Masao Maruno

BIOAVAILABILITY STUDY OF GLYCYRRHETIC ACID AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF GLYCYRRHIZIN IN RATS; RELEVANCE TO THE INTESTINAL BACTERIAL HYDROLYSIS

To clarify the metabolic fate of glycyrrhizin when orally ingested, we investigated the bioavailability of glycyrrhetic acid, the aglycone of glycyrrhizin, after intravenous or oral administration of glycyrrhetic acid (5.7 mg kg−1, equimolar to glycyrrhizin) or glycyrrhizin (10 mg kg−1) at a therapeutic dose in rat.

Quantitative analysis of aristolochic acids, toxic compounds, contained in some medicinal plants

The amounts of aristolochic acid I and II in four groups of medicinal plants from the Aristolochiaceae and some related plants were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography, for Aristolochia was reported to produce interstitial nephritis caused by aristolochic acids during chronic use for the treatment of rheumatism, diuretic and analgesic. They were detected in all the plants that originated from the genus Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) and in some of the plants from the genus Asarum (Aristolochiaceae). The present results suggest that these medicinal plants should be prohibited to use for remedy due to the harmful effects attributed to aristolochic acids.

Absorption and excretion of paeoniflorin in rats.

The absorption and excretion of paeoniflorin after intravenous and oral administration was studied in rats to evaluate the significance of paeoniflorin in the pharmacological action of Paeony root.

Phenolic glucosides from the root of Pueraria lobata

Abstract Six phenolic glucosides were isolated from the methanolic extract of the root of Pueraria lobata . Three of them were new compounds and their structures were proved to be kuzubutenolide A, 3′-hydroxy-4′-O-β- d - glucosylpuerarin and 3′-methoxydaidzin.

Three acyclic bis-phenylpropane lignanamides from fruits of Cannabis sativa

Three new acyclic bis-phenylpropane lignanamides, named cannabisin E, F and G were isolated from the fruits of Cannabis sativa. Their structures have been elucidated based on spectral and chemical evidence.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SCUTELLARIA PLANIPES AND SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS

Scutellaria planipes, a species of Scutellaria, was explored by comparing to Scutellaria baicalensis, a pharmacopoeia species. Four principle flavonoids in both the plant roots were analyzed by using a reversed-phase chromatographic system with a chemically bonded ODS silica gel column and phosphate buffer:methanol (68:32 and 1:1) as mobile phase. Their contents were similar in both plant roots. Antiallergic and antibacterial activities in vitro and acute toxicity were compared. The results provided valuable data for S. planipes as a potential medicinal resource.

D:A-friedo-24-noroleanane triterpenoids from Tripterigium wilfordii

Abstract The acetone extract of dried root bark of Tripterigium wilfordii afforded D:A-friedo-24-noroleanane triterpenoids including two new compounds named wilforols A and B. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic studies.

Triterpenes from Tripterigium wilfordii

Abstract The acetone extract of dried root bark of Tripterigium wilfordii afforded two novel oleanane and D:B-friedooleanane triterpenes: wilforol C and D. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic studies.

Total syntheses of the metabolites of schizandrin

Abstract The total syntheses of the metabolites of schizandrin were achieved. The tetracyclic lactone intermediates (13a–e) were prepared in optically pure form by the oxidative coupling reaction of the corresponding 3-benzyl-1-benzylidenebutyrolactones. Mukaiyama hydration of 13b afforded hydroxylactone ( 14 ), which was converted into SZ-M3 (4). The introduction of C6,7-diol moiety, which is common to the metabolites ( 4–11 ), was carried out by the successive double bond migration to 15a–e , lactone ring reduction to the allylic diols ( 32a–e ), and glycol formation. Then, reduction of the mesylates 33 completed the syntheses of the metabolites.

Determination of schizandrin in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Schizandrin (SZ) is one of the lignan components from Schisandra fruits. A highly sensitive and precise method for the determination of SZ in human plasma was developed involving selected-ion monitoring with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using a fused-silica capillary column. A 0.1-ml plasma sample was used for solid-phase extraction. A good linear relationship was obtained in the concentration range studied (2.0-500 ng/ml) and the method was sufficiently accurate and precise to support clinical pharmacokinetic studies. After oral administration of SZ at a dose of 15 mg to healthy male subjects, the average value of the maximum plasma concentration of SZ was 96.1 +/- 14.1 ng/ml. The plasma concentration of this substance could be monitored for 8 h after administration.