Immunomodulatory Effect of Astragali Radix Extract on Murine Th1/Th2 Cell Lineage Development

Immunoregulatory Effect of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr. Polysaccharide on T1DM Mice

Background

Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr. is a medicinal plant found in Southeast Asia, and its young leaves and shoots are consumed as a vegetable. The main bioactive components of this herb are polysaccharides that have significant anti-diabetic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoregulatory effect of A. trifoliatus (L.) Merr. polysaccharide (ATMP) on a mouse model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

The monosaccharide composition and mean molecular mass of ATMP were determined by HPLC and HPGPC. T1DM was induced in mice using STZ, and 35, 70 and 140mg/kg ATMP was administered daily via the intragastric route for six weeks. Untreated and metformin-treated positive control groups were also included. The body weight of the mice, food and water intake and fasting glucose levels were monitored throughout the 6-week regimen. Histological changes in the pancreas and spleen were analyzed by H&E staining. Oral glucose tolerance was evaluated with the appropriate test. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mRNA and protein levels in the spleen were measured by quantitative real time PCR and Western blotting. IL-10, IFN-γ and insulin levels in the sera were determined by ELISA. The CD4⁺ and CD8⁺T cells in spleen tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

ATMP and metformin significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, and the food and water intake after 6 weeks of treatment. In contrast, serum insulin levels, glucose tolerance and body weight improved considerably in the high and medium-dose ATMP and metformin groups. T1DM was associated with pancreatic and splenic tissue damage. The high dose (140mg/kg) of ATMP reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells into the pancreas and restored the structure of islet β-cells in the diabetic mice. Consistent with this, 35, 70 and 140mg/kg ATMP increased IL-10 levels and decreased that of IFN-γ, thereby restoring the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ and Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio. At the molecular level, high-dose ATMP up-regulated PPARγ in the splenic cells.

Conclusion

ATMP exerts a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice by restoring the immune balance in the spleen.

Herbal nutraceutical treatment of chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a literature review

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most frequent form of prostatitis, and has a serious impact on patients' quality of life, and causes severe symptoms. The pain in the pelvic, perineal and penile areas, lower abdominal pain, and pain during urination or ejaculation are the main complaints of CP/CPPS. The underlying complex and unknown pathophysiology of this syndrome have made the management of CP/CPPS and the availability of monotherapy challenging. To identify an effective monotherapy, a plethora of clinical trials failed due to its puzzling etiology. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and a-blockers have been commonly used for the treatment of CP/CPPS, but the desired and complete effects have not been gotten yet. The patients and clinicians are attracted to alternative therapies because of their multi-targeted effects. Attention toward natural compounds effectiveness and safety, supporting the development of a new nutraceutical science. In the alternative remedies for the treatment of prostatic diseases, medicinal herbs, in the form of herb parts or extracts, are getting attention due to their positive effects on prostatic diseases. At present, there is no available detailed literature review about the efficacy of medicinal herbs in the treatment of CP/CPPS. This review aimed to explore the useful medicinal herbs in the treatment of CP/CPPS from different perspectives and their possible mechanism of action in managing CP/CPPS.

Yunpi Heluo decoction attenuates insulin resistance by regulating liver miR-29a-3p in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Yunpiheluo (YPHL) decoction is a Chinese herbal formula with unique advantages for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in miRNA expression and downstream gene expression in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats treated with YPHL to determine whether YPHL could be used as an adjuvant treatment of T2DM.

METHODS

Serum and liver total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) levels, insulin resistance index (IR) and differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in a T2DM ZDF rat model. miRNA target prediction was based on bioinformatic algorithms and dual luciferase reporter assay. Protein expression of genes in the insulin receptor signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. The IR cell model was established and the effects of lyophilized YPHL powder on the protein expressions were observed by transfecting specific miRNA mimics and inhibitors.

RESULTS

The miR-29a-3p expression level was significantly increased in the liver of ZDF rats. Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) was the target gene of miR-29a-3p. IRS1 mRNA and protein expressions of IRS1, IRS1 (phospho S307), protein kinase B (Akt), Akt (phosphor ser473) and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 1 (PDK1) were decreased significantly. miR-29a-3p over-expression decrease IRS1 and the others protein expressions in the HepG2 IR cell model while anti-miR-29a-3p showed the opposite result. The miR-29a-3p level was decreased, and the expressions of IRS1 mRNA and the above proteins were all increased after YPHL treatment.

CONCLUSION

miR-29a-3p played a functional role in insulin receptor signaling in the liver of ZDF rats. YPHL decoction attenuated IR in T2DM probably by down-regulating or maintaining the miR-29a-3p level, increasing the expression of IRS1 mRNA and its phosphorylated proteins, and regulating the expression of insulin receptor signaling-related proteins. YPHL may prove to be an alternative treatment for T2DM.

Effect of Hochuekkito (Buzhongyiqitang) on Nasal Cavity Colonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Murine Model

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are largely preceded by colonization with MRSA. Hochuekkito is the formula composing 10 herbal medicines in traditional Kampo medicine to treat infirmity and to stimulate immune functions. We evaluated the efficacy of hochuekkito extract (HET) against MRSA colonization using a nasal infection murine model. Methods: We evaluated the effects of HET as follows: (1) the growth inhibition by measuring turbidity of bacterial culture in vitro, (2) the nasal colonization of MRSA by measuring bacterial counts, and (3) the splenocyte proliferation in mice orally treated with HET by the ³H-thymidine uptake assay. Results: HET significant inhibited the growth of MRSA. The colony forming unit (CFU) in the nasal fluid of HET-treated mice was significantly lower than that of HET-untreated mice. When each single crude drug—Astragali radix, Bupleuri radix, Zingiberis rhizoma, and Cimicifugae rhizome—was removed from hochuekkito formula, the effect of the formula significantly weakened. The uptake of ³H-thymidine into murine splenocytes treated with HET was significantly higher than that from untreated mice. The effects of the modified formula described above were also significantly weaker than those of the original formula. Conclusions: Hochuekkito is effective for the treatment of MRSA nasal colonization in the murine model. We suggest HET as the therapeutic candidate for effective therapy on nasal cavity colonization of MRSA in humans.

Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic

Owing to a dramatic increase in average life expectancy and the Family Planning program of the 1970s - 1990s, China is rapidly becoming an aging society. Therefore, the investigation of healthspan-extending drugs becomes more urgent. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) is a major medicinal herb that has been commonly used in many herbal formulations in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat a wide variety of diseases and body disorders, or marketed as life-prolonging extracts for human use in China, for more than 2000 years. The major components of Astragalus membranaceus are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. Pharmacological research indicates that the extract component of Astragalus membranaceus can increase telomerase activity, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic effects. A proprietary extract of the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, called TA-65, was associated with a significant age-reversal effect in the immune system. Our review focuses on the function and the underlying mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus in lifespan extension, anti-vascular aging, anti-brain aging, and anti-cancer effects, based on experimental and clinical studies.

Traditional Chinese patent medicines for cancer treatment in China: a nationwide medical insurance data analysis

Based on the nationwide survey into inpatients' utilization of the health service covered by China's urban basic medical insurance from 2008 to 2010, we analyzed the use rate, cancer profile and combined use of anticancer Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) on 51,382 insured cancer patients by using statistical, bi-clustering and network methods. We found that 42.4% of 51,382 cancer patients used 33 anticancer CPMs, and 51.7% used 71 anticancer Western medicines (WMs). The CPMs were most often used in lung (52%) and nasopharynx (52%) cancer patients, and least in bladder cancer (21%) and leukemia of unspecified cell type (21%) patients. The cost per patient for all 33 anticancer CPMs was 2069RMB, lower than that of the WMs (3458RMB). The cancer profile of commonly used CPMs and WMs for the top 17 cancers (>500 sampled patients) were provided, indicating anticancer CPMs had a broad spectrum of cancers and lacked selectivity in cancer treatment (CPM mean CV = 49%; WM mean CV = 152%). Moreover, 24.8% of the cancer patients used both CPMs and WMs, and CPM-WM combined use networks were constructed for four major cancers. This first nationwide analysis revealed the use characteristics and herb-drug combined use patterns of insurance covered anticancer CPMs in China. The study offers valuable information to guide future studies of the precision, safety and standard use of CPMs.

Anti-fatigue effect of Myelophil in a chronic forced exercise mouse model

This study was performed to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of Myelophil. ICR male mice (10 weeks old) were forced to run for 1 hour, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Each running session was followed by administration of distilled water, Myelophil (50 or 100 mg/kg), or ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) 1h later. Equal proportions of Astragali Radix and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix were extracted using 30% ethanol, and formulated into Myelophil. To evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of Myelophil, exercise tolerance and forced swimming tests were conducted. Underlying mechanisms, including oxidant-antioxidant balance, inflammatory response, and energy metabolism, were investigated by analyzing skeletal muscle tissues and/or sera. Myelophil significantly increased exercise ability and latency times, and decreased the number of electric shocks and immobility time on exercise tolerance and forced swimming tests compared with control group. Myelophil also significantly ameliorated fatigue-induced alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant capacity, as measured by multiple assays, including enzyme activity assays and western blotting, as well as alterations in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, Myelophil normalized alterations in energy metabolic markers in sera. These findings suggest that Myelophil reduces the effects of chronic fatigue, likely by attenuating oxidative and inflammatory responses and normalizing energy metabolism. Consequently, this study provides evidence for the clinical relevance of Myelophil.

Augmentation of lymphocytes activation and T cell modulation by the extracts from some Euphorbia species

CONTEXT

Euphorbia is an important Euphorbiaceae genus that is traditionally being used for various infections, inflammation, and cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the possible in vitro immunomodulatory effect of three species of Euphorbia genus including Euphorbia microciadia Boiss, Euphorbia osyridea Boiss, and Euphorbia heteradenia Jaub. & Sp. on lymphocyte activation and cytokine secretion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of various concentrations (0.1-200 µg/ml) of the butanol/hexane extracts of the plants in the presence or absence of phytohemmagglutinin (PHA). The activation of lymphocytes after 48 h was determined by a proliferation assay. The release of T cell cytokines was studied to determine the dominant T cell subsets involved in the immune response.

RESULTS

All three plant extracts increased the proliferation of PHA-treated lymphocytes (maximum; 132% of control). Extract treatment of lymphocytes in the absence of PHA resulted in an increased proliferation of the cells indicating their lymphocyte mitogenic activity (maximum at 10 µg/ml E. microciadia extract; 494.5 ± 42.2% of control, p < 0.01). The extracts of E. microciadia and E. osyridea could increase IL-4 and IL-10 secretion but not IFN-γ production showing their capacity to deviate immune response toward a Th2 pattern. Euphorbia heteradenia did not change the release of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines but increased IL-10 production. The three extracts stimulated lymphocytes to produce IL-17 which showed their possible effects on Th17 cells activation.

CONCLUSION

The studied extracts had the ability to modulate T cell responses suggesting their possible beneficial effects on immune host defense.

Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Astragalus (Radix Astragali, huang qi) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (Family Leguminosae). It is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for treating kidney diseases. Evidence is needed to help clinicians and patients make judgments about its use for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

OBJECTIVES

This review evaluated the benefits and potential harms of Astragalus for the treatment of people with CKD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register to 10 July 2014 through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. We also searched CINAHL, AMED, Current Controlled Trials, OpenSIGLE, and Chinese databases including CBM, CMCC, TCMLARS, Chinese Dissertation Database, CMAC and Index to Chinese Periodical Literature.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing Astragalus, used alone as a crude herb or an extract, with placebo, no treatment, or conventional interventions were eligible for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 22 studies that involved 1323 participants, of whom 241 were receiving dialysis treatment. Risk of bias was assessed as high in six studies, and unclear in the remaining 16 studies. Study quality was low overall.Our nominated primary outcomes of time to requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) or initiation of dialysis and all-cause mortality were not reported in any of the included studies.Results concerning the effects of Astragalus on kidney function were inconsistent. Astragalus significantly increased CrCl at end of treatment (4 studies, 306 participants: MD 5.75 mL/min, 95% CI 3.16 to 8.34; I² = 0%), decreased SCr (13 studies, 775 participants: MD -21.39 µmol/L, 95% CI -34.78 to -8; I² = 70%) and especially in those whose baseline SCr was < 133 µmol/L in particular (3 studies, 187 participants: MD -2.52 µmol/l, 95% CI -8.47 to 3.42; I² = 0%). Astragalus significantly decreased 24 hour proteinuria at end of treatment (10 studies, 640 participants; MD -0.53 g/24 h, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.26; I² = 90%); significantly increased haemoglobin levels overall (4 studies, 222 participants): MD 9.51 g/L, 95% CI 4.90 to 14.11; I² = 0%) and in haemodialysis patients in particular (3 studies, 142 participants: MD 11.20 g/L, 95% CI 5.81 to 16.59; I² = 0%). Astragalus significantly increased serum albumin (9 studies, 522 participants: MD 3.55 g/L, 95% CI 2.33 to 4.78; I² = 65%). This significant increase was seen in both dialysis (3 studies, 152 participants): MD 4.04 g/L, 95% CI 1.91 to 6.16; I² = 72%) and non-dialysis patients (6 studies, 370 participants: MD 3.24 g/L, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.77; I² = 61%). Astragalus significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (2 studies, 77 participants: MD -16.65 mm Hg, 95% CI -28.83 to -4.47; I² = 50%), and diastolic blood pressure (2 studies, 77 participants: MD -6.02 mm Hg, 95% CI -10.59 to -1.46; I² = 0%).Six of 22 included studies reported no adverse effects were observed; while the remaining 16 studies did not report adverse effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although Astragalus as an adjunctive treatment to conventional therapies was found to offer some promising effects in reducing proteinuria and increasing haemoglobin and serum albumin, suboptimal methodological quality and poor reporting meant that definitive conclusions could not be made based on available evidence.

Astragalus membranaceus modulates Th1/2 immune balance and activates PPARγ in a murine asthma model

Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese herb, has been used to improve airway inflammation and asthma. The present study investigated whether A. membranaceus has immunotherapeutic effects on asthma, a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease that is associated with excess production of IgE, eosinophilia, T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced, chronic inflammatory airway murine asthma model was used to examine the status of pulmonary inflammation after the administration of A. membranaceus. The IgE levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed a tendency to decrease after the administration of A. membranaceus. The number of eosinophils decreased and infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition declined in lung sections after A. membranaceus administration. The RNA and protein levels of Th2 cytokines and the ratio of the GATA3/T-bet mRNA levels decreased after A. membranaceus treatment. Furthermore, the mRNA level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a nuclear hormone receptor, increased in the lung tissues of A. membranaceus-treated mice. Finally, an A. membranaceus water extract activated PPARγ activity in either human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) or A549 cells in a PPARγ-responsive element-containing luciferase reporter assay. These results indicate that A. membranaceus has an inhibitory effect on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma through modulating the imbalanced relationship between Th1 and Th2 cytokines.

Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts suppress hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Previous studies showed Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE), extract from Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorhiza, significantly suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats induced by diethylinitrosamine (DEN), and in vitro experiments further demonstrated that CASE's anti-HepG2 cell invasion is associated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We hypothesized that CASE's suppression of HCC is modulated by TGF-β/Smad signaling, and we conducted this in vivo study to test this hypothesis.

METHODS

Rats were divided into the normal control, the DEN group, and three CASE (60, 120, and 240 mg/kg) treatment groups. The expression of phosphorylation(p) Smad both at C-terminal and linker region, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and Smad4 and Smad7 of liver tissues were measured and compared across the five groups.

RESULTS

The positive staining of pSmad2L and pSmad3L increased both in hepatoma nodule areas and adjacent relatively normal liver tissues in rats treated with DEN, while the positive staining of pSmad2C and pSmad3C increased only in relatively normal liver tissues adjacent to hepatoma tissues. The elevated expression of pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3L, Smad4, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 proteins were suppressed by CASE in a dose-dependent manner. CASE treatment also significantly reduced the intranuclear amounts of pSmad2L and pSmad3L, and upregulated the elevation of pSmad3C positive cells and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that CASE significantly suppresses HCC progression by mediating TGF-β/Smad signaling, especially by modulating Smad3 phosphorylation both at the C-terminal and linker region.

Radix Astragali Improves Dysregulated Triglyceride Metabolism and Attenuates Macrophage Infiltration in Adipose Tissue in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Male Rats through Activating mTORC1-PPAR γ Signaling Pathway

Increased levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) and hypertriglyceridemia are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The effective fraction isolated from radix astragali (RA) has been reported to alleviate hypertriglyceridemia. The mechanism of this triglyceride-lowering effect of RA is unclear. Here, we tested whether activation of the mTORC1-PPARγ signaling pathway is related to the triglyceride-lowering effect of RA. High-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) rats were fed a high-fat diet (40% calories from fat) for 9-10 weeks, and 4 g/kg/d RA was administered by gavage. RA treatment resulted in decreased fasting triglyceride levels, FFA concentrations, and adipocyte size. RA treated rats showed improved triglyceride clearance and fatty acid handling after olive oil overload. RA administration could also decrease macrophage infiltration and expression of MCP-1 and TNFα, but it may also increase the expression of PPARγ in epididymal adipose tissue from RA treated rats. Consistently, expressions of PPARγ and phospho-p70S6K were increased in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with RA. Moreover, RA couldnot upregulate the expression of PPARγ at the presence of rapamycin. In conclusion, the mTORC1-PPARγ signaling pathway is a potential mechanism through which RA exerts beneficial effects on the disturbance of triglyceride metabolism and dysfunction of adipose tissue in DIO rats.

Immunomodulatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys extract in mice macrophages, splenocytes and leucopenia

Astragali Radix (Huang-Qi) is a popular herbal medicine commonly used as a constituent in tonic herbal preparations. Hedysarum polybotrys Handel-Mazzetti is one species used of Astragali Radix. In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of H. polybotrys were explored by LPS-activated and SNP-treated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes and, daunoblastina-induced leucopenia BALB/c mice. Formononetin was used as the bioactive marker to monitor the quality of the H. polybotrys extracts. H. polybotrys was extracted with hot-water and methanol, and MeOH extract partitioned with H₂O (M-H) and ethyl acetate (M-EA) to yield four different fractions. M-EA had the highest formononetin and total proanthocyanidin content and showed stronger inhibitory effects on the production and expression of NO, PGE₂, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes than the other fractions. In addition, M-EA significantly stimulated the proliferation of LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes, enhanced NO radicals scavenging and attenuated NO-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, M-EA also significantly increased the rate of recovery of white blood cells level in daunoblastina-induced leucopenia mice. These evidences suggest that this traditional Qi-tonifying herb has potential effects in clinical conditions when immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effect is desired.

A refined-JinQi-JiangTang tablet ameliorates prediabetes by reducing insulin resistance and improving beta cell function in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Refined-JQ (JQ-R) is a mixture of refined extracts from three major herbal components of JinQi-JiangTang tablet: Coptis chinensis (Ranunculaceae), Astragalus membranaceus (Leguminosae), and Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Our previous studies have indicated that JQ-R could decrease fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mice and insulin resistance mice. Investigating the hypoglycemic effect of JQ-R on prediabetes has practical application value for preventing or delaying insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and possibly the development of clinical diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-diabetic potential of JQ-R was investigated using a high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. C57BL/6J mice (HFD-C57 mice) were fed with high-fat diet for 4 months. HFD-C57 mice were treated with either JQ-R (administered intragastrically once daily for 4 weeks) or metformin (as positive control), and the effects of JQ-R on body weight, blood lipids, glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell function were monitored.

RESULTS

The body weight, serum cholesterol, and the Homeostasis Model Assessment ratio (insulin resistance index) were significantly reduced in JQ-R or metformin-treated mice, and the glucose tolerance was enhanced and insulin response was improved simultaneously. Moreover, both JQ-R and metformin could activate liver glycogen syntheses even under a relatively high glucose loading. Although glyconeogenesis was inhibited in the metformin treated mice, it was not observed in JQ-R treated mice. Similar to metformin, JQ-R could also improve the glucose infusion rate (GIR) in hyperglycemic clamp test. JQ-R was also shown to increase the levels of phosphorylated AMPKα and phosphorylated acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), similar to metformin.

CONCLUSION

JQ-R could reduce HFD-induced insulin resistance by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity through activating the AMPK signaling pathway, and subsequently improving β cell function. Therefore, JQ-R may offer an alternative in treating disorders associated with insulin resistance, such as prediabetes and T2DM.

Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting fibrosis and PAI-1 mRNA transcription

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used for centuries in China to treat liver diseases. Previous studies have shown that these herbs and their extracts inhibit the development of liver fibrosis and the proliferation and invasion of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Further study of their pharmacological effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is needed. To investigate the effects of Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract (CASE) on diethylinitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male rats were divided into five groups, with the first group serving as normal control, the second group receiving 0.2% DEN solution five times a week for 14 weeks, and the third to fifth group receiving the same DEN as in the second group together with CASE at the doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg per day for 16 weeks, respectively. Hepatoma incidence, serum enzymes levels, degree of fibrosis and hydroxyproline content were evaluated and compared across the five groups to determine CASE's suppression of fibrosis and HCC progression. In addition, an in vitro experiment using HepG2 cells was conduct to verify CASE's effect on the transcription of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA.

RESULTS

CASE treatment significantly reduced the incidence and multiplicity of DEN-induced HCC development in a dose-dependent manner. It significantly suppressed the elevation of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, hyaluronic acid, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin, and significantly lessened the depression of serum total protein in DEN-induced HCC rats. CASE treatment also significantly suppressed the elevated expression of GST-P and α-SMA. The in vitro experiment confirmed that CASE inhibits the transcription of PAI-1 mRNA in HepG2 cells induced by TGF-β1 in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

CASE suppresses DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting fibrosis and PAI-1 mRNA transcription, suggesting its potential clinical application in preventing and treating human HCC.

Comparison of the efficacy of KOB03, ketotifen, and montelukast in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis

KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine derived from an oriental prescription traditionally used to treat allergic diseases. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of KOB03 with modern drugs such as ketotifen and montelukast in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR). Ketotifen is a H1 receptor antagonist and montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Mice were treated with KOB03, ketotifen or montelukast in an established AR mouse model using ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized/challenged BALB/c mice. The treatment of KOB03 had inhibitory effects on symptom scores, serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, histamine, leukotriene C4, IL-4, TNF-α, and IL-1β in AR mice, and the histolopathological changes of nasal mucosa with mucin release and inflammation. AR mice treated with KOB03 had significantly lower serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, LTC4, IL-4, and IL-1β than mice treated with ketotifen, whereas they only had significantly lower serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IL-4 than those treated with montelukast. In addition, the histolopathological changes of nasal mucosa with eosinophil infiltration were significantly lower in the KOB03-treated mice than those in the ketotifen and montelukast-treated group. These results suggest that KOB03 has therapeutic potential for treating AR like other modern medicines.

Effects of topical application of Astragalus membranaceus on allergic dermatitis

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is one of the most popular health-promoting herbs in East Asia, and has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2000 years. This study was performed to examine whether AM suppresses atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Seven-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) to induce allergic dermatitis. Skin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to assess epidermal and dermal hyperplasia, which were determined by measuring the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgE) concentration was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the levels of interleukins (IL)-4, -5, -6, and -13 and tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in mouse serum. Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Topical AM markedly improved the AD skin lesions in DNCB-induced mice. The AD skin lesions were significantly thinner in the AM treatment group compared with untreated controls, and the hyperkeratosis disappeared. Topical treatment of AM also restored nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression. In addition, the serum IgE level was reduced. AM suppressed the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, -5, -6, and -13) and significantly decreased the TNF-α level. AM is effective for treating AD by regulating cytokines. AM may be an alternative or complementary therapeutic option for treating patients with AD. More in-depth studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of AM.

Astragalus polysaccharides enhance immune responses of HBV DNA vaccination via promoting the dendritic cell maturation and suppressing Treg frequency in mice

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), an extract from a kind of Chinese traditional herb Astragalus membranaceus, was proved to have strong immunoregulatory properties. In this study, APS was employed as an adjuvant of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccine (pcDS2) and its' effects on immune system of mice were investigated. Our data demonstrated that APS as an adjuvant could increase the HBsAg-specific antibody level as well as the proliferating activity of T cells. APS also could induce CD4(+) T cells to produce IL-4, IL-2 and IFN-γ and enhance IFN-γ expression of CD8(+) T cells. Moreover, APS could induce the robust activity of the cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). Additionally, APS could stimulate the dendritic cells (DC) maturation which is characterized by up-regulation of MHC I/II, CD40, CD80 and CD86, and decreased the frequency of the regulatory T cells (nTreg). Collectively, these findings suggest that APS is a potent adjuvant for the hepatitis B DNA vaccine and can enhance the immune responses of HBV DNA vaccine via promoting DC maturation and inhibit the Treg frequency.

Edematous erythema at the hands and feet probably caused by the traditional herb "radix astragali"

OBJECTIVE

To describe a patient with erhythema and edema after Radix Astragali was added to a kampo formula.

CASE SUMMARY

A 21-year-old male, who was diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis in 1989, demonstrated systemic dry eruptions and consulted our department for treatment with traditional herbal medicine (THM) in 2004. The oral administration of herbal medicine resulted in decreased symptoms as well as a reduction in the serum IgE level. In August 2007, he complained of sweating on the neck and we added Radix Astragali to the previous formula. About 18 hours after he ingested the new formula including Radix Astragali, erhythema appeared with swelling of the bilateral hands and feet. Administration of the formula was discontinued and about 48 hours later, his symptoms had almost disappeared. Astragaloside, which is the main ingredient of Radix Astragali, was negative on lymphocyte transforming test (LTT) and we could not determine the ingredient that induced erhythema.

CONCLUSION

We consider that the Radix Astragali induced acute erhythema with swelling based on the clinical course. Acute edematous erythema due to THM is very rare and we discuss allergic reactions to traditional herbs and review the litrature.

The effect of MS14 on innate and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice

MS14 is an Iranian natural preparation of herbal-marine source with no obvious toxicity in oral administration, which possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, the effect of oral administration of MS14 on nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophages and lymphocyte Th1 cytokines and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) test in BALB/c mice were investigated. Peritoneal macrophages were cultured and NO production was measured by Griess method. Viability of macrophages was assayed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethy-2-lthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) test. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and INFγ levels in supernatant of spleen lymphocytes culture were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. For DTH test the mice were immunized with sheep red blood cell and DTH was measured 24 h after the last immunization of mice. NO production of macrophages has been diminished significantly in MS14 treated group (about 40%) at the presence or absence of stimulators. Macrophage viability had no significant alteration after MS14 administration. However, interferon-γ production of lymphocytes was significantly decreased in MS14 group both at the absence or presence of concanavalin A (ConA; about 50%); IL-2 production declined about 20% at the presence of ConA. In comparison with the control group, MS14 had no statistically significant effect on DTH test. The results have pointed that MS14 may have immunomodulatory potentials at least through its decreasing effect on NO production of macrophages and level of Th1 cytokine pattern.

The effective fraction isolated from Radix Astragali alleviates glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia in db/db diabetic mice through its anti-inflammatory activity

BACKGROUND

Macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue together with the aberrant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been identified as the key link between obesity and its related metabolic disorders. This study aims to isolate bioactive ingredients from the traditional Chinese herb Radix Astragali (Huangqi) that alleviate obesity-induced metabolic damage through inhibiting inflammation.

METHODS

Active fraction (Rx) that inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production was identified from Radix Astragali by repeated bioactivity-guided high-throughput screening. Major constituents in Rx were identified by column chromatography followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass-spectrometry. Anti-diabetic activity of Rx was evaluated in db/db mice.

RESULTS

Treatment with Rx, which included calycosin-7-β-D-glucoside (0.9%), ononin (1.2%), calycosin (4.53%) and formononetin (1.1%), significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1) in human THP-1 macrophages and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of NF-κB in mouse RAW-Blue macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Chronic administration of Rx in db/db obese mice markedly decreased the levels of both fed and fasting glucose, reduced serum triglyceride, and also alleviated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance when compared to vehicle-treated controls. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cell markers CD68 and F4/80, and cytokines MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly reduced in epididymal adipose tissue while the alternatively activated macrophage marker arginase I was markedly increased in the Rx-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that suppression of the inflammation pathways in macrophages represents a valid strategy for high-throughput screening of lead compounds with anti-diabetic and insulin sensitizing properties, and further support the etiological role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

The production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in peritoneal macrophages is inhibited by Andrographis paniculata, Angelica sinensis and Morus alba ethyl acetate fractions

AIM OF THE STUDY

Traditional Chinese medicine herbs (TCMHs) are used in medicines as well as in daily dietary supplements in Asia. In this study, we employed pNF-kappaB-Luc or pIFN-gamma-Luc and BALB/c mice peritoneal macrophages or splenocytes to investigate both the immune and inflammatory effects of six selected plant species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specifically, we used ethyl acetate fractions of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge var. mongholicus (Bunge) Hsiao (Fabaceae) (AM), Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (AP), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Apiaceae) (AS), Eucommia ulmodes Oliv. (Eucommiaceae) leaves (EU leaves), Isatis indigotica Fort. (Brassicaceae) (II) and Morus alba L. (Moraceae) (MA).

RESULTS

We found that ethyl acetate fractions of AP, AS and MA significantly decreased NF-kappaB luciferase activity and also the secretion of NO and PGE(2) in LPS/IFN-gamma stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages (p<0.05). In contrast, they did not affect IFN-gamma luciferase activity or IFN-gamma production in concanavalin A (Con A)-activated mouse splenocytes. Our results indicated that the anti-inflammatory properties of these plant extracts might be resulted from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., NO and PGE(2)), at least in part via suppression of a signaling pathway such as NF-kappaB.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we have found that three potent bioactive TCMH species exerted significant NF-kappaB inhibitory activity and acted in a cell type dependent fashion.

Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract exerts anti-fibrosis by mediating TGF-beta/Smad signaling in myofibroblasts

Previous studies showed that Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract (CASE) has a protective effect against liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that CASE exerts the anti-fibrosis effect by mediating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/Smad signaling pathway. To test this hypothesis, we induced fibrosis in rats by twice weekly injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and Smad2 phosphorylation was measured by immunohistochemical method; protein expression in myofibroblasts (MFBs) induced by TGF-beta1 was analyzed by western blotting and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) transcriptional activity in MFBs was evaluated. The present study showed that, in vivo, CASE has protective effects against liver fibrosis in rats generated by CCl(4), and that CASE inhibits Smad2 phosphorylation at C-terminal region and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). Our experiment further demonstrated that, in vitro, (1) CASE inhibits TGF-beta(1)-dependent Smad2 phosphorylation at C-terminal region and Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation at linker region in MFBs in a dose-dependent manner; (2) CASE decreases the level of Smad 2/3/4 complex in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1) in a dose-dependent manner; (3) CASE inhibits PAI-1 transcriptional activity in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1) in a dose-dependent manner; and (4) CASE markedly decreases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1). Our results suggest that CASE's anti-fibrosis effect in chronically injured liver was exerted by inhibiting TGF-beta/Smads signal transduction.

Astragalus Membranaceus prevents airway hyperreactivity in mice related to Th2 response inhibition

AIM OF THE STUDY

Asthma is recognized as a common pulmonary disease throughout the world. To date, there has been a growing interest in herbal products in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is considered to be effective to treat asthma. A Chinese herb Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) was found useful in treating allergic diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this herbal injection could suppress allergic-induced AHR and mucus hypersecretion in allergic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mouse model of chronic asthma was used to investigate AM injection on the airway lesions in compared with glucocorticoids. The study was conducted on mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and the whole body plethsmography was performed to assess AHR. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histopathology were examined.

RESULTS

We found 28-day AM administration significantly decreased inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion in the lung tissues of allergic mice. 28-day AM administration enhanced Ova-induced decreased IFN-gamma, and the Ova-induced elevations of IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF were prevented by 28-day injection. We also showed 28-day AM injection markedly suppressed increased AHR in allergic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate Astragalus Membranaceus has a potential role in treating allergic asthma.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus in promoting T-helper cell type 1 polarization and interferon-gamma production by up-regulating T-bet expression in patients with asthma

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on T-helper cell type 1 (Thl) specific transcription factor T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) expression and Thl/Th2 equilibrium.

METHODS

The levels of T-bet mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 15 patients with asthma and 15 healthy subjects were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PBMCs in asthma patients were incubated with AM and then the concentration of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the supernate before and after AM intervention were determined by ELISA. The numbers of CD4 + CCR3 + and CD4 + CCR5 + cells were counted by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The expression of T-bet mRNA and the level of IFN-gamma were lower, but level of serum IL-4 was higher in asthma patients when compared with those in healthy subjects respectively. After AM (60 microg/ml) intervention, the former two parameters raised and showed a positive correlation between them, while the level of IL-4 was decreased. The mean percentage of CD4 + CCR3 + cells in asthma patients was significantly higher but that of CD4 + CCR5 + cells was lower when compared with those in healthy subjects respectively. After AM intervention, the abnormal change in the two indexes was improved to certain extent, showing a reversing status of Th2 polarization.

CONCLUSION

AM could increase the expression of T-bet mRNA and Thl cytokines such as IFN-Y, and might reverse the Th2 predominant status in asthma patients.

Oral Administration of Astragalus membranaceus Inhibits the Development of DNFB-Induced Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice

Epicutaneously administered chemical antigens like 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), evoke an atopic dermatitis (AD)-like dermatitis reaction in NC/Nga mice under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Astragalus membranaceus (AM), is a popular herbal medicine used to treat allergic diseases in East Asia. In the present study, we examined whether AM suppress AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with DNFB under SPF conditions. Oral administration of AM to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. Moreover, IFN-gamma production by CD4(+) T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by AM treatment, although levels of IL-4 and total IgE in serum were not. Study findings suggest that AM may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-gamma production.

The Immunotherapeutic Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharide in Type 1 Diabetic Mice

The present study investigated whether Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) possessed immunotherapeutic effects on type 1 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic mice induced by multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) were administered either APS (100, 200, 400 mg/kg body weight) or saline intraperitoneally daily, and sacrificed after 15 or 30 d of treatment. Meanwhile normal mice not treated with STZ nor with APS were offered into non-diabetic group. Blood glucose and serum insulin levels were measured, histologic and morphometric analyses of the pancreas were performed to determine the effect of APS on pancreatic islets. Further investigations on immune changes in spleens were tested by ELISA, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Downregulated blood glucose level, upregulated serum insulin concentration, increased beta cell mass, decreased apoptotic beta cell percentage, downregulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) gene expression in spleens were significantly time- and dose-dependent on APS treatment, when compared to saline controls. These results show that APS seems to be helpful to attenuate insulitis and preserve beta cells from apoptosis, but it can't entirely rescue type 1 diabetes mellitus. APS ameliorates both the clinical and histological parameters of the MLD-STZ induced diabetic mice in a long-lasting fashion, most likely through immunoregulatory actions on Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, strongly associated with PPARgamma gene expression in spleens.