6-Shogaol and 10-Shogaol Synergize Curcumin in Ameliorating Proinflammatory Mediators via the Modulation of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK and NFκB Translocation

Extensive research supported the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a naturally occurring compound, as a promising cytokinesuppressive anti-inflammatory drug. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine activities by combining 6-shogaol and 10-shogaol to curcumin, and associated mechanisms in modulating lipopolysaccharides and interferon-ɣ-induced proinflammatory signaling pathways. Our results showed that the combination of 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin synergistically reduced the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor and interlukin-6 in lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ-induced RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells assessed by the combination index model. 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin also showed greater inhibition of cytokine profiling compared to that of 6-shogaol-10-shogaol or curcumin alone. The synergistic anti-inflammatory activity was associated with supressed NFκB translocation and downregulated TLR4-TRAF6-MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, SC also inhibited microRNA-155 expression which may be relevant to the inhibited NFκB translocation. Although 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin synergistically increased Nrf2 activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism appeared to be independent from the induction of Nrf2. 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin provides a more potent therapeutic agent than curcumin alone in synergistically inhibiting lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ induced proinflammatory mediators and cytokine array in macrophages. The action was mediated by the downregulation of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK pathway and NFκB translocation.

Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators

This study aims to investigate the combined anti-inflammatory activity of ginger and turmeric extracts. By comparing the activities of individual and combined extracts in lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ-induced murine RAW 264.7 cells, we demonstrated that ginger-turmeric combination was optimal at a specific ratio (5:2, w/w) in inhibiting nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 6 with synergistic interaction (combination index < 1). The synergistic inhibitory effect on TNF was confirmed in human monocyte THP-1 cells. Ginger-turmeric combination (5:2, w/w) also upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2−related factor 2 activity and heme oxygenase-1 protein expression. Additionally, 6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol and curcumin were the leading compounds in reducing major proinflammatory mediators and cytokines, and a simplified compound combination of 6-s, 10-s and curcumin showed the greatest potency in reducing LPS-induced NO production. Our study provides scientific evidence in support of the combined use of ginger and turmeric to alleviate inflammatory processes.

Synergistic Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Pathways by Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in RAW 264.7 Cells

Synergy plays a prominent role in herbal medicines to increase potency and widen the therapeutic windows. The mechanism of synergy in herbal medicines is often associated with multi-targeted behavior and complex signaling pathways which are challenging to elucidate. This study aims to investigate the synergistic mechanism of a combination (GT) of ginger (G) and turmeric (T) extracts by exploring the modulatory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammatory pathways and key molecular targets. A Bioplex ProTM mouse cytokine 23-plex assay was utilized to assess the broad anti-cytokine activity of GT in LPS and interferon (IFN)-ɣ (both at 50 ng/mL)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibitory effects of individual and combined G and T on major proinflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-6 were tested using Griess reagents and ELISA assays, respectively. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blot were used to investigate the modulatory effect of GT on key proteins in the LPS/TLR4 signaling transduction. The regulation of murine microRNA miR-155-5p was tested using real-time PCR. The IC₅₀ value and combination index (CI) values were used to demonstrate potency and synergistic interaction, respectively. GT synergistically attenuated a range of pro-inflammatory mediators including inducible NO, major cytokines (TNF and IL-6) and secondary inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF and MCP-1). GT significantly inhibited LPS-induced NF-kB p65 translocation, the activation of TLR4, TRAF6, and phosphorylation of JNK and c-JUN. Moreover, the suppressive effect of GT on each of the protein targets in this axis was stronger than that of the individual components. Real-time PCR analysis showed that GT suppressed miR-155-5p to a greater extent than G or T alone in LPS-stimulated cells. Our study demonstrates the synergistic mechanism of GT in downregulating LPS-induced proinflammatory pathways at the miRNA and protein levels. Our results establish a scientific basis for the combined application of G and T as an advanced therapeutic candidate in inflammatory diseases with broad and synergistic anti-inflammatory activity and multi-targeted mechanisms.

Caco-2 Cell Permeability of Flavonoids and Saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum: the Immortal Herb

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (the immortal herb) has been an important component of Chinese Traditional Medicine for millennia. Recent clinical studies have revealed that the plant exhibits numerous beneficial biological activities, making it of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. An extract of the herb contains over 200 individual secondary metabolites including flavonol glycosides and dammarane saponins. To focus attention on the compounds most likely to be responsible for the biological activities, this study predicts the potential oral bioavailability of nine dammarane saponins and five flavonol glycosides from G. pentaphyllum using the Caco-2 cell monolayer permeability model. Two flavonoids, 8 and 9, and four saponins, 10, 11, 12, and 14, exhibited high permeability across the monolayers. The results indicated that a higher degree of glycosylation-facilitated permeability, suggestive of active transport. This study demonstrates the utility of the Caco-2 permeability assay as a method of identifying possible bioavailable compounds from medicinal herbal extracts.

Synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages of a medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake

A key characteristic of mushroom polysaccharides that elicit an immunomodulatory response is that they are rich in β-glucans and low in α-glucans. In this study we analysed nine commercially available preparations from three mushroom species, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa), for β- and α-glucan content. Based on β- and α-glucan content we selected three extracts to combine into a formula and evaluated the ability of the individual extracts and formula to impact on the expression of cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in human macrophages with and without LPS stimulation. The majority of mushroom extracts and the formula were found to be highly potent immuno-stimulators possessing EC50 values lower than 100 μg/mL. Interestingly the mushroom formula had lower EC50 values in TNF-α expression from LPS stimulated macrophages compared to the individual extracts, suggesting a potential synergistic effect of the mushroom formula. A response additivity graph and curve-shift analysis illustrated that indeed the mushroom formula exhibited an immuno-stimulatory synergistic effect on the expression of the majority of cytokines evaluated in both LPS stimulated and non-stimulated human macrophages, with IL-10 having an antagonistic response. This study represents the first report of a synergistic immuno-modulatory response in human macrophages elicited from a mushroom formula rationally derived from β- and α-glucan content.

Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

DESIGN

A computer-based search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, GreenFILE, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. A hand-search of the bibliographies of relevant papers and previous meta-analyses and reviews was also undertaken. Trials were included in the review if they were double-blind and placebo-controlled investigating the effects of Western herbal medicines on IBS-related symptoms or quality of life. There were no language restrictions. Eligibility assessment and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers. For herbal medicines where there was more than 1 trial of similar design, data were synthesised using relative risk of symptoms improving using the random effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty-three trials were identified that met all eligibility criteria. Seventeen of these evaluated peppermint essential oil, fifteen other Western herbal medicines, and one trial evaluated peppermint oil in one arm and aniseed essential oil in the other arm. Eighteen different herbal preparations were evaluated in these trials. Data suggests that a number of Western herbal medicines may provide relief of IBS symptoms. Meta-analyses suggest that peppermint essential oil is both efficacious and well-tolerated in the short-term management of IBS. Aloe vera and asafoetida also demonstrated efficacy in reducing global IBS symptoms in meta-analyses. The herbal formulas STW 5, STW 5-II and Carmint, along with Ferula assa-foetida, Pimpenella anisum oil, the combination of Curcumin and Foeniculum vulgare oil, and the blend of Schinopsis lorentzii, Aesculus hippocastanum, and peppermint essential oil also demonstrated efficacy in rigorously-designed clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

A number of Western herbal medicines show promise in the treatment of IBS. With the exception of peppermint essential oil, Aloe vera, and asafoetida, however, none of the positive trials have been replicated. This lack of replication limits the capacity to make definitive statements of efficacy for these herbal medicines.

The Antioxidant Effects of Radix Astragali (Astragalus membranaceus and Related Species) in Protecting Tissues from Injury and Disease

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Antioxidants protect the cells and tissues from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and reactive oxygen species. These antioxidants may be endogenous or exogenous. Plants are considered as potential and powerful exogenous source of antioxidants. Astragalus species (spp.), especially Astragalus membranaceus, have a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Specifically, constituents of the dried roots of Astragalus spp. (Radix Astragali) provide significant protection against heart, brain, kidney, intestine, liver and lung injury in various models of oxidative stress-related disease. Different isolated constituents of Astragalus spp., such as astragalosides, flavonoids and polysaccharides also displayed significant prevention of tissue injury via antioxidant mechanisms. In this article, the antioxidant benefits of Astragalus spp. and its isolated components in protecting tissues from injury are reviewed, along with identification of the various constituents that possess antioxidant activity.

Data on keratin expression in human cells cultured with Australian native plant extracts

Australian native plants have a long history of therapeutic use in indigenous cultures particularly for the treatment of wounds. We analysed 14 plant derived compounds from the species Pilidiostigma glabrum, Myoporum montanum, Geijera parviflora, and Rhodomyrtus psidioides for keratin 1, 5, 10 and 14 supporting the research article "Native Australian plant extracts differentially induce Collagen I and Collagen III in vitro and could be important targets for the development of new wound healing therapies" [5]. An in situ immunofluorescence assay was used in a 96 well tissue culture plate format to measure keratin expression in immortalised human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) exposed Australian native plant compounds to NMR spectra for the plant extracts are included in this article as is quantitative fluorescent intensity data of keratin 1, 5, 10 and 14 expression.

Compounds from Geijera parviflora with prostaglandin E2 inhibitory activity may explain its traditional use for pain relief

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Australian Aboriginal people used crushed leaves of Geijera parviflora Lindl. both internally and externally for pain relief, including for toothache (Cribb and Cribb, 1981). This study tested the hypothesis that this traditional use might be at least in part explained by the presence of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A crude extract (95% EtOH) was prepared from powdered dried leaves. From the CH3Cl fraction of this extract compounds were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation and tested for: (1) cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 murine leukemic monocyte-macrophages, (2) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibitory activity in 3T3 Swiss albino mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, as well as (3) nitric oxide (NO) and (4) tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Isolated compounds were also tested for (5) antibacterial activity against a panel of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, biofilm-forming) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) strains by broth microdilution.

RESULTS

Eleven compounds were isolated, including one new flavone and one new natural product, with a further four compounds reported from this species for the first time. Some of the compounds showed good anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. In particular, flindersine (1) and N-(acetoxymethyl) flindersine (3) inhibited PGE2 release with IC50 values of 5.0μM and 4.9μM, respectively, without any significant cytotoxicity. Several other compounds showed moderate inhibition of NO (5, 6, 7) and TNF-α (6), with IC50 in the low micromolar range; however much of this apparent activity could be accounted for by the cytotoxicity of these compounds. None of the compounds showed anti-bacterial activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibition of PGE2, an important mediator of inflammation and pain, by flindersine and a derivative thereof, along with the moderate anti-inflammatory activity shown by several other compounds isolated from Geijera parviflora leaf extract, support the traditional use of this plant for pain relief by Australian Aboriginal people.

Adulteration of Ginkgo biloba products and a simple method to improve its detection

Extracts of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf are widely available worldwide in herbal medicinal products, dietary supplements, botanicals and complementary medicines, and several pharmacopoeias contain monographs for ginkgo leaf, leaf extract and finished products. Being a high-value botanical commodity, ginkgo extracts may be the subject of economically motivated adulteration. We analysed eight ginkgo leaf retail products purchased in Australia and Denmark and found compelling evidence of adulteration with flavonol aglycones in three of these. The same three products also contained genistein, an isoflavone that does not occur in ginkgo leaf. Although the United States Pharmacopeia - National Formulary (USP-NF) and the British and European Pharmacopoeias stipulate a required range for flavonol glycosides in ginkgo extract, the prescribed assays quantify flavonol aglycones. This means that these pharmacopoeial methods are not capable of detecting adulteration of ginkgo extract with free flavonol aglycones. We propose a simple modification of the USP-NF method that addresses this problem: by assaying for flavonol aglycones pre and post hydrolysis the content of flavonol glycosides can be accurately estimated via a simple calculation. We also recommend a maximum limit be set for free flavonol aglycones in ginkgo extract.

The current status of knowledge of herbal medicine and medicinal plants in Fiche, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

A majority of Ethiopians rely on traditional medicine as their primary form of health care, yet they are in danger of losing both their knowledge and the plants they have used as medicines for millennia. This study, conducted in the rural town of Fiche in Ethiopia, was undertaken with the support of Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia, Addis Ababa University (AAU) Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Institute of Biodiversity (EIB), Ethiopia. The aim of this study, which included an ethnobotanical survey, was to explore the maintenance of tradition in the passing on of knowledge, the current level of knowledge about medicinal herbs and whether there is awareness and concern about the potential loss of both herbal knowledge and access to traditional medicinal plants.

METHODS

This study was conducted using an oral history framework with focus groups, unstructured and semi-structured interviews, field-walk/discussion sessions, and a market survey. Fifteen people were selected via purposeful and snowball sampling. Analysis was undertaken using a grounded theory methodology.

RESULTS

Fourteen lay community members and one professional herbalist provided information about 73 medicinal plants used locally. An ethnobotanical survey was performed and voucher specimens of 53 of the plants, representing 33 families, were collected and deposited at the EIB Herbarium. The community members are knowledgeable about recognition of medicinal plants and their usage to treat common ailments, and they continue to use herbs to treat sickness as they have in the past. A willingness to share knowledge was demonstrated by both the professional herbalist and lay informants. Participants are aware of the threat to the continued existence of the plants and the knowledge about their use, and showed willingness to take steps to address the situation.

CONCLUSION

There is urgent need to document the valuable knowledge of medicinal herbs in Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical studies are imperative, and concomitant sustainable programmes that support the sustainability of herbal medicine traditions may be considered as a way to collect and disseminate information thereby supporting communities in their efforts to maintain their heritage. This study contributes to the documentation of the status of current traditional herbal knowledge in Ethiopia.

Comparative evaluation of antioxidant and insecticidal properties of essential oils from five Moroccan aromatic herbs

This study describes the antioxidant and insecticidal activities of essential oils (EOs) of Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija, Thymus satureioides, Achillea ageratum, Cotula cinerea and Salvia officinalis widely used in Morocco as flavorings, food additives and preservatives. Sixty seven components were identified accounting for more than 95.0 % of the total oils. M. suaveolens subsp. timija oil had as main components menthone and pulegone. A. ageratum oil was particularly rich in artemisyl acetate and yomogi alcohol. The essential oil of T. satureioides was characterized by high contents of carvacrol and borneol. C. cinerea oil contained trans-thujone and cis-verbenyl acetate as major constituents, whereas S. officinalis oil was characterized by trans-thujone and camphor. Antioxidant activities were examined by means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), reducing power, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and ABTS radical tests. In all assays, the highest antioxidant potency was observed in T. satureioides EO with IC50 values ranging from 0.15 ± 0.36 μg mL(-1) to 0.23 ± 0.67 μg mL(-1) across the four assays. The in vitro evaluation of the insecticidal activity showed that M. suaveolens subsp. timija EO present the highest insecticidal efficiency against adults of Tribolium castaneum with LD50 and LD90 values of 0.17 μL cm(-2) and 0.26 μL cm(-2), respectively and LT50, LT90 values ranged from 44.19 h to 2.98 h and 98.14 h to 6.02 h, respectively. Our data support the possible use of T. satureioides oil as potential antioxidant agent, while M. suaveolens subsp. timija oil can be developed as a new natural bio-insecticide.

From local to global-fifty years of research on Salvia divinorum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In 1962 ethnopharmacologists, Hofmann and Wasson, undertook an expedition to Oaxaca, Mexico. These two researchers were the first scientists to collect a flowering specimen of Salvia divinorum allowing the identification of this species. While the species' traditional use is confined to a very small region of Mexico, since Hofmann and Wasson's expedition 50 years ago, Salvia divinorum has become globally recognized for its main active constituent, the diterpene salvinorin A, which has a unique effect on human physiology. Salvinorin A is a kappa-opioid agonist and the first reported psychoactive diterpene.

METHODS

This review concentrates on the investigation of Salvia divinorum over the last 50 years including ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, taxonomy, systematics, genetics, chemistry and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic research. For the purpose of this review, online search engines were used to find relevant research. Searches were conducted between October 2011 and September 2013 using the search term "Salvia divinorum". Papers were excluded if they described synthetic chemical synthesis of salvinorin A or analogues.

RESULTS

Ethnobotanically there is a comprehensive body of research describing the traditional Mazatec use of the plant, however, the modern ethnobotanical use of this plant is not well documented. There are a limited number of botanical investigations into this plant and there are still several aspects of the botany of Salvia divinorum which need further investigation. One study has investigated the phylogenetic relationship of Salvia divinorum to other species in the genus. To date the main focus of chemistry research on Salvia divinorum has been salvinorin A, the main active compound in Salvia divinorum, and other related diterpenoids. Finally, the effects of salvinorin A, a KOR agonist, have primarily been investigated using animal models.

CONCLUSIONS

As Salvia divinorum use increases worldwide, the emerging cultural use patterns will warrant more research. More botanical information is also needed to better understand this species, including germination, pollination vector and a better understanding of the endemic environment of Salvia divinorum. As well there is a gap in the genetic knowledge of this species and very little is known about its intra-species genetics. The terpenes in Salvia divinorum are very well documented, however, other classes of constituents in this species warrant further investigation and identification. To date, the majority of the pharmacology research on Salvia divinorum has focused on the effects of salvinorin A using animal models. Published human studies have not reported any harmful effects when salvinorin A is administered within the dose range of 0.375-21µg/kg but what are the implications when applied to a larger population? More data on the toxicology and safety of Salvia divinorum are needed before larger scale clinical trials of the potential therapeutic effects of Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are undertaken.

Rhodomyrtals A–D, four unusual phloroglucinol-sesquiterpene adducts from Rhodomyrtus psidioides

Four unusual phloroglucinol-sesquiterpene adducts, rhodomyrtals A–D (1–4), representing two unprecendented carbon frameworks of phloroglucinol coupled eudesmane with the linkage at C-12′, were isolated from Rhodomyrtus psidioides.

A gDNA microarray for genotyping salvia species

Salvia is an important genus from the Lamiaceae with approximately 1,000 species. This genus is distributed globally and cultivated for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal uses. We report the construction of the first fingerprinting array for Salvia species enriched with polymorphic and divergent DNA sequences and demonstrate the potential of this array for fingerprinting several economically important members of this genus. In order to generate the Salvia subtracted diversity array (SDA) a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed between a pool of Salvia species and a pool of angiosperms and non-angiosperms to selectively isolate Salvia-specific sequences. A total of 285-subtracted genomic DNA (gDNA) fragments were amplified and arrayed. DNA fingerprints were obtained for fifteen Salvia genotypes including three that were not part of the original subtraction pool. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the Salvia-specific SDA was capable of differentiating S. officinalis and S. miltiorrhiza from their closely related species and was also able to reveal genetic relationships consistent with geographical origins. In addition, this approach was capable of isolating highly polymorphic sequences from chloroplast and nuclear DNA without preliminary sequence information. Therefore, SDA is a powerful technique for fingerprinting non-model plants and for identifying new polymorphic loci that may be developed as potential molecular markers.

Parvifloranines A and B, two 11-carbon alkaloids from Geijera parviflora

Two novel alkaloids (parvifloranines A and B), possessing an unusual 11-carbon skeleton linked with amino acids, were isolated from Geijera parviflora, an endemic Australian Rutaceae. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic measurements including 2D NMR analyses. Parvifloranine A was found to be a mixture of two enantiomers, (S)-1 and (R)-1, in a ratio of 1:4, based on their separation using a chiral column. Parvifloranine B is also believed to be a mixture of enantiomers. Proposed biosynthetic pathways are discussed. Parvifloranine A inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 23.4 μM.

First report of fingerprinting dried herbal products using a subtractive diversity array

Introduction Sequence - independent microarrays have never been used to identify and authenticate dried herbal plants.

METHODS

We report successful fingerprinting of seven species: Leonurus sibiricus, Astragalus membranaceus, Coix lachryma-jobi, Magnolia biondii, Abutilon theophrasti, Physalis alkekengi, and Salvia miltiorrhiza from dried tissues using a sequence-independent microarray, "Subtracted Diversity Array".

RESULTS

Herbal plants could be identified from tissues as they were sold at the clinic. Hierarchical cluster of these species generated using SPSS v.15.0 confirmed to their predicted taxonomical relationships as specified in the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group II classification system. A polymorphism rate of 40.7% was achieved from the 376 spots used for fingerprinting. Functional characterization of polymorphic features by sequencing revealed 27.1% of those were retroelements or genes.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique provides a new way to produce markers for authenticating dried herbal samples.

Factors affecting pharmacists' recommendation of complementary medicines - a qualitative pilot study of Australian pharmacists

Background

Complementary medicines (CMs) are widely used by the Australian public, and pharmacies are major suppliers of these medicines. The integration of CMs into pharmacy practice is well documented, but the behaviours of pharmacists in recommending CMs to customers are less well studied. This study reports on factors that influence whether or not pharmacists in Australia recommend CMs to their customers.

Methods

Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with twelve practicing pharmacists based in Brisbane, Australia. The qualitative data were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

The primary driver of the recommendation of CMs was a desire to provide a health benefit to the customer. Other important drivers were an awareness of evidence of efficacy, customer feedback and pharmacy protocols to recommend a CM alongside a particular pharmaceutical medication. The primary barrier to the recommendation of CMs was safety concerns around patients on multiple medications or with complex health issues. Also, a lack of knowledge of CMs, a perceived lack of evidence or a lack of time to counsel patients were identified as barriers. There was a desire to see a greater integration of CM into formal pharmacy education. Additionally, the provision of good quality educational materials was seen as important to allow pharmacists to assess levels of evidence for CMs and educate them on their safe and appropriate use.

Conclusions

Pharmacists who frequently recommend CMs identify many potential benefits for patients and see it as an important part of providing a ‘healthcare solution’. To encourage the informed use of CMs in pharmacy there is a need for the development of accessible, quality resources on CMs. In addition, incorporation of CM education into pharmacy curricula would better prepare graduate pharmacists for community practice. Ultimately, such moves would contribute to the safe and effective use of CMs to the benefit of consumers.

Biologically active dibenzofurans from Pilidiostigma glabrum, an endemic Australian Myrtaceae

In an effort to identify new anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents with potential application in wound healing, five new dibenzofurans, 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4,6-di(2-methylbutanoyl)dibenzofuran (1), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4-(2-methylbutanoyl)-6-(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (2), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4,6-di(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (3), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-2-(2-methylbutanoyl)-8-(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (4), and 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-2,8-di(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (5), were isolated from the leaves of Pilidiostigma glabrum together with one previously described dibenzofuran. Structure elucidation was achieved by way of spectroscopic measurements including 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Compounds with 2,8-acyl substitutions had potent antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive strains (MIC in the low micromolar range), while compounds with 4,6-acyl substitutions were less active. All compounds except 3 inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide in RAW264 macrophages with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range. Compounds with 2,8-acyl substitutions also inhibited the synthesis of PGE(2) in 3T3 cells, whereas 4,6-acyl-substituted compounds were inactive. None of the compounds inhibited the synthesis of TNF-α in RAW264 cells. The compounds showed variable but modest antioxidant activity in the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. These findings highlight that much of the Australian flora remains unexplored and may yet yield many new compounds of interest. Initial clues are provided on structure/activity relationships for this class of bioactives, which may enable the design and synthesis of compounds with higher activity and/or selectivity.

Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of wild and cultivated mint timija (Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija (Briq.) Harley), an endemic and threatened medicinal species in Morocco

The hydro-distilled essential oils obtained from aerial parts of the wild (w) and cultivated (c) mint timija (Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija), an endemic medicinal species of Morocco, have been analyzed by GC-MS and screened for antimicrobial activity. In total, 35 compounds representing more than 98% of the oils were identified. Menthone (39.4(w)-10.8(c)%), pulegone (62.3(c)-34.3(w)%) and isomenthone (9.3(c)-7.8(w)%) were found as the main components for the two oils. The volatiles of the wild and cultivated material differed significantly in both the percentage of the main components and antimicrobial effect. Pulegone was more dominant in cultivated mint timija (62.3%) than in wild one (34.3%), while menthone was more abundant in the wild material (39.4%). In the antimicrobial assays, both oils displayed good to excellent activity against all microorganisms tested with the oil of the cultivated form being more active.

Detection of Panax quinquefolius in Panax ginseng using 'subtracted diversity array'

BACKGROUND

Food adulteration remains a major global concern. DNA fingerprinting has several advantages over chemical and morphological identification techniques. DNA microarray-based fingerprinting techniques have not been used previously to detect adulteration involving dried commercial samples of closely related species. Here we report amplification of low-level DNA obtained from dried commercial ginseng samples using the Qiagen REPLI-g Kit. Further, we used a subtracted diversity array (SDA) to fingerprint the two ginseng species, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, that are frequently mixed for adulteration.

RESULTS

The two ginseng species were successfully discriminated using SDA. Further, SDA was sensitive enough to detect a deliberate adulteration of 10% P. quinquefolius in P. ginseng. Thirty-nine species-specific features including 30 P. ginseng-specific and nine P. quinquefolius-specific were obtained. This resulted in a feature polymorphism rate of 10.5% from the 376 features used for fingerprinting the two ginseng species. The functional characterization of 14 Panax species-specific features by sequencing revealed one putative ATP synthase, six putative uncharacterized proteins, and two retroelements to be different in these two species.

CONCLUSION

SDA can be employed to detect adulterations in a broad range of plant samples.

A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex

Background:

Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of immune-modulating effects. This exploratory study aimed to determine whether a seaweed nutrient complex containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae plus nutrients is safe to administer and has biological potential as an immune modulator. The study was undertaken as an open-label combined Phase I and II study.

Methods:

Participants (n = 10) were randomized to receive the study medication at either a 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 5) dose over 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was in vivo changes in lymphocyte subsets. The secondary outcome measures were ex vivo changes in T-lymphocyte (CD4 and CD8) activation, phagocytosis of granulocytes and monocytes, T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokines, and serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity.

Results:

The preparation was found to be safe over the 4 weeks at both doses tested. There were no clinically relevant changes to blood measurements of hemopoietic, hepatic, or renal function. Immunomodulatory measurements showed no dose response between the two doses. The combined results from the two doses demonstrated a significant increase in cytotoxic T cell numbers and phagocytic capacity in monocytes, and a significant decrease in levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6. A separate analysis of the 100 mg dose (n = 5) alone showed a significant linear component over time (P < 0.05) for phagocytosis by both granulocytes and monocytes.

Conclusion:

The seaweed nutrient complex was safe to use when taken orally over 4 weeks. The preparation was demonstrated to have potential as an immune modulator, and this bioactivity deserves further exploration.

Effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis combined with Enalapril in rats with obstructive uropathy

ACE inhibitors (ACEi) reduce renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis but are not completely effective. Combined extract of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis (A&A) is a traditional antifibrotic agent in China. The present investigation aimed to determine whether an ACEi (Enalapril) and A&A together have a better antifibrotic effect in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) than monotherapy with either agent. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 4 per group) had either sham operation or UUO alone, with A&A (combined aqueous and ethanol extract equivalent to 2.1 g dried herbs), with Enalapril (in drinking water at 200 mg/mL) or with both treatments. Kidney and liver were collected for protein extraction or fixed for histologic stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), microscopy. Enalapril or A&A individually were antifibrotic. Transforming growth factor-beta1, fibroblast activation, collagen deposition, macrophage accumulation and tubular cell apoptosis were all decreased. The combination of the two drugs was significantly more effective than Enalapril alone in reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha, collagen accumulation, activation of fibroblasts, and tubular cell apoptosis. In conclusion, Enalapril with A&A significantly decreased tubulointerstitial fibrosis to a greater extent than treatment with Enalapril alone. Further studies focusing on the isolation of the active constituents of A&A and the clinical application of the combination of ACEi plus A&A are warranted to determine the value of this treatment in humans.

Diarylheptanoid from Pleuranthodium racemigerum with in vitro prostaglandin E(2) inhibitory and cytotoxic activity

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of an ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Pleuranthodium racemigerum, a tropical Zingiberaceae species from Northeastern Australia, resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of 1-(4''-methoxyphenyl)-7-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-(E)-hept-2-ene (1), a new diarylheptanoid related to curcumin. Compound 1 was a fairly potent inhibitor of prostaglandin E(2) production in 3T3 murine fibroblasts (IC(50) approximately 34 microM) and also displayed moderate cytotoxicity against this cell line (IC(50) = 52.8 microM). The compound also demonstrated cytotoxic activity against the P388D1 murine lymphoblast cell line (IC(50) = 117.0 microM) and four human cell lines: Caco-2 colonic adenocarcinoma (IC(50) = 44.8 microM), PC3 prostate adenocarcinoma (IC(50) = 23.6 microM), HepG2 hepatocyte carcinoma (IC(50) = 40.6 microM), and MCF7 mammary adenocarcinoma (IC(50) = 56.9 microM). The cytotoxicity of compound 1 closely resembled that of curcumin, in terms of both IC(50) values and dose-response curves.

A combined phase I and II open label study on the effects of a seaweed extract nutrient complex on osteoarthritis

Background:

Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose:

This present study tested a Maritech^® extract formulation, containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae, plus nutrients in an open label combined phase I and II pilot scale study to determine both acute safety and efficacy in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Patients and methods:

Participants (n = 12, five females [mean age, 62 ± 11.06 years] and seven males [mean age, 57.14 ± 9.20 years]) with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to either 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 7) of a Maritech^® extract formulation per day. The formulation contained Maritech^® seaweed extract containing Fucus vesiculosis (85% w/w), Macrocystis pyrifera (10% w/w) and Laminaria japonica (5% w/w) plus vitamin B6, zinc and manganese. Primary outcome was the average comprehensive arthritis test (COAT) score which is comprised of four sub-scales: pain, stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity measured weekly. Safety measures included full blood count, serum lipids, liver function tests, urea, creatinine and electrolytes determined at baseline and week 12. All adverse events were recorded.

Results:

Eleven participants completed 12 weeks and one completed 10 weeks of the study. Using a multilevel linear model, the average COAT score was reduced by 18% for the 100 mg treatment and 52% for the 1000 mg dose at the end of the study. There was a clear dose response effect seen between the two treatments (P ≤ 0.0005) on the average COAT score and each of the four COAT subscales (pain, stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity) (P ≤ 0.05). The preparation was well tolerated and the few adverse events were unlikely to be related to the study medication. There were no changes in blood parameters measured over the course of the study with the exception of an increase in serum albumin which was not clinically significant.

Conclusion:

The seaweed extract nutrient complex when taken orally over twelve weeks decreased the symptoms of osteoarthritis in a dose-dependent manner. It was demonstrated to be safe to use over the study period at the doses tested. The efficacy of the preparation now needs to be demonstrated in a phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register:

ACTRN12607000229471.

An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: potential therapeutic and toxic effects

AIM

Renal fibrosis is central to progression of most chronic renal pathologies. Antioxidants that protect the tubular epithelium and anti-fibrotics that induce apoptosis of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts without adversely affecting tubular epithelium may slow progression of renal fibrosis, while toxic substances may exacerbate renal scarring. We investigated 47 herbs for their in vitro toxic or antioxidant effects on normal renal mammalian fibroblasts (NRK49F) and tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E) to determine their potential value as therapeutic agents in renal fibrosis involving oxidative stress.

METHODS

Herbs were chosen because of their traditional use in kidney or urinary system disorders, or because of recent published interest in their therapeutic or toxic potential in kidney disease. Extracts of herbs were made using a sequential multi-solvent extraction process. Each extract was analysed separately. Extraction solvents were ethyl acetate, methanol and 50% aqueous methanol. Cells were treated with extracts with/without oxidative stress (1.0 mM hydrogen peroxide). Cellular changes (apoptosis, necrosis, mitosis, transdifferentiation) were identified and quantified using defined criteria.

RESULTS

All extracts of Dioscorea villosa showed significant toxicity to both cell lines. At low concentrations (5-50 microg/mL) they induced epithelial to mesenchymal transdifferentiation, as demonstrated by increased immunohistochemistry staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-beta1 in treated versus control cells. Angelica sinensis, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Olea europaea demonstrated strong antioxidant effects in epithelial cells and/or apoptotic effects on fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

This investigation has revealed renotoxicity of D. villosa and anti-fibrotic, oxidant potential of several herbal extracts, all of which require further study.

Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic renal disease exceeds 10% in industrialized societies. Oxidative damage is thought to be one of the main mechanisms involved in nearly all chronic renal pathologies.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to use the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method and a sequential multisolvent extraction process to compare the in vitro antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs and prioritize them for in vivo studies investigating the value of herbal therapies in the treatment of renal disorders.

METHODS

The herbs were chosen on the basis of their traditional use in kidney or urinary system disorders, or because they have attracted the attention of recent investigations into renal pathologies. The three solvents used for extraction were ethyl acetate, methanol, and 50% aqueous methanol. Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seed and Camellia sinensis (tea) leaf, both known to possess high antioxidant capacity, were included for comparison.

RESULTS

Twelve of the 55 herbs were comparable to or exceeded ORAC levels of milk thistle seed or tea leaf. The highest radical-scavenging activity was found in Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap).

CONCLUSIONS

The antioxidant capacity of many of the herbs studied may, at least in part, be responsible for their reputation as being protective of organs of the urinary system. Overall, the combined ORAC values for the methanol and aqueous methanol extracts comprised 84% of the total ORAC value. Sequential extraction with solvents of different polarities may be necessary to fully extract the antioxidant principles from medicinal plants.

The effect of St John's wort extracts on CYP3A: a systematic review of prospective clinical trials

AIM

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the quality and outcomes of clinical trials investigating the effect of St John's wort extracts on the metabolism of drugs by CYP3A.

METHODS

Prospective clinical trials assessing the effect of St John's wort (SJW) extracts on metabolism by CYP3A were identified through computer-based searches (from their inception to May 2005) of Medline, Cinahl, PsycINFO, AMED, Current Contents and Embase, hand-searches of bibliographies of relevant papers and consultation with manufacturers and researchers in the field. Two reviewers selected trials for inclusion, independently extracted data and recorded details on study design.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria. More than two-thirds of the studies employed a before-and-after design, less than one-third of the studies used a crossover design, and only three studies were double-blind and placebo controlled. In 12 studies the SJW extract had been assayed, and 14 studies stated the specific SJW extract used. Results from 26 studies, including all of the 19 studies that used high-dose hyperforin extracts (>10 mg day(-1)), had outcomes consistent with CYP3A induction. The three studies using low-dose hyperforin extracts (<4 mg day(-1)) demonstrated no significant effect on CYP3A.

CONCLUSION

There is reasonable evidence to suggest that high-dose hyperforin SJW extracts induce CYP3A. More studies are required to determine whether decreased CYP3A induction occurs after low-dose hyperforin extracts. Future studies should adopt study designs with a control phase or control group, identify the specific SJW extract employed and provide quantitative analyses of key constituents.

Essential oil composition of diploid and tetraploid clones of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) grown in Australia

Ginger oil, obtained by steam distillation of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is used in the beverage and fragrance industries. Ginger oil displays considerable compositional diversity, but is typically characterized by a high content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, including zingiberene, ar-curcumene, beta-bisabolene, and beta-sesquiphellandrene. Australian ginger oil has a reputation for possessing a particular "lemony" aroma, due to its high content of the isomers neral and geranial, often collectively referred to as citral. Fresh rhizomes of 17 clones of Australian ginger, including commercial cultivars and experimental tetraploid clones, were steam distilled 7 weeks post-harvest, and the resulting oils were analyzed by GC-MS. The essential oils of 16 of the 17 clones, including the tetraploid clones and their parent cultivar, were found to be of substantially similar composition. These oils were characterized by very high citral levels (51-71%) and relatively low levels of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons typical of ginger oil. The citral levels of most of these oils exceeded those previously reported for ginger oils. The neral-to-geranial ratio was shown to be remarkably constant (0.61 +/- 0.01) across all 17 clones. One clone, the cultivar "Jamaican", yielded oil with a substantially different composition, lower citral content and higher levels of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Because this cultivar also contains significantly higher concentrations of pungent gingerols, it possesses unique aroma and flavor characteristics, which should be of commercial interest.

Gingerol content of diploid and tetraploid clones of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a monocotyledonous, sterile cultigen, is widely used as a spice, flavoring agent, and herbal medicine. The pungency of fresh ginger is due to a series of homologous phenolic ketones of which [6]-gingerol is the major one. The gingerols are thermally unstable and can be converted to their corresponding shogaols, which are present in dried ginger. Fresh rhizomes of 17 clones of Australian ginger, including commercial cultivars and experimental tetraploid clones, were assayed by HPLC for gingerols and shogaols. [6]-Gingerol was identified as the major pungent phenolic compound in all samples, while [8]- and [10]-gingerol occurred in lower concentrations. One cultivar known as "Jamaican" contained the highest concentrations of all three gingerols and was the most pungent of the clones analyzed. Gingerols were stable in ethanolic solution over a 5-month period when stored at 4 degrees C. Shogaols were not identified in the extracts prepared from fresh rhizomes at ambient temperature, confirming that these compounds are not native constituents of fresh ginger. In contrast to previous findings, this study did not find significant differences in gingerol concentrations between the tetraploid clones and their parent diploid cultivar.

A review of the status of Western herbal medicine in Australia

Western herbal medicine is the most widely used form of herbal medicine in Australia although Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicines are becoming better known. The agricultural production and manufacture of locally grown herbs is, with some exceptions, relatively underdeveloped, as is the research and development of indigenous flora. However, the use of herbal medicine is increasingly becoming mainstream with retail sales of herbal products in Australia estimated to be 200 million dollars. Concurrent with the increase in popularity of herbal medicine with health consumers have come advances in herbal medicine education and regulation. Although small by European standards, research into herbal medicines is increasing, mainly through industry and University-based initiatives.