Codonopsis
Codonopsis pilosula (Franch) Nannf total alkaloids potentiate neurite outgrowth induced by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells. (1/8)
AIM: To explore the effect of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch) Nannf total alkaloids (DSA) on differentiation induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) in PC12 cells. METHODS: After culturing PC12 cells with DSA in the presence or absence of NGF, neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and correlated protein kinases were assayed. RESULTS: DSA alone did not exhibit neuritogenic activity, but caused a significant enhancement of NGF (2 microg/L)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and increased the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Furthermore, this enhancing effect was completely blocked by a specific MAPK kinase inhibitor, PD98059. CONCLUSION: DSA enhanced the NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells by amplifying an up-stream step of the MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. (+info)Beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl echinocystic acid isolated from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human acute promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. (2/8)
We previously demonstrated that beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl echinocystic acid (codonoposide 1c), a biologically active compound isolated from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata, is cytotoxic to cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of codonoposide 1c on the induction of apoptosis, and its putative action pathway in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Codonoposide 1c-treated HL-60 cells displayed several features of apoptosis, including DNA fragmentation, formation of DNA ladders by agarose gel electrophoresis, and externalization of annexin-V targeted phosphatidylserine (PS) residues. We observed that codonoposide 1c caused activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3. A broad caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk), caspase-8 inhibitor (z-IETD-fmk), and caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) almost completely suppressed codonoposide 1c-induced DNA fragmentation. We further found that codonoposide 1c induces mitochondrial translocation of Bid from cytosol, reduction of cytosolic Bax, and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Interestingly, codonoposide 1c also triggered the mitochondrial release of Smac/DIABLO (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with a low isoelectric point) into cytosol, and a reduction in X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Taken together, our data indicate that codonoposide 1c is a potent inducer of apoptosis and facilates its activity via Bid cleavage and translocation to mitochondria, Bax reduction in cytosol, release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO into the cytosol, and subsequently caspase activation, providing a potential mechanism for the cytotoxic activity of codonoposide 1c. (+info)Triterpene glycosides from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata. (3/8)
In the course of the development of new designer foods using the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata, we found that hot-water extracts of C. lanceolata recovered decreased testosterone levels in the blood and accelerated the restoration of reproductive dysfunction induced by hyperthermic treatment in male mice. Thus we studied the constituents of the polar fraction of the roots of C. lanceolata and identified six new triterpene saponins, lancemasides B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (6), and G (7), along with the known saponin lancemasaide A (1) and phenylpropanoid glycosides 8-10. The structures of the new compounds 2-7 were determined by means of spectral data including 2D-NMR studies and chemical reactions to be oleanan-type bisdesmoside with sugars at C-3 and C-28. Compounds 2-6 have echinocystic acid as an aglycone, and compound 7 has asterogenic acid as an aglycone. Identification of the sugars and determination of their D,L-chiralities were carried out by application of the exciton chirality method to the per-O-p-bromobenzoylmethyl sugar derived from saponins. (+info)Isolation of a novel dehydrin gene from Codonopsis lanceolata and analysis of its response to abiotic stresses. (4/8)
Dehydrins (DHNs) compose a family of intrinsically unstructured proteins that have high water solubility and accumulate during late seed development at low temperature or in water-deficit conditions. They are believed to play a protective role in freezing and drought-tolerance in plants. A full-length cDNA encoding DHN (designated as ClDhn) was isolated from an oriental medicinal plant Codonopsis lanceolata, which has been used widely in Asia for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The full-length cDNA of ClDhn was 813 bp and contained a 477 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 159 amino acids. Deduced ClDhn protein had high similarities with other plant DHNs. RT-PCR analysis showed that different abiotic stresses such as salt, wounding, chilling and light, triggered a significant induction of ClDhn at different time points within 4-48 hrs post-treatment. This study revealed that ClDhn assisted C. lanceolata in becoming resistant to dehydration. (+info)Development and application of a capillary electrophoretic method for the composition analysis of a typical heteropolysaccharide from Codonopsis pilosula NANNF. (5/8)
A simple capillary electrophoretic method based on 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolon (PMP) derivatization has been developed for simultaneous separation and determination of nine aldoses (xylose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, fucose, galactose, mannose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid). The separation of PMP-labeled monosaccharide derivatives was carried out in uncoated capillary (48.5 cm x 75 microm i.d.) and under the selected optimum conditions of pH 11.0, 200 mM borate buffer at applied voltage 15 kV and capillary temperature 20 degrees C, the nine PMP-monosaccharides could be perfectly separated from each other within 40 min. Furthermore, the developed method was firstly applied to determine the sugar composition in the polysaccharide isolated from Chinese Codonopsis pilosula. The results showed that C. pilosula polysaccharide was a typically acidic heteropolysaccharide and was composed of arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, galactose, mannose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid in the molar contents of 48.1, 103.5, 16.1, 48.5, 7.5, 4.2 and 119.1 microM, respectively. The assay results were satisfactory. (+info)Phenolic glycosides and pyrrolidine alkaloids from Codonopsis tangshen. (6/8)
Chemical examination of the n-butanol extract of the root of Codonopsis tangshen led to the isolation of four new compounds named codonosides A (1) and B (2) and codonopyrrolidiums A (3) and B (4), with seven known compounds [(Z)-2-(beta-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (5), lobetyolin (6), lobetyol (7), luteolin (8), friedelin (9), 5,6,9-trihydroxy-octadec-7-enoic acid (10), and adenosine (11)]. Based on spectroscopic evidence, the structures of codonosides A (1) and B (2) were established as phenolic glycosides, and those of codonopyrrolidiums A (3) and B (4) as pyrrolidines. The relative configuration of 3 was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. (+info)Suppression of low-density lipoprotein oxidation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by a herbal extract of Radix Astragali, Radix Codonopsis and Cortex Lycii. (7/8)
(+info)Antilipogenic and anti-inflammatory activities of Codonopsis lanceolata in mice hepatic tissues after chronic ethanol feeding. (8/8)
(+info)Codonopsis is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Campanulaceae, also known as the bellflower family. It is native to East Asia and contains several species that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The roots of some Codonopsis species, such as C. pilosula and C. tangshen, are used as adaptogens, which are substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall health and well-being. These plants are sometimes referred to as "poor man's ginseng" because they are believed to have similar effects as ginseng but are less expensive.
In a medical context, Codonopsis is not typically used as a standalone treatment, but rather as a component of traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is thought to have a variety of medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and alleviating fatigue. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits and risks of Codonopsis.
If you are considering using Codonopsis or any other herbal supplement, it is always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.
Lipid regulating agents, also known as lipid-lowering agents or cholesterol-lowering drugs, are a class of medications used to manage abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood. These medications work by reducing the production or absorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, and/or increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol.
There are several types of lipid regulating agents, including:
1. Statins: These drugs block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is necessary for the production of cholesterol in the liver. Examples include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin.
2. Bile acid sequestrants: These medications bind to bile acids in the intestines, preventing their reabsorption and increasing their excretion in feces. This leads to an interruption in cholesterol synthesis and a decrease in LDL levels. Examples include cholestyramine and colesevelam.
3. Fibrates: These drugs reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) pathway. Examples include fenofibrate and gemfibrozil.
4. Niacin (nicotinic acid): This medication reduces LDL and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL levels by inhibiting the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue.
5. PCSK9 inhibitors: These drugs are monoclonal antibodies that bind to and inactivate PCSK9, a protein that regulates LDL receptor activity. By blocking PCSK9, more LDL receptors are available on the surface of liver cells, leading to increased clearance of LDL from the bloodstream. Examples include alirocumab and evolocumab.
These medications are often prescribed for individuals with high cholesterol levels or a history of cardiovascular disease to reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other related complications.
"Lycium" is a genus name that refers to a group of plants commonly known as "goji berries" or "wolfberries." These plants belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and are native to Asia, particularly China. The fruit of these plants, the goji berry, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its high antioxidant content and potential health benefits. However, it is important to note that while some studies suggest that goji berries may have positive effects on certain aspects of health, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish recommended dosages and safety guidelines.