ABSTRACT
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), one of the popular ingredients in herbal teas, has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Bisabololoxide A (BSBO) is one of the main constituents in this herb. BSBO is supposed to be principle in some bioactivities of German chamomile such as anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and antipruritic actions. Although the use of German chamomile has spread, the information related to toxicity of BSBO is very limited. In present study, the cytotoxic effect of micromolar BSBO was cytometrically examined on rat thymocytes by using appropriate fluorescent dyes. When the cells were incubated with BSBO for 24 h, BSBO at concentrations of 30 microM or more significantly increased populations of dead cells, shrunken cells, and cells with phosphatidylserine exposed on membrane surface. Both cell shrinkage and externalization of membrane phosphatidylserine are general features in an early stage of apoptosis. In addition, BSBO significantly increased population of cells containing hypodiploid DNA, and the increase was completely attenuated by Z-VAD-FMK, a pan-inhibitor for caspases, indicating an involvement of caspase activation. Thus, it is likely that the type of cell death induced by BSBO is apoptosis. The significant changes in cellular parameters of rat thymocytes by BSBO were not observed when the concentration was 10 microM or less. Furthermore, the short incubation (3 h) of cells even with 30-100 microM BSBO did not significantly affect the cells. Therefore, it may be suggested that BSBO is practically safe when German chamomile is conventionally used.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis/drug effects , Flowers/chemistry , Matricaria/chemistry , Sesquiterpenes/toxicity , T-Lymphocytes/drug effects , Thymus Gland/drug effects , Animals , Annexin A5/metabolism , Caspase Inhibitors , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Cell Size/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Diploidy , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Phosphatidylserines/metabolism , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Surface Properties/drug effects , T-Lymphocytes/cytology , Thymus Gland/cytology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
After the dosage form of tamsulosin hydrochloride was changed from a capsule to on orally disintegrating tablet (ODT, Harnal D), we often received patient complaints and noted an increase in noncompliance with medication regimens. The change in dosage form appeared to cause poor compliance by patients who had become accustomed to the light pink/white capsule over many years. Therefore, we carried out a questionnaire survey of patients taking the ODT form to determine the effects of changing the dosage form and the usefulness of the ODT. Most (92%) of respondents took the ODT with water. In addition, 16% missed taking the medicine after the change in dosage form. ODT is a dosage form that is easy to take for patient with dysphagia, or those on restricted water intake. However, it appears that elderly men and patients with visual disorders cannot distinguish the ODT from other medicines and this affects patient compliance. In conclusion, all pharmaceutical companies should consider the design of medications in terms of coloration, indications, or shape in anticipation of the aging society in future, so that patients can distinguish them. Furthermore, sufficient pharmaceutical care is needed to improve both compliance and safety management for the elderly.
