Gardenia herbal active constituents: applicable separation procedures

Gardenia herb has been used as alternative drug for thousand years. They may provide therapeutic or cause toxic effect. Recently, large scale of biological screen, phytochemical separation, isolation, and identification were widely performed. Quality control of the active ingredients should be concern for the application of Gardenia herbs. Many systems have been developed for the determination of herbal ingredients. This article reviews some of the plants and their active constituents that have been used for medicinal applications. The sample preparation, separation, and determination of Gardenia herbal ingredients were discussed. Based on the separation, the method of gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis were also discussed.     

Proteomic tools against the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming

This article covers the application of proteomic tools ('venomics', 'antivenomics' and 'venom phenotyping') to study the composition and natural history of snake venoms, and the cross-reactivity of antivenoms with homologous and heterologous venoms, to help address the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming. The identification of evolutionary and immunological trends may help to replace the traditional geographic- and phylogenetic-driven hypotheses for antivenom production strategies with a more rational approach based on proteome phenotype and immunological profile similarities. Antivenomics and venom phenotyping may also contribute to expand the clinical range of currently existing antidotes.     

Proteomic tools against the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming

This article covers the application of proteomic tools (‘venomics’, ‘antivenomics’ and ‘venom phenotyping’) to study the composition and natural history of snake venoms, and the cross-reactivity of antivenoms with homologous and heterologous venoms, to help address the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming. The identification of evolutionary and immunological trends may help to replace the traditional geographic- and phylogenetic-driven hypotheses for antivenom production strategies with a more rational approach based on proteome phenotype and immunological profile similarities. Antivenomics and venom phenotyping may also contribute to expand the clinical range of currently existing antidotes.     

Plant natural products active against snake bite--the molecular approach

The article surveys the substances identified in plants reputed to neutralize the effects of snake venoms. Protective activity of many of them against the lethal action of the venom of the jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) snake was confirmed by biological assays. It was shown that all belong to chemical classes capable of interacting with macromolecular targets--receptors and enzymes. In a few cases it has been shown that exogenous natural micromolecules can mimic the biological activity of endogenous macromolecules. From the evidence presented, it can be inferred that micromolecules which neutralize the action of snake venoms mechanistically replace endogenous antitoxic serum proteins with venom neutralizing capacity such as produced by some animals.     

Annual incidence of snake bite in rural bangladesh

Background

Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in the world and one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in many areas, particularly in the rural tropics. It also poses substantial economic burdens on the snake bite victims due to treatment related expenditure and loss of productivity. An accurate estimate of the risk of snake bite is largely unknown for most countries in the developing world, especially South-East Asia.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We undertook a national epidemiological survey to determine the annual incidence density of snake bite among the rural Bangladeshi population. Information on frequency of snake bite and individuals'' length of stay in selected households over the preceding twelve months was rigorously collected from the respondents through an interviewer administered questionnaire. Point estimates and confidence intervals of the incidence density of snake bite, weighted and adjusted for the multi-stage cluster sampling design, were obtained. Out of 18,857 study participants, over one year a total of 98 snake bites, including one death were reported in rural Bangladesh. The estimated incidence density of snake bite is 623.4 / 100,000 person years (95% C I 513.4–789.2 /100,000 person years). Biting occurs mostly when individuals are at work. The majority of the victims (71%) receive snake bites to their lower extremities. Eighty-six percent of the victims received some form of management within two hours of snake bite, although only three percent of the victims went directly to either a medical doctor or a hospital.

Conclusions/Significance

Incidence density of snake bite in rural Bangladesh is substantially higher than previously estimated. This is likely due to better ascertainment of the incidence through a population based survey. Poor access to health services increases snake bite related morbidity and mortality; therefore, effective public health actions are warranted.     

血液透析治疗毒蛇咬伤致急性肾功能衰竭的护理

目的 探讨血液透析治疗毒蛇咬伤致急性肾功能衰竭(ARF)患者的护理.方法 根据对12例毒蛇咬伤致ARF患者的血液透析治疗的护理体会,探讨蛇伤患者血液透析的护理特点.结果 12例患者中11例治疗成功,1例男性患者因合并呼吸衰竭死亡.有效病例血液透析后血肌酐(Cr)、尿素氮(BUN)和尿酸(UA)均明显下降.结论 遵循血液透析的基本原则,注意毒蛇咬伤的特点,有针对性地进行护理,才能保证抢救成功.     

Mite-control activities of active constituents isolated from Pelargonium graveolens against house dust mites

The mite-control activities of materials obtained from Pelargonium graveolens oil against Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus were examined using an impregnated fabric disk bioassay and were compared with those shown by commercial benzyl benzoate and N,N-diethylm- toluamide (DEET). Purification of the biologically active constituents from P. graveolens oil was done by silica gel chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the active components were analyzed by EI/MS, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, (1)H-(13)C COSYNMR, and DEPT-NMR spectra, and were identified as geraniol (C(10)H(18)O, MW 154.25, trans-3,7-dimethyl-2,6- octadien-1-ol) and beta-citronellol (C(10)H(20)O, MW 156.27, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol). Based on the LD50 values, the most toxic compound was geraniol (0.26 microg/cm(2)), followed by beta-citronellol (0.28 microg/cm(2)), benzyl benzoate (10.03 microg/ cm(2)), and DEET (37.12 microg/cm(2)) against D. farinae. In the case of D. pteronyssinus, geraniol (0.28 microg/cm(2)) was the most toxic, followed by beta-citronellol (0.29 microg/cm(2)), benzyl benzoate (9.58 microg/cm(2)), and DEET (18.23 microg/cm(2)). These results suggest that D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus may be controlled more effectively by the application of geraniol and beta-citronellol than benzyl benzoate and DEET. Furthermore, geraniol and beta-citronellol isolated from P. graveolens could be useful for managing populations of D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus.     

Screening of herbal constituents for aromatase inhibitory activity

Random Forest screening of the phytochemical constituents of 240 herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine identified a number of compounds as potential inhibitors of the human aromatase enzyme (CYP19). Molecular modelling/docking studies indicated that three of these compounds (myricetin, liquiritigenin and gossypetin) would be likely to form stable complexes with the enzyme. The results of the virtual screening studies were subsequently confirmed experimentally, by in vitro (fluorimetric) assay of the compounds' inhibitory activity. The IC-50s for the flavones, myricetin and gossypetin were determined as 10 and 11 microM, respectively, whilst the flavanone, liquiritigenin, gave an IC-50 of 0.34 microM--showing about a 10-fold increase in potency, therefore, over the first generation aromatase inhibitor, aminoglutethimide.     

Probiotics and herbal mixtures enhance the growth, blood constituents, and nonspecific immune response in Paralichthys olivaceus against Streptococcus parauberis

The present study was reported the effect of probiotics and herbals mixture supplementation diet on growth, blood constituents, and nonspecific immune response in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus against Streptococcus parauberis on weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 50 μl of PBS (phosphate buffer saline) containing S. parauberis (2.1 × 10? CFU ml?1). The initial weight did not significantly increased in supplementation diet group from 1 to 4 weeks, whereas it was significantly increased from weeks 6 to 12 as compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) activities significantly increased from weeks 4 to 12 in infected fish fed with supplementation diet compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. However, the total protein (TP) and glucose (GLU) levels were significantly increased in infected fish fed with supplementation diet after 6 weeks. The phagocytic, respiratory burst, complement, and lysozyme activities significantly enhanced in infected fish fed with supplementation diet from weeks 4 to 12 as compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. These results suggested that different probiotics and herbals mixture supplementation diet enhanced the growth, blood biochemical constituents, and nonspecific immunity in olive flounder against S. parauberis.     

Anti-HBV active constituents from Piper longum

In the screening search for Hepatitis B virus inhibitory agents from medicinal plants, the ethanol extract of Piper longum Linn. was found to possess superior anti-HBV activity in vitro. Bioassay-guided fractionation coupled with repeated purification resulted in the isolation of four new compounds, involving two new glycosides longumosides A (1) and B (2) and two new amide alkaloids erythro-1-[1-oxo-9(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-8,9-dihydroxy-2E-nonenyl]-piperidine (3), threo-1-[1-oxo-9(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-8,9-dihydroxy-2E-nonenyl]-piperidine (4), as well as two compounds 3β,4α-dihydroxy-2-piperidinone (5), 5,6-dihydro-2(1H)-pyridinone (6) from natural source for the first time. The structures of the four new compounds were determined by extensive analyses of the MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR data. Besides, the compounds 2–6, together with the known compounds 7–11 obtained previously, were assayed for their anti-HBV activity by using Hep G 2.2.15 cell line in vitro. Results suggested the compound piperine (7) possessed remarkable inhibitory HBV activity, against the secretion of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) with the Selectivity Index (SI) values of 15.7 and 16.8, respectively.     

