Weici Tang

Datura metel L.

Yangjinhua, Flos Daturae, is the dry flowers of Datura metel L. (Solanaceae) collected from April to November when the plants are blooming. It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is used as an antiasthmatic, spasmolytic, and anesthetic in surgical treatment. It should not be used for patients with glaucoma or hypertension.

Synthesis and antineoplastic activity of CNC-cysteamine and related compounds

SummaryN′-[N-2-Chloroethyl)-N-nitroso]carbamoyl cysteamine (CNC-cysteamine) and several related compounds have been synthesized and tested against L 1210 leukemia in mice. Reaction of N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosocarbamoyl azide (CNC-azide) with cysteamine yielded CNC-cysteamine and bis(CNC)cystamine. Reaction of CNC-azide with cystamine in the presence of triethylamine gave bis(CNC)cystamine. Unexpectedly, formation of CNC-cystamine carboxylazide as a minor reaction product was also observed. N-(2-Chloroethyl)carbamoyl cysteamine 2-chloroethylcarbamate was formed when 2-chloroethyl isocyanate was reacted with cysteamine. Nitrosation of this cysteamine N,S-dicarbamoyl derivative led to formation of a mixture of two dinitroso isomers.Preliminary testing of the newly synthesized CNC-derivatives against L 1210 leukemia in mice revealed that CNC-cysteamine, its disulfide bis(CNC)cystamine and CNC-cystamine carboxylazide were highly active against L 1210 leukemia.

Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. and A. capillaris Thunb.

Yinchen, Herba Artemisiae scopariae is the dry young sprout of Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. or A. capillaris Thunb. (Asteraceae) collected in spring when the sprouts have reached a height of 6–10 cm. It is listed officially in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and used mainly as a choleretic, antiinflammatory, and diuretic agent in the treatment of epidemic hepatitis.

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reich, f.

Baiji, Rhizoma Bletillae, is the dry tuber of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reich. f. (Or-chidaceae) dug in summer and fall and dried after cooking or steaming. It is listed officially in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and can be used in treatment of hemorrhagic and especially gastric and pulmonary diseases.

Metabolism of, and DNA methylation by, N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine in chicken.

SummaryThe metabolism of 14C-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA) was studied in chicken. Following a single IV dose of 2 mg/kg, 14C-NMBA was cleared from the blood with a half-life of 3.8 min. At 10 min after administration 14C-NMBA was totally metabolized in the liver, whereas in the esophagus no measurable metabolic degradation had taken place.Maximum exhalation of radioactive CO2 occurred 1 h after IV administration of NMBA, and 11% of the total radioactivity had been exhaled as CO2 by 8 h. These results are compared with data on the metabolism of NMBA in the rat.The analysis of methylated bases in the DNA of different organs of chicken revealed that 7-me guanine was formed in all organs. The highest amount of 06-me guanine was found in liver DNA, followed by kidney DNA. O6-me guanine was not detectable in any other organ. The O6-/7-me guanine ratio in DNA was calculated to be 0.05 and 0.02 for liver and 0.01 for kidneys.