Asthma has long been considered as one of the most common health problems in the world. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of childhood asthma has increased from 4.8% in 1989, to 10.2% in 2002. In spite of the popularity of using Chinese herbs to treat asthma in Hong Kong, evidence on the effectiveness of herbal treatments is lacking. The Chinese herbal formula CUF2 is an innovative formula developed in the Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and it is composed of 5 commonly used Chinese herbs: Radix astragali, Cordyceps sinesis, Radix Scutellaria, Bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae and Radix stemonae. These herbs are chosen because of their well-known effects on either reducing coughing and sputum production, or anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Based on the theoretical benefits of CUF2, we conducted a series of animal, in vitro and clinical studies to explore the efficacy, safety and mechanism of action of CUF2. / Following the establishment of the animal model, we have investigated the effect of CUF2 using this model of asthma. We found that 28 days pretreatment with CUF2 could reduce total cell number and eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), prevent the eosinophil infiltration of airways, decrease pulmonary inflammatory cells, and reduce mucus and goblet cell hyperplasia. Especially in the reduction of goblet cell hyperplasia, we demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the effects of high dose CUF2 and dexamethasone (DEX). The eosinophilic immune-inflammatory responses in the airways in OA-sensitized/challenged rats were completely blocked by DEX returning to almost the same as those in normal rats, but the loss of thymus index and body weight were also observed. In contrast to the overall immunosuppressive effects of DEX, decreased production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines [interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)], increased production of IL-10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in BALF and no suppression of body weight and thymus index were demonstrated in the CUF2-treated groups. There was a dose-response relationship with more prominent effects seen with higher doses of CUF2. These findings indicate that the CUF2 has anti-airway inflammatory activity and exhibits immunomodulatory effect on Th1/Th2 responses in ovalbumin sensitized rats after allergen challenge, and this may imply its potential application to patients with allergic asthma. / In order to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety, we conducted a multicenter, randomized, double blind, parallel and placebo controlled clinical trial. The same Chinese herbal formula was used in this clinical trial in 85 children aged 7-15 years with mild to moderate perennial asthma as an adjuvant therapy for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the steroid dosage reduction. Other outcome measures included changes in disease severity score (DSS), lung function, serum concentrations of total IgE and the levels of some key allergy and inflammatory markers in peripheral blood, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), frequency of asthma attacks and quality of life (QOL). To assess safety, we did urinalysis, complete blood count, liver function and renal function at baseline and the end of the study. Drug compliance and adverse effects were also checked at each monthly visit. All patients were maintained on inhaled corticosteroid at their usual dose and dosing interval, and continued to receive short-acting, inhaled beta2-agonists as needed. There were no serious adverse events reported in the 6-month study period by any of the subjects. Hematological (except eosinophils count) and biochemical profiles (including renal function and liver function) remained within normal limits in the CUF2 group and placebo group at the end of the study. CUF2 was well tolerated in asthmatic children. Both CUF2 group and placebo group showed an improvement in most of clinical parameters. The dosage of inhaled corticosteroid was successfully reduced in both groups. Both groups had similar decrease in DSS, improved QOL and improved lung function parameter PEFR (L/min). Although these parameters showed no statistically significant difference between two groups, the percentage of eosinophils and lymphocytes were significantly decreased in CUF2 group as compared with the placebo group. The CUF2 group also showed improved diary symptom score, reduced expression of TNF-alpha and slight increase in anti-inflammation cytokine IL-18 in the blood. A trend of greater improvement in frequency of upper respiratory infection (URI) in CUF2 group was noted, but no statistical significance was attained. The changes in lung function parameter FEV1%, FENO, frequency of asthma attacks and serum concentrations of total IgE, IgE HDM, IgE cat, cockroach, TARC, LTB4 and LTC4D4E4 showed no statistically significant difference CUF2 group and placebo group. Overall, our data demonstrated that CUF2 treatment had some immunomodulatory effect in childhood asthma. Our findings should support further investigations of Chinese herbal medicine in the area of asthma without steroid therapy. / In the animal study, firstly we attempted to establish a novel murine model of asthma. We adopted a modified sensitization procedure using 10-point subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections of Ovalbumin (OA) with freshly prepared Al(OH)3 and successfully induced severe airway allergic reactions in young Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In this SD rat model, allergen exposure triggered accumulation of inflammation cells and eosinophils in the airway submucosa and goblet cells hyperplasia in mucosa, lung function test revealed obstructive lung function changes that included increase of lung resistance (RL) and decrease of dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn). Cytokine and chemokine assays showed that there was a change of the TH1/Th2 balance as illustrated by the high Th2 (interleukin-4)/Th1 (interferon-gamma) ratio. These results demonstrated the feasibility and validity of the SD rat model for studying allergic asthma. This SD model is much cheaper and readily available than the Brown Norway rat model and may facilitate further drug trial in asthma. / In the in vitro study, we investigated the effect of CUF2 on the release of cytokines and/or gene expression using human mast cell line HMC-1, human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy subjects and airway cells present in induced sputum from asthmatic patients. We have shown (1) the CUF2 had no cytotoxic effects in final working concentration; (2) CUF2 had inhibitory effects on IL-6, TNF-alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secretion from HMC-1 in a dose-dependent manner. However, no reduction of IL-8 production in HMC-1 was demonstrated. (3) In addition, study of the effect of CUF2 on the expression of cytokine gene from HMC-1 showed that IL-4, IL-6 and GM-CSF mRNA expressions were down regulated at 24 hours, 24 hours, 16 hours and 24 hours of time points, respectively. No effects on IL-8 and TNF-alpha mRNA expression was observed. (4) Furthermore, CUF2 also significantly inhibited in vitro IL-6 and GM-CSF secretion in TNF-alpha stimulated BEAS-2B cell and reduced GM-CSF production in airway cells present in induced sputum from asthmatic children. (5) We observed that CUF2 enhanced TNF-alpha and IL-6 production but did not alter the levels of GM-CSF and IL-8 in mitogen-stimulated PBMCs from health subject. These findings suggest that pharmacological activities of the CUF2 may be mediated by regulating the production of cytokines in human mast cell, bronchial epithelial cell, airway cell and PBMCs. / In this study, a novel animal asthma model has been established. This model has extensively characterized and exhibited several inflammatory, immunological features that resemble those of human asthma and may facilitate further drug trial in asthma. CUF2 showed its efficacy treating the animal model of allergic asthma. In vitro study also provided evidence of its beneficial dichotomous effects on cytokine and chemokine production in HMC-1, PBMCs and airway cells. A multi-center, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial showed that CUF2 had a certain degree of clinical efficacy. Furthermore, the use of CUF2, with the study dose and treatment period, was safe. The efficacy of individual ingredient and the mechanism of CUF2 have not been clarified and further investigations are warranted. In conclusion, our results provided evidence of the potential beneficial effect of CUF2 on immune system functions and supported the potential use of TCM as therapeutic drugs for allergic inflammatory diseases. / by Wong Yeuk Oi. / "September 2005." / Advisers: Yn Tz Sung; Kowk Pui Fung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6296. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 330-349). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

by Liu Chi. / "July, 2003." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 270-283). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

For the development of a G6PD-deficient mouse model, we introduced the mutant Gpdxa-m1Neu allele (a severe ENU-induced mutation that results in 13-15% G6PD activities of wild type littermates) into the C57L/J background (a strain that constitutively exhibits low G6PD activity) through a breeding program. Of significance is that 78% of the F2 generation had G6PD activities <2 U/g Hb, levels similar to those of severe G6PD deficiency in human. The efficacy of this model was preliminary verified by the known haemolytic agent, naphthalene, as demonstrated by the decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio by 24.6% (P=0.032) and increase of methaemoglobin by 4.5 fold (P=0.8) when compared with the respective control without treatment. / Genetic analysis of 14 mutation hotpots was performed on 98 hemi-/homozygous and 17 heterozygous G6PD-deficient human subjects. We developed a novel Multiplex Primer Extension Reaction (MPER) assay and detected seven specific mutations in 97 subjects: c.1376G>T (33.7%), c.1388G>A (29.6%), c.871G>A + c.1311C>T (12.3%), c.95A>G (9.2%), c.392G>T (7.1%), c.1024C>T (6.2%) and c.1360C>T (1.0%). For the genotyping of 15 heterozygous female, all mutations were identified as follows: c.1376G>T/Normal (33.3%), c.1388G>A/Normal (26.7%), c.871G>A/Normal + c.1311C>T/Normal (20.0%), c.95A>G/Normal (13.3%) and c.392G>T./Normal (6.7%). The c.871G>A and 'silent' mutation c.1311 C>T was newly found to coexist in a high proportion of genotype in our population. / Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient subjects are vulnerable to chemical-induced haemolysis if exposed to oxidative agents. Little is known, however, of the haemolytic effects of Chinese herbal medicine on G6PD-deficient subjects. Only one case study has reported that a G6PD-deficient newborn developed severe haemolysis after ingestion of Rhizoma Coptidis. Besides, recent studies reported that green tea and its constituents exerted pro-oxidative effects on cellular systems in culture. / Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder inherited in the X-linked manner. The condition is prevalent in the Mediterranean region, Africa and Southeast Asia. In Hong Kong, the frequency of G6PD deficiency is around 4.5% in males and 0.3% in females. Over 140 specific mutations of the X-linked gene for G6PD have been characterized in various geographic regions. However, the local mutation pattern has not been clearly determined. / In conclusion, some Chinese herbal medicine, tea and tea polyphenols significantly altered the oxidative status of G6PD-deficient erythrocytes in vitro. Their in vivo effects on G6PD-deficient individuals would be further investigated by the novel G6PD-dificient mouse model. / In this study, we aim (1) to investigate effects of (a) a panel of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), (b) tea and its constituents, on the oxidative status of human G6PD-deficient erythrocytes in vitro ; (2) to characterize the genotype of G6PD-deficiency in the Chinese population and their specific response to oxidative stress; (3) to develop a novel strain of mice as a model for study of chemicals agents on G6PD-deficient red cell in vivo. / Our results showed that six of eighteen CHM significantly reduced GSH levels in the G6PD-deficient erythrocytes (p<0.05, n=10). After exposure to 1 mg/mL of Rhizoma Coptidis, GSH levels in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes was decreased by 48.9 +/- 5.4% (P<0.001, n=10). At 5 mg/mL of Cortex Moutan, Radix Rehmanniae, Radix Bupleuri, Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati and Flos Chimonanthi, GSH levels were decreased significantly (P=0.001 to 0.004) by 51.8 +/- 7.6%, 25.9 +/- 6.7%, 21.0 +/- 6.9%, 17.5 $ 6.7% and 8.7 +/- 6.8% respectively. There were noticeable increases in levels of methaemoglobin by 2.8 fold (5 mg/mL, P=0.012) and 3.4 fold (10 mg/mL, P=0.016) in the presence of Rhizoma Coptidis and Cortex Moutan, respectively, in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes. / We also investigated the pro-oxidative effect of tea and its polyphenolic components on G6PD erythrocytes from G6PD-deficient (n=8) and normal adult (n=8) subjects. The tea extracts significantly reduced GSH and increased GSSG levels in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner (0.5-10 mg/mL), but not in normal erythrocytes. Similar dose-dependent responses to (-)-Epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-Epigallocatechin-3gallate (EGCG), but not to the other polyphenols, were observed. In G6PD-deficient cells, GSH was reduced by 43.3% (EGC at 0.05 mg/mL) and 33.3% (EGCG at 0.5 mg/mL), compared with pre-challenged levels. The concentration of methaemoglobin was increased significantly when these cells were challenged with tea extracts, and EGC. Plasma haemoglobin levels were higher in G6PD-deficient samples after exposure to tea extracts, EGCG, EGC and gallic acid, compared with those in normal blood. / Ko Chun Kay. / "August 2006." / Advisers: Tai Fai Fok; Kwai Har Karen Li. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-03, Section: B, page: 1577. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. xxii-xliii). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Chan Wai-Lung, William. / Thesis submitted in: December 2000. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-131). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese Version) --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vi / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.xii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xvi / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Literature Review --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1 --- A Brief Introduction of Cancer --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2 --- Natural Products as a Drug --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Development of terrestrial plants as a drug --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Anticancer drugs from terrestrial plants and Chinese medicinal herbs --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Development of marine organisms as a drug --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Anticancer drugs from marine organisms --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3 --- Anticlastogenic Study - an Anticancer Study --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Anticlastogenesis mechanisms study --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- In vivo anticlastogenic study --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4 --- Anticlastogenic Study of Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Marine Algae --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Selection of nine Chinese medicinal herbs and three marine algae for anticlastogenic screening --- p.18 / Chapter 1.5 --- Methods of Investigation --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Extraction methods --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) --- p.21 / Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.27 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.27 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Chinese medicinal herbs --- p.27 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Marine algae --- p.27 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Animals --- p.27 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Chemicals and solutions --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Crude extraction of natural products --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Water extraction of Chinese herbs --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.1.2 --- Water extraction of marine algae --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Test for the effective dosage of clastogen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) to BALB/c mice --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- In vitro test --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- In vivo test --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Anticlastogenic bioassays --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- In vitro anticlastogenic screening --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- In vitro anticlastogenic mechanisms investigation --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- In vivo anticlastogenic screening --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- Different in vivo anticlastogenic treatment schedules --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Single cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet assay) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- White blood cell viability determination --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 3 --- Results --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1 --- Extraction amount of different natural products and cell viability checking --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Chinese medicinal herbs --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Seaweeds --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Cell viability --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effective dosage of clastogen EMS to BALB/c mice peripheral white blood cells --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- In vitro --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- In vivo --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3 --- In vitro anticlastogenic screen test and mechanisms investigation --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- In vitro anticlastogenic screen test --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Chinese herbs --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Seaweeds --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- In vitro anticlastogenic mechanisms investigation --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- H. dilatata --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- S. angustifolium --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- S. siliquastrum --- p.63 / Chapter 3.4 --- In vivo anticlastogenic screen test and mechanisms investigation --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- In vivo anticlastogenic screen test --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- Chinese herbs --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Seaweeds --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Different treatment methods in in vivo anticlastogenic test --- p.86 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Simultaneous application method --- p.86 / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Pre-drug treatment method --- p.91 / Chapter 3.4.2.3 --- Post drug treatment method --- p.91 / Chapter 4 --- Discussion --- p.94 / Chapter 4.1 --- Cell viability and water extracts in Chinese medicinal herbs and marine algae --- p.94 / Chapter 4.2 --- Clastogenic effect of EMS to pWBCs of BALB/c mice --- p.94 / Chapter 4.3 --- In vitro anticlastogenic screen test of nine water extracts of Chinese medicinal herbs and three water extracts of marine algae --- p.99 / Chapter 4.4 --- In vitro anticlastogenic mechanisms investigation of three \03 marine algae extracts --- p.103 / Chapter 4.5 --- In vivo anticlastogenic screen test of Chinese herbs extracts and seaweeds extracts --- p.108 / Chapter 4.6 --- Different administration methods in in vivo anticlastogenic test --- p.115 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- Intraperitoneal route of administration --- p.115 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- In vivo pre- and post-treatment methods --- p.116 / Chapter 5 --- Summary and Conclusion --- p.120 / References --- p.124

<p>Rod Hypericum obuhvata oko 500 različitih vrsta klasifikovanih u 36 sekcija. Najpoznatiji predstavnik roda je kantarion (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae). Hemijska karakterizacija kantariona je bila predmet mnogobrojnih istraživanja koja su pokazala prisustvo različitih klasa jedinjenja, kao i &scaron;irok spektar biolo&scaron;kog potencijala. Međutim, ispitivanja su otkrila prisustvo istih klasa jedinjenja i u drugim predstavnicima roda Hypericum, opravdavajući hemijska istraživanja i određivanje biolo&scaron;kih aktivnosti. S obzirom da se kantarion retko plantažno uzgaja, već uglavnom sakuplja iz prirode, neretko usled nedovoljne obučenosti sakupljača lekovitog bilja dolazi do zamene propisanog biolo&scaron;kog izvora droge Hyperici herba (H. perforatum subsp. perforatum, Hypericaceae) morfolo&scaron;ki sličnim predstavnicima roda, &scaron;to posledično utiče na sadržaj aktivnih principa i biolo&scaron;ki potencijal. Zbog toga su ciljevi ove doktorske disertacije: utvrđivanje uticaja geografskog porekla i stadijuma ontogenetskog razvoja biolo&scaron;kog izvora na kvalitativni i kvantitativni hemijski sastav, biolo&scaron;ki potencijal vodeno-alkoholnog ekstrakta taksona roda Hypericum, kao i utvrđivanje kvaliteta (stepen usitnjenosti, biolo&scaron;ki izvor, hemijski sastav i biolo&scaron;ki potencijal) komercijalno dostupnih čajeva na bazi kantariona koji se nalaze u slobodnoj prodaji. Biljni materijal je obuhvatio uzorke 32 taksona roda Hypericum kao i 51 uzorak monokomponentnih čajeva na bazi kantariona prikupljenih na teritoriji centralnog dela Balkanskog poluostrva, centralne Evrope, Rusije i Turske tokom 2011-2016. godine. U većini ispitanih ekstrakta kvantifikovan je visok sadržaj ukupnih fenola i flavonoida. Rezultati određivanja sadržaja hipericina u ispitivanim ekstraktima pokazali su njegovo prisustvo kod uzoraka svih taksona prikupljenih za vreme cvetanja, pri čemu je to bila i fenofaza u kojoj je dostignut maksimalan sadržaj. Hiperforin je takođe detektovan u većini uzoraka prikupljenih za vreme cvetanja, prateći dinamiku akumulacije sličnu hipericinu. Sa druge strane apigenin i epikatehin nisu detektovani u velikom broju ispitanih ekstrakta, dok je prisustvo naringenina kvantifikovano u manje od 50% uzoraka. Amentoflavon je bio prisutan u manje od 30% ispitanih uzoraka. Visok sadržaj kvercetina i rutina je određen u svim ispitanim ekstraktima, pri čemu u slučaju kvercetina nije zabeleženo značajnije variranje tokom ontogenetskog razvoja, dok je maksimalna koncentracija rutina određena u uzorcima prikupljenim pre, ili za vreme cvetanja. U većini uzoraka detektovane su galna, hlorogenska, kafena i p-hidroksibenzojeva kiselina (naročito u periodu koji prethodi cvetanju), dok ferulna kiselina nije kvantifkovana kod vi&scaron;e od 80% ispitanih ekstrakta. Rezultati su pokazali snažnu antioksidantnu sposobnost ispitivanih ekstrakata. Uočena je snažnija inhibicija monoaminooksidaze A u odnosu na monoaminooksidazu B, kao i vi&scaron;i anti-&alpha;-glukozidazni od anti-&alpha;-amilaznog potencijala. Sposobnost inhibicije acetilholinesteraze je ocenjena kao umerena. Ispitivanje antiproliferativnog potencijala ekstrakata vrsta roda Hypericum, je pokazalo izrazit sinergistički efekat sa antineoplastičnim lekom bleomicinom (radiomimetik) kao i visoku selektivnost prema ćelijama karcinoma cerviksa i melanoma, za razliku od umerenog antiproliferativnog potencijala i niske selektivnosti samih ekstrakata prema malignim ćelijama. Zabeležen je značajan broj neusitnjenih (in toto) komercijalno dostupnih uzoraka čajeva na bazi kantariona, dok su kao biolo&scaron;ki izvor ispitanih uzoraka čajeva identifikovane različite podvrste H. perforatum. Sličnost hemijskog profila i biolo&scaron;kog potencijala velikog broja ispitanih taksona sa H. perforatum ukazuju na mogućnost njihove eksploatacije. Međutim, zavisnost navedenih parametara od geografskog porekla biljnog materijala ističe značajan uticaj abiotičkih ekolo&scaron;kih faktora na kvalitet droge. Hemijski sastav i morfolo&scaron;ko ispitivanje uzoraka monokomponentnih čajeva na bazi kantariona ukazuju na neophodnost kontrole njihovog kvaliteta.</p> / <p>The genus Hypericum includes more than 500 different species classified in 36 sections. The most known representative of genus is St. John&#39;s wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae). Chemical characterization of St. John&#39;s wort was the subject of many conducted researches which demonstrated the presence of different classes of compounds, as well as a wide spectrum of biological potential. However, the studies have also shown the presence of the same compounds in other representative of the genus Hypericum, justifying the evaluation of their chemical composition and biological potential. Considering the fact that St. John&#39;s wort is rarely being cultivated, rather collected from nature, unqualified collectors may substitute the official biological source of Hyperici herba (H. perforatum subsp. perforatum, Hypericaceae) for morphologically similar representatives of the genus, consequently affecting the quantities of active principles and biological potential of the drug. The aims of this PhD thesis were to evaluate the influence of geographical origin and stage of ontogenetic development of biological source on qualitative and quantitative chemical composition and biological potential of water - alcoholic extract of different Hypericum taxa, as well as to determine the quality (grinding degree, biological source, chemical composition and biological potential) of commercially available St. John&rsquo;s wort teas on the market. The plant material included samples of 32 taxa of genus Hypericum, as well as 51 commercially available sample of monocomponent teas based on St. John&#39;s wort collected at territory of central part of Balkan Peninsula, central Europe, Russia and Turkey, during period 2011 - 2016. High amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified in the most of the examined extracts. Quantification of hypericin showed its presence in all of the samples collected during flowering period, while that was also the ontogenetic stage of its maximum accumulation. Hyperforin was also quantified in most of the samples collected during flowering period, following the hypericin trend of accumulation. On the other hand, apigenin and epicatechin were not detected in large number of the examined extracts, while naringenin was detected in less than 50% of samples. Amentoflavone was present in less than 30% of the examined samples. High amounts of quercetin and rutin were determined in all of the examined samples. No significant changes in the amounts of quercetin during ontogenetic development were noticed, while the highest amounts of rutin were determined in samples collected before, or during flowering. Gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were detected in most of the examined samples (especially in period before opening of the flowers), while ferulic acid was not quantified in more than 80% of samples. The results have demonstrated strong antioxidant potential of the examined extracts. Stronger potential of the examined extracts to inhibit monoamine oxidase A than monoamine oxidase B, as well as stronger anti-&alpha;-glucosidase than anti-&alpha;-amylase potential were recorded. The obtained anticholinesterase activity of the examined extracts was moderate. The examination of antiproliferative potential of different Hypericum species extracts has shown additive effects in combination with bleomycin (radiomimetic), as well as high selectivity toward cervix and melanoma cancer cells. On the other hand, moderate antiproliferative potential and low selectivity during treatment of cancer cells only with the examined extracts was recorded. Significant share of in toto commercially available tea samples based on St. John&#39;s wort was noticed, while different subspecies of H. perforatum were identified as biological sources of the examined teas. Chemical profile and biological potential resemblance between a large number of investigated taxa and H. perforatum point to possibilities of their exploitation. However, the dependence of listed parameters from geographical origin of plant material emphasizes the importance of abiotic ecological factors for the quality of herbal drug. Chemical composition and morphological examination of monocomponent teas based on St. John&rsquo;s wort stress the importance of their quality control.</p>

Ho, Wing Shan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-137). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Abstract (Chinese Version) --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Abbreviations --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter One: --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- RSV biology --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- RSV strains --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- RSV pathogenesis and host antiviral responses --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5 --- Prevention of RSV infection --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Vaccines --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Passive anti-RSV antibodies --- p.17 / Chapter 1.6 --- Treatment for RSV infections --- p.20 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Ribavirin (Virasole®) --- p.20 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Other antiviral strategies --- p.21 / Chapter 1.6.2.1 --- Attachment inhibitors --- p.22 / Chapter 1.6.2.2 --- Fusion inhibitors --- p.23 / Chapter 1.6.2.3 --- Replication inhibitors --- p.25 / Chapter 1.6.2.4 --- Ethnobotanic medicines --- p.28 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1 --- Anti-RSV medicinal plant components --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.1 --- Phenolics and polyphenols --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.2 --- Flavonoids --- p.32 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.3 --- Terpenoids and essential oils --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.4 --- Lectins --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.4.1 --- General introduction to lectins --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.4.2 --- Historical aspects of lectins --- p.35 / Chapter 1.6.2.4.1.4.3 --- Applications of lectins --- p.36 / Chapter 1.7 --- Objectives of the project --- p.37 / Chapter Chapter Two: --- Screening of medicinal plants and phytochemicals for antiviral activity against RSV / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.47 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Medicinal plants and phytochemicals --- p.47 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Plant extracts preparation --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Aqueous extracts --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Ethanol extracts --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Cell and virus --- p.49 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Endpoint titration of RSV infectivity --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Cytotoxicity test --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Antiviral assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.53 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.58 / Chapter Chapter Three: --- "Mechanistic studies of anti-RSV actions of various fractions of Adina pilulifera, and daphnoretin, a purified compound from Wikstroemia indica" / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Fractionation of A. pilulifera ethanol extract --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Cell and virus --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Cytotoxicity test --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Endpoint titration of RSV by TCID50 method --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Antiviral study by CPE reduction assay --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Endpoint titration of RSV by plaque assay --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Antiviral study by plaque reduction assay --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Mode of antiviral action study --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.76 / Chapter Chapter Four: --- Antiviral activity of Narcissus tazetta proteins / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Crude proteins extraction from Narcissus tazetta cultivar --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Separation of proteins with affinity column --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Gel filtration of protein fractions on Superose column --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Electroblotting and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis --- p.90 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Protein concentration determination --- p.90 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Isolation and purification of N. tazetta lectin (NTL) --- p.91 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Antiviral activities of N. tazetta proteins and NTL --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.8.1 --- Cell and virus --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.8.2 --- Cytotoxicity test --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.8.3 --- Endpoint titration of RSV by TCID50 method --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.8.4 --- Antiviral study by CPE reduction assay --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.8.5 --- Endpoint titration of RSV by plaque assay --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.8.6 --- Antiviral study by plaque reduction assay --- p.93 / Chapter 4.2.8.7 --- Mode of antiviral action study --- p.93 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.94 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.107 / Chapter Chapter Five: --- General Discussion and Conclusions --- p.111 / References --- p.116

Cheung, Ching Mei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-162). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.I / 論文摘要 --- p.IV / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.VI / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.VII / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.X / Chapter Chapter 1 --- p.1 / GENERAL INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- DANSHEN --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- LIPID-SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS EXTRACTED FROM DANSHEN --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1.1 --- TANSHINONE I --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1.2 --- TANSHINONE IIA --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.1.3 --- CRYPTOTANSHINONE --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.1.4 --- DIHYDROTANSHINONE --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- WATER-SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS EXTRACTED FROM DANSHEN --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- DANSHENSU --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- SALVIANOLIC ACID B --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HERBAL ADMINISTRATION --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- ST. JOHŃةS WORT-DRUG INTERACTIONS --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- WARFARIN-HERB INTERACTIONS --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- DANSHEN-WARFARIN INTERACTIONS --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- DANSHEN-DRUG INTERACTIONS --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- CYTOCHROME P450 ENZYMES (CYP) --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- CYTOCHROME P4502E1 --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4 --- AIMS OF STUDY --- p.17 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- p.21 / EFFECTS OF DANSHEN AND SOME IF ITS ACTIVE COMPONENTS ON CHLORZOXAZONE METABOLISM IN RAT AND HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES IN VITRO --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- CHEMICALS AND REAGENTS --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- PREPARATION OF AQUEOUS FRACTION OF DANSHEN --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- PREPARATION OF ETHANOLIC FRACTION OF DANSHEN --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- ANIMALS --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- PREPARATION OF RAT LIVER MICROSOMES --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- POOLED HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- PROTEIN ASSAY --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- MICROSOMAL INCUBATION --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.8.1 --- RAT LIVER MICROSOMES --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.8.2 --- HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- INHIBITION KINETICS STUDIES --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.9.1 --- RAT LIVER MICROSOMES --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.9.2 --- HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (HPLC) ANALYSIS --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- DATA ANALYSIS --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3 --- RESULTS --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- EFFECT OF DANSHEN AND TANSHINONES ON RAT CYP2E1 ACTIVITY IN VITRO / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- SUMMARY --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- EFFECT OF DANSHEN AND TANSHINONES ON HUMAN CYP2E1 ACTIVITYIN VITRO --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- SUMMARY --- p.84 / Chapter 2.4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.85 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- p.93 / EFFECTS OF DANSHEN ON CYTOCHROME P450 PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND METABOLISM OF MODEL CYP2E1 PROBE SUBSTRATE IN THE RAT IN VIVO --- p.93 / Chapter 3.1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.93 / Chapter 3.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.97 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- CHEMICALS AND REAGENTS --- p.97 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- ANIMALS --- p.97 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- EFFECTS OF DANSHEN TREATMENTS ON PHARMACOKINETICS OF CHLORZOXAZONE IN RATS IN VIVO --- p.98 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- "ACUTE, 3-DAY AND 14-DAY TREATMENTS WITH WHOLE DANSHEN EXTRACT" --- p.98 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- PLASMA EXTRACTION --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (HPLC) ANALYSIS --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- EFFECTS OF 3-DAY AND 14-DAY DANSHEN TREATMENTS ON CYP2E1 PROTEIN EXPRESSION --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.4.1 --- PREPARATION OF RAT LIVER MICROSOMES FOR WESTERN BLOTTING --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.4.2 --- PROTEIN ASSAY --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.4.3 --- WESTERN BLOT --- p.102 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- DATA ANALYSIS --- p.103 / Chapter 3.3 --- RESULTS --- p.105 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- EFFECTS OF WHOLE DANSHEN EXTRACT ON RAT CYP2E1 ACTIVITIES IN VIVO --- p.105 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- EFFECTS OF ACUTE TREATMENTS OF WHOLE DANSHEN EXTRACT ON PHARMACOKINETICS OF CHLORZOXAZONE --- p.105 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- EFFECTS OF 3-DAY TREATMENTS OF WHOLE DANSHEN EXTRACT ON PHARMACOKINETICS OF CHLORZOXAZONE --- p.106 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- EFFECTS OF 14-DAY TREATMENTS OF WHOLE DANSHEN EXTRACT ON PHARMACOKINETICS OF CHLORZOXAZONE --- p.107 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- EFFECTS OF WHOLE DANSHEN EXTRACT ON RAT CYP2E1 EXPRESSION .… --- p.137 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- SUMMARY --- p.140 / Chapter 3.4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.141 / CHAPTER 4 --- p.145 / GENERAL DISCUSSION --- p.145 / REFERENCES --- p.151

Thesis (M.Sc. (Biochemistry)) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / Dicerocaryum senecioides is a crawling herb that is found growing mostly in sandy areas of southern and south-eastern Africa and its small, hairy leaves have been used over the years as food, shampoo, and for treatment of various ailments. In this study, the dichloromethane (D2) fraction was prepared from a crude methanol extract of D. senecoides leaves, and its effect on the proliferation of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was investigated. Treatment of the macrophages with the extract resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability as determined by the MTT assay and real time cell analysis. Cytotoxicity of the D2 fraction on the macrophages was demonstrated to be due to apoptosis by staining the cells with DAPI nucleic acid stain. Anti-inflammatory activity of D2 fraction on RAW cells was determined by evaluating intracellular ROS production by the DCFH-DA fluorescent assay. Cells treated with the D2 fraction and stimulated with PMA were found to have a lower fluorescence intensity compared to untreated, stimulated cells; thus mimicking the response observed in the resting cells. The percentage fluorescence in untreated, stimulated cells doubled, while no significant change was observed in the D2-treated cells. The effect of the D2 fraction on iNOS activity was also assessed. The fraction reduced the NO synthesised by iNOS in cells treated with the D2 fraction and stimulated with LPS dose-dependently. The D2 fraction was further fractionated by semi-preparative HPLC; and thin layer chromatography was used to analyse phytocompounds of the 96 HPLC sub-fractions as well as to screen these sub-fractions for anti-oxidative activity. Sub-fractions 1-7 and 33-39 showed an intensely pronounced DPPH-scavenging compound and this scavenging ability was confirmed by a quantitative DPPH assay that provided parallel results. The reducing potential of the sub-fractions was assessed by evaluating their Fe3+-reducing ability through the FRAP assay. Sub-fractions 1-7 and 33-39 displayed remarkable reducing potential. Taken together with the DPPH-scavenging activity, these findings suggest that HPLC sub-fractions 1-7 and 33-39 possess a compound(s) with impressive antioxidant activity. These findings merit the D2 fraction as an extract that can be used to control chronic inflammation as it does not only inhibit free radical production, but also scavenges excessive ROS and has the ability to induce apoptosis in the macrophages responsible for dysregulated production of the free radicals. The extract also has commendable chemoprotective and chemotherapeutic potential as it demonstrated pro-apoptotic activity along with prevention of excess free-radical production. / National Research Foundation and the University of Limpopo Research Office

The veined ulcers are a very common problem and his very expensive treatment. The World-wide Organization of Health and Brazil they have been stimulating the use of medicinal plants. For so much we have like objective: 1) to Carry out a systematic revision about the fitoterápicos with activity cicatrizante, 2) to Develop and to validate an analytical methodology for quantificação of the aqueous extract and products been derived from Hyptis pectinata (L.) 3) to Investigate the potential cicatrizante of the standardized dry extract of H. pectinata when to check possible alterations of the standardized dry extract of H. pectinata incorporated to a hidrogel, in the process of scarring of induced cutaneous wounds was incorporated to a hidrogel in model tecidual of injured in mice, 4). The inquiry looked in Portuguese, Englishman and Spaniard, in the bases of data: Cinahl, Lilacs, Medline/Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science, using the descritores: Plants, Medicinal, Wound Healing and Varicose Ulcer. The search of the systematic revision produced 3.505 articles, being that seven were selected for inclusion in the revision. Of the included studies, seven (100 %) valued the reduction of the area of ulcer, four (57,14 %) valued reepitelização, two (28,57 %) valued the bacterial flora and one (14,28 %) valued the pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide percutâneo. A mark-analysis was carried out in two studies that analysed the effects of the hidrogel incorporated with Mimosa tenuiflora in the treatment of the veined ulcer and included 42 patients, with middle age of 60,5 years, and middle duration of treatment of 10,5 weeks. It was valued the heterogeneity using I2, when it turned in a high value of 84 %. The hidrogel that it incorporated M. tenuiflora seemed to be a promising candidate for the treatment of veined ulcers. An analytical method was developed and validated for cromatografia liquid of high efficiency for the substances quantificação in the aqueous extract of H. pectinata according to resolution RDC 899 of the Anvisa. The method presented boa repetibilidade, strength, exactness, especificidade, reproductiveness and intermediary precision. For the evaluation of the activity cicatrizante experiments were carried out with 3, 7 and 14 days in animal models. The injuries treated with HP5 in the time of 3 days obtained a significant reduction (p<0,05) regarding the group control (CTL). In the injuries accompanied by 14 days treated with HP5 there was a significant reduction (p<0,05) regarding the injuries of the group treated with CTL. In the analysis histomorfológica of the scores of the group treated by 3,7 and 14 days there was no significant difference between the group CLT and the group HP5. The results suggest that the hidrogel of H. pectinata presented improvement in the repair cicatricial in animal, but precise model of more studies to corroborate with the finds of this study. / Úlceras venosas são um problema muito comum e seu tratamento muito caro. A Organização Mundial de Saúde e o Brasil têm incentivado o uso de plantas medicinais. Para tanto temos como objetivo: 1) Realizar uma revisão sistemática acerca dos fitoterápicos com atividade cicatrizante, 2) Desenvolver e validar uma metodologia analítica para quantificação do extrato aquoso e produtos derivados de Hyptis pectinata (L.), 3) Investigar o potencial cicatrizante do extrato seco padronizado de H. pectinata incorporado ao hidrogel em modelo tecidual de ferida excisão em ratos, 4) verificar possíveis alterações do extrato seco padronizado da H. pectinata incorporado ao hidrogel, no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas induzidas. A pesquisa buscou em português, inglês e espanhol, nas bases de dados: Cinahl, Lilacs, Medline/Pubmed, Scopus e Web of Science, usando os descritores: Plants, Medicinal, Wound Healing e Varicose Ulcer. A busca da revisão sistemática produziu 3.505 artigos, sendo que sete foram selecionados para inclusão na revisão. Dos estudos incluídos, sete (100%) avaliaram a redução da área de úlcera, quatro (57,14%) avaliaram reepitelização, dois (28,57%) avaliaram a flora bacteriana e um (14,28%) avaliaram a pressão de oxigênio e dióxido de carbono percutâneo. Uma metaanálise foi realizada em dois estudos que analisaram os efeitos do hidrogel incorporado com Mimosa tenuiflora no tratamento da úlcera venosa e incluíram 42 pacientes, com idade média de 60,5 anos, e duração média de tratamento de 10,5 semanas. A heterogeneidade foi avaliada utilizando I2, resultado em um alto valor de 84%. O hidrogel que incorporou M. tenuiflora pareceu ser um candidato promissor para o tratamento de úlceras venosas. Foi desenvolvido e validado um método analítico por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência para a quantificação de substâncias no extrato aquoso de H. pectinata conforme resolução RDC 899 da Anvisa. O método apresentou boa repetibilidade, robustez, exatidão, especificidade, reprodutibilidade e precisão intermediária. Para a avaliação da atividade cicatrizante foram realizados experimentos com 3, 7 e 14 dias em modelos animais. As lesões tratadas com HP5 no tempo de 3 dias obtiveram uma redução significativa (p<0,05) em relação ao grupo controle (CTL). Nas lesões acompanhadas por 14 dias tratadas com HP5 houve uma redução significativa (p<0,05) em relação às lesões do grupo tratado com CTL. Na análise histomorfológica dos scores do grupo tratado por 3,7 e 14 dias não houve diferença significativa entre o grupo CLT e o grupo HP5. Os resultados sugerem que o hidrogel de H. pectinata apresentou melhora no reparo cicatricial em modelo animal, mas precisa de mais estudos para corroborar com os achados deste estudo. / Aracaju

Introdução: O Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) ou quebra pedra é uma planta com ação antilitogênica. No entanto, estudos clínicos nesta área ainda são escassos na literatura. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar prospectivamente os efeitos do P. niruri nos parâmetros metabólicos de pacientes com litíase urinária e, secundariamente, avaliar o impacto da ingestão do chá da planta na eliminação de cálculos urinários. Material e Métodos: Foram estudados 56 pacientes portadores de cálculos renais <10 mm. Avaliação clínica, metabólica e ultrassonográfica do trato urinário foram realizadas antes do uso do P. niruri (infusão de 500 ml/dia com 9 g do extrato seco da planta), após a administração deste por 15 semanas e, finalmente após 12 semanas sem o uso (período de \"Wash out\"). Utilizamos o teste ANOVA e o teste de Tukey para comparação entre os períodos do estudo. O nível de significância considerado foi de 5%. Resultados: Trinta e seis pacientes (64%) eram mulheres. A média de idade dos 56 pacientes foi 44,1±9,16 anos. O IMC médio foi 27,2±4,4 Kg/m2. Não se observou alteração nos parâmetros antropométricos, séricos, no volume urinário ou efeitos adversos significativos durante todo o período de estudo. Houve redução da pressão arterial diastólica de 76±10,5 para 72,5±10,5 mmHg (p=0,02), quando comparado o período de uso do chá e o período de \"Wash out\". Aumento significativo dos valores do potássio urinário de 50,5±20,4 para 56,2±21,8 mEq/vol.24h (p=0,017); da relação magnésio/creatinina de 58±22,5 para 69,1±28,6 mEq/gCr.24h (p=0,013) e da relação potássio/creatinina, de 39,3±15,1 para 51,3±34,7 mEq/gCr.24h (p=0,008) foi observado ao final do período de uso do chá quando comparado com a avaliação inicial. O número de cálculos renais por paciente reduziu de 3,21±2,02 para 2,02±2,07 cálculos (p < 0,001) após o consumo do P. niruri quando comparado com o momento inicial. Na avaliação inicial, 24 pacientes apresentaram hipercalciúria e hipocitratúria (42,8%), seis apresentaram hiperuricosúria (10,7%) e cinco hiperoxalúria (8,9%). Após o uso do P. niruri, nos pacientes portadores de hiperuricosúria houve redução de 0,77±0,22 para 0,54±0,07 mg/vol.24h (p=0,0057) no valor do ácido úrico urinário. Nos portadores de hipocitratúria, o citrato urinário aumentou de 211,8±123,7 para 322,3±145,8 mg/vol.24h (p=0,0282) e nos pacientes com hiperoxalúria houve a redução no oxalato urinário de 59,0±11,7 para 28,8±16,0 mg/vol.24h (p=0,0002). Conclusão: O consumo do P. niruri se mostrou seguro e não provocou efeitos adversos ou alterações séricas relevantes e elevou a excreção urinária de magnésio e potássio. Algumas alterações metabólicas urinárias predisponentes a formação de cálculos normalizaram em subgrupos de pacientes estudados. O consumo do P. niruri contribuiu na eliminação de cálculos urinários / Introduction: Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) or breake-stone is a plant commonly used to reduce stone risk, however, clinical studies on this issue are lacking. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effects of P. niruri in metabolic parameters of patients with kidney stones and secondarily to evaluate the impact of the plant intake in the elimination of urinary calculi. Material and Methods: We studied 56 patients with kidney stones < 10 mm. Clinical, metabolic, and imaging studies were performed prior to P. niruri (tea infusion of 500 ml/day with 9 g of the dried plant extract), after 15 weeks of tea administration and finally after 12 weeks without the intake plant (wash out). ANOVA test for repeated measures and Tukey test and McNemars test for categorial variables. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Thirty-six patients (64%) were female and mean age was 44.1±9.16 years-old. The mean BMI was 27.2±4.4 Kg/m2. There was no change in anthropometric and serum parameters or urinary volume throughout the study period. There was a reduction in diastolic blood pressure from 76±10.5 during the tea use to 72.5±10.5 mmHg after the wash out (p=0.02). When the tea use period was compared to the baseline assessment, there was a significant increase in urinary potassium from 50.5±20.4 to 56.2±21.8 mg/24-hour (p=0.017), magnesium/creatinine ratio from 58±22.5 to 69.1±28.6 mg/gCr24-hour (p=0.013) and potassium/creatinine ratio from 39.3±15.1 to 51.3±34.7 mg/gCr24-hour (p=0.008). The number of kidney stones per patient decreased from 3.21±2.02 to 2.02±2.07 calculi (p < 0.001) after consumption of tea compared with the initial stage. Initial evaluation showed hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia in 24 patients (42.8%), hyperuricosuria in six (10.7%) and hyperoxaluria in five cases (8.9%). In patients with hyperuricosuria there was a decrease in the amount of urinary uric acid from 0.77±0.22 to 0.54±0.07 mg/24-hour (p=0.0057). After the use of P. niruri, in patients with hypocitraturia, urinary citrate increased from 211.8±123.7 to 322.3±145.8 mg/24-hour (p=0.0282). In patients with hyperoxaluria there was a reduction in urinary oxalate from 59.0±11.7 to 28.8±16.0 mg/24-hour (p=0.0002). Conclusion: P. niruri intake is safe and does not cause significant adverse effects or significative serum metabolic changes. The use of the tea plant increases urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium. Some urinary metabolic changes predisposing to the formation of calculi normalized in subgroups of patients studied. The consumption of P. niruri contributed to the elimination of urinary calculi