Extraction and purification conditions of lignans from the fruits and seeds of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) were investigated through an orthogonal design of L(9)(3(4)) assay and macroporous resin technology. The extraction was optimized using 95% ethanol. For purification, the extract was dissolved in 30% ethanol, then adsorbed on a AB-8 macroporous resin and eluted with 30% ethanol and 70% ethanol successively, the latter resulting in a residue containing 65.2% of lignans. By HPLC analysis schisandrin, deoxyschisandrin and gamma-schisandrin were quantitatively determined. UMR 106 cells were used to examine the stimulatory activity of the lignans on osteoblasts in vitro. The lignans stimulated the proliferation of and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the osteoblasts indicating their potential activity against osteoporosis.

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The mixtures of Derris scandens (DZSS) formula is a Thai traditional medicine, which consists of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (Fam.Leguminosae-Papilioideae) (D), Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Fam.Zingiberaceae) (Z), Suregada multiflora Baill. (Fam.Euphorbiaceae) (S) and Siphonodon celastrineus (Fam.Celastraceae) (S). According to the Thai National List of Essential Herbal Medicine (2013), there are two traditional formulas of DZSS formula, DZSS1 and DZSS2, which contains a different amount of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. rhizome. The ratios of 4 herbs (D:Z:S:S) in the DZSS1 and DZSS2 formulas are 1:1:1:1 and 1:2:1:1, respectively. 1,2 The DZSS formula has been traditionally used for relieving muscle pain. The formula is given orally at the dosage of 900-1,500 mg three times a day immediately after a meal. This medicinal herb formula is contraindicated in pregnant women and should be carefully used in patients with peptic ulcer since D. scandens showed a similar mechanism of anti-inflammation as that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with an inhibition against prostaglandin production. 1,2 Gastrointestinal side effects are thus the major disadvantage of the oral DZSS formula. It is therefore interesting to develop the DZSS formula in a topical dosage form. Previously literature reviewed on the subject of single ingredients of the DZSS formula indicated the presence of coumarins, isoflavones, flavones, isoflavone glycosides and phenyl coumarins as chemical constituents from D. scandens. 3-5 D. scandens, has been used in Ayurvedic, Thai and Chinese herbal medicine to treat a variety of painrelated conditions, including muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis and headaches. Dalpanitin and vicenin-3, two of the flavonoids isolated from D. scandens gave MICs of 23 μg mL-1 against S. aureus. Dalpanitin also exhibited relevant MICs on Gramnegative bacteria (94 μg mL-1 against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). 6 For the Thai traditional medicine, volatile oil from Z. cassumunar has been used directly apply and penetrate on the skin for remedied for muscle stress and joint pain. 7 Four phenylbutanoids including (E)-4(3´,4´dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol (compound D), (E)-(3´,4´-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-yl acetate (D-acetate), (E)-1(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) and (E)-3(3´,4´-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3´,4´-dimethoxystyr yl]cyclohex1-en (DMPDMS) that isolated from Z. cassumunar extract. 8,9 The stem of S. multiflora and S. celastrineus have been used for treatment of skin disease. The bark of S. multiflora found chemical constituents such as two ent-kaurene diterpenes, ent-16-kaurene-3β,15β,18-triol and ent-3-oxo-16-kaurene-15β,18-ABSTRACT Background: The mixtures of Derris scandens (DZSS) formula is a Thai traditional medicine, which consists of 4 medicinal plants, including Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (D) Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Z), Suregada multiflora Baill. (S) and Siphonodon celastrineus (S). The DZSS formula has been used in an oral dosage form for the treatment of muscle pain. However...

Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle is a seagrass, in a monotypic genus of marine flowering plants belonging to the family of Hydrocharitaceae. E. acoroides is wide spread in the Indian to Pacific Oceans. 1 There are approximately 50 species of seagrasses in 12 genera around the world and E. acoroides is common in the major seagrass areas of Southeast Asia. 2 In Thailand, it is one of twelve seagrass species are found in 19 provinces. 3 It occurs in brackish water canals down to the lower intertidal and subtidal zones on mud, muddy sand and sandy coral substrates. In the gulf of Thailand, it grows on coarse substrate ranging from medium and coarse sand to coral rubble at a depth of 0.5-1.0 m. 4 Many studies have shown the benefits of E. acoroides. It has long been recognized as critical coastal nursery habitat for estuarine fisheries and wildlife. It functions as direct food sources for fish, waterfowl, dugongs, manatees and sea turtles. It also participants in nutrient cycling processes and acts as a stabilizing agent in coastal sedimentation and erosion processes. 5-7 The seeds of E. acoroides have been traditionally eaten in the Philippines. The raw seeds are described as crunchy and sweet while boiled seeds contained more starch and taste like cooked sweet potato. 8 In folk medicine, it has been used for a variety of remedial purposes, e.g. for the treatment of fever and skin diseases, muscle pains, wounds, stomach problems, a remedy against stings of different kinds of rays and tranquillizers for babies.