€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Sotomayor EM  Liepins A  Lopez DM  
Reversal of the overproduction of TNF-alpha by macrophages from tumor bearing
mice by treatment with Ukrain (Meeting abstract).

18th International Congress of Chemotherapy. June 27-July 2, 1993, 
 Stockholm, Sweden, 1993. (1993):376 

In previous studies we have found that Ukrain, a semisynthetic drug composed of
alkaloids from the plant Chelidonium majus L conjugated to thiophosphoric acid,
exerts a therapeutic effect against the murine mammary adenocarcinoma,
D1-DMBA-3. Progression of this tumor usually leads to a downregulation of
various parameters of the immune system, including a depression of the
tumoricidal potential of LPS- activated peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM)
from tumor bearing mice. In vitro studies revealed that pretreatment of these
PEM with 2.5 uM Ukrain reverses their defective cytolytic responses against
tumor target cells. TNF-alpha is a molecule with pleiotropic properties, some of
which are deleterious to the host such as induction of cachexia. PEM from
mammary tumor bearers produce enhanced levels of TNF-alpha in comparison to
those observed in normal mice. We evaluated the effect of in vitro treatment
with Ukrain on the capacity of PEM from normal and tumor bearing mice to produce
this factor upon stimulation with LPS. We found that exposure to the drug leads
to a decreased production of TNF-alpha by PEM. Since mice bearing D1-DMBA-3
tumors die after developing cachexia, we hypothesize that the therapeutic effect
of Ukrain is, at least in part, due to its capacity to decrease the observed
overproduction of TNF-alpha.

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*****ACTA MEDICA OKAYAMA*****
Xian MS  Hayashi K  Lu JP  Awai M  
Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbs on squamous cell carcinoma of the
esophagus: histopathologic analysis of 240 cases.
In: Acta Med Okayama (1989 Dec) 43(6):345-51
ISSN: 0386-300X

Three types of traditional Chinese herb medicine were used to treat 98 patients
with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma prior to surgical treatment.
Forty-two patients with the same diagnosis were treated with these herbs plus
cyclophosphamide (endoxan). One hundred similar patients received surgical
treatment without herbs or endoxan treatment as controls. Histologic
examinations of surgical specimens were made on all of these patients. Stromal
lymphoid-cell infiltration and cancer tissue degeneration were more prominent in
Menispernum dehuricum DC- or Chelidonium majus L-treated patients, and were less
clear in patients treated with herbs plus endoxan and the controls. The
antitumor action of herbs is thought to be brought about by the activation of an
immunological rejection mechanism. Herbs plus endoxan may result in the masking
of the immunological response of hosts without obviously damaging cancer
tissues.

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*****CANCER LETTERS*****
Kim DJ  Ahn B  Han BS  Tsuda H  
Potential preventive effects of Chelidonium majis L. (Papaveraceae) herb extract
on glandular stomach tumor development in rats treated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N
nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and hypertonic sodium chloride.
In: Cancer Lett (1997 Jan 30) 112(2):203-8
ISSN: 0304-3835

The modifying effects of Chelidonium majis L. (Papaveraceae) herb extract (CH),
an analgesic traditionally prescribed for gastric and duodenal ulcer patients,
on gastric tumor development were studied in rats given
N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Sixty-four male 6-week-old Wistar
rats were used. Group 1 rats were initially given MNNG (200 mg/kg b.w.) by
gavage at days 0 and 14 as well as saturated sodium chloride solution (S-NaCl, 1
ml per rat) every 3 days during weeks 0-3 (six times), and then placed on basal
diet containing 0.1 or 0.2% CH for 16 weeks from week 4. Rats of Group 2 and 3
were treated with MNNG together with S-NaCl or saline (0.9% NaCl, 1 ml per rat),
respectively, timed as in Group 1 but without further treatment. All surviving
animals were killed at week 20 and histopathologically investigated. In the
glandular stomach, the number of preneoplastic pepsinogen 1 altered pyloric
glands (PAPGs) in the MNNG + S-NaCl-->CH (0.1%) group (Group 1) was
significantly smaller than in the MNNG + S-NaCl group (Group 2) (P < 0.02). The
incidences of forestomach neoplastic lesions (papillomas and squamous cell
carcinomas) also showed a tendency to decrease with the CH treatment. The
results thus indicate that CH exerts inhibitory effects on glandular stomach
carcinogenesis in the rat, so that it may have potential as a chemopreventive
agent for stomach cancer in man.

Registry Numbers:
70-25-7 (Methylnitronitrosoguanidine)
9001-10-9 (Pepsinogen)

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*****CESKA A SLOVENSKA FARMACIE*****
Taborska E  Bochorakova H  Dostal J  Paulova H  
[The greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.)--review of present knowledge]
Vlastovicnik vetsi (Chelidonium majus L.)--prehled soucasneho stavu poznatk~u.
In: Ceska Slov Farm (1995 Apr) 44(2):71-5
ISSN: 1210-7816  (Published in Czech)

The greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) is a species of the Papaveraceae
family. The principal secondary metabolites of the plant are isoquinoline
alkaloids; more than 30 were found here. The richest organ is the root, the
total content of alkaloids in it reaching 2- 3%. The dominant alkaloids of the
root are chelidonine and coptisine. The aerial parts contain about 0.5-1.5%
alkaloids. The principal base for the whole period of vegetation is coptisine,
the representation of other alkaloids substantially changing during the
development of the plant. Of nonalkaloidal secondary metabolites, esters of
caffeic acid have recently been demonstrated in the plant drug. In the past, the
drug was used to treat tumours. At present, the extract of alkaloids from the
plant is the base of the preparation Ukrain showing immunomodulating activity
and being employed in the therapy of different types of carcinomata. Chelidonium
majus is also a component of some preparations employed in the diseases of the
biliary tract and liver. Biological effect of the principal constituents of the
drug are different and often quite antagonistic. As their representation varies
in the course of vegetation, the efficacy of the summary preparations changes in
dependence on the prevailing substance in the preparation.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

