Sophora Flavescens Extract Research Articles

In vivo antibacterial activity of medicinal plant Sophora flavescens against Streptococcus agalactiae infection.

Streptococcosis disease caused by Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) results in a huge economic loss of tilapia culture. It is urgent to find new antimicrobial agents against streptococcosis. In this study, 20 medicinal plants were evaluated in vitro and in vivo to obtain medicinal plants and potential bioactive compounds against GBS infection. The results showed that the ethanol extracts of 20 medicinal plants had low or no antibacterial properties in vitro, with a minimal inhibitory concentration ≥256 mg/L. Interestingly, in vivo tests showed that 7 medicinal plants could significantly inhibit GBS infection in tilapia, and Sophora flavescens (SF) had the strongest anti-GBS activity in tilapia, reaching 92.68%. SF could significantly reduce the bacterial loads of GBS in different tissues (liver, spleen and brain) of tilapia after treated with different tested concentrations (12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/kg) for 24 h. Moreover, 50 mg/kg SF could significantly improve the survival rate of GBS-infected tilapia by inhibiting GBS replication. Furthermore, the expression of antioxidant gene cat, immune-related gene c-type lysozyme and anti-inflammatory cytokine il-10 in liver tissue of GBS-infected tilapia significantly increased after treated with SF for 24 h. Meanwhile, SF significantly reduced the expression of immune-related gene myd88 and pro-inflammatory cytokines il-8 and il-1β in liver tissue of GBS-infected tilapia. The negative and positive models of UPLC-QE-MS, respectively, identified 27 and 57 components of SF. The major components of SF extract in the negative model were α, α-trehalose, DL-malic acid, D- (-)-fructose and xanthohumol, while in the positive model were oxymatrine, formononetin, (-)-maackiain and xanthohumol. Interestingly, oxymatrine and xanthohumol could significantly inhibit GBS infection in tilapia. Taken together, these results suggest that SF can inhibit GBS infection in tilapia, and it has potential for the development of anti-GBS agents.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Sophora flavescens extract and their antibacterial effect against some pathogenic bacteria

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Sophora flavescens extract and their antibacterial effect against some pathogenic bacteria

The antiviral effect and potential mechanism of matrine against white spot syndrome virus infection in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the causative agent of White spot disease (WSD), has caused high mortality and great economic losses in worldwide crustacean industries including shrimp and crayfish. Many bioactive components of Chinese herbs have been reported to be effective to control aquatic viral diseases including WSD. In this study, the antiviral effects of twelve herbal extracts were evaluated in WSSV-infected crayfish model, and Sophora flavescens extract exhibited the highest inhibition rate (87.63%) of WSSV replication. The anti-WSSV effect of matrine, the main bioactive component of S. flavescens, was further investigated. The results showed matrine could significantly inhibit WSSV replication in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited a robust inhibition rate (96.16%) with 50 mg/kg. Matrine both possessed potential preventive and therapeutic effects against WSSV infection and the preventive effect was better than the therapeutic effect. Besides, compared with the control, matrine significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate of WSSV-infected crayfish (from 0% to 48.57% on 10th day), notably (p < 0.01) suppressed the expression of virus replication-related genes ie1, DNApol and Vp28, remarkably (p < 0.01) activated C-type lectin (CTL) and prophenoloxidase (ProPo) and inhibited barrier-to-autointegration (BAF) expression to improve crayfish innate immunity against WSSV infection, up-regualated the CAT and GST expression and down-regulated the expression of NF-κB, cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 genes to balance the oxidative stress and inflammatory injury caused by WSSV. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the development of matrine as an efficient and practical anti-WSSV drugs and meaningful reference for the study of antiviral effect of matrine on other aquatic animal viruses.

Field evaluation of commercial plant extracts against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophlidae) in raspberry

ABSTRACTDrosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was detected in 2008 in southern Europe and North America and it has spread rapidly throughout the two continents mainly affecting thin-skinned berries and stone fruits which constitute an important, economic and social driver in these regions. This study analyzes the potential control ability of four commercial plant-derived extracts, namely Sophora flavescens (shrubby sophora), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Capsicum frutescens (chili) and Allium sativum (garlic), against D. suzukii, under raspberry high tunnel field conditions. Extracts were applied in a randomized complete block design using spinosad as positive control. As expected, spinosad treatment resulted in a satisfactory control, reducing significantly the number of larvae and adults emerged from treated fruits even ten days after application. Sophora flavescens extract produced a significant reduction of 60.7% in emerged adults, with no reduction in the number of larvae, six days after application. In addition, garlic extract caused significant reduction in the mean number of larvae (over 50%) and emerged adults (over 48%) six days after application. These findings suggest that garlic and S. flavescens affect egg viability and/or larvae development. Tentative explanations about the variability of the results and possible benefits of repetitive treatments are discussed.

Development of a Novel Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Matrine in Sophora flavescens.

A simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor fabricated with graphene nanosheets (GNs) and a hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite–modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed for the determination of matrine (MT). The as-prepared electrode (GNs/HA/GCE) was verified to outperform bare a GCE and GNs-modified electrode with increased oxidation peak currents and the decreased over-potential in the redox process of MT, indicating the great enhancement of electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of MT by the composite of GNs and HA. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidation peak currents were related linearly with the concentration of MT, ranging from 2 μM to 3 mM, and the detection limit (S/N = 3) was 1.2 μM. In addition, the proposed electrochemical sensor can be successfully applied in the quantitative determination of MT in Sophora flavescens extract.

생약제 고삼 뿌리 열수추출물의 넙치 투여시 질병 저항성에 미치는 영향

고삼 뿌리 열수 추출물을 농도별로 넙치 사료에 흡습시켜 12주 동안 어류에 급여 후 비특이적 면역 및 질병저항성에 대한 효과를 조사하였다. 고삼 추출물의 첨가는 어류 성장에는 아무런 영향을 미치지 않았다. 혈액화학적인 조사 결과에서도 고삼 첨가로 인한 넙치의 생리에는 아무런 영향을 나타내지 않았다. 라이소자임 활성은 0.05%의 고삼 추출물 농도로 흡습시킨 사료 그룹에서 라이소자임 활성이 증가됨을 알 수 있었다. 백혈구의 식세포 활성은 0.05%의 고삼 추출물로 흡습시킨 사료 그룹에서 유의적으로 증가되었다. 병리학적 결과를 통하여 고삼 추출물을 농도별로 넙치에 투여하였을때 병리조직학적 영향이 없음을 알 수 있었다. 에드와드균의 인위감염에 의한 질병저항성은 0.05%의 고삼 추출물로 흡습시킨 사료 그룹에서만 상대생존율이 높게 나타났다. 이상의 결과를 종합하여 볼 때 고삼뿌리 열수 추출물은 넙치에 대한 비특이적 면역력 증강 및 질병 저항성 증강에 효과가 있는 것으로 사료되었다. The effects of lightyellow sophora, Sophora flavescens extract were tested on non-specific immune response and a disease resistance of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. For feeding trial, weight gain of fish fed different treated groups were not significant differences. Serum analysis of treated and control group did not demonstrated any differences. Lysozyme activity in the kidney and spleen of the 0.05% treated group on <TEX>$4^{th}$</TEX> and <TEX>$8^{th}$</TEX> week showed significant increase, respectively. In addition, phagocytic activity of the 0.05% treated group on <TEX>$4^{th}$</TEX> and 8th week showed significant increase compared to the control group. Histopathology of the liver and kidney tissue of the administrated group for <TEX>$4^{th}$</TEX>, <TEX>$8^{th}$</TEX> and <TEX>$12^{th}$</TEX> week showed no particular signs of tissue degeneration. The treated group was higher than control group by analyzing the relative percent survival (RPS) of the experimental challenge of Edwardsiella tarda. Therefore, the lightyellow sophora showed effective in preventing fish-pathogenic edwardsiellosis for a certain period of time.

Antiparasitic effects of Sophora flavescens root extracts on the ciliate, Cryptocaryon irritans

Abstract The antiparasitic effects of 59 water- and methanol-soluble herbal extracts were screened for their potential to inhibit cilia-based motility of the protozoan, Cryptocaryon irritans , during its infective (theront) phase. Both the water- and methanol-soluble extracts of five herbs had strong antiparasitic activity. In vitro results were confirmed in vivo in oral-challenge trials with the red sea bream, Pagrus major . The water-soluble Sophora flavescens extract had the most potent anti- C. irritans activity. For a short-term oral-challenge trial, the number of parasites in the groups treated with 5 or 10 g·kg − 1 feed of S. flavescens water-soluble extract was significantly lower than that in the control group and the group treated with 10 g·kg − 1 feed reduced the number of parasites by more than 40% compared with the control. In an 80 day oral challenge trial with P. major , all the fish in the group that were treated with the extract (5 g·kg − 1 feed) survived throughout the experimental period, which contrasts with the 100% mortality seen in the control group. Furthermore, the anti- C. irritans effect of the extract in previously infected P. major was also evaluated in a 4 day oral-challenge trial. In this trial, the number of parasites in the group treated with the extract (5 g·kg − 1 feed) was reduced by 30% compared with the control group. These results suggest that the water-soluble S. flavescens extract could be effective for controlling C. irritans infections.

Anti-rotavirus effects by combination therapy of stevioside and Sophora flavescens extract

Anti-rotaviral activities of Sophora flavescens extract (SFE) and stevioside (SV) from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni either singly or in various combinations were examined in vitro and in vivo using a porcine rotavirus G5[P7] strain. Combination of SFE and SV inhibited in vitro virus replication more efficiently than each single treatment. In the piglet model, SV had no effect on rotavirus enteritis, whereas SFE improved but did not completely cure rotaviral enteritis. Interestingly, combination therapy of SFE and SV alleviated diarrhea, and markedly improved small intestinal lesion score and fecal virus shedding. Acute toxicity tests including the piglet lethal dose 50, and body weight, organ weight and pathological changes for the combination therapy did not show any adverse effect on the piglets. These preliminary data suggest that the combination therapy of SV and SFE is a potential curative medication for rotaviral diarrhea in pigs. Determination of the efficacy of this combination therapy in other species including humans needs to be addressed in the future.

Effect of Sophora flavescens on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rats

Carbamazepine (CBZ), an antiepileptic with narrow therapeutic window, is a substrate of CYP 3A4 which metabolizes CBZ to carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZE). CBZE is an active and toxicity metabolite, and it is a substrate of MRP-2. Using CBZ for a long time can cause hepatic injury. Sophora flavescens (SF) is a medicinal herb used for the protected hepatic injury. This study investigated the acute and chronic effects of SF on the pharmacokinetics of CBZ in rats. The concentrations of CBZ and CBZE in plasma and tissues were determined by HPLC method. The results showed that SF which significantly decreased the AUC0-t of CBZ, increased CBZE conversely. Tissue analysis showed that the concentrations of CBZ and CBZE in brain and liver were decreased by SF. In addition, the distribution of CBZE in kidney was reduced significantly, which influenced the CBZE excretion and increased the drug toxic potentially. Results in the current study suggest that patients using CBZ might be cautioned in the use of SF extract or Sophora-derived products. Meanwhile, patients receiving drugs which are substrates of CYP 3A4 and/or MRP-2 should be advised of the potential herb-drug interaction to reduce the risk of therapeutic failure or increased toxicity of conventional drug therapy.

Effects of Surrounding Temperature on Antimicrobial Air Filters Coated with Sophora flavescens Nanoparticles

Bioaerosols, such as bacterial and fungal cells and their spores, are components of indoor airborne particulate matter and have been associated with human health problems as well as various environmental issues. Natural antimicrobial products have been used in air filters for bioaerosol control. However, natural products may lose some function due to their sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. In this study, we investigated the effects of temperature on antimicrobial fiber filters coated with nanoparticles of a natural product, namely, Sophora flavescens extract. Inactivation efficiency decreased with increasing temperature and treatment time. A quantitative chemical analysis of the filters revealed that the quantities of antimicrobial compounds decreased noticeably, with a consequent decrease in antimicrobial activity. In addition, the S. flavescens nanoparticles on the filter fiber surface melted gradually as treatment time increased at temperatures >100°C. This change in nanoparticle morphology in turn affected the pressure and filtration efficiency of filters, both of which decreased with increasing temperature and treatment time. These results could provide a scientific basis for the improvement of indoor air-quality control using antimicrobial air filters coated with S. flavescens nanoparticles. Copyright 2014 American Association for Aerosol Research

Quantitative Analysis of Matrine and Oxymatrine in Sophora flavescens Extract and Its Biopesticides by UPLC

Successive cartridge clean-up method for the simultaneous determination of matrine and oxyma- trine in biopesticides containing Sophora flavescens extract was developed and validated by UPLC. The clean-up method was established with ENVI-Carb (0.5 g) and C18 SPE (0.5 g) cartridges for the bioactive alkaloid in biopesticides from S. flavescens, and the eluate was analyzed to quantify the matrine and oxymatrine by UPLC. The developed method was validated, and the recovery and LOQ of both materials were 105.0% and 103.6%, and 0.050 and 0.684 mg·kg-1, respectively. Of the twenty one samples, the total content of matrines were analyzed by using the developed method and the result showed the developed successive clean-up method could contribute to the manufacture and control of biopesticides including matrines, and can be ap- plied to the method development for the analysis of alkaloid materials in biopesticides.

Promotion and inhibition to biomass and polysaccharides production of Ganoderma Lucidum by Sophora flavescens extract

Sophora flavescens water extract of 11 g/l promoted Ganoderma lucidum biomass and extracellular polysaccharides production to increase at 14.5 and 2.4 g/l from 10.5 and 1.2 g/l respectively. However, 40 g/l of this extract stopped the fungus growing. The extract increased the pH buffer capacity and decreased the viscosity of the culture broth. Different extracts of S. flavescens obtained using solvents n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water, successively were evaluated on their effects on G. lucidum biomass and polysaccharides production. The ethyl acetate extract was found to decrease both the biomass and the extracellular polysaccharides production by about 50%. However, the n-butanol extract promoted G. lucidum to increase the extracellular polysaccharides production from 1.15 to 2.05 g/l. Key words: Ganoderma lucidum, Sophora flavescens, polysaccharide, submerged culture.

Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Traditional Chinese Herb Pairs, Angelica sinensis and Sophora flavescens

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of Angelica sinensis extract (AE), Sophora flavescens extract (SE), and herb pair A. sinensis and S. flavescens extract (HPE). Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) was induced in rats by a footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide. The anti-inflammatory potential of AE, SE, and HPE in the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), maleic dialdehyde (MDA), polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. HPE showed strong antibacterial activity at all tested concentrations (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μg/ml) to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella Castellani and Chalmers. HPE significantly inhibited EIU-induced upregulation of NF-κB activation and the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, ICAM-1, and COX-2. Moreover, HPE suppressed MDA and infiltration of PMN. The study supports the hypothesis that the antipimple and anti-eczema activities of Dangguikushen compound recipe are attributed to herb pairs, A. sinensis and S. flavescens, used in combination.

Seasonal occurrence of major moth pests and their environmental friendly control in pear orchard

The changes in major moth populations were monitored by sex pheromone traps in pear orchards at Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon from 2008 to 2010. Among four major moths, Grapholita molesta and Caposina sasakii occurred most frequently. Their occurrences peaked 2 to 3 times during the growing season from May to September. G. molesta was exceptional, occurring until September. For the environmentally-friendly control of these moths, 9 control materials including insect pathogenic bacteria and environmentally-friendly agricultural materials, were examined on the larva of 4 kinds of moth and sprayed on pear leaves in the field. As the generalized results of bioassay, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and Sophora flavescens extract were shown to have better control effects than any other control material.

Induction of Hepatic Cytochrome P450s by the Herbal Medicine Sophora flavescens Extract in Rats: Impact on the Elimination of Theophylline

The roots of Sophora flavescens (Sf) have been widely used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and eczema. Cytochrome P450 (P450) forms including CYP1A2, CYP2B, CYP2E1, and CYP3A participate in the oxidative metabolism of theophylline, which is an important bronchodilation agent with a narrow therapeutic index. To assess the interaction of Sf with theophylline, the effects of Sf extract on theophylline-metabolizing P450s and on the pharmacokinetic profile of theophylline were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Oral treatment of rats with the Sf extract caused dose-dependent increases of liver microsomal oxidation activities toward 7-ethoxyresorufin, 7-pentoxyresorufin, and nifedipine. However, nitrosodimethylamine N-demethylation activity was not affected. The ingestion of Sf extract stimulated theophylline 8-oxidation and N-demethylation activities. The increases of oxidative activities were in consensus with the elevation of the protein levels of CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2C11, and CYP3A. Sf-treatment increased the clearance of theophylline and decreased the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and the area under the moment curve (AUMC). These results demonstrate that Sf reduces blood theophylline concentration through facilitating the elimination of theophylline. In patients taking Sf, possible P450 induction-induced drug interaction should be noted to decrease the risk of therapeutic failure or adverse effects resulting from the use of additional therapeutic agents.

The hair growth promoting effect of Sophora flavescens extract and its molecular regulation

In search of natural extracts for hair growth, we found that the extract of dried root of Sophora flavescens has outstanding hair growth promoting effect. After topical application of Sophora flavescens extract onto the back of C57BL/6 mice, the earlier conversion of telogen-to-anagen was induced. The growth of dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro, however, was not affected by Sophora flavescens extract treatment. RT-PCR analysis showed that Sophora flavescens extract induced mRNA levels of growth factors such as IGF-1 and KGF in dermal papilla cells, suggesting that the effects of Sophora flavescens extract on hair growth may be mediated through the regulation of growth factors in dermal papilla cells. In addition, the Sophora flavescens extract revealed to possess potent inhibitory effect on the type II 5α-reductase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that Sophora flavescens extract has hair growth promoting potential and can be used for hair growing products.