Curcumin nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion freeze-dried powder: Development, characterization, and suppression of airway inflammation.

Curcumin, a diketone compound extracted from turmeric's rhizome, is an effective anti-inflammatory drug with multiple pharmacological activities. However, its low oral bioavailability due to its low water solubility and permeability severely limits its clinical applications. Therefore, to enhance the oral bioavailability of curcumin, further enhance its anti-inflammatory effects, and improve its potential in the treatment of airway inflammation, a curcumin nanocrystalline self-stabilizing Pickering emulsion (Cur-NSSPE) was prepared through high-pressure homogenization. Next, Cur-NSSPE was dried using a freeze-drying method to produce Cur-NSSPE-FDP. The prepared Cur-NSSPE and Cur-NSSPE-FDP were physically characterized. The release behavior and transmembrane transport capability of Cur-NSSPE-FDP in vitro were evaluated. Pharmacokinetic study was performed to evaluate its oral bioavailability. The anti-inflammatory effects of Cur-NSSPE-FDP in vivo and in vitro were investigated using RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation model induced by LPS and IFN-γ and asthma model in BALB/c mice induced by OVA. The average particle size of Cur-NSSPE was (163.66 ± 6.78) nm, and the average drug content was (2.78 ± 0.01) mg/mL. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that the droplets were spherical in shape with a relatively uniform size, and the curcumin nanocrystals formed a spherical core-shell structure wrapped at the interface of the droplets. The scanning electron microscopy showed that Cur-NSSPE-FDP was a neatly arranged, having loose and porous network structure. Furthermore, it can significantly improve the cumulative release of curcumin in vitro and improve oral bioavailability in rats, increase the uptake of RAW264.7 and Caco-2 cells, promote the transport of curcumin across Caco-2 cells, significantly inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors NO, IL-6, TNF-a, MDA, IgE and ICAM-1, and improve the expression of IL-10 and SOD. These results indicated that the curcumin nanocrystalline self-stabilizing Pickering emulsion-freeze dried powder improved the oral bioavailability of curcumin and enhanced its therapeutic effect in airway inflammation.

Analysis of Quality Value Transmitting of Volatile Oil in Bran-processed Atractylodes lancea and Its Standard Decoction with Different Physicochemical Forms / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the differences in volatile oil content of bran-processed Atractylodes lancea and its standard decoction concentrate and freeze-dried powder， as well as the differences in the types and contents of chemical components in volatile oil， and to clarify the quality value transmitting. MethodTen batches of A. lancea rhizoma were collected and prepared into raw products and bran-processed products of A. lancea， standard decoction concentrate and freeze-dried powder of bran-processed A. lancea in order to extract the volatile oil， and the transfer rate of volatile oil in each sample was calculated. Quantitative analysis of the main chemical components（β-eudesmol， atractylon， atractylodin） in each volatile oil was performed by gas chromatography（GC） on the HP-5 quartz capillary column（0.32 mm×30 m， 0.25 μm） with a flame ionization detector（FID）， a split ratio of 10∶1 and a temperature program（initial temperature at 80 ℃， hold for 1 min， rise to 150 ℃ at 10 ℃·min-1， hold for 10 min， rise to 155 ℃ at 0.5 ℃·min-1， hold for 5 min， rise to 240 ℃ at 8.5 ℃·min-1， hold for 8 min）. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis（PCA） were used to explore the overall differences in types and contents of chemical components between the standard decoction concentrate and freeze-dried powder. ResultThe transfer rates of volatile oil in the bran-processed products， standard decoction concentrate and freeze-dried powder were 70.51%， 1.57% and 40.90%， respectively. The average transfer rates of β-eudesmol， atractylon and atractylodin in the volatile oil of bran-processed A. lancea were 58.45%， 48.49% and 55.64%， respectively. In the standard decoction concentrate， only β-eudesmol and atractylodin were detected， and their average transfer rates were 0.22% and 0.10%， respectively. And only β-eudesmol was detected in the freeze-dried powder with the average transfer rate of 8.37%. The results of cluster analysis and PCA showed that there are obvious differences in the types and contents of chemical components between the standard decoction concentrate and freeze-dried powder. ConclusionThe quality value transmitting between bran-processed A. lancea and its standard decoction concentrate and freeze-dried powder is stable， and if the freeze-dried powder is selected as the reference material of dispensing granules， appropriate amount of volatile oil should be added back to make it consistent with the quality of the standard decoction concentrate.

Ultrasound-Assisted Encapsulation of Anthraquinones Extracted from Aloe-Vera Plant into Casein Micelles.

Aloe-vera extracted anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin, rhein) possess a wide range of biological activities, have poor solubility and are sensitive to processing conditions. This work investigated the ultrasound-assisted encapsulation of these extracted anthraquinones (AQ) into casein micelles (CM). The particle size and zeta potential of casein micelles loaded with aloin (CMA), aloe-emodin (CMAE), rhein (CMR) and anthraquinone powder (CMAQ) ranged between 171-179 nm and -23 to -17 mV. The AQ powder had the maximum encapsulation efficiency (EE%) (aloin 99%, aloe-emodin 98% and rhein 100%) and encapsulation yield, while the whole leaf Aloe vera gel (WLAG) had the least encapsulation efficiency. Spray-dried powder (SDP) and freeze-dried powder (FDP) of Aloe vera showed a significant increase in size and zeta potential related to superficial coating instead of encapsulation. The significant variability in size, zeta potential and EE% were related to anthraquinone type, its binding affinity, and its ratio to CM. FTIR spectra confirmed that the structure of the casein micelle remained unchanged with the binding of anthraquinones except in casein micelles loaded with whole-leaf aloe vera gel (CMWLAG), where the structure was deformed. Based on our findings, Aloe vera extracted anthraquinones powder (AQ) possessed the best encapsulation efficiency within casein micelles without affecting its structure. Overall, this study provides new insights into developing new product formulations through better utilization of exceptional properties of casein micelles.

Polymer-assisted Au@PDA nanoparticles lyophilized powder with high stability and low adsorption and its application in colorimetric biosensing.

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) has been widely used to develop label-free colorimetric biosensors. Since the lyophilization process of Au NPs might cause various stresses and lead to irreversible aggregation, Au NPs were usually preserved in an aqueous suspension, which was inconvenienced for transportation and storage. In addition, the potential adsorption interaction between target and Au NPs was often ignored, which may lead to false-signal for Au NPs based colorimetric strategy. Herein, polydopamine-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@PDA NPs) freeze-dried powder was prepared with the assistance of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (i.e. Au@PDA-PVP NPs) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) (i.e. Au@PDA-PEG NPs). After freeze-dried powder of Au@PDA nanoparticles was redissolved, not only their spectral properties can still be maintained, but also the Au@PDA nanoparticles have nice monodispersity. Besides, the freeze-dried powder has long-term stability and could be stored for at least nine months. Since kanamycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, can be absorbed on the surface of Au NPs and induce easily the false signal, it was difficult to be detected using conventional Au NPs-based colorimetric method. Thus, kanamycin was chosen as the model target, a simple, sensitive and label-free colorimetric sensor was established. Given that the adsorption between kanamycin and Au@PDA-PVP NPs was effectively avoided, the possibility of false-positive signal was also reduced. The detection limit of kanamycin was 0.22 nM (S/N = 3), which was met the requirements for the detection of kanamycin residues in milk. This work not only provided an effective and facile way to prepare the nanomaterial lyophilized powder, but also expanded the application of the Au NPs based colorimetric method.

Establishment of Rat Models of Different Pathological Types of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Using Pigeon Droppings.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis and pulmonary histopathological characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we established animal models of HP of different stages, aiming to provide support for research on this disease. METHODS: We established rat models of pigeon breeder's lung of different pathological types by creating freeze-dried allergen powder from fresh pigeon feathers, dander, and other droppings. Freeze-dried allergen powder suspensions of pigeon droppings were used to establish 2 rat models of HP, one by aerosol inhalation and one by airway instillation, and the rats were sacrificed after different lengths of time to observe the pathological changes in their lung tissues. RESULTS: By the 40th week after allergen inhalation, granulomas were the main changes in the model, without fibrotic changes. When using airway instillation to establish the model, at the 20th week, group 1 (low dose + twice/week) and group 2 (medium dose + twice/week) showed granuloma changes, but no fibrosis; group 3 (high dose + once/week) and group 4 (high dose + twice/week) both showed obvious pulmonary fibrotic changes, but the death rate of rats in group 4 was greater. CONCLUSIONS: Both aerosol inhalation and airway instillation of freeze-dried pigeon allergen powder can successfully establish an HP model. The airway instillation method can cause pulmonary fibrotic changes in a short time, and the pulmonary pathological changes of animal models manifest with an obvious time-dose effect.

