Rubia Cordifolia Research Articles

Inactivation of the auto-inhibitory domain in Arabidopsis AtCPK1 leads to increased salt, cold and heat tolerance in the AtCPK1-transformed Rubia cordifolia L cell cultures

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are essential regulators of plant growth and development, biotic and abiotic stress responses. Inactivation of the auto-inhibitory domain (AID) of CDPKs provides the constitutive activity. This study investigated the effect of overexpressed native and constitutive active (AtCPK1-Ca) forms of the AtCPK1 gene on abiotic stress tolerance and the ROS/redox system in Rubia cordifolia transgenic callus lines. Overexpression of the native AtCPK1 increased tolerance to salinity and cold almost in two times, when AtCPK1-Ca – in three times compare to control culture. A more interesting effect of overexpression of the AtCPK1 and AtCPK1-Ca was observed for heat resistance. The native form of AtCPK1 increased resistance to heating by 45%, while the AtCPK1-Ca increased by 80%. At the same time, another type of mutation of the AID (AtCPK1-Na, not active) did not affect the tolerance of the cell culture to stresses. We suppose, in this process, the ROS/redox system might be involved. Levels of intracellular ROS, ROS-generating enzymes expression and activities (Rbohs, Prx) and ROS-detoxifying enzymes (SOD, Cat, Apx and Prx) changed in a coordinated manner and in strict interconnection, depending of the callus growth phase and correlated with improved stress tolerance caused by AtCPK1. Because overexpression of both the AtCPK1 and AtCPK1-Ca did not significantly change callus growth, we propose that inactivation of AID of the AtCPK1 or its ortholog, might be an interesting instrument for improvement of plant cells resistance to abiotic stress.

Quality Analysis of Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia L.) with respect to pharmacognostical and high-performance thin-layer chromatography profile of the genuine sample: A cross-sectional market sample study

Background: The genuineness of Ayurvedic herbs causally determines the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment protocols. Research and subsequent evidence-based medicinal practices fundamentally dependant on appropriate identification and standardization of specific herbs are used for health-care purposes. Definite deficits that prevail in this regard in the form of adulteration, substitution, and compromised quality standards are the reasons why many scientific communities and health-related organizations question Ayurvedic sciences. This study aims at raising the very timely subject matter of genuine drug collection based on a model of Pharmacognostical and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) profiling of an Indian medicinal herb "Manjishta"' (Rubia cordifolia L.), a profoundly marketed Ayurvedic drug. Objectives: To compare the six market samples of Manjishta (Pharmacognostical and with HPTLC profiling) with the genuine root and stolon. Materials and Methods: The market samples of Manjishta from 6 districts of Kerala were collected, and these samples were compared with the genuine root and stolon (morphology, histology, and with HPTLC profiles). Results: Morphological and anatomical evaluation of the market samples was similar with that of the original stolon of Rubia cordifolia. HPTLC profiling yielded entirely different peaks in specific samples when compared with that of the genuine stolon. Conclusion: The collected market samples of Manjishta from different districts of Kerala were almost similar to the stolon of Rubia cordifolia L. A clear standard operative procedure should be prepared for medicinal plant part collection with respect to source plant maturity for Manjishta or as a matter of fact any other herb and thus the HPTLC profiles should be redefined.

TRADITIONAL LEPCHA HATS IN SIKKIM HIMALAYA

The tribe Lepcha is known for the knowledge on bioresources across Sikkim Himalaya. The study is conducted to unravel the integrated knowledge embedded in the traditional hats of Lepcha. The traditional hats, Sumok Thyak Tuk and other one, Papre, are made up of Calamus leptospadix Griff, Schizostachyum capitatum (Munro) R.B Majumdar, Maranta arundinacea L, Rubia cordifolia L., Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees & Arn. ex Munro and The Greater Racker tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus). The detail information of integrated knowledge found in traditional Bamboo Hats of Lepcha, the social indicator of Lepcha tribe, is presented.

