The sulfur-fumigation reduces chemical composition and biological properties of Angelicae sinensis radix

Angelica Sinensis Radix (roots of Angelica sinensis; ASR) is a popular herbal supplement in China for promoting blood circulation. Today, sulfur-fumigation is commonly used to treat ASR as a means of pest control; however, the studies of sulfur-fumigation on the safety and efficacy of ASR are very limited. Here, we elucidated the destructive roles of sulfur-fumigation on ASR by chemical and biological assessments. After sulfur-fumigation, the chemicals in ASR were significantly lost. The biological activities of anti-platelet aggregation, induction of NO production and estrogenic properties were compared between the water extracts of non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated ASR. In all cases, the sulfur-fumigation significantly reduced the biological properties of ASR. In addition, application of water extract deriving from sulfur-fumigated ASR showed toxicity to cultured MCF-7 cells. In order to ensure the safety and to achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is recommended that sulfur-fumigation is an unacceptable approach for processing herbal materials.     

Danggui Buxue Tang,a Chinese herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix,improves mitochrondial bioenergetics in osteoblast

Osteoporosis is the process of bone loss, particular after menopause, when the production of estrogen in women is decreaing. Bioenergetic function is one of the critical roles in bone remodeling. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is an herbal mixture containing Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), and which is consumed for “Qi-invigorating”, i.e., stimulating energy metabolism, as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the role of DBT in metabolism of osteoblast has not been examined. Here, we employed a metabolic flux to examine the mitochondrial functions of cultured osteoblast in the presence of herbal extracts, including DBT, ASR, AR, AR + ASR (single mixing of two herbal extracts), as well as DBT_∆cal (a DBT extract depeleting calycosin), to examine their roles in osteoblastic metabolism, e.g. glycolysis and energy kinetics. By revealing the rates of oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification of mitochrondia, the DBT-treated osteoblasts were markedly strengthened with increases of maximal respiration, spare capacity, glycolysis capacity and glycolysis reserve, in comparing to other herbal extracts. In addition, the bioenergetic metabolism was modulated by DBT via the signaling of cellular Ca²⁺ and reactive oxgen species (ROS). Furthermore, DBT affected the morphology of mitochondria, as well as mitochondrial dynamic. Here, we propose that DBT can be regarded as benefit herbal extract in improving osteoblastic metabolism for bone disorders via central energy metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics.     

Danggui buxue tang--a Chinese herbal decoction activates the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and estrogen receptor alpha in cultured MCF-7 cells

Danggui buxue tang (DBT), a Chinese herbal decoction used to treat ailments in women, contains radix Astragali (Huangqi; RA) and radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui; RAS). The weight ratio of RA to RAS used in DBT must be 5:1 as stipulated as early as AD 1247; however, DBT's mechanism of action has never been described. Here, the estrogenic effects of DBT were investigated by determining the phosphorylations of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) in cultured MCF-7 cells. The application of DBT triggered the phosphorylation of ER alpha and Erk1/2 in a time-dependent manner. In contrast to the effect of estrogen, DBT triggered ER alpha phosphorylation at both S118 and S167. This DBT-specific phosphorylation was not triggered by an extract of one of the individual herbs, or by mixing the extracts of RA and RAS. DBT-induced downstream signals are described here. These signals suggest the uniqueness of this Chinese herbal decoction that requires a well-defined formulation.     

Discovery of chemical markers for identifying species,growth mode and production area of Astragali Radix by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

BackgroundAstragali Radix (AR) is a well-known Chinese herbal medicine. The quality of AR can be affected by many factors such as species, growth mode and production area, but there are still no chemical markers to distinguish it.PurposeTo explore chemical markers for improving the quality assessment of AR and discover chemical markers for identifying species, growth mode and production area of AR.MethodsA highly sensitive, efficient and accurate method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) for simultaneous quantitative determination of 14 major chemical components (five flavonoids and nine triterpene saponins) in 94 batches of AR from China, Republic of Korea and Germany was developed for the first time. To explore chemical markers and assess changes in the contents of 14 compounds in the 94 batches of AR samples from different regions, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed.ResultsAstragaloside III was not only an important chemical marker for distinguishing two species of AR, i.e.: Astragalus mongholicus and A. membranaceus, but also a potential chemical marker for the classification of cultivated and semi-wild AR. In addition, in the batches of cultivated AR, the content of isoastragaloside II and cyclocephaloside II were greater in batches from the region of Shaanxi Province than that of other Provinces in China, but the content of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and astragaloside IV, which are the quality control markers of AR required by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, were higher than that of other Provinces in China. In addition, the content of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and astragaloside I could be used to identify samples of AR collected from China, Republic of Korea and Germany.ConclusionThis UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method could be applied to the quantitative evaluation of AR and could be an important and meaningful reference to develop chemical markers for quality control of AR.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astragalus propinquus</Emphasis> root and its transfer to decoction

The aim of this study was to conduct a survey assessing (a) the ochratoxin A (OTA) content in different samples of Astragalus propinquus root (AR), one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, and (b) the rate of OTA transfer to AR decoctions that are traditionally used to reduce general weakness and increase overall vitality. A validated method of high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was used to determine OTA concentrations in AR samples and AR decoctions. The limit of quantification was 0.35 ng/g; the recovery of the HPLC method for AR samples was 82%; and the relative standard deviation (SD) of repeatability was 2.6%. All 40 tested AR samples were positive, with a mean value of 451.0 ng/g (range, 28.8–1700.0 ng/g). The transfer rate of OTA to decoctions, from a naturally contaminated and homogenized AR sample (internal reference material) with a concentration of OTA of 288.9 ng/g?±?12.3 (SD), was 83.4%?±?8.5 (SD). We believe it is necessary to continue OTA monitoring in AR and other herbal products, estimate the actual human usual intake, and perform health risk assessment.     

Enhanced Bone Tissue Regeneration by Porous Gelatin Composites Loaded with the Chinese Herbal Decoction Danggui Buxue Tang

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a traditional Chinese herbal decoction containing Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae sinensis. Pharmacological results indicate that DBT can stimulate bone cell proliferation and differentiation. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of adding DBT to bone substitutes on bone regeneration following bone injury. DBT was incorporated into porous composites (GGT) made from genipin-crosslinked gelatin and β-triclacium phosphates as bone substitutes (GGTDBT). The biological response of mouse calvarial bone to these composites was evaluated by in vivo imaging systems (IVIS), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histology analysis. IVIS images revealed a stronger fluorescent signal in GGTDBT-treated defect than in GGT-treated defect at 8 weeks after implantation. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that the level of repair from week 4 to 8 increased from 42.1% to 71.2% at the sites treated with GGTDBT, while that increased from 33.2% to 54.1% at GGT-treated sites. These findings suggest that the GGTDBT stimulates the innate regenerative capacity of bone, supporting their use in bone tissue regeneration.     

A Chinese herbal decoction, Danggui Buxue Tang, activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase in cultured T-lymphocytes

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis. This Chinese herbal decoction has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of T-lymphocytes; however, the action mechanism of this stimulation has not been revealed. In cultured T-lymphocytes, application of DBT markedly induced the cell proliferation, the release of interleukin-2, -6 and -10, as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). The pre-treatment of ERK inhibitor blocked the DBT-induced immune responses. In addition, the polysaccharide-enriched fraction of DBT showed marked responses on the cultured T-lymphocytes suggesting the important role of DBT polysaccharide in triggering such immune responses.     

4种中草药及其复方抗马拉色菌体的外药敏实验

目的观察苦参、当归、侧柏叶和白鲜皮及观察苦参、当归、侧柏叶和白鲜皮、混合药液与主要有效成分对4株CBS马拉色菌标准株的体外抑菌效果。方法通过液基稀释法,用含橄榄油的液体培养基测定各药液对马拉色菌的抑制作用。结果最小抑菌浓度（MIC）由小到大排列分别为：白鲜碱、苦参碱、苦参、侧柏叶、氧化苦参碱、侧柏叶＋当归（二仙丸）、混合药液（侧柏叶＋当归＋苦参＋白鲜皮）、白鲜皮、二仙丸＋苦参、苦参＋白鲜皮、二仙丸＋白鲜皮、槲皮素、当归、阿魏酸。结论4种中草药及其混合药液、主要有效成分均有抑制马拉色菌的作用。     

Preparative separation of four triterpene saponins from radix astragali by high-speed counter-current chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection

Four triterpene saponins, including astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, astragaloside I and acetylastragaloside I, were successfully isolated and separated by high-speed counter-current chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection from Radix Astragali using stepwise elution with a pair of solvent systems composed of n-hexane:ethyl acetate:ethanol:water in volume ratios of 1:0.6:0.6:1 and 1:1:1:1 (by volume). The isolation produced 26.5 mg astragaloside IV, 28.2 mg astragaloside II, 48.7 mg astragaloside I and 17.6 mg acetylastragaloside I with purities of 97.6, 96.4, 98.8 and 96.8%, respectively, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography from 250 mg crude extract. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were identified by UV, NMR and MS, and confirmed by authentic standards.     

中药党参类对动物耐疲劳及抗缺氧作用的影响

作者对14个不同种类、不同产地的党参样品水煎液的抗疲劳及耐缺氧作用进行了试验研究,并与党参粗多糖、人参水煎液、人参皂甙进行了比较。党参类具有耐疲劳作用,可增加动物负重游泳时间,党参水煎液与人参皂甙无明显差异,有的甚至优于人参皂甙。党参水煎液腹腔注射可使缺氧小鼠存活时间显著延长,与人参相比无明显差异。     

A novel biotransformation of astragalosides to astragaloside IV with the deacetylation of fungal endophyte Penicillium canescens

Under the deacetylation of fungal endophyte Penicillium canescens, which was isolated from pigeon pea, a novel and highly efficient biotransformation method of astragalosides to astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali was investigated. After single factor tests of the biotransformation procedure, the optimum biotransformation conditions were confirmed as the liquid solid ratio 20:1, the biotransformation temperature 30 °C, time 36 h and pH 7, respectively. Final content of astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali reached 7.66 ± 0.44 mg/g, which was 5.51-fold to that of untreated one and contents of astragaloside I and astragaloside II significantly decreased. The immobilized Ca-alginate gel beads with P. canescens could be reused at least for 13 runs. This is the first report that fungal endophyte was applied for the biotransformation of astragalosides to astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali and this novel high-efficiency biotransformation method will be an alternative to enhance the content of astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali in commercial process.     

Herbal decoctosome is a novel form of medicine

Traditionally, herbal medicine is consumed by drinking decoctions produced by boiling herbs with water. The functional components of the decoction are heat stable. Small RNAs(sRNAs) were reported as a new class of functional components in decoctions. However, the mechanisms by which sRNAs survive heat treatment of the decoction and enter cells are unclear.Previous studies showed that plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles(ELNs), which we call botanosomes, could deliver therapeutic reagents in vivo. Here, we report that heat-stable decoctosomes(ELNs) from decoctions have more therapeutic effects than the decoctions in vitro and demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Furthermore, sRNAs, such as HJT-sRNA-m7 and PGY-sRNA-6, in the decoctosome exhibit potent anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Decoctosome is comprised of lipids, chemical compounds, proteins, and s RNAs. A medical decoctosome mimic is called bencaosome. A single lipid sphinganine(d22:0) identified in the decoctosome was mixed and heated with the synthesized sRNAs to form the simplest bencaosome. This simple bencaosome structure was identified by critical micelle concentration(cmc) assay that sRNAs coassembled with sphinganine(d22:0) to form the lipid layers of vesicles. The heating process facilitates co-assembly of sRNAs and sphinganine(d22:0) until a steady state is reached. The artificially produced sphinganine-HJT-sRNA-m7 and sphinganinePGY-sRNA-6 bencaosomes could ameliorate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and poly(I:C)-induced lung inflammation, respectively, following oral administration in mice. Our study not only demonstrates that the herbal decoctosome may represent a combinatory remedy in precision medicine but also provides an effective oral delivery route for nucleic acid therapy.     

Protective Effects of Astragaloside IV on db/db Mice with Diabetic Retinopathy

Objectives

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic eye disease which is well-known as the result of microvascular retinal changes. Although the potential biological functions of astragaloside IV (AS IV) have long been described in traditional system of medicine, its protective effect on DR remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of AS IV on type 2 diabetic db/db mice.

Methods

Db/db mice were treated with AS IV (4.5 mg/kg or 9 mg/kg) or physiological saline by oral gavage for 20 weeks along with db/m mice. In each group, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function was measured by pattern electroretinogram (ERG) and apoptosis was determined by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Blood and retina aldose reductase (AR) activity were quantified by chemiluminescence analysis. The expressions of phosporylated-ERK1/2, NF-κB were determined by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression of related downstream proteins were quantified by Label-based Mouse Antibody Array.

Results

Administration of AS IV significantly improved the amplitude in pattern ERG and reduced the apoptosis of RGCs.in db/db mice. Furthermore, downregulation of AR activity, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, NF-κB and related cytokine were observed in AS IV treatment group.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that AS IV, as an inhibitor of AR, could prevent the activation of ERK1/2 phosporylation and NF-kB and further relieve the RGCs disfunction in db/db mice with DR. It has provided a basis for investigating the clinical efficacy of AR inhibitors in preventing DR.     

Screening and analysis of permeable compounds in Radix Angelica Sinensis with immobilized liposome chromatography

Immobilized liposome chromatography (ILC) was used to screen and analyze permeable compounds in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), testing extracts from Radix Angelica Sinensis. More than 10 peaks were resolved based on their interactions with the ILC stationary phase, a system which mimics biomembranes; this means that more than 10 components in Radix Angelica Sinensis extract have significant retention on an ILC column. Two of them, ligustilide and ferulic acid, were identified from their MS spectrum and with standard samples. A possible molecular structure of another component retained on ILC was also preliminarily identified as 3-butylidene-4,5-dihydro-2(1,3H)-1-isobenzofuranol according to its MS spectrum, hydrophobicity and 1H NMR spectrum. Of all detected components, ligustilide had the best penetration ability through the biomembrane. The effects of pH, column temperature, and ionic strength on the chromatography of methanolic extracts of Radix Angelica Sinensis were also investigated. It was found that the separation selectivity on ILC is strongly affected by the eluent pH, but only slightly by the column temperature and ionic strength.     

The effect of a special herbal tea on obesity and anovulation in androgen-sterilized rats

A special herbal tea has been used to treat clomiphene-resistant anovulatory disease and obesity effectively, especially in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases with hyperinsulinemia. The effect of the herbal tea on obesity and anovulation was investigated in androgen-sterilized rats (ASR). The ASR model was established by subcutaneous injection of 1.25 mg testosterone propionate to Sprague-Dawley female rats at the age of 9 days. Rats were sacrificed around 112 days of age. ASR manifested with PCO, anovulation, high food intake, elevated body weight, and obesity. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that estrogen receptors (ER) were predominantly distributed in the cytoplasm of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-containing neurons in the preoptic area (POA), and the coexpression was also found in the nuclei and fibers of NPY-synthesizing neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Compared with that in normal control rats, NPY expression was increased, the numbers of ER in hypothalamic ARC-median eminence (ME) decreased, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels in ME was decreased, serum estrogen (E2) and leptin were elevated, and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were reduced significantly in ASR. Significantly negative correlations between NPY and ER or GnRH, and between leptin and FSH or LH were observed. A positive correlation existed between serum leptin and body weight. These metabolic-endocrine changes in ASR were normalized after feeding the herbal tea. Both obesity and hypogonadotropin were expressed in ASR. The abnormal ovarian hormone milieu (elevated E2 levels) may have enhanced NPY expression and resulted in less GnRH and gonadotropin secretion. The herbal tea reduced body weight and induced ovulation in ASR.     

