Research progress in pharmacological effects of Aralia elata / 浙江大学学报·医学版

The traditional Chinese medicine Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., also known as Aralia mandshurica, has the effect of "tonifying Qi and calming the mind, strengthening the essence and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling wind and invigorating blood circulation". It is used in the treatment of neurasthenia, Yang deficiency and Qi deficiency, kidney Qi deficiency, spleen Yang deficiency, water-dampness stagnation, thirst, and bruises. Aralia elata saponins are the main components for the pharmacological effects. From the perspective of modern pharmacological science, Aralia elata has a wide range of effects, including anti-myocardial ischaemia and alleviation of secondary myocardium ischemic reperfusion injury by regulating ionic homeostasis, anti-tumor activity by inhibiting proliferation, promoting apoptosis and enhancing immunity, hypoglycemia and lipid lowering effects by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and hepato-protective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory/analgesic effects. The studies on pharmacological mechanisms of Aralia elata will be conducive to its development and application in the future. This article reviews the research progress of Aralia elata domestically and internationally in the last two decades and proposes new directions for further research.

Structural modification and biological evaluation of monomeric compounds from Aralia elata / 中草药

Objective: To modify the structure of natural monomeric compound based on oleanolic acid-3-O-β-D-glucuronide from medicinal plant Aralia elata and to evaluate the myocardial protection activity of the derivatives. Methods: Taking oleanolic acid or ursolic acid as material, the target compounds were prepared by five steps of reactions and evaluated for myocardial protection effects by H9c2 cells in vitro. Results: Ten derivatives F1-F10 were synthesized. The structures of the target compounds were identified by spectrum. Pharmacological results showed that all of the compounds had the different levels potency of myocardial protection effects in cells. In particular, compounds F3 showed the significant myocardial protection activity compared to lead compound. Conclusion: The new compounds F1-F10 which show the potential of biological activity in myocardial protection, have not been reported in any literature and deserved further research.