Anti-sickling, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential of Rubia cordifolia L.: A traditionally used medicinal plant of Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh (India)

Anti-sickling, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential of Rubia cordifolia L.: A traditionally used medicinal plant of Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh (India)

Anthraquinones extracted from Rubia cordifolia Linn as potential ligands to treat Alzheimer’s disease

Anthraquinones extracted from Rubia cordifolia Linn as potential ligands to treat Alzheimer’s disease

One new nucleoside and three furanpentanone derivatives from the aerial part of Rubia cordifolia L

Abstract One new nucleoside 1 and three new furanpentone derivatives 2‒4 were isolated from the aerial part of Rubia cordifolia. Their structures were established using spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited inhibition of NO production with IC50 values of 27.5 and 19.8 μM, respectively.

Purpurin: A natural anthraquinone with multifaceted pharmacological activities.

Purpurin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone isolated from the roots of Rubia cordifolia. Historically, it has been used as a red dye. However, its photosensitizing property and biological effects have deciphered its novel application. Purpurin shows antigenotoxic, anticancer, neuromodulatory, and antimicrobial potential associated with antioxidant action in in vivo and in vitro experiments. A robust antioxidant nature of purpurin is responsible for the majority of its pharmacological effects. It produces anti-inflammatory activity by reducing oxidative stress, which is a fundamental property to target diseases involving endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce neuroprotective effects, including antidepressant and anti-Alzheimer action. It shows antimutagenic property via inhibiting essential CYP-450 enzymes. Interestingly, it gets photosensitized by UV-light and produces target-specific ROS-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. Therefore, it owns cell killing and cell survival potential subject to the influence of external conditions. Hitherto, limited research studies are performed with purpurin to understand its therapeutic potential. Hence, this review describes and discusses different in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies performed using purpurin. It also covers physicochemical, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology aspects of purpurin. Moreover, in the end, the prospect of purpurin in the management of cancer has also been proposed.

A Review A Review on Pharmacognostic and Therapeutic Uses of Rubia cordifolia

In today’s time research on plants has increased globally. There are thousands of plant species having good potential offering direct therapeutic effect individually or in combinations. Manjith a herbal drug also known as Indian madder with its botanical name Rubia cordifolia is an age old ethno-medicinal plant in India used as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-bacterial, anti-androgenic, immune-modulator, hepato-protective, astringent, tonic, antiseptic, de-obstruent, anti-dysenteric and efficient blood purifier, hence is extensively used against blood, skin and urinary diseases. This study is aimed at assessing the scientific evaluation of desi Rubia cordifolia in the course of pharmacognostical analysis to identify its various parts and to differentiate it from various adulterants, which mainly covers the macroscopic and microscopic features and its medicinal properties which are due to its richness in phytoconstituents such as quinines (anthraquinones), glycosides, saponins, tanins, alkaloids, hexapeptides, triterpenoids, steroids, phenols, and saccharids.
 Keywords: Rubia cordifolia, Manjith, Fooh, ethno medicinal plant, Unani, pharmacological study

A review article of Rasapanchak of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia Linn.) according to Ayurveda from Brihatrayi & Various Nighantu.

Manjishtha or Indian Maddar is considered to be one of the best blood purifying herbs. It is mainly used to break down blockages in the blood flow and remove stagnant blood. Its root is extensively used in many skin diseases. Manjishtha is widely used in textile industry as a natural red colouring agent.
 This review article presents information about Rasapanchak – Rasa, Veerya, Vipak, Guna and Karma of Manjishtha mentioned by Acharya Charak, Sushrut & Vaghbhat as well by various Nighantukar.

Species and Distribution of Understory Plants in Parks

In order to understand the application status of undergrowth ground cover plants in Tianjin parks, the planting area and distribution of understory ground cover plants in aquatic parks, nancui Ping parks and Changhong parks in Tianjin were investigated by the methods of whole garden investigation and sample plot investigation. The results showed that there were 9 species of understory plants in the three parks: Hosta plantaginea (Lam.), Duchesnea indica (Andr.), Sabina rocumbens (endl.), Agave sisalana perr. Ex Engelm., iris lactea, Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L., Buxus megistophylla, Sedum aizoon L. and Rubia cordifolia L., belonging to 9 families 9 Genus. Among them, Hosta plantag nea (Lam.), Duchesnea indica (Andr.) and Sabina rocumbens (endl.) grew well, while iris lactea, Sedum aizoon L. and Rubia cordifolia L. grew poorly. The planting area of Duchesnea indica (Andr.) is the largest, Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L. is the smallest; the ratio of planting area to total park area is the highest, followed by Sabina rocumbens (endl.). The results showed that there were horsta plantaginea (Lam.), Duchesnea indica (Andr.), Sabina rocumbens (endl.), iris lactea, Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L., Buxus megistophylla, and Rubia cordifolia L., Agave sisalana perR. Ex Engelm. And Sedum aizoon L. Duchesnea indica (Andr.) had the highest distribution density, and Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) had the highest frequency. In a word, Horta plantaginea (Lam.) was the most planted species, followed by Duchesnea indica (Andr.) and Sabina rocumbens (endl.), and the planting area of other species was the smallest.

Standardization of Poly Herbal Cosmetic Formula on Abnormal Pigmentation in Cutaneous Wound Healing – A Preliminary Study

Abnormal pigmentation in cutaneous wound healing has become a major cosmetic issue in the current society. Rising popularity of green labeled cosmetics which are environmentally sustainable with minimum side effects have greater demand in the world cosmetic market. Standardization of herbal formula is essential in order to assess the quality of drugs. Hence, the research study was designed to standardize the selected herbs based on comprehensive literary study on selected Varnaya Dravya (complexion promoting herbs) mentioned in Ayurveda authentic texts and Sri Lankan traditional manuscripts comprising of Terminalia chebula Retz, Terminalia belerica (Gaertn). Roxb, Phyllanthus emblica Linn, Rubia cordifolia Linn, Curcuma longa Trim, and Sesamum indicum Linn. Authentication of herbal ingreedients has been carried out at Bandaranayaka Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute, Nawinna, Sri Lanka. Microscopic identification, Moisture content, pH value, Total ash content and Colouring matter were tested determind through paper chromatography under WHO (2011) guidelines. Microscopic identification revealed that the poly herbal cosmetic formula in powder form contains yellow colour cells, stone cells, group of elongated stone cells, transparent cells, pitted vessels, spiral vessels, vessels filled with red, small fibers, oil globules, starch granules, needle shape crystals, hair and Trichoid. Moreover, moisture content of the formula was 6.3%, pH - 5.92 and total ash value - 4.45%. Determination of colouring matter indicated formula does not contain synthetic dyes. In addition, secondary plant metabolites like phenolic, tannins and saponins were present. Pharmacodynamics potential of the formula showed 25% kashaya (astringent) and tiktta (bitter) rasa (taste) accordingly. Further, 46% and 27% of formula showed ruksha (dryness) and laghu (lightness) guna (properties) along with 83% and 67% indicated ushna virya.
 (hot in potency) and madura (sweet) vipaka respectively. Due to presence of secondary metabolites, the poly herbal formula has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant potentials which will be favorable for skin complexion protection from bacteria and fungi. Moreover, Lekhana action gives scraping effect which is important for removing the scar.
 The study suggested that parameters found to be sufficient to evaluate the herbal cosmetic powder and could be used as reference standards and applicability of this formulae should be validated with a preclinical and clinical trials.

Bamboos for weaving and relevant traditional knowledge in Sansui, Southwest China

BackgroundTraditional bamboo weaving has been practiced for centuries in Sansui, a county dominated by the Miao people, in Guizhou province of Southwest China. Sansui bamboo weaving represents an intangible cultural heritage as defined by UNESCO, but, like many other traditional handicrafts in China, it has suffered a downfall in this period of rapid development. Sansui bamboo weaving is now experiencing a renaissance due to the joint efforts of the local government, bamboo weaving companies, and individual bamboo weavers. However, what bamboo species have supported the traditional bamboo weaving in Sansui keeps unknown up to now. The traditional knowledge and technology associated with bamboo weaving have not been reported. In addition, the resumption of the local bamboo industry may provide some valuable experiences for other downfallen traditional handicrafts or local communities. Thus, an ethnobotanical study on Sansui bamboo weaving has been carried out.MethodsThis study mainly used ethnobotanical methods, including key informant interviews and participatory observations. Different stakeholders were selected by applying the snowball method as our key informants including 6 officials, 37 bamboo weavers, and 17 bamboo and bamboo weaving product merchants. We also went into the local weavers’ houses to visit the whole weaving process. The bamboo and dye plant species for bamboo weaving were identified by taxonomists and referring to online databases available.ResultsBased on field investigations, 17 bamboo species used for weaving were recorded. Different bamboo species were woven for different purposes based on their own characters. Phyllostachys heteroclada is the most popular species locally. Bamboo strips are usually dyed by using Platycarya strobilacea and Rubia cordifolia to be made for different images. In recent years, the size, functions, and materials of local bamboo weaving crafts as well as their market mode have been changed to adapt to new development trends and to cater to the market. In addition, the cooperation among bamboo weavers, bamboo companies, and household workshops has provided great support to the local bamboo industry and to reboot the economy of the local community. Some suggestions for the sustainable economic development of Sansui bamboo weaving and other Chinese traditional handicrafts are proposed.ConclusionIn the present study, the bamboo weaving-associated traditional knowledge was collected by means of ethnobotanical methods. The recent renaissance of the bamboo weaving business in Sansui can be attributed both to government support and the innovations of the bamboo weaving industry itself. The developing mode (“Internet + intangible cultural heritage + poverty alleviation”), which combined the internet, poverty alleviation, and intangible cultural heritage, is valid and worth being promoted.

Binomial nomenclature and its relation to nomenclature of medicinal plants in Classical literatures

Background: Practice of Ayurveda nomenclature (Nāmākaranam) of dravyas (Medicinal Plants) in Ayurveda traces back to the Vedic periods which is supposed to be 5000 B.C. In Vedas, plants were named after mythological belief, structure of plant’s part resembling with part of birds and animals, or rituals uses, uddabhava sthana (Habitat), svarūpa (morphological characters), karma (Pharmacological action), etc. It got scientific basis in samhitas period and named more than thousand dravyas by close observation of morphological characters, habit and habitat, and therapeutic uses. However, it states that basis of Nāmākaranam of dravyas was elaborated in Nighantus and enriched with more terminologies, and hence it is known as parayāyas (synonyms). Recently, Bentham & Hooker’s binomial nomenclature has been practiced in Ayurveda so that uniformity of Dravyas names can be maintained and accepted worldwide.
 Aim and objective: The main objective of this review is to explore methodology of Nāmākaranam in Vedas, samhitas and Nighantus and its relationship with binomial nomenclature. Material and method: Ayurvedic literatures and surfing web was main sources of gathering information related to names of plants.
 Results: Nāmākaranam of plants was found to be based on scientific evidences that describe morphological features, habit and habitat, therapeutic indications, and physical and chemical properties, doctrine of signature, source of raw materials for industries or home made products, etc. For instance, the name catuḥsira for asthisamharī coined in śabdacandrikā suggests its quadrangular stem on which the Latin name Cissus quadrangularis Linn. has been accepted. Some more names can be suggested like Bahusutā (Asparagus racemosa Linn.), Raktāngi (Rubia cordifolia), Sthirasāra (Tectona grandis), Gudatvak (Cinnamomum tamala), Visākha (Boerhaavia diffusa), etc. On the basis of above examples, it can be revealed that binomial nomenclature is improved ones of Ayurveda nomenclature for its acceptance worldwide.
 Conclusion: Names of plants mentioned in Vedas and Samhitas; and parayāyas in Nighantus are based on its udabhava, svarūpa, karma, sādharma, ruḍhī, svabhāva, lokopayoga, etc. Which are also considered by Bentham & Hooker’s binomial nomenclature to coin scientific name of plant species.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Mollugin on DSS-induced Colitis in Mice.

We aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of mollugin extracted from Rubia cordifolia L, a traditional Chinese medicine, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Thirty C57BL/6 mice were divided into a control group (n=6), a model group (n=6), and three experimental groups (40, 20, 10 mg/kg of mollugin, n=6 each). DSS solution (3%) was given to mice in the model group and experimental groups from day 4 to day 10 to induce the mouse UC model. Mice in the experimental groups were intragastrically administrated mollugin from day 1 to day 10. Animals were orally given distilled water in the control group for the whole experiment time and in the model group from day 1 to day 3. The changes in colon pathology were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the serum, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN) in the tissues were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in the colon tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that mollugin could significantly reduce weight loss and the disease activity index in the DSS-induced UC mouse model. HE examinations demonstrated that mollugin treatment effectively improved the histological damage (P<0.05). The overproduction of IL-1β and TNF-α was remarkably inhibited by mollugin treatment at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg (P<0.05). Additionally, the levels of TLR4 in colon tissues were significantly reduced in mollugin-treated groups compared with the DSS group. Our findings demonstrated that mollugin ameliorates DSS-induced UC by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory chemocytokines.

Modulatory Effects of Triphala and Manjistha Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

Objectives: Triphala (which contains Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula) and manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), have received increased clinical attention. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of triphala, manjistha, or placebo dietary supplementation on gut microbiota as such studies in humans are lacking. Design: This was a 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Setting: This trial was conducted at the University of California Davis, Department of Dermatology. Subjects: A total of 31 healthy human subjects were randomized to 3 groups. Interventions: The 3 groups were instructed to take 2,000 mg of either triphala, manjistha or placebo daily for 4 weeks. Outcome Measures: The impact of treatment on gut microbiota composition was evaluated following a 4-week dietary intervention by profiling fecal communities with 16S rRNA profiling in triphala (n = 9), manjistha (n = 9), or placebo (n = 11) treated subjects that completed the intervention. Results: An average of 336 phylotypes were detected in each sample (range: 161 to 648). The analysis of gut microbiota in placebo control and herb-supplemented participants indicated that responses were highly personalized, and no taxa were uniformly altered by the medicinal herb supplementation protocol. Subjects in both treatment groups displayed a trend toward decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and increased relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila. Both medicinal herb treatments reduced the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae, primarily reflecting changes in Alistipes spp. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with medicinal herbs altered fecal microbial communities. Despite the lack of a clear response signature, a group of bacterial taxa were identified that were more commonly altered in herb-supplemented participants compared to placebo controls. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03477825.

Simultaneous determination of twelve quinones from Rubiae radix et Rhizoma before and after carbonization processing by UPLC-MS/MS and their antithrombotic effect on zebrafish

Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma (called “Qiancao”, QC), the root and rhizome of Rubia cordifolia L., has been widely used in clinical practice for its excellent performance in removing blood stasis and haemostasis. However, after carbonization processing, significant changes occurred in chemical components of the charcoal of Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma (called “Qiancaotan”, QCT), which enhanced the performance in haemostasis and weakened the performance in removing blood stasis in clinic. In order to study the material basis of function variation during processing, a rapid, reliable, accurate and validated UPLC–MS/MS approach was established to determine twelve quinones in QC and QCT simultaneously. Meanwhile, the antithrombotic effect of target components on zebrafish thrombus model induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ) was investigated. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on an ACQUITY UPLC C18column with acetonitrile–water containing 0.2 % (v/v) formic acid as mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.30 mL/min. Quantitation was performed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive and negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI). Furthermore, the activity evaluation studies showed that the reduction of removing blood stasis effect of QCT was due to the decrease of dehydro-α-lapachone, lapachol, rubioncolin C and mollugin. This study demonstrated that the method has been successfully applied to determine the content of twelve quinones responsible for the function variation of QCT, and provided a new insight into the material basis and the effect of eliminating stasis before and after processing of QC.

Optimization of process parameters on color strength and antimicrobial activities of cotton fabric dyed with Rubia cordifolia extract

ABSTRACT The present study aims at optimization of dyeing process parameters such as dyeing temperature, dyeing pH, and mordant concentration toward achieving maximum color strength and antimicrobial activity of cotton fabric dyed with Indian madder (Rubia cordifolia) as a natural dye. Box-Behnken three factorial with three levels experimental design (dyeing temperature ranges are 60ºC, 70ºC, and 80ºC, dyeing pH ranges are 6, 9, and 12, Mordant concentration ranges are 10%, 20%, and 30% of OWF) was used for optimization. Results showed that all the selected process variables have influenced the color strength as well as antimicrobial activity against the microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The quadratic regression models have been developed for optimization of all the process parameters and it was validated through ANOVA. UV-Vis spectroscopy, Phytochemical analysis, and FTIR studies have been conducted to confirm the presence of the phytochemical compounds.

TMARg, a Novel Anthraquinone Isolated from Rubia cordifolia Nakai, Increases Osteogenesis and Mineralization through BMP2 and β-Catenin Signaling.

