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The purpose of our study is to determine the effectiveness of “Hypericum perforatum” extract in corrosive esophageal burns and to shed light on the search for new treatments.A total of 32 Sprague D...

A progressive way in photodynamic therapy is to design photosensitive agents that may operate at lower optical power. Hybrid organic–inorganic silver-, iron-, and silver&iron-contained nanoparticle...

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a serious chronic and progressive neurological disorder. Hypericum perforatum (H. perforatum) is a plant generally used as an antidepressant and therapy for many neurodegenerative disorders. The present study evaluates the action of Hypericum perforatum extract on MPTP induced oxidative stress and ultrastructural changes in the Parkinson disease model. For this research study, Parkinson disease in mice were induced using MPTP and Hypericum perforatum methanolic extract were given in the pre-treatment and post-treatment condition. After the treatment, the oxidative stress was measured using TBARS levels and the activities of GSH, GPx, CAT and SOD in brain tissues. The ultrastructural changes in brain mitochondria caused by MPTP toxicity was studied after Hypericum perforatum extract therapy using TEM images. The present study showed that HPE extract is able to balance the oxidative stress and antioxidants in the brain tissue of MPTP administered rats. The damaged nuclei in the brain recovered to the normal condition due to this extract therapy. Finally, to conclude, Hypericum perforatum extract post-treatment offers potential brain protection against MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease than pre-treatment.

Background: Natural phenolic compounds in medicinal herbs and dietary plants are antioxidants which play therapeutic or preventive roles in different pathological situations, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. One of the most studied phenolic compounds in the last decade is chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is a potent antioxidant found in certain foods and drinks. Objective: This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive bioactivities of CGA, and the putative mechanisms of action are described. Ethnopharmacological reports related to these bioactivities are also reviewed. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted by authors up to October 2019. Original articles were selected. Results: CGA has been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate inflammatory and neuropathic pain in animal models. Conclusion: The consensus of the literature search was that systemic CGA may facilitate pain management via bolstering antioxidant defenses against inflammatory insults.

Objectives: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is considered as a deadly medical condition that affects a growing number of people worldwide. Targeted therapy of ESCC has been suggested recently and required extensive research. With cyclin D1 as a therapeutic target, the present study aimed at evaluating the anticancer effects of doxorubicin (Dox) or Hypericum perforatum L. (HP) extract encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles on the ESCC cell line KYSE30. Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared using double emulsion method. Cytotoxicity assay was carried out to measure the anti-proliferation activity of Dox-loaded (Dox NPs) and HP-loaded nanoparticles (HP NPs) against both cancer and normal cell lines. The mRNA gene expression of cyclin D1 was evaluated to validate the cytotoxicity studies at molecular level. Results: Free drugs and nanoparticles significantly inhibited KYSE30 cells by 55-73% and slightly affected normal cells up to 29%. The IC50 of Dox NPs and HP NPs was ~ 0.04-0.06 mg/mL and ~ 0.6-0.7 mg/mL, respectively. Significant decrease occurred in cyclin D1 expression by Dox NPs and HP NPs (P < 0.05). Exposure of KYSE-30 cells to combined treatments including both Dox and HP extract significantly increased the level of cyclin D1 expression as compared to those with individual treatments (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dox NPs and HP NPs can successfully and specifically target ESCC cells through downregulation of cyclin D1. The simultaneous use of Dox and HP extract should be avoided for the treatment of ESCC.

Tıbbi ve aromatik bitkiler ve bu bitkilerden elde edilen ekstraktlar, uçucu yağlar insanların besin ihtiyaçlarını karşılamanın yanında birçok sektörde de yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Hypericum türleri antidepresan, antiviral, antibakteriyel, antioksidan, antienflamatuvar gibi birçok biyolojik aktiviteye sahip olup, halk arasında uyku güçlendirme, romatizmal ağrı tedavisi, yara iyileştirme, cilt hastalıkları tedavisi gibi birçok alanda da halk ilacı olarak kullanılmaktadır. Hypericum türlerinden Hypericum perforatum (sarı kantaron) ülkemizde hemen hemen tüm bölgelerde bulunmakta ve üzerinde en çok çalışılan bitkilerdendir. Çalışmamızda tıbbi kullanımı oldukça yaygın olan bu bitkinin ekstraksiyonu gerçekleştirilmiş ve farklı miktarda ayrana ilave edilmiştir. Ekstraksiyon sırasında çözücü olarak %70 etanol + %30 su karışımı kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada %1, %2 ve %3 oranında sarı kantaron ekstraktı içeren üç çeşit ayran elde edilmiştir. Kontrol grubu ve elde edilen ayranlar 28 gün boyunca depolanmış ve depolamanın 1., 7., 14., 21. ve 28. günlerinde bazı fizikokimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre; depolama süresi boyunca örneklerin kül ve tuz değerlerinin değişmediği, kuru madde, su aktivitesi ve pH değerlerinin azaldığı, asitlik değerlerinin ise arttığı gözlemlenmiştir. Depolama süresi boyunca yapılan mikrobiyolojik analizlerde, toplam mezofil bakteri grubu sayısı istatistiksel olarak artış gösterirken, maya-küf ve koliform grup gözlemlenmemiştir. 10’ar kişiden oluşan panelist grubuna duyusal analizler uygulanmış ve tat- koku ve genel beğeni puanlarına bakıldığında en fazla beğeniyi %2 oranında sarı kantaron ekstraktı içeren örnekler almıştır. Depolama süresince genel beğeni puanları istatistiksel olarak artış göstermiştir. Bu çalışmayla tek başına kullanımı yaygın olmayan bu bitkinin günlük hayatta çok tükettiğimiz bir ürüne ilave edilmesiyle fonksiyonel bir ürün üretimi gerçekleştirilmiş ve kullanımı daha yaygın hale getirilmeye çalışılmıştır.

Objectives: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in in the Caucasian race and is a serious health problem with its ever-increasing incidence and high cost. Although the treatment is surgical, some elderly patients do not accept surgical intervention. In this case, non-surgical treatments come into prominence. The Hypericum perforatum (HP) / St. John's Wort plant has been used in the treatment of many diseases for centuries among local people. Here, we aimed to aimed to elucidate the effect and molecular mechanism of the HP plant on BCC cells. Methods: Human BCC cell lines TE 354.T were acquired from ATCC®, then were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium. BCC cells were seeded at a concentration of 2x106cells in each flask (n=12). After incubation, while six of the flasks were applied with a 0.8% HP extract and 99.2% medium for 48 hours, no application was made to the control group. The effects of HP on mitochondrial mediated intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway agents, cell cycle G2 / M checkpoint kinases and inflammatory mediators were investigated in BCC cancer cells. The expression and activities of these mediators in both groups were evaluated by ELISA test. Results: It was determined that HP extract treatment increased the expression of apoptotic proteins (AIF, GADD153, GRP78, caspase-3, Bax) and cell cycle G2 / M checkpoint kinase (Wee1), though it reduced antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, cPLA2, NFkB) in BCC cell lines. Conclusion: HP extract can support routine chemotherapy on BCC cells with its apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effect, and may be a beacon of hope in reducing resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of BCC.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the healing effect of strontium ranilate(SR) and hypericum perfaratum (HPE) with the healing effect of prednisolone used in the treatment of experimental colit in rats. Material and Method : 30 wistar albino rats were used in the study. Rats were randomly assigned to 5 consecutive groups consisting of 5 rats. Group 1, healthy rats, group 2 colitis but untreated rats. The rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 had colitis and received 160 mg / kg SR, 1mg/kg prednisolone and HP extracts containing 0.3% hiperisine (250 uq / 300 mg) by oral gavage, respectively for seven days. At the end of the seventh day, the colons of the rats were removed and histopathological examination was performed. Results : The histopathological results of the HPE group were statistically worst including the control group. It was observed that the best results in the treatment groups were SR group followed by prednisolone group, respectively.(P

Background and Objective: Today, due to the occurrence of drug resistance and the ability of bacteria to develop acute infections, investigating the antimicrobial effects of herbs has been proposed. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of Hypericum perforatum extract and microemulsion and Aloe vera extract on Brucella bacteria. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out with the help of a hood in a biosafety level 2 laboratory. Fifty blood serum samples were cultured in BACTEC for brucellosis, and if grown, they were transferred to Brucella Agar in an anaerojar containing 10-5% CO2 for 48-72 h. Biochemical validation tests were carried out on the grown samples. Extraction was performed by a reflux (distillation) apparatus in a 1 liter balloon and a 40 cm spiral arm. Microemulsion structure was prepared by emulsifiers from the extract. Afterwards, 1, 8.4, and 2 mg/L dilutions of the aqueous extracts of Hypericum perforatum and Aloe vera were prepared, and the antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated by disc diffusion, pour plate, and extraction methods on pure culture of Brucella isolated from patients. Results: Evaluation of antimicrobial effects on the isolated Brucella strains showed that the mean diameters of the zones of inhibition in the studied strains for the of 8-1 mg/l concentrations of Hypericum perforatum extract were 36.6±2 and 18±3 mm, respectively, and for Aloe vera they were respectively 30.7±3 and 18±1 mm. None of the strains formed an inhibition zone at the 0.5 mg/l concentration. Evaluation of the effect of the extract in the well diffusion method also yielded similar results, but in the pour plate method, the effect of the extractes on the bacteria was not observed. Micoemulsion of the Hypericum perforatum extract did not have any effect because of over dilution. Conclusion: The disk diffusion method under biosafety level 2 laboratory was highly effective, and the extract of Hypericum perforatum had the highest effect on Brucella; therefore, it is recommended for clinical studies.

The tuning of bulk Ag+ ions into organometallic Ag nanostructures using Hypericum perforatum extract is reported for the first time. The green-synthesised nanostructures showed an auspicious antibacterial performance against highly virulent multidrug resistant bacteria.

We report on the synthesis of highly homogenous, oval shaped and ultra-small organometallic Fe2O3-nanostructures (OM-Fe2O3-NS) using H.perforatumleaf extract. Analysis of extracts before and after the synthesis of OM-Fe2O3-NS by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS) has revealed the active participation ofquinic acid, neo-chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, quercetin 3'-malonylglucoside, and hyperforin in the formation of metal organic framework (MOF). OM-Fe2O3-NS were thoroughly investigated for their physico-chemical properties using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), NanoDrop Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy (UV) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Our results show that H.perforatum secondary metabolites have got a great potential in engineering the next-generation ultra-smart materials.

Objectives Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is considered as a deadly medical condition that affects a growing number of people worldwide. Targeted therapy of ESCC has been suggested recently and required extensive research. With cyclin D1 as a therapeutic target, the present study aimed at evaluating the anticancer effects of doxorubicin (Dox) or Hypericum perforatum L. (HP) extract encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles on the ESCC cell line KYSE30. Methods Nanoparticles were prepared using double emulsion method. Cytotoxicity assay was carried out to measure the anti-proliferation activity of Dox-loaded (Dox NPs) and HP-loaded nanoparticles (HP NPs) against both cancer and normal cell lines. The mRNA gene expression of cyclin D1 was evaluated to validate the cytotoxicity studies at molecular level. Results Free drugs and nanoparticles significantly inhibited KYSE30 cells by 55–73% and slightly affected normal cells up to 29%. The IC50 of Dox NPs and HP NPs was ~ 0.04–0.06 mg/mL and ~ 0.6–0.7 mg/mL, respectively. Significant decrease occurred in cyclin D1 expression by Dox NPs and HP NPs (P < 0.05). Exposure of KYSE-30 cells to combined treatments including both Dox and HP extract significantly increased the level of cyclin D1 expression as compared to those with individual treatments (P < 0.05). Conclusion Dox NPs and HP NPs can successfully and specifically target ESCC cells through downregulation of cyclin D1. The simultaneous use of Dox and HP extract should be avoided for the treatment of ESCC.

Microbial accumulation in materials used in sectors such as medical, textile and food can lead to serious diseases, infections and uncontrollable problems. Many of the materials used in the above-mentioned industries have highly sensitive surfaces for microorganisms and cause colonization and biofilm formation. Colonization and biofilm formation threaten human health and they cause many diseases that result in death every year. Antimicrobial materials have an important role in combating pathogens. This article is about a new material with antibiofilm and antimicrobial properties combining polyurethane and Hypericum perforatum extract (PHPE) together. Antimicrobial effect of H. perforatum extract was determined against three clinical pathogens; C. albicans, E. coli and S. aureus. The highest antimicrobial activity of H. perforatum extract was found against S. aureus strain. Antibiofilm analysis results revealed that H. perforatum was also inhibited by the biofilm formation of S. aureus by 56.85%. The combination of polyurethane material and H. perforatum extract (PHPE) resulted in 92.85% decrease in S. aureus biofilm compared to control group. The reduction of S. aureus after H. perforatum incorporation was revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) study. The results show that the polyurethane material combined with H. perforatum extract inhibits the formation of S. aureus biofilm.

Hypericum perforatum (HYP) extract is one of the most commonly used complementary alternative medicines (CAMs) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. Non-invasive brain stimulation protocols can be used to investigate the effect of psychoactive substances on the human brain. In this study, we explored the effect of a single dose of HYP extract (WS 5570) intake on corticospinal excitability and plasticity in humans. Twenty-eight healthy subjects were required to intake 900 mg of either HYP extract or placebo. Cortical excitability was assessed using single and paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The electrophysiological parameters of motor threshold, recruitment of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical silent period (CSP), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were tested before and 2 and 5 h after the oral intake. Spinal and neuromuscular excitability and peripheral nerve excitability were measured by F response and M-wave. Cortical plasticity was induced using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Subjects received either HYP extract or placebo before anodal and cathodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex. Plasticity was assessed by MEP amplitudes. HYP extract reversed cathodal tDCS-induced long-term depression (LTD)-like plasticity into facilitation, as compared to placebo. HYP extract did not have a significant effect on anodal tDCS-induced plasticity and TMS measures of motor cortex and spinal/neuromuscular excitability. Our findings suggest that a single oral dose of HYP extract modulates cortical plasticity in healthy subjects and provide new insight into its possible mechanism of action in humans.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum for prevention of adhesion formation in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four female wistar rats underwent left uterine horn adhesion model. Rats were randomised into 4 groups. Group 1 (Control): Closure of abdominal incision without any agent administration. Group 2: Closure of incision after administration of intraperitoneal (i.p.) Ringer's lactate solution. Group 3: Closure of incision after administration of i.p. olive oil (diluent of H. perforatum). Group 4: Hypericum perforatum extract (Ecodab(®)) was administered i.p. before the closure of incision. Fourteen days later, relaparatomy was performed and surgical adhesion scores, inflammation and fibrosis scores were noted. Groups were compared according to these scores. RESULTS There was statistical significant difference between ringer's lactate group and olive oil group according to surgical adhesion score (p = 0.009). However, groups were not different according to inflammation and fibrosis scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Despite antiinflammatory, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties of H. perforatum, our results revealed no positive effect of H. perforatum on the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesion formation.

Aim: We aimed to assess the efficacy of topical Hypericum perforatum (HP) extract and compare with topical iodine in a rat model of thermal skin injury. Material and Methods Wistar-Albino rats were subjected to two separate heat-induced third degree burn injuries on dorsal skin. Control group was left untreated, and treatment groups received either topical iodine or HP. Seven days later injured areas were macroscopically examined, and ulcerations were calculated. Histological indices of wound healing and expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) were analyzed in each animal. Results: Treatment groups had significantly smaller areas of ulceration. We observed 23.94% reduction in iodine (p=0.008) and 42.89% reduction in HP treated rats (p

Phloroglucinol compounds, both synthetic as well as natural, have shown a vast array of biological activities. There are a wide range of applications of phloroglucinol compounds in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, paints and dyeing industries. Although many of the phloroglucinols have shown promising results in various biological assays, very few have reached clinics.To compile the patented information on various therapeutically active phloroglucinol molecules, so that technologies used in isolation and activity assessment of these compounds could be unearthed and the compiled information be utilized for further development of these molecules.The European Patent Office database (official website: espacenet.com) was searched with a keyword "phloroglucinol". In addition, patents were searched using names of compounds listed in our previous review.This class holds potential for development of molecules in various therapeutic areas. There exist a number of patents on preparations that have phloroglucinol compounds as active ingredient(s). Many such preparations have been tested in vitro and/or in vivo for their efficacy and proven to be active and non-toxic. Commercialization of existing technology on phloroglucinol molecules can yield fruitful results.

This article describes two inexpensive photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) protocols to provide intensive local care on ulcerated feet of diabetic patients with osteomyelitis.Patients with this condition generally have poor quality of life. The usual treatment consists of the administration of a cocktail of drugs including anti-inflammatories, promoters of blood circulation, and systemic antibiotics. However, depending on the conditions of the tissues, amputation may be required. Consequently, it is important to develop PACT protocols that can help avoid amputation.Two PACT protocols were applied to two diabetic patients with osteomyelitis. These protocols were based on several PACT sessions that consisted of: (1) local injection of mixtures of phenothiazines (2% in water) and Hypericum perforatum extract (10% in propylene glycol), and (2) illumination, lasting 10 min, applied to the lesion's interior and exterior using, respectively, an optical fiber and a non-coherent light source. The frequency of PACT was daily or every other day in the beginning, and weekly after tissue recovery begun. The patients were followed clinically and by radiographic testing.Both PACT protocols helped cure these patients who were about to have amputation of their feet. Radiograms showed that bone had healed and that the bone's texture had improved.Here we have described efficient and affordable PACT protocols to treat osteomyelitis in the feet of diabetic patients. This treatment modality should be considered by vascular surgeons and by orthopedists to treat osteomyelitis that is resistant to conventional treatments.

Background and Objective: Hypericum perforatum is a plant which blooms between July and September at farms, borders of roads and woods, top of hills and grasslands, whose anti-inflammatory effects are shown in various studies. Due to this reason, a study is planned to examine the protective effects of Hypericumperforatumon nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin. Materials and Methods: Gentamicin is administered to mice for 9 days to form nephrotoxicity and Hypericum perforatum extract is administered to mice for 9 days to evaluate protective effects. Cyclooxygenase-2, phospholipase A2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymes in their kidneys are analysed by using ELISA method to compare the nephrotoxicity levels. Results: Gentamicin administration increased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, phospholipase A2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymes. Hypericum perforatum extract administration to mice that are administered gentamicin previously decreased the rate of increase of the cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase caused by gentamicin while, it didn't have any effect on phospholipase A2 increase. Conclusion: Gentamicin caused an increase in cyclooxygenase-2, phospholipase A2, inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymes in kidneys. Application of Hypericum perforatum extract decreased the increase of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase enzymes significantly while having no effect on the increase of phospholipase A2. In conclusion, this study shows that the gentamicin administration causes nephrotoxicity and the use of Hypericum perforatum extract can be helpful against this toxic effect. © 2016 H.M. Kaplan et al.

PubMed: 16968419, The effects of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) on ethanol withdrawal syndrome have been investigated in ethanol-dependent rats. Adult male Wistar rats were subjects. Ethanol (7.2% v/v) was given to rats by a liquid diet for 15 days. Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE) (25-200 mg/kg) and saline were injected to rats intraperitoneally just before ethanol withdrawal. After second, fourth and sixth hour of ethanol withdrawal, rats were observed for 5 min, and withdrawal signs that included locomotor hyperactivity, stereotyped behavior and tremors were recorded or rated. A second series of injections was given at 6 h after the first one, and subjects were then tested for audiogenic seizures. HPE (25-200 mg/kg) produced some dose-dependent and significant inhibitory effects on locomotor hyperactivity at second and sixth hour of ethanol withdrawal. In addition, it significantly reduced the number of stereotyped behaviors at the same dose range. HPE (50 and 100 mg/kg) produced some significant inhibitory effects on tremor and audiogenic seizures during withdrawal period. These results suggest that HPE has some beneficial effects on ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de um extrato de hipérico (Hypericum perforatum) na marcação de elementos sanguíneos com tecnécio-99m (99mTc) e na biodisponibilidade do radiofármaco pertecnetato de sódio em ratos Wistar. MÉTODOS: Sangue (heparinizado) de ratos Wistar é incubado com um extrato de hipérico, com cloreto estanoso e a seguir com Tc-99m, como pertecnetato de sódio (99mTcO4Na). Plasma (P) e células (CS) são isolados por centrifugação. Amostras de P e CS também são precipitadas com ácido tricloroacético 5%, e separadas as frações solúveis (FS-P e FS-CS) e insolúveis (FI-P e FI-CS). Para a análise da biodistribuição, 0,3 mL do radiofármaco 99mTcO4Na foi administrada em ratos Wistar que receberam por gavagem extrato ou salina (NaCl 0,9%) por 15 dias. Após 10 minutos os animais foram sacrificados e os órgãos isolados para contagem da atividade radioativa. RESULTADOS: O extrato de hipérico reduziu de forma significativa (P

The formulation of botanical dietary supplements is challenging due to their complex activity–composition relationship, as well as physical and chemical stability issues. As excipient compatibility testing is a major component of sound formulation development, the objectives of this work were: (1) explore excipient compatibility storage paradigms; (2) determine interactions between phytochemicals of interest in Saint John's Wort (SJW) with several excipients; and (3) explore the application of similarity metrics to the data. Modifications to conventional isothermal stress testing paradigms included additional storage conditions of heat and moisture (5, 50 °C, 5 and 0% added water), as well as more rigorous controls. Binary blends of SJW and ten commonly used excipients were prepared and neat SJW was used as control. After 3 weeks, the percentage remaining of each phytochemical was determined by HPLC. Several similarity metrics were applied to the data. Common storage paradigms were suitable for excipient compatibility testing when controls of neat material are stored under similar conditions and the percentage of phytochemicals remaining in excipient:SJW blends and neat SJW are compared. Excipient incompatibilities were determined for SJW phytochemicals of interest. Similarity metrics applied to the phytochemical profiles conveniently summarized the data. This work allows logical decisions to be made regarding the formulation of SJW.

The phylogenetic relationships of five Atractylodes species were examined by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. A total of 298 bands were amplified by 24 RAPD primers, of which 244 bands (81.88%) were polymorphic. The results indicated that: 1) Atractylodes chinensis had a close genetic relationship with Atractylodes lancea, and A. chinensis should be treated as A. lancea var. chinensis; 2) Atractylodes coreana was closely related to A. lancea and A. chinensis; 3) Atractylodes macrocephala was distantly related to other species of Atractylodes. One primer which produced an A. lancea-specific band with a length of 1800 bp was obtained from 80 RAPD primers. Subsequent analysis showed that all of the 38 individuals of A. lancea could produce the sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) bands, while the other four species of Atractylodes could not, indicating that A. lancea can be exactly distinguished from the other four species by the RAPD-SCAR marker. Key words: Atractylodes, A. lancea, endangered herb, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR).

Purpose. The present study evaluated the effect ofHypericum perforatumdry extract in an experimental model of binge eating (BE).Methods. BE for highly palatable food (HPF) was evoked in female rats by three 8-day cycles of food restriction/re-feeding and acute stress on the test day (day 25). Stress was induced by preventing access to HPF for 15 min, while rats were able to see and smell it.Hypericum perforatumdry extract was given by gavage.Results. Only rats exposed to both food restrictions and stress exhibited BE. The doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg ofHypericum perforatumextract significantly reduced the BE episode, while 125 mg/kg was ineffective. The same doses did not affect HPF intake in the absence of BE. The dose of 250 mg/kg did not significantly modify stress-induced increase in serum corticosterone levels, suggesting that the effect on BE is not due to suppression of the stress response The combined administration of 125 mg/kg ofHypericum perforatumtogether with Salidroside, active principle ofRhodiola rosea, produced a synergic effect on BE.Conclusions. The present results indicate for the first time thatHypericum perforatumextracts may have therapeutic properties in bingeing-related eating disorders.

Summary The clinical use of topical photodynamic therapy in herpes simplex lesions in Sao Paulo is presented and discussed. Although previous attempts utilising this type of approach in the USA were discontinued in the early 1970s due to several presentations of post-treatment Bowen's disease, none of the cases from the clinic presented here have displayed any complications on follow-up. In addition, lesion recrudescence periods are generally much longer than with conventional approaches. This is thought to be due to improvements in the treatment protocol, viz . use of the non-toxic photosensitisers methylene blue and Hypericum perforatum extract in place of proflavine and neutral red in the original trials, differences in photosensitisation pathway and illumination of the treatment site with red rather than fluorescent/UV light. Post-treatment cosmesis is also excellent.

Aim We aimed to assess the efficacy of topical Hypericum perforatum (HP) extract and compare with topical iodine in a rat model of thermal skin injury. Material and Methods Wistar-Albino rats were subjected to two separate heat-induced third degree burn injuries on dorsal skin. Control group was left untreated, and treatment groups received either topical iodine or HP. Seven days later injured areas were macroscopically examined, and ulcerations were calculated. Histological indices of wound healing and expression of Transforming Growth Factor-? (TGF-?) were analyzed in each animal. Results Treatment groups had significantly smaller areas of ulceration. We observed 23.94% reduction in iodine (p=0.008) and 42.89% reduction in HP treated rats (p