What is Astragalus?what is function of Astragalus?

Astragalus Membranaceus Research Update.

1.Preliminary observations on the effects of the Chinese medicinal herbs Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum on lymphocyte blastogenic responses.

J Biol Response Mod. 1983;2(3):227-37.Sun Y, Hersh EM, Lee SL, McLaughlin M, Loo TL, Mavligit GM.PMID: 6644339
The biological effects of extracts of two Chinese medicinal herbs, Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum, on in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis were assessed. Aqueous extracts augmented the spontaneous [3H]thymidine incorporation in the mononuclear cells (MNC) of 14 normal subjects from 273.0 to 609.3 counts per minute (cpm) and 252.9 to 656.9 cpm for the two herbs, respectively. The stimulation indices were 2.4 and 3.1, respectively (p less than 0.001). They also augmented the proliferation of normal subjects' lymphocytes induced by suboptimal concentrations of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) from 5084.6 to 23,398.3 and 221.7 to 24,132.8 cpm, of concanavalin A (con A) from 4046.5 to 15,661.5 and 677.6 to 14,644.6 cpm, and of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) from 4377.9 to 24,405.6 and 322.7 to 11,730.0 cpm, respectively (p less than 0.00). Herb extracts augmented the PHA responses of the MNC from 14 cancer patients significantly (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). Extracts of L. lucidum also augmented the con A response of patients (p less than 0.05). The augmenting effect of the herbs on the PHA, con A, and PWM responses was dose dependent, and proliferation was inhibited at higher concentrations. The optimal concentration for stimulating the MNC of cancer patients was 100 micrograms/ml, compared to 10 micrograms/ml for the MNC of normal donors. MNC of seven patients depressed the mitogen responses of normal cells in a co-culture system. This was partially abrogated in five by preincubating the patients' cells in herb extracts for 45 min or by irradiation of the patients' cells. These results suggest that the herb extracts contain immunomodulatory components which may be useful in the immunotherapy of disease.

2.Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. I. Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro.

Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM.J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988 Mar;25(3):119-23. Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston 77030.PMID: 3260960
The in vitro immunomodulatory activity of fractions derived from Astragalus membranaceus, an herb commonly used in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, was first screened by studying their individual effects on mononuclear cells (MNC) derived from healthy normal donors using the local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction (XGVHR). Sephacryl S-200 column-separated Fraction 3 (MW 20,000-25,000) along with its crude extract precursor, Fraction 7, and another crude extract derivative, Fraction 8, were equally augmentative (p less than 0.05) in their effect on MNC from normal donors. These three active fractions were further studied on MNC derived from 13 cancer patients. Using again the local XGVHR as a model assay for T-cell function, preincubation of MNC derived from cancer patients with Fraction 3 induced a significant increase in local XGVHR (compared to untreated cells) with a mean +/- SD of 151.34 +/- 46.02 mm3 vs 57.80 +/- 16.44 mm3; p less than 0.001. Fractions 7 and 8 likewise induced significant increases in local XGVHR (109.14 +/- 19.32 mm3 versus 50.91 +/- 17.39 mm3; p less than 0.001 and 119.74 +/- 18.33 mm3 versus 48.77 +/- 16.17 mm3; p less than 0.001, respectively). The augmented immune reactions which were induced by either Fraction 3 or Fraction 8 (but not by Fraction 7) in MNC derived from cancer patients, each significantly exceeded the local XGVHR observed in the untreated MNC derived from normal donor controls with a relative reference index (ratio) of 1.60 +/- 0.48 and 1.23 +/- 0.17 respectively; p less than 0.005.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3.Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo.

J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988 Mar;25(3):125-9.Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM.Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston 77030.PMID: 3260961
A partially purified fraction (F3) with an estimated molecular weight of 20,000 to 25,000 derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Astragalus membranaceus, was found to possess a potent immunorestorative activity in vitro. Its capacity to aborogate the local xenogeneic graft versus host reaction (XGVHR) following injection in vivo was further studied in a newly developed animal model designed for preclinical evaluation of various biological response modifiers. F3 was injected intravenously into cyclophosphamide-primed rats at varied concentrations and schedules prior to grafting of mononuclear cells from healthy normal donors. Maximal abrogation of the local XGVHR mounted by the mononuclear cells, was observed following injection of 5.55 mg of F3 daily for eight days. This abrogation of XGVHR indicates a reversal of the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide as manifested by a significant decline in the local XGVHR volume from 99.42 +/- 9.2 mm3 (positive control) to 39.78 +/- 8.3 mm3 (p less than 0.001). This reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression by the administration of F3 was complete, since the volume of the abrogated local XGVHR (39.78 +/- 8.3 mm3) was comparable to 34.79 +/- 5.69 mm3 (p greater than 0.1) in the negative control group (no cyclophosphamide-priming; saline injection only). These data indicate that F3 administration markedly enhances the rats' ability to reject the xenogeneic graft and therefore possesses a strong immune potentiating activity in vivo. These preclinical data also provide the rational basis for the use of extracts of Astragalus membranaceus in phase I clinical trials among patients suffering from iatrogenic or inherent immune deficiency states.

4.Fractionated extract of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb, potentiates LAK cell cytotoxicity generated by a low dose of recombinant interleukin-2.

J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988 Aug;26(4):183-7.Chu DT, Lepe-Zuniga J, Wong WL, LaPushin R, Mavligit GM.Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy, University of Texas System Cancer Center, Houston 77030.PMID: 3264344
Success with rIL-2 immunotherapy of human cancer appears to depend on the administration of high doses which are frequently associated with excessive toxicity. Future use of rIL-2 will require certain modifications based on the use of lower doses of rIL-2 without significant loss of antitumor efficacy. We tested in vitro the possibility of potentiating the activity of rIL-2 in terms of LAK cell generation. We hypothesized that co-incubation of LAK cell precursors with a Chinese herbal extract (F3) of Astragalus membranaceus, (an immune modulator currently under study in our laboratory), along with a low concentration of rIL-2, would generate levels of LAK cell activity equivalent to those generated by high concentrations of rIL-2 alone. We found (1) a 10-fold potentiation of rIL-2 activity manifested by tumor cell-killing activity of 80% resulting from LAK cell generation with F3 plus 100 u/ml of rIL-2 versus 76% generated by 1,000 u/ml of rIL-2 alone; (2) a significant reduction in the number of effector LAK cells required for equicytotoxic reaction following LAK cell generation with F3 plus rIL-2 compared to rIL-2 alone. We conclude that potentiation of antitumor activity mediated by rIL-2 in low concentrations is possible by the concomitant use of another immune modulator such as Astragalus membranaceus.

5.Influence of yang-restoring herb medicines upon metabolism of thyroid hormone in normal rats and a drug administration schedule

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1989 Feb;9(2):93-5, 70.Chen MD, Kuang AK, Chen JL.PMID: 2500264
Large dose of Yang-restoring herb medicines. (Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae, Astragalus membranaceus, Radix Aconiti Praeparata, Epimedium brevicornum, Cortex Cinnamomi and Herba Cistanchis) may exert an unfavorable effect on normal rats, i. e. natural weight gain reduced (P less than 0.01), serum T3 decreased (P less than 0.05), rT3, TRH levels raised (P less than 0.01) and TSH showed a raising tendency. Lower T3 and higher rT3 levels may be the effects of Yang-restoring herb medicines on the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones, i. e. more thyroxine was degraded to rT3 with little biological effect and less was transformed to T3 with strong hormonal effect. This unfavorable effect, however, can be avoided by Forward-Backward method. It was advised that large dose of Yang-restoring herb medicines could not be given to the organisms without symptoms of Yang-deficiency. If it were tried to do so, Forward-Backward method might be recommended.

6.An experimental study on the anti-senility effects of shou xing bu zhi

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1989 Apr;9(4):226-7, 198.Chen J.PMID: 2758519
This paper presents the anti-senility effects of Shou Xing Bu Zhi (SXBZ. made of thirteen herbs: Polygonum multiflorum, Codonopsis silvestris, Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, etc.) in mice. The mice were administered with the SXBZ orally at dosage of 10 g/kg daily for three months. The results showed that the lipofuscin of liver and brain tissues was significantly reduced in both young (1 month old) and adult (11 months) mice. Examination of lipid peroxidation of liver tissue revealed a marked decrease in adult mice. The lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogeneous was obviously inhibited after culturing with drug solutions (5.0 mg/0.1 ml), 37 degrees C for 90 minutes in vitro. In addition, the diminution of hydroxyproline of skin in both young and adult mice was observed. Results of this study indicated that the SXBZ was effective in slowing down aging.

7.Influence of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) polysaccharide FB on immunologic function of human periphery blood lymphocyte

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi. 1989 May;11(3):180-3.Wang DC.Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.PMID: 2612327
Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are believed to further lower the already low cellular immunologic response of cancer patients giving poorer prognosis. A number of Chinese medicinal herbs known as Fuzheng therapy (FZT), in which AM is an active one, are being used to enhance the natural host defence function in cancer patients. Among some fractions of AM polysaccharide extracts, FB was the strongest. In vitro restorative effects of FB in 18 normal healthy individuals and in 9 previously untreated advanced cancer patients are reported. Local graft versus host (GVH) reaction and blastogenic response of lymphocytes in vitro (BRL) were used as test index for T-cell function. GVH reaction nodules with a volume greater than or equal to 50 mm3 were considered as positive GVH reaction. FB 100 micrograms/ml induced a restored reaction in 18 normal donors with an increase in local GVH reaction from 69.6 +/- 20.8 mm3 to 148.9 +/- 40.8 mm3 (P less than 0.001) and in 9 cancer patients with an increase in local GVH reaction from 29.3 +/- 9.5 mm3 to 137.2 +/- 35.8 mm3 (P less than 0.001). The local GVH reaction of the 9 cancer patients went from negative to positive. FB on BRL was detected. 10 micrograms/ml of FB augmented the spontaneous 3H-TdR incorporation in the lymphocyte of 18 normal subjects from 310.2 to 910.9 counts per minute (cpm) and of 9 patients from 248.5 to 642.2 cpm, but the effects were not strong. The effect of single mitogen was not remarkable.

8.A clinical study on the treatment of acute upper digestive tract hemorrhage with wen-she decoction

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1989 May;9(5):272-3, 260.Gong QM, Wang SL, Gan C. PMID: 2766422
This paper deals with the prospective clinical study on treatment of acute upper digestive tract hemorrhage with Wen-She decoction (WSD). An opened sequential controlled trial method of simple orientation quality reaction was adopted in this study. 7 cases were treated and all of them were cured. It was concluded that WSD was an excellent therapy to treat the middle or small amount hemorrhage of acute upper digestive tract. The effective rate of WSD of the stool OB (+) becoming (-) within 5 days was more than 95%. WSD consists of Codonopsis pilosulae, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Zingiber officinale, Os sepiae Halloysitum rubrum and Astragalus membranaceus. It is effective in stopping bleeding by warming the Spleen and tonifying Qi.

9.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on electrical activities of coxsackie B-2 virus-infected rat myocardial cells in culture.

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1989 Jun;9(6):355-7, 326.Yuan WL, Chen HZ, Zhou TS.PMID: 2550160
Beating Myocardial cell cultures of neonatal rats were prepared in vitro and infected with coxsackie B-2 virus. The cells were evaluated in the post-infected period for changes in beating percentage and cytopathic effect (CPE), alterations in the electrical activities by standard microelectrode techniques, and the protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on coxsackie B-2 virus-infected neonatal rat myocardial cell cultures was observed. The beating percentage began to decrease in the infected group at 24 hr and only 27.9 +/- 18.6% was beating at 96 hr after virus challenge, premature beats, tachycardia and fibrillation occurred commonly during the experiment. Meanwhile the CPE appeared rapidly from 1+-3+ at the same interval. Resting potential, action potential amplitude, duration and rate of uptake were shown a significant decrease through 24-96 hr (P less than 0.01). In contrast, the beating and electrical activities were nearly normal and less CPE was shown in myocardial cells treated with AM 1 hr after virus challenge through 24-96 hr (P less than 0.05). The results suggest that AM may be valuable in prophylaxis and treatment of acute coxsackie B-2 virus caused myocarditis.

10.Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients in vitro and reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression in the rat in vivo by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1989 Jun;9(6):351-4, 326.Chu DT, Sun Y, Lin JR.PMID: 2789109
Through the process of fractionation, purification by gel filtration chromatography and thereafter the screening with an in vitro local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction (XGVHR) model, a fraction was identified as a potent immunorestorative agent and was designated "Fraction 3" (F3). Using the XGVHR in vitro as a model assay for T cell function again, F3 was studied on mononuclear cells (MNC) from 13 cancer patients and exhibited significant immunorestorative activity, with an increase in local XGVHR (compared to untreated cells) of 151.34 +/- 46.02 mm3 vs 57.80 +/- 16.44 mm3, P less than 0.001. The in vitro augmented immune reactions induced by F3 in cancer patients also significantly exceeded the local XGVHR observed in the untreated MNC derived from 9 normal donor controls (94.15 +/- 9.16 mm3, P less than 0.005). In a newly developed in vivo XGVHR animal model, pretreatment of rats with F3 resulted in a significant abrogation of the local XGVHR with a reversal of the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide from 99.42 +/- 9.2 mm3 (positive control) to 39.78 +/- 8.3 mm3 (P less than 0.001). This reversal was complete as the volume of the abrogated local XGVHR was comparable to that of the negative control (no cyclophosphamide-priming, saline injection only) 34.79 +/- 5.69 mm3 (P greater than 0.1). These results suggest that F3 retained the immunopotentiating activity of the original crude extract and form the rational basis for the use of Astragalus in immunotherapy.

21.Isolation and identification of chemical constituents of Astragalus root

Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1990;25(9):694-8.He ZQ, Wang BQ.National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, Beijing.PMID: 2092578
Ten constituents have been isolated from the alcoholic extract of Astragalus membranaceus var. monghlicum root. All of them were identified. Among them astraisoflavanin (3S-(-)-mucronulatol-7-O-D-glucopyranoside) is a new compound. Dimethyl 4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylenedioxybiphyenyl 1-2, 2'-dicarboxylate is a known synthetic compound, but it was first isolated from natural resource Astragalus root and identified by the authors.

22.Treatment of experimental Coxsackie B-3 viral myocarditis with Astragalus membranaceus in mice.

Chin Med J (Engl). 1990 Jan;103(1):14-8.Yang YZ, Jin PY, Guo Q, Wu WZ, Pu SY, Chen HZ, Yang JH, Wang KQ, Shi JY, Gong ZX, et al.Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 2161724
A murine model system for observing the effect of Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) on experimental myocarditis caused by Coxsackie B-3 virus (CB3V) was developed in 4-week-old male BALB/C mice. Gross, histopathologic and ultrastructural examinations of the infected-AM treated group showed that the severity and involved area of the myocardial lesions became milder and smaller than those in the infected-NS treated mice. The total lesion area, and the total lesion area/total myocardial area examined (%) and virus titer in the former group were also smaller and lower than those in the latter group. The results suggest that AM is effective in the inhibition of Coxsackie B virus propagation and protection of myocardium in mouse myocarditis.

23.F3, a fractionated extract of Astragalus membranaceus, potentiates lymphokine-activated killer cell cytotoxicity generated by low-dose recombinant interleukin-2

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Jan;10(1):34-6, 5.Chu D, Sun Y, Lin J, Wong W, Mavligit G.Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.PMID: 2350835
Success with rIL-2 immunotherapy of human cancer appears to depend on the administration of high doses which are frequently associated with excessive toxicity. Future use of rIL-2 will require certain modifications based on the use of lower doses of rIL-2 without significant loss of antitumor efficacy. The authors tested in vitro the possibility of potentiating the activity of rIL-2 in terms of LAK cell generation. The authors hypothesized that co-incubation of LAK cell precursors with a Chinese herbal extract (F3) of Astragalus membranaceus (an immune modulator currently under study in the authors' laboratory), along with a low concentration of rIL-2 would generate levels of LAK cell activity equivalent to those generated by high concentrations of rIL-2 alone. The authors found: (1) a 10-fold potentiation of rIL-2 activity manifested by tumor cell killing activity of 80% resulting from LAK cell generation with F3 plus 100 u/ml of rIL-2 versus 76% generated by 1000 u/ml of rIL-2 alone; (2) a significant reduction in the number of effector LAK cells required for equicytotoxic reaction following LAK cell generation with F3 plus rIL-2 compared to rIL-2 alone. The authors conclude that potentiation of antitumor activity mediated by rIL-2 in low concentrations is possible by the concomitant use of another immune modulator such as Astragalus membranaceus.

24.Clinical study of 96 cases with chronic hepatitis B treated with jiedu yanggan gao by a double-blind method

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Feb;10(2):71-4, 67.Chen Z.Dept. of Hepatic Diseases, Beijing TCM Hospital.PMID: 2364464
This paper reported 96 cases with chronic hepatitis B treated by a double-blind method. There were 51 cases of observation group(OG) and 45 cases of control group (CG). OG was treated with Jiedu Yanggan Gao consisting of Artemisia capillaris, Taraxacum mongolicum, Plantago seed, Cephalanoplos segetum, Hedyotis diffusa, Flos Chrysanthemi Indici, Smilax glabra, Astragalus membranaceus, Salviae miltiorrhizae, Fructus Polygonii Orientalis, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Polygonatum sibiricum, etc.). CG was prescribed with three charred medicinal herbs (charred Fructus Crataegi, charred Fructrus Hordei Germinatus, charred fermented mixture of several medical herbs and wheat bran). The average duration of treatment was five months. All 96 cases belong to the virus-duplication-type with positive HBsAg for over one year. Among them 65.5% of cases HBeAg, DNAP and HBV-DNA were positive. 20.8% of cases were positive in two out of the above tests. 13 data were compared statistically between two groups, and proved to be comparable (P greater than 0.05) before treatment. 27.3% and 66.7% of cases' ALT, AST returned to normal respectively in OG after treatment. However, in CG they were 9.1% and 22.2% (P less than 0.05). TTT returned to normal in 52% cases of OG and 44% in CG (P greater than 0.05). 20% cases HBeAg shifted to negative in OG, but 6.7% in CG. Cases with negative DNAP in OG occupied 34.2%, but 10.8% in CG. 31.6% cases' HBV-DNA changed to negative in OG, while 17.6% in CG. After comprehensive judgement, the total effective rate was 74.5% in OG and 24.4% in CG respectively (P less than 0.001). Eight cases were basically cured in OG and one case in CG. After one year's follow-up, one recurred in eight patients of OG, however the only one cured in CG still relapsed.

25.Effect of astragalus membranaceus on electric activities of cultured rat beating heart cells infected with Coxsackie B-2 virus.

Chin Med J (Engl). 1990 Mar;103(3):177-82.Yuan WL, Chen HZ, Yang YZ, Yang XY, Lin YS, Jin PY, Zhou TS.Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 2164463
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) which has a protective effect on rat beating heart cells infected experimentally with Coxsackie B-2 virus was evaluated on the basis of changes in morphologic and electric activity of the cells. Rhythm, beating frequency, beating percentage, cardiac cellular damage and cytopathic effects (CPE) were monitored every 24 h after challenge; electric activities parameters were measured by conventional intracellular microelectrode technique. Significant protective effects were demonstrated when AM was given in the early period of infection. The results suggest that AM should be valuable in preventing and treating acute myocarditis caused by Coxsackie B virus.

26.Preliminary study of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of minimal brain dysfunction: analysis of 100 cases

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 May;10(5):278-9, 260.Zhang H, Huang J.Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou College of TCM.PMID: 2397543
This paper reports the clinical treatment of 100 patients with minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), their age ranged from 7-14.2 years, and the average age was 10.5. Patients were divided into TCM and WM group randomly. The TCM group (80 cases) were treated with the therapy of subdueing hyperactivity of the Liver and invigorating the function of the Spleen by using: Bupleurum chinense, Scutellaria baicalensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, Ligustrum lucidum, Lophatherum gracile and thread of ivory. The WM group (20 cases) were treated with retalin 5-15 mg twice daily. One course of treatment lasted one month, and effects were evaluated after 1-3 courses of treatment. The results were as follows: In the TCM group, 23 cases were cured (clinical symptom and sign disappeared, 10 IQ units were raised in their intelligence, abnormal electroencephalogram was recovered and there was no recurrence during the first six months after recovery). 46 cases were improved (clinical symptom and sign markedly improved, 4 IQ units raised in intelligence and electroencephalogram improved), and 11 cases ineffective. The effective rate was 86.25%. In the WM group, 6 cases were cured, 12 cases improved and 2 cases ineffective, the clinical effective rate being 90.0%. There was no significant difference between the two groups in this study, but, the side-effects of the TCM group was less than the WM group, and the TCM group had more beneficial effects to improve intelligence, enuresis and the black of orbits. The study showed that the Verbal Scale in Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children is one of the indications of diagnosis and evaluating of the curative effect of MBD.

27.Viral etiology of chronic cervicitis and its therapeutic response to a recombinant interferon.

Chin Med J (Engl). 1990 Aug;103(8):647-51.Qian ZW, Mao SJ, Cai XC, Zhang XL, Gao FX, Lu MF, Shao XS, Li YY, Yang XK, Zhuo YA, et al.Beijing Tian Tan Hospital.PMID: 2173655
Chronic cervicitis was shown to be related to papillomavirus type 16(HPV-16), herpes simplex virus type 2 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections as demonstrated by DNA hybridization technique and virus isolation method from samples taken from erosive and normal cervices. After one course of treatment with recombinant interferon alpha 1 (rIFN-alpha 1), 93.8% of cases showed clinical improvement and 60% marked improvement. The HPV-16 and HSV detection rates dropped down significantly after rIFN-alpha 1 treatment as compared with those before treatment. Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herbal drug, was shown to be synergic to interferon therapy.

28.The combined modulating effects of cerium nitrate with certain Chinese traditional drugs on altered cell-mediated immunities in scald mice

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 1990 Sep;28(9):562-5, 574-5.Luo ZH.Burned Institute, Third Military Medical College, Chongqing.PMID: 2086133
Altered cell-mediated immunities (CMI) is one of the important causes of increased susceptibility to infection and, high mortality of burned patients. This paper presents the experimental work on mice with scald injury to restore their altered CMI by local application of cerium nitrate (CE) or systemic administration of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) or Lonicera japonica Thunb (LJT), as well as combination use of these drugs. The proliferative response to Con A and the ability of IL-2 production of murine spleen cells and the delayed hypersensitivity test using DNFB as sensitizer were chosen as the parameters of CMI. Results showed that CMI of untreated scald mice was suppressed to 50-60% of normal control 11 days following scald injury. While either CE used locally or AM or LJT given by oral with different dosages might bring up the depressed CMI to various degrees, near the normal level and some even above normal. When CE was used accompanied with AM or LJT, their effects on restoration of CMI were significantly better than that when any single drug was administered alone.

29.Hepatoprotective effects of astraglus root.

J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 Sep;30(2):145-9.Zhang ZL, Wen QZ, Liu CX.Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, State Pharmaceutical Administration of China.PMID: 2255205
Oral administration of an ethanol extract of the root of Astragalus membranaceus alleviated liver injury induced by stilbenemidine. Pre-administration in mice reduced elevated SGPT levels and subacute toxicity of stilbenemidine, decreased pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex and protected hepatic cells from pathological changes.

30.Enhancement of the immune response in mice by Astragalus membranaceus extracts.

Immunopharmacology. 1990 Nov-Dec;20(3):225-33.Zhao KS, Mancini C, Doria G.Laboratory of Pathology, ENEA C.R.E., Rome, Italy.PMID: 2149722
Astragalus membranaceus extracts injected into normal mice or mice immunodepressed by cyclophosphamide or radiation treatment or by aging are able to enhance the antibody response to a T-dependent antigen. Optimal conditions for maximum effect have been established in normal C3H/HeJ and (C57B1/10 x DBA/2)F1 mice. Enhancement of the antibody response was associated with increase of Th cell activity in normal and immunodepressed mice. The biological activity of endotoxin-free extracts is dependent on the carbohydrate content.

31.Effect of fu-zheng qu-xie on gastric disease infected with Campylobacter pyloridis

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Mar;11(3):150-2, 133.Fang JY.Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of TCM, Nanjing.PMID: 2065393
Chinese herbal medicine and gentamycin were used separately in the treatment of 75 cases of gastric disease by campylobacter pyloridis (CP). Surveying the changes of the gastrofiberscope, pathological test, bacteriology and immunology. This study, found that in the Chinese herbal medicine group clinical symptoms were obviously improving the effective rate for CP being 80% (24/30), the death rate for CP 30% (9/30), and the effective rate for patho-histological changes 50% (15/30). Differences of curative effective rate between the two groups were statistically insignificant (P greater than 0.05). This text pointed out that the principle of Chinese herbal medicine treatment of gastric disease by campylobacter pyloridis was fu-zheng qu-xie. Fu-zheng was achieved by Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeonia lactiflora, whereas qu-xie by Taraxacum monogolicum and Oldenlandia diffusa. Chinese herbal medicine for fu-zheng played an important role in modulating immune function. Qu-xie was directly disinfective and indirectly anti-bacterial. Chinese herbal medicine combined with western drugs will decrease the side effects and enhance the curative effect at the same time.

32.Primary research on the clinical significance of ventricular late potentials (VLPs), and the impact of mexiletine, lidocaine and Astragalus membranaceus on VLPs

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 May;11(5):265-7, 259.Shi HM, Dai RH, Wang SY.Department of Internal Medicine, Hua Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 1879028
The body surface signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) was recorded on 316 cardiac patients, 84% (266 patients) of whom were also taken 24-hour Holter ECG. VLPs were detected positively in 6.1%, 25%, 25.7%, 14.3% and 5.5% of patients with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia of unknown origin respectively, and the patients with complex ventricular arrhythmia had more VLPs positive determination definitely (P less than 0.05). The specificity of VLPs in the prediction of complex ventricular arrhythmia was greater than 80%, and the positive predictive accuracy was 70-80%. 5, 5 and 10 patients with VLPs were treated with Mexiletini Hydrochloridum, Lidocaini Hydrochloridum and Injection of Astragalus membranaceus respectively. As a result of treatment, the transfer of VLPs positive to negative was unsuccessful, but only the intervention of Astragalus membranaceus Injection made the duration of VLPs shortened significantly (39.8 +/- 3.3 ms versus 44.5 +/- 5.9 ms, P less than 0.01).

33.Clinical and experimental study of the effect of kang er xin-I on viral myocarditis

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Aug;11(8):468-70, 452.Yan HJ.Yunnan College of TCM, Kunming.PMID: 1659497
Kang Er Xin-I (KEX-I) is a proved recipe used to treat viral myocarditis. It consists of Lonicera japonica, Ophiopogon japonicus, Astragalus membranaceus mainly and possesses the effect of clearing away heat and toxic materials and supplementing the vital energy and nourishing. The clinical study was carried out with KEX-I according to a random, paired and cross-over design. Coenzyme Q10 was used as a control and left ventricular function was observed. The result showed: after being treated with KEX-I for two weeks, the 26 patients' chief cardiac functional indexes assessed with STI improved markedly, the value of PEP/LVET and ICT/LVCT all decreased and the difference between the two groups was significant. The experimental study showed that KEX-I can inactivate directly the virus of Coxsackie B3, protect the heart cells in mice, prevent attack by Coxsackie B3, promote the growth of internal interferon and increase the NK cell's function to regulate immunity in experimental mice.

34.Chinese medicinal herbs reverse macrophage suppression induced by urological tumors.

J Urol. 1991 Aug;146(2):486-90.Rittenhouse JR, Lui PD, Lau BH.Departments of Urology School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, California 92350.PMID: 1856958
Tumors are known to produce factors suppressing macrophage function. In this study we demonstrated in vitro suppression of macrophage chemiluminescent oxidative burst associated with viable cells and cell-free extracts of two urological neoplasms--murine renal cell carcinoma (Renca) and murine bladder tumor (MBT). Suppression was reversed by extracts of two Chinese medicinal herbs, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Ligustrum lucidum (LL). Murine macrophage cell line J774 was incubated with either the viable tumor cells or the cell-free tumor extract for 18 hours at 37C and 5% CO2. Chemiluminescent oxidative burst as an indicator of macrophage function was triggered by adding zymosan A suspension containing luminol and assayed in an automated luminometer. Photon emission over time was counted and the results were expressed as integrated photon emission. Significant dose-related depression of oxidative burst occurred with either the viable tumor cells or the cell-free tumor extracts. Depression was partially or completely reversed by the presence of 50-100 micrograms./ml. of either the AM or the LL extract. AM and LL have previously been shown to modulate immune response. Data from this study suggest that they may also exert their antitumor activity via abolition of tumor-associated macrophage suppression.

35.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on erythrocyte sodium content and sodium transport in the coronary heart disease

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Nov;11(11):651-3, 643.Jin C, Dai RH.Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 1667511
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on erythrocyte sodium content and sodium transport in the coronary heart disease(CHD). 67 cases of CHD was randomly divided into treatment group (TG) and control group (CG), TG (45 cases) were treated with AM intravenous 24 g/d infused into 5% glucose 250 ml, CG (22 cases) with 5% glucose 250 ml. After a curable stage of 14 days, results showed that the erythrocyte sodium content was markedly decreased and the sodium pump activity was significantly increased (P less than 0.01 respectively) in TG; but no significant difference in membrane permeability to sodium was observed. There were no difference in erythrocyte sodium content and sodium transport in CG. It was suggested that AM had the effects to increase erythrocyte activity of sodium pump.

36.Astragalus membranaceus stimulates human sperm motility in vitro.

Am J Chin Med. 1992;20(3-4):289-94.Hong CY, Ku J, Wu P.Institutes of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.PMID: 1471613
Poor sperm motility is an important cause of male infertility. In an attempt to identify Chinese medicinal herbs that might improve human sperm motility in vitro, we screened water extracts of 18 herbs with a trans-membrane migration method which measured the percentage of sperm that moved across the 5 micron pores of a Nucleopore membrane from a semen-drug mixture into phosphate buffered saline during 2 hours incubation. Astragalus membranaceus was the only herb that showed a significant stimulatory effect. At 10 mg/ml, it increased the motility of sperm in semen to 146.6 +/- 22.6% of control. It also increased the motility of washed sperm to 138.2 +/- 13.8% of control. Purification of the active component(s) from this herb as well as its application in assisted reproduction technology await further investigation.

37.The effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on endotoxin-induced toxicity in mice

Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1992;27(1):5-9.Wang LX, Han ZW.Department of Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Medical College, Huhehaote.PMID: 1529714
Astragalus Polysaccharide (APS), an active component, was isolated from the radix of Astragalus membranaceus Bge var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao, and the effects of APS on E. coli endotoxin-induced liver damage were investigated in mice. The results showed that when mice were pretreated with APS (30, 60, 100 mg.kg-1.d-1 x 7d, ip), the survival rate of endotoxin intoxicated mice was increased the lowering of ATP levels and adenylate energy charge in mouse liver could be prevented. APS 100 mg.kg-1 could protect the mice from death on endotoxin (25 mg.kg-1) intoxication; and the level of ATP, the value of adenylate energy charge in the protected mouse liver were almost recovered to normal range. The effects of APS were shown to be dose-dependent. Concomitantly, the increase of MDA and decrease of GSH in mouse liver could be corrected by APS pretreatment. The results revealed that APS has an antioxidative action. An ultramicroscopic examination showed that the injury of the bio-membrane and the crest of mitochondria were ameliorated by APS pretreatment. These findings suggest that the protective effects of APS on E. coli endotoxin intoxicated mice may be due to its antioxidative action to protect the mitochondria bio-membrane, therefore, the adenylate metabolism is improved in mouse liver.

38.Experimental study on yiqi-huoxue therapy of liver fibrosis

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1992 Apr;12(4):228-9, 198.Fu QL.Affiliated Hospital of Hubei College of TCM, Wuhan.PMID: 1498545
The experimental hepatic fibrosis was treated with YiQi (reinforcing Qi, YQ) Huoxue (activating blood circulation, HX) principle which was consisted of astragalus membranaceus, Ligusticum wallichii, paeonia lactiflora, etc. After stimulation with CCl4 over four months, the Wistar rat developed liver fibrosis. Rats were divided into the normal control, the toxifying control, YQHX group and HX group. The experimental period lasted over four months. Results: (1) Mortality of animal: Both toxifying control and HX group reached 50%, while YQHX group was 16% only. These results suggest that YQHX agents could strengthen the body resistance; (2) The determination of serum SGPT: The mean levels in toxifying control were 39.3 +/- 39, in HX group 43.7 +/- 12.9, while in YQHX group 29.0 +/- 7.6 (units/Lserum). These results indicated that YQHX agents had the function of protecting the liver and lowering the activity of SGPT (P less than 0.01); (3) Measuring the contents of hepatic collages: The mean levels in toxifying control was 38.9 +/- 3.3 (mg/g liver), while in HX group and YQHX group 28.7 +/- 2.2 and 22.7 +/- 1.1 (mg/g liver) respectively. The results indicated that the YQHX agents had the best results in treating hepatic fibrosis; (4) Observation with hepatic histopathology: The degree of hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis in YQHX group was milder than that in toxifying and HX group. These observations revealed that YQHX agents possessed the function of protecting liver. There was severe liver fibrosis in toxifying control, but the degree of liver fibrosis in YQHX group was significantly milder than that in toxifying control.

39.Chinese medicinal herbs modulate mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of aflatoxin B1.

Mutat Res. 1992 Jun 1;279(3):209-16.Wong BY, Lau BH, Tadi PP, Teel RW.Department of Natural Science Graduate School, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.PMID: 1377337
Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Scutellaria barbata (SB) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating liver, lung and rectal tumors while Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Ligustrum lucidum (LL) are often used as an adjunct in cancer therapy. In this study, we determined the effects of aqueous extracts of these four herbs on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced mutagenesis using Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as the bacterial tester strain and rat liver 9000 x g supernatant as the activation system. The effects of these herbs on [3H]AFB1 binding to calf-thymus DNA were assessed. Organosoluble and water-soluble metabolites of AFB1 were extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mutagenesis assays revealed that all of these herbs produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of histidine-independent revertant (His+) colonies induced by AFB1. At a concentration of 1.5 mg/plate, SB and OD in combination exhibited an additive effect. The trend of inhibition of these four herbs on AFB1-induced mutagenesis was: SB greater than LL greater than AM. LL, OD and SB significantly inhibited AFB1 binding to DNA, reduced AFB1-DNA adduct formation, and also significantly decreased the formation of organosoluble metabolites of AFB1. Our data suggest that these Chinese medicinal herbs possess cancer chemopreventive properties.

40.Inotropic action of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. saponins and its possible mechanism

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1992 Sep;17(9):557-9, inside backcover.Wang Q.Jilin Province, Central Hospital of Changchun City.PMID: 1292500
Astragalus membranaceus saponins (AMS) 50-200 micrograms/ml had a positive inotropic action on the isolated working heart of rats, but in the case of 30 micrograms/ml the inotropic action turned negative. The contractility recovered after washing out the AMS. Strophanthin K performed in a similar manner as AMS. AMS 500 micrograms/ml decreased the resting potential of cultured rat heart cells by 10 mV. The results suggest that AMS plays its inotropic role through influencing the Na-K-ATPase.

41.Effects of mixture of Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri lucidi and Eclipta prostrata on immune function in mice

Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 1992 Sep;23(4):408-11.He J, Li Y, Wei S, Guo M, Fu W.PMID: 1304546
A Chinese medicine mixture containing Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Eclipta prostrata(AFE), was fed to mice 9g/kg, 20g/kg, respectively for seven days. Observe the effects of AFE on the immune function in mice. The experiment showed that the two dosages of AFE could obviously raise the conversion percentage of lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and serum IgG level (41%-47%) of the mice. The weights of the thymus and spleensed increased in the two groups compared with those in the normal control. The larger dosage of AFE could also raise activity of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) obviously (P < 0.01). AFE turned out a resistance to the immunosuppressive effect caused by cyclophosphamide.

42.Phytochemicals potentiate interleukin-2 generated lymphokine-activated killer cell cytotoxicity against murine renal cell carcinoma

Mol Biother. 1992 Sep;4(3):143-6.Wang Y, Qian XJ, Hadley HR, Lau BH.Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.PMID: 1445669
The success of adoptive immunotherapy using recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in several cancers has been hampered by severe toxicity associated with high doses of rIL-2. Methods that reduce the dosage of rIL-2 without loss of clinical efficacy are needed. In this study we determined the in vitro effect of a phytochemical immune modulator, Astragalus membranaceus (AM), and two fractions isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography on the cytotoxicity of rIL-2-generated LAK cells against a murine renal cell carcinoma. Our results indicated a 10-fold potentiation of rIL-2-generated LAK cell cytotoxicity manifested by tumor cell lysis of 88% in the group with 100 U/ml of rIL-2 plus AM versus 86% in the group with 1,000 U/ml of rIL-2 alone. Potentiation was obtained with the purified fractions as well. A significantly reduced number of LAK cells was required to achieve the tumor cytotoxicity after LAK cell generation with rIL-2 plus the phytochemicals as compared with rIL-2 alone. Our data indicate that AM is an effective immune modulator, capable of potentiating in vitro the antitumor activity of rIL-2-generated LAK cells.

43.Effects of exercise in the growing stage in mice and of Astragalus membranaceus on immune functions

PMID: 8388067
A study was carried out to examine the effects of forced running exercise in the growing stage in male ICR mice and of Astragalus membranaceus (As) on their immune functions. The mice were divided at 4 weeks of age into 4 groups. The first group of mice received forced running exercise (E-group), the second group was given As (As-group), the third group received the forced running exercise and was given As (E+As-group) and the fourth group was a control receiving no treatment. The exercise received was forced running at 15 m/min on a flat floor without any slope for 60min a day. The mice of groups E and E+As were exercised 5 times a week for 12 weeks. The mice of groups As and E+As were given As p. o. at 200 mg/kg per day (5 days/week) for 12 weeks. The results obtained were as follows: 1. After 12 weeks of forced running exercise, the weight of the anterior tibialis muscle and succinate dehydrogenase activity in the anterior tibialis muscle increased significantly in groups E and E+As compared with the control group. Thymus weight showed a tendency to increase in groups E and E+As as compared with the control group. 2. The potentiation of the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system examined by the carbon clearance method was seen in groups E, As and E+As. 3. Superoxide anion production of peritoneal macrophages significantly increased in groups As and E+As, but not in group E. 4. The acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages in groups E, As and E+As significantly increased compared with the control group. 5. Interleukin 1 production by macrophages remained in all groups. 6. The proliferation of splenocytes induced by Con A in groups E, As and E+As significantly increased compared with the control group. These results suggested that forced running exercise in the growing stage in mice and the administration of As enhanced immune functions and that they might also intensify the functioning of the host defense system.

44.Effect of Astragalan on secretion of tumor necrosis factors in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 May;13(5):263-5, 259.Zhao KW, Kong HY.Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an.PMID: 8219673
The extracts of Astragalus membranaceus have been further isolated by liquid chromatography. One of the fractions (Astragalan, M.W. 20,000-25,000) could enhance the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. After isolation of adherent and nonadherent mononuclear cells from PBMC, Astragalan increased the secretion of TNF-alpha and TNF-beta respectively. These results suggest further study of Astragalan would promote the application of Astragalan in cancer immunotherapy.

45.Positive modulating action of shengmaisan with Astragalus membranaceus on anti-tumor activity of LAK cells

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 Aug;13(8):471-2, 453.Zhao TH.Chengde Medical College.PMID: 8111199
Enhancing the anti-tumor activity of LAK cells is one of problems which are expected to be solved in tumor clinic at present. The effects of Shengmaisan with Astragalus membranaceus (SMAM) on anti-tumor activity of LAK cells with the 3H release assay were studied. The LAK cells taken from 43 persons showed obvious killing activity to acute leukemia cells from 8 patients in different types. The results showed that the activity of LAK cells could be enhanced markedly by the synergic action of SMAM in proper concentration (100 micrograms/ml) with IL-2. The effect of ginsenoside with appropriate concentration (10 micrograms/ml) was slightly better than that of SMAM. The treatment for malignant tumor using SMAM assisting LAK cells could replace the application of some cell factors which were expensive and toxic at present.

46.Clinical and experimental study on yi-gan-ning granule in treating chronic hepatitis B

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 Oct;13(10):597-9, 580.Zhang BZ, Ding F, Tan LW.Hunan Academy of TCM and Pharmacology, Changsha.PMID: 8312695
This paper reports that 320 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were treated with Yi-ganning Granule (YGNG) and the pharmacodynamics of YGNG in the animal study. As control, another 70 patients with CHB receiving oleanolic acid granule (OAG) were compared to 68 patients in YGNG group. YGNG is consisted of Astragalus membranaceus , Artemisia capillaris, Codonopsis pilosula, et al. Each patient has taken YGNG or OAG for 3 months. The result showed YGNG was effective on recovering the liver function and OAG had similar effect. The sero-negative conversion rates of HBsAg, HBeAg, HBcAb and positive conversion rate of HBeAb in the YGNG group were 33.1%, 40.5%, 10.5% and 15.5% respectively, which were much better than that in OAG group (P < 0.05-0.001). The result of 6 months follow up showed that 60 of 62 patients receiving YGNG were in stabilized state. The result in the animal study demonstrated that YGNG had significant protection from the liver damage caused by CCl4. YGNG could decrease serum ALT level and protect the liver function of carbohydrate, fat, protein metabolism and detoxication. YGNG could induce interferon in vivo and play an important role in seroconversion of negative DHBV-DNA and improvement of pathological morphology in viral hepatitis B.

47.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on myoelectric activity of small intestine

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 Oct;13(10):616-7, 582.Yang DZ.Nanjing Railway Medical College.PMID: 8312701
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is one of the important Chinese medicinal herbs which are widely used and well known for its invigoration of vital energy. In the present experiment, the cycle duration of interdigestive myoelectric complex (IDMEC) and the durations of every phase were observed electrophysiologically before and after the 25% concentrated solution (1 ml/kg) was instilled into the empty stomach of the healthy, awakened dog. Signals of IDMEC were recorded by microcomputer. No significant change was found in duodenum in each criteria except for phase which became slightly longer (P < 0.05). While in jejunum the shortening of phase I and the prolonging of phase II were both significant (P < 0.01) and the cycle duration was also extended (P < 0.05) as well as increase of action potential on phase II and within the cycle (P < 0.05), with phase III and IV remained unchanged (P > 0.05). These results indicated that AM could strengthen the movement and muscle tonus in intestine (esp. in jejunum) and might serve as the scientific evidences to elucidate the effects of AM on the movements in digestive tracts.

48.Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum protect rat heart mitochondria against lipid peroxidation.

Am J Chin Med. 1994;22(1):63-70.Hong CY, Lo YC, Tan FC, Wei YH, Chen CF.Institute of Traditional Medicine, Yang-Ming Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.PMID: 8030620
We isolated rat heart mitochondria and induced lipid peroxidation with ADP and FeSO4. Oxygen consumption and MDA formation were measured for quantitating the amount of lipid peroxidation. Using these methods, we screened the water extracts of 14 Chinese medicinal herbs for their effect on lipid peroxidation. It was found that Astragalus membranaceus inhibited 42.1 +/- 3.4% of oxygen consumption and 39.8 +/- 3.2% of MDA production at concentration of 2 mg dried herb/ml mitochondrial suspension. At the same concentration, Polygonum multiflorum inhibited 52.1 +/- 7.3% of oxygen consumption and 50.9 +/- 5.3% of MDA production. Other herbs did not inhibit lipid peroxidation to 50% of control at concentration up to 6 mg dried herb/ml mitochondrial suspension. Purification and identification of the active component(s) in Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum as well as their clinical application await further studies.

49.Effects of the combination of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (AM), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (TAS), Cyperus rotundus L. (CR), Ligusticum chuangxiong Hort (LC) and Peaon��a veitchii lynch (PV) on the hemorheological changes in "blood stagnating" rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1994 Feb;19(2):108-10, 128.Xue JX, Yan YQ, Jiang Y.Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing.PMID: 8011132
The "blood stagnating" rat model was built with adrenaline and cold stimulation. Its hemorrheological character was an increase in the viscosity, thickness and liability to coagulate. The experimental result showed that AM and TAS could decrease the whole blood specific viscosity, but at the same time increase the plasma specific viscosity. The qi-regulating drug CR and two blood-activating drugs LC and PV could improve the hemorrheological changes in "blood stagnating" rats. The combination of qi-regulating drugs and blood-activating drugs had more favorable effect.

50.Action of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function of angina pectoris

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1994 Apr;14(4):199-202, 195.Lei ZY, Qin H, Liao JZ.Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing College of TCM.PMID: 7950192
The action on left ventricular function of Astragalus Membranaceus (AM), a Qi-tonic, in 20 patients with angina pectoris was studied by means of Doppler Echocardiogram (DEC). It showed that cardiac output increased from 5.09 +/- 0.21 to 5.95 +/- 0.18 L/min 2 weeks after AM was administered (P < 0.01), and no improvement of left ventricular diastolic function appeared. Adenosine triphosphatase activity was not inhibited by using AM, which was different from that of digitalis.

51.The in vitro potentiation of LAK cell cytotoxicity in cancer and aids patients induced by F3--a fractionated extract of Astragalus membranaceus

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi. 1994 May;16(3):167-71.Chu DT, Lin JR, Wong W.Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.PMID: 7956691
The in vitro induction of LAK cell activity was studied in cancer and AIDS patients. F3, an immuno-regulatory component of Astragalus membranaceus was shown capable of potentiating the LAK cell inducing activity of rIL-2. The killing activity against Hs294T melanoma cell line of LAK cells induced by 50 U/ml rIL-2 in the presence of F3 (55 micrograms/ml) reached 64% which was comparable to that (60%) induced by 500 u/ml of rIL-2 alone. With F3 plus rIL-2, the effector to target cell ratio could be reduced to one-half in order to obtain an equivalent level of cytotoxicity when rIL-2 was used alone. In some patients, whose peripheral blood lymphocytes were relatively inert to rIL-2, F3 could make them responsive to rIL-2. These results imply that F3 may be useful to potentiate LAK cell activity, reduce the amount of rIL-2 and thus minimize the later's toxic side effects when used in vivo.

52.Non-surgical treatment of small cell lung cancer with chemo-radio-immunotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi. 1994 Jul;33(7):462-6.Cha RJ, Zeng DW, Chang QS.General Hospital of PLA, Beijing.PMID: 7867442
54 consecutive cases of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were treated with longterm short-interval combined treatment modalities of chemotherapy, radiotherapy (55-65 GY), immunotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine (leaf of Asiatic Ginseng, root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge, etc) and other adjuvants. Chemotherapy consisted of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and carmustine. A complete response of 59.2%, partial response of 38.9% and an overall response of 98.1% were achieved. According to Kaplan-Meier, the survival rates of SCLC with limited disease for 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 78.1%, 42.6%, 32.1% and 21.4% respectively; while those with extensive disease for 1, 3, and 5 years 90.5%, 13.4% and 13.4%. According to classification of international TNM staging (1988), the survival rates of stage II SCLC for 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 92.9%, 61.9%, 53.1% and 31.8% respectively; of stage IIIa for 1, 3 and 5 years 80.0%, 30.0% and 20.0%, and of stage IIIb 83.3%, 20.8% and 15.6%. Our combined modalities raised the survival rates considerably; the improved effect was mainly due to the long-term (especially more than 2 years or 10 courses), short-interval, effective and timely combined treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and adjuvants such as traditional Chinese medicine and immunotherapy. By using the above therapeutic strategy, 10 out of 12 SCLC patients including 4 with extensive disease, who were relatives of our hospital staffs, have gained more than 3-17 years of survival. Therefore small cell lung cancer even with extensive disease was a hopeful curable disease.

53.Intervention of lidocaine and Astragalus membranaceus on ventricular late potentials

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1994 Oct;14(10):598-600.Shi HM, Dai RH, Fan WH.Hua Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 7719092
16 and 22 patients with positive ventricular late potentials (LP) recorded on signal-averaged electrocardiograms (SAECG) were treated with lidocaine 100 mg iv. or Astragalus membranaceus 24 g iv. drip for 2 weeks respectively. As a result, the SAECGs of 2 (12.5%) and 3 (13.6%) of them normalized respectively. Compared with baseline, there were no significant changes in average HFQRSD, LAS and RMS 40 after treatment of lidocaine. HFQRSD and LAS were shortened significantly 115.9 +/- 29.9 vs 125.1 +/- 29.4 ms (P < 0.001); and 44.8 +/- 15.4 vs 52.8 +/- 15.4 ms (P < 0.001), and RMS 40 was enlarged 20.0 +/- 18.6 vs 12.8 +/- 19.0 microV (P < 0.05) only after treatment of Astragalus membranaceus. It is suggested that the duration of LP was shortened.

54.Effect and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B3 virus RNA in mice

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1994 Nov;14(11):664-6.Peng TQ, Yang YZ, Kandolf R.Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 7703635
Using Balb/c mice infected with Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) as a model, the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on CVB3-RNA has been observed in myocardial tissues of mice by RNA-RNA in situ hybridization with negative-strand RNA probes leballing with 35S and quantitative imaging analysis of positive hybridization signals. The mechanism of its effect on CVB3-RNA has also been investigated by induction with AM and detection of beta-interferon (beta-IFN). Results showed that the copy numbers of CVB3-RNA as well as the histologic necrotic sizes in myocardial tissues of AM treated infected mice were significantly smaller than that in infected normal saline treated mice (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) respectively, suggesting that AM could inhibit the replication of CVB3-RNA, but its effect on CVB3-RNA was not correlated with induction of beta-IFN.

55.Cycloartane triterpene glycosides from the hairy root cultures of Astragalus membranaceus.

Phytochemistry. 1994 Nov;37(5):1403-7.PMID: 7765758
Agroastragaloside II, a new astragaloside was isolated from the hairy root culture of Astragalus membranaceus. Its structure was established as 3-O-beta-(2'-O-acetyl)-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(24S)- 3 beta,6 alpha,16 beta,24,25-pentahydroxy-9,19-cyclolanostane on the basis of spectroscopic data. Three known astragalosides, astragaloside II, isoastragaloside I and 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-cycloastragenol were also isolated.

56.Memory-improving effect of aqueous extract of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1994 Nov;19(11):687-8, 704.Hong GX, Qin WC, Huang LS.Guangxi Institute of Traditional Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanning.PMID: 7893391
The study shows that the aqueous extract of Astragulus membranaceus (AMWE) can improve the anisodine-induced impairment on memory acquisition as well as the alcohol-elicited deficit of memory retrieval (number of errors were reduced and latent period was prolonged) in step down, and can also prolong the gasping duration of mice after decapitation at doses of 50g/kg (ig) for 7 days.

57.Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Feb;15(2):77-80.Li SQ, Yuan RX, Gao H.Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical College, Liaoning.PMID: 7787395
92 patients suffering from ischemic heart disease was successfully treated with Astragalus membranaceus (AM). The effect of the treatment was compared with that of Nifedipine and Tab. Salviae miltiorrhizae. The clinical practice showed that the group treated with AM yielded better results. After having administered the drug, the patients were markedly relieved from angina pectoris (heart stroke). Meanwhile the improvement of clinical objective index such as electrocardiogram (EKG) and impedance cardiogram can also be observed. The effective rate of EKG improvement was 82.6%. The treatment of ischemic heart disease with AM was significantly more effective in comparing with control group (P < 0.05).

58.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function and oxygen free radical in acute myocardial infarction patients and mechanism of its cardiotonic action

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Mar;15(3):141-3.Chen LX, Liao JZ, Guo WQ.Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of TCM.PMID: 7647526
Dynamic observations for 4 weeks were made on left ventricular function and oxygen free radical (OFR) in 43 patients first suffering from acute myocardial infarction and hospitalized in Coronary Care Unit with an attack less than 36 hours. The results showed that the Astragalus membranaceus (AM) could strengthen the left ventricular function and had an effect of anti-OFR. After administration of AM, the ratio of pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) was decreased, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of red blood cell was increased, and the lipid peroxidation (LPO) content of plasma was reduced. There was a significant difference between the AM group and the control group in the parameters above-mentioned. The study demonstrated that the PEP/LVET ratio was closely correlated with the SOD and LPO. It suggested that the anti-OFR effect of AM was one of the mechanisms of its cardiotonic action.

59.Effects of compound injection of Pyrola rotundifolia L and Astragalus membranaceus Bge on experimental guinea pigs' gentamicin ototoxicity.

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1995 May;104(5):374-80.Xuan W, Dong M, Dong M.Department of Otolaryngology, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical College, Nanning, People's Republic of China.PMID: 7747908
In attempting to find drugs effective in preventing and remedying ototoxic injury caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics, we relied on the theory that the induction of ototoxic injury by aminoglycoside antibiotics is related to a decrease of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and RNA content in the cochlea or a dysfunction of the kidney. We selected Pyrola rotundifolia L and Astragalus membranaceus Bge from traditional Chinese herbal medicine, made a compound injection of them, and observed the effect on the pattern of gentamicin ototoxicity in guinea pigs. By electrocochleography and morphology by scanning electron microscopy, the experimental results indicated that the Chinese herbal compound possessed the definite effect of protecting the guinea pig cochlea. The determination of blood urea nitrogen, urinary N-acetyl-D-aminoglucosidase, and urinary protein and observation of renal morphology showed that it also protected the kidney against nephrotoxic nephritis of gentamicin. The conjecture that protection of the kidney by the Chinese herbs may be one of the important factors in preventing ototoxicity supports some explanations of ototoxic mechanisms induced by aminoglycoside antibiotics.

60.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with viral myocarditis

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Jun;15(6):328-30.Huang ZQ, Qin NP, Ye W.Zhejiang provincial TCM Hospital, Hangzhou.PMID: 7549379
The efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) oral liquor combined with routine therapy and routine therapy alone on T-lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood in viral myocarditis patients have been studied. The results showed that the T-lymphocyte subsets profile and OKT4/OKT8 ratio of peripheral blood were significantly lower in viral myocarditis patients than that in healthy control (P < 0.05, 0.01). Routine therapy combined with AM could significantly enhance OKT3, OKT4 and OKT4/OKT8 ratio in the above-mentioned patients (P < 0.05, 0.01). The possible pharmacodynamic mechanism of improved cell immunity in viral myocarditis patients by combining routine therapy with AM was discussed.

61.Clinical and experimental study on inhibitory effect of sanhuang mixture on platelet aggregation

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Aug;15(8):465-7.Huang WM, Yan J, Xu J.Cardiovascular Research Lab, Xuhui District Central Hospital, Shanghai.PMID: 8580692
Sanhuang mixture (Xinmai capsule) is composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Coptis chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis. It could inhibit platelet aggregation (PAG) induced by ADP in rats or by ADP and ADR in vivo. Patients with high PAG took Xinmai capsule for 4 weeks, the effective rate was 88.7%, which was same as the efficacy of aspirin 50 mg/day. In Syndrome Differentiation of TCM, the effective rate was the highest (92.3%) in the Syndrome of Qi Deficiency-Blood Stasis, and the lowest (72.7%) in the Syndrome of Stasis Phlegm and combined together.

62.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Ca2+ influx and coxsackie virus B3 RNA replication in cultured neonatal rat heart cells

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Aug;15(8):483-5.Guo Q, Peng TQ, Yang YZ.Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai.PMID: 8580697
The effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on Ca2+ influx across the myocardial plasma membrane and coxsackie virus B3(CVB3)-RNA replication in cultured neonatal rat heart cells infected with CVB3 was investigated. It was found that the Ca2+ influx could be inhibited significantly (P < 0.01) by AM after infection of heart cells for 48 h. In addition, when the cultured heart cells infected with CVB3 and treated with AM for 48 h, the Ca2+ influx of infected heart cells also could be inhibited by AM (P < 0.05) and the amounts of CVB3-RNA in myocytes were significantly decreased than that in infected control group (P < 0.001). These phenomena suggested that AM could exert the effects of decreasing the secondary Ca2+ damages, and improving the abnormal myocardial electric activity, and inhibiting replication of CVB3-RNA in myocardium. Thus, it is a rational choice to treat patients with AM in viral myocarditis.

63.The inhibitory effect of astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B-3 virus RNA replication.

Chin Med Sci J. 1995 Sep;10(3):146-50.Peng T, Yang Y, Riesemann H, Kandolf R.Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhong Shan Hospital of Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 8580483
Using mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus (CVB3) as a viral myocarditis model, we observed the inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on CVB3-RNA replication in myocardial tissue of mice by RNA-RNA in situ hybridization with negative-strand RNA probes labelled with 35S and quantitative imaging analysis of positive signals. The mechanism of its effect on CVB3-RNA replication has been investigated by detection of beta-interferon (beta-IFN) as well. Results showed that the copy numbers of CVB3-RNA as well as the histologic scores (necrosis) in myocardial tissues of infected-AM treated mice were significantly lower than those in infected and normal saline treated mice, suggesting that AM could inhibit the replication of CVB3-RNA, but its effect on CVB3-RNA replication had no correlation with induction of beta-IFN.

64.Nuclear cardiology study on effective ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus in treating heart failure

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Dec;15(12):707-9.Luo HM, Dai RH, Li Y.Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 8732134
The experimental study has testified that among the various effective constituents gained from Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is the main component. Nineteen patients with heart congestive failure were treated with effective ingredient of AM, the astragaloside IV (XGA) injection. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment the symptoms of chest distress, dispnea in 15 patients was alleviated, their capability of exercise reinforced. Radionuclide ventriculography showed that left ventricular modelling improved, left ventricular end-diastolic volume diminished by 11.74 +/- 18.39 ml, left ventricular end-systolic volume by 9.35 +/- 18.01 ml, with statistical significance. HR slowed from 88.21 +/- 17.19 to 64.55 +/- 13.06 beats/min, P < 0.05; PER increased from 1.80 +/- 0.86 to 1.95 +/- 0.85 u/second, P < 0.05. Left ventricular EF, PFR increased also at some extent without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Effective ingredient of AM, XGA injection is efficient positive inotropic drug, and could improve the left ventricular modelling and ejection function in patients with congestive heart failure after continuous administration of XGA injection for two weeks.

65.A study on combination therapy of Western and traditional Chinese medicine of acute viral myocarditis.

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1996 Dec;16(12):713-6.Gu W, Yang YZ, He MX.Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Medical University.PMID: 9772585
To investigate the combination therapy of Western and traditional Chinese medicine on treatment of acute viral myocarditis, 48 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The 1st group consisted of 30 patients, receiving the combination therapy of Western and traditional Chinese medicine, including Astragalus membranaceus, taurine, coenzyme Q10 and antiarrhythmics, while the 2nd group consisted of 18 patients, receiving the conventional therapy, including glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK), coenzyme Q10 and also antiarrhythmics. RESULTS: The efficacy of combination therapy of western and traditional Chinese medicine was better than that of conventional therapy in improving the clinical manifestation, negative converting positive EVsRNA in peripheral leukocytes and controlling the premature beats. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of western and traditional Chinese medicine was an effective method in treating acute viral myocarditis.

66.Regulation of the fibrinolytic potential of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells: astragaloside IV downregulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and upregulates tissue-type plasminogen activator expression.

J Vasc Res. 1997 Jul-Aug;34(4):273-80.Zhang WJ, Wojta J, Binder BR.Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, University of Vienna, Austria.PMID: 9256087
We have investigated whether the saponin astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylcycloastragenol, purified from the Chinese herb drug Astragalus membranaceus, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases, might affect the fibrinolytic potential of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). When HUVECs were conditioned with AS-IV, a dose (0.01-100 microg AS-IV/ml)- and time-dependent decrease in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and an increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) synthesis were observed, which were significant from 1 microg AS-IV/ml and from 12 h of incubation with 100 microg AS-IV/ml. PAI-1 antigen decreased from 641 +/- 86 to 318 +/- 18 ng/10(5) cells/24 h, whereas t-PA antigen increased from 4.1 +/- 0.3 to 9.7 +/- 0.4 ng/10(5) cells/24 h after addition of 100 microg AS-IV/ml. PAI-1 activity decreased to 30% of control level, whereas t-PA activity and t-PA-PAI-1 complexes reached a maximum stimulation of 3- and 5-fold over control levels, respectively, in the conditioned media of HUVECs treated with 100 microg AS-IV/ml for 24 h. PAI-1-specific mRNA expression decreased to 55% (2.2 kb) and 72% (3.2 kb), 66% (2.2 kb) and 88% (3.2 kb), and 19% (2.2 kb) and 41% (3.2 kb) of control values after incubation for 6, 12 and 18 h, respectively, whereas t-PA-specific mRNA increased 2-, 2.5- and 1.4-fold in HUVECs treated with 100 microg/ml AS-IV for 6, 12, and 18 h, respectively. In conclusion our data give evidence that in fact AS-IV can increase the fibrinolytic potential of cultured HUVECs not only by upregulating the expression of t-PA as NG-R1 does, but also by downregulating the expression of PAI-1.

67.Immunomodulating activity of Chinese medicinal herbs and Oldenlandia diffusa in particular.

Int J Immunopharmacol. 1997 Jul;19(7):359-70.PMID: 9568540
The effect of eight different Chinese medicinal herbs (CMHs) on lymphocytes was studied in vitro using murine spleen cells. Among the studied eight CMHs, Astragalus membranaceus and Oldenlandia diffusa markedly stimulated murine spleen cells to proliferate. The responder cells for CMHs were B cells, because the response was depleted by the treatment of spleen cells with anti-immunoglobulin (i.g.) antibody and complement and after purification by nylon wool column. This response was not due to contamination by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), because CMHs could stimulate C3H/HeJ spleen cells which are low responders to LPS. CMHs enhanced the production of Ig. CMHs also enhanced the induction of allo-antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. However, CMHs had no effect on natural killer cells. Furthermore, CMHs stimulated macrophages to produce interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor. The electroelution of the proteins from SDS-PAGE gel showed that the active components of Oldenlandia diffusa had an apparent molecular weight of 90-200 kD and were sensitive to pronase E and NaIO4 treatment, suggesting glycoproteins in nature. These results suggest that CMHs have immunomodulating activity in vitro and this activity could be used clinically for the modulation of immune responses.

68.Botanical influences on cardiovascular disease.

Altern Med Rev. 1998 Dec;3(6):422-31.Miller AL.PMID: 9855567
Several botanicals, including Crataegus oxycantha, Terminalia arjuna, Inula racemosa, and Astragalus membranaceus, have been found to have therapeutic benefit for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Crataegus oxycantha has been used traditionally as a cardiac tonic and current uses include treatment for angina, hypertension, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Animal studies have also indicated that Crataegus extracts may also have potential use as anti-ischemic and lipid-lowering agents. The bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree has a long history of use as a cardiac tonic as well, and has been indicated in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia and for relief of anginal pain. Additionally, it has been found to have antibacterial and antimutagenic properties. Inula racemosa, also known as Pushkarmoola, is another traditional Ayurvedic botanical that has potential cardioprotective benefit. In human trials, a combination of Inula racemosa and Commiphora mukul was shown to be superior to nitroglycerin in reducing the chest pain and dyspnea associated with angina. Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herb, is often used as a "Qi tonifier" and has been studied for its therapeutic benefit in treatment of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and relief of anginal pain. Clinical studies have indicated that its in vitro antioxidant activity is the mechanism by which it affords its cardioprotective benefit.

69.Studies on chemical constituents and immunological function activity of hairy root of Astragalus membranaceus.

Chin J Biotechnol. 1998;14(2):93-7.Zheng Z, Liu D, Song C, Cheng C, Hu Z.Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Materia Medica College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.PMID: 10196633
Using a large-scale culture technique, the hairy roots of Astragalus membranaceus were produced with a yield reaching 10 g/L. The results from RP-HPLC detection showed that the contents of crude saponin and astragaloside i.v. in the hairy roots were 5.81% and 0.14%, respectively. Six isoflavonoid compounds were also determined. Polysaccharide analysis showed that the total polysaccharide content in the hairy roots was 22.97%; of this content, acidic 8.29% and soluble 14.88%. In comparison with the dry roots, the hairy roots contained higher crude saponin and soluble polysaccharide contents, similar astragaloside i.v. content and lower contents of 6 isoflavonoids, total and acidic polysaccharides, showing that the quality of both types of roots was similar. Regaining the immunity function of rats with low immunity after feeding the aqueous extract of the hairy roots produced by large-scale culture showed that its capacity was similar to the dry roots of A. membranaceus in increasing the immunity function. The results in this paper give evidence that the hairy roots may be a new source of A. membranaceus.

70.Antidotal effect of glucoside extracted from Astragalus membranaceus on dimethoate intoxication in guinea pigs.

Med Lav. 1998;89 Suppl 2:S136-41.Li Y, Liu X, Xue SZ.Department of Toxicology, Shanghai Medical University, China.PMID: 10217935
Therapeutic effect of the glucoside extracted from the root of Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) was studied in guinea pigs intoxicated with 600 mg/kg doses of Dimethoate (D). Four groups of guinea pigs, each consisting of two males and two females, were treated with (a) D, (b) D + Atropine, and (c) D + AM, (d) D + Atropine + AM. The survival time of the animals increased from an average of 70 minutes without AM to an average of 235 minutes with AM. Severe changes in ECG were observed prior to respiratory distress in groups without AM, and Atropine did not modify such changes. Differently, severe ECG disorders appeared only after respiratory distress in groups treated with AM. Prolongation of the Q-T interval and changing of the T wave configuration were significantly mitigated in the AM treated animals, while, arrhythmias were minimized and postponed. Moreover, muscular fasciculation and fibrillation, seizures and secretion in the respiratory tract were also significantly reduced by AM treatment. Results have shown that AM could be a promising drug to be used after cholinergic crisis in the treatment of cardiac complications with severe organophosphate intoxication.

71.Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure.

Chin Med J (Engl). 1998 Jan;111(1):17-23.Ma J, Peng A, Lin S.Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, China.PMID: 10322646
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali on sodium and water retention in aortocaval fistula-caused experimental congestive heart failure and its involved mechanisms. METHODS: In aortocaval fistula-caused chronic (5 wk), heart failure rats treated with and without Astragali 1.0 g/day intraperitoneally, changes of cardiac and renal function, renal response to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were examined. Dot blot analysis was used to determine the effect of Astragali on hypothalamic arginine vasopresin (AVP) mRNA expression, and mRNA expressions of aortic and renal AVP V1a receptor, renal AVP V2 receptor and aquaporin-2 (AQP2) were simultaneously detected by RT-PCR method. RESULTS: Rats with aortocaval fistula impaired cardiac and renal functions evidenced by higher right atrial pressure (RAP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lower + dP/dtmax of left ventricle, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), urine volume (UV), urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) and free water clearance (CH2O) compared with sham-operated control (P < 0.05). There was no change in serum sodium, hematocrit and plasma osmolality. Astragali could remarkably improve the cardiac and renal functions. Dot blot analysis demonstrated upregulated hypothalamic AVP mRNA expression in this experimental heart failure. The AVP V1a receptor mRNA level of aortic arch and renal medulla were reduced, while in renal cortex it was elevated. The mRNA expressions of AVP V2 receptor and AQP2 were increased in renal cortex while decreased in medulla. Astragali could partially or completely correct those abnormal mRNA expressions. Analysis on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), urinary cyclic guanidino monophosphate excretion (UcGMP V), urinary cyclic guanidino monophosphate excretion/plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (UcGMP V/pANP), and further correlation and linear regression analysis between UcGMP V and plasma ANP showed that there was blunted renal response to ANP in heart failure rat, and astragali could improve the renal reaction to ANP significantly. CONCLUSION: Chinese herb, astragali have therapeutic effects on sodium and water retention in aortocaval fistula-induced heart failure, the mechanisms of which might be the improvement of cardiac and renal functions, partly correction of abnormal mRNA expressions of AVP system and AQP2, and amelioration of blunted renal response to ANP.

72.Myocardial protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury by a Polygonum multiflorum extract supplemented 'Dang-Gui decoction for enriching blood', a compound formulation, ex vivo.

Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):195-9.PMID: 10815014
'Dang-Gui Decoction for Enriching the Blood' (BE), a traditional Chinese formulation comprising Angelica sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus, is used for stimulating red blood cell production as well as enhancing cardiovascular function. In the present study, we have demonstrated the myocardial protection afforded by BE pretreatment against ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in isolated-perfused rat hearts. A more complete and potent myocardial protection against IR injury was also shown by a Polygonum multiflorum extract supplemented BE preparation (BEA). The results suggest that the more potent cardioprotective action of BEA may be related to its ability to sustain the myocardial glutathione antioxidant status under conditions of IR-induced oxidative stress, which may possibly in turn result from the synergistic interaction between the BE and Polygonum extract.

73.Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry study of the flavonoids of the roots of Astragalus mongholicus and A. membranaceus.

J Chromatogr A. 2000 Apr 21;876(1-2):87-95.Lin LZ, He XG, Lindenmaier M, Nolan G, Yang J, Cleary M, Qiu SX, Cordell GA.Research Laboratory of Natural Products Chemistry, A.M. Todd Botanicals, Eugene, OR 97402, USA. longze.lin@amtbotanicals.com PMID: 10823504
High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has been applied to analyze the flavonoids of Huangqi, the roots of Astragalus mongholicus and A. membranaceus. Eight flavonoids were identified as calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6"-O-malonate (2), ononin, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-bet a-D-glucoside, calycosin, (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6"-O-malonate and formononetin by direct comparison with the isolated standards from Huangqi. The existence of (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan, (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan, astrapterocarpanglucoside-6'-O-malonate and astraisoflavanglucoside-6'-O-malonate was detected. This is the first report of flavonoid glycoside malonates in these two Astragalus species, and malonate 2 is a structurally completely identified new compound.

74.Inhibitory effects of astragali radix, crude drug in Oriental medicines on lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification of mouse brain homogenate by copper.

Phytother Res. 2000 Jun;14(4):294-6.PMID: 10861978
Astragali Radix, the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, is a crude drug used widely in Oriental medicines. It is a major component of Ougi-Keishi-gomotsu-to, a traditional herbal medicine, used for neurop patients with abnormal sensations and neuropathic pain of the legs. It was shown to have inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification by copper. The effects were similar to and stronger than those of mannitol and superoxide dismutase as free radical scavengers. These results demonstrated that Astragali Radix has inhibitory effects on oxidative stress induced by metal.

75.Protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. and Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. on experimental model of cerebral ischemia in rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Jun;23(6):371-3, inside back cover.PMID: 11601305
The experimental model of middle cerebral artery embolism in rats was made by inserting nylon thread. It was discovered that Astragalus membranaceus decoction(both 4.26 g.kg-1 and 7.1 g.kg-1) could reduce the capillary hyperpermeability and alleviate the dyskinesia caused by cerebral ischemia in rats. Purified Hedysarum polybotrys decoction (waste substances removed with alcohol after decocting with water) (12.5 g.kg-1) could reduce the water content in brain caused by occlusion of bilateral carotids in rats. Purified Hedysarum polybotrys decoction showed a tendency to reduce the water content in brain, but without statistical significance.

76.Determination of astragaloside IV in Radix astragali (Astragalus membranaceus var. monghulicus) using high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection.

J Chromatogr Sci. 2001 Nov;39(11):459-62.Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA.PMID: 11718305
A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method is developed for the determination of astragaloside IV, a characteristic constituent in Radix Astragali. Samples are analyzed by means of a reverse-phase column (Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18) using acetonitrile and water under gradient conditions as the mobile phase for 30 min. An evaporative light-scattering detector is used and set at an evaporating temperature of 43 degrees C with a nebulizing gas (compressed air) pressure of 3.4 bar. The detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio > 5) of astragaloside IV is 40 ng on-column.

77.Effects of Astragaloside in treating myocardial injury and myocardial Sarco/Endoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase of viral myocarditis mice

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1999 Nov;19(11):672-4.Lu S, Zhang J, Yang D.Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing (210029).PMID: 11783161
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects on myocardial injury and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase of viral myocarditis mice treated with Astragaloside (AS) and Astragalus Injection (AI). METHODS: Viral myocarditis model was created by intraperitoneal inoculation with coxsackievirus B3m (CVB3m) solution and were divided into model, AS, AI and normal control groups. The mortality, myocardial pathological changes, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and the activity of myocardial Sarco/Endoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) were observed. RESULTS: The mortality of model was higher than that of the normal control (P = 0.0042), AS and AI (P < 0.05). The serum level of cTnI of model was significantly higher than that of the normal control (P < 0.001), AS (P < 0.025) and AI (P < 0.05). The myocardial necrosis and inflammatory changes of AS and AI groups were alleviated than that of model (P < 0.01). The activity of myocardial SERCA of model were significantly lower than that of normal control (P < 0.001), AS (P < 0.01) and AI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AS and AI have some protecting effects on myocardial injury of viral myocarditis mice. AS is the effective component of Astragalus membranaceus in treating viral myocarditis. One of the mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus and AS for viral myocarditis mice depriving of the myocardial injury may be due to improve the activity of myocardial SERCA in the mice.

78.Determination of 6 isoflavonoids in the hairy root cultures of Astragalus membranaceus by HPLC

Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998;33(2):148-51.Zheng Z, Song C, Liu D, Hu Z.Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shanghai 200032.PMID: 11938951
An accurate RP-HPLC method for the determination of 10-hydroxy-3, 9-dimethoxypeterocarpan, (3R) 8,2'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyisoflavan, formonenetin (7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone), 8, 3'-dihydroxy-7, 4'-dimethoxy-isoflavone, 2'-hydroxy-3', 4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-glucopyranoside and alycosin (7,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone) in the hairy root cultures of Astragalus membranaceus was developed. Among them, 10-hydroxy-3, 9-dimethoxypeterocarpan, (3R) 8,2'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyisoflavan and 8,3'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyisoflavone were new compounds in Astragalus membranaceus. The analytical column was Nucleosil C18. The mobile phases were methanol-water = 3:2 and 1:1 (v/v). The detection wavelengths were 254 nm and 280 nm. Calibration graphs were rectilinear between 2.5 micrograms and 12.5 micrograms. The recoveries were between 96.47% and 103.33%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of measurement precision test were 2.57%-6.52%. The flavonoid contents in the hairy root cultures were between 0.0005% and 0.0065% (dry weight).

79.Chemical analysis of Radix Astragali (Huangqi) in China: a comparison with its adulterants and seasonal variations.

J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 14;50(17):4861-6.Ma XQ, Shi Q, Duan JA, Dong TT, Tsim KW.Department of Biology and Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.PMID: 12166972
Radix Astragali (root of Astragalus; Huangqi) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine, and Astragalus membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongolicus are two commonly used species; however, there are many Astragalus species that could act as adulterants of Radix Astragali. To find the chemical composition of Radix Astragali, the main constituents including flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, amino acids, and trace elements were determined in two Radices Astragali, A. membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongolicus, and its eight adulterants, Astragalus propinquus, Astragalus lepsensis, Astragalus aksuensis, Astragalus hoantchy, Astragalus hoantchy subsp. dshimensis, Astragalus lehmannianus, Astragalus sieversianus, and Astragalus austrosibiricus. The results showed that the amounts of main constituents such as isoflavonoids and astragalosides varied in different species. In distinction, A. membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongolicus contained a higher amount of astragaloside I and IV. In addition, the main constituents of A. membranaceus var.mongholicus changed according to seasonal variation and age of the plant. The chemical composition of different species of Astragalus would provide useful information for the quality control of Radix Astragali.

80.Preparative isolation and purification of calycosin from Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

J Chromatogr A. 2002 Jul 12;962(1-2):243-7.PMID: 12198969
Calycosin was purified from an ethyl acetate extract of the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography. The separation was performed in two steps with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-chloroform-methanol-water (1:3:3:2, v/v). From 200 mg of the crude extract, 14.8 mg of calycosin was obtained at over 99% purity as determined by HPLC analysis, and its chemical structure was confirmed by MS, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance.

81.Determination of astragaloside IV in radix Astragali by HPLC with evaporative light scattering detector

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2000 Mar;25(3):166-8.PMID: 12212102
OBJECTIVE: To develop a new method for the determination of astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali. METHOD: A HPLC-ELSD method was set up, using Hypersil C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm), acetonitrile-water(1:2) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.0 ml.min-1. The parameters of drift tube and gas flow rate of the detector were set at 105 degrees C and 2.96 L.min-1 respectively. RESULT: The calibration curve was linear in the range of 2.02-10.12 micrograms. The average recovery was 100.5%. CONCLUSION: The active constituent astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali can be separated effectively. ELSD detection is appropriate for the determination of constituents with end absorption at low ultra-violet wavelengths.

82.Studies on pharmacological junctions of hairy root of Astragalus membranaceus

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Oct;24(10):619-21, 639.PMID: 12205961
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hairy root of Astragalus membranaceus(HRA). METHOD: HRA were given 10 g/kg per day for 50 days to aged mice treated with D-galactose, and the effect on memory and antioxidant functions were estimated. After administration of HRA 10 g/kg for four days, anti-ischemia-reperfusion kidney model of rat was prepared. The kidney function, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde(MDA) in kidney were examined. Mice with immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide were given orally HRA 10 g/kg for 12 days. The activity of natural killer (NK) cells was measured. RESULT: HRA improved the memory, raised SOD activity in brain and liver, decreased the MDA content in the liver of aged mice, reduced the MDA content in ischemia-reperfusion kidney, decreased the creatinine level in blood of rats, and promoted the activity of NK cells in immunosuppressed mice. CONCLUSION: Similar to the natural A. membranaceus, HRA has senility-preventing, antioxidizing and immunomodulating functions.

83.Antiviral action of combined use of rhizoma Polygoni cuspidati and radix Astragali on HSV-1 strain

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Mar;24(3):176-80, 192.Wang Z, Cheng Z, Fang X.Department of Oncogenic Virus, Virus Research Institute, Hubei Medical University, Wuhan 430071.PMID: 12242802
OBJECTIVE: The clinical action of combined use of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati and Radix Astragali on HSV-1 was investigated with a view to developing a new antiviral drug. METHOD: The action was analyzed by way of plaque reduction assay and median-effect principle. RESULTS: In the HEp-2 cell system, if the combination ratio of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati and Radix Astragali was 1(ED50):1(ED50) then, (1) In directly annihilating HSV-1 F strain, when the plaque reduction rate was 20%-80%, and the combination index was < 1.0, there was synergism. (2) In inhibiting the multiplication of HSV-1 F strain, when the plaque reduction rate was 20%-60%, and the combination index was < 1.0, there was also synergism. (3) In blockading HSV-1 F strain infection, when the plaque reduction rate was 20%-90% and the combination index was < 1.0, there was synergism. So this ratio of 1(ED50):1(ED50) should be the first choice for combination. CONCLUSION: The treatment index of the above two Chinese medicinal herbs equals 10(3), and the cytotoxicity is not potentiated, indicating that the combination is helpful as a virucide for HSV-1 F strain.

84.Inhibition of Trypanosoma cruzi growth by medical plant extracts.

Fitoterapia. 2002 Dec;73(7-8):569-75.Schinella GR, Tournier HA, Prieto JM, R��os JL, Buschiazzo H, Zaidenberg A.C��tedra de Farmacolog��a, Facultad de Ciencias M��dicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calles 60 y 120, La Plata 1900, Argentina. schinell@lacasilla.com.ar ,PMID: 12490214
This study describes the screening of extracts obtained from 18 plants and two fungi used in the Chinese and Mediterranean traditional medicines on epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. The extracts were tested against epimastigote of T. cruzi Bra C15C2 clone in vitro at 27 degrees C and at a concentration of 250 microg/ml in axenic culture. Angelica dahurica, A. pubescens, A. sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Coptis chinensis, Haplophyllum hispanicum, Phellodendron amurense, Poria cocos, Ranunculus sceleratus and Scutellaria baicalensis showed significant effects against the parasite with a percentage of growth inhibition between 20 and 100%. C. chinensis and R. sceleratus showed the greatest activity with IC(50) values of 1.7 microg/ml for C. chinensis and 10.7 microg/ml for R. sceleratus. These activities are greater than that of allopurinol. C. chinesis and R. sceleratus extracts did not show cytotoxic effects on rat polimorphonuclear cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and lactic dehydrogenase assays. These results allowed us to suggest that R. sceleratus and C. chinensis could be a source of new compounds clinically active against T. cruzi. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

85.Suppressive effect of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge on chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2003 Jan;51(1):75-80. Epub 2002 Nov 26.PMID: 12497209
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has been widely used for treating liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Experimental evidence indicates that it has antitumor potential. In this study, the effect of AM on hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN), two-thirds partial hepatectomy, and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) (DEN-PH-AAF) was evaluated using glutathione S-transferase placenta form (GST-P) as marker. First, rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with DEN (200 mg/kg in saline), a two-thirds partial hepatectomy was carried out 2 weeks later, and the rats were then placed on a basal diet containing 0.02% AAF from week 3 to week 8 to induce hepatocarcinogenesis. The rats were given AM (90 mg/kg or 180 mg/kg body weight) by gavage from week 3 to week 8 (treatment groups). The formation of GST-P-positive foci and the expression of GST-P protein and mRNA caused by DEN-PH-AAF were reduced in the treatment groups, which clearly suggests that AM is effective in delaying DEN-PH-AAF-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

86.Effects of components isolated from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge on cardiac function injured by myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2000 May;25(5):300-2.PMID: 12512456
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of components isolated from Astragalus membranaceus on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. METHODS: The myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury model was created by the left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion from the oracotouated rats, and the total saponins, total flavonids and astragaloside i.v. isolated from A. membranaceus on hemodynamics during acute myocardial ischemia, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, cAMP and malondialdehyede (MDA) contents in the ischemic myocardium were observed. RESULTS: The total saponins, total flavonids and astragaloside i.v. attenuated the declines of the amplitudes of LVSP and +/- LVdp/dtmax in rat heart injured by ischemia reperfusion in vivo, and decreased Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in the ischemic myocardium. Otherwise, the total saponins increased the cAMP content and the total flavonids decreased the level of MDA production in the ischemic myocardium. CONCLUSION: The effects of different components isolated from A. membranaceus on protecting the cardiac function in the process of ischemia reperfusion may be related to the mechanism of improving energy metabolism, scavenging the oxygen free radicals and inhibiting the production of free radicals in the ischemic myocardium.

87.Study on the anti-herpes simplex virus activity of a suppository or ointment form of Astragalus membranaceus combined with interferon alpha 2b in human diploid cell culture

Zhonghua Shi Yan He Lin Chuang Bing Du Xue Za Zhi. 1998 Sep;12(3):269-71.PMID: 12526333
A study on the anti-herpes simplex virus activity of the suppository or ointment form of Astragalus membranaceus(AM) combined with recombinant human interferon alpha 2b(IFN) was carried out in human diploid cell culture. AM is a Chinese herb medicine and have been used in China as a tonic for thousands of years and the IFN was produced from E. coli with 95% purity. Obtained results indicated that the placebo suppository and ointment(without AM and IFN) seemed not to decrease markedly the anti-viral activity of IFN in WISH/VSV assay system. The anti-herpes simplex virus activities of suppository and ointment forms of AM and IFN were shown to be significantly higher than that of IFN alone. It is well known that chronic cervicitis is closely related to papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus as well as herpes virus infections. The AM-IFN suppository is suggested to be used in the treatment of cervicitis and the ointment in the treatment of skin herpes.

88.Induction of growth hormone by the roots of Astragalus membranaceus in pituitary cell culture.

Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Jan;26(1):34-9.PMID: 12568355
The traditional Asian medicinal herb, roots of Astragalus (A.) membranaceus (Leguminosae), is used for many purposes, some of which are purported to stimulate the release of growth hormone in vivo. Extracts of A. membranaceus were tested to determine whether they stimulate the release of growth hormone in rat pituitary cell culture. A. membranaceus was extracted sequentially with 80% ethanol (fraction A), n-hexane (fraction B); the test compound from the herbal extraction was isolated using silica gel column chromatography and was identified with spectral data. Test compound was also extracted by traditional boiling water methods. Induction of growth hormone in pituitary cell culture was conducted with isolated compounds and extracted fractions of A. Radix (dried roots of A. membranaceus). The fraction A was not active in the rat pituitary cell culture, but the fraction B derived from the ethanol fraction stimulated the release of growth hormone in culture. Six compounds from fraction B (1-6) were isolated and identified previously. The compounds 1,2-benzendicarboxylic acid diisononylester (1), beta-sitosterol (2), and 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-sitosterol (5) did not induce growth hormone release in the culture. Formononetin (3), 9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (4), stigmast-4-en-6beta-ol-3-one (6) and 98-E, a mixture of 1'-9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-2',3'-dihydroxy-propylester (7) and 1'-hexadecanoic acid-2',3'-dihydroxy-propylester (8) stimulated the release of growth hormone in the rat pituitary cell culture significantly compared to the control. In conclusions, four compounds isolated from extracts of A. Radix induced growth hormone release in the rat pituitary cell culture. The 98-E isolate was the most active inducer of growth hormone release.

89.Effect of Astragalus injection on platelet function and plasma endothelin in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001 Apr;21(4):274-6.PMID: 12577356
OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of Astragalus injection (AI) in treating early stage diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. METHODS: The total of 136 early diabetic nephropathy patients were randomly divided into two groups, 50 cases in the conventional treated group and 86 in the AI treated group, the therapeutic course being 3 weeks. Levels of plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), 24 hrs urinary albumin excretion rate (uAER), and platelet granule membrane protein (GMP-140), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha(6-keto-PGF1 alpha), and thromboxane B2(TXB2) before and after treatment were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. Moreover, the above-mentioned criteria in 26 healthy subjects were also measured for control. RESULTS: The plasma ET-1, GMP-140, TXB2 and uAER levels in DN patients were higher, but 6-keto-PGF1 alpha level was lower than those in healthy subjects. The above elevated criteria in DN patients could be lowered by AI treatment. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis and development of DN might be closely associated with the changes of plasma ET-1 level and platelet function. Astragalus could improve the above-mentioned changes in patients of early stage DN.

90.Therapeutic effect of Astragalus and Angelica on renal injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001 Jan;21(1):43-6.PMID: 12577378
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Astragalus and Angelica on acute renal injury. METHODS: Using the ischemia/reperfusion model established by blocking blood flow through clamping of bilateral renal artery for 45 min, the changes of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), urinary volume (UV) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well as the morphological change of kidney before and after ischemia/reperfusion were observed. RESULTS: Astragalus and Angelica could promote recovery of RPF and GFR after ischemia/reperfusion, prevent the oliguria or shorten the oliguria period, reduce the increment of FENa and improve the histomorphological injury of kidney. CONCLUSION: Astragalus and Angelica have certain effect in protecting kidney from acute renal injury.

91.Influence of Salvia miltiorrhizae and Astragalus membranaceus on hemodynamics and liver fibrosis indexes in liver cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001 May;21(5):351-3.PMID: 12577420
OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on hemodynamics and liver fibrosis indexes in patients of liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension. METHODS: Eighty-four cases of liver cirrhosis were enrolled and divided randomly into two groups, 42 in each. The control group was treated with conventional therapy and the tested group treated with SM and AM. The parameters, including diameter of portal vein and splenic vein (Dpv and Dsv), speed of blood flow in portal vein and splenic vein (Spv and Ssv), quantity of blood flow in portal vein and splenic vein (Qpv and Qsv) as well as liver fibrosis indexes, such as HA, PC III and LN, were determined before, 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, in the tested group, Dpv and Dsv decreased, Spv and Ssv increased, and Qpv and Qsv reduced, showing a significant difference in comparison with those in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The liver fibrosis indexes were improved significantly in the tested group, also showed significant difference from those in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SM and AM could improve portal hypertension effectively in liver cirrhosis patients, one of the mechanism may be related with the improvement of liver fibrosis.

92.Characterization and recognition key components in Astragalus membranaceus

Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2001 Jul;36(7):523-7.PMID: 12585085
AIM: To separate, identify and quantify multi-components in complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Astragalus membranaceus by unified analysis for systematic study of its relative contents. METHODS: The analytical method was reverse-phase HPLC/photodiode array detector. Based on the comparison of UV spectra, software of UV database to assist recognition has been established. Key components have been found and recognized in two reference Astragalus membranaceus and three samples from different sources. With the unified analytical project, relative peak heights of key components were recognized and contrasted. RESULTS: The water-soluble components can be separated by solvent system A, a gradient program with mobile phase of methanol-water. The liposoluble components can be separated with the solvent system B, a gradient program of mobile phase of 2-propanol-acetonitrile-water. UV detection wavelength was set at 202 nm and the flow rate was 1 mL.min-1 on a Hypersil ODS column. Twenty-nine components in the four Astragalus membranaceus were recognized using characteristic parameters of chromatography and UV spectroscopy. All of the 29 key components in two reference samples and three samples from different sources were shown in their chromatograms to be the same. The concentrations of some the key components in different samples were similar while those of the others were different. The chromatographic peaks of the reference Astragalus membranaceus and two samples were matched with each other. Many different fingerprints were found and differences were shown on their chromatograms. Not only there were differences among three samples from different source, but also there were differences in the two reference samples. CONCLUSION: To find out the key components and recognize them are the basis of quantitative recognition and are very useful when standards are not available. The method of multi-component quantitative recognition in Astragalus membranaceus was developed. The method is convenient and reproducible. It can be widely used for the quality control of the Astragalus membranaceus.

93.Extracorporeal experimental study on immuno-modulatory activity of Astragalus memhranaceus extract

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jun;22(6):453-6.PMID: 12585195
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) in regulating the immune function of human peripheral blood immune cells (PBIC) in vitro. METHODS: Effects of AME on the proliferation activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the tumor cell phagocytosis of peripheral blood adherent monocytes (PBAM) were measured by using 3H-TdR incorporation. Effect of the tumor-killing activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) was determined by using 51Cr-releasing assay. Effects on production of IgG by peripheral blood B cells (PBBC) and IL-6 by PBAM were tested by means of ELISA, and effect on production of TNF-alpha by PBAM was studied by means of biological method. Besides, the protein elements of AME were analysed by SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: AME could promote the proliferation of human PBMC, elevate the tumor cell-killing activity of CTL, strengthen the tumor cell phagocytosis and cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) production of PBAM, and promote the IgG production of PBBC. AME contained multiple protein elements. CONCLUSION: AME has effect in enhancing human immuno-function and anti-tumor activity, it could be applied in clinical practice for immuno-modulation and tumor treatment.

94.Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jul;22(7):515-7.PMID: 12592686
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Astragalus membranaceus efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing on chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor. METHODS: One hundred and twenty tumor patients were randomly divided into the treated group and the control group. Both groups were treated with chemotherapy, but to the treated group, Astragalus injection was given additionally by intravenous dripping, 20 ml in 250 ml of normal saline once per day for 21 days as one course and 4 courses were given successively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the treated group showed a lower progressive incidence, lesser decrease of peripheral WBC and platelet count (P < 0.05), accompanied with CD8 significantly lowered (P < 0.05), CD4/CD8 ratio significantly increased (P < 0.01), IgG and IgM levels raised (P < 0.05) and Karnofsky scores elevated more than those in the control group. IgA level was unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSION: Astragalus injection supplemented with chemotherapy could inhibit the development of tumor, decrease the toxic-adverse effect of chemotherapy, elevate the immune function of organism and improve the quality of life in patients.

95.Preparative isolation and purification of two isoflavones from Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

J Chromatogr A. 2003 Apr 11;992(1-2):193-7.PMID: 12735475
Two isoflavones, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glycoside and formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glycoside, were separated from n-butanol extract of the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography in two steps using two different solvent systems composed of ethyl acetate-ethanol-n-butanol-water (30:10:6:50, v/v) and ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (5:1:5, v/v). From 200 mg of crude extract, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glycoside (12 mg) and formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glycoside (10 mg) were isolated at over 95% purity by HPLC analyses, and their structures were identified by MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR.

96.Effect of components of dang-gui-bu-xue decoction on hematopenia

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Jan;27(1):50-3.PMID: 12774358
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and the related mechanisms of the components of Dang-Gui-Bu-Xue decoction (DGBXD) on improving blood deficiency. METHOD: The effects of promoting hematopoietic function were observed with the blood difficient model mice, by giving components of DGBXD. RBC, WBC, reticulocytes and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were determined. The components of DGBXD on proliferation of BMNC and on clony forming unit (CFU) were also determined. RESULT: The components of DGBXD remarkably increased the quantity of RBC, WBC, and BMNC. Some of the components promoted the proliferation of BMNC and increased the quantity of CFU-Mix. Among them, polysaccharide of angelica was most potent. CONCLUSION: The studies show that the extracts and some components of DGBXD can promote the hemopoietic function system of the model mice, and they exert the effects in a comprehensive way.

97.Effect of satragaloside IV on the increase of microvascular permeability induced by histamine in pial microvessels of rat

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Dec;26(12):850-3.PMID: 12776337
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of satragaloside IV on the microvascular permeability induced by histamine in pial microvessels. METHOD: The microvascular permeability was expressed by changes in the transendothelial electrical resistance which was measured with technique using microelectrode impaled into the vascular lumen and based on cable analysis of vessels in rat. RESULT: The transendothelial electrical resistance of microvessels superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid was about 2500 omega.cm2, indicating a tight barrier with extremely low ion permeability, and application of 10(-4) mol.L-1 histamine in superfusate caused a rapid and reversible decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance. In paired experiment, the decrease of transendothelial electrical resistance induced by 10(-4) mol.L-1 histamine was inhibited by adding 0.8 x 10(-4) mol.L-1 satragaloside IV in superfusate. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that increases in the microvascular permeability induced by histamine, and satragaloside IV can inhibit the increases in the microvascular permeability induced by histamine. It is necessary that the cellular mechanism of permeability response induced by satragaloside IV be further elucidated.

98.Studies on protective effect of total flavonoids of Astragalus on liver damage induced by paracetamol

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Jul;26(7):483-6.PMID: 12776364
OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) on the liver against large doses of paracetamol in mice. METHOD: After oral administration of TFA or Vitamin C 1 h prior to giving large dose of paracetamol in mice, the changes of paracetamol-induced mortality rate, serum enzyme level and liver damage degree were observed. RESULT: Paracetamol produced 80% mortality, within 24 hours of the administration of a dose of 1000 mg.kg-1 to the mice. Pre-treatment of the animals with TFA (100 mg.kg-1) or Vitamin C (1,000 mg.kg-1) reduced the death rate to 20% and 0% respectively. There was also a significant rise in the serum enzyme level of alanine transaminase (P < 0.001) and the area of liver necrosis (P < 0.001), 24 h after paracetamol (400 mg.kg-1) treatment. With pre-treatment with either TFA or Vitamin C, there was an obvious dose-dependent decrease in ALT levels and the area of hepatocellular necrosis. CONCLUSION: TFA has potential protecting effect against the paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.

99.Protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage using total flavonoids of Astragalus

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Sep;26(9):617-20.PMID: 12776431
OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of the protection by total flavonoids of Astragalus protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage. METHOD: Analysing paracetamol and its metabolites in mice urine by HPLC and studying the mechanism of anti-damage induced by paracetamol using experiment module of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. RESULT: Administration of large doses of paracetamol to C57BL/6J mice produced significant hepatic injury with marked elevation in serum ALT activity and severe hepatocellular necrosis. TFA showed a good protective capability against paracetamol-induced hepatic injury. TFA had no marked effect on paracetamol and its metabolites except for the mercapturate-conjugate. The concentration of mercapturate change decreased with increasing TFA dose. TFA had no effect on the pentobarbital metabolites (P > 0.05). However, paracetamol (400 mg.kg-1) prolonged the sleeping time (by 110 min relative to the controls, P < 0.001). The TFA (P < 0.005) caused significant reduction in paracetamol-prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism of TFA's protective effect against the paracetamol-induced damage may be related to the inhibition of some metabolism progress of paracetamol and the reduction of the toxicity metabolite such as mercapturate-conjugate.

100.Effect of astragalus on the endothelin in rats with acute lung injury.

J Tongji Med Univ. 1999;19(3):206-8, 214.PMID: 12840895
The effect of astragalus on the endothelin in serum and lung of the rats with acute lung injury was studied. The results demonstrated that the concentration of endothelin in the lung of the rats in therapy group was lower than that of the injured rats (64.36 +/- 5.37 ng/L vs 103.32 +/- 4.99 ng/L, P < 0.001), and level of serum endothelin was also lower than that of the injured rats (85.35 ng/L vs 113.35 ng/L, P < 0.01). PaO2, serum SOD, lung coefficient, ratio of lung wet weight/dry weight in two groups were also significantly different (P < 0.01) respectively, and the lung pathological injury in the treatment group were less than that of injury group. So it is concluded that astragalus could inhibit the increase of serum and lung endothelin, thereby playing a protective role in the rats with acute lung injury.

101.Flavonoids and phenol carboxylic acids in the oriental medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus acclimated in Poland.

Z Naturforsch C. 2003 Jul-Aug;58(7-8):602-4.PMID: 12939051
Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge has been was successfully acclimated in Central Europe. We report the content of isoflavones and some other polyphenolic compounds in roots and aerial parts that have been analyzed by means of TLC and HPLC. The total amount of isoflavones in leaves, was 0.55 mg g(-1) dry weight, and of the flavonols--up to 3.54 mg g(-1). In the roots isoflavonoid content was extremely variable, but reached 3.04 mg g(-1), whereas flavonols content was 0.49 mg g(-1).

102.Antiinflammatory activity of astragaloside IV is mediated by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and adhesion molecule expression.

Thromb Haemost. 2003 Nov;90(5):904-14.PMID: 14597987
The regulated expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial cells is a key process in the pathogenesis of inflammation. The saponin astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylcycloastragenol purified from the Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. In this study we have investigated the effect of AS-IV on cytokine-and LPS-stimulated expression of adhesion molecules in and leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. We have demonstrated that AS-IV significantly reduced the adhesion promoting activity of LPS-stimulated HUVECs for polymorph-nuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and the monocytic cell line THP-1. Furthermore, by using specific cell ELISAs we could show that AS-IV decreased the LPS-induced expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1 on the surface of HUVECs in a dose and time dependent manner, whereas the expression of ICAM-1 was not affected by AS-IV. AS-IV also inhibits TNFalpha-induced VCAM-1 expression. The saponin octyl-D-glucopyranoside had no effect on the LPS-induced expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1 excluding an unspecific detergent-like effect of AS-IV. Moreover, AS-IV significantly inhibited LPS- and TNFalpha-induced specific mRNA levels for E-selectin and VCAM-1. Finally, we could show that AS-IV completely abolished LPS- and TNFalpha-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB DNA binding activity in endothelial cells. We conclude that the ability of AS-IV to inhibit the NF-kappaB pathway might be one under-lying mechanism contributing to its anti-inflammatory potential in vivo.

103.Influence of traditional Chinese anti-inflammatory medicinal plants on leukocyte and platelet functions.

J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003 Sep;55(9):1275-82.PMID: 14604471
The enzymes 5-lipoxygenase and elastase are therapeutic targets in dermatological disorders such as psoriasis. Fifteen extracts from traditional Chinese medicinal plants used to treat topical inflammations were screened for their inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and elastase activity in intact leukocytes and platelets. Astragalus membranaceus, Forsythia suspensa and Poria cocos inhibited 5-lipoxygenase, with IC50 values of 141, 80 and 141 microg mL(-1), respectively. The latter two species, along with Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescens, also inhibited elastase (IC50 values of 80, 123, 68 and 93 microg mL(-1), respectively), while A. pubescens, Atractylodes macrocephala, Lentinus edodes, Rehmannia glutinosa and Paeonia lactiflora selectively inhibited 12-(S)-HHTrE production, a valid marker of cyclooxygenase activity. The inhibition of phospholipase A(2) activity by P. cocos is discussed. Dehydrotumulosic and pachymic acids, which have been isolated from P. cocos, were shown to inhibit leukotriene B(4) release. The results indicate that both P. cocos and F. suspensa are potentially valuable species in the management of skin pathologies involving chronic inflammation.

104.Study on effects of Astragalus, Angelica and their combination on vascular endothelial cell proliferation in vitro

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2003 Oct;23(10):753-6.PMID: 14626189
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM), Angelica sinensis (AS) and their combination on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and cells cycle. METHODS: The effects were observed and studied by means of taking the cultured HUVECs as model to determine the cell proliferation with MTT method, cell cycle was analyzed with cytometry, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression with SABC method. The regulatory effects of AM, AS and their combination on the HUVEC proliferation promoting were observed and studied. RESULTS: AM and AS, used singly or in combination, could promote the growth of endothelial cells, increase the cell population in S phase, the effects showed more significant when used in combination (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Meanwhile, VEGF expression in all the medicated group was up-regulated, but in the PBS control group, it showed only weak expression (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: AM and AS have effect in promoting vascular endothelial cell proliferation and DNA synthesis, and showed synergistic effect when they were used in combination, suggesting that these two Chinese herbs could have certain effect on the genesis and development of neogenetic vascularization in ischemic myocardium.

105.Herbal extract prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats.

Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Nov;26(11):917-24.PMID: 14661857
This research aims to test a new drug candidate based on a traditional medicinal herb, F1, an herbal extract obtained from Astragalus membranaceus and its main ingredient, 1-monolinolein that may have fewer side effects and less uterine hypertrophy. In vitro experiments, human osteoblast-like cell lines, MG-63 and Saos-2, were analyzed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. Mouse osteoclasts were induced through a calcium-deficient diet and inhibition effects were measured. In vivo experiments were done using ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 9 weeks. At necropsy, uterus weights were measured, trabecular bone area (TBA) of tibia and lumbar vertebra were measured bone histomorphology. In results, cell proliferation and ALP activity in Saos-2 by ether F1 or 1-monolinolein did not increased significantly compared to the control. The F1 inhibited osteoclast development (IC25 = 3.37 x 10(-5) mg/mL) less than 17beta-estradiol. The OVX rats administered F1 (2 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day) showed an increase in TBA of the tibia significantly (136.3 +/- 4.2% and 138.5 +/- 10.3% of control). In conclusions, the herbal extract, F1 inhibited tibia and lumbar bone loss and did not cause uterine hypertrophy. However, 1-monolinolein, the main ingredient of the herbal extract, did not inhibit bone loss.

106.Astragaloside IV and polysaccharide production by hairy roots of Astragalus membranaceus in bioreactors.

Biotechnol Lett. 2003 Nov;25(21):1853-6.PMID: 14677711
Hairy roots of Astragalus membranaceus were grown in bioreactors up to 30 l for 20 d. Cultures from a 30 l airlift bioreactor gave 11.5 g l dry wt with 1.4 mg g(-1) astragaloside IV, similar to cultures from 250 ml and 1 l flasks, but greater than yields from a 10 l bioreactor (dry wt 9.4 g l(-1), astragaloside IV 0.9 mg g(-1)). Polysaccharide yields were similar amongst the different bioreactors (range 25-32 mg g(-1)). The active constituent content of the cells approached that of plant extracts, indicating that large scale hairy root cultures of A. membranaceus has the potential to provide an alternative to plant crops without compromising yield or pharmacological potential.

107.Preparative isolation and purification of isoflavan and pterocarpan glycosides from Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

J Chromatogr A. 2004 Jan 16;1023(2):311-5.
(3R)-(-)-7,2'-Dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethyl isoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (6aR, 11aR) 9,10-di-methoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside were separated from the ethyl acetate extract of the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). A two-phase system composed of ethyl acetate-ethanol-acetic acid-water (4:1:0.25:5, v/v) was selected by analytical HSCCC. Preparative HSCCC yielded, from 100 mg of the partially purified extract, 50 mg of isoflavan glycoside and 10 mg of pterocarpan glycoside each at over 95% purity by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Their structures were identified by MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR.

108.Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides, as alternatives for an antibiotic, on the cecal microbial ecosystem in broiler chickens.

Poult Sci. 2004 Feb;83(2):175-82.
An in vivo experiment was conducted to study the potential prebiotic effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharide extracts, Lentinus edodes extract (LenE), Tremella fuciformis extract, and Astragalus membranaceus Radix extract, on chicken growth and the cecal microbial ecosystem, as compared with the antibiotic Apramycin (APR). This investigation was carried out in terms of a dose-response study. The chickens were naturally infected with avian Mycoplasma gallisepticum prior to the experiment. The BW gain, cecal pH, viscosity, and predominant microbial populations were measured 1 wk after the extract and APR treatments. The extracts and APR significantly stimulated growth of the chickens infected with avian Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The average BW gain of the groups fed with the extracts was significantly lower than that of the antibiotic group. The extracts had no significant effect on cecal pH. However, cecal viscosity and microbial populations were significantly affected by feeding extracts and antibiotic. In contrast to APR, the extracts stimulated the number of the potentially beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), while reducing the number of the potentially harmful bacteria (Bacteroides spp. and Escherichia coli). Of the 3 extracts, LenE was associated with the most cecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. With each increase in the LenE dose, birds tended to have higher BW gain and total aerobe and anaerobe counts. Numbers of predominant cecal bacteria, in particular, E. coli, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli, were significantly increased with increases in the LenE dose. It would seem that these specific mushroom and herb polysaccharide extracts hold some promise as potential modifiers of intestinal microbiota in diseased chickens.

109.Effects of processing on contents of saccharides in huangqi

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Feb;28(2):128-9, 173.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of processing on the contents of saccharides in Huangqi. METHOD: The contents of reducing saccharides, water-soluble saccharides and poly saccharides in Huangqi and its processed products were determined with phenol-H2SO4 method. RESULT: The contents of poly saccharides in the alcohol-broiled product were the highest of all the products. The others were all higher than those in the crude drug. CONCLUSION: Different processing methods result in different effects on the above saccharides, which administers to the interpretation of the theory of Huangqi processing.

110.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Feb;28(2):155-8.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the chronicity decompression effect of Astragalus Membranaceus(AM) and evaluate the effect on baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). METHOD: Nineteen spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) were randomly divided into four groups. The AM groups were intraperitoneally administered with AM parenteral solution 0.9 mL, 1.2 mL and 1.8 mL respectively and the control group was not given AM for eight weeks. Then the change of blood pressure was observed successivly. After eight weeks, BRS were also determined. At last, the difference of blood pressure and BRS among the groups were compared. RESULT: Blood pressure in the control group became higher and higher frome the third week to the eighth week, but the other SHR admistered with AM showed no changein blood pressure level. We also found that the BRS in AM group was higher than that in the control group(P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: AM can promote the BRS in SHR.

111.Comparative study on angiogenesis effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in chick embryo choriollantoic membrane

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Sep;28(9):876-8.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the angiogenesis effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis with different ratio in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). METHOD: Chicken CAM model was adopted. The rat blood serum containing different ratio of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis was put daily into 3-day chick embryo. CAMs and CAM angiogenesis were observed at 72 h after incubation. RESULT: Better effects were obtained in the formation of capillary and the count of blood vessel in groups treated by Astragalus memhranaceus and Angelica sinensis in the ratio of five to one, compared with the NS control group and the other ratio groups of Astragalus memhranaceus and Angelica sinensis. CONCLUSION: Astragalus memhranaceus and Angelica sinensis in 5:1 ratio have certain promotive effect on the formation of capillary. The Danggui Buxue Decoction has the best ratio.

112.Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 Feb;24(2):121-3.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on serum cytokines, Th1, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN), and Th2, including interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), in patients with herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). METHODS: One hundred and six HSK patients were randomly divided into the AM treated group and the ribavirin treated group. Levels of serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and gamma-IFN of all the patients and 62 healthy person, selected from donors for control group, were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. RESULTS: Levels of serum IL-4 and IL-10 in HSK patients were significantly higher and those of IL-2 and gamma-IFN were significantly lower than those in the healthy control (all P < 0.01). These parameters were significantly improved in the patients of the AM group after treatment, but with no change in patients of the ribavirin group. CONCLUSION: AM can modulate the imbalance state of Th1/Th2 in HSK patients, improve their immune function disturbance, that shows important significance in treating HSK.

113.Effects of several Chinese herbal aqueous extracts on human sperm motility in vitro.

Andrologia. 2004 Apr;36(2):78-83.
The effects of six kinds of aqueous extracts of Chinese herbal medicine (Astragalus membranaceus, Acanthopanacis senticosi, Panax genseng and Ophiopogon japonicus, P. genseng and Aconitum carmichaeli, Salviae miltiorrhiae, Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide) on sperm motility characteristics of 30 infertile male volunteers were studied in vitro with a computer-assisted sperm analysis at 15, 60 and 180 min after incubated with the drugs. The results showed that per cent viability, number of progressive motile spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly enhanced by A. membranaceus (P < 0.05 or < 0.01), per cent viability, average path velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly enhanced by A. senticosi (P < 0.05), but all the above were not affected by P. genseng and O. japonicus, P. genseng and A. carmichaeli, S. miltiorrhiae and P. umbellatus polysaccharide. It is suggested that A. membranaceus and A. senticosi can enhance the motility of human spermatozoa in vitro.

114.Determination of calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside in radix astragali by HPLC

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Jul;28(7):603-6.
OBJECTIVE: TO establish a RP-HPLC method for the determination of calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside in Radix Astragali, and to analyse the calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside content of ten samples of Radix Astragali, collected from different regions. METHOD: A Polaris C18(250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microns) column was used and a mixture of methanol-water (30:70) was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL.min-1. The column temperature was 25 degrees C and the UV detection wavelength was 254 nm. RESULT: The calibration curve was in good linearity over the range of 0.0106-2.12 micrograms with the regression equation Y = 3035. 97 X - 14.85(r = 0.9999). The average recovery was 95.8% (n = 5, RSD = 1.3%). CONCLUSION: The method is simple, quick, sensitive and reproducible. In all of the samples, the calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside contents differ markedly.

115.Effect of zhimu and huangqi on cardiac hypertrophy and response to stimulation in mice

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Apr;28(4):369-74.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Zhimu and Huangqi on increasing heart rate and cardiac hypertrophy, and its bradycardia effect, to evaluate the exercise capacity and response to stimulation and to discuss the use of Zhimu in treating heart failure. METHOD: 1. Rats were treated with isoproterenol 1.25 micrograms.kg-1 i.p., and then the increasing of heart rate and the bradycardia effect were measured after administrated with Zhimu or Huangqi for 3 days. 2. Mice cardiac hypertrophy model was established by s.c. ISO 1 mg.kg-1, 2 times per day for 14 days and heart-weight-index was measured after Zhimu and Huangqi was given orally alone or jointly for 14 days. 3. Abdominal aorta banding operation was done in mice and 3 weeks after operation, they were administrated for 2 weeks, and then run-time(exercise capacity), quiet heart rate, ISO response heart rate after i.p. isoproterenol and heart-weight-index were measured. 4. Cardiac hypertrophy model (inject ISO 14 days) mice were administrated for 12 days, and the mortality and dying time of mice in cold (-20 degrees C) and heat(45 degrees C) stimulative condition were observed. RESULT: Zhimu could cut down the increasing of heart rate induced by ISO, decrease significantly heart-weight-index in cardiac hypertrophy mice, reduce the quiet heart rate and prolong the run time in abdominal banding model. Zhimu combined with Huangqi could also improve the ISO response in abdominal banding model mice, reduce the mortality and delay dying time of mice in stimulative condition. CONCLUSION: Zhimu combined with Huangqi can slow down heart rate, enhance the reserve force of the heart, and improve the response capacity of cardiac hypertrophy mice in stimulative condition.

116.Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects of some traditional chinese medicinal herbs: a review.

Curr Med Chem. 2004 Jun;11(11):1423-30.
The current practice of ingesting phytochemicals to support the immune system or to fight infections is based on centuries-old tradition. We review reports on seven Chinese herbs, (Aloe vera Mill. (Aloaceae), Angelica species (Umbelliferae), Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. (Leguminosae), Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. (Ganodermataceae), Panax ginseng C.A Mey. (Araliaceae), Scutellaria species (Lamiaceae) and Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae) with emphasis to their immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. While some of these herbaceous plants have a direct inhibitory effect on microbial organisms, we observe that each plant has at least one compound that selectively modulates cells of the immune system. The successful derivation of pure bioactive compounds from Ganoderma lucidum, ginseng and Zingiber officinale supports the traditional practice of using these plants to stimulate the immune system. As many modern drugs are often patterned after phytochemicals, studying the influence of each compound on immune cells as well as microbes can provide useful insights to the development of potentially useful new pharmacological agents.

117.Astragaloside IV protects against ischemic brain injury in a murine model of transient focal ischemia.

Neurosci Lett. 2004 Jun 17;363(3):218-23.
Astragalus membranaceus is a herbal medicine that has been used clinically in stroke patients in China for decades, but its potential neuroprotective effect against ischemic brain injury has not been experimentally tested. In this study, we investigated the effect of Astragaloside IV, a purified extract from Astragalus membranaceus, in a murine model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion produced by transient (1.5 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion. As determined at 72 h after ischemia, post-ischemic treatment of Astragaloside IV (20 or 40 mg/kg) markedly and significantly (P < 0.03 vs. vehicle-treated animals) reduced infarct volume. Astragaloside IV treatment also decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, and increased the levels of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in ischemic tissues. The results presented here provide the first evidence of a neuroprotective effect of Astragaloside IV in the model of ischemic brain injury. We suggest that the anti-infarction effect by Astragaloside IV may be derived at least in part from its antioxidant properties.

118.Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in promoting neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 May;24(5):427-30.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the detoxication and tissue generation effect of Astragalus (As) in wound healing and its relation with inflammatory reaction, through observing the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (AP) on neutrophil-endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules. METHODS: Human polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) or human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) was treated separately with AP, AP plus interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to study the effect of AP on PMN adhesion with HUVEC by rose bengal staining, and that on expression of superficial adhesive factor by means of Cell-ELISA and APAAP method. RESULTS: When AP acted on HUVEC, it could significantly promote the adhesion of HUVEC with PMN, while when AP acted on PMN, the adhesion would not increase. When HUVEC was treated by AP plus IL-1, the IL-1 induced PMN adhesion with HUVEC could be strengthened, and the expression of HUVEC superficial adhesive factor ICAM-1 induced by IL-1 and TNF was strengthened also, but when PMN treated with AP, it showed no effect on the expression of adhesive factor CD18. CONCLUSION: AP promotes the adhesion between neutrophil and endothelial cell by way of promoting the expression of superficial I-CAM-1 on surface of endothelial cells, so as to improve the inflammatory reaction in the wound healing course, it possibly is one of the biological bases of the detoxication and tissue generation effects of AP.

119.Effects of Huangqi (Hex) on inducing cell differentiation and cell death in K562 and HEL cells.

Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2004 Mar;36(3):211-7.
Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to ameliorate side effects of cancer chemotherapy in China. However, little is known about its molecular mechanisms. Here we show that induction of K562 or HEL cells with 1.5 mg/ml of Huangqi (Hex) (Components extracted from Huangqi) for 3-5 d results in the expression of beta-globin gene in both cell lines and leads to terminal differentiation. Moreover, the apoptosis in HEL cells can be induced by increasing concentration of Huangqi (Hex) to 4.5 mg/ml for 3-5 d. Upregulation of Apaf-1, caspase-3 and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in HEL cells may play a crucial role in the process of apoptosis. The prospect of inducing expression of adult (beta) globin gene and apoptosis selectively in cancer cells is obviously attractive from a therapeutic point of view.

120.Protective effects of Astragalus saponin I on early stage of diabetic nephropathy in rats.

J Pharmacol Sci. 2004 Jun;95(2):256-66.
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become the leading cause of end stage failure, but no renoprotective treatment has been very available for use in DN. Astragalus saponin I (AS I), a component extracted from Astragalus membranaceus BUNGE, was studied in experimental DN induced by administration of streptozotocin in male rats. The early DN rats were treated with 3 doses of AS I for 8 weeks to analyze its efficacy with different parameters. By comparison with vehicle-treated DN rats, the renal hypertrophy, the oxidative stress intensity, and the blood glucose level of DN rats were ameliorated by AS I. Also, the microalbuminuria level, advanced glycated end-products either in serum or in kidney cortex, and the aldose reductase activity were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 mRNA in kidney cortex by RT-PCR analysis was markedly declined. Both the relative grade of mesangium hyperplasia by microscopical observation and the thickness of glomerular base membrane by electron microscope measurement were decreased significantly. Therefore, the results suggest that AS I has therapeutic effects on several pharmacological targets in the progress of DN and is a potential drug for prevention of early stage DN.

121.A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Aug 6;320(4):1103-11.
The immunopotentiating effect of the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a medicinal herb, has been associated with its polysaccharide fractions (Astragalus polysaccharides, APS). We herein demonstrate that APS activates mouse B cells and macrophages, but not T cells, in terms of proliferation or cytokine production. Fluorescence-labeled APS (fl-APS) was able to selectively stain murine B cells, macrophages and a also human tumor cell line, THP-1, as determined in flow cytometric analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The specific binding of APS to B cells and macrophages was competitively inhibited by bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Rabbit-anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody was able to inhibit APS-induced proliferation of, and APS binding to, mouse B cells. Additionally, APS effectively stimulated the proliferation of splenic B cells from C3H/HeJ mice that have a mutated TLR4 molecule incapable of signal transduction. These results indicate that APS activates B cells via membrane Ig in a TLR4-independent manner. Interestingly, macrophages from C3H/HeJ mice were unable to respond to APS stimulation, suggesting a positive involvement of the TLR4 molecule in APS-mediated macrophage activation. Monoclonal Ab against mouse TLR4 partially inhibited APS binding with macrophages, implying direct interaction between APS and TLR4 on cell surface. These results may have important implications for our understanding on the molecular mechanisms of immunopotentiating polysaccharides from medicinal herbs.

122.Herbal medicines for viral myocarditis.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD003711.
BACKGROUND: Herbal medicines are being used for treating viral diseases including viral myocarditis, and many controlled trials have been done to investigate their efficacy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of herbal medicines on clinical and indirect outcomes in patients with viral myocarditis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library 2003, Issue 3, MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2003), EMBASE (January 1998 to October 2003), Chinese Biomedical Database (1979-2003), AMED (1985-2003), LILACS accessed in October 2003 and the trials register of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field. We handsearched Chinese journals and conference proceedings. No language or publication restrictions were used. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of herbal medicines (with a minimum of seven days treatment duration) compared with placebo, no intervention, or conventional interventions were included. Trials of herbal medicine plus conventional drug versus drug alone were also included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated trial quality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials. MAIN RESULTS: Forty randomised trials, involving 3448 people were included. All trials were conducted and published in China, and the methodological quality was assessed as generally low. No trial had diagnosis of viral myocarditis confirmed histologically, and few trials attempted to establish viral aetiology for the myocarditis. Twenty-five different herbal medicines were tested in the included trials, which compared herbs with supportive therapy (17 trials), other controls (three trials), or treatment of herbs plus supportive therapy with supportive therapy alone (20 trials). The trials reported electrocardiogram, myocardial enzymes, cardiac function, symptoms, and adverse effects. Astragalus membranaceus (either as single herb or compound of herbs) showed significantly effects on improving arrhythmia, CPK levels, and cardiac function. Salviae miltiorrhizae injection showed significant effects on decreasing the arrhythmia and reducing LDH levels. Shenmai and Shengmai injection (Ginseng preparation) showed significantly effects on reducing myocardial enzymes and improving cardiac function. No serious adverse effect was reported. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: Some herbal medicines may have anti-arrhythmia effect in suspected viral myocarditis. However, interpretation of these findings should be careful due to the low methodological quality, small sample size, and limited number of trials on individual herbs. In the light of the findings, some herbal medicines deserve further examination in rigorous trials.

123.Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides on cellular and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens.

Poult Sci. 2004 Jul;83(7):1124-32.
We investigated the effects of polysaccharide extracts from 2 mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (LenE) and Tremella fuciformis (TreE), and an herb, Astragalus membranaceus (AstE), on cellular and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens. A total of 150 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 treatment groups: 3 groups were infected with E. tenella and fed with extracts (LenE, TreE, and AstE), and 2 control groups were infected with or without E. tenella. The 3 extracts were given at the level of 1 g/kg of the diet from 8 to 14 d of age. Specific systemic and cecum mucosal antibody production, proliferation of splenocytes, and peripheral T and B lymphocytes were measured during the 3 wk following Eimeria infection. A significantly higher production of specific IgA, IgM (at d 14 and 21 postinfection), and IgG (at d 21 postinfection) were detected in the Eimeria-infected groups fed with the extracts than in the infected group not fed with the extracts. Of the 3 extracts, TreE stimulated a slightly higher production of specific IgM (P = 0.052), and a significantly higher IgG production at 21 d postinfection. The cecal antibody production showed a similar trend to that of serum antibodies. The overall mean levels of cecal-specific IgA and IgG of the groups fed with extracts were significantly higher at 14 and 21 d postinfection compared with the group not fed with extracts. Of the 3 extracts, the AstE-fed group showed the highest IgG production at d 7 postinfection. Both TreE- and LenE-fed groups had significantly higher IgM and IgG levels compared with the AstE group at d 21 postinfection. The extract-fed groups also showed a significantly higher antigen-specific proliferation of splenocytes at 14 and 21 d postinfection compared with the group not fed with the extracts. The overall mean of erythrocyte rosette-forming cells (ERFC %) (at d 14 and 21) and erythrocyte-antibody-complement cells (EAC %) (at d 14) of the groups fed with the extracts was significantly higher compared with the group not fed the extracts. It is concluded from this study that supplementation with mushroom and herb extracts resulted in enhancement of both cellular and humoral immune responses in E. tenella-infected chickens.

124.Clinical observation on treatment of diabetic nephropathy with compound fructus arctii mixture

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 Jul;24(7):589-92.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Compound Fructus Arctii Mixture (FAM, consisted of Fructus Arctii and ethanol extract of Radix Astragalus membranaceus) in treating diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Using FAM to treat 31 patients with diabetic nephropathy and controlled by 23 patients treated with Losartan, the therapeutic course was 3 months for both groups, changes of clinical symptoms, blood glucose, lipid metabolism and urinary albumin were observed and compared. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the treated group was 80.6% while in the control group 65.2%. The symptoms, urinary protein and albumin as well as lipid metabolism in the treated group all significantly improved after treatment (P<0.05), but in the control group improvement only showed in urinary albumin level (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: FAM has the effects of reducing urinary protein in 24 hrs, lowering urinary albumin, improving blood glucose after meal and lipid metabolism.

125.Influence of ganciclovir and astragalus membranaceus on proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells of cord blood after cytomegalovirus infection in vitro

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. 2004 Jul;42(7):490-4.
OBJECTIVE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was greatly common in the world. CMV infection produces usually mild or asymptomatic infections in individuals with normal immune responses, whereas it may cause serious disease in immunosuppressive patients. Clinical manifestations include suppression of myelopoiesis, a mononucleosis like syndrome, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia. In patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation CMV remains the most common infectious causes of morbidity and mortality. But the treatment drugs with specific effect for CMV was fewer at the present. This study was to investigate the effect of CMV on proliferation of colony forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM), CFU-erythroid (CFU-E), brust forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E), CFU-multipotential (CFU-Mix) and CFU-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk) progenitor cells of cord blood (CB) with the presence of ganciclovir (GCV) and astragalus membranaceus in vitro. METHODS: Twenty CB samples were collected from fetal umbilical vein of normal term spontaneous delivery neonates. The colony forming unit-assay was applied to observe the suppression effect of CMV-AD169 strain on CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-Mk of CB with the presence of GCV and astragalus membranaceus in vitro. The technique of PCR was used to demonstrate the existence of CMV-AD169 DNA in the colony cells of cultured CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-Mk. RESULTS: (1) The numbers of CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-Mk colonies in CMV infection groups were significantly less than those in blank and mock group, respectively. The last time of colonies in groups with CMV infection was significantly shorten compared with the blank and mock group. (2) CMV-DNA was positively detected in the colony cells of CMV infection groups by PCR, while negative in the control groups. (3) The lasting time of CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-Mk colonies infected with CMV extended significantly with the presence of astragalus membranaceus and GCV, and the numbers of those increased significantly compared with the CMV infection group, respectively. The increasing rate of colonies was 27.2%, 45.2%, 49.1%, 39.0% and 11.9% with astragalus membranaceus group, 37.4%, 74.2%, 71.7%, 67.4% and 38.9% with GCV group, 53.6%, 83.8%, 88.7%, 87.8% and 61.5% with astragalus membranaceus and GCV group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The differentiation and proliferation of CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-Mk were significantly inhibited after infected with CMV-AD169 strain. The suppression effect of CMV-AD169 on CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-Mk was inhibited with the presence of GCV and astragalus membranaceus in vitro. This suggested that CMV-AD169 may be inhibited or killed by GCV and Astragalus Membranaceus in vitro.

126.Preliminary efficacy and safety of oral suspension SH, combination of five chinese medicinal herbs, in people living with HIV/AIDS ; the phase I/II study.

J Med Assoc Thai. 2004 Sep;87(9):1065-70.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of the mixture of drug extracts from 5 Chinese medicinal herbs (SH), in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). DESIGN: Open-label study. SETTING : Sanpatong Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand. SUBJECTS : HIV-1 infected adults with a CD4 cell count of more than 200 cell/mm3 and HIV-1 RNA > 20,000 copies/ml. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients received an oral suspension of SH, a combination of 5 Chinese medicinal herbs namely Glycyrrhiza glaba L., Artemisia capillaris Thumb., Morus alba L., Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch.) Bge., Carthamus tinctorius L., 5 g or 30 ml, in 3 divided doses after meals, plus sulfamethozaxole/ trimethoprim, 400/80 mg tablet, once daily after breakfast for 12 weeks. During the treatment and the follow up period, the absolute CD4 cell count and the plasma HIV-1 RNA were monitored. Adverse events were observed. RESULTS: Of the 28 enrolled patients, the number of positive response patients with reduction of plasma HIV-1 RNA more than 0.5 log during the treatment and follow up period were 4-10 (14.2-35.7%) while the number of negative response patients who had plasma HIV-1 RNA rising at least 0.5 log were 2-4 (0-14.2%). The means viral load at week 0 (baseline), 12 and 20 were 4.94, 4.83 and 4.76 log copies/ml, which were slightly declined Whilst, the mean absolute CD4 cell count of week 0 (baseline), 4, 8, 12, and 20 fluctuated within the baseline, range of 382.1, 404.2, 359.4, 404.1, 360.2 cell/mm3, respectively. All subjects had good compliance without any serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Under the condition used, SH drug therapy is safe. Satisfactory positive response, by decreased viral load of more than 0.5 log, was found in 14%-35% of HIV-positive patients. However, the immunologic response, an increase of CD4 cell count was not clearly demonstrated. The clinical benefit of SH needs more thorough scientific support before being prescribed as adjunctive therapy for treating PLWHA.

127.Astragalus prevents diabetic rats from developing cardiomyopathy by downregulating angiotensin II type2 receptors' expression.

J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2004;24(4):379-84.
This study examined the potential roles of astragalus and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy. Of 52 female 4-week-old Wistar rats treated with high glucose and lipid diet to induce insulin resistance, 7 treated with sodium citrate buffer (pH=4.5) served as controls (con1) and the other 45 were treated by intraperitoneal injection (ip) of STZ to induce type 2 diabetes. After 20 weeks, the maximal velocity decrease of pressure per second in left ventricle within the period of isovolumic relaxation (-dp/dtmax) was detected by inserting cannula through right carotid artery. Of the 45 rats, 24 with -dp/dtmax < or = 700 mmHg/s (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) developing diabetic cardiomyopathy were grouped as follows: 7 treated with double distilled H2O (ip) were included in control group 2 (con2); other 8 treated with AT2 agonist (CGP42112A, ip) were included in experimental group1 (exp); 9 treated with astragalus (po) constituted experimental group 2 (exp2). All injections lasted 4 weeks (qd) and the heart weight (HW) was recorded. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis index (CAI), mRNA of AT2 and Bcl-2 as well as AT2 and Bcl-2 protein values in cardiomyocytes were also measured. Our results showed that -dp/dtmax in exp1, exp2 and con2 were much lower than those in con1 (P<0.01). CAI and AT2 in both mRNA and protein in con1 were lower than those in the other three groups (P<0.01). The three parameters above were higher in exp1 but less in exp2 than those in con2, respectively (P<0.01). The three parameters and HW in exp1 were much higher than those in exp2 (P<0.01). Changes of Bcl-2 were opposite to those of AT2. Our results suggested that high expression of AT2 might accelerate the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in diabetic rats and play an important role in precipitating diabetic cardiomyopathy and astragalus protects diabetic rats from developing cardiomyopathy by downregulating AT2.

128.Anti-mutagenesis effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Dec;28(12):1164-7.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-mutagenic action of the total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA). METHOD: Three groups of concentrations of TFA and one inducer group were used. The anti-mutagenic action of TFA was studied by experiments in vitro and in vivo including miconucleolus assay, semen teraogenesis test and gene mutagenesis of V79/HGPRT. RESULT: TFA did not affect the weight of the mice during the experiment period. The high concentration of TFA could significantly reduce cyclohophamide-induced miconucleolus number and gene mutagenesis of V79/HGPRT compared with inducer group. However, TFA did not make statistic change in the semen teraogenesis induced by mitomycin C. CONCLUSION: TFA has antimutagenesis effect.

129.Neuroprotective effects of Astragulus membranaceus on hypoxia-ischemia brain damage in neonatal rat hippocampus

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Dec;28(12):1174-7.
OBJECTIVE: To study neuroprotective effects of astragulus membraneaceus on a neonatal rat hippocampus of hypoxia-ischemia brain damage (HIBD). METHOD: The neonatal hypoxia-ischemia model was established with 7-day-old rat pups. Brain injury was examined by neuron death rate in the hippocampal CA1 area. Caspase-3 (cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase) mRNA expression in ipsilateral hippocampal was measured by half-quantitative reverse transcription and polymerization chain reaction (RT-PCR). 90-day-old rats were used in tri-equal-arm maze to observe discrimination learning ability. Sham, model and astragulus-membraneaceus treated groups were set up. RESULT: In model group, caspase-3 mRNA showed an increase at 6h, with maximum arrivimg at 24 h - 48 h after HI. In astragulus-membraneaceus treated group, neurons death rate and caspase-3 mRNA were significantly reduced by astragulus membraneaceus, and discrimination learning ability of developed rats were improved obviously. CONCLUSION: Astragulus membraneaceus has a strong protective effect on neuronal damage in the immature rat hippocampus, which is ralated reducing caspase-3 expression.

130.Astragalus membranaceus reduces free radical-mediated injury to renal tubules in rabbits receiving high-energy shock waves.

Chin Med J (Engl). 2005 Jan 5;118(1):43-9.
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have revealed the important role of free radicals in renal damage induced by high-energy shock waves (HESW). This study aimed at investigating the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, on free radical-mediated HESW-induced damage to renal tubules in a live rabbit model. METHODS: Forty-five healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 15), sham group (n = 15), and herb-treated group (n = 15). Three days prior to HESW application, the controls received verapamil (0.4 mg/kg), the shams received physiological saline (20 ml), and the herb-treated animals received Astragalus membranaceus (2.4 g/kg) intravenously. HESW (1500 shocks, 18 kV) was applied to the right kidneys of all anesthetized rabbits. We measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels before and after shock treatment in blood and kidney homogenates. Histopathological changes were also observed. RESULTS: MDA levels increased and SOD activity decreased significantly in the sham group (P < 0.05 for both) after shock treatment. MDA levels showed a much less increase in the controls (P < 0.05) and did not increase to statistically significant levels in the group receiving Astragalus membranaceus (P > 0.05). SOD values were significantly higher in the controls than in the shams (P < 0.05). By contrast, SOD levels recovered rapidly in the rabbits receiving Astragalus membranaceus, reaching a nadir within 24 hours, and returning to baseline more quickly than in control and sham rabbits (P < 0.05). Histopathological examinations showed that renal tubular damage in the controls was less severe than in the shams, while damage in the Astragalus membranaceus group was even more mild, with rapid recovery in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence indicating that Astragalus membranaceus has strong protective effects on free radical-mediated renal tubular damage induced by HESW and that these effects are superior to the effects of verapamil.

131.Relaxant effect of Astragalus membranaceus on smooth muscle cells of rat thoracic aorta

Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2005 Jan;34(1):65-8, 72.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus(AM) on vascular circles and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The study was performed with the model of isolate rat thoracic aorta rings in organ bath. When the endothelium of rat thoracic aorta was removed,the effect of accumulated AM on aorta rings in resting tension, or pre-constricted with KCl, or pre-constricted with phenylephrine (PE) was observed. And to explove the mechanism, the aorta rings were incubated with Ca(2+)-free medium alone, or Ca(2+)-free medium plus heparin, or propranolol alone before pre-contraction with PE. RESULTS: AM had no significant effects on aorta rings in resting tension or pre-constricted with KCl. When the concentration of AM was cumulated to 10(-1), 3 x 10(-1),10(0), 3 x 10(0) g/L, it caused concentration-dependent relaxation while aorta rings were pre-constricted with PE(3 x 10(-7)mol/L), compared with the control [(90.4 +/-4.2)% compared with (94.7 +/-2.4)%,(86.1 +/-5.0)% compared with (92.6 +/-3.2)%, (82.3 +/-5.9)% compared with (90.4 +/-3.6) %, (78.3 +/-6.0)% compared with (88.1 +/-4.0)%]. This effect was not inhibited by Ca(2+)-free medium or propranolol alone. However, the effect was attenuated by the co-incubation with heparin and Ca(2+)-free medium [without heparin:(76.2+/-4.3)% compared with (92.3 +/-5.9)%, with heparin: (95.3+/-0.5)% compared with (95.1+/-0.6)%]. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that AM can relax the rat thoracic aorta rings without endothelium. The mechanism may include the inhibition of intracellular calcium ions release by the 1,4,5-triphosphate inositol-receptor-dependent pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells.

132.Effects of Astragalus and saponins of Panax notoginseng on MMP-9 in patients with type 2 diabetic macroangiopathy

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Mar;29(3):264-6.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role and mechanism of Astragalus (AS) and saponins of Panax notoginseng (PNS) in treating type 2 diabetic macroangiopathy. METHOD: 94 patients with type 2 diabetic macroangiopathy were divided into two groups randomly: group treated with Simvastatin and group treated with AS and PNS, compared with 40 healthy control subjects. Serum level of MMP-9 and lipid in patients and healthy subjects were measured before and after treatment. RESULT: The serum levels of MMP-9, TG, TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C in patients with type 2 diabetic macroangiopathy were improved, while the levels of HDL-C were decreased. Like Simvastatin AS and PNS had the function of reducing MMP-9 and accommodating lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: Besides accommodating lipid metabolism, AS and PNS can also reduce the level of serum MMP-9 soas to treat type 2 diabetic macroangiopathy.

133.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin concentration of intestinal mucosa after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion in rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 May;29(5):444-7.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Stragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin levels of intestinal mucosa in reperfusion injury after hemorrhage shock. METHOD: 32 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low dosage group, (treated with Astragalus membranaceus 10 g x kg(-1)); high dosage group (treated with Astragalus membranaceus 20 g x kg(-1)). Models of hemorrhagic shock for 60 minutes and reperfusion for 90 minutes were created. The animals were administrated 3 mL therapeutic solution before reperfusion. At the end of study, intestinal pathology was observed, and the concentration of lactic acid (LD), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET) of intestinal mucosa were detected. RESULT: The intestinal pathology showed that intestinal mucosa epithelial cells damage in model group was severe, in low dosage group was medium, in high dosage group was slight, and no obvious damage was found in normal group. The concentration of LD and NO of small intestine mucous membrane in model group and low dosage group were significantly higher than those in high dosage group and normal group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between high dosage group and normal group (P > 0.05). The concentration of ET of small intestine mucous membrane in model group was the highest of the four groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of ET in low dosage group was significantly higher than that in high dosage group and normal group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between high dosage group and normal group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Stragalus membranaceus injection can reduce small intestine mucous damage by protecting endothelium function in injury after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion.

134.Hypoglycemic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide and its effect on PTP1B.

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2005 Mar;26(3):345-52.
AIM: To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a component of an aqueous extract of Astragalus membranaceus roots, on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin-receptor (IR) signal transduction, and its potential role in the amelioration of insulin resistance. METHODS: Ten-week-old fat-fed streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats, an animal model of type II diabetes mellitus (TIIDM), were treated with APS (400 mg/kg p.o.) for 5 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was identified by the insulin-tolerance test. Further analyses on the possible changes in insulin signaling occurring in skeletal muscle and liver were performed by immunoprecipitation or Western blotting. PTP1B activity was measured by an assay kit. RESULTS: The diabetic rats responded to APS with a significant decrease in body weight, plasma glucose, and improved insulin sensitivity. The activity and expression of PTP1B were elevated in the skeletal muscle and liver of TIIDM rats. Thus the insulin signaling in target tissues was diminished. APS reduced both PTP1B protein level and activity in the muscle, but not in the liver of TIIDM rats. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the IR beta-subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) were increased in the muscle, but not in the liver of APS-treated TIIDM rats. There was no change in the activity or expression of PTP1B in APS-treated normal rats, and blood insulin levels did not change in TIIDM rats after treatment with APS. CONCLUSION: APS enables insulin-sensitizing and hypoglycemic activity at least in part by decreasing the elevated expression and activity of PTP1B in the skeletal muscles of TIIDM rats.

135.Study on effect of radix astragali on injury of cerebral cortex in neonatal rats after hypoxia/ischemia brain damage

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2005 Jan;25(1):54-7.
OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of injury of cortical nerve cell in the newborn with hypoxia/ischemia brain damage (HIBD), and the neuroprotective effect of Radix Astragali (RA). METHODS: Neonatal HIBD model rats were established and divided into the sham group, the model group and the RA group. Brain of rats obtained at different time points after HIBD to conduct histopathological examination, neuron death rate count, as well as determination of caspase-3 (cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3) protein mRNA expression in cerebral cortex by immunohistochemistry, semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively. RESULTS: In the model group, caspase-3 mRNA and protein showed an increase at 6 hrs, reached the peak at 24 hrs, and decreased at 48 hrs after HIBD, on the 5th and 7th day restored to baseline level. After being treated by RA, the neuron death rate of ligated side was obviously reduced, caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression peak value decreased by 45% (mRNA) and 40% - 43% (protein). CONCLUSION: RA shows markedly neuron protection in immature brain cortex after HIBD, which is related with the inhibition on caspase-3 expression.

136.In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Apr 26;98(3):295-300.
The estrogenic activity of 70% EtOH extracts of 32 traditional Chinese medicinal plants, selected according to their reported efficacy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, was assessed using a recombinant yeast system with both a human estrogen receptor expression plasmid and a reporter plasmid. Among them, 11 (34%) species proved to be active. Polygonum cuspidatum had the highest estrogenic relative potency (RP) (3.28 x 10(-3)), followed by Rheumpalmatum (3.85 x 10(-4)), Cassia obtusifolia (3.49 x 10(-4)), Polygonum multiflorum (2.87 x 10(-4)), Epimedium brevicornum (2.30 x 10(-4)), Psoralea corylifolia (1.90 x 10(-4)), Cynomorium songaricum (1.78 x 10(-4)), Belamcanda chinensis (1.26 x 10(-4)), Scutellaria baicalensis (8.77 x 10(-5)), Astragalus membranaceus (8.47 x 10(-5)) and Pueraria lobata (6.17 x 10(-5)). The EC(50) value of 17beta-estradiol used as the positive control was 0.205+/-0.025 ng/ml (RP=100). This study gave support to the reported efficacy of Chinese medicines used for hormone replacement therapy.

137.Effect of astragalosides on intracellular calcium overload in cultured cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats.

Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(1):11-20.
Astragalosides were the main active components from a native Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus. Recent studies have shown that Astragalosides have a protective effect on myocardial injury in rats. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Astragalosides on intracellular calcium overload and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium load (SR Ca2+ load) in cultured cardiac myocytes from neonatal rats. Astragalosides (100 microg/ml) were incubated in the presence of isoproterenol (ISO) (10(-5) M) for 72 hours in cardiomyocytes. Metoprorol (10(-6) M), a beta1-selective antagonist, was cultured in the same condition as Astragalosides. The result showed that intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and SR Ca2+ load increased in ISO-treated cardiac myocytes as compared to control (P < 0.01). Astragalosides prevented ISO-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and SR Ca2+ load. Metoprolol also inhibited those increase. The mRNA expression and activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) were enhanced following ISO treatment in cardiac myocytes, and these increases were inhibited by Astragalosides or metoprolol (P < 0.05). The decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the elevation of intracellular maleic dialdehyde (MDA) were observed after ISO treatment in cardiac myocytes. Both Astragalosides and metoprolol restored the SOD activity and reduced the level of MDA. We conclude that Astragalosides have the effects on reducing [Ca2+]i and SR Ca2+ load, enhancing free radical removal and decreasing lipid peroxidation in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes, which might account for their protective effect on myocardial injury.

138.Effects of medicinal herb tea on the smoking cessation and reducing smoking withdrawal symptoms.

Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(1):127-38.
Medicinal herbs (21 species) were screened for the antioxidant activity and nicotine degradation activity (NDA) in vitro. Eleven of them with higher antioxidant activity and NDA were selected for preparation of the medicinal herb tea (MHT) and the effects of MHT on smoking cessation and reducing smoking withdrawal symptoms were evaluated in 100 male human smokers. Among these medicinal herbs, Eugenia aromaticum and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 of 30.0 microg/mL) and NDA (1.81), respectively. MHT showed relatively high antioxidant activity (IC50 of 50.6 microg/mL) and NDA (1.23). The urinary cotinine level, a metabolite of nicotine, increased in the first 2 weeks and greatly decreased from the 2nd to 4th week in the MHT taking group, which indicates that MHT accelerates the conversion of nicotine into cotinine. Human groups taking MHT for 4 weeks underwent reduced smoking withdrawal symptoms compared to the non-MHT taking subjects, and 38% of subjects taking MHT succeeded in smoking cessation, while only 12% of non-MHT taking subjects succeeded in quitting smoking.

139.Macrophage activation by polysaccharide isolated from Astragalus membranaceus.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 Jul;5(7-8):1225-33. Epub 2005 Apr 9.
We show that APS, a polysaccharide isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, significantly induces nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) transcription through the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB/Rel (NF-kappaB/Rel). In vivo administration of APS induced NO production by peritoneal macrophages of B6C3F1 mice. APS also dose-dependently induced the production of NO in isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7, a mouse macrophage-like cell line. Moreover, iNOS protein and mRNA transcription were strongly induced by APS in RAW 264.7 cells. To further investigate the mechanism responsible for the induction of iNOS gene expression, we investigated the effect of APS on the activation of transcription factors including NF-kappaB/Rel and Oct, whose binding sites were located in the promoter of iNOS gene. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with APS produced strong induction of NF-kappaB/Rel-dependent reporter gene expression, whereas Oct-dependent gene expression was not affected by APS. Nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB/Rel was significantly induced by APS. The treatment with NF-kappaB SN50, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB/Rel nuclear translocation, effectively inhibited the activation of NF-kappaB/Rel binding complexes and NO production. In conclusion, we demonstrate that APS stimulates macrophages to express iNOS gene through the activation of NF-kappaB/Rel.

140.Quantitative determination of Astragaloside IV, a natural product with cardioprotective activity, in plasma, urine and other biological samples by HPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2005 Aug 5;822(1-2):170-7.
Astragaloside IV is a novel cardioprotective agent extracted from the Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. This agent is being developed for treatment for cardiovascular disease. Further development of Astragaloside IV will require detailed pharmacokinetic studies in preclinical animal models. Therefore, we established a sensitive and accurate high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) quantitative detection method for measurement of Astragaloside IV levels in plasma, urine as well as other biological samples including bile fluid, feces and various tissues. Extraction of Astragaloside IV from plasma and other biological samples was performed by Waters OASIS(trade mark) solid phase extraction column by washing with water and eluting with methanol, respectively. An aliquot of extracted residues was injected into LC/MS/MS system with separation by a Cosmosil C18 5 microm, 150 mm x 2.0 mm) column. Acetonitrile:water containing 5 microM NaAc (40:60, v/v) was used as a mobile phase. The eluted compounds were detected by tandem mass spectrometry. The average extraction recoveries were greater than 89% for Astragaloside IV and digoxin from plasma, while extraction recovery of Astragaloside IV and digoxin from tissues, bile fluid, urine and fece ranged from 61 to 85%, respectively. Good linearity (R2>0.9999) was observed throughout the range of 10-5000 ng/ml in 0.5 ml rat plasma and 5-5000 ng/ml in 0.5 ml dog plasma. In addition, good linearity (R2>0.9999) was also observed in urine, bile fluid, feces samples and various tissue samples. The overall accuracy of this method was 93-110% for both rat plasma and dog plasma. Intra-assay and inter-assay variabilities were less than 15.03% in plasma. The lowest quantitation limit of Astragaloside IV was 10 ng/ml in 0.5 ml rat plasma and 5 ng/ml in 0.5 ml dog plasma, respectively. Practical utility of this new LC/MS/MS method was confirmed in pilot pharmacokinetic studies in both rats and dogs following intravenous administration.

141.Effect of ingredients of Astragalus-Salvia compound on vascular endothelial cell in placenta and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression in trophocyte in pregnant rats with inhibited nitric oxide synthesis

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2005 Jun;25(6):516-9.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of effective ingredients of Astragalus-Salvia compound (ASC) in increasing placental blood supply, to provide thought for establishing an effective prevention and treatment of insufficient placental blood supply caused complications of pregnancy. METHODS: The effective ingredients of ASC was isolated and abstracted and the rat model of inhibited nitric oxide synthesis was established by using L-Arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. The mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in placental trophocyte and primordial micrangial endothelial cell was determined by using in situ hybridization at 12th day of pregnancy. RESULTS: The VEGF mRNA expression was significantly lower in nitric oxide synthesis inhibited model rats than that in rats non-modeled, or in model rats treated by ASC abstracts or nitroglycerin (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Effective ingredients of ASC may improve VEGF mRNA expression in placental trophocyte and vascular endothelial cell in early pregnancy, and thus be favorable for placental vascular net formation, trophocyte infiltration and mother-placental circulation constitution for increasing placental blood supply to prevent and treat the insufficient placental blood supply caused diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome.

142.Haemolytic activities and adjuvant effect of Astragalus membranaceus saponins (AMS) on the immune responses to ovalbumin in mice.

Vaccine. 2005 Oct 25;23(44):5196-203.
In this study, the haemolytic activities of Astragalus membranaceus saponins (AMS) and its adjuvant potentials on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against OVA were evaluated. We determined the haemolytic activity of AMS using 0.5% rabbit red blood cell. AMS showed a slight haemolytic effect, with its haemolytic percent being 0.66% at the concentration of 500 microg/ml. Furthermore, the adjuvant potentials of AMS at three dose levels on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against ovalbumin (OVA) were investigated. ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with OVA 100 microg alone or with OVA 100 microg dissolved in saline containing Alum (200 microg), QuilA (10 and 20 microg) or AMS (50, 100 or 200 microg) on Day 1 and 15. Two weeks later (Day 28), concanavalin A (Con A)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and OVA-specific antibodies in serum were measured. AMS significantly enhanced the Con A-, LPS-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation in the OVA-immunized mice especially at a dose of 100 microg (P<0.05 or P<0.001). OVA-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody titers in serum were also significantly enhanced by AMS compared with OVA control group (P<0.01 or P<0.001). Moreover, no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between enhancing effect of AMS and QuilA on the OVA-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody responses to OVA in mice. In conclusion, the results suggest that AMS could be safely used as adjuvant with low or non-haemolytic effect.

143.The protective effects of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici chuanxiong on endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2005 Jul;36(4):529-32.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese complex prescription of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong on urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. METHODS: Twenty-one type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria were involved in this before-after study by individual informed consent. Each of the eligible subjects was given the decoction of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong per os 150 ml q.d. for six months. The following examinations were performed at baseline and after treatment: (1) high-resolution ultrasonography to measure the diameter changes of brachial artery in response to reactive hyperemia (endothelium-dependent) and on administration of glyceryl trinitrate (endothelium-independent); (2) high resolution ultrasonography to measure combined intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid arteries (CCA); (3) fasting plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity, C reactive protein (CRP) and malonic aldehyde(MDA) concentration. RESULTS: The patients had impaired endothelial dependent vasodilation (EDV), elevated plasma PAI-1 activity and increased CRP and MDA concentration at baseline. After six months treatment with Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, their urinary albumin-to- creatinine ratio decreased from (86.5 +/- 53.9) microg/mg to (55.05 +/- 51.67) microg/mg (P=0.002). The EDV was improved at the end of the treatment (baseline: 7.49 +/- 2.98%, after treatment: 12.73 +/- 5.36%, P=0.001). Meanwhile, the activity of PAI-1 and the levels of MDA and CRP were significantly decreased CPAI-1: (83.49 +/- 5.11) X 10(-2) AU/ml vs. (79.7 +/- 7.8) x 10(-2) AU/ml, P=0.015; MDA: (3.20 +/- 1.13) nmol/L vs. (2.09 +/- 0.71) nmol/L, P=0.000; CRP: (7.04 +/- 2.64) mg/ L vs. (1.58 +/- 0.69) mg/L, P=0.000]. But no significant changes of the CCA IMT and endothelial independent vasodilation (EIV) were observed. Partial correlated analysis showed that MDA concentration was negatively correlated with EDV (r=-0.3736, P = 0.018). Correlated analysis also showed that CRP was negatively correlated with EDV (r=-0.348, P=0.028). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong compound medication may decrease urinary albumin excretion and improve endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. The mechanism may relate with the therapeutic effects of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong on anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and alleviation of the hypo-fibrinolytic/pro-thrombotic state.

144.Diphasic effects of Astragalus membranaceus BUNGE (Leguminosae) on vascular tone in rat thoracic aorta.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Aug;28(8):1450-4.
This study was designed to investigate the effects of the aqueous ethanol extract of Astragalus membranaceus BUNGE (Leguminosae) on rat thoracic aorta. Isometric tension was recorded in response to drugs in organ bath. In endothelium-intact aortic rings, A. membranaceus extract induced a significant dose-dependent relaxation of the rings precontracted by phenylephrine, which could be inhibited by preincubation with L-N(omega)-nitro-arginine methyl ester or methylthioninium chloride. In endothelium-denuded ones, the extract could dose-dependently relax the rings contracted by phenylephrine, not by KCl; and it could also attenuate contractile response to phenylephrine, not to caffeine or phorbol-12,13-diacetate in Ca(2+)-free medium; but it failed to affect the CaCl(2)-induced enhancement of contractile response to phenylephrine in Ca(2+)-free medium. These results indicate that nitric oxide signaling and Ca(2+)-handling pathway are involved in the A. membranaceus extract-induced vasodilatation.

145.Protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus on intestinal mucosa reperfusion injury after hemorrhagic shock in rats.

World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Aug 28;11(32):4986-91.
AIM: To study the protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus on intestinal mucosa reperfusion injury and its mechanism after hemorrhagic shock in rats. METHODS: A total of 32 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8, each group): normal group, model group, low dosage group (treated with 10 g/kg Astragalus membranaceus) and high dosage group (treated with 20 g/kg Astragalus membranaceus). The model of hemorrhagic shock for 60 min and reperfusion for 90 min was established. Therapeutic solution (3 mL) was administrated before reperfusion. At the end of the study, the observed intestinal pathology was analyzed. The blood concentrations of lactic acid (LD), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in intestinal mucosa were determined. RESULTS: The intestinal mucosa pathology showed severe damage in model group and low dosage group, slight damage in high dosage group and no obvious damage in normal group. The Chiu's score in low dose group and high dose group was significantly lower than that in model group. The content of MDA in model group was higher than that in low and high dose groups, while that in high dose group was almost the same as in normal group. The activity of SOD and GSH-PX was the lowest in model group and significantly higher in high dose group than in normal and low dose groups. The concentrations of LD and ET-1 in model group were the highest. The concentrations of NO in model group and low dose group were significantly lower than those in high dose group and normal group. CONCLUSION: High dose Astragalus membranaeus has much better protective effect on hemorrhagic shock-reperfusion injury of intestinal mucosa than low dose Astragalus membranaceus. The mechanism may be that Astragalus membranaceus can improve antioxidative effect and regulate NO/ET level during hemorrhagic reperfusion.

146.Preparative isolation and purification of calycosin and formononetin from Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by high-speed counter-current chromatography

Se Pu. 2005 May;23(3):299-301.
Preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was used for the separation of calycosin and formononetin from the ethyl acetate extract of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao. Calycosin was obtained by HSCCC with a binary phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-chloroform-methanol-water (1.5:3:3:2, v/v). Then, formononetin was obtained with a system composed of n-hexane-chloroform-methanol-water (4:4:5:4, v/v). The mobile phase was the lower phase and operated at a flow-rate of 2.0 mL/min, while the apparatus rotated at 800 r/min. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of calycosin and formononetin revealed that their purities were over 95%. HSCCC is a useful method for the separation of natural products.

147.Prevention of Rhodiola-astragalus membranaceus compounds against simulated plateau hypoxia brain injury in rat

Space Med Med Eng (Beijing). 2005 Aug;18(4):303-5.
Objective: To observe the protective effects of Rhodiola-astragalus membranaceus mixture against brain damage during hypoxia under simulated plateau environment and the mechanisms maybe involved in. Method: Adult SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, which were normoxic control, simulated plateau hypoxia, and Rhodiola-astragalus membranaceus mixture pretreatment group. Rats in the latter two groups were exposed to simulated 8000 m altitude in a hypobaric chamber for 7 h. Water content, Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity and SOD activity in cerebral tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactic acid content in cerebral homogenate and serum were measured. Result: As compared with control group, cerebral water content was significantly higher in hypoxia group, while it was obviously lower in pretreatment group. MDA contents of hypoxia group both in cerebral homogenate and serum were higher than that of control group, while the pretreatment group they were both decreased obviously. Lactic acid content of hypoxia group in cerebral and in serum increased markedly and decreased drastically in pretreatment group compared to that of hypoxic group. Conclusion: Rhodiola-astragalus membranaceus mixture has preventive effects on hypoxic damage induced by simulated plateau environment. This prevention may be related to the antagonistic effect on membrane lipid peroxidation and the inhibition on the accumulation of lactic acid in brain tissue and serum.

148.Amelioration of experimental colitis by Astragalus membranaceus through anti-oxidation and inhibition of adhesion molecule synthesis.

World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Oct 7;11(37):5787-94.
AIM: To investigate the protective effects of Astragalus membranaceus (Am) against hapten-induced colitis in male Sprague-Dawley rats as well as its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Experimental colitis was induced in rats by enema administration of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Rats were either pretreated with Am extract (2 or 4 g/kg, p.o. once daily) starting from 10 d before DNBS enema, or received Am post-treatment (2 or 4 g/kg, p.o. twice daily) on the three consecutive days following DNBS administration. Colonic lesion area and histological damage were determined, while the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and xanthine oxidase, as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) content were measured in the excised colonic tissues. Besides, protein expression of inducible nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin was also detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Our findings had shown that both macroscopic lesion area and histological colonic damage induced by DNBS were significantly reduced by both Am pre- and post-treatments. These were accompanied by attenuation of the elevated colonic MPO activity and downregulation of the iNOS, P-selectin, and ICAM-1 protein expression. Besides, deprivation of colonic GSH level under colitis condition was also preserved. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that Am possesses both preventive and therapeutic potential in experimental colitis. The anti-inflammatory actions involve anti-oxidation along with inhibition of adhesion molecule synthesis in the colonic tissues.

149.Effects of beta-glucan obtained from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus and lipopolysaccharide challenge on performance, immunological, adrenal, and somatotropic responses of weanling pigs.

J Anim Sci. 2005 Dec;83(12):2775-82.
A total of 108 crossbred piglets (7.75 +/- 0.24 kg of BW) weaned at 28 d was used to study the interactive effects of beta-glucan obtained from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge on performance, immunological, adrenal, and somatotropic responses of weaned pigs. The treatments were in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement; main effects were level of Astragalus membranaceus glucan (AMG; 0, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg; as-fed basis) and presence of immunological challenge (with or without LPS). The experiment included six replicate pens per treatment and three pigs per pen. Lipopolysaccharide challenges were conducted on d 7 and 21 of the trial. Blood samples were obtained from the vena cava from one pig per pen at 3 h after LPS challenge to determine plasma responses. Weight gain and feed:gain ratio were unaffected by glucan. However, there was a quadratic effect on feed intake (P < 0.05): pigs fed 500 mg of glucan/kg had the highest feed intake. Immunological challenge with LPS decreased weight gain (P = 0.02). An interaction (P = 0.01 to 0.09) between AMG and LPS was observed for glucose, IL-1beta, PGE2, and cortisol. Astragalus membranaceus glucan had a quadratic effect on the plasma concentrations of glucose, IL-1beta, PGE2, and cortisol (P < 0.05) after both LPS challenges. Plasma concentrations of glucose, IL-1beta, PGE2, and cortisol (P < 0.05) were all increased in LPS-challenged pigs compared with the control pigs after both LPS challenges. The IGF-I concentrations were less for LPS-challenged pigs than for unchallenged pigs. The lymphocyte proliferation response of peripheral blood induced by 5 microg of concanavalin A/mL (P < 0.01) and IL-2 bioactivity (P < 0.05) increased linearly with increasing addition of glucan. Pigs challenged with LPS had greater T-lymphocyte proliferation (P = 0.06) and IL-2 bioactivity (P = 0.07) than unchallenged pigs after the first immunological challenge but not after the second. In conclusion, although glucan did not improve pig performance under the conditions of the present experiment, when included at 500 mg/kg, it decreased the release of inflammatory cytokine and corticosteroid and improved the lymphocyte proliferation response of weanling piglets via enhanced IL-2 bioactivity.

150.Astrapterocarpan isolated from Astragalus membranaceus inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Eur J Pharmacol. 2005 Nov 21;525(1-3):41-7. Epub 2005 Nov 16.
The inhibitory effects of astrapterocarpan, formononetin, and calycosin isolated from Astragalus membraneceus on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferative response in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (A10 cells) were investigated. Astrapterocarpan significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition was not attributed to toxicity. In contrast, formononetin and calycosin had no effect. We next examined the effect of astrapterocarpan on PDGF-BB signal transduction. Astrapterocarpan inhibited PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERIC1/2) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. However, this compound had no effect on phosphorylation of PDGF-beta-receptor, Akt kinase and p38 MAP kinase. These results indicated that astrapterocarpan inhibits PDGF-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and that this effect may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase cascade.

151.The protective effects of three components isolated from Astragalus membranaceus on shock wave lithotripsy induced kidney injury in rabbit model

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2005 Aug 17;85(31):2201-6.
OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is has been shown to reduce renal parenchymal injury subject to application of shock wave lithotripsy in our pervious study. To investigate the protective action of three main components from Astragalus membranaceus, including total saponins of astragalus (TSA), total flavonoids of astragalus (TFA) total polysaccharide of astragalus (TPA) in alleviating shock wave induced kidney damage. METHODS: Sixty four male rabbits were randomly assigned to a control group or to 3 groups that were premedicated with TSA TFA and TPA respectively prior to application of ESWL. Each group of animals underwent shock wave lithotripsy (18 kV) to the right kidneys and received a total of 1500 shocks. Peripheral blood samples were collected to evaluate the levels of plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), plasma nitric oxide (NO) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) before and after shock wave treatment. The concentrations of these markers in the treated kidney tissues were also detected 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after application of ESWL. The changes of histopathology and cells ultrastructure were observed through light microscope and electron microscope. Untreated contralateral kidneys were evaluated as controls. RESULTS: In control serials the levels of ET-1 and MDA were elevated significantly while the level of NO was significantly decreased after application of shock wave lithotripsy (P < 0.05). The comparison between the controls and premedicated groups demonstrated that all these three components especially TSA and TFA significantly inhibited shock wave induced increasing of ET-1 and MDA (P < 0.05). TSA also significantly suppressed the decrease of NO and made the recovery time earlier compare to the results of controls (P < 0.05). However, TFA and TPA had almost no effects on the change of NO. (P > 0.05). The results in histopathology showed noticeably damage of glomerular and tubular epithelial cells in the treated kidneys in the controls. The histological alterations in the TPA group were similar to those of the controls. These alterations were significantly milder in the TSA and TFA particular the TSA group. CONCLUSION: TFA and TSA, especially TSA seemed to play the key role in alleviating ESWL induced kidney damage.

152.Study on new extraction technology of astragaloside IV

Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Aug;28(8):705-8.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility and the optimal extraction technology of astragaloside IV by SFE-CO2. METHODS: According the content of astragaloside IV, the optimum extraction technology parameters such as extraction temperature, pressure, extraction time, velocity of fluid and co-solvent were investigated and the result was compared with that of water extraction. RESULTS: The optimum technical parameters were as follows: Extracting pressure 40 Mpa, temperature 45 degrees C, extracting time 2h, co-solvent was 95% ethanol and its dosage was 4ml/g, the ratio of CO2 fluid was 10 kg/kg x h. CONCLUSION: Extraction technology of astragaloside IV by SFE-CO2 is reliable, stable.

153.Effects of Huangqi on phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophage of mice

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Nov;30(21):1670-2.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Huangqi decoction (HQD) on phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophage of mice. METHOD: One hundred Kunming mice, whose weight varied from 18 g to 22 g, were selected and divided into 10 groups randomly in eluding contrast group, groups conducted at different doses of HQD by ig, groups conducted in various ways of taking medicine, and groups conducted with comparative treat combining Huangqi and Dexamethasone. Mice in every group were taken medicine one time daily for 6 days. RESULT: Among the groups treated at different doses of HQD, phagocytic rate and phagocytic index of mice, which were taken HQD by ig at high, middle, and low doses, were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of mice in contrast group, at the same time the effect in group with high dose was the best. Among the groups treated in various ways of taking medicine, phagocytic rate of the ip group was significantly better (P < 0.01) than that of the sc group and that of the ig group respectively, but there was not significant difference (P > 0.05) of phagocytic index among them. Among the groups combining Huangqi and Dexamethasone, Huangqi could antagonize the immunosuppressive effect of Dexamethasone obviously (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HQD at different doses and with various ways of taking medicine could improve phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophage of mice at different degree, and could antagonize the immunosuppressive effect of Dexamethasone.

154.Effects of astragaloside IV on pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in vitro.

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2006 Feb;27(2):229-36.
AIM: To investigate the diverse pharmacological actions of astragaloside IV from the perspective of metabolic syndrome, and to investigate the effect of the drug on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Adipogenesis was used as an indicator of the effect of astragaloside IV on preadipocyte differentiation, and was measured by using an oil red O assay. Glucose uptake was determined by measuring the transport of [2-(3)H]-deoxyglucose into the cells. The concentrations of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) and aP2 mRNA were determined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis and viability loss of endothelial cells were detected by using flow cytometry and the WST-1 assay, respectively. Intracellular free Ca2+ was labeled with Fluo-3 AM and measured by using a laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: Astragaloside IV can significantly potentiate insulin-induced preadipocyte differentiation at concentrations of 3, 10, and 30 microg/mL, improve high glucose-induced insulin resistance in adipocytes at a concentration of 30 microg/mL, and prevent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced apoptosis and viability loss at concentrations of 10 and 30 microg/mL, and 30 microg/mL, respectively, in endothelial cells. Furthermore, we found that these effects were partly due to the promotion of PPARgamma expression and to the inhibition of abnormal TNF-alpha-induced intracellular free Ca(2+) accumulation in endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: The diverse pharmacological actions of astragaloside IV can all be linked to metabolic syndrome pathogenesis. Our study provides a new insight into the mechanism by which astragaloside IV exerts its effect.

155.Study on effect of Astragalus membranaceus injection on hematopoiesis in anemic mice with myelosuppression

Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Sep;28(9):791-3.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of AMI on hematopoiesis in anemic mice and explore the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Anemic mice model resulted from myelosuppression by irradiation and cytotoxic chemotherapeutic compounds were randomly divided into three groups: treated group I, treated group II and anemic control group. Intraperitoneal doses of AMI(500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg) were given to the treated group, and equal doses of physiological saline were given to the anemic control group. On 7 days after treatment, the count of whole blood cells and bone marrow cells were determined by blood auto-analyzer. The numbers of CFU-GM (granulocyte and macrophage colony forming unit), CFU-E (colony forming unit-erythroid), BFU-E (burst forming unit-erythroid), CFU-Meg(colony forming unit-megakaryocyte) were determined by using technique of hematopoietic progenitor cells culture in vitro. Expression of anti-apoptosis protein BcL-XL and BcL-2 in BMC were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: RBC, HB, PLT (P < 0.05) and BMC (P < 0.01) in treated group I were significantly higher than that of anemic control. The number of CFU-E, BFU-E and CFU-Meg as well as expression of anti-apoptosis protein BcL-XL of BMC in treated group I also were significantly higher than that of anemic control (P <0. 05 or P <0. 01), while numbers of CFU-E as well as expression of anti-apoptosis protenin BcL-XL of BMC in treated group II were higher than that of anemic control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AMI can lesson apoptosis of bone marrow cells and promote hematopoietic progenitor cells to differentiate along the erythroid and megakaryocytoid line by up-regulating expression of antiapoptosis protein BcL-XL of BMC.

156.Astragaloside IV from Astragalus membranaceus shows cardioprotection during myocardial ischemia in vivo and in vitro.

Planta Med. 2006 Jan;72(1):4-8.
Astragaloside IV is the major active constituent of Astragalus membranaceus, which has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. However, the effects of astragaloside IV on myocardial ischemia and its mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. In this study, we have examined the effects of astragaloside IV on myocardial infarction and coronary flow in vivo and in vitro. The possible roles of its antioxidative and nitric oxide-inducing properties were also explored. Astragaloside IV significantly reduced infarct size in dogs subjected to coronary ligation in vivo. Astragaloside IV also improved post-ischemic heart function and ameliorated reperfusion arrhythmias in rat hearts in vitro. The cardioprotection of astragaloside IV was accompanied by a significant increase in coronary flow both in vivo and in vitro. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nomega-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester partially abrogated astragaloside IV's protective effect on heart function. Myocardial antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase activity increased with astragaloside IV administration. These data suggest the potential roles of antioxidative and nitric oxide-inducing properties of astragaloside IV in its protection from myocardial ischemia.

157.Expression profile of a PAL gene from Astragalus membranaceus var. Mongholicus and its crucial role in flux into flavonoid biosynthesis.

Plant Cell Rep. 2006 Jul;25(7):705-10. Epub 2006 Feb 3.
An important traditional Chinese medicine herb, Astragalus membranaceus var. Mongholicus, whose dried root is known as Radix astragali ("Huangqi" in Chinese), has high flavonoid content as an essential active constituent. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) catalyzes the first and also a rate-limiting step in phenylpropanoid pathway, which supplies precursors for a variety of secondary metabolites including flavonoids. A PAL gene, designated AmPAL1 (GenBank accession no. AY986506), was isolated from A. membranaceus var. Mongholicus with a full-length cDNA of 2562 nucleotides and an open reading frame of 2154 bp. Northern blot analysis revealed that AmPAL1 expressed universally in different organs, and its expression was markedly induced by UV irradiation, mechanical wounding, and white light irradiation on etiolated seedlings, with some distinctive responsive properties. Content of a typical flavonoid, quercetin, in A. membranaceus var. Mongholicus of different ages correlated with PAL enzymatic activity. Transgenic tobacco plants harboring AmPAL1 under the control of the CaMV35S promoter showed significantly increased PAL activity and correlatively increased quercetin content than those in non-transformed plants. These results indicate that PAL is maybe a key point for flux into flavonoid biosynthesis in the genetic control of secondary metabolism in A. membranaceus var. Mongholicus.

158.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng on the transformation of bone marrow stem cells and proliferation of EPC in vitro

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Nov;30(22):1761-3.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and the possible mechanism underlying the promotional effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng on the transformation of bone narrow stem cells and proliferation of EPC. METHOD: The marrow blood was collected in the patients with ischemia of lower limbs and BM-MNCs were separated and proliferated under different conditions. A. morphologic observation was performed and the ratio of CD34+ cells was measured. RESULT: The shuttle shaped cells lined up as bunches with several round cells scattered. The ratio of CD34+ cells was significantly increased in groups treated with medium (P < 0.01) and lower (P < 0.05) dosages of A. membranaceus and medium (P < 0.01) and high dosages (P < 0.01) of P. notoginseng respectively as compared with control group. CONCLUSION: A. membranaceus and P. notoginseng can promote the transformation and proliferation of EPC.

159.Absorption and metabolism of Astragali radix decoction: in silico, in vitro, and a case study in vivo.

Drug Metab Dispos. 2006 Jun;34(6):913-24. Epub 2006 Feb 28.
To profile absorption of Astragali Radix decoction and identify its orally absorbable constituents and their metabolites, four complementary in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods, i.e., a computational chemistry prediction method, a Caco-2 cell monolayer model experiment, an improved rat everted gut sac experiment, and a healthy human volunteer experiment, were used. According to the in silico computation result, 26 compounds of Astragali Radix could be regarded as orally available compounds, including 12 flavonoids. In the in vitro and in vivo experiments, 21 compounds were tentatively identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry data, which involved calycosin, formononetin, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan, 7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, 7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6''-O-malonate, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucoside, and phase II metabolites calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide, 7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, and calycosin sulfate. Calycosin and formononetin were proved absorbable by four methods; (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan and 7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan were proved absorbable by three methods; formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside and (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucoside were proved absorbable by two methods. The existence of calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide, 7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, and calycosin sulfate was proved by two or three methods. We found that besides isoflavones, pterocarpans and isoflavans also could be metabolized by the intestine during absorption, and the major metabolites were glucuronides. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the flavonoids in Astragali Radix decoction, including isoflavones, pterocarpans, and isoflavans, could be absorbed and metabolized by the intestine. These absorbable compounds, which were reported to have various bioactivities related to the curative effects of Astragali Radix decoction, could be regarded as an important component of the effective constituents of Astragali Radix decoction.

160.Differential effects of isoflavones, from Astragalus membranaceus and Pueraria thomsonii, on the activation of PPARalpha, PPARgamma, and adipocyte differentiation in vitro.

J Nutr. 2006 Apr;136(4):899-905.
Compounds that target the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors PPARalpha and PPARgamma are used to correct dyslipidemia and to restore glycemic balance, respectively. Because the majority of diabetic patients suffer from atherogenic lipid abnormalities, in addition to insulin resistance, ligands are required that can activate both PPARalpha and PPARgamma. In this study, we used chimeric PPARalpha/gamma reporter-gene bioassays to screen herbal extracts with purported antidiabetic properties. Extracts of Astragalus membranaceus and Pueraria thomsonii significantly activated PPARalpha and PPARgamma. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of the isoflavones, formononetin, and calycosin from Astragalus membranaceus, and daidzein from Pueraria thomsonii as the PPAR-activating compounds. We investigated the effects of these and 2 common isoflavones, genistein and biochanin A, using chimeric and full-length PPAR constructs in vitro. Biochanin A and formononectin were potent activators of both PPAR receptors (EC50 = 1-4 micromol/L) with PPARalpha/PPARgamma activity ratios of 1:3 in the chimeric and almost 1:1 in the full-length assay, comparable to those observed for synthetic dual PPAR-activating compounds under pharmaceutical development. There was a subtle hierarchy of PPARalpha/gamma activities, indicating that biochanin A, formononetin, and genistein were more potent than calycosin and daidzein in chimeric as well as full-length receptor assays. At low doses, only biochanin A and formononetin, but not genistein, calycosin, or daidzein, activated PPARgamma-driven reporter-gene activity and induced differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Our data suggest the potential value of isoflavones, especially biochanin A and their parent botanicals, as antidiabetic agents and for use in regulating lipid metabolism.

161.Chemical and biological assessment of a chinese herbal decoction containing Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis: Determination of drug ratio in having optimized properties.

J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Apr 5;54(7):2767-74.
Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction that is commonly used as a dietary supplement in treating woman with menopausal irregularity, contains two herbs: Radix Astragali (Huangqi) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui). The ratio of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis used in DBT should be 5:1 as described in China in 1247 A.D.; however, the rationale of this formula has not been given. Here, the chemical and biological properties of DBT, prepared from different ratios of the drugs, were determined. Significantly, higher amounts of Radix Astragali-derived astragaloside IV, calycosin, and formononetin and Radix Angelicae Sinensis-derived ferulic acid were found in DBT with Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in a 5:1 ratio. By using the biological effects of DBT in stimulating osteoblast proliferation, estrogen promoter activation, and anti-platelet aggregation activity, the drug ratio of 5:1 produced the best effects. In addition, the use of ethanol-treated Radix Angelicae Sinensis enhanced the efficacy of DBT, and the treatment further increased the solubilities of chemical constituents. By analyzing the correlation of chemical and biological results, several chemicals showed positive correlation with DBT-induced bioactivities. The current results support the ancient formulation of DBT, and the identified chemicals could serve as markers for quality control of DBT.

162.Standard operating procedure for Astragalus membranaceus

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Feb;31(3):191-4.
In order to ensure the superior quality and safety of the raw materials of the Chinese herbal medicine, a standard operating procedure for astragalus was established on the base of the GAP of the Chinese herbal medicine as well as practice investigation and experiments. This standard operating procedure provides the technical requirements for astragalus's growing, field management, controlling of the diseases and pests, harvesting, processing, packing, storing, transporting and quality monitoring.

163.Astragaloside IV improved barrier dysfunction induced by acute high glucose in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Life Sci. 2006 Aug 15;79(12):1186-93. Epub 2006 Apr 15.
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of astragaloside IV, a saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge, on the impairment of barrier function induced by acute high glucose in cultured human vein endothelial cells. High glucose (27.8 mM) induced a decrease in transendothelial electrical impedance and an increase in cell monolayer permeability in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Endothelial barrier dysfunction stimulated by high glucose was accompanied by translocation and activation of protein kinase C (PKC), the redistribution of F-actin and formation of intercellular gaps, suggesting that increases in PKC activity and rearrangement of F-actin could be associated with endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by acute high glucose. Application of astragaloside IV inhibited high glucose-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction in a dose-dependent manner, which is compatible with inhibition of PKC translocation and improvement of F-actin rearrangements. Western blot analysis revealed that high glucose-induced PKC alpha and beta2 overexpression in the membrane fraction were significantly reduced by astragaloside IV. These findings indicate that astragaloside IV protected endothelial cells from high glucose-induced barrier impairment by inhibiting PKC activation, as well as improving cytoskeleton remodeling.

164.Cardiac protective effect of Astragalus on viral myocarditis mice: comparison with Perindopril.

Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(3):493-502.
In clinical practice, Astragali Radix (Astragalus), the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, has been widely applied to treat patients with viral diseases, including viral myocarditis in China. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Astragalus on the function of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2) activity and endothelin system at acute and chronic periods of myocarditis mice induced by CVB(3) infection. Astragalus feeding (2.2 mg/kg/day) could significantly increase the survival rate, alleviate pathological alterations and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), as well as restore impaired SERCA activity at the acute stage. Low affinity and capacity of ETR were reversed with Astragalus after the first CVB(3) inoculation up to 7 days and after the second virus inoculation up to 150 days. In the meantime, the contents of cardiac ET-1 and ANP were reduced. Comparison the myocarditis mice treated with Perindopril (0.44 mg/kg/day), an ACE inhibitor, shows that Astragalus achieved a similar effect on survival rate, SERCA2 and ET system. These results indicated that the beneficial effects of Astragalus and Perindopril for treating viral myocarditis might be partly mediated by preserving the functions of SERCA 2 activity and ET system.

165.A novel antioxidant agent, astragalosides, prevents shock wave-induced renal oxidative injury in rabbits.

Urol Res. 2006 Aug;34(4):277-82. Epub 2006 Jun 17.
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)-induced renal damage can occur as a result of multiple mechanisms, including small vessel injury and free radical formation. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a traditional Chinese herb, could significantly alleviate shock wave-induced renal oxidative injury, and its renoprotective effects were superior to those of varapamil, a calcium antagonist, which were considered to be a powerful agent in treating renal damage during ESWL. However, the effective antioxidant ingredient of this herb in the setting of lithotripsy remains unclear. Astragalosides, the major components of AM, was demonstrated to have superior antioxidation properties both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study we further investigate the potential effects of astragalosides on the shock wave-induced oxidative stress in rabbit kidney. Thirty male rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups, each consisting of 15 rabbits: (1) control group, (2) astragaloside-treated group. Each group of animals underwent 1,500 shock waves to the right kidney. Peripheral blood, urine and kidney tissue samples were collected pre- and post-ESWL. The level of urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), serum creatinine, serum or homogenates malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), respectively, were detected. Histological alterations were also examined through light microcopy and transmission electron microscopy. In the control group, shock wave significantly increased the level of MDA and decreased SOD activity in both blood and renal homogenates (P<0.05, respectively). The comparison between the control and astragalosides group demonstrated that astragalosides could significantly decrease the level of MDA (P<0.05) and inhibit the decline of SOD activity (P<0.05). After exposure to shock waves, the activity of urinary NAG increased significantly in the control group (P<0.05). However, the concentration of serum creatinine did not change significantly. The comparison between the control and astragalosides group demonstrated that astragalosides significantly reduced the shock wave-induced leakage of NAG into the urine (P<0.05). Histological examination also showed that renal morphological impairments were much milder in astragaloside-treated rabbits than those of the control group. Our results indicated that astragaloside treatment provided significant protection against shock wave-induced renal oxidative injury.

166.Astragaloside IV dilates aortic vessels from normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats through endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent ways.

Planta Med. 2006 Jun;72(7):621-6. Epub 2006 May 29.
The major active constituent of Astragalus membranaceus, astragaloside IV, has been found to have properties of increasing coronary flow and cardioprotection. In this study, we examined the direct effects of astragaloside IV on vessel dilatation and contraction in isolated aortic rings from both normal and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) in vitro. The results demonstrated that astragaloside IV could antagonize vessel contractions induced by phenylephrine and potassium chloride in a concentration-dependent way. Astragaloside IV reduced CaCl2-induced contractions in Ca2+-free solution. Astragaloside IV also dilated aortic vessels in a dose-dependent manner, which was partially endothelium-dependent through the nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP pathways. The aorta from 6-month-old SHR-SP rats showed impaired endothelium function, and astragaloside IV dilated the vessels from the hypertensive rats to a lesser extent as compared with normal control rats. In the presence of perivascular fat tissue, the contractile responses induced by angiotensin II and phenylephrine were also attenuated by astragaloside IV. Collectively, this study provides functional evidence that astragaloside IV exerts vessel dilatation properties through the endothelium-dependent NO-cGMP pathway in normal and hypertensive rats. It blocks extracellular calcium influx and participates in vessel relaxation partly through phenylephrine and angiotensin II inhibition when perivascular fat is present.

167.The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans

Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):687-95.
The increasing use of medicinal herbs among the general public has piqued the need for scientific-based research to determine the mechanism of action of herbs administered orally in human subjects. The ability of three herbs, Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra, to activate immune cells in human subjects was assessed in this pilot study. The effect of these herbs when ingested for 7 days was measured both when administered singly, and in combination, using flow cytometry. The primary cell activation marker measured was CD69. The results demonstrate that Echinacea, Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza herbal tinctures stimulated immune cells as quantified by CD69 expression on CD4 and CD8 T cells. This activation took place within 24 h of ingestion, and continued for at least 7 days. In addition, these three herbs had an additive effect on CD69 expression when used in combination.

168.Effects of Astragalus injection on renal tubular function in patients with IgA nephropathy

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Jun;26(6):504-7.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the renal tubular function and the severity of tubulo interstitial lesion and the effects of Astragalus Injection (AI) on renal tubular function in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with IgAN were randomly divided into the control group and the astragalus group, both received dipyridamole and benazepril orally, while the astragalus group treated with AI by intravenous dripping additionally. The indices for renal tubular function, including protein in blood and urine, urinary retinol binding protein (RBP) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG), were detected. Area of glomerular Bowman capsule, renal tubules, and capillary were measured with color magic image analysis system type CMIAS2000. RESULTS: Urinary RBP and UNAG were correlated with tubulointerstitial lesion. Urine protein concentration decreased, blood albumin increased remarkably and renal tubular function improved after treatment in the astragalus group, with the improvement significantly different to those in the control group respectively. CONCLUSION: The severity of tubulointerstitial lesion was positively related to urinary RBP concentration, and astragalus injection has obvious effect on IgAN.

169.Calcium channel blocking activity of calycosin, a major active component of Astragali Radix, on rat aorta.

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2006 Aug;27(8):1007-12.
AIM: To investigate the vasoactivity of calycosin, a major active component of Astragali Radix. METHODS: Experiments were performed on isolated rat thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PHE) or KCl. RESULTS: Calycosin produced a concentration-dependent relaxation on the tissue pre-contracted using PHE with 4.46+/-0.13 of pD(2) and 95.85%+/-2.67% of E(max); or using KCl with 4.27+/-0.05 of pD2 and 99.06%+/-2.15% of Emax, and displaced downwards the concentration-response curves of aortic rings to PHE or KCl. The relaxant effect of calycosin on denuded endothelium aortic rings was the same as on intact endothelium aortic rings, and its vasorelaxant effect was not influenced by L-NAME or indomethacin. In Ca(2+)-free solution, calycosin (30 micromol/L) did not have an effect on PHE (1 micromol/L)-induced aortic ring contraction. The effects of calycosin and nifedipine where somewhat different; calycosin decreased aortic ring contractions induced by the two agonists, but nifedipine displayed a more potent inhibitory effect on KCl-induced contractions than on PHE-induced contractions, and the vascular relaxing effects of calycosin and nifidipine were additive on PHE-induced contraction but not KCl-induced. CONCLUSION: Calycosin is a vasorelaxant. Its action is endothelium-independent and is unrelated to intracellular Ca(2+) release. It is a noncompetitive Ca(2+) channel blocker. The effect of calycosin on Ca(2+) channel blockade may be different from that of dihydropyridines. This study demonstrated a novel pharmacological activity of calycosin, and supplied a theoretic foundation for Astragali Radix application.

170.Astragalus and angelica mixture inhibits the renal tubular epithelial cell injury induced by aristolochic-acid I

Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. 2006 Aug 18;38(4):381-4.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chinese herb astragalus and angelica mixture (A&A) have influence on the renal tubular epithelial cell injury induced by aristolochic-acid I. METHODS: Human proximal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 was pre-treated with AA-I (2.5 mg/L) for 4 hours. Cells were then treated with or without A&A for additional 44 hours. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by using FACS. Secreted fibronectin (FN) and TGF-beta1 levels were assayed by ELISA. The changes of AA-I-induced FN, TGF-beta1 level and the rate of apoptosis were compared before and after A&A treatment. RESULTS: There was basement secretion of TGF-beta1 by HK-2 cells (7.05+/-1.98 microg/L). Both normal serum (N-S) and A&A could not induce the cells to secret TGF-beta1(6.35+/-1.99 microg/L and 6.57+/-2.19 microg/L, vs. control, P>0.05). AA-I could induce the TGF-beta1 secretion by HK-2 cells (18.26+/-5.98 microg/L, vs. control, P<0.05). A&A could block AA-I-induced TGF-beta1 secretion by 63.5% (6.66+/-0.70 microg/L, vs. AA-I, P<0.05). It also suppressed AA-I-induced cell apoptosis by 93.7% (3.32%+/-0.41% vs. 19.19%+/-6.32% respectively, P<0.001) and FN secretion by 44% (1.64+/-1.11 folds vs. 2.93+/-0.87 folds respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: A&A inhibits AA-I induced injury in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, whose mechanism may be partially through blocking TGF-beta1 secretion.

171.A Chinese herbal decoction, Danggui Buxue Tang, prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis stimulates the immune responses.

Planta Med. 2006 Oct;72(13):1227-31. Epub 2006 Aug 10.
Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction that is used commonly for treating women's ailments, contains Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis. The ratio of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis used in DBT should be 5 : 1 as described in China in 1247 A.D. In order to verify the efficacy of this ancient formulation in stimulating the immune responses, DBT prepared from different drug ratios was applied onto cultured T-lymphocytes and macrophages. In cultured T-lymphocytes, DBT induced markedly cell proliferation, secretion of interleukin-2 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In addition, the phagocytosis of cultured macrophages was increased by DBT treatment. The immunomodulatory effects of DBT were revealed to be the strongest in the extract derived from the drug ratio of 5 : 1. The current results verified that the ancient formulation of DBT has been optimized in stimulating immune responses.

172.Effects on herba epimedii and radix Astragali on tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor-kappa B in asthmatic rats

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Aug;26(8):723-7.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Herba Epimedii and Radix Astragali, the two Chinese herbs for replenishing Shen and strengthening qi, on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, one of the pro-inflammatory factors) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in asthmatic rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into five groups: the normal saline control group, the asthma model group and the three treated groups treated with high, medium and low dose of the Chinese herbs. Serum TNF-alpha and NF-kappa B activity in pulmonary tissue were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry respectively. RESULTS: Herba Epimedii and Radix Astragali could effectively reduce the production of TNF-alpha and inhibit NF-kappa B activity, and the efficacies in the three treated group were similar, showing insignificant difference among them. CONCLUSION: Application of Herba Epimedii and Radix Astragali in the attack or remission stage of asthma could restrain the development of inflammation by reducing the production of TNF-alpha and inhibiting NF-kappa B activity.

173.Promotion of axonal maturation and prevention of memory loss in mice by extracts of Astragalus mongholicus.

Br J Pharmacol. 2006 Nov;149(5):532-41. Epub 2006 Sep 18.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurons with atrophic neurites may remain alive and therefore may have the potential to regenerate even when neuronal death has occurred in some parts of the brain. This study aimed to explore effects of drugs that can facilitate the regeneration of neurites and the reconstruction of synapses even in severely damaged neurons. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We investigated the effects of extracts of Astragalus mongholicus on the cognitive defect in mice caused by injection with the amyloid peptide Abeta(25-35). We also examined the effect of the extract on the regeneration of neurites and the reconstruction of synapses in cultured neurons damaged by Abeta(25-35). KEY RESULTS: A. mongholicus extract (1 g kg(-1) day(-1) for 15 days, p.o.) reversed Abeta(25-35)-induced memory loss and prevented the loss of axons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in mice. Treatment with Abeta(25-35) (10 microM) induced axonal atrophy and synaptic loss in cultured rat cortical neurons. Subsequent treatment with A. mongholicus extract (100 microg/ml) resulted in significant axonal regeneration, reconstruction of neuronal synapses, and prevention of Abeta(25-35)-induced neuronal death. Similar extracts of A. membranaceus had no effect on axonal atrophy, synaptic loss, or neuronal death. The major known components of the extracts (astragalosides I, II, and IV) reduced neurodegeneration, but the activity of the extracts did not correlate with their content of these three astragalosides. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: A. mongholicus is an important candidate for the treatment of memory disorders and the main active constituents may not be the known astragalosides.

174.Simultaneous analysis of seven astragalosides in Radix Astragali and related preparations by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

J Sep Sci. 2006 Aug;29(13):2012-22.
A method has been developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmacologically active astragalosides isolated from several species of the genus Astragalus by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Seven astragalosides in Radix Astragali and their commercial pharmaceutical preparations were analyzed using the developed method. The extracted ion current chromatograms were obtained from the total ion current chromatogram using the m/z of [M+Na]+ ions produced by target compounds for peak determination. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.10-0.22 ng and 0.22-0.52 ng in full scan mode, respectively. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 > or = 0.9965) within the test range. The overall intra- and inter-day precision was less than 2.86% for peak area and the accuracy was higher than 92.9% on using ginsenoside I as internal standard. The assay was successfully utilized to analyze the major biologically active astragalosides in six samples of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao. and eight commercial preparations. The overall results demonstrate that this method is simple, selective, and suitable for the quality control of Chinese medicine and their preparation in the low nanogram range.

175.Determination of three constituents in Radix Astragali by HPLC-MS

Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2006 Aug;41(8):793-6.
AIM: To determine calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, astragaloside IV and formononetin in Radix Astragali and other relative samples by HPLC-MS. METHODS: HPLC was carried out with Agilent 1100LC/MSD, equipped with Agilent Zorbax SB C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm ID, 5 microm) and mass spectrum detector. The mobile phase (CH3CN-H2O) was eluted in gradient mode. RESULTS: The calibration curves of calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, astragaloside IV and formononetin were linear in the range of 0.03 - 1.21 microg x mL(-1), 0.35 - 13.86 microg x mL(-1) and 0.38 - 15.22 microg x mL(-1), respectively. These recoveries of samples were from 95% to 105% with RSD less than 1.5%. CONCLUSION: The method was employed to analyse 25 samples of Radix Astragali and other relative samples, including Radix Astragali slice, Radix Astragali Preparata, Hedysarum polybotrys Hand. -Mazz, Astragalus ernestii Comb. The contents of three constituents vary greatly because of the species, place of collection and season of harvesting. This method could apply to evaluate the quality of Radix Astragali and it is simple, sensitive and reliable.

176.Effect of 5-fluorouracil in combination with Astragalus membranaceus on amino acid metabolism in mice model of gastric carcinoma

Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2006 Sep;9(5):445-7.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of 5-fluorouracil-FU in combination with astragalus membranaceus(AM) on amino acid metabolism in mice model of gastric carcinoma induced by 3-methylcholanthrene(MC). METHODS: Mice gastric carcinoma models were established by 3-methylcholanthrene induction and randomly divided into different groups, and received 5-FU treatment (group A) 5-FU plus AM (group B), 5-FU plus a high dose of AM(group C), no treatment (group D). Normal mice were used as control (group N). Free amino acid in the tumor specimens were examined. RESULTS: The levels of free Valine, Methionine, Leucine, Arginine and cystine in the tumor specimens in group D were significantly higher than that in group N(P< 0.05). The levels of free serine in group A, B, C, D were significantly higher than that in group N. The levels of free glutamic acid in group A, B were significantly higher than that in group N(P< 0.05). The levels of free proline in group C, D were significantly higher than that in group P, N(P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The increasing levels of free serine and proline in tumor specimens in gastric cancer mice model reveals metabolic disturbance of amino acid. 5-FU plus astragalus membranaceus can decrease the level of free glutamic acid in the mice models, and inhibit tumor growth.

177.Correlation studies of contents of copper and organic components in Astragalus roots

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Aug;31(15):1249-53.
OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between copper and organic components, total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA), total saponins of Astragalus (TSA) and total polysaccharide of Astragalus (TPA). METHOD: TFA, TSA and TPA were extracted from Astragalus roots using different organic solvents, and determined by colorimetry. The concentration of copper in extracts was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). RESULT: Copper was found in TFA, TPA and TSA, and its concentration in TFA and TPA was higher; the content of copper was correlated significantly to that of TFA and TPA (r1(2) = 0.754 8, F1 = 57.202, P < 0.01 and r2(2) = 0.499, F2 = 21.906, P < 0.01), while not to that of TSA ( r3(2) = 0.0026, F3 = 0.041, P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Correlation analysis could reveal the relationship of copper with organic components in Astragalus roots; contents and structure characteristics of organic components might be important factors influencing the distribution of copper in Astragalus roots.

178.Mechanism of Shenqi compound recipe anti-earlier diabetic artherosclerosis in GK rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Aug;31(15):1272-6.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Shenqi compound recipe (SQCR) anti-earlier diabetic artherosclerosis in GK rats. METHOD: Four-month specefic pathogen free (SPF) GK rats were divided randomly according to blood glucose level into four groups: model group (5 mL x kg(-1) x d(-1) sterile water), ramipril group (positive control, 1 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), SQCR low dosage (0.72 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and SQCR high dosage group (2.88 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and Wistar rats as normal control group(5 mL x kg(-1) x d(-1) sterile water). GK rats took high-fat diet freely and meanwile were injected N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-N-AME) intra-peritoneally with the dose of 10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) in order to induce earlier diabetic artherosclerosis, while normal control group took regular diet and were injected normal saline intra-peritoneally. In the experiment periods, each group was administrated correspondent substance respectively for 32 d. At the end, sampling blood by abdominal aorta and picking aorta on ice. Determined monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentration by ELISA, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of MCP-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) in aorta by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). RESULT: Concentrations of MCP-1 in serum in SQCR low and high dosage groups and the mRNA expression of MCP-1 in SQCR high dosage group were all decreased significantly compared with model group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of PPARgamma in SQCR low and high dosage groups all increased compared with model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Inhibiting the mRNA and protein expression of MCP-1 and upregulating the mRNA expression of PPARgamma in aorta might be contribute to SQCR anti-earlier diabetic artherosclerosis in GK rats partly.

179.Study on chronical hepatitis B with treatment of integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Aug;31(15):1277-80.
OBJECTIVE: To study curative effect of chronical hepatitis B with treatment of integrative traditional Chinese and western medicine. METHOD: 115 cases of HBeAg and/or HBVDNA positive chronical hepatitis B were randomly divided into two groups in control. The first group treated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-Fufang Huangqi granule and the second treated by intergrative traditional Chinese and western medicine (ICWM)-Fufang Huangqi granule and lamivudine for at least 24 weeks. RESULT: The positive rate of HBVDNA at 12, 24 weeks, and the positive rate of HBeAg at 24 weeks in TCM are markedly lower than those of before treatment (P < 0.01). The positive rate of HBeAg and the positive rate of HBVDNA in ICWM are markedly lower than those of before treatment both at 12, 24 weeks (P < 0.01). The average values of HBVDNA are markly lower than before treatment in two groups at both 12,24 weeks (P < 0.01). At 12 weeks, the negative-turning rate of HBVDNA in the ICWM group is 79.17%, which shows significant difference in comparision with 40.00% in the TCM group (P < 0.01). The negative-turning rate of HBeAg in the ICWM group is 26.92%, which shows no significant difference in comparision with 32. 08% in the TCM group. At 24 weeks, the negative-turning rate of HBVDNA in the ICWM group is 85.71%, which shows significant difference in comparision with 50.00% in the TCM group (P < 0.01). The negative-turning rate of HBeAg in the ICWM group is 36.36%, which shows no significant difference in comparision with 28.57% in the TCM group. At 12 weeks,the total effective rate of the ICWM group is 96. 43%, which shows significant difference in comparision with 71.26% in the TCM group (P<0.01). At 24 weeks, the total effective rate of the ICWM group is 88. 00%, which shows significant difference in comparision with 67.61 % in the TCM group (P < 0.01). The average values of ALT and AST are markly improved than those of before treatment in two groups (P < 0.01). The average values of ALB is markly higher than before in TCM groups after 24 weeks treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fufang Huangqi granule integrated with lamivudine possesses a better effect for counteracting the hepatitis B virus and improving the liver functioin than only itself.

180.Effects of astragalus membranaceus on TH cell subset function in children with recurrent tonsillitis

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2006 Oct;8(5):376-8.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the TH cell subset function in children with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) at the remission stage and to study the effects of astragalus membranacus (AM) on TH cell subset function. METHODS: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 27 children with RT at the remission stage were stimulated with either phytohemagalutinin (PHA) (RT-PHA group) or PHA together with AM (RT-AM group) and were then cultured in vitro for 48 hrs. The samples from 21 healthy children stimulated with PHA were used as the Control group. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the supernatants of PBMC were detected using ELISA. RESULTS: The IFN-gamma level and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in the RT-PHA group were statistically lower than those in the Control group (P < 0.01). The level of IFN-gamma and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in the RT-AM group were markedly higher than those in the RT-PHA group (P < 0.01), but were significantly lower than those in the Control group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the IL-4 level among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: TH1 cell subset dysfunction may exit in RT children at the remission stage, suggesting that TH1 cell subset dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RT. AM can improve TH1 cell subset function and therefore shows an important significance in treating RT.

181.Subchronic toxicity studies of Radix Astragali extract in rats and dogs.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Mar 21;110(2):352-5. Epub 2006 Sep 27.
Radix Astragali extract (RAE) is obtained from Astragalus membranaceus. It consists of Astragalus polysaccharide and Astragalus membranaceus saponins. In the study, we observed the subchronic toxicity of RAE in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs to evaluate the safety dosage range in clinical application. These subjects were daily administered of RAE by intra-peritoneum or vein for three consecutive months. General index were observed such as food-intake, behavior, body weight, hematological parameters, etc. Body weight, the weight of principal organ and hematology index are normal in experimental groups and control groups. The hematological biochemistry examination and histopathology examination of experimental groups are similar to control groups. In conclusion, our studies clearly demonstrated that RAE was safe without any distinct toxicity and side effects, the safety dosage range is 5.7-39.9g/kg for rats and 2.85-19.95g/kg for beagle dogs, which is equal to 70 or 35 times of that of human (0.57g/kg, say, average BW 70kg), respectively.

182.Preparation and suppressive effect of astragalus polysaccharide in glomerulonephritis rats.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2007 Jan;7(1):23-8. Epub 2006 Sep 20.
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has been widely used for treating kidney diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, the Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the main active ingredient was isolated and purified from the Rhizomes of AM, which consisted of d-glucopyranose and had the molecular weight of 3.6x10(4) Da. The effect of APS on glomerulonephritis rats induced by cationic Bovine Serum Albumin(C-BSA) was evaluated by flow cytometry using Nuclear Transcription Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) as marker. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined by the ELISA method. The rats (model group and treatment group) were injected subcutaneously with C-BSA plus incomplete Freund's adjuvant on day 0, C-BSA was injected through the caudal vein from week 2 to week 7 to induce glomerulonephritis. The rats (treatment group) were given APS by intraperitoneal injection from week 2 to week 7. The expression of NF-kappaB and the concentration of IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were significantly decreased in the treatment group. This study clearly suggests that APS is effective in protecting against glomerulonephritis induced by C-BSA through the inhibition of NF-kappaB mediated-cytokine pathway.

183.Protective effect of astragalosides on myocardial injury by isoproterenol in SD rats.

Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(6):1015-25.
We have extracted and roughly purified astragalosides (AS) from Astragalus membranaceus, a natural herb used as a traditional Chinese medicine, regarded to have pharmacodynamic benefits of protecting injured myocardium. We hypothesized that the astragalosides might exert beneficial effect in myocardial lesion by preserving both energy metabolism and Ca(2+) homeostasis. Sprague-Dauley (SD) rats were injected with isoproterenol (ISO) subcutaneous (s.c.) at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day consecutively for two days as models and were treated with astragalosides and trimetazidine intraperitoneally (i.p.) respectively, at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day one day prior to isoproterenol for 8 days. The histological changes were alleviated in isoproterenol-injected SD rats treated with astragalosides. Compared with isoproterenol-injected rats, the concentration of myocardial intracellular [Ca(2+)]i was decreased, L-type Ca(2+) current density and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) load were recovered, the concentration of myocardial ATP was increased and phosphocreatine (PCr) was decreased in rats treated with astragalosides. In conclusion, the efficacious treatment of astragalosides for myocardial injury might be through regulating intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and energy metabolism.

184.Protective effect of Gui Qi mixture on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2006 Nov;114(10):563-8.
Huang Qi (root of Astragalus membranaceus) and Dang Gui ( Angelica sinensis), two of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, have been proven to be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) although the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Dang Gui and Huang Qi mixture (GQM) on the development of diabetic nephropathy in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM and the possible underlying molecular mechanism. The diabetic animal model was made by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ and then treated with GQM or benazepril. Blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum creatinine (Scr), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine beta (2)-microglobin (beta (2)-MG), kidney/body weight (K/B) ratio, glomerular area (GA), renal transforming growth factor-beta (1) (TGF-beta (1)) mRNA expression and blood and renal angiotensin II (AngII) expression were determined 8 weeks after the treatment. The blood glucose, CHO and TG levels, BUN, SCr, Ccr. K/B ratio, GA, the excretion of beta (2)-MG, renal TGF-beta (1) mRNA expression and blood and renal AngII expression were significantly increased while the HDL level was decreased 8 week after STZ injection. The changes in blood glucose, TG, CHO and HDL were reversed by GQM, not by benazepril, whereas the changes in other variables were reversed by both GQM and benazepril. Our results suggest that GQM alleviates the disorder in blood glucose and lipids, protects against the progression of renal nephropathy in diabetic rats, probably by inhibiting the expression of AngII and TGF-beta (1) mRNA.

185.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus and its main components on the acute phase endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine.

Vascul Pharmacol. 2007 Apr;46(4):278-85. Epub 2006 Nov 10.
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and its main components, astragalus saponin (ASP), astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and aminobutyric acid (GABA), on homocysteine (Hcy) induced acute impairment of vascular tone and to explore whether the antioxidant mechanism was involved in AM protective effect. METHODS: Inhibitory effects of Hcy and protective effects of AM and its main components on endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings were determined by isometric tension recordings and nitric oxide signaling was assayed with 125I-cGMP RIA Kit. Furthermore, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells was detected using 5-(6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCF-DA). RESULTS: Hcy significantly inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased cGMP levels increased by ACh in aorta. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), AM, and ASP markedly attenuated inhibition of vasorelaxation and downregulation of cGMP level by Hcy, and APS exerted a tendency to reverse both of the depressive responses, while GABA had no similar effects. Additionally, partially impaired relaxation by Hcy was completely blocked due to the presence of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), which could not be further altered by treatment with AM, ASP, APS or GABA. Finally, Hcy significantly increased intracellular ROS levels in endothelial cells as measured by CM-H2DCF-DA fluorescence. SOD, AM, ASP, and APS, but not GABA, inhibited Hcy-stimulated ROS generation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that AM and ASP, potently protected endothelium-dependent relaxation against the acute injury from Hcy through nitric oxide regulatory pathways, in which antioxidation played a key role.

186.In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of Astragalus membranaceus.

Cancer Lett. 2007 Jul 8;252(1):43-54. Epub 2007 Jan 16.
Astragalus membranaceus, a commonly used Chinese medicinal plant, has been shown to be capable of restoring the impaired T cell functions in cancer patients. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of A. membranaceus were investigated. Five bioactive fractions were isolated from the root of A. membranaceus, the fraction designated as AI was found to be the most potent among the five fractions with respect to its mitogenicity on murine splenocytes. Besides investigating the cytostatic effect of AI, its activities on macrophage function, tumor necrosis factor production, induction of lymphokine-activated killer cell and tumor cell differentiation were also examined. The macrophage-like tumors and the myeloid tumors were found to be more sensitive to the cytostatic activity of AI, whereas the fibroblast-like tumors and the mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor appeared to be relatively resistant. Moreover, AI could effectively suppress the in vivo growth of syngeneic tumor in mice. Results showed that murine macrophage pretreated with AI had increased in vitro and in vivo cytostatic activities towards MBL-2 tumor. AI could also act as a priming agent for tumor necrosis factor production in tumor-bearing mice. Preincubation of mouse splenocytes with AI could induce in vitro lymphokine-activated killer-like activity towards WEHI-164 cell. Furthermore, AI was able to induce monocytic differentiation of both human and murine cells in vitro. AI administered in vivo could even partially restore the depressed mitogenic response in tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, the results showed that A. membranaceus could exhibit both in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects, which might be achieved through activating the anti-tumor immune mechanism of the host.

187.Effects of Fructus lycii and Radix astragali on the function of sertoli cells in rat testes

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2007 Jan;13(1):82-6.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the Chinese herbal medicines Fructus Lycii and Radix Astragali on the function of the Sertoli cells in the rat testis and their mechanisms. METHODS: Sertoli cells from the testes of the SD rats aged 18 - 22 days were isolated and cultured. The effects of Fructus Lycii, Radix Astragali and the combined administration of the two on the proliferation of Sertoli cells in vitro were detected by MTT assay, and their effects on the level of INHbetaB mRNA transcription in Sertoli cells in vitro were investigated in both normal environment and peroxide-damaging environment by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The proliferation of Sertoli cells was promoted by either Fructus Lycii or Radix Astragali at high concentration (P < 0.05), and significantly promoted by the combined administration at high concentration (P <0.01). Sertoli cell INHbetaB transcription was significantly up-regulated by Fructus Lycii, Radix Astragali and their combined administration in vitro (P < 0.01). When the level of INHbetaB mRNA in Sertoli cells significantly dropped (P < 0.01) in the presence of injury induced by peroxide (H2O2), it could be elevated by Radix Astragali (P < 0.05) and significantly up-regulated by Fructus Lycii or the combined administration in vitro (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fructus Lycii, Radix Astragali and the combined administration of the two could promote and protect INHbetaB mRNA in Sertoli cells in vitro.

188.Preparative isolation of cyclolanostane-type saponins from Astragalus membranaceus bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by TLC-MS/MS guided high-speed counter-current chromatography.

J Sep Sci. 2007 Jan;30(1):135-40.
Two cyclolanostane-type saponins, astragalosides I and II, were first identified by TLC-MS/MS in the ethyl acetate extract of the roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bge var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao without chemical reference substances. They were then isolated by high-speed counter-current chromatography with a two-step two-phase solvent system of ethyl acetate-2-propanol-water (5:1:5, 50:1:50, v/v/v). The quantities of astragalosides I and II isolated from 1 g of the crude extract were 30.2 mg and 16.5 mg, respectively. Their purities were found to be over 95% by HPLC-ELSD analysis. Their chemical structures were confirmed by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.

189.Dang-Gui Buxue Tang protects against oxidant injury by enhancing cellular glutathione in H9c2 cells: role of glutathione synthesis and regeneration.

Planta Med. 2007 Feb;73(2):134-41.
In order to investigate the biochemical mechanism of Dang-Gui Buxue Tang (DBT) involved in its cardioprotective action, the effects of DBT and related preparations on the cellular level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and on susceptibility to menadione-induced toxicity were examined in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Treatment with herbal extract prepared from the fresh root of Astragalus membranaceus (RAM) or Angelica sinensis (RAS) alone and their combinations (D1:1-D10:1) in varying ratios of RAM to RAS (1:1 to 10:1, respectively) increased cellular GSH in a concentration-dependent manner, with the effect produced by the D5:1 extract, an authentic formula of DBT, being the most potent. The enhancement of cellular GSH was found to correlate positively with the degree of cytoprotection against menadione toxicity. Both GSH-enhancing and cytoprotective effects of DBT were largely abolished by GSH depletion as a result of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)/phorone treatment. The DBT-induced increase in the cellular GSH level and the associated cytoprotection were also suppressed by the treatment with BSO, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, or 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, an inhibitor of GSH regeneration. The results indicate that DBT treatment protects against oxidant injury in H9c2 cells, and that the cytoprotective action is causally related to the increase in cellular GSH level, which is likely mediated by the enhancement of GSH synthesis and regeneration.

190.Identification of the habitats of Radix Astragali using the correlative characteristic peaks selected by rough sets

Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Oct;29(10):1020-3.
OBJECTIVE: Correlative characteristic peaks of HPLC selected by rough sets were employed to identify the habitats of Radix Astragali. METHOD: Using HPLC fingerprints of Radix Astragali sampled from different sources as examples, the reduct of attributes was achieved via rough sets, and therefore characteristic peaks correlated to identification of habitats were selected. Hierarchical cluster analysis was served for identifying the habitats of Radix Astragali. RESULTS: The ability of identification only using correlative characteristic peaks is more powerful than the one of whole peaks collected from HPLC fingerprints, and satisfied prediction for unknown samples is achieved. CONCLUSION: Correlative characteristic peaks obtained from rough sets can be regarded as a distinctive foundation for identifying the habitats of Radix Astragali.

191.The effect of icariin and astragalosid I on the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells

Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Oct;29(10):1062-5.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of icariin and astragalosid I on the proliferative and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of dog bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). METHODS: The dog's BMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. The 3th generation BMSCs were treated with icariin or astragalosid I at the concentration of 50 ng/ml and compared with BMSCs of BMP-2 group and control group. The growth curves of BMSCs were drawn by 3-(4,5-dimiethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-hiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay every day from the 1st to the 8th day to estimate the proliferative ability of BMSCs. The curves of OD value of ALP excreted by BMSCs on the 1st, 3th, 6th, 10th and the 14th day were recorded to estimate the ALP activity of BMSCs. RESULTS: After the pertreatment with icariin and astragalosid I, the BMSCs acquired higher MTF values and higher ALP's OD values as compared with control group and the difference between experiment group and control group was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Icariin and Astragealosid I can accelerate the proliferation and ALP excretion of BMSCs. At the same time, the osteogenesis ability of these cells is greatly improved.

192.The immunotherapeutic effects of Astragalus polysaccharide in type 1 diabetic mice.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2007 Mar;30(3):470-6.
The present study investigated whether Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) possessed immunotherapeutic effects on type 1 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic mice induced by multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) were administered either APS (100, 200, 400 mg/kg body weight) or saline intraperitoneally daily, and sacrificed after 15 or 30 d of treatment. Meanwhile normal mice not treated with STZ nor with APS were offered into non-diabetic group. Blood glucose and serum insulin levels were measured, histologic and morphometric analyses of the pancreas were performed to determine the effect of APS on pancreatic islets. Further investigations on immune changes in spleens were tested by ELISA, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Downregulated blood glucose level, upregulated serum insulin concentration, increased beta cell mass, decreased apoptotic beta cell percentage, downregulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) gene expression in spleens were significantly time- and dose-dependent on APS treatment, when compared to saline controls. These results show that APS seems to be helpful to attenuate insulitis and preserve beta cells from apoptosis, but it can't entirely rescue type 1 diabetes mellitus. APS ameliorates both the clinical and histological parameters of the MLD-STZ induced diabetic mice in a long-lasting fashion, most likely through immunoregulatory actions on Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, strongly associated with PPARgamma gene expression in spleens.

193.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus in promoting T-helper cell type 1 polarization and interferon-gamma production by up-regulating T-bet expression in patients with asthma.

Chin J Integr Med. 2006 Dec;12(4):262-7.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on T-helper cell type 1 (Thl) specific transcription factor T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) expression and Thl/Th2 equilibrium. METHODS: The levels of T-bet mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 15 patients with asthma and 15 healthy subjects were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PBMCs in asthma patients were incubated with AM and then the concentration of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the supernate before and after AM intervention were determined by ELISA. The numbers of CD4 + CCR3 + and CD4 + CCR5 + cells were counted by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of T-bet mRNA and the level of IFN-gamma were lower, but level of serum IL-4 was higher in asthma patients when compared with those in healthy subjects respectively. After AM (60 microg/ml) intervention, the former two parameters raised and showed a positive correlation between them, while the level of IL-4 was decreased. The mean percentage of CD4 + CCR3 + cells in asthma patients was significantly higher but that of CD4 + CCR5 + cells was lower when compared with those in healthy subjects respectively. After AM intervention, the abnormal change in the two indexes was improved to certain extent, showing a reversing status of Th2 polarization. CONCLUSION: AM could increase the expression of T-bet mRNA and Thl cytokines such as IFN-Y, and might reverse the Th2 predominant status in asthma patients.

194.Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides and astragalosides on the phagocytosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by macrophages.

J Int Med Res. 2007 Jan-Feb;35(1):84-90.
The herb Astragalus membranaceus is used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity. This study investigated the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and astragalosides (AS) on the phagocytosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by macrophages. Peritoneal macrophages were obtained by peritoneal lavage from mice stimulated by starch gravy culture medium and cultured with M. tuberculosis and varying concentrations of APS and AS. Phagocytotic activity was measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect M. tuberculosis DNA. Levels of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-a secreted by activated macrophages in the culture supernatant were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Macrophage phagocytotic activity and secreted cytokine levels were significantly increased after treatment with APS and AS. This study provides evidence that APS and AS have strong promoting effects on the phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis by macrophages and the secretion of interleukin-lbeta, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha by activated macrophages.

195.Mechanisms underlying vasorelaxant action of astragaloside IV in isolated rat aortic rings.

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2007 May-Jun;34(5-6):387-92.
1. Astragaloside IV is a component from the widely used traditional Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus and its effect on rat aortic ring contraction and relaxation were investigated. 2. The aorta from male Sprague-Dawley rats was isolated in an organ bath and ring tension was recorded with or without endothelium. Cumulative effects of astragaloside IV on vessel contraction and relaxation were observed in the presence of various antagonists related to vessel activity. 3. Astragaloside IV showed concentration-dependent inhibition of vessel contraction induced by phenylephrine and potassium chloride. The amount of calcium released from intracellular stores sensitive to phenylephrine was also markedly reduced by astragaloside IV. There was dose-dependent vasorelaxation in endothelium-intact rings, which was partly inhibited by pre-incubation with nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-alpha] quinoxalin-1-one. Astragaloside IV also induced a significant increase in aortic tissue content of guanosine 3",5"-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) both in vivo and in vitro. Endothelial NOS inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine prevented vasodilatation, whereas neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole did not show significant influence on the vessel relaxation of astragaloside IV. 4. In conclusion, astragaloside IV inhibited vessel contraction through blocking calcium influx and intracellular calcium release. The endothelium-dependent vessel dilation of astragaloside IV was attributed mainly to the endothelium-dependent NO-cGMP pathway.

196.Modification of alterations in cardiac function and sarcoplasmic reticulum by astragaloside IV in myocardial injury in vivo.

Eur J Pharmacol. 2007 Jul 30;568(1-3):203-12. Epub 2007 Apr 19.
Astragaloside IV, the primary pure saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus has been found to have potent cardioprotective effects. In this study, we aim to investigate if the beneficial effects of astragaloside IV on cardiac function are associated with improvement in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-pump function in myocardial injury in vivo. Myocardial injury in rats was induced by subcutaneous injection of a high dose of isoproterenol, and the therapeutic effect of astragaloside IV was observed. Isoproterenol-treated rats showed widespread subendocardial necrosis, a rise in serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, formation of lipid oxide product malondialdehyde and inhibition of left ventricular diastolic and systolic function, which suggested severe myocardial injury and acute heart failure. Moreover, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-uptake ability and Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity were significantly reduced. And the level of SERCA2a mRNA and protein expression was also markedly decreased, associated with a decrease in Ser(16)-phosphorylated phospholamban protein expression, while total phospholamban level was unchanged in the isoproterenol-treated group compared with controls. However, these biochemical and hemodynamic changes in the acute failing hearts were prevented by treatment of isoproterenol-induced rats with astragaloside IV. Likewise, the observed reductions in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-pump function as well as in SERCA2a mRNA and protein levels and the phosphorylation level of phospholamban in the injured hearts were attenuated by astragaloside IV treatment. These results suggest that the beneficial effect of astragaloside IV on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury may be due to its ability to prevent changes of SERCA2a and Ser(16)-phosphorylated phospholamban protein expression and, thus, may prevent the depression in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) transport and improve cardiac function.

197.Development of microwave assisted extraction for the simultaneous determination of isoflavonoids and saponins in radix astragali by high performance liquid chromatography.

J Sep Sci. 2007 Apr;30(6):819-24.
A microwave assisted extraction (MAE) procedure was first developed for the simultaneous determination of isoflavonoids and astragalosides in Radix Astragali (RA). MAE showed the highest extraction efficiency when compared to Soxhlet, reflux, and ultrasonic extraction. It was found that flavonoid glycoside malonates were converted into their related glycosides during the prolonged conventional extraction, thus affecting the reproducibility. However, the conversion was inhibited when using MAE. After being optimized in terms of solvents, microwave power, and irradiation time, MAE was used for the simultaneous determination of isoflavonoids and astragalosides in RA with HPLC-UV-evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Our results indicated that extraction by MAE was more effective than by other conventional techniques. Moreover, the MAE method followed by HPLC-UV-ELSD determination was a simple, rapid, and reliable method for the quality assessment of RA.

198.Determination of seventeen main flavonoids and saponins in the medicinal plant Huang-qi (Radix astragali) by HPLC-DAD-ELSD.

J Sep Sci. 2007 Jun;30(9):1292-9.
A simple, rapid, and reliable method, namely high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and evaporative light scattering detectors (HPLC-DAD-ELSD), was developed to simultaneously determine twelve major flavonoids and five main saponins in different parts of the medicinal plant Huang-qi (Radix Astragali). The DAD wavelength was set at 280 nm for the UV detection of flavonoids, while the drift tube temperature was set at 105 degrees C and the nebulizing gas flow rate at 2.7 L/min for ELSD detection of saponins. The method was fully validated with respect to linearity (r2 >0.998), sensitivity, precision, and accuracy (recovery rate between 93.3 and 104.2%). The analytical results of different parts of the medicinal plant Huang-qi revealed that the levels of total flavonoids or saponins in individual parts can vary considerably and the concentration of each compound in different parts is also significantly different. The aerial parts (stems and leaves) contain even higher total contents of flavonoids (although of different kinds) than the commonly used roots of the plants. In addition, the concentration of total flavonoids and saponins in the extract of the fibrous roots was surprisingly highest among all parts of Astragalus species. All of these findings provide clear evidence and scientific support for utilization of different parts of the medicinal plant Huang-qi and also for reduction in waste of plant resources.

199.A combination of Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Angelica sinensis, enhanced nitric oxide production in obstructed rat kidney.

Vascul Pharmacol. 2007 Aug-Sep;47(2-3):174-83. Epub 2007 Jun 16.PMID: 17627898
BACKGROUND: The persistent renal hemodynamic maladjustment caused by imbalances between vasoactivators predisposes the kidney to tubulointerstitial injury and ultimate interstitial fibrosis. The decoction (A&A) of a combination of roots of two Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Angelica sinensis, has shown antifibrotic effects in rats with chronic kidney diseases and improvement of renal blood flow in rats with acute ischemic renal injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of A&A on vasoactivators in the process of renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and UAA (UUO plus A&A administration) groups. After oral administration of A&A (14 g/kg/d) for 3, 7 and 10 days, morphological changes were evaluated by HE, Masson and Sirius red staining technique. The levels of Ang-II, ET-1, and the activities of different nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) in renal homogenate were measured by radioimmunoassay. The nitrite concentration as nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using the Griess reagent. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining were performed to determine the expressions of eNOS, nNOS, and iNOS in the kidney. The ability of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed severe interstitial mononuclear cells infiltration, tubular atrophy, renal fibrosis and collagen expression in kidneys of UUO group, which reduced by A&A administration (p<0.05, UAA vs. UUO group). The levels of Ang-II and ET-I were increased in obstructed kidneys, but not significantly changed after A&A administration. NO production did not change in obstructed kidney at day 3 but increased in day 7 and day 10. Administering A&A progressively increased NO production by 2.2, 1.2, and 1.2 fold at days 3, 7 and 10, respectively. The activities of constitutive NOS and iNOS were comparable between UUO group and sham group. In contrast, the activity of constitutive NOS was much higher in UAA than that of UUO rats, which increased 78%, 68% and 78% at days 3, 7 and 10 respectively, although the protein expression of eNOS, nNOS and iNOS in renal tissue had no change in UAA rats. The activities of scavenging ROS in UUO group were not significantly different from the sham group at days 3 and 7, but increased at day 10 (24.1+/-15.0 vs. 10.1+/-0.8 U/min/mg protein, p<0.05). After A&A administration, the activities of scavenging ROS were significantly increased at days 3 and 7 (51.5+/-17.9 vs. 11.7+/-7.4 U/min/mg protein, p<0.05; and 16.1+/-5.6 vs. 7.7+/-1.4 U/min/mg protein, p<0.05) respectively, comparing with the UUO group. CONCLUSION: The anti-fibrosis effects of A&A might be associated with enhancing NO production via eNOS activation and scavenging ROS, and in turn might improve ischemic microvasculature and attenuate interstitial fibrosis.

200.Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2007 Jul;5(4):421-6.PMID: 17631806
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and to elucidate its possible mechanism. METHODS: The proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was detected by XTT method. Lipid droplets accumulated in cytoplasm of the differentiated preadipocytes were observed by using red O staining and quantified by colorimetry. The expressions of peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) and CAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP alpha) mRNAs and proteins were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. RESULTS: APS at different concentrations (0.025-0.8 g/L) affected 3T3-L1 preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation dose-dependently. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with 0.4 g/L APS had lots of lipid droplets in the cytoplasma, which were similar to cells treated with rosiglitazone (ROS). APS significantly increased the mRNA and protein expressions of PPAR gamma and C/EBP alpha (P<0.05, P<0.01, compared with the normal control group) in the course of 3T3-LI preadipocyte differentiation. CONCLUSION: APS can promote the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, enhance the accumulation of lipid drops, and increase the terminal differentiation of preadipocytes, which may be associated with its effects in increasing the expressions of PPAR gamma and C/EBP alpha mRNAs and proteins. The study suggests that APS has potential in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

201.Quantitative analysis of calycosin glycoside and formononetin in Radix astragali from different sources

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 May;32(9):779-83.PMID: 17639972
OBJECTIVE: To establish the quantitative methods for calycosin glycoside and formononetin in Radix Astragali, and the samples from different sources were analyzed, in order to supply the basis for the quality control of Radix Astragali. METHOD: The content of calycosin glycoside and formononetin in 59 samples of Radix Astragali from eight with different provinces was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. RESULT: The contents of calycosin glycoside and formononetin in Radix Astragali from different sources, with different cultivating method or in different ages differed markedly, and the results showed that the quality of samples from Shannxi, Innermongolia and Shanxi were better than other sources, and the semi-wild samples were better than other cultiving samples, moreover the shorter age, the better quality. CONCLUSION: This simple, accurate and reproducible method could use to determine the contents of isoflavanoids in Radix Astragali.

202.Study on accumulation of dry matter and aborption of N, P and K of Astragalus membranaceus

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 May;32(9):789-93.PMID: 17639975
OBJECTIVE: To study Astragalus membranaceus absorption characteristic of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at different growth stages. METHOD: Through the field experiment and the sampling analysis, the absorbing capacity of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as the growth of plant at different growth stages in A. membranaceus were analyzed. RESULT: The dry matter accumulation reached 88.22% of the total accumulation in 100-163 days after seedling emergence, The content of N, P, K in the stem was higher than that in the root system. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium absorbing capacity in the stem, the leaf and the root systems was N > K > P. In the whole growth period, nitrogen accumulation reached the highest, and followed with the accumulation of potassium, and the accumulation of phosphorus was the lowest. In the last phase of the exuberant growth period, the accumulation intensity of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium reduced. During the harvesting time, the accumulation intensity of nitrogen and potassium increased, and the accumulation intensity of phosphorus remained stable. CONCLUSION: The dry matter accumulation reached the maximum in 100-163 days after seedling emergence. The absorption strength of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in aerial part reached the maximum in 100-132 days after seeding emergence, the maximum absorption comes earlier than that of phosphorus and potassium, at that time the needs of nutrients reach the highest. For producing of 100 kg A. membranaceus 2.32 kg N, 0.323 kg P2O5, 1.62 kg K2O are needed to be absorbed from soil and fertilizer.

203.Simultaneous characterization of isoflavonoids and astragalosides in two Astragalus species by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

J Sep Sci. 2007 Aug;30(13):2059-69.PMID: 17657828
A method was developed for the simultaneous identification of astragalosides (AGs) and isoflavonoids (IFs) in the roots of Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus by HPLC coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS/MS (HPLC-APCI-MS/MS). Diagnostic fragment ions of AGs and different group of IFs were obtained with one AG and eight IF standards analyzed by CID-MS, which were adopted as characteristic MS/MS fingerprints for further identification of these compounds in the two Astragalus species by using HPLC-APCI-MS/MS. A total of 20 IFs and 10 AGs were identified or tentatively identified. Among them, six IFs were detected in A. membranaceus for the first time and five IFs were firstly identified in A. mongholicus. The results indicate that HPLC-APCI-MS/MS is a powerful tool for the simultaneous characterization of IFs and AGs in complex matrix.

204.The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD25 expression in humans: a pilot study.

Phytother Res. 2007 Nov;21(11):1109-12.PMID: 17661330
This phase 0, double-blind, repeated within subject, randomized pilot study examined CD25 expression on T cells after ingestion of three commonly used herbs: Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra, administered singly and in combination. CD25 expression on T cells was significantly increased for subjects ingesting Echinacea at 24 h with notable increases in activation from Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza. CD25 expression remains elevated with daily use of Echinacea for at least 7 days.

205.Integrated treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine for early- and intermediate-stage diabetic nephropathy

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2007 Jul;27(7):1052-5.PMID: 17666348
OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicinal preparation Tangshenqing (TSQ) combined with alprostadil in the treatment of early- and intermediate-stage diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: One hundred and twenty DN patients were randomized into 3 groups for different treatment protocols. The patients in the control group were given the basic treatment (low-protein diabetic diet and rigorous control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood fatty acid), and those in treatment group A received TSQ (containing Astragalus membranaceus, Panax notoginseng, Epimedium brevicornum, etc) in addition to the basic treatment, and those in treatment group B were treated with alprostadil injections (for 14 consecutive days) in addition to the treatment given in group A. Therapeutic effect evaluation was carried out after a 30-day treatment in all the patients. RESULTS: The overall efficaey rate of the treatment was 78.37% in the control group, 88.57% in the treatment group A, and 94.44% in treatment group B, suggesting better therapeutic effect in the latter two groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Patients in all the 3 groups exhibited symptomatic improvement of various degrees, but the treatment group B had the best results. After the treatments, the patients' blood glucose and fatty acids were lowered, without obvious difference between the 3 groups. Compared with the control group, the patients in the two treatment groups showed significant reduction in fibrinogen, 24-h urine microprotein and urine protein after the treatment (P<0.01 or 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined use of traditional Chinese herbal medicine TSQ and alprostadil injections produces definite therapeutic effect on early- to intermediate-stage DN.

206.Oral administration of Astragalus membranaceus inhibits the development of DNFB-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2007 Aug;30(8):1468-71.PMID: 17666805
Epicutaneously administered chemical antigens like 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), evoke an atopic dermatitis (AD)-like dermatitis reaction in NC/Nga mice under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Astragalus membranaceus (AM), is a popular herbal medicine used to treat allergic diseases in East Asia. In the present study, we examined whether AM suppress AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with DNFB under SPF conditions. Oral administration of AM to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. Moreover, IFN-gamma production by CD4(+) T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by AM treatment, although levels of IL-4 and total IgE in serum were not. Study findings suggest that AM may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-gamma production.

207.An experimental study on effect of astragalus polysaccharides on chitosan/polylactic acid scaffolds for repairing alveolar bone defects in dogs

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2007 Jul;21(7):748-52.PMID: 17694669
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of astragalus polysaceharides (AP) on chitosan polylactic acid (AP/C/PLA)scaffolds and marrow stromal cells (MSCs)tissue engineering on periodontal regeneration of horizontal alveolar hone defects in dogs. METHODS: MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow and then cultured in conditioned medium to be induced to become osteogenic. The MSCs were harvested and implanted into AP/C/PLA and C/PLA scaffolds. A horizontal alveolar bone defect(5 mm depth, 2 mm width)were produced surgically in the buccal side of the mandibular premolar 3 and 4 of 10 dogs. The defects were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): Group A, root planning only (blank control); group B, AP/C/PLA with conditioned medium (medium control); group C C/PLA with MSCs (scaffolds control); and group D, AP/C/PLA with MSCs (experimental group). Eight weeks after surgery, block sections of the defects were collected for gross, histological and X-ray analysis. RESULTS: MSCs induced in vitro exhibited an osteogenic phenotype with expressing collagen I and alkaline phosphatase. X-ray film observation showed that the bone density and height had no changes in group A; in group B, the bone density was increased to a certain extent and furcation area reached a few height, but no height was increased in interdental septum; in group C, the bone density was increased and furcation area nearly reached the native height, but interdental septum reached a few height; in group D, the bone density was increased significantly and furcation area and interdental septum reached the native height. Histological evaluation showed that there was greater tissue formation in group D than that in groups A, B and C, in which new alveolar bone, new cementum, periodontal ligament with Sharpey's fibers, and new bone tissue was similar to native periodontal tissues. In group A,B, C and D respectively, the amount of new alveolar bone regeneration was 0.83 +/- 0.30, 1.46 +/- 0.55, 2.67 +/- 0.26 and 2.90 +/- 0.41 mm; new cementum regeneration was 0.78 +/- 0.45, 1.30 +/- 0.60, 2.29 +/- 0.18 and 2.57 +/- 0.22 mm; the amount of connective tissue adhesion was 0.80 +/- 0.22, 1.33 +/- 0.34, 2.23 +/- 0.42 and 2.64 +/- 0.27 mm; all showing significant differenecs between group D and groups A, B and C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The technology of tissue engineering with AP/C/PLA scaffolds and induced MSCs may contribute to periodontal regeneration.

208.Effects of Astragalus on expression of renal angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 in diabetic rats

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2007 Sep;5(5):536-40.PMID: 17854555
OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 in the renal tissue of diabetic rats and the effects of Astragalus. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, diabetes group and Astragalus-treated group. The expression of receptor Tie-2 in the renal tissue was assessed by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Glomerule Tie-2 protein expression was significantly elevated in the diabetes group as compared with the normal control group (P<0.01). Glomerule Tie-2 protein expression in the Astragalus-treated group was decreased as compared with the diabetes group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tie-2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the early stage diabetic renal injury. The reno-protection effect of Astragalus may be mediated by down-regulating the expression of Tie-2 in the kidney tissue of diabetic rats.

209.Effects of Radix Astragali and Fructus Corni on urinary protein pattern in nephropathy mice by microfluidic chip

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Jul;32(13):1324-8.PMID: 17879737
OBJECTIVE: To study the urinary protein patterns of nephropathy mice induced by dextran and the effects of aquesous extract of Fructus Corni (AEFC) and Radix Astragali (AERA). METHOD: Nephropathy model was established by administrated with dextran to mice. Some of the dextran treated mice were given AERA (20 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) as AERA group, other mice were given AEFC (10 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) as AEFC group. Some of the dextran treated mice were given water as model group, some normal mice as normal control group. After a 12 weeks' treatment, 24 hour urine of four groups was collected, respectively. Each urinary sample was divided into two parts, one was non-concentrated urine sample, another was used as concentrated urine sample. Two kinds of urinary sample of four groups were analyzed with microfluidic chips on Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer instrument. RESULT: Each group's urinary protein patterns were obtained, more than 20 proteins were were detected. Compared with normal group, about five kinds of protein were found in urinary sample of model group, among which M > 43 x 10(3) proteins were increased. Compared with model group, significant treated-related protein's kind and quantitative changes in AERA treated group and AEFC group were found. Urinary protein kinds were reduced, especially certain the proteins (M > 50 x 10(3)) were significantly decreased approach to normal patterns. Non-concentrated urine samples' protein pattern mainly included were proteins (M=29, 32, 43, 52, 68, 76 x 10(3) and concentrated urine samples mainly included the proteins (M=22, 24, 32, 46 x 10(3)). CONCLUSION: AERA and AEFC could reduce the urinary protein and made protein pattern different, which showed that radix astragali and fructus corni could play an important role in protecting renal function of nephropathy mice and finding the target protein markers related to AERA and AEFC effects on nephropathy mice.

210.Merit of Astragalus polysaccharide in the improvement of early diabetic nephropathy with an effect on mRNA expressions of NF-kappaB and IkappaB in renal cortex of streptozotoxin-induced diabetic rats.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Dec 3;114(3):387-92. Epub 2007 Aug 19.PMID: 17900838
AIM OF STUDY: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of the end-stage failure of kidney, but the efficacy of currently available strategies for the prevention of DN remains poor. An activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), has been suggested to be a key step in the pathogenesis of DN. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), an aqueous extract from the Astragalus membranaceus roots, on gene expressions of NF-kappaB and an inhibitory protein of nuclear factor-kappaB (IkappaB) in experimental DN induced by streptozotocin in male Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Rats with DN were treated with APS (1g/kg p.o.) or benazepril (1.5mg/kg p.o.), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, using as positive control. The biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, plasma lipid and microalbuminuria were measured. Also, the mRNA level of NF-kappaB or IkappaB in renal cortex was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Eight weeks after the treatment, symptoms including shineless, bristly hair, polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, physical inactivity, loss of body weight, kyphosis and decubitus position were ameliorated by APS. The levels of blood glucose, plasma lipid and microalbuminuria were lowered in APS-treated rats compared with control rats. The ratio of kidney weight over body weight was reduced and the renal function was improved after APS treatment. The mRNA level of NF-kappaB in renal cortex was decreased and IkappaB mRNA expression was raised by APS. These results suggest that APS has prophylactic and therapeutic effects on the progress of DN; CONCLUSIONS: therefore, APS is helpful for the prevention and/or treatment of DN at early stage.

211.Pharmacological activity of cardiovascular agents from herbal medicine.

Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem. 2007 Oct;5(4):273-7.PMID: 17979689
Some of the active phytochemicals in herbal medicine are finding therapeutic use. For example, patients with heart disease are reported to benefit from treatment with herbal medicine with fewer side effects. Previous studies showed the inhibitory effects of tetramethylpyrazine, an active component of medicinal herb, on phosphodiesterase that is associated with heart disease and the cardio-protective effects of other herbal medicine that was used to protect ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat hearts. Individual herbal medicines show antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In addition to sharing many therapeutic activities, the active components of herbal medicine are also used in nutrient supplement for cardiovascular disease. Numerous in vitro studies of herbal medicine on different cell lines and in vivo study of herbal medicine have been reported. However, the mechanism of actions remains unclear. The present review aims to give an overview of the recent development of herbal medicine in treatment of cardiovascular disease, and covers the possible mechanism of action of some of active principles. The study will provide insights into drug action and demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

212.Astragali Radix elicits anti-inflammation via activation of MKP-1, concomitant with attenuation of p38 and Erk.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jan 17;115(2):184-93. Epub 2007 Oct 5.PMID: 17996413
Although Astragali Radix (Astragalus, AR), the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bunge, is widely used in oriental medicine for tonifying the immune response and improving circulation, the underlying mechanism(s) by which these effects are induced remains unclear. Here, we report that AR displays anti-inflammatory effects in zymosan air-pouch mice by reducing the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha and by decreasing the production of nitric oxide (NO). In a similar manner, AR reduces the expression of IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Raw 264.7 cells. We further demonstrate that AR attenuates the activity of p38 and Erk1/2 and stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in LPS-treated Raw 264.7 cells. Additionally, AR interferes with the translocation of NFkappaB to the nucleus, subsequently resulting in NFkappaB-dependent transcriptional repression. Taken together, these data reveal that AR has an anti-inflammatory effect that is mediated by the MKP-1-dependent inactivation of p38 and Erk1/2 and inhibition of NFkappaB-mediated transcription. These results imply that the AR herb has a potential anti-inflammatory activity.

213.Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on chymase, angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II in diabetic cardiomyopathy in hamsters.

J Int Med Res. 2007 Nov-Dec;35(6):873-7.PMID: 18035000
This study investigated the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), the main active extract from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Astragalus membranaceus, on myocardial chymase, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in diabetic cardiomyopathic hamsters. Plasma levels of insulin, C-peptide and glycosylated serum protein (GSP), plasma and myocardial levels of Ang II, and myocardial gene expression and activity of chymase and ACE were measured after treatment with APS at a dose of 1 g/kg per day or 1 ml of normal saline per day (controls) for 10 weeks. GSP levels, myocardial Ang II levels, and myocardial gene expression and activity of chymase were significantly decreased in diabetic hamsters after treatment with APS compared with controls. These results suggest that APS can inhibit the local chymase-Ang II system in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

214.Treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with the herb Astragalus membranaceus.

Am J Kidney Dis. 2007 Dec;50(6):1028-32.PMID: 18037104
A 77-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome secondary to idiopathic membranous nephropathy was treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, cyclosporine A, and mycophenolate mofetil, without response. After more than 2 years of unremitting nephrosis, she began therapy with the herb Astragalus membranaceus, used by traditional Chinese physicians to treat various immune disorders, including glomerulonephritis. After institution of Astragalus at a dose of 15 g/d, there was a marked decrease in proteinuria. Nephrotic syndrome recurred after temporary cessation of Astragalus therapy, with complete remission of nephrosis observed after its reintroduction. The clinical course of this patient suggests that Astragalus may have beneficial effects in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

215.Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the expression of immune response genes in head kidney, gill and spleen of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Jan;8(1):51-8. Epub 2007 Nov 1.PMID: 18068100
For fish immune defences, cytokines and anti-microbial peptides (lysozyme) in circulating system play important roles. In the present study, the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) injection on gene expression of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-alpha) and lysozyme-C in the head kidney, gill and spleen of common carp were determined using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After injection of APS, IL-1beta mRNA level increased in a dose-dependent manner in the head kidney, while no significant changes were found in the gill and spleen. High dose of APS up regulated TNF-alpha transcription in the gill and spleen, while TNF-alpha mRNA level decreased significantly in the head kidney of low dose of APS. Lysozyme-C mRNA levels were up regulated in the gill of low dose of APS and spleen of middle dose of APS. No effect of the APS on lysozyme-C expression was observed in head kidney. These results constitute a first step toward the understanding of APS effect on cytokines and immune-related gene expression in different organs of common carp.

216.Two new cycloartane saponins from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2008 Jan;56(1):105-8.PMID: 18175987
Two new cycloartane-type triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus (FISCH.) BGE. (Leguminosae) cultivated in Kangwon province, Korea. These saponins were named astramembranosides A and B and were established to be cycloastragenol 6,25-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (astramembranoside A) and cyclocanthogenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (astramembranoside B) on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. In addition, 12 known saponins were also isolated from the same materials. Although cycloastragenol 3-O-xyloside and agroastragalosides I and II have already been isolated from A. membranaceus adventitious roots, these three saponins together with brachyoside B and azukisaponin V methyl ester were isolated for the first time from this plant.

217.Treatment of viral myocarditis caused by coxsackievirus B.

Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2008 Jan 15;65(2):132-7.PMID: 18192257
PURPOSE: The treatment options for viral myocarditis caused by coxsackievirus B are summarized. SUMMARY: Myocarditis is a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. The most common causes of infectious myocarditis are viruses. The exact mechanism of coxsackievirus B-induced damage to myocytes is unknown. The likely mechanisms involve immune-mediated and direct viral cytotoxicity. There are several proposed treatment strategies that target specific points in the pathway from myocarditis to cardiomyopathy. Immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine, prednisone, and cyclosporine) for the treatment of myocarditis seem logical, since one of the mechanisms thought to contribute to myocarditis is autoimmune destruction. Another treatment option of viral myocarditis is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). As with conventional immunosuppressive strategies, IVIG suppresses the immune response. In addition, IVIG may replace antibodies, enhance viral clearance, neutralize pathogens, and enhance clearance of inflammatory cytokines that contribute to myocytes destruction. Antiviral agents, such as interferons, pleconaril, and acyclovir, target the causative organism, possibly halting the cascade of myocyte destruction. Natural products of particular interest in the treatment of viral myocarditis are Astragalus membranaceus and Ardisia chinensis. There is no specific therapy for patients with viral myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy. In general, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy will benefit from agents commonly used in heart failure, since their symptoms and presentation are similar. CONCLUSION: Immunosuppressive agents, IVIG, antiviral agents, and natural medicines have been used in the treatment of patients with myocarditis. However, the efficacy of these agents has not been well established, partly because research has not differentiated between infectious and noninfectious myocarditis. This makes it difficult to extrapolate study results to viral myocarditis.

218.Micellar electrokinetic chromatography for the quantitative analysis of flavonoids in the radix of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus.

Planta Med. 2008 Jan;74(1):84-9. Epub 2008 Jan 17.PMID: 18203052
The separation and determination of eight flavonoids in the radix of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao was achieved by using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with a diode array detector (DAD). The influence of background electrolyte (BGE) concentrations and pH, surfactant concentrations, organic solvents, temperature, and voltage on the separate procedure was systematically investigated. The optimal resolution was obtained with a micellar phase consisting of 100 mM sodium cholate, 25 % (v/v) acetonitrile, 20 mM Na2B4O7, and 20 mM H3BO3 buffer at pH 9.2 by using a fused silica capillary at + 25 kV and 25 degrees C. A high reproducibility and good linearity ( R2 > 0.9978) were obtained over the concentration range tested. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) from intra-day and inter-day precision for injection were less than 4.42 %. Six plant samples from different locations were then analyzed for the flavonoids by this newly developed MEKC method.

219.Polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus promote phagocytosis and superoxide anion (O2-) production by coelomocytes from sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus in vitro.

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Apr;147(3):293-8. Epub 2007 Nov 24.PMID: 18221918
The potential immunostimulatory effects of Astralagus membranaceus polysaccharides (APS) on sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka), were investigated in vitro. Phagocytosis and superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) production by phagocytic amoebocytes (PA) from A. japonicus coelomic fluid were measured during incubation at 18 degrees C, 22 degrees C, or 25 degrees C with APS at 0, 10, 20, or 40 microg mL(-1) (n=3). Phagocytic activity against yeast cells was quantified by direct visualization, and O(2)(-) production by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay. Compared with controls, including APS at 20 microg mL(-1) significantly increased (P<0.05) the percentage of phagocytic capacity (PC) and phagocytic index (PI) at 18 degrees C and 22 degrees C, but no significant enhancement was observed at 25 degrees C. In contrast, the coelmocytes of A. japonicus can have an obvious generation of O(2)(-) after the stimulation. The concentration of 20 microg mL(-1) APS resulted in a significant increase in nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells (P<0.05) at different temperature and even 10 microg mL(-1) APS could increase O(2)(-) generation significantly at 18 degrees C and 22 degrees C. Both phagocytosing and O(2)(-) production increased with the increase of APS concentration from 0 to 20 microg mL(-1) at different temperature, and when APS at 40 microg mL(-1), they were decreased. It suggested that immunocytes activity in A. japonicus decreased with the temperature increasing from 18 degrees C to 25 degrees C, and APS could be an effective immunostimulant to enhance phagocytic activity and O(2)(-) production.

220.Astragalus Membranaceus prevents airway hyperreactivity in mice related to Th2 response inhibition.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Mar 5;116(2):363-9. Epub 2007 Dec 8.PMID: 18226482
AIM OF THE STUDY: Asthma is recognized as a common pulmonary disease throughout the world. To date, there has been a growing interest in herbal products in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is considered to be effective to treat asthma. A Chinese herb Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) was found useful in treating allergic diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this herbal injection could suppress allergic-induced AHR and mucus hypersecretion in allergic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mouse model of chronic asthma was used to investigate AM injection on the airway lesions in compared with glucocorticoids. The study was conducted on mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and the whole body plethsmography was performed to assess AHR. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histopathology were examined. RESULTS: We found 28-day AM administration significantly decreased inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion in the lung tissues of allergic mice. 28-day AM administration enhanced Ova-induced decreased IFN-gamma, and the Ova-induced elevations of IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF were prevented by 28-day injection. We also showed 28-day AM injection markedly suppressed increased AHR in allergic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate Astragalus Membranaceus has a potential role in treating allergic asthma.

221.Aqueous extract of Astragali Radix induces human natriuresis through enhancement of renal response to atrial natriuretic peptide.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Mar 28;116(3):413-21. Epub 2007 Dec 23.PMID: 18243612
The diuretic effect of Astragali Radix (AR) in humans was described in ancient books, but its mechanism has not been identified. To evaluate its diuretic/natriuretic effect, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover study in 12 healthy men. They were randomized to receive either placebo (n=6) or a single oral dosage of 0.3g/kg body weight of aqueous extract of AR (ARE) (n=6). Compared with placebo, ARE treatment markedly increased urinary sodium excretion (U(Na)V), fractional sodium excretion, and urinary excretion of chloride during the first 4h. No significant changes of these parameters were observed during 12h or 24h. ARE elevated plasma ANP (pANP), urinary excretion of cGMP (U(cGMP)V) and U(cGMP)V/pANP ratio without affecting plasma level of rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, mean arterial blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate. The change in U(Na)V was closely correlated with pANP, U(cGMP)V, and U(cGMP)V/pANP ratio. In addition, the seven volunteers who presented marked natriuresis did not show higher level of plasma Astragaloside IV than the other five volunteers. We first demonstrate that ARE induces a marked natriuresis in healthy men, which is attributed to enhanced renal responses to endogenous ANP. The Astragaloside IV in the ARE is not the active component for natriuresis.

222.Chemical comparison and classification of Radix Astragali by determination of isoflavonoids and astragalosides.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2008 Jun 9;47(2):399-406. Epub 2007 Dec 31.PMID: 18272311
Eleven major isoflavonoids and three major astragalosides in the xylem and bark of cultivated Radix Astragali (RA) from different cultivated regions of China were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the contents of astragalosides in the bark are up to 74-fold higher than in the xylem, and that thin roots contained more astragalosides than thick roots. Although the contents of isoflavonoids varied between samples, no significant difference was observed between the isoflavonoids content of xylem and bark, or between that of thin and thick roots. It was also found that the chemical profile of isoflavonoids in the xylem and bark are related to their cultivated regions. Constituents in either xylem or bark were divided into five groups according to their chemical structures: (1) Group 1 (G1), contained calycosin and related constituents; (2) Group 2 (G2), contained ononin and related constituents; (3) Group 3 (G3), contained (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan and related constituents; (4) Group 4 (G4), contained (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan and related constituents; and (5) Group 5 (G5), contained astragalosides, compounds AG I, AG II, and AG IV. Based on the integrated contents of constituents in each group, the cultivated region of RA was successfully distinguished by principal components analysis (PCA). Chemical constituents in RA cultivated from different regions of China were compared and it was concluded that the quality of thin RA roots is better than thick RA roots.

223.Effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on pancreatic cell mass in type 1 diabetic mice

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Oct;32(20):2169-73.PMID: 18306755
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on pancreatic beta cell mass in type 1 diabetic mice. METHOD: Diabetic mice induced by multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) were administered either APS (100, 200, 400 mg x kg(-1) body weight) or saline intraperitoneally daily, and sacrificed after 15 or 30 days of treatment. Streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method with counterstain was performed to determine the effect of APS on insulitis. Indirect double immunofluorescence for Insulin/Ki67 (counterstained by Hoechst33258) and Insulin/Cleaved caspase-3 was used to evaluate pancreatic cell (besides beta cell) proliferation, beta cell neogenesis, beta cell apoptosis and beta cell mass. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was utilized to characterize pancreatic regenerating protein 1 mRNA levels, and ELISA method was performed to measure the levels of cytokine IFN-gamma and IL-4 secreted by splenocytes. RESULT: Attenuated insulitis, upregulated beta cell mass, increased number of neogenetic pancreas islets, decreased number of apoptosis beta cells and downregulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio were significantly time-and dose-dependent on APS treatment, when compared to saline controls. However, no significant differences of the number of pancreatic proliferative cells or replicative cells and pancreatic regenerating protein 1 mRNA levels were demonstrated between APS (APS100, APS200 and APS400) and saline vehicle group on day 15 and 30 with APS treatment. CONCLUSION: APS can upregulate pancreatic beta cell mass in type 1 diabetic mice, strongly associated with improved autoimmunity.

224.Astragaloside IV improved intracellular calcium handling in hypoxia-reoxygenated cardiomyocytes via the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase.

Pharmacology. 2008;81(4):325-32. Epub 2008 Mar 18.PMID: 18349554
Although astragaloside IV, a saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has been shown to protect the myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury, its effect on the status of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transport in the injured myocardium remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated whether in cultured cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) administration of astragaloside IV during H/R attenuates the myocardial cell injury and prevents changes in Ca2+ handling activities and gene expression of SR Ca2+ pump. Cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats were exposed to 6 h of hypoxia followed by 3 h of reoxygenation. Myocyte injury was determined by the release of cardiac troponin I in supernatant. Astragaloside IV significantly inhibited cardiac troponin I release after H/R in a dose-dependent manner. The diastolic [Ca2+]i measured with Fura-2/AM was significantly increased after reoxygenation. Astragaloside IV prevented the rise of diastolic [Ca2+]i and the depression of caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients caused by H/R. Furthermore, the observed depressions in SR Ca2+-ATPase activity as well as the mRNA and protein expression of SR Ca2+-ATPase in hypoxic-reoxygenated cardiomyocytes were attenuated by astragaloside IV treatment. These results suggest that the beneficial effect of astragaloside IV in H/R-induced injury may be related to normalization of SR Ca2+ pump expression and, thus, may prevent the depression in SR Ca2+ handling.

225.Regulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on the immune disorder in rats with IgA nephropathy

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. 2008 Jan;46(1):55-60.PMID: 18353241
OBJECTIVE: To study the regulattory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on immune disturbance of the rats with IgA nephropathy. METHODS: Rats IgA nephropathy (IgAN) model was duplicated by oral feeding of bovine serum albumin (BSA), subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and injection of lipopolysaccharide (LSP) into vena caudalis. The rats were divided into three groups randomly for the normal, IgAN model group and the group treated with Astragalus membranaceus (treatment group). The treatment group was given the Astragalus membranaceus granules via intragastric administratsion, the normal group and the IgAN model group were given the equal amount of aqua destillata by gastric perfusion. The rats were examined for albuminuria, hematuria and pathological changes of renal tissue and the distribution of TGF-beta and interleukin-5 in renal tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry and the IFN-gamma and IL-4 of cytokine of Th1 and Th2 types were detected in rats IgA nephropathy model by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: (1) The hematuria in rats with IgA nephropathy significantly increased compared with normal control group and Astragalus treatment group (P < 0.05). There was significant increase in albuminuria in rats with IgA nephropathy, compared with normal control group and astragalus treatment group (P < 0.01). (2) The pathological change of glomerular mesangium, renal tubules and renal interstitia became serious in rats IgA nephropathy model when compared with normal control group and astragalus treatment group. Immumofluorescence showed renal IgA density in rats IgA nephropathy model was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (P < 0.001) and astragalus treatment group (P < 0.001). (3) The result of immuno histochemistry showed that there was only weak expression of TGF-beta and interleukin 5 in normal renal tissue. The expression of TGF-beta and interleukin 5 in IgA nephropathy model was significantly stronger than those in normal control group (P < 0.05) and astragalus treatment group (P < 0.05). (4) The serum IL-4 levels were (33.74 +/- 7.52) pg/ml in rats IgA nephropathy model, significantly higher than that in normal control group (2.36 +/- 0.85) pg/ml and astragalus treatment group (3.24 +/- 1.13) pg/ml. The IFN-gamma level in serum of rats IgA nephropathy model was (18.79 +/- 3.80) pg/ml, which was significantly higher than that in normal control group (46.53 +/- 5.56) pg/ml and astragalus treatment group (41.28 +/- 2.95) pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The astragalus could lower the level of hematuria and 24 hours-albuminuria of the IgAN model, and amelioratse the change of the renal pathology and reduce the deposit of IgA in glomerular mesangium. The possible mechanism of the effect is that astragalus could regulate the derangement of Th1, Th2, accordingly could improve the level of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the serum and diminish the expression of cytokine Th2 TGF-beta1 and IL-5 of the renal tissue, and thereby could postpone the development of IgAN.

226.Application of high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for analysis and quality control of Radix Astragali and its preparations.

J Chromatogr A. 2009 Mar 13;1216(11):2087-97. Epub 2008 Mar 6.PMID: 18353340
A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) method has been developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of isoflavonoids and saponins, as well as for the quality control of Radix Astragali and its preparations. The selectivity, reproducibility and sensitivity are compared with HPLC with diode array detection (DAD) and evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Limits of detection and quantification fell in ranges of 9-40 and 23-103 ng/mL for 13 analytes with a injection of 10 microL samples, and all calibration curves showed good linear regression (r(2)>0.9938) within the test range. The assay was successfully utilized to analyze the 13 marker components in 20 samples of Radix Astragali products. The quantitative results demonstrated that samples from different localities and manufacturers showed different quality. Advantages, in comparison with conventional HPLC-DAD-ELSD, are that reliable identification of target compounds could be achieved by accurate mass measurements (<3 ppm) along with characteristic retention time, extracted ions chromatograms using a narrow mass window for quantification ensure that the chromatographic peaks are free from background or co-elutes interference, and the great enhancement in selectivity and sensitivity allows identification and quantification of low levels of constituents in complex Radix Astragali matrixes.

227.The protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus extraction on cryopreserved primary-cultured human fetal hepatocytes

Zhong Yao Cai. 2007 Dec;30(12):1551-4.PMID: 18422189
OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of Astragalus membranaceus Extraction (AE) on the primary-cultured human fetal hepatocytes stored in liquid nitrogen and explore a new method for the cryopreservation of human hepatocytes with improved function. METHODS: Human fetal hepatocytes were harvested by two-step collagenase perfusion, and then stored in a liquid nitrogen for one month with five different cryoprotectants (I: 10% DMSO, II: 5% DMSO + 2 mg/L AE, III: 5% DMSO + 20 mg/L AE, IV: 5% DMSO + 60 mg/L AE, V: 5% DMSO + 100 mg/L AE). One month later, the cells were thawed rapidly and the viability, morphology and basic function of them were tested. RESULTS: The human fetal hepatocytes in different groups showed various levels of viability, morphological manifestation and cell function respectively. After thawing, the viability rate and flash adhering rate in group IV and V had no significant difference with group I (P > 0.05), but were higher than group II and III (P < 0.05); the cell function analysis in the group IV, the results of ALB and AST level determination, NH4Cl transformation test, were the best among the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AE can provide protection for human fetal hepatocytes in cryopreservation, and the best performance concentration level of its is 60 mg/L; the preservation dosage of DMSO can be reduced when combined with AE in the preservation solution, which shows that AE has a synergistic effect with DMSO.

228.Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract exerts anti-fibrosis by mediating TGF-beta/Smad signaling in myofibroblasts.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jul 23;118(2):264-70. Epub 2008 Apr 18.PMID: 18502066
Previous studies showed that Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract (CASE) has a protective effect against liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that CASE exerts the anti-fibrosis effect by mediating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/Smad signaling pathway. To test this hypothesis, we induced fibrosis in rats by twice weekly injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and Smad2 phosphorylation was measured by immunohistochemical method; protein expression in myofibroblasts (MFBs) induced by TGF-beta1 was analyzed by western blotting and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) transcriptional activity in MFBs was evaluated. The present study showed that, in vivo, CASE has protective effects against liver fibrosis in rats generated by CCl(4), and that CASE inhibits Smad2 phosphorylation at C-terminal region and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). Our experiment further demonstrated that, in vitro, (1) CASE inhibits TGF-beta(1)-dependent Smad2 phosphorylation at C-terminal region and Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation at linker region in MFBs in a dose-dependent manner; (2) CASE decreases the level of Smad 2/3/4 complex in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1) in a dose-dependent manner; (3) CASE inhibits PAI-1 transcriptional activity in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1) in a dose-dependent manner; and (4) CASE markedly decreases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1). Our results suggest that CASE's anti-fibrosis effect in chronically injured liver was exerted by inhibiting TGF-beta/Smads signal transduction.

229.Gamma-globin synthesis in K562 cells induced with Tortois plastron, Astragali, Salviae miltiorrhizae and Codonopsis pilosulae

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2008 Jun;16(3):520-4.PMID: 18549621
This study was purposed to investigate the effects of tortois plastron, astragali, salviae miltiorrhizae and codonopsis pilosulae on gamma-globin gene synthesis in K562 cells in vitro. Benzidine staining was used to clarify the dose-and time-dependent effects of tortois plastron, astragali, salviae miltiorrhizae and codonopsis pilosulae on hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells and Western blotting was performed to determine the level of hemoglobin F (alpha(2)gamma(2)). The results indicated that the K562 cells treated with 4 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine had different stain rates of benzidine for: 23.5% (tortois plastron), 19.8% (astragali), 15.8% (salviae miltiorrhizae) and 14.5% (codonopsis pilosulae) at 6 days after the treatment. Western blot indicated that synthesis of HbF increased. It is concluded that tortois plastron, astragali, salviae miltiorrhizae and codonopsis pilosulae enhance globins-gamma synthesis level and increase hemoglobin F level in K562 cells, the effect of which resembles that of sodium butyrate.

230.A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation (Dang Gui Buxue Tang) on menopausal symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese women.

Climacteric. 2008 Jun;11(3):244-51.PMID: 18568789
OBJECTIVE: Many complementary or alternative medicines are being used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms but most have not been properly tested for efficacy or for safety. This study examined the effect of a Chinese herbal preparation (Dang Gui Buxue Tang) on menopausal symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese women. METHODS: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of Dang Gui Buxue Tang (a 1 : 5 combination of Dang Gui (Angelicae sinensis) and Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus)) on acute menopausal symptoms. A total of 103 symptomatic women were enrolled. Three failed to meet inclusion criteria, leaving 50 subjects for inclusion in each group. RESULTS: Overall, mild hot flushes were reported more frequently than either moderate or severe flushes. In analysis by severity of flushes, there was a significant reduction in the number of mild hot flushes per month in the treatment group but not in the placebo group (from 18.9 +/- 23.5 at baseline to 8.6 +/- 17.1 at 6 months in the treatment group (p < 0.01) and from 26.0 +/- 43.5 to 12.4 +/- 17.6 in the placebo group (p = 0.062)). For moderate flushes, there was a significant reduction in the placebo group compared with the treatment group (from 18.9 +/- 28.7 at baseline to 11.1 +/- 29.9 at 6 months in the placebo group (p < 0.05) and from 10.5 +/- 22.3 to 6.0 +/- 16.0 in the treatment group (p = 0.107)). There was no significant change in either treatment or placebo groups in the reporting of severe hot flushes. Episodes of night sweats decreased significantly in the placebo but not in the treatment group (from 6.8 +/- 10.0 at baseline to 1.9 +/- 5.7 at 6 months in the placebo group (p < 0.05) and from 5.4 +/- 8.9 to 3.2 +/- 8.5 in the treatment group (p = 0.471)). In the vasomotor domain of the Menopause Specific Quality of Life, there was a significant reduction in scoring in the placebo group (from 2.8 +/- 1.6 to 1.7 +/- 1.3, p < 0.01) but not in the treatment group (from 2.8 +/- 2.1 to 2.3 +/- 1.6, p = 0.247). CONCLUSIONS: This study found overall no significant difference between Dang Gui Buxue Tang and placebo in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese women. The frequency of mild, moderate and severe hot flushes decreased in both treatment and placebo groups, but Dang Gui Buxue Tang was statistically superior to placebo only in the treatment of mild hot flushes. There were no serious adverse events attributable to treatment during the study period.

231.Amic solution hydrolysis for improving content of astragaloside IV in extract of Radix Astragali

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2008 Mar;33(6):635-8.PMID: 18590188
OBJECTIVE: To optimize amic solution hydrolysis technique for improving the content of astragaloside IV in extract of Radix Astragali. METHOD: Orthogonal design was adopted to investigate the main factors that influenced hydrolysis. Choosing the content of astragaloside IV as inspecting index which determined by HPLC, total saponins was purified with the macro-reticular resine, and contents of saponins before and after hydrolysis were determined by colorimetry at 544 nm. RESULT: The ratio of amic solution to herb medicine was most notable in the four inspected factors. The optimal technique of hydrolysis was that the ratio was 1:5, concentration of amic solution was 2%, and the time of regurgitant extraction at 90 degrees C was two hours. The content of astragaloside IV was notably higher than before by hydrolysis. Difference wasnt significant between the content of saponins before and after hydrolysis by colorimetry. CONCLUSION: Content of astragaloside IV was obviously higher than that before hydrolysis,but the content of total saponins was not changed before and after hydrolysis. The results showed that the other saponins can be transformed into astragaloside IV by hydrolysis. This method was valuable, which provided basis on its industrialization.

232.Determination of the total content of astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali

Zhong Yao Cai. 2008 Mar;31(3):385-7.PMID: 18619243
OBJECTIVE: To determine the total content of astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali. METHODS: The measurement conditions were used as follows: Irregular C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column; mobile phase: acetonitrile-water (32:68); flow rate: 1.0 ml/min; detector: ELSD 2000; the temperature of drift tube: 100 degrees C; gas flow: 2.7 L/min. RESULTS: Eight batches of Radix Astragali from different sources were determined. The stability, precision and reproducibility of the method were studied, RSD <3%. CONCLUSION: There is great difference between the content of astragaloside IV in Radix Astragali by different processing methods.

233.Inhibitory effects of astragaloside IV on ovalbumin-induced chronic experimental asthma.

Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2008 Jul;86(7):449-57.PMID: 18641694
Astragaloside IV, a new cycloartane-type triterpene glycoside extract of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, has been identified for its potent immunoregulatory, antiinflammatory, and antifibrotic actions. Here we investigated whether astragaloside IV could suppress the progression of airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were chronically challenged with aerosolized OVA for 8 weeks. Astragaloside IV was orally administered at a dose of 50 mg x kg-1 x day-1 during each OVA challenge. Astragaloside IV treatment resulted in significant reduction of eosinophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and total immunoglobulin E levels in serum. Furthermore, astragaloside IV treatment markedly inhibited airway remodeling, including subepithelial fibrosis, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and goblet cell hyperplasia. In addition, the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in the lung was also reduced by astragaloside IV. These data indicate that astragaloside IV may mitigate the development of characteristic features in chronic experimental asthma.

234.Study on difference of biological characteristics and resistance to powdery mildew of different Astragalus populations

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2008 May;33(9):992-6.PMID: 18652339
OBJECTIVE: To study difference among populations which belong to Astragalus membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus on morphology, habit, characteristics of physiology and resistance to powdery mildew, and classify them in order to provide theoretical basis for breeding and improving varieties. METHOD: Morphology, habits, isozyme and soluble protein electrophoretograms were compared among the populations. They were categorized by cluster analysis based on those electrophoretograms. Different ability of resistance to powdery mildew was also studied through comparing disease indices among six populations. RESULT: The results showed A. membranaceus var. mongholicus was distinctly different from A. membranaceus. There was a special type in colonies of A. membranaceus, which showed hairy upper epidermis of leaflets and later florescence. CONCLUSION: Astragalus for medicine could be categorized in three types A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, A. membranaceus early florescence type and A. membranaceus late florescence type. Among them A. membranaceus var. mongholicus is most resistant to powdery mildew, while A. membranaceus is easily infected, and the early florescence type is even more easily infected.

235.Astragaloside IV improves high glucose-induced podocyte adhesion dysfunction via alpha3beta1 integrin upregulation and integrin-linked kinase inhibition.

Biochem Pharmacol. 2008 Sep 15;76(6):796-804. Epub 2008 Jul 4.PMID: 18652804
Impaired podocyte adhesion to glomerular basement membrane (GBM) may contribute to podocyte detachment from GBM, which represents a novel early mechanism leading to diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here, we examined the effects of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a saponin purified from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge, on high glucose-induced cell adhesion dysfunction in cultured mouse podocytes. Cells were seeded into 96-well plates coated with basement membrane protein complex (BMC). The cells were incubated for 12h in media containing 30 mM glucose (HG) with 10, 50 and 100 microg/ml of AS-IV. The cells were also exposed to HG media with 100 microg/ml of AS-IV for 3, 6, 12 and 24h. Cell adhesion assays were performed by fluorescence and centrifugation methods, respectively. Levels of mRNA were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR and protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting. HG strongly inhibited adhesion of podocytes to BMC, accompanied by reduction in alpha(3)beta(1) integrin mRNA and protein expression, as well as increase in integrin-linked kinase (ILK) activity and expression. When podocytes under HG stimulation were treated with AS-IV, a dose- and time-dependent increase in cell-matrix adhesion was observed, which was significant from 10 microg/ml of AS-IV and from 6h of incubation of AS-IV with 100 microg/ml. This was accompanied by significant increases in alpha(3)beta(1) integrin mRNA and protein expression, as well as inhibition of ILK activation and overexpression. These results suggest that AS-IV improve HG-induced podocyte adhesion dysfunction, which is partly attributed to alpha(3)beta(1) integrin upregulation and ILK inhibition.

236.Determination of mineral elements in different part of Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch.) by FAAS

Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi. 2008 May;28(5):1168-71.PMID: 18720826
Having digested the root and shoot of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) with the mixture of nitric acid and perchloride acid (4 : 1) under the condition of the bolling point and the normal pressure, the contents of the five mineral elements necessary to humanity, potassium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese in root and shoot of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), and the results were analyzed in statistics. The correlative coefficient of the standard curve in this method is 0.997 3-0.999 9, the recovery of standard addition was 92.88%-109.25% and the relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 5) was 0.393 5%-3.175 2%. The method is simple and the results were accurate and reliable. The contents of K, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu in the root and shoot of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) were compared. The results showed that the sequence of the content of metal elements is as follows in all samples: K > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu. However, the distribution of elements in shoot and root is not uniform, and the content of Fe, Zn and Cu in root is richer than in shoot. There are abundant Fe, Zn and Cu in root, for example, the content of Fe in root is 1.54 times that in shoot. In addition, there are also abundant mineral elements in the shoot, especially in K and Mn, for example, the content of K in shoot is 1.63 times that in root. The contents of K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in shoot are in agreement with the medical effects of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.). The results should provide useful data for investigating the distribution of mineral element in Astragalus membranaceu body and the correlation between the mineral element content and the effect of medicine in Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.).

237.Immune modulation of macrophage pro-inflammatory response by goldenseal and Astragalus extracts.

J Med Food. 2008 Sep;11(3):493-8.PMID: 18800897
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenisis) is a native American medicinal plant used as an immune stimulant. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a widely used herbal product in China, other Asian countries, and the United States as an immune stimulant to be taken on first clinical signs of infection. In this study, the innate effects of goldenseal and Astragalus on pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by cultured macrophages were examined using two different commercial preparations of goldenseal and Astragalus. Both goldenseal and Astragalus were found to exhibit little to no direct effect on stimulation of mouse macrophages (J774A.1 cells), with only Astragalus able to affect production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha when used in high concentrations. However, both goldenseal and Astragalus were able to modify responses from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, with identified immunomodulatory effects to reduce production of TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-12 in a dose-dependent manner. The results obtained indicate that both goldenseal and Astragalus exhibit abilities to modulate macrophage responses during stimulation. Therefore, it is hypothesized that their historical use as therapeutic agents may be due to reduction in the pro-inflammatory response that indirectly leads to limiting of clinical symptoms during infection. Both products differ in their immune stimulatory patterns, offering insight into differential use and therapeutic potential of these products to regulate macrophage immune responses and activation events.

238.Protective effect of extract from Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus against liver injury induced by bacillus Calmette-Gu��rin and lipopolysaccharide in mice.

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008 Aug;103(2):143-9.PMID: 18816297
Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus are two popular traditional Chinese medicines, commonly used in Chinese herb prescription to treat liver disease. The extract from the roots of P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus demonstrated better hepatoprotective activity than the herbs used individually as shown in our previous studies. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus extract on immunological liver injury in mice induced by Bacillus Calmette-Gu��rin and lipopolysaccharide (BCG/LPS) and to explore a possible mechanism. After administration of P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg, intragastrically) daily for 10 days, the extract significantly reduced the degree of liver damage in BCG/LPS-induced liver injury, as well as the elevation of serum transaminase activities and level of nitric oxide in live injury mice. The extract also restored the decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and inhibited the formation of lipid peroxidative products. Moreover, P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg, intragastrically) repressed high levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) from peritoneal macrophages. In the primary cultured Kupffer cells, P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus also significantly decreased the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1 in cells stimulated with LPS (5 microg/ml). These results suggest that P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus have a protective effect on BCG/LPS-induced liver injury mice, which might be associated with the antioxidant properties, ability to reduce nitric oxide production and suppression of Kupffer cell activity and pro-inflammatory mediator and cytokines production.

239.Therapeutic application and prospect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in treating renal microvascular lesions

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2008 Sep;28(9):859-61.PMID: 19065906
It has been known that the renal microvasular lesions could aggravate the progress of glomerular sclerosis and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney diseases. Modern pharmacological studies indicated that the two traditional Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis, could improve micorvascular lesions through multiple mechanisms, including increasing local renal blood flow to lessen the hypoxic renal injury, promoting the recovery of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate after ischemia-reperfusion, modulating the imbalance of vaso-activators such as nitric oxide and angiotensin, increasing the expression of vascular epithelial growth factor and inhibiting the release of the intracellular calcium ion and promoting DNA synthesis in endothelial cells to improve the function of endothelial cells. These evidences suggest that Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis may retard the progress of renal diseases through the above-mentioned mechanisms.

240.Astragalus membranaceus flavonoids (AMF) ameliorate chronic fatigue syndrome induced by food intake restriction plus forced swimming.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Feb 25;122(1):28-34. Epub 2008 Dec 6.PMID: 19103273
AIM OF THE STUDY: Alteration of immune function may be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and this study reveals the immunoregulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus flavonoids (AMF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CF rats were induced by food intake restriction plus forced swimming for 6 weeks. RESULTS: An atrophied spleen associated with a significantly decreased spleen/body weight ratio and a reduced spleen cells proliferation was found in CF rats when compared with home cage controls. AMF given orally at 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight once a day consecutively for 6 weeks could recover the reduced cell proliferation. A switch to Th1-dominated immune regulation was observed in CF rats as the cultured splenocytes produced more interleukin-2 (IL-2) but less IL-4 when compared with controls. Supplementation with AMF could significantly counteract the aberrant cytokine production and rats received AMF exhibited higher endurance capacity to swim when compared with those without AMF administration. Checking the spectrum signals confirmed that the three major isoflavones contained in AMF were ononin, formononetin, and demethylhomopterocarpin. CONCLUSION: Alterations of immune function may be associated with CFS and the tonic effects of AMF against CF may be attributable to balance the abnormal cytokine level by isoflavones.

241.In vivo and in vitro antiviral activities of calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside against coxsackie virus B3.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2009 Jan;32(1):68-73.PMID: 19122283
Calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (CCGR) is the main isoflavonoid compound isolated from Astragalus membranaceus var. Mongholicu (BGE.) HSIAO, a Chinese herb medicine traditionally used to treat viral myocarditis. In this study, its antiviral activities against coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) causing myocarditis were investigated. In vitro assay showed that CCGR displayed a low cytotoxicity and effectively inhibited CVB3-mediated cytopathic effects on Vero cells with an IC(50) value of 25 microg/ml. In an acute myocarditis murine model, treatment with 24 mg/kg CCGR for 14 d significantly improved the survival rate of mice infected with CVB3, alleviated pathological damages of cardiac muscles in the myocarditis mice, reduced the virus titers in the heart, decreased heart indexes and improved left ventricular function. These results showed that CCGR exerted significant antiviral activities against CVB3 both in vitro and in vivo, and identified CCGR as one of active ingredients in Astragalus membranaceus for the treatment of viral myocarditis.

242.Novel herbal flavonoids promote apoptosis but differentially induce cell cycle arrest in human colon cancer cell.

Invest New Drugs. 2010 Feb;28(1):1-13. Epub 2009 Jan 13.PMID: 19139819
Formononetin is a novel herbal isoflavonoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, a medicinal plant that possesses antitumorigenic property. We attempted to compare the anticarcinogenic mechanism of formononetin with that of the known proapoptotic flavonoid isoliquiritigenin (ISL) in human cancer cells. We first evaluated the effects of formononetin and ISL on HCT 116 colon cancer cell viability. Immunofluorescence staining was then performed to observe the morphological changes of cancer cells undergoing apoptosis, which had been substantiated using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining. Western immunoblotting and flow cytometry were also employed to study parameters associated with apoptosis and cell proliferation. Our data show that formononetin and ISL both inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and promoted apoptosis. These processes were accompanied by caspase activation and downregulation of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L). Besides, the novel proapoptotic protein NSAID-activated gene (NAG-1) and its upstream regulator were overexpressed in drug-treated cells. Nevertheless, only ISL was found to induce a G2 arrest. These findings exemplify that both formononetin and ISL could cause growth inhibition and facilitate apoptosis in colon cancer cells, while only ISL is capable of inducing phase-specific cell cycle arrest. This suggests that the anticarcinogenic activities of different herbal flavonoids may involve both common and differential mechanisms of action, which could be developed as potential anticancer drugs.

243.Astragalus saponins induce apoptosis via an ERK-independent NF-kappaB signaling pathway in the human hepatocellular HepG2 cell line.

Int J Mol Med. 2009 Feb;23(2):189-96.PMID: 19148542
Astragalus membranaceus has been used to ameliorate the side effects of anti-neoplastic drugs. We recently reported that total Astragalus saponins (AST) possess anti-tumor properties in human colon cancer cells and tumor xenografts. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to unveil the anti-carcinogenic potential of AST in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to clarify the signaling pathway. We demonstrated here that AST downregulated expression of the HCC tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein and suppressed HepG2 cell growth by inducing apoptosis. AST also caused caspase activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, nuclear chromatin condensation, with downregulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins bcl-2 and bcl-xL and decreased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)/DNA-binding activity. Concomitantly, expression of the phosphorylated form of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) was prominently increased. Nevertheless, pretreatment of ERK inhibitor PD98059 did not attenuate AST-induced PARP cleavage. Taken together, these results exemplify that AST induced growth inhibition and promoted apoptosis in HepG2 cells through modulation of an ERK-independent NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

244.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on atrial dynamics and ANP secretion

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2008 Oct;33(19):2226-9.PMID: 19166013
OBJECTIVE: To define the effects of Astragalus membranaceus on the atrial dynamics and ANP secretion in the perfused beating rabbit atria. METHOD: The experiments have been done in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria. ANP was measured by radioimmunoassay in the atrial perfusate in real-time base. RESULT: A. membranaceus (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 g L(-1)) could increase atria stroke volume from (694.70 +/- 0.01) microL g(-1) (P<0.05) to (1,003.00 +/- 8.80) microL g(-1) (P<0.001); (1,120.00 +/- 17.71) microL g(-1) and (1,195.00 +/- 8.21) microL g(-1) (P<0.001), respectively, and its could difference increase atrial pulse pressure from (0.82 +/- 0.01) kPa to (0.86 +/- 0.01) kPa (P<0.01); (0.96 +/- 0.01) kPa (P<0.001) and (1.02 +/- 0.01) kPa (P<0.001), respectively; A. membranaceus obviously increased rabbit atrial dynamics with dose-dependent manner. Simultaneously, A. membranaceus inhibited ANP secretion. Nifedipine (1.0 micromol L(-1)), a L-type Ca2+ channel inhibitor, and KB-R 7943 (10.0 micromol L(-1)), an inhibitor of reversed Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger, blocked the effects of A. membranaceus-induced augmentation of atrial dynamics but failed to modulation the inhibition of A. membranaceus on ANP secretion. CONCLUSION: A. membranaceus increases the atrial dynamics via Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger and L-type Ca2+ channel and negatively modulates ANP secretion in beating rabbit atria.

245.Astragalus membranaceus prevents daunorubicin-induced apoptosis of cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes: role of free radical effect of Astragalus membranaceus on daunorubicin cardiotoxicity.

Phytother Res. 2009 Jun;23(6):761-7.PMID: 19172580
Anthracyclines are antitumor antibiotics with significant activity against solid and hematologic malignancies. One problem preventing more widespread use has been the development of cardiotoxicity. To determine whether antioxidant agents can reduce the cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines, a herb Astragalus membranaceus was introduced, which has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China and was confirmed to be an effective antioxidant agent recently. Pre-treatment with Astragalus membranaceus significantly attenuated the daunorubicin-induced increases of reactive oxygen species (p < 0.001), apoptosis (p < 0.05) and the secretions of LDH (p < 0.01) in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes. Astragalus membranaceus also raised the EC(50) of daunorubicin 1.24-fold. Compared with Astragalus membranaceus, N-acetyl-L-cysteine had similar effects on daunorubicin-induced cell injury, however, superoxide dismutase reduced reactive oxygen species without attenuating apoptosis. The subcellular distribution of DNR was similar to the distribution of MitoTracker Red 580 in mitochondria, which was mainly in the cytoplasm around the nuclear membrane in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, the results suggested that Astragalus membranaceus is potentially protective against daunorubicin cardiotoxicity by decreasing free radical release and apoptosis in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes. The main subcellular distribution of daunorubicin may be in the mitochondria.

246.Inhibitory effects of calycosin isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus on melanin biosynthesis.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2009 Feb;32(2):264-8.PMID: 19182387
Tyrosinase is a key enzyme for melanin biosynthesis, and hyperpigmentation disorders are associated with abnormal accumulation of melanin pigments, which can be reduced by treatment with depigmenting agents. A methanol extract of Astragalus membranaceus showed inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase. The active compound was purified from the methanol extract of A. membranaceus and, following several chromatographic methods, was identified as calycosin via spectroscopic analysis. The results showed that calycosin exhibited tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC(50) value of 38.4 microM. Moreover, calycosin showed a melanin biosynthesis inhibition zone in a culture plate of Streptomyces bikiniensis, which is commonly used as an indicator organism. Furthermore, calycosin dramatically reduced melanin synthesis of Melan-a cells without any apparent cytotoxicity and reduced expression of melanogenic enzyme, tyrosinase. These results suggest that calycosin may be an effective skin-lightening agent that regulates the expression of melanogenic enzymes.

247.Astragalus extract inhibits destruction of gastric cancer cells to mesothelial cells by anti-apoptosis.

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Feb 7;15(5):570-7.PMID: 19195058
AIM: To determine the inhibitory effect of Astragalus memebranaceushas on gastric cancer cell supernatant-induced apoptosis of human peritoneal mesothelial cells. METHODS: Human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) line HMrSV5 was co-incubated with gastric cancer cell supernatant (MKN45) and/or Astragalus memebranaceushas. Morphological changes in gastric cancer cells were observed under phase-contrast microscope. Quantitative cell damage was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined under transmission electron microscope and quantified by detecting acridine orange/ethidium bromide-stained (AO/EB) condensed nuclei under fluorescent microscope or by flow cytometry. Expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated with immunostaining. RESULTS: Morphological changes and exfoliation occurred and naked areas appeared in cultured HMrSV5 cells 24 h after they were treated with gastric cancer cell supernatant. Cell supernatant from MKN45 gastric cancer cells induced apoptosis of HMrSV5 cells in a time-dependent manner. Obvious morphological changes were observed in cell apoptosis, such as condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentations and apoptotic bodies. Astragalus memebranaceus could partly suppress these changes and regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in HMrSV5 cells. CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer cells induce apoptosis of HPMCs through the supernatant. Astragalus memebranaceushas inhibits this phenomenon and can be used an adjuvant chemothera-peutic agent in gastric cancer therapy.

248.Hypoglycemic effect of polysaccharide enriched extract of Astragalus membranaceus in diet induced insulin resistant C57BL/6J mice and its potential mechanism.

Phytomedicine. 2009 May;16(5):416-25. Epub 2009 Feb 6.PMID: 19201177
Our previous studies found that Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) exerts insulin-sensitizing and hypoglycemic activities in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rats. The present study was designed to further confirm the hypoglycemic effect of APS and to investigate its possible mechanism underlying the improvement of insulin resistance in vivo and in vitro. Diet-induced insulin resistant C57BL/6J mice treated with or without APS (orally, 700 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks were analyzed and compared. Simultaneously, an insulin resistant C(2)C(12) cell model and an ER stressed HepG2 cell model were established and incubated with or without APS (200 microg/ml) for 24h respectively. Systematic insulin sensitivity was measured with an insulin-tolerance test (ITT) and an homeostasis model assessment (HOMA IR) index. Metabolic stress variation was analyzed for biochemical parameters and pathological variations. The expression and activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), which plays a very important role in insulin signaling and in the ER stress response, was measured by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. The ER stress response was analyzed through XBP1 transcription and splicing by real-time PCR. APS could alleviate insulin resistance and ER stress induced by high glucose in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The hyperglycemia, hypolipemia, and hyperinsulinemia status were controlled with APS therapy. Insulin action in the liver of insulin resistant mice was restored significantly with APS administration. APS enhanced adaptive capacity of the ER and promoted insulin signaling by the inhibition of the expression and activity of PTP1B. Furthermore, the anti-obesity effect and hypolipidemia effects of APS were probably due partly to decreasing the leptin resistance of mice, which would positively couple with the normalization of plasma insulin levels. We have shown that APS has beneficial effects on insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. The mechanism is related to the alleviation of ER stress and insulin resistance under hyperglycemia conditions.

249.Synergistic hepatoprotective effect of Schisandrae lignans with Astragalus polysaccharides on chronic liver injury in rats.

Phytomedicine. 2009 Sep;16(9):805-13. Epub 2009 Apr 2.PMID: 19345075
The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic hepatoprotective effect of lignans from Fructus Schisandrae chinensis (LFS) with Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on chronic liver injury in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Subcutaneous injection of 10% CCl(4) twice a week for 3 months resulted in significantly (p<0.001) elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities compared to controls. In the liver, significantly elevated levels (p<0.001) of malondialdehyde (MDA), lowered levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) (p<0.05) and catalase (CAT) (p<0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p<0.01)were observed following CCl(4) administration. 'LFS+ASP' treatment of rats at doses of 'LFS (45mg/kg)+APS (150mg/kg)' and 'LFS (135mg/kg)+APS (450mg/kg)' displayed hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects than the administration of either LFS or APS, as evident by lower (p<0.005 or 0.001) levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP and hepatic MDA (p<0.001) concentration, as well as higher SOD (p<0.05 or 0.005), CAT activities(p<0.01 or 0.005), GSH concentration (p<0.05 or 0.005) compared to the toxin treated group. Histopathological examinations revealed severe fatty degeneration in the toxin group, and mild damage in groups treated with 'LFS+APS' were observed. The coefficients drug interaction (CDI) between each individual drug and their combination (at the same dose of their single treatment) of these foregoing parameters were all less than 1, indicating that LFS and APS display hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties and act in a synergistic manner in CCl(4) induced liver injury in rats.

250.Effect of astragaloside IV on the embryo-fetal development of Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits.

J Appl Toxicol. 2009 Jul;29(5):381-5.PMID: 19367606
Astragaloside IV, a natural product purified from the Chinese medicinal herb Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge, is now being developed as a cardioprotective agent for treating cardiovascular diseases. In the present study developmental toxicity of astragaloside IV in Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits was evaluated by intravenously administering astragaloside IV daily to rats at 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg(-1) on gestation days 6-15, and to rabbits at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg kg(-1) daily on gestation days 6-18. Reproductive parameters were determined and fetuses were examined for external, visceral and skeletal malformations. There was significant difference in total weight gain during and after treatment between the control group and 1.0 mg kg(-1) group in rats. The percentage of fetal deaths in 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg(-1) rat groups was significantly higher than that of the control group, and higher in all treatment groups than in the control in rabbits. These results indicated that astragaloside IV was maternally toxic at 1.0 mg kg(-1) in rats and fetotoxic at a dose higher than 0.5 mg kg(-1), but devoid of teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits. In light of these findings it is perhaps prudent to advise caution to women who might use astragaloside IV to combat cardiovascular disease during pregnancy.

251.Astragaloside IV attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion-induced increase in permeability of the blood-brain barrier in rats.

Eur J Pharmacol. 2009 Mar 15;606(1-3):137-41. Epub 2009 Jan 25.PMID: 19374856
Astragalus membranaceus is widely used to treat stroke and chronic debilitating diseases in China, but the mechanism has not been fully demonstrated to data. In the present study, we, using astragaloside IV, a purified extract from astragalus membranaceus, to a focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rat model, aimed to investigate the effect of astragaloside IV on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier since disruption of blood-brain barrier induced by ischemia/reperfusion leads to serious brain injuries. We found that astragaloside IV (10, 20 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the permeability of blood-brain barrier in comparison with vehicle group after ischemia/reperfusion assessed via Evans blue leakage (P<0.05). This was further confirmed by examination of blood-brain barrier permeability under the electron microscope, using lanthanum as a tracer of blood vessel permeability. Lanthanum was usually found within the blood vessel in sham group, rather than in perivascular tissues as shown in vehicle group. In drug groups, lanthanum stain was mainly restricted within the cerebral capillary, indicating the potential protective effect of astragaloside IV on the integrity of blood-brain barrier in ischemia/reperfusion rats. Furthermore, we found that expression of occludin and zonae occludens-1 (ZO-1), the tight junction proteins, was decreased in endothelial cells in vehicle group, which, however, could be reversed by astragaloside IV administration. We propose that regulation of tight junctional proteins in the endothelial cells may be one mechanism astragaloside IV-mediated in attribution to blood-brain barrier protection in the ischemia/reperfusion rats.

252.A novel anticancer effect of Astragalus saponins: Transcriptional activation of NSAID-activated gene.

Int J Cancer. 2009 Sep 1;125(5):1082-91.PMID: 19384947
Astragalus membranaceus has been used to ameliorate the side effects of antineoplastic drugs because of its immunomodulating nature. We had recently demonstrated that total Astragalus saponins (AST) possess anticarcinogenic and proapoptotic properties in human colon cancer cells and tumor xenograft. In this study, we identified NSAID-activated gene (NAG-1) as a potential molecular target of AST. The growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of AST were assessed in a panel of human cancer cell lines. Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining, Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, Western immunoblotting, real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were conducted to determine the association of NAG-1 and related transcription factors with AST during its regulation of apoptotic activities. Moreover, the combined proapoptotic and NAG-1 promoting activities of AST and/or inhibitors of the PI3K-Akt pathway were also examined. AST caused overexpression of NAG-1, leading to PARP cleavage and apoptosis. The induction of NAG-1 promoter activity by the drug was associated with increased gene expression, in addition to prior increase in Egr-1 expression and DNA binding activity. AST-induced NAG-1 activation was intensified when PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Akt inhibitor was co-treated and reversed by NAG-1 siRNA transfection. Nevertheless, the extent of NAG-1 induction could not be altered by the ERK inhibitor PD98059. Our results indicate that NAG-1 is a potential molecular target of AST in its antitumorigenic and proapoptotic actions, which would have additive effects when used along with PI3K-Akt inhibitors. The information obtained could facilitate future development of a novel target-specific chemotherapeutic agent with known molecular pathway. 2009 UICC.

253.Myelophil, an extract mix of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, ameliorates chronic fatigue: a randomised, double-blind, controlled pilot study.

Complement Ther Med. 2009 Jun;17(3):141-6. Epub 2009 Jan 23.PMID: 19398067
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the anti-fatigue effects of Myelophil, an extract of a mix of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, which has been used to treat patients with chronic fatigue. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was performed with 36 adults who complained of chronic fatigue. The subjects were divided among a control group and low- and high-dose groups (3 or 6g of oral Myelophil per day, respectively) and were monitored for 4 weeks. Fatigue severity was subjectively characterised, and the expression of 42 cytokines was evaluated using an antibody array. RESULTS: Myelophil administration (3g per day) significantly decreased the fatigue severity score compared with the control (p<0.05). No changes were noted in cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS: Myelophil appears to have a pharmacological effect against fatigue, suggesting the clinical relevance of the traditional medicinal plants, Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza.

254.Neuroprotective effects of Astragaloside IV in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated primary nigral cell culture.

Neurochem Int. 2009 Nov;55(6):414-22. Epub 2009 May 4.PMID: 19409437
Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Oxidative stress and neural degeneration are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) extracted from the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, a well-known Chinese medicine used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, was investigated for its capacity to protect dopaminergic neurons in experimental Parkinson's disease. By examining the effect of AS-IV on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons in primary nigral culture, we found that AS-IV pretreatment significantly and dose-dependently attenuated 6-OHDA-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons. Neuronal fiber length studies showed that massive neuronal cell death with degenerated neurons was observed in those cultures incubated with 6-OHDA, whereas in AS-IV co-treatments most dopaminergic neurons were seen to be intact and sprouting. In flow cytometric analysis, AS-IV resulted in a marked and dose-dependent rescue in tyrosine hydrolase (TH)-immunopositive cells from 6-OHDA-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Double immunofluorescence revealed that AS-IV treatment alone at concentrations of 100 and 200 microM increased the level of TH and NOS (nitrite oxide synthase) immunoreactivities; however, the protective effect of AS-IV on TH and NOS immunopositive cells in 6-OHDA treated nigral cell cultures was only seen at a concentration of 100 microM. These findings show that AS-IV can protect dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA-induced degeneration. Besides the neuroprotective effect, AS-IV alone promoted neurite outgrowth and increased TH and NOS immunoreactive of dopaminergic neurons. The neuroprotective and neurosprouting effects of AS-IV are specific for dopaminergic neurons and it has therapeutic potential in the treatment of PD.

255.Safety and pharmacokinetic trial of docetaxel plus an Astragalus-based herbal formula for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2009 Dec;65(1):67-71. Epub 2009 May 7.PMID: 19421753
PURPOSE: To study a commonly used Astragalus-based herbal formula previously found effective in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in patients with NSCLC. METHODS: Patients with advanced NSCLC who progressed after prior platinum-containing chemotherapy were accrued and received docetaxel at 35 mg/m(2) for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of rest. At 4 days prior to the second dosing, Jinfukang was given orally. Pharmacokinetic studies of initial-dose docetaxel (in the absence of Jinfukang) and the third dose (in the presence of Jinfukang) were compared. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients enrolled, 21 started Jinfukang and docetaxel. Jinfukang had no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel. Median time to progression or withdrawal from treatment was 7 weeks. Twelve patients were removed from study for progression of disease; nine patients withdrew. CONCLUSIONS: Jinfukang did not alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel nor appear to affect survival in this study.

256.Protective effects of astragaloside IV on porcine-serum-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats and in vitro effects on hepatic stellate cells.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Apr 21;122(3):502-8. Epub 2009 Feb 5.PMID: 19429320
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragaloside IV is the primary pure saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, one of the valuable traditional medical herbs. Antifibrotic activities of Astragalus membranaceus have been extensively proved. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by porcine-serum (PS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced by PS injection (0.5 ml, twice a week) for 12 weeks. Astragaloside IV (2.0, 4.0 mg kg(-1)) was administered intragastrically. Liver samples were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical studies. In vitro effects of astragaloside IV on primary cultured HSCs were detected by incorporation assays. RESULTS: Astragaloside IV delayed the formation of liver fibrosis and decrease the serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PCIII) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver. The levels of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in serum and expression in liver were significantly decreased by astragaloside IV. Collagen synthesis and proliferation were significantly inhibited by astragaloside IV (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 and 24.0 mg L(-1)) in HSCs. CONCLUSION: The results showed that astragaloside IV displays antifibrotic effects in rats induced by PS, the mechanism by which might be associated with its inhibitory effects on collagen synthesis and proliferation in HSCs.

257.Effects of Astragalus membranaccus on cardiac function and SERCA2a gene expression in myocardial tissues of rats with chronic heart failure

Zhong Yao Cai. 2009 Jan;32(1):85-8.PMID: 19445129
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaccus (As) on cardiac function and SERCA2a gene expression in left ventricular tissues of rats with chronic heart failure. METHODS: Heart failure was induced by clipping the abdominal aorta 60 male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated (Sham), aortic stenosis (Model), Model + As (20 g/kg) and Model + Captopril (0.05 g/kg). The drugs were administered orally from the 13th week after surgery. Rats were examined after 12 weeks' treatment with drugs. The parameters of hemodynamics including LVSP, LVEDP, and +/- LVdp/dt(max) were measured. SERCA2a mRNA and protein expressions in left ventricular tissues were determined by half-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot normalized to abundance of GAPDH mRNA and portein, respectively. RESULTS: LVSP and LVEDP were obviously enhanced (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001) in model rats in vivo. Both Captopril and As prevented the increase of LVSP (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and LVEDP (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). RT-PCR and Western blot results demonstrated that SERCA2a gene expression was downregulated (P < 0.05) significantly in model group compared with sham group. As upregulated SERCA2a gene expression (P < 0.05), whereas Captopril had no effect on that. CONCLUSION: As can ameliorate abnormity of cardiac function, especially diastoilc function in rats with pressure overload-induced heart failure, and that may be partly related to its up-regulation of SERCA2a gene expressions in left ventricular tissues.

258.Wound-healing activity of Astragali Radix in rats.

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Mar;31(2):95-100.PMID: 19455264
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.

259.Study on genetic relationship of Astragalus membranaceus var mongholicus in different producing area using SRAP

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Feb;34(4):382-5.PMID: 19459294
OBJECTIVE: To study the genetic relationship of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus in different producing area and provide theoretical basis for the evaluation of Astragalus germplasm resources. METHOD: Through quence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) analysis, the systematic diagram of genetic relationship was constructed by UPGMA method. RESULT: A total of 141 SRAP markers were scored. By the use of UPGMA cluster analysis with genetic distance, Astragalus could be divided into two provenance plots of Gansu and Shanxi. CONCLUSION: The genetic differentiation among populations of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus is remarkable. SRAP marker could be efficiently used for the study of the genetic relationship of Astragalus.

260.Synergistic antioxidant activities of eight traditional Chinese herb pairs.

Biol Pharm Bull. 2009 Jun;32(6):1021-6.PMID: 19483308
Many Chinese therapeutic herbs that are traditionally used in combination demonstrate significantly better pharmacological effects when used in the combination than when used alone. However, the pharmacological mechanism for this synergism is still not well understood. In the present study, the antioxidant activities of six herbs ((Paeonia lactiflora (PL), Atractylodes macrocephala (AMA), Angelica sinensis (AS), Astragalus membranaceus (AME), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU) and Rheum officinale (RO)), which were historically combined into eight traditional Chinese herb pairs (TCHPs) (AME-AS, AME-AMA, AME-RO, AME-GU, AME-PL, PL-AS, PL-AMA and PL-GU), were investigated in vitro by assessing the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH)-radical scavenging abilities of the herbs. The results of this study showed that all eight TCHPs had a significantly larger scavenging capacity than would be expected from the theoretical sum of those of the respective constituent herbs (p<0.05). Furthermore, the AME-GU, AME-PL and AME-AMA pairs not only showed a significant synergistic effect in the DPPH scavenging assay, but they also demonstrated similar results in hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical anion scavenging assays. Interestingly, the AME-AMA combination had a significantly higher superoxide anion (0.2 g/ml) and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability than the AME or AMA. The changes in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also investigated. Our study showed a significant correlation between the rate of enhancement in antioxidant capacity and the rate of increase in flavonoid content. Thus, the flavonoids are likely responsible for the synergistic effects present in TCHPs.

261.Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Phytother Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):175-81.PMID: 19504468
The study was designed to investigate efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). AM is an active component in the herbal and mineral complex (HMC) registered in Croatia as a food supplement Lectranal. The study was designed as a 6-weeks, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and conducted in 48 adult patients with a moderate to severe SAR. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by the mean change in the symptom score (TSS), quality of life (QoL), specific serum IgE and IgG, nasal eosinophils, and physicians' and patients' global evaluation. Compared to placebo, HMC significantly decreased the intensity of rhinorrhea while for other primary efficacy variables the treatment groups did not differ. In contrast, investigators and patients equally judged the treatment with HMC as more efficacious. In addition, the analysis of changes from baseline inside the groups for TSS, QoL, and 4 main symptoms of SAR were strikingly in favor of the active treatment. In patients with SAR due to weed pollen allergy HMC significantly improved primary variables, reflective TSS and QoL. The study revealed a significant number of positive signals indicating the therapeutic effectiveness of the HMC in patients with SAR which should be further tested in larger, multicentre trials with more patients.

262.The protective action of radix Astragalus membranaceus against hapten-induced colitis through modulation of cytokines.

Cytokine. 2009 Aug;47(2):85-90. Epub 2009 Jun 17.PMID: 19539495
Astragalus membranaceus is a medicinal herb with potential immunomodulatory property, which has been used in treating colitis-related diarrhea. In the present investigation, we aimed to further explore its anti-inflammatory activity by studying the immunoregulatory mechanism of Astragalus root extract (Am) through different routes of administration in hapten-induced colitis. 2,4-Dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) was used to induce experimental colitis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Results have indicated that both oral and intracolonic Am treatments (administered twice daily for three consecutive days following colitis induction) exhibited significant protection against DNBS-induced colitis in rats, indicated by decreased colonic lesion area and histological damage score as well as amelioration of the elevated colonic myeloperoxidase activity. Western immunoblotting has revealed that oral Am could diminish the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta, while concomitantly abolishing the inhibition of IL-10 expression in rats' colon under colitis condition. On the other hand, intracolonic Am could only reduce TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma overexpression. In summary, we have demonstrated that both oral and locally administered Am possess protective effects against experimental colitis through differential modulation of colonic cytokines. This study provides important new insights that may contribute to further development of Am as a novel therapeutic agent for treating colitis diseases.

263.Saponin fraction from Astragalus membranaceus roots protects mice against polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture by inhibiting inflammation and upregulating protein C pathway.

J Nat Med. 2009 Oct;63(4):421-9. Epub 2009 Jun 24.PMID: 19548065
Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in intensive care units. Uncontrolled systemic inflammation and an impaired protein C pathway are two important contributors to sepsis pathophysiology. Based on the beneficial effects of the saponin fraction from Astragalus membranaceus roots (SAM) against inflammation, liver dysfunction, and endothelium injury, we investigated the potential protective roles and underlying mechanisms of SAM on polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. SAM, orally administered 1 h before and after CLP, significantly elevated the survival rate of mice. At 96 h after CLP operation, all mice in the model group died, whereas 33.3% of mice in the SAM (400 mg/kg)-treated group survived. SAM attenuated both inflammatory factors and their abilities to induce tissue dysfunction, which was mainly evidenced by decreased infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, tissue edema, and lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, lowered levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, as well as downregulated expressions of iNOS and IL-1beta mRNA in livers. Furthermore, we addressed the effects of SAM on the protein C (PC) pathway, closely linked with sepsis. In CLP-induced septic mice, SAM elevated the impaired expression of PC mRNA in livers. In vitro, SAM reversed the decreased expressions of thrombomodulin (TM) and endothelial PC receptor (EPCR) mRNA induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in endothelial cells. These findings suggest that SAM is able to restore the impaired protein C pathway. Taken together, the current study demonstrates that SAM has protective effects on polymicrobial sepsis in mice. The mechanisms of action involve anti-inflammation and upregulation of the PC pathway.

264.A combination of Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Angelica sinensis, improved renal microvascular insufficiency in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.

Vascul Pharmacol. 2009 May-Jun;50(5-6):185-93.PMID: 19563735
Chronic renal ischemia and hypoxia in the tubulointerstitium are involved in the mechanisms of progressive chronic kidney disease. Previous studies showed that the decoction of a combination of two Chinese herbs, Astragalus membmnaceus var. mongholicus and Angelica sinensis (A & A) has antifibrotic effects through multiple pathways in different animal models. In this study, remnant kidney model was employed to investigate whether A & A affect the expression of VEGF, the density of the renal microvasculature and thus alleviate the renal injury. Rats were divided randomly into four groups: sham group (N-31), 5/6 Nx group (5/ 6 nephrectomy, N=43), A & A treated group (A & A group, N=40, A & A 12 g/kg/d po), enalapril treated group (Ena group, N=56, enalapril 4 mg/kg/d po). Rats from each group were sacrificed at the 2th, 4th, 8th and 12th weeks respectively after surgery and treatment The 24 h urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea were measured. The collagen IV (COL-IV), fibronectin (FN), aminopeptidase P (APP) and VEGF were stained using immunohistochemistry. The COL-IV, FN and APP were semi-quantitatively analyzed. Peritubular capillary density in the cortical interstitial area was quantified. The level of VEGF was assayed by ELISA. The results revealed that Scr, urea and urinary protein excretion remained constant at each time point in sham group. Compared to sham group, 5/6 Nx group was shown severe glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial lesions and vascular damage, as well as higher level of Scr from the 2nd week (72.3 +/- 5.2 vs. 48.6 +/- 2.6 micromol/L P < 0.05) to the 12th week (71.9 +/- 8.0 vs. 55.7 +/- 4.5 micromol/L P < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in Scr level after treatment of enalapril or A & A (P > 0.05), kidney damage was alleviated at the 8th and the 12th week in the two treatment groups (P < 0.05, vs. 5/6 Nx group). The urinary protein excretion of 5/6 Nx group was significantly increased from the 4th week, it was 1.5, 2.4 and 3.8 fold of that of sham group at the 4th, 8th and 12th week, respectively. Compared to 5/6 Nx group, proteinuria was decreased by enalapril to 59%, 33% at 8th and 12th week. After A & A administration, urinary protein excretion decreased to 66%, 56%, 75%, 55% of 5/6 Nx group at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with sham group, there was increased expression of FN and COL-IV in rats with 5/6 Nx. After A & A or enalapril administration, the expression of FN and COL-IV was significantly decreased compared with that in the 5/6 Nx group at 8th and 12th week (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the capillary density was decreased at the 8th and 12th week in 5/6 Nx rats (P < 0.01). In A & A-treated group, similarly with enalapril group, the amount of APP-positive glomerular capillary increased by 36% (P < 0.01), and the peritubular capillary density was increased 94% at 8th week and 52% at 12th week compared with 5/6 Nx group (P < 0.05). The renal level of VEGF was decreased in 5/6 Nx rats, but increased at the 8th and 12th week in A & A group (P < 0.05, vs. 5/6 Nx group). In conclusion, A & A has renoprotective effects by suppression of extra cellular matrix deposition in 5/6 Nx rat. The renoprotective effects may be associated with reduction of proteinuria, up-regulation of VEGF which may reduce the loss of capillaries and improve microstructure dysfunction.

265.Astragalus Improved Cardiac Function of Adriamycin-Injured Rat Hearts by Upregulation of SERCA2a Expression.

Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(3):519-29.PMID: 19606512
The traditional Chinese medical herb Astragalus, the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., has been widely applied to treat patients with cardiovascular disease in China and has profound cardioprotective effects. This study investigated the effect of Astragalus on hemodynamic changes in adriamycin (ADR)-injured rat hearts and its underlying molecular mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, ADR only, ADR + low dose of Astragalus and ADR + high dose of Astragalus. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 6 equal doses of ADR (cumulative dose, 12 mg/kg) over a period of 2 weeks. Treatment of Astragalus began 1 day before the onset of ADR injection and was given orally once a day for 50 days (3.3 or 10 g/kg/day). Five weeks after the final injection of ADR, rats treated with ADR only showed a significant inhibition of cardiac diastolic function accompanied by the presence of ascites, a remarkable reduction in body weight and heart weight as well as survival rate compared to the controls. Moreover, SERCA2a mRNA and protein expressions in hearts were obviously downregulated by ADR. However, this impaired cardiac function was significantly improved in both doses of Astragalus feeding groups. The amount of ascites was also reduced in a similar extent in these 2 groups. Only the high dose treatment of Astragalus significantly attenuated the changes of SERCA2a expression in injured hearts and improved survival. These results indicated that Astragalus could improve cardiac function of ADR-injured rat hearts, which was partly mediated by upregulation of SERCA2a expression.

266.Treatment with Astragali radix and Angelicae radix enhances erythropoietin gene expression in the cyclophosphamide-induced anemic rat.

J Med Food. 2009 Jun;12(3):637-42.PMID: 19627214
Anemia is a common cause of morbidity and disease and reduces the quality of life. This study examined the effect of a combination treatment (AAC) using Astragali radix (AMW) and Angelicae radix (AGW) in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced anemic rats on erythropoietin (EPO) expression and hematological parameters. Male 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups with or without CYP-induced anemia and individual or the combined herbal treatments according to the experimental protocol. After treatment, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the effects of AAC on erythropoietin expression, and blood and serological parameters were measured. The EPO mRNA levels were lower in the CYP-treated group, compared to the normal group, and higher in the AAC-treated group. In the CYP-treated group, the serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity, and vitamin B(12) level were lower, but these were normal or almost normal in the AAC-treated group. The CYP-treated group gained less weight than the normal group, but weight gain was partially normalized in the AAC group. The feed efficiency ratio was lowest in the CYP group, but the differences were not significant. The numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, the hematocrit, and the hemoglobin level were measured. The results revealed a reduced number of blood cells in the CYP-treated group, whereas the AAC-, AMW-, and AGW-treated groups showed significantly enhanced blood cell numbers compared to the CYP-treated control group and the AAC-treated group. AAC enhanced EPO mRNA expression in the CYP-induced anemic rat and improved the hematological parameters and vitamin B(12) status.

267.Protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on ATP binding cassette transporter A1 in THP-1 derived foam cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Phytother Res. 2009 Aug 3.PMID: 19653192
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the main extract from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Astragalus membranaceus, has been reported to benefit the treatment of immune-inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. In atherosclerotic plaques, proinflammatory cytokines exert adverse effects on lipids thereby aggravating atherosclerosis. Recent evidence shows that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can down-regulate the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), which plays a vital role in reverse cholesterol transport and determines the process of atherosclerosis. In the present study, the effects of APS on ABCA1 expression, cholesterol effluent rate and total cholesterol content of THP-1 derived foam cells exposed to TNF-alpha were investigated. Compared with the foam cells exposed to TNF-alpha, ABCA1 expression was promoted in the presence of APS. Consequently the cholesterol effluent rate increased and the total cholesterol content decreased significantly. TNF-alpha could enhance the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the foam cells. This effect could be attenuated by APS. These findings suggest that APS could protect ABCA1 against the lesion of TNF-alpha in THP-1 derived foam cells, which may contribute to its antiatherosclerotic properties.

268.Astragalosides isolated from the root of astragalus radix inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products.

J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Sep 9;57(17):7666-72.PMID: 19681610
Because advanced glycation end product (AGE) inhibitors such as pyridoxamine significantly inhibit the development of retinopathy and neuropathy in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat, treatment with AGE inhibitors is believed to be a potential strategy for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetic complications. A crude extract of Astragali Radix (AR; roots of Astragalus membranaceus ) inhibits the formation of N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and pentosidine during the incubation of bovine serum albumin with ribose. In the present study, compounds were isolated from AR that prevented CML and pentosidine formation. Astragalosides significantly inhibited the formation of both CML and pentosidine, and astragaloside V had the strongest inhibitory effect among all if the isolated compounds. These data suggest that AR and astragalosides may be a potentially useful strategy for the prevention of clinical diabetic complications by inhibiting AGEs.

269.Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection on TNF-alpha-induced release of inflammatory factors from HUVECs and the molecular mechanisms

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2009 Jun;29(6):1137-40.PMID: 19726342
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). METHODS: Cultured passage 2 HUVECs were stimulated with TNF-alpha with or without a 2-h Astragalus Membranaceus Injection treatment. The expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) subunit p65 were evaluated by immuncytochemistical method, and the levels of p65 in the nuclei and the protein Ikappabetaalpha in the cytoplasm were evaluated by Western blotting. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in the cell culture were determined with ELISA. RESULTS: TNF-alpha induced the activation of NF-kappaB and increased the expressions of IL-6 and sICAM-1 in HUVECs. The activation of NF-kappabeta by TNF-alpha was suppressed by Astragalus Membranaceus Injection in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Astragalus Membranaceus Injection can inhibit the TNF-alpha-induced expression of IL-6 and sICAM-1 by suppressing NF-kappabeta activation, suggesting its protective effect on the endothelial function.

270.Improving insulin resistance with traditional Chinese medicine in type 2 diabetic patients.

Endocrine. 2009 Oct;36(2):268-74.PMID: 19728183
Some clinical studies and animal researches have evaluated the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and compared its effects with placebo or other antidiabetic drugs. TCM involves three particular plants, as an antidiabetic drug. Our present research planned to evaluate the efficacy of TCM on insulin sensitivity and other related metabolic factors in type 2 diabetic patients. There were 43 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients enrolled in this study, who did not use any antidiabetic drugs before. They were randomly assigned into TCM and placebo groups, administrated with TCM and placebo, respectively. Glucose disposal rate, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and other metabolic components were assessed at baseline and end point. Glucose disposal rate increased from 5.12 +/- 2.20 to 6.37 +/- 3.51 mg kg(-1) min(-1) in the TCM group, ANCOVA analysis showed that glucose disposal rate in the TCM group was significantly improved as compared to that in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Other metabolic related components such as fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, retinol binding protein 4 were improved in TCM group, but no statistical differences was detected between the two groups. No severe side effect was found in TCM group. TCM can ameliorate insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and it is safe and effective in newly diagnosed diabetic patients.

271.Systematic review of the renal protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus (root) on diabetic nephropathy in animal models.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Nov 12;126(2):189-96. Epub 2009 Sep 6.PMID: 19735713
GOALS: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has long been recognized as the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Recent experimental studies have shown that Astragalus membranaceus (AM) (root) has an inhibitory effect on the oxidative stress that characterizes early DN. This systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of AM (root), used as a single herb, in slowing the progression of DN in diabetic rat models. METHODS: We conducted both an electronic search and a search by hand of randomized, controlled AM (root) treatment studies (including its effective components) focusing on animal models of DN. Two reviewers independently selected and assessed the studies. RESULTS: Among the 41 articles identified, 13 reports that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. Significant beneficial effects were observed in the AM (root) treated groups compared to controls regarding fasting blood glucose levels (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -2.86, 95% confidential interval (CI): -4.26, -1.46, P < 0.001), glomerular filtration rate (SMD: -3.36, 95% CI: -4.69, -2.03, P < 0.00001), urinary albumin excretion rate (SMD: -2.46, 95% CI: -3.75, -1.16, P = 0.0002), and thickness of the glomerular basement membrane (SMD: -3.51, 95% CI: -6.68, -0.34, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: AM (root) and its effective components are effective in reducing fasting blood glucose and albuminuria levels, in reversing the glomerular hyperfiltration state, and in ameliorating the pathological changes of early DN in rat models.

272.Enhancement of non-specific immune response in sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) by Astragalus membranaceus and its polysaccharides.

Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2009 Dec;27(6):757-62. Epub 2009 Sep 10.PMID: 19748588
In this study, the immunostimulatory effect of oral administration of different preparations (conventional fine powder [CP] and superfine powder [SP]) of Astragalus membranaceus root or its polysaccharides (APS) in sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) was investigated. Sea cucumbers with an average initial weight of 49.3 +/- 5.65 g were fed with a diet containing 3% CP or SP or 0.3% APS over a period of 60 days. The non-specific humoral (phenoloxidase, lysozyme and agglutination titer) and cellular (phagocytic capacity and reactive oxygen species) responses were determined and compared with controls (no supplement) after 20, 40 and 60 days of feeding. Variation in the levels of responses was evident among different supplements. SP and APS significantly enhanced most of the immune parameters tested. Among the humoral responses, lysozyme activity significantly increased after feeding with SP-supplemented diet for 20, 40 or 60 days. Furthermore, lectin titer showed significant enhancement after 20 and 60 days of feeding with APS-supplemented diet. Significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species was evident for all three supplements after 20 days of feeding, but no significant change in serum phenoloxidase activity was observed for any of the three supplements over the three different periods. Overall, significant modulation of the cellular responses was only noticed after 20 days of feeding with SP- or APS-supplemented diet. After 60 days, these two groups also exhibited a decrease in the cumulative symptom rates compared to the controls when challenged with Vibrio splendidus. These results indicated that dietary intake containing A. membranaceus root or its polysaccharides could enhance the immune responses of A. japonicus and improve its resistance to infection by V. splendidus.

273.Effect of Astragalus mongholicus injection on proliferation and apoptosis of hormone sensitive (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines with physiological dose E2

Zhong Yao Cai. 2009 May;32(5):744-7.PMID: 19771851
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Astragalus mongholicus injection on proliferation and apoptosis in hormone sensitive breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) with physiological dose E2. METHODS: Cell control group, TAM control group and five different dose Astragalus mongholicus injection groups with physiological dose E2 were set in the study. Proliferation of MCF-7 cells were evaluated with MTT assay, cell apoptotic rate were measured with flow cytometry, DNA ladder and cell cycle were observed. RESULTS: In physiological dose E2, Astragalus mongholicus injection inhibited MCF-7 cells proliferation at all concentration groups. As time lasting, Astragalus mongholicus injection showed better inhibitory effect than TAM (P<0.05). Among 2 x 10(-1) g/mL-2 x 10(-4) g/mL concentration, Astragalus mongholicus injection significantly increased the proliferative percent of G0/G1 and S-phase cell, decreased percent of G2-M phase cell (P<0.05) at 24 hours. After cocultured 72 hours, Astragalus mongholicus injection increased the rate of apoptosis to 16.7% at 2 x 10(-1) g/mL concentration. CONCLUSION: In some dose limit, Astragalus mongholicus injection may inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and interrupt caryocinesia at G0-G1 phase or S phase in hormone sensitive (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines with physiological dose E2.

274.Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract inhibits cell invasion by modulating transforming growth factor-beta/Smad in HepG2 cell.

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Feb;25(2):420-6. Epub 2009 Sep 27.PMID: 19793165
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE) is made up of astragalosides, astragalus polysaccharide and salvianolic acids extracted from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) and Salvia miltiorhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) with a standard ratio. Previous reports showed that CASE inhibited hepatic fibrosis by mediating transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad signaling. This study further investigated the effect of CASE on hepatoma HepG2 cells stimulated by TGF-beta(1) and its potential action mechanisms by TGF-beta/Smad signaling. METHODS: Cell proliferation was studied by MTT assay and cell invasion was evaluated by measuring cell migration through Matrigel. Protein expression in hepatoma HepG2 cells stimulated by TGF-beta(1) was analyzed by western blotting and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) transcriptional activity in HepG2 cells was evaluated. RESULTS: CASE (40 microg/mL) markedly suppressed cell invasion triggered by TGF-beta(1). Smad3 phosphorylation at the linker region (pSmad3L) and Samd2 phosphorylation at the C-terminal region (pSmad2C) were significantly reduced by CASE. Mild elevated Smad3 phosphorylation at C-terminal (pSmade3C) region was enhanced by CASE at 20 microg/mL. In addition, treatment of CASE decreased the level of Smad2/3/4 complex at 80 microg/mL, but upregulated the expression of Smad7 in a dose-dependent manner. CASE also showed inhibitory effect on PAI-1 transcriptional activity. CONCLUSION: All these results suggest that CASE exerts anti-HepG2 cell invasion effect by modulating TGF-beta/Smad signaling.

275.Astragalus polysaccharide improves insulin sensitivity in KKAy mice: regulation of PKB/GLUT4 signaling in skeletal muscle.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Jan 8;127(1):32-7. Epub 2009 Oct 2.PMID: 19800959
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is an important bioactive component of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the mechanisms by which APS ameliorates diabetes, we examined whether treatment with APS improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant mice and whether this is associated with an improvement of dysregulated protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 expressions in skeletal muscle. METHODS: APS (700 mg kg(-1)day(-1)) or vehicle was administered to 12-week-old diabetic KKAy and nondiabetic C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks. Changes in body weight, blood glucose level, insulin resistance index, and oral glucose tolerance were routinely evaluated. The expressions of protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 in skeletal muscle tissues were determined with Western blot. RESULTS: KKAy mice developed persistent hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Insulin-stimulated protein kinase B phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 translocation were significantly decreased in KKAy compared to age-matched C57BL/6J mice. APS treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Although the content of protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 in KKAy skeletal muscle were not affected by APS, insulin-induced protein kinase B Ser-473 phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 translocation in skeletal muscle were partially restored by APS treatment. In contrast, APS did not have any effect on C57BL/6J mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that APS can regulate part of the insulin signaling in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle, and that APS could be a potential insulin sensitizer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

276.The two isomers of HDTIC compounds from Astragali Radix slow down telomere shortening rate via attenuating oxidative stress and increasing DNA repair ability in human fetal lung diploid fibroblast cells.

DNA Cell Biol. 2010 Jan;29(1):33-9.PMID: 19839736
4-Hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2,6'-spirane-5',6',7',8'-tetrahydro-indolizine-3'-carbaldehyde (HDTIC)-1 and HDTIC-2 are two isomers extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bunge Var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao. Our previous study had demonstrated that they could extend the lifespan of human fetal lung diploid fibroblasts (2BS). To investigate the mechanisms of the HDTIC-induced delay of replicative senescence, in this study, we assessed the effects of these two compounds on telomere shortening rate and DNA repair ability in 2BS cells. The telomere shortening rates of the cells cultured with HDTIC-1 or HDTIC-2 were 31.5 and 41.1 bp with each division, respectively, which were much less than that of the control cells (71.1 bp/PD). We also found that 2BS cells pretreated with HDTIC-1 or HDTIC-2 had a significant reduction in DNA damage after exposure to 200 microM H(2)O(2) for 5 min. Moreover, the 100 microM H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage was significantly repaired after the damaged cells were continually cultured with HDTIC for 1 h. These results suggest that HDTIC compounds slow down the telomere shortening rate of 2BS cells, which is mainly due to the biological properties of the compounds including the reduction of DNA damage and the improvement of DNA repair ability. In addition, the slow down of telomere shortening rate, the reduction of DNA damage, and the improvement of DNA repair ability induced by HDTIC may be responsible for their delay of replicative senescence.

277.Discrimination of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicines using saccharide mapping--enzymatic digestion followed by chromatographic analysis.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2010 Feb 5;51(3):590-8. Epub 2009 Sep 27.PMID: 19850432
Polysaccharides isolated from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) exhibit multiple pharmacological activities. However, quality control of polysaccharides is a challenge because of their complicate structure and macro-molecular mass. In this study, saccharide mapping based on specific enzymatic digestion of polysaccharides and chromatographic analysis was proposed to discriminate the polysaccharides from different TCMs. Endo-carbohydrase such as glucanase, arabinanase, xylanase, galactanase, cellulase, amylase and pectinase were used for enzymatic digestion of polysaccharides from 9 TCMs namely Panax ginseng, P. notoginseng, P. quinquefolium, Cordyceps sinensis, C. militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, G. sinense, Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis. By using high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) as well as derivatization with 1-Phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) and HPLC analysis, the enzymatic hydrolysis properties of polysaccharides and their saccharide mapping were determined. The polysaccharides from 9 TCMs were firstly successfully distinguished based on their characteristic saccharide maps, which is helpful to improve the quality control of polysaccharides.

278.The Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus on Repeated Restraint Stress-induced Biochemical and Behavioral Responses.

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009 Aug;13(4):315-9. Epub 2009 Aug 31.PMID: 19885016
Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) is a useful Korean herb that has been clinically prescribed for stress-related illness. The objective of the present study was to examine the anti-stress effects of AM on repeated stress-induced alterations of anxiety, learning and memory in rats. Restraint stress was administered for 14 days (2h/day) and AM (400mg/kg) given by oral administration, in the AM group, for the same period. Starting on the eighth day, the rats were tested for spatial memory on the Morris water maze test (MW) and for anxiety on the elevated plus maze (EPM). Changes of expression on immunohistochemistry were studied for cholineacetyl transferase (ChAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain. The results showed that the rats treated with AM had significantly reduced stress-induced deficits on learning and memory on the spatial memory tasks. In addition, the ChAT immunoreactivities were increased. In the EPM, treatment with AM increased the time spent in the open arms (p<0.001) compared to the control group. In addition, AM treatment also normalized increases of TH expression in the LC (p<0.001). In conclusion, administration of AM improved spatial learning and memory and reduced stress-induced anxiety. Thus, the present results suggest that AM is able to recover behavioral and neurochemical impairments induced by stress.

279.Evaluation of the adjuvant properties of Astragalus membranaceus and Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI in the immune protection induced by UV-attenuated Toxoplasma gondii in mouse models.

Vaccine. 2010 Jan 8;28(3):737-43. Epub 2009 Nov 1.PMID: 19887128
Human vaccines are not available and current anti-toxoplasma treatment is disappointing. To investigate the possible adjuvant effect of aqueous extracts obtained from medicinal herbs of Astragalus membranaceus (Am) and Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI (Sb) on the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii in the mouse models induced by ultraviolet (UV)-attenuated T. gondii, this paper studies the possible vaccination strategies to help combat infections with Toxoplasma and looking towards developing new vaccine and approaches. We used UV-attenuated T. gondii (UV-T.g) of RH strain as a vaccine and the extracts of Am (AmE) and Sb (SbE) as adjuvant. Mice were infected by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 10(2) RH tachyzoites alone (infected controls), infected and treated with AmE (T.g+AmE) and SbE (T.g+SbE), respectively; and mice immunized i.p. with UV-T.g alone, UV-T.g co-administrated with AmE (UV-T.g+AmE) or SbE (UV-T.g+SbE), and then challenged with T.g, respectively. The animal survival time, parasite burden in peritoneal lavage fluids, liver histopathological analysis, and levels of serum antibodies among the groups were compared after either infection or challenge. The results showed that, compared to infected controls, infected mice treated with AmE or SbE, or vaccinated mice and then challenged, had significantly prolonged survival time, decreased parasite burden, improved liver histopathological score, and increased Th1-type cellular immune response; furthermore, vaccinated mice co-administrated with AmE or SbE had even longer survival, lower parasite burden, lower liver histopathological score, and higher Th1 response after challenge. Our data demonstrated that the protective immunity of UV-attenuated T. gondii could be markedly enhanced by AmE or SbE co-administration, which suggests that both AmE and SbE may have the potential to be used as effective vaccine adjuvant.

280.Effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on the erythroid lineage and microarray analysis in K562 cells.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Feb 3;127(2):242-50. Epub 2009 Nov 14.PMID: 19922785
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), obtained from Astragalus membranaceus, displays a range of activities in many systems, including the promotion of immune responses, anti-inflammation, and the protection of vessels. It possesses potent pharmacological activity on differentiation to the erythroid lineage. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of APS on the erythroid differentiation and the mechanism of action by microarray analysis in K562 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Benzidine staining, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and microarray methods were used to survey the effects of APS on inducing erythroid differentiation and the changes of gene expression profile in K562 cells. RESULTS: Of the 13.2% positive cells detected by benzidine staining, the induction was the highest with 200 microg/ml APS on 72h. Ggamma-mRNA expression and fetal hemoglobin synthesis were significantly up-regulated. Microarray analysis showed that 31 genes were up-regulated and 108 genes were down-regulated. These differential expression genes generally regulate protein binding, cellular metabolic process, the cell proliferation, and transcriptional activator activity. The gamma-globin gene was up-regulated, the genes related with erythroid differentiation such as LMO2, Runx1 and GTF2I were up-regulated, while Bklf, Eklf, EPHB4 and Sp1 were down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies indicate that APS indicate potent activities on the erythroid differentiation by modulating genes of LMO2, Klf1, Klf3, Runx1, EphB4 and Sp1, increasing gamma-globin mRNA expression and fetal hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells.

281.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis combined with Enalapril in rats with obstructive uropathy.

Phytother Res. 2009 Dec 3.PMID: 19960445
ACE inhibitors (ACEi) reduce renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis but are not completely effective. Combined extract of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis (A&A) is a traditional antifibrotic agent in China. The present investigation aimed to determine whether an ACEi (Enalapril) and A&A together have a better antifibrotic effect in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) than monotherapy with either agent. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 4 per group) had either sham operation or UUO alone, with A&A (combined aqueous and ethanol extract equivalent to 2.1 g dried herbs), with Enalapril (in drinking water at 200 mg/mL) or with both treatments. Kidney and liver were collected for protein extraction or fixed for histologic stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), microscopy. Enalapril or A&A individually were antifibrotic. Transforming growth factor-beta1, fibroblast activation, collagen deposition, macrophage accumulation and tubular cell apoptosis were all decreased. The combination of the two drugs was significantly more effective than Enalapril alone in reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha, collagen accumulation, activation of fibroblasts, and tubular cell apoptosis. In conclusion, Enalapril with A&A significantly decreased tubulointerstitial fibrosis to a greater extent than treatment with Enalapril alone. Further studies focusing on the isolation of the active constituents of A&A and the clinical application of the combination of ACEi plus A&A are warranted to determine the value of this treatment in humans.

282.Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on cytokine secretion of peripheral dendritic cells in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura in the acute phase

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2009 Sep;29(9):794-7.PMID: 19960975
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on the cytokines secretion of peripheral dendritic cells (DC), including interleukin-10, -12, and -18 (IL-10, IL-12 and IL-18), in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) in the acute phase; and to study the immunological regulation mechanism of AM. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 28 children with acute HSP by density gradient centrifugation, and each sample was divided into two parts, one untreated and one treated with AM. All cells were developed to mature DC through treating with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Expression of CD83 in the surface of mature DC was detected by flow cytometry, and levels of IL-10, IL-12 and IL-18 in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The supernatant level of IL-12 was higher [(141.58 +/- 100.19) ng/L vs (96.18 +/- 76.65) ng/L, t = 3.90, P<0.01], while levels of IL-10 and IL-18 were lower (t = 2.70, P<0.05; t = 4.07, P<0.01) in AM treated PBMCs than those in the untreated ones. CONCLUSION: AM can correct the immunologic dysfunction of HSP children through increasing the IL-12, and decreasing the IL-10 and IL-18 secretions of PBMCs.

283.Effects of inoculating AM fungi on physiological characters and nutritional components of Astragalus membranaceus under different N application levels

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2009 Sep;20(9):2118-22.PMID: 20030131
A pot culture with unsterilized soil as growth substrate showed that AM fungi had significant effects on the growth of Astragalus membranaceus (Fabaceae) under different N application levels. Inoculation with AM fungi promoted the AM infection of A. membranaceus roots, but high N application level suppressed the infection. Inoculating AM fungi increased the growth rate, soluble protein and sugar contents, and SOD, POD and CAT activities of A. membranaceus. Under 50 and 100 mg x kg(-1) of N application, new bands of POD isozyme occurred in inoculated plants, and the contents of flavonoid, N, and P in A. membranaceus also had definite increase. The best inoculation effect was observed under the N application level of 50-100 mg N x kg(-1) soil.

284.Effects of cycloartane saponins from hairy roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bge., on human tumor cell targets.

Fitoterapia. 2010 Jan 10.PMID: 20060881
For the first time three different natural compounds, isolated from hairy roots of Astragalus membranaceus, cultivated in airlift bioreactor were tested for their cytotoxic potential and apoptosis induction in a panel of human tumor cell lines. Root cultures, cultivated in bioreactor gave 18.5gl(-1) dry wt roots with the highest astragaloside production in vitro up to now - 1.64% (astragaloside I), 1.12% (astragaloside II) and 1.08% (astragaloside III). In this manner the production in airlift bioreactor can be used as means of reliable supply of cycloartane saponins to extend the research to human clinical studies.

285.Astragalus membranaceus improves endothelial-dependent vasodilator function in obese rats

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2010 Jan;30(1):7-10.PMID: 20117973
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on endothelial-dependent (EDV) and non- dependent (EIV) vascular relaxation in ex vivo thoracic aortic rings of obese rats. METHODS: Fifteen SD rats were randomized into 3 equal groups, namely the control group fed with normal chow, obese group with high-fat chow, and AM intervention group fed with high-fat chow and daily AM gavage. The rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of feeding, and the aortic rings were dissected and cut into 3-mm rings. The response to acethylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were examined in organ bath. In ex vivo study, the aortic rings obtained from the control group and obese group were incubated with AM or vehicle for 3 h in organ bath before testing the EDV and EIV. The body weight and weight of the visceral fat in each group were recorded. RESULTS: The weight of visceral fat was greater in the obese group than in the control group, and a 6-week AM treatment significantly reduced the fat tissue due to high-fat diet. The maximum EDV value was (87.0-/+3.5)% in the control group, (54.8-/+7.8)% in the obese group, and (69.8-/+5.7)% in AM intervention group; the EIV values were comparable between the 3 groups. After incubation with AM, the maximum EDV values of aortic rings obtained from the obese group were significantly increased from (55.6-/+8.3)% to (85.1-/+4.5)%. CONCLUSION: AM can improve endothelial dysfunction in obese rats, and the mechanism involves improved insulin resistance and increased endothelium-derived NO productor function.

286.Effect of Astragalus membranaceus in Rats on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

J Trauma. 2010 Feb;68(2):434-40.PMID: 20154555
BACKGROUND:: This study provides in vitro and in vivo evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS:: In the in vitro study, we analyzed the effects of AM on cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth by using a PC12 cell model. In the in vivo study, silicone rubber chambers filled with the AM water extract were used to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. RESULTS:: We found that the AM water extract caused a marked enhancement of the nerve growth factor-mediated neurite outgrowth and the expression of growth-associated protein 43 from PC12 cells. Animals from the groups treated with the AM for 8 weeks had a relatively more mature structure with larger mean values of myelinated axon number, endoneurial area, and total nerve area when compared with those in the controls receiving the saline only. CONCLUSION:: These results suggest that the silicone rubber tubes present a good framework for the nerve fibers to regenerate across the gap, and the AM extract can be a potential nerve growth-promoting factor, being salutary in aiding the growth of axons in the peripheral nerve.

287.Characterization of novel astragaloside malonates from Radix Astragali by HPLC with ESI quadrupole TOF MS.

J Sep Sci. 2010 Feb 16.PMID: 20162633
A structurally identified new compound named malonylastragaloside I was isolated and obtained from Radix Astragali. This novel compound was found to be unstable especially under high temperature and pH value. Using sonication extraction, addition of formic acid, and an efficient medium pressure ODS C(18) column chromatography method, a high yield of 40 mg of this compound was obtained from 150 g of powdered crude herbal medicine. Malonylastragaloside I was structurally characterized by NMR and ESI quadrupole TOF MS. With the strategy of target precursor ions scan, a total of 22 astragalosides including 8 astragaloside malonates were screened and characterized from the methanolic extract of Radix Astragali by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The eight astragaloside malonates were found in both Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and A. membranaceus. The results provided a real profile of various triterpene saponins in Radix Astragali. It is a first report regarding isolation and characterization of astragaloside malonates in Astragalus species.

Reference:

1.What is Astragalus?what is function of Astragalus?

last edit date:25th,Feb.2010.

Available Product

Name:Astragalus Root Extract
Serie No:S-002.
Specifications:Polysaccharides 20%,50%UV Astragalosides 0.3%HPLC.
INCI Name:ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS EXTRACT
EINECS/ELINCS No.:303-391-9
CAS: Ligustilide.94166-93-5
Chem/IUPAC Name:Astragalus Membranaceus Extract is an extract of the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, Leguminosae

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