Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Shenling Baizhu San improves spermatogenic dysfunction in hyperuricemia mice by regulating Sirt3/Nrf2 to inhibit testicular ferroptosis","authors":"Xiaocui Jiang ,&nbsp;Xiaoming Yu ,&nbsp;Zhongyi Zhu ,&nbsp;Yinjuan Lyu ,&nbsp;Xingyu Jiang ,&nbsp;Zihao Liu ,&nbsp;Jigang Cao ,&nbsp;Min Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The effect of hyperuricemia (HUA) on testicular spermatogenesis cannot be ignored. The classical Chinese medicine compound Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZS) can reduce uric acid and improve testicular spermatogenesis, while researchers have not well explored the related pathology and pharmacodynamic mechanism have.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of study</h3><div>To investigate whether the dysfunction of testicular spermatogenesis caused by HUA and the therapeutic effect of SLBZS are related to testicular cell ferroptosis.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>C57BL/6 mice and C57BL/6 background Sirt3^−/− mice were induced by oxazinate potassium (OXO), and HUA spermatogenic dysfunction mice model were constructed and treated with SLBZS. Sperm quality detection and testicular histopathology served for evaluating the protective mechanism of SLBZS against testicular spermatogenesis in HUA mice. Biochemical detection, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate ferroptosis level of testicular cells. Western blot analysis assisted in verifying the expression of the corresponding pathway proteins.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The testes of mice with HUA spermatogenic dysfunction were subjected to OXO-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and the Sirt3/Nrf2 pathway-related protein expressions were changed. SLBZS improved the testes of mice with HUA spermatogenic dysfunction in terms of their spermatogenic function, oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and promoted Sirt3/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway-related proteins to be expressed. The analysis of Sirt3^−/− mice was modeled and dosed, and it was found that SLBZS could not improve the spermatogenic function, oxidative stress and ferroptosis of Sirt3-deficient model mice’ testes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>OXO-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in HUA is associated with ferroptosis of testicular cells. SLBZS can be used for treating spermatogenic dysfunction in HUA possibly by activating Sirt3/Nrf2 signaling pathway, which inhibits ferroptosis due to oxidative stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119310"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142915155","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":"Corrigendum to \"The extract from Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. Prevents bronchial airway remodeling by inhibiting mouse bronchial wall thickening and hASMC proliferation and migration\" [J. Ethnopharmacol. 303 (2023) 116047].","authors":"Xiaocui Cai, Yan Mao, Xiaoli Shen, Haifang Li, Jinhua He, Mingjun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119280","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119280","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"119280"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142965223","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":"Evaluation of the sedative-hypnotic effects of Menyanthes trifoliata L. extract in mice","authors":"Ranran Gong ,&nbsp;Haizhou Jiang ,&nbsp;Jin Hu ,&nbsp;Guohua Liu ,&nbsp;Lingxiao Gao ,&nbsp;Qingwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Yutong Wei ,&nbsp;Changan Geng ,&nbsp;Shanshan Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Insomnia is a pervasive and prominent problem worldwide, afflicting approximately one-third of the population and profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. Efficient and safe sedative-hypnotic medications are required. <em>Menyanthes trifoliata</em> L. (Mt), a sleeping herb in China, is used as a hypnotic remedy in ethnomedicines; however, there are few studies on this herb.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>We systematically evaluated the potential of Mt as a sedative-hypnotic candidate.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The chemical constituents of the Mt extract were analyzed by lLiquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-MS). The sedative-hypnotic effects of Mt extract (0.5, 2, and 4 g/kg) were investigated using the pentobarbital-induced sleep test (PIST), the caffeine-induced insomnia model (CIIM), and the open field test (OFT). Furthermore, the effect of Mt on sleep architecture was ‌investigated using electroencephalography/electromyography (EEG/EMG). The safety of the Mt extract was evaluated using the maximum tolerated dose method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified based on their UV absorption and MS fragmentation using LC-PDA-MS analysis. In the CIIM, PIST, and OFT, Mt extract exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in sleep latency, an extension of total sleep duration, and a decrease in locomotor activity. Moreover, it increased the duration of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and reduced wakefulness after one day's administration, according to EEG/EMG. Additionally, no signs of toxicity were observed at a dose of 30 g/kg (equivalent to 316.46 g/kg of crude drugs).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study supports the potential medicinal use of Mt extract for sleep promotion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119227"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142794743","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":"6-Shogaol attenuates cisplatin induced emesis by inhibiting the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling pathway in a rat pica model","authors":"Shaojun Kan ,&nbsp;Binbin Ye ,&nbsp;Yusu Wang,&nbsp;Ziyao Mo,&nbsp;Weijian Chen,&nbsp;Jingrui Zheng,&nbsp;Yarong Zhai,&nbsp;Ke Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em> Rosc.) is a traditional anti-emetic herb. 6-shogaol, the main active compound of ginger, is reported to possess a variety of bioactivities.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the anti-emetic effect of 6-shogaol in a cisplatin-induced pica rat model and explore its underlying mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The rat pica model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. The pathological damage of gastric antrum and ileum were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of serum 8-Hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected by ELISA. The expression of ZO1 tight junction protein (TJP-1) and occludin in ileum were determined by IHC. The levels of 8-oxo G DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), phospho-STING (p-STING), TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), phospho-TBK1 (pTBK1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and phospho-NF-κB (p-NF-κB) in gastric antrum and ileum were assayed by western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We found that 6-shogaol significantly improved pica behavior in rats by downregulating NF-κB and IL-1β level, and ameliorating inflammatory damage in gastric antrum and ileum. Mechanistically, cGAS-STING axis activated by mtDNA is responsible for the cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal inflammatory responses. 6-Shogaol inhibited the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling pathway by increasing the level of base-excision repair enzyme OGG1 and decreasing the level of endonuclease FEN1.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study indicates that 6-shogaol has a therapeutic effect against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), potentially attributable to the suppression of the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119251"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854195","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":"Centipeda minima extracts and the active sesquiterpene lactones have therapeutic efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer by suppressing Skp2/p27 signaling pathway","authors":"Han-Chen Wang ,&nbsp;Pei-En Wu ,&nbsp;Wen-Da He ,&nbsp;Chu-Ying Chen ,&nbsp;Rou-Qiao Zheng ,&nbsp;Yan-Chun Pang ,&nbsp;Li-Chuan Wu ,&nbsp;Yong-Xian Cheng ,&nbsp;Yong-Qiang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnophamacological relevance</h3><div><em>Centipeda minima</em> (L.) A. Braun &amp; Asch (<em>C. minima</em>) was applied to treat nasal allergy, headache, cough, and even nasopharyngeal carcinoma in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying anticancer mechanisms of <em>C. minima</em> and its active components have not been systematically illustrated.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The study aims to examine the therapeutic efficacy of the ethanol extract of <em>C. minima</em> (ECM) and its active components in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and illustrate the underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The main chemical components in the ethanol extract of <em>C. minima</em> (ECM) and the supercritical CO₂ fluid extract of <em>C. minima</em> (CM-SFE) were determined by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The antitumor effects of ECM and CM-SFE were examined by using NSCLC cell xenografts. The flow cytometry, cell colony formation, wound-healing, transwell assay, and Western blotting were conducted to investigate the anticancer properties of ECM, CM-SFE, and these sesquiterpene lactones that abundantly distributed in these extracts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We first determined that ECM contains high levels of sesquiterpene lactones. ECM can markedly induce cell cycle arrest and suppress migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, ECM promoted proteasome-dependent degradation of Skp2 protein and induced the accumulation of its substrates p27; whereas Skp2 overexpression can attenuate the inhibitory effects of ECM on NSCLC proliferation and migration. Moreover, ECM at 200–600 mg/kg can significantly inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in A549-luciferase cell orthotopic xenografts by suppressing Skp2 expression. The sesquiterpene lactones that abundantly distributed in ECM, including 6-<em>O</em>-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP), arnicolide D (ArD) and arnicolide C (ArC), were also demonstrated to decrease Skp2 while increase p27 protein level, thereby significantly inducing cell cycle arrest and suppressing migration of NSCLC cells. Notably, CM-SFE, which mainly consisted of 6-OAP, ArD and ArC, exhibited much stronger anti-NSCLC activity than that of ECM in A549-luciferase cell orthotopic xenografts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results demonstrate that the active components in <em>C. minima</em> possesses potential anti-NSCLC activities by suppressing Skp2/p27 signaling pathway, and these active sesquiterpene lactones can be further developed as potent Skp2 inhibitor to treat NSCLC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119277"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142895007","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":"Network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and biological validation reveal a lipid secretion inhibitory and anti-inflammatory mechanism of tanreqing gel in the treatment of acne","authors":"Xing Ren ,&nbsp;Na Zhou ,&nbsp;Dongying Li ,&nbsp;Lu Li ,&nbsp;Yunong Wang ,&nbsp;Lishuang Li ,&nbsp;Yuman Ma ,&nbsp;Xinyu Gao ,&nbsp;Yujia Zhao ,&nbsp;Yanan Sun ,&nbsp;Yi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119278","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119278","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit, in which abnormal sebum secretion and inflammation play crucial roles. The traditional Chinese medicine Tanreqing has been utilized in dermatology to effectively treat various diseases. However, its effects and underlying mechanisms in acne vulgaris remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aims to assess the potential benefits of Tanreqing gel (TRQ) in acne treatment and to explore the mechanisms by which TRQ inhibits sebum secretion and reduces inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A mouse model of acne induced by <em>Cutibacterium acnes</em> (<em>C. acnes</em>) was established. The impact of TRQ on acne lesions was assessed using optical imaging and histopathology. Network pharmacology and transcriptomics were used to identify significant intervention pathways and targets. Both <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> experiments were conducted to detect the expression of genes and proteins associated with inflammation and sebum metabolism.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>TRQ significantly improved pathological changes in the lesion areas of mice, such as redness, vascular dilation, and increased blood flow. It also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis and inhibited the accumulation of lipids in the sebaceous glands. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that TRQ might exert anti-inflammatory effects through the IL-17, TOLL-like receptor, and NF-κB signaling pathways. The transcriptomic analysis confirmed the importance of these pathways in the <em>C. acnes</em>-induced acne model. Furthermore, TRQ was found to reduce sebum secretion by inhibiting fatty acid biosynthesis through the suppression of proteins in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Cell experiments confirmed that TRQ could suppress the release of inflammatory factors induced by <em>C. acnes</em> surface structure peptidoglycan (PGN) and metabolite porphyrins. Additionally, it was observed to reverse the elevated porphyrin secretion associated with abnormal sebum production, ultimately relieving acne inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that TRQ effectively alleviates <em>C. acnes</em>-induced acne symptoms by inhibiting sebum secretion and inflammatory responses through multiple pathways and targets. It provides new insights and directions for acne treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119278"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142885855","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":"Pharmacodynamic material basis of licorice and mechanisms of modulating bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota in cisplatin-induced liver injury based on LC-MS and network pharmacology analysis","authors":"Jie Li ,&nbsp;Xiaolong Lian ,&nbsp;Baojian Li ,&nbsp;Quhuan Ma ,&nbsp;Lingling Yang ,&nbsp;Guangmiao Gao ,&nbsp;Tingmei Yin ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Fu ,&nbsp;Yi Deng ,&nbsp;Zhijun Yang ,&nbsp;Xiujuan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Cisplatin (CP), a widely used antineoplastic agent, is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) due to its hepatotoxic effects. Licorice (GC), an established remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has shown promise in addressing liver diseases and DILI. Nonetheless, the specific active components and underlying mechanisms of GC in mitigating CP-induced liver injury remain inadequately investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study examined the active components and efficacy of GC in addressing CP-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on its mechanisms related to bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota regulation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Utilizing a CP-induced rat liver injury model, this study evaluated changes in liver coefficient, liver function indices, and pathological morphology while assessing the efficacy of GC for both prevention and treatment of CP-induced liver injury. Subsequently, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS qualitatively analyzed GC's blood-entering components, elucidating its pharmacodynamic material basis. Network pharmacology analysis identified potential pathways and targets of GC's blood components in relation to CP-induced liver injury. Furthermore, metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were employed to clarify the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of GC in modulating bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota, offering insights into its preventive and therapeutic roles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The pharmacodynamic results revealed that GC significantly reduced liver function biomarkers and improved pathological changes in liver tissue. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis identified 16 blood-entering components as potential pharmacodynamic agents of GC for preventing and treating CP-induced liver injury. Network pharmacology analysis suggested a link between GC's efficacy and the bile acid metabolic pathway. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis, immunoblotting, and 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that GC regulated bile acid metabolites in both liver and feces, enhanced FXR and BSEP expressions in the liver, and decreased CYP27A1 expression. Additionally, GC mitigated CP-induced intestinal dysbiosis by altering the abundance of gut microbiota.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>UPLC-Q-TOF-MS performed a qualitative analysis of 16 blood-entering components linked to GC, providing a basis for further exploration of the pharmacodynamic material underpinning GC. The protective role of GC in CP-induced liver injury appears connected to enhanced bile acid metabolism and restoration of gut microbiota balance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119293"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142907092","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":"Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix inhibits the activation of vascular adventitial fibroblasts and vascular intimal proliferation by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway","authors":"Wanyu Li ,&nbsp;Shunzhou Xu ,&nbsp;Lingbo Chen ,&nbsp;Wei Tan ,&nbsp;Nujiao Deng ,&nbsp;Yanling Li ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Changqing Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119302","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix is an important traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Our previous studies have shown that Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix can inhibit vascular intimal hyperplasia and improve the blood vessel wall's ECM deposition, among which six main active components can be absorbed into the blood, suggesting that these components may be the main pharmacodynamic substances of Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix against vascular intimal hyperplasia.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A mouse model of atherosclerosis was used to study the relationship between the anti-intimal hyperplasia effect of Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and the inhibition of VAF activation and ECM synthesis. Furthermore, an &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; rat VAF activation model was used. The effects of the main active ingredients of Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix on the proliferation, migration and ECM synthesis of VAF were observed. The mechanism of its action was investigated by focusing on TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Male ApoE&lt;sup&gt;−/−&lt;/sup&gt; mice were used to establish an AS model. Observe the morphological changes of blood vessels, the expression of Vimentin, α-SMA, ECM-related factors and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway-related proteins. Ang Ⅱ was used to induce the VAF activation model. The cell activity, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell phenotypic markers, ECM-related factors, cell cycle regulation-related proteins and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway-related proteins were determined. On this basis, TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway agonists and inhibitors were used to study the effects of the compatibility of six active components on TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix can reduce aortic intimal hyperplasia, inhibit the expression of aortic α-SMA, Vimentin, ECM components, TGF-β1, p-Samd2 and p-Samd3. Cell experiments showed that the six active ingredients could inhibit the proliferation and migration of VAF to varying degrees, inhibit the expression of α-SMA, cell cycle promoters, ECM components, up-regulate the expression of Vimentin, P21, MMP2 and MMP9. The above effects were enhanced after the combination of the six components. The 6 components and their combinations could inhibit the expression of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway-related proteins and up-regulate the expression of Samd7 to varying degrees. The above effects were enhanced after the combination of the 6 components. TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway inhibitor LY2157299 showed similar effects with the six components. The inhibitory effects of the six active ingredients on TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway-related proteins and the promotion of Smad7 expression were attenuated when agonists were added into the six active ingredient c","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119302"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142915110","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":"Treatment of Qin Gui Wan (QGW) in PCOS abnormal oocytes development via AMPK/PGC-1ɑ pathway","authors":"Xiaojuan Li ,&nbsp;Yiwei Cui ,&nbsp;Chuxin Zhang ,&nbsp;Weiyu Zang,&nbsp;Yuli Cheng,&nbsp;Chenyu Yang,&nbsp;Shujing Zhang,&nbsp;Xue Yu,&nbsp;Lin Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To investigate the therapeutic effects of <em>Qin Gui Wan</em> (QGW) and its disassembled functional drug groups, <em>Wenyang Zhuhuo</em> (WYZH) and <em>Xinwen Zhuyang</em> (XWZY), on letrozole-induced PCOS rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PCOS rat model was established by administering letrozole for 21 days. The rats were divided into control, PCOS, Diane-35, QGW, WYZH and XWZY groups. The changes of body weight, ovarian coefficient, estrous cycle and sex hormone levels were observed. The ovarian histological characteristics and ovulation were observed by HE staining. P450arom, SF-1, and AMPK/PGC-1ɑ pathway mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C (CC) was used to explore the treatment mechanism of QGW in granulosa cells. And UHPLC-MS/MS was used to performed chemical composition analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>QGW, WYZH, and XWZY can correct the disordered estrous cycle of PCOS rats and improve the serum hormone status of rats to varying degrees. HE results indicated that QGW, WYZH, and XWZY improved ovarian polycystic changes and normalized ovulation. qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC results demonstrated that QGW, WYZH, and XWZY increased PGC-1α, SF-1, and P450arom mRNA and protein expression in the ovaries of PCOS rats. The level of AMPK mRNA in the ovaries of QGW and its disassembled prescriptions increased, while only WYZH and XWZY rats showed increased ovarian AMPK levels. CC attenuated the activation of AMPK, PGC-1α, SF-1, and P450arom mRNA by QGW.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates that QGW alleviates abnormal oocyte development in PCOS rats, possibly by enhancing P450arom expression via the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, thus restoring normal androgen-estrogen balance and follicular development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 119434"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080240","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":"Unveiling potent bioactive compounds and anti-angiogenic pathways in Gekko swinhonis Guenther for gastric cancer therapy","authors":"Yu Zheng ,&nbsp;Chang Lu ,&nbsp;Yong Jiang ,&nbsp;Nina Wei ,&nbsp;Chenqi Chang ,&nbsp;Weidong Li ,&nbsp;Linwei Chen ,&nbsp;Rui Chen ,&nbsp;Zhipeng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2024.119156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Gekko swinhonis Guenther</em>, commonly referred to as Gecko in the following text, belongs to the genus Gekko within the family Gekko. Its dried whole body is a widely utilized traditional Chinese medicine, demonstrating significant efficacy in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly gastric cancer (GC). Nevertheless, the composition of the gecko is complex, necessitating further research into its active ingredients for the treatment of GC.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>Isolation and characterization of the most active components in Gecko based on their anti-GC mechanisms of vascular endothelial cell inhibition and anti-neovascularization.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>We utilized the enzymatic hydrolysate of Geckos to investigate its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms. Initially, we assessed its efficacy in ectopic and in-situ GC tumor-bearing mouse models. Subsequently, we evaluated the effectiveness of peptides, aliphatics, and small molecules derived from Gecko using CCK-8 and 3D tumor spheroid assays. The activities of peptides S1-S4 were further examined through these experiments. Finally, we screened, synthesized, and investigated five potential peptides for their pharmacodynamics in the CCK-8 assay and in the in-situ GC model mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The Gecko can inhibit the formation of blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment, providing a localized treatment for GC. The peptide components significantly inhibit vascular endothelial cells and impede the formation of new blood vessels, with the S2 peptide sections (0.3 KD - 3 KD) demonstrating the most potent inhibitory activity against angiogenesis. One of the active peptides effectively suppresses the growth of in-situ GC in nude mice through angiogenesis inhibition and also modulates immunity, all while exhibiting excellent biosafety.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We have achieved a significant breakthrough in the local treatment of GC using Gecko. Through pharmacodynamic experiments and a systematic process of isolation and identification, we identified the most effective anti-GC ingredients of Gecko, based on their mechanisms of inhibiting vascular endothelial cells and promoting anti-angiogenesis. Furthermore, we synthesized a lead peptide that demonstrates promising therapeutic efficacy and safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 119156"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142755019","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}