I agree with you Don. A lot of the stuff on the market is crap. But some do work. Have a headache? Chew on some Red Willow bark.
LOL. Red willow bark is a proven. It's where aspirin originally came from. Just like penicillin originated from bread mold. But far too many snake oil cures have never been subjected to real scientific scrutiny. There are no FDA regulations about these snake oil medicines. The buyer and user are taking their own life and health in their hands. And those who know of these lacks of regulations are taking advantage of the sick and unsuspecting, just so they can fill their own pockets. Buyer beware of claims that seem too good to be true. Where QUACK medicines are concerned, they most probably are too good to be true.
Once again Don proves his complete and total ignorance of the subject. Just because you have not looked at the research does not mean it does not exist. Just like because you don't live with Palin and can see Russia from your house this does not mean Russia does not exist.
Unlike you I have researched the subject because I choose not to wallow in ignorance like you choose to. Here are some examples of studies done on herbs that are readily available to anyone who chooses to learn rather than exercise their ignorance:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12350137&dopt=AbstractDiscovery of natural products from Curcuma longa that protect cells from beta-amyloid insult: a drug discovery effort against Alzheimer's disease.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11606625&dopt=AbstractThe curry spice curcumin reduces oxidative damage and amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11297823&dopt=AbstractCurcuminoids from Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) that protect PC12 rat pheochromocytoma and normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells from betaA(1-42) insult.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11748382&dopt=AbstractColon cancer chemoprevention with ginseng and other botanicals.
“There is a body of literature that suggests that compounds in wine, turmeric, and tea inhibit cyclooxygenases, thus reducing prostaglandin-mediated effects on the colon. As colon tumors have been shown to highly express COX-2 protein, and given, that many NSAID drugs also suppress COX-1, it is tempting to speculate that herbal products that inhibit one or both forms of the COX enzyme will be effective agents for the prevention of cancer in man.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12470437&dopt=AbstractAnticancer activity of Scutellaria baicalensis and its potential mechanism.
(scullcap)
"CONCLUSIONS: Scutellaria baicalensis strongly inhibits cell growth in all cancer cell lines tested. However, prostate and breast cancer cells (PC-3, LNCaP, and MCF-7) are slightly more sensitive than other type of cancer cells. It also inhibits PGE(2) production, indicating that suppression of tumor cell growth may be due to its ability to inhibit COX-2 activity. This study supports the notion of using Scutellaria baicalensis as a novel anticancer agent to treat various cancers."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10909271&dopt=AbstractIsolation of (S)-(+)-naproxene from Musa acuminata. Inhibitory effect of naproxene and its 7-methoxy isomer on constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2. (banana)
"The isolation and characterisation of (S)-(+)-6-methoxy-alpha-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid, a well known synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (naproxene), from a natural source is described for the first time."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11566484&dopt=AbstractSpecific inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by dietary curcumin in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11221833&dopt=AbstractCharacterization of metabolites of the chemopreventive agent curcumin in human and rat hepatocytes and in the rat in vivo, and evaluation of their ability to inhibit phorbol ester-induced prostaglandin E2 production.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11506818&dopt=AbstractMolecular mechanisms underlying chemopreventive activities of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals: down-regulation of COX-2 and iNOS through suppression of NF-kappa B activation.
"Since inflammation is closely linked to tumor promotion, substances with potent anti-inflammatory activities are anticipated to exert chemopreventive effects on carcinogenesis, particularly in the promotion stage. Examples are curcumin, a yellow pigment of turmeric (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae), the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol from grapes (Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae) that strongly suppress tumor promotion"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11751448&dopt=AbstractClinical development of leukocyte cyclooxygenase 2 activity as a systemic biomarker for cancer chemopreventive agents.
"Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma spp., has shown wide-ranging chemopreventive activity in preclinical carcinogenic models, in which it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 at the transcriptional level."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12067569&dopt=AbstractAnti-tumor promoting potential of selected spice ingredients with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities: a short review.
"A wide variety of phenolic substances derived from spice possess potent antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. Examples are curcumin, a yellow colouring agent, contained in turmeric (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae), [6]-gingerol, a pungent ingredient present in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) and capsaicin, a principal pungent principle of hot chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L, Solanaceae)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12016152&dopt=AbstractZerumbone, a Southeast Asian ginger sesquiterpene, markedly suppresses free radical generation, proinflammatory protein production, and cancer cell proliferation accompanied by apoptosis: the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group is a prerequisite.
"Zerumbone (ZER), a sesquiterpene from the edible plant Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has recently been found to suppress tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced Epstein-Barr virus activation in a potent manner. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive potentials of ZER in a variety of cell culture experiments. ZER effectively suppressed TPA-induced superoxide anion generation from both NADPH oxidase in dimethylsulfoxide-differentiated HL-60 human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells and xanthine oxidase in AS52 Chinese hamster ovary cells. The combined lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-gamma-stimulated protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, together with the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were also markedly diminished."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11437391&dopt=AbstractEffect of ginger constituents and synthetic analogues on cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme in intact cells.
"Seventeen pungent oleoresin principles of ginger (Zingiber officinale, Roscoe) and synthetic analogues were evaluated for inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity in the intact cell. These compounds exhibited a concentration and structure dependent inhibition of the enzyme, with IC(50) values in the range of 1-25 microM. Ginger constituents, [8]-paradol and [8]-shogaol, as well as two synthetic analogues, 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)decane and 5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dodecane, showed strong inhibitory effects on COX-2 enzyme activity. The SAR analysis of these phenolic compounds revealed three important structural features that affect COX-2 inhibition: (i) lipophilicity of the alkyl side chain, (ii) substitution pattern of hydroxy and carbonyl groups on the side chain, and (iii) substitution pattern of hydroxy and methoxy groups on the aromatic moiety. "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11693274&dopt=AbstractChemoprevention of azoxymethane-induced rat aberrant crypt foci by dietary zerumbone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet. (Ginger)
"The modifying effects of dietary feeding of zerumbone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet on the development of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were investigated in male F344 rats. Expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in colonic mucosa exposed to AOM and/or zerumbone was also assayed. In addition, we assessed the effects of zerumbone on cell proliferation activity of crypts by counting silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions protein (AgNORs) in colonic cryptal cell nuclei. To induce ACF rats were given three weekly subcutaneous injections of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight). They were also fed the experimental diet containing 0.01% or 0.05% zerumbone for 5 weeks, starting one week before the first dosing of AOM. AOM exposure produced 84+/-13 ACF/rat at the end of the study (week 5). Dietary administration of zerumbone caused reduction in the frequency of ACF: 72+/-17 (14% reduction) at a dose of 0.01% and 45+/-18 (46% reduction, p<0.001) at a dose of 0.05%. Feeding of zerumbone significantly reduced expression of COX-2 and prostaglandins in colonic mucosa. Zerumbone feeding significantly lowered the number of AgNORs in colonic crypt cell nuclei. These findings might suggest possible chemopreventive ability of zerumbone, through suppression of COX-2 expression, cell proliferating activity of colonic mucosa, and induction of phase II detoxification enzymes in the development of carcinogen-induced ACF."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12445866&dopt=AbstractHyperforin is a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase.
(St. Johnswort)
"In thrombin- or ionophore-stimulated human platelets, hyperforin suppressed COX-1 product (12(S)-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid) formation with an IC(50) of 0.3 and 3 microM, respectively, being about 3- to 18-fold more potent than aspirin.
"We conclude that hyperforin acts as a dual inhibitor of 5-LO and COX-1 in intact cells as well as on the catalytic activity of the crude enzymes, suggesting therapeutic potential in inflammatory and allergic diseases connected to eicosanoids."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12067102&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. seed extracts on bone resorption mediated by tyrosine kinase, COX-2 (cyclooxygenase) and PG (prostaglandin) E2.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11859467&dopt=AbstractQuantitative determination of the dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitor tryptanthrin in Isatis tinctoria by ESI-LC-MS.
"Isatis tinctoria L. is an old European and Chinese dye plant and anti-inflammatory herb from which the potent cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor tryptanthrin (1) (indolo-[2,1-b]-quinazoline-6,12-dione) was recently isolated as one of the active principles."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11331078&dopt=AbstractWogonin, baicalin, and baicalein inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 gene expressions induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and lipopolysaccharide. (Chinese herb Huang Qui)
"We previously reported that oroxylin A, a polyphenolic compound, was a potent inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11748375&dopt=AbstractMolecular mechanisms underlying anti-tumor promoting activities of heat-processed Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.
"Certain fractions or purified ingredients of ginseng have been shown to exert anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities. Our previous studies have revealed that the methanol extract of heat-processed Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer attenuates the lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates and is also capable of scavenging superoxide generated by xanthine- xanthine oxidase or by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. Topical application of the same extract onto shaven backs of female ICR mice also suppressed TPA-induced skin tumor promotion. Likewise, topical application of ginsenoside Rg3, one of the constituents of heat-treated ginseng, significantly inhibited TPA-induced mouse epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and skin tumor promotion. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in TPA-stimulated mouse skin was markedly suppressed by Rg3 pretreatment. In addition, Rg3 inhibited TPA-stimulated activation of NF-kappaB and extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK), one of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in mouse skin and also in cultured human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12388178&dopt=AbstractCurcumin prevents alcohol-induced liver disease in rats by inhibiting the expression of NF-kappa B-dependent genes.
"Treatment with curcumin prevented both the pathological and biochemical changes induced by alcohol. Because endotoxin and the Kupffer cell are implicated in the pathogenesis of ALD, we investigated whether curcumin suppressed the stimulatory effects of endotoxin in isolated Kupffer cells. Curcumin blocked endotoxin-mediated activation of NF-kappaB and suppressed the expression of cytokines, chemokines, COX-2, and iNOS in Kupffer cells. Thus curcumin prevents experimental ALD, in part by suppressing induction of NF-kappaB-dependent genes."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10344742&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the activity and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human oral epithelial cells and in a rat model of inflammation.
"We investigated the mechanisms by which caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a phenolic antioxidant, inhibited the stimulation of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in cultured human oral epithelial cells and in an animal model of acute inflammation." "CAPE nonselectively inhibited the activities of baculovirus-expressed hCOX-1 and hCOX-2 enzymes."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9705326&dopt=AbstractResveratrol inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 transcription and activity in phorbol ester-treated human mammary epithelial cells.
(Grapes)
"We determined whether resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant found in grapes and other food products, inhibited phorbol ester (PMA)-mediated induction of COX-2 in human mammary and oral epithelial cells. " "PMA caused about a 6-fold increase in COX-2 promoter activity, which was suppressed by resveratrol." "Transient transfections utilizing COX-2 promoter deletion constructs and COX-2 promoter constructs, in which specific enhancer elements were mutagenized, indicated that the effects of PMA and resveratrol were mediated via a cyclic AMP response element."
"Resveratrol inhibited PMA-mediated activation of protein kinase C. Overexpressing protein kinase C-alpha, ERK1, and c-Jun led to 4.7-, 5.1-, and 4-fold increases in COX-2 promoter activity, respectively. These effects also were inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol blocked PMA-dependent activation of AP-1-mediated gene expression. In addition to the above effects on gene expression, we found that resveratrol also directly inhibited the activity of COX-2. These data are likely to be important for understanding the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12576203&dopt=AbstractAnti-inflammatory activity of Chinese medicinal vine plants.
"The extract from S. suberectus was found to be active against all enzymes except COX-2. Its IC(50) values were 158, 54, 31 and 35 microg/ml in COX-1, PLA(2), 5-LO and 12-LO assays, respectively. T. jasminoides showed potent inhibitory activities against both COX-1 (IC(50) 35 microg/ml) and PLA(2) (IC(50) 33 microg/ml). The most potent COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LO inhibition was observed in the extract of T. wilfordii with the IC(50) values of 27, 125 and 22 microg/ml, respectively. The findings of this study may partly explain the use of these vine plants in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12444669&dopt=AbstractScreening of ubiquitous plant constituents for COX-2 inhibition with a scintillation proximity based assay.
"Plant metabolites of different biosynthetic origin representing several substance classes, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenylpropanes, steroids, and terpenes, were screened for inhibition of COX-2-catalyzed PGE(2) production. Of these 49 plant metabolites, eugenol, pyrogallol, and cinnamaldehyde (with IC(50) values of 129, 144, and 245 microM, respectively) were found to inhibit COX-2. This study showed that a COX-2-catalyzed PGE(2) assay using SPA is suitable for screening natural compounds with respect to COX-2 inhibition."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12451482&dopt=AbstractAntioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects of aloesin derivatives in Aloe vera.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12417253&dopt=AbstractEffects of sphondin, isolated from Heracleum laciniatum, on IL-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human pulmonary epithelial cells.
"Taken together, we demonstrate that sphondin inhibits IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) release in A549 cells; this inhibition is mediated by suppressing of COX-2 expression, rather than by inhibiting COX-2 enzyme activity. The inhibitory mechanism of sphondin on IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression may be, at least in part, through suppression of NF-kappaB activity. We conclude that sphondin may have the therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory drug on airway inflammation."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12410540&dopt=AbstractEffects of tanshinone I isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge on arachidonic acid metabolism and in vivo inflammatory responses. (red sage)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12396300&dopt=AbstractIn-vivo and in-vitro anti-inflammatory effect of Echinacea purpurea and Hypericum perforatum. (echinacea and St. Johnswort)
"Western blot analysis showed that in-vivo treatment with these extracts could modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in peritoneal macrophages. In particular, treatment with 100 mg kg(-1) hypericum inhibited both iNOS and COX-2 expression, whereas treatment with 100 mg kg(-1) echinacea down-regulated only COX-2 expression. The present study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of these extracts could be in part related to their modulation of COX-2 expression."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12392817&dopt=AbstractInhibition of prostaglandin E(2) production by taiwanin C isolated from the root of Acanthopanax chiisanensis and the mechanism of action.
"However, the activities of isolated COX-1 and COX-2 were inhibited by taiwanin C (IC(50)=1.06 and 9.31 microM, respectively), reflecting the inhibition of both COX-1- and COX-2-dependent PGE(2) production in the cell culture system. These findings suggest that the mechanism of action of taiwanin C in the inhibition of PGE(2) production is the direct inhibition of COX enzymatic activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12391548&dopt=AbstractInhibitory activity of tryptanthrin on prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis.
"The indolo[2,1- b]quinazoline alkaloid tryptanthrin has previously been identified as the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory principle in the extract ZE550 prepared from the medicinal plant Isatis tinctoria (Brassicaceae). We here investigated the potential inhibitory activity of tryptanthrin and ZE550 on COX-2, COX-1 in cellular and cell-free systems. A certain degree of selectivity towards COX-2 was observed when COX-1-dependent formation of thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) in HEL cells and COX-2-dependent formation of 6-ketoprostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1alpha)) in Mono Mac 6 and RAW 264.7 cells were compared. Preferential inhibition of COX-2 by two orders of magnitude was found in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activated bovine aortic coronary endothelial cells (BAECs). Assays with purified COX isoenzymes from sheep confirmed the high selectivity towards COX-2. The leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) release from calcium ionophore-stimulated human granulocytes (neutrophils) was used as a model to determine 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity. Tryptanthrin and the extract ZE550 inhibited LTB(4) release in a dose dependent manner and with a potency comparable to that of the clinically used 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12391547&dopt=AbstractInducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors of Chinese herbs III. Rheum palmatum.
“However, expression of iNOS and the COX-2 protein was inhibited by emodin in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells, and PGE(2) production was reduced.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12189197&dopt=AbstractSuppression of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in F344 rats by resveratrol. (grapes)
"Our study suggests that resveratrol suppressed NMBA-induced rat esophageal tumorigenesis by targeting COXs and PGE(2), and therefore may be a promising natural anti-carcinogenesis agent for the prevention and treatment of human esophageal cancer."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12153244&dopt=AbstractAtropisomeric myristinins: selective COX-2 inhibitors and antifungal agents from Myristica cinnamomea.
"The first naturally occurring atropisomeric flavans, myristinins B (2), C (2a), E (4), and F (4a), together with their corresponding trans-isomers, myristinins A (1) and D (3), were isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of Myristica cinnamomea fruits. Compounds 1, the mixture of 2 and 2a, and the mixture of 4 and 4a, exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans with IC(50) values ranging from 5.9 to 8.8 microg/mL, and they selectively inhibited the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12115530&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effects of the standardized extract (DA-9601) of Artemisia asiatica Nakai on phorbol ester-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity, papilloma formation, cyclooxygenase-2 expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nuclear transcription factor kappa B activation in mouse skin. (wormwood)
“In the present study, we assessed the inhibitory effect of DA-9601 on tumor promotion, which is closely linked to inflammatory tissue damage. As an initial approach to evaluating the possible antitumor-promoting potential of DA-9601, its effects on TPA-induced ear edema were examined in female ICR mice. Pretreatment of the inner surface of the mouse ear with DA-9601 30 min prior to topical application of TPA inhibited ear edema at 5 hr. TPA-stimulated expression of epidermal COX-2 and iNOS was also mitigated by topical application of the same extract. Moreover, DA-9601 abrogated the TPA-mediated activation of NF-kappa B/Rel and AP-1 in mouse epidermis. Suppression of epidermal NF-kappa B by DA-9601 appeared to be mediated in part through inhibition of I kappa B alpha degradation, thereby blocking the nuclear translocation of p65, the functional subunit of NF-kappa B. DA-9601 also significantly suppressed TPA-induced ODC activity and papilloma formation in mouse skin. Taken together, these findings suggest that DA-9601 derived from A. asiatica possesses potential chemopreventive activities.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12086400&dopt=AbstractSuppressive effect of natural sesquiterpenoids on inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in mouse macrophage cells. (ginger and turmeric)
“Xanthorrhizol, a sesquiterpenoid, isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), exhibited a potent inhibition of COX-2 (IC50 = 0.2 microg/mL) and iNOS activity (IC50 = 1.0 microg/mL) in the assay system of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation and nitric oxide production, respectively. Western blot analyses revealed that the inhibitory potential of xanthorrhizol on the COX-2 activity coincided well with the suppression of COX-2 protein expression in LPS-induced macrophages. In addition, sesquiterpenoids beta-turmerone and ar-turmerone isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) also showed a potent inhibitory activity of COX-2 (beta-turmerone, IC50 = 1.6 microg/mL; ar-turmerone, IC50 = 5.2 microg/mL) and iNOS (beta-turmerone, IC50 = 4.6 microg/mL; ar-turmerone, IC50 = 3.2 microg/mL). These results suggest that natural sesquiterpenoids from C. xanthorrhiza and C. zedoaria might be lead candidates for further developing COX-2 or iNOS inhibitors possessing cancer chemopreventive or anti-inflammatory properties.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12086399&dopt=AbstractEffects of yakuchinone A and yakuchinone B on the phorbol ester-induced expression of COX-2 and iNOS and activation of NF-kappaB in mouse skin. (ginger family)
“Both compounds have strong inhibitory effects on the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in vitro. In the present work, we show that both yakuchinone A and yakuchinone B inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA in mouse skin treated with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Topical application on mouse skin of these diarylheptanoids also attenuated the TPA-induced DNA binding activity of the ubiquitous eukaryotic transcription factor NF-kappaB that plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of the aforementioned proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines in response to a wide variety of external stimuli. These findings suggest that diarylheptanoids contained in Alpinia oxyphylla down-regulate COX-2 and iNOS expression through suppression of NF-kappaB activation in the TPA-treated mouse skin.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12070756&dopt=AbstractEffects of prodelphinidins isolated from Ribes nigrum on chondrocyte metabolism and COX activity.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12033810&dopt=AbstractCancer chemopreventive and antioxidant activities of pterostilbene, a naturally occurring analogue of resveratrol. (grapes)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12033510&dopt=AbstractCyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory 1,4-naphthoquinones from Impatiens balsamina L.
"Significant selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activities were observed for two new 1,4-naphthoquinone sodium salts, sodium 3-hydroxide-2[[sodium 3-hydroxide-1,4-dioxo(2-naphthyl)]ethyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione (impatienolate) (1) and sodium 2-hydroxide-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (balsaminolate) (2), which were isolated from the corolla of Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Our results offer evidence supporting the use of I. balsamina L. to treat articular rheumatism, pain, and swelling."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11995927&dopt=AbstractIn vitro antiinflammatory activity of kalopanaxsaponin A isolated from Kalopanax pictus in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.
“Among the tested monodesmosides, kalopanxsaponin A was the most potent inhibitor of NO production, and it also significantly decreased PGE2 and TNF-alpha release. Consistent with these observations, the expression level of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme was inhibited by kalopanxsaponin A in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, this study suggests that kalopanaxsaponin A-mediated inhibition of iNOS, COX-2 expression, and TNF-alpha release may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus Nakai.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11962253&dopt=AbstractPotential cancer-chemopreventive activities of wine stilbenoids and flavans extracted from grape (Vitis vinifera) cell cultures.
“In the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 assay, trans isomers of the stilbenoids appear to be more active than cis isomers: trans-resveratrol [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 14.9 microM, 96%] vs. cis-resveratrol (IC50 = 55.4 microM). In the COX-2 assay, among the compounds tested, only trans- and cis-resveratrol exhibited significant inhibitory activity (IC50 = 32.2 and 50.2 microM, respectively). This is the first report showing the potential cancer-chemopreventive activity of trans-astringin, a plant stilbenoid recently found in wine. trans-Astringin and its aglycone trans-piceatannol were active in the mouse mammary gland organ culture assay but did not exhibit activity in COX-1 and COX-2 assays. trans-Resveratrol was active in all three of the bioassays used in this investigation. These findings suggest that trans-astringin and trans-piceatannol may function as potential cancer-chemopreventive agents by a mechanism different from that of trans-resveratrol.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11923588&dopt=AbstractGrape polyphenols inhibit chronic ethanol-induced COX-2 mRNA expression in rat brain.
"GP completely inhibited the increase in COX-2 due to ethanol treatment."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11891092&dopt=AbstractPharmacological and phytochemical screening of two Hyacinthaceae species: Scilla natalensis and Ledebouria ovatifolia.
"In the anti-inflammatory screening, the dichloromethane and hexane extracts of S. natalensis resulted in good inhibition against both COX-1 and COX-2."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11859456&dopt=AbstractFuranoligularenone, an eremophilane from Ligularia fischeri, inhibits the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in macrophage RAW264.7 cells.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11849848&dopt=AbstractIsolation and pharmacological activity of phenylpropanoid esters from Marrubium vulgare.
"Only the glycosidic phenylpropanoid esters showed an inhibitory activity towards the Cox-2 enzyme and three of them: acteoside 2, forsythoside B 3, arenarioside 4, exhibited higher inhibitory potencies on Cox-2 than on Cox-1."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11842334&dopt=AbstractIridoids with anti-inflammatory activity from Vitex peduncularis.
"Both pedunculariside and agnuside showed preferential inhibition of COX-2, with IC50 values of 0.15 +/- 0.21 mg/ml and 0.026 +/- 0.015 mg/ml respectively, while having only small inhibitory effects on COX-1."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11754876&dopt=AbstractInhibition of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative in mangosteen, in C6 rat glioma cells.
"Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis indicated that gamma-mangostin competitively inhibited the activities of both COX-1 and -2. This study is a first demonstration that gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, directly inhibits COX activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11705451&dopt=AbstractEffects of naturally occurring prenylated flavonoids on enzymes metabolizing arachidonic acid: cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11689104&dopt=AbstractDevelopment and use of a gene promoter-based screen to identify novel inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 transcription.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11592385&dopt=AbstractTriptolide, a novel diterpenoid triepoxide from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., suppresses the production and gene expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 and augments those of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in human synovial fibroblasts.
"Triptolide also inhibited the IL-1alpha-induced production of PGE2 by selectively suppressing the gene expression and production of COX-2"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11572998&dopt=AbstractAvicins, a family of triterpenoid saponins from Acacia victoriae (Bentham), inhibit activation of nuclear factor-kappaB by inhibiting both its nuclear localization and ability to bind DNA. (acacia)
"Avicin G treatment resulted in decreased expression of NF-kappaB-regulated proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11488453&dopt=AbstractIdentification and isolation of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory principle in Isatis tinctoria.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11421736&dopt=AbstractCox-2 inhibitory effects of naturally occurring and modified fatty acids.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11399667&dopt=AbstractErgolide, sesquiterpene lactone from Inula britannica, inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages through the inactivation of NF-kappaB.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11193428&dopt=AbstractAn avocado constituent, persenone A, suppresses expression of inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase in macrophages, and hydrogen peroxide generation in mouse skin.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11181455&dopt=AbstractResveratrol analog, 3,4,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene, differentially induces pro-apoptotic p53/Bax gene expression and inhibits the growth of transformed cells but not their normal counterparts.
"While R-4 prominently induced the p53/Bax pro-apoptotic genes, it also concomitantly suppressed the expression of Cox-2 in WI38VA cells. Taken together, our study suggests that the induction of p53 gene by R-4 in transformed cells may play a key role in the differential growth inhibition and apoptosis of transformed cells."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11113994&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effects of cimicifugae rhizoma extracts on histamine, bradykinin and COX-2 mediated inflammatory actions. (black cohosh)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10985084&dopt=AbstractAnti-inflammatory activity of dichloromethane extract of Heterotheca inuloides in vivo and in vitro.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10940585&dopt=AbstractCryptocarya species--substitute plants for Ocotea bullata? A pharmacological investigation in terms of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 inhibition.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12217729&dopt=AbstractAnti-septicaemic effect of polysaccharide from Panax ginseng by macrophage activation.
" These results suggest that PS from Panax ginseng possess a potent anti-septicaemic activity by stimulating macrophage and a potentiality as an immunomodulator against sepsis occurred by Staphylococcus aureus."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12203275&dopt=AbstractSusceptibility of some clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus to bioactive column fractions from the lichen Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach.
"The antimicrobial activities of two bioactive column chromatographic fractions (RF1 and RF2) from the lichen Ramalina farinacea (L.) were evaluated against 15 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. The susceptibility pattern of the isolates towards tetracycline (TCN) and ampicillin (AMP) was similarly -evaluated for comparison purposes. The results show that RF1 and RF2 with an MIC(90) ( minimum -inhibitory concentration against 90% of the isolates) of 535.5 and 317 microg/mL respectively, performed generally better than TCN and AMP with an MIC(90) of 976.5 and 357 microg/mL respectively."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12174229&dopt=AbstractEffects of some plant extracts and antibiotics on Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various burn cases.
"CONCLUSION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant bacterial isolate followed by Staphylococcus aureus, then other type of bacterial was isolated in various percentage from each tetracycline covered burns and non-tetracycline covered burns. Most concentrations of the extracts of the studied plants showed a high antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and showed significant differences between susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from each tetracycline covered burn and non-tetracycline covered burn."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12094300&dopt=AbstractAntibacterial activity of calozeyloxanthone isolated from Calophyllum species against vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and synergism with antibiotics.
"Calozeyloxanthone ( 1) was re-isolated from the root bark of Calophyllum moonii, an endemic species of Sri Lanka, and found to be active against vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin-sensitive Enterococci (VSE) with MIC values of 6.25 microg/ml and 12.5 microg/ml, respectively."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12094295&dopt=AbstractFlavonoids with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Dalea scandens var. paucifolia.
"All three compounds showed significant activity against both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12088430&dopt=AbstractNew antimicrobial cycloartane triterpenes from Acalypha communis.
"compound 1 was found to be active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12061397&dopt=AbstractA review on usnic acid, an interesting natural compound.
"Usnic acid is one of the most common and abundant lichen metabolites, well known as an antibiotic, but also endowed with several other interesting properties."
"Both the (+) and (-) enantiomers of usnic acid are effective against a large variety of Gram-positive (G+) bacterial strains, including strains from clinical isolates, irrespective of their resistant phenotype. Of particular relevance is the inhibition of growth of multi-resistant strains of Streptococcus aureus, enterococci and mycobacteria. The (+)-usnic acid enantiomer appears to be selective against Streptococcus mutans without inducing perturbing side effects on the oral saprophyte flora."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12058317&dopt=AbstractIn vitro antimycobacterial and antilegionella activity of licochalcone A from Chinese licorice roots.
"These data indicate that licochalcone A might be of interest as a new class of antibacterial drug in the treatment of severe lung-infections."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12048021&dopt=AbstractAntibacterial, antifungal activities of Barringtonia asiatica.
"The crude methanolic extract of Barringtonia asiatica (leaves, fruits, seeds, stem and root barks) and the fractions (petrol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol) exhibited a very good level of broad spectrum antibacterial activity. A number of fractions demonstrated antifungal activity against a number of fungi."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11933123&dopt=AbstractAntibacterial activity of Harungana madagascariensis leaf extracts.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11910736&dopt=Abstract[Pharmaceutical importance of Allium sativum L. 2. Antibacterial effects]
"The communication summarizes mainly newly obtained experimental findings confirming the antibacterial effect of garlic preparations (powders, extracts, juice, essential oil, oil macerate) and their individual components."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11600378&dopt=AbstractMarked potentiation of activity of beta-lactams against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by corilagin.
"We found that an extract of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi markedly reduced the MICs of beta-lactam antibiotics, such as oxacillin and cefmetazole, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We isolated the effective compound and identified it as corilagin. Corilagin reduced the MICs of various beta-lactams by 100- to 2,000-fold but not the MICs of other antimicrobial agents tested. The effect of corilagin and oxacillin was synergistic. Corilagin showed a bactericidal action when added to the growth medium in combination with oxacillin."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11549238&dopt=AbstractInhibition by the essential oils of peppermint and spearmint of the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
"The effects of the, essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), spearmint Mentha spicata L.) and Japanese mint (Mentha, arvensis L.), of four major constituents of the esssential oil of peppermint, and of three major constituents of the essential oil of spearmint, on the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin sensitive Staphylococccus aureus (MSSA) were examined. The essential oils and the various constituents inhibited the proliferation of each strain in liquid culture in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, they exhibited bactericidal activity in phosphate-buffered saline. The antibacterial activities varied among the bacterial species tested but were almost the same against antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-sensitive strains of Helicobacter pylori and S. aureus. Thus, the essential oils and their constituents may be useful as potential antibacterial agents for inhibition of the growth of pathogens."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11518059&dopt=AbstractA current review of the antimicrobial activity of Hypericum perforatum L.
"A petrolether extract of the areal parts of Hypericum perforatum L. was reported to be active against gram-positive bacteria. Hyperforin, a phloroglucin derivative was shown to be the antimicrobial principle. Hyperforin exhibited an excellent effect against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 1.0 microg/ml. A butanol fraction of St. John's Wort revealed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with MIC values ranging between 15.6 and 31.2 microg/ml. Recently, hydrous solutions of Hypericum perforatum teas were found to be antimicrobially effective against gram-positive bacteria with special activity towards methicillin-restistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC values: 1.3 to 2.5 mg herb/ml)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12429923&dopt=Abstract"Consistent with its effect on G1 cell cycle regulators, silibinin treated cells exhibited a strong G1 arrest, almost complete growth inhibition, and morphological changes suggestive of differentiation. Together, these results suggest that silibinin caused hypophosphorylation of Rb-related proteins may in part be responsible for its cancer preventive and anti-carcinogenic efficacy in different cancer models including PCA."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12429642&dopt=Abstract"RESULTS: Silibinin strongly synergized the growth-inhibitory effect of doxorubicin in prostate carcinoma DU145 cells (combination index, 0.235-0.587), which was associated with a strong G(2)-M arrest in cell cycle progression, showing 88% cells in G2-M phase by this combination compared with 19 and 41% of cells in silibinin and doxorubicin treatment alone, respectively. The underlying mechanism of G2-M arrest showed a strong inhibitory effect of combination on cdc25C, cdc2/p34, and cyclin B1 protein expression and cdc2/p34 kinase activity. More importantly, this combination caused 41% apoptotic cell death compared with 15% by either agent alone. Silibinin and doxorubicin alone as well as in combination were also effective in inhibiting the growth of androgen-dependent prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a need for in vivo studies with this combination in preclinical prostate cancer models. Positive outcomes might be relevant for a clinical application in prostate cancer patients."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12386921&dopt=Abstract"CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that silibinin as well as silymarin induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in rat PCA cells. These results form a strong rationale for PCA prevention and therapeutic intervention studies with silibinin and silymarin in animal models, such as the MNU-testosterone rat PCA model, to establish their efficacy and to further define their mechanisms of action under in vivo conditions."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12230878&dopt=Abstract" In both animal and cell culture studies, we have shown that silymarin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant, exhibits preventive and anticancer effects against skin cancer. For example, silymarin strongly prevents both photocarcinogenesis and skin tumor promotion in mice, in part, by scavenging free radicals and reactive oxygen species and strengthening the antioxidant system. We also found that this effect of silymarin is by inhibiting endogenous tumor promoter tumor necrosis factor alpha in mouse skin, a central mediator in skin tumor promotion. In mechanistic studies, silymarin inhibits mitogenic and cell survival signaling and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, silymarin effectively modulates cell-cycle regulators and check points toward inhibition of proliferation, and growth arrest in G0-G1 and G2-M phases of the cell cycle. Thus, due to its mechanism-based chemopreventive and anticancer effects in experimental models, silymarin is an important candidate for the prevention and/or therapy of skin cancer, as well as other cancers of epithelial origin in humans."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12216075&dopt=Abstract"These results clearly indicate a chemopreventive ability of dietary silymarin against chemically induced colon tumorigenesis and will provide a scientific basis for progression to clinical trials of the chemoprevention of human colon cancer. "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12036915&dopt=Abstract"At these biologically achievable silibinin concentrations, increased IGFBP-3 level in DU145 cell culture medium and a strong DU145 cell growth inhibition were observed that were irreversible in the absence of silibinin in culture medium. These findings extend and translate our observations on in vitro anticancer effect of silibinin/silymarin to an in vivo preclinical PCA model, which may form the basis for a Phase I clinical trial in PCA patients."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11896607&dopt=AbstractSilibinin inhibits constitutive and TNFalpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB and sensitizes human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11759294&dopt=AbstractDifferential responses of skin cancer-chemopreventive agents silibinin, quercetin, and epigallocatechin 3-gallate on mitogenic signaling and cell cycle regulators in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11532861&dopt=AbstractSilymarin inhibits function of the androgen receptor by reducing nuclear localization of the receptor in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10816820&dopt=Abstract"A number of betulin esters in position 3 and 28 were shown to exhibit a pronounced hepatoprotective effect similar to that of betulin and silibor."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10784427&dopt=Abstract"Phytochemical investigation led to the isolation of thirty cycloartane-type triterpenes together with betulinic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glucoside, 4 flavones (34-37), and 3 flavone C-glucosides (38-40). These compounds showed various potencies of hepatoprotective effect on D-GalN/TNF-alpha-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10570061&dopt=Abstract"In particular, betulin almost completely abolished the cytotoxicity of CdCl(2) at concentrations as low as 0. 1 microg/ml."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11494754&dopt=Abstract[Determination of the antibacterial and antiviral activity of the essential oil from Minthostachys verticillata (Griseb.) Epling]
"The in vitro antiviral activity of the essential oil from Minthostachys verticillata was investigated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and pseudorabies virus (PrV). The viral inhibition was assayed employing viral plaque reduction assay. The antiviral activity of the essential oil specifically affects PrV and HSV-1 multiplication, since it was found that non toxic effects on cells were observed at the concentrations assayed. The therapeutic index values were 10.0 and 9.5 for HSV-1 and PrV, respectively. The antibacterial activity was studied using a diffusion assay and the broth tube dilution method. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to inhibition by plant essential oil than the gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil of M. verticillata was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) technique. Of the six components identified in the volatile oil, pulegone (44.56%) and menthone (39.51%) were the major constituents. The antimicrobial activity can be explained to some extent by the presence of pulegone. Results suggest that further investigations concerning the isolation of the substance responsible for the antimicrobial activity and an effort to define the mechanisms of action are warranted."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11368798&dopt=AbstractPercutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic.
"BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE, are an increasing problem world-wide, causing intractable wound infections. Complex phytochemical extracts such as tea tree oil and eucalypt-derived formulations have been shown to have strong bactericidal activity against MRSA in vitro. Polytoxinol (PT) antimicrobial, is the trade name of a range of antimicrobial preparations in solution, ointment and cream form. METHODS: We report the first use of this drug, administered percutaneously, via calcium sulphate pellets (Osteoset,TM), into bone, to treat an intractable MRSA infection of the lower tibia in an adult male. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Over a three month period his symptoms resolved with a healing response on x-ray and with a reduced CRP."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11205266&dopt=AbstractBiological activity of feijoa peel extracts.
"Fractionated extracts of Feijoa peels were studied for cytotoxic activity, anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity and antibacterial activity. Two most cytotoxic fractions A3 of acetone extract and M2 of methanol extract had potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi tested. Fraction A4 of acetone extract showed multidrug resistance (MDR)-reversal activity comparable with that of verapamil (positive control). These results indicate the therapeutic value of Feijoa peel extracts as potential antimicrobial and MDR-modulating agents."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11180521&dopt=AbstractActivity of plant flavonoids against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
"Thirty eight plant-derived flavonoids representing seven different structural groups were tested for activities against antibiotic-resistant bacteria using the disc-diffusion assay and broth dilution assay. Among the flavonoids examined, four flavonols (myricetin, datiscetin, kaempferol and quercetin) and two -flavones (flavone and luteolin) exhibited inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Myricetin was also found to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant Burkholderia -cepacia, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and other medically important organisms such as -Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Myricetin was bactericidal to B. cepacia. The results of the radiolabel incorporation assay showed that myricetin inhibited protein synthesis by -B. cepacia."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11167029&dopt=AbstractAntimicrobial and phytochemical studies on 45 Indian medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant human pathogens.
"Ethanolic extracts of 45 Indian medicinal plants traditionally used in medicine were studied for their antimicrobial activity against certain drug-resistant bacteria and a yeast Candida albicans of clinical origin. Of these, 40 plant extracts showed varied levels of antimicrobial activity against one or more test bacteria. Anticandidal activity was detected in 24 plant extracts. Overall, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was observed in 12 plants (L. inermis, Eucalyptus sp., H. antidysentrica, H. indicus, C. equistifolia. T. belerica, T. chebula, E. officinalis, C. sinensis, S. aromaticum and P. granatum). "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11138536&dopt=AbstractThe antibacterial activity of tea in vitro and in vivo (in patients with impetigo contagiosa).
"Tea ointment was very effective with a cure rate of 81.3%. Forty patients were taken as controls and divided into two groups. The first one was given an ointment containing Framycetin and gramicidin (soframycin) with a cure rate of 72.2%; the other group was given oral cephalexin with a cure rate of 78.6%."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11117262&dopt=AbstractCharacterization and cDNA cloning of two glycine- and histidine-rich antimicrobial peptides from the roots of shepherd's purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris.
"Both shepherins have a Gly-Gly-His motif. These antimicrobial peptides exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11086922&dopt=AbstractIsolation of a potent anti-MRSA sesquiterpenoid quinone from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica.
"A highly potent anti-MRSA sesquiterpenoid has been isolated from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, which has been traditionally used to treat infectious diseases in Korea. This naturally occurring antibiotic was identified as mansonone F (1). This compound has been found to be highly active specifically against MRSA and showed an MIC range of 0.39-3.13 microg/ml which is comparable to that of vancomycin."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11025172&dopt=AbstractAntimicrobial activity of flavonoids in medicinal plants from Tafi del Valle (Tucuman, Argentina).
"Preliminary studies of flavonoids have been realised in five native species from Tafi del Valle (Tucuman, Argentina) used in popular medicine. Most of compounds detected were flavonoids mono and dihydroxylated in B ring. Screening for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms has been realised with Lippia turbinata, Satureja parvifolia, Sambucus peruviana, Verbena officinalis and Chenopodium graveolens. The total extracts of flavonoids of each plant were tested and four species studied showed antimicrobial activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10993226&dopt=AbstractPhenolic constituents of licorice. VIII. Structures of glicophenone and glicoisoflavanone, and effects of licorice phenolics on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
"Two new phenolic compounds, glicophenone (1) and glicoisoflavanone (2), were isolated from commercial licorice, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Antibacterial assays of licorice phenolics for Staphylococcus aureus, including four strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and also for Escherichia coli K12 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, were then examined. Two compounds among them, 8-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-wighteone (21) and 3'-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-kievitone (28), showed remarkable antibacterial effects [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), 8 microg/ml on the MRSA strains and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus. Licochalcone A (14), gancaonin G (20), isoangustone A (24), glyasperins C (30) and D (31), glabridin, (32), licoricidin (33), glycycoumarin (34) and licocoumarone (40) showed antibacterial effects on the MRSA strains with MIC values of 16 microg/ml. Effects on the beta-lactam resistance of the MRSA strains were also examined, and licoricidin (33) noticeably decreased the resistance of the MRSA strains against oxacillin, as shown by the reduction in the MICs of oxacillin (lower than 1/128-1/1000 in the presence of 8 microg/ml of 33, and 1/8-1/32 in the presence of 4 microg/ml of 33). Mechanistic study suggested that 33 does not inhibit the formation of penicillin-binding protein 2' (PBP2'), but affects the enzymatic function of PBP2'."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10978202&dopt=AbstractNew antimicrobial flavanones from Physena madagascariensis.
"Two new flavanones (1 and 2) with antibacterial activity were isolated from the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Physena madagascariensis using activity against Staphylococcus aureus to guide the isolation. A third flavonoid, a flavanone dimer linked by a methylene group (3) was also isolated and proved to be inactive. The structures of 1 and 2 were established primarily from NMR studies, while that of 3 required more extensive mass spectrometric analysis. All three flavanones had lavandulyl units in the limonene form. Flavanones 1 and 2 were active against several bacteria at concentrations as low as 4 microM."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10709454&dopt=AbstractScreening of antibacterial and antiparasitic activities of six Moroccan medicinal plants.
"The extracts of six plants selected on the basis of folk-medicine reports were examined for their antibacterial effects against eight pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that n-butanol extract of Calotropis procera proved to be the most effective against the bacteria tested using the paper disc diffusion method. The antiprotozoal activity was also examined and showed that ethyl ether extract of Sium nodiflorum exhibits a parasiticidal effect against Trichomonas intestinalis and vaginalis."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10709448&dopt=AbstractAntibacterial and antifungal activities of Cistus incanus and C. monspeliensis leaf extracts.
"In this study, the antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts obtained from two species of genus Cistus L. was examined in vitro against five strains of bacteria and five strains of fungi. The species studied are Cistus villosus L. = incanus and Cistus monspeliensis L. All extracts showed inhibitory activity against microorganisms. These results encourage us towards further biological investigation."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10654410&dopt=AbstractAntibacterial and antiandrogen flavonoids from Sophora flavescens.
"Sixteen flavanones, three flavanonols, and four pterocarpans were isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Sophora flavescens. Twelve of these were new compounds, including eight prenylflavanones (1-8), one prenylflavanonol (9) and three novel pterocarpane derivatives (10-12). Their structures were elucidated using NMR and mass spectral methods. Some of these compounds have irregular C10 prenyl moieties at C-8 of the flavanone skeleton. These compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activities against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, S. epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10624867&dopt=AbstractScreening of antibacterial activity of Amaicha del Valle (Tucuman, Argentina) propolis.
"Propolis is extensively used in Argentine folk medicine. Alcoholic extracts of propolis from four localities of Amaicha del Valle (El Paraiso, La Banda Este, La Banda Oeste and El Molino), Province of Tucuman and from Cerrillos, Province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina were prepared. All showed antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10473182&dopt=AbstractAntimicrobial activity of xanthones from Calophyllum species, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
"During the past 5 years, a considerable number of known and new xanthones from the Calophyllum species of Sri Lanka have been isolated and characterized. We have investigated the antimicrobial activity of Calophyllum xanthones, with a special reference to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These activity studies were carried out using the agar plate method. Calozeloxanthone, a xanthone which has been isolated from C. moonii and C. lankensis, showed the highest activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains at a concentration of 8.3 microg/ml. Hence, calozeyloxanthone appears to hold promise as an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of infections with S. aureus, including methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MRSA), and should be investigated further."
www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TF8-3WTWNRF-G&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F1999&_alid=82277539&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_qd=1&_cdi=5220&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=061e1e81ae075a9bf3d20b4da4ff21dfDihydrofolate reductase and cell growth activity inhibition by the beta-carboline-benzoquinolizidine plant alkaloid deoxytubulosine from Alangium lamarckii: its potential as an antimicrobial and anticancer agent.
"Abstract
Carboline-benzoquinolizidine plant alkaloid deoxytubulosine (DTB) was evaluated and assessed for the first time for its biochemical and biological activity employing the biomarker dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate: NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.1.3) as the probe enzyme, a key target in cancer chemotherapy. DHFR, employed in the present investigations was purified from Lactobacillus leichmannii. DTB, isolated from the Indian medicinal plant Alangium lamarckii was demonstrated to exhibit potent cytotoxicity. The alkaloid potently inhibited the cell growth of L. leichmannii and the cellular enzyme activity of DHFR (IC50=40 and 30M for the cell growth and enzyme inhibitions, respectively). DTB concentrations >75M resulted in a total loss of the DHFR activity, thus suggesting that the carboline-benzoquinolizidine plant alkaloid is a promising potential antitumor agent. Our results are also suggestive of its potential antimicrobial activity. DTB binding to DHFR appears to be slow and reversible. Inhibition kinetics revealed that DHFR has a Ki value of 5×10-6 M for DTB and that the enzyme inhibition is a simple linear `non-competitive' type. "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10399193&dopt=AbstractComparative study on the in vitro antibacterial activity of Australian tea tree oil, cajuput oil, niaouli oil, manuka oil, kanuka oil, and eucalyptus oil.
"To compare the antibacterial activity of the Australian tea tree oil (TTO) with various other medicinally and commercially important essential myrtaceous oils (cajuput oil, niaouli oil, kanuka oil, manuka oil, and eucalyptus oil) the essential oils were first analysed by GC-MS and then tested against various bacteria using a broth microdilution method. The highest activity was obtained by TTO, with MIC values of 0.25% for Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella choleraesuis, Shigella flexneri, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, and S. xylosus. It is noteworthy that manuka oil exhibited a higher activity than TTO against gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values of 0.12%. Both TTO and manuka oil also demonstrated a very good antimicrobial efficacy against various antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus species."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12127165&dopt=AbstractAnti-Helicobacter pylori flavonoids from licorice extract.
"Licorice is the most used crude drug in Kampo medicines (traditional Chinese medicines modified in Japan). The extract of the medicinal plant is also used as the basis of anti-ulcer medicines for treatment of peptic ulcer. Among the chemical constituents of the plant, glabridin and glabrene (components of Glycyrrhiza glabra), licochalcone A (G. inflata), licoricidin and licoisoflavone B (G. uralensis) exhibited inhibitory activity against the growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro. These flavonoids also showed anti-H. pylori activity against a clarithromycin (CLAR) and amoxicillin (AMOX)-resistant strain. We also investigated the methanol extract of G. uralensis. From the extract, three new isoflavonoids (3-arylcoumarin, pterocarpan, and isoflavan) with a pyran ring, gancaonols A[bond]C, were isolated together with 15 known flavonoids. Among these compounds, vestitol, licoricone, 1-methoxyphaseollidin and gancaonol C exhibited anti-H. pylori activity against the CLAR and AMOX-resistant strain as well as four CLAR (AMOX)-sensitive strains. Glycyrin, formononetin, isolicoflavonol, glyasperin D, 6,8-diprenylorobol, gancaonin I, dihydrolicoisoflavone A, and gancaonol B possessed weaker anti-H. pylori activity. These compounds may be useful chemopreventive agents for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer in H. pylori-infected individuals."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11806621&dopt=AbstractBactericidal activity of Pistacia lentiscus mastic gum against Helicobacter pylori.
"In this study we evaluated the antibacterial activity of mastic gum, a resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, against clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori. The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were obtained by a microdilution assay. Mastic gum killed 50% of the strains tested at a concentration of 125 microg/ml and 90% at a concentration of 500 microg/ml."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11432464&dopt=Abstract"Fifty-five triterpenoids consisting of 19 tetracyclic, 32 pentacyclic, and 4 incompletely cyclized triterpenoids, and 2 sterols, mostly isolated from various plant and fungal materials, were examined for their inhibitory effects on a purified human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase. Twenty triterpenoids and one sterol showed inhibitory effects with 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) values less than 5.0 microM. Among these cycloartenol ferulate (IC50 = 2.2 microM), 24-methylenecycloartanol ferulate (1.9 microM), lupenone (2.1 microM), betulin diacetate (1.4 microM), and karounidiol 29-benzoate (2.2 microM) inhibited most effectively."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10071849&dopt=Abstract"From CH2Cl2 and MeOH extracts of the stems of Cynomorium songaricum RUPR. (Cynomoriaceae), ursolic acid and its hydrogen malonate were isolated as inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 8 and 6 microM, respectively. Amongst various synthesized dicarboxylic acid hemiesters of related triterpenes, inhibitory activity tended to increase in the order of oxalyl, malonyl, succinyl and glutaryl hemiesters, for triterpenes such as ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and betulinic acid. The most potent inhibition was observed for the glutaryl hemiesters, with an IC50 of 4 microM. From the water extract of the stems of C. songaricum, flavan-3-ol polymers, consisting of epicatechin as their extender flavan units, were also found to be potent inhibitory principles against HIV-1 protease."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9525100&dopt=Abstract"Many compounds of plant origin have been identified that inhibit different stages in the replication cycle of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): 1) virus adsorption: chromone alkaloids (schumannificine), isoquinoline alkaloids (michellamines), sulphated polysaccharides and polyphenolics, flavonoids, coumarins (glycocoumarin, licopyranocoumarin) phenolics (caffeic acid derivatives, galloyl acid derivatives, catechinic acid derivatives), tannins and triterpenes (glycyrrhizin and analogues, soyasaponin and analogues); 2) virus-cell fusion: lectins (mannose- and N-acetylglucosamine-specific) and triterpenes (betulinic acid and analogues); 3) reverse transcription; alkaloids (benzophenanthridines, protoberberines, isoquinolines, quinolines), coumarins (calanolides and analogues), flavonoids, phloroglucinols, lactones (protolichesterinic acid), tannins, iridoids (fulvoplumierin) and triterpenes; 4) integration: coumarins (3-substituted-4-hydroxycoumarins), depsidones, O-caffeoyl derivatives, lignans (arctigenin and analogues) and phenolics (curcumin); 5) translation: single chain ribosome inactivating proteins (SCRIP's); 6) proteolytic cleavage (protease inhibition): saponins (ursolic and maslinic acids), xanthones (mangostin and analogues) and coumarins; 7) glycosylation: alkaloids including indolizidines (castanospermine and analogues), piperidines (1-deoxynojirimicin and analogues) and pyrrolizidines (australine and analogues); 8) assembly/release: naphthodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin), photosensitisers (terthiophenes and furoisocoumarins) and phospholipids. The target of action of several anti-HIV substances including alkaloids (O-demethyl-buchenavianine, papaverine), polysaccharides (acemannan), lignans (intheriotherins, schisantherin), phenolics (gossypol, lignins, catechol dimers such as peltatols, naphthoquinones such as conocurvone) and saponins (celasdin B, Gleditsia and Gymnocladus saponins), has not been elucidated or does not fit in the proposed scheme. Only a very few of these plant-derived anti-HIV products have been used in a limited number of patients suffering from AIDS viz. glycyrrhizin, papaverine, trichosanthin, castanospermine, N-butyl-1-deoxynojirimicin and acemannan."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9459011&dopt=Abstract"Two series of lupane-type triterpenoic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against HIV-1 replication in acutely infected H9 cells, based on the fact that betulinic acid (1) and dihydrobetulinic acid (9) were identified as anti-HIV agents."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9343174&dopt=Abstract"A triterpene derived from betulinic acid (RPR103611) blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and fusion of CD4+ cells with cells expressing HIV-1 envelope proteins (gp120 and gp41), suggesting an effect on virus entry."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8676342&dopt=Abstract"Time of addition" experiments suggested interaction with an early step of HIV-1 replication. As syncytium formation, but not virus-cell binding, seems to be affected, betulinic acid derivatives are assumed to interact with the postbinding virus-cell fusion process."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8949401&dopt=Abstract"Several compounds have been identified that inhibit an early stage in the replicative cycle of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): i) virus adsorption: polysulfates, polysulfonates, polycarboxylates, polyphosphates, and polyoxometalates; or ii) virus-cell fusion: plant lectins, negatively charged albumins and betulinic acid derivatives;"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8170948&dopt=Abstract"A series of triterpene compounds characterized by a stringent structure-activity relationship were identified as potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Currently studied botulinic derivatives have 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) against HIV-1 strain IIIB/LAI in the 10 nM range in several cellular infection assays but are inactive against HIV-2. These compounds did not significantly inhibit the in vitro activities of several purified HIV-1 enzymes. Rather, they appeared to block virus infection at a postbinding, envelope-dependent step involved in the fusion of the virus to the cell membrane."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8176401&dopt=Abstract"Betulinic acid [1] and platanic acid [2], isolated from the leaves of Syzigium claviforum, were found to be inhibitors of HIV replication in H9 lymphocyte cells. Evaluation of anti-HIV activity with eight derivatives of 1 revealed that dihydrobetulinic acid [3] was also a potent inhibitor of HIV replication. The C-3 hydroxy group and C-17 carboxylic acid group, as well as the C-19 substituents, contribute to enhanced anti-HIV activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9871747&dopt=Abstract"Eleven betulin derivatives were prepared and evaluated for anti-HIV activity in H9 lymphocytes. Compound 4 was found to be the most active with EC50 and TI values of 0.00066 microM and 21,515, respectively."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9804704&dopt=Abstract"The most potent compound, 10, has two 3',3'-dimethylglutaryl groups and displays significant anti-HIV potency with an EC50 value of 0.000 66 microM and a TI of 21 515. Results for compounds (22 and 23) without a C-3 acyl group confirmed the importance of the C-3 acyl group to the anti-HIV effect. "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12528466&dopt=Abstract"The assignment of NMR resonances of lupane triterpenoids was refined by the example of 3,28-dinicotinoylbetulin, obtained by acylation of betulin. Hepatoprotective, untiulcer, antiinflammatory, reparative, and anti-HIV activities were found for the compound. In addition, it was demonstrated to have immunomodulatory activity, for the first time detected among lupane triterpenoids."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9748372&dopt=Abstract"Oleanolic acid (1) was identified as an anti-HIV principle from several plants, including Rosa woodsii (leaves), Prosopis glandulosa (leaves and twigs), Phoradendron juniperinum (whole plant), Syzygium claviflorum (leaves), Hyptis capitata (whole plant), and Ternstromia gymnanthera (aerial part). It inhibited HIV-1 replication in acutely infected H9 cells with an EC50 value of 1.7 microg/mL, and inhibited H9 cell growth with an IC50 value of 21.8 microg/mL [therapeutic index (T. I.) 12.8]. Pomolic acid, isolated from R. woodsii and H. capitata, was also identified as an anti-HIV agent (EC50 1.4 microg/mL, T. I. 16.6). Although ursolic acid did show anti-HIV activity (EC50 2.0 microg/mL), it was slightly toxic (IC50 6.5 microg/mL, T. I. 3.3). A new triterpene (11) was also isolated from the CHCl3-soluble fraction of R. woodsii, though it showed no anti-HIV activity. The structure of 11 was determined to be 1beta-hydroxy-2-oxopomolic acid by spectral examination. Based on these results, we examined the anti-HIV activity of oleanolic acid- or pomolic acid-related triterpenes isolated from several plants. In addition, we previously demonstrated that derivatives of betulinic acid, isolated from the leaves of S. claviflorum as an anti-HIV principle, exhibited extremely potent anti-HIV activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10728472&dopt=Abstract"Fusion of HIV with its host cell requires the interaction of the viral envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) with the chemokine receptor CXCR4 [T cell-tropic (T-tropic) or X4 HIV strains] or CCR5 [macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) or R5 HIV strains] followed by a 'spring-loaded' action of the glycoprotein 41 (gp41) that ensures fusion of the viral and cellular lipid membranes and permits the viral nucleocapsid to enter the cell. The overall fusion process can be blocked by a number of compounds. These include siamycin analogues, SPC 3 (a synthetic peptide derived from the V3 domain of gp120), pentafuside (T 20, DP 178)
, the betulinic acid derivative RPR 103611, TAK 779 (a low molecular weight non-peptide CCR5 antagonist) and a number of compounds (T 22, T 134, ALX40-4C, CGP64222 and AMD 3100) that are targeted at the CXCR4 receptor. In particular, the bicyclam AMD 3100 has proved highly potent and selective as a CXCR4 antagonist that blocks the infectivity of X4 HIV strains in the nanomolar concentration range. The proof-of-concept that fusion inhibitors should be able to suppress viral replication in vivo has been demonstrated with pentafuside. Pentafuside and AMD 3100 have now proceeded to phase II clinical trials."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10934347&dopt=Abstract"A large variety of natural products have been described as anti-HIV agents, and for a portion thereof the target of interaction has been identified. Cyanovirin-N, a 11-kDa protein from Cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) irreversibly inactivates HIV and also aborts cell-to-cell fusion and transmission of HIV, due to its high-affinity interaction with gp120. Various sulfated polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds (i.e., Nothogenia fastigiata, Aghardhiella tenera) inhibit the virus adsorption process. Ingenol derivatives may inhibit virus adsorption at least in part through down-regulation of CD4 molecules on the host cells. Inhibition of virus adsorption by flavanoids such as (-)epicatechin and its 3-O-gallate has been attributed to an irreversible interaction with gp120 (although these compounds are also known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors). For the triterpene glycyrrhizin (extracted from the licorice root Glycyrrhiza radix) the mode of anti-HIV action may at least in part be attributed to interference with virus-cell binding. The mannose-specific plant lectins from Galanthus, Hippeastrum, Narcissus, Epipac tis helleborine, and Listera ovata, and the N-acetylgl ucosamine-specific lectin from Urtica dioica would primarily be targeted at the virus-cell fusion process. Various other natural products seem to qualify as HIV-cell fusion inhibitors: the siamycins [siamycin I (BMY-29304), siamycin II (RP 71955, BMY 29303), and NP-06 (FR901724)] which are tricyclic 21-amino-acid peptides isolated from Streptomyces spp that differ from one another only at position 4 or 17 (valine or isoleucine in each case); the betulinic acid derivative RPR 103611, and the peptides tachyplesin and polyphemusin which are highly abundant in hemocyte debris of the horseshoe crabs Tachypleus tridentatus and Limulus polyphemus, i.e., the 18-amino-acid peptide T22 from which T134 has been derived. Both T22 and T134 have been shown to block T-tropic X4 HIV-1 strains through a specific antagonism with the HIV corecept or CXCR4. A number of natural products have been reported to interact with the reverse transcriptase, i.e., baicalin, avarol, avarone, psychotrine, phloroglucinol derivatives, and, in particular, calanolides (from the tropical rainforest tree, Calophyllum lanigerum) and inophyllums (from the Malaysian tree, Calophyllum inophyllum). The natural marine substance illimaquinone would be targeted at the RNase H function of the reverse transcriptase. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane, from turmeric, the roots/rhizomes of Curcuma spp), dicaffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylt artaric acids, L-chicoric acid, and a number of fungal metabolites (equisetin, phomasetin, oteromycin, and integric acid) have all been proposed as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. Yet, we have recently shown that L-c hicoric acid owes its anti-HIV activity to a specific interaction with the viral envelope gp120 rather than integrase. A number of compounds would be able to inhibit HIV-1 gene expression at the transcription level: the flavonoid chrysin (through inhibition of casein kinase II, the antibacter ial peptides melittin (from bee venom) and cecropin, and EM2487, a novel substance produced by Streptomyces. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10891872&dopt=Abstract"Virtually all the compounds that are currently used, or under advanced clinical trial, for the treatment of HIV infections, belong to one of the following classes:" "virus-cell fusion, through binding to the viral glycoprotein gp41 [T-20 (DP-178), siamycins, betulinic acid derivatives]; "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11257038&dopt=Abstract"Betulinic acid, a triterpenoid isolated from the methyl alcohol extract of the leaves of Syzigium claviflorum, was found to have a potent inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10993248&dopt=Abstract"3-Alkylamido-3-deoxy-betulinic acids were synthesized and evaluated for anti-HIV activity as part of the structure-activity relationship study of the potent anti-HIV agent 3-O-(3',3'-dimethyl)-succinyl-betulinic acid (DSB) (2). 3Alpha-diglycorylamide-3-deoxy-betulinic acid demonstrated relatively potent anti-HIV activity (EC50 0.24 microm, TI 728). However, replacing the ester group at C-3 in 2 and its analogues with an amido group yielded inactive or much less potent compounds against HIV replication, indicating that the ester group at C-3 in 2-4 is essential for potent anti-HIV activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11120945&dopt=Abstract"The betulinic acid derivative IC9564 is a potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) compound that can inhibit both HIV primary isolates and laboratory-adapted strains."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12370077&dopt=AbstractThe potential of a large variety of new compounds and new strategies for the treatment of virtually all major virus infections has been addressed. This includes, for the treatment of HIV infections, virus adsorption inhibitors (cosalane derivatives, cyanovirin-N), co-receptor antagonists (TAK-779, AMD3100), viral fusion inhibitors (pentafuside T-20, betulinic acid derivatives),
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12213068&dopt=Abstract"The betulinic acid derivative IC9564 inhibits human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 entry."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11206454&dopt=Abstract"Four isomers of 3,28-di-O-(dimethylsuccinyl)-betulin were prepared and evaluated for anti-HIV activity against HIV-1 replication in H9 lymphocyte cells. 3-O-(3',3'-Dimethylsuccinyl)-28-O-(2", 2"-dimethvlsuccinyl)-betulin (11) was the most potent anti-HIV compound with an EC5, value of 0.00087 microM and a TI value of 42,400."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11748382&dopt=AbstractColon cancer chemoprevention with ginseng and other botanicals.
“There is a body of literature that suggests that compounds in wine, tumeric, and tea inhibit cyclooxygenases, thus reducing prostaglandin-mediated effects on the colon. As colon tumors have been shown to highly express COX-2 protein, and given, that many NSAID drugs also suppress COX-1, it is tempting to speculate that herbal products that inhibit one or both forms of the COX enzyme will be effective agents for the prevention of cancer in man.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12470437&dopt=AbstractAnticancer activity of Scutellaria baicalensis and its potential mechanism.(scullcap)
"CONCLUSIONS: Scutellaria baicalensis strongly inhibits cell growth in all cancer cell lines tested. However, prostate and breast cancer cells (PC-3, LNCaP, and MCF-7) are slightly more sensitive than other type of cancer cells. It also inhibits PGE(2) production, indicating that suppression of tumor cell growth may be due to its ability to inhibit COX-2 activity. This study supports the notion of using Scutellaria baicalensis as a novel anticancer agent to treat various cancers."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10909271&dopt=AbstractIsolation of (S)-(+)-naproxene from Musa acuminata. Inhibitory effect of naproxene and its 7-methoxy isomer on constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2. (banana)
"The isolation and characterisation of (S)-(+)-6-methoxy-alpha-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid, a well known synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (naproxene), from a natural source is described for the first time."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11566484&dopt=AbstractSpecific inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by dietary curcumin in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11221833&dopt=AbstractCharacterization of metabolites of the chemopreventive agent curcumin in human and rat hepatocytes and in the rat in vivo, and evaluation of their ability to inhibit phorbol ester-induced prostaglandin E2 production.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11506818&dopt=AbstractMolecular mechanisms underlying chemopreventive activities of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals: down-regulation of COX-2 and iNOS through suppression of NF-kappa B activation.
"Since inflammation is closely linked to tumor promotion, substances with potent anti-inflammatory activities are anticipated to exert chemopreventive effects on carcinogenesis, particularly in the promotion stage. Examples are curcumin, a yellow pigment of turmeric (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae), the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol from grapes (Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae) that strongly suppress tumor promotion"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11751448&dopt=AbstractClinical development of leukocyte cyclooxygenase 2 activity as a systemic biomarker for cancer chemopreventive agents.
"Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma spp., has shown wide-ranging chemopreventive activity in preclinical carcinogenic models, in which it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 at the transcriptional level."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12067569&dopt=AbstractAnti-tumor promoting potential of selected spice ingredients with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities: a short review.
"A wide variety of phenolic substances derived from spice possess potent antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. Examples are curcumin, a yellow colouring agent, contained in turmeric (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae), [6]-gingerol, a pungent ingredient present in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) and capsaicin, a principal pungent principle of hot chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L, Solanaceae)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12016152&dopt=AbstractZerumbone, a Southeast Asian ginger sesquiterpene, markedly suppresses free radical generation, proinflammatory protein production, and cancer cell proliferation accompanied by apoptosis: the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group is a prerequisite.
"Zerumbone (ZER), a sesquiterpene from the edible plant Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has recently been found to suppress tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced Epstein-Barr virus activation in a potent manner. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive potentials of ZER in a variety of cell culture experiments. ZER effectively suppressed TPA-induced superoxide anion generation from both NADPH oxidase in dimethylsulfoxide-differentiated HL-60 human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells and xanthine oxidase in AS52 Chinese hamster ovary cells. The combined lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-gamma-stimulated protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, together with the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were also markedly diminished."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11437391&dopt=AbstractEffect of ginger constituents and synthetic analogues on cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme in intact cells.
"Seventeen pungent oleoresin principles of ginger (Zingiber officinale, Roscoe) and synthetic analogues were evaluated for inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity in the intact cell. These compounds exhibited a concentration and structure dependent inhibition of the enzyme, with IC(50) values in the range of 1-25 microM. Ginger constituents, [8]-paradol and [8]-shogaol, as well as two synthetic analogues, 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)decane and 5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dodecane, showed strong inhibitory effects on COX-2 enzyme activity. The SAR analysis of these phenolic compounds revealed three important structural features that affect COX-2 inhibition: (i) lipophilicity of the alkyl side chain, (ii) substitution pattern of hydroxy and carbonyl groups on the side chain, and (iii) substitution pattern of hydroxy and methoxy groups on the aromatic moiety. "
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11693274&dopt=AbstractChemoprevention of azoxymethane-induced rat aberrant crypt foci by dietary zerumbone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet. (Ginger)
"The modifying effects of dietary feeding of zerumbone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet on the development of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were investigated in male F344 rats. Expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in colonic mucosa exposed to AOM and/or zerumbone was also assayed. In addition, we assessed the effects of zerumbone on cell proliferation activity of crypts by counting silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions protein (AgNORs) in colonic cryptal cell nuclei. To induce ACF rats were given three weekly subcutaneous injections of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight). They were also fed the experimental diet containing 0.01% or 0.05% zerumbone for 5 weeks, starting one week before the first dosing of AOM. AOM exposure produced 84+/-13 ACF/rat at the end of the study (week 5). Dietary administration of zerumbone caused reduction in the frequency of ACF: 72+/-17 (14% reduction) at a dose of 0.01% and 45+/-18 (46% reduction, p<0.001) at a dose of 0.05%. Feeding of zerumbone significantly reduced expression of COX-2 and prostaglandins in colonic mucosa. Zerumbone feeding significantly lowered the number of AgNORs in colonic crypt cell nuclei. These findings might suggest possible chemopreventive ability of zerumbone, through suppression of COX-2 expression, cell proliferating activity of colonic mucosa, and induction of phase II detoxification enzymes in the development of carcinogen-induced ACF."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12445866&dopt=AbstractHyperforin is a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase.(St. Johnswort)
"In thrombin- or ionophore-stimulated human platelets, hyperforin suppressed COX-1 product (12(S)-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid) formation with an IC(50) of 0.3 and 3 microM, respectively, being about 3- to 18-fold more potent than aspirin.
"We conclude that hyperforin acts as a dual inhibitor of 5-LO and COX-1 in intact cells as well as on the catalytic activity of the crude enzymes, suggesting therapeutic potential in inflammatory and allergic diseases connected to eicosanoids."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12067102&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. seed extracts on bone resorption mediated by tyrosine kinase, COX-2 (cyclooxygenase) and PG (prostaglandin) E2.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11859467&dopt=AbstractQuantitative determination of the dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitor tryptanthrin in Isatis tinctoria by ESI-LC-MS.
"Isatis tinctoria L. is an old European and Chinese dye plant and anti-inflammatory herb from which the potent cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor tryptanthrin (1) (indolo-[2,1-b]-quinazoline-6,12-dione) was recently isolated as one of the active principles."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11331078&dopt=AbstractWogonin, baicalin, and baicalein inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 gene expressions induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and lipopolysaccharide. (Chinese herb Huang Qui)
"We previously reported that oroxylin A, a polyphenolic compound, was a potent inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11748375&dopt=AbstractMolecular mechanisms underlying anti-tumor promoting activities of heat-processed Panax ginseng
"Certain fractions or purified ingredients of ginseng have been shown to exert anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities. Our previous studies have revealed that the methanol extract of heat-processed Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer attenuates the lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates and is also capable of scavenging superoxide generated by xanthine- xanthine oxidase or by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. Topical application of the same extract onto shaven backs of female ICR mice also suppressed TPA-induced skin tumor promotion. Likewise, topical application of ginsenoside Rg3, one of the constituents of heat-treated ginseng, significantly inhibited TPA-induced mouse epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and skin tumor promotion. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in TPA-stimulated mouse skin was markedly suppressed by Rg3 pretreatment. In addition, Rg3 inhibited TPA-stimulated activation of NF-kappaB and extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK), one of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in mouse skin and also in cultured human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12388178&dopt=AbstractCurcumin prevents alcohol-induced liver disease in rats by inhibiting the expression of NF-kappa B-dependent genes.
"Treatment with curcumin prevented both the pathological and biochemical changes induced by alcohol. Because endotoxin and the Kupffer cell are implicated in the pathogenesis of ALD, we investigated whether curcumin suppressed the stimulatory effects of endotoxin in isolated Kupffer cells. Curcumin blocked endotoxin-mediated activation of NF-kappaB and suppressed the expression of cytokines, chemokines, COX-2, and iNOS in Kupffer cells. Thus curcumin prevents experimental ALD, in part by suppressing induction of NF-kappaB-dependent genes."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10344742&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the activity and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human oral epithelial cells and in a rat model of inflammation.
"We investigated the mechanisms by which caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a phenolic antioxidant, inhibited the stimulation of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in cultured human oral epithelial cells and in an animal model of acute inflammation." "CAPE nonselectively inhibited the activities of baculovirus-expressed hCOX-1 and hCOX-2 enzymes."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9705326&dopt=AbstractResveratrol inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 transcription and activity in phorbol ester-treated human mammary epithelial cells.(Grapes)
"We determined whether resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant found in grapes and other food products, inhibited phorbol ester (PMA)-mediated induction of COX-2 in human mammary and oral epithelial cells. " "PMA caused about a 6-fold increase in COX-2 promoter activity, which was suppressed by resveratrol." "Transient transfections utilizing COX-2 promoter deletion constructs and COX-2 promoter constructs, in which specific enhancer elements were mutagenized, indicated that the effects of PMA and resveratrol were mediated via a cyclic AMP response element."
"Resveratrol inhibited PMA-mediated activation of protein kinase C. Overexpressing protein kinase C-alpha, ERK1, and c-Jun led to 4.7-, 5.1-, and 4-fold increases in COX-2 promoter activity, respectively. These effects also were inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol blocked PMA-dependent activation of AP-1-mediated gene expression. In addition to the above effects on gene expression, we found that resveratrol also directly inhibited the activity of COX-2. These data are likely to be important for understanding the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12576203&dopt=AbstractAnti-inflammatory activity of Chinese medicinal vine plants
"The extract from S. suberectus was found to be active against all enzymes except COX-2. Its IC(50) values were 158, 54, 31 and 35 microg/ml in COX-1, PLA(2), 5-LO and 12-LO assays, respectively. T. jasminoides showed potent inhibitory activities against both COX-1 (IC(50) 35 microg/ml) and PLA(2) (IC(50) 33 microg/ml). The most potent COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LO inhibition was observed in the extract of T. wilfordii with the IC(50) values of 27, 125 and 22 microg/ml, respectively. The findings of this study may partly explain the use of these vine plants in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12444669&dopt=AbstractScreening of ubiquitous plant constituents for COX-2 inhibition with a scintillation proximity based assay.
"Plant metabolites of different biosynthetic origin representing several substance classes, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenylpropanes, steroids, and terpenes, were screened for inhibition of COX-2-catalyzed PGE(2) production. Of these 49 plant metabolites, eugenol, pyrogallol, and cinnamaldehyde (with IC(50) values of 129, 144, and 245 microM, respectively) were found to inhibit COX-2. This study showed that a COX-2-catalyzed PGE(2) assay using SPA is suitable for screening natural compounds with respect to COX-2 inhibition."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12451482&dopt=AbstractAntioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects of aloesin derivatives in Aloe vera.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12417253&dopt=AbstractEffects of sphondin, isolated from Heracleum laciniatum, on IL-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human pulmonary epithelial cells.
"Taken together, we demonstrate that sphondin inhibits IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) release in A549 cells; this inhibition is mediated by suppressing of COX-2 expression, rather than by inhibiting COX-2 enzyme activity. The inhibitory mechanism of sphondin on IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression may be, at least in part, through suppression of NF-kappaB activity. We conclude that sphondin may have the therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory drug on airway inflammation."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12410540&dopt=AbstractEffects of tanshinone I isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge on arachidonic acid metabolism and in vivo inflammatory responses. (red sage)
Not a cox inhibitor, but still proven anti-inflammatory effects.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12396300&dopt=AbstractIn-vivo and in-vitro anti-inflammatory effect of Echinacea purpurea and Hypericum perforatum. (echinacea and St. Johnswort)
"Western blot analysis showed that in-vivo treatment with these extracts could modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in peritoneal macrophages. In particular, treatment with 100 mg kg(-1) hypericum inhibited both iNOS and COX-2 expression, whereas treatment with 100 mg kg(-1) echinacea down-regulated only COX-2 expression. The present study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of these extracts could be in part related to their modulation of COX-2 expression."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12392817&dopt=AbstractInhibition of prostaglandin E(2) production by taiwanin C isolated from the root of Acanthopanax chiisanensis and the mechanism of action.
"However, the activities of isolated COX-1 and COX-2 were inhibited by taiwanin C (IC(50)=1.06 and 9.31 microM, respectively), reflecting the inhibition of both COX-1- and COX-2-dependent PGE(2) production in the cell culture system. These findings suggest that the mechanism of action of taiwanin C in the inhibition of PGE(2) production is the direct inhibition of COX enzymatic activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12391548&dopt=AbstractInhibitory activity of tryptanthrin on prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis.
"The indolo[2,1- b]quinazoline alkaloid tryptanthrin has previously been identified as the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory principle in the extract ZE550 prepared from the medicinal plant Isatis tinctoria (Brassicaceae). We here investigated the potential inhibitory activity of tryptanthrin and ZE550 on COX-2, COX-1 in cellular and cell-free systems. A certain degree of selectivity towards COX-2 was observed when COX-1-dependent formation of thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) in HEL cells and COX-2-dependent formation of 6-ketoprostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1alpha)) in Mono Mac 6 and RAW 264.7 cells were compared. Preferential inhibition of COX-2 by two orders of magnitude was found in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activated bovine aortic coronary endothelial cells (BAECs). Assays with purified COX isoenzymes from sheep confirmed the high selectivity towards COX-2. The leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) release from calcium ionophore-stimulated human granulocytes (neutrophils) was used as a model to determine 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity. Tryptanthrin and the extract ZE550 inhibited LTB(4) release in a dose dependent manner and with a potency comparable to that of the clinically used 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12391547&dopt=AbstractInducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors of Chinese herbs III. Rheum palmatum.
