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Definition:Rhubarb Root are majorly composed of
Chemical information disclosed as following table:
Research Update: Rhubarb Root.
Aloe-emodin induces in vitro G2/M arrest and alkaline phosphatase activation in human oral cancer KB cells:Oral Oncol. 2007 Jan 24;Xiao B, Guo J, Liu D, Zhang S.School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
Aloe-emodin is a natural anthraquinone compound from the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum. In this study, KB cells were treated with 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40muM aloe-emodin for 1 to 5 days. The results showed that aloe-emodin inhibited cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with aloe-emodin at 10 to 40muM resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in KB cells increased upon treatment with aloe-emodin when compared to controls. This is one of the first studies to focus on the expression of ALP in human oral carcinomas cells treated with aloe-emodin. These results indicate that aloe-emodin has anti-cancer effect on oral cancer, which may lead to its use in chemotherapy and chemopreventment of oral cancer.
The special extract ERr 731 of the roots of Rheum rhaponticum decreases anxiety and improves health state and general well-being in perimenopausal women.:Menopause. 2007 Mar-Apr;14(2):270-83.Kaszkin-Bettag M, Ventskovskiy BM, Kravchenko A, Rettenberger R, Richardson A, Heger PW, Heger M.Health Research Services Ltd., St. Leon-Rot, Germany. marietta.kaszkin@h-r-s.biz
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of the special extract ERr 731 from the roots of Rheum rhaponticum compared with placebo on anxiety, health state, and general well-being in perimenopausal women. DESIGN: This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, in which 109 perimenopausal women with climacteric complaints and anxiety received either 1 enteric coated tablet of ERr 731 (n=54) or placebo (n=55) daily for 12 weeks. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Menopause Rating Scale II, the Women's Health Questionnaire, and the Psychological General Well-Being Index were used to measure anxiety, health state, and subjective psychological well-being. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that ERr 731 is highly effective in reducing anxiety in perimenopausal women compared with placebo. After 12 weeks, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale total score decreased significantly with ERr 731 (from 27.5+/-6.8 to 9.4+/-4.2 points) compared with placebo (from 25.1+/-6.0 to 21.6+/-8.6 points). ERr 731 also reduced the Hamilton Anxiety Scale factor scores for somatic and psychic anxiety. After 12 weeks, a reduction in the severity of anxiety from "moderate" or "severe" to "slight" was observed in 33 of 39 ERr 731 women completing the double-blind phase, which correlated well with the reduction in number and severity of hot flushes. This was reflected by a high rate of ERr 731 women reporting a marked improvement in health state and general well-being. CONCLUSIONS: ERr 731 is an effective medication for women with menopause-related anxiety and improves their health state and general well-being.
Trial of Essiac to ascertain its effect in women with breast cancer (TEA-BC).:J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):971-80.Zick SM, Sen A, Feng Y, Green J, Olatunde S, Boon H.Integrative Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1555, USA. szick@umich.edu
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and medical expenditures among women in Canada. Essiac (Resperin Canada Limited, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), a blend of at least four herbs (burdock root [Arctium lappa], Indian rhubarb [Rheum palmatum], sheep sorrel [Rumex acetosella], and the inner bark of slippery elm [Ulmus fulva or U. rubra]), has become one of the more popular herbal remedies for breast-cancer treatment, secondary prevention, improving quality of life, and controlling negative side-effects of conventional breast-cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine the difference in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), as assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Breast Cancer Version, between women who are new Essiac users (since breast cancer diagnosis) and those who have never used Essiac. Secondary endpoints included differences in depression, anxiety, fatigue, rate of adverse events, and prevalence of complications or benefits associated with Essiac during standard breast-cancer treatment. Additionally, we described the pattern of use of Essiac in this cohort of women. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study in 510 women, randomly chosen from the Ontario Cancer Tumour Registry, with a diagnosis of primary breast cancer in 2003. RESULTS: With the exception changes in a Physical well-being subscale and a relationship with doctor subscale, Essiac did not have a significant effect on HR-QOL or mood states. Even for Physical well-being and relationship with doctor, Essiac seemed to have a negative effect, with Essiac users doing worse than the non-Essiac users. This might be attributed to the fact that the group of users comprised younger women with more advanced stages of breast cancer, and both of these subgroups of patients have been shown to be at a significantly increased risk for negative mood states and/or a decreased sense of well-being. The women were taking low doses (total daily dose 43.6 +/- 30.8 mL) of Essiac that corresponded to the label directions found on most Essiac products. Friends were the most common source of information, and most women were taking Essiac to boost their immune systems or increase their chances of survival. Only 2 women reported minor adverse events, whereas numerous women reported beneficial effects of Essiac. CONCLUSIONS: Essiac does not appear to improve HR-QOL or mood states. Future studies are needed to determine whether other clinical outcomes, such as cancer reoccurrence, are affected by Essiac.
Growth inhibitory effects of gastric cancer cells with an increase in S phase and alkaline phosphatase activity repression by aloe-emodin.:Cancer Biol Ther. 2007 Jan;6(1):85-8.Guo J, Xiao B, Zhang S, Liu D, Liao Y, Sun Q.School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China. junmingguo@yahoo.com
Aloe-emodin is a novel active compound found in the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of aloe-emodin on human gastric cancer, MGC-803 cells were treated with 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 microM aloe-emodin for 1-5 d. The results showed that aloe-emodin inhibited the growth of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with an increase in S phase and in the proportion of cells cycling at a higher ploidy level (>G2/M). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, an indicator of cell differentiation, was found decreased. This is one of the first to focus on the effect of ALP activity in human gastric carcinomas cells treated by aloe-emodin. These results indicate that aloe-emodin has a potential value for the treatment of gastric cancer and its mechanisms are by means of cell cycle interruption and induce differentiation.
Induction of hairy roots and anthraquinone production in Rheum palmatum.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Sep;31(18):1496-9. Chinese.Yang SH, Liu XF, Guo DA, Zhen JH.College of Chinese Medicinal Material, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China. jlyangs@yahoo.com.cn
OBJECTIVE: To study the induction of hairy roots and anthraquinone production in Rheum palmatum. METHOD: Leaf blades, hypocotyls and petioles of R. palmatum were infected by Agrobacterium rhizogenes LBA9402 and A. rhizogenes R1601, respectively. RESULT: Hairy roots were induced by two strains of A. rhizogenes, and LBA9402 showed stronger infective ability than R1601. Three clones of hairy roots were cultured. DH7a was induced by R1601, DH5a and DH5c were induced by LBA9402. DH7a grew faster than DH5a and DH5c, and all of them grew faster obviously than normal root (NOR). There were significant differences in anthraquinone composition and content among four kinds of roots. Emodin physcion and chrysophanol were predominant anthraquinone in DH5a, DH5c and NOR respectivly. Aloe-emodin content was the lowest in all root cultures compared with other four anthraquinones. CONCLUSION: The in vitro culture system of the established hairy roots laid a foundation for mass production of anthraquinone by hairy root culture.
Vasorelaxant effect of stilbenes from rhizome extract of rhubarb (Rheum undulatum) on the contractility of rat aorta.:Phytother Res. 2007 Feb;21(2):186-9.Yoo MY, Oh KS, Lee JW, Seo HW, Yon GH, Kwon DY, Kim YS, Ryu SY, Lee BH.Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejon, 305-343, Korea.
The vascular relaxant effect of the rhizome extract of Rheum undulatum was evaluated with isolated rat thoracic aorta preparations. The methanol extract of the rhizome induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic preparations precontracted with 0.3 microm phenylephrine (EC50 value: 5.8 microg/mL). The activity-guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of seven hydroxystilbene components as active principles, i.e. piceatannol, resveratrol, desoxyrhapontigenin, rhapontigenin, piceid, rhaponticin and epsilon-viniferin. Of these, piceatannol, a tetrahydroxystilbene, exhibited the most potent vascular relaxant effect in rat aortic preparations (EC50 value 2.4 microm). The vasorelaxant effect of piceatannol on endothelium-intact aorta rings was diminished completely by the removal of functional endothelium or by pretreatment of the aortic tissues with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. These results suggest that piceatannol may be the major mediator responsible for the vasorelaxing properties of the rhizome extract of Rheum undulatum and the vasorelaxant effects of the piceatannol may be mediated via endothelium-dependent nitric oxide signaling pathway.
Study on separation and purification of anthraquinones in radix et rhizoma rhei by D301 macroporous resin.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Jul;31(14):1163-5. Chinese.Xu HL, Chen J, Shao JZ, Sun Y, Zhang CZ.Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China. xhl4201@sina.com
OBJECTIVE: The parameters of absorption and purification of total anthraquinones in Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei by D301 macroporous resin were investigated in this paper. METHOD: HPLC was used to analyze the content of total anthraquinones in Radix Et Rhizoma with emodin as control. RESULT: The appropriate adsorption conditions were: concentration of extract 0.5 g x mL(-1); pH 9; flow rate 1 BV x h(-1). When the 75% ethanol was used as elution and the concentration of HCl was 0.1 mol x L(-1), and the flow rate was 1.0 BV x h(-1), the effect of desorption was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: D301 resin provided a good effect on the exchang and absorption of total anthraquinones in Radix Et Rhizoma.
