Pulsatilla
Saponins
Antitumor activity of Pulsatilla koreana saponins and their structure-activity relationship. (1/11)
Seventeen saponins isolated from the root of Pulsatilla koreana were examined for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human solid cancer cell lines, A-549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15, using the SRB assay method, and their in vivo antitumor activity using BDF1 mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). The saponins 5-17, with a free acidic functional group at C-28 of aglycon, exhibited moderate to considerable cytotoxic activity, however, the saponins 1-4, esterified with a trisaccharide at C-28 of aglycon, did not exhibit cytotoxic activity (ED50; >300 microM). Among them, oleanolic acid 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabi nopyranoside (10) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity (ED50; 2.56, 2.31, 1.57, 8.36 microM, respectively). In vivo test, hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabi nopyranoside (6, Inhibition Ratio, IR; 66.9%) exhibited more potent antitumor activity than taxol (IR; 35.8%) and doxorubicin (IR; 62.1%). Also, hedragenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamn opyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (17, IR; 50.3%) exhibited potent antitumor activity. These two saponins were identically comprised of a hederagenin aglycon moiety and a sugar sequence O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside at C-3 of the hederagenin, suggesting that the two elements are essential factors for the antitumor activity. (+info)A new triterpenoid saponin from Pulsatilla cernua. (2/11)
(+info)Anti-angiogenic effects of water extract of a formula consisting of Pulsatilla koreana, Panax ginseng and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. (3/11)
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of the water extract of Pulsatilla koreana (Yabe ex Nakai) Nakai ex T. Mori., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (WEPPG). METHODS: The effects of WEPPG on fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced angiogenesis were evaluated by human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, adhesion, and migration assays. Capillary tube formation of HUVECs and bFGF-induced chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis were also observed. WEPPG was used to treat the HUVECs and CAMs, and then various activities such as proliferation, adhesion, migration, capillary tube formation and cell cycle proteins were analyzed. RESULTS: WEPPG significantly inhibited bFGF-induced HUVEC proliferation, adhesion, migration, and capillary tube formation. Signaling protein analysis showed up-regulated expressions of various proteins including cyclin A, p63 and KIP2 and down-regulated expressions of nibrin and focal adhesion kinase. The blood vessel formation in a CAM treated with WEPPG was markedly reduced compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the inhibition of angiogenesis by WEPPG can be an action mechanism for its anti-cancer effects. (+info)Short-term effects of repeated olfactory administration of homeopathic sulphur or pulsatilla on electroencephalographic alpha power in healthy young adults. (4/11)
(+info)Saponins with neuroprotective effects from the roots of Pulsatilla cernua. (5/11)
(+info)Multiweek resting EEG cordance change patterns from repeated olfactory activation with two constitutionally salient homeopathic remedies in healthy young adults. (6/11)
(+info)Anti-inflammatory effects of a methanol extract from Pulsatilla koreana in lipopolysaccharide-exposed rats. (7/11)
To investigate the therapeutic effect of a Korean herbal medicine Pulsatilla koreana as an anti-septic agent, anti-inflammatory effects of the herbal medicine were determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed rats. Treatment with a methanol extract from Pulsatilla koreana significantly inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Results from ELISA analysis showed that Pulsatilla koreana decreased the plasma and hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha while increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS-exposed rats. Pulsatilla koreana also decreased the plasma levels of other inflammatory mediators such as NO3 -/NO2 -, ICAM-1, PGE2, and CINC-1 in LPS-exposed rats. Although no significant effects were observed in the phagocytic activities, the distribution of lymphocyte population was significantly shifted by the treatment with Pulsatilla koreana. All together, Pulsatilla koreana exerts anti-inflammatory activities in the immune-challenged animals implicating that this Korean herbal medicine is therapeutically useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases like sepsis. (+info)Laboratory evaluation of the molluscicidal activity of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel saponins against the snail Oncomelania hupensis. (8/11)
OBJECTIVE: To observe the toxicity of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel saponins (PRS) against Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis). METHODS: O. hupensis snails were exposed to 40% and 80% of 24 h LC50 of PRS for 24 h, and then choline esterase (CHE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in cephalopodium and liver of snails were determined. Niclosamide (NIC) was used as the reference molluscicide. Zebra fish lethality test was evaluated to non-target aquatic species of PRS. RESULTS: The molluscicidal activity of PRS (LC50 at 24 h: 0.48 mg/L) was similar to that of NIC (LC50 at 24 h: 0.16 mg/L). Significant alterations about CHE, ALP, and ALT activities both in the cephalopodium and the liver of snails were observed when O. hupensis was exposed to 40% and 80% LC50 of PRS or NIC for 24 h. PRS and NIC could not affect LDH activity in the cephalopodium and the liver. Lower toxicity to fish of PRS was observed up to the highest concentration tested than NIC. CONCLUSION: PRS, as compared with the reference molluscicide NIC, is thought to be used for the control of harmful vector snails safely. (+info)"Pulsatilla" is the name of a homeopathic remedy that is prepared from the dried herb of the Pulsatilla vulgaris plant, also known as the common pasque flower. In a medical context, it is not used as a conventional medical diagnosis or treatment. Instead, it's utilized in homeopathy, a complementary and alternative medicine system.
Homeopathic practitioners use Pulsatilla to treat various emotional and physical symptoms, including weepiness, mood swings, and digestive issues. It is important to note that the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies like Pulsatilla has not been conclusively proven by scientific research, and they are not recognized as standard medical treatments by mainstream healthcare professionals.
'Glycyrrhiza uralensis', also known as Chinese licorice, is a plant species native to Asia. In a medical context, it often refers to the root of this plant, which contains various compounds with potential medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various health conditions such as respiratory disorders, liver diseases, and skin inflammations.
The active component of Glycyrrhiza uralensis is glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and expectorant properties. However, it should be noted that excessive consumption of glycyrrhizin can lead to serious side effects such as hypertension, hypokalemia, and edema. Therefore, it is important to use this herb under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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.
Herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to the use of plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. This traditional form of medicine has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures worldwide. It involves the utilization of different parts of a plant, such as leaves, roots, seeds, flowers, and fruits, either in their whole form or as extracts, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, or essential oils.
Herbal medicines are believed to contain active compounds that can interact with the human body, influencing its physiological processes and helping to maintain or restore health. Some herbs have been found to possess pharmacological properties, making them valuable in treating various ailments, including digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, sleep disturbances, skin issues, and cardiovascular diseases.
However, it is essential to note that the regulation of herbal medicines varies significantly between countries, and their safety, efficacy, and quality may not always be guaranteed. Therefore, consulting a healthcare professional before starting any herbal medicine regimen is advisable to ensure proper usage, dosage, and potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.