Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
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Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting human skin against exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, its overproduction induces hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin. ⋯ These data indicate that the anti-melanogenic activity of phenylethyl resorcinol is mediated by activation of p44/42 MAPK, indicating that phenylethyl resorcinol may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating hyperpigmentation skin disorders.
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Kadsura heteroclita stem suppresses the onset and progression of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune diseased state, characterized by hyperplasia of the synovial membrane, degradation of cartilage, and bone erosion of diarthrodial joints. Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb) Craib (Schizandraceae), a traditional Tujia ethnomedicine called Xue Tong in China, has been long used for the prevention and treatment of rheumatic and arthritic diseases, especially in the southern China. This study aimed to evaluate anti-arthritic effects of the ethanol extract of Kadsura heteroclita stems (KHS) on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms of anti-arthritis. ⋯ KHS demonstrates potential anti-arthritic effects via inhibiting pivotal mediators of inflammation and cartilage destruction. This study strongly supports identification and isolation of active fractions of KHS which would be a potential candidate for further investigation as a new anti-arthritic botanical drug.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of wu chu yu tang on gastroesophageal reflux disease: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD are heartburn and acid regurgitation. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) are considered to be safe and effective for the treatment of GERD. In traditional Chinese medicine, wu chu yu tang (WCYT) is used to treat nausea after eating, vomiting, and diarrhea. ⋯ WCYT has an effect similar to omeprazole for GERD treatment. Furthermore, this effect resulting from WCYT appeared to be maintained for a longer period of time than did that of omeprazole. A study with a larger sample size and longer study period is needed to corroborate our findings.
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The plant kingdom represents an unlimited source of phytotherapeutics with promising perspectives in the field of anticancer drug discovery. ⋯ Among the plant products reviewed, phenylpropanoids were the most investigated at preclinical phase, thus exhibiting a promising potential as anticancer drugs, though an evidence-based clinical efficacy is still lacking.
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality. Dioscin-6'-O-acetate (DA), a novel natural steroidal saponin, was firstly isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea althaeoides R. Knuth. Until now, there were no studies on its pharmacological activities. ⋯ Overall, our study indicated that DA suppressed lung cancer cells proliferation via inducing cell-cycle arrest and enhancing caspase-dependent apoptosis, at least partly, through ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.