Periostracum Cicadae Research Articles

Periostracum Cicadae exhibits immunosuppressive effects on dendritic cells and contact hypersensitivity responses

Ethnopharmacological relevancePeriostracum Cicadae (PC), the molted exoskeleton of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, is frequently employed in Chinese herbal medicine. Based on traditional therapies and pharmacological studies, PC appears to have immunomodulatory activity. However, the specific impact of PC on immunomodulation, particularly its effect on dendritic cells (DCs), remains unknown. DCs act professionally as antigen-presenting cells that trigger adaptive immune responses, making them critical for immunomodulation. Materials and methodsThe DCs derived from mouse bone marrow were used to examine the suppressive effect of PC extract on DC activation and maturation. The in vivo suppressive effect was evaluated using a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. The determination of the substances in the sample was performed by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. ResultsThe ethyl acetate extract of PC (PCEA) significantly decreased the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12, interleukin [IL]-6, as well as tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and surface markers CD80 and CD86 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated DCs. In the 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene-induced CHS mouse model, PCEA treatment dramatically attenuated the severity of symptoms. This was evidenced by the alleviation of ear swelling and a reduction in the count of infiltrating CD3+ T cells in the tested ears. In addition, N-acetyldopamine dimer and trimer were identified as major components. ConclusionThis study is the first to show that components derived from PCEA inhibit the activation and maturation of DCs as well as CHS responses, indicating they have the potential for treating delayed-type hypersensitivity or DC-related immune disorders.

Periostracum Cicadae Extract and N-Acetyldopamine Regulate the Sleep-Related Neurotransmitters in PCPA-Induced Insomnia Rats.

Insomnia is the second most prevalent mental illness worldwide. Periostracum cicadae (PC), as an animal traditional Chinese medicine with rich pharmacological effects, has been documented as a treatment for children's night cries, and later extended to treat insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PC extract and N-acetyldopamine compounds in ameliorating insomnia. The UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis determined that PC extract mainly contained N-acetyldopamine components. Previously, we also isolated some acetyldopamine polymers from PC extract, among which acetyldopamine dimer A (NADA) was present in high content. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated that NADA could form stable complexes with 5-HT1A, BDNF, and D2R proteins, respectively. The effects of PC extract and NADA on insomnia were evaluated in the PCPA-induced insomnia model. The results indicated that PC extract and NADA could effectively ameliorate hypothalamic pathology of insomnia rats, increase the levels of 5-HT, GABA, and BDNF, and decrease the levels of DA, DOPAC, and HVA. Meanwhile, the PC extract and NADA also could significantly affect the expression of 5-HT1A, BDNF, and DARPP-32 proteins. This study proved that PC extract and acetyldopamine dimer A could effectively improve PCPA-induced insomnia in rats. It is speculated that the main pharmacological substances of PC were acetyldopamine components.

Dimeric N-Acetyldopamine Derivatives Featuring a Seco-Benzene System from the Insects Aspongopus chinensis and Periostracum cicadae.

Aspongamide F (1), a novel N-acetyldopamine (NADA) dimer possessing a 6/6/6 ring system, and (±)-aspongamides G (2) and H (3), rare NADA derivatives with fragmented benzene rings, were isolated from Aspongopus chinensis. (±)-Cicadamides C (4) and D (5), the first 1,4-Benzodioxane NADA dimers featuring a seco-benzene system, and (±)-cicadamides E (6) and F (7), the NADA dimers derivatives, were isolated from Periostracum cicadae. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1-5 was proposed. The biological assay revealed that (+)-4 and (-)-4 exhibit renal protection in a dose-dependent manner.

