Research Update:Honeysuckle flower

  seminal trace...Honeysuckle extract.CAS.NO.084603-62-3.Honeysuckle Flower.Fols Lonicerae.Extract.Extract of honeysuckle; Lonicera caprifolium extract; Honeysuckle, Lonicera caprifolium, ext. 5:1....

 


   Phytochemical info of Honeysuckle flower.

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 Synonym:
 Definition:Honeysuckle flower are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Honeysuckle flower.

  Discrimination of Lonicera japonica THUNB. from different geographical origins using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2007 Apr;30(4):779-82.Wang CZ, Li P, Ding JY, Fishbein A, Yuan CS.Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, Ministry of Education and Department of Pharmacognosy, China Pharmaceutical University, China.

 Lonicera japonica THUNB. is a commonly used anti-inflammatory herbal medicine. The therapeutic effectiveness of L. japonica depends significantly on its geographical origin. However, it is difficult to define criteria for confirming geographical authenticity using microscopic and chemical characteristics. In the present study, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA loci of L. japonica from different origins and related species was sequenced. The mutation site found in the ITS region from geo-authentic L. japonica can be recognized by the restriction endonuclease EcoN I. Since PCR products from geo-authentic L. japonica cannot be digested completely, a quantitative restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis method was developed. The cleavage rate of PCR products by EcoN I was determined to be more than 70% in all geo-authentic L. japonica and less than 20% in non-geo-authentic L. japonica and other species from genus Lonicera. The rate correlated remarkably with the geographical origin of L. japonica. Therefore, this method can be used to classify geo-authentic L. japonica.

  Antimicrobial activity of several herb and spice extracts in culture medium and in vacuum-packaged pork..:J Food Prot. 2007 Mar;70(3):641-7.Kong B, Wang J, Xiong YL.Department of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.

 Extracts prepared from honeysuckle, Scutellaria, Forsythia suspensa (Thunb), cinnamon, and rosemary with 75% ethanol and from clove oil dissolved in 75% ethanol were applied to inoculated agar media to observe their inhibitory effects on the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Lactobacillus plantarum. All the extracts suppressed the growth of these bacteria; Scutellaria exhibited the strongest effect against E. coli. An orthogonal test revealed that the most effective antimicrobial composite extracts were equal-volume mixtures of 0.125 g/ml Scutellaria + 0.5 g/ml honeysuckle + 0.125 g/ml Forsythia + 0.25 g/ml cinnamon and 0.25 g/ml cinnamon + 0.125 g/ml rosemary + 0.25% clove oil. These mixed extracts also produced strong antimicrobial effects in vacuum-packaged fresh pork, with 1.81- to 2.32-log reductions in microbial counts compared with the control when stored for up to 28 days. The sensory panel detected minimal differences in surface color and off-odors between meat samples treated with herb-spice extracts and the control. These results indicate that combined herb and spice extracts can be used as natural antimicrobials for food preservation.

  Simultaneous quantification of seven bioactive components in Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae by high performance liquid chromatography.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2007 Jun;21(6):649-54.Qian ZM, Li HJ, Li P, Chen J, Tang D.Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.

 This study presents a new HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of seven major components, namely chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, loganin, sweroside, secoxyloganin, rutin and luteolin 7-O-glucoside in Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the caulis of Lonicera japonica Thunb. These seven compounds, belonging to the chemical types of phenolic acids, iridoids and flavonoids, were separated on a C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5.0 microm) with the column temperature at 30 degrees C. The mobile phase was composed of (A) aqueous acetic acid (0.4%, v/v) and (B) acetonitrile using a gradient elution of 10% B at 0-12 min, 10-17% B at 12-25 min and 17% B at 25-35 min. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and detection wavelength was set at 245 nm. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) ranged from 0.10 to 0.23 microg/mL and the limit of quantification (S/N = 10) ranged from 0.69 to 3.56 microg/mL. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 > 0.9990) within the test ranges. The intra- and inter-day precisions as determined from sample solutions were below 1.24 and 2.28%, respectively. The recoveries for seven compounds were found to range from 94.2 to 103.6%. This verified method has been successfully applied to evaluation of commercial samples of Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae from different markets in China.

  Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin in experimental animal models.:Planta Med. 2007 Mar;73(3):221-6. Epub 2007 Mar 12.Ziyan L, Yongmei Z, Nan Z, Ning T, Baolin L.Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.

 Luteolin, a flavonoid abundant in plants worldwide, demonstrates a spectrum of biological activities. This study is aimed at evaluating its inhibiting effects on inflammatory responses in vivo. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin in acute and chronic models in mice. We found that oral administration of luteolin (10 and 50 mg/kg) efficiently suppressed paw edema when induced by injecting carrageenan, and a similar tendency was also observed in the cotton pellet granuloma test. In the air pouch test, luteolin markedly reduced the number of infiltrated leukocytes and the elevated level of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha) in the exudate. The results derived from the whole blood assay for cyclooxygenase (COX) and from the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay indicate that luteolin may be a potent selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and that the inhibition is attributable to its down-regulation of the mRNA expression of COX-2 in inflammatory responses.

  Antioxidant constituents and a new triterpenoid glycoside from Flos Lonicerae.:Arch Pharm Res. 2007 Jan;30(1):1-7.Choi CW, Jung HA, Kang SS, Choi JS.Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea.

 As a component of our continuing investigations into herb-derived antioxidant agents, we have evaluated the antioxidant effects of Flos Lonicerae (Lonicera japonica flowers), via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radical (*OH), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) assays. Among the methanolic extract and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fractions, the EtOAc fraction of Flos Lonicerae exhibited marked scavenging/inhibitory activities, as follows: IC50 values of 4.37, 27.58 +/- 0.71, 0.47 +/- 0.05, and 12.13 +/- 0.79 microg/mL in the DPPH, total ROS, ONOO-, and *OH assays, respectively. Via a bioactivity-guided fractionation approach, a new triterpenoid glycoside, oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (12), along with eleven known compounds, including chrysoeriol (1), luteolin (2), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (3), caffeic acid (4), protocatechuic acid (5), chrysoeriol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (9), hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (10), and luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11), were isolated from the EtOAc fraction. The structures of isolated compounds 1-12 were elucidated via spectroscopic analyses. Compound 12 was isolated from a natural source for the first time. Compounds 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 evidenced marked scavenging activities, with IC50 values of 2.08-11.76 microM for DPPH radicals, and 1.47-6.98 microM for ONOO-.