Studies on characteristics of absorption and separation of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription by macroporous resin.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Aug;31(15):1237-40. Chinese.Wang GS, Hou SX, Zhu H, Mao SJ, Bi YQ.West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu.
OBJECTIVE: Study the characteristics of absorption and separation of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription using macroporous resin. METHOD: Study the techniquecs and characteristics of absorption and separation of a sample by macroporous resin, which is composed of coptis root, rhubarb and common anemarrhena rhizome, containing alkaloid, anthraquinone and saponin. RESULT: It is proved by qualitative and quantitative researches studies that after absorbed and separated by optimized technics process, most prime effective components or section fractions in traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription can be reserved maintained. CONLUSION: If the techniquecs of separation is properly designed, the same kind of macropore resin can absorbd and separate various effective components or section in traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription which have with different chemical structures efficiently.
Study on the selection of crude drugs of rhubarb dispensing granule.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Apr;29(4):381-3. Chinese.Li M, Liu Y, Li LX, Sun P.School of Pharamcy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
OBJECTIVE: To research and choose the best crude drugs of Rhubarb dispensing granule. METHODS: According to standard method from the eighth edition of China pharmacopoeia, determined and compared the contents of TLC, water, total ash, acid insoluble ash, extractives, total anthraquinones, rhein, emodin and chrysophanol of Rhubarb in diffrent producing areas and species. RESULTS: The Contents of Rheum palmatum from Rhubarb GAP base in Ganzhi state were higher than others and the drug yield was large. CONCLUSION: This species are chosen to be the crude drugs for Rhubarb dispensing granule. The preliminary study provides the scientific grounds for next study about establishment of quality criteria.
In vitro anti-cariogenic activity of dichloromethane fraction from Rheum undulatum L. root.:Arch Pharm Res. 2006 Jun;29(6):490-6.Song JH, Yang TC, Chang KW, Han SK, Yi HK, Jeon JG.Department of Preventive Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
This study aimed to evaluate in vitro effects of Rheum undulatum L. root on the development of dental caries, especially its effects on viability, dental plaque formation, and glycolytic acid production of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Methanol extract of Rheum undulatum L. root and its fractions were prepared and tested. Among the test extract and fractions, dichloromethane fraction (DF) showed the most active antibacterial activity (inhibition zone: 13-17 mm) against S. mutans and S. sobrinus in a disc diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of DF against these bacteria ranged from 0.25 to 0.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, DF significantly inhibited the caries-inducing factors of these bacteria. At sub-MIC levels, DF inhibited in vitro dental plaque formation by S. mutans and S. sobrinus (IC50= 0.079 and 0.142 mg/mL, respectively), which was caused, in part, by the inhibitory effect on the activity of glucosyltransferases. A significant reduction of glycolytic acid production was found at the concentration as low as 0.032 mg/mL for S. mutans and 0.063 mg/mL for S. sobrinus. The possible bioactive compounds that are inducing in vitro anti-cariogenic activity of DF are unknown. Based on the preliminary phytochemical analysis, the activity of DF may be related to the presence of anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, coumarines, sterols/terpenes, and phenolics. These results indicate that DF is probably useful for the control of dental plaque formation and subsequent dental caries development.
Emodin blocks the SARS coronavirus spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 interaction.:Antiviral Res. 2007 May;74(2):92-101. Epub 2006 May 15.Ho TY, Wu SL, Chen JC, Li CC, Hsiang CY.Molecular Biology Laboratory, Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS-CoV spike (S) protein, a type I membrane-bound protein, is essential for the viral attachment to the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). By screening 312 controlled Chinese medicinal herbs supervised by Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy at Taiwan, we identified that three widely used Chinese medicinal herbs of the family Polygonaceae inhibited the interaction of SARS-CoV S protein and ACE2. The IC(50) values for Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (the root tubers of Rheum officinale Baill.), Radix Polygoni multiflori (the root tubers of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.), and Caulis Polygoni multiflori (the vines of P. multiflorum Thunb.) ranged from 1 to 10 microg/ml. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound derived from genus Rheum and Polygonum, significantly blocked the S protein and ACE2 interaction in a dose-dependent manner. It also inhibited the infectivity of S protein-pseudotyped retrovirus to Vero E6 cells. These findings suggested that emodin may be considered as a potential lead therapeutic agent in the treatment of SARS.
Nephrotoxicity study of total rhubarb anthraquinones on Sprague Dawley rats using DNA microarrays.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Sep 19;107(2):308-11. Epub 2006 Apr 15.Yan M, Zhang LY, Sun LX, Jiang ZZ, Xiao XH.National Drug Screening Laboratory, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 1 ShenNong Road, E-04#, Nanjing City, 210038 Jiangsu Province, China.
Total rhubarb anthraquinones (TRAs) are the active therapeutic components from the rhizomes of Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae), which are widely used in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and have been reported to have cell toxicity recently. This study focuses on the toxicity of TRAs on Sprague Dawley (S.D.) rats. TRAs administrated per os for 13 weeks induced nephrotoxicity on S.D. rats as renal tubule epithelial cells swelled and denatured in tissue slice examination. After high-density oligonucleotide microarrays scanning, we have identified mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 6 to be the target gene which causes cell cycle arrest and proliferation inhibition and contributes to nephrotoxicity on S.D. rats.
Current situation of the study on treatment of bacteria translocation with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Mar;26(3):277-80. Chinese.Geng YS, Wang JT.Western Medicine GENG Yu-shan and WANG Jia-tai Internal Medicine Department, Dagang Hospital, Tianjin (300270). gyshandgyt@yahoo.com.cn
Bacteria translocation (BT) induced enterogenous infection in multiple organs dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is closely related with the stress pyemia and MODS. For prevention of BT, western medicine stresses to improve the blood and oxygen supply of intestinal tract, mucosa protection, and application of microorganism preparation, while traditional Chinese medicine could also win good effect by using such drugs as rhubarb, red sage root, and compound decoctions.
Studies on chemical constituents of Rheum glabricaule.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Aug;28(8):658-60.Wei Y, Wu X, Zhang C, Li C.Department of Pharmacy, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou.
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical Constituents in the root of Rheum glabricaule. METHODS: Compounds were isolated by various column chromatographies with sillica gel. Their structures were identified by spectral analysis (MS, 1HNMR, 13 CNMR) and chemical evidences. RESULTS: Seven compounds were isolated from this plant, including n-hexacosnic acid (I), palmitic acid (II), daucosterol (III), chrysophanol-8-Me ether (IV), citreorosein (V), chrysophanol 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (VI) and 2,5-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone (VII). CONCLUSION: All above compounds are obtained from this plant for the first time.
Determination and locational variations in the quantity of hydroxyanthraquinones and their glycosides in rhizomes of Rheum emodi using high-performance liquid chromatography.:J Chromatogr A. 2005 Dec 2;1097(1-2):59-65. Epub 2005 Oct 19.Verma SC, Singh NP, Sinha AK.Natural Plant Products Division, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR), Post Box No. 6, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176061, India.
Locational variations in the quantity of five hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives (emodin glycoside (1), chrysophanol glycoside (2), emodin (3), chrysophanol (4) and physcion (5)) in the rhizomes of Rheum emodi are described. A simple and reliable method was developed for quantitation of compounds (1-5) in the methanolic extract of rhizomes of R. emodi using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photo-diode array detector (PDA). The separation was carried out using a Purospher((R))-Star RP-18 e column (4.6mm i.d.x 250 mm, 5 microm) under the following conditions: acetonitrile:methanol (95:5, v/v) (solvent A) and water:acetic acid (99.9:0.1, v/v) (solvent B) as mobile phase with a linear gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 290 nm. Regression equation revealed a linear relationship (r(2)>0.9901) between the mass of hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives injected and the peak areas. The detection limits (S/N=3) ranged from 0.56 to 3.50 ng/mL and the recoveries ranged from 95.7 to 103.5% for five hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives. Compound 2 was found in maximum quantity (up to 2.23%) in the rhizomes from all the three locations (L(1), L(2) and L(3)) while compound 5 was found in the least quantity (up to 0.19%).
A novel approach to estimate in vitro antibacterial potency of Chinese medicine using a concentration-killing curve method.:Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(4):671-82.Liu YQ, Zhang YZ, Sun CY, Gao PJ.Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan 250100, China.
The antibacterial pharmacodynamics against E. coli of Chinese medicine (CM) Rhizoma coptidis (Coptis Root) and its formula Sanhuang, and the control antibiotics enoxacin, were analyzed by a concentration-killing curve (CKC) approach, and the novel parameters BC50 and r for antibacterial potency were proposed. Using the agar plate method, about 400 cells of E. coli were evenly inoculated into LB agar plates containing a series of different concentrations of CM or antibiotic, and after a 24 hour incubation at 37 degrees C, all the viable colonies were enumerated. This resulted in a sigmoid concentration-killing curve , in which No, that could be closely fitted (R2 > 0.9) with the function: N = 1 + e(r(x-BC50))/N0 in which N0, BC50 and r represent meaningfully inoculums size, median bactericidal concentration, and bactericidal intensity, respectively. N modeled the survival of colony-forming units on each plate (CFU/plate) in a concentration series x of the drug. The CKC was symmetrical about its single inflexion (BC50, N0/2). Therefore theoretically, 2BC50 can replace MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration). BC1 = BC50 + r/ln(N0-1), the drug concentration at r which only one colony survived, was the least critical value of MBC in CKC. The parameters 2BC50 and BC1 agreed more closely with the definition of MBC, and were little affected by either the biochemical basis of the antibacterial or the inoculum's size (200-400 CFU/plate), and were determined by a multi-point curve. As a result, these were more accurate, reproducible and practical as metrics than was the endpoint of MBC. The two-dimensional CKC, involving BC50 and r, captures the intrinsic dynamics of the antibacterial effect of CM/strain versus concentration, and it is consistent with the Logistic equation of the bacterial growth curve in the format. This verified approach has considerable value as a tool for the accurate and proper administration of CM. The CKC of CM, different from that of antibiotics, is likely to be the resultant force of each ingredient in certain CM, which provides a clue to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Influence of processing rhubarb on it's anthraquinone contents.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Jun;30(12):904-6, 943. Chinese.Li XD, Huang LQ.Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, BeJing 100700, China. maoshujie@163.com
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of processing of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei on it's five anthraquinone components, and to develop a HPLC quantatitive method for these components in Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. METHOD: Chromatographic conditions are as follow: Kromasil-C18 (4.6 mmx 150 mm, 5 microm) column, ethanol -H2O-H3PO4 (85:15:0.1) as mobile phase and the detection wavelength at 254 nm. RESULT: The average recoveries are 97.9% (aleo-emodin), 97.1% (rhein), 97.6% (emodin), 97.4% (chrysophanol) and 99.1% (physcion). RSD are 1.4%, 1.1%, 0.9%, 1.1% and 2.2% correspondingly. After processing, the contents of five anthraquinone aglycones descended compared with the crude material, the descending percentage are 15.9% (aleo-emodin), 28.0% (rhein), 25.8% (emodin), 10.0% (chrysophanol) and 10.3% (physcion). CONCLUSION: This method is simple, sensitive and repeatable. It' canbeased for quality control of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and it's processed products.
In Vitro culture studies of FlorEssence on human tumor cell lines.:Phytother Res. 2005 Feb;19(2):107-12.Tai J, Cheung S.Center for Complementary Medicine Research, BC's Research Institute for Children's and Women's Health, Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Canada. jtai@interchange.ubc.ca
FlorEssence (FE) is an herbal tea widely used by patients to treat chronic conditions in North America, particularly cancer patients during chemo- and radiation therapy. Although individual components of FE have antioxidant, antiestrogenic, immunostimulant and antitumor properties, in vitro evidence of anticancer activity for the herbal tea itself is still lacking. We studied the antiproliferative effect of FE on MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 human breast cancer, and Jurkat and K562 leukemia cell lines. We found that FE significantly inhibited the proliferation of both breast and leukemia cells in vitro only at high concentrations, with 50% inhibition of MDA-MB-468 cells at about 1[sol ]20 dilution, Jurkat cells at about 1[sol ]10 dilution and MCF7 and K562 cells at less than 1[sol ]10 dilution. Flow cytometry analysis showed that treatment with a high concentration of FE induced G2[sol ]M arrest in MCF7 and Jurkat cells, with also an increased SubG0[sol ]G1 fraction in MCF7 cells. MDA-MB-468 cells showed a significantly increased Sub G0[sol ]G1 fraction after treatment with 1[sol ]10 dilution of FE while the cell cycle of K562 was unaffected. When MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells were treated with a combination of FE with either paclitaxel or cisplatin, results showed that only the combination of 1[sol ]20 dilution of FE with 0.5 microM cisplatin resulted in a small but significantly higher MCF7 cell survival than 0.5 microM cisplatin treatment alone. FE at 1[sol ]20 and 1[sol ]50 dilutions did not affect the antiproliferative properties of these two commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. The results suggest that FE at high concentrations show differential inhibitory effect on different human cancer cell lines. Further studies are needed to assess the biological activities of FE.
Effects of rhubarb on isolated gastric muscle strips of guinea pigs.:World J Gastroenterol. 2005 May 7;11(17):2670-3.Yu M, Luo YL, Zheng JW, Ding YH, Li W, Zheng TZ, Qu SY.Department of Physiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China.
AIM: To study the effects of rhubarb (dried root of Rheum officinale Baill.) on contractile activity of isolated gastric muscle strips of guinea pigs and its possible mechanism. METHODS: A total of 48 guinea pigs were killed to remove the whole stomach. Then, the stomach was opened and the mucosal layer was removed. Parallel to the circular fibers, muscle strips were cut from the body. Each isolated gastric muscle strip was suspended in a tissue chamber containing 5 mL Krebs solution, constantly warmed by water jacket at 37 degrees and bubbled continuously with a mixed gas of 950 mL/L O2 and 50 mL/L CO2. After being incubated for 1 h with 1 g tension, rhubarb of varied concentrations (1%, 2%, 7%, 20% and 70%) was added cumulatively into the tissue chamber at intervals of 2 min. Atropine (10(-6) mol/L) or isoptin (5 x 10(-8) mol/L) or hexamethonium (10(-5) mol/L) was given 2 min before the administration of rhubarb. The isometrical response was measured with an ink-writing recorder. RESULTS: Rhubarb dose dependently increased the resting tension of gastric body circular muscle (CM) (r = 0.726, P<0.05). Atropine (r = 0.829, P<0.05), isoptin (r = 0.764, P<0.05) and hexamethonium (r = 0.797, P<0.05) did not affect its action in a dose-related manner. Atropine apparently reduced the increasing action of 1%, 3%, 10%, 30% and 100% rhubarb on the resting tension of gastric body CM. Isoptin inhibited the effect of 10%, 30% and 100% rhubarb on the resting tension of gastric body CM. Hexamethonium reduced the increasing action of 1%, 10%, 30% and 100% rhubarb on the resting tension of gastric body CM. Rhubarb increased the contractile frequency of CM of body. While atropine, isoptin and hexamethonium did not inhibit the contractile frequency of gastric body CM in comparison with rhubarb at the same concentration, rhubarb at the highest concentration (100%) decreased the mean contractile amplitude of gastric body CM. Atropine, isoptin and hexamethonium did not affect the mean contractile amplitude of gastric body CM compared to rhubarb at the same concentration. CONCLUSION: Rhubarb has exciting actions on isolated gastric smooth muscle strips of guinea pig. The exciting action of rhubarb is partly mediated via cholinergic M receptor, cholinergic N receptor and L-type calcium channel.
Herbal medicine Rhei rhizome prevents liver fibrosis in rat liver cirrhosis induced by a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet.:Life Sci. 2005 Apr 29;76(24):2805-16.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether herbal medicine Rhei rhizome, extract powder from herbs, has influences on the development of liver fibrosis. In in vivo studies the effects of Rhei rhizome were examined using the choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet-induced liver fibrosis model. In In vitro studies the effects of Rhei rhizome on type I procollagen mRNA expression, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) of isolated hepatic stellate cell were examined. In vivo Rhei rhizome prevented fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner up to 1.0% (w/w) with a reduced number of activated stellate cells. In vitro the Rhei rhizome prevented stellate cell activation resulting in reduced type I procollagen mRNA, alpha-SMA and TIMP-1, 2 expression. These results indicate that Rhei rhizome significantly reduces liver fibrosis by the direct inhibition of stellate cell activation without reducing hepatocyte cell death.
Determination of sennoside A in rhubarb extracts by HPLC.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Dec;27(12):950-1. Chinese.Zheng Z, Zhu C.Guangdong Pharmaceutical Association, Guangzhou.
OBJECTIVE: To determine sennoside A in rhubarb extracts by solvent extraction and SFE-CO2. METHODS: Sennoside A was extracted by ultrasonic vibration. The analytical column was Allitima RP C18 (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% TFA-HCN (44:56). The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. The UV detector wavelength was 280 nm and the reference wavelength was 600 nm. The column temperature was 25 degrees C. RESULT: Considering the extracting rate of sennoside A, solvent extraction was better than SFE-CO2.
A new tactic to treat postprandial hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats with gastroparesis by improving gastrointestinal transit.:Eur J Pharmacol. 2005 Mar 7;510(1-2):113-20.Xie W, Xing D, Zhao Y, Su H, Meng Z, Chen Y, Du L.Institute of Medicinal Plant, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094, China.
Improvement of gastrointestinal transit was thought to be a new tactic to treat postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic individuals with gastroparesis. Diabetic gastroparesis, lipid load testing, and the effect of domperidone or aqueous extract of rhizomes of Rheum palmatum L. on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia were evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan diabetic animals had a slow gastrointestinal transit, together with delayed and exaggerated postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, after oral administration of olive oil, which was significantly improved after oral administration of domperidone or R. palmatum L. However, atropine could prevent the effects of R. palmatum L. The reduced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia was highly correlated with the improvement in gastrointestinal transit. These results suggest that promotion of gastrointestinal transit may be useful for the treatment of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic patients with gastroparesis. R. palmatum L. may become a new choice for these patients since it has more potential benefits than domperidone.
Clinical study on treatment of mid-advanced crescentic nephritis by qingre huoxue recipe.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 Dec;24(12):1084-6. Chinese.Deng YY, Chen YP, Wang L, Hu Z, Jin Y, Shen L, Zhu R, Zhong Y.Department of Nephrology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200032. yueyideng@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of integrative Chinese and Western medicine in treating mid-advanced crescentic nephritis (MACN). METHODS: Thirty-two patients, their diagnosis was confirmed as MACN by renal biopsy, were divided, adopting randomized, controlled method, into two groups, the treated group and the control group, they were all, excepting one, treated with impact therapy of methyl-prednisolone followed with oral intake of prednisone, to part of them cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil was given in addition, to those with hypo-hemoglobin (< 90 g/L), subcutaneous injection of erythropoietin was administered. Decoction of Qingre Huoxue recipe (QHR), consisted of oldenlandia herb 30 g, honey-suckle stem 30 g, violet herb 30 g, red peony root 15 g, rehmannia root 15 g, solomonseal rhizome 15 g, asiabell root 30 g, red sage root 30 g, prepared rhubarb 12 g and giant-hyssop herb 12 g, were additionally given one dose per day to patients in the treated group. The renal function, improvement of anemia and immunosuppressive agents needed in patients were observed after 3 months treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, renal function was improved in both groups, but the effect in the treated group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Anemia was partially alleviated in the two groups with no significant difference. The dosage of glucocorticoids used in the treated group was obviously lesser than that used in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Integrative Chinese and western medicine could treat crescentic nephritis to obtain good effect, and reduce the quantity of glucocorticoid necessity for treatment.
Antioxidant phenolic constituents in roots of Rheum officinale and Rubia cordifolia: structure-radical scavenging activity relationships.:J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 29;52(26):7884-90.Cai Y, Sun M, Xing J, Corke H.Departments of Botany and Zoology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
The phenolic constituents in the roots of Rheum officinale and Rubia cordifolia were identified with the aid of high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and by comparison with authentic standards. A total of 17 hydroxyanthraquinones, gallic acid, and tannins were separated, and 14 of them were identified, being the main phenolic constituents present. Their antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) was evaluated using the improved 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt method. Hydroxyanthraquinones were the predominant antioxidant phenolic constituents in the roots of R. cordifolia, and tannins and gallic acid were the predominant antioxidant phenolic constituents in the roots of R. officinale. The structure-radical scavenging activity relationships of the tested hydroxyanthraquinones were systematically demonstrated as follows: Hydroxy groups on one benzene ring of the anthraquinone structure were essential for hydroxyanthraquinones to show activity, the ortho-dihydroxy structure in the hydroxyanthraquinone molecules could greatly enhance their radical scavenging effect, and glycosylation of the hydroxyanthraquinones reduced activity.
The inhibitive effects of the ethanol extract from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei on the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Jun;27(6):419-21. Chinese.Liu N, Zhu B, Huang Z, Zhu Y, Chen Q, Guo X, Li G.Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405.
OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-HBV effects of the ethanol extract from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. METHODS: The influence of the ethanol extract from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei on the secretion of HBeAg and HBsAg was observed through the culture of the 2.2.15 cell with the ethanol extract. RESULTS: 11 days after the ethanol extract's action on the 2.2.15 cell, its 50% concentration dose (CD50) is 39.69 g/L; inhibiting dose (ID50) to HBsAg and HBeAg are 3.29 g/L and 2.34 g/L respectively, and TI 12.06 and 16.96 respectively. CONCLUSION: The ethanol extract from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei can markedly inhibit the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in 2.2.25 cell lines.
Anti-allergic activity of stilbenes from Korean rhubarb (Rheum undulatum L.): structure requirements for inhibition of antigen-induced degranulation and their effects on the release of TNF-alpha and IL-4 in RBL-2H3 cells.
.:Bioorg Med Chem. 2004 Sep 15;12(18):4871-6.
Stilbenes isolated from the rhizomes of Rheum undulatum (Korean rhubarb) and the related compounds were investigated on their anti-allergic activities. The results revealed that 3,5,4'-trimethylpiceatannol exhibited the most potent inhibition against beta-hexosaminidase release as a marker of degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells with IC(50) of 2.1 microM, followed by trimethylresveratrol (IC(50)=5.1 microM). Structural requirements of stilbenes for the activity are as follows: (1) The oxygen functions (-OCH(3), -OH), especially methoxyl groups, are essential and their positions on aromatic rings are important for the activity; (2) the alpha-beta double bond increased the activity; (3) the glycoside moiety dramatically decreased the activity; and (4) the substitution group at the 3'-position in trimethylresveratrol (3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene) was preferably OH>H>OCH(3) for the activity. Several active stilbenes (piceatannol, 3,5,4'-trimethylpiceatannol, resveratrol, trimethylresveratrol) also inhibited ionomycin-induced beta-hexosaminidase release, suggesting that inhibition of Ca(2+) influx or degranulation mechanisms after Ca(2+) influx is important for their activities. Piceatannol, 3,5,4'-trimethylpiceatannol, resveratrol, and trimethylresveratrol also significantly inhibited antigen-induced release of TNF-alpha and IL-4 in RBL-2H3 cells.
Anthrone C-glucosides from Rheum emodi.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2004 Apr;52(4):391-3.Krenn L, Pradhan R, Presser A, Reznicek G, Kopp B.Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Austira. liselotte.krenn@univie.ac.at
In a study of the anthraderivatives in roots of Rheum emodi, three new anthrone C-glucosides, named 10-hydroxycascaroside C (1), 10-hydroxycascaroside D (2) and 10R-chrysaloin 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) were isolated besides the rare compounds cascaroside C (4), cascaroside D (5) and cassialoin (6). Additionally the investigation resulted in the isolation of an acetylated chrysophanol glucoside, 8-O-beta-D-(6'-O-acetyl)glucopyranosyl-chrysophanol (7). The structures were established by comprehensive spectroscopic investigations.
(-)-Epicatechin 3-O-gallate ameliorates the damages related to peroxynitrite production by mechanisms distinct from those of other free radical inhibitors.:J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004 Feb;56(2):231-9.
This study was carried out to elucidate whether the protective activity of (-)-epicatechin 3-O-gallate (ECg) against excessive peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) production, is distinct from the activity of several well-known free radical inhibitors, the ONOO(-) inhibitors ebselen and uric acid, the superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) scavenger copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and the selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysine hydrochloride (L-NIL). To generate ONOO(-), male Wistar rats (n = 6/group) were subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion process together with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Although ECg did not scavenge the ONOO(-) precursors nitric oxide (NO) and O(2)(-), it reduced the 3-nitrotyrosine level, a property similar to that of uric acid, but distinct from L-NIL. In addition, the elevation in myeloperoxidase activity was reversed by the administration of ECg, uric acid and SOD, but not by that of L-NIL. Furthermore, ECg was the more potent scavenger of the ONOO(-) decomposition product, the hydroxyl radical (*OH), than any other free radical inhibitor tested. The LPS plus ischaemia-reperfusion process resulted in renal dysfunction, estimated by measuring the parameters of renal function--serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. However, administration of ECg ameliorated renal dysfunction more than that of the other free radical inhibitors. Moreover, ECg reduced the excessive uric acid level, while the others did not, suggesting a property of ECg distinct from the others. Furthermore, proteinuria, which was demonstrated by the low- and high-molecular weight (LMW and HMW) protein bands of the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern, caused by LPS plus ischaemia-reperfusion, was attenuated by administration of ECg and L-NIL, after which the HMW band intensities decreased and LMW protein bands were absent. This study indicates that, in an in-vivo model of ONOO(-) generation, ECg, L-NIL and uric acid exert stronger protective activity against ONOO(-)-induced oxidative damage than SOD and ebselen, and that the mechanism whereby ECg protects against ONOO(-) is distinct from that of L-NIL or uric acid.
Rhein inhibits the growth and induces the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.:Planta Med. 2004 Jan;70(1):12-6.Kuo PL, Hsu YL, Ng LT, Lin CC.Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
The effects of rhein on the human hepatoblastoma G2 (Hep G2) cell line were investigated in this study. The results showed that rhein not only inhibited Hep G2 cell growth but also induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle progression in the G1 phase. An ELISA assay demonstrated that rhein significantly increased the expression of p53 and p21/WAF1 protein, which caused cell cycle arrest. An enhancement in CD95 and its two forms of ligands, membrane-bound CD95 ligand (mCD95L) and soluble CD95 ligand (sCD95L), might be responsible for the apoptotic effect induced by rhein. Taken together, p53 and the CD95/CD95L apoptotic system possibly participated in the antiproliferative activity of rhein in Hep G2 cells.
Precipitation reaction between berberine and rheinic acid by capillary electrophoresis.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2003 Oct;38(10):779-82.Chinese. Xu X, Dong XW, Mao P.State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China. xuxu@mail.sioc.ac.cn
AIM: To study the thermodynamics of precipitation reaction and kinetics between berberine and rheinic acid. The former is the main compound in rhubarb root or corktree bark, the latter is a representation of anthraquinone compounds that are the main kind compound in coptis rhizome. The precipitate produced in preparation of complex prescription of Chinese herbal medicines Xiexin decoction and Shaoyao decoction had made an appeal. The work should build a good basement for two decoctions research and development. METHODS: Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and front analysis methods are used for determining two compounds' equilibrium concentration at different precipitate conditions to calculate the constants of thermodynamics and kinetics. RESULTS: The molar ratio of berberine and rheinic acid in precipitate is 1:1. The solubility product constant Ksp = [B] [R] = (3.29 +/- 0.19) x 10(-9) mol2.L-2. The precipitate reaction is an endotherm process and Ksp shows less effect by temperature. The reaction occurred immediately even though the precipitate cannot be observed in time. The precipitate process in experiments is practically just an aging or grown process of the precipitate particles. High temperature can quicken the aging. CONCLUSION: The precipitate in Chinese herbal medicines Xiexin decoction and Shaoyao decoction should be resulted from anthraquinone compounds and alkaloids. The reproductivity of capillary electrophoresis can be improved for simple sample by combining peak height measurement.
Application of chromatograph-digitized fingerprint spectrum in identification of indigenous medicinal materials Radix et Rhizoma Rhei from Gansu province.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Jul;26(7):484-6.Wang R, Zhang Q, Jia Z, Fan J, Xu L, Xie H.Lanzhou General Hospital, Lanzhou Command, Lanzhou 730050.
OBJECTIVE: To establish HPLC-Digitized fingerprint spectrum (HPLC-DFPS) of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei from Gansu province. METHODS: HPLC method was applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A group of characteristic peaks suggested that HPLC-DFPS can be used for identification of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei from Gansu province.
Sulfemodin 8-O-beta-D-glucoside, a new sulfated anthraquinone glycoside, and antioxidant phenolic compounds from Rheum emodi.:J Nat Prod. 2003 Aug;66(8):1107-9.Krenn L, Presser A, Pradhan R, Bahr B, Paper DH, Mayer KK, Kopp B.Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Pharmacy-Center, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
A sulfated emodin glucoside, emodin 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-6-O-sulfate (1), was isolated from the roots of Rheum emodi in an investigation of the active constituents of this Nepalese medicinal plant, and its structure was determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Additionally, two rare auronols, carpusin (2) and maesopsin (3), besides other anthraquinones and phenolics, were isolated and identified. Compounds 2 and 3 showed significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay, while chrysophanol, physcion, and emodin and their 8-O-glucosides were found to be inactive.
Effect of jasminic acid on production of anthracene derivatives in cultures of Rheum palmatum L.:Ceska Slov Farm. 2003 May;52(3):148-51.Kasparov¨¢ M, Siatka T, Dusek J.Katedra farmakognozie Farmaceutick¨¦ fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Hradec Kr¨¢lov¨¦. kasparo@faf.cuni.cz
The process of elicitation makes use of the capacity of plants and plant cells cultivated in vitro to react to various stress stimuli by a number of protective reactions leading to increased accumulation of secondary metabolites. The endogenic signal substances of plant protective reactions include jasminic acid, which in the case of exogenous application also acts as an elicitor. The paper examined the effect of four concentrations of jasminic acid on the production of anthracene derivatives by a three-year-old tissue culture, which was derived from the roots of a two-year-old intact plant Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae). The culture was cultivated on Murashige-Skoog medium with an addition of 10 mg.l-1 of alpha-naphthylacetic acid. The results show that the optimal effect of jasminic acid on the production of callus culture was manifested after a 12-hour application of the strongest concentration of 5 mM, and on the production of suspension culture after a 48-hour application of a concentration of 0.05 mM, when the photometric determination according to PhBs 4 demonstrated the maximal content of anthracene derivatives (1.26%) and the production was stimulated by 109% in comparison with the control.
Studies on quality control standard of zhishidaozhi tabloid pills.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Nov;27(11):838-40. Chinese.Liu YP, Song Y, Qin CM, Zhang JM.Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan, China. Liu-youping@msn.com
OBJECTIVE: To develop the quality control standard of Zhishidaozhi Tabloid Pills. METHOD: Applying TLC to identify Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae, and HPLC to determine the content of emodin of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. RESULT: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Rhizoma Coptidis and Radix Scutellariae could be indentified by TLC. Emodin showed a good linear relationship at a rang of 0.0612-0.612 microgram, r = 0.9999. The average recovery was 97.9%, and RSD was 2.1%. CONCLUSION: The methods are accurate and quick, and can be used for the quality control of Zhishidaozhi Tabloid Pills.
Non-anthraquinone constituents from Rheum sublanceolatum C. Y. Cheng et Kao.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Aug;26(8):551-3. Chinese.Xiang L, Fan GQ, Zheng JH, Guo DA, Kou JP, Duan YP, Qing C.School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
OBJECTIVE: Study on the non-anthraquinone constituents from rhizoma and radix of Rheum sublanceolatum. METHOD: The constituents were isolated through column chromatography and identified on the basis of their physiochemical and spectral data. RESULT: Six non-anthraquinone constituents were isolated and identified as n-octacosanic acid, sitosterol, daucosterol, 2-methyl-5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone, piceatannol and 6-hydroxymusizin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. CONCLUSION: All these compounds were firstly isolated from R. sublanceolatum.
Studies on the chemical constituents in root of Rheum rhizastachyum.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Apr;27(4):281-2. Chinese.Zhao J, Chang JM, Du NS.College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumuqi 830054, Xinjiang, China.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents from the root and rhizome of Rheum rhizastachyum. METHOD: The compounds were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MCI-gel CHP-20P separately and their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral technology. RESULT: Six compounds were isolated and identified as chrysophanol, emodin, gallic acid, sucrose, 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-chrysophanols, 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-emodin. CONCLUSION: All the compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.
Identification of Radix and Rhizoma Rhei by UV and TLC.:Zhong Yao Cai. 1998 Jun;21(6):284-7. Chinese.Hu J, Tu P, Guo D, Zheng J.New Drug Evaluation Center, Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100050.
This paper deals with the identification of radix and rhizoma of 24 species (varieties) of Genus Rheum by UV and TLC. This results provide authentic methods for the identification of Radix and Rhizoma Rhei.
Effects of processing on antioxidation of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Jun;26(6):388-91. Chinese.Kong LD, Yang C, Qiu X.Nanjing University, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutial Biotechnology, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, China.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Processing on antioxidation of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati. METHOD: The oxygen free radicals generation system and mouse liver homogenate lipid peroxidation in vitro were used. RESULT: The processed products of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati could scavenge superoxide radical (O2-.) generated through hypoxanthine-oxidase system and (.OH) generated through Fenton action, and inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by hydroxyl radical generation system, respectively. There existed significant differences among the different processed products. CONCLUSION: After Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati were processed, their effects became weaker.
Botanical medicines for the urinary tract.:World J Urol. 2002 Nov;20(5):285-93. Epub 2002 Oct 17. Review.Yarnell E.
Four important categories of urologic herbs, their history, and modern scientific investigations regarding them are reviewed. Botanical diuretics are discussed with a focus on Solidago spp (goldenrod) herb, Levisticum officinale (lovage) root, Petroselinum crispus (parsley) fruit, and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) herb. Urinary antiseptic and anti-adhesion herbs, particularly Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (uva-uri) leaf, Juniperus spp (juniper) leaf, and Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit are reviewed. The antinephrotoxic botanicals Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb) root and Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza) herb are surveyed, followed by herbs for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, most notably Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit, Urtica dioica root, and Prunus africana (pygeum) bark.
Studies on non-anthraquinones in Rheum officinale Baill.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2000 Oct;25(10):612-4. Chinese.Li JL, Wang AQ, Wu ZZ.Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the non-anthraquinones from the root and rootstock of Rheum officinale. METHOD: The chemical constituents were obtained from the 85% alcohol extract of the radix and rhizoma of R. officinale by column chromatography and identified by spectroscopic analysis. RESULT: Ten non-anthraquinones were obtained, of which eight were identified by spectroscopic analysis as rheosmine, daucosterol, d-catechin, 6-cinnamoylisolindleyin, (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate, resveratrol-4'-O-beta-D-(6"-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside, gallic acid, D-sorbitol. CONCLUSION: Compounds rheosmine and D-sorbitol were obtained from the genus Rheum for the first time.
Pharmacokinetic analysis of rhein in Rheum undulatum L.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jan;84(1):5-9.Lee JH, Kim JM, Kim C.Drug Research and Development Team, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 129-11 Chungdam-dong, Sejin Building, Kangnam-ku, Seoul 135-100, South Korea.
This research aims to identify the main active compounds of Rhei undulati Rhizoma (roots of Rheum undulatum LINNE) and determine the types of anthraquinones absorbed into the body and their pharmacokinetic parameters. The boiling-water extract of the herb was administered to 12 healthy volunteers (9 men/3 women) at a dosage of 100 mg/kg the anthraquinone levels in plasma were determined with TLC, HPLC, and LC-MS. Rhein was the only anthraquinone compound absorbed by the body as determined for plasma analysis of the volunteers. The elimination rate constant of rhein in Rhei undulati Rhizoma was 0.23+/-0.02/h and the half life was 3.38+/-0.35 h. This experiment confirmed that rhein is the most important active compound absorbed by the body among anthraquinones contained in Rhei undulati Rhizoma, indicating that rhein is a promising marker substance to evaluate Rhei Rhizoma and Rhei undulati Rhizoma.
Antimicrobial constituents from the rhizomes of Rheum emodi.:Phytochemistry. 2003 Jan;62(2):203-7.Babu KS, Srinivas PV, Praveen B, Kishore KS, Murty US, Rao JM.Natural Products Laboratory, Division of Organic Chemistry-I, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500 007, India.
The bioassay-guided chemical examination of the rhizomes of R. emodi resulted in the isolation of two new oxanthrone esters, revandchinone-1, revandchinone-2, a new anthraquinone ether revandchinone-3 and a new oxanthrone ether, revandchinone-4. Their structures were established based on spectroscopic and degradative evidence. Occurrence of oxanthrone ether is reported for the first time. The anti bacterial and anti fungal activity of the isolates is studied.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors of Chinese herbs III. Rheum palmatum.:Planta Med. 2002 Oct;68(10):869-74.Wang CC, Huang YJ, Chen LG, Lee LT, Yang LL.Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
In this paper, the effects of bioactive compounds of Rheum palmatum L. on the inhibition of NO production from RAW 264.7 cells were explored. Seven main anthraquinone derivatives were isolated from the root of R. palmatum, and of these, emodin and rhein significantly inhibited nitrite production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. The IC(50) values for inhibition of nitrite production by emodin and rhein were 60.7 and 67.3 microM, respectively. After iNOS enzyme activity was stimulated by LPS for 12 h, treatment with emodin or rhein at 20 microg/ml for 18 h did not significantly inhibit NO production. The data show that the inhibitory activity of emodin and rhein is not due to direct inhibition of iNOS enzyme activity. However, expression of iNOS and the COX-2 protein was inhibited by emodin in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells, and PGE(2) production was reduced. Rhein also inhibited LPS-induced iNOS protein expression, but not COX-2 or PGE(2) production. On the other hand, inhibition effects on NO production from RAW 264.7 cells were enhanced and cytotoxic effects decreased by co-treatment with emodin and rhein. In conclusion, emodin and rhein are major iNOS inhibitors of R. palmatum and may possibly serve as bioactive substances for anti-inflammation effects.
Oxalic acid is available as a natural antioxidant in some systems.:Biochim Biophys Acta. 2002 Oct 10;1573(1):1-3.
Oxalic acid is found in a wide variety of plants. This study showed that oxalic acid suppressed in vitro lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, oxalic acid reduced the rate of ascorbic acid oxidation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and Cu(2+). These results suggest that oxalic acid is available as a natural antioxidant.
Preliminary study on chemical changes in the decocting process of radix et rhizoma Rhei.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 May;24(5):291-2, 318. Chinese.Su Z, Zeng Y, Zhou H, Wai J, Lian Y, Lu X, Liu L.Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510407.
OBJECTIVE: To understand the chemical changes in the decocting process of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. METHOD: Comparing the contents of many kinds of anthraquinones in the crude drug, decoction and drug sediments of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei by HPLC. RESULT: The contents of combined and free anthraquinones changed after the crude drug was decocted. CONCLUSION: These changes may be related to the hydrolysis of combined anthraquinones, the decomposition of free anthraquinones, and the inter-transition among anthraquinones.
Effect of salicylic acid on production of anthracene derivatives in a culture of Rheum palmatum L. in vitro.:Ceska Slov Farm. 2002 Jul;51(4):177-81.Kasparov¨¢ M, Siatka T.Katedra farmakognozie Farmaceutick¨¦ fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Hradec Kr¨¢lov¨¦. kasparo@faf.cuni.cz
Elicitation is a method making use of protective mechanisms of plants to increase the production of secondary metabolites in plants and cultures in vitro. Salicylic acid acts in plants as an inducer of the expression of protective proteins and it can be thus included into biotic elicitors. That is why the present paper examined the effects of five concentrations of salicylic acid on the production of anthracene derivatives by a three-year and a nine-year old culture derived from the root of the intact plant Rheum palmatum L. The culture was cultivated on Murashige-Skoog medium with an addition of 10 mg.l-1 of alpha-naphthylacetic acid. It follows from the results that increase in production after elicitation is higher in the three-year old culture than in the nine-year old one and elicitation of suspension culture is more successful than elicitation of callus culture. The maximal content of anthracene derivatives (1.418%), detected by a photometric essay according to PhBS 4, was demonstrated after a 48-hour action of 1 mM aqueous solution of salicylic acid, when production was increased by 101% in comparison with the control.
Anthraquinone production and analysis in the hairy root cultures of Rheum palmatum L.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998 Nov;33(11):869-72. Chinese.Chang Z, Guo D, Shen X, Wang S, Zheng J.Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083.
Hairy root culture of the medicinal plant Rheum palmatum L. was established by genetic transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The effects of various media with different pH on growth of the hairy roots and biosynthesis of free anthraquinones were investigated. The experimental results showed that MS agar medium with pH 5.5-5.8 is suitable for growth of the hairy roots. Dark condition is favourable and 62.5-fold increase in fresh weight was reached within a culture period of 25 days. Auxin (0.1 mg.L-1 IAA) activated the hairy root growth but inhibited the biosynthesis of free anthraquinones. About 28% of the total free anthraquinones was released into the liquid medium from the rhubarb hairy roots.
Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis.:Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2001 Dec;8(6):373-82. Saller R, B¨¹echi S, Meyrat R, Schmidhauser C.Departement f¨¹r Innere Medizin, Naturheilkunde, Universit?tsspital Z¨¹rich.
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of many preparations for topical use in herpes infections have remained rather disappointing. The development of new antiviral drugs, especially herbal preparations, thus remains desirable. In a screening study with plant extracts, a rhubarb root extract and a sage extract showed a promising activity. OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of a combined topical preparation with rhubarb and sage extracts, of a single-agent preparation with sage extract and of a reference treatment was investigated in a double-blind, comparative, randomised trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 149 patients participated, and 145 patients (111 female, 34 male) of whom 64 received the rhubarb-sage cream, 40 the sage cream and 41 Zovirax cream could be evaluated by intention-to-treat analysis. The dried rhubarb extract (23 mg/g) is a standardised aqueous- ethanolic extract according to the German Pharmacopoeia (DAB) with 4.0-6.0% hydroxyanthracene derivatives. The dried sage extract (23 mg/g) is an aqueous extract. The reference product was Zovirax cream (Zovirax(R) Creme) with the active ingredient aciclovir (50 mg/g). RESULTS: The mean time to healing in all cured patients was 7.6 days with the sage cream, 6.7 days with the rhubarb-sage cream and 6.5 days with Zovirax cream. There were statistically significant differences in the course of the symptoms. For the parameter 'swelling', at the 1st followup visit there was a significant advantage for Zovirax cream compared to sage cream, and for the parameter 'pain', at the 2nd follow-up visit there was a significant difference in favour of the rhubarb-sage cream compared to the sage cream. CONCLUSION: The combined topical sage-rhubarb preparation proved to be as effective as topical aciclovir cream and tended to be more active than the sage cream.
Clinical study on retarding aging effect of tongbu recipe to traditional Chinese medicine.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1999 Apr;19(4):218-20. Chinese.Zhou L, Hao R, Jiang L.Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of TCM, Beijing, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of Tongbu No. 1 (TB1, a prescription for reinforcing Kidney and Spleen, clearing up the bowel viscera to send Turbid downward and regulating Qi and blood) in retarding aging. METHODS: A controlled, multiple indexes study was conducted in 56 old subjects randomized into 3 groups. RESULTS: TB1 (containing ginseng leaf, cistanche, fleeceflower root, immature bitter orange, rhubarb, etc) could improve various symptoms of aging, and had the effect in regulating immune and endocrinal function, scavenging free radicals and adjusting coli flora. The effects of TB1 and TB2 (containing ginseng leaf, cistanche and fleeceflower root) were different significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: TB1 has a good comprehensive effect in retarding aging.
Element concentrations in Rheum palmatum and R. likiangense plants and soil in Tibet plateau.:Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2000 Dec;11(6):903-6. Chinese.Xie Z.Laboratory of Quantitative Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093. xiezongq@public2.east.net.cn
The characteristics of element concentrations in Rheum palmatum and R. likiangense plants and soil were studied using ICP method. The results showed that the P concentrations in soil was significantly lower than that in leaves and rhizomes; Fe concentration was 50-100 times higher in soil than in rhizomes, and leaves, and without significant difference between rhizomes and leaves; Na, Mn and Cu concentrations appeared soil > leaves > rhizomes; and Ca concentration showed soil < leaves < rhizomes for R. palmatum, and soil > leaves > rhizomes for R. likiangense. Although K, Mg, Ca, Mn and Zn concentrations were obviously different between soils of the 2 species, K and Mg concentrations were consistent in their leaves or rhizomes, and the difference of Ca, Mn and Zn concentrations between their rhizomes was insignificant.
Effects and mechanisms of aloe-emodin on cell death in human lung squamous cell carcinoma.:Eur J Pharmacol. 2001 Nov 23;431(3):287-95.Lee HZ, Hsu SL, Liu MC, Wu CH.School of Pharmacy, China Medical College, 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan. hong@mail.cmc.edu.tw
Aloe-emodin (1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-anthraquinone) is an active component from the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum. The study investigated the effects and mechanisms of aloe-emodin-induced cell death in human lung squamous cell carcinoma cell line CH27. Aloe-emodin (40 microM)-induced CH27 cell apoptosis was confirmed by DNA fragmentation (DNA ladders and sub-G(1) formation). Aloe-emodin-induced apoptosis of CH27 cells involved modulation of the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, such as BclX(L), Bag-1, and Bak, and was associated with the translocation of Bak and Bax from cytosolic to particulate fractions. Aloe-emodin-treated CH27 cells had an increased relative abundance of cytochrome c in the cytosolic fraction. Results demonstrated that the activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 is an important determinant of apoptotic death induced by aloe-emodin. These results suggest that aloe-emodin induces CH27 cell death by the Bax and Fas death pathway.
Cytotoxic and DNA damage-inducing activities of low molecular weight phenols from rhubarb.:Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2847-53.
Six new phenol (anthraquinone or stilbene) glycosides with an acyl group at 6-position of the glucopyranose moiety were isolated from rhubarb (the roots of Rheum palmatum) cultivated in Japan, together with 22 known compounds. Most of these compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against tumor and normal cells and for induction of DNA damage by spore rec-assay. Among them, emodin and aloe-emodin showed higher cytotoxic activities against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-2) and salivary gland tumor (HSG) cell lines than against normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Chrysophanol 8-O-beta-(6'-acetyl)glucopyranoside, 4-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone 4'-O-beta-D-(2"-O-galloyl-6"-O-cinnamoyl) glucopyranoside, and 6"-O-(4'''-hydroxybenzoyl) resveratroloside exhibited relatively higher cytotoxic activities against all these cells. The other glycosides of anthraquinone or stilbene showed weaker cytotoxic activity against these tumor cell lines, but may be considered as cancer chemopreventive agents. Spore rec-assay with a recombination deficient mutant of Bacillus subtilis M45 demonstrated the DNA damage-inducing activity of emodin and aloe-emodin 15-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside among, rhubarb phenols.
Chemical constituents of Rheum wittrochii Lundstr(I).:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Jul;23(7):416-8, 447. Chinese.Min D, Xu L, Zhang Z, Wang H, Huang D, Guo D, Zheng J.Department of Chinese Medicinal Prescription, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210038.
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents in the root of Rheum wittrochii. METHOD: Chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were used to isolate and elucidate the chemical constituents in the plant. RESULT: Six compounds, namely chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, chrysophanol-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, physcion-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and beta-sitosterol, have been isolated from petroleum ether and ethyl acetate fractions. CONCLUSION: All the above-cited compounds were isolated from the title plant for the first time, and anthraquinone compounds are some of the major constituents of R. wittrochii.
Chemical constituents of Rheum wittrochii Lundstr(II).:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Aug;23(8):486-8, 512. Chinese.Min D, Xu L, Zhang Z, Wang H, Huang D, Guo D, Zheng J.College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083.
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents in the root of Rheum wittrochii. METHOD: Chromatography and spectroscopic analysis to isolate and elucidate the chemical constituents in the plant. RESULT: Six compounds, namely 3, 5-dihydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene; 3, 5, 4'-tridroxystilbene; piceatannol; desoxyrhaponticin; piceatannol-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside; 2, 5-dimethyl-7-hydroxychromone, have been isolated from ethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions. CONCLUSION: These compounds were isolated from the title plant for the first time.
Effect of the biotic elicitor, Candida utilis, on the production of anthracene derivatives in a tissue culture of Rheum palmatum L.:Ceska Slov Farm. 2001 Jan;50(1):41-5.Kasparov¨¢ M, Siatka T.Katedra farmakognozie Farmaceutick¨¦ fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Hradec Kr¨¢lov¨¦.
The paper studied the effect of the homogenate of Candida utilis on the production of anthracene derivatives by the callus and suspension culture of Rheum palmatum L. of different age and origin. The culture was cultivated on a Murashige-Skoog medium with an addition of 10 mg.l-1 of alpha-naphthylacetic acid. A positive effect on the production was caused mainly by the elicitation of the suspension culture. The maximal content of anthracene derivatives (1.346%), found by photometric determination according to PhBs 4, was demonstrated after 6-hour action of the homogenate of Candida utilis of a concentration of 0.143 mg/30 ml of the medium in an eight-year old culture derived from the root of the intact plant Rheum palmatum. A one-year-old culture derived from the root of the intact and germinating plant reacted to elicitation more sensitively as there was an increase in production up to 228% in comparison with the control. However, the content of anthracene derivatives was lower than in the eight-year-old culture. In contrast to the suspension culture, the production of anthracene derivatives in the callus culture was influenced by elicitation only in the minimal extent.
A new stilbene diglycoside from Rheum undulatum.:Arch Pharm Res. 2000 Apr;23(2):159-62.Ko SK.Korea Ginseng Institute, Chung-Ang University, Ansung. sungkwon@cau.ac.kr
A new stilbene diglycoside, piceatannol-3, 4'-O-beta-D-diglucopyranoside (I), together with desoxyrhaponticin (II), emodin-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (III), and physcion-8-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (IV), were isolated from the rhizomes of cultivated Korean rhubarb rhizomes (Rheum undulatum), Jong DaeWhang, and the structures of I-IV were identified on the basis of chemical and spectral evidences.
Production of anthracene derivatives in elicited tissue cultures of Rheum palmatum L.:Ceska Slov Farm. 1999 Nov;48(6):256-61.Kasparov¨¢ M, Siatka T.Katedra farmakognozie, Farmaceutick¨¦ fakulty, Univerzity Karlovy, Hradec Kr¨¢lov¨¦.
With a few exceptions, the characteristic problem of cultivation of plant explants in in vitro cultures is a low production of secondary metabolites by these cultures. One of the methods, which can achieve an increase in the production of natural substances in in vitro cultures, is elicitation of cell cultures. The effect of the biotic elicitor Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the form of a homogenate and an aqueous suspension of dead cells on the production of anthracene derivatives by the tissue culture of Rheum palmatum L. of different age and origin was examined. The culture was cultivated on a Murashige-Skoog medium with an addition of 10 mg.l-1 of alpha-naphthylacetic acid. The maximal content of anthracene derivatives found by photometric determination according to PhBs 4 was demonstrated in an eight years old culture (1.027%) after six hour elicitation with an aqueous suspension of dead cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.7 mg of dry matter/1 ml of solution). The culture newly derived from the root of the intact plant Rheum palmatum L. responded to elicitation more sensitively than the culture derived from the seed; nevertheless the content of anthracene derivatives was lower than in the eight years old culture.
Traditional Chinese medicine and treatment of neonatal jaundice.:Singapore Med J. 1996 Dec;37(6):645-51. Review.Ho NK.Department of Neonatology 1, Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore.
OBJECTIVE: Treatment with herbs may increase the risk of neonatal jaundice (NNJ). It is logical to look into the current practice in some hospitals in China where herbs are being used in the treatment of NNJ. It is also the purpose of this study to find out the chemical constituents and actions of the herbs, and the rationale of the treatment. METHODS: Twenty reports, from 1973 to 1989, from different parts of China, come in a published book and the paediatric journals written in the Chinese language. The Zhong Yao Da Zi Dian, an encyclopedia of Chinese materia medica, and other books on the pharmacology and applications of Chinese materia medica were also referred to in the study. FINDINGS: Yin-chen (oriental wormwood or Artemisia) was the most commonly used herbs for NNJ (95%). Others were Da-huang (rhubarb or Rheum officinale), Huang-qin (skullcap root or Scutellaria), Gan-cao (licorice or glycyrrhiza) and Huang-lian (goldthread rhizome or Copts chinesis). Huang-lian, which contains the alkaloid berberine, was used in 4 centers (20%). Berberine can cause severe acute hemolysis in babies with G6PD deficiency. Currently, Yin-chen comes as a decoction Artemisia composita and an intravenous preparation. These preparations have potential central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese herbs have many pharmacological substances and therefore multiple actions. In recent years, Chinese herbs are used in conjunction with "Western" drugs, rendering the study of the effects of herbs on NNJ extremely difficult. The efficacy and safety of phototherapy for NNJ have been firmly established, thus diminishing the need for drug treatment. What is the present day role, therefore, of herbal medicine for NNJ? Is there a place for further research of these herbal medicines?
Anti-herpes virus action of ethanol-extract from the root and rhizome of Rheum officinale Baill.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1996 Jun;21(6):364-6, 384. Chinese.Wang Z, Wang G, Xu H, Wang P.Institute of Pharmacy, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan.
The study has shown that the cytotoxity of ethanol-extract from the root and rhizome of Rheum of ficinale is very low. It shows no cytotoxity even at 20,000 micrograms/ml and on the contrary tends to promote cell growth. Obvious anti-viral action can be observed in cell culture. The minimum inhibition dose for herpes simplex virus (HSV) is 100 micrograms/ml. Also, the extract helps to prevent cells from viral infections and has some direct effect on viral particles.
Quantitative determination of rhapontin in root of Rheum hotaoense by TLC-scanning.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1994 Jan;19(1):37, 62. Chinese.Wang LX, Zhang BC, Li LP, Zhou Z.Gansu Provincial Institute for Drug Control, Lanzhou.
The contents of rhapontin in the root of Rheum hotaoense were determined by CS-920 TLC-scanning of silica gel plate A mixture of benzene-EtOAc-EtOH (5 : 3, 5 : 1.5) was used as the developing solvent. Recovery was 100.44%, RSD 3.0%.
Studies on polysaccharide of Rheum palmatum L.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1993 Nov;18(11):679-81, 703. Chinese.Zhang SJ, Zhang SY, Wang L, Zhu B.Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Acadamy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
Two homogeneous acidic heteroglycans DHP-1 and DHP-2 were obtained from the root of Rheum palmatum, the mean molecular weights being 11 x 10(4) and 2.5 x 10(4) respectively. It was identified by TLC and GC that both heteroglycans contain the same main residues of glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, lyxose, xylose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid.
Anti-Bacteroides fragilis substance from rhubarb.:J Ethnopharmacol. 1987 May;19(3):279-83.
Extracts of 178 Chinese herbs were screened for their antibacterial activity against Bacteroides fragilis a major anaerobic microorganism in the intestinal flora of humans. Only rhubarb root (Rheum officinale) was found to have significant activity and the purified active substance was identified as rhein.
Further Studies on Oxalic Acid Biosynthesis in Oxalate-accumulating Plants.:Plant Physiol. 1978 Apr;61(4):590-592.Nuss RF, Loewus FA.Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164.
l-Ascorbic acid functions as a precursor of oxalic acid in several oxalate-accumulating plants. The present study extends this observation to include Rumex crispus L. (curly dock), Amaranthus retroflexus L. (red root pigweed), Chenopodium album L. (lamb's-quarters), Beta vulgaris L. (sugar beet), Halogeton glomeratus M. Bieb. (halogeton), and Rheum rhabarbarum L. (rhubarb). Several species with low oxalate content are also examined.When l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid is supplied to young seedlings of R. crispus or H. glomeratus, a major portion of the (14)C is released over a 24-hour period as (14)CO(2) and only a small portion is recovered as [(14)C]oxalate, unlike cuttings from 2- or 4-month-old plants which retain a large part of the (14)C as [(14)C]oxalic acid and release very little (14)CO(2). Support for an intermediate role of oxalate in the release of (14)CO(2) from l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid is seen in the rapid release of (14)CO(2) by R. crispus and H. glomeratus seedlings labeled with [(14)C]oxalic acid.The common origin of oxalic acid carbon in the C1 and C2 fragment from l-ascorbic acid is demonstrated by comparison of (14)C content of oxalic acid in several oxalate-accumulators after cuttings or seedlings are supplied equal amounts of l-[1-(14)C]- or l-[UL-(14)C]ascorbic acid. Theoretically, l-[1-(14)C]ascorbic acid will produce labeled oxalic acid containing three times as much (14)C as l-[UL-(14)C]ascorbic acid when equal amounts of label are provided. Experimentally, a ratio of 2.7 +/- 0.5 is obtained in duplicate experiments with six different species.
On the phenolic acids of vegetables. IV. Hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxybenzoic acids of vegetables and potatoes (author's transl).:Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1975 Dec 16;159(5):255-63. German.Schmidtlein H, Herrmann K.
Lettuce, endive and chicory exclusively, cornsalad and sweet fennel almost exclusively contain caffeic acid derivatives beside traces of ferulic acid. Parsley exclusively and spinach almost exclusively show p-coumaric acid derivatives. Compared to root, fruit and seed vegetables the contents of phenolic acids in green leaves are considerably high. Rhubarb is the only vegetable, which contains gallic acid (chief phenolic acid) beside hydroxycinnamic, protocatechuic and vanillic acid derivatives. Furthermore hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (salicylic, gentisic and vanillic acid) occur in cornsalad, sweet fennel, parsley and spinach in small concentrations; cornsalad shows p-hydroxybenzoic acid (ca. 20 mg/kg). Onions (Allium cepa) contain almost only protocatechuic acid beside small amounts of p-hydroxybenzoic and vanillic acid. In the outer dry coloured skins protocatechuic acid reaches concentrations up to 2% of plant material; the internal pulpy tissues show lower concentrations (ca. 20 mg/kg). On the contrary to the bulbs the green leaves of onions like chive and leek contain almost exclusively compounds of ferulic and p-coumaric acid. Garlic even shows a different phenolic acid pattern of skins and internal tissues. The caffeic acid derivatives of potatoes are mainly localized to a 1--2 mm thick outer layer. The different localization of phenolic acids in the different parts of vegetable plants is discussed.
Scientific References:
1.Research Update: Rhubarb Root.
Claims & Warning:
Claims: Information this web site presented is meant for Nutritional Benefit and as an educational starting point only, for use in maintenance and promotion good health in cooperation with a common knowledge base reference...Furthermore,it based solely on the traditional and historic use or legend of a given herb from the garden of Adonis. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accurate, please note that some info may be outdated by more recent scientific developments......
Pharmakon Warning: The order of knowledge is not the transparent order of forms and ideas,as one might be tempted retrospectively to interpret it; it is the antidote....(Dissemination,Plato's Pharmacy,II.The Ingredients:Phantasms,Festivals,and Paints;138cf. Jacques Derrida.).
And as it happens,the technique of imitation,along with the production of the simulacrum,has always been in Plato's eyes manifestly magical,thaumaturgical:......and the same things appear bent and straight to those who view them in water and out,or concave and convex,owing to similar errors of vision about colors, and there is obviously every confusion of this sort in our souls.And so scene painting (skiagraphia) in its exploitation of this weakness of four nature falls nothing short of witchcraft (thaumatopoia), and so do jugglery and many other such contrivances.(Republic X,602c-d;cf.also 607c).
seminal trace...Rhubarb extract.Rhubarb Root extract.Anthraquinone.10%UV.CAS.NO.008016-55-5.Rheum rhabarbarum root extract,Rheum palmatum root extract,Extract of rhubarb root.
Phytochemical info of Rhubarb Root.
Aloe-emodin induces in vitro G2/M arrest and alkaline phosphatase activation in human oral cancer KB cells:Oral Oncol. 2007 Jan 24;Xiao B, Guo J, Liu D, Zhang S.School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
Scientific References:
Claims & Warning:
