Panax
Panax notoginseng
Ginsenosides
Saponins
Plant Extracts
Sapogenins
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
Polyacetylenes
Plants, Medicinal
Plant Roots
Herb-Drug Interactions
Triterpenes
Rhizome
Effect of saponins of Panax notoginseng on synaptosomal 45Ca uptake. (1/532)
AIM: To explore the calcium uptake antagonism of saponins of Panax notoginseng (PNS). METHODS: Synaptosomes were prepared from rat cerebral cortex by using differential Ficoll gradients. The effects of PNS on synaptosomal 45Ca uptake were measured in vitro or after acute treatment. RESULTS: PNS 50-800 mg.L-1 produced a concentration-rated inhibition of Ca2+ uptake [IC50 = 111 (46-176) mg.L-1]. Both initial and maximal uptake were inhibited. Similar effect was obtained after acute PNS treatment with 200 mg.kg-1 i.p. The blocking effect of PNS was reversed by calcium in media. CONCLUSION: PNS is a calcium channel blocker in neurons. (+info)Herbal remedies: adverse effects and drug interactions. (2/532)
A growing number of Americans are using herbal products for preventive and therapeutic purposes. The manufacturers of these products are not required to submit proof of safety and efficacy to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before marketing. For this reason, the adverse effects and drug interactions associated with herbal remedies are largely unknown. Ginkgo biloba extract, advertised as improving cognitive functioning, has been reported to cause spontaneous bleeding, and it may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. St. John's wort, promoted as a treatment for depression, may have monoamine oxidase-inhibiting effects or may cause increased levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Although St. John's wort probably does not interact with foods that contain tyramine, it should not be used with prescription antidepressants. Ephedrine-containing herbal products have been associated with adverse cardiovascular events, seizures and even death. Ginseng, widely used for its purported physical and mental effects, is generally well tolerated, but it has been implicated as a cause of decreased response to warfarin. Physicians must be alert for adverse effects and drug interactions associated with herbal remedies, and they should ask all patients about the use of these products. (+info)American ginseng extract reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia in a spatial learning task. (3/532)
OBJECTIVE: To determine if HT-1001, an extract of American ginseng, affects scopolamine-induced memory and performance deficits in a spatial learning task, alters brain concentrations of aminergic neurotransmitters, and alters choline uptake in synaptosome preparations. DESIGN: Animal study. ANIMALS: 48 Sprague Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Long-term oral administration of a test material or control solution. Intraperitoneal administration of scopolamine (2 mg/kg) 30 minutes before testing. OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance on Morris water maze task, choline uptake, aminergic neurotransmitter analysis, in vitro monoamine oxidase analysis (of compounds). RESULTS: HT-1001 protected against scopolamine-induced amnesia and increased choline uptake in synaptosomal preparations. HT-1001 did not alter brain concentrations of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-HT (serotonin), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid or 5-hydroxyindoleactic acid. HT-1001 had a very weak ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase activity in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: HT-1001 demonstrates a capacity to protect against scopolamine-induced memory deficits. (+info)Glucocorticoid receptor-induced down-regulation of MMP-9 by ginseng components, PD and PT contributes to inhibition of the invasive capacity of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. (4/532)
We examined the effects of the purified ginseng components, panaxadiol (PD) and panaxatriol (PT), on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in highly metastatic HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. A significant down-regulation of MMP-9 by PD and PT was detected by Northern blot analysis. However, the expression of MMP-2 was not changed by treatment with PD and PT. Quantitative gelatin based zymography confirmed a markedly reduced expression of MMP-9, but not MMP-2 in the treatment of PD and PT. To investigate whether the reduced level of MMP-9 by PD and PT affects the invasive capacity of HT1080 cells, we conducted an in vitro invasion assay with PD and PT treated cells. The results of the in vitro invasion assay revealed that PD and PT reduced tumor cell invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane in the transwell chamber. Because of the similarity of chemical structure between PD, PT and dexamethasone (Dexa), a synthetic glucocorticoid, we investigated whether the down-regulation of MMP-9 by PD and PT were mediated by the nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Increased GR in the nucleus of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells treated by PD and PT was detected by immunocytochemistry. Western blot and gel retardation assays confirmed the increase of GR in the nucleus after treatment with PD and PT. These results suggest that GR-induced down-regulation of MMP-9 by PD and PT contributes to reduce the invasive capacity of HT1080 cells. (+info)Current perspectives in the pharmacological studies of store-operated Ca2+ entry blockers. (5/532)
The store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway has aroused much interest recently not only because of its unusual nature as retrograde signaling, but also due to its wide occurrence and its possible role in physiological and pathophysiological situations. A number of synthetic or naturally occurring drugs recently used to block this Ca2+ entry pathway are briefly reviewed. Although important and interesting information has been obtained using these putative SOCE blockers described in this review, they indeed have sites of action other than the SOCE channels, and caution must be exercised in using them as putative tools to study SOCE. For instance, the highly variable potency of some synthetic blockers (SK&F 96365 and LOE 908) to inhibit SOCE has provided indirect evidence for the heterogeneous nature of the SOCE channels, an observation consistent with the differential Mn2+ permeability through SOCE in various cell types. The use of SK&F 96365 at relatively high concentrations has unexpectedly revealed its potential as an opener of a novel cation entry pathway. The ability of LU52396 to discriminate the SOCE channel in its closed/open states may be useful in the analysis of the kinetics of SOCE channel activation/inactivation. The possible presence of both agonistic and antagonistic saponins derived from ginseng plants for the study of SOCE deserves more rigorous experimental investigations, which may lay new ground for the development of new types of Ca2+ antagonists (and/or agonists) from the natural resources. (+info)Anti-inflammatory effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng. (6/532)
AIM: To study the anti-inflammatory effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng (PnS). METHODS: Rat air-pouch acute inflammatory model was established with s.c. carrageenan (Car, 25 mg.kg-1). The protein content in exudate was measured. Micro-acid titration assay and radioimmunoassay (RIA) were applied respectively to investigate effects of PnS on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and dinoprostone (Din) content in exudate. Fura-2 fluorescence technique was used to determine the intracellular free calcium concentration in neutrophils (Neu-[Ca2+]i). RESULTS: At 12 h, PnS 60-240 mg.kg-1 i.p. reduced Neu counts, protein content [(7.7 +/- 1.3) to (4.4 +/- 1.4) g.L-1], and Din content [(1619 +/- 391) to (883 +/- 268) ng.L-1]; inhibited the PLA2 activity in exudate [(248 +/- 42) to (157 +/- 35) kU.L-1] in a dose-dependent manner. PnS 60, 120, and 240 mg.kg-1 lowered the level of Neu-[Ca2+]i with the inhibitory rate of 9.1%, 33.2%, and 39.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PnS has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect and its mechanisms are related to the inhibition of the Neu-[Ca2+]i level and PLA2 activity, and reduction of Din content. (+info)Effect of aerobic exercise and ginsenosides on lipid metabolism in diet-induced hyperlipidemia mice. (7/532)
AIM: To study the effect of aerobic exercise and its combination with Gin (ginsenosides from stems and leaves of ginseng) on lipid metabolism in diet-induced hyperlipidemia mice. METHODS: The mouse hyperlipidemia model was set up by feeding high cholesterol diet. Unloaded swimming was designed to be a manner of aerobic exercise. The effects of aerobic exercise and its combination with Gin on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in serum, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue were measured; the thymus and liver were weighed. RESULTS: (1) The mouse hyperlipidemia model was set up successfully: TC and MDA increased (P < 0.05) but HDL-c and SOD decreased (P < 0.05); the liver weight increased and the thymus weight reduced; fatty liver was found; (2) aerobic exercise reduced TC but increased MDA and HDL-c in cholesterol-rich diet mice; the liver weight did not reduce, and fatty liver did not clear up; and (3) when aerobic exercise combined with Gin, TC and TG decreased markedly (P < 0.01), and MDA also decreased (P < 0.05); SOD and HDL-c increased markedly (P < 0.01); the thymus weight increased and the liver weight decreased to normal level; fatty liver cleared up. CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise could lower serum lipid to some extent but could not satisfactorily regulate lipid metabolism. When combined with Gin, aerobic exercise could better lower serum lipid, regulate lipid metabolism, promote antioxidation, and enhance immune activity. (+info)Selected herbals and human exercise performance. (8/532)
Herbs have been used throughout history to enhance physical performance, but scientific scrutiny with controlled clinical trials has only recently been used to study such effects. The following herbs are currently used to enhance physical performance regardless of scientific evidence of effect: Chinese, Korean, and American ginsengs; Siberian ginseng, mahuang or Chinese ephedra; ashwagandha; rhodiola; yohimbe; CORDYCEPS: fungus, shilajit or mummio; smilax; wild oats; Muira puama; suma (ecdysterone); Tribulus terrestris; saw palmetto berries; beta-sitosterol and other related sterols; and wild yams (diosgenin). Controlled studies of Asian ginsengs found improvements in exercise performance when most of the following conditions were true: use of standardized root extracts, study duration (>8 wk, daily dose >1 g dried root or equivalent, large number of subjects, and older subjects. Improvements in muscular strength, maximal oxygen uptake, work capacity, fuel homeostasis, serum lactate, heart rate, visual and auditory reaction times, alertness, and psychomotor skills have also been repeatedly documented. Siberian ginseng has shown mixed results. Mahuang, ephedrine, and related alkaloids have not benefited physical performance except when combined with caffeine. Other herbs remain virtually untested. Future research on ergogenic effects of herbs should consider identity and amount of substance or presumed active ingredients administered, dose response, duration of test period, proper experimental controls, measurement of psychological and physiologic parameters (including antioxidant actions), and measurements of performance pertinent to intended uses. (+info)"Panax" is a term used in the field of botany and medicine, particularly in the study of traditional Chinese medicine. It specifically refers to the genus of plants that includes ginseng, which is known scientifically as "Panax ginseng." This plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its perceived ability to boost energy levels, reduce stress, and improve overall health. The term "Panax" itself comes from the Greek words "pan," meaning all or everything, and "akos," meaning cure or remedy, reflecting the belief in its wide-ranging healing properties. It's important to note that while some studies suggest potential health benefits of Panax ginseng, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and safety.
Panax notoginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng or Sanqi, is a species of plant in the Araliaceae family that is native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of this plant is used as an herbal remedy for various purposes, including improving blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling, and promoting healing of wounds and bruises.
Modern medical research has investigated the potential therapeutic effects of Panax notoginseng and its constituents, such as saponins and phenolic compounds. Some studies suggest that it may have cardiovascular benefits, neuroprotective effects, and anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish recommended dosages and safety profiles.
It's important to note that the use of Panax notoginseng as a medical treatment should be supervised by a healthcare professional, as it can interact with other medications and have potential side effects.
Ginsenosides are a type of saponin, which are natural compounds found in the roots and leaves of the ginseng plant (Panax ginseng). These triterpene glycosides have been identified as the primary active components responsible for the pharmacological effects of ginseng.
There are several structurally different ginsenosides, classified into two major groups: the protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol groups. These compounds have been reported to exhibit various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects.
The content and composition of ginsenosides can vary depending on the species, cultivation methods, and processing techniques used for ginseng. The potential health benefits of ginseng are often attributed to these unique compounds, making them a subject of ongoing research in pharmacology and herbal medicine.
Saponins are a type of naturally occurring chemical compound found in various plants, including soapwords, ginseng, and many others. They are known for their foaming properties, similar to that of soap, which gives them their name "saponin" derived from the Latin word "sapo" meaning soap.
Medically, saponins have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. However, they can also have toxic effects in high concentrations, causing gastrointestinal disturbances and potentially damaging red blood cells.
Saponins are typically found in the cell walls of plants and can be extracted through various methods for use in pharmaceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.
Diynes are organic compounds that contain two carbon-carbon triple bonds in their molecular structure. The general chemical formula for diynes is R-C≡C-C≡C-R, where R can be a hydrogen atom or any organic group. Diynes are important building blocks in organic synthesis and have been used to create complex molecules, nanomaterials, and pharmaceuticals. They are also of interest in materials science due to their unique electronic properties and potential applications in optoelectronics and photonics.
Sapogenins are steroid-like compounds that are naturally occurring in some plants, particularly in the sap of certain species. They are aglycones (non-sugar components) of saponins, which are glycosides (compounds with sugar molecules) known for their foaming properties.
Sapogenins have a steroidal structure and can be further categorized into two groups: spirostanol sapogenins and furostanol sapogenins. These compounds have potential therapeutic applications due to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential benefits in medical treatments.
Chinese herbal drugs, also known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), refer to a system of medicine that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that the body's vital energy, called Qi, must be balanced and flowing freely for good health. TCM uses various techniques such as herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and exercise to restore balance and promote healing.
Chinese herbal drugs are usually prescribed in the form of teas, powders, pills, or tinctures and may contain one or a combination of herbs. The herbs used in Chinese medicine are typically derived from plants, minerals, or animal products. Some commonly used Chinese herbs include ginseng, astragalus, licorice root, and cinnamon bark.
It is important to note that the use of Chinese herbal drugs should be under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as some herbs can interact with prescription medications or have side effects. Additionally, the quality and safety of Chinese herbal products can vary widely depending on the source and manufacturing process.
Polyacetylenes are a type of chemical compound that naturally occur in certain plants, including members of the families Asteraceae (daisies, sunflowers) and Apiaceae (carrots, parsley). They are characterized by alternating double bonds along their carbon chain, which can give them unique chemical properties. Some polyacetylenes have been found to have potential medicinal benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, they can also be toxic in high concentrations. It's important to note that the term "polyacetylenes" refers to a broad class of compounds, and individual members may have different properties and effects.
Medicinal plants are defined as those plants that contain naturally occurring chemical compounds which can be used for therapeutic purposes, either directly or indirectly. These plants have been used for centuries in various traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Native American medicine, to prevent or treat various health conditions.
Medicinal plants contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, and saponins, among others. These compounds have been found to possess various pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
Medicinal plants can be used in various forms, including whole plant material, extracts, essential oils, and isolated compounds. They can be administered through different routes, such as oral, topical, or respiratory, depending on the desired therapeutic effect.
It is important to note that while medicinal plants have been used safely and effectively for centuries, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some medicinal plants can interact with prescription medications or have adverse effects if used inappropriately.
A plant root is not a medical term per se, but it is a term from botany, which is the study of plants. However, I can certainly provide a definition for you.
Plant roots are the underground organs of a plant that typically grow downward into the soil. They serve several important functions, including:
1. Anchorage: Roots help to stabilize the plant and keep it upright in the ground.
2. Absorption: Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil, which are essential for the plant's growth and development.
3. Conduction: Roots conduct water and nutrients up to the above-ground parts of the plant, such as the stem and leaves.
4. Vegetative reproduction: Some plants can reproduce vegetatively through their roots, producing new plants from root fragments or specialized structures called rhizomes or tubers.
Roots are composed of several different tissues, including the epidermis, cortex, endodermis, and vascular tissue. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the root, which secretes a waxy substance called suberin that helps to prevent water loss. The cortex is the middle layer of the root, which contains cells that store carbohydrates and other nutrients. The endodermis is a thin layer of cells that surrounds the vascular tissue and regulates the movement of water and solutes into and out of the root. The vascular tissue consists of xylem and phloem, which transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.
Phytotherapy is the use of extracts of natural origin, especially plants or plant parts, for therapeutic purposes. It is also known as herbal medicine and is a traditional practice in many cultures. The active compounds in these plant extracts are believed to have various medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or sedative effects. Practitioners of phytotherapy may use the whole plant, dried parts, or concentrated extracts to prepare teas, capsules, tinctures, or ointments for therapeutic use. It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of phytotherapy are not always supported by scientific evidence, and it should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Herb-drug interactions (HDIs) refer to the pharmacological or clinical consequences that occur when a patient takes a herbal product concurrently with a prescribed medication. These interactions can result in various outcomes, such as decreased, increased, or altered drug effects due to changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of the drug.
Herbs may contain various bioactive compounds that can interact with drugs and affect their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. For example, some herbs may induce or inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes, leading to altered drug metabolism and potentially increased or decreased drug concentrations in the body.
Similarly, herbs can also affect drug transporters, such as P-glycoprotein, which can further alter drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. Moreover, some herbs may have pharmacodynamic interactions with drugs, leading to additive or synergistic effects, or antagonism of the drug's therapeutic action.
Therefore, healthcare providers should be aware of potential HDIs when prescribing medications to patients who use herbal products and consider monitoring their patients' medication responses closely. Patients should also be advised to inform their healthcare providers about any herbal products they are taking, including dosage and frequency of use.
Triterpenes are a type of natural compound that are composed of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway in plants, fungi, and some insects, and can be found in a wide variety of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Triterpenes have diverse structures and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. Some triterpenes are also used in traditional medicine, such as glycyrrhizin from licorice root and betulinic acid from the bark of birch trees.
Triterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their carbon skeletons, including squalene, lanostane, dammarane, and ursane derivatives. Some triterpenes are also modified through various biochemical reactions to form saponins, steroids, and other compounds with important biological activities.
A rhizome is not typically used as a medical term, but it is a term borrowed from botany that has been adopted in some areas of medicine, particularly in psychiatry and psychotherapy.
In its original botanical sense, a rhizome is a horizontal stem of a plant that grows underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes. This growth pattern is contrasted with that of a root system, which grows downward, and a stem system, which grows upward.
In psychiatry and psychotherapy, the term "rhizome" has been used as a metaphor to describe a non-hierarchical and decentralized approach to understanding mental processes and subjectivity. The rhizome model emphasizes the complexity, multiplicity, and interconnectedness of these processes, and rejects simplistic or reductionist explanations that focus on a single cause or origin. Instead, it encourages a more holistic and dynamic view of mental life, one that is open to multiple perspectives and interpretations.
It's important to note that the use of the term "rhizome" in this context is metaphorical and not medical in the strict sense. It is a way of thinking about mental processes and subjectivity that has been influenced by poststructuralist and feminist theories, among others.
"Plant preparations" is not a term with a specific medical definition in the field of medicine or pharmacology. However, it is commonly used to refer to various forms of plant material that have been prepared for medicinal use. This can include dried and powdered plant parts, such as leaves, roots, or flowers, as well as extracts or concentrates made from plants. These preparations may be used in traditional medicine or as the basis for modern pharmaceuticals. It is important to note that the safety, effectiveness, and quality of plant preparations can vary widely, and they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
"Ligusticum" is a genus name in botany, which refers to a group of plants belonging to the carrot family (Apiaceae). There are several species within this genus, including "Ligusticum porteri" and "Ligusticum sinense," which have been used in traditional medicine.
In a medical context, "Ligusticum" is not commonly used as a standalone term but rather refers to the medicinal properties of specific species within this genus. For example, "Ligusticum porteri," also known as Osha or Porter's Lovage, has been traditionally used in Native American medicine for treating respiratory and digestive issues. Similarly, "Ligusticum sinense," or Chinese Lovage, is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat various conditions such as cough, asthma, and menstrual disorders.
It's important to note that while some species of Ligusticum have been used in traditional medicine, there is limited scientific evidence to support their efficacy or safety. Therefore, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.