The coronavirus panic is just that, an irrational panic, based on an unproven RNA test, that has never been connected to a virus

PMID: 

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2018 06 ;45(6):547-555. Epub 2018 Feb 13. PMID: 29319901

Abstract Title: 

Gomisin A modulates aging progress via mitochondrial biogenesis in human diploid fibroblast cells.

Abstract: 

Gomisin A from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis has many pharmacological properties, including hepato-protective, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidative stress. However, the potential benefit of gomisin A is still not well understood, especially in aging progression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify whether the promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy of gomisin A affects anti-aging progression, and its mechanism. Intermediate (PD32) human diploid fibroblast (HDF) cells were brought to stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) using hydrogen peroxide. Gomisin A inhibited reactive oxygen species production even in the SIPS-HDF cells. Gomisin A was also able to attenuate the activity of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase and the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the SIPS as well as aged HDF cells. The antioxidant activity of gomisin A was determined by recovering the Cu/Zn, Mn-SOD, and HO-1 expression in the SIPS-HDF cells. In mechanistic aspect, gomisin A inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B to the nucleus. In addition, gomisin A promoted the autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis factors through the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2, and inhibited aging progression in the SIPS-HDF cells. Insummary, the enhanced properties of mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy of gomisin A has a benefit to control age-related molecules against SIPS-induced chronic oxidative stress, and gomisin A may be a potential therapeutic compound for the enhancement of intracellular homeostasis to aging progression.

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PMID: 

Int J Neurosci. 2019 Feb ;129(2):110-118. Epub 2018 Oct 30. PMID: 30033800

Abstract Title: 

Schisanhenol improves learning and memory in scopolamine-treated mice by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity and attenuating oxidative damage through SIRT1-PGC-1α-Tau signaling pathway.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: Schisanhenol is a compound derived from the fruit of a traditional Chinese herb Schisandra rubriflora. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Schisanhenol on the cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male mice were randomly divided into three Schisanhenol groups (10, 30, 100 mg/kg), Galantamine group (3 mg/kg), model group (1mg/kg scopolamine), and vehicle control group (normal saline). The learning and memory ability of mice was monitored by water morris maze. Hippocampus of mice were collected after behavioral testing and the activity of SOD, MDA, GSH-px, AChE were measured with standard biochemical procedures. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α, phosphorylated Tau proteins.RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of Schisanhenol (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg) significantly attenuated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in water morris maze. In addition, Schisanhenol increased the activity of SOD and GSH-px while decreased the content of AChE and MDA. Furthermore, western blotting analysis revealed that Schisanhenol increased the levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α and decreased the level of phosphorylated Tau protein (Ser 396) significantly in the hippocampal tissues.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that Schisanhenol can attenuate scopolamine-induced learning impairment and enhance cognitive function, the mechanism via improve the cholinergic system and antioxidant ability, activate SIRT1-PGC1α signaling, inhibit the phosphorylation of Tau, and would be an effective candidate against cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

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Eur J Pharmacol. 2018 Jan 5 ;818:96-102. Epub 2017 Oct 21. PMID: 29066412

Abstract Title: 

Schisandrol B promotes liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice.

Abstract: 

Liver regeneration is a vital process of recovery after liver damage, which is a promising clinical strategy after partial hepatectomy (PHx). Schisandrol B (SolB), one of the bioactive ingredients from Schisandra sphenanthera, displays significant hepato-protection effects against drug-induced liver injure in mice. However, the effect of SolB on liver regeneration after PHx remains unclear. Here, we showed that SolB treatment promoted liver mass restoration and increased the number of proliferative hepatocytes following PHx. SolB treatment significantly improved the levels of growth factors (HGF and EGF) and cytokines (IL-6), which further activated STAT3/Akt/MAPK signaling pathways and induced the expression of several the protein of cell cycle core. Overall, this study is the first to demonstrate the role of SolB in promoting liver regeneration during PHx challenge, which provide a clinically relevant argument for using SolB to facilitate liver recovery after undergoing PHx or liver transplantation.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan 10 ;210:223-231. Epub 2017 Aug 15. PMID: 28821392

Abstract Title: 

Schisandra chinensis extract decreases chloroacetaldehyde production in rats and attenuates cyclophosphamide toxicity in liver, kidney and brain.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (S. chinensis) has been used for thousands years in China, and is usually applied in treatment of urinary tract disorders and liver injury. S. chinensis extract (SCE) has board protective effects on liver, kidney and nervous system. Schisandra lignans are generally considered as the bioactive components of SCE.AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (HDIs) between SCE and cyclophosphamide (CTX). To evaluate the protective effects of SCE against CTX induced damage in rat liver, kidney and brain.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pharmacokinetic HDIs between SCE and CTX were investigated by determining plasma concentrations of CTX and three metabolites, namely 4-ketocyclophosphamide (4-Keto), 2-dechloroethylcyclophosphamide (DCCTX) and carboxyphosphamide (CPM) using a previously developed UPLC-MS/MS method. To evaluate the protective effects of SCE pretreatment, toxicity and oxidation stress assessments along with histology investigations were carried out in rat liver, kidney and brain.RESULTS: The equimolar produced metabolite DCCTX was chosen to reflect chloroacetaldehyde (CAA, a toxic metabolite of CTX) production in rats. Single-dose pretreatment of SCE significantly reduced CAA production and decreased the Cand AUCof DCCTX by 69% and 49% respectively (P

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2018 Nov 27 ;23(12). Epub 2018 Nov 27. PMID: 30486445

Abstract Title: 

Targeted Lignan Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Schisandra rubriflora and Schisandra chinensis Extracts.

Abstract: 

is a dioecious plant of increasing importance due to its lignan composition, and therefore, possible therapeutic properties. The aim of the work was lignan profiling of fruits, leaves and shoots of female (F) and male (M) plants using UHPLC-MS/MS. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts and individual lignans was tested in vitro for the inhibition of 15-lipooxygenase (15-LOX), phospholipases A2 (sPLA₂), cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1; COX-2) enzyme activities. The extracts of fruits, leaves and shoots of the pharmacopoeial species, were tested for comparison. Twenty-four lignans were monitored. Lignan contents infruit extracts amounted to 1055.65 mg/100 g DW and the dominant compounds included schisanhenol, aneloylgomisin H, schisantherin B, schisandrin A, gomisin O, angeloylgomisin O and gomisin G. The content of lignan in leaf extracts was 853.33 (F) and 1106.80 (M) mg/100 g DW. Shoot extracts were poorer in lignans-559.97 (F) and 384.80 (M) mg/100 g DW. Schisantherin B, schisantherin A, 6–benzoylgomisin O and angeloylgomisin H were the dominant compounds in leaf and shoot extracts. The total content of detected lignans infruit, leaf and shoot extracts was: 1686.95, 433.59 and 313.83 mg/100 g DW, respectively. Gomisin N, schisandrin A, schisandrin, gomisin D, schisantherin B, gomisin A, angeloylgomisin H and gomisin J were the dominant lignans infruit extracts were. The results of anti-inflammatory assays revealed higher activity ofextracts. Individual lignans showed significant inhibitory activity against 15-LOX, COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

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PMID: 

Front Pharmacol. 2018 ;9:986. Epub 2018 Aug 29. PMID: 30210348

Abstract Title: 

Gomisin A Suppresses Colorectal Lung Metastasis by Inducing AMPK/p38-Mediated Apoptosis and Decreasing Metastatic Abilities of Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

Gomisin A (G.A) is a dietary lignan compound from. In this study, the effect of G.A on the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells was investigated using several CRC cell lines and a lung metastasis mouse model. Both oral and intraperitoneal administration of G.A (50 mg/kg) inhibited lung metastasis of CT26 cells. Various concentrations of G.A were incubated with CRC cell lines and their viability was determined using a cell counting kit-8 assay. G.A significantly decreased the viability of various CRC cell lines, whereas it did not change the proliferation of normal colon cells. G.A induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis of CT26 and HT29 cells by regulating cyclin D1/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) expression and apoptotic proteins such as caspases and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, respectively. G.A-induced apoptosis was mediated by AMPK/p38 activation in CRC cells. A non-cytotoxic concentration of G.A inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC cells by modulating E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression levels. Moreover, the migration and invasion of CRC cells were reduced by G.A treatment. Especially, G.A decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expressions and activities. G.A ameliorated lung metastasis of CRC cells by decreasing cell survival and metastatic abilities of CRC cells. Thus, G.A might be a potential novel therapeutic agent for metastatic CRC.

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Curr Microbiol. 2020 Jan 14. Epub 2020 Jan 14. PMID: 31938806

Abstract Title: 

Antibacterial Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extract on Escherichia coli and its Applications in Cosmetic.

Abstract: 

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (S. chinensis), an edible traditional medicine herb, has a strong constitution, which extract has good antibacterial activity. The study investigated its antibacterial properties on E. coli, to find a candidate for the development as new preservative. In vitro antibacterial assay showed that S. chinensis extract (SCE) effectively inhibited the growth of test bacteria with MBC of 18 mg/mL. In model cosmetic system of O/W emulsions, SCE possessed a great antibacterial capacity. The growth curves of E. coli treated with SCE exhibited an extended lag phase and restricted log phase. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the treated E. coli cells exhibited wrinkled and witheredsurfaces, and disappearing outmost layer, suggesting S. chinensis extract can damage S. aureus cell member and wall, in addition, the leakage of periplasm enzyme AKPase and the increased activities of Na/K-ATPase and Ca-ATPase in cell membrane were also consistent with the microscopy results. Moreover, the S. chinensis extract can decrease the activities of dehydrogenase and total ATPase and the content of intracellular proteins, and bind with S. aureus DNA by electrostatic and groove binding. The results indicated that SCE might be a candidate cosmetic preservative for its good antibacterial activity and multiple targets on E. coli.

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PMID: 

Life Sci. 2020 Mar 15 ;245:117357. Epub 2020 Jan 25. PMID: 31991180

Abstract Title: 

Schisantherin A causes endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation in isolated rat thoracic aorta.

Abstract: 

AIMS: Schisandra is a good choice in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the therapy of cardiovascular diseases, but whether it contains a or some specific component (s) responsible these effects are still unclear. In the present study, we explored whether Schisantherin A (SCA) causes vasorelaxation in isolated rat thoracic aorta.MAIN METHODS: We selected SCA, one of the main monomers of lignans from Schisandra, to examine its vasorelaxant effect on the isolated rat thoracic aorta and also exploited several tool inhibitors to probe its underlying mechanisms.KEY FINDINGS: SCA produced relaxation concentration-dependently on the endothelium-intact (43.56 ± 2.17%) and endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta strips (18.76 ± 3.95%) pre-contracted by phenylephrine (PE). However, after treated with indomethacin or L-NAME, SCA showed only partial vasorelaxant effects. Whereas, this vasorelaxation by SCA was not changed with specific K-channel inhibitors, i.e. barium chloride (BaCl), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), tetraethylamine (TEA), and glibenclamide. SCA had no effect on the aorta strips pre-contracted by PE in neither Ca-free nor CaClconditions. But, in the Cafree and high Kenvironment, SCA partly abolished the vasocontraction induced by CaCl.SIGNIFICANCE: It was the first report to demonstrate that SCA had endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxant effects on the isolated rat thoracic aorta, and the underlying mechanisms might be involved into its promoting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI), and inhibiting the voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) opening. This study may partially explain the use of Schisandra in cardiovascular diseases and facilitate further drug development as well.

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PMID: 

J Chem Neuroanat. 2020 Feb 3 ;105:101751. Epub 2020 Feb 3. PMID: 32027950

Abstract Title: 

Schisandrin A and B enhance the dentate gyrus neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus.

Abstract: 

Schisandrin A and B (Sch A and B) are the main effective components of Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis), which is traditionally used to enhance mental and intellectual functions in eastern Asia. Previously, we reported Sch A and B remarkably affect adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of mouse lateral ventricle. Since the neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) is more important to learning, memory and cognition, here we further examined their effects on the adult DG neurogenesis. Phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) immunostaining showed that Sch B significantly enhanced the cell proliferation in the DG. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, mostly labels astrocytes and some stem cells) staining was used to further identify the proliferating cell type. Dramatically, increases of GFAPcells in both Sch A and B treated groups were observed. What's more, the total numbers of the mature neurons labeled by neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) were also increased in both Sch A and B treated groups compared with the controls. Together, Sch A and B enhance the adult DG neurogenesis by increasing astrocytes/stem cells and improving the survival and maturation of DG neurons. Our study shed a new light on the neuropharmacological functions of the herbal medicine S. chinensis.

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