Rehmannia
Yin-Yang
Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid
Decontamination
Induction of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene expression by paraquat and stress-related hormones in Rehmannia glutinosa. (1/18)
Rehmannia glutinosa is a medicinal herb that is tolerant to the non-selective herbicide paraquat. Acteoside, a phenolic compound present in the plant, has been shown to inhibit paraquat. To understand regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway that produces the acteoside moiety, we isolated a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) cDNA clone (RgPAL1) and used it to examine PAL expression. The deduced 712 amino acid sequence of the open reading frame contains the conserved active site and potential phosphorylation sites of other plant PALs. RgPAL1 mRNA was detected in the leaves, flowers and roots of healthy plants, and the level of the mRNA was higher in leaves than in flowers and roots. RgPAL1 mRNA was induced in leaves by paraquat, H2O2, UV light, wounding, yeast extract, jasmonic acid and ethephon. The transcript level and enzyme activity increased gradually from 6 to 24 h after exposure to paraquat or jasmonic acid. Induction of RgPAL1 by paraquat and stress-related phytohormones suggests that it is involved in the regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway under oxidative stress. (+info)Je-chun-jun induced apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. (2/18)
AIM: To study the mechanism of je-chun-jun (JCJ)-inducing the apoptosis of the human cervical carcinoma, HeLa cells. METHODS: The cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. The optical density was measured at 570 nm. The caspase activity was measured using 50 mmol/L of fluorogenic substrate, AC-DEVD-AMC (caspase-3), AC-VEID-AMC (caspase-8) or AC-LEHD-AFC (caspase-9). To confirm the expression of proteins, Western blotting was performed. To detect the characteristic of apoptosis chromatin condensation, HeLa cells were stained with Hoechst 33258 in the presence of JCJ. For the cell cycle analysis, HeLa cells were incubated with Propidium iodide (PI) solution. Fluorescence intensity of cell cycle was measured using flow cytometry system. RESULTS: The loss of viability occurred following the exposure of 10 g/L JCJ. Cells treated with 10 g/L JCJ for 3 d exhibited the apoptotic morphology (brightly blue-fluorescent condensed nuclei by Hoechst 33258-staining) and the reduction of cell volume. Cells incubated with JCJ for 48 h were arrested at the G1 phase of cell cycle and their G1 checkpoint related gene products such as cyclin D1 were transiently decreased. We showed that JCJ induced the p38 MAPK activation in HeLa cells. The p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 protected Hela cells from the JCJ-induced death as well as intervened the JCJ-induced accumulation of cells at the G1 phase. In contrast, MEK1 (-ERK upstream) inhibitor, PD98059 had no effect on HeLa cells. CONCLUSION: JCJ induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HeLa cells through p38 MAPK pathway. (+info)The activities of antioxidant enzymes in response to oxidative stresses and hormones in paraquat-tolerant Rehmannia glutinosa plants. (3/18)
All members of R. glutinosa show the unique characteristic of intrinsic tolerance to paraquat (PQ). Antioxidant enzymes have been proposed to be the primary mechanism of PQ resistance in several plant species. Therefore, the antioxidant enzyme systems of R. glutinosa were evaluated by comparatively analyzing cellular antioxidant enzyme levels, and their responses of oxidative stresses and hormones. The levels of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), non-specific peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 7.3-, 4.9-, 2.7- and 1.6-fold higher in PQ-tolerant R. glutinosa than in PQ-susceptible soybeans. However, the activity of catalase (CAT) was about 12-fold higher in the soybeans. The activities of antioxidant enzymes reduced after PQ treatment in the two species, with the exception of POX and SOD in R. glutinosa, which increased by about 40 %. Interestingly, the activities of APX, SOD and POX in R. glutinosa, relative to those in soybeans, were further increased by 49, 67 and 93 % after PQ treatment. The considerably higher intrinsic levels, and increases in the relative activities of antioxidant enzymes in R. glutinosa under oxidative stress support the possible role of these enzymes in the PQ tolerance of R. glutinosa. However, the relatively lower levels of SOD versus PQ tolerance, and the mixed responses of antioxidant enzymes to stresses and hormones, suggest a possible alternative mechanism(s) for PQ tolerance in R. glutinosa. (+info)Rehmannia glutinose ameliorates renal function in the ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure rats. (4/18)
The present study was designed to examine whether aqueous extract of steamed root of Rehmannia glutinose (ARR) has an ameliorative effect on renal functional parameters in association with the expressions of aquaporin 2 (AQP 2), Na,K-ATPase, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the ischemia-reperfusion induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats. Polyuria caused by down-regulation of renal AQP 2 in the ischemia-induced ARF rats was markedly restored by administration of ARR (200 mg/kg, p.o.) with restoring expression of AQP 2 in the kidney. The expressions of Na,K-ATPase alpha1 and beta1 subunits in the renal medullar and cortex of the ARF rats were also restored in the ARF rats by administration of ARR. On the other hand, administration of ARR lowered the renal expression of HO-1 up-regulated in rats with ischemia-induced ARF. The renal functional parameters including creatinine clearance, urinary sodium excretion, urinary osmolality, and solute-free reabsorption were also markedly restored in ischemia-ARF rats by administration of ARR. Taken together, these data indicate that RSR ameliorates renal defects in rats with ischemia-induced ARF. (+info)Hot water-extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. (5/18)
AIM: To investigate the effect of hot water-extracted Lycium barbarum (LBE) and Rehmannia glutinosa (RGE) on cell proliferation and apoptosis in rat and/or human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS: Rat (H-4-II-E) and human HCC (HA22T/VGH) cell lines were incubated with various concentrations (0-10 g/L) of hot water-extracted LBE and RGE. After 6-24 h incubation, cell proliferation (n = 6) was measured by a colorimetric method. The apoptotic cells (n = 6) were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of p53 protein (n = 3) was determined by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. RESULTS: Crude LBE (2-5 g/L) and RGE (2-10 g/L) dose-dependently inhibited proliferation of H-4-II-E cells by 11% (P < 0.05) to 85% (P < 0.01) after 6-24 h treatment. Crude LBE at a dose of 5 g/L suppressed cell proliferation of H-4-II-E cells more effectively than crude RGE after 6-24 h incubation (P < 0.01). Crude LBE (2-10 g/L) and RGE (2-5 g/L) also dose-dependently inhibited proliferation of HA22T/VGH cells by 14%-43% (P < 0.01) after 24 h. Crude LBE at a dose of 10 g/L inhibited the proliferation of HA22T/VGH cells more effectively than crude RGE (56.8% +/- 1.6% vs 70.3% +/- 3.1% of control, P = 0.0003 < 0.01). The apoptotic cells significantly increased in H-4-II-E cells after 24 h treatment with higher doses of crude LBE (2-5 g/L) and RGE (5-10 g/L) (P < 0.01). The expression of p53 protein in H-4-II-E cells was 119% and 143% of the control group compared with the LBE-treated (2, 5 g/L) groups, and 110% and 132% of the control group compared with the RGE -treated (5, 10 g/L) groups after 24 h. CONCLUSION: Hot water-extracted crude LBE (2-5 g/L) and RGE (5-10 g/L) inhibit proliferation and stimulate p53-mediated apoptosis in HCC cells. (+info)The therapeutic effects of rehmannia oral liquid for the syndrome of heat accumulation with Yin consumption in esophagus cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy--a report of 60 cases. (6/18)
OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Rehmannia Oral Liquid on the syndrome of heat accumulation with Yin consumption in intermediate or late esophagus cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. METHODS: The IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and TGF-beta1 levels in sera were determined by the method of ABC-WLISA before and after the treatment with Rehmannia Oral Liquid. At the same time, the observation was carried out on the patient's general condition, symptoms and signs, barium meal or CT examinations, and biopsy. Another 30 cases of esophagus cancer were treated singly with radiotherapy as the control group. RESULTS: Rehmannia Oral Liquid could obviously improve the patient's general condition, and the symptoms and signs after radiotherapy. Based on the X-ray examination and biopsy, the short-term local control rate of the treatment group and the control group was 70.0% and 40.0% respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.05). Before the treatment, the level of serum IFN-alpha of both cancer groups was lower and the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and TGF-beta1 were higher than that of normal group. After treatment, the level of IFN-alpha in both treatment group and control group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the treatment group improved more obviously than the control group (P<0.05). The level of TNF-alpha of both groups decreased significantly (P<0.01) after treatment, and the level of IL-1beta decreased in treatment group and increased in control group without the significant difference as compared with that before treatment The level of TGF-beta1 was significantly increased in control group (P<0.05) and decreased in treatment group (P>0.05) after treatment. The difference between groups was significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rehmannia Oral Liquid can obviously reduce the radiotherapy reaction, improve the quality of life, and raise the therapeutic effects. The action mechanism of the Liquid may lie in balancing the cytokine network and regulating the disordered signal transmission. (+info)Decontamination of organochlorine pesticides residue and heavy metal in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch by SFE. (7/18)
A method involving the simultaneous extraction and decontamination of 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and seven heavy metals (HM) from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch was established using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). A gas chromatography (GC) method with electron capture detection was employed for the determination of the OCPs. The quantitative determination of active constituents (iridoid glycoside and catalpol) in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was designed for the determination of seven HM, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. Recovery of the determination of the 12 organochlorine pesticides in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch sample was 85.9%-101.4% by GC, and relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.9%-6.0%. Catalpol determination with HPLC in a Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch sample was 0.2486 and 0.2559 mg/mL before and after decontaminating OCPs by SFE, respectively. Those were 0.2486 and 0.2632 mg/mL before and after decontaminating HM by SFE, respectively. After a series of experiments to optimize the final SFE, the following conditions were used to determine the OCPs: pure CO(2), extraction pressure of 15 Mpa, extraction temperature of 60 degrees C, extraction time of 30 min, flow rate at 35 kg/h, and the final SFE conditions of HM was pure CO(2), extraction pressure of 18 Mpa, extraction temperature of 50 degrees C, extraction time of 20 min, modifier at 2.5 mL/50 g. The SFE was used to remove the 12 OCP residues and seven HM residues from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch with less residue left and negligible loss of the active constituent catalpol. (+info)Differential miRNA expression in Rehmannia glutinosa plants subjected to continuous cropping. (8/18)
(+info)Rehmannia, also known as Rehmannia glutinosa, is a type of plant that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is not a commonly used medical term in modern Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of the plant is used and it is believed to have various medicinal properties such as being anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant. It is often used to treat a variety of conditions including anemia, dizziness, high blood pressure, and inflammation. However, it's important to note that the use of Rehmannia in modern medicine is not well researched and more scientific evidence is needed to support its effectiveness and safety. As with any supplement or medication, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the concept of Yin and Yang does not have a medical definition. It is a philosophical concept from Chinese culture, often used in traditional Chinese medicine, that describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. In this context, yin and yang are used to describe the complementary aspects of and interdependence between various phenomena.
Yin is characterized as feminine, passive, receptive, and associated with night, darkness, and cold. Yang, on the other hand, is characterized as masculine, active, creative, and associated with day, light, and warmth. The concept of yin and yang is often used to describe the balance and harmony in health and well-being, and any imbalance between these two forces is believed to cause disease or illness. However, it's important to note that this concept is not a medical diagnosis or treatment approach and should not be considered as such.
Chromatography, supercritical fluid (SFC) is a type of chromatographic technique that uses supercritical fluids as the mobile phase to separate and analyze components of a mixture. A supercritical fluid is a substance that is maintained at temperatures and pressures above its critical point, where it exhibits properties of both a gas and a liquid, making it an ideal medium for separations due to its low viscosity, high diffusivity, and tuneable solvating strength.
In SFC, the supercritical fluid, typically carbon dioxide (CO2) due to its mild critical point conditions, is used to elute analytes from a stationary phase, such as a silica or polymer-based column. The interactions between the analytes and the stationary phase, along with the properties of the supercritical fluid, determine the separation efficiency and resolution of the technique.
SFC has several advantages over traditional liquid chromatography (LC) techniques, including faster analysis times, lower solvent consumption, and the ability to analyze a wider range of polar and nonpolar compounds. SFC is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug discovery and development, as well as in environmental, food, and chemical analyses.
"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.
Decontamination is the process of removing, inactivating or destroying harmful contaminants from a person, object, environment or substance. In a medical context, decontamination typically refers to the removal of pathogens, toxic chemicals, or radioactive substances from patients, equipment, or surfaces in order to prevent infection or illness.
There are different methods and techniques for decontamination depending on the type and extent of contamination. For example, mechanical cleaning (such as washing with soap and water), chemical disinfection (using antimicrobial agents), radiation sterilization (using ionizing radiation), and heat sterilization (using steam or dry heat) are some common methods used in medical settings to decontaminate surfaces, equipment, and supplies.
Decontamination is an important process in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, as well as in emergency response situations involving hazardous materials or bioterrorism incidents. Proper decontamination procedures can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reduce the risk of chemical or radiation exposure, and protect the health and safety of patients, healthcare workers, and the public.
Pesticide residues refer to the remaining pesticide chemicals, including their metabolites and degradation products, that are present in or on food commodities or environmental samples after a pesticide application has ended. These residues can result from agricultural use, such as spraying crops to control pests, or from non-agricultural uses, like treating buildings for termite control.
Regulatory agencies establish maximum residue limits (MRLs) to ensure that the levels of pesticide residues in food and feed are below those that may pose a risk to human health. Monitoring programs are in place to check compliance with these MRLs, and enforcement actions can be taken if violations occur.
It's important to note that not all pesticide residues are harmful, as some pesticides degrade into harmless compounds over time or leave behind residues below levels of concern for human health. However, long-term exposure to even low levels of certain pesticide residues may still pose a risk and should be avoided when possible.