Anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of the essential oils from Senecio flammeus.

Many species from Senecio genus have been used in traditional medicine, and their pharmacological activities have been demonstrated. This study investigated the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oils from Senecio flammeus. A total of 48 components representing 98.41 % of the total oils were identified. The main compounds in the oils were α-farnesene (11.26 %), caryophyllene (8.69 %), n-hexadecanoic acid (7.23 %), and α-pinene (6.36 %). The anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils was evaluated in rodents (10-90 mg/kg bw) in classical models of inflammation [carrageenan-induced paw edema, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma]. The essential oils at doses of 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg bw significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema by 17.42 % (P < 0.05), 52.90 % (P < 0.05), and 66.45 % (P < 0.05) 4 h after carrageenan injection, respectively, and significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity (P < 0.05). The essential oils (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg) also produced a significant dose-dependent response to reduce TPA-induced ear edema by 20.27 % (P < 0.05), 33.06 % (P < 0.05), and 53.90 % (P < 0.05), respectively. The essential oils produced significant dose-response anti-inflammatory activity against cotton pellet-induced granuloma that peaked at the highest dose of 90 mg/kg (49.08 % wet weight and 47.29 % dry weight). Results demonstrate that the essential oils of S. flammeus were effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, thereby supporting the traditional use of this herb.

Anti-inflammatory effect of selagin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl-)-ß-D-glycoside isolated from Cancrinia discoidea on lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

Selagin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl-)-ß-D-glycoside, a new flavone glycoside isolated from Cancrinia discoidea, is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the protection of this flavone glycoside on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The effects of selagin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl-)-ß-D-glycoside on inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blot. Results show that selagin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl-)-ß-D-glycoside protected LPS-induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells from injury. The flavone glycoside markedly inhibited the LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6 and increased interleukin-10 release in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with the flavone glycoside decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 cells. These decreases were associated with the down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity. These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of selagin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl-)-ß-D-glycoside were associated with the adjustment of inflammatory cytokines, and attributed to the down-regulation of NF-κB and consequent suppression of the expression of iNOS and COX-2.

Extraction of brown pigment from Rosa laevigata and its antioxidant activities.

CONTEXT: Rosa laevigata Michx. (Rosaceae), widespread in China, contains many valuable nutrients and has long been used as food and medicine in Chinese folklore. Nowadays, due to its favorable property of coloring, the brown pigment of R. laevigata has an attractive potential as an available additive in food. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to optimize the extraction process of brown pigment from R. laevigata and investigate its antioxidant activities on the basis of its abilities to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extraction conditions of brown pigment from R. laevigata were investigated through an orthogonal design of L9(3)4 assay. Ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, time, and ratio of material to solvent were the main factors affecting the extraction rate. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity of brown pigment was assessed using DPPH method, while hydroxyl radicals and superoxide free radicals were respectively determined by the Fenton-RhB (Rhodamine B) system and using the pyrogallol-luminol system. RESULTS: The optimum extraction conditions were determined: temperature 70°C, ethanol concentration was 60%, extraction time 2 h and ratio of material to solvent was 1:6. Brown pigment showed a good radical scavenging activity, and exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of hydroxyl radical and superoxide free radical at low concentrations. When the concentration of brown pigment was 1 mg/mL, the scavenging percentage of hydroxyl radical reached 67.33%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The brown pigment of R. laevigata could potentially be used as a promising natural antioxidant in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Homogeneous sulfation of bagasse cellulose in an ionic liquid and anticoagulation activity.

Homogeneous sulfation of bagasse cellulose (BC) with chlorosulfonic acid-dimethylformamide was accomplished in an ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C(4)mim]Cl). The BCS products from the sulfation had degrees of substitution (DS) in the range of 0.52-2.95 and a simultaneous substitution pattern at C-6, C-2 and C-3 positions. The sulfated BCS attained significant anticoagulation activity, causing a dose-dependent prolongation of coagulation time and inhibition of FIIa and FXa activities in human plasma. The anticoagulation activity of BCS showed a positive correlation with DS, and some of the activity indexes exceeded those of heparin.

[Concentration of biyankang extracts using multi-stage membranes separation].

Multi-stage membranes processes, including ultrafiltration and nanofiltration are used in concentration of Biyankang extracts at room temperature, and the concentrations of main active ingredient in retentions after membrane processes were determined by HPLC. The results showed that the removal rate of water is about 45%, and the cost is only one fourth of the vacuum heating method. The retention rates of buddleoside and ephedrine hydrochloride are above 80% and 90% respectively, which meet the efficient concentration and energy-saving needs. The concentration method of Biyankang with multi-stage membranes processes provides some instructive theories and experimental foundations.