Taraxacum--a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile

Research on the mechanisms of taraxerol for the treatment of gastric cancer effect based on network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Modern pharmacological studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Taraxacum mongolicum possesses anti-cancer activity. Taraxerol (TRX) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from T. mongolicum, which is widely used in clinical treatment, and its anti-cancer effects have been extensively studied. However, the effects and molecular mechanism of TRX in gastric cancer (GC) have not been fully explicated.

METHODS

We used public databases to derive information on potential targets of TRX and proteins related to GC. Also, STRING and R3.6.2 software were used to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI). The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were done to explain the potential mechanism underlying the regulatory role of TRX in GC. The role of TRX in GC was verified by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis analysis, Transwell assay, and wound healing assay, and the key signaling pathways were verified.

RESULTS

We identified 135 potential targets for the treatment of GC via network pharmacological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that steroid hormone receptor activity and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were the biological processes and pathways with the highest degree of enrichment. Additionally, cellular experiments revealed that TRX inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells as well as induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in GC cells.

CONCLUSION

Here, we used multi-target and multi-pathway network pharmacological analysis to verify the anti-cancer activity of TRX in GC. Also, in vitro experimental data were used to derive the potential molecular mechanism.

Taraxasterol mitigates Con A-induced hepatitis in mice by suppressing interleukin-2 expression and its signaling in T lymphocytes

Discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress T lymphocyte activation and proliferation by inhibiting TCR/CD3 and IL-2/IL-2R signaling is still needed in clinic, though rapamycin and other related reagents have made great success. Taraxasterol (TAS) is an active ingredient of dandelion, an anti-inflammatory medicinal herb with low in vivo toxicity that has long been used in China. Yet the action mechanism of TAS on lymphocytes remains elusive. The anti-inflammatory effects of TAS were evaluated in C57BL/6 mouse primary lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A) in vitro and in mouse model of Con A-induced acute hepatitis in vivo. Our results showed that TAS significantly suppressed Con A-induced acute hepatitis in a mouse model, reducing the hepatic necrosis areas, the release of aminotransferases, and the production of IL-2 and other inflammatory cytokines. Supporting this, in vitro study also showed that TAS reduced the production of IL-2 and the expression of IL-2 receptor subunit α (CD25) upon the stimulation of Con A, which was likely mediated by suppressing NF-κB activation. The downstream pathways of IL-2/IL-2R signaling, including the activation of PI3K/PDK1/mTOR, STAT3 and STAT5, were also suppressed by TAS. Consistently, Con A-induced T cell proliferation was also inhibited by TAS in vitro. Our data indicate that TAS can suppress both T lymphocyte activation and cell proliferation by down-regulating IL-2 expression and its signaling pathway thereby ameliorating Con A-induced acute hepatitis, highlighting TAS as a potential drug candidate for treating inflammatory diseases including autoimmune hepatitis.

Gastroprotective Effects of the Aqueous Extract from Taraxacum officinale in Rats Using Ultrasound, Histology, and Biochemical Analysis

Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. belonging to the family Asteraceae is an edible medicinal plant distributed worldwide. This study aimed to determine the gastroprotective effects of aqueous extract of T. officinale (AETo) in rats using ultrasound, histological, and biochemical analyses. In this study, gastric ulceration was induced by ethanol or piroxicam. Rats were then treated with AETo (3, 30, or 300 mg/kg). The area and histological appearance of gastric ulcers were quantified, and histochemical analysis was performed. The activity of AETo on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers was assessed in the ulcerated tissue. In addition, we investigated the thickness of the gastric wall using the ultrasound technique. Moreover, chemical analyses of AETo were performed. In rats with ethanol- or piroxicam-induced ulcers, AETo reduced the ulceration area, elevated mucin level, and the gastroprotective effect was confirmed by histological analysis. The gastroprotective effect was accompanied by increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GST, as well as an increase in GSH level and reduction in MPO activity. Furthermore, AETo reduced the thickness of the gastric wall in rats. Phytochemical analysis of AETo indicated phenolic acids and flavonoids as the main active compounds. In conclusion, the gastroprotective effect of AETo involves reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory injury and increase in mucin content. This study advances in the elucidation of mechanisms of gastric protection of T. officinale, contributes to the prospection of new molecules gastroprotective, and proposes the ultrasonographic analyses as a new gastroprotective assessment tool in preclinical studies.

Effect of the Addition of Dried Dandelion Roots (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg.) on Wheat Dough and Bread Properties

Dried and crushed dandelion roots (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg.) (TO) were used as a formulation additive (at the amount of 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 g 100 g⁻¹ flour) to wheat bread. The farinographic properties of the dough and the physical and chemical properties of the bread were evaluated. It was found that the addition of dried flour caused a significant decrease in water absorption by the flour (1% and higher TO level), an increase in the development time (from 2% to 5% TO addition) and dough stability (3% and 4% TO level), and an increase in dough softening (4% and higher TO level). As the substitution of TO for wheat flour increased, there was a gradual decrease in loaf volume, an increase in specific weight and crumb hardness, and a darkening of the crumb color. The total polyphenol content increased linearly with the percentage increase of dried root additions TO from 0.290 to 0.394 mg GAE g⁻¹ d.m_., which translated into an increase in the antioxidant activity of the bread. It was found that dried crushed roots of Taraxacum officinale can be a recipe additive for wheat bread; however, due to their specific smell and bitter aftertaste, the level of this additive should not exceed 3 g 100 g⁻¹ flour.

Polysaccharide extracted from Taraxacum platycarpum root exerts immunomodulatory activity via MAPK and NF-κB pathways in RAW264.7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Taraxacum platycarpum Dahlst. (Korean dandelion) is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine in Korea to treat various disease such as furuncles, mammitis, hepatitis, jaundice. Moreover, a decoction prepared from T. platycarpum leaves and stems is an effective treatment for cancer, glycosuria, liver disease, pleurodynia, and stomach problems.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this work was to study the composition and structural properties of polysaccharides (TPP) from Taraxacum platycarpum Dahlst. root and investigate the immunostimulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TPP was extracted from T. platycarpum using hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation method and its fractionated using DEAE-Sepharose fast flow column. The composition, molecular weight, and structural characterization of TPP and its fractions were evaluated by various techniques. Further, the immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides was tested on murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 by various in vitro assays. The structure effect of TPP on RAW264.7 cells was studied by the removal of sulfate (desulfation) and protein (deproteinization) contents from TPP.

RESULTS

We obtained three fractions namely TPP-1, TPP-2, and TPP-3 which mainly consisted of carbohydrates (75.55, 52.71, and 48.41%), sulfate (8.42, 15.19, and 27.67%), uronic acid (1.27, 6.56, and 4.39%), and protein (8.15, 24.85, and 9.73%). The average molecular weight of the fractions was 56.7, 108.2, and 132.3 × 10³ g/mol, respectively. The polysaccharides activate the RAW264.7 cell to produce a significant amount of NO and upregulate the various mRNA expression by the activation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways via TLR4, TLR2, and CR3 receptors. The structurally modified deproteinated derivative (DP-TPP-2) more effectively decreases the NO production which means the protein content of TPP-2 mainly contributes to the RAW264.7 cells activation. The structure of DP-TPP-2 primarily consists of 1 → 2)-Galp, 1 → 6)-Glup, 1 → 2) - Rhap, and 1 → 5) - Arap glycosidic linkages.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that the polysaccharide isolated from T. platycarpum shows admirable immunostimulatory by the activation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways through TLR4, TLR2, and CR3 receptors. The protein content of polysaccharides mainly contributes to the RAW264.7 cells activation. Our study results could be useful for developing a new immunostimulant agent.

Metabolomics analysis of dandelions from different geographical regions in China

INTRODUCTION

Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) is a perennial herb with diverse pharmacological effects. The development and utilization of dandelion have attracted much attention.

OBJECTIVES

Our aims were to provide a reference basis for the identification of the origin of dandelions and to study the influence of their origin on their quality. Methods High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolites from dandelions from four different geographical regions in China, namely Gansu, Henan, Shanxi, and Jiangsu. Metabolite analysis was performed using orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis, and to identify potential metabolic pathways, MBRole was used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis revealed that the chemical components of dandelions sampled from the four regions showed noticeable differences. Twenty-six, six, six, eight, eight, and fifteen differentially produced metabolites were identified upon comparison between Gansu and Jiangsu, Gansu and Shanxi, Gansu and Henan, Henan and Shanxi, Henan and Jiangsu, and Shanxi and Jiangsu, respectively. These differentially produced metabolites were mainly phenolic compounds. Further, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the main metabolic pathways involved were biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

The methods reported herein can be used to identify the origin of dandelions; moreover, our results can serve as a reference basis for future studies.

Dietary supplementation with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract provides immunostimulation and resistance against Streptococcus iniae infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss)

Dandelion flower is a well-known phytomedicine due to its therapeutic effects on dyspepsia, bile duct disorders, spleen and liver complaints, and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary dandelion flower extract (DFE) on skin mucosal and humoral immunity, immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance in rainbow trout. The fingerlings (N = 300, 20.1 ± 0.9 g) were randomly assigned to 15 tanks and fed with different levels of DEF including 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/kg for 56 days. At the end of the trial, the total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were significantly enhanced in DFE-added groups compared to the control group. Complement components, immunoglobulin M, total protein, and lysozyme showed significantly higher values in the fish treated with dietary DFE at 3 g/kg than others (P < 0.05). The enzymatic activities of the skin mucus samples in the fish fed dietary levels of DFE were significantly higher than the control fish. Skin mucus protein was also improved significantly in 2 and 3 g/kg DFE compared to others. The transcription levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 genes were up-regulated in the fish fed with 3 and 4 g/kg DFE. Interleukin-8 and lysozyme gene expression levels were elevated in 3 g/kg DFE group compared to the control group. Fish mortality after challenging with Streptococcus iniae was significantly reduced from 43.33% in the control group to 73.33% in 3 g/kg DFE group. This study confirmed the beneficial effects of DFE as an immunostimulant in rainbow trout diet and the recommended dose of DFE is 2.49-2.74 g/kg based on the polynomial regression models.

In Vitro Effect of Taraxacum officinale Leaf Aqueous Extract on the Interaction between ACE2 Cell Surface Receptor and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein D614 and Four Mutants

To date, there have been rapidly spreading new SARS-CoV-2 "variants of concern". They all contain multiple mutations in the ACE2 receptor recognition site of the spike protein, compared to the original Wuhan sequence, which is of great concern, because of their potential for immune escape. Here we report on the efficacy of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to block protein-protein interaction of SARS-COV-2 spike to the human ACE2 receptor. This could be shown for the wild type and mutant forms (D614G, N501Y, and a mix of K417N, E484K, and N501Y) in human HEK293-hACE2 kidney and A549-hACE2-TMPRSS2 lung cells. High-molecular-weight compounds in the water-based extract account for this effect. Infection of the lung cells using SARS-CoV-2 spike D614 and spike Delta (B.1.617.2) variant pseudotyped lentivirus particles was efficiently prevented by the extract and so was virus-triggered pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 secretion. Modern herbal monographs consider the usage of this medicinal plant as safe. Thus, the in vitro results reported here should encourage further research on the clinical relevance and applicability of the extract as prevention strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of a non-invasive, oral post-exposure prophylaxis.

Updates and advances on pharmacological properties of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz and its potential applications

As a well-recognized dietary and medicinal plant, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz (TMHM) has been used for making wines, candies, energy drinks, and other functional foods. The TMHM contains a diverse range of active phytoconstituents, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpene lactones, pigments, coumarins and sterols. Recent pharmacological evidence has revealed multiple biological effects of TMHM, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and gastric-protective effects, which contribute to the ameliorative effects of TMHM on inflammation-associated diseases, constipation, gastric disorders, empyrosis, hyperlipidemia, and swollen carbuncles. Although recent advances have highlighted the potential of TMHM to be applied in the clinical practice, food, and nutraceutical industry, the mechanistic understanding and systematic information on TMHM are still scarce. Here, in this timeline review, we have attempted to compile literary documents on pharmacological potential of TMHM concerning its chemical composition, biological activities, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics to promote further researches on clinical and therapeutic potential of TMHM and its food/nutraceutical applications.

Application of fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis and multivariate chemometric methods in quality evaluation of dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum)

A quality assessment method based on quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) and fingerprint was constructed from 15 batches of dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), using multivariate chemometric methods (MCM). MCM were established by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and factor analysis (FA). HCA was especially performed using the R language and SPSS 22.0 software. The relative correction factors of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, luteolin and apigenin were calculated with cichoric acid as a reference, and their contents were determined. The differences between external standard method (ESM) and QAMS were compared. There was no significant difference (t-test, p > 0.05) in quantitative determination, proving the consistency of the two methods (QAMS and ESM). Dandelion material from Yuncheng, Shandong was used as a reference chromatogram. The fingerprints in 15 batches of dandelion were established by HPLC analysis. The similarity of the fingerprints in different batches of dandelion material was greater than or equal to 0.82. A total of 10 common peaks were identified. This strategy is simple, rapid and efficient in multiple component detection of dandelion. It is beneficial in simplifying dandelion's quality control processes and providing references to enhance quality control for other herbal medicines.

A review: antimicrobial properties of several medicinal plants widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Due to the dramatic increase in the use of antibiotics and growing health threat of bacterial resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, many studies have been directed at developing new and effective antibacterial compounds, among which many new, natural, and effective antibacterial compounds discovered from medicinal plants have drawn great interest and raised new hope for treating the challenges of antibiotic resistance. This review aimed to summarize the most important and widely used medicinal plants that were reported to have antibacterial activities. A general literature search from 2010 to 2020 was conducted using different databases, including Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed. According to the literature, three medicinal plants with outstanding antibacterial activities, Taraxacum officinale, Coptis Rhizome, and Scutellaria baicalensis, were screened and reviewed by prioritization. The extraction methods, antibacterial activities of different parts of plants or the plant-derived compounds, spectra of antibacterial activities, and toxicity were described, respectively. However, the antibacterial activities of the extracts or pure compounds as reported in the reviewed literature were mostly based on in vitro assays, and moreover, the deeper antibacterial mechanisms have not been elucidated clearly. Therefore, further studies are required in the fields of purification and identification of the antibacterial compounds, its mechanisms of action, and synergistic effects in combination with other antibacterial drugs, which may be helpful in the development of new antibacterial drugs.

Effect of dandelion root polysaccharide on the pasting, gelatinization, rheology, structural properties and in vitro digestibility of corn starch

The influence of dandelion root polysaccharide (DRP) on the gelatinization properties and in vitro digestibility of corn starch was investigated. Pasting behaviors indicated that the addition of DRP led to an increase of the pasting temperature and a decrease of viscosity. Compared to native corn starch, the swelling power, solubility and content of amylose leaching were reduced as the DRP addition increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that DRP was easily dispersed in the starchy matrix, and a more uniform structure was observed in corn starch/DRP pastes. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that the crystal shape of the corn starch gels was not changed and no new groups were produced with increasing DRP concentration. Moreover, DRP could improve the fluidity of the gelatinized corn starch and reduce its digestibility. These findings provided fundamental information about DRP's application in the whole processing of corn starch.

Sensory Profile, Shelf Life, and Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds during Cold Storage of 17 Edible Flowers

In this study, 17 edible flowers (Allium ursinum L., Borago officinalis L., Calendula officinalis L., Centaurea cyanus L., Cichorium intybus L., Dianthus carthusianorum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Leucanthemum vulgare (Vaill.) Lam., Paeonia officinalis L., Primula veris L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Rosa canina L., Rosa pendulina L., Salvia pratensis L., Sambucus nigra L., Taraxacum officinale Weber, and Tropaeolum majus L.) were investigated to assess their sensory profile at harvest and their shelf life and bioactive compounds dynamics during cold storage. The emerging market of edible flowers lacks this information; thus, the characteristics and requirements of different flower species were provided. In detail, a quantitative descriptive analysis was performed by trained panelists at flower harvest, evaluating 10 sensory descriptors (intensity of sweet, sour, bitter, salt, smell, specific flower aroma, and herbaceous aroma; spiciness, chewiness, and astringency). Flower visual quality, biologically active compounds content (total polyphenols and anthocyanins), and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) were evaluated both at harvest and during storage at 4 °C for 14 days to assess their shelf life. Generally, species had a wide range of peculiar sensory and phytochemical characteristics at harvest, as well as shelf life and bioactive compounds dynamics during postharvest. A strong aroma was indicated for A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, and L. vulgare, while B. officinalis and C. officinalis had very low values for all aroma and taste descriptors, resulting in poor sensory profiles. At harvest, P. officinalis, R. canina, and R. pendulina exhibited the highest values of polyphenols (884–1271 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g) and antioxidant activity (204–274 mmol Fe2+/kg for FRAP, 132–232 and 43–58 µmol of Trolox equivalent per g for DPPH and ABTS). The species with the longest shelf life in terms of acceptable visual quality was R. pendulina (14 days), followed by R. canina (10 days). All the other species lasted seven days, except for C. intybus and T. officinale that did not reach day 3. During cold storage, the content of bioactive compounds differed, as total phenolics followed a different trend according to the species and anthocyanins remained almost unaltered for 14 days. Considering antioxidant activity, ABTS values were the least variable, varying in only four species (A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, and P. officinalis), while both DPPH and FRAP values varied in eight species. Taken together, the knowledge of sensory profiles, phytochemical characteristics and shelf life can provide information to select suitable species for the emerging edible flower market.

A dandelion polysaccharide and its selenium nanoparticles: Structure features and evaluation of anti-tumor activity in zebrafish models

In this study, an inulin fructan (TMP50-2) with moderate anti-tumor activity was obtained from dandelion. To further improve the anti-tumor activity of TMP50-2, a monodisperse and stable spherical nanoparticle (Tw-TMP-SeNP, 50 nm) was fabricated. Physico-chemical analysis revealed that TMP50-2 and Tween 80 were tightly wrapped on the surface of SeNPs by forming CO⋯Se bonds or through hydrogen bonding interaction (OH⋯Se). In vitro anti-tumor assay showed that Tw-TMP-SeNP treatment could significantly inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells (HepG2, A549, and HeLa) in a dose-dependent manner, while HepG2 cells were more susceptible to Tw-TMP-SeNP with an IC₅₀ value of 46.8 μg/mL. The apoptosis induction of HepG2 cells by Tw-TMP-SeNP was evidenced by increasing the proportion of apoptotic cells ranging from 12.5% to 27.4%. Furthermore, in vivo zebrafish model confirmed the anti-tumor activity of Tw-TMP-SeNP by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells as well as the angiogenesis of zebrafish embryos.

A review of dietary phytochemicals and their relation to oxidative stress and human diseases

Phytochemicals refer to active substances in plant-based diets. Phytochemicals found in for example fruits, vegetables, grains and seed oils are considered relatively safe for consumption due to mammal-plant co-evolution and adaptation. A number of human diseases are related to oxidative stress caused by for example chemical environmental contaminants in air, water and food; while also lifestyle including smoking and lack of exercise and dietary preferences are important factors for disease development in humans. Here we explore the dietary sources of antioxidant phytochemicals that have beneficial effects on oxidative stress, cardiovascular and neurological diseases as well as cancer. Plant-based diets usually contain phenolic acids, flavonoids and carotenoids, which have strong antioxidant properties, and therefore remove the excess of active oxygen in the body, and protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease. In most cases, obesity is related to diet and inactivity and plant-based diets change lipid composition and metabolism, which reduce obesity related hazards. Cruciferous and Allium vegetables are rich in organic sulphides that can act on the metabolism of carcinogens and therefore used as anti-cancer and suppressing agents while dietary fibres and plant sterols may improve intestinal health and prevent intestinal diseases. Thus, we recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains as its content of phytochemicals may have the potential to prevent or improve a broad sweep of various diseases.

vHTS and 3D-QSAR for the Identification of Novel Phyto-inhibitors of Farnesyltransferase: Validation of Ascorbic Acid inhibition of Farnesyltransferase in an Animal Model of Breast Cancer

Farnesyltransferase (FTase) is a zinc enzyme that has been the subject of attention in anti-cancer research over the past. In this study, phytochemicals from Curcuma longa L., Taraxacum officinale, and Spondias mombin plants were screened for their inhibitory potentials on the human farnesyltransferase. A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model for the inhibition of farnesyltransferase was generated and the inhibition of farnesyltransferase by the hit, ascorbic acid was validated in an animal model of breast cancer. The lead compound, ascorbic acid makes extensive hydrogen bond interactions with key residues, lys-353, tyr-300, gly-290, leu-290 within the active site of farnesyltransferase. It downregulated the expression of FNTA mRNA in an animal model of breast cancer. The 3D-QSAR generated herein is robust, thoroughly validated, and should be employed in the pipelining of novel farnesyltransferase inhibitors. Ascorbic acid demonstrates its anticancer potentials through the inhibition of farnesyltransferase.

Food and Nutrition in the Pathogenesis of Liver Damage

The liver is an important organ and plays a key role in the regulation of metabolism and in the secretion, storage, and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. The impact of food and nutrition on the pathophysiological mechanisms of liver injury represents a great controversy. Several environmental factors including food and micronutrients are involved in the pathogenesis of liver damage. Conversely, some xenobiotics and micronutrients have been recognized to have a protective effect in several liver diseases. This paper offers an overview of the current knowledge on the role of xenobiotics and micronutrients in liver damage.

Effects of Taraxacum and Astragalus extracts combined with probiotic Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus on Escherichia coli-infected broiler chickens

Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most common diseases that affects the growth and development of poultry. This study was conducted to investigate the synergistic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with probiotics against E. coli infection and its mechanism in broiler chickens. The optimal proportion formula TCM and probiotics was screened by orthogonal test and range analysis method; the in vitro antibacterial activity was based on the Oxford cup method. Isolated pathogenic E. coli was injected subcutaneously into the neck of the broilers to establish an E. coli-infected model. The broilers were administrated with drugs in drinking water daily for 7 d before and after E. coli infection. The diarrhea rate, mortality, body weight (BW) gain, feed intake, immune organ index, intestinal and hepatic histopathological changes were monitored. The expression of IL-2, IL-10, and TLR-4 mRNA in the intestinal tissues was measured by RT-PCR. Our results showed that the optimal proportion formula of Taraxacum extracts: total flavonoids of Astragalus: polysaccharides of Astragalus: probiotics was 5: 2: 2: 2; TCM combined with probiotics was highly sensitive to E. coli. TCM combined with probiotics synergistically increased BW gain, decreased the diarrhea rate and mortality of broilers, alleviated intestinal and hepatic pathological changes, accompanied by the increase of IL-2 and IL-10 mRNA expression and the inhibition of TLR-4 mRNA expression. It suggests that the combination of TCM and probiotics may produce a synergistic protective effect against E. coli infection by improving the indicators of diarrhea and regulating the expression of IL-2, IL-10, and TLR-4 mRNA in broiler chickens. The synergistic interactions between TCM and probiotics represent a promising strategy for the treatment of E. coli infection.

Taraxacum mongolicum protects against Staphylococcus aureus-infected mastitis by exerting anti-inflammatory role via TLR2-NF-κB/MAPKs pathways in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Taraxacum mongolicum has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of inflammatory and infectious diseases, and also clinically used as a remedy for mastitis. However, the scientific rationale and mechanism behind its use on mastitis in vivo are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. (T. mongolicum) on mastitis infected by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female ICR mice were given intragastrically 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg of T. mongolicum extract twice per day for 6 consecutive days, and infected with S. aureus via teat canal to induce mastitis. Pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were determined by ELISA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and distribution were measured by reagent kit and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological changes of mammary gland tissues were observed by H&E staining. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression, phosphorylations of related proteins in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

T. mongolicum decreased TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels, and reduced MPO activity and distribution in sera and mammary glands with S. aureus-infected mastitis. In addition, T. mongolicum effectively attenuated histopathological damages and cell necrosis of mammary gland tissues infected by S. aureus. Moreover, T. mongolicum inhibited the expression of TLR2, and the phosphorylations of inhibitor κBα (IκBα), p65, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins in mammary glands with S. aureus-infected mastitis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that T. mongolicum protects against S. aureus-infected mastitis by exerting anti-inflammatory role, which is attributed to the inhibition of TLR2-NF-κB/MAPKs pathways.

Plant Prebiotics and Their Role in the Amelioration of Diseases

Prebiotics are either natural or synthetic non-digestible (non-)carbohydrate substances that boost the proliferation of gut microbes. Undigested fructooligosaccharides in the large intestine are utilised by the beneficial microorganisms for the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids for their own growth. Although various food products are now recognized as having prebiotic properties, several others, such as almonds, artichoke, barley, chia seeds, chicory, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, and oats, are being explored and used as functional foods. Considering the benefits of these prebiotics in mineral absorption, metabolite production, gut microbiota modulation, and in various diseases such as diabetes, allergy, metabolic disorders, and necrotising enterocolitis, increasing attention has been focused on their applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries, although some of these food products are actually used as food supplements. This review aims to highlight the potential and need of these prebiotics in the diet and also discusses data related to the distinct types, sources, modes of action, and health benefits.

Combined treatment of Taraxaci Herba and R7050 alleviates the symptoms of herpes simplex virus-induced Behçet's disease in rats

Background

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that affects multiple organs. The causes of BD are still unknown, but it is primarily characterized by autoimmune reaction in the blood vessels. Current research focuses on treatments that can reduce the non-typical inflammatory responses of BD. Nevertheless, studies on improving the inflammatory effect of BD using inflammation mechanisms are still insufficient. Therefore, we conducted the integrated treatments related to inflammation modulation and achieved alleviation of symptoms in BD mice.

Methods

To understand the complex etiology of BD and compare its management, the herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced BD mouse model was used. In order to alleviate the inflammatory response in BD mice, Taraxaci Herba (TH, herbal medicine), R7050-a TNFα inhibitor, and a mixture of TH and R7050 were injected for 2 weeks repetitively. The SCORAD index was examined to evaluate the cutaneous inflammations. In addition, histological changes and inflammatory factors were analyzed.

Results

Repetitive injection of TH and/or R7050 reduced the symptoms of BD and significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα in blood sera. Moreover, this treatment reduced the ulcers and the deterioration of skin.

Conclusions

The results of our study showed that the down-regulation of inflammatory factors is related to the control of immune responses in BD models, suggesting that a mixed drug treatment may be more effective in improving the condition of BD.

Beneficial Effect of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai via the Activation of LKB1-AMPK Signaling Pathway on Obesity

Objective

Liver kinase B (LKB) 1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are master regulators and sensors for energy homeostasis. AMPK is mainly activated via phosphorylation of LKB1 under energy stress. Here, we highlighted the antiobesity effect and underlying mechanism of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai (TCN) in connection with LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed on a high-fat diet (60% kcal fat; HFD) to induce obesity. Simultaneously, they received 100 or 200 mg/kg TCN orally for 5 weeks. We measured the body weight gain and liver weight along with liver histology. Moreover, the changes of factors related to lipid metabolism and β-oxidation were analyzed in the liver, together with blood parameters.

Results

The body weights were decreased in mice of the TCN200 group more than those of the HFD control group. Moreover, TCN supplementation lowered serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, whereas TCN increased HDL-cholesterol level. Liver pathological damage induced by HFD was alleviated with TCN treatment and accompanied with significant reduction in serum AST and ALT activities. In addition, TCN significantly increased the expression of p-AMPK compared with the HFD control group via the activation of LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. Lipid synthesis gene like ACC was downregulated and factors related to β-oxidation such as carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) were upregulated through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α activation.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data suggest that TCN treatment regulates lipid metabolism via LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway and promotes β-oxidation by PPARα; hence, TCN may have potential remedy in the prevention and treatment of obesity.

The composition and vascular/antioxidant properties of Taraxacum officinale flower water syrup in a normal-fat diet using an obese rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Taraxacum officinale (L.), commonly called dandelion has been used for centuries as a natural medicine to treat inflammatory diseases including some metabolic alterations associated with obesity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on animal experiments this study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of action of T. officinale flower water syrup (TOFS) together with a normal-fat diet in the intervention of obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Obese male albino-Wistar rats (n = 8) at 25 weeks of age were fed with a normal-fat diet with or without added 27.82% TOFS (w/w) for 4 weeks. The reactivity of thoracic aorta and antioxidant capacity were studied.

RESULTS

TOFS delivered daily 926.8 μg of L-chicoric acid, 20.19 μg of luteolin and 3.379 ‬g of sucrose. TOFS showed beneficial effects by regulating blood lipids (HDL, x1.11-fold increase), thereby lowering the risk factors for atherosclerosis (TC/HDL, x0.90-fold). The antioxidant status was improved via an increase in plasma superoxide radical scavenging (SOD, x1.6-fold) and a decrease in lipid peroxidation (MDA, x0.81-fold). Moreover, the following were decreased: Cu (x0.53-fold), Zn (x0.72-fold) and the Cu/Zn molar ratio (x0.60-fold). A marker for liver damage/disease was beneficially decreased (ALP, x0.87-fold). TOFS modulated in a significant way COX-depended relaxation to ACh (p = 0.05) but not to CORM-2 (p = 0.1651) in isolated thoracic arteries, by decreased participation of vasoconstrictor prostanoids. The vascular contraction to prostaglandin F_2α was also decreased (x0.62-fold). We observed no change in the feed intake, body weight, organ-to-body weight ratio, blood glucose, CAT, FRAP, AST, ALT, TBARS/carbonyls (in heart, liver, kidneys, spleen) and carbonyls (in blood plasma, thoracic arteries); as well as F₂-isoprostanes in urine. Vascular response to the vasodilators ACh, SNP, A23187, CORM-2, pinacidil, NS-1619 and to the vasoconstrictors NA, U-46619, ET-1 as well as hyperpolarizing mechanism(s) were not modified.

CONCLUSIONS

TOFS possesses beneficial properties by regulating prostanoids and antioxidant status.

Plants of the Spontaneous Flora with Beneficial Action in the Management of Diabetes, Hepatic Disorders, and Cardiovascular Disease

The current pharmacological agents advised for the management of diabetes as well as cardiovascular and hepatic diseases are subject to numerous studies for safety and efficacy. Therefore, it is worth looking into alternative therapeutic aids such as natural products of medicinal plants. By a broad review of in vitro and in vivo studies on the various dandelion, chicory, and mulberry extracts, this work highlights their bioactive compounds and therapeutic action when used as a prevention and management aid in public health such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hepatic disorders like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Natural products of dandelion leaves and root extracts can suppress the development of liver cancer, decrease insulin resistance, and suppress total triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Recent studies on mulberry leaves extracts indicated that they could decrease palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity, increase total cholesterol and bile acid excretion, improve superoxide dismutase expression, and improve insulin resistance. Chicory root extracts boost satiety, reverse insulin resistance, and augment lipid metabolism thanks to their contents in chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and polysaccharides. Taraxacum officinale L., Morus nigra L., and Cichorium intybus L. present hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities and are shown to be advantageous in the management of obesity, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. These plants are commonly available in the European spontaneous flora and more attention could be paid to their natural products.

Assessing the genetic and chemical diversity of Taraxacum species in the Korean Peninsula

The genetic relationship between Taraxacum species, also known as the dandelion, is complicated because of asexual and mixed sexual apomictic reproduction. The usage of Taraxacum species in traditional medicines make their specialized metabolism important, but interspecific chemical difference has rarely been reported for the genus. In this study, we assembled the chloroplast genome and 45S rDNA of six Taraxacum species that occur in Korea (T. campylodes, T. coreanum, T. erythrospermum, T. mongolicum, T. platycarpum, and T. ussuriense), and performed a comparative analysis, which revealed their phylogenetic relationships and possible natural hybridity. We also performed a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based phytochemical analysis to reveal interspecific chemical diversity. The comparative metabolomics analysis revealed that Taraxacum species could be separated into three chemotypes according to their major defensive specialized metabolites, which were the sesquiterpene lactones, the phenolic inositols, and chlorogenic acid derivatives. The CP DNA- and 45S rDNA-based phylogenetic trees showed a tangled relationship, which supports the notion of ongoing hybridization of wild Taraxacum species. The untargeted LC-MS analysis revealed that each Taraxacum plant exhibits species-specific defensive specialized metabolism. Moreover, 45S rDNA-based phylogenetic tree correlated with the hierarchical cluster relied on metabolite compositions. Given the coincidence between these analyses, we represented that 45S rDNA could well reflect overall nuclear genome variation in Taraxacum species.

Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) Supplementation-Enhanced Rumen Fermentation through the Interaction between Ruminal Microbiome and Metabolome

This study investigated the effects of dandelion on the ruminal metabolome and microbiome in lactating dairy cows. A total of 12 mid-lactation dairy cows were selected and randomly classified into two groups, supplementing dandelion with 0 (CON) and 200 g/d per cow (DAN) above basal diet, respectively. Rumen fluid samples were collected in the last week of the trial for microbiome and metabolome analysis. The results showed that supplementation of DAN increased the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, acetate, and butyrate significantly. The rumen bacterial community was significantly changed in the DAN group, with Bacterioidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria being the main ruminal bacterial phyla. The abundance of Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, UCG_005, and Christensenellaceae_R_7_group were relatively higher, whereas that of Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG_002 and Dialister were lower in the DAN than those in the CON. Metabolomics analysis showed that the content of d-glucose, serotonin, ribulose-5-phosphate, and d-glycerate were higher in the DAN group. These metabolites were enriched in the starch and sucrose metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, tryptophan metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. The ribulose-5-phosphate and d-glycerate were correlated with Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, UCG_005, and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group positively. This study demonstrated that the supplementation of dandelion impacts the ruminal microorganisms and metabolites in a way that rumen fermentation was enhanced in lactating dairy cows.

Exploring the Irish National Folklore Ethnography Database (Dúchas) for Open Data Research on Traditional Medicine Use in Post-Famine Ireland: An Early Example of Citizen Science

A rich archive of oral and ethnological literature is housed in the National Folklore Collection, in University College Dublin, Ireland. The Schools’ Manuscript Collection is one body of information that contains a wealth of ethnographic material, including that of an ethnomedicinal nature, collected by schoolchildren across Ireland in the 1930s, in an early example of Citizen Science. The collection has been digitized and is available online at Dúchas.ie. Furthermore, there is an on-going and related project, the Meitheal Dúchas.ie Community Transcription project that enables the database to be easily searched, and thus used for research purposes. This study analyses the user interface and functionality of the Dúchas database for ethnomedical research by utilizing probes in the form of plants, within the collection, that have been previously identified as used for medicinal purposes. Limitations and biases associated with both the original collection of the material and the Dúchas database, that impact on the quality and utility of extractable data have been identified, and where possible specific procedures adopted to counteract such limitations. This study provides an insight into; the use of Dúchas.ie for ethnographic research, the use of plants for medicinal purposes in post-famine Ireland and is the first tangible example of Citizen Science in ethnomedical research in Ireland.

Effects of a Multicomponent Herbal Extract on the Course of Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Cows - a Blinded Placebo-controlled Field-study

A blinded placebo-controlled multi-center on-farm trial was conducted in dairy cows with subclinical ketosis to investigate effects of a multicomponent herbal extract. Blood ketone levels were measured weekly in early lactating cows from 16 Swiss herds. Cows were subclassified based on their initial blood-β-hydroxybutyrate levels (≥ 1.0 [KET-low, 84 cows] and > 1.2 mmol/L [KET-high, 39 cows]) and randomly distributed to 3 groups treated orally with herbal extract containing Camellia sinensis, Cichcorium intybus, Gentiana lutea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Taraxacum officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Zingiber officinale, sodium propionate, or placebo twice a day for 5 days. Milk yield, milk acetone, blood-β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase were analyzed over 2 wk. Linear mixed effect models were used for data analysis. No effects were found for nonesterifed fatty acids, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and glucose. Significantly higher glutamate dehydrogenase (29.71 U/L) values were found in herbal extract-treated animals compared to sodium propionate on day 7 (22.33 U/L). By trend, higher blood-β-hydroxybutyrate levels (1.36 mmol/L) were found in the placebo group of KET-high-cows on day 14 compared to the sodium propionate group (0.91 mmol/L). Milk yields of all treatment groups increased. Milking time and treatment showed a significant interaction for milk acetone: sodium propionate led to an immediate decrease, whereas herbal extracts resulted in a milk acetone decrease from day 7 on, reaching significantly lower milk acetone on day 14 (3.17 mg/L) when compared to placebo (4.89 mg/L). In conclusion, herbal extracts and sodium propionate are both likely to improve subclinical ketosis in dairy cows, however, by different modes of action.

Habitat conditions strongly affect macro- and microelement concentrations in Taraxacum microspecies growing on coastal meadows along a soil salinity gradient

Wild greens can contribute to the human diet as an important source of essential nutrients and drugs. Since environmental factors, including soil properties, may affect the chemical composition of plants, it is necessary among others to assess various habitats in terms of their usefulness for wild plant harvesting and to study impact of environmental factors on the qualitative and quantitative chemical composition of plants. This study was aimed at (1) examining the mineral composition of leaves of three dandelion microspecies, (2) determining the variability of macro- and microelement concentrations in dandelion leaves from populations growing on salty, brackish and non-saline coastal meadows, and (3) assessing the effects of different habitat conditions on the mineral composition of dandelion leaves. It was hypothesized that dandelion microspecies would differ significantly in the mineral composition of leaves. It was also expected that soil conditions would significantly affect nutrient concentrations in dandelion leaves, with soil salinity being the most important factor that differentiated studied populations. Leaves of three dandelion microspecies (Taraxacum balticum, T. nordstedtii, T. haematicum) were harvested in Baltic costal grasslands, along the soil salinity gradient, to determine macro- and microelement concentrations. Soil samples collected in the closest vicinity of the harvested plants showed the study sites to differ significantly in their soil properties. Moderately saline and organic soils, rich in potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca), supported T. balticum. Moderately or weakly saline and non-saline, organic or mineral soils, with lower median values of K, Mg, and Ca, were typical of T. nordstedtii sites, while the lowest median values of all the soil properties studied were found for T. haematicum sites. Our results proved that dandelion microspecies differ significantly in the mineral composition of their leaves. The between-microspecies differences were significant for all the macroelements except magnesium and all the microelements except molybdenum. Most of the macro- and microelements in leaves of the dandelion microspecies correlated positively and significantly with the soil properties, the strongest correlations being found for soil salinity and the leaf Na, Mn, Ca, Fe, K and Zn contents, followed by soil pH and the leaf Na, Mn, Fe, K, Ca, Zn and Mg. Moreover, the impact of soil properties on the mineral contents in leaves of the dandelions we examined seems to be stronger than the genetic differences between dandelion microspecies. Results of our studies on mineral composition of dandelion leaves lend support to the contention that wild greens provide essential mineral nutrients to the diet. Coastal meadows, fed by the brackish water of the Baltic Sea and free of anthropogenic pollution, are a good habitat to collect wild greens from.

Flavonoid Preparations from Taraxacum officinale L. Fruits-A Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Hemostasis Studies

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) roots, leaves, and flowers have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Compared to the above organs, dandelion fruits are the least known and used. Hence, the present paper was aimed at the phytochemical analysis of T. officinale fruit extract and estimating its antiradical, antiplatelet, and antioxidant properties related to hemostasis. Methanolic extract of fruits (E1), enriched with polyphenols (188 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), was successfully separated into cinnamic acids (E2; 448 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (E3; 377 mg GAE/g) extracts. Flavonoid extract was further divided into four fractions characterized by individual content: A (luteolin fraction; 880 mg GAE/g), B (philonotisflavone fraction; 516 mg GAE/g), C (flavonolignans fraction; 384 mg GAE/g), and D (flavone aglycones fraction; 632 mg GAE/g). High DPPH radical scavenging activity was evaluated for fractions A and B (A > B > Trolox), medium for extracts (Trolox > E3 > E2 > E1), and low for fractions C and D. No simple correlation between polyphenol content and antiradical activity was observed, indicating a significant influence of qualitative factor, including higher anti-oxidative effect of flavonoids with B-ring catechol system compared to hydroxycinnamic acids. No cytotoxic effect on platelets was observed for any dandelion preparation tested. In experiments on plasma and platelets, using several different parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, oxidation of thiols, and platelet adhesion), the highest antioxidant and antiplatelet potential was demonstrated by three fruit preparations–hydroxycinnamic acids extract (E2), flavonoid extract (E3), and luteolin fraction (A). The results of this paper provide new information on dandelion metabolites, as well as their biological potential and possible use concerning cardiovascular diseases.

Comparison of Morphological Characteristics and Determination of Different Patterns for Rubber Particles in Dandelion and Different Rubber Grass Varieties

Russian dandelion Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is one promising alternative crop for natural rubber production. However, it is easily confused with other dandelions. In this study, we performed a systematical comparison of the morphological characteristics for different TKS varieties and common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (TO). Our results demonstrated that several obvious differences in morphology can be found between TKS and TO. TO leaf is a pinnate shape, its margin is heavily jagged and its base is cuneate, but TKS leaf is more cuneate and its leaf margin is nearly smooth and round. There are obvious differences for the outer bracts of TO and TKS flower buds. TKS bracts are oblanceolate, apex obtuse, margin smooth and sinuate, and its outer layer of flower buds and faceplate involucre sepal is buckled inward to form a certain angle. TKS is self-incompatible, and its seeds are spindle-shaped achene and show upright plumpness. A large amount of laticifer cells and rubber particles can be detected from many TKS tissues, and dry roots of TKS contain high contents of natural rubber. Laticifer cells and rubber particles can only be examined in the vein, stem, and roots of TKS. Our statical results also revealed that the numbers of laticifer cells and rubber particles have a positive relationship with the rubber content in TKS roots. These morphological features can help us to easily distinguish TKS from common dandelion and approximately estimate the rubber content in the roots of different TKS varieties for TKS breeding in future.

Dandelion polyphenols protect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway

We investigated the liver protective activity of dandelion polyphenols (DP) against acetaminophen (APAP; Paracetamol)-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice were acclimated for 1 week and randomly divided into the following groups (n = 9 per group): Control, APAP, APAP + DP (100 mg·kg^-1), APAP + DP (200 mg·kg^-1), and APAP + DP (400 mg·kg^-1) groups. Mice were pretreated with DP (100, 200, and 400 mg·kg^-1) by oral gavage for 7 d before being treated with 350 mg·kg^-1 APAP for 24 h to induced hepatotoxicity. Severe liver injury was observed, and hepatotoxicity was analyzed after 24 h by evaluation of biochemical markers, protein expressions levels, and liver histopathology. Pretreatment with DP was able to restore serum liver characteristics (aspartate transaminase, AST; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; alkaline phosphatase, AKP), improve redox imbalance (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione, GSH; malondialdehyde, MDA), and decrease inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α; interleukin-1β, IL-1β). Pretreatment with DP also significantly inhibited the expression levels of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, DP pretreatment could inhibit the apoptosis of liver cells caused by APAP through up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax and caspase-9 protein. DP also down-regulated p-JNK protein expression levels to inhibit APAP-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and up-regulated the expression of Nrf-2 and its target gene HO-1. The histopathological staining demonstrated that DP pretreatment could inhibit APAP-induced hepatocyte infiltration, congestion, and necrosis. Our results demonstrate that DP pretreatment could protect against APAP-induced hepatic injury by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Plants-Derived Biomolecules as Potent Antiviral Phytomedicines: New Insights on Ethnobotanical Evidences against Coronaviruses

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is in focus over all known human diseases, because it is destroying the world economy and social life, with increased mortality rate each day. To date, there is no specific medicine or vaccine available against this pandemic disease. However, the presence of medicinal plants and their bioactive molecules with antiviral properties might also be a successful strategy in order to develop therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, this review will summarize the available literature and other information/data sources related to antiviral medicinal plants, with possible ethnobotanical evidence in correlation with coronaviruses. The identification of novel antiviral compounds is of critical significance, and medicinal plant based natural compounds are a good source for such discoveries. In depth search and analysis revealed several medicinal plants with excellent efficacy against SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV, which are well-known to act on ACE-2 receptor, 3CLpro and other viral protein targets. In this review, we have consolidated the data of several medicinal plants and their natural bioactive metabolites, which have promising antiviral activities against coronaviruses with detailed modes of action/mechanism. It is concluded that this review will be useful for researchers worldwide and highly recommended for the development of naturally safe and effective therapeutic drugs/agents against SARS-CoV-2 infection, which might be used in therapeutic protocols alone or in combination with chemically synthetized drugs.

In vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Taraxacum officinale root extracts

Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg (Asteraceae) root is traditionally used to treat diabetes, dyspepsia, heartburn, anorexia and hepatitis. In this work, petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of T. officinale root were evaluated for their antidiabetic activity in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice at two concentrations (200 and 400 mg/kg) using antidiabetic and subcutaneous glucose tolerance tests. Herein, in vitro glucose uptake assay was performed using HepG2 and 2-NDBG, while LC-MS/MS was employed for the phytochemical study of the main active constituents in the active extract. In the experiments, T. officinale root aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant decrement in blood glucose level (62.33%, p ≤0.05), while other extracts (p >0.05) showed insignificant activity – in alloxan-induced diabetic mice with no apparent effect on the normoglycemic model. The extracts also showed an insignificant reduction in glucose levels (p >0.05) in the subcutaneous glucose tolerance test. However, a significant glucose uptake enhancement (149.6724%, p ≤0.05) was exhibited by the aqueous extract. Phytochemical study of the aqueous extract showed higher total phenolic than total flavonoid content, in which chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, and luteolin-7-glucoside were identified.

Using Medicinal Plants in Valmalenco (Italian Alps): From Tradition to Scientific Approaches

This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is possible to make a comparison between investigated extracts and traditional preparations. This study is thus a stimulus to new phytochemical investigations, mimicking as much as possible the traditional preparations. This work is part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, aimed at creating a management model for the ongoing climate change and searching for new sources of territory valorization as attractions for tourists.

Dandelion Extract Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Oxidative Stress through the Nrf2 Pathway in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

In practical dairy production, cows are frequently subjected to inflammatory diseases, such as high-grain diet-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) as well as mastitis and metritis. Under the circumstances, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces oxidative stress within the cow and in the mammary epithelial cells. It has implications in practical production to alleviate oxidative stress and to optimize the lactational function of the mammary epithelial cells. This study thus aimed to investigate the antioxidative effects of dandelion aqueous extract (DAE) on LPS-induced oxidative stress and the mechanism of DAE as an antioxidant to alleviate oxidative stress through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the bovine mammary epithelial cell line MAC-T cells. The cells were cultured for 48 h in six treatments including control (without LPS and DAE), LPS (100 ng/mL), DAE10 (100 ng/mL LPS and 10 μg/mL DAE), DAE50 (100 ng/mL LPS and 50 μg/mL DAE), DAE100 (100 ng/mL LPS and 100 μg/mL DAE), and DAE200 (100 ng/mL LPS and 200 μg/mL DAE), respectively. The results showed that cell viability was reduced by LPS, and the adverse effect of LPS was suppressed with the supplementation of DAE. Lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress through enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulted in increases in oxidative damage marker concentrations, while 10 and 50 μg/mL DAE alleviated the LPS-induced oxidative stress via scavenging cellular ROS and improving antioxidant enzyme activity. The upregulation of antioxidative gene expression in DAE treatments was promoted through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with DAE at a concentration of 50 μg/mL exhibiting the highest effect. Overall, DAE acted as an effective antioxidant to inhibit LPS-induced oxidative stress and as a potential inducer of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Reversal of heavy metal-induced antibiotic resistance by dandelion root extracts and taraxasterol

Introduction. Metal exposure is an important factor for inducing antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Dandelion extracts have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine.

Aim. We assessed the effects of dandelion water extracts and taraxasterol on heavy metal-induced antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Methodology. Dandelion extracts were obtained through 4 h of boiling in distilled water. Bacterial growth was monitored with a spectrophotometer. Biochemical assays were performed to assess the activities and gene transcriptions of β-lactamase and acetyltransferase. Oxidative stress was determined using an oxidation-sensitive probe, H2DCFDA.

Results. The present study demonstrated that higher concentrations of nickel (>5 µg ml−1), cadmium (>0.1 µg ml−1), arsenic (>0.1 µg ml−1) and copper (>5 µg ml−1) significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli . Lower concentrations of nickel (0.5 µg ml−1), cadmium (0.05 µg ml−1) and arsenic (0.05 µg ml−1) had no effect on bacterial growth, but helped the bacteria become resistant to two antibiotics, kanamycin and ampicillin. The addition of dandelion root extracts and taraxasterol significantly reversed the antibiotic resistance induced by these heavy metals. The supplements of antibiotics and cadmium generated synergistic effects on the activities of β-lactamase and acetyltransferase (two antibiotic resistance-related proteins), which were significantly blocked by either dandelion root extract or taraxasterol. In contrast, oxidative stress was not involved in the preventative roles of dandelion root extracts and taraxasterol in heavy metal-induced antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion. This study suggests that heavy metals induce bacterial antibiotic resistance and dandelion root extracts and taraxasterol could be used to help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Antimicrobial potential of different medicinal plants against food industry pathogens

Work aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants against selected species of food industry pathogens in vitro conditions. The detection of antibacterial properties was examined by the disc diffusion method and the method of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The cultivation of microorganisms after the 24 h was performed by disc diffusion method. Petri dishes have grown at 37 °C in which the Mueller - Hinton agar and application it to the sterile paper disc impregnated with the extract.  The thickness of the resulting inhibition zone was measured with a ruler after completion of the culture. After the preparation of bacteria and extracts of certain concentrations of a subsequently added to wells microplates we use the method of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) which was conducted out as the second measurement, and we took the readings absorbance spectrophotometer at 570 nm using the Glomax plate spectrophotometer. We found out, that Equisetum arvense demonstrated the largest zones of inhibition to the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The greatest antimicrobial activity achieved Equisetum arvense, Urtica dioica, and Taraxacum officinale against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807 and Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671. Equisetum arvense and Taraxacum officinale was the most effective against Escherichia coli CCM 2024 and the least effective were Tussilago farfara and Mentha piperita with using the method of minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Comparison of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Different Parts of Taraxacum mongolicum

Herbs derived from Taraxacum genus have been used as traditional medicines and food supplements in China for hundreds of years. Taraxacum mongolicum is a famous traditional Chinese medicine derived from Taraxacum genus for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and viral infectious diseases. In the present study, the bioactive phenolic chemical profiles and antioxidant activities of flowers, leaves, and roots of Taraxacum mongolicum were investigated. Firstly, a high performance liquid chromatography method combined with segmental monitoring strategy was employed to simultaneously determine six bioactive phenolic compounds in Taraxacum mongolicum samples. Moreover, multivariate statistical analysis, including hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed to compare and discriminate different parts of Taraxacum mongolicum based on the quantitative data. The results showed that three phenolic compounds, caftaric acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin, could be regarded as chemical markers for the differences of flowers, leaves, and roots of Taraxacum mongolicum. In parallel, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities of different parts of Taraxacum mongolicum were also evaluated and compared. It is clear that Taraxacum mongolicum had antioxidant properties, and the antioxidant capacities of different parts of Taraxacum mongolicum in three antioxidant assays showed a similar tendency: Flowers ≈ leaves > roots, which revealed a positive relationship with their total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, to find the potential antioxidant components of Taraxacum mongolicum, the latent relationships of the six bioactive phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of Taraxacum mongolicum were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis. The results indicated caftaric acid and caffeic acid could be the potential antioxidant ingredients of Taraxacum mongolicum. The present work may facilitate better understanding of differences of bioactive phenolic constituents and antioxidant activities of different parts of Taraxacum mongolicum and provide useful information for utilization of this herbal medicine.

Evidences on Molecules Most Frequently Included in Canine and Feline Complementary Feed to Support Liver Function

Numerous complementary feeds to support liver function are commercially available for small animals. Aiming to furnish a scientific support for clinicians/nutritionists that necessitate a complementary feed to support liver function in dogs and cats, with the present paper, we analyzed scientific evidences supporting the use, for this purpose, of ingredients/additives such as artichoke (Cynara scolymus), curcumin, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), phosphatidylcholine, and S-adenosylmethionine. Although sustained by significant results, our review found only few scientific papers, and albeit we believe that they represent a significant aid in handling hepatopathies, in the authors' opinion, this topic probably deserves, and would benefit of, further studies.

A new sesquiterpenoid and further natural products from Taraxacum portentosum Kirschner & Štěpánek, an endangered species

The chemical studies of roots and aerial parts of Taraxacum portentosum Kirschner & Štěpánek, a member of the section Palustria (H. Lindb.) Dahlst. (Asteraceae), led to the isolation of one new eudesmanolide and 13 known compounds, including five sesquiterpenoids: taraxinic acid, 11β,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid, taraxinic acid β-glucopyranosyl ester and its 11β,13-dihydroderivative, ixerin D, one apocarotenoid ‒ loliolide and seven phenolics: scopoletin, 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone, methyl p-hydroxyphenylacetate, 5-methoxy-eugenyl-4-O-β-glucopyranoside, syringin, dihydroconiferin, and dihydrosyringin. Their structures were established by ¹H NMR. The new compound was characterized as 3-oxo-4βH-11,13-eudesmen-12,6-olide-8-O-β-glucopyranoside based on spectroscopic data (1 D and 2 D NMR) and HRESI mass spectrometry.

First Broad Screening of Allelopathic Potential of Wild and Cultivated Plants in Turkey

Turkey has one of the richest plant diversities in the Mediterranean region. In the current literature, no broad screening has been conducted on the potential allelopathy of plants from Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic activity of a large number of plants from Turkey for the first time and to determine the species with significant plant growth inhibitory potentials by bioassay. Dried samples of different plant parts were collected from local herbalists. The sandwich method was used to evaluate the potential allelopathy of 126 medicinal plants belonging to 55 families. The results of lettuce radicle and hypocotyl growth for 10 and 50 mg sample treatment conformed to normal distribution. Significant inhibition on lettuce radicle elongation with 10 mg sample was observed in 40 species, out of which 27 species showed over 50% inhibitory activity. The results suggested that these species could contain potential inhibitory compounds against lettuce radicle or hypocotyl growth. The calyxes of Hibiscus sabdariffa (3.2% of control) and the seeds of Prunus dulcis (5.7% of control) showed the most potent growth inhibitory activity on lettuce radicle elongation. The potential plant growth inhibitory effects of these plants, together with the fruits of Rhus coriaria and seeds of Prunus mahaleb, have been reported in this study for the first time. All these plants are medicinal, and the results hereby presented provide essential information about the allelopathic effects of medicinal plants from Turkey.