• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 1997

Protein Kinase C (PKC) is generally believed to play a central role in signal transduction, cellular growth control, gene expression, and tumor promotion. And it has been suggested that inhibitors of PKC might play important roles for the prevention and treatment of cancer. In order to investigate the possible inhibitors of PKC from natural products, PKC receptor binding assay was performed using bovine brain particulate as a source of PKC and the amount of $[^3H]Phorbol$ 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) bound to PKC was measured in the presence of test materials. Total methanol extracts from 100 kinds of natural products were partitioned into 3 fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous layer) and their binding ability to the regulatory domain of PKC was evaluated. The ethyl acetate fractions of Morus alba $(roots,\;IC_{50}:\;156.6\;{\mu}g/ml)$, Rehmannia glutinosa $(roots,\;IC_{50}:\;134.3\;{\mu}g/ml)$, Lysimachia foenum-graecum $(roots,\;IC_{50}:\;167.8\;{\mu}g/ml)$, Polygonum cuspidata $(roots,\;IC_{50}:\;157.3\;{\mu}g/ml)$, Cnidium officinale $(aerial\;parts,\;IC_{50}:\;145.2\;{\mu}g/ml)$, and the hexane $(IC_{50}:\;179.3\;{\mu}g/ml)$ and the EtOAc fraction of Symplocarpus nipponicus $(roots,\;IC_{50}:\;155.9\;{\mu}g/ml)$ showed inhibitory activity of $[^3H]PDBu$ binding to PKC.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.105-114
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• 1998

The antimutagenic activity of a methanol extract of Ecklonia stolonifera (Laminariaceae) against aflatoxin $B_1\;(AFB_1)$ was demonstrated with the Salmonella typhimurium assay. The numbers of revertants per plate decreased significantly when this extract was added to the assay system using S. Salmonella typhimurium TA100. The methanol extract also exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the micronuclei formation in mouse peripheral blood reticulocytes and the DNA damage in mouse spleen lymphocytes induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MMU) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P). The MeOH extract was then sequentially partitioned with $CH_2Cl_2,\;CH_2Cl_2$ insoluble intermediate, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and $H_2O$. All fractions possessed antimutagenic activity but the $H_2O$ fraction was inactive. Among active fractions, the EtOAc and $CH_2Cl_2$ insoluble intermediate fractions showed the highest activity. Column chromatography using $SiO_2$ and Sephadex LH-20 yielded phloroglucinol from the EtOAc fraction. Phloroglucinol also demonstrated significant antimutagenic activity, and inhibitory effects on the micronuclei formation in mouse peripheral blood reticulocytes and DNA damage in mouse spleen lymphocytes induced by MMU and B(a)P.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2007

Fresh unripe whole fruits of Luffa tuberosa (Roxb.) or Momordica tuberosa (Roxb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) were evaluated for the antidiabetic and hyperlipidemic potential in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by administration of intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 55 mg/kg body weight. After the induction of diabetes aqueous extract of L.tuberosa (AELT) was administered orally at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. body weight/day for a period of 14 days. The Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, serum insulin levels, changes in body weight, food and liquid intake were measured. In diabetic rats, the AELT exhibited significant reduction in blood glucose levels. Biochemical assay of plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), glycogen content and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in liver were assessed. Antihyperlipidemia in diabetic rats after the extract supplementation was confirmed by significant reduction in the levels of above mentioned hyperlipidemic indicators. This study focus on the efficacy of L.tuberosa fruits for the management of experimental STZ induced diabetic rats and provides the scientific basis of ancient herbal therapy and use of these fruits as vegetable.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2007

