Recent Medline Research Extracts

[herbsandhelpers]

Pharmacokinetic comparison of the vasorelaxant compound ferulic acid following the administration of Guanxin II to healthy volunteers and patients with angina pectoris.
Li YH, Huang X, Wang Y, Fan R, Zhang HM, Ren P, Chen Y, Zhou HH, Liu ZQ, Liang YZ, Lu HM. Exp Ther Med. 2013 Nov;6(5):1283-1289. Epub 2013 Sep 17. Lab of Ethnopharmacology, Dept of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The National Key Clinical Specialist Vocational School, Xiangya Hospital, Central South Univ, Changsha, Hunan 410008; TCM Pharmacogenetics Lab, Central South Univ, Changsha, Hunan 410008; CHD is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. TCM formula Guanxin II has been shown to have a favorable effect in the attenuation of angina. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of ferulic acid (FA), which is a vasorelaxant compound present in Guanxin II, in healthy volunteers and patients with angina pectoris following the administration of Guanxin II. Ex vivo experiments were performed in order to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of FA on the human internal mammary artery (IMA) to provide evidence that it is a bioactive component of Guanxin II. Following the oral administration of Guanxin II, the FA levels in the serum were quantified by a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Treatment with FA (10(-8)-10(-3) M) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of endothelial IMA rings following precontraction with KCl. Statistically significant differences were identified between the pharmaco-kinetic parameters Cmax, t1/2α, t1/2β and t1/2Ka of the healthy volunteers and the patients with angina pectoris following the oral administration of Guanxin II. FA is a bioactive compound absorbed from Guanxin II that attenuates angina pectoris, a condition that may modify the pharmacokinetics of FA. Not only do the pharmacokinetic parameters direct the clinical use of Guanxin II, but they may also be useful for exploring the pathology of angina pectoris. PMCID: PMC3820704 PMID: 24223659 [PubMed]

Phytotherapy against insomnia: extravagant claims or an alternative medicine?
Dey A, Dey A. Pak J Biol Sci. 2013 Feb 1;16(3):148-50. Dept of Botany, Presidency Univ, 86/1, College Street, Kolkata-700073, West Bengal, India. Insomnia or sleeplessness is a disorder characterized by a personal incapability to falling or staying asleep for a desirable period of time. Apart from Valeriana officinalis and Ziziphus jujube, most ethnobotanicals used for sleep disorders have not been evaluated for pharmacological or clinical efficacy against insomnia. CHMs involving polyherbal formulations are yet to be characterized and long-term side effects are yet to be evaluated. Anti insomniac phytotherapy opens up an exciting aspect of research which might benefit a large number of patients suffering from different degrees of insomnia. PMID: 24171278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Plants: A Source for New Antimycobacterial Drugs.
Santhosh RS, Suriyanarayanan B. Planta Med. 2013 Nov 11. [Epub ahead of print] School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Univ, Thanjavur, India. Tuberculosis, also called TB, is currently a major health hazard due to multidrug-resistant forms of bacilli. Global efforts are underway to eradicate TB using new drugs with new modes of action, higher activity, and fewer side effects in combination with vaccines. For this reason, unexplored new sources and previously explored sources were examined and around 353 antimycobacterial compounds (Nat Prod Rep 2007; 24: 278-297) 7 have been previously reported. To develop drugs from these new sources, additional work is required for preclinical and clinical results. Since ancient times, different plant part extracts have been used as traditional medicines against diseases including tuberculosis. This knowledge may be useful in developing future powerful drugs. Plant natural products are again becoming important in this regard. In this review, we report 127 antimycobacterial compounds and their antimycobacterial activities. Of these, 27 compounds had a minimum inhibitory concentration of <  10  µg/mL. In some cases, the mechanism of activity has been determined. We hope that some of these compounds may eventually develop into effective new drugs against tuberculosis. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York. PMID: 24218370 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Possible molecular mechanisms soy-mediated in preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Oliveira LP, de Jesús RP, Freire TO, Oliveira CP, Castro Lyra A, Lyra LG. Nutr Hosp. 2012 Jul-Aug;27(4):991-8. doi: 10.3305/nh.2012.27.4.5833. Nutrition Science Dept, Bahía Federal Univ, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. lucipmo@ufba.br The aim of this review is to describe the molecular mechanisms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to present evidence regarding the mechanisms of soy-mediated therapeutic activity in preventing and treating NAFLD. NAFLD is induced by multiple metabolic pathways, including an increase in the release of fatty acids from the adipose tissue (lipolysis), insulin resistance (IR), and an increase in "de novo" fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, NAFLD is correlated with a decrease in liver β-oxidation, an increase in oxygen free radical production, and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which leads to an increase in liver fat and, subsequently, to tissue damage. The bioactive compounds in soy can prevent and treat NAFLD by modulating lipid metabolism and regulating the expression of related transcription factors. Soy intake decreases the expression of sterol regulatory-element binding protein-lc (SREBP-1) and increases the expression of SREBP-2, which are transcription factors associated with the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and reduction of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in the liver, respectively. Besides, interactions between soy components, such as standard amino acids, polyunsaturated fat, and the isoflavonoid-enriched fraction, are believed to improve fatty acid oxidation in the liver parenchyma by increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-regulated genes, thus decreasing lipid accumulation in the liver.
CONCLUSION: Including soy-derived foods in the diet as a therapeutic tool for patients with NAFLD might improve their clinical evolution. PMID: 23165534 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Preventive effects of Egyptian sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) leaves on haematological changes and cardiotoxicity in isoproterenol-treated albino rats.
Ramadan G, El-Beih NM, Arafa NM, Zahra MM. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2013 Jun;13(2):100-9. doi: 10.1007/s12012-012-9189-4. Zoology Dept, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams Univ, Abbasseya, Cairo 11566, Egypt. gamal_ramadan@hotmail.com We tried to evaluate/compare the cardioprotective activity of two different doses (50 and 100mg/kg BW, given orally for 30 consecutive days) of Egyptian sweet marjoram leaf powder (MLP) and marjoram leaf aqueous extract (MLE) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarcted rats (150mg/kg BW, twice at an interval of 24h on days 29 and 30). The present study showed (probably for the first time) that both MLP and MLE (especially the high dose) significantly alleviated (p<.05-0.001) erythrocytosis, granulocytosis, thrombocytosis, shortened clotting time, the increase in relative heart weight, myocardial oxidative stress and the leakage of heart enzymes (creatine phosphokinase (CPK), CPK-MB isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferase) in ISO-treated rats through reactivating non-enzymic (reduced glutathione) and enzymic (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase) antioxidant defence system and inhibiting the production of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation in heart tissues.
CONCLUSION: The modulatory effects of marjoram leaves shown in the present study were dose-dependent in most cases and much higher in MLE (4.3-20.3% for all parameters taken together). In addition, the doses used in the present study were considered safe. This study may have a significant impact on myocardial infarcted patients. PMID: 23054890 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Garlic extract on Nerium Oleander-induced arrhythmia: a new approach to antiarrhythmic therapy in an ovine model.
Fattahi M, Dalir-Naghadeh B, Maham M. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2013 Sep-Oct;51(8):737-47. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2013.829234. Epub 2013 Aug 14. Dept of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Univ , Urmia , Iran.
CONTEXT: Oleander is a potent cardiotoxic plant and is a common cause of poisoning in human and animals. There is no affordable and cost-effective treatment for Oleander poisoning. Objective. To evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Garlic extract (Allium sativum) on Nerium Oleander (a potent cardiotoxic plant) intoxication in sheep.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 8 sheep were infused iv with an unsterilized hydro-ethanol extract of Garlic (50mg/kg) before or after receiving a lethal dose of dried leaves (as a powder) of Oleander (100mg/kg, orally). The cardiac rhythm was continuously monitored using biopotential wireless transmitters and telemetry system. For evaluation of therapeutic effects, six sheep received the lethal dose of Oleander and were administered with Garlic extract after development of cardiac arrhythmias. Subsequently, the survived animals from the therapeutic study (four sheep) were administered with Oleander without receiving any medication. Some blood constituents, including total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and troponin I, were compared between treated and untreated animals.
RESULTS: Pretreatment with Garlic extract reversed the arrhythmia caused by Oleander to its previous normal rhythm in seven sheep, but, one sheep died of ventricular fibrillation. On therapeutic treatment, four sheep survived while two died of ventricular fibrillation. Dosing with Oleander without receiving Garlic extract resulted in death of all sheep due to ventricular fibrillation. Blood constituents did not show any significant changes between treated and untreated sheep, and before and after intoxication.
CONCLUSIONS: Garlic extract reduced the case fatality from 100% to 12.5% and 33.3% as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent, respectively. Additionally, Garlic extract delayed the time of onset of arrhythmias and prolonged the interval between intoxication and death of the animals. CONCLUSION: Garlic extract is a potential and affordable antidote in Oleander poisoning. However additional studies with a larger sample size and in other species need to be performed to confirm the results in this study. PMID: 23944745 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Protective effect of neferine against isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxicity.
Lalitha G, Poornima P, Archanah A, Padma VV. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2013 Jun;13(2):168-79. doi: 10.1007/s12012-012-9196-5. Animal Tissue Culture Lab, Dept of Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore 641046, Tamilnadu, India. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of neferine against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Neferine was given orally for 30 days, and isoproterenol was injected subcutaneously for 2 days. Histopathological examination of heart tissue of isoproterenol-treated rats showed myocardial necrosis. Biochemical analysis of isoproterenol-treated rats showed significant increase in the serum marker enzymes--creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate transaminase and increased serum glycoprotein components with a concomitant decrease in the heart tissue homogenate when compared to control. Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidants reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and altered lipid profile in serum and tissue was also recorded in the isoproterenol-treated rats, whereas the rats which received neferine pre-treatment followed by isoproterenol injection showed minimal histological changes, absence of inflammation, and a significant decrease in the serum marker enzymes and serum glycoprotein components with a concomitant increase in the heart tissue homogenate when compared to isoproterenol group. Neferine pre-treatment restored the altered biochemical parameters and lipid profile to near normal.
CONCLUSION: Neferine has strong antioxidant property against isoproterenol-induced oxidative stress and can be used as a potent cardioprotective agent against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. PMID: 23274852 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Protective effects of Huanglian Jiedu Tang and its component group on collagen-induced arthritis in rats.