  Trifunctional inhibition of COX-2 by extracts of Lonicera japonica: direct inhibition, transcriptional and post-transcriptional down regulation.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May 22;111(3):667-70. Epub 2007 Jan 19.Xu Y, Oliverson BG, Simmons DL.Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Benson Science Building, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.

 The anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extracts from Lonicera japonica (LJ) flower, an anti-inflammatory treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, were tested by radioimmunoassay of cyclooxygenase isoenzyme-generated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis as well as by Western and Northern blot analysis of COX-2 protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Boiled LJ aqueous extracts directly inhibited both COX-1 and COX-2 activity, while non-boiled extracts stimulated COX-1. Boiled LJ extracts also inhibited expression of IL-1beta-induced COX-2 protein expression and suppressed its mRNA induction by IL-1beta in A549 cells. Suppression of COX-2 mRNA induction required a significantly higher dose of aqueous extract than did suppression of protein expression, indicating that compounds in the extract act translationally or post-translationally at lower doses and transcriptionally or post-transcriptionally at higher doses. Direct inhibition of COX isoenzymes as well as down-regulation of COX-2 mRNA and protein may represent the mechanism by which this ancient herbal treatment decreases inflammation.

  Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 May;29(5):420-3. Chinese.Xu YC, Zhang JB, Jiang QA, Zhou LY, Miao HB.College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing 210095, China.

 OBJECTIVE: Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle were studied. METHODS: Different extent water stress treatment imposed to potted plants before the first florescence of honeysuckle, and the growth and related physiological indexes of Lonicera japonica were determined. RESULTS: Shoot grow slowly as well as the increases of specific weight of leaf and the decrease of the yield of honeysuckle under water stress. The contents of chlorophyl in the leaves treated water stress all increased, and the content of soluble suger had a rising stream. The content of soluble protein in leaves of plant imposed by minor stress treatment was obviously higher than that of CK and severe stress treatment. As the stress was hard, the content of proline in leaves increased significantly. With water stress severing, the content of chlorogenic acid in the flower bud decreased very significantly than CK. CONCLUSION: Water condition was a important factor affected the growth and development of shoots, leaves and flower buds as well as the quality of honeysuckle. In the cultivation of Loniccra japonica, irrigation timing and certain irrigation condition was necessary.

  Effects of irrigation volume on growth and quality of Lonicera japonica.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Apr;31(8):634-7. Chinese.Xu YC, Zhang JB, Jiang QA, Zhou LY, Xu LG.College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agriculture University, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of irrigation volume on the growth and quality of Lonicera japonica. METHOD: Different volume of irrigation water was applied to the potted L. japonica before the first florescence of honeysuckle in order to keep the relative moisture content of the soil as 100%, 80%, 50%, 30%, and observe the growth and development of shoot and leaves, yield and quality of honeysuckle. RESULT: As the of irrigation volume was reduced, the internodal elongation of shoot and the increase of the knot were restrained, and the yield of honeysuckle dropped. But the content of chlorogen acid in the buds treated by 80% irrigation volume was not affected, while that of the other treatment all decreased. The moisture contents of the leaves treated by 30% irrigation volume was significantly lower than that of the CK, while the specific leaf weight (SLW) increased significantly comparing to the CK. The content of chlorophyl in the leaves of 50% and 30% increased, while the ratio of chlorophyl A and B fell significantly. The content of dissoluble suger in the leaves of 80% and 50% irrigation volume was much higher than that in the CK. The results also showed that, the content of dissoluble protein in the leaves of 30% irrigation volume increased comparing with that in 50%, and the content of proline in leaveas of 30% irrigation volume increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Using less irrigation volume (keeping 80% of relative moisture content of the soil) does not affect the quality of honeysuckle, but decreased dry weight of honeysuckle. It is necessary to take irrigation management during cultivation of honeysuckle.

  Determination of active constituents in Lonicera confusa DC. by capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2006 Nov;20(11):1192-9.Yao X, Gongyu G, Chen G.Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.

 A method based on capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection has been developed for the determination of luteolin, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acid in the dried flower buds, leaves and stems (three medicinal parts) of Lonicera confusa DC., respectively. The effects of several important factors such as detection potential, the concentration of the running buffer, separation voltage and injection time were investigated to acquire the optimum conditions. The detection electrode was a 300 microm diameter carbon disc electrode at a working potential of + 0.90 V (vs saturated calomel electrode). The four analytes can be well separated within 10 min in a 40 cm-long fused silica capillary at a separation voltage of 12 kV in a 50 mM borate-25 mM phosphate buffer (pH 8.0). The relationship between peak current and analyte concentration was linear over about 3 orders of magnitude with detection limits (S/N = 3) ranging from 0.35 to 0.52 microM for all analytes. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the monitoring of bioactive constituents in the real plant samples with satisfactory assay results.

  Antifugal susceptibility testing and antifugal traditional Chinese medicines screening of oral Candida isolated from head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.:Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2006 Apr;24(2):131-4. Chinese.Zhao M, Zhou ZT, Zhang WD.Dept. of Oral Medicine, The Ninth Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011, China

 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and resistance of pathogenic oral Candida spp. isolated from head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy to antifungal agents. To screen antifugal agents from Chinese traditional and herbal drugs by NCCLS M27-A2 method. METHODS: Using YBC Test Kit to identify 20 clinical oral Candida isolated from head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The in vitro susceptibilities of 20 oral Candida spp. to 5-flucytosine (5-FC), itraconazole (ITR), fluconazole (FLU), the extracts of 6 Chinese traditional and herbal drugs (caltrop, honeysuckle flower, dandelion, green tea, pine bark, red trefoil) and utility componets of 7 Chinese traditional and herbal drugs (sophorcarpidine, aloperine, archin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycosides of white peony root, glycosides of baikal skullcap root, hydrochloric berberine) were determined by NCCLS M27-A2 method. RESULTS: The proportion of no-C. albicans in all Candida spp. were 25%. All strains were sensitive to 5-flucytosine, 25% stains were resistant to fluconazole and 40% stains were resistant to itraconazole. In all agents from Chinese traditional and herbal drugs, glycosides of white peony root and hydrochloric berberine (C20H18CINO4) exhibited antifungal activity, especially to C. glabrates. CONCLUSION: The proportion of no-C. albicans in all oral Candida spp. isolated from head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy was pretty high. NCCLS M27-A2 micro-dilution method is a reliable and reproducible method and can be used to screen antifugal agents from Chinese traditional and herbal drugs.


  Acute and subacute toxicity study of the ethanol extract from Lonicera japonica Thunb.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Oct 11;107(3):370-3. Epub 2006 Apr 6.Thanabhorn S, Jaijoy K, Thamaree S, Ingkaninan K, Panthong A.Department of Preclinical Science, Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. tseehanat@yahoo.com

 The ethanol extract from the leaves of Lonicera japonica Thunb. was evaluated for acute and subacute toxicity. The single oral dose of the ethanol extract at 5,000 mg/kg did not produce mortality or significant changes in the general behaviour and gross appearance of the internal organs of rats. In subacute toxicity study, the ethanol extract was administered orally at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day for a period of 14 days. The satellite group was treated with the ethanol extract at the same dose and the same period and kept for another 14 days after treatment. There were no significant differences in the body and organ weights between the control and the treated group of both sexes. Hematological analysis and clinical blood chemistry revealed no toxicity effects of the extract. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed.

  Naturally occurring biflavonoid, ochnaflavone, inhibits cyclooxygenases-2 and 5-lipoxygenase in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.:Arch Pharm Res. 2006 Apr;29(4):282-6.Son MJ, Moon TC, Lee EK, Son KH, Kim HP, Kang SS, Son JK, Lee SH, Chang HW.Skeletal Diseases Genome Research Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea.

 Ochnaflavone is a medicinal herbal product isolated from Lonicera japonica that inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent phases of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 0.6 microM. Western blotting probed with specific anti-COX-2 antibodies showed that the decrease in quantity of the PGD2 product was accompanied by a decrease in the COX-2 protein level. In addition, this compound consistently inhibited the production of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in a dose dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 6.56 microM. These results demonstrate that ochnaflavone has a dual cyclooxygenase-2/5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, this compound strongly inhibited degranulation reaction in a dose dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.01 microM. Therefore, this compound might provide a basis for novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

  Pharmacokinetics study on yinhuang compound microenema in rabbits.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Jan;31(1):54-6. Chinese.Qin SH, Liu HG.Department of Pharmacology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To determine the parameters of pharmacokinetics in rabbits, and to provide a scientific basis for clinical application of Yinhuang compound microenema. METHOD: HPLC was used to determine the concentrations of chlorogenic acid and baicalin in the plasma samples of rabbits, then analyze these data by the pharmacokinetics program 3P97 to determine the parameters of pharmacokinetics and the compartmental model of both ingredients in Yinhuang compound microenema. RESULT: Baicalin showed two compartment model in rabbits and the main parameters of pharmacokinetics were as follows: t(1/2)alpha of 0.311 h, t(1/2)beta of 1.640 h, AUC of 1.531 x 10(-2) g x h x L(-1), tmax of 0.287 h, Vd of 2.182 L. Chlorogenic acid showed two compartment model in rabbits and the main parameters of pharmacokinetics were as follows: t(1/2)alpha of 0.324 h, t(1/2)beta of 1.206 h, AUC of 2.135 x 10(-2) g x h x L(-1), tmax of 0.317 h,Vd of 2.251 L. CONCLUSION: The main components in Yinhuang compound microenema baicalin and chlorogenic acid are absorbed quickly and absolutely after rectal administration, which have good characters of pharmacokinetics.

  Parental use of the term "Hot Qi" to describe symptoms in their children in Hong Kong: a cross sectional survey "Hot Qi" in children.:J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2006 Jan 5;2:2.Kong FY, Ng DK, Chan CH, Yu WL, Chan D, Kwok KL, Chow PY.Department of Paediatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, 20 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. dkkng@ha.org.hk.

 ABSTRACT : BACKGROUND : The Chinese term "Hot Qi" is often used by parents to describe symptoms in their children. The current study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of using the Chinese term "Hot Qi" to describe symptoms in children by their parents and the symptomatology of "Hot Qi". METHOD : A cross sectional survey by face-to-face interview with a semi-structured questionnaire was carried out in a public hospital and a private clinic in Hong Kong. The parental use of the term "Hot Qi", the symptoms of "Hot Qi" and the remedies used for "Hot Qi" were asked. RESULTS : 1060 pairs of children and parents were interviewed. 903 (85.1%) of parents claimed that they had employed the term "Hot Qi" to describe their children's symptoms. Age of children and place of birth of parents were the predictors of parents using the term "Hot Qi". Eye discharge (37.2%), sore throat (33.9%), halitosis(32.8%), constipation(31.0%), and irritable (21.2%) were the top five symptoms of "Hot Qi" in children. The top five remedies for "Hot Qi" were the increased consumption of water (86.8%), fruit (72.5%), soup (70.5%), and the use of herbal beverages "five-flower- tea" (a combination of several flowers such as Chrysanthemum morifolii, Lonicera japonica, Bombax malabaricum, Sophora japonica, and Plumeria rubra) (57.6%) or selfheal fruit spike (Prunella vulgaris) (42.4%). CONCLUSION : "Hot Qi" is often used by Chinese parents to describe symptoms in their children in Hong Kong. Place of birth of parents and age of the children are main factors for parents to apply the term "Hot Qi" to describe symptoms of their children. The common symptoms of "Hot Qi" suggest infections or allergy.

  Study on the extraction and purification for total flavonoids in Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Chrysanthemum morifolium Tzvel.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Aug;28(8):703-5. Chinese.Yang J, Zhang X, Tian L, Wang X.Jinling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu.

 OBJECTIVE: To optimize the extraction and purification conditions for total flavonoids in Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Chrysanthemum morifolium Tzvel. METHODS: Comparision of several extraction processes, the L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design and macroreticular absorption resin D101 purification technique were performed. RESULTS: The optimum extraction conditions were 8 volume of 55% ethanol, 1 h refluence at 100 degrees C , water bath for 2 times. The extracted fluid was absorbed with the resin D101. The elutions were water, 30% enthanol, 70% enthanol. The obtained elution of 70% enthanol was evaporated and the content of total flavonoids was 62. 7%. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, approved and fit for industrial production.


  Hyphenated chromatographic techniques for the rapid screening and identification of antioxidants in methanolic extracts of pharmaceutically used plants.:J Chromatogr A. 2006 Apr 21;1112(1-2):293-302. Epub 2005 Dec 15.Exarchou V, Fiamegos YC, van Beek TA, Nanos C, Vervoort J.NMR Center, University of Ioannina, Ioannina GR-45110, Greece.

 Phytochemical analysis is an important scientific research area, which normally relies on a number of rather laborious and time-consuming techniques for compound identification. Isolation of the ingredients of plant extracts in adequate quantities for spectral and biological analysis was the basis of this research. In this paper the possibility of on-line rapid screening of antioxidant components in methanolic plant extracts and their subsequent identification is reported. Based exclusively on hyphenated chromatographic techniques the methanolic extracts of Tilia europea, Urtica dioica, Lonicera periclymenum and Hypericum perforatum are initially screened for their antioxidant components via an on-line DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging technique. Structural elucidation of the active analytes is achieved by means of LC-MS and LC-UV-SPE-NMR. After the determination of the appropriate LC gradient, a minimal number of chromatographic runs with these hyphenated techniques are adequate for the acquisition of the necessary data, leading to the identification of the targeted compounds. Based on their UV, NMR and MS spectra, the antioxidant compounds identified in the extracts under study were found to be either flavonoid glycosides or mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids. Although the aim of the study was to show the great potential of the LC-UV-NMR-DPPH/ABTS approach for the rapid screening and identification of plant constituents, the results produced in the course of this study also have some merit by themselves. Some of the compounds detected are reported for the first time in the specific plant extracts.

  Immunoregulatory effects of the Lonicera aquatic extract in the ovalbulmin-sensitized BALB/c mice.:Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. 2005 Nov;43(11):852-7. Chinese.Li F, Li HQ.Department of Primary Child Care, Chlidren's Hospital, Chongqing University of Medical Science, Chongqing 400014, China

 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of the Lonicera water extract in the ovalbulmin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice and to explore feasibility of treating food allergy with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS: Forty female BALB/c mice aged 6 weeks fed with ovalbulmin-free feed, were randomly divided into 5 groups with 8 mice in each. Four groups were sensitized with OVA intraperitoneally two times and challenged intragastrically four times. Groups H, M and L were treated respectively with high (100 mg/100 ml), medium (50 mg/100ml) and low (25 mg/100 ml) concentration of the Lonicera water extract at a dose of 0.3 ml/10 g body weight just 4 hours after the first challenge and then twice daily for 10 consecutive days. The mice in group Ch were used as positive control and were sensitized intraperitoneally and treated with normal saline solution intragastrically daily. The mice in NS group were used as negative control without sensitization and challenge. Just 1 hour after the last challenge, the mice in each group were sacrificed and specimens of jejunum were taken. Histological examinations on the jejunum specimens were performed after either HE or toluidine blue staining, the levels of histamine in gut of the mice were assayed with a fluorescent method; the IFN-gamma and IL-4 production in peripheral lymph node mononuclear cell (PLNMC) and the OVA-specific IgE levels in serum were measured by using ELISA; the mRNA expression of IL-12p40 in PLNMC of the mice was evaluated by RT-PCR; the footpad swelling reactions were assessed for the OVA-induced delayed hypersensitivity. RESULTS: (1) The inflammatory reactions were significantly inhibited in the mice of group H and M; the accumulated and degranulated mast cells in lamina propria were significantly reduced in the mice by gavage with 100% or 50% of the Lonicera extract, concomitant with the increased percentage of the intact mast cells. (2) The release of histamine in gut in the mice of group H and M was significantly reduced. (3) Either the IL-4 production and the ratio of IL-4/IFN-gamma in PLNMC or the IFN-gamma generation was significantly reduced in group H and M. (4) IL-12p40 mRNA expression in PLNMC was significantly reduced in group H and M. (5) The levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum were reduced in the mice of group H and M. (6) The footpad swelling reactions induced in the allergic mice were significantly inhibited after giving the Lonicera extract of the three different concentrations. CONCLUSION: The Lonicera extract showed significant immunoregulatory effects in OVA-induced allergic mice model in this study. Lonicera extract may be of potential research value in treatment of both IgE and none IgE mediated food allergy.

  Effects of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo.:Exp Eye Res. 2006 May;82(5):860-7. Epub 2005 Nov 23

 The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of blue honeysuckle extract (BHE), which contains high level of phenolic compounds, on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). Male Lewis rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 14 rats in each (eight rats for collection of aqueous humor, six rats for histologic examination). EIU was induced by a footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 1, 10, or 100 mg of BHE was injected intravenously immediately after LPS injection. The aqueous humor was collected at 24 h after LPS injection, the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and prostaglandin (PG)-E2 levels in the aqueous humor were determined. Some eyes were enucleated for histologic examination and immunohistochemical analysis. Immunohistochemical staining with a monoclonal antibody against activated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was performed to evaluate the effect of BHE on NF-kappaB activation. To further clarify the anti-inflammatory effect, RAW264.7 cells (a mouse macrophage cell line) were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of BHE and its major phenolics, cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin 3-rutinoside (C3R), chlorogenic acid (CA). Expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed by Western blot method. BHE treatment significantly reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration, the protein concentration, the levels of NO, TNF-alpha and PGE2 in the aqueous humor and improved histologic status of the ocular tissue. The number of activated NF-kappaB-positive cells was lower in the iris-ciliary body treated with BHE at 3 h after LPS injection. BHE significantly suppressed the production of NO, PGE2 and TNF-alpha in the culture medium as well as the expression of iNOS and COX-2 by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. C3G, C3R and CA showed no or weak inhibitory effects on the level of inflammatory mediators and the expression of iNOS and COX-2. These results suggest that BHE attenuates the degree of inflammation in eyes with EIU by inhibiting the NF-kappaB dependent signaling pathway and the subsequent production of proinflammatory mediators.

  Biflavonoids from Lonicera japonica.:Phytochemistry. 2005 Dec;66(23):2740-4. Epub 2005 Nov 15.Kumar N, Singh B, Bhandari P, Gupta AP, Uniyal SK, Kaul VK.Natural Plant Products Division, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP 176 061, India.

 Two biflavonoids, 3'-O-methyl loniflavone [5,5'',7,7''-tetrahydroxy 3'-methoxy 4',4'''-biflavonyl ether (1)] and loniflavone [5,5'',7,7'',3'-pentahydroxy 4',4'''-biflavonyl ether (2)] along with luteolin (3) and chrysin (4) were isolated from the leaves of Lonicera japonica. The structures were established on the basis of UV/vis, 1D, 2D NMR (HMQC and HMBC) and ESI-QTOF-MS/MS spectroscopic methods and chemical evidences.

