Effects of mixed herbal extracts from parched Puerariae radix, gingered Magnoliae cortex, Glycyrrhizae radix and Euphorbiae radix (KIOM-79) on cardiac ion channels and action potentials.

J Korean Med Sci. 2009 Jun; 24(3): 403-12Park SJ, Choi KS, Shin DH, Kim JS, Jang DS, Youm JB, Choe H, Earm YE, Kim SJKIOM-79, a mixture of ethanol extracts from four herbs (parched Puerariae radix, gingered Magnoliae cortex, Glycyrrhizae radix and Euphorbiae radix), has been developed for the potential therapeutic application to diabetic symptoms. Because screening of unexpected cardiac arrhythmia is compulsory for the new drug development, we investigated the effects of KIOM-79 on the action potential (AP) and various ion channel currents in cardiac myocytes. KIOM-79 decreased the upstroke velocity (V(max)) and plateau potential while slightly increased the duration of action potential (APD). Consistent with the decreased V(max) and plateau potential, the peak amplitude of Na+ current (I(Na)) and Ca2+ current (I(Ca,L)) were decreased by KIOM-79. KIOM-79 showed dual effects on hERG K+ current; increase of depolarization phase current (I(depol)) and decreased tail current at repolarization phase (I(tail)). The increase of APD was suspected due to the decreased I(tail). In computer simulation, the change of cardiac action potential could be well simulated based on the effects of KIOM-79 on various membrane currents. As a whole, the influence of KIOM-79 on cardiac ion channels are minor at concentrations effective for the diabetic models (0.1-10 microg/mL). The results suggest safety in terms of the risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Also, our study demonstrates the usefulness of the cardiac computer simulation in screening drug-induced long-QT syndrome.

[Survey of investigations on Daodi Chinese medicinal materials in China since 1980s]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Mar; 34(5): 519-23Xiao X, Chen S, Huang L, Xiao PIn the recent 20 years, three major investigational achievements about Daodi CMM (Chinese medicinal materials) have been made as follows: (1) The herbal textual about Daodi CMM have been collected and revised systematically, and the causes and pattern of Daodi CMM formation and development were illustrated. (2) A series of appraising methods and marks for Daodi CMM have been set up initially, the scientific connotation of Daodi CMM has been clarified primarily, which promotes the development of pharmacognosy discipline consequently. (3) Based on the Daodi CMM research program, the GAP of CMM with good quality, high yield and best benefit has been carried out elementarily, which is helpful to solve some economic problems and troubles which the peasant, countryside and agriculture always worry about. However, there are still some puzzles and misunderstandings about Daodi CMM to be treated with seriously. The main research aspects of Daodi CMM in the future could be focused on: (1) Identification and authentication of the species and producing area of Daodi CMM. (2) Establishment and implement of the commercial specification criterion of Daodi CMM. (3) Standardization of the planting and processing technologies for Daodi CMM.

Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in children.

Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2009 Feb; 22(1): 72-6Williams G, Craig JCPURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is common (5-10%) and recurs in 10-30%. UTI causes an unpleasant, usually febrile illness in children. This review focuses on studies evaluating interventions to prevent UTI in children and published between January 2007 and June 2008. RECENT FINDINGS: Three relevant updated Cochrane reviews, six randomized trials and an evidence-based guideline were published in the study period. Five of the six trials and one of the three Cochrane updates included data on the effects of relevant interventions in children. Three of the six trials investigated the efficacy of long-term, low-dose antibiotics as prophylaxis, and the other trials and both Cochrane updates evaluated complementary therapies such as vitamin A, probiotics and herbal supplements. SUMMARY: The benefit of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of recurrent UTI in children remains unclear because of underpowered and suboptimally designed trials, but these studies suggest that any benefit is likely to be small, and clinical significance may be limited. The trials of complementary interventions (vitamin A, probiotics, cranberry, nasturtium and horseradish) generally gave favourable results but were not conclusive. Children and families who use these products should be aware that further infections are possible despite their use.

Modulation of the activity of ABC transporters (P-glycoprotein, MRP2, BCRP) by flavonoids and drug response.

J Pharm Sci. 2009 Jun 18; Alvarez AI, Real R, Pérez M, Mendoza G, Prieto JG, Merino GThe present article aims to review the up-to-date information on the most recent studies of the interaction of flavonoids with ABC transporters, in particular the drug pharmacokinetic consequences of such a relationship. In addition, the modulation of the expression of the ABC transporters by flavonoids is also illustrated. Flavonoids are a large group of plant polyphenols present extensively in our daily diets and herbal products. High intake of isoflavones has been associated with a variety of beneficial effects on several common diseases. These polyphenols interact with ABC drug transporters involved in drug resistance and drug absorption, distribution and excretion. A number of studies have demonstrated inhibition of drug transporters by flavonoids. This flavonoid-ABC-transporter interaction could be beneficial for poorly absorbed drugs but could also result in severe drug intoxication, especially drugs with a narrow therapeutic window. On the other hand, flavonoids are themselves substrates of ABC transporters. These proteins can affect the oral availability and tissue distribution of these compounds, modifying their beneficial effects. The challenge is to find a suitable way to predict harmful drug-flavonoid interactions mediated by these transporters. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci.