利用扁桃斑鸠菊叶发酵生产蛹虫草胞外多糖的条件及其抗氧化活性

蛹虫草胞外多糖具有增强免疫力、抗疲劳等药理活性,有极高的保健价值。为高效地获取蛹虫草胞外多糖,本研究通过向发酵培养基中添加适量的扁桃斑鸠菊叶粉末,来提高蛹虫草发酵液中胞外多糖的产量,并对优化得到的胞外多糖红外吸收光谱和化学抗氧化活性进行了研究。实验结果表明,液体发酵最优条件为:扁桃斑鸠菊叶粉末添加量8 g/L、发酵时间9 d、pH 6.5、接种量5.0 mL,在此条件下,蛹虫草胞外多糖的产量可达(5.24±0.28) mg/mL,与未添加扁桃斑鸠菊叶的空白组相比,胞外多糖产量提高了约205.20%;红外分析与抗氧化活性实验结果显示,扁桃斑鸠菊叶对蛹虫草生产的胞外多糖结构和活性影响较小。该研究结果表明扁桃斑鸠菊叶能够有效地提高蛹虫草胞外多糖的产量,为蛹虫草胞外多糖的高效生产提供了新思路。     

利用扁桃斑鸠菊叶发酵高产粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖的条件优化及其抗氧化活性研究

粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖是粗毛纤孔菌液体发酵的重要活性代谢产物,但采用常规的发酵方法,粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖的产量较低。为更好地获取粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖,本文采用双向液体发酵的方法,通过向发酵培养基中添加适量的扁桃斑鸠菊叶粉末,来提高粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖的产量,并对优化得到的胞外多糖抗氧化活性进行了研究。以发酵液中胞外多糖含量为指标,采用单因素实验和正交实验优化发酵条件;采用红外光谱对胞外多糖的结构特征进行分析;通过测定胞外多糖对ABTS、DPPH和羟基自由基的清除率来了解其抗氧化活性。结果表明,最优发酵条件为:扁桃斑鸠菊叶粉末添加量0.5g/L、发酵时间10d、pH 6.5、接种量5.0mL,在此条件下,粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖的产量达到(2.34±0.25)mg/mL,与未添加扁桃斑鸠菊叶的空白组相比,其胞外多糖产量提高了约216.22%;红外分析与抗氧化活性实验结果表明,添加扁桃斑鸠菊叶后的胞外多糖与未添加扁桃斑鸠菊叶的胞外多糖红外主要吸收峰一致,并且对ABTS、DPPH以及羟基自由基清除能力相近。本研究结果表明扁桃斑鸠菊叶能够有效地提高粗毛纤孔菌胞外多糖的产量,为其他珍稀食药用菌胞外多糖的高效生产提供了新思路。     

通心络抗动脉粥样硬化机制的研究进展

动脉粥样硬化是心脑血管疾病的重要病理基础,内皮细胞功能异常、多种炎性细胞因子介导炎症反应是动脉粥样硬化的发病机制.通心络是由多种成分构成的中药复方制剂,在临床上广泛用于治疗心脑血管疾病,具有抗炎、保护内皮、抗氧化及稳定斑块等作用,现就近几年来有关通心络抗动脉粥样硬化机制的研究进展综述如下.     

甘草甜素抗炎及抗肿瘤机制研究进展

甘草甜素是中药甘草的主要成分,具有抗炎、抗病毒、抗肿瘤等作用,随着研究的不断深入,甘草甜素广泛地应用于银屑病、慢性肝病、艾滋病及肿瘤等疾病的治疗中。近年来,学者对其抗炎和抗肿瘤作用研究较为突出,其机制包括抑制炎症因子、抗氧化、免疫调节、抗血管生成等,为更好地指导临床应用,就目前甘草甜素抗炎和抗肿瘤机制作一综述。     

白藜芦醇的生物活性及作用机制

白藜芦醇(RSV)是一种广泛存在的非黄酮类多酚化合物,具有抗氧化、抗炎、抗菌、抗病毒以及调节细胞代谢等多种生物学功能,目前在人体健康领域和动物生产中具有广泛的应用。本文简要综述了RSV的来源及理化性质、生物利用率、生物活性及其作用机制,为RSV的深入研究和进一步开发应用提供参考依据。     

黑猩猩启迪下找到的药用植物

由日本京都大学农学院和日本国立卫生研究所等单位的科学家大东教授等组成的研究组,从菊科植物扁桃斑鸠菊（Vernonlaamygdalina）中分离出了一种有驱虫作用的新的豆类留烷醇型类固醇。他们发现,从这种植物的干燥全株丙酮革取物中提取出来的类固醇,可有效地驱除寄生虫,包括血吸虫、疟原虫和痢疾变形虫。他们是怎样找到这种药用植物的2说来离奇,这个研究组的上述发现,是在黑猩猩的启迪下获得的。原来,这个研究组曾经在坦桑尼亚的丛林中,观察到野生动物黑猩猩通过一种独特的行为,利用扁桃斑鸠菊给自己治病。这个研究组的科学家亲眼目…     

甲烷抗炎、抗氧化和抗凋亡生物学效应的研究进展

甲烷(CH_4)是结构最简单的碳氢化合物,之前认为只有哺乳动物的口腔和胃肠道中的产甲烷菌才能生成CH_4。但是近年来研究显示,动物体内的胆碱及其代谢物也能分解或转变成CH_4,这种内源性CH_4具有保护细胞膜免受活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)的攻击以及促进细胞膜修复的作用。此外,外源性CH_4具有较强的抗炎、抗氧化、抗凋亡的生物学效应,提高脑、心脏、肝脏等多种组织器官的抗氧化能力,减轻其氧化应激损伤和炎症损伤的程度,对多种临床疾病的治疗具有研究和应用价值。因此,本文综述近年来CH_4在哺乳动物体内的合成代谢及其抗炎、抗氧化和抗凋亡的生物学功能方面的最新研究进展,为预防和治疗氧化应激相关疾病的研究提供新的治疗策略和切入点。     

山奈酚生物功能研究进展

山奈酚是一种广泛存在于蔬菜、水果及中药材中的黄酮类化合物,具有抗氧化、抗炎、抗癌等多种生物功能,且安全无毒,具有良好的开发和应用前景。现从抗氧化、抗炎、抗癌,防治糖尿病、动脉粥样硬化和骨质疏松,保护神经、肝脏和心肌以及抑制蛋白激酶活性几个方面,对山奈酚生物功能的研究进展进行了综述,并分析了其应用前景,以期为山奈酚的合理开发利用提供参考与借鉴。     

驱虫斑鸠菊对B-16黑素瘤细胞酪氨酸酶活性及黑素生成影响

目的 :探讨驱虫斑鸠菊体外对酪氨酸酶活性影响 ,以及对小鼠B - 16黑素瘤细胞株细胞增殖、黑素合成以及细胞内酪氨酸酶的作用。方法 :利用四甲基偶氮唑蓝 (MTT)比色法测定药物对细胞增殖的影响 ;采用酶学方法研究药物对酪氨酸酶活性的影响 ;470nm比色法测定黑素含量。结果驱虫斑鸠菊体外可激活酪氨酸酶活性 ,增强B - 16鼠黑素瘤细胞增殖 ,提高酪氨酸酶和黑色素合成能力 ;对整体动物黑素细胞具有促进合成和分泌作用。结论在白癜风的治疗中 ,驱虫斑鸠菊可增强酪氨酸酶活性 ,进而促进黑素合成     

驱虫斑鸠菊对小鼠免疫分子的影响

探讨驱虫斑鸠菊对小鼠免疫功能的影响,揭示其免疫作用机理。利用[^3H]-TdR参入法测定驱虫斑鸠菊对小鼠体内免疫功能的影响,运用酶联免疫吸附实验测定驱虫斑鸠菊对小鼠B淋巴细胞分泌抗体功能的影响;采用流式细胞测定方法测定CD19B细胞亚类表达水平;采用[^3H]-TdR参入法利用CTLL－2细胞株测定T淋巴细胞分泌IL－2活性。结果驱虫斑鸠菊的低、中、高三个剂量对体内T、B淋巴细胞的增殖活性、血清总抗体和抗原特异性抗体含量、CD19B细胞亚类表达均有明显的抑制作用,对T淋巴细胞分泌IL－2活性也具有明显抑制作用。说明驱虫斑鸠菊对机体体液免疫和细胞免疫功能都具有明显抑制作用。     

A novel natural inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and human breast cancer cell growth

Water-soluble extracts of edible Vernonia amygdalina leaves were recently reported as potent inhibitors of cultured MCF-7 cells. The mechanism by which V. amygdalina inhibits MCF-7 cell growth has not been previously studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of V. amygdalina on the activities, DNA synthesis, and subsequent cell growth of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERKs 1/2;). Treatment of cells with various concentrations (3-100 mg/ml) of water-soluble V. amygdalina extract potently inhibited ERK activities, DNA synthesis (P < 0.005), and cell growth (P < 0.01) in a concentration-dependent fashion, both in the absence and presence of serum. The growth rate of cells pretreated with 10 mg/ml V. amygdalina for 48 hrs before transfer to V. amygdalina-free medium was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from untreated cells. These results suggest that V. amygdalina, at least at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml, exhibits cytostatic action to retard the growth of human breast cancer cells. In addition, the ERK signaling pathways may be one or more of the intracellular targets for V. amygdalina antineoplastic actions.     

Evaluation of ash from some tropical plants of Nigeria for the control of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. on wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Eleven ash samples, from organs of nine tropical plants, were screened for their abilities to inhibit mycelial growth and sclerotial germination of a Nigerian isolate of Sclerotium rolfsii on agar and in the soil. Ten ash samples showed some activity against mycelial growth of S. rolfsii in vitro. Ash samples from Delonix regia stem wood, Mangifera indica leaf and Vernonia amygdalina leaf were most effective as each totally inhibited mycelial growth of S. rolfsii in vitro. Ocimum gratissimum leaf ash, D. regia wood ash and Musa paradisiaca flower bract ash inhibited sclerotial germination on agar. Nine ash samples protected seeds against pre-emergence rot. Ash from M. indica leaf, V. amygdalina leaf and Azadirachta indica leaf protected seedlings against post-emergence infection. Eichornia crassipes ash, which was ineffective in vitro, offered some protection to seeds in soil against pre-emergence rot. The study demonstrates potentials of ash samples from tropical plants in control of S. rolfsii on wheat. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Physiological activities and the active constituents of potentially medicinal plants used by wild chimpanzees of the Mahale mountains,Tanzania

Potential medicinal plants for wild chimpanzees have been studied in order to discover their physiologically active compounds. Tests of the physiological activity of 3 plant species—Vernonia amygdalina, Aspilia mossambicensis, andFicus exasperata—indicate that they contain a variety of active compounds. From one species,V. amygdalina, an antitumor agent and 2 possible antitumor promoters are identified. Furthermore, steroid glucosides were isolated as the bitter substances. These structurally new compounds are expected to exhibit a number of significant physiological activities. The chemical investigation of possible medicinal plants used by chimpanzees should be helpful in recovering naturally occurring compounds of medicinal significance for human use.     

Time and dose-dependent modulation of phase 1 and phase 2 gene expression in response to treatment of MCF-7 cells with a natural anti-cancer agent.

Several known anti-cancer agents have been shown to lead to increased expression of phase 2 metabolic enzymes without affecting phase 1 enzymes. Phase 1 cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are relevant in cancer studies in that they are involved in oxidative metabolism, biotransformation and detoxification, whereas phase 2 enzyme catalysis leads to clearance. In this study, we obtained semi-quantitative measurements of cytochrome P450 (phase 1) and phase 2 microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) gene expression levels in response to treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with water-soluble Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) extract. V.A., a vegetable grown in Nigeria, has potential as an anti-cancer agent. The results of Western blot and RT-PCR analyses show that V.A. extract acts as a monofunctional inducer within exposure times ranging from 2-16 hr and dose ranges from 3-100 microg/ml of V.A. Exposure of cells to low doses of V.A. did not affect expression levels of CYP1A1/1A2 mRNA, but lead to induction of mEH, thus supporting the chemotherapeutic potential of VA. However, in parallel studies, CYP3A4 gene expression was also induced, suggesting potential intermediates which influence drug-drug interactions. These data are useful toward further validating V.A. extract as a potential clinically useful natural anti-cancer agent and provide some support for the concept that modulation in CYP3A4 expression in response to treatment is relevant to prognosis.     

Melanocyte stimulating hormone peptides inhibit TNF-alpha signaling in human dermal fibroblast cells

Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has been identified as a potent anti-inflammatory in various tissues including the skin. It has previously been shown in skin cell keratinocytes and melanocytes/melanoma cells that MSH peptides inhibit TNF-alpha stimulated NF-kappaB activity and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) upregulation. However, the precise anti-inflammatory role of MSH peptides in dermal fibroblasts is unclear. Some studies report on pro-inflammatory responses, while others on anti-inflammatory responses. The present study confirms MC1R expression in cultured human dermal fibroblasts and reports that the MSH peptides alpha-MSH and KP(-D-)V inhibit TNF-alpha stimulated NF-kappaB activity and ICAM-1 upregulation, consistent with an anti-inflammatory role. However, involvement of IkappaB-alpha regulation by either peptide was not confirmed, supporting a mechanism independent of the NF-kappaB inhibitor. In conclusion, alpha-MSH and KP(-D-)V peptides have an anti-inflammatory action on dermal fibroblast signaling by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory activity of TNF-alpha in vitro.     

Design, synthesis, and SAR studies of some 5-aliphatic oximino esters of thiophene as potential anti-inflammatory leads: comparative biological activity profile of aliphatic oximes vs aromatic oximes

A series of novel tetra substituted thiophenes were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenin induced rat paw edema model-an acute in vivo model. Compounds V1, V3, V11, V12, V17, and V18 showed good anti-inflammatory activity, indicating the importance of oxime moiety in modulating the activity. The structure-activity relationship studies explore "the aliphatic oxime esters" attached via a ketone bridge to fifth position of the thiophene, and indicate that this feature may enhance the anti-inflammatory activity as compared to aromatic oximes. Since free radicals are implicated in various inflammatory disorders, the free radical scavenging activity of some of the synthesized candidates was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl assay. The oxime containing analogs exhibited weak to moderate activity as free radical scavengers in DPPH assay. A plausible reasoning for its free radical scavenging ability is discussed. All the compounds were also screened in nitro blue tetrazolium model, to assess them as superoxide anion radical scavengers. A direct correlation between anti-inflammatory activity and free radical scavenging activity was not seen. The results disclose a new class of anti-inflammatory agents designed and synthesized for the first time wherein the utility of aliphatic oxime esters in modulating the anti-inflammatory activity profile is apparent. This will give us potential anti-inflammatory leads.     

Physico-chemical,antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of some Ethiopian mono-floral honeys

Honey has been widely used to treat several human pathogens. However, all honeys may not have equal potencies against different human pathogens. The purpose of the current work was to investigate the physico-chemical and antimicrobial qualities of some mono-floral honeys from Ethiopia against some human pathogen bacteria and fungi. In the study, seven different botanical origin honeys were used of which some were from plants known for their medicinal properties. The samples were tested for their major physico-chemical properties (sugar profiles, total free acids, pH, color, electric conductivity and total soluble substances) and their medicinal values as total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and antimicrobial properties as minimum inhibitory concentration against some human pathogens, following standard protocols. Generally, the average values of the physico-chemical properties of the samples were within the acceptable ranges of world honey quality values. The average total antioxidant value of the samples was 320.3 ± 15.1 with range of 225.4 ± 12.8–465.7 ± 21.8 μM Fe(II)/100g. Relatively higher values 421.5 ± 23.4 and 465.7 ± 21.8μM Fe(II)/100g recorded for Croton macrostachyus and Vernonia amygalina honeys respectively. The average phenolic contents of the samples varied from 233.3 ± 24.0 to 693.3 ± 26.8 mgGAE/kg and relatively higher values recorded for C. macrostachys and V. amygdalina honeys. The significant proportion of the tested samples showed strong antimicrobial qualities inhibiting the growth of tested pathogens at concentration of 10.5%–28.6% of MIC (% v/v). Honeys from medicinal plants (C. macrostachys and V. amygdalina) relatively showed more antimicrobial properties which could be due to the presence of plant specific phytochemicals which require further investigations.     

Therapeutic potency of crocin in the treatment of inflammatory diseases: Current status and perspective

Crocin is the major component of saffron, which is used in phytomedicine for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes, fatty liver, depression, menstruation disorders, and, of special interest in this review, inflammatory diseases. Promising selective anti-inflammatory properties of this pharmacological active component have been observed in several studies. Saffron has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory properties against several inflammatory diseases and can be used as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases either alone or in combination with other standard anti-inflammatory agents. This review summarizes the protective role of saffron and its pharmacologically active constituents in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including digestive diseases, dermatitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases for a better understanding and hence a better management of these diseases.     

Clinical and biochemical understanding of Zinc interaction during liver diseases: A paradigm shift

Zinc (Zn) is an essential and the second most abundant trace element after Iron. It can apply antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activity. It is assumed to be indispensable for cell division, cellular differentiation and cell signalling. Zinc is essential for proper liver function which is also the site of its metabolism. Depleted Zn concentrations have been observed in both acute and chronic hepatic diseases. It is reported that Zn deficiency or abnormal Zn metabolism during majority of liver diseases is attributed to deficient dietary intake of Zn, augmented disposal of Zn in the urine, activation of certain Zn transporters, and expression of hepatic metallothionein. Undoubtedly, Zn is involved in generating many diseases but how and whether it plays role from acute to fulminant stage of all chronic liver diseases remains to be cleared. Here, we will discuss the role of Zn in development of different diseases specifically the involvement of Zn to understand the aetiology and intricate mechanism of dynamic liver diseases.