红芪、黄芪及配伍当归对环磷酰胺所致血虚模型小鼠的干预作用

目的：观察红芪、黄芪及配伍当归对环磷酰胺（CTX）所致血虚模型小鼠的干预作用。方法：昆明种小鼠随机分为7组,每组10只。采用CTX复制小鼠血虚模型,正常组与模型组小鼠用生理盐水灌胃,阳性对照组小鼠给予驴胶补血颗粒,四个给药组分别灌胃红芪、黄芪、红芪-当归组（5：1）及黄芪-当归组（5：1）,连续灌胃7 d后,采用血细胞分析仪测定各组小鼠外周红细胞（RBC）、淋巴细胞（LYM）、红细胞压积（HCT）、白细胞（WBC）、血小板（PLT）,取脾脏、胸腺、股骨,计算脾脏指数（SI）、胸腺指数（TI）的变化,进行网织红细胞计数（RC）、骨髓有核细胞计数,并对股骨进行病理切片观察。结果：与正常组比较,模型组小鼠RBC、WBC、HCT、PLT、LYM等含量均降低（P<0.05）,与模型组比较,红芪及不同配伍各组小鼠中SI、TI均显著升高（P<0.05）,红芪-当归组及黄芪-当归组可显著提高外周RBC、HCT、WBC、PLT、LYM的含量（P<0.05）,可升高RC及骨髓有核细胞数量（P<0.05）,股骨病理切片显示有所改善。结论：红芪-当归（5：1）与黄芪-当归（5：1）配伍对血虚模型小鼠的改善作用及补血作用优于红芪、黄芪的单独作用,黄芪-当归（5：1）效果更佳。     

Identification of a cross-linked peptide of a covalent complex between adrenodoxin reductase and adrenodoxin.

A cross-linked complex between bovine NADPH-adrenodoxin reductase (AR) and adrenodoxin (AD) was prepared with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and purified, as described previously [Hara, T. & Kimura, T. (1989) J. Biochem. 105, 594-600]. The covalent complex was S-pyridylethylated and digested with lysylendopeptidase, and the resulting peptides were separated by reversed-phase HPLC to identify the cross-linked peptide. Comparison of the HPLC chromatograms of the peptides showed that (i) two tandem peptides (K-4 and K-5) from AD and a peptide (K-1) from AR were missing in the chromatogram of the peptides of the covalent complex and (ii) a single new peak was observed in the chromatogram of the peptides from the covalent complex. Amino acid composition and sequence analyses showed that the newly observed peptide was a covalently cross-linked peptide formed between a peptide K-4-K-5 (Ile-25-Lys-98) derived from AD and a peptide K-1 (Ser-1-Lys-27) derived from AR, in which an amide bond had been formed between the epsilon-amino group of Lys-66 in AD and the gamma-carboxyl group of Glu-4 in AR. These results indicate that the binding site of AR with AD is localized in the amino-terminal part of AR and that of AD with AR is localized around Lys-66 of AD. The six clustered basic amino acid residues (His-24, Lys-27, His-28, His-29, Arg-31, and His-33) present in the amino-terminal portion of AR and the eight clustered acidic amino acid residues (Glu-65, Glu-68, Asp-72, Glu-73, Glu-74, Asp-76, Asp-79, and Asp-86) present in the middle part of AD may play an important role in the complex formation.     

Markers of atopic dermatitis,allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma in pediatric patients: correlation with filaggrin,eosinophil major basic protein and immunoglobulin E

Background

Allergic reactions have been implicated as contributions in a number of atopic disorders, including atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma (BA). However, the potential for filaggrin protein, eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) to elicit allergic response or to contribute to atopic disorders remains largely unexplored in pediatric patients. This study was undertaken to investigate the status and contribution of filaggrin protein, eosinophil MBP and total IgE in pediatric patients with AD, AR and BA.

Methods

Sera from 395 pediatric patients of AD, AR or BA with varying levels of disease activity according to the disease activity index and 410 age-matched non-atopic healthy controls were evaluated for serum levels of atopic markers, including filaggrin, eosinophil MBP and IgE.

Results

Serum analysis showed that filaggrin levels were remarkably high in pediatric patients with AD, followed by BA and AR, whereas its levels were low in non-atopic pediatric controls. Eosinophil MBP levels in sera of atopic patients were significantly high as compared with their respective controls, but its levels were highest in AR patients, followed by AD and BA. Total IgE in sera of AD patients was markedly high, followed by AR and BA patients, whereas its levels were low in non-atopic pediatric controls. Interestingly, not only was an increased number of subjects positive for filaggrin protein, eosinophil MBP or total IgE, but also their levels were statistically significantly higher among those atopic patients whose disease activity scores were higher as compared with atopic patients with lower disease activity scores.

Conclusions

These findings strongly support a role of filaggrin protein, eosinophil MBP and IgE in the onset of allergic reactions in pediatric patients with AD, AR and BA. The data suggest that filaggrin, eosinophil MBP or IgE might be useful in evaluating the progression of AD, AR or BA and in elucidating the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these pediatric disorders.