Aims: The study aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity properties of medicinal plants collected from southwestern Kenya. Methods and results: A total of 23 ethanol extracts of selected medicinal plants were bio-assayed against Gramnegative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli NU14, Helicobacter pylori ATCC 700824, and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277). Cytotoxicity tests were also carried out on mammalian cell lines (AGS, KB, and TR146). Preliminary type of phytochemical compounds present in the extracts was determined by thin-layer chromatography. Cassia didymobotrya plant extract (1 mg/mL) had strong antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis (average zone of inhibition of 21.70 ± 0.88 mm, MIC 0.13 ± 0.00 mg/mL and MBC 0.50 ± 0.00 mg/mL). Escherichia coli was resistant to all the extracts bioassayed. Leonotis nepetifolia (15.80 ± 0.20 mm) and Clerodendrum myriacoides (14.20 ± 0.44 mm) showed only moderate activity against H. pylori. Cell cytotoxicity results indicated a dose-dependent response against KB, TR146 and AGS cell lines with C. didymobotrya having IC50 values of 47.64 and 704.00 µg/mL on KB and TR146 cell lines, respectively. L. nepetifolia and C. myriacoides did produce IC50 of 0.1883 mg/mL and 0.1061 mg/mL against the AGS cell line respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study Most of the extracts had no or weak activity against test isolates, but C. didymobotrya leaves extracts showed strong activity against P. gingivalis. C. didymobotrya can offer alternative medicare to P. gingivalis conditions.
Plants, Medicinal--adverse effects ; Kenya (Southwestern)

OBJECTIVEThe main objective of this study was to preliminarily determine the optimum formulation of a Chinese herbal formula that may have neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODSSeven recipes were made from Dihuang (DH, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch), Roucongrong (RCR, Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma), Niuxi (NX, Achyranthes bidentata Bl.) and Shanzhuyu (SZY, Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc) in different proportions, according to the principles of uniform design (4 factors 7 levels). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) were detected by immunohistochemistry and rotenone-exposure days necessary to induce PD symptoms were recorded. To probe one likely mechanism of the formulas, echinacoside (ECH) concentrations of all seven recipes were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and related to number of TH-positive neurons.

RESULTSThe data showed that recipe 4 (DH:RCR:SZY:NX = 1:1:1:1) and recipe 7 (DH:RCR:SZY:NX = 7:5:3:1) partially reversed rotenone-induced death of TH-positive neurons in the SNpc and significantly increased rotenone-exposed days compared with model group. Pharmacologically, there was not a strong correlation between ECH concentration and TH-positive neurons.

CONCLUSIONThe investigated formulations of Chinese herbs had neuroprotective effects against PD models, and the neuroprotective effects were weakly related to the proportion of key herbs. However the neuroprotective effects of the formula may not result from a single active constituent.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Humans ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Parkinson Disease ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Rotenone ; adverse effects

Korean oriental medicine prescription is widely used for the treatment of gouty diseases. In the present study, we investigated anti-inflammatory effects of modified Korean herbal formulation, mixed extract of medicinal herbs (MEMH), and its modulatory effects on inflammatory mediators associated with gouty arthritis. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of MEMH on monosodium urate (MSU) crystals-induced gouty inflammation. MSU crystals stimulated human chondrosarcoma cell line, SW1353, and human primary chondrocytes were treated with MEMH in vitro. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and metalloproteases were analyzed. The effect of MEMH on NFκB signaling pathway in SW1353 cells was examined. Effect of MEMH on the mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory mediators and chemotactic factor from human monocytic cell line, THP-1, was also analyzed. The probable role of MEMH in the differentiation process of osteoblast like cells, SaOS-2, after MSU treatment was also observed. To investigate the effects of MEMH in vivo, MSU crystals-induced ankle arthritic model was established. Histopathological changes in affected joints and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β and TNFα) were recorded. MEMH inhibited NFκB signaling pathway and COX-2 protein expression in chondrocytes. MSU-induced mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators and chemotactic cytokines were suppressed by MEMH. In MSU crystals-induced ankle arthritic mouse model, administration of MEMH relieved inflammatory symptoms and decreased the plasma levels of IL-1β and TNFα. The results indicated that MEMH can effectively inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators in gouty arthritis, demonstrating its potential for treating gouty arthritis.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; administration & dosage ; Arthritis, Gouty ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; genetics ; immunology ; Cell Line ; Chondrocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; genetics ; immunology ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; immunology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; immunology ; Uric Acid ; adverse effects

"Tinglizi", the ripe seed of Descurainia sophia and Lepidium apetalum, is a member of Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). Traditionally, the former is called "Nantinglizi" (Descurainiae Semen) while the latter is called "Beitinglizi" (Lepidii Semen). In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, it has the power to purge lung-fire, relieve dyspnea, promote diuresis and reduce edema, and it is mainly indicated in a case with phlegm-fluid accumulation, cough with excessive sputum, dyspnea with being unable to lie, and general swelling. In view of its wide-spread application in clinic, a comprehensive review of Lepidii Semen and Descurainiae Semen was conducted from the following aspects: herbalogical study, variety identification, historical evolution of processing, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, quantitative determination and toxicity which could provide reference for further research and development of "Tinglizi".
Brassicaceae ; chemistry ; Diuresis ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Dyspnea ; drug therapy ; Edema ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Lepidium ; chemistry ; Lung ; drug effects ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; Seeds ; chemistry

Salvia divinorum is a psychoactive botanical plant that is increasingly used for the 'legal' highs that it can produce. It is readily available for purchase on the Internet, and most abusers are unaware of the toxicity and abuse potential associated with its use. As the use of novel compounds among abusers is not uncommon, physicians need to increase their awareness and recognition of these new substances. Herein, we report a case of an acute presentation of Salvia intoxication.
Adult ; Fear ; Hallucinations ; chemically induced ; Humans ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; adverse effects ; toxicity ; Salvia ; adverse effects ; toxicity ; Substance-Related Disorders ; diagnosis

In 2012, USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 39 new drugs, however, there are only two botanical drugs (one topical and one oral) approved by FDA since the publication of the FDA's industry guidelines for the botanical drug product in June 2004. The approval shows the Western guideline can be used for herbal medicines, authors investigate current regulation on herbal medicine clinical research, identify challenges conducting clinical trials, and seek to produce some guidance for potential investigators and sponsors considering a clinical trial in this area. Key words were formulated for searching on Medline and FDA website to locate relevant regulations for clinical research in herbal medicines to understand current environment for herbal medicine usage and examine the barriers affecting herbal medicine in clinical trials. Authors critically explore case study of the 1st FDA approved botanical drugs, Veregen (sinecatechins), green tea leaves extract, a topical cream for perianal and genital condyloma. In consideration of current regulation environment in USA, based on the findings and analysis through the literature review and Veregen case study, authors produce and propose a Checklist for New Drug Application of Herbal Medicines for potential investigators and sponsors considering in a herbal medicine clinical trial.
Biomedical Research ; legislation & jurisprudence ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Herb-Drug Interactions ; Herbal Medicine ; legislation & jurisprudence ; Humans ; Plants, Medicinal ; adverse effects ; United States

Qifu-Yin (QFY), a widely used formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) derived from "Jingyue Quanshu", is one of the most commonly used TCM prescriptions for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer disease. The role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and its receptor RAGE have attracted increasing attention as the pivotal role of Aβ has been questioned. The present study was designed to test the neuroprotective effects of QFY, and the possible mechanism in AGE-induced Alzheimer model rats. After injection of AGE in the CA3 area of the hippocampus, QFY (8.6, 4.3, and 2.15 g·kg(-1)), and a positive control drug donepezil (2 mg·kg(-1)) were administrated through gastric intubation to rats once daily for thirty consecutive days. Another positive control group was the AGE + anti-RAGE group, which was simultaneously injected with anti-RAGE antibody before AGE treatment. The control group, sham-operated group, as well as the AGE + anti-RAGE group received saline at the same dosage. The Morris water maze test and the step-down passive avoidance test were conducted to evaluate the cognitive function of the rats. The expression of RAGE and NF-κB were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. The levels of Aβ, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that QFY could significantly attenuate the memory impairment induced by AGE, decrease the expressions of RAGE and NF-κB, and reduce the levels of Aβ, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the hippocampus in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the blockage of RAGE could significantly reduce the impairments caused by AGEs. In conclusion, QFY could attenuate AGEs-induced, Alzheimer-like pathophysiological changes. These neuroprotective effects might be related to the RAGE/NF-κB pathway and its anti-inflammatory activity.
Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; metabolism ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; adverse effects ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Learning ; drug effects ; Magnoliopsida ; Male ; Memory Disorders ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products ; Receptors, Immunologic ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Safety is an important component of the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation products, as well as an important guarantee for clinical application. Currently, the quality control of TCMs in Chinese Pharmacopoeia mostly focuses on indicative compounds for TCM efficacy. TCM preparations are associated with multiple links, from raw materials to products, and each procedure may have impacts on the safety of preparation. We make a summary and analysis on the factors impacting safety during the preparation of TCM products, and then expound the important role of the "multi-dimensional structure and process dynamic quality control technology system" in the quality safety of TCM preparations. Because the product quality of TCM preparation is closely related to the safety, the control over safety-related material basis is an important component of the product quality control of TCM preparations. The implementation of the quality control over the dynamic process of TCM preparations from raw materials to products, and the improvement of the TCM quality safety control at the microcosmic level help lay a firm foundation for the development of the modernization process of TCM preparations.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; standards ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; standards ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; standards ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control

Medicinal plants are part and parcel of human society to combat diseases from the dawn of civilization. Terminalia chebula Retz. (Fam. Combretaceae), is called the 'King of Medicine' in Tibet and is always listed at the top of the list of 'Ayurvedic Materia Medica' because of its extraordinary power of healing. The whole plant possesses high medicinal value and traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments for human beings. Some of the folklore people used this plant in the treatment of asthma, sore throat, vomiting, hiccough, diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding piles, ulcers, gout, heart and bladder diseases. The plant has been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological and medicinal activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiproliferative, radioprotective, cardioprotective, antiarthritic, anticaries, gastrointestinal motility and wound healing activity. But no systematic updated information on the therapeutic effectiveness of Terminalia chebula, a popular herbal remedy in India and South-East Asia has so far been reported. This review highlights an updated information particularly on the phytochemistry and various pharmacological and medicinal properties of Terminalia chebula Retz. and some of its isolated compounds, along with their safety evaluation. This may provide incentive for proper evaluation of the plant as medicinal agent against the human diseases and also to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and future scope which may offer immense opportunity for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective botanical medicine.
Humans ; Medicine, Ayurvedic ; Plant Extracts ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Terminalia ; chemistry

The main chemical composition of Arecae Semen has been summarized, which can bring the pharmacological action and toxicological action to the nervous system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, urinary and reproductive system. Arecae Semen has inhibition and killing effect to most parasite. It can also activate the cholinergic receptor, promote gastrointestinal propulsive motility in mice and inhibit helicobacter pylori, Xu Lang schoenleinii, influenza virus. Arecae Semen chewing results in oral mucositis fibrosis, which has not only carcinogenic mutagenic effect but also eproductive and nervous system toxicity. And Chinese medicine Yinpian use Arecae Semen of compatibility has no adverse reaction reports.
Animals ; Areca ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Humans ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry