Assessment of In vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Cytotoxic Activities of Sphaeranthus africanus Extracts

Sphaeranthus africanus is commonly used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and pain treatment in Vietnam. The aerial parts have been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the plant has not been explored. In this work, hydrophilic extracts of the plant's aerial parts were prepared in order to investigate its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Also, the cytotoxicity of the root was evaluated and compared to that of the aerial parts. All of the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC 50 values ranging from 2.05 to 3.56 µg/mL, indicating substantial antioxidant activity. At an IC 50 value of 4.80 μg/mL, the 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-glucosidase. The cytotoxic activity of root extracts is 2 to 5-fold less than that of the aerial parts. Nevertheless, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the root demonstrated a selective effect on leukemia cells, with no harm towards the normal HEK-293 cell line. This work provides a scientific support for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the plant. Hence, it may find a promising material for the development of novel antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. More research can be conducted on the phytochemistry and anticancer activities of the plant’s root.

Optimization of the Extraction Process for Bioactive Compounds from the Root Barks of Moringa oleifera

The optimal condition for Moringa oleifera root barks extraction was determined using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken Design. The actual optimal condition of the factors was 65 o C, ethanol 60%, 40 (mL/g) liquid-to-solid ratio with 240 minutes extraction time. The enrichment of phenolic compounds sharply affected the antioxidant, and inhibitions of α-amylase enzyme, as well as, the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract from M. oleifera root barks. The extract in the optimal condition exhibited better 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and α-amylase inhibitory activities than those of positive controls.Also, the extract showed weak hydroxyl free radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory effects. These revealed a simple and promising method for the preparation of bioactive products from the root bark of M. oleifera.

Screening of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Weed Plant to Biocontrol Stem Rot Disease on Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus)

Abstract Endophytic bacteria from weed are emerging as valuable alternatives for biochemical pesticides in sustainable agriculture. This study aims to discover the antagonistic effects of some endophytic bacteria isolated from weed (Lactuca indica) against A. alternata, a casual of stem end rot disease of pitaya. A total of 14 endophytic bacteria were isolated and four of them presented in vitro antagonistic activity against A. alternata. Of four, strain L115 significantly inhibited the pathogenic growth with a mean inhibition diameter of 12.67 ± 0.02 mm, while the other three (strain L110, L111, and L114) showed a weak inhibition. The results indicated that strain L115 could belong to the Bacillaceae family while the other three (strain L110, L111, and L114) had characteristics of the Pseudomonadaceae family. Interestingly, strain L115 showed positive results for phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA), and biofilm production, whereas three other strains presented weak capabilities for phosphate solubilization, biofilm production and IAA production. In addition, the filtrate of strain L115 presented antifungal activity on biocontrol tests in vitro. Especially, strain L115 significantly increased seedling biomass of pitaya and tomato compared to the control. Hence, these results suggest strain L115 has the potential to be used as biocontrol agents against A. alternata. More studies should be done in the future to evaluate their efficiency in field conditions.

Normal Values and Associated Factors in Highresolution Anorectal Manometry in Healthy Vietnamese Adults / Valores normais e fatores associados na manometria anorretal de alta resolução em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis

Abstract Introduction The present study aims to identify normal high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) values and related factors in healthy Vietnamese adults. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the Viet Duc hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, during April and May 2019. Healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the study. Anorectal measurement values from the digestive tract, including pressure, were recorded. Results A total of 76 healthy volunteers were recruited. The mean functional anal canal length was 4.2 ± 0.5 cm, while the mean anal high-pressure zone length was 3.4 ± 0.5 cm. Themean defecation index was 1.4 ± 0.8, with values ranging from 0.3 to 5.0. The mean threshold volume to elicit the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was 18.1 mL. The mean rectal sensation values were 32.4mL, 81.6mL, and 159 mL for first sensation, desire to defecate, and urge to defecate, respectively. Dyssynergic patterns occurred in ~ 50% of the study participants and included mainly types I (27.6%) and III (14.6%). There were significant differences between male and female patients in terms of maximum anal squeeze pressure, maximum anal cough pressure, maximum anal strain pressure, maximum rectal cough pressure, and maximum rectal strain pressure (all p<0.01). Conclusions The present study establishes normal HRAM values in healthy Vietnamese adults, particularly regarding normal values of anorectal pressure and rectal sensation. Further studies that include larger sample sizes should be conducted to further confirm the constants and their relationships.

Resumo Introdução O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar valores normais de manometria anorretal de alta resolução e fatores relacionados em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis. Métodos O presente estudo transversal foi conduzido no hospital Viet Duc, Hanói, Vietnã, durante abril e maio de 2019. Voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados para participar do estudo. Valores de medição anorretal, incluindo pressão do trato digestivo, foram registrados. Resultados Um total de 76 voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados. O comprimento funcional médio do canal anal foi de 4,2 ± 0,5 cm, enquanto o comprimento médio da zona anal de alta pressão foi de 3,4 ± 0,5 cm. O índice médio de defecação foi de 1,4 ± 0,8, com valores variando de 0,3 a 5,0. O volume limite médio para eliciar o reflexo inibitório retoanal (RAIR, sigla em inglês) foi de 18,1 mL. Os valores médios da sensação retal foram 32,4mL, 81,6mL e 159 mL para a primeira sensação, o desejo de defecar e a urgência de defecar, respectivamente. Os padrões dissinérgicos ocorreram em aproximadamente 50% dos participantes do estudo e incluíram principalmente os tipos I (27,6%) e III (14,6%). Houve diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres na pressão de compressão anal máxima, pressão de tosse anal máxima, pressão de distensão anal máxima, pressão de tosse retal máxima e pressão de distensão retal máxima (todos p<0,01). Conclusões O presente estudo estabelece valores normais de HRAM em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis, particularmente no que diz respeito aos valores normais de pressão anorretal e sensação retal. Mais estudos que incluam tamanhos de amostra maiores devemser realizados a fim de confirmar melhor as constantes e suas relações.

Effects of Compounds from Physalis angulata on Fatty Acid Synthesis and Glucose Metabolism in HepG2 Cells via the AMP-activated Protein Kinase Pathway

The ability of the total extract from Physalis angulata; three fractions after partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate (TBE), and water; and four withanolides (compounds 1 – 4) to phosphorylate 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in HepG2 cells was evaluated. The TBE fraction (50 μg/mL) activated p-ACC and p-AMPK expression most strongly. Compounds 1 – 4 (10 μM) upregulated p-ACC expression at different levels. Compound 4 induced the most significant changes in p-AMPK expression, followed by 1 and 2. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) play a functional role in the transcriptional regulation of the lipogenic pathway, including fatty acid synthase (FAS) and ACC. The effects of compounds 2 and 4 (10 μM) on FAS and SREBP-1c expression under high glucose conditions (30 mM) in HepG2 cells were evaluated further. Both dose-dependently inhibited FAS and SREBP-1c expression as well as lipid accumulation (1 – 10 μM) were compared to high-concentration glucose control, which upregulated FAS and SREBP-1c. These results suggest that compounds 2 and 4 upregulate AMPK, suppress FAS and SREBP-1c, and have potential effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Polygonatum kingianum rhizome extract alleviates collagen antibody-induced arthritis by modulating proinflammatory cytokine production in mice

To evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of Polygonatum kingianum rhizome extract using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with an ethanol extract of Polygonatum kingianum rhizomes at different concentrations to determine nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. For in vivo study, Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was further investigated for its antiinflammatory effect in a mouse model with collagen antibodyinduced arthritis. Phytochemical study of Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was also performed. Results: Saponins (142 mg/g total yield) was the main component in the Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract. 5a,8a-ergosterol peroxide, (E,E)-9-oxooctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid and 3-(2'- hydroxy-4'-methoxy-benzyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-methyl-chroman-4- one were isolated from the extract. Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract exhibited potential anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide and PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dosedependent manner. The level of arthritis in mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis was significantly reduced (P0.01) after treatment with Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract, particularly at a dose of 1 000 mg/kg body weight. Besides, the extract demonstrated the regulatory effects on serum tumor necrosis factoralpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in treated mice. Conclusions: Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract has beneficial effects on inflammatory cytokine regulation and PGE2 inhibition in an experimental mouse model with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. The phytochemical screening reveals that the saponin, as the main component, and sterols (daucosterol and 5a,8a-ergosterol peroxide) from Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract may contribute to its promising in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.

Polygonatum kingianum rhizome extract alleviates collagen antibody-induced arthritis by modulating proinflammatory cytokine production in mice

Objective: To evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of Polygonatum kingianum rhizome extract using both in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with an ethanol extract of Polygonatum kingianum rhizomes at different concentrations to determine nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. For in vivo study, Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was further investigated for its anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse model with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Phytochemical study of Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract was also performed. Results: Saponins (142 mg/g total yield) was the main component in the Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract. 5α,8α-ergosterol peroxide, (E,E)-9-oxooctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid and 3-(2?-hydroxy-4?-methoxy-benzyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-methyl-chroman-4-one were isolated from the extract. Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract exhibited potential anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide and PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The level of arthritis in mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis was significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment with Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract, particularly at a dose of 1?000 mg/kg body weight. Besides, the extract demonstrated the regulatory effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in treated mice. Conclusions: Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract has beneficial effects on inflammatory cytokine regulation and PGE2 inhibition in an experimental mouse model with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. The phytochemical screening reveals that the saponin, as the main component, and sterols (daucosterol and 5α,8α-ergosterol peroxide) from Polygonatum kingianum ethanol extract may contribute to its promising in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.

Anti-inflammatory effects of alkaloid enriched extract from roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Objective: To examine the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the alkaloid enriched extract (ELA) from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Methods: The in vitro antiinflammatory effects of ELA were evaluated by examining its inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The level of NO produced in the culture media was determined by Griess method. The iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot. The in vivo effect of ELA was evaluated on LPS-induced septic shock in mice model. Mice mortality was monitored for 5 days after injection of LPS. The chemical contents of the ELA were determined by using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Results: The ELA was found to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that ELA dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production as well as the protein iNOS and COX-2 expressions. In the septic shock model, ELA dose-dependently protected mice from LPS-induced mortality. Further study on the isolated components of ELA indicated that 9,10-dimethoxycanthin-6-one may contribute significantly to the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that ELA exhibits the anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, and COX-2 and protects mice from LPS-induced mortality in septic shock model.

Anti-inflammatory effects of alkaloid enriched extract from roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Objective:To examine the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the alkaloid enriched extract (ELA) from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia.Methods:The in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of ELA were evaluated by examining its inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.The level of NO produced in the culture media was determined by Griess method.The iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot.The in vivo effect of ELA was evaluated on LPS-induced septic shock in mice model.Mice mortality was monitored for 5 days after injection of LPS.The chemical contents of the ELA were determined by using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.Results:The ELA was found to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vio models.The results demonstrated that ELA dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production as well as the protein iNOS and COX-2 expressions.In the septic shock model,ELA dose-dependently protected mice from LPS-induced mortality.Further study on the isolated components of ELA indicated that 9,1 0-dimethoxycanthin-6-one may contribute significantly to the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract.Conclusions:These results suggest that ELA exhibits the anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS,and COX-2 and protects mice from LPS-induced mortality in septic shock model.

MBP-FGF2-Immobilized Matrix Maintains Self-Renewal and Myogenic Differentiation Potential of Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells

The robust capacity of skeletal muscle stem cells (SkMSCs, or satellite cells) to regenerate into new muscles in vivo has offered promising therapeutic options for the treatment of degenerative muscle diseases. However, the practical use of SkMSCs to treat muscle diseases is limited, owing to their inability to expand in vitro under defined cultivation conditions without loss of engraftment efficiency. To develop an optimal cultivation condition for SkMSCs, we investigated the behavior of SkMSCs on synthetic maltose-binding protein (MBP)-fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-immobilized matrix in vitro. We found that the chemically well-defined, xeno-free MBP-FGF2-immobilized matrix effectively supports SkMSC growth without reducing their differentiation potential in vitro. Our data highlights the possible application of the MBP-FGF2 matrix for SkMSC expansion in vitro.

