Effect of a Natural Growth Stimulant (Ascobein) on Growth and Yield of Seeds and Oil of Nigella sativa Plants

The importance of Nigella sativa plant is increasing day by day in many medical and nutritional fields, and the demand for it is increasing in foreign markets. Therefore, we chose the nigella plant to study the effect of spraying with a natural growth stimulant (Ascobein) at concentrations of zero, 50, 100 and 150 ppm on the productivity of seed and oil, as well as its effect on the activity of antioxidants. The results showed that the concentration of 100 ppm gave the highest values of vegetative growth traits; (Plant height (86.3 and 89.5cm), Number of branches (21.7 and 25.1), Fresh and Dry weight per plant (118.43 and 143.85gm, 23.86 and 28.29gm/plant) respectively for both seasons. Also, results revealed that foliar application of 100 ppm (Ascobein) improved the seed yield/plant (16.95 and 19.74gm), Oil % (45.73 and 48.02%), DPPH% (99.04 and 102.39%), TPC (447.17 and 450.54 mg GAE/g) and TFC (110.19 and 114.43 mg QE/g) for both seasons 20/2021 and 21/2022. The percentage of major fatty acids in nigella seeds oil has been estimated (Linoleic, Oleic, Palmitic and Stearic).

Characteristics and clinical significance of cellular immunity indices of tfh cells in HIV-1 infected patients / 解放军医学杂志

[Abstract] Objective To study the correlation between follicular helper T (TFH) cells with the cellular immunity indices and the percentage of follicular cytotoxic T (TFC) cells in peripheral blood of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected patients and explore the relationship between TFH cells and the acquired immunodeficiency symdrome (AIDS) disease progression. Methods Seventeen health controls and 65 HIV-1 infected individuals were enrolled in this study, and the HIV-1 infected patients included 48 untreated HIV-1 positive patients and 17 treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy, the 48 HIV-1 infected patients consisted of 9 patients with CD4+ T cells ≤200/μl, 19 with 200/μl 350/μl. The expression of CXCR5 on CD4+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry and its correlation with CD4/CD8 ratio and HIV-1 RNA viral load. We also analyzed the correlation between the percentage and absolute number of TFH cells and TFC cells. Results Compared with healthy controls, both the absolute cell numbers [(60.23±27.62)/μl vs. (207.53±51.50)/μl, U=0, P<0.0001] and frequency [(18.83±4.55)% vs. (22.06±5.35)%, U=242.00, P=0.0124] of TFH cells were significantly reduced in untreated HIV-1 infected patients; The absolute number of TFH cells in the antiretroviral therapy group was significantly higher than that in untreated HIV-1 infected patients [(135.05±60.77)/μl vs. (60.23±27.62)/μl, U=108.00, P=0.0082]. The frequency of TFH cells in untreated HIV-1 infected patients were negatively correlated with CD4/CD8 ratio (r=–0.338, P=0.019), positively correlated with viral load (r=0.392, P=0.006). Both the absolute cell numbers (r=0.408, P=0.004), and frequency (r=0.363, P=0.011) of TFH cells were positively correlated with the frequency of TFC cells. The percentage of TFH cells decreased with the decrease of CD4+ T cells and the number of TFH cells increased with the decrease of CD4+ T cells in untreated HIV-1 infected patients. Conclusions TFH cells may be associated with active replication of the HIV-1 and disease progression. The decrease of TFH absolute cell numbers in patients with HIV-1 infection may be related to the cytotoxicity of TFC cells.

A comparative in vitro antioxidant potential profile of extracts from different parts of Fagonia cretica

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of organic extracts from fruit, roots and aerial parts of Fagonia cretica.@*METHODS@#Shed dried and powdered plant parts were initially extracted in methanol and subsequently partitioned in n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol successively. Antioxidant and radical scavenging potential of the methanol extracts and the fractions of each part were evaluated using total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation radicals scavenging, reducing power (potassium ferricyanide-trichloroacetic acid system), ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (linoleic acid system) and total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdate) assays.@*RESULTS@#TPC and TFC values for methanol extracts and various fractions ranged from 0.23-4.30 mg/L gallic acid equivalents and from 30-545 mg/L rutin equivalents, respectively. Overall, methanol extracts and all the fractions of root and aerial parts showed higher TPC and TFC values. Methanol extracts and aqueous fractions of root and aerial parts and the n-butanol fraction of root showed lower EC50 values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging than the other plant extracts. The 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, total antioxidant potential and ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential values confirmed the presence of potent antioxidant principles in the methanol extract of roots. In general, all the extracts/fractions and especially those of root showed high antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The crude methanol extract of root can be explored further for in vivo studies. This study revealed the potent antioxidant potential of Fagonia cretica and its prospective efficacy against various reactive oxygen species-mediated diseases.

A comparative in vitro antioxidant potential profile of extracts from different parts of Fagonia cretica

Objective: To evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of organic extracts from fruit, roots and aerial parts of Fagonia cretica. Methods: Shed dried and powdered plant parts were initially extracted in methanol and subsequently partitioned in n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol successively. Antioxidant and radical scavenging potential of the methanol extracts and the fractions of each part were evaluated using total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation radicals scavenging, reducing power (potassium ferricyanide-trichloroacetic acid system), ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (linoleic acid system) and total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdate) assays. Results: TPC and TFC values for methanol extracts and various fractions ranged from 0.23-4.30 mg/L gallic acid equivalents and from 30-545 mg/L rutin equivalents, respectively. Overall, methanol extracts and all the fractions of root and aerial parts showed higher TPC and TFC values. Methanol extracts and aqueous fractions of root and aerial parts and the n-butanol fraction of root showed lower EC

Phytochemical investigation and in vitro antioxidant activity of an indigenous medicinal plant Alpinia nigra B.L. Burtt

Objective: To investigate antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Alpinia nigra leaves.Methods:picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical constituents, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extract at different concentrations (10-500 μg/mL) were determined.Results: Alpinia nigra leaves showed high free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by the low IC50 values in DPPH (64.51 μg/mL), in ABTS (28.32 μg/mL), in nitric oxide (80.02 μg/mL) and in H2O2 (77.45 μg/mL) scavenging assays. Furthermore the TPC and TFC of the extract were found to be 69.25 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and 78.84 mg quercetin equivalent per gram of extract respectively.Conclusions:The results of present comprehensive analysis demonstrated that Alpinia nigra The study was done by using various in vitro methods such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-leaves possess high phenolic, flavonoid contents and potential antioxidant activity, and could be used as a viable source of natural antioxidants and might be exploited for functional foods and neutraceutical applications.

Long Term Efficacy of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Standard Cages alone in Lumbar Disc Diseases Combined with Modic Changes

OBJECTIVE: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is considered to have the best theoretical potential in promoting bony fusion of unstable vertebral segments by way of a load sharing effect of the anterior column. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of PLIF with cages in chronic degenerative disc disease with Modic degeneration (changes of vertebral end plate). METHODS: A total of 597 patients underwent a PLIF with threaded fusion cages (TFC) from 1993 to 2000. Three-hundred-fifty-one patients, who could be followed for more than 3 years, were enrolled in this study. Patients were grouped into 4 categories according to Modic classification (no degeneration : 259, type 1 : 26, type 2 : 55, type 3 : 11). Clinical and radiographic data were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The clinical success rate according to the Prolo's functional and economic outcome scale was 86% in patients without degeneration and 83% in patients with Modic degeneration. The clinical outcomes in each group were 88% in type 1, 84% in type 2, and 73% in type 3. The bony fusion rate was 97% in patients without degeneration and 83% in patients with Modic degeneration. The bony fusion rate in each group was 81% in type 1, 84% in type 2, and 55% in type 3. The clinical success and fusion rates were significantly lower in patients with type 3 degeneration. CONCLUSION: The PLIF with TFC has been found to be an effective procedure for lumbar spine fusion. But, the clinical outcome and bony fusion rates were significantly low in the patients with Modic type 3. The authors suggest that PLIF combined with pedicle screw fixation would be the better for them.

Clinical Efficacy of a Stand-Alone, Threaded-Titanium Fusion Cage for Single-Level Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disorders / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic efficacy of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using a threaded fusion cage (TFC) alone with autogenous iliac corticocancellous bone graft for single-level degenerative lumbar spinal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients receiving PLIF with TFC alone were evaluated with at least three years of follow-up. Clinical outcome and satisfaction were assessed using Ragab's measurements. Radiological outcomes were analyzed in terms of lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, disc height, and fusion rates. RESULTS: Disc height was 6.18+/-2.54 mm, 11.71+/-1.60 mm and 9.94+/-1.94 mm on average for preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up, respectively. Lumbar lordosis was 27.46+/-11.47degrees, 31.41+/-8.89degrees on average for preoperative and at final follow-up, respectively. Segmental lordosis was 11.51+/-9.35degrees preoperatively, and 10.86+/-7.49degrees at final follow-up. Satisfactory clinical outcome were obtained in 89.2% of patients with successful bone fusion in 73.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: Stand alone TFC is an effective treatment modality in maintenance of disc height and lumbar lordosis, with satisfactory long term clinical outcomes in the treatment of single-level degenerative lumbar spinal disorders.

Effect of total flavonoids of Chrysanthemum indicum on TRAIL,TNF-? expression of synovial tissue from adjuvant arthritis rats in vivo / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Chrysanthemum indicum on proliferation of synoviocytes and TRAIL/TNF-? expression of synovial tissue with adjuvant arthritis rats.Methods SD rats were divided randomly into six groups including normol,model,TFC(84,168,336 mg?kg-1)and control drug Tripterygium glycosides(30 mg?kg-1)groups.Adjuvant arthritis rat model was induced by a single intradermal injection of 0.1 ml of the complete Freund's adjuvant into the the right hind feet pads of the SD rats.The proliferation of synoviocyte was measured by MTT;The expression of TRAIL and TNF-? on synovial tissue were detected by means of immunofluorescence.Results TFC was shown to suppress the excessive synoviocyte proliferation;The expression of TRAIL was lower in model group than that of the normal group.TFC can increase the expression of TRAIL protein;The contrary to TNF-? protein.Conclusions TRAIL play a role in the development of AA.TFC can increase the lower expression of TRAIL protein,that maybe one of the mechanisms of TFC improvement AA.

Protective effects of total of flacone C on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study protective effects of Total of flacone C(TFC) against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods Four-vessel occlusion method was used to make acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model. Rats were initiated by ischemia for 30 min followed by 40 min of reperfusion.The electroencephalography(EEG) during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was recorded.The level of intracellular calcium ion concentration([Ca~(2+)]i) in cerebral cells after ischemia was measured by using a Ca~(2+) indicator Fura-2/AM.Superoxide dismutase(SOD),Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),nitric oxide Synthase(NOS) activeties and Malondialdehyde(MDA),Nitric Oxide(NO)contents in the ischemia cerebral cortex were measured.Results TFC can improved the EEG change,significantly attenuated the decrease of the intracellular calcium ion concentration([Ca~(2+)]_i), remarkly increased GSH-Px,SOD and NOS activities in the cerebrum,inhibit the decrease of LDH activity and NO,MDA contents.Conclusion TFC has protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,the mechanism may be related to attenuating free radical,[Ca~(2+)]i overload and NO.

INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS BY EXTRACT OF TOTAL FLAVONOIDS OF CHRYSANTHEMUM INDICUM ON ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS SYNOVIAL CELLS / 解剖学报

Objective To study the effect of the extract of total flavonoids of chrysanthemum indicum(TFC) on adjuvant arthritis synovial cells. Methods 0.1ml of the complete Freund's adjuvant was subcutaneously injected into the right hind feet pads of the SD rats.24 days after immunity synovial cells in knee joint were treated with TFC and inhibition of proliferation was measured with MTT assay.DNA fragmentations were analyzed with DNA gel electrophoresis.Fluorescence staining of Hoechst 33258 to observe apoptotic body.Results The IC_50 of TFC on synovial cells was 112mg/L.DNA gel electrophoresis showed ladder-like strap.Apoptotic bodies were observed by Hoechst 33258.Conclusion TFC can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in synovial cells,and exerts therapeutical effect on rheumstoid arthritis.

Effects of TFC on the right ventricle papillary muscles of guinea pig / 中国药理学通报

AIM: To study the mechanism of effects about total flavones of choeropondias axillaris (TFC) to heart. METHODS: The effects of TFC on contractility were investigated through acting on the guinea pig right ventricle papillary muscles. RESULTS: TFC decreased both the contractility and contraction rate of papillary muscles. The quantity-effect curve of CaCl2 was shifted to right after giving TFC. TFC 30.4 μmol·L-1 prolonged remarkably the functional refractory period (FRP) of guinea pig right ventricle papillary muscles, but exerted no effect on excitability. CONCLUSION: TFC can inhibit the Ca2+ influx into cell in a concentration-dependent manner.

Clinical Radiological Analysis of Operative Result of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion(PLIF) with Threaded Fusion Cage(TFC)

The authors retrospectively analyzed 17 cases of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with Threaded Fusion Cage(TFC) at the Department of Neurosurgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital from May 1994 to June 1995. The objective of this study is to verify the adventages of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with TFC to the usual posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation. Postoperative clinical and radiological change is shown by Gill's criteria and neutral L-spine lateral measurement. The results are as follows:The disc space height was increased(8%), the fusion rate was 85%, the postoperative slip was remarkable in the spondylolisthesis group, the TFC angle after operation was changed slightly, especially in spondylolisthesis group, and their outcome was excellent(0%), good(53%), fair(47%), poor(0%). The complications were transient foot drop(1 case) and TFC migration(1 case). This change was not statistically significant in different preoperative diagnoses and methods of laminectomy. In conclusion, posterior lumbar interbody fusion with TFC was a good method in spinal stenosis and HIVD, but the result of spondylolisthesis was found to be less favorable than previously reported. Further controlled trials are therefore necessary to determine the efficacy of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with TFC in patients who were diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.

Posterior Interbody Fusion with TFC in Degenerative Lumbar Diseases

Surgical treatment for chronic back pain in degenerative lumbar spine has been still complicated. Several kinds of devices for spine fusions have been developed, but they have had both some advantages and disadvantages. Recently, the TFC(Threaded fusion cage) instrument has been introduced in treating lumbar spinal disorders associated with degenerative changes. The authors analysed 15 cases of lumbar degenerative disease treated with adequate decompression and TFC instrumentation between October 1993 and March 1994 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. There were 10 females and 5 males. The main surgical indication was serious limitation of daily activity, which was not treated conservatively. The preoperative diagnoses were 6 degenerative stenosis with disc, 6 degenerative spondylolisthesis, 2 spondylosis and spondylolytic spondylolisthests, and 1 FBSS. We observed that 93% of patients(14 of 15) had more than good results and preoperative back pain was markedly reduced. Intervertebral disc space was well restored, and the reduction was possible in spondylolisthesis patients. In our opinion, TFC instrument will be one of good surgical modality in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine.

Clinical, Radiological Analysis of Threaded Fusion Cage(TFC) in Surgical Treatment of Spondylolisthesis

The indications for surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis are as follows:pain unrelieved by conservative treatment. Persistent neurologic signs. Progression of the slip or slip greater than 50 per cent. Postural deformity or walking difficulty due to tight hamstring muscles. The goal of operation for spondylolisthesis is to relieve radiculopathy and low back pain, and to prevent further progression of the slip through decompression of neural elements and fusion for pseudoarthrosis. The authors performed the posterior lumbar interbody fusion using Threaded Fusion Cage(TFC) on 23 patients with spondylolisthesis. All patients have been followed for 3 to 12 months. We then studied the clinical and radiological outcomes of these patients and verified the relationship between clinical outcomes and radiological findings. Summaries of the results are as followings. 1) Successful bone fusion was achieved in 20 out of 23 cases(87%). 2) Neurological signs were improved in 20 out of 23 cases(87%). 3) The majority of cases which demonstrated radiologic bone fusion also showed clinical improvement. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion using TFC was useful in the treatment of mild degree spondylolisthesis.

A Clinical Analysis of Degenerative Supondylolisthesis

The auther has studied 60 patients of degenerative spondylolisthesis diagnosed and operatively treated at Hanyang University Hospital from January 1987 to June 1992, and analized the outcome. The results were summarized as followings: 1) Male to female ratio was 1:4, showing female predominance. Average peak ages were 5th and 6th decades. 2) "Pedicle-Facet Angle" and the degree of slipping had directly proportional relationship(Y=0.58X+110). The wider the angle is, the more slipping develops. 3) The significant symptom and sign were neurogenic intermittent claudication and negative straight-leg-raising test. 4) The degenerative spondylolisthesis developed most frequently at L4-5 level(74%), L5-S1(15%), L3-4(8%), 57 cases(95%) fell into Grade by Meyerding classification. 5) Complete or incomplete block on myelogram was present in 59%, and pseudodisc and lumbar spinal stenosis were noticed on CT. 6) Laminectomy with P.L.I.F. were done in 50 cases(83%) and total laminectomy and medial facetectomy and foraminotomy were done in only 4 cases(7%). In the comparision on the slipping degree before & after operation, in 55 cases(92%), slipping degrees showed no great change less than 2mm, but the almost showed exellent & good results. So we considered decom pression & fusion without excessive reduction was sufficient. 7) Threaded fusion cage(T.F.C) had the several benefits that 1) stability was good, 2) osteosynthesis through threaded was possible and 3) postoperative ambulation was possible earlier. Therefore recently, P.L.I.F. using T.F.C in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis were used in many cases and further evaluation for T.F.C. should be considered.

Effects of TFC on the right ventricle papillary muscles of guinea pig / 中国药理学通报

AIM To study the mechanism of effects about total flavones of choeropondias axillaris(TFC) to heart. METHODS The effects of TFC on contractility were investigated through acting on the guinea pig right ventricle papillary muscles. RESULTS ① TFC decreased both the contractility and contraction rate of papillary muscles. ②The quantity effect curve of CaCl 2 was shifted to right after giving TFC. ③TFC 30.4 ?mol?L -1 prolonged remarkably the functional refractory period (FRP) of guinea pig right ventricle papillary muscles, but exerted no effect on excitability. CONCLUSION TFC can inhibit the Ca 2+ influx into cell in a concentration dependent manner.