Antitumor Effects of Ethanol Extract from Ventilago leiocarpa Benth on Sarcoma 180 Tumor-Bearing Mice and Possible Immune Mechanism / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the antitumor effects of ethanol extract from Ventilago leiocarpa Benth (EEVLB) on sarcoma 180 (S180) tumor-bearing mice and the potential mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups according to a random number table: normal group, model group, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (0.02 g·kg@*RESULTS@#EEVLB with different concentrations achieved inhibition of tumor growth in vivo, wherein the high-dose group showed the most significant reduction in tumor weight and increased apoptosis of tumor cells (P<0.05). In addition, both net weight gain and spleen index of mice showed uptrend in EEVLB treatment groups (P<0.05). Besides, serum levels of IL-2 and IL-6, percentages of CD3@*CONCLUSIONS@#EEVLB exhibits promising antitumor activity in vivo. This effect might be due to activation of apoptotic signaling pathway, increase of cytokine levels and enhancement of immune function in tumor-bearing mice.

Study on the mechanism of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae in treatment of alcoholic liver injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae in treatment of alcoholic liver injury (ALI) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.@*METHODS@#The information of chemical constituents and targets of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae was collected from TCMSP and Swiss databases, and the threshold values of oral bioavailability (OB) ≥ 30%, drug likeness (DL) ≥0.18 were used to screen the potential active compounds. The GeneCard and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the targets corresponding to ALI. The common targets were queried using Venn Diagram, and the network of PPI and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed through DAVID and Reactome database. Autodock Vina software was used for molecular docking of potential ingredients and key targets.@*RESULTS@#A total of 21 potential active compounds and 431 therapeutic targets were gathered in Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae, which involved 273 biological functions, 90 KEGG pathways and 362 Reactome pathways. The GO functions involved protein binding, ATP binding, etc.; the KEGG pathways mainly included PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway; the Reactome pathways contained signal transduction and immune system, etc. The results of molecular docking showed that 21 potential active ingredients had good affinity with the core targets Akt1, TP53 and IL-6.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis demonstrate the synergetic effect of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae with multi-compounds, multi-targets and multi-pathways in the treatment of ALI; and also predict the possible medicinal substance, key targets and pathways, which provides clues for the new drug development and mechanism research.

Características y contenido de extractivos del leño de Discaria chacaye y Ochetophila trinervis (Rhamnaceae) de zonas de ecotono del suroeste de la provincia de Neuquén / Characteristics and wood extract contents of Discaria chacaye and Ochetophila trinervis (Rhamnaceae) from ecotonal areas of southwest Neuquen province

En los ambientes de ecotono entre los bosques y la estepa en Patagonia, destacados por presentar alta biodiversidad y afectados históricamente por diversas actividades humanas, se presentan dos valiosas especies leñosas: Discaria chacaye y Ochetophila trinervis (Rhamnaceae) muy utilizadas para leña y con gran importancia ecológica, social y cultural en la región. Con el objetivo de realizar un aporte al conocimiento del leño de estas especies se aprovechó madera de ejemplares adultos extraídos para leña en cercanías a San Martín de los Andes, suroeste de la provincia de Neuquén, República Argentina. Se elaboraron tablas, cubos, cortes microscópicos y macerados para la determinación de características estéticas, macroscópicas, microscópicas, propiedades físicas (densidad y contenido de humedad de equilibrio higroscópico) y de contenido de extractivos del leño. Los caracteres estéticos y macroscópicos de la madera de las dos especies indican su aptitud para usos en artesanías y trabajos con piezas de poca talla. Las características anatómicas señalan alta seguridad conductiva y especialización del leño de ambas especies a situaciones de estrés hídrico o térmico. La alta densidad de la madera explica en gran parte su preferencia para el uso como combustible en relación a otras especies leñosas de la región. El contenido de extractivos de la madera de ambas especies (14 %) fue levemente mayor al reportado para especies de climas templados. Consideramos que la presente información podrá ser de utilidad para futuros estudios orientados al manejo sustentable o conservación de estas valiosas especies y de los ambientes donde crecen.

