The pharmacokinetic profiles of mogrosides in T2DM rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Luohanguo (LHG) extract major contenting mogrosides, as a nonnutritive sweetener, has been reported to exert a hypoglycemic effect on diabetic patients and animals. As the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs were changed with diabetes, it may lead to the different pharmacological of mogrosides between diabetic and normal subjects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To characterise the pharmacokinetic profiles of mogrosides in T2DM rats.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

High-fat diet and streptozocin induced type 2 diabetic mellitus rats were used to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior of mogroside V and mogrosides IIIA₁, IIA₁, and IA₁ after T2DM rats orally administrated with mogroside V and 1-3 glucose residues' mogrosides, respectively. The validated convenient UPLC-QTOF/MS and UPLC-MS/MS methods were established to use in the pharmacokinetic studies of mogrosides in normal and T2DM rats. Additionally, the expression of the intestinal tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was also detected by immunohistochemical analysis, which assessed the function of passive intestinal permeability in T2DM rats.

RESULTS

The results showed that for rats treated with mogroside V, its metabolite mogroside IIIA₁ has a significant increase (p < 0.05) in maximum plasma concentration (C_max, 163.80 ± 25.56 ng/mL) and area under the plasma concentration (AUC_0-t, 2327.44 ± 474.63 h·ng/mL) in T2DM rats compared with in normal rats. The mean residence time (MRT_0-t, 12.04 ± 0.97 h) of mogroside V showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in T2DM rats. However, the mogrosides IIIA₁, IIA₁and IA₁ showed no statistical differences in the normal and T2DM rats after administered with 1-3 glucose residues' mogrosides. Furthermore, the expression level of ZO-1 in the duodenum and colon of T2DM rats were downregulated.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetic profiles of mogroside V and its metabolite mogroside IIIA₁ in T2DM rats and normal rats showed some difference, it might be affected by the metabolic changes in the pathological state of T2DM.

Development, Validation and Application of a UHPLC-MS Method for the Quantification of Chios Mastic Gum Triterpenoids in Human Plasma

Chios mastic gum is the resinous secretion obtained from the barks of the shrub Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, which is endemic to the Greek island of Chios. Since antiquity, Chios mastic gum has found several uses as a phytotherapeutic remedy, primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders while recently, Chios mastic gum was also recognized by EMA as an herbal medicinal product with specific indications. Chios mastic gum's biological properties are attributed to triterpenes which comprise the major chemical group (approx. 70%) and notably isomasticadienonic acid and masticadienonic acid. However, due to their structural characteristics, the isolation thereof in high yield and purity is challenging and since they are not commercially available, pharmacological studies aiming to assess their biological properties are limited. In the present work, mastic's phytochemical investigation by UPLC-HRMS is followed by the isolation and characterization of isomasticadienonic acid and masticadienonic acid to be used as analytical standards for their accurate and reliable quantification in human plasma. A UHPLC-tQ-MS method that was developed and validated (in terms of specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy and precision), for the direct quantification of the targeted compounds in the low ng/mL range of concentration, was subsequently implemented on plasma samples of healthy volunteers thus demonstrating its fitness for purpose. The results presented herein might provide insight to the understanding of this traditional natural product consumed notably for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid lowering properties. Moreover, this method might serve as a starting point for any study aiming to monitor bioactive triterpenes in biological fluids.

Screening the Q-markers of TCMs from RA rat plasma using UHPLC-QTOF/MS technique for the comprehensive evaluation of Wu-Wei-Wen-Tong Capsule

The appropriate selection of quality marker (Q-marker) for performing the comprehensive quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) has much more significance. Wu-Wei-Wen-Tong Capsule (WWWTC), a TCMs prescription, is mainly utilized to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. However, the comprehensive quality control for WWWTC has not been achieved because of lacking system analysis for the Q-marker. In this study, a dual wavelength, 203 and 270 nm, was selected based on the feature of 15 Q-markers, and a reliable UHPLC-UV fingerprinting approach was established, achieving the comprehensive quality evaluation of WWWTC. First, we identified 91 prototypes in rat plasma after administering a set amount of WWWTC by using UHPLC-QTOF/MS technique and selected them as the candidate Q-markers. Next, based on the "five principles" of Q-marker selection, 15 absorbed components among them including coumarin, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, and 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde derived from Monarch medicine of Cmnamomi Mmulus; epimedin C, icariin, baohuoside I, and anhydroicaritin derived from Monarch medicine Epimedii Folium; germacrone, the sesquiterpene compound in Minister medicine Rhizoma Wenyujin Concisum; pachymic acid, the tetracyclic triterpenoid acids in Assistant medicine Poria; baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, and wogonoside in Guide medicine Scutellariae Radix, respectively, were seriously chosen as the Q-markers, indicating preferable pharmacological effect on RA, characterization of transitivity and traceability as well as measurable components in WWWTC. The effective and meaningful strategy displayed a unique perspective for the exploration of Q-markers in the quality evaluation and further ensured efficacy and safety of the TCMs.

A stepwise integrated multi-system to screen quality markers of Chinese classic prescription Qingzao Jiufei decoction on the treatment of acute lung injury by combining 'network pharmacology-metabolomics-PK/PD modeling'

BACKGROUND

Previously, we have investigated the therapeutic mechanism of Qingzao Jiufei Decoction (QZJFD), a Chinese classic prescription, on acute lung injury (ALI), however, which remained to be further clarified together with the underlying efficacy related compounds for quality markers (Q-markers).

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

To explore Q-markers of QZJFD on ALI by integrating a stepwise multi-system with 'network pharmacology-metabolomics- pharmacokinetic (PK)/ pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling'.

METHODS

First, based on in vitro and in vivo component analysis, a network pharmacology strategy was developed to identify active components and potential action mechanism of QZJFD on ALI. Next, studies of poly-pharmacology and non-targeted metabolomics were used to elaborate efficacy and verify network pharmacology results. Then, a comparative PK study on active components in network pharmacology was developed to profile their dynamic laws in vivo under ALI, suggesting Q-marker candidates. Next, quantified analytes with marked PK variations after modeling were fitted with characteristic endogenous metabolites along drug concentration-efficacy-time curve in a PK-PD modeling to verify and select primary effective compounds. Finally, Q-markers were further chosen based on representativeness among analytes through validity analysis of PK quantitation of primary effective compounds.

RESULTS

In virtue of 121 and 33 compounds identified in vitro and in vivo, respectively, 33 absorbed prototype compounds were selected to construct a ternary network of '20 components-47 targets-113 pathways' related to anti-ALI of QZJFD. Predicted mechanism (leukocytes infiltration, cytokines, endogenous metabolism) were successively verified by poly-pharmacology and metabolomics. Next, 18 measurable components were retained from 20 analytes by PK comparison under ALI. Then, 15 primary effective compounds from 18 PK markers were further selected by PK-PD analysis. Finally, 9 representative Q-markers from 15 primary effective compounds attributed to principal (chlorogenic acid), ministerial (methylophiopogonanone A, methylophiopogonanone B), adjuvant (sesamin, ursolic acid, amygdalin), conductant drugs (liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritin) in QZJFD, were recognized by substitutability and relevance of plasmatic concentration at various time points.

CONCLUSION

9 Q-markers for QZJFD on ALI were identified by a stepwise integration strategy, moreover, which was a powerful tool for screening Q-makers involved with the therapeutic action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription and promoting the process of TCM modernization and scientification.

Pharmacokinetics of maslinic and oleanolic acids from olive oil - Effects on endothelial function in healthy adults. A randomized, controlled, dose-response study

To date, pharmacokinetics of maslinic (MA) and oleanolic (OA) acids, at normal dietary intakes in humans, have not been evaluated, and data concerning their bioactive effects are scarce. We assessed MA and OA pharmacokinetics after ingestion of olive oils (OOs) with high and low triterpenic acid contents, and specifically the effect of triterpenes on endothelial function. We performed a double-blind, dose-response, randomized, cross-over nutritional intervention in healthy adults, and observed that MA and OA increased in biological fluids in a dose-dependent manner. MA bioavailability was greater than that of OA, and consumption of pentacyclic triterpenes was associated with improved endothelial function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time MA pharmacokinetics, and effects on endothelial function in vivo, have been reported in humans.

Centella asiatica L. Phytosome Improves Cognitive Performance by Promoting Bdnf Expression in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

A wide range of people in the world use natural remedies as primary approaches against illnesses. Accordingly, understanding the mechanisms of action of phytochemicals has become of great interest. In this context, Centella asiatica L. is extensively used, not only as anti-inflammatory or antioxidant agent but also as brain tonic. On this basis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the chronic administration of C. asiatica L. to adult male rats was able to improve the expression of Bdnf, one of the main mediators of brain plasticity. Moreover, we assessed whether the treatment could affect the cognitive performance in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. We confirmed the presence of the main compounds in the plasma. Furthermore, C. asiatica L. administration induced an increase of Bdnf in the prefrontal cortex, and the administration of the higher dose of the extract was able to improve cognitive performance. Finally, the increase in the preference index in the NOR test was paralleled by a further increase in Bdnf expression. Overall, we highlight the ability of C. asiatica L. to affect brain functions by increasing Bdnf expression and by enhancing the cognitive performance.

Simultaneous determination of three saponins in human plasma after oral administration of compound danshen dripping pills by LC-MS/MS and its application in a pharmacokinetic study

As one of the main constituents of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP), Panax notoginseng (PN) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous researches have proved that the dammarane type saponins including notoginsenoside R1 (NR1), ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1) and ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) are the main bioactive components of PN in CDDP. An efficient, realiable and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis method for simultaneously detecting NR1, GRg1 and GRb1 in human plasma was established and applied to the pharmacokinetics study of the three PN saponins after oral administration of CDDP. The human plasma samples were processed using acetonitrile and the target materials were separated on an Eclipse plus C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) with a gradient mobile phase consisted of water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and methanol. Within the concentration ranges of 0.25-50 ng/mL, each calibration curve exhibited an excellent linear relationship (r>0.998). The precision deviations of intra-day and inter-day analysis were lower than 9.0%, and accuracy error (RE%) ranged between 1.5% and 10.5%. The average recoveries of analytes were >64.0%. The established method was successfully applied to determine the pharmacokinetics of the three saponins in human plasma. In addition to providing guidance for clinical safe medication, the experimental results also provided a valuable and reliable basis for further pharmacological studies of PN in the human body after oral administration of CDDP.

Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica (ECa 233) Capsules in Healthy Thai Volunteers: A Phase 1 Clinical Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of a newly developed, standardized extract of Centella asiatica (ECa 233) capsule in healthy Thai volunteers. This study was designed as an open-labeled, 2-sequence dosage, single- and repeated-dose study investigated under fasting conditions. Plasma concentrations of the parent compounds and their relative acid metabolites were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Tolerability was assessed based on physical examinations, monitoring of vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, and any observed adverse events. A key finding of this study was that the pharmacokinetics of ECa 233 in healthy volunteers did not correspond with its pharmacokinetics in animal studies. As indicated in human pharmacokinetic parameters, maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of the parent compounds (madecassoside and asiaticoside) were very low, while their respective metabolites (madecassic acid and asiatic acid) demonstrated higher values. Based on the pharmacokinetic results observed in the dose comparison, accumulation of active metabolites after repeated dose is highly suggestive. In addition, the asiatic acid profile showed 2-fold increase in C_max and AUC_(0-t) after increasing dose from 250 to 500 mg of ECa 233. Lastly, the safety and tolerability evaluation illustrated that single and multiple doses in both 250 and 500 mg oral administration of ECa 233 were well tolerated, and none of the volunteers discontinued their participation due to adverse effects during the study.

Optimization and validation of extraction and quantification methods of antimalarial triterpenic esters in Keetia leucantha plant and plasma

The aim of this study is to develop validated methods for the extraction and quantification of antimalarial triterpene esters from Keetia leucantha and from plasma samples. These compounds, showing in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities, were optimally extracted from Keetia leucantha twigs using ultrasounds with dichloromethane and from plasma using protein precipitation with acetonitrile. We then developed and validated HPLC-UV quantification methods, which proved to be selective, accurate, linear, true and precise, both in plant and plasma samples for the eight triterpenic esters in mixture. Based on the total error concept as decision criteria, the validated dosage ranges of the triterpene esters mixture were set between 14.68 and 73.37 μg/mL in plants and 15.90 and 106.01 μg/mL in plasma injected solutions, corresponding to 7.95 and 53.01 μg/mL in plasma. These reliable methods were used to determine effectively triterpene esters content in collected samples, that seems highly variable in plant extracts, and will be helpful to further investigate pharmacokinetics parameters of these interesting bioactive compounds.

A UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of eight triterpene compounds from Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf extract in rat plasma: Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study

Poria cum Radix Pini (PRP), White Poria (WP), Rubra Poria (RP), and Poriae Cutis (PC), different parts of the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (PCW), have possessed various pharmacological effects and clinical application. In the present study, a novel ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of eight triterpene compounds in rat plasma and then was applied in the comparison of pharmacokinetic characteristics of PRP, WP, RP, and PC extracts. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C₁₈ (2.1 × 100 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase composed of aqueous solution (containing 0.5‰ formic acid and 0.5 mmol/L ammonium acetate) and acetonitrile in gradient elution. Mass spectrometric of the analytes and internal standard (IS) were conducted in negative electrospray ionization with high-resolution multiple reaction monitoring (MRM^HR) mode. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for the eight analytes were in the range of 2.00-20.16 ng/mL. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.993). The inter- and intra-batch precision and accuracy for the eight triterpene compounds were acceptable. The results indicated that the eight triterpene compounds displayed different pharmacokinetic characteristics in PRP, WP, RP, and PC, and that poricoic acid B, poricoic acid A, pachymic acid, dehydrotrametenolic acid, dehydrotumulosic acid, polyporenic acid C and dehydropachymic acid may be the major bioactive compounds of PCW contributing to the diuretic effect.

Ursolic acid loaded intra nasal nano lipid vesicles for brain tumour: Formulation, optimization, in-vivo brain/plasma distribution study and histopathological assessment

The aim was to formulate an optimized ursolic acid (UA) loaded lipid vesicle using formulation by design approach (FbD) for improving the drug targeting by nasal route for brain tumor. Three factors were evaluated at three different levels using anethole (terpene) (A), ethanol (B) and phospholipid90 G (C) as independent variables and their individual and combined effects were observed for PDI (Y1), vesicle size (Y2) and encapsulation efficiency (Y3) to select an optimal system (UALVopt). The optimized formulation was further converted into gel and evaluated for drug release, nasal permeation study, brain/plasma uptake and histopathology study. The UALVopt formulation containing anethole as terpene (1% as A), ethanol (2.6% as B) and phospholipid90 G (8.8 mg as C) showed low PDI (0.212), vesicle size (115.56 nm) and high entrapment efficiency (76.42%). The in-vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation study results revealed prolonged drug release and permeation. The brain/blood ratio for UALVGopt remained significantly higher at all the time points with respect to UALVopt indicating higher and prolonged retention of drug at site of action. The histopathological study of the nasal mucosa and brain confirmed non-toxic nature of developed formulation. The formulation UALVGopt could serve as a better alternative for the brain targeting via the intranasal route which in turn could subsequently improve its efficacy.

Rapid profiling and pharmacokinetic studies of multiple potential bioactive triterpenoids in rat plasma using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS after oral administration of Ilicis Rotundae Cortex extract

Triterpenoids, the major bioactive ingredients of Ilicis Rotundae Cortex, contributes a significant cardiovascular protection activity. Although many studies about the total saponins have been reported, the absorption triterpenoids and pharmacokinetic behaviors were unclear. Thus, the present study aims to comprehensive elucidate the absorption triterpenoids and their pharmacokinetics in rats after oral administration the crude extract using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS. A total of forty-two triterpenoids were successfully characterized from the rat plasma, and thirty-two of them were validated by the reference substances, while the others were tentatively identified based on the mass spectral fragmental patterns. Furthermore, the plasma concentrations of six absorption bioactive triterpenoids (rotundinoside C, ilexoside O, pedunculoside, rotundic acid, rotundanonic acid and ilexgenin A) were simultaneously quantified by selected reaction monitoring in negative ionization mode. All analytes exhibited good linearity with correlation coefficients values greater than 0.99 and the LLOQ ranged from 1.2 to 3.2 ng/mL, and method validation for selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability were reckoned acceptable. The results were successfully applied for the multiple-component pharmacokinetic study of the six bioactive triterpenoids.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Steamed Notoginseng by an Efficient LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneously Quantifying Twenty-three Triterpenoids

Steamed Panax notoginseng (SNG) has been widely used as a restorative medicine instead of the raw one, but its pharmacokinetic profile is entirely unknown. To address this, we've developed an LC-MS/MS method with high efficiency and sensitivity for simultaneous quantification of 23 triterpenoids (notoginsenosides Fa, Fc, R₁, 20( S)-R₂, 20( R)-R₂, ginsenosides F₄, Rb₁, Rg₁, Rd, Re, Rb₂, 20( S)-Rh₁, 20( R)-Rh₁, Rh₄, R k₁, R k₃, 20( S)-Rg₂, 20( S)-Rg₃, 20( R)-Rg₃, Rg₅, C-K, 20( S)-PPT, 20( S)-PPD) from SNG in rat plasma. This validated approach exhibits great linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability for all analytes. Furthermore, we, for the first time, applied this method to the pharmacokinetic study of SNG and proposed Rb₁, Fa, Rd, R k₁, Rg₅, R k₃, Rh₄, and 20( S)-PPD to be suitable pharmacokinetic markers of SNG due to their high exposure levels of systemic plasma. Hence, this developed approach would be a powerful tool for future in vivo investigation of various sources of notoginseng-related samples.

Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Ursolic Acid and Oleanolic Acid in Human Plasma Using Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) interfaced with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass-spectrometry was used to separate and quantify ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) in human plasma. UA and OA were extracted from 0.5 mL human plasma using supported liquid extraction and separated utilizing an Acquity UPLC HSS column. The method has been validated for both UA and OA quantitation with a limit of detection of 0.5 ng/mL. The UPLC separations are carried out with isocratic elution with methanol and 5 mM ammonium acetate in water (85:15) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The assay was linear from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL for both analytes. The total analysis time was 7 min with the retention times of 3.25 (internal standard), 3.65 (UA) and 3.85 min (OA). Recovery of drug from plasma ranged from 70% to 115%. Analysis of quality control samples at 3, 30 and 80 ng/mL (n = 14) had an intra-day coefficient of variation of 9.9%, 4.3% and 5.5%, respectively. A proof-of-concept study in human patients who consumed apple peels indicates that this analytical method could be applied to clinical studies of UA and/or OA in human subjects.

Pharmacokinetic Comparisons of Multiple Triterpenic Acids from Jujubae Fructus Extract Following Oral Delivery in Normal and Acute Liver Injury Rats

Jujubae Fructus, the dried fruit of Ziziphus jujuba, has been used as Chinese medicine and food for centuries. Triterpenic acids have been found to be the major bioactive constituents in Jujubae Fructus responsible for their hepatoprotective activity in previous phytochemical and biological studies, while few pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted. To reveal the kinetics of the triterpenic acids under the pathological liver injury state, an established ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry method was applied for the simultaneous quantitation of seven triterpenic acids (ceanothic acid, epiceanothic acid, pomonic acid, alphitolic acid, maslinic acid, betulinic acid, and betulonic acid) in plasma samples of normal and acute liver injury rats induced by CCl₄. The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the pharmacokinetic parameters of seven triterpenic acids between model and normal groups. The AUC_0–t and AUC_0–∞ of epiceanothic acid (5227 ± 334 μg&sdot;h/L vs. 1478 ± 255 μg ⋅ h/L and 6127 ± 423 μg ⋅ h/L vs. 1482 ± 255 μg ⋅ h/L, respectively) and pomonic acid (4654 ± 349 μg ⋅ h/L vs. 1834 ± 225 μg ⋅ h/L and 4776 ± 322 μg ⋅ h/L vs. 1859 ± 230 μg ⋅ h/L, respectively) in model rats were significantly higher than those in normal rats, and the CLz/F of them were significantly decreased (0.28 ± 0.02 L/h/kg vs. 1.36 ± 0.18 L/h/kg and 19.96 ± 1.30 L/h/kg vs. 53.15 ± 5.60 L/h/kg, respectively). In contrast, the above parameters for alphitolic acid, betulinic acid and betulonic acid exhibited the quite different trend. This pharmacokinetic research might provide useful information for the clinical usage of triterpenic acids from Jujubae Fructus.

Application of TQSM polypharmacokinetics and its similarity approach to ascertain Q-marker by analyses of transitivity in vivo of five candidates in Buyanghuanwu injection

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that the public still have been facing on a severe issue about the inconsistency of quality and therapeutic efficacy of traditional medicines. Recently, Professor Chang-Xiao Liu has created a new promising concept for identifying relevant quality-markers (Q-marker) from herbs, their formulas and manufacturing products. Therefore, building up a new approach is necessary for us to bridge over quality to efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

STUDY DESIGN

In this paper, five candidate Q-markers, astragaloside IV, paeonflorin, amygdalin, tetramethylpyrazine, ferulic acid in Buyanghuanwu injection (BYHWI) had been designed to carry out in rat by using single and polypharmacokinetic models for total quanta to ascertain adequate Q-marker.

METHODS

The Q-marker transitivity in vivo was studied with polypharmacokinetic model and its similarity approach, which were modeled with TQSM principle. The Q-marker was ascertained with transitive similarity and bioavailability in polypharmacokinetics. Their concentrations in plasma sample of white rat were determined by RP-HPLC. Data analyses were used by the DAS software for singles and myself-written-program with EXCEL for multiples.

RESULTS

In BYHWI, five candidate Q-marker pharmacokinetic profiles were singly fixed to two compartmental models in rat using classical compartmental analysis, but there were tremendous differences among which the candidate parameters were fluctuated from nearly 3552 folds to equivalency. The theoretical value of TQSM polypharmacokinetic parameters such as AUC_T, MRT_T, VRT_T, CL_T, V_T over the mixure of five drugs were 110.8 ± 51.91 mg min ml^-1, 176.0 ± 36.5 min, 39,921 ± 4311 min², 0.3116 ± 0.02347 ml min^-1 kg^-1, 54.83 ± 7.683 ml kg^-1 respectively. The TQSM polypharmacokinetic parameters in astragaloside Ⅳ ordered by AUC_T, MRT_T, VRT_T, CL_T, V_T were 110.8 ± 51.91 mg min ml^-1, 176.0 ± 36.5 min, 39,921 ± 4311 min², 0.3116 ± 0.02347 ml min^-1 kg^-1, 54.83 ± 7.683 ml kg^-1, respectively, which were closed to the theoretical values. TQSM similarity versus astragaloside Ⅳ was 0.9661.

CONCLUSION

The results represented that the optimum Q-marker in BYHWI is astragaloside Ⅳ, whose transitivity in vivo similarity was close to the behavior of polypharmacokinetics with maximum bioavailability to the total quanta. It is feasible for Q-marker in CMMs to screen on the comparison of single pharmacokinetic behavior and bioavailability to the total quanta.

Quantitative determination of mogroside V in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Mogroside V is the most abundant (approximately 0.50%) cucurbitane-type triterpene glycoside in Siraitia grosvenorii and exhibits significant antitussive, expectorant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. A sensitive, robust and selective liquid chromatography tandem with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination and pharmacokinetic investigation of mogroside V in rat plasma. Samples were prepared through an one-step deproteinization procedure with 250 µL of methanol to a 75-µL plasma sample. Plasma samples were effectively separated on a Shiseido Capcell Pak UG120 C18 column (2.0 × 50mm, 3.0µm) using a mobile phase consisting of methanol: water (60:40, v/v) with an isocratic elution program. The running time for each sample was 7.0 min and the elution times of mogroside V and IS were 2.0 and 4.8 min, respectively. The detection relied on a triple-quadrupole tandem with mass spectrometer equipped with negative-ion electrospray ionization interface by selected-reaction monitoring (SRM) of the transitions at m/z 1285.6 → 1123.7 for mogroside V and m/z 1089.6 → 649.6 for IS. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 96.0-96000ng/mL with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 96.0ng/mL. Intra-day and inter-day precisions were both <10.1%. Mean recovery and matrix effect of mogroside V in plasma were in the range of 91.3-95.7% and 98.2-105.0%, respectively. This method was successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study of mogroside V after intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of 1.12mg/kg mogroside V in rats.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-loaded nanoparticles of betulinic acid for improved treatment of hepatic cancer: characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluations

PURPOSE

The application of betulinic acid (B), a potent antineoplastic agent, is limited due to poor bioavailability, short plasma half-life and inappropriate tissue distribution. Thus, we aimed to prepare novel 50:50 poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded B nanoparticles (BNP) and to compare its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity with parent B.

METHODS

BNP were synthesized and characterized using different methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and particle size analyses. Particle size of BNP was optimized through the application of the stabilizer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The anti-HCC response was evaluated through in vitro cell line study using Hep-G2 cells, confocal microscopy, in vivo oral pharmacokinetics and animal studies. Further, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted to observe the changes in the expression of specific genes.

RESULTS

Particle size of BNP was optimized through the application of the stabilizer, polyvinyl alcohol. Physicochemical characterization exhibited particle size of 257.1 nm with zeta potential -0.170 mV (optimized batch B, BNP). SEM and FTIR analyses of BNP showed that cylindrical particles of B converted to spherical particles in BNP and there were no interaction between B and used polymers. The release study of optimized BNP was highest (≥80%) than any other formulation. Later, in vitro cell culture analysis using Hep-G2 cells and confocal microscopy studies revealed that BNP had the highest inhibition and penetration properties than parent B. Oral pharmacokinetics studies using albino Wistar rats at single 100 mg dose again exhibited BNP had the higher 50% of plasma concentration (t1/2), a higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and took longer to reach the maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) than parent B. Next, our in vivo study using nitrosodiethyl amine (NDEA)-induced HCC model documented BNP decreased in number of nodules, restored body weight, oxidative stress parameters, liver marker enzymes and histological architecture than parent B. Lastly, qRT-PCR studies further demonstrated that anti-HCC properties of BNP may be due to over expression of antiapoptotic caspases i.e., caspase 3 and 8.

CONCLUSION

The prepared BNP showed a better therapeutic response against HCC and could be attributed as future candidate molecule for HCC treatment.

Safety evaluation of a new anxiolytic product containing botanicals Souroubea spp. and Platanus spp. in dogs

Separation anxiety and noise aversion are common behavioral problems in dogs. They elicit fear responses such as cowering, seeking out the owner, and attempting to escape. This can result in property damage, injury to the dog, and disruption of the owner-pet bond, possibly leading to pet abandonment or euthanasia. A novel botanical anxiolytic product was evaluated for safety in dogs as the target animal species. Its intended use is for the treatment and prevention of anxiety and noise aversion in dogs. It contains a defined mixture of Souroubea spp. vine and Platanus spp. bark, delivering the active principle, betulinic acid, at a recommended dose of 1 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the current target animal safety study, 16 healthy male beagle dogs were administered either a placebo or the newly formulated botanical tablets at 0.5×, 2.5×, or 5× the recommended dose (1 mg/kg BW) over 28 d. The dogs were monitored for occurrence of any systemic or local adverse events. In the investigation presented here, there were no clinically significant adverse effects following treatment, as determined by clinical observations, physical examinations, BW, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and urinalysis. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that the concentration of betulinic acid in serum was below 0.020 μg/mL in treated animals. Under the conditions of these studies, the formulated blend of S. sympetala and P. occidentalis, when administered up to 5× the intended dose for 28 consecutive d, showed no adverse effects on the health of dogs.

Effectiveness of a novel boswellic acids delivery form (Casperome®) in the management of grade II ankle sprains due to sport trauma - a registry study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluated a novel delivery form of boswellic acids (Casperome®) in the management of signs and symptoms associated with ankle sprain grade II due to sport trauma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this supplement registry study, 72 otherwise healthy subjects with grade II ankle sprain induced by sport activities were advised to either follow a standard management (SM, 37 subjects) for the condition or the SM with the additional daily intake of 1 tablet containing 250 mg Casperome® (35 subjects). Subjects were allowed to use rescue medications (ketoprofen tablets, 25 mg/tablet), and their intake was measured at the end of the management period of 7 days. Each individual was subjected to several non-invasive examinations (self-reported pain at rest and under moderate exercise, range of active and passive movement, presence of local hematomas by ultrasonography) at the following time periods: at inclusion, to evaluate the basal conditions of the subject before the beginning of the study, at day 3 and at the end of the week to evaluate the response differences between the two groups. Additionally, a blood sample from the Casperome® treated subjects (34 out of 35 subjects) was taken at day 7 and analyzed for the systemic concentration of boswellic acids.

RESULTS

The 72 individuals recruited in this study spontaneously decided which management to follow, either SM (n=37) or SM+Casperome® (n=35). Supplementation with Casperome® 250 mg/day showed beneficial effects in the reduction of signs and symptoms of ankle sprains evaluated at day 3 and day 7, and was shown to induce measurable plasma level of boswellic acids. Moreover, the supplementary use of Casperome® was well-tolerated and devoid of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot registry study showed the effectiveness of Casperome® supplementation in improving recovery after ankle sprain of mild severity (grade II), suggesting a potentially beneficial role in relieving the trauma associated with sport activities and in decreasing the use of rescue drugs.

Simultaneous determination of eight bioactive components of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills in rat plasma using UFLC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

In this study, a rapid and reliable ultra-fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of eight active ingredients, including astragaloside IV, ononin, tanshinol, protocatechualdehyde, protocatechuic acid, salvianolic acid D, rosmarinic acid and ginsenoside Rg1 , in rat plasma. The plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC® BEH C18 column (1.7 μm particles, 2.1 × 100 mm). The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% aqueous formic acid (A)-acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid (B) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Quantification was performed on a triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization by multiple reaction monitoring both in the negative and in the positive ion mode. The lower limit of quantification of tanshinol was 2.0 ng/mL and the others were 5.0 ng/mL. The extraction recoveries, matrix effects, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of eight tested components were all within acceptable limits. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of the eight active constituents after intragastric administration of three doses (1.0, 3.0, 6.0 g/kg body weight) of Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills to rats.

A single-dose, randomized, cross-over, two-way, open-label study for comparing the absorption of boswellic acids and its lecithin formulation

BACKGROUND

The oral administration of the gum resin extracts of Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr) results in very low plasma concentrations of boswellic acids (BAs), being far below the pharmacologically active concentrations required in vitro for anti-inflammatory activity. For that reason the use of Indian frankincense in clinical practice and pharmaceutical development has substantially lagged behind. Recently the application of new formulation technologies resulted in a formulation of frankincense extract with lecithin, which revealed improved absorption and tissue penetration of BAs in a rodent study, leading for the first time to plasma concentrations of BAs in the range of their anti-inflammatory activity.

PURPOSE

In order to verify these encouraging results in humans, the absorption of a standardized Boswellia serrata extract (BE) and its lecithin formulation (CSP) was comparatively investigated in healthy volunteers.

STUDY DESIGN

According to a randomized cross-over design with two treatments, two sequences and two periods, 12 volunteers alternatively received the lecithin-formulated Boswellia extract (CSP) or the non-formulated Boswellia extract (BE) at a dosage of 2×250mg capsules.

METHODS

The plasma concentrations of the six major BAs (KBA, AKBA, βBA, αBA, AβBA, AαBA) were determined using LC/MS.

RESULTS

With the exception of KBA, a significantly higher (both in terms of weight-to-weight and molar comparison) and quicker absorption of BAs from the lecithin formulation was observed, leading to C_max in the range required for the interaction with their molecular targets.

CONCLUSION

These findings pave the way to further studies evaluating the clinical potential of BAs, and verify the beneficial effect of lecithin formulation to improve the absorption of poorly soluble phytochemicals.

l-Leucine Increases Skeletal Muscle IGF-1 but Does Not Differentially Increase Akt/mTORC1 Signaling and Serum IGF-1 Compared to Ursolic Acid in Response to Resistance Exercise in Resistance-Trained Men

OBJECTIVE

Ursolic acid administration following resistance exercise increases mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity and skeletal muscle IGF-1 concentration in murines in a manner similar to l-leucine yet remains unexamined in humans. This study examined serum and skeletal muscle insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Akt/mTORC1 signaling activity following ingestion of either ursolic acid or l-leucine immediately after resistance exercise.

METHODS

Nine resistance-trained men performed 3 lower-body resistance exercise sessions involving 4 sets of 8-10 repetitions at 75%-80% one repetition maximum (1-RM) on the angled leg press and knee extension exercises. Immediately following each session, participants orally ingested 3 g cellulose placebo (PLC), l-leucine (LEU), or ursolic acid (UA). Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise and at 0.5, 2, and 6 hours postexercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained pre-exercise and at 2 and 6 hours postexercise.

RESULTS

Plasma leucine increased in LEU at 2 hours postexercise compared to PLC (p = 0.04). Plasma ursolic acid increased in UA at 2 h and 6 hours postexercise compared to PLC and LEU (p < 0.003). No significant differences were observed for serum insulin (p = 0.98) and IGF-1 (p = 0.99) or skeletal muscle IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R; p = 0.84), Akt (p = 0.55), mTOR (p = 0.09), and p70S6K (p = 0.98). Skeletal muscle IGF-1 was significantly increased in LEU at 2 hours postexercise (p = 0.03) and 6 hours postexercise (p = 0.04) compared to PLC and UA.

CONCLUSION

Three grams of l-leucine and ursolic acid had no effect on Akt/mTORC1 signaling or serum insulin or IGF-1; however, l-leucine increased skeletal muscle IGF-1 concentration in resistance-trained men.

Ursolic Acid Nanocrystals for Dissolution Rate and Bioavailability Enhancement: Influence of Different Particle Size

BACKGROUND

Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities, but the poor oral bioavailability of UA owing to the poor aqueous solubility and membrane permeability limits the further clinical application.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to develop UA nanocrystals and microcrystals employing high pressure homogenization (HPH) and to evaluate their effects on UA oral bioavailability.

METHOD

The crystalline morphology of UA nanocrystals and microcrystals prepared by HPH was observed by scanning electron microscopy and the crystalline state was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The dissolution rate of UA nanocrystals in different pH conditions was tested. Oral bioavailability of UA nanocrystals and microcrystals comparing with UA coarse suspension was evaluated in SD rats after 50 mg·kg-1 administration.

RESULTS

UA nanocrystals and microcrystals, the size of which ranged between 291.7 nm and 1299.3 nm were obtained. The results of DSC and PXRD revealed a degree of crystalline-amorphous transformation during HPH preparation. A significant increase was observed in the dissolution rate of UA nanocrystals. The relative bioavailability of UA nanocrystals and microcrystals exhibited 2.56 and 1.40-fold enhancement than that of UA coarse suspension, respectively, along with an increased peak concentration and a prolonged retention.

CONCLUSION

The nanosized UA crystal is a viable and efficient approach to improve the oral bioavailability of UA.

Chemical Constituents from the Fruiting Bodies of Hexagonia apiaria and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

A chemical investigation of the fruiting bodies of Hexagonia apiaria resulted in the identification of nine compounds including five new triterpenoids, hexagonins A-E (1-5), along with four known compounds. The purified constituents were examined for their anti-inflammatory activity. Among the tested compounds, hexatenuin A displayed the most significant inhibition of superoxide anion generation and elastase release. These triterpenoids may have potentials as anti-inflammatory agents.

Simultaneous determination of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II in rat plasma after oral administration of Radix Astragali extraction for their pharmacokinetic studies by ultra-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and reliable ultra-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of six main bioactive components, i.e., calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II in rat plasma after oral administration of the 95 % ethanol extraction from Radix Astragali. Plasma samples were extracted with Waters Oasis(TM) HLB 1 cc (30 mg) Extraction Cartridges (SPE) separated on an UPLC™ BEH C18 column and detected by MS with electro spray ionization interface in positive selective ion monitoring mode. Calibration curves offered linear ranges of two orders of magnitude with r (2) > 0.99. The method had the lower limit quantification of 1.30, 0.73, 1.17, 2.33, 0.63, and 0.83 ng/mL for ononin, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II, respectively, with precision less than 10 %. The RSD of intra- and inter-day variations ranged from 1.66 to 6.46 and 3.39 to 6.58 %. This developed method was applied subsequently to pharmacokinetic studies of the six compounds in rats successfully. The proposed method was for the first time to compare the pharmacokinetic difference between calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and calycosin in rat plasma, so as between ononin and formononetin, and studied to the astragaloside II pharmacokinetics in rat plasma.

Comparative studies of pharmacokinetics and anticoagulatory effect in rats after oral administration of Frankincense and its processed products

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Frankincense (FRA), Ruxiang, is the resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw and Boswellia bhaw-dajiana Birdw which has been used for centuries as formulas to improve the circulation and to relieve pain against carbuncles. Stir-fried Frankincense (SFF) and vinegar processed Frankincense (VPF) are two major processed Frankincense, and the processing procedures reportedly enhance the curative efficacy or reduce the side effects of FRA. This paper describes the comparisons in plasma pharmacokinetic behaviors of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) in FRA and its processed products, and their effects on coagulation factors and blood clotting tetrachoric, using an acute cold blood-stasis animal model after oral administration of FRA, SFF, and VPF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For pharmacokinetic study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups, including group FRA, group SFF and group VPF. And the plasma samples were analyzed by HPLC. For study of anticoagulatory effect, SD rats were randomly divided into six groups, including control, acute cold blood-stasis model, Fu-fang-dan-shen tablet- (0.75g/kg), FRA-, SFF-, and VPF-treated (2.7g/kg) groups, respectively. The serum contents of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), D-dimer (D-D), and prostacyclin (PGI2) of each group were measured by ELISA. The values of prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (FIB) were also assessed by hematology analyzer.

RESULTS

Significantly increased levels of Cmax, AUC, T1/2, and MRT were found in rats treated with the processed products. In addition, decreased levels of D-D and TAT and increased contents of PGI2 were observed in rats given FRA and its processed products, compared with that of the model group. Moreover, VPF improved anticoagulation more than SFF in the animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed improvement of anticoagulation by processed FRA may result from the increased absorption and bioavailability of triterpenoids.

Simultaneous Determination of Oleanolic and Ursolic Acids in Rat Plasma by HPLC-MS: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study After Oral Administration of Different Combinations of QingGanSanJie Decoction Extracts

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for rapid simultaneous determination of the oleanolic and ursolic acid contents in rat plasma with betulinic acid as the internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were prepared by a liquid-liquid extraction procedure. Chromatographic separation was performed with a Chromasil-C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, i.d. 5 μm) with methanol-water as mobile phase at 1 mL/min. The detection was accomplished under selected-ion-monitoring mode with a negative electrospray ionization interface. Linear calibration curves were obtained between the range of 0.86-421.2 and 0.94-462.0 ng/mL for oleanolic and ursolic acids, with lower limits of quantification at 0.43 and 0.47 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction recovery exceeded 70% in plasma. The intra- and interday precision values were <9.8% with the accuracy as -7.0 to 9.9% at three different QC levels in both cases. The pharmacokinetic behaviors of oral dosage of QingGanSanJie decoctions were then studied in rats following the developed approach. The t1/2 values of the oleanolic and ursolic acids after oral administration of the monarch medicine extract were significantly different (P < 0.05) from other prescription extracts containing different herb pieces with different compatibilities. Bimodal phenomena appeared in every concentration-time curve for the oleanolic and ursolic acids at 3-8 h after administration. The minister, assistant and guide medicines in the formula could prolong the metabolism of the oleanolic and ursolic acids in vivo, providing an experimental basis for the slow onset and long action of the Traditional Chinese Medicine compound.

Profiling the metabolism of astragaloside IV by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Astragaloside IV is a compound isolated from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus membranaceus, that has been reported to have bioactivities against cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. There is limited information on the metabolism of astragaloside IV, which impedes comprehension of its biological actions and pharmacology. In the present study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)-based approach was developed to profile the metabolites of astragaloside IV in rat plasma, bile, urine and feces samples. Twenty-two major metabolites were detected. The major components found in plasma, bile, urine and feces included the parent chemical and phases I and II metabolites. The major metabolic reactions of astragaloside IV were hydrolysis, glucuronidation, sulfation and dehydrogenation. These results will help to improve understanding the metabolism and reveal the biotransformation profiling of astragaloside IV in vivo. The metabolic information obtained from our study will guide studies into the pharmacological activity and clinical safety of astragaloside IV.

[Plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of ursolic acid carried in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system in rats studied by UPLC-MS/MS]

This study is to report the establishment of an UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of plasma concentration of UA carried in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) and its pharmacokinetics in rats. It was used for determination and analysis when serum with internal standard was extracted from C18 solid-phase column. Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 microm) was used for separation. The mobile phase was acetonitrile -0.1% ammonia with gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.2 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was 40 degrees C and the detection wave length was 210 nm. It was detected by negative ion using electrospray ionization source (ESI) and scanned by multiple reaction ion monitoring (MRM) mode. The liner relationship of UA was very good in the range of 1.19-3 815.00 ng x mL(-1) (r = 0.999 0). Recovery rate of different concentrations were 87.42%-89.95%. The precision of inter-day and intra-day were less than 11%. The method developed in our study was proved to be sensitive, rapid and simple. It is suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of UA-SMEDDS in rats.

Quantitative determination of corosolic acid in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS-ESI: application to a pharmacokinetic study

A sensitive and robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of corosolic acid (CRA) in rat plasma. The plasma samples were prepared by a simple protein precipitation treatment. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agela MG-C18 column (50 mm × 4.6 mm; i.d., 5 μm) at 30°C. The mobile phase consisting of methanol-10 mM ammonium acetate-formic acid (80:20:0.1, v/v/v; pH=3.8) was delivered with a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min and a running time of 2.5 min. Quantification was performed with positive electrospray ionization (ESI) in the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode at m/z 490 → m/z 205 for CRA, and m/z 471 → m/z 203 for TEOA (internal standard, IS), respectively. Linearity was evaluated over the concentration range of 1.00-1000 ng/ml with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 1.00 ng/ml. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of CRA after the drug was orally administered in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Pharmacokinetic Interaction of astragaloside IV with atractylenolide I and prim-O-glucosylcimifugin in male Sprague Dawley rats

Astragaloside IV, atractylenolide I, and prim-O-glucosylcimifugin are main medicinal components of the traditional Chinese medicine prescription Yu-ping-feng which is composed of three herbs: Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Saposhnikovia divaricata. This study is aimed to assess the influence of atractylenolide I and prim-O-glucosylcimifugin on the pharmacokinetic profile of astragaloside IV so as to investigate the pharmacokinetic mechanisms of the Yu-ping-feng prescription. Fifteen Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to three groups; astragaloside IV, astragaloside IV plus atractylenolide I, and a combination of astragaloside IV, atractylenolide I, and prim-O-glucosylcimifugin were respectively administered to rats of these three groups via intragastric gavage. Serum samples were collected at different times after drug administration, and serum concentrations of astragaloside IV and atractylenolide I were simultaneously detected using HPLC-electrospray ionization-MS. Compared with administration of astragaloside IV alone, concentrations of astragaloside IV in the serum were significantly increased when it was given in combination with atractylenolide I or atractylenolide I+prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, with higher values for Cmax (p = 0.019 and p = 0.033 compared with astragaloside IV + atractylenolide I and astragaloside IV + atractylenolide I + prim-O-glucosylcimifugin groups, respectively) and AUC (p = 0.0052 and p = 0.0047 compared with astragaloside IV + atractylenolide I and astragaloside IV + atractylenolide I + prim-O-glucosylcimifugin groups, respectively). Improvement in mean oral Cmax and mean systemic serum exposure because of the pharmacokinetic interaction between astragaloside IV and atractylenolide I might explain the rationale for the use of multiple herbs in Yu-ping-feng and of combinations of A.membranaceus and A. macrocephala.

In vivo disposition and metabolism of madecassoside, a major bioactive constituent in Centella asiatica (L.) Urb

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. herb is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine for many indications, such as traumatic injuries, keloid and scar. Madecassoside is the main active ingredient of this herb drug with higher content than other triterpenoid constituents. Understandings of pharmacokinetic profiles of madecassoside should be beneficial for its development as a therapeutic agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously and orally administered madecassoside (100 mg/kg), respectively. Plasma, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, bile, urine and feces were collected at the designed time points. Madecassoside concentrations in biological samples were determined by a sensitive and well-validated liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method. A liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) method was established to identify its major metabolites in feces. To further pursue the disposition characteristics of madecassoside in rats, the involvement of the hepatobiliary efflux transporters in biliary elimination were studied by combination with digoxin (P-glycoprotein inhibitor) or probenecid (multidrug resistance-associated protein inhibitor). A linked-rat model was also used to assess the role of enterohepatic circulation in the pharmacokinetics of madecassoside.

RESULTS

After a single oral dosing, madecassoside was widely distributed in heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of rats, and the levels of madecassoside in liver and kidney were relatively higher than other organs. The excretions of madecassoside in bile, urine and feces were 7.16% (0-12 h), 0.25% (0-72 h) and 24.68% (0-72 h), respectively. The findings suggested that madecassoside might excrete mainly by metabolites. The combination with either digoxin or probenecid significantly attenuated the excretion of madecassoside as parent from bile, indicating that P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein might contribute to the hepatobiliary elimination of madecassoside. The presence of enterohepatic circulation, as implied by double-humped profiles in plasma and tissue concentration-time curves, was confirmed by a linked-rat model. Furthermore, three metabolities of madecassoside were indentified in rat feces and the possible metabolic pathways were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide valuable information regarding in vivo process of madecassoside, and help us to recognize the efficacy and safety of madecassoside itself, the relevant herbs or herbal preparations.

A phase I pharmacokinetic study of ursolic acid nanoliposomes in healthy volunteers and patients with advanced solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Ursolic acid is a promising anticancer agent. The current study aims to evaluate the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics (PK) as well as the safety of ursolic acid nanoliposomes (UANL) in healthy volunteers and in patients with advanced solid tumors.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy volunteers in the single-dose PK study were divided into three different groups, which received 37, 74, and 98 mg/m(2) of UANL. Eight patients in the multiple-dose PK study were administered with 74 mg/m(2) of UANL daily for 14 days. The UA plasma concentrations were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The plasma concentration profiles of all subjects were characterized by a biexponential decline after infusion. The mean peak plasma concentration (C(max)) increased linearly as a function of the dose (r = 0.999). The mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 16 hours also increased proportionally with dose escalation (r = 0.998). However, the clearance was constant over the specific dose interval. In the multiple-dose PK study, the trough and average concentrations remained low. The mean AUC, half-life, C(max), time to C(max), and the volume of distribution on the first day were similar to those on the last day. All subjects tolerated the treatments well. Most UANL-associated adverse events varied from mild to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

UANL exhibits relatively linear PK behavior with dose levels from 37 mg/m(2) to 98 mg/m(2). No drug accumulation was observed with repeated doses of UANL. The intravenous infusion of UANL was well tolerated by healthy volunteers and patients with advanced tumors.

Oral bioavailability and gender-related pharmacokinetics of celastrol following administration of pure celastrol and its related tablets in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Celastrol is a natural compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Thunder God Vine (TGV). Owing to its potential anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, celastrol has been considered as a promising candidate for drug development.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To establish a sensitive LC-MS/MS method to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of celastrol in rats. Key pharmacokinetic issues of celastrol including oral bioavailability, comparative pharmacokinetics between pure compound and tablet preparation, as well as gender-related pharmacokinetic difference are to be addressed for the first time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were administrated an intravenous dose (100 μg kg(-1)) of pure celastrol and an oral dose (1000 μg kg(-1)) of pure celastrol and TGV tablets (corresponding to 534 μg kg(-1) of celastrol), respectively. At different time points, the concentration of celastrol in rat plasma was determined by a sensitive and well-validated LC-MS/MS method. Main pharmacokinetic parameters including area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), the time for maximal concentration (Tmax) and mean residence time (MRT) were estimated by Drug and Statistic1.0 pharmacokinetic software (Chinese Pharmacological Association, Anhui, PR China). Statistical analysis was performed using two one-side t test with p-values less than 0.05 as the level of significance.

RESULTS

The standard curve of celastrol showed good linearity in the concentration range of 0.11~54.3 ng mL(-1) in our current method, with acceptable selectivity, precision, recovery, and stability. The oral absolute bioavailability of celastrol significantly increased from 17.06% for pure celastrol to 94.19% for TGV tablets containing equivalent celastrol. After oral administration of TGV tablets, the Cmax and AUC values of celastrol in female rats were (32.03±8.41) μg L(-1) and (379.49±118.19) μg h L(-1), which were significantly higher (p<0.01) than that in males with the values of (14.31±7.33) μg L(-1) and (188.17±92.33) μg h L(-1).

CONCLUSION

Celastrol administered orally in the rat was poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation. However, the poor absorption of celastrol could be greatly improved when celastrol-containing TGV tablets orally administered, and thereby the oral bioavailability of celastrol was significantly increased. As for gender difference, female rats showed significantly better absorption of celastrol than males.

Effect of phospholipid-based formulations of Boswellia serrata extract on the solubility, permeability, and absorption of the individual boswellic acid constituents present

Boswellia serrata gum resin extracts are used widely for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, very low concentrations in the plasma and brain were observed for the boswellic acids (1-6, the active constituents of B. serrata). The present study investigated the effect of phospholipids alone and in combination with common co-surfactants (e.g., Tween 80, vitamin E-TPGS, pluronic f127) on the solubility of 1-6 in physiologically relevant media and on the permeability in the Caco-2 cell model. Because of the high lipophilicity of 1-6, the permeability experiments were adapted to physiological conditions using modified fasted state simulated intestinal fluid as apical (donor) medium and 4% bovine serum albumin in the basolateral (receiver) compartment. A formulation composed of extract/phospholipid/pluronic f127 (1:1:1 w/w/w) increased the solubility of 1-6 up to 54 times compared with the nonformulated extract and exhibited the highest mass net flux in the permeability tests. The oral administration of this formulation to rats (240 mg/kg) resulted in 26 and 14 times higher plasma levels for 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (1) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (2), respectively. In the brain, five times higher levels for 2 compared to the nonformulated extract were determined 8 h after oral administration.

Determination of maslinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene from olives, in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

Maslinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene from olives, has been reported to exert beneficial effects on health, including anticarcinogenic activity. Despite its importance, little is known about its bioavailability in both humans and animals. A fundamental step for this evaluation consisted of measuring this compound in blood. Therefore, a simple high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with diode array detection has been developed. Maslinic acid contained in plasma was extracted twice using ethyl acetate. After centrifugation, the organic fraction was evaporated to dryness and the residue was reconstituted with methanol/water (75:25, v/v) and analyzed by HPLC. The method was validated by obtaining a linear correlation (r(2) = 0.999) and an average recovery of 99%. Precision expressed as the coefficient of variation ranged from 1.23 to 9.06%. The oral administration of maslinic acid (50 mg/kg) to rats and its subsequent detection in plasma showed that the method is suitable for absorption, distribution, and metabolism studies.

A sensitive method for determination of platycodin d in rat plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Platycodin D (PD), a major component isolated from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. A sensitive rapid analytical method was established and validated to determine the PD in rat plasma. This method was further applied to assess the pharmacokinetics of PD in rats following administration of a single dose. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) was used in the method, and tubeimoside I was used as the internal standard (IS). A simple protein precipitation based on methanol (MeOH) was employed. The combination of a simple sample cleanup and short chromatographic running time (4 min) increased the throughput of the method substantially. The method was validated over the range of 0.5-1000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient > 0.99. The lower limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/mL for PD in plasma. Intra- and inter-day accuracies for PD were 90-115 % and 96-108 %, respectively, and the inter-day precision was less than 15 %. After a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg of PD, its mean peak plasma concentration ( CMAX) was 13.7 ± 4.5 ng/mL at 0.5 h. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve ( AUC0-24 H) was 35.4 ± 16.1 h·ng/mL, and the elimination half-life ( T1/2) was 1.48 ± 0.13 h. In case of intravenous administration of PD at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve ( AUC0-24 H) was 2203 ± 258 h · ng/mL, and the elimination half-life (T½) was 6.57 ± 0.70 h. Based on the results, the oral bioavailability of PD in rats at 10 mg/kg is 0.079 %.

Boswellic acid suppresses growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model through modulation of multiple targets

Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is one of the most lethal cancers, with an estimated 5-year survival of <5% even when patients are given the best treatment available. In addition, these treatments are often toxic and expensive, thus new agents which are safe, affordable and effective are urgently needed. We describe here the results of our study with acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), an agent obtained from an Ayurvedic medicine, gum resin of Boswellia serrata. Whether AKBA has an activity against human PaCa, was examined in in vitro models and in an orthotopic nude mouse model of PaCa. We found that AKBA inhibited the proliferation of four different PaCa cell lines (AsPC-1, PANC-28, and MIA PaCa-2 with K-Ras and p53 mutations, and BxPC-3 with wild-type K-Ras and p53 mutation). These effects correlated with an inhibition of constitutively active NF-κB and suppression of NF-κB regulating gene expression. AKBA also induced apoptosis, and sensitized the cells to apoptotic effects of gemcitabine. In the orthotopic nude mouse model of PaCa, p.o. administration of AKBA alone (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the tumor growth; this activity was enhanced by gemcitabine. In addition, AKBA inhibited the metastasis of the PaCa to spleen, liver, and lungs. This correlated with decreases in Ki-67, a biomarker of proliferation, and CD31, a biomarker of microvessel density, in the tumor tissue. AKBA produced significant decreases in the expression of NF-κB regulating genes in the tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed AKBA downregulated the expression of COX-2, MMP-9, CXCR4, and VEGF in the tissues. Overall these results demonstrate that AKBA can suppress the growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model that correlates with modulation of multiple targets.

Determination of corosolic acid, a natural potential anti-diabetes compound, in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies

A simple, robust, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric method was developed for the determination of corosolic acid, a potential anti-diabetes substance, in rat plasma using glycyrrhetinic acid as the internal standard (IS). This method involved a liquid-liquid extraction with acetic ether and a subsequent analysis performed on an LC-MS system which contained an electrospray ionization interface. Chromatographic separation was performed using an ODS column, and the mobile phase was composed of methanol and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (88 : 12, v/v). Good linearity was observed over the concentration range of 20-10 ,000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (r² ≥ 0.995. The method was proved to be accurate and reliable and was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in the rat following intragastric and intravenous administration of corosolic acid.

Ursolic acid inhibits multiple cell survival pathways leading to suppression of growth of prostate cancer xenograft in nude mice

Activation of transcription factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently observed in prostate cancer and has been linked with tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways in both androgen-independent (DU145) and androgen-dependent (LNCaP) prostate cancer cell lines and also prospectively tested the hypothesis of NF-κB and STAT3 inhibition using a virtual predictive functional proteomics tumor pathway technology platform. We found that UA inhibited constitutive and TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB in DU145 and LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner. The suppression was mediated through the inhibition of constitutive and TNF-α-induced IκB kinase (IKK) activation, phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 and NF-κB-dependent reporter activity. Furthermore, UA suppressed both constitutive and inducible STAT3 activation in prostate cancer cells concomitant with suppression of activation of upstream kinases (Src and JAK2) and STAT3-dependent reporter gene activity. UA also downregulated the expression of various NF-κB and STAT3 regulated gene products involved in proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis and induced apoptosis in both cells lines as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and annexin V staining. In vivo, UA (200 mg/kg b.w.) treated for 6 weeks inhibited the growth of DU145 cells in nude mice without any significant effect on body weight. Overall, our results from experimental and predictive studies suggest that UA mediates its anti-tumor effects through suppression of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways in prostate cancer.

Determination and pharmacokinetic study of chiisanogenin in rat plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

Chiisanogenin existing in many Acanthopanax species has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiplatelet aggregatory activities.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of chiisanogenin in rat plasma and to investigate its pharmacokinetics after oral administration of chiisanogenin or the extract of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruits.

METHODOLOGY

The sample pretreatment involved a one-step extraction of 0.2 mL plasma with diethyl ether. Acetaminophen was used as the internal standard. The separation was carried out on an ACQUITY UPLC™ BEH C₁₈ column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-5 mM ammonium acetate (90:10, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via electrospray ionization (ESI) source.

RESULTS

A high sample throughput was achieved with an analysis time of 1.1 min per sample. The calibration curve was linear (r² ≥ 0.99) over the concentration range of 5-500 ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 5 ng/mL. The intra-day and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) values were below 11% and the accuracy (relative error, R.E.) was within 8% at all three quality control (QC) levels.

CONCLUSION

The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of chiisanogenin in rat after oral administration of chiisanogenin and the extract of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruits. Other constituents in the extract affected the pharmacokinetic behavior of chiisanogenin.

Determination of triterpenic acids in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography: triterpenoid interaction with serum protein

Terpenic acids are under development as therapeutic agents in numerous treatments. In support of pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluations, a robust assay based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for the analysis of the terpenoids in human serum. For a clear understanding of the differences in biological activity of these compounds, the interactions between oleanolic or betulinic acids and human serum protein have been studied by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption under physiological conditions. A combination of liquid/liquid extraction, centrifugation, and consecutive HPLC resulted in simultaneous separation, identification, and quantification of the oleanolic, betulinic, and ursolic acids. The validity of the developed method was established by determining linearity, recovery, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, and quantification. Detection limits were in the range of 3.3-4.3 ng/mL, and linearity values ranged up to 1 μg/mL. The repeatability of the method was good. All compounds can be well-distinguished by order of elution during liquid chromatography. The pentacyclic triterpenoids have been identified by retention time comparison to pure standards and quantified by an internal standard. The results by UV-vis absorption spectra experiments (240-340 nm) indicate that protein structures have been perturbed in the presence of oleanolic and betulinic acids.

Development of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of ursolic acid in rat plasma and tissue: application to the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study

A fast and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of ursolic acid (UA) in rat plasma and tissues. Glycyrrhetinic acid was used as the internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was performed on a 3.5 μm Zorbax SB-C18 column (30 mm × 2.1 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and aqueous 10 mM ammonium acetate using gradient elution. Quantification was performed by selected ion monitoring with (m/z)(-) 455 for UA and (m/z)(-) 469 for the IS. The method was validated in the concentration range of 2.5 - 1470 ng mL(-1) for plasma samples and 20 - 11760 ng g(-1) for tissue homogenates. The intra- and inter-day assay of precision in plasma and tissues ranged from 1.6% to 7.1% and 3.7% to 9.0%, respectively, and the intra- and inter-day assay accuracy was 84.2 - 106.9% and 82.1 - 108.1%, respectively. Recoveries in plasma and tissues ranged from 83.2% to 106.2%. The limits of detections were 0.5 ng mL(-1) or 4.0 ng g(-1). The recoveries for all samples were >90%, except for liver, which indicated that ursolic acid may metabolize in liver. The main pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were T(max) = 0.42 ± 0.11 h, C(max) = 1.10 ± 0.31 μg mL(-1), AUC = 1.45 ± 0.21 μg h mL(-1) and K(a) = 5.64 ± 1.89 h(-1). The concentrations of UA in rat lung, spleen, liver, heart, and cerebellum were studied for the first time. This method is validated and could be applicable to the investigation of the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of UA in rats.

Quantitation of ursolic acid in human plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its pharmacokinetic study

Ursolic acid is a hydroxy pentacyclic triterpene, which proved to have sedation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer and anti-cancer activities. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) method with high selectivity, sensitivity and throughput has been established and validated for quantitation of total ursolic acid in human plasma. Plasma samples were pretreated by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and were chromatographed by an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C(8) column (100 mm×2.1 mm, I.D., 1.7 μm) using mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate (90:10, v/v) at 0.2 mL/min. The duration of chromatography analysis was 3 min. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was performed at m/z 455.1→455.0 for ursolic acid and m/z 469.3→425.2 for glycyrrhetinic acid (internal standard, IS) in the negative ion mode with electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The assay showed good linearity over the range of 10-5000 ng/mL for ursolic acid in human plasma with a lower limit of quantitation of 10 ng/mL. The mean extraction recovery was 73.2±4.5% and the matrix ion suppression ranged from -11.4% to -5.6%. The intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 7.0% and 7.2%, respectively, and the accuracy was within ±2.0%. Ursolic acid was stable during the analysis and the storage period. The validated method has been successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after intravenous infusion of Ursolic Acid Nano-liposomes to healthy volunteers.

Analysis of phenolic and triterpenoid compounds in licorice and rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography diode-array detection, time-of-flight mass spectrometry and quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry

High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC/DAD), time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/TOFMS) and quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/QITMS) were used for separation and identification of several compounds in licorice and rat plasma after oral administration of the herbal extract. Three phenolic compounds and one triterpenoid in licorice extract were unambiguously identified by comparing with the standard compounds. A formula database of known compounds in licorice was established, against which the other 42 compounds were identified effectively based on the accurate extract masses and formulae acquired by HPLC/TOFMS. In order to differentiate the isomers, tandem mass spectrometry was also used. The deduced fragmentation behaviors in QITMS were used to distinguish seven groups of isomers in licorice. By means of the three detectors, 46 compounds in licorice were identified. After oral administration of the extract, 25 compounds in rat plasma were detected and identified by comparing and contrasting the compounds measured in licorice with those in the plasma samples by HPLC/TOFMS. It is concluded that a rapid and effective method based on three analytical techniques was established, which is useful for identification of multiple compounds in licorice in vitro and in vivo. The result should be very useful for the quality control and curative mechanism study of licorice.

A preliminary pharmacokinetic study of betulin, the main pentacyclic triterpene from extract of outer bark of birch (Betulae alba cortex)

During the last two decades triterpenes have attracted attention because of their pharmacological potential. Triterpene extract (TE) from outer bark of birch consisting mainly of betulin is able to form an oleogel which was successfully tested in the treatment of actinic keratosis. Some aspects of TE in vitro pharmacology are already known. Now we show preliminary pharmacokinetics of betulin and results of a subchronic toxicity study of TE in rats and dogs. Because of poor aqueous solubility of the TE-triterpenes (< 0.1 microg/mL respectively), for pharmacokinetic studies it was suspended in sesame oil (rats, i.p.) and PEG 400 / 0.9 % NaCl (dogs, s.c.). I.p. administered, betulin, the main component of TE, shows time dependency over a period of 4 h and reaches a dose-independent serum level of 0.13 microg/mL. Dose dependency was observed with s.c. administration. At 300 mg/kg a maximum plasma concentration of 0.33 microg/mL betulin was detected after 28 daily applications. The subchronic toxicity study showed no toxicity of TE in rats (i.p.) and dogs (s.c.). In conclusion, triterpene extract from birch bark is safe, its betulin is bioavailable and in addition to published triterpene biological activities TE provides high potential for further pharmaceutical and pharmacological research.

Determination of betulinic acid from Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract in rat plasma

A simple high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to determine the content of betulinic acid (BA) in rat plasma collected at different times (0-8 h) after oral administration of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract was developed. The features of the assay include protein precipitation using acetonitrile and isocratic elution using reverse phase C-18 column with ultraviolet (UV) detection. The recovery of BA from plasma varied from 98.4 to 102.5%. The R.S.D of intra- and inter-day precision from rat plasma ranged from 4.2 to 9.8%. The maximum concentration of BA in the plasma was 1.2 +/- 0.3 microg/ml at 1 h after oral administration of the extract.

Aqueous extract of Astragali Radix induces human natriuresis through enhancement of renal response to atrial natriuretic peptide

The diuretic effect of Astragali Radix (AR) in humans was described in ancient books, but its mechanism has not been identified. To evaluate its diuretic/natriuretic effect, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover study in 12 healthy men. They were randomized to receive either placebo (n=6) or a single oral dosage of 0.3g/kg body weight of aqueous extract of AR (ARE) (n=6). Compared with placebo, ARE treatment markedly increased urinary sodium excretion (U(Na)V), fractional sodium excretion, and urinary excretion of chloride during the first 4h. No significant changes of these parameters were observed during 12h or 24h. ARE elevated plasma ANP (pANP), urinary excretion of cGMP (U(cGMP)V) and U(cGMP)V/pANP ratio without affecting plasma level of rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, mean arterial blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate. The change in U(Na)V was closely correlated with pANP, U(cGMP)V, and U(cGMP)V/pANP ratio. In addition, the seven volunteers who presented marked natriuresis did not show higher level of plasma Astragaloside IV than the other five volunteers. We first demonstrate that ARE induces a marked natriuresis in healthy men, which is attributed to enhanced renal responses to endogenous ANP. The Astragaloside IV in the ARE is not the active component for natriuresis.

Potent activity of the HIV-1 maturation inhibitor bevirimat in SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice

Background

The HIV-1 maturation inhibitor, 3-O-(3′,3′-dimethylsuccinyl) betulinic acid (bevirimat, PA-457) is a promising drug candidate with 10 nM in vitro antiviral activity against multiple wild-type (WT) and drug-resistant HIV-1 isolates. Bevirimat has a novel mechanism of action, specifically inhibiting cleavage of spacer peptide 1 (SP1) from the C-terminus of capsid which results in defective core condensation.

Methods and Findings

Oral administration of bevirimat to HIV-1-infected SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice reduced viral RNA by >2 log₁₀ and protected immature and mature T cells from virus-mediated depletion. This activity was observed at plasma concentrations that are achievable in humans after oral dosing, and bevirimat was active up to 3 days after inoculation with both WT HIV-1 and an AZT-resistant HIV-1 clinical isolate. Consistent with its mechanism of action, bevirimat caused a dose-dependent inhibition of capsid-SP1 cleavage in HIV-1-infected human thymocytes obtained from these mice. HIV-1 NL4-3 with an alanine-to-valine substitution at the N-terminus of SP1 (SP1/A1V), which is resistant to bevirimat in vitro, was also resistant to bevirimat treatment in the mice, and SP1/AIV had replication and thymocyte kinetics similar to that of WT NL4-3 with no evidence of fitness impairment in in vivo competition assays. Interestingly, protease inhibitor-resistant HIV-1 with impaired capsid-SP1 cleavage was hypersensitive to bevirimat in vitro with a 50% inhibitory concentration 140 times lower than for WT HIV-1.

Conclusions

These results support further clinical development of this first-in-class maturation inhibitor and confirm the usefulness of the SCID-hu Thy/Liv model for evaluation of in vivo antiretroviral efficacy, drug resistance, and viral fitness.