Zingiberis Rhizoma Research Articles

Antioxidant Effect of Wen-Pi-Tang and Its Component Crude Drugs on Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiologic process of acute and chronic renal diseases. Intracellular component such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids are easily and rapidly oxidized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and such reactions lead to increased levels of lipid peroxide. The present study examined the antioxidant effects of Wen-Pi-Tang and its component crude drugs on 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)- or 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN)-induced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid. As a result, Wen-Pi-Tang significantly decreased AAPH or AMVN-induced ROS in renal mitochondrial particles. For the components in Wen-Pi-Tang's prescription, Rhei Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix extracts strongly inhibited peroxide levels, but Ginseng Radix, Aconiti Tuber and Zingiberis Rhizoma extracts were comparably low. Rhei Rhizoma extract showed the strongest inhibitory activity on oxidative injury, and two of its tannin compounds, (-)-epicatechin 3-O-gallate and procyanidin B-2 3,3'-di-O-gallate, inhibited AAPH or AMVN-induced ROS significantly. Thus, the present data suggest that Wen-Pi-Tang and its component crude drugs effectively prevent biological toxicity on oxidative stress through potent antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation activities.

황금 및 생강 복합 수용성겔 제제의 항산화 활성 및 피부염 치료효과

This study was performed to investigate the effects of treatment for dermatitis using the herbal gel preparations. Scutellariae Radix(SR) and Zingiberis Rhizoma(ZR) were used for the purpose of herbal preparations. Baicalin, baicalein are the ingredients of SR, having biological effects like anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial and antiallergic action. 6-Gingerol is one of the ingredients of ZR having biologicai effects like anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. The three types of hydrogels(SRE, SRH, SZH) were formulated with Carbopol 940, Labrasol, Triethanolamine etc. Baicalin was hydrolysed to baicalein by -glucuronidase for the purpose to increase rate of skin permeation. Content of ingredients by HPLC determination, rate of skin permeation using Franz type diffusion cell, anti-oxidative activity for the free radical, hydroxyl radical, superoxide, anti-inflammatory by using carrageenan injection, efficacy on the dermatitis induced by 2,4-dinitro-chlorobenzene(DNCB) were experimented. Baicalein showed higher permeability than baicalin, so it is considered that baicalein was more suitable form than baicalin for transdermal absorption by its lipophilic property. In the anti-oxidative experiments, SZH gel was the most effective scavenging activity than the other gels in all experiments. In anti-inflammatory test, SRM and SZH gel more decreased edma rapidly than SRE gel. In case of using SZH gel, treatment period for the dermatitis was more declined than that of other gel groups. These results suggests that the SZH hydrogel could be suitable preparations for the treatment of dermatitis.

CML-1 inhibits TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells through inhibition of IkBα kinase

CML-1 is a purified extract from a mixture of 13 oriental herbs (Achyranthis Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, Eucommiae Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Hoelen, Lycii Fructus, Paeoniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Atractylodis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zizyphi Semen, Acori Graminei Rhizoma) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Asia. Since our previous study has been shown to have the anti-inflammatory activity of CML-1 in vivo and the upregulation of adhesion molecules in response to numerous inducing factors is associated with inflammation, this study examined the effect of CML-1 on the expression of adhesion molecules induced by TNF-α in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Preincubation of HUVECs for 20 h with CML-1 (1–100 μg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α (10 ng/ml)-induced adhesion of THP-1 monocytic cells, as well as mRNA and protein expression of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). CML-1 was also shown to inhibit NK-kB activation induced by TNF-α. Furthermore, CML-1 inhibited TNF-α-induced IkB kinase activation, subsequent degradation of IkBα, and nuclear translocation of NK-kB. Evidence presented in this report demonstrated that CML-1 inhibited the adhesive capacity of HUVEC and the TNF-α-mediated induction of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HUVEC by inhibiting the IkB/NF-kB signaling pathway at the level of IkB kinase, which may explain the ability of CML-1 to suppress inflammation and modulate the immune response.