Subacute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Freeze-Dried Powder of Locusta migratoria.

Novel food sources have enormous potential as nutritional supplements. For instance, edible insects are considered as an alternative food source due to their higher protein content; moreover, they are economically efficient reproducers and have high in nutritional value. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of the freeze-dried powder of Locusta migratoria (fdLM), known to contain rich proteins as well as fatty acids. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the subacute toxicity of fdLM in male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The SD rats were divided into four groups based on the dosage of fdLM administered: dosage of 0 (vehicle control), 750, 1,500, and 3,000 mg/kg/day were administered for 28 days. Toxicological assessments including observations on food consumption, body and organ weights, clinical signs, mortality, ophthalmologic tests, urinalyses, hematologic tests, clinical chemistry tests, gross findings, and histopathology tests were performed. Clinical signs, urinalyses, hematology, serum biochemistry tests, and organ weight examinations revealed no fdLM-related toxicity. The no-observed-adverse-effect level for fdLM was higher than 3,000 mg/kg/day in rats of both sexes; therefore, fdLM, in conclusion, can be considered safe as an edible alternative human and animal food source material.

[Effects of Xueshuantong Injection on thrombosis formation and blood flow in rats].

The aim of this paper was to explore the effect of Xueshuantong Injection(freeze-dried powder,XST) on κ-carrageenan-induced thrombosis and blood flow from the aspects of interactions among blood flow,vascular endothelium and platelets. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats(190-200 g) were randomized into five groups: control group, model group, heparin sodium(1 000 U·kg~(-1)) group, low-dose and high-dose(50, 150 mg·kg~(-1)) XST groups. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding drugs and normal saline(normal control and model groups) for 10 days. One hour after drugs were administered intraperitoneally on the 7 th day, each rat was injected with κ-carrageenan(Type Ⅰ, 1 mg·kg~(-1)) which was dissolved in physiological saline by intravenous administration in the tail to establish tail thrombus model. The lengths of black tails of the rats were measured at 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after modeling. Vevo®2100 small animal ultrasound imaging system was used to detect the internal diameter of rat common carotid artery, blood flow velocity and heart rate, and then the blood flow and shear rate were calculated. Meanwhile, the microcirculatory blood flow perfusion in the thigh surface and tail of rats were detected by laser speckle blood flow imaging system. Platelet aggregometry was used to detect the max platelet aggregation rate in rats. Pathological changes in tail were observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Western blot was used to detect the protein content of platelet piezo1. According to the results, XST could inhibit the rat tail arterial thrombosis and significantly reduce the length of black tail(P<0.05). The blood flow of common carotid artery in XST low dose group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05). XST high dose group could significantly increase the microcirculatory blood flow perfusion of the tail in rats as compared with the model group(P<0.05). XST high dose group could significantly inhibit platelet aggregation rate(P<0.05) and XST low dose group could significantly inhibit platelet piezo1 protein expression(P<0.01). In summary, XST could play an effect in fighting against thrombosis induced by κ-carrageenan in rats, which may be related to significantly inhibiting platelet aggregation, improving body's blood flow state, maintaining normal hemodynamic environment and affecting mechanical ion channel protein piezo1.

Seabuckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) Freeze-Dried Powder Protects against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity, Lipid Metabolism Disorders by Modulating the Gut Microbiota of Mice.

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of seabuckthorn freeze-dried powder on high-fat diet-induced obesity and related lipid metabolism disorders, and further explored if this improvement is associated with gut microbiota. Results showed that seabuckthorn freeze-dried powder administration decreased body weight, Lee's index, adipose tissue weight, liver weight, and serum lipid levels. Moreover, treatment with seabuckthorn freeze-dried powder effectively reduced fat accumulation by modulating the relative expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism through down-regulation of encoding lipogenic and store genes, including SREBP-1c, PPAR-γ, ACC, and SCD1, and up-regulation of regulating genes of fatty acid oxidation, including HSL, CPT-1, and ACOX. Especially, seabuckthorn freeze-dried powder regulated the composition of gut microbiota, such as increasing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, decreasing relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Desulfovibrio), and increasing relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia and Bacteroides). The changes of beneficial bacteria had a positive correlation with genes encoding lipolysis and a negative correlation with genes encoding lipid lipogenesis and store. The harmful bacteria were just the opposite. Besides, changes in gut microbiota had an obvious effect in the secretion of main metabolites-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionic acid. Thus, our results indicated that the seabuckthorn freeze-dried powder could ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity and obesity-associated lipid metabolism disorders by changing the composition and structure of gut microbiota.

Effects of Xueshuantong Injection on thrombosis formation and blood flow in rats / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to explore the effect of Xueshuantong Injection(freeze-dried powder,XST) on κ-carrageenan-induced thrombosis and blood flow from the aspects of interactions among blood flow,vascular endothelium and platelets. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats(190-200 g) were randomized into five groups: control group, model group, heparin sodium(1 000 U·kg~(-1)) group, low-dose and high-dose(50, 150 mg·kg~(-1)) XST groups. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding drugs and normal saline(normal control and model groups) for 10 days. One hour after drugs were administered intraperitoneally on the 7 th day, each rat was injected with κ-carrageenan(Type Ⅰ, 1 mg·kg~(-1)) which was dissolved in physiological saline by intravenous administration in the tail to establish tail thrombus model. The lengths of black tails of the rats were measured at 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after modeling. Vevo®2100 small animal ultrasound imaging system was used to detect the internal diameter of rat common carotid artery, blood flow velocity and heart rate, and then the blood flow and shear rate were calculated. Meanwhile, the microcirculatory blood flow perfusion in the thigh surface and tail of rats were detected by laser speckle blood flow imaging system. Platelet aggregometry was used to detect the max platelet aggregation rate in rats. Pathological changes in tail were observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Western blot was used to detect the protein content of platelet piezo1. According to the results, XST could inhibit the rat tail arterial thrombosis and significantly reduce the length of black tail(P<0.05). The blood flow of common carotid artery in XST low dose group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05). XST high dose group could significantly increase the microcirculatory blood flow perfusion of the tail in rats as compared with the model group(P<0.05). XST high dose group could significantly inhibit platelet aggregation rate(P<0.05) and XST low dose group could significantly inhibit platelet piezo1 protein expression(P<0.01). In summary, XST could play an effect in fighting against thrombosis induced by κ-carrageenan in rats, which may be related to significantly inhibiting platelet aggregation, improving body's blood flow state, maintaining normal hemodynamic environment and affecting mechanical ion channel protein piezo1.

Combination Formulation of Tetrodotoxin and Lidocaine as a Potential Therapy for Severe Arrhythmias.

Severe arrhythmias-such as ventricular arrhythmias-can be fatal, but treatment options are limited. The effects of a combined formulation of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and lidocaine (LID) on severe arrhythmias were studied. Patch clamp recording data showed that the combination of LID and TTX had a stronger inhibitory effect on voltage-gated sodium channel 1.5 (Nav1.5) than that of either TTX or LID alone. LID + TTX formulations were prepared with optimal stability containing 1 µg of TTX, 5 mg of LID, 6 mg of mannitol, and 4 mg of dextran-40 and then freeze dried. This formulation significantly delayed the onset and shortened the duration of arrhythmia induced by aconitine in rats. Arrhythmia-originated death was avoided by the combined formulation, with a decrease in the mortality rate from 64% to 0%. The data also suggests that the anti-arrhythmic effect of the combination was greater than that of either TTX or LID alone. This paper offers new approaches to develop effective medications against arrhythmias.

Development of a Stable Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pre-Fusion Protein Powder Suitable for a Core-Shell Implant with a Delayed Release in Mice: A Proof of Concept Study.

Currently, there is an increasing interest to apply pre-fusion (pre-F) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as antigen for the development of a subunit vaccine. A pre-F-containing powder would increase the flexibility regarding the route of administration. For instance, a pre-F-containing powder could be incorporated into a single-injection system releasing a primer, and after a lag time, a booster. The most challenging aspect, obtaining the booster after a lag time, may be achieved by incorporating the powder into a core encapsulated by a nonporous poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shell. We intended to develop a stable freeze-dried pre-F-containing powder. Furthermore, we investigated whether incorporation of this powder into the core-shell implant was feasible and whether this system would induce a delayed RSV virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) response in mice. The developed pre-F-containing powder, consisting of pre-F in a matrix of inulin, HEPES, sodium chloride, and Tween 80, was stable during freeze-drying and storage for at least 28 days at 60 °C. Incorporation of this powder into the core-shell implant was feasible and the core-shell production process did not affect the stability of pre-F. An in vitro release study showed that pre-F was incompletely released from the core-shell implant after a lag time of 4 weeks. The incomplete release may be the result of pre-F instability within the core-shell implant during the lag time and requires further research. Mice subcutaneously immunized with a pre-F-containing core-shell implant showed a delayed RSV VNA response that corresponded with pre-F release from the core-shell implant after a lag time of approximately 4 weeks. Moreover, pre-F-containing core-shell implants were able to boost RSV VNA titers of primed mice after a lag time of 4 weeks. These findings could contribute to the development of a single-injection pre-F-based vaccine containing a primer and a booster.

Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Baicalin Magnesium Salt Freeze-dried Powder for Injection in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of baicalin magnesium salt in rats after tail vein injection,and compare pharmacokinetic differences between baicalin magnesium salt and baicalin. Method:After tail vein injection of baicalin magnesium salt and baicalin,orbital blood was collected at different time points.The drug concentration was measured by HPLC,the drug concentration-time curve was plotted,the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with DAS 3.0 software,SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis.At the same time,the drug distribution in heart,liver,spleen,lung and kidney was measured at different time points after tail vein injection of baicalin magnesium salt. Result:When the dose of baicalin magnesium salt was 25-100 mg·kg-1,area under the curve(AUC0-t and AUC0-∞) showed a good linear relationship with the dose(r>0.95),but most of the other pharmacokinetic parameters had no significant difference between different dose groups.The mean residence time(MRT0-t) of medium dose group of baicalin magnesium salt was significantly higher than that of equal molar dose group of baicalin.After intravenous injection of baicalin magnesium salt,the drug concentration was the highest in each tissue at 0.25 h,and the concentration of target component decreased rapidly at 0.75 h.The distribution of target component in kidney was the most,followed by lung. Conclusion:After injection,the baicalin magnesium salt can be rapidly distributed and quickly eliminated in vivo,which is mainly excreted from the kidney.

Effect of Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription-treated freeze dried powder and drug-containing serum on mice monocyte-macrophage / 中草药

Objective To study the effects of Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription (JQZP)-treated freeze dried powder and drug-containing serum on the inflammatory signal pathway of monocyte-macrophage induced by LPS (lipopolysaccharide) in mice. Methods Monocyte-macrophage cells were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into blank group, LPS stimulation group, drug-containing serum group, freeze dried powder group, LPS + drug-containing serum group, and LPS + freeze dried powder group. After 24 h intervention, the optimal concentrations of drug-containing serum and freeze dried powder were screened by CCK8 method and the cell viability was measured respectively. The content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in cell serum was measured by ELISA. Real-time PCR was employed to test the expression of TNF-α mRNA and nuclear transcription factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Western-blot was used to detect the expression of NF-κB protein. The LC-MS was used to detect the active ingredients in the drug-containing serum. Results Compared with the blank group, the expression of TNF-α level, NF-κB, TNF-α mRNA and NF-κB protein in LPS stimulation group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS stimulation group, the TNF-α level, NF-κB, TNF-α mRNA and the expression of NF-κB protein in the LPS plus serum group were significantly lower than those in the LPS plus freeze-dried powder group (P < 0.05). Paeoniflorin and ferulic acid were detected in the drug-containing serum. Conclusion JQZP freeze-dried powder and drug-containing serum all have the effect of inhibiting the inflammatory signaling pathway.

