ABSTRACT Anaphylaxis is a condition presenting with significant morbidity in sensitized individuals. IgE cross linking, degranulation of mast cells and release of preformed mediators are the pathophysiologic sequences responsible behind the anaphylactic turmoil. Adrenaline rescue is the only available therapy which can salvage an individual from an anaphylactic attack. Other concurrent therapie...

Our previous studies demonstrated that volatile oil from saussurea lappa root (VOSL), rich in two natural sesquiterpene lactones, costunolide (Cos) and dehydrocostuslactone (Dehy), exerts better anti-breast cancer efficacy and lower side effects than Cos or Dehy alone in vivo, however, their anti-cancer molecular mechanisms were still unknown. In this study, we investigated the underlying mecha...

It has been indicated that tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6) will upregulate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and promote tumor angiogenesis. TRAF6 proteins can be treated as drug target proteins for a differentiation therapy against cancers. As structural disordered disposition in the protein may induce the side-effect and reduce the occupancy for...

Twenty-three pharmaceutically important plants, namely, Elaeocarpus spharicus, Rheum emodi, Indigofera tinctoria, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Bergenia ciliata, Lavandula officinalis, Valeriana wallichii, Coleus forskohlii, Gentiana kurroo, Saussurea lappa, Stevia rebaudiana, Acorus calamus, Pyrethrum cinerariaefolium, Aloe vera, Bacopa monnieri, Salvia sclarea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Swertia cordata, Psor...

To understand the meaning of blending crude drugs in Chinese medicinal prescriptions, the influence of Saussurea root on the pharmacological action of Corydalis tuber was examined. Saussurea root increased the depression of acetylcholine-induced contraction caused by the hot water extract solution of Corydalis tuber in mouse ileum at low dosage, which showed no direct influence on acetylcholine...

BACKGROUND Severe destructive hepatic injuries can be induced by acetaminophen overdose and may lead to acute hepatic failure. OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects of Arctium lappa root extract on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal control group, Arctium lappa extract group, acetaminophen-injected group, and acetaminophen treat...