Chinese medicinal herbs reverse macrophage suppression induced by urological tumors

Preliminary Efficacy and Safety of Reishi & Privet Formula on Quality of Life Among Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients often experience decreased quality of life during chemotherapy. This study aimed to determine the preliminary efficacy and safety of Reishi & Privet Formula (RPF) for maintaining quality of life among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in China. Adults with NSCLC scheduled to receive chemotherapy were randomly assigned (3:1 ratio) to receive oral RPF (3.36 g/day) or placebo daily for 6 weeks. The main outcome was the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L). We evaluated RPF's safety profile using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and assessed changes in outcome measures from baseline to weeks 3 and 6 using a linear mixed effects model.

RESULTS

We enrolled 82 participants across 8 cancer centers in China. The median age was 59 years, 56 (68%) had advanced cancer. Compared with the placebo group, the RPF group had nonstatistically significant higher quality of life as measured by the FACT-L total score (P = .086) over 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The RPF group was associated with a nonsignificant better general health (P = .050) and emotional well-being (P = .090) than the placebo group. Adverse events rates did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated preliminary safety and suggests a promising trend in RPF's effect on maintaining quality of life and emotional well-being among NSCLC patients undergoing chemotherapy. Future adequately powered randomized-controlled trials are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of RPF in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Dynamic Changes of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Ligustrum lucidum During Fruit Growth

There are a number of secondary metabolites having medicinal values in Ligustri Lucidi Fructus. In this study, the target analytes salidroside, ligustroflavone, specnuezhenide, oleuropein, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were chosen, aiming to establish a method to investigate the content of six compounds during eight growth stages of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus. Even though the results indicated that the contents of six compounds in different growth periods reached their maximum value, they displayed a downward trend. The antioxidant activity of the analyzed samples also decreased along with the growth period. The relationship between the content of six secondary metabolites and the activity has been elucidated. Hence, this research provides a theoretical basis for guiding efficient use of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus.

A systematic review of anticancer effects of radix astragali

OBJECTIVE

To review the anticancer effects of Radix astragali (RA), one of the most commonly used herbs to manage cancer in East Asia, and its constituents and to provide evidence of clinical usage through previously performed clinical studies.

METHODS

Preclinical and clinical studies related to the anticancer effects of RA were searched from inception to November 2013 in electronic databases. Two reviewers independently investigated 92 eligible studies, extracted all the data of studies and appraised methodological quality of clinical trials. The studies were categorized into in vitro and in vivo experimental studies and clinical studies, and analyzed by saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids of RA constituents, RA fraction, and whole extract.

RESULTS

In preclinical studies, RA was reported to have tumor growth inhibitory effects, immunomodulatory effects, and attenuating adverse effects by cytotoxic agents as well as chemopreventive effects. Saponins seemed to be the main constituents, which directly contributed to suppression of tumor growth through the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway, modulation of intracellular signaling pathway, and inhibition of invasion and angiogenesis. Flavonoids suppressed tumor growth through the similar mechanisms with saponins. Polysaccharides showed immunomodulatory effects, contributing tumor shrinkages in animal models, despite the low cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Most of the clinical studies were performed with low evidence level of study designs because of various limitations. RA whole extracts and polysaccharides of RA were reported to improve the quality of life and ameliorate myelosuppression and other adverse events induced by cytotoxic therapies.

CONCLUSION

The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids of RA, and the whole extract of RA have been widely reported with their anticancer effects in preclinical studies and showed a potential application as a adjunctive cancer therapeutics with the activities of immunomodulation, anti-proliferation and attenuation of adverse effects induced by cytotoxic therapy.

Astragalus polysaccharide inhibits isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy via suppressing Ca²⁺-mediated calcineurin/NFATc3 and CaMKII signaling cascades

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy induced by increased sympathetic drive can subsequently lead to congestive heart failure, which represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is an active compound extracted from Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a frequently used "Qi-invigorating" herbal medicine in traditional medicine broadly used for the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases. Currently, little is known about the effect of APS on cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate its effect on cardiac hypertrophy and to clarify its possible mechanisms. In vitro cardiac hypertrophic model induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was employed to explore the anti-hypertrophic action of APS. We found that 10 μM ISO treatment for 48 h caused cultured cardiomyocytes to undergo significant increases in cell surface area, total protein content, protein synthesis as well as the expression of hypertrophic markers, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which were effectively inhibited by APS in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, we found that APS pretreatment alleviated the augment of intracellular free calcium during cardiac hypertrophy induced by ISO. Our further study revealed that the upregulated expression of calcineurin, translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 3 (NFATc3) into nucleus and activation of calmodulin kinase II (reflected by p-CaMKII) were dose dependently suppressed by the application of APS. According to this research, APS exerted its anti-hypertrophic action via inhibiting Ca(2+)-mediated calcineurin/NFATc3 and CaMKII signaling cascades, which provided new insights into the application of APS to the therapy of heart diseases.

Astragalus saponins affect proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of gastric cancer BGC-823 cells

Background

Astragalus memebranaceus is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used in treatment of common cold, diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia and cardiac diseases. Recently, there are growing evidences that Astragalus extract may be a potential anti-tumorigenic agent. Some research showed that the total saponins obtained from Astragalus membranaceus possess significant antitumorigenic activity. Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in the world, almost two-thirds of gastric cancer cases and deaths occur in less developed regions. But the effect of Astragalus membranaceus on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of gastric cancer BGC-823 cells remains unclear.

Methods

Astragalus saponins were extracted. Cells proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by the flow cytometry. Boyden chamber was used to evaluate the invasion and metastasis capabilities of BGC-823 cells. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice.

Results

The results demonstrated that total Astragalus saponins could inhibit human gastric cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, in additional, Astragalus saponins deceased the invasion ability and induced the apoptosis of gastric cancer BGC-823 cells.

Conclusions

Total Astragalus saponins inhibited human gastric cancer cell growth, decreased the invasion ability and induced the apoptosis. This suggested the possibility of further developing Astragalus as an alternative treatment option, or perhaps using it as adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent in gastric cancer therapy.

Dietary supplementation with two Lamiaceae herbs-(oregano and sage) modulates innate immunity parameters in Lumbricus terrestris

INTRODUCTION

Lamiaceae herbs have are well known for their immunomodulatory effects, however, the mechanism by which they effect innate immune system is not clearly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of dietary supplementation with two Lamiaceae herbs (oregano and sage) modulation of on innate immunological parameters was investigated in Lumbricus terrestris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were fed (ad libitum) on herbs supplemented diet [(0.1% (w/v) and 0.5% (w/v)] for 6 days. Changes in immune competent cell counts, viability, and relative neutrophil-like cell counts were determined in response to herb treatment. Changes in nitric oxide, phagocytic activity, and respiratory burst index were also determined in response to herb treatment relative to control. Additionally, effect of herb co-treatment cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg-BW) induced immunosuppression was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results suggested abrogation of CP-induced immunosuppression in response to co-treatment with herbs. Significant increase in nitric oxide-mediated immune-competent cell counts, viability, and differentiation into neutrophil-like cells were observed in response to dietary supplementation with Lamiaceae herbs. Significantly higher phagocytic activity relative to control was also noted in response to dietary intake of oregano and sage. However, the respiratory burst index did not increase exponentially in response to herb treatments, suggesting a potential enhancement in pathogen recognition and antioxidant defenses.

CONCLUSION

Lamiaceae herbs may have potential immune-modulatory properties important for human health and merits further investigation.

Astragalus polysaccharides can regulate cytokine and P-glycoprotein expression in H22 tumor-bearing mice

AIM: To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.