Study on Quality Standard of Hirudo nipponica Freeze-dried Powder / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the quality standard of Hirudo nipponica freeze-dried powder(called"freeze-dried powder"for short),and to provide reference for controlling its quality. METHODS:A total of 3 batches of freeze-dried powder were collected,identified and tested according to the requirements of H. nipponica stated in 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(part Ⅰ)(shorted for pharmacopoeia);the antithrombin activity was also analyzed. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD)was used to investigate the toxicity. The stability was determined by designing temperature,humidity and strong light exposure tests. RESULTS:In the TLC of test sample,the same red spots were found in the corresponding location of the control drug chromatogram,and the same orange-red fluorescence spots were shown under the UV light(365 nm). Average content of moisture in 3 batches of samples was 2.61%,and the levels of total ash,acid-insoluble ash,pH aflatoxin and antithrombin activity were 2.83%,0.38%,6.92,0.28 μg/kg and 257.0 U/g,respectively. The content of Pb,Cd,As and Cu were in line with the requirements of pharmacopoeia except that the content of Hg was slightly higher than lower limit of H. nipponica in pharmacopoeia. Results of MTD showed that no death and ADR was found in mice after giving 26.4 g/kg freeze-dried powder by the amount of crude drug,which was 58 times as large as the maximum dosage that the pharmacopoeia described. Under the condition of 20, 40 ℃ and strong light exposure [(4 500±500)Lx],the anticoagulase activity of freeze-dried powder decreased significantly over time,while the anticoagulase activity of freeze-dried powder stored at 40 ℃ for 6 months was in line with the requirements of pharmacopoeia. Under the condition of high humidity(relative humidity were 90%,75%),freeze-dried powder showed a strong hygroscopicity. CONCLUSIONS:Established quality evaluation standard for freeze-dried powder according to pharmacopoeia standard could be used to control its quality.

Determination of six constituents in Qingkailing Freeze-Dried Powder for Injection by HPLC / 中成药

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the content determination of six constituents in Qingkailing Freeze-Dried Powder for Injection (cholic acid,hyodeoxycholic acid,Bubali Cornu,etc.).METHODS The content determination of adenosine,chlorogenic acid and gardenoside was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic XBridge C1s column (4.6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-water (containing 0.1％ formic acid) flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm.The content determination of baicalin,hyodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic XBridge C1s column (4.6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-water (containing 0.1％ formic acid) flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner.RESULTS Six constituents showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 2.244-56.108,2.658-66.445,4.347-108.682,122.01-1 016.75,131.94-1 099.50,152.22-1 268.50 μg/mL (r ＞ 0.999 0),whose average recoveries (RSDs) were 101.1％ (0.46％),98.0％ (1.74％),99.7％ (0.15％),100.9％ (1.31％),98.1％(0.18％),98.2％ (1.61％),respectively.CONCLUSION This stable and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Qingkailing Freeze-Dried Powder for Injection.

The effects of freeze-dried Ganoderma lucidum mycelia on a recurrent oral ulceration rat model.

BACKGROUND: Conventional scientific studies had supported the use of polysaccharides and ß-glucans from a number of fungi, including Ganoderma lucidum for the treatment of recurrent oral ulceration (ROU). Our aim of the present study was to evaluate whether freeze-dried powder from G. lucidum mycelia (FDPGLM) prevents ROU in rats. METHODS: A Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model with ROU was established by autoantigen injection. The ROU rats were treated with three different dosages of FDPGLM and prednisone acetate (PA), and their effects were evaluated according to the clinical therapeutic evaluation indices of ROU. RESULTS: High-dose FDPGLM induced significantly prolonged total intervals and a reduction in the number of ulcers and ulcer areas, thereby indicating that the treatment was effective in preventing ROU. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that high-dose FDPGLM significantly enhanced the serum transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels, whereas reduced those of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). Flow cytometry (FCM) showed that the proportion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ (forkhead box P3) regulatory T cells (Tregs) significantly increased by 1.5-fold in the high-dose FDPGLM group compared to that in the rat model group (P < 0.01). The application of middle- and high-dose FDPGLM also resulted in the upregulation of Foxp3 and downregulation of retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t(RORγt) mRNA. CONCLUSION: High-dose FDPGLM possibly plays a role in ROU by promoting CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg and inhibiting T helper cell 17 differentiation. This study also shows that FDPGLM may be potentially used as a complementary and alternative medicine treatment scheme for ROU.

Structural modification by high-pressure homogenization for improved functional properties of freeze-dried myofibrillar proteins powder.

To expand utilization of meat in various products, the structural, physicochemical and functional changes of water soluble myofibrillar protein powder (WSMP-P) were investigated as affected by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) intensities (0-20,000psi). HPH modified the structure of WSMP-P by random dissociation (myofibril and myosin polymer dissociation), partial unfolding and rearrangement (actin trimer formation), producing an amorphous protein structure with high thermal stability. α-Helix and ß-turn conversion to ß-sheet structures occurred at pressures above 15,000psi, suggesting an increase in myosin conformation flexibility with minor aggregation. Moreover, HPH was able to improve the water solubility and emulsifying properties of WSMP-P. This might be resulted from its unfolded flexible structure with submicron size and high surface net charge in aqueous suspensions induced by HPH. The findings regarding the improved functionality evidence potential of applying WSMP-P as protein supplements in formulated food or beverage at low ionic conditions.