Hu Y, Hu Z, Wang S, Dong X, Xiao C, Jiang M, Lv A, Zhang W, Liu R. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Nov 7. pii: S0378-8741(13)00745-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.038. [Epub ahead of print] School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical Univ, Shanghai 200433, PRC.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Huanglian Jiedu Tang is a famous TCM consisting of Rhizoma coptidis (Coptis chinensis Franch, Ranunculaceae), Radix scutellariae (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Labiatae), Cortex phellodendri (Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Rutaceae) and Fructus gardeniae (Gardenia jasminoide Ellis, Rubiaceae) in a weight ratio of 3:2:2:3.This formula was described by Wang Tao (in the Chinese Tang Dynasty) in his treatise "Wai Tai Mi Yao". It has been used to treat inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver and cerebrovascular diseases in the clinical practice of TCM, especially in treating inflammation for nearly two thousand years. However, the essential compounds in it have not been identified, and the mechanisms remain to be addressed. To investigate the protective effects of HLJDT and its component group (HLJDT-CG) on collagen-induced arthritis in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: CIA was established in male Wistar rats with subcutaneous injection of type II bovine collagen at the base of the tail of animals. CIA rats were treated daily with oral administration of HLJDT aqueous extracts (270mg/kg) or HLJDT-CG (40mg/kg) once/d from day 6 to day 28. Rats in normal and vehicle control groups were given an equal volume of vehicle (0.9% saline) and 0.025mg/kg Dexamethasone was given to the Standard group at the same time. The protective effect of them were assessed by measuring arthritis index, swelling, the cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 in serum, type II collagen antibodies, splenocyte proliferation and so on.
RESULTS: The results demonstrated that treatment of CIA rat with either HLJDT aqueous extracts or HLJDT-CG not only ameliorated the symptoms of arthritis, prevented joint damage but also reduced the serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 in CIA rats. Anti-CII antibodies showed the similar trend except that of IgG1. Furthermore, HLJDT aqueous extracts and HLJDT-CG administration also suppressed CII-induced proliferative response of splenocytes. More importantly, HLJDT-CG exhibited similar pharmacological activities as HLJDT aqueous extracts in all aforementioned experiments.
CONCLUSIONS: HLJDT aqueous extracts and HLJDT-CG could effectively ameliorate CII-induced arthritis and significantly suppress the immune response against CII with similar pharmacological efficacy. These findings suggest that HLJDT has therapeutic potential in RA treatment and HLJDT-CG can represent the effective-composite of HLJDT. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved. PMID: 24212076 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Retinoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic mechanisms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Kumar Gupta S, Kumar B, Srinivasan BP, Nag TC, Srivastava S, Saxena R, Aggarwal A. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2013 May;29(4):419-26. doi: 10.1089/jop.2012.0089. Epub 2012 Dec 10. Ocular Pharmacology Lab, Dept of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Univ of Delhi, New Delhi, India. skgup@hotmail.com PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to evaluate the retinoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
METHODS: The study was continued for 24 weeks and evaluated for inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β, angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and protein kinase C [PKC]-β) and antioxidant (Glutathione, Superoxide dismutase, and Catalase) parameters. Retinal leakage was checked by Fluorescein angiography (FA) and fundus photographs were evaluated for retinal vessel caliber (arteriolar and venular). Transmission electron microscopy was done to determine basement membrane (BM) thickness.
RESULTS: The results of the present study showed potential hypoglycemic and retinal antioxidant effects of MO. In the present study, a significant rise in the expression of retinal inflammatory (TNF-α and IL-1β) and angiogenic (VEGF and PKC-β) parameters was observed in diabetic retinae as compared to normal retinae. However, MO-treated retinae showed marked inhibition in the expression of inflammatory and angiogenic parameters. Further, in the present study, diabetic retinae showed dilated retinal vessels as compared to normal. However, MO-treated retinae showed marked prevention in the dilatation of retinal vessels. Fluorescein angiograms obtained from diabetic retinae showed leaky and diffused retinal vasculature. On the other hand, MO-treated retinae showed intact retinal vasculature. Further, results of the transmission electron microscopy study showed thickened capillary BM in the diabetic retina as compared to normal retinae. However, treatment with MO prevented thickening of capillary BM.
CONCLUSION: MO may be useful in preventing diabetes induced retinal dysfunction. PMID: 23215831 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific basis of botanical medicine as alternative remedies for rheumatoid arthritis.
Yang CL, Or TC, Ho MH, Lau AS. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2013 Jun;44(3):284-300. doi: 10.1007/s12016-012-8329-8. Molecular Chinese Medicine Lab, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Hong Kong, HK Special Administrative Region, PRC. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes permanent disability and mortality to approximately 1 to 100 people in the world. Patients with RA not only suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in their joints, but also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and lymphoma. Typically prescribed medications, including pain-relieving drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and slow the course of disease progression in RA patients. However, the general effectiveness of the drugs has been far from satisfactory. Other therapeutic modalities like TNF-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors and interleukin-1 receptor antagonists targeting precise pathways within the immune system are expensive and may be associated with serious side effects. Recently, botanical medicines have become popular as alternative remedies as they are believed to be efficacious, safe and have over a thousand years experience in treating patients. In this review, we will summarize recent evidence for pharmacological effects of herbs including Black cohosh, Angelica sinensis, Licorice, Tripterygium wilfordii, Centella asiatica, and Urtica dioica. Scientific research has demonstrated that these herbs have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. A wide range of phytochemicals including phenolic acids, phenylpropanoid ester, triterpene glycosides, phthalide, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponin, diterpene and triterpene have been isolated and demonstrated to be responsible for the biological effects of the herbs. Understanding the mechanisms of action of the herbs may provide new treatment opportunities for RA patients. PMID: 22700248 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Studies of lipid profile, liver function and kidney function parameters of rat plasma after chronic administration of "Sulavajrini Vatika".
Kundu NK, Ullah MO, Hamid K, Urmi KF, Bulbul IJ, Khan MA, Akter M, Choudhuri MS. Pak J Biol Sci. 2012 Jul 15;15(14):666-72. Dept of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar Univ, Bangladesh. The successful use of Ayurvedic medicines is for many years but there is no guideline for studying the toxicity of these preparations through preclinical or clinical investigations. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of conventionally prepared Sulavajrini Vatika (SBB), an Ayurvedic formulation on various biochemical parameters of experimental animals after chronic administration. The animal used was albino rats (Rattus norvegicus: Sprague-Dawley strain) and SBB was administered orally at a single dose of 100mg/kg BW/d, up to 62 days. During the study, forty rats, equally of both sexes, were randomly grouped into four where one male and one female group were used as control and other groups were used as test. Among the lipid components, Triglyceride (TG) was decreased very high significantly in both sexes of animal. The decrease of Total Cholesterol (TC), Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also highly significant. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) decreased in all SBB treated group. In the liver function parameters, the total protein and albumin content were increased very high significantly in both sexes of rat. But the bilirubin was decreased insignificantly in male and female rats. Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were decreased in all treated animals and it was very high significant. In case of kidney function parameters, creatinine was increased very high significantly but the urea was decreased very high significantly in both sexes of rat. The decrease in uric acid was not significant in none of the sexes of rat. The present study confirms that SBB can influence complications in diabetics with hyperlipidemia and nephropathy as it lowers most of the lipids components and improves liver function and kidney function parameters. PMID: 24171247 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Synthesis of low-molecular weight protein (LMWP) lysozyme-curcumin conjugates for kidney drug targeting.
J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2013;24(11):1360-7. doi: 10.1080/09205063.2012.759506. Epub 2013 Jan 9. Wang Y, Sun Y, Wang H, Liu P, Peng W, Duan Y. Putuo District Center Hospital, Shanghai Univ of TCM, Shanghai, 200062, PRC. The low-molecular weight protein (LMWP) lysozyme is a suitable drug carrier for renal drug targeting. Presented herein is a lysozyme-curcumin renal drug delivery system that has the potential to achieve a highly effective yet less toxic therapy. Briefly, the approach involves synthesis of the lysozyme-drug (curcumin) conjugates by coupling the drug to the activated functional groups on lysozyme via hydrolyzable ester linkages. The successful synthesis of LMWP lysozyme-curcumin (LZMC) conjugates was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and (1)H NMR. The cellular uptake of LZMC conjugates was tested against proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. Compared to free curcumin, the LZMC conjugates exhibited high-cellular uptake efficiency in HK-2 cells. Fluorescence image of mouse kidneys at different time points after free curcumin and LZMC conjugates tail vein injection shows that the kidney of mice injected with LZMC conjugates showed the strongest fluorescence signals, and the specific signals last for at least 26  h. PMID: 23796036 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

TCM and immune regulation.
Ma HD, Deng YR, Tian Z, Lian ZX. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2013 Jun;44(3):229-41. doi: 10.1007/s12016-012-8332-0. Liver Immunology Lab, Univ of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, PRC. TCMs have a long history in Asian countries and are traditionally used to prevent and treat a variety of diseases. The rising interest in TCMs in recent years is reflected in both the increase in their market demand as well as scientific research. Previous studies show that TCMs perform dual roles on immunological regulation: immunological activation and immunological suppression. This review highlights studies focusing on the immunomodulatory effects of TCMs, describing their stimulatory effect on immune cells, immune organs, cytokine production, tumorigenesis, as well as their inhibitory function on inflammation, allergy, autoimmune disease, and graft rejection. Components of both innate and adaptive immunity may be modulated by specific TCMs. TCMs may also have antitumor effects and may play a role in regulating apoptosis. Immunomodulatory effects of TCMs may lead to new medications to treat allergic and autoimmune diseases. More high quality studies are needed to achieve scientific validity to these potential treatments. Evidence presented in this review reveals the role of TCMs in immune regulation and proposes a promising future for them in immunomodulatory therapies. PMID: 22826112 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Tetramethylpyrazine attenuates atherosclerosis development and protects endothelial cells from ox-LDL.
Wang GF, Shi CG, Sun MZ, Wang L, Wu SX, Wang HF, Xu ZQ, Chen DM. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2013 Jun;27(3):199-210. doi: 10.1007/s10557-013-6440-6. Dept of Cadre Ward No. 3, the General Hospital of Jinan Military Area Command of PLA, Jinan, PRC.
PURPOSE: We assessed whether tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), an active ingredient of Ligusticum wallichii Franchat, attenuates atherosclerosis (AS) development in rabbits and protects endothelial cells injured by ox-LDL.
METHODS: In vivo, rabbits subjected to atherosclerosis were treated with TMP (75 and 150mg/kg) by oral gavage for 12 weeks. In vitro, rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were stimulated by ox-LDL.
