Research Update:Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber.Ophiopogon.

  seminal trace...Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber Extract.5:1.Radix Ophiopogonis,Dwarf Mondo Grass.Ophiopogon japonicus Thunb.Ker-Gawl.or Liriope spicata ;dried root tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus Thunb Ker-Gawl.Ophiopogon root,Lilyturf root,mai men dong,Dwarf Mondo Grass,Dwarf Monkey....

 


   Phytochemical info of Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber.Ophiopogon.

 Product Name:
 Synonym:
 Definition:Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber.Ophiopogon are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber.Ophiopogon.

  Effects of saponin monomer 13 of dwarf lilyturf tuber on L-type calcium currents in adult rat ventricular myocytes.:Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(5):797-806.Tao J, Wang H, Chen J, Xu H, Li S.Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.

 The saponin monomer 13 of dwarf lilyturf tuber (DT-13), one of the saponin monomers of dwarf lilyturf tuber, has been found to have potent cardioprotective effects. In order to investigate the effect of DT-13 on L-type calcium currents (I(Ca,L)), exploring the mechanisms of DT-13's cardioprotective effects, we directly measured the I(Ca,L) in the adult rat cardiac myocytes exposed to DT-13 using standard whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Our results showed that DT-13 exerted inhibitory effects on the I(Ca,L) of the single adult rat cardiac myocytes. The current density was reduced by about 38% after exposure of the cells to DT-13 (0.1 microM) for 10 minutes, from the control value of 7.46 +/- 1.31 pA/pF to 4.25 +/- 0.35 pA/pF (n = 6, p < 0.05). This I(Ca,L)-inhibiting action of DT-13 was concentration-dependent. DT-13 up-shifted the current-voltage (I-V) curve, but did not significantly affect the half activation potential (V0.5). V0.5 was from -11.8 +/- 0.9 mV in the control to -12.6 +/- 1.9 mV in the presence of DT-13 at 0.1 micromol/L. DT-13 at 0.1 microM did not markedly affect the activation of I(Ca,L), but shifted the inactivation curve of I(Ca,L) to the left. In combination with previous reports, these results suggest that there might be a close relationship between the cardioprotective effects of dwarf lilyturf tuber and the inhibitory effects of DT-13 on L-type calcium currents.

  The saponin monomer of dwarf lilyturf tuber, DT-13, reduces L-type calcium currents during hypoxia in adult rat ventricular myocytes.:Life Sci. 2005 Oct 28;77(24):3021-30. Epub 2005 Jun 23.Tao J, Wang H, Zhou H, Li S.Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road 140, Nanjing 210029, PR China.

 The saponin monomer 13 of dwarf lilyturf tuber (DT-13), one of the saponin monomers of dwarf lilyturf tuber, has been found to have potent cardioprotective effects. In order to investigate the effects of DT-13 on L-type calcium currents (I(Ca,L)), exploring the mechanisms of DT-13's cardioprotective effects in the condition of pathophysiology, we directly measured the I(Ca,L) during hypoxia in the adult rat cardiac myocytes exposed to DT-13 using standard whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Our previous results showed that DT-13 exerted decreasing effects on the I(Ca,L) of the single adult rat cardiac myocytes. In the condition of hypoxia, the current density was inhibited by about 29% after exposure of the cells to DT-13 (0.1 micromol L(-1)) for 10 min, from 6.96+/-1.05 pA/pF to 4.38+/-0.35 pA/pF (n=5, P<0.05). This I(Ca,L)-inhibiting action of DT-13 was concentration-dependent and showed no frequency-dependence. DT-13 up-shifted the current-voltage (I-V) curve. Steady-state activation of I(Ca,L) was not affected markedly, and the half activation potential (V(0.5)) in the presence of DT-13 (0.1 micromol L(-1)) was also not significantly different. DT-13 at 0.1 micromol L(-1) markedly accelerated the voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation of calcium current and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of I(Ca,L) to the left. In combination with previous reports, these results suggest that there might be a close relationship between the cardioprotective effects of DT-13 and L-type calcium channels in the condition of hypoxia.

  Studies on using spray drying technique in preparing ophiopogon japonicus saponin enteric microsphere by orthogonal experimental design.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Dec;31(23):1947-50. Chinese.Shen L, Feng Y, Xu DS, Lin X.Shanghai University of traditional Chinese medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To explore the best technique parameters on preparing ophiopogon japonicus saponin enteric microsphere by spray drying technique. METHOD: The best technique parameters were investigated by orthogonal experimental design and by the target, such as surface appearances, encapsulated efficiency, etc. RESULT: The best technique parameters included the inlet temperature (90 degrees C ), the feeding speed (10 mL x min(- 1)), and the rotate speed of atomizer (50 r x min(-1)). CONCLUSION: Ophiopogon japonicus saponin enteric microsphere accorded with the expecting demand. The main influencing factor was inlet temperature . It is suitable to industrialize in preparing Traditional Chinese Medicine microsphere.

  Relationship between components changes and efficacy of Shengmaisan VII. Chemical dynamic change of schisandrin in Shengmaisan.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Jun;31(12):1010-2. Chinese.Yue L, Zhu DN, Yan YQ, Yu BY.Department of Chinese Prescription, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210038, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the change of schisandrin in Shengmaisan (SMS) and decomposed group. METHOD: The HPLC-UV was used to determine schisandrin in SMS and decomposed group. RESULT: To extract Schisandra chinensis with ginseng, ophiopogon, general ginsenoside or ginsenoside Rg1 could promote the content of schisandrin. CONCLUSION: Saponin is propitious to extracting the schisandrin.

  Study on biological characteristics and relative yield of Ophiopogon japonicus.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Jul;31(14):1141-3. Chinese.Chen XF, Yagn WY, Liu WC.College of agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the biological characteristics and the relative yield of Ophiopgon japonicus. Method: The observation of the selected plants nad determination of the selected samples. RESULT: The yield of O. japonicus was positively correlated to the height of plant, the weight of leaves, the length of nutritive roots, and the quantity of root tubers. It was also positively correlated to the weight of nutritive roots, but not significantly. CONCLUSION: According to the growing characteristics of O. japonicus, the yield of O. japonicus can be promoted by selecting porous soil, controlling the field water from planting to the middle 10 days of June and enhancing the management of fertilizer and water from July to November and from the end of February to early in March next year.


  Analysis of ginsenosides in Sheng-Mai-Yin decoction by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray mass spectrometry.:Se Pu. 2006 Jul;24(4):325-30. Chinese.Wang Z, Wang H, Chen S.Research Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.

