Wound-Healing Activity of Astragali Radix in Rats Han DO, et al. Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung-Hee University, Hoigi-dong, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, Korea. dhhahm@khu.ac.kr; dhahm@paran.com.
Inhibition of inflammatory responses, acceleration of basal cell growth and balanced synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in the healing of open cutaneous wounds. To evaluate the wound-healing effects of Astragali Radix (AR) (the root of Astragalus membranaceus [Fisch.]), experimental open wounds were made on the dorsal side of rats under anesthesia. Boiling water extracts of AR, soaked into a hydrophilic foam dressing, were topically applied to the wounds once a day for 11 consecutive days. The healing process was assessed by scoring macroscopic appearance and measuring the area of the open wounds. Molecular aspects of the healing skin area were also investigated via histological observation indicating cell density and linear alignment of the granulation tissue. The AR extracts significantly accelerated cutaneous wound healing by suppressing inflammation and stimulating basal cell growth in the wound area compared to epidermal growth factor as a positive control. Promotion of basal cell proliferation and angiogenesis by the AR extracts was remarkable in the early stages of wound healing, resulting in a significant reduction in the duration of the wound-healing process. We conclude that extracts of AR could be useful in enhancing cutaneous wound healing. Copyright 2009 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.
Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Mar;31(2):95-100.
Source: PubMed
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Beneficial Effect of Bupleurum Polysaccharides on Autoimmune Disease Wang Z, et al. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Radix Bupleuri, is one of the most frequently prescribed crude herbs in the prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and auto-immune diseases. This study was to determine whether the crude polysaccharides (BPs) isolated from the roots of Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium, had beneficial effects on autoimmune disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were immunized with Campylobacter jejuni - CJ-S(131) - in Freund's complete adjuvant on day 0, and then boosted on day 14. BPs 15 or 30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), or prednisone 5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) was given to BALB/c mice intragastrically from day 0 to day 34. RESULTS: Treatment with BPs 15 or 30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 35 days protected kidney from glomerular injury with reduced immunoglobulin deposition and lowered proteinuria. The increased production of serum autoantibodies and total immunoglobulin G (IgG) was also inhibited. BPs 30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) improved weight loss and spleen swelling when compared with vehicle-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that Bupleurum polysaccharides had a beneficial effect on systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndroma induced by CJ-S(131) in BALB/c mice.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 May 22.
Source: PubMed
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Xia Bai San Effects on Human Lung Cells Lee KH, et al. Hsin-Chu Branch Station, Council of Agriculture-TLI, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, ROC.
Xia-Bai-San (XBS) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used clinically for centuries in Asian countries to treat some types of common cold and asthma-like diseases similar to infantile pneumonia and childhood bronchitis. In previous studies, XBS was found to suppress the inflammatory process induced in lungs of mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of XBS on LPS-inducible production of inflammatory cytokines, up-regulation of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and activation of nuclear factor NF-kappaB in cultured human lung cells. PRINCIPAL RESULTS: Extracts of four raw herbs (Cortex Mori, Cortex Lycii, Radix Glycyrrhizae, and Fructus Oryzae) were used to prepare the decoction. XBS decreased the histological damage and up-regulation of ICAM-1 observed in lungs of mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In cultured human pulmonary epithelial A549 cells, XBS and its components Morus alba and Glycyrrhiza uralensis suppressed the up-regulation of IL-8 and ICAM-1 in response to LPS. Production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 by LPS-treated human THP-1 monomyelocytes was also suppressed by XBS. A549 cells expressed ICAM-1 in response to medium from LPS-treated THP-1 cells; expression was decreased by XBS. The adhesion of THP-1 cells to LPS-treated A549 cells was inhibited in the presence of XBS. Activation of NF-kappaB by LPS in A549 cells was suppressed by XBS, Morus alba, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis through inhibition of IkappaB phosphorylation; the concentrations at which suppression occurred were identical to those at which production of inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of ICAM-1 were inhibited. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis that XBS, Morus alba, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis inhibit the inflammatory process in lung tissue through suppression of the IkappaB signaling pathway. XBS may prove helpful in the management of asthma, various allergic disorders, sepsis, or any other condition associated with pulmonary inflammation.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 May 16.
Source: PubMed [TOP] |
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