The methanolic extract of the leaves of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) was found to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Among the constituents of the extract, six sesquiterpene lactones (cynaropicrin, grosheimin, 11β,13-dihydrocynaropicrin, 3β-hydroxy-8α-[(S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionyloxy]guaia-4(15),10(14),11(13)-trien-1α,5α,6βH-12,6-olide,

I investigated the causative agents of licorice-induced pseudoaldosteronism, which is a frequent side effect of Japanese traditional Kampo medicines. Glycyrrhizin (GL), the main ingredient of licorice, is absorbed after being metabolized to glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) by intestinal bacteria, and then metabolized in liver to 3-monoglucuronyl-glycyrrhetinic acid (3MGA). In normal condition, 3MGA is excreted

A methanol extract from Isodonis Herba demonstrated significant proliferative effect on human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC, % of control: 150.0 ± 2.0% at 20 µg/mL, p < 0.01). From the extract, 14 ent-kaurane-type diterpenoids (1–14), two abietane-type diterpenoids (15 and 16) and four triterpenoids (17–20) were isolated. Among the isolates, enmein (1, 160.9 ± 3.0% at 20 µM, p < 0.01),

Four unknown stilbenoids, including one dimer, namely 4′-methoxy-scirpusin A (5) and three monomeric stilbene glycosides, namely piceatannol-3′-O-[2′′-(3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoyl)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (13), piceatannol-3′-O-(2′′-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (14) and piceatannol-3′-O-(6″-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (16) together with 15 described compounds, were isolated from the ethyl acetate

Daikenchuto (DKT) is one of the most widely used “Kampo” in Japan as a representative of herbal medicine. Because DKT is made from a natural product like food, it requires the management of pesticides; therefore, an analysis of residual pesticides in Kampo is required. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that pesticide residue analysis by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) is required. USP defines

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are common diseases in the elderly, and the increasing number of patients with these diseases has become a serious health problem worldwide. The aggregation and development of plaque of amyloid polypeptides (amyloid β; Aβ and human islet amyloid polypeptide; hIAPP, amylin) are found in the brains of patients with AD and the pancreas of patients with

Various essential oils from plants and fragrance components such as monoterpenes have been discovered to reduce spontaneous movements in mice; thus, it has been made clear that the odor itself has the sedative activity. In the present study, we examined the sedative activity of the odors of fragrance components added to eye drops; l-menthol, d-camphor, phenylethyl alcohol, and geraniol, which are often

Thioamycolamide A (1) is a biosynthetically unique cytotoxic cyclic microbial lipopeptide that bears a d-configured thiazoline, a thioether bridge, a fatty acid side chain, and a reduced C-terminus. It has gained attention for its unique structure, and very recently we reported the total synthesis of 1 via a biomimetic route. The NMR spectra of synthetic 1 agreed with those of natural 1. However, structural

Natural products, which can be isolated from living organisms worldwide, have played a pivotal role in drug discovery since ancient times. However, it has become more challenging to identify a structurally novel molecule with promising biological activity for pharmaceutical development, mainly due to the limited methodologies for their acquisition. In this review, we summarize our recent studies that

Astragaloside IV (ASV), which has several pharmacological abilities, shows potential therapeutic effects on certain cancers by regulating the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). However, the anticancer role that ASV plays by regulating lncRNAs in breast cancer remains unknown. In this study, we first demonstrated that the lncRNA of TRHDE antisense RNA 1 (TRHDE-AS1) was downregulated in breast

This study was conducted to investigate whether and how Jumihaidokuto (JHT), a traditional Chinese medicine, prevents UVB-induced skin damage in male HR-1 hairless mice. JHT has been traditionally prescribed for patients presenting skin disorders with redness and swelling, and, in Japan, it is approved for prescription to patients with acute and/or purulent skin disorders, hives, acute eczema, and

Autophagy is a catabolic process for degradation of intracellular components and plays an important role in the development and growth of cancer. Our preliminary screening confirmed that an extract from the root of Saussurea lappa remarkably suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and inhibited autophagy. In this study, we explored the effects of costunolide (CL) and dehydrocostuslactone

In Uzbekistan, Ephedra distachya L., E. equisetina Bunge, E. foliata Boiss. ex C. A. Mey., E. lomatolepis Schrenk, and E. strobilacea Bunge show species specificity for habitat environments and physical and chemical characteristics of habitat soils. Furthermore, the relationship between soil characteristics and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine contents was examined. E. distachya was found growing from

Persimmon Calyx is a crude drug derived from the persistent calyx of mature fruit of Diospyros kaki Thunberg (Ebenaceae) and is used for the treatment of intractable hiccups. Although there are several reports on the isolation of constituents from Persimmon Calyx, its active constituents have not been elucidated. In this study, by focusing on the medicinal part of Persimmon Calyx, calyx on mature fruit

Four new pyrrole alkaloids, named amokoens A–D (1–4), together with three known compounds (5–7) were isolated from the rhizomes of Amomum koenigii. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR, and the optical rotation calculations. All the isolates were evaluated for their effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-induced

A novel C20 natural product, acacienone (1), was isolated from the leaves of Acacia mangium collected in Bangladesh. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by spectral studies and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Acacienone (1) possesses a terpenoid-related tetracyclic framework containing 20 carbons with biogenetically unusual structural features: (i) vicinal C1-branches at the C-3 and C-4 positions

Two new quinone derivatives, epoxyquinophomopsins A (1) and B (2), were purified from the EtOAc extract of endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp isolated from Morus cathayana. The structures of both compounds were determined based on 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectral data, as well as by x-ray diffraction analysis for 1. Compounds 1 and 2 were screened against eight receptor- (RTKs) and eight non-receptor tyrosine

In the original publication of the article, an incorrect immunofluorescence of GFP-LC3 puncta was included in the Fig. 3a. The correct version of Fig. 3a is provided below.

Inflammation plays a predominant role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The Shenyan Kangfu tablet (SYKFT) is a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for treating chronic kidney disease. However, the concrete mechanism is still unclear. According to previous clinical trial, we explored the effects and potential mechanism on DKD in db/db model supplemented with SYKFT. As a

Several studies have suggested that some kind of Dioscorea species (yam) or yam-contained herbal medicines have cognitive enhancement effect. However, it has been unknown what is a crucial factor for cognitive enhancement in each Dioscorea species. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether one of the main and brain-penetrating components in yams, diosgenin, can be a novel criterion to assess memory

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most severe type of breast cancer due to the lack of specific targets and rapid metastasis, which result in the poor prognosis. Recently, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of TNBC. In our research interest to discover phytochemicals targeting TNBC, we have investigated wikstromol from Wikstroemia

A Kampo prescription usually consists of several crude drugs and contains many kinds of compounds. Physicochemical interactions between the compounds may occur in the process of decoction, by which Kampo prescriptions are usually prepared for ingestion, and the interactions may change the extraction yields of the constituents. Berberine and baicalin have been reported to form precipitates. Orengedokuto

he article The search for, and chemis

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) manifests as mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia, and is one of the main adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Currently available therapeutic drugs are not sufficiently effective for the management of this adverse effect in the clinic. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents for treating CIPN is necessary. Our previous study

Sesbagrandiflorains A (1) and B (2), isolated from the stem bark of the Indonesian fabaceous plant Sesbania grandiflora, were reported to be 6-methoxy-2-(2´,3´-dihydroxy-5´-methoxyphenyl)-1-benzofuran-3-carbaldehyde and 6-hydroxy-2-(2´,3´-dihydroxy-5´-methoxyphenyl)-1-benzofuran-3-carbaldehyde, respectively. However, based on reevaluation of their 1D and 2D NMR data, the chemical structures of 1 and

Fourteen triterpenes, lup-20(29)-ene-3β,6β-diol (1), betulin (2), lupeol caffeate (3), 3β-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-6α-ol (4), betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5), 3β-trans-feruloylbetulin (6), betulinaldehyde 3-caffeate (7), 3-O-trans-caffeoylbetulinic acid (8), dammarenediol II 3-caffeate (9), 12-oleanene-3β,6α-diol (10), 11α-hydroxy-3β-amyrin (11), nivadiol (12), 29-hydroxyfriedelin (13), and celastrusin

Monosodium urate (MSU)-mediated inflammation is closely related to gouty arthritis (GA). Dioscin, an active ingredient, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory property. Nevertheless, the role of dioscin in GA and the underlying mechanism have not been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of dioscin on MSU-induced GA through in vivo and in vitro

Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR), derived from the dried root and rhizome of Saposhnikovia divaricata, is a popular crude drug used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. To evaluate the metabolites of S. divaricata roots from Mongolia and to investigate their geographical variation, we developed the HPLC method, determined the contents of 9 chromones and 4 coumarins, and conducted multivariate statistical

It has been difficult to evaluate the quality of Angelicae acutilobae Radix (Toki) because of large differences in the contents of its chemical constituents. In this research, we revealed individual differences and localization of (Z)-ligustilide in Toki cultivated and processed under the same conditions. Thirteen Toki samples (dry weight: 68.2 g–132.3 g) were divided and categorized into 13 parts

Investigation of the dried whole plants of Artemisia annua led to the isolation of two new sesquiterpenes, artemanins A (1) and B (2), along with twenty-nine known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means.

AbstractTwo new phenylpropanoids, named stytonkinol A (1) and stytonkinol B (2), have been isolated from the resin of Styrax tonkinensis (Pierre) Craib ex Hartw. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI–MS. Two isolated compounds were assayed for cytotoxic activities against five tumor cell lines (HepG-2, A549, Hela, MCF-7, and PC-3) by Cell Counting

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the top prevalent histological kind of lung cancer worldwide. Recent evidences have demonstrated that Sauchinone plays an anticancer role in tumor cell invasion and migration. Therefore, we performed this investigation to explain the potential role of Sauchinone in LUAD as well as the potential mechanism involved. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and transwell experiments were

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability around the world with no effective treatments currently. The present study was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of licoricidin, one of the major components of licorice extract, on TBI mice and further explore the underlying mechanism. Male C57BL/6 mice were modeled by a modified weight-drop method to mimic TBI. All

AbstractSince Notch signaling plays important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, aberrant activation of this signaling contributes to cancer progression. In neural stem cells, Notch signaling inhibits differentiation by activating HES1 expression. Therefore, Notch signaling inhibitors may be candidates for new anticancer drugs or have applications in neural regenerative medicine. In this

AbstractTwo new canthin-6-one alkaloids, 4,9-dimethoxy-5-hydroxycanthin-6-one (1) and 9-methoxy-(R/S)-5-(1-hydroxyethyl)-canthin-6-one (2), together with fifteen known ones were isolated from the roots of Thailand Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Among the known canthin-6-one alkaloids, compounds 9 and 16 were isolated from the Eurycoma genus for the first time. Meanwhile, the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory

AbstractNeurotrophic factors, now termed neurotrophins, which belong to a class of polypeptidyl agents, have been shown to potentially be beneficial for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, because endogenous neurotrophic factors (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) have been recognized to play critical roles in the promotion of neurogenesis, differentiation, and neuroprotection

AG36 is a triterpenoid saponin from Ardisia gigantifolia stapf. Our recent studies proved that AG36 displayed prominent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, whether AG36 has antiangiogenic properties is unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the antiangiogenic effect of AG36 and the underlying mechanism. The results indicated that AG36 could significantly

AbstractTwo new tri-ferulates of sucrose, firmosides A and B (1 and 2, respectively), together with 18 known compounds (3–20), were isolated from the aerial parts of Silene firma. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, and high-resolution electro-spray ionization–mass spectrometry (HR-ESI–MS). All the isolated compounds were

AbstractArtemisia sieversiana is an annual herbaceous plant distributed throughout Central and East Eurasia and is regarded as an undesirable forage plant in Mongolia. It affects livestock, so information about its chemical composition is needed. We isolated three new sesquiterpenoids (1–3) and known compounds from A. sieversiana and investigated their activities. The absolute configuration of 1 was

Cancer cachexia is a complex and multifactorial syndrome that influences about 50–80% of cancer patients and may lead to 20% of cancer deaths and muscle atrophy is the key characteristic of the syndrome. Recent researches have shown that myostatin is a negative regulator in the growth and differentiation of skeletal muscle. Herein, C2C12 cancer cachexia model was established with C26 conditioned culture

Unprocessed dried tuberous root of Pinellia ternata (Pinellia Tuber) has been used as a component of traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, while this crude drug is usually used after processing with Ginger in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is known that the raphides contained in unprocessed Pinellia Tuber can induce severe acrid irritation of the oral and laryngopharynx mucosa when it is boiled

The article Biosynthesis of medicinally important plant metabolites by unusual.

Cinnamon, clove, and fennel are commonly used as spices and herbal medicines, and one of their medicinal uses is as aromatic stomachics. We investigated the effect on appetite in mice of inhaling volatile compounds contained in essential oils extracted from herbal medicines used as aromatic stomachics. The appetite-enhancing effects of cinnamon and fennel essential oils were similar to those of their

AbstractFrom the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Petasites japonicus, six new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, petasitesterpenes I–VI were isolated together with eight known compounds including S-japonin and eremophilenolide. The chemical structures of the isolated new compounds were elucidated based on chemical/physicochemical evidence. For petasitesterpenes I and II, the absolute configurations

Soshiho-tang (SSHT) has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In this experiment, we investigated the protective effect of SSHT on inflammatory liver injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized mice. Male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were randomly placed in 6 groups (n = 5): normal mice (CTR), LPS-sensitized mice (LPS), LPS-sensitized mice treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and