ABSTRACT
[Objective] To compare the effects of Radix Astragali (RA) and triperygium glucosides (TG) on glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) proliferation and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion. [Methods] GMC were cultured with in-vitro cell culture technology. Serum containing RA and serum containing TG were prepared with serum pharmacological methods. GMC proliferation was detected by methylthiazolyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and IL-6 level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the effect of low-, moderate- and high-dosages of RA-containing serum and TG-containing serum under the condition of GMC over-proliferation. [ Results] Different dosages of RA-containing serum and TG-containing serum inhibited GMC proliferation and IL-6 secretion in a dose-effect manner, and the inhibitory effect of high- and moderate-dosage TG and high-dosage RA was stronger. [Conclusion] Under the condition of in-vitro GMC over-proliferation, RA has the similar inhibitory effects on GMC proliferation and IL-6 secretion with TG. The combined treatment of RA and TG can reduce the dose of TG and probably has an action in increasing effect and reducing toxicity.
ABSTRACT
[Objective] To study the effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Radix Astragali on astrocytes in gerbils with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. [Methods] Gerbils model of cerebral ischemia was set up by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries. The dynamic expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were determined by immunohistochemical method in reperfusion for 24 and 48 hours after 15 minutes of cerebral ischemia. [Results] Positive expression of GFAP reached a peak in reperfusion for 24 hours and was decreased by Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Radix Astragali. Positive GFAP expression was attenuated in reperfusion for 48 hours and enhanced by Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Radix Astragali increased the expression. [ Conclusion ] The regulatory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Radix Astragali on astrocytes may be one of its mechanisms in repairing nervous function after cerebral ischemia.
ABSTRACT
[Objective] To compare the effects of heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs with that of tonifying herbs on mice hepatoma cells line H22, and to explore their immunologic mechanisms. [Methods] Herba Rabdosiae Rubescentis (HRR) and Herba Scutellariae Barbatae (HSB) were selected as the heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs, and Radix Astragali (RA) as the representative of tonifying herbs. Fifty KM mice were inoculated with hepatoma cells line H22 and then were randomized into five groups: HRR group (30 g?kg-1?d-1 by gavage for 12 days), HSB group (15 g?kg-1?d-1 by gavage for 12 days), RA group (15 g?kg-1?d-1 by gavage for 12 days) , heat-shock group (treated 20 min at 43℃, once every 4 days and three times in all) and model group. Twelve days later, the mice were executed and the ascites smears were prepared. The cell feature in ascites was observed under light microscope and the expression of CD4+ and CD8+ on the cellular membrane of the T lymphocyte in ascites was detected with immunohistochemical method. [Results] A large amount of damaged and apoptotic H22 cells were found in HRR, HSB and heat-shock groups, and the changes of cell feature in RA group were not obvious. The expressions of CD4+ and CD8+ on the membrane of T cells in ascites was increased in HRR and HRB groups, but the expression of CD4+ was increased in RA group, and CD8+ expression was increased in heat-shock group.[Conclusion] Heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs can induce the necrosis and apoptosis of mice hepatoma cells line H22 and the mechanism may be related to the increase of cellular immunity, thus enhancing the body immunity to kill the tumor cells. RA can not kill the tumor cells directly and its antitumor action may be related to the increase of CD4+ expression.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effect of Radix Astragali on the transmission time of small intestine(TTSI).Methods: TTSI and the peak value of lactose absorption were determined by hydrogen breath test in 40 healthy subjects a week before and after administration of Radix Astragali. Results: TTSI was 116.48+ 24.57 min and 102.38+ 13.44 min respectively before and after administration (P 0.05).Conclusion: Oral administration of Radix Astragali for one week has no effect on the absorption of the lactose by small intestine,but can promote the movement of small intestine.