  Separation and detection of compounds in Honeysuckle by integration of ion-exchange chromatography fractionation with reversed-phase liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis.:J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2006 Feb 24;40(3):559-70. Epub 2005 Sep 15.Chen X, Hu L, Su X, Kong L, Ye M, Zou H.National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.

 A hyphenated method for the isolation and identification of components in a traditional Chinese medicine of Honeysuckle was developed. Ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) was chosen for the fractionation of Honeysuckle extract, and then followed by concentration of all the fractions with rotary vacuum evaporator. Each of the enriched fractions was then further analyzed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer (RPLC-APCI/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) with matrix of oxidized carbon nanotubes, respectively. It can be noted totally more than 117 components were detected by UV detector, APCI/MS and MALDI-TOF/MS in Honeysuckle extract except the 145 components identified by MALDI-TOF/MS alone with this integrated approach, and 7 of them were preliminary identified according to their UV spectra and mass spectra performed by APCI/MS and MALDI-TOF/MS, respectively. The obtained analytical results not only indicated the approach of integration IEC fractionation with RPLC-APCI/MS and MALDI-TOF/MS is capable of analyzing complex samples, but also exhibited the potential power of the mass spectrometer in detection of low-mass compounds, such as traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and complex biological samples.


  Determination and pharmacokinetic study of chlorogenic acid in rat dosed with Yin-Huang granules by RP-HPLC.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2006 Feb;20(2):206-10.Li XP, Yu J, Luo JY, Li HS, Han FJ, Chen XG, Hu ZD.Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China.

 A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was described for the determination of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in rat plasma using protocatechuic acid as internal standard (IS). CGA in plasma was extracted with acetonitrile, which also acted as deproteinization agent. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 column with methanol-0.2 m acetic acid (pH 3.0, 25:75, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL/min with an operating temperature of 30 degrees C and UV detection at 300 nm. The standard curve was found to be linear over the concentration ranges of 0.4-2.5 microg/mL and 2.5-40 microg/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.4 microg/mL. The analytical precision and accuracy were validated by relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative error, which were in ranges 3.14-10.78% and -2.20-5.00%, respectively. The average recovery of CGA was 87.59%. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of CGA in Yin-Huang granules.

  Karyotype analysis of Lonicera japonica and L. maackii.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Mar;28(3):168-70. Chinese.Wang F, Wang B.Liaoning College of TCM, Shenyang.

 OBJECTIVE: To study Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera maackii (Rupr. ) Maxim. chromosome number, karyotype, volume. METHODS: Sections combined with micrograph were used to analyse chromosome. RESULTS: Lonicera japonica Thunb. normal diploid 2n = 18; the relative length was 2n = 18 = 2L +8M, + 6M1 + 2S; karyotpye formula was K(2n) = 2X = 18 = 10 sm + 6 m + 2st, which belong to "2A" type; the AS. K% was 66.65%. Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim. normal diploid 2n = 18; the relative length was 2n = 18 = 4L + 4M, + 10M1; karyotype formula was K(2n) = 2X = 18 = 10 sm + 8m, which belong to"2A" type; the AS. K% was 63.28%. CONCLUSION: The chromosome number, karyotype, and chromosome volume of Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim. were showed clear.

  Quality evaluation of Flos lonicerae through a simultaneous determination of seven saponins by HPLC with ELSD.:J Chromatogr A. 2005 Apr 8;1070(1-2):43-8.Chai XY, Li SL, Li P.Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines and Department of Pharmacognosy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24, Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.

 A new HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) method has been developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of seven major saponins, namely macranthoidin B (1), macranthoidin A (2), dipsacoside B (3), hederagenin-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(6-->1)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), macranthoside B (5), macranthoside A (6), and hederagenin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(2-->1)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (7) in Flos Lonicerae, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb. Simultaneous separation of these seven saponins was achieved on a C18 analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of (A) acetonitrile-acetic acid (95:0.5) and (B) 0.5% aqueous acetic acid using a gradient elution of 29%A at 0-10 min, 29-46%A at 10-25 min and 46%A at 25-30 min. The drift tube temperature of ELSD was set at 106 degrees C, and with the nitrogen flow-rate of 2.6 l/min. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2>0.9922) within test ranges. This method showed good reproducibility for the quantification of these seven saponins in Flos Lonicerae with intra- and inter-day variations of less than 3.0% and 6.0%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify seven saponins in five sources of Flos Lonicerae, which provides a new basis of overall assessment on quality of Flos Lonicerae.

  Experimental study on antivirus activity of traditional Chinese medicine.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 May;29(5):452-5. Chinese.He CM, Wen LZ.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the difference of anticytomegaloviral activity of three kinds of traditional Chinese medicines which are the injections of Jinye Baidu, Radix Isatidis and Indigowoa in vitro. METHOD: The inhibitory activity of three traditional Chinese medicines against human cytomeglovirus (HCMV AD169) infected human embryo lung fibroblasts (HELF) was observed by cytopathic effect method (CPE) and MTT method in vitro. According their value of A, anticytomegaloviral activity has evaluated. RESULT: Experimental study in vitro showed that the 50% toxicity dose (TD50) of Jinye Detoxifying, Radix Isatidis root and Indigowoa were 20, 10.23, 20.23 g x L(-1) respectively; the 50% inhibitory concertration (IC50) were 5.65, 3, 5.71 g x L(-1) respectively; the therapeutic index (TI) were 3.54, 3.41 and 3.54 respectively. It suggested that three traditional Chinese medicines had anticytomeglovirus activity and their effect increased with their concentration. CONCLUSION: Three traditional Chinese medicines of the parenteral solution of Jinye Detoxifying, Radix Isatidis root and Indigowoa have antiviral activity when they are diluted in 1:200. They are safe and valuable drug for inhibiting cytomeglovirus infection.

  Inhibition of trypsin-induced mast cell activation by water fraction of Lonicera japonica.:Arch Pharm Res. 2004 Nov;27(11):1141-6.Kang OH, Choi YA, Park HJ, Lee JY, Kim DK, Choi SC, Kim TH, Nah YH, Yun KJ, Choi SJ, Kim YH, Bae KH, Lee YM.Department of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 570-749, Korea.

 Lonicera japonica Thunb.(Caprifoliaceae) has long been known as an anti-inflammatory. In the present study, the effect of water fraction of Lonicera japonica (LJ) on trypsin-induced mast cell activation was examined. HMC-1 cells were stimulated with trypsin (100 nM) in the presence or absence of LJ (10, 100, and 1000 microg/mL). TNF-alpha and tryptase production were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-PCR. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot. Trypsin activity was measured by using Bz-DL-Arg-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) as substrate. LJ (10, 100, and 1000 microg/mL) inhibited TNF-alpha secretion in a dose-dependent manner. LJ (10, 100, and 1000 microg/mL) also inhibited TNF-alpha and tryptase mRNA expression in trypsin-stimulated HMC-1. Furthermore, LJ inhibited trypsin-induced ERK phosphorylation. However, LJ did not affect the trypsin activity even 1000 microg/mL. These results indicate that LJ may inhibit trypsin-induced mast cell activation through the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation than the inhibition of trypsin activity.


  Studies on chemical constituents in dried buds of Lonicera confusa.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Sep;29(9):865-7. Chinese.Chai XY, Li P, Tang LY.Department of Pharmacognosy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 210038, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of the dried buds of Lonicera confusa. METHOD: Chromatography and spectral analysis were respectively used to isolate and identify the constituents. RESULT: Seven compounds were isolated from the dried buds of L. confusa, and identified as rutin, quercetin, luteilin-7-O-beta-D-galactoside, lonicerin, chlorogenic acid, beta-sitosterol and tetratriacontane. CONCLUSION: Rutin was isolated from the genus for the first time, and the others were isolated from the species for the first time.

  Effects of chlorogenic acid, an active compound activating calcineurin, purified from Flos Lonicerae on macrophage.:Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Dec;25(12):1685-9.Wu HZ, Luo J, Yin YX, Wei Q.Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.

 AIM: To investigate the activation of chlorogenic acid (CHA) purified from Flos Lonicerae to calcineurin and its effects on macrophage functions in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: According to the screening results that Flos Lonicerae could activate calcineurin, the active component which could activate calcineurin was purified from Flos Lonicerae by column chromatography on silica gel and identified as CHA. The activation of CHA on calcineurin had been validated with both p-NPP and 32P-labeled RII peptide as the substrates. The clearance of charcoal particles in normal mice and the cytotoxicity of U937 to MCF-7 were used together to determine the effects of CHA on macrophage functions. RESULTS: CHA could activate calcineurin, and the concentration of CHA on maximal activating calcineurin was 282.5 micromol/L. CHA administration (10 mg/kg, ig, 7 d) significantly enhanced the macrophage functions in normal mice. CHA (70.6, 141.2, and 282.5 micromol/L) obviously increased the cytotoxicity of U937 to MCF-7. CONCLUSION: CHA could activate calcineurin and enhance the macrophage functions in vivo and in vitro, and its functions in vivo may be realized via the signal pathways of calcineurin.

  An open-label study of administration of EH0202, a health-food additive, to patients with chronic hepatitis C.:J Gastroenterol. 2004 Sep;39(9):873-8.

 BACKGROUND: In this study, we examined the effect of EH0202, a mixture of four herbal extracts that are known to induce interferons, on hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: This was an open-label uncontrolled study. The study subjects ingested food containing EH0202 daily for 3 months, which was equivalent to 1 g of desiccated herbs daily. Clinical symptoms, hematology and biochemical examinations, urine, and HCV-RNA levels were examined before, during (1 month), and after the EH0202 treatment (3 months). RESULTS: Among the 35 patients who successfully completed the study, there were improvements in malaise (seen in 6 patients before and in 2 after EH0202 treatment), bloating sensation in the abdomen (seen in 2 before and in none after treatment), and nausea and vomiting (seen in 2 before and in 1 after treatment). There were no changes in hematology or biochemical examination parameters. There was a statistically significant decrease in HCV-RNA levels in patients with high viral titers after 3 months of EH0202 administration. No serious adverse events were observed with the EH0202 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that EH0202 may be safe and useful in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Further studies are, however, needed to obtain a definitive conclusion.

  Simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde in Chinese herbal preparation by RP-HPLC.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2004 Oct;52(10):1251-4. Li XP, Yu J, Luo JY, Li HS, Han FJ, Chen XG, Hu ZD.Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.

 In the present study, a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was established for simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde in a Chinese herbal preparation (Fufang-Pugongying-Mixture). The separation was performed on a Hypersil ODS-2 column by isocratic elution with methanol and 0.2 M acetate buffer (pH 3.6) (15 : 85, v/v) as the mobile phase at the flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min with operating temperature of 30 degrees C, and detection wavelength of 300 nm. A good linear regression relationship between peak-areas and concentrations was obtained over the range of 2-200 microg/ml for the five marker compounds mentioned above. The spike recoveries were within 96.72-104.07%. The variation coefficient (CV) values of the precision were in the range of 0.89-4.50%. Moreover the developed method has reference value for quantitative analysis of Taraxacum, Lonicera and Angelica.

  The relationship between growth habit of Lonicera japonica and quality of Flos Lonicerae.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Mar;27(3):157-9.Chinese. Zhang Z, Li P, Xu X, Song Y, Chen J, Wang F.China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210038.

 The relation of growing and flowering rhythm of Lonicera japonica to the quality of Flos Lonicerae was studied. The result showed that the yield and quality of Flos Lonicerae were different in different plant age and collecting time,the best collecting time was in the completely white flower bud stage, the first and the second batch flower buds had the highest yield and the best quality.


  Studies on stability of chlorogenic acid in extract of Flos lonicerae.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Mar;28(3):223-6. Chinese.Chen G, Hou SX, Hu P, He N, Zhu YN, Cao L.Pharmaceutical Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the stability of chlorogenic acid in extract of flos lonicerae in different conditions. METHOD: The stability of chlorogenic acid in extract of flos lonicerae in phosptat buffe with different pH values, methanol, ethanol and different base solutions(Ca(OH)2 and NaOH) was investigated by the classical isothermal method. RESULT: The experiments showed the chlorogenic acid in extract of flos lonicerae was more stable in acidic water than in basic water. It was stable in these organic solutions and base solution[Ca(OH)2]. CONCLUSION: In different conditions, the stability of chlorogenic acid in extract of flos lonicerae was different. It provided a reference to the extraction and analysis of chlorogenic acid and production of chlorogenic acid preparation.

  Analyses on the trace elements of soils in geo-authentic and non-authentic production areas of Flos lonicearae.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Mar;28(3):207-13. Chinese.Zhang ZY, Li P, Chen J, Liu YS, Xing JB.China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210038, Jiangsu, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To analyse the trace elements presented in the same germplasm of Flos Lonicerae with the soil in different producing areas of crude drugs and to investigate, the relationship between the trace elements and the characteristics of the geo-authentic Flos Lonicerae in the soil and crude drugs. METHOD: The analyses on the trace elements of soil and crude drugs were made by ICP-AES. RESULT: The contents of Sr, K, Na, Mg and Ca were higher in the geo-authentic areas, and the contents of Ca, Sr and Fe were higher, but the Cr and Pb were lower in the geo-authentic Flos Lonicerae. The geo-authentic crude drugs had a strong tendency to accumulate P and Cu. CONCLUSION: There are no direct relationship between the concentrations of trace elements in Flos Lonicerae and those in their corresponding soil. There are good relationship between the absorption and accumulation of Ca and Cr, Co, Na and Fe; Zn and Co, Cr, Mn; Na and Co; Mg and Mn.

  Characterization and quantification of anthocyanins and polyphenolics in bluehHoneysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.).:J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Feb 25;52(4):848-52.Chaovanalikit A, Thompson MM, Wrolstad RE.Department of Food Science and Technology, 100 Wiegand Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-6602, USA.

 Anthocyanins and phenolics of 10 blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) genotypes were characterized and quantified by HPLC-DAD. Peak assignments were confirmed by low-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry. Six anthocyanins were detected with the major peak identified as cyanidin 3-glucoside. Five additional anthocyanins were characterized as cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-glucoside, and peonidin 3-rutinoside. Four polyphenolics were identified as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, quercetin 3-rutinoside, and quercetin 3-glucoside. Two additional unidentified phenolics were characterized as flavonol and hydroxycinnamic derivatives based on UV-vis spectra. Hydroxycinnamate levels ranged from 30.4 to 156.2 mg/100 g, whereas the flavonol content ranged from 12.6 to 32.8 mg/100 g. The L. caerulea subspecies boczkarnikovae contained the highest amounts of hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonols.

  Comparative study on content of chlorogenic acid in Lonicera japonica and L. macranthoides.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Jun;26(6):399-400. Chinese.Zhou R, Tong Q.Hunan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007.

 OBJECTIVE: To exploit and utilize reasonably the abundant natural resources by appraising the medicinal purposes of Lonicera macranthoides Hands-Mazz. through the content of the useful chemical constitutents chlorogenic acid. METHOD: The content of chlorogenic acid in the flowers of L. macranthoides Hands-Mazz in Human and L. japonica Thunb. in Henan and Shandong was compared by HPLC. RESULT: The contents of chlorogenic acid were 4.00% and 4.52% in L. macrathoides from Longhui and Xinning County of Hunan respectively. The contents were 2.20% and 2.46% in L. japonica from Shangdong and Henan respectively. CONCLUSION: The content of chlorogenic acid in L. macranthoides was higher than that in Lonicera japonica.

  Determination of five major iridoid glucosides in Flos Lonicerae by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection.:J Chromatogr A. 2003 Aug 8;1008(2):167-72.Li HJ, Li P, Ye WC.Department of Pharmacognosy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China.

 This study presents a new HPLC method using evaporative light scattering detection for the simultaneous determination of live major iridoid glucosides, namely 7-epi-loganin, sweroside, loganin, 7-epi-vogeloside, and secoxyloganin in Flos Lonicerae, an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The optimal conditions of separation and detection were achieved on a C18 analytical column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol-water (30:70, v/v) containing 0.5% acetic acid at the flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min, temperature for the detector drift tube set at 90 degrees C and the nitrogen flow-rate of 2.6 l/min. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) is less than 35.1 microg/ml and the limit of quantification (S/N = 10) is less than 140.1 microg/ml. All calibration curves show good linear regression (r2>0.996) within test ranges. This method provides good reproducibility for the quantification of the major iridoid glucosides in four Lonicera species with overall intra- and inter-day variation of less than 5% and 9%, respectively. The assay was successfully applied to quantify the main iridoid glucosides in the herb and to identify the botanical origin of Flos Lonicerae.


  Karyotype of blue honeysuckle species (Lonicera subset. Caeruleae, Caprifoliaceae.:Tsitol Genet. 2003 Jan-Feb;37(1):34-42. Russian.Solov'eva LV, Plekhanova MN.

 For the first time the karyotypes of diploid (2n = 2x = 18) and tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) species of Lonicera from the Caeruleae subsection: L. altaica Pall., L. boczkarnikowii Plekh. (L. regeliana Boczkarn.), L. edulis Turcz. ex Freyn (2x, 4x), L. emphyllocalyx Maxim., L. iliensis Pojark., L. kamtschatica Pojark., L. pallasii Ledeb., L. stenantha Pojark., L. turczaninowii Pojark., L. villosa (2x, 4x) (Michx.) Muhl. are described. The species karyotypes from 23 natural populations have shown the considerable generic resemblance that expressed in the similar chromosome morphology and variation range of their length from 1 to 3 microns. The species with the same level of ploidy had the same karyotype formula: 2m + 6sm + 1st in diploids and 4m + 11sm + 3st in tetraploids, respectively. The amphiploid origin of the tetraploid Lonicera species has been shown. Diploid and tetraploid forms of L. edulis and L. villosa were the particular karyotypes but not the 2x and 4x races of the same species, respectively. Specific differences were revealed in the total chromosome length in the haploid set and in the number of satellites and secondary constrictions. Generic resemblance and specific peculiarities of Lonicera karyotypes indicate a common center of the blue honeysuckle origin and a common initial population of karyotypes which evolved into several phylogenetic branches of the Caeruleae subsection: the Central Asiatic--L. iliensis and L. stenantha; the Siberian--L. altaica, L. edulis, and L. pallasii; the Beringian--L. emphyllocalyx, L. kamtschatica, and L. villosa; the Manchurian--L. boczkarnikowii (L. regeliana), and L. turczaninowii.

  Studies on the floral morphology of Flos Lonicerae.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2002 Dec;25(12):854-9. Chinese.Pu Z, Xing J, Li P, Liu T, Wang Z.China Pharmacentical University, Nanjing 210009.

 Pollen grains, petal, corolla tube and stigma of two species of Flos Lonicerae from 11 habitats in China were examined by the light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The difference between the species, Lonicera japonica and L. hypoglauca, existed in the pollen grains, colporates, exines and the omamentations. Characteristics obviously varied in different species and were closely related to geographic distribution among the species. The results might provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation of Genuine Crude Drug, and for the identification of varieties.