 A method of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD/MS) in negative ion mode was developed for the analysis of ginsenosides in Sheng-Mai-Yin decoction (Panax gingeng C. A. Mey, Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl, Shisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.). The analyses were preformed on a reversed-phase C18 column (4.6 mm i.d. x 150 mm, 5 microm) using a binary eluent (10 mmol/L ammonium acetate (A) and acetonitrile (B), 1 mL/min) under gradient conditions (60% A - 40% A at 0 - 30 min, 40% A - 30% A at 30 - 40 min). Seventeen ginsenosides (20 (R) -Rh1, Rh2, Rg3, Rg2; 20 (S) -Rh1, Rh2, Rg3, Rg2; Rf, Rg6, Rg5, F4, Rk1, Rk3, Rh4; 20 (S)- and 20 (R) -protopanaxatriol) were well separated and detected at 203 nm by a DAD detector. The effluent from the DAD detector was introduced into the electrospray ionization (ESI) source in a post-column splitting flow rate at 0.3 mL/min. In the mass spectrum two major ions [M - H]- and [M + AcO]- were observed for ginsenoside standards (20 (R) -Rh1, Rg3, Rh2; 20 (S) -Rh1, Rg3, Rh2; 20 (S)- and 20 (R) -protopanaxatriol) and ginsenosides in Sheng-Mai-Yin decoction. Some other ions [M - Glc - H]-, [M - 2Glc - H]-, [M - Rha - H- and [M - Rha - Glc - H]- were also found in the mass spectrum of ginsenosides of Sheng-Mai-Yin decoction. In the decoction process ginsenosides changed into constituents of moderate and low polarity by hydrolysis, isomerization and dehydration at the site of C-20 and hydrolysis reaction also occurred at the site of C-3 or C-6. The work above presents a quick and accurate assay method which can could be used for the qualitative analysis of ginsenosides in Sheng-Mai-Yin decoction and the quality control of Sheng-Mai-Yin preparation.

  A fructan, from Radix ophiopogonis, stimulates the proliferation of cultured lymphocytes: structural and functional analyses.:J Nat Prod. 2006 Sep;69(9):1257-60.Wu X, Dai H, Huang L, Gao X, Tsim KW, Tu P.Modern Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, People's Republic of China.

 A fructan, Opaw-2, with molecular mass of about 14 kDa, was isolated from the tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus. Opaw-2 comprises fructose and glucose with a molar ratio of 30:1. Linkage and NMR analyses indicated that Opaw-2 has a backbone structure of beta-(1-->2)-Fruf and beta-(2-->6)-Fruf residues that branches at O-6 of beta-(1-->2)-Fruf residues with alpha-1-linkage to the Glcp residues and terminates with Fruf residues. In cultured lymphocytes, the application of Opaw-2 significantly stimulated the proliferation of lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. By using atomic force microscopy, Opaw-2 showed a morphological change from globular to helical fibrous shape at increasing concentrations.

  Release-controlling absorption enhancement of enterally administered Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharide by sodium caprate in rats.:J Pharm Sci. 2006 Nov;95(11):2534-42.Lin X, Xu DS, Feng Y, Li SM, Lu ZL, Shen L.Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.

 The aim of this study was to improve the intestinal absorption of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharide (OJP) by incorporating it together with sodium caprate (SC) into erodible matrices, designed to release OJP and SC at various rates over different periods of time. OJP, a graminan type fructosan with an average molecular weight in number of 3400 Da has been demonstrated to have anti-myocardial ischemic activity. The determination of OJP blood levels was carried out by the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) prelabeling method. Matrix tablets, possessing different erosion rates, were prepared by changing the amounts of sodium alginate and using the two-layer tableting technique. Formulation effectiveness was evaluated by monitoring OJP plasma levels after intra-intestinal administration of each of the tablets to anesthetized rats. The findings indicate that all the SC containing formulations can significantly improve FITC-OJP bioavailability. Compared with the formulations not containing SC, the increase varied from 5.6- to 20.8-fold for the worst and best SC containing formulations studied, respectively. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between the C(max) and AUC(0-4) values obtained for three optimized formulations, which synchronously or nonsynchronously released both FITC-OJP and SC within 1-2 h. Their absorption enhancement effects were 2.1- to 3.6-fold higher than those of faster and slower release formulations studied. Fast delivery of the drug and its absorption adjuvant(s) contributes to their high concentrations at the absorption sites. However, at the same time, it leads to their short residence times and fast dilution by intestinal fluids. The better the balance between the two opposite effects for drug absorption, the more effective absorption enhancement would be obtained.

  Steroidal glycosides from tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus.:J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2006 Sep;8(6):555-9.Cheng ZH, Wu T, Yu BY.School of Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.

 A new steroidal saponin, named ophiopogonin E (1), has been isolated from the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus, along with five known steroidal saponins (2-6). The structure of the new steroidal glycoside was characterized by spectroscopic analysis and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis as pennogenin 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --> 4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1).

  Study on endophyte and the growth stages of Ophiopogon japonicus.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Mar;29(3):205-6. Chinese.Cheng DQ, Yu ZR, Pan PL, Lin MA, Chen YT.Department of Life Science, Zhejiang College of TCM, Hangzhou 310053, China. cdq@hztele.com.cn

 OBJECTIVE: To study on the relationship between the endophyte and the life cycle of Ophiopogon japonicus in Zhejiang. METHODS: Sample roots of Ophiopogon japonicus at different growth stages were thoroughly washed and cut into small fragments, then cleared (removing cytoplasmic contents from cells) using hot 10% KOH and stained with acid fuchsin (alternative stain). The hyphae, the arbuscular and the vesicular of endophyte were examined. RESULTS: The hyphae appeared and grew in the seedling stage, the hyphae grew into arbuscular in the root tuber generating stage and vesicular in the stage of root tuber expanding period. CONCLUSION: The endophytes in Ophiopogon japonicus appeared in forms of hyphae, arbuscular and vesicular at different growth stages to meet the needs of Ophiopogon japonicus developing.


  Antithrombotic Activities of Aqueous Extract from Radix Ophiopogon japonicus and Its Two Constituents.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Jun;29(6):1267-70.Kou J, Tian Y, Tang Y, Yan J, Yu B.Department of Traditional Chinese Prescription, School of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University

 To provide further pharmacological evidence for its clinical use in thrombotic diseases, the antithrombotic activities of the aqueous extract of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus (ROJ-ext) were studied in mouse and rat models. The results showed that ROJ-ext remarkably decreased length of tail thrombus in mice at 48 h and 72 h after carrageenan injection at doses of 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg. Meanwhile, ROJ-ext markedly inhibited thrombosis induced by arterial-venous (AV) shunt (silk thread) in rats at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg. Furthermore, ROJ-ext and one of its components, ruscogenin, significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in rats by oral administration of 12.5 mg/kg or 0.7 mg/kg for three times, however, ophiopogonin D 1.4 mg/kg only showed slight inhibition. On the other hand, ophiopogonin D (0.5-2.0 mg/kg, p.o.) and ruscogenin (0.25-1.00 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose-related inhibition of venous thrombosis induced by tight ligation of the inferior vena cava for 6 h in mice by once oral administration. The findings of this study indicate that an aqueous extract of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus (ROJ-ext) exerted significant antithrombotic activity and ruscogenin and ophiopogonin D are two of its active components, which supported its therapeutic use for thrombotic diseases.

  Ophiopojaponin D, a new phenylpropanoid glycoside from Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl.:Arch Pharm Res. 2005 Nov;28(11):1236-8.Dai HF, Mei WL.State Key Laboratory of Tropical Crops Biotechnology, the Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.

 A new phenolic glycoside, ophiopojaponin D (1), together with two known compounds, was isolated from the tubers of a famous traditional Chinese herb-Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl. The spectroscopic and chemical data revealed their structures to be 3-tetradecyloxy-4-hydroxy-allylbenzene-4-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3, 4-dihydroxy-allylbenzene-4-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and L-pyroglutamic acid (3).

  Influence of Shenmai injection on blood serum tumor necrosis factor and bone marrow CD34+ cell's apoptosis of chronic aplastic anemia patient.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Aug;30(16):1296-8. Chinese.Tang Q, Hu H, Zhang H.Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China. tqing405@yahoo.com.cn

 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Shenmai injection on chronic aplastic anemia patients and its mechanism. METHOD: Sixty-five chronic aplastic anemia patients were randomized into treatment group and control group. The patients of the treatment group were treated by injecting Shenmai injection and taking western medicine orally, those of the control group taking western medicine orally only, then the effect was evaluated. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in blood serum was detected and the apoptosis of bone marrow CD34+ cell was analysed by DNA ISEL technic before and after treatment. RESULT: The effective rate of the treatment group and the control group was 63.6 % and 40.6 % respectively, the effect of the Shenmai injection on the treatment group was obviously better than that of the control group (P < 0.01). Before treatment, the concentration of TNF-alpha in blood serum and the apoptosis rate of bone marrow CD34+ cell of the chronic aplastic anemia patient were higher than normal (P < 0.01). After treatment, the concentration of TNF-alpha in blood serum of the treatment group decreased obviously (P < 0.01), and the apoptosis rate of bone marrow CD34+ cell of the treatment group also decreased (P < 0.05), which had significant difference compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Shenmai injection is efficient to chronic aplastic anemia. The mechanism is decreasing the concentration of TNF-alpha in blood serum and the apoptosis rate of bone marrow CD34+ cell.

  Study on N, P and K absorption and accumulation in Ophiopogon japonicus.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Aug;30(16):1233-6. Chinese.Chen XF, Yang WY, Liu HC.College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural Unirersity, Ya' an 625014, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the absorption and accumulation of N, P and K in Ophiopgon japonicus. METHOD: The contents of N, P, K and trace element were determined respectively by using the kjeldathl method digested with H2SO4 + H2O2, ammonium vanadstemolybdate chromoscopy, flame spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULT: The contents of N and K were the highest, and that of P was relatively lower O. japonicus. The changing pattern of N was low-high-low in the growth and development period. The accumulative speed of N had two relatively quicker and two relatively slower phases. The content of N is higher in nutritive organs; The changing pattern of P was similar to that of N, while the content of P is higher in leaves and nutritive roots at early stage of growth and development. It was high in root tuber during harvesting stage, and the accumulative quantity in the plant was increased gradually. The level of K was high in early stage and low in later stage of growth. The content of K was relatively higher in leaves and nutritive roots at early stage, and that in root tuber was slightly lower than the leaves but higher than that the nutritive roots from February to March. The accumulating quantity slightly increased in the plant. CONCLUSION: The application quantity of N should be increased gradually after transplant, stopped in autumn, and used again in early spring. Phosphate fertilizer is needed in autumn and winter, while large amount of potassium fertilizer shoule be used in winter tine.

  Isolation, purification and structural analysis of a polysaccharide MDG-1 from Ophiopogon japonicus.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2005 Jul;40(7):636-9. Chinese.Xu DS, Feng Y, Lin X, Deng HL, Fang JN, Dong Q.Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China. xudes@mail2.online.sh.cn

 AIM: To separate and purify the anti-myocardial ischemic polysaccharide fraction with a homogenous molecular weight from Ophiopogon japonicus, then study the chemical structure of the parts. METHODS: Crude polysaccharides were prepared by extracting the tube root fraction of Ophiopogon japonicus with water, then precipitation with ethanol. From the crude polysaccharides, the polysaccharide of MDG-1 was separated and purified using ultrafiltration, DEAE Sepharose FF and Sephadex G-25 column chromatography. Its structure was studied by complete hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, methylation analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis etc. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: MDG-1 was a water-soluble beta-D-fructosan, containing a backbone composed of Fruf (2 --> 1), and a branch of Fruf (2 --> 6) Fruf (2 --> per average 2. 8 of main chain residues. Mn, Mw and Mp of MDG-1 were 3 400, 4 800 and 5 000, respectively. MDG-1 contains trace of Glc, which maybe connect to its reducing terminal. Molar ratio of Fru and Glc is approximately 35: 1.


  The effect of preparation method on the quality of shen-mai injection.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 May;30(9):662-5. Chinese.Wu YJ, Cui QM, Cheng YY.Department of Chinese Medicine Science and Engineering, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different preparation method on the quality of Shen-mai injection. METHOD: The Shen-mai injection samples were prepared using three different methods. Fingerprints of Shen-mai extracts red ginseng, and its intermediates were obtained using an HPLC analytical procedure. The contents of ginsenoside Rg1, Rc and Rb1, and the gross saponins of Shen-mai extract were quantitatively mensured with HPLC procedures. RESULT: There was significant difference in fingerprints and chemical contents of the injections prepared by the three different methods. CONCLUSION: The quality of Shen-mai injection was greatly influenced by the preparation method. HPLC fingerprinting method can be applied for the determination of the Shen-mai preparations.

  Inhibitory effects of ethanol extract from Radix Ophiopogon japonicus on venous thrombosis linked with its endothelium-protective and anti-adhesive activities.:Vascul Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;43(3):157-63.Kou J, Yu B, Xu Q.State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, PR China.

 The in-vivo inhibitory effects of the ethanol extract of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus (ROJ-ext) on venous thrombosis were studied in mouse and rat models and in-vitro endothelial cell-protective and anti-adhesive activities were observed in ECV304 cells injured by sodium dithionite and HL-60 adhesion to ECV304 cells injured by TNF-alpha. The in-vivo results showed that ROJ-ext significantly inhibited venous thrombosis induced by tight ligation of the inferior vena cava for 6 h in mice and for 24 h in rats by once oral administration at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg. Meanwhile, ROJ-ext had no obvious effect on some coagulation parameters, which was different from warfarin, which remarkably prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and prothrombin time (PT) in rats at the same time. Histological analysis under light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of inferior vena cava indicated that ROJ-ext could protect endothelial cells from anoxic injury and alleviate inflammatory changes in the vein wall. On the other hand, the in-vitro studies approved that ROJ-ext significantly enhanced viability of ECV304 cells injured by sodium dithionite at the concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mug/ml when given before and after the anoxic induction. Meanwhile, ROJ-ext remarkably inhibited adhesion of HL-60 cells to ECV304 cells injured by rh TNF-alpha at above concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. The findings of this study showed that ethanol extract of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus (ROJ-ext) inhibited venous thrombosis, which linked with its endothelial cell-protective and anti-adhesive activities. This lends scientific support to the therapeutic use of the plant for thrombotic diseases.

  Effect of intestinal bacteria on metabolism of ophiopognin saponin D' in rats.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Apr;30(8):618-20. Chinese.Shen L, Xu DS, Feng Y, Li X, Wu XR.Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China

 OBJECTIVE: To explore the metabolic transformation and the absorbed metabolites of ophiopognin saponin D' (OD') given orally in rats. METHOD: The contents of both original OD' and its metabolites were detected by means of HPLC-ELSD and the metabolites of OD' in blood and urine were measured by use of TLC and HPLC-MS in vivo. RESULT: OD' could be metabolized by intestinal bacteria in rats. The content of diosgenin, one of the metabolites, increased gradually as the time passed. CONCLUSION: OD' can be metabolized in intestine of rat and its metabolite, diosgenin, was absorbed in blood of rat.

  Pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides Rg1 and Re in Shenmai injection.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2005 Apr;40(4):365-8. Chinese.Liu YM, Yang L, Zeng X, Deng YH, Feng Y, Liang WX.Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China.

