ABSTRACT
Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT7 receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.
ABSTRACT
We reported 2 cases of plantar keratosis (59 years of age, female/39 years of age, male) successfully improved by intake of hot water extract of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf with Husks. Both subjects were administered coix seed extract containing food for 20 weeks. The lesions improved gradually after 12 weeks, and almost cured by 20 weeks of administration. Although the food seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.
ABSTRACT
We evaluated the long-term safety of eight adult volunteers (male 7, female 1: average age 47.4 years) ingesting powdered foods containing Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD/2.2g/day or 4.4g/day) for 1 year 8 months to 5 years (average 2 years 9 months). Body weight, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse rate), peripheral blood test, blood biochemical test, etc. were observed. We also investigated the presence or absence of side effects. The results showed no notable changes in vital signs or blood test results. From the above, it was speculated that long-term intake of CRD would not pose a safety problem. We plan to continue the study by increasing the number of observation cases in the future.
ABSTRACT
Objective: We investigated the effects of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Methods: Various concentrations of CRD (0.00001%, 0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%) were added to human fibroblasts, and changes in cell count and extracellular collagen production were measured. Results: Fibroblasts proliferated by the addition of CRD, peaked at about 1.7 times when the CRD concentration was 0.0001%, and then decreased as the addition concentration increased. On the other hand, the collagen concentration in the extracellular matrix of fibroblasts increased as the CRD addition concentration increased, and the collagen concentration increased sharply at 0.1% of CRD concentration or more. Conclusion: It was suggested that CRD has a function of increasing the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen production.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Psychosocial stress has been implicated in the genesis of psychiatric disorders such as memory deficits, depression, anxiety and addiction. Aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CYC) otherwise known as lemongrass tea has antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-amnesic effects in rodents. This study was designed to evaluate if C. citratus could reverse the neurobehavioral and biochemical derangements induced by social defeat stress (SDS) in the resident/intruder paradigm. Methods: Intruder male mice were divided into five groups (n = 7): group 1 received saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.; non-stress control), group 2 also received saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.; SDS control) while groups 3–5 had C. citratus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 14 d. The SDS was carried out 30 min after each treatment from day 7 to day 14 by exposing each intruder mouse in groups 2–5 to a 10 min confrontation in the home cage of an aggressive resident counterpart. The neurobehavioral features (spontaneous motor activity-SMA, anxiety, memory, social avoidance and depression were then evaluated. The concentrations of nitrite, malondialdehyde and glutathione as well as acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain tissues were also determined. Results: C. citratus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) attenuated hypolocomotion, heightened anxiety, depressive-like symptom, memory deficit and social avoidance induced by SDS. The altered levels of oxidative stress and acetyl-cholinesterase in SDS-mice were positively modulated by C. citratus. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that C. citratus might mitigate psychosocial stress-induced neurologic diseases in susceptible individuals.
ABSTRACT
In this report, we presented the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed excoriation of cuticle on both fingers for over several years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 4.0g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 8 weeks. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to confirmation the efficacy of this food.
ABSTRACT
In this report, we presented the case of a 45-year-old man who developed intractable eczema on the thumb-index interdigital fold for over 3 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 2.2g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 7 months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.
ABSTRACT
To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar wart (case 1. 8 years of age, female/ case 2. 26 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.
ABSTRACT
To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 3 cases of refractory atopic dermatitis(case 1. 25 years of age, male/ case 2. 40 years of age, female/ case 3. 5 years of age, male) successfully cured by intake of CRD. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in all cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.
ABSTRACT
To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar keratosis (case 1. 34 years of age, female/ case 2. 29 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.
ABSTRACT
We evaluated the effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on cold sensitivity of female hands and feet. Ninety females were assigned randomly to 3 groups and CRD(2g/day, 4g/day or placebo) was administrated for 8weeks. Significant improvement of cold sensitivity was observed in both the 2g/day and 4g/day groups. It was speculated that a naringenin and a quercetin as active ingredients of adlay hull may play a critical role in ameliorating effect on blood flow.
ABSTRACT
To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we analyzed 13 kinds of phenolic compounds and coixol(an alkaloid) in CRD powder by using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS).The following are the results: p -Coumaric acid 275.0 (μg/g), p -Hydroxybenzaldehyde 50.2 (μg/g), Caffeic acid 36.9 (μg/g), Protocatechuic acid 31.9 (μg/g), Ferulic acid 27.1 (μg/g), Quercetin 16.2 (μg/g), Syringaldehyde 12.1 (μg/g), Chlorogenic acid 11.3 (μg/g), Naringenin 11.1 (μg/g), Vanillin 9.2 (μg/g), trans -Coniferylaldehyde 9.1 (μg/g), Tricin 0.7 (μg/g), Luteolin 0.5 (μg/g) and Coixol(6-Methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone) 5.5 (μg/g). CRD is composed of many substances other than these phenoic compounds. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the various clinical features associated with CRD intake.
ABSTRACT
To clarify the functions of Coix Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 4 cases of refractory acne vulgaris (case 1. 20 years of age, male/ case 2. 46 years of age, female/ case 3. 20 years of age, male /case 4. 28 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in all cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.