  Anti-inflammatory effect of Lonicera japonica in proteinase-activated receptor 2-mediated paw edema.:Clin Chim Acta. 2003 Apr;330(1-2):165-71.Tae J, Han SW, Yoo JY, Kim JA, Kang OH, Baek OS, Lim JP, Kim DK, Kim YH, Bae KH, Lee YM.Department of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 570-749, South Korea.

 BACKGROUND: Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae) has long been used for treatment of infectious diseases. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of L. japonica water extract (AELJ) were investigated in proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2)-mediated mouse paw edema. METHODS: Paw edema was induced by injection of trypsin or trans-cinnamoyl-LIGRLO-NH(2) (tc-NH(2)) into hindpaw of mice. AELJ (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was orally administered 1 h before induction of inflammation. RESULTS: At doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, the AELJ showed significant inhibition of both change in paw thickness and vascular permeability. The AELJ (100 mg/kg) also significantly inhibited PAR2 agonists-induced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha expression in paw tissue. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that AELJ has an anti-inflammatory action for PAR2-mediated paw edema.

  Loniceroside C, an antiinflammatory saponin from Lonicera japonica.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2003 Mar;51(3):333-5.Kwak WJ, Han CK, Chang HW, Kim HP, Kang SS, Son KH.SK Chemicals Ltd., Suwon, Korea.

 A new triterpenoid saponin, loniceroside C was isolated from the aerial parts of Lonicera japonica. Its structure was established to be 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester by spectroscopic techniques and chemical transformations. Loniceroside C showed in vivo antiinflammatory activity against mouse ear edema provoked by croton oil.

  Comparative study on volatile oils in flower and stem of Lonicera japonica.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2002 Jul;25(7):476-7. Chinese.Li H, Zhang Z, Li P.China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210038.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the volatile oils in flower and stem of Lonicera japonica. Thunb. METHOD: GC-MS. RESULTS: 36 constituents are isolated and identified in all, of which 28 from Flos Lonicerace and 26 from Caulis Lonicerae. 18 compounds are found simultaneously in both crude drugs and they account for 85.23%, 83.42%, respectively. Palmatic acid and linoleic acid are the highest principles. CONCLUSION: The volatile oils are highly similar to each other.


  Chemical constituents of essential oils from the dried flower buds of Lonicera similis.:Zhong Yao Cai. 1999 Nov;22(11):574-6. Chinese.Wang T, Li Y.School of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041.

 The chemical constituents of essential oils from the dried flower buds of Lonicera similis Hemsl. were analyzed by GC/MS for the first time. 94 chemical compounds were identified and the total content of the identified constituents in the essential oils was 88.72%. The percentage of each constituent was given.

  Studies on chemical constituents in dried buds of Lonicera similis Hemsl.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Jan;26(1):45-7. Chinese.Li YM, Wang TZ, Wang ZX.School of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents in the dried buds of Lonicera similis. METHOD: Chromatography and spectral analysis were used to isolate and elucidate the constituents. RESULT: Nine compounds were isolated from the dried buds of L. similis, and identified as caffeic acid; 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid; chlorogenic acid; palmitic acid; luteolin; quercetin; beta-sitosterol; nonacosanol; nonacosane. CONCLUSION: All the compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time.

  Influence of drug compatibility on extractive retes of chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid in simiaoyonglan tang decoction.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Nov;24(11):694-6, 704. Chinese.Xi X, Liu G.Guiyang College of TCM, Guiyang 550002.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of drug compatibility on the extractive rates of chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid in Simiaoyonglan Tang (SMYAT) decoction. METHOD: The contents of chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid in SMYAT decoction, Flos Lonicerae and Flos Lonicerae in combination with other single drugs were determined by TLC-UV spectrophotometry respectively. The data from this experiment were treated statistically. RESULTS: The contents of chlorogenic acid in other five prescriptions of different compatibilities decreased markedly in comparison with those in Flos Lonicera¨¦s decoction (P < 0.01). The content of isochlorogenic acid in SMYAT decoction as a whole was about the same as thar in Flos Lonicera¨¦s decoction, but decreased significantly in other prescriptions of different compatibilities (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Drug compatibility is one of the main causes for changes of chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid contents in SMYAT decoction.

  Hepatoprotective effect of several constituents of Lonicera fulvotomentosa hsu et S. C. cheng, and L. macranthoide Hand.-Mazz. on CC1(4) and D-galactosamine induced liver injuries in mice and rats.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Jun;24(6):363-4, 384. Chinese.Shi J, Chen X, Wan L.Guizhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550002.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the hepatoprotective effect of several constituents of Lonicera fulvotomentosa and L. macranthoide on CC1(4) and D-Galactosamine induced liver injury in mice and rats. METHOD: Mice and rats were given s.c. several constituents of L. fulvotomentosa and L. macranthoide, sGPT, hepatic triglycerides(TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. RESULTS: All the compounds reduced the rise of sGPT and TG induced by CC1(4) and D-Galactosamine. Hepatic MDA formation caused by CC1(4) was also significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Several constituents of L. fulvotomentosa and L. macranthoide are effective in decreasing CC1(4) and D-Galactosamine-induced liver injuries, and this effect appears to be due to the decrease of lipid peroxidation of CC1(4).

  Studies on the constituents of Lonicera species. XVII. New iridoid glycosides of the stems and leaves of Lonicera japonica THUNB.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2002 Aug;50(8):1041-4.

 Four new iridoid glycosides, named L-phenylalaninosecologanin (1), 7-O-(4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3-methoxybenzoyl)secologanolic acid (2), 6'-O-(7alpha-hydroxyswerosyloxy)loganin (3) and (Z)-aldosecologanin (5), were isolated, together with a known one, newly named (E)-aldosecologanin (4), from the stems and leaves of Lonicera japonica. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral data.


  Honeysuckle contact dermatitis.:Cutis. 1993 Jun;51(6):424.Webster RM.

 A case report and discussion of linear itchy raised blisters on the wrist of a patient that pulled Hall's honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica holliana) is presented.

  Fatal poisoning of sheep by Galega officinalis (French honeysuckle).:Vet Hum Toxicol. 1981 Dec;23(6):410-2.Puyt JD, Faliu L, Keck G, Gedfrain JC, Pinault L, Tainturier D.

 Three cases of rare acute poisonings due to Galega officinalis L. (French honeysuckle) have been recorded in France. This plant poisoning, which generally occurs in summer, is characterized by an asphyxic syndrome which leads to death within hours. A voluminous hydrothorax is observed during post mortem examination. The toxic mechanism is yet to be established.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Honeysuckle flower