Leung Lai-Kin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 110-113). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract English --- p.i / Chinese --- p.iii / Acknowledgments --- p.v / Table of contents --- p.vi / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.x / List of Abbreviations --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Establishment of compound formulation --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 --- Formulation research --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2 --- Aqueous extract preparation --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Materials and Methods --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Results --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Discussion --- p.9 / Chapter 2.3 --- Preliminary test --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Materials and Methods --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Results --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Discussion --- p.14 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Quality Control --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1 --- HPLC standardization --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.19 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.20 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.28 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Antioxidant study --- p.29 / Chapter 4.1 --- Red blood cell hemolysis model --- p.30 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Materials and Methods --- p.30 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Results --- p.30 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Discussion --- p.32 / Chapter 4.2 --- Ischemia-Reperfusion on Langendorff --- p.33 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Materials and Methods --- p.34 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Results --- p.37 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Discussion --- p.60 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Vasodilation study --- p.61 / Chapter 5.1 --- Vasodilation in organ bath --- p.63 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Materials and Methods --- p.63 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Results --- p.65 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Discussion --- p.79 / Chapter 5.2 --- Endothelium dependent vasodilation --- p.80 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Materials and Methods --- p.80 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Results --- p.83 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Discussion --- p.95 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Anti-platelet study --- p.96 / Chapter 6.1 --- CFU-MK plasma clot colony assay --- p.97 / Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.97 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results --- p.100 / Chapter 6.4 --- Discussion --- p.103 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Discussions and prospects --- p.104 / Chapter 7.1 --- Discussions --- p.104 / Chapter 7.2 --- Prospects --- p.107 / Chapter 7.2.1 --- TCM capsule with GMP --- p.107 / Chapter 7.2.2 --- Clinical Trial of the capsule --- p.109 / References --- p.110

丹參和葛根為我國民間常用的傳統藥材, 常用於心血管疾病的治療。本試驗主要研究丹參葛根複方(DG, 7:3)對大鼠基底動脈的舒張作用 及腦保護作用。 / 上述所有藥物對U46619預收縮的基底動脈環呈現濃度依賴性的舒張作用。一氧化氮合酶抑制劑L-NAME以及鳥苷酸環化酶抑制劑ODG部分抑制葛根素的舒張作用。在另一組去內皮試驗中, 腺苷酸環化酶抑制劑SQ22536, 鳥苷酸環化酶抑制劑ODG, 大電導鈣離子依賴型鉀通道抑制劑Iberiotoxin以及電壓門控型鉀通道抑制劑4-AP對所有藥物的舒張作用沒有影響。然而， ATP型鉀通道抑制劑格列本脲能夠抑制丹參葛根複方，丹參，葛根，丹參素，葛根素，大豆苷以及大豆苷元的最大舒張反應。內向整流型鉀通道抑制劑氯化鋇則降低丹參酚酸B和大豆苷元的最大反應值。非選擇性鉀通道抑制劑乙基氯化銨以及所有鉀通道抑制劑的混合物顯著抑制上述所有藥物的舒張作用。除了葛根素之外，所有的藥物動度依賴性的抑制氯化鈣所引起的血管收縮。 / 體內研究發現大鼠經歷10分鐘雙側頸總動脈夾閉合並低血壓，及24小時的複灌後，與假手術組動物相比，腦血流量顯著降低，氧化性損傷明顯可見。連續7天口服丹參葛根複方（0.3g/kg 和 3g/kg）, 丹參 (3g/kg)，或者葛根 (3g/kg)對血壓沒有影響。但是，高劑量的丹參葛根複方 (3g/kg) 能夠提高超氧化物歧化酶和過氧化氫酶的活性，抑制丙二醛和一氧化氮的產生。3g/kg的葛根可以提高超氧化物歧化酶的活性，3g/kg的丹參則能抑制一氧化氮的產生。在大鼠中動脈阻塞模型中，連續7天口服丹參葛根複方（3g/kg）能明顯降低腦部的梗死率，同時改善大鼠的神經行為學。 / 總體來說，研究發現丹參葛根複方，丹參，葛根，丹參酚酸B，大豆苷以及大豆苷元的血管舒張作用是通過開平滑肌細胞的通鉀離子通道以及抑制鈣離子內流而實現的。然而葛根素的血管舒張作用是內皮依賴性的，通過產生一氧化氮，開放平滑肌細胞的鉀離子通道而實現的。丹參葛根複方能起到一定的腦保護作用。總而言之，研究表明上述藥物可能會對阻塞性腦血管病的人群有益處。 / Danshen and gegen are used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the relaxant actions of a danshen and gegen formulation (DG; ratio 7:3) and its constituents were investigated on rat-isolated cerebral basilar artery. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of DG was explored in rats subjected to global and focal ischaemia. / DG and all its constituents produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the artery rings precontracted by U46619. Removal of the endothelium had no effect on their vasodilator actions except the maximum response (I[subscript max]) to puerarin was inhibited by 42%. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME and guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor ODQ but not the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitor flurbiprofen produced partial inhibition on the puerarin-induced effect. In a set of endothelium-denuded artery rings, adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536, GC inhibitor ODQ, KV channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and BK[subscript Ca) channel inhibitor iberiotoxin had no influence on their vasodilator actions. However, pretreatment with K[subscript ATP] channel inhibitor glibenclamide reduced Imax to DG, danshen, gegen, danshensu, puerarin, daidzein and daidzin. K[subscript IR] inhibitor barium chloride (BaCl₂) reduced II[subscript max] to salvianolic acid B and daidzein. The non-selective K⁺ channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA), or a combination of all the K⁺ channel inhibitors produced significant partial inhibitions on all the agents’ actions. Electrophysiological studies on smooth muscle cells isolated from rat basilar artery also confirmed that DG, danshen, gegen danshensu, puerarin, daidzein and daidzin elevated K[subscript ATP] currents. In addition, DG and all its constituents, except puerarin, produced concentration-dependent inhibition on CaCl₂-induced vasoconstrictions. These findings were confirmed by con-focal microscopy studies. / In vivo study on a rat model of global ischaemia showed that challenging the rats with 10 min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion combined with hypotension, and followed by 24 h reperfusion produced significant decrease in cerebral blood flow and oxidative damage compared to sham-operated animals. Administration of DG (0.3 g/kg and 3 g/kg, p.o.), danshen (3 g/kg, p.o.) or gegen (3 g/kg, p.o.) for 7 days had no effect on blood pressure. However, the 7 days treatment with DG (3 g/kg) restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, suppressed the production of maleic dialdehyde (MDA), and inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO). In addition, gegen (3 g/kg) restored SOD enzyme activity, whereas, danshen (3 g/kg) inhibited NO production. In addition, treatment with DG (3 g/kg) showed a significant reduction in infarct weight and improved the neurological deficit in a rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). / In conclusion, the vasorelaxant actions of DG, danshen, gegen, salvianolic acid B, danshensu, daidzein and daidzin were found to involve the opening of K⁺ channels and inhibition of Ca²⁺ influx in the vascular smooth muscle cells. In contrast, puerarin produced vasodilatation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving NO production and an endothelium-independent pathway mediated by the opening of K⁺ channels. DG may have some cerebro-protective effects. Overall, the present studies showed that DG and its constituents could be beneficial to patients with obstructive cerebrovascular diseases. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Deng, Yan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 164-178). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.v / 摘要 --- p.iviii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.x / PUBLICATIONS BASED ON THIS THESIS --- p.xii / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xiv / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Chinese Medicines in treatment of cerebrovascular diseases --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Danshen --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Chemical constituents --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Hydrophilic compounds of danshen --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1.2 --- Lipophilic compounds of danshen --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1.3 --- Other compounds --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Pharmacological activities --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Vascular protection --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Anti-tumour --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Treatment of liver diseases --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- Treatment of drug addiction --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.5 --- Treatment of kidney diseases --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Pharmacokinetics --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3 --- Gegen --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Chemical constituents --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Pharmacology --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Vascular effects --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Anti-diabetes --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- Anti-hypercholesterolaemia --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.2.4 --- Anti-inflammation --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.2.5 --- Anti-platelet aggregation --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Pharmacokinetics --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4 --- Danshen and gegen formulation --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5 --- Mechanisms of vasodilatation --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Endothelium derived relaxant factors (EDRFs) --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.1.1 --- Nitric oxide (NO) --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.1.2 --- Prostacyclin (PGI₂) --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.1.3 --- Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizating factors (EDHFs)- --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Signal transduction pathways --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.2.1 --- Guanylyl cyclase-cGMP pathway --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.2.2 --- Adenylyl cyclase-cAMP pathway --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Ion channels --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.3.1 --- Potassium channels (K⁺ channels) --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.3.2 --- Calcium channel (Ca²⁺ channels) --- p.25 / Chapter 1.6 --- Aims of study --- p.27 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- Materials and method --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1 --- Herbal preparation --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- DG, danshen and gegen preparation --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Identification and quantification of chemical markers in DG water extract --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2 --- Experiments on rat basilar artery --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Animals --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Chemicals --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Isolation and mounting of blood vessels --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Protocols --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Effects on U46619-precontracted tone --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- Endothelium-dependent mechanism --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.4.3 --- Endothelium-independent mechanism --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.4.4 --- Calcium channels --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.4.5 --- Positive control --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3 --- Experiments on rat cerebral basilar artery smooth muscle cells K[subscript ATP] channals --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Animals --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Chemicals --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Isolation of rat cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4 --- Experiments on rat cerebral basilar artery smooth muscle cells calcium channels --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Animals --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Chemicals --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Isolation of rat cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Dye loading and determination of [Ca²⁺]i --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5 --- In vivo study of global ischaemia --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Animals --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Drugs and chemicals --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Experimental protocols for global ischaemia --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Induction of global ischaemia --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Blood pressure measurement --- p.52 / Chapter 2.5.6 --- Measurement of cerebral blood flow --- p.52 / Chapter 2.5.7 --- Biochemical assessment --- p.53 / Chapter 2.5.7.1. --- Dissection and homogenization --- p.53 / Chapter 2.5.7.2. --- Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) --- p.53 / Chapter 2.5.7.3. --- Estimation of nitrite --- p.53 / Chapter 2.5.7.4 --- Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) --- p.54 / Chapter 2.5.7.5 --- Reduced glutathione (GSH) --- p.54 / Chapter 2.5.7.6 --- Catalase (CAT) --- p.55 / Chapter 2.5.7.7 --- NOS activity --- p.55 / Chapter 2.5.7.8 --- Protein --- p.56 / Chapter 2.5.8 --- Statistical analysis --- p.56 / Chapter 2.6 --- In vivo study of focal ischaemia --- p.57 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Animals --- p.57 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Drugs and chemicals --- p.57 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Experimental protocols for global ischaemia --- p.57 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- Focal cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion model --- p.57 / Chapter 2.6.5 --- Assessment of neurobehavioural changes --- p.59 / Chapter 2.6.6 --- Assessment of cerebral infarction --- p.60 / Chapter 2.6.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.60 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- Results --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1 --- Identification and quantification of chemical markers in DG water extract --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effects of DG and its constituents on rat cerebral basilar artery --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Investigations on endothelium-dependent mechanisms --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Investigations on endothelium-independent mechanisms --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Positive control --- p.86 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Investigations on calcium channels --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3 --- Effects of DG and its constituents on rat cerebral basilar artery smooth muscle cells --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effects of water crude-extracts of DG, danshen, and gegen on K[subscript ATP] channels --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effects of active constituents of danshen hydrophilic fraction on K[subscript ATP] channels --- p.100 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Effects of the major isoflavonoids of gegen on K[subscript ATP] channels --- p.105 / Chapter 3.4 --- Effects of DG and its constituents on calcium channels of basilar artery smooth muscle cells --- p.112 / Chapter 3.5 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on rat global ischaemia --- p.117 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on rats’ blood pressure and cerebral blood flow --- p.117 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on lipid peroxidation --- p.120 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on SOD activity --- p.120 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on CAT activity --- p.120 / Chapter 3.5.5 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on reduced GSH level --- p.121 / Chapter 3.5.6 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on NOS system --- p.126 / Chapter 3.6 --- Effect of DG on rat focal ischaemia --- p.129 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Effect of DG on cerebral infarction --- p.129 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Effect of DG on neurological deficits --- p.129 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- Discussion --- p.132 / Chapter 4.1 --- Studies of DG and its constituents on rat cerebral basilar artery --- p.133 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Constituents of DG on U46619-precontracted tone --- p.133 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Investigations on endothelium-dependent mechanisms --- p.133 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Investigations on endothelium-independent mechanisms --- p.136 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Investigations on calcium channels --- p.139 / Chapter 4.2 --- Effects of DG and its constituents on rat cerebral basilar artery smooth muscle cell K[subscript ATP] channels --- p.143 / Chapter 4.3 --- Effects of DG and its constituents on calcium influx in rat basilar artery smooth muscle cells --- p.147 / Chapter 4.4 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on rat transient global ischaemia --- p.150 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on rats’ blood pressure and cerebral blood flow --- p.150 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on lipid peroxidation, SOD and CAT activity, and GSH level --- p.152 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Effects of DG, danshen and gegen on NOS system --- p.155 / Chapter 4.5 --- Effects of DG on rat focal ischaemia --- p.157 / Chapter 4.6 --- Further studies --- p.160 / Chapter 4.7 --- Conclusion --- p.162 / REFERENCES --- p.164

Background. Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge, is used for treating coronary heart disease. In China, numerous pharmaceutical dosage forms of Danshen are commercially available. Although the pharmacological effects of different components of Danshen are well identified, its absorption as well as pharmacokinetics studies are still insufficient and inconsistent. The current study aims to: (1) screen for the major absorbable active components of Danshen; (2) interpret the absorption mechanism and pharmacokinetics characteristics of the identified components; (3) develop an improved oral drug delivery system for the identified components of Danshen. / Conclusion. Both danshensu and SAB have limited intestinal permeability and oral bioavailabilities. Our results demonstrated the usefulness of sodium caprate as a potential absorption enhancer for danshensu and SAB in Danshen product. / Methods. Six major active components in commercially available Danshen products were identified and quantified. In vitro human Caco-2 cell monolayer model, rat in situ intestinal perfusion model as well as rat in vivo pharmacokinetic model were used to investigate the intestinal absorption and pharmacokinetics profiles of the identified Danshen components. Effect of the absorption enhancer on the oral absorption and bioavailabilities of the studied Danshen components was further evaluated. / Results. Danshensu, salvianolic acid B (SAB) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) were identified as the major components in Danshen products. Investigations using in vitro, in situ and in vivo model found that both danshensu and SAB had poor permeabilities and low bioavailabilities (Danshensu: 11.09%; SAB: 3.90%), which may be due to their absorption via the paracellular transport pathways. Studies of PCA suggested that it may have a intestinal first pass metabolism with an oral bioavailability of only 18.02%. It was found that the permeabilities of both danshensu and SAB were significantly increased upon addition of sodium caprate, a paracellular absorption enhancer. The oral bioavailabilities of both danshensu and SAB in pure compound form as well as Danshen extract form were also increased in the presence of sodium caprate in rats. / Zhou, Limin. / Advisers: Zuo Zhong; Moses S.S. Chow. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3457. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. / 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.

Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, is a herb listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Danshen has been reported to have antiplatelet, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-HIV effects in preclinical studies. However, exaggerated anticoagulation and bleeding complications have also been observed during concurrent use of Danshen and warfarin in patients, although the mechanism(s) of the herb-drug interaction, pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic interactions, remained uncertain. Characterization of the cytochrome P450 isoforms responsible for the metabolism(s) of drugs and herbal constituents is important for the identification of potential drug-drug or drug-herb interactions. The present study investigated the effects of Danshen on the metabolism of probe substrates of specific CYP isoforms including CYP1A2, CYP3A and CYP2C9, the isoforms that are responsible for the metabolism of warfarin to assess the potential interactions of Danshen with drugs that utilize these isoforms for their biotransformation. / Firstly, the effects of Danshen and its tanshinone components on CYP1A2 activity were investigated in vitro and in vivo in the rat. Formulated Danshen extract, the ethanolic extract and the aqueous extract from Danshen root, and individual tanshinones inhibited phenacetin O-deethylation (CYP1A2) activity in vitro. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, and dihydrotanshinone were competitive CYP1A2 inhibitors. Acute, sub-chronic and chronic pretreatments of formulated Danshen extract decreased the clearance (CL) of caffeine, with a concomitant increase in the area under concentration-time curve (AUC), and prolongation of the plasma half-life (T 1/2). These results suggested that Danshen inhibited rat CYP1A2 activity and altered the pharmacokinetics of the CYP1A2 probe substrates in vivo. / In conclusion, these results confirmed that Danshen-inhibited CYP activity, especially CYP1A2, then CYP2C9/11 (CYP2C9 in human, CYP2C11 in rats) in vitro. In vivo studies confirmed the clearance of the probe substrates was also decreased when co-administered with Danshen. Given that CYP1A2, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 are responsible for the metabolism and disposition of a large number of drugs currently used in man, the concomitant use of Danshen with drugs which are substrates of CYP1A2, 2C9 and 3A4, especially CYP1A2, must be met with great caution. / Secondly, the effects of Danshen and its tanshinone components on CYP3A activity were investigated in vitro and in vivo in the rat. Formulated Danshen extract, the ethanolic extract from Danshen root, and tanshinones inhibited testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation (CYP3A) activity in vitro. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, and cryptotanshinone were competitive CYP3A inhibitors, whereas dihydrotanshinone was a noncompetitive CYP3A inhibitor. In vivo studies showed the pretreatments of formulated Danshen extract did not significantly change the pharmacokinetics of midazolam. / The effects of Danshen and its tanshinones on human CYP1A2 (phenacetin O-deethylation), CYP3A4 (testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation), and CYP2C9 (tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation) activities were also investigated in vitro using pooled human liver microsomes and human CYP isoforms. The ethanolic fraction of Danshen root was more effective than water-soluble fraction in inhibiting human CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activities. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, and cryptotanshinone were competitive inhibitors of CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 with varying effectiveness. Dihydrotanshinone was not a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, but a noncompetitive CYP3A4 inhibitor. CYP1A2 was most affected and CYP3A4 was least affected by Danshen and tanshinones. Compared with the results obtained from rat and human, rat is a good animal model for predicting Danshen-drug interactions in humans, especially drugs which are substrates of CYP1A2. / Thirdly, the effects of Danshen and its tanshinone components on CYP2C11 activity were investigated in vitro and in vivo in the rat. Formulated Danshen extract, the ethanolic extract from Danshen root, and tanshinones inhibited testosterone 2alpha-hydroxylation (CYP2C11) activity in vitro. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, and dihydrotanshinone were competitive CYP2C11 inhibitors. Sub-chronic pretreatment of formulated Danshen extract increased the AUC, T1/2 but decreased CL of tolbutamide. These results suggested that Danshen inhibited the CYP2C activity in the rat. In conclusion, these results confirmed the possible mechanism is enzyme inhibition, involved in the interaction of Danshen and warfarin previously observed in rats. / Wang, Xin. / "September 2007." / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-08, Section: B, page: 4699. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 284-302). / 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. / Abstract in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

O diabetes mellitus é uma doença que afeta o metabolismo de carboidratos, gorduras e proteínas e tem como aspectos característicos a hiperglicemia e a excreção da glicose pela urina. Estima-se que o número de casos da doença aumentará muito nos próximos anos, o que a torna preocupante para o sistema público de saúde dos países mais afetados. Além do uso de medicamentos alopáticos, tratamentos complementares como o uso de plantas medicinais pode contribuir para melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente. Entre as ervas utilizadas, tanto no Brasil quanto em outras partes do mundo, encontram-se Bidens pilosa e Salvia officinalis. Os mecanismos responsáveis pela atividade antidiabética das plantas, geralmente estão associados aos seus metabólitos secundários, no entanto, a influência de micronutrientes não deve ser descartada. Estudos mostram que há uma correlação entre a concentração destes elementos com a presença e o desenvolvimento da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os elementos Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, V e Zn em Bidens pilosa (picão) e Salvia officinalis (sálvia) cultivadas com tratamento normal (substrato comercial) e com adição dos elementos acima mencionados, e verificar a influência destes elementos na produção de metabólitos secundários que podem atuar como agentes hipoglicêmicos. A determinação e quantificação elementar foram feitas por meio da técnica de Análise por Ativação Neutrônica Instrumental, e para