Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction Attenuates Thoracic Aortic Dissection by Regulating VSMC Phenotypic Switching and Oxidative Stress via the JAK2/STAT3/HIF-1α Pathway.","authors":"Li Cheng-Wen, Gao Rong, Jiang Yi-Fan, Wang Shou-Jia, Li Si-Yi, Li Chun-Yan, Liang Fan, Li Xiao-Qiang, Duan Wei-Xun, Song Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121324","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2026.121324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZY), a classic formula for \"blood stasis syndrome\", has insufficient evidence for its thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) therapeutic efficacy and its underlying mechanism remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim of study: </strong>This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy, mechanism, and key components of XFZY against TAD.</p><p><strong>Material and method: </strong>Using a β-Aminopropionitrile (BAPN)-induced TAD mouse model, efficacy was assessed via survival, ultrasonography, and histology. Mechanisms were explored via integrated UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, clinical proteomics, bioinformatics, and molecular docking, with validation by western blotting and immunofluorescence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In TAD mice, XFZY exerted significant therapeutic effects, as evidenced by reduced mortality (mortality: 40.0% in TAD vs. 13.3% in high-dose group), attenuated aortic dilation (maximum diameter: 1.49 ± 0.08 mm in TAD vs. 1.10 ± 0.04 mm in high-dose group), ameliorated histopathological changes, restored VSMC contractile phenotype, and mitigated oxidative stress. Proteomic analyses identified 339 dysregulated proteins, and pinpointed JAK2/STAT3/HIF-1α axis as core regulatory axis. XFZY dose-dependently inhibited JAK2/STAT3 activation and HIF-1α expression. Molecular docking identified Naringin, Kaempferol, Glycyrrhizic acid, and Saikosaponins A/D as key components, with anti-TAD efficacy confirmed in vivo.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>XFZY attenuated aortic tissue remodeling and improved the survival rate in TAD mice. This therapeutic effect was achieved by rescuing the VSMC contractile phenotype (inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway) and alleviating oxidative stress (downregulation of HIF-1α expression). Naringin, Kaempferol, Glycyrrhizic acid, and Saikosaponins A/D were identified as key components and exhibit effects similar to those of the XFZY extract. These findings establish a solid experimental basis for its clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"121324"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146180511","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":"Gancao decoction ameliorated senecionine-induced Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in mice by inhibiting NET formation and senecionine bioactivation in liver","authors":"Shuang Zhang ,&nbsp;Dongming Yan ,&nbsp;Si Cheng ,&nbsp;Jingyi Jin ,&nbsp;Jiamin Cui ,&nbsp;Chenghai Liu ,&nbsp;Yue Li ,&nbsp;Furong Qiu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>In China, pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) accounts for approximately 50.0-88.6% of all HSOS cases, primarily resulting from inadvertent ingestion of <em>Gynura japonica</em> (Thunb.) Juel. (Tǔ sān qī). <em>Glycyrrhiza uralensis</em> Fisch. (Gān cǎo), a classical hepatoprotective herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has recently demonstrated significant protective effects against PA-induced HSOS in murine models. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of study</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Gancao decoction (GCD) and elucidate its underlying mechanisms in PA-induced HSOS.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>HSOS was induced in mice by senecionine (SEN), followed by treatment with GCD or enoxaparin (ENO, positive control). Histopathological and therapeutic efficacy was assessed by histopathological examination and serum biochemical analyses. Neutrophil depletion was employed to investigate the contribution of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to the protective effects of GCD. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify potential targets of GCD. Mechanistic studies were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), Western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF). In addition, the inhibitory effect of GCD on SEN bioactivation was evaluated using human liver microsomes (HLMs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GCD improved serum biochemistry and hepatic histopathology in SEN-induced HSOS mice. Mechanistically, GCD suppressed intrahepatic neutrophil chemotaxis, thereby reducing NET formation and alleviating immunothrombosis. Furthermore, GCD inhibited the hepatic formation of dehydropyrrolizidine (DHP), the reactive metabolite responsible for SEN-induced HSOS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>GCD attenuated SEN-induced HSOS through dual mechanisms: (1) suppression of chemokine-driven neutrophil chemotaxis, leading to reduced NET formation and immunothrombosis; (2) inhibiting of SEN bioactivation. These findings provide mechanistic support for the ethnopharmacological use of Gancao in PA-HSOS and highlight its potential for clinical translation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121356"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146165541","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":"Inhibition of the p38/JNK MAPK pathway mediated by circadian rhythm genes: Study of the mechanism of Linggan Wuwei Jiangxin decoction in the treatment of COPD","authors":"Shihao Li ,&nbsp;Ping Huang ,&nbsp;Jingjing Li ,&nbsp;Zhuang Huang ,&nbsp;Kairui Zhang ,&nbsp;Kai Chang ,&nbsp;Huangen Kou ,&nbsp;Benjiang Xiao ,&nbsp;Meng Chen ,&nbsp;Kaojiang Zhu ,&nbsp;Rui Qian ,&nbsp;Xing Hong ,&nbsp;Yuxin Wen ,&nbsp;Pengyu Chen ,&nbsp;Qiong Wang ,&nbsp;Fang Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121349","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequently encountered respiratory disease. Its clinical symptoms are characterized by long-term coughing, expectoration, and other airway symptoms, resulting in significant harm. Linggan Wuwei Jiangxin Decoction (LGWWJXD) has the effects of warming the lungs, transforming fluid retention, and relieving cough and asthma, and is a classic prescription for treating COPD.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aims to determine the mechanism of action of LGWWJXD in preventing and treating COPD.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;COPD rat models were established using a combination of exposure to cigarette smoke (CS), hypothermia, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Model rats were administered LGWWJXD. Histological changes in lung tissues were detected via hematoxylin-eosin (H&amp;E) staining combined with transmission electron microscopy. Quantification of inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum and cell culture medium were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The active ingredients of LGWWJXD and its components that could enter the systemic circulation were identified using UPLC-MS/MS. Metabolomic analysis characterized distinctive metabolites and associated pathways, and transcriptomics was used to identify differential genes and determine differential enrichment pathways. Core genes were identified through WGCNA combined with three machine learning algorithms. The interactions between cell subtypes was investigated through immune cell infiltration analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to screen key genes and core compounds. Subsequently, BEAS-2B cells were stimulated with CS and LPS to establish a COPD cell model, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of the key compounds. Finally, the aforementioned results were integrated to systematically explore the potential mechanism of LGWWJXD in the treatment of COPD. Finally, it was verified through western blotting and RT-PCR.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;LGWWJXD alleviated lung inflammation in rats, reduced pathological lung damage to help improve lung function, and reduced cigarette smoke-LPS-low temperature COPD. Metabolomics results showed that the levels of most differential metabolites were normal after LGWWJXD intervention, with arginine biosynthesis and purine metabolism being the main pathways. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the MAPK signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the therapeutic effects of LGWWJXD. WGCNA and machine learning algorithms identified two key genes, &lt;em&gt;Bmal1&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Per2&lt;/em&gt;. The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics results revealed both to stem from inflammatory factor release. inflammatory factors. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, western blotting, and R","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121349"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146165470","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":"Long Gu (Os Draconis): Textual research, modern scientific evaluation, and quality control challenges","authors":"Sun Xiujia ,&nbsp;Li Zhan Hua ,&nbsp;Gao Yuanze ,&nbsp;Kumar Ganesan ,&nbsp;Liu Jing ,&nbsp;Li Li ,&nbsp;Zhang Chao ,&nbsp;Jianping Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Long Gu (Os Draconis), a mineral medicine with over 2000 years of use in traditional Chinese medicine, is facing a critical juncture. Its identity has been clarified scientifically—from a mythologized “dragon bone” to a fossilized mammalian bioapatite—yet its sustainable clinical application is threatened by resource depletion, widespread domestic and international adulteration, and the lack of modern quality standards.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This review aims to systematically analyze the evolution of Long Gu through historical materia medica, define its authentic characteristics using modern science, diagnose the root causes of its current market and regulatory crisis, and propose a robust, multi-dimensional framework for quality evaluation and sustainable sourcing.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic review of Chinese materia medica literature from the Pre-Qin to Qing Dynasties was conducted. Historical textual research was integrated with evidence from modern mineralogy, paleontology, geochemistry, and pharmacology to validate traditional knowledge and establish scientific identification criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The understanding of Long Gu evolved from mythological origins to a scientific conclusion in the Ming Dynasty, with Li Shizhen correctly identifying it as fossilized ancient mammalian bones. Modern research confirms authentic “Wuhua Long Gu” from the Shanxi-Shaanxi region is primarily carbonated hydroxyapatite, characterized by high porosity (&gt;35%), significant hygroscopicity, and a unique trace element profile (Zn, Sr). These properties underpin its advertised therapeutic effects. However, the market is now saturated with dangerous adulterants, including fluoride-rich dinosaur fossils and processed modern bones, due to resource exhaustion and inadequate pharmacopoeial standards focused solely on calcium content.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The future of Long Gu depends on transcending outdated quality controls. Ensuring its efficacy and safety necessitates a paradigm shift to a comprehensive standard system that combines paleontological and geochronological origin verification, quantitative microstructural analysis, chemical fingerprinting of key components, and strict safety monitoring. Complementary research into biomimetic synthesis and accelerated mineralization is urgently needed to develop sustainable alternatives for this invaluable yet endangered medicinal resource.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121354"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146165529","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":"Metabolomic profiling of Cordia africana Lam. and its anti-asthmatic effect in an ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation model","authors":"Manal M. Sabry ,&nbsp;Heba A. El Gizawy ,&nbsp;Ahlam M. El-Fishawy ,&nbsp;Mohammed A. Hussein ,&nbsp;Basma M. Eltanany ,&nbsp;Laura Pont ,&nbsp;Fernando Benavente ,&nbsp;Rania A. El Gedaily ,&nbsp;Rana M. Ibrahim","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Cordia africana</em> Lam. (<em>C. africana</em>) (Boraginaceae) is traditionally used in Africa to manage inflammatory disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the metabolome of <em>C. africana</em> cultivated in Sudan and evaluate its potential against allergic severe asthma - a chronic, and complex inflammatory airway condition.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Phytoconstituents of <em>C. africana</em> leaf (CL), stem bark (CSB), and root bark (CRB) were identified by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS). The antiallergic effect of CL (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt.) was investigated in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation and allergic asthma rat model, using dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg b.wt.) as a standard.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 65 metabolites were identified, including carbohydrates, organic and fatty acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and flavonoids. Hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis revealed significant metabolite discrepancies between the organs, with CL treatment exhibiting the highest number of unique metabolites (24 compounds). CL extract significantly reduced sneezing frequency, eosinophils count, plasma immunoglobulin E, histamine, complements C3 and C4, lung vascular endothelial growth factor, phosphorylated Akt, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-23, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), malondialdehyde, while significantly increasing glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, lung NLRP3 and AhR gene expression were markedly reduced. These biochemical findings, suggesting anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, were further supported by histological analysis after proper clinical trials.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results suggest that <em>C. africana</em> could serve as a promising source of bioactive metabolites with anti-asthmatic potential. However, further pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to validate its efficacy and safety for developing novel therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121346"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146165625","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":"Danlong oral liquid alleviates airway remodeling in asthma by targeting the S1PR2/ROCK1/YAP signaling pathway in airway smooth muscle cells","authors":"Mengqi Zhou ,&nbsp;Min Xiang ,&nbsp;Yuan Li ,&nbsp;Zizhong Wang ,&nbsp;Jiangtao Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121347","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Danlong Oral Liquid (DLOL) is a proprietary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with documented clinical efficacy against asthma, yet its underlying mechanism of action remains incompletely understood. The bioactive sphingolipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its receptor S1PR2 signaling axis are critically implicated in asthma pathogenesis, particularly in driving airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) remodeling, a key pathological feature of asthma. Despite this, the mechanistic involvement of DLOL in this specific pathway has not been explored.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aimed to validate the effect of DLOL against asthma-associated airway remodeling and to elucidate whether its mechanism of action involves the modulation of the S1PR2/ROCK1/YAP signaling pathway in ASMCs.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The therapeutic effects and mechanisms of DLOL were investigated using a combination of &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; approaches. An &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt; rat model of allergic asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. We assessed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and performed inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using Wright-Giemsa staining. Lung histopathology was evaluated by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&amp;E) staining, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson's trichrome staining to assess inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and collagen deposition. Levels of S1P and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in BALF and serum, along with OVA-IgE in serum, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and gene expression of key molecules in the S1PR2/ROCK1/YAP signaling pathway were analyzed by Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). For &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; studies, primary rat ASMCs were stimulated with S1P. The impact of DLOL-containing serum (DL-CS) on proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays. Cell migration and contraction were evaluated by scratch assay and collagen gel contraction assay, respectively. Underlying mechanisms were further examined by WB, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence (IF).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;DLOL administration significantly alleviated AHR, airway inflammation, and remodeling in a rat model of asthma. Mechanistically, DLOL downregulated the S1PR2/ROCK1/YAP signaling axis in lung tissues, inhibiting the expression of S1PR2, RhoA, and ROCK1, promoting YAP inactivation, and suppressing the downstream targets FOXM1 and CyclinD1. Consistently, DL-CS potently inhibited S1P-induced proliferation, migration, and contraction of ASMCs &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt;, further confirming its robust anti-remodeling activity.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Our integrated findings demonstrate","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121347"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157248","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":"Integration of non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals the mechanistic rationale of Coptidis Rhizoma's cold property via systemic energy homeostasis and adaptive thermogenesis in mice","authors":"Ran Xie,&nbsp;Yuling Liu,&nbsp;Qi Song,&nbsp;Lixia Song,&nbsp;Jiameng Li,&nbsp;Yanmin Zhang,&nbsp;Jing Meng,&nbsp;Baokai Dou,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Hu,&nbsp;Lv Gao,&nbsp;Qinghe Zhao,&nbsp;Hairu Huo,&nbsp;Feng Sui","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121344","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Coptidis Rhizoma (CR), a typical bitter-cold herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is commonly employed in treating metabolic diseases like diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study investigated the effects of CR on whole-body metabolic status and elucidate the scientific basis of its “cold” property.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A CR water decoction was prepared and its major constituents were identified and quantified. C57BL/6J mice were orally administered the CR decoction, and changes in core body temperature (CBT) were monitored using thermocouples. The thermal preference was assessed using dual-temperature choice tests and thermal gradient experiment. Serum metabolomic profiling and transcriptomic analysis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) was conducted. Key targets were validated using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Integrated multi-omics analysis was carried out <em>via</em> MetaboAnalyst online database.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prepared CR decoction identified 11 components. CR administration significantly reduced CBT and altered behavioral thermal preference. Metabolomics identified 45 differential metabolites, enriched in 9 metabolic pathways like the TCA cycle. Transcriptomics revealed 711 significantly differentially expressed genes, prominently associated with thermogenesis and the TCA cycle. Key genes (Acsl1, Elovl3, Hadh, Dio2, Scd1, and Lep) were verified. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis underscored CR's impact on the TCA cycle and fatty acid degradation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CR enhances adaptive thermogenesis in BAT, accelerates the TCA cycle and lipid metabolism, and promotes energy substrate consumption, thereby modulating systemic energy homeostasis. These effects are similar to physiological responses to cold stimulation, providing a mechanistic rationale for the “cold” property of CR in TCM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121344"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146149701","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":"Neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of Polygala virgata fractions in a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity model","authors":"A.D. de Beer ,&nbsp;W. Rudolph ,&nbsp;V. Maharaj ,&nbsp;V. Steenkamp ,&nbsp;M. Balmith ,&nbsp;W. Cordier","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121222","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121222","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ferroptosis contributes to Parkinson's disease progression given dysregulation of iron homeostasis and redox status. <em>Polygala virgata</em> is used ethnomedicinally for memory enhancement. This study assessed the cytoprotective and antioxidant properties of crude extracts and fractions of <em>P. virgata</em> using a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced (6-OHDA) SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cytotoxicity model.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Dried roots of <em>P. virgata</em> (14% w/v) were sequentially extracted using dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) and methanol, which was combined to give a crude extract. The crude extract was separated into seven fractions using different ratios of water, acetonitrile and methanol on solid phase extraction (SPE). Inherent cytotoxicity of the samples (10 μg/mL), as well as their ability to reduce 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity (35 μM), was determined using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay after 48-h (h) exposure. The active fractions' cytoprotective effect in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione levels (GSH), lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial integrity was determined fluorometrically. Cytoprotective fractions’ phytochemical constituency was elucidated using liquid chromatography high resolution mass-spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fractions 3 to 7 increased cell density after exposure to 6-OHDA by 31.14%, 28.08%, 30.72%, 40.58% (p &lt; 0.01) and 28.86%, respectively, with no inherent cytotoxicity observed. Fraction 4 reduced 6-OHDA-induced ROS generation (2.09-fold) and lipid peroxidation (0.28-fold). Non-significant increases in GSH were noted (1.34 to 19.25%), while all fractions hyperpolarised the mitochondrial membrane. Multi-hydroxylated xanthones, flavones and flavans were tentatively identified using UPLC-HRMS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>P. virgata</em> fractions reduced 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity via decreased oxidative stress and hyperpolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane, most likely ascribed to the identified xanthones, flavones and flavans. Isolation and purification of these compounds are warranted as potential antioxidant scaffolds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121222"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146149710","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":"The modified Zuojin formula (SQQT) associates ILC2-linked JAK-2/STAT5/c-Myc cascade and gastric metaplasia regression","authors":"Xuefei Yang ,&nbsp;Yuedan Wang ,&nbsp;Shan Liu ,&nbsp;Haijie Ji ,&nbsp;Jiaqi Zhang ,&nbsp;Lin lv ,&nbsp;Mengxiong Lu ,&nbsp;Ping Wang ,&nbsp;Fengyun Wang ,&nbsp;Xudong Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The modified Zuojin formula (SQQT) has been clinically prescribed for gastric metaplasia (GM) for several decades in China. The therapeutic efficacy of SQQT and potential mechanisms have been demonstrated in our previous studies. This research will further investigate its mechanism in the immune microenvironment.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>We aimed to determine the influence of SQQT on the ILC2-mediated JAK-2/STAT5/c-Myc pathway during GM.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The mechanism of GM in patients was measured through single-cell RNA sequencing. The constituents of SQQT have been examined before. The role of SQQT targets JAK-2/STAT5/c-Myc pathway was verified by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The model of GM was induced by tamoxifen (5 mg/20 g), CD90.2 protein (200 μg) or SQQT (1.69, 3.38, 6.76 g/kg) was given to treat GM mice. The SQQT mechanism was confirmed by both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies. Histological analysis, serum cytokines, and protein levels were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis indicated that ILC2 increased in the GM patients, the goblet cells in GM were probably transferred from endocrine cells. Compounds in SQQT are related to cell proliferation and can bind to the JAK-2/STAT5/c-Myc pathway proteins. The main components of SQQT, can spontaneously bind to the JAK-2 protein in 9 sites. Tamoxifen caused body weight decrease, spleen weight increase, stomach injury, ILC2 increase, and cytokines increase in the GM group. After examining the cytokines, IL-5 was the only one significantly increased in the GM group. CD90.2 and SQQT can alleviate histological changes of the stomach corpus, inflammation cytokines, and other GM-related indicators. Moreover, cell proliferation and JAK-2 pathway markers were depressed in GM mice. Besides, SQQT protects GES-1 cells from IL-5 injury related to upregulating JAK-2/STAT5/c-Myc proteins in 24h, 48h and 72h.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The mechanism of SQQT protected the stomach from metaplasia associated to ILC2 activation and the subsequent cell proliferation through IL-5/JAK-2/STAT5/c-Myc pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121345"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146149891","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":"Mechanistic study of Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharides improving ulcerative colitis by promoting Lachnoclostridium edouardi metabolism of short-chain fatty acids","authors":"Jing Fang ,&nbsp;Mengya Wu ,&nbsp;Jiao Yu ,&nbsp;Junwei Zhao ,&nbsp;Yuzhen Liu ,&nbsp;Yu Cui ,&nbsp;Yunna Chen ,&nbsp;Shuang Han ,&nbsp;Weidong Chen ,&nbsp;Daiyin Peng ,&nbsp;Liang Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2026.121321","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dendrobium huoshanense&lt;/em&gt; C. Z. Tang et S. J. Cheng (DH) is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history of medicinal use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. It has therapeutic effects on chronic atrophic gastritis, superficial gastritis, and duodenal ulcer, while also promoting gastric juice secretion and gastrointestinal motility. &lt;em&gt;Dendrobium huoshanense&lt;/em&gt; polysaccharides (DHP) is an active ingredient extracted from it and has a variety of pharmacological activities, but its mechanism of action on ulcerative colon is worthy of further study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aims of this study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aimed to investigate whether DHP could alleviate ulcerative colitis (UC) by activating PPARγ and to elucidate the mechanism behind it in relation to the short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) content metabolized by gut microbiota.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study initially validated the preventive effects of DHP on UC using an animal model. The key gut microbiota affected by DHP were identified by 16S rRNA. The potential mechanism of DHP treatment for UC was demonstrated by LC-MS/MS to detect the levels of SCFAs, and by immunofluorescence and Western blotting to detect the expression of PPARγ/NF-κB pathway proteins. This potential mechanism was further confirmed by a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment. Finally, through the in-depth study of the different intestinal flora regulated by DHP, &lt;em&gt;Lachnoclostridium edouardi&lt;/em&gt; was found to be related to the production of SCFAs, and the effect of metabolites produced by DHP fermented by this strain on the inflammation of colonic epithelial cells was investigated through &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; fermentation experiments, to clarify the intestinal strains that are specifically regulated by DHP.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The results showed that DHP significantly alleviated UC symptoms and reduced colonic tissue damage in mice, while restoring the balance of the intestinal microbiota. In addition, DHP substantially increased the concentration of SCFAs in the colon. These shifts triggered PPARγ activation and inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation in the colon tissue, effectively reducing inflammation and improving UC outcomes. The FMT assay further validated that the preventive benefits of DHP were mediated through the intestinal flora. Meanwhile, the DHP-specifically regulated strain &lt;em&gt;Lachnoclostridium edouardi&lt;/em&gt; showed markedly higher short-chain fatty acid content in metabolites produced by fermentation with DHP &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; and effectively suppressed inflammation in colonic epithelial cells.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study suggests that DHP can play a role in the treatment of UC by modulating short-chain fatty acid metabolism in the gut microbiota and activating the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, DHP was able to promote the content of SCFAs produced by the metabolism of the &lt;em&gt;","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"362 ","pages":"Article 121321"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146149715","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}