Research advance in multi-component pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts in recent five years / 中国中药杂志

The multi-component pharmacokinetic study of Chinese herbal extracts elaborates the in vivo processes,including absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion,of multiple bioactive components,which is of significance in revealing pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years,with the innovation in ideas,and development of techniques and methods on traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) research,the pharmacokinetic studies of Chinese herbal extracts were extensively performed,and notable progress has been made. This paper reviewed the advancement of multi-component pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts in recent five years from analysis technology of biological sample,the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine with complex system,and the impacts of processing and pathological state on pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts,aiming to provide a reference for quality control,product development and rational medication of Chinese herbal extracts.

In vitro antifungal activity and phytochemical characterization of Eugenia uniflora, Libidibia ferrea and Psidium guajava

The aim of this study was evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of crude extracts from Eugenia uniflora, Libidibia ferrea and Psidium guajava. The extracts were obtained by turbo-extraction using water (AQ) or acetone-water (AC-W) (7:3, v/v) as solvents and lyophilized to obtain the crude extracts (CE). The CE were characterized by UV-Vis, TLC and HPLC. The activity of CEs was investigated against clinical isolates of Candida spp. and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), MIC50 and MIC90 were determinated. The analysis by TLC showed that all CEs presented polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins). The CEs from E. uniflora showed higher amount of polyphenols (30.35 ± 2.15%, AC-W) and the HPLC analysis revealed the tannins in all extracts. The CEs of E. uniflora showed MIC range from 1.9 to 500.0 µg/mL, and lower values of MIC50 and MIC90 against non-albicans Candida isolates. Regarding L. ferrea and P. guajava, the results showing MIC from 3.9 to 1000.0 µg/mL (CE-AQ) against C. albicans. The results demonstrate antifungal performance from CE against various species of Candida spp., suggesting that the herbal species may be use as new potential antifungal agents. Additionally, the polyphenol content can play a pivotal role in the antifungal properties of CE.

Organoleptic and physiochemical properties and safety indicators of phytobiotic fodder additives based on herbal extracts

The organoleptic and physicochemical properties and safety indicators of phytobiotic fodder additives based on extracts of herbs growing on the territory of the Siberian Federal District have been studied in the article. It has been established that the organoleptic characteristics of the phytobiotic fodder additives are determined by the specifics of the raw materials and their processing. The following physicochemical parameters of the finished phytobiotic fodder additives have been determined: moisture content, insoluble substances content in water, content of metal-magnetic admixture (particles up to 2 mm inclusive, particles over 2 mm in size and with sharp edges), and mineral impurities. The following safety indicators of the finished phytobiotic fodder additives have also been determined: the content of toxic elements (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic), the content of dioxins, the content of polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, toxicity in bioassay test, and microbiological indicators (Salmonella, in 25 g, enterococci, in 50 g, enteropathogenic E. coli, in 1 g, anaerobes, in 50 g, pathogenic Escherichia, in 50 g, yeast and mold (total), and total bacterial contamination). The amount of biologically active substances in phytobiotic fodder additives was determined in accordance with the pharmaceutical norms and regulations.

Herbal extracts differentially inhibit oxidative effects caused by the biotransformation of nifurtimox, nitrofurantoin and acetaminophen on rat liver microsomes / Extractos herbales inhiben diferencialmente los efectos oxidativos causados por la biotransformación de nifurtimox, nitrofurantoína y acetaminofeno en microsomas hepáticos de rata]

Inflammation is a cellular defensive mechanism associated to oxidative stress. The administration of nitrofurantoin, nifurtimox and acetaminophen generates oxidative stress by their biotransformation through CYP450 system. The main adverse effect described for the first two drugs is gastrointestinal inflammation and that of the last, hepatitis. Therefore, standardised dry extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis, Buddleja globosa Hope, Cynara scolymus L., Echinacea purpurea and Hedera helix were tested to evaluate their capacity to decrease drug-induced oxidative stress. For that, rat liver microsomes were incubated with drugs in the presence of NADPH (specific CYP450 system cofactor) to test oxidative damage on microsomal lipids, thiols, and GST activity. All drugs tested induced oxidation of microsomal lipids and thiols, and inhibition of GST activity. Herbal extracts prevented these phenomena in different extension. These results show that antioxidant phytodrugs previously evaluated could alleviate drugs adverse effects associated to oxidative stress.