The plant Ichnocarpus frutescens (Linn) R.Br. (Family-Apocynaceae) has been indicated for the treatment of various diseases, one amongst it is cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the possible antitumor activity and antioxidant role of Ichnocarpus frutescens in the mice transplanted with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The chloroform and methanol extract of whole plant of Ichnocarpus frutescens (CEIF and MEIF) were administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, body weight per day for 7 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation in mice. Treatment with CEIF at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg remarkably decreased the tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable cell count and increased the nonviable cell count of EAC tumor bearing mice when compared to e effect of MEIF at 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Further the EAC mice treated with CEIF and MEIF showed significant decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation and significant increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), however the decreasing and increasing capacity of CEIF was less in both doses as compared to MEIF. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the chloroform and methanol extact of Ichnocarpus frutescens exhibit significant antitumor and antioxidant activity in EAC bearing mice.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.68-77
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• 2007

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of green tea extract (CUMS6335) on the release of CA evoked by cholinergic stimulation and direct membrane-depolarization in the perfused model of the adrenal gland isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and to establish the mechanism of action. Furthermore, it was also to test whether there is species difference between animals, and between CUMS6335 and EGCG, one of biologically the most powerful catechin compounds found in green tea. CUMS6335 $(100\;{\mu}g/ml)$, when perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min, time-dependently inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32mM), high $K^+$(56 mM), DMPP $(100\;{\mu}M)$, and McN-A-343 $(100\;{\mu}M)$ from the isolated perfused adrenal glands of SHRs. However, CUMS6335 itself did fail to affect basal catecholamine output. Also, in adrenal glands loaded with CUMS6335 $(100\;{\mu}g/ml)$, the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 $(10\;{\mu}M)$ and cyclopiazonic acid $(10\;{\mu}M)$ were also inhibited in a relatively time-dependent fashion. However, in the Presence of EGCG $(8.0\;{\mu}g/ml)$ for 60 min, the CA secretory response evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were not affected except for last period. Collectively, these results indicate that CUMS6335 inhibits the CA secretion evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the perfused adrenal gland of the SHR. It seems that this inhibitory effect of CUMS6335 is exerted by blocking both the calcium influx into the rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells and the uptake of $Ca^{2+}$ into the cytoplasmic calcium store, which are at least partly relevant to the direct interaction with the nicotinic receptor itself. It seems likely that there is much difference in mode of the CA-releasing action between CUMS6335 and EGCG.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 2009

We previously reported that a novel cerebroside, LCC, isolated from the fruits of Lycium chinense (Solanaceae), significantly exerted hepatoprotective activity against both the carbon tetrachloride-induced and galactosamine-induced toxicities in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. In the present study, we further attempted to determine the effect of LCC on hepatic fibrosis in animal model. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by bile duct ligation/scission (BDL) for a period of 5 weeks. Treatment of BDL rats with LCC significantly reduced collagen deposition and the activities of serum alkaline phosphatase and ${\gamma}$-glutamyl transpeptidase. In addition, the LCC treatment of BDL rats significantly preserved the decreased hepatic glutathione as well as the activities of glutathione reductase and catalase in BDL rats. From the results, it can be speculated that LCC might exert antifibrotic activity in rats with BDL, in part, through the preservation of antioxidant enzymes and hepatic glutathione.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.144-150
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• 2020

Phytochemical investigation of leaves, barks and roots of Nauclea vanderguchtii led to the isolation of sixteen compounds, which includes one citric acid derivative (2), one alkaloid (16), one peptide derivative (3), and twelve triterpenes (1, 4 - 13). These compounds were identified as rotundanonic acid (1), 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid 2-methyl ester (2), asperphenamate (3), lupeol (4), stigmasterol (5), betulin (6), betulenic acid (7), stigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), quinovic acid 3β-O-α-L-rhamnoside (9), α-amyrin (10), 3-oxoquinovic acid (11), ursolic acid (12), hederagenin (13), rotundic acid (14), clethric acid (15), and naucleficine (16) by the analysis of their NMR spectroscopic data including 2D NMR spectra and by comparison of their spectroscopic data reported in the literature. Compounds 1 and 3 were isolated for the first time in the genus Nauclea, and compound 2 was isolated for the first time from the Rubiaceae family. Complete NMR assignations for 1 have been published for the first time.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.136-143
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• 2020

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin disorders, with a global prevalence of 2% - 3%. It is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by excessive generation of plaques on the skin with typical long-lasting red, itchy, and scaly lesions. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the anti-psoriatic effect of the methanolic extract of Persicaria senticosa (PS), a bioactive edible plant extract used in traditional medicine, using a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. The daily topical application of IMQ could induce human psoriasis-like lesion. The extract ameliorated IMQ-induced psoriasis. Furthermore, hematoxylin and eosin staining and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores indicated that topical application of PS led to an improvement in erythema, scaling, and thickness scores of the mouse dorsal skin and a considerable decrease in the epidermal thickness of the ear and dorsal skin in the IMQ-induced psoriatic mouse model. We also studied the effect of PS on the proliferation of keratinocytes using HaCaT cells. The extract inhibited cell proliferation and IL-6 and pSTAT3 expression induced by M5 cocktail (comprising interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in HaCaT cells. Thus, PS might serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of psoriasis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.333-338
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• 2015

Background: Oral health professionals are responsible in Iran for providing a brief tobacco cessation program to smoker patients. The aim of this study was to assess Iranian dental student and dentist practice, knowledge and attitudes toward smoking cessation programs. Materials and Methods: A valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed to 150 dentists working in Isfahan-Iran and 60 dental students. Some questions were developed based on the expected 5A tobacco cessation protocol. Statements on attitudes focused on professional responsibility towards smoking cessation and its effectiveness. Chi-square, ANOVA, and t test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The cessation program in dental settings covers a small group of patients (18%). Some 69.1% (n=96) of dentists reported asking their patients about tobacco use, 64% (n=83) advising their patients to quit, 33.8% (n=47) assessing their patients willingness to quit and 20% (n=28) reported helping their patients in changing their behavior. A far lower percentage reported active involvement in arranging assistance for smokers to quit (4.3%, n=5). Some 22% of students and 26% of dentists disagreed that the tobacco cessation programs should be as part of dentists' professional responsibility and 70% of them were willing to follow the protocol of tobacco cessation for patients. Conclusions: Iranian dentist performance regarding tobacco cessation is weak. Dentists and students indicated their lack of knowledge as the major reason for non-adherence to the protocol. Therefore, planning to encourage dentist to follow the protocol needs continuous educational programs.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.152-160
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• 2004

Backgrounds : Androgenetic alopecia is a relatively common disorder, but its precise mechanism is not elucidated. There are two commercial drugs approved by FDA. One(finasteride) has an inhibition activity of 5$\alpha$-reductase(type 2) and the other(minoxidil) has a vasodilation activity. Objectives : A verified herbal remedy for baldness is needed for medicinal treatment or preventing alopecia, which could be demonstrated by alopecia-related in vitro & in vivo tests Methods : On the basis of oriental pharmacognosy, we classified many herbal medicines into four groups (malnutrition, aging, alopecia and gray hair) according to its effect. The mitosis induction of hairy dermal papillae cell and the metabolic inhibition for type 2 $5{\alpha}-reductase$ were tested with five herbal extracts. Also, five herbal extracts were added to the normal essence formulation (HHRHG0202-80) in ranges of 0.1~0.3%, which was applied two-mouse models to validate each hair growing activity in vivo. Results : Stimulation of follicular papillae cell proliferation was observed in treatment of three herbal extracts (Glycyrrhizae radix:159.7%, Corni fructus : 144.7%, and Coicis semen : 136.6%) at a dose of $10\mu\textrm{g}/ml$. Three herbal extracts (Biotae semen. Glycyrrhizae radix and Coicis semen) showed inhibitory activity for $5{\alpha}-reductase$(type 2) at 93.18%, 73.36% and 47.6%, respectively at the same dose. We observed the enhancement of hair growth activity in C57b1/6 mouse and the inhibition of alopecia in AGA mouse after topical administration of the hair essence. Conclusions : Hair essence product, which contains five medicinal plants, would be used for the remedy for male pattern baldness (MPB) and the other alopecia diseases.