Quantification of total bioactive contents and evaluation of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of crude extracts from Ephedra altissima Desf

The present work describes the in vitro biological activities of the crude extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) prepared from the species Ephedra altissima Desf. The estimation of total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents were carried out using the Folin-Ciocalteu, trichloroaluminum and acidified vanillin methods, respectively. The evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activities were performed by three different methods namely: scavenging of the free radical ABTS, permanganate reducing antioxidant capacity, and potentiometric assay. In addition, the antibacterial activity was assessed by the agar disk diffusion assay against seven bacterial strains. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several types of secondary metabolites. The EtOAc extract exhibited the highest content of phenols (125.62 ± 1.51 & 956;g EGA mg-1 of extract). The greatest flavonoid and tannin contents were observed for n-BuOH extract (19.18 ± 0.39 µg EQ mg-1 of extract and 8.95 ± 1.70 & 956;g EC mg-1 of extract, respectively). Moreover, the EtOAc extract revealed potent antioxidant activity in all the tested methods. Furthermore, the aqueous extract from the species E. altissima showed a good ability to reduce iron III to iron II with a value of 0.68 ± 0.3 moL eq L-1 in potentiometric assay. All the crude extracts (PE, EtOAc and n-BuOH) displayed inhibition of bacterial growth against at least three strains with values of MIC ranging from 3.125 to 50 µg mL-1. Therefore, these results suggest that Ephedra altissima could be used as an important source of natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Drug syndrome of ephedra based on its property and pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

Ephedra is a classic herb in traditional Chinese medicine( TCM). The new effects of ephedra were gradually found,and the contraindications of the drug were broken in later ages. Because the principles of expanded application were not well elucidated,it is difficult to use in the clinical flexibility. Based on the characteristics of ephedra and its classic clinical application,the authors summarized the possible principles of clinical application of ephedra and the drug property and pharmacological characteristics of ephedra.Studies showed that ephedrine substances are an important material basis for the efficacy of ephedra,and its adrenergic action is the pharmacological basis of its efficacy. It is the key to grasp the autonomic function and the interaction between sympathetic/adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex for the clinical application of ephedra. The authors discussed the principles of clinical application of ephedra and the effects of processing of ephedra. Finally,the authors put forward the basic research process of clinical application of drugs,and provide ideas for the inheritance and further development of TCM experience.

Simultaneous Analysis of Four Standards of The Herbal Formula, DF-02, of Ephedra intermedia and Rheum palmatum, using by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet Detector (HPLC-UVD)

The herbal formula, DF-02, consisting of Ephedra intermedia and Rheum palmatum are used for the treatment of the metabolic diseases such as obesity and liver fibrosis in Korean local clinics. We aimed to develop the simultaneous analytical conditions for four standards, (+)-pseudoephedrine (PSEP) and (−)-ephedrine (EP) for E. intermedia, and aloe-emodin (AE) and chrysophanol (CP) for R. palmatum using HPLC-UV techniques. The validated conditions yielded the high precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) 0.9994). As a result, four standards of DF-02 were simultaneously determined under the developed method, which will be utilized for the quality control or evaluation of DF-02 and many herbal preparations containing E. intermedia and R. palmatum.

Confusing a Pollen Grain with a Parasite Egg: an Appraisal of “Paleoparasitological Evidence of Pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularis) Infection in a Female Adolescent Residing in Ancient Tehran”

There is often the risk of confusing pollen grains with helminth eggs from archaeological sites. Thousands to millions of pollen grains can be recovered from archaeological burial sediments that represent past ritual, medication and environment. Some pollen grain types can be similar to parasite eggs. Such a confusion is represented by the diagnosis of enterobiasis in ancient Iran. The authors of this study confused a joint-pine (Ephedra spp.) pollen grain with a pinworm egg. This paper describes the specific Ephedra pollen morphology that can be confused with pinworm eggs.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Ephedra / 中国天然药物

The genus Ephedra of the Ephedraceae family contains more than 60 species of nonflowering seed plants distributed throughout Asia, America, Europe, and North Africa. These Ephedra species have medicinal, ecological, and economic value. This review aims to summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the Ephedra species to unveil opportunities for future research. Comprehensive information on the Ephedra species was collected by electronic search (e.g., GoogleScholar, Pubmed, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and phytochemical books. The chemical compounds isolated from the Ephedra species include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and others. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on the crude extracts, fractions and few isolated compounds of Ephedra species showed anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, and diuretic activities. After chemical and pharmacological profiling, current research is focused on the antibacterial and antifungal effects of the phenolic acid compounds, the immunosuppressive activity of the polysaccharides, and the antitumor activity of flavonoids.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Ephedra / 中国天然药物

The genus Ephedra of the Ephedraceae family contains more than 60 species of nonflowering seed plants distributed throughout Asia, America, Europe, and North Africa. These Ephedra species have medicinal, ecological, and economic value. This review aims to summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the Ephedra species to unveil opportunities for future research. Comprehensive information on the Ephedra species was collected by electronic search (e.g., GoogleScholar, Pubmed, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and phytochemical books. The chemical compounds isolated from the Ephedra species include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and others. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on the crude extracts, fractions and few isolated compounds of Ephedra species showed anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, and diuretic activities. After chemical and pharmacological profiling, current research is focused on the antibacterial and antifungal effects of the phenolic acid compounds, the immunosuppressive activity of the polysaccharides, and the antitumor activity of flavonoids.

Dinámica de polifenoles en ephedra tweediana fisch & C. A. Mey. emend. J. H. Hunz. (Ephedraceae) / Polyphenol dinamics in ephedra tweediana fisch & C. A. Mey. emend. J. H. Hunz. (Ephedraceae)

Ephedra tweediana (Ephedraceae), conocida como “tramontana”, es empleada en la medicina popular como antiasmático. Se analizaron comparativamente los extractos acuosos de los tallos herbáceos, lignificados y partes subterráneas, provenientes de ejemplares femeninos y masculinos. En los tallos lignificados se determinó la presencia de proapigeninidina (cuya identidad fue corroborada por comparación con un testigo de apigeninidina sometido a estudios de FAB-MS, UV, HPLC, 1H-NMR y espectroscopía IR); mientras que en los órganos subterráneos se determinó la presencia de proapigeninidina y propelargonidina (la identidad de la pelargonidina fue establecida por comparación con un testigo de pelargonidina sometido a estudios de TLC/HPTLC y espectroscopía UV-Visible). Estos compuestos no se observaron en los tallos herbáceos. Los tallos herbáceos presentaron las mayores concentraciones de flavonoides y ácidos hidroxicinámicos totales. Los órganos subterráneos presentaron la mayor concentración de taninos y proantocianidinas. En los tallos herbáceos se detectó una reacción fuertemente positiva para flavonoides. No se observó reacción positiva para proantocianidinas. En el tallo aéreo lignificado se observó una reacción positiva para flavonoides y proantocianidinas a nivel de la peridermis. En los órganos subterráneos, los flavonoides y proantocianidinas se localizaron principalmente en los tejidos más externos. Este trabajo constituye el primer aporte a la dinámica de polifenoles de E. tweediana.

Ephedra tweediana (Ephedraceae), known as "tramontana" is used in folk medicine as antiasthmatic. Aqueous extracts obtained from young stems, woody stems and underground parts were analyzed and compared. In lignified stems was detected proapigeninidin (whose identity was confirmed by comparison with a control apigeninidin subjected to FAB-MS, UV, HPLC, 1H-NMR and IR spectroscopy), while underground organs were detected proapigeninidin and propelargonidin (by comparison with a control pelargonidin whose identity was established by studies of TLC/HPTLC, and UV-visible spectroscopy). These compounds were not observed in the herbaceous stems. The herbaceous stems had the highest concentrations of total flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. Uderground organs had the highest concentration of tannins and proanthocyanidins. In herbaceous stems a strong positive reaction for flavonoids was detected. No positive reaction was observed for proanthocyanidins. In the periderm of woody aerial stem a positive reaction for flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were observed. In the underground organs, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were located mainly in the more external tissues. This work is the first contribution to the dynamic of E. tweediana polyphenols.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions for Active Compounds of Herbal Medicinal Formula, DF, by Response Surface Methodology

DF formula is comprised of three traditional herbs, Ephedra intermedia, Rheum palmatum and Lithospermum erythrorhizon, and locally used for treating of the metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes in Korea. We tried to optimize the extraction conditions of two major components, (−)-ephedrine and (+)-pseudoephedrine, in DF formula using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The experimental conditions with 70% for EtOH concentrations, 4.8 hour for extraction hours and 8.7 times for the solvent to material ratio were suggested for the optimized extraction of DF formula with the highest amounts of (−)-ephedrine and (+)-pseudoephedrine in the designed model.

Topical aqueous extract of Ephedra alata can improve wound healing in an animal model / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Ephedra alata (E. alata) is perennial tough shrub plant that grows in Palestine and other regions. It is used often in folk's medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this project, E. alata extract was tested for its ability to improve wound and burn healing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An aqueous extract of E. alata was prepared and underwent several phytochemical analyses for the presence of the major classes of phytochemical compounds. After that, a polyethylene glycol-based ointment containing the extract of E. alata was prepared and its wound and burn healing activities were tested in-vivo using an animal model for deep wound and full thickness skin burn. The effect was compared against a placebo ointment. Skin biopsies were evaluated by a blinded clinical histopathologist, in addition to digital analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of the major classes of phytochemical compounds in the prepared extract including flavonoids, alkaloids, phytosteroids, phenolic compounds, volatile oils and tannins. As compared to placebo ointment, E. alata ointment significantly improved the healing of the wound ulcers, whereas it showed no advantage on the quality of the healing of burn ulcers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>E. alata extract is rich in phytochemical compounds and can improve wound healing when applied topically.</p>

Antipyretic and anti-asthmatic activities of traditional Chinese herb-pairs, Ephedra and Gypsum / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Mahuang-Shigao herb-pair is a famous formula composed of Ephedra and Gypsum. The herb-pair is frequently used for treating cold symptoms and bronchial asthma in the clinical practice of Chinese medicine (CM). In the present study, we evaluated evidence for the benefit of combined use of Ephedra and Gypsum by analyzing the antipyretic and anti-asthmatic activities of Ephedra-Gypsum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The antipyretic effects of Ephedra-Gypsum were evaluated in yeast-induced hyperthermia test. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control group, standard aspirin group, and 3 Ephedra- Gypsum groups of different doses (6, 12, 24 g/kg). Ephedra-Gypsum extract and asprin were administered orally 6 h after the injection of yeast solution and body temperature was measured every 1 h for 8 h. The antiasthmatic effects of Ephedra-Gypsum were evaluated using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic rat model. Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Rats were alternately sensitized and OVA+Al(OH) challenged by exposure to mists of ovalbumin. Ephedra-Gypsum extracts (6, 12, 24 g/kg) or dexamethasone were administered 45 min prior to the allergen challenge for 8 days. Latent period and the weight of wet to dry ratio of lung were determined. In addition, the eosinophils in blood and white blood cell (WBC) were counted by an YZ-Hemavet Analyzer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Ephedra-Gypsum extracts at test dose (6, 12, 24 g/kg) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated yeast-induced fever in rats. The Ephedra-Gypsum extracts also prolonged the latent period, reduced OVA-induced increases in eosinophils and WBC, and decreased the wet and dry weight ratio of the lungs in the anti-asthmatic test.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These findings indicate that the Ephedra-Gypsum extract has antipyretic and anti-asthmatic properties. Hence, the results support additional scientific evidence in prescriptions.</p>

Determination of markers from characteristic HPLC chromatogram of phenols in three official origins of Ephedrae Herba and quantitative analysis of four phenols / 中国中药杂志

This study is to establish the characteristic HPLC chromatogram of phenols in Ephedrae Herba, from which to pick out the marker peaks, followed by the analysis of the regularity of their distribution and content in the herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica, E. intermedia and E. equisetina. The HPLC-DAD method for the characteristic chromatogram as well as quantitative analysis was established. The separation was carried out on a YMC-Pack ODS-A column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 µm), eluted with the mobile phases as 0.01% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) in a linear gradient (0-10 min, 17% B; 10-25 min, 17%-19% B; 25- 33 min, 19%-48% B; 33-35 min, 48%-51% B; 35-44 min, 51% B). The flow rate was kept at 1.0 mL · min⁻¹. The column tem- perature was 40 °C, and the detection wavelength was set at 350 nm (0-16 min) and 330 nm (16-44 min). Forty-six batches of collected samples from three official origins of Ephedrae Herba were detected, whose liquid chromatograms proven to be helpful to the differentiation of different origins. With principal component analysis and the analysis of distribution of peak area, twelve key peaks from the chromatogram were discussed in details on their contributions to the characteristics and differences of three official origins of the herb: peak area of peak 10, 11, 12 were found out to be significantly higher in E. equisetina than in other two origins, whose sum (higher than 146 mAU in E. equisetina) was useful for the discrimination between E. equisetina and the other two origins; peak area of 1 and 4 were respectively higher in E. sinica and E. intermedia than in other official origins, indicating their important effect on the differen- tiation of corresponding origins; peak 8 and 9 were picked out as two characteristic common peaks in three official origins of the herb, whose peak area showed little difference among different origins; further, peak area of other key peaks in the chromatogram also showed some difference among three origins, which make contributions to the differentiation of origins as well. Then, four phenols as 2"-O-α- L-rhamnosyl-isovitexin (1), vitexin (2), pollenitin B (5) and herbacetin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (6) were quantitative analyzed with the above-mentioned method, with good linear relationship and accuracy (recoveries in a range of 97.8%-102.5%). The content of the four phenols were firstly reported in Ephedrae Herba from official origins, which were respectively trace-1.55 (1), trace-0.160 (2), trace-0.284 (5) and trace-0.620 (6) mg · g⁻¹ in all of the tested samples. In addition, the content of these phenols showed differences in three official origins, especially 1, whose content in E. sinica [(0.670 ± 0.88) mg ± g⁻¹] were significantly higher than in other two origins (lower than 0.16 mg ± g⁻¹ besides sample Ei-060630-2-2), and 6, whose average content in E. equisetina [(0.260 ± 0.039 2) mg · g⁻¹] were twice as high as in E. sinica [(0.120 ± 0.270) mg · g⁻¹] and E. intermedia [(0.136 ± 0.485) mg g⁻¹], indicating the important effects of the two constituents on the differentiation among three official origins of the herb. The method established for the characteristic HPLC chromatogram and quantitative analysis of phenols was simple and accurate, and the marker constituents selected may provide new guides for the discrimination of official origins as well as the improvement of quality criteria of EphedraeHerba.

Changes in plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion characteristics before and after combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum / 中国中药杂志

In this study, UPLC-MS/MS was adopted to determine the contents of five ephedrine alkaloids (Norephedrine, Norpseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Methylephedrine) in plasma and urine in rats after the combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum and calculate relevant pharmacokinetic parameters, in order to discuss the effect of the combined administration of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum on plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion characteristics. According to the results, after being combined with Gypsum, the five ephedrine alkaloids showed similar pharmacokinetic changes, such as shortened t(max), accelerated absorption rate, but reduced AUC(0-t) and V(z)/F, which may be related to the increase in urine excretion. Besides, Gypsum was added to enhance C(max) of Pseudoephedrine and prolong MRT(0-t) of Methylephedrine, so as to enhance the anti-asthmatic effect of Ephedrae Herba and resist the toxic effect of Norephedrine and Ephedrine. This study proved the scientific compatibility of Ephedrae Herba-Gypsum Fibrosum and provided a reference for studies on the prescription compatibility regularity and relevant practices.

Study on multi-target optimization of prescription dose of Mahuang decoction / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To optimize the prescription dose of Mahuang decoction in a multi-target manner, in order to provide reference for the quantitative optimization of the prescription dose of the traditional Chinese medicine compound.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The number of diaphoretic spots in rats, the tracheal antispasmodic rate in guinea pigs and the writhing times by acetic acid in mice were taken as the indexes for evaluating the diaphoretic, antispasmodic and analgesic effects. According to the experimental results of the 16 orthogonal combination prescriptions, a mathematical dose-effect model was built by support vector regression (SVR) and quadratic response surface regression (RSR) respectively. The multi-target optimization was achieved by elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and entropy weight TOPSIS method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The optimal dose of Mahuang decoction after being optimized by SVR modeling contained 17.71 g of Ephedrae Herba, 9.57 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 11.75 g of Armeniacae Semen Amarum and 4.39 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle. The optimized result by RSR modeling contained 13.37 g of Ephedrae Herba, 11.61 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 11.98 g of Armeniacae Semen Amarum and 5.67 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparate Cum Melle. SVR was superior to RSR in both of the forecast capacity and optimization results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SVR-NSGA-II-TOPSIS method could be adopted for the multi-target optimization for the dose of Mahuang decoction and other traditional Chinese medicine compounds. It is proved to be the optimal prescription with the best efficacy, and could provide scientific quantitative basis for determining the dose of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions and developing new traditional Chinese medicines.</p>

Identification of chemical components of mahuang decoction by GC-MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国中药杂志

Since the polyjuice potion ingredient is complex, we need to develop an analysis method with well separation and high stability to perform qualitative analysis. After dividing chemical components of Mahuang Decoction into fat-soluble and water-soluble constituents by gradient extraction, GC-MS was used to analyze the chemical components of the ethyl acetate extraction. The results showed that forty compounds had been identified by NIST MS search 2.0 standard mass spectrometry Library and literatures. Next, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was applied to idendify the chemical components of the water extraction. The results showed that thirty-nine compounds had been identified by MZmine-2.9.1, Isotope Pattern, fragmentation regularity of mass spectrometry and literatures. This experiment will provide evidences for elucidation of the effective substance in Mahuang decoction and can be used as a simple, shortcut method for analysis and identification for the polyjuice potion.

Simultaneous determination of 5 kinds of alkaloids in Kechuanning tablets by SPE-UPLC under different UV-vis wavelength / 药学学报

The paper is to establish a method for simultaneous determination of 5 kinds of alkaloids in ephedra and poppy which are in Kechuanning tablets. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was adopted in pretreatment, and a UPLC method with 2 different wavelengths had been developed: 210 nm for the detection of morphine, codeine phosphate, ephedrine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, and 251 nm for papaverine hydrochloride. The column used was Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (100 mm x 2.1 mm ID, 1.7 microm) with linear gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid. The flow rate was 0.4 mL.min-1, and the column temperature was 30 degrees C. The linear response range was 0.375 0 - 12.50 microg.mL-1 for morphine, 0.064 32 - 2.144 microg.mL-1 for codeine phosphate, 0.030 06 - 1.002 microg.mL-1 for papaverine hydrochloride, 1.126 - 37.52 microg.mL-1 for ephedrine hydrochloride, 0.287 8 - 9.592 microg.mL-1 for pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (r = 0.999 7). The average recoveries of these compounds were 99.26%, 100.6%, 95.29%, 100.1% and 97.48%, respectively. This is a more reasonable and credible method of quality control for Kechuanning tablets.

Screening of some ethnobotanically important plants of Nagar area Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Certain species of ethnobotanical importance belonging to families Asteraceae, Berberidaceae, Cupressaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Gentianaceae, Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae, were collected from Gilgit during the months of June and July 2008 and were investigated for the presence of alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free and as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids in their aqueous, ethanol and benzene extracts. Artemisia maritime L. [leaves] showed positive results for carbohydrates, coumarins, phenolics and proteins. Ephedra gerardiana Wall ex. Stapf. [stem] tested positive for alkaloids, ascorbic acid, coumarins, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Tamarix gallica L. tested positive for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone as glycoside, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins and steroids in stems, roots and leaves. Salix acmophylla Boiss. showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free and as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and natural steroids. Hippophae rhamnoides L. showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Berberis glycocarpa Stapf. showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins and steroids in stem, roots and leaves. Similarly Juniperus excelsa Wall ex. C.A. Meyer showed positive result for anthraquinone [both free and as glycosides], carbohydrates, phenolics, proteins, saponins and natural steroids

Efecto antiinflamatorio de la ephedra americana HyB sobre la encía de cobayos en procedimiento quirúrgico / Antiinflammatory effect of the ephedra americana HyB on the gingival tissue of guinea pigs exposed to the surgical procedure

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio de la Ephedra americana HyB en cirugía gingival en cobayos. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio experimental en 32 cobayos: 16 cobayos a los que se les aplicó el extracto etanólico de la planta (grupo experimental) y 16 el grupo control. Se les realizó incisión tipo media luna en la encía inferior, con desprendimiento del colgajo y se suturó; luego se obtuvieron biopsias excisionales a las 48 horas y a los 7 días para evaluación histopatológica del proceso inflamatorio. El análisis estadístico incluyó pruebas de U de Mann Withney y suma de rangos asignados de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Al comparar el proceso inflamatorio en ambos grupos a las 48 horas hubo diferencia significativa, siendo menos intenso en el grupo experimental. A los 7 días de evaluación, la inflamación fue menor en el grupo experimental y en algunos casos hubo reparación final. La evolución del proceso inflamatorio para ambos grupos, mostró diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05); sin embargo, fue mejor en el grupo experimental. Conclusión: La aplicación de Ephedra americana HyB en la encía de cobayos expuesta al procedimiento quirúrgico, reduce el grado de inflamación y permite que la reparación sea más rápida.

Objective: To evaluate the antiinflammatory effect of the Ephedra americana HyB in gingival surgery in guinea pigs. Material and methods: Experimental study in 32 guinea pigs: 16 guinea pigs to which we applied the ethanol extract of the plant (experimental group) and 16 of the control group. A crescent type incision was performed in the lower gum, a flap was detached and it was sutured; then excisional biopsies were obtained at 48 hours and 7 days for histopathological evaluation of the inflammatory process. Statistical analysis included Mann Whitney tests and Wilcoxon rank test. Results: When the inflammatory process in both groups were compared at 48 hours, there was no significant difference, being less intense in the experimental group. After 7 days of evaluation, the inflammation was lower in the experimental group and in some cases there was final reparation. The evolution of the inflammatory process in both groups showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) but was better in the experimental group. Conclusion: The application of Ephedra americana HyB on the gingival tissue of guinea pigs exposed to the surgical procedure, reduces the degree of inflammation and allows faster repairs.

Absorption and transportation characteristic of alkaloids from herba ephedra in model of Caco-2 cells monolayer / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the absorption and transportation characteristic of 1-ephedrine (LEP), d-pseudoephedrine (DPEP), d-norpseudoephedrine (DNPE) isolated from Herba Ephedrae, which were classified the alkaloids, in human intestinal epithelium.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Caco-2 (the human colon adeno carcinoma cell lines) cells monolayer was used as an intestinal epithelial cell model. The permeability of the three alkaloids from apical side (AP side) to basolateral side (BL side) or from BL side to AP side was evaluated. The concentration of the three alkaloids was measured by HPLC coupled with UV detector. Transportation parameters and apparent permeability coefficients (P(app)) were then calculated, and P(app) values were compared with the reported values for model compounds, propranolol and atenolol.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The P(app) values of the three alkaloids in the bi-directional transportation were quantitative degree of 1.0 x 10(-5) cm x s(-1), which was comparable with the P(app), value of propranolol, which is a transcellular transportation marker and a well-transported compound with a P(app) > or = 1.0 x 10(-5) cm x s(-1). The absorption and transportation of the three alkaloids were positive correlation to the concentration of 10-200 mol x L(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>LEP, DPEP and DNPE can be absorbed across intestinal epithelial cells by passive diffusion mechanism, and are well absorbed compounds.</p>

Myopathy Following Ingestion of Ma-huang (Ephedra)-based Herbal Remedy

Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) is a herb that exhibits sympathomimetic activity. We report a patient with acquired myopathy following ingestion of a Ma-huang-based herbal remedy for 6 months. A 50-year-old woman was admitted for progressive muscular weakness. An electrodiagnostic study and muscle biopsy sampling revealed generalized active myopathy with nonspecific inflammation. It appears that Ma-huang, along with Raynaud's phenomenon and pericardial effusion, may be a causative agent of myopathy. As such, attention should be paid to the possibility that herbal medication with Ma-huang can result in myopathy.

Staining and slide-preparing technique of mitotic chromosomes and application in karyotype determination of Ephedra / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the karyotype of four Ephedra plants in order to provide the cytologic evidence for the genetic diversity and identification genetic resources of Ephedra.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The roots of germinating seeds were used to study the karyotype of four Ephedra plants by staining and slide-preparing technique of mitotic chromosomes.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>the optimal root-sampling time was about 10: 20 - 10:40 am. Using 0.002 mol x L(-1) 8-Hydroxyquinoline to pretreating the intravital root tips, the optimal pretreatment time for E. Sinica, E. intermedina, E. equisetina and E. przewalskii was 4, 5, 4.5 and 3.5 h, respectively. E. przewalskii and E. equisetina were diploid, E. Sinica and E. intermedina were belonged quadruple. The karyotype formulae of the four species were 2n = 2x = 14 = 2M + 8m + 4sm, 2n = 2x = 14 = 10m + 4st, 2n = 4x = 28 = 20m (2SAT) +8st, and 2n = 4x = 28 = 20m (SAT) + 6st + 2sm, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All the karyotypes of four Ephedra species were 2A type, which was the symmetric karyotype.</p>