*****CHUNG-HUA YU FANG I HSUEH TSA CHIH [CHINESE JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE*****
Shi GZ  
[Blockage of glyrrhiza uralensis and chelidonium majus in MNNG induced cancer
and mutagenesis]
In: Chung Hua Yu Fang I Hsueh Tsa Chih (1992 May) 26(3):165-7
ISSN: 0253-9624  (Published in Chinese)

Glyrrhiza Uralensis (GU) and Chelidonium Majus (CM) are two kinds of Chinese
herbal medicine. GU and CM not only exert much stronger effects in blocking
mutagenesis due to strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA 97, TA 98, TA 100, TA
102), but also have different degrees of obstructing mutagenesis induced by
Furapromidum (F30066), Zhengdingmycin Hydrochloride (DM), N-methyl-N1-nitro-N-
nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and Methyl-methanesulfonate (MMS). The blockage effect
of GU and CM obviously depends on the doses used. GU and CM could also impede
the occurrence of stomach cancer induced by MNNG, and the impeding rate is about
sixty percent.

Registry Numbers:
1162-65-8 (Aflatoxin B1)
70-25-7 (Methylnitronitrosoguanidine)

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*****DIABETOLOGIA*****
Swanston-Flatt SK  Day C  Bailey CJ  Flatt PR  
Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin
diabetic mice.
In: Diabetologia (1990 Aug) 33(8):462-4
ISSN: 0012-186X

The effects on glucose homeostasis of eleven plants used as traditional
treatments for diabetes mellitus were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin
diabetic mice. Dried leaves of agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), alfalfa (Medicago
sativa), blackberry (Rubus fructicosus), celandine (Chelidonium majus),
eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), and lily
of the valley (Convallaria majalis); seeds of coriander (Coriandrum sativum);
dried berries of juniper (Juniperus communis); bulbs of garlic (Allium sativum)
and roots of liquorice (Glycyrhizza glabra) were studied. Each plant material
was supplied in the diet (6.25% by weight) and some plants were additionally
supplied as decoctions or infusions (1 g/400 ml) in place of drinking water to
coincide with the traditional method of preparation. Food and fluid intake, body
weight gain, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in normal mice were not
altered by 12 days of treatment with any of the plants. After administration of
streptozotocin (200 mg/kg i.p.) on day 12 the development of hyperphagia,
polydipsia, body weight loss, hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinaemia were not
affected by blackberry, celandine, lady's mantle or lily of the valley. Garlic
and liquorice reduced the hyperphagia and polydipsia but did not significantly
alter the hyperglycaemia or hypoinsulinaemia. Treatment with agrimony, alfalfa,
coriander, eucalyptus and juniper reduced the level of hyperglycaemia during the
development of streptozotocin diabetes. This was associated with reduced
polydipsia (except coriander) and a reduced rate of body weight loss (except
agrimony). Alfalfa initially countered the hypoinsulinaemic effect of
streptozotocin, but the other treatments did not affect the fall in plasma
insulin. The results suggest that certain traditional plant treatments for
diabetes, namely agrimony, alfalfa, coriander, eucalyptus and juniper, can
retard the development of streptozotocin diabetes in mice.

Registry Numbers:
11061-68-0 (Insulin)

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*****DRUGS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH*****
Voltchek IV  Liepins A  Nowicky JW  Brzosko WJ  
Potential therapeutic efficacy of Ukrain (NSC 631570) in AIDS patients with
Kaposi's sarcoma.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):283-6
ISSN: 0378-6501

In this study two case reports are presented of therapy with Ukrain, a
semi-synthetic thiophosphoric acid compound of alkaloids isolated from
Chelidonium majus L, for the treatment of AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma.
Ukrain was injected i.v. in the dose of 5 mg every other day for a total of 10
injections. During treatment the Kaposi's sarcoma lesions diminished in size,
showed decolouration and no lesion appeared in the 30-day interval after the
beginning of treatment. Both patients tolerated Ukrain well and showed an
improved immunohaematological status: an increase in total leukocytes, T-
lymphocytes and T-suppressor numbers. In one case T-helper lymphocytes were also
increased. Future investigations are necessary for the evaluation of Ukrain
efficacy in the treatment of this type of patients.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Steinacker J  Kroiss T  Korsh OB  Melnyk A  
Ukrain therapy in a frontal anaplastic grade III astrocytoma (case report).
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):275-7
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain, a semisynthetic thiophosphoric acid compound of alkaloid chelidonine
from Chelidonium majus L. (1) causes regression of various tumours. Among other
effects, its action seems to depend on the stimulation of the immune system
which very often is deficient in cancer patients. Its use in a patient with
subtotal extirpation of a frontal anaplastic grade III astrocytoma seems to have
reduced growth speed significantly.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Ciebiada I  Korczak E  Nowicky JW  Denys A  
Estimation of direct influence of Ukrain preparation on influenza viruses and
the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):219-23
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain is a semisynthetic drug with immunomodulatory properties derived from
Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids and thiophosphoric acid. It acts selectively in a
lytic way on cancer cells. Its protective properties have been shown in mice
infected by influenza viruses. In this paper, the studies made on the estimation
of the direct activity of Ukrain preparation on viruses and bacteria E. coli and
S. aureus are described. Viruses of different haemagglutination titres were
incubated with different concentrations of the preparation during period of 1, 2
and 24 h. Afterwards the samples were collected and used for the infection of
the allantoic cavity obtained from 10-day- old hen embryos. A second method was
based on the introduction of the Ukrain preparation into the allantoic cavity of
embryos before infection with influenza viruses and after the infection of
embryos. In both the described methods, the embryos were incubated within 48
hours. Then the presence of influenza viruses in allantoic fluid was estimated
using a haemagglutination reaction with 30% hen blood cells. The influence of
the preparation on hen embryo was also studied. In order to estimate the
antibacterial activity the following procedure was used. To the preparation
diluted with the growth medium from 500 micrograms/ml to 1 microgram/ml a
definite amount of the bacteria S. aureus or E. coli was added, and after 24 and
48 h of incubation at 37 degrees C the results were read off. In the second
method, the bacteria were added to 1, 10, 100 and 500 micrograms of the
preparation in 1.0 ml of 0.85% NaCl, and after 1, 2 and 24 of incubation at room
temperature the samples were collected and inoculated on solid Mueller-Hinton
medium. The presence of bacterial growth or medium turbidity after 24 and 48 h
of incubation was taken as a positive result. Our studies have revealed that the
above mentioned preparation does not exert any negative influence on hen embryos
that could make it difficult to estimate replication of influenza viruses. This
preparation did not show any direct influence on the inactivation of influenza
viruses and the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Lozjuk RM  Lisnyak OI  Lozjuk LV  
Theoretical grounds and experimental confirmation of the antiviral effect of the
preparation Ukrain.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):213-7
ISSN: 0378-6501

The preparation Ukrain was studied in order to confirm its theoretically
substantiated properties in comparison with amitozin as its structural and
functional analogue, and two other functional analogues, namely methisazone
(against herpesvirus and poxvirus) and remantadine (against grippevirus). The
experiments were carried out on albino Swiss mice of either sex weighing
initially 18-20 g. They were kept at room temperature (20-21 degrees C) on a
natural day- night cycle, were housed in groups of ten per cage and had free
access to food and water. The Ukrain preparation's activity as concerns grippe
virus of A type (England) 42/72 (H3N2) was determined in ovo and in vivo, the
treatment beginning 2 h after infection. The control animals, infected by
appropriate virus dose, were injected with placebo. For the activities of the
remedies investigated, our estimate was based on the median duration of life in
the mice of the subexperimental and control groups (duration of experiments 14
days), the degree of intensity of pulmonary tissue changes, and the difference
in median HR titres. The totality of Chelidonium majus alkaloids,
thiophosphamide (the alkalizing agent), the sum of alkaloids modified by
thiotepa, and some other alkaloids as their alkalized derivatives, all showed a
statistically reliable inhibiting effect. The most significant biological
activity was demonstrated by Ukrain as concerns the models of viral processes,
and by the sum of alkaloids and amitozin as concerns the models of associated
infections. This coincides with the results of biological assessment of modified
products (1, 3, 5) with metabolites, alkaloids in particular, or alkaline
substances.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Ciebiada I  Korczak E  Nowicky JW  Denys A  
Does the Ukrain preparation protect mice against lethal doses of bacteria?
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):207-11
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain, a semi-synthetic preparation obtained from Chelidonium majus L, is used
in the treatment of cancer diseases. It has been observed to exert a protective
influence in mice infected by influenza viruses. Recently, the influence of the
preparation on the survival of mice infected by lethal doses of E. coli and S.
aureus has been estimated. This preparation was administered to Balb/c mice
subcutaneously in doses of 0.04, 0.4 and 4.0 mg/kg of body weight. Ukrain was
given every second day during 20 days, or a short-term before-and-after method
at 48, 24 and 2 h before the infection and or 2, 24 and 48 h after the infection
of mice. The mice were infected intraperitoneally with E. coli or S. aureus in
doses equivalent to 2LD50. Increased survival of mice, depending on the dose of
the preparation and the kind of infecting bacterium was observed. The highest
survival (50%) occurred in mice infected with E. coli and receiving the amount
of the preparation corresponding to 0.4 mg/kg. The lowest survival was observed
in mice infected by S. aureus and receiving the preparation in the amount of 4.0
mg/kg. Higher protective effectiveness of the Ukrain preparation was observed in
mice when the preparation had been administered during 20 days as compared to
the short-term before-and-after regime.
 
€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Wyczolkowska J  Michon T  Nowicky JW  
Inhibitory effect of thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivatives from Chelidonium
majus L. (Ukrain) on ovalbumin antigenicity and antiovalbumin IgE antibody
response in mice.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):195-200
ISSN: 0378-6501

The ability of the Chelidonium majus L. alkaloid derivative Ukrain (UK) to
inhibit ovalbumin-induced sensitization was tested in BALB/c and F1(BALB/c x
C57BL/6J) mice. UK introduced into the mice in the mixture with antigen
(ovalbumin) and adjuvant (alum) inhibited the sensitization of mice, reflected
in lower anti-OA IgE antibody response and decreased antigen-induced histamine
release from mast cells isolated from peritoneal cavities of sensitized mice.
The effect of UK on the antigenicity of ovalbumin (OA) in anaphylaxis was tested
in heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reaction on rats. The
results show that the OA prepared in the mixture with UK had a decreased ability
to react with anti-OA IgE antibodies raised against native OA in mice and fixed
on the surface of rat mast cells in heterologous PCA reactions. The results
suggest that UK pretreatment of OA may affect its antigenic property and the
ability to react with anti-OA IgE antibodies raised against the native IgE
molecules.

Registry Numbers: 
37341-29-0 (IgE)
9006-59-1 (Ovalbumin)

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Jagiello-Wojtowicz E  Kleinrok Z  Nowicky JW  Jablonski M  Gorzelak M  
Chodkowska A  Feldo M  Matuszek B  
Effect of six-month treatment with Ukrain on early osteoporosis induced by
ovariectomy in rats. Part I: Preliminary studies of bone parameters.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):173-6
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain, thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivatives from Chelidonium majus L. was
administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 28 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.1 LD50)
every other day for six months to female rats with ovariectomy-induced early
osteoporosis. Administration of Ukrain was started on the second day after the
surgical operation. At the end of the long-term treatment with Ukrain each rat
was tested for the strength of both humeri and some parameters of rat femur were
measured. The body weight of ovariectomized rats was also examined. The present
results show that the decrease in the mechanical strength of the humeral bones
and some changes in the femur caused by ovariectomy were prevented by the
six-month treatment with Ukrain. However, in both ovariectomized groups and in
ovariectomized rats pretreated with Ukrain an increase of body weight was
observed.
 
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Boyko VN  Voltchek IV  Petrov AS  Bubnov VP  
Action of Ukrain, a cytostatic and immunomodulating drug, on effects of
irradiation.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):167-71
ISSN: 0378-6501

The ability of Ukrain, a cytostatic and immunomodulating semisynthetic compound
of thiophosphate-modified alkaloids of Chelidonium majus L., to modify the
effects of irradiation was studied in CBA/J mice using the dosage of the drug
from 0.2 to 10 mg/kg. Ukrain was found to increase the survival rate of mice by
50- 60 percent at irradiation doses from 6.00 to 6.75 Gy with no effect at the
dose of 7.5 Gy. Varying the dosage of the drug did not influence the outcome of
irradiation under experimental conditions employed. Maximal increase in the
survival rate of the mice was noted when the drug was administered within the
interval from 6 h before to 3 h after irradiation. It is noteworthy that under
no circumstances did the administration of Ukrain result in a decrease in the
survival rate of irradiated animals. The main outcome of the present study is
the finding that Ukrain is capable of modifying the effects of irradiation when
applied in both prophylactic and curative regimens. The effects of Ukrain are
evident at doses from 0.2 to 10 mg/kg over the entire time-range studied and
under doses of irradiation not exceeding LD 85/30. The drug was also found to be
able to modify the effects of prolonged irradiation.
 
€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Liepins A  Nowicky JW  
Modulation of immune effector cell cytolytic activity and tumour growth
inhibition in vivo by Ukrain (NSC 631570).
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1996) 22(3-5):103-13
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain is a semisynthetic compound consisting of alkaloids from Chelidonium
majus L. conjugated to thiophosphoric acid, with immunomodulatory and
therapeutic properties in cancer patients. The present in vitro studies
demonstrate that Ukrain is an effective biological response modifier augmenting,
by up to 48-fold, the lytic activity of splenic lymphocytes obtained from
alloimmunized mice. The lytic activities of interleukin-2 (IL-2) treated spleen
cells and peritoneal exudate lymphocytes were also significantly increased by
the addition of Ukrain to the cell mediated lysis (CML) assay medium. The
highest Ukrain-induced enhancement of splenic lymphocytolytic activity in vitro
was found to occur at day 18 after alloimmunization was dose-dependent and
specific for the immunizing P815 tumour cells. Since Ukrain was present only
during the CML assays, its mode of action is thought to be via direct activation
of the effector cells' lytic mechanism(s). The effect of Ukrain on the growth of
Balb/c syngenic mammary adenocarcinoma was also evaluated. Intravenous, but not
subcutaneous or intraperitoneal, administration of this drug was found to be
effective in delaying tumour growth in an actual therapeutic protocol initiated
five days after tumour implantation. No deleterious side-effects were observed
using these in vivo treatment modalities. The role of macrophages in the
observed retardation of tumour development was investigated, using peritoneal
exudate macrophages (PEM) in cytotoxicity assays. Previous studies showed that
PEM of mammary tumour-bearing mice lose their capacity to kill a variety of
tumour target cells including the in vitro cultured homologous tumour cells
(DA-3). Pretreatment of PEM from normal mice with 2.5 microM Ukrain for 24 h,
followed by stimulation with either IFN-gamma or with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
plus IFN-gamma enhanced their cytotoxic activity. Treatment of PEM from
tumour-bearing mice with 2.5 microM Ukrain and LPS results in a reversal of
their defective cytotoxic response against DA-3 target cells. Furthermore,
Ukrain alone, in the absence of a secondary signal, induced the activation of
tumouricidal function of PEM from tumour-bearing, but not from normal, mice.
These data indicate that Ukrain's in vivo effects against the development of
mammary tumours may be due, at least in part, to its ability to restore
macrophage cytolytic function.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Lohninger A  Hamler F  
Chelidonium majus L. (Ukrain) in the treatment of cancer patients.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:73-7
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain, a semi-synthetic thiophosphoric acid compound of alkaloid chelidonine
isolated from Chelidonium Majus L., Tris(2-([5bS-
(5ba,6b,12ba)]-5b,6,7,12b,13,14- Hexahydro-13-methyl][1,3]-
benzodioxolo[5,6-c]-1,3-dioxolo[4, 5- i]phenanthridinium-6-ol]- Ethaneaminyl)
Phosphinesulfide 6HCl, causes a regression of tumours and metastases in many
oncological patients. More than 400 documented patients with various carcinomas
in different stages of development have been treated with Ukrain. The authors
report on only three different cases treated with preparation Ukrain. Ukrain can
be helpful in improving the general condition and prolonging life by reduction
of the tumour progression and its immunomodulating effect on the organism.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Staniszewski A  Slesak B  Kolodziej J  Harlozinska-Szmyrka A   Nowicky JW 
Koodziej J  Harozinska-Szmyrka A  
Lymphocyte subsets in patients with lung cancer treated with thiophosphoric acid
alkaloid derivatives from Chelidonium majus L. (Ukrain).
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:63-7
ISSN: 0378-6501

Lymphocyte subsets were evaluated in nine men (aged 42-68 years, mean 57 years)
with histologically proven lung cancer, previously untreated. Lymphocyte
subpopulations were quantified by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies
against total T-cells, T-helper and T-suppressor cells. In addition, the
percentage of NK cells and the helper/suppressor (H/S) ratio were evaluated. The
number of B-cells was determined by surface immunoglobulin immunofluorescence.
Chelidonium majus L. (preparation Ukrain) was applied as an intravenous
injection every three days. One course consisted of 10 applications of 10 mg
each. All immunological tests were performed before and after drug
administration. The treatment was generally well tolerated. The results showed
an increase in the proportion of total T-cells, and a significant decrease in
the percentage of T-suppressor cells. The normalization of the H/S ratio was
also noted. However, there were no signs of activation of NK, T- helper and
B-cells. The restoration of cellular immunity was accompanied by an improvement
in the clinical course of the disease. This effect was particularly pronounced
in patients who responded to further chemotherapy. Objective tumour regression
(CR+PR) was seen in 44.4% of treated patients. Four out of nine patients (44.4%)
died of progressive disease during the course of this study. It is concluded
that Ukrain can be immunologically effective in lung cancer patients and can
improve human cellular response.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Nowicky JW  Manolakis G  Meijer D  Vatanasapt V  Brzosko WJ  
Ukrain both as an anti cancer and immunoregulatory agent.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:51-4
ISSN: 0378-6501

Thirty six stage III cancer patients were treated with Ukrain, a semisynthetic
drug derived from Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids conjugated with thiophosphoric
acid. The drug was injected intravenously every second day in a dose of 10 mg
per injection. Each patient received 300 mg of the drug (30 injections). The
cytostatic effect of Ukrain was monitored clinically and by ultrasonography
(USG) and computer tomography (CT), as well as by determination of CEA and
CA-125 in the sera of patients with rectal and ovarian cancers, respectively.
The influence of Ukrain on immune parameters was evaluated by monoclonal
antibodies (MAb) to CD2, CD4, CD8 and CD22. The influence of Ukrain on immune
parameters in cancer patients was matched with its effect on these parameters in
20 healthy volunteer controls. The results obtained indicate that Ukrain, in a
concentration not cytostatic in normal cells, is cytostatic for malignant ones,
and may suppress the growth of cancer. The compound also has immunoregulatory
properties, regulating the T lymphocyte subsets.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Sotomayor EM  Rao K  Lopez DM  Liepins A  
Enhancement of macrophage tumouricidal activity by the alkaloid derivative
Ukrain. In vitro and in vivo studies.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:5-11
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain is a semisynthetic drug with immunomodulatory properties, derived from
Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids and thiophosphoric acid. The effect of this
compound on the growth of Balb/c syngenic mammary adenocarcinoma was assessed.
Intravenous, but not subcutaneous or intraperitoneal, administration of this
drug was found to be effective in delaying tumour growth in an actual
therapeutic protocol initiated five days after tumour implantation. No untoward
side- effects were observed using these in vivo treatment modalities. The role
of macrophages in the observed retardation of tumour development was
investigated using peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM) in cytotoxicity assays.
In previous studies, the authors have found that PEM of mammary tumour bearing
mice lose their capacity to kill a variety of tumour target cells including the
in vitro cultured homologous tumour cells (DA-3). Pretreatment of PEM from
normal mice with 2.5 microM Ukrain for 24 h followed by stimulation with either
IFN-gamma or with LPS+IFN-gamma enhanced their cytotoxic activity. Treatment of
PEM from tumour bearing mice with 2.5 microM Ukrain and LPS results in a
reversal of their defective cytotoxic response against the DA-3 target cells.
Furthermore, Ukrain alone, in the absence of a secondary signal, induced the
activation of tumouricidal function of PEM from tumour bearing but not from
normal mice. These data indicate that Ukrain's in vivo effects against the
development of mammary tumours may be due, at least in part, to its ability to
restore macrophage cytolytic function.

Registry Numbers:
82115-62-6 (Interferon Type II)

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Wyczolkowska J  Czuwaj M  Maslinski C  
The immunomodulating preparation Ukrain does not induce anaphylactic
sensitization in mice and guinea pigs.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:35-8
ISSN: 0378-6501

The ability of Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids derivative Ukrain to induce an
anaphylactic sensitization was tested on mice and guinea pigs. The levels of IgE
antibody in the mouse sera, and IgG1a, IgG1b as well as IgE antibody levels in
guinea pig sera, were evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) tests.
Ukrain alone or adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide gel (alum) introduced into
BALB/c mice in several subcutaneous injections was unable to stimulate
measurable anti-Ukrain IgE antibody response. Moreover, Ukrain introduced
together with ovalbumin (OA) into mice in the course of immunization with OA
induced lower anti-OA antibody response as compared to the response induced by
OA alone. Ukrain adsorbed on alum and injected subcutaneously into guinea pigs
did not induce measurable IgG1a, IgG1b and IgE antibody response. The present
results suggest that the immunomodulating preparation Ukrain could be
therapeutically safe at least as far its inability to induce anaphylaxis is
concerned.

Registry Numbers:
37341-29-0 (IgE)
9006-59-1 (Ovalbumin)

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Juszkiewicz T  Minta M  Wlodarczyk B  Biernacki B  
Teratological evaluation of Ukrain in hamsters and rats.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:23-9
ISSN: 0378-6501

The compound Ukrain, containing thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivatives from
the plant Chelidonium majus L., was given intramusculary (i.m.) on days 6-11 of
gestation to hamsters and on days 6-15 of gestation to rats in doses of 0.1,
1.67 and 28 mg/kg daily. No clinical signs of toxicity were found in treated
animals and no teratogenic effect could be noted in either species. Such
parameters as the number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, pre and
post-implantation losses, number of live foetuses per litter, placental weight,
foetal weight and crown-rump length were not significantly different between the
Ukrain treated rats and the controls. Slight embryotoxic effects (increased
post-implantation losses) and in consequence decreased number of average litter
size were noted in hamsters exposed to Ukrain at doses which were otherwise not
embryotoxic to rats.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Slesak B  Nowicky JW  Harlozinska A  Harozinska A  
In vitro effects of Chelidonium majus L. alkaloid thiophosphoric acid conjugates
(Ukrain) on the phenotype of normal human lymphocytes.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:17-21
ISSN: 0378-6501

Several plant-derived drugs are used in medical oncology (1-3). The
thiophosphoric acid-alkaloid derivative from the plant Chelidonium majus L.
(Ukrain) has been produced since 1978 by Nowicky. (Austrian Patent No. 354644,
Vienna, 25 January 1980). It has been reported that this drug may exert
therapeutic effects in cancer patients by modulating their immune systems (4,
5-8). The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the possibility that Ukrain
may influence the phenotype of lymphocyte subpopulations isolated from healthy
donors.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Bruller W  
Studies concerning the effect of Ukrain in vivo and in vitro.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1992) 18 Suppl:13-6
ISSN: 0378-6501

Ukrain, a reaction product of different alkaloids of Chelidonium majus L.
(celandine) with Thio tepa has been investigated for possible use as an
anticancer agent. A possible tumour inhibiting effect on the Ehrlich mouse
ascites tumour is now tested in vivo. Moreover, possible changes in the oxygen
consumption of mouse ascites tumour cells and a guinea pig liver homogenate are
to be determined after the administration of Ukrain in vitro with the aid of an
oxygen electrode.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Nowicky JW  Staniszewski A  Zbroja-Sontag W  Slesak B  Nowicky W   Hiesmayr W  
Evaluation of thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivatives from Chelidonium majus L.
("Ukrain") as an immunostimulant in patients with various carcinomas.
In: Drugs Exp Clin Res (1991) 17(2):139-43
ISSN: 0378-6501

This paper summarizes the preliminary results of two independent clinical trials
conducted with the preparation "Ukrain", containing thiophosphoric acid alkaloid
derivatives from the plant Chelidonium majus L. (greater celandine), in order to
investigate whether it has immunopotentiating properties in cancer patients. A
total of twenty- seven patients with various malignancies were treated with
"Ukrain" given intravenously in a dose of 10 mg every three days. In all
patients the cellular and humoral immune response was studied. There was an
increase in both total T-cells and T-helper lymphocytes, a decrease in
T-suppressor cells, and normalization of the helper/suppressor (HIS) ratio. A
significant increase in erythrocyte- rosette-forming T-cells and NK cells was
also demonstrated. Serum immunoglobulin levels, complement components (C3 and
C4), and acute phase proteins were not significantly enhanced. Restoration of
cellular immunity was accompanied by an improvement in the patients' performance
status and in the clinical course of the disease. The treatment was generally
well tolerated. The present study shows that some therapeutic benefit from the
use of Chelidonium majus ("Ukrain") as an immunostimulant in cancer patients can
be achieved.

Registry Numbers:
9007-36-7 (Complement)

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*****HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY*****
Sharma R  van Damme EJ  Peumans WJ  Sarsfield P  Schumacher U  
Lectin binding reveals divergent carbohydrate expression in human and mouse
Peyer's patches.
In: Histochem Cell Biol (1996 Jun) 105(6):459-65
ISSN: 0948-6143

The nature of cell-associated carbohydrates in the human intestine that may
mediate transepithelial transport of bacterial and dietary lectins and their
processing by the lymphoid cells of Peyer's patches is not known. Because the
cell surface carbohydrate receptors for lectins may vary in different species,
the glycoconjugates of human and mouse follicle-associated epithelium and
gut-associated lymphoid tissue were compared. A panel of 27, mainly recently
isolated, lectins were used to identify glycoconjugate expression in M-cells,
enterocytes, goblet cells, lymphocytes and macrophages in mouse and human
intestine. Mouse M-cells were exclusively labelled by fucose- specific lectins
but in human follicle-associated epithelium no distinct M-cell staining pattern
was observed. In the human Peyer's patches, Bryonia dioica lectin bound
selectively to paracortical T- lymphocytes and Chelidonium majus lectin to
germinal centre B-cells. Certain mannose-specific lectins (Galanthus nivalis,
Hippeastrum hybrid) stained the tingible body macrophages in the germinal centre
of human Peyer's patches but labelled the macrophages in the paracortical T-cell
region of the mouse. The results indicate distinct differences in glycosylation
between mouse and human Peyer's patches and their associated lymphoid cells.
When considering cell surface glycoconjugates as target molecules for the gut
immune system, care has to be taken to choose the appropriate lectin for each
species.

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*****INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY*****
Liepins A  Nowicky JW  
Activation of spleen cell lytic activity by the alkaloid thiophosphoric acid
derivative: Ukrain.
In: Int J Immunopharmacol (1992 Nov) 14(8):1437-42
ISSN: 0192-0561

Ukrain is a semisynthetic compound consisting of alkaloids from Chelidonium
majus L. conjugated to thiophosphoric acid, with immunomodulatory and
therapeutic properties in cancer patients. The present in vitro studies
demonstrate that Ukrain is an effective biological response modifier in that it
augmented, by up to 48-fold, the lytic activity of spleen lymphocytes obtained
from alloimmunized mice. The lytic activities of IL-2-treated spleen cells and
peritoneal exudate lymphocytes were also increased significantly by the addition
of Ukrain to the CML assay medium. The highest Ukrain- induced enhancement of
spleen lymphocyte lytic activity in vitro was found to occur at 18 days after
alloimmunization, was dose dependent and specific for the immunizing P815 tumor
cells. Since Ukrain was present only during the CML assays, its mode of action
is thought to be via direct activation of the effector cell's lytic
mechanism(s).

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*****JOURNAL OF CHEMOTHERAPY*****
Voltchek I  Kamyshentsev M  Lavinsky Y  Nowicky J  Medvedev Y   Litvinchuk L  
Comparative study of the cytostatic effects of Oliphen and Ukrain.
In: J Chemother (1996 Apr) 8(2):144-6
ISSN: 1120-009X

We evaluated the cytostatic effect of the antihypoxic drug Oliphen
(Polyoxiarilene) in comparison with the well known cytostatic and
immunomodulating agent Ukrain (a semisynthetic compound derived from Chelidonium
majus L. alkaloids). We used tumor cell lines M-HeLa and Hep-2/0-6-5, normal
cell cultures from human embryo kidney and lung fibroblasts. The cytodestructive
effect of Ukrain on both tumor cell lines was more significant at all tested
concentrations. Oliphen was cytotoxic only against Hep-2 but not the HeLa cell
line. The proliferative activity of both normal cell cultures decreased in the
presence of Oliphen and Ukrain concentrations of 0.1 and 0.015% and was stable
at 0.0015 and 0.00015%.

Registry Numbers:
148465-31-0 (olifen)

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*****JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY.  B, BIOLOGY*****
Ebermann R  Alth G  Kreitner M  Kubin A  
Natural products derived from plants as potential drugs for the photodynamic
destruction of tumor cells.
In: J Photochem Photobiol B (1996 Nov) 36(2):95-7
ISSN: 1011-1344

Chlorophyll and some of its synthetically produced derivatives are important
sensitizers in photodynamic cancer therapy. Other natural products from plants
with light dependent activity include quinones like hypericin and fagopyrin.
These compounds have extended pi- electron systems which upon photoexcitation
with visible light are responsible for singlet oxygen production. Other plant
constituents which show UV light induced photosensitizing activity are
furanocumarins like psoralen and angelicin, aflatoxins and alkaloids, as well as
thiophene derivatives, terthienyl and several polyacetylenes. The photodynamic
properties of a chelidonium alkaloid derivative and data for its potential
clinical applicability are given.

Registry Numbers:
1406-65-1 (Chlorophyll)

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*****PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH*****
Colombo ML  Bosisio E  
Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae).
In: Pharmacol Res (1996 Feb) 33(2):127-34
ISSN: 1043-6618

Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae) has a long history as being useful for the
treatment of many diseases in European countries. This plant is of great
interest for its use also in Chinese herbal medicine. The plant contains, as
major secondary metabolites, isoquinoline alkaloids, such as sanguinarine,
chelidonine, chelerythrine, berberine and coptisine. Other compounds
structurally unrelated to the alkaloids have been isolated from the aerial
parts: several flavonoids and phenolic acids. C. majus extracts and its purified
compounds exhibit interesting antiviral, antitumour and antimicrobial properties
both in vitro and in vivo.

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*****PLANTA MEDICA*****
Vavreckova C  Gawlik I  Muller K  
Benzophenanthridine alkaloids of Chelidonium majus; I. Inhibition of 5- and
12-lipoxygenase by a non-redox mechanism.
In: Planta Med (1996 Oct) 62(5):397-401
ISSN: 0032-0943

The benzophenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine of Chelidonium
majus, L. (Papaveraceae), are potent inhibitors of 5- lipoxygenase in
polymorphonuclear leukocytes and 12-lipoxygenase in mouse epidermis, while the
activity of soybean lipoxygenase is not influenced. The extract of the herb of
Ch.majus also inhibits the 5- LO enzyme. Chelidonine, which cannot form
pseudobases, is inactive against LO enzymes. Pro- and antioxidant actions of
benzophenanthridine alkaloids can be excluded from the lack of deoxyribose
degradation, reactivity against free radicals and inhibition of lipid
peroxidation, suggesting that the inhibitory effects against LO enzymes appear
to be due to specific enzyme interaction rather than a nonspecific redox
mechanism.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.13.11.31 (Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase)
EC 1.13.11.34 (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase)

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Vahlensieck U  Hahn R  Winterhoff H  Gumbinger HG  Nahrstedt A   Kemper FH  
The effect of Chelidonium majus herb extract on choleresis in the isolated
perfused rat liver [letter]
In: Planta Med (1995 Jun) 61(3):267-71
ISSN: 0032-0943

The total ethanolic extract, the phenolic and the alkaloidal fraction of the
herb of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae) were tested for their choleretic
activity using the isolated perfused rat liver. The total extract significantly
caused chloresis by increasing the bile acid independent flow (BAIF); the
observed weak activity of both fractions, tested each and as combination,
however, was not significant.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

Haberlein H  Tschiersch KP  Boonen G  Hiller KO  
Chelidonium majus L.: components with in vitro affinity for the GABAA receptor.
Positive cooperation of alkaloids.
In: Planta Med (1996 Jun) 62(3):227-31
ISSN: 0032-0943

The influence of an ethanolic dry extract of Chelidonii herba on the GABAA
receptor has been studied in vitro. In the presence of 90 micrograms/assay a
positive cooperation was induced for [3H]muscimol accompanied by an increase of
the specific binding (115%) while 160 micrograms/assay exerted a 50% inhibition
of the specific binding of the radioligand [3H]muscimol. The quantitative
determination of the Chelidonium alkaloids by HPLC together with the evaluation
of the radioreceptor assays of the pure alkaloids revealed that the allosteric
modulation of the GABAA receptor is mainly due to protopine. The small amounts
of allocryptopine and stylopine assumingly support the action of protopine.
Protopine, stylopine, and allocryptopine do not influence the specific binding
of [3H]flunitrazepam. Thus, the positive cooperative modulation of the GABAA
receptor is not based on an interaction of these alkaloids with the
benzodiazepine receptor. The specific [3H]muscimol binding was inhibited only by
chelerythrine and sanguinarine with IC50 values of 25 microM and 39 MicroM,
respectively. The content of chelerythrine and sanguinarine in the ethanolic dry
extract of Chelidonii herba is 500 or even 1000 times too low to account for the
observed interference with GABAA receptor activity. Thus, the alkaloids are not
responsible for the inhibitory action on the GABAA receptor at higher
concentrations of the ethanolic dry extract.

Registry Numbers:
10028-17-8 (Tritium)
2763-96-4 (Muscimol)

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Boegge SC  Kesper S  Verspohl EJ  Nahrstedt A  
Reduction of ACh-induced contraction of rat isolated ileum by coptisine,
(+)-caffeoylmalic acid, Chelidonium majus, and Corydalis lutea extracts.
In: Planta Med (1996 Apr) 62(2):173-4
ISSN: 0032-0943

The crude extracts of Chelidonium majus and Corydalis lutea were examined for
antispasmodic activity against acetylcholine (ACh)- induced contraction on
isolated rat ileal smooth muscle. Further, coptisine and caffeolmalic acid as
components of the alkaloid and the hydroxycinnamic acid ester fraction of both
plants were similarly investigated. The ACh-induced contraction was found to be
antagonized weakly by caffeolymalic acid (6.9%; 2.5 x 10(-5) g/ml/organ bath),
C. majus extract (12.7%; 2.0 x 10(-4) g/ml), and a higher concentration of
coptisine (16.5%; 1.0 x 10(-5) g/ml) whereas the antispasmodic activity of
C.lutea extract reached 45% (2.0 x 10(-4) g/ml). Antagonism by papaverine as a
positive control amounted to 83.2%.

Registry Numbers:
2086-83-1 (Berberine)
3486-66-6 (coptisine)
51-84-3 (Acetylcholine)

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Vavreckova C  Gawlik I  Muller K  
Benzophenanthridine alkaloids of Chelidonium majus; II. Potent inhibitory action
against the growth of human keratinocytes.
In: Planta Med (1996 Dec) 62(6):491-4
ISSN: 0032-0943

The benzophenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine of Chelidonium
majus, L. (Papaveraceae), were tested for their action against the growth of
human keratinocytes. Cell proliferation was independently determined by directly
counting the cells and in the colorimetric MTT assay. Sanguinarine potently
inhibited cell growth with an IC50 of 0.2 microM. Chelidonine, the main alkaloid
of Ch. majus, was much less efficient. The extract of the herb of Ch. majus was
also effective with an IC50 of 1.9 microM, calculated on the basis of its
alkaloid content in terms of chelidonine. Keratinocytes were further tested for
their susceptibility for the action of sanguinarine and chelerythrine on plasma
membrane integrity, which resulted in a twofold increase in lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH) activity as compared to controls. On the other hand, the
activity of the extract of the herb of Ch. majus was due to cytostatic rather
than cytotoxic effects, as LDH release was unchanged as compared to controls.

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*****POLISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACY*****
Kleinrok Z  Jagiello-Wojtowicz E  Matuszek B  Chodkowska A  
Basic central pharmacological properties of thiophosphoric acid alkaloid
derivatives from Chelidonium majus L.
In: Pol J Pharmacol Pharm (1992 May-Jun) 44(3):227-39
ISSN: 0301-0244

The effects of thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivatives from Chelidonium majus
L. (Ukrain, UKSR-222) on the central nervous system (CNS) of mice and rats was
studied. Intraperitoneal (ip) administration of Ukrain in doses of 9.5 and 19
mg/kg for mice depressed spontaneous motor activity, decreased body temperature
and potentiated the action of hexobarbital. Only in a dose of 19 mg/kg Ukrain
produced analgesic action in the hot plate test. It had no protective effect
against electroshock or pentetrazol-induced seizures. In rats, ip administration
of Ukrain in dose of 14 and 28 mg/kg potentiated the action of amphetamine and
apomorphine but had no effect on catalepsy induced by haloperidol. Ukrain used
in dose 9.5, 14, 19 and 28 mg/kg antagonized the head twitches induced by 5- HTP
and hyperthermia-induced by m-CPP. Biochemical studies indicated that Ukrain did
not affect the NA and DA concentrations in the whole rats' brain and did not
affect the 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in the whole brain of rats. These
findings demonstrate that the central action of Ukrain involves the stimulation
of the dopaminergic system and the inhibition of the serotoninergic system.

Registry Numbers:
51-41-2 (Norepinephrine)
51-61-6 (Dopamine)
56-29-1 (Hexobarbital)

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*****SANGRE*****
Pinto Garcia V  Vicente PR  Barez A  Soto I  Candas MA  Coma A  
[Hemolytic anemia induced by Chelidonium majus. Clinical case]
Anemia hemolitica inducida por Chelidonium majus. Observacion clinica.
In: Sangre (Barc) (1990 Oct) 35(5):401-3
ISSN: 0036-4355  (Published in Spanish)

A case of haemolytic anaemia secondary to oral ingestion of a Chelidonium majus
extract is presented. It coursed with intravascular haemolysis, renal failure,
liver cytolysis and thrombocytopenia. The direct Antiglobulin test was positive
(4+), IgG+C'. The patient was treated with steroids, red cell and platelet
transfusion and also twice with an haemodialytic treatment, with complete
resolution of the clinical features about the 12th day. A complete bibliographic
revision from 1966-1989 was performed and no cases like this one were found
during that period, so this could the first one reported.

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*****VESTNIK OTORINOLARINGOLOGII*****
Kliachko LL  Ankhimova ES  Svitina NN  Iaremenko KV  
[The effect of medicinal herbs on lymphocyte rosette-forming function]
Vliianie lekarstvennykh trav na rozetkoobrazuiushchuiu funktsiiu limfotsitov.
In: Vestn Otorinolaringol (1994 Mar-Apr)(2):31-3
ISSN: 0042-4668  (Published in Russian)

The blood samples from ENT patients with immunodeficiency were used in an in
vitro trial of some herbs effect on T-lymphocyte rosette formation. Out of 10%
infusions made of Hypericum L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Chelidonium L., Salvia
officinalis L., Mentha L., stimulation of rosette formation was recorded only
after introduction of Matricaria chamomilla L. and Chelidonium L. infusions.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€