Safety assessment of freeze-dried powdered Cassiae Semen: evaluation of chronic toxicity (26-week) in Sprague-Dawley rats.

There is a lack of safety assessment data regarding the long-term consumption of Cassiae Semen (Leguminosae, the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia L. and Cassia tora L.). Thus, we evaluated the toxicity of freeze-dried powdered Cassiae Semen in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were intragastrically administered freeze-dried powdered Cassiae Semen at a dose of 0.5, 2.2, or 10.0 g/kg body weight/day for 26 weeks; several variables were assessed after 13 and 26 weeks as well as after a 4-week recovery period. No mortality was observed in the treated animals, and body weight increased in a dose-dependent manner. The total bilirubin (TBIL) levels also displayed a dose-dependent relationship. In males, at 26 weeks, there were significant increases in relative kidney weights in the 2.2 and 10.0 g/kg groups compared with that in the negative control group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Pigment deposition in the epithelial cells of the renal proximal convoluted tubules and atrophy or regeneration of renal tubules were observed in the 10.0 g/kg group after 26 weeks, and these changes were not fully reversed after the 4-week recovery period. Under the studied conditions, the primary toxicity organs for freeze-dried powdered Cassiae Semen in the 10.0 g/kg group were the kidneys.

Preparation and Properties Study of Albendazole Nanoliposomes Freeze-dried Powder / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To prepare the Albendazole nanoliposomes freeze-dried power and study its properties. METHODS:Freeze-drying method was conducted to prepare Albendazole nanoliposomes freeze-dried power,using the particle size,encapsula-tion efficiency,appearance,redispersibility as indexes,single factor test was combined with orthogonal test to screen freeze-drying preparation technology. The morphological changes,particle size,Zeta potential,moisture content,12 months stability at 4 ℃ be-fore and after freeze-drying were detected. RESULTS:Plus a total content of freeze-dried protective agent was 10%,the ratio of glucose-trehalose-mannitol was 1.0:1.0:3.0,using quick-freeze,pre-freezing 18 h in -35 ℃ refrigerator,dry-freezing 48 h to ob-tain freeze-dried powder. Compared with before freeze-drying,the freeze-dried liposomal morphology had no obvious changes, showing clear phospholipid bilayer membrane structure;the particle sizes before and after freeze-drying were (208.63 ± 1.04) nm and (223.04 ± 2.02) nm,Zeta potentials were (-15.6 ± 0.04) mV and (-19.4 ± 0.06) mV,encapsulation efficiencies were (94.62±0.49)%and(91.10±0.46)%(n=3),respectively. Compared with liposomes,liposomes freeze-dried power had good sta-bility in 12 months at 4 ℃. CONCLUSIONS:Albendazole nanoliposomes freeze-dried power is prepared successfully,its stability is superior to albendazole nanoliposomes,and the freeze-drying technology is feasible.

Correlation between Empty Bottle Volume, Negative Pressure and Gas Production Volume of Freeze-dried Powder Commonly Used in Children / 中国药师

Objective: To study the correlation between the empty bottle volume, negative pressure and gas production of the freeze-dried powder in the out-patient pharmacy intravenous admixture center of a children' s hospital in order to provide reference for the drug production. Methods:20 ml Syringes were used to measure the volume of empty bottles, negative pressure and produced gas. The relationship between the theoretical drug dissolution volume and the actual dissolution volume was compared, and the precautions for the drug production were put forward. Results:Among the tested 30 drugs, 6 ones were with the actual dissolution volume half of the theoretical dissolution volume, 8 ones were with negative pressure in the bottles, and 3 ones were with produced gas after dissol-ving. It was appropriate that the empty bottle volume be 4 ml larger than the theoretical dissolution volume, and it was appropriate that the negative pressure volume of drugs was slightly larger than the theoretical dissolution volume. Negative pressure should be still kept in the bottles after the gas production. Conclusion:The design of part of freeze-dried powder injection needle shows defects resulting in drug mixing difficulties to a certain extent.