A prosapogenin from Polygala senega and Polygala tenuifolia.
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Chemical Phenomena↗
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Protective effects of Polygala paniculata extract against methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in mice.
We have examined the possible protective effects of Polygala paniculata extract against methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice. MeHg was diluted in drinking water (40 mg L(-1), freely available) and the hydroalcoholic Polygala extract was diluted in a 150 mM NaCl solution and administered by gavage (100 mg kg(-1) b.w., twice a day). After a two-week treatment, MeHg exposure significantly inhibited glutathione peroxidase and increased glutathione reductase activity, while the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. These alterations were prevented by administration of Polygala extract, except for glutathione reductase activity, which remained elevated in the cerebral cortex. Behavioural interference in the MeHg-exposed animals was evident through a marked deficit in the motor performance in the rotarod task, which was completely recovered to control levels by Polygala extract co-administration. This study has shown, for the first time, the in-vivo protective effects of Polygala extract against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. In addition, our findings encourage studies concerning the beneficial effects of P. paniculata on neurological conditions related to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.
Animals↗
Protective effects of Polygalae root in experimental TNBS-induced colitis in mice.
In this study, the protective effect of Polygalae root was evaluated in a murine model of experimental colitis by intrarectal injection with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Polygalae root, given orally at 2, 4 g/kg body weight of herbs once a day consecutively for 9 days, could recover the lost body weight and decrease the gross rectal bleeding. Polygalae root also reduced the degree of inflammation and improved significantly the histological changes such as infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and multiple erosive lesions. Furthermore, the cytokine production of intraepithelial lymphocytes was analyzed. The results showed that IFN-gamma was increased, but IL-4 was decreased in TNBS-induced colitis, when those were compared with the sham controls. But the administration of Polygalae root to TNBS-induced colitis mice showed lower production of IFN-gamma and higher production of IL-4 than the TNBS-induced colitis. These results suggest that the protective effects of Polygalae root against the TNBS colitis may be associated with the regulation of cytokine production of intraepithelial lymphocytes.
Animals↗
Ninjin-yoei-to (Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang) and Polygalae radix improves scopolamine-induced impairment of passive avoidance response in mice.
We investigated the effect of Ninjin-yoei-to (Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang), a Japanese herbal medicine, and found that 1000 mg/kg p.o. improved the scopolamine-induced impairment of passive avoidance response in mice. Further, the same dose of Ninjin-yoei-to enhanced oxotremorine-induced tremors in mice. The water extract of Polygalae radix, one of the constituent herbs of Ninjin-yoei-to, at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly improved the scopolamine-induced impairment of passive avoidance response and enhanced oxotremorine-induced tremors in mice. Moreover, the enhancement of oxotremorine-induced tremors by Ninjin-yoei-to (1000 mg/kg) and Polygalae radix (100 mg/kg) was completely antagonized by pretreatment of scopolamine hydrobromide (0.5 mg/kg). These results suggest that Ninjin-yoei-to may improve the scopolamine-induced impairment of passive avoidance response by enhancing the cholinergic system and that Polygalae radix may be involved in the action of Ninjin-yoei-to.
Administration, Oral↗
[Structural characteristics and spectroscopic profiles of xanthones from Polygala].
Through studies of xanthones from Polygla tenuifolia, one of the main medicinal plants of Polygala, the structural characteristics and spectroscopic rules (including IR, UV, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR data) of xanthones from Polygala were summarized, combined with the reference reports of this type of compounds from the other plants of Polygala. It is helpful to the structure elucidation of xanthones.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy↗
Polyphenols from Polygala spp. and their antioxidant activity.
Members of Polygalaceae are known to contain a variety of different polyphenolic compounds such as xanthones, flavonoids, and biphenyl derivatives. Here, we report the isolation and structural characterization of two new phenol derivatives, named alpestrin (= 3,3',5'-trimethoxy[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-ol; 10) and alpestriose A (= 6-O-benzoyl-1-O-{6-O-acetyl-3-O-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-beta-D-fructofuranosyl}-alpha-D-glucopyranoside; 11), and of four known compounds (12-15) from the MeOH extract of Polygala alpestris. The relative in vitro antioxidant activities of these compounds, in comparison with other phenolic substances from Polygala vulgaris, were evaluated by means of the Briggs-Rauscher (BR) oscillating reaction, a method based on the inhibitory effects of antioxidant free-radical scavengers. The experimental antioxidant-activity values (relative to resorcinol as a standard) were compared with those calculated on the basis of the bond-dissociation enthalpies. The structure/activity relationships for the compounds examined are also discussed.
Antioxidants↗
Characterization of anti-neurodegenerative effects of Polygala tenuifolia in Abeta(25-35)-treated cortical neurons.
Although Polygala tenuifolia WILLD (PT) was classically mentioned as an anti-dementia drug in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine, basic research showed only enhancement of the cholinergic function. In Alzheimer's disease, neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss occur prior to neuronal death event, and may be the first trigger of the memory impairment. Therefore, we studied effects of Polygala tenuifolia WILLD (PT) on Abeta(25-35)-induced neuronal damage using rat cortical neurons for characterization of activities of PT under Abeta-induced neuronal damage. Treatment with the water extract of PT enhanced axonal length dose-dependently after Abeta(25-35)-induced axonal atrophy. However, dendritic atrophy and synaptic loss induced by Abeta(25-35) were not recovered by treatment with PT extract. In contrast, Abeta(25-35)-induced cell damage was completely inhibited by PT extract. By characterization of PT effects on neuronal morphological plasticity and cell damage, usefulness as well as an insufficiency of PT as an anti-dementia drug was clarified.
Amyloid beta-Peptides↗
Cytotoxic compounds from Polygala vulgaris.
To search for antitumor agents from plants, we studied Polygala vulgaris since cytotoxic lignans are known to occur in some Polygala species. Preliminary data on plant petrol ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts from the roots and aerial parts, showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against the solid tumor LoVo cell line. Fractionation of the active extracts led to the isolation of three new compounds, a derivative of aucuparine and two xanthones, as well as a known methylsinapate. All compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity using two cell lines, LoVo and its strain, which express resistance to common antitumor agents.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
Occupational asthma and rhinitis induced by a herbal medicine, Wonji (Polygala tenuifolia).
Occupational asthma is induced by many agents, including herbal materials, that are exposed in working places. Although there are a few case reports for occupational allergy induced by herbal materials, there is none for that induced by Wonji (Polygala tenuifolia). This study was conducted to evaluate clinical characteristics and immunologic mechanism of Wonji-induced asthma in a exposed-worker. A patient who complained of asthma and rhinitis symptoms, and who had worked in a herbal manufacturing factory for 8 yr, underwent a skin prick test with crude extract of Wonji under the impression of occupational asthma induced by the agent. The patient had a strong positive response to the extract on the skin prick test. Allergen bronchial challenge to the extract demonstrated a typical dual response. Serum specific IgE level to the extract was higher in the patient than in healthy controls, and ELISA inhibition test revealed complete inhibition of IgE binding with the extract, but no inhibition with Der p 2 or mugwort extracts. Six IgE binding components to the extract (10, 25, 28, 36, 50, and 90 kDa) were detected using SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis. These findings suggest that Polygala tenuifolia, a herbal material, can induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers.
Allergens↗
[Effects of polysaccharide of Polygala aureocauda on the immunnity functions of normal mouse].
The effects of polysaccharide of polygala aureocauda on the immunity functions of the normal mouse were researched by the tests of clearing away carbon granules, hemolysin antibodies production and lymphocyte transformation. The results showed that the polysaccharide of polygala aureocauda Dunn. (PADTP) could strengthen the phagocytosis of the single nucleus phagocytes, promote the production of the antibodies, and raise the transformable rate of the lympocytes. That proved the PADTP could strengthen immunity function of the normal mouse.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
[A new xanthone from Polygala aureocauda Dunn].
AIM: To study the chemical constituents of Polygala aureocauda Dunn.. METHODS: Chemical compounds were isolated by column chromatography and their structures were determined mainly by spectroscopic means (UV, IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HMQC, HMBC). RESULTS: Three compounds were isolated and identified as 3-hydroxy-1,4-dimethoxyxanthone (I), 1, 7-dihydroxy-2, 3-methylendioxyxanthone (II), 7-hydroxy-1-methoxy-2, 3-methylendioxyxanthone (III). CONCLUSION: Compounds I-III were isolated from Polygala aureocauda Dunn. for the first time, whereas compound I is a new xanthone.
Molecular Conformation↗
[Study on the antihyperlipidemia effective constituent of Polygala fallax Hemsl].
OBJECTIVE: To study the antihyperlipidemia effective constituent of Polygala fallax Hemsl. METHOD: Column chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification of chemical constituents of the plant and the structures were elucidated by IR, NMR and MS spectroscopy. RESULT: Four triterpenoid saponins were isolated and determined as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-( 1--> 2) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4 ) -alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2 ) -beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester (I), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4) -alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2) -(3-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester (II), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4) -alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2) -(4-O-acetyl) -beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester (II) and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--2) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4 ) -alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2 ) - (3,4-diacetyl) -beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester (IV). CONCLUSIONS: The effective constituents of Polygala fallax Hemsl. reduced blood lipid especially plasma TG markedly. The authors have studied the chemical constituents of effective constituent systematically for the first time.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
Polygalae radix extract protects cultured rat granule cells against damage induced by NMDA.
Polygalae Radix (PR) from Polygala tenuifolia (Polygalaceae) is traditionally used in China and Korea, as this herb has a sedative, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. To extend our understanding of the pharmacological actions of PR in the CNS on the basis of its CNS inhibitory effect, the present study examined whether PR has the neuroprotective action against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced cell death in primarily cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons. PR, over a concentration range of 0.05 to 5 microg/ml, inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced neuronal cell death, which was measured by a trypan blue exclusion test and a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. PR (0.5 microg/ml) inhibited glutamate release into medium induced by NMDA (1 mM), which was measured by HPLC. Pre-treatment of PR (0.5 microg/ml) inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which was measured by a fluorescent dye, Fura 2-AM, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results suggest that PR prevents NMDA-induced neuronal cell damage in vitro.
Animals↗
Novel cognitive improving and neuroprotective activities of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow extract, BT-11.
We carried out this study to search a new active constituent that had cognitive enhancing activity and low side effects from natural source. We found that the extract of dried root of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow (BT-11, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) could significantly reverse scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in rat, using a passive avoidance and a water maze test. We also investigated the effects of BT-11 on neurotoxicity induced by glutamate (Glu) and toxic metabolites of amyloid precursor protein (APP) such as amyloid beta protein (A beta) and C-terminal fragment of APP (CT) in primary cultured neurons of rat. The pretreatment of BT-11 (0.5, 3, and 5 micro g/ml) significantly reduced cell death induced by Glu (1 mM), A beta (10 micro M) and CT105 (10 micro M) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, BT-11 inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in a dose-dependent and non-competitive manner (IC(50) value; 263.7 micro g/ml). Our novel findings suggest the possibility that this extract may have some protective effects against neuronal death and cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD), or other neurodegenerative diseases related to excitotoxicity and central cholinergic dysfunction.
Alzheimer Disease↗
Genetic diversity of fragmented populations of Polygala reinii (Polygalaceae), a perennial herb endemic to Japan.
Genetic variation at 10 allozyme loci was analyzed in 14 populations of Polygala reinii (Polygalaceae), a perennial herb endemic to central Honshu, Japan, with a fragmented geographical distribution. The levels of genetic variation within species ( P=80.0, A=3.10, H(E)=0.303) and within populations ( P=42.1, A=1.61, H(E)=0.163) were considerably higher than the mean for other endemic plants or short-lived perennial herbs. Genetic differentiation among populations was also high ( G(ST)=0.404). The genetic distance phenogram tended to show a clustering of the populations reflecting the fragmentation of the species range. A principal component analysis revealed the same tendency, as well as three groupings of populations in the Tokai district, on the Kii Peninsula and in the northern Kinki district. A negative correlation was obtained between the levels of gene flow and geographical distance among the populations ( r=-0.745, P<0.0001). These results indicated limited gene flow among populations in P. reinii, presumably due to the geographical isolation accompanying the fragmented distribution. On the other hand, the geographical differentiation between the Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean sides was found in P. reinii, suggesting the influence of postglacial migration on the establishment of the genetic structure of this species.
Ecosystem↗
A new cerebroside from Polygala japonica.
The isolation of a new cerebroside, 1-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3S,4R,11E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxypalmitoylamino]-11-octadecene-1,3,4-triol (polygalacerebroside) (1), from the aerial part of Polygala japonica is reported.
Cerebrosides↗
Antiinflammatory activity of Polygala japonica extract.
The antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Polygala japonica (AEPJ) was investigated in mice and rats to find the pharmacological basis for its ethnomedical use. The extract produced a significant inhibition of peritoneal and cutaneous vascular permeability induced by acetic acid and histamine, respectively and ear swelling induced by picryl chloride in mice at the dose of 25.0 mg/kg. Moreover, the extract markedly inhibited footpad edema induced by histamine in rats, and decreased prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) content in carrageenan-induced air-pouch at doses of 12.5 and 6.25 mg/kg respectively.
Administration, Oral↗
Hepatoprotective activity of the Indian medicinal plant Polygala arvensis on D-galactosamine-induced hepatic injury in rats.
The suspensions of chloroform extract of leaves in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in Wistar albino rats by inducing hepatic injury with d-galactosamine (400 mg/kg). The chloroform extract of Polygala arvensis at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) protection effect by normalizing the levels of aspartate amino transferase (ASAT, GOT), alanine amino transferase (ALAT, GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGL), albumin, total protein (TP) which were significantly (P<0.001) increased in rats by treatment with 400 mg/kg i.p. of d-galactosamine. Silymarin (25 mg/kg), a known hepatoprotective drug used for comparison exhibited significant activity (P<0.001).
Administration, Oral↗