Protective effect of essential oil of Pistacia atlantica Desf. on peptic ulcer: role of α-pinene

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleoresin essential oil on peptic ulcer(PU) and its antibacterial effect on metronidazole-resistant Helicobacter pylori, as well as chemi-cal composition of the essential oil.METHODS: The essential oil was standardized using gas chromatography mass spectrometry(GC/MS) analysis. Acute toxicity of the essential oil was assessed in animal model. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was performed through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration method. For gastroprotective assay, rats received Pistacia atlantica Desf. essential oil(25, 50 and 100 mg/kg orally) 1 h before induction of ulcer by ethanol.Macroscopic(ulcer index and protection rate) and microscopic examination were performed.RESULTS: The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil led to the identification of twenty constituents andα-pinene is predominant constituent. The essential oil was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. All Helicobacter pylori strains were susceptible to the essential oil and the MIC ranged from 275 to 1100 μg/m L. The ulcer index for treated groups was significantly reduced compared to control(P 0.001) with EC50 value of 12.32 mg/kg. In microscopic examination, Pistacia atlantica attenuated destruction and necrosis of gastric tissue.CONCLUSION: Current study exhibited protective effect of standardized Pistacia atlantica essential oil against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and its antibacterial activity on Helicobacter pylori. α-pinene might be the responsible agent.     

Activity of the Helix in Ear Acupuncture: Corresponding to the Segmental Innervation of the Human Body?: Part II: Elaboration of a Segmental Cartography of the Helix

Background

Intrigued by the two postulations of René Bourdiol, the one on the influence of the helix border on the segmental innervation of the body and the other on the differentiation into an anterior sensory side and a posterior motor side, we looked for further clinical evidence.

Aim

The aim is to present the elaboration of a chart of the helix border with its segmental indications.

Method

In a series of two articles we present a clinical body of evidence for the elaboration of the segmental chart of the helix border. This evidence was found by detection of painful points in the ear of patients with different diagnoses.

Results

We find very intense activity on the helix border over its entire length, going from the bulbar tail to point Zero on the root. The segmental representation follows a proportional and logical distribution in the succession of the segments. Although this study is qualitative in nature, needling is so influential therapeutically that a statistical study would be highly recommended.

Conclusion

On the basis of clinical evidence, we confirm the postulation of René Bourdiol on segmental influence of the helix but propose to extend this action to the entire border of the helix. We find also confirmation for the second postulation of René Bourdiol, on the sensory nature of the anterior border and the motor nature of the posterior border. During our investigation however we found also a vascular influence of the cornice (internal hidden border of the helix). On cross section of the helix therefore, we situate three transversal points, cutaneous, motor and vascular, representing the sensory, motor and vascular innervation of the same segmental level. The bulbar thickening of the tail contributes perhaps to a cervical enlargement for the plexus brachialis, but the bulbar tail is much more convincingly identifiable with the medulla oblongata containing the therapeutically interesting spinal trigeminal nucleus and the accessory cuneate nucleus. The localization of the tubercle of Darwin is only present in 10 % of the population. Even when present, the localization of this segmental landmark is too variable and does in my view not represent a lumbosacral enlargement for the innervation of the lower limb as suggested by Bourdiol.     

Effectiveness of moxibustion alone on lumbar disc herniation: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the available evidence from randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of moxibustion alone for lumbar disc herniation(LDH) treatment. METHODS: A systematic search of 10 databases(until August 30, 2021) was used to identify studies that reported the response rate, visual analogue scale(VAS) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA) score, and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) score. Study selection and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. Cochrane criteria...     

Ethnopharmacology of liakra: traditional weedy vegetables of the Arbëreshë of the Vulture area in southern Italy

An ethnobiological field study on food plants and medicinal foods traditionally consumed in three Arb?resh (ethnic Albanian) communities in northern Lucania (southern Italy) document approximately 120 botanical taxa used for these purposes. Non-domesticated food vegetables (liakra), mostly gathered during the spring season, play a central role as traditional functional food. Quantitative ethnobotanical, ethnotaxonomical, ethnoecological, ethnogastronomical, and ethnopharmacological aspects related to gathering, processing, cooking and consumption of liakra are discussed. Unusual food species, such as Lycium europeaum, Centaurea calcitrapa, and a few spontaneous weedy Asteraceae and Brassicaceae species are locally used in the kitchen. Most of these are very poorly known phytochemically and phytopharmacologically. Moreover, an analysis of taste perception of the most commonly used botanical foods was conducted in the village of Ginestra. Arb?resh taste classification and indigenous criteria related to the perception of bitter taste in considering non-cultivated plants as food or medicine are discussed as well.     

Antidiabetic effect of propolis: reduction of expression of glucose-6-phosphatase through inhibition of Y279 and Y216 autophosphorylation of GSK-3α/β in HepG2 cells

Propolis is a sticky, resinous material that honey bees collect from various plants, and mix with wax and other secretions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of propolis through an analysis of the expression and enzyme activity of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and to elucidate the mechanism by which propolis inhibits G6Pase gene expression. When HepG2 cells were incubated in high glucose media (25 mm), G6Pase expression was induced. Propolis significantly reduced the expression and enzyme activity of G6Pase; however, the hypoglycemic effect was not abolished by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, and by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, U0126. Propolis inhibited the activity of GSK3α and β via the inhibition of serine and tyrosine phosphorylation, specifically, Y279 for GSK3α and Y216 for GSK3β. The phosphorylations of Y279 and Y216 occur through autophosphorylation by GSK3α/β and are involved in their own activity. Although propolis showed antioxidant activity, antidiabetic effect of propolis was not influenced by hydrogen peroxide and N-acetylcysteine. These results suggest that propolis inhibits the expression of G6Pase by inhibiting the autophosphorylation of Y279 and Y216 of GSK3α and β, respectively, which are involved in the activation of GSK3. These findings suggest that propolis may be a potential antidiabetic agent for the treatment of insulin-insensitive diabetes.     

Progress in the study of Yang-deficiency constitution in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a narrative review

The Yang-deficiency constitution has been a hot topic of interest in recent years. Important research progress has been made in quantitative diagnostic criteria and auxiliary identification technologies, modern biological interpretations of the constitution characteristics, the association between the Yang-deficiency constitution and diseases, as well as the mechanisms of regulating the constitution. Yet, there are still some deficiencies and limitations. Herein, we systematically reviewed the r...     

China Association of Acupuncture–Moxibustion Evidence-based clinical practice guideline of acupuncture and moxibustion: Primary dysmenorrhea

<正>Dysmenorrhea refers to periodic abdominal pain, or radiating to lumbosacral region. For the severe case, it is intolerable,combined with nausea and vomiting sometimes. This disease is commonly seen in unmarried young women. Epidemiological studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is the most common     

Tracheal relaxation of five Ivorian anti-asthmatic plants: role of epithelium and K⁺ channels in the effect of the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea root bark

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Leaves of Boerhavia diffusa (Nyctaginaceae), Baphia nitida, Cassia occidentalis, Desmodium adscendens (Fabaceae), and root bark of Dichrostachys cinerea (Fabaceae) are used in Ivory Coast for the treatment of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential airway relaxant activity of different extracts of these plants.

Materials and methods

Extracts of different polarities (H₂O, EtOH/H₂O, MeOH and CH₂Cl₂) were obtained from these five plants. Their ex vivo relaxant activity was tested in mice isolated trachea precontracted with carbachol (1 μM).

Results

Cumulative concentrations of most extracts induced moderate to strong relaxation, the methanolic extracts being the most potent and the polar extracts the most active at the concentrations used, supporting the traditional use of these five plants as anti-asthmatic remedies. We further investigated the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the mouse trachea relaxant effect of the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea root bark, the most potent extract. Its effect was not modified in the presence of β-adrenoceptor antagonists (propranolol or ICI 118,551) or a PKA inhibitor (H89). By contrast, it was decreased after depolarization-induced precontraction (with 80 mM KCl), in the presence of some K⁺ channels blockers [4-aminopyridine as voltage-dependent K⁺ (K_v) channel blocker and tetraethylammonium chloride as large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channel blocker, but not with glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channel blocker] or after epithelium removal.

Conclusions

The mouse tracheal relaxant effect of Dichrostachys cinerea EtOH/H₂O extract was independent of β₂-adrenoceptors activation and cAMP/PKA pathway, but dependent on epithelium and K⁺ channels, namely K_v and BK_Ca channels. Further investigation will be required to identify the component(s) responsible for this airways relaxant activity.     

Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of pain after laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture for treating pain after laparoscopic surgery. METHODS:The following databases were searched(since their establishment until November 16, 2021) for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on electroacupuncture for pain after laparoscopic surgery:Pub Med, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Chin...     

Antidepressant activity of Litsea glaucescens essential oil: Identification of β-pinene and linalool as active principles

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Litsea glaucescens (Lauraceae) has been used in Mexican Traditional Medicine to relieve illness related to central nervous system, such as epilepsy, fright and sadness. In this study, L. glaucescens essential oil properties on central nervous system were evaluated in mice using different behavioral tests.

Materials and methods

The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. Identification of major compounds was also carried out by comparison with authentic samples. The psychopharmacological profile of L. glaucescens essential oil, and some its major compounds, were evaluated in mice using several experimental models: forced swimming test (FST: Antidepressant-like activity), open field test (OFT: Spontaneous locomotor activity), elevated plus-maze (EPM: Anxiolytic-like activity), exploratory cylinder (ECT: Sedative-like activity), rotarod (motor coordination) and traction performance (myo-relaxant effect) the essential oil and active principles was administered intraperitoneally.

