intake, and modulation in liver enzymes were evaluated. The feed intake and body weights were reduced in animals that received T. angelica herbal tonic and Yoyo cleansing bitters at twice the normal dose once and twice daily, but the reverse was the case for the rats that received Bio-Strath elixir even at higher doses. The liver enzymes were increased at all doses in rats which were given Bio-Strath elixir but it was not significant (P > 0.05), while those of Yoyo bitters and T. angelica herbal tonic were significantly increased (P < 0.05), especially at higher doses. From our study results it was suggested that a higher dose than the manufacturer’s recommended dose taken for a longer duration can elevate liver enzyme, thus causing abnormal liver function.

Comparative evaluation of cytomorphological studies on 27 accessions of “Indian Ginseng” Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal from North India

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. (Solanaceae) is a highly valued and one of the most extensively used herbal tonic, health food in Ayurvedas and is considered as “Indian Ginseng”. The objective of the present study was to investigate the cytomorphological variations of germplasm from different study areas of North India. Among 27 collected and studied accessions, two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x = 24) and tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48) at anaphase were found; the tetraploid cytotypes showed highly abnormal microsporogenesis i.e. (cytomixis, bridges and laggards). Interestingly, diploid cytotypes (2n = 2x = 24) were meiotically normal with equal distribution of chromosomes at A-I, normal microsporogenesis and high pollen fertility. Numbers of morphotypes were further identified on the basis of morphometric analysis within the tetraploid cytotypes. The present study is aimed at identification of accessions of wild populations and their distribution in North India linking the phenotypic variability with the cytological relatedness of accessions. Even though the genus is medicinally so important, it has failed to attract the attention of the researchers regarding the comparative study of both cytomorphological parameters on different populations of W. somnifera from North India. Therefore, as a part of our investigation i.e. exploration of cytomorphological diversity and chemical characterization of selected medicinal plants from North India, this research communication is a pioneer attempt to provide first record about the cytomorphological status comprises with cytological abnormalities based on 27 different populations of W. somnifera, a naturally grown medicinally important plant species from different regions of North India, which were previously undescribed in different populations of this species from study areas.

Elemental composition of Cyrtanthus obliquus and Lippia javanica used in South African herbal tonic, Imbiza

Imbiza is a herbal tonic, which has gained popularity amongst South Africans as an immune booster and for the treatment of many minor and chronic illnesses. Main ingredients of Imbiza are extracts from two medicinal plants namely Cyrtanthus obliquus and Lippia javanica. The concentrations of various elements in these two plants are examined. The total and water extractable elemental concentrations were determined in both the plants. The elemental concentrations in the water extracts more closely represent concentrations in the herbal tonic. Concentrations of selected elements in C. obliquus bulbs collected from eight market sites around the KwaZulu-Natal province were investigated. The levels of the elements in decreasing order were Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu≈Se>Pb>Cr for total concentrations; and Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn for water extractable forms. Elemental levels in C. obliquus bulbs were dependent on the source, which suggested the importance of collection sites on elemental levels. A high percentage of Zn (77.5–91.5%) was found in water extracts.The levels of selected elements in L. javanica leaves collected from ten different locations around the KwaZulu-Natal province were also investigated. The levels of the elements were found to be in the decreasing order of Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Se>Cr>Pb>Co>Cd for total concentrations and Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Cu>Cr>Pb for water extractable forms. It was evident from the study that the herbal tonic was a good source of Ca and Mg, thus accredited as a viable immune booster and toxic metals were below the recommended levels in the investigated samples.

Grommune: Morinda citrifolia-based herbal tonic for growth and immunity for commercial broilers

A herbal tonic (Grommune) was prepared from Morinda citrifolia fruit juice and fed to the broilers at various levels viz., 5 ml, 10 ml and 15 ml, and one group was kept as control. The result revealed that highest body weight (3.06 ± 0.10 kg) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR; 2.53) were recorded in the group fed with 15 ml of tonic as compared to the other groups though it was not significantly higher. The humoral immune response revealed significantly higher titre values with increase in level of tonic supplementation. The result indicated that feeding of herbal tonic at the dosage of 15 ml per bird up to 4 weeks and 30 ml per bird up to 8th week of age improved the body weight, FCR and immune competency status of broilers.

Knowledge of life: health, strength and labour in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The article examines the production of new modes of calculation, calibration and measurement of bodies at work in the timber plantations of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa — modes that echo older, diverse technologies of self and health while producing new ways of talking about the body and its social context. I describe two sets of substances that augment wellbeing for those who work the plantations, one in the form of a nutrition intervention and the other a class of popular curatives that operate in the registers of traditional medicine, vitamin supplement, and herbal tonic. I track the concepts and techniques of measurement, calibration and intervention in this locale in order to understand how they employ and generate ideas about culture, history, and wellbeing to produce new populations available for labour — as timber plantation labourers and as compliant HIV surveillance subjects.

An ursolic acid-enriched extract of Cynomorium songaricum protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats possibly through a mitochondrial pathway: A comparison with ursolic acid

Cynomorium songaricum, which is an herbal tonic for treating impotence in Chinese medicine, serves as a popular health-promoting or invigorating food in China, particularly in the Inner Mongolia Province. Recent studies have shown that HCY2, an active fraction of C. songaricum, and its major ingredient ursolic acid (UA), protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of HCY2 or UA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. The results indicated that HCY2 pretreatment protected against CCl4 hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by the significant inhibition of plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferases activities as well as decreases in plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, respectively. The hepatoprotection and nephroprotection were associated with the improvement in mitochondrial functional ability, as assessed by the measurement of ATP generation capacity, as well as the enhancement in glutathione redox status, possibly through the induction of mitochondrial uncoupling in rat liver and kidney tissues. However, UA pretreatment at doses equivalent to those of HCY2 was found to protect against CCl4 hepatotoxicity but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. The discrepancy between HCY2 and UA may be related to the bioavailability of UA to kidney tissue in rats.

ANALYSES OF THE EFFECTS OF SWEDISH BITTERS ON SELECTED METABOLIC PROFILES

®is a tra ditional herbal tonic th at has detoxification potential and has been claimed to contribute to weight loss and normal functioning of body organs. In this study Swedish Bitters was analyzed for its phytochemical, proximate and antioxidant constituents as wel l as a measurement of the effects of daily administration of 3.5 ml of the extract to rats for three weeks on tissues and organs of rats in vivo. The presence of Phenol and Tannins at levels of 418.61 and 817.27 µg GAE / mg respectively were obtained. The antioxidant assay of the extract showed that it had its highest level of DPPH radical scavenging activity (22.6 %) at 100 % and total reducing antioxidant power was highest (0.87) at 25 %. The proximate analysis of the extract showed that the moisture cont ent was the highest at 80 %. There was a noted reduction in blood cholesterol levels and an increase in the level of triglycerides relative to the control. The antioxidant enzyme assays which were carried out on the sera of the rats showed that there was a reduction in the levels of SOD and CAT in the test group compared to the control. There was also a slight decrease in the level of GSH in the test group compared to the co ntrol, while the level of MDA in the test group increased when compared with the con trol which suggests increased levels of lipid peroxidation. However these results were not statistically significant. The results obtained from the liver function test s did not suggest any form of damage caused by the administration. There was also no stat istical difference in the blood glucose levels of the treated rats relative to the control. From the study, it can be concluded that short - term administration of Swedish

Wonders of Leafy Spices: Medicinal Properties Ensuring Human Health

Background: Leafy spices include coriander, fenugreek, curryleaf, bayleaf, basil, mint, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, etc. As fresh and/or with value addition, they not only impart diverse flavors, colors and tastes to foods, but also offer a host of powerful phytonutrients which enhance health and well-being. Though many researchers found wonderful medicinal properties of leafy spices contributing towards human health, literature is almost scanty on a comprehensive review attributing the spicy wonders. This review will highlight such spicy wonders, in detail. Results: Coriander contains carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin A and C including energy. It aids in digestion, reduces flatulence, improves appetite, helps relieving spasms. Fenugreek leaves are enriched with Calcium, Iron, vitamin C and K, energy and protein. Curry leaves, also rich in minerals and vitamins, used as herbal tonic, prevents hair loss, aids in eye disorders and prevents diabetes, skin problems. Bay leaf, containing polyphenols and antioxidants, can prevent infections, diabetes and skin diseases. Mint is rich in vitamins and minerals and having anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects. The essential oil of thyme consists of 20-54% antiseptic thymol, which is the main ingredient of mouthwashes and medicated bandages. Marjoram is used to relief from indigestion, asthma, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, colds, coughs and nervous disorders. Rosemary, extremely high in iron, calcium and vitamin B is believed to improve 6 memory. Conclusion: It may be concluded that herbs and medicinal plants are rich sources of beneficial compounds including antioxidants and functional foods. Comprehensive research is necessary to process plant materials into medicine.