RESULTS: TMP treatment with 75 and 150mg/kg significantly reduced the relative atherosclerosis area ratio in the aorta (0.41±0.042, 0.27±0.047 vs. 0.66±0.058 in AS), the ratio of intimal/medial thickness (0.54±0.09, 0.39±0.07 vs. 1.1±0.3 in AS) and the number of monocytes in intimal (10.1±2.8, 8.2±2.0 vs. 14.1±4.9 counts/mm(2) in AS). TMP also decreased levels of TC (15±4.2 to 6.1±1.2 mmol/L), TG (1.8±0.3 to 1.08±0.24 mmol/L), LDL-C (20.1±4.3 to 10.2±1.6 mmol/L) and increased HDL-C levels (0.40±0.08 to 0.85±0.17 mmol/L) in atherosclerosis rabbit plasma. TMP decreased the MCP-1 (187.3±38.4 to 86.1±17.2 pg/mL) and ICAM-1 (350.6±43.7 to 260.6±46.1 pg/mL) levels in plasma and inhibited LOX-1 expression in the rabbit aortas. Moreover, our in vitro study revealed that TMP suppressed monocyte adhesion to RAECs, inhibited RAEC migration, and down-regulated MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression in ox-LDL-injured RAECs. Likewise, TMP inhibited LOX-1 and 5-LOX expression, and prevented nuclear accumulation of RelA/p65 and IκB degradation in ox-LDL-injured RAECs. Furthermore, TMP suppressed ox-LDL-induced activations of p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK MAPK.
CONCLUSION: TMP produces a tangible protection in atherosclerosis and endothelial cells. TMP might be a potential protective agent for atherosclerosis. PMID: 23371796 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The immunomodulatory and anticancer properties of propolis.
Chan GC, Cheung KW, Sze DM. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2013 Jun;44(3):262-73. doi: 10.1007/s12016-012-8322-2. Dept of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The Univ of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, People' Republic of China. gcfchan@hkucc.hku.hk Propolis, a waxy substance produced by the honeybee, has been adopted as a form of folk medicine since ancient times. It has a wide spectrum of alleged applications including potential anti-infection and anticancer effects. Many of the therapeutic effects can be attributed to its immunomodulatory functions. The composition of propolis can vary according to the geographic locations from where the bees obtained the ingredients. Two main immunopotent chemicals have been identified as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and artepillin C. Propolis, CAPE, and artepillin C have been shown to exert summative immunosuppressive function on T lymphocyte subsets but paradoxically activate macrophage function. On the other hand, they also have potential antitumor properties by different postulated mechanisms such as suppressing cancer cells proliferation via its anti-inflammatory effects; decreasing the cancer stem cell populations; blocking specific oncogene signaling pathways; exerting antiangiogenic effects; and modulating the tumor microenvironment. The good bioavailability by the oral route and good historical safety profile makes propolis an ideal adjuvant agent for future immunomodulatory or anticancer regimens. However, standardized quality controls and good design clinical trials are essential before either propolis or its active ingredients can be adopted routinely in our future therapeutic armamentarium. PMID: 22707327 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The sonodynamic effect of curcumin on THP-1 cell-derived macrophages.
Wang F, Gao Q, Guo S, Cheng J, Sun X, Li Q, Wang T, Zhang Z, Cao W, Tian Y. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:737264. doi: 10.1155/2013/737264. Epub 2012 Dec 30. Dept of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical Univ, Harbin 150001, PRC. Curcumin is extracted from the rhizomes of the CHM Curcuma longa and has been proposed to function as a photosensitizer. The potential use of curcumin as a sonosensitizer for sonodynamic therapy (SDT) requires further exploration. This study investigated the sonodynamic effect of curcumin on macrophages, the pivotal inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaque. THP-1-derived macrophages were incubated with curcumin at a concentration of 40.7   μmol/L for 2  h and then exposed to pulse ultrasound irradiation (2  W/cm(2) with 0.86  MHz) for 5-15  min. Six hours later, cell viability was decreased in cells that had been treated with ultrasound for 10 and 15  min. After ultrasound irradiation for 15  min, the ratio of apoptotic and necrotic cells in SDT group was higher than that in ultrasound group, and the ratio of apoptotic cells was higher than that of necrotic cells. Both loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and morphological changes of cytoskeleton were apparent 2  h after treatment with curcumin SDT.
CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin had sonodynamic effect on THP-1-derived macrophages and curcumin SDT may be a promising treatment for atherosclerosis. PMCID: PMC3591177 PMID: 23509769 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia.
Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Nov 13;13(1):317. [Epub ahead of print]
BACKGROUND: Main concerns for lactating women about medications include the safety of their breastfed infants and the potential effects of medication on quantity and quality of breast milk. While medicine treatments include conventional and complementary medicines, most studies to date have focused on evaluating the safety aspect of conventional medicines. Despite increasing popularity of herbal medicines, there are currently limited data available on the pattern of use and safety of these medicines during breastfeeding. This study aimed to identify the pattern of use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding in Perth, Western Australia, and to identify aspects which require further clinical research.
METHODS: This study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire validated through two pilot studies. Participants were 18 years or older, breastfeeding or had breastfed in the past 12 months. Participants were recruited from various community and health centres, and through advertising in newspapers. Simple descriptive statistics were used to summarise the demographic profile and attitudes of respondents, using the SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 304 questionnaires from eligible participants were returned (27.2% response rate) and analysed. Amongst the respondents, 59.9% took at least one herb for medicinal purposes during breastfeeding, whilst 24.3% reported the use of at least one herb to increase breast milk supply. Most commonly used herbs were fenugreek (18.4%), ginger (11.8%), dong quai (7.9%), chamomile (7.2%), Garlic (6.6%) and blessed thistle (5.9%). The majority of participants (70.1%) believed that there was a lack of information resources, whilst 43.4% perceived herbal medicines to be safer than conventional medicines. Only 28.6% of users notified their doctor of their decision to use herbal medicine(s) during breastfeeding; 71.6% had previously refused or avoided conventional medicine treatments due to concerns regarding safety of their breastfed infants.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of herbal medicines is common amongst breastfeeding women, while information supporting their safety and efficacy is lacking. This study has demonstrated the need for further research into commonly used herbal medicines. Evidence-based information should be available to breastfeeding women who wish to consider use of all medicines, including complementary medicines, to avoid unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding or compromising of pharmacotherapy. PMID: 24219150 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Towards a better understanding of medicinal uses of Carthamus tinctorius L. in TCM: A phytochemical and pharmacological review.
Zhou X, Tang L, Xu Y, Zhou G, Wang Z. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Nov 7. pii: S0378-8741(13)00775-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.050. [Epub ahead of print] Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, PRC.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae), a widely used TCM, was known as Honghua, safflower. Safflower with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects has been used to treat dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and mass, trauma and pain of joints, etc. The present paper reviews the advancements in investigation of botany and ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of safflower. Finally, the possible tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are discussed, too.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information on safflower was collected via piles of resources including classic books about CHM, and scientific databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, ACS, Web of science, CNKI and others.
RESULTS: Over 104 compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, and quinochalcones and flavonoids are considered as the characteristic and active constituents of safflower. Safflower with its active compounds has wide-reaching biological activities, including dilating coronary artery, improving myocardial ischemia, modulating immune system, anticoagulation and antithrombosis, antioxidation, antiaging, antihypoxia, antifatigue, antiinflammation, anti-hepatic fibrosis, antitumor, analgesia, etc.
CONCLUSIONS: As an important TCM, it is important to investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of Honghua, based on modern realization of disease pathophysiology. More bioactive components should be identified using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies, and the possible mechanism of action as well as potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of multi-component mixtures derived from safflower need to be evaluated integrating pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, bioavailability-centered and physiological approaches. Further studies on safflower can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and how to utilize it better should be paid more attention to. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. PMID: 24212075 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Toxic epidermal necrolysis after extensive dermal use of realgar-containing (arsenic sulfide) herbal ointment.
Wu ML, Deng JF. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2013 Sep-Oct;51(8):801-3. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2013.831100. Epub 2013 Sep 4. Division of Clinical Toxicology, Dept of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital , Taipei , ROC. Background: Realgar (arsenic sulfide) is thought to be safe with few reports on toxicities or adverse effects and has been used in TCM for many centuries. Serious realgar poisoning is rare, and we report a fatal case resulted from short-term use of realgar-containing herbal medicine through dermal route.
CASE DETAILS: A 24-year-old man with atopic dermatitis had received 18 days of oral herbal medicine and realgar-containing herbal ointments over whole body from a TCM practitioner. Seven days after the herbal use, he had diminished appetite, dizziness, abdomen discomfort, itching rash, and skin scaling. He later developed generalized edema, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine amount, diarrhea, vesico-edematous exanthems, malodorous perspiration, fever, and shortness of breath. He was taken to the hospital on Day 19 when the dyspnea became worse. Toxic epidermal necrolysis complicated with soft tissue infection and sepsis was noted, and he later died of septic shock and multiple organ failure. The post-mortem blood arsenic level was 1225 μg/L. Herbal analysis yielded a very high concentration of arsenic in three unlabeled realgar-containing ointments (45427, 5512, and 4229 ppm).
CONCLUSION: Realgar-containing herbal remedy may cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions. The arsenic in realgar can be absorbed systemically from repeated application to non-intact skin and thus should not be extensively used on compromised skin. PMID: 24003889 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Traditional usage, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the South African medicinal plant Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. (Amaryllidaceae).
Nair JJ, van Staden J. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Nov 7. pii: S0378-8741(13)00778-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.053. [Epub ahead of print] Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, Univ of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Boophone disticha is the most common member of the South African Amaryllidaceae used extensively in traditional medicine of the various indigenous population groups, including the Sotho, Xhosa and Zulu as well as the San. This survey was carried out to identify and highlight areas relevant to the traditional usage of Boophone disticha. Pharmacological aspects were examined with the purpose of reconciling these with the traditional usage of the plant. In relation to phytochemical make-up, particular attention was paid on how its alkaloid constitution might corroborate the various biological effects manifested by the plant.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information gathering involved the use of four different database platforms, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder(®) and Scopus. Arrangement and detailing of this information is as reflected in the various sections of the paper.
RESULTS: Sixteen categories were identified under which Boophone disticha finds use in traditional medicine. These were shown to include general usage purposes, such as 'cultural and dietary', 'well-being', 'personal injury', 'divinatory purposes', 'psychoactive properties' and 'veterinary uses'. Furthermore, traditional usage was seen to involve six body systems, including functions pertaining to the circulatory, gastrointestinal, muscular, neurological, respiratory and urinary systems. The four remaining categories relate to use for inflammatory conditions, cancer, malaria and tuberculosis. Overall, three areas were discernible in which Boophone disticha finds most usage, which are (i) ailments pertaining to the CNS, (ii) wounds and infections, and (iii) inflammatory conditions. In addition, several aspects pertaining to the toxic properties of the plant are discussed, including genotoxicity, mutagenicity and neurotoxicity.
CONCLUSION: The widespread ethnic usage of Boophone disticha has justified its standing as a flagship for the Amaryllidaceae and its relevance to South African traditional medicine. Furthermore, its promising pharmacological and phytochemical profiles have stimulated significant interest in the clinical realm, especially in the areas of cancer and motor neuron disease chemotherapy. These collective properties should prove useful in steering the progress of the plant towards a wider audience. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. PMID: 24211396 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Treating chronic arsenic toxicity with high selenium lentil diets.
Sah S, Vandenberg A, Smits J. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2013 Oct 1;272(1):256-62. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.06.008. Epub 2013 Jun 22. Dept of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada. Arsenic (As) toxicity causes serious health problems in humans, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains and mountainous areas of China. Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient is a potential mitigator of As toxicity due to its antioxidant and antagonistic properties. Selenium is seriously deficient in soils world-wide but is present at high, yet non-toxic levels in the great plains of North America. We evaluate the potential of dietary Se in counteracting chronic As toxicity in rats through serum biochemistry, blood glutathione levels, immunotoxicity (antibody response), liver peroxidative stress, thyroid response and As levels in tissues and excreta. To achieve this, we compare diets based on high-Se Saskatchewan (SK) lentils versus low-Se lentils from United States. Rats drank control (0ppm As) or As (40ppm As) water while consuming SK lentils (0.3ppm Se) or northwestern USA lentils (<.01ppm Se) diets for 14weeks. Rats on high Se diets had higher glutathione levels regardless of As exposure, recovered antibody responses in As-exposed group, higher fecal and urinary As excretion and lower renal As residues. Selenium deficiency caused greater hepatic peroxidative damage in the As exposed animals. Thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), were not different. After 14weeks of As exposure, health indicators in rats improved in response to the high Se lentil diets.
CONCLUSION: High Se lentils have a potential to mitigate As toxicity in Lab mammals, which we hope will translate into benefits for As exposed humans. [Phil’s comment: It would be much cheaper, simpler and more accurate re dosing to use inorganic or bioplexed Se salts!] Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. PMID: 23800687 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Treatment with 9-cis β-carotene-rich powder in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: a randomized crossover trial.
Rotenstreich Y, Belkin M, Sadetzki S, Chetrit A, Ferman-Attar G, Sher I, Harari A, Shaish A, Harats D. Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Aug;131(8):985-92. Eye Research Institute, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. ygal.rotenstreich@sheba.health.gov.il Comment in JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Aug;131(8):983-4.
IMPORTANCE: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the leading cause of incurable inherited blindness in the developed world, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 3500 individuals. Therefore, it is important to develop new treatments for this disease.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral treatment with 9-cis β-carotene on visual function of patients with RP. DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial.
SETTING: Univ tertiary medical facility.
PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four patients with RP who were at least 18 years of age. Twenty-nine patients completed the study and were included in the analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated daily for 90 days with capsules containing 300mg of 9-cis β-carotene-ich alga Dunaliella bardawil (β-carotene, approximately 20mg) or placebo (starch). Following a 90-day washout period, they were treated for 90 days with the other capsules.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcomewas the change for both eyes from baseline to the end of each treatment in dark-adapted maximal electroretinographic b-wave amplitude. The secondary outcomes were the changes in light-adapted maximal b-wave amplitude, dark- and light-adapted visual field, and best-corrected visual acuity.
RESULTS: The mean change in dark-adapted maximal b-wave amplitude relative to initial baseline was +8.4 μV for 9-cis β-carotene vs − .9 μV for placebo (P= .001). Ten participants (34.5%) had an increase of more than 10 μV for both eyes (range, 11-42 μV) after 9-cis β-carotene treatment compared with no participants after placebo treatment. The percentage change in light-adapted b-wave response was +17.8%for 9-cis β-carotene vs −.0% for placebo (P =.01). No significant differences were found between the groups for visual field and best-corrected visual acuity. No adverse effects were observed.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Treatment with 9-cis β-carotene significantly increased retinal function in patients with RP under the tested conditions. The optimal therapeutic regimen will be determined in future, larger clinical trials. 9-cis β-Carote ne may represent a new therapeutic approach for some patients with RP.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01256697. PMID: 23700011 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Triptolide inhibits the multidrug resistance in prostate cancer cells via the downregulation of MDR1 expression.
Guo Q, Nan XX, Yang JR, Yi L, Liang BL, Wei YB, Zhu N, Hu SB, Zhang H, Luo Y, Xu YF. Neoplasma. 2013;60(6):598-604. doi: 10.4149/neo_2013_077. Triptolide (TPL) is a diterpenoid triepoxide derived from Tripterygium wilfordii and has anti-tumor activity against a range of cancer cells. However, the effect of TPL on prostate cancer cells and its potential to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) have not been explored. Therefore, in this study we used prostate cancer cell line DU145 as the experimental model and established DU145/ADM cell line resistant to adriamycin (ADM). Our results showed that TPL inhibited the proliferation and induced the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of DU145 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. TPL decreased the levels of Cyclin D1 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and increased the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Fas and Bax. Furthermore, we found that TPL restored the sensitivity DU145/ADM cells to ADM in a dose dependent manner, and this was accompanied by the inhibition of MDR1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide strong evidence that TPL overcomes MDR in prostate cancer cells by downregulating MDR1 expression, and suggest that TPL is a promising agent for prostate cancer therapy, especially for chemoresistant prostate cancer. PMID: 23906293 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Triterpenoids amplify anti-tumoral effects of mistletoe extracts on murine B16.f10 melanoma in vivo.
Strüh CM, Jäger S, Kersten A, Schempp CM, Scheffler A, Martin SF. PLoS One. 2013 Apr 17;8(4):e62168. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062168. Print 2013. Allergy Research Group, Univ Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. christian.strueh@uniklinik-freiburg.de
PURPOSE: Mistletoe extracts are often used in complementary cancer therapy although the efficacy of that therapy is controversially discussed. Approved mistletoe extracts contain mainly water soluble compounds of the mistletoe plant, i.e. mistletoe lectins. However, mistletoe also contains water-insoluble triterpenoids (mainly oleanolic acid) that have anti-tumorigenic effects. To overcome their loss in watery extracts we have solubilized mistletoe triterpenoids with cyclodextrins, thus making them available for in vivo cancer experiments.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: B16.F10 subcutaneous melanoma bearing C57BL/6 mice were treated with new mistletoe extracts containing both water soluble compounds and solubilized triterpenoids. Tumor growth and survival was monitored. In addition, histological examinations of the tumor material and tumor surrounding tissue were performed. RESULTS: Addition of solubilized triterpenoids increased the anti-tumor effects of the mistletoe extracts, resulting in reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival of the mice. Histological examination of the treated tumors showed mainly tumor necrosis and some apoptotic cells with active caspase-3 and TUNEL staining. A significant decrease of CD31-positive tumor blood vessels was observed after treatment with solubilized triterpenoids and different mistletoe extracts.
CONCLUSION: Addition of solubilized mistletoe triterpenoids to conventional mistletoe extracts improves the efficacy of mistletoe treatment and may represent a novel treatment option for malignant melanoma. PMCID: PMC3629099 PMID: 23614029 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] [Analysis on efficacy action points of HIV/AIDS treatment with TCM and antiretroviral drugs - Article in Chinese] Wang J, Zou W, Liu Y. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2013 Aug;38(15):2504-6. AIDS Research Center, China Academy of TCM Sciences, Beijing 100700, PRC. Current international anti-HIV drug efficacy evaluation criteria including CD4 cell count and viral load. Antiviral therapy has good effect in suppressing viral load, although there are many limitations. More and more researchers began to focus on CM. A large number of clinical practice shows that CHM is good at improving patient immune function, reducing symptoms and improving QOL, but the efficacy of inhibiting viral load was not obvious, clinical manifestation, immunological and virological indicators index inconsistency how to explain? This article from the perspective of theory and literature review, pointing out the similarities and differences of efficacy action points of CHM and WM treatment of AIDS from three aspects, including immune function, viral load and symptoms to explore the relevance of them. This paper proposed that immune function improvement and viral load change is not a direct inverse relationship (viz, improve immunity, the virus must fall); immunity improve followed by symptom relief and improved QOL is more common to be seen; long-term improvement of immune function may follow by stable virus or gradual decline; the analysis still need to be verified in large sample, prolonged clinical observation in the future. PMID: 24228546 [PubMed - in process]

Ultrastructural observation on pulmonary fibrosis in E9 rats treated with compound Carapax trionycis formula.
Ren J, Wang LX, Ji XC, Zhou JY, Zhang MY. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2013 Feb;6(2):153-5. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(13)60013-9. Dept of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin Univ, Changchun, PRC.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate ultrastructural changes in pulmonary tissue of a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis following treatment with compound Carapax trionycis (C. trionycis; Biejia in Chinese) formula.
METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): compound C. trionycis formula high-, middle-, and low-dose groups as well as model group. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin. Five rats from each group were sacrificed on day 7, 14 and 28 of the drug treatment, respectively. The pulmonary tissue was harvested followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and subsequent transmission electron microscopy. The Szapiel's method was used to assess the degree of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis.
RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the compound C. trionycis formula groups had slighter pulmonary alveolitis after the 7-day treatment and also had alleviated alveolar inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis after the 14-day treatment. After the 28-day treatment, the compound C. trionycis formula groups showed deposition of a small amount of fibrous tissue and lesions occupying less than 21% of the whole lung area, while the model group showed focal or diffuse fibrous deposition, narrow alveolar cavity, disordered lung structure, and lesions in larger than 51% of the whole lung area.
CONCLUSIONS: The compound C. trionycis formula can inhibit the proliferation of collagen fibers and resist pulmonary fibrosis. Copyright © 2013 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PMID: 23339920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Use of herbal supplements for overactive bladder.
Chughtai B, Kavaler E, Lee R, Te A, Kaplan SA, Lowe F. Rev Urol. 2013;15(3):93-6. Dept of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College New York, NY. Anticholinergics, specifically antimuscarinic agents, are the most common medications prescribed for overactive bladder (OAB). The most common side effects of these agents are dry mouth and constipation, although other more concerning effects include changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, or heart rhythm when treatment is initiated. Herbal treatments are an increasingly popular alternative for treating OAB. A 2002 survey of US adults aged ≥ 18 years conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that 74.6% of those with OAB had used some form of complementary and alternative medicine. WHO estimates that 80% of the world's population presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Women were more likely than men to use complementary and alternative medicine. The authors review the most commonly used herbal medications for OAB. PMCID: PMC3821987 PMID: 24223020 [PubMed]