Inflamación es un mecanismo de defensa el cual está asociado a estrés oxidativo. La administración de nitrofurantoína, nifurtimox y paracetamol genera estrés oxidativo al metabolizarse a través del sistema CYP450. El principal efecto adverso de los dos primeros fármacos es inflamación gastrointestinal y del tercero, hepatitis. Por lo tanto, utilizamos diversos extractos herbales para disminuir el estrés oxidativo inducido por estos fármacos. Para esto se incubaron microsomas hepáticos de rata con dichos fármacos en presencia de NADPH (cofactor específico del sistema CYP450) y se evaluó el daño oxidativo generado sobre los lípidos, los tioles y la actividad GST microsómica. Todos los fármacos indujeron oxidación de los lípidos y los tioles microsómicos e inhibieron la actividad GST. Los extractos herbales previnieron estos fenómenos oxidativos en diferente extensión. Estos resultados indican que fitofármacos antioxidantes previamente evaluados, podrían aliviar los efectos adversos asociados a estrés oxidativo de los fármacos.

In vitro and in vivo cytochrome P450 3A enzyme inhibition by Aframomum melegueta and Denniettia tripetala extracts

Objective To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of two commonly used herbs, Aframomum melegueta (A. melengueta) and Dennettia tripetala (D. tripetala) on CYP 3A enzymes. Methods In vitro inhibition of the enzymes were assessed with microsomes extracted from female albino rats using erythromycin-N-demethylation assay (EMND) method while their in vivo effects were measured by estimating simvastatin plasma concentrations in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental analysis as implemented in WinNonlin pharmacokinetic program. Results EMND assay with intestinal microsomes indicated that aqueous extracts of D. tripetala and A. melengueta significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited intestinal CYP 3A activity at both 50 μg and 100 μg concentrations. Petroleum ether extract of D. tripetala and ethanol extracts of A. melengueta inhibited intestinal CYP3A activity at 100 μg but not at 50 μg concentrations. All the extracts showed an in vitro dose dependent CYP 3A inhibition with liver microsomes. In vivo analysis showed that pre-treatment with the extracts enhanced systemic absorption of simvastatin with reductions in metabolizing enzymes activity as indicated in significant increases in maximal concentration, area under curve, area under moment curve and mean resident time of simvastatin (P < 0.05). Conclusions Herbal preparations containing these plants' extracts should be used with caution especially in patients on CYP450 3A substrate medications.

In vitro and in vivo cytochrome P450 3A enzyme inhibition by Aframomum melegueta and Denniettia tripetala extracts

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of two commonly used herbs, Aframomum melegueta (A. melengueta) and Dennettia tripetala (D. tripetala) on CYP 3A enzymes.@*METHODS@#In vitro inhibition of the enzymes were assessed with microsomes extracted from female albino rats using erythromycin-N-demethylation assay (EMND) method while their in vivo effects were measured by estimating simvastatin plasma concentrations in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental analysis as implemented in WinNonlin pharmacokinetic program.@*RESULTS@#EMND assay with intestinal microsomes indicated that aqueous extracts of D. tripetala and A. melengueta significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited intestinal CYP 3A activity at both 50 μg and 100 μg concentrations. Petroleum ether extract of D. tripetala and ethanol extracts of A. melengueta inhibited intestinal CYP3A activity at 100 μg but not at 50 μg concentrations. All the extracts showed an in vitro dose dependent CYP 3A inhibition with liver microsomes. In vivo analysis showed that pre-treatment with the extracts enhanced systemic absorption of simvastatin with reductions in metabolizing enzymes activity as indicated in significant increases in maximal concentration, area under curve, area under moment curve and mean resident time of simvastatin (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Herbal preparations containing these plants' extracts should be used with caution especially in patients on CYP450 3A substrate medications.

An in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of five herbal extracts and comparison of their activity with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis.

Context: Sodium hypochlorite is the most widely used irrigant in endodontic practice, but it has various disadvantages. Literature has shown that herbal products such as Propolis, Azadirachta indica (AI), Triphala, Curcuma longa, and Morinda citrifolia (MC) possess good antimicrobial properties and thus can be used as potential endodontic irrigants. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of five herbal extracts, i.e., Propolis, AI, Triphala, C. longa, and MC with that of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: E. faecalis American Type Culture Collection 21292 was inoculated onto brain heart infusion agar plate. Discs impregnated with herbal medicaments were placed on the inoculated plates and incubated at 37°C aerobically for 24 h and growth inhibition zones were measured. Statistical Analysis: Mean zone of inhibition in descending order was found as sodium hypochlorite > Propolis > AI > Triphala > C. longa = MC > ethanol. Statistical analysis was performed using one‑way analysis of variance which showed a significant difference in the zone of inhibition of sodium hypochlorite and Propolis (P < 0.001). Results: Propolis showed highest zone of inhibition among all the herbal extracts next to sodium hypochlorite. Conclusion: Propolis and AI have significant antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis.

Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters for weanling pigs / Alternativas aos antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho para leitões desmamados

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the addition of sodium butyrate, plant extracts and nucleotides on weanling pig performance, digestive content pH, organ morphometry, and intestinal epithelial histology. A total of 90 piglets at 21 days of age and an average initial weight of 6.35±0.34kg were used. The piglets were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five treatments, six replicates, and three animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of the following: Control: basal diet without antibiotic; Antibiotic: basal diet with 40mg kg-1 colistin sulfate and Additive: 1000, 1500 and 2000mg kg-1 of a combination of sodium butyrate + plant extracts + nucleotides. The experiment lasted 35 days, at which time one animal was slaughtered to assess pH of the digestive contents, morphometry of the organs and histology of the intestinal epithelium. No differences were found (P>0.05) in the performance, pH of the digestive contents, morphometry of the organs or histology of the intestinal epithelium by the analysis of orthogonal polynomials or contrasts. The combination of sodium butyrate, plant extracts and nucleotides not improved the productive characteristics of weanling pigs.

Foi conduzido um experimento para avaliar a adição de butirato de sódio, extratos vegetais e nucleotídeos sobre desempenho, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria dos órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal de leitões desmamados. Foram utilizados 90 leitões, com idade média de 21 dias e peso médio inicial de 6,35±0,34kg. Os leitões foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados completos, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições por tratamento e três animais por unidade experimental. As dietas experimentais consistiam de: Controle - dieta basal sem antibiótico; Antibiótico - dieta basal com 40mg kg-1 de sulfato de colistina; Aditivo: 1000, 1500 e 2000mg kg-1 de uma combinação de butirato de sódio + extrato vegetal + nucleotídeos. No 35o dia de experimentação, foi eutanasiado um animal por gaiola (unidade experimental) para avaliar o pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) para desempenho, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal por meio das análises de polinômios ortogonais ou mesmo pelos contrastes. A combinação de butirato de sódio, extratos vegetais e nucleotídeos não melhorou as características produtivas de leitões desmamados.

Development of oral capsules from Enterica herbal decoction-a traditional remedy for typhoid fever in Ghana.

