Volume 6,Issue 4,2014 Table of Contents

1 Biopotency Assays, a Model with Integration Feature for Quality Control Research of CMM

Chang-xiao Liu

2014, 6(4):255-255. DOI: DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60039-3

[Abstract](668) [HTML](0) [PDF 105.66 K](1794)

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2 Biopotency Assays: an Integrated Application to Quality Control of Chinese Materia Medica

Yin Xiong , Dan Yan , Jia-bo Wang , Xiao-he Xiao

2014, 6(4):256-264. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60040-X

[Abstract](882) [HTML](0) [PDF 350.86 K](2208)

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The current quality control (QC) pattern for Chinese materia medica (CMM) lacks suitable methods and indicators to evaluate their safety and efficacy effectively, which impedes the smooth development of CMM. In this review, main problems of the current QC pattern for CMM, principally focused on the content determination of constituents, were summarized and the inspiration from the QC of biological products was introduced. With the aim at introducing a suitable tool to the QC of CMM, biopotency assay and its feasibility in the QC pattern for CMM were analyzed and confirmed by relevant researches with years of practice. From the applications of biopotency assays in the QC of CMM in the last 10 years, we propose that biopotency assays should be an integral part of the QC pattern for CMM, for these assays can make the QC indicators related to the clinical safety and efficacy, supplementing the existed QC system of CMM.

3 Use of Sargassum fusiforme Extract and its Bioactive Molecules to inhibit HIV Infection: Bridging Two Paradigms between Eastern and Western Medicine

Hui-jun Guo , Yan-ze Liu , Elena E. Paskaleva , Manoj Arra , Jeffrey S. Kennedy , Alexander Shekhtman , Mario Canki

2014, 6(4):265-273.

[Abstract](1205) [HTML](0) [PDF 843.79 K](1875)

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AIDS is a global pandemic that has seen the development of novel and effective treatments to improve the quality of life of those infected and reduction in the spread of the disease. While great advancements have been made in HIV/AIDS therapeutics, there is still no cure or viable vaccine in development. The high rate of HIV-1 mutation contributing to virus immune escape, combined with increase in sexual transmission and the significant clinical therapeutics side effects of the currently available treatments highlights the need for novel therapeutics with broad anti-viral activity against both CXCR4 (X4) and CCR5 (R5)-tropic viruses. In our search for novel modalities against HIV infection, we investigated several aqueous extracts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) collection and identified Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme) as a potent inhibitor of HIV infection. Following the Western approach of drug discovery and development, we isolated several bioactive molecules from S. fusiforme and determined their mechanism of action. TCM and Western approaches to disease treatment and drug development have been shown to be complementary to each other. The former provides a rich medicinal history for natural compounds that can have clinical impact on a variety of illnesses, while the latter enables the application of chemical informatics with rational drug design approach coupled to mechanistic underpinnings of such therapeutics. This multistep paradigm is demonstrated in the example of S. fusiforme as a treatment to prevent HIV infection, as described in this review.

4 Antitumor Activities of Widely-used Chinese Herb—Licorice

Rui Yang , Li-qiang Wang , Ying Liu

2014, 6(4):274-281. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60042-3

[Abstract](1258) [HTML](0) [PDF 357.09 K](2239)

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Licorice (the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is widely-used in Chinese herbal compound prescriptions for its functions of nourishing qi, alleviating pain, tonifying spleen and stomach, eliminating phlegm, relieving coughing, and harmonizing prescriptions. It contains more than 20 triterpenoids and approximately 300 flavonoids. In recent years, many studies have reported that it possesses various pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, antimicrobial, and antivirus effects. In this paper, the antitumor activity of licorice is deeply summarized. The antitumor active components and the possible antitumor mechanism are analyzed.

5 Quality Evaluation of Astragali Radix based on DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity and Chemical Analysis

Hong-wei Wu , Jing Fang , Li-ying Tang , Peng Lu , Hai-yu Xu , De-feng Li , Ye Zhao , Yi Zhang , Mei-hong Fu , Hong-jun Yang , Li Xiang

2014, 6(4):282-289. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60043-5

[Abstract](1256) [HTML](0) [PDF 391.71 K](1918)

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Objective To assess the quality of Astragali Radix from different areas based on the biological evaluation and chemical analysis. Methods The bioassay method of 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity for Astragali Radix was established. The parameters of DPPH assay including sample extraction time, reaction time, repeatability, and stability were detected. Furthermore, a method of HPLC-MS was developed to simultaneously determine calycosin-7-O-glucoside, ononin, formononetin, and astragaloside IV in Astragali Radix samples. And the total flavonoids and total saponins were detected by spectrophotometry. The relationship between DPPH evaluation and chemical analysis was studied by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Twelve batches of Astragali Radix from different origins showed a wide range of DPPH radical scavenging activities (IC50 = 1.395?9.894 μg/mL). Based on DPPH assay, Sample 10 derived from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IC50 = 1.395 μg/mL) showed the best quality of all samples. Chemical analysis showed that different compounds selected as indices would cause different results for quality evaluation. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the contents of total flavonoids (P = 0.032), calycosin-7-glucoside (P = 0.035), and astragaloside IV (P = 0.010) were positively correlated with DPPH radical scavenging activity. Conclusion Except for chemical analysis, DPPH radical scavenging activity can be used as a good alternative to assess and control the quality of Astragali Radix.

6 Protection of Shengmai Recipe on Improving Cardiac Function and Attenuating Kidney Injury in Pressure Overload Rats

Feng-jiao Sun , Peng-wei Zhuang , Yu Wang , Jin-bao Zhang , Zhi-qiang Lu , Yan Wang , Mi-xia Zhang , Zhuo Chen , Meng Sun , Yan-jun Zhang

2014, 6(4):290-296. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60044-7

[Abstract](1078) [HTML](0) [PDF 732.60 K](2030)

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Objective Shengmai Recipe (SMR) is a Chinese patent medicine used for the treatment of chronic heart disease. In order to further assess the renal-protective effect against ischemia lesion of SMR, the cardioprotective effect of SMR on pressure overload-induced left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and the potential mechanism on alleviating myocardial damage, myocardial fibrosis, and renal ischemia lesion in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats were investigated. Methods Rats with partially ligated abdominal aorta were randomly divided into model, Sham, and SMR groups. One week after recovery from surgery, animals were preventively ig administered with SMR at the dose of 810 mg/kg once daily for 8 weeks. Cardiac function and structure, endogenous biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), myocardial fibrosis, and organ pathological change were estimated by echocardiography, immunodepression and velocity method, hematoxylin- eosin staining, and masson’s trichrome staining, respectively. Results The administration of SMR significantly decreased serum CK-MB and LDH levels and reduced myocardial fibrosis. Interestingly, SMR not only improved cardiac function but also ameliorated kidney injury induced by ischemia in CHF rats. Conclusion SMR could enhance the LV contractile function, reduce myocardial necrosis, and reverse LV remodeling in CHF rats, and most importantly, SMR could be used to treat the renal ischemia injury in pressure overload rats.

7 Effects of Soothing Liver and Invigorating Spleen Recipe on Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Kupffer Cells of NAFLD Rats by LXRα/SREBP-1c Signal Pathway

Xiang-wen Gong , Li-Han , Qin-he Yang , Hai-zhen Yan , Yu-pei Zhang , Yuan-yuan Li , Yong-jian Xu , Hong Wang , Jin-wen Zhang , Chun-mei Lin

2014, 6(4):297-304. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60045-9

[Abstract](1088) [HTML](0) [PDF 1.36 M](1974)

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Objective To investigate the mechanism of lipid metabolism disorders in Kupffer cells (KCs) of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats mediated by LXRα-SREBP-1c pathway and the interference of soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipe (SLISR) on it. Methods SD male rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, soothing liver recipe (SLR), invigorating spleen recipe (ISR), and soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipe (SLISR) groups. The rats in treatment groups were administered for 8 weeks. The liver tissue was stained with H&E and oil red O. The levels of hepatic lipid and blood lipid were measured by biochemical analyzer. KCs were isolated from the livers of rats to evaluate the expression of LXRα, SREBP-1C, and FAS mRNA by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR tests; LXRα, SREBP-1C, and FAS proteins were measured by Western blotting. Results The H&E and oil red O staining results showed that the model rats successfully reproduced typical pathogenetic and histopathological features of NAFLD. The levels of hepatic lipid and blood lipid in the model rats were dramatically increased. Compared with the model group, the values of hepatic lipid and blood lipid in the treatment groups were significantly ameliorated (P < 0.05, 0.01). The yields of purified KCs from each rat were 2×107-3×107. The viability of KCs was higher than 95%, with the purity over 90.18%. Compared with the model group, the expression of LXRα, SREBP-1C, and FAS mRNA and proteins was decreased in all treatment groups, especially in the SLR group (P < 0.05). Conclusion SLISR may protect liver against injury included by lipid metabolism disorders in KCs through LXRα/ SREBP-1c signaling pathway, which may be an important mechanism for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

8 Cost-effectiveness Assessment of Commonly-used Drugs for Hepatoprotection and Enzymes Reduction Based on Decision Tree and Multi-utility Theory

Jia-qi Xu , Rui-fang Xie , Zhi-cheng Li , Jing-yi Tang , Xin Zhou

2014, 6(4):305-312. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60046-0

[Abstract](942) [HTML](0) [PDF 550.30 K](1766)

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Objective Drugs for hepatoprotection and enzymes reduction are widely used in China but their economic analysis has been ignored in a rather long period of time. A suitable protocol for hepatoprotection and enzymes reduction was recommended in Longhua Hospital. Methods This study was conducted as a retrospective piece. Three therapeutic protocols (compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with aspartic ornithine injection, compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with phospha- tidylcholine, and compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with tiopronin) were selected. Seventy inpatient cases from January 2011 to February 2012 were enrolled and divided into three groups according to different regimens. The cost effectiveness of the three groups was respectively evaluated by incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). A decision tree model and multi attribution utility theory were also adopted to analyze the data. Results All the three regimens exhibited good effects on protecting liver functions and reducing the levels of enzymes. Among them, the protocol of compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with tioproni expressed the least ICER, the lowest cost but the highest score in the multi-utility. Conclusion The therapeutic method of compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with tiopronin is the most cost-effective option in this study.

9 Influence of Allelochemicals on Microbial Community in Ginseng Cultivating Soil

Yong Li , Yi-xin Ying , Dong-yue Zhao , Wan-long Ding

2014, 6(4):313-318. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60047-2

[Abstract](1345) [HTML](0) [PDF 365.99 K](1787)

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Objective To study the influence of allelochemicals such as benzoic acid, diisobutyl phthalate, diisobutyl succinate, palmitic acid, and 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane on the microbial community of ginseng cultivating soil. Methods Soil samples were sprayed with five allelochemicals (100 mg/L) and their mixture (20 mg/L), respectively. Carbon metabolic ability variances were analyzed by Biolog method and genetic polymorphism variance was analyzed by RAPD method. The Nei’s genetic diversity index and Shannon’s information index were calculated. Results Significant differences in carbon metabolic activity were found between allelochemical-treated soils and control. Further analysis indicated that although the carbon-utilizing ability and genetic polymorphism of soils treated with di-isobutyl phthalate, di-isobutyl succinate, and allelochemical mixtures were lower than those of the other treatments, genetic similarities of soils treated with di-isobutyl phthalate, diisobutyl succinate, and allelochemical mixtures were much higher than those of the other treatments. Conclusion Allelochemicals significantly declined the genetic diversity and carbon metabolic activity of microorganisms in newly reclaimed forest soil for ginseng cultivation.

10 C21 Steroidal Glycosides from Acidic Hydrolysate of Cynanchum otophyllum

Yi-bin Zhao , Quan-shui Fan , Gui-li Xu , Xiao-jiang Hao

2014, 6(4):319-323. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60048-4

[Abstract](1362) [HTML](0) [PDF 289.30 K](1913)

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Objective To investigate the structures of compounds in the rhizome of Cynanchum otophyllum (Asclepiadaceae), and to find new C21 steroidal glycosides. Methods The ethyl acetate extract from the rhizome was subjected to acidic hydrolysis and isolated by column chromatography; The structures of the purified compounds were determined by spectral methods. Literature search confirmed whether those compounds were of new structures. Results Three compounds were isolated and their structures were deacetylmetaplexigenin 3-O-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-α-D-oleandropyranosyl- (1→4)-α-D-oleandropyranoside (1), deacetylmetaplexigenin 3-O-α-D-oleandropyranosyl- (1→4)-β-D-thevetopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-D-oleandropyranoside (2), and deacetylmeta- plexigenin 3-O-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-α-D-oleandropyranoside (3), respectively. Conclusion Compounds 1?3 are new compounds.

11 Chemical Constituents with Antihyperlipidemic Activities from Desmodium triquetrum

Jia-ni Wu , Guo-xu Ma , Hai-long Li , Chong-ming Wu , Yin-feng Tan , Ting-ting Zhang , Feng Chen , Peng Guo , Xiao-po Zhang

2014, 6(4):324-327. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60049-6

[Abstract](1148) [HTML](0) [PDF 348.46 K](1951)

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Objective To study the chemical constituents from Desmodium triquetrum and their antihyperlipidemic activities. Methods The constituents of D. triquetrum were isolated and purified using various column chromatographies. Their chemical structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods. The lipid-lowering effects of the isolates were evaluated in HepG2 cells. Results Nine compounds were obtained from the ethanol extract of D. triquetrum and determined to be 6′-O-cis-p-coumaroyl- 3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), tadehaginoside (2), rutin (3), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), 6-O-(E )-p-hydroxy-cinnamoyl-β-glucose (6), 6-O-(E )-p-hydroxy-cinnamoyl-α-glucose (7), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-rutinoside (8), and 3-O-β-D-galacopyranosyl (6-1)-α-L- rhamnosyl quercetin (9). Compounds 1 and 2 significantly reduced the intracellular content of total cholesterols and triglycerides. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new phenolic compound and exhibits potent anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Additionally, compounds 6 and 7 are isolated from D. triquetrum for the first time.

12 Chemical Constituents from Leaves of Oplopanax horridus

Kai-yue Cao , Chun-feng Qiao , Xian-qiang Chen , Chong-zhi Wang , Chun-su Yuan , Jing Zhao , Shao-ping Li

2014, 6(4):328-331. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60050-2

[Abstract](1194) [HTML](0) [PDF 344.62 K](1853)

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Objective To study the chemical constituents from the leaves of Oplopanax horridus. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel columns, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR were applied for the identification of chemical structure. Results Ten compounds were isolated and identified as dammara-20,24-dien-3β-ol acetate (1), phytol (2), 16Z,19Z- pentacosadienoic acid (3), β-sitosterol (4), (3S,8S)-falcarindiol (5), maltol (6), acankoreagenin (7), daucosterol (8), stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), and acankoreoside A (10). Conclusion Compounds 1-3, 6, and 10 are isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 1-3 and 6 are isolated from the plants in genus Oplopanax Miq. for the first time. Moreover, Compounds 1, 3, and 6 are isolated from the plants in the family of Araliaceae for the first time.

13 Chemical Constituents of Millettia speciosa

Ping Ding , Jin-ying Qiu , Ge Ying , Lei Dai

2014, 6(4):332-334. DOI: 10.1016/S1674-6384(14)60051-4

[Abstract](1355) [HTML](0) [PDF 284.97 K](1824)

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Objective To study the chemical constituents from Millettia speciosa. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography, and recrystallization. The structures were identified using physicochemical and spectral data. Results Thirteen compounds were isolated from M. speciosa and identified as docosanoic acid (1), tetracosane (2), octadecane (3), hexacosanoic acid (4), β-sitosterol acetate (5), β-sitosterol (6), syringin (7), maackiain (8), formononetin (9), ψ-baptigenin (10), rotundic acid (11), pedunculoside (12), and daucosterol (13). Conclusion Compounds 5, 7, and 10-12 are obtained from this plant for the first time.

Volume 6,Issue 4,2014 Table of Contents

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