RESUMEN
Axial chirality is a key feature of many important organic molecules, such as biologically active compounds, stereogenic ligands and optically pure materials. Significant efforts in the field of the atropisomeric synthesis of biaryls have hence been undertaken over the past decade. Several major improvements of the already known methods to build up such chiral backbones (e.g. oxidative couplings and stereoselective Suzuki-Miyaura arylations) have been achieved and, in parallel, novel concepts have emerged enabling unprecedented synthetic routes toward molecules of this kind. These outstanding steps further unlocked the door to the preparation of previously difficult-to-access precursors of privileged ligands like BINOL, BINAM, QUINAP and many other molecules of interest.
Asunto(s)
Modelos Moleculares , Compuestos Orgánicos/química , Compuestos Orgánicos/síntesis química , 4-Butirolactona/análogos & derivados , Gosipol , Lignanos , Estereoisomerismo , VancomicinaRESUMEN
Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors originating from neuroendocrine cells with secretory characteristics, and are primarily located in gastric, duodenal, pancreatic, and small and large bowel mucosa. Due to their extremely variable biologic and clinical behaviour, diagnosis is often delayed after a prolonged workup. Many advances have been made in recent years in the diagnosis, characterization, and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. This review focuses on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, discussing the relatively new, multidisciplinary approach to their management. A Pubmed search was performed, limited to papers published within the last five years, using the key words NETs, pancreatic NETs, pancreatic tumors, diagnosis, imaging, nuclear imaging, endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and biochemical markers.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores de Tumor/sangre , Tumores Neuroendocrinos/terapia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/terapia , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Gonadotropina Coriónica Humana de Subunidad beta/sangre , Cromogranina A/sangre , Cromogranina B/sangre , Hormonas Glicoproteicas de Subunidad alfa/sangre , Hormonas/sangre , Humanos , Tumores Neuroendocrinos/sangre , Tumores Neuroendocrinos/diagnóstico , Cuidados Paliativos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/sangre , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/diagnóstico , Polipéptido Pancreático/sangre , Pancreaticoduodenectomía , Fosfopiruvato Hidratasa/sangre , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
The aim of this review article was to summarize accumulated information related to chemical composition, pharmacological activity, traditional and official use of Rhodiola rosea L. in medicine. In total approximately 140 compounds were isolated from roots and rhizome - monoterpene alcohols and their glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, aryl glycosides, phenylethanoids, phenylpropanoids and their glycosides, flavonoids, flavonlignans, proanthocyanidins and gallic acid derivatives. Studies on isolated organs, tissues, cells and enzymes have revealed that Rhodiola preparations exhibit adaptogenic effect including, neuroprotective, cardioprotectiv e, anti-fatigue, antidepressive, anxiolytic, nootropic, life-span increasing effects and CNS stimulating activity. A number of clinical trials demonstrate that repeated administration of R. rosea extract SHR-5 exerts an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental performance (particularly the ability to concentrate in healthy subjects), and reduces burnout in patients with fatigue syndrome. Encouraging results exist for the use of Rhodiola in mild to moderate depression, and generalized anxiety. Several mechanisms of action possibly contributing to the clinical effect have been identified for Rhodiola extracts. They include interactions with HPA-system (cortisol-reducing), protein kinases p-JNK, nitric oxide, and defense mechanism proteins (e.g. heat shock proteins Hsp 70 and FoxO/DAF-16). Lack of interaction with other drugs and adverse effects in the course of clinical trials make it potentially attractive for use as a safe medication. In conclusion, Rhodiola rosea has robust traditional and pharmacological evidence of use in fatigue, and emerging evidence supporting cognition and mood.
Asunto(s)
Depresión/tratamiento farmacológico , Fatiga/tratamiento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales , Rhodiola/química , Animales , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Estructura Molecular , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Raíces de Plantas , RizomaRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single dose of ADAPT-232 (a standardised fixed combination of Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim) extracts on mental performance, such as attention, speed and accuracy, in tired individuals performing stressful cognitive tasks. The pilot study (phase IIa) clinical trial took the form of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, with two parallel groups. Forty healthy females aged between 20-68 years, who claimed to have felt stressed over a long period of time due to living under psychologically stressful conditions were selected to participate in the pilot study. In addition, a Stroop Colour-Word test (Stroop CW) was used to exhaust/prepare the volunteers prior to the d2 test used for assessment of cognitive function of patients. The participants were randomised into two groups, one (n=20) of which received a single tablet of ADAPT-232 (270mg), while a second (n=20) received a single tablet of placebo. The effects of the extract were measured prior to treatment and two hours after treatment using the d2 Test of Attention (d2). The results of the d2 test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in attention, speed, and accuracy (TN-E scores) between the two treatment groups. The subjects in the ADAPT-232 group quickly (two hours after verum was taken) gained improved attention and increased speed and accuracy during stressful cognitive tasks, in comparison to placebo. There was also a tendency of ADAPT-232 to reduce percentage of errors, which means better accuracy, quality of the work, and degree of care in the volunteers under stressful conditions. No serious side effects were reported, although a few minor adverse events, such as sleepiness and cold extremities, were observed in both treatment groups.
Asunto(s)
Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Eleutherococcus , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Rhodiola , Schisandra , Adulto , Anciano , Método Doble Ciego , Combinación de Medicamentos , Femenino , Frutas , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Proyectos Piloto , Extractos Vegetales/efectos adversos , Raíces de Plantas , Estrés Psicológico/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The antidepressant-like activity of an extract of the roots of Rhodiola rosea (RR), its combination with piperine containing extract (RPE), pure substances isolated from Rhodiola, such as rhodioloside, rosavin, rosin, rosarin, tyrosol, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid has been assessed in laboratory animals through application of the Porsolt behavioural despair assay. RR increased the swimming time of rats in a dose dependent manner (ED50=7 mg/kg) and, when administered at 20mg/kg, exhibited a stronger anti-depressant type effect than either imipramine (at 30 mg/kg) or an extract of Hypericum perforatum (at 20mg/kg). Rhodioloside, and tyrosol were identified as active principles of the extract, whereas rosavin, rosarin, rosin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid were inactive. A fixed combination of rhodioloside, rosavin, rosarin and rosin was more active than any of the individual components alone, indicating a synergistic effect of the ingredients in RR extract. Piperine in combination with Rhodiola (RPE) distorts pharmacological effect of Rhodiola most probably due to changes of pharmacokinetic profile of rhodioloside and rosavin. RPE cannot provide predictable therapeutic effect due to herb-herb interaction. Moreover, concomitant treatment of RPE with other drugs should also be excluded due to drug-piperine interaction.
Asunto(s)
Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Depresión/prevención & control , Disacáridos/administración & dosificación , Glucósidos/administración & dosificación , Fenoles/administración & dosificación , Preparaciones de Plantas/administración & dosificación , Rhodiola/química , Administración Oral , Animales , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Disacáridos/aislamiento & purificación , Disacáridos/farmacocinética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Interacciones Farmacológicas , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Glucósidos/aislamiento & purificación , Glucósidos/farmacocinética , Masculino , Estructura Molecular , Fenoles/aislamiento & purificación , Fenoles/farmacocinética , Alcohol Feniletílico/administración & dosificación , Alcohol Feniletílico/análogos & derivados , Piper nigrum/química , Preparaciones de Plantas/química , Raíces de Plantas/química , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Estrés FisiológicoRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of standardized extract SHR-5 of rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea L. in patients suffering from a current episode of mild/moderate depression. The phase III clinical trial was carried out as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study with parallel groups over 6 weeks. Participants, males and females aged 18-70 years, were selected according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for depression, the severity of which was determined by scores gained in Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) questionnaires. Patients with initial HAMD scores between 21 and 31 were randomized into three groups, one of which (group A: 31 patients) received two tablets daily of SHR-5 (340 mg/day), a second (group B: 29 patients) received two tablets twice per day of SHR-5 (680 mg/day), and a third (group C: 29 patients) received two placebo tablets daily. The efficacy of SHR-5 extract with respect to depressive complaints was assessed on days 0 and 42 of the study period from total and specific subgroup HAMD scores. For individuals in groups A and B, overall depression, together with insomnia, emotional instability and somatization, but not self-esteem, improved significantly following medication, whilst the placebo group did not show such improvements. No serious side-effects were reported in any of the groups A-C. It is concluded that the standardized extract SHR-5 shows anti-depressive potency in patients with mild to moderate depression when administered in dosages of either 340 or 680 mg/day over a 6-week period.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno Depresivo/tratamiento farmacológico , Fitoterapia/métodos , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Rhodiola/química , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Trastorno Depresivo/diagnóstico , Trastorno Depresivo/psicología , Método Doble Ciego , Esquema de Medicación , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Inventario de Personalidad , Placebos , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Rizoma/química , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Significant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interactions between various herbal products and warfarin have recently been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether concomitant treatment of rats with Kan Jang (a standardized fixed combination of extracts from Andrographis paniculata and Eleutherococcus senticosus) and warfarin would lead to an alteration in the pharmacological effects of warfarin. Each day for 5 days a group of animals was treated orally with an aqueous solution of Kan Jang at a dose of 17 mg/kg of the active principle andrographolide (a daily dose some 17-fold higher than that recommended for humans): the control group received similar treatment with appropriate volumes of water only. Sixty minutes after the final daily administration of Kan Jang or water, an aqueous solution of warfarin (0.2 mg/ml) was given to each animal at a dose of 2 mg/kg. From each group, 6 animals were sacrificed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h after warfarin administration and blood samples taken. The concentration of warfarin in blood plasma was measured by capillary electrophoresis using 50 mM borate buffer (pH 9.3) as mobile phase with simultaneous detection of warfarin at 208.1 and 307.5 nm. Prothrombin time in blood plasma was measured using thromboplastin reagent. The concomitant application of Kan Jang and warfarin did not produce significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin, and practically no effect on its pharmacodynamics.
Asunto(s)
Andrographis/química , Anticoagulantes/farmacología , Anticoagulantes/farmacocinética , Eleutherococcus/química , Warfarina/farmacología , Warfarina/farmacocinética , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/administración & dosificación , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Anticoagulantes/sangre , Interacciones Farmacológicas , Quimioterapia Combinada , Electroforesis Capilar/métodos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Plantas Medicinales , Tiempo de Protrombina/métodos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Factores de Tiempo , Warfarina/sangreRESUMEN
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (simple randomisation), pilot (phase III) study of Chisan, (ADAPT-232; a standardised fixed combination of extracts of Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis Turcz. Baill., and Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim) was carried out on two parallel groups of patients suffering from acute nonspecific pneumonia. Sixty patients (males and females; 18-65 years old) received a standard treatment with cephazoline, bromhexine, and theophylline: in addition, one group of 30 patients was given Chisan mixture, whilst the second group of 30 patients received a placebo, each medication being taken twice daily from the beginning of the study for 10-15 days. The primary outcome measurements were the duration of antibiotic therapy associated with the clinical manifestations of the acute phase of the disease, together with an evaluation of mental performance in a psychometric test and the self-evaluation of quality-of-life (QOL) (WHOQOL-Bref questionnaires) before treatment and on the first and fifth days after clinical convalescence. The mean duration of treatment with antibiotics required to bring about recovery from the acute phase of the disease was 2 days shorter in patients treated with Chisan compared with those in the placebo group. With respect to all QOL domains (physical, psychological, social and ecological), patients in the Chisan group scored higher at the beginning of the rehabilitation period, and significantly higher on the fifth day after clinical convalescence, than patients in the control group. Clearly, adjuvant therapy with ADAPT-232 has a positive effect on the recovery of patients by decreasing the duration of the acute phase of the illness, by increasing mental performance of patients in the rehabilitation period, and by improving their QOL. Both the clinical and laboratory results of the present study suggest that Chisan (ADAPT-232) can be recommended in the standard treatment of patients with acute non-specific pneumonia as an adjuvant to increase the QOL and to expedite the recovery of patients.
Asunto(s)
Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Neumonía Bacteriana/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad Aguda , Adulto , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Cefazolina/uso terapéutico , Método Doble Ciego , Combinación de Medicamentos , Quimioterapia Combinada , Eleutherococcus , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Proyectos Piloto , Neumonía Bacteriana/psicología , Psicometría , Calidad de Vida , Rhodiola , SchisandraRESUMEN
Plant adaptogens are compounds that increase the ability of an organism to adapt to environmental factors and to avoid damage from such factors. The beneficial effects of multi-dose administration of adaptogens are mainly associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a part of the stress-system that is believed to play a primary role in the reactions of the body to repeated stress and adaptation. In contrast, the single dose application of adaptogens is important in situations that require a rapid response to tension or to a stressful situation. In this case, the effects of the adaptogens are associated with another part of the stress-system, namely, the sympatho-adrenal-system (SAS), that provides a rapid response mechanism mainly to control the acute reaction of the organism to a stressor. This review focuses primarily on the SAS-mediated stimulating effects of single doses of adaptogens derived from Rhodiola rosea, Schizandra chinensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus. The use of these drugs typically generates no side effects, unlike traditional stimulants that possess addiction, tolerance and abuse potential, produce a negative effect on sleep structure, and cause rebound hypersomnolence or 'come down' effects. Furthermore, single administration of these adaptogens effectively increases mental performance and physical working capacity in humans. R. rosea is the most active of the three plant adaptogens producing, within 30 min of administration, a stimulating effect that continues for at least 4-6 h. The active principles of the three plants that exhibit single dose stimulating effects are glycosides of phenylpropane- and phenylethane-based phenolic compounds such as salidroside, rosavin, syringin and triandrin, the latter being the most active.
Asunto(s)
Adaptación Fisiológica/efectos de los fármacos , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisario/efectos de los fármacos , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Plantas Medicinales , Animales , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Esquema de Medicación , Eleutherococcus , Humanos , Modelos Animales , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Rhodiola , SchisandraRESUMEN
The clinical efficacy of KanJang oral solution, a fixed combination of standardised extracts of Echinacea purpurea, Adhatoda vasica and Eleutherococcus senticosus, was compared with the combined extracts of Echinacea purpurea and Eleutherococcus senticosus alone (Echinacea mixture) in a controlled, double blind, randomized trial, and with Bromhexine (a standard treatment) in a controlled, open, randomized clinical trial on patients with non-complicated acute respiratory tract infections. Many of the parameters evaluated, such as severity of coughing, frequency of coughing, efficacy of mucus discharge in the respiratory tract, nasal congestion and a general feeling of sickness, showed significantly greater improvement in patients treated with KanJang compared with those receiving the standard treatment. However, no significant differences in the improvement of these symptoms (except in a reduced frequency of coughing) were observed between patients treated with the Echinacea mixture and those receiving the standard treatment. The only explanation is that the lack of extract of A. vasica in the Echinacea mixture reduces its efficacy compared with the complete KanJang oral solution even though direct double-blind comparison yielded no significant differences between these two groups of patients. The recovery time of patients being treated with KanJang or Echinacea mixture was 2 days shorter than that of patients receiving the standard treatment. None of the patients completing the study reported adverse reactions to the medication taken. The significance of the results obtained in this study is discussed with respect to the efficacy of KanJang in the treatment of acute respiratory infection and to the concept that multi-drug therapy offers higher efficacy compared with mono-drug treatment of such infections.
Asunto(s)
Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Plantas Medicinales , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Administración Oral , Adulto , Método Doble Ciego , Quimioterapia Combinada , Echinacea , Eleutherococcus , Femenino , Humanos , Género Justicia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/patología , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
The safety of different doses of Kan Jang--a fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata special extract (SHA-10) and Acanthopanax senticosus--compared to two extensively used medicinal plants, Valeriana officinalis and Panax ginseng in the form of standardized extracts, has been examined. A phase I clinical study was designed to evaluate the effect on semen quality of healthy males in terms of spermatogenesis and quality of semen. The results of the study revealed no significant negative effect of Kan Jang on male semen quality and fertility, but rather a positive trend with respect to the number of spermatozoids in the whole ejaculate, the percentage of active (normokinetic) forms of spermatozoids, and fertility indexes, together with a decrease in the percentage of inactive (diskinetic) forms of spermatozoids. In the group receiving ginseng, no significant negative effects on the fertility parameters were revealed and there was a clear decrease in the percentage of diskinetic forms of spermatozoids. Subjects receiving valerian showed a temporary increase in the percentage of normokinetic spermatozoids and a decrease in diskinetic forms, but these changes had no effect on fertility indices. The results indicate that Kan Jang, ginseng and valerian are safe with respect to effects on human male sterility when administered at dose levels corresponding to approximately 3 times the human daily dose.
Asunto(s)
Andrographis , Eleutherococcus , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Semen/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Administración Oral , Adolescente , Adulto , Fertilidad/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Masculino , Panax , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Semen/citología , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/citología , Resultado del Tratamiento , ValerianaRESUMEN
The methanolic extract of roots of Cimicifuga racemosa and its methanolysis products have been analysed by GC-MS. 2-Hexylcyclopropaneoctanoic acid (9,10-methylenehexadecanoic acid) was found to be the marker most specific for the identification for this herb. For the phytochemical standardisation of Rhizoma Cimicifugae racemosae, validated methods for the quantitative analysis of formononetin (by TLC-fluorometry), of isoferulic acid (by GC-MS of the methyl ester), and of total triterpene glycosides (transformed to coloured complexes and measured photometrically) in roots of C. racemosa have been developed. The contents of formononetin, isoferulic acid and total triterpene glycosides (measured as actein) in the herb ranged from 0.0031 to 0.0035, from 1.22 to 1.35 and from 20.09 to 22.06 mg/g dry weight, respectively.
Asunto(s)
Cimicifuga/química , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Cromatografía en Capa Delgada , Cinamatos/análisis , Cinamatos/química , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Isoflavonas/análisis , Isoflavonas/química , Metanol , Estructura Molecular , Resonancia Magnética Nuclear Biomolecular , Estándares de Referencia , Rizoma/química , Saponinas/análisis , Saponinas/química , Triterpenos/análisis , Triterpenos/químicaRESUMEN
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a recessively inherited inflammatory disorder, characterised by recurrent attacks of fever and serositis. Since nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of inflammation, the production of NO (assessed as the accumulation of nitrate and nitrite and measured by capillary electrophoresis) in blood plasma of FMF patients during acute attacks (active) and attack-free periods (inactive) of the disease has been determined and compared with NO levels found in healthy volunteers (control group C). Thirty-six FMF patients were involved in a placebo-controlled double-blind study (group A received the drug, group B the placebo) of the effects of Immuno-Guard, a novel herbal preparation which relieves the severity and longevity of FMF attacks on NO blood levels. Thirty-two FMF patients (group D) being permanently treated with colchicine were also examined with respect to their NO blood level. No significant differences were found between the NO levels in blood of inactive FMF patients and those of control group C, or between inactive colchicine-treated group D patients and inactive patients of groups A and B, a finding which is atypical for chronic inflammatory disorders. Significantly lower plasma NO levels were found in active FMF patients in groups A and B compared with inactive patients in those groups (p=0.031 and 0.036, respectively) and with patients of group D and the control group C (p=0.0235 and 0.0453, respectively). The decrease of NO in blood of FMF patients may trigger the generation of fever by initiating the production of pro-inflammatory IL-6. Plasma NO levels in inactive FMF patients were significantly increased during attack-free periods following treatment with Immuno-Guard. The preparation has a normalising effect both on NO and IL-6 blood levels in FMF patients during attacks, demonstrating a relationship between the beneficial effect of Immuno-Guard in reducing the severity of inflammatory attacks in FMF patients and the increase in NO blood levels.
Asunto(s)
Fiebre Mediterránea Familiar/sangre , Fiebre Mediterránea Familiar/tratamiento farmacológico , Óxido Nítrico/sangre , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Enfermedad Aguda , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Colchicina/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Humanos , Interleucina-6/sangre , Masculino , Nitratos/sangre , Nitritos/sangreRESUMEN
Double blind, randomized, placebo controlled pilot study of ImmunoGuard--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata Nees., Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim., Schizandra chinensis Bail., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. special extracts standardized for the content of Andrographolide (4 mg/tablet), Eleuteroside E, Schisandrins and Glycyrrhizin, was carried out in two parallel groups of patients. The study was conducted in 24 (3-15 years of both genders) patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), 14 were treated with tablets of series A (verum) and 10 patients received series B product (placebo). The study medication was taken three times of four tablets daily for 1 month. Daily dose of the andrographolide--48 mg. The primary outcome measures in physician's evaluation were related to duration, frequency and severity of attacks in FMF patients (attacks characteristics score). The patient's self-evaluation was based mainly on symptoms--abdominal, chest pains, temperature, arthritis, myalgia, erysipelas-like erythema. All of 3 features (duration, frequency, severity of attacks) showed significant improvement in the verum group as compared with the placebo. In both clinical and self evaluation the severity of attacks was found to show the most significant improvement in the verum group. Both the clinical and laboratory results of the present phase II (pilot) clinical study suggest that ImmunoGuard is a safe and efficacious herbal drug for the management of patients with FMF.
Asunto(s)
Fiebre Mediterránea Familiar/tratamiento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Administración Oral , Adolescente , Andrographis , Niño , Preescolar , Método Doble Ciego , Esquema de Medicación , Eleutherococcus , Fiebre Mediterránea Familiar/patología , Femenino , Glycyrrhiza , Humanos , Masculino , Proyectos Piloto , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Schisandra , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
A double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical study was carried out to evaluate the effect of an Andrographis paniculata (N.) extract SHA-10 fixed combination, Kan Jang, in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis. Ninety-five individuals in the treatment group and 90 individuals in the placebo group completed the study according to the protocol. The medication was taken for 5 days. Temperature, headache, muscle aches, throat symptoms, cough, nasal symptoms, general malaise and eye symptoms were taken as outcome measures with given scores. The total score analysis showed a highly significant improvement in the verum group versus the placebo. This result applied to the group as a whole and to the sinusitis subgroups. The individual symptoms of headache and nasal and throat symptoms together with general malaise showed the most significant improvement while cough and eye symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups. Temperature was moderately reduced in the verum group. It can be concluded that Kan Jang has a positive effect in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections and also relieves the inflammatory symptoms of sinusitis. The study drug was well tolerated.
Asunto(s)
Andrographis , Eleutherococcus , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Sinusitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad Aguda , Adolescente , Adulto , Enfermedad Crónica , Diterpenos/uso terapéutico , Método Doble Ciego , Combinación de Medicamentos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
The immunomodulatory properties of a diterpene lactone andrographolide and Kan Jang--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 and Eleutherococcus senticosus extract SHE-3 were investigated. Their role on spontaneous and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and on production of interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined in vitro. Proliferation of PBL induced by PHA was enhanced by co stimulation with andrographolide and Kan Jang. At the same time andrographolide and Kan Jang inhibit spontaneous proliferation of PBL in vitro. These preparations also have effect on the formation of INF-gamma, TNF-alpha and some immune activation markers such as neopterin (Neo), beta-2-microglobulin (beta2MG), and soluble receptor for interleukin-2 (sIL-2R or sCD25) in blood cells culture. Andrographolide and Kan Jang stimulate the INF-gamma, Neopterin and beta2MG formation, but do not have any significant effect on the production of INF-gamma and Neopterin in PHA stimulated blood cells. An opposite effect on these immune makers was observed in the PHA-stimulated blood cells: both andrographolide and Kan Jang increase the formation of TNF-alpha and beta2MG in cultivated whole blood cells. Thus, andrographolide and Kan Jang can have an in vitro effect on the activation and proliferation of immunocompetent cells as well on the production of key cytokines and immune activation markers. The results show an overall higher effect of the fixed combination as compared with the equivalent amount of the pure substance andrographolide. The data are consistent with results from clinical studies of Kan Jang and contributed to a better understanding of these results.
Asunto(s)
Andrographis , Diterpenos/farmacología , Eleutherococcus , Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Biomarcadores , Células Sanguíneas/citología , Células Sanguíneas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Sanguíneas/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Citocinas/biosíntesis , Glucósidos/farmacología , Humanos , Interferón gamma/biosíntesis , Interferón gamma/efectos de los fármacos , Lignanos , Linfocitos/citología , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/biosíntesisRESUMEN
A new method of analysis of vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde in brandy and wine by high-performance capillary electrophoresis is described. Electrophoretic mobility of these compounds is achieved by a borate buffer at pH 9.3. At this pH, the sensitivity of UV detection of these phenolic aldehydes also increases. UV absorptions at 348, 362, 404, and 422 nm were selected for monitoring vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde, respectively. This procedure was performed simultaneously during one run using a diode array detector. Samples of brandy or wine were analyzed directly without concentration, extraction, or any other preliminary treatment of the test sample. The limits of detection were found to be 0.275, 0.1425, 0.1475, and 0.1975 ppm for syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, and vanillin, respectively, which is acceptable for analysis of both brandy and wine aged in oak barrels. The method has been shown to be linear in a range from 0.3 to 57 mg/L. Recoveries ranged between 99.9% and 107.7% for all of the compounds tested. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method were high. The relative standard deviation was consequently approximately 3% and also between 4.47% and 6.89% for all tested compounds. The method is useful for the identification of counterfeit brandy, which is easy to recognize by the absence of sinapaldehyde, syringaldehyde, and coniferaldehyde, which are not detectable in false brandy.
Asunto(s)
Bebidas Alcohólicas/análisis , Aldehídos/análisis , Vino/análisis , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Electroforesis Capilar , Indicadores y Reactivos , Espectrofotometría UltravioletaRESUMEN
This study determined the effects of chondrocyte source, cell concentration, and growth period on cartilage production when isolated porcine cells are injected subcutaneously in a nude mouse model. Chondrocytes were isolated from both ear and articular cartilage and were suspended in Ham's F-12 medium at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 million cells per cubic centimeter. Using the nude mouse model, each concentration group was injected subcutaneously in 100-microl aliquots and was allowed to incubate for 6 weeks in vivo. In addition, cells suspended at a fixed concentration of 40 million cells per cubic centimeter were injected in 100-microl aliquots and were incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Each concentration or time period studied contained a total of eight mice, with four samples harvested per mouse for a final sample size of 32 constructs. All neocartilage samples were analyzed by histologic characteristics, mass, glycosaminoglycan level, and DNA content. Control groups consisted of native porcine ear and articular cartilage. Specimen mass increased with increasing concentration and incubation time. Ear neocartilage was larger than articular neocartilage at each concentration and time period. At 40 million cells per cubic centimeter, both ear and articular chondrocytes produced optimal neocartilage, without limitations in growth. Specimen mass increased with incubation time up to 6 weeks in both ear and articular samples. No significant variations in glycosaminoglycan content were found in either articular or ear neocartilage, with respect to variable chondrocyte concentration or growth period. Although articular samples demonstrated no significant trends in DNA content over time, ear specimens showed decreasing values through 6 weeks, inversely proportional to increase in specimen mass. Although both articular and ear sources of chondrocytes have been used in past tissue-engineering studies with success, this study indicates that a suspension of ear chondrocytes injected into a subcutaneous location will produce biochemical and histologic data with greater similarity to those of native cartilage. The authors believe that this phenomenon is attributable to the local environment in which isolated chondrocytes from different sources are introduced. The subcutaneous environment of native ear cartilage accommodates subcutaneously injected ear chondrocyte transplants better than articular transplants. Native structural and biochemical cues within the local environment are believed to guide the proliferation of the differentiated chondrocytes.