Study on the tocolysis effectiveness of nifedipin on uterine contraction in the management of preterm labor

A clinical trial was performed to evaluate the tocolytic possibility of nifedipin and to propose a treatment regimen for preterm labor in the National Hospital of Gynecol-Obstet from July 2003 to December 2003. There were 40 cases of preterm labor with gestational age 31 weeks and 3 uterine contractions per minute on average. Patients received a 10 mg sublingual loading dose every 20 minutes (maximum dose 40mg), and followed by 20 mg oral dose every 6- 8 hours. Result: the effectiveness in tocolysis of nifedipin is very fast. It took 60-80 minutes to arrest uterine contraction (70- 80%) (including contractions of high frequency and intensity), especially in urgent tocolysis. The lower the frequency and intensity is, the higher and sooner the effectiveness is. 92.5% of delivery were delayed for 48 hours. 82.85% were postponed until 36 weeks, and the mean time of prolonged pregnacy was 39 days. Side-effects were mild and transient and in normotensive pregnant women blood pressure was almost unaffected. This treatment regimen of nifedipin showed the effectiveness in preterm labor. In brief, nifedipin is an effective, safe, convenient and economic tocolytic agent. It may well represent the best suitable tocolytic alternative currently available and can be used widely in Viet Nam.

Study on pharmacological effects of Vietnamese ginseng leaves

Vietnamese ginseng leaves had the effect on the central nervous system, shortening pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in smaller doses and lengthening pentobarbital- induced sleeping time in larger doses. Vietnamese ginseng leaves extract (600, 1200mg/kg p.o) and its total saponin (200mg/kg p.o) significantly recovered the stress-induced decrease in pentobarbital sleep to the normal level. In the other hand, Vietnamese ginseng leaves extract and its total saponin have the invigoration and antioxidant effects

The characteristics of female employees’ health in agricultural production

Study on 5409 female employees who were directly taking part in agricultural production in 3 regions: the North 1794 persons; the Central 1805 persons; the South 1810 persons. 1218 persons were randomized for clinical examination: the North 418 persons, the Central 392 persons and the South 408 persons. 293/1218 persons were selected for examination of worm eggs. Results: the rate of gynecological disease was 19-23%; dermatological disease in the North was rate of 20.11%, the Central 23.97%, the South 37.64%; Muscular disease was 15.5-18.5%. The infection rate of ascaris was 78.5%, the negative rate was only 8.5%. The physical indexes of female employees were in normal limitation of Vietnamese people.

Studies on hepatoprotective activity of Polyscias fruticosa based on antioxidant mechanism

Experimentally, hepatoprotective effect of DinhLang was expressed in mice. The extract of Dinh Lang leaf suppressed the increase of MDA level in brain and in liver of mice suffered from CCl4- induced hepatitis with antioxydant activity stronger than that of mixed extract and extract prepared from the root. Dinh Lang had manifested liver protective effect in tetrachlorurcarbone –induced acute hepatitis. Antioxydant effect expressed in the inhibition against the processes of peroxydation of cell membrane can be one of the mechanism of liver protective effect of Dinh Lang

Rickets in children from 1 - 6 month old at Hai Phong Children Hospital in two years (2002 - 2003)

The study of 122 children were rickets from 1 - 6 month old at Hai Phong Children Hospital from 2002 to 2003. The results: the most of mothers were in shortage of knowledge in rickets. There were many risk factors: mothers keeping their child from sunlight after birth, mothers on diet for the first 3 months, solid food complement before 4 months. Frequent signs of rickets were crying all the time, perspiration, alopecia. Hypocalcemia was found in 80.33%

Studies on Antioxidant Activity of Polyscias fruticosa Harms. (Araliaceae)

Extracts from roots and leaves of Polyscias fruticosa Harms. (Araliaceae) and their combination have been studied on lipid peroxidation in mouse brain using an auto-oxidation and a free radical generating system: the Fenton’s reagent (ferrous iron + hydrogen peroxide). All the root, leaf and combined extracts have inhibitory action on peroxidation of lipids and trolox, a water-soluble analogue of vitamin E used as a reference antioxidant compound. The results also indicate that the leaf extract is the strongest of all.

Studies on Antistress and Antioxidant Effects of Schefflera elliptica (Blume) Harms. Araliaceae

Both ethanol extracts of the bark and leaves of Schefflera elliptica (Blume) Harms (Araliaceae) showed antistress effect on mice at the oral doses of 158 and 167 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The bark proved to be more effective than the leaves, and their efficacity increased with the doses. Both extracts possessed in vitro antioxidant activity at the concentrations of 50-100 mcg/ml, the bark also being more effective than the leaves. The total saponin extract of the bark exhibited antioxidant effects at the levels of 5-25 mcg/ml. So, saponins might be the chemical constituents determining the antioxidant activity.