Palliative Treatment of Advanced Cervical Cancer with Radiotherapy and Thai Herbal Medicine as Supportive Remedy - Analysis of Survival

To evaluate outcomes using a Thai herbal medicine, Vilac Plus (G716/45) with standard radiotherapy in comparison with historic controls from literature reports of the results of treatment in stage IIIB cervical cancer. Between March 2003 and June 2005, thirty patients with advanced cervical cancer stage IIIB-IV who had a poor performance status were treated by palliative radiotherapy along with an adjuvant daily dose of 15-30 ml of Thai herbal tonic solution (Vilac Plus G716/45) administered orally three times after meals as an additional supportive therapy. The results were analyzed from the aspect of the overall survival rates with curves estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The median follow -up time for stage IIIB was 4.2 years with a range of 7.9 months - 6.1 years. The overall 1, 3, and 5 year survival rates for stage IIIB were 88%, 60% and 52%. The overall 5 year survival rate for stage IIIB with a poor performance status was 52% when compared with 34-54.8% for historic controls. The combined complementary palliative radiotherapy (CCPR) had low rates of radiation morbidity. It was a simple technique and feasible for developing countries. The pilot study was limited by the small number of patients and further research will be necessary to assess interrelated and confounding factors in treatment of cervical cancer patients.

RP-HPLC-DAD DETERMINATION OF SIX TRITERPENES IN A HERBAL TONIC HOELEN

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector method was newly developed and validated to simultaneously determine the content of six bioactive triterpenes, including 3-epi-dehydrotumulosic acid, dehydropachymic acid, dehydrotumulosic acid, pachymic acid, polyporenic acid C, and tumulosic acid, in the raw material of a herbal tonic Hoelen. The determination was performed on a Thermo ODS Hypersil column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) kept at 35°C during the elution. The mixture composed of acetonitrile and water containing 0.05% H3PO4 (v/v) was used as mobile phase under gradient elution, which was driven at a constant flow rate of 1.0 mL/min throughout the analysis. In addition, in order to monitor all the triterpenes in a single run, two wavelengths (210 nm for tumulosic acid and pachymic acid, 243 nm for the others) were selected. Last, the developed method was validated for linearity, range, limit of detection, precision, stability of sample solution, as well as accuracy and reproducibility. The established method could be used for routine analysis of the triterpenes in Hoelen and to assist in quality control of the tonic.

Dual functions of ginsenosides in protecting human endothelial cells against influenza H9N2-induced inflammation and apoptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevancePanax ginseng is a precious traditional Chinese herbal medicine which has been utilized as herbal tonic for improving immunity. The active component, ginsenosides have been shown to possess various pharmacological functions including immunomodulation and cardiovascular protection. Aim of the studyTo investigate the immunomodulatory effect and anti-apoptotic effect of ginsenosides on avian influenza-infected human endothelial cells, and to present evidence for the cardiovascular protection by ginseng during influenza infection. Materials and methodsHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were infected with avian influenza H9N2/G1 to induce IP-10 production and cell death, cells were then incubated with ginsenosides PPT and Re. The level of IP-10 and microRNA was determined by ELISA and real-time PCR respectively. Cell death was determined by MTT, TUNEL and flow cytometry. ResultsGinsenoside metabolite protopanaxatriol showed significant suppression effect on IP-10 production upon H9N2/G1 infection through up-regulation of miR-15b expression. In addition, ginsenoside-induced cytoprotection was reflected in the increase of cell viability. Data from flow cytometry analysis and TUNEL assay also showed that ginsenoside Re could protect ECs from H9N2/G1-induced apoptosis and DNA damage. ConclusionsThis report further supports the traditional belief for immunomodulatory effects of ginseng, also demonstrated the partial protective mechanism of ginsenosides on avian influenza infection and its related endothelial dysfunction.

Herbal Tonic Does Not Inhibit Estrogen Receptor Negative Mammary Tumor Development in a Transgenic Mouse Model

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer often self-administer complementary and alternative medicines to augment their conventional treatments, improve health, or prevent recurrence. Flor-Essence® herbal tonic is a complex mixture of eight herbal extracts used by cancer patients because of anecdotal evidence that it can treat or prevent disease. In this study four experimental groups of female MMTV-Neu mice were left untreated or treated with 3% Flor-Essence® in utero, from birth until 5 weeks of age, or throughout their lifetime. Palpable mammary tumor incidence and body weight was determined weekly for each group. The mice were sacrificed at 28 weeks of age and mammary tumors were enumerated to determine average tumor incidence and multiplicity for each group. Female mice exposed to Flor-Essence® herbal tonic in utero weighed significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). The average tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity in the experimental mice treated with Flor-Essence® herbal tonic did not differ from the control animals. Flor-Essence® does not inhibit mammary tumor incidence or mammary tumor multiplicity in MMTV-Neu transgenic mice. Flor-Essence® exposure in utero causes increased body weight in experimental animals. This conclusion challenges widely available anecdotal information as well as the hopes of the consumer that this product will inhibit or suppress tumor development.