análise dos metabólitos secundários utilizou-se a técnica de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência. O resultados indicaram que B. pilosa e S. officinalis podem ser usadas como fontes de Cr, Fe Mg, Mn, V e Zn. Foi observado que a B. pilosa absorveu maior quantidade de Fe no grupo tratamento, e que a S. officinalis foi capaz de acumular Zn nas folhas independente de ter ou não sido tratada. Quanto aos compostos do metabolismo secundário, os resultados indicaram que sua produção pelas plantas aparentemente não foi alterada pela adição da solução dos nutrientes. / Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the carbohydrates, lipids and proteins metabolism characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose excretion by urine. It is estimated that the number of cases of this disease will increase in the coming years, worrying the public health system of the most affected countries. Besides the use of allopathic medicine, complementary treatments such as the use of medicinal plants can contribute to improving the pacients quality of life. Among the herbs used, both in Brazil and in other countries, are Bidens pilosa and Salvia officinalis. The mechanisms responsible for antidiabetic activity of the plants, are usually associated with secondary metabolites, however, the influence of micronutrient content should not be discarded. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the concentration of these elements and the presence and development of the disease. The objective of this work was to study the elements Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, V and Zn concentration in Bidens pilosa (beggarticks) and Salvia officinalis (sage) cultivated with normal treatment (commercial substrate) and, with the addition of these elements, to verify their influence in the production of secondary metabolites that can act as hypoglycemic agents. The elemental determination and quantification were performed by means of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis technique. For the secondary metabolites analysis Liquid Chromatography High Performance technique was used. The results indicated that B. pilosa and S. officinalis may be used as sources of Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, V and Zn. It was observed that B. pilosa absorbed a larger amount of Fe in the treatment group, and S. officinalis was able to accumulate Zn its in leaves whether treated or not. Considering the secondary metabolism compounds, the results indicated that its production by plants was apparently not altered by the addition of the nutrient solution.

O diabetes mellitus é uma doença que afeta o metabolismo de carboidratos, gorduras e proteínas e tem como aspectos característicos a hiperglicemia e a excreção da glicose pela urina. Estima-se que o número de casos da doença aumentará muito nos próximos anos, o que a torna preocupante para o sistema público de saúde dos países mais afetados. Além do uso de medicamentos alopáticos, tratamentos complementares como o uso de plantas medicinais pode contribuir para melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente. Entre as ervas utilizadas, tanto no Brasil quanto em outras partes do mundo, encontram-se Bidens pilosa e Salvia officinalis. Os mecanismos responsáveis pela atividade antidiabética das plantas, geralmente estão associados aos seus metabólitos secundários, no entanto, a influência de micronutrientes não deve ser descartada. Estudos mostram que há uma correlação entre a concentração destes elementos com a presença e o desenvolvimento da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os elementos Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, V e Zn em Bidens pilosa (picão) e Salvia officinalis (sálvia) cultivadas com tratamento normal (substrato comercial) e com adição dos elementos acima mencionados, e verificar a influência destes elementos na produção de metabólitos secundários que podem atuar como agentes hipoglicêmicos. A determinação e quantificação elementar foram feitas por meio da técnica de Análise por Ativação Neutrônica Instrumental, e para análise dos metabólitos secundários utilizou-se a técnica de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência. O resultados indicaram que B. pilosa e S. officinalis podem ser usadas como fontes de Cr, Fe Mg, Mn, V e Zn. Foi observado que a B. pilosa absorveu maior quantidade de Fe no grupo tratamento, e que a S. officinalis foi capaz de acumular Zn nas folhas independente de ter ou não sido tratada. Quanto aos compostos do metabolismo secundário, os resultados indicaram que sua produção pelas plantas aparentemente não foi alterada pela adição da solução dos nutrientes. / Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the carbohydrates, lipids and proteins metabolism characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose excretion by urine. It is estimated that the number of cases of this disease will increase in the coming years, worrying the public health system of the most affected countries. Besides the use of allopathic medicine, complementary treatments such as the use of medicinal plants can contribute to improving the pacients quality of life. Among the herbs used, both in Brazil and in other countries, are Bidens pilosa and Salvia officinalis. The mechanisms responsible for antidiabetic activity of the plants, are usually associated with secondary metabolites, however, the influence of micronutrient content should not be discarded. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the concentration of these elements and the presence and development of the disease. The objective of this work was to study the elements Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, V and Zn concentration in Bidens pilosa (beggarticks) and Salvia officinalis (sage) cultivated with normal treatment (commercial substrate) and, with the addition of these elements, to verify their influence in the production of secondary metabolites that can act as hypoglycemic agents. The elemental determination and quantification were performed by means of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis technique. For the secondary metabolites analysis Liquid Chromatography High Performance technique was used. The results indicated that B. pilosa and S. officinalis may be used as sources of Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, V and Zn. It was observed that B. pilosa absorbed a larger amount of Fe in the treatment group, and S. officinalis was able to accumulate Zn its in leaves whether treated or not. Considering the secondary metabolism compounds, the results indicated that its production by plants was apparently not altered by the addition of the nutrient solution.

<p>Glavni cilj istraživanja ove doktorske disertacije je bio valorizacija sporednog proizvoda žalfije (Salvia officinalis L.) iz fabrike čaja za dobijanje visoko-vrednih ekstrakata željenih osobina koji bi imali primenu u gotovim proizvodima prehrambene, kozmetičke i farmaceutske industrije.<br />U cilju ekstrakcije polifenolnih jedinjenja su primenjene konvencionalne (maceracija) i savremene (ultrazvučna ekstrakcija, mikrotalasna ekstrakcija i ekstrakcija subkritičnom vodom) ekstrakcione tehnike. U postupaku maceracije je optimizovana koncentracija etanola u ekstragensu, dok je za optimizaciju savremenih ekstrakcionih tehnika primenjen eksperimentalni dizajn i metoda odzivne povr&scaron;ine. Prinos polifenola (ukupnih fenola i ukupnih flavonoida) i antioksidativna aktivnost određena različitim in vitro testovima su bili ispitivani odzivi. Za svaki od navedenih ekstrakcionih postupaka je ispitivan uticaj glavnih ekstrakcionih parametara: ultrazvučna ekstrakcija (temperatura, vreme ekstrakcije i snaga ultrazvuka), mikrotalasna ekstrakcija (koncentracija etanola, vreme ekstrakcije i odnos rastvarač-droga) i ekstrakcija subkritičnom vodom (temperatura, vreme ekstrakcije i koncentracija HCl u ekstragensu). Tečni ekstrakti dobijeni ultrazvučnom, mikrotalasnom i subkritičnom ekstrakcijom su pokazali izuzetno visoku antioksidativnu aktivnost određenu &bdquo;hvatanjem&ldquo; DPPH i O2∙- radikala i kapacitetom redukcije Fe3+ jona i imali su znatno veći sadržaj polifenola u odnosu na ekstrakte dobijene maceracijom.<br />U cilju ekstrakcije terpenoidnih jedinjenja su primenjeni postupci Soxhlet ekstrakcije, destilacije vodenom parom i ekstrakcije superkritičnim CO2. Postupak superkritične ekstrakcije je optimizovan metodom odzivne povr&scaron;ine i optimalni uslovi ekstrakcije su bili pritisak 290 bar, temperatura 55˚C i protok CO2 od 0,4 kg/h, dok su predviđene i eksperimentalne vrednosti prinosa ekstrakcije bile 8,90 i 8,84%. Hemijskom analizom lipofilnih ekstrakata i etarskog ulja je utvrđeno da su oksidovani monoterpeni (&alpha;-tujon i kamfor), oksidovani seskviterpeni (viridiflorol) i polifenolni diterpeni (epirosmanol) dominantna jedinjenja prisutna u ovim uzorcima.<br />Tečni ekstrakti žalfije dobijeni konvencionalnim i savremenim ekstrakcionim tehnikama su spray drying tehnikom osu&scaron;eni u cilju prevođenja u stabilniju formu suvog ekstrakta. Suvim ekstraktima su određene fizičko-hemijske osobine (hemijski sastav, sadržaj vlage, higroskopnost, moć rehidratacije, WAI i WSI) i biolo&scaron;ka aktivnost (antimikrobna i antioksidativna aktivnost) i procenjena je njihova mogućnost primene u prehrambenoj i farmaceutskoj industriji.</p> / <p>The main aim of this dissertation was valorization of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) by-product from filter-tea factory for recovery of high-value extracts with desirable properties for application in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.<br />Conventional (maceration) and novel (ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted and subcritical water extraction) extraction techniques were applied for polyphenols recovery. Ethanol concentration was optimized in maceration process, while experimental design and response surface methodology were applied for optimization of novel extraction techniques. Polyphenols yield (total phenols and total flavonoids) and antioxidant activity, determined by various in vitro assays, were investigated responses. Influence of main process parameters was determined for each technique: ultrasound-assisted extraction (temperature, extraction time and ultrasonic power), microwave-assisted extraction (ethanol concentration, extraction time and sample-solvent ratio) and subcritical water extraction (temperature, extraction time and HCl concentration in solvent). Liquid extracts obtained by novel extraction technique exhibited higher antioxidant activity determined by scavenging of DPPH and O2∙- radicals and reduction of Fe3+ and also provided higher polyphenols yield comparing to extracts obtained by maceration. Soxhlet extraction, hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction were applied for terpenoids recovery. Supercritical fluid extraction process was optimized by response surface methodology and optimal conditions were pressure of 290 bar, temperature of 55˚C and CO2 flow rate of 0.4 kg/h, while predicted and experimentally obtained values of total extraction yield at these conditions were 8.90 i 8.84%, respectively. According to chemical analysis, the most abundant compounds in lipid extracts and essential oil were oxygenated monoterpenes (&alpha;-thujone and camphor), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (viridiflorol) and diterpene polyphenols (epirosmanol).<br />Sage liquid extracts obtained by conventional and novel extraction techniques were spray dried in order to obtain dry extract form. Physico-chemical properties (chemical profile, moisture content, hygroscopicity, rehydratation time, WAI and WSI) and biological activity (antimicrobial and antioxidant activity) were determined in dry extracts and their potential application in food and pharmaceutical formulations was discussed.</p>