Results

The essential oil showed antidepressant-like activity at doses of 100 and 300 mg/Kg. The monoterpenes β-pinene and linalool were identified as the two main active principles of the essential oil, and showed antidepressant-like and sedative-like activity. Eucalyptol, limonene and α-pinene they did not show antidepressant-like activity, and were not further tested.

Conclusions

L. glaucescens essential oil showed antidepressant activity, β-pinene and linalool were identified as its active principles. These results support the use of L. glaucescens in Mexican Traditional Medicine for the treatment of sadness.     

Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2010 Edition): A Milestone in Development of China’s Healthcare

Compilation of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (known as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010) has been completed by the Ninth Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission,which has been officially distributed in January 2010 and implemented     

Effectiveness of acupuncture-related therapies on schizophrenia: a Bayesian network Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To create the hierarchical model for the comparison of efficacy of different ATs for schizophrenia. METHODS: PubM ed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and SinoM ed were searched using a specified search strategy to identify relevant studies up to December 2021. The data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of included tri...     

The very early text book of pediatrics: Tadbir-AlSebyān

<正>Pediatric field encompasses a medical branch that deals with the medical care of infants,children,and new adolescents.Patients in this fi eld are generally from birth up to 18 years of age.Although the fi eld is known as a new medical branch,     

Suzhou Medical,Appliance Factory:Dominant Drafter of ISO 17218

Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory is a class-two national enterprise and a Hi-new-tech enterprise in Jiangsu Province,and a plant of over 140-year production history of acupuncture instruments.It is also the benchmarking enterprise and export base of China’s acupuncture needles and devices,and the drafter of GB 2024-1994,national standards of acupuncturemoxibustion instruments.Hwato Brand is honored to be a famous Chinese trademark."Hwato"Brand acupuncture needles won titles of the National Client-satisfied Products and Famous Brand Products of Jiangsu Province.Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory was awarded as"China Time-honored Brand"and was the dominant drafter of ISO 17218,International Standard of Sterile Acupuncture Needles for Single Use.     

Research progress of moxibustion in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: 艾灸治疗肠易激综合征的研究进展

As the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, moxibustion includes many techniques, such as Chinese herb-isolated moxibustion, heat-sensitive moxibustion, mild moxibustion and warming needling. Through multiple functions of moxibustion, e.g. heat stimulation, meridian conductivity and drug effect, moxibustion brings the therapeutic effect into play, thus, it displays a certain advantage in treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In clinical practice, moxibustion therapy is widely used in the treatment of IBS and has achieved certain therapeutic effect. It is found in clinical and experimental researches that moxibustion may achieve the therapeutic effect by means of the intervention of visceral hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal hormone, gastrointestinal motility, brain-gut axis, intestinal flora, etc. But, the specific mechanism remains to be further explored. In this paper, the current status of treatment and research progress are summarized and reflected so as to provide ideas for future research and application.     

Mechanisms of anti-inflammatory property of Anacardium occidentale stem bark: Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signalling in the microglia

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Anacardium occidentale is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of arthritis, fever, aches, pains, and inflammation of the extremities.

Aim of the study

In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of a stem bark extract of A. occidentale (ANE) in LPS-stimulated microglia.

Materials and methods

Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ and cytokine (TNFα and IL-6) production were evaluated in supernatants from LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES-1) protein expressions in rat primary microglia were measured using western blot. The effects of ANE on NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation were evaluated in the luciferase reporter gene assay and ELISA, while ability of ANE to influence IκB phosphorylation was determined using ELISA specific for phospho-IκB. The involvement of MAPK phosphorylation in the anti-inflammatory actions of ANE was evaluated using specific ELISA for phospho-p38, phospho-p42/44 and phospho-JNK. The MTT assay was used to determine the effect of ANE on BV-2 microglia viability.

Results

ANE (25–100 μg/ml) produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in the production of NO, PGE₂, TNFα and IL-6 in BV-2 microglia stimulated with LPS for 24 h. Pre-treatment with ANE caused a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of COX-2, iNOS and mPGES-1 protein expressions in the rat primary microglia. Further experiments showed that ANE inhibited COX-2 and iNOS protein expression via IκB-mediated nuclear translocation and transactivation of NF-κB. Our studies also revealed that ANE produced significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent inhibition of p38, p42/44 and JNK MAPK phosphorylation in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia.

Conclusions

We conclude that ANE has an anti-inflammatory property related to inhibition of inflammation-associated cytokine production as well as iNOS and COX-2 gene expression by blocking NF-κB and MAPK pathways in the microglia. It is also suggested that mPGES-1 inhibition contributes to the effect of ANE on PGE₂ production in the microglia.