N-butyl Alcohol Extract Research Articles

First Total Synthesis of Isopsoralenoside

Abstract: The first total synthesis of the natural product iopsoralenoside, isolated from the n-butyl alcohol extract of Fructus Psoraleae (FP), was achieved in 17% yield over 7 steps. The key steps of the process were glycosylation and irradiation promoted by ultraviolet light. This synthesis provided a sufficient amount of synthesized trans- and cis-isopsoralenoside for further bioassays.

Two new triterpenoid-chromone hybrids from the rhizomes of Actaea cimicifuga L. (syn. Cimicifuga foetida L.) and their cytotoxic activities

Two new triterpenoid-chromone hybrids, cimitriteromones H (1) and I (2), along with two known analogues (3, 4) were isolated from the phytochemical research on the n-butyl alcohol extracts of Actaea cimicifuga rhizomes. The new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic experiments and chemical method. The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds were tested on A-549/Taxol cell line. Cimitriteromone I (2) showed cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 27.14 ± 1.38 μM comparable to positive control group cisplatin (IC50 value of 25.80 ± 1.15 μM).

Antitumor and immunoregulation effects and mechanism of n-butanol fraction from Zanthoxylum avicennae in H22 mice

Background: The aim of this study was to study the antitumor and immunomodulatory effects and its mechanism of the n-butyl alcohol extract of the ethanol extracts in Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC. for the mice with liver cancer H22. Materials and Methods: To inoculate H22 tumor plant to the mice and establish three different animal models of liver cancer solid tumor ascitic tumor and immunodeficiency in mice H22 and then divide the mice into six groups: blank group, model group, positive group (cyclophosphamide or astragalus polysaccharide), drug dosages group of high, medium, and lower (1.28 g/kg, 0.64 g/kg, 0.32 g/kg). After 2 weeks of intragastric administration, the content of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the blood serum of the mice with solid cancer and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, and IL-2 in the blood serum of the immunodeficiency mice were determined. At the same time, the indexes of liver, spleen, and thymus gland organs in solid tumor mice and immunodeficiency mice were determined, the life elongation rate of the mice with liver cancer H22 ascitic tumor was observed, and then the changing status of the tumor tissue by the method of HE dyeing was observed. Results: The contents of TNF-α and IL-2 in the serum of the high-dose group of the solid tumor model were obviously higher than the normal group, with very significant difference (P

A novel dimeric flavonol glycoside from Cynanchum acutum subsp. sibiricum

A novel dimeric flavonol glycoside, Cynanflavoside A (1), together with six analogues, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), and quercetin-3-O-galactoside (7) were isolated from the n-butyl alcohol extract of Cynanchum acutum subsp. sibiricum. Their structures were determined spectroscopically and compared with previously reported spectral data. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-complementary activity in vitro, and only compound 5 exhibited anti-complement effects with CH50 value of 0.33 mM.

Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling n-Butyl Alcohol Extract Inhibits AGS Cell Helicobacter pyloriCagA+VacA+ Promoted Invasiveness by Down-Regulating Caudal Type Homeobox Transcription Factor and Claudin-2 Expression.

To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of action of Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling n-Butyl alcohol extract (CWNAE) on repression of human gastric cancer (GC) AGS cell invasion induced by co-culturing with Helicobacter pylori (HP). AGS cells were cultured with HP of positive or negative cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin gene A (VacA) expression (CagA+/- or VacA+/-) and divided into 5 group. Group A was cultured without HP as a control, Group B with HPCagA+VacA+, Group C with HPCagA-VacA-, Group D with HPCagA+VacA+ and CWNAE, and Group E with HPCagA-VacA- and CWNAE. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and tumor invasion assays, examinations of morphology and ultramicroscopic structures, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blots were performed to measure the effects and uncover the mechanisms behind these effects of HPCagA+VacA+ and CWNAE on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of AGS cells. The 10% inhibitory concentration of CWNAE against AGS cells after a 48 h incubation was 19.73±1.30 μg/mL. More AGS cells were elongated after co-culturing with HPCagA+VacA+ than after culturing with HPCagA-VacA-. In tumor invasion assays, HPCagA+VacA+ significantly enhanced the invasiveness of AGS cells compared to the other experimental groups (all P value <0.05), and this effect was inhibited by CWNAE. Treatment with CWNAE normalized tight junctions and reduced the number of pseudopodia of AGS cells co-cultured with HPCagA+VacA+. HPCagA+VacA+ up-regulated zincfinger ebox binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in AGS cells after co-culturing for 24 h. Expression of caudal type homeobox transcription factor (CDX-2) and claudin-2 was significantly increased by HPCagA+VacA+ (P<0.05), but not by HPCagA-VacA-. HPCagA+VacA+ promoted the invasiveness of AGS cells through up-regulation of ZEB1 transcription and claudin-2 and CDX-2 expression. CWNAE inhibited these effects of HPCagA+VacA+ on AGS cells by down-regulating ZEB1 transcription, and CDX-2 and claudin-2 expression.

Litchi seed extracts diminish prostate cancer progression via induction of apoptosis and attenuation of EMT through Akt/GSK-3\u03b2 signaling

Litchi (Litchi chinensisSonnnerat, Sapindaceae), known as Chinese Cherry, is a subtropical fruit tree originating from southern China. Litchi seed extracts have diverse pharmacological effects, including anticancer. However, its anticancer effects and mechanisms on prostate cancer have not been determined. In this study, we used n-butyl alcohol extract of Litchi seed (NLS) to treat prostate cancer PC3, DU145, RM1 and C4-2B cells. NLS induced a significant decrease in cell viability and clonogenic growth in a dose-dependent manner. NLS induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle G1/S phase arrest by inactivating Akt signaling pathway, which were associated with activation of mitochondrial caspase-dependent apoptotic cascades, up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21 and p27, and inhibition of correlated cyclin/CDK network. In addition, NLS treatment significantly decreased cell migration and invasion via phenotypic inversion of EMT, correlated with increased expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and decreased expression of vimentin and snail, which is partially attributed to inhibiting Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Finally, PC3 xenograft nude mice treated with NLS in vivo showed a significant decrease in tumor size without toxicity. These findings suggest that NLS has potential for development into a safe and potent alternative therapy for prostate cancer patients.

The N-butyl alcohol extract from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers enhances healing potential on rat excisional wounds

Ethno-pharmacological relevanceHibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (HRS), a folk medicine named Zhujin in China, possess anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, low density lipoprotein oxidation prevention and macrophage death prevention effects. The leaves and red flowers of HRS have been traditionally used to treat with furuncle and ulceration. Aim of the studyTo investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of the N-butyl alcohol extract of HRS (NHRS) red flowers in wound healing by analyzing the collagen fiber deposition, angiogenic activity and macrophages action of the NHRS. Materials and methodsIn an excisional wound healing model in rats, different concentrations of NHRS, or recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF), were respectively applied twice daily for 9 days. Histopathology was assessed on day 9 via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining, and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and CD68. Immunomodulation by NHRS was evaluated by a carbon clearance test in mice. ResultsWound healing post-surgery was greater in the rbFGF-control, NHRS-M and MHRS-H groups than in the model and 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-control groups after the third day. By the sixth day the wound contraction of NHRS-M and MHRS-H groups was much higher than the rbFGF-control group. HE and MT staining revealed that epithelialization, fibroblast distribution, collagen deposition of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than the model group. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed more intense staining of VEGF, TGF-β1 and CD68 in the rbFGF- and NHRS-control groups, compared to that in model and 5% DMSO-control groups. The clearance and phagocytic indices of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than that of the carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) group in mice. ConclusionNHRS accelerates wound repair via enhancing the macrophages activity, accelerating angiogenesis and collagen fiber deposition response mediated by VEGF and TGF-β1.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antifungal, Antimicrobial Activities and Application of Eichhornia crassipes Against Some Plant Pathogens

ABSTRACT Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an oceanic macrophyte and one of the worst sea-going weeds in the world and Egypt. The grouping of substantial metals in water hyacinth was higher in roots than in shoots. Nutrient content e.g. ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate was higher in the shoots of water hyacinth. Water hyacinth is a wellspring of phytochemicals which have a medicinal function. In this study, the high degree of peroxidation and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems were detected in leaf extracts. The chemical analysis of the leaf extracts was performed using acetone, ethanol, methanol and n-Butyl alcohol. The fractionated extracts showed the presence of some medicine compounds that include phenols, protein, alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrate, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids. The fractionated extracts were screened for antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The leaf extracts of E. crassipes exhibited antimicrobial activities against some bacteria: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus casei and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and antifungal activity against six pathogenic fungi i.e. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Candida albicans, and Fusarium solani by using the well diffusion method. Streptomycin and Fluconazole were used as a standard as antimicrobial and antifungal agents, respectively. B. subtilis, F. solani, C. gloeosporioides and A. alternata were the most susceptible to plant extracts. The most effective antifungal and antimicrobial agent against some plant pathogens was the n-Butyl alcohol extract. Also, it reduced the production of mycotoxin e.g. Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. The application of the formulation of the plant extract of E. crassipes protected wheat plants against net blotch diseases. The results indicated that the leaf extractsof E. crassipes have potential as biofungicides and can be used in the industry.

Antioxidant activity against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity of the ethanol extract and compounds from Pyrola decorate leaves

Context: The leaves of Pyrola decorate H. Andr (Pyrolaceae), known as Luxiancao, have long been used for treating kidney deficiency, gastric haemorrhage and rheumatic arthritic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Objective: The phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in vitro of P. decorate leaves were investigated. Materials and methods: Ethanol, petroleum ether, acetidin, n-butyl alcohol and aqueous extracts of Pyrola decorate leaves were prepared by solvent sequential process, and then isolated and purified to obtain phytochemicals. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. PC12 cells were pretreated for 24 h with different extractions of P. decorate leaves at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mg/mL, then H2O2 of 0.4 mM was added in all samples for an additional 2 h. The antioxidant capacities of betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were determined in PC12 cells against H2O2 induced cytotoxicity in vitro as well. Results: Nine compounds (1–9) were isolated and structurally determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR analyses. Ethanol extract treated groups showed inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 10.83 mg/mL. Betulin, ursolic acid and monotropein were isolated from P. decorate, and demonstrated with IC50 values of 6.88, 6.15 and 6.13 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, Pyrola decorate is a potential antioxidative natural plant and worth testing for further pharmacological investigation in the treatment of oxidative stress related neurological disease.

A new oleanolic-type triterpene glycoside from Anchusa italica

A new oleanolic-type triterpene glycoside, (3β,21β)-21-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (1), together with five analogues, oleanazuroside 1 (2), oleanazuroside 2 (3), 24-hydroxytormentic acid ester glucoside (4), 24-epi-pinfaensin (5), and oleanolic acid 3-O-α-l-arabinoside (6) were isolated from the n-butyl alcohol extract of Anchusa italica. Their structures were determined spectroscopically and compared with previously reported spectral data. Compounds 3–4 and 6 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines, but only compound 6 showed moderate cytotoxicity.

EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF Aster tataricus L. F.

Background:Aster tataricus L. f. is used as a traditional Chinese drug to relieve cough and asthma symptoms and to eliminate phlegm. However, Aster tataricus L. f. possesses toxicity, and little systematic research has been conducted on its toxic effects in the laboratory.Methods and Materials:The acute group was administered 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f. in a single dose. A subchronic toxicity study was performed via daily oral administration of Aster tataricus L. f. at a dose of 0.34 g/kg body weight in SD rats. The rats were divided into six groups: a petroleum ether extract (PEA) group, an ethyl acetate extract (EEA) group, an n-butyl alcohol extract (NEA) group, a remaining lower aqueous phases (REA) group, a 75% alcohol extract (AEA) group and a control group. Quantitative measurements of cytokines were obtained by fluorescence with a laser scanner using a Cy3 equivalent dye.Results:The LD50 of the 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f. was 15.74 g/kg bw. In the subchronic toxicity study, no significant differences were observed among groups in relative organ weights, urine traits, liver antioxidase levels, or cytokine levels. However, significant sporadic differences were observed in body weight gains, haematology indices, biochemistry values, and histopathology features in PEA, EEA group. In addition, sporadic changes in other groups in measures such as WBC, MCHC, CK, ALP, AST, ALT, LDH, T-BIL, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC were observed.Conclusion:The toxicity study showed that Aster tataricus L. f. can produce toxic effects, mainly on the liver; much less on the heart. The LD50 was 15.74 g/kg BW in mice, and the subchronic toxicity study, used a dosage of 0.34 g/kg/d.BW, showed that the toxic components of Aster tataricus L. f. were mainly concentrated in the petroleum ether fraction, followed by the ethyl acetate fraction, the n-butyl alcohol fraction, the lower aqueous phase and the 75% ethanol extracts.Abbreviations: PEA, petroleum ether extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; EEA, ethyl acetate extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; NEA: n-butyl alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; REA: lower aqueous phases of Aster tataricus L. f.; AEA, 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; WBC, white blood cell; RBC, red blood cell, PLT, platelet; HCT, haematocrit; MCV, mean corpuscular volume; HGB, haemoglobin; MCH, mean corpuscular haemoglobin; MCHC, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; CREA, creatinine; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; T-BIL, total bilirubin; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; TP, total protein; ALB, albumin; Glu, glucose; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; CK, creatine kinase; GSH, Glutathione; MDA, malondialdehyde; T-SOD, total superoxide dismutase; TNF, tumour necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; MCP, monocyte chemotactic protein C.

Protective effect of n-butyl alcohol extracts from Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae (RPP) has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of various neurological related diseases. However, the mechanisms have not been fully clarified yet. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of RPP against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats models, and more importantly, to explore the underlying mechanism. Materials and methodsCerebral ischemia and reperfusion was established through the classic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2h, followed by 24h reperfusion. Rats were orally given different doses of n-butyl alcohol extracts (NBES) of RPP or saline for one week before induction of ischemia. Neurological defect scoring, cerebral infarct volume, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory reaction and nerve cell apoptosis were then estimated. ResultsIt showed that NBES could alleviate in a dose-dependent manner neurological deficit and reduce the infarct volume in vivo. The protective effects of NBES were associated with increased Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. In addition, ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis was inhibited by NBES pretreatment, and western blot showed NBES upregulated expressions of B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) expression. ConclusionNBES prevent cerebral I/R injury by alleviating neuronal oxidative injury, inflammatory reaction and neuron apoptosis. The research for the traditional use of RPP provided certain theoretical basis.

The Inhibitory Effects of Yixing Black Tea Extracts on A-Glucosidase

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors play a key role in regulating the body's metabolic processes and are commonly used for the treatment of type II diabetes. This study investigated the effects of various extracts from black tea on α-glucosidase. The black tea extracts strongly inhibited α-glucosidase activity. The half inhibition rate (IC50) of ethyl acetate extract (EAE), n-butyl alcohol extract (NBAE) and water extract (WE) produced by ethanol extraction were 3.89, 2.92 and 78.28 μg/mL, respectively, and the IC50 values of the extracts produced by water extraction were 8.19, 4.50 and 6.98 μg/mL. These extracts had much better inhibitory effects than acarbose (IC50 = 1.04 mg/mL). The inhibitory kinetics of the EAE and NBAE from ethanol extraction and WE from water extraction on α-glucosidase were also studied. The results showed that NBAE had a noncompetitive inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase whereas EAE and WE had a mixed inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase. Practical Applications Tea has been widely consumed in China as a kind of traditional drink, and tea has many beneficial health functions, however, the application of tea products in the treatment of diseases is not widely used. The results showed that the extracts of Yixing black tea have a strong inhibition on α-glucosidase, more effective than acarbose, without side effects. Therefore, the extracts of Yixing black tea maybe developed as functional food additives in dietary therapy or a potential therapeutic agent in controlling and preventing type II diabetes.

Cortex Phellodendri Extract Relaxes Mouse Airway Smooth Muscle

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. Excessive airway obstruction is a cardinal symptom, which results from the contraction of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). It has been reported that berberine, an active ingredient of Cortex Phellodendri extract (CPE), can induce ASMC relaxation. However, we found that non-berberine component of CPE (a n-butyl alcohol extract of Cortex Phellodendri, NBAECP) has also a similar relaxant effect observed in tracheal rings and lung slices. NBAECP completely inhibited precontraction induced by high K+ and ACh in a concentration-dependent manner. The precontraction induced by the former was also inhibited by nifedipine, and which induced by the latter was partially reduced by nifedipine (VDCC inhibitor) and pyrazole 3 (NSCC inhibitor). These results indicate that NBAECP can relax ASMCs via inhibiting VDCC and NSCC and imply that NBAECP might be a potential new drug for asthma therapy.Key words: Cortex Phellodendri; asthma, airway smooth muscle

Cortex phellodendri Extract Relaxes Airway Smooth Muscle.

Cortex phellodendri is used to reduce fever and remove dampness and toxin. Berberine is an active ingredient of C. phellodendri. Berberine from Argemone ochroleuca can relax airway smooth muscle (ASM); however, whether the nonberberine component of C. phellodendri has similar relaxant action was unclear. An n-butyl alcohol extract of C. phellodendri (NBAECP, nonberberine component) was prepared, which completely inhibits high K+- and acetylcholine- (ACH-) induced precontraction of airway smooth muscle in tracheal rings and lung slices from control and asthmatic mice, respectively. The contraction induced by high K+ was also blocked by nifedipine, a selective blocker of L-type Ca2+ channels. The ACH-induced contraction was partially inhibited by nifedipine and pyrazole 3, an inhibitor of TRPC3 and STIM/Orai channels. Taken together, our data demonstrate that NBAECP can relax ASM by inhibiting L-type Ca2+ channels and TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai channels, suggesting that NBAECP could be developed to a new drug for relieving bronchospasm.

Gynura procumbens Reverses Acute and Chronic Ethanol-Induced Liver Steatosis through MAPK/SREBP-1c-Dependent and -Independent Pathways.

The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of Gynura procumbens on acute and chronic ethanol-induced liver injuries. Ethanol extract from G. procumbens stems (EEGS) attenuated acute ethanol-induced serum alanine aminotransferase levels and hepatic lipid accumulation. Therefore, EEGS was successively extracted by petroleum, ethyl acetate, and n-butyl alcohol. The results showed that the n-butyl alcohol extract was the active fraction of EEGS, and hence it was further fractionated on a polyamide glass column. The 60% ethanol-eluted fraction that contained 13.6% chlorogenic acid was the most active fraction, and its effect was further evaluated using a chronic model. Both the n-butyl alcohol extract and the 60% ethanol-eluted fraction inhibited chronic ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by modulating lipid metabolism-related regulators through MAPK/SREBP-1c-dependent and -independent signaling pathways and ameliorated liver steatosis. Our findings suggest that EEGS and one of its active ingredients, chlorogenic acid, may be developed as potential effective agents for ethanol-induced liver injury.

Antibacterial effect of different extracts from Wikstroemia indica on Escherichia coli based on microcalorimetry coupled with agar dilution method

The root of Wikstroemia indica has been widely used in China as folk medicine for the treatment for arthritis, whooping cough, cancer, and bacillosis. However, the constituents which have antibacterial activity were not clarified yet. In this study, the antibacterial effect of five extracts from W. indica on Escherichia coli was evaluated by microcalorimetry coupled with agar dilution method. The ethanol extract of W. indica was isolated with organic solvents of different polarities including petroleum (P.E.) extract, chloroform (CHCl3) extract, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract, n-butylalcohol (nBuOH) extract, and residue extract. The metabolic profiles of E. coli growth at 37 °C were measured by microcalorimetry. According to the principal component analysis, k1, k2, and P1 were obtained from heat flow power–time (HFP–time) curve. The agar dilution method was performed to verify the results of thermodynamics. The results of microcalorimetric experiment indicated that EtOAc fraction demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity with half-inhibitory concentration of 92.4 μg mL−1. Meanwhile, similar results were gained from the common method of agar diffusion, which suggested that EtOAc extract could be further developed as antibacterial bioactive fraction of W. indica. Altogether, microcalorimetry is a useful technique to provide sufficient quantitative information and evaluate the antimicrobial effect with its sensitive.

Protection of rats from thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis by the extracts of a traditional Uighur medicine Cichorium glandulosum.

To clarify the protective effects of Cichorium glandulosum (CG) extracts on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced rat hepatic fibrosis. The dry roots of CG were smashed and percolated with 95% ethanol, and the residual was prepared into petroleum ether extract (CG-V), ethyl acetate extract (CG-VI) and n-butyl alcohol extract (CG-VII). Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a CG-V group (15 mg/kg), a CG-VI group (3 mg/kg), a CG-VII group (6 mg/kg) and a positive drug group (silibinin capsule, 8 mg/kg). Organ indices and serum levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminases of intragastrically administered rats were obtained. Expressions of FN, Smad3, IGFBPrP1 and TGF-β1 genes were detected by Western Blot and immunohistochemical assays. Apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assay. Hepatic fibrosis of treatment groups was evidently mitigated. Expressions of FN, Smad3 and TGF-β1 in administration groups were higher than those in normal group, and moreover were significantly higher in CG-V and CG-VII groups than those of model group. Apoptotic index of model group was significantly higher than that of normal group, but indices of CG-V and CG-VII groups were significantly lower than that of model group. Significantly more FN, Smad3 and IGFBPrP1 were expressed in treatment groups than those in normal group. CG extracts may function by altering TGF-β/Smads signal transduction pathway.

Two new cyclopeptides from the co-culture broth of two marine mangrove fungi and their antifungal activity.

Background:The strategy that co-cultivation two microorganisms in a single confined environment were recently developed to generate new active natural products. In the study, two new cyclic tetrapeptides, cyclo (D-Pro-L-Tyr-L-Pro-L-Tyr) (1) and cyclo (Gly-L-Phe-L-Pro-L-Tyr) (2) were isolated from the co-culture broth of two mangrove fungi Phomopsis sp. K38 and Alternaria sp. E33. Their antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Rhzioctonia cerealis, Helminthosporium sativum and Fusarium graminearum was evaluated.Materials and Methods:Different column chromatographic techniques with different solvent systems were used to separate the constituents of the n-butyl alcohol extract of the culture broth. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data (one-dimensional, two-dimensional - nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry) and Marfey's analytic method. Dilution method was used for the evaluation of antifungal activity.Results:Compounds 1 and 2 were identified as cyclo (D-Pro-L-Tyr-L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo (Gly-L-Phe-L-Pro-L-Tyr), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate to high antifungal activities as compared with the positive control.Conclusions:Compounds 1 and 2 are new cyclopeptides with moderate antifungal activity being worthy of consideration for the development and research of antifungal agents.

Comparison on Antimicrobial Activity of Different Solvent Extracts from Aerial Stem and Rhizome of &lt;i&gt;Douttuynia cordata&lt;/i&gt;

The 95% of ethanol crude extract of aerial stem and rhizome of houttuynia cordata was sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol and water. Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the different extracts against Staphylococlus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Saccharomycetes were examined with filter paper method. And antimicrobial activity between aerial stem and rhizome was compared. The result showed that, among the extracts of aerial stem and rhizome of houttuynia cordata, with regard to antimicrobial activity, water extract was strongest against Staphylococlus aureus, and ethyl acetate extract was strongest against Escherichia coli, and n-butyl alcohol extract was strongest against Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomycetes, while each extract had no significant antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus niger. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of rhizome was stronger than that of the aerial stem.