Sacchachitin, a novel chitin-polysaccharide conjugate macromolecule present in Ganoderma lucidum: purification, composition, and properties.

Context: The extraction method and the crude wound healing effects of sacchachitin from Ganoderma tsugae Murr. (Ganodermataceae) has been cited. However, its purity is still largely limited.

Valproic acid downregulates RBP4 and elicits hypervitaminosis A-teratogenesis--a kinetic analysis on retinol/retinoic acid homeostatic system.

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic and anti-migraine prophylactic drug. VPA exhibits two severe side effects, namely acute liver toxicity and teratogenicity. These side effects are usually seen at the genetic and somatic levels.

Hypolipidemic effects of different angiocarp parts of Alpinia zerumbet.

Context: In utilization of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt and Smith (Zingiberaceae) (AZ), usually the angiocarps are discarded without further use.

Objective: We speculate whether the angiocarps could show hypolipidemic effect.

Mulberry water extracts possess an anti-obesity effect and ability to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis and promote lipolysis.

Obesity plays a critical role in dyslipidemia and related disorders. Mulberry water extracts (MWEs) contain polyphenols, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and anthocyanins. In this study, using 6-week-old male hamsters, we investigated the anti-obese effect of MWEs.

Modeling of the in vivo kinetics of antioxidants delineates suitable parameters for selecting potential antioxidant adjuvants for cancer therapy.

To find in vivo behaviors of an antioxidant when used as an adjuvant cancer therapy, a more detailed integrated pharmacokinetic scheme is needed. Major reaction parameters associated with the sequential routes from ingestion to decay of an antioxidant were used in mathematical analysis, which included absorption rate coefficient k(a), quenching rate coefficient of the antioxidant k(q1) and tissue quenching rate coefficient k(r). The model was then treated with computer simulation using cited decay rate coefficients and some assumed parameters.

The polyphenolics in the aqueous extract of Psidium guajava kinetically reveal an inhibition model on LDL glycation.

Guava [Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae)] budding leaf extract (PE) has shown tremendous bioactivities. Previously, we found seven major compounds in PE, i.