 AIM: To study the pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides Rg1 and Re after iv infusion of Shenmai injection in human. METHODS: Ginsenosides Rg1 and Re in plasma were determined by LC/MS/MS and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. RESULTS: The linear regressive curves were obtained in the range of 1.023-1023 microg x L(-1) for Rg1 and 1.05-1050 microg x L(-1) for Re. Recoveries using the method of Rg1 and Re were 99%-105% and 99%-104%, respectively. The within-day and between-day RSDs were less than 15%. After iv infusion of Shenmai injection to volunteers, the concentration-time curves of Rg1 and Re fitted to the two-compartment model, T1/2alpha were 0.28 h and 0.10 h, T1/2beta were 2.1 h and 1.2 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: The method is specific, simple, sensitive and suitable for the measurement of plasma Rg1 and Re concentrations. The distribution and elimination of Rg1 and Re were rapid after iv infusion of Shenmai injection in volunteers, the pharmacokinetic characteristics were fitted with the two-compartment model.

  Protective effects of shenmai injection on the delayed injury of the cerebral neurons in rat induced by intracerebral hemorrhage.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Apr;30(7):526-30. Chinese.He ZY, Lu XF, Qu B.The Postdoctrate Research Centre of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China. hzywjL2003@yahoo.com.cn

 OBJECTIVE: To observe protective effects of Shenmai (SM) injection on the delayed injury of the cerebral neurons in rat with intracerebral hemorrhage. METHOD: Rosenberg models of intracerebral hemorrhage was established and the effects of SM injection on the pathologic changes in neuronal structure, mitochondria-DNA(mtDNA)deletion, C-myc gene and expression PDGF-A gene in hippocampal CA1 areas, were investigated. RESULT: SM injection inhibited the apoptosis of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 areas, and decreased the degree of mtDNA deletion in the neurons in the injured area. SM injection had no effect on gene expression of C-myc at initial stage a intracerebral hemorrhage, but significantiy decreased the level of PDGF-A mRNA and prolonged the time of its expression. CONCLUSION: SM injection might attenuate the delayed injury induced by intracerebral hemorrhage via regulating the expression of PDGF.


  Anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract from Radix Ophiopogon japonicus and its two constituents.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jul;28(7):1234-8.Kou J, Sun Y, Lin Y, Cheng Z, Zheng W, Yu B, Xu Q.State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, China.

 To provide some pharmacological evidence for its clinical use in inflammatory diseases, anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract from Radix Ophiopogon japonicus (ROJ-ext), a traditional Chinese herb, was examined in mouse and rat models. ROJ-ext significantly inhibited xylene-induced ear swelling and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice when given orally at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. Moreover, ROJ-ext also remarkably suppressed carrageenan-induced pleural leukocyte migration in rats and zymosan A-evoked peritoneal total leukocyte and neutrophil migration in mice, while had no obvious effect on pleural prostaglandin E2 level. Furthermore, two active compounds were isolated from ROJ-ext and identified as ruscogenin and ophiopogonin D. As the results, ROJ-ext, ruscogenin and ophiopogonin D dose-dependently reduced phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced adhesion of HL-60 cells to ECV304 cells, with IC50 of 42.85 microg/ml, 7.76 nmol/l and 1.38 nmol/l, respectively. However, they showed no inhibitory effect on PMA-induced cyclooxygense-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression in ECV304 cells. Ruscogenin and ophiopogonin D also notably decreased zymosan A-induced peritoneal leukocyte migration, in comparison with ROJ-ext. These results demonstrate that ROJ-ext presents remarkable anti-inflammatory activity and ruscogenin and ophiopogonin D are two of its active components, which supported its traditional use in the treatment of various diseases associated with inflammation.

  Determination of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharide in plasma by HPLC with modified postcolumn fluorescence derivatization.:Anal Biochem. 2005 Jul 15;342(2):179-85.Lin X, Xu DS, Feng Y, Shen L.Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China. linxiao1128@yahoo.com.cn

 Interest in antimyocardial ischemic activity of a graminan-type fructosan with an average molecular weight of 5,000 Da from Ophiopogon japonicus (FOJ-5) has necessitated the development of a sensitive and specific method to study its pharmacokinetics. An HPLC method with modified postcolumn fluorescence derivatization to determine FOJ-5 in plasma was developed in this study. The Shodex Sugar KS-802 high-performance gel column was chosen for separating FOJ-5 from its degradation products and endogenous carbohydrates. The postcolumn procedure involved acid hydrolysis of the column eluate at 150 degrees C, which decreased the detection limit for FOJ-5 from 1 microg to 25 ng, followed by fluorometric reaction with guanidine in an alkaline medium at 90 degrees C. The clearance of FOJ-5 from the bodies of rats following intravenous injection displayed a complex type of kinetics involving at least two compartments, and the half-life of the elimination of FOJ-5 from plasma administered at 15 mg/kg (18.1 min) was quicker than that administered at 50mg/kg (28.9 min). This modified approach can also be used for microanalysis of both nonreducing oligosaccharides and other neutral polysaccharides.

  Analysis of homoisoflavonoids in Ophiopogon japonicus by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn.:J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2005 Feb;16(2):234-43.Ye M, Guo D, Ye G, Huang C.The State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

 The homoisoflavonoids in Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawler were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). Homoisoflavonoids gave prominent [M - H]- ions by electrospray ionization monitored in the negative ion mode. They could be classified into two types depending on the fragmentation behavior of their [M - H]- ions in the ion trap mass analyzer. The [M - H]- ions of homoisoflavonoids with a saturated C2-3 bond underwent C3-9 bond cleavage to lose the B-ring, which was followed by the loss of a molecule of CO. The [M - H]- ions of homoisoflavonoids with a C2-3 double bond usually eliminated a CO molecule first, and then underwent the cleavage of C3-9 or C9-1' bonds. For homoisoflavonoids with a C-6 formyl group, however, the neutral loss of CO was the first fragmentation step; the presence of a methoxyl group at C-8 could lead to the cleavage of C-ring. No retro Diels-Alder (RDA) fragmentation characteristic for normal flavonoids was observed. The above fragmentation rules were reported for the first time, and were implemented for the analysis of homoisoflavonoids in O. japonicus. The CHCl3-MeOH extract was separated on a Zorbax Extend-C18 column, eluting with a acetonitrile-0.3% acetic acid gradient. A total of 18 homoisoflavonoids, including seven new minor constituents, were identified or tentatively characterized based on the UV spectra and tandem mass spectra of the HPLC peaks.

  cis-Eudesmane sesquiterpene glycosides from Liriope muscari and Ophiopogon japonicus.:J Nat Prod. 2004 Oct;67(10):1761-3. Cheng ZH, Wu T, Bligh SW, Bashall A, Yu BY.Department of Complex Prescription of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.

 Two new cis-eudesmane sesquiterpene glycosides, liriopeoside A (1) and ophiopogonoside A (2), were extracted and purified from tubers of Liriope muscari and Ophiopogon japonicus, respectively, along with three known compounds. Their structures were elucidated as 1beta,6beta-dihydroxy-cis-eudesm-3-ene-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 1beta,4beta,6beta-trihydroxy-cis-eudesmane-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) by spectral data analysis. The structure and the relative configuration of compound 1 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. This is the first time that cis-eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes have been reported from the genera Ophiopogon and Liriope.

  Protective effect of qi dong yi xin on acute myocardial infarction in dogs.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 May;28(5):449-52. Chinese.Wang QJ, Lu WW, Lu H, Liu F, Yang SJ, Hua YQ, Ji SX.School of Badic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effects on acute myocardial infarction of QDYX in dog. METHOD: The corconary ciculation and cardial oxygen metabolism, the degree and range of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarct size, and the changes of the enzymes in serum were determined by using the acute myocardial infarction model of ligation of LAD in the anaesthetized open-chest dogs. RESULT: The coronary resistance and cardial oxygen consumption were decreased and the myocardial blood flow was increased in dogs treated with QDYX of 1.0,2.0 mg.kg-1. The degree and range of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarct size and the activity of serum CK, LDH were decreased in acute myocardial infarcion dogs treated with QDYX of 1.0,2.0 mg.kg-1. CONCLUSION: QDYX can decrease cardial oxygen consumption in dogs, thus having protective effect on myocardial ischemia.


  Effects of shenqifuxin oral liquid on the plasma kaliuretic peptide, the myocardial contractility and relaxation of left ventricle and the left ventricular remodeling in experimental rats with heart failure.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Jul;28(7):656-60. Chinese.Ma L, Lei Y, Xue Q, Wang SW, Yang DY, Lu ZZ.Institute of Geriatric Cardiology of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Shenqifuxin oral liquid(SQFXOL) on plasma kaliuretic peptide (KP), atrial natriuretic polypeptide(ANP), angiotension II (Ang II), endothelin(ET) and the left ventricular remodeling and the myocardial contractility and relaxation of left ventricle in experimental rats with heart failure(HF). METHOD: The SD rat model with HF was produced by constricting abdominal aorta. Hemodynamic parameters including maximum rate of intraventricular pressure rise (+dp/dtmax), left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), maximum velocity of contractile element shortening(Vmax), maximum rate of intraventricular pressure down(-dp/dtmax) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure(LVEDP) were measured by the method of the catheterization. Plasma concentrations of KP, ANP, Ang II and ET were determined by radioimmunoassays. The effects of treatment were evaluated by observing and comparing the changes of heart morphological structure, collagen element, heart weight/body weight ratio (HW/BW), left intraventricular area(LVA) and myocardial nuclei number (MNN) per square area. RESULT: In high dose SQFXOL group, the LVSP, -dp/dtmax and Vmax were increased, while LVEDP was decreased, and plasma concentrations of KP, Ang II and ET were decreased. In comparision with those in model group, the difference was significant(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Though the +dp/dtmax and the level of ANP were decreased, the difference was insignificant(all P > 0.05). The collagen tissues around myocardial cells were reduced. HW/BW and LVA were lower, and MNN per square area was higher significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The indices of +dp/dtmax in all of treatment groups and control group were not considerably different in comparison with those in model group. The levels of plasma ANP in middle dose group and low dose group were significantly lower than those in model group(all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SQFXOL can reduce the plasma concentrations of KP, Ang II, ET, and ANP, improve the myocardial contractility and relaxation of left ventricular and inhibitate left ventricular remodeling in rats with HF.

  Effects of several Chinese herbal aqueous extracts on human sperm motility in vitro.:Andrologia. 2004 Apr;36(2):78-83.Liu J, Liang P, Yin C, Wang T, Li H, Li Y, Ye Z.Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. jhliu@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn

 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.

  Ophiopogon root (Radix Ophiopogonis) prevents ultra-structural damage by SO2 in an epithelial injury model for studies of mucociliary transport.:Life Sci. 2004 Mar 26;74(19):2413-22.O'Brien DW, Morris MI, Lee MS, Tai S, King M.Heritage Medical Research Centre, Room 173, Pulmonary Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2S2.

 We studied the action of the herb, Ophiopogon root (OR) in a epithelial injury model, hypothesizing that it may have beneficial effects on mucociliary transport following injury to the palate induced by sodium metabisulphite (MB) which releases SO(2) on contact with water. OR (extract from 1g of root/ml)-incubated palates and non-incubated palates were compared to assess the effect of MB on mucociliary clearance on the bull frog palate. MB 10(-1) M, acutely increased mucociliary clearance time (MCT) by 254.5 +/- 57.3% in untreated and 243.3 +/- 98.5% in OR-incubated palates, (over all significance assessed by one-way ANOVA, F = 12.82, p < 0.001, df = 8,54 for MB and F = 10.56, p < 0.001, df = 8,54 for OR). MCT returned to normal during recovery in OR-treated palates following MB. In untreated palates, MCT did not return to control values during a similar recovery period. ANOVA comparing MCTs in the recovery period in untreated vs OR-treated palates was significantly different (F = 2.92, p < 0.03, df = 5,36). SEM images of epithelial tissue, analyzed by morphometry, showed a 25 +/- 12% loss of ciliated cells in untreated palates and little or no damage to cilia in OR-treated palates. Intact groups of ciliated cells were found in SEM micrographs of mucus from MB-treated palates. We conclude that the loss of cilia or ciliated cells prevented full recovery of MCT after MB in untreated palates. In OR-incubated palates, mucociliary transport was completely restored within 20 min after topical application of MB, possibly through a protective action on the extra-cellular matrix.

  The ameliorating effects of cognition-enhancing Chinese herbs on scopolamine- and MK-801-induced amnesia in rats.:Am J Chin Med. 2003;31(4):543-9.Lin YC, Wu CR, Lin CJ, Hsieh MT.Institute of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Medical College Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.

 The study was to investigate the ameliorating effects of three Chinese herbs--Achyranthes bidentata (AB), Ophiopogon japonicus (OJ) and Cnidium monnieri (CM) on scopolamine (SCOP)- and MK-801-induced amnesia by using a passive avoidance task in rats. AB, OJ and CM at 0.1 and 0.3 g/kg prolonged the step-through latency (STL) of the retention trial. In addition, AB, OJ and CM reversed the STL shortened by MK-801, but only AB reversed the STL shortened by SCOP. In conclusion, these Chinese herbs possess cognition-enhancing activities and anti-amnestic effects, but the mechanism of the effect of AB was different from those of OJ and CM.

  Role of component herbs in antioxidant activity of shengmai san--a traditional Chinese medicine formula preventing cerebral oxidative damage in rat.:Am J Chin Med. 2003;31(4):509-21.

 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an attractive model for studying antioxidant-based composite therapy. We previously reported that Shengmai San (SMS), a TCM formulation for treating cardiac disorders, inhibited cerebral oxidative damage in rats when evaluated by both glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity loss and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation after forebrain ischemia-reperfusion. In the present study, we further examined the preventive effect of SMS and related decoctions composed of three component herbs (Panax ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus and Schisandra chinensis) against oxidative brain injury to rationalize the complex formulation of SMS. Schisandra chinensis itself and decoctions containing it all inhibited TBARS formation in vivo. In contrast, Ophiopogon japonicus itself and formulations containing it had little effect on TBARS formation. GPX activity loss in vivo, on the other hand, was completely prevented only by SMS and Ophiopogon japonicus itself. A comparison of the in vitro antioxidant potential of SMS and related decoctions and in vivo effectiveness in preventing cerebral oxidative damage revealed that all the in vitro antioxidant indices examined here essentially correlated well with inhibition of TBARS formation in vivo. DPPH quenching and crocin bleaching activities showed particularly good correlation, and then, superoxide scavenging activity followed. However, none of them correlated with the inhibition of GPX activity loss in vivo. The role of each component herb is also discussed for the SMS effect.


  Kinetic model for extraction process of Chinese traditional medicine.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2002 Jul;37(7):559-62. Chinese.Chu MQ, Liu GJ.Chemical and Pharmaceutical College, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China. mqchu@mail.sjtu.edu.cn

 AIM: To present a theory bases for Chinese traditional medicine extraction process. METHODS: A kinetic equation for Chinese traditional medicine extraction process was presented based on Fick's second law of diffusion. Experiments for extracting tanshinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge with ethanol under different particle sizes and temperatures were studied. In addition, the data of extraction process of three kinds of herbs, including Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Schisandra chinesis and Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl were introduced to evaluate the kinetic equation. RESULTS: The kinetic of Chinese traditional medicine extraction process agreed with the first-order rate equation. Experiment data of active components extracted from the herbs above could perfectly match with the kinetic equation. The rate-determining step for extracting tanshinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge was the diffusion of tanshinone through the herb particles. The apparent activation energy for tanshinone diffusion process was 20.26 kJ.mol-1. CONCLUSION: The relation between the concentration of active component and extraction time, size of herb particles and temperature could be got from this kinetic equation. The extraction process of other herbs besides the above could be described by this equation.

  Structural features of two neutral polysaccharides Md-1, Md-2 from Ophiopogon japonocus.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Feb;26(2):100-1. Chinese.She G, Shi J.China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical feature of Md-1, Md-2 polysaccharides which extracted from Ophiopogon japonocus. METHOD: Two constituents were isolated and purified by gel-filtration chromatography. Physicochemical constants and spectral analysis further were used to study their structural features. RESULT: The mean molecular weights were estimated to be 27064 and 48651. Structures were composed of D-glucose. CONCLUSION: Md-1 and Md-2 polysaccharides are glucosans, which only are composed of D-glucose units joined by alpha-(1-->4) glucosidic linkages.

  Homoisoflavonoids from Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawler.:Phytochemistry. 2003 Apr;62(7):1153-8.Hoang Anh NT, Van Sung T, Porzel A, Franke K, Wessjohann LA.Institute of Chemistry, National Centre for Natural Sciences and Technology, Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.

 From the ethyl acetate extract of the tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (Liliaceae) eight known and five new homoisoflavonoidal compounds were isolated. The new compounds are 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-6-methyl-3-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (1), 7-hydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-6-methyl-3-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (3), 2,5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(3',4'-methylenedioxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (4) and 2,5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(4'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (5). Their structures have been elucidated by mass and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 4 and 5 are the first isolated homoisoflavonoids with a hemiacetal function at position 2.

  Comprehensive quality appraisal of "maidong".:Zhong Yao Cai. 2001 May;24(5):313-5. Chinese. Sun H, Zeng X, Zhuang J.College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006.

 According to the contents of 14 kinds of constituents, 6 samples of Maidong from various habitats were comprehensively appraised by the weighted method with factor analysis and fuzzy mathematic method. The results showed that certified Maidong (Ophiopogon japonicus) was superior to its substitute Shanmaidong(Liriope spp.), and the sample from Xiaoshan county was the best in 3 samples of certified goods. Being consistent with the result of the traditional appraisal, the method used in this paper may provide a new means for appraising traditional medicinal materials.

  Analysis of 'SHENMAI' injection by HPLC/MS/MS.:J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2003 Feb 5;31(1):175-83.Haijiang Z, Yongjiang W, Yiyu C.Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.

 An HPLC/MS/MS method was developed for the analysis of 'SHENMAI' injection, composed of red ginseng and ophiopogon. The constituents of 'SHENMAI' were found to be similar with those of ginseng and 39 ginsenosides were detected. By the studies of MS and MS/MS spectra and the comparison with literature data, most of these ginsenosides were identified. Based on this study, suggestions were put forward to improve the quality control system of 'SHENMAI' injection.


  Five new homoisoflavonoids from the tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus.:J Nat Prod. 2002 Nov;65(11):1731-3.Chang JM, Shen CC, Huang YL, Chien MY, Ou JC, Shieh BJ, Chen CC.Institute of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Tao-Yuan Hsien, Taiwan, Republic of China.

 Five new homoisoflavonoids, ophiopogonanone C (1), ophiopogonanone D (2), ophiopogonone C (3), ophiopogonanone E (4) and ophiopogonanone F (5), and six known compounds were isolated from an ethanol extract of the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb) Ker-Gawl. Spectroscopic analyses were used to elucidate the structures of these compounds.

  Biological characteristics and damaging regularities of grubs endangering the growth of Ophiopogen japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Mar;24(3):143-5, 190. Chinese.Yang X, Liu X, Hu Z, Wei B, Liu S, Zhang Y.Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Nanchuan 408400.

 OBJECTIVE: To provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of the damage done to Ophiopogen japonicus by grubs. METHOD: Conducting laboratory observation along with field investigation. RESULT: The grubs endangering the growth of O. japonicus are mainly Hoplosternus incanus, Holotrichina paraullela and Anomala corpulenta, H. incanus takes two years to make a generation and overwinters in the form of second or third-instar larvae. H. parallela and A. corpulenta generate yearly and overwinter in the form of third-instar larvae. The extent of the damage done to O. japonicus by grubs is related to such factors as the number of sequential cropping years, the model of intercropping and the type of soil. CONCLUSION: Prevention and control of the pest grub should be based primarily on proper agricultural (cultivating) measures.

  Qualitative and quantitative studies on Chinese drug maidong.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Jul;24(7):390-3, 445. Chinese.Tang X, Cheng Z, Yu B.China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210038.

 OBJECTIVE: To explore a better approach to controlling the quality of Maidong. METHOD: The differences between Ophiopogon japonicus and the plants belonging to Liriope genus were identified by TLC. The total saponins in plants collected from different areas were determined by spectrophotometry, using HClO4 as the staining agent. RESULTS: The quantity of Maidong markedly varies with producing areas. CONCLUSION: This method is convenient and effective, and the MeOH extract of samples can be determined directly after reaction with HClO4 without preliminary treatment. The RSD was 0.75% (n = 5).

  Effects of danshen and shengmaiye on glomerulosclerosis by adriamycin in rats.:Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 1999;24(4):332-4. Chinese.Peng Y, Liu F, Luo J, Liu B.Department of Internal Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hunan Medical University, Changsha 410011.

 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of danshen(Salvia plectranthoides Griff.) and shengmaiye (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl and Schisandra chinensis Baill) on glomerulosclerosis induced by adriamycin in SD rats. METHODS: Left kidney of the animals was removed and after 7 days, adriamycin(6 mg.kg-1) was injected through tail vein, so as to establish an animal disease model. Then danshen or shengmaiye was injected to peritoneal cavity of the rats. All rats were killed by the end of the 8th week. Hemoglobin, BUN, cholesterol and protein in urea within 24 hours(ur Pro/24 h) were detected. IV collagen(IV col.) and laminin(LN) of renal cortex were determined by ELISA. The quantitation of IV col and LN in glomerular mesangial area was analyzed by computer pictures. RESULTS: Compared with model-danshen group(Group III), model-shenmaiye group(Group IV) and normal control group(Group I), BUN, cholesterol(Ch) and ur Pro/24 h were increased obviously and hemoglobin(Hb) was decreased in model control group(Group II). The values of BUN, Ch and Ur Pro were lower in Group III and Group IV than those in Group II and higher than those in Group I (P < 0.05). The quantitation of IV col and LN within renal cortex and mesangial area was less in Group III and Group IV than that in Group II and more than that in Group I (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Dansheng and shengmaiye may play an important role in the treatment of glomerulosclerosis in rats.

  Soil conditions for growth of Ophiopogon japonicus ker.-gawl.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Apr;23(4):207-10, 254. Chinese.Chen X, Ding D, Liu S, Huang W, Lu J, Yang M, Liu L.Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Nanchuan 408435.

 Field investigation and laboratory analysis were made on the formation conditions, as well as physical and chemical properties of soils for growth of Ophiopogon japonicus.


  A study on the nutrient physiology of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Mar;23(3):142-5, 191. Chinese.Chen X, Liu S, Ding D, Huang W, Yang M, Liu L.Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Nanchuan 480004.

 By means of observing at regular intervals and on tixed plants, the growth stages, organogenetic habits, content of nutrient elements and its changing regularity, storage habit of dry matter, relationship between aerial and subterraneous parts, and fertilizer requirements have been studied for Ophiopogen japonicus.

  Effects of Sheng-Mai injection on the PRPP synthetase activity in BFU-es and CFU-es from bone marrows of mice with benzene-induced aplastic anemia.:Life Sci. 2001 Aug 10;69(12):1373-9. Erratum in: Life Sci 2001 Oct 12;69(21):2573.Liu LP, Liu JF, Lu YQ.Research Laboratory of Blood Biochemistry, Hunan Medical University, Changsha, P.R.China.

 160 Kunming mice were divided at random into 3 groups. Group 1: normal control (40 mice). Group 2: aplastic anemia (AA) control (60 mice); benzene inhalation was carried out for 2.5 months and sterilized normal saline was injected i.p. for another 6 weeks. Group 3: treated AA (60 mice); benzene was administered by inhalation in a similar manner, Sheng-Mai Injection (SMI) was administered i.p. for 6 weeks after the AA models were established. SMI is a famous Chinese traditional prescription of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (0.1 g/ml), Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl (0.312 g/ml) and Fructus Schisandrae (0.158 g/ml). Activities of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase in BFU-Es and CFU-Es were estimated by ion pair reversed phase HPLC (IPrHPLC). Accompanying the sharp drop in counts of erythroid progenitor cells, the PRPP synthetase activity in CFU-Es of AA mice was reduced significantly (P<0.01), whereas there were no remarkable changes of this enzyme activity in their BFU-Es compared with the control group. Both the counts of erythroid progenitor cells and PRPP synthetase activity in CFU-Es returned nearly to normal levels following treatment with SMI of mice in Group 3 (P<0.01). Our results suggest that the attenuation of PRPP synthetase activity in peripheral erythrocytes of AA patients may originate from the weakening of activity of this enzyme in CFU-Es from their bone marrow. The impairment of PRPP formation would explain ATP depletion and disorders of energy metabolism in AA erythrocytes. SMI can distinctly increase the reduced quantity of erythroid progenitor cells and promote rapid restoration of PRPP synthetase activity in CFU-Es of AA mice.

  Prevention and repair of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by Chinese herbal medicine, shengmai san, in rats.:Free Radic Res. 1999 Nov;31(5):449-55.

 The protective activity of Shengmai San, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, was studied in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Shengmai San consists of three herbal components, Panax Ginseng, Ophiopogon Japonicus and Schisandra Chinensis and is routinely being used for treating coronary heart disease. When Shengmai San was injected directly into rat duodenum 2h before cerebral ischemia by bilateral carotid artery occlusion, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation during reperfusion following ischemia was almost completely suppressed in the brain. The loss of glutathione peroxidase activity after the ischemia-reperfusion was also effectively prevented by the Shengmai San pre-administration whereas the activity was considerably decreased in the damaged brain. It was found that Shengmai San also effectively suppressed the TBARS formation even when it was administered after 45 min reperfusion following ischemia, indicating that Shengmai San improves the oxidative damage already established in the brain. Likewise, the decrease of glutathione peroxidase activity was minimized in the damaged brain by the post-administration of Shengmai San. On the other hand, none of the Shengmai San components were active in protecting the ischemia-reperfusion brain damage when they were independently administered. These experiments suggest the potential of Shengmai San in both preventive and therapeutic usages for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

  Sulphorhodamine B assay for measuring proliferation of a pigmented melanocyte cell line and its application to the evaluation of crude drugs used in the treatment of vitiligo.:J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Aug;66(2):141-50.Lin ZX, Hoult JR, Raman A.Institute of Chinese Medicine, London, UK.

 A rapid 96-well plate assay using sulphorhodamine B (SRB) protein stain for cell number has been adopted to screen herbs used in traditional treatments of vitiligo for substances capable of stimulating melanocyte proliferation. Its applicability to melan-a cells, a mouse pigmented cell line, has been validated. SRB assay produced good linearity up to 11 x 10(4) cells/well and interference by melanin present in the cells accounted for less than 10% of the total optical density readings. The intra-assay variation was small but interassay variation was marked. For better assay precision, it is recommended that the results to be compared should be performed on the same day and controls should be plated in the same experiment, ideally in the same plate. Optimum conditions for exponential melan-a cell growth were established: viz. initial plating density (3-8 x 10(3) cells/well), incubation period (4 days) and foetal bovine serum concentration (5%). Under these conditions cells were responsive to the mitogen tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA). Out of 28 herbal extracts screened in this assay, significant stimulation (P < 0.05) of melanocyte proliferation was observed, in the absence of TPA, using aqueous extracts of Astragalus membranaceous root, Citrus reticulata peel, Dictamnus dasycarpus root bark. Ophiopogon japonicus root, Poria cocos sclerotium and Tribulus terrestris fruit.

  Effect of shen mai injection and its combinations on blood gas and hemodynamics of rats exposed to chronic hypoxia.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Mar;15(3):162-4. Chinese.Jin XQ, Duan SF, Niu RJ.Respiratory Research Dept. of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan.

 Shen Mai Injection (SMI) consisted of Panax ginseng and Ophiopogon japonica might promote the myocardial and diaphragmatic muscle contraction. The effect of SMI and its combinations were examined on the blood gas and hemodynamics of rats exposed to chronic hypoxia. SMI reduced significantly the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, P < 0.001), systemic vascular resistance (SVR, P < 0.001) and increased cardiac output (CO, P < 0.001), which effect was superior to the Dobutamine. If SMI was combined with Ligustrazine etc, better effect on blood gas and hemodynamics appeared than that of combined with other drugs. These combined group also presented more selective on pulmonary circulation. The results suggested that SMI and its combined with Ligustrazine could relieve the pulmonary hypertension and diaphragmatic fatigue.


  Experiment study on the effect of Sheng-Mai injection on the contractivity of diaphragm and its mechanism.:Chin Med J (Engl). 1995 Feb;108(2):90-4.Zhao J, Niu R.Respiratory Disease Research Department Tongji Hospital, Wuhan.

 In this study the effect of Sheng-Mai Injection i.e. Red Ginseng-Ophiopogon Root Injection (one kind of traditional Chinese medicines) on the contractivity of diaphragm was observed. The results confirmed that Sheng-Mai Injection increased Pdi of the fatigued diaphragm in rabbits and reduced the time needed for the recovery of Pdi of fatigued diaphragm to the normal value. These results suggest that Sheng-Mai Injection can increase the contractive force and promote the recovery of the fatigued diaphragm. The effect of Sheng-Mai Injection on the contractivity of the isolated diaphragmatic bundle of rats was also observed and the results confirmed that Sheng-Mai Injection increased the diaphragmatic contractive force directly. This effect of increasing the contractive force of diaphragm was attenuated by adding calcium channel blocker isoptin and disappeared when there was no calcium in the extracellular fluid. It is deduced, therefore, that the mechanism of the effect of Sheng-mai Injection is related to the increased influx of calcium from extracellular fluid into the cells.

  Application of cluster analysis to chemical taxonomy of medicinal material maidong.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1993 Oct;18(10):585-7, 638. Chinese.Liu XM, Sun HX, Zeng XW. Department of Pharmacognosy, Zhejiang Medical University, Hangzhou.

 The cluster analysis shows that the phytochemical constituents in genera Ophiopogon and Liriope are obviously different from each other and even different species of the same genus are not quite similar. Being consistent with the result of the traditional morphological classification, the cluster analysis may provide a chemical evidence for the phytochemical taxonomy and identification of medicinal material Maidong.

  Comparative studies on the constituents of ophiopogonis tuber and its congeners. VIII. Studies on the glycosides of the subterranean part of Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawler cv. Nanus. .:Chem Pharm Bull. 1993 Mar;41(3):566-70.

 Two monoterpene glycosides, tentatively named OJV-I (1) and OJV-II (2), and eight steroidal glycosides, tentatively named OJV-III (3), OJV-IV (4), OJV-V (5), OJV-VI (6), OJV-VII (7), OJV-VIII (8), OJV-IX (9) and OJV-X (10), were isolated from the butanol-soluble fraction of the fresh subterranean part of Ophiopogon japonicus KER-GAWLER cv. Nanus. Among these compounds, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were identified as l-borneo1 O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, l-borneo1 O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, ophiopogonin B, glycoside C, ophiopogonin D, Ls-10, and ruscogenin 1-O-sulfate, respectively. The structures of compounds 8, 9, and 10 were established to be (23S,24S,25S)-23,24-dihydroxyruscogenin 1-O-[ alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)] [beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside 24-O-beta-D-fucopyranoside, (23S,24S,25S)-23,24-dihydroxyruscogenin I-O-[alpha-L-2,3,4-tri-O-acetylrhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)][beta-D-xylo pyranosyl(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside 24-O-beta-D-fucopyranoside, and (23S,24S,25S)-23,24-dihydroxyruscogenin 1-O-[alpha-L-2,3,4-tri-O-acetylrhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)] [beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)]=alpha-L-arabinopyranoside 24-O-beta-D-fucopyranoside, respectively.

  32 cases of postoperative osteogenic sarcoma treated by chemotherapy combined with Chinese medicinal herbs.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 Mar;13(3):150-2, 132. Chinese.Liu JQ, Wu DW.Ji-Shui-Tan Hospital, Beijing.

 32 cases of postoperative osteogenic sarcoma treated by chemotherapy combined with Chinese medicinal herbs were compared with 26 similar cases as control group. The drugs used in chemotherapy consisted of two regimens, DDP and high-dose MTX plus VCR. The results showed that the side effects of chemotherapy in control group were consistent with literatures; while the group treated with Chinese medicinal herbs suffered less toxic effects, the difference between two groups was statistically significant. The medicinal herbs used to reduce the side effects induced by DDP was Pinellia ternata, Amomum cardamomum, Bambusa textilis, Citrus reticulata etc.; while the herbs used to alleviate the adverse effects of high-dose MTX plus VCR was Gypsum, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Rehmannia glutinosa, Ophiopogon japonicus, Scrophularia ningpoensis, etc.

  Quality of tuberous root of Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. var. prolifera Y.T.Ma and Ophiopogon japonicus (L.F.) Ker-Gawl.--comparison of immune function.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1991 Oct;16(10):584-5, 638. Chinese.Yu B, Yin X, Xu G, Xu L.China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing.

 This paper deals with comparative study on the immune function of the tuberous root of Liriope spicata var. prolifera and Ophiopogon japonicus. The results showed that the aqueous extract of both species mentioned above could increase obviously the spleen weight (immunity organ) of mice, enhance the clearance rate of iv charcoal particles in mice and antagonize remarkably the leukopenia caused by cyclophosphamide.


  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. Chinese.Yan HJ.Yunnan College of TCM, Kunming.

 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.

  Application of pyrolysis-high-resolution gas chromatography-pattern recognition to the identification of the Chinese traditional medicine mai dong.:J Chromatogr. 1990 Aug 29;514(2):287-92.Fang XC, Yu BY, Xiang BR, An DK.Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing.

 Pyrolysis-high-resolution gas chromatography-pattern recognition (Py-HRGC-PaRe) was used to develop a potential technique for identifying the Chinese traditional medicine Mai Dong. About 1 mg of crude drug powder was pyrolysed in a furnace pyrolyser and the products were directly carried into a gas chromatograph with an FSOT capillary column (30 m x 0.265 mm I.D.) coated with DB-1701 (df 0.25 micron). The Py-HRGC data were analysed by non-linear mapping PaRe. The results showed that Mai Dong samples could be classified into two categories: Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f.) Ker-Gawl (included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia) and Liriope spicata.

  Anti-arrhythmic effects and electrophysiological properties of Ophiopogon total saponins.:Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1990 Mar;11(2):161-5. Chinese.Chen M, Yang ZW, Zhu JT, Xiao ZY, Xiao R.Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences.

 The arrhythmias induced by chloroform-epinephine, BaCl2, and aconitine were prevented and antagonized by Ophiopogon total saponins (OTS) which were extracted from the root of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb) Ker-Gawl. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was effectively decreased without any changes in the hemodynamic indices of dogs. The electrophysiological effects of OTS in vivo and in vitro were studied by means of contact electrode and intracellular microelectrode techniques. The results showed that OTS shortened APD10, APD50, APD90; decreased APA and Vmax of both monophasic and transmembrane action potentials. OTS also increased the ERP/APD ratio and prevented or abolished the arrhythmikinesis provoked by ouabain and aconitine. The anti-arrhythmic properties of OTS lead us to draw an inference that the anti-arrhythmic mechanism may be related to the blocking of sodium and calcium channels.

  Anti-arrhythmic effects and electrophysiological properties of Ophiopogon total saponins.:Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1990 Mar;11(2):161-5. Chinese.Chen M, Yang ZW, Zhu JT, Xiao ZY, Xiao R.Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences.

 The arrhythmias induced by chloroform-epinephine, BaCl2, and aconitine were prevented and antagonized by Ophiopogon total saponins (OTS) which were extracted from the root of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb) Ker-Gawl. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was effectively decreased without any changes in the hemodynamic indices of dogs. The electrophysiological effects of OTS in vivo and in vitro were studied by means of contact electrode and intracellular microelectrode techniques. The results showed that OTS shortened APD10, APD50, APD90; decreased APA and Vmax of both monophasic and transmembrane action potentials. OTS also increased the ERP/APD ratio and prevented or abolished the arrhythmikinesis provoked by ouabain and aconitine. The anti-arrhythmic properties of OTS lead us to draw an inference that the anti-arrhythmic mechanism may be related to the blocking of sodium and calcium channels.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber.Ophiopogon.