Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Vine tea, as a non-camellia tea and ethnic medicine in China, exhibits an array of pharmacological effects. It exerts the effect of clearing heat and removing toxins, used to treat acute gastroenteritis, gastric ulcer, fever and hepatitis widely. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), abundant in vine tea, have been identified to have anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity. Our prior research demonstrated that DHM mitigated intestinal damage induced by LPS in chickens. However, its potential mechanisms of action in Salmonella enteritidis (SE)-induced intestinal injury remain unclear.

Aim of the study: To investigate whether DHM ameliorate intestinal function and cellular damage in chicken challenged by SE and further elucidate potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods: The metabolomics approach was applied to explore the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways. Subsequently, network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential regulatory pathways of DHM against salmonella enteritis. Meanwhile, it was validated using Hy-Line white-feathered broiler and HD11 cells.

Results: DHM significantly alleviated SE-induced intestinal pathological damage and serum metabolic disorders, reduced levels of pyroptosis-related factors LDH, IL-18 and IL-1β in chickens. Moreover, Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that DHM might delay salmonella enteritis via pyroptosis by modulating inflammatory response and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, with the NLRP3 inflammasome as a key target. Additionally, DHM reduced ROS levels and mitigated damage to cellular ultrastructure in SE-infected cells. Furthermore, DHM inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby reducing the activation of caspase-1 and the expression of the pyroptosis effector protein GSDMA in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions: DHM could ameliorate chicken serum metabolic disorders and inhibit pyroptosis and intestinal damage, possibly via modulating NLRP3 inflammasome.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Petiveria alliacea L. is a member of the Petiveriaceae botanical family, distributed in America and some Asian countries, and is used as a medicinal plant to enhance memory. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that it reduces oxidative damage and regulates the cholinergic function in the brain, exhibiting a significant memory-enhancing potency.

Aim of the study: This study evaluated the effect of P. alliacea by inhibiting polymerization and disassembly of amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers in SH-SY5Y cells.

Material and methods: SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with Aβ peptide oligomers and treated with either methanol (PMF) or hexane fraction (PHF) of P. alliacea at different time points. Cellular viability and toxicity were assessed by MTT assay. Inhibition of Aβ polymerization in cells was assessed using the thioflavin T (ThT) assay and immunofluorescence. The chemical profile of P. alliacea was analyzed by GC-MS. Bioinformatic data analysis was performed using the STITCH database, and PPIs were identified using STRING.

Results: PMF inhibited polymerization and induced disassembly of Aβ oligomers, leading to a possible neuroprotective effect in SH-SY5Y cells. A total of 73 compounds were identified in PHF and 70 in PMF; among these, 14 were associated with Aβ activity based on bioinformatic analyses. Bioinformatic analysis identified that several metabolites from P. alliacea may interact with proteins involved in neuroinflammatory pathways.

Conclusions: P. alliacea demonstrates substantial anti-amyloidogenic capabilities and protects SH-SY5Y cell viability in an Aβ-induced cytotoxicity model. Our findings suggest that P. alliacea is a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb) is a traditional ethnomedicinal herb with established antimicrobial properties, yet its potential to disrupt bacterial communication via quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) remains under-explored.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the impact of root processing and extraction methods on the QSI activity of horseradish against a highly recalcitrant multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods: Fresh and dried roots were extracted using five solvent systems. Phytochemical profiles were determined via UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS and QSI activity was validated using Chromobacterium subtsugae CV026, RT-qPCR of QS genes, and fluorescence microscopy for biofilm architecture. Synergistic effects with antibiotics were assessed via checkerboard assays, complemented by in silico molecular docking against LasR, PqsR, and RhlR.

Results: Hexane-ethyl acetate extracts of fresh roots exhibited superior QSI, significantly downregulating core QS (lasR, lasI, rhlR, rhlI, mvfR, pqsH) and virulence (lasB, phzM, rhlC, algK, pvdS) genes. The extract prevented cell adhesion and biofilm maturation while showing strong synergy with meropenem and gentamicin. MS analysis identified isothiocyanates (ITCs), nitriles, and phenolics as key bioactive constituents. Docking revealed that while binding energy correlates with alkyl chain length, functional efficacy results from a multi-component synergy between iberin and other ITCs/nitriles.

Conclusion: Horseradish extracts act as potent antivirulence adjuvants, increasing the susceptibility of MDR P. aeruginosa to conventional antibiotics. These findings validate ethnomedicinal use and suggest a low-cost, complementary strategy for managing recalcitrant infections.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Codonopsis Radix (CR), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, tonifies the lung and promotes fluid production. It serves as an effective and commonly used remedy for pulmonary diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease in which inflammation and oxidative stress are central to disease pathogenesis. Lobetyolin (LBT), a bioactive constituent of CR, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, its efficacy and underlying mechanisms in COPD remain unclear.

Aim of the study: This study aims to identify the active components of Wen Codonopsis Radix (WCR) for the treatment of COPD, and to elucidate the mechanism by which LBT alleviates COPD by regulating the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Materials and methods: Male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a CSE/LPS-induced COPD model. The active fraction of WCR was screened by pharmacodynamic evaluation. Potential active components and signaling pathways within the most effective fraction were predicted using UHPLC-QE-MS combined with network pharmacology. Candidate bioactive constituents were further quantified by HPLC to substantiate their chemical relevance. In a CSE/LPS-induced BEAS-2B cell injury model, the mechanism of LBT was investigated with a focus on the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Results: The ethyl acetate fraction of WCR alleviated CSE/LPS-induced lung injury in COPD mice, and LBT emerged as a potential active component for COPD treatment. In CSE/LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells, LBT significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, modulated the Nrf2/NF-κB pathway, upregulated SOD expression, and decreased IL-8, TNF-α, and MDA levels. Collectively, these effects attenuated COPD development and progression.

Conclusion: LBT alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress, delays COPD progression, and ameliorates lung injury by activating Nrf2, inhibiting NF-κB signaling, and restoring Nrf2/NF-κB homeostasis. This study provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the "quality-effect" relationship of WCR and supports its product development.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Calotropis gigantea (L.) is traditionally used in South Asian folk medicine for inflammatory disorders, joint pain, and rheumatic conditions. However, its anti-arthritic efficacy has not been systematically validated in an experimental arthritis model.

Aim of the study: This study investigated the anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of an ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea flowers (EECG) in Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

Materials and methods: EECG was prepared by Soxhlet extraction and characterized using GC-MS. Anti-inflammatory potential was initially assessed by an in vitro protein denaturation assay. Arthritis was induced in Swiss albino rats using CFA, followed by oral administration of EECG (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for 28 days. Clinical parameters, hematological indices, inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor), oxidative stress markers, and mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, and COX-2 were evaluated. Histopathological examination of ankle joints was performed.

Results: GC-MS analysis identified 19 phytoconstituents, with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, n-hexadecanoic acid, and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid as major components. EECG showed dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation (81.24% at 1000 μg/mL). In vivo, EECG significantly reduced paw edema, arthritic score, organ hypertrophy, CRP, and RF levels while improving hematological and antioxidant parameters. Pro-inflammatory gene expression was markedly downregulated. Histology confirmed preservation of synovial architecture and reduced pannus formation, particularly at 400 mg/kg, comparable to diclofenac.

Conclusions: These findings scientifically validate the traditional use of C. gigantea for inflammatory joint disorders and support its potential as a phytotherapeutic candidate for rheumatoid arthritis.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Nutmeg) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to warm the middle energizer and resolve phlegm-dampness, which aligns with the TCM view of Acute Lung Injury (ALI) pathogenesis involving Lung and Spleen dysfunction.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to systematically decipher the protective effect and molecular mechanism of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (MF) against LPS-induced ALI using a multi-omics strategy.

Materials and methods: The protective effect of MF was evaluated in an LPS-induced murine ALI model by assessing inflammatory cytokines and lung histopathology. MF's chemical profile and blood-absorbed components were identified by UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS. Transcriptomics, WGCNA, network pharmacology, and molecular docking were integrated to predict core targets and pathways, which were further validated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Results: MF dose-dependently alleviated ALI, reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels and lung injury, with high-dose efficacy comparable to dexamethasone. Importantly, 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid was first identified from MF and confirmed blood-absorbable. Twenty-four bioactive components (mainly phenolic acids and lignans) were identified in blood. Integrative analysis pinpointed TLR4 and NF-κB as core targets, enriched in TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Molecular docking confirmed their stable binding with key MF components. In vitro, MF suppressed inflammatory mediator release, downregulated iNOS/COX-2, and inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions: MF protects against LPS-induced ALI by mitigating inflammation. Its bioactive components exert effects through multi-target inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, providing a pharmacological basis for its potential use in ALI treatment.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Venenum bufonis (VB) has been used for centuries in Asia to treat pharyngitis. However, its active components and mechanisms require further elucidation.

Aims of the study: This study aimed to identify the active components and mechanisms of VB in treating acute pharyngitis (AP).

Methods: Public databases were screened to identify the components and targets of VB, while AP-related genes were extracted from the GEO database. Then, machine learning (ML) was used to identify potential core target genes, and clinical relevance was evaluated using these core target genes. The active components and their mechanisms were then validated by molecular docking and by using an AP rat model.

Results: Bioinformatics and ML revealed three potential core target genes: ALPL, MKNK1, and CCR1. KEGG pathway analysis and GSEA identified that p38 MAPK/ERK-MKNK1-eIF4E signaling pathway is involved in the therapeutic effects of VB. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation showed that hellebrigenin is an active component in VB. The validation experimental results showed that VB and hellebrigenin reduced inflammatory factor expression by inhibiting MKNK1 activation and modulating the p38 MAPK/ERK-MKNK1-eIF4E signaling pathway, thereby alleviating AP.

Conclusion: This study systematically identified the biological activities, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of VB in combating AP using bioinformatics combined with ML and in vivo experiments. These results provide a scientific basis for the use of VB in AP treatment.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The Danshen (root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.) and Shanzha (fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) (SD) herb combination is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine with potential for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-MASLD efficacy of SD and the potential mechanism of synergistic treatment of MASLD with its active ingredients.

Materials and methods: The chemical composition of SD was elucidated using high-resolution mass spectrometry. A mouse model of MASLD was developed to assess therapeutic efficacy of SD. An integrated method, combining network pharmacology and multi-omics, was utilized to explore the anti-MASLD effects and mechanisms of SD. Additionally, molecular docking, Western blotting (WB), and other methodologies were employed to investigate the synergistic intervention mechanisms of SD's active ingredients in MASLD.

Results: SD can substantially mitigate liver lipid accumulation and inflammation in MASLD mice. We identified 92 components in SD, of which 55 were recognized as potential active ingredients. Notably, four chemical constituents-rutin, quercetin, salvianolic acid B, and hyperoside-have been identified as the active compounds responsible for the anti-MASLD effects of SD. Rutin, hyperoside and salvianolic acid B interacts with the Plin-5, facilitating the recruitment of lipid droplets to the mitochondria. Subsequently, salvianolic acid B, rutin and hyperoside activates PPARα, thereby promoting the oxidation of fatty acids. Concurrently, rutin, hyperoside and quercetin modulates Plin-2 to mitigate excessive fatty acid oxidation, thereby reducing the risk of oxidative stress.

Conclusions: Our research preliminarily confirms the anti-MASLD effects and the mechanism of synergistic intervention by SD's active ingredients, providing valuable evidence to support the use of TCM formulae for treating MASLD.