Hypouricemic effect of flaccidoside II in rodents.

To investigate the effect of flaccidoside II on the serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic rodents. Both mice and rats were injected intraperitoneally with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia. Different dosages of flaccidoside II were orally administrated to hyperuricemic and normal rodents for 7 days, respectively. Liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities in hyperuricemic mice were determined using the colorimetric method. Acute toxicity of flaccidoside II was also evaluated in mice. Allopurinol, as a positive control, was administered under the same treatment scheme. The results showed that flaccidoside II (32, 16 and 8 mg/kg) could significantly lower serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic mice. Flaccidoside II (24, 12 and 6 mg/kg) could also markedly lower serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic rats. However, unlike allopurinol, oral administration of flaccidoside II did not produce any observable hypouricemic effect in normal animals. Flaccidoside II at the dose of 32 mg/kg significantly suppressed XOD activities in the liver of hyperuricemic mice, while at doses of 16 and 8 mg/kg flaccidoside II did not show a significant effect on XOD activities. In addition, flaccidoside II (300 mg/kg) has no or less toxicity than allopurinol in mice. These findings demonstrate that flaccidoside II exhibits anti-hyperuricemic activity in hyperuricemic animals.

Protective effect of homonojirimycin from Commelina communis (dayflower) on influenza virus infection in mice.

The effects of homonojirimycin (HNJ), one of alkaloids from Commelina communis L., on protection against influenza virus infection in mice were investigated. HNJ was found to improve the survival rate, prolong the mean survival time and reduce virus yields in lungs on days 4 and 6 post-infection (p.i.), after the agent had been orally administered to the mice from 2 days before infection to 6 days p.i. Administration of HNJ (1 mg/kg) significantly increased interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 levels but decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 levels in serum and lungs of influenza-infected mice on days 2, 4 or 6 p.i. These results showed that HNJ exerted protection against influenza virus infection and produced effective immune responses in vivo.

[Study on the volatile oil by SFE-CO, from crude and processed Rhizoma Atractylodis by GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical constituents of the volatile oil by SFE-CO2 from Rhizoma Atractylodis and its roasted products. METHODS: The chemical constituents of the volatile oil extracted by SFE-CO2 were separated and identified by GC-MS. RESULTS: 33 kinds of constituents were identified from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. and its roasted products. The relative contents of 12 kinds of constituents from the processing products were descended and 7 kinds were ascended; 30 kinds of constituents were identified from Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. and its roasted products. The relative contents of 10 kinds of constituents from the roasted products were descended and 11 kinds were ascended. CONCLUSION: In the processed products, the relative contents of some low boiling point constituents are descended but some high are ascended.