Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of Rhodiola species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of Rhodiola species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within Rhodiola species.
Methods
A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus Rhodiola from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of Rhodiola species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all Rhodiola species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcode of Rhodiola database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named Rhodiola-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. Rhodiola-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of RCRR from the medicinal material market.
Results
The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 Rhodiola species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic R. crenulata, while the rest of the marketed varieties were R. kirilowii, R. dumulosa, and R. fastigiata. The product label “Larger flower, Hongjingtian” was identified as R. crenulata. Samples labeled as “Smaller flower, Hongjingtian” were identified as R. crenulata, R. kirilowii, and R. fastigiata.
Conclusion
ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by R. crenulata. However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in Rhodiola under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of Rhodiola varieties.
{"title":"Applications and challenges of DNA barcoding in rapid radiation groups: Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) as a case study","authors":"Jinxin Liu , Erhuan Zang , Yu Tian , Xinyi Li , Tianyi Xin , Lingchao Zeng , Lijia Xu , Peigen Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix</em> et <em>Rhizoma</em> (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of <em>Rhodiola crenulata</em> and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of <em>Rhodiola</em> species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of <em>Rhodiola</em> species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within <em>Rhodiola</em> species.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus <em>Rhodiola</em> from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of <em>Rhodiola</em> species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all <em>Rhodiola</em> species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and <em>psbA-trnH</em> barcode of <em>Rhodiola</em> database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named <em>Rhodiola</em>-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. <em>Rhodiola</em>-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of <em>RCRR</em> from the medicinal material market.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 <em>Rhodiola</em> species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the <em>Chinese Pharmacopoeia</em> (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic <em>R. crenulata</em>, while the rest of the marketed varieties were <em>R. kirilowii</em>, <em>R. dumulosa</em>, and <em>R. fastigiata</em>. The product label “Larger flower, Hongjingtian” was identified as <em>R. crenulata</em>. Samples labeled as “Smaller flower, Hongjingtian” were identified as <em>R. crenulata, R. kirilowii</em>, and <em>R. fastigiata</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ITS2 and <em>psbA-trnH</em> barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by <em>R. crenulata.</em> However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in <em>Rhodiola</em> under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of <em>Rhodiola</em> varieties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 555-561"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.004
Thomas Efferth
{"title":"Establishing traditional Chinese medicine in Europe","authors":"Thomas Efferth","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 409-413"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.001
Bin Huang , Honglin An , Mengxuan Gui , Yiman Qiu , Wen Xu , Liming Chen , Qiang Li , Shaofeng Yao , Shihan Lin , Tatyana Aleksandrovna Khrustaleva , Ruiguo Wang , Jiumao Lin
Objective
This study investigates the efficacy and mechanisms of Qingjie Fuzheng Granules (QFG) in inhibiting colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) development via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) correlation analysis.
Methods
CAC was induced in BALB/c mice using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and QFG was administered orally to the treatment group. The effects of QFG on CAC were evaluated using disease index, histology, and serum T-cell ratios. RNA-seq and 16S rRNA analysis assessed the transcriptome and microbiome change. Key pharmacodynamic pathways were identified by integrating these data and confirmed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The link between microbiota and CAC-related markers was explored using linear discriminant analysis effect size and Spearman correlation analysis.
Results
Long-term treatment with QFG prevented AOM/DSS-induced CAC formation, reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and increased CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio, without causing hepatic or renal toxicity. A 16S rRNA analysis revealed that QFG rebalanced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and mitigated AOM/DSS-induced microbiota disturbances. Transcriptomics and Western blotting analysis identified the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway as key for QFG’s treatment against CAC. Furthermore, QFG decreased the abundance of Bacilli, Bacillales, Staphylococcaceae, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillales, Aerococcus, Alloprevotella, and Akkermansia, while increasing Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Muribaculaceae, which were highly correlated with CAC-related markers or NOD2/NF-κB pathway.
Conclusion
By mapping the relationships between CAC, immune responses, microbiota, and key pathways, this study clarifies the mechanism of QFG in inhibiting CAC, highlighting its potential for clinical use as preventive therapy.
{"title":"Qingjie Fuzheng Granule prevents colitis-associated colorectal cancer by inhibiting abnormal activation of NOD2/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by gut microbiota disorder","authors":"Bin Huang , Honglin An , Mengxuan Gui , Yiman Qiu , Wen Xu , Liming Chen , Qiang Li , Shaofeng Yao , Shihan Lin , Tatyana Aleksandrovna Khrustaleva , Ruiguo Wang , Jiumao Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigates the efficacy and mechanisms of Qingjie Fuzheng Granules (QFG) in inhibiting colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) development via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) correlation analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CAC was induced in BALB/c mice using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and QFG was administered orally to the treatment group. The effects of QFG on CAC were evaluated using disease index, histology, and serum T-cell ratios. RNA-seq and 16S rRNA analysis assessed the transcriptome and microbiome change. Key pharmacodynamic pathways were identified by integrating these data and confirmed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The link between microbiota and CAC-related markers was explored using linear discriminant analysis effect size and Spearman correlation analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Long-term treatment with QFG prevented AOM/DSS-induced CAC formation, reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-1<em>β</em>, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-<em>α</em>), IL-6, and interferon <em>γ</em> (IFN-<em>γ</em>), and increased CD3<sup>+</sup> and CD4<sup>+</sup>/CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells ratio, without causing hepatic or renal toxicity. A 16S rRNA analysis revealed that QFG rebalanced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and mitigated AOM/DSS-induced microbiota disturbances. Transcriptomics and Western blotting analysis identified the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2<em>)</em>/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-<em>κ</em>B) pathway as key for QFG’s treatment against CAC. Furthermore, QFG decreased the abundance of Bacilli, Bacillales, Staphylococcaceae, <em>Staphylococcus</em>, Lactobacillales, <em>Aerococcus</em>, <em>Alloprevotella</em>, and <em>Akkermansia</em>, while increasing Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Muribaculaceae, which were highly correlated with CAC-related markers or NOD2/NF-<em>κ</em>B pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>By mapping the relationships between CAC, immune responses, microbiota, and key pathways, this study clarifies the mechanism of QFG in inhibiting CAC, highlighting its potential for clinical use as preventive therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 500-512"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2024.03.003
Qiaoyu Li , Yun Luo , Haibiao Guo , Wenxiu Liu , Hui Yu , Chuyuan Li , Rongchang Chen , Xiaobo Sun
Objective
Left ventricular remodeling induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) is a common cardiac dysfunction. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that autophagy plays a vital role in protecting against ventricular remodeling. This study aims to investigate the performance of Compound Danshen Tablets (CDT) in rescuing ventricular remodeling and whether autophagy as the potential mechanism.
Methods
The left anterior descending arteries of rats were temporarily ligated for 30 min to construct the MI/RI model. Ventricular remodeling was induced by reperfusion for 28 d, during which the MI/RI rats were administered CDT (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg), atorvastatin (2 mg/kg), and diltiazem (16 mg/kg). Cardiac function and structure were examined by echocardiography. Immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome staining, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were utilized to assess the fibrosis and histological alterations in the heart tissue. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was detected using Western blotting.
Results
CDT attenuated the cardiac dysfunction, structural changes, histopathological changes and fibrosis induced by MI/RI. CDT significantly enhanced the level of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3β), and reduced p62 levels in MI/RI rats. Moreover, CDT significantly increased the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation.
Conclusion
CDT ameliorated MI/RI-induced ventricular remodeling by activating autophagy and improving autophagic flux via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
{"title":"Compound Danshen Tablets ameliorate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced ventricular remodeling by regulating autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway","authors":"Qiaoyu Li , Yun Luo , Haibiao Guo , Wenxiu Liu , Hui Yu , Chuyuan Li , Rongchang Chen , Xiaobo Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Left ventricular remodeling induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) is a common cardiac dysfunction. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that autophagy plays a vital role in protecting against ventricular remodeling. This study aims to investigate the performance of Compound Danshen Tablets (CDT) in rescuing ventricular remodeling and whether autophagy as the potential mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The left anterior descending arteries of rats were temporarily ligated for 30 min to construct the MI/RI model. Ventricular remodeling was induced by reperfusion for 28 d, during which the MI/RI rats were administered CDT (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg), atorvastatin (2 mg/kg), and diltiazem (16 mg/kg). Cardiac function and structure were examined by echocardiography. Immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome staining, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were utilized to assess the fibrosis and histological alterations in the heart tissue. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was detected using Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CDT attenuated the cardiac dysfunction, structural changes, histopathological changes and fibrosis induced by MI/RI. CDT significantly enhanced the level of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3<em>β</em>), and reduced p62 levels in MI/RI rats. Moreover, CDT significantly increased the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CDT ameliorated MI/RI-induced ventricular remodeling by activating autophagy and improving autophagic flux via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 548-554"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, Gastrodia elata, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations.
Methods
A total of 23 G. elata populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of G. elata, Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted.
Results
Genetic variation among G. elata populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34%−189.67% higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57%, 136.47% and 12.50%−91.14%, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on G. elata genetic characteristics (r > 0.256 and P < 0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in G. elata were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|r| > 0.528 and P < 0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|r| > 0.503 and P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The genetic characteristics of G. elata manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological
{"title":"Ecological factors impacting genetic characteristics and metabolite accumulations of Gastrodia elata","authors":"Zhaoyu Zhang , Xiaodong Li , Yuchi Zhang , Niegui Yin , Guoying Wu , Guangfei Wei , Yuxin Zhou , Shilin Chen , Linlin Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, <em>Gastrodia elata</em>, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 23 <em>G. elata</em> populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of <em>G. elata</em>, Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Genetic variation among <em>G. elata</em> populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34%−189.67% higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, <em>p</em>-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57%, 136.47% and 12.50%−91.14%, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on <em>G. elata</em> genetic characteristics (<em>r</em> > 0.256 and <em>P</em> < 0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in <em>G. elata</em> were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|<em>r|</em> > 0.528 and <em>P</em> < 0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|<em>r</em>| > 0.503 and <em>P</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The genetic characteristics of <em>G. elata</em> manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 562-574"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.002
Yufan Zhao , Shimenghui Deng , Danli Cao , Caiji Lin , Mengzhi Xu , Jiaxing Wang , Lingjie Luo , Shulin Liu , Huidi Liu
Cancer is a highly deadly disease, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer being the most prevalent in women. However, traditional cancer treatments present challenges due to their strong toxic side effects and adverse reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from various plants possess therapeutic and preventive properties against cancer. These phytochemicals have been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy drugs, owing to their safety and efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the chemoprevention and mechanisms of phytochemicals against the four major female cancers. The focus will be on how these phytochemicals regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis to impede cancer progression. Given their extensive clinical applications, phytochemicals hold great promise in the field of cancer treatment. It hopes that this review will inspire more researchers to explore the potential of these natural compounds in combating female cancers.
{"title":"Mechanisms and benefits of phytochemicals as an alternative therapeutic strategy in female cancers","authors":"Yufan Zhao , Shimenghui Deng , Danli Cao , Caiji Lin , Mengzhi Xu , Jiaxing Wang , Lingjie Luo , Shulin Liu , Huidi Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer is a highly deadly disease, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer being the most prevalent in women. However, traditional cancer treatments present challenges due to their strong toxic side effects and adverse reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from various plants possess therapeutic and preventive properties against cancer. These phytochemicals have been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy drugs, owing to their safety and efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the chemoprevention and mechanisms of phytochemicals against the four major female cancers. The focus will be on how these phytochemicals regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis to impede cancer progression. Given their extensive clinical applications, phytochemicals hold great promise in the field of cancer treatment. It hopes that this review will inspire more researchers to explore the potential of these natural compounds in combating female cancers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 448-463"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom renowned for its production of a diverse array of compounds, accounts for the pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer characteristics. Thus, it is recognized as a valuable species of interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to its important medicinal properties. Recent advances in omics technologies such as genomes, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have considerably increased our understanding of the bioactives in G. lucidum. This review explores the application of molecular breeding techniques to enhance both the yield and quality of G. lucidum across the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. The article discusses the current state of research on the use of contemporary omics technologies which studies and highlights future research directions that may increase the production of bioactive compounds for their therapeutic potential. Additionally, predictive methods with computational studies have recently emerged as effective tools for investigating bioactive constituents in G. lucidum, providing an organized and cost-effective strategy for understanding their bioactivity, interactions, and possible therapeutic uses. Omics and machine learning techniques can be applied to identify the candidates for pharmaceutical applications and to enhance the production of bioactive compounds in G. lucidum. The quantification and production of the bioactive compounds can be streamlined by the integrating computational study of bioactive compounds with non-destructive predictive machine learning models of the same. Synergistically, these techniques have the potential to be a promising approach for the future prediction of the bioactive constituents, without compromising the integrity of the fungal organism.
{"title":"Unraveling bioactive potential and production in Ganoderma lucidum through omics and machine learning modeling","authors":"Sonali Khanal , Anand Kumar , Pankaj Kumar , Pratibha Thakur , Atul M. Chander , Rachna Verma , Ashwani Tapwal , Vinay Chauhan , Dinesh Kumar , Deepak Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ganoderma lucidum</em>, a medicinal mushroom renowned for its production of a diverse array of compounds, accounts for the pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer characteristics. Thus, it is recognized as a valuable species of interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to its important medicinal properties. Recent advances in omics technologies such as genomes, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have considerably increased our understanding of the bioactives in <em>G. lucidum</em>. This review explores the application of molecular breeding techniques to enhance both the yield and quality of <em>G. lucidum</em> across the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. The article discusses the current state of research on the use of contemporary omics technologies which studies and highlights future research directions that may increase the production of bioactive compounds for their therapeutic potential. Additionally, predictive methods with computational studies have recently emerged as effective tools for investigating bioactive constituents in <em>G. lucidum</em>, providing an organized and cost-effective strategy for understanding their bioactivity, interactions, and possible therapeutic uses. Omics and machine learning techniques can be applied to identify the candidates for pharmaceutical applications and to enhance the production of bioactive compounds in <em>G. lucidum</em>. The quantification and production of the bioactive compounds can be streamlined by the integrating computational study of bioactive compounds with non-destructive predictive machine learning models of the same. Synergistically, these techniques have the potential to be a promising approach for the future prediction of the bioactive constituents, without compromising the integrity of the fungal organism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 414-427"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.003
Shiwen Zhang , Jianzhen Zou , Zitong Hao , Mengqi Gao , Gang Zhang , Mengmeng Liu
Objective
To characterize a glycosyltransferase (RpUGT1) from Rheum palmatum and investigate its specificity toward flavonoid compounds.
Methods
The RpUGT1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and screened for catalytic activity against a range of flavonoid substrates using a high-throughput HPLC assay method. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to determine the structure of the product. Homology modeling, molecular docking analyses and site-directed mutagenesis studies were conducted to identify key residues responsible for its function.
Results
The recombinant RpUGT1 protein exhibited catalytic activity towards various flavonoids. Notably, RpUGT1 catalyzed the glycosylation of isorhamnetin to form 3-O-glucoside and kaempferol to form 7-O-glucoside, utilizing uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucose as the sugar donor. The homology modeling and molecular docking analyses identified key residues responsible for its activity. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis studies highlighted the crucial role of K307 in catalysis.
Conclusion
These discoveries offer valuable perspectives on the role of the UGT family and establish a groundwork for forthcoming research on the synthesis of flavonoids in plants.
目的研究掌大黄糖基转移酶（RpUGT1）的结构特征，并探讨其对黄酮类化合物的特异性。方法在大肠杆菌中表达RpUGT1，采用高效液相色谱法筛选其对一系列类黄酮底物的催化活性。采用质谱（MS）和核磁共振（NMR）测定产物的结构。通过同源性建模、分子对接分析和定点诱变研究来确定其功能的关键残基。结果重组RpUGT1蛋白对多种黄酮类化合物具有催化活性。值得注意的是，RpUGT1利用尿苷二磷酸（UDP）葡萄糖作为糖供体，催化异鼠李素糖基化生成3- o -葡萄糖苷，山奈酚糖基化生成7- o -葡萄糖苷。同源性建模和分子对接分析确定了其活性的关键残基。随后的定点诱变研究强调了K307在催化中的关键作用。结论这些发现为研究UGT家族的作用提供了有价值的视角，并为进一步研究植物中黄酮类化合物的合成奠定了基础。
{"title":"Identification and functional characterization of a new flavonoid glycosyltransferase from Rheum palmatum","authors":"Shiwen Zhang , Jianzhen Zou , Zitong Hao , Mengqi Gao , Gang Zhang , Mengmeng Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To characterize a glycosyltransferase (RpUGT1) from <em>Rheum palmatum</em> and investigate its specificity toward flavonoid compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The RpUGT1 was expressed in <em>Escherichia coli</em> and screened for catalytic activity against a range of flavonoid substrates using a high-throughput HPLC assay method. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to determine the structure of the product. Homology modeling, molecular docking analyses and site-directed mutagenesis studies were conducted to identify key residues responsible for its function.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The recombinant RpUGT1 protein exhibited catalytic activity towards various flavonoids. Notably, RpUGT1 catalyzed the glycosylation of isorhamnetin to form 3-<em>O</em>-glucoside and kaempferol to form 7-<em>O</em>-glucoside, utilizing uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucose as the sugar donor. The homology modeling and molecular docking analyses identified key residues responsible for its activity. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis studies highlighted the crucial role of K307 in catalysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These discoveries offer valuable perspectives on the role of the UGT family and establish a groundwork for forthcoming research on the synthesis of flavonoids in plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 2","pages":"Pages 307-314"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Clerodendrum glandulosum</em> is widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. While various pharmacological benefits have been reported, research on its anti-atherosclerotic properties remains limited. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic cardiovascular disease linked to dyslipidemia (DLD) and inflammation. This study aims to identify the bioactive fraction from <em>C. glandulosum</em> extract, evaluate its potential against AS and DLD, and explore the molecular mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bioactivity-guided fractionation was employed to investigate the bioactivity of <em>C. glandulosum</em> by screening biochemical enzyme inhibitory potential. The active fraction was subjected to <em>in vitro</em> testing to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion properties. The fraction was administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg per os (p.o.) to cholesterol-cholic acid-thiouracil (CCT) diet-induced atherosclerotic Wistar rats. Changes in lipid and antioxidant profiles, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol metabolism pathways were assessed using Western blotting. Histopathological analyses of the aorta, liver, heart, and kidneys were also conducted. Molecular docking was conducted for the verbascoside (VER) and the standard statin, atorvastatin (ATS), for their binding capabilities with the molecular targets considered in this study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bioactivity-guided fractionation and screening revealed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) contained VER as the principal phytoconstituent. EAF exhibited potent enzyme inhibitory activity, with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 1.059 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase and 22.48 µg/mL for <em>α</em>-glucosidase. In vitro analysis revealed that EAF significantly lowered cell-to-cell adhesion to 0.57 folds from 2.5 folds in the disease control and normalized the inflammatory cytokines. In CCT-diet-induced rats, elevated serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels (92.1 mg/dL and 78.49 mg/dL, respectively) were reduced to 63.52 mg/dL and 58.51 mg/dL with EAF at 100 mg/kg. EAF at 100 mg/kg reduced oxidized LDL to 53.63 ng/mL compared to 157.1 ng/mL in CCT-diet-fed rats. EAF also restored antioxidant activity by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase levels to 73.78 and 17.72 U/mg protein, respectively, compared to 42.22 and 9.62 U/mg protein in CCT-diet-fed rats. EAF restored inflammatory cytokines to normal levels. Histological analyses validated the protective benefits of EAF supplementation for the structural integrity of the aorta, liver, heart, and kidney tissues. Western blotting analysis of liver tissues revealed changes in the cholesterol metabolic pathway by upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR<em>γ</em>)/liver X receptor alpha (LXR<em>α</em>)/adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1)
{"title":"Amelioration of atherosclerotic complications and dyslipidemia by verbascoside-enriched fraction of Clerodendrum glandulosum leaves targeting LDL-R and LXR-mediated reverse cholesterol transport","authors":"Puspanjali Khound , Nonibala Gurumayum , Rajlakshmi Devi","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.02.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.02.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Clerodendrum glandulosum</em> is widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. While various pharmacological benefits have been reported, research on its anti-atherosclerotic properties remains limited. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic cardiovascular disease linked to dyslipidemia (DLD) and inflammation. This study aims to identify the bioactive fraction from <em>C. glandulosum</em> extract, evaluate its potential against AS and DLD, and explore the molecular mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bioactivity-guided fractionation was employed to investigate the bioactivity of <em>C. glandulosum</em> by screening biochemical enzyme inhibitory potential. The active fraction was subjected to <em>in vitro</em> testing to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion properties. The fraction was administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg per os (p.o.) to cholesterol-cholic acid-thiouracil (CCT) diet-induced atherosclerotic Wistar rats. Changes in lipid and antioxidant profiles, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol metabolism pathways were assessed using Western blotting. Histopathological analyses of the aorta, liver, heart, and kidneys were also conducted. Molecular docking was conducted for the verbascoside (VER) and the standard statin, atorvastatin (ATS), for their binding capabilities with the molecular targets considered in this study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bioactivity-guided fractionation and screening revealed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) contained VER as the principal phytoconstituent. EAF exhibited potent enzyme inhibitory activity, with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 1.059 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase and 22.48 µg/mL for <em>α</em>-glucosidase. In vitro analysis revealed that EAF significantly lowered cell-to-cell adhesion to 0.57 folds from 2.5 folds in the disease control and normalized the inflammatory cytokines. In CCT-diet-induced rats, elevated serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels (92.1 mg/dL and 78.49 mg/dL, respectively) were reduced to 63.52 mg/dL and 58.51 mg/dL with EAF at 100 mg/kg. EAF at 100 mg/kg reduced oxidized LDL to 53.63 ng/mL compared to 157.1 ng/mL in CCT-diet-fed rats. EAF also restored antioxidant activity by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase levels to 73.78 and 17.72 U/mg protein, respectively, compared to 42.22 and 9.62 U/mg protein in CCT-diet-fed rats. EAF restored inflammatory cytokines to normal levels. Histological analyses validated the protective benefits of EAF supplementation for the structural integrity of the aorta, liver, heart, and kidney tissues. Western blotting analysis of liver tissues revealed changes in the cholesterol metabolic pathway by upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR<em>γ</em>)/liver X receptor alpha (LXR<em>α</em>)/adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1)","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 2","pages":"Pages 352-367"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.001
Lina Yin , Tingting Niu , Ling Li , Wei Yu , Bo Han , Asma Rehman , Kewu Zeng
The mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remains unclear. Historically, research on TCM has mainly focused on exploring the mechanisms of active components acting on single targets. However, it is insufficient to explain the complex mechanisms by which these active components in TCM treat diseases. In recent years, the emergence of molecular glues (MGs) theory has provided new strategies to address this issue. MGs are small molecules that can promote interactions between proteins at their interface. The characteristic of MGs is to establish connections between diverse protein structures, thereby enabling a chemically-mediated proximity effect that triggers a wide spectrum of biological functions. Natural products are the result of billions of years of evolutionary processes in the natural environment. Thus, the extensive structural diversity of natural products renders them a rich source of MGs, including polyketides, terpenoids, steroids, lignans, organic acids, alkaloids and other classes. Currently, several well-known natural MGs, including the immunosuppressants cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506), as well as the anticancer agent taxol, have been incorporated into clinical practice. Meanwhile, the advancement of new technologies is propelling the discovery of novel MGs from natural products. Thus, we primarily summarize a growing variety of MGs from natural origins reported in recent years and categorize them based on the chemical structural types. Moreover, the main sources of TCM are natural products. The discovery of natural MGs promises to provide a new perspective for the elucidation of the molecular mechanism behind the efficiency of TCM. In summary, this review aims to provide insights from the perspective of natural products that could potentially influence TCM and modern drug development.
{"title":"Research advancements in molecular glues derived from natural product scaffolds: Chemistry, targets, and molecular mechanisms","authors":"Lina Yin , Tingting Niu , Ling Li , Wei Yu , Bo Han , Asma Rehman , Kewu Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remains unclear. Historically, research on TCM has mainly focused on exploring the mechanisms of active components acting on single targets. However, it is insufficient to explain the complex mechanisms by which these active components in TCM treat diseases. In recent years, the emergence of molecular glues (MGs) theory has provided new strategies to address this issue. MGs are small molecules that can promote interactions between proteins at their interface. The characteristic of MGs is to establish connections between diverse protein structures, thereby enabling a chemically-mediated proximity effect that triggers a wide spectrum of biological functions. Natural products are the result of billions of years of evolutionary processes in the natural environment. Thus, the extensive structural diversity of natural products renders them a rich source of MGs, including polyketides, terpenoids, steroids, lignans, organic acids, alkaloids and other classes. Currently, several well-known natural MGs, including the immunosuppressants cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506), as well as the anticancer agent taxol, have been incorporated into clinical practice. Meanwhile, the advancement of new technologies is propelling the discovery of novel MGs from natural products. Thus, we primarily summarize a growing variety of MGs from natural origins reported in recent years and categorize them based on the chemical structural types. Moreover, the main sources of TCM are natural products. The discovery of natural MGs promises to provide a new perspective for the elucidation of the molecular mechanism behind the efficiency of TCM. In summary, this review aims to provide insights from the perspective of natural products that could potentially influence TCM and modern drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 2","pages":"Pages 235-245"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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