Effects of Shengjiangsan, white silkworm and Periostracum cicadae on cytokines in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP, also named IgA vasculitis) is a common childhood vascular disease, which is characterized by immunoglobulin A (IgA deposition) in small blood vessels; HSP causes kidney involvement to develop Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). However, the exact pathogenesis of HSPN is not fully understood, and it is still necessary to explorer new drugs for the treatment of HSPN. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbon tetrachloride (ClC4) were used to induce IgAN in rat, and the blood stasis and heat syndrome model was established concurrently, and was combined to establish the HSPN model. The therapeutic effects of different doses of Shengjiangsan (5, 10, 20 g/kg), white silkworm (1, 2, 4 g/kg), and Periostracum cicadae (0.5, 1, 2 g/kg) on HSPN model rats were studied, then 24 h urine was collected and blood from the abdominal aorta was taken to detect the protein changes in urine and blood. Immunofluorescence staining was used assess to IgA deposition in glomeruli. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS), immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in kidney tissues. In addition, Western blotting was used to detect the changes in the expression levels of IgA, TNF-α, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In the results, Shengjiangsan, white silkworm, and Periostracum cicadae could significantly reduce the levels of urine protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (CREA) in HSPN rats. Serum levels of IgA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the treatment groups. The treatment group can effectively improve renal tissue inflammation and mesangial hyperplasia. The accumulation of IgA protein in renal tissue was significantly reduced in the treatment group. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, TLR4, and IgA were significantly reduced and responded in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) decreased in kidney tissues in the treatment groups. In conclusion, Shengjiangsan, white silkworm, and Periostracum cicadae could improve HSPN in rats by reducing renal inflammation and fibrosis, and the therapeutic effects of white silkworm and Periostracum cicadae were slightly better than Shengjiangsan.

(±)-Cryptamides A-D, Four Pairs of Novel Dopamine Enantiomer Trimers from the Periostracum Cicadae.

Four pairs of novel dopamine enantiomer trimers, (±)-cryptamides A–D (1–4), and 10 pairs of previously described dopamine enantiomer dimers (5–14) were isolated from the Periostracum cicadae, the cast-off shell of the insect Cryptotympana pustulata. Aside from being pairs of enantiomers, the eight trimers were also elucidated to be regioisomers, most likely resulting from their mechanism of formation, [4 + 2] cycloaddition. The discovery of dopamine trimers is rarely reported when it comes to natural products derived from insects.

Analysis of Medication Rule of Primary Epilepsy Based on Xiaocheng Yan's Clinical Experience Collection of Epilepsy.

Objective To explore and analyze the medication rule of Professor Xiaocheng Yan in the treatment of primary epilepsy, hoping to provide reference for the clinical treatment of primary epilepsy. Methods Mining and analysis of Professor Xiaocheng Yan sorted out the medical cases of primary epilepsy in Xiaocheng Yan's clinical experience collection of epilepsy, extracted the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription data in the medical cases, standardized the obtained TCM prescription data, and used the data mining function integrated by the ancient and modern medical case cloud platform V2.3.5 to carry out frequency statistics, cluster analysis, association analysis, and complex network analysis on the TCM data, and the common herbs used by Professor Xiaocheng Yan in the treatment of primary epilepsy, properties and classifications of commonly used herbs, pairs of commonly used herbs, and core prescriptions were obtained. Results A total of 39 cases, 228 medical records, and 230 prescriptions data of TCM were included. A total of 96 Chinese medicinal herbs were involved, and the total frequency of medication was 3,828. High-frequency herbs include Rhizoma Gastrodiae (Tianma) (222 times), Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis (Gouteng) (220 times), Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (Shichangpu) (216 times), Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum (Fabanxia) (207 times), Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan) (206 times), and Periostracum Cicadae (Chantui) (181 times). The main properties and flavors of commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs were sweet, bitter, and pungent, which were mainly attributed to the four meridians of liver, lung, heart, and spleen. Commonly used couplet herbs were {Periostracum Cicadae (Chantui)} ≥ {Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan)}, {Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (Shichangpu)} ≥{ Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan)}, {Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu)} ≥ {Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin)}, {Rhizoma Gastrodiae (Tianma)} ≥ {Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis (Gouteng)}, {Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (Shichangpu)} ≥ {Periostracum Cicadae (Chantui)}, {Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis (Gouteng)} ≥ {Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan)}, {Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan)} ≥ {Rhizoma Gastrodiae (Tianma)}, {Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (Shichangpu)} ≥ {Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis (Gouteng)}, etc. The core prescription composition was based on the addition and subtraction of Tianma Gouteng decoction and Erchen decoction. The main pharmacological mechanisms of core prescriptions are mainly reflected in antioxidation, enhancing GABA efficacy, and regulating NMDA channel and sodium channel, neuroprotection, and so on. Conclusion Professor Xiaocheng Yan's medication for the treatment of primary epilepsy was based on the principle of relieving wind and spasm, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, giving consideration to both Qi and blood, and harmonizing liver, lung, heart, and spleen.

The Potential of Insects as Alternative Sources of Chitin: An Overview on the Chemical Method of Extraction from Various Sources.

Chitin, being the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, has been gaining popularity since its initial discovery by Braconot in 1811. However, fundamental knowledge and literature on chitin and its derivatives from insects are difficult to obtain. The most common and sought-after sources of chitin are shellfish (especially crustaceans) and other aquatic invertebrates. The amount of shellfish available is obviously restricted by the amount of food waste that is allowed; hence, it is a limited resource. Therefore, insects are the best choices since, out of 1.3 million species in the world, 900,000 are insects, making them the most abundant species in the world. In this review, a total of 82 samples from shellfish—crustaceans and mollusks (n = 46), insects (n = 23), and others (n = 13)—have been collected and studied for their chemical extraction of chitin and its derivatives. The aim of this paper is to review the extraction method of chitin and chitosan for a comparison of the optimal demineralization and deproteinization processes, with a consideration of insects as alternative sources of chitin. The methods employed in this review are based on comprehensive bibliographic research. Based on previous data, the chitin and chitosan contents of insects in past studies favorably compare and compete with those of commercial chitin and chitosan—for example, 45% in Bombyx eri, 36.6% in Periostracum cicadae (cicada sloughs), and 26.2% in Chyrysomya megacephala. Therefore, according to the data reported by previous researchers, demonstrating comparable yield values to those of crustacean chitin and the great interest in insects as alternative sources, efforts towards comprehensive knowledge in this field are relevant.

N-Acetyldopamine derivatives from Periostracum Cicadae and their regulatory activities on Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a 90% ethanol extract of Periostracum Cicadae led to the isolation of two new N-acetyldopamine dimers (1a/1b) along with six known dimers (2a/2b, 3a/3b, and 4a/4b) and two monomers (5a/5b); compounds 2a/2b, 4a/4b and 5a/5b were newly isolated from this material. All compounds were isolated as enantiomeric mixtures and each enantiomer was successfully separated by chiral-phase HPLC. The structures including absolute configurations were confirmed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS), 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, 1H iterative Full Spin Analysis (HiFSA), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Subsequently, the bioactivities of these isolates were evaluated via CD4+ T cell differentiations, which are critical for immune responses and inflammation. The results revealed that compound 5b was observed to enhance the IFN-γ+ Th1 differentiation, which may have a potential for cancer immunotherapy.

Cicadamides A and B, N-Acetyldopamine Dimers From the Insect Periostracum cicadae

Two new N-acetyldopamine dimers, cicadamides A (1) and B (2), and 8 known compounds were isolated from the medicinal insect Periostracum cicadae. Their structures including absolute configurations were assigned by spectroscopic and computational methods. Biological activities of compounds 1, (+)-2, and (–)-2 toward human cancer cells BGC-823, HepG2, and A549 were evaluated.

Effects of Periostracum Cicadae on Cytokines and Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins in an IgA Nephropathy Rat Model.

Periostracum cicadae, the cast-off shell of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diaphoretic, anticonvulsive, sedative, antipyretic, and antiallergic effects. However, the exact pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) remains unclear, thereby hindering investigations to identify novel therapeutic agents. A rat IgAN model was established by administration of bovine serum albumin, lipopolysaccharide, and carbon tetrachloride, which simultaneously established blood stasis and a heat syndrome model. The animals were sacrificed to detect changes in protein levels in urine and blood. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess IgA deposition in the glomeruli. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematology and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling), and immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate histopathological changes in kidney tissues. Additionally, target-related proteins were measured by Western blotting. Periostracum cicadae resulted in a reduction in blood and urine protein levels. Serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels significantly decreased in the periostracum cicadae-treated groups compared to the IgAN group. Furthermore, a reduction in MCP-1 (Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1), TLR4 ((Toll-Like Receptor 4)), and IgA expression levels and a dose-dependent increase in caspase 3 expression were observed in response to periostracum cicadae treatment. TGF-β1(Transforming Growth Factor-β) levels decreased, whereas that of Fas increased in the kidney tissues of the periostracum cicadae-treated groups. The findings of the present study indicate that periostracum cicadae induces apoptosis and improves kidney inflammation and fibrosis in IgA nephropathy rat models.

MODULATORY EFFECT OF PERIOSTRACUM CICADAE AND BETULAE CORTEX EXTRACTS ON THE ACTIVATION OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS-RELATED ION CHANNELS ORAI1 AND TRPV3

Background: The cast-off shells of Cryptotympana pustulata (Periostracum Cicadae, PC) and the bark of Betula
 platyphylla (Betulae Cortex, BC) are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of skin diseases. This study was
 conducted to investigate the regulatory effects of PC and BC extracts on the activation of the ion channels, calcium
 release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (ORAI1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V
 member 3 (TRPV3).
 Materials and Methods: Human HEK293T cells, co-overexpressing ORAI1/stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)
 or overexpressing TRPV3, were treated with PC or BC extracts at 0.1 mg/mL. The changes in ORAI1 and TRPV3
 activities were measured using a conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique.
 Results: PC and BC extracts significantly decreased ORAI1 activation in ORAI1-STIM1 co-overexpressing HEK293T
 cells and significantly increased TRPV3 activation in TRPV3 overexpressing cells, compared to that of 2-
 aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 100 μM), a known agonist of TRPV3.
 Conclusion: Our results suggest that PC and BC extracts have therapeutic potential to improve skin barrier
 abnormalities in atopic dermatitis via modulation of ORAI1 and TRPV3 activation.

Extract from Periostracum cicadae Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Ultraviolet B Irradiation on HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Periostracum cicadae is widely used for the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, pruritus, and itching. The current study sought to evaluate the effect of P. cicadae extract on ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and identify the mechanisms involved. Photodamage-protective activity of P. cicadae extracts against oxidative challenge was screened using HaCaT keratinocytes. P. cicadae extracts did not affect cell viability but decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The extract attenuates the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 in UVB-treated HaCaT cells. Also, P. cicadae abrogated UVB-induced activation of NF-κB, p53, and activator protein-1 (AP-1). The downmodulation of IL-6 by P. cicadae was inhibited by the p38 inhibitor (SB203580) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125). Moreover, the extract attenuated the expression of NF-κB and induced thrombomodulin in keratinocytes and thereby effectively downregulated inflammatory responses in the skin. The nuclear accumulation and expression of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) were increased by P. cicadae treatment. Furthermore, treatment with P. cicadae remarkably ameliorated the skin's structural damage induced by irradiation. This study demonstrates that P. cicadae may protect skin cells against oxidative insult by modulating ROS concentration, IL-6, MMPs generation, antioxidant enzymes activity, and cell signaling pathways.

Five new N-acetyldopamine dimers from Periostracum Cicadae

Periostracum Cicadae, the cast-off shell of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diaphoretic, anticonvulsive, sedative, antipyretic, and antiallergic effects. Five new N-acetyldopamine dimers were isolated from Periostracum Cicadae, and their structures were elucidated as (2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2′′-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane 3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), (2S,3R)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2′′-amino-1′′-hydroxylethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane (2), (2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-6-(N-acetyl-2′′-amino-1′′-hydroxylethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane (3), (2S,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-6-(N-acetyl-2′′-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane (4), and (2S,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2′′-aminoethylene)-1,4-benzodioxane (5) by analysis of one-dimensional NMR, two-dimensional NMR, mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, and chemical evidence. We showed that treatment with 2, 4, or 5at a concentration of 400μM significantly inhibited LPS-induced increases in NO content in RAW264.7 cells. Our results suggest that newly isolated compounds 2, 4, and 5 might mediate the biological effects of Periostracum Cicadae, and future in vivo studies will determine their therapeutic potential.

Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine use for children with allergic rhinitis: A nationwide population-based study

ObjectivesAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disorder in children, some of whom seek complementary treatments, including acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Little, however, is known about the treatment of pediatric AR with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). To characterize TCM use in pediatric AR, we conducted a nationwide population-based study. MethodsWe screened one million randomly sampled beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Program in Taiwan from 2002 to 2010 to identify children <18 years of age with newly diagnosed allergic rhinitis (ICD-9 code 477.9). The subjects were categorized according to their use of TCM. ResultsWe identified 97,401 children newly diagnosed with AR for inclusion in the study. Among these children, 63.11% (N=61,472) had used TCM. There were significantly more TCM users than non-users among school-age children and adolescents (P<0.001). Most (99.1%) pediatric TCM users received Chinese herbal remedies (99.1%); only 0.9% received acupuncture or manipulative therapies. Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang (Magnolia Flower Lung-Clearing Decoction) was the most frequently prescribed TCM formulation (23.44%), and the most commonly prescribed single herb was Chan-Tui (Periostracum cicadae; 13.78%). Regarding syndrome differentiation (ZHENG) according to TCM theory, prescriptions for the Cold Syndrome exceeded those for the Hot Syndrome throughout the year in Taiwan. ConclusionsWe found that approximately two-thirds of pediatric AR patients were prescribed TCM treatments in Taiwan. Further research is warranted to examine the efficacy and safety of TCM for pediatric AR patients.

N-Acetyldopamine derivatives from Periostracum Cicadae

Five new N-acetyldopamine (NADA) derivatives (1–5) and one known NADA quinone methide (6) were isolated from Periostracum Cicadae (the cast-off shell of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius), which is known as chantui in China and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat soreness of the throat, hoarseness, itching, and spasms. By combined analysis of one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, CD spectra, and chemical evidence, the structures of the isolated compounds were established as (R)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)acetamide (1), (1R,2R)-N-(1,2-diethoxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl)acetamide (2), (R)-N-(1-acetamido-2-ethoxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl)acetamide (3), (1R,2R)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-ethoxy-1-methoxyethyl)acetamide (4), (1S,2S)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-ethoxy-1-methoxyethyl)acetamide (5), and (R)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methoxyethyl)acetamide (6).

The History and Outlook of Animal Drugs Treating Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, and Haze Episode-induced Respiratory Diseases

Animal drugs have been historically applied in Chinese remedies for more than two thousands. It was reported that Chinese medical animals consisting of 1,590 species took up 12.5% of the total number of all TCM resources. Those animal drugs such as, earthworm, gecko, periostracum cicadae , and scorpios, of commonly used in China, are very remarkable and traditional for the treatment of asthma or chronic bronchitis. This review presents research advance of animal drugs possessing significant implications for the development of novel anti-asthma or chronic bronchitis drugs. The experimental studies and clinical efficacies against asthma and chronic bronchitis of animal drugs were summarized herein. Moreover, the potential utilization of animal drugs on inhibiting haze/fog induced respiratory diseases was also discussed

COMPARISON OF DRY ASHING, WET ASHING AND MICROWAVE DIGESTION FOR DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN PERIOSTRACUM SERPENTIS AND PERIOSTRACUM CICADAE BY ICP-AES

The work was to demonstrate a repaid, precise and accurate determination method for ten trace elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn) in periostracum serpentis (PS) and periostracum cicadae (PC) by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In order to evaluate the best digestion method, three different sample digestion methods including dry ashing, wet ashing and microwave digestion procedures were compared in this study. Method validation was carried out through the generation of calibration curves with multi-element standard solutions and a standard addition method by using standard reference material (GBW 07604-Poplar leaves). The results revealed the microwave digestion procedures were the best sample digestion method because of dry ashing and wet ashing procedures without any advantages in terms of digestion efficiency than the microwave digestion procedures. Trace element contents in PS and PC samples presented a wide variability from the test results, and ten trace element contents in PC were found to be higher than in PS. Determination of trace elements by ICP-AES after microwave digestion was more sensitive and precise, which can be used for quality control and analysis of pharmacological effect in various ecdyses of some animal samples.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of N-acetyldopamine dimers from Periostracum Cicadae

A known N-acetyldopamine dimer, (2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2″-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane (1) and a new N-acetyldopamine dimer, (2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2″-aminoethylene)-1,4-benzodioxane (2) were isolated from the methanolic extracts of Periostracum Cicadae. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the Cu2+-mediated, 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-mediated, and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN)-1-mediated LDL oxidation in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The antioxidant activities of 1 and 2 were tested with respect to other parameters, such as lag time of conjugated diene formation, relative electrophoretic mobility (REM), and apoB-100 fragmentation on copper-mediated LDL-oxidation. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrasyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Compound 2 was more efficient than compound 1 at inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nitric oxide (NO) production, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity as well as the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Studies on the anticonvulsive, sedative and hypothermic effects of Periostracum Cicadae extracts

The anticonvulsive, sedative and hypothermic effects of water and ethanol extracts of Periostracum Cicadae (PC), the cast off skin of Cryptotympana atrata were studied. The water-extract of whole Periostracum Cicadae (PCws) had anticonvulsive, sedative and hypothermic effects in rats. Orally, it decreased carrageenin-induced hyperthermia. The hypothermic effect of PCws was potentiated by 5-hydroxytryptophan and antagonized by p-chlorophenylalanine. PCws enhanced the decrease in locomotor activity induced by α-methyl- p-tyrosine or 5-hydroxytryptophan and reduced the increase in locomotor activity produced by levodopa plus benserazide or p-chlorophenylalanine. From these results, it was concluded that the sedative and hypothermic effect of PCws may be due to an increase in central serotonergic activity.