Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Tanshinone IIA, a component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, attenuated sepsis-induced liver injury via the SIRT1/Sestrin2/HO-1 signaling pathway","authors":"Wencong Tian ,&nbsp;Peng Song ,&nbsp;Junhao Zang ,&nbsp;Jia Zhao ,&nbsp;Yanhong Liu ,&nbsp;Chuntao Wang ,&nbsp;Hong Fang ,&nbsp;Hongzhi Wang ,&nbsp;Yongjie Zhao ,&nbsp;Xingqiang Liu ,&nbsp;Yang Gao ,&nbsp;Lei Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>As a traditional Chinese medicine, <em>Salvia miltiorrhiza</em> Bunge has been widely used to treat ischemic and inflammation-related diseases for more than 2000 years. <em>S. miltiorrhiza</em> Bunge has hepatoprotective effects, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To verify the effect of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), the main fat-soluble component of <em>S. miltiorrhiza</em> Bunge, on liver damage induced by sepsis/LPS-induced inflammation and further explore the underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Mice were administered Tan IIA 2 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Liver damage was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and changes in related serum factor levels. The expression of silent information regulator sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Sestrin2, HO-1 and inflammatory cytokines was examined by immunohistochemistry or western blotting. LPS was used to induce the inflammatory response <em>in vitro</em>, and the activity of the related signaling pathway in response to Tan IIA was detected by western blotting. The SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were employed to determine the key roles of SIRT1 and Sestrin2 in Tan IIA's function.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We found that Tan IIA significantly improved the pathological changes and function of the liver, and alleviated liver damage in CLP mice. Additionally, SIRT1, Sestrin2, and HO-1 expression was significantly elevated after Tan IIA treatment compared with that in the CLP group both <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em>, and Tan IIA treatment additionally suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine release. However, inhibition of either SIRT1 or Sestrin2 remarkably abrogated the protective effects of Tan IIA. Most importantly, Sestrin2 appeared to function downstream of SIRT1 based on their expression changes after EX-527 or siRNA treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Tan IIA inhibited sepsis/LPS-induced inflammation through the SIRT1/Sestrin2/HO-1 pathway, thereby protecting against sepsis-induced liver injury (SLI). This study suggests that Tan IIA has therapeutic potential against SLI and that the SIRT1/Sestrin2/HO-1 signaling pathway might be a viable target for SLI treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119169"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142769323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modified Tou Nong Powder obstructs ulcerative colitis by regulating autophagy and mitochondrial function","authors":"Linzhen Li ,&nbsp;Zhen Ye ,&nbsp;Huanzhu Qian ,&nbsp;Liulin Chen ,&nbsp;Yu Hu ,&nbsp;Xiaolan Liu ,&nbsp;Jinyu Zhu ,&nbsp;Taozhi Bao ,&nbsp;Kumar Ganesan ,&nbsp;Fating Lu ,&nbsp;Juan Wang ,&nbsp;Xudong Wen ,&nbsp;Kaihua Qin ,&nbsp;Qiaobo Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Modified Tou Nong Powder (MTNP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used for treating body surface ulcers. Since colonic ulcers share similar pathological characteristics, MTNP has shown promising results in alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been safely used in clinical practice.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aims to investigate how MTNP alleviates experimental colitis by inducing autophagy through the regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>In this study, UC rat models were created using 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The therapeutic effects of MTNP on TNBS-induced colitis were evaluated through various methods such as disease activity index, visual examination, and histological examination of the colon. An inflammation model was also established in Caco-2 cells using H₂O₂. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of autophagy-related proteins, while immunofluorescence detection was employed for protein localization. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to analyze the expression of autophagy-related genes, confirming the role of MTNP in modulating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>In vivo</em>, oral administration of MTNP led to a remarkable reduction in colonic injury, inhibition of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement in the abnormal expression of inflammatory factors in colonic tissues. Furthermore, MTNP stimulated autophagy by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, thereby mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction. <em>In vitro</em>, exposure to MTNP drug-containing serum (MTNP-DS) resulted in a reduction of reactive oxygen species levels, improvement in mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, leading to the promotion of mitochondrial autophagy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results indicate that MTNP triggers autophagy and enhances mitochondrial function, leading to the alleviation of UC in both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. These benefits are strongly linked to the activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119220"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142791498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Angong Niuhuang Pill pretreatment alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting excessive autophagy through the SIRT1-H4K16ac axis","authors":"Lihan Wang ,&nbsp;Jingyi Hou ,&nbsp;He Xu ,&nbsp;Qingqing Cai ,&nbsp;Liangliang Tian ,&nbsp;Xueli Li ,&nbsp;Jingjing Zhang ,&nbsp;Hongjun Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is an important pathological process in stroke treatment. Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP), originating from <em>Wenbing Tiaobian</em>, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, but its mechanism in alleviating CIRI remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which ANP alleviates CIRI using acetylomics and proteomics.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The CIRI model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Neurological deficit scoring, TTC staining, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measurement, and TUNEL staining were used to assess the neuroprotective effects of ANP pretreatment on CIRI. Acetylomics and proteomics analyses were performed to identify the potential mechanisms by which ANP reduces CIRI. Finally, the role of SIRT1-H4K16ac-mediated autophagy in the neuroprotective effects of ANP was validated by using a SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ANP pretreatment markedly lowered neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volumes, increased rCBF, and reduced apoptosis. Acetylomics and proteomics results suggested that ANP regulated autophagy at the transcriptional level by modulating H4K16ac. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses confirmed that ANP promoted the accumulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Specifically, ANP pretreatment reduced H4K16ac levels, decreased LC3B-II/I ratios, upregulated SQSTM1/p62, and suppressed the expression of ATG5 and ATG7. The ability of EX527 to counteract these effects underscored the importance of the SIRT1-H4K16ac pathway in mediating the protective action of ANP against CIRI.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ANP provides neuroprotection by modulating the SIRT1-H4K16ac pathway, thereby preventing the excessive autophagy triggered by CIRI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119214"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142792008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nephroprotective and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze leaf extract; acute and sub-acute toxicity assessment","authors":"Muhammad Hassan Bilal,&nbsp;Iram Bibi","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119225","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze of the family Amaranthaceae has been extensively used in traditional medicinal practices in Brazil and India for its reputed efficacy in promoting diuresis, as well as treating wounds, inflammation, postnatal symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. Its selection for this study was driven not only by its ethnomedicinal significance but also by its rich phytochemical composition, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, which are known to exhibit nephroprotective and diuretic effects. Additionally, while many species from the Amaranthaceae family have demonstrated similar therapeutic properties, &lt;em&gt;A. brasiliana&lt;/em&gt; remains underexplored in this context. Therefore, this research aimed to scientifically evaluate its potential nephroprotective and diuretic activities, providing a pharmacological basis for its traditional uses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This experiment was designed to determine nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced kidney injury and diuretic effect of &lt;em&gt;Alternanthera brasiliana&lt;/em&gt; (L.) in rats. This study also aimed to evaluate the toxicity of plant's extract by performing acute and sub-acute toxicity trials.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Material and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In current study, the nephroprotective effect of aqueous-ethanol extract of &lt;em&gt;A. brasiliana&lt;/em&gt; was evaluated after induction of kidney injury with cisplatin. Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A diuretic activity was also performed by comparing results with control and standard (furosemide). Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A 14 day trial for acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg, whereas a 28 day trial for sub-acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. The biological active ingredients were identified and determined using HPLC technique.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The aqueous-ethanol extract of &lt;em&gt;A. brasiliana&lt;/em&gt; (ABAE) safeguarded the rats from toxic effects of cisplatin. This extract also enhanced urine output. The protective effect of ABAE increased with increasing dose and produced maximum nephroprotective effect and diuresis at a dose 300 mg/kg. The outcomes from acute toxicity trials suggested that LD&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; lied beyond 3000 mg/kg, and no antagonizing effects occurred in sub-acute toxicity trials at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. ABAE posed no toxicities on kidney, liver, and heart tissues as evident from histopathological, hematological, and serum biochemical analysis. HPLC-DAD analysis of ABAE indicated the presence of betanin, kaempherol, gallic acid, &lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt;-coumaric acid and oxalic acid.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;These results demonstrate an abundant supply of bioactive chemicals found in &lt;em&gt;A. brasiliana&lt;/em&gt; (L.) extrac","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119225"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142801078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Panax quinquefolium saponins protects neuronal activity by promoting mitophagy in both in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Wei Zhao ,&nbsp;Rui Yang ,&nbsp;Xin Meng ,&nbsp;Shi-qi Xu ,&nbsp;Meng-meng Li ,&nbsp;Zhi-chao Hao ,&nbsp;Si-yi Wang ,&nbsp;Yi-Kai Jiang ,&nbsp;Anam Naseem ,&nbsp;Qing-shan Chen ,&nbsp;Li-li Zhang ,&nbsp;Hai-xue Kuang ,&nbsp;Bing-you Yang ,&nbsp;Yan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, <em>Panax quinquefolius</em> L. has garnered significant attention for its potential to treat various ailments associated with deficiencies, including qi, blood, and kidneys. As its primary bioactive constituent, <em>Panax quinquefolius</em> saponins (PQS) have the potential therapeutic role of Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment, but with unclear mechanisms of action. Meanwhile, AD is considered as a common dementia disease with kidney insufficiency and deficiency by traditional medicine, and often accompanied by autophagy in modern medical research.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of PQS on AD through the regulation of mitophagy.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The chemical constituents of PQS were characterized using the UPLC-QTOF-MS technique. After that, the HT22 cell line was used to establish the D-galactose-induced cell model, and the SAMP8 mice model of AD was also employed. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, ROS detection, JC-1 staining, Mito-tracker Red and LC3 staining, and Mito-tracker Green and Lyso-tracker Red staining were used to assess levels of mitophagy. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used for the experimental evaluation of learning and memory abilities in mice. Subsequently, the mechanism was studied by pathological staining and western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifty-eight triterpenoid saponins were identified from PQS, and PQS alleviated D-galactose-induced HT22 cell death and increased intracellular levels of mitochondrial autophagy-related factors. In <em>vivo</em>, PQS significantly improved cognitive deficits and mitigated AD-like pathological features by activating the mitophagy mechanism. Furthermore, PQS may promote Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy by activating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1/DRP1 and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, PQS have demonstrated the potential to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and enhance cognitive function in AD through the activation of mitophagy. This promising strategy holds great promise for the treatment of AD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119250"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142837076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Guben Kechuan granule attenuates bronchial asthma by inhibiting NF-κB/STAT3 signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis","authors":"Chuanhao Dai ,&nbsp;Dewen Liu ,&nbsp;Cuiying Qin ,&nbsp;Jingya Fang ,&nbsp;Guangqing Cheng ,&nbsp;Chunhong Xu ,&nbsp;Qixin Wang ,&nbsp;Tianming Lu ,&nbsp;Zuchang Guo ,&nbsp;Jigang Wang ,&nbsp;Tianyu Zhong ,&nbsp;Qiuyan Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Chronic asthma caused by allergies is a lung illness marked by airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness. Guben Kechuan (GK) granule is a clinically proven formula for treating lung disease. It relieves cough and helps to clear phlegm, but the mechanisms underlying its treatment for asthma are not clear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>We aimed to elucidate the efficacy and potential mechanisms by which GK ameliorates allergic asthma.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) identified the main chemical components of GK. The efficacy of GK was studied in an ovalbumin/alum (OVA)/AL(OH)₃-sensitized rat model of bronchial asthma by measuring cytokine concentrations in serum and alveolar lavage samples, examining tissue pathology, and performing leukocyte counts. The mechanisms underlying its effectiveness in asthma were investigated by both transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GK relieved asthma-induced airway inflammation and remodeling, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10. Analysis of the transcriptomic and proteomic results found that asthma activated the transcription factors STAT3 and NF-κB and induced oxidative-stress damage and apoptosis. GK was found to reduce Bax and caspase-3 expression, increase Bcl-2 expression, and inhibit asthma-induced apoptosis. GK downregulated the expression of the transcription factors STAT3 and NF-kB, which decreased the inflammatory response. Decreases in CAT, SOD, and GSH reduced asthma-induced oxidative-stress damage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings provide evidence that GK alleviates bronchial asthma by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the NF-κB/STAT3 signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of danlong oral liquid in asthma airway remodeling: Insights from serum medicinal chemistry, network pharmacology, and experimental validation","authors":"Bowen Liu ,&nbsp;Min Xiang ,&nbsp;Mengqi Zhou ,&nbsp;Chunxiao Li ,&nbsp;Hou Xin ,&nbsp;Shuwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Jiangtao Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Danlong oral liquid (DLOL) is a traditional Chinese proprietary medicine commonly used to treat chronic respiratory diseases, including bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the therapeutic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of DLOL in improving airway remodeling remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>This study utilizes <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> experiments, serum pharmacological analysis, and network-based pharmacology approaches to investigate the effects and mechanisms of DLOL on airway remodeling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in asthma.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An asthma model was established through ovalbumins (OVA) sensitization and challenge in BALB/c mice to observe the effects of DLOL on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, remodeling, and molecular markers of EMT. The absorbed chemical prototype constituents of DLOL were analyzed using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS), and targets for asthma and airway remodeling were predicted using a network pharmacology approach. Key biological processes and signaling pathways were analyzed. Additionally, TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in BEAS-2B cells. TGF-β1 and DLOL-containing serum were screened to determine the optimal time and concentration in BEAS-2B cells using CCK8 assays. The cell scratch assay was used to assess cell migration, while immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate protein expression levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DLOL improved AHR in asthmatic mice, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, decreased airway wall and smooth muscle thickness, and reduced collagen deposition. It also down-regulated mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA) and key remodeling factors (TGF-β1, MMP9), while up-regulating the epithelial marker E-cadherin. A total of 17 absorbed chemical prototype constituents were identified, predicting 54 core targets involved in airway remodeling. Following Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, the key targets were found to be associated with the regulation of cell migration, cell-cell adhesion, and cell adhesion molecular processes, with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway likely playing a critical role. Cellular experiments confirmed that DLOL-containing serum inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells and suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study identifies, for the first time, the serum medicinal chemistry of DLOL using UPLC-MS. Combining network pharmacology, <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> experiments, it elucidates the effects and potential mechanisms of the drug on airway remodeling and EMT. DLOL may offer a novel therapeutic approach for asthma-related airway remodeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119259"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiviral activity of HuaganJiedu decoction (HGJDD) against hepatitis B virus (HBV) through FOXO4/ERK/HNF4α signal pathway","authors":"Hongxuan Tong ,&nbsp;Jiale Zhang ,&nbsp;Lijie Jiang ,&nbsp;Rendong Qu ,&nbsp;Tao Lu ,&nbsp;Jingqing Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a widespread global health issue. HuaganJiedu Decoction (HGJDD) is a common prescription for treating HBV in China, which has the effect of enhancing antiviral efficacy and improving clinical efficacy. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear, warranting further investigation to elucidate its therapeutic potential and integration into standard medical practices.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aims to explore the therapeutic mechanism of HuaganJiedu Decoction (HGJDD) in HBV.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>We investigated the therapeutic potential of HGJDD, and LC-MS analysis characterized the chemical profile of HGJDD. In vitro, we utilized HepG2.2.15 cell line to assess cytotoxicity and treatment efficacy of HGJDD compared to Entecavir controls. In vivo, assessments included monitoring HBV-related biomarkers and viral load. Network pharmacology and RNA-seq analyses identified molecular pathways and targets influenced by HGJDD treatment. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting provided further insights into the therapeutic mechanisms underlying HGJDD for HBV.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HGJDD showed no toxicity on HepG2.2.15 cells at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80% serum concentrations. In vitro, HGJDD reduced HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA levels by dose-dependently and time-dependently. HGJDD can decrease the levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA in serum and liver levels, meanwhile the therapeutic effect of high-dose HGJDD approach to EVT’s in HBV Tg mice. According to intersection of network pharmacology and transcriptome, FOXO signal pathway was highlighted as potential targets and Immunofluorescence find that FOXO4D protein expression lever was increased in three HGJDD group, especially in high-dose HGJDD group. Western blotting confirmed increased level of FOXO4, ERK, and p-ERK and decreased levels of HNF4α, which reflected that the therapeutic effect was closely to FOXO4/ERK/HNF4α signal pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers diverse herbal treatments for HBV, with HGJDD showing efficacy in reducing HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA levels at cellular and animal levels. This study identified that FOXO4/ERK/HNF4α signal pathway played an important role in HGJDD’s therapeutic effects. These findings support HGJDD’s potential in HBV treatment, providing a scientific basis for clinical use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119238"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142864301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Saffron extract alleviates D-gal-induced late-onset hypogonadism by activating the PI3K-Akt-Nrf2 signaling pathway","authors":"Hao Liu ,&nbsp;Zhongkai Guo ,&nbsp;Zhenjie Zang ,&nbsp;Bin Jia ,&nbsp;Yuhang Zhou ,&nbsp;Hui Zhang ,&nbsp;Qiang Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a common age-related condition in men, characterized by a decline in serum testosterone and a range of associated signs and symptoms, and is classified as impotence in traditional medicine. Saffron is the dried stigma of <em>Crocus sativus</em> L., which is used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the effects of <em>saffron</em> extract (SE) on LOH using an aging mouse model and Leydig cells.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of SE for the treatment of LOH were first identified using network pharmacology. An aging model was induced in mice by administration of D-galactose, followed by treatment with varying concentrations of SE. Subsequent assessments of serum testosterone levels, semen quality, testicular aging, oxidative stress, and apoptotic markers were performed to assess the impact of SE and to elucidate its mechanisms. In addition, in vitro experiments assessed the effect of SE on Leydig cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that SE could modulate the PI3K-Akt-Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing Leydig cell resistance to oxidative stress and reducing Leydig cell apoptosis, thereby improving Leydig cell function and alleviating the decrease in serum testosterone associated with aging.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Saffron</em> is a promising strategy for the treatment of LOH and provides an effective approach to alleviate serum testosterone decline in older men.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119273"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142877315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla decoction alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis via the regulation of mitochondria-associated Type I interferon signaling pathways","authors":"Ziyi Li ,&nbsp;Hui Wu ,&nbsp;Can Li ,&nbsp;Yemei Wang ,&nbsp;Jing Shao ,&nbsp;Daqiang Wu ,&nbsp;Tianming Wang ,&nbsp;Changzhong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a relatively common fungal infectious disease in the female reproductive tract. The pathogenesis of VVC not only involves <em>Candida albicans</em> (<em>C. albicans</em>) infection, but also the improper immune response of the vaginal mucosal immune system to the fungus. As a classical formula, <em>Pulsatilla</em> decoction has been proven to exert protective effect in both clinical and experimental research in VVC. However, the specific mechanism of <em>Pulsatilla</em> decoction in VVC remains elusive. This study investigated the mechanism of n-butanol extract of <em>Pulsatilla</em> decoction (BEPD) in treating VVC from the perspective of type I interferon signaling and related mitochondrial function.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A VVC-rat model was developed using an estrogen-based method to evaluate the effectiveness of BEPD in treating VVC, and the therapeutic efficacy of BEPD against VVC was comprehensively evaluated by fungal morphology and burden, neutrophil numbers, histopathology, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines production, and LDH level. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), immune fluorescence (IF), Western Blot (WB) and RT-qPCR assays were conducted to assess type I interferon signaling and mitochondria functions. Candidalysin-induced vaginal epithelial inflammation in vitro, as cellular models, was employed to detect the changes in type I interferon signaling and mitochondria function before and after BEPD-containing serum intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>BEPD could significantly improve the inflammation, reduce fungal loads and inhibit fungal growth, balance pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in VVC model rats. The findings from IHC, IF, WB and RT-qPCR revealed that BEPD could promote type I interferon signaling and alleviate mitochondrial functional damage in VVC model rats, and BEPD-containing serum could play the same role in vitro.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study findings generally demonstrated that BEPD could improve the inflammation and correct the immune imbalance in VVC through regulation of type I interferon signaling and mitochondrial function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119292"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142895002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}