蛇毒清合剂治疗金环蛇咬伤的疗效观察

目的观察蛇毒清合剂对金环蛇咬伤的临床疗效。方法将71例病人分为治疗组35例,对照组36例。两组均给予常规治疗,治疗组加服蛇毒清合剂,并比较两组患者伤后48h的血清酶学三项（CK、LDH、AST）及治疗5天后的疗效、治疗结束时的疗程及呼吸衰竭发生率。结果两组患者临床疗效比较有显著性差异,治疗组优于对照组（P〈0．05）,酶学三项和疗程、呼吸衰竭发生率均有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论蛇毒清合剂对金环蛇咬伤有显著疗效。     

儿童毒蛇咬伤的特点与程序化救治的疗效观察

目的通过分析儿童毒蛇咬伤的特点,评价程序化综合救治方法对儿童毒蛇咬伤的疗效。方法通过观察17例毒蛇咬伤儿童的临床特点,尽早进行病情预测,同时根据毒蛇咬伤的临床病情分型予程序化综合救治。监测病情变化、伤口愈合情况及平均住院时间。结果儿童毒蛇咬伤的特点为不明种类毒蛇咬伤多,症状较成人严重,易发生并发症。经过早期程序化综合救治总有效率100%,伤口渗血、肿胀明显缓解,无1例死亡,平均留观时间4.5天。结论根据儿童毒蛇咬伤特点,早期准确预测和尽快应用程序化救治能提高毒蛇咬伤疗效。     

Coagulopathy after snake bite by Bothrops neuwiedi: case report and results of in vitro experiments

Coagulation studies were performed in a patient who had been bitten by a snake of the species Bothrops neuwiedi. The patient presented with hemorrhagic necrosis at the envenomization site and considerable bleeding from venous puncture sites. He developed a severe defibrination syndrome with a clottable fibrinogen level of approximately 0.1 g/l. Fibrinogen was not measurable by clotting time assay. Fibrin degradation products were greatly elevated. Treatment with antivenom caused an anaphylactic reaction within ten minutes and serum sickness after three days. In vitro experiments revealed that B. neuwiedi venom directly activates Factors II and X, but does not activate Factor XIII. In vivo consumption of Factor XIII after B. neuwiedi envenomization is ascribed to the action of Factor IIa. At low venom concentrations clotting is initiated by activation of prothrombin by the venom either directly or via Factor X activation. Treatment with heparin might be beneficial in coagulopathy secondary to snake bite by reducing circulating active thrombin. The venom contains thrombin-like proteases which cause slow clotting of fibrinogen, and plasmin-like components causing further proteolysis of fibrinogen and fibrin. Antivenom has no effect on the proteolytic action of the snake venom. The in vivo effects of antivenom are presumably caused by acceleration of the elimination of venom components from the circulation. Intravenous administration of antivenom caused normalization of blood coagulation parameters within 48 h.     

Therapeutic effects of herbal extracts and constituents in animal models of psychiatric disorders

A search for novel pharmacotherapy from medicinal plants for psychiatric illnesses has progressed significantly in the past decade. This is reflected in the large number of herbal preparations for which psychotherapeutic potential has been evaluated in a variety of animal models. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of herbal extracts and constituents that have significant therapeutic effects in animal models of psychiatric illnesses. Eighty five individual herbs reviewed were classified as anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroleptic, antidementia, or anti-substance abuse herbs. The full scientific name of each herb, herbal part used, active constituent, extract, dose range and route, animal model, possible mechanisms of action, and pertinent references are presented via synoptic tables. The herbal mixtures were also mentioned. A considerable number of herbal constituents whose behavioral effects and pharmacological actions have been well characterized may be good candidates for further investigations that may ultimately result in clinical use. The investigation of a large portion of the herbal extracts and herbal mixtures is in its infancy. Herbal remedies that have demonstrable psychotherapeutic activities have provided a potential to psychiatric pharmaceuticals and deserve increased attention in future studies.     

中药外敷联合耳穴埋豆缓解竹叶青蛇咬伤肢体肿痛的效果观察

目的观察中药外敷联合耳穴埋豆治疗竹叶青蛇咬伤肢体肿痛的效果。方法将竹叶青蛇咬伤伴肢体肿痛患者60例随机分为观察组和对照组各30例,两组均给予常规治疗及护理,观察组在常规治疗及护理的基础上给予中药外敷联合耳穴埋豆,对照组在常规治疗及护理的基础上给予50%硫酸镁湿敷,观察两组患者肢体肿胀值及疼痛评分情况。结果两组治疗前、治疗后24h的肢体肿胀值比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后48、72h肢体肿胀值比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。两组治疗前疼痛评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后12、24、48h疼痛评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论中药外敷联合耳穴埋豆能早期减轻竹叶青蛇咬伤肢体肿胀,缓解疼痛症状。     

四黄散外敷对竹叶青蛇咬伤肿胀的疗效观察

目的 探讨四黄散外敷治疗竹叶青蛇咬伤肿胀的临床疗效.方法 选择2017年10月～2020年4月我院收治的112例竹叶青蛇咬伤肿胀患者为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将患者分为观察组和对照组,每组56例.对照组采用常规蛇咬伤处理方案,包括清创、引流、注射抗蛇毒血清及对症治疗等.观察组在对照组治疗基础上采用四黄散外敷治疗.观察...