ABSTRACT
Objective: In this study, we evaluated the safety of intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in healthy adult volunteers.Methods: Eight subjects (4 males and 4 females, ages 26.6 ± 4.7) consumed 2.0g CRD/day for 4weeks. We observed weight, vital signs(blood pressure, pulse, body temperature), complete blood count(red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and platelet count), hemogram, blood chemistry(Na, K, Cl, AST, ALT, γ-GTP, LDH, ALP, total protein, albumin, A/G, total bilirubin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholinesterase, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and neutral fats), coagulation examination (prothrombin time and partial prothrombin time), and urinalysis (sugar, protein, and occult blood in urine).Results: Although several laboratory data (MCHC, MCV and serum creatinine) changed slightly, all of these values were within normal range. Furthermore, no severe adverse effect was observed. Conclusion: These results suggest that CRD intake up to 2g/day is safe in healthy adults. Further study will be needed to define the safety of long-term administration of CRD.
ABSTRACT
In this report, we presented the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed intractable nummular eczema of fingers for over 5 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated orally 2.2 g twice a day for 6 months. The lesions cured markedly within one month. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.
ABSTRACT
Friction melanosis is a cutaneous entity characterized by a brownish pigmentation distributed on the skin over bony regions of various sites including a trunk or the limbs, after the use, for many years, of a nylon towel or scrub brush to clean the skin. Moreover, repeated trauma due to friction of clothes on the skin over bony prominences are another factors characterizing its pathogenesis. In this report, we presented the case of a 58-year-old man who developed severe friction melanosis around both knees and lower extremities for about 20 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) was administrated orally 2.1g twice a day for 6 months. The lesions of pigmentation diminished markedly within 3 months. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and duration of CRD intake against friction melanosis.
ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet (UV)-induced wrinkle and pigmentation are very common in clinical practice. In this report, we presented the case of a 58-year-old man who developed wrinkle and pigmentation around right hand, face and neck for ten years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) was administrated orally 2.1g twice a day for 6 months. These lesions were improved in the third month, and a dramatic response was obtained at the end of 6 months of treatment. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and duration of CRD intake.
ABSTRACT
We examined the influence of hot water extract of coix seed (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) with husks on facial skin. Ten females (28-58 years old) took hot water extract of coix seed with husks 1 g/day for 8 weeks, and various skin parameters were measured. The results showed that the total amount of subsurface reflection of blue light, which is an index of skin translucency, increased significantly after 8 weeks of intake (p = 0.011). In addition, skin texture improved significantly after 4 and 8 weeks of intake (p = 0.007, p = 0.042). Additionally, the condition of tape-stripped stratum corneum also indicated significant improvement after 4 and 8 weeks intake (p = 0.0002, p = 0.020). These results suggested that the hot water extract of coix seed with husks exhibited effects even at 1 g/day, which is less than in previous reports.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To clarify the species composition, structural characteristics, age-class structure, and floristic diversity of the community where a precious medicinal plant Ardisia gigantifolia inhabited, and to provide a scientific basis for species conservation and large-scale-breeding management. Methods: Eleven plots of 10 m × 10 m were set up. Complete enumeration survey method was employed to study the species composition, diameter at breast height, tree height, and crown width. Data were analyzed using species diversity index. Results: There were 213 species of vascular plant belonging to 153 genera and 78 families in the 1 100 m2 plot; The flora were dominated by tropical-subtropical elements; Dominant tree species were Schima superba, Alniphyllum fortune, Liquidambar formosana, and Pinus massoniana, while dominant shrub species were A. gigantifolia, Itea chinensis, and Mussaenda pubescens; A. gigantifolia occurred in both shrub layer and herbal layer, possessing abundant age-class I seedlings, however scanty age-class IV Shannon-individuals show pyramid-type age-class structure of the population; The species richness of the community was 30.04, the Wienner index was 3.79, the Simpson index was 0.88, and the evenness Pielou index was 0.71; The species richness index of the community ranged as herb layer > shrub layer > tree layer > liana layer, while the Simpson index varied as liana layer > shrub layer > tree layer > herb layer, and the Shannon-Wienner index ranged as liana layer > shrub layer > tree layer > herb layer, when the evenness index turned out as liana layer > shrub layer > tree layer > herb layer. It indicated that the herb layer has the highest species richness but the most uneven distribution, and the predominant species stand out prominently. Conclusion: A. gigantifolia show gathering distribution in the lower layer of the community, and grown well as dominant species in shrub and herbal layer. The shade enduring species needs scattered light, prefers warm and humid environment with acid and porous soils.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the chemical constituents of transformed products by Sphingomonas yabuuchiae GTC 868T (AB071955) and Pectinex Ultra AFP from the saponin of Ardisia gigantifolia. Methods: Transformation products separated by the process of silica gel column, compounds were identified and elucidated by spectral and chemical methods. Their cytotoxicity activities were tested by Cell Counting Kit 8 colorimetric assay. Results: Five triterpenoid saponins were obtained, including 3β-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-cyclamiretin A (1), 3β-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-α-L-arabinopyranoside}-cyclamiretin A (2), 3β-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside}-cyclamiretin A (3), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl cyclamiretin A (4), and cyclamiretin A (5). Conclusion: Compounds 2-5 are obtained by biotransformation for the first time. Some of the compounds showed certain antitumor activity, among them, compound 2 shows more cytotoxicity activity than Ag3 and positive control.