In ecotone environments between woodlands and steppe in Patagonia, highlighted by its high biodiversity and historically affected by multiple human activities, two valuable woody species are present: Discaria chacaye and Ochetophila trinervis (Rhamnaceae) widely used for firewood and with great ecological, social and cultural importance in the region. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the bole of these species, wood from adult specimens, extracted for firewood near San Martín de los Andes, southwest of the province of Neuquén, Argentina, was procured. boards, cubes, microscopic cuts and macerations were prepared for determination of aesthetic, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, physical properties (density and hygroscopic equilibrium moisture content) and wood extracts content. Aesthetic and macroscopic wood characters of both species indicate their aptitude for use in handicrafts and small pieces of manufacture. Wood anatomical characteristics point out high conductive safety and specialization of both species for water and thermal stress situations. The high density in the wood of both species largely explains its preference as a fuel in the region. Wood extractives content of both species was slightly higher than expected for temperate climate species. We believe this information may be useful for future studies aimed at sustainable management and conservation of these valuable species and the environments where they grow.

Assessment of the Purity of Emodin by Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Mass Balance

Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) is a well-established method adopted by international pharmacopoeia for quantitative and purity analyses. Emodin is a type of anthraquinone, well known as the main active component of Fabaceae, Polygonaceae and Rhamnaceae. Purity analysis of emodin is usually performed by using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method. However, it cannot detect impurities such as salts, volatile matter, and trace elements. Using the qNMR method, it is possible to determine the compound content as well as the nature of the impurities. Several experimental parameters were optimized for the quantification, such as relaxation delay, spectral width, number of scans, temperature, pulse width, and acquisition time. The method was validated, and the results of the qNMR method were compared with those obtained by the HPLC and mass balance analysis methods. The qNMR method is specific, rapid, simple, and therefore, a valuable and reliable method for the purity analysis of emodin.

Actividad insecticida y reguladora del crecimiento de extractos de blachnum chillones (blechnaceae) y condolía microphylla cav. (rhamnaceae), sobre larvas de gallería melonada (L.) (lepidoptera: pyralidae) / Insecticidal activity and growth regulatory of blechnum chilense (blechnaceae) and condalia microphylla cav. (rhamnaceae) extracts, on larvae of galleria mellonella (linnaeus) (lepidoptera: pyralidae)

Galleria mellonella (L.) es una de las plagas más importantes para la apicultura, debido a que en su estado larval se alimentan de la cera, polen y miel almacenados en los panales de Apis mellifera (L.). El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la actividad insecticida y reguladora del crecimiento de extractos obtenidos a partir de hojas y tallos de Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett y Condalia microphylla Cav. sobre larvas (L2) de G. mellonella. Los extractos fueron obtenidos con solventes orgánicos de diferente polaridad. Los resultados obtenidos indican que, el extracto de B. chilense obtenido con acetato de etilo y el extracto de C. microphylla obtenido con acetona, tienen efecto insecticida efectivo sobre larvas de G. mellonella y a aplicado en dosis sub-letales afectan negativamente la ganancia de peso larvario. A su vez, el extracto obtenido de B. chilense presentó actividad reguladora del desarrollo larvario de G. mellonella, induciendo el estado de pupa en forma prematura.

Galleria mellonella (L.) is the most detrimental pest to beekeeping, due the larvae feeds on hive of Apis mellifera (L.) consuming the wax, pollen and honey. The aim of this study was to determine the insecticidal activity and growth regulatory activity of extracts obtained from leaves and stems of Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett and Condalia microphylla Cav. for larvae of G. mellonella. The extracts were obtained with organic solvents of different polarity. The results show that the extract of B. chilense obtained with ethyl acetate, and the extract of C. microphylla obtained with acetone have effective insecticidal activity on larvae of G. mellonella, when applied at sub-lethal doses affect adversely the larval weight gain. In turn, the extract obtained from B. chilense showed regulatory activity on larval development of G. mellonella, inducing pupal stage prematurely.

Comparison of volatile compounds in Retanilla trinervia [Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn honeys from central Chile / Comparación de compuestos volátiles en mieles de Retanilla trinervia[Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn de Chile Central

The search for chemical markers for determining honey authenticity as a complementary tool for melissopalynological method is an important issue in the study of honeys from different botanical origins. The objective of this study was to determine the volatile compounds in tevo (Retanilla trinervia [Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn [Fam. Rhamnaceae]) honey as one of the most relevant honeys from central Chile. For the identification and quantification of volatile compounds, Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) was performed. A total of 28 out of 103 volatile compounds were found common to the five tevo honeys analyzed. Nevertheless, these compounds are common in unifloral honey of different floral sources from other countries. These results represent the first record in the identification of volatile compounds in tevo honey and would indicate that tevo honey does not present specific volatile compounds that allow its clear differentiation from other unifloral honey.

La búsqueda de marcadores químicos para determinar la autenticidad de la miel como una herramienta complementaria al análisis melisopalinológico es un tema importante en el estudio de las mieles de diferentes orígenes botánicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los compuestos volátiles en miel de tevo (Retanilla trinervia [Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn [Fam. Rhamnaceae]), una de las mieles más relevantes de Chile Central. La identificación y cuantificación de compuestos volátiles se llevó a cabo mediante Microextracción en Fase Sólida y Cromatografía de Gases con Espectrometría de Masas (SPME-CG-MS). Un total de 28 de los 103 compuestos volátiles identificados en las cinco mieles de tevo analizadas se encontraron en común para ellas. Sin embargo, estos compuestos son comunes en la miel monofloral de diferentes fuentes florales de otros países. Estos resultados representan los primeros avances en la identificación de compuestos volátiles en la miel de tevo e indicarían que la miel de tevo no presenta compuestos volátiles específicos que permitan su clara diferenciación respecto a otras mieles monoflorales.

Chemical constituents, biological activity and therapeutic uses, of Scutia buxifolia Reissek

Scutia buxifolia has been used in the treatment of a number of diseases, which includes bacterial and fungal infections, hypertension, Alzheimer's Disease and cancer. S. buxifolia contains biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, steroids, tanins, lipids, terpens and alkaloids. A range of biological activities has been found from plant extract and fractions, including antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, antiviral and antibiotic. Some studies about the potential toxicity were performed; however the results are not conclusive, suggesting that a single administration of the extract is safe, whereas prolonged use has deleterious effects for the body. The revised databases were SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Portal da Capes considering studies between 1964 and 2014 and by searching for terms like Scutia buxifolia, Rhamnaceae family, Scutia buxifolia Constituents, Scutia buxifolia use and OECD(AU)

Scutia buxifolia se utiliza en el tratamiento de una serie de enfermedades que incluye infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, hipertensión, enfermedad de Alzheimer y cáncer. S. buxifolia contiene compuestos biológicamente activos tales como flavonoides, taninos, esteroides, lípidos, terpenos y alcaloides. A partir del extracto y las fracciones de la planta surgen una gama de actividades biológicas, que incluyen antioxidante, inhibidor de la acetilcolinesterasa, antiviral y antibiótico. Se realizaron algunos estudios sobre el potencial tóxico, sin embargo los resultados no son concluyentes, lo que sugiere que una sola administración del extracto es segura, mientras que el uso prolongado tiene efectos perjudiciales para el organismo. Las bases de datos revisadas fueron SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect y Portal de Capes, teniendo en cuenta los estudios entre 1964 y 2014 y mediante la búsqueda de términos como Scutia buxifolia, Rhamnaceae family, Scutia buxifolia constituents, Scutia buxifolia uses and OECD(AU)

Predição de modelos sobre a cinética de secagem de folhas de Ziziphus joazeiro Mart / Prediction models in the kinetics of drying leaves of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa objetivou estudar, experimentalmente, a cinética de secagem de folhas de juazeiro (Ziziphus joazeiro Mart.) sob camada delgada em estufa com circulação forçada de ar utilizando temperaturas de 40, 50 e 60 ºC e velocidade do ar de 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5 m.s-1 conforme planejamento fatorial (22 + 3) e posterior ajuste das equações matemáticas aos dados experimentais, verificando assim aquele que melhor representa o fenômeno de secagem. Foi determinado o teor de água inicial das folhas utilizando o método padrão da estufa, em triplicatas. Para cada tratamento de secagem foram utilizados em torno de 150 g de folhas. Para o ajuste utilizou-se análise de regressão não linear, pelo método Quasi-Newton, por meio do programa computacional Statistica 5.0®, em que os valores dos parâmetros das equações foram estimados em função da temperatura e da velocidade do ar de secagem. A equação que melhor representou o processo de secagem do juazeiro para a faixa de temperatura de 40 a 60 ºC foi a de Midilli. Os resultados mostraram que com o acréscimo da temperatura ocorre maior redução no tempo de secagem.

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to study experimentally the kinetics of drying leaves of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. in thin layer in an oven with forced air using the temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 ºC and the air velocity of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m s-1 according to the factorial design (22 + 3) and subsequent adjustment of the experimental data in different models, and we select the one that best represents the phenomenon of drying. We determined the initial water content of the leaves by the standard oven method, in triplicates. For each drying treatment, we used approximately 150g of leaves. For adjustment, we used the non-linear regression analysis, through the Quasi-Newton method, using the software Statistica 5.0 ®, in which the parameter values of the equations were determined for the temperature and velocity of the drying air. The equation that best represented the drying process of the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. for the temperature range of 40-60 ºC was the Midilli equation. The results showed that there is a greater reduction in drying time with increasing temperature.

Intoxicação experimental pelos frutos de uva-Japão, hovenia dulcis (rhamnaceae), em bovinos / Experimental poisoning by the fruits of hovenia dulcis (rhamnaceae) in cattle

Hovenia dulcis Thunberg (uva-Japão) é uma árvore caducifolia nativa da China e de alguns lugares do Japão. Nos últimos anos essa planta foi utilizada como forma de sombreamento para aviários no Oeste e Meio-Oeste de Santa Catarina e passou a disseminar-se por toda a região. Os bovinos comem avidamente seus frutos maduros quando caem ao chão. Suspeitas de intoxicação ocorreram no outono e início de inverno e coincidiam com a maturação dos frutos. A doença foi reproduzida em 2004 por outros autores através da administração dos frutos a bovinos, em dose única de 24,5g/kg. Nos anos subsequentes não ocorreram reclamações sobre a intoxicação pelos frutos dessa planta, embora, muitos criadores afirmavam que os bovinos, na temporada de maturação, continuavam a ingerir os frutos. Experimentalmente, nove bovinos que receberam frutos da planta em doses únicas entre 30 e 50g/kg, apenas dois bovinos adoeceram gravemente e um morreu. O quadro clínico e as lesões foram semelhantes à intoxicação reproduzida em 2004, porém, a dose necessária para reproduzirmos a doença foi 100% superior à dose tóxica preconizada como letal em 2004.

Hovenia dulcis Thunberg (Japan grape) is a deciduous tree native of China and some parts of Japan. Over the last years, the tree has been used for shading in poultry farms of western and middle western Santa Catarina, spreading in the region. Cattle ingest the ripe fruits of H. dulcis fallen to the ground. The fruits were suspected to cause poisoning during fall and early winter, period of their maturation. The disease has been reproduced in 2004 by other authors with a single dose of 24.5g/kg. In the subsequent years no complaints regarding the toxicity of H. dulcis fruits have been reported, although many breeders observed that cattle continued to consume them during the ripening season. We administered the fruits at single doses of 30-50g/kg to nine calves, only two of them became seriously ill and one died. The clinical picture and lesions were similar to the poisoning reproduced in 2004, however, the dose required to reproduce the poisoning was 100% higher than the lethal dose found in 2004.

[ most used medicinal plant species of Dashtestan [Bushehr province], with emphasize on their traditional uses]