METHODS: To establish a solid tumor model, 5.0 × 10⁶/mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit region of Kunming mice (6-12 wk old, 18-22 g). When the tumors reached a size of 100 mm³, the animals were treated as indicated, and the mice were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 10 each). After ten days of treatment, blood samples were collected from mouse eyes, and serum was harvested by centrifugation. Mice were sacrificed, and the whole body, tumor, spleen and thymus were weighed immediately. The rate of tumor inhibition and organ indexes were calculated. The expression levels of serum cytokines, P-glycoprotein (P-GP) and multidrug resistance (MDR) 1 mRNA in tumor tissues were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and quantitative myeloid-derived suppressor cells reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS: The tumor inhibition rates in the treatment groups of Adriamycin (ADM) + Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) (50 mg/kg), ADM + APS (100 mg/kg), and ADM + APS (200 mg/kg) were significantly higher than in the ADM group (72.88% vs 60.36%, P = 0.013; 73.40% vs 60.36%, P = 0.010; 77.57% vs 60.36%, P = 0.001). The spleen indexes of the above groups were also significantly higher than in the ADM group (0.65 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.17, P = 0.023; 0.62 ± 0.34 vs 0.39 ± 0.17, P = 0.022; 0.67 ± 0.20 vs 0.39 ± 0.17, P = 0.012), and the thymus indexes of the ADM + APS (100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS (200 mg/kg) groups were significantly higher than in the ADM group (0.20 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.04, P = 0.029; 0.47 ± 0.12 vs 0.13 ± 0.04, P = 0.000). APS was found to exert a synergistic anti-tumor effect with ADM and to alleviate the decrease in the sizes of the spleen and thymus induced by AMD. The expression of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was significantly higher in the ADM + APS (50 mg/kg), ADM + APS (100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS (200 mg/kg) groups than in the ADM group; and IL-10 was significantly lower in the above groups than in the ADM group. APS could increase IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α expression and decrease IL-10 levels. Compared with the ADM group, APS treatment at a dose of 50-200 mg/kg could down-regulate MDR1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner (0.48 ± 0.13 vs 4.26 ± 1.51, P = 0.000; 0.36 ± 0.03 vs 4.26 ± 1.51, P = 0.000; 0.21 ± 0.04 vs 4.26 ± 1.51, P = 0.000). The expression level of P-GP was significantly lower in the ADM + APS (200 mg/kg) group than in the ADM group (137.35 ± 9.20 mg/kg vs 282.19 ± 20.54 mg/kg, P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION: APS exerts a synergistic anti-tumor effect with ADM in H22 tumor-bearing mice. This may be related to its ability to enhance the expression of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α, decrease IL-10, and down-regulate MDR1 mRNA and P-GP expression levels.

Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on P-glycoprotein efflux pump function and protein expression in H22 hepatoma cells in vitro

Background

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus. They have been widely studied, especially with respect to their immunopotentiating properties, their ability to counteract the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, and their anticancer properties. However, the mechanism by which APS inhibit cancer and the issue of whether that mechanism involves the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) is not completely clear. The present paper describes an investigation of the effects of APS on P-glycoprotein function and expression in H22 hepatoma cell lines resistant to Adriamycin (H22/ADM).

Methods

H22/ADM cell lines were treated with different concentrations of APS and/or the most common chemotherapy drugs, such as Cyclophosphamid, Adriamycin, 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Vincristine. Chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, P-glycoprotein function and expression, and MDR1 mRNA expression were detected using MTT assay, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

When used alone, APS had no anti-tumor activity in H22/ADM cells in vitro. However, it can increase the cytotoxicity of certain chemotherapy drugs, such as Cyclophosphamid, Adriamycin, 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Vincristine, in H22/ADM cells. It acts in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to a blank control group, APS increased intracellular Rhodamine-123 retention and decreased P-glycoprotein efflux function in a dose-dependent manner. These factors were assessed 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after administration. APS down regulated P-glycoprotein and MDR1 mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner within a final range of 0.8–500 mg/L and in a time-dependent manner from 24–72 h.

Conclusion

APS can enhance the chemosensitivity of H22/ADM cells. This may involve the downregulation of MDR1 mRNA expression, inhibition of P-GP efflux pump function, or both, which would decrease the expression of the MDR1 protein.

Developing Phytocompounds from Medicinal Plants as Immunomodulators

Imbalance or malfunction of the immune systems is associated with a range of chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancers and others. Various innate and adaptive immune cells that are integrated in this complex networking system may represent promising targets for developing immunotherapeutics for treating specific immune diseases. A spectrum of phytochemicals have been isolated, characterized and modified for development and use as prevention or treatment of human diseases. Many cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics have been developed from phytocompounds, but the application of traditional or new medicinal plants for use as immunomodulators in treating immune diseases is still relatively limited. In this review, a selected group of medicinal herbs, their derived crude or fractionated phytoextracts and the specific phytochemicals/phytocompounds isolated from them, as well as categorized phytocompound groups with specific chemical structures are discussed in terms of their immunomodulatory bioactivities. We also assess their potential for future development as immunomodulatory or inflammation-regulatory therapeutics or agents. New experimental approaches for evaluating the immunomodulatory activities of candidate phytomedicines are also discussed.

Astragalus extract inhibits destruction of gastric cancer cells to mesothelial cells by anti-apoptosis

AIM: To determine the inhibitory effect of Astragalus memebranaceushas on gastric cancer cell supernatant-induced apoptosis of human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

METHODS: Human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) line HMrSV5 was co-incubated with gastric cancer cell supernatant (MKN45) and/or Astragalus memebranaceushas. Morphological changes in gastric cancer cells were observed under phase-contrast microscope. Quantitative cell damage was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined under transmission electron microscope and quantified by detecting acridine orange/ethidium bromide-stained (AO/EB) condensed nuclei under fluorescent microscope or by flow cytometry. Expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated with immunostaining.

RESULTS: Morphological changes and exfoliation occurred and naked areas appeared in cultured HMrSV5 cells 24 h after they were treated with gastric cancer cell supernatant. Cell supernatant from MKN45 gastric cancer cells induced apoptosis of HMrSV5 cells in a time-dependent manner. Obvious morphological changes were observed in cell apoptosis, such as condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentations and apoptotic bodies. Astragalus memebranaceus could partly suppress these changes and regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in HMrSV5 cells.

CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer cells induce apoptosis of HPMCs through the supernatant. Astragalus memebranaceushas inhibits this phenomenon and can be used an adjuvant chemothera-peutic agent in gastric cancer therapy.

Influence of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. on phagocytic cells in Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters

A purified saponin mixture (PSM) from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. protected significantly hamsters against the experimental Graffi myeloid tumor. The application of PSM increased the survival rates, prolonged mean survival time and the tumor growth was markedly reduced. A purified saponin mixture (PSM) of Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. was evaluated for its immunostimulating potentials on the phagocytic cells in Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters. The number, migration and phagocytic indexes of peritoneal macrophages (pMøs) and of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were evaluated in healthy and Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters (G-TBH) treated with PSM. It was established that the Graffi myeloid tumor induced suppression of the phagocytic abilities of pMøs and PMNs. The number and migration of pMøs was significantly decreased during the whole period of observation. All tested parameters-number, migration and phagocytic activities of pMøs, as well as phagocytic ability of PMNs increased significantly in healthy and G-TBH after i.p. application of the 50 mg/kg body weight PSM. The PMS extracts from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. are isolated and examined and their immunostimulating and immunorestorating impact on phagocitic cells was proven for the first time. This effect could be due to their high content of purified saponins.

The role of astragaloside in regeneration of the peripheral nerve system

The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral nerve regeneration across a 15-mm gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat, using a silicone rubber nerve guide filled with different concentrations of astragaloside (0, 50, 100, and 200 microM). Collagen was also filled in the chambers to prevent the astragaloside from leakage. At the end of 8 weeks, animals from the group treated with astragaloside, especially at the concentration of 50 microM, had a higher rate of successful regeneration across the wide gap, a significantly larger number of myelinated axons, and a greater evoked action potential than the control group. However, the high-dose astragaloside (200 microM) completely reversed this positive effect of growth-promoting capability and inhibited nerve regeneration. Thus, astragaloside plays a dual role in anastomosis, being salutary in aiding the growth of axons in peripheral nerve but also detrimental, terminating the nerve regenerative processes if improperly applied.

Pycnogenol inhibits macrophage oxidative burst, lipoprotein oxidation, and hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage

Pycnogenol (procyanidins extracted from Pinus maritima) has been reputed as a potent free-radical scavenger and an antioxidant phytochemical. We previously reported that pycnogenol prevents vascular endothelial cells from injury induced by an organic oxidant t-butyl hydroperoxide. In this study, we determined the effects of pycnogenol on (a) oxidative burst of macrophages, (b) oxidation of plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL), and (c) hydroxyl radical-induced breakage of plasmid DNA. Pycnogenol was incubated with J774 murine macrophages at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2 and oxidative burst was triggered by zymosan. The intensity of fluorescence was measured. Pycnogenol exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of oxidative burst. CuSO4 was used to oxidize human plasma LDL and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was determined. Co-incubation with pycnogenol resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of LDL oxidation. Exposure of pBR322 plasmid DNA to iron/ascorbic acid system resulted in cleavage/damage of DNA by hydroxyl radical, measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. Pycnogenol significantly minimized this cleavage. The results indicate that pycnogenol exhibits an extensive antioxidant effect in all three in vitro systems.

Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review

Traditional herbal medicine provides several remedies for strengthening the body's resistance to illness through effects on immune system components. This review article examines 3 popular herbal immune stimulants that are often of interest to cancer patients. Echinacea, a native of North America, is widely used to prevent, or provide early treatment for, colds. Preclinical studies lend biological plausibility to the idea that echinacea works through immune mechanisms. Numerous clinical trials have been carried out on echinacea preparations: it appears that the extracts shorten the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections (URIs) when given as soon as symptoms become evident. However, trials of long-term use of echinacea as a preventive have not shown positive results. Ginseng has been studied in some depth as an antifatigue agent, but studies of immune mechanisms have not proceeded so far. Preclinical evidence shows some immune-stimulating activity. There have been several clinical trials in a variety of different diseases. Astragalus is the least-studied agent. There are some preclinical trials that show intriguing immune activity. The herbs discussed appear to have satisfactory safety profiles. Cancer patients may wish to use these botanicals to inhibit tumor growth or to boost resistance to infections. However, passive immunotherapy with herbs, with no mechanism to expose tumor antigens, is unlikely to be effective in inhibiting tumor growth. Although the margin of safety for these herbs is large, more research is needed to demonstrate the clear value of using herbs to improve resistance to infections.

Effects of astragali radix on the growth of different cancer cell lines

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of a Chinese herb medicine Astragali radix (AR) on growth of different cancer cell lines.

METHODS: To observe the in vitro effects of AR on tumor cell proliferation by trypan blue exclusion, MTS method and tritium thymidine incorporation assay. Apoptosis was detected by DNA ladder method.

RESULTS: The inhibition rates of AR on the cell respiration of AGS, KATOIII, HT29, MDA231, MEL7 and MEL14 were 68.25%, 62.36%, 22.8%, 27.69%, 2.85% and 5.14% respectively at the concentration of 100 ug/mL; it inhibited AGS DNA synthesis by 87.33% at the concentration of 50 ug/mL. The inhibitory effect on AGS was time-and dose-dependent. AR did not induce apoptosis in AGS cells.

CONCLUSION: AR specifically inhibits gastric cancer cells growth in vitro and the mechanism is mainly cytostatic but not cytotoxic or inducing apoptosis.

Effects of a Combination of Traditional Chinese Botanicals (Immune+) on the Secretion of Interleukin-1beta and Interferon-gamma by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

The use of herbal and other botanical products, including those used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, has increased dramatically in the last decade. Yet, little scientific research exists concerning their efficacy and safety. We examined the effects of Immune+, a combination of five botanicals frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, on the production of two cytokines. For this purpose, unstimulated or phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers were incubated with different concentrations of Immune+. The secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was measured after 72 hours of incubation. At the highest concentration tested (100 micro g/ml), Immune+ significantly increased the secretion of IL-1beta. Importantly, PHA alone had no effect on IL-1beta production, and the combination of PHA with Immune+ resulted in the same increase in IL-1beta production as seen with the botanical extract alone. Immune+ did not have any detectable effect on either unstimulated or PHA-stimulated IFN-gamma synthesis. These in vitro data support the concept that Immune+ may enhance human immune responses.

Immunomodulatory effects of aqueous-extracted Astragali radix in methotrexate-treated mouse spleen cells

The present study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of aqueous-extracted Astragali radix (ARE) in methotrexate (MTX)-treated mouse spleen cells. In spleen cell proliferation assay, ARE enhanced mitogenic activity in the dose-response manner. We also investigated the effect of ARE on the reducing of immune suppression caused by MTX in mouse spleen cells. MTX decreased the spleen cell proliferation (IC(50):800 microg/ml). However, ARE significantly reduced the suppression of cell proliferation by MTX in mouse spleen cells. Immunomodulatory effect of ARE were further investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In RT-PCR, we examined the expressions of various cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-12p40, GM-CSF and TNF. Enhancement of IL-1alpha and IL-12p40 mRNA expressions were shown in mouse spleen cells by ARE. In spite of MTX treatment, the expressions of IL-1alpha and IL-12p40 mRNA sustained in spleen cells. These data indicate that (1) ARE has a protective effect of immune suppression, and (2) the immunomodulatory effects of ARE may be, in part, associated with the expressions of IL-1alpha and IL-12p40 mRNA as well as the mitogenic effect on spleen cells.

Cytotoxic effects of plant extracts from the families Fabaceae, Oleaceae, Philadelphaceae, Rosaceae and Staphyleaceae

A human transformed line of HeLa cells was treated with extracts prepared from Gymnocladus dioicus, Holodiscus discolor, Stephanandra tanakae, Ligustrum delavayanum, Ligustrum vulgare and Staphylea pinnata. The study evaluating the influence of the active extracts on HeLa cell division also reveals their acute, delayed and combined effect. A 35% degradation of HeLa cells was found after 72 h treatment with 62.5 microg/mL of the extract isolated from Stephanandra tanakae. A 100% lysis of HeLa cells was observed after 72 h treatment with a 125 microg/mL concentration of the extract prepared from Gymnocladus dioicus. The extracts from Ligustrum devayanum and Ligustrum vulgare were specifically effective only with HeLa cells. On the other hand, the extract prepared from Gymnocladus dioicus was effective on the bacteria and on the HeLa cells.

Effects of astragali radix extract on carcinogenesis, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity in mice treated with a carcinogen, N-butyl-N'-butanolnitrosoamine

We studied the effects of astragali radix extract, a Chinese herb and one of eight components in Shikaron, on carcinogenesis, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and the cytokine production of lymphocytes in mice treated with a carcinogen, N-butyl-N'-butanolnitrosoamine (BBN). We found a significantly lower incidence of urinary bladder carcinoma in mice treated with BBN plus 10 mg/kg/day or more of Astragalus extract (7, 2, and 3 mice among 15 mice in 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day group, respectively, vs. 14 of 15 mice treated with BBN alone). Astragalus extract prevented the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against YAC-1 cells from the depression by BBN. It also protected the production of interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon of lymphocytes from the depression by BBN. These results, including our previous findings, suggest that the Astragalus extract exerts an anticarcinogenic effect in carcinogen-treated mice through activation of cytotoxic activity and the production of cytokines.

Changes in immunomodulatory activity of human mononuclear cells after cultivation with leaf decoctions from the genus Ligustrum L

Leaf decoctions from Ligustrum vulgare (LV) and Ligustrum delavayanum (LD) were studied for candidacidal activity, phagocytic activity studied on human mononuclear cells (MO) and complement activated by the classical pathway. Candidacidal activity was studied on Candida albicans SC 1539 incubated with MO. The decoction of LD increased the candidacidal activity of MO, whereas LV did not show any effect. The phagocytic activity of MO was decreased by the decoction of LV, whereas LD did not change the activity. The phagocytic index of MO incubated with LD decoction was increased, but use of the LV decoction did not show significant changes. Decoctions from LD and LV significantly decreased the haemolytic activity of complement activated by the classical pathway (conc. 0.78 mg/mL).

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Chinese herb therapy for HIV-1-infected individuals

CONTEXT

Alternative medicine or complementary remedies that have not been scientifically tested are nonetheless widely used to treat chronic illnesses, particularly if curative options are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of Chinese medicinal herbs in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of HIV-infected persons.

DESIGN

Prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind study.

SETTING

University-based HIV outpatient clinic.

PATIENTS

68 HIV-infected adults with CD4 cell counts <0.5 x 10(9)/L.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized to receive four daily doses of seven pills containing a standardized preparation of 35 Chinese herbs or placebo for 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Symptoms, HIV disease progression, HIV-1 RNA plasma viral loads, CD4 and CD8 cell counts, and scores on standard questionnaires for quality of life, depression, anxiety, and coping.

RESULTS

Intervention and placebo groups were equivalent at baseline regarding, respectively, previous antiretroviral therapy (74% versus 79%), median CD4 cell counts (0.20 x 10(9)/L versus 0.25 x 10(9)/L), and median HIV-1 plasma viral loads (35,612 copies/ml versus 52,027 copies/ml). At enrollment, none of the study subjects was seriously ill or depressed, and average coping and quality of life scores were in the normal range. In all, 53 (78%) participants completed the study. Patients taking Chinese herbs reported significantly more gastrointestinal disturbances (79% versus 38%; p = .003) than those receiving placebo. No therapy-related toxicities were observed. At completion of the study, no significant differences between the intervention and placebo groups were found regarding plasma viral loads, CD4 cell counts, symptoms, and psychometric parameters. HIV-1 RNA level was unchanged at study end. Among participants who were not on concomitant antiretroviral therapy, median CD4 cell counts declined by 0.05 x 10(9)/L in both the intervention and placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This standardized formulation of Chinese herbs for HIV-infected individuals did not improve quality of life, clinical manifestations, plasma virus loads, or CD4 cell counts. The data suggest that this formulation of Chinese herbs is not effective when administered in a Western medicine setting.

An automated micro-fluorometric assay for monitoring oxidative burst activity of phagocytes

A micro-fluorometric assay using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) to monitor oxidative burst (OB) in phagocytes has been developed. This assay is based on the oxidation of nonfluorescent DCFH-DA to highly fluorescent 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) both intracellularly and extracellularly. A murine macrophage cell line, J774, and a human monocytic cell line, Mono Mac 6, were used as models. The cells were harvested from tissue culture flasks, washed, counted and adjusted to desired concentrations. They were then dispensed into a 96-well flat-bottom tissue culture plate. After adding DCFH-DA and an agent eliciting OB, the plates were incubated in 5% CO2 at 37 degrees C for various periods. The intensity of fluorescence was measured directly in the wells of the tissue culture plate with the cells in situ using a computerized microplate fluorometer at 485 nm excitation and 530 nm emission. This assay provided a rapid measurement of oxidative burst of phagocytes. The automated micro-fluorometric assay may be suitable for screening the immunomodulating activities of various biological and pharmacological substances.