Effects of the Chinese Herbal Medicines Bupleuri radix, Ginseng radix, and Zingiberis rhizoma on Lymphatic Vessel Activity in Rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the Chinese herbal medicines Bupleuri radix, Ginseng radix and Zingiberis rhizoma on spontaneous lymphatic vessel activity. The effect of each herbal medicine on in vivo lymphatic flow was examined by injection of dye into the femoral regions of rats after feeding with the herbal medicines. In an in vitro study, spontaneous changes in diameter of the rat thoracic duct were monitored, and each segment was exposed to each herbal medicine. In the in vivo study, 100% of the right iliac lymphatic node were positively stained in the herbal medicine group, whereas only 40% of the node were positively stained in the control group. In the in vitro study, Bupleuri radix and Ginseng radix increased the amplitude of spontaneous activity of lymphatic vessels in a concentration-dependent manner with or without L-NAME, an NO synthase inhibitor. The results indicated that the herbal medicines Bupleuri radix and Ginseng radix activated spontaneous lymphatic vasomotion and lymph flow, and the mechanisms of this effect seem to be independent of endothelial cells.

Pharmacokinetics of (-)Epicatechin 3-O-Gallate, Glycyrrhetic Acid and Rhein in Healthy Male Volunteers after a Single Dose Administration of TJ-8117 (Unpito), a Japanese Traditional Medicine for Renal Failure

Aims: Unpito, an herbal medicine extracted from a mixture of five crude medicines (Rhei Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Aconiti Tuber), has been developed as a drug for chronic renal failure. In general, it is difficult to estimate the absorption and excretion of herbal medicines due to the presence of a wide variety of components. The purpose of the current study was to examine the systemic pharmacokinetics and elimination of Unpito in healthy volunteers as part of the clinical study of the medicine.Methods: Three compounds, (-) epicatechin 3-O-gallate (ECG), glycyrrhetic acid (GA) and rhein (RH) were selected as markers, to examine the clinical pharmacokinetics of Unpito based on their levels in this medicine. The disposition of each compound was evaluated in 32 healthy volunteers receiving single oral doses (2, 4, 8, and 12 capsules).Results: After a single oral administration, ECG and RH exhibited linear pharmacokinetics in AUC and Cmax, while GA did not exhibit linear pharmacokinetics. A cross-over study was conducted to evaluate the effect of food at a single dose of 4 capsules. The effect of food was observed for the plasma concentrations of ECG and RH, while not for GA. The potential accumulations of δ-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) γ-valerolactone (VL-2), a metabolite of ECG and RH were not observed. GA was not detected in urine.Conclusions: This is the first study presenting pharmacokinetics of ECG, GA and RH derived from Unpito, an herbal medicine, in healthy volunteers after single dose administration.

Pharmacokinetics of TJ-8117(Onpi-to), a drug for renal failure (ii): Effects of food, repeated administration and renal failure to plasma concentration of [3H]-(−)epicatechin 3-O-gallate in rats

TJ-8117 (Onpi-to) is a herbal medicine extracted from mixture of five crude drugs (Rhei Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Aconiti Tuber), which has been developed as a drug for chronic renal failure. (-)Epicatechin 3-O-gallate (ECG), one of the active compounds of TJ-8117, was labeled with tritium and spiked to TJ-8117. Effects of food, renal failure and repeated administration to pharmacokinetics of ECG-related radioactivity in the plasma were investigated after oral administration of TJ-8117 containing [3H]ECG ([3H]TJ-8117) in male rats. After oral administration of [3H]TJ-8117, the radioactivity in the plasma in non-fasted rats was higher than that in fasted rats. AUC(0-72 h) and Cmax in the non-fasted was 123% and 248% of those in the fasted. After oral administration of [3H]TJ-8117, the radioactivity in the plasma in 5/6 nephrectomized rats was higher than that in sham-operated rats. AUC(0-72 h) and Cmax in 5/6 nephrectomized was 332% and 236% of those in sham-operated. After repeated administration of TJ-8117 for 6 days, [3H]TJ-8117 was administered on 7th day. Radioactivity in plasma in first day was similar to that in 7th day. The pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly different between single and repeated administration.

Zingiberis rhizoma: a comprehensive review on the ginger effect and efficacy profiles.

Zingiberis rhizoma is used as a broadspectrum antiemetic. We, therefore, conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize the pharmacological and clinical effects of this popular plant material. Although clinical and experimental studies suggest that ginger has some antiemetic properties, clinical evidence beyond doubt is only available for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Meta-analyses could not demonstrate the postoperative antiemetic effectiveness, and effect in motion sickness or nausea/vomiting of other ethiology. It also remains to be confirmed that proprietary ginger preparations are clinically useful to alleviate osteoarthritic or other pain, although there is no doubt that ginger constituents interfere with the inflammatory cascade and the vanilloid nociceptor. Ginger exerts in vitro antioxidative, antitumorigenic and immunomodulatory effects and is an effective antimicrobial and antiviral agent. Animal studies demonstrate effects on the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, on experimental pain and fever, antioxidative, antilipidemic and antitumor effects, as well as central and other effects. The most relevant human pharmacological studies require a confirmatory study to exclude interaction of ginger preparations with platelet aggregation. Pharmacokinetic data are only available for [6]-gingerol and zingiberene. Preclinical safety data do not rule out potential toxicity, which should be monitored especially following ginger consumption over longer periods.

Activity of Wen-Pi-Tang, and Purified Constituents of Rhei Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix against Glucose-Mediated Protein Damage

Wen-Pi-Tang, an Oriental medical prescription composed of Rhei Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix, Aconiti Tuber, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix, is used clinically as a medicine to treat renal failure. This study was conducted to examine the inhibitory activity of the five crude drug components of Wen-Pi-Tang and several pure compounds isolated from Rhei Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix against the protein glycation reaction. Rhei Rhizoma exerted the most potent activity, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix showed relatively moderate activity, whereas Aconiti Tuber and Ginseng Radix showed weak activity. On the other hand, of 20 compounds obtained from Rhei Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix, tannins, especially rhatannin, RG-tannin and procyanidin B-2 3,3'-di-O-gallate, showed significantly strong activities that were more effective than the positive control, aminoguanidine. Some flavones such as licochalcone A and licochalcone B, and anthraquinones such as emodin and aloe-emodin, also showed inhibitory activity. These findings may help to explain, at least in part, certain pharmacological activities of Wen-Pi-Tang, whose clinical efficacy against renal failure is already recognized.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of CML-1: An Herbal Formulation

CML-1 is a purified extract from a mixture of 13 Oriental herbs (Achyranthis Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, Eucommiae Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Hoelen, Lycii Fructus, Paeoniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Atractylodis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zizyphi Semen, Acori Graminei Rhizoma) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of CML-1. The animals used in this study were administered either vehicle or CML-1 (30, 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) orally. The vascular permeability induced by acetic acid was significantly reduced by CML-1 in all doses. The swelling of the rat's hind paw induced by carrageenan was significantly inhibited by CML-1 in doses of 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in rats, the treatment with CML-1 at a dose level of 300 mg/kg inhibited edema. CML-1 at a dose level of 600 mg/kg inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome, however it did not have any anti-nociceptive action in the Randall-Selitto assay or the hot plate test. Our findings suggest that CML-1 has a potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Effects of 19 Herbal Extracts on the Sensitivity to Paclitaxel or 5-Fluorouracil in HeLa Cells

The popularity of traditional herbal medicine (THM) being used as complementary medicines or alternative medicines is increasing. On the other hand, the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major hurdle to successful cancer chemotherapy. Some THMs capable of reversing MDR may contribute to the improvement of clinical outcomes in cancer chemotherapy. Herein, 19 kinds of herb were chosen from the ingredients of major THMs, and their effects on the sensitivity to anticancer drugs of tumor cells were investigated using the human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Focusing on the major mechanism for MDR, i.e., MDR1/P-glycoprotein, the effects of herbal extracts on its transport function were also examined using a MDR1 substrate Rhodamine123. Glycyrrhizae Radix, Rhei Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Poria, Zizyphi Fructus, Zingiberis Rhizoma (dry), Coptidis Rhizoma, Ephedrae Herba and Asiasari Radix significantly enhanced the sensitivity to a MDR1 substrate paclitaxel, whereas none of the herbal extracts used had any effect on the sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil, which is not a substrate for MDR1. Rhodamine123 uptake was significantly increased by Rhei Rhizoma, Poria or Ephedrae Herba among nine herbal extracts sensitized to paclitaxel. This suggests that the increase in paclitaxel sensitivity by Glycyrrhizae Radix, Rhei Rhizoma, Poria or Ephedrae Herba was caused, in part, by the inhibition of MDR1 function, and the change in paclitaxel sensitivity by the other herbal extracts was not always dependent on this. Collectively, these findings indicate that the combination of anticancer drugs with some herbal extracts contributes to the enhancement of clinical outcomes in cancer chemotherapy.

The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis

Objective: Evaluation of the effect of a ginger extract (Zintona EC) on patients suffering from gonarthritis. Material and methods: Twenty-nine patients (6 men and 23 women) with symptomatic gonarthritis (ACR criteria), in the age range 42–85 years, were included after randomization in a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study of 6 months' duration. The treatment group was given a ginger extract (250 mg of Zingiberis Rhizoma per capsule, qid), while the placebo group received the same number of identical looking capsules per day. The crossover occurred after 3 months of therapy. Results were evaluated by a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) of pain on movement and of handicap. Results: Eight patients dropped out because of inefficacy, three from group 1 (ginger extract first) and five from group 2 (placebo first). One patient from group 1 and one from group 2 dropped out because of heartburn (while they were on ginger extract). Twenty patients completed the study period of 24 weeks and 19 that of 48 weeks follow-up. By the end of 24 weeks there was a highly statistically significant difference between the VAS of pain and handicap of the two groups ( P<0.001). However, at crossover both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in VAS of pain on movement and of handicap, but the differences between the groups did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Zintona EC was as effective as placebo during the first 3 months of the study, but at the end of 6 months, 3 months after crossover, the ginger extract group showed a significant superiority over the placebo group.

Pharmacokinetics of (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate, an active component of Onpi-to, in rats.

(-)-Epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), a component of Rhei Rhizoma, is one of the active components of Onpi-to, a herbal medicine composed of five crude drugs (Rhei Rhizome, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Aconiti Tuber), which has been used in patients with chronic renal failure. Pharmacokinetics of ECG was investigated in male rats employing an HPLC-electrochemical detection method. 1. Following oral administration of ECG, ECG plasma levels revealed curves characterized by peaks at 0.065, 0.063 and 0.085 h corresponding to dosages of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg at mean concentrations of 49.62, 212.89 and 464.04 ng/ml, respectively. Plasma levels subsequently declined bi-exponentially. ECG demonstrated nonlinear pharmacokinetics in terms of C(max) and AUC(0-inf). 2. The absolute bioavailability values (F) were 1.02, 1.47 and 3.30% at doses of 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 mg/kg, respectively. 3. Following intravenous injection of ECG, plasma levels of ECG decreased with the gamma-elimination half-life (t(1/2gamma)) of 4.03 h. 4. Following oral administration of ECG, urinary levels of ECG were lower than the quantitation limit. Moreover, cumulative excretion of the metabolites, delta-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-gamma-valerolactone and delta-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-gamma-valerolactone, was 2.45 and 0.23% of dose, respectively, up to 30 h after dosing.

Effect of Hochu-ekki-to on asymptomatic MRSA bacteriuria.

Hochu-ekki-to, a multiple herbal drug which consists of 10 medicinal plants (Astragali radix, Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma, Ginseng radix, Angelicae radix, Bupleuri radix, Zizyphi fructus, Aurantii nobilis pericarpium, Glycyrrhizae radix, Cimicifugae rhizoma, and Zingiberis rhizoma), was administered to 38 patients with asymptomatic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteriuria, and the effect was evaluated. The patients received Hochu-ekki-to at a daily dose of 7.5 g for at least 24 weeks. As a prognostic nutritional index (PNI), albumin and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were measured, in addition to urine culture. The results were compared with those in 12 untreated control patients with asymptomatic MRSA bacteriuria. Four of the 38 patients treated with Hochu-ekki-to received antibacterial drugs during the treatment period, and were excluded from the study. Among the 34 eligible patients treated with Hochu-ekki-to, urinary MRSA was eradicated in 12 patients, and the bacterial counts in urine culture decreased to 10(2) CFU/ml or less in 10 patients. In patients treated with Hochu-ekki-to, urinary bacteria were decreased from 10 weeks after treatment compared with the findings in control patients (P < 0.05). PNI improved in all patients compared with the baseline before treatment. It was considered that the biodefense function was recovered via nutritional improvement by the administration of Hochu-ekki-to, and, as a result, MRSA bacteriuria improved. Further investigation would be needed in future.

Herbal Medicine and False-Positive Results on Lymphocyte Transformation Test

In vitro mitogenic activity of 16 herbs and 3 Kampo (herbal medicine) formulae have been reported in experimental studies. It is not known how many herbs and Kampo formulae in total have mitogenic activity. Lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) is generally utilized to diagnose drug-induced liver injury. In LTT, mitogenic activity is assessed by measuring 3H-thymidine incorporation. The objective of the present study was to determine which herbs and which Kampo formulae caused false-positivity on LTT. We examined 2496 summaries of all admission records from 1979 to 1999 in our department. We selected patients in whom liver injuries were diagnosed as definitely unrelated to Kampo medication. In these patients, LTT was performed for some herbs contained in the suspect Kampo medicines, resulting in positive LTT for 17 herbs: Evodiae Fructus (Goshuyu), Zizyphi Fructus (Taiso), Ginseng Radix (Ninjin), Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shokyo), Hoelen (Bukuryo), Aconiti Tuber (Bushi), Angelicae Radix (Toki), Cnidii Rhizoma (Senkyu), Rehmanniae Radix (Jio), Ephedrae Herba (Mao), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Chimo), Cinnamomi Cortex (Keihi), Bupleuri Radix (Saiko), Artemisiae Capillari Spica (Inchinko), Persicae Semen (Tonin), Moutan Cortex (Botanpi) and Paeoniae Radix (Shakuyaku). These results were considered false-positive, because the results were observed in the "definitely unrelated" patients. Mitogenic activity inherent to some herbs and Kampo formulae may sometimes cause false-positivity on LTT in clinical situations. These examples suggest that LTT for Kampo formulae may be unreliable as a diagnostic method for drug-induced liver injury.

The Effects of a Traditional Medicine, Fang-ji-huang-qi-tang (Boi-ogi-to), on Urinary Sugar and Sugar Alcohols in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice.

Boi-ogi-to (Fang-ji-huang-qi-tang, FJHQ) is a Kampo Medicine which has been clinically used in the treatment of arthritis and edema, and includes Astragali Radix, Atractylodes Lanceae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Zizyphi Fructus combined with Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma (SCR) in Japan, but with Stephania Radix (SR) in China as a substitute for SCR. We have previously reported that FJHQ containing SR [FJHQ(SR)] decreases high blood glucose levels and the elevated blood immunoreactive insulin level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice to a greater extent than FJHQ having SCR [FJHQ(SCR)]. In the present study, we show that FJHQ(SR) strongly decreases urinary glucose, sorbitol, fructose, myo-inositol and 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol in STZ-diabetic mice; the effect was markedly stronger than that of FJHQ(SCR), indicating that FJHQ(SR) suppresses polyol pathway activity. The present data support the hypothesis that FJHQ(SR) may inhibit the development of diabetic complications.

Occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by multiple herbal agents in a pharmacist

Herb agents have been widely used for centuries in the Orient and they have been cultivated throughout Asia. There have been a few cases of occupational allergy caused by herb materials. We report a case of occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by six herb materials in a pharmacist working at a pharmacy. We sought the role of immediate hypersensitivity in herbal agent-induced asthma in a pharmacist. The patient had strong positive responses on skin prick test to extracts of six herb materials: Chunkung (Cnidii rhizoma), Banha (Pinellia ternata), Sanyak (Dioscorea radix), Kangwhal (Ostericum koreanum), Danggui (Angelica radix), and Kunkang (Zingiberis rhizoma). Bronchoprovocation tests showed an early asthmatic response to Danggui extract. Serum specific IgE antibodies to Chunkung, Banha, and Sanyak were detected by ELISA with no specific IgE bindings to Kangwhal, Danggui, and Kunkang extracts. Twelve percent sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and IgE immunoblotting revealed one IgE binding component (60 kD) within Chunkung extract, two (10, 25 kD) in Banha, and four (33, 34, 65, 98 kD) in Sanyak. Basophil histamine release test revealed that Danggui extract could release a greater amount of histamine from basophils in the patient than in a healthy control. Chunkung, Banha, and Sanyak may induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in an exposed worker, and Danggui can cause bronchoconstriction by direct histamine-releasing effect from mast cells in a sensitized patient.

Determination of Sulfite in Oriental Herbal Medicines

Sulfite was detected in 7 varieties of Oriental herbal medicines (Pueraria radix, Zingiberis rhizoma, Platycodon radix, Adenophora radix, Pinellia tuber, Astragalus radix, and Paeonia radix) on the Korean market. Sulfiting of commercial Oriental herbal medicines by fumigation with burning bituminous coal was simulated, and the accumulation of sulfite was investigated by using fresh Platycodon radix roots obtained from a growing field. The sulfite level reached a plateau in 9 h, and the maximum sulfite level found by the Monier-Williams (MW) method (AOAC 990.28) was 1020 ppm. The sulfite content in the simulated Platycodon radix sample determined by alkali extraction followed by ion-exclusion chromatography with electrochemical detection (AOAC 990.31) was approximately 17% lower on average than the MW results. Free-sulfite levels determined by acid extraction and ion-exclusion chromatography with electrochemical detection were between 19 and 49% of the MW results. The advantages of different methods for sulfite determination and the significance of the results are discussed.

Effect of shitei-to, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, on pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling in mice.

This study measured the effects of Shitei-To (STT), a traditional Chinese Medicine, which is a mixture of extracts from three medicinal herbs, Shitei (SI, Kaki Calyx; calyx of Diospyros kaki L. f.), Shokyo (SK, Zingiberis Rhizoma; rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and Choji (CJ, Caryophylli flos; flowerbud of Syzygium aromaticum [L.] Merrill et. Perry), has long been used for the treatment of hiccups in Japan and China, against fully pentylenetetrazol-kindled seizures and on the development of pentylenetetrazol kindling in mice. Repeated administration of STT (3.0 g/kg p.o.) mildly retards the development of pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling in mice. STT also decreased the number of tonic-clonic convulsions resulting from progression kindling. On the other hand, STT had no effect on convulsions in fully pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice. These findings suggest that STT protects against the development of convulsions, and that STT may have therapeutic effects in the prevention of secondarily generalized seizures.

Yeni Bir Mesleksel Astma Nedeni: Rhizoma Zingiberis

A New Etiology of Occupational Asthma A 28-year-old woman who has been working in a drug factory in Samsun for 10 years, during which she had worked at packing within first 5 years and is still working at manufacture department for 5 years, presented with a history of attacks of itching of throat, cough and dyspnea at workplace for 2 years. Occupational asthma was initial diagnosis and she was evaluated for confirmation of the diagnosis. Physical examination was normal, and also was pulmonary function test. Serum total IgE was 1268 IU/ml. Skin tests and bronchial provacation tests with polivinyl pirrolidon-iodur complex (Batticon®), dimenhidrinat (Anti EM®), and Rhizoma zingiberis (Ginger®) that all were manufactured at her workplace were done. Skin test with Rhizoma zingiberis was positive with 8x8 mm of which negative control was was 2x2 mm and histamine was 5x5 mm. Bronchial provacation tests with Rhizoma zingiberis was also positive and its results were as follows: initial FEVI: 2,97 L/min, FEVI at 5th minute: 1.20 L/min (58% of initial value). The results of bronchial provacation tests and also skin tests with common allergens and the other two drugs to which she exposed during working were negative. To our knowledge, our case is the first case that reports Rhizoma zingiberis as an etiologic agent for occupational asthma. Samsun'daki bir ilac fabrikasinda 10 yildir (5 yil paketleme, son 5 yil imalat bolumu) calisan son 2 yildir bogazinda ve kulaklarinda kasinb, siddetli oksuruk ve takiben nefes darligi ataklari tanimlayan, is yerinde sikayetleri belirgin olarak artan 28 yasindaki kadin hasta mesleksel astma dusunulerek incelemeye alindi. Fizik muayenede bir ozellik yoktu. Solunum fonksiyon testleri normal, serum total IgE: 1268 iu/ml idi. Calistigi bolumde imalati yapilari polivinil pirrolidon iyot kompleksi (Batticon®) dimenhidrinat (Anti EM®) ve Rhizoma zingiberis (Ginger®) ile deri ve bronkoprovakasyon testleri yapildi. Rhizoma zingiberis ile deri tesu pozitif (RZ: 8 x 8mm, negatif konrol : 2 x 2 mm, histamin: 5x5 mm) bulunurken, ayni antijenle FEVi de %58 lik dusme (FEVI baslangicta 2,97 L , 5. dakikada 1.20 L) saptandi. 15' adet yaygin antijenle deri testleri ve diger iki ilacla yapilan deri ve bronkoprovakasyon testleri negatif idi. Kaynaklarda Rhizoma zingiberis ile olusan mesleksel astmaya rastlayamadik. Vakamiz Rhizoma zingiberis'in yeni bir mesleksel astma nedeni olabilecegini dusundurmektedir.

Effect of oral administration of Pinellia ternata, Zingiberis rhizoma and their mixture on the efferent activity of the gastric branch of the vagus nerve in the rat

The effect of taste stimulation of Pinellia ternata, Zingiberis rhizoma and their mixture on the efferent activity of the gastric branch of the vagus nerve was observed in the anesthetized rat. Taste stimulation by Pinellia ternata (50 mg/ml, 10 min) resulted in a suppression in vagal gastric nerve activity. On the contrary, stimulation by Zingiberis rhizoma (50 mg/ml, 10 min) caused a facilitation in efferent activity. The mixture of Pinellia ternata and Zingiberis rhizoma (5:1, 50 mg/ml, 10 min stimulation) demonstrated no suppressive effect on gastric nerve activity. These observations indicate that it is reasonable to prescribe Pinellia ternata with Zingiberis rhizoma in traditional Japanese medicine to prevent suppressive effect of the taste of Pinellia ternata on gastric function.