Protective effects of keishibukuryogan on the kidney of spontaneously diabetic WBN/Kob rats

The Multiple Pharmacologic Functions and Mechanisms of Action of Guizhi Fuling Formulation

Objectives

Guizhi Fuling Formulation (GZFL), a traditional Chinese medical formulation, consists of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba (or Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Moutan Cortex, Persicae Semen, and Poria, with multiple therapeutic functions such as sedation, antitumor activity, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection. However, its clinical applications remain relatively fragmented, and the underlying mechanisms of GZFL in different diseases are still not very certain. Further research and summary in both application and mechanisms remain to be needed for human health and the best use of GZFL. Therefore, we summarized the multiple pharmacologic effects and possible mechanisms of action of GZFL according to recent 17 years of research.

Methods

We retrieved four English and two Chinese databases using these keywords (the formulation name or its synonyms) and searched articles written in English from January 2006 up to February 2022. Key Findings. GZFL exhibits multiple pharmacologic advantages in gynecologic diseases and other expanding diseases such as cancer, blood, and vascular disease, renal failure, inflammation, and brain injury. Possibly due to its diverse bioactive components and pharmacologic activities, GZFL could target the multiple signaling pathways involved in regulating blood circulation, inflammatory and immune factors, proliferation, apoptosis, and so on.

Conclusion

This review suggests that GZFL displays promising therapeutic effects for many kinds of diseases, which have been beyond the scope of the original prescription for gynecologic diseases. In this way, we wish to provide a reference and recommendation for further preclinic and clinic studies.

A Review on the Mechanism and Application of Keishibukuryogan

The concept of "blood stasis" - called yū xiě in Chinese, Oketsu in Japanese - is one of the unique pathophysiology of traditional medicine that originated in China and inherited in Korea and Japan. This concept is related to the multiple aspects of hemodynamic disorders brought on by quantitative and qualitative changes. It theorizes that the quantitative changes of "blood stasis" are related to peripheral circulatory insufficiency. When chronic qualitative changes of "blood stasis" produce stagnant blood that turns into a pathological product, it could cause inflammation and lead to organic changes. Trauma induced hematomas, that are considered to be a quantitative change of blood, are also a form of blood stasis. The basic medicine research on Keishibukuryogan (KBG)-a Japanese name in Traditional Japanese Medicine (Kampo) for one of the most common anti- "blood stasis" prescriptions, also known as gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan (GFW) in Chinese in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-indicated that the initiation of quantitative changes was closely related to loss of redox balances on endothelial function induced by oxidative stress. The following qualitative changes were related to coagulopathy, hyper viscosity; anti-platelet aggregation, lipid metabolism; a regulation of systemic leptin level and/or lipid metabolism, inflammatory factor; cyclooxygenase-1,2 (COX-1, 2), interleukin-6, 8 tumor necrosis factor-α, macrophage infiltration, hyperplasia, tissue fibrosis and sclerosis caused by transforming growth factor-β1 and fibronectin, the dysfunction of regulated cell deaths, such as, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and ovarian hormone imbalance. Clinically, KBG was often used for diseases related to Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrine Metabolism, Rheumatology and Dermatology. In this review, we give an overview of the mechanism and its current clinical application of KBG through a summary of the basic and clinical research and discuss future perspective.

Impact of Traditional Plants and their Secondary Metabolites in the Discovery of COVID-19 Treatment

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus Disease-2019 belongs to the family of viruses which cause serious pneumonia along with fever, breathing issues and infection of lungs, and was first reported in China and later spread worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

Several studies and clinical trials have been conducted to identify potential drugs and vaccines for Coronavirus Disease-2019. The present study listed natural secondary metabolites identified from plant sources with antiviral properties and could be a safer and tolerable treatment for Coronavirus Disease-2019.

METHODS

A comprehensive search on the reported studies was conducted using different search engines such as Google Scholar, SciFinder, Sciencedirect, Medline PubMed, and Scopus for the collection of research articles based on plant-derived secondary metabolites, herbal extracts, and traditional medicine for coronavirus infections.

RESULTS

Status of COVID-19 worldwide and information of important molecular targets involved in COVID- 19 are described, and through literature search, it is highlighted that numerous plant species and their extracts possess antiviral properties and are studied with respect to coronavirus treatments. Chemical information, plant source, test system type with a mechanism of action for each secondary metabolite are also mentioned in this review paper.

CONCLUSION

The present review has listed plants that have presented antiviral potential in the previous coronavirus pandemics and their secondary metabolites, which could be significant for the development of novel and a safer drug which could prevent and cure coronavirus infection worldwide.

Traditional Chinese medicine decreases the obstructive uropathy risk in uterovaginal prolapse: A nationwide population-based study

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a popular treatment for voiding dysfunction in Eastern countries. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of TCM on preventing obstructive uropathy in uterovaginal prolapse women. We conducted a large-scale nationwide population-based cohort study to investigate the relationship between TCM and obstructive uropathy in uterovaginal prolapse women. This is a retrospective cohort study with the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The study population was newly diagnosed uterovaginal prolapse patients between 1997 and 2010 year. Among patients, 762 uterovaginal prolapse patients in this cohort. Significant adjusted HRs of urine retention or hydronephrosis in Cox proportional hazard models were uterovaginal prolapse (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.43-2.14), age 40 to 64 years (1.51, 1.01-2.27), ≥60 years (3.52, 2.32-5.34), DM (1.52, 1.23-1.89), hypertension (1.38, 1.13-1.7), constipation (1.35, 1.05-1.75), urinary tract calculi (1.54, 1.06-2.23), and TCM users (0.34, 0.28-0.41). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher incidence rate of urine retention or hydronephrosis in the uterovaginal prolapse cohort compared with that of the without uterovaginal prolapse cohort. The results of this nationwide population-based study support a relationship between TCM and a reduced risk of obstructive uropathy in uterovaginal prolapse women.

Evaluation of the In Vivo Therapeutic Effects of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Ethanol Extract with the Hypoglycemic Activities Measured from Multiple Cell-Based Assays

Background. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chi Shao) contains several phytochemicals with hypoglycemic actions. Current research aims to explore potential insulinotropic effects and long-term therapeutic efficacy of such herb against type 2 diabetes. Methods. Composition analysis for the ethanol extract (PRExt) was executed by high performance liquid chromatography. Polyphenol-enriched fraction was characterized by high pressure size exclusion chromatography. Multiple cell platforms were employed to evaluate hypoglycemic bioactivities. In animal experiments, blood glucose, the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-index assessment, glucose tolerance test, and in vivo glucose uptake were all measured. Additional effects of PRExt on obesity and hepatic steatosis were evaluated by serum and histological analysis. Results. PRExt provides multiple hypoglycemic effects including the enhancement of glucose-mediated insulin secretion. Pentagalloylglucose and polyphenol-enriched fraction are two insulinotropic constituents. Moreover, PRExt intraperitoneal injection causes acute hypoglycemic effects on fasted db/db mice. Oral administration of PRExt (200 mg/kg b.w.) gradually reduces blood glucose in db/db mice to the level similar to that in C57J/B6 mice after 30 days. The improvement of glucose intolerance, HOMA-index, and in vivo glucose uptake is evident in addition to the weight loss effect and attenuation of hepatic steatosis. Conclusion. PRExt is an effective antidiabetic herbal extract with multiple hypoglycemic bioactivities.

Cinnamomi Cortex (Cinnamomum verum) Suppresses Testosterone-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating 5α-reductase

Cinnamomi cortex (dried bark of Cinnamomum verum) is an important drug in Traditional Korean Medicine used to improve blood circulation and Yang Qi. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic disease in aging men. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Cinnamomi cortex water extract (CC) on BPH. BPH was induced by a pre-4-week daily injection of testosterone propionate (TP). Six weeks of further injection with (a) vehicle, (b) TP, (c) TP + CC, (d) TP + finasteride (Fi) was carried on. As a result, the prostate weight and prostatic index of the CC treatment group were reduced. Histological changes including epithelial thickness and lumen area were recovered as normal by CC treatment. The protein expressions of prostate specific antigen, estrogen receptor α (ERα), androgen receptor (AR), 5α-reductase (5AR), and steroid receptor coactivator 1 were suppressed by treatment of CC. Immunohistochemical assays supported the western blot results, as the expressions of AR and ERα were down-regulated by CC treatment as well. Further in vitro experiments showed CC was able to inhibit proliferation of RWPE-1 cells by suppressing 5AR and AR. These results all together suggest CC as a potential treatment for BPH.

Clinical study of total glucosides of paeony for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), an active compound extracted from dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, have anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of TGP for treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS

An open-label, prospective, randomized, parallel-group, single-site study involving 76 patients with DKD. Patients were randomized into two groups: losartan group (n = 38), treated with losartan 100 mg/day for 6 months and TGP group (n = 38), treated with TGP 1800 mg/day and losartan 100 mg/day for 6 months. Serum hs-CRP, MCP-1, and TNF-α were determined before and after treatment. Urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, and lipid profiles were examined.

RESULTS

At the end-point, UAER decreased in the TGP group compared with baseline. UAER in the losartan group decreased to a level lower than before treatment. The rate of decline in the losartan group was significantly lower than the TGP group. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine and albumin levels between TGP and losartan groups at the end-point. Serum hs-CRP, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in both groups after treatment. After treatment, serum hs-CRP, MCP-1, and TNF-α in the TGP group decreased more than the losartan group. Positive correlations were observed between UAER and hs-CRP, MCP-1, and TNF-α. No statistically significant difference in side effects was observed between groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that TGP treatment could reduce the albuminuria and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with DKD.

Effect of keishibukuryogan on genetic and dietary obesity models

Obesity has been recognized as one of the most important risk factors for a variety of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension/cardiovascular diseases, steatosis/hepatitis, and cancer. Keishibukuryogan (KBG, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan in Chinese) is a traditional Chinese/Japanese (Kampo) medicine that has been known to improve blood circulation and is also known for its anti-inflammatory or scavenging effect. In this study, we evaluated the effect of KBG in two distinct rodent models of obesity driven by either a genetic (SHR/NDmcr-cp rat model) or dietary (high-fat diet-induced mouse obesity model) mechanism. Although there was no significant effect on the body composition in either the SHR rat or the DIO mouse models, KBG treatment significantly decreased the serum level of leptin and liver TG level in the DIO mouse, but not in the SHR rat model. Furthermore, a lower fat deposition in liver and a smaller size of adipocytes in white adipose tissue were observed in the DIO mice treated with KBG. Importantly, we further found downregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism in the KBG-treated liver, along with decreased liver TG and cholesterol level. Our present data experimentally support in fact that KBG can be an attractive Kampo medicine to improve obese status through a regulation of systemic leptin level and/or lipid metabolism.

Effects of total glucosides of paeony on immune regulatory toll-like receptors TLR2 and 4 in the kidney from diabetic rats

TLRs are a family of receptors that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. TGP have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory activities. However, the relation between TGP and TLRs on diabetic nephropathy remains unknown. In this study, we examined effects of TGP on immune regulatory TLR2 and 4 in the kidney from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. TGP decreased the levels of 24h urinary albumin excretion rate significantly in diabetic rats. Western blot analysis showed that TGP significantly inhibited the expression of TLR2 and 4, MyD88, p-IRAK1, NF-κB p65, p-IRF3, TNF-α and IL-1β. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the significantly increased levels of TLR2 and 4, and MyD88mRNA in the kidneys of diabetic rats were significantly suppressed by TGP treatment. Macrophages infiltration were also markedly increased in the kidneys of the diabetic rats, but were significantly inhibited by TGP in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that TGP has protective effects on several pharmacological targets in the progress of diabetic nephropathy by selectively blocking TLRs activation in vivo.

Total glucosides of paeony attenuate renal tubulointerstitial injury in STZ-induced diabetic rats: role of Toll-like receptor 2

Accumulating evidence suggested that macrophages induce tubulointerstitial injury. Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), extracted from Paeonia lactiflora, has presented anti-inflammatory activities in diabetic kidney disease. This research will investigate the protective effect of TGP on renal tubulointerstitium and its mechanism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. TGP was administered orally at a dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) for 8 weeks. Tubulointerstitial injury was quantified, followed by immunohistochemistry analysis of renal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin (E-cad) expression, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-p-p-65(+), Toll-like receptor (TLR)2(+), and ED-1(+) cell infiltration in renal tubulointerstitium. Renal TLR2(+) macrophages were detected by double immunohistochemical staining. Western blotting was used to detect the TLR2 expression. Histologically, there was marked accumulation of TLR2(+), NF-κB-p-p-65(+), ED-1(+) cells, and ED-1(+)TLR2(+) cells (macrophages) in the diabetic kidney and TGP treatment could alleviate it. Accompanying with that, the tubulointerstitial injury was ameliorated, α-SMA expression was lower, and E-cad expression was higher compared with the diabetic rats. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of TLR2 protein was significantly increased in the kidney of the diabetic rats, whereas TGP treatment reduced it. Our study showed that TGP could prevent renal tubulointerstitium injury in diabetic rats through a mechanism that may be at least partly correlated with suppression of increased macrophage infiltration and the expression of TLR2.

Wuling san ameliorates urate under-excretion and renal dysfunction in hyperuricemic mice

AIM

The present study was undertaken to characterize the effects of Wuling San on urate excretion and renal function, and explore its possible mechanisms of action in hyperuricemic mice.

METHODS

Mice were administered with 250 mg·kg(-1) potassium oxonate by gavage once daily (10 animals/group) for seven consecutive days to develop a hyperuricemia model. Different doses of Wuling powder were orally initiated on the day 1 h after oxonate was given, separately. Allopurinol was used as a positive control. Serum and urine levels of uric acid and creatinine, and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) were measured in hyperuricemic mice treated with Wuling San and allopurinol. Simultaneously, renal mRNA and protein levels of urate transporter 1 (mURAT1), glucose transporter 9 (mGLUT9), organic anion transporter 1 (mOAT1), as well as organic cation/carnitine transporters mOCT1, mOCT2 and mOCTN2, were assayed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot methods, respectively.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Compared to the hyperuricemia control group, Wuling San significantly reduced serum uric acid and creatinine levels, increased 24 h urate and creatinine excretion, and FEUA in hyperuricemic mice, exhibiting its ability to enhance urate excretion and improve kidney function. Wuling San was found to down-regulate mRNA and protein levels of mURAT1 and mGLUT9, as well as up-regulate mOAT1 in the kidney of hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, Wuling San up-regulated renal mRNA and protein levels of mOCT1, mOCT2 and mOCTN2, leading to kidney protection in this model.

The effects of medicinal plants on renal function and blood pressure in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic global diseases affecting children and adolescents in both the developed and developing nations. The major types of diabetes mellitus are type 1 and type 2, the former arising from inadequate production of insulin due to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, and the latter from reduced sensitivity to insulin in the target tissues and/or inadequate insulin secretion. Sustained hyperglycaemia is a common result of uncontrolled diabetes and, over time, can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves, mainly through deteriorating blood vessels supplying the organs. Microvascular (retinopathy and nephropathy) and macrovascular (atherosclerotic) disorders are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Therefore, emphasis on diabetes care and management is on optimal blood glucose control to avert these adverse outcomes.

Studies have demonstrated that diabetic nephropathy is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. In general, about one in three patients with diabetes develops end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which proceeds to diabetic nephropathy (DN), the principal cause of significant morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Hypertension, a well-established major risk factor for cardiovascular disease contributes to ESRD in diabetes. Clinical evidence suggests that there is no effective treatment for diabetic nephropathy and prevention of the progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, biomedical evidence indicates that some plant extracts have beneficial effects on certain processes associated with reduced renal function in diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, other plant extracts may be hazardous in diabetes, as reports indicate impairment of renal function. This article outlines therapeutic and pharmacological evidence supporting the potential of some medicinal plants to control or compensate for diabetes-associated complications, with particular emphasis on kidney function and hypertension.

Chinese medicine for treating diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the main causes of renal end-stage disease. The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy is complex. The current treatment is only for a particular cause without multi-target therapeutic drugs. Chinese medicine is a great treasure with multi-component complex drugs interacting with multiple targets and functions. This paper reviewed the protective effect of Chinese medicine for treating diabetic nephropathy in clinical studies, in vivo studies, and in vitro studies. The possible mechanisms, the major compounds and active crude drugs were also summarized. It was shown that Chinese medicine could not only relieve several symptoms and improve the quality of life, but also reduce the levels of proteinuria and kidney damage, and further improve renal function via multiple pathways based on the whole human system. Moreover, there were no reports of severe adverse reactions during the treatment.

Keishibukuryogan reduces renal injury in the early stage of renal failure in the remnant kidney model

The effects of keishibukuryogan on the early stage of progressive renal failure were examined in rats subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy. Keishibukuryogan, one of the traditional herbal formulations, was given orally at a dose of 1% (w/w) and 3% (w/w) in chow. Administration of keishibukuryogan was started at 1 week after 5/6 nephrectomy and was continued for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, Azan staining did not reveal any severe histological changes in the kidneys of the nephrectomized rats. On the other hand, significant increases in mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-β₁ and fibronectin related to tissue fibrosis, as examined by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction, were observed in nephrectomized rats, and they were significantly suppressed by 3% keishibukuryogan treatment. Against gene expressions related to macrophage infiltration, 3% keishibukuryogan treatment significantly suppressed osteopontin mRNA levels, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 mRNA levels showed a tendency to decrease, but without statistical significance. It was also observed that 3% keishibukuryogan attenuated serum urea nitrogen and urinary protein excretion levels. From these results, it was suggested that keishibukuryogan exerts beneficial effects that result in slowing the progression of chronic renal failure.

The traditional Japanese formula keishibukuryogan inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by dermal endothelial cells

Keishibukuryogan (KBG) is one of the traditional herbal formulations widely administered to patients with blood stagnation for improving blood circulation; currently, it is the most frequently prescribed medicine in Japan. KBG has been reported to improve conjunctional microcirculation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of KBG and paeoniflorin, a bioactive compound of KBG, in inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines using human dermal microvessel endothelial cells (HDMECs). The authors observed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μg/mL) stimulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in HDMECs. KBG treatment (10 mg/mL) significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated cultured HDMECs. Similarly, paeoniflorin significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of these cytokines in LPS-stimulated cultured HDMECs. ELISA showed that KBG and paeoniflorin suppressed the production of MIF, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated HDMECs. Moreover, KBG and paeoniflorin decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in these cells. These results suggest that KBG may be useful for improving microvascular inflammation in patients with skin diseases.

Effects of total glucosides of paeony on oxidative stress in the kidney from diabetic rats

TGP, extracted from the traditional Chinese herb root of Paeonia lactiflora pall, has been shown to have therapeutic effect in experimental diabetic nephropathy. However, its mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, the effects of TGP on oxidative stress were investigated in the kidney of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. TGP (50, 100, 200mg/kg) was orally administered once a day for 8 weeks. TGP treatment in all three doses significantly lowered 24 h urinary albumin excretion rate in diabetic rats and attenuated glomerular volume. TGP treatment with 100 and 200mg/kg significantly reduced indices for tubulointerstitial injury in diabetic rats. The level of MDA was significantly increased in the kidney of diabetic rats and attenuated by TGP treatment at the dose of 200mg/kg. TGP treatment in a dose-dependent manner decreased the level of 3-NT protein of the kidney which increased under diabetes. T-AOC was significantly reduced in diabetic rat kidney and remarkably increased by TGP treatment at the dose of 100 and 200mg/kg. Activity of antioxidant enzyme such as SOD, CAT was markedly elevated by TGP treatment with 200mg/kg. Western blot analysis showed that p-p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB p65 protein expression increased in diabetic rat kidney, which were significantly decreased by TGP treatment. It seems likely that oxidative stress is increased in the diabetic rat kidneys, while TGP can prevent diabetes-associated renal damage against oxidative stress.

Renoprotective effect of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) and its mechanism in experimental diabetes

Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora pall, has been shown to have ant-inflammatory and antioxidative actions. The aims of this study were to elucidate the renoprotective effect of TGP and its mechanism in experimental diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with TGP for 8 weeks. Treatment with TGP at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg significantly lowered 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate in diabetic rats. TGP treatment in all doses markedly attenuated glomerular volume, and treatment with TGP at 100 and 200 mg/kg markedly reduced indices for tubulointerstitial injury in diabetic rats. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of 1 alpha (IV) collagen, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, NF-kappaB p65, and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) protein were increased in the kidneys of diabetic rats; the increases in these proteins were all dose-dependently and significantly inhibited by TGP treatment. The expression of nephrin protein was significantly reduced in the kidneys from diabetic rats and markedly increased by TGP treatment. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 protein in the kidney was also significantly increased in diabetic rats, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with TGP at all doses. Our data suggest that TGP treatment ameliorates early renal injury via the inhibition of expression of ICAM-1, IL-1, TNF-alpha, and 3-NT in the kidneys of diabetic rats.

Identification of multiple constituents in the traditional Chinese medicine formula GuiZhiFuLing-Wan by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS

GuiZhiFuLing-Wan (GFW) has been used in China for centuries to improve blood stagnation. In this paper, a HPLC-DAD-MS/MS method was established for the efficient and rapid identification of the chemical constituents in extract of GuiZhiFuLing-Wan. Separation was performed on an Alltima C(18) analytical column by gradient elution with CH(3)CN/H(2)O-CH(3)COOH as mobile phase at a flow rate 1.0ml/min. 27 potentially bioactive compounds including monoterpene glycosides, galloyl glucoses, acetophenones, phenylallyl compounds and triterpenoids were identified or tentatively characterized by online ESI/MS/MS and the comparison with literature data and authentic compounds. After the identification, six different brands of GFW commercial products in various dosage forms were evaluated. The results demonstrated that capsule of GFW was superior to the other two dosage forms, honeyed pill and concentrated pill in administration. The points that should be paid more attention during the manufacturing process of GFW were also analyzed. The method can be the basis for the quality control of this commonly used herbal formula.

Keishibukuryogan ameliorates glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats

Keishibukuryogan, one of the traditional herbal formulations, is used clinically to improve blood circulation. In this study, we examined the effects of keishibukuryogan on glucose and lipids metabolism in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Forty-five-week-old male OLETF rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control rats given a standard chow; diabetic rats given keishibukuryogan (3%, w/w in chow); diabetic rats given pioglitazone (0.01%, w/w in chow). Oral administration of keishibukuryogan produced significant improvement against impaired glucose tolerance. On the other hand, fasting serum glucose and insulin levels, and the homeostasis index of insulin resistance did not change by keishibukuryogan treatment. Against lipid parameters, keishibukuryogan significantly lowered serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and the hepatic total cholesterol level. Keishibukuryogan treatment also significantly reduced the serum leptin level, but it had no effect on the serum adiponectin level. Additionally, keishibukuryogan showed significant effects on epididymal adipose tissue by decreasing the size of fat cells and on skeletal muscle by reducing TNF-alpha protein content. From these results, it was suggested that keishibukuryogan exerts beneficial effects on the features associated with type 2 diabetes.