丹参是一种著名的传统中药，富含丹酚酸和丹参酮。其中，丹参酮的潜在抗肿瘤作用近年来引起众多关注。本研究评价了主要的丹参酮及其衍生物对结肠癌细胞的细胞毒性。结果显示DHTS具有最强的抗结肠癌活性和显著的肿瘤特异性细胞毒性，其细胞毒性主要由于凋亡诱导而不是引起坏死。初步的构效关系分析提示丹参酮母环结构中的A环和B环增加的离域性有助于提高其对结肠癌细胞的细胞毒性，而非二维结构及较小的D环也是进行结构改造的可能方向。 / 基于以上发现，本研究进一步探讨了DHTS的体内外抗肿瘤活性及内在机制。本研究发现DHTS的促凋亡活性并不依赖于p53的表达，而依赖于caspase活性及线粒体介导的细胞质中氧自由基 ROS及钙离子的聚集。DHTS可引起浓度及时间依赖caspase-9/-3/-7的活化而并未显著引起caspase-8的活化，这一现象发生于同样以浓度及时间依赖方式进行的线粒体中cytochrome c及AIF转位之后。在DHTS诱导的结肠癌细胞凋亡中，cytochrome c及caspase介导的凋亡通路及AIF介导的凋亡通路均被激活并显示出两条通路之间的交叉调控。 / 此外，线粒体在DHTS的促凋亡活性中的作用在本研究中被深入探讨。本研究发现线粒体可能是DHTS的一个直接靶点, 而氧化磷酸化复合体III则更可能是其作用位点。DHTS可以引起迅速而明显的线粒体功能障碍，随之引起细胞质中大量的氧自由基及钙离子聚集，诱导凋亡的产生。 / 与体外结果一致，本研究证实了DHTS对免疫缺陷小鼠中的结肠癌移植廇也具有明显的抗肿瘤作用。与溶媒对照组比较，DHTS治疗组中移植廇的增长显著被减缓，在治疗终点时的廇体积与重量也显著被降低。TUNEL检测确认DHTS诱导移植廇中癌细胞的显著凋亡。免疫荧光检测也发现DHTS诱导caspase-3及caspase-7在移植廇中癌细胞的明显活化。 / 综上所述，本研究提供了丹参酮抗结肠癌活性的一些初步构效关系的信息，为提高丹参酮抗结肠癌活性的结构改造提供一定的参考。更重要的是，本研究证明了DHTS的体内外抗结肠癌活性并探讨了其作用机制及可能靶点，为DHTS作为新的应用于抗结肠癌药物或辅助治疗用药提供了临床前研究证据。 / Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, also known as Danshen, rich in phenolic acid and tanshinones, has been widely used to treat various kinds of diseases including heart diseases and hepatitis in China with minimal side effects. Among the tanshinones, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone and dihydrotanshinone I are the major bioactive constituents in this herb. In this study, the anti-colon cancer potential of five tanshinones and six derivatives of tanshinone IIA were evaluated in several colon cancer cell lines. It was found that apoptosis but not necrosis contributed significantly to the cytotoxicity of the tanshinones. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHTS) was confirmed to be the most potent and selective anti-cancer compound among the tanshinones tested in this study. Preliminary SAR (structure activity relationship) of tanshinones reveals that the increase of delocalizability of A and B rings in the chemical structure of the tanshinones enhances their cytotoxicity on cancer cells, while compounds with a non-planar and small sized D ring region are better choices for anti-cancer effect. / The underlying mechanisms of the anti-colon cancer activity of DHTS were further studied. It was found that apoptosis induced by DHTS was p53 independent but caspase dependent, which was closely related to intracellular accumulation of ROS (reactive oxidant stress) and calcium mediated by mitochondria. A concentration- and time-dependent activation of caspase-9,-3,-7 but not caspase-8 by DHTS in HCT116 cells was detected after the translocation of cytochrome c and AIF (apoptosis inducing factor) from mitochondria. In this process, the crosstalk between the caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways was firstly shown in the apoptotic mechanism of DHTS. To this end, the release of cytochrome c happened first and the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) was prevented by a pan caspase inhibitor. In the meantime, the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-9 and PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) cleavage were decreased after AIF knockdown. Especially, mitochondrion was suggested to be the direct target of DHTS and OXPHOS complex III but not OXPHOS complex I was probably the acting site of DHTS. / In accordance with the results obtained in vitro, the potential anti-colon cancer activity of DHTS was also observed in nude mice with xenograft tumors and the compound did not produce any observable systemic toxicity. DHTS efficiently delayed tumor growth by decreasing the tumor size and weight through the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells but not by inhibition of cell proliferation. In the same tissues, a distinct activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7 in tumor cells was also detected by immunofluorescence assay. / Collectively, the present study provides preliminary information about the SAR of the anti-colon cancer activity for tanshinones. It also confirms that DHTS is a promising compound for anti-cancer action both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, this study gives us a better understanding regarding the mechanisms of how DHTS induces apoptosis in cancer cells. All these findings could provide solid pre-clinical evidence to propel the development and application of DHTS and perhaps its derivatives as novel therapeutic or adjuvant agents for the treatment of colon cancer. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Wang, Lin. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-132). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Wang, Lin.

Cheung, Wing Shing David. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 201-217). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Chan Yin Ling. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-167). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.III / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.X / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.XI / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.XV / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.XVII / LIST OF TABLES --- p.XXI / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease and Atherosclerosis --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Cardiovascular Disease --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- A therosclerosis --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Structure of Arteries --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.2.3 --- Endothelial Dysfunction --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Current Western Therapies --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Surgery --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Western Medications --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Traditional Chinese Medicine --- p.17 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Long History --- p.17 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- As Alternative Medicine --- p.18 / Chapter 1.1.4.3 --- Modernization of Chinese Medicine --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2 --- Introduction and Selection of Chinese Medicine --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Selection ofTCM Formulation from Pharmacopoeia --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Compound Formulation --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Introduction to the Herbal Medicines --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Gegen (Puerariae thomsonii and Puerariae lobata) --- p.22 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Yanhu (Corydalis yanhusuo) and its Exclusion --- p.24 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Source and Authentication of the Herbal Medicines --- p.25 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- OPTIMIZATION OF DANSHEN-GEGEN FORMULA --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1 --- Project History --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- aims for the present study --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3 --- Methods and Materials --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Extracts --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Extraction Process --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- In vitro Antioxidation Model --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Ex vivo Vasodilation Model --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Vasodilation Results --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Antioxidation Results --- p.43 / Chapter 2.5 --- Discussion --- p.46 / Chapter 2.6 --- Further Modification of the Formula --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Extracts --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Results --- p.49 / Chapter 2.7 --- discussion --- p.52 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- MARKER CHEMICAL CONTENTS OF HERBAL EXTRACTS AND THEIR PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES --- p.56 / Chapter 3.1 --- HPLC Analysis of Marker Contents --- p.56 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Methods --- p.57 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Results --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- HPLC Chromatograms --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Content Percentage of Marker Compounds --- p.63 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Discussion --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2 --- Studies on Marker Compounds --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Introduction --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Source of Pure Compounds --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Purification and Identification of SAB --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- Vasodilation model --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.2.4 --- Antioxidation Model --- p.71 / Chapter 3.2.2.5 --- Structures of Pure Compounds --- p.72 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Results --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Vasodilation Results --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Antioxidation Results --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3 --- Discussion --- p.79 / Chapter 3.4 --- Synergistic Effect Study --- p.85 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Introduction --- p.85 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Methods --- p.85 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Results --- p.86 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Discussion --- p.88 / Chapter 3.5 --- STUDY ON 3'-HYDROXYPlIERARIN AND 3'-METHOXYPUERARIN PURIFIED FROM YFGE --- p.90 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- 3 '-hydroxypuerarin and 3'-methoxypuerarin --- p.90 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.91 / Chapter 3.5.2.1 --- Purification by HPLC semi-preparation --- p.91 / Chapter 3.5.2.2 --- Bioassays --- p.93 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Results --- p.94 / Chapter 3.5.3.1 --- Vasodilation Study --- p.94 / Chapter 3.5.3.2 --- Antioxidative Effect of Yege --- p.95 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Discussion / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- MECHANISTIC STUDY --- p.98 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.98 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Nitric Oxide-mediated Vasodilation --- p.99 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Prostacyclin-mediated Vasodilation --- p.100 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- EDHF-mediated Vasodilation --- p.101 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Endothelium-dependent and -independent Vasodilations --- p.103 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.104 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.107 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Danshen-Gegen Formula (DY80) --- p.107 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Salvianolic acid B --- p.112 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Daidzein --- p.117 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.121 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- STUDY ON LIPID PEROXIDATION AND UPTAKE BY MACROPHAGES --- p.128 / Chapter 5.1 --- Study of DY 80 and SAB on Copper-ion induced Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation --- p.128 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Pathologic Role of oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein --- p.128 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Antioxidants in Low Density Lipoprotein and Role of Transition Metals --- p.129 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Methods and Materials --- p.130 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Results --- p.131 / Chapter 5.1.5 --- Discussion --- p.133 / Chapter 5.2 --- Study of Scavenger Receptor Regulation in Macrophages --- p.135 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Introduction --- p.135 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.136 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Results --- p.139 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Discussions --- p.140 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- General Discussion --- p.143 / REFERENCES --- p.147