The study aimed to develop oral capsules from Enterica herbal decoction used in Ghana for the treatment of typhoid fever and produced by the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM). The amount of dry extract per dose (30ml) of Enterica and the wavelength of maximum absorption (λmax) of aqueous solutions of Enterica extract were determined. Light magnesium carbonate (LMC) and maize starch (MS) were employed as absorbents at various concentrations in the preparation of granules of the extract. The % loss in weight, size distribution and flow properties of the granules were evaluated. Enterica oral capsules were formulated using LMC at 22 mg/dose of extract and the dissolution properties of the granules and capsules were determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometry. The dry Enterica extract/dose was 190.1 ± 0.12 mg and λmax was 356 nm. The loss of granules was 2.07-7.31 %w/w for LMC and 2.73-7.81 %w/w for MS. LMC granules (22 mg/dose) prepared for encapsulation exhibited good flow properties. The granules for encapsulation exhibited optimal release of extract (86.08 ± 1.64 % at 45 min) in aqueous medium. The formulated capsules passed the British Pharmacopoeia uniformity of weight, disintegration and dissolution tests. Enterica oral capsules can be used as a substitute for Enterica decoction for the treatment of typhoid fever.

Effect of Morinda Citrifolia Juice and Triphala as Root Canal Irrigants on Sealer Penetration Depth Into the Dentinal Tubules. – A Confocal Laser Microscope Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Morinda citrifolia juice (MCJ) and Triphala on sealer penetration depth into the dentinal tubules as root canal irrigants. Materials and Methods: Forty five single rooted extracted human teeth were collected; decoronated and root canal length were standardized to16mm. Cleaning and shaping was done with protaper universal rotary instruments till F5. 30 samples were selected randomly and divided into two groups with 15 samples in each, according to the final irrigation regimen. In Group I, 5 ml of MCJ was used for 1min and in Group II; 5 ml of Triphala was used. The remaining 15 samples were irrigated with 5ml of Smear clear which acted as a positive control Group. Obturation was done with corresponding gutta-percha points and AH 26 sealer (Dentsply; DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) labelled with fluorescent dye and left to set for 48 hrs. Then, the roots were sectioned and subjected to confocal laser microscope. Results: Statistical analysis was done by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple post-hoc procedures. The sealer penetration depth is higher in the MCJ group than the Triphala group at all three levels. Conclusion: MCJ showed a significant sealer penetration depth than Triphala.

Herbal Extracts Induce Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles

BACKGROUND: The number of people suffering from balding or hair thinning is increasing, despite the advances in various medical therapies. Therefore, it is highly important to develop new therapies to inhibit balding and increase hair proliferation. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of herbal extracts commonly used for improving balding in traditional medicine to identify potential agents for hair proliferation. METHODS: The expression levels of 5alpha-reductase isoforms (type I and II) were analyzed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in the human follicular dermal papilla cells (DPCs). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylteterazolium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine tests were used to evaluate the cell proliferation effect of herbal extracts in DPCs. The expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were measured using western blot analysis. RESULTS: The 5alpha-reductase isoform mRNAs and proteins were detected in the cultured DPCs, and the expression level of 5alpha-R2 in DPCs in the presence of the herbal extracts was gradually decreased. Herbal extracts were found to significantly increase the proliferation of human DPCs at concentrations ranging from 1.5% to 4.5%. These results show that the herbal extracts tested affected the protein expressions of ERK, Akt, cyclin D1, Cdk4, Bcl-2, and Bax in DPCs. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that herbal extracts exert positive effects on hair proliferation via ERK, Akt, cyclin D1, and Cdk4 signaling in DPCs; they also suggest that herbal extracts could be a great alternative therapy for increasing hair proliferation.

12-1 The chronic effects of bathtub bathing, whole body warming, and herbal extracts on the mental conditions of healthy young persons / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the chronic effects of bathtub bathing (BB), whole body warming after bathtub bathing (BBW), and bathtub bathing with herbal extracts (BBH) on the mental condition of healthy young persons. Subjects and Methods: Experiment 1: Eighteen (6 male and 12 female; age: 19.6±0.7 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study.   From November 2012 to December 2012, subjects were randomly assigned into two groups (each 3 male, 6 female): those who had BB or 30-min BBW 14 times for 14 consecutive nights during a 2-week period. After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked to switch their bathing conditions (a cross-over design). Experiment 2: Twenty (8 male and 12 female; age: 21.3±1.6 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study.   From October 2013 to November 2013, subejects (4male and 6 female) were randomly assigned to undergo BB or BBH.   The herbal extract contained Dong dang gui (Japanese Angelica Root), Chimpi (Citrus Unshiu peel), Chamomilla recutita, and ginger extracts.   After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked switch to the other bathing condition (a cross-over design).   All participants provided informed consent for participation in these studies, and these studies were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kumamoto Health Science University.   The subjects immersed their bodies up to the supraclavian for 10 min, in tap water adjusted to a temperature of 41 °C in their bathtub at home. The subjects’ mental conditions were assessed using Profile of Mood States short version questionnaire.   The differences in the effect of BB and BBW, as well as those of BB and BBH on the subjects’ mental conditions and their mental conditions pre-BB and post-BB, pre-BBW and post-BBW, pre-BBH and post-BBH were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank sum test. Results: The points for depression-dejection, fatigue, and confusion in those who had BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) compared to the points in those who had BB.   The points for anger-hostility before BBW and BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) after BBW and BBH, and there were no significant differences in points before and after BB. Conclusions: The subjects’ anger-hostility was influenced by body warming in BBW and the vasodilatory components of the herbal extracts.   The subjects’ depression-dejection and fatigue was influenced by the fragrance and color of herbal extracts.

12-1The chronic effects of bathtub bathing, whole body warming, and herbal extracts on the mental conditions of healthy young persons / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<b>Objective: </b>The purpose of this study was to clarify the chronic effects of bathtub bathing (BB), whole body warming after bathtub bathing (BBW), and bathtub bathing with herbal extracts (BBH) on the mental condition of healthy young persons.<BR><b>Subjects and Methods: </b><BR><b>Experiment 1:</b> Eighteen (6 male and 12 female; age: 19.6±0.7 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study.<BR>  From November 2012 to December 2012, subjects were randomly assigned into two groups (each 3 male, 6 female): those who had BB or 30-min BBW 14 times for 14 consecutive nights during a 2-week period. After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked to switch their bathing conditions (a cross-over design).<BR><b>Experiment 2:</b> Twenty (8 male and 12 female; age: 21.3±1.6 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study. <BR>  From October 2013 to November 2013, subejects (4male and 6 female) were randomly assigned to undergo BB or BBH. <BR>  The herbal extract contained <i>Dong dang gui</i> (<i>Japanese Angelica Root</i>), <i>Chimpi</i> (<i>Citrus Unshiu peel</i>), <i>Chamomilla recutita</i>, and <i>ginger</i> extracts. <BR>  After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked switch to the other bathing condition (a cross-over design). <BR>  All participants provided informed consent for participation in these studies, and these studies were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kumamoto Health Science University.<BR>  The subjects immersed their bodies up to the supraclavian for 10 min, in tap water adjusted to a temperature of 41 °C in their bathtub at home.<BR>The subjects’ mental conditions were assessed using Profile of Mood States short version questionnaire.<BR>  The differences in the effect of BB and BBW, as well as those of BB and BBH on the subjects’ mental conditions and their mental conditions pre-BB and post-BB, pre-BBW and post-BBW, pre-BBH and post-BBH were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank sum test. <BR><b>Results: </b>The points for depression-dejection, fatigue, and confusion in those who had BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) compared to the points in those who had BB.<BR>  The points for anger-hostility before BBW and BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) after BBW and BBH, and there were no significant differences in points before and after BB.<BR><b>Conclusions:</b> The subjects’ anger-hostility was influenced by body warming in BBW and the vasodilatory components of the herbal extracts. <BR>  The subjects’ depression-dejection and fatigue was influenced by the fragrance and color of herbal extracts.

Preparation of pellets containing Pothomorphe umbellata extracts by extrusion-spheronization: improvement of 4-nerolidylcatechol photostability

Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq., Piperaceae, has been extensively used in Brazilian folk medicine and it is well known for its strong antioxidant properties. However, its main active constituent, 4-nerolydilcatechol (4-NC), is sensitive to ultraviolet and visible light, which can limit the use of intermediate and final herbal preparations of this species. In the present work, coated multiparticulate solid dosage forms of P. umbellata were obtained with the purpose of increasing the stability of 4-NC. P. umbellata extract was used as a wetting liquid for the preparation of pellets by extrusion-spheronization. Pellets were coated in a fluidized bed by three different polymers (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), polyvynilpirrolidone K-30 (PVP-K30), and polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft-copolymer (PVAPEG)). 4-NC photostability was evaluated by an accelerated photostability protocol. Pellets showed a narrow size distribution and low friability. 4-NC photodegradation followed a second order degradation kinetics with similar k values for the percolate, uncoated pellets and HPMC coated pellets. Photoprotection was higher in pellets coated with PVP-K30 and PVA-PEG. PVA-PEG coated pellets with 6 and 9% weight gain resulted in a final concentration of 4-NC approximately cinco times higher than uncoated pellets or liquid extracts, suggesting the potential of this formulation as a multiparticulate solid dosage form for P. umbellata extracts.

Phytosomal Drug Delivery Systems.

Certain of the water-soluble flavonoid molecules can be converted into lipid-compatible molecular complexes, aptly called phytosomes. Phytosomes are better able to transition from a hydrophilic environment into the lipid-friendly environment of the outer cell membrane, and from there into the cell, finally reaching the blood. The term "phyto" means plant while "some" means cell-like. Phytosome is a complex of a natural active ingredient and a phospholipid. It is claimed that phytosome increases absorption of "conventional herbal extracts" or isolated active principles. The phytosome process is that combines herbal extracts and soybean phospholipids (lecithin). phytosomes are created when the standardized extract and active ingredients of a herb are bound to the phospholipids on a molecular level. The newly created Phytosome structures contain the active ingredients of the herb surrounded by the phospholipids. The phospholipid molecular structure includes a water-soluble head and two fat-soluble tails. Because of this dual solubility, the phospholipid acts as an effective emulsifier. The newly created phytosome structures contain the active ingredients of the herb surrounded by the phospholipids. The phospholipid molecular structure includes a water-soluble head and two fat-soluble tails. Because of this dual solubility, the phospholipid acts as an effective emulsifier. An emulsifier is a material that can combine two liquids that normally will not mix well together. By combining the emulsifying action of the phospholipids with the standardized botanical extracts, the phytosome form provides dramatically enhanced bioavailability and delivers faster and improved absorption of the active constituents of the herb in the intestinal tract.

Development of anti-obesity dietary supplement decreasing nutrient absorption by digestive enzyme inhibition in gut

In this study, we found a new food additive as an natural herbal extracts against lipid digestion enzymes for the regulation of fatty acid absorption and weight control. The Water extracts of Platycodon grandiflorum and Solanum melongena. inhibited lipase activity and decresed serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in mouse fed lipid emulsion. Twenty three volunteers were subjected to the intake of the herbal extracts plus the egg yolk IgY that inhibit carbohydrate digestion enzymes in gut for 50 days. In average, the treated subjects appeared to lose 1.96 kg of body weight and 3.4 kg of body fat mass during the treated period. Furthermore, Panniculus adiposus and breech size were significantly decreased during the experimental period. Above results suggested that the administration of the dietary additives composed of natural herbal extract and egg yolk IgY improve the obesity by the decrement of body weight and body fat mass.