“However, expression of iNOS and the COX-2 protein was inhibited by emodin in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells, and PGE(2) production was reduced.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12189197&dopt=AbstractSuppression of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in F344 rats by resveratrol. (grapes)
"Our study suggests that resveratrol suppressed NMBA-induced rat esophageal tumorigenesis by targeting COXs and PGE(2), and therefore may be a promising natural anti-carcinogenesis agent for the prevention and treatment of human esophageal cancer."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12153244&dopt=AbstractAtropisomeric myristinins: selective COX-2 inhibitors and antifungal agents from Myristica cinnamomea.
"The first naturally occurring atropisomeric flavans, myristinins B (2), C (2a), E (4), and F (4a), together with their corresponding trans-isomers, myristinins A (1) and D (3), were isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of Myristica cinnamomea fruits. Compounds 1, the mixture of 2 and 2a, and the mixture of 4 and 4a, exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans with IC(50) values ranging from 5.9 to 8.8 microg/mL, and they selectively inhibited the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12115530&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effects of the standardized extract (DA-9601) of Artemisia asiatica Nakai on phorbol ester-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity, papilloma formation, cyclooxygenase-2 expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nuclear transcription factor kappa B activation in mouse skin. (wormwood)
“In the present study, we assessed the inhibitory effect of DA-9601 on tumor promotion, which is closely linked to inflammatory tissue damage. As an initial approach to evaluating the possible antitumor-promoting potential of DA-9601, its effects on TPA-induced ear edema were examined in female ICR mice. Pretreatment of the inner surface of the mouse ear with DA-9601 30 min prior to topical application of TPA inhibited ear edema at 5 hr. TPA-stimulated expression of epidermal COX-2 and iNOS was also mitigated by topical application of the same extract. Moreover, DA-9601 abrogated the TPA-mediated activation of NF-kappa B/Rel and AP-1 in mouse epidermis. Suppression of epidermal NF-kappa B by DA-9601 appeared to be mediated in part through inhibition of I kappa B alpha degradation, thereby blocking the nuclear translocation of p65, the functional subunit of NF-kappa B. DA-9601 also significantly suppressed TPA-induced ODC activity and papilloma formation in mouse skin. Taken together, these findings suggest that DA-9601 derived from A. asiatica possesses potential chemopreventive activities.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12086400&dopt=AbstractSuppressive effect of natural sesquiterpenoids on inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in mouse macrophage cells. (ginger and turmeric)
“Xanthorrhizol, a sesquiterpenoid, isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), exhibited a potent inhibition of COX-2 (IC50 = 0.2 microg/mL) and iNOS activity (IC50 = 1.0 microg/mL) in the assay system of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation and nitric oxide production, respectively. Western blot analyses revealed that the inhibitory potential of xanthorrhizol on the COX-2 activity coincided well with the suppression of COX-2 protein expression in LPS-induced macrophages. In addition, sesquiterpenoids beta-turmerone and ar-turmerone isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) also showed a potent inhibitory activity of COX-2 (beta-turmerone, IC50 = 1.6 microg/mL; ar-turmerone, IC50 = 5.2 microg/mL) and iNOS (beta-turmerone, IC50 = 4.6 microg/mL; ar-turmerone, IC50 = 3.2 microg/mL). These results suggest that natural sesquiterpenoids from C. xanthorrhiza and C. zedoaria might be lead candidates for further developing COX-2 or iNOS inhibitors possessing cancer chemopreventive or anti-inflammatory properties.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12086399&dopt=AbstractEffects of yakuchinone A and yakuchinone B on the phorbol ester-induced expression of COX-2 and iNOS and activation of NF-kappaB in mouse skin. (ginger family)
“Both compounds have strong inhibitory effects on the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in vitro. In the present work, we show that both yakuchinone A and yakuchinone B inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA in mouse skin treated with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Topical application on mouse skin of these diarylheptanoids also attenuated the TPA-induced DNA binding activity of the ubiquitous eukaryotic transcription factor NF-kappaB that plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of the aforementioned proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines in response to a wide variety of external stimuli. These findings suggest that diarylheptanoids contained in Alpinia oxyphylla down-regulate COX-2 and iNOS expression through suppression of NF-kappaB activation in the TPA-treated mouse skin.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12070756&dopt=AbstractEffects of prodelphinidins isolated from Ribes nigrum on chondrocyte metabolism and COX activity.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12033810&dopt=AbstractCancer chemopreventive and antioxidant activities of pterostilbene, a naturally occurring analogue of resveratrol. (grapes)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12033510&dopt=AbstractCyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory 1,4-naphthoquinones from Impatiens balsamina L.
"Significant selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activities were observed for two new 1,4-naphthoquinone sodium salts, sodium 3-hydroxide-2[[sodium 3-hydroxide-1,4-dioxo(2-naphthyl)]ethyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione (impatienolate) (1) and sodium 2-hydroxide-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (balsaminolate) (2), which were isolated from the corolla of Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Our results offer evidence supporting the use of I. balsamina L. to treat articular rheumatism, pain, and swelling."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11995927&dopt=AbstractIn vitro antiinflammatory activity of kalopanaxsaponin A isolated from Kalopanax pictus in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.
“Among the tested monodesmosides, kalopanxsaponin A was the most potent inhibitor of NO production, and it also significantly decreased PGE2 and TNF-alpha release. Consistent with these observations, the expression level of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme was inhibited by kalopanxsaponin A in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, this study suggests that kalopanaxsaponin A-mediated inhibition of iNOS, COX-2 expression, and TNF-alpha release may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus Nakai.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11962253&dopt=AbstractPotential cancer-chemopreventive activities of wine stilbenoids and flavans extracted from grape (Vitis vinifera) cell cultures.
“In the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 assay, trans isomers of the stilbenoids appear to be more active than cis isomers: trans-resveratrol [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 14.9 microM, 96%] vs. cis-resveratrol (IC50 = 55.4 microM). In the COX-2 assay, among the compounds tested, only trans- and cis-resveratrol exhibited significant inhibitory activity (IC50 = 32.2 and 50.2 microM, respectively). This is the first report showing the potential cancer-chemopreventive activity of trans-astringin, a plant stilbenoid recently found in wine. trans-Astringin and its aglycone trans-piceatannol were active in the mouse mammary gland organ culture assay but did not exhibit activity in COX-1 and COX-2 assays. trans-Resveratrol was active in all three of the bioassays used in this investigation. These findings suggest that trans-astringin and trans-piceatannol may function as potential cancer-chemopreventive agents by a mechanism different from that of trans-resveratrol.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11923588&dopt=AbstractGrape polyphenols inhibit chronic ethanol-induced COX-2 mRNA expression in rat brain.
"GP completely inhibited the increase in COX-2 due to ethanol treatment."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11891092&dopt=AbstractPharmacological and phytochemical screening of two Hyacinthaceae species: Scilla natalensis and Ledebouria ovatifolia.
"In the anti-inflammatory screening, the dichloromethane and hexane extracts of S. natalensis resulted in good inhibition against both COX-1 and COX-2."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11859456&dopt=AbstractFuranoligularenone, an eremophilane from Ligularia fischeri, inhibits the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in macrophage RAW264.7 cells.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11849848&dopt=AbstractIsolation and pharmacological activity of phenylpropanoid esters from Marrubium vulgare.
"Only the glycosidic phenylpropanoid esters showed an inhibitory activity towards the Cox-2 enzyme and three of them: acteoside 2, forsythoside B 3, arenarioside 4, exhibited higher inhibitory potencies on Cox-2 than on Cox-1."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11842334&dopt=AbstractIridoids with anti-inflammatory activity from Vitex peduncularis.
"Both pedunculariside and agnuside showed preferential inhibition of COX-2, with IC50 values of 0.15 +/- 0.21 mg/ml and 0.026 +/- 0.015 mg/ml respectively, while having only small inhibitory effects on COX-1."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11754876&dopt=AbstractInhibition of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative in mangosteen, in C6 rat glioma cells.
"Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis indicated that gamma-mangostin competitively inhibited the activities of both COX-1 and -2. This study is a first demonstration that gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, directly inhibits COX activity."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11705451&dopt=AbstractEffects of naturally occurring prenylated flavonoids on enzymes metabolizing arachidonic acid: cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11689104&dopt=Abstract Development and use of a gene promoter-based screen to identify novel inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 transcription.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11592385&dopt=AbstractTriptolide, a novel diterpenoid triepoxide from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., suppresses the production and gene expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 and augments those of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in human synovial fibroblasts.
"Triptolide also inhibited the IL-1alpha-induced production of PGE2 by selectively suppressing the gene expression and production of COX-2"
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11572998&dopt=AbstractAvicins, a family of triterpenoid saponins from Acacia victoriae (Bentham), inhibit activation of nuclear factor-kappaB by inhibiting both its nuclear localization and ability to bind DNA. (acacia)
"Avicin G treatment resulted in decreased expression of NF-kappaB-regulated proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2)."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11488453&dopt=AbstractIdentification and isolation of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory principle in Isatis tinctoria.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11421736&dopt=AbstractCox-2 inhibitory effects of naturally occurring and modified fatty acids.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11399667&dopt=AbstractErgolide, sesquiterpene lactone from Inula britannica, inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages through the inactivation of NF-kappaB.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11193428&dopt=AbstractAn avocado constituent, persenone A, suppresses expression of inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase in macrophages, and hydrogen peroxide generation in mouse skin.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11181455&dopt=AbstractResveratrol analog, 3,4,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene, differentially induces pro-apoptotic p53/Bax gene expression and inhibits the growth of transformed cells but not their normal counterparts.
"While R-4 prominently induced the p53/Bax pro-apoptotic genes, it also concomitantly suppressed the expression of Cox-2 in WI38VA cells. Taken together, our study suggests that the induction of p53 gene by R-4 in transformed cells may play a key role in the differential growth inhibition and apoptosis of transformed cells."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11113994&dopt=AbstractInhibitory effects of cimicifugae rhizoma extracts on histamine, bradykinin and COX-2 mediated inflammatory actions. (black cohosh)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10985084&dopt=AbstractAnti-inflammatory activity of dichloromethane extract of Heterotheca inuloides in vivo and in vitro.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10940585&dopt=AbstractCryptocarya species--substitute plants for Ocotea bullata? A pharmacological investigation in terms of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 inhibition.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of the resaerch studies I have collected on the proven effectivness of herbs and all I have collected is just a super tiny fraction of the numerous studies readily avaialble on Medline alone proving the effectiveness of herbs. Again Don, if you would stop wallowing in your ignorance and would actually spend some time trying to learn something maybe one of these days you will finally state something factual!!!