To decipher the antidepression effect of Chaigui Granules (CGKL) from the relationship between depression and microbial molecules based on multi-omics.
Methods
Male SD rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for seven weeks. The antidepressants CGKL extract and CGKL were administered for the following four weeks. The behavior test and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters were used to evaluate the efficacy of CGKL. The 16S rRNA sequencing, LC-MS technology and molecular biological techniques were used to explore the pharmacological mechanism of CGKL.
Results
CGKL treatment obviously alleviated the depressive behavioral indicators and regulated the content of monoamine neurotransmitters, and presented dose-dependent manner. CGKL could also improve the arginine metabolism disorder of gut microbiota in the jejunum. Meanwhile, the contents of arginine and its metabolites in the serum and hippocampus were regulated to normal levels. Further investigation indicated that the expression of related rate-limiting enzyme genes and proteins in the hippocampus was validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that the gut microbiota, metabolites, and genes or proteins of rate-limiting enzymes involved in the arginine pathway were significantly regulated by CGKL.
Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that CGKL might exert antidepressant effects through regulating arginine metabolism, and its mechanism may be related to modulating the gut microbiota and related metabolic enzyme.
{"title":"Deciphering relationship between depression and microbial molecules based on multi-omics: A case study of Chaigui Granules","authors":"Qi Wang , Yingxia Zhao , Xuemei Qin , Junsheng Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To decipher the antidepression effect of Chaigui Granules (CGKL) from the relationship between depression and microbial molecules based on multi-omics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Male SD rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for seven weeks. The antidepressants CGKL extract and CGKL were administered for the following four weeks. The behavior test and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters were used to evaluate the efficacy of CGKL. The 16S rRNA sequencing, LC-MS technology and molecular biological techniques were used to explore the pharmacological mechanism of CGKL.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CGKL treatment obviously alleviated the depressive behavioral indicators and regulated the content of monoamine neurotransmitters, and presented dose-dependent manner. CGKL could also improve the arginine metabolism disorder of gut microbiota in the jejunum. Meanwhile, the contents of arginine and its metabolites in the serum and hippocampus were regulated to normal levels. Further investigation indicated that the expression of related rate-limiting enzyme genes and proteins in the hippocampus was validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that the gut microbiota, metabolites, and genes or proteins of rate-limiting enzymes involved in the arginine pathway were significantly regulated by CGKL.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The present study demonstrates that CGKL might exert antidepressant effects through regulating arginine metabolism, and its mechanism may be related to modulating the gut microbiota and related metabolic enzyme.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 612-621"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140470021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2023.09.008
Yishu Liu , Xue Li , Chao Chen , Nan Ding , Shiyu Ma , Ming Yang
Network pharmacology is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes computer science, technology, and biological networks to investigate the intricate interplay among compounds/ingredients, targets, and diseases. Within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), network pharmacology serves as a scientific approach to elucidate the compatibility relationships and underlying mechanisms of action in TCM formulas. It facilitates the identification of potential active ingredients within these formulas, providing a comprehensive understanding of their holistic and systematic nature, which aligns with the holistic principles inherent in TCM theory. TCM formulas exhibit complexity due to their multi-component characteristic, involving diverse targets and pathways. Consequently, investigating their material basis and mechanisms becomes challenging. Network pharmacology has emerged as a valuable approach in TCM formula research, leveraging its holistic and systematic advantages. The manuscript aims to provide an overview of the application of network pharmacology in studying TCM formula compatibility rules and explore future research directions. Specifically, we focus on how network pharmacology aids in interpreting TCM pharmacological theories and understanding formula compositions. Additionally, we elucidate the process of utilizing network pharmacology to identify active ingredients within TCM formulas. These findings not only offer novel research models and perspectives for integrating network pharmacology with TCM theory but also present new methodologies for investigating TCM formula compatibility. All in all, network pharmacology has become an indispensable and crucial tool in advancing TCM formula research.
{"title":"Exploration of compatibility rules and discovery of active ingredients in TCM formulas by network pharmacology","authors":"Yishu Liu , Xue Li , Chao Chen , Nan Ding , Shiyu Ma , Ming Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.09.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Network pharmacology is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes computer science, technology, and biological networks to investigate the intricate interplay among compounds/ingredients, targets, and diseases. Within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), network pharmacology serves as a scientific approach to elucidate the compatibility relationships and underlying mechanisms of action in TCM formulas. It facilitates the identification of potential active ingredients within these formulas, providing a comprehensive understanding of their holistic and systematic nature, which aligns with the holistic principles inherent in TCM theory. TCM formulas exhibit complexity due to their multi-component characteristic, involving diverse targets and pathways. Consequently, investigating their material basis and mechanisms becomes challenging. Network pharmacology has emerged as a valuable approach in TCM formula research, leveraging its holistic and systematic advantages. The manuscript aims to provide an overview of the application of network pharmacology in studying TCM formula compatibility rules and explore future research directions. Specifically, we focus on how network pharmacology aids in interpreting TCM pharmacological theories and understanding formula compositions. Additionally, we elucidate the process of utilizing network pharmacology to identify active ingredients within TCM formulas. These findings not only offer novel research models and perspectives for integrating network pharmacology with TCM theory but also present new methodologies for investigating TCM formula compatibility. All in all, network pharmacology has become an indispensable and crucial tool in advancing TCM formula research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 572-588"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140792105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.006
Yueqin Song , Chen Chen , Wei Li
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), which are circulatory system diseases caused by heart defects and vascular diseases, are the major noncommunicable diseases affecting global public health. With the improvement of economic level and the change of human lifestyle, the prevalence of CCVDs continues to increase. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) was widely used in traditional diseases due to its supposed tonic properties. Ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1) is the most abundant active ingredient with multiple pharmacological effects extracted from ginseng, which has been shown to have potential benefits on the cardiovascular system through a variety of mechanisms, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, regulation of vasodilation, reduction of platelet adhesion, influence of calcium ion channels, improvement of lipid distribution, involving in glucose metabolism and controlling blood sugar. This review reviewed the protective effects of G-Rb1 on CCVDs and its potential mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis (AS), hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke (IS) and periocular microvascular retinopathy. Finally, we reviewed and reported the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments using G-Rb1 to improve CCVDs, highlighted its efficacy, safety, and limitations.
心脑血管疾病（CCVDs）是由心脏缺陷和血管疾病引起的循环系统疾病，是影响全球公众健康的主要非传染性疾病。随着经济水平的提高和人类生活方式的改变，CCVDs 的发病率持续上升。人参（Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.）人参皂苷 Rb1（G-Rb1）是从人参中提取的具有多种药理作用的最丰富的活性成分，已被证明通过多种机制对心血管系统具有潜在的益处，包括抗氧化、抗炎、调节血管扩张、减少血小板粘附、影响钙离子通道、改善脂质分布、参与葡萄糖代谢和控制血糖。本综述综述了 G-Rb1 对慢性心血管疾病的保护作用及其潜在机制，如动脉粥样硬化（AS）、高血压、冠心病（CHD）、缺血性中风（IS）和眼周微血管视网膜病变。最后，我们回顾并报告了利用G-Rb1改善CCVDs的体内和体外实验结果，强调了其有效性、安全性和局限性。
{"title":"Ginsenoside Rb1 in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: A review of therapeutic potentials and molecular mechanisms","authors":"Yueqin Song , Chen Chen , Wei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), which are circulatory system diseases caused by heart defects and vascular diseases, are the major noncommunicable diseases affecting global public health. With the improvement of economic level and the change of human lifestyle, the prevalence of CCVDs continues to increase. <em>Ginseng</em> (<em>Panax ginseng</em> C. A. Mey.) was widely used in traditional diseases due to its supposed tonic properties. Ginsenoside Rb<sub>1</sub> (G-Rb<sub>1</sub>) is the most abundant active ingredient with multiple pharmacological effects extracted from <em>ginseng</em>, which has been shown to have potential benefits on the cardiovascular system through a variety of mechanisms, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, regulation of vasodilation, reduction of platelet adhesion, influence of calcium ion channels, improvement of lipid distribution, involving in glucose metabolism and controlling blood sugar. This review reviewed the protective effects of G-Rb<sub>1</sub> on CCVDs and its potential mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis (AS), hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke (IS) and periocular microvascular retinopathy. Finally, we reviewed and reported the results of <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> experiments using G-Rb<sub>1</sub> to improve CCVDs, highlighted its efficacy, safety, and limitations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 489-504"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142651767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR, Ganjiang in Chinese), also known as dried ginger, is a popular spice and medicinal herb that has been used for several thousand years. However, ZR is easily contaminated by fungi and mycotoxin under suitable conditions, and might be hazardous to the health and safety of consumers, thus concerns about the herb’s safety have been raised. The aim of this study was to investigate the fungal community and the effects of collection areas and processing methods on the fungal community in ZR.
Methods
A total of 18 ZR samples were collected from four provinces of China, and the samples were divided into four groups based on collecting sites. Meanwhile, the samples collected in Sichuan Province, China were divided into three groups based on the processing methods. We employed the Illumina MiSeq PE300 platform and targeted the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences to investigate fungal contamination in ZR samples, and the difference in fungal community among the groups of different collection sites and processing methods.
Results
All 18 samples were contaminated with fungi. Ascomycota was the dominant phyla, accounting for 34.46%−100% of the fungal reads. At the genus level, Candida, Diutina, and Aspergillus were the most dominant genera, with relative abundances of 0–98.37%, 0–99.82%, and 0–79.08%, respectively. Meanwhile, four potential toxigenic fungi and seven human pathogens were found. Furthermore, differences in the community composition of ZR samples from four collecting sites and three processing methods were observed.
Conclusion
DNA metabarcoding provides a novel insight into fungal community diversity in ZR samples, providing references to ensure the sustainable utilization and quality research of ZR.
{"title":"DNA metabarcoding uncovers fungal communities in Zingiberis Rhizoma","authors":"Chune Fan, Yanan Xu, Yufeng Li, Meihua Yang, Jianping Han, Xiaohui Pang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Zingiberis Rhizoma</em> (ZR, Ganjiang in Chinese), also known as dried ginger, is a popular spice and medicinal herb that has been used for several thousand years. However, ZR is easily contaminated by fungi and mycotoxin under suitable conditions, and might be hazardous to the health and safety of consumers, thus concerns about the herb’s safety have been raised. The aim of this study was to investigate the fungal community and the effects of collection areas and processing methods on the fungal community in ZR.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 18 ZR samples were collected from four provinces of China, and the samples were divided into four groups based on collecting sites. Meanwhile, the samples collected in Sichuan Province, China were divided into three groups based on the processing methods. We employed the Illumina MiSeq PE300 platform and targeted the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences to investigate fungal contamination in ZR samples, and the difference in fungal community among the groups of different collection sites and processing methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All 18 samples were contaminated with fungi. Ascomycota was the dominant phyla, accounting for 34.46%−100% of the fungal reads. At the genus level, <em>Candida</em>, <em>Diutina</em>, and <em>Aspergillus</em> were the most dominant genera, with relative abundances of 0–98.37%, 0–99.82%, and 0–79.08%, respectively. Meanwhile, four potential toxigenic fungi and seven human pathogens were found. Furthermore, differences in the community composition of ZR samples from four collecting sites and three processing methods were observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>DNA metabarcoding provides a novel insight into fungal community diversity in ZR samples, providing references to ensure the sustainable utilization and quality research of ZR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 679-685"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139635638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study of phytometabolites of medicinal plants and their phylogenetic distribution is an important content of pharmacophylogeny. The objectives of this study were to provide an updated estimate of the extent to which the medicinal plants were investigated phytochemically and relate this to the species-level phylogeny and their geographical pattern.
Methods
Here, we further characterized 1 648 phytometabolites, including terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, alkaloids, etc., reported in journals Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs (Zhong Cao Yao) and Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHM) from the phylogenetic and spatial perspectives. According to the structural characteristics, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenylpropanoids were subdivided into subclasses, and the research effort of phytometabolites was for the first time delineated at both subclass and phylogenetic levels.
Results
The phytometabolites of 90 families were reported on two journals in three years. It is noted that terpenoids with diverse bioactivities still constitute the primary object of phytochemical research, followed by flavonoids, phenolics, phenylpropanoids and alkaloids. Among the reported species, the family Asteraceae had the most, followed by Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Ranunculaceae. In the phylogenetic distribution of the reported phytometabolites, the net relatedness index (NRI) results revealed a clustered structure for triterpene, iridoid, flavone, flavonol, coumarin, indole alkaloid and terpenoid alkaloid, while the nearest taxon index (NTI) metric identified the clustered structure for triterpene, sesquiterpene, indole alkaloid and terpenoid alkaloid. Especially in Ranunculaceae, there were more reports on triterpene and terpenoid alkaloid subclasses. The overdispersion pattern of diterpene and phenolic was suggested by NRI and NTI respectively, albeit more reported diterpenes and phenolics were in Lamiaceae. The geographical distribution hotspots of reported species and compounds thereof highlighted the enormous progress of herbal medicine research and industry, which play a positive role in the future drug discovery and development.
Conclusion
These results provide new dimensions and perspectives in the context of pharmacophylogeny for perceiving and evaluating research trends and flashpoints in medicinal phytochemistry.
研究药用植物的植物代谢物及其系统发育分布是药物系统发育的重要内容。本研究的目的是对药用植物的植物化学研究程度进行最新估计，并将其与物种水平的系统发育及其地理格局联系起来。方法我们对 1 648 种植物代谢物（包括萜类、甾体、黄酮类、苯丙类、酚类、生物碱等）进行了进一步表征、这些植物代谢物包括萜类化合物、甾体化合物、黄酮类化合物、苯丙酮类化合物、酚类化合物、生物碱类化合物等。根据结构特征，将萜类、黄酮类、生物碱类和苯丙类化合物细分为亚类，首次在亚类和系统发育水平上对植物代谢物的研究工作进行了划分。结果表明，具有多种生物活性的萜类化合物仍是植物化学研究的主要对象，其次是黄酮类、酚类、苯丙类和生物碱类。在已报道的物种中，菊科最多，其次是唇形科、豆科和毛茛科。在所报道的植物代谢物的系统发育分布中，净亲缘关系指数（NRI）结果显示三萜类、铱类、黄酮、黄酮醇、香豆素、吲哚生物碱和萜类生物碱呈聚类结构，而最近类群指数（NTI）指标则确定了三萜类、倍半萜类、吲哚生物碱和萜类生物碱的聚类结构。特别是在毛茛科，有关三萜类和萜类生物碱亚类的报道较多。NRI 和 NTI 分别表明了二萜和酚类的过度分散模式，尽管二萜和酚类在扁桃科中的报道较多。报告的物种及其化合物的地理分布热点彰显了中草药研究和产业的巨大进步，这对未来的药物发现和开发起到了积极作用。
{"title":"Phylogenetic and spatial patterns of herbal medicine compounds: Which medicinal plants are phytochemically characterized?","authors":"Dacheng Hao , Yaoxuan Wang , Peigen Xiao , Xiaojie Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The study of phytometabolites of medicinal plants and their phylogenetic distribution is an important content of pharmacophylogeny. The objectives of this study were to provide an updated estimate of the extent to which the medicinal plants were investigated phytochemically and relate this to the species-level phylogeny and their geographical pattern.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Here, we further characterized 1 648 phytometabolites, including terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, alkaloids, etc., reported in journals <em>Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs</em> (Zhong Cao Yao) and <em>Chinese Herbal Medicines</em> (CHM) from the phylogenetic and spatial perspectives. According to the structural characteristics, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenylpropanoids were subdivided into subclasses, and the research effort of phytometabolites was for the first time delineated at both subclass and phylogenetic levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The phytometabolites of 90 families were reported on two journals in three years. It is noted that terpenoids with diverse bioactivities still constitute the primary object of phytochemical research, followed by flavonoids, phenolics, phenylpropanoids and alkaloids. Among the reported species, the family Asteraceae had the most, followed by Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Ranunculaceae. In the phylogenetic distribution of the reported phytometabolites, the net relatedness index (NRI) results revealed a clustered structure for triterpene, iridoid, flavone, flavonol, coumarin, indole alkaloid and terpenoid alkaloid, while the nearest taxon index (NTI) metric identified the clustered structure for triterpene, sesquiterpene, indole alkaloid and terpenoid alkaloid. Especially in Ranunculaceae, there were more reports on triterpene and terpenoid alkaloid subclasses. The overdispersion pattern of diterpene and phenolic was suggested by NRI and NTI respectively, albeit more reported diterpenes and phenolics were in Lamiaceae. The geographical distribution hotspots of reported species and compounds thereof highlighted the enormous progress of herbal medicine research and industry, which play a positive role in the future drug discovery and development.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results provide new dimensions and perspectives in the context of pharmacophylogeny for perceiving and evaluating research trends and flashpoints in medicinal phytochemistry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 589-598"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141847674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.006
Zhennan Meng , Mengyuan Li , Xiaoli Wang , Kuo Zhang , Chunfu Wu , Xiaoshu Zhang
Objective
Inula britannica is a traditional Chinese medicinal and functional food with various effects such as anti-liver injury, hypoglycemia, antioxidants, and anti-tumor. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of I. britannica (EEIB) on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.
Methods
Fifty-six female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups: control group (Con), ethanol feeding model group (EtOH), Silibinin positive treatment group (EtOH + Silibinin 100 mg/kg), EEIB treatment group (EtOH + EEIB 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and EEIB control group (EEIB 400 mg/kg). The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) ethanol-feeding model was used to study the effects of EEIB on alcohol-induced lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibril formation in mice by histopathological evaluation, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting analysis and molecular docking.
Results
EEIB reduced liver indices to different degrees to normal levels and improved liver morphology in mice. EEIB inhibited alcohol-induced liver injury by activating the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the liver of alcohol-fed mice, in which sesquiterpenes may be the potential active ingredients, and also down-regulated the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen alpha (Collagen I), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and attenuated alcohol-induced liver injury. In addition, EEIB also activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, which alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury at the level of oxidative stress. Notably, the EEIB control group demonstrated that EEIB had no toxic effects in mice. EEIB reduced alcoholic liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. Its therapeutic efficacy was comparable to, if not better than, that of Silibinin when administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg.
Conclusion
EEIB showed significant therapeutic effects on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice, and its mechanism of action was related to the SIRT1-AMPK, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Nrf2 signaling pathways, in which sesquiterpenes may be the potential active ingredients.
{"title":"Inula britannica ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury by modulating SIRT1-AMPK/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway","authors":"Zhennan Meng , Mengyuan Li , Xiaoli Wang , Kuo Zhang , Chunfu Wu , Xiaoshu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Inula britannica</em> is a traditional Chinese medicinal and functional food with various effects such as anti-liver injury, hypoglycemia, antioxidants, and anti-tumor. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of <em>I. britannica</em> (EEIB) on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fifty-six female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups: control group (Con), ethanol feeding model group (EtOH), Silibinin positive treatment group (EtOH + Silibinin 100 mg/kg), EEIB treatment group (EtOH + EEIB 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and EEIB control group (EEIB 400 mg/kg). The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) ethanol-feeding model was used to study the effects of EEIB on alcohol-induced lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibril formation in mice by histopathological evaluation, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting analysis and molecular docking.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>EEIB reduced liver indices to different degrees to normal levels and improved liver morphology in mice. EEIB inhibited alcohol-induced liver injury by activating the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the liver of alcohol-fed mice, in which sesquiterpenes may be the potential active ingredients, and also down-regulated the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen alpha (Collagen I), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and attenuated alcohol-induced liver injury. In addition, EEIB also activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, which alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury at the level of oxidative stress. Notably, the EEIB control group demonstrated that EEIB had no toxic effects in mice. EEIB reduced alcoholic liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. Its therapeutic efficacy was comparable to, if not better than, that of Silibinin when administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>EEIB showed significant therapeutic effects on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice, and its mechanism of action was related to the SIRT1-AMPK, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Nrf2 signaling pathways, in which sesquiterpenes may be the potential active ingredients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 667-678"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140790805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2024.06.002
Yue Zhou , Zi Wang , Shen Ren , Wei Li
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, posing a major challenge to global health care. Protopanaxadiol ginsenosides (PDs) have been believed to significantly improve liver diseases. PDs, such as Rg3, have been developed as a new class of anti-cancer drugs. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, Rg3, and Rh2 exhibit effective anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Studies have confirmed that PDs could be used to treat HCC. However, the mechanism of action of PDs on HCC remains unclear. In the study, we reviewed the anti-HCC effects and mechanisms of PDs including Rb1, Rd, Rg3, Rg5, Rh2, Rk1, and Compound K (CK). Then, we searched for relevant targets of PDs and HCC from databases and enriched them for analysis. Subsequently, molecular docking was simulated to reveal molecular mechanisms. We found that PDs may treat HCC through multiple signaling pathways and related targets. PDs could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC while promoting apoptosis and inducing differentiation. In conclusion, this review and network pharmacological analysis might offer a direction for in-depth research on related mechanisms. These insights will aid in the direction of further pharmacological studies and the development of safe and effective clinical drugs.
{"title":"Mechanism of action of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides on hepatocellular carcinoma and network pharmacological analysis","authors":"Yue Zhou , Zi Wang , Shen Ren , Wei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, posing a major challenge to global health care. Protopanaxadiol ginsenosides (PDs) have been believed to significantly improve liver diseases. PDs, such as Rg<sub>3</sub>, have been developed as a new class of anti-cancer drugs. Ginsenosides Rb<sub>1</sub>, Rd, Rg<sub>3</sub>, and Rh<sub>2</sub> exhibit effective anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Studies have confirmed that PDs could be used to treat HCC. However, the mechanism of action of PDs on HCC remains unclear. In the study, we reviewed the anti-HCC effects and mechanisms of PDs including Rb<sub>1</sub>, Rd, Rg<sub>3</sub>, Rg<sub>5</sub>, Rh<sub>2</sub>, Rk<sub>1</sub>, and Compound K (CK). Then, we searched for relevant targets of PDs and HCC from databases and enriched them for analysis. Subsequently, molecular docking was simulated to reveal molecular mechanisms. We found that PDs may treat HCC through multiple signaling pathways and related targets. PDs could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC while promoting apoptosis and inducing differentiation. In conclusion, this review and network pharmacological analysis might offer a direction for in-depth research on related mechanisms. These insights will aid in the direction of further pharmacological studies and the development of safe and effective clinical drugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 548-557"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142651775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2023.10.004
Wenjun Wei , Tao Guo , Wenguang Fan , Mengshan Ji , Yu Fu , Conglong Lian , Suiqing Chen , Wenjing Ma , Wenfang Ma , Shuying Feng
Objective
Lilium brownii var. viridulum (LB) and L. lancifolium (LL) are the main sources of medicinal lily (Lilii Bulbus, Baihe in Chinese) in China. However, the functional components of these two species responsible for the treatment efficacy are yet not clear. In order to explore the therapeutic material basis of Lilii Bulbus, we selected L. davidii var. willmottiae (LD) only used for food as the control group to analyze the differences between LD and the other two (LB and LL).
Methods
Metabolome and transcriptome were carried out to investigate the differences of active components in LD vs LB and LD vs LL. Data of metabolome and transcriptome was analysed using various analysis methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and so on. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched through KEGG and GO enrichment analysis.
Results
The PCA and HCA of the metabolome indicated the metabolites were clearly separated and varied greatly in LL and LB contrasted with LD. There were 318 significantly differential metabolites (SDMs) in LD vs LB group and 298 SDMs in LD vs LL group. Compared with LD group, the significant up-regulation of steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids were detected both in LB and LL groups, especially in LB group. The HCA of transcriptome indicated that there was significant difference in LB vs LD group, while the difference between LL and LD varied slightly. Additionally, 47 540 DEGs in LD vs LB group and 18 958 DEGs in LD vs LL group were identified. Notably, CYP450s involving in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids were detected, and comparing with LD, CYP724, CYP710A, and CYP734A1 in LB and CYP90B in LL were all up-regulated.
Conclusion
This study suggested that steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids maybe the representative functional components of Lilii Bulbus, which can provide new insights for Lilii Bulbus used in the research and development of classic famous formula.
{"title":"Integrative analysis of metabolome and transcriptome provides new insights into functional components of Lilii Bulbus","authors":"Wenjun Wei , Tao Guo , Wenguang Fan , Mengshan Ji , Yu Fu , Conglong Lian , Suiqing Chen , Wenjing Ma , Wenfang Ma , Shuying Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.10.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.10.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p><em>Lilium brownii</em> var. <em>viridulum</em> (LB) and <em>L. lancifolium</em> (LL) are the main sources of medicinal lily (<em>Lilii Bulbus</em>, Baihe in Chinese) in China. However, the functional components of these two species responsible for the treatment efficacy are yet not clear. In order to explore the therapeutic material basis of <em>Lilii Bulbus</em>, we selected <em>L. davidii</em> var. <em>willmottiae</em> (LD) only used for food as the control group to analyze the differences between LD and the other two (LB and LL).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Metabolome and transcriptome were carried out to investigate the differences of active components in LD <em>vs</em> LB and LD <em>vs</em> LL. Data of metabolome and transcriptome was analysed using various analysis methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and so on. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched through KEGG and GO enrichment analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The PCA and HCA of the metabolome indicated the metabolites were clearly separated and varied greatly in LL and LB contrasted with LD. There were 318 significantly differential metabolites (SDMs) in LD <em>vs</em> LB group and 298 SDMs in LD <em>vs</em> LL group. Compared with LD group, the significant up-regulation of steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids were detected both in LB and LL groups, especially in LB group. The HCA of transcriptome indicated that there was significant difference in LB <em>vs</em> LD group, while the difference between LL and LD varied slightly. Additionally, 47 540 DEGs in LD <em>vs</em> LB group and 18 958 DEGs in LD <em>vs</em> LL group were identified. Notably, CYP450s involving in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids were detected, and comparing with LD, <em>CYP724</em>, <em>CYP710A</em>, and <em>CYP734A1</em> in LB and <em>CYP90B</em> in LL were all up-regulated.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study suggested that steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids maybe the representative functional components of <em>Lilii Bulbus</em>, which can provide new insights for <em>Lilii Bulbus</em> used in the research and development of classic famous formula.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 3","pages":"Pages 435-448"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674638424000078/pdfft?md5=36e4859dc837025c25ed32688316af0b&pid=1-s2.0-S1674638424000078-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140524714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2024.02.003
Ruyu Yao , Bin Wang , Michael Heinrich , Qiuling Wang , Peigen Xiao
Objective
Goji (fruits of Lycium spp.) is commonly consumed as food and medicine. The increasing market demand for goji has led to its wide cultivation and broad breeding, which might cause loss of genetic diversity. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity of the cultivated and wild Lycium.
Methods
The chloroplast genome (CPG) of 34 accessions of Chinese food-medicinal Lycium spp., including the popular cultivars and their wild relatives, was re-sequenced and assembled, based on which the genetic diversity was evaluated.
Results
Sequence structural comparison shows that CPG is comparatively conserved within species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that CPG is sufficient for the discrimination of Lycium species; combined with nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (Nr ITS) sequences, materials with mixed genetic backgrounds can be identified. Nucleotide diversity analysis reveals that the modern cultivars are probably with a common maternal parent, while the wild accessions are with higher level of genetic diversity.
Conclusion
For the first time this study reveals the intraspecies genetic diversity of Lycium spp. using CPG, highlighting the urgent conservation demand of wild genetic resources of Lycium. Our study also demonstrates that CPG provides crucial evidence for identification of Lycium species with mixed genetic backgrounds and highlights the importance of the wild relatives in genetic diversity conservation. This CPG-based technology will contribute to the sustainable development of medicinal plants broadly.
{"title":"Genetic diversity of food-medicinal Lycium spp. in China: Insights from chloroplast genome","authors":"Ruyu Yao , Bin Wang , Michael Heinrich , Qiuling Wang , Peigen Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.02.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2024.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Goji (fruits of <em>Lycium</em> spp.) is commonly consumed as food and medicine. The increasing market demand for goji has led to its wide cultivation and broad breeding, which might cause loss of genetic diversity. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity of the cultivated and wild <em>Lycium</em>.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The chloroplast genome (CPG) of 34 accessions of Chinese food-medicinal <em>Lycium</em> spp., including the popular cultivars and their wild relatives, was re-sequenced and assembled, based on which the genetic diversity was evaluated.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Sequence structural comparison shows that CPG is comparatively conserved within species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that CPG is sufficient for the discrimination of <em>Lycium</em> species; combined with nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (Nr ITS) sequences, materials with mixed genetic backgrounds can be identified. Nucleotide diversity analysis reveals that the modern cultivars are probably with a common maternal parent, while the wild accessions are with higher level of genetic diversity.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>For the first time this study reveals the intraspecies genetic diversity of <em>Lycium</em> spp. using CPG, highlighting the urgent conservation demand of wild genetic resources of <em>Lycium</em>. Our study also demonstrates that CPG provides crucial evidence for identification of <em>Lycium</em> species with mixed genetic backgrounds and highlights the importance of the wild relatives in genetic diversity conservation. This CPG-based technology will contribute to the sustainable development of medicinal plants broadly.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 3","pages":"Pages 401-411"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674638424000376/pdfft?md5=cc5496423b5c8e51dc44c581353ef450&pid=1-s2.0-S1674638424000376-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141596587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2024.03.005
Haibo Liu , Yanfeng Wang , Jiali Huang , Zhengqi Dong , Peigen Xiao
Objective
The concept of substances of medicine food homology (SMFH) has garnered significant attention in recent years. This study conducts a systematic analysis of patent literature related to SMFH, and elucidates the development trends, technical hotspots, and the overall patent protection landscape of SMFH in China over the past two decades.
Methods
The patent search focused on the SMFH varieties as the objects of inquiry, with retrieval conducted in patent databases. Subsequently, the acquired data underwent processing, analysis, and visualization.
Results
While the technical threshold for pharmaceutical applications surpasses that of the food service sector, the former may assume a prominent role in the future. Research and development (R&D) activities in the southeast of China demonstrate robust activity than other regions. Colleges and scientific research institutions exhibit substantial advantages in patent applications compared with individuals and hold greater potential for future development.
Conclusion
The findings of this patent analysis indicate that China’s SMFH industry are presently undergoing a transition from an extensive model to a high-quality model. The quality and technical standards of SMFH products are consistently improving. Consequently, there is a need for more stringent patent application requirements to align with the evolving development needs.
{"title":"Analysis on patents of health care products with substances of medicine food homology in China","authors":"Haibo Liu , Yanfeng Wang , Jiali Huang , Zhengqi Dong , Peigen Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The concept of substances of medicine food homology (SMFH) has garnered significant attention in recent years. This study conducts a systematic analysis of patent literature related to SMFH, and elucidates the development trends, technical hotspots, and the overall patent protection landscape of SMFH in China over the past two decades.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The patent search focused on the SMFH varieties as the objects of inquiry, with retrieval conducted in patent databases. Subsequently, the acquired data underwent processing, analysis, and visualization.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>While the technical threshold for pharmaceutical applications surpasses that of the food service sector, the former may assume a prominent role in the future. Research and development (R&D) activities in the southeast of China demonstrate robust activity than other regions. Colleges and scientific research institutions exhibit substantial advantages in patent applications compared with individuals and hold greater potential for future development.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings of this patent analysis indicate that China’s SMFH industry are presently undergoing a transition from an extensive model to a high-quality model. The quality and technical standards of SMFH products are consistently improving. Consequently, there is a need for more stringent patent application requirements to align with the evolving development needs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 3","pages":"Pages 412-421"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674638424000455/pdfft?md5=a235d223dac22c014eec3f7f9990f79b&pid=1-s2.0-S1674638424000455-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141137132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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