Background: Plant extracts have long been regarded as useful medicines in the treatment of human diseases. Rubia cordifolia Nakai has been used as a traditional medicine, as it has pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the biological functions of TMARg, isolated from the roots of R. cordifolia, in osteoblast differentiation remain unknown. This study was performed to investigate the pharmacological effects and intracellular signaling of TMARg in the osteoblast differentiation of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and mesenchymal precursor C2C12 cells. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay. Early and late osteoblast differentiation was examined by analyzing the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and by staining it with Alizarin red S (ARS). Cell migration was determined by using migration assays. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical analysis were used to examine the intracellular signaling pathways and differentiation proteins. Results: In the present study, TMARg showed no cytotoxicity and increased the osteoblast differentiation in pre-osteoblasts, as assessed from the alkaline phosphate (ALP) staining and activity and ARS staining. TMARg also induced BMP2 expression and increased the p-smad1/5/8-RUNX2 and β-catenin pathways in both MC3T3-E1 and C2C12 cells. Furthermore, TMARg activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and increased the cell migration rate. In addition, the TMARg-mediated osteoblast differentiation was suppressed by BMP and Wnt inhibitors with the downregulation of BMP2 expression. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that TMARg exerts pharmacological and biological effects on osteoblast differentiation through the activation of BMP2 and β-catenin signaling pathways, and suggest that TMARg might be a potential phytomedicine for the treatment of bone diseases.

Revealing the mechanisms and the material basis of Rubia cordifolia L. on abnormal uterine bleeding with uniting simultaneous determination of four components and systematic pharmacology approach-experimental validation

The roots of Rubia cordifolia L. (RCL) have become an important medicine for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and hemorrhage syndrome in Traditional Asian medicine. However, the underlying mechanism and the material basis of RCL for treating AUB has not been fully elucidated. In this study, quantitative evaluation of quinones, systematic pharmacology and experimental verification were adopted. Firstly, the Disease-Ingredient-Target network was established by Cytoscape, which was consistent with 23 compounds and 47 target genes. The hub targets were discovered by Maximal Clique Centrality (MCC) method with Cytohubba plugins of Cytoscape, and top 20 nodes were ranked by MCC. It was assumed that mollugin is the main ingredient of RCL for treating AUB. Pathways on which RCL acted were obtained from observation of its biological functions, KEGG pathways and Reactome pathway enrichment analysis. The possible mechanism of RCL for treating AUB was revealed for improvment of the blood clotting system, blood circulation, arachidonic acid metabolism and inflammation. Then, a novel method for evaluating the quality of RCL was established, and the content of mollugin in RCL was the higher than others. Finally, pharmacologic experiments confirmed that RCL could improve the inflammation by inhibiting the activity of COX-2 and cPLA2 enzyme, ameliorate blood hypercoagulability by affecting coagulation cascade and fibrinolytic system. It was found that RCL inhibited the expression COX-2 and PAI-1 by reducing HIF-1α expression. The trend of each index of mollugin was consistent with that of RCL, indicating that it played an important role in RCL for treating AUB. The above results could provide a novel method for the quality evaluation of RCL and was expected to give us more important information regarding the use of RCL as a promising drug candidate for AUB, offering a fertility preserving medical, non-hormonal treatment choose for women with AUB.

Influence of phytochemicals in induced psoriasis (Review).

Cytokines involved in pathogenesis of psoriasis such as interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23), interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ can also become therapeutic targets. Research currently uses murine models of imiquimod-induced psoriatic-type dermatitis in order to analyze potentially helpful phytotherapeutics for psoriasis treatment: Curcuma longa, Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, Rubia cordifolia, Smilax china, Thespesia populnea, Wrightia tinctoria, Scutellaria baicalensis, Cassia tora, Pongamia pinnata and various Chinese herbal formulas. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with complex pathogenic mechanisms that yield abnormal immune responses with clinical and morphological echoes (erythematous, scaly plaques with a histopathological basis made up of alterations i.e. keratinocyte aberrant proliferation, parakeratosis or chronic inflammation). The current therapeutic approach has only been able to manage the disease, without ensuring a certified treatment, thus giving rise to the need for better medications. This novel therapeutic approach has shown promising results in preclinical studies, giving hope for future phytochemical animal-based studies.