Dashtestan, with 6371 km[2] area, is situated at 85 km in the east of Bushehr city. Influence of some important ecological factores, such as neighboring to the Persian Gulf, passing two rivers of dalaki and shapoor and also presence of southern continuation of Zagros Mountains are leading to high importance of region in plant biodiversity view point. Study on the medicinal plant flora of the region and introducing some information of folk medicine and the most useful medicinal species were objected here. All ancient regions of the Dashtestan were discovered using appropriate geographical maps and then the plant species were gathered from various localities respectively. Vernacular information of collected plants and their usages in the folk medicine were questioned from well experienced people. In final stage the collected plants were identified scientifically after deposition in the herbarium. A total of 85 plant species representing 70 genera and 39 families are identified in the area. The most abundant families of the region are Asteraceae [10 species] and Lamiaceae [8 species] respectively, and the largest genera is Ziziphus [Rhamnaceae] with 6 species. The most folk medicine usage of them is in the remediation of digestive diseases. Traditional usage of medicinal plant is more accepted among the people of area. The most of medicinal herbs are used mainly in remediation of digestive diseases. Considering the culture of society and attention of people to medicinal plants, it may be an attractive object from the farmacological view point

Toxicological and pharmacological evaluation of Discaria americana Gillies & Hook (Rhamnaceae) in mice

Medicinal plants (e.g. Discaria americana) have been used by populations for centuries. However, popular use is not enough to validate these plants as safe and effective medicinal products. The present study sought to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity as well as the anxiolytic and antinociceptive effects of D. americana root bark and aerial parts extracts in mice. In acute toxicity studies, mice were treated with single intraperitoneal doses of the aforementioned extracts. Subacute toxicity studies were performed by oral administration of the extracts over 14 days. Anxiolytic studies consisted of the elevated plus maze method, and antinociceptive studies were based on the hot plate test. The LD50 value for D. americana aerial parts extract was established at >500 mg/kg, and for the root bark extract, 400 mg/kg. D. americana aerial parts extract produced anxiolytic (250 mg/kg) and antinociceptive effects (125, 200 and 250 mg/kg). Conversely, D. americana root bark extract showed neither anxiolytic nor antinociceptive effects in mice.

As plantas medicinais (i. e. Discaria americana) têm sido utilizadas pela população por séculos, entretanto, o conhecimento popular não é suficiente para validá-las como medicamentos seguros e/ou efetivos. Assim, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a toxicidade aguda e subaguda, bem como o efeito ansiolítico e antinociceptivo dos extratos da casca da raiz e das partes aéreas da D. americana em camundongos. A toxicidade aguda foi avaliada pela administração dos extratos, via intraperitoneal. Para o estudo da toxicidade subaguda os animais foram tratados oralmente com os extratos por 14 dias. O efeito ansiolítico dos extratos foi determinado através do modelo do labirinto em cruz elevado e o efeito antinociceptivo, mediante o teste da placa quente. O valor da DL50 para o extrato das partes aéreas da D. americana foi definido como > 500 mg/kg, enquanto que para o extrato da casca da raiz foi estabelecido em 400 mg/kg. O extrato das partes aéreas da D. americana apresentou atividade ansiolítica (250 mg/kg) e antinociceptiva (125, 200 e 250 mg/kg). O extrato da casca da raiz da D. americana não apresentou efeito ansiolítico nem antinociceptivo.

Rubrofusarin glucosides of Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada and their scavenging activities for DPPH radical / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the rubrofusarin glucosides from whole plants of Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, and their scavenging activities for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The chemical constituents were isolated and purified via repeated silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis and the compounds were tested for their scavenging activities on DPPH radical.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Three rubrofusarin glucosides compounds were isolated and identified as rubrofusarin-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), rubrofusarin-6-O-beta-D-(6'-O-acetyl) glucopyranoside (2), rubrofusarin-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnosyl-(1-6) -O-beta-D-glucopyranside (3). Three isolated compounds showed strong scavenging activities on DPPH radical, the concentration of half elimination ratio( micromol x L(-1)) of VitC and Compounds 1-3 were 18.2, 40.5, 23.3 and 13.6, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds 1-3 were isolated from this plant for the first time and compound 2 was a new compound. They showed significant antioxidant activity, and the scavenging activity of compound 3 was a little stronger than that of VitC.</p>

A new chromone derivative from Berchemia lineata / 药学学报

To study the chemical constituents from the root of Berchemia lineata (L.) DC., nine compounds were isolated from the EtOAc extract by using silica gel, RP-C18 silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Based on the spectroscopic analysis, their structures were identified as 5-hydroxy-7-(2'-hydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-chromone (1), (-)-(1'R, 2'S)-erythro-5-hydroxy-7-(1', 2'-dihydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-chromone (2), naringenin (3), eriodictyol (4), (+)-aromadendrin (5), (+)-taxifolin (6), (+)-catechin (7), (+)-epigallocatechin (8) and quercetin (9). Among them, compound 2 is a new chromone derivative. Compound 1 is a known chromone derivative and isolated from this genus for the first time. Compounds 3-9 are known flavonoids and isolated from this plant for the first time.

Dispersión polínica y éxito reproductivo de cuatro especies arbóreas de un bosque xerófito de Argentina

Pollen dispersion and reproductive success of four tree species of a xerophytic forest from Argentina. The "talares" in eastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina, are coastal xerophitic forests structured by few arboreal species surrounded by a lower and moister soil matrix. We studied the reproductive parameters of the most representative arboreal species (Celtis tala, Scutia buxifolia, Jodina rhombifolia,and Schinus longifolia). Pollen dispersion was studied through floral visitor traps (biotic dispersion) and using gravimetric pollen collectors (abiotic dispersion). The reproductive success (fruit formation rate) of the focal species was studied by enclosing flowers with different mesh bags. The reproductive system varied among the different species. C. tala was anemophilous and selfcompatible. S. buxifolia was entomophilous and floral visitors dependant. J. rhombifolia was entomophylous, although spontaneous autogamy could favor reproduction in the absence of pollinators. Lastly, S. longifolia could be an ambophilous species (pollinated by insects and by the wind). This dual system may be the result of system flexibility mechanism or an evolutionary transition. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 283-292. Epub 2009 June 30.

Los "talares" del E de la provincia de Buenos Aires son bosques xerófitos costeros estructurados por pocas especies arbóreas rodeados de una matriz de suelos más bajos y húmedos. Estudiamos los parámetros reproductivos de las especies arbóreas más representativas (Celtis tala, Scutia buxifolia, Jodina rhombifolia y Schinus longifolia). La dispersión polínica fue estudiada a través de trampas para visitantes florales (dispersión biótica) y utilizando recolectores gravimétricos de polen (dispersión abiótica). El éxito reproductivo (tasa de formación de frutos) de las especies focales fue estudiado a través de embolsado de flores con bolsas de distintos tipos de malla. El sistema reproductivo varió entre las especies. C. tala resultó anemófila y autocompatible, S. buxifolia fue entomófila y dependiente de los visitantes florales. J. rhombifolia fue una especie entomófila, aunque la autogamia espontánea podría favorecer al aseguramiento reproductivo en caso de falta de polinizadores. Finalmente, S. longifolia podría ser una especie ambófila (polinizada por insectos y por el viento). Este sistema dual podría ser el resultado de un mecanismo de flexibilidad del sistema de polinización o una transición evolutiva.

Triterpenes from fruits of Paliurus ramosissimus / 药学学报

To study the chemical constituents of the fruits of Paliurus ramosissimus, various chromatographic techniques were used to separate and purify the chemical constituents. Three triterpenes have been isolated and purified by using various column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by their physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic data. These compounds were determined as: 22S, 23R-epoxy-tirucalla-7-ene-3alpha,24, 25-triol (1), 21S, 23R-epoxy-21, 24S, 25-trihydroxy-apotirucalla-7-ene-3-one (2), 21R, 23R-epoxy-21-ethoxy-24S, 25-dihydroxy-apotirucalla-7-ene-3-one (3), separately. Compound 1 is a new compound, and the others were obtained from this genus for the first time.

In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic and trypanocidal activities of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (Rhamnaceae)

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a tree commonly found in the Amazon region and an extract of its stem bark is popularly used as an antimalarial and anti-inflammatory agent and as an antidote to snake venom. Ursolic acid; five lupane type triterpenes: betulin, betulinic acid, lupenone, 3ß-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid, and 2a,3ß-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid, and three phytosteroids: stigmasterol, sitosterol and campesterol, have been isolated from stem extracts of A. amazonicus Ducke. Their structures were characterized by spectral data including COSY and HMQC. In an in vitro biological screening of the isolated compounds, 3ß-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid was cytotoxic against the SKBR-3 human adenocarcinoma cell line (1 to 10 mg/mL), while 2a,3ß-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid exhibited cytotoxicity against both SKBR-3 human adenocarcinoma and C-8161 human melanoma tumor cell lines (>0.1 mg/mL). In the present study, different extracts and some fractions of this plant were also investigated for trypanocidal activity due to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenes. The triterpene classes are potent against Trypanosoma cruzi. The bioassays were carried out using blood collected from Swiss albino mice by cardiac puncture during the parasitemic peak (7th day) after infection with the Y strain of T. cruzi. The results obtained showed that A. amazonicus is a potential source of bioactive compounds since its extracts and fractions isolated from it exhibited in vitro parasite lysis against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi at concentrations >100 æg/mL. Fractions containing mainly betulin, lupenone, 3ß-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid, and 2a,3ß-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid showed more activity than crude extracts.

Effects of ethyl acetate extract of Semen Hoveniae on liver microsomal cytochrome P450 isoenzyme in rat / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Semen Hoveniae (ESH) on liver microsomal cytochrome P450 isoenzyme in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The rats were given orally the ESH in the doses of 0.14, 0.17, 0.2 g x kg (equivalent to the crude herb) for 10 days respectively. Rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450, NADPH-Cyt C reductase, erythromycin N-demethylase (ERD), Aniline hydroxylase (ANH), aminopyrine N-demethylase (ADM) activities were quantitated by UV chromatography. The levels of mRNA expression of CYP1A1, CYP2C11, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The cytochrome P450 content, NADPH-Cyt C reductase activities and erythromycin N-demethylase (ERD) activities were not affected. Aniline hydroxylase (ANH) activities in liver were decreased by up to35.1%; aminopyrine N-demethylase (ADM) activitiesin liver were increased by up to 42.4%. The mRNA expression of CYP1A1, CYP2C11 and CYP3A1 were found to be increased markedly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A specific effect of ESH on liver microsomal cytochrome P450 isoenzyme in rats was observed in this investigation. ESH had various effects on liver microsomal cytochrome P450 isoenzyme.</p>

Effect of Hovenia dulcis extract on expression of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 in hepatic tissue / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Hovenia dulcis extract on mRNA expression of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 mRNA in hepatic tissue in experimental rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: normal group (16) and model group (32), hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl4 for 6 weeks in rats, 8 rats were sacrificed at the end of the 6th week from every group respectively, HE staining of hepatic tissue was performed; In the model group, rats randomly subdivided into 3 groups: spontaneous recovery group, control group and medication administration group, 8 rats were sacrificed at the end of the 12th week from every group respectively, the mRNA levels of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 in hepatic tissue were assayed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The mRNA expression of MMP-13 among the 4 groups were not statistically significant, but the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 among the 4 groups were statiscally significant. The levels of TIMP-1 mRNA were significantly increased in control group and medication administration group compared, with those in the model group (P < 0.05), and reverse effects of medication administration groups were significantly high than those of control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibition of the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 may be the mechanism of reversing hepatic fibrosis H. dulcis, for thus collogen degradation system was recoveried gradually.</p>

Influence of Hovenia dulcis on alcohol concentration in blood and activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) of animals after drinking / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of H. dulcis on relieving alcohol toxicity by animal experiments.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Male kunming mice were ovraiectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, and aqueous extracts of H. dulcis group at 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 g x mL(-1). The acute alcohlism animals induced by gastral administration with "Er Guo Tou" and the alchol concentrations in serum were detected after treated with the extracts within 0.5-3 h by biochemical enzymes.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The alcohol concentration in blood was up to the maximum in 0.5-1.5 h. However, the alcohol concentrations in blood of aqueous extract from H. dulcis group were decreased in 0.5-3 h. The activity of ADH in the liver in aqueous extract of H. dulcis group was increased in 2-3 h, while it was significantly increased in 1-1.5 h (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The aqueous extract of H. dulcis could reduce the alchol concentration in blood of animals and inrease the activity of ADH after given alcohol. It means the extract has the effect of relieving alcohol toxicity and preventing drunkenness through restraining the absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting the metabolism of alcohol in the liver.</p>