Effects of bergenin, the major constituent of Mallotus japonicus against D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Bergenin - a biologically active scaffold: Nanotechnological perspectives

Bergenin, 4-O-methyl gallic acid glucoside, is a bioactive compound present in various plants belonging to different families. The present work compiles scattered information on pharmacology, structure activity relationship and nanotechnological aspects of bergenin, collected from various electronic databases such as Sci Finder, PubMed, Google scholar, etc. Bergenin has been reported to exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Molecular docking studies have shown that isocoumarin pharmacophore of bergenin is essential for its bioactivities. Bergenin holds a great potential to be used as lead molecule and also as a therapeutic agent for development of more efficacious and safer semisynthetic derivatives. Nanotechnological concepts can be employed to overcome poor bioavailability of bergenin. Finally, it is concluded that bergenin can be emerged as clinically potential medicine in modern therapeutics.

Gene-Metabolite Network Analysis Revealed Tissue-Specific Accumulation of Therapeutic Metabolites in Mallotus japonicus

Mallotus japonicus is a valuable traditional medicinal plant in East Asia for applications as a gastrointestinal drug. However, the molecular components involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites have not yet been explored, primarily due to a lack of omics resources. In this study, we established metabolome and transcriptome resources for M. japonicus to capture the diverse metabolite constituents and active transcripts involved in its biosynthesis and regulation. A combination of untargeted metabolite profiling with data-dependent metabolite fragmentation and metabolite annotation through manual curation and feature-based molecular networking established an overall metabospace of M. japonicus represented by 2129 metabolite features. M. japonicus de novo transcriptome assembly showed 96.9% transcriptome completeness, representing 226,250 active transcripts across seven tissues. We identified specialized metabolites biosynthesis in a tissue-specific manner, with a strong correlation between transcripts expression and metabolite accumulations in M. japonicus. The correlation- and network-based integration of metabolome and transcriptome datasets identified candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of key specialized metabolites of M. japonicus. We further used phylogenetic analysis to identify 13 C-glycosyltransferases and 11 methyltransferases coding candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of medicinally important bergenin. This study provides comprehensive, high-quality multi-omics resources to further investigate biological properties of specialized metabolites biosynthesis in M. japonicus.

Bergenin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease characterized by epithelial cell damage, fibroblast activation, and collagen deposition. IPF has high mortality and limited therapies, which urgently needs to develop safe and effective therapeutic drugs. Bergenin, a compound derived from a variety of medicinal plants, has demonstrated multiple pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, also acts as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat chronic bronchitis, but its effect on the pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that bergenin could attenuate bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In vitro studies indicated that bergenin inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibroblast activation and the extracellular matrix accumulation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Further studies showed that bergenin could induce the autophagy formation of myofibroblasts by suppressing the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and that bergenin could promote the myofibroblast apoptosis. In vivo experiments revealed that bergenin substantially inhibited the myofibroblast activation and the collagen deposition and promoted the autophagy formation. Overall, our results showed that bergenin attenuated the BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by suppressing the myofibroblast activation and promoting the autophagy and the apoptosis of myofibroblasts.

Protective effects of Erythronium japonicum and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki extracts against 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Erythronium japonicum (E. japonicum) and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (C. coreana Uyeki, Korean winter hazel) have been shown to significantly decrease 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP)-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and CYP2E1 activity in HuH7, human hepatocytes. In this study, we expanded upon the previous study and investigated the effects of E. japonicum and C. coreana Uyeki extracts on 1,3-DCP-induced liver damage in rats. The pre-treatment of rats with these extracts alleviated a decrease in body weight and reduced 1,3-DCP-induced increase in catalytic activities of hepatic enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, in the serum. Moreover, treatment with the extracts restored the 1,3-DCP-induced decreases in anti-oxidant enzyme activities, such as the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, in the rat liver. Histopathological studies also strongly supported the results of enzyme activities. These results suggest a possibility that the extracts of E. japonicum and C. coreana Uyeki can be a remedy for alleviating 1,3-DCP-induced liver damage in animals.

Bergenin Exerts Hepatoprotective Effects by Inhibiting the Release of Inflammatory Factors, Apoptosis and Autophagy via the PPAR-γ Pathway

Objective

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) limits the development of liver transplantation technology. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of Bergenin on hepatic IR, particularly the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) pathway.

Methods

Initial experiments were performed to confirm the non-toxicity of Bergenin. Mice were randomly divided into sham, IR, and IR + Bergenin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) groups, and serum and tissue samples were obtained at 2, 8 and 24 h for detection of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), ROS, cell death markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Beclin-1 and LC3) and related important pathways (PPAR-γ, P38 MAPK, NF-κB p65 and JAK2/STAT1).

Results

Bergenin reduced the release of ROS, down-regulated inflammatory factors, and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, expression of PPAR-γ-related genes was increased and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, NF-κB p65 and JAK2/STAT1-related proteins was decreased in Bergenin pre-treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Bergenin exerts hepatic protection by eliminating ROS, affecting the release of inflammatory factors, and influencing apoptosis- and autophagy-related genes via the PPAR-γ pathway in this model of hepatic IR injury.

The Promising Role of Plant Tannins as Bioactive Antidiabetic Agents

BACKGROUND

Plant tannins are polyphenolic substances with various molecular weights and a variable complexity. Due to the beneficial effects for controlling chronic disorders particularly diabetes mellitus, this class of secondary metabolites has gained more interest in the recent years.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed through this review to collect, analyze and discuss all available information related to the antidiabetic effect of isolated tannins (including both condensed and hydrolysable varieties) and tannin-rich plants as well as the possible mechanisms of action involved in this antidiabetic activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our bibliographic research was conducted to gather more than 41 medicinal plants containing tannins and 19 isolated tannins and tannin-rich crud extracts which were revealed to possess glucose lowering effect according to pharmacological studies.

CONCLUSION

Hence, according to findings of the present review, tannins could be useful for prevention and management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications and these natural products could be promising compounds for the discovery of new hypoglycemic agents.

Isolation, characterization, and therapeutic activity of bergenin from marlberry (Ardisia colorata Roxb.) leaf on diabetic testicular complications in Wistar albino rats

Bergenin is one of the phytochemical constituents in marlberry (Ardisia colorata Roxb.) having antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A. colorata has been used as an herbal medicine in Southeast Asia particularly in Northeast India to treat diabetes. Bergenin was isolated from methanol extract of A. colorata leaf (MEACL) by column chromatography and TLC profiling. Characterization and structural validation of bergenin were performed by spectroscopic analyses. A LC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitation of bergenin and validated as per the guidelines of FDA and EMA. The validated method was successfully utilized to quantify bergenin concentration in MEACL samples. Therapeutic efficacy of bergenin was investigated on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by following standard protocols. Bergenin supplementation significantly improved the physiological and metabolic processes and in turn reverses diabetic testicular dysfunction via increasing serum testosterone concentrations and expression pattern of PCNA, improving histopathological and histomorphometric manifestations, modulating spermatogenic events and germ cell proliferation, restoring sperm quality, reducing sperm DNA damage, and balancing the antioxidant enzymes levels. Hence, A. colorata leaf is one of the alternate rich resources of bergenin and could be used as a therapeutic agent for diabetic testicular complications.

Extracts from Erythronium japonicum and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki reduce 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-mediated oxidative stress in human hepatic cells

In this study, it was demonstrated that 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) induced oxidative stress and cell death in HuH7, human hepatocytes. The protective effects of Erythronium japonicum (E. japonicum) and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (C. coreana Uyeki) extracts against 1,3-DCP-treated cells were also investigated. First, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were diminished by the treatment of 1,3-DCP. Moreover, 1,3-DCP stimulated the expression and catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species in the liver. In contrast, co-treatment of 1,3-DCP with the extracts significantly decreased ROS generation and inhibited CYP2E1 activity without affecting its expression. The co-administration of extracts also restored the activities of SOD and CAT reduced by 1,3-DCP and protected against 1,3-DCP-mediated cell death. In conclusion, these results suggest that 1,3-DCP induces oxidative stress through the elevated CYP2E1 level, which is inhibited by the extracts, protecting cells against the effects of 1,3-DCP.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of bergenin, a main active constituent of Saxifraga stolonifera Curt., in normal and hepatic injury rats after oral administration

Bergenin, isolated from the herb of Saxifrage stolonifera Curt. (Hu-Er-Cao) has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and neuroprotective activities. The aim of the present study was to establish a simple, rapid, and sensitive RP-HPLC method for determination of bergenin in rat plasma and compare its oral pharmacokinetic behaviors in normal and CCl₄-induced hepatic injury rats. With norisoboldine as an internal standard, chromatographic separation was performed on a C₁₈ analytical column with acetonitrile and water (11 : 89, V/V) containing 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase. A good linearity was obtained over the range of 100-10 000 ng·mL^-1. The lower limit of quantification was 50 ng·mL^-1. The developed method was successfully applied to a study of the pharmacokinetic difference of bergenin (100 mg·kg^-1) between normal and hepatic injury rats after oral administration. Marked alterations of pharmacokinetic parameters in hepatic injury rats were observed. Compared to normal rats, the AUC_(0-∞) of bergenin in hepatic injury rats was elevated to 2.11-fold and C_max was increased by 130%, whereas CL value was only 55% of the normal rats, suggesting that the systemic exposure of bergenin was significantly increased under hepatic injury status.

Antioxidant and Antiplasmodial Activities of Bergenin and 11-O-Galloylbergenin Isolated from Mallotus philippensis

Two important biologically active compounds were isolated from Mallotus philippensis. The isolated compounds were characterized using spectroanalytical techniques and found to be bergenin (1) and 11-O-galloylbergenin (2). The in vitro antioxidant and antiplasmodial activities of the isolated compounds were determined. For the antioxidant potential, three standard analytical protocols, namely, DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA), reducing power assay (RPA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay, were adopted. The results showed that compound 2 was found to be more potent antioxidant as compared to 1. Fascinatingly, compound 2 displayed better EC50 results as compared to α-tocopherol while being comparable with ascorbic acid. The antiplasmodial assay data showed that both the compound exhibited good activity against chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (D10) and IC50 values were found to be less than 8 μM. The in silico molecular docking analyses were also performed for the determination of binding affinity of the isolated compounds using P. falciparum proteins PfLDH and Pfg27. The results showed that compound 2 has high docking score and binding affinity to both protein receptors as compared to compound 1. The demonstrated biological potentials declared that compound 2 could be the better natural antioxidant and antiplasmodial candidate.

Bergenin decreases the morphine-induced physical dependence via antioxidative activity in mice

Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of physical dependence induced by morphine. Bergenin, a polyphenol found in many Asian, African, and South American medicinal plants, is a potent antinarcotic agent with wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including antioxidant action. In the present study, we observed that bergenin decreased the development of physical dependence induced by morphine in mice and the antioxidant activity of bergenin plays a role in the antinarcotic effects through adapting to morphine-induced oxidative stress in the brain. The naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptom (jumping frequency) was significantly ameliorated (50% of control group) by administration of bergenin (20 mg/kg) in morphine-treated mice. Furthermore, morphine-induced down-regulation of glutathione (GSH) contents was reversed by bergenin administration in the frontal cortex and liver. Bergenin had no effects on the increased levels of nfr2-dependent antioxidant enzyme HO1 and NQO1 in the frontal cortex, striatum, and liver of morphine-treated mice. However, the morphine-induced increase in nrf2 nuclear translocation in the frontal cortex and striatum was inhibited by bergenin treatment. These results suggest that bergenin has a potential antinarcotic effect via regulation of GSH contents and oxidative stress.

Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch--pharmacology and phytochemistry

PURPOSE

Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch, a species in the Bergenia genus belongs to the family Saxifragaceae, is valuated for its medicinal application. The review focuses on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and the biological activities of B. crassifolia to explore its benefits and potential uses.

METHODS

In this review, we summarized data, published in Russia and in other countries related to B. crassifolia.

RESULTS

Rhizomes and leaves of this plant are in use as traditional remedies for the treatment of different disorders in the folk medicine systems of Russia and Asia. The plant is a potential source of tannins, benzanoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides and other active compounds. Due to the presence of a multitude of bioactives, a wide array of pharmacological activities have been ascribed to different parts of this herb and individual compounds, which include adaptogenic, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiobesity, antitussive, cerebro-protective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulating, and diuretic.

CONCLUSION

The review highlights the potential of B. crassifolia for further development of herbal medicines on its base.

Cancer chemopreventive effect of bergenin from Peltophorum pterocarpum wood

The aqueous extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum (Fabaceae) wood exhibited potent inhibitory effects against EpsteinBarr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in Raji cells and against melanogenesis in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16 melanoma cells, as well as potent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity. Two phenolic acid derivatives, bergenin (1) and gallic acid (2), were isolated from the ethyl acetate (AcOEt)-soluble fraction obtained from the extract. Compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory effect against EBV-EA activation and against skin tumor promotion in an in vivo two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis test based on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) as initiator, and with TPA as promoter. Both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited melanogenesis-inhibitory activities in α-MSH-stimulated B16 melanoma cells, and, in addition, compound 2 showed strong DPPH radical-scavenging activity.

ent-Labdane diterpenes from the stems of Mallotus japonicus

Eight new ent-labdane diterpenoids, mallonicusins A-H (1-8), were isolated from the stems of Mallotus japonicus. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were determined by extensive analyses of spectroscopic data and the ECD spectra of the Pr(FOD)₃ complex of substrates in CCl₄. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography using Cu Kα radiation.

Investigation of the mechanisms of improved oral bioavailability of bergenin using bergenin-phospholipid complex

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the detailed mechanisms of oral absorption enhancement of bergenin (BN) using BN-phospholipid complex (BPC).

METHODS

Multiple models such as ex vivo everted rat gut sac model and in vitro Caco-2 cell model were used. Meanwhile, the effect of chitosan on the enhancement of the permeability of BPC was evaluated.

RESULTS

The limited absorption of BN was significantly improved in both ex vivo everted rat gut sac model and in vitro Caco-2 cell model when combined with phospholipid. The transport of BPC was uppermost 5.19-fold higher than that of BN. The results of ex vivo everted rat gut sac model showed that small intestine was a more suitable site for the absorption of BN and BPC than colon. Passive diffusion was the only way employed in the transport of BN, while BPC could transport across enterocytes by both passive diffusion and active transport which was found to be the clathrine-dependent receptor-mediated endocytosis. The absorption of BN was barely improved by the physical mixture of BN and phospholipid due to lack of stable intermolecular interactions. Moreover, the addition of chitosan could open the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells, thus significantly increasing the transport of BPC via paracellular route.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally different mechanisms, which led to the enhanced oral bioavailability, were utilized in the uptake and transport process of BPC compared with BN. These results would be of significance for the future development of oral delivery systems of BN.

Effect of Bergenia crassifolia L. extracts on weight gain and feeding behavior of rats with high-caloric diet-induced obesity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior and weight gain in rats with high-calorie diet-induced obesity that are treated with Bergenia crassifolia black and fermented leaves extracts. The daily dietary intake of all treated animals was reduced to 40% compared with the control group on day 22 of the experiment. A significant improvement in glucose tolerance was noted after 7 days of treatment with the Bergenia extracts. In rats treated with an extract of black leaves for 7 days, a significant reduction in the serum triglyceride level, 45% (p<0.05), compared with the control group was observed. However, the treatment did not affect the cholesterol level. Our results provide evidence for the potential use of B. crassifolia as an appetite and energy intake suppressant.

Antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase compounds from the rhizome of Peltiphyllum peltatum (Torr.) Engl

The antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase and anticholinesterase effects of the alcohol extract of fresh underground rhizomes of Peltiphyllum peltatum were studied. A potent antioxidant activity accompanied by a selective α-glucosidase effect was observed for the crude extract. Further activity-guided fractionation (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) resulted in the identification of the ethyl acetate fraction with the highest antioxidant effect. Gallic acid, methyl-3-O-methyl gallate, catechin, gallocatechin, bergenin and 11-O-galloylbergenin were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction. While all the isolated compounds did show a variable degree of radical scavenging effect, 11-O-galloylbergenin was identified as the selective α-glucosidase inhibitor. The isolation, structural elucidation and biological effects of these compounds are discussed.

Phytochemical, antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activity evaluations of Bergenia cordifolia

The antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase and anticholinesterase activity of the leaves and rhizomatous extract of Bergenia cordifolia were investigated. The rhizomes extract that showed a higher degree of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and anti-α-glucosidase activity than reference compounds (rutin and acarbose respectively) were subjected to phytochemical analysis. The study revealed that previously unknown minor constituents from the plant, (+)-catechin 3-O-gallate, (+)-catechin 3,5-di-O-gallate and 1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, were the radical scavenging and anti-α-glucosidase principles. These compounds as well as the crude extracts were weak acetylcholienesterase inhibitors, suggesting a higher degree of selectivity against α-glucosidase enzyme. In comparison with the minor constituents, the previously known major constituents of the plant, bergenin and arbutin, were poor radical scavengers and enzyme inhibitors.

Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of bergenin-phospholipid complex

AIM

To prepare a bergenin-phospholipid complex (BPC) to increase oral bioavailability of the drug.

METHODS

In order to obtain the acceptable BPC, a spherical symmetric design-response surface methodology was used for process optimization. The influence of reaction medium, temperature, drug concentration and drug-to-phospholipid ratio on the combination percentage and content of bergenin in BPC were evaluated. BPC was then characterized by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction. The physicochemical properties such as microscopic shape, particle size, zeta-potential, solubility, crystalline form, and hygroscopicity were tested. The pharmacokinetic characteristics and bioavailability of BPC were investigated after oral administration in rats in comparison to bergenin and the physical mixture (bergenin and phospholipids).

RESULTS

BPC was successfully prepared under the optimum conditions [temperature=60 degrees C, drug concentration=80 g/L and drug-to-phospholipids ratio=0.9 (w/w)]. The combination percentage was 100.00%+/-0.20%, and the content of bergenin in the complex was 45.98%+/-1.12%. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of BPC showed spherical particles. The average particle size was 169.2+/-20.11 nm and the zeta-potential was -21.6+/-2.4 mV. The solubility of BPC in water and in n-octanol was effectively enhanced. The C(max) and AUC(0-->infinity) of BPC were increased, and the relative bioavailability was significantly increased to 439% of bergenin.

CONCLUSION

The BPC is a valuable delivery system to enhance the oral absorption of bergenin.

Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of bergenin-phospholipid complex

AIM

To prepare a bergenin-phospholipid complex (BPC) to increase oral bioavailability of the drug.

METHODS

In order to obtain the acceptable BPC, a spherical symmetric design-response surface methodology was used for process optimization. The influence of reaction medium, temperature, drug concentration and drug-to-phospholipid ratio on the combination percentage and content of bergenin in BPC were evaluated. BPC was then characterized by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction. The physicochemical properties such as microscopic shape, particle size, zeta-potential, solubility, crystalline form, and hygroscopicity were tested. The pharmacokinetic characteristics and bioavailability of BPC were investigated after oral administration in rats in comparison to bergenin and the physical mixture (bergenin and phospholipids).

RESULTS

BPC was successfully prepared under the optimum conditions [temperature=60 degrees C, drug concentration=80 g/L and drug-to-phospholipids ratio=0.9 (w/w)]. The combination percentage was 100.00%+/-0.20%, and the content of bergenin in the complex was 45.98%+/-1.12%. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of BPC showed spherical particles. The average particle size was 169.2+/-20.11 nm and the zeta-potential was -21.6+/-2.4 mV. The solubility of BPC in water and in n-octanol was effectively enhanced. The C(max) and AUC(0-->infinity) of BPC were increased, and the relative bioavailability was significantly increased to 439% of bergenin.

CONCLUSION

The BPC is a valuable delivery system to enhance the oral absorption of bergenin.

Symptomatic comparison in efficacy on patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with two therapeutic approaches

Objectives

A randomised controlled trial was performed to compare the symptomatic effects on patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated by two therapeutic approaches – the Western medicine (WM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Methods

Four primary outcome measures, namely the quality of life (QOL), maximum urine flow ratio (UFR), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and prostate volumes, as well as four urethra-related and 35 non-urethra-related symptoms, were investigated to evaluate the effects on 31 BPH patients subjected to WM (Terazosin Hydrochloride Hytrin, THH) and 30 cases to TCM (herbal Saxifrage tablet, HST). The effects of both treatments are compared by the two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The contributions of symptoms for four assessments are analysed by the logistic regression model and the Chow test.

Results

The effect of TCM is weaker than that of WM in the assessment of the IPSS score (p < 0.05), and both treatments are similar in the prostate volumes, the maximum UFR and the QOL assessments (p > 0.05), as well as in the effective number of urethra-related or non-urethra-related symptoms before and after treatment (p > 0.05). By comparing the linear regression models, different urethra-related and non-urethra-related symptom patterns associated with TCM and WM therapies are detected for four assessments, especially for the prostate volume assessment (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

TCM (HST) is a potentially effective treatment in improving the QOL, prostate volumes and maximum UFR for patients with BPH, though it is less effective in ameliorating the IPSS score when compared with WM (THH). The non-urethra-related symptoms experienced by BPH patients might be one of the parameters to further achieve the tailored diagnosis and treatment for BPH.

Antioxidant activity of (+)-bergenin: a phytoconstituent isolated from the bark of Sacoglottis uchi Huber (Humireaceae)

(+)-Bergenin (1) was isolated from Sacoglottis uchi, a species of vegetable found in the Amazon region and popularly used for the treatment of several hepatic problems. The structure of 1 was fully characterized using IR, GC-MS and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses. This phytoconstituent has been used as an oriental folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases and shows antihepatotoxic properties. Tests with beta-carotene, DPPH and a heterogeneous Fenton system were carried out, confirming the antioxidant activity of 1. Theoretical calculations were performed to investigate the formation of the radical derivatives of 1 using *H, *OH, *CH(3), and *CCl(3) as initiator radicals. DFT thermodynamic calculations showed that the methoxyl group (O-6-CH(3)) is the most favorable site for radical attack. Frontier molecular orbital analysis showed that nucleophilic radical attack is favored on the aromatic ring of 1 where the LUMO is localized, with antibonding character with respect to the O-6-CH(3) bond. The possibilities of attack at other sites on 1 were investigated in detail in order to understand the regiospecificity of this reaction.

Quantitative determination of helicid in rat plasma by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and its application to preliminary pharmacokinetic studies

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method was developed for the identification and quantification of helicid in rat plasma. The method was based on simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). A Kromasil C18 column (150mmx2.00mm, 3.5microm) was used as the analytical column, while a mixture of acetonitrile and 500microM ammonium chloride was used as the mobile phase. MS detection was performed using a single quadrupole mass spectrometer in a negative selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The deprotonated molecules [M+Cl](-) at m/z 319.00 and 363.05 were used to quantify helicid and bergeninum (internal standard, I.S.), respectively. The lower limit of quantification of helicid was 1ng/ml. The method was linear in the concentration range of 1-1000ng/ml. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (R.S.D.%) were within 10.0% for the analyte. Helicid proved to be stable during all sample storage, preparation and analytical periods. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats after intragastric administration of helicid with a dose of 50mg/kg. Only 50microl of rat plasma at each sampling time was needed for analysis. The proposed method enables unambiguous identification and quantification for the preliminary pharmacokinetic studies of helicid.

Effects of Astilbe thunbergii rhizomes on wound healing Part 1. Isolation of promotional effectors from Astilbe thunbergii rhizomes on burn wound healing

The dried rhizomes of Astilbe thunbergii (Sieb. et Zucc) Miq (Saxifragaceae) have been traditionally used for the treatments of a sword cut, wound bitten by animals, frost-bite, burn, suppurative dermatitis or skin inflammatory diseases from the Tang period (about 8th century) in China. The physiological actions, especially the wound-healing effects of this drug are not yet well understood. In this study, we examined the effects of an ethanol extract of Astilbe thunbergii rhizomes on burn wound healing in mice. The topical application at a dose of 100mg ointment per wound of 70% ethanol extract (0.5 or 1.0% (w/w) ointment) of this drug promoted the burn wound healing. The ethanol extract was divided into two fractions (ethyl acetate-soluble and -insoluble fractions), and it was found that the topical application at a dose of 100mg ointment per wound of the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction (0.5 and 1.0% ointment) promoted the burn wound healing. Based on this finding, we attempted to isolate the active substance(s) from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction. Three active substances 1, 2 and 3, were obtained from A. thunbergii rhizomes as promotional effectors of burn wound healing in mice. Based on the analysis of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, compounds 1, 2 and 3 were identified as eucryphin (1), bergenin (2) and astilbin (3), respectively. The effective dose (ED(50)) of compounds 1, 2 and 3 on burn wound healing were 4, 190 and 64 microg/wound, respectively. Among these three compounds, eucryphin (1) promoted the burn wound healing most strongly.

Suppressive effect of corn bran hemicellulose on liver injury induced by D-galactosamine in rats

OBJECTIVE

It is well known that the indigestible oligo- and polysaccharides including dietary fiber are important food components and that they have many physiologic functions. This study examined the effect of water-soluble corn bran hemicellulose (CBH) on the development of D-galactosamine (GalN) hepatitis in rats to obtain some knowledge about new functions of dietary fiber.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were fed diets containing 5% CBH for various days (1 to 14 d). On the final day of feeding rats were treated with GalN (400 mg/kg), and their plasma transaminase (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases) activity (6 or 24 h later) and liver glutathione concentration (6 h later) were determined.

RESULTS

Ingested CBH suppressed the increase in plasma aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities 24 h after GalN treatment. Such suppressive effect was observed only 7 d after CBH ingestion and not after 1 or 3 d. In the early phase of the liver injury, at 6 h after GalN treatment, the liver glutathione concentration in the CBH group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the concentration in the CBH group after GalN injection was almost the same as that in the control group without GalN treatment.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that dietary CBH suppresses the development of hepatic injury by GalN in rats and that this phenomenon is partly attributable to the increase in hepatic glutathione concentration by CBH.

A carbon–carbon-coupled dimeric bergenin derivative biotransformed by Pleurotus ostreatus

A novel C-C-coupled dimer derivative of bergenin was produced by the biotransformation of cultured mycelia of white rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. Its structure was elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis.

Evaluation of selected South African medicinal plants for inhibitory properties against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase and integrase

Seventeen aqueous and methanol extracts from nine South African medicinal plants, ethnobotanically selected, were screened for inhibitory properties against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Isolated compounds were additionally evaluated on HIV-1 integrase (IN). The strongest inhibition against the RNA-dependent-DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity of RT was observed with the methanol extract of the stem-bark of Peltophorum africanum Sond. (Fabaceae) (IC(50) 3.5 microg/ml), while the methanol extract of the roots of Combretum molle R.Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) was the most inhibitory on the ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity (IC(50) 9.7 microg/ml). The known compounds bergenin and catechin, and a red coloured gallotannin composed of meta-depside chains of gallic and protocatechuic acids esterified to a 1-O-isobutyroly-beta-D-glucopyranose core, were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots and stem-bark of Peltophorum africanum. The gallotannin inhibited the RDDP and RNase H functions of RT with IC(50) values of 6.0 and 5.0 microM, respectively, and abolished the 3'-end processing activity of IN at 100 microM. Catechin showed no effect on RT but had a moderate activity on HIV-1 IN. Bergenin was inactive on both enzymes. The aqueous and methanol extracts were non-toxic in a HeLaP4 cell line at a concentration of 400 microg/ml.

Substitution for natural musk in Pien Tze Huang does not affect its hepatoprotective activities

Previous studies showed that Pien Tze Huang, a Chinese folk medicine well known for its therapeutic activity in treating liver diseases, protected the liver against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced damage in mice. In the present study, natural musk, one of the important ingredients of Pien Tze Huang, was replaced by a formulated substitute, and the new formulation of Pien Tze Huang was shown to have similar chromatographic patterns to the original Pien Tze Huang in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. When used in treating mice with CCl4- or galactosamine-induced liver damage, both the original and new formulations of Pien Tze Huang were found to be able to suppress to a similar extent both the histopathological changes in the liver and the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Necrosis, cellular ballooning, microvesicular steatosis and lymphocytes infiltration were all significantly reduced in the damaged liver. In hepatoma cells, both formulations activated the activator protein 1 (AP1) enhancer sequence, indicating that both of them were able to act through the JNK signal transduction pathway. The results of the present study showed that the substitution for natural musk does not affect the hepatoprotective activities of Pien Tze Huang. It is also postulated that both formulations protect the liver through regulating signal transduction in the cell.

Effects of acetylbergenin against D -galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective effects of acetylbergenin were examined against D -galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver damage in rats, compared with that of bergenin reported previously. Acetylbergenin was synthesized from acetylation of bergenin, isolated from Mallotus japonicus, to increase lipophilic and physiological activities. Acetylbergenin was administered orally once daily for 7 days and then GalN (400 mg kg(-1), i.p.) was injected at 24 h and 96 h after the final administration of acetylbergenin. Acetylbergenin reduced the elevated serum enzyme activities of alanine/aspartate aminotransferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and gamma -glutamyltransferase and the formation of hepatic malondialdehyde induced by GalN. Acetylbergenin also significantly restored towards normalization the decreased levels of glutathione and the decreased activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase induced by GalN. Therefore, these results suggest that acetylbergenin has hepatoprotective effects against GalN-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and maintaining an adequate level of GSH for the detoxification of xenobiotics as underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms. In addition, lipophilic acetylbergenin showed more activity in the hepatoprotection